Jesus practised dual fulfillment of prophecy when he interpreted the Elijah prophecy both to have been fulfilled
in the past, and yet to be fulfilled in the future:
And Jesus answered and said unto them, Elias truly shall first come, and restore all
things.
Matthew 17:12: But I say unto you, That Elias is come already, and they knew him not, but
have done unto him whatsoever they listed. Likewise shall also the Son of man suffer of them.
In the same way notice how E.G.W applies a prophecy that is already fulfilled as having a yet unfilfilled
future application.
This is evidene for dual and multiple fulfillment of prophecy culminating with final anti-type.
The Jews tried to stop the proclamation of the message that had been predicted in the word of God; but
prophecy
must be fulfilled. The Lord says, “Behold, I send you Elijah the prophet, before the coming of the great
and
dreadful day of the Lord.” Somebody is to come in the spirit and power of Elijah, and
when he appears,
men may
say, “You are too earnest, you do not interpret the Scriptures in the proper way. Let me tell you how to
teach
your message.”
We can find a description of the ministry of the two witnesses in Revelation 11. They are described as being
the
two lampstands:
Two Witnesses
These are the two olive trees and the two lampstands standing before the God of the
earth
What do lampstands represent? A few chapters earlier Revelation gives us the answer:
…and the seven lampstands which you saw are the seven churches
Lampstands represent churches that shine the light of God to the world. Therefore the two witnesses are also
like two lampstands or two groups of people that shine the light of God to the world and prophesy for a
period
of
1260 days.
And I will give power unto my two witnesses, and they shall prophesy a thousand two hundred and
threescore
days, clothed in sackcloth.
And if anyone wants to harm them, fire proceeds from their mouth and devours their enemies. And if
anyone
wants to harm them, he must be killed in this manner.
However their ministry enrages their enemies, and after they have finished their testimony the beast who
opposes
them is allowed to make war against them:
And when they shall have finished their testimony, the beast that ascendeth out of the
bottomless pit shall
make war against them, and shall overcome them, and kill them.
From plain reading of these texts it is clear that war and persecution against the witnesses by the beast
arises
AFTER they finish their testimony, which would logically be some time after or near the end of the 1260
days.
The word war here signifies no small opposition but great conflagration against the witnesses. Their message
is
such a strong rebuke to their beast lead opposition that it arouses war and persecution against them to the
point of death. The effect of their message to their opposition is so strong it is described as torment to
those
who oppose them:
(After they kill them) …And those who dwell on the earth will rejoice over them, make merry, and send
gifts
to one another, because these two prophets tormented those who dwell on the earth.
There is no historical group of people that clearly match all the above criteria. That have prophesied for
1260
days (or years), that were divinely
protected during this period and against whom war and persecution arose AFTER or near the end of the 1260
days
or years. During the early Christian era brutal persecution arose early, and during the dark ages it was
ongoing, and
rather then open ministry there was suppression of bible truth to the point of nearly extinguishing the
light -
hence why we call it "dark" ages. After the end
of 1260 years of dark ages around 1798 the beast did not make war against any group of people but rather
received a “deadly wound” and lost its worldwide authority. Furthermore prophecy, which is the primary
message
of the two witnesses in Revelation, only started to be well understood and preached at large AFTER the dark
ages
in the 1840s.
Therefore the primary fulfillment of this prophecy of the two witnesses is yet future.
Revelation 11 describes the ministry of the two witnesses during the 1260 days period of time. It is
important to
note the primary message of their preaching:
And I will give power to my two witnesses, and they will prophesy one thousand two
hundred
and sixty days,
clothed in sackcloth...
And if anyone wants to harm them, fire proceeds from their mouth and devours their enemies. And if
anyone
wants to harm them, he must be killed in this manner.
These have power to shut heaven so that no rain falls in the days of their prophecy;
and
they have power
over waters to turn them to blood, and to strike the earth with all
plagues,
as
often as they desire
The two witnesses are clothed in sackcloth which was done as a symbol of deep repentance and sorrow
before
imminent judgement from God. Therefore the two witnesses are in deep repentance and their
preaching
is
about
imminent judgement. Furthermore their message and ministry is similar to that of Elijah
(Power
to shut heaven so
no rain falls) and Moses (Turns water to blood). Their ministry of prophecy also has power
to
strike the earth
with all plagues, which means that during their ministry the plagues they are prophesying about can and do
come
to pass.
The plagues are a clear reference to last 3 trumpets and 7 bowls of wrath of Gods judgement on the earth.
Furthermore the bible is very clear here that the two witnesses are divinely protected
during
the period of
their ministry and no harm such as martyrdom can come to them.
Notice therefore that the content of the message of the 2 witnesses is prophecy, imminent judgement and
plagues.
However the most important hidden and sealed prophecies and visions of Daniel did not begin to be well
understood until the late reformation period. Therefore the ministry of the two witnesses should begin some
time
AFTER 1840s. Otherwise, in a historical interpretation, we need to identify a group of people that preached
prophecy, imminent judgement and plagues for a period of 1260 days (or years) with a greater light then that
which began to shine in 1840s.
There is no historical church or group of people that have prophesied for 1260 days (or years) about
imminent
judgement, and plagues, therefore we have to conclude that the primary interpretation of this prophecy is
yet in
the future.
In the 6th seal there are several clear predictions about events that are to occur, and from plain reading of
scripture there is no reason to believe there is a large time gap between the events.
6th Seal
I looked when He opened the sixth seal, and behold there was a great earthquake; and the
sun became
black as sackcloth of hair, and the moon became like blood. And the stars of
heaven fell to the earth, as a
fig tree
drops its late figs, when it is shaken by a mighty wind. Then the sky receded as a scroll
when it is rolled
up, and
every mountain and island was moved out of its place. And the kings of the earth and
the
great men, the rich
men,
the commanders, the mighty men, every slave and every free man, hid themselves in the
caves
and in the rocks
of the
mountains, and said to the mountains and rocks, Fall on us and hide us from the face of Him who
sits
on the
throne
and from the wrath of the Lamb! For the great day of His wrath has
come,
and who is able to stand?
The narrative is very clear. Because of signs in the heavens and earth which are of a supernatural character
and
presumably follow in quick succession the inhabitants of the earth are terrified to the point of hiding
in the rocks and caves from the wrath that is falling and still to follow.
