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Egypt Exodus Repeated?

July 13, 2013

We’re all familiar with the great exodus movement from the land of Egypt. It became the foundational movement for the people of God–the Israelites. Freed from bondage, the people were to enter into our Lord’s bountiful and glorious land- Israel. But something went horribly wrong, and the whole plan went “south” to use a common term.

But are you aware the Scriptures says that the Lord will “do it again”, in a similar way? Yes indeed it does! Let’s look at this most fascinating prophecy and see what the Lord has in plan for His remnant people.

“Therefore behold, the days are coming,” declares the LORD, “when they will no longer say, ‘As the LORD lives, who brought up the sons of Israel from the land of Egypt,’ but ‘As the LORD lives who brought up and led the offspring of the house of Israel out of the north country and out of all the countries where he had driven them.’ Then they shall dwell in their own land.”(Jeremiah 23:7-8)

The above is one packed prophecy! First we see that the time for this to occur is in the “future” days. And that there appears a direct leading of the Lord for His people, just as he did in the Egypt exodus. Next we notice that it’s from the “house of Israel”, meaning His church, His people.

We as Bible students know that this prophecy has not ever occurred yet, because all 12 tribes of the “house of Israel” have never been re-united and brought back to their own land.

We as SDA know all too well that since Ellen G. White appeared from God as our prophetess, His hand has directly guided HIS CHURCH, the SDA church. This can only mean that the people in this last days exodus will come from the SDA church. She establishes the fact that the SDA church is the “Israel” of today with the following quote.

“In order to be purified and to remain pure, Seventh-day Adventists must have the Holy Spirit in their hearts and in their homes. The Lord has given me light that when the Israel of today humble themselves before Him, and cleanse the soul-temple from all defilement, He will hear their prayers in behalf of the sick and will bless in the use of His remedies for disease.” (Test. for the Church, Vol. 9, p.164)

What a grand joy! What a promise! Someday soon we’ll be under the direct hand of God and led to our “own land”, a land flowing with “milk and honey”. And there has only been ONE land, our Lord has called His. It is Israel. “His foundation is in the holy mountains. The Lord loves the gates of Zion more than all the dwellings of Jacob. Glorious things are spoken of you, O city of God! Selah.” (Psalm 87 :1-3)

“On that day I swore to them that I would bring them out of Egypt into a land I had searched out for them, a land flowing with milk and honey, the most beautiful of all lands” (Ezekiel 20:6).

While we won’t go into all the prophecies about how the land of Israel will be cleared out now, let’s look at a very important one.

“Gather yourselves together! Yes, gather together, you shameless nation, before the decree is carried out [and] the day passes like windblown husks, before the LORD’s burning anger comes to you, before the day of the LORD’s anger comes to you. (Zeph.2:1-2)

The above prophecy is for the last days, as can be clearly seen by reading the 1st chapter of Zephaniah. So we ask–what nation today is shameless? What nation is stoutly calling the God of Israel, as it’s God, yet shamelessly calling His Son- an impostor? In case you haven’t guessed, verse 4 of Zeph. clears it.

“For Gaza shall be deserted, and Ashkelon shall become a desolation; Ashdod’s people shall be driven out at noon, and Ekron shall be uprooted.”( Zeph 2:4) The area is none other than Israel–specifically the Palestine area.

We see that in the near future the land of Jerusalem shall be cleared out for God’s people to come back. This, as we well know, is certainly shaping up as we speak. We see that the middle east situation is very tense and that the last big war is about to take place in this area–“Gather yourselves together”. The nations are real close to this gathering and this purpose is that of the Lord’s. He wants His land back for His people.

So this exodus is now in the preparation stage. The Lord’s last message is going out right now, pleading with His people to accept His offer. And what is this offer? To listen and heed His final message of repentance and reformation instructions as given by Elijah. Soon the angels will have marked the last of the “God’s elect”, the 144,000. When our prophetess was called to deliver His messages to us, what was the very first message of importance to us, His SDA church? Her first vision- the 144,000. “”Let us strive with all the power that God has given us to be among the hundred and forty-four thousand. “–(Review and Herald, March 9, 1905.)

We remember that just prior to the actual leaving of the land of Egypt, the Lord commanded the people to mark the door posts in order to be saved from the destroying angel. Ellen White explains the anti-typical future event of this same original type event.

The angel is to place a mark upon the forehead of all who are separated from sin and sinners, and the destroying angel will follow, to slay utterly both old and young.” (Test. for the Church, vol. 5, p.505).

Here we see that she equates the future prophetic Ezekiel 9 to the beginning of the exodus out of Egypt. Is this divine or coincidence? Of course she was divinely led to pair the two together. You see, the church is to be a pure church, and after this happens then the exodus begins.

This all comes together prophetically, as we know that the Loud Cry cannot happen until all the sinners of the house of Israel are removed. The Lord’s full Spirit is then poured out. “Only those who have withstood temptation in the strength of the Mighty One will be permitted to act a part in proclaiming it (the Third Angel’s message) when it shall have swelled into the Loud Cry.” (Review and Herald, Nov. 19, 1908).

Ellen White describes this pure church time, “Mighty miracles were wrought, the sick were healed, and signs and wonders followed the believers. God was in the work, and every saint, fearless of consequences, followed the convictions of his own conscience and united with those who were keeping all the commandments of God; and with power they sounded abroad the third message. I saw that this message will close with power and strength far exceeding the midnight cry.(Early Writings, P.278).

Obviously the Lord’s power will be poured out to enable His servant to do these miracles. But as history shows us in the example of Achan, He will not tolerate sins among His people. In (Test. for the Church, vol. 3, p.270), we read, “God’s displeasure is upon His people, and He will not manifest His power in the midst of them while sins exist among them and are fostered by those in responsible positions.”

This final exodus, this display of His power to win the true in heart around the world, is the fulfillment of God’s many promises to the “house of Israel”. Unlike us, God keeps each and every promise. This is one of the main reasons His has sent “Elijah” to us. Since the writings of the Scriptures began, some of the secret passages of the Lord were left undiscovered or unexplained until Elijah came. The prophet himself explains-

“…since Elijah is to herald the great day, he can therefore be the only one who will rightly interpret the prophecies of the day, which are still mysteries to Christendom, and even to our own Denomination! Indeed, to reiterate, it is for this very reason that the prophet is sent. He is to unroll the scroll to explain what the day of the Lord is like, what the Lord will do then, and how we may survive His judgments.

To re-emphasize the fact, let it be said again that being the last of the prophets Elijah is, therefore, the only one who can open to our understanding all the prophecies of the Scriptures pertaining to the great and dreadful day of the Lord — prophecies which heretofore have been only mysteries to all. Thus he is, as the Scriptures say, to blow the trumpet in Zion, and to sound an alarm in God’s holy mountain, in the church.

In doing all this, he sets in motion the Power that is to restore all things. Hence Christ’s positive declaration: “Elias truly shall first come, and restore all things.” Matt. 17:11. Inevitably, then, without his message we would die in our ignorance and in our sins — never live to see the restoration completed.”(General Conference Special p.19-20)

This “restoration” is beginning now with the message being spread, read, then heeded by those who humbly do as the Lord’s last messenger said to do. Soon those who receive the mark in their forehead will–” Break forth into joy, sing together, You waste places of Jerusalem! For the LORD has comforted His people, He has redeemed Jerusalem. (Isaiah 52:9)

“It shall come to pass in that day that the Lord shall set His hand again the second time to recover the remnant of His people who are left, from Assyria and Egypt, from Pathros and Cush, from Elam and Shinar, from Hamath and the islands of the sea.” (Isaiah 11:11)

“‘For I will take you out of the nations; I will gather you from all the countries and bring you back into your own land. Then I will sprinkle clean water on you, and you will be clean. Your filth will be washed away, and you will no longer worship idols. I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit in you; I will remove from you your heart of stone and give you a heart of flesh. And I will put my Spirit within you, and cause you to walk in my statutes and be careful to obey my rules. And you will live in Israel, the land I gave your ancestors long ago. You will be my people, and I will be your God.” (Ezekiel 36:24-28).

Has the Lord ever brought back His people into His land- Israel, and they then no longer worshiped idols? No, this has never happened yet. This is prophetic of the very soon to come time, when He shall again lead His people into the “promised land”. This is the culmination of the — second exodus.

In closing, let us remember that the Lord’s word clearly says what He will soon do, are we going to be a part of this last day exodus? To make the trip back to “our own land”? To be part of His grand final plan on this earth? Let us say–YES!

Posted in End times, Final Events | 1 Comment »

The Trojan Horse

June 1, 2013

Satan has long ago abandoned his torture and abuse method of overtaking God’s people. Since the reformation, he has changed course. Instead he has found great success in sending a “tare flood” into the church. He’s found that his work from within has produced wide-spread success as opposed to his former work of coming at God’s people from without. The story of the Trojan Horse is similar in many aspects to Satan and his workers coming inside of their victims stronghold (as in our case–the church) Many of us are familiar with the Greek story of the “Trojan Horse”. In Wikipedia it gives us a short description.

“The Trojan Horse is a tale from the Trojan war about the subterfuge that the Greeks used to enter the city of Troy and end the conflict. In the canonical version, after a fruitless 10-year siege, the Greeks constructed a huge wooden horse , and hid a select force of men inside. The Greeks pretended to sail away, and the Trojans pulled the horse into their city as a victory trophy. That night the Greek force crept out of the horse and opened the gates for the rest of the Greek army, which had sailed back under cover of night. The Greeks entered and destroyed the city of Troy, decisively ending the war.”

As is evident, their whole purpose was to infiltrate and conquer. Deception was used as the key weapon. The people saw one thing yet unbeknownst to them , something totally different appeared. There are very similar tactics being used today by an equally unassuming, yet far more frightening foe– Satan. Yet as deceptive as he is, we can look to our Lord’s word for courage and strength. “..greater is He who is in you than he who is in the world.” (1 John 4:4)

Since the very beginning, Satan has been the most “slippery” foe we’ve had to deal with. Some have said he was(possibly still is) the number 4 of the universe, as far as intelligence goes. Now that’s formidable! Because of this we must be keenly aware of his sinister ways. Apostle Paul said, “.. Lest Satan should get an advantage of us, for we are not ignorant of his devices” (2 Cor. 2:11). As we can see, way back then Christians were being told to be on guard.

As successful as this Trojan horse method has been, as we’ve mentioned it has not always been the method of choice from Satan and evil ones. We recall at Christ’s birth, Satan tried to have Him killed by way of king Herod. Then after our Lord ascended, he riled up the people to persecute the Christians. The tortures, the lion’s den and arenas, and the host of other terrible deeds, was his method of choice in trying to eliminate God’s people. But that proved futile because he found that only the pure and converted dared enter the hated sect. Thus the church composed of only truly converted believers and as such they were very strong spiritually and were able to serve Christ effectively to those ready to live and die for Him.

So he began to implement His scheme of infiltrating Christianity from within. This has been his most succesful strategy ever since. And once he was able to bring in the great numbers of tares into the church, he began to “change things”, some very important doctrines. We as SDA know that his primarily change was the changing of the Sabbath from the 7th day to the 1st day(Sunday).

Thus we are brought down to today. We wanted to set the above stage concerning Satan because we must come to grips with his plans today and know of his schemes used in times past.

Ok, with the background set above, would you like to see in prophecy how God will deal with Satan and his purposeful flooding of tares into the church? Let us now turn to Rev. 12:1-17. Here the Scriptures give a past and future view of the ploys of our enemy and what our Lord plans to do about it.

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Rev. 12:1-6 — “And there appeared a great wonder in heaven; a woman clothed with the sun, and the moon under her feet, and upon her head a crown of twelve stars: and she being with child cried, travailing in birth, and pained to be delivered. And there appeared another wonder in heaven; and behold a great red Dragon, having seven heads and ten horns, and seven crowns upon his heads. And his tail drew the third part of the stars of heaven, and did cast them to the earth: and the Dragon stood before the woman which was ready to be delivered, for to devour her child as soon as it was born. And she brought forth a man child, who was to rule all nations with a rod of iron: and her child was caught up unto God, and to His throne. And the woman fled into the wilderness, where she hath a place prepared of God, that they should feed her there a thousand two hundred and threescore days.”

We all somewhat agree, I know, that this woman of Revelation 12 is symbolical of the Church; that the Dragon is symbolical of Satan; and that the child represents Christ. But inasmuch as we may not agree as to whether the woman is symbolical of the Old Testament church or of the New or of both, it is essential that we study to see eye to eye.

Now, the questions naturally arise, If Christ is the One Who brought forth the Christian church, then how can she be His mother? And was not Christ born at least thirty years before the Christian church came into being? Is not the egg laid before the chicken is hatched? And finally, is it not true that if we blunder forth on an erroneous premise that we shall find ourselves further and further from the truth on the subject? — Most assuredly. Let us, then, make certain of the foundation upon which we build.

We all know that Christ was born, not to the Christian church, but to the Jewish. This being so, then how can we escape the truth that this twelve-star-crowned woman is primarily the Jewish church who travailed and gave birth to the “world’s Redeemer” in the Old Testament period?

Moreover, before the child was born, and before the Gospel of Christ came to the Church, she was clothed with the sun, and the moon stood under her feet. There is therefore not the slightest excuse for one to conclude that the woman represents the Church clothed with the Gospel of Christ. And if her sun clothing does not represent the Gospel of Christ, then what does it represent?

Since she was clothed with the sun before Christ’s birth, and before the Gospel came, then her sun-clothing must be the Bible, the Word of God that clothed her in the period of the prophets.

What is symbolized by the moon under her feet? — The fact that the moon of the heavens reflects the light from the sun to earth, the symbolical moon therefore being under the woman’s feet, and the sun shining directly upon her, not by reflection through the moon, denotes that her channel of light conveyance, the moon, was passing away, was no longer needed, that the sun itself, the source of her light, shining directly upon her, enveloped her with its bright rays. What could the moon then symbolize but the period before the Bible came, the period before Moses, in which the Word of God did not shine directly on the people as It does to-day (for they had no Bible in those days), but was reflected on them by men of God, the medium, that is, the prophets before Moses never wrote down the messages of God but verbally passed them on.

