Christian Beliefs Flashcards
According to class, what is the connection between love, the law, and sin?
Law, love, and sin are correlated. Love fulfills the law, and sin is the breaking of relational law.
What is legalism and how do we avoid it?
Legalism is when ppl try to secure righteousness through good works. We must submit fully to God and rely on God “instead of good works” to secure righteousness.
What other laws did God give Israel through Moses?
Ten Commandments. He also gave Israel laws to help them follow the commandments such as civil laws and ceremonial laws
How is the law an agent of conversion and does it save us?
The law allows us to see our true nature and how precious the word of God is. The law does not save us, but it points to Christ who can save us.
How can we know that the moral law existed before it was given at Mt Sinai?
Sin is the transgression of the law and if there was no law, there could have been no sin. Therefore, we can know that the moral law existed before it was given at Mt. Sinai.
Can we be saved by our works? (Eph 2:8; Titus 3:5; Rom 3:20)
Salvation is a gift through faith, not through works.
Which law did Christ’s death abolish on the cross?
Christ’s death on the cross abolished the ceremonial law. (slaying of the lamb)
Since we are under the new covenant, is it necessary to keep the law?
Yes
What was Jesus’ attitude toward the law?
He wants us to keep it. The law reflects His character
Does God’s grace do away with the law? What does it mean to be “under the law?”
God’s grace does not do away with the law. We have God’s grace, but that does not mean that we can freely disobey the law.
Did Jesus nail the Ten Commandments to the cross? (Ephesians 2:15; Colossians 2:14)
Jesus was nailed to the cross along with the sinner’s sins who disobeyed the 10 commandments.
What is the Hebrew word for “rested” and what does it mean?
Shaboth “to cease”
What miracle in the wilderness emphasized the importance of the Sabbath?
Manna: Israelites would have to gather many throughout the week and twice as much on Friday bc there would be none on the Sabbath to gather.
Did the annual Sabbaths always fall on a Saturday? What was their purpose?
No, the annual Sabbath did not always fall on Saturday. They were an integral part of the Jewish system of rights and ceremonies instituted at Mount Sinai, which pointed forward to the coming of the Messiah, and the observance of which terminated with his death on the cross.
What Bible text shows us that Jesus saw that the Sabbath would be kept after his death?
The Sabbath was not only set aside to remember Christ’s creative work but also his redeeming work. (Deut 5:14, 15)
What evidence do we have that the Apostles kept the Sabbath?
They interrupted their burial plans to rest on the Sabbath
What is the “Lord’s day” in Scripture and on what basis do we say this?
Lords’ day is Sabbath.
How did Christians come to worship on Sunday instead of Saturday?
- It happened gradually.
- It started in the middle of the 2nd century.
- It began largely with the church in Rome.
- Christians were trying to distinguish themselves from Jews.
- We have evidence of Sabbath observance “everywhere” in the 5th century.
- It is linked to “?” worship.
- Emperor Constantine made the first Sunday Law on March 7,321 A.D. and this was followed by Sunday laws issued by the Roman Catholic Church.
- Who does the Catholic Catechism claim changed the Sabbath to Sunday? (301)
Catholic Church
What is the purpose of the Sabbath? Know the broad principles. Lecture 16
- Why does God form the Sabbath? (slides 22-23) God forms the Sabbath so that He can fill it with Himself! God blesses the Sabbath with His own presence. What do we learn from creation?
- Day 1: Light and Darkness
- Day 2: Waters above and below
- Day 3: land and vegetation
- Day 4: sun, moon, starts
- Day 5: birds above and fish below ‘
- Day 6: Animals and Humans
- Day 7: Sabbath - What does it mean to keep the Sabbath “holy”? (slides 27-34) The Lord sanctified the Sabbath as a thermotic time for society to rest and connect to God and the Lord will be delighted in us.
- How is the Sabbath a day for service? What happened on a Jubilee Sabbath? (slide 45) Jubilee happened every 50 years when slaves were set free. The land was restored, loans were forgiven, and the poor were cared for.
- What did Jesus do on the Sabbath? (slides 47-50) He went to the synagogue on the Sabbath Day.
- How is a holy day also a day of celebration and feasting? (slides 55-56) You should not sorrow during the Sabbath but celebrate the Lord.