More specifically the the following events have never yet occurred on the earth, let alone close together
- Sky receding like a scroll
- Every mountain and island moved out of its place
- People of earth hiding in caves in an attempt to hide from face of Him who sits on throne
- Final outpouring of Gods wrath
Therefore by plain reading of scripture the 6th seal cannot be a historical event but a future event.
Let’s examine the prophecy of the 5th seal:
When he opened the fifth seal, I saw under the later the souls of those who had been 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, until you judge and avenge our blood on those who dwell on the earth? Then a white robe was
given
to each of them; and it was said to them that they should rest a little while longer,
until
both the number
of their fellow servants and their brethren, who would be killed as they were, was
completed.
We can see from the events predicted by this seal that there is widespread persecution of saints, and
symbolically
the blood of the martyrs is crying out to God for judgement and recompense on people of earth who are doing
the
persecution. The promise is then made that it will only be allowed to continue for a LITTLE while longer,
and
then
presumably the judgement and recompense that is being cried for will come. The events of the following 6th
seal
then clearly predict this judgement and wrath being poured out on the people of earth who are doing the
persecuting.
I looked when He opened the sixth seal, and behold there was a great earthquake; and
the
sun became
black as sackcloth of hair, and the moon became like blood. And the stars
of
heaven fell to the earth, as a
fig tree
drops its late figs, when it is shaken by a mighty wind. Then the sky receeded as a
scroll
when it is rolled
up, and
every mountain and island was moved out of its place. And the kings of the earth and
the
great men, the rich
men,
the commanders, the mighty men, every slave and every free man, hid themselves in the
caves
and in the rocks
of the
mountains, and said to the mountains and rocks, Fall on us and hide us from the face of Him who
sits
on the
throne
and from the wrath of the Lamb! For the great day of His wrath has
come,
and who is able to stand?
The events described above very clearly paint a picture of wrath and judgement being poured out on the earth
in
the
end of time as a recompense for the persecution of the 5th seal. Has the sun ever become dark on this
planet,
and
the moon turn to blood, while at the same time the sky receded like a scroll and EVERY mountain and island
moved
out
of its place, and the men of earth hid themselves in the caves asking to be shielded from God & Jesus
sitting on
the
throne? Clearly this has not occurred in primary fulfillment, because the events are describing the great
day of
Gods wrath. Therefore either
we
have to conclude that there is hundreds of years of peace time and gap between the last widespread
persecution
of
dark ages and Gods judgement or we have to understand that the primary fulfillment of these events is still
in
the
future.
There is a clear biblical evidence in the 6th seal with its close similarity to parallel events of the 7th
trumpet and 7th
bowl
of wrath to link these events and help us understand them as occurring at the final day of wrath and
judgement
immediately before Jesus second coming.
Revelation 13 vision describes a specific and unique period of time where the sea beast has authority to
continue
for 1260 days.
Then I stood on the sand of the sea, And I saw a beast rising up out of the sea, having
seven heads and ten
horns, and on his horns ten CROWNS, and on his heads a blasphemous name
…and he was given authority to continue for 42 months (1260 days)
Nowhere else in parallel prophecy are the equivalent representations of the sea beast described as having 10
crowns
on their horns. What do the crowns represent? A crown is a symbol of authority. The ten crowns on the ten
horns
represent a special period of authority that are given to ten kings that rule together with the beast. We
can
read about this in Revelation 17 which
describes the same beast in an earlier time frame:
So he carried me away in the Spirit into the wilderness. And I saw a woman sitting on a scarlet
beast
which was full of names of blasphemy, having seven heads and ten horns.
...The beast that you saw was, and is not, and will ascend out of the bottomless pit and go to
perdition.
And those who dwell on the earth will marvel... when they see the beast that was (first
term of worldwide
authority), is not (currently), and yet is (second term of worldwide authority)... The ten
horns which
you saw are ten
kings who have received no kingdom as yet, but they receive
authority (during second term of beast rule)
for
one hour as kings with the beast
It is therefore clear from the bible that at some point in the future the sea beast will ascend back to
worldwide power, and as
a RESULT of this the world will marvel and follow the beast, and the 10 kings will receive authority
(crowns).
The vision in Revelation 13 is therefore clearly positioned to be taking place AFTER this and during the
time
that 10 kings
have received their authority. In Revelation 13 we are given further information about this second term of
worldwide rule "yet is" phaase of the sea beast when he
will be given authority to CONTINUE for 1260 literal days.
Please notice that the sea beast is NOT likely parallel representation of the same period of time as the 4th
beast
of Daniel 7 & 8 and little horn because the 4th beast has ten horns but without any crowns, and furthermore
he
uproots 3 horns leaving only 7 horns. IF the vision of the sea beast in Revelation 13 was a time-parallel
representation
of Daniel 7 the 4th beast of Daniel should mention the 10 crowns, or the sea beast of Revelation should
mention
uprooting of 3 horns. Without these links there is enough similarity to understand the two beasts as being
the
same personage, but the visions are of different periods of rule. Furthermore the likeness of the sea beast
is
described as a combination of all 4 beasts of Daniel 7 (leopard, lion, bear, etc) which lends further
credibility that the vision is occurring at a future time in earths history when the sea beast is now
"multicultural" or composed of all
the ancient nations that were formerly separate beasts - "mingling" with one another.
Revelation 13 describes the Sea Beast who represents a crucial player at the very end of time:
And I saw one of his heads as if it had been mortally wounded, and his deadly wound was
healed. And all the world marvelled and followed the beast. So they worshiped the
dragon
who gave authority to the beast and they worshiped the beast saying. Who is able to to
make
war with him? And he was given a mouth speaking great things and blasphemies, and he was given authority
to continue for forty-two months.
By the plain reading of scripture the order of events here is self-evident. The sea beast is described as
having
been
wounded (notice it is in past tense). After this he is miraculously healed from his wound, which by the way
was caused by an act of war. And then as a result of this the world worships him as all powerful. From this
momentum
of worship and
homage he is given authority to CONTINUE for 42 months which equals 1260 days.
Notice the specific word CONTINUE here indicates that the sea beast had power before, but in this vision it
is
describing his second
term in worldwide authority. It is very clear from the bible that the world follows and eventually worships
the
beast AS A RESULT of the wound healing, and that is how
his authority is established - because they believe no one is able to "make war with him" and he is
therefore deserving of continued authority and rule.
A historical interpretation that puts the wound at the end of the 1260 days of dark ages rule of the beast lacks reasonable order
and requires more bible
gymnastics because in that interpretation of events the world STOPS worshiping the beast as a result of the
wound.
