The Opening of the Seven Seals

May 28, 2010 at 4:49 pm (Uncategorized)

(This is my “disclaimer” I guess you’d say, on this post. I got really sick with the stomach flu and missed a bunch of information. So while everyone else was writing their posts I was having to read and catch up what I missed. So here’s what I have for this assignment so far. I’ve also heard of another view that’s been presented, but I don’t have time to study it out for myself, and I’m not sure which view I agree with. But anyways, here’s the information our teacher presented in class:)

1. The First Seal

“And I saw when the Lamb opened one of the seals…And I saw, and behold a white horse: and he that sat on him had a bow; and a crown was given unto him: and he went forth conquering, and to conquer.” – Revelation6:1-2

Here in Revelation 6, a horse symbolizes a church. (see Song 1:9 and Eph. 5:31,32).  This church is white – a pure, perfect church – that “went forth conquering, and to conquer”. The NASB says “he went out conquering and to conquer.”

The three angle’s messages (Rev. 14:6-12) was a call to leave the Holy Place and move into the Most Holy Place of the Heavenly sanctuary. These messages were first preached during the advent movement of 1840-1844.  Protestant churches of the day rejected these messages. The white horse symbolizes the people who went out of these churches that rejected the truth. This church is the Seventh Day Adventist Church.

“God has called His church in his day, as He called ancient Israel, to stand as a light in the earth. By the mighty cleaver of truth, the messages of the first, second, and third angels. He has separated them from the churches and from the world to bring them into a sacred nearness to Himself. He has made them the depositaries of His law and has committed to them the great truths of prophecy for this time. Like the holy oracles committed to ancient Israel, these are a sacred trust to be communicated to the world. {5T 455.2}

“The churches would not receive the light of the first angel’s messages, and as they rejected the light from heaven they fell from the favor of God. They trusted in their own strength, and placed themselves by their opposition to the first message where they could not see the light of the second angel’s message. But the beloved of God, who were oppressed, answered the message, Babylon is fallen, and left the fallen churches. {1SG 140.1}

2. The Second Seal

“And when he had opened the second seal, I heard the second beast say, Come and see. And there went out another horse that was red: and power was given to him that sat thereon to take peace from the earth, and that they should kill one another: and there was given unto him a great sword.” – Revelation 6:3, 4

“Come now, and let a reason together, saith the Lord: Though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they be red like crimson, they shall be as wool.” – Isaiah 1:18

The above verse in Isaiah says “your sins be as scarlet”. This horse that is red – or scarlet- colored – represents a protestant church that has rejected Christ’s mediation (as seen in the first angel’s message). Therefore, they’re sins are upon themselves, which is why the horse is red.

“Many look with horror at the course of the Jews in rejecting and crucifying Christ; and as they read the history of His shameful abuse, they think they love Him, and would not have denied Him as did Peter, or crucified Him as did the Jews. But God who reads the hearts of all, has brought to the test that love for Jesus which they professed to feel. All heaven watched with the deepest interest the reception of the first angel’s message. But many who professed to love Jesus, and who shed tears as they read the story of the cross, derided the good news of His coming.Instead of receiving the message with gladness, they declared it to be a delusion. They hated those who loved His appearing and shut them out of the churches. Those who rejected the first message could not be benefited by the second; neither were they benefited by the midnight cry, which was to prepare them to enter with Jesus by faith into the most holy place of the heavenly sanctuary. And by rejecting the two former messages, they have so darkened their understanding that they can see no light in the third angel’s message, which shows the way into the most holy place. I saw that as the Jews crucified Jesus, so the nominal churches had crucified these messages, and therefore they have no knowledge of the way into the most holy, and they cannot be benefited by the intercession of Jesus there. Like the Jews, who offered their useless sacrifices, they offer up their useless prayers to the apartment which Jesus has left; and Satan, pleased with the deception, assumes a religious character, and leads the minds of these professed Christians to himself, working with his power, his signs and lying wonders, to fasten them in his snare. Some he deceives in one way, and some in another. He has different delusions prepared to affect different minds. Some look with horror upon one deception, while they readily receive another. Satan deceives some with Spiritualism. He also comes as an angel of light and spreads his influence over the land by means of false reformations. The churches are elated, and consider that God is working marvelously for them, when it is the work of another spirit.” {EW 260.1}

Just like the white horse, the red horse is also “went out.” The white horse went out conquering, while the red horse went out from being blessed by God. They did not stand up for the truth, and they “experienced a moral fall, in consequence of their refusal of the light of the advent message of the first angel.,,” {GC 389.2}

And in what religious bodies are the greater part of the followers of Christ now to be found? without doubt, in the various churches professing the Protestant faith. At the time of their rise these churches took a noble stand for God and the truth, and His blessing was with them. Even the unbelieving world was constrained to acknowledge the beneficent results that followed an acceptance of the principles of the gospel. [Eze. 16:14 quoted]. {GC 383.1} “The great principle so nobly advocated by Robinson and Roger Williams, that truth is progressive, that Christians should stand ready to accept all the light which may shine from God’s holy word, was lost sight of by their descendants. The Protestant churches of America,–and those of Europe as well,–so highly favored in receiving the blessings of the Reformation, failed to press forward in the path of reform. Though a few faithful men arose, from time to time, to proclaim new truth and expose long-cherished error, the majority, like the Jews in Christ’s day or the papists in the time of Luther, were content to believe as their fathers had believed and to live as they had lived. Therefore religion again degenerated into formalism; and errors and superstitions which would have been cast aside had the church continued to walk in the light of God’s word, were retained and cherished. Thus the spirit inspired by the Reformation gradually died out, until there was almost as great need of reform in the Protestant churches as in the Roman Church in the time of Luther. There was the same worldliness and spiritual stupor, a similar reverence for the opinions of men, and substitution of human theories for the teachings of God’s word. {GC 297.2} The wide circulation of the Bible in the early part of the nineteenth century, and the great light thus shed upon the world, was not followed by a corresponding advance in knowledge of revealed truth, or in experimental religion. Satan could not, as in former ages, keep God’s word from the people; it had been placed within the reach of all; but in order still to accomplish his object, he led many to value it but lightly. Men neglected to search the Scriptures, and thus they continued to accept false interpretations, and to cherish doctrines which had no foundation in the Bible. {GC 298.1}

Seeing the failure of his efforts to crush out the truth by persecution, Satan had again resorted to the plan of compromise which led to the great apostasy and the formation of the Church of Rome. He had induced Christians to ally themselves, not now with pagans, but with those who, by their devotion to the things of this world, had proved themselves to be as truly idolaters as were the worshipers of graven images. And the results of this union were no less pernicious now than in former ages; pride and extravagance were fostered under the guise of religion, and the churches became corrupted. Satan continued to pervert the doctrines of the Bible, and traditions that were to ruin millions were taking deep root. The church was upholding and defending these traditions, instead of contending for “the faith which was once delivered unto the saints.” Thus were degraded the principles for which the Reformers had done and suffered so much. {GC 298.2}

The first angel’s message of Revelation 14, announcing the hour of God’s judgment and calling upon men to fear and worship Him, was designed to separate the professed people of God from the corrupting influences of the world and to arouse them to see their true condition of worldliness and backsliding. In this message, God has sent to the church a warning, which, had it been accepted, would have corrected the evils that were shutting them away from Him. Had they received the message from heaven, humbling their hearts before the Lord and seeking in sincerity a preparation to stand in His presence, the Spirit and power of God would have been manifested among them. The church would again have reached that blessed state of unity, faith, and love which existed in apostolic days, when the believers “were of one heart and of one soul,” and “spake the word of God with boldness,” when “the Lord added to the church daily such as should be saved.” Acts 4:32, 31; 2:47.” {GC 379.1}

In refusing the warning of the first angel, they rejected the means which Heaven had provided for their restoration. They spurned the gracious messenger that would have corrected the evils which separated them from God, and with greater eagerness they turned to seek the friendship of the world. Here was the cause of that fearful condition of worldliness, backsliding, and spiritual death which existed in the churches in 1844. {GC 380.2}

The second angel’s message of Revelation 14 was first preached in the summer of 1844, and it then had a more direct application to the churches of the United States, where the warning of the judgment had been most widely proclaimed and most generally rejected, and where the declension in the churches had been most rapid. But the message of the second angel did not reach its complete fulfillment in 1844. The churches then experienced a moral fall, in consequence of their refusal of the light of the advent message; but that fall was not complete. {GC 389.2}

When these protestant churches rejected the 1st angel’s message, they became the third part of Babylon – which is the false prophet.

The Third Seal

“And when he had opened the third seal, I heard the third beast say, Come and see. And I beheld, and lo a black horse; and he that sat on him had a pair of balances in his hand.” – Revelation 6:5

The black horse is again refurring to the protestant churches who rejected the three angels messages. Here, the color black represents the absence of light. The pair of balances in his hands, in the original Greek sometimes means “yoke of bondage”.  When Christians get caught up in obtaining righteousness by works instead of by faith in Christ, they become slaves to the law.

The second angelʼs message was a call to come out of Babylon. “Behold, the Bridegroom cometh; go ye out to meet him.” Matt. 25:6. “As the churches refused to receive the first angelʼs message, they rejected the light from heaven and fell from the favor of God. They trusted to their own strength.” {EW 237}.

Before the three angel’s messages was proclaimed, protestant churches understood the concept of justification by faith.  However, after rejecting justification by faith  – seen in Christ’s new work in the Most Holy Place – they experienced a moral fall, and are now under a yoke of slavery.

The Fourth Seal

“And when he had opened the fourth seal, I heard the voice of the forth beast say, Come and see. And I looked, and behold a pale horse: and his name that sat on him was Death, and Hell followed with him. And Power was given unto them over the forth part of the earth, to kill with sword, and with hunger, and with death, and with beasts of the earth.” – Revelation 6:7-8

The churches then experienced a moral fall, in consequence of their refusal of the light of the advent message; but that fall was not complete. As they have continued to reject the special truths for this time they have fallen lower and lower. Not yet, however, can it be said that “Babylon is fallen,… because she made all nations drink of the wine of the wrath of her fornication.” She has not yet made all nations do this. The spirit of world conforming and indifference to the testing truths for our time exists and has been gaining ground in churches of the Protestant faith in all the countries of Christendom; and these churches are included in the solemn and terrible denunciation of the second angel. But the work of apostasy has not yet reached its culmination. {GC 389.2}

Protestantism had been progressively falling, but not until after the fulfillment of the 3rd angel’s message is their fall complete.  By the institution of a National Sunday Law (by Protestant America), they receive the mark of the beast, and are now completely fallen.

The verse says that “Death” sat on the black horse, and “Hell followed with him.” This is stating that the destination of this Pale Horse and Death is “the second death.”

“And the beast was taken, and with him the false prophet that wrought miracles before him, with which he deceived them that had received the mark of the beast, and them that worshipped his image. These both were cast alive into the lake of fire burning with brimstone.” – Revelation 19:20

(This is all I have so far, but more is coming!)

The Fifth Seal  (added later)

“And when he had opened the fifth seal, I saw under the alter the souls of them that were slain for the word of God, and for the testimony which they held; And they cried with a loud voice, saying, How long, O Lord, holy and true, dost thou not judge and avenge our blood on them that dwell on the earth? And white robes were given unto every one of them; and it was said unto them, that they should rest yet for a little season, until their fellowservants also and their brethren, that should be killed as they were, should be fulfilled.” – Revelation 6:9-11

The group the above verses are referring to are those who have died on the side of Christ; particularly those who have been martyred. After suffering unfathomable hardship and persecution, these courageous Christians are calling out for justice to be passed upon their enemies. However, first the work of the investigative judgment must take place. The righteous dead are judged first, starting in 1844 and closing when the U.S. National Sunday Law is passed. This also marks the beginning of the judgment of the living. At the Sunday Law, all are called to make a choice and are sealed either on the side of God or of Satan.  After this, judgment is passed, and those who were sealed on the side of God get to go to the Marriage.