Though this twelve-star-crowned woman symbolizes something in the Old Testament time, as we have already seen, she nevertheless is seen to symbolize something in the New Testament time. This we see from the fact that after the child was born, and after the Christian church came into being, the woman was given the wings of a great eagle, and was thus enabled to fly into the wilderness, there to be nourished “for a time, and times, and half a time. ” Moreover, her leaving the vineyard (her homeland — Palestine) and going into the wilderness (the lands of the Gentiles, for that is what wilderness symbolically stands for in contrast to a vineyard), again shows that she continued after her child was born.

Taking all these points into one common whole, they positively show that the woman is symbolical of God’s everliving Church for all times, and that she is His saving Truth, His true wife, the Truth that gave birth to Christ and that gives birth to all His “brethren” (His followers), “the remnant of her seed.” Rev. 12:17.

When the promise of the coming Saviour was made, it was then that the dragon learned that the Church was to give birth to the “man child,” and from then on he watched her closely, hoping to destroy the world’s Redeemer as soon as He was born. This he endeavored to accomplish through Herod, when he caused a multitude of little children to be slaughtered. The child Christ, nevertheless escaped, and the Devil met his first defeat in this connection.

Now the Dragon being fortified with seven heads and ten horns, denotes that he controlled all the civil and religious powers in that day (for the symbolical number “ten” denotes universality, just as do the ten toes of Daniel 2, the ten horns of the other Bible beasts, and the ten virgins of Matthew 25).

The horns represent all the civil powers, while the heads represent all the religious powers, for the Biblical number “seven” denotes completeness. Moreover, the fact that the Church (the Jews), the only agency through which God worked up to that time, crucified the Lord, is in itself sufficient proof that the Church had apostatized, that she had become the Dragon’s seventh head, and that thus was the Dragon armed with ten horns and seven heads, — with all the civil and religious powers. And, so, you see, the Dragon with his horns and heads represents the world captured by the Devil.

Thus it is that the world was lost in that day, and thus it was that Christ came to redeem it. To do all this He started a new church organization. In this light we see Christ, the world’s Redeemer, and His mission even more important than we have ever seen it before.

Dragon’s drawing from heaven a third part of the stars (angels, Rev. 12:9) with his tail, not with his claws, denotes that in the beginning of Satan’s universal rebellion the angels volunteered to follow the rebel leader, and to unite with him in his evil work against the human family.

Rev. 12:7-17 — “And there was war in heaven: Michael and His angels fought against the Dragon; and the Dragon fought and his angels, and prevailed not; neither was their place found any more in heaven. And the great Dragon was cast out, that old serpent, called the Devil, and Satan, which deceiveth the whole world: he was cast out into the earth, and his angels were cast out with him. And I heard a loud voice saying in heaven, Now is come salvation, and strength, and the kingdom of our God, and the power of His Christ: for the accuser of our brethren is cast down, which accused them before our God day and night. And they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb, and by the word of their testimony; and they loved not their lives unto the death. Therefore rejoice, ye heavens, and ye that dwell in them. Woe to the inhabiters of the earth and of the sea! for the Devil is come down unto you, having great wrath, because he knoweth that he hath but a short time. And when the Dragon saw that he was cast unto the earth, he persecuted the woman which brought forth the man child.

And to the woman were given two wings of a great eagle, that she might fly into the wilderness, into her place, where she is nourished for a time, and times, and half a time, from the face of the serpent. And the serpent cast out of his mouth water as a flood after the woman, that he might cause her to be carried away of the flood. And the earth helped the woman, and the earth opened her mouth, and swallowed up the flood which the Dragon cast out of his mouth. And the Dragon was wroth with the woman, and went to make war with the remnant of her seed, which keep the commandments of God, and have the testimony of Jesus Christ.”

The main point to be noticed in these verses is that after the Dragon and his angels were cast out of Heaven (Satan’s second defeat), and after he had persecuted the Church, and she had taken her flight into the wilderness, the Dragon followed her there, but rather than persecuting her, he cast “water as a flood after her,” hoping to cause her to be carried away by it. In other words, after he saw that he could not stop the growth of the Christian Church by persecuting her followers, he changed his tactics and instead compelled the Pagans to join her, expecting thereby to cause her to be paganized — “carried away.”

The Dragon, though, is again to miss the mark, for the earth is to open her mouth and swallow up the flood; that is, Inspiration definitely forecasts that those who join the Church for some purpose other than to follow and practice the Truth, shall be disposed of by a miracle, be swallowed by the earth, as it were. And when this comes to pass Satan shall have met his third defeat. Summarized, here are his three defeats: No. 1 — Failing to devour the child; No. 2 — Losing the war in Heaven; No. 3 — Failing to paganize the Church by flooding her with the unconverted.

When he meets his third defeat, when the tares which he sowed are burned (for as a flood they are swallowed by the earth, but as tares they are burned by the angels), then it is that the Church will appear “‘Fair as the moon, clear as the sun, and terrible as an army with banners,’ she is to go forth into all the world, conquering and to conquer.” — Prophets and Kings, pg. 725.

Having met such a mighty defeat, and having seen that the Church is freed from his flood, the Dragon’s wrath is to be intensified. He will be wroth with the woman and “make war with the remnant of her seed, which keep the commandments of God, and have the testimony of Jesus Christ” (Rev. 12:17), “the Spirit of Prophecy” (Rev. 19:10).

Obviously, the remnant are those who are left after the earth opens her mouth and swallows up the flood. They as a body keep the commandments of God, and have the living Spirit of Prophecy, the Spirit Who dictated the Scriptures, Who has led God’s people into all Truth down through the ages, and Who still is. Thus it is that the Dragon’s wrath, and the Church’s purity, caused by the Dragon’s third defeat, are to bring the time of trouble such as never was:

“And at that time shall Michael stand up, the great Prince which standeth for the children of thy people: and there shall be a time of trouble, such as never was since there was a nation even to that same time: and at that time thy people shall be delivered, every one that shall be found written in the book.” Dan. 12:1.

Nothing in the world is worth as much as having our names written in the book. And therein we may have our names if we choose to follow the Spirit of Truth and to keep the commandments of God. Here we have seen that those who think that the law, the ten commandments, is “abolished,” that their lives need not comport with the law; and those who think that the Spirit of Prophecy is a thing of the past, that God has left the world to get along as best it can, that He no longer bothers Himself to send a prophet; that all such shall find themselves in league with Babylon the Great, the seat of the Dragon, and rather than having their names written in the Book, they will have the mark of the beast, and have a part in persecuting the remnant which keep the commandments of God, and have the testimony of Jesus Christ.

Now is the time for all to decide either to be swallowed up by the earth — cast into the fire — or to be delivered by Michael, our Prince.

Let us therefore choose deliverance rather than defeat. “O love the Lord, all ye His saints: for the Lord preserveth the faithful, and plentifully rewardeth the proud doer.” Psa. 31:23.

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The above prophetic words concerning Rev. 12 were taken from Timely Greetings, Vol. 2, no.16. Brother Houteff gave it as a sermon address on Nov. 29, 1947.

Let us recap what we’ve learned from the prophecy.

1)The woman of Rev. 12 symbolizes the church

2)The Dragon symbolizes Satan

3)The Child symbolizes Christ

4)The woman does not represent the “Christian” church only. This has been a long time mis-conception. It symbolizes “God’s everlasting church for all times”. As clearly explained by brother Houteff.

5)The Dragon (Satan) having 7 heads and 10 horns shows he controlled all civil and religious powers in that day (Christ’s).This shows that Satan had complete worldly control.

6)Thus because of this satanic world control, Christ had to come and start a new church organization.

7)After Satan’s attempt to kill Christ and later to kill off the newly formed “Christian” church, he changed tactics and followed her into the wilderness. His new method was to “carry her away” with a flood of unconverted members.

8)Satan is to miss his mark three times (3 strikes-he’s out!). The last miss is when the “earth opens it’s mouth” (Ezekiel 9, Test. for the Church, vol.5, p.211, vol.3, p.266-267)

9)The three defeats are — No. 1 — Failing to devour the child; No. 2 — Losing the war in Heaven; No. 3 — Failing to paganize the Church by flooding her with the unconverted.

10) After this “swallowing” the church is to be spirit filled and be –‘Fair as the moon, clear as the sun, and terrible as an army with banners,’ she is to go forth into all the world, conquering and to conquer.” — Prophets and Kings, pg. 725.

11) After the church purification, Satan is furious. He goes to make war with “the remnant of her seed”. This brings on the “time of trouble such as never was”. This is the last closing scene.

So what can we learn from all this? One of the main points is that there are two clases right now in the church–the “wheat” and the “tares”. Satan is attempting to “flood” out the church with tares. The wheat being symbolic of the righteous converted ones and the tares being symbolic of the careless unconverted ones. Satan has planted many tares and we must be aware that these people, however nice and sincere they may be are serving Satan’s purposes (nearly all being unaware). Look at what our prophetess showed us as a key sign that one is working as a tare.

“If wrongs are apparent among His people, and if the servants of God pass on them indifferent to them, they virtually sustain and justify the sinner, and are alike gulity and will just as surely receive the displeasure of God; for they will be made responsible for the sins of the guilty….Those who have excused these wrongs have been thought by the people to be very amiable and lovely in dispostion, simply because they shunned to discharge a plain Scriptural duty. The task was not agreeable to their feelings; therfore they avoided it.” (Test. for the Church, vol. 3, p.266)

Wow! That says alot. The act of ignorance in taking our God given duty to warn the church members of their errors makes us just as guilty as those who commit them. This all comes back to clear warnings given in Ezekiel 9. We must sign and cry for the abominations done in the church and our own lives–if we are to be sealed in the forehead by the Lord prior to His coming to His church.(Test. for the Church, Vol.5, p.211 Vol. 3, p.267)

For a helpful link on what some of the church abominations are , click here.https://godsloveandlaw.com/2012/07/07/sighing-and-crying-part-2/

In closing, let us be watchful of the cunning ploys of Satan and the devils and realize that they have found that the more they infiltrate as the Greeks did with the Trojan horse, the more they can sow the tares among the wheat. This makes it all the harder for those of us pushing against the goad. We know that the church is infiltrated because our reproofs and warnings many times fall on deaf ears. Many within our church ranks care not to listen but we mustn’t stop. The Lord is working behind the scenes to “take the reins in His own hands” (Test. to Ministers, p.300) and “take charge of the flock Himself” (Test. for the Church, vo.5,p.80). That day —will come. How do we know it?

Because the promise of His word says — “But the earth helped the woman, and the earth opened it’s mouth and swallowed up the flood which the dragon had spewed out of his mouth.” (Rev.12:16)

Posted in End times, Final Events, revelation, Satan | 4 Comments »

The 4th Angel’s message of Rev. 14

May 11, 2013

As SDA we no doubt think of the “Three Angel’s” messages of Rev. 14 as our calling to the world. We have been established and known largely upon the 3 angel’s of Rev. 14. However, upon closer examination what do we really find there in Rev. 14? We find SIX angels, with 5 of them declaring a message and one portrayed as “doing” something but yet not speaking. Could it be that the other 3 angels also have very important messages for us as well, especially the 4th angel?

In Test. for the Church, Vol.6, p.17, we read, ” The light we have received upon the third angel’s message is the true light. The mark of the beast is exactly what it has been proclaimed to be. Not all in regard to this matter is yet understood, nor will it be understood until the unrolling of the scroll..”

As we are so well aware, the Scriptures and the light it bears, is left in God’s hands. When He declares that we should understand “new light” we then see clearly that which is intended for us.

As SDA we have always understood that the 3 angels have been symbolic of three messages of truth proclaimed by the church. Way back in the mid 1800’s, the understanding of more than 3 “messages” to be given to us, appears in the book–” Word to the Little Flock” by James White. On page 10-11 it reads, ” All classes of second advent believers agree, that the angel brought to view in the 6th, and 7th verses of this chapter, represents the advent message, to the church and world.”

“If this is true, then all five of the angels brought to view in this chapter represent five distinct messages, prior to the advent, or we are left without a rule to interpret this chapter… The last two angels are messages of prayer. We shall, no doubt, better understand them at the time of their fulfillment.”

Ellen White confirmed her husband’s light of truth received from God. “God has permitted the precious light of truth to shine upon his word, and illuminated the mind of my husband.” (Test. for the Church, vol.3, p.502)

In Rev.14, we find the following.

1) The first angel speaking in 14:7

2) The second angel speaking in 14:8

3) The third angel speaking in 14:9

The above “messages” are spoken with a loud voice. Obviously they are important messages of truth, needed by God’s people. These are the well-known “three angels message” which we are known for as SDA.

4) The fourth angel’s “cries” his message in 14:15

5) The fifth angel appears to be a “reaping” angel(Rev. 14:17)(14:19). One who gathers the second harvest in the world, known as the “great multitude”

6) The sixth angel appears to be the cry of the 144,000 to the world in the “Loud Cry” period (Rev. 14:18)

Concerning the 4th angel, we see he cried his message with a “loud cry”. Also we notice that this cry is to Someone who “sat on the cloud”. We also notice that this message is spoken to “One like the Son of Man”. In other words this message is given to our Lord and Savior, King of Kings. The cry here represents that the message of reproof, corrections and warnings have finally sealed those whom have accepted it and therefore the Lord now is asked to ” reap”. Meaning to fulfill His Ezekiel 9 promise.

Ellen White describes this also, ” “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.” (Great Controversy, p.425)

This fourth angel’s message is so important that we should read our last prophet’s words to get a good understanding. In (Tract 3, p. 47) we read , ” Inescapably, therefore, the Lord’s coming to His temple (Mal. 3:1-3), His coming with all His angels (Matt. 25), and His coming enthroned above the living creatures (Ezek. 1), — all three representing the same event as has been shown, — take place at the beginning of the judgment of the living: the time in which the judicial activities of the heavenly sanctuary extend to the earthly sanctuary — the church.

“And I looked, and behold a white cloud,” exclaimed John the Revelator, envisaging the same coming variously described by Malachi, Matthew, and Ezekiel, “and upon the cloud One sat like unto the Son of man, having on His head a golden crown, and in His hand a sharp sickle. And another angel came out of the temple, crying with a loud voice to Him that sat on the cloud, Thrust in Thy sickle, and reap: for the time is come for Thee to reap; for the harvest of the earth is ripe. And He that sat on the cloud thrust in His sickle on the earth; and the earth was reaped.” Rev. 14:14-16.

