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As we who have studied the Elijah message in depth know, the prophesied “Elijah” to come was indeed Victor T. Houteff (VTH).  As such we must search his  word carefully on any subject as we would any of the prior prophets. Brother Houteff spoke much about the special resurrections. His purpose as Scripture pointed out was to “reconstitute all things” (Matt.17:11).  This meant that he was to straighten or strengthen our interpretations of Scriptures and SOP in regards to the knowledge of the great and dreadful day of the Lord, the upcoming premillennial church kingdom on earth, and other matters we need to know in these last days. In this study we’ll look at the pertinent work he did concerning our subject matter.

Before we begin this part of the study let’s take important note of the following. VTH had published a question and answer series known as  “The Answerer”. In the beginning days of his work, many SDA had some good and tough questions that he addressed. Some were questions that addressed controversies in his views versus Scripture and EGW’s views. Many indeed tried to trap him or stump him, however he never shunned them , rather he  published them for all the public  to see. (Here is a link to see all the Q and A in the Answerer http://www.shepherds-rod.org/answerers/index%20answerer.html )

Importantly, we can learn how he handled very difficult and even seemingly contradictions. Let’s look at the following . He says the following in answer to question no.74 (Answerer, vol. 3), “No rational person who believes Paul’s writings as a part of the Holy Writ can honestly convince himself that Paul would at one moment uplift the law and at the next moment tread it down. Decidedly, therefore, one’s interpretation of the apostle’s writings must be such as to make them consistent.”

Responding to question no. 65, he says “Now, if we are to arrive at the truth, we must interpret the statement in Early Writings and the one in Matt:20:16, in a way to harmonize with the one in Isaiah 60:11,22, Zechariah 20:16, 13:8,9.: The Great Controversy p.665, and other passages…”

So we can clearly see that rather than say divine writings are sometimes unable to be reconciled, VTH makes it plain that we should seek to “harmonize” them with each other, if we are to arrive at the truth.  Parts of the Truth scroll can’t be ripped out and replaced, it must be rolled out further to see more illuminating light. What is written by each of the prior prophets must stand as truth, and if need be,  made to harmonize with the following prophets. Such harmonization is indeed divine and a real beauty to behold, for example Daniel and Revelation, Isaiah and Ezekiel, etc.

Then we have this clear statement, “ Let us remember always to observe the inviolable rule that an interpretation of one inspired statement must harmonize with all other related statements.”(Answerer , vol. 3, question 56)

And VTH also said, “While Ezekiel calls them “men,” John says they are “virgins.” (Rev. 14:4.) Now, if we should take the position that Ezekiel means men only, then we can as well say, John means women only. Can it be possible that one writer should contradict the other? No indeed.”(Shepherd’s Rod. vol. 2, p.167)

And lastly,  in regards to the harmony of all the phophets we read “Inspiration, moreover, always brings messengers of God into perfect harmony, never into division.” (The Answerer, Vol. 1, P.50)  So here we see that the messengers must bring their message into harmony with each other. Never can we see a phophet follow another and say ” Disregard, what the prior messenger said, it is wrong, this is how it will be”. No, the message must corroborate each other, as bro Houteff said “perfect harmony”.

Let’s now turn to VTH’s writings about our subject matter, and it’s found in his first book. (Again my comments start with —)

Shepherd’s Rod. Vol.1. P.23 – After quoting Early Writings, p.285, and GC, p.637, VTH says the following   “This makes it positive that the resurrected Sabbath keepers come forth in the special resurrection of Daniel 12. This is the time when great hailstones are doing their destructive work (7^th plaque)…The resurrected Sabbath keepers did not live during the time of the plaques, for they were resurrected at the time of the seventh plaque, so that they hear the announcement of the day and hour of Jesus’ coming.”

—- Here we see that VTH makes a clear, simple and concurrent statement with EGW. This compliments perfectly with what we learned in our previous study of EGW’s GC.637 statement of the second special resurrection, and such as Mrs. Hastings time of resurrection for example. So this first quote of VTH fully supports her light on what she said. A solid conformation.

Shepherd’s Rod Vol. 1, P.23-26 – Next we see VTH identify EGW as being with the 144,000, not one of them. After quoting Early Writings, p.40, VTH says “There is no contradiction in this statement, for the angel told her that she, with the 144,000, meaning she is one with them but not one of them. She will doubtless be with them for she may be termed as the mother of them…”

—-We should note that VTH himself , will most likely be (by God’s grace) one “with” the 144,000. One of those workers who take up the work again. Further, according to the message, he may very well be the “anti-typical king David” in the pre-mil. kingdom.

Shepherd’s Rod, Vol.1, P.48 – “Speaking of this mixed resurrection, Daniel says: ‘And many of them that sleep in the dust of the earth shall awake, some to everlasting life, and some to shame and everlasting contempt.’ Then there will be some righteous included who lived and witnessed the crucifixion; also those who crucified Him, and pierced Him, for, (Rev. 1:7) “Behold He cometh with the clouds:And every eye shall see Him, and they also which  pierced Him.” Therefore the resurrection which witnessed of the power of God to these murderers of His Son, typified the just who are raised in the mixed (special) resurrection.

—-So from the above we notice a few things. 1) it is clear VTH connects Daniel 12:2 to the second special  resurrection because he backs up what EGW said in GC p. 637, he also notes it as a “mixed” resurrection. So at this time, he further identified and described more on the second, or as he called it, mixed resurrection. 2) We can see that what is taking place here is a describing of a unique group.We learn that some righteous ones who “witnessed” the Lord’s brutal crucifixion, will rise in this mixed resurrection. Perhaps this is to show direct shame to those who mocked and derided our Lord at this terrible event, for the evil persecutors will recognize these righteous counterparts. This confirms EGW’s visions of both the good and bad raised in this second special resurrection. Again solid conformation on the second special resurrection.

