9. HEALTH REFORM-True Temperance in Day of Atonement.
"Now, while our great High Priest is making the atonement for us, we should seek to become perfect in Christ. Not even by a thought could our Saviour be brought to yield to the power of temptation. Satan finds in human hearts some point where he can gain a foothold; some sinful desire is cherished, by means of which his temptations assert their power. . . . It is in this life that we are to separate sin from us, through faith in the atoning blood of Christ. . . . None can neglect or defer this work but at the most fearful peril to their souls."-The Great Controversy, p. 623.
a. Time for true abstinence. Lev. 23:27.
b. Surfeiting and drunkenness dull the perceptions. Luke 21 :34.
c. As in the days of Noah. Matt. 24:37, 38.
d. Those who cling to forbidden foods to be destroyed. Isa. 66:15-17.
e. These things are forbidden. Deut. 14:8-10.
f. Christians will both eat and drink to the glory of God. I Cor. 10:31.
g. Purified to meet Christ.' I John 3:2, 3.
10. TEMPERANCE-Who Hath Wounds Without Cause?'
"Nadab and Abihu would never have committed that fatal sin, had they not first become partially intoxicated by the free use of wine. They understood that the most careful and solemn preparation was necessary before presenting themselves in the sanctuary where the divine presence was manifested ; but by intemperance they were disqualified for their holy office. Their minds became confused, and their moral perceptions dulled, so that they could not discern the difference between the sacred and the common. . . . The use of spirituous liquors has the effect to weaken the body, confuse the mind, and debase the morals. It prevents men from realizing the sacredness of holy things or the binding force of God's requirements. All who occupied positions of sacred responsibility were to be men of strict temperance, that their minds might be clear to discriminate between right and wrong, that they might possess firmness of principle, and wisdom to administer justice and to show mercy."-Patriarchs and Prophets, pp. 361, 362.
1. The folly of drinking. Prov. 20:1.
2. Woe to those with drinking habit. Isa. 5 a 1.
3. Graphic picture of a drunkard. Prov. 23: 29-35.
4. No drunkard can inherit heaven. 1 Cor. 6 :to.
5. We have no right to misuse Christ's property. I Cor. 6:19, 20.
II. DRESS REFORM-Ornament of Meek and Quiet Spirit.
"There should be no carelessness in dress. For Christ's sake, whose witnesses we are, we should seek to make the best of our appearance. In the tabernacle service, God specified every detail concerning the garments of those who ministered before Him. Thus we are taught that He has a preference in regard to the dress of those who serve Him. Very specific were the directions given in regard to Aaron's robes, for his dress was symbolic. So the dress of Christ's followers should be symbolic. In all things we are to be representative of Him. Our appearance in every aspect should be characterized by neatness, modesty, and purity. But the Word of God gives no sanction to the making of changes in apparel merely for the sake of fashion,-that we may appear like the world. Christians are not to decorate the person with costly array or expensive ornametits."-Testimonies, vol. 6, p. 96.
a. Clean bodies and clothing to meet God. Ex. 19:10, 11.
b. Stripped of ornamentation. Ex. 33:3-6.
c. Sanctuary built of such things-dedicated to God, not used personally. Ex. 35:22.
d. A God's-eye view of vanity. Isa. 3:16-24.
e. Differentiation called for in apparel of sexes. Deut. 22:5.
f. Christian ornamentation. I Peter 3 :3-5.
g. Modest apparel. I Tim. 2:9, To. Is. As befits His ambassadors. 2 Cor. 5:20.
12. TITHES AND OFFERINGS-Meat Mine House.
"In the days of Israel the tithe and freewill offerings were needed to maintain the ordinances of divine service. Should the people of God give less in this age? The principle laid down by Christ is that our offerings to God should be in proportion to the light and privileges enjoyed. . . . The work of the gospel, as it widens, requires greater provision to sustain it than. was called for anciently; and this makes the law of tithes and offerings of even more urgent necessity now than under the Hebrew economy."-Patriarchs and Prophets, pp. 328-529.
a. Sanctuary built by freewill offerings. Ex. 35: 4 ff.
b. Priests and Levites supported by tithe. Num. 18 :21, 26, 27.
C. Law of the tithe. Lev. 27:30-34.
d. God robbed when withheld. Mal. 3:8-12.
e. Blessings missed in proportion to man's niggardliness with God. Haggai I :3-11.
f. Same program in force for support of ministry today. 1 COT. 9:13, 14.
g. Bountiful giving ensures bountiful returns. 2 Cor. 9:6-8.
h. Christ a High Priest after order of Melchizedek. Heb. 6 :20.
i. Abraham honored Melchizedek with tithes. Heb, 7:1, 2.
j. We are Abraham's seed. Gal. 3:29.
k. Let us do his works. John 8:39.
l. And not leave the other undone. Matt. 23:23.
