By Stephen N. Haskell
www.CreationismOnline.com
“The Bible is God’s voice speaking to us, just as surely as though we could hear it with our ears. If we realized this, with what awe would we open God’s word, and with what earnestness would we search its precepts! The reading and contemplation of the Scriptures would be regarded as an audience with the Infinite One.” Testimonies, Volume 6, p. 393. “The scribes of God wrote as they were dictated by the Holy Ghost, having no control of the work themselves. They penned for literal truth, and stern, forbidding facts are revealed for reasons that our finite minds cannot fully comprehend.” Testimonies, Volume 4, p. 9.
Magnifying the Word of God
Phil. 2:9, 10. At the name of Jesus every knee in heaven and earth shall bow. Psalms 138:2. The Lord magnifies His word above all His name. Psalms 119:89. God’s word is forever settled in heaven. Psalms 12:6; Proverbs 30:5, “The words of the Lord are pure words: as silver tried in a furnace of earth, purified seven times.” E. 244. Matthew 4:4, 7, 10. The Savior was fortified against temptation by the written word. He used nothing except what we have within our reach. D.A. 123-126; Testimonies, v.5, p. 434. 1 Peter 1:22-25. The new birth comes by the word of God. P.K. 626. 1 Peter 2:2, 3. As new-born babes we should desire the sincere milk of the word that we may grow thereby. Psalms 119:9. The word will cleanse the life. C.O.L. 110, 111. Psalms 119:133. Our steps should be ordered by the word. M.H. 458. Matthew 4:4. It is as essential as our daily food. Testimonies, Volume 4, p. 499. 2 Corinthians 3:1-3. Unbelievers read the Bible in the lives of God’s people. 1 Peter 3:1. They “may without the word” be converted by the godly lives of earnest Christians.
Power Of the Word
Hebrews 4:12. All the power of God is in His word. E. 254, 255. Jeremiah 23:29. “Is not my word like as a fire? saith the Lord; and like a hammer that breaketh the rock in pieces?” Testimonies, Volume 5, pp. 24, 25. Psalms 33:6-9; Hebrews 11:1-3. “By the word of the Lord were the heavens made; and all the host of them by the breath of His mouth.” E. 125, 126. Psalms 107:20. There is healing power in the word of God. Matthew 8:8-13. One word from Christ brought health to the sick. D.A. 316, 317. Psalms 103:3. God heals all diseases. Proverbs 4:20-22, margin. The words of God are medicine to those who receive them. M.H. 466.
John 1:1. The words that God speaks are synonymous with Himself. Testimonies, Volume 4, p. 312. John 1:14. The Word and Christ are synonymous terms. D.A. 390. John 6:63. The Spirit of God is the same as the Word. C.O.L. 113. Romans 10:4-8. The righteousness of Christ is the same as the Word. 1 John 5:7. The Father, the Word (which is Christ), and the Holy Ghost, are one. 1 Timothy 3:16. This union is a mystery that human minds cannot comprehend. Deuteronomy 10:4, margin. Each one of the commandments is a word, or a complete thought. Hebrews 4:12. God’s word is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart. Psalms 119:11. Hid in the heart, it will shield from sin. Matthew 8:9,10. Great faith is simply to believe, because God speaks. E. 257. Deuteronomy 8:3. When deprived of every earthly resource, we learn to live upon the word of God. P.K. 428. 1 John 5:4. Faith in the Word as the word of God, carries the transforming power of God to the soul. Testimonies, Volume 4, pp. 545, 546.
How To Read And Study The Bible
Neh. 8:8. Whether reading alone or before others, pronounce every word distinctly, giving the sense. Testimonies, Volume 6, pp. 380-383. Luke 10:26. Jesus laid as much stress on the reading of the Scriptures as on what they contained. G.C. 598. 2 Timothy 2:7. “Consider what I say; and the Lord give thee understanding in all things.” E. 189, Daniel 10:11. “Understand the words that I speak unto thee.” G.C. 599, 600. Matthew 28:20. The disciples’ commission was to teach what Christ had commanded.
2 Timothy 4:2. Paul charged Timothy to preach the Word. A.A. 506. Revelation 22:18; Proverbs 30:5, 6. No one is to add to, or take from, the words of God. God has expressed the thoughts He intended to convey, and we are to study the words and get from them the thoughts He designed to convey when He gave the words. E. 227. Jeremiah 23:28. Man’s words are but chaff when compared with the words of God. A.A. 474, 475.
How To Teach The Word Of God
1 Corinthians 2:13. The Holy Ghost’s method of teaching is by comparing spiritual things with spiritual. John 5:39. Christ commands us to search the Scriptures. D.A. 390. Luke 24:25-27, 44, 45. He appeals to the Scriptures to prove His resurrection. John 10:34-36. Jesus teaches that the omission of one letter, making the word singular when the prophet had used the plural form, would break the Scriptures. Gal. 3:16. The apostle Paul holds the same view of the Scriptures. 2 Samuel 23:2. David says that the Lord’s “word was my tongue.” Daniel 10:17, 19. Inspiration is God’s breath, using the vocal organs of the prophet. 2 Timothy 3:16, 17. All Scripture is thus inspired that man may know the way of life. Romans 4:16-22. Because Abraham believed the word of God, it was counted unto him for righteousness. P.P. 152, 153. 1 Samuel 15:2, 3, 26-29. Because Saul did not believe the word of God, he lost his kingdom. P.P. 634-636. 1 Samuel 15:22, 23. It is as the sin of witchcraft to think that God’s words can be changed. The entire fifteenth chapter 1 Samuel should be studied carefully. P.P. 680-682.
“OUR duty will only be discerned and appreciated when viewed in the light which shines from the life of Christ.” Testimonies, Volume 3, p. 403.
Our Duty To God
Job 23:12. We should esteem God’s word above food. Deuteronomy 6:5; Luke 10:27. Love God with all the heart, soul, mind, and strength. Testimonies, Volume 8, p. 139. 1 Samuel 12:24; Romans 12:11. Serve Him with the whole heart. 1 Corinthians 6:19, 20. Glorify God in our bodies. Matthew 6:24; Luke 14:33. Give Him unreserved service. Mark 8:34. Deny self and take up our cross daily. Matthew 19:21, 28, 29. Give all for Christ. Revelation 3:16. Want of full consecration condemned. Exodus 22:29; Proverbs 3:9. Honor God with our substance. Testimonies, Volume 4, pp.76, 77. 1 Thessalonians 2:12. Walk worthy of God. 1 Corinthians 10:31. Do all to God’s glory.
Our Duty To The Nation
Rom. 13:1. God ordained the nations. Matthew 22:19-21. Render the nation all the honor that belongs to it. Romans 13:1. Be subject to the nation. Testimonies, Volume 1, pp. 361, 201, 202. Romans 13:1, 2. Disrespect for the just claims of the nation is showing disrespect to God. Romans 13:3, 4. Nations are ministers under God for good. Daniel 4:13-18; 10:20; 11:1. Angels watch over the nations. Testimonies, Volume 1, p. 203. 1 Timothy 2:1-3. Pray for the rulers of the nation. Proverbs 8:15, 16. God establishes national rulers. Acts 5:29. When nations step over the boundary and enforce laws contrary to God’s requirements, then the Christian should always obey God rather than men.
“THE doctrine of the second advent is the very key-note of the Sacred Scriptures. From the day the first pair turned their sorrowing steps from Eden, the children of faith have waited the coming of the Promised One to break the destroyer’s power and bring them again to the lost Paradise.” G.C. 299.
Glorious Appearing Of Christ
John 14:1-3. Promise to come again. E.W. 286. Acts 1:9-11. Will come in person as He went. Testimonies, Volume 2, pp. 194, 195; D.A. 831, 832. Revelation 1:7. Will come in clouds visible to all. Matthew 24:30. Come with power and great glory. Testimonies, Volume 2, p. 41. Luke 9:26. Three-fold glory,–His own, His Father’s, and the angels’. D.A. 739. Matthew 17:2. Christ’s glory,–face as the sun, raiment as light. A.A. 33. Ezekiel 1:28. The Father’s glory like the rainbow. Exodus 24:16, 17. God’s glory like devouring fire to the wicked. Matthew 28:2,3. The glory of one angel. Matthew 28:4. The effect of that glory. Matthew 25:31. All the angels come with Christ. Revelation 5:11. Compare the effect of one with the whole company of angels. Revelation 6:15-17. Wicked seek to hide. 2 Thessalonians 1:8, 9, 2:8. Effect upon the wicked. Jeremiah 25:30-33. Wicked slain. Luke 17:26-30. Compared with the time of Noah and Lot. P.P. 90-95, 156-161. Matthew 28:5. No fear for those who seek Jesus. G.C. 641. 1 Thessalonians 4:16, 17. The righteous caught up. 1 Corinthians 15:51-53. Made immortal. D.A. 320. Phil. 3:20, 21. Bodies like Christ’s. Matthew 17:2. Faces like the sun. Matthew 13:43. Shine as the sun in the kingdom of their Father. Luke 21:34-36. Preparation for His coming. Testimonies, Volume 4, pp. 306, 307.
Effect Of Christ’s Coming On The Earth, Or The Millennium
Isaiah 2:17-21. Earth terribly shaken. E.W. 272. Revelation 6:14-17. Every mountain and island moved. E.W. 285. Revelation 16:17-21. Greatest earthquake that has ever been. Isaiah 24:1, 3-6. Earth utterly emptied. E.W. 289, 290. 1 Thessalonians 4:13-17. Righteous taken. Jeremiah 25:33. Wicked slain. Jeremiah 4:23-27; Zeph. 1:2,3. Earth wholly desolate. Revelation 20:1-3. Satan bound; no one to tempt. E.W. 290. Revelation 20:4-6. Wicked live again after a thousand years. Revelation 20:7,8. Satan loosed. Revelation 20:9-10. Wicked gather about the city and are destroyed. C.O.L. 318, 319. 2 Peter 3:7-13. Same fire purified the earth. E.W. 295. Leave the reader with the thought of the new earth. Avoid controversy about the fate of the wicked.
New Earth
Psalms 115:16. Earth given to the children of men. P.P. 44-49. Genesis 1:27, 28. Adam and Eve given dominion. Genesis 3:1-6. Man fell. Romans 6:16. In yielding they lost the dominion. P.P. 55-61. John 14:30. Satan prince of this world. Gen 13:14-17. Promise to Abraham. Romans 4:13. Abraham heir of the world. P.P. 133.
Acts 7:2-5. Never possessed it in this life. Hebrews 11:8-13. Abraham’s children never possessed it. Hebrews 11:13. They fully expected to receive it. Ezekiel 37:12-14. Given after the resurrection. G.C. 674. Gal. 3:7. Abraham’s children. Gal. 3:29. Heirs to the earth. 2 Peter 3:7-13. Earth purified. Isaiah 65:17. New earth promised. Revelation 21:1. A new earth. Isaiah 51:3. Made like Eden. Isaiah 35:1-10. Description of new earth. G.C. 674-676. Isaiah 65:21-25. Employment on the new earth. E.W. 18. Isaiah 33:24. Inhabitants never sick. Revelation 21:4. No pain nor death. Testimonies, Volume 9, p. 287. Isaiah 66:22, 23. Regular seasons of worship. Matthew 5:5. Meek will inherit the earth.
Capital City Of The New Earth
Revelation 21:1, 2. Holy city descends upon the earth. E.W. 18, 291. Revelation 21:9-11. The city the bride. Revelation 21:12, 13. Angel gate-keepers. Revelation 21:21. Gates of pearl. Revelation 21:18. Wall of jasper. Revelation 21:18. City of pure gold. Revelation 21:21. Streets of gold. Revelation 21:16. Size of the city. Revelation 21:19, 20. Twelve foundations garnished with all manner of stones. Revelation 21:23. No need of sun in the city. Isaiah 24:23. Glory of Christ puts sun to shame. G.C. 676. Isaiah 30:26. Sun seven times brighter than now. Revelation 21:24. Gather in the city from all over the world. Revelation 22:1, 2. The tree of life with twelve manner of fruits. E.W. 289. Isaiah 66:22, 23. Gather monthly and partake of the fruit. Revelation 21:8. Fearful and unbelieving never enter. Revelation 22:14. Obedient enter the city.
New Earth As Taught In The Sanctuary Service No. 1
Genesis 3:17. The Lord said unto Adam: “Cursed is the ground for thy sake.” Adam’s sin affected the earth. Isaiah 24:5. “The earth also is defiled under the inhabitants thereof.” Gen 4:9-11. There must be some remedy to meet the demand, and free the earth from the curse. Numbers 35:33. The only way the land can be freed from the curse is through the offering of the blood of the same race that brought the sin upon the earth. E.W. 126, 127. Neh. 5:4, 5. Man is powerless to redeem the earth from the curse of sin. Mark 3:26, 27. Satan is prince of this world. Some one stronger than Satan must arise to destroy him and remove the curse. Hebrews 2:14-16. Christ partook of flesh and blood, became one of the sons of Adam, clothed Himself in humanity that He might destroy the devil. E.W. 150. Ruth 2:20, margin. Only one “near of kin” has the right to redeem. Leviticus 25:23-25. When God placed Israel in the promised land, He gave him special directions that the land should never be sold. If one became involved, the land should never be sold. If one became involved, the land passed into the hands of another, the one “near of kin” could redeem it. P.P. 534. Hebrews 2:17. Christ partook of the nature of man, became our brother, one “near of kin,” that He might deliver us and pay the redemption price for the earth.
D.A. 327. Eph. 1:13, 14. The future inheritance of the saints is called “the purchased possession”; it has been bought by the precious blood of Christ. Leviticus 4:7, 18, 25, 30. In every sin-offering, after the atonement was made for the sinner, the remainder of the blood was poured on the ground at the bottom of the brazen altar, thus signifying that the blood of Christ would cleanse the land from the curse of sin. Leviticus 6:9-11. As the ashes accumulated on the altar, they were carefully collected and carried forth and put in a “clean place.” Psalms 37:20; 73:12-18. The burning of those offerings typified the destruction of all sin and sinners in the lake of fire. Mal. 4:1-3. When the fire of the last days has destroyed sin and sinners and purified the earth, the saints will walk over the ashes of the wicked on a “clean place,”—the earth made new. Leviticus 6:10. In the type the priest changed his garments before he carried the ashes to the “clean place.” Revelation 19:11-16. Christ lays aside His priestly robes and clothes Himself in kingly garments when He comes to destroy the wicked.
New Earth As Taught In The Sanctuary Service No. 2
Jer. 9:21. The air is laden with death and disease. Exodus 15:23. Water is contaminated by the curse of sin. Genesis 3:17. The land, air, and water all share in the curse of sin. Leviticus 14:1-17. The offering for the cleansing of the leper included the cleansing of the earth, air and sea, from the curse of sin. Leviticus 14:7. The blood of the sacrifice was sprinkled upon the leper, thus typifying the blood of Christ which cleanses man from sin. Leviticus 14:5, 6. Two birds were chosen; one was slain over running water, and the blood was caught in an earthen vessel; thus the blood came in contact with water and earth, typifying the blood of Christ which will purify the earth and sea. Leviticus 14:6,7. The living bird, after being dipped in the blood, was let loose, bearing through the air the blood of cleansing, thus typifying that the blood of Christ will remove every taint of sin and death from the atmosphere, and give us a “new heaven and a new earth.” 1 Kings 4:33. The cedar and hyssop are given as the two extremes in vegetation, thus representing all vegetation. Leviticus 14:6. The cedar and hyssop were dipped in the blood as a pledge that the blood of Christ would remove the curse of sin from all vegetation and again clothe the earth in Edenic beauty.
Signs Of Christ’s Coming In The Heavens
Luke 21:25, 26. There shall be signs in the heavens and earth. Joel 3:15. Sun, moon, and stars darkened. G.C. 306-308. Revelation 6:12. Sun black as sackcloth. Isaiah 13:10. Sun darkened in its going forth, – morning. Amos 8:9. Darkest at noon, in a clear sky. Ezekiel 32:7. Sun covered with cloud. Amos 5:8. Night also dark. Revelation 6:12. Moon like blood. Matthew 24:29. Immediately after the tribulation of 1260 years. Mark 13:24. Darkened in the days, but after the tribulation. Matthew 24:22. Days were shortened. Tribulation ceased about 1776. The 1260 years of Daniel 7:25 began 538 A. D. and ended 1798. The signs in the sun and moon were to be seen between the end of the tribulation and 1798 A. D. An account of the fulfillment is given in Webster’s Dictionary, 1869 edition, as follows: – “The Dark Day, May 19, 1780,–so called on account of the remarkable darkness on that day extending all over New England. In some places, persons could not see to read common print in the open air for several hours together. . . The obscuration began at about ten o’clock in the morning, and continued till the middle of the next night, but with differences of degree and duration in different places. For several days previously the wind had been variable, but chiefly from the southwest and northeast. The true cause of this remarkable phenomenon is not known.” Herschel, the astronomer, says: “The Dark Day in North America was one of those wonderful phenomena of nature which will always be read of with interest, but which philosophy is at a loss to explain.” Revelation 6:13. Stars fell as green fruit. G.C. 333, 334. An entire chapter in Deven’s “Our First Century,” pp. 329-336, is devoted to the description of the great shower of stars of Nov. 13, 1833, which fulfilled this prophecy in every respect. Luke 21:28-31. The signs began to come to pass in 1780, and now they have come to pass. Matthew 24:33, margin. Saviour at the door.
Luke 21:32; Matthew 24:34. This generation shall not pass till all these things are fulfilled. D.A. 632. It must be either the generation addressed by the Saviour or the generation that saw the signs fulfilled. Luke 11:29. The generation living in Christ’s day had only one sign, and therefore could not sin be the one that would not pass away until all things were fulfilled. D.A. 632, 406. Matthew 24:35. God’s word can not fail. D.A. 234, 235. Luke 21:34-36. Need of preparation.
Signs In The Earth
Revelation 6:12. Great earthquake. G.C. 304, 305. Matthew 24:7,8. Earthquake and pestilence. Testimonies, Volume 8, p. 252; Volume 7, p. 11. Luke 21:25. Distress of nations. Matthew 24:7. Nation against nation. Testimonies, Volume 9, pp. 14-28. Mark 13:7, 8. Wars and rumors of wars. P.K. 278. Joel 3:9, 10. Prepare war; beat plowshares into swords. Joel 3:11, 12. Heathen nations awaken. Jeremiah 25:26-28. All kingdoms of the world will be drawn into war. Isaiah 8:9, 10. Trusts and combines broken. Isaiah 8:12-14. Righteous principles will endure.
Important Signs of the Last Days
Daniel 12:4. Knowledge increased; much traveling. James 5:1-3. Riches heaped together. G.C. 654. Psalms 49:11. Hope their houses will continue forever. James 5:4. Laboring man oppressed. Nahum 2:3. “In the days of His preparation” the chariots have flaming torches,– great headlights. Nahum 2:5. A description of the conductor of any rapid train of cars, as he recounts his passengers and collects fares. Nahum 2:4. Automobiles running like lightening and raging in the streets. Nahum 3:16, 17. One who has lived in the countries where locusts abound and has seen the sun darkened for hours by dense clouds of locusts flying so high they could scarcely be distinguished from the clouds, can readily think the prophet saw the “merchant,” “crowned” ones and “captains” soaring in the airplanes “as the locusts.” Isaiah 8:19. Spiritualism will increase. E.W. 263. Revelation 16:13-15. Strongly manifested in powers of earth. Revelation 16:14. Devil power to work miracles. Testimonies, Volume 9, p. 16. 2 Corinthians 11:14, 15. Power to personate individuals. G.C. 552. Isaiah 8:20. Word of God the supreme test.
Last Day Signs In Spiritual World
Matthew 24:24. False prophets arise. Luke 17:26-28. Feasting and revelry. Testimonies, Volume 3, pp. 164, 165. Isaiah 22:12-14. Flesh-eating and drunkenness. Testimonies, Volume 9, pp. 153-157. Isaiah 66:15-17. Those who do not control their appetites destroyed. Testimonies, Volume 9, pp. 159, 160. 1 Timothy 4:1. Some depart from the faith. 1 Timothy 4:3. These apostates strive to turn others from God’s original diet. Genesis 1:29. Matthew 24:48, 49. Evil servants say the Lord delays His coming. 2 Timothy 3:1. The last days perilous times. C.O.L. 228. 2 Timothy 3:2-5. Nineteen sins which predominate in the last days. Matthew 24:14. In spite of all obstacles the gospel will be preached to all the world. Matthew 25:15; Daniel 12:9, 10. The prophecies of Daniel will be understood in the last days. P.K. 547. Joel 3:16. The Lord, the hope of His people in that day.
Three Comings Of Christ And Marriage Of The Lamb
THERE are three separate positions taken in regard to the advent of Christ; 1st, He comes to judge the world; 2nd, He comes as a thief; 3rd , He comes to take His people to heaven. These is truth in each position, for they do not relate to the same event but to three separate events which take place in their order.
Coming Of Judgment, Or Going To The Marriage
Mal. 3:1-5. Christ will suddenly come to judgment. Daniel 7:9, 10, 13, 14; Matthew 25:10. Christ went to the marriage when He went to the judgment. G.C. 427. Revelation 21:9, 10. The New Jerusalem, the bride. Isaiah 62:4. The land is married, becomes the bride. 2 Corinthians 11:2; Isaiah 54:5; Eph. 5:23. The church is the bride. Christ is married to the city, the land, and the church. Daniel 7:13, 14. Christ brought before the Father to receive His kingdom. It takes four things to make a kingdom: viz., territory, people, capital, or seat of government, and a king. The giving of the city, people and land to Christ, the King, constitutes the marriage. Luke 19:12. Christ has gone into a far country to receive a kingdom. Testimonies, Volume 8, p. 37. Daniel 7:9, 10. Judgment precedes the marriage, as it must be determined who are the subjects of the kingdom before they are given to Christ. G.C. 428. Matthew 22:2, 8-14. The judgment is compared to the examination of wedding garments. G.C. 427. Matthew 25:1-10. All that are ready will have on the wedding garment. C.O.L. 406, 407. Revelation 19:7, 8. The necessary garment is the white robe of righteousness. Isaiah 61:10. The garments are provided; guests have only to accept them. Revelation 3:5. They are given to the overcomers.
Coming As A Thief, Or The Marriage
Matthew 24:42-44. One coming of the Lord is compared to a thief; no one knows when a thief comes until after he has done his work and gone. Testimonies, Volume 6, p. 129; Volume 9, p. 135. Daniel 7:13, 14; Revelation 22:11, 12. When the judgment closes and Christ receives the kingdom, the decree is given which forever determines the destiny of every soul on earth. But he comes as a thief; none know when they pass the line which forever closes probation. G.C. 491; Testimonies, Volume 2, pp. 190-193. Revelation 8:5. Christ then throws down His censer and ceases to be a mediator, or priest. Testimonies, Volume 2, p. 691. 1 Thessalonians 5:2. This event is also spoken of as the coming of the day of the Lord. 2 Peter 3:10. During the “day of the Lord,” the judgments of God fall upon the earth. Revelation 14:10. At that time the unmixed wrath of God is poured out. Hab. 3:2. Previous to this time mercy is mingled with all the judgments of God.
E.W. 281. Psalms 75:7, 8. The wicked drink the dregs. Hebrews 11:16. Christ has prepared the city. Daniel 7:13, 14. The city and subjects are all ready when the kingdom is given to Christ, but the land is still occupied by the enemy.
Christ Coming For His People, Or Coming From The Wedding
Luke 19:15. After having received the kingdom Christ returns to the earth. E.W. 251, 280. Luke 12:35-37. This is also called returning from the wedding. Matthew 13:38-41. Having received the kingdom, He comes to set it in order, and remove all trace of sin. E.W. 55. Revelation 19:16. Christ comes in kingly robes. Revelation 20:1-9. It takes over 1000 years to destroy the last race of sin from the earth. Revelation 20:4. During this time the saints are with Christ. 1 Thessalonians 4:16. When Christ comes for His people, He remains in the clouds.
E.W. 286, 287. Zecheriah 14:4. At the end of 1000 years His feet will touch on the Mount of Olives, and the work of purifying the earth begins. E.W. 291. Revelation 21:9, 10. The city descends. Revelation 20:9. Fire from God devours the wicked. E.W. 294. 2 Peter 3:7-13. The same fire purifies the earth. 2 Peter 3:57. As the earth was once cleansed from sin by water, so it will again be cleansed by fire. Nahum 1:9. Sin arose again after the flood; but after the fires have done their work, it will never rise up again a second time. Isaiah 33:14, 15; Genesis 8:1. As Noah rode in safety on the waters of the flood, so the righteous in the city of God will dwell safely in the midst of the fire. G.C.
673. Isaiah 35:1-10. Earth purified,–clad in wedding garments. Revelation 19:9. Then will come the marriage supper. E.W. 19. Luke 12:37. Christ Himself will serve.
Close Of Probation
Ezekiel 9:3, 4. The work of placing the mark, or seal, upon God’s children entrusted to one angel. Revelation 7:1-3. The sealing message is the most important work on earth, and nothing is to retard it. Ezekiel 9:11, margin. When the work is completed, the angel returns to God with the words, “I have done as thou hast commanded me.” G.C. 613. Revelation 22:11. Christ then makes the following solemn announcement: “He that is unjust; let him be unjust still: and he which is filthy, let him be filthy still; and he that is righteous, let him be righteous still.”
G.C. 622. Isaiah 4:3, margin. The saved are “written to life.” G.C. 480, 481. Daniel 12:1; Revelation 3:5. Their names are in the book of life. Daniel 12:1; 11:20, 21. The term “stand up,” indicates that Michael (Christ) at this time ceases to be high priest, and takes His kingdom and is called “King of kings” from that time forward. 1 Timothy 2:5. Christ is the only mediator between God and man; and when he ceases to be priest there is no one to plead for guilty man. E.W. 280. Revelation 14:8-10. When there is no mediator in the heavens, there is nothing to prevent the wrath of God from being poured out upon the wicked. Isaiah 59:16-18; Leviticus 16:23. Christ puts on the garments of vengeance. Revelation 15:1. The work of pouring out the unmixed wrath of God upon the earth is assigned to seven angels, and is called the seven last plagues. Revelation 15:8; 1 Timothy 2:5. “The man Christ Jesus” can not enter the temple while the seven last plagues are being poured out upon the earth. Exodus 8:20-23, margin. The Lord sent ten plagues upon Egypt; the first three plagues fell upon the Israelites as well as upon the Egyptians, but none of the seven last plagues of Egypt fell upon the children of Israel. Exodus 8:22; 9:4-7, 26; 10:23; G.C. 627, 628. Psalms 91:1-10. Likewise, when the psalmist foretold the effect of the seven last plagues, he said no plague would come nigh the dwelling of the righteous. G.C. 630.
Seven Last Plagues
Revelation 16:1. The seven angels pour out the vials of God’s wrath upon the earth.
G.C. 628, 629. Revelation 16:2. The first plague is a “noisome and grievous sore.” Revelation 16:3. The second plague causes the sea to become “as the blood of a dead man.” Revelation 16:4. The third plague causes the rivers and fountains of water to become blood. Revelation 16:5, 6. After the plagues have affected all the water upon the earth, the angel of the waters declares it to be a righteous judgment. Revelation 16:7. An angel from heaven responds. Revelation 16:8. The fourth plague will cause the sun to “scorch men with fire.” Revelation 16:9. These plagues will cause men to blaspheme God; naturally they accuse God’s people, who are sheltered from the plagues as being responsible for the plagues. Revelation 16:10. The fifth plague is darkness that fills all the kingdom of the beast.
C.O.L. 420. Revelation 16:11. The wicked are still suffering because of the sores that come under the first plague, and they blaspheme God and continue to blame God’s people for all the plagues that have fallen upon them. If they blaspheme God, naturally they will hate His representatives. Revelation 13:15. Special life and power begins to show itself in the beast and its image. Revelation 16:12, 16. The sixth plague,–drying up of the river Euphrates. Isaiah 8:7. A river, flowing through a country, is taken as a type of the country; hence, the drying up of the Euphrates would indicate the drying up of the Turkish empire under the sixth plague. Revelation 16:13. Aside from the people of God, there remain three classes; “the dragon,” the power which sought to destroy the child Jesus, or paganism (Revelation 12:1-5); “the beast,” which persecuted the church during the 1260 years (the period known in history as the Dark Ages); and “the false prophet,” or apostate Protestantism. Revelation 16:13, 14. Spiritualism takes control of all three of these classes and unites them in a war against God and His people. Testimonies, Volume 5, p. 451. Revelation 16:15; Isaiah 33:14. Those who are holy and righteous are protected and blessed; while those who are classed with the people of God, but are not really of them at this time, are fully revealed. Revelation 13:15. The decree goes forth that all who do not worship the beast will be slain. Esther 3:13-15; G.C. 635; E.W. 282.