Shepherd’s Rod, Vol. 1, P.186 – “We as a people, have been honored by heaven with a special message for the world in this generation. We call this message “The Third Angel’s Message”….. The chief and only purpose of these doctrines being to prepare a peculiar people to God’s own glory and honor; a people to meet the Lord without tasting death, or, to rise in the special resurrection of Daniel 12.”

—-Here brother Houteff makes a clear point to us as SDA. Those who truly obey and walk with the Lord will be raised prior to His coming, or never die(the 144,000). This quote again supports the light which he had at this time (second special resurrection).

Shepherd’s Rod, Vol.2 P. 146 – “At this time, Christ (Michael) shall stand up for His people, and every one shall be delivered who is found written in “The Book.” Thus God’s people need not fear in the time of trouble.

“And many of them that sleep in the dust of the earth shall awake, some to everlasting life, and some to shame and everlasting contempt.” (Daniel 12:2) It will be noticed that the resurrection foretold in this Scripture is mixed— some are of the righteous, while others are of the wicked. Therefore, this is a special resurrection, and independent of the one referred to in 1Thessalonians 4:16, 17, for it plainly says : “The Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first” Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord.”

“John also makes it clear that the righteous only are called forth at the coming of the Lord, for he says: “Blessed and holy is he that hath part in the first resurrection: on such the second death hath no power.” (Rev. 20:6) Consequently , the mixed resurrection must precede the one at the coming of Christ in the clouds. Those who awake to “everlasting contempt” must be those who pierced Christ, thus fulfilling the following Scripture: “Behold, He cometh with clouds; and every eye shall see Him, and they also which pierced him.” (Rev 1:7)

—Now we have clear evidence that the second special resurrection, is not at the time of the “first resurrection” of Rev.20:6, because it precedes it. However, it does appear that while both of these resurrections happen within or at the end of the 7^th last plaque, there is a time period difference in them. We don’t know how long, most likely only days or weeks.

Continuing with Shepherd’s Rod P. 146, we read “And they that be wise shall shine as the brightness of the firmament;and they that turn many to righteousness as the stars forever and ever.”(Daniel 12:3). They who are “wise” are the ones who shall “understand”, and they shall turn many to righteousness; thus they shall shine as stars “forever and ever.” These are not those who resurrected in the special resurrection, for it would be after the close of probation, and about the end of the seventh plaque, just shortlybefore the coming of the Lord. Thus the resurrected ones would have no chance to turn any to righteousness. Therefore, those who shine as stars are the 144,000, and all who shall have a part in the closing work of the gospel.

—Now we’re getting a lot more deeper and the Truth scroll unrolls with new light! This is quite revealing. First, we can see without any doubt that VTH still shows the light which he knows, that is of the second special resurrection. But we can see the beginning glimmer of light upon him, in regards to the first special resurrection, when he states “and all who shall have a part in the closing work of the gospel.” He could not realize it at the time, but he was identifying some selected “first” special resurrected ones who will be “with” the 144,000, such as EGW and himself(by God’s grace).

—So we can now make the following preliminary time line.

1. After Ezekiel 9, the first special resurrection takes place including EGW, VTH and others- “workers”.  Selected bad people are raised here as well.
2. During or at the end of the 7th plaque the second special resurrection takes place, it includes the good and bad. It’s “mixed”. It precedes the next one(#3).
3. The “first” resurrection of Rev.20:6 takes place at the coming of Jesus in the clouds. These are the righteous only( no bad people in this).The final resurrection before He comes in the clouds.

Shepherd’s Rod, Vol.1, P.132 (EZEKIEL 4 CHART) –- In this chart it clearly shows bro. Houteff pointing out that a special resurrection takes place IN the time of the 7^th plaque. This is undeniable. Even though we know new light came to him later, this was divinely conferred to him that “a” special resurrection takes place within the 7^th plaque, no doubt as we know, it is the second special resurrection. 

Shepherd’s Rod, Vol.1, P.219 – “And I heard a voice in heaven say unto me, Write, Blessed are the dead which die in the Lord from henceforth.” Note that after the sealing of the 144,000 there would be some who would die in the Lord (saved), for the scripture reads “from henceforth”, meaning from the time this company was sealed.”

“The 144,000 are living saints, to be translated without seeing death. “The Lord has shut them in. Their destination is inscribed-GOD,NEW JERUSALEM.” Testimonies to Ministers, p.446. Therefore, those who die“in the Lord” must be of those who are saved, after the separation (in the time of the harvest) under which Isa.52:1 and Zeph 3:13, are fulfilled. Those that die at that time are perhaps those who cannot stand the hardships while the judgments of God are falling upon the land in the time of the plaques. While God clears the way for the seven last plaques by laying some of His people asleep in the grave … The predicted event for the purification of God’s church is by no means a small one. Those who cannot undergo the trial are laid in their graves, while the 144,00 remain and will escape…”

—Again, this is very revealing. We note that this “dying in the Lord” takes place after the separation , meaning after Ezekiel 9 church judgment. These “saved” who experience death, are not part of the 144,000, because VTH says the 144,000 remain and escape. Who are they? Some would say it’s some of the Great Multitude(those called out of Babylon). At this point we don’t have enough light to say with certainty. It appears they cannot be those who are raised in the first special resurrection(“those with the 144,000”) because it makes no sense God would raise them up only to have them die shortly after again.  Selected wicked ones are raised and will die again shortly thereafter, but we can’t see that happening with those “with” the 144,000, the ones who are to “take up the work once more”.

