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Study 03 of 8

Truths and History That Motivate

A vivid grasp of fundamental biblical truths and the history of God's leading in the advent movement stirs believers to witness.

Hands-free narration of this study — good for the car.

Synopsis

The second secret argues that internalizing the whole package of Adventist fundamental truths, seen in the light of the Great Controversy, is itself a powerful motivator to witness. The booklet walks through several specific truths: that truth received in the heart becomes a working element in the life; that the shortness of time and Christ's soon return arouse believers to labor as never before; that the Three Angels' Messages and the Laodicean message call a slumbering church to a personal relationship with Christ; and that the sanctuary message reveals an all-powerful Mediator who is the very center of motivation. It adds that understanding fulfilled prophecy and the counsel of Zechariah 3 and 4 strengthens faith and courage for mission. A further cluster of points shows that thorough conversion, reconversion where needed, and consecration are prerequisites for feeling the burden of souls, culminating in the believer who partakes of the divine nature and so loves and works as Christ did. The section closes with an extended list, drawn from the early church's experience, of marks such as united love, urgency, and inability to rest until others saw the light they had received.

Key points

  • Truth received into the heart becomes 'a working element' that is apparent in the outward, witnessing life.
  • The nearness of the judgment and Christ's soon return are meant to arouse believers to labor as never before.
  • The sanctuary message reveals the all-powerful Mediator and is described as 'the Center of Motivation.'
  • Thorough conversion, reconversion, and consecration are the prerequisites for truly feeling the burden of souls.

Key texts

  • Zechariah 3:1-10
  • Zechariah 4:1-14
  • Hebrews 8:1-2

From the course book

Secret 2 · pp. 8-13 · Open the reader

  • “If the truth is received in the heart, and valued as a heavenly gift, it will be a working element, that will work from the heart, and its workings will be apparent in the outward life.” (p. 8)
  • “We are rapidly approaching the end of this earth's history; and as we realize that Jesus is indeed coming soon, we shall be aroused to labor as never before.” (p. 9)
  • “The correct understanding of the ministration in the heavenly sanctuary is the foundation of our faith.” (p. 10)
  • “Many will not feel the burden of souls until they are thoroughly converted and copy the Pattern, Jesus Christ.” (p. 11)

Put it into practice

  • Study one fundamental Adventist belief this week and identify how grasping it stirs you toward witness rather than mere information.
  • Read Zechariah 3 and 4 as Ellen White urged, watching for what it says about the church's calling to 'go forward and upward.'
  • Examine your own heart for signs of needing reconversion or fuller consecration before expecting to feel a genuine burden for souls.
  • Share with someone this week even a small piece of truth you have recently understood more clearly yourself.
  1. Comprehension

    1. According to this secret, what two things, vividly discerned and internalized, will motivate members to witness?

  2. Scripture

    2. Read the quote on truth received in the heart (p.8). What happens to truth that is truly valued as a heavenly gift?

  3. Doctrinal Clarity

    3. Why does the booklet call the sanctuary message 'the Center of Motivation'?

  4. Contrast

    4. Contrast a church member who has only a limited profession of faith with one who has experienced 'the converting power of God,' as described in this section.

  5. Comprehension

    5. What did Ellen White say would happen 'as we realize that Jesus is indeed coming soon'?

  6. Scripture

    6. Read Zechariah 3 and 4 in your Bible. What did Ellen White say would result from these chapters being understood and received?

  7. Doctrinal Clarity

    7. What six-fold cluster of experiences does the booklet list as prerequisites to feeling a genuine burden for souls?

  8. Application

    8. Which one of these motivating truths (sanctuary, prophecy, conversion/consecration, shortness of time) do you personally need to grasp more vividly, and what step will you take to study it this week?