Seventh Plague
Revelation 16:16, 17. When all plans are laid to destroy the people of God from the earth, the seventh angel pours out his vial into the air; and God the Father from His throne in the temple says, “It is done.” No longer will the powers of the earth be allowed to afflict the people of God. G.C. 636, Revelation 16:18-20. The voice of God causes a great earthquake. The whole earth heaves and swells like the waves of the sea. E.W. 285. Daniel 12:2. A partial resurrection takes place at this time. G.C. 636, Isaiah 30:27, 28. God puts “a bridle in the jaws of the people.” They are powerless to carry out their murderous schemes, and are afraid of the righteous. Exodus 11:4-8. It was about midnight that the last plague of Egypt was poured out upon the Egyptians. Before the angel passed through Egypt at midnight, the Israelites were slaves; after midnight the Egyptians bowed down to the Israelites and Israel was free. G.C. 636. Job 34:20. At midnight “the mighty shall be taken away without hands.” Revelation 16:21; Job 38:22, 23. The great hailstones of the seventh plague fall on every side and destroy the cities of the earth. Isaiah 30:29. While the earth is heaving under the feet of the righteous, their voices ascend to heaven in song. Psalm 46. This Psalm seems to have been written for this special occasion when mountain chains are sinking and inhabited islands disappearing. It is the song the righteous will sing. G.C. 639. Job 22:30. Islands inhabited by the righteous will be spared, and the song of trust will also ascend from them. Isaiah 30:30. This song of holy trust touches the heart of God. The again causes His glorious voice to be heard pronouncing a blessing upon those who have kept His law, and announcing the day and hour of Jesus’ coming. Matthew 24:32-39. After Christ taught that the generation which saw the signs would not pass away before His coming, He said that none but the Father knew the day and hour of Jesus’ coming; then He said, “But as the days of Noah were, so shall also the coming of the Son of man be.” Genesis 6:3-7; 7:1-7. Noah was given a period of 120 years to prepare the ark; but the day when the flood would come was not revealed to him until God called him into the ark and an eternal line of demarcation was placed between Noah and his family and the wicked. Then the Lord said that in seven days the flood would come; even so, after God from heaven says, “It is done,” and His people are forever free from the power of the wicked, then He announces the day and hour of Christ’s coming. G.C. 640. Matthew 24:30. The saints will know the day and hour when the small cloud, the immediate sign of Christ’s coming, will appear. G.C. 640, 641. Hab. 3:3, 4. Christ rides forth a mighty conqueror. “His glory covers the heavens, and the earth was full of His praise.” Revelation 19:11-14. He is escorted by all the hosts of heaven. Matthew 25:31. Revelation 19:16. “He hath on His vesture and on His thigh a name written, King of kings, and Lord of lords.” Revelation 6:14-16; Isaiah 2:17-21. The wicked seek to hide from His presence. C.O.L. 421. Isaiah 25:9. The righteous rejoice at His coming. Isaiah 26:19. Christ looks upon the graves of the sleeping saints and cries, “Awake and sing, ye that dwell in the dust.” 1 Corinthians 15:51-55. The righteous dead come forth with the song, “O death, where is thy sting? O grave, where is they victory?” The whole earth resounds with the tread of the innumerable multitude of redeemed. The living righteous are changed in a moment from mortal to immortal. Matthew 24:31; Psalms 50:5. The command is given to the angels, “Gather my saints together unto me.” 2 Thessalonians 2:8; Jeremiah 25:30-33. The wicked are left dead upon the earth, and remain dead until the resurrection of damnation at the end of 1000 years. John 5:28, 29; Revelation 20:4, 5. 1 Thessalonians 4:16-18. The living righteous are caught up to meet the Lord in the air and will remain forever with Him.
“Every redeemed one will understand the ministry of angels in his own life. The angel who was his guardian from his earliest moment; the angel who watched his steps, and covered his head in the day of peril; the angel who was with him in the valley of the shadow of death, who marked his resting-place, who was the first to greet him in the resurrection-morning,–what will it be to hold converse with him, and to learn the history of divine interposition in the individual life, of heavenly cooperation in every work for humanity! “All the perplexities of life’s experience will then be made plain. Where it us have appeared only confusion and disappointment, broken purposes and thwarted plans, will be seen a grand, overruling, victorious purpose, a divine harmony.” E. 305.
Who Are The Angels?
Psalms 8:4, 5; Hebrews 2:2, 7. Man was made lower than the angels; therefore, angels are not men. Hebrews 1:7. Angels were made spirits. 1 Corinthians 15:44-46. Because they are made spirits, it does not mean that they do not have bodies. Ezekiel 10:12, margin. Angels have flesh, backs, and hands. They are real, tangible bodies. Genesis 19:1-3. They ate and drank with Lot in Sodom. Gen 3:22-24. They were sent to guard the way of the tree of life before the first man died; therefore, they are an entirely different order of beings from man. Numbers 22:22-27. While they are invisible to the naked eye, yet God has opened the eyes of even animals to see them. Numbers 22:31-35. When God opens the eyes of men they can see the angels. Revelation 1:1. Angels are sent to communicate God’s messages to prophets. Revelation 19:10. Could men see and sense the sacredness of these messengers of God, they would worship them.
The Work Of Good And Evil Angels
John 8:44. Satan once abode in the truth, but he lost his first estate. Jude 6. Other angels fell. 2 Peter 2:4. They sinned. 1 John 3:4. Disobeyed the law of God. Revelation 12:7-9. Satan and evil angels cast from heaven. Revelation 13:14; 16:14. Evil angels work miracles. Job 1:6-19. Have power over the elements. Testimonies, Volume 9, p. 93. Psalms 103:20. Good angels excel in strength. 2 Chronicles 32:21; 2 Kings 19:35. One loyal angel slew 185,000 men in one night. Acts 12:23. Herod smitten by an angel. Psalms 34:7. Good angels protect God’s people. D.A. 142, 143. Acts 5:19. Open prison doors. Daniel 6:22. Animals subject to them. Revelation 14:18. Have power over fire. Revelation 21:12. Gate keepers. E.W. 39, 37. Acts 8:26. They direct God’s people. Hebrews 1:13, 14. All minister to humanity. Testimonies, Volume 3, pp. 381, 516. Matthew 18:10. Each child of God has a guardian angel. Testimonies, Volume 3, p. 364. Isaiah 37:14-36; Daniel 9:20-23. Answer prayer. D.A. 112. Daniel 4:13-17; 11:1; 10:20. Control the affairs of nations. E. 305. Exodus 23:20-22. Went before Israel in the wilderness. Acts 1:9-11. Escorted Jesus into heaven. T, Volume 6, p. 309. Genesis 18:1-3; Hebrews 13:2. Entertained on earth. Testimonies, Volume 6, p. 342; E. 304. Matthew 13:39; Revelation 14:15-20. Reap the harvest of the earth. Matthew 24:31. Gather the righteous. Daniel 7:9, 10. Present when the judgment opened.
Things Angels Know
Acts 10:3, 4. When we pray and whether we give alms or not. Testimonies, Volume 3, pp. 363, 364. Acts 10:5. Both our given and surname. Acts 10:6. Where we lodge and our occupation. Judges 13:3-14. How to instruct parents in training their children. D.A. 517. 1 Kings 19:5-8. How to prepare food. 2 Kings 1:2, 3. Whether we inquire of spiritualist mediums or not. D.A. 259. 2 Chronicles 32:21. The rank or office men fill. Genesis 16:7, 8. Names of servants and mistresses. Eccl. 5:6. Take notice of words spoken. Testimonies, Volume 3, p. 312, Volume 5, p. 59.
Different Orders Of Angels
Luke 1:19. Angels stand in the presence of God. Matthew 18:10. Behold God’s face. Ezekiel 1:14. More swiftly like lightening. Revelation 5:11. More than 100,000,000. Psalms 68:17. God’s chariots composed of angels. Isaiah 6:2, 6. Seraphim have their work. Exodus 25:16-18. The cherubim were at either end of the mercy-seat. Psalms 80:1. God dwells between the cherubim.
Ezekiel 28:14. Before his fall Satan was a covering cherub. Daniel 10:21. Gabriel is the angel of prophecy. Revelation 14:18. One angel has power over fire. Revelation 16:5. There is an angel of the waters. Revelation 2:1, 8, 12, 18; 3:1, 7, 14. Seven angels have charge of the messages to the seven churches. Revelation 7:1. Four angels control war. Revelation 7:2; Ezekiel 9:2-4. Angel in charge of the sealing work. Revelation 8:2. Seven angels in charge of the sounding of the seven trumpets. Revelation 10:1-10. A mighty angel opened the little prophetic book. Revelation 14:6-12. The last warning messages are in charge of three angels. Revelation 15:1. Seven angels pour out the last plagues. Revelation 18:1-3. The angel of the loud cry. Matthew 25:31; Revelation 19:14. The angels are perfectly organized, appear like armies as they come with Christ. Revelation 19:17. One angel calls the fowls to the great supper. Revelation 20:1. To another is given the work of binding Satan.
Gabriel, The Angel Of Prophecy
Luke 1:19. Stands in presence of God. D.A. 98, 99. Daniel 9:21. Appeared in vision to Daniel. Daniel 10:21. There is none but Michael, or Christ, that unite with Gabriel in revealing prophecy. Revelation 1:13. Four steps in giving prophecy; 1st , God; 2nd , Christ; 3rd , angel; 4th , the prophet. D.A. 234. Revelation 22:16, 6. Christ’s own angel. Luke 22:43; Matthew 28:2. Strengthened Him in the garden, and called Him from the grave. D.A. 693, 779, 780. Daniel 8:15-25; 9:21-26. Not only reveals prophecy, but explains it to the prophets. Daniel 10:20; 11:1. Also influences individuals to work for the fulfillment of the prophecy. P.K. 571, 572. Isaiah 7:14; Luke 1:26-38. When the time came for the fulfillment of the prophecy, Gabriel announced the fact to one who should fulfill it. Luke 1:5-20. Comes from the presence of God to the one interested in the fulfillment of prophecy. Genesis 24:1-48. “His angel” goes before the one interested in carrying out the plan of God. Revelation 22:9. The fellow servant of John, the prophets, and those who keep the sayings of Revelation. Gabriel is the servant and will go before the individual who will give his life to assist in fulfilling the prophecies of Revelation.
“Such subjects as the sanctuary, in connection with the 2300 days, the commandments of God and the faith of Jesus, are perfectly calculated to explain the past Advent movement and show what our present position is, establish the faith of the doubting, and give certainty to the glorious future. These, I have frequently seen, were the principal subjects on which the messengers should dwell.” E.W. 63.
Type And Antitype
Hebrews 9:1. Earthly sanctuary. P.P. 343. Exodus 25:9, 40, margin; 1 Chronicles 28:19. Made after divine models. P.P. 313, 343, 349. Hebrews 8:1-5. Earthly shadow of heavenly. P.P. 343. Hebrews 9:1-3. Two apartments in earthly. P.P. 348. Hebrews 9:24. Two apartments in heavenly. E.W. 32, 251, 252; G.C. 414, 415. Hebrews 9:2; Exodus 25:37. Seven lamps in earthly. G.C. 412. Revelation 4:5. Seven lamps of fire in heavenly. E.W. 251. Exodus 30:1-6. Golden altar in earthly sanctuary. P.P. 348. Revelation 8:1-4. Golden altar in heavenly. Testimonies, Volume 8, p. 177. Exodus 30:7, 8. Incense burned on earthly altar. G.C. 412. Revelation 8:3, 4. Incense offered on heavenly. P.P. 353, 367; Testimonies, Volume 8, 178. Leviticus 16:12, 13. Incense burned in censer in earthly. Revelation 8:5. Incense burned in heavenly censer. E.W. 32, 256; Testimonies, Volume 8, p. 178. Exodus 40:22, 23. Table or showbread. P.P. 354; E.W. 251. Hebrews 9:3-5; Exodus 25:10-22. Arkin second apartment of earthly. P.P. 348, 349. Revelation 11:19. Arkin heavenly sanctuary. E.W. 32; G.C. 415. Deuteronomy 10:1-5; Exodus 25:16. The ark in earthly sanctuary contained the law of God.
E.W. 32, 33. Exodus 31:18; 25:16. Law of God called the testimony. Revelation 11:19. Heavenly ark called the ark of His testament. Hebrews 7:28; 5:1. Priests from among the people. Hebrews 4:14, 15; 2:16-18. Our High Priest taken from humanity. D.A. 296, 442. Hebrews 5:4. Priests did not appoint themselves. Hebrews 5:5, 6. Christ appointed by the Father. D.A. 757. Hebrews 5:1. Priests offered gifts and sacrifices for sin. Hebrews 9:26-28. Christ put away sin by offering Himself. D.A. 25.
Service In The First Apartment Of The Sanctuary
Revelation 11:19; Psalms 102:19. Heavenly temple. G.C. 489. Hebrews 6:20; 8:1, 2. Jesus priest in heavenly temple. E.W. 48. Hebrews 4:14, 15. We are the congregation. Testimonies, Volume 6, p. 366; E.W. 55. Hebrews 8:1-5. Service in earthly a shadow of heavenly. G.C. 420. Hebrews 9:26; Leviticus 4:27-31; 16:30. Object of service was to put away sin. P.K. 684, 685. Hebrews 9:22. Without shedding of blood there is no remission of sin. E.W. 149.
Matthew 26:28. Christ’s blood shed for the remission of sins. A.A. 552, 553. Leviticus 4:27, 28. Sinner brought a lamb. Leviticus 4:29; Numbers 5:6, 7. Sin confessed over the lamb. Leviticus 4:5, 6. Blood presented before the Lord. Leviticus 10:16-18; 6:30. Flesh eaten by priest before the Lord when the blood was not taken into the sanctuary. Either blood or flesh of every sin-offering was taken into the sanctuary. This was a type of the real work. G.C. 418. John 1:29. Christ is the real Lamb of God. A.A. 33. 1 Peter 2:24. Christ bore our sins in His own body, or flesh. D.A. 751. Hebrews 9:12. Christ entered the heavenly temple with His own blood. E.W. 38, 253; G.C. 430. Hebrews 9:6. This service continued throughout the year. G.C. 421, 430. All of this service was an object-lesson to lift up the great Sin-bearer before the people.
Service In The Second Apartment Of The Sanctuary
Hebrews 9:7. Service in the second apartment only one day in the year. P.P. 352, 355. Leviticus 16:2, 29, 30. Atonement made on the tenth day of the seventh month. All sin put away on that day. Leviticus 16:2-4, 11-14. Preparation of the priest for service. Leviticus 16:7,8. Lots cast upon the two goats. G.C. 419. Leviticus 16:9, 15-19. The Lord’s goat offered as a sin-offering. P.P. 355, 356. Num 29:7-11. Sin-offering offered on the day of atonement besides the sin-offering of atonement. Leviticus 16:18-19. The last work performed by the priest in the sanctuary was at the altar in the first apartment. E.W. 280, 281. Leviticus 16:20. When the priest comes out from the sanctuary, in type, he bears all the confessed sins of the people. There is then an end of all reconciling. Testimonies, Volume 2, p. 691; E.W. 280; G.C. 490, 491. Leviticus 16:10, 21. The sins all laid upon head of scapegoat. G.C. 485.
Psalms 7:16. David understood that the sins would come down upon the head of the evil one. Leviticus 16:22. The goat was led into the wilderness. P.P. 355. Revelation 22:11, 12. When our High Priest leaves the sanctuary to come into the earthly court, every case will have been decided for eternity. E.W. 36, 279, 280. Revelation 20:1-3. Satan, the antitypical scapegoat, receives the sins of the righteous, and is left upon the desolate earth. G.C. 658; E.W. 178, 280, 281. The Lamb of God that taketh away the sins of the world should be made the central though of every text.
Judgment
Lev. 16:29, 30. The sanctuary cleansed from the confessed sins of the people on the day of atonement. G.C. 480. Hebrews 9:23. The heavenly sanctuary will be cleansed. G.C. 352. Jeremiah 2:22. Every sin is written in heaven. G.C. 482. Acts 3:19-21. The sins of the righteous will all be blotted out. Every case will be decided before the sins are blotted out; this will be the cleansing of the heavenly sanctuary. G.C. 352, 611, 612. 1 Thessalonians 4:16, 17. Before Christ comes, a line is drawn between the righteous and the wicked. Testimonies, Volume 2, p. 355. Daniel 7:9-11. Daniel was shown earthly powers carrying forward their work while the judgment was in session in heaven. Revelation 11:18, 19. John saw the nations angry during the judgment. L.S. 413,
421. Acts 24:25. The judgment was still in the future in Paul’s day; therefore, it must take place between Paul’s day and the second coming of Christ. Acts 17:31. Judgment appointed. Christ’s resurrection a pledge of judgment. Revelation 14:6, 7. An angel announces the opening of the judgment. Revelation 14:8-14. There were only two other messages to be given to the world. The work of cleansing the earthly sanctuary was not seen by the people; they accepted it by faith. The real work of judgment is in heaven. We follow our Priest by faith. P.P. 353; D.A. 166. Romans 2:12, 13; Eccl. 12:13, 14; James 2:12; Psalms 96:13. The law of God is the standard in the judgment. G.C. 482. Dan 7:10. The judgment is an examination of books. G.C. 480. Revelation 20:12. The people are judged by what is written in the books. G.C. 487. Rom 14:11, 12. Everyone, “shall give an account of himself to God.” Testimonies, Volume 4, pp. 384-387. Acts 24:25. The preaching of the judgment and temperance caused kings to tremble.
Nature Of The Judgment
Eccl. 12:14; Luke 8:17. Every secret thing brought to light. G.C. 482. 1 Corinthians 4:5. Counsels and thoughts of the heart. E.W. 58. 1 Samuel 2:3. Every action weighed. P.K. 639. Matthew 12:36. All idle words. D.A. 323. Revelation 20:13. Judged according to works. Testimonies, Volume 6, pp. 310, 311. Jeremiah 2:22. Every sin written. G.C. 482. Daniel 7:9, 10; Revelation 20:12. Judged out of the things written in the books. C.O.L. 310. 1 Peter 4:17. Judgment begins with the righteous. G.C. 480. Luke 20:35; 1 Thessalonians 4:16, 17. Those “accounted worthy” come up in the first resurrection. G.C. 482. Luke 21:34-36. The living righteous will also be accounted worthy. G.C. 483; Testimonies, Volume 6, p. 130. Eccl. 7:27. To “account” is to consider one by one. G.C. 490. 1 Corinthians 4:3-5. We are not to judge one another, but keep in mind the judgment of God. Testimonies, Volume 8, p. 85; Volume 9, pp. 185, 186. 1 Kings. 8:39. God only know the heart. D.A. 58. 1 Corinthians 11:31. If we “judge ourselves, we should not be judged.” D.A. 314. 1 Corinthians 11:32. Chastening is to prepare us for the judgment. E.W. 67. Revelation 3:5. Names of the righteous retained in the book of life. G.C. 490.
Books Of Judgment
Daniel 7:10; Revelation 20:12. “The books were opened,” showing there were more than one. E.W. 52. Mal. 3:16-18. The book of remembrance records thoughts and victories gained.
D.A. 637; G.C. 481. Psalms 56:8. Our wanderings and tears of repentance are recorded in God’s book. G.C. 481. Psalms 87:4-6. Place of birth and influences that go to make up our characters. Psalms 139:15, 16. The members of our body are written in the Lord’s book. Romans 2:1-5. A man’s life is written so accurately that if he professes one thing and lives another, he treasurers up wrath against the day or wrath. G.C. 487. Luke 10:19, 20. To be enrolled in the book of life is the highest honor given mortals. C.O.L. 299. Phil. 4:3. Names of faithful workers recorded. D.A. 313, 638. Exodus 32:33. Names of those who cling to sin will be removed. G.C. 483, 486. Revelation 3:5. Names of the faithful retained. G.C. 484. Revelation 13:8; 17:8. Wicked are not recorded. G.C. 483. Revelation 20:15. None will be saved whose names are not recorded in the book of life. Isaiah 4:3, margin; Psalms 69:28; Hebrews 12:23; Daniel 12:1. Jeremiah 17:13. Those who forsake God are written in the earth, or book of death.
E.W. 52; G.C. 661. Hosea 13:12; Job 14:17. Sins sealed up. Deuteronomy 32:32-36. Sins of the wicked are all laid up in store until the day of punishment. G.C. 666.
Judgment Of The Wicked
Psalms 1:5. Wicked will not stand in the judgment. 1 John 3:4. The law detects the sinner. G.C. 639. 1 Timothy 5:24-25. Unconfessed sins follow after and condemn the individual.
C.O.L. 294. Jude 6, 7. Past punishments illustrate the future. G.C. 22. Matthew 11:20-24. Wicked cities will answer in judgment. 2 Peter 2:4. Fallen angels reserved for judgment. E.W. 291. 2 Peter 2:9. Unjust reserved for judgment. 1 Corinthians 6:2, 3. Saints assist in judging the wicked. G.C. 661; E.W. 54, 291. Revelation 20:1-4. This judgment is during the 1000 years. E.W. 53. Revelation 20:5-7. At end of thousand years wicked are raised. G.C. 661. Psalms 2:7-9. They refused a mediator, now they meet a judge. D.A. 210; E.W.292. Psalms 149:5-9. The saints take part in the execution of the judgment. E.W. 52. Mal. 4:13. Wicked are destroyed by fire. G.C. 672, 673. Revelation 20:13. All judged by their works. Revelation 20:12. All judged by the record in the books. Luke 12:47, 48. There will be degrees of punishment. G.C. 673; E.W. 294, 295. Ezekiel 28:17-19. Satan himself reduced to ashes. G.C. 673. Revelation 21:1-5. Anew earth after sin is destroyed. G.C. 675, 676. The time of the opening of the judgment is given in the Bible study on the 2300 days, page 45.
The Eighth Chapter Of Daniel
Daniel 8:1. The third year of Belshazzar, the last year of Babylon. Daniel 8:2. Daniel in Elam when given the vision. Daniel 8:3-14. Symbols given, –a ram, a rough goat, a little horn, and the 2300 days. Dan 8:15. Daniel sought for the meaning. P.K. 553. Daniel 8:16. Gabriel commissioned to make him understand. Daniel 8:20. Ram represented Medo-Persia. Daniel 8:21. Goat a symbol of Greece. Daniel 8:6, 7. Overthrow of Grecia by Medo-Persia. Daniel 8:8, 22; 11:4. Grecia divided into four divisions. Daniel 8:24, 25. The power following Grecia, which will be understood at the time of the end. Verse 17.
Daniel 8:26, 27. Gabriel began to explain the time mentioned in the 14th verse, but Daniel fainted and could not understand. P.K. 554. Daniel 9:1. The first year of Medo-Persia’s universal reign. Since the vision of the 8th chapter Babylon had been overthrown. Daniel 9:2. Daniel studied Jeremiah’s prophecy. Jeremiah 25:11, 12; 29:10; P.K. 554,
555. Daniel 9:3-19. Daniel’s prayer reveals fear of lengthened captivity.
The 2300 Days Of Daniel 8:14
Daniel 9;20, 21. Gabriel appeared while Daniel was praying. P.K. 556. Daniel 9:22, 23. Came to give understanding. Daniel told to consider the vision. Daniel 9:24. Gabriel begins where he left off in Daniel 8:26, and explains the 2300 days. P.K. 556. Daniel 9:25. The period begins with the command to restore and build Jerusalem. Ezra 6:14. It took three kings to complete the decree. G.C. 326, 327. Ezra 1:1-4. The first part given by Cyrus 536 B.C. P.K. 558-578. Ezra 6:1-12. The second part given by Darius, the Persian. P.K. 578-609. Ezra 7:11-27. Artaxerxes completed the decree in 457 B.C. It required 79 years to complete the decree. P.K. 610-617. Ezra 7:9. Nearly half of the year passed before the decree reached Jerusalem. It was 456 1-2 before the decree went into effect. G.C. 327, 398, 399.
Daniel 9:25. The 2300 days began when the decree went in to effect 456 B.C.; 70 weeks, or 490 years, were determined, or cut off for the Jews. The six definite things mentioned were all fulfilled by Christ within the 70 weeks. His death sealed the vision. He was anointed at His baptism, the
heavenly sanctuary was anointed before Christ entered it with His blood to fulfill the type. Exodus 40:911. Daniel 9:25. The 70 weeks were divided into seven, sixty-two, and one week. P.K. 698-700. Numbers 14:34; Ezekiel 4:6, margin. A day of prophetic time equals a year. Genesis 29:27. Seven years equal a week of symbolic time. Daniel 9:25. Seven weeks and 62 weeks, or 483 years, reached to Messiah. Subtracting 456 years from 483, leaves 27 A.D., the date for the Messiah. G.C. 327, 328. John 1:41, margin. The Hebrew word Messiah in English is anointed; the 483 years reached to the Anointed One. Acts 10:38. Jesus was anointed with the Holy Ghost. Luke 3:21, 22, margin. This anointing took place at the baptism of Christ, A.D.
27. D.A. 111, 112. Mark 1:9-15. Jesus, as He entered upon His ministry, announced that “the time was fulfilled.” G.C. 327. Daniel 9:26, 27. In the midst of the 70th week, Messiah “was to be cut off,” and “cause the sacrifice to cease.” Daniel 9:27. He was to confirm the convenant for one week, and yet be cut off in the midst of the week. D.A. 233. Hebrews 2:3. The Saviour taught the first part of the week, and His followers the last part. Luke 24:47. According to Christ’s instruction, the disciples confined their labors to Jerusalem for 3 1-2 years after the crucifixion. G.C. 327. Acts 8:1-4. After the
rejection of the gospel and the stoning of Stephen, the disciples went everywhere preaching the word. This was A.D. 34, the end of the 70 weeks. The gospel was no longer confined to the Jews. Seventy weeks, or 490 years, taken from the 2300 days, leaves 1810 years. The 70 weeks ended A.D. 34; 1810 added to A.D. 34 brings us to the autumn of 1844. Daniel 8:14. In the autumn of 1844, at the end of the 2300 days, the cleansing of the heavenly sanctuary, or the investigative judgment, began in the heavenly sanctuary. G.C. 486.
The Position And Work Of Our Heavenly High Priest
Hebrews 8:1. Christ, our High Priest, at the right hand of the throne of God. M.H. 71. Hebrews 8:2. He ministers in the heavenly sanctuary. A.A. 552, 553. Exodus 25:40, margin. Earthly sanctuary pattern of the heavenly. Hebrews 8:1-5. The service of earthly priests an example or shadow of Christ’s work in heaven. By studying of earthly priests, we learn of Christ’s work. L.S. 278. Hebrews 9:6. There was a continual service in the first apartment of the earthly sanctuary. G.C. 418. 1 Chronicles 6:49. The high priest officiated at the brazen altar in the court at the golden altar in first apartment, and did all the work of the place, most holy, or second apartment. Exodus 30:7, 8. Aaron, the high priest, officiated twice every day, morning and evening, in the first apartment. Exodus 30:8. It was a perpetual incense; hence, was replenished on the day of atonement the same as other days. P.P. 348. Exodus 29:42, 43. God’s visible presence was seen sometimes at the door of the first apartment, or tabernacle of the congregation. Exodus 30:36; Numbers 17:4; Exodus 40:34, 36. He also met with them in the second apartment. Revelation 1:11-13. John saw Christ officiating in the first apartment of the heavenly sanctuary. A.A. 585, 586. Revelation 8:3, 4. He also saw the prayers and incense being offered on the golden altar in the first apartment of the heavenly sanctuary. P.P. 356. Revelation 4:2-5. John was shown the throne of God in heaven with the seven lamps of fire before it, and the seats of the twenty-four elders round about it. This was the first apartment. 1 Chronicles 24:1-31. The common priests of the earthly priesthood were divided into twenty-four courses. This custom was followed to the time of Christ. Luke 1:8. There were twenty-four chief men sometimes called governors of the sanctuary. 1 Chronicles 24:4. The twenty-four elders that had been redeemed from the earth (Revelation 5:8-10) could not be allowed to enter the most holy place; hence, the throne as seen by John was in the first apartment of the heavenly sanctuary. D.A. 93. Revelation 5:1-10. With Christ in the midst of the throne a service was held http://www.ThreeAngels.com.auby those redeemed from the earth; hence, it must have been in the first apartment. Hebrews 9:7. The high priest went alone into the second apartment. Leviticus 16:17. There was no man in the tabernacle of the congregation, or first apartment, when the high priest went in to officiate on the day of atonement. Leviticus 16;29, 30. The sanctuary was cleansed on the tenth day of the seventh month from all the sins that were “before the Lord,” all that had been confessed. During the year, the service had been confined to the first apartment: it was not carried into the second apartment. The high priest alone officiated in both apartments that day. The incense on the altar had to be kept burning, and if necessary, sin offerings were offered. Numbers 29:7-11. Leviticus 16:2. God promised to meet with Aaron, the high priest, in the second apartment. Daniel 7:9, 10. Daniel saw the thrones placed, or change positions, and the Father take His seat upon His throne for judgment. His attention was attracted to the “wheels of burning fire” as the throne was moved from the 1st to the 2nd apartment of the heavenly sanctuary. E.W. 54, 55. Ezekiel 1:1-27; 10:1-20. God’s throne is a movable throne. Dan 7:13, 14. Daniel beheld Christ borne in before the Father by the angels of God as our Advocate in the judgment. E.W. 55; G.C. 480. 1 Timothy 2:5. There is one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus.
G.C. 482. Daniel 7:9-10. God the Father sits as judge, the angels are witnesses, the books with their record of every thought and intent of the heart, as well as of every word and action, represent the individual to be judged. Christ is the mediator. Acts 3:19-21. The sins of all who have repented of their sins will be blotted out, thus cleansing the heavenly sanctuary of all the sins of the righteous. P.P. 357, 358. Daniel 8:14. Daniel was shown that the sanctuary would be cleansed at the end of the 2300 days, or in the autumn of 1844.
