Foundations for Prophecy

SABBATH AFTERNOON: INTRODUCTION

Today we're diving into Week 7 of our quarterly titled "Foundations for Prophecy."

This week's study has been all about God's right to rule the universe and how we relate to Him as imperfect humans.

You know, it's pretty simple when you break it down.

God has the right to rule for two main reasons:

First, He created everything (Revelation 4:11).

Second, His character is perfectly righteous.

When we really understand how holy God is, we quickly see how far we've fallen short (Romans 3:23).

This week we've been looking at visions of God's throne room that various prophets received.

These visions show us something incredible – how God's sacrifice through Christ brings sinners like us near to His holy presence.

God isn't just interested in saving us one by one – He wants to restore humanity as a whole, so we can again reflect His glory throughout the universe.

Here's what's amazing – human rebellion will eventually be completely ended.

And through this whole mess of sin, God's loving character actually shines even brighter than in His original design!

Though God never wanted sin to exist, the cross reveals His love in ways that wouldn't have been possible otherwise.

Key Learnings:

God rules because He created everything and His character is perfect

Sin separates us from God's glory, but Christ bridges that gap

God wants to restore all of humanity collectively

The cross reveals deeper aspects of God's character than creation alone

Discussion Questions:

Why do you think it matters that God's authority comes from both His power as Creator AND His perfect character?  Possible answer: Power without goodness would just be bullying. God isn't just powerful—He's loving, fair, and worthy of our trust.

How does knowing God plans to restore humanity as a group change how you view church?  Possible answer: It shows we're not just "individual Christians" but part of God's family with a collective purpose to reveal His character to the universe.

SUNDAY: HERE I AM, SEND ME

Have you ever turned on a bright light in what you thought was a clean room, and suddenly saw dust everywhere? That's what happened to Isaiah when he saw God's throne.

The bright light of God's holiness showed Isaiah how sinful he really was.

Picture this scene: Isaiah sees this incredible vision of God on His throne with these powerful angels called seraphim calling out "Holy, holy, holy!"

Isaiah's immediate reaction? Pure terror.

He cries out, "I'm doomed! I'm a man with filthy lips living among people with filthy lips, and I've just seen the King!" (Isaiah 6:5).

When we truly come into God's presence, all our excuses disappear.

We see ourselves as we really are.

But here's where it gets good – instead of destroying Isaiah, God pulls him closer!

One of these angels takes a hot coal from the altar and touches Isaiah's lips, saying "Your guilt is gone, your sin is paid for."

Only after Isaiah was cleansed did he hear God asking, "Who should I send? Who will go for us?"

And Isaiah immediately responds, "Here I am! Send me!"

That's the natural response when someone understands God's amazing grace – we want to serve.

Key Learnings:

God's holiness makes us painfully aware of our sinfulness

God offers cleansing instead of destruction

Being purged of sin prepares us for God's service

The proper response to God's grace is willingness to serve

Discussion Questions:

Why did Isaiah feel "undone" in God's presence? Have you ever felt that way?  Possible answer: In perfect light, we see our true condition. When we truly encounter God, we often feel deeply unworthy, just like Isaiah did.

How does the coal from the altar represent what Jesus has done for us?  Possible answer: The burning coal represents purification through sacrifice. Just as it cleansed Isaiah's lips, Jesus' sacrifice on the cross cleanses us from sin.

What holds us back from saying "Send me" to God like Isaiah did?  Possible answer: Often fear, unworthiness, or feeling unqualified. Sometimes we're too comfortable with our current lives. We forget that God qualifies those He calls.

MONDAY: THE TWO CHERUBIM

When Adam and Eve sinned and were kicked out of the Garden of Eden, God did something really interesting.

He placed cherubim – powerful angel beings – at the east entrance of Eden, along with a flaming sword, to guard the way to the tree of life.

But this wasn't just about keeping humans out.

It was also about setting up a place of worship and a symbol of hope.

These cherubim at Eden's gate were similar to the gold cherubim on the ark of the covenant, which represented God's throne.

The Hebrew word used when God "placed" the cherubim is "shakan," which is related to "tabernacle" – the place where God lived among His people.

Adam and his family would come to this guarded gate to worship God.

While they couldn't go back into Paradise, they could still approach God's presence.

The Garden actually remained on earth for a long time after the Fall, a visible reminder of what was lost—and what would someday be restored.

