Loud Cry

1. How does the fourth angel relate to the third angel?

The fourth angel unites with the third angel to add power and force to the message.

I saw angels hurrying to and fro in heaven. They were descending to earth, and again ascending to heaven, preparing for the fulfillment of some important event. Then I saw another mighty angel commissioned to descend to earth, and unite his voice with the third angel, and give power and force to his message. Great power and glory were imparted to the angel, and as he descended, the earth was lightened with his glory. The light which went before and followed after this angel, penetrated every where, as he cried mightily, with a strong voice, saying, Babylon the great is fallen, is fallen, and is become the habitation of devils, and the hold of every foul spirit, and a cage of every unclean and hateful bird. The message of the fall of Babylon, as given by the second angel, is again given, with the addition of the corruptions which have been entering the churches since 1844. The work of this angel comes in at the right time, and joins in the last great work of the third angel’s message, as it swells into a loud cry. And the people of God are fitted up every where to stand in the hour of temptation which they are soon to meet. I saw a great light resting upon them, and they united in the message, and fearlessly proclaimed with great power the third angel’s message. {1SG 193.2}

 

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

The two parts of the loud cry are Babylon is fallen and come out of her my people.

 

Of Babylon, at the time brought to view in this prophecy, it is declared: “Her sins have reached unto heaven, and God hath remembered her iniquities.” Revelation 18:5. She has filled up the measure of her guilt, and destruction is about to fall upon her. But God still has a people in Babylon; and before the visitation of His judgments these faithful ones must be called out, that they partake not of her sins and “receive not of her plagues.” Hence the movement symbolized by the angel coming down from heaven, lightening the earth with his glory and crying mightily with a strong voice, announcing the sins of Babylon. ” In connection with his message the call is heard: “Come out of her, My people. These announcements, uniting with the third angel’s message, constitute the final warning to be given to the inhabitants of the earth. {GC 604.1}

 

 

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

The two parts to the final warning are the combination of the loud cry and the third angel’s message.

 

In the last work for the warning of the world, two distinct calls are made to the churches. The second angel’s message is, “Babylon is fallen, is fallen, that great city, because she made all nations drink of the wine of the wrath of her fornication.” And in the loud cry of the third angel’s message a voice is heard from heaven saying, “Come out of her, my people, that ye be not partakers of her sins, and that ye receive not of her plagues. For her sins have reached unto heaven, and God hath remembered her iniquities.” {Mar 189.1}

 

 

 

 

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

The difference between Babylon is fallen in the second angel’s message and the loud cry is that in the loud cry the corruptions which have been entering are added to the message.

I saw angels hurrying to and fro in heaven. They were descending to earth, and again ascending to heaven, preparing for the fulfillment of some important event. Then I saw another mighty angel commissioned to descend to earth, and unite his voice with the third angel, and give power and force to his message. Great power and glory were imparted to the angel, and as he descended, the earth was lightened with his glory. The light which went before and followed after this angel, penetrated every where, as he cried mightily, with a strong voice, saying, Babylon the great is fallen, is fallen, and is become the habitation of devils, and the hold of every foul spirit, and a cage of every unclean and hateful bird. The message of the fall of Babylon, as given by the second angel, is again given, with the addition of the corruptions which have been entering the churches since 1844. The work of this angel comes in at the right time, and joins in the last great work of the third angel’s message, as it swells into a loud cry. And the people of God are fitted up every where to stand in the hour of temptation which they are soon to meet. I saw a great light resting upon them, and they united in the message, and fearlessly proclaimed with great power the third angel’s message. {1SG 193.2}

 

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

The habitations of devils is the teachings of spiritualism in the churches. Devils will take over every part of the people in these churches instead of God being there.

As the teachings of spiritualism are accepted by the churches, the restraint imposed upon the carnal heart is removed, and the profession of religion will become a cloak to conceal the basest iniquity. A belief in spiritual manifestations opens the door to seducing spirits and doctrines of devils, and thus the influence of evil angels will be felt in the churches.  {GC 603.2}

They had chosen a ruler who chained them to his car as captive… Satanic agencies were incorporated with men. The bodies of human beings, made for the dwelling place of God, had become the habitation of demons. The senses, the nerves, the passions, the organs of men, were worked by supernatural agencies in the indulgence of the vilest lust. The very stamp of demons was impressed upon the countenances of men. Human faces reflected the expression of the legions of evil with which they were possessed. {DA 36.3}

The hold of every foul spirit would be the fact that the people in Babylon will not have the spirit of God in them. Instead they have the spirit of Satan dwelling in them.  See Galatians 5. The last part also refers to us being controlled by demons instead of Christ.

 

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

• All nations have drunk of the wine of the wrath of her fornication.

The wine of the wrath of her fornication is when the papacy changed God ‘s holy day from the seventh day to the first day. The nations are the protestants who have drunk of this by following right behind the papacy.

God denounces Babylon “because she made all nations drink of the wine of the wrath of her fornication.” This means that she has disregarded the only commandment which points out the true God, and has torn down the Sabbath, God’s memorial of creation.  {7BC 979.5}”

But the man of sin, exalting himself above God, sitting in the temple of God, and showing himself to be God, thought to change times and laws. This power, thinking to prove that it was not only equal to God, but above God, changed the rest day, placing the first day of the week where the seventh should be. And the Protestant world has taken this child of the papacy to be regarded as sacred. In the Word of God this is called her fornication.  {7BC 979.7}

The fallen denominational churches are Babylon. Babylon has been fostering poisonous doctrines, the wine of error. This wine of error is made up of false doctrines, such as the natural immortality of the soul, the eternal torment of the wicked, the denial of the pre-existence of Christ prior to His birth in Bethlehem, and advocating and exalting the first day of the week above God’s holy and sanctified day. These and kindred errors are presented to the world by the various churches, and thus the Scriptures are fulfilled that say, ‘For all nations have drunk of the wine of the wrath of her fornication.’ It is a wrath which is created by false doctrines, and when kings and presidents drink this wine of the wrath of her fornication, they are stirred with anger against those who will not come into harmony with the false and satanic heresies which exalt the false sabbath, and lead men to trample underfoot God’s memorial.  {TM 61.3}

 

• The kings of the earth have committed fornication with her.