“Beginning with those who first lived upon the earth, our Advocate presents the cases of each successive generation, and closes with the living.” “…the only cases considered are those of the professed people of God.” {GC 480}

“When the fifth seal was opened, John the Revelator in vision saw beneath the altar the company that were slain for the Word of God and the testimony of Jesus Christ. After this came the scenes described in the eighteenth chapter of Revelation, when those who are faithful and true are called out from Babylon. [Rev. 18:1-5 quoted] {MS 39, 1906. 7BC 968}

“And white robes were given unto every one of them; and it was said unto them, that they should rest yet for a little season, until their fellowservants also and their brethren, that should be killed as they were, should be fulfilled’ [Rev.6:9-11]. Here were scenes presented to John that were not in reality but that which would be in a period of time in the future. [Rev.8:1-4, quoted] {20MR 197.5}

(I’m still trying to find time to finish it Mrs. Richards! And catch up with the 7 trumpets that I missed!)

Well, I’m sorry to say that due to lack of time and lots of end of the year homework, this is as far as I’ve been able to get on this assignment. Thanks for being such an awesome Bible teacher Mrs. Richards! I’ve truely learned so much in your class, and it’s really helped me learn how to study my Bible better, which has enriched my own personal devotional life. Thanks a million! -Rachie ;)

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The “book” of Revelation 5

April 26, 2010 at 3:41 am (Uncategorized)
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Author’s note: We’ve been studying the “book” mentioned in Revelation 5:1. Unfortunately, I haven’t had enough time to study it all out for myself and to completely organize, write out, and post my notes on everything we’ve studied (not to mention the computer I’m on is being slower than the dinosaurs, so I’m not able to get much on here very fast, so this is the basic idea of what we’ve been studying; the main points that I’m understanding the best and have had time to put on here! Enjoy!

“And I saw in the right hand of him that sat on the throne a book written within and on the backside, sealed with seven seals.” – Revelation 5:1

So what is this book mentioned in Revelation? Why is it sealed with seven seals? What is written within and on the backside?

“It was my idea to have the two books bound together, Revelation following Daniel, as giving fuller light on the subjects dealt with in Daniel. The object is to bring these books together, showing that they both relate to the same subjects.” {TM 117.2}

Here, Ellen White states that Revelation gives more details on the subjects presented in Daniel. In order to find out more about the sealed book, we need to look at where a book is mentioned in both Revelation and Daniel.

Daniel:

“But thou, O Daniel, shut up the words, and seal the book, even to the time of the end: many shall run to and fro, and knowledge shall be increased.” – Daniel 12:4

Revelation:

“And I saw in the right hand of him that sat on the throne a book written within and on the backside, sealed with seven seals. And I saw a strong angel proclaiming with a loud voice, Who is worthy to open the book, and to loose the seals thereof? And no man in heaven, nor in earth, neither under the earth, was able to open the book, neither to look thereon. And I wept much, because no man was found worthy to open and to read the book, neither to look thereon. And one of the elders saith unto me, Weep not: behold, the Lion of the tribe of Judah, the Root of David, hath prevailed to open the book, and to loose the seven seals thereof. And he came and took the book out of the right hand of him that sat upon the throne. And when he had taken the book, the four beasts and four [and] twenty elders fell down before the Lamb, having every one of them harps, and golden vials full of odours, which are the prayers of saints. And they sung a new song, saying, Thou art worthy to take the book, and to open the seals thereof: for thou wast slain, and hast redeemed us to God by thy blood out of every kindred, and tongue, and people, and nation;” – Revelation 5:1-9

“And he had in his hand a little book open: and he set his right foot upon the sea, and [his] left [foot] on the earth …And the voice which I heard from heaven spake unto me again, and said, Go [and] take the little book which is open in the hand of the angel which standeth upon the sea and upon the earth. And I went unto the angel, and said unto him, Give me the little book. And he said unto me, Take [it], and eat it up; and it shall make thy belly bitter, but it shall be in thy mouth sweet as honey. And I took the little book out of the angel’s hand, and ate it up; and it was in my mouth sweet as honey: and as soon as I had eaten it, my belly was bitter.” – Revelation 10:2, 8-10

The scene in Revelation 5 shows the book in the throne room, in the hand of Him that sat on the throne (Revelation 4 is the introduction that gives the details of the setting, see verses 1 and 2). Because Revelation “gives fuller light on the subjects dealt with in Daniel”, we can conclude that the book in the throne room must be the same book that Daniel was commanded to seal until the time of the end (Dan 12:4).

“The book that was sealed was not the book of Revelation, but that portion of the prophecy of Daniel which related to the last days. The Scripture says, “But thou, O Daniel, shut up the words, and seal the book, even to the time of the end: many shall run to and fro, and knowledge shall be increased” [Dan. 12:4]. When the book was opened, the proclamation was made, “Time shall be no longer.” [See Revelation 10:6.] The book of Daniel is now unsealed, and the revelation made by Christ to John is to come to all the inhabitants of the earth. By the increase of knowledge a people is to be prepared to stand in the latter days.” {17MR 6.3}

The book that was sealed by Daniel contained the 2300 day prophecy. Daniel was told “The vision of the evenings and mornings that has been given you is true, but seal up the vision, for it concerns the distant future.”(Daniel 8:26, NIV)

But that part of his prophecy which related to the last days, Daniel was bidden to close up and seal “to the time of the end.” Not till we reach this time could a message concerning the judgment be proclaimed, based on the fulfillment of these prophecies. {GC 355.3}

The book was sealed, because the prophecy would not be fulfilled until “the time of the end”. Revelation unseals the sealed portion of Daniel.

“One is a prophecy, the other a revelation; one a book sealed, the other a book opened.” {MS 59, 1900. 7BC 971}

Sidenote:

So what does “seal up the book” mean?

“The vision of the evenings and mornings that has been given you is true, but seal up the vision, for it concerns the distant future.” – Daniel 8:26, NIV

“And he saith unto me, Seal not the sayings of the prophecy of this book: for the time is at hand.” – Revelation 22:10

By looking at these two verses, we can see that the book being sealed is directly related to the time the prophecy it contains is fulfilled. Daniel was told to “seal up the vision, for it concerns the distant future.

“But that part of his prophecy which related to the last days, Daniel was bidden to close up and seal “to the time of the end.” Not till we reach this time could a message concerning the judgment be proclaimed, based on the fulfillment of these prophecies.”- GC, pg. 355.3

Here in Ellen White’s statement, we can see that the book being sealed means that the prophecy was unfulfilled. Daniel was told to seal it up because the prophecy wouldn’t be fulfilled for a long, long time. Where in contrast, Paul was told “seal not the sayings of the prophecy of this book; for the time is at hand.”

(I know there’s a lot more to this than what’s here. I just haven’t had the time to put it all together in an explanatory form. For more study notes/explanatory charts/etc,  see danielandrevelationspeak.wikispaces.com )

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Open book test for 2nd term

January 17, 2010 at 6:13 pm (Uncategorized)

Daniel 2 questions:

1.Name the four kingdoms of the image that are symbolized by the gold, silver, brass, and iron.

Answer: Gold = Babylon, Silver = Medo-Persia, Bronze = Greece, Iron = Rome

2.How many kingdoms total are there in the image?  What is the difference between the feet and the rest of the image?

Answer: There are four kingdoms. The feet and toes are the divided fourth kingdom. The divided fourth kingdom is iron, that has continued down from the legs of iron, symbolizing pagan Roman, combined with clay, which symbolizes Christianity.

3.What is the common thread that runs through the whole image?

Answer: Paganism.

4.What two things does the iron and clay each symbolize? [two things for iron; two things for clay]

Answer: Iron = Kingdom or State, Characteristics of Iron = System of Paganism, Clay = Church, Characteristics of Clay = System of Christianity.

5.Who does the feet of iron and clay represent?  What parallels are there in Revelation?

Answer: The feet of iron and clay in Dan. 2 are equal with the woman who rides the beast in Revelation 17. A woman in the Bible represents a church and a beast represents a kingdom, this woman/beast combination symbolizes this entity’s structural system, a religious/political system. This new entity is called the papacy.  Note how the papacy developed. There is a compromise between paganism and Christianity that results in an apostasy in the church. An apostate church, losing the power of love, unites with the state, controlling the power of the state and employing it to enforce and execute her decrees, especially for the punishment of heresy. The inevitable result of this union of church and state is intolerance and persecution.

6.Who do the toes of iron and clay represent?  What parallels are there in Revelation?

Answer: The characteristics of iron and clay that apply to the feet also apply to the toes. The toes become an image of the beast. Put in the context of Daniel 2, the toes become an image or mirror of the feet, exhibiting the three problems of mixing iron and clay. The toes equate with the ten horns on the sixth head of the scarlet colored leopard-like beast of Revelation 17,  and they also equate with the lamb-like beast of Rev. 13.

7.Why are the two entities in question 5 and question 6 both pictured as iron and clay?

Answer: The iron and clay in the toes is a compromise between Christianity and paganism. These characteristics exist in both time periods symbolized in the statue.

8.Name the two systems of the papacy.

Answer: Ideology system & Structural System

9.Who are “these kings” talked about in Daniel 2:44? Where else in the Bible is there a parallel to “these kings” pictured in this verse?

Answer: The answer is found in the previous two verses. “These kings” are the ten toes, partly of iron, and partly of clay. Revelation 17:12 talks about ten horns that also symbolize kings.

10.Who is the “they” of Dan. 2:43? Who is “the seed?”  HOW does “they” mingle themselves with “the seed?”

Answer: “They” is referring back to the toes of the divided fourth kingdom, composed of a mixture of iron and clay. “They” is referring to apostate Protestants. The apostate Protestants, as symbolized by the toes of iron and clay mixed, mingle, by being in the same church with true Christians, who are part of the Seed.

11.What two things does the stone represent?

Answer: This stone represents the law of God. God Himself has cut out the stone and written on that stone His law with His own finger. The stone, while a symbol of the law, is also a symbol of Jesus, who is pictured as the living stone [1 Peter 2:3, 4], since He is the Mediator, who has the power to bring the hearts of men into harmony with the principles of the law. 

Daniel 7 questions:

1.Name the four kingdoms that the four beasts of Daniel 7 symbolize?

Answer: Lion = Babylon, Bear = Medo-Persia, Leopard = Greece, Dreadful & Terrible Beast = Pagan Rome.

2.What is the difference between Daniel 7:8 and Daniel 8:9?

Answer: The little horn in Daniel 7:8 is described as having “eyes like the eyes of man, and a mouth speaking great things.” whereas the little horn in Daniel 8:9 “waxed exceedingly great, toward the south, and toward the east, and toward the pleasant LAND.” They also rise in different places.

3.What are some characteristics that Daniel 7 talks about that you could point out that demonstrates that the little horn represents the papacy?

Answer: Daniel 7:20, 24 – three of the horns fell in the presence of the little horn. When the papacy came to power, they took out three of ten surrounding kingdoms who didn’t agree with their religious philosophy. Daniel 7:25 – speak great words against the Most High, wear out he saints, think to change times and laws, and they shall be given to him a time and times and the dividing of times.

4.Fill in the blank:  “The prophecies present a succession of events leading down to the ___________________________________________. This is especially true of the book of Daniel.”   How is this demonstrated in Daniel 7?

Answer: “…opening of the judgment….” This is demonstrated in Daniel 7 by its descriptive account of the papacy and it’s actions prior to the judgment.