Therefore the 1260 days period of authority of the sea beast occurs AFTER and as a direct result of his
wound
healing and
therefore the primary
interpretation of Revelation 13 will come to pass when the sea beast resumes worldwide power in the future.
The vision in Revelation chapter 9 describes the sealing of the 144,000, which is the last generation that
will
be alive at Jesus second coming. However notice some events are held back until after the sealing is
completed.
And I saw another angel ascending from the east, having the seal of the living God: and
he cried with a loud voice to the four angels, to whom it was given to hurt the earth and the sea,
saying, hurt NOT the earth, neither the sea, nor the TREES, till we have sealed the
servants of our God in their foreheads.
Notice that the four angles tasked with hurting the earth, the sea and trees are held back until 144,000 are
sealed. Who are these four angels? The only angel in the whole book of Revelation
that
is tasked with hurting the trees specifically
is the angel of the 1st trumpet. Therefore according to the Bible the trumpets occur after the
sealing of the 144,000. Here is the proof:
1st Trumpet
The first angel sounded, and there followed hail and fire mingled with blood, and they
were cast upon the earth: and the third part of TREES was burnt up,
and
all green grass was burnt up.
Note also that the 7 seven angels tasked with pouring the last plagues on the other hand (bowls of wrath) on
the
earth do NOT mention hurting the trees of
earth, only the sea. Therefore we can conclude that it is in fact the seven trumpets that occur AFTER the
sealing of the 144,000
who are chosen to live through great tribulation and see Jesus coming alive. A historical interpretation of
the
7 trumpets does not quite fit as a primary intepretation without excessive biblical gymnastics.
The vision in Revelation 9 describes the prophecy of the 5th trumpet, which is called a woe and is very
devastating in nature and of great importance. Notice however that during the 5th trumpet the people are
already
divided into two groups and one group has the seal of God on their foreheads
5th Trumpet: Locusts from bottomless pit cause torment
...And it was commanded them that they should NOT hurt the grass of the earth, neither any green thing,
neither any tree; but only those men which have not the seal of God in their foreheads.
This seal is no doubt a reference to the important sealing of Gods final remnant or 144,000 (Revelation 7)
who
are especially chosen to go through the great tribulation. This event and group of people are so important
that
a whole chapter has been dedicated to it.
Therefore the 5th trumpet primary interpretation must be yet future and occur after the sealing of 144,000
because they are the special group that “go through the great tribulation” without experiencing death, and
anyone who has already died must not be part of this group and must not have experienced the time of the 5th
trumpet as yet.
The movement of the 3 angels message which is widely understood to have started
around 1840s cannot
occur after an historical interpretation of the 5th & 6th trumpets because the 3 angels message is
in fact a warning against the imminent FUTURE destruction & torment caused BY the trumpets. Lets
examine the bible proof:
1st Angels Message:
“Then I saw another angel flying in the midst of heaven, having the everlasting gospel to preach
to those who dwell on the earth – to every nation, tribe, tongue and people saying with a loud
voice, Fear God and give glory to Him, for the hour of His judgement has come;
and worship Him
who made heaven and earth, the sea and springs of water.
Notice that the 3 angels message is a call back to worship of God who is the creator and in control
of
the heaven, earth and springs of water. Why? Because only he is able to protect you
and save you from
the impending destruction on the earth, sea and springs of water that is about to fall on the planet
as
signified by the 7 trumpets:
1st Trumpet:
Hail & Fire (from heaven) fall on earth, a third of trees and
grass burned up (Rev 8:7)
2nd Trumpet:
Like a burning mountain thrown into sea, third of sea creatures die (Rev 8:8-9)
3rd Trumpet:
Great star fell from heaven, third of rivers and springs of water turn bitter
and men
died from the water (Rev 8:10-11)
Is it a coincidence that the final warning for the world mimics and mentions precisely the first
three primary destruction places of the 7 trumpets? Furthermore the dire warnings of the 3rd angels
message reference the 5th and 6th trumpets:
3rd Angels Message:
Then a third angel followed them, saying with a loud voice, If anyone worships the beast and his
image, and receives his mark on his forehead or on his hand, he himself shall also drink of the
wine of the wrath of God, which is poured out full strength into the cup of His indignation. He
shall be tormented with fire and brimstone in the presence of
the holy angels and in the
presence of the Lamb. And the smoke of their torment ascends forever and ever;
and they have no
rest day or night, who worship the beast and his image, and whoever receives the
mark of his
name.
By plain reading of scripture this warning is reasonably associated to events that occur in the 5th
& 6th trumpet:
5th Trumpet: Locusts from bottomless pit cause torment
And he opened the bottomless pit, and smoke arose out of the pit like the smoke
of a great
furnace… Then out of the smoke locusts came upon the earth. And to them was given power, as the
scorpions of the earth have power…. And they were not given authority to kill them, but to
torment them for five months. Their torment was like the
torment of a scorpion when it strikes a
man... In those days men will seek death and will not find it; they will desire to die,
and death will
flee from them”
6th Trumpet: Army of Horsemen kill a third of mankind
“And thus I saw the horses in the vision: those who sat on them had breastplates of fiery red,
hyacinth blue, and sulphur yellow; and the heads of the horses were like the heads of lions; and
out of their mouths came fire, smoke and brimstone. By these three plagues a
third of mankind
was killed – by fire and the smoke and the brimstone which came out of their mouths.”
Clearly the demon creatures of 5th and 6th trumpet are tormenting, and not giving any rest to the
wicked people on the planet and are finally allowed to destroy a third of mankind with the very fire
and brimstone that the 3rd angel message is warning about.
Therefore the trumpets and in particular the 5th & 6th trumpet primary
interpretation must occur
AFTER the preaching of the 3 angels message to the world and hence some time
AFTER 1840s.
God is not doing the tormenting here. In his mercy, God raises up a movement to warn the whole world
about the destruction that is about to befall the planet right before the very end of time.
The 6th trumpet is also referred to as a plague.
And the rest of the men which were not killed by these plagues yet repented not
of the works of their hands, that they should not worship devils, and idols of gold, and silver,
and brass, and stone, and of wood: which neither can see, nor hear, nor walk.
A plague is a plague and not a symbol of a historic event. A plague can be a historic event like the
plagues that fell on Egypt during time of Moses, but a plague is not a symbol for a different
historic event.