This coming of the Son of man is plainly, therefore, not when the resurrected and the living righteous are caught up together to meet Him in the air: for verses 17-20, following the ones quoted in the paragraph above, reveal that after He came and reaped the earth, “another angel…having a sharp sickle” came and reaped a second harvest before the wrath of God — the seven last plagues (Rev. 15:1) — was poured out upon the wicked.”

So we see that the fourth angel’s message is the proclaiming the “judgment for the living” message. The very same one that is being cried right now! And with the advent of the telecommunication age, is growing steadily. It is none other than the message of the Davidians to us within the SDA church. It is for us to get ready, the Lord is about to enter the churches “suddenly” (Mal.3:1) to begin the first phase of the judgment for the “living”.

Ellen White further enlightens upon this 4th angel. ” Then I saw another mighty angel commissioned to descend to the earth, to 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 attended this angel penetrated everywhere, as he cried mightily, with a strong voice, “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 repeated, with the additional mention of the corruptions which have been entering the churches since 1844. The work of this angel comes in at the right time to join in the last great work of the third angel’s message as it swells to a loud cry.” (Early Writings, p.277)

It is important to point out that one of the main focus points of the SRod message is/has been –church corruption, just as is prophesied. Ellen White explains further of this other angel (4th) ” We are to throw aside our narrow, selfish plans, remembering that we have a work of the largest magnitude and highest importance. In doing this work we are sounding the first, second, and third angel’s messages, and are thus being prepared for the coming of that other angel from heaven who is to lighten the earth with his glory.” (Test. for the Church, Vol 6. p.406)

When she spoke those words , she was pointing to our time, right now, as this 4th angel (symbolic of us the messengers) is proclaiming a message that will soon “lighten the earth”.

Let us again review an important aspect of the understanding of the angel messages of Rev.14 . As we’ve learned in our studies through the previous posts–The promised “Elijah to come” has primarily a single purpose in mind. That is to reveal all the pertinent Scriptures and SOP that describes the “great and dreadful” day of the Lord. In other words, the Elijah was to begin the 4th angel’s message of preparation for the aforementioned day which has the purpose of the judgment for the living, as opposed to the prior work of judgment for the dead.Very shortly, the Lord will be moving onto the judging of existing living souls right here on earth! And so many of us don’t realize how close He is to beginning this solemn work.

And as such we know that we, the SDA church, are the first to experience these judgments and just as importantly–execution of judgments (per Ezekiel 9). In addition to the Rev. 14 evidence, the important Scriptures and SOP for this judgment work is (1 Peter 4:17) and (Test. for the Church, Vol. 5, p210-212).

Our last prophet explains more on (Rev. 14:14-19).

” Here we are again told that there are two reapings, one by the Son of Man, and another by an angel. The reaping by the Son of Man precedes the reaping by the angel. “Son of Man,” therefore, gathers the firstfruits, and the angel gathers the second fruits. (The vines, not the fully ripe grapes, he casts in the wine press.) The Son of Man Himself obviously reaps the firstfruits because His servants (figuratively the angel of the church of the Laodiceans) are in no condition to do such a work, for they themselves are “wretched, and miserable, and poor, and blind, and naked,” and know it not” (Rev. 3:14-18).

“Looking down to this very time, the Spirit of Prophecy in Isaiah’s day said:”

Isa. 63:5 — “And I looked, and there was none to help; and I wondered that there was none to uphold: therefore Mine own arm brought salvation unto Me; and My fury, it upheld Me.”

“Here you note that when the time came there was not even one among His servants “to uphold” the work of the harvest, and consequently the Lord Himself did the work without them.”

“For the second reaping, however, He uses His guileless “servants,” the “firstfruits,” the 144,000, as prefigured by the angel with the sharp sickle (Rev. 14:17, 18). And just as there are two fruits and two reapings from two different places, the church and the world, there are, as shown before, also two ways of harvesting: at first the bad are cast from among the good, and at last the good are called out from among the bad.” (Timely Greetings, Vol.2 No.44, p.37)

We notice that immediately after the work of the angels in Rev. 14, then there is Chapter 15 where it says, “Then I saw another sign in heaven, great and marvelous: seven angels having the seven last plagues, for in them the wrath of God is complete.” (Rev. 15:1) Then it is time for probation no more. All rapidly comes to an end the heavenly kingdom is home to the righteous for 1000 years.

So in closing we note that the current and most important work right now is that of our 4th message(angel). We are being shown a decisive message of truth, and then watched whether we accept it and then live it. As in times past, the Lord has always given us what is called “testing truth”. For example, in Noah’s day the test was to accept Noah’s message of warning for the world wide flood to come. In Mose’s time, it was the test of whether the people would obey the 10 Commandments. In Christ’s day, the test was whether the people would accept Him as God’s Son. In Ellen White’s day the test was whether they would accept the Sabbath and sanctuary truth.

Ofcourse the testing truth is also known as the “present truth”. The holy Law of God, the 10 Commandments have remained constant (Psalms 111:7-8) but each generation has met a new challenge, a new “testing truth”. Another way of looking at it is that each generation has had a new “tree of the knowledge of good and evil” and then watched to see if God’s people obey Him or not.

“God means that testing truth shall be brought to the front and become a subject of examination and discussion, even if it is through the contempt placed upon it. The minds of the people must be agitated. Every controversy, every reproach, every slander, will be God’s means of provoking inquiry and awaking minds that other wise would slumber. ” (Test. for the Church, Vol 5, p.453)

Has there been a message from God that has tested us today? Yes there has, it’s called– The Shepherd’s Rod message, the 4th angel’s message.

Posted in Davidian Seventh Day Adventists, End times, Final Events, Present Truth, The 144 | 3 Comments »

God’s Premillennial Kingdom

April 20, 2013

As we have so often seen, the Elijah message is the straight testimony. And we are well aware it is a serious message, one that often cuts to the depths of the soul, arousing the honest of heart to search themselves and come to the real realization of their true condition. Ellen White says, “The testimony, so cutting and severe, cannot be a mistake, for it is the True Witness who speaks, and his testimony must be correct.” (Test. for the Church, vol.3, p.253)

But sometimes it is good to dwell on the ultimate goal of each and every one of us who profess the be “followers” of Christ. That goal is to live in Godly beauty and bliss with our King and Savior — in the Kingdom. Let us now look at glimpses of the “premillennial” phase of the kingdom. The one that Satan effectively hid for centuries even though it was spoken of throughout the Old Testament. It was hidden, that is, until our Lord gave to His last prophet the divine understanding of it. I don’t know about you but this is REALLY EXCITING!

But before we look more into this beginning stage of the kingdom we must understand something very clearly. If we miss this premillennial stage we miss the future eternal stage as well. Ellen White speaks about this upcoming time, the “manifestation of the power of God” at which the “churches” have God’s glory-the premillennial phase of His kingdom. But prior to that, the beginning announcements of this kingdom which is the time the manifestation starts(today), will be met with resistance.

“There is to be in our churches a wonderful manifestation of the power of God, but it will not move upon those who have not humbled themselves before the Lord, and opened the door of their hearts by repentance confession. In the manifestation of that power which lightens the earth with the glory of God, they will see only something which in their blindness they think dangerous, something which arouse their fears and they will brace themselves to resist it. Because the Lord does not work according to their expectations and ideas, they will oppose the work.” (Bible Training School, may 1907)

The above is happening right now. Those who are beginning to give that message that soon “lightens the earth”, the message of the upcoming kingdom and the upcoming church purification are being resisted and opposed by the majority within our church. Why? Because the pastors and preachers of our churches teach almost nothing about this( church purification and subsequent kingdom), and when it is brought to their attention they say that this is not the Lord’s work, as prophesied.

Let’s review the timeline. The actual prophesied event schedule that takes place. As we’ve shown from other studies the church purification must take place prior to the Loud Cry.Why? Because the Lord will not allow His servants to go into Babylon and then call them out of her into a church co-mingled with sinners and righteous. The church that they will be called into will be pure and free from tares. “Awake, awake! Put on your strength O Zion; Put on your beautiful garments, O Jerusalem, the holy city! For the uncircumcised and unclean shall no longer come to you.” (Isaiah 52:1)

Has that ever happen in our history? No, it’s yet future. Also, the holy city Jerusalem is here on earth not in heaven.

Remember that the “sealing” of God is the same as Ezekiel 9 (Test. to Min. p.445). So in order to be able to become part of this kingdom, we must be ready first.

Ellen White makes a short powerful statement regarding these things, ” The latter rain is coming on those that are pure — all then will receive it as formerly. When the four angels let go, Christ will set up His kingdom. None receive the latter rain but those who are doing all they can. Christ would help us. (Spalding Magan Collection 3.1 and 3.2).

The above is quite telling because we’ve learned in our prior studies that the “winds” symbolize the mark of the beast decree, the Sunday law. (Test. for the Church, vol.5, p.152) So when the winds are “let go” the kingdom will begin to be set up. Those that remain from the church judgment will form His “spotless and pure “church. “That He might present it to Himself a glorious church, not having spot, or wrinkle, or any such thing; but that it should be holy and without blemish.” (Eph. 5:27).

We know that the Loud Cry happens at that point and there will need to be some time for the servants of God to call out the faithful from Babylon. The Kingdom therefore is set up during this time. We are not told how long this premillennial kingdom will last, some say 7 years, some say longer. Keep in mind it’s a “church” kingdom also known as a Theocracy. The world’s governments will still exist, yet the kingdom, based in Israel will form a hub base, for the last great work.

Before we quote just a few of the many Old Testament Scriptures that point to this premillennial phase. We’d like to point out why His kingdom must be holy and pure, and that obviously includes the pre-kingdom.

“Satan deceives many with the plausible theory that God’s love for His people is so great that He will excuse sin in them; he represents that while the threatenings of God’s word are to serve a certain purpose in His moral government, they are never to be literally fulfilled. But in all His dealings with his creatures God has maintained the principles of righteousness by revealing sin in its true character–by demonstrating that its sure result is misery and death.

The unconditional pardon of sin never has been, and never will be. Such pardon would show the abandonment of the principles of righteousness, which are the very foundation of the government of God. It would fill the unfallen universe with consternation. God has faithfully pointed out the results of sin, and if these warnings were not true, how could we be sure that His promises would be fulfilled? That so-called benevolence which would set aside justice is not benevolence but weakness.” (Patriarchs and Prophets, P.522)

Let us now look at some scripture that confirms this kingdom.

In speaking of the two tribes (all of Israel) it says, ” In those days and in that time,” says the LORD, “The children of Israel shall come, They and the children of Judah together; with continual weeping they shall come and seek the Lord their God. They shall ask the way to Zion, with their faces toward it saying, ‘Come and let us join ourselves to the LORD, in a perpetual covenant that will not be forgotten.’ (Jer. 50:4-5)

“For behold, the days are coming”, says the LORD, “That I will bring back from captivity My people Israel and Judah,” says the LORD. “And I will cause them to return to the land that I gave to their fathers, and they shall possess it.” (Jeremiah 30:3)

Here we notice that these prophecies has never been fulfilled to this day because the lost tribes (10 tribes) of Israel have never returned to Zion. Also notice there are no conditions. He said “they SHALL possess it.” The Lord’s word specifically says He’ll do it. The crying can certainly be tears of joy because they know they are going to Israel to be joined with the King.

“For on My holy mountain, the great mountain of Israel, says the Sovereign LORD, the people of Israel will someday worship me, and I will accept them. There I will require that you bring me all your offerings and choice gifts and sacrifices.I will accept you with your sweet savour, when I bring you out from the people, and gather you out of the countries wherein ye have been scattered; and I will be sanctified in you before the heathen.” (Ezekiel 20:40-41)

Here we see that it is describing the holy land-Israel. Notice that again “all” of God’s people (Spiritual Israel) come back from the “countries wherein ye have been scattered.” Very importantly this coming back is for the purpose of the Lord being glorified or sanctified — before the heathen. Has this ever happened? Not yet. This tells us that the unconverted, the heathen, will still be upon this earth while the Lord brings back His people to Israel. Can it get any more obvious that a premillennial phase of the kingdom will exist in front of the heathen?

“For the days come, saith the LORD, that I will bring again the captivity of My people Israel and Judah: and I will cause them to return to the land that I gave to their fathers, and they shall possess it.” (Jer. 30:3)

Again remember that this prophecy calls for all 12 tribes to return. Only Judah (2 tribes) has ever returned. And just so we’d be clear what days these prophecies in Jeremiah were to happen, we read, “The fierce anger of the LORD shall not return, until He had done it, and until He have performed the intents of His heart: in the latter days ye shall consider it.”(Jer. 30:24)

Another promising Scripture, “Therefore , behold, the days come, saith the LORD, that they shall no more say, the LORD liveth, which brought up the children of Israel out of the land of Egypt; But the LORD liveth which brought up and which led the seed of the house of Israel out of the north country, and from all countries whither I had driven them;and they shall dwell in their own land. (Jer.23:7-8)

We notice that the Lord’s word draws the experience of the first gathering of His people (from Egypt) to a yet future experience of gathering them “from all countries” to “dwell in their own land”.

And for double assurance again the LORD says in Jeremiah, “… in the latter days, ye shall consider it perfectly.”(Jer.23:20)

Who are the ones who understand this “perfectly” today? It’s the Davidian Seventh Day Adventists (Not associated with “Branch Davidians”). Won’t you take the time to study with them? Order the CD’s or DVD’s, read the study materials **. There is so much to learn here. They have things to show you and it’s present truth for our day. This understanding comes because the Lord fulfilled His promise in (Mal. 4:5) that He would send “Elijah” to us so we would have “our” present truth. Before this Elijah came we did not fully understand this premillennial phase, even our dear prophetess had limited knowledge of these things. But now the kingdom veil is lifted because the time is at hand. We “consider it perfectly”.

Another prophet who spoke of the pre-kingdom was Isaiah. In (Isa.26:1-2) we read, “In that day, everyone in the land of Judah will sing this song: Our city is strong! We are surrounded by the walls of God’s salvation. Open the gates that the righteous nation may enter, the nation that keeps faith.”