- What does it mean to keep the Sabbath as a day of complete rest? (slides 57-60) You must complete labor and work before the Sabbath so all may rest.
Which Sabbath does Finley argue is done away with in Colossians 2:16, 17? Why does he say that this is not the Seventh-day Sabbath?
The yearly Sabbath is done away with. The seventh-day sabbath is in memory of creation.
What is Romans 14:5 talking about?
This revolved around fast days, not Sabbath days.
Didn’t the disciples meet on the first day of the week to worship? Acts 20:7
It was a Saturday night meeting.
How can we know which day is the Sabbath? Hasn’t it been changed in history?
- The Bible (crucifixion)
- Language: The word seventh day translates to Sabbath in 140 different languages.
- Astronomy: weekly cycle has never changed.
- History: Jewish People have kept accurate records.
Shouldn’t we keep Sunday in honor of the resurrection?
Jesus never commanded us to worship on Sunday in honor of the resurrection and this day is not sanctified.
Are positive references to “wine” in the Bible an excuse to drink alcohol? Did Jesus drink wine? What are the reasons to avoid alcohol?
- Jesus does not endorse all that He permits.
- This wine probably referred to juice and Jesus did not partake in any alcoholic beverages.
- 88,000 death per year
- $250 billion in damages
- Kills brain cells and causes cancer
- 66% homicides, 50% rapes, 70% robberies
- Leading killer of ppl ages 16-24
How can 2 Corinthians 3:18 and Philippians 4:8 help in guiding our media choices?
Beholding brings change. “Whatever is true, noble, just, pure, lovely, are of good report, virtues, and worthy of praise.”
What was the original diet in the Garden of Eden?
It did not include flesh. The vegetarian diet
What does NEWSTART stand for?
- Nutrient
- Exercise
- Water
- Sunshine
- Temperance
- Air
- Rest
- Trust in God
What are five principles that we can use to help us know how to dress?
- Simple
- Of high moral virtue
- Practical and economical
- Healthy
- Characterized by grace and beauty
What should we focus on when it comes to adornment? (1 Pet 3:1-4; 1 Tim 2:9, 10)
Your beauty should not come from outward adornment (jewelry and shoes) but from good deeds.
What should we be careful of doing when it comes to standards? (Romans 14:1; 15:1)
We must be careful not to judge weaker people when it comes to standards (alcohol, cigars…)
Does Peter’s experience in Acts 10 tell us that it is now acceptable to eat unclean foods?
No
According to Mark Finley, why is Mark 7 not about the Levitical health laws?
It referred to the Jewish “tradition of the elders”
Was the Apostle Paul advocating drinking wine?
No, he was using it for medical purposes to settle Timothy’s stomach.
What does Hebrews 13:4 teach us about marriage and intimacy?
It is God’s plan for two to be united in marriage through intimacy.
What is the Bible’s position on fornication and adultery?
Any sexual relationship outside of marriage is a sin.
What did Jesus trace the act of sexual unfaithfulness to?
Thoughts and emotions
How advice would you give a person who is considering a romantic relationship?
I would begin by asking them if they are experiencing love or passion. If they are experiencing pure love, I would encourage them to set boundaries and further get to know the other person. If they are experiencing passion, I would encourage them to take a step back and consult with God.
What is the difference between a covenant relationship and a contract relationship?
Covenant relationship wants somethings in return. A Contract Relationship is a promise to be faithful and loving.
Does the Bible allow for divorce and under what circumstances?
Yes, if adultery, abuse, or abandonment is involved.
How do we answer the objection that too many Christians are hypocritical and have character flaws?
Every human is hypocritical and has character flaws. Christians are attempting to fix their flaws, which is why we have a need to learn.
How would we answer the objection that religious beliefs lead to violence and prejudice?
Everything leads to violence and prejudice
How does every piece of the sanctuary point to Jesus?
Every piece is a symbol that represents or points to Christ.
What does the sanctuary teach us about sin and salvation?
- Sin:
- Costly and requires death
- Alienates and builds barriers. - Salvation:
- Salvation requires a substitute
- Salvation is God’s initiative.
What does the courtyard, the Holy Place, and the Most Holy Place teach us about justification, sanctification, and glorification?
- Justification: The courtyard is about Justification.