5.What is the connection between the beast and the horn in Daniel 7:11?

Answer: The horn and the best both represent a part of Babylon. The beast symbolizes the papacy and the little horn is part of the False Prophet (Protestantism) See Revelation 19:20.

6.What is the kingdom talked about in Daniel 7:13, 14?  What is the “status” of this kingdom in this verse?

Answer: This kingdom is the kingdom of glory given to Christ after the close of probation at the second coming. “When the Son of man shall com in his glory, and all the holy angels with him, then shall he sit upon the throne of his glory.”-Matthew 25:31

7.How could you demonstrate from this chapter that the four beasts are four kingdoms and not four kings?

Answer: Daniel 7:17 says “These great beasts, which…ARE FOUR KINGS…” and then verse 23 says “…The fourth beast shall be the fourth kingdom upon the earth…” – showing that Beast=King=Kingdom.

8.Which kingdom is given to the saints in verses 18, 22 and 27?

Answer: This is God’s Kingdom Glory

9.How long does the little horn “bother” the saints?

Answer: “…the same horn made war with the saints, and prevailed against them; UNTIL the ANCIENT OF DAYS CAME, and JUDGMENT was given to the saints of the Most High; and the time came that the saints possessed the kingdom.”- Daniel 7:21-22

10.Who are the ten horns of Daniel 7:24?

Answer: “And the ten horns which thou sawest are ten kings, which have received no kingdom as yet; but receive the power as kings one hour with the beast.” –Revelation 17:12 ……”When the leading churches of the United States, uniting upon such points of doctrine as are held by them in common, shall influence the state to enforce their decrees and to sustain their institutions, then Protestant America will have formed an image of the Roman hierarchy, and the infliction of civil penalties upon dissenters will inevitably result.”- The Great Controversy 445.1

11.What is the “time, times and dividing of time?”  Identify some other passages of scripture that are referring to the same “time, times, and dividing of time?”

Answer: This phrase is also found in Daniel 12:7, and Revelation 12: 14. By looking at the context, you can see this is referring to the time up until the second coming of Christ.

Daniel 8 questions:

1.Identify the ram and the he goat of Daniel 8.  How can you demonstrate that the ram is referring to the same power as the bear of Daniel 7? How can you demonstrate that the he goat is the same as the leopard of Daniel 7?

Answer: The ram is found in verses 3-4. We can see that the Ram holds the same representation as the bear because the bear is “…raised up itself on one side…” (Dan.7:5) and the lamb has two horns “…but one was higher than the other…” (Dan.8:3).Plus, Daniel 8:20 plainly says “The Ram which thou sawest having two horns are the kings of Media and Persia.” The He Goat is the same as the Leopard in Daniel 7 because “…the rough goat is the king of Grecia…” (Dan. 8:21)

2.Who is the notable horn of the he goat?  The four notable horns?

Answer: “…the great horn…is the first king [of Greece]” (Dan 8:20). The four kingdoms “…shall stand up out of the nation, but not in his power.”

3.Who is the host and stars being referred to in Daniel 8:10?  Who is the prince of the host in verse 11?

Answer: “Those who are wise will shine like the brightness of the heavens, and those who lead many to righteousness, like the stars for ever and ever.” – Daniel 12:3, NIV. The host is referring to both the angels in heaven and those who follow God here on earth. The Prince of the host is Jesus. (See Rev.22:16)

4.What is the “daily” being talked about in verse 11?  How does the little horn take away the “daily?”

Answer: The “daily” being referred to is the system of worship, the daily – or continual – sacrifices in the sanctuary. (See Exodus 29:38-39, 42, and 30:7-8). The little horn – or the papacy – destroyed this system of worship; of the acknowledgement of sins and of Christ as the only intercessor.

5.Explain verse 12.

Answer:  “A prayerful study of the Bible would show Protestants the real character of the papacy and would cause them to abhor and to shun it; but many are so wise in their own conceit that they feel no need of humbly seeking God that they may be led into the truth. Although priding themselves on their enlightenment, they are ignorant both of the Scriptures and of the power of God. They must have some means of quieting their consciences, and they seek that which is least spiritual and humiliating. What they desire is a method of forgetting God which shall pass as a method of remembering Him. The papacy is well adapted to meet the wants of all these. It is prepared for two classes of mankind, embracing nearly the whole world–those who would be saved by their merits, and those who would be saved in their sins. Here is the secret of its power.” {GC 572.2} Basically, the papacy was given power because of the people’s own neglect of their relationship with God.

6.What two elements does the vision include, according to verse 13?  What is the vision that is sealed up?

Answer: The Daily and the transgression of desolation. Daniel’s 3rd vision found in chapter 8 – the series of events leading down to the opening of the judgment.

7.What is the “transgression of desolation” talked about in verse 13?  What passage in the Bible could you use to support your answer?

Answer: Transgression is a synonym of the word “sin”. This transgression is one that brings “desolation”. Romans 5:8 talks of Adam’s first sin as the sin that brought “condemnation upon everyone”.

8.What period of time does the vision apply to, according to Daniel 8?

Answer: 2300 days

9.How long was the vision going to be sealed?

Answer: Sealed until the time of the end (Dan. 8:14)

10.Explain verse 23. (BONUS)

Answer: This is foretelling a historical event. After the first king of Greece fell, the kingdom was divided into four parts, but not under the first king’s power.

11.Where in Daniel 2 can you find a similar phrasing that is found in Daniel 8:25:  he shall be “broken without hand?”

Answer: Daniel 2:45

Daniel 9 questions:

1.What does the word “determined” mean?

Answer: It means to cut off.

2.How are seventy weeks of Daniel 9 connected to the 2300 days of Daniel 8?

Answer: “Seventy weeks are determined…to finish the transgression, and to make an end of sins, and to makes reconciliation for iniquity, and to bring in everlasting righteousness, and to SEAL UP THE VISION and prophecy, and to ANOINT THE MOST HOLY”. (Dan. 9:24) The seventy weeks start at the beginning of the 2300 day prophecy, and indicate when the kingdom of grace was to be established.

3.What was the starting point for the seventy week period? Give a scripture verse for support for your answer.

Answer: “In the seventh chapter of Ezra the decree is found. Verses 12-26. In its completest form it was issued by Artaxerxes, king of Persia, 457 B.C. But in Ezra 6:14 the house of the Lord at Jerusalem is said to have been built “according to the commandment ["decree," margin] of Cyrus, and Darius, and Artaxerxes king of Persia.” These three kings, in originating, reaffirming, and completing the decree, brought it to the perfection required by the prophecy to mark the beginning of the 2300 years. Taking 457 B.C., the time when the decree was completed, as the date of the commandment, every specification of the prophecy concerning the seventy weeks was seen to have been fulfilled.” – GC 326.3

4.What does “Messiah” mean?

Answer: “The Anointed One”.

5.Why does Daniel 9:25 say “seven weeks, and threescore and two weeks” instead of just saying threescore and nine weeks?

Answer: “From the going forth of the commandment to restore and to build Jerusalem unto the Messiah the Prince shall be seven weeks, and threescore and two weeks”–namely, sixty-nine weeks, or 483 years. The decree of Artaxerxes went into effect in the autumn of 457 B.C. From this date, 483 years extend to the autumn of A.D. 27. (See Appendix.) At that time this prophecy was fulfilled. The word “Messiah” signifies “the Anointed One.” In the autumn of A.D. 27 Christ was baptized by John and received the anointing of the Spirit. The apostle Peter testifies that “God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Ghost and with power.” Acts 10:38. And the Saviour Himself declared: “The Spirit of the Lord is upon Me, because He hath anointed Me to preach the gospel to the poor.” Luke 4:18. After His baptism He went into Galilee, “preaching the gospel of the kingdom of God, and saying, The time is fulfilled.” Mark 1:14, 15. – GC 327.1

6.What does it mean when verse 27 says “in the midst of the week he shall cause the sacrifice and the oblation to cease?

Answer: “…In A.D. 31, three and a half years after His [Christ’s] baptism, our Lord was crucified. With the great sacrifice offered upon Calvary, ended that system of offerings which for four thousand years had pointed forward to the Lamb of God. Type met antitype, and all the sacrifices and oblations of the ceremonial system were there to cease.” – G.C. pg. 326.6

7.What event is connected to the end of the seventy weeks?

Answer: The stoning of Stephen.

8.Explain what it means in verse 27:  “he shall confirm the covenant with many for one week?”

Answer: “And He shall confirm the covenant with many for one week.” The “week” here brought to view is the last one of the seventy; it is the last seven years of the period allotted especially to the Jews. During this time, extending from A.D. 27 to A.D. 34, Christ, at first in person and afterward by His disciples, extended the gospel invitation especially to the Jews. {GC 326.5}

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The Loud Cry

October 6, 2009 at 4:59 pm (Uncategorized)
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1. How does the fourth angel relate to the third angel?

Answer: The fourth angel of Revelation 18 joins with the third angel of revelation 14. The fourth angel restates and expounds on what the first angel is saying, and together these two spread the important message over all the world. The third angel gives a warning about what will happen to those in Babylon, and the forth angel presents the detailed consequences again, and offers a way of escape “Come out of her, my people.” (Rev. 18:4)

< Then I saw another mighty angel commissioned to descend to earth, and unite his voice with the third angel, and give power and force to his message. Great power and glory were imparted to the angel, and as he descended, the earth was lightened with his glory. The light which went before and followed after this angel, penetrated every where, as he cried mightily, with a strong voice, saying, Babylon the great is fallen, is fallen, and is become the habitation of devils, and the hold of every foul spirit, and a cage of every unclean and hateful bird. The message of the fall of Babylon, as given by the second angel, is again given, with the addition of the corruptions which have been entering the churches since 1844. The work of this angel comes in at the right time, and joins in the last great work of the third angel’s message, as it swells into a loud cry. {1SG 193.2} This message seemed to be an addition to the third message, and joined it, as the midnight cry joined the second angel’s message in 1844. {1SG 194.1}

2. What are the two parts to the Loud Cry?

Answer: There are two parts to the Loud Cry: 1) the announcement of Babylon’s sins and her judgment, and 2) the call to come out of Babylon.

< Hence the movement symbolized by the angel coming down from heaven, lightening the earth with his glory and crying mightily with a strong voice, announcing the sins of Babylon. In connection with his message the call is heard: “Come out of her, My people.” {GC 604.1}…they fearlessly gave the last solemn warning, proclaiming the fall of Babylon, and calling upon God’s people to come out of her; that they might escape her fearful doom.{1SG 194.1} And in the loud cry of the third angel’s message a voice is heard from heaven saying, “Come out of her, my people…” {Mar 189.1}

3. What are the two parts to the final warning?

 Answer: The final warning is basically composed of 1) the Loud cry (see question above), and 2) the third angel’s message.

< Hence the movement symbolized by the angel coming down from heaven, lightening the earth with his glory and crying mightily with a strong voice, announcing the sins of Babylon. ” In connection with his message the call is heard: “Come out of her, My people. These announcements, uniting with the third angel’s message, constitute the final warning to be given to the inhabitants of the earth. {GC 604.1}

 4. What is the difference between “Babylon is fallen” in the second angel’s message of Revelation 14, as given in the summer of 1844, and “Babylon is fallen” in the Loud Cry of Revelation 18? [Hint: what caused the fall of Babylon in 1844?]

Answer: The second angels’ message given in 1844 was essentially preached to an American audience. The Loud Cry will be given just previous to Christ’s second coming and will be a world-wide movement. When the first call was made, Babylon had just begun to fall. Between the when the second angel’s message and the Loud Cry are given, Babylon has been sinking lower and lower. When the Loud Cry is actually given, Babylon has completely fallen. She is now “the habitation of devils, and the hold of every foul spirit, and a cage of every unclean and hateful bird” and “her sins have reached unto Heaven” (Rev. 18:2, 5). This is directly referring to the time when it will be against the law to keep God’s commandments (especially the forth).