Shepherd’s Rod, Vol.2, p.235 – “Why are the first paid last, and the last first? Answer – The pay God’s servants receive is eternal life, and is characterized by the penny. Therefore, those who are granted the assurance of a never ending life first, are those who were hired last, and according to the parable, it was the company called at the 11^th hour. They are those who are marked or sealed by the man with the writer’s ink horn of Ezekiel 9, or as John calls him, the angel with the seal of God; and he sealed, or marked, 144,000. (See Rev. 7). The glorious company is the first who are granted the assurance of never tasting death. (See “the Shepherd’s Rod, Vol.1, pp22-24) Thus they are paid first but those who were called early in the morning ( Israel after the flesh) are to be resurrected (the righteous) when Christ comes in the clouds, at which time they shall be given immortality. “So the last shall be first, and the first,last”. For this reason, those who are sealed and saved by the Third Angel’s Message since 1844, are resurrected in the special resurrection before Christ comes. (See Daniel 12:2, Early Writings, p.285)

—We see here that bro. Houteff makes his first note on the righteous of Israel being raised. They are raised in the “first” resurrection (Rev. 20:6).They are those original Israelites who were righteous. Who are these specifically? Could Apostle Paul be one of them? Look at this statement – “Then we who are alive and remain will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air…” (1 Thess.4:17)

— Also in (Hosea 6:1-3) we read ” Come, and let us return to the Lord; for He has torn, but He will heal us; He has stricken, but He will bind us up. After two days He will revive us; On the third day he will raise us up, that we may live in His sight….He will come to us like the rain, like the latter and former rain  to th earth.”  Here’s another verse that indicates a “raising” by the Lord, and that “He will come to us”, indicating a raising here on earth because in the other raising (Rev.20:6) we “go to Him”.

—In keeping with the light he had, he notes that those sanctified by the Three Angels message come forth prior to “Israel” in “the” special resurrection. So even though he had beginning glimmers of light on two special resurrections he still referred to them as “the”.

—Let us stop here for a moment to address an issue about limited light. Some may ask why didn’t VTH have the light on the first special Resurrection like he had on the second at this time? Remember this was written in the very early years of his ministry. Not to worry,  he himself explains “There has never been given so much light on any one prophetic event since the world began, as the Lord has given on this particular subject that is set forth in this publication (the sealing of the 144,000, and the slaughter in the church in connection with the harvest, though it has not all been published.)” (Shepherd’s Rod, Vol. 1, p.220)

—VTH clearly points out that more light was to come “though it has not all been published”. Prophets are led along as the scroll unrolls, they write that which is divinely given and at the time it is divinely given. Speaking of this fact, EGW clears it up beautifully “Men do not fully understand what God would accomplish by the work which He gives them to do: They do not comprehend, in all it’s bearings, the message which they utter in His name.” (GC, P. 343) Naturally this applied to EGW as well. This study being a prime example, she didn’t fully comprehend  about the special first resurrection, as Brother Houteff did.

—That concludes the pertinent VTH quotes from the Shepherd’s Rod volumes. Let’s now look at a Tract booklet reference.

BEHOLD I MAKE ALL THINGS NEW, P.41-42 (Tract #9) – “The “mountain”, the kingdom of God, clearly then, is begun with the first fruits of the living (the 144,000) and followed by the second fruits (the great multitude – Rev.7:9), and is completed with the first and second fruits of the dead- the 120 (those who received the Spirit on the day of Pentecost), plus those who arose with Christ (Matt. 27:52,53), plus the great multitude

who accepted Him after the Pentecost (Acts 5:14), plus all who awake to everlasting life in the resurrection of Daniel 12:2, plus the remaining dead of all ages, who rise on the great resurrection day (Rev. 20:6), also those of Ezekiel 37:1-14.”

—We see the total different types of all those raised in the different resurrections. The light shown here is showing identification or labeling of the saints.

—We shall now look at the very informative Timely Greetings publications. These were written after the Shepherd’s Rod volumes, consequently the unrolling of the divine scroll was further along.

Timely Greetings, Vol. 2, No. 7 – 3– Dan. 12:4 “But thou,O Daniel, shut up the words, and seal the book, even to the end of time: many shall run to and fro, and knowledge shall be increased.”

“Daniel was told to shut and seal the book even to the end of time. The book, therefore, was not for the understanding of the people before the time of the end.” So, then, when the book is unsealed and understood we may know that the time of the end is come.”

—This is very telling. Once these verses of Daniel’s prophecies are to be clearly understood, it signals we are at the very end. We do indeed now understand the book of Daniel through brother Houteff’s writings (“reconstituting all things”) .

Timely Greetings, Vol.2, No. 7 (10 -15) – After quoting Dan.1, VTH says “At that time (that is at the time the king of the north comes to his end and none help him) shall Michael stand; and at the same time shall be trouble such as never was even to that very time. Only God’s people, who have their names written in the book, will be delivered. None other.”

Continuing down to no. 7 –11, we read “ Dan. 12:2 – “And many of them that sleep in the dust of the earth shall awake, some to everlasting life, and some to everlasting shame and contempt.”

“Here we are told that in the time of trouble these arise, some to live forever and some to die again.”

