Further Thought: Read Ellen G. White, “Gethsemane,” pp. 685–

697; “Calvary,” pp. 741–758, in The Desire of Ages; “Repentance,”

p. 27, in Steps to Christ.

“I saw that all heaven is interested in our salvation; and shall we be

indifferent? Shall we be careless, as though it were a small matter whether

we are saved or lost? Shall we slight the sacrifice that has been made for

us? Some have done this. They have trifled with offered mercy, and the

frown of God is upon them. God’s Spirit will not always be grieved. It

will depart if grieved a little longer. After all has been done that God

could do to save men, if they show by their lives that they slight Jesus’

offered mercy, death will be their portion, and it will be dearly purchased.

It will be a dreadful death; for they will have to feel the agony that Christ

felt upon the cross to purchase for them the redemption which they have

refused. And they will then realize what they have lost—eternal life and

the immortal inheritance. The great sacrifice that has been made to save

souls shows us their worth. When the precious soul is once lost, it is lost

forever.”—Ellen G. White, Testimonies for the Church, vol. 1, p. 124.

Discussion Questions:

Ê Hebrews 10:4 says, “It is impossible for the blood of bulls and

goats to take away sins” (NIV). So, how were people saved in Old

Testament times? How can the analogy of a credit card—which

you use to make payments but later on have to pay for the credit

card bill—help us better understand this subject?

Ë Read 2 Corinthians 5:18–21. If Christ died for the sins of the

whole world, why won’t everyone be saved? Why does personal

choice play a crucial role in determining who will be saved by the

Cross and who will be lost despite the great sacrifice made in their

behalf?

Ì What are some things that “worldly wisdom” teaches that are

“foolishness” to God? What about the idea that all the incredi­

ble design and beauty of the world is purely a chance creation?

Or that the universe arose from absolutely nothing? What other

examples can you think of?

Í Think about the final question on Tuesday’s study. What about

the Cross, and what happened there, makes the idea of salvation

by works so futile, so erroneous, and so contrary to the plan of

salvation?