< Then will the message of the third angel swell to a loud cry, and the whole earth will be lightened with the glory of the Lord. {Ev 693.2} I saw that the third message would close with power and strength far exceeding the midnight cry {1SG 195.1} The light which went before and followed after this angel, penetrated every where, as he cried mightily, with a strong voice, saying, Babylon the great is fallen, is fallen, and is become the habitation of devils, and the hold of every foul spirit, and a cage of every unclean and hateful bird. The message of the fall of Babylon, as given by the second angel, is again given, with the addition of the corruptions which have been entering the churches since 1844 {1SG 193.2} Revelation 18 points to the time when, as the result of rejecting the threefold warning of Revelation 14:6-12, the church will have fully reached the condition foretold by the second angel, and the people of God still in Babylon will be called upon to separate from her communion. This message is the last that will ever be given to the world; and it will accomplish its work. When those that “believed not the truth, but had pleasure in unrighteousness” (2 Thessalonians 2:12), shall be left to receive strong delusion and to believe a lie, then the light of truth will shine upon all whose hearts are open to receive it, and all the children of the Lord that remain in Babylon will heed the call: “Come out of her, My people” (Revelation 18:4).{GC 390.2} The second angel’s message of Revelation 14 was first preached in the summer of 1844, and it then had a more direct application to the churches of the United States, where the warning of the judgment had been most widely proclaimed and most generally rejected, and where the declension in the churches had been most rapid. But the message of the second angel did not reach its complete fulfillment in 1844. The churches then experienced a moral fall, in consequence of their refusal of the light of the advent message; but that fall was not complete. As they have continued to reject the special truths for this time they have fallen lower and lower. Not yet, however, can it be said that “Babylon is fallen …because she made all nations drink of the wine of the wrath of her fornication.” She has not yet made all nations do this.{GC 389.2} The wine of Babylon is the exalting of the false and spurious Sabbath above the Sabbath which the Lord Jehovah hath blessed and sanctified for the use of man, also [it is] the immortality of the soul. These kindred heresies, and the rejection of the truth, convert the church into Babylon. Kings, merchants, rulers, and religious teachers are all in corrupt harmony. {2SM 68.2} The Bible declares that before the coming of the Lord, Satan will work “with all power and signs and lying wonders and with all deceivableness of unrighteousness;” and they that “received not the love of the truth, that they might be saved,” will be left to receive “strong delusion, that they should believe a lie.” 2 Thessalonians 2:9-11. Not until this condition shall be reached, and the union of the church with the world shall be fully accomplished throughout Christendom, will the fall of Babylon be complete. The change is a progressive one, and the perfect fulfillment of Revelation 14:8 is yet future. {GC 389.3} When do her sins reach unto heaven [Rev. 18:2-5]? When the law of God is finally made void by legislation {ST June 12, 1893. {LDE 198.5}

 5. Babylon is become: “the habitation of devils,” “the hold of every foul spirit,” “and a cage of every unclean and hateful bird.” Explain each of these elements.

Answer: As the people in Babylon reject the truth, the door to Satan and his agencies keeps widening. Because there is little truth, Satan’s agencies will eventually feel at home in the churches of Babylon and -even scarier- in the members’ hearts. These evil angels will bring with them additional corruptions.

< As the teachings of spiritualism are accepted by the churches, the restraint imposed upon the carnal heart is removed, and the profession of religion will become a cloak to conceal the basest iniquity. A belief in spiritual manifestations opens the door to seducing spirits and doctrines of devils, and thus the influence of evil angels will be felt in the churches.{GC 603.2} They had chosen a ruler who chained them to his car as captive… Satanic agencies were incorporated with men. The bodies of human beings, made for the dwelling place of God, had become the habitation of demons. {DA 36.3} “a cage of every unclean and hateful bird”– This phrase refers to the menagerie of corruptions and falsehoods that have crept into the churches of Babylon under the pretense of truth. The light which went before and followed after this angel, penetrated every where, as he cried mightily, with a strong voice, saying, Babylon the great is fallen, is fallen, and is become the habitation of devils, and the hold of every foul spirit, and a cage of every unclean and hateful bird. The message of the fall of Babylon, as given by the second angel, is again given, with the addition of the corruptions which have been entering the churches since 1844. {1SG 193.2} “As a cage is full of birds, so are their houses full of deceit: therefore they are become great, and waxen rich.”-Jeremiah 5:27

6. List and explain the sins of Babylon, as stated in Revelation 18.

Answer: The listed sins of Babylon are 1) allowing “foul spirits” to make their home in her (Rev. 18:2), 2) fornication (Rev. 18:3), and 3) glorifying herself and living extravagantly (Rev. 18:7).

1). allowing “foul spirits” to make their residence in her – Babylon did not let God have control of her life, and God cannot live where He is not welcome. He will not force Himself upon anyone. Similarly, Satan cannot live where God is present. So when Babylon rejected God, Satan gained a foothold within her.

2. Fornicating – Though the verse seems to say that the ones who are sinning are the “kings of the earth” and the “nations”, it also makes it clear that Babylon is sinning as well. (“wine of the wrath of her fornication”) Babylon is just as guilty as the others. Even more so, because she is the one offering her “fornication” to the world. The word “fornication” means to commit adultery. Babylon causes many to “commit adultery” against God by enticing them with the wine of false doctrine.

<What is that wine?–her false doctrines. She has given to the world a false sabbath instead of the Sabbath of the fourth commandment, and has repeated the falsehood that Satan first told to Eve in Eden–the natural immortality of the soul. Many kindred errors she has spread far and wide, “teaching for doctrines the commandments of men.” (7BC 985.4)

 

3) Glorifying herself and living extravagantly – True love “seeketh not her own” (1 Cor. 13:5) God is the embodiment of this love (1 John 4:16). However, instead of following in Christ’s footsteps, Babylon has lived selfishly.

7.When do Babylon’s sins reach unto Heaven?

Answer: Babylon’s sins reach unto Heaven when “all nations have drunk of the wine of the wrath of her fornication”, for then is her fall complete. When the wine which is false doctrine and false worship, is accepted throughout the world instead of God’s Law, Babylon’s sins reach unto Heaven. This will be accomplished through legislation

<The wine of Babylon is the exalting of the false and spurious sabbath above the Sabbath which the Lord Jehovah hath blessed and sanctified for the use of man, also [it is] the immortality of the soul. These kindred heresies, and the rejection of the truth, convert the church into Babylon. Kings, merchants, rulers, and religious teachers are all in corrupt harmony {2SM 68.2}. When do her sins reach unto heaven [Rev. 18:2-5]? When the law of God is finally made void by legislation ST June 12, 1893. {LDE 198.5}. God keeps a record with the nations. The figures are swelling against them in the books of heaven, and when it shall have become a law that the transgression of the first day of the week shall be met with punishment, then their cup will be full. {7BC 910 (1886)}

8. Why does Revelation 18 say that Babylon receives the plagues?

Answer: Take a look at the text (Rev. 18:7-8) “How much she hath glorified herself, and lived deliciously, so much torment and sorrow give her: for she saith in her heart, I sit a queen, and am no widow, and shall see no sorrow. Therefore shall her plagues come in one day, death, and mourning, and famine; and she shall be utterly burned with fire: for strong is the Lord God who judgeth her.–Rev. 18:7-8. Babylon receives the plagues because she has lived to exalt self. Instead of living to bless others, and copying Christ’s life of self-denial, the up most extravagance was employed to glorify herself.

< A thousand doors of usefulness are open before us. Often we lament the scanty resources available; but were Christians thoroughly in earnest, they could multiply the resources a thousand fold. It is selfishness, self-indulgence, that bars the way to our usefulness. {ST, December 15, 1909 par. 12} How much means is expended for things that are mere idols, things that engross time and thought and strength, that should be put to a higher use. How much money is wasted on expensive houses and furniture, on selfish pleasures, luxuries, and unwholesome food. How much is squandered on gifts that benefit no one. For things that are needless, often harmful, professed Christians today are spending more, many times more, than they spend in seeking to rescue souls from the tempter. {ST, December 15, 1909 par. 13} 

9. If you are honestly serving God, what difference does it make which church you belong to? [according to Revelation 18]

Answer: If you are honestly serving God, it doesn’t matter which church you belong to in name. However, those who are honestly serving God will serve and follow Him completely, not partially. The Loud Cry in Revelation 18 brings to our attention the churches who are not following all of God’s commandments (particularly the fourth). It rebukes these churches and calls for those who are following God to come out and join God’s commandment keeping church. Those who are truly following Christ will come out, those who are not stay and become part of Babylon. So in a round-about way, it does matter which church you belong to! “If ye love me, keep my commandments.”-John 14:15

 

10.Why are there only two distinct calls made to the churches?

Answer: The two calls – focusing on Babylon’s fall and an invitation to come out – coincide with two distinctive events. The first call (the second angel’s message) is given at the beginning of Babylon’s fall. The second call (the Loud Cry) is given just at its completion. (for more information see similar question on The Second Angel’s Message post)

11.When is the Loud Cry supposed to be given?

< The Loud Cry is to be given just before Jesus comes back and shortly after Sunday keeping becomes a worldwide law. Testimonies, vol. 6, p. 401. (1900) {Ev 693.2} Then will the message of the third angel swell to a loud cry, and the whole earth will be lightened with the glory of the Lord. When do her sins reach unto heaven [Rev. 18:2-5]? When the law of God is finally made void by legislation. ST June 12, 1893. {LDE 198.5}God keeps a record with the nations. The figures are swelling against them in the books of heaven, and when it shall have become a law that the transgression of the first day of the week shall be met with punishment, then their cup will be full. {7BC 910 (1886)}

12.What is it that gives power to the Loud voice [Cry]?

<The latter rain, which is a great outpouring of the Holy Spirit, is what empowers the Loud Cry. {EW 86 (1854). At that time the “latter rain,” or refreshing from the presence of the Lord, will come, to give power to the loud voice of the third angel, and prepare the saints to stand in the period when the seven last plagues shall be poured out. {LDE 186.4}An angel answered, “It is the latter rain, the refreshing from the presence of the Lord, the loud cry of the third angel.” EW 271 (1858). {LDE 186.5}

 (The “refreshing from the presence of the Lord” is the Holy Spirit. We can see this in these two texts: )

  “Repent ye therefore, and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out, when the times of refreshing shall come from the presence of the Lord”. Acts 3:19 “Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost”. Acts 2:38

(Each verse has the same components: a call to repent, and a promise of blotting out sins. From this we can conclude that the final component of each verse is referring to the same thing.)

 When the Message Is Finished.–It [the coming of the Lord] will not tarry past the time that the message is borne to all nations, tongues, and peoples. Shall we who claim to be students of prophecy forget that God’s forbearance to the wicked is a part of the vast and merciful plan by which He is seeking to compass the salvation of souls? Review and Herald, June 18, 1901. {Ev 697.1}Not yet, however, can it be said that “Babylon is fallen, …because she made all nations drink of the wine of the wrath of her fornication.” She has not yet made all nations do this.{GC 389.2}Revelation 18 points to the time when, as the result of rejecting the threefold warning of Revelation 14:6-12, the church will have fully reached the condition foretold by the second angel.{GC 390.2}

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The Third Angel’s Message

October 2, 2009 at 2:53 pm (Uncategorized)
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(Just a note – there’s still one more question to answer, but we haven’t had the presentation on it yet, so this is almost compete.)