“Do you now realize that not only the time of trouble is at the door, but even this special resurrection? Do you actually see that in the time of trouble, while the living saints are being delivered these dead who rise “to everlasting life,” are also delivered from their graves? Do you realize that this time of trouble is in “the great and dreadful day of the Lord,” the day which the promised Elijah announces? …… (after speaking of John’s vision of the resurrection in Rev.20:6 and Paul’s of Thess. 1) VTH says “ The apostle Paul obviously speaks of the same resurrection as the Apostle John because in it only the holy ones are raised. Both Paul’s and John’s descriptions make clear that these arise at the commencement of the thousand years. This we see from the facts that they lived with Christ a thousand years, and that they were caught up to meet the Lord in the air, that they were on the way to live with Christ during the thousand years, not Christ with them.”

—Let’s recap here. We see a couple clear points. One, that VTH says that “IN” the time of trouble the resurrected ones from Dan.12:2 are to rise. We know that the time of trouble starts right after Ezekiel 9, but it also extends right up to the end of the plaques. So this is inconclusive as to whether he means the first or second special resurrection. But he confirms that  1 Thess. and Rev. 20:6 resurrections are one and the same, known as the “first” resurrection, where only the righteous awake, and is the very last resurrection as Jesus comes in the clouds . This appears the most populated of the resurrections.

–Some may say “ I’m confused because the Bible specifically calls this (Rev.20:6) the “first” resurrection, therefore the “special resurrection” cannot be one. There can only be one “first” because that is the label of Rev.20:6.”  Not exactly right. Remember the real “first” resurrection ( meaning several people at once) was when Jesus arose and all those (some say thousands) rose as well(Matt 27:52-53). So title and descriptions are relative and contectual.

VTH continues “ Now to line up all the resurrections, we must take into account also the one in Ezekiel”

Ezek.37:1, 11-14 – “The hand of the Lord was upon me, and carried me out in the Spirit of the Lord, and set me down in the midst of the valley which was full of bones….Then He said unto me, Son of man, these bones are the whole house of Israel: behold, they say, Our bones are dried, and our hope is lost: we are cut off for our parts. Therefore prophesy and say unto them, Thus saith the Lord God ; Behold O My people, I will open your graves, and bring you into the land of Israel. And ye shall know that I am the Lord, when I opened up your graves, O My people, and brought you up out of your graves, and shall put My Spirit in you, and ye shall live, and I shall place you in your own land: then ye shall know that I the Lord hath spoken it, and performed it, saith the Lord.”

“In this resurrection only God’s own people, Israel, arise with no sinner among them. Moreover, these do not meet the Lord in the air; they are taken to the land of Israel, Palestine. This resurrection, therefore, is not the same as the resurrection of 1 Thessalonians, of the Revelation, or of Daniel 12. It must be a separate one.”

—The above is new information and new light is shown.  Most noteworthy is that we see that these can only be brought up in the first special resurrection because VTH mentions that they are not to be brought up in the “Daniel 12” resurrection (meaning the second special resurrection ). Here we see the great scroll being rolled out into new light! For the very first time VTH mentions a new  special resurrection by declaring that these are raised “separate” from the resurrections of Daniel 12 and Rev.20:6. God’s divine revealing had come.

—- Here we need to discuss what appears at first glance, difficult and even contradictory statements. If we look back to the quote from Shepherd’s Rod, Vol. 2, p.235, we notice that VTH in explaining the parable says “(Israel after the flesh) are to be resurrected (the righteous) when Christ comes in the clouds……” Now we notice the above regarding Ezekiel 37 resurrection in which VTH says “In this resurrection only God’s own people, Israel, arise with no sinner among them. Moreover, these do not meet the Lord in the air; they are taken to the land of Israel, Palestine. This resurrection, therefore, is not the same as the resurrection of 1 Thessalonians, of Revelation, or of Daniel 12, It must be a separate one.”

—Our answer appears to be in understanding the actual quote of Ezekiel 37:11-14. In reading verse 11 , the last part says “Our bones are dry, our hope has wandered, and we are cut for our parts.” This was something that struck me as strange, especially the last part of that verse–”we are cut off for our parts”. This just didn’t make sense as a clear translation. As we are well aware, some translations are off the mark and we have various interpretations by many sources. E-sword, which has the translations of all the words to Hebrew and Greek , was quite revealing. That questionable translation is taken from the word “gazar” and thus translated to say”we are cut off for our parts”. However the word gazar means to cut, to divide, and decree. Then we discovered that the same word (gazar) was used in Job 22:28 as meaning “decree” , Esther 2:1 “decreed” and in Psalms 136:13 as “divided”. So the word apparently has several meanings and applications.

—-So with the above understanding of the verse we can read it to say “Our bones are dry, our hope has wandered, we have been decreed and divided” or similar words.  With this understanding we can see that they lay there awaiting a decree (the call to rise) and are also divided. For there seems to be two divided groups among them that lay asleep and therefore, under inspiration, VTH mentions the two Israel groups, 1) those who arise in the first resurrection “they are taken to the land of Israel, Palestine.” 2)And those who are “Israel after the flesh” who are resurrected when Christ comes in the clouds (the last ones in the parable). In this way the whole house of Israel is indeed raised prior (the first special resurrection) or at the coming of Christ (Rev.20:6). The two groups are in “the land of Israel” as God prophesied, before being translated to “know that I am the Lord”. God’s word is indeed deep, yet can be found out and understood if we search it out as we would for golden treasure.

