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The 144,000 Truth (Part 2 of 3)

January 11, 2020

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In part 2 we will deal with the preponderance of evidence showing who gets sealed, how many, and who escapes the Ezekiel 9 church judgment.

To begin we will look at just what does the message say about this all-important seal that we must have.

“WHAT IS THE SEAL?

Question No. 21:

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:

Being sealed in Christ “with that Holy Spirit of promise,” after having “heard the word of truth” (Eph. 1:13; 4:30), the saints are consequently sealed by Present Truth–the truth preached in their own day.

As the saints have this seal or mark on their foreheads, the angels will pass over them, not slay them. It is 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 utterly both old and young who have failed to receive the seal. (See Testimonies, 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 sighing-crying one to escape death and forever to live for God. ” (Answerer, vol. 2, p 31-33)

“Plainly, then, among God’s people those who fail to receive the seal, are, in the figure of the parable, represented by “tares,” and are appointed unto destruction, whereas those who receive the seal and who escape the destruction, are symbolized by the “wheat,” and are destined for the barn — the kingdom.” (Matt. 13:30). (Tract 9, p.54-55)

Very obviously we as Adventists must have the seal in order to escape the judgment of God–this is so very clear! So let us now look at some extremely clear and unmistakable references from the Lord’s Rod message that speaks of who gets sealed and who escapes. After each reference, we shall take notice of the “others” and what happens to them.

1 —

“I turned to look for the Advent people in the world, but could not find them, when a voice said to me, “Look again and look a little higher.” At this I raised my eyes, and saw a straight and narrow path, cast up high above the world. On this path the Advent people were traveling to the city, which was at the farther end of the path.”

“The living saints, 144,00 in number, knew and understood the voice, while the wicked thought it was thunder and a earthquake.”

“The 144,000 were all sealed and perfectly united. On their forehead was written, God, New Jerusalem, and a glorious start containing Jesus’ new name.”(EW, p.14-15)

Who gets sealed? The 144,000

From where? The SDA church

What of the others? They do not make it (fell off the path).

2 —

“The sealing of the 144,000 is the separation of the faithful from the disloyal ones; the purification of the church. Those who do not keep the truth, and indulge in the sins and abominations, who try to throw a cloak over the existing evils, will fall under the figure of the five men with the slaughter weapons of Ezekiel 9.” (SRod , vol. 1, p.28)

What of the others? They are the disloyal ones and are separated from the 144,000.

3 —

“Those who cannot undergo the trial are laid in their grave, while 144,00 remain and will escape, but the balance in the church (now) shall perish in the ruin.” (SRod, vol. 1, p.219)

What of the others? They are the balance in the church who shall perish.

4 —

“Though such great apostasy and blasphemy has gripped the world, God’s church, 144,000 in number, scattered throughout the length and breadth of the earth without a shepherd, have not bowed a knee to Baal. While Laodiceans are shaken out (spued) by destruction, God takes charge of the flock Himself. Thus, the church and the message will triumph to the victory.” (SRod, vol.1. p.222)

What of the others? They are shaken out by the destruction.

5 —

“The living saints, 144,000 in number;” we must not conclude that only a part of the whole can constitute the number and yet be true, for the statement made by Inspiration cannot be contradicted for it reads “144,000 in number.”(SRod, vol.1, p.22)

“Those who are sealed (marked) and escape the ruin are the ones who will constitute the number which prophecy declares to be 144,000.”(Ibid, p.30)

What of the others? They do not escape the ruin.

6 —

“As God called out Israel from Egypt anciently, just so now, God is calling His church out from worldlings and worldliness, to be a separate, peculiar people to His honor and glory. This does not mean another movement, but it does mean that God is to deal with the entire body, and those who escape are Israel, the 144,000.” ( SRod, vol. 1, p.107)

What of the others? The entire body is dealt with, others apart from the 144,000 do not escape.

7 —

“In Revelation 14:4, speaking of the 144,000 we read, “They are the first fruits unto God and to the Lamb.” Therefore, it is evident that in the purification or separation of the tares from the wheat in the church of God, there shall be 144,000 who have confessed their sins; and are thus made white and clean by the precious blood of Christ, for they are “the first fruits.”(SRod, vol. 2, p.164)

What of the others? They did not confess their sins and were not the wheat in the church.

8 —

“In that day shall the branch of the Lord be beautiful and glorious, and the fruit of the earth shall be excellent and comely for them that are escaped of Israel. And 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.’” — “Testimonies for the Church,” Vol. 5, page 476. Thus the 144,000 are those who are sealed in the judgment for the church, and with them the judgment for the living commenced. Therefore, they are the first fruits. (SRod, vol.2, p.165)

What of the others? They did not escape, nor found to remain in Jerusalem (the church).

9 —

“The remnant of Israel must be something else than what we have thought it to be for “remnant” is a small portion, or part which is left after a destruction. The destruction is the mighty shaking, sifting time which is the separation of the two classes in the church (the sealing of the 144,000) as prophesied in Ezekiel 9, and Isaiah 63. Those who escape are the “remnant.”(SRod, vol. 1, p.102)

What of the others? They are of the other class that is shaken and sifted out (only two classes exist).

10 —

“..the angels who execute this slaughter are to take away from the church the unrighteous — those who are figuratively depicted in one instance as bad “fish” and in another instance as “guests” not having “the wedding garment” on.

Here, let every serious-minded reader pause to ponder what Inspiration says: Isa. 66:19 and 20 explain that those who escape the slaughter of Isa. 66:15 and 16, are to be sent as missionaries to the Gentiles, who as yet know not God. Hence these escaped (remaining) ones are God’s remnant, His first fruits of the harvest, His guileless servants, the 144,000 — the elect. And only they, none others, the Scriptures declare, shall bring all their brethren from all nations, is a clean vessel, into the purified house of the Lord — His White House.” (WHR, p.24-25)

What of the others? They do not escape the slaughter, as bad fish and naked guests.

11 —

“Since “those that escape” the slaughter (the 144,000) shall “bring all your brethren [all those who shall be saved in the time of the ‘Loud Cry’]…into the house of the Lord,” then it follows that those who escape are the ones who finish the work — the reason they are called “the servants of God.” Rev. 7:3.(Tract 1, p.23)

What of the others? They do not escape.

12 —

“The city” is figurative of Judah and Israel, the church in which are to be found the 144,000 servants of God (Testimonies to Ministers, p. 445) those who are to be called by another name after the unworthy servants are slain. And as the 144,000 are the first fruits (Rev. 14:4) of the harvest, they are the “escaped” of the Isaiah 66:19 and of Ezekiel 9. (Tract 14, p.19-20)

What of the others? They are unworthy servants and do not escape.

13 —

“..He is clearly laying before them His plan for the setting up of His kingdom with consequent results to the sinners.

Those who give implicit heed to the call, shall have an irresistible desire to come fully into line and to have the Lord separate them from sin and sinners. They alone shall receive the seal of God and as the first fruits of the kingdom, 144,000 strong, stand with the Lamb on “Mount Zion”! “(Tract 8, p.20-21)

What of the others? They do not give heed to the Lord’s call nor have an irresistible desire to come fully in line and are separated.

14 —

“..these escaped ones (the first fruits, the 144,000 servants of God — Rev. 7:3) “shall bring all your brethren” (the second fruits the great multitude — Rev. 7:9) “for an offering…out of all nations” (Isa. 66:20, first part), this great ingathering necessarily therefore, is the closing work of the gospel — the second section of the harvest.

And since, furthermore, these escaped ones are to bring all their brethren “to My holy mountain Jerusalem, saith the Lord,” “in a clean vessel into the house of the Lord” (Isa. 66:20, last part), the fact is fully evident that the destruction of the wicked results in the purification of the church. The “clean vessel” is therefore the purified church, composed of the escaped ones the first fruits, the 144,000 — who, free from the wicked (the tares) shall then, as “the servants of our God,” bring in the second fruits, the great multitude which no man can number, out of all nations.”(Tract 3, p.69-70)

What of the others? They are the destroyed wicked from the church purification.

15 —

But now the message in The Shepherd’s Rod reveals that the 144,000 (who are to be without guile in their mouth), the appointed number of first-fruit servants to be sealed in the church, are to be separated from the unconsecrated. And the number to be sealed being much smaller than the number of the membership, it sadly reminds us that therein are many “tares.”(Tract, p.103)

What of the others? They are separated as tares.

16 —

“Question: “Will all but the 144,000 of the present S.D.A. denomination actually be slain in the separation?”

Answer: All but those who do not receive the mark or seal, old or young, male or female, will fall under the slaughter weapons of the angels. (Ezek. 9:6.) Only those who sigh and cry for all the abominations in the midst thereof will receive the mark. (verse 4.) John saw 144,000 sealed (marked). If others from within the S.D.A. denomination besides the 144,000 should escape, it is not known to us.“ (Symbolic Code, vol. 1, no.15, p.9)

What of the others? Others apart from the 144,000 in the church do not escape as far as the message knows.

17 —

“Question: “Will those who are now accepting the S.D.A. faith during this sealing time be among the 144,000, or fall in the slaughter of Ezekiel 9?”

Answer: All that are found members of the church at the fulfillment of Ezekiel Nine will either receive the seal and be of the 144,000, or else be left without and fall under the “slaughter weapons” of the “five men.” Only those who “sigh and cry for all the abominations” in the church will escape from the destruction.” (Symbolic Code, vol. 1, no.11-12, p.9)

What of the others? They will be found without the seal.

18 —

“Notwithstanding the fact that “in the closing work” for the Seventh-day Adventist denomination, only 144,000 are to be sealed, according to Testimonies, Vol. 3, p. 266, … ” (Answerer, vol.3, p.26)

What of the others? They are not found sealed in the closing work for the SDA church.

19 —

“Those that escape from the slaying of the Lord, you note, are sent to the Gentile nations there to proclaim to them the Lord’s fame and His glory, and also to bring all their brethren (all that can be saved) to the house of the Lord. From this you can plainly see that those who escape must be the first fruits, the 144,000 Jacobites (Rev. 14:4).

Those whom they bring from the Gentile nations to the house of the Lord must, therefore, be the second fruits (Rev. 7:9), thus where there is first there is also second. Finally you plainly see that from the purification of the church the 144,000 escape and become the servants of God, the remnant, those who finish the gospel work in all the world.”(TG, vol. 1, no.25, p.11)

What of the others? They do not escape.

20 —

“..the subject of the 144,000 stands out brighter than ever before. Now you can clearly see that those who escape the slaughter foreseen in Ezekiel nine, are the 144,000 the future servants of God, the first fruits of the harvest, resulting from the cleansing of the sanctuary (church), the work of the investigative judgment of the living. This work and this Truth, therefore, are the most important for the day, and should whole-heartedly be heeded if one expects to receive the mark and the seal and escape the slaughter, survive the great and dreadful day of the Lord. Our neglect to sigh and cry for the abominations in the church would mean our eternal loss.” (TG, vol. 1, no.52, p.20-21)

What of the others? They are who get cleansed out and do not escape.

Thus we have it — the preponderance of evidence saying the same thing over and over again in different wording. The lesson is very clear, none should be in blindness!

The above references by no means complete all the Lord’s Elijah message references on the topic. In fact, we would say it’s not even half of them. But the truth is clear and bold, enough for the honest of heart to know and understand.

Next week in our last report, we shall deal with some of the usual references that our great adversary has twisted from the message to try and destroy the clear truth we have posted here. Remember he is active among present truth believers with a snag and a snare, if we are watchful we shall see his imitations clearly.