It also makes sense that the 3 trumpet woe plagues together with the 7 bowls of wrath plagues add to
10 plagues which is the same number that fell on Egypt in time of Moses. Moses is refered to in
Revelation as being a type of the two witnesses (Rev 11:6) and the 144,000 final generation sing the
song of Moses (Rev 15:2-3).
The sun and moon darkening is associated with the day of the Lord and appears to occur during or after the
period of the "valley of
decision". This is the final testing time right before the day of the Lord. Therefore the darkening of sun
and moon final anti-typical fulfillment
must occur after 1844.
Multitudes, multitudes in the valley of decision: for the day of the LORD is near in the
valley of decision.
The sun and the moon shall be darkened, and the stars shall withdraw their shining.
The LORD also shall roar out of Zion, and utter his voice from Jerusalem; and the heavens and
the earth shall shake: but the LORD will be the hope of his people, and the strength of the
children of
Israel.
So shall ye know that I am the LORD your God dwelling in Zion, my holy mountain: then shall
Jerusalem be holy, and there shall no strangers pass through her any more.
The seven angels with the seven trumpets prepare themselves to sound only AFTER another angel
casts fire onto the earth from the alter. The coals of divine fire represents the Holy Spirit. The
manifestation of the outpouring of the Holy Spirit at pentacost was represented by "tongues of fire".
Since this prophecy was given some time AFTER the outpouring of the Holy
Spirit at pentacost is is therefore referring to the final outpouring of the Holy Spirit or Latter Rain
still in the future.
And the angel took the censer, and filled it with fire of the altar, and cast it into the
earth: and there were voices, and thunderings, and lightnings, and an earthquake.
And the seven angels which had the seven trumpets prepared themselves to sound.
And it shall come to pass afterward, that I will pour out my spirit upon all flesh; and your
sons and
your daughters shall prophesy, your old men shall dream dreams, your young men shall see visions:
And also upon the servants and upon the handmaids in those days will I pour out my spirit.
And I will shew wonders in the heavens and in the earth, blood, and fire, and pillars of
smoke.
RH, September 25, 1883 In the Scriptures are presented truths that relate especially to our own time.
To the period
just prior to the appearing of the Son of man, the prophecies of Scripture point, and here their
warnings and
threatenings pre-eminently apply. The prophetic periods of Daniel, extending to the
very eve of the great
consummation, throw a flood of light upon events then to transpire. The book of
Revelation is also replete with
warning and instruction for the last generation. The beloved John, under the
inspiration of
the Holy Spirit,
portrays the fearful and thrilling scenes connected with the close of earth's history,
and
presents the duties and
dangers of God's people. None need remain in ignorance, none need be unprepared for the coming of the
day of
God.
Note – For something to be pre eminent it means that it is superior and distinguished as commendable, and it
Surpasses above others. The warnings in the scripture relating to the period just before the second coming
are
therefore of serious importance.
On the day of pentecost the believers were filled with the holy spirit, and began to speak with other
tongues, to the great amazement of the multitude. some, unacquainted with the operations of the holy
spirit,
said,
"these men are full of new wine." peter answered, "these men are not drunken, as ye suppose, seeing it
is
but the
third hour of the day. but this is that which was spoken by the prophet joel, and it shall come to pass
in
the last
days, saith god, i will pour out of my spirit,“………
the great events of the prophecy are in close connection with, and are signs of, the great and notable
day
of the
lord. ….the spirit was given on the day of pentecost; hence peter, pointing to its influence upon
believers
on that
occasion, could say, "this is that which was spoken by the prophet joel."that was the early rain. from
time
to time
god has wonderfully manifested his power. but, for the close of the dispensation, is reserved
the
latter rain, the
pouring out of the spirit. here is the fulfillment of the burden of the prophecy of joel……….
We have many lessons to learn, and many, many to unlearn. God and heaven alone are infallible.
Those who think that they will never have to give up a cherished view, never have occasion to change an
opinion,
will be disappointed. As long as we hold to our own ideas and opinions with determined persistency, we
cannot have
the unity for which Christ prayed.
trouble will find them unready.
Whenever the people of God are growing in grace, they will be constantly obtaining a clearer
understanding of
His word. They will descern new light and beauty in its sacred truths. This has been
true
in the history of the
church in all ages, and thus it will continue to the end. But as real
spiritual life declines, it has ever been the
tendency to cease to advance in the knowledge of the truth. Men rest satisfied with the light already
received from
God's word, and discourage any further investigation of the Scriptures. They become conservative, and
seek
to avoid
discussion.
So in the prophecies the future is opened before us as plainly as it wa opened to the
disciples by the word of
Christ. The events connected with the close of probation and the work of preparation for the time of
trouble, are
clearly presented. But multitudes have no more understanding of these important truths then if they had
never been
revealed. Satan watches to catch away every impression that would make them wise unto salvation, and the
time of
trouble will find them unready.
God's people must go on from light to a greater light, or they will become, as did the Pharisees,
unwilling to receive additional light. They will find themselves in the condition represented by
withered, dried-up bottles. In their religious faith they will be unmovable, inflexible, like the
withered fig tree dried up by the roots.... ST September 19, 1892, par. 7
Let us give more time to the study of the Bible. We do not understand the word as we
should.
The book of
Revelation opens with an injunction to us to understand the instruction that it contains.
"Blessed is he that
readeth, and they that hear the words of this prophecy," God declares, "and keep those things which are
written
therein: for the time is at hand." When we as a people understand what this book means
to
us, there will be seen
among us a great revival. We do not understand fully the lessons that it teaches,
notwithstanding the injunction
given us to search and study it.
When the books of Daniel and Revelation are better understood, believers will have an entirely
different
religious experience.
Let us read and study the 12th chapter of Daniel. It is a warning that we shall all
need to
understand before the time of the end.
Notice also that she said in 1903 we shall need to understand this warning of Daniel 12 BEFORE the time of
the
end, however some have traditionally
understood that time of end started in 1798. She is indicating here that time of th end is yet future.
Let all who would understand the meaning of these things read the eleventh
chapter
of Revelation. Read
every verse, and learn the things that are yet to take place in the
cities. Read also the scenes portrayed in the
eighteenth chapter of the same book.
In the last days Satan will appear as an angel of light, with great power and heavenly glory, and claim
to
be the Lord of the whole earth. He will declare that the Sabbath has been changed from the seventh to
the
first day
of the week; and as lord of the first day of the week he will present this spurious
sabbath
as a test of
loyalty to
him. Then will take place the final fulfillment of the Revelator's prophecy. [Rev. 13:4-18,
quoted.]