“He will set up a banner for the nations, and will assemble the outcasts of Israel, and gather together the dispersed of Judah from the four corners of the earth.” (Isa. 11:12)

Let us close with a beautiful promise in Isaiah. The Lord cannot wait forever to get this premillennial kingdom going. Will you be a part, will I be a part? All we can do is agree to make a commitment to “follow the Lamb wheresoever He goeth”. Then if we are faithful we will be found “among the living” in Jerusalem.

“Those who are left in Zion, who remain in Jerusalem, will be called holy, all who are recorded among the living in Jerusalem. When the Lord shall have washed away the filth of the daughters of Zion and cleansed the bloodstains of Jerusalem from its midst by a spirit of judgment and by a spirit of burning.

Then the LORD will create over all of Mount Zion and over those who assemble there a cloud of smoke by day and a glow of flaming fire by night; over everything the glory will be a canopy. And there shall be a tabernacle for a shadow in the daytime from the heat, and for a place of refuge, and for a cover from storm and from rain.” (Isa. 4:3-6)

** For a complete website with all the study materials and CD’s and DVD’s, see our Elijah message site at www.sighandcry777.wordpress.com

For more on this premillennial kigdom see our 2-part post called “Thy Kingdom Come” https://godsloveandlaw.com/2012/03/31/thy-kingdom-come-part-1-of-2/

Posted in End times, Final Events, Our Lord's kingdom | 1 Comment »

The Elijah Message in a Nutshell

April 6, 2013

The thought occurred this week that most likely there are still many who have a vague idea about the Lord’s last message of Elijah. As with most anything, when we simplify something we get at the crux of the matter or issue. Given the supreme importance of this message to us as the remnant church, we cannot afford to vaguely understand it, lest we lightly esteem it. Unfortunately Inspiration says we’ll do that. But not on our watch, right?

1)The beginning of the message starts with Malachi 4:5. Here we see the Lord makes a promise. So a prophet is to come in the last days.

The Lord states that this prophet comes before the “great and dreadful day of the Lord”. So the purpose of this messenger, obviously, is to reveal important things we are to know concerning this great and terrible day. In other words, he is to unveil hidden Scriptures and new revelations, to prepare us for this extremely important day.

2) The Lord’s prior prophetess proclaimed that a male would come after her in the “spirit and power of Elijah”. (Test. to Ministers, p.475).

As we’ve mentioned many times, the Satanic army is against this message 100% and as such, have tried to confuse, deride, and just plain trash it. So the ploy* was hatched by those in responsible positions, that the quote on p.475, would be interpreted to mean that EGW was describing herself as that promised Elijah. But those who are guided by the Spirit of Truth soundly reject this ploy. (* The original statement made in 1890 was left alone and untouched until 1962. As the Elijah message was going out and gaining recognition, the leaders put a asterisk by the statement, leading people to think she was describing herself as the Elijah to come.)

3) This prophet, being in the spirit and power of Elijah must be the anti-type of the original type. God’s truth of type and anti-type in its wonderous glory.

The original Elijah proclaimed a message of reform to His own people, not the world’s heathen. This right here, exposes the work of those who preach that we must go out to the world right now and fill up our church. If this were true, then the anti-type would not be the type and therefore, the man to come in the spirit and power of Elijah, would proclaim a different message than Elijah, thus shooting down God’s truth of types and anti- types .

We should point out that unless we aware of the true nature of our church condition, the idea of trying to save the church and not the world right now, is foreign. To make it a little more understandable, picture two boats out at sea. Both are sinking, one is yourself and your family. The other is strangers. What do you do? Do you try to go save the strangers? Ofcourse not you must save your own.(note- the world’s heathen are to be proclaimed to soon, after the church purification)

4) The message is the straight testimony of the rebuking of sins and the lack of true worship within the temple (church).

Here is the crux of the message. Right now, as we have pointed out so many times in prior posts, the church’s ways are totally unacceptable to God right now. The money passing in the sanctuary,and on the Sabbath, the Christmas tree hangings in the sanctuary, the laughing and useless talking in His house. Then ofcourse we have our own sins, such as buying and selling on the Sabbath, elaborate cooking on the Sabbath, talking business on the Sabbath, etc. Not only the Sabbath sins, but the vast amount of idols we cherish ( tv, music, games, entertainment, sports,etc.). The message calls for us to sigh and cry over the abominations done in the church and our lives.(Ezek.9, Test. to Min., p.445, Manuscript Releases, vol.1, p.260)

So this message is the straight and eye-opening truth. It calls us to look carefully at our walk with the Lord. To stop and take inventory of just what we do for the Lord and His soon to come kingdom.

5) Ellen White, under Inspiration, give us some clear clues concerning this Elijah. The number one clue was that he would be an “interpreter” of Scripture. And as such his interpretations would largely concern the “great and dreadful day” of the Lord. A warning of the Lord’s judgments to come.

As we have pointed out in prior posts, there has been only one man in our SDA history who has fit each and every clue, concerning who and what the Elijah would be. The man has written volumes of literature concerning the prophecies and about our condition as a church body. Those who honestly study what he has written, have a life changing experience. The words said by this man as Elijah can only do a miraculous change in our heart because he had the Lord’s Elijah spirit. This can be our only explanation as truth seekers.

We see, we read, we study, and if we perceive God’s Spirit is not in the Elijah words expounded by this man, there is possibly one of two things happening. We are cherishing certain sins and idols (thus blinded from His present truth), or this man wasn’t the Elijah to come and his words don’t have truth. Nevertheless, we should do as Ellen White wrote. In speaking of someone coming to us with a proposal to investigate the Scriptures she says , “The only right way would be to sit down as Christians and investigate the position presented in the light of God’s word, which will reveal truth and unmask error.” ( Test. to Min. p106-107)

But as thousands have found, upon close and dedicated study, many have found the prophecies interpreted have never been as clear and profoundly deep. As we study these writings, we come to appreciate God’s words, ” knowing this first, that no prophecy of Scripture is of any private interpretation.” (1 peter 1:20).

6) New revealed prophecies are explained. Perhaps the greatest and most soul lifting revelation found in the Elijah message is that of the upcoming “pre” millennial kingdom. The setting up of God’s glorious church kingdom before the Lord comes in the clouds. We realize that this is quite an amazing revelation, and not well understood. For more , see our post called -“Thy Kingdom Come”. https://godsloveandlaw.com/2012/03/31/thy-kingdom-come-part-1-of-2/.

7) The final timeline of events. The message gives us the clear time-table of events. Briefly they are:

1) The message goes out around the world now within the SDA church. The people are made to know about it and asked to study it and heed its instructions of reform and renewed dedication to the Lord.

2) The final world war is to happen in the near future over Israel. The prophetic words come, “Gather yourselves together, yes, gather together, O undesirable nation, before the decree is issued, the day passes like chaff, before the Lord’s fierce anger comes upon you, before the day of the Lord’s anger comes upon you!” (Zeph.2:1)

The purpose of this big war is to drive out the current occupants, and get the land ready for the return of God’s remnant people back to Jerusalem. The many prophecies yet to happen have to be completed, so that the Lord’s word does not return void.

3) As the war nears completion or at its completion, the solemn event of Ezekiel 9 takes place upon the church. The beginning phase of the judgment for the living.

This fulfills at least three specific prophecies(there are many others). a) After describing Ezekiel 9, Ellen White says, “Here we see that the church–the Lord’s sanctuary–was the first to feel the stroke of the wrath of God.” (Test. for the Church,Vol.5, p.211) b) “For the time is come that judgment must begin at the house of God: and if it first begins with us, what shall the end be of them that obey not the gospel of God?” (1 peter 4:17)

Ellen White connects the marking or sealing of Ezekiel 9 to that of the similar act in Egypt.

” When God was about to smite the first-born of Egypt, He commanded the Israelites to gather their children from among the Egyptians into their own dwellings and strike their door posts with blood, that the destroying angel might see it and pass over their homes. It was the work of parents to gather in their children. This is your work, this is my work, and the work of every mother who believes the truth. The angel is to place a mark upon the forehead of all who are separated from sin and sinners, and the destroying angel will follow, to slay utterly both old and young.” (Test. for the Church, vol.5,p.505)

Inspiration leaves nothing undone. We notice that in connecting Egypt’s judgments and the sealing of God’s people to Ezekiel 9, we also remember that this occured before they came back to the holy land. Not in heaven but back to God’s land here on earth-Israel.

Although our prophetess did not have as much light on the last message and final events as brother Houteff (the premillennial church kingdom for example), she showed that she did have some understanding of it. (In fact, we hope to have a report shortly showing that brother James White and Ellen both understood that the stone in Daniel 2 was not Christ but the beginning of the premillennial earthly kingdom. Just as brother Houteff wrote)

Let us stop here for a moment and clear another deceiving devil falsehood . Some have heard the malicious lie that the Davidians teach that the work of slaying will be done by literal men, as if someday some of the church members will rise up and start slaying others within the church. This is foolishness and beyond absurdity. The Elijah message teaches the straight and clear truth about this. Their belief is based on what Ellen White says, “The work of separation is given to the angels of God, and not committed into the hands of any man.”(Test. to Min. p.47)

c) “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.” (Great Controversy, p.425)

4) Upon completion of the church purification, the 144,000 are brought to view. The final outpouring of God’s Spirit comes down upon His “pure church”. The saints are ready for the Loud Cry. The final worldly events begin.

We should stop here and plead with any and all who are reading this, that you and your loved ones have a chance, yes, a most positive chance to be one of God’s elect, his “jewels”. “On the day when I act,” says the LORD Almighty, “they will be my jewels. I will spare them, just as a father has compassion and spares his son who serves him.” (Mal. 3:17).

The Elijah message as we so often show, calls for those willing to “sell out” to the Lord. To forego the worldly treasures and lusts. Elijah said “Serve God or serve baal”. So too, we have to decide. No lukewarm followers will be saved, as our Lord said He must “sprew them out”. ( Rev.3:16)

5) The Loud Cry starts and the world is amazed. Signs, miracles, wonders all shake up the world. News reports of blind people seeing, dead rising, lame walking all stir the people. Ellen White describes this period, “Clad in the armor of Christ’s righteousness, the church is to enter upon her final conflict. “Fair as the moon, clear as the sun, and terrible as an army with banners (Song of Solomon 6:10), she is to go forth into all the world, conquering and to conquer.” (Prophet’s and Kings, p.725)

The purpose of the 144,000 servants of God, is to bring in the “great multitude”, the honest in heart people stuck in Babylon, into a pure church. This is key, because as we are well aware many of us in the SDA now believe that this “Loud Cry” is going on now and we are calling them into something nowhere near “pure”.

In this time another prophecy is fulfilled , “He calls on the heavens above and earth below to witness the judgment of his people. Gather my saints together unto me; those that have made a covenant with me by sacrifice. And the heavens declare His righteousness, For God Himself is judge. Selah.(Psalms 50:4-6)

During this time Ellen White shows that those who “had not heard” of the 3 angels message had opportunity to be saved. “The light that was shed upon the waiting ones penetrated everywhere, and those in the churches who had any light, who had not heard and rejected the three messages, obeyed the call and left the fallen churches.” (Early Writings, p.278).

6) The elect of God, the 144,000, make their way toward’s the “premillennial” kingdom in Jerusalem (remember the land has just been destroyed by war). We don’t know how long that trip will be. It could be days or months, we’re just not sure as brother Houteff does not say specifically. The prophecy of Jeremiah now becomes fulfilled, “The days are coming,’ declares the LORD, ‘when I will bring my people Israel and Judah back from captivity and restore them to the land I gave their ancestors to possess,’ says the LORD.”(Jeremiah 30:3) Since Jeremiah’s day only the two tribe kingdom of Judah returned, the lost 10 tribes (Israel) have never returned there, obviously it is yet future.

You see this is a BIG mis-conception. The vast Christendom believes that these prophecies speak of the literal Jews today as the beneficiaries of the prophecies. But the Lord specifically addressed the Jews and their children, “Therefore I tell you that the kingdom of God will be taken away from you and given to a people who will produce its fruit.” ( Matthew 21:43)

Ellen White comments concerning those who will inherit the covenant promises, “Never has the Lord been without true representatives on this earth who have made His interests their own. These witnesses for God are numbered among the spiritual Israel, and to them will be fulfilled all the covenant promises made by Jehovah to His ancient people.” (Prophets and Kings, p.714).

7) The Land is glorified and the Lord’s people are literally re-united with their King. “Then I looked, and there before me was the Lamb, standing on Mount Zion, and with him 144,000 who had his name and his Father’s name written on their foreheads.” (Rev. 14:1). The people are joyous, the land becomes beautiful again. It becomes the “hub” of the last great work upon mankind. The calling out of Babylon and the acceptance of literally millions who embrace the new “Kingdom” and witness God’s final outpouring, His final chance to mankind. No excuses anymore –all have their chance.

At this point some may be ask, “Wait a minute, with millions of SDA in the church right now, are you saying that only 144,000 survive the church judgment?”

We’re not saying this, it’s the Scriptures and SOP that clearly indicate this. Stop and think about God’s work through His prior purifications. In Noah’s day, out of the supposed millions on the earth, how many survived His purification? Eight. Back in Mose’s time, with the supposed million or so Israelites who came out of Egypt, how many survived His judgement and made it too the kingdom over 20 years old? Two.

Ellen White even declared this solemn statement ” In the last vision given me, I was shown the startling fact that but a small portion of those who now profess the truth will be sanctified by it and be saved. ” (Testimonies for the Church, vol. 1, 608-609)

But more explicit is the actual Ezekiel 9 prophecy. As Ellen White established the Ezek. 9 and the Rev. 7 sealings are one and the same event(Test. to Min. p.445), we logically see that Ezekiel’s witness was that only those who get the mark (seal) are to survive. And that Rev. 7 says that 144,000 get sealed and survive before the winds let loose (time of trouble and Sunday law). This is not rocket science. Solemn, yet it’s His word, who are we to doubt it? Better we prepare than fight it.