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Studying the Seventh Seal

August 17, 2019

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We all can agree that the book of Revelation, with perhaps the book of Ezekiel being the exception, is the most mysterious and difficult Bible book to understand. But we should not fear as the Lord, as promised, sent a prophet who would enlighten our minds with the deep truths therein. The following is an in-depth report on the Seventh Seal of Revelation. May you be blessed.

The Seventh Seal, Revelation 8:1-5 Rev. 8:1, 3-5: “And when he had opened the seventh seal, there was silence in heaven about the space of half an hour. And another angel came and stood at the altar, having a golden censer; and there was given unto him much incense, that he should offer it with the prayers of all saints upon the golden altar which was before the throne. And the smoke of the incense, which came with the prayers of the saints, ascended up before God out of the angel’s hand. And the angel took the censer, and filled it with fire of the altar, and cast it into the earth: and there were voices, and thunderings, and lightnings, and an earthquake.”

We have omitted the second verse, for it has reference to the seven trumpets. The silence in heaven for about half an hour cannot be the second coming of Christ, as some have thought, for afterward the angel with the golden censer and incense, offered the prayers for the saints from the golden altar. The altar is in the holy place, just opposite the throne that is in the most holy. The two apartments were separated by a vail. In the day of atonement, the vail or door of the earthly tabernacle was opened and the high priest went in.

But let it be remembered that the door (vail) was left open while the high priest officiated. Thus the two apartments became one. For this reason the congregation were not permitted in the holy place on that day, as they were at other times, for the vail being lifted, the holy place also became most holy. So while the door to the most holy was open, the entrance to the holy was closed. Therefore, the high priest alone used both apartments on the day of atonement. (See Lev. 16:17.)

Thus the golden altar before the throne, from which the angel offered the prayers of the saints, was, and is, used in both periods — before, and in the time of the judgment. As the entire judicial tribunal (Judge, Advocate, Elders, etc.) were in the temple after the seventh seal had been opened, it is evident that the judgment was in progress, and probation had not closed at the time of the “silence.” For after the judgment has ceased and probation closed, no man can enter the temple. (See Rev. 15:8.)

Had the “silence” of “half an hour” pointed to the coming of Christ, at which time He takes his saints with Him, there would be no necessity for the angel to offer their prayers. Furthermore, it would be unnecessary to “cast” fire, which is the Spirit of God, from the golden altar to the earth.

Again, if the opening of the seventh seal means the coming of Christ, then only those under the six seals would have been considered in the judgment, and there could be no seventh seal, which would show lack of perfection and completeness of the judgment, and of the gospel. It would also be contrary to the number of seals on the book. As the six seals have reference to six periods in which the saints were sealed, the seventh must also apply to a sealing period; otherwise it cannot be called, seventh “seal.”

Now let us consider the truth as taught by the last seal. Note carefully the order of each act. The seal is opened, and silence follows, for it reads: “and when he had opened the seventh seal there was silence.” The Revised Version, Weymouth, the Greek, and the Bulgarian Bibles read the same way. The silence was followed by the angel coming to the altar with the censer, after he offered the prayers of the saints. And then he filled the censer with fire, and cast the fire to the earth and again the voices, and thunderings, and lightnings, and an earthquake. This is the exact order of each event.

What made the silence? As the judgment opened, John states: “And out of the throne proceeded lightnings, and thunderings and voices;” and the four beasts “rest not day and night, saying, Holy, Holy, Holy, Lord God Almighty.” (Rev. 4:5, 8.) The voices are continuous day and night while the judgment is going on. But sometime after the seventh seal was opened these voices were silenced for about half an hour. After the angel offered the prayers of the saints, and cast the fire upon the earth, the voices resumed. “And there were voices, and thunderings, and lightnings, and an earthquake.”

Evidently the judgment, for some reason, had stopped, and half an hour later it resumed. It cannot be otherwise, for, if the judgment was going on, and the beasts and the elders kept silent, it would indicate that there was something wrong — something to which they could not say “amen” and praise God. Therefore, the only proper conclusion is, that for some reason the judgment retired for half an hour.

What made the interruption and brought about the change? Let us first determine the length of the prophetic half hour’s time. A day in prophetic time stands for a year. (Ezek. 4:6.) One hour is a twenty-fourth part of a prophetic year, and figuring thirty days to a month, it would be about two weeks. Half an hour would be half of two weeks; therefore, seven literal days. Seven days were used for purification. (See Ex. 29:35, 37; Lev. 12:2; 13:4, 5; 1, 9, 11, 12, 14, 15, 21, etc.) From these references we conclude that the “half an hour” or seven days stand for the purification of the church, pointing forward to the fulfillment of Malachi 3:1-6. But we have a more definite proof, which will clear all doubts.

In observance of the Passover, the Lord commanded Israel to celebrate that occasion seven days. (See Lev. 23:5-8.) Surely no one would say that God commanded His people to commemorate that event seven days with no object in view.

Israel after the flesh going into Egypt, then out of Egypt to Mount Sinai, the passover in Egypt on the night when the death angel smote the first born of man and beast at the departure of Israel, are types of the church at the present time — the church going out of Egypt — worldliness, the purification of the church, the separation of the tares form the wheat — the fulfillment of Ezekiel 9. (A complete explanation of the subject is given in “The Shepherd’s Rod,” Vol. 1, pp. 64-113; see also chart on page 224.)

The Spirit of Prophecy bears witness of this by the following statement: “The Passover was to be both commemorative and typical, not only pointing back to the deliverance from Egypt, but forward to the greater deliverance which Christ was to accomplish in freeing His people from the bondage of sin.” — “Patriarchs and Prophets,” p. 277.

Thus the silence of half an hour points forward to this great event for the church of God. Its fulfillment would bring us to the time of the harvest, or as it is called, the Loud Cry of the Third Angel’s Message of Revelation 18 — the last message for the world. Thus, while the five men with the slaughter weapons are taking away those represented by the tares within the church, there will be silence in heaven for about half an hour (seven days), after which the judgment will commence again for those who shall be sealed in the time of the great harvest, which is the end of the world.

Said Jesus: “Let both grow together until the harvest: and in the time of harvest I will say to the reapers, Gather ye together first the tares, and bind them in bundles to burn them: but gather the wheat into my barn” — the church. (Matt. 13:30.)

They who are to be sealed at that time were seen by John as a great multitude with palms in their hands. (See Rev. 7:9.) Hence the scroll has made a turn, and the sealing for those who shall be judged while living, has begun. As we stated before, the passover night in Egypt is a type of the purification of the church, separating the tares from the wheat. The crossing of the Red Sea by the Israelites pointed forward to the fulfillment of Isaiah 63. (See “The Shepherd’s Rod,” Vol. 1, pp. 96-103.)

Therefore, the prophet declares the words of the Lord: “For the day of vengeance is in mine heart and the year of my redeemed is come.” (Isa. 63:4.) We quote verses 1-3, also 17, 18: “Who is this that cometh from Edom, with dyed garments from Bozrah? this that is glorious in his apparel, travelling in the greatness of his strength? I that speak in righteousness, mighty to save. Wherefore art thou red in thine apparel, and thy garments like him that treadeth in the winefat?

I have trodden the winepress alone; and of the people there was none with me: for I will tread them in mine anger, and trample them in my fury; and their blood shall be sprinkled upon my garments, and I will stain all my raiment…. O Lord, why hast thou made us to err from thy ways, and hardened our heart from thy fear? Return for thy servant’s sake, the tribes of thine inheritance. The people of thy holiness have possessed it but a little while: our adversaries have trodden down thy sanctuary.”

The prophet saw Christ himself returning from the slaughter of the Edomites — the class who were deceiving God’s people in the church, the tares, or adversaries who had trodden down His sanctuary. “Bozrah” means “sheepfold” — the church. He saw His garments stained with the blood of the tares, in delivering His people from their hands.

The prophet asked: “Wherefore art thou red in thine apparel, and thy garments like him that treadeth the winefat?” The purification of the church makes it necessary for Christ to leave the place of judgment and descend to deliver His redeemed (the 144,000), and this is what causes the judgment to cease, and the voices to be silenced for about half an hour — seven days.

The Spirit of Prophecy bears witness of the same. “The Lord Jesus shall rise up from His mediatorial work in the heavenly sanctuary, and shall clothe himself with the garments of vengeance, and surprise them at their unholy feast; and they will find themselves unprepared for the marriage supper of the Lamb.” — “Testimonies for the Church,” vol. 5, p. 690.

Peter, looking forward to the purification of God’s church, and the commencement of the judgment for the living, says: “For the time is come that judgment must begin at the house of God: and if it first begin at us, what shall be the end of them that obey not the gospel of God?” (1 Peter 4:17.)

Had the church as a body, or at least the leaders of the Seventh-day Adventist denomination accepted the message of reform as presented to them in “The Shepherd’s Rod,” Vol. 1, there would be no necessity for that class to fall by the figure of the five men with the slaughter weapons.

It is the reception or rejection of the message that will fix the destiny of the two classes as described in the following testimony: “I asked the meaning of the shaking I had seen, and was shown that it would be caused by the straight testimony called forth by the counsel of the true witness to the Laodiceans. This will have its effect upon the heart of the receiver, and will lead him to exalt the standard and pour forth the straight truth. Some will not bear this straight testimony. They will rise up against it, and this is what will cause a shaking among God’s people.” — “Early Writings,” p. 270.

In the earthly sanctuary, the high priest entered the most holy apartment once a year, and on that particular day every Israelite was to confess his sin. He who neglected to comply with the divine requirements was cut off from his people. (See Lev. 23:29, 30.) Thus the day of anti-typical atonement, judgment, or cleansing of the sanctuary, as set forth in Daniel 8:14, is a day of purification for the camp of Israel, the church — putting away sin and sinners. The earthly sanctuary was a figure of the heavenly. (See Heb. 9:23, 24.)

It was instituted with its ceremonial system to point forward to the work of Christ, our High Priest in the heavenly sanctuary during the anti-typical period — New Testament time. As the sanctuary with all its services, was a figure of type of the true, heavenly, under the administration of Christ, so the typical day of atonement must point out the truth in the anti-typical period — our time.

While the judgment for the living is in progress, every sin must be confessed and put away. He who would neglect this great privilege, will find himself involved in everlasting ruin — cut off from among His people. Ignoring this most vital subject would not profit us in the least.

Reformation in View

The great reformation in view, vividly represented by the angel at the golden altar with the prayers of the saints, and the casting of the fire from the altar to the earth, is foretold, also, in the following testimony: “In visions of the night representations passed before me of a great reformatory movement among God’s people. Many were praising God. The sick were healed, and other miracles were wrought. A spirit of intercession was seen; even as was manifested before the great day of Pentecost. Hundreds and thousands were seen visiting families, and opening before them the word of God.

Hearts were convicted by the power of the Holy Spirit, and a spirit of genuine conversion was manifest. On every side doors were thrown open to the proclamation of the truth. The world seemed to be lightened with the heavenly influence. Great blessings were received by the true and humble people of God.” — “Testimonies for the Church,” Vol. 9, p. 126.

My brethren, the Lord is speaking to us. Shall we not heed His voice? Shall we not trim our lamps and act like men who look for their Lord to come? “The time is one that calls for light bearing, and for action.” Awake, I beseech you, from the sleep of death. Let not the last day find you destitute of heavenly treasure.

Are all the living judged and sealed under the seventh seal? Or have some been considered before its opening? To answer this question we quote Revelation 8:3, “And another angel came and stood at the altar, having a golden censer; and there was given unto him much incense, that he should offer it with the prayers of all saints upon the golden altar which was before the throne.” Note, the prayer is offered for all saints. No one, knowing God’s truth, would dare pray for the dead, for it is abomination in God’s sight; much Iess would an angel commit such sin.

