Jana Wagner, Author at Steps to Life

The Wedding Garment

January 28, 2026 by Reformation Herald Publishing

March 22 – 28, 2026

Key Text

“But when the king came in to see the guests, he saw there a man there who did not have on a wedding garment.” Matthew 22:11

Study Help: Testimonies for the Church, Vol. 5, 217–223; Christ’s Object Lessons, 307–319

Introduction

“In the parable of Matthew 22 … the investigative judgment is clearly represented as taking place before the marriage.” The Great Controversy, 428

Sunday

1 A SYMBOLIC WEDDING

1.a. What does the marriage in the parable represent? Matthew 22:2

Note: “By the marriage is represented the union of humanity with divinity; the wedding garment represents the character which all must possess who shall be accounted fit guests for the wedding.” Christ’s Object Lessons, 307

“At an infinite cost to heaven, provision has been made for all, that they may receive grace and sanctification of the Spirit, and be numbered with the blood-washed throng.” The Review and Herald, March 28, 1899

1.b. What other lessons do we need to learn from this symbolic marriage? Daniel 7:13, 14; Revelation 11:15; 21:2

Note: “The marriage represents the reception by Christ of His kingdom.” The Great Controversy, 426

“God has made every provision whereby our thoughts may become purified, elevated, refined, and ennobled. He has not only promised to cleanse us from all unrighteousness, but He has made an actual provision for the supply of grace that will lift our thoughts toward Him and enable us to appreciate His holiness. We may realize that we are Christ’s possession and that we are to manifest His character to the world. Prepared by heavenly grace, we become clothed with the righteousness of Christ in the wedding garment and are fitted to sit down at the marriage supper. We become one with Christ, partakers of the divine nature, purified, refined, elevated, and acknowledged to be the children of God—heirs of God and joint heirs with Jesus Christ.” Mind, Character, and Personality, Vol. 2, 660

Monday

2 AN EXAMINATION BEFORE THE WEDDING

2.a. What must take place before the wedding, and how does this affect us? Matthew 22:11

Note: “Previous to the wedding the king comes in to see the guests, to see if all are attired in the wedding garment, the spotless robe of character washed and made white in the blood of the Lamb. Matthew 22:11; Revelation 7:14. He who is found wanting is cast out, but all who upon examination are seen to have the wedding garment on are accepted of God and accounted worthy of a share in His kingdom and a seat upon His throne. This work of examination of character, of determining who are prepared for the kingdom of God, is that of the investigative judgment, the closing work in the sanctuary above.” The Great Controversy, 428

“Read carefully and critically the parable of the wedding garment and make a personal application of the lessons it teaches. There are those who, having heard the truth, assent to it, yet are not transformed by it. The truth has not been received into the soul, and therefore it cannot carry forward its work of purification in the life. Their family, their neighbors, do not see in them the marked change which they have a right to expect. Those who make a profession of faith, and yet remain unchanged in habit and practice, are represented in the parable by the man who came to the feast without a wedding garment.” The Review and Herald, February 26, 1901

2.b. How does the righteousness of Christ become the righteousness of the saints? Revelation 3:18; 19:8

Note: “By the wedding garment in the parable is represented the pure, spotless character which Christ’s true followers will possess. … It is the righteousness of Christ, His own unblemished character, that through faith is imparted to all who receive Him as their personal Saviour.” Christ’s Object Lessons, 310

“By His perfect obedience, He [Christ] has made it possible for every human being to obey God’s commandments. When we submit ourselves to Christ, the heart is united with His heart, the will is merged in His will, the mind becomes one with His mind, the thoughts are brought into captivity to Him; we live His life. This is what it means to be clothed with the garment of His righteousness.” Ibid., 312

“Are you ready? Have you the wedding garment on? That garment will never cover deceit, impurity, corruption, or hypocrisy. The eye of God is upon you. It is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart. We may conceal our sins from the eyes of men, but we can hide nothing from our Maker.” Testimonies for the Church, Vol. 5, 220, 221

Tuesday

3 WHILE PROBATION LINGERS

3.a. What condition must we be reaching now, while Christ is still mediating in our behalf? John 14:30; 1 Thessalonians 5:23

Note: “Jesus did not allow the enemy to pull Him into the mire of unbelief, or crowd Him into the mire of despondency and despair. But many poor souls are feeble in moral power because they do not do the words of Christ.