This  just means that the kings of the earth are agreeing with Babylon and teaching the rest of the world to worship on the wrong day. They are causing trouble for those who don’t agree with them.

 

• The merchants of the earth have become rich through the abundance of her delicacies.

Babylon is using their money to not better the work of God by giving to the poor, instead they are using for all kinds of extravagance. We need to less selfish and more willing to give to those in need and those who are out in the mission fields working for God.

Extravagance in the use of means, selfishness, heresies, have taken the world captive. For centuries satanic agencies have been at work. Will they now give up without a struggle (MS 172, 1899)? {7BC 985.3}

 

 

7. When does Babylon’s sins reach unto heaven?

Babylon’s sins reach unto heaven when the Sunday law comes into effect.

When do her sins reach unto heaven [Rev. 18:2-5]? When the law of God is finally made void by legislation.–ST June 12, 1893.  {LDE 198.5}

God keeps a record with the nations. The figures are swelling against them in the books of heaven, and when it shall have become a law that the transgression of the first day of the week shall be met with punishment, then their cup will be full.–7BC 910 (1886).

 

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

Babylon receives the plagues because she is the one to commit the sins that reach unto heaven.

And I heard another voice from heaven, saying, Come out of her, my people, that ye be not partakers of her sins, and that ye receive not of her plagues.  For her sins have reached unto heaven, and God hath remembered her iniquities.  Revelation 18:4, 5

 

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

We need to be honestly serving God but also living up to all that God has shown to us here on earth.  Many have heard the truth about the Sabbath and other key doctrines but refuse to believe them.

The fallen denominational churches are Babylon. Babylon has been fostering poisonous doctrines, the wine of error. This wine of error is made up of false doctrines, such as the natural immortality of the soul, the eternal torment of the wicked, the denial of the pre-existence of Christ prior to His birth in Bethlehem, and advocating and exalting the first day of the week above God’s holy and sanctified day. These and kindred errors are presented to the world by the various churches, and thus the Scriptures are fulfilled that say, ‘For all nations have drunk of the wine of the wrath of her fornication.’ It is a wrath which is created by false doctrines, and when kings and presidents drink this wine of the wrath of her fornication, they are stirred with anger against those who will not come into harmony with the false and satanic heresies which exalt the false sabbath, and lead men to trample underfoot God’s memorial.  {TM 61.3}

 

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

There are only two distinct calls made because the first was made at the begging of the last work of Christ, which was his work in the Most Holy place in the sanctuary. It was to make people realize that time is running out. The second is to be made now because the Christ’s work is finishing up in the Heavenly sanctuary and it is to be made now because people need to be reawakened to the fact that there isn’t much time left to change their characters. Why there hasn’t been anymore is that there have been no more substantial changes in the heavenly sanctuary since 1844.

 

In the last work for the warning of the world, two distinct calls are made to the churches. The second angel’s message is, “Babylon is fallen, is fallen, that great city, because she made all nations drink of the wine of the wrath of her fornication.” And in the loud cry of the third angel’s message a voice is heard from heaven saying, “Come out of her, my people, that ye be not partakers of her sins, and that ye receive not of her plagues. For her sins have reached unto heaven, and God hath remembered her iniquities.” {Mar 189.1}

 

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

The loud cry is to be given now and it is to finish off the work.

The message of the angel following the third is now to be given to all parts of the world. It is to be the harvest message. –Letter 86, 1900.  {LDE 208.1}

 

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

The latter rain gives power to the voice of the loud cry.

At that time the “latter rain,” or refreshing from the presence of the Lord, will come, to give power to the loud voice of the third angel, and prepare the saints to stand in the period when the seven last plagues shall be poured out.–EW 86 (1854). {LDE 186.4}

Third Angel’s Message

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

The core content of the third angel’s message is the mediation of Christ and the perpetuity of the law.

Those who had accepted the light concerning the mediation of Christ and the perpetuity of the law of God, found that these were the truths brought to view in the third message. {4SP 275.2}

 

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

Christ gave the third message when he entered the most holy place to perform the closing work of atonement.

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

 

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

The third angel lights up the past, the present, and the future to the early advent believers because he showed them the light of the sanctuary message, and where they had gone wrong in their message.

 

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

They are not willing to accept that Saturday is the Sabbath which you must accept if you are going to accept Christ’s change of ministration.

Many and earnest were the efforts made to overthrow their faith. None could fail to see that if the earthly sanctuary was a figure or pattern of the heavenly, the law deposited in the ark on earth was an exact transcript of the law in the ark in Heaven, and that an acceptance of the truth concerning the heavenly sanctuary involved an acknowledgment of the claims of God’s law, and the obligation of the Sabbath of the fourth commandment. Here was the secret of the bitter and determined opposition to the harmonious exposition of the Scriptures that brought to view the ministration of Christ in the heavenly sanctuary. How hard men tried to close the door which God had opened, and to open the door which he had closed! But “He that openeth and no man shutteth, and shutteth and no man openeth,” had declared, “Behold, I have set before thee an open door, and no man can shut it.” [REV. 3:7, 8.] Christ had opened the door, or ministration, of the most holy place, light was shining from that open door of the sanctuary in Heaven, and the fourth commandment was shown to be included in the law within the ark; what God had established, no man could overthrow.  {4SP 275.1}

 

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

Justification by faith is the third angel’s message because the third angel’s message takes place in the most holy part of the sanctuary above where Christ is performing the final atonement.  The final atonement is about the marriage which is where Christ’s takes His perfect character and exchanges it with our filthy one because we recognize that we can’t be saved without the exchange. This is justification by faith.