God loves us immensely but if we fail to listen and obey the prophet that He sends specifically us His remnant people, we are lost. That’s His way , always has been and always will be. “For I am the LORD, I do not change” (Mal. 3:6)

If we can buckle down and convert our sinful life to one of obedience to His prophets and thereby His Law, then we’ll witness this most glorious time upon this earth, that His prophet Zechariah revealed about the Lord’s handiwork, “… ‘Jerusalem will be a city without walls because of the great number of people and animals in it. And I Myself will be a wall of fire around it,’ declares the LORD, ‘and I will be its glory within.'(Zech. 2:4-5)

Just as our Lord created the garden of Eden in the beginning, so shall He return it as a wonderful paradise in front of the heathen. That’s His full circle being completed. His wondrous final plea to the world. He tells the world He loves them this much (as His hands stretched out on the cross) and then even gives them witness to what they can be a part of!

Just so we are clear that this upcoming kingdom is pre-millennial, we read the prophecy from Isaiah, ” The wolf also shall dwell with the lamb, and the leopard shall lie down with the kid…and a little child shall lead them… And the suckling child shall play on the hole of the asp, and the weaned child shall put his hand on the cockatrice’ den. They shall not hurt nor destroy in all My holy mountain: for the earth shall be full of the knowledge of the Lord, as the waters cover the sea.” (Isa. 11:6-9)

We know that there will not be any children in the “new earth”, so these kids and suckling children can only be here on earth during a time when births are taking place. Ellen White clears this up.

“There are men today who express their belief that there will be marriages and births in the new earth; but those who believe the Scriptures cannot accept such doctrines. The doctrine that children will be born in the new earth is not a part of the “sure word of prophecy” (2 Peter 1:19). The words of Christ are too plain to be misunderstood.”(Selected Messages, vol. 1, p172)

So there you have it in a nutshell. The Lord’s last message is one of great love yet solemn warning. The same as He did in Noah’s time. Get in the ark (accept His Elijah message of warning of repentance and reform) or be lost. There will be no middle ground. “Just as it was in the days of Noah, so also will it be in the days of the Son of Man.” (Luke 17:26)

In closing, let us remember our prophetess’ words, “The glory of the eternal world has been opened before me. I want to tell you that Heaven is worth winning. It should be the aim of your life to fit yourself for association with the redeemed, with holy angels, and with Jesus the world’s Redeemer. If we could have but one view of the celestial city, we would never wish to dwell on earth again.” (Signs of the Times, April 8, 1889)

—Questions and Answers—

What does the Sunday law have in connection with the Elijah message? Brother Houteff addressed this question.

Question — Is the mark of the beast the Sunday law? Is it to be enforced before or after the fulfillment of Ezekiel 9? And when will “the gold.. be separated from the dross in the church? (Test. vol.5, p.81)

Answer— Former publications of Present truth have made clear that “the winds” held by the four angels of Revelation 7:1, represent the angel’s holding back “the anger of the nations,”–the image of the beast,– also that the angels will not let ‘the winds” blow into being the image of the beast before the 144,000 are sealed. (Early Writings,p.38)

Thus those who in the time of the sealing are among the 144,000, and who do not receive the mark of God, according to Ezekiel’s vision, are to be tested, not by the image of the beast, but by their attitude toward the abominations in the church; and those who do not ‘sigh and cry” against the abominations therein, will be separated by the angels’ slaughter weapons (Ezek. 9:6), rather than be left to be tested by the image beast and to be separated when it enforces the reception of the mark of the beast (Rev.13:11-18 3 Test. p.266; 5 Test. p.211)

Then will the influence of truth “testify” to world of it’s sanctifying, ennobling character. (Test. to Ministers, p.18). Then the church will appear “fair as the moon, clear as the sun, and terrible as an army with banners, “going forth” into all the world, conquering and conquer.” — “Prophets and Kings, ” p. 725.

Consequently. ‘the gold…separated from the dross in the church” (Test., vol. 5, p.81) by the enforcement of the mark of the beast, cannot be the 144,000, the fruit (Test. to Ministers, p.445), but rather is the second fruits,— the great multitude of rev.7:9– to who, after the sealing of then 144,000, will come the test of choosing between the commandments of God and the commandments of men.

The mark of the beast constitutes homage to the image of the beast, in compliance with his commandments, just as the mark of God (Ezek.9:4,6) constitutes homage to God in compliance with His commandments.

************

As the Elijah message is sometimes referred to as the “sealing message” some have inquired just what exactly is the “seal” of God. Brother Houteff addressed this question. Let us take heed!

Question— What is the seal of God upon the foreheads of the 144,000 (Rev. 7:3)? Is it the Sabbath seal or something else?

Answer — “The seal of the living God,” the Truth, by which the 144,000 are sealed (Rev.7:2), is a special seal, being the same as “the mark” of Ezekiel 9. (See Testimonies to Ministers, p.445; Testimonies, Vol. 3, p.267; Testimonies, Vol.5, p.211) It demands one’s sighing and crying over the abominations which defile him, and which desecrate both the Sabbath and the house of God, especially against selling literature and raising goals during Sabbath services. As the saints have this seal or mark on their foreheads, the angels will pass over them, not slay them. it’s equivalent to the blood on the door post on the night of the passover in egypt. the angel is to place a mark upon the foreheads of all who by sighing, over their own sins, and over the sins in the house of God, show fidelity to the Truth. Then the destroying angels will follow, to slay untterly both old and young who have failed to receive the seal. (See Testtimonies, Vol. 5, p.505)

So, the former seal enables the receiver to rise from the dead in the resurrection of the just, while the latter seal enables the sighning-crying one to escape death and forever to live for God.

Posted in Elijah, End times, Final Events, Our Lord's kingdom, The Loud Cry | 3 Comments »

The Loud Cry

March 16, 2013

Very soon God’s wonderous plan for His church will arrive. The long-awaited “Loud Cry” will be given. This will be the time that our prophetess has spoken of, “Clad in the armor of Christ’s righteousness, the church is to enter upon her final conflict. Fair as the moon, clear as the sun, and as terrible as an army with banners, she is to go forth into all the world conquering and to conquer.” (Prophets and Kings. P.725). Who will be a part? What is the message of the Loud Cry? Let’s look at this special time of God’s full power and Spirit, soon to come upon His remnant church.

Let’s address the first question — Who will be a part?

There can be no doubt that those of us who are truly watching, listening and caring for our beloved remnant church, the SDA church, cannot help but sigh and cry. Today our church leaders are supporting great abominations before the Lord.They are fulfilling prophecy, “for they say, “The Lord has forsaken the land and the Lord seeth not.” (Ezek.9:9)

As an example, many of our SDA hospitals today support and provide abortions. The Wikipedia research article states “Since 1973, many Adventist hospitals perform elective abortions under any circumstance.” (for the full article click here http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Adventist_Health )

The above is just one of the many abominations taking place today within our church. Brother Houteff points out other worldly and pagan customs in our current SDA organization and church —

“…the Roman system that is now carried on by the church: plate-passing, high-powered speeches, Big Day, Book Day, high pressuring, campaigning, selling, auctioneering, Harvest Ingathering, birthday offerings, Christmas-tree hangings, baby weighings, Dorcas sales, investment funds, and what not! As none of these squeezings are Biblical, and as all of them are Pagan in origin and condemned by the Scriptures, they could not possibly be considered freewill offerings. Search and see.

Instead of Sabbath-keeping the day is devoted to money-raising, and instead of a house of worship, the church is turned into a den of thieves — disgusting to observers, and most discouraging for a member to invite a friend or a neighbor to a church service… ” (Jezreel Letter, no.9 , p.7)

Victor Houteff and Ellen White both add, “…the denominational schools, through the accrediting boards of the state universities, are joined hand and hand with the schools of the world, despite the following solemn instruction to contrary; “Let us determine that we will not be tied by so much as a thread to the educational policies of those who do not discern the voice of God and who will not hearken to His commandments.” — (Symb. Code News, vol.2, no.9 p.2) (Counsels to Teachers, p.255)

So we now ask – is it possible that the Lord’s pouring out of His full Spirit upon the church in the Loud Cry, will include these leaders and spiritually complicit, which include those who are aware of it yet don’t sigh and cry about it?

The Lord speaks of the complicit and abomination doers. “Were they ashamed when they committed abomination? No! They were not at all ashamed; Nor did they know how to blush. Therefore they shall fall among those who fall..”(Jeremiah 6:15)

Ellen White answers this way. “Only those who have withstood temptation in the strength of the Mighty One will be permitted to act a part in proclaiming it (the 3rd angel’s message) when it shall have swelled into a Loud Cry. (Review and Herald, Nov. 19, 1908)

“Mark this point with care: Those who receive the pure mark of truth, wrought in them by the power of the Holy Ghost, represented by a mark by the man in linen, are those “that sigh and that cry for all the abominations that be done” in the church. Their love for purity and the honor and glory of God is such, and they have so clear a view of the exceeding sinfulness of sin, that they are represented as being in agony, even sighing and crying. Read the ninth chapter of Ezekiel.”(Test. for the Church, vol.3, p.267)

Could those who are now partaking in the abominations against the Lord be those considered to have “withstood temptation in the strength of the Mighty One’?

Another identifying quote about who will take part in the Loud Cry, we read, “In the last solemn work few great men will be engaged.. God will work in our day that but few anticipate. He will raise up and exalt among us those who are taught by the unction of His Spirit than by the outward training of scientific institutions. (Test. for the Church, vol.5, p.80)

When we look back to the Lord’s choosing of men for His first advent, we see that the humble honest of heart were chosen for the 1st proclamation of the gospel. It appears the Lord will choose the same types for the great Loud Cry proclamation. The learned and self exalted, who have dug their doctrine stakes deep, and who are unwilling to be corrected, surely stand a slim chance in taking part in the most important work of all earthly history–the proclaiming of the true gospel with God’s full power and Spirit.

Brother Houteff clarifies the true messengers of today, “..His messengers of today will bear no greater credentials of their calling than did those of ages past. Even Jesus Christ with His supernatural birth, sinless life, and miraculous works was condemned by the leading men of His time, who said, ‘This fellow doth not cast out devils, but by Beelzebub the prince of the devils.” (Matt. 12:24) (Tract 7, p.63)

So the answer to the question is that the Lord cannot use the current church, as it now stands, to proclaim the final gospel. Those who think He will, are ignorant of the Scriptures, SOP, and the Elijah message. Only the “overcomers” of temptations, the ones who are listening and walking according to the Holy Spirit, will be involved in the Loud Cry.

In the very near future we will know that the Lord’s Elijah messenger, then follwed by the messengers, have warned. The Lord has come to His temple(Mal. 3:1-5). The reins are now “in His hands” (Test. to Ministers, p.300). The world has been shocked and bewildered as God’s word has been fulfilled (1 Peter 4;17). Now it’s time for the great proclamation to appear.When the above has been completed, God’s final plan is to be implemented.

The second question is –What is the message of the Loud Cry?

Ellen White explains–

“In every generation God has sent his servants to rebuke sin, both in the world and in the church. But the people desire smooth things spoken to them, and the pure, unvarnished truth is not acceptable. Many reformers, in entering upon their work, determined to exercise great prudence in attacking the sins of the church and the nation. They hoped, by the example of a pure Christian life, to lead the people back to the doctrines of the Bible.

But the Spirit of God came upon them as it came upon Elijah, and they could not refrain from preaching the plain utterances of the Bible,–doctrines which they had been reluctant to present. They were impelled to zealously declare the truth, and the danger which threatened souls. The words which the Lord gave them they uttered, fearless of consequences, and the people were compelled to hear the warning.”

“Thus will the message of the third angel be proclaimed. As the time comes for the loud cry to be given, the Lord will work through humble instruments, leading the minds of those who consecrate themselves to his service. The laborers will be qualified rather by the unction of his Spirit than by the training of literary institutions. Men of faith and prayer will be constrained to go forth with holy zeal, declaring the words which God gives them.

The sins of Babylon will be laid open. The fearful results of a union of Church and State, the inroads of Spiritualism, the stealthy but rapid progress of the papal power,–all will be unmasked. By these solemn warnings the people will be stirred. Thousands upon thousands have never listened to words like these. In amazement they hear the testimony that Babylon is the church, fallen because of her errors and sins, because of her rejection of the truth sent to her from Heaven.

The people go to their former teachers with the eager inquiry, Are these things so? The ministers present fables, prophesy smooth things, to soothe their fears, and quiet the awakened conscience. But many refuse to be satisfied with the mere authority of men, and demand a plain “Thus saith the Lord.” The popular ministry, like the Pharisees of old, are filled with anger as their authority is questioned; they denounce the message as of Satan, and stir up the sin-loving multitudes to revile and persecute those who proclaim it.

As the controversy extends into new fields, and the minds of the people are called to God’s down-trodden law, Satan is astir. The power attending the message only maddens those who oppose it. The clergy put forth almost superhuman efforts to shut away the light, lest it should shine upon their flocks. By every means at their command they endeavor to suppress the discussion of these vital questions.

The church appeals to the strong-arm of civil power, and in this work, papists are solicited to come to the help of Protestants. The movement for Sunday enforcement becomes more bold and decided. The law is invoked against commandment-keepers. They are threatened with fines and imprisonment, and some are offered positions of influence, and other rewards and advantages, as inducements to renounce their faith. But their steadfast answer is, “Show us from the word of God our error,”–the same plea that was made by Luther under similar circumstances.

Those who are arraigned before the courts make a strong vindication of the truth, and some who hear them are led to take their stand to keep all the commandments of God. Thus light is brought before thousands who otherwise would know nothing of these truths.” (Spirit of Prophecy, vol.4, p.423-425)

So the above gives us a good look at the events that happen within the Loud Cry period. There is to be great wonders and yet great stress. Our beloved prophetess gives a great account of this time.

“The latter rain is coming on those that are pure — all then will receive it as formerly. When the four angels let go, Christ will set up His kingdom. None receive the latter rain but those who are doing all they can. Christ would help us. All could be overcomers by the grace of God, through the blood of Jesus. All heaven is interested in the work. Angels are interested.”(Spalding Magan, 3:2)

A few Scriptures that speak about this time period.