“Christ in the weakness of humanity was to meet the temptations of one possessing the powers of the higher nature that God had bestowed on the angelic family. But Christ’s humanity was united with divinity, and in this strength, He would bear all the temptations that Satan could bring against Him, and yet keep His soul untainted by sin. And this power to overcome He would give to every son and daughter of Adam who would accept by faith the righteous attributes of His character.” Seventh-day Adventist Bible Commentary, Vol. 7, 927

“Now, while our great High Priest is making the atonement for us, we should seek to become perfect in Christ. Not even by a thought could our Saviour be brought to yield to the power of temptation. Satan finds in human hearts some point where he can gain a foothold; some sinful desire is cherished, by means of which his temptations assert their power. But Christ declared of Himself, ‘The prince of this world cometh, and hath nothing in Me.’ John 14:30. Satan could find nothing in the Son of God that would enable him to gain the victory. He had kept His Father’s commandments, and there was no sin in Him that Satan could use to his advantage. This is the condition in which those must be found who shall stand in the time of trouble.

“It is in this life that we are to separate sin from us, through faith in the atoning blood of Christ.” The Great Controversy, 623

3.b. While a work of purification is going on in the heavenly sanctuary (Hebrews 9:23), what is to be taking place among the followers of Christ on earth? Malachi 3:2, 3

Note: “Those who are living upon the earth when the intercession of Christ shall cease in the sanctuary above are to stand in the sight of a holy God without a mediator. Their robes must be spotless, their characters must be purified from sin by the blood of sprinkling. Through the grace of God and their own diligent effort they must be conquerors in the battle with evil. While the investigative judgment is going forward in heaven, while the sins of penitent believers are being removed from the sanctuary, there is to be a special work of purification, of putting away of sin, among God’s people upon earth. This work is more clearly presented in the messages of Revelation 14.” The Great Controversy, 425

Wednesday

4 A BLESSING OR A DISAPPOINTMENT

4.a. What blessing is offered to those whose sins will be blotted out? Zechariah 10:1; Acts 3:19, 20 [compare RSV].

Note: “The prophecies which were fulfilled in the outpouring of the former rain at the opening of the gospel are again to be fulfilled in the latter rain at its close. Here are ‘the times of refreshing’ to which the apostle Peter looked forward when he said, ‘Repent ye therefore, and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out [in the Investigative Judgment], when the times of refreshing shall come from the presence of the Lord; and he shall send Jesus.’ [Acts 3:19, 20.]” The Great Controversy (1888), 611

4.b. On the other hand, what disappointment comes to those who know the present truth, yet neglect the opportunity to obtain the needed preparation? Jeremiah 8:20

Note: “All who endeavor to excuse or conceal their sins and permit them to remain upon the books of heaven, unconfessed and unforgiven, will be overcome by Satan. The more exalted their profession and the more honorable the position which they hold, the more grievous is their course in the sight of God and the more sure the triumph of their great adversary. Those who delay a preparation for the day of God cannot obtain it in the time of trouble or at any subsequent time. The case of all such is hopeless.” The Great Controversy, 620

“I saw that many were neglecting the preparation so needful and were looking to the time of ‘refreshing’ and the ‘latter rain’ to fit them to stand in the day of the Lord and to live in His sight. Oh, how many I saw in the time of trouble without a shelter! They had neglected the needful preparation; therefore, they could not receive the refreshing… .” Early Writings, 71

Thursday

5 READY TO MEET CHRIST

5.a. When the work of purification is completed, and the investigative judgment is over, for what event will Christ’s followers be prepared? 2 Corinthians 11:2; Ephesians 5:27

Note: “When this work shall have been accomplished, the followers of Christ will be ready for His appearing. ‘Then shall the offering of Judah and Jerusalem be pleasant unto the Lord, as in the days of old, and as in former years.’ Malachi 3:4. Then the church which our Lord at His coming is to receive to Himself will be a ‘glorious church, not having spot, or wrinkle, or any such thing.’ Ephesians 5:27.” The Great Controversy, 425