The Sabbath question will be the issue in the great conflict in which all the
world
will act a part. [Rev.
13:4-8, 10 quoted.] This entire chapter is a revelation of what
will surely take place [Rev. 13:11, 15-17 quoted]
(MS 88, 1897). 19MR 182 "He that leadeth into captivity shall go into captivity: he that killeth with
the
sword
must be killed with the sword. Here is the patience and the faith of the saints" [Rev. 13:10]. This
entire
chapter
is a revelation of what will surely take place. [Rev. 13:11, 15-17, quoted.]
She quotes the beginning of Revelation 11 as a work to be done upon the earth
“Have you, dear youth, your lamps trimmed and burning? The work is going on in the heavenly court. In
vision on the Isle of Patmos John said: "And there was given me a reed like unto a rod, and the angel
stood, saying, Arise and measure the temple of God, and the altar, and them that worship therein."
This
solemn work is to be done upon the earth. Look and see how stands your measurement of
character as
compared with God's standard of righteousness, his holy law. The worshipers are to pass
under the
measuring line of God.” The Youth’s Instructor, August 25, 1886.
Protestants will work upon the rulers of the land to make laws to restore the
lost ascendancy of the man of sin, who sits in the temple of God, showing himself that he is God. The
Roman
Catholic
principles will be taken under the care and protection of the state. This national apostasy will
speedily be
followed by national ruin. The protest of Bible truth will be no longer tolerated by those who have not
made
the law
of God their rule of action. Then will the voice be heard from the graves of martyrs,
represented by the souls which
John saw slain for the word of God and the testimony of Jesus Christ which they held; (Revelation
5:9) then the
prayer will ascend from every true child of God, "It is time for thee, Lord, to work, for they have made
void thy
law."
When the defiance of God's law is almost universal, when His people are pressed in affliction by their
fellow men, God will interpose. Then will the voice be heard from the graves of martyrs,
represented
by the souls
that John saw slain for the Word of God, and for the testimony of Jesus Christ, which they
held--then the prayer
will ascend from every true child of God: "It is time for thee, Lord, to work: for they have made void
thy
law."
The light we have received upon the third angel's message is the true light. The mark of the beast is
exactly
what it has been proclaimed to be. Not all in regard to this matter is yet understood, nor will
it
be understood
until the unrolling of the scroll; but a most solemn work is to be
accomplished in our world.
What scroll is she referring to that is yet to be unrolled and understood in the future. Is it the scroll
written
on front and back having the 7 seals?
I cannot write more; I must close. I will have some things sent by next mail. Study revelation in
connection
with Daniel; for history will be repeated. We must be true and faithful amid the abounding
iniquity that
abounds. At no period of time are we in so much danger as when prosperity seems to crown our efforts.
Self must
be hidden in God. We are living amid the perils of the last days, and many of us are insensible
to the perils
that threaten our world. We, with all our religious advantages, ought to know far more today than we
do know.
“Watch therefore, “said Jesus, “for ye know not when the time is. Be ye also ready; for in such an hour
as ye
think not the Son of man cometh. “Except ye repent ye shall all likewise perish.” The right hand is to
be cut
off; the right eye is to be plucked out. There is hidden depravity that needs to be carefully considered
and
uprooted. God help us individually to purify our souls by obeying the truth.
This is a time when every soul needs to cling earnestly to God. Those whom the Lord is leading to do his
last work in the earth are to stand as Micah and Zephaniah and Zechariah stood in their day, to
call to
repentance and good works. The writings of these prophets contain warnings and instruction applicable
to
this time, and should receive our careful study. They should teach us to shun every phase of
evil that
made such warnings essential to the people of the past. Let every soul arouse and make diligent
examination of self, that everything that would separate the people of God from righteousness may be put
away.
In Micah we read: (Quote Micah 1:2-7; 2:1-5, 7, 12, 13; Micah 3.) 21MR 87.4
Oh, how soon the scenes of destruction and desolation will come and be universal, we cannot tell.
“Be ye
also ready,” saith the Lord, “for in such an hour as ye think not the Son of man cometh.” 21MR 87.5
In Habakkuk we read: (Quote 2:1, 2 “it will not tarry” [beyond the time appointed]). (Quote
2:3-20.)
21MR 87.6
In Zephaniah we read: (Quote the entire book.) 21MR 87.7
In connection with these scriptures, read the first four chapters of the prophecy of Zechariah, and
the
entire book of Malachi. 21MR 87.8
These scenes will soon be witnessed, just as they are clearly described. I present these
wonderful
statements from the Scriptures for the consideration of everyone. The prophecies recorded in the Old
Testament are the word of the Lord for the last day, and will be fulfilled as surely as we have seen
the
desolation of San Francisco. 21MR 87.9
Solemn events before us are yet to transpire. Trumpet after trumpet is to be sounded; vial
after vial
poured out one after another upon the inhabitants of the earth.—Selected Messages 3:426 (1890). LDE
238.1
She states the Bible alone has a correct view of coming terrible prophetic events in order, and reveals the
great and final scenes, and
then she links this to Jeremiahs crying out and sound of trumpet
The prophecies which the great I AM has given in His word, uniting link after link in the chain of
events, from eternity in the past to eternity in the future, tell us where we are today in the
procession of the ages and what may be expected in the time to come. All that prophecy has foretold as
coming to pass, until the present time, has been traced on the pages of history, and we may be assured
that all which is yet to come will be fulfilled in its order. PK 536.3
Today the signs of the times declare that we are standing on the threshold of great and solemn events.
