Read Ellen G. White, "Jew and Gentile," pp. 188–192, 194-197; "Apostasy in Galatia," pp. 383–388, in The Acts of the Apostles; "The Law Given to Israel," pp. 310–312; "The Law and the Covenants," pp. 370–373, in Patriarchs and Prophets; "The Chosen People," pp. 27-30, in The Desire of Ages.

"But if the Abrahamic covenant contained the promise of redemption, why was another covenant formed at Sinai? In their bondage the people had to a great extent lost the knowledge of God and of the principles of the Abrahamic covenant. . . .

"The people did not realize the sinfulness of their own hearts, and that without Christ it was impossible for them to keep God's law; and they readily entered into covenant with God."—Ellen G. White, Patriarchs and Prophets, pp. 371, 372.

"Through the influence of false teachers who had arisen among the believers in Jerusalem, division, heresy, and sensualism were rapidly gaining ground among the believers in Galatia. These false teachers were mingling Jewish traditions with the truths of the gospel. Ignoring the decision of the general council at Jerusalem, they urged upon the Gentile converts the observance of the ceremonial law."—Ellen G. White, The Acts of the Apostles, p. 383.

In class, go over your answer to Wednesday's final question. In what ways might your local church or you in your own home or maybe even you with yourself be laying burdens on others (or on yourself) that are not necessary? How can we recognize if we are really doing these things? Or might we be in danger of going too far the other way? That is, how can we recognize if we have become too lax in our lifestyle and standards to the point where our lives don't reflect the high calling that we have in Christ?

What are some of the arguments folk use to claim that the Ten Commandments are no longer binding on Christians today? How do we answer those claims? Why, on the face of it, are those claims so wrong, and why in many cases do those who make not really live as if they believe the Ten Commandments are no longer binding?

Read again the first 12 verses in Galatians 1. Notice how uncompromising, how dogmatic, and how fervent Paul was regarding his understanding of the gospel. What should that tell us about how, at times, we must stand absolutely unwavering in certain beliefs, especially in a day and age of pluralism and relativism? How does this show that certain teachings cannot be compromised in any way?

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