Day Of Atonement
Lev. 16:29, 30. On the tenth day of the seventh Jewish year, the confessed sins of the righteous were cleansed from the sanctuary. Isaiah 59:2. Sin separates God from His people. P.K. 323. Leviticus 16:16, 33. Atonement means at-one-ment. The atonement was for both apartments of the sanctuary and the people. Leviticus 16:7-19. Cleansed with blood. Leviticus 16:18, 19. Last work at the golden altar. E.W. 280, 281. Leviticus 16:20; Revelation 20:11, 12. When the high priest leaves the sanctuary, the work of reconciling, or atonement for the people, is complete. E.W. 281. 2 Corinthians 5:18-21. Christ removes the sins from the people, thus making them atone-ment with God. D.A. 116. Leviticus 16:8, margin. Scapegoat is Azazel. The Syr. Trans. Has Azazel the “angel [strong one] who revolted.” The oldest opinions of the Hebrews and Christians are that Azazel is the name of the devil. Leviticus 16:20-22. When the high priest had completed the work of atonement for the people, the sins were placed on Azazel. Revelation 20:1-3. After every case is decided for eternity, Satan, the antitype, with the sins of the righteous placed upon him, is left on the desolate earth. Leviticus 16:23. High priest changed his garments. Leviticus 16:24-28. Clad in other garments, he proceeded to cleanse the court. At the end of the day nothing but ashes remained of sin. Matthew 13:40-42. At the end of the world, Christ will cleanse the earth, the antitypical court, from all sin. G.C. 673. Revelation 19:14-16. When he comes to do that work, He wears kingly, not priestly, garments. E.W. 286, 36. Isaiah 63:1-4. They are garments of vengeance. Mal. 4:1-3. When the antitypical day of atonement is complete, there is nothing but ashes remaining of sin and sinners. E.W. 295. Isaiah 65:17, 18. Every trace of sin will be wiped from the face of the earth.
http://www.ThreeAngels.com.auPeace-Offering
John 14:27. Christ left His peace on earth. D.A. 672. John 16:33. Peace in tribulation. D.A. 335. Leviticus 3:1, 2, 8. Confessed sin over offering. Isaiah 57:21. No peace with a sinful heart. D.A. 336, 337. Leviticus 3:3-5; 7:30. The one desiring peace separated the fat. Psalms 37:20. Fat represented sin. 2 Corinthians 13:5. Must examine our hearts if we desire peace. D.A. 304, 305. Leviticus 7:32, 33. Shoulder given to the priest that offered the blood. 1 John 1:7. Christ’s blood cleanses us. Isaiah 9:6. Government of all that concerns us must be laid on the shoulder of the Prince of Peace. D.A. 330, 331. Isaiah 22:22. The key to every path before us must be laid on Christ’s shoulder. Leviticus 7:30, 31. Breast given the priest. Isaiah 40:11. Carries the lambs in His bosom. John 13:23-25. John leaned on Christ’s breast. Perfect open communion between the soul and Christ. A.A. 85, 86. Deuteronomy 18:3. Maw, or stomach, given priest. Numbers 11:4-10. No peace with appetite uncontrolled. P.P. 377, 378. 1 Corinthians 10:6; Daniel 1:8. Peace with controlled appetite. P.K. 482, 483. Deuteronomy 18:3. Cheeks given priest. Isaiah 50:6; Matthew 26:67. Christ’s cheeks betrayed neither shame nor anger. Peace within gives victory. D.A. 734, 735. Phil. 4:7. The peace of God which passeth understanding obtained only by surrender to Christ. A.A. 563, 564. Col. 3:15; Psalms 119:165. Peace must rule the life. 2 Peter 3:14. “Be diligent that ye may be found of Him in peace.”
The Altar Of Incense
Ex. 30:1-6. Golden altar before the vail. Exodus 30:7, 8. Perpetual incense renewed morning and evening. The high priest was to offer the incense. Exodus 30:34-38. Special incense which could not be used for any other purpose. Exodus 30:9. No strange incense could be offered. Hebrews 8:5. A shadow of heavenly service. Revelation 8:2-5. John saw the heavenly altar. Revelation 8:3. An angel officiated. Jude 9:1 Thessalonians 4:16; John 5:28, 29. Michael, the archangel, is Christ, our High Priest. Revelation 8:3, 4, margin. Incense is added to the prayers. P.P. 359. John 14:13, 14. The name, or righteous character, of Christ makes our prayers acceptable. Testimonies, Volume 4, pp.124, 528. 1 John 1:9; Isaiah 61:10. Pardoned one clothed with righteous. Testimonies, Volume 4, p. 124. Isaiah 64:6. Our righteousness is strange incense. Exodus 30:7, 8; Hebrews 9:6. Incense was perpetual; hence, offered on day of atonement. Revelation 8:3. Incense added to the prayers of all saints. Revelation 5:8, margin. All prayers not answered at once. After they are accepted by the incense being added, they are put in golden vials to be answered in God’s own time.
The First Angel’s Message Announcing The Hour Of God’s Judgment
Revelation 14:6. The angel having the everlasting gospel is the first of a series of three angels. L.S. 278. Revelation 14:7. The burden of the message is the hour of God’s “judgment is come.” Men are to fear God and give glory to Him. G.C. 355, 356. Acts 24:25. This message could not have been given in Paul’s day, for the judgment was then future. 2 Timothy 4:1. The day of judgment is connected with the coming of Christ. Luke 21:36; 20:35. The righteous are “accounted worthy” before Christ comes. Revelation 22:12. Christ brings His reward with Him. Revelation 10:1-10. This message is based upon the contents of a “little book,” which announces that time should be no longer. Revelation 10:11. As this is followed by another world-wide message, it is not real time, but prophetic time, that ends. Daniel 8:14. Daniel is the only “little book” that gives the 2300 days,–the longest prophetic period in the Bible, which ended in 1844. Revelation 10:1-3. The proclamation of this message is compared to the roar of a lion. Leviticus 23:23-32. Ten days before the earthly sanctuary was cleansed, the warning was sounded through all Israel. About ten years before 1844, Bible students began to study the prophetic period of 2300 days, and commenced to warn the world, telling them that the judgment day was near. Joseph Wolfe preached it in Asia; Edward Irving and more than three hundred ministers proclaimed the same message in Europe; while Wm. Miller and his co-laborers declared the message in America. G.C. 357-370. Zecheriah 9:9; Luke 19:35-40. The disciples fulfilled prophecy at the time of Christ’s triumphal entry into http://www.ThreeAngels.com.auJerusalem, but were disappointed. G.C. 351. Revelation 10:8-10. In like manner God’s people fulfilled prophecy during the ten years prior to 1844. As they studied the prophetic symbols in Daniel, the thought of Christ coming in 1844 was sweet to them, but the disappointment was bitter. G.C. 373. Hebrews 10:32-34. God desires that this experience should be kept in remembrance by His people. Daniel 7:9, 10. The people expected the judgment to take place on earth and were disappointed in the location of the judgment and not the event. It was by God’s appointment that while heaven was interested in the opening of the judgment in heaven, Christ’s followers on earth should have their love and thoughts all centered on the movements of their Saviour. G.C. 374, 457.
Hebrews 10:32-34. Many rejected the first angel’s message and persecuted those who accepted it. G.C. 380. Revelation 14:8. The second angel followed, announcing the fall of Babylon. Revelation 17:5, 6. Babylon is the power that put to death the martyrs of Jesus. Revelation 17:5, 18. Babylon represents an apostate church. Revelation 17:5. The term Babylon includes mother and daughters. G.C. 382, 383. Genesis 11:7, 9, margin. Babylon means confusion. G.C. 381. Revelation 14:8. Lest any should doubt that Babylon is fallen, it is repeated twice. Genesis 41:32. The daughters as well as the mother are fallen. Revelation 18:1-5. The message repeated with greater force. G.C. 603, 604. Revelation 18:1. Great power attends the giving of the message. Revelation 18:2. It is given when the “daughter churches” have become wholly corrupt. Revelation 18:3. Unlawful connection with the nations the crowning sin. 2 Corinthians 11:2; Eph. 5:23. Christ is the head of the church. When the churches appeal to the earthly governments to make religious laws, earthly governments to make religious laws, they are committing fornication and are unfaithful to their true husband, Christ. G.C. 381. Revelation 17:3, 6. The mother church is represented as guiding the civil power, and being drunk with the blood of martyrs. G.C. 382. Revelation 18:3. This union of church and state to be world-wide. G.C. 389, 390. Revelation 18:4. God calls His people out of Babylon; all who refuse receive of her plagues. G.C. 390, 604.
Third Angel’s Message
Revelation 14:9-12. This is the most solemn message in the Bible. Revelation 14:14. It is the last message before the coming of Christ. Revelation 14:9. It follows the first and second messages and is world-wide. It addressed to “any man”; none are excluded. It is a warning against the worship of the beast and its image. G.C. 611. Revelation 13:5-7. The beast is the power that persecuted the saints for 42 months, or 1260 years. Daniel 7:25. The power that persecuted the people of God for 1260 years thinks to change the law of God. One power has arisen that claims to change the law for God. We quote from their own writings as follow: “Q. What are the days which the church commands to be kept holy”. . . “A. First the Sunday, or Lord’s day, which we observe by apostolic example instead of the Sabbath... “Q. What warrant have you for keeping Sunday preferably to the ancient Sabbath which was Saturday? “A. We have for it the authority of the Catholic church and apostolic tradition. . .” Catholic Christian Instructed. Chap., 23, p. 272. Exodus 20:8-11. The law of God commands us to keep the seventh day, or
Saturday, holy. 1 Samuel 15:22. Obedience highest type of worship. Genesis 22:5. 1 Kings 18:21. As in Elijah’s day, all are asked to decide whom they will serve. Joshua 24:15; G.C. 604. Revelation 13:8. Only those whose names are in the book of life refuse to worship the beast. Revelation 14:10. Those whom obey the beast receive his mark and drink the unmixed wrath of God. Revelation 15:1, 7. The unmixed wrath of God is the seven last plagues. Revelation 14:9, 10. The seven last plagues are poured out on those who worship the beast and his image and receive his mark. Ezekiel 9:1-11. Ezekiel describes this work. Psalms 91:1-10. The righteous are shielded. Revelation 3:10. Shielded because they have kept the word of God’s patience. Revelation 14:12. Finally only two parties, commandment-keepers and commandment-breakers.
http://www.ThreeAngels.com.auG.C. 605. Revelation 14:14-16. When finished Christ gathers the harvest of the earth. Revelation 22:14. All who have kept the commandments of God will have a right to the tree of life.
Passover
“The Passover was to be both commemorative and typical, not only pointing back to the deliverance from Egypt, but forward to the greater deliverance which Christ was to accomplish in freeing His people from the bondage of sin.”
P.P. 277.
Type
Lev. 23:5. There was only one day in the year upon which the Passover could be kept. P.P. 539. Exodus 12:27. It commemorated the passing over, or shielding, of God’s people when the “first-born” of Egypt was slain. 1 Corinthians 5:7. It typified the death of Christ. P.P. 539. Exodus 12:3-6. Lamb selected the tenth day and kept apart from the flock. Exodus 12:6, margin. Lambs slain between the “two evenings,” or the middle of the afternoon. Exodus 12:22. Blood on the sides and top of the door-frame. Exodus 12:8, 9. The lamb roasted. Exodus 12:8-10. Eaten that night. If any remained until morning, it was burned. Exodus 12:11. Ready for marching while eating. Exodus 12:8. Unleavened bread and bitter herbs eaten with the flesh. Exodus 12:29. While they were eating the destroying angel passed over. Exodus 12:4. Neighboring families were gathered together at this feast. Exodus 12:48, 49. Strangers that complied with the requirements could eat it. Exodus 12:26, 27. The children were taught the meaning of the Passover.
Antitype
1 Corinthians 5:7. Christ is our “Passover Lamb.” G.C. 399. John 11:47-54. The 10th day of the first month, (31 A.D.) the council set Him apart for death. John 18:28. Friday morning Jews had not eaten the Passover. John 19:14. Christ was crucified at the time of “the preparation of the Passover.” Matthew 27:46-50. Christ died between the evenings, about three o’clock, at the time the Passover lambs were being slain. D.A. 756. John 19:31. The day following the crucifixion was an “high day”; that is, the yearly Passover Sabbath, and also the Sabbath of the Lord, the seventh day of the week. Luke 23:54:56; Leviticus 23:5-7. While Christ, the true Passover, rested in the tomb from His finished earthly work on the Passover Sabbath, the 15th day of the first month, His followers were resting according to the commandment, upon the same day, the creation Sabbath. The day from that time was doubly blessed. D.A. 769. 1 Corinthians 15:20. Christ, the “first fruits of them that slept.” D.A. 785. Matthew 27:52, 53. “Many bodies of the saints which slept arose” and followed Christ from the tomb. Romans 8:29. He was the “first-born among many brethren.” Eph. 4:7, 8, margin. When he ascended to heaven He took His company with Him as a sample of the final great harvest. Leviticus 23:10, 11, margin. In the type the priest waved a “handful,” or sheaf, of the heads of the ripened grain before the Lord on the 16th day of the first month.
D.A. 77, 786. John 20:16, 17. In the early morning of that memorable 16th day of the first month, the Saviour had not ascended. Matthew 28:9. A little later in the same day He permitted them to touch and worship Him; for He had ascended to the Father and His sacrifice had been accepted. D.A. 834.
“God designs that the family of earth shall be a symbol of the family in heaven, Christian homes, established and conducted in accordance with God’s plan, are among His most effective agencies for the formation of Christian character and for the advancement of His work.” Testimonies, Volume 6, p. 430.
Duty Of Husband
http://www.ThreeAngels.com.auGenesis 2:24. Leave father and mother for wife. Deuteronomy 13:6-8. Husband should never allow his wife to turn him from God. Deuteronomy 24:5. First year of married life, husband should remain at home and “cheer” up his wife.” Proverbs 5:18. Rejoice with his wife. Eccl. 9:9. Live joyfully with her. M.H. 374, 375.
Eph. 5:25:33. “Love your wives, even as Christ also loved the church and gave Himself for it.” M.H. 360. Col. 3:19. Be not bitter against them. Proverbs 31:28. Commend and praise. 1 Peter 3:7. Honor the wife. Testimonies, Volume 5, pp. 180, 181; M.H. 373, 374. Mal. 2:14, 15. God is witness if any deal treacherously with their wives. Matthew 19:3-9. One reason for separation. 1 Corinthians 7:12-16. Convert wife by godly life. The man who lives up to God’s requirements will have a happy home. He can kneel with his wife and together their prayers will ascend unhindered to the throne of grace.
Duty Of Wife
Genesis 3:6, 17-24. The wife should never, like Eve, ask her husband to disobey God. M.H. 361. Proverbs 12:4. A virtuous woman is a crown to her husband. Eph. 5:23. Husband the head of the wife. Eph. 5:33. Wife reverence the husband. Titus 2:4, 5. Love and obey the husband. Col. 3:18. “Wives, submit yourselves unto your own husbands as it is fit in the Lord.” If a husband commands a wife to disobey God, then obedience could not be fit in the Lord. Proverbs 19:13; 21:9, margin. A contentious wife makes and unhappy home. Proverbs 21:19, margin. Better dwell in the desert than with such a woman. Proverbs 31:10-12, 26. A husband can safely trust a virtuous woman who speaks kindly. 1 Corinthians 7:10, 11. “Let not the wife depart from her husband.” Rom 7:2, 3. The wife bound to her husband as long as he lives. Mark 10:12. If the wife leaves her husband and marries another, she commits adultery. 1 Corinthians 7:13, 16. Godly life may win unbelieving husband. If every young woman was taught these principles by her parents, she would be careful to select for a husband a man she could reverence and obey. M.H. 357, 358. God takes the marriage relation to represent the connection between Himself and His people. Eph. 5:31-33; Jeremiah 3:14; Hosea 2:19, 20; Jeremiah 31:32.
Duty Of Parents To Their Children
Titus 2:4. Love them. Testimonies, Volume 4, p. 363. Matthew 19:13, 14. Bring to Christ. Testimonies, Volume 4., pp. 113, 199, 200. Proverbs 22:6; Eph. 6:4. Train for God. M.H. 44. Deuteronomy 4:9. Isaiah 38:19. Instruct in God’s word. E. 185. Joel 1:3. Tell of God’s judgment. E. 34, 35. Exodus 10:2; Psalms 78:4. Of God’s work. E. 52. Deuteronomy 32:46. Command them to obey God. Genesis 48:15. Bless them. Psalms 103:13. Pity them. Testimonies, Volume 2, p. 57. Job 42:15; 2 Corinthians 12:14; 1 Timothy 5:8. Provide for them. Testimonies, Volume 2, p. 85. 1 Timothy 3:4, 12. Rule them. Proverbs 13:24; 19:18; 23:13; 29:17; Hebrews 12:7. Correct them. Eph. 6:4; Col. 3:21. Do not provoke them. Genesis 24:1-4; 28:1, 2. Not to make unholy connections for them.
Parental Control
Psalms 127:3. “Children are an heritage of the Lord.” Exodus 2:9. God offers wages to every parent just as surely as Pharaoh’s daughter did to the mother of Moses. Proverbs 29:17; 10:1. Rest and delight of soul paid the faithful parent. Testimonies, Volume 7, p.
186. Proverbs 29:15; 17:25; 15:20. Shame, contempt and bitterness, are the wages of the parents that fail to properly train their children. Testimonies, Volume 7, p. 66. Proverbs 29:15; 22:15. No child naturally good. 1 Samuel 3:11-14. Restrain the child. Testimonies, Volume 5, pp. 44, 45. Proverbs 31:26-28. Govern by law of kindness. Testimonies, Volume 7, pp. 47, 48. Proverbs 19:18. Do not wait until it is too late to control the child. Proverbs 20:11. Every child reveals its character. Proverbs 23:13, 14. Do not withhold correction. Proverbs 13:24. True love will control. Testimonies, Volume 5, pp. 319, 320. Proverbs 29:22. To strike a child in anger stirs up strife. Proverbs 25:28. Without self-control no one can properly train others. M.H. 131; P.P. 142, 143. Proverbs 16:32. Self-control of great value. M.H. 371, 372.
http://www.ThreeAngels.com.auResult Of Wrong Training
1 Samuel 2:27-34. The priesthood was taken from the family of Eli because he failed to control his children. 1 Samuel 2:23-25. Eli reported his sons for their wrong course; but reproof alone is not sufficient. 1 Samuel 3:13. Parents must “restrain” and control their children as well as reprove the. Testimonies, Volume 5, pp. 323, 324. 1 Samuel 2:29. It is dishonoring to God for parents to allow their children to grow up disobedient. Proverbs 29:15. Disobedient children bring their parents to shame. 1 Samuel 8:1-5. The disobedience of Samuel’s sons caused the office of judge to pass from Samuel’s family. 2 Kings 19:37. Uncontrolled children will even slay their parents. Proverbs 17:25. A “foolish son” brings grief and bitterness to parents.
Result Of Good Training
1 Samuel 3:19. The Lord is with good children. P.K. 245, 246. 2 Timothy 3:15. They are acquainted with the Scriptures. Proverbs 28:7. A wise son obeys the law of God. Col. 3:20. God is well pleased with obedient children. Acts 2:39. They share in the promises of God. Eph. 6:2. A blessing is pronounced upon good children. Gen 46:29. A good son will never be ashamed to love and caress his parents. Proverbs 13:1. A wise son will heed the instruction of his parents. Proverbs 23:22. Parents in old age will be treated with respect by good children. Job 32:6, 7. One of judgment will recognize age and experience. Hebrews 12:9. The respect and reverence paid to earthly parents is a reminder of the reverence due the Lord.
Home Influences
Psalms 101:7. Deceitful and wicked people should not be kept in the house. 1 Corinthians 15:33. You can not keep evil people in your family without their exerting an evil influence over your children. T, Volume 4, pp. 110-112. 1 Corinthians 5:6. A little leaven leaveneth the whole lump. Eph. 6:4. Parents should not provoke their children. Col. 3:21. Should not discourage them. Proverbs 22:6. Children should be trained. 1 Timothy 3:4, 5. One that does not control his own family can not be trusted to manage the things of God. Titus 1:6, 7. The children of a bishop should be above reproach. 1 Timothy 3:12. A deacon should control his family. Gen 18:17-19. God can trust a man that command his children and his household. E. 187. 2 Corinthians 12:14. Parents should provide for their children. 1 Timothy 5:8. Every Christian should supply the needs of his family.
Education In The Homes
Deuteronomy 6:7-9. Teach diligently. The word of God should be the topic of daily conversation in the home and out of it. P.P. 141. Deuteronomy 4:9-13. Teach the children about the giving of the law. 2 Timothy 3:15. A knowledge of the word of God will give wisdom. 2 Timothy 3:16, 17. Such knowledge will prepare a man for every good work. 2 Timothy 1:5. Often when a mother was faithful in teaching her children, God mentioned her name. 1 Timothy 4:12. Six things in which the young who are properly taught will be an example. Esther 2:20. Children properly educated will obey their parents after they are grown. Genesis 45:7, 8. Children, educated after God’s plan, can be sent as foreign missionaries at an early age. P. P. 244. Joshua 4:6, 7. Children should be taught by the objects around them. P.P. 572. Exodus 12:2527. Taught by object-lessons. E. 186. Exodus 13:8. Taught by customs. 1 Timothy 1:4. Fictitious reading should be discarded. Testimonies, v., 2, p. 410. 1 Timothy 4:7. Refuse profane writing. E. 227. 1 Timothy 6:20. Shun science, falsely so called. Deuteronomy 11:19-21. Teaching the word of God in the home as God directs, will make the home “as the days of heaven upon earth.”
The Fifth Commandment
Ex. 20:12. The new earth promised to the one who honors his parents. Leviticus 19:3. Not only in childhood should children honor their parents, but after they are men they are to honor “mother and http://www.ThreeAngels.com.aufather.” Testimonies, Volume 3, p. 294. Gen 9:20-27. Disrespect shown to even a drunken parent brings punishment, and respect brings reward. Exodus 21:15. In olden times it was a serious offense to smite a parent. Exodus 21:17. Cursing a parent was punishable with death. Deuteronomy 27:16. A curse was pronounced upon the child that “setteth light by his parents.” Deuteronomy 21:18-21. The stubborn and rebellious children were punished by death. Jeremiah 35:18, 19. Respect and obedience rewarded. Mark 7:9-13. Any attempt to evade providing for parents is a violation of the commandments of God. Matthew 15:5-7. One who claims to be a Christian and neglects to care for his parents is a hypocrite. Col. 3:20. Obedience is well pleasing. Eph. 6:1. All obedience must be according to the word of God. Obey in the Lord. Matthew 10:37. While children should respect parents, whether they are good or bad, we must love and obey God above all parents. Leviticus 19:32. Age commands respect.
Prayer is the link that connects us with Christ; or, as it is sometimes stated, “Prayer is the key that opens heaven.” Few realize the mighty power there is in the prayer of faith. “The prayer of the humble suppliant Christ presents as His own desire in that soul’s behalf. Every sincere prayer is heard in heaven. It may not be fluently expressed; but it the heart is in it, it will ascend to the sanctuary where Jesus ministers, and He will present it to the Father without one awkward, stammering word, beautiful and fragrant with the incense of His own perfection.” D.A. 667.
Preparation For Prevailing Prayer
Hebrews 11:6. “He that cometh to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of them that diligently seek Him.” D.A. 200. Matthew 6:12-15. We must forgive those that have wronged us as we wish God to forgive us. Matthew 5:23-25. If others have anything against us, we should seek to make it right. Psalms 66:18. There should be a hatred of sin. God hears prayer when the sinner is ready to exchange sin for righteousness. Proverbs 28:9. Three must be an obedient mind. The transgressor of the law is heard if he is willing to obey. Testimonies, Volume 9, p. 164. John 15:16. Our requests must be presented in the name of Jesus. D.A. 668. Job 35:13. Pride and vanity should be put away. James 1:6, 7. The individual that one day asks God to help him overcome sin and the next day chooses sin, can not expect help.
Answered Prayer
Rom. 8:26, 27. “The spirit itself maketh intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered.” Daniel 9:21-23. Prayers are sometimes answered immediately. Luke 18:2-7. Sometimes after delay. C.O.L. 142, 143. 2 Corinthians 12:8, 9. As earthly parents who really love their children will give them what is best rather that what they cry for, so God sometimes answers our prayers different from our desires. Jeremiah 33:3; Eph. 3:29. God often gives us far more than we ever think of asking for. James 5:1416. The sick will be healed in answer to the prayer of faith. 1 John 5:14. All requests are to be according to God’s will. M.H. 229. 1 John 3:22. The one who obeys God can expect answers to his prayers. Phil. 4:6. With thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. Col. 4:2. “Continue in prayer, and watch in the same with thanksgiving.” Matthew 21:22; James 1:6. Prayer is carried on the wings of faith. D.A. 126. 2 Chronicles 30:27. Prayers of faith enter God’s holy dwelling place in heaven. A.A. 564. Acts 12:5-11. Angels are sent to answer the prayers of God’s people. C.O.L. 341, 342.
Secret Prayer
Matthew 6:6. If we grow in grace, we must have seasons of secret communion with the Lord. Testimonies, Volume 6, pp. 47, 50; Volume 5, p. 161. Mark 1:35. If the day is crowded with cares, we can do as the Saviour did,– http://www.ThreeAngels.com.auarise before daylight in the morning and spend the time alone with God. Matthew 14:23. The Saviour also spent time alone with the Father after the perplexities of the day were past. Psalms 55:17. At “evening, and morning, and at noon” there should be special seasons of prayer. Psalms 88:1, 2. We may pray during the day or night. G.C. 210. 1 Thessalonians 5:17. We should be in a prayerful from of mind continually. Testimonies, Volume 5, pp. 200, 201. Job 22:27, 28. It is the privilege of the Christian to believe that his prayer is heard. Isaiah 43:26. The Lord is pleased when we plead the promises He has made. Isaiah 41:21. God invites us to produce our cause, and bring forth our strong reasons. Luke 11:1. We should ask the Lord to teach us how to pray. Romans 8:26, 27. The Holy Spirit presents the prayer of the broken and contrite heart before God in an acceptable manner. Amos 5:4. There is life in earnest prayer. Testimonies, Volume 6, p. 266; G.C. 621, 622. Phil. 4:6. We should always thank the Lord for what He has done for us when we present our requests for greater blessings. Testimonies, Volume 5, p. 317.
Family Prayer
Matthew 18:19. The Lord’s word is pledged to answer the united prayer of two or more individuals. Matthew 18:20. As the family of two or more kneel in prayer, it is their privilege to claim the promise of God’s presence with the. Testimonies, Volume 6, p. 357. Acts 2:46, 47. A church whose members have daily prayer in their homes will always be a growing church. Genesis 12:7, 8. Abraham erected a family altar wherever he lived. Genesis 35:2-4. Jacob gathered his family together for family worship. Genesis 35:5. A family that is faithful in worship will be respected by their neighbors. Joshua 24:15. Every Christian should say with Joshua “As for me and my house, we will serve the Lord.” Job 1:5. Job made offerings for his family continually. Jeremiah 10:25. The families that do not have family worship are classed with the heathen. M.H. 392, 393. Jeremiah 10:25. The cause of God is “devoured,” “consumed,” and made “desolate” by families that do not honor God sufficiently to have family worship.
For Whom Should We Pray?
Kings and all in authority, 1 Timothy 2:2. Ministers, 2 Corinthians 1:11; Phil 1:19. The church, Psalms 122:6; Isaiah 62:6, 7. All saints, Eph. 6:18. All men, 1 Timothy 2:1. Children, Genesis 17:18; Matthew 15:22. Masters, Genesis 24:12-14. Servants, Luke 7:2, 3. Friends, Job 42:8, 10. Fellow-countrymen, Romans 10:1. The sick, Jas 5:14; Testimonies, Volume 5, pp. 315, 443. Persecutor, Matthew 5:44. Enemies among whom we dwell, Jeremiah 29:7. Those who envy us, Numbers 12:13. Those who forsake us, 2 Timothy 4:16. Sin of neglecting, 1 Samuel 12:23.
Postures In Prayer
Psalms 95:6. “Let us kneel before the Lord our Maker.” Luke 22:41. The Saviour “kneeled down and prayed.” Acts 20:36. Paul “kneeled down and prayed.” 2 Chronicles 6:13. Solomon “kneeled down upon his knees before all the congregation” and prayed. Matthew 26:39. The Saviour when in agony “fell on His face, and prayed.” 1 Chronicles 21:16. David when in distress fell upon his face in prayer. G.C. 156, 157. Joshua 5:14. Joshua fell upon his face and worshiped. Numbers 16:20-22. Moses and Aaron fell upon their faces and prayed. Mark 11:25. One may stand while praying. Isaiah 38:1, 2. Hezekiah prayed while lying in bed. Isaiah 1:15. Some spread forth their hands in praying. Psalms 28:2. The psalmist lifted up his hands toward the heavenly sanctuary when he prayed. Lam. 2:19. Whatever the posture, the heart must be poured out before God. Psalms 66:18. “If I regard iniquity in my heart, the Lord will not hear me.” Proverbs 28:9. “He that turneth away his ear from hearing the law, even his prayer shall be an abomination.” When prayer delights the least, then learn to say, “Soul, now is greatest need that thou shouldst pray.”
“Hallowed by the Creator’s rest and blessing, the Sabbath was kept by Adam in his innocence in holy http://www.ThreeAngels.com.auEden; by Adam, fallen, yet repentant, when he was driven from his happy estate. It was kept by all the patriarchs, from Abel to righteous Noah, to Abraham, to Jacob. When the chosen people were in bondage in Egypt, many, in the midst of prevailing idolatry, lost their knowledge of God’s law; but when the Lord delivered Israel, He proclaimed His law in awful grandeur to the assembled multitude, that they might know His will, and fear and obey Him forever. From that day to the present, the knowledge of God’s law has been preserved in the earth, and the Sabbath of the Fourth commandment has been kept.” G.C. 453.
The Sabbath
“The Sabbath is a golden clasp that unites God and His people.” Testimonies, Volume 6, p. 351. Genesis 2:3. Instituted by God. Genesis 2:2, 3; Exodus 20:11. The Sabbath is a memorial of creation. E. 251. Exodus 20:9-11. The seventh day is the Sabbath of the Bible. Mark 2:27. It was made for man. Genesis 2:3. God blessed the Sabbath. Exodus 31:15. Sanctified the Sabbath. Exodus 20:11. Hallowed the Sabbath. Leviticus 19:30. Commands us to keep the Sabbath.
Ex. 20:8. Commands us to recognize the sanctity of the Sabbath. Testimonies, Volume 6, pp. 349-352. Exodus 16:23, 25, 26. A threefold miracle marked the Sabbath during the wilderness wanderings. P.P. 296. Deuteronomy 5:15. God will have His goodness commemorated in the observance of the Sabbath. Neh. 9:12-14. The Lord shows favor to His people in appointing a Sabbath. Exodus 23:12. Considerate kindness was shown in appointing the Sabbath. Exodus 31:13. The Sabbath is a sign of God’s power to sanctify His people. Hebrews 4:4, 9. The Sabbath is a type of the heavenly rest.
