Uniting Heaven and Earth: Christ in Philippians and Colossians

Standing in All the Will of God

Lesson #13 for March 28, 2026 

Scriptures:Colossians 4:7-18; Ephesians 6:21; Acts 15:36-40; 2 Timothy 4:10-11; 2 Peter 3:10-14; Isaiah 60:1-3; 1 Thessalonians 5:18.

1. Paul and Barnabas went on their missionary journeys as recorded in the book of Acts. Later, Silas joined Paul. In his final farewell messages in the book of Colossians, Paul mentioned a number of other workers with whom he had associated later in his ministry.
2. Paul sent associates to evangelize in the cities such as Colossae, Laodicea, and Hierapolis (now in western Turkey). As far as we know, Paul never visited those cities.

[From the Adult Teachers Sabbath School Bible Study Guide=T-BSG:] Paul’s wish with regard to the church members in Colossae is for them to “stand perfect and complete” (Col. 4:12, NKJV). For this reason, he assembles a “dream team” to work alongside him. Indeed,Colossians 4:7–14 is, as it were, a parade, featuring a marching unit of courageous Christian soldiers engaged in the most crucial of all battles, spiritual warfare. Paul teaches us that mission is teamwork. In their work for the church in Colossae, Tychicus and Onesimus appear at the forefront, sent by Paul both to give, and get, information (Col. 4:7–9). However, other fellow workers of Paul were also deeply committed to the church members in Colossae (Col. 4:10–14).—T-BSG* 171.^†‡§

[T-BSG:] This … lesson emphasizes three major themes:

1. Mission is a collaborative effort of people, working together in close connection.
2. Because mission is a collaborative effort, church leaders and missionaries must work with this clear purpose in mind, so that church members may “stand perfect and complete” (Col. 4:12, NKJV).
3. A profound love for Jesus removes any possibility of compromising with this world’s standards and with the materialism that characterizes it.—T-BSG* ^†‡§
4. It has been estimated that Paul traveled 13,400 miles during his ministry. Most of that distance, he traveled on foot. What kind of sandals did he wear? And where did he get them? It was his general plan to go to the major centers of commerce and business and establish Christian centers in those cities. From there, he could send assistants to smaller locations. This was especially true when Paul spent some years in prison. From prison, Paul had available to him two main ways of communication, personal messengers and his written letters, many of which we have.
5. How did Paul support himself during his evangelistic efforts? How did these other workers that he named support themselves? Was each independently wealthy? Did their families support them? Were the churches supporting them generously?
6. One of Paul’s closest allies and messengers in his last years was Tychicus whose name means fortunate. Tychicus was so trusted that he was chosen as one of those to accompany Paul on his final journey to Jerusalem, carrying a lot of money, probably in the form of gold, to support the churches back in Palestine. Tychicus was so loyal that he even accompanied Paul during a second imprisonment in Rome. (2 Timothy 4:12)
7. With regard to the church at Colossae, Tychicus was accompanied by Onesimus with that very important message carrying Paul’s letters—the books of Colossians and Philemon. Paul prayed fervently for all the churches of which he was aware and certainly welcomed any word that came from any of them, especially as his time grew short.
8. While there is every reason to believe that many of these fellow workers of Paul were greatly attracted to the gospel, it seems clear that they were also attracted to the person of Paul and his commitment to the cause of God. Would you be?
9. Paul’s ministry covered areas from Palestine to Asia Minor (now known as Turkey), to Greece, and finally, Rome. He began to develop a feel for the larger message that Jesus wanted to present to the entire world. Paul constantly recognized that he was a part of something larger than just his personal ministry. Do we?
10. Today, we are connected by the Internet, social media, and countless devices including telephone, radio, and television. They help us to realize that we are part of a larger, worldwide group of humanity.
11. What is it that helps us to realize that we are part of something bigger than our local community? Do we feel that we are an intimate part of the worldwide Seventh-day Adventist Church? What are we doing to promote the work and goals of the church?

