PRINCIPLES OF LIFE FROM THE WORD OF GOD

1 PRINCIPLES OF LIFE FROM THE WORD OF GOD A Systematic Study of the Major Doctrines of the Bible Prepared by and Published for The Department of Education General Conference of Seventh-day Adventists 1952 ORIENTAL WATCHMAN PUBLISHING HOUSE Salisbury Park, Poona, India PRINCIPLES OF LIFE FROM THE WORD OF GOD 2 Dear Student: We have come to the last days, and, if we are to have a part in the new earth with the redeemed of all ages we must study God s word to know how to live in times like these. Time was when decisions could be made over a longer period of time, but today important decisions are made in split seconds.

2 If our decisions are to be what we shall want them to be, we must know of a surety what we believe and why. This new book, PRINCIPLES of Life From the Word of God, has been written for the express purpose of giving you the facts upon which to make your everyday decisions and to solve life s complex problems. It is written for you. The greater part of the evidences cited are from the Bible or the spirit of prophecy-our two main sources of divine wisdom. The book is divided into sixteen units; these are not of equal length. There are one hundred twenty-two lessons.

3 Neither are they of equal length. The lessons are set up in such a way as to be easily studied and understood: (1) If there is a memory verse it is boxed off at the beginning of the lesson. (2) Each lesson begins with a bold-faced statement taken in all but a few cases from the spirit of prophecy-this statement is the lesson in a nutshell. (3) A careful study of the subject usually under subtitle headings; and (4) a summarization of the subject, usually with spirit of prophecy statements. At the close of almost every lesson there are a few texts called key texts. The content of which you should put well in your memory.

4 This book is put in your hands with the sincere prayer that it will help you both in this life and in the life to come. Yours in the Master s name. The Bible Doctrines Textbook Committee. ACKNOWLEDGMENTS The authors of this book, PRINCIPLES of Life Prom the Word of God, are especially indebted to the pioneers of the Seventh-day Adventist Church for many of the fundamental beliefs held and taught by that church. They were keen, noble, and true, . [and] .. searched for the truth as for hidden treasure! Commenting on their experience, Ellen G. White wrote: We would come together burdened in soul, praying that we might be one in faith and doctrine; for we knew that Christ is not divided.

5 One point at a time was made the subject of investigation. The Scriptures were opened with a sense of awe. Often we fasted, that we might be better fitted to understand the truth. After earnest prayer, if any point was not understood it was discussed, and each one expressed his opinion freely. Then we would again bow in prayer, and earnest supplications went up to heaven that God would help us to see eye to eye, that we might be one as Christ and the Father are one. Many tears were shed. We spent many hours in this way. Sometimes the entire night was spent in solemn investigation of the Scriptures, that we might understand the truth for our time.

6 On some occasions the Spirit of God would come upon me, and difficult portions were made clear through God s appointed way and then there was perfect harmony. We were all of one mind and one spirit. Testimonies to Ministers, 24:2 to 25: 1. Indebtedness is also expressed to the many who, through the years, have added to what was found in those early days; and, for the purposes of this book, special indebtedness is recognized for the labors of O. A. Johnson and Charles A. Burman for their books in Bible Doctrines that have been source books for all others who have written on the subject The books of these two, together with others of shorter duration, have served our students up to the present time.

7 Principals of Life Prom the Word of God is the result of the cooperative efforts of a group selected by the General Conference Committee, presenting material from various sources. Valuable suggestions, both as to content and form, have come from teachers with a wealth of classroom experience, as well as from students who have used these lessons in mimeographed form. To all these acknowledgment is gratefully made. Lowell R. Rasmussen, associate secretary of the Department of Education of the General Conference, was chosen by the General Conference Committee to guide and inspire the teachers and editors in their work.

8 His services have been greatly appreciated by those charged with the direct responsibility of producing this book. Indebtedness is recognized to the several academies and union conferences which loaned the services of the teachers in the preparation of the material, and especially to Horace E. Weaver, who served as senior member of the committee. To H. T. Terry, whose untiring services were appreciated; to D. W. PRINCIPLES OF LIFE FROM THE WORD OF GOD 3 Curry, who was able to work with the committee but one short month; and to Robert Francis, to whom the committee is especially grateful for his suggestions of many of the illustrations.

9 Special obligation is recognized for the long and untiring hours of John M. Howell, who guided the activities of the committee, and who, besides carrying other heavy duties, edited the book in its present form, comparing, correcting, and guiding in the preparation of the manuscript. Since this is the first book on the doctrines of this denomination to be prepared under the auspices of the General Conference, a surveying committee, whose duty it has been to see that the work represents accurately the teachings of this denomination, was appointed. It consisted of A.

10 V. Olson, chairman; Roger Altman, associate chairman; E. E. Roenfelt, secretary, H. F. Brown; D. A. Delafield; E. W. Dunbar; E. B. Hare; T. E. Lucas; D. E. Rebok; D. E. Robinson; G. E. Vandeman, and H. F, Yost. This committee has read carefully the lessons. Credit must also be given for the special statements of fundamental belief which precede the several units. These were taken from the Church Manual, published by the General Conference of Seventh-day Adventists, pages 29 to 36. Certain conjunctions were eliminated to make the paragraphs more adequate for the places in which they were used.