Allusions, Images, Symbols:
How to Study Prophecy
Sabbath School Lesson 3
Images of Marriage
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> Download Lessons for: Allusions, Images, Symbols: How to Study Bible Prophecy: Sabbath School 2nd Quarter 2025
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Ellen G. White frequently wrote about the need to grow in our understanding of God's Word. She stated, “We have many lessons to learn, and many, many to unlearn. God and heaven alone are infallible” (Counsels to Writers and Editors, p. 37). This suggests that our understanding is never complete—we must remain humble and teachable, open to deeper layers of truth. However, she also warned against speculative interpretations or doctrines that depart from the clear teaching of Scripture and the pillars of our faith.
The balance, then, is found in what the Bible itself calls being “rooted and grounded” in Christ (Ephesians 3:17). We must study with a mindset of reverence, seeking new light only within the framework of biblical truth. The Sabbath, the state of the dead, the Second Coming, and the sanctuary message—these are not to be discarded or revised but understood more deeply as we grow.
Moreover, the Adventist principle of “present truth” calls us to be aware of the current needs and questions of our time, asking how eternal truths apply in new ways to the world we live in. This requires both fidelity and flexibility—a careful, Spirit-led openness that never loses sight of God’s unchanging character and His revealed will.
In summary, the Adventist approach encourages both continual learning and faithful rootedness. We explore Scripture with a sense of awe, always anchored in what God has already made clear, trusting that the same Spirit who inspired the Word will continue to guide us into all truth (John 16:13).
More: Lesson 2 - The Genesis Foundation
In both the Garden of Eden and the celestial conflict depicted in Revelation, we see the persistent themes of deception, rebellion, and the tragic consequences of forsaking divine truth. Although separated by time and narrative style, these passages expose how a corrupted spirit can lead not only to personal downfall but to cosmic conflict as well.
In Genesis 3:1–5, the serpent appears as a smooth-talking tempter who challenges the clear command of God. The serpent sows seeds of doubt, twisting God’s words and enticing humanity to choose an alternative path—one marked by pride and self-reliance rather than trust in the Creator. This account introduces us to deception at its very origin, where the distortion of truth brings about irreversible change in human destiny.
Fast forward to Revelation 12:1–9, and we encounter a narrative of cosmic warfare. Here, the serpent, now symbolically linked to Satan, is portrayed as a rebellious adversary, waging war in the heavenly realms. This passage exposes a broader picture where divine order is challenged by forces of evil—not only on Earth but in the very courts of heaven. It is a continuation and a magnification of the rebellion first witnessed in Eden.
Deception and the Distortion of Truth:
In both texts, the deception begins with the manipulation of the truth. In Genesis, the serpent's crafty questioning leads Eve to doubt God’s goodness. In Revelation, the ultimate deceiver is depicted as the source of falsehood, whose lies had far-reaching implications in the heavenly realms. Both narratives warn us that even subtle distortions of truth can spiral into vast consequences.
Rebellion Against Divine Order:
The act of questioning God's command in Eden mirrors the larger act of rebellion against divine order seen in the war in heaven. The serpent’s initial act of defiance in Genesis set the stage for the cosmic battle revealed in Revelation—a continuous struggle between the forces of good and evil.
The Conflict Between Free Will and Divine Sovereignty:
Humans, endowed with free will, chose to trust the cunning words of the serpent rather than the clear instruction of God. Similarly, in Revelation, the rebellious spirit of the serpent demonstrates a willful rejection of divine authority, underscoring the perpetual tension between human (or angelic) freedom and God’s absolute sovereignty.
The introduction of the serpent in Genesis is not merely a story about temptation; it is an invitation to understand the broader spiritual conflict that has its roots in rebellion. The serpent, who first lured humanity into disobedience, later becomes synonymous with the demonic force that leads a significant portion of the heavenly host in revolt. This progression teaches us that sin and rebellion are not confined to a single moment in history—they reverberate throughout creation and the very fabric of the spiritual realm.
As we reflect on these passages, let us consider the continuing relevance of their messages. The seduction of the serpent reminds us that no matter how gentle or persuasive a voice may seem, it is crucial to anchor our hearts and minds in the eternal truth of God's word. Meanwhile, the vision of war in heaven calls us to recognize that our lives are part of a larger, cosmic struggle—a conflict that demands vigilance, humility, and steadfast trust in the divine plan.
May we, like faithful witnesses throughout history, stand firm against the subtle deceptions of our time and embrace the liberating truth that only comes from God. Let our daily choices reflect the wisdom and courage necessary to resist temptation and to honor the divine order, both on earth and beyond.
More: Lesson 2 - The Genesis Foundation
Scripture:
Genesis 2:15–17
Genesis 4:8–15
1 Corinthians 15:15–19
Revelation 1:18
Death is one of life’s greatest mysteries—and one of its deepest griefs. Why do we die? Why do we mourn? And what does God think about it all? The Bible doesn’t shy away from these questions. From the very beginning, Scripture shows us the origin of death, humanity’s experience of it, and God’s redemptive plan to overcome it. Let’s explore four key passages that take us on this journey—from Eden to eternity.