The Psalmist declares that prayers for the dead are the invention of the heathen, “They joined themselves also unto Baalpeor, and ate the sacrifices of the dead. Thus they provoked him to anger with their inventions: and the plague brakes in upon them.” (Psa. 106:28, 29.) “The dead praise not the Lord, neither any that go down into silence. (Psa. 115:17.) If the dead praise not God, how can an angel offer a prayer for them before God?

The phrase, “all saints,” has reference to all the living who are to be judged. Evidently this is done under the seventh seal. If “all,” then it is definite that all the living saints are counted under the seventh seal. Thus, with the opening of the last seal, commences the judgment for all the living saints. Let nothing confuse you on this point. If we say the prayers of all saints had some connection with the dead, then they should have been offered at the commencement of the judgment — the opening of the first seal, for after the judgment the prayers cannot profit them.

Note the words at the opening of the judgment for the dead in 1844: “And when he had taken the book, the four beasts and four and twenty elders fell down before the Lamb, having every one of them harps, and golden vials full of odours, which are the prayers of saints.” (Rev. 5:8.)

Mark that no angel offered a prayer, but the prayers of the saints were presented by the beasts and elders through praise by harps, and golden vials full of odours, that is, there was no prayer offered for the dead, but their prayers which they had prayed, being recorded while they were yet alive, were presented before the throne. The 144,000 are sealed before the silence “of half an hour,” or at the opening of the seal, but they are judged in the period of the seventh seal, for the prayer was for “all” saints — the living.

Is there any way whereby we can determine the time of the opening of the seal, and the commencement of the judgment for the living? If God so faithfully revealed to the living the commencement of the judgment for the dead, it cannot be possible that He would keep secret the time of the judgment for the living. If He did, we would have no present truth in the time of the last seal; neither could there be justice in such secrecy, nor could such judgment be legal.

Therefore, a revelation of the judgment for the living, is of as great importance as the revelation of the gospel itself. For the judgment (blotting out the sins) is the crowning act in the gospel of Christ. Thus we conclude that when the seal is opened, and the judgment for the living begins, we must know it. The day of atonement in its type proves the same, for the Israelites were well informed of the event, their duty, and the consequence.

The date of that most glorious event for the righteous, but exceeding solemn for the wicked, will be made known at the fulfillment of the following verse: “And the angel took the censer, and filled it with fire of the altar and cast it into the earth: and there were voices, and thunderings, and lightnings and an earthquake.” (Rev. 8:5.)

The casting of the fire from the altar into the earth is the outpouring of the Spirit of God. We have stated before that the book of Revelation is a revealing of prophecies, and not a prophecy of itself. Therefore, we find the prediction of this glorious event in Joel 2:28, 29. The “voices, and thunderings, and lightnings,” denote the opening of the judgment for the living, as they also denote the opening of the judgment for the dead. (See Rev. 4:5.) The earthquake will be the sign of the event. (SRod, vol. 2, p.214-221)

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Hold! Hold! Hold! Hold!

October 27, 2018

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In Early Writings, page 38 we read —

“I saw four angels who had a work to do on the earth, and were on their way to accomplish it. Jesus was clothed with priestly garments. He gazed in pity on the remnant, then raised His hands, and with a voice of deep pity cried, “My blood, Father, My blood, My blood, My blood!” Then I saw an exceeding bright light come from God, who sat upon the great white throne, and was shed all about Jesus. Then I saw an angel with a commission from Jesus, swiftly flying to the four angels who had a work to do on the earth, and waving something up and down in his hand, and crying with a loud voice, “Hold! Hold! Hold! Hold! until the servants of God are sealed in their foreheads.”

There is no doubt that the winds spoken of in Revelation 7, are nearly busting out at the seams. Right now there is an urgent threat upon the sovereignty and peace of us here in the United States. A 7,000 plus strong immigrant caravan is heading to our southern borders to force themselves in. These events are happening more intensely with each passing month. Riots all over the world are taking place. It seems that there is a pent-up anger that is ready to explode.

When we look at Syria, and the recent terrible war and inhumane treatment of ordinary citizens, one must ask, what truly is happening to our world right now? Well the Lord knows all about it and His angels are commanded to hold the winds of strife upon the earth. In other words, although seemingly wide-spread is the distress among nations, it’s as the ol song goes –You ain’t seen nothing yet!

The message deals with the significance of these winds and the purpose of the holding.

THE FOUR WINDS—WHAT ARE THEY?

Question No. 53:

Testimonies to Ministers p. 444, states: John sees the elements of nature —earthquake, tempest, and political strife—represented as being held by four angels.” But Tract No. 8, “Mt. Sion at the Eleventh Hour,” p. 22, says: “As the nations have always been at war, this twofold work of hurting could not represent political strife.” How are these contradictory statements reconciled?

Answer:

We are confident that if the questioner will carefully restudy Testimonies to Ministers p. 444, he will see that it is endeavoring to show that the Divine object in holding back the winds, is, as the passage plainly says, “the safety of God’s church.” That being the case, then the winds, themselves being figurative of strife, trouble, and war, are, when let loose, to blow against the church. This is very evident because their being held from John’s day until this very hour, has never prevented and is not now preventing the nations’ warring among themselves. Always have they been at war with one another, and today they are engaged in a deadly world-wide conflict unparalleled in all history, although the angels are still holding the winds. Of necessity, therefore, the strife represented by the blowing of the winds, must be essentially religious in aim, and political only in procedure, thus religious-political, as stated in Tract No. 12, The World Yesterday, Today, Tomorrow, pp. 38, 65 and in The Shepherd s Rod Vol. 2, p. 114. This conclusion is borne out in the following passage:

“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 hath the mark of the beast. We came near having this realized in California a short time since; but this was only the 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. That will be a decisive time for God’s children,—a time of trouble such as never was since there was a nation.”—Testimonies, Vol. 5, p. 152.

The tract, in its particular statement in question, is stressing only the religious aspect of the trouble, in the endeavor to show that the trouble is not political in aim,—not to conquer territory, but to build up international religion in order to compel the world to worship the image of the beast.

In this clear light, we see that both Testimonies to Ministers and The Shepherd’s Rod series are endeavoring to show that the strife is neither purely political nor purely religious, but religious-political. It is the church and state allied in common action.” (Answerer, vol. 3, Q-53)

Ah, we see that this holding is for the express purpose of allowing all of the remnant church of God to freely practice their religion, away from any political or governmental harm. Right now those in His church can study, speak, make acquaintances all in order to worship,express ideas, and beliefs in His word.

This is why we soundly reject those among the SDA and even a few so-called present truth believers, in claiming that the church’s incorporation status is hindering God’s people. No, not today at all. True the government may soon someday hinder our church from freely expressing its religious views, but that will not, IF it even happens, be done until after the winds are let loose.

Next we look at the after effects of these winds. That is after the church judgment–

WHEN WILL THE WINDS BE LOOSED?

Question No. 46:

If the angel who seals the first fruits, the 144,000, goes right on with the sealing of the second fruits, the great multitude (Rev. 7:9), will the four angels be holding the four winds (Rev. 7:1) throughout the sealing of both fruits?

Answer:

As Revelation 7:14 says that the great multitude (the second fruits) “came out of great tribulation,” it is conclusive that the four winds will be held, as the angel commanded, “till we have sealed the servants of our God….” Rev. 7:3. The winds, therefore, are loosed and blowing after the 144,000 are sealed and while the great multitude is being gathered and sealed. Thus only can it be said that the multitude came out of “great tribulation,” out of “a time of trouble, such as never was since there was a nation even to that same time.” Dan. 12:1. (Answerer, vol. 2, Q-46)

As we just read there is soon to be — “a time of trouble, such as never was since there was a nation even to that same time.” (Dan. 12:1) This will be so widespread that the Lord says — “Men’s hearts failing them for fear, and for looking after those things which are coming on the earth: for the powers of heaven shall be shaken.” (Luke 21:26)

The message tells us more about our subject —

“I saw four angels standing on the four corners of the earth [at the time of the sealing of the 144,000], holding the four winds of the earth that the wind should not blow on the earth, nor on the sea, nor on any tree. And I saw another angel ascending from the east, having the seal of the living God: and he cried with a loud voice to the four angels, to whom it was given to hurt the earth and the sea, saying, Hurt not the earth, neither the sea, nor the trees, till we have sealed the servants of our God in their foreheads.” Rev. 7:1-3.

Here are brought to view two hurtings about to take place: one by the winds, the other by the angels; and two commands to the angels: one that they restrain the winds, that the winds blow not “on the earth, nor on the sea, nor on any tree” (Rev. 7:1); the other that the angels restrain themselves from hurting “the earth,… sea,” and “the trees,” till the servants of God are sealed. Rev. 7:2, 3). Since, therefore, as soon as the servants of God are sealed both the winds and the angels will begin to hurt the question arises as to what the work of the winds and the work of the angels represent — political strife or something else?

As the nations have always been at war, this two-fold work of hurting could not represent political strife. And as Jesus says that at the time of the end “nation shall rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom” (Matt. 24:7), it is clear that the hurting by the winds, also the hurting by the angels both of which are kept back until the 144,000 are sealed, must be figurative of holding back the “time of trouble, such as never was since there was a nation.” Dan. 12:1.

Accordingly, God’s restraining of the four winds is His holding back the image of the beast’s activity (Rev. 13:15-17) against the saints, while His restraining the four angels that they hurt not is His holding back the executing of His vengeance (Isa. 63:1-4; Jer. 51:18) upon the sinners who trouble the church, until after the sealing of the 144,000 is completed. Being coupled, these two hurtings bring the time of trouble such as never was.

Revelation 7:1-3, therefore, reveals a two-fold conflict: wicked men against God (the blowing of the winds) and God against them (the angels hurting them). But though the blowing of the winds and the hurting of the angels after the servants of God are sealed, will bring the “time of trouble,” yet “every one that shall be found written in the book” “shall be delivered.” Dan. 12:1.

From these facts we see that this time of trouble is held back in order to safeguard the sealing of the 144,000 servants, lest they, “the very elect,” be brought down to worship the image of the beast, or be killed for refusing.

Since “in the Revelation all the books of the Bible meet and end” (The Acts of the Apostles, p. 585), the sealing of the servants of God (Rev. 7) must necessarily be found also in the prophecies. In Ezekiel, chapter nine, is envisioned the marking of those who sigh and cry “for all the abominations that be done in the midst thereof” (in Judah and in Israel), and the slaughter of those who do not thus sigh and cry. And the fact that God has at no time taken the sinners from among the righteous in Judah and in Israel, shows that this prophecy of purification by slaughter has never been fulfilled. So, therefore, as the marking is the same as the sealing, the angels’ slaying is the same as the angels’ hurting.

This hurting and sealing which John saw, and the slaughter and marking which Ezekiel saw are again identified as one and the same: “This sealing of the servants of God is the same that was shown to Ezekiel in vision.” — Testimonies to Ministers, p. 445; Testimonies, Vol. 5, p. 211; Vol. 3, p. 267.

Although the marking and the slaughter (Ezek. 9) include only the church, — Judah and Israel, — the hurting by the winds and the hurting by the angels (Rev. 7) include all the world — both “the earth” and “the sea,” each of which is indicative of a different locality: the sea, in the realm of nature the storehouse (home) of the waters, is therefore in the realm of symbols the birth-place of the nations — the Old Country, the earth, the opposite of the sea, is correspondingly a domain away from the Old Country. It is located to John in the symbol of the two-horned beast’s coming up, not out of the sea, but “out of the earth” (Rev. 13:11), the only place where trees naturally grow. And as according to Daniel 4:20-22, trees are figurative of rulers, therefore the trees in this instance represent “the ancient men…before the house” (Ezek. 9:6) — a fact which reveals that in this period, the church’s headquarters are in the two-horned beast’s dominion — the New World, “the earth.”