Colossians 4:10-11: ¹⁰Aristarchus, who is in prison with me, sends you greetings, and so does Mark, the cousin of Barnabas. (You have already received instructions to welcome Mark if he comes your way.) ¹¹Joshua, also called Justus, sends greetings too. These three are the only Jewish believers who work with me for the Kingdom of God, and they have been a great help to me.—American Bible Society. (©1992). The Holy Bible: The Good News Translation^®* [GNT] (Today’s English Version) [TEV], Second Edition (Colossians 4:10-11). Philadelphia: American Bible Society [abbreviated as Good News Bible-TEV* or GNB-TEV*].^†‡

11. Although there have been several mentions of Mark or John Mark, this is the first time we have learned that he was the cousin of Barnabas.

[From the Adult Sabbath School Bible Study Guide=BSG:] With these greetings, Paul creates and fosters connectivity among fellow believers. We learn here that Mark was Barnabas’s cousin. Paul thus paves the way for Mark’s probable visit to Colossae. Aristarchus is described literally as a “fellow prisoner-of-war”; that is, he was imprisoned with Paul. They were both soldiers with “the armour [sic-Br] of God” (Eph. 6:10, 11), fighting to set Satan’s captives free for service in the kingdom of God (see2 Tim. 2:1–4). [Joshua/]Jesus/Justus (Jewish, [Greek,] and Roman names that sound very similar in Greek, like Saul/Paul) is also commended to them as a trustworthy fellow laborer in the gospel.—BSG* for Monday, March 23.^†‡§

12. Paul reached out to anyone who would listen to his news about the gospel. He specifically mentioned three associates Aristarchus, Mark, and Justus, otherwise known as Joshua or Jesus as being Jewish believers. He also mentioned three associates who were definitely Gentile—Epaphras, Luke, and Demas. (Colossians 4:12-14)
13. There is no evidence in Paul’s writings that these people had any trouble getting along. They all seemed to be committed to the central core message: The same message to which Paul was committed. As we know, John Mark had abandoned Paul and Barnabas when he was much younger. However, later, Paul was very happy to have Mark work with him. Review the following table from T-BSG* page 172.^‡Ω

[T-BSG:] This table reveals that Paul had a “dream” team. Mission work is not a solitary activity. The more people engaged in missionary work, the greater the results. However, there is also room for a quasi-anonymous missionary, such as “Jesus who is called Justus” (Col. 4:11, NKJV). This verse is the only place in which he is mentioned in the entire New Testament. Interestingly, Paul says nothing about Demas (Col. 4:14)…. It is noteworthy that Paul’s missionary team includes people from both Jewish and Gentile backgrounds. Differences dissolve in the unity of faith.—T-BSG* 172.^†‡§

14. What do you think of the words Paul used to describe his various coworkers? What does it mean when he called Epaphras “a bondservant of Christ”? Some of these men are mentioned in more detail in the book of Acts.

Standing Perfect or Mature and Complete (Colossians 4:12, NKJV*)

15. Do you think any of the other coworkers were a little reluctant to accept Onesimus, a former slave and new convert, as a fellow worker? It seems very clear that Paul had a warm and cordial relationship with each of these gentlemen. The one woman mentioned in this group was the head of a church that met in her house, a woman whose name was Nympha. Was she an elder? Paul called these workers to the cause and called the various churches to become “perfect and complete” in their standing. Notice these words:

Philippians 3:13-14: ¹³Of course, my friends, I really do not think that I have already won it; the one thing I do, however, is to forget what is behind me and do my best to reach what is ahead. ¹⁴So I run straight toward the goal in order to win the prize, which is God’s call through Christ Jesus to the life above.—Good News Bible-TEV.*^†

16. If we believe that the second coming of Jesus is going to take place very soon, shouldn’t we have the same focus that Paul had?
17. Paul recognized that these workers would each have their own habits and temptations.