- Jesus takes our sin and its penalty
- Jesus cleanse us from all shame and guilt. - Sanctification: The holy place is about sanctification.
- Bible study (eating the “bread” of Jesus)
- Prayer (mingling our prayers with those of Jesus
- Witnessing (being filled with the Holy Spirit) - Glorification: The Most Holy Place is about glorification
- God reveals His Shekinah Glory
- He is loving, just, and merciful
How is the judgment positive?
To be forgiven, we must go through divine judgment. Judgment saves from sin, death, and gives eternal life. 4 primary positive meanings: 1) Justify 2) save 3) deliver 4) vindicate
How does the 70-week prophecy connect with the 2300-day prophecy?
70 weeks=2300 days.
A day= a year
Why should we believe that there is a real sanctuary in heaven?
Heavenly Sanctuary is the primary dwelling place of God. John saw through a vision the heavenly sanctuary.
What are the three phrases to Christ’s ministry symbolized by the sanctuary?
1) God’s judgment on sin
2) Christ’s substitutionary death
3) God provides the atoning sacrifice
What is the difference between when the ministry took place in the first and second apartments of the earthly sanctuary?
Daily ministry in the Holy Place (first apartment).
Yearly ministry in the Most Holy Place (second apartment).
Daily ministry shows that the sinner has immediate access to God
Why do we think that Azazel (the scapegoat) represents Satan? (it means goat sent away)
1) the scapegoat was not slain as a sacrifice
2) Sanctuary was completely cleansed of blood by the Lord’s goat before the scapegoat arrived
3) Scapegoat is represented as being opposed to God
What are the three phases of God’s final judgment?
1) Removal of sins from the sanctuary (pre-advent)
2) Banishment of Satan
3) Fire destroys the wicked and cleanses the earth.
When did the 2300 “day” prophecy begin and end?
457 BC-AD 1844
What happened at the end of this time period?
Christ begins the final phase in the ministry.
Why does the universe need an investigative judgment before Christ returns?
To seek out the righteous from the unrighteous
What does the word “remnant” mean in the Bible?
What is “left” of a community after it undergoes a catastrophe.
What is the purpose of the “remnant”?
God’s purpose for the remnant: we shall be a nation of priests and we are a chosen generation.
Is the remnant inclusive or exclusive?
Exclusive
Based on Revelation 12, answer the following questions:
- Who is the dragon?
- Who is the pure woman?
- Who is the adulterous woman?
- Who is the child?
- Satan
- Church
- Rome
- Jesus
When did the 1260 days of Revelation 12 begin and end and what did it symbolize?
When the bishop gained power
Identify the three characteristics of the remnant in Revelation 12:17 and 14:12.
1) the faith of Jesus
2) the commandments of God
3) the testimony of Jesus
What is the first angels’ message? (Revelation 14:6-7)
The first angel’s message was the gospel.
What do the symbols of Babylon and the “wine” represent in the second angel’s message?
Babylon: defiance of God. Wine: false teachings
What is the historic understanding of who is the beast power of the third angel’s message? What is the image of the beast?
Satan
Sin
What is a prophet in the Scriptures?
Spokesperson for God
Why do Adventists interpret the phrase “the testimony of Jesus” to mean that the remnant church will have the gift of prophecy?
Adventist believe this because we keep the commandments of Christ
Give four Biblical tests of a true prophet.
1) Does the message agree with the Bible? 2) Did the predictions come true?
3) Is Christ’s incarnation recognized?
4) does the prophet bear good or bad “fruit”?
How do Ellen White’s writings relate to the Bible?
She saw her work as leading people back to the Bible
Be prepared to answer one of the objections against Ellen White.
N/A
What does Scripture teach about the nature of Christ’s return?
-It will be literal and personal
-It will be visible to all
-All will hear it
-It will be glorious
-It will be unexpected and sudden
Cataclysmic event
How do we know there isn’t a secret coming and a glorious coming?
Matthew 24
What will happen to the righteous that are in their graves when Jesus returns?
They will be raised first and made immortal
What happens to the wicked when Jesus comes?
They will be destroyed
How should we wait for Jesus’ return? Do we know when He will return?
We should be always ready because we do not know when He will return
Doesn’t the Bible teach a secret rapture?
The Bible makes it very clear that it will be no secret to anyone when Jesus comes.