In the light of the clear cut facts be fore 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, 4.

When this “special work of purification, of putting away of sin among God’s people,” is accomplished, then “the church is to enter upon her final conflict. ‘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.” — The Great Controversy, p. 425; Prophets and Kings, p. 725. (Tract 8, p.21-25)

QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS

Since God is holding the winds back so that His people can learn the message of the hour, then why is places like Syria appear to have the winds fully blowing now? True, there is no doubt that strife, both religious and political has affected all of Syria. However, the prophecy says that the angels are holding the four winds at the “four corners of the earth”. This shows that the winds are cumulative and the holding is a “general” worldwide holding, not relative to specific areas were a limited blowing may occur (such as Iraq as well).

2. Is there a sign or series of events that show the winds are about to immediately let loose world wide?

One of the clearest signs is happening right now. That is the world super powers collectively are positioning themselves in the middle east with weapons of mass destruction. The message tells us that once this gigantic world war happens over the holy land, then it is that the church judgment comes and the winds will immediately be let loose afterwards. Unfortunately the unbelieving S.D.A church members who have no knowledge of His final message of Elijah, due to their lack of searching God’s word and praying to hear His voice, won’t be around to witness the release of these winds. God’s servants right now the Davidian S.D.A are “crying aloud” to hear His message but sadly prophecy says few will hear.

“..while the powers of earth are engulfed in a gigantic war, the wicked in the church shall be cut off, no more to pass through her.” (Tract 14, p.22)

In closing brethren, right now we are experiencing the winds nearly breaking loose, yet we must know that God will not allow them to blow until that last one of the 144,000 is sealed. Are we striving to be among that number?

Posted in God's sealings, Present Truth, Prophecy study, Revelation teachings | 2 Comments »

The Four Winds are Gaining Speed

July 16, 2016

In Revelation 7:1-4 we read —

“And after these things I saw four angels standing on the four corners of the earth, holding the four winds of the earth, that the wind should not blow on the earth, nor on the sea, nor on any tree. And I saw another angel ascending from the east, having the seal of the living God: and he cried with a loud voice to the four angels, to whom it was given to hurt the earth and the sea, Saying, Hurt not the earth, neither the sea, nor the trees, till we have sealed the servants of our God in their foreheads. And I heard the number of them which were sealed: and there were sealed an hundred and forty and four thousand of all the tribes of the children of Israel.”

In the picture above, we see the utter strength and power needed right now by these four angels. Why? Because the terrible trouble that is to come upon the earth is already starting to show, and the winds are busting through the cracks. Thank God the winds are still held but it is almost time for them to be let loose at God’s command because the 144,000 will be fully sealed and prepared for God’s last work upon mankind.

Recently all of us have seen one mass killing after another, almost now on a weekly basis. The Dallas ambush killings, and now the Paris truck slaughter, are just recent examples of the utter chaos that soon will hit the world. We are seeing more and more world-wide strife now. Yes, the winds are slipping through but the Great I Am is still in control because there is a work to be done and then we are to witness a shocking development within our SDA church.

The Spirit of Prophecy gives us good picture of what is preparing to take place–

“Four mighty angels hold back the powers of this earth till the servants of God are sealed in their foreheads. The nations of the world are eager for conflict; but they are held in check by the angels. When this restraining power is removed, there will come a time of trouble and anguish. Deadly instruments of warfare will be invented. Vessels, with their living cargo, will be entombed in the great deep. All who have not the spirit of truth will unite under the leadership of satanic agencies. But they are to be kept under control till the time shall come for the great battle of Armageddon.” (Bible Commentary, vol. 7, p.967)

The world is soon to witness the Lord do as long ago He promised in both Scripture and Spirit of Prophecy. Let us read.

“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 Peter 4:17)

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.” 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. (Testimonies, vol. 5, p.211)

To be sure, once the judgment of the living begins within our SDA church, these four winds will then be released. There is no more need for God’s final servants to be protected, He will do so Himself. But that means the winds are then to harm the earth and the people, unless the true in heart submit to God’s true worship and the obeying of His 10 Commandments.

Imagine if you will the Super Bowl beginning kick off, or the Indy 500 green flag, or the World Series first pitch. So too the church judgment kicks off the last day events, the final “great controversy” battle for souls. No longer will politics, sports, or any other kind of news be the leading headline makers. This shocking scene as shown to us in Ezekiel 9 will be as real as your breathing right now. It will be spread around the world in front page news as an unheard of disaster and will mystify the unaware masses. This event will swing the world’s attention to the Great I AM, or to the all time great deceiver, and religion will from there on be the world’s final focus and topic.

Last week we spoke about how Satan has known since the beginning of God’s word that prophecy is extremely important to us. Yet he has tampered with it so much that nearly all of us SDA either know very little about the correct truth of the prophecies or many cases–nothing at all.

One such area is these four winds. The Bible does show winds as strife and conquest in some parts of the Word. For example in Daniel chapter 7 and Great Controversy, p.440, we see that the winds symbolize conquest and world strife. But, when we look at Rev. 7, we see that there is one purpose for the winds to be held, and that is the protect the sealing of God’s servants–the 144,000.

So we need to find out what specifically does the winds mean in this particular instance? It cannot solely mean war or nation conquests as in Daniel because we have had both world wars and conquests of nations and still the 144,000 have not been sealed. Thankfully God provided us a specific reference to show us what these specific winds represent in Rev. 7

“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 hath the mark of the beast. We came near having this realized in California a short time since; but this was only the 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. That 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, vol. 5, p.152)

S0 we see that these winds will form the mark of the beast decree, or otherwise known as the Sunday law. This action will definitely harm the great masses in that religion will be forced upon them. The right to freely practice your faith will curtail. So logically God must hold back actions right now that interferes with us as SDA learning His final message of truth, the message that helps us survive the beginning judgment in God’s house.

Awhile back we did a post called “Backed into a Corner” where we discussed the SDA church’s 501 c-3 tax situation. In it we pointed out how this situation is a “sinister overhang” over the church. Yet this is a perfect example of potential trouble capable of, yet not now, harming the church. The reason is that the four winds are still held back and as such this issue is not allowed by God to interfere with our freedoms to learn His final sealing message of Elijah.

This final message of the Lord does not disappoint in regards to thoroughly understanding these four winds. Let us read the following clear, understandable, enriched truth. In specifically describing Rev. 7:1-4 we read–

Since, therefore, as soon as the servants of God are sealed both the winds and the angels will begin to hurt the question arises as to what the work of the winds and the work of the angels represent — political strife or something else? As the nations have always been at war, this two-fold work of hurting could not represent political strife. And as Jesus says that at the time of the end “nation shall rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom” (Matt. 24:7), it is clear that the hurting by the winds, also the hurting by the angels both of which are kept back until the 144,000 are sealed, must be figurative of holding back the “time of trouble, such as never was since there was a nation.” Dan. 12:1.

And the fact that God has at no time taken the sinners from among the righteous in Judah and in Israel, shows that this prophecy of purification by slaughter has never been fulfilled. So, therefore, as the marking is the same as the sealing, the angels’ slaying is the same as the angels’ hurting.

And as according to Daniel 4:20-22, trees are figurative of rulers, therefore the trees in this instance represent “the ancient men…before the house” (Ezek. 9:6) — a fact which reveals that in this period, the church’s headquarters are in the two-horned beast’s dominion — the New World, “the earth.”

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, 4.

These winds as we now understand are symbolic of the Sunday law and the subsequent time of trouble, and the Word shows us in the following very clear and unmistakable time-table that we must know and prepare for.

1) The sealing takes place before the winds are let loose.

2) The sealing is “one and the same” as Ezekiel 9, the church judgment.

3) The four winds will be let loose after the sealing/judgment upon the house of God (our SDA church).

“Just before we entered it [the time of trouble], we all received the seal of the living God. Then I saw the four angels cease to hold the four winds.” (Maranatha, p.244)

4) Satan will then be “wroth” with God’s people and go to make war with them (persecute and ultimately form the Sunday law). For the first time since the early Christian church, the people of God now have a pure church with only converted believers in their midst.

“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.” (Rev. 12:16-17)

5) The Sunday law shall be put in place soon after the release of the winds. Yet not right away because of the final proclamation of the Gospel–the Loud Cry.

In closing, what we are witnessing today is the winds beginning to blow, though not fully, and the world about to take a turn for the dominant subject of religion. As soon as that fateful 144,000th person is found and marked, the winds will be let loose and as they say, “all hell will break loose”. Let’s be ready and learn, obey and practice His final message to us as Seventh-day Adventists. To do otherwise is to be left without the seal and miss out on eternity.

Posted in Final Events, God's sealings, Revelation teachings, Sunday law, Uncategorized | Leave a Comment »

A Requirement For Entrance to the Upcoming Kingdom

December 27, 2014

Last week, we concluded our post series on the half hour silence. But in order for those of us who wish to remain standing in that day, we must come to grips with reality. The Lord’s word says we must have the all important seal in our foreheads.Today we are faced with the supreme challenge– to get that seal in our foreheads. Satan and his minions are pulling at all stops to prevent God’s people from accepting His truth for us today, thereby getting our seal. Let us look at this most important subject. The Spirit of prophecy says –

“Just as soon as the people of God are sealed in their foreheads–it is not any seal or mark that can be seen, but a settling into the truth, both intellectually and spiritually, so they cannot be moved–(MS, no.173, 1902)

This is very clear. We are told we must have a solid foundation in the Truth “both intellectually and spiritually.” Once we have this, we cannot be moved. Wow! This is quite a deep and powerful statement. Let’s expand upon this a little more. How do we get “settled” into the Truth? Well, we must look to the Holy Scriptures, first and foremost.

Let us follow It’s simple plan.

First, we must “know” Him first to know His Truth. Can we agree with this? How do we get to know Him?

“And hereby we do know that we know him, if we keep his Commandments.” (1 John 2:3)

There it is. IF and I repeat IF we keep them we will know Him. If we carelessly keep some of them and continue to break others, can we expect to know Him?

“He that saith, I know him, and keepeth not his Commandments, is a liar, and the truth is not in him.”(1 John 2:4)

Second, we cannot fool God, He knows whether we are coveting, stealing, bearing false witness against our neighbor, carelessly keeping the Sabbath, etc.

Again, the Spirit of prophecy gives counsel—

“When one Commandment of the Decalogue is broken, the downward steps are almost certain.” (AH, p.58)

But once we truly give our best efforts to keep them each day of our life, we are then promised a spectacular promise. One that should make us leap for true joy and happiness.

“When the Spirit of truth comes, He will guide you into all the truth. For He will not speak on His own, but He will speak whatever He hears. He will also declare to you what is to come.” (John 16:13)

Wow again! Do we understand this? It promises us to be guided into “all truth”! Did it say part truth? Of course not. That means that the Lord’s Spirit shall be a sort of “truth detector” in our lives. Now we ask, why is it important to know truth from error? Scripture is clear as well as the Rod message.

“He will use every kind of evil deception to fool those on their way to destruction, because they refuse to love and accept the truth that would save them.” ( 2 Thes. 2:10)

We see that our adversary is the counter truth (deception), and will snare us if we don’t know and keep His truth. Brother Houteff explains –

“Even as it is a blessed thing to accept the truth, so it is a fearful thing to reject it. And rejection need not include all truth. To reject a part may be just as fatal as to reject the whole. So all should beware.” (SRod, vol. 1, p.160)

There are other aspects we need to know and obey.