Colossians 1:23: You must, of course, continue faithful on a firm and sure foundation, and must not allow yourselves to be shaken from the hope you gained when you heard the gospel. It is of this gospel that I, Paul, became a servant—this gospel which has been preached to everybody in the world.—Good News Bible-TEV.*^† [Probably the Mediterranean world.]^‡

[T-BSG:] In their work, Christian leaders must focus on one clear goal: helping church members grow in faith and align fully with God’s will. They must work and pray for them to be “perfect and complete” (Col. 4:12 [NKJV])…. The Greek word rendered as “perfect” is teleios, which can simply mean “mature” (1 Cor. 2:6, 1Cor. 14:20,Phil. 3:15, NKJV). In turn, the Greek word rendered as “complete” is plēroō, which, when applied to people, is used elsewhere in reference to God’s action of filling someone with spiritual blessings (seeActs 2:28,Rom. 15:13). InEphesians 4:13, Paul indicates that “the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God” results in “a perfect/[mature (teleios)] man.”—T-BSG* 173.^†‡Ω§

[T-BSG:] Paul wants the church members in Colossae to develop a Christlike character. Earlier in his letter, he revealed his concern about this matter (Col. 2:6, 7). A Christlike manner of living includes knowing “His [God’s] will in all wisdom and spiritual understanding” (Col. 1:9, NKJV). It also means walking “worthy of the Lord,” pleasing Him, “being fruitful in every good work,” and “increasing in the knowledge of God” (Col. 1:10, NKJV)…. In sum, Paul says that the goal of preaching is to present “every man perfect in Christ” (Col. 1:28; see alsoCol. 1:29).—T-BSG* 173-174.^†‡Ω§

18. ReadColossians 4:12-13.

[BSG:] Epaphras was probably instrumental in the spread of the gospel to Colossae and to the nearby cities of Laodicea and Hierapolis (see Lesson 1). His greetings and prayers for these churches were no doubt greatly encouraging to believers there. Epaphras’s prayers had a clear focus─that the Colossians would “stand perfect and complete in all the will of God” (Col. 4:12). Let’s consider more carefully the rich components of this prayer.

Stand. The word means to stand firm and unmoved, which is possible only by being “grounded and steadfast” in the faith and confident of the truth of the gospel (Col. 1:23, NKJV). The same word is used several times by Paul in reference to the battle against “the wiles of the devil” (Eph. 6:11) and withstanding the forces of darkness through divine power by putting on “the whole armour [sic-Br] of God” (Eph. 6:10–18; compare2 Tim. 2:19).

Perfect. The word refers to the perfection of character that finds its ultimate expression in sacrificial love (Matt. 5:44, 48) by those who will never claim to have “arrived” (Phil. 3:12–15, NIV).

Complete. This powerful word means to satisfy fully or bring something to full measure. It is used of Abraham’s being “fully convinced” that God would do what He promised, though humanly impossible (Rom. 4:21, NKJV), and Paul’s being strengthened by the Lord so that “the message might be preached fully” through him (2 Tim. 4:17, NKJV).

All the will of God. The word “all” is comprehensive. Paul himself prayed that the Colossians would be filled with a knowledge of God’s will, “live worthily of the Lord and please him in all respects” (Col. 1:9, 10, NET) through “His glorious power” (Col. 1:11, NKJV).—BSG* for Tuesday.^†‡§

19. Paul also recognized that the forces against which these gentlemen would be working were more than just human forces. At the same time as Paul was writing his letter to the Colossians and sending it, he also sent a letter to the Ephesians. Notice his comments.

Ephesians 6:10-18: ¹⁰ Finally, build up your strength in union with the Lord and by means of his mighty power. ¹¹Put on all the armor that God gives you, so that you will be able to stand up against the Devil’s evil tricks. ¹²For we are not fighting against human beings but against the wicked spiritual forces in the heavenly world, the rulers, authorities, and cosmic powers of this dark age. ¹³So put on God’s armor now! Then when the evil day comes, you will be able to resist the enemy’s attacks; and after fighting to the end, you will still hold your ground.