The Origin of Death – Genesis 2:15–17
"You are free to eat from any tree in the garden; but you must not eat from the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, for when you eat from it you will certainly die."
Here in Eden, God gives Adam both freedom and responsibility. He sets a boundary—not to punish, but to protect. Death enters the story not as a natural part of creation, but as a consequence of rebellion. Sin brings separation from God, the Giver of life. Death is not arbitrary; it’s a result of choosing autonomy over obedience, self over God.
The First Death – Genesis 4:8–15
"Cain attacked his brother Abel and killed him."
The first physical death in the Bible is not an accident or an illness—it’s murder. A brother’s hands take the life of another. Sin has now infected not just the heart of individuals but relationships themselves. Cain’s story shows us that death isn’t only a punishment—it’s also a devastating ripple effect of a broken world. And yet, even in judgment, God shows mercy: He marks Cain, not to shame him, but to protect him.
God is not indifferent to death. He sees, He grieves, and He restrains evil even as He allows consequences.
The Problem of Death – 1 Corinthians 15:15–19
"If Christ has not been raised, your faith is futile; you are still in your sins…If only for this life we have hope in Christ, we are of all people most to be pitied."
Paul speaks plainly: without resurrection, death wins. And if death wins, then sin remains our master, and hope is a fantasy. This is the gravity of the human condition—we are mortal, and we cannot escape it on our own. Our greatest enemy is not poverty or pain, but the finality of death and the sin that causes it.
The Victory Over Death – Revelation 1:18
"I am the Living One; I was dead, and now look, I am alive forever and ever! And I hold the keys of death and Hades."
Jesus changes everything. He doesn’t just promise life—He is life. He stepped into death and came out victorious. The one who had no sin died our death and rose again to offer us His life. Now, death is no longer a prison with a locked door. Christ holds the keys. And for those who trust in Him, death is no longer the end—it’s the beginning of life eternal.
Death and Us
Why do people die? Because sin broke the perfect world God made.
How does God view death? As an enemy—an intruder that He grieves and has sworn to defeat.
What is His solution? Jesus. The Living One who has conquered the grave.
In Christ, death is not the final word. Resurrection is.
So let us live—not in fear—but in the hope and power of the One who holds the keys. Amen!
More: Lesson 2 - The Genesis Foundation
Text: Genesis 22:7–8; Exodus 12:3–13; Revelation 5:5–10
Throughout Scripture, one symbol emerges with deep and powerful meaning—the lamb. From the thickets of Mount Moriah, to the homes of enslaved Israelites in Egypt, and finally to the throne room of heaven in Revelation, the lamb is not just an animal. It is a promise, a substitute, a Savior.
The Question of the Lamb – Genesis 22:7–8
Isaac asks a piercing question: “Behold the fire and the wood, but where is the lamb for a burnt offering?” This is not just the curiosity of a child; it is a theological echo that would resound throughout history. Abraham responds in faith: “God will provide for Himself the lamb.”
Here, on Mount Moriah, we begin to see the first glimpse of substitution. Isaac, the beloved son, is spared. A ram is caught in the thicket—provided by God. This moment is more than a test of faith; it’s a prophetic shadow of a greater sacrifice to come.
The Blood of the Lamb – Exodus 12:3–13
Fast forward to Egypt. God commands each household to choose a lamb, spotless and innocent. Its blood is to be painted on the doorposts. Why? “When I see the blood, I will pass over you.” The lamb dies so the firstborn may live.
Here, we see the lamb as deliverer. The lamb is not only a substitute but a shield from judgment. Its blood marks a people for salvation. Again, God provides a lamb—and again, death passes over.
The Worthy Lamb – Revelation 5:5–10
Now we step into eternity’s throne room. John weeps because no one is found worthy to open the scroll—until he is told, “Behold, the Lion of the tribe of Judah has conquered.” But when John looks, what does he see? “A Lamb standing, as though it had been slain.”
The Lion is the Lamb.
He is worthy not by force, but by sacrifice. The Lamb of God, Jesus Christ, takes center stage in heaven because He bore the judgment, carried the cross, and rose in victory. His blood, John hears, “ransomed people for God from every tribe and language and people and nation.”
The Lamb for Us
From Isaac’s near-sacrifice, to the Passover lamb, to the Lamb slain before the foundation of the world, Scripture tells one unified story. The lamb is more than a symbol—it is the Savior Himself.
Abraham was right: God did provide the Lamb.
And today, we don’t wonder where the lamb is. We know. He is on the throne, and He is worthy.
“Worthy is the Lamb who was slain, to receive power and wealth and wisdom and might and honor and glory and blessing!” (Revelation 5:12) Amen.