Christ And The Sabbath
Mark 2:28. Christ is Lord of the Sabbath. D.A. 288. Luke 4:16. Jesus was accustomed to keep the Sabbath when he was on the earth. Matthew 24:20. Taught His disciples to pray that they might not break the Sabbath. D.A. 630. Luke 4:31; 6:6. Christ taught on the Sabbath day. John 5:5-9. Healed on the Sabbath day. Mark 3:1-5. He taught that it was right to perform acts of mercy on the Sabbath day. D.A. 286. Matthew 12:12; Luke 13:16. The Saviour recognized the Sabbath law. Exodus 20:10; Deuteronomy 5:14. Servants and cattle should be allowed to rest upon the Sabbath. Leviticus 23:3; Exodus 20:10. No manner of work is to be done on the Sabbath. Testimonies, Volume 6, pp. 354-356. Neh. 10:31; 13:15-17. No purchases are to be made. P.K. 667, 671. Neh. 13:19; Jeremiah 17:21. No burdens are to be carried. P.K. 411. Exodus 16:23. Food prepared the day before. Testimonies, Volume 6, p. 357; M.H. 307. Genesis 1:5, 8, 13, 19. 23, 31. Day begins with the evening. Leviticus 23:32; Mark 1:21, 32. Sabbath begins at sunset. Neh. 13:19. All work set aside when it begins to be dark, before the Sabbath. Acts 16:13. Divine worship is to be celebrated on the Sabbath. Acts 13:27; 15:21. The Scriptures are to be read on the Sabbath. Acts 13:14, 15, 42-44; 17:2; 18:4. The word of God is to be preached on the Sabbath. A.A. 229. Numbers 28:9; Matthew 12:5; John 7:23. Work connected with religious services is allowed on the Sabbath. Matthew 12:1; Luke 13:15, 16; 14:1. Necessary wants may be supplied on the Sabbath day.
The Relation Of God And His People On The Sabbath
Ex. 20:10; Leviticus 23:3; Deuteronomy 5:14. It is the Sabbath of the Lord thy God. Exodus 31:15. The Sabbath of rest. P.P. 47. http://www.ThreeAngels.com.auEx. 16:23. The rest of the holy Sabbath.
Isaiah 58:13. It is God’s holy day. Revelation 1:10. It is the Lord’s day. A.A. 581. Genesis 2:2, 3. It is the rest day of the Lord. D.A. 769. Exodus 34:21. A rush of work is no excuse for breaking the Sabbath. P.P. 314. Amos 8:5. Sabbath-breaking is classed with false balances and short measures. Neh. 13:22. Saints observe the Sabbath. Psalms 118:24; 58:13. Saints rejoice in the Sabbath. Neh. 13:15, 20, 21. Testify against those who desecrate the Sabbath. Isaiah 58:13, 14. There is a blessedness in honoring it. D.A. 207. Isaiah 56:2-6. There is a blessing in keeping the Sabbath. P.P. 48. Isaiah 66:22, 23. The Sabbath will be kept throughout eternity.
The Wicked And The Sabbath
Lam. 1:7. The wicked mock at the Sabbath. Isaiah 56:2. They pollute it. Neh. 13:17. They profane it. P.P. 113. Amos 8:5-7. The wicked weary of the Sabbath. Ezekiel22:26. They hide their eyes from the Sabbath. Neh. 13:15. They also bear burdens upon the Sabbath. Neh. 10:31. The wicked traffic on the Sabbath. Luke 13:14; John 9:16. Sometimes they pretend to be zealous for it.
The First Day Of The Week
There are nine references in the Bible to the first day of the week, as follows: Genesis 1:5; Matthew 28:1; Mark 16:1, 2, 9; Luke 24:1; John 20:1; 20:19; Acts 20:7; 1 Corinthians 16:2. The first day of the week was named by Jehovah 6,000 years ago. The six inspired writers that mention it, call it by the same name,–the first day of the week. None allude to it as the holy rest day, while three of them state it came the day after the Sabbath, showing that they did not regard it as the Sabbath. P.K. 183, 184. It is classed among the working days. Ezekiel 46:1. Paul bore the following testimony 32 years this side of the cross: “I have committed nothing against the people or customs of our fathers.” Acts 28:17. If he had kept any other Sabbath than the Seventh-day Sabbath, he would have departed from the customs of his fathers.
The Weekly Cycle
Genesis 1:5, 8, 13, 19, 23, 31; Genesis 2:1-3. The weekly cycle made at creation. Days numbered, but not named. P.P. 111. Gen 4:3, margin. They gathered for worship at the close of the cycle of days. Ezekiel 46:1. Six of the days are called working days; the remaining one is a rest day. Genesis 2:2, 3. All are alike except the seventh day, which was blessed and sanctified. Isaiah 58:13. God calls it His “holy day.” Exodus 20:8-11. It is called the “Sabbath of the Lord thy God.” Mark 2:28. “The Son of man is Lord also of the Sabbath.” While all the days were numbered, the Lord gave names to the sixth and seventh days only; the 7th day was called the “Sabbath.” Mark 15:42; Luke 23:54. The sixth day was called the “preparation day.” Exodus 16:22, 23. Food was to be prepared on this day for the Sabbath. Luke 23:54-56. The spices to embalm the Saviour were brought upon this day. The week, unlike the day, month, and year, is not connected with the movements of any heavenly bodies. The names of the seven days of which the week is composed were derived by the Egyptians from the seven celestial bodies then known. The Romans, in their names for the days, observed the same order, distinguishing them as follows:–
Dies Solis,Sun’s day,Sunday
Dies Lunae,Moon’s day,Monday
Dies Martis,Mars’ day,Tuesday
Dies Mercurii,Mercury’s day,Wednesday
Dies Jovis,Jupiter’s day,Thursday
Dies Veneris,Venus’ day,Friday
Dies Saturni,Saturn’s day,Saturday
http://www.ThreeAngels.com.auWe can see at a glance the origin of our English names for the first, second, and seventh days; the remaining four are names from Tiu, Woden, Thor, and Frigga, northern deities equivalent to Mars, Mercury, Jupiter, and Venus, in classical mythology. Isaiah 66:22, 23. The weekly cycle will continue on the new earth, and all will gather for worship upon the Sabbath.
Ceremonial Sabbaths
Lev. 23:7, 8, 21, 24, 25, 27, 32, 39. There are seven ceremonial Sabbaths as follows:–
Did Christ Change The Sabbath?
Matthew 5:17, 18. Wicked persons in the time of Christ were tempted to accuse Him of changing the law of God; but He read their thoughts and rebuked them for it before the words were spoken. P.K. 183. John 5:10-19. The Hews sought to kill Jesus because he healed the sick upon the Sabbath day. D.A. 204, 211. John 9:14-16. They thought He was not of God because He healed on the Sabbath day. D.A. 471, 472. Matthew 12:10-12. The Saviour referred them to the Scriptures, stating that it was lawful to do acts of mercy on the Sabbath day, thus recognizing the Sabbath law. D.A. 285. John 15:10. Jesus repudiated every charge of breaking the Sabbath by declaring that He kept his Father’s commandments. Mark 7:6-12. He refused to honor “tradition of men,” substituted for God’s law. Isaiah 42:21. The prophet Isaiah, looking down through the ages to the time of Christ, said that He would “magnify the law and make it honorable.” Luke 4:16. Jesus kept the Sabbath. Matthew 24:20. He taught His disciples to honor it. Luke 23:54-56. His followers kept it; Jesus never changed the Sabbath.
Did The Disciples Change The Sabbath?
http://www.ThreeAngels.com.auGenesis 2:2, 3. It was the seventh day of the week that was first sanctified and set apart as the Sabbath of the Lord. Exodus 20:8-11. It was the same seventh day that the followers of the Saviour kept while He lay dead in Joseph’s new tomb. Luke 23:54-56. Mark 16:1, 2. The Sabbath of the New Testament comes on the day before the first day of the week. Luke 23:54-56; 24:1. From these verses we see that the Sabbath of the New Testament was the day between Friday, the preparation day, and Sunday, the first day of the week. Acts. 13:14, 15, 42-44. Paul preached in Ephesus on the Sabbath day. Acts 16:12, 13. Work in Philippi opened with the Sabbath service. Acts 17:2. Thessalonica church had Sabbath service. Acts 18:4, 11. For one and half years Paul held Sabbath services in Corinth. Acts 18:17. If the apostles had not kept the seventh-day Sabbath, Paul could not have said that they had done nothing against the customs of the Jews. Acts 15:21. As late as the year 52 A.D., 21 years this side of the cross, in every city the Scriptures were “read in the synagogues every Sabbath day.” This Sabbath day was the same day that had been kept from the days of Moses. Acts 13:42, 44. The Jews and believing Gentiles kept the same day for the Sabbath. There is no mention in the New Testament of any change of the Sabbath to the first day of the week. The disciples did not change the Sabbath. G.C. 451; P.K. 372.
Who Changed The Sabbath?
Since we have found that neither Christ nor His disciples changed the Sabbath day, and that the Bible does not record any change, we will have to look to history for the change of the Sabbath. The seventh day continued to be kept for several generations after Christ, but with a sacredness gradually decreasing in proportion to the rising influence of Sunday; until the church became so powerful that wherever it had sway, it put down the Sabbath, and exalted the first day of the week. This was a gradual work, taking several centuries for its accomplishment. In the year A.D. 321, Constantine issued the following edict: “Let all the judges and townspeople, and the occupation of all trades rest on the venerable day of the sun; but let those who are situated in the country freely and at full liberty attend to the business of agriculture; because it often happens that no other day is so fit for sowing corn and planting vines; lest, the critical moment being let slip, men should lose the commodities granted by heaven.” This is the first Sunday law. G.C. 53. The church favored the keeping of Sunday, and different edicts were issued from time to time; but, notwithstanding all this many Christians still kept the seventh-day Sabbath “according to the commandment.” Because the practice of keeping the seventh-day Sabbath was evidently gaining ground in the Eastern church, the following decree was passed in the council help in Laodicea (A.D. 364); “That members of the church should not rest from work on the Sabbath-day like the Jews, but should labor on that day, and preferring in honor the Lord’s day; then, if it be in their power, should rest from work as Christians.”—Sermons on the Sacrament and the Sabbath, pp. 122, 123. G.C. 65.
“In Augsburg Confession, which was drawn up by Melancthon (and approved by Luther), to the question, “What ought we to think of the Lord’s day?” it is answered that the Lord’s day, Easter, Whitsuntide, and other such holy days, ought to be kept, because they are appointed by the church.” Daniel 7:25. There is no account in the Bible of any Sabbath of the Lord, except the seventh-day Sabbath; but Daniel prophesied of a power that would think to change the law of God. P.K. 179. Ezekiel 22:26-28; 13:10-12. Ezekiel saw the law violated, Sabbath profaned, and those who should have led in right lines, using “untempered mortar,” or giving falsehood instead of God’s words. P.P. 477. The following is taken from the “Catholic Christian Instructed,” 17 edition, revised and corrected, pp. 272, 273;– “Question: What warrant have you for keeping Sunday preferably to the ancient Sabbath which was Saturday? “Answer: We have for it the authority of the Catholic church, and apostolic tradition. “Question: Does the Scripture anywhere command the Sunday to be http://www.ThreeAngels.com.aukept for the Sabbath? “Answer: The Scripture commands us to hear the church (St. Matthew 18:17; St. Luke 10:16), and to hold fast the traditions of the apostles, 2 Thessalonians 2:15. But the Scripture does not in particular mention this change of the Sabbath. “St. John speaks of the Lord’s day (Revelation 1:10); but he does not tell us what day of the week this was, much less does he tell us what day was to take the place of the Sabbath ordained in the commandments. St. Luke speaks of the disciples meeting together to break bread on the first day of the week. Acts 20:7.
And St. Paul (1 Corinthians 16:2) orders that on the first day of the week the Corinthians should law by in store what they designated to bestow in charity on the faithful in Judea; but neither the one nor the other tells us that this first day of the week was to be henceforth a day of worship, and the Christian Sabbath; so that truly the best authority we have for this ancient custom is the testimony of the church. And therefore, those who pretend to such religious observers of Sunday, whilst they take no notice of other festivals ordained by the same church authority, show that they act more by humor, than by reason and religion; since Sundays and holidays all stand upon the same foundation namely, the ordinance of the church.” “The “Doctrinal Catechism,” pp. 174, 352, offers proof that Protestants are not guided by the Scriptures. We present two of the questions and answers:– “Question: Have you any other way of proving that the church has power to institute festivals of precept? “Answer: Had she not such power, she could not have done that in which all modern religionists agree with her,– she could not have substituted the observance of Sunday, the first day of the week, for the observance of Saturday, the seventh day, a change for which there is no scriptural authority. “Question: When Protestants do profane work on Saturday, or the seventh day of the week, do they follow the Scriptures as their only rule of faith—do they find this permission clearly laid down in the Sacred Volume? “Answer: On the contrary, they have only the authority of tradition for this practice. In profaning Saturday, they violate one of God’s commandments, which He has never clearly abrogated,–‘Remember that thou keep holy the Sabbath day.’” G.C. 447.
The Seal Of God
Esther 8:8. A seal attached to a document makes it legal. A legal seal gives name of person issuing seal, also his title and territory. In this text Ahasuerus was the name, king and title, and Persia the territory over which he ruled. Romans 4:11. Sign and seal synonymous. Isaiah 8:16. The seal of earthly rulers is attached to their laws to make them binding upon their subjects. The seal of God is attached to His law to make it binding upon all His subjects. P.P. 307. Matthew 5:17, 18; Romans 7:7; James 2:8-12; Exodus 24:12; Deuteronomy 4:9-13. God’s law is the ten commandments. Exodus 20:8-11. Read carefully each commandment and find where God has attached His seal,–His name, title, and territory. Exodus 20:11. In the last part of the fourth commandment, we find all the specifications of the seal. Lord, His name; Creator, His title; His territory, the heavens and earth. All within that territory are amenable to His law. Exodus 31:13. The Sabbath is a sign or seal of God’s authority. G.C. 605. Genesis 2:2, 3. There were three steps in making the Sabbath. 1. God rested on the seventh day; that made it God’s rest day. 2. He blessed the seventh day after He had rested; that made all the succeeding seventh-days God’s blessed rest days. 3. He sanctified it, or set it apart for a holy use, and it became God’s blessed, holy, rest day. D.A. 281. Joshua 5:15. It is God’s presence that makes anything holy. Isaiah 58:13. God calls the Sabbath His holy day. His presence is in the day. Ezekiel 20:20. The Sabbath is the sign or seal of God. The one that hallows it acknowledges that he is a subject of God’s kingdom, and knows that the Lord is his god. Testimonies, v., 9, p. 18. Ezekiel 20:12. Just as the seventh day was set apart for a holy use, so the keeping of the Sabbath becomes a sign of sanctification between God and the individual that keeps it. In the act of keeping the Sabbath he acknowledges he is set apart for holy work. God is first in all his work and business. E. 250. Exodus 20:8. The Sabbath is holy; God wishes us to regard it as holy time.
Ex. 31:13. The one that in the fear of God will keep the Sabbath holy, becomes holy. Exodus 31:17. The rest, refreshing, and blessing were placed in the seventh day, not in any other day. Numbers 23:19, 20. The blessing can not be transferred by man to any other day. God’s blessing can not be reversed by man. 1 Chronicles 17:27. God’s blessing continues forever. Isaiah 66:22, 23. The Sabbath will be God’s blessed, holy, rest day throughout eternity.
The Sealing Work
Isaiah 8:16, 17. The command was given to bind up the testimony and seal the law, at the time they were waiting for the coming of the Lord. The law was broken and needed binding up. The seal had been taken from the law and must be replaced. P.K. 678. Isaiah 58:13. The prophet foretold a period when the Sabbath would be trampled under foot. The seal disregarded and taken from the law. Revelation 7:1-4. John saw a special sealing message going to the earth. Revelation 7:1. Winds denote war and strife. Daniel 11:40. The affairs of all earthly powers are held until the number of the redeemed is made up. The judgments of God that will affect the atmosphere, land, and water (Revelation 6:12-16), can not be poured out upon the earth until the sealing is finished. Revelation 7:1. When God said, “After these things,” He must have referred to the events of Revelation 6:12, 13, as the last verses of Revelation 6 follow the sealing work. The stars fell in 1833. The special work of restoring the seal of God—the fourth commandment—to its proper position in the law of God, could not come earlier than that date. Revelation 11:18, 19. In the time of the judgment of the dead, the temple of God was opened in heaven, and the ark containing the law revealed. After the disappointment of 1844, the people of God saw the light on the subject of the sanctuary in heaven. Then they saw the binding claim of the fourth commandment as well as the nine other commands of the decalogue. The Sabbath reform commenced at that time; by 1848 it began to be recognized as the fulfillment of Revelation 7:1-4. Revelation 7:2. Like the sunlight on the earth,–first the faint light of dawn, then the gradual increase until the noonday rays are felt,–this work began feeble with only a few, but it has spread until those who hallow the seventh day as the Sabbath of the Lord are found in every nation on earth. It is rapidly increasing, and every individual will have opportunity to reject or accept.
The Hundred and Forty-four Thousand, or the Sealed Ones
Revelation 7:4. There are 144,000 of the sealed ones. Many children of God are dying daily who have never had their attention called to this truth, and are saved among the innumerable company. Revelation 7:9. Ezekiel 9:1-4. The seal is here spoken of as a mark, which is the same as a sign. Revelation 7:3. The seal is placed in the forehead,–the mind, or seat of affections. Ezekiel 9:4. Those who have a burden of soul for others and are grieved on account of sin, will receive the mark. Testimonies, Volume 7, p. 144. Revelation 14:1. They receive the name of the Father. Exodus 34:5, 6. The name of God is His character. Those who are sealed will partake of His character. 2 Timothy 2:19. All who have the seal depart from iniquity. Revelation 14:3-5. They are to stand without fault, are to have no guile. They will follow the Lamb wheresoever he goeth. Testimonies, Volume 5, pp. 214, 216. Eph. 4:30; 1:13. The Holy Spirit places the seal. Revelation 14:9-12. They refuse the mark of the beast and his image. P.K. 188. Revelation 15:1-3. This company stands on Mount Zion triumphant over every foe. God, not man, does the numbering. Numbers 3:39; 26:62; Matthew 14:21; 15:38; Acts 19:7. The way God numbers. Ezekiel 9:11, margin. When every one who will accept the message is sealed, the angel reports that the work is finished. Ezekiel 9:5-7. The judgments of God follow the sealing work. Ezekiel 9:8, 9. So many that had been counted with Israel were slain that it looked as if all the people of God would be destroyed. Romans 9:6. All who make a profession are not really Israel. Ezekiel 9:6. Old and young stand on their own individual records. Ezekiel 14:20. No one will be shielded or saved because of father’s or mother’s righteousness. Only an individual experience in the things of God will save any one.
The law is the gospel concealed: The gospel is the law revealed. The law is the gospel fullness delayed: The gospel is the lawfulness portrayed. The law is the gospel contained: The gospel is the law maintained. The law is the gospel sighted: The gospel is the law lighted. The law is Christ designed: The gospel is Christ enshrined.
The Ten Commandments In The New Testament
It is an interesting fact that the New Testament gives divine sanction to each of the ten commandments. 1st commandment,– Matthew 22:37. 2nd commandment,–1 John 5:21; 1 Corinthians 10:19-21; John 4:24. 3rd commandment,–matt. 5:33-37. 4th commandment,–Mark 2:27, 28; Matthew 24:20; 28:1; Mark 16:1, 2; Luke 4:16; 23:54-56. 5th commandment,– Matthew 15:4-9; Eph. 6:1-3. 6th commandment,– Matthew 5:21, 22; 1 John 3:15. 7th commandment,– Matthew 5:27, 28; 19:9, 18. 8th commandment,– Matthew 19:18; 15:19. 9th commandment,– Matthew 19:18. 10th commandment,–Rom. 7:7; Matthew 19:21-22.
The Two Covenants
OLD COVENANT. Made when Israel came from Egypt, Hebrews 8:9; Jeremiah 31:32. First promise to obey, Exodus 19:5-8. Second promise, Exodus 24:3. Third promise, Exodus 24:4-7. Covenant then ratified by blood, Exodus 24:8; Hebrews 9:17-21. This is called the first covenant, not because it was the first one made, but because it was the first one ratified by blood. P.P. 371. This covenant was broken. Jeremiah 31:32. They promised to obey in their own strength and failed. Only in Christ’s strength can any keep their covenant with God. P.P. 372. NEW COVENANT. Law of God the basis, Jeremiah 31:33; Hebrews 8:10. Forgiveness of sins in covenant, Jeremiah 31:34. Christ’s blood only cleanses from sin, 1 John 1:7. Christ, a lamb slain from the foundation of the world, Revelation 13:8; therefore, the new covenant began in the beginning and extends until sin is destroyed forever, P.P. 370. Obedience to the law of God through the blood of Christ is the object of the everlasting, or new covenant, Hebrews 13:20, 21. First promise of a Saviour, Genesis 3:15. The Lord pledged the new, or everlasting covenant, to Noah and his posterity, Genesis 9:9-17. The rainbow given as a pledge of the covenant, Genesis 9:13-16. Covenant pledged to Abraham and his children, Genesis 17:2-7, 21; P.P. 371. Abraham’s seed, Ga. 3:16, 19. Covenant same as will, or last testament, Gal. 3:15, margin; Hebrews 9:16, 17. Death of testator seals the will, or testament, Hebrews 9:16. Christ’s death sealed or ratified the new covenant, John 19:28-30. Even a man’s will can not be broken after the death of the testator, Gal. 3:15. Nothing can be added to Christ’s covenant after His death; for that reason He instituted baptism and the Lord’s supper,–memorial of His death and resurrection, before the events had taken place, that the memorials might become a part of the new covenant, John 4:1; Romans 6:3-5; Matthew 26:26-28. Christ renewed the Sabbath commandment before His death, Matthew 24:20. The strongest advocates for Sunday observance give nothing earlier than the first day of the week upon which Christ arose from the dead as evidence for Sunday observance; but it is on the wrong side of the cross to be included in the everlasting, or new covenant. Nothing can be added after Christ’s death. Illustration of living under the new covenant, Exodus 33:12-15. Moses depended on God continually. Christ exemplified it fully in His life, John 8:28, 5:30. The one who walks by faith, trusting in God for help continually, lives under the new covenant, P.P. 431. The individual who walks by sight, trusting in his own strength, lives under the old covenant. Under which covenant are you living?
The Law Of God
“Christ’s death did not make the law of none effect; it did not slay the law, lessen its holy claims; nor did it detract from its sacred dignity. The death of Christ proclaimed the justice of His Father’s law in punishing the transgressor, in that He consented to suffer the penalty of the law Himself, in order to save fallen man from its curse. The death of God’s beloved Son on the cross, shows the immutability of the law of God. His death magnifies the law and makes it honorable, and gives evidence to man of its changeless character. . . The death of Christ justified the claims of the law.” Testimonies, Volume 2, p. 201.
The Law Of God Before It Was Proclaimed Upon Mount Sinai
Rom. 5:13. “Sin is not imputed where there is no law.” Testimonies, Volume 8., p. 207. Genesis 2:17; 3:1-7. Eve coveted the fruit and then stole. P.P. 55, 56. Genesis 4:7. Sin lay at Cain’s door. P.P. 81-83. Genesis 13:13; 19:4-11. Sodomites were “sinners before the Lord exceedingly.” Genesis 39:7-10. Sin to break 7th commandment. P.P. 217. Genesis 9:20-27. Cursed for breaking the 5th commandment. Exodus 16:22-30. Sabbath 30 days before Sinai. Exodus 5:5. Israelites kept Sabbath. P.P. 258. Genesis 32:2-5. Idolatry a sin. Genesis 6:5, margin. The antediluvians broke all the law; for every imagination of the heart was evil everyday. P.P. 159.
The Giving Of The Law
Deuteronomy 4:32, 33. Greatest event in history. Exodus 19:1; Numbers 1:45, 46. Audience of at least 1,000,000. Exodus 19:10, 11. Three days’ preparation. Exodus 19:12, 13. Bounds around Sinai. Exodus 19:16-20. Wonderful display of grandeur. Testimonies, Volume 8, p. 198. Psalms 68:8, 17; Hebrews 12:26. Thousands of angels. Whole earth shook. Deuteronomy 4:12, 13; Exodus 20:1-17. From the midst of the glory God spoke the ten commandments. P.P. 303-311. Deuteronomy 5:22. God spoke no other words. Deuteronomy 4:9, 10. We should never forget that great display of power and glory. Teach the children about it. Testimonies, Volume 6, p. 10. Exodus 24:12. Moses called into the Mount. Exodus 31:18. God gave unto Moses “two tables of testimony, tables of stone, written with the finger of God.” P.P. 314. Exodus 32:16. “The tables were the work of God, and the writing was the writing of God, graven upon the tables.” Exodus 32:7-19. Tables broken. P.P. 320. Deuteronomy 10:1-5. Moses made second tables after the pattern of the first; God wrote the law on the second tables. P.P. 329.
The Law Of God
Psalms 19:7. The law is perfect. G.C. 468. Romans 7:12. Holy, just, and good. G.C. 433, 434. Matthew 5:17, 18. Christ forbade anyone even thinking that He would change the law. Col. 1:25, margin. To fulfill is to preach fully. Isaiah 42:21. Christ magnified the law. Matthew 5:21-26; 1 John 3:15. Hatred in heart breaks the law.
Psalms 119:96. The commandments are exceedingly broad. Matthew 5:27, 28. Impure thoughts break the law. D.A. 310. Matthew 5:33-37. The use of bywords is swearing. Mark 7:7-13. Tradition can never take the place of the law. Matthew 19:16-22. There is life in obedience. Luke 10:25, 26. Carefully consider, “what is written in the law”; take it as it reads. John 15:10. Christ kept the law. Testimonies, Volume 8, p. 208; C.O.L. 282, 283. Matthew 22:34-40. The law embraces our full duty to God and fellowmen. G.C. 467. Matthew 12:1-8. Christ’s disciples accused of breaking the Sabbath. He was Lord of it. D.A. 204, 284-286. Matthew 12:10-14. “It is lawful to do well on the Sabbath-day.” Luke 4:16. Christ kept the 4th commandment. 1 Peter 2:21. Follow His steps.
Converting Power In The Law
Psalms 19:7. Converts the soul. D.A. 308. Romans 3:19; Numbers 15:16. All the world subject to the law. Testimonies, Volume 8, p. 199. Isaiah 59:2, margin. Sin separates from God. Romans 3:20, 7:7. The law points out sin. James 1:23-25. A spiritual mirror; reveals sin, but can not remove it. Testimonies, Volume 4, p. 294. 1 John 1:7, 9. Blood of Christ alone can cleanse from sin. Gal. 3:24. Law leads to Christ. D.A. 308. Romans 3:31. Faith establishes the law. D.A. 126. Isa 51:7; Psalms 37:31. Law in the heart establishes righteous. Romans 3:21. Law witnesses to righteousness. Eccl. 12:13, 14; Romans 2:12, 13. Standard in judgment. G.C. 482. Revelation 22:14. Passport into glory. G.C. 639, 640. Psalms 119:97. “O how I love thy law.”
“Behold the cities, and their need of the gospel! . . . Who are carrying a burden for the large cities? A few have felt the burden, but in comparison with the great need and the many opportunities, but little attention has been given to this work.” Testimonies, Volume 9, pp. 97, 98.
Origin And History Of Cities
Cain built the first city, Genesis 4:17. Babylon built, Genesis 10:10, 11, margin. First high building, Genesis 11:3, 4. God displeased, Genesis 11:5-9; P.P. 120. Lot chose the cities, Genesis 13:12. Very wicked, Gen 13:13; 18:20, 21; 19:24, 25. Lot’s 2nd choice, Genesis 19:17-20. Ruin of daughters, Genesis 19:30-39. Deceit and violence, Psalms 55:9-11. If Satan is not destroyed, he will fill the face of the earth with cities, Isaiah 14:20, 21. Cities judged, Ezekiel 22:2. According to light, Matthew 11:20-24. In the day of God, Zeph. 1:14-16; Isaiah 30:25. Complete destruction, Isaiah 32:19; Jeremiah 4:26; Revelation 16:17-19.
City Work Under God’s Direction
One entire book is devoted to missionary work in a great city. Jonah 1:1-3. One lone worker; refused to go. P.K. 266. Jonah 1:4-17. God prepared a fish to save Jonah. P.K. 267, 268. Jonah 2:1-9. In his strange prison Jonah learned five fundamental principles underlying all successful missionary efforts in great cities. P.K. 269.
Christ And The Apostles As City Missionaries
Matthew 9:35. Jesus worked all the cities. Matthew 4:23, 24. Health work opened doors. Luke 10:1. Workers went two and two into every city. Luke 10:9. Cared for the sick. Acts 8:5-7. First city worker after the crucifixion. A.A. 106, 107. Act 13:42-45. Open air meetings, since no synagogue could hold almost the whole city. A.A. 171-174. Acts 19:1-7. Work in Ephesus a sample. Acts 18:1824. Bible workers prepared the way. Acts 19:8. Three months’ public effort unsuccessful. A.A. 285. Acts 19:9, 10. Did not leave, but changed methods; taught in school for two years. A.A. 286. Acts. 19:10. Great success followed. Acts 19:18, 19. Genuine reformation. A.A. 287, 288. Acts 19:23-28. Idolatry tottered throughout almost all Asia. Acts 19:29-35. Idolaters created riot. Acts 19:36, 37. In quieting riot, town clerk said that Paul and his workers were “neither robbers of your churches, nor yet blasphemers of your goddess.” A.A. 294, 295. Notice, there was not one who could accuse them of blaspheming Diana. If Paul during his three months’ course of lectures had railed on Diana, it would have been different. No doubt the Jews who attended Paul’s meeting would have been pleased to have heard him malign Diana, but that was not http://www.ThreeAngels.com.auhis method of reaching the masses in that great city. G.W. 299, old edition; Testimonies, Volume 9, pp. 109, 124.
“To the Christian, death is but is sleep, a moment of silence and darkness.” D.A. 787.
What Is Death?