“Awake, awake! Put on your strength O Zion; Put on your beautiful garments, O Jerusalem, the holy city! For the uncircumcised and the unclean shall no longer come to you.”(Isaiah 52:1)

“For Zion’s sake I will not hold My peace, and for Jerusalem’s sake I will not rest, until her righteousness goes forth as brightness, and her salvation as a lamp that burns, the Gentiles shall see your righteousness, and all the kings your glory. You shall be called by a new name, which the mouth of the Lord will name.” (Isaiah 62:1-2)

“The Lord also will roar from Zion, and utter His voice from Jerusalem; The heavens and earth will shake;But the Lord will be a shelter for His people, and the strength of the children of Israel.” (Joel 3:16)

May we strive to be among those who take part in this last great work– the Loud Cry. A most exciting and extraordinary work that sets up His everlasting kingdom.

Questions and Answers about the Loud Cry—

HAS THE LOUD CRY BEGUN?

Question No. 10:

Sister White wrote in 1892 that the Loud Cry of the Third Angel’s Message had already begun; please explain why others claim that it is yet future. And what makes it “loud”?

Answer:

There must be a marked difference between the voice of the message before the Loud Cry, and the voice of the message in the Loud Cry; otherwise it would not be called “loud.”

The message swells to a Loud Cry by virtue of an “addition” which gives it “power and force.”- Early Writings, p. 277. The only conclusion admissible, therefore, is that since the church has never accepted an additional message, and since there has never come one (other than that in The Shepherd’s Rod publications) that would give “power and force” to the old message, the Loud Cry could not have begun at any time previous to this.

Moreover, the “abominations” in the church have not only kept back the Loud Cry but have also even silenced the fainter cry which precedes it. Indeed, “the angel of the church of the Laodiceans,” being unfit even to finish the proclamation of the message in its fainter cry must be altogether unfit to proclaim it in the Loud Cry. Obviously, if he does not now quickly repent and accept the additional message which is to begin the Loud Cry, then not only will he not help proclaim it but he will even be “spued out.”

“…only those who have withstood temptation in the strength of the Mighty One,” warns the Spirit of Prophecy, “will be permitted to act a part in proclaiming it [the Third Angel’s Message] when it shall have swelled into the loud cry.”-The Review and Herald Nov. 19, 1908. So while the fainter cry is proclaimed by those who have, as well as by those who have not, overcome temptation, the Loud Cry is to be proclaimed only by those who have.

Though the Loud Cry was to have begun by 1892, it was muffled when the church rejected the message of Righteousness by Faith in 1888. Thus, the scroll which contained the “additional” message that was to give “power and force” to the Third Angel’s Message, for the time then being ceased unrolling. And consequently, instead of becoming the light of the world, the church herself went into darkness. Seeing this, the Spirit of Truth made a fearful pronouncement of doom upon unrepentant Laodiceans, while giving joyous promise of future glory to all who will arise and walk in the light that proceeds from the throne.

“How will any of our brethren know when this light shall come to the people of God?” was the sweeping question then asked by Inspiration. And the inspired answer was: “As yet we have certainly not seen the light that answers to this description. God has light for His people, and all who accept it will see the sinfulness of remaining in a lukewarm condition.”-The Review and Herald, Oct. 7, 1890.

“In the manifestation of the power that lightens the earth with its glory, they will see only something which in their blindness they think dangerous, something which will arouse their fears and they will brace themselves to resist it. Because the Lord does not work according to their expectations and ideal, they will oppose the work. Why, they say, should we not know the Spirit of God, when we have been in the work so many years?”-Bible Training School, 1907. (Reprinted in The Review and Herald, Nov. 7 1918.) This statement plainly projects the Loud Cry into the future from 1918.

“The love of Christ, the love of our brethren will testify to the world that we have been with Jesus and learned of Him. Then will the message of the third angel swell to a loud cry, and the whole earth will be lightened with the glory of the Lord.”–Testimonies, Vol. 6, p. 401.(The Answerer Vol. 1)

What additonal proof can you give that the present church will not complete the work of the Loud Cry?

Answer– “If the present church leadership is to complete the work , then how can our brethren explain the following quotation which is found in “The Testimonies for the Church”, Vol. 5, p.80, from which we quote?

“But the days of purification of the church are hastening on apace. God will have a people pure and true..Those who have trusted to intellect, genius, or talent, will not then stand at the head of rank and file…They are self-sufficient, independent of God, and He can not use them..The Lord has faithful servants, who in the shaking, testing time will be disclosed to view… But, it may be under a rough and uninviting exterior the pure brightness of a genuine Christian character will be revealed.”(End of quote)

“If the purification takes place after the gospel work is finished, then why should He disclose another set of servants, and say, after purification He cannot use those who are self-sufficient and independent of God?” (Symb. News Code, vol.1, No.18 p.9)

Posted in End times, Final Events, The Loud Cry | 4 Comments »

Ezekiel 9 (Part 3 of 3)

November 10, 2012

Before we continue this last part of our study of Ezekiel 9, let’s review what we have learned.

1) That the sealings spoken of in Rev.7 are one and the same as Ezekiel 9, That the sealed ones will be 144,000 of the SDA church.

2)That the final sealings of God’s servants and the execution of judgment, per Ezekiel 9, happen before the Sunday law.

3) That the purpose of the church purification, is to finally fulfill the Lord’s prophesied and long-awaited righteous church and thereby receive His full power and Spirit. To go out and conquer the world, spiritually speaking, and bring in the great multitude.

With this firmly in our mind, let’s now look at Scripture and brother Houteff’s writings to solidify our understanding of Ezekiel 9, the beginning phase of the judgment of the living. While there is many other prophets in the Old testament that we could quote on our subject,due to space, we will be showing the main ones of Isaiah, Malachi, and Revelation.

In describing Isaiah 4:3, brother Houteff explains, ” In the light of the clear-cut facts before us, we see that the main object of the sealing or marking of the servants of God is to cleanse the church from sin and sinners, so that she may be able to stand strong against the image-beast in the time of trouble; and that when this purifying work is completed, “it shall come to pass that he that is left in Zion, and he that remaineth in Jerusalem, shall be called holy, even every one that is written among the living in Jerusalem: when the Lord shall have washed away the filth of the daughters of Zion, and shall have purged the blood of Jerusalem from the midst thereof by the spirit of judgment, and by the spirit of burning.” Isa. 4:3 (Tract #8, P.25)

The above shows us clearly that those who “remain” will be called holy. Remain from what? It can be none other than the Ezekiel 9 church judgment that is done “by the Spirit of judgment and the Spirit of burning.”, because the ones written among the living are those who are found worthy in the judgment.

This cannot be describing the Lord’s coming in the clouds judgment because we see in verse 5, that after this judgment, the Lord creates above every dwelling place of “Mt.Zion” a cloud and smoke by day and a shining flame. Obviously this has never happened and is yet future. Isaiah’s time was well past Moses’ time in Exodus, where something similar happened with the cloud covering and fire at night. And Mt. Zion is here on earth not in heaven.

In perhaps the most startling and descriptive verses in Isaiah, concerning Ezek.9 we find in (Isaiah 63:1-4).

“Who is this who comes from Edom, with dyed garments from Bozrah, this one whom is glorious in His apparel, traveling in the greatness of His strength? I who speak in righteousness, mighty to save.”

A few important things to note from the above. The “dyed” garments are worn by someone whom is “mighty to save”. Who is the only mighty name under heaven which we may be saved? Yes, it is describing our Lord! And He is described as coming from Edom, “traveling* in the greatness of His strength” (This travelling was done upon His throne as per described in Ezekiel 1 vision –Wheel within a wheel, etc.) . More particularly what does Edom and Bozrah mean? We find that in two places in Scripture.( *Picture of that throne below)

In (Isaiah 34:5) we read, “For My sword shall be bathed in heaven; Indeed it shall come down on Edom, and on the people of My curse, for judgment…for the Lord has a sacrifice in Bozrah, and a great slaughter in the land of Edom“. The land of “Edom” refers to the hebrew word Idumea. Which was referring to Esau’s land, the land of Edom(Per E-Sword).

As we know from our SDA teachings, symbolically the two twins (Esau and Jacob) represent two different class of people. One was to become unrighteous(Esau), the other righteous (Jacob). So when we read that our Lord say’s He has a great slaughter in the land of Edom, it means for the unrighteous people amongst us.

We see that this slaughter and sacrifice is with Bozrah. To find the meaning of Bozrah we need to look to (Micah 2:12). “I will surely assemble all of you, O Jacob, I will surely gather the remnant of Israel; I will put them together like sheep of Bozrah…” Plain it is that Bozrah is describing God’s remnant people, His church. Therefore we see that the Lord has a sacrifice and slaughter in His church. But let us let the Scripture tell us more as we continue the above verse.

(Isaiah 63:2-4) “Why is your apparel red, and your garments like one who treads the winepress?(Remember Isaiah is speaking to the Lord). I have trodden the winepress alone, and from the people no one was with Me. For I have trodden them in My anger, and trampled them in My fury; Their blood is sprinkled upon My garments, and I have stained all My robes. For the day of vengeance is in My heart, and the year of My redeemed has come.”

There are many more Isaiah quotes we could show, but for the sake of space we shall go to the others. Also it is important to remember that this coming to the earth will not be a visable coming, as in the Lord coming in the clouds on the last day. Although we won’t see Him, we will see His great and dreadful work (sealing servants and Ezekiel solemn judgments through out His church world-wide).

As we have often mentioned, the book of Malachi is the last sign-off letter, and true to form we find a very specific quote concerning our subject.

“Behold, I send My messenger, and he will prepare the way before Me. And the LORD, whom you seek, will suddenly come to His temple, even the messenger of the covenant, in whom you delight. Behold, He is coming,” says the LORD of hosts.”

Here brother Houteff explains the above verse–(Timely Greetings, Vol. 2, No. 30 – 11-13) “Two persons are here disclosed to view, the messenger and the Lord. The messenger is to precede the coming of the Lord. He is to prepare the way, then the Lord is to appear. And who could this messenger be if not the one whom the Lord names? — He declares, “Behold, I will send you Elijah the prophet before the coming of the great and dreadful day of the Lord.” Mal. 4:5.

This messenger of the covenant (of the promise), antitypical Elijah the prophet shall prepare the way; he shall restore all things. As he prepares the way, the Lord will suddenly come to His temple, to His church. And what is His work to be? To purify or cleanse His people by weeding the unrepented sinners from among them. The question: “But who may abide the day of His coming?” solemnly declares that we had better now get busy and do what it takes to make us stand before the cleansing begins.

Whom in particular will He purify? — Let us read–

Mal. 3:3 — “And He shall sit as a refiner and purifier of silver: and He shall purify the sons of Levi, and purge them as gold and silver, that they may offer unto the Lord an offering in righteousness.”

The Levites, you know, comprised the tribe from which came the priesthood, the ministers of the Lord. And since this prophecy is to meet its complete fulfillment in our day, the figure is clear: The Levites, the ministers of the Lord in our day, are to be purified. What then?

Mal. 3:4 — “Then shall the offering of Judah and Jerusalem be pleasant unto the Lord, as in the days of old, and as in former years.”

This verse implies that the offerings which we now bring to the Lord are not pleasing to Him, not pleasing as in times past.

Here we have the glorious promise that not long hence there shall be a pure ministry, a pure people, — a people without guile in their mouths, without spot, or wrinkle, or any such thing (Eph. 5:27). Those who do not measure to this standard will not “stand.” Thereafter no sinner will stand in their midst, for “Henceforth,” says the Lord, “there shall no more come into thee the uncircumcised and the unclean.” Isa. 52:1.

Our last quotes are primarily from Revelation. Brother Houteff ties in some Rev. quotes to help us understand the Ezekiel 9 judgment for the living.

“The angels who are round about the throne in the heavenly sanctuary during the judgment of Daniel 7:9, 10 and of Revelation 5:11 shall, as the parables explain, descend with “the Son of man” when He comes “to His temple” (His church) to separate by judgment “the wicked from among the just,” and to purge as gold and silver those “who may abide the day of His coming…that they may offer unto the Lord an offering in righteousness.” Mal. 3:2, 3.

In graphic demonstration that He will come to earth with all His angels to execute judgment upon the living, the Lord revealed Himself prophetically to Ezekiel as being brought enthroned to earth by four living creatures just before the slaughter of the hypocrites in the church takes place. And as each of the living creatures has the face of a lion, the face of a calf, the face of a man, and the face of an eagle (Ezek. 1:10), — the same judicial insignia as have the beasts who are before the throne in the heavenly sanctuary (Rev. 4:7) in the time of the judgment of the dead, — and as they descend to earth, they thereby symbolically show that the work of the mediatorial-judicial throne which convenes and presides over the judgment of the dead is extended to earth.

This extension, so far as we are able to know now, must take place at the opening of the seventh seal (Rev. 8:1), for at that time the celestial voices, which opened the judgment of the dead, cease in the heavenly sanctuary and begin, after the half hour’s silence, to sound on earth. In other words, just as in heaven at the opening of the judgment of the dead, there were “lightnings and thunderings and voices” (Rev. 4:5), likewise on earth at the opening of the “judgment of the living,” there are “voices, and thunderings, and lightnings, and an earthquake.” Rev. 8:5.

With the judgment of the dead, however, the work of separation takes place in the books in the heavenly sanctuary; whereas with the judgment of the living, the separation takes place among the people in the church as well as among their names in the books in the heavenly sanctuary, thus showing that both sanctuaries will finally be cleansed.

Inescapably, therefore, the Lord’s coming to His temple (Mal. 3:1-3), His coming with all His angels (Matt. 25), and His coming enthroned above the living creatures (Ezek. 1), — all three representing the same event as has been shown, — take place at the beginning of the judgment of the living: the time in which the judicial activities of the heavenly sanctuary extend to the earthly sanctuary — the church.

In closing, I remember a documentary I watched as a young man. It was called “Scared Straight”. It was about how former prisoners would go to the prison and speak to young people about how life would be horrible if they continued on their destructive path. This is similar to us studying Ezekiel 9, it’s awakes us up to reality, the iceberg approaching as it were.

I will leave you with the actual words of the Lord and what is to soon come upon us, His church, may we take heed and convert from a life of lukewarmness and cherished sins, to a zealous and active righteous life , spreading His final message to us — Be prepared He is coming!