Several have written to me, inquiring if the message of justification by faith is the third angel’s message, and I have answered, “It is the third angel’s message in verity.”– Review and Herald, April 1, 1890.  {Ev 190.3}

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

 

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

The purpose of the numbering system is  only for the order of their rise.

The three messages are but one threefold message. They are three only in the order of their rise. But having risen, they go on together and are inseparable.  {GC 693 appendix}

 

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

They are somewhat different messages but one leads into the other.

Thus the substance of the second angel’s message is again given to the world by that other angel who lightens the earth with his glory. These messages all blend in one, to come before the people in the closing days of this earth’s history.   {2SM 116.2}

The first, second, and third angels’ messages are all linked together.  {2SM 117.2}

 

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

These are the truths of the third angel’s message because the focus of the third angel’s message is the Sabbath which is a part of the law that is found in the earthly sanctuary which is a replication of the Heavenly sanctuary. The third angel’s message was sent when Christ entered the most holy place in the Heavenly sanctuary and started the mediating on our behalf. These must be the truths of the third angel’s message.

Many and earnest were the efforts made to overthrow their faith. None could fail to see that if the earthly sanctuary was a figure or pattern of the heavenly, the law deposited in the ark on earth was an exact transcript of the law in the ark in Heaven, and that an acceptance of the truth concerning the heavenly sanctuary involved an acknowledgment of the claims of God’s law, and the obligation of the Sabbath of the fourth commandment. Here was the secret of the bitter and determined opposition to the harmonious exposition of the Scriptures that brought to view the ministration of Christ in the heavenly sanctuary. How hard men tried to close the door which God had opened, and to open the door which he had closed! But “He that openeth and no man shutteth, and shutteth and no man openeth,” had declared, “Behold, I have set before thee an open door, and no man can shut it.” [REV. 3:7, 8.] Christ had opened the door, or ministration, of the most holy place, light was shining from that open door of the sanctuary in Heaven, and the fourth commandment was shown to be included in the law within the ark; what God had established, no man could overthrow.  {4SP 275.1}

Those who had accepted the light concerning the mediation of Christ and the perpetuity of the law of God, found that these were the truths brought to view in the third message. {4SP 275.2}

 

 

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

The “here” is in the heavenly sanctuary because the third angel is pointing to there when he says it.

John was shown these things in holy vision. He saw the company represented by the five wise virgins, with their lamps trimmed and burning, and he exclaimed in rapture, “Here is the patience of the saints; here are they that keep the commandments of God and the faith of Jesus.  {16MR 269.2} 

As the ministration of Jesus closed in the holy place, and He passed into the holiest, and stood before the ark containing the law of God, He sent another mighty angel with a third message to the world. A parchment was placed in the angel’s hand, and as he descended to the earth in power and majesty, he proclaimed a fearful warning, with the most terrible threatening ever borne to man. This message was designed to put the children of God upon their guard, by showing them the hour of temptation and anguish that was before them. Said the angel, “They will be brought into close combat with the beast and his image.  Their only hope of eternal life is to remain steadfast. Although their lives are at stake, they must hold fast the truth.”   The third angel closes his message thus: “Here is the patience of the saints: here are they that keep the commandments of God, and the faith of Jesus.” As he repeated these words, he pointed to the heavenly sanctuary. The minds of all who embrace this message are directed to the most holy place, where Jesus stands before the ark, making His final intercession for all those for whom mercy still lingers and for those who have ignorantly broken the law of God. This atonement is made for the righteous dead as well as for the righteous living. It includes all who died trusting in Christ, but who, not having received the light upon God’s commandments, had sinned ignorantly in transgressing its precepts.  {EW 254.1}

 

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

The action step for the third angel’s message is that we are to choose to worship on God’s holy day, the Sabbath, which is on Saturday. We are to enter the most holy with Christ and to realize we need to follow God’s law the way it has been for centuries or we will receive the mark of the beast.  The second action step is for us to go the marriage and receive Christ’s perfect character.

 

They had by faith followed their High Priest from the holy to the most holy, and they saw him pleading his blood before the ark of God. Within that sacred ark is the Father’s law, the same that was spoken by God himself amid the thunders of Sinai, and written with his own finger on the tables of stone. Not one command has been annulled; not a jot or tittle has been changed. While God gave to Moses a copy of his law, he preserved the great original in the sanctuary above. Tracing down its holy precepts, the seekers for truth found, in the very bosom of the decalogue, the fourth commandment, as it was first proclaimed: “Remember the Sabbath day, to keep it holy. Six days shalt thou labor, and do all thy work; but the seventh day is the Sabbath of the Lord thy God: in it thou shalt not do any work, thou, nor thy son, nor thy daughter, thy man-servant, nor thy maid-servant, nor thy cattle, nor thy stranger that is within thy gates: for in six days the Lord made heaven and earth, the sea, and all that in them is, and rested the seventh day; wherefore the Lord blessed the Sabbath day, and hallowed it.” [EX. 20:8-11.]  {4SP 273.3}

Many and earnest were the efforts made to overthrow their faith. None could fail to see that if the earthly sanctuary was a figure or pattern of the heavenly, the law deposited in the ark on earth was an exact transcript of the law in the ark in Heaven, and that an acceptance of the truth concerning the heavenly sanctuary involved an acknowledgment of the claims of God’s law, and the obligation of the Sabbath of the fourth commandment. Here was the secret of the bitter and determined opposition to the harmonious exposition of the Scriptures that brought to view the ministration of Christ in the heavenly sanctuary. How hard men tried to close the door which God had opened, and to open the door which he had closed! But “He that openeth and no man shutteth, and shutteth and no man openeth,” had declared, “Behold, I have set before thee an open door, and no man can shut it.” [REV. 3:7, 8.] Christ had opened the door, or ministration, of the most holy place, light was shining from that open door of the sanctuary in Heaven, and the fourth commandment was shown to be included in the law within the ark; what God had established, no man could overthrow.  {4SP 275.1}

