Sabbath School - 2025 Q2 Lesson 7: Foundations for Prophecy

Summary

This video explores the symbolic role of cherubim and seraphim in the Bible, focusing on their connection to prophecy, salvation, and God's glory. The cherubim are depicted as creatures with four faces, representing different aspects of God's work in the world. The discussion highlights how these angelic beings relate to Israel's tribal standards and the broader mission of sharing God's message. The video encourages Christians to embrace their role in heralding God's glory, emphasizing that sharing one's personal testimony, rather than having all the answers, is key to spreading the faith.

Takeaways

• 😀 Cherubim are heavenly creatures described in Revelation with four faces (lion, ox, man, eagle) that symbolize God's glory and creation.
• 😀 Ezekiel 1 and 10 describe the cherubim with four faces, connecting them to God's presence and role in heaven.
• 😀 The cherubim's role in worship includes singing praises to God and declaring that He is the Creator and worthy of worship.
• 😀 Israel, through its tribes and their banners (Judah - lion, Reuben - man, Ephraim - ox, Dan - eagle), was meant to herald God's glory, similar to the cherubim.
• 😀 The four faces of the cherubim are associated with the four Gospels, symbolizing different aspects of Jesus' life and ministry (Matthew - lion, Mark - ox, Luke - man, John - eagle).
• 😀 Lucifer was once a covering cherub but lost his position due to rebellion, suggesting that cherubim are more of a role than a species.
• 😀 The Christian church has inherited the role of the cherubim, tasked with sharing God's glory and the message of salvation through Jesus Christ.
• 😀 Prophecy requires understanding the broader context of scripture; familiar themes in prophecy often reappear throughout the Bible.
• 😀 Sharing the gospel doesn’t require knowing every Bible verse or answer; it’s about sharing your personal testimony and how Christ has transformed your life.
• 😀 Evangelism is not about being a know-it-all but about pointing others to Jesus and offering hope through the story of redemption.

Q & A

What role do the cherubim play in the Bible according to the script?

The cherubim are described as beings who project God's glory, worship Him, and herald His greatness. They declare God's creative power and sing praises of salvation in both Revelation 4 and 5.

How are the four faces of the cherubim in Revelation and Ezekiel connected to biblical teachings?

The four faces of the cherubim (lion, ox, man, and eagle) are linked to the four Gospels, with each Gospel representing one of these faces: Matthew (lion), Mark (ox), Luke (man), and John (eagle). This connection is a traditional understanding that has been passed down through church history.

Why does the script suggest that cherubim are not a specific species of angel, but a job description?

The script argues that cherubim represent a job of declaring God's glory and not a particular species. It emphasizes that this role can be fulfilled by others, like Israel or even humans, rather than being restricted to a specific type of angelic being.

What significance do the four standards in Numbers 2 have in relation to the cherubim?

In Numbers 2, the four dominant tribes of Israel (Judah, Reuben, Ephraim, and Dan) each had a standard with symbols representing the cherubim's faces. These symbols—lion, man, ox, and eagle—highlight the connection between Israel’s role and the cherubim's symbolic presence.

How does the script suggest that the church today might be fulfilling the role of the cherubim?

The church, like the cherubim, is tasked with heralding God's glory, sharing the message of salvation, and worshiping Him. The script suggests that Christians are given a similar responsibility to declare God's greatness and announce the coming of Christ.

What does the script say about Lucifer’s fall and the possibility of humans taking his place?

The script references the idea that Lucifer, once a covering cherub, lost his position. It suggests, based on Ellen White’s writings, that humans might take Lucifer’s place, fulfilling the role once held by him in heaven.

Why does the speaker advise against trying to know everything when sharing faith?

The speaker emphasizes that sharing faith is not about knowing every detail of scripture but about sharing a personal testimony. The essence of Christian witness is to share how God has transformed one's life, as opposed to presenting oneself as a 'know-it-all.'

What does the script suggest is the key to effectively sharing one's faith with others?

The key to sharing faith is personal testimony. Rather than having all the answers, Christians are encouraged to tell others about their personal experience with Christ—how they were once lost but found, and how their life has changed since encountering Jesus.

How does the script highlight the importance of prophecy in the life of a Christian?

The script suggests that understanding prophecy can be a blessing, not only for personal growth but also for sharing with others. It emphasizes that prophecy is meant to reveal God's plan and that studying it can strengthen a believer's faith and prepare them to share the gospel.

What historical perspective does the script offer on the connection between the cherubim and the Gospels?

Historically, the church has recognized a connection between the cherubim and the four Gospels. Early church fathers, like Irenaeus, saw the four faces of the cherubim as representing the four Gospels, a belief reflected in Christian art and architecture throughout Western Europe.