Foreword
During this quarter, Sabbath school students around the world will continue with the series of studies entitled This We Believe, for “we have nothing to fear for the future, except as we shall forget the way the Lord has led us, and His teaching in our past history” (The General Conference Daily Bulletin, January 29, 1893).
There are many basic truths vital to our understanding of the everlasting gospel of Jesus Christ. These glorious truths must be thoroughly comprehended and meditated upon, for a mere superficial knowledge of them will not satisfy the soul’s need. We must hunger and thirst after righteousness, for only then can we be filled. (Matthew 5:6.)
“There is a kind of faith that takes it for granted that we have the truth; but the faith that takes God at His word, which works by love and purifies the heart, is very rare. All who profess the truth are not converted, although they may think they are. Some mistake transient emotions, ideas, and fancies, or resolutions formed in their own strength, for conversion. But faith is a living, abiding principle. Its object is truth—divine, eternal, changeless truth. Genuine, saving faith is inseparable from repentance and conversion, and will manifest the fruits of the Spirit. It is a continual, conscious trust in Jesus. The sinner’s only hope is in the merits of a crucified and risen Saviour. There is no resting in any efforts of our own, yet these efforts must be made.
“We have a solemn message, and it is not entrusted to ministers alone. Men and women who will never be called to the ministry, may have a part to act in warning the world. They must let their light shine.”—The Review and Herald, November 27, 1883.
These topics are vital to our salvation. The principles taught in these basic doctrinal lessons should be clearly brought into our daily life experience and carried forth to people everywhere. The time remaining before the return of our Master is short, yet there is a world in gross darkness and ignorance of these saving truths. “When the Son of man cometh, shall he find faith on the earth?” (Luke 18:8).
That these valuable lessons may continue to be a precious blessing and a source of light and strength to faithful souls around the world is the earnest prayer of
The General Conference Sabbath School Department