VTH continues —“Let us come back to – “Daniel 12:1-3 – “And at that time shall Michael stand up, the great Prince which standeth for the children of thy people: and there shall be a time of trouble, such as never was since there was a nation even to that same time: and at that time Thy people shall be delivered, everyone that shall be found written in the book. And many of them that sleep in the dust of the earth shall awake, some to everlasting life and some to shame and everlasting contempt. And they that be wise shall shine as the brightness of the firmament: and they that turn many to righteousness as the stars forever and ever.”

“In these three verses several things clearly stand out: 1) Only those whose names are written in the books are delivered: there are therefore no “foolish” ones among them. 2) Those who are resurrected, however, are mixed, both foolish and wise come up. 3) The statement,”and they that be wise (implying that some be foolish) shall shine as the brightness of the firmament” indicates that these “wise” ones are from among the raised. 4) That if the wise are among the resurrected and turn many to righteousness, then they must be resurrected during probationary time, in the time of salvation.”

—Let’s recap the above. In point number 1) this is  plain and true. The only ones “delivered” (meaning saved) are found written in the heaven books, no foolish ones are found there. On number 2) this has been proven in our study, both for the first and second special resurrection. On 3) and 4) we see VTH confirm the new light he is now aware of, that of the first special resurrection (“must be raised during probationary time”). Obviously he knew of the prior stance he made in backing up EGW on the second special resurrection, but now he announces a probationary  special resurrection(first) that occurs before the plaques start.

“Your work, my work, will not cease with this life. For a little we may rest in the grave, but, when the call comes, we shall, in the kingdom of God, take up our work once more.” (Testimonies, Vol.7, P.17)

—In the above quote he sees EGW’s statement as a clear indication of the first special resurrection. Obviously he saw this in his earlier writings but was divinely held back from commenting on it at that time, as to it’s real meaning. Note: VTH obviously preferred to call the first special  resurrection– the probationary resurrection.

After quoting Daniel 12:4, 10, and then the parable about the wise virgins (Matt 25:1-4) VTH continues “Here we see that the wise are those who take extra oil, extra Truth that lightens the rest of their way. Finally, it plainly appears that this mixed resurrection is a test; that is, they are all given the opportunity to be wise, to turn many to righteousness, but only a part of them do so. Some of them again fall into sin, and therefore they awake to shame and everlasting contempt (everlasting disobedience), but the wise awake to everlasting life, never again to die. This plainly shows that those who give themselves to wickedness up to the time they die, would not turn to righteousness even though they be given a second chance. The extra oil (Truth for this time) is what decides each one’s destiny. The wise shall embrace the “additional Truth”, while the foolish will not. Sin is indeed a mystery!”

— He is aware of the first special resurrection now, and he points out that those who come forth in first special resurrection, being both good and bad people, are then “tested” once more in front of the angels and mankind, and again proven that they have not changed. The good remain good and the bad remain bad, despite second chances.

Timely Greetings, Vol.2, No.42,P.29 – VTH quotes Dan.12:1. Then says “And at that time” – that is, at the time the king of the north comes to his end (Dan.11:45)–shall Michael stand up and deliver His people, the Church, all who are written in the Book. What else takes place?–”

Dan.12:2 –” And many of them that sleep in the dust of the earth shall awake, some to everlasting life, and some to shame and everlasting contempt.”

“Here is projected a resurrection of a mixed multitude, wicked and righteous, foolish and wise. This resurrection, then, is not the pre millennial “first resurrection,” nor the post millennial resurrection of the wicked (Rev.20:5-6), but a special one. If the wise who turn many to righteousness are of the resurrected of this resurrection, and if they shine as stars forever and ever, then this special resurrection takes place in probationary time.

—Again we see that VTH has clear light on the “probationary” special resurrection (the first). Here would be those, as we mentioned, the “workers” who take up the work once more (the good) to “turn many to righteousness”. Also those whom EGW saw at the conference that will have to suffer the seven last plaques, and the slave master for example (the bad).

Final summary

After presenting all the evidence from Scripture, EGW and VTH we can see that the inspired writings appear very consistent. There appears two special resurrections which occur after the Ezekiel 9 church judgment (purification) and before out Lord’s coming in the clouds. As we’ve mentioned this study has been discussed  for many years, hopefully we’ve added a little more light for consideration . Of note, it can clearly be shown that EGW didn’t have clear light on the first special resurrection like she did the second, she did make statements concerning another resurrection apart from the Daniel resurrection, yet fully did not realize it’s time and place. VTH clearly showed that he saw 3 resurrections 1) The probationary resurrection (first special) 2) The Daniel 12 resurrection (second special) 3) The final resurrection at Jesus’ coming in the clouds (Rev. 20:6) (1 Thess 4:16,17).

When we have difficulty in understanding the scroll, we must humbly kneel in prayer for divine guidance and understanding. The “weight” of evidence must be taken into account. This we hope, has been done in this study.

As Apostle Paul said ” Study to show yourself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.” (2 Tim. 2:15). This has been the purpose of this study, to prepare us as a workman in spreading God’s truths.  May the Lord continue to guide us into all truth.

What we’ve tried to do here with this study is follow the Lord’s counsel through brother Houteff’s —“Let us remember always to observe the inviolable rule that an interpretation of one inspired statement must harmonize with all other related statements.”(Answerer, question 56). The truth  has always been there in the inspired statements, it’s just  that sometimes they need to be more closely examined, to see the whole picture clearly.