If the light of truth has been presented to you, revealing the Sabbath of the fourth commandment, and showing that there is no foundation in the Word of God for Sunday observance, and yet you still cling to the false sabbath, refusing to keep holy the Sabbath which God calls “My holy day,” you receive the mark of the beast. When does this take place? When you obey the decree that commands you to cease from labor on Sunday and worship God, while you know that there is not a word in the Bible showing Sunday to be other than a common working day, you consent to receive the mark of the beast, and refuse the seal of God.  {7BC 980.1}

 Many who embraced the third message had not had an experience in the two former messages. Satan understood this, and his evil eye was upon them to overthrow them; but the third angel was pointing them to the most holy place, and those who had had an experience in the past messages were pointing them the way to the heavenly sanctuary. Many saw the perfect chain of truth in the angels’ messages, and gladly received them in their order, and followed Jesus by faith into the heavenly sanctuary. These messages were represented to me as an anchor to the people of God. Those who understand and receive them will be kept from being swept away by the many delusions of Satan.  {EW 256.2}

This is the great day of atonement, and our Advocate is standing before the Father, pleading as our intercessor. In place of wrapping about us the garments of self-righteousness, we should be found daily humbling ourselves before God, confessing our own individual sins, seeking the pardon of our transgressions, and cooperating with Christ in the work of preparing our souls to reflect the divine image. Unless we enter the sanctuary above, and unite with Christ in working out our own salvation with fear and trembling, we shall be weighed in the balances of the sanctuary, and shall be pronounced wanting (MS 168, 1898).  {7BC 933.14}

 

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

There are two people being warned. The first are those who are not saved and it is for them a warning so that they can go to Christ for salvation and the second is for God’s people to be on their gaurd.

 

The most solemn warning and the most awful threatening ever addressed to mortals is that contained in the third angel’s message. The sin that calls down the wrath of God unmixed with mercy must be of the most heinous character. Is the world to be left in darkness as to the nature of this sin?–Most assuredly not. God does not deal thus with His creatures. His wrath is never visited upon sins of ignorance. Before His judgments are brought upon the earth, the light in regard to this sin must be presented to the world, that man may know why these judgments are to be inflicted, and may have opportunity to escape them.  {ST, November 1, 1899 par. 7}

As the ministration of Jesus closed in the holy place, and He passed into the holiest, and stood before the ark containing the law of God, He sent another mighty angel with a third message to the world. A parchment was placed in the angel’s hand, and as he descended to the earth in power and majesty, he proclaimed a fearful warning, with the most terrible threatening ever borne to man. This message was designed to put the children of God upon their guard, by showing them the hour of temptation and anguish that was before them. Said the angel, “They will be brought into close combat with the beast and his image.  Their only hope of eternal life is to remain steadfast. Although their lives are at stake, they must hold fast the truth.”   The third angel closes his message thus: “Here is the patience of the saints: here are they that keep the commandments of God, and the faith of Jesus.” As he repeated these words, he pointed to the heavenly sanctuary. The minds of all who embrace this message are directed to the most holy place, where Jesus stands before the ark, making His final intercession for all those for whom mercy still lingers and for those who have ignorantly broken the law of God. This atonement is made for the righteous dead as well as for the righteous living. It includes all who died trusting in Christ, but who, not having received the light upon God’s commandments, had sinned ignorantly in transgressing its precepts.  {EW 254.1}

  

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

To receive the mark of the beast is that you advocate the same ideas as the beast which is in direct opposition to God’s word.

The third angel’s message has been sent forth to the world, warning men against receiving the mark of the beast or of his image in their foreheads or in their hands. To receive this mark means to come to the same decision as the beast has done, and to advocate the same ideas, in direct opposition to the Word of God. Of all who receive this mark, God says, “The same shall drink of the wine of the wrath of God, which is poured out without mixture into the cup of his indignation; and he shall be tormented with fire and brimstone in the presence of the holy angels, and in the presence of the Lamb.” . . .  {7BC 979.12}

 

13. What is “the wine of the wrath of God, which is poured out without mixture into the cup of his indignation”?

This wine is poured out when God has had enough of people worshiping of the beast. God’s tolerance has run out and then His judgement is poured out.

The third angel’s message has been sent forth to the world, warning men against receiving the mark of the beast or of his image in their foreheads or in their hands. To receive this mark means to come to the same decision as the beast has done, and to advocate the same ideas, in direct opposition to the Word of God. Of all who receive this mark, God says, “The same shall drink of the wine of the wrath of God, which is poured out without mixture into the cup of his indignation; and he shall be tormented with fire and brimstone in the presence of the holy angels, and in the presence of the Lamb.” . . .  {7BC 979.12}

Rev. 15:1 ¶ And I saw another sign in heaven, great and marvellous, seven angels having the seven last plagues; for in them is filled up the wrath of God. 

When Christ ceases His intercession in the sanctuary, the unmingled wrath threatened against those who worship the beast and his image and receive his mark (Revelation 14:9, 10), will be poured out. The plagues upon Egypt when God was about to deliver Israel were similar in character to those more terrible and extensive judgments which are to fall upon the world just before the final deliverance of God’s people.   {GC 627.3}   See Rev. 16.

These plagues are not universal, or the inhabitants of the earth would be wholly cut off. Yet they will be the most awful scourges that have ever been known to mortals. All the judgments upon men, prior to the close of probation, have been mingled with mercy. The pleading blood of Christ has shielded the sinner from receiving the full measure of his guilt; but in the final judgment, wrath is poured out unmixed with mercy.  {GC 628.2}

 

 

14. How are those who receive the mark of the beast “tormented with fire and brimstone in the presence of the holy angels, and in the presence of the Lamb: And the smoke of their torment ascendeth up for ever and ever”?