1.      What is the core content of the third angel’s message?

Answer: The core content of the third angel’s message is two-fold: 1. Jesus’ mediation in the Most Holy Place, and 2. The unchanging authority of God’s Law.

< Those who had accepted the light concerning the mediation of Christ and the perpetuity of the law of God, found that these were the truths brought to view in the third message. {4SP 275.2}As the ministration of Jesus closed in the holy place, and He passed into the holiest, and stood before the ark containing the law of God, He sent another mighty angel with a third message to the world…he proclaimed a fearful warning, with the most terrible threatening ever borne to man. The third angel closes his message thus: “Here is the patience of the saints: here are they that keep the commandments of God, and the faith of Jesus.” As he repeated these words, he pointed to the heavenly sanctuary. The minds of all who embrace this message are directed to the most holy place, where Jesus stands before the ark, making His final intercession for all those for whom mercy still lingers and for those who have ignorantly broken the law of God. {EW 254.1

2.    When did Jesus send the third angel’s message?

Answer: Jesus sent the third angel’s message just as He started His new job in the Most Holy Place, in 1844.

<As foretold in the Scriptures, the ministration of Christ in the most holy place began at the termination of the prophetic days in 1844. {4SP 273.2} When Christ entered the most holy place of the heavenly sanctuary to perform the closing work of the atonement, he committed to his servants the last message of mercy to be given to the world. Such is the warning of the third angel of Revelation 14. Immediately following its proclamation, the Son of man is seen by the prophet coming in glory to reap the harvest of the earth.{ 4SP 273.1}

 

3.      How did the third angel light up the past, the present, and the future to the early advent believers after the passing of the time in 1844?

Answer: The third angel brought light to the past by explaining what event really took place in 1844. They had thought that Jesus was returning to earth to cleanse the sanctuary (Daniel 8:14), but in reality Christ had gone in to begin the work of cleansing the Heavenly Sanctuary. The third angel’s message helped them to find their errors by studying the sanctuary. The third angel’s message lit up the present by clarifying what Christ is currently doing in the Heavenly Sanctuary, and by illuminating the law of God. When they realized that the law of God (particularly the 4th commandment) was extremely necessary, the people saw that they needed to change their lives – they needed to keep the whole law, and live in the context of what was going on in Heaven. The third angel lit up the future by showing what will be going on in the sanctuary until the close of probation. The angel also pointed forward to the great struggle that they would go through and the consequences of those who refused to keep God’s law.

<Light from the sanctuary illumined the past, the present, and the future.{GC 424.1} After Jesus opened the door of the most holy, the light of the Sabbath was seen, and the people of God were tested, as the children of Israel were tested anciently, to see if they would keep God’s law. I saw the third angel pointing upward, showing the disappointed ones the way to the holiest of the heavenly sanctuary. As they by faith enter the most holy, they find Jesus, and hope and joy spring up anew. I saw them looking back, reviewing the past, from the proclamation of the second advent of Jesus, down through their experience to the passing of the time in 1844. They see their disappointment explained, and joy and certainty again animate them. The third angel has lighted up the past, the present, and the future, and they know that God has indeed led them by His mysterious providence.{ EW 254.2}

4. Why does the evangelical Christian world not accept the truth of Christ’s change of ministration from the holy place to the most holy place in 1844?

Answer: The evangelical Christian world doesn’t accept the truth of Christ’s change of ministration in the sanctuary because if they did, they would have to accept the truth about the Sabbath being on Saturday. Most Christians would rather keep tradition and keep Sunday as their holy day. Within the Most Holy Place is the ark of the covenant, which contains the ten commandments, which contains the message of the Sabbath.

<They had by faith followed their High Priest from the holy to the most holy, and they saw him pleading his blood before the ark of God. Within that sacred ark is the Father’s law, the same that was spoken by God himself amid the thunders of Sinai, and written with his own finger on the tables of stone. Not one command has been annulled; not a jot or title has been changed. While God gave to Moses a copy of his law, he preserved the great original in the sanctuary above. Tracing down its holy precepts, the seekers for truth found, in the very bosom of the Decalogue, the fourth commandment, as it was first proclaimed: “Remember the Sabbath day, to keep it holy…” [Ex. 20:8-11]{ 4SP 273.3} Many and earnest were the efforts made to overthrow their faith. None could fail to see that if the earthly sanctuary was a figure or pattern of the heavenly, the law deposited in the ark on earth was an exact transcript of the law in the ark in Heaven, and that an acceptance of the truth concerning the heavenly sanctuary involved an acknowledgment of the claims of God’s law, and the obligation of the Sabbath of the fourth commandment. Here was the secret of the bitter and determined opposition to the harmonious exposition of the Scriptures that brought to view the ministration of Christ in the heavenly sanctuary.{4SP 275.1

5. How is the message of justification by faith the third angel’s message?

Answer: The third angle’s message proclaims the importance of keeping God’s law (the Ten Commandments). God organized it so that when we keep His commandments, we know that we are made whole – we have received the righteousness of Christ. “Now by this we know that we know him, if we keep his commandments.”-1John 2:3. “And this is life eternal, that they might know thee the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom thou hast sent.”-John 17:3. When we accept God’s authority in our lives and keep His commandments, it is our evidence that we have been justified by faith. This is made evident when we obey God to the best of our ability. In this way, the third angel’s message corresponds with justification by faith.

< Several have written to me, inquiring if the message of justification by faith is the third angel’s message, and I have answered, “It is the third angel’s message in verity.”– Review and Herald, April 1, 1890.  {Ev 190.3} This message was to bring more prominently before the world the uplifted Saviour, the sacrifice for the sins of the whole world. It presented justification through faith in the Surety; it invited the people to receive the righteousness of Christ, which is made manifest in obedience to all the commandments of God. Many had lost sight of Jesus. They needed to have their eyes directed to His divine person, His merits, and His changeless love for the human family. All power is given into His hands, that He may dispense rich gifts unto men, imparting the priceless gift of His own righteousness to the helpless human agent. This is the message that God commanded to be given to the world. It is the third angel’s message, which is to be proclaimed with a loud voice, and attended with the outpouring of His Spirit in a large measure. –Testimonies to Ministers, pp. 91-93. (1896) {Ev 190.4}

6.  What is the purpose of the numbering system for the angels’ messages of Revelation 14?

Answer: The numbering systems simply shows the order in which the messages were given chronologically. After these three messages are proclaimed, they will be given again as a whole.

< The three messages are but one threefold message. They are three only in the order of their rise. But having risen, they go on together and are inseparable.  {GC 693 appendix} These messages all blend in one, to come before the people in the closing days of this earth’s history.   {2SM 116.2}

7. How do the first, second, and third angel’s messages all blend into one?

Answer: These three messages blend together because each one builds upon the one previously given. All three messages emphasize the central point of the mediation of Christ and the perpetuity of the law of God. The first angel’s message is a call to worship God and keep His commandments for “the hour of his judgment is come.”- referring to Christ’ new job in the Most Holy Place. The second angel’s message is a warning to those who reject the first messages – who reject keeping God’s law and Jesus’ mediation during the judgment. It explains that these people become part of Babylon. The third angel’s message elaborately describes the consequences of those who reject the first and second messages. It continues to point to the importance of God’s commandments and Christ’s work in the Heavenly Sanctuary. It finishes “Here is the patience of the saints: here are they that keep the commandments of God”. It puts emphasis on the commandments, and points to the believers in the Most Holy Place where the law is kept.

< Thus the substance of the second angel’s message is again given to the world by that other angel who lightens the earth with his glory. These messages all blend in one, to come before the people in the closing days of this earth’s history.{2SM 116.2} A threefold message – Revelation 14:6, 7 foretells the proclamation of the first angel’s message. Then the prophet continues: “There followed another angel, saying, Babylon is fallen is fallen…and the third angel followed them.” The word here rendered “followed” means “to go along with,” “to follow one,” “go with him” (see Henry George Liddell and Robert Scott, Greek English Lexicon (OXFORD: Clarendon Press, 1940), Vol. 1, pg. 52.) It also means “to accompany.” (See George Abbott-Smith, A Manual Greek Lexicon of the New Testament (Edinburgh: T. and T. Clark, 1950), page 17.) {GC 693.1} Those who had accepted the light concerning the mediation of Christ and the perpetuity of the law of God, found that these were the truths brought to view in the third message. {4SP 275.2}…the third angel’s message, which shows the way into the most holy place.{ EW 260.1} After Jesus opened the door of the most holy, the light of the Sabbath was seen, and the people of God were tested, as the children of Israel were tested anciently, to see if they would keep God’s law. I saw the third angel pointing upward, showing the disappointed ones the way to the holiest of the heavenly sanctuary. {EW 254.2}

8.  How can you show that the mediation of Christ and the perpetuity of the law of God are the truths of the third angel’s message?

Answer: The third angel’s message ends: “here is the patience of the saints: here are they that keep the commandments of God, and the faith of Jesus”. It shows the difference between two groups of people: those who worship God, and those who worship the Beast. Those who worship God keeps His commandments. Not some of them, not a revised version of them, but the same ones that were spoken to Moses on top of Mt. Sinai. They live by the truth that “Jesus Christ [is] the same yesterday, and today, and forever” (Heb.13:8). As we look at the Ten Commandments, automatically the sanctuary comes into view. The law was kept in the Most Holy Place back in Old Testament times. Correspondingly, in the Heavenly Sanctuary, the original law of God is stored in the Most Holy Place (Heb. 8:5). The law helped point the attention of the believers to Jesus’ new location in His ministry. As previously stated, the three angel’s messages are to be taken as one. We need to take the third angel’s message into context of the first and second.  The third continues the theme of the judgment (which is part of the closing work of atonement) stated in the first angel’s message. The third angel’s message points to the Most Holy Place to show where the first message is fulfilled.

< “After Jesus opened the door of the most holy, the light of the Sabbath was seen, and the people of God were tested, as the children of Israel were tested anciently, to see if they would keep God’s law. I saw the third angel pointing upward, showing the disappointed ones the way to the holiest of the heavenly sanctuary. {EW 254.2}As foretold in the Scriptures, the ministration of Christ in the most holy place began at the termination of the prophetic days in 1844. To this time apply the words of the Revelator, “The temple of God was opened in Heaven, and there was seen in his temple the ark of his testament.” [REV. 11:19] {4SP 273.2}They had by faith followed their High Priest from the holy to the most holy, and they saw him pleading his blood before the ark of God. Within that sacred ark is the Father’s law, the same that was spoken by God himself amid the thunders of Sinai, and written with his own finger on the tables of stone. Not one command has been annulled; not a jot or title has been changed. While God gave to Moses a copy of his law, he preserved the great original in the sanctuary above. Tracing down its holy precepts, the seekers for truth found, in the very bosom of the Decalogue, the fourth commandment, as it was first proclaimed: “Remember the Sabbath day, to keep it holy.” [EX. 20:8] {4SP 273.3}

9. Where is the “here” in Revelation 14:12: “Here is patience of the saints: here are they that keep the commandments of God” “and their faith in Jesus.”

Answer: The “here” in this verse refers to the Most Holy Place. When the early advent believers discovered the importance of God’s law and of Jesus’ new job in the Sanctuary, they “entered” by faith into the same compartment. They did this by believing that Christ was in the Sanctuary ministering for mankind, and by making preparation for their judgment day. These believers had the “faith of Jesus” and kept His commandments. I think this verse also applies to anyone that discovers God’s law, decides to keep it, and follows Jesus into the Most Holy Place today.