¹⁴ So stand ready, with truth as a belt tight around your waist, with righteousness as your breastplate, ¹⁵and as your shoes the readiness to announce the Good News of peace. ¹⁶At all times carry faith as a shield; for with it you will be able to put out all the burning arrows shot by the Evil One. ¹⁷And accept salvation as a helmet, and the word of God as the sword which the Spirit gives you. ¹⁸Do all this in prayer, asking for God’s help. Pray on every occasion, as the Spirit leads. For this reason keep alert and never give up; pray always for all God’s people.—Good News Bible-TEV.*^†

20. We also should notice a parallel between Paul’s comments and those made by Jesus.

Matthew 5:44-48: ⁴⁴ “But now I [Jesus] tell you…. ⁴⁸You must be perfect—just as your Father in heaven is perfect!”—Good News Bible-TEV.*^†‡

21. Paul recognized that he himself was still striving toward a goal. Did Paul see Christ in vision more than once? When?

Philippians 3:12-14: ¹² I do not claim that I have already succeeded or have already become perfect. I keep striving to win the prize for which Christ Jesus has already won me to himself. ¹³Of course, my friends, I really do not think that I have already won it; the one thing I do, however, is to forget what is behind me and do my best to reach what is ahead. ¹⁴So I run straight toward the goal in order to win the prize, which is God’s call through Christ Jesus to the life above.—Good News Bible-TEV.*^†

22. With regard to the Colossians, Paul wrote:

Colossians 1:9-12: ⁹ For this reason we have always prayed for you, ever since we heard about you. We ask God to fill you with the knowledge of his will, with all the wisdom and understanding that his Spirit gives. ¹⁰Then you will be able to live as the Lord wants and will always do what pleases him. Your lives will produce all kinds of good deeds, and you will grow in your knowledge of God. ^11–12May you be made strong with all the strength which comes from his glorious power, so that you may be able to endure everything with patience….—Good News Bible-TEV.*

[From the writings of Ellen G. White=EGW:] It was not the will of God that the coming of Christ should be thus delayed. God did not design that His people, Israel, should wander forty years in the wilderness…. For forty years did unbelief, murmuring, and rebellion shut out ancient Israel from the land of Canaan. The same sins have delayed the entrance of modern Israel into the heavenly Canaan. In neither case were the promises of God at fault. It is the unbelief, the worldliness, unconsecration, and strife among the Lord’s professed people [Is that us?] that have kept us in this world of sin and sorrow so many years.—Manuscript 4, 1883.—Ellen G. White, Evangelism* 696.1-2.^†‡ [Satan’s victory!]^‡ [https://egwwritings.org/read?panels=p30.3859&index=0]^‡

23. What do you think Paul would say to us living so close to the second coming of Jesus? Might his words be similar to these words of Jesus?

Mark 13:33-37: ³³ “Be on watch, be alert, for you do not know when the time will come. ³⁴It will be like a man who goes away from home on a trip and leaves his servants in charge, after giving to each one his own work to do and after telling the doorkeeper to keep watch. ³⁵Watch, then, because you do not know when the master of the house is coming—it might be in the evening or at midnight or before dawn or at sunrise. ³⁶If he comes suddenly, he must not find you asleep. ³⁷What I say to you, then, I say to all: Watch.”—Good News Bible-TEV.*^† [The doorkeepers job was to open the door from inside.]^‡

2 Peter 3:10-13: ¹⁰ But the Day of the Lord will come like a thief. On that Day the heavens will disappear with a shrill noise, the heavenly bodies will burn up and be destroyed, and the earth with everything in it will vanish. ¹¹Since all these things will be destroyed in this way, what kind of people should you be? Your lives should be holy and dedicated to God, ¹²as you wait for the Day of God and do your best to make it come soon—the Day when the heavens will burn up and be destroyed, and the heavenly bodies will be melted by the heat. ¹³But we wait for what God has promised: new heavens and a new earth, where righteousness will be at home.—Good News Bible-TEV.*^† [Will God’s glory melt the elements?]^‡

2 Timothy 3:12: Everyone who wants to live a godly life in union with Christ Jesus will be persecuted.—Good News Bible-TEV.*^† [Is that a promise?]^‡

24. There are definitely Christians in our world today who are suffering. Why are we not suffering? Is it that our time has not yet come but will come?