“Then He called out in my hearing with a loud voice, saying, “Let those who have charge over the city draw near, each with a deadly weapon in his hand.” And suddenly six men came from the direction of the upper gate which faces the north, each with his battle-ax in his hand. One man among them was clothed with linen and had a writer’s inkhorn at his side. They went in and stood beside the bronze altar.

Now the glory of the God of Israel had gone up from the cherub, where it had been, to the threshold of the temple. And he called to the man clothed with linen, who had the writer’s inkhorn at his side;and the Lord said to him, “Go through the midst of the city, through Jerusalem, and put a mark on the foreheads of the men who sigh and cry over all the abominations that are done within it.”

To the others He said in my hearing, “Go after him through the city and kill; do not let your eye spare, nor have any pity. Utterly slay old and young men, maidens and little children and women; But do not come near anyone on whom is the mark; and begin at My sanctuary.” So they began with the elders who were before the temple.

Then He said to them, “Defile the temple, and fill the courts with the slain. Go Ye forth! And they went out and killed in the city. So it was, that while they were killing them, I was left alone; and I fell on my face and cried out, and said “Ah Lord God! Will you destroy all the remnant of Israel in pouring out Your fury on Jerusalem?”

Then He said to me, “the iniquity of the house of Israel and Judah is exceedingly great, and the land is full of bloodshed, and the city full of perversity; for they say,’The Lord has forsaken the land, and the Lord does not see!’ “And as for Me also, My eye will neither spare, nor will I have pity, but will recompense their deeds on their own head.” Just then, the man clothed with linen, who had the writer’s inkhorn at his side, reported back and said, ‘I have done as You commanded me.” (Ezekiel 9:1-10)

http://shepherdsroddavidian.org/images/charts/ezekiel-1.jpg (Picture of bro. Houteff chart of the travelling throne-Ezekiel 1) Click on it to enlarge.

Posted in End times, Ezekiel, Final Events | 2 Comments »

Ezekiel 9 (Part 2 of 3)

November 3, 2012

Note: Due to subject matter we need to expand it from a 2 part to a 3 part post. This 2nd part we’ll study Ellen White’s quotes in regard to Ezekiel 9.

Before we go further it would be helpful to clear up a basic and often asked question from the SDA . “Where does the idea that Ezekiel 9 happens before the plaques and not in them, come from?”

Many think that brother Houteff began this teaching, when infact it comes from our prophetess-Ellen White. In (Testimonies to Ministers, p.445) she says ” The sealing of the servants of God was the same that was shown Ezekiel in vision, John also had been a witness of this most startling revelation.”

So we see that Ezekiel saw what happened to those not sealed (the execution of judgment), and John saw that as well, but wasn’t permitted to describe that part. He described how many were sealed(144K) , and when it was to occur (before the winds are let go). As John’s revelation (Rev.7) is the same as Ezekiel’s then we see that the sealing (Ezekiel 9) takes place before the winds are let loose per Rev.7. This is important to know to confirm the time setting of Ezekiel 9. Next we can find out what the “winds” and “Israel” represent.

First on the winds. EGW says, “The time is coming when we cannot sell at any price. The decree will soon go forth prohibiting men to buy or sell of any man save him that have the mark of the beast. we came near having this realized in California a short time since; but this was only a threatening of the blowing of the four winds. As yet they are held by the four angels. We are not just ready. There is a work yet to be done, and then the angels will be bidden to let go, that the four winds may blow upon the earth. Tha will be a decisive time for God’s children, a time of trouble such as never was since there was a nation. Now is our opportunity to work.” (Testimonies for the Church, Vol. 5, p.152)

So we see clearly that the four winds represent the Sunday law, the mark of the beast decreee. Obviously we know that the Sunday law comes before the plaques, thus the sealing of God’s servants (Rev.7, Ezekiel 9) is to occur before the decree is issued.

Next we need to see who “Israel” is that is mentioned in Rev. 7. Obvoiusly the 144,000 come from the tribes of Israel. This is also cleared up. EGW- “In order to be purified and to remain pure, Seventh Day Adventists must have the Holy Spirit in their hearts and in their homes. The Lord has given me light that when the Israel of today humble themselves before Him, and cleanse the soul- temple of all defilement, He will hear their prayers in behalf of the sick and will bless in the use of His remedies for disease.” (Testimonies for the Church, Vol 9, P.164-65)

So the 144,000 servants of God come from the SDA church. Rev. 7’s sealing is clear to us. Who it is that get’s sealed, when they are sealed, and what happens after.

Let’s go now to perhaps the most direct and startling statements concerning Ezekiel 9 from the pen of EGW. “The crisis is fast approaching. The rapidly swelling figures show that the time for God’s visitation has almost come. Although loathe to punish, nevetheless He will punish, and that speedily. Those who walk in the light will see signs of approaching peril; but they are not to sit in quiet, unconcerned expentancy of ruin, comforting themselves with the belief that God will shelter His people in the day of His visitation. Far from it. They should realize that it is their duty to labor diligently to save others, looking with strong faith to God for help. “The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much.”

The leaven of godliness has not entirely lost its power. At the time when the danger and depression of the church are greatest, the little company who are standing in the light will be sighing and crying for the abominations that are done in the land. But more especially will their prayers arise in behalf of the church because its members are doing after the manner of the world. {5T 209.3}

The earnest prayers of this faithful few will not be in vain. When the Lord comes forth as an avenger, He will also come as a protector of all those who have preserved the faith in its purity and kept themselves unspotted from the world. It is at this time that God has promised to avenge His own elect which cry day and night unto Him, though He bear long with them. {5T 210.1}

The command is: “Go through the midst of the city, through the midst of Jerusalem, and set a mark upon the foreheads of the men that sigh and that cry for all the abominations that be done in the midst thereof.” These sighing, crying ones had been holding forth the words of life; they had reproved, COUNSELLED, and entreated. Some who had been dishonouring God repented and humbled their hearts before Him. But the glory of the Lord had departed from Israel; although many still continued the forms of religion, His power and presence were lacking. {5T 210.2}

In the time when His wrath shall go forth in judgments, these humble, devoted followers of Christ will be distinguished from the rest of the world by their soul anguish, which is expressed in lamentation and weeping, reproofs and warnings. While others try to throw a cloak over the existing evil, and excuse the great wickedness everywhere prevalent, those who have a zeal for God’s honour and a love for souls will not hold their peace to obtain favour of any. Their righteous souls are vexed day by day with the unholy works and conversation of the unrighteous. They are powerless to stop the rushing torrent of iniquity, and hence they are filled with grief and alarm.

They mourn before God to see religion despised in the very homes of those who have had great light. They lament and afflict their souls because pride, avarice, selfishness, and deception of almost every kind are in the church. The Spirit of God, which prompts to reproof, is trampled underfoot, while the servants of Satan triumph. God is dishonoured, the truth made of none effect. {5T 210.3}

The class who do not feel grieved over their own spiritual declension, nor mourn over the sins of others, will be left without the seal of God. The Lord commissions His messengers, the men with slaughtering weapons in their hands: “Go ye after him through the city, and smite: let not your eye spare, neither have ye pity: slay utterly old and young, both maids, and little children, and women: but come not near any man upon whom is the mark; and begin at My sanctuary. Then they began at the ancient men which were before the house.” {5T 211.1} (Author’s note- This is exact quote from Ezekiel chapter 9)

Here we see that the church–the Lord’s sanctuary–was the first to feel the stroke of the wrath of God.

The ancient men, those to whom God had given great light and who had stood as guardians of the spiritual interests of the people, had betrayed their trust. They had taken the position that we need not look for miracles and the marked manifestation of God’s power as in former days. Times have changed. These words strengthen their unbelief, and they say: The Lord will not do good, neither will He do evil. He is too merciful to visit His people in judgment. Thus “Peace and safety” is the cry from men who will never again lift up their voice like a trumpet to show God’s people their transgressions and the house of Jacob their sins. These dumb dogs that would not bark are the ones who feel the just vengeance of an offended God. Men, maidens, and little children all perish together. {5T 211.2}

The abominations for which the faithful ones were sighing and crying were all that could be discerned by finite eyes, but by far the worst sins, those which provoked the jealousy of the pure and holy God, were unrevealed. The great Searcher of hearts knoweth every sin committed in secret by the workers of iniquity. These persons come to feel secure in their deceptions and, because of His long-suffering, say that the Lord seeth not, and then act as though He had forsaken the earth. But He will detect their hypocrisy and will open before others those sins which they were so careful to hide. {5T 211.3}

No superiority of rank, dignity, or worldly wisdom, no position in sacred office, will preserve men from sacrificing principle when left to their own deceitful hearts. Those who have been regarded as worthy and righteous prove to be ring-leaders in apostasy and examples in indifference and in the abuse of God’s mercies. Their wicked course He will tolerate no longer, and in His wrath He deals with them without mercy. {5T 212.1}

It is with reluctance that the Lord withdraws His presence from those who have been blessed with great light and who have felt the power of the word in ministering to others. They were once His faithful servants, favoured with His presence and guidance; but they departed from Him and led others into error, and therefore are brought under the divine displeasure. {5T 212.2}

The day of God’s vengeance is just upon us. The seal of God will be placed upon the foreheads of those only who sigh and cry for the abominations done in the land. Those who link in sympathy with the world are eating and drinking with the drunken and will surely be destroyed with the workers of iniquity. “The eyes of the Lord are over the righteous, and His ears are open unto their prayers: but the face of the Lord is against them that do evil.” {5T 212.3}

Our own course of action will determine whether we shall receive the seal of the living God or be cut down by the destroying weapons.” (Testimonies for the Church,Vol. 5, p. 209-212)

Where do we start? The above is so packed with straight testimony, we see that she indeed practices what she preaches “will not hold their peace to obtain favour from any”. Let’s clearly understand what was just said.

We know that there is specific instructions given to the marking angel (clothed in white linen) by our Lord. EGW shows us that “only” those who sigh and cry for sins done by ourselves and the church, will get God’s seal, per Rev. 7- Ezekiel 9.

She also confirms our opening question –“When does Ezekiel 9 happen?” You’ll notice that after quoting Ezekiel 9, shes say that the church was the first to feel God’s wrath. So if God begins His wrath judgments in our church first, it logically tells us the plaques come after. And as we found earlier, the church judgments happen before the Sunday law.

“The purging and cleansing will surely pass through every church in our land that has had great opportunities and priveleges, and has passed them by unheeded.” (Testimonies for Ministers, p.414)

“The Lord will work to purify His church. I tell you in truth, the Lord is about to turn and overturn the institutions call by His name….Just how soon this refining process will begin, I can not say, but it will not be long deferred. He whose fan is in His hand will cleanse His temple of it’s moral defilement He will thoroughly purge His floor” (Testimonies for Ministers, p. 373)

“When God shall work His strange work on the earth, when holy hands bear the ark no longer, woe will be upon the people. Oh, that thou hadst known, even thou, in this thy day, the things that belong unto thy peace! Oh, that our people may, as did Nineveh, repent with all their might and believe with all their heart, that God may turn away His fierce anger from them. (Test. for the Church, Vol. 5, p.77)

We remember that the plaques have 7 angels pouring out 7 vials of destruction. Ezekiel 9 has 6 angels, with each of them having slaughter weapons, not vials. And Ezekiel 9 takes place upon “Jerusalem” (God’s people(church)-Isreal) whereas the 7 last plaques come on Babylon (the heathen world). Totally different scenes and at different times. This is beyond dispute.

As we touched on in part 1, the purpose of our Lord’s executing judgment upon His house first, is to get the church in righteousness, with not even one Achan in it’s midst, so He can pour out His Spirit and power in full upon His church. Then, and only then will God’s mighty power go forth to conquer the world, spiritually speaking. They will call out the great multitude from the Sunday churchs and other religions. Signs and miracles will abound. This exactly why we don’t see much of them today–His Spirit is not poured out yet due to the mixed church.

Let’s look at another Ezekiel 9 reference. “While the investigative judgment is going forward in heaven, there is to be a special work of purification, of putting away of sin, among God’s people on earth.” ( Great Controversy p.425).

We see that “while” the investigative judgment is going on, not after it but during it, God’s people will be purified and sin will be “put away”. This is exactly what the purpose of Ezekiel 9 is to accomplish. As we mentioned prior, our Lord cannot wait forever for us, His people, to right the ship. He must take the reins in His own hands (Testimonies to Ministers, P.300).

In another quote Ellen explains ” I saw angels hurrying to and fro in heaven, 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 the earth, to unite his voice with the third angel, and give power and force to his message…with the additional message of the corruptions which have been entering the churches since 1844.”

Here we see that the important event was in a preparatory stage as the “other ” angel comes and unites his voice to the message. The point in this is that the message of that other angel is about our own church corruption. This is exactly what the Elijah (Shepherd’s Rod) message is all about. Notice that this message cannot be a message where this other angel tells it to us to tell the world. That would be useless, for what use whould it be for the world to know about our corruptions? It has to be a message given to ourselves from the faithful true witnesses. Then we can see that as the “important event” is prepared, it awaits the work of the other angel message to have effect, to cause those who will, to repent and prepare. The important event is none other than Ezekiel 9.(Early Writings, p.277)

Let me go back to today’s real situation in His church and give an example of our leaders carelessly minding God’s house. Recently we had a monthly church lunch. The dining room happens to right off the Sanctuary. There is a large curtian that goes from one end of the dining room to the other, and when closed, effectively shuts out the Sanctuary and vice-versa (as we do while service in going on). A while back I went to the ex-pastor and elder and mentioned to them that instead of leaving the curtian wide open while having the lunch, with all kinds of gossip and noise, going right into the Sanctuary, we should close the curtain during the lunches (it should be closed almost always anyway).

They agreed it was good to do this. The “first” lunch after was done as we agreed, the curtain closed. The next lunches therafter, nothing was done at all. My point in this is — where are the leaders? The whole reverence behavior in God’s house means nothing! This is a perfect example of the Lord observing carelessness and lack of reverence in His house. Do you see why He must take control?