Psalms 13:3. The psalmist calls death a sleep. 1 Thessalonians 4:15. The dead are asleep. D.A. 787. Matthew 27:52. They sleep in their graves. Acts 13:36. When David died he went to sleep. 1 Corinthians 15:51. Paul calls death a sleep. 1 Thessalonians 4:14. The righteous dead sleep in Jesus. 1 Kings 11:43. More than twenty-five times the expression, “Slept with his fathers,” is used when recording deaths of kings in the old Testament. We give one sample text. John 11:11-14. Jesus calls death a sleep. Hebrews 9:27. One death is appointed unto men. Gen 2:17; 3:22-24; Romans 6:23. Death is the result of sin. John 8:44. Satan is the father of sin. Hebrews 2:14. He has the power of death. 2 Timothy 1:10. Christ abolished death. He changed death into a sleep. 1 Corinthians 15:22. This included all the dead. John 5:25-28. Christ has the power to awaken all from the sleep of death. D.A. 320.
Are The Dead Conscious?
Psalms 146:4. “His breath goeth forth;. . . in that very day his thoughts perish.” Job 14:12, 21. No knowledge of what happens on earth after death. G.C. 549. Isaiah 38:10, 11. Do not see the Lord or men on the earth. G.C. 546. Eccl. 9:5, 6. Do not know anything. D.A. 557, 558. Psalms 115:17. Praise not the Lord. Psalms 6:5. No remembrance of God. Psalms 88:11, 12. Grave the land of forgetfulness. Job 14:12. Remain in the grave till the heavens are no more. Revelation 6:14-17. Heavens roll together when Christ returns to earth. Job 19:23-27. Job knew he would wake at that time. John 5:29. Two classes in the resurrection. 1 Thessalonians 4:16, 17. Righteous arise when Christ comes. Revelation 20:5. Wicked raised 1000 years later.
How Are The Dead Raised Up?
1 Corinthians 15:35. “With what body do they come? 1 Corinthians 15:36-38. The same individual will come from the grave that went into the grave as truly as wheat comes from wheat sown in the earth. 1 Corinthians 15:44. “It is sown a natural body; it is raised a spiritual body.” 1 Corinthians 15:20. Christ was the first-fruits, or sample. Testimonies, Volume 9, p. 286. 1 Thessalonians 4:14. Those that sleep in Jesus will be brought forth as He was. Luke 24:39-43. Christ arose with the same body that hung on the cross. Luke 24:30, 35. Recognized by His manner of breaking bread. John 20:15, 16. Mary knew her Lord by His voice. John 20:3-8. John recognized Christ by his orderly habits. John 20:26-28. Philip knew His by His personal appearance. As Jesus’ friends recognized Him, so we will recognize our friends. 1 Corinthians 15:51-54. Righteous dead raised immortal. Phil 3:20, 21. Their bodies will be like Christ’s glorious body. Matthew 17:1, 2. Their faces will shine as the sun, and raiment be white as the light. Hos. 13:14. Christ has pledged to redeem them from death. Job 14:15. He will call, the saints will answer. Isaiah 26:19. Christ will call, “Awake and sing.” 1 Corinthians 15:54-57. The righteous spring forth with a song of victory. Testimonies, Volume 2, p. 229.
Two Resurrections And The Second Death
John 5:28, 29. Two resurrections,–one to life and the other to damnation. G.C. 544. Revelation 20:5. One thousand years between the two. Matthew 24:30, 31. When the righteous arise Christ gathers them. Revelation 20:5-9. When the wicked arise Satan gathers them. C.O.L. 270. Revelation 20:13.
Gathered from land and sea. Revelation 20:6; 2:11. Righteous never die the second death. Revelation 20:14. Second death is the lake of fire. Revelation 20:15; Romans 6:23. All whose names are not in the book of life, suffer the second death.
Eternal Life, The Gift Of God
1 Timothy 6:15, 16. God only hath immortality. John 5:26. God gave Christ immortality. 1 John 5:11, 12. Eternal life given man through Christ. “He that hath the Son hath life; and he that hath not the Son hath not life.” 1 John 3:15. No wicked person hath eternal life. 2 Timothy 1:10. Christ “brought life and immortality to light.” Job 4:17. Man is only mortal. Rom 2:6, 7. We are admonished to seek for immortality, eternal life. If we possessed it, we would not need to seek for it. 1 Corinthians 15:51-54. It will be given the righteous at Christ’s second coming.
Life Only Through Christ, As Taught By The Cities Of Refuge
Num. 35:11-14. The six cities of refuge were a constant reminder that eternal life was a gift and not an inherent human inheritance. P.P. 516. Deuteronomy 19:2, 3. The roads leading to the cities were to be kept in good repair that the one fleeing might not be hindered. P.P. 515. Numbers 35:15. The refuge was free to all; even the stranger and sojourner might flee thither. P.P. 515. Numbers 35:16-25. The regulations regarding these cities taught that there were degrees of crime. It was possible to go so far in sin that the sinner was delivered over to the avenger even at the gate of the city. P.P. 516. Hebrews 6:4-6; Matthew 12:31, 32. There is an unpardonable sin. Hebrews 12:16, 17. Illustrated in the case of Esau. Joshua 20:4. Confession was made at the gate before the one fleeing was received. 1 John 1:9. The sinner must confess. Numbers 35:26-29. Inside the city was life; outside the city was death. P.P. 517. Proverbs 18:10; Psalms 91:2. Christ is a refuge. P.P. 516, 517. 1 John 5:11, 12; John 15:4-7. Our safety is to abide in Christ. Numbers 35:26-28. If one presumptuously went outside the city, his life could be taken. Ezekiel 18:24-26. The one that turns from the refuge of Christ, dies the second death. Joshua 20:6; Numbers 35:25. There were two important events to which the dweller in the city looked forward,–the judgment and the death of the high priest. The judgment decided his destiny; the death of the high priest restored him to freedom of the land. The decision in the judgment decides our eternal destiny; and when our High Priest ceases to be high priest, our adversary, the devil, has no power to take our life, and we come into possession of our eternal inheritance.
“The true character of the usurper, and his real object, must be understood by all.” Ezekiel 28:15. Was perfect when created. Ezekiel 28:12. Full of wisdom, perfect in beauty. P.P. 35. Ezekiel 28:14. Covering cherub. Ezekiel 28:17. Proud of his beauty. Ezekiel 28:17. Pride ruined his wisdom. Isaiah 14:13. Coveted higher position. P.P. 36. Isaiah 14:14. Coveted the throne of God. Revelation 12:7. Other angels affected. P.P. 37, 39, Testimonies, Volume 3, p. 328. Revelation 12:7. Christ and loyal angels fought against Satan and his angels. Revelation 12:8. Satan was defeated. Isaiah 14:12. Satan cast out of heaven. D.A. 493. Revelation 12:9. His angels cast out with him. P.P. 41. Revelation 12:9. Cast to this earth. Genesis 3:1-6. He caused our first parents to sin. P.P. 53-59. Romans 6:16. Gained Adam’s dominion. Eph. 2:2. Prince of the power of the air. John 14:30. The Saviour called him the prince of this world. D.A. 123, 679.
Second Fall Of Satan
1 Kings 22:19-22. Although Satan and his angels had been cast from heaven, they still could appear in the counsels of the Lord at the gate of heaven. Job 1:6. Satan met with the sons of God. Luke 3:38. Adam as the prince of this earth was called a “son of God.” 2 Peter 2:19. Satan usurped Adam’s position. Job 1:7. He represented the earth in the council. Job 1:9-11. Accused God of being http://www.ThreeAngels.com.auarbitrary. Job 1:12-22. When given power only destroyed. John 14:30. Satan has no part in Christ, who was a sinless son of Adam. John 12:31-33. Christ’s death judged Satan. D.A. 490. John 12:31. Christ’s death cast Satan out of his place. Luke 10:18. He fell as lightening from heaven. Revelation 12:10. A shout rang through heaven when the accuser was cast out. 2 Peter 2:19; Hebrews 2:14. Christ overcame Satan, and is now the representative of this world. Hebrews 2:17. Instead of the accuser at the gate of heaven, we have a merciful High Priest. Hebrews 4:14-16. One who loves to be merciful to us.
Third Fall Of Satan
Revelation 20:1-3. It does not take Christ or a host of angels to overcome Satan; one angel binds him. Revelation 20:3. He is confined to his own territory. Jeremiah 4:23-26; Isaiah 24:19-21. Sin has made the earth a dark abyss. 1 Thessalonians 4:16, 17. Righteous in heaven. Jeremiah 25:31-33. Wicked all dead. Revelation 20:3. Satan is alone with the evil angels for 1000 years. He is bound by circumstances; the righteous are in heaven, the wicked dead, there is no one for him to tempt. Revelation 20:5. The wicked live again at the end of 1000 years. Revelation 20:7. This gives Satan work, and he is said to be “loosed.” Revelation 20:8. Deceives the wicked. Revelation 20:9. As they gather for battle all are destroyed. Hebrews 2:14. Christ died to destroy Satan. Revelation 20:10. As long as Satan lives in the fire he suffers torment, but as sure as Christ died, Satan will die when he has suffered the penalty for sin. Ezekiel 28:18, 19. Satan becomes ashes on the earth in the sight of the righteous. D.A. 490. Mal. 4:1-3. Ashes on the new earth is all that remains of Satan and sinners.
Ancient Spiritualism
Ex. 7:11-13. Sorcerers (spiritualist mediums) influenced Pharaoh. Leviticus 19:31; 20:6, 27; Exodus 22:18; Deuteronomy 18:10-12. Spiritualist mediums, anciently called witches and wizards, were an abomination. G.C. 556. 2 Kings 1:1-4. Consulted in case of sickness. Testimonies, Volume 5, pp. 191-199. 1 Samuel 28:8, 11. Familiar spirits profess to be spirits of dead people. 1 Chronicles 10:13. Saul’s crowning sin was consulting familiar spirits. 2 Chronicles 33:1-6. Manasseh dealt with familiar spirits. 2 Kings 17:17, 18. Israel went into captivity because they “used divinations and enchantments.” Deuteronomy 18:9-14; 2 Kings 17:15-18. The heathen nations were spiritualists; they dealt with familiar spirits. 2 Kings 17:16, 17. Spiritualism always connected with Baal- or sun-worship. Deuteronomy 32:17; Psalms 106:37; Leviticus 17:7. The heathen Baal-worship was devil-worship. This was the principal adversary against the cause of God until about the sixth century A.D. Genesis 3:1-6. The first spiritualist medium was the serpent. The devil spoke directly through the serpent. Isaiah 8:19, 20. When asked to consult with familiar spirits, turn to the law and to the testimony.
Modern Spiritualism
Revelation 16:13-15. Unclean spirits will speak through great powers of earth in the last days. Revelation 13:114. As the prophetic period of 1260 years was closing, a nation was seen arising. The United States arose at that time. Out of this nation a miracle-working power was to arise. About 1848 modern spiritualism began to attract attention through the Fox sisters of New York Acts 8:9; 13:6-10; Revelation 9:20, 21. Sorcery was an evil in New Testament times. Revelation 18:2. Modern Babylon becomes “the hold of every foul spirit.” 1 Corinthians 10:20. Gentiles worshiped devils. Job 14:14, 20, 21; 7:8-10. The dead do not know what takes place after their death. Psalms 146:3, 4. Their power to think ceases. Eccl. 9:5, 6. The dead do not know anything; hence, a spirit purporting to be a spirit of any dead person, must be wicked spirit trying to deceive. Revelation 16:14; 13:14. The devil can work miracles. G.C. 553, 554. 2 Corinthians 11:13-15. The devil can appear as an angel of light; hence, can easily personate the dead. G.C. 552.
http://www.ThreeAngels.com.auRevelation 16:13-15. Spiritualism will be a bond uniting different earthly powers together for the “battle of that great day of God Almighty.” Testimonies, Volume 5, p. 451.
“The Spirit of God, received into the soul, will quicken all its faculties. Under the guidance of the Holy Spirit, the mind that is devoted unreservedly to God, develops harmoniously, and is strengthened to comprehend and fulfill the requirements of God. The weak, vacillating character becomes changed to one of strength and steadfastness.” D.A. 251.
Efficiency Of The Holy Spirit
Genesis 1:2. Divine agency in creation. John 14:16, 17. Connecting link between God and man. A.A. 50. John 16:13, 14. Never speaks of Himself. A.A. 51. Revelation 4:5. Seven lamps type of. Zecheriah 4:10. Eyes of the Lord. A.A. 52. 2 Chronicles 16:9. Searching for those who are true to God. John 16:5-13. Better than personal presence of Christ. John 16:8-11. Reproves of sin; witnesses of righteousness. A.A. 120, 49. Rom 8:26, 27. Presents our prayers. Romans 8:27, 28. Makes all work for good to the faithful. John 14:26. Comforter; strengthens memory. D.A. 670. Ezekiel 36:26, 27; 1 Samuel 10:6, 9. Changes the heart. Acts 1:8. Gives power. D.A. 672. Acts 2:4. Gives utterance. Eph. 4:30. We are sealed by the Spirit.
Receiving The Holy Spirit
Luke 11:8. Desire the Spirit. Testimonies, Volume 6, p. 90. Luke 11:9-13. Promise of the Spirit ten times repeated. Zecheriah 10:1. Pray for it. A.A. 55, 56. 2 Samuel 23:2-4. A precious experience. E. 95. Gal. 5:22-25. Receiver bears 9 kinds of fruit. Testimonies, Volume 5, p. 169. Isaiah 11:2, 3. Seven manifestations,–wisdom, etc. Exodus 28:2-5; 35:30-35. It will help in every lawful line of business. John 20:22, 23. Receiver is God’s representative. Luke 24:44, 45. Opens minds to comprehend the Scriptures. Hebrews 6:4-6. Fatal to reject. D.A. 587. Isaiah 55:1. Received without money. Joel 2:23-25. Restores wasted life. E. 106. John 6:63. Words are Spirit. John 1:1, 2, 14. God, Christ, and the Word, synonymous. Hebrews 4:12-16. One does not work independently of the other. Acts 10:44-48. When Peter was explaining the Scriptures, the Holy Ghost was poured out. Acts. 1:15-26. The study of the 109th Psalm, and regulating their lives by it, brought the Spirit on Pentecost. D.A. 827. Hebrews 4:12, 13. The word of God with the Holy Spirit searches the deepest recesses of the heart.
How To Retain The Spirit
Acts 8:17-23. Can not be purchased. 1 Corinthians 3:16-17. Will not dwell in a defiled body. Daniel 1:8. Improper food defiles body. Luke 1:15. Will not abide with strong drink. Jude 19. Will not dwell with sensuality. Gal. 5:16, 17. Contrary to lust of flesh. 1 Corinthians 2:14. Does not dwell in the natural heart. Ezekiel 36:26, 27. God gives the Spirit. A.A. 47, 48. Romans 8:15. Pledge of adoption. Eph. 4:30, 31. Do not grieve it. D.A. 490. Acts 5:3, 4, 9. Do not try to deceive it. Neh. 9:30. Heed the voice of the Spirit. Testimonies, Volume 5, p. 120. 1 John 4:6, 13. We may know that we have the indwelling Spirit.
Latter Rain
Egypt and Palestine compared, Deuteronomy 11:10-12. Condition, Deuteronomy 11:13, 14. Purpose, Deuteronomy 11:14, 15. Why withheld, Deuteronomy 11:16, 17. Compared to, Deuteronomy 32:2. A blessing, Psalms 72:6, 7. Showers of blessing, Ezekiel 34:26. Showers of righteousness, Isaiah 45:8. Floods, Isaiah 44:3. Result, Isaiah 44:4, 5. When sent, Isaiah 44:3; Psalms 68:9. When a special outpouring, Acts 2:17, 18. How compared with former rain, Joel 2:23. Why latter rain is withheld, Jeremiah 5:23-27. Sins that withhold the blessing, Jeremiah 3:1-3; Mal. 3:8-11; Ezekiel 22:24-26. Judgments sent, Amos 4:6-11. Prepare to meet God, Amos 4:12. Response, Hos. 6:1-3. Repent, Acts 3:19-21. How literal rain is http://www.ThreeAngels.com.aureceived, Job 29:23. Same desire for spiritual, Psalms 42:1, 2; 119:131. Promise, Psalms 81:10. After conditions are met, pray, Zecheriah 10:1. Pray till we receive, Hos. 10:12. Model prayer, Jeremiah 14:20-22. Elijah’s experience repeated, Mal. 4:5, 6. Why rain withheld, 1 Kings 18:18. Elijah’s work, 1 Kings 18:21. Test, 1 Kings 18:24; Matthew 3:11. Result of prayer, 1 Kings 18:38, 39. Preparatory work, 1 Kings 18:40. This preparation sign of rain, 1 Kings 18:41. Then he prayed, 1 Kings 18:42-44. Result, 1 Kings 18:45, 46. Reward for waiting, Isaiah 40:31. What will the remnant be, Micah 5:7. Effect of the latter rain upon the life, Joel 2:23-27. The Lord waiting, Jas 5:7; E.W. 71, 86, 271, 279; G.C. 611-613.
The Loud Cry
Num. 14:12-21. When Moses plead for Israel, God answered his prayer and promised that “all the earth shall be filled with the glory of God.” This is the first promise of the loud cry. Psalms 72:19. David repeats the promise. Isaiah 6:3. An heavenly seraphim assures Isaiah of the promise. Isaiah 11:9. Isaiah repeats it. Hab. 2:14. Again the promise is given. Ezekiel 43:2. Ezekiel saw the earth shining with the glory of God. Revelation 18:1, 2. John also saw the earth lightened with the glory of God. He heard the mighty cry of the angel in charge of this work. Six prophets of God have been permitted to see this great work which will be accomplished before Christ returns to the earth. Testimonies, Volume 9, pp. 154, 209; Volume 8, pp. 19-21; E.W. 37, 27, 277.
“In the annals of human history the growth of nations, the rise and fall of empires, appear as dependent upon the will and prowess of man. The shaping of events seems, to a great degree, to be determined by his power, ambition, or caprice. But in the word of God the curtain is drawn aside, and we behold, behind, above, and through all the play and counter-play of human interests and power and passions, the agencies of the all-merciful One, silently, patiently working out the counsels of His own will. The Bible reveals the true philosophy of history.” E. 173
The Origin And Purpose Of Nations
Genesis 11:1. Whole earth one language. Genesis 11:1-9. God the author of languages and nations. P.P. 120. Acts 17:26. All nations of one blood. P.K. 500. Deuteronomy 32:8. God establishes the boundaries of nations. Hab. 1:5-11; P.K. 499, 500. Job 12:23. He increaseth and destroyeth nations. Daniel 4:13-17. God watches over the nations. P.K. 536, 537. Ezekiel 29:17-20. God uses one nation to punish other nations. Jeremiah 25:9-11. God calls even heathen nations His servants to do His bidding. Jeremiah 50:11-20. Daniel 10:20. When the angels of the Lord left the court of Media and Persia, Grecia arose. Jeremiah 46:17. When God forsakes a kingdom, it is but a “noise”; it soon passes. Jeremiah 29:5-7. Seek the peace of the country where you live. Matthew 22:17-21. It is lawful to pay tribute. D.A. 601, 602. Matthew 17:24-27. Jesus performed a miracle to pay an unjust tax rather than offend. D.A. 432-435. http://www.ThreeAngels.com.auGenesis 39:7-9; 50:24, 25; 41:39-46. Joseph was true to God while filling a high position under the Egyptian government. P.P. 210-223. Daniel 6:1-5. Daniel was prime minister of Media and Persia. P.K. 487, 488. Daniel 6:16-23. He was always true to God while loyal to his government. Daniel 6:28; 2:48. Daniel was a government official for over 70 years. Esther 4:1-17; 10:3. Mordecai was true to God and at the same time was judge (sat in the gate) under the Medo-Persian empire. P.K. 600-606. Titus 3:1. Be subject to the principalities and powers; also be ready for every good work. 1 Peter 2:13-15. The Christians willing obedience to the government will “put to silence the ignorance of foolish men.” 1 Peter 2:16, 17. The servants of God will honor the ruler of the nation. Daniel 3:1-26. The three Hebrews would not disobey God, but they were faithful servants of the nation in every way where its laws did not conflict with God’s laws. Daniel 2:49; 3:12, 30; P.K. 508-513, 548. 1 Timothy 2:1-3. Paul said it “was good and acceptable in the sight of God” to pray for rulers. Nero, who was a synonym for cruelty, was then ruling. If that was pleasing to God, how much more should we pray for the rulers of our own country who fear God.
Second Chapter Of Daniel
Daniel 2:1-9. The story of the dream. Daniel 2:10-13. The failure of the wise men to interpret the dream. P.K. 491-493. Daniel 2:14-16. Daniel’s interview with the king. P.K. 493, 501. Daniel 2:17, 18. Prayer for the interpretation. P.K. 493, 494. Daniel 2:19-23. Thanksgiving for answered prayer. Daniel 2:28. Prophecy of the latter days. Daniel 2:31-35. The dream. P.K. 491-502. Daniel 2:37, 38. The head of gold, Babylon. P.K. 504, 505. Isaiah 14:4; Jeremiah 51:7. God represented Babylon. Daniel 2:39. Kingdom inferior to Babylon. Daniel 5:25-28. Name of the kingdom. Isaiah 45:1-5; 44:26-28. Cyrus named more than 100 years before his birth. P.K.
551. Isaiah 44:27; Jeremiah 50:38; 51:36. Bed of the river dry. P.K. 552, 553, 531. Jeremiah 51:46. In 539 B.C. the rumor; in 538 B.C., the overthrow. Daniel 5:30, 31. Kingdom given Darius. Give a brief description of the taking of Babylon by Cyrus. P.K. chapter 43. Isaiah 13:19-22. Site of Babylon at the present day. P.K. 531-533. Daniel 2:39. Third universal kingdom. Daniel 8:20, 21. Grecia followed Medo-Persia. Daniel 2:40. Fourth universal kingdom. Luke 2:1; John 11:48. Rome a universal kingdom. The names of three kingdoms were given in the Old Testament; hence, Rome must be the fourth. Daniel 2:41, 42. Clay mingled with iron denotes division. Between the years 356 and 483, Rome was divided into ten parts. Some kingdoms strong, others weak. Daniel 2:43. Never another universal kingdom. Daniel 2:44. They remain in a divided state until the kingdom of God is set up. Daniel 2:45. The dream is certain. 2 Peter 1:5-11. A godly life will gain an abundant entrance into the everlasting kingdom of our Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ.
The Gospel Preached In The Great Universal Kingdoms Of The Earth
Each kingdom had a knowledge of the true God, proclaimed not only by faithful living but by individuals who loved the truth more than life. Daniel 1:1-20; 2:48, 49. Faithful living in Babylon. Daniel 3:16-26. Love God more than life. P.K. 508, 509. Daniel 3:2, 3, 27-29. World-wide proclamation of the truth. P.K. 510, 511. Daniel 5:1-4. Light rejected. Daniel 5:5-9, 24-28. God vindicated. P.K. 524533. Daniel 10:20. Angel left Babylon. Daniel 6:1-5. Faithful living in Medo-Persia. P.K. 539, 542. Daniel 6:16-23. Loved God more than life. P.K. 543, 544, 556, 557. Daniel 6:25-27. World-wide proclamation of the truth. Esther 3:7-15. God rejected in Medo-Persia. P.K. 502. Esther 4:1-17. Esther loved God more than life. Esther 8:15-17. World-wide proclamation of the truth. We have little Bible history of the period of Grecian supremacy. Josephus tells us that Alexander the Great was shown the prophecies of Daniel relating to himself. Daniel 8:20; 10:20. Luke 2:1-7. Christ born during “Agustian Age” of Rome. John 19:30-55; Acts 7:59; 12:2; 2 Corinthians 11:25-27; Phil. 3:8. Witnesses before Rome who loved God more than life. A.A. 597, 103, 509-511. Romans 1:7, 8; Col 1:6, 23. World-wide proclamation of the truth. Matthew 24:14. Message again to go to all the world. Eccl. 1:9. As in the past, the work will be done by those who love God more than life.
Characteristics Of The Five Great Universal Kingdoms
Daniel 2:35. Every kingdom represented in the end of time. Hab. 1:6, 11; Daniel 4:28-31. Leading sins of Babylon, –pride and exalting man rather than God. P.K. 501, 502. Revelation 17:1-4; 18:7-20. Same spirit in modern Babylon. G.C. 388, 384, 385. Isaiah 13:16-18. Medo-Persia cruel. Esther 3:8-15. Decree to destroy all of God’s people. P.K. 600. Esther 4:1-16. God saved His people. P.K. 601-604. Revelation 13:15-17. Similar decree will be made. P.K. 605, 606; G.C. 635. Revelation 15:1, 2. God will deliver His people. G.C. 636. 1 Corinthians 1:22; 2 Corinthians 10:5, margin; Acts 17:16-22; 2 Timothy 3:7. Exalting reason above God’s word, sin of ancient Greece. Same spirit is manifested in higher criticism at the present day. E. 227. Daniel 7:25. All four nations persecuted the people of God more or less, but Rome only presumed to change the law of God. Revelation 13:14; Isaiah 30:8-12, margin. Some spirit manifest in the closing history of the world. P.K. 187, 188. Daniel 2:35. God,–Pride, self-exaltation; silver,–cruelty, and over-bearing spirit; brass,–exalt man’s reason above the word of God; iron,– change God’s law to suit the mind of man. Any of these characteristics cherished in the heart means utter destruction, when God destroys all nations. Isaiah 42:8. God demands full surrender. P.K. 189.
Second Chapter Of Daniel
In this line of prophecy the character of the kingdoms is represented under the symbols of different beasts. Daniel 7:2. Striving winds and a turbulent sea. Daniel 11:40; Zecheriah 7:14. Winds denote war. Revelation 17:15. Water denotes multitudes and nations. Daniel 7:3. Beasts diverse one from another. Daniel 7:4. Babylon represented by a lion. Jeremiah 50:17. Same symbol used forty years before. Hab. 1:6-8. Wings denote rapid conquest. Jeremiah 17:9. Man’s heart denotes wickedness,–nation ready for destruction. Isaiah 13:17, 18. More than 100 years before, Isaiah said Medes were cruel. Daniel 7:5. When Daniel saw the bear arise, devouring flesh, he recognized it as the nation of which Isaiah had written. Daniel 7:6. Leopard,–symbol of Greece. Hab. 1:6-8 gives wings as a signal of rapid conquest. Jeremiah used a leopard to represent evil. Jeremiah 13:23. The spots would seem to indicate a mixture of good and evil. Daniel 7:7. The fourth a great and terrible beast. Daniel 7:15, 16. Asks for the meaning. Daniel 7:17, 18. Four kingdoms followed by God’s kingdom. Daniel 9:2, 3. Daniel was a student of the prophecies and understood the first three symbols. Daniel 7:19-23. He asks about the fourth. Daniel 7:23. Fourth beast, fourth kingdom. Luke 2:1. Rome, the fourth kingdom. Daniel 7:24. Ten divisions; divided between 356 and 483 A.D. Daniel 7:24. A different power arises after the division and subdues three kings. The papacy arose in 538; Heruli, Ostrogoths, and Vandals overthrown to make way for it. Daniel 7:25. Character of the power and length of supremacy. G.C. 439. Daniel 11:13, margin; Revelation 13:5; 12:6; Numbers 14:34. Explain the period of 1260 years. G.C. 54, 55.
Christ lived and died, and the Christian religion was proclaimed to the world all within the confines of the Roman Empire; therefore it is only reasonable to expect that the downfall of Rome, which was so closely connected with the history of Christ’s church, should be a subject of prophecy. The first four trumpets deal with the breaking up of western Rome; the last three, with the overthrow of eastern Rome. Numbers 10:9. Trumpet ancient summons to war. Revelation 8:2. Seven angels given charge of this prophecy. Revelation 8:6, 7. Hordes of barbarians of N. Asia on account of trouble with China turned westward and poured into the Roman territory. The Goths, under Alaric and two other organized bodies of barbarians, led the raids. A.D. 410, Alaric sacked Rome. About 407 A.D., seven barbarian nations had taken their places as follows: Franks, northern France; Vandals, Spain, later N. Africa; Visigoths, http://www.ThreeAngels.com.auS. France and Spain; Burgundians, Switzerland and part of France and Germany; Suevi, Portugal and N.W. Spain; Ostrogoths, Italy; Huns, S.W. Russia. Gibbon’s Rome, chapters 30, 31. Revelation 8:8. From 429 to 468 A.D., Genseric, leading the Vandals of N. Africa, made repeated attacks on the Roman Empire, destroying large fleets of vessels. So terrible was this warfare, that “Vandalism” is still a synonym for ruthless destruction. Gibbon’s Rome, chapters 33, 37. Revelation 8:10, 11. The Huns, led by Attila, made fierce attacks in the regions of the Alps; Chalons was greatest battle. Attila’s raids from 451 to 453 A.D., were finished 15 years before Genseric ceased to harass Rome from the South. After Attila’s war, the Heruli settled in Italy, the Lombards in the N. of Italy, and the last of the ten divisions, the Anglo-Saxons, in England, about 471 A.D. Gibbon’s Rome, chapter 35. Revelation 8:12. Sun, moon, and stars rule the day and night. Emperors, consuls, and senators ruled Rome. In 476 A.D., title of emperor ceased; 541 A.D., consulship ended; 552 A.D., under Narses, the senate was set aside. Gibbon’s Rome, chapters 36, 40, 43. Revelation 8:13. Last three trumpets are woe trumpets. Revelation 9:1-11. Rise of the Mohammedan religion. For about 600 years the Arabs were like locusts without a king. Near the close of the13th century, Othman founded a government; and July 27, 1299, he entered Nicomedia,–the first attack of the Ottoman government on eastern Rome. Gibbon’s Rome. They were to hurt men five months,–150 years. July 27, 1299, plus 150 years, equals July 27, 1449. Revelation 9:12-21. The four sultanies of Aleppo, Iconium, Damascus, and Badgered, were the central strength of the Ottoman Empire. In 1449, John Palaeologus, the Greek emperor, died; his brother, Deacozes, would not take the throne without the consent of Amurath, the Turkish sultan. Thus the power of the Turkish Empire was loosed. It was loosed for a day, a month, and a year, or for 391 years, 15 days; they were to have full power. July 27, 1449, plus 391 years, 15 days, equals Aug. 11, 1840. G.C. 334. Revelation 9:13-21. To save Turkey from being overthrown by Egypt, Turkey accepted the intervention of England, Russia, Austria, and Prussia. An ultimatum was drawn up by the great powers which pledged themselves to coerce. Egypt, if Egypt refused to accept the terms. As long as the sultan held the ultimatum, he still maintained his independence; but as soon as the document was in the hands of Mehemet Ali, it was beyond the sultan’s power to control the situation. The document was put into the power of Mehemet Ali, and deposed of according to his orders, Aug. 11, 1840. Since then Turkey has been “the sick man of the East.” G.C. 334, 335. Revelation 11:14. The 3 rd woe did not immediately follow the 2nd , but came quickly. Revelation 10:7; 11:15. The finishing of the work, or the third angel’s message, which would be finished under the 7th trumpet, began in 1844 A.D. Note.—For a full explanation of the woe trumpets, see “Prophetic Exposition,” published 1842, by Josiah Litch; also “An Exposition of the Seven Trumpets,” Review and Herald, 1875.
