Getting Ready for Heaven

If we were expecting to migrate permanently to another country, what changes would this prospect make in the pattern of our daily lives? Would we not begin to prepare seriously for life in that new land, so that when we arrived, we would not be complete strangers?

Our lives would be dominated and revolutionized by this new and exciting prospect! The language, laws, customs, dress, climate, diet, currency, sicknesses, standard of living, politics, religion and education of the citizens of our future homeland would immediately become our major preoccupation.

The Bible asks, "Seeing that all these things shall be dissolved, what manner of persons ought ye to be?" 2 Peter 3:1 1-14. Inasmuch as we are expecting to migrate soon from earth to Heaven when Jesus comes, should we not have the same serious attitude towards preparation for life in the heavenly world?

To help us get ready for the coming migration, God has given us the Bible. It is a faithful mirror of the standards that will govern our conduct in the world to come. In this lesson we will study these principles of Christian living, and our relationship to them.

ALWAYS FOR OUR GOOD

1. For what reason has God given us the principles of right conduct?

Deuteronomy 6:24

2. Are the principles that govern Heaven only to benefit us in the new earth, or can we gain any benefit from them now?

Isaiah 48:18

Note: The Bible standards of conduct have a twofold relevance. Not only do they help fit us for life in our future, heavenly home, but they help us to grapple more effectively with the practical realities

3. For what reason are we to follow Christian standards?

I Peter 1:15,16

Note: The ultimate foundation of Christian morality is not an arbitrary requirement of God; but what God IS. "He is the Rock his work is perfect; for all his ways are judgment. A God of truth and without iniquity, just and right is he." Deuteronomy 32:4

4. What does God mean by being "holy"?

John 17:15-19

I Peter 2:9

Note: The word "holy" means "set apart". Bible holiness has nothing to do with haloes, stained-glass window "saints", or sanctimonious words and attitudes. It is a positive, active commitment to what is right and the separation of evil.

5. How much of my life and actions will God's principles affect?

Luke 10:27

Note: When we know God as it is our privilege to know him, the effects of his Holy Spirit are so broad and far-reaching that they will take in every department of our lives—I Corinthians 10:31.

6. On what things are we told to keep our minds?

Philippians 4:8

7. What is the only thing God asks of us?

Romans 13:8

Note: Though God's standards cover every area of human conduct, he does not regiment our lives down to the last microscopic detail. Instead of long, complicated lists of rules and regulations, he gives us great, unchanging principles, illustrated in the Bible by scores of practical examples. He then leaves us free to apply these principles in our individual circumstances, under the guidance of his Spirit.

8. What will a person who has this love be like?

I Corinthians 13

9. What will we gain from having these principles inscribed in our hearts?

Proverbs 3:2

Proverbs 6:22

Note: Even if there was no hereafter, no promise of eternity, God's standards would still be the best guarantees of present liberty, peace, health, prosperity, serenity, and happiness. It would be worth it anyway to reap the benefits of living this way- a purer, fuller, happier life.

10. How will these standards affect us eternally?

Galatians 6:8

Note: If we become like Jesus by beholding him, we will be able to walk in the light of God's glory for eternity, without harm, receiving life and joy from his holy being.

11. Many say, "I respect and applaud these standards, but, try as I might, I cannot live them." Can they indeed be followed?

Ezekiel 36:27, Philippians 4:13

Note: If we try to live these standards in our own strength, we are doomed to dismal failure. We have a fallen nature, which is contrary to God's self-sacrificing love. It is only through the transforming power of the Holy Spirit that we can be remade in his image. Once we have self-sacrificing love in our hearts, we will automatically keep the law, because love always does the right thing.

12. How can we be ready for life in heaven?

Luke 17:21

Note: When we are transformed into his likeness, we will obey God's standards as naturally as a candle gives light or a fire gives warmth, and we will not be strangers in our future heavenly homeland. We will be ready for Heaven, because we will already have heaven in our hearts!

SANCTIFIED HOMES

13. With what were the antediluvians obsessed?

Matthew 24:37-39

Note: Among the sins of Noah's day that led to the destruction of the world was the almost universal flouting of God's standards for marriage, sexual relations, and the home. Jesus said, "As it was in the days of Noah, so it will be also in the days of [the coming of] the Son of Man. " Luke 17:26. Today we are seeing this fulfilled.

Today there is an unhealthy emphasis on unbridled sex and loose morals in the movies, videos, television programs, advertising, and music. Is it any wonder that we are seeing an unprecedented increase in AIDS, teenage pregnancy, sexually transmitted diseases, suicide, and general immorality?

14. Who established the institution of marriage?

Genesis 2:21-24

(Matthew 19:4-6)

15. Does God condemn all sexual relations?

Hebrews 13:4

Note: God created men and women and their relationship to one another (Genesis 1:27-28). The fact that God has preserved the Song of Solomon in the Bible—despite many puritanical people who would have removed it—shows how he views such relationships. God made us in such a way that a man can look at a woman and say, "You look wonderful to me", and vice-versa.

16. While marriage is honourable, what does the Bible call those who engage in sex outside of marriage?

Hebrews 13:4b

Note: The word translated "whoremongers" in the King James version and "fornicators" in others is from the Greek word, "pornos", from which we get the word "pornography". This verse warns against all sexual relations outside of marriage. I Corinthians 6:9,10.

17. On what basis did the antediluvian followers of God begin to choose marriage partners?

Genesis 6:1-2

Note: The descendants of Seth were called the "sons of God" (see I John 3:1). They married the descendants of Cain, who were unconverted. This resulted not in the conversion of the unconverted spouses, but in the apostasy of the "sons of God." Genesis 24:1-3, Genesis 26:34-35, Genesis 28:1

18. What counsel does God give about marriage between a believer and an unbeliever?

2 Corinthians 6:14-18

(Deuteronomy 7:1-3)

19. Who did Balaam in ancient times use to entice the people of God to commit fornication and separate themselves from him?