What about “one taken, and one left behind?”
The one person left behind represents a sinner who is going to die, while the one person taken is the righteous.
Doesn’t the Bible teach that Jesus will come as a thief in the night?
This does not refer to a secret rapture, but to the fact that we do not know when Jesus is coming.
Isn’t there a seven-year tribulation after the church is raptured?
When Jesus comes, everyone will be either saved or lost, there is no seven-year tribulation.
When do humans receive immortality?
When the trumpet is sounded, and the dead are raised.
What is the biblical teaching about death? Support your answer with Scripture and logic.
Ecclesiastes 9:5-6: The dead know nothing. Psalm 115:17: the dead do not praise the Lord. Bible sees death as a sleep.
What do the words sheol and hades mean?
grave
Where do the body and the spirit go at death
Body: dust
Spirit: God
How do we explain Samuel appearing to Saul after Samuel died?
it was a witch
What is the difference between the first and second death?
First Death: sleep
Second Death: final punishment of unrepentant sinners
What are the two resurrections spoken of in Scripture and when do they take place?
First Resurrection: resurrection of life.
Second Resurrection: condemnation
“Absent from the body, present with the Lord.”
Absent from the body means absent from the mortal body with its earthly infirmities. Present with the lord means present in the glorious immortal body received at Jesus’ second coming
explain: Paul saying, “I desire to depart and be with Christ” and “Death is gain”
Depart from this world to be with Christ.
explain: The Rich Man and Lazarus:
We must not take parables literal. Rich man went to hell and Lazarus went to heaven
Souls under the altar:
This is not literal> This is symbolic language
When, where, for how long, and why does hell take place
takes place on earth for 7 years to cleanse the earth
What does the word millennium mean?
the 1000 year period of which the twentieth chapter of revelation speaks
Know the chart at the bottom of page 408
last days/1st resurrection:
1) christ returns
2) saints are taken to heaven
3) living wicked are slain
4) satan is bound to the earth
5) earth is desolated
1000 year begin (millennium)
1) saints reign with Christ in heaven
2) engage and review phase of judgement
3) earth remains desolate for 1000 years
2nd resurrection/eternity
1) Christ, saints, city descends
2) wicked resuurected
3) satan loosened
4) executive phase of judgement
5) earth renewed as eternal
Where do the righteous living meet Christ when he returns?
in the air
What happens to the earth when Christ returns?
remains desolate
What happens to Satan during the thousand years? (
bound to the earth
What does the Greek word abussos mean?
bottomless pit
What will the “saints” be doing in heaven during the thousand years
reign with Christ in heaven
Identify the activities that take place at the end of the thousand years.
a. Christ, the saints and the City Descends
b. The rest dead are resurrected.
c. Satan’s captivity Ends.
d. The Holy City is Attacked.
e. There is the Great White Throne Judgement.
f. Satan and Sinners are destroyed.
What Hebrew and Greek words are used for “hell” in the Bible and what do they really mean?
Hebrew: Sheol, Greek: hades : grave
How does Jude 7 answer the question of what eternal fire means?
fire will burn until there is nothing left. Not that it will burn forever
What did Christ mean when he spoke of “everlasting punishment?”
Death is eternal, not punishment
How does the example of Edom help us to understand the phrase “forever and ever” as it relates to the destruction of the wicked?
forever to God is eternal. Forever to humans is until death
How would you answer the objection that a God of judgment can’t be a God of love?
Judgment is love. In order to be saved from sin, we must be judged. God would not judge us if He did not love us.
How would you answer the objection that a loving God would not allow hell?
A loving God gives the freedom of choice which results in sin.
What will happen to the New Earth before we can inhabit it?
it will be cleansed by fire
What are the three ways in which heaven is used in Scripture?
a. To refer to the atmospheric heavens.
b. To refer to the starry heavens.
c. To refer to the third heaven where Paradise is located.
What is the purpose of the New Earth? Revelation 21:3
For God to dwell with His ppl and His ppl worship Him
What is the underlying motif of the New Earth existence?
it is the restoration of what God had planned for His original creation
Will we recognize our friends and family in the New Earth
yes
What will happen every week in the New Earth?
the saved will meet together for Sabbath worship
What will not exist in the universe any longer in the New Earth and what will remain?
pain will be removed, and joy will remain..