Let us close with the wonderful and timely words of our beloved prophetess  “Wonderful possibilities are open to those who lay hold of the divine assurances of God’s word. There are glorious truths to come before the people of God. Priviledges and duties which they do not even suspect to be in the Bible will be laid open before them. As they follow on in the path of humble obedience, doing His will, they will know more and more of the oracles of God.” (Testimonies for the Church , Vol. 8, P.322)

Note: This post is directed primarily to SDA and DSDA members.

Not since we did the Elijah posts have I looked forward to sharing this post. Excited and at times mentally stretched, I have prayed earnestly to get this completed. Our Lord has not disappointed. As His Spirit of Truth has guided, we shall look into this most unusual and fascinating topic – The Special Resurrection.

For many years, even decades this topic has been discussed among the brethren, particularly among SDA and Davidian SDA. DSDA often found themselves at odds with SDA members over it, and even among other Davidians. One thing I want to make perfectly clear —This is not a sanctifying issue. This means that whether you believe in this special resurrection or not, even if you  have another view on how it takes place, that’s your prerogative. I respect all other views.

What we’ve tried to do is search out all the relevant quotes from Scripture, Ellen White, and Brother Houteff. We’ve looked at them closely and made comments and observations as to the clear plain words and meanings. Then at the end we’ll summarize the end view and how we see it all coming together,  bro Rob.

This subject had its origins in the following Scripture:

“At that time Michael shall stand up, the great prince who stands watch over the sons of your people; And there shall be a time of trouble, such as never was since there was a nation,even to that time. And at that time your people shall be delivered, everyone who is found written in the book. And many of those who sleep in the dust of the earth shall awake, some to everlasting life, some to everlasting shame and some to everlasting contempt. Those who  are wise shall shine like the brightness of the firmament, and those who turn many to righteousness, like the stars forever and ever.” (Daniel 12.1-3)

Then as our prophetess came along she expounded on those words, and posted more descriptive words about it. However as we are so very well aware,  she prophesied that “somebody would come” after her in the power and spirit of Elijah(Testimonies to Ministers, p.475, 1 Selected Message, p.412 *). This somebody, as the truth scroll unrolled further, added the final words to this subject so that we could see all the bright clear light on it. He did his job, he “reconstituted all things”(Matt 17:11) and certainly the special resurrection is no exception. (* in both the aforementioned EGW references, be aware the SDA leaders have added their own additions to her comments, denying what she said is what she meant)

Let’s look at the individual Ellen White (EGW) statements. (note: the following was done in the word office format, as the study progressed. So as not to get confused my comments began as —-)

GREAT CONTROVERSY P.637 – “Graves are opened, and “many of them that sleep in the dust of the earth …. awake, some to everlasting life, and some to shame and everlasting contempt.” Daniel 12:2. All who have died in the faith of the 3^rd angels message come forth from the tomb glorified, to hear God’s covenant of peace with those who kept His law. “They also which pierced Him” (Rev. 1:7), those that mocked and derided Christ’s dying agonies, and the most violent opposers of His truth and His people, are raised to behold Him in His glory and to see the honor placed upon the loyal and obedient.”

—-  To understand this we must understand the word “all”. Based on what we will learn further, in this context it would mean that with this last group of resurrected ones, it now constitutes “all” of the special resurrected ones. The number is complete thus it is now–all. This does not preclude the raising of some in a prior special resurrection. For example, if an announcer in a stadium announced “We now have ALL the people come into the stadium for the game to begin” doesn’t mean that all of them came at one time. Some came at various times. But the full number had at that moment “come forth”.

—- This last group would obviously include the Roman soldiers who pierced him, the Pharisees who judged and mocked Him, violent men that have lived down through the ages, such as Nero and the like. Additionally it would include people like Mrs. Hastings.

Ellen White says the following “God gave me a vision last Sabbath night which I will write, I saw that she (Mrs. Hastings) was sealed and would come up at the voice of God and stand upon the earth, and would be with the 144,000. I saw we need not mourn for her; she would rest in the time of trouble, and all that we could mourn for was our loss in being deprived of her company. I saw her death would result in good.” ( 2 SLM p. 263).

—-  So it appears from EGW’s GC statement that both the good and bad are raised just prior to His coming in the clouds. But it does not preclude any prior special resurrections. A clear example of this is the next EGW statements showing that she, along with others will have further work to do after being raised again “In God’s kingdom”.

TESTIMONIES FOR THE CHURCH, Vol.7, p.17 — “Your work, my work, will not cease with this life. For a little while we may rest in the grave, but, when the call comes, we shall in the kingdom of God , take up the work once more.” (Testimonies for the Church, Vol. 7, p.17) (Note- from the Old and New testaments through bro. Houteff’s divine work , we learn that there will be a “pre-millennial” phase of the kingdom of God, known also as His Church kingdom or Theocractic government -not the same as a typical current government kingdom)

EARLY WRITINGS,P.33 – “And at the commencement of the time of trouble, we were filled with the Holy Ghost as we went forth and proclaimed the Sabbath more fully.”

—-  From the above we can clearly see that she cannot be 1) raised just prior to our Lord’s coming in the clouds, as is Mrs. Hastings for example. She could not do any work at that time, as the number of God’s marked and sealed people are completed. 2) There will be others from those who died in the 3 angels message who will be raised up with her to join in the work (indicated by the “Your work” and “we may rest”). 3) This work shall be done in “God’s kingdom”. As such it must be the premillennial phase of the kingdom, because her only “work” was  in securing souls for our Lord and in the heavenly kingdom we shall not being doing that work she is hereto describing.