See: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLpgOUrlAsCzMAjh7BGlq5Q7WdCJTOaruK

[BSG:] Jesus and the apostles frequently warn us to “watch,” be vigilant, and be ready always for the Master’s coming so as not to be taken by surprise. Unfortunately, as did the disciples who failed to heed Jesus’ command to “watch and pray” (Mark 14:38, NKJV), many will not make the necessary preparations. It all comes down to who or what has our hearts, because we cannot serve two masters.—BSG* for Wednesday, March 25.^‡§

25. If Jesus would come tomorrow, what things would you wish you had changed in your life? What will you do when the Seventh-day Adventist Church is illegal?

Warning Against Materialism: The Example of Demas

26. How did Paul expect people he had never met to be filled with the knowledge of God’s will? What resources did they have available to them? Was it only the witness of Paul and his associates? Or, did they have other written documents?
27. One of the main emphases that Paul had in these two letters of Philippians and Colossians is a challenge to live in this world, but not to be part of the world. The sad story of Demas illustrates this point.

[T-BSG:] Interestingly, Paul said nothing about Demas [in Colossians except naming him] (Col. 4:14). Perhaps, Paul’s silence is because there was nothing positive to say, as Demas already might have been drifting away from the faith, as the apostle mentions in2 Timothy 4:10.—T-BSG* 172.^‡§

Colossians 4:14-15: ¹⁴Luke, our dear doctor, and Demas send you their greetings.

¹⁵Give our best wishes to the believers in Laodicea and to Nympha and the church that meets in her house.—Good News Bible-TEV.*

28. Several years later while in prison for the last time in Rome, Paul wrote:

2 Timothy 4:10-11: ¹⁰Demas fell in love with this present world and has deserted me, going off to Thessalonica…. ¹¹Only Luke is with me. Get Mark and bring him with you, because he can help me in the work.—Good News Bible-TEV.*^† [This was written from the Mamertine Prison!]^‡

[BSG:] The apostle John tells us, “Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world. If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him” (1 John 2:15). Luke’s love for Jesus and His kingdom led him to stand by Paul to the end, come what may, whereas Demas loved this world more than the world to come.—BSG* for Wednesday, March 25.^‡§

[T-BSG:] The Bible teaches that Christians must not conform to the world’s values or the materialism that defines it (Rom. 12:2). However, Demas fell into the trap of loving this present world (2 Tim. 4:10). In bothRomans 12:2 and2 Timothy 4:10, the Greek word rendered as “world” is aiōn. It is applied in reference to “the system of practices and standards associated with secular society.”—Johannes P. Louw and Eugene Albert Nida, Greek-English Lexicon of the New Testament: Based on Semantic Domains, vol. 1 (New York: United Bible Societies, 1996), p. 507.—T-BSG* 174.^‡§

Romans 12:2: Do not conform yourselves to the standards of this world, but let God transform you inwardly by a complete change of your mind. Then you will be able to know the will of God—what is good and is pleasing to him and is perfect.—Good News Bible-TEV.*

[T-BSG:] In addition to aiōn, the term kosmos is often used to refer to the evil values and systems of this world. For instance, in1 John 2:16, the apostle John uses three phrases to summarize how this worldly system operates: “the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life” (NKJV). Scholars agree that this trifecta of worldly lust and pride constitutes a radical warning against materialism. It is not surprising that Paul holds such a negative view concerning “the present age [aiōn]” (Titus 2:12, NKJV), to the point of emphasizing that Jesus “gave Himself for our sins, that He might deliver us from this present evil age” (Gal. 1:4, NKJV; emphasis added). In1 Timothy 6:17, Paul delivers a clear command for “those who are rich in this present age not to be haughty, nor to trust in uncertain riches but in the living God” (NKJV; emphasis added). InTitus 2:12, the apostle remarks that Christians should reject “ungodliness and worldly lusts” by means of a sober, righteous, and godly life “in the present age” (NKJV).—T-BSG* 174.^†‡Ω§ [Does this refer only to materialism?]^‡