Those who receive the mark of the beast are tormented because they have no mediator and they must face God with all their sins. They have no one to atone for them because they rejected his mercy and grace. See Revelation 20 as well.

 

15. What does it mean that “the smoke of their torment ascendeth up for ever and ever”? Give some Biblical support. You could also take a look at Jude 7 and Isa. 34:10, 11.

Smoke can ascend even after the fire is put out so therefore hell doesn’t last forever but the smoke could.  Sodom and Gommorah were completely destroyed and the effects of their evil doing are seen today but they are not burning still so that means the consequences of those who  have sinned can be seen forever but they are not burning in hell forever.

Jude  1:7   Even as Sodom and Gomorrha, and the cities about them in like manner, giving themselves over to fornication, and going after strange flesh, are set forth for an example, suffering the vengeance of eternal fire.

Creation vs. Evolution

1) Why do you think that our church finds itself in this situation of La Sierra University professors teaching evolution as fact?

Our church finds itself in this situation because we are in the end times and individuals are bringing in the world in their teaching. Some believe that to get all the education needed you also need the worldly teachings as well as Christian teaching.  

 

“And there are some who, having secured this worldly education, think that they can introduce it into our schools. There is constant danger that those who labor in our schools and sanitariums will entertain the idea that they must get in line with the world, study the things the world studies, and become familiar with the things the world becomes familiar with. We shall make grave mistakes unless we give special attention to the searching of the word. The Bible should not be brought into our schools to be sandwiched between infidelity. God’s word must be made the groundwork and subject matter of education. It is true that we know much more of this word than we knew in the past, but there is still much to be learned.”

 {CT 16.1}

 

“Those who regard as essential the knowledge to be gained along the line of worldly education are making a great mistake, one which will cause them to be swayed by individual opinions that are human and erring.” {FE 535.2}

 

     “The light has been given me that tremendous pressures will be brought upon every Seventh-day Adventist with whom the world can get into close connection. Those who seek the education that the world esteems so highly, are gradually led further and further from the principles of truth until they become educated worldlings. At what a price have they gained their education! They have parted with the Holy Spirit of God. They have chosen to accept what the world calls knowledge in the place of the truths which God has committed to men through His ministers and prophets and apostles. And there are some who, having secured this worldly education, think that they can introduce it into our schools. But let me tell you that you must not take what the world calls the higher education and bring it into our schools and sanitariums and churches. We need to understand these things. I speak to you definitely. This must not be done.”  {FE 535.3}
2) What do you think should be done about it?

I believe that the matter should be discussed between the conference president and the members involved at La Sierra University. We also need to be checking for ourselves what we are learning is truth according to the Bible.

Second Angel’s Message

When was the second angel’s message given?

 The second angel’s message was given in 1844 after the first angel’s message was given.

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

 

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

 This message had its most direct application to the Protestant churches in the US.

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

The second angel’s message of Revelation 14 was first preached in the summer of 1844, and it then had a more direct application to the churches of the United States, where the warning of the judgment had been most widely proclaimed and most generally rejected, and where the declension in the churches had been most rapid.{GC 389.2}

Why was the second angel’s message given?

 The second angel’s message was given because the Protestant churches had rejected the first and God was calling the true followers of God out of them.

This message was understood by Adventists to be an announcement of the moral fall of the churches in consequence of their rejection of the first message. The proclamation, “Babylon is fallen,” was given in the summer of 1844, and as the result, about fifty thousand withdrew from these churches.  {4SP 232.1}

What were the consequences to the churches when they rejected the first angel’s message?  [A how problem]

The consequence for rejecting the first angel’s message was that God rejected them and they fell out of the favour of God.

When the churches spurned the counsel of God by rejecting the Advent message, the Lord rejected them. The first angel was followed by a second, proclaiming, “Babylon is fallen, is fallen, that great city, because she made all nations drink of the wine of the wrath of her fornication.” [REV. 14:8] {4SP 232.1}

As the churches refused to receive the first angel’s message, they rejected the light from heaven and fell from the favor of God. They trusted to their own strength, and by opposing the first message placed themselves where they could not see the light of the second angel’s message. But the beloved of God, who were oppressed, accepted the message, “Babylon is fallen,” and left the churches.  {EW 237.2}

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

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

We need to come out of sin as well as the fallen churches and proclaim these messages.

When Jesus began His public ministry, He cleansed the temple from its sacrilegious profanation. Among the last acts of His ministry was the second cleansing of the temple. So in the last work for the warning of the world, two distinct calls are made to the churches. The second angel’s message is, “Babylon is fallen, is fallen, that great city, because she made all nations drink of the wine of the wrath of her fornication.” And in the loud cry of the third angel’s message a voice is heard from heaven saying, “Come out of her, my people, that ye be not partakers of her sins, and that ye receive not of her plagues. For her sins have reached unto heaven, and God hath remembered her iniquities” (RH Dec. 6, 1892).  {7BC 985.5}   

Near the close of the second angel’s message, [SEE APPENDIX BELOW.] I saw a great light from heaven shining upon the people of God. The rays of this light seemed bright as the sun. And I heard the voices of angels crying, “Behold, the Bridegroom cometh; go ye out to meet Him!”  {EW 238.1}

This was the midnight cry, which was to give power to the second angel’s message. Angels were sent from heaven to arouse the discouraged saints and prepare them for the great work before them. The most talented men were not the first to receive this message. Angels were sent to the humble, devoted ones, and constrained them to raise the cry, “Behold, the Bridegroom cometh; go ye out to meet Him!” Those entrusted with the cry made haste, and in the power of the Holy Spirit sounded the message, and aroused their discouraged brethren. This work did not stand in the wisdom and learning of men, but in the power of God, and His saints who heard the cry could not resist it. The most spiritual received this message first, and those who had formerly led in the work were the last to receive and help swell the cry, “Behold, the Bridegroom cometh; go ye out to meet Him!” {EW 238.2}

 When was the climactic closing up of the second angel’s message?