GREAT CONTROVERSY P.613- “At that time shall Michael stand up, the great Prince which standeth for the children of they people: and there shall be a time of trouble, such as never was there was a nation even to that same time: and at that time thy people shall be delivered, everyone that shall be found written in the book.” Daniel 12:1.

“When the third angel’s message closes, mercy no longer pleads for the guilty inhabitants of the earth. The people of God have accomplished their work. They have received the “latter rain”, “the refreshing from the presence of the Lord,” and they are prepared for the trying hour before them. Angels are hastening to and fro in heaven. An angel returning from earth announces that his work is done; the final test has been brought upon the world, and all who have proved themselves loyal to the divine precepts have received “the seal of the living God”. Then Jesus ceases His intercession in the sanctuary above. He lifts His hands and with a loud voice says “It is done;” and all the angelic host lay off their crowns as He makes the solemn announcement: “He that is unjust let him be unjust still: and he which is filthy let him be filthy still:and he that is righteous, let him be righteous still: and he that is holy, let him be holy still. Revelation 22:11. Every case has been decided for life or death. Christ has made the atonement for His people and blotted out their sins.

The number of His subjects is made up; “the kingdom and dominion, and the greatness of kingdom under the whole heaven,” is about to be given to the heirs of salvation, and Jesus is to reign as King of kings and Lord of lords.

When He leaves the sanctuary, darkness covers the inhabitants of the earth. In that fearful time the righteous must live in the site of a holy God without an intercessor. The restraint which has been upon the wicked has been removed, and Satan has entire control of the finally impenitent.”

—- There can be no doubt, that EGW equates this “standing up” of Michael in Daniel 12:1, to that of the end of the world. The time when no more heavenly intercession can be made. The work of the 144,000 is done, the great multitude has been gathered from the within the false religions and churches into God’s church kingdom. However, as we shall see, along with this view there is  an additional interpretation of this quote in the Shepherd’s Rod and other writings of Victor Houteff.

—- In order to reconcile these two understandings we have three different analysis we can make. 1) We can say that EGW was correct in the above understanding of Daniel 12:1 (consequently bro. Houteff was in error). 2) The reverse, we can say bro. Houteff was correct and that EGW was in error. With both of these we must assume that either “prophet” was guilty of prophesying – error. A dangerous position to take indeed!

—-  3)Then there is the third scenario. Could it be that BOTH were correct, but that EGW being the prophet before bro. Houteff, had limited light on this particular subject and wrote that which she had(mainly the knowledge of the second special resurrection). Bro. Houteff upon the guiding of the Spirit of Truth, then was able to discern the unrolling of the scroll, to see clearer light on this subject. And therefore saw the first delivering of His people, specifically the 144,000 and those with them. We’ll touch more on this in part two of our study of the special resurrections. Next we shall look at EGW’s Early Writings.

EARLY WRITINGS, Page.36 “..Then I saw that Jesus would not leave the most holy place until every case was decided either for salvation or destruction, and that the wrath of God could not come until Jesus had finished His work in the most holy place, laid off His priestly attire, and clothed Him self with the garments of vengeance.”

—-  This statement is clearly addressed by brother Houteff in the Symbolic Code news publications as follows.

Question: “Please explain E.W. 36: “I saw that Jesus would not leave the most holy place until every case was decided either for salvation or destruction,” etc.

Answer: The question which here arises is how is it possible to reconcile “The Shepherd’s Rod” with the “Spirit of Prophecy,” when the one seems to say that Jesus will leave the most holy place at Eze. 9, while the other says He will not leave until every case is decided?

Without attempting to explain the event described in E.W. 36, we shall inquire only into the matter of whether it is possible in view of the E.W. statement for Jesus to “leave” the most holy place to execute the work of Eze. 9 before the general close of human probation.

To begin with there is nothing in the word “leave” that connotes finality and permanence of condition or action. To leave once does not preclude the possibility of having left on previous occasions and then returned. Hence, on the logic of language alone, the mere fact that Sr. White “saw that Jesus would not leave the most holy until

Vol. 1 Symbolic Code No. 7  pg. 8

every case was decided,” does not argue that He could therefore never have left the most holy place before, and that He cannot leave it to execute Eze. 9 on the church.

However, we need not base our position entirely on logic. The Scriptures abundantly evidence the fact that Jesus is to dwell in the midst of His People at a time before every case is decided. We quote Zech. 2:10, 11 — “Sing and rejoice, O daughter of Zion: for, lo, I come, and I will dwell in the midst of thee, saith the Lord. And many nations shall be joined to the Lord in that day, and shall be My people.”

Verse 11 proves that in “that day” when He comes and dwells in the midst of Zion, “many nations shall be joined to the Lord,” and every S.D.A. ought to know that there will be no nations joined to the Lord after probation is closed.

Moreover, in Isa. 66:15, which reads, “Behold, the Lord will come with fire, and with His chariots like a whirlwind, to render His anger with fury, and His rebuke with flames of fire,” (Verse 16) “For by fire and by His sword will the Lord plead with all flesh: and the slain of the Lord shall be many,” we see that when He comes with fire, it is to “plead” with all flesh, which proves that it is during probationary time, for after the close of probation God will plead with no flesh.

Furthermore, Isa. 66:20 proves that it is in this time during which the Lord pleads with all flesh that “many nations” — “all your brethren” — are joined to the Lord. Hence, “in that day,” the day of slaughter (Eze. 9; Isa. 63; Isa. 66), He “will come, and…dwell in the midst of “Zion.”

Therefore, it is clear that Jesus is to come and dwell in the midst of His people here on earth before the close of probation, as He dwelt with His people in the exodus movement, as is described in Isa. 4.