Satan’s often successful trick is to have us teach and spread the Lord’s present truth , yet we ourselves are tripping up in our daily walk.

“There are many even among those who teach the truth to others who will not receive the seal of God in their foreheads. They had the light of truth, they knew their Master’s will, they understood every point of our faith, but they had not corresponding works. These who were so familiar with prophecy and the treasures of divine wisdom should have acted their faith. They should have commanded their households after them, that by a well-ordered family they might present to the world the influence of the truth upon the human heart.” (Testimonies for the Church, vol. 5, p.213)

So as we see, our daily walk must be the prior prerequisite to our ability to teach and proclaim His Truth. Additionally, we as present truth believers, know that the message is clear. We must sigh and cry for our own sins and those of the church. Both are required.

Question No. 21:

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:

Being sealed in Christ “with that Holy Spirit of promise,” after having “heard the word of truth” (Eph. 1:13- 4:30), the saints are consequently sealed by Present Truth—the truth preached in their own day.

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 is 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 utterly both old and young who have failed to receive the seal. (See Testimonies, Vol. 5, p. 505)

Let me give you two examples of brethren who, even unbeknowest to themselves, are showing the Lord they are not sealed in the forehead with His present truth requirements.

1) A brother after being showed that the Elijah message condemns unholy dressing (specifically worldly short shirts) in the Lord’s sanctuary, says to the sister who warns him, “Sister we must have the Lord’s love and patience. Let them be, they will learn to do the right thing in time, the Lord will work on their heart.”

While this is true it is not complete truth. It smacks the face of Inspired counsel. The brother is guilty of the following–

I have been shown that God here illustrates how He regards sin among those who profess to be His commandment-keeping people. Those whom He has specially honored with witnessing the remarkable exhibitions of His power, as did ancient Israel, and who will even then venture to disregard His express directions, will be subjects of His wrath. He would teach His people that disobedience and sin are exceedingly offensive to Him and are not to be lightly regarded.

He shows us that when His people are found in sin they should at once take decided measures to put that sin from them, that His frown may not rest upon them all. But if the sins of the people are passed over by those in responsible positions, His frown will be upon them, and the people of God, as a body, will be held responsible for those sins. (Test. for the Church,vol. 3, p.265)

2) A brother , after being shown that the Elijah message condemns plate passing(bag) in His holy sanctuary during Sabbath services, justifies his dis-obedience because a few passages from Spirit of Prophecy seem to show it’s practice back in Ellen White’s day. The message clearly tells us that the Lord accepts only “free-will” offerings. A deposit box somewhere in the church property is to be where the people “freely” give their Tithes and offerings. Today, each and every Sabbath we see someone do the song and dance up there from the podium, basically begging for money. Then doing the “Roman” custom of putting the bag in our face to compulse us to give.

The Lord said of Elijah–

“And Jesus answered and said unto them, Elias truly shall first come, and restore all things.” (Matt 17:11)

In case any have their doubts on what the Elijah message tells us about Plate passing (today it’s the bag) in His sanctuary , let us read–

Look and see what a difference there is between God’s method for supporting His work, and 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. Is there any wonder that God does not now bring many into the church? (“Testimonies,” Vol. 6, p. 371)(Jezreel Letter, no. 9, p.8)

Do we not believe that the Lord knew what we needed to be instructed on and His requirements of us prior to His church judgment? Truly the message of Elijah is our “test”, our final decision on what side we stand! Belief or Doubt,sealed in the forehead or left without.

The message–

“Who are standing in the counsel of God at this time? Is it those who virtually excuse wrongs among the professed people of God and who murmur in their hearts, if not openly, against those who would reprove sin? Is it those who take their stand against them and sympathize with those who commit wrong? No, indeed! Unless they repent, and leave the work of Satan in oppressing those who have the burden of the work and in holding up the hands of sinners in Zion, they will never receive the mark of God’s sealing approval.” (Test. for the Church, vol. 3, p.267)

In closing, we cannot afford to be careless on obtaining this seal in our forehead in these last hours. Let us know and keep each of His Commandments and sigh and cry for the sins in our life and in the church. As we do this, His promised Spirit of Truth will lead us to know His Elijah message and it’s prophecies. Once we learn it and the powerful truths, we can’t help but spread it to our lukewarm brethren. Like the ol commercial used to say, “try it, you’ll like it”.

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Two Sealing Reports (Part 2 of 2)

June 21, 2014

continued…….

After the 144,000 are sealed and the church is purified, the Lord has an instrument upon whom He can pour out His Holy Spirit enabling them to bring in the last section of the final harvest from every nation, kindred, tongue and people (Rev. 7:9).

“Not one of us will ever receive the seal of God while our characters have one spot or stain upon them. It is left with us to remedy the defects in our characters, to cleanse the soul temple of every defilement. Then the latter rain will fall upon us as the early rain fell upon the disciples on the Day of Pentecost.” Testimonies, Vol. 5 p. 214.

“And 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: 3,4.

SECOND SEALING REPORT.

After John saw the sealing of the 144,000 (Rev. 7:1-8), He saw another group harvested.

“After this I beheld, and, lo, a great multitude, which no man could number, of all nations, and kindreds, and people, and tongues, stood before the throne, and before the Lamb, clothed with white robes, and palms in their hands; . . .And one of the elders answered, saying unto me, What are these which are arrayed in white robes? and whence came they? And I said unto him, Sir, thou knowest. And he said to me, These are they which came out of great tribulation, and have washed their robes, and made them white in the blood of the Lamb.” Rev. 7:9,13,14.

The Spirit of Prophecy tells us this second group of saints are also sealed.

“The message of the renewing power of God’s grace will be carried to every country and clime, until the truth shall belt the world. Of the number of them that shall be sealed will be those who have come from every nation and kindred and tongue and people. From every country will be gathered men and women who will stand before the throne of God and before the Lamb, crying, “Salvation to our God which sitteth upon the throne, and unto the Lamb.” Revelation 7:10. But before this work can be accomplished, we must experience here in our own country the work of the Holy Spirit upon our hearts.” Counsels to Parents, Teachers, and Students p. 532.

Notice this group of sealed saints come from all over the world, not from the twelve tribes of Israel. Thus we see that not only 144,000 are sealed but also a great multitude. The 144,000 first fruits (Rev. 14:4) are sealed prior to the blowing of the four winds (the time of trouble, Testimonies, Vol. 5 p. 152; 7 Bible Commentary p. 968, E.G. White), while the great multitude are sealed during the time of trouble as they “came out of great tribulation.” (Rev. 7:14)

Since both groups are sealed, there must be two sealing reports.

REPORT #1

“And behold,” says Ezekiel, “the man clothed with linen, which had the inkhorn by his side, reported the matter”(while on earth), saying, I have done as Thou hast commanded Ezek. 9:11. Here is First Report made at the completion of the sealing in the church—the sealing of the first fruits, the 144,000.

REPORT #2.

“I saw,” says the servant of the Lord, “…an angel with a writer’s inkhorn by his side returned from the earth and reported to Jesus that his work was done, and the saints were numbered arid sealed. ” Early Writings p. 279. Here is his second report, made at the completion of the sealing in the world-the sealing of the second fruits, the great multitude.

Comparing both reports, each is seen to be a different event: At the first report, the Lord was at “the threshold of the house” on earth (Ezek. 9:3); at the second, He was in the heavenly sanctuary. After the angel had made his first report, the Lord commanded him: “Go in between the wheels, even under the cherub, and fill thine hand with coals of fire from between the cherubims, and scatter them over the city. And he went in in my sight.” Ezek. 10:2.

But following his second report, “…all the angelic host laid off their crowns as Jesus made the solemn declaration, ‘He that is unjust, let him be unjust still: and he which is filthy, let him be filthy still: and he that is righteous, let him be righteous still: and he that is holy, let him be holy still.'” Early Writings pp. 279,280.

Were probation to close at the time of the first report (Ezek. 9:11), the Lord must, according to the foregoing statement, (Early Writings pp. 279,280) be in heaven, then descend to earth to receive His saints, instead of being already on earth, then mounting up in His throne, as He actually does without His saints (Ezek. 10:19).

Also: the prophet’s being left behind when the Lord went up, figuratively shows that at this particular descent and ascent, the saints are not to be taken to heaven, but only to be set free from sin and sinners-fitted for the final work.

At the angel’s second report, however, Jesus, being in heaven, “moved out of the most holy place” (Early Writings p. 280) to descend to earth.

This brief comparison brings into primary focus the twofold fact that at the time of the first report, Jesus went into the temple on earth, whereas at the time of the second report, He went out of the Sanctuary in heaven.

TWO REAPINGS.

Revelation 14: shows us that two harvests are reaped after the three angel’s messages had first been given.

“And I looked, and behold a white cloud, 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.

Is this coming of Christ, His second advent? Let us compare this text with other Scriptures pertaining to His second advent.

Description Of Christ’s Second Advent.

“His eyes were as a flame of fire, and on his head were many crowns; and he had a name written, that no man knew, but he himself. And he was clothed with a vesture dipped in blood: and his name is called The Word of God. And the armies which were in heaven followed him upon white horses, clothed in fine linen, white and clean. And out of his mouth goeth a sharp sword, that with it he should smite the nations: and he shall rule them with a rod of iron: and he treadeth the winepress of the fierceness and wrath of Almighty God. And he hath on his vesture and on his thigh a name written, KING OF KINGS, AND LORD OF LORDS.” Rev. 19:12-16.

The Spirit of Prophecy comments on the second coming of Christ as referred to in Rev. 19:12-16.

“Then I saw Jesus lay off His priestly attire and clothe Himself with His most kingly robes. Upon His head were many crowns, a crown within a crown. Surrounded by the angelic host, He left heaven..” Early Writings p. 281.

“Soon appeared the great white cloud, upon which sat the Son of man. When it first appeared in the distance, this cloud looked very small. The angel said that it was the sign of the Son of man. As it drew nearer the earth, we could behold the excellent glory and majesty of Jesus as He rode forth to conquer. A retinue of holy angels, with bright, glittering crowns upon their heads, escorted Him on His way. No language can describe the glory of the scene.

The living cloud of majesty and unsurpassed glory came still nearer, and we could clearly behold the lovely person of Jesus. He did not wear a crown of thorns, but a crown of glory rested upon His holy brow. Upon His vesture and thigh was a name written, King of kings, and Lord of lords. His countenance was as bright as the noonday sun, His eyes were as a flame of fire, and His feet had the appearance of fine brass. His voice sounded like many musical instruments.

The earth trembled before Him, the heavens departed as a scroll when it is rolled together, and every mountain and island were moved out of their places.. . .The living saints are changed in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, and caught up with the risen ones, and together they meet their Lord in the air. Oh, what a glorious meeting! Friends whom death had separated were united, never more to part.” Early Writings. pp . 286,287.

Coming Of Christ In Rev. 14: Not His Second Advent.

The coming of Christ in Rev. 14:14-16 is not the same as the one in Rev. 19:12-16. In Rev. 14:, Christ has only one crown on his head, and one angel tells the Son of man to thrust in His sharp sickle and reap, for the harvest is ripe. In Rev. 19: and Early Writings pages 281, 286, 287, it tells us Christ has many crowns, a retinue of angels accompanies Him, and a sharp sword goeth out of His mouth to smite the nations and on His vesture and thigh is a name written “King of Kings and Lord of Lords.”