More: Lesson 2 - The Genesis Foundation
Genesis 22:1–13: "The First Mention of Love"
Scripture: Genesis 22:1–13
Beloved, today we come to one of the most profound and challenging passages in all of Scripture—Genesis 22, the testing of Abraham. It is a story that has puzzled and inspired generations, not just because of what Abraham was asked to do, but because of what it reveals about the heart of God.
In verse 2, we read:
"Take your son, your only son, whom you love—Isaac—and go to the region of Moriah. Sacrifice him there as a burnt offering on a mountain I will show you."
This is the first time the word “love” appears in the Bible. It is not between Adam and Eve. It is not in the story of Noah or the patriarchs up to this point. No, the first mention of love in the entire Bible is in the context of a father and his only son—and the potential of sacrifice.
What does this teach us about love? About God's love?
First, it shows us that true love is costly. Abraham's love for Isaac was deep and undeniable. Isaac was the child of promise, the miracle child, the joy of Abraham’s old age. And yet God calls Abraham to give him up. Why? Not because God delights in pain, but because He is painting a picture, setting a stage for something far greater than we can imagine.
Second, we learn that God’s love is not just demanding—it is providing. As Abraham lifts the knife, a voice from heaven stops him. And then, in verse 13, Abraham sees a ram caught in a thicket—a substitute. A life in place of a life. The test was never about the death of Isaac. It was about Abraham’s heart, and about God's plan of salvation.
The love shown here anticipates another Father, and another Son. Thousands of years later, on another mountain not far from Moriah—on Calvary—God the Father did not hold back His only Son. The first mention of love in the Bible is about a father's willingness to give up his son. The fullest expression of that love is when God actually goes through with it.
John 3:16 echoes Genesis 22:
"For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son..."
Beloved, God’s love is not sentimental. It is sacrificial. It is not merely emotional—it is redemptive. Abraham said to Isaac in verse 8, “God himself will provide the lamb.” And He did—not just for Abraham, but for the world.
So when we speak of God’s love, we are not talking about a warm feeling or a gentle breeze. We are speaking of a love that gives. A love that sacrifices. A love that saves.
Let us receive it with awe, and live in response to it with trust. Amen.
More: Lesson 2 - The Genesis Foundation
“The Unchanging Anchor”
Bible Text:
Isaiah 40:7–8 (NIV): “The grass withers and the flowers fall, because the breath of the Lord blows on them. Surely the people are grass. The grass withers and the flowers fall, but the word of our God endures forever.”
Malachi 3:6 (NIV): “I the Lord do not change. So you, the descendants of Jacob, are not destroyed.”
Hebrews 13:8 (NIV): “Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever.”
We live in a world of rapid change—nations rise and fall, opinions shift, technology evolves, and even our understanding of history gets reinterpreted. In this whirlwind of uncertainty, it is essential that we, as believers, find something immovable—something we can hold on to. Thankfully, Scripture points us to such a foundation: the unchanging nature of God and His Word.
The Fleeting Nature of the World (Isaiah 40:7–8)
Isaiah paints a vivid picture: people, like grass and flowers, fade. History confirms this—empires crumble, cultures shift, leaders die. But in contrast, “the word of our God endures forever.” This is not just poetic comfort. It’s a powerful truth: God's promises, prophecies, and purposes are not subject to the decay of time. When we study prophecy, we must remember that God’s Word isn’t speculative—it’s certain.
The Unchanging Character of God (Malachi 3:6)
“I the Lord do not change.” This is a profound declaration. Unlike humanity, God is not moody, impulsive, or evolving. His justice, mercy, love, and holiness remain constant. In Malachi, God uses this truth to explain why Israel still exists—because of His faithful covenant love. When studying prophecy, we must anchor our interpretation not in sensationalism or fear, but in God’s consistent, covenant-keeping character.
The Consistency of Christ (Hebrews 13:8)
Jesus Christ—the center of history and the fulfillment of prophecy—is “the same yesterday and today and forever.” He is not only the Savior but also the key to understanding the prophetic Word. Prophecy finds its ultimate meaning in Him: His first coming fulfilled many prophecies; His second coming will fulfill the rest. If Jesus is unchanging, then so is His plan.
The Anchoring Principle:
God’s unchanging nature and enduring Word are the foundation for properly understanding prophecy.
Prophecy is not a guessing game. It’s not about matching headlines to verses, but about trusting in the unshakable promises of a faithful God. When we approach prophecy with this anchor, we avoid fear, confusion, and speculation—and instead, grow in hope, clarity, and worship.
The Last Days?
In a world that shifts like sand, prophecy invites us to build on the rock-solid truth of a God who does not change. So, when you open the prophetic texts of Scripture, remember: the same God who spoke through Isaiah, Malachi, and the author of Hebrews speaks today—and His Word will never fail. Amen.
More: Lesson 2 - The Genesis Foundation