Everything in our world is in agitation. Before our eyes is fulfilling the Saviour's prophecy of the
events to precede His coming: “Ye shall hear of wars and rumors of wars.... Nation shall rise against
nation, and kingdom against kingdom: and there shall be famines, and pestilences, and earthquakes, in
divers places.” Matthew 24:6, 7. PK 536.4
The present is a time of overwhelming interest to all living. Rulers and statesmen, men who occupy
positions of trust and authority, thinking men and women of all classes, have their attention fixed upon
the events taking place about us. They are watching the relations that exist among the nations. They
observe the intensity that is taking possession of every earthly element, and they recognize that
something great and decisive is about to take place—that the world is on the verge of a stupendous
crisis. PK 537.1
The Bible, and the Bible only, gives a correct view of these things. Here are revealed the great
final
scenes in the history of our world, events that already are casting their shadows before, the sound
of
their approach causing the earth to tremble and men's hearts to fail them for fear. PK 537.2
“Behold, the Lord maketh the earth empty, and maketh it waste, and turneth it upside down, and
scattereth abroad the inhabitants thereof; ... because they have transgressed the laws, changed the
ordinance, broken the everlasting covenant. Therefore hath the curse devoured the earth, and they that
dwell therein are desolate.” Isaiah 24:1-6. PK 537.3
“Alas for the day! for the day of the Lord is at hand, and as a destruction from the Almighty shall it
come.... The seed is rotten under their clods, the garners are laid desolate, the barns are broken down;
for the corn is withered. How do the beasts groan! the herds of cattle are perplexed, because they have
no pasture; yea, the flocks of sheep are made desolate.” “The vine is dried up, and the fig tree
languisheth; the pomegranate tree, the palm tree also, and the apple tree, even all the trees of the
field, are withered: because joy is withered away from the sons of men.” Joel 1:15-18, 12. PK 537.4
“I am pained at my very heart; ... I cannot hold my peace, because thou hast heard, O my soul, the
sound
of the trumpet, the alarm of war. Destruction upon destruction is cried; for the whole land is
spoiled.”
Jeremiah 4:19, 20. PK 538.1
In view of the testimony of Inspiration, how dare ministers teach that the Revelation is a mystery
beyond the reach of human understanding? It is a mystery revealed, a book opened. The study of the
Revelation directs the mind to the prophecies of Daniel, and both present most important instruction,
given of God to men, concerning events to take place at the close of this world's
history.
4SP 211.2
The judgments of God are in the land. The wars and rumors of wars, the destruction by fire and flood,
say clearly that the time of trouble, which is to increase until the end, is very near at hand. We have
no time to lose. The world is stirred with the spirit of war. The prophecies of the eleventh of
Daniel
have almost reached their final fulfillment. Mar 174.3
Increased light will shine upon all the grand truths of prophecy, and they will be seen in freshness
and
brilliancy, because the bright beams of the Sun of Righteousness will illuminate the whole....
3SM 390.4
When the angel was about to unfold to Daniel the intensely interesting prophecies to be recorded for us
who are to witness their fulfillment, the angel said, “Be strong, yea, be strong” (Daniel
10:19). We are
to receive the very same glory that was revealed to Daniel, because it is for God's people in these
last
days, that they may give the trumpet a certain sound.—Manuscript 18, 1888. 3SM 390.5
We are amid the perils of the last days, the time will soon come when the prophecy of Ezekiel 9 will
be
fulfilled; that prophecy should be carefully studied, for it will be fulfilled to the
very letter. Study
also the tenth chapter which represents the hand of God as at work to bring perfect method and
harmonious working into all the operations of his prepared instrumentalities. 1888 1303.1
She states that eternal destiny of every man is recorded in the book which no man could open (Rev 5) and that
this book would be unsealed in the future by Jesus.
Thus the Jewish leaders made their choice. Their decision was registered in the book which John saw in
the hand of Him that sat upon the throne, the book which no man could open. In all its
vindictiveness
this decision will appear before them in the day when this book is unsealed by the Lion of
the tribe of
Judah. Mar 282.7
She states that same prophecy applies both to first AND second advent.
Behold, I will send you Elijah the prophet before the coming of the great and dreadful day of the Lord:
and he shall
turn the heart of the fathers to the children, and the heart of the children to their fathers, lest I
come and smite
the earth with a curse. Malachi 4:5, 6. FLB 290.1
The closing words of Malachi are a prophecy regarding the work that should be done preparatory
to the
first and the
second advent of Christ. FLB 290.2
6-12 (see EGW comment on Revelation 10:1-11; 2:18). Soon to Be Understood—The fourteenth chapter of
Revelation is a
chapter of the deepest interest. This scripture will soon be understood in all its bearings, and
the
messages given
to John the revelator will be repeated with distinct utterance (The Review and Herald, October 13,
1904).
Sabbath, November 11, I spoke in the church at St. Helena. I read from Revelation 14. I spoke but a
short while. That chapter is a sermon to us all. And it is essential that every one who claims to
believe the Word read and put to the tax his capabilities to understand every word that is written
concerning what shall transpire in the last days of this earth’s history. Ms178-1905.3
The perfect fulfillment of Revelation 14:8 yet future:
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 “receive 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 the
union of the church with the world shall be fully accomplished will the fall of Babylon be complete. The
change is
progressive and the perfect fulfillment of Revelation 14:8 is yet future. HF 241.3
We are standing on the threshold of great and solemn events. Many of the prophecies are about to
be
fulfilled in
quick succession. Every element of power is about to be set to work. Past history will be
repeated; old
controversies will arouse to new life, and peril will beset God's people on every side. Intensity is
taking hold of
the human family. It is permeating everything upon the earth.... TM 116.2
Study Revelation in connection with Daniel, for history will be repeated.... We, with all our religious
advantages,
ought to know far more today than we do know. TM 116.3
We have no time to lose. Troublous times are before us. The world is stirred with the spirit of war.
Soon the scenes
of trouble spoken of in the prophecies will take place. The prophecy in the eleventh of Daniel has
nearly reached
its complete fulfilment. Much of the history that has taken place in fulfilment of this prophecy
will be repeated.
In the thirtieth verse a power is spoken of that “shall be grieved, and return, and
have indignation against the
holy covenant: so shall he do; he shall even return, and have intelligence with them that forsake the
holy covenant.
And arms shall stand on his part, and they shall pollute the sanctuary of strength, and shall take away
the daily
sacrifice, and they shall place the abomination that maketh desolate. And such as do wickedly against
the covenant
shall he corrupt by flatteries: but the people that do know their God shall be strong, and do exploits.
Lt103-1904.17
She both states that Daniel 12 is a future warning, and also says we need to understand it
BEFORE the time of the end - which means the time of the end did not start in 1844.
The people of God need to study what characters they must form in order to pass through the test and
proving of the
last days. Many are living in spiritual weakness and backsliding. They know not what they believe. Let
us read and
study the twelfth chapter of Daniel. It is a warning that we shall all need to understand before
the
time of the
end. There are ministers claiming to believe the truth who are not sanctified through
the truth. Unless
a change
comes in their lives, they will say, “My Lord delayeth His coming.” 15MR 228.2
The ruin of Jerusalem was a symbol of the final ruin that shall overwhelm the world. The prophecies
that
received a
partial fulfillment in the overthrow of Jerusalem have a more direct application to the last
days. We
are now
standing on the threshold of great and solemn events. A crisis is before us, such as the world has never
witnessed.