These two comings are not the same. Christ’s coming in Rev. 19 is His second coming, but His coming in Rev. 14 to reap this first harvest must be when He comes to His church in judgment when He directs the sealing and slaying from His traveling throne that Ezekiel saw in vision, recorded in Ezekiel chapter 1, when He comes to the threshold of the house (church). At this invisible coming, Christ Himself directs the reaping of the first fruits harvest (144,000).

The Spirit of Prophecy in speaking of the condition of the church just before the purification and the reaping of the first fruits by Christ says: “They will question and criticize everything that arises in the unfolding of truth, criticize the work and position of others, criticize every branch of the work in which they have not themselves a part.

They will feed upon the errors and mistakes and faults of others, ‘until,’ said the angel, the Lord Jesus shall rise up from His mediatorial work in the heavenly sanctuary and shall clothe Himself with the garments of vengeance and surprise them at their unholy feast, and they will find themselves unprepared for the marriage supper of the Lamb.’ Their taste has been so perverted that they would be inclined to criticize even the table of the Lord in His kingdom.” Testimonies, Vol. 5 p. 690.

These solemn words, may each lay will to his heart, and may none let the enemy beguile them” with good words and fair speeches” on this life-and-death matter. Fix in your mind the fact that Christ’s rising “up from His mediatorial work” cannot be after probation has closed for the world, note carefully, He is to “rise up” during the unfolding of truth.

Let each take heed that he fall not to criticizing the message or the messengers, but rather that he “sigh and cry,” as the Lord bids, ” for all the abominations that be done in the mist (the church),” Lest he be found on the wrong side, ranged with the evildoers, and thus doomed to fall under the angels’ slaughter weapons.

Now let us continue our study of Rev. 14 and see if another harvest or reaping is brought to view.

“And another angel came out of the temple which is in heaven, he also having a sharp sickle. And another angel came out from the altar, which had power over fire; and cried with a loud cry to him that had the sharp sickle, saying, Thrust in thy sharp sickle, and gather the clusters of the vine of the earth; for her grapes are fully ripe.” Rev. 14:17, 18.

After John saw the Lord Himself reap the first fruit harvest, he is shown another harvest, only this second harvest is not reaped by the Lord but by someone else prefigured by an angel. This angel has a sharp sickle in his hand prepared to reap a second harvest which is prefigured by clusters of grapes, (the great multitude of Rev. 7:9).

“The Master of the vineyard is even now gathering from among men of all nations and peoples the precious fruits for which He has long been waiting.” Prophets and Kings p. 22. Also, in the parable of Matt. 20:, laborers are sent into the vineyard to reap a harvest.

Who is this angel that reaps the second fruit harvest? Sometimes the Lord symbolizes His ministry by an angel as He does in Revelation 3:14-16, the Laodicean angel. We know the Laodicean angel is not a heavenly angel as he is lukewarm. In Rev. 1:20, it says: “the seven stars are the angels of the seven churches.” The seven stars and the seven angels are one and the same. The Spirit of Prophecy tells us these stars are ministers. “God’s ministers are symbolized by the seven stars,…” Gospel Workers p. 13.

This angel in Rev. 14:17,18, that reaps this second fruit harvest must represent the 144,000 who will be God’s ministry during the Loud Cry. They will bring in the last section of the final harvest from Babylon.

The Spirit of Prophecy in speaking of the Lord’s Loud Cry ministry says, “The great issue so near at hand will weed out those whom God has not appointed, and He will have a pure, true, sanctified ministry prepared for the latter rain.”Letter 55, 1886. Selected Messages Book 3 p. 385.

Isaiah calls this ministry, the Lord’s new, sharp threshing instrument. “Behold, I will make thee a new sharp threshing instrument having teeth: thou shalt thresh the mountains, and beat them small, and shalt make the hills as chaff.” Isa. 41:15.

Isaiah 4:2 also tells us that in the day the Lord purifies His church (Isa. 4:3,4), “the fruit of the earth” (harvest) “shall be excellent and comely for them that are escaped of Israel.” The escaped of Israel are those that are left after the purification of God’s church has taken place. See: Isa. 4:3,4.

Notice in Rev. 14:18, that the angel who has power over fire commissions the other angel (God’s purified ministry) to reap the final harvest. This angel who comes out from the altar and has power over fire represents the Holy Spirit that will be poured out upon the Lord’s Loud Cry Ministry for the purpose of bringing in the last section of this final harvest. This same truth was borne out concerning the man in linen (Ezek. 10:1-4) Who scatters the coals of fire over the city (church) after the purification of the church takes place.

What is done with the vine after the clusters of grapes have been harvested?

“And the angel thrust in his sickle into the earth, and gathered the vine of the earth, and cast it into the great winepress of the wrath of God.” Rev. 14:19.

The wrath of God is also depicted in Rev. 15:7,8. “And one of the four beasts gave unto the seven angels seven golden vials full of the wrath of God, who liveth for ever and ever. And the temple was filled with smoke from the glory of God, and from his power; and no man was able to enter into the temple, till the seven plagues of the seven angels were fulfilled.” Thus we see that the empty vine, (the wicked), is destroyed after the fruit has been harvested.

SUMMARY

We found in the beginning of our study why the third angel’s work is so fearful and his mission so awful. He is the one who is to select the wheat from the tares. This commences the judgment for the living which begins at the house of God (our Church).

The Spirit of Prophecy and the Bible shows us clearly that the harvest itself is not the second coming of Christ. The harvest covers a period of time, the time that it takes to gather in the final harvest.

We found four different thrones of God. Two traveling (Isa. 6:1-4, Ezek. 1:) and two stationary thrones (Rev. 4:2,4-6, 22:1). The Lord comes down to earth on one of His traveling thrones (Ezek. 1:9) to the threshold of the house (church) and directs the marking and the slaying as recorded in Ezek. 9: this is an invisible coming.

Just as there are two harvests, there are two sealing reports. The first sealing report is given in Ezekiel 9:11, after the 144,000 are sealed. The second sealing report is at the final close of probation (Early Writings p. 279), after the great multitude (Rev. 7:9) are harvested.

In Rev. 14:14-18, two harvests are brought to view. Christ Himself reaps the first fruit harvest and His Loud Cry ministry (144, 000) reaps the final harvest.

How marvelous it is that centuries ago the Lord had us in mind when His Holy Spirit moved upon the hearts of the prophets to write these wonderful promises for those who were to have a part in the final work of harvesting in earth’s final harvest. What a terrible tragedy it would be for any to lose out at this late hour.

“We are standing on the threshold of great and solemn events. Prophecy is fast fulfilling. The Lord is at the door. There is soon to open before us a period of overwhelming interest to all living. The controversies of the past are to be revived; new controversies will arise.

The scenes to be enacted in our world are not yet even dreamed of. Satan is at work through human agencies. Those who are making an effort to change the Constitution and secure a law enforcing Sunday observance little realize what will be the result. A crisis is just upon us.” Testimonies, Vol. 5 p. 753.

“Thus saith the Lord of hosts; if it be marvelous in the eyes of the remnant of this people in these days, should it also be marvelous in mine eyes? saith the Lord of hosts.” Zech. 8:6.

Our prayer is that the reader of this booklet, “sink the shaft of truth down deep into the mine of God’s word (1 Selected Messages p. 413)”, enabling him to be prepared for the tremendous events just ahead.

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Two Sealing Reports (Part 1 of 2)

June 14, 2014

The following report will explain in detail what , where, and how the Lord will have two reports given Him on those who will receive the seal. This shows two distinct sealings, one for the 144,000, the first fruits, and one for the great multitude, the second fruits.We hope you’re blessed.

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Since the final harvest is in two sections, there must also be two groups of saints sealed, the 144,000 first fruits, and the great multitude of second fruits.

The Lord has no instrument by which to reap His first fruit harvest, as the church is lukewarm, in a Laodicean condition (Rev. 3:14-17). the Lord Himself comes down to earth and directs the sealing, and the separating of the wheat from the tares in the remnant church which produces the first fruit harvest, the 144,000. The church then being purified can go forth to give the Loud Cry with great power and gather in the great multitude, the last section of the final harvest.

“For the day of vengeance is in mine heart, and the year of my redeemed is come. 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. And I will tread down the people in mine anger, and make them drunk in my fury, and I will bring down their strength to the earth.” Isa. 63:4-6.

Ezekiel tells us how the Lord Himself will come down from heaven and direct the marking (sealing) and the slaying that commences at the house of God.

“And I looked, and, behold, a whirlwind came out of the north, a great cloud, and a fire infolding itself, and a brightness was about it, and out of the midst thereof as the colour of amber, out of the midst of the fire. Also out of the midst thereof came the likeness of four living creatures. And this was their appearance; they had the likeness of a man.

And every one had four faces, and every one had four wings. And their feet were straight feet; and the sole of their feet was like the sole of a calf’s foot: and they sparkled like the colour of burnished brass.

And they had the hands of a man under their wings on their four sides; and they four had their faces and their wings. Their wings were joined one to another; they turned not when they went; they went every one straight forward.

As for the likeness of their faces, they four had the face of a man, and the face of a lion, on the right side: and they four had the face of an ox on the left side; they four also had the face of an eagle. .

. .And there was a voice from the firmament that was over their heads, when they stood, and had let down their wings. And above the firmament that was over their heads was the likeness of a throne, as the appearance of a sapphire stone: and upon the likeness of the throne was the likeness as the appearance of a man above upon it.

And I saw as the colour of amber, as the appearance of fire round about within it, from the appearance of his loins even upward, and from the appearance of his loins even downward, I saw as it were the appearance of fire, and it had brightness round about. As the appearance of the bow that is in the cloud in the day of rain, so was the appearance of the brightness round about.

This was the appearance of the likeness of the glory of the Lord. And when I saw it, I fell upon my face, and I heard a voice of one that spake.” Ezekiel 1:4-10, 25-28. (See attached chart.)

To this marvelous scene which Ezekiel saw on the river bank in the land of the Chaldeans, our undivided attention is now called. Being “the appearance of the likeness of the glory of the Lord, ” obviously, then, it was

THE LORD ON ONE OF HIS THRONES.

The wheels were so complicated in arrangement that at first sight they appeared to be in confusion; but they moved in perfect harmony. Heavenly beings, sustained and guided by the hand beneath the wings of the cherubim, were impelling these wheels; above them, upon the sapphire throne, was the Eternal One; and round about the throne a rainbow, the emblem of divine mercy.” Education p. 178.

“The bright light going among the living creatures with the swiftness of lightning represents the speed with which this work will finally go forward to completion.” Testimonies, Vol. 5 p. 754.

At the end of the 2300 days (1844), the antitypical day of atonement, this same chariot transported Jesus from the throne of the Father and the Son (Rev. 22:1) into the Most Holy apartment of the Sanctuary, where God the Father was sitting.

“I saw a throne, and on it sat the Father and the Son…. I saw the Father rise from the throne, and in a flaming chariot go into the holy of holies within the veil, and sit down…. Then a cloudy chariot, with wheels like flaming fire, surrounded by angels, came to where Jesus was. He stepped into the chariot and was borne to the holiest, where the Father sat. There I beheld Jesus, a great High Priest, standing before the Father.” Early Writings pp. 54,55.

It is interesting to note that this chariot also transports the saints to heaven at the second advent. “The living saints are changed in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, and caught up with the risen ones, and together they meet their Lord in the air. Oh, what a glorious meeting! Friends whom death had separated were united, never more to part.