29. Do you think Demas’s love for this world was the reason why he left Paul?
30. How many people like Demas are in the church today? How many “Lukes” are there? What are the “burning” goals you have in your life? Do they include finishing the gospel? Or, is your goal acquiring a large bank account?

Laodicea and the Final End

31. One of the interesting and somewhat mysterious things about this letter to the Colossians is that Paul told them to have this letter read at Laodicea and to have the Laodicean’s letter read to them. What do we know about letter to Laodicea? There obviously is no letter in the Bible called Laodicea. We do know some things about the church at Laodicea, especially in light of John’s comments inRevelation 3:14-22.
32. There is some evidence that Archippus and Philemon were members of the church at Laodicea. Is it possible that the short letter of Philemon was addressed to that church?
33. What things stand between you and the other members of your church and the second coming of Christ?

[BSG:] Looking at the history of God’s people through the ages, the same problems occur again and again. The prophets rebuked Israel for wanting to worship like the world and urged them to repent before it was too late. Isaiah even lamented, “How the faithful city has become a harlot!” (Isa. 1:21, NKJV) and urged the people to return to God for forgiveness and cleansing (Isa. 1:16–20). Both John the Baptist (Matt. 3:2, 8–10) and Jesus (Matt. 4:17,Matt. 12:33–37) called upon the Israelites to repent and bear fruit that would stand the test of the judgment in the last days. The apostles bore a similar message (Acts 2:38; Acts 3:19; Acts 17:30; 2 Cor. 7:9, 10).—BSG* for Thursday, March 26.^†‡§

34. Sins among God’s people are not new! Isaiah wrote about them.

Isaiah 1:16-21: ¹⁶ “Wash yourselves clean. Stop all this evil that I see you doing. Yes, stop doing evil ¹⁷and learn to do right. See that justice is done—help those who are oppressed, give orphans their rights, and defend widows.”

¹⁸The Lord says, “Now, let’s settle the matter. You are stained red with sin, but I will wash you as clean as snow. Although your stains are deep red, you will be as white as wool. ¹⁹If you will only obey me, you will eat the good things the land produces. ²⁰But if you defy me, you are doomed to die. I, the Lord, have spoken.”

²¹ The city that once was faithful is behaving like a whore! At one time it was filled with righteous people, but now only murderers remain.—Good News Bible-TEV.*^† [When was Jerusalem “filled with righteous people”? Was it ever? Will that be in the new Jerusalem?]^‡

Matthew 3:2,10: ² “Turn away from your sins,” he [John the Baptist] said, “because the Kingdom of heaven is near!”…

¹⁰ “The ax is ready to cut down the trees at the roots; every tree that does not bear good fruit will be cut down and thrown in the fire.”—GNB-TEV.*^‡

35. How would you compare these passages?

Isaiah 60:1-3: ¹ Arise, Jerusalem, and shine like the sun;

The glory of the Lord is shining on you!

² Other nations will be covered by darkness,

But on you the light of the Lord will shine;

The brightness of his presence will be with you.

³ Nations will be drawn to your light,

And kings to the dawning of your new day.—Good News Bible-TEV.*^†

Revelation 18:1-4: ¹ After this I saw another angel coming down out of heaven. He had great authority, and his splendor brightened the whole earth. ²He cried out in a loud voice: “She has fallen! Great Babylon has fallen! She is now haunted by demons and unclean spirits; all kinds of filthy and hateful birds live in her. ³For all the nations have drunk her wine—the strong wine of her immoral lust. The kings of the earth practiced sexual immorality with her, and the merchants of the world grew rich from her unrestrained lust.”