< The third angel closes his message thus: “Here is the patience of the saints: here are they that keep the commandments of God, and the faith of Jesus.” As he repeated these words, he pointed to the heavenly sanctuary. The minds of all who embrace this message are directed to the most holy place, where Jesus stands before the ark, making His final intercession for all those for whom mercy still lingers and for those who have ignorantly broken the law of God. {EW 254.1} They had by faith followed their High Priest from the holy to the most holy, and they saw him pleading his blood before the ark of God.” {4SP 273.3}

10. What is the “action step[s]” for the third angel’s message?

Answer: The two main themes of this message are 1) the mediation of Christ in the Most Holy Place, and 2) the perpetuity of God’s law. The “action steps” relates to these two core concepts. It is 1) a call to keep God’s commandments, and 2) to live our lives having the faith that Jesus has entered into the Most Holy Place.

< Those who had accepted the light concerning the mediation of Christ and the perpetuity of the law of God, found that these were the truths brought to view in the third message. {4SP 275.2}   I saw the third angel pointing upward, showing the disappointed ones the way to the holiest of the heavenly sanctuary.{EW 254.2} They had by faith followed their High Priest from the holy to the most holy, and they saw him pleading his blood before the ark of God. Within that sacred ark is the Father’s law…{4SP 273.3}          

11.  What are the two purposes for the warning against the beast and his image contained in the third message?

Answer: The purposes of the warning are 1) to extend Christ’s mercy to all who are willing to accept it, and 2) to warn those in Babylon of the consequences if they refuse to accept Christ’s offer.

< When Christ entered the most holy place of the heavenly sanctuary to perform the closing work of the atonement, he committed to his servants the last message of mercy to be given to the world. Such is the warning of the third angel of Revelation 14. {4SP 273.1} It presented justification through faith in the Surety; it invited the people to receive the righteousness of Christ, which is made manifest in obedience to all the commandments of God. {EW 190.4} The most fearful threatening ever addressed to mortals is contained in the third angel’s message. That must be a terrible sin which calls down the wrath of God unmingled with mercy. Men are not to be left in darkness concerning this important matter; the warning against this sin is to be given to the world before the visitation of God’s judgments, that all may know why they are to be inflicted, and have opportunity to escape them…{GC 449.2}

12. What does it mean to receive the mark of the beast?

Answer: Through the third angel’s message, God warns the world against receiving the mark of the beast. Nobody will get this mark until the time comes when the world has learned of the truth, but refuses to follow it. God will not punish without first sending a warning and offering salvation. Keeping the seventh-day Sabbath is a sign of God’s people (Eze. 20:20). Likewise, keeping the first day of the week is a sign of the Devil’s people ( aka the Mark of the Beast). Receiving the mark of the beast means to persistently reject God’s commandments and Jesus’ mediation for them in the Sanctuary, thus showing allegiance to the beast.

< The third angel’s message has been sent forth to the world, warning men against receiving the mark of the beast or of his image in their foreheads or in their hands.{7BC 979.12} John was called to behold a people distinct from those who worship the beast and his image by keeping the first day of the week. The observance of this day is the mark of the beast.{Letter 31, 1989 – 7BC 979.11}

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Study Outline of Revelation 14 & 18

September 23, 2009 at 4:40 pm (Uncategorized)

REVELATION 14

Section 1.  The 144000 (1-5)

 Section 2.  The Three Angel’s messages (6-13)

 Section 3. The Great Harvest (14-20)

REVELATION 18:

Section 1: The Loud Cry {1-8 }

          subsection: 2nd Angel’s message (1-4)

         subsection: The Midnight Cry {4-8}    

Section 2: Babylon’s Judgment

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The Second Angel’s message & the Midnight Cry

September 20, 2009 at 9:12 pm (Uncategorized)
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  1. When was the second angel’s message given?

Answer: The second angel’s message was given just after the proclamation of the first in the summer of 1844. Because most of the churches rejected the first angel’s message, the cry “Babylon is fallen” was given as a warning to the true followers of Christ who still remained in those churches. However, this message will also be re-proclaimed again in the future just before the second coming of Christ.

 <The second angel’s message had its initial sounding early in the summer of 1844 in the call to the advent believers to come out of the nominal churches that had rejected the proclamation of the first angel’s message. When the churches spurned the counsel of God by rejecting the Advent message, the Lord rejected them. The first angel was followed by a second, proclaiming, “Babylon is fallen, is fallen, that great city, because she made all nations drink of the wine of the wrath of her fornication.” [REV. 14:8{EW 304.1}…While it is true that the second angel’s message continues to be present truth, there was a climatic closing up of the second angel’s message immediately preceding October 22, 1844. When the messages of the three angels come prominently before the world again just before the second advent of Christ… {EW 301.1}

 2. Who did the second angel’s message have a more direct application to?

Answer: The second angel’s message is specifically directed to two groups of people within the protestant churches in 1844 {particularly in the United States). The first group is mentioned in the message: “Babylon is fallen, is fallen, that great city, because she made all nations drink of the wine of the wrath of her fornication.” This group is the people who rejected the first angel’s message. The other group is the one that accepted the first angel’s message and was proclaiming the second as a warning.

 <The second angel’s message of Revelation 14 was first preached in the summer of 1844, and it then had a more direct application to the churches of the United States, where the warning of the judgment had been most widely proclaimed and most generally rejected, and where the declension in the churches had been most rapid. {GC 389.2} When the churches spurned the counsel of God by rejecting the Advent message, the Lord rejected them. The first angel was followed by a second, proclaiming, “Babylon is fallen, is fallen, that great city, because she made all nations drink of the wine of the wrath of her fornication.” [REV. 14:8] This message was understood by Adventists to be an announcement of the moral fall of the churches in consequence of their rejection of the first message….as the result, about fifty thousand withdrew from these churches.  {4SP 232.1}

 3.Why was the second angel’s message given?

Answer: The second angel’s message was given to announce that the protestant churches had become the third part of Babylon (when they rejected the first angel’s message).  When many of the members realized that their churches were now becoming Babylon, quite a few decided to leave their church if it rejected the first angel’s message. The second angel’s message was also given to get them ready for the sounding of the third angel’s message, which would “show the way into the most holy place.” The midnight cry was associated with the second angel’s message, and also prepared them to accept the new discoveries about Jesus’ new ministry in the Most Holy place.

< The first angel was followed by a second, proclaiming, “Babylon is fallen, is fallen, that great city, because she made all nations drink of the wine of the wrath of her fornication.” [REV. 14:8] This message was understood by Adventists to be an announcement of the moral fall of the churches in consequence of their rejection of the first message. The proclamation, “Babylon is fallen,” was given in the summer of 1844, and as the result, about fifty thousand withdrew from these churches.  {4SP 232.1} But the beloved of God, who were oppressed, accepted the message, “Babylon is fallen,” and left the churches.  {EW 237.2} The second angel’s message…in the summer of 1844 in the call to the advent believers to come out of the nominal churches that had rejected the proclamation of the first angel’s message. {EW 304.1} Those who rejected the first message could not be benefited by the second; neither were they benefited by the midnight cry, which was to prepare them to enter with Jesus by faith into the most holy place of the heavenly sanctuary. And by rejecting the two former messages, they have so darkened their understanding that they can see no light in the third angel’s message, which shows the way into the most holy place. {EW 260.1}

4.What were the consequences to the churches when they rejected the first angel’s message?

 Answer: When the churches rejected the first angel’s message, the consequence was that they became a part of spiritual Babylon. The churches fell both morally and away from God’s favor. Now they were unable to discern the truths in the three angels’s messages concerning Jesus’ ministry in the Most Holy Place.

 < The term “Babylon” is derived from “Babel,” and signifies confusion. It is employed in Scripture to designate the various forms of false or apostate religion. {GC 381.1}…the rejection of the truth convert the church into Babylon.{1MR 302.2}The churches then experienced a moral fall, in consequence of their refusal of the light of the advent message; {GC 389.2}As the churches refused to receive the first angel’s message, they rejected the light from heaven and fell from the favor of God. They trusted to their own strength, and by opposing the first message placed themselves where they could not see the light of the second angel’s message. {EW 237.2}Those who rejected the first message could not be benefited by the second; neither were they benefited by the midnight cry, which was to prepare them to enter with Jesus by faith into the most holy place of the heavenly sanctuary. And by rejecting the two former messages, they have so darkened their understanding that they can see no light in the third angel’s message, which shows the way into the most holy place.   I saw that as the Jews crucified Jesus, so the nominal churches had crucified these messages, and therefore they have no knowledge of the way into the most holy, and they cannot be benefited by the intercession of Jesus there. Like the Jews, who offered their useless sacrifices, they offer up their useless prayers to the apartment which Jesus has left; and Satan, pleased with the deception, assumes a religious character, and leads the minds of these professed Christians to himself, working with his power, his signs and lying wonders, to fasten them in his snare. {EW 260.1}

5.What is the “action step” of the second angel’s message?

    Answer: The “action step” of the second angel’s message is the call to come out of Babylon – out from among the churches that have rejected the first angel’s message, and be separate from those even in our own churches who aren’t truly following God, for “Behold! The Bridegroom cometh…”

<As the churches refused to receive the first angel’s message, they rejected the light from heaven and fell from the favor of God. They trusted to their own strength, and by opposing the first message placed themselves where they could not see the light of the second angel’s message. But the beloved of God, who were oppressed, accepted the message, “Babylon is fallen,” and left the churches.  {EW 237.2}Near the close of the second angel’s message, [SEE APPENDIX BELOW.] I saw a great light from heaven shining upon the people of God. The rays of this light seemed bright as the sun. And I heard the voices of angels crying, “Behold, the Bridegroom cometh; go ye out to meet Him!”  {EW 238.1}In every part of the land, light was given upon the second angel’s message, and the cry melted the hearts of thousands. It went from city to city, and from village to village, until the waiting people of God were fully aroused. In many churches the message was not permitted to be given, and a large company who had the living testimony left these fallen churches. A mighty work was accomplished by the midnight cry. The message was heart-searching, leading the believers to seek a living experience for themselves. They knew that they could not lean upon one another. {EW 238.3}Furthermore, in the eighteenth chapter of the Revelation the people of God are called upon to come out of Babylon. According to this scripture, many of God’s people must still be in Babylon. And in what religious bodies are the greater part of the followers of Christ now to be found? Without doubt, in the various churches professing the Protestant faith. At the time of their rise these churches took a noble stand for God and the truth, and His blessing was with them. Even the unbelieving world was constrained to acknowledge the beneficent results that followed an acceptance of the principles of the gospel. In the words of the prophet to Israel: “Thy renown went forth among the heathen for thy beauty: for it was perfect through my comeliness, which I had put upon thee, saith the Lord God.” But they fell by the same desire which was the curse and ruin of Israel–the desire of imitating the practices and courting the friendship of the ungodly. “Thou didst trust in thine own beauty, and playedst the harlot because of thy renown.” Ezekiel 16:14, 15. {GC 382.3} “Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord…and I will receive you.”-2Cr.6:17. This “action step” is seen more clearly in the light of the Midnight Cry.  The Midnight Cry was closely associated with the second angel’s message; it stated, “…go ye out to meet Him!”  Evidently, they were “in” someplace that they were supposed to leave.  The people who hear the second angel’s message are supposed to “go out” of Babylon to meet Jesus. {J. Sharley}

6.When was the climatic closing up of the second angel’s message?

 < The second angel’s message had its initial sounding early in the summer of 1844 in the call to the advent believers to come out of the nominal churches that had rejected the proclamation of the first angel’s message. And while it is true that the second angel’s message continues to be present truth, there was a climatic closing up of the second angel’s message immediately preceding October 22, 1844. When the messages of the three angels come prominently before the world again just before the second advent of Christ, the angel of revelation 18:1 joins in the proclamation of the second angel in the message that “Babylon is fallen.” “Come out of her, my people.” See the chapter “The Final Warning” in the Great Controversy, pages 603-312{EW 304.1}

7.What was the Midnight Cry?