And while it is true that the second angel’s message continues to be present truth, there was a climactic closing up of the second angel’s message immediately preceding October 22, 1844.  When the messages of the three angels come prominently before the world again just before the second advent of Christ, the angel of revelation 18:1 joins in the proclamation of the second angel in the message that “Babylon is fallen.” “Come out of her, my people.”{EW 304.1}

 What was the Midnight Cry?

 The Midnight Cry was the message that the Bridegroom is coming, prepare to meet Him.

Near the close of the second angel’s message, I saw a great light from heaven shining upon the people of God. The rays of this light seemed bright as the sun. And I heard the voices of angels crying, “Behold, the Bridegroom cometh; go ye out to meet Him!”  {EW 238.1}

This was the midnight cry, which was to give power to the second angel’s message. Angels were sent from heaven to arouse the discouraged saints and prepare them for the great work before them. The most talented men were not the first to receive this message. Angels were sent to the humble, devoted ones, and constrained them to raise the cry, “Behold, the Bridegroom cometh; go ye out to meet Him!” Those entrusted with the cry made haste, and in the power of the Holy Spirit sounded the message, and aroused their discouraged brethren. This work did not stand in the wisdom and learning of men, but in the power of God, and His saints who heard the cry could not resist it. The most spiritual received this message first, and those who had formerly led in the work were the last to receive and help swell the cry, “Behold, the Bridegroom cometh; go ye out to meet Him!” {EW 238.2}

When was the Midnight Cry given?

The midnight cry was given near the close of the second angel’s message.

Near the close of the second angel’s message, I saw a great light from heaven shining upon the people of God. The rays of this light seemed bright as the sun. And I heard the voices of angels crying, “Behold, the Bridegroom cometh; go ye out to meet Him!”  {EW 238.1}

What was the purpose of the Midnight Cry?

The purpose of the midnight cry was to add power to the second angel’s message.

This was the midnight cry, which was to give power to the second angel’s message. Angels were sent from heaven to arouse the discouraged saints and prepare them for the great work before them. The most talented men were not the first to receive this message. Angels were sent to the humble, devoted ones, and constrained them to raise the cry, “Behold, the Bridegroom cometh; go ye out to meet Him!” Those entrusted with the cry made haste, and in the power of the Holy Spirit sounded the message, and aroused their discouraged brethren. This work did not stand in the wisdom and learning of men, but in the power of God, and His saints who heard the cry could not resist it. The most spiritual received this message first, and those who had formerly led in the work were the last to receive and help swell the cry, “Behold, the Bridegroom cometh; go ye out to meet Him!” {EW 238.2}

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

 The midnight cry calls us to have a closer relationship with Christ.

In every part of the land, light was given upon the second angel’s message, and the cry melted the hearts of thousands. It went from city to city, and from village to village, until the waiting people of God were fully aroused. In many churches the message was not permitted to be given, and a large company who had the living testimony left these fallen churches. A mighty work was accomplished by the midnight cry. The message was heart-searching, leading the believers to seek a living experience for themselves. They knew that they could not lean upon one another. {EW 238.3}

Those who rejected the first message could not be benefited by the second; neither were they benefited by the midnight cry, which was to prepare them to enter with Jesus by faith into the most holy place of the heavenly sanctuary. And by rejecting the two former messages, they have so darkened their understanding that they can see no light in the third angel’s message, which shows the way into the most holy place.  {EW 260.1}

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

 The two distinct calls are the second angel’s message/midnight cry and the loud cry in Revelation 18.  The first call was made in the summer of 1844 and the second is to be given now.

When Jesus began His public ministry, He cleansed the temple from its sacrilegious profanation. Among the last acts of His ministry was the second cleansing of the temple. So in the last work for the warning of the world, two distinct calls are made to the churches. The second angel’s message is, “Babylon is fallen, is fallen, that great city, because she made all nations drink of the wine of the wrath of her fornication.” And in the loud cry of the third angel’s message a voice is heard from heaven saying, “Come out of her, my people, that ye be not partakers of her sins, and that ye receive not of her plagues. For her sins have reached unto heaven, and God hath remembered her iniquities” (RH Dec. 6, 1892).  {7BC 985.5}   

The message of the angel following the third is now to be given to all parts of the world. It is to be the harvest message. –Letter 86, 1900.  {LDE 208.1}

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

There are only two distinct calls made because the first was made at the begging of the last work of Christ, which was his work in the Most Holy place in the sanctuary. It was to make people realize that time is running out. The second is to be made now because the Christ’s work is finishing up in the Heavenly sanctuary and it is to be made now because people need to be reawakened to the fact that there isn’t much time left to change their characters. Why there hasn’t been anymore is that there have been no more substantial changes in the heavenly sanctuary since 1844.

The First Angel’s Message

Who gives the first angel’s message?

We are to send the first angel’s message into all the world.

 These three angels represent the people who accept the light of God’s messages, and go forth as His agents to sound the warning throughout the length and breadth of the earth. Christ declared to His followers, “Ye are the light of the world.” To every soul that accepts Jesus, the cross of Calvary speaks: “Behold the worth of the soul. ‘Go ye into all the world, and preach the Gospel to every creature.’” Nothing is to be permitted to hinder this work. It is the all-important work for this time, and it is to be far-reaching as eternity.  {ST, January 25, 1910 par. 5}

 When was the first angel’s message first given?

The first message was given in 1843 and 1844.