⁴ Then I heard another voice from heaven, saying:

“Come out, my people! Come out from her!

You must not take part in her sins;

you must not share in her punishment!”—Good News Bible-TEV.*^†

36. Read alsoIsaiah 62:1-5 and compare it withRevelation 19:7-8. Do you think these messages would also apply to us?
37. God will unite heaven and earth. However, because of the great controversy, that must be done in stages. The entire onlooking universe had the privilege of watching the great controversy develop from the fall in the Garden of Eden down through the experiences of the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus.
38. In the garden of Gethsemane and at Calvary, Satan lost any affection left toward him among the heavenly beings. (John 12:31)

John 12:31: [Jesus said:] “Now is the time for this world to be judged; now the ruler of this world will be overthrown.”—Good News Bible-TEV.*^‡

39. See the chapter entitled “It Is Finished” in The Desire of Ages pages 758-764.

(https://egwwritings.org/read?panels=p130.3743&index=0)

40. Try to imagine how you would have responded if you had observed the final days of Jesus’s earthly ministry.

[BSG:] Through the millennial judgment and the final judgment after the millennium, all remaining questions are forever settled, and sin and unrepentant sinners are destroyed in the lake of eternal fire, which also cleanses the earth (Rev. 21:8).—BSG* Wednesday, March 25.^‡§

41. The final judgment of the righteous is taking place right now in what is called the pre-advent judgment. The final judgment of the wicked takes place at the third coming after the millennium! ReadZechariah 3:1-5 which says that Satan is accusing us, and Yahweh is defending us. Also readDaniel 7:9-10 which describes the court scene in heaven with God. It is happening now as millions of beings of the universe watch.
42. God’s judgment is based on absolute truth, and thus, each person as she/he looks back over her/his own life in that final judgment will judge herself/himself.

[EGW:] Could those whose lives have been spent in rebellion against God be suddenly transported to heaven and witness the high, the holy state of perfection that ever exists there … could those whose hearts are filled with hatred of God, of truth and holiness, mingle with the heavenly throng and join their songs of praise? Could they endure the glory of God and the Lamb? No, no; years of probation were granted them, that they might form characters for heaven; but they have never trained the mind to love purity; they have never learned the language of heaven, and now it is too late. A life of rebellion against God has unfitted them for heaven. Its purity, holiness, and peace would be torture to them; the glory of God would be a consuming fire. They would long to flee from that holy place. They would welcome destruction, that they might be hidden from the face of Him who died to redeem them. The destiny of the wicked is fixed by their own choice. Their exclusion from heaven is voluntary with themselves, and just and merciful on the part of God.—Ellen G. White, The Great Controversy* 542.2.^†‡

[https://egwwritings.org/read?panels=p132.2459&index=0]^‡

43. The entire universe is watching to see what kind of neighbors they will have for the rest of eternity. Will it include you?
44. As you look at yourself—not looking at anyone else—what do you think you need to do to prepare for the final days of this world’s history?
45. Read and meditate on the implications of Ellen G. White in The Desire of Ages* 324.1.

(https://egwwritings.org/read?panels=p130.1554&index=0)

46. There are only two sides in the great controversy. Each of us will end up on one side or the other. Only those who definitely choose Christ will remain on His side. Everyone else, consciously or unconsciously, will end up on the Devil’s side. For which side are you preparing yourself? On which side will you be?

©2026, Kenneth Hart, MD, MA, MPH. Permission is hereby granted for any noncommercial use of these materials. Free distribution of all or of a portion of this material such as to a Bible study class is encouraged. *Electronic version. ^†Bold type is added. ^‡Brackets and content in brackets are added. ^ΩBrackets and the content in brackets within the paragraph are in the Bible study guide or source. ^§Italic type is in the source. [sic-Br ]=This is correct as quoted; it is the British spelling.

Last Modified: March 1, 2026                                                                                    Email: Info@theox.org