“And at midnight there was a cry made, Behold, the bridegroom cometh; go ye out to meet him.”- Matthew 25:6

 8.When was the Midnight Cry given?

 Answer: The Midnight cry was given in the early summer of 1844, and just shortly before the expected return of Christ on October 22, 1844.

 <The second angel’s message had its initial sounding early in the summer of 1844…. there was a climatic closing up of the second angel’s message immediately preceding October 22, 1844. {EW 304.1} Near the close of the second angel’s message, [SEE APPENDIX BELOW.] I saw a great light from heaven shining upon the people of God. The rays of this light seemed bright as the sun. And I heard the voices of angels crying, “Behold, the Bridegroom cometh; go ye out to meet Him!”  {EW 238.1}

 9.What was the purpose of the Midnight Cry?

 Answer: The Midnight cry was given along with the second angel’s message as a call for God’s true church to come out and separate from Babylon. Babylon in this context is symbolized as a false prophet. The second angel’s message and the midnight cry is more than a call to physically come out of the heretic churches, but a call to spiritually come out and have a real relationship with God. The Midnight cry is a warning of Christ’s soon return, and a call to examine our lives and hearts so we will be ready when the bridegroom comes. It was also given to prepare them to enter the Most Holy place in the heavenly sanctuary with Jesus.

<This was the midnight cry, which was to give power to the second angel’s message. Angels were sent from heaven to arouse the discouraged saints and prepare them for the great work before them. The most talented men were not the first to receive this message. Angels were sent to the humble, devoted ones, and constrained them to raise the cry, “Behold, the Bridegroom cometh; go ye out to meet Him!” Those entrusted with the cry made haste, and in the power of the Holy Spirit sounded the message, and aroused their discouraged brethren. This work did not stand in the wisdom and learning of men, but in the power of God, and His saints who heard the cry could not resist it. The most spiritual received this message first, and those who had formerly led in the work were the last to receive and help swell the cry, “Behold, the Bridegroom cometh; go ye out to meet Him!” {EW 238.2}It went from city to city, and from village to village, until the waiting people of God were fully aroused. In many churches the message was not permitted to be given, and a large company who had the living testimony left these fallen churches. A mighty work was accomplished by the midnight cry. The message was heart-searching, leading the believers to seek a living experience for themselves. They knew that they could not lean upon one another. {EW 238.3}…the midnight cry, which was to prepare them to enter with Jesus by faith into the most holy place of the heavenly sanctuary. {EW 260.1}

 10.For those who had received the first angel’s message, how did the Midnight Cry prepare them to enter with Jesus by faith into the Most Holy place of the heavenly sanctuary?

 Answer: The Midnight cry helped people to wake up to the reality that time is short, and caused them to strive to get to know God for themselves. This cry encouraged them to have a personal relationship with God, and get a more firm foundation in their faith. After the Great disappointment in 1844 (when Christ did not come when He was expected), only those who were firmly grounded in their faith were not shaken. Instead, they were all the more driven to study and find out the truths concerning the three angel’s messages and Christ’s work in the Heavenly Sanctuary. Just as after the great disappointment, in the last days only those who have a firm foundation in their faith and a real relationship with Christ will not be shaken. They will stand ready to enter into the glories of the Most Holy place with God and Christ their savior.

 < A mighty work was accomplished by the midnight cry. The message was heart-searching, leading the believers to seek a living experience for themselves. They knew that they could not lean upon one another. {EW 238.3}The Bible declares that before the coming of the Lord, Satan will work “with all power and signs and lying wonders, and with all deceivableness of unrighteousness;” and they that “received not the love of the truth, that they might be saved,” will be left to receive “strong delusion, that they should believe a lie.” 2 Thessalonians 2:9-11. The change is a progressive one, and the perfect fulfillment of Revelation 14:8 is yet future.  {GC 389.3}Notwithstanding the spiritual darkness and alienation from God that exist in the churches which constitute Babylon, the great body of Christ’s true followers are still to be found in their communion…Not a few are dissatisfied with their present condition and are longing for clearer light. They look in vain for the image of Christ in the churches with which they are connected. As these bodies depart further and further from the truth, and ally themselves more closely with the world, the difference between the two classes will widen, and it will finally result in separation. The time will come when those who love God supremely can no longer remain in connection with such as are “lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God; having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof.”  {GC 390.1}

 11.Just as Jesus cleansed the temple both at the beginning and at the end of His public Ministry, so in the last work for the warning of the world, two distinct calls are made to the churches. What are the two distinct calls to the churches, and when are these two calls made?

Answer: The first of the two calls is the second angels’ message, given in the summer of 1844. “Babylon is fallen, is fallen…” The second call is the loud cry given by the angel in Revelation 18. The angel calls the true followers of Christ who are still in “Babylon” to “come out of her, my people…” These messages were proclaimed back in 1844, and have been proclaimed from that time on. These messages will be specifically given again just before the second coming of Christ.

<When Jesus began His public ministry, He cleansed the temple from its sacrilegious profanation. Among the last acts of His ministry was the second cleansing of the temple. So in the last work for the warning of the world, two distinct calls are made to the churches. The second angel’s message is, “Babylon is fallen, is fallen, that great city, because she made all nations drink of the wine of the wrath of her fornication.” And in the loud cry of the third angel’s message a voice is heard from heaven saying, “Come out of her, my people, that ye be not partakers of her sins, and that ye receive not of her plagues. For her sins have reached unto heaven, and God hath remembered her iniquities” {RH Dec. 6, 1892 – 7BC 985.5} The second angel’s message had its initial sounding early in the summer of 1844 in the call to the advent believers to come out of the nominal churches that had rejected the proclamation of the first angel’s message. And while it is true that the second angel’s message continues to be present truth, there was a climatic closing up of the second angels’ message immediately preceding October 22, 1844. When the messages of the three angels come prominently before the world again just before the second advent of Christ, the angel of Revelation 18:1 joins in the proclamation of the second angel in the message that “Babylon is fallen.” “Come out of her my people.” {EW 304.1}

12.Why are there only two distinct calls made to the churches?

 Answer: There are only two calls made to the churches because they go along with two events happening in the Heavenly Sanctuary. The first call was when Jesus began the judgment. The second call was given as a warning to take the time we have left seriously and get right with God before probation closes, because Christ would soon finish His work in the Most Holy Place. These two messages are given all during Christ’s work in the sanctuary, but no new calls are made in between them because no new events took place in the Heavenly Sanctuary.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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The First Angel’s Message

September 16, 2009 at 4:45 pm (Uncategorized)
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The First Angel’s Message (Rev. 14:6, 7)

1. Who does the first angel symbolize? (Who gives the first angel’s message?)

   Answer: The angel that gives the first message in Revelation 14:6, 7, is symbolic of William Miller and his followers who began proclaiming the message in 1844. However it also is pointing forward to when, during the last days, we as the Seventh Day Adventist church will re-proclaim the message.

<“A great religious awakening under the proclamation of Christ’s soon coming is foretold in the prophecy of the first angel’s message of Revelation 14. An angel is seen flying “in the midst of heaven, having the everlasting gospel to preach unto them that dwell on the earth, and to every nation, and kindred, and tongue, and people.” “With a loud voice” he proclaims the message:”Fear God, and give glory to Him; for the hour of His judgment is come: and worship Him that made heaven, and earth, and the sea, and the fountains of waters.” Verses 6, 7. {GC 355.1}To William Miller and his colaborers it was given to preach the warning in America… The writings of Miller and his associates were carried to distant lands. Wherever missionaries had penetrated in all the world, were sent the glad tidings of Christ’s speedy return. Far and wide spread the message of the everlasting gospel: “Fear God, and give glory to Him; for the hour of His judgment is come.”  {GC 368.1}These three angels represent the people who accept the light of God’s messages, and go forth as His agents to sound the warning throughout the length and breadth of the earth. Christ declared to His followers, “Ye are the light of the world.” To every soul that accepts Jesus, the cross of Calvary speaks: “Behold the worth of the soul. ‘Go ye into all the world, and preach the Gospel to every creature.’” Nothing is to be permitted to hinder this work. It is the all-important work for this time, and it is to be far-reaching as eternity.  {ST, January 25, 1910 par. 5}

2. When was the first angel’s message given?

     Answer: The first angel’s message was actually first revealed to Daniel by God, but he was told that it was not to be given until the last days. In 1844 the first angel’s message was finally proclaimed as Christ began His work in the sanctuary as our intercessor.

 < “But that part of his prophecy which related to the last days, Daniel was bidden to close up and seal “to the time of the end.” Not till we reach this time could a message concerning the judgment be proclaimed, based on the fulfillment of these prophecies. {GC 355.3}The announcement, “The hour of His judgment is come,” points to the closing work of Christ’s ministration for the salvation of men. It heralds a truth which must be proclaimed until the Saviour’s intercession shall cease and He shall return to the earth to take His people to Himself. The work of judgment which began in 1844 must continue until the cases of all are decided, both of the living and the dead; hence it will extend to the close of human probation.”  {GC 435.2}

3. Where did the prophecy of the first angel’s message have its most direct fulfillment?

 Answer: It’s most direct fulfillment was when it was proclaimed in 1843 and 1844 by William Miller and his followers. It was part of the opening scenes of the Advent Movement.

<”…In their initial proclamation that sounding of the first angel’s message with its declaration that “the hour of God’s judgment is come” is linked with the proclamation of the expected advent of Christ in the 1830’s and early 1840’s.{EW 304.1}To William Miller and his colaborers it was given to preach the warning in America. This country became the center of the great advent movement. It was here that the prophecy of the first angel’s message had its most direct fulfillment.  The writings of Miller and his associates were carried to distant lands. Wherever missionaries had penetrated in all the world, were sent the glad tidings of Christ’s speedy return. Far and wide spread the message of the everlasting gospel: “Fear God, and give glory to Him; for the hour of His judgment is come.”  {GC 368.1}

4. Why was the first angel’s message given?

Answer: The first angel’s message was given to proclaim the opening of the judgment. Erroneous doctrines, false teachings, and pagan ceremonies had slowly slipped into the church. The first angel’s message is given as a warning for the churches to depart from their evil ways, and a call for the true remnant church to live their lives for God.

 <”The first angel’s message of Revelation 14, announcing the hour of God’s judgment and calling upon men to fear and worship Him, was designed to separate the professed people of God from the corrupting influences of the world and to arouse them to see their true condition of worldliness and backsliding. In this message, God has sent to the church a warning…” {GC 379.1}The fourteenth chapter of Revelation outlines the work that is to be done by the people of God just before the second advent of our Saviour. Three messages are there represented, which must go to all the inhabitants of the world.  {ST, January 25, 1910 par. 1}In Revelation 14, men are called upon to worship the Creator; and the prophecy brings to view a class that, as the result of the threefold message, are keeping the commandments of God. One of these commandments points directly to God as the Creator. The fourth precept declares: “The seventh day is the Sabbath of the Lord thy God: . . . for in six days the Lord made heaven and earth, the sea, and all that in them is, and rested the seventh day: wherefore the Lord blessed the Sabbath day, and hallowed it.” Exodus 20:10, 11. Concerning the Sabbath, the Lord says, further, that it is “a sign, . . . that ye may know that I am the Lord your God.” Ezekiel 20:20. And the reason given is: “For in six days the Lord made heaven and earth, and on the seventh day He rested, and was refreshed.” Exodus 31:17.  {GC 437.1}

5. How is the first angel’s message announcing “The hour of His judgment is come” a part of the gospel?

Answer: Putting it bluntly, the gospel is essentially the sanctuary. Each part of the sanctuary – each room, each piece of furniture – are all symbolic of the events of Christ’s life and work. The first angel’s message is announcing the opening of the judgment at the end of the 2300 day prophecy (in Daniel 8).  This means that in the sanctuary, Christ has moved from the Holy place to the Most Holy place to begin His work as our intercessor. The investigative judgment has begun.