There were many Christian churches in Asia during the first century of the Christian era; and God chose seven of them to represent the seven periods of His church during the remainder of time.
Ephesus
Time,–first century; meaning,–first, or desirable. The New Testament gives church history covering the 1st century; therefore, the fulfillment of the prophecy is found in the history given. Testimonies, Volume 6, pp. 422, 423. Revelation 2:1-7. Work, Acts 20:20; 5:42; 6:2-4; 9:36-40. Labor, 2, Thessalonians 3:8-11; 2 Corinthians 12:10, 11; Col. 1:28, 29. Patience, 2 Corinthians 12:12; James 5:10, 11. Hated evil, Acts. 5:1-13; 8:8-23; Gal. 2:1-8; Acts 8:8-23; 6:16-24. Church trials. 2 Timothy 2:15-19; 1 Timothy 1:19, 20; 2 Timothy 4:14-16; 4:10. Did not faint, Luke 18:1; 2 Corinthians 4:1; Gal. 6:9; Hebrews 12:3. Remember the past and repent, Acts 5:41; 2 Timothy http://www.ThreeAngels.com.au2:19; Phil. 3:7-15. First works, Acts 8:4; 5:12, 42. Hate evil, Jude 21:23. Listening ear, Isaiah 50:4, 5; Psalms 40:6. Overcomer’s reward, Revelation 22:1, 2; Isaiah 66:22, 23.
Smyrna
Time,–100-323 A.D.; meaning,–myrrh, or sweet smelling savor. Revelation 2:8-11. Works, tribulation, and poverty, John 15:20; James 2:5; Acts 20:29-31; 2 Peter 2:1. Ten days: this doubtless refers to the persecution of ten years under Diocletian, the emperor of Rome, 302-312 A.D. Crown of life, Revelation 1:18. Overcomer’s reward, Revelation 20:6.
Pergamos
Time,–about 323 A.D.-538 A.D.; meaning,–height, elevation. Revelation 2:12-17. Leading sin,–holding doctrine of Ballam; brief study of the doctrine and character of Balaam, P.P. 438-452. True to God in the beginning, Numbers 22:18. Loved wages of unrighteousness, 2 Peter 2:14, 15. God gave him a free choice, Numbers 22:20. His way perverse, Numbers 22:32. Balaam reproved, 2 Peter 2:16. United Baal-, or sun-worship, with the worship of the true God. Numbers 23:1-3. Hired to work against God’s people, Deuteronomy 23:3, 4. United with the king to overthrow the people of God, Revelation 2:14. Honor and position offered him, Numbers 22:17. Balaam died a soothsayer, fighting against the people of God. Joshua 13:22. Balaam’s history is parallel history with the church from about 323 to 538 A.D. The church entered this period a pure church, but united with the state, substituted “the venerable day of the sun” for the true Sabbath, and at the end was persecuting the people of God. Heathen customs were introduced into the church under the garb of Christianity. Remember the course of Balaam, Micah 6:5. A woe pronounced upon all who follow the errors of Balaam, Jude 11.
Thyatira
Time,–538 A.D.-1798 A.D.; meaning,–sacrifice of contrition. Revelation 2:18-29. Teaching of Jezebel, the leading sin, P.K. 114, 115, 215, 204-216. A brief study of the character and sins of Jezebel. Always known as a Baal-worshiper, 1 Kings 16:31. Introduced Baal-worship among the people of God, 1 Kings 16:32. Baal-worship is sun worship, 2 Kings 23:4, 5, margin; 2 Chronicles 14:5, margin; Jeremiah 43:13, margin; 44:15-19. Jezebel introduced heathen customs, 1 Kings 21:25, 26. Jezebel’s manner of dressing, 2 Kings 9:30. She destroyed the people of God, 1 Kings 18:4, 13. Given opportunity to repent, 1 Kings 21:27-29; 18:17-46. Repented not, 1 Kings 19:1, 2. Cast into tribulation, 2 Kings 9:31-37. Her children killed, 2 Kings 9:24, 26; 2 Kings 10:1-11. Before the assembled people of God it was shown that Jezebel’s Baal-worship was false and God was true, 1 Kings 18:38, 39. Jezebel’s carcass left as dung upon the ground, 2 Kings 9:35-37. MODERN JEZEBEL. A woman the symbol of the church, Jeremiah 6:2. Corrupt Woman represents a corrupt church, Revelation 17:1, 2. Opposes and exalteth itself above God, 2 Thessalonians 2:1-4. Thinks to change the law of God; the day of the sun, or Sunday, was substituted for the Sabbath of the Lord, Daniel 7:25. The woman (church) guides the beast (civil power), Revelation 17:3. The food given by this church abominable and filthy; heathen customs were mingled with the filthy; heathen customs were mingled with the truth during this period, Revelation 17:4. Modern Jezebel’s manner of dressing, Revelation 17:4. Destroyed the people of God, Revelation 17:6; Daniel 7:25; Revelation 13:7. Opportunity given to repent, Revelation 2:21; 12:6; 18:4. Repented not, Revelation 12:17; 13:16, 17; Daniel 7:21. Cast into tribulation, Revelation 2:22; 18:6-24. Her daughters destroyed. Revelation 2:23; 17:5; 19:20-21; 2 Thessalonians 2:8. Before the Universe of God, it will be shown that God is true and just. Revelation 2:23; 19:1-3; Phil. 2:9-11. The promise of the coming of the Lord prominent, Revelation 2:25. Noted for their works, Revelation 2:19. The overcomer is the one that keeps God’s works unto the end, Revelation 2:26. Our own works must be changed for God’s works and ways, Hebrews 4:10. The righteous will help to execute judgments http://www.ThreeAngels.com.auupon the wicked, Revelation 2:26, 27; Psalms 2:7-9; 149:5-9. Wicked left as dung upon the ground, Jeremiah 25:32, 33. Christ is the morning-star, Revelation 22:16. Christ is received in exchange for our sins, Gal. 1:3, 4. The message is for all who will hear, Revelation 2:29.
Sardis
Time,–1798-1833; meaning,–song of joy, or that which remains. Revelation 3:1-6. Admonished to be watchful and repent lest the Lord should come and find them unprepared. Some of this church would live during the judgment. The overcomer would have his name retained in the book of life.
Philadelphia
Time,–1833-1844; meaning,–brotherly love. Revelation 3:7-14. In preparing to meet their Lord, the church was drawn together. Christ entered the 2nd apartment of the heavenly sanctuary. No combination of earthly circumstances can prevent our entering by faith, for it is beyond the power of man to shut the door. Hypocrites will be exposed, but the faithful ones will be shielded. The overcomers will be pillars in the temple of God.
Laodicea
Time,–1844–? Meaning,–judging a just people. The Saviour introduces Himself under three titles, Revelation 3:14. Lukewarm, Revelation 3:15, 16. Boastful spirit while destitute, Revelation 3:17. Counseled to buy gold, 1 Peter 1:7; James 2:5; Revelation 3:18. White raiment, Isaiah 61:10; Revelation 19:8. Eye salve, 1 Corinthians 2:9, 10; 1 John 2:27; Revelation 3:18. Reproof in love, Hebrews 12;5-11. Invites us to open our hearts, Revelation 3:20. Overcomer shares Christ’s throne, Revelation 3:21, 22.
Daniel 12:1. Close of probation; time of trouble. G.C. 613. Daniel 12:2. Partial resurrection. G.C. 673. Daniel 12:3. Soul-winner’s reward. Daniel 12:4. Increase of knowledge. Daniel 12:5-7. At the end of 1260 years, 1798, the power of the holy people (the Bible) would be scattered. British Bible Society organized 1804; American 1816. Daniel 12:8, 9. This period called “the time of the end.” Words of Daniel sealed until that time. D.A. 234, 235. Daniel 12:10. Wise understand the book of Daniel in the time of the end. P.K.
547. Daniel 12:11, margin. Daily (paganism) taken away (508 A.D.) “to set up the abomination” that maketh desolate; 508 A.D. plus 1290 equals 1798 A.D., beginning of the time of the end when the sealed word would be opened and studied. The word “sacrifice” is supplied by man’s wisdom, and is not in the text. E.W. 74. Daniel 12:12. As there is no beginning point given here, we understand the period begins at the same date given in verse 11; 508 A.D. plus 1335 equals 1843 A.D. Then the glad news of Christ’s return was proclaimed. Daniel 12:13. Daniel stands in his lot; his writings studied in time of the end. G.C. 356.
Armageddon
Revelation 16:16. “Armageddon” occurs but once in the Bible, and then refers to the final battle which closes all earthly scenes. Testimonies, Volume 6, p. 406. Joel 3:2, 12. It is generally thought that the battle will be in the “Valley of Jehoshaphat,” or the plain of Esdraelon, where noted battles have been fought. Judges 5:19, 20: Psalms 83:9, 10. The great battle of Megiddo is an object-lesson of the final battle. 2 Chronicles 35:22-24. It was here that king Josiah was slain. Revelation 16:12. The battle of Armageddon takes place under the sixth plague when the river Euphrates is dried up. Isaiah 8:6-8. When a river is used in a figurative sense, it refers to the people living on the border of that river; thus, Turkey is the country referred to by the drying up of the great river Euphrates. Revelation 16:13, 14. The spirits of devils are onehttp://www.ThreeAngels.com.au agency in God’s hands to gather the whole world to the battle of God Almighty. Testimonies, Volume 5, p. 451. Daniel 11:45. The drying up of this river, or the Turkish nation, is equivalent to Turkey’s coming to his end with none to help him. Jeremiah 25:26-28. Every nation at this time has an interest to serve and will be gathered. Jeremiah 25:30-33. The Lord utters His voice from heaven, and the slain of the Lord are from one end of the earth to the other. Zeph. 1:2, 3. There will not remain alive a man, beast, or fowl on the earth or in the sea after this battle. 2 Peter 3:10-12. The atmospheric heaven will pass away with a great noise. Revelation 20:1, 2. Satan and his angels will be the sole dwellers on the earth for 1000 years. Revelation 20:9-15. Then will come the final battle of all battles. Revelation 21:1-4. After which there will be “a new heaven and a new earth, wherein dwelleth righteousness.”
“Every business transaction is to be fragrant with the presence of God.” “Religion and business are not two separate things; they are one.” Romans 12:17. Be honest in the sight of all men. D.A. 73; Testimonies, Volume 7, p. 248. Hebrews 13:18. Be willing in all things to live honestly. Testimonies, Volume 4, p. 285. Romans 12:11. Not slothful in business. Testimonies, Volume 5, p. 178. Proverbs 22:29. Diligence in business wins respect. 1 Thessalonians 4:11. Study to do your own business. Leviticus 19:36. Have just measurers and weights. Proverbs 22:22. Never rob nor oppress poor. Testimonies, Volume 5, p. 350. Exodus 22:22, 23. Never afflict widows or orphans. Testimonies, Volume 4, pp. 494, 495. Exodus 22:21. Neither vex nor oppress a stranger. Testimonies, Volume 6, p. 274. Leviticus 19:13. Pay hired help at the close of each day. Leviticus 19:11. Never steal nor deal falsely. D.A. 556. Mal. 3:5. God will punish those who do not regard the above principles. Testimonies, Volume 4, pp. 309, 310. Jeremiah 17:11. Ill-gotten riches do not profit. Testimonies, Volume 4, p. 540. James 5:1-6. Such riches are corrupted. Isaiah 2:17-20; Revelation 6:15; Proverbs 11:4. Riches profit not in the day of wrath. Luke 12:20, 21. It is foolish to lay up treasure and not be rich toward God. Mal. 3:8. Some men rob God. Testimonies, Volume 3, p. 394. Mal. 3:9. Those who rob God are cursed. Testimonies, Volume 3, p. 269.
Safe Counsel For Business Men
Proverbs 3:9, 10. “Honor the Lord with thy substance, and with the first-fruits of all thine increase.” Testimonies, Volume 6, 384. Mal. 3:10. Pay an honest tithe. E. 138, 44. Proverbs 22:26. Never be surety for debts. Proverbs 11:15. “He that is surety.. . shall smart for it.” Proverbs 6:1, 2. He is snared who is surety for either friend or stranger. Testimonies, Volume 1, p. 200. Proverbs 17:18. One void of understanding is surety for a friend. Proverbs 11:15. “He hath hateth suretiship is sure.” Romans 13:8. Owe no man anything. Testimonies, Volume 5, p. 179. Proverbs 22:7. Borrower is servant to the lender. Exodus 22:14, 15. If you borrow and the goods are damaged in your hands, make them good. Proverbs 10:4. The diligent gain riches. Proverbs 28:19. He that tilleth land shall have plenty. Eccl. 10:10. Never work with blunt tools. Proverbs 27:23. Be diligent in looking after your flocks and herds. Proverbs 11:25. The liberal soul shall be made fat. Leviticus 25:35-37. Never take usury from a poor brother. Deuteronomy 23:19, 20. You can receive interest on money lent a stranger. Titus 3:14, margin. Be sure you profess an honest trade. E. 218. Hab. 2:15. The liquor-seller is cursed. Proverbs 10:4. He becometh poor that deals with a slack hand. Proverbs 20:4. The sluggard shall have nothing. Proverbs 19:15. An idle soul shall suffer hunger.
Proverbs 22:16; 28:8. “He that oppresseth the poor to increase his riches. . . shall surely come to want.” Matthew 7:12. Keep the Golden Rule. Testimonies, Volume 5, p. 335. Micah 6:8. Do justly, love mercy, and walk humbly with thy God.
Where The Danger Lies
1 Timothy 6:10. The love of money is the root of all evil. Eccl. 5:10. He that loveth silver shall not prosper. Proverbs 28:22. He that hasteth to be rich hath an evil eye. Testimonies, Volume 4, p. 351. Proverbs 15:27. He that is greedy of gain troubleth his own house. Testimonies, Volume 4, p. 37. 1 Timothy 6:9. They that will be rich fall into temptations, snares, and hurtful lusts. Psalms 62:10. If riches increase, set not your heart upon them. Testimonies, Volume 3, p. 403. Jeremiah 9:23. Let not the rich man glory in his riches. Proverbs 11:28. He that trusteth in his riches shall fall. Mark 10:24. It is hard for them that trust in riches to enter heaven. Deuteronomy 8:18. Never forget that it is God that giveth power to get wealth. Testimonies, Volume 2, 278, 279. Hosea 2:8. Those that trust in riches, forget that God increases wealth. Proverbs 23:5. Riches may fly away. Haggai 1:6-9. God can scatter them if they are not used for His glory. Testimonies, Volume 2, pp. 281, 282. 1 Samuel 2:7. The Lord maketh poor, and maketh rich. Proverbs 22:2. The rich and the poor meet together, and the Lord is the Maker of them all.
God Honors Both Rich And Poor
Proverbs 30:8. “Give me neither poverty nor riches.” Psalms 112:1-5. Wealth and riches will be with those that use them to God’s glory. Genesis 13:2. “Abraham was very rich.” Genesis 26:12-14. Isaac, a wealthy farmer, gathered one-hundred fold from seed sown. 2 Chronicles 1:11, 12. Riches given Solomon. Deuteronomy 28:1-5. Temporal blessings promised the obedient. Deuteronomy 28:12, 13. God designs His people shall prosper financially. 1 Chronicles 4:9, 10. The one that honors the Lord with his substance can be trusted with wealth. Psalms 109:30, 31. God stands at the right hand of the poor. Psalms 140:12. God maintains the right of the poor. Proverbs 17:5. He that mocketh the poor reproacheth his Maker. Proverbs 28:6. Better to be poor than perverse. Numbers 18:20. Those who attend to the Lord’s work have no inheritance among the people. Numbers 18:21. They are to be supported from the tithe. Neh. 13:10, 11. When God’s workers given their attention to worldly business, the work of God suffers.
“As the end draws near and the work of giving the last warning to the world extends, it becomes more and more important for those who accept present truth to have a clear understanding of the nature and influence of the Testimonies, which God in his providence has linked with the work of the third angel’s message from its very rise.” –T., Volume 5, p. 654.
Visions And Dreams
Job 33:14-18. Dreams given to save from danger. Genesis 20:3-16. Dream of a Gentile king. Genesis 37:511. Joseph given two dreams. Genesis 40:5-19. Dreams of Pharaoh’s butler and baker. Genesis 41:1-36. Pharaoh given two dreams. Joshua 5:13-15; 7:10-15. God appeared several times to Joshua. Judges 7:13-15. Enemy’s dream helped Gideon. Daniel 2:1-35; 4:13-18. Nebuchadnezzar had two dreams. Matthew 2:11, 12. Wise men warned by a dream. Matthew 2:13-15. Joseph obeyed a dream and fulfilled prophecy. Hosea 11:1. Matthew 2:19, 20. God instructed Joseph in a dream. Matthew 27:19. Dream of Pilate’s wife. Acts 10:1-7. Cornelius had a vision, but is not called a prophet. While all true prophets have visions and dreams, that of itself alone does not make them prophets.
Prophets And Prophetesses
Num. 11:11-17, 25-29. Seventy prophets associated with Moses, but none did his work. Numbers 12:112; Exodus 15:20. Miriam, a prophetess, was not allowed to criticize Moses. 1 Kings. 18:13. There were http://www.ThreeAngels.com.auone hundred prophets in Elijah’s day; none but Elijah dared meet Ahab. P.K. 147. 2 Kings 9:1-10. A young prophet helped Elisha, but he did not take Elisha’s place. 1 Chronicles 21:9; 29:29; 25:1-5. David had ten or more prophets, but David led the people. Luke 2:36-38. Anna, the prophetess, is mentioned only once. Acts. 11:27-30; 21:10-13. Agabus gave personal local testimonies, but the burden of all the churches did not rest upon him. Acts. 13:1-4. There were prophets at Antioch, but their work was local. 1 Corinthians 14:29-33. Corinthian prophets failed to recognize order among prophets. 1 Corinthians 14:36, 37. They were to recognize Paul as a leading prophet. While God may reveal Himself to many, there is only one leading prophet at any one period of time upon whom God places the burden of directing His church.
Leading Prophets
Isaiah 63:12. The Lord led Israel by the hand by Moses. Deuteronomy 18:15, 18. Moses was a type of Christ. Deuteronomy 34:10; Numbers 12:7, 8. There was no other prophet like Moses. Exodus 32:32, 33; Hosea 12:13. Moses offered his life for the people. Joshua 1:1-9. Before Moses died on the borders of the promised land, he wrote the instruction which, if followed, would have led Israel safely into the land. Jeremiah 15:1. Moses and Samuel had special power in prayer for the people. 1 Samuel 7:8, 9; Psalms 99:6. Samuel’s prayers saved the people from their enemies. 1 Samuel 3:20; 4:1; 7:5; 6. Samuel was a leading prophet; he led the people. 1 Samuel 3:19. He delivered all of God’s words. Psalms 89:20-37. David’s throne, a type of God’s throne. 2 Samuel 6:14-19. David was a priest-king. He wore the ephod and offered sacrifices. 1 Kings. 17:1. Elijah, the Tishbite, a grand character. 1 Kings. 18:4, 17-19. There were one hundred prophets, but only Elijah reproved Ahab. 1 Kings. 19:15, 16; 2 Kings 8:12, 13; 9:13. Elisha carried forward the work of Elijah; they together completed one great work. P.K. 235. 1 Kings 17:17-23; 2 Kings 4:32-36. Each of these prophets raised the dead; they were both leading prophets. Mal. 4:4-6; Luke 1:17. Elijah’s work was a type of the closing message. Matthew 17:10-13; P.K. 227. Isaiah was a leading prophet. He also gave testimonies to the surrounding nations. Chapters 13-23. Jeremiah 1:1-10. Jeremiah was chosen before his birth. He also was a prophet for the nations. Jeremiah 1:17-19. Jeremiah lived in a crisis. Jeremiah 7:16; 11:14; 17-22. Like Moses and Samuel, he carried a burden for the people, and prayed for them even when God told him not to pray to them. Luke 7:24-30. John the Baptist, the forerunner of Christ, was the greatest prophet that ever lived. 2 Corinthians 11:28. Paul carried the burden of all the churches. Through him God gave instruction for the organization of the Christian church. A.A. 198. In each important period of the world when the law of God has been honored, God has had a leading prophet through whom He has led His people.
Spirit Of Prophecy In The Remnant Church
Revelation 12:17; 19:10. The remnant keep the law of God and have the Spirit of prophecy. 1 Corinthians 12:28. Prophets in Christian Church. Eph. 4:11, 12. Christ left the gift of prophecy in the church. Exodus 7:1; 4:15, 16. A prophet of the Lord is a spokesman for God. 1 Peter 1:10, 11; 2 Peter 1:20, 21. The Spirit from the Father and Christ speaks through the prophets. Hebrews 1:1, 2; Testimonies, Volume 5, p. 661. Revelation 1:1. Steps by which revelation comes; 1st , God; 2nd , Christ; 3rd , angel; 4th , the prophet; 5th , given the people. 2 Chronicles 36:12; Ezekiel 3:17; 2 Samuel 23:2. Prophets speak from the mouth of the Lord. Testimonies, Volume 5, p. 677. Revelation 1:2. These messages are called the word of God and testimony of Jesus Christ. 1 Corinthians 14:1. The best gift. Eph. 4:11-14. It brings unity of the faith. Luther and Zwingle were both good men; but there was not unity between them, for there was no leading prophet to give them counsel from God and each followed his own ideas. Testimonies, Volume , p. 86. Joshua 1:2-9. The power of the message is not lessened by the death of the prophet. Acts 2:16-18. Prophets in the last days. 1 Corinthians 1:4-8. The Spirit of prophecy confirmed in one gives efficiency, and prepares them for the coming of the Lord.
http://www.ThreeAngels.com.auPhysical Tests Of A True Prophet
Num. 12:6. Will have visions. Daniel 10:8. In vision lose their strength. Daniel 10:18. Strengthened by the angel. Daniel 10:17. No breath. Daniel 10:15. Dumb. Daniel 10:16. Lips touched by angel. Daniel 10:16. Speak without breath. Jeremiah 1:9. God’s words in their mouth. Testimonies, Volume 5, p. 677. 2 Samuel 23:2. God controls their tongue. Numbers 24:16. Eyes open in vision. Numbers 23:20. Can not reverse the words. 2 Corinthians 12:2-4. Unconsciousness of surroundings. Visions are given in presence of witnesses, who bear testimony to fulfillment of the tests.
Characteristics Of A True Prophet
Matthew 24:24. There will be false prophets. 1 John 4:1. Test all prophets. 1 John 4:2, 3. Must confess Christ came in the flesh. Isaiah 8:20. Tested by the law and the testimony. The words of a true prophet will harmonize with the law of God and the testimony of all previous prophets of God. One who claims to be a prophet may fulfill every other test, but if his instruction is contrary to the Bible and the testimonies, he proves himself to be false. Deuteronomy 13:1-4. Exalt the true God.
Deuteronomy 18:21, 22. Words must come true. Deuteronomy 13:1-3. A false prophet’s words may come true. Numbers 12:6. Will have visions. Daniel 10:7; Acts 9:7, 8. Open or public visions with witnesses present. Testimonies, Volume 1, pp. 58, 70. 1 John 1:1-3, 2 Peter 1:16. Witnesses relate what they have seen. 1 Samuel 3:1-10; Daniel 2:19; 7:1. Night visions and dreams. Testimonies, Volume 1, p. 569. Acts 9:3. A great light encircles them. Testimonies, Volume 9, p. 66. Acts 10:9, 10; Daniel 9:20-23. Vision given while praying. Testimonies, Volume 5, p. 68. Ezekiel 8:3; Daniel 8:2. Taken to other places while in vision. Testimonies, Volume 5, p. 68; E.W. 32. Matthew 7:15-20. Known by fruits. Testimonies, Volume 5, p. 671. Jeremiah 7:13, 25; 25:4. Early risers. Testimonies, Volume 5, p. 67. Acts 13:8-11; 2 Chronicles 20:14-19. God sometimes speaks through a prophet without a vision. Testimonies, Volume 5, p. 678. Jeremiah 23:16. Never flatter. Acts 11:27-30. Warn of danger. Acts 15:1, 2 27-29. Settle doctrinal questions. Testimonies, Volume 1, pp. 76, 86; E.W. 74, 75. Acts 16:4, 5. Testimony establishes churches. Acts 16:6-10 Directs the laborers. E.W. 63. 2 Kings 8:9-12. Countenance of persons reminds the prophet of what he has seen. Testimonies, Volume 5, pp. 65, 671. 2 Kings. 4:27. Everything is not always revealed. 2 Kings. 5:20-26. Reveal unexpressed desires of the heart. Isaiah 38:1-5. Prayers and tears change a testimony. P.K. 340, 341. Jeremiah 18:7-10. Principle governing all testimonies. 2 Chronicles 21:12, margin. Testimonies written before time for their delivery. 2 Peter 1:20. Every word far-reaching. Isaiah 44:26. God confirms the words. E.W. 59. Jeremiah 36:32. Never take back their testimony, but rather add to it. Testimonies, Volume 5, p. 677.
Doubters’ Criticism Or Prophets
Num. 12:1-10; Deuteronomy 24:9. Miriam was not pleased with Moses’ wife. P.P. 382, 383. Numbers 12:11-16. God punished Miriam. Numbers 22:12, 20. The Lord changed His word. Ezekiel 14:4, 5; 2 Peter 2:15; Jude 1:11. Balaam loved worldly honor was the reason. P.P. 439-441. 1 Samuel 8:1-5. Samuel’s sons were wicked. 1 Samuel 8:6, 7. In rejecting Samuel because his sons were evil, Israel rejected God. P.P. 604, 605. 1 Samuel 15:1-15. Saul changed the testimony. 1 Samuel 15:16-26. Saul was rejected for disobeying the testimony. P.P. 632-635. 1 Kings 14:1-4. Jeroboam tried to deceive an old blind prophet.
http://www.ThreeAngels.com.au1 Kings 14:5-16. Received sad tidings as the result.
2 Kings 5:15-24. Gehazi thought Elisha made a mistake. P.K. 250-252. 2 Kings 5:25-27. Reproof and leprosy came to him. 2 Kings 7:1, 2. A great man avowed unbelief in Elisha’s testimony. 2 Kings 7:17-20. Testimony fulfilled. Doubter died. 2 Kings 20:1-6. Testimony changed. Jeremiah 18:7, 8. Hezekiah changed. Jeremiah 36:17. Did the secretary write exactly what the prophet said? Jeremiah 36:18. The secretary was faithful. Jeremiah 36:21-24. Those highest in authority did not respect the testimony. Testimonies, Volume 5, 678. Jeremiah 38:4-6. The leading men did not think that the testimonies of Jeremiah were a help
to the people. Testimonies, Volume 5, pp. 79, 76. Jeremiah 43:1, 2. The proud men of the church accused the prophet of speaking falsely. Testimonies, Volume 5, p. 66. Jeremiah 43:3. They claimed that the prophet was influenced by Baruch. Testimonies, Volume 5, pp. 63, 64, 684, 685. Jeremiah 29:1. The letters of the prophet are not inspired. Testimonies, Volume 5, p. 67. This objection would cast aside a large number of books of the New Testament which are epistles. 1 Corinthians 1:10-12. Paul received information from the household of Chloe before he wrote the reproof. Testimonies, Volume 5, p. 65. 2 Corinthians 13:3. Corinthians asked proof that Christ spoke through Paul. Philemon 9. Paul was aged. 2 Peter 3:15, 16. Paul’s writings were hard to understand. Those who took advantage of this and sought to “wrest,” or change, them brought destruction on themselves. Acts 7:52; Matthew 23:3437. The people of God have always persecuted the prophets. Luke 13:33. The world never persecuted a prophet. Jeremiah 39:11-14; 40:2-4. The Babylonians took off the chains with which Israel had bound their own prophet. Hosea 9:8; Mark 6:3, 4. “The prophet is a snare in all his ways.” The people see only the humanity in the prophet, and thus reject the message, as the Jews saw “the carpenter’s son” in Jesus and rejected Him. Many fail to see divinity in the message from God because it is delivered through a human instrument. T., .5, p. 672. Eccl. 1:9-11; 3:15. History repeats itself.
Old Testament Prophets
James 5:17. Prophets are human beings, subject to the same temptations as other men. Exodus 3:1. Moses was a shepherd. 1 Samuel 3:1-5; 7:6, 16. Samuel was a priest and judge. Acts 2:25, 30. David was king. 1 Kings 17:1. Elijah was accustomed to hardships. 1 Kings 19:19-21. Elisha was a farmer. Amos 1:1. Amos was a herdsman. Isaiah 1:1. Isaiah was the son of Amos. Jeremiah 1:1. Jeremiah was a priest. Ezekiel 1:13. Ezekiel was a priest among the captives of Babylon. Daniel 2:48; 6:1-3. Daniel was prime minister of Babylon and Medo-Persia. Judges 4:4, 5. Deborah was a married woman and a judge. 2 Kings 22:14. Huldah was also married and dwelt in the college. 1 Samuel 8:1-3. Samuel’s sons were wicked. Ezekiel 24:15-18. Ezekiel records the death of his wife. 2 Kings 4:8-17. Prophets visited homes of the people. 2 Kings 4:38-41; 6:1-7. Elisha spent much time with the schools of the prophets. Jeremiah 32:6-15. Jeremiah bought land. 1 Kings 13:1-32. Prophets are required to obey the words of the Lord spoken by their own mouth. 2 Kings 23:15-18. Disobedience on the part of the prophet does not hinder the fulfillment of the prophecy.
