Please read the Missionary Report below for the
Establishment of Tertiary Schools
Sabbath, December 31, 2016
“As your senses delight in the attractive loveliness of the earth, think of the world that is to come, that shall never know the blight of sin and death; where the face of nature will no more wear the shadow of the curse. Let your imagination picture the home of the saved, and remember that it will be more glorious than your brightest imagination can portray. In the varied gifts of God in nature we see but the faintest gleaming of His glory. It is written, ‘Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love Him.’ 1 Corinthians 2:9.” –Steps to Christ, pp. 86, 87.
New heaven and earth
1. What did the apostle John see in vision, and what will be the privilege of the redeemed? Finally, what will no longer exist?
Revelation 21:1-4, 10, 11 And I saw a new heaven and a new earth: for the first heaven and the first earth were passed away; and there was no more sea. 2And I John saw the holy city, new Jerusalem, coming down from God out of heaven, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband. 3And I heard a great voice out of heaven saying, Behold, the tabernacle of God is with men, and he will dwell with them, and they shall be his people, and God himself shall be with them, and be their God. 4And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain: for the former things are passed away…. 10And he carried me away in the spirit to a great and high mountain, and shewed me that great city, the holy Jerusalem, descending out of heaven from God, 11Having the glory of God: and her light was like unto a stone most precious, even like a jasper stone, clear as crystal.
“There the redeemed ones greet those who directed them to the uplifted Saviour. They unite in praising Him who died that human beings might have the life that measures with the life of God. The conflict is over. All tribulation and strife are at an end.” –The Ministry of Healing, p. 506.
“In the city of God ‘there shall be no night.’ None will need or desire repose. There will be no weariness in doing the will of God and offering praise to His name. We shall ever feel the freshness of the morning, and shall ever be far from its close. ‘And they need no candle, neither light of the sun; for the Lord God giveth them light.’ Revelation 22:5. The light of the sun will be superseded by a radiance which is not painfully dazzling, yet which immeasurably surpasses the brightness of our noontide. The glory of God and the Lamb floods the holy city with unfading light. The redeemed walk in the sunless glory of perpetual day.
“ ‘I saw no temple therein: for the Lord God Almighty and the Lamb are the temple of it.’ Revelation 21:22. The people of God are privileged to hold open communion with the Father and the Son.” –The Great Controversy, p. 676.
Tree of life
2. After centuries of degeneration and weakness, what will God’s people experience?
Revelation: 22:2, 14 In the midst of the street of it, and on either side of the river, was there the tree of life, which bare twelve manner of fruits, and yielded her fruit every month: and the leaves of the tree were for the healing of the nations…. 14Blessed are they that do his commandments, that they may have right to the tree of life, and may enter in through the gates into the city.
“In the beginning, man was created in the likeness of God, not only in character, but in form and feature. Sin defaced and almost obliterated the divine image; but Christ came to restore that which had been lost. He will change our vile bodies and fashion them like unto His glorious body. The mortal, corruptible form, devoid of comeliness, once polluted with sin, becomes perfect, beautiful, and immortal. All blemishes and deformities are left in the grave. Restored to the tree of life in the long-lost Eden, the redeemed will ‘grow up’ (Malachi 4:2) to the full stature of the race in its primeval glory. The last lingering traces of the curse of sin will be removed, and Christ’s faithful ones will appear in ‘the beauty of the Lord our God,’ in mind and soul and body reflecting the perfect image of their Lord.” –The Great Controversy, pp. 644, 645.
“I then saw Jesus leading His people to the tree of life, and again we heard His lovely voice, richer than any music that ever fell on mortal ear, saying, ‘The leaves of this tree are for the healing of the nations. Eat ye all of it.’ Upon the tree of life was most beautiful fruit, of which the saints could partake freely, in the city was a most glorious throne, from which proceeded a pure river of water of life, clear as crystal. On each side of this river was the tree of life, and on the banks of the river were other beautiful trees bearing fruit which was good for food.” –The Story of Redemption, p. 414.
Song of the redeemed
3. How will the redeemed express their gratitude to God and their Saviour?
Revelation 15:2, 3; 5:12 And I saw as it were a sea of glass mingled with fire: and them that had gotten the victory over the beast, and over his image, and over his mark, and over the number of his name, stand on the sea of glass, having the harps of God. 3And they sing the song of Moses the servant of God, and the song of the Lamb, saying, Great and marvellous are thy works, Lord God Almighty; just and true are thy ways, thou King of saints…. 5:12Saying with a loud voice, Worthy is the Lamb that was slain to receive power, and riches, and wisdom, and strength, and honour, and glory, and blessing.