“The first and second messages were given in 1843 and 1844, and we are now under the proclamation of the third; but all three of the messages are still to be proclaimed. It is just as essential now as ever before that they shall be repeated to those who are seeking for the truth. By pen and voice we are to sound the proclamation, showing their order, and the application of the prophecies that bring us to the third angel’s message. There cannot be a third without the first and second. These messages we are to give to the world in publications, in discourses, showing in the line of prophetic history the things that have been, and the things that will be.”–Manuscript 32, 1896.  {CW 26.2}

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

 The first angel’s message was most fulfilled in the US by the early Adventists.

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

 

Why was the first angel’s message given?

The first angel’s message was given because the churches have become corrupted.

Because the principles of the churches have become corrupted. . . .[Rev. 14:6-10 quoted.]  {7BC 979.1}  

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

This part of the first angel’s message is a part of the gospel because it points to the closing of Christ’s ministration. 

The announcement, “The hour of His judgment is come,” points to the closing work of Christ’s ministration for the salvation of men. It heralds a truth which must be proclaimed until the Saviour’s intercession shall cease and He shall return to the earth to take His people to Himself. The work of judgment which began in 1844 must continue until the cases of all are decided, both of the living and the dead; hence it will extend to the close of human probation.  {GC 435.2}

While the investigative judgment is going forward in heaven, while the sins of penitent believers are being removed from the sanctuary, there is to be a special work of purification, of putting away of sin, among God’s people upon earth. This work is more clearly presented in the messages of Revelation 14.  {GC 425.1}

 What were the consequences to the churches when they rejected the first angel’s message?  [A how problem]

The consequence to the churches when they rejected the first angel’s message was that God rejected them. By choosing to reject the first message they chose to go against God.

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

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

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

The first angel’s message influences the second angel’s message because of the fact that the people rejected the first angel’s message they recieved the second.

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

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

THe first angel’s message is still relevant today because it outlines the work to be done in the last days.

“The fourteenth chapter of Revelation outlines the work that is to be done by the people of God just before the second advent of our Saviour. Three messages are there represented, which must go to all the inhabitants of the world.”  {ST, January 25, 1910 par. 1}

The first and second messages were given in 1843 and 1844, and we are now under the proclamation of the third ; but all three of the  messages are still to be proclaimed. It is just as essential now as ever before that they shall be repeated to those who are seeking for the truth. By pen and voice we are to sound the proclamation, showing their order, and the application of the prophecies that bring us to the third angel’s message. There cannot be a third without the first and second. These messages we are to give to the world in publications, in discourses, showing in the line of prophetic history the things that have been, and the things that will be.–Manuscript 32, 1896.  {CW 26.2} 

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

The action step is for us to not only hear the message but to accept it and to allow God to change our lives.

That men may be prepared to stand in the judgment, the message commands them to “fear God, and give glory to Him,” “and worship Him that made heaven, and earth, and the sea, and the fountains of waters.” The result of an acceptance of these messages is given in the word: “Here are they that keep the commandments of God, and the faith of Jesus.”  In order to be prepared for the judgment, it is necessary that men should keep the law of God. That law will be the standard of character in the judgment.   {GC 435.2}   

 

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

 It was perceived to announce the soon return of Christ when in reality it was talking about the investiagative judgement although it does call us to repent of our sins and follow Him.

“The announcement, “The hour of His judgment is come,” points to the closing work of Christ’s ministration for the salvation of men. It heralds a truth which must be proclaimed until the Saviour’s intercession shall cease and He shall return to the earth to take His people to Himself. The work of judgment which began in 1844 must continue until the cases of all are decided, both of the living and the dead; hence it will extend to the close of human probation.”  {GC 435.2}

“While the investigative judgment is going forward in heaven, while the sins of penitent believers are being removed from the sanctuary, there is to be a special work of purification, of putting away of sin, among God’s people upon earth. This work is more clearly presented in the messages of Revelation 14.”  {GC 425.1}

The Book of Revelation 5

     This book has seven seals and was sealed until 1798 when it was unsealed. The sealed part is the last days portion of Daniel. Revelation unseals it. The setting of the book is the final part of the redemption plan not the whole redemption plan from Eden to the end. The time is from the unsealing in 1798 to 1840-1844-Second coming and the place is the Most Holy place. The book is written within the heart and on the backside which means when in time because it is an adverb in the place used. It really means that some people will get this experience after everyone else.

            There are four aspects to this book which tie in with how it is opened. It goes something like this. In Dan. 8:14 the prophecy was fulfilled which inspired the message of Rev. 14:6,7. This caused people to choose to reject or accept the message which then led to development of their character or heart. And this is what goes in the record book: what their character is.

            There are seven seals on this book but the book can still be opened even though it is not fully unsealed till the second coming of Christ.

Character

What makes a defective character?

A defective character is wrong thoughts and feelings that are made into habits. Wrong habits are thoughts that are not in harmony with God’s law and His word.

 

When do you start having a defective character and the process that stops it?

Some of our defective character is inherited form our past and original sin. The other part is from our wrong thoughts in our mind about the law.

 

Describe the process that start the defective character and the process that stops it?

The process that starts our defective characters is our parent’s sins and habits which our then inherited by us from them. This started with Adam. He sinned and his guilt passed on to his children. The process that ends it is our character becoming like Christ’s. We are converted but still have most of our old habits. We then overcome these through progressive conversion until at last we are at the judgment and our characters are judged.

 

How do you go about building your character?

You build your character by having Christ help you uproot the bad habits and tendencies and building new and better ones.

 

Name the workmen that you use to get the job done?

The workmen you use to build your character are your faculties and powers which need to be properly improved. The mind is the garden and the character is the fruit.

 

Is there any aspect of the building contract that you can’t do yourself, and who do you subcontract it out to?

We cannot change our feelings without help so we ask God to put new feelings and desires in our minds.