New Testament Prophets
Acts 7:37. Christ was a prophet like Moses, –one with whom the Lord spoke “mouth to mouth.” Numbers 12:6-8. Luke 1:67. Zacharias, the priest, possessed the gift of prophecy. Luke 2:25-27. Simeon, the priest, was a prophet. Luke 2:36-38. Anna, the prophetess, at the advanced age of eighty years published the news of the Saviour’s birth. Matthew 11:9-11. John the Baptist, greatest prophet. Acts 11:27, 28. Agabus prophesied of general dearth. Acts 21:10-12. Seventeen years later he gave a personal testimony to Paul. Acts 21:8, 9. Philip’s four daughters prophesied. Acts 15:32. Judas and Silas were prophets. James 5:1-5. The financial condition of the last days revealed through James. Acts 10:9-17. Peter had visions. Through him was revealed more clearly than by any other prophet the purifying of the earth of fire. 2 Peter 3:7-13. Revelation 1:10. The book of Revelation portrays the history of the last days as revealed to John in vision. This was given in A.D. 96. 2 Corinthians 12:1-7. Paul as late as A.D. 60 speaks of the “abundance of the revelations” that were given him.
“Conscience is the voice of God, heard amid the conflict of human passions.” Testimonies, Volume 5, p. 120.
A Good Conscience
Rom. 2:15. The quiet voice within. Testimonies, Volume 5, p. 512. Genesis 3:15. Given as a safeguard. Testimonies, Volume 5, pp. 519, 520. 1 Timothy 1:19. Disregard of conscience means shipwreck, Testimonies, Volume 5, p. 546. 1 Timothy 1:5. Good conscience and pure heart go together. 1 Peter 3:16. Also good conscience and godly life. Romans 2:1316. Good conscience accords with the law. 1 Corinthians 8:7-11. Condition of conscience depends on knowledge of God’s word. 1 Corinthians 8:12. It is wrong to persuade one to violate his conscience. D.A. 550, 487. 1 John 3:20, 21. If our hearts (or conscience) condemn us not, we have confidence.
Defiled Conscience
Titus 1:15. Mind and conscience may be defiled. Titus 1:16. A hypocrite has a defiled conscience. Titus 1:15. Nothing pure to a defiled conscience. Titus 1:16, margin. One with defiled conscience is an unsafe counselor. Titus 1:13. Sound in faith, a safeguard against defiled conscience. 2 Timothy 2:1618, margin. Words from defiled conscience like canker, or gangrene. Matthew 23:23, 24. They often “strain at a gnat, and swallow a camel.” Hebrews 10:19-23. Only remedy is drawing near to God.
A Seared Conscience
1 Timothy 4:2. A person may continue in sin until his conscience is seared. Testimonies, Volume 2,
p. 263. Eph. 4:19. Given over to lasciviousness and wickedness. Eph. 4:18. Alienated from the life of God. 1 Timothy 4:2. Hypocrites belong to this class. Hebrews 10:29. Even count the blood of the covenant unholy.
Consciences Mentioned In The Bible
1 Peter 3:16. Good conscience. 1 Timothy 3:9. Pure conscience. Hebrews 9:14. Purged conscience. Acts 24:16. Conscience void of offense. 1 Corinthians 8:12. Weak conscience. Testimonies, Volume 4, p. 254; Volume 2, pp. 90-92. Hebrews 10:22. Evil conscience. Titus 1:15. Defiled conscience. Testimonies, Volume 2, p. 42. 1 Timothy 4:2. Seared conscience. Testimonies, Volume 5, p. 120.
“The schools of the prophets were founded by Samuel, to serve as a barrier against the wide-spread corruption, to provide for the moral and spiritual welfare of the youth, and to promote the future prosperity of the nation by finishing it with men qualified to act in the fear of God as leader and counselors.”
Location And Finance Of The School
1 Samuel 19:19, 20. The first school was in Ramah with Samuel as the leading teacher. 1 Samuel 7:1, 2. Kirjath-jearim is thought to be the seat of an important school, as the ark remained there twenty years. E. 46; P.P. 593. 2 Kings 2:3. One school was established in Bethel, no doubt to counteract the worship of the calf that Jeroboam placed in that city. 2 Kings 2:5. Jericho was the seat of another school. 2 Kings 4:38, 43. A school of one hundred students was situated at Gilgal. 2 Kings 6:1-7. Wickedness increased and the last school of the prophets mentioned was removed from the cities and placed in the woods on the banks of the Jordan, where the students would be brought in touch with http://www.ThreeAngels.com.authe elevating scenes of nature rather than the vices of cities. 2 Kings 6:1-4. The houses were built was student labor. 2 Kings 6:5. Their finances were so low they borrowed tools. 2 Kings 6:6, 7. A miracle restored the borrowed ax. P.K. 260, 261. 2 Kings 4:42. Food donated by the people. 2 Kings 4:43, 44. When the amount of food was not sufficient, the Lord increased it by a miracle. P.K. 241, 242. 2 Kings 4:38, 39. When they lacked food, instead of complaining or begging, the students gathered wild food. 2 Kings 4:40, 41. By mistake they gathered poison. The Lord cooperated with them in their efforts to sustain themselves and removed the poison from the food. P.K. 240, 241. 2 Kings 4:1-7. One of the students with a family became in debt, and the Lord performed a miracle to pay the debt.
Teachers And Students
1 Samuel 19:20. A leader was appointed to have charge of the schools. 2 Kings 2:3; 1 Samuel 10:12. The leaders were called masters or fathers, and the students were called sons. 1 Kings 18:4; 2 Kings 4:43. The schools were sometimes large. 1 Kings 18:4. The students of the schools of the prophets endured persecution and death rather than compromise the cause of God. P.K. 126. 1 Kings 22:6-14. When the whole company was swayed by the king, there was yet one prophet true to principle. P.K. 195, 196. 1 Kings 20:35-42; 2 Kings 9:1-10. The students that were true were sent to transact important business. 2 Kings 6:1. The teacher, or leader, lived with the students. P.K. 260. 2 Kings 6:2, 3.
The teachers engaged in manual labor with the students. P.P. 601. 2 Kings 2:16. Manual labor in the schools was conducive to health and vigor. The students were strong men. P.P. 593. Psalms 74:5. A man’s fame consisted in his ability to perform active labor. 2 Kings 4:38-43. The simple vegetarian diet was another interesting feature connected with the schools. 1 Kings 18:4. This simple diet prepared them to face persecution, when they were hidden in the cave, and sustained on bread and water. Isaiah 33:14-17. Before the coming of the Lord, some will be prepared in the same way to pass through a similar experience. 2 Kings. 2:3-5. The students were in such close touch with the Lord that they knew when Elijah would be translated. P.K. 225, 226. 2 Kings 2:15. They recognized the presence of the spirit of God, and paid respect to the one guided by the Spirit. 2 Kings 2:23, 24. Surrounded by those who openly ridiculed the good, these young men developed Christian characters. 1 Samuel 10:5. Sacred music was taught; the students were instructed to use various musical instruments. P.P. 593-602.
“As Jesus rested by faith in the Father’s care, so we are to rest in the care of our Saviour. . . Living faith in the Redeemer will smooth the sea of life.” “Faith is the spiritual hand that touches infinity.” D.A. 336; Testimonies, Volume 6, p. 467.
Degrees Of Faith
Hebrews 11:6. Faith is an absolute necessity in the Christian life. Deuteronomy 32:20; 2 Thessalonians 3:2. The wicked have no faith. Romans 12:3. Degrees in Christian character are shown by the measure of faith possessed. D.A. 347. Luke 12:28. Some have “little faith.” M.H. 66. Romans 14:1. Others are “weak in faith.” C.O.L. 147. Matthew 15:28. The Syrophenician woman had “great faith.” D.A. 400-402. Acts 11:24. Barnabas was “full of faith.” Luke 17:5. Pray for an increase of faith. Luke 22:31, 32. Pray that our faith fail not. James 2:5. Be rich in faith. 2 Timothy 1:5. The faith must be “unfeigned.” 2 Peter 1:1. Obtained precious faith. 2 Peter 1:5-8. Faith is the foundation upon which godly character is built. A.A. 529, 530. Eph. 6:16. Faith will shield us from evil.
http://www.ThreeAngels.com.auFaith A Gift
Hebrews 12:2. Jesus is the “author and finisher of our faith.” Testimonies, Volume 5, p. 229. John 1:1, 14. Christ is the living Word. Romans 10:17. Since Christ, the living Word, is the author of our faith, we receive faith for reading the Word. C.O.L. 112. Eph. 2:8. It is a gift from God, which we receive through the channel of His word. James 2:18. Faith is shown by our works. James 2:17. Without work faith dies. James 2:22. Faith made perfect by works. Testimonies, Volume 5, p. 200. Romans 5:1. Justified by faith. Romans 4:5. Faith counted for righteousness. Gal. 2:16. Faith, not works, justifies. James 2:24-26. Faith without works will save no one. Gal. 5:6. Faith works by love. Eph. 3:17. Faith makes Christ’s presence a reality. D.A. 123. Gal. 2:20. The Christian life is a life of faith. D.A. 389.
Faith That Works
Hebrews 11:1, margin. “Faith is the ground, or confidence, of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.” Mark 11:24. Faith brings answers to prayers. Testimonies, Volume 6, p. 467. Luke 8:43-48. Faith restores diseased organs. Luke 17:11-19. Faith can restore the body as well as the soul. D.A. 202. James 5:1316. The prayer of faith will save the sick. Mark 10:46-52. Faith will restore physical sight. Matthew 9:27-30. We receive both physical and spiritual strength according to our faith. M.H. 62. Luke 5:1826. There is a close relationship between the healing of the body and cleansing from sin. Matthew 6:3034. The Christian who fails to have faith about temporal things, loses much of the sweetness of trusting in God. Testimonies, Volume 6., p. 171. Matthew 8:23-27. “Little faith” fears the elements. D.A. 334, 335. James 5:16-18. Faith can control the elements. 1 Corinthians 13:1-3. A faith that can even control the elements of nature is of no value, unless it serves as a foundation of a Christian character worked out in daily acts of love. 1 Corinthians 13:4-11. A living faith will enable a man to control his temper. James 1:26. A living faith will control the tongue.
Door Of Faith
Acts 14:27. There is a “door of faith.” Gal. 6:10. When we enter this door, we become members of the “household of faith.” 1 Corinthians 16:13. We are to “stand fast in the faith.”
2 Corinthians 5:7. “We walk by faith.” P.K. 175. 1 Thessalonians 1:3. The Christian will do the “work of faith.” P.K. 164. 1 Timothy 5:8. Some will deny the faith. 1 Timothy 6:10. Love of money will cause some to err from the faith. P.K. 177. 1 Timothy 6:20, 21. Worldly science will cause some to err concerning the faith.
P.K. 178. 2 Timothy 3:8. Those of corrupt minds are reprobates concerning the faith. 1 Timothy 4:1; 2 Timothy 2:17, 18. Spiritualism and false doctrine will cause some to depart from the faith. 1 Timothy 1:19, 20. To give up faith means shipwreck of life. 2 Corinthians 13:5. We are to examine ourselves to see if we are in the faith. 1 Timothy 3:13. A righteous life will have boldness in faith. 1 Timothy 6:11, 12. We are to “fight the good fight to faith.” Jude 3. Earnestly contend for the faith. Jude 20. Build ourselves up in the faith. P.K. 732. 1 John 5:4. Faith will overcome the world. Testimonies, Volume 5, p. 199.
“If we carefully preserve the life force, and keep the delicate mechanism of the body in order, the result is health.” “Without health, no one can as distinctly understand, or as completely fulfill his obligations to himself, to his fellow-beings, or to his creator. Therefore, the health should be as faithfully guarded as the character.” M.H. 235; E. 195.
Health
Genesis 43:28; 47:9. Old age alone does not bring poor health. Genesis 48:1, 17-19. Jacob had clear mind in sickness. Genesis 49:33. At the age of 147 years, he was able to gather up his own feet into the bed. Deuteronomy 34:7. At 120 years, Moses’ eye was not dim, nor his natural force abated. Joshua 14:10, 11. Caleb had full health at 85 years. Deuteronomy 28:22, 27-29, 60, 61. Other nations had diseases. Exodus 15:26; Deuteronomy 7:12-15. If the Israelites had obeyed God, He would have taken all sickness from them. Testimonies, Volume 2, pp. 371, 372. Exodus 16:3-13. Israel lusted for flesh. Numbers 11:4. Mixed multitude began the complaint. Numbers 11:4-6. Despised food from heaven; wanted flesh. Numbers 11:31-33. With flesh came disease. Testimonies, Volume 2, pp. 45, 368, 404. Psalms 78:18; 106:14, 15. Also leanness of soul. Testimonies, Volume 1, p. 548. 1 Corinthians 10:6. We should not lust after evil things as they lusted. Testimonies, Volume 2, p. 64. Isaiah 4:1. Diet a test of the true church. Testimonies, Volume 1, pp. 468, 546; Volume 6, p. 372.
Diet In Moses’ Writings
Genesis 1:29. Nuts, grains, and fruits, original diet. Genesis 3:17, 18. After sin entered herbs were added to the diet. This diet continued for 1655 years until the flood, or about one-third of the entire history of the world. Genesis 9:3. After the flood, flesh diet was permitted. Genesis 9:4. Never allowed to eat blood. A.A. 191-197. Leviticus 7:26, 27. The soul that ate any manner of blood was cut off. Leviticus 17:10-12. No stranger allowed to eat blood. Acts 15:28, 29. A necessary requirement of the Christian church. Deuteronomy 12:24-25. Life in the blood. Leviticus 10:17, 18. In some offerings priests ate a portion of the flesh. 1 Samuel 2:12-16. Priests could eat only sodden flesh,–flesh which had been boiled until the blood was extracted from it. The priests that were “sons of Belial,” wished raw flesh that could be roasted with the blood in it, thus giving flavor to the flesh. Testimonies, Volume 6, p. 327; Volume 9, pp. 163, 164. There are many at the present day, who, like the sons of Eli, prefer flesh cooked in a manner to retain the blood. Very little flesh would be eaten if God’s requirements were followed. The blood gives flavor. Flesh sodden (put over the fire in cold water and cooked slowly) is almost tasteless. 1 Samuel 2:17. He who disregards the Lord’s instruction, whether priest or layman, causes the people to think lightly of the Lord’s requirements. Testimonies, Volume 9, pp. 159, 160. Leviticus 7:23-25. Fat was forbidden. Testimonies, Volume 2, p. 63. Leviticus 3:17. The command to abstain from blood and fat is a perpetual statute. Testimonies, Volume 2, p. 61
Result Of Eating Flesh Meat
Genesis 9:5, 6. If man commits murder, the murderer is to be punished by man; but when the beasts are killed to be eaten, God Himself avenges their death. Over every plate of flesh meat, these words of God can truthfully be placed: “Surely your blood of your lives will I require, at the hand of every beast will I require it.” God has never forgotten to avenge the blood of animals slain for food. He uses various agencies to fulfill His word, as cancers, tumors, ulcers, consumption, etc. Testimonies, Volume 9, p. 159; M.H. 313-315. A comparison of the 10 generations before the flood with the 10 generations after the flood, shows that God fulfills His word.
Noah, the 10th generation, lived 20 years longer than Adam; the 8th generation lived 39 years longer than Adam; Shem was brought up on a vegetarian diet and lived to a fair age; but the 2nd generation after the flood dropped to 438 years; and the 8th generation, instead of being the longest as before the flood, was the shortest,–only 148 years. Testimonies, Volume 9, 156. Genesis 9:20-23. After eating flesh Noah was drunken. Testimonies, Volume 2, pp. 352, 353. Genesis 9:25. Curse rested upon descendants. Proverbs 23:20, 21. Drunkenness and flesh-eating associated. 1 Samuel 2:22. Eli’s sons, who would have the flesh with the blood, were licentious. Testimonies, Volume 2, pp. 62, 352, 362.
Victory In Place Of Defeat
Redemption means a re-purchase of that which was lost. Adam and Eve were not content with the food God gave them, and coveted forbidden food; thus they lost Eden. Redeemed man will go back over the same road and gain victory where Adam and Eve fell. Testimonies, Volume 1, pp. 486, 487. Genesis 3:1-6. Appetite the master of the man Adam. Testimonies, Volume 3, p. 161. Isaiah 7:14, 15. The child Jesus, through victory over appetite, able to refuse evil and choose good. Matthew 4:3, 4; Luke 4:3, 4. The man Jesus, victor over appetite. Testimonies, Volume 3, pp. 161, 162. 1 Peter 2:21. Christ left us an example that we should follow in His steps. Isaiah 4:1-5. In the time of the judgment the members of the apostate church are known by their choosing their own diet, rather than the diet given by Christ, the true husband of the church. Isaiah 66:15-17. Isaiah says that the appetite will be a test at the coming of Christ. Those who are ruled by appetite will be destroyed; those who are visitors over appetite will be spared. Mal. 3:1-6; 4:5, 6. Elijah, a type of the remnant church. Testimonies, Volume 6 p. 112; P.K. 227. 1 Kings 17:1-6. He was introduced as a flesh eater. 1 Kings 17:9-16. Non-flesh diet next mentioned. 1 Kings 19:4-8. Before translation, diet of bread and water. P.K. 166. Isaiah 33:14-17. Remnant will have the same diet before translation. Testimonies, Volume 2, pp. 63, 64. Isaiah 65:21-25. No life taken to furnish food in the new earth. Genesis 1:29. No flesh diet in Eden; flesh-eating only associated with the sin-cursed earth. Genesis 3:17. If citizens of an heavenly country why not partake of the food of Eden rather than the diseased carcasses of animals?
Swine’s Flesh
Genesis 7:2. Division of clean and unclean beasts before the flood. M.H. 280. Leviticus 11:2-28. Scavengers of earth, air, and sea, not to be eaten. Testimonies, Volume 4, p. 141. Leviticus 11:7, 8. Not to eat or touch swine’s flesh. Testimonies, Volume 2, pp. 62, 94. 2 Peter 2:22. It is a filthy animal. C.T. 48. Matthew 7:6. Fierce and ungenerous. Isaiah 65:3-5. The eating of swine’s flesh is so displeasing to God that He compares it to smoke in His nose. Isaiah 66:15-17. Those found eating swine’s flesh when Christ returns will be destroyed. M.H. 313, 314. Luke 15:15. Herding swine, degrading work. Mark 5:14-17. Those interested in raising swine, have no interest in Christ or His work. No one can care for swine without violating. Leviticus 11;7, 8.
Study On 1 Timothy 4:1-7
1 Timothy 4:1. In the last days some depart from the faith of the latter times,– third angel’s message. 1 Timothy 4:1-3. They depart from the faith in five definite things:–
Sickness And Healing
3 John 2. God wishes us to be healthy. Mark 2:5-11. Healing of body and soul closely united. Psalms 103:3. God heals all diseases. Jeremiah 17:14. Work perfectly done. Deuteronomy 34:7. Freedom from disease does not insure freedom from death. Genesis 25:8; 35:29. There is no mention of sickness in recording the death of many of the patriarchs. Job 2:3, 4. Perfect life does not insure freedom from disease. 2 Corinthians 12:7. Sickness sometimes draws one nearer to God. E.W. 21. 1 Timothy 5:23. Timothy had poor health. God permits sickness to draw us nearer to Him; but often He is disappointed. Isaiah 38:1-8. Hezekiah’s sickness and recovery. Isaiah 39:1-8. Instead of magnifying God, he exalted himself. Luke 13:1-5. Sickness not always an evidence of sin. Matthew 8:16, 17. Christ has borne our sickness as well as our sins. We may claim freedom from disease if it be for God’s glory and our good.
Diet And Health
1 Corinthians 6:19, 20; Psalms 139:14. Our body God’s temple. Testimonies, Volume 6, pp. 375, 376. 1 Corinthians 3:16; 17. Maybe defiled. Testimonies, Volume 3, p. 163. Daniel 1:8. Eating improper food defiles the body. 1 Corinthians 10:31. Should eat to God’s glory. M.H. 305. Luke 21:34-36. Take heed to the quantity and quality of food eaten. Testimonies, Volume 4, pp. 416, 417; Volume 2, p. 362. Eccl. 10:17. Eat in due season for strength. Testimonies, Volume 4, p. 502. Isaiah 55:2. Money spent for improper food is wasted. Delight in eating good food. Job 36:16. Set that on your table which is full of fatness. Testimonies, Volume 9, 162; Volume 2, pp. 486, 487. Leviticus 7:23. Animal fat forbidden. Deuteronomy 32:14; Psalms 81:16, margin; 147:14, margin. Eat the fat of kidneys of wheat. Proverbs 23:1-3. Dainties deceitful food. M.H. 302; Testimonies, Volume 2, pp. 383, 400. Psalms 103:5. Be satisfied with proper food. Proverbs 15:17; 17:1, 22; Eccl. 9:7. State of mind much to do with appetite. Isaiah 7:14, 15. The Saviour was perfected in childhood by control of appetite, for butter and honey. The Bible rule for eating honey will apply to all good foods. Proverbs 24:13. Eat honey; it is good. Proverbs 25:16. Be guarded in eating it. Testimonies, Volume 2, p. 369. Proverbs 25:27. Too much is not good. Proverbs 25:27, 28. The character of the one whose appetite is not controlled is like a city with broken walls; he lacks stability necessary to refuse the evil and choose the good. Isaiah 7:15; Testimonies, Volume 6, p. 378; M.H. 334. Genesis 25:29-34. Esau sold his birthright because he could not control his appetite. Testimonies, Volume 5, p. 197. Hebrews 12:16, 17. For this he is called profane.
Psalms 106:14, 15. Giving away to appetite given leanness to soul. Testimonies, Volume 2, p. 95. Proverbs 16:32. Better to master yourself than to take a city. M.H. 310. Genesis 3:1-6. Adam and Eve failed to master their appetites. Matthew 4:1-4. Christ conquered where Adam fell; all His followers must gain the same victory. An uncontrolled appetite lost Eden; only controlled appetites can regain it. Luke 12:35-37. Redeemed eat food in the kingdom of God. 1 Corinthians 9:24-27. Temperance principles necessary. Testimonies, Volume 6, p. 374.
Appetite
Job 38:39-41. God gave beasts an appetite. Psalms 104:25-28. He feeds animals. Matthew 6:25, 26. More interested in food for man. Deuteronomy 29:18, 19, margin. Do not cultivate any poisonous plants that will create a thirst. Deuteronomy 29:20, 21. The one who cultivates such plants will be separated from God’s people. Tea, coffee, tobacco, and opium are all poisonous herbs that create a thirst; therefore, this text excludes all of them. Testimonies, Volume 9, pp. 112, 153; Volume 2, pp. 64, 65, 96, 97. Luke 1:15. The Holy Spirit does not dwell with drunkards. 1 Corinthians 6:9, 10. No drunkard will enter the kingdom of God. Judges 13:1214. Mothers should abstain from strong drink. Leviticus 10:9, 10. Strong drink perverts the mind; cannot http://www.ThreeAngels.com.audiscern between right and wrong. Leviticus 10:1, 2. Nadab and Abihu examples. Daniel 1:8-16. Daniel and his companions risked their lives rather than drink the king’s wine. Daniel 1:17-21. Temperate habits made them physically, mentally, and spiritually in advance of their companions. Deuteronomy 8:1, 2. Israel’s experience was to lead them to obey God.
God’s Interest In Our Health
Zecheriah 2:8. God’s people are as dear to Him as the apple of His eye. Isaiah 53:4, 5. Christ bore our infirmities. Matthew 8:16, 17. Shown by His healing the sick. 1 Peter 2:24; 3 John 2. Our health as well as forgiveness of our sins purchased by the blood of Christ. Matthew 9:36, margin. Christ feels every tired feeling of His people. Psalms 41:3, margin. Regards the sick in mercy. 1 Corinthians 6:19, 20. Human body purchased by Christ’s blood. Testimonies, Volume 6, p. 369. Romans 12:1. Bodies should be a living sacrifice. 2 Corinthians 7:1. True sanctification embraces a clean body and a pure mind. Rom 12:2. Which will not conform to the world. 1 Corinthians 10:31. Will eat and drink to God’s glory. Daniel 1:8. Will not defile the body. 1 Corinthians 3:16, 17. God destroys those who defile the body.
Divine Agencies In Healing
James 2:20. “Faith without works is dead.” Mark 1:30, 31. Healing in Christ’s touch. Matthew 8:7-13. His word healed the sick. John 9:11. At times combined rational remedies. Hebrews 9:10. Law taught divers washings. 2 Kings 5:10, 11. Elisha taught continual bathing as a curative agency. 2 Kings 20:5-7. Hezekiah given rational remedies. Mark 6:13. Disciples anointed sick, healed them. James 5:14-16. Fervent prayer, confession of sins, and anointing with oil, classed together in healing. Mark 5:23. Hands laid on the sick. Matthew 17:21. Sometimes fasting as well as prayer required. Numbers 12:13-15. Healing is sometimes deferred till God’s lesson is learned. Job 42:7-10. Job was healed when he prayed for those who had misjudged him. 1 Kings 13:3-6; Luke 17:11-19. Wicked people sometimes healed when God can be glorified thereby.
Fermented Wine
Fermentation is a sign of death, and death is the result of sin. Alcohol is formed by a process of fermentation; hence, it is a direct child of death and sin. Proverbs 20:1. The wine here referred to is fermented; because it is a “mocker” and “deceiver” its character is evil. Proverbs 23:20, 21. This is also fermented wine; for it is evil and is classed with the riotous” and the “drunkards.” Genesis 9:21. Fermented wine causes one to lose all sense of modesty. Isaiah 5:11. The evil nature of the wine here referred to is revealed in its inflaming the passions. Isaiah 28:7. Fermented wine causes the one who drinks it to err in vision and stumble in judgment. Proverbs 31:4, 5. It will cause one to forget the law and pervert judgment. Proverbs 23:21. The use of it brings poverty. Proverbs 23:29, 30. It brings sorrow and contention. Eph. 5:18. The use of fermented wine forbidden. Proverbs 23:31. We are forbidden to even look upon this kind of wine. 1 Corinthians 6:10. No one addicted to the use of intoxicating wine can enter heaven.
Unfermented Wines
The unfermented wine, or the pure juice of the grape, was used as a beverage from earliest time. Genesis 40:11. The king of Egypt drank the sweet juice of grapes. Deuteronomy 32:14. The pure blood of the grape was regarded as a choice drink. Judges 9:13. It cheers God and man. Psalms 104:15. Gladdens the heart. 1 Timothy 5:23. It has medicinal qualities. Mark 2:22. If put in old bottles it ferments, thus becoming unfit for use. Exodus 12:15. Leaven causes fermentation; at the time of the Passover, all leaven or fermented things were taken away from the homes. Matthew 26:17, 26, 28. The Lord’s supper was instituted at the Passover supper, and the wine used was unfermented, because nothing fermented was allowed in their houses. The use of fermented wine excludes the drinker from heaven (1 Corinthians 6:10); but of the unfermented, it is not only stated that those who use it may enter heaven, but that the http://www.ThreeAngels.com.auSaviour and the redeemed will drink of it in the kingdom of God. Matthew 26:29.
Cooking
Ex. 16:23. Cooking for Sabbath. M.H. 307. John 21:9-12. Christ cooked food. 1 Kings 19:5-8. Angels have cooked for man. 2 Kings 4:38-41. Elisha directed in the preparation of foods in school of the prophets. Jeremiah 7:18. Children helped mothers. Genesis 18:1-6. Sarah cooked food for angels. Genesis 25:29-34. Jacob prepared the meal that tempted Esau to sell his birthright. In Bible time, food was prepared in a variety of ways, as follows: Bread baked in ovens, Leviticus 26:26. Also baked on hearths, Genesis 18:6. Sometimes baked on flat plates, 1 Chronicles 23:29, margin. Badly baked bread, type of sin. Hosea 7:8. Seethed food is boiled, Ezekiel 24:5. Food roasted, Exodus 12:9. Grain parched, Ruth 2:14. Green corn dried, Leviticus 2:14. Fruit dried, 1 Samuel 25:18. Fruit juice bottled air tight, Luke 5:37, 38. Vegetable soup, 2 Kings 4:38-41. Fish broiled, Luke 24:42.
Simplicity Of Diet
Genesis 18:1-8. Angel given meal with four varieties of food. Genesis 25:33, 34. Jacob’s tempting meal was bread and lentil soup. Ruth 2:14. Boaz gave his men three varieties. 1 Samuel 30:11, 12. Bread, dried fruit, and water, refreshed a faint and hungry man. 1 Kings 17:13, 14, margin. Elijah had only bread and oil for a full year. 1 Kings 19:6, 7. The angel gave him bread and water. 2 Kings 4:38-42. Vegetable soup, barley bread, and corn, food at school of prophets. Matthew 14:19. The Saviour fed the multitude two varieties. John 21:9, 12. Two varieties in the meal the Saviour cooked. If the meals in our homes were more often after the Bible plan, there would be less dyspepsia, and the tired housewives would have more time to study their Bibles. Testimonies, Volume 2, p. 367.
Conservation Of Food
John 6:12. Save every fragment of food. M.H. 48; Testimonies, Volume 5, p. 400. Isaiah 59:7. Wastefullness is classed with wickedness. Proverbs 23:2, 3; Luke 21:34. Caution against gluttony, or surfeiting. Proverbs 18:9. A great waster is brother to the slothful. M.H. 195. Proverbs 6:6-8. Gather food in the summer for winter use. M.H. 299; Testimonies, Volume 7, p. 134. Proverbs 30:25. Physical weakness is no excuse for failure to provide food for winter use. Genesis 41:28-36. God directed that food be gathered for famine in time of plenty. Mark 2:22. The Saviour endorsed the custom of sealing up fruit juice. 2 Kings 4:38-41. Herbs of the field can be used for food. Proverbs 31:27. A true woman will look well to the ways of her household. M.H. 303.