And sweetly to us, as to the first disciples, comes the assurance that God's kingdom ruleth over all.
The program of
coming events is in the hands of our Maker. The Majesty of heaven has the destiny of nations, as
well as
the
concerns of His church, in His own charge. The divine Instructor is saying to every agent in the
accomplishment of
His plans, as He said to Cyrus, “I girded thee, though thou hast not known Me.” Isaiah 45:5. MB 120.2
She introduces a concept of 'perfect fulfillment' which implies there are other fulfillments which are less
then perfect.
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
Now is reached the complete fulfillment of the words of the Angel to Joshua: “I will bring forth My
Servant the Branch.” Christ is revealed as the Redeemer and Deliverer of His people. Now are
the remnant
“men wondered at” (Zechariah 3:8) as the tears and humiliation of their pilgrimage give place to
joy and
honor in the presence of God and the Lamb. See Isaiah 4:2, 3. SS 305.4
She links Zechariah 3 as a prophecy of the experience of the 144,000.
The fifth chapter of Revelation needs to be closely studied. It is of great importance to those who
shall act a part in the work of God for these last days. There are some who are deceived.
They do not
realize what is coming on the earth. Those who have permitted their minds to become beclouded in
regard
to what constitutes sin are fearfully deceived. Unless they make a decided change they will be
found
wanting when God pronounces judgment upon the children of men. They have transgressed the law
and broken
the everlasting covenant, and they will receive according to their works. 9T 267.1
The same spirit is seen today that is represented in Revelation 6:6-8. History is to be repeated.
That
which has been will be again. This spirit works to confuse and to perplex. Dissension will be
seen in
every nation, kindred, tongue, and people, and those who have not had a spirit to follow the light that
God has given through His living oracles, through His appointed agencies, will become confused. Their
judgment will reveal weakness. Disorder and strife and confusion will be seen in the church. 20MR 199.1
She is again introducing the concept of 'partial fulfillment' and 'more direct' fulfillment
These lessons are for our benefit. We need to stay our faith upon God; for there is just before us a
time that will try men’s souls. Christ upon the Mount of Olives rehearsed the fearful judgments that
were to precede His second coming: “Ye shall hear of wars and rumors of wars: ... Nation shall rise
against nation, and kingdom against kingdom, and there shall be famines and pestilences, and earth
quakes in divers places. All these are the beginning of sorrows.” [Matthew 24:6-8.] While these
prophecies received a partial fulfillment at the destruction of Jerusalem, they have a more direct
application in the last days. Ms100-1893.11
The Lord of heaven permits the world to choose whom they will have as ruler. Let all read carefully
the
thirteenth chapter of Revelation, for it concerns every human agent, great and small. Every human
being must
take sides, either for the true and living God, who has given to the world the memorial
of creation in the
Seventh-day Sabbath, or for a false sabbath, instituted by men who have exalted themselves above all
that is
called God or that is worshiped, who have taken upon themselves the attributes of Satan in oppressing
the loyal
and true who keep the commandments of God. This persecuting power WILL compel the worship
of the beast by
insisting on the observance of the sabbath he has instituted. Thus he blasphemes God, “sitting
in the temple of
God, shewing himself that he is God” [2 Thessalonians 2:4]. 14MR 91.4
Men must themselves be under the influence of the Holy Spirit in order to understand the Spirit’s
utterances
through the prophets. These messages were given, not for those that uttered the prophecies, but for
us who are
living amid the scenes of their fulfillment. Ms32-1896.38
She speaks of revelations which have not yet been disclosed and which are YET to be revealed
in their order. She also says that Daniel SHALL YET stand in his lot in the future, therefore the prophecies
of Daniel (as well as Revelation) still have unrevealed future events.
After these seven thunders uttered their voices, the injunction comes to John, as to Daniel, in regard
to the
little book: “Seal up those things which the seven thunders uttered.” [Revelation 10:4.] These relate
to future
events which WILL be disclosed IN THEIR ORDER. Daniel shall stand in his lot at the end of
the days. John sees
the little book unsealed. Then Daniel’s prophecies have their proper place in the first, second,
and third
angels’ messages to be given to the world. The unsealing of the little book was the message in
relation to time.
Ms59-1900.22
By this time the 144,000 were all sealed and perfectly united. On their foreheads was written, God, New
Jerusalem, and a glorious Star containing Jesus’ new name. [Revelation 3:12.] At our happy, holy state
the wicked were enraged, and would rush violently up to lay hands on us to thrust us in prison...
Then all faces
gathered paleness, and those that God had rejected gathered blackness. Then we all cried out, who shall
be able to stand? Is my robe spotless? THEN the angels ceased to sing, and there was some time of awful
silence, [Revelation 8:1.] when Jesus spoke. ... WLF 14.3
She speaks of a future message from book of Daniel similar to that given in 1843/44 that will SOON be given.
When speaking about
'standing in his lot' it always refers to a coming to understanding of prophecy Daniel has written, thus
Daniel begins to stand, by bearing testimony through his writing which being understood begins to
testify.
Blessed are the eyes which saw the things that were seen in 1843 and 1844. The message was given. And
there should be no delay in REPEATING the message, for the signs of the times are fulfilling; the
closing work must be done. A great work will be done in a short time. A message will SOON be
given by
God’s appointment that will swell into a loud cry. Then Daniel WILL STAND in his lot, to give his
testimony. {2MR 20.1}
The last books of the Old Testament show us workers taken from the laborers in the field. Others were
men of high ability and extensive learning, but the Lord gave them visions and messages. These men of
the Old Testament spoke of things transpiring in their day, and Daniel, Isaiah, and Ezekiel not only
spoke of things that concerned them as present truth, but their sights reached down TO THE FUTURE,
and
to WHAT SHOULD occur in these last days.—Letter 132, 1898. 3SM 419.5
In the Scriptures are presented truths that relate especially to our own time. To the period just
prior
to the appearing of the Son of man, the prophecies of Scripture point, and here their warnings
and
threatenings pre-eminently apply. The prophetic periods of Daniel, extending to the
very eve of the
great consummation, throw a flood of light upon events then to transpire. The book of
Revelation is also
replete with warning and instruction for the last generation. The beloved John, under the
inspiration of
the Holy Spirit, portrays the fearful and thrilling scenes connected with the close of earth's
history,
and presents the duties and dangers of God's people. None need remain in ignorance, none need be
unprepared for the coming of the day of God. RH September 25, 1883, par. 6
There have been one and another who in studying their Bibles thought they discovered great light, and new
theories, but these have not been correct. The Scripture is all true, but by misapplying the Scripture men
arrive at wrong conclusions. We are engaged in a mighty conflict, and it will become more close and determined
as we near the final struggle. We have a sleepless adversary, and he is constantly at work upon human minds that
have not had a personal experience in the teachings of the people of God for the past fifty years. Some will
take the truth applicable to their time, and place it in the future. Events in the train of prophecy that had
their fulfillment away in the past are made future, and thus by these theories the faith of some is undermined.
