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FUNDAMENTALS of BIBLE DOCTRINESixty Studies in the Basic Facts of the Everlasting Gospel Arranged for Classes inAdvanced Bible DoctrinesByALONZO J. WEARNERAuthor of “The Art of Personal Evangelism”REVISED EDITIONREVIEW AND HERALD PUBLISHING ASSOCIATION.TAXOMA PARK, WASHINGTON, D. C.1931

Bible Fundamentals – A.J WearnerPREFACE“THE most essential points of our faith should be stamped upon the memory of the young.”-LS448. “We believe that every doctrine of God’s word ought to be studied by men, and that their faith shouldlay hold on the whole matter of the Sacred Scriptures, and more especially upon all that part of Scripturewhich concerns the person of our all-blessed Redeemer.” - Spurgeon, “Sermons,” Vol. III, page 259.No one can afford not to study the will of God to usward, and to seek a clearer view of our Lord,as the example of a holy life, as an inspiration to right doing. Especially should those seek to know Godwho profess to follow Him, who are His visible representatives on earth, and by whom the world judge Hisdoctrine. Yet, possibly more essential is it that those who are a part of the great movement to warn aperishing world of the imminent appearing of our Lord in glory, be well established in the unshakablefundamentals upon which our faith is built; be able, with full confidence, meekness, and in the fear of God,to give intelligently and clearly the reason for the hope that is in them.Let all be directed to “the Bible and the Bible only.” No book must be allowed to detract an iotafrom the Book of books. Let the Bible be kept above all.The author and compiler has trod with fear and caution these holy grounds, lest he make sacredthings common. May God forgive any unintentional lapse, and the lack of wisdom and knowledge in muchthat is to him yet veiled. May God accept the effort with a prayer that it may, in some small way, lead asoul to add a bit of glory to His name.THE AUTHOR.2

Bible Fundamentals – A.J WearnerForeword to Teachers and StudentsDIVINE truth comes to us through three harmonious agencies, -Christ, the Word incarnate; therevelations of the Holy Scriptures; and nature’s myriad voices, in no speech or language unheard. TheBible is itself the great textbook given us of God for the study of His doctrine. In that wonderful book thestudent finds as grand and sublime a work of God as the celestial spheres of the heavens, or as the marvelsof nature upon our earth, and even as our “fearfully and wonderfully made” human body. We have foundtextbooks, systematically arranging a progression of facts, invaluable guides in our study of astronomy,chemistry, zoology, and human anatomy. In like relation must a textbook on Bible doctrine stand. It can bebut a guide to the story of the Bible itself, leading farther and farther into the depths of divine truth.If the chief objective of the study of science be to learn its laws for a practical application to theneeds and welfare of mankind today, well; but how far greater the inspiration and urge to research when theobjective sought is a knowledge of the Infinite One, bringing His character into the life, for man’s eternalwelfare! Rightly studied and appreciated, tinder the tutorship of the Holy Spirit, how important, howabsorbingly interesting, what true satisfaction it gives! Such joy none can know who have not devotedearnest, thorough study to this word.In these lessons we have endeavored to gather and arrange the clearest Scripture texts in a uniformprogression, followed by the most reliable notes, that the student may form a balanced picture, and build asymmetrical temple of truth, as complete as possible with it the space and time allowed. Nevertheless,outside reading should be done whenever possible, to obtain a broader background and setting for thelesson itself. The full force and importance of the matter chosen for the lesson proper can then be betterrealized. Preparatory basic reading is therefore indicated in the Selected References furnished with eachlesson. The capital letter abbreviations are used exclusively for the works of Mrs. E. G. White. (See Keyfollowing the Table of Contents.) Superior figures alone indicate the number of the book as listed in thebibliography at the close of the section in which it is referred to.The Scripture references take little space, but are by far the most important. Any comprehensionof the topic depends on a thorough, careful study of each text cited. Study faithfully each text at the head ofthe lesson sections, and form your own ideas direct from the Fountain of truth. Then read the explanatorycomments following. Cover each section in this way in relation to the whole of the lesson. The introductoryparagraphs beginning each lesson are intended to show the importance of the subject and to form theconnecting link between lessons. The Memory and Key Texts given are suggested, the former for word-forword recital, the latter for the reference and its kernel thought. Frequent reviews are helpful with these,making of them a most valuable asset to draw from in all future time.The author has endeavored, wherever possible, to give the student original sources, rather thanframe the matter in a setting of his own words. For all this-the greater part of the matter due credit is given.As an aid to the student in more readily grasping the essential thought, emphasis has often been indicatedby italics. Italics are not in the original.The Thought Questions are given as an aid in thinking through the content of the lesson. Theanswers to some may not be found in the lesson, but are given to stimulate independent thinking and classdiscussion. The Test Questions are intended to be answered by a statement in the student’s own words,each assertion being based on Bible grounds and the reference given. The student may use these questionsas self-helps in testing the thoroughness of his preparation of the lessons. They may, or may not, be a partof the required work.The sixty lessons are arranged in groups of ten lessons, each, eleventh period being open for theconsideration of questions that have arisen and for a review of the ten lessons. Each twelfth period isoccupied in a written examination, counted as final. These equal, in all, the seventy-two-hour course of theyear.“Faithful teachers should be placed in charge of the Bible classes, teachers who will strive to makethe students understand their lessons, not by explaining everything to them, but by requiring them toexplain clearly every passage they read. Let these teachers remember that little good will be accomplishedby skimming over the surface of the word. Thoughtful investigation and study, taxing study are required inorder for this word to be understood. There are truths in the word which, like veins of precious ore, arehidden beneath the surface.” - 8T 157.Suggested projects are furnished at the close of each section and aid in the mastery of the sectional3