Bread
Unleavened bread. Genesis 18:1-8; 19:1-3; Exodus 29:2, 23; Leviticus 2:11; 23:6; Deuteronomy 16:16; 1 Corinthians 5:7,8. Bible recipe, Numbers 8:5. Leavened bread. Exodus 12:34; Amos 4:5; Leviticus 7:13; 23:17; Matthew 13:33; 16:612; Luke 12:1; 1 Corinthians 5:6, 7; Hosea 7:4. Shewbread. Exodus 25:23-30; 40:22; 2 Chronicles 2:4; 1 Chronicles 9:32; Leviticus 24:5-8; 1 Samuel 21:6; Leviticus 24:9; 1 Samuel 21:3, 4; John 6:32-34, 53-63. Interesting incidents connected with bread in Bible history. Judges 7:13-15; 1 Kings 17:6; 14-15, margin; 2 Kings 4:42-44; Joshua 9:3-14; Matthew 4:3, 4; Mark 6:37-44; 8:2-9; Luke 24:30, 31, 35; Matthew 26:26; 6:9-15; Isaiah 33:16, 17.
Butter
Dr. Benisch, in his Hebrew Bible, used the term “clotted cream” instead of butter in the following texts where it refers to food: Genesis 18:8; Deuteronomy 32:14; Judges 5:25; 2 Samuel 17:29; Job 20:17; Isaiah 7:15, 22. “Butter” is used figuratively is Psalms 55:21; Job 29:6, and Proverbs 30:33. Butter anciently was not a common article of food as at the present day. The Greeks and Romans used it only for medicinal purposes.
Preserving Food For Winter Use
Ant an example. Proverbs 6:6-8; Job 12:7; Proverbs 30:25. Dried. 2 Samuel 16:1; 1 Samuel 25:18; Leviticus 2:14. Bottled. 2 Samuel 16:1; Matthew 9:17. Parched. Ruth 2:14; 1 Samuel 17:17.
“The Bible teaches modesty of dress. . . Any device designed to attract attention to the wearer or to excite the admiration, is excluded from the modest apparel which God’s word enjoins.” M.H. 287.
Dress Of A Christian
Hebrews 2:10. Christ the captain of our salvation. 2 Timothy 2:3, 4. True Christians good soldiers. Eph. 6:10-17; 1 Peter 5:8, 9. A real warfare. Contending armies always have different uniforms. Testimonies, Volume 4, pp. 628-647. Genesis 3:7. When Adam and Eve were wholly under the control of Satan, they dressed according to his mind. The dress did not properly cover either the upper or lower part of the body. Genesis 3:15, 21. When God placed enmity in their hearts against the devil, He changed their manner of dress and clothed them; God did not accept them in His service half clothed. Numbers 15:38, 39. When one joins the army of the Lord, he should dress differently from the world. Testimonies, Volume 3, p. 366. Isaiah 3:16-24. Everyone of these fashions is the height of style in some part of the earth. Judges 8:24. Ishmaelites wore earrings. Isaiah 3:16. The haughty have always worn these ornaments of the world. Proverbs 7:10; Genesis 38:15. Harlots are known by their dress. 2 Kings 9:30; Ezekiel 23:40. Jezebel “painted her face, and tired her head.” Face paint and ornaments belong to the uniform of the world. 1 Peter 3:3-5. Holy women who trust God do not adorn themselves thus. A.A. 523, 524. 1 Timothy 2:9, 10. God’s people should dress in modest apparel. Testimonies, Volume 4, p. 643.
Two Uniforms Recognized In The Levitical Law
Isaiah 61:10. Garments are a symbol of Christ’s righteousness. Isaiah 64:6. Our own righteousness is as filthy rags. Deuteronomy 22:11. The Israelites were forbidden to make a garment of two different kinds of material, thus teaching that self-righteousness could not be mingled with the robe of Christ’s righteousness. Leviticus 13:47-57. If the leprosy was in the “warp or in the woof” of a garment, it must be burned. No one allowed to wear a garment that endangered the lives of others. Leprosy a type of sin. The most insidious sin is pride, which caused the downfall of Lucifer. Ezekiel 28:17. The dress of the world is made to foster pride. Garments of that kind should not be worn by Christians. Professed Christians may say that the garments are given them; and that they are not proud, and think there is no harm in wearing them; but there is contagion in the garments, and they may be a stumbling-block to others, and cause their spiritual death. Testimonies, Volume 4, p. 640. Leviticus 13:58. If the garment can be altered so as not to represent the world, it is safe for the Christian to wear it. Numbers 15:39. A Christian’s dress should remind him of God’s law. Genesis 34:1, 2. Jacob allowed Dinah to mingle with the young people of the world. Genesis 34:4-31. Disgrace and shame followed. Genesis 35:1-4. Then Jacob had his household change their garments and take off their ornaments. Testimonies, Volume 4, p. 617. If Dinah had dressed as God designs His people to dress, she would not have been invited to mingle with the princes and princesses of the land. God designs the plain dress of His people to be a safeguard against many snares of the enemy. Plainly dressed young people escape many temptations that come to those who wear the uniform of the world. Testimonies, Volume 3, p. 376. Joshua 7:21. Men as well as women like worldly attire. Matthew 23:5. Jesus reproved the priests for catering to pride.
Various Instructions Regarding Dress
Deuteronomy 22:5. Women shall not wear men’s clothing; neither men put on women’s garments. Proverbs 31:21, margin. Extra clothing should be worn in winter. M.H. 293. Acts 12:8. Dress properly in night air. 1 Timothy 2:9. Christians should wear modest apparel, instead of the immodest dress of the world, exposing the limbs and breast. 1 Timothy 2:9. Costly ornaments should be eliminated. M.H. 207, 287. Revelation 17:4, 5. Such ornaments become the harlot, but not the professed Christian. Revelation 19:8. True Christians, knowing that God has taken garments as a type of righteousness, can not be sloven and untidy in their dress. M.H. 290; Testimonies, Volume 6, .96. 3 John 2. God wishes us to be in health; a true Christian cannot dress in a manner to injure the health. Testimonies, Volume 2, p. 531; M.H. 288. Revelation 1:13; Daniel 10:5. The heavenly fashion is to gird the body about the bony structure of the chest and hips; but worldly fashion compresses the soft, yielding portion. The weight of all clothing should be suspended from the shoulders and not from the soft, yielding waist. M.H. 292. All Christians should dress modestly, healthfully, tastefully, and neatly, thus representing the principles of the heavenly kingdom. Testimonies, Volume 2, pp. 66, 610-614;
.248.
“The ordinances of baptism and the Lord’s supper are two monumental pillars; one without and one within the church. Upon these ordinances Christ has inscribed the name of the true God.” Testimonies, Volume 6, p. 91.
Baptism
“Apart from Christ, baptism, like any other service, is a worthless form.” Eph. 4:5. One baptism. Hebrews 6:2. Doctrine of baptism. Acts 2:38. When one repents, is cleansed by the blood of Christ, and baptized, he receives the baptism of the Holy Ghost. 1 John 5:8. It is then that “the spirit, and the water, and the blood” bear witness in earth. John 3:23. Much water required. Acts 8:36. Must go to the water. Acts 8:38. Both candidate and administrator go down into the water. A.A. 108, 109. Matthew 3:16; Acts 8:39. After baptism they come out of the water. D.A. 111. Romans 6:4; Col 2:12. Memorial of Christ’s burial. Romans 6:3-11. Must be dead to sin. Testimonies, Volume 6, p. 93. Romans 6:1-5. A pledge of the resurrection. John 3:5; Romans 6:4-6; Col. 2:12, 13. A birth to a new life. A.A. 475, 476. Eph. 5:26; Acts 22:16. Outward type of inward cleansing. Matthew 28:19. In the name of the Trinity. Testimonies, Volume 6, p. 91. Gal. 3:27; Romans 6:3. Baptized into Christ. Testimonies, Volume 9, pp. 133, 155. Acts 10:48; 19:5, margin. Into the name of Christ. Baptism is the door of the church. Testimonies, Volume 6, pp. 98, 99. 1 Peter 3:21; Mark 16:16. Salvation in baptism; it is the answer of a good conscience. Acts. 8:39. Brings rejoicing.
Ordinance Of Humility
John 13:1-4. Instituted after the Passover supper. John 13:5. Jesus washed the disciples’ feet. John 13:6-9. Peter felt unworthy until he found that it was necessary. D.A. 646. John 13:10, 11. This was Judas’ last call. D.A. 645. John 13:12, 13. Jesus asked if they knew what He had done. John 13:14. “If I then your Lord and Master, have washed your feet, ye also ought to wash one another’s feet.” D.A. 649. John 13:15. “Ye should do as I have done to you.” D.A. 650, 651. John 13:16. “The servant is not greater than his lord.” John 13:8-11. To reject the ordinance of humility is to reject the higher cleansing. John 13:17. “If ye know these things, happy are ye if ye do them.” John 13:1, 2; Matthew 26:30. The ordinance of humility was celebrated after the Passover supper, just before they partook of the bread and wine; for as soon as they finished the communion, they sung an hymn and went out. 1 Timothy 5:10. It was celebrated in the early Christian Church.
The Lord’s Supper
1 Corinthians 11:23. Instituted Thursday evening; the night before Christ’s betrayal. D.A. 652. 1 Corinthians 11:23, 24. Bread symbol of Christ’s body. D.A. 653. 1 Corinthians 11:25. Wine represents the blood of Christ. 1 Corinthians 11:26. A reminder of Christ’s second coming. D.A. 659. 1 Corinthians 11:27, 29. A sin to eat unworthily. 1 Corinthians 11:29, 30. Sickness and death the result of not discerning the Lord’s body. D.A. 660. 1 Corinthians 11:28. All should examine themselves. D.A. 656. Matthew 26:20-28. Not criticize others, but say, “Lord is it I?” Matthew 26:29. The Saviour is refraining from drinking the fruit of the vine until all get home in the kingdom. Acts 2:46. Bread broken daily in the early church. Acts 20:7-11. Paul broke bread between midnight and daybreak. The ordinance is very sacred but can be celebrated any time.
Tithe
“Voluntary offering and the tithe constitute the revenue of the gospel.” Psalms 24:1. God owns everything. P.P. 526. Deuteronomy 8:18. All wealth comes from God. Testimonies, Volume 5, p. 150. Matthew 25:14. We are stewards of the Lord’s goods. Testimonies, Volume 5, p. 382. Leviticus 27:32. All substance divided into ten parts; one-tenth kept by God. Testimonies, Volume 3, p. 394; E. 250. Leviticus 27:30. It is holy; it does not belong to man. Mal. 3:8. He who uses the tithe for himself, robs God. Testimonies, Volume 3, p. 269. Leviticus 27:31. If used, add “the fifth part thereof.” Leviticus 27:33. An honest tithe is one-tenth, whether it be much or little. Joel 2:17. The priest and those that ministered about holy things were the Lord’s servants. Numbers 18:20-24. The Lord supported them with the tithe. Acts 13:2-4. God selects His own workers now as anciently. 1 Corinthians 9:8-13. Those who work in spiritual lines are supported by carnal things. 1 Corinthians 9:14. As the priests in the temple were supported by the tithe, “even so, hath the Lord ordained that they which preach the gospel should live of the gospel.” A.A. 335-337 Matthew 23:23. Christ said we ought to pay tithe. Genesis 14:17-24. Abraham paid tithe to Melchisedec. P.P. 525; E. 138. Hebrews 7:1-16. We serve under the same priesthood. Christ’s followers pay tithe. Gal. 3:7, 29. Numbers 18:26-28. Ministers should pay tithe. Mal. 3:10. Tithe brought to storehouse. A.A. 399-403. Mal. 3:10-12; Proverbs 10:22. The honest tithe-payer is blessed.
Offerings
Mal. 3:8. Required. Proverbs 3:9, 10; Exodus 23:19. Give the best. Matthew 6:1-4. In God’s sight only. Haggai 1:5-11. Curse on covetousness. Luke 6:38. God a good pay-master. 2 Corinthians 9:6-15. Cheerful giver loved. Proverbs 19:17. Give to the poor.
“Never allow anyone’s ideas to unsettle your faith in regard to order and harmony which should exist in the church.” Testimonies, Volume 5, p. 274. Deuteronomy 1:15. Ancient organization same as the present. God is the center of all organization; next to God stands His prophet, or mouthpiece; then follows:– 1.Leader “over thousands,”—General Conference. 2.Leader “over hundreds,”—union conferences. 3.Leader “over fifties,”—local conferences. 4.Leader “over tens,:”—churches. Besides, officers or secretaries to attend to the different branches of the work. E. 37; A.A.93, 94. 1 Corinthians 14:33, 40. Order in the Christian church. A.A. 163, 164, 185, 186. 1 Timothy 4:14. Ministers ordained by the presbytery. A.A. 18, 161, 162, 503, 504. 1 Corinthians 16:1, 2. Uniform system throughout the churches. A.A. 91, 270, 317, 318. Acts 15:1-4. Perplexing questions referred from local churches to the conference. A.A. 195-197. Acts 15:1-4. Council held at the head of the work. Acts 15:23-25. Report of decision sent to all the churches. Acts 15:30, 31. Document first read in the church where the trouble arose. Acts 16:1, 4, 5. Afterwards read in other churches. Acts 8:26, 29; 19:21, 22. While there was perfect organization, yet each worker was free to work as God directed. A.A. 164, 200, 405. Titus 1:5. Churches could not http://www.ThreeAngels.com.auordain their own local elders.
Organization Of Local Churches Officers
Titus 1:5. Elders or bishops. A.A. 95, 96. 1 Timothy 3:13. Deacons. A.A. 88, 89. Romans 16:1, 2. Deaconess (Alford’s Translation). Phil. 1:1. Sometimes more than one elder, also more than one deacon.
Duty Of Elders, Or Bishops
1 Timothy 3:1-3. Blameless character, apt to teach. 1 Timothy 3:4, 5. Good control over his own household and children. 1 Timothy 3:7. Must be respected by people outside the church.
Titus 1:9. Sound in faith, and able to exhort and convince the gainsayers. Titus 1:10-13. Rebuke the unruly members who cause trouble in the church. 1 Timothy 3:6, margin. Should be one of experience.
Duty Of Deacons
Acts 6:1-5. To look after the temporal business of the church. 1 Timothy 3:8, 9. Blameless character, those who never violate their conscience. 1 Timothy 3:12. Must control their own children and households. 1 Timothy 3:10. Proved before they are ordained. 1 Timothy 3:13; Acts 6:8. Faithful deacons are valuable workers. Testimonies, Volume 5, p. 304.
Duty Of Deaconesses
Rom. 16:1, 2. Attend to business connected with the church, especially to succor those in need.
“All the promises of God in Him (Christ) are yea, and in Him amen unto the glory of God by us.” 2 Corinthians 1:20; 2 Peter 1:4. Below are some of the promises given for various conditions in life.
SINNER. Romans 5:8, 6; 1 Timothy 1:15; 1 Peter 3:18; Isaiah 1:18; 1 John 1:9, 7; Eph. 2:4, 5, 8; John 16:7, 8; Eph. 4:17-25; 1 John 3:4; Psalms 37:31; Isaiah 43:25, 26; 61:10.
CHRISTIAN.
1 Corinthians 10:13; 1 Peter 4:12, 13, 16; Isaiah 41:10, 11, 13-15; 1 Peter 3:12; Isaiah 43:2, 3; Psalms 91:15; Isaiah 49:25; Matthew 6:6; James 1:5-8; Luke 11:913; Psalms 91:9,10; Revelation 3:10; Psalms 34:7; Rev 22:14.
OVERCOME.
1 John 5:4; Revelation 2:7, 11, 17, 26-28; 3:5, 12, 21.
BACKSLIDER.
Jer 2:19, 20; 3:12, 13; Hosea 14:2; Jeremiah 29:13, 11; 31:3; Jeremiah 3:14, 22; Hosea 14:4, 5; 6:1.
YOUNG.
Proverbs 8:17; 1 John 2:13, 14; Proverbs 20:29; Psalms 119:9.
AGED.
Psalms 92:13, 14; Proverbs 16:31; 20:29; Psalms 71:9, 18; Isaiah 46:4; Psalms 48:14; 116:15.
WIDOW.
Jer. 49:11; Proverbs 15:25; Psalms 68:5, 6; 146:9.
ORPHAN.
Proverbs 23:10; Jeremiah 49:11; Hosea 14:3; Psalms 10:14; 68:5.
MOURNER.
Matthew 5:4; Isaiah 66:13.
Apparel of the Apostate Wife of Christ Isaiah 3:16-24. Fashions of the world. Isaiah 64:6. Self-righteousness.
Apparel Of The True Wife Of Christ
1 Peter 3:1-5. Free from unnecessary adornments. 1 Timothy 2:9, 10. Modest apparel. Isaiah 61:10. Robe of righteousness.
Diet Of Apostate Wife Of Christ
Isaiah 65:3, 4; 66:17. Swine’s flesh. Isaiah 22:12-14. Flesh of sheep and oxen. Proverbs 23:20. Wine and flesh. Proverbs 23:29-32. Mixed wine. Ezekiel 22:26-28. Traditions.
Diet Of The True Wife Of Christ
Genesis 1:29. Fruits, nuts and grains. Leviticus 11:1-28. Clean food. John 6:51, 63. Feed on the word of God. http://www.ThreeAngels.com.auPsalms 119:103. God’s Word sweet to the taste.
Lev. 19:32. Always rise and give a seat to an aged person. Exodus 20:12. Show especial respect to your father and mother. Proverbs 1:8, 9. Respect for parents gives a charm and dignity to the character. Leviticus 19:14. Be careful to show kindness to any that have physical deformities, as the blind, deaf, etc. Exodus 22:22-24. Be kind to those who have passed through heavy sorrow, widows and fatherless children. 2 Timothy 2:24. “Be gentle unto all men.” P.K. 237; Testimonies, Volume 2, p. 647. 1 Peter 3:7. Men should respect and honor the women. 1 Timothy 2:12, 13. Women should not be forward and take the place of men, but should recognize men as occupying the first place. Matthew 5:33-37. Avoid all slang expressions of every sort. C.O.L. 336, 337. Proverbs 7:11. Avoid all loud talking. M.H. 489, 490. Proverbs 6:13-15. Winking, or making signs with the hands and feet, is very rude. Proverbs 25:17. It is not good etiquette to visit the same family too often. Proverbs 27:14. If one rises very early in the morning, he should be quiet so as not to disturb others. 1 Peter 3:1-5. Nothing adds to a woman’s charms like a “meek and quiet spirit.” Testimonies, Volume 2, p. 133. Proverbs 31:30. “Favor is deceitful, and beauty is vain, but a woman that feareth the Lord, she shall be praised.”
Temptation
James 1:13. God tempts no one. 1 Chronicles 21:1. The devil is the author of temptation. James 1:14. We are tempted through our lusts. 1 Timothy 6:9, 10. Covetousness causes many to fall. Matthew 4:4, 7, 10. Temptation can be resisted by the word of God. 1 Corinthians 10:13. God will not suffer His people to be tempted above what they are able to bear. 2 Peter 2:9. God knows how to deliver the godly out of temptation.
Many beautiful lessons can be drawn from the following texts:
RAIN.
Genesis 2:6; Job 5:8-10; 36:2628; Genesis 7-11, 12; Job 37:14-16; Jeremiah 14:22; Psalms 147:7, 8; Jeremiah 5:23, 24; Job 28:25, 26; Deuteronomy 11:17; Jeremiah 3:2, 3; Amos 4:7; 1 Kings 17:1; James 5:17, 18; 1 Kings 18:41-46; Genesis 7:4, 12; 1 Samuel 12:17, 18; 1 Kings 18:45; Ezra 10:9, 13; Isaiah 55:10, 11; Deuteronomy 32:1, 2; Psalms 72:6; Joel 2:23; Psalms 68:9; Ezekiel 34:26; Zecheriah 10:1; Isaiah 44:3, 4; Leviticus 26:4.
DEW.
Proverbs 3:19, 20; Job 38:28; Genesis 27:28; Deuteronomy 33:13; Numbers 11:9; Exodus 16:13-16; Judges 6:36-40; James 5:17, 18; 1 Kings 17:1; 18:42-45; Hosea 14:5; Deuteronomy 32:2; Micah 5:7; Hosea 6:4.
LIGHTENING.
Ex. 9:23; Job 38:25, 35; Exodus 19:16; Job 28:26; Psalms 135:7; Jeremiah 10:13; 51:16; Eph. 2:2; Job 1:12, 16; Isaiah 14:12-15; Luke 10:18; Revelation 4:5; 8:5; Revelation 11:19; 16:18; Matthew 24:27; Psalms 97:4-6; 77:18; Daniel 10:6; Matthew 28:3; Ezekiel 1:14.
WIND.
Genesis 8:1; Amos 4:13; Job 1:18, 19; Psalms 135:7; Jeremiah 51:16; Psalms 147:18; Isaiah 11:15; Job 28:25; Isaiah 27:8; Psalms 104:3; 18:10; 2 Samuel 22:11; Exodus 10:13; 14:21; Numbers 11:31; Psalms 148:7, 8; Mark 4:37-39; Isaiah 32:2; James 1:6, 7; Matthew 7:24, 25; Daniel 7:2; Zecheriah 7:14; Daniel 11:40; John 3:8; Acts 2:2; Ezekiel 37:9, 10; Proverbs 25:14; Hosea 8:7; Eccl. 11:4; Ezekiel 13:11, 13; Daniel 2:35; Isaiah 32:2.
SAND.
Genesis 22:17; 32:12; Jeremiah 5:22; Hebrews 11:12; Psalms 139:17, 18.
ROCK.
Deuteronomy 32:4; 2 Samuel 22:2; Psalms 18:2; 31:2, 3, margin; Isaiah 32:2; 1 Corinthians 10:4; Psalms 78:16; Numbers 20:8; Exodus 33:22; Matthew 21:44.
RIVERS.
Genesis 2:10; Isaiah 48:18; 66:12; Psalms 1:1-3; Jeremiah 17:7, 8; Revelation 22:1, 2; Psalms 46:4; Eccl. 1:7, 8.
CLOUDS.
Lev. 16:2; Exodus 14:20; 19:9; 1 Kings 8:12; Psalms 18:11, 12; 1 Kings 18:41-46; Psalms 36:5; 57:10; Psalms 68:34; 77:17; Job 36:29; 37:14-15; Psalms 104:3; Job 37:21; Revelation 14:14; Jude 11-13.
RAINBOW.
Genesis 9:13-15; Ezekiel 1:28; Revelation 4:3; Genesis 9:14, 16; Jeremiah 29:11-14.
SALT.
Matthew 5:13; Mark http://www.ThreeAngels.com.au9:50; Col. 4:6; Job 6:6; Leviticus 2:13; Luke 14:34, 35.
SNOW.
Job 37:6; Mark 9:3; Jeremiah 18:14; Proverbs 25:13; 26:1; 31:10, 21, margin; Psalms 147:16; Job 9:30; 38:22, 23; Job 6:6.
The Earth
Hangs upon nothing, Job. 26:7. Circle of earth, Isaiah 40:22. Circuit of heaven, Job 22:14. Circle on face of deep, Proverbs 8:27, margin. God’s footstool, Isaiah 66:1. Cloud’s garments, Job 38:9. Clouds numbered, Job 38:37. Clouds balanced, Job 37:16. Consider the wondrous works of God, Job. 37:14.
Early Rising
God will awaken us, Isaiah 50:4; Proverbs 6:20-23. Examples of early rising: God, Jeremiah 7:13, 25; 35:14; 32:33; all prophets, Jeremiah 25:3; 35:15; 44:4; Christ, Mark 1:35; angels, Genesis 19:2; Abraham, Genesis 21:14; 22:3; Isaac, Genesis 26:31; Jacob, Genesis 28:18; Moses, Exodus 24:4; 34:4; Israel, Judges 21:4; 2 Kings 3:22; 2 Chronicles 20:20; Joshua, Joshua 6:12-15; 8:10, 14; Gideon, Judges 6:38; 7:1, Hannah, 1 Samuel 1:19; Samuel, 1 Samuel 15:12; David, 1 Samuel 17:20; 29:11; Elisha, 2 Kings 6:15; disciples, Mark 16:2; Matthew 28:1. Praise God. Psalms 92:1, 2.
In the following texts we are told nine times that Christ should rise “the third day.” Matthew 16:21. “Raised again the third day.” Matthew 17:23. “The third day He shall be raised again.” Matthew 20:19. “The third day He shall rise again.” Mark 10:34. “The third day He shall rise again.” Luke 9:22. “Be raised the third day.” Luke 18:33. “The third day He shall rise again.” Luke 24:7. “The third day rise again.” Mark 9:31. “He shall rise the third day.” Luke 24:46. “To rise form the dead the third day.” In order that the Scripture be fulfilled, Christ must have risen some time within the limit of the twenty-four hours composing the third day. At the first Passover after His baptism, the Saviour said, “Destroy this temple, and in three days I will raise it up.” John 2:19. In other words, within the period of time covered by the third day, He would rise. This made a deep impression on the Jews, for they brought it up against His three years later in His trial. Matthew 26:61. On Thursday evening, or what would in Bible time be the evening of Friday, the Saviour delivered Himself into the hands of the wicked mob; from that time He was in their power. In Mark 8:31. Christ said He would be “rejected of the elders, and of the chief priests, and scribes, and be killed, and after three days rise again.” Sometime before the angry mob came to arrest Him, He had been “rejected,” otherwise they would never have gathered to take Him. “After three days” had passed from the time of His rejection, He rose again. Christ was arrested Thursday evening; the trial lasted all night. At noon on Friday He was crucified. He died about three o’clock in the afternoon, and rested in the tomb until the third day. The Jews asked for a sign. Matthew 12:38-40. After saying the wicked ask for signs, Christ said that they should have the sign of Jonas the prophet. “As Jonas was three days and three nights in the whale’s belly, so shall the Son of man be three days and three nights in the heart of the earth.” If we take this language literally as it reads, we must understand that Christ spent three days and three nights in the heart, or center, of the earth; but the tomb of Joseph in which the Saviour lay was on the surface of the ground in plain sight. The term “earth” is often used when referring to the people on the earth. Jeremiah 6:19; Isaiah 1:2. From the evening Christ delivered Himself into the hands of the mob until He came forth a mighty conqueror, He was in the hands of the people; the “heart of the earth.” This is according to the words of the angel: “The Son of man must be delivered into the hands of sinful men, and http://www.ThreeAngels.com.aube crucified, and the third day rise again.” Luke 24:4-7. He rose the third day after He delivered Himself “into the hands of sinful men.”
Rich spiritual lessons can be gained from the following groups of texts. D.A. 476, 477. SWEEPING. There are eight texts which speak of sweeping. A careful study of these texts aid in sweeping sin from our lives that we may never be swept from the earth by the Lord’s besom of destruction. Judges 5:21; Jeremiah 46:15; Proverbs 28:3; Isaiah 14:23; 28:17; Matthew 12:43, 44; Luke 11:25; 15:8-10. WASHING DISHES. Poorly done illustrates a hypocrite. Matthew 23:25, 26. Thorough work illustrates God’s work, 2 Kings 21:13. Washing cooking utensils, Leviticus 6:28. DOOR. Christ the door, John 10:7. Open, Revelation 3:8. Shut, Revelation 3:20. Door of hope, Hosea 2:15. Door of faith, Acts 14:27. Everlasting doors, Psalms 24:7. Door-keeper, Psalms 84:10. NAIL. Christ a nail in a sure place. Isaiah 22:23. Support large as well as small vessels, Isaiah 22:24. No trial too great nor too small to take to Christ.
The Joy Of Our Lord
Christ will see of the travail of his soul, Isaiah 53:11. Christ rejoices over the saved, Zeph. 3:17. Redeemed enter into the same joy, Matthew 25:21, 23. This was Paul’s joy, 1 Thessalonians 2:19, 20; Phil. 2:16; 2 Corinthians 1:14. Anyone who has not shared in the travail of soul cannot enter into the reward.
Many Crowns Revelation 19:12
Crown of life, Revelation 2:10. Of gold, Revelation 14:14. Of glory, 1 Peter 5:4. Of righteousness, 2 Timothy 4:8. Of rejoicing, 1 Thessalonians 2:19. Of lovingkindness, Psalms 103:4. Of glory and honor, Hebrews 2:7, 9. Of knowledge, Proverbs 14:18. Incorruptible, 1 Corinthians 9:25.
Characteristics Of Melchisedec
1. Like unto the Son of God. 2. Priest of the Most High God. 3. Abideth a priest continually. 4. King of Salem. 5. King of righteousness. 6. King of peace. 7. Greater than Abraham. 8. Without father. 9. Without mother. 10. Without descent of pedigree. 11. Without beginning of days. 12. Without end of life. 13. Not after the law of the carnal commandment. 14. After the power of an endless life. Hebrews 7:1-16. The true Melchisedec will fulfill all of these characteristics, without having to wrest the meaning of any of the expressions. Each specification is given by the spirit of the Lord and means just what it says. There is only one in the universe of God who fulfills all of these characteristics.
The Spirits In Prison I Peter 3:18-20
"For Christ also hath once suffered for sins, the just for the unjust, that he might bring us to God, being put to death in the flesh, but quickened by the Spirit: By which also he went and preached unto the spirits in prison; Which sometime were disobedient, when once the longsuffering of God waited in the days of Noah, while the ark was a preparing, wherein few, that is, eight souls were saved by water."
PARAPHRASE
“For Christ also once suffered for sins that He might bring us to God, being put to death in the flesh, but raised by the spirit of God, by which, the spirit of God; also He went and preached unto the spirits which are now in prison, but who were disobedient when once the long-suffering of God waited in the days of Noah while the ark was a-preparing, “Wherein few, that is eight souls were http://www.ThreeAngels.com.ausaved by water.”
Abbreviations For Titles Of Books Referred To In The Bible Handbook.
G.C. Great Controversy Between Christ and Satan
P.P. Patriarchs and Prophets
P.K. The Story of Prophets and Kings
D.A. The Desire of Ages
A.A. The Acts of the Apostles
M.H. Ministry of Healing
C.O.L. Christ’s Object Lessons
C.T. Christian Temperance
E.W. Early Writings
G.W. Gospel Workers
Life Sketches
Education
Testimonies for the Church, Volume