MEMORY VERSE: ‘For there is one God and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus.’ 1 Timothy 2:5.
LESSON AIM: To show that our sins have separated between us and our God. Without a Mediator, a go-between, between us and God, One who can bring about the promised At-one-ment to bring us back into favour with our God, it would be impossible for us to be reconciled with God.
‘The accession of the Roman Church to power marked the beginning of the [spiritual] Dark Ages. As her power increased, the darkness deepened. Faith was transferred from Christ, the true foundation, to the pope of Rome. Instead of trusting in the Son of God for forgiveness of sins and for eternal salvation, the people looked to the pope, and to the priests and prelates to whom he delegated authority. They were taught that the pope was their earthly mediator and that none could approach God except through him; and, further, that he stood in the place of God to them and was therefore to be implicitly obeyed.’ Great Controversy, page 55.
1. How does the Bible describe the role of a priest? 1 Timothy 2:5.
NOTE: ‘Christ is your Redeemer; He will take no advantage of your humiliating confessions. If you have sin of a private character, confess it to Christ, who is the only Mediator between God and man.’ Counsels for the Church, page 259.
2. Why do we need a mediator between ourselves and God? Isaiah 59:2.
NOTE: ‘I entreat you now to humble yourselves, and cease your stubborn resistance of light and evidence. Say unto the Lord, “Mine iniquities have separated between me and my God. O Lord, pardon my transgressions. Blot out my sins from the book of Thy remembrance.” Praise His holy name, there is forgiveness with Him, and you can be converted, transformed.’ Pamphlet, number 154, page 42.