Ellen White tells us: "The Garden of Eden remained upon the earth long after man had become an outcast from its pleasant paths... At the cherubim-guarded gate of Paradise the divine glory was revealed. Hither came Adam and his sons to worship God."

Key Learnings:

The cherubim at Eden were both guardians and symbols of worship

God established a way to worship Him even after sin entered

Eden remained visible as a painful but hopeful reminder

God promises to restore Paradise, even more beautiful than before

Discussion Questions:

How would you feel seeing Eden but not being able to enter?  Possible answer: It would be heartbreaking but also motivating—a reminder of what sin cost but also what God promises to restore.

Why do you think God let Eden remain visible for a time after the Fall?  Possible answer: As a teaching tool to remind people of the consequences of sin and the promise of restoration. It kept hope alive.

Where do you think we find our "cherubim-guarded gate" today where God's presence can be approached? Possible answer: Through prayer, in worship, in God's Word, in community with other believers—ways God makes His presence available to us even in our fallen state.

TUESDAY: LIKE BURNING COALS OF FIRE

Throughout Scripture, cherubim appear near God's throne, radiating His glory to the universe.

They were embroidered on the curtain before the Most Holy Place and made of solid gold on the ark of the covenant with their wings spread toward each other.

Ezekiel had an incredible vision of God's throne.

He saw strange living creatures with four faces each—a human face, a lion face, an ox face, and an eagle face.

Later in his book, these creatures are identified as cherubim.

What's fascinating is that John's vision in Revelation 4 describes similar creatures around God's throne!

Ezekiel's vision came at a tough time for God's people.

They were captives in Babylon, far from home.

But as Ezekiel looked up, he saw God's throne above all the chaos.

The message was clear: no matter how bad things seem, God is still in charge.

The burning coals in Ezekiel's vision remind us of the coal that purified Isaiah's lips.

These powerful images show us God's holiness, our unworthiness as sinners, and God's provision for cleansing us so we can approach Him.

Key Learnings:

Cherubim consistently appear around God's throne in Scripture

The same four faces (human, lion, ox, eagle) appear in multiple throne visions

God revealed His throne during national crises to remind people He was in control

God's holiness requires purification for sinners to approach Him

Discussion Questions:

Why do you think God gave these elaborate throne visions during times of crisis?  Possible answer: To remind His people that despite current circumstances, He remained sovereign. These visions provided hope when things seemed hopeless.

What might the four faces of the cherubim represent to you?  Possible answer: They could represent different aspects of creation (humanity, wild animals, domestic animals, birds) showing God's rule over all creation. Others see them as representing different aspects of Christ's character.

How does seeing God's throne and holiness change how we view our daily problems?  Possible answer: It puts our problems in perspective. If God is enthroned above everything, ruling the universe, He's certainly capable of handling our challenges.

WEDNESDAY: GOD AMONG HIS PEOPLE

When the Israelites traveled through the wilderness, they didn't just camp anywhere, anyhow.

God gave them a very specific blueprint with the tabernacle—God's dwelling place—right at the center and the twelve tribes arranged around it in an organized pattern.

God arranged Israel with three tribes on each of the four sides of the tabernacle.

There was one lead tribe on each side: Judah on the east, Reuben on the south, Ephraim on the west, and Dan on the north.

Each lead tribe had its own flag or standard.

There's an interesting Jewish tradition that says Judah's flag showed a lion, Reuben's showed a man, Ephraim's showed an ox, and Dan's showed an eagle.

While the Bible doesn't specifically describe these flags, it's fascinating that these match the four faces we see on the cherubim in Ezekiel's and John's visions!

This camp arrangement teaches us something powerful: God wants to dwell among His people.

The tabernacle at the center symbolized God living with them.

Similarly, in the New Jerusalem described in Revelation, there are gates for three tribes on each side, and "the Lord God Almighty and the Lamb are its temple" (Revelation 21:22).

Key Learnings:

God organized Israel's camp with His presence at the center

The camp arrangement may have reflected heavenly patterns

The four lead tribes possibly corresponded to the cherubim faces

Both Israel's camp and the New Jerusalem emphasize God dwelling with people

God desires to be at the center of our lives

Discussion Questions:

What does Israel's camp arrangement teach us about how we should organize our lives?  Possible answer: God should be at the center, with everything else arranged around Him. Our priorities and decisions should reflect His central place.

How can we practically draw close to God today without a physical tabernacle?  Possible answer: Through prayer, Bible study, worship, Christian fellowship, and living according to His will. We create "sacred space" in our daily lives.