Lastly, our prophetess describes how the church will be post Ezekiel 9. “Clad in the armor of Christ’s righteousness, the church is to enter upon her final conflict. “Fair as the moon, clear as the sun, and terrible as an army with banners (Song of Solomon 6:10), she is to go forth into all the world, conquering and to conquer.” (Prophets and Kings, P. 725)

“An awakened church- when we have entire wholehearted consecration to the service of Christ, God will recognize the fact by an outpouring of His Spirit without measure: But this will not be while the largest portion of the church are not laborers together with God.” (Review and Herald, July 21, 1896).

This conquering will only be done with God’s full Spirit poured out. How often do we see on 3 abn or other SDA sites where “man” has a global plan now to win the multitudes. Sadly, these leaders do not believe in the above words of Ellen White. If they did they would cease trying to save the world and do what is needed first–save ourselves (His church). EGW explains, “The Lord does not now work to bring many souls into the truth, because of the church members who have never been converted and those who were once converted but who have backslidden” (Testimonies for Church, Vol. 6, P.371)

The Lord’s eye is and has always been upon His church. And as we learned one coveting theif in the people’s multitude upset the Lord and stopped Him completely.Can we continue to swell the numbers without regarding the importance of the existing members being truly converted?

But all is not lost, each and every one of us who now have opportunity to put away our cherished sins, can be among those who “survive” the beginning judgment for the living – Ezekiel 9.

Next week, we’ll look at the final part 3, where many Scriptures foretell Ezekiel 9. These were largely uncovered by our last prophet-Victor T. Houteff. Ellen White began the work of announcing the surprise coming of the Lord to His “temple” (Mal. 3:1), brother Houteff finishes it, as was his Elijah purpose (Mal 4:5).

Posted in End times, Ezekiel, Final Events | 4 Comments »

Ezekiel 9 (Part 1 of 3)

October 27, 2012

Note: This post is primarily for SDA and DSDA.

Many of us are familiar with the Titanic shipwreck and the great tragic event that occurred close to 100 years ago on that dark night in the middle of the sea. That experience is an analogy of what Ezekiel 9 is about. Allow me to draw some comparisons to it.

The ship set sail with many very happy and excited passengers (our church started out strong in the beginning right after 1844). The ship sailed among smooth waters into the deep ocean, for a short while. As the journey progressed much merry times were had and no worries existed. Then soon after on their journey, one night while the people enjoyed much music , good food, and celebrations, a couple of men in the look out tower were startled. An approaching huge iceberg! They immediately went to work warning the people. Time was closing quickly in, and the iceberg was but a few minutes away. Then disaster struck, and the majority perished.

The above short synopsis is an example of the church (ship) quickly approaching a similar huge iceberg (Ezekiel 9) The watchmen are at their posts and are scrambling , as God’s people, to warn that this iceberg is right ahead and that all on board must prepare (The people must do something per Ezekiel 9). Many of God’s leading watchman, the leaders in our church, are busy downstairs enjoying the music and food (satisfied in their lukewarmness, full and in need of nothing,). The job of warning(sighing) is left with but a few of us (the ones willing to stand out in the cold, willing to be less than comfortable, in order to protect the church members). Nevertheless this warning is being sounded, the trumpet is being blown and thank God, more and more are coming to the forefront of our church to put this message out — prepare and be ready, the Lord is soon to appear!

Ezekiel 9 is a very solemn message to God’s people. From the beginning our Lord has had a good and righteous plan for us His people, but He has also set a plan in motion that will effectively let Him take control of His beloved church. As the great all-seeing Lord, He knew well that , just as His people said to Him in the old days, “All that the Lord has spoken we will do” (Exodus 19:8) and they miserably failed, His people would continue to fail Him through out the ages following. His Spirit and power have been stymied. What will He do? What can He do?

The book of Isaiah, is packed with references concerning the Lord’s plans in regards to the church purification. One of those describes why He must take the reins into His own hands. ” His watchmen are blind, they are all ignorant; They are dumb dogs, they cannot bark; Sleeping, lying down, loving to slumber. yes they are greedy dogs which never have enough. And they are shepherds who cannot understand; They all look to their own way, everyone for his own gain, from his own territory.” (Isaiah 56:10-11).

If our leadership would not be in the condition it is today, He would not need to bring upon His church His “strange act” (Isaiah 28:21).The Scriptural evidence is overwhelming concerning our Lord’s next coming. The Lord said in (Amos 3:8) “Surely the LORD GOD does nothing, unless he reveals His secret to His servants the prophets.”

Ezekiel 9 is revealed in many, many Scriptures, and as such we dare not look the other way at what the word of the Lord says. What we will do is present the soon to come “judgement for the living'” evidence. And specifically, the very act of the Lord that begins this judgement.

Let us begin with the Achan story. We remember in Joshua Chapter 7 , the people lost what should have been a certain and easy victory with the Lord’s backing. But one man, just one man, in the whole camp had stolen what the Lord expressively said was not to be touched or taken. The Lord let Joshua know that it was this man, Achan, who had caused the people’s defeat and the Lord’s anger. Achan, along with his whole family, were stoned at the Lord’s direction.

Ellen White explains, ” .. if the presence of one Achan was sufficient to weaken the whole camp of Israel, can we be surprised at the little success which attends our efforts when every church and almost every family has it’s Achan?” (Testimonies for the Church, Vol. 5, p.157).

“God’s displeasure is upon His people, and He will not manifest His power, in the midst of them while sins exist among them and are fostered by those in responsible positions.” (Testimonies for the Church, Vol. 3, p.270)

The outpouring of the Lord’s Spirit cannot come while the church has a mixed group of converted and unconverted ones. Just look at the above example of Achan, we know the Lord is the same yesterday, today and tomorrow. He does not change (Mal.3:6). One Achan stopped His power. Those who think the Lord has done some kind of strange metamorphic change since then, will be sadly mistaken.

Think of this for a moment. Let’s say for argument’s sake that the Lord does pour out His Spirit upon His current church, as most of our SDA leaders teach. It would show that He accepts both converted and unconverted. His power would come upon His church despite its current condition. A total change and departure from our Lord’s prior behavior through out the Scriptures.

But we know that Achan was not converted, as he was a coveting thief. The Lord refused to accept him as such, as every one else obeyed the Lord. Then it would be apparent that the Lord would have to go back and apologize to Achan for having ordered his stoning. What folly! He would have to admit to Achan that He now allows disobedient thiefs and worse among our church today. How about Korah and all those who followed him? That large camp consisted of coverted and uncoverted, did the Lord accept it? Of course not, the earth swallowed up Korah and his followers.

Ellen White speaks of those who will be permitted to take part when the Lord’s Spirit is poured out. ” Only those who have withstood temptation in the strength of the Mighty One will be permitted to act a part in proclaiming it when it shall have swelled into the loud cry.” (Review and Herald, Nov. 19, 1908)

We know that in the last days, our Lord will do His promised outpouring upon mankind. “And it shall come to pass in the last days, says God, that I will pour out My Spirit on all flesh” (Joel 2:28) So what can the Lord do with this problem in His church today? Can He expect His people to right the ship and get their act together?His answer is — Ezekiel 9, the “great and dreadful day of the Lord.”

“For the time is come that judgment must begin at the house of God: and if it first begin at us, what shall the end be of them that obey not the gospel of God?” (1 Peter4:17)

The founding leaders of our church knew that 1844 was the year that our Lord entered the most holy apartment of the sanctuary. And has revewied(judged) all those who professed to know the Lord starting with Adam. But very shortly He will pass to the living.”The cases of the righteous dead have been passing in review before God. When that work has been completed, judgment is pronounced upon the living.” (1 Selected Messages, P. 125) “So in the day of final atonement and investigative judgment the only cases considered are those of the professed people of God.” (Great Controversy, P.480)

We currently have an SDA leadership who , for the most part, deny His very last message to us, the Elijah message. They ignore it or worse, they hinder it by saying those who promote it, as brought by the brother Houteff, aren’t teaching the message properly ( just as prophesied per EGW , Testimonies for the Church, p. 475). There has been only one man in our church history who has claimed to bring the Lord’s Elijah message, and interpreted Scripture to show us the prophecies concerning Ezekiel 9. This was Victor T. Houteff.

The leaders have refused to accept that there is a last message needed or promised (Mal. 4:5). They proclaim “I am rich and have become wealthy, and have need of nothing” (Rev. 3:17). With this spiritual “wealth” they don’t see any reason to warn the church. Why should they? Many think that both sinners and the righteous are saved, why warn? Grace has ever expanded, conversion not needed.

When we begin to understand the Lord’s plan, we see it all coming clearly into focus.It is only because His promised “Spirit of Truth” guides us, that we know and understand His plans. All who have a “healthy fear”of the Lord will take heed now and convert. Ezekiel Chapter 9 will happen whether will want it or not.

How important is it that we know and study Ezekiel 9? EGW explains, “Study the 9th chapter of Ezekiel. These words will be literally fulfilled; yet the time is passing and the people are asleep. They refuse to humble their souls and be converted. Not a while longer will the Lord bear with the people who have such great and important truths revealed to them, but refuse to bring these truths into their individual experiences.” ( Manuscript releases, Vol. 1, p.260)

I don’t know about you but those words are serious instructions to get involved and study, the next appearing of the Lord-Ezekiel 9!

Next week we’ll look at more direct Scripture of the Old Testament that point to the Lord’s special coming to the earth. Ellen White and Victor Houteff will also show some clear verses of the Lord’s surprise plan.

Your servant, Rob

Posted in End times, Ezekiel, Final Events | 6 Comments »

“I’m Scared”

August 4, 2012

Recently I heard from a sister who took the time to write me and frankly the essence of her note was –“I’m scared”. She explained how the world is getting so filled with so many problems, crime, rumors of war (Israel conflict), inflation, our own country’s moral decline, etc. She asked whether it was time to “head for the hills”. This fear is rampant throughout the world. Let us look at our current situation and what our outlook should be.

Our Lord gave us great solid advice we should always remember. He said ” …I am with you always even until the end of the world.”(Matt.28:20). With so many ominous signs of disaster coming, it is sometimes easy to forget those reassuring words. But if we truly study and learn His end time plan we can feel so confident and stand upon the firm rock of prophecy. We kind of stand back from it all, and think to ourselves ” Our Lord will work it out so that we will be safe and arrive safely into His soon to come premillennial kingdom.”

As we have posted before the Scriptures clearly indicates our Lord will set-up His kingdom, first “in the midst of the heathen”. For more info on this please see our post here https://godsloveandlaw.wordpress.com/2012/03/31/thy-kingdom-come-part-1-of-2/

But I can certainly understand how many in the world today(Particularly within the SDA) have fears. Afterall, we are told that soon the countries around the world, including the U.S. will establish a Sunday law and then many will have to submit or be labeled a rebel and not allowed to engage in worldly commerce and affairs. Jailed or worse eventually will occur.

But if we are true students of the Bible and SOP and the Elijah message we know how the real end time events unfold. Let’s look at the releasing of the blowing of the four winds. In (Rev.7:1) we read “After these things I saw four angels standing on the four corners of the earth, holding the four winds of the earth, that the winds should not blow on the earth, on the sea, or on any tree.”

In (Testimonies for the Church, Vol. 5, P.152) Ellen White says that the four winds represent the Sunday law decree. So clear it is that we can see that a certain sealing takes place before the Sunday law decree goes forth(Rev. 7:2-4). The winds are not allowed to blow (enforcement) until all 144,000 servants of God are sealed. And the sealing , upon completion, is none other than the solemn vision of Ezekiel 9. (Testimonies for Ministers, P.445)

So instead of being afraid of the men of the world and what they may do, we really should concentrate on standing upright before the Lord, will no cherished sins in our midst. We will be facing the Lord in our churches. The beginning phase of the judgment of the living.

“At the time when the danger and depression of the church are greatest, the little company who are standing in the light will be sighing and crying for the abominations that are done in the land…The earnest prayers of this faithful few will not be in vain. When the Lord comes forth as an avenger, He will also come as a protector of all those who have preserved the faith in its purity and keep themselves unspotted from the world. It is at this time that God has promised to avenge His own elect which cry day and night unto Him, though He bear long with them.

The command is: ‘Go through the midst of the city, through the midst of Jerusalem, and set a mark upon the forehead of the men that sigh and cry for all the abominations that be done in the midst thereof.’ These sighing and crying ones had been holding forth the words of life; they had reproved, COUNSELLED, and entreated. Some who had been dishonoring God repented and humbled their hearts before Him.”

She goes on to quote Ezekiel 9:5-6 and says, “Here we see that the church — the Lord’s sanctuary– was the first to feel the stroke of the wrath of God.”(Testimonies for the Church, Vol. 5, P.210-211)

So we see that before the winds blow , the Sunday law, the wrath of God will occur in His church first. Some may ask why God would do this? The answer is simple, He cannot pour out His Holy Spirit upon “His” church until each and every Achan is removed. And they won’t leave unless He takes the reins Himself. “Awake, awake! Put on your strength O Zion; Put on your beautiful garments, O Jerusalem, the holy City! For the uncircumcised and the unclean shall no longer come to you.” (Isaiah 52:1).

In (Testimonies for the Church, Vol.5, P.157) Ellen White says that God’s power is stopped with even one Achan in the church, she quotes (Josh.6:7) for the prime example. So to effectively have the Loud Cry go out to all the world and win many from out of Babylon, God must have a pure, powerful church. This is the whole reason for Ezekiel 9. It’s the strange act the Lord must perform.(Isaiah 28:21).

So we see that our “fear” really is not of man and what he will do but rather what our Lord is going to do! Remember we were told long ago that we, as mankind have two duties — Fear God, and keep His Commandments (Ecc. 12:13). Yes, it is very solemn. But remember we are talking about a holy and pure God. All who are doing the “going through the motions” act, will be found out. The faithful keepers of His Commandments who sigh and cry need not worry about being uncovered in that solemn day.

Posted in End times, God's sealings | 4 Comments »

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Egypt Exodus Repeated?

The Trojan Horse

The 4th Angel’s message of Rev. 14

God’s Premillennial Kingdom

The Elijah Message in a Nutshell

The Loud Cry

Ezekiel 9 (Part 3 of 3)

Ezekiel 9 (Part 2 of 3)

Ezekiel 9 (Part 1 of 3)

“I’m Scared”

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