 < It is declared to be a part of the “everlasting gospel;” and it announces the opening of the judgment. The message of salvation has been preached in all ages; but this message is a part of the gospel which could be proclaimed only in the last days, for only then would it be true that the hour of judgment had come. {GC 355.3}The announcement, “The hour of His judgment is come,” points to the closing work of Christ’s ministration for the salvation of men. {GC 435.2} Light from the sanctuary illumined the past, present, and future. {GC 423.1) Important truths concerning the atonement are taught by the typical service. On the Day of Atonement the high priest, having taken an offering from the congregation, went into the most holy place h the blood of this offering, and sprinkled it upon the mercy seat, directly over the law, to make satisfaction for its claims. Then, in his character of mediator, he took the sins upon himself and bore them from the sanctuary. Placing his hands upon the head of the scapegoat, he confessed over him all these sins, thus in figure transferring them from himself to the goat. The goat then bore them away, and they were regarded as forever separated from the people. Such was the service performed “unto the example and shadow of heavenly things.” And what was done in type in the ministration of the earthly sanctuary is done in reality in the ministration of the heavenly sanctuary. After His ascension our Saviour began His work as our high priest. Says Paul: “Christ is not entered into the holy places made with hands, which are the figures of the true; but into heaven itself, now to appear in the presence of God for us.” Hebrews 9:24 (GC 421)

 6. What were the consequences to the churches when they rejected the first angel’s message?

 Answer: If the churches had accepted the first angel’s message they would have had the same spirit of God and love for each other in their churches as did the apostles of old. God would’ve looked down upon them as perfect and undefiled, ready to stand in His presence. But, because they rejected the first angel’s message – the call to worship God and God alone – the Lord rejected them.

 < But God who reads the hearts of all, has brought to the test that love for Jesus which they professed to feel. All heaven watched with the deepest interest the reception of the first angel’s message. But many who professed to love Jesus, and who shed tears as they read the story of the cross, derided the good news of His coming. Instead of receiving the message with gladness, they declared it to be a delusion. They hated those who loved His appearing and shut them out of the churches. {EW 260.1}    When the churches spurned the counsel of God by rejecting the Advent message, the Lord rejected them. The first angel was followed by a second, proclaiming, “Babylon is fallen, is fallen, that great city, because she made all nations drink of the wine of the wrath of her fornication.” [REV. 14:8] This message was understood by Adventists to be an announcement of the moral fall of the churches in consequence of their rejection of the first message. {4SP 232.1} In this message, God has sent to the church a warning, which, had it been accepted, would have corrected the evils that were shutting them away from Him. Had they received the message from heaven, humbling their hearts before the Lord and seeking in sincerity a preparation to stand in His presence, the Spirit and power of God would have been manifested among them. The church would again have reached that blessed state of unity, faith, and love which existed in apostolic days, when the believers “were of one heart and of one soul,” and “spake the word of God with boldness,” when “the Lord added to the church daily such as should be saved.” Acts 4:32, 31; 2:47. {GC 379.1}

7. How does the first angel’s message influence the second angel’s message?

Answer: The second angel’s message would not have been given if the first angel’s message had been accepted. The second angel’s message was cried out in grief and morning of the church’s rejection of the first angel’s message – “…Babylon is fallen, is fallen, that great city, because she made all nations drink of the wine of the wrath of her fornication.” (Rev.14: 8)

 <When the churches spurned the counsel of God by rejecting the Advent message, the Lord rejected them. The first angel was followed by a second, proclaiming, “Babylon is fallen, is fallen, that great city, because she made all nations drink of the wine of the wrath of her fornication.” [REV. 14:8] This message was understood by Adventists to be an announcement of the moral fall of the churches in consequence of their rejection of the first message. The proclamation, “Babylon is fallen,” was given in the summer of 1844, and as the result, about fifty thousand withdrew from these churches.  {4SP 232.1}

8. How is the first angel’s message still relevant today?

 Answer: Although the prophecy of the first angel’s message was fulfilled in 1844, it is still relevant today. As the close of probation and outpouring of the plagues are fast approaching, we need to be fervently re-proclaiming the first angel’s message to those who are ignorant in our generation today!

 <The announcement, “The hour of His judgment is come,” points to the closing work of Christ’s ministration for the salvation of men. It heralds a truth which must be proclaimed until the Saviour’s intercession shall cease and He shall return to the earth to take His people to Himself. The work of judgment which began in 1844 must continue until the cases of all are decided, both of the living and the dead; hence it will extend to the close of human probation.  {GC 435.2}While the investigative judgment is going forward in heaven, while the sins of penitent believers are being removed from the sanctuary, there is to be a special work of purification, of putting away of sin, among God’s people upon earth. This work is more clearly presented in the messages of Revelation 14.  {GC 425.1}That men may be prepared to stand in the judgment, the message commands them to “fear God, and give glory to Him,” “and worship Him that made heaven, and earth, and the sea, and the fountains of waters.” The result of an acceptance of these messages is given in the word: “Here are they that keep the commandments of God, and the faith of Jesus.”  In order to be prepared for the judgment, it is necessary that men should keep the law of God. That law will be the standard of character in the judgment. {GC 435.2} all three of the messages are still to be proclaimed. It is just as essential now as ever before that they shall be repeated to those who are seeking for the truth. {CW 26.2}

9. What is the “action step” for the first angel’s message?

 Answer: The “action step” of the first angel’s message contains two parts:      1. We are to warn those around us to get ready for the Marriage. When Christ finishes his work as mediatior in the judgment (which is taking place now), He will return to meet His bride (us as His church). This will be accomplished by following the great commision (Matt. 28:19,20)  2. We need to be getting ready for the marriage ourselves. We need to be sure we are right with God and are truely serving Him and Him alone.  

 <Christ and Him crucified, is the message God would have His servants sound through the length and breadth of the world. The law and the gospel will then be presented as a perfect whole. – The Review and Herald, Sept. 29, 1896.  {7ABC 458.5}The whole world needs to be instructed in the oracles of God, to understand the object of the atonement, the at-one-ment, with God. The object of this atonement was that the divine law and government might be maintained.  Manuscript 163, 1897.  {7ABC 471.4}Hanging upon the cross Christ was the gospel. . . . This is our message, our argument, our doctrine, our warning to the impenitent, our encouragement for the sorrowing, the hope for every believer. If we can awaken an interest in men’s minds that will cause them to fix their eyes on Christ, we may step aside, and ask them only to continue to fix their eyes upon the Lamb of God.– Manuscript 49, 1898.  {7ABC 458.2}These three angels represent the people who accept the light of God’s messages, and go forth as His agents to sound the warning throughout the length and breadth of the earth. {ST, January 25, 1910 par. 5} {ST, January 25, 1910 par. 1}The keeping of the Sabbath is a sign of loyalty to the true God, “Him that made heaven, and earth, and the sea, and the fountains of waters.” It follows that the message which commands men to worship God and keep His commandments will especially call upon them to keep the fourth commandment.  {GC 437.2}Dear brethren, the Lord is coming. Lift up your thoughts and heads and rejoice. Oh, we would think that those who hear the joyful news, who claim to love Jesus, would be filled with joy unutterable and full of glory. This is the good, the joyful news which should electrify every soul, which should be repeated in our homes and told to those whom we meet on the street – what more joyful news can be communicated! Caviling and contention with believers and unbelievers is not the work God has given us to do.  {2SM 381}  

10. How does the first angel’s message, as it was perceived during the advent movement of 1840-1844, fit together with the actual content of the first angel’s message?

Answer: You have probably heard of The Great Disappointment that took place in 1844 when the expected 2nd coming of Christ did not happen. The earliest Adventists (then known as Millerites) had mistaken a prophecy about the cleansing of the sanctuary given in Daniel 8. Their interpretation was that the cleansing of the sanctuary was symbolic of the 2nd coming of Christ. However the cleansing of the sanctuary referred to when Christ entered the Holy of Holies in the Heavenly sanctuary and began His intercessory work at the opening of the judgment.

<The subject of the sanctuary was the key which unlocked the mystery of the disappointment of 1844. (GC 423.1) Both the prophecy of Daniel 8:14, “Unto two thousand and three hundred days; then shall the sanctuary be cleansed,” and the first angel’s message, “Fear God, and give glory to Him; for the hour of His judgment is come,” pointed to Christ’s ministration in the most holy place, to the investigative judgment, and not to the coming of Christ for the redemption of His people and the destruction of the wicked. The mistake had not been in the reckoning of the prophetic periods, but in the event to take place at the end of the 2300 days. (GC 424.2). Christ had come, not to the earth, as they expected, but, as foreshadowed in the type, to the most holy place of the temple of God in heaven. (GC 424.2) They were not looking for Him there. They expected Him to come to earth, “in flaming fire taking vengeance on them that know not God, and that obey not the gospel.” 2 Thessalonians 1:8. (GC 424.3) But the people were not yet ready to meet their Lord. There was still a work of preparation to be accomplished for them. Light was to be given, directing their minds to the temple of God in heaven; and as they should by faith follow their High Priest in His ministration there, new duties would be revealed. Another message of warning and instruction was to be given to the church. (GC 424.4) Those who are living upon the earth when the intercession of Christ shall cease in the sanctuary above are to stand in the sight of a holy God without a mediator. Their robes must be spotless, their characters must be purified from sin by the blood of sprinkling….While the investigative judgment is going forward in heaven, while the sins of penitent believers are being removed from the sanctuary, there is to be a special work of purification, of putting away of sin, among God’s people upon earth. This work is more clearly presented in the messages of Revelation 14. (GC 425.1)   In the summer and autumn of 1844 the proclamation, “Behold, the Bridegroom cometh,” was given. The two classes represented by the wise and foolish virgins were then developed–one class who looked with joy to the Lord’s appearing, and who had been diligently preparing to meet Him; another class that, influenced by fear and acting from impulse, had been satisfied with a theory of the truth, but were destitute of the grace of God. (GC 426.2) In the parable it was those that had oil in their vessels with their lamps that went in to the marriage. Those who, with a knowledge of the truth from the Scriptures, had also the Spirit and grace of God, and who, in the night of their bitter trial, had patiently waited, searching the Bible for clearer light–these saw the truth concerning the sanctuary in heaven and the Saviour’s change in ministration, and by faith they followed Him in His work in the sanctuary above. And all who through the testimony of the Scriptures accept the same truths, following Christ by faith as He enters in before God to perform the last work of mediation, and at its close to receive His kingdom–all these are represented as going in to the marriage. (GC 427.2) When the work of investigation shall be ended, when the cases of those who in all ages have professed to be followers of Christ have been examined and decided, then, and not till then, probation will close, and the door of mercy will be shut. Thus in the one short sentence, “They that were ready went in with Him to the marriage: and the door was shut,” we are carried down through the Saviour’s final ministration, to the time when the great work for man’s salvation shall be completed. (428.2) But Christ still intercedes in man’s behalf, and light will be given to those who seek it. Though this was not at first understood by Adventists, it was afterward made plain as the Scriptures which define their true position began to open before them. (GC 431.2) Another class firmly held that the Lord had led them in their past experience; and as they waited and watched and prayed to know the will of God they saw that their great High Priest had entered upon another work of ministration, and, following Him by faith, they were led to see also the closing work of the church. They had a clearer understanding of the first and second angels’ messages, and were prepared to receive and give to the world the solemn warning of the third angel of Revelation 14. (GC 431.3)

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