Bible Fundamentals – A.J Wearnertopic as a whole. Notebooks (preferably loose-leaf) may contain a brief of each lesson, made during itspreparation for recitation. Thoughts gathered in reading, in lecture and class periods, examination papersreturned, projects written, clippings, and other valuable matter presented in orderly form, may also beincluded. These will prove invaluable for future convenient reference. Prepare to teach these vital andinteresting truths to others.Finally, it is suggested, us the student becomes familiar with the contents of this book, that it maynot be discarded as a school book of other days, but may become a convenient handbook for readyreference. For this reason a few supplementary notes have been given here and there for their possiblehelpfulness. These in turn are suggestive of much rich material that may be gathered by the lover of truthfrom many sources.ACKNOWLEDGMENT AND AUTHORIZATIONFor many suggestions and valued criticism, acknowledgment is due to a long list of ministers andBible teachers of wide experience who have examined the manuscript, to teachers who have used it in classwork, to members of the reading committees appointed by the Educational and Medical Departments. Andfinally -before going into print-of the committee appointed by the General Conference Committee. Thepresent edition is published with the authorization of the Medical Department, to be recommended for useas a standard text in schools of nursing.THE AUTHOR.PREFACE TO THE SECOND EDITIONThe object in this revision has been to improve emphasis and form, and to bring certain parts up todate. Additional material, especially in supplementary notes, has been included to clarify further the mattersin the lesson proper. All this in no wise modifies or changes any point of theology.For such as wish to use fewer key texts in required memory work, three have been selected foreach lesson, and are italicized. The selected reading references and the memory verses remain the same,and may or l-nay not be required-at the discretion of the instructor.Criticisms and suggestions have been much appreciated and have been complied with as far aspossible. Further criticisms and suggestions are solicited for the benefit of future editions. Former editionshave been used far beyond all expectations, both in our colleges and in our schools of nursing.THE AUTHOR.4

Bible Fundamentals – A.J WearnerTABLE OF CONTENTS1. GOD REVEALED1. The Foundation of Divine Truth2. The Word Is of God3. The History of the Book4. God, the Father5. Jesus, the Christ6. Holy Spirit, the Comforter7. Creation, God’s Ideal Expressed8. Creation-Not Evolution9. Satan, the Traitor10. Paradise Lost2. DIVINE LAW AND AUTHORITY11. The Plan of Redemption12. The Sanctuary Object Lesson13. The Sanctuary Services14. The Law of God’s Government15. The Decalogue Magnified and Established16. Origin and Purpose of the Sabbath17. The True Christian Sabbath18. The Pseudo Sabbath19. Sabbath and Sunday Since the Apostles20. The Mystery of Iniquity3. THE GREATEST EVENT FORETOLD21. American Protestantism in Prophecy22. Religious Liberty23. World Powers in Prophecy24. The Return of Jesus25. Signs in Heaven and Earth26. Signs Among the People27. Signs Among the Nations28. Signs in the Religious World29. The Longest Time Prophecy30. The Supreme Court of the Universe4. UNSEEN REALITIES31. Angels of the Lord32. The Valley of the Shadow of Death33. At Rest Until the Morning34. Satan’s Masterpiece35. Spirits of Devils Working Miracles36. Satan’s Arrest and Imprisonment37. The Execution of Satan and His Host38. The Faithful Saved by Grace39. An Inheritance by Promise40. Our Paradise Home5. THE REMNANT CHURCH41. The Church of the Prophecy42. The First Angel’s Message43. The Second Angel’s Message5