Numbers 31:15-17

Note: Balaam used sexual immorality to cause them to disobey the Lord. Note Ellen White's comment on this: "Balaam knew that the prosperity of Israel depended on their observance of the law of God, and that there was no way to bring a curse upon them but by seducing them to transgress... He decided to secure himself Balak's reward, and the promotion he desired, by advising the Moabites what course to pursue to bring the curse upon Israel. he counseled Balak to proclaim an idolatrous feast in honor of their idol gods, and he would persuade the Israelites to attend, that they might be delighted with the MUSIC, and then the most beautiful Midianitish women would entice the Israelites to transgress the law of God... This satanic counsel succeeded too well... Many of the Israelites were persuaded by Balaam, because they regarded him as a prophet of God, to join him... and engage with him... in fornication. " 4 Spiritual Gifts 49

Sexual enticement to break God's law is Satan's plan, and it works "too well." He is still using this highly effective plan today. he is still

enticing men and women of all ages to commit sexual immorality through pornography, sexually explicit music videos, films, and literature. Modern day Balaams are still leading others to view the modern day, half-naked, dancing Midianite women on music videos seen on television.

20. Should one already married to an unbeliever seek a divorce?

I Corinthians 7:13

(I Peter 3:1)

21. Christ set forth only one legitimate reason for divorce. What was it? Why is this reason legitimate?

Matthew 19:5,6,9

Note: Without trust, there can be no relationship between people. This is why it has taken God so long to resolve the war, because relationships are based on trust. However, the Bible does not require the innocent party to divorce the unfaithful marriage partner. With God’s grace, forgiveness can be granted, and trust reestablished. I Corinthians 7:10-15,39, Mark 10:11-12, Deuteronomy 24:1-4. (Read the book of Hosea.)

22. Some people say, "times have changed." What does the Lord say about himself in Malachi 3:6?

Note: What was sin to the Lord 100 years ago is sin to him today. His principles and holy character do not change. His law does not change with the morals of a wicked and perverse society. Sin still results in death.

23. What should we not follow a multitude to do?

Exodus 23:2

Note: The "everybody's doing it" excuse holds no weight with God.

24. What does the Lord say we should do regarding fornication?

I Corinthians 6:18

Note: The Bible uses the word "fornication" when speaking about sexual immorality. By definition the word means "sexual intercourse between a man and woman not married to each other." It is illicit sexual intercourse outside of marriage. For those who cheat on their spouses, adultery and fornication are one in the same, and they will receive the same judgment.

Sexual immorality is a serious sin. It is so serious that those who practice it will exclude themselves from Heaven and eternal life—I Corinthians 6:9-10, Revelation 22:15.

The Bible counsels us to "resist the Devil", fight temptation, etc. But whenever sensual matter is involved, we are warned to FLEE! Joseph, one of the few Bible personages against whom there is no sin recorded, RAN when tempted in this area—Genesis 39:11

Note the counsel of the Spirit of Prophecy: "Flee fornication. Do not stop for one moment to reason. Satan would rejoice to see you overthrown by temptation. Do not stop to argue the case with your weak conscience. Turn away from the first step of transgression." Counsels on Health 587

25. How important is it that we control our eyes and our

thoughts? Matthew 5:27-30

Note: The antediluvians gave full reign to evil thoughts (Genesis 6:5). Doubtless they enjoyed sensual songs, pictures, and jokes. This led to the unpardonable sin, because the Holy Spirit could no longer reach them- Genesis 6:3

26. What is our body?

I Corinthians 6:19

27. What are we supposed to do with our bodies?

verse 20

Note: What a brazen sin it would be to enter a church and perform a lewd, sinful act right on the altar where the great and holy One is worshipped. Yet, when we use our bodies for immorality, we are committing a worse act of desecration. In fact, I Corinthians 6:15 tells us that when we sin with our bodies, we are making Christ a part of our immorality!

28. Does the Bible even tell us not to be friends with, or hang around with those who commit fornication?

I Corinthians 15:33

Note: Virginity is not something to be ashamed of as the devil would have many believe. It is something to be cherished until marriage, and once lost, can never be regained. Many are throwing away their purity and innocence haphazardly. It is a precious thing in God's sight, and in the sight of his people.

In order to "flee fornication" and sexual immorality, it is necessary to avoid friends who think lightly of this sin. We should avoid music, television programs, and movies that exalt this sin or encourages it. Sin is never "fun" in God's sight, and unless we change our course, it will ultimately destroy us.

Young and old alike should be wise enough to avoid "setting themselves up" by being alone with others of the opposite sex in intimate situations. Don't trust your lower nature.

29. When lust is conceived in our hearts, what will it ultimately lead to?

James l:14-16

30. If we have been guilty of these sins, what promise do we have if we confess and forsake it?

I John 1:9

31. Mary Magdalene was an adulteress. Jesus forgave her, but what else did he tell her to do?

John 8:11

CONCLUSION

"My dear friends, we are Now God's children, but it is not yet clear what we shall become. But we know that when Christ appears, we shall be like Him, because we shall see Him as He really is. Everyone who has this hope in Christ keeps himself pure, just as Christ is pure." I John 3:2-3

Today's society is like Noah's. Jesus said, "I do not pray that You should take them out of the world, but that You should keep them from the evil" (John 17:15). Will you determine, by God's help, to be pure in both thought and deed; and to fulfill your Christian duty as a husband, wife, parent or child?

My response to Christ is:______________________________