“On each side of the cloudy chariot were wings, and beneath it were living wheels; and as the chariot rolled upward, the wheels cried, ‘Holy,’ and the wings, as they moved, cried, ‘Holy,’ and the retinue of holy angels around the cloud cried, ‘Holy, holy, holy, Lord God Almighty!’ And the saints in the cloud cried, ‘Glory! Alleluia!’ And the chariot rolled upward to the Holy City.” Early Writings pp. 287,288.

Besides this divine appearance which Ezekiel saw (Ezek. 1:28), the Bible describes God enthroned on three other occasions-once as seen by Isaiah, and twice as seen by John the Revelator; to wit:

(1). . .I saw also the Lord sitting upon a throne, high and lifted up, and his train filled the temple. Above it stood the seraphims: each one had six wings; with twain he covered his face, and with twain he covered his feet, and with twain he did fly. And one cried unto another, and said, Holy, holy, holy, is the Lord of hosts: the whole earth is full of his glory. And the posts of the door moved at the voice of him that cried, and the house was filled with smoke.” Isa. 6:1-4.

(2)”And immediately I was in the spirit: and, behold, a throne was set in heaven, and one sat on the throne….And round about the throne were four and twenty seats: and upon the seats I saw four and twenty elders sitting, clothed in white raiment; and they had on their heads crowns of gold….and there wereseven lamps of fire burning before the throne, which are the seven Spirits of God. And before the throne there was a sea of glass like unto crystal: and in the midst of the throne, and round about the throne, were four beasts full of eyes before and behind.” Rev. 4:2,4-6

REV. 4: A STATIONARY THRONE

(3) “And he shewed me a pure river of water of life, clear as crystal, proceeding out of the throne of God and of the Lamb.” Rev. 22:1.

Since the throne seen by Isaiah was a “train” (retinue), and since as it entered into the temple, “the posts of the door moved at the voice of him that cried, and the house was filled with smoke” (Isa. 6:1,4), it therefore is a traveling throne, whereas both the one of Revelation 4, having the “sea of glass” before it, and the one of Revelation 22, having the “river…of life” before it, are stationary thrones.

Though the one which Ezekiel saw, is similar to the one which Isaiah was shown, yet they are distinct and separate thrones, for each of the “seraphims” of Isaiah’s vision has six wings, while each of the “cherubims” of Ezekiel’s vision has but four. In the latter, moreover, the cherubims stood under the throne,whereas in the former, they stood above it. On record, therefore, are the four thrones—two stationary, and two traveling.

Our greatest interest, however, at this point, is to know the location and the mission of the throne which Ezekiel saw, and concerning which he says: ” . . . I looked, and, behold, a whirlwind came out of the north.” Ezek. 1:4. The fact that the “whirlwind,” enveloping the throne, “came,” says Ezekiel, shows that this throne, just as with the one of Isaiah 6, is a moving one, and that it came to the banks of the river Chebar.

“This is the living creature,” continues Ezekiel, “that I saw under the God of Israel (Who is “above the cherubims”), by the river of Chebar; and I knew that they were the Cherubims.” “And the cherubims lifted up their wings, and mounted up from the earth in my sight.” Ezek. 10:20,19.

As the chariot’s mounting “up from the earth’ shows that in this particular throne, God visits the earth and then, when His mission is accomplished, returns to heaven, naturally our uppermost desire is to know the answer to the question, when will this prophetic vision be fulfilled?

“And, behold, six men came from the way of the higher gate, which lieth toward the north, and every man a slaughter weapon in his hand; and one man among them was clothed with linen, with a writer’s inkhorn by his side: and they went in, and stood beside the brasen altar.

And the glory of the God of Israel was gone up from the cherub, whereupon he was, to the threshold of the house. And he called to the man clothed with linen, which had the writer’s inkhorn by his side; And the Lord said unto him, Go through the midst of the city, through the midst of Jerusalem, and set a mark upon the foreheads of the men that sighand that cry for all the abominations that be done in the midst thereof.

And to the others he said in mine hearing, 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. . . .And, behold, the man clothed with linen, which had the inkhorn by his side, reported the matter, saying, I have done as thou hast commanded me.” Ezekiel. 9:2-6,11.

Here we see the man clothed in linen, (the third angel, Early Writings p. 118) giving the first sealing report at the close of the sealing of the first fruit harvest.

In the clear light of these facts, chapter nine is seen to hold-the climactic scene of Ezekiel’s vision. Describing the awful work which the Lord is to do when,on this traveling throne He visits the earth. It shows the fearsome consequences to those who do not receive the seal.

“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, Vol. 5 p. 212.

“This sealing of the servants of God is the same that was shown to Ezekiel in vision. John also had been a witness of this most startling revelation.” Testimonies to Ministers p. 445.

“What is the seal of the living God, which is placed in the foreheads of His people? It is a mark which angels, but not human eyes, can read; for the destroying angel must see this mark of redemption (Letter 126, 1898).

“The angel with the writer’s ink horn is to place a mark upon the foreheads of all who are separated from sin and sinners, and the destroying angel follows this angel (Letter 12, 1886).” 4 Bible Commentary p. 1161, E.G. White.

The prophet Ezekiel saw the Lord Himself, come to the threshold of the house (church) and direct the marking and the slaying of those who have not the seal of God from this traveling throne (Ezek. 9:3-6).

The man in linen reported to the Lord. While the chariot was still here on earth (Ezek. 9:3-6,11), that he had marked or sealed the 144,000 as the Lord had commanded him to do.

After the purification of the church, the separation of the wheat from the tares had been accomplished, another command was given to the man clothed in linen.

“Then I looked, and, behold, in the firmament that was above the head of the cherubims there appeared over them as it were a sapphire stone, as the appearance of the likeness of a throne. And he spake unto the man clothed with linen, and said, Go in between the wheels, even under the cherub, and fill thine hand with coals of fire from between the cherubims, and scatter them over the city. And he went in in my sight. Now the cherubims stood on the right side of the house, when the man went in; and the cloud filled the inner court. Then the glory of the Lord went up from the cherub, and stood over the threshold of the house; and the house was filled with the cloud, and the court was full of the brightness of the Lord’s glory.” Ezekiel 10:1-4

Here we see the Lord’s chariot is at the threshold of the house (church) after the 144,000 have been sealed and the church has been purified. This is the same chariot mentioned in Ezek. 1: portraying the Lord on one of His traveling thrones (Ezek. 1:26-28).

The man in linen is told to scatter coals of fire over the city (church) after the first fruits (144,000) have been sealed. what do the coals of fire represent? Isaiah gives us the answer.

“Then said I, Woe is me! for I am undone; because I am a man of unclean lips, and I dwell in the midst of a people of unclean lips: for mine eyes have seen the King, the Lord of hosts. Then flew one of the seraphims unto me, having a live coal in his hand, which he had taken with the tongs from off the altar: And he laid it upon my mouth, and said, Lo, this hath touched thy lips; and thine iniquity is taken away, and thy sin purged.” Isaiah 6:5-7.

The Spirit of Prophecy in commenting on this Scripture says: “The live coal is symbolical of purification, and it also represents the potency of the efforts of God’s true servants. To those who make so full a consecration that the Lord can place His touch upon their lips, the word is spoken, Go forth into the harvest-field. I will co-operate with you.” Gospel Workers p. 23.

(Continued next week with part 2)

Posted in God's sealings | 2 Comments »

The Seal of the Forehead

April 5, 2014

In Revelation 7:3 we read, “..Do not harm the earth, the sea, or the trees till we have sealed the servants of our God in their foreheads.“(KJV)

But why does God’s word say “in their foreheads”? Why not in their hearts? Or in their soul or spirit?

Many of us have picked a beautiful flower and looked at it closely. We’ve noticed the small patterns, the tiny straight perfect lines, the order, the design. We are awestruck at the detail, are we not? Well, how much more detailed is God concerning His almighty Word? The Word that can save us for eternity?

Yes, there is exact design in His Holy Word, each word, each phrase, each sentence is packed with His omniscient knowledge. So with this understanding let’s look at just why it is that the 144,000 are to be sealed–in their foreheads.

First, from a human viewpoint, we know that the forehead contains the “frontal lobe” of the brain. This area is involved in our thinking . But it is also known as the “moral conscience” area.

Wikipedia research article explains the frontal lobe. “The executive function of the frontal lobes involve the ability to recognize future consequences resulting from current actions, to choose between good and bad actions (or better and best), override and suppress socially unacceptable responses, and determine similarities and differences between things or events.

So we can see that our Lord has instructed the marking angel to place the seal in an area that involves our decision-making, thinking, and our moral response area.

But why? We can see that we must have an understanding of something, a type of understanding of some sort. As we mentioned this detail of placing the seal in that area must mean something.

Before we go on about this specific seal let’s review other aspects of the “seal of God”.

What about the Sabbath seal? Aren’t we taught as SDA that this is THE seal that protects us in these last days? Yes we are but, no it’s not what Rev. 7 sealings are about. This is an addition to this basic seal.

Let us read some specific words in regards to our subject.

Question No. 21:

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 is 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 utterly both old and young who have failed to receive the seal. (See Testimonies, 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 sighing-crying one to escape death and forever to live for God.

We see that in order to be sealed by God, it will require us to do something — accept present truth from God. Notice also that the 144,000 are to be the sighers and criers of sins in the midst. This double action done by those who show they are affected deeply by “sins in the midst” appears noticed by the marking angels and consequently they are “marked” as in the days of Egypt’s Passover.

In addition to the above, Ellen White explains more light, “Not one of us will ever receive the seal of God while our characters have one spot or stain upon them. It is left with us to remedy the defects in our characters, to cleanse the soul temple of every defilement. Then the latter rain will fall upon us as the early rain fell upon the disciples on the day of Pentecost.” (Testimonies for the Church, vol. 5, p.214)

Now we are building the case for what the seal of God entails today, the total package. Not only are we to know and accept the present truth but we are to walk therein. That means we are to apply what we learn to our DAILY walk. The world, the flesh and the devil are ALL to be overcome. With the clear mental understanding of His word of today and the strength He gives us, we cast away “every defilement” by His power.

So let’s recap what we’ve learned.

The seal consists of:

1) An understanding and acceptance of “present truth”. The truth taught right now, in our day. Not yesterday’s truth but today’s.

2)The requirement that we sigh and cry for the “abominations” done in the church and our lives.

3)An overcoming of sins, the overcoming of spot or stain of repetitive and willful sinning.

In regards to point one, how do we develop a clear understanding of the present truth today? We just go to that old reliable handbook for us humans–the Bible.

“If any man will do His will, he will know of the doctrine whether it be of God or whether I speak of Myself. ” (John 7:17)

“But when He, the Spirit of truth, comes, He will guide you into all the truth; for He will not speak on His own initiative, but whatever He hears, He will speak; and He will disclose to you what is to come.” (John 16:13)

Those two powerful quotes automatically eliminate people such as “Sunday keepers”, who as we know make up the vast so-called “Christian” church today. Breaking His Commandments is not doing “His will”. No wonder we have so many private interpretations and theories of Scripture!

When we decide to do His will as in obeying His Commandments(truly) and listening to His voice (John 10:27) and acting upon it, we are then found to be doing His will. And we are then given the promise of the Spirit of Truth to “guide us into ALL truth.” We have that natural radar to help us discern what is truth and what is not.

It’s like the Lord places a strong magnet within us that attracts us to His truth today. Our mind is led to read and understand what His word says for us TODAY not yesterday.

Here is the great trap, the masses are “stuck” on rehashing the old truths instead of advancing with the sun rays of truth pouring down right now. Every Sabbath we most likely will hear a soft fluffy message some past truth, such as Noah’s message, Paul’s message, Enoch’s message, etc. How about the current present truth message of Elijah?