Some have an altogether too narrow view of the Godhead. They think that in order for Jesus to carry on the investigative judgment in the heavenly sanctuary, He must confine Himself there every moment, and that even in case of necessity He cannot leave the place of the most holy apartment to do anything else until His mediatorial work is finished.

Christ’s departure from the holy place, at the consummation of the investigative judgment, is to result in His visible second advent, whereas the event of Eze. 9 and Zech. 2:9-11 is an invisible coming.

EARLY WRITINGS– Page 285 “It was at midnight that God chose to deliver His people. As the wicked were mocking around them, suddenly the sun appeared, shining in his strength, and the moon stood still. The wicked looked upon the scene with amazement, while the saints beheld with solemn joy the tokens of their deliverance. Signs and wonders followed in quick succession. Everything seemed turned out of it’s natural course. The streams ceased to flow. Dark, heavy clouds came up and clashed against each other. But there was one clear place of settled glory, whence came the voice of God like many waters, shaking the heavens and the earth. There was a mighty earthquake. The graves were opened, and those who had died in faith under the third angel’s message, keeping the Sabbath, came forth from their dusty beds, glorified, to hear the covenant of peace that God was to make with those who had kept His law.”

—  In the above, it appears that this is a more complete description of the previously mentioned last special resurrection of Mrs. Hastings and other Sabbath keepers who died in observance of the 3 angel’s message, and were not partakers of the ones who took up “the work once more”. Thus it certainly cannot be the special resurrection of Ellen White and the other “workers” who came up before them.

TESTIMONIES FOR THE CHURCH, Volume 1, p.131-132 – “ I was shown the company present at the conference. Said the angel: “Some food for worms,…….. some subjects of the seven last plaques, some will be alive and remain upon the earth to be translated at the coming of Jesus.”

—-  This is a fascinating one because it shows the diversity of future paths they will take. The ones who will be “food for worms” appears to describe the wicked ones who stay dead, hence food for worms, until they rise to live in the short season, which is for a hundred years*. This is the final period preceding the “fire from heaven” that comes down to destroy them and purify the earth with fire. This is known as the short post-millennial season . (Rev. 20:7-9)

— In the other descriptions “plaque subjects” and “translated ones”, it appears these are some of those who rise with Ellen White. However, this will include both the good and bad, because obviously some suffer the plaques and others get translated ( backed up further from the forth coming bro. Houteff’s statements). The good are those who died “in the faith” and in good standing with the Lord, the ones who are described as being with the 144,000. Consequently the good ones, “take up the work once more”.

—-  Obviously, those she looked upon at her conference are now dead. So in order to have the events take place of which she described (and was given her by the angel), they will have to be resurrected in the first special resurrection with Ellen White. This cannot be the last special resurrection in the coming of our Lord in the clouds. When she says “some will be alive and remain upon the earth” it indicates future tense. It does not preclude that their bodies sleep for awhile, yet after being raised they will be alive and remain upon the earth. So we see in the two special and separate resurrections so far that both will have good and bad people raised up.

—- (* this comes from the early SDA belief as found in a Signs of the Times, dated April 19, 1910, also from bro. Houteff’s interpretation of the Noah flood type/anti-type)

—-  Keep in mind that in these apparent two special resurrections, it is in keeping with other double events that happen in the end times. Such as two harvests (the 144,000 and the great multitude). The two “first fruits”, one from the sleeping (Corinthians 15:20), one from the living (Rev.14:4). The two special resurrections would thus be not out of prior divine harmony.

SPIRITUAL GIFTS – p. 193 “ I saw the slave master …. has to suffer the seven last plaques, and then come up in the second resurrection, and suffer the second most awful death. Then the wrath of God will be appeased.”

—-  Here we see that the slave master, obviously one of the bad people, will be raised up in first special resurrection, most likely with Ellen White’s group because it will be before the seven last plaques start. It cannot be the second special resurrection because the plaques will have been done with (except possibly the last plaque). Also this would be the slave master’s first resurrection, therefore Ellen White makes note that after enduring the plaques, he will come up in the second resurrection in the short season with the rest of the wicked and have to suffer the second awful death.

.THE FAITH TO LIVE BY, P.183 – “The righteous dead will hear the sound of the last trump, and will come forth from their graves….the living righteous changed “in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye” (1 Cor.15:52). At the voice of God they were glorified; now they are made immortal, and with the risen saints are caught up to meet the Lord in the air…All precious dead, from righteous Abel to the last saint that dies, shall awake to glorious immortal life.”

—-  In the above we can see that EGW describes the consummate phase of the resurrection just prior to the Lord coming in the clouds, known as the “first resurrection” (Rev.20:6). This is not concerning any special resurrection.

SUMMARY

—-  We have now come to the end of our first study on EGW’s statements about the special resurrections. Let us summarize.

1. We see that she had far greater light given her about the second special resurrection as opposed to the first.
2. We see that she did have a somewhat dim light about the first special resurrection, indicated by the limited statements and descriptions. But the quotes – Test. For the Church, Vol. 7, p.17, EW, p.33, Test. For the Church,p. 131-132, confirm that there will indeed be a first special and separate resurrection.
3. She makes a clear distinction of two separate special resurrections. The last pre-millennial resurrection, also known as the first resurrection (Rev.20:6) comes after the two special resurrections.

Next week in Part 2 we’ll look at brother Houteff’s work on the special resurrections. It will marvelously show the unrolling of the scroll, as he combines Spirit of Prophecy and Scripture.