If God's presence was central to Israel's camp, how should God's presence be central to our church today? Possible answer: Everything we do should focus on connecting with God and helping others connect with Him. Programs, buildings, and activities are secondary to His presence.

THURSDAY: THE FALL OF LUCIFER

It's hard to believe, but Scripture tells us that Lucifer (Satan) was once a covering cherub, standing right next to God's throne.

He was created to reveal God's glory to the universe.

But instead, he started focusing on his own glory and feeling he deserved more recognition.

Ezekiel 28 and Isaiah 14 give us glimpses into Lucifer's fall.

He became proud of his beauty and corrupted his wisdom because of his splendor.

He said to himself, "I will ascend to heaven; I will raise my throne above the stars of God... I will make myself like the Most High."

Compare Lucifer's fall with humanity's restoration in Christ.

Lucifer was thrown down from God's holy mountain, while the redeemed stand with Jesus on Mount Zion.

Both Lucifer and humans were in Eden, but while Satan faces destruction, humans are being restored through Christ.

Ellen White wrote something mind-blowing: "Heaven will triumph, for the vacancies made in heaven by the fall of Satan and his angels will be filled by the redeemed of the Lord."

Just think about that!

The positions once held by fallen angels will be filled by saved sinners—all because of Jesus.

In Revelation 5, the angels proclaim that Christ is worthy "because you were slain, and with your blood you purchased for God persons from every tribe and language and people and nation."

Christ died for every single person. Each one just needs to hear about it and accept it.

Key Learnings:

Lucifer was once a high-ranking cherub next to God's throne

Pride and self-focus led to his downfall

Redeemed humans will fill positions once held by fallen angels

Christ's sacrifice has purchased people from every background

The gospel is for everyone—no one is beyond its reach

Discussion Questions:

What can we learn from Lucifer's fall about the danger of pride?  Possible answer: Even a perfect being in heaven could fall through pride. It reminds us to stay humble and God-focused rather than self-focused.

How does it feel to know that redeemed humans will fill positions once held by fallen angels?  Possible answer: It shows how valuable we are to God and how powerful His redemption is. It's amazing that sinners saved by grace will be lifted to such positions.

What's our responsibility in making sure people from "every tribe, language, people and nation" hear about Jesus?  Possible answer: We're called to share the gospel through our words, actions, and support of missions. Everyone has a part to play based on their abilities and opportunities.

FRIDAY: FURTHER REFLECTION

As we wrap up this week's study, let's look at the big picture.

Satan, once a covering cherub, tried to undermine confidence in God's throne.

God allowed the rebellion to continue to show the universe what self-exaltation leads to.

While Satan deceived humanity into joining his rebellion, Jesus defeated him at the cross and secured a place for humanity where fallen angels once stood.

When we accept Christ, we're publicly rejecting Satan's claims.

The final outcome of this great controversy will reveal God's goodness and love in ways that would never have been possible without the tragedy of sin.

Although God never wanted evil to exist, His love and character will shine even brighter when everything is resolved.

Ellen White describes the end beautifully.

Jesus "looks upon the redeemed, renewed in His own image, every heart bearing the perfect impress of the divine, every face reflecting the likeness of their King.

He beholds in them the result of the travail of His soul, and He is satisfied."

The white-robed multitude will sing: "Worthy is the Lamb that was slain to receive power, and riches, and wisdom, and strength, and honor, and glory, and blessing."

Key Learnings:

God allowed Satan's rebellion to demonstrate where sin leads

Christ's victory at the cross secured our redemption

When we accept Jesus, we reject Satan's claims against God

God's love shines brighter through redemption than in the original creation

The redeemed will perfectly reflect Christ's image

Discussion Questions:

What does it mean to you that Jesus sees "the result of the travail of His soul" in you and is satisfied? Possible answer: It means despite my failings, Jesus sees His work of redemption being completed in me. My transformation brings Him joy.

Why do we need "the righteousness of God through faith in Jesus Christ" covering us now and in the judgment?  Possible answer: Our own righteousness is like filthy rags. Only Christ's perfect righteousness can stand in God's presence. This is the heart of the gospel—we receive what we could never earn.

How can our church be like John the Baptist—"a burning and shining lamp"—in our community?  Possible answer: We can passionately point people to Jesus through service, compassion, and clear biblical teaching. Our lives should burn with zeal and shine with truth.