“While John was shown the last great struggles of the church with earthly powers, he was also permitted to behold the final victory and deliverance of the faithful. He saw the church brought into deadly conflict with the beast and his image, and the worship of that beast enforced on pain of death. But looking beyond the smoke and din of the battle, he beheld a company upon Mount Zion with the Lamb, having, instead of the mark of the beast, the ‘Father’s name written in their foreheads.’ And again he saw “them that had gotten the victory over the beast, and over his image, and over his mark, and over the number of his name, stand on the sea of glass, having the harps of God” and singing the song of Moses and the Lamb.” –Testimonies for the Church, vol. 5, pp. 752, 753.
Activity on the new earth
4. What will the redeemed be able to do on the new earth?
Isaiah 65:21, 22 And they shall build houses, and inhabit them; and they shall plant vineyards, and eat the fruit of them. 22They shall not build, and another inhabit; they shall not plant, and another eat: for as the days of a tree are the days of my people, and mine elect shall long enjoy the work of their hands.
“There are ever-flowing streams, clear as crystal, and beside them waving trees cast their shadows upon the paths prepared for the ransomed of the Lord. There the wide-spreading plains swell into hills of beauty, and the mountains of God rear their lofty summits. On those peaceful plains, beside those living streams, God’s people, so long pilgrims and wanderers, shall find a home.
“ ‘My people shall dwell in a peaceable habitation, and in sure dwellings, and in quiet resting places.’ ‘Violence shall no more be heard in thy land, wasting nor destruction within thy borders; but thou shalt call thy walls Salvation, and thy gates Praise.’ ‘They shall build houses, and inhabit them; and they shall plant vineyards, and eat the fruit of them. They shall not build, and another inhabit; they shall not plant, and another eat:… Mine elect shall long enjoy the work of their hands.’ Isaiah 32:18; 60:18; 65:21, 22.” –The Great Controversy, p. 675.
The school of the hereafter
5. How will knowledge be changed? What great subject will the redeemed never tire of studying?
1 Corinthians 13:12 For now we see through a glass, darkly; but then face to face: now I know in part; but then shall I know even as also I am known.
1 Timothy 3:16 And without controversy great is the mystery of godliness: God was manifest in the flesh, justified in the Spirit, seen of angels, preached unto the Gentiles, believed on in the world, received up into glory.
“As the life of Christ and the character of His mission are dwelt upon, rays of light will shine forth more distinctly at every attempt to discover truth. Each fresh search will reveal something more deeply interesting than has yet been unfolded. The subject is inexhaustible. The study of the incarnation of Christ, His atoning sacrifice and mediatorial work, will employ the mind of the diligent student as long as time shall last; and looking to heaven with its unnumbered years he will exclaim, ‘Great is the mystery of godliness.’
“In eternity we shall learn that which, had we received the enlightenment it was possible to obtain here, would have opened our understanding. The themes of redemption will employ the hearts and minds and tongues of the redeemed through the everlasting ages. They will understand the truths which Christ longed to open to His disciples, but which they did not have faith to grasp. Forever and forever new views of the perfection and glory of Christ will appear. Through endless ages will the faithful Householder bring forth from His treasure things new and old.” –Christ’s Object Lessons, p. 134.
6. What wonderfully beautiful things will the redeemed enjoy? What treasures will be open to their study?
1 Corinthians 2:9 But as it is written, Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love him.
“There, immortal minds will contemplate with never-failing delight the wonders of creative power, the mysteries of redeeming love…. Every faculty will be developed, every capacity increased…. There the grandest enterprises may be carried forward, the loftiest aspirations reached, the highest ambitions realized…
“All the treasures of the universe will be open to the study of God’s redeemed. Unfettered by mortality, they wing their tireless flight to worlds afar–worlds that thrilled with sorrow at the spectacle of human woe and rang with songs of gladness at the tidings of a ransomed soul. With unutterable delight the children of earth enter into the joy and the wisdom of unfallen beings. They share the treasures of knowledge and understanding gained through ages upon ages in contemplation of God’s handiwork. With undimmed vision they gaze upon the glory of creation–suns and stars and systems, all in their appointed order circling the throne of Deity. Upon all things, from the least to the greatest, the Creator’s name is written, and in all are the riches of His power displayed.” –The Great Contro-versy, pp. 677, 678.
The Sabbath in paradise
7. According to the prophet Isaiah, what will the redeemed do every Sabbath on the new earth?
Isaiah 66:22, 23 For as the new heavens and the new earth, which I will make, shall remain before me, saith the Lord, so shall your seed and your name remain. 23And it shall come to pass, that from one new moon to another, and from one sabbath to another, shall all flesh come to worship before me, saith the Lord.