Present truth is specifically what did the Lord promised before the “great and dreadful day of the Lord”? A prophet –Elijah.

What was to be his purpose? If you guessed– to bring a message of present truth to get us sealed in our forehead, you’re right! There is the crux of truth for our day. Our “testing truth”.

“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 awakening minds that otherwise would slumber.” (Test. for the Church, vol.5, p. 453)

Sadly, just as in the days of Abraham, Jeremiah, and our Lord, the majority of “God professors” or church goers either are self-satisfied, careless, or just downright stupid. Ellen White speaks the straight testimony–

“Men and women are in the last hours of probation, and yet are careless and stupid, and ministers have no power to arouse them; they are asleep themselves. Sleeping preachers preaching to a sleeping people!” (Testimonies, vol. 2, 337.)

But there is a cure for that dreadful last condition.

“The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom, and knowledge of the Holy One is understanding.” (Proverbs 9:10)

In closing, my beloved brethren (term always includes our dear sisters) , let us step forward and embrace His final message of love and repentance. The marking angel is searching us, His people, to find those who show in their forehead the acceptance, understanding, and obedience to His message that will “restore all things” .

He answered them, “Elijah is indeed coming and will restore all things.” (Matt. 17:11)

Posted in God's sealings, Present Truth | 5 Comments »

At Work in His Vineyard

June 8, 2013

As we near the end of our probation, not the world’s but ours, the remnant church of God, we must carefully attend to the matter of–are we working in His vineyard? Are we at work in some capacity? Or are we slothful servants, willing to watch the work and not get involved? Let us look at this most important subject today –working in His vineyard.

In the parable of the laborers in the field (Matt. 20:1-16), our Lord spoke of working for Him in His vineyard. He makes mention of eleventh hour workers standing idle saying “Why have you been standing here idle all day?” Then finding they aren’t working He directs, “You also go into the vineyard, and what ever is right, that you will receive” (Matt 20:6-7).

Certainly we know that we are indeed in the “eleventh hour” of our world’s history. In fact we just completed the total world’s population at 7 billion. For a “world population clock” click here http://www.worldometers.info/world-population/ . As any bible student knows, seven is the number for completeness. We now have a “complete” world population according to God’s number symbols. This is just one of many signs we are living in the very last days.

So with time very short how can we as God’s servants get to work? To refrain from standing “idle”? To begin with we must know what our work is. When our Lord addressed us in the final book (Revelation, chapter 3) He said to us “Be zealous and repent”(3-19).

So our work must consist of a “zealousness”. Which is the opposite of being idle. As we have shown from our numerous studies, we are living in the time of the last message from the Lord — the Elijah message(Mal 4:5). So there’s no doubt that this message is the one we must teach and spread, and this is our “work” for today.

“For His church in every generation God has a special truth and a special work” (Christ’s Object Lessons, p.78)

Let us look at some good practical ways to get involved and to be counted as a laborer for God, found working in His vineyard.

1) Make a daily schedule of “your” time with God and His word. Guard this time as precious. And as we just mentioned the Lord’s word is solidly the last message of Elijah (our present truth). So during this time study all you can about His final plans. It’s only as we understand his message, that we can spread it properly. For a post that is helpful see our post ” The Elijah Message in a Nutshell” https://godsloveandlaw.com/2013/04/06/the-elijah-message-in-a-nutshell/

2)Form a small group of contacts. Brethren who are already in the Lord’s work. These will hopefully consist of knowledgeable brothers and sisters whom you can ask questions or even share thoughts about the work.

3) Start small and just where you’re at. The Elijah message requires boldness because of the solemn testimonies and reproofs it requires of you, but in order to do that we must clear our own immediate influences. Let us also remember that our Lord has always spoken His words through His prophets(Amos 3:7). Even though this Elijah message is not accepted many times by our brethren, our Lord’s direct and clear warning must be foremost in our minds, “ Whoever is ashamed of Me and My words, the Son of Man will be ashamed of them when He comes in His glory and in the glory of the Father and of the holy angels. ” (Luke 9:26)

So if we are embarrassed, afraid or hesitant of acknowledging and spreading His words ( His last message of Elijah) are we being ashamed of Him? Afraid because we may lose some friends or be murmured against? Speaking of fearful, it’s interesting to notice that our Lord listed “cowardly” first in who won’t make it into heaven. “But the cowardly, unbelieving. abominable, murderers, sexually immoral, sorcerers, idolaters, and all liars shall have their part in the lake which burns with fire and brimstone, which is the second death” (Rev. 21:8).

Our loved ones, family, close friends, are the very first ones we can begin with. They can help make us more confident and gain some experience with our approach. Remember this is our “testing truth” (see Test. for the Church, vol. 5, p453). And the message that shows us how we are to be sealed in the day of the Lord’s judgments that start first in His church.

4) Employ all the resources at your disposal. You can keep these sites handy to show as references. Remember many within our church will be surprised and even shocked to know that Ellen White and Scripture confirms the message of the Lord’s Shepherd’s Rod. In fact many who have accepted this message were doubters before, but upon seeing from SOP and Scripture the very same things that brother Houteff taught (the “Elijah” to come) they became firm believers.

One helpful point to remember is that as you spread the message some will ask you questions or make statements to you, trying to discourage you, or proving to you some “error” in the Elijah message. This is where it is good to have your sources handy (mentioned sites) or other brethren to inquire of. If you go to the “Answerer” and study and read those Q and A’s, you’ll be well prepared to meet many doubting questions.

As “Truth seekers” our job (workers in His vineyard) is to spread “truth” to help get them sealed for the “great and dreadful day”. We want to help get this message (truth) settled into their understanding. As a refresher, let us look at the following and see what the Elijah message teaches us as to what the “seal” is.

“Being sealed in Christ ‘with that Holy Spirit of promise’ after having ‘heard the word of truth'(Eph. 1:13, 4:30), the saints are consequently sealed by Present Truth– the truth preached in their own day. ‘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, Test. for the Church, Vol. 3, p.267, Vol. 5, p.211) (Answerer, question 21)http://www.shepherds-rod.org/answerers/answerer2.html#WHAT

Interestingly our prophetess also made a clear statement on what the seal is (which goes hand in hand with the statement above by brother Houteff). “Just as soon as the people of God are sealed in their foreheads—it is not any seal or mark that can be seen, but a settling into the truth, both intellectually and spiritually, so they cannot be moved…” ( Bible Commentary, Vol. 4. p.1161)

So clear it is that once we know His message and accept it and live it, we then “settle into” it (truth). And it becomes so true and understandable to us that we “cannot be moved” from it. This is the seal in our foreheads!

We see from EGW that this seal is not lightly bantered around and comes with conditions –“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.” (Test. for the Church, Vol. 5, p.212)

Here are the resource sites that have the Lord’s Elijah message truths.

a.http://www.shepherds-rod.org/

b.http://www.shepherds-rod-message.org/charts/

c.http://shepherdsroddavidian.org/

dhttp://sighandcry777.wordpress.com/ (Special Note– We now have FREE CD/DVD’s on this site)

e.http://www.thenightcometh.org/

5) Start a free online website (such as this blog) Takes only a few minutes and you’re up and running. As mentioned you can spread the studies and references on there. Or you can join an online SDA forum and start communication with other SDA. The key is to “get to work”. Can we think it is enough to just “think” about the message? As the word says,”But be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves” (James 1:22)

Keep in mind that the aforementioned CD/DVD’s are excellent ways to spread the message. When you watch them and re-watch them you’ll gain tremendous insight into the Elijah message. Then you can make copies, as many as you can, and send them to your friends and family. This can be a wonderful way to partake in His work! If we just make the effort, we find there are many ways to participate in His work in the vineyard. It’s almost like the Lord has set the table before you, all you have to do is grab the fork and start with it.

Now let us look at a few of Satan’s ploys to get us to not work in His vineyard.

1) Time waster. One of his tricks is to get us involved in many worldly endeavors. While many of us have to earn a living, he leads us to spend much more then we should on our jobs and worldly distractions. These can be our professional and worldly work, family, hobbies, entertainment such as TV, Theater, music, video games, computer games and endeavors, etc. Once he has us distracted from working in His vineyard we can very easily lose track of time and before you know it, one year, two years, three years go by! “Watch therefore, for ye know neither the day nor the hour when the Son of man cometh” (Matt. 25:13). When our time is up, we can’t go back and say ” I sure wish I would have concentrated on His work more than on my work”.

2) Doubter expert. He certainly wants you to have “no part” in the Elijah message. As he knows very well this is the message that will ultimately doom him. He has tricked hundreds of thousands in our own SDA church into thinking that the real message of the Lord right now is one of –peace and safety. We think all is well and as long as our name is on the church books we’re safe and saved. “It is not enough to make a profession of faith in Christ and have our names registered on the church roll.(Patriarch and prophets, p.24)

“To have your name on the church book does not make you a Christian. ” (Review and Herald, Dec. 10, 1901)

3) Hinderer extraordinaire. He has influenced some to be hinderers.There is no doubt that once we become willing to stand up for His message of Elijah, we will have some who will criticize and try to discourage us. But by this you will know that you are active in His vineyard and making dents in the enemy’s ground. For Satan wants you inactive and a lukewarm church member. “Woe to you experts in the religious law, because you have taken away the key to knowledge. You yourselves have not entered, and you have hindered those who were entering.”(Luke 11:52). This reminds me of the old adage, “Lead, follow, or get out of the way”.

Our prophetess gives good counsel in the malpractice of hindering. “As men see that they cannot maintain their position by the Scriptures, many determine to maintain it at all hazards, and with a malicious spirit they assail the character and motives of those who stand in defense of unpopular truth. Elijah was declared to be a troubler in Israel, Jeremiah a traitor, Paul a polluter of the temple. From that day to this, those who would be loyal to truth have been denounced as seditious, heretical, or schismatic. ” (The Great Controversy, p.458).

“Your faith is to be revealed as precious truth, truth which all should have and all must have if they are saved. As a people, we are in the minority. We are not popular. Our enemies will be watching us for evil, to betray us and ruin our souls. They will not appreciate our motives. They will misinterpret our earnest zeal and our intense desire to have others see and understand the truth, that they may do the will of God by obeying all His commandments. But we should fight the good fight of faith, and be found “steadfast, unmovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord.” (Test. for the Church, Vol. 5, p.520-521).

Today we are under the sad realization that there are indeed “few” laborers in His vineyard. We have a choice right now, either make a decision to start working or sit back and wait for a day that may never come, or worse yet, decide we have all we need and there is no need to work.

“As never before, we should pray not only that laborers may be sent forth into the great harvest field, but that we may have a clear conception of truth, so that when the messenger of truth shall come, we may accept the message and respect the messenger.” (Vol. 6 Testimonies for the Church p. 420.)

In closing, let us always remember that our work in His vineyard is the most rewarding and rewardful work we can do. Is not our fellow brethren and family’s souls worth every effort on our part? May the Lord inspire you to be–at work in His vineyard.

Posted in Elijah, God's sealings, Hard work, Present Truth, Proper teachings, Satan, Witnessing | 7 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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Archive for the ‘God’s sealings’ Category

The 144,000 Truth (Part 2 of 3)

Studying the Seventh Seal

Hold! Hold! Hold! Hold!

The Four Winds are Gaining Speed

A Requirement For Entrance to the Upcoming Kingdom

Two Sealing Reports (Part 2 of 2)

Two Sealing Reports (Part 1 of 2)

The Seal of the Forehead

At Work in His Vineyard

“I’m Scared”

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