 

When you get to the judgment, why would you decide you needed to go to the marriage, before entering the time of trouble?

You would need to go to the marriage to clear off of your record all the sinful desires of your past.

 

How could your understanding of character make you a part of those who believe in spiritualistic theories?

Your understanding of character could make you a part of spiritualistic teachings because spiritualistic teachings say that God is essence that is in all nature and you only have to develop the power in you to become holy. Character is done mostly on our own but we do need God’s help because he has to change our hearts and desires.

Dan 9:25

“Know therefore and understand, that from the going forth of the commandment to restore and to build Jerusalem unto the Messiah the Prince shall be seven weeks, and threescore and two weeks: the street shall be built again, and the wall, even in troublous times.” Dan.9:25

 

When did the prophecy begin?

There were three kings who issued this decree- Cyrus, Darius, and Artaxerxes king of Persia. It was the third king whose decree went in place and he sent Ezra to rebuild Jerusalem. Artaxerxes’ decree went into effect in the fall of the year 457 B.C.       

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

“And he came to Jerusalem in the fifth month, which was the seventh year of the king.”  {Ezra 7:8} 

“According to the Jewish reckoning the fifth month of the seventh year of Artaxerxes’ reign was from July 23 to August 21, 457 B.C. After Ezra’s arrival in Jerusalem in the autumn of the year, the decree of the king went into effect.  Appendix note on pages 327, 329.”

The sanctuary was cleansed after 2300 days. This prophecy started in 457 B.C. as well. If you subtract 2300-457=1843.But because the Jewish calendar starts in the spring of our year it would be the fall of 1844.

THE YEAR 1843 WAS, HOWEVER, REGARDED AS EXTENDING TO THE SPRING OF 1844. THE REASON FOR THIS, BRIEFLY STATED, IS AS FOLLOWS: ANCIENTLY THE YEAR DID NOT COMMENCE IN MIDWINTER, AS NOW, BUT AT THE FIRST NEW MOON AFTER THE VERNAL EQUINOX. THEREFORE, AS THE PERIOD OF 2300 DAYS WAS BEGUN IN A YEAR RECKONED BY THE ANCIENT METHOD, IT WAS CONSIDERED NECESSARY TO CONFORM TO THAT METHOD TO ITS CLOSE. HENCE, 1843 WAS COUNTED AS ENDING IN THE SPRING, AND NOT IN THE WINTER.  {GC88 681.4}

 BUT THE 2300 DAYS CANNOT BE RECKONED FROM THE BEGINNING OF THE YEAR 457 B.C.; FOR THE DECREE OF ARTAXERXES–WHICH IS THE STARTING-POINT–DID NOT GO INTO EFFECT UNTIL THE AUTUMN OF THAT YEAR. CONSEQUENTLY THE 2300 DAYS, BEGINNING IN THE AUTUMN OF 457 B.C., MUST EXTEND TO THE AUTUMN OF 1844 A.D. (SEE SMALL DIAGRAM ON PLATE OPPOSITE PAGE 328.)  {GC88 681.5}

The cleansing of the earthly sanctuary in the Jewish calendar fell on the 10^th day of the seventh month. This fell upon October 22 in 1844. So therefore the cleansing of the heavenly sanctuary which was to happen at the end of the 2300 days happened on Oct. 22, 1844.

“Under the Mosaic system the cleansing of the sanctuary, or the great Day of Atonement, occurred on the tenth day of the seventh Jewish month (Leviticus 16:29-34)…  The tenth day of the seventh month, the great Day of Atonement, the time of the cleansing of the sanctuary, which in the year 1844 fell upon the twenty-second of October, was regarded as the time of the Lord’s coming. This was in harmony with the proofs already presented that the 2300 days would terminate in the autumn, and the conclusion seemed irresistible.”  {GC 399.4}

Dan. 8 User notes

      1.      Host-God’s people- Dan 12:3, Rev. 22:6. Prince of the host- Jesus who is the great star.

2.      Stamped- to trample upon the starry host.

3.      Vs.12 is talking about peole who believed the lies about the daily because of sinful desires. The papacy was prepared to quiet these peoples consciences about this.

4.      Vs.13 The vision(2300 days) vision =daily + transgression of desolation

Daily in the sanctuary revolved around the altar of incense and the altar of burnt offering.

5.      Transgression of desolation is referring to original sin in Romans 5

6.      Trodden under foot – sanctuary & starry host

7.      Vs. 14 cleansing of sanctuary.

8.   vs.25 broken without hand

      He is the papacy which is broken by a rock withou hands(law) see Dan. 2

 

Dan. 7 User Notes

1. The four beasts represent the four kingdoms- Babylon, Medo-Persia, Greece, and Rome.
2. The Fourth beast had 10 horns and the little one that came up after these had an eye which represents the conscience.
3. Mouth speaking great things- This is talking about the pope who thinks he can control heaven, earth, and the lower things. He can also modify, explain, or interpret divine laws as well as many other things.
4. The fiery stream is the Holy Spirit
5. The beast was slain at the second coming.
6. After the horn is the end. Horn is destroyed at the second coming and represents the pope.
7. Ten horns- ten kings/kingdoms- Rome broke into the German barbaric tribes.
8. Another Horn- little horn
9. He shall be diverse from the others: little horn is religio-political in nature whereas the previous horns were political kingdoms and the little horn was ruled by a pontiff.
10. He shall subdue three kingdoms: They were an obstacle in his way of expansion. They were supporters of Arianism which was a formidable rival of Catholicism.
11. He has to change the law to exalt himself. He did this by trying to change the fourth commandment.
12. A prophetic year is 360 days but a prophetic day is a year in our solar year.
13. Judgment is going to take away the little horn’s dominion.
14. The dominion is Satan’s dominion.
15. The kingdom referred o here is the kingdom of glory which we receive at the second coming.