“The Sabbath was not for Israel merely, but for the world. It had been made known to man in Eden, and, like the other precepts of the Decalogue, it is of imperishable obligation. Of that law of which the fourth commandment forms a part, Christ declares, ‘Till heaven and earth pass, one jot or one tittle shall in nowise pass from the law.’ So long as the heavens and the earth endure, the Sabbath will continue as a sign of the Creator’s power. And when Eden shall bloom on earth again, God’s holy rest day will be honored by all beneath the sun. ‘From one Sabbath to another’ the inhabitants of the glorified new earth shall go up ‘to worship before Me, saith the Lord.’ Matthew 5:18; Isaiah 66:23.” –The Desire of Ages, p. 283.
For personal study
Revelation 22:3-5.
“The privileges of those who overcome by the blood of the Lamb and the word of their testimony are beyond comprehension.” –Maranatha, p. 367.
“And the years of eternity, as they roll, will bring richer and still more glorious revelations of God and of Christ. As knowledge is progressive, so will love, reverence, and happiness increase. The more men learn of God, the greater will be their admiration of His character. As Jesus opens before them the riches of redemption and the amazing achievements in the great controversy with Satan, the hearts of the ransomed thrill with more fervent devotion, and with more rapturous joy they sweep the harps of gold; and ten thousand times ten thousand and thousands of thousands of voices unite to swell the mighty chorus of praise.” –The Great Controversy, p. 678.
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Missionary Report
for the Establishment of Tertiary Schools
To be read on Sabbath, December 31, 2016
The Special Sabbath School Offering will be gathered
on Sabbath, January 7, 2017
“But when divers were hardened, and believed not, but spake evil of that way before the multitude, he departed from them, and separated the disciples, disputing daily in the school of one Tyrannus.” Acts 19:9.
What are tertiary schools? Elementary schools are primary schools. The upper-grade schools, including middle and high schools, are secondary schools. All schools offering certificates, diplomas, and degrees beyond secondary school are tertiary schools, including technical schools, vocational schools, colleges, and universities.
In 2002, the World Assembly of delegates in session approved a resolution to establish such schools: “The General Conference
The introductory Bible text refers to the apostle Paul, who taught at a tertiary school in Ephesus. The Scriptures state that the school belonged to a man named Tyrannus, and Paul taught there on a daily basis for two years. Through his teaching at this school, thousands of Greeks and Jews directly or indirectly heard the gospel message. “And this continued by the space of two years; so that all they which dwelt in Asia heard the word of the Lord Jesus, both Jews and Greeks.” Acts 19:10.
Sister Ellen G. White gives us some additional details about this: “Paul separated from them and gathered the disciples into a distinct body, continuing his public instructions in the school of Tyrannus, a teacher of some note.” –The Acts of the Apostles, p. 285. Tyrannus was a renowned professor of his day. His school was well respected among all in Asia Minor. But the most interesting thing is that Paul did not limit his teaching to believers. He gave “public instruction.”
Dr. Adam Clarke, the favorite commentator of the Adventist pioneers, believed that Tyrannus was a Jew who favored the Christians and owned an academy where classes were held on a daily basis. –Adam Clarke, Clarke’s Commentary, vol. 4 (New York: The Methodist Book Concern, 1831), p. 842. Paul may have rented a classroom at the academy for his daily public instruction to both Christians and non-Christians.
As we approach the end of time, there is still a need to establish institutions where believers, the children of believers, and the public in general can receive instruction in the different fields of knowledge, but always within a Biblical context. I have observed that one of the two major reasons why we lose our youth is that they attend worldly institutions and we lack godly tertiary schools–vocational and technical colleges, Internet institutes, and universities.
However, to establish such schools requires a large outlay of funds, qualified spiritual instructors, approved curricula, academic centers, and students. Given today’s virtual Internet world, with many online courses and degrees offered by licensed tertiary institutions, the Reform Movement is called to pull together its resources of funds and personnel to establish such virtual study opportunities! Are you willing to assist with this for the benefit of your children, young people, and the general public?
The General Conference has set up a Tertiary Schools Fund to give everyone the opportunity to participate in building an international tertiary institute with a strong Internet component and instruction in English. At the time of this writing, several locations in different countries are being considered. However, we need your strong moral support, prayers, and financial contributions to begin this effort. Will you make a significant contribution to this tertiary school project?
Furthermore, if you are a believer with an advanced degree and have teaching experience, please add your name to the prospective faculty pool. Write to [email protected] and attach your curriculum vitae (resume) with contact information for follow-up.
The funds collected for next week’s Special Sabbath School Offering will go to cover the cost of research, salaries, infrastructure, and software development. The goal is to establish a licensed tertiary institution with professional programs in a hybrid format of dual live and digital Internet classes, leading to the granting of diplomas and degrees in education, nutrition, medical missionary work, public health, nursing, natural medicine, and Biblical studies. Will you join us?
Please make a significant, sacrificial offering for this project. We also urge you to add it to your prayer list. Let us, like the apostle Paul, establish tertiary schools to reach out with the present truth. God grant this and richly bless every contributor.
–Idel Suarez, Jr.
General Conference President