There are those now living who in studying the prophecies of Daniel and John, received great light from God as
they passed over the ground where special prophecies were in process of fulfillment in their order. They bore
the message of time to the people. The truth shone out clearly as the sun at noonday. Historical events, showing
the direct fulfillment of prophecy, were set before the people, and the prophecy was seen to be a figurative
delineation of events leading down to the close of this earth's history. The scenes connected with the working
of the man of sin are the last features revealed in this earth's history. The people now have a special message
to give to the world, the third angel's message. Those who, in their experience, have passed over the ground and
acted a part in the proclamation of the first, second, and third angel's messages, are not so liable to be led
into false paths as are those who have not had an experimental knowledge of the people of God.
From the light that the Lord has been pleased to give me, you are in danger of doing the same work, presenting
before others truths which have had their place and done their specific work for the time, in the history of the
faith of the people of God. You recognize these facts in Bible history as true, but apply them to the future.
They have their force still in their proper place, in the chain of events that have made us as a people what we
are today, and as such they are to be presented to those who are in the darkness of error. 17MR 3.1
...
The true workers of
Jesus Christ are to cooperate with their brethren who have had an experience in the work from the very rise of
the third angel's message. These followed on step by step, receiving light and truth as they advanced, bearing
one test after another, lifting the cross that lay directly in their pathway, and pressing on to know the Lord,
whose goings forth are prepared as the morning. You and other of our brethren must accept the truth as God has
given it to His students of prophecy, as they have been led by genuine, living experience, advancing point by
point, tested, proved, and tried, until the truth is to them a reality. From their voices and pens the truth in
bright, warm rays has gone to all parts of the world, and that which was to them testing truth, as brought by
the Lord's delegated messengers, is testing truth to all to whom this message is proclaimed. 2SM 102.3
The burden of the warning now to come to the people of God, nigh and afar off, is the third angel's message. And
those who are seeking to understand this message will not be led by the Lord to make an application of the Word
that will undermine the foundation and remove the pillars of the faith that has made Seventh-day Adventists what
they are today.
The Scripture is all true, but by misapplying the Scripture men arrive at wrong conclusions. We are engaged in a
mighty conflict, and it will become more close and determined, as we near the final struggle. We have a
sleepless adversary, and he is constantly at work upon human minds, who have not had a personal experience in
the teachings of the people of God for the last fifty years. Some will take the truth applicable to their
time,
and place it in the future. Events in the train of prophecy that had their fulfillment away in the past are
made
future, and thus by these theories the faith of some is undermined.—Manuscript 31, 1896, 3. (“Testimony
Concerning the Views of Prophecy Held by Brother John Bell,” November 8, 1896.) 1MR 195.1
The truths that have been unfolding in their order, as we have advanced along the line of prophecy revealed
in
the Word of God, are truth, sacred, eternal truth today. Those who passed over the ground step by step
in the
past history of our experience, seeing the chain of truth in the prophecies, were prepared to accept and obey
every ray of light. They were praying, fasting, searching, digging for the truth as for hidden treasures, and
the Holy Spirit, we know, was teaching and guiding us. YRP 234.2
All that God has in prophetic history specified to be fulfilled in the past has been, and all that is yet to
come in its order will be. Daniel, God's prophet, stands in his place. John stands in his place. In the
Revelation the Lion of the tribe of Judah has opened to the students of prophecy the book of Daniel, and thus is
Daniel standing in his place. He bears his testimony, that which the Lord revealed to him in vision of the great
and solemn events which we must know as we stand on the very threshold of their fulfillment. 2SM 109.1
The Lord wants all to understand His providential dealings now, just now, in the time in which we live. There
must be no long discussions presenting new theories in regard to prophecies which God has already made
plain.
Now the great work from which the mind should not be diverted is the consideration of our personal safety in the
sight of God. Are our feet on the Rock of ages? Are we hiding ourselves in our only Refuge? The storm is coming,
relentless in its fury. Are we prepared to meet it? Are we one with Christ as He is one with the Father? Are we
heirs of God, and joint heirs with Christ? Are we working in copartnership with Christ? 18MR 63.1
17. Time of the end. The vision reached until the time when the desolating power would be destroyed, an event associated
with the coming of Jesus (2 Thess. 2:8).
The fact that the last events represented in the vision will be fulfilled at the end of the world's history must
be borne in mind when seeking an interpretation of the symbols of the vision. Any exposition that finds a
complete fulfillment of the vision in an earlier period such as in the time of the Maccabees (see on Dan. 8:25)
falls short of meeting fully the angel's specifications, and must be considered erroneous and misleading.
Again, we are forewarned that there would be false prophets in the last days, and the
Bible gives a test by which to try their teachings, in order that we may distinguish
between the true and the false. The grand test is the law of God, which is applied
both to the prophesyings and to the moral character of the prophets. If there were
to be no true prophesyings in the last days, how much easier to have stated the fact,
and thus cut off all chance for deception, than to give a test by which to try them,
as though there would be the genuine as well as the false. In Isaiah 8:19, 20, is a
prophecy of the familiar spirits of the present time, and the law is given as a test.
To the law and to the testimony: if they speak not according to this word, it is
because there is no light in them. Why say, “if they speak not,” if there was to
be no true spiritual manifestation or prophesying at the same time? Jesus says,
beware of false prophets,...ye shall know them by their fruits. Matthew 7:15.
This is a part of “The Sermon on The Mount,” and all can see that this discourse
has a general application to the church throughout the Gospel age. False prophets
are to be known by their fruits; in other words, by their moral character. the
only standard by which to determine whether their fruits are good or bad, is the
law of god. Hence we are brought to the law and to the testimony. True prophets
will not only speak according to this word, but they must live according to it.
One who speaks and lives thus I dare not condemn. 1SG 10.2