5.b. What contrast will be seen between those who are unready and those who are ready for Christ’s second advent? Revelation 6:14–17; Isaiah 25:9

Note: “When the character of Christ shall be perfectly reproduced in His people, then He will come to claim them as His own.” Christ’s Object Lessons, 69

“The voice of God is heard from heaven, declaring the day and hour of Jesus’ coming, and delivering the everlasting covenant to His people. Like peals of loudest thunder, His words roll through the earth. The Israel of God stand listening, with their eyes fixed upward. Their countenances are lighted up with His glory, and shine as did the face of Moses when he came down from Sinai. The wicked cannot look upon them. And when the blessing is pronounced on those who have honored God by keeping His Sabbath holy, there is a mighty shout of victory.

“Soon there appears in the east a small black cloud, about half the size of a man’s hand. It is the cloud which surrounds the Saviour and which seems in the distance to be shrouded in darkness. The people of God know this to be the sign of the Son of man. …

“Before His presence ‘all faces are turned into paleness’; upon the rejecters of God’s mercy falls the terror of eternal despair. ‘The heart melteth, and the knees smite together, … and the faces of them all gather blackness.’ Jeremiah 30:6; Nahum 2:10. The righteous cry with trembling: ‘Who shall be able to stand?’ The angels’ song is hushed, and there is a period of awful silence. Then the voice of Jesus is heard, saying: ‘My grace is sufficient for you.’ The faces of the righteous are lighted up, and joy fills every heart.” The Great Controversy, 640, 641

Friday

PERSONAL REVIEW QUESTIONS

How only can we partake of the marriage supper of the Lamb?
What is our responsibility before the supper takes place?
How is the wedding garment obtained?
Why is confession and forsaking of sin vital to our salvation?
When will Christ return?

“The Hour of His Judgment Is Come”

January 28, 2026 by Reformation Herald Publishing

March 15 – 21, 2026

Key Text

“Fear God … for the hour of His judgment has come.” Revelation 14:7

Study Help: The Great Controversy, 486–491; Testimonies for the Church, Vol. 4, 384–387

Introduction

“The announcement, ‘The hour of His judgment is come,’ points to the closing work of Christ’s ministration for the salvation of men.” The Great Controversy, 435

Sunday

1 THE INVESTIGATIVE JUDGMENT

1.a. What evidence proves that there is an investigative judgment? Revelation 11:18; 22:11, 12

Note: “Before the final reward is given, it must be decided who are fitted to share the inheritance of the righteous. This decision must be made prior to the second coming of Christ in the clouds of heaven; for when He comes, His reward is with Him, ‘to give every man according as his work shall be.’ Revelation 22:12. Before His coming, then, the character of every man’s work will have been determined, and to every one of Christ’s followers the reward will have been apportioned according to his deeds.” Christ’s Object Lessons, 310

1.b. Why is the investigative judgment necessary? Ezekiel 18:24. How only can we be accounted worthy? Matthew 24:13

Note: “All who have truly repented of sin and by faith claimed the blood of Christ as their atoning sacrifice have had pardon entered against their names in the books of heaven; as they have become partakers of the righteousness of Christ and their characters are found to be in harmony with the law of God, their sins will be blotted out, and they themselves will be accounted worthy of eternal life.” The Great Controversy, 483

Monday

2 PURITY NEEDED

2.a. What proves that the life and character of all must be judged before the coming of Christ? Matthew 16:27. What should this fact inspire in our hearts? Haggai 1:5

Note: “The grand judgment is taking place, and has been going on for some time. Now the Lord says, Measure the temple and the worshipers thereof. Remember when you are walking the streets about your business, God is measuring you; when you are attending your household duties, when you engage in conversation, God is measuring you. Remember that your words and actions are being daguerreotyped [photographed] in the books of heaven, as the face is reproduced by the artist on the polished plate. …

“Here is the work going on, measuring the temple and its worshipers to see who will stand in the last day. Those who stand fast shall have an abundant entrance into the kingdom of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. When we are doing our work, remember there is One that is watching the spirit in which we are doing it. Shall we not bring the Saviour into our everyday lives, into our secular work and domestic duties? Then in the name of God we want to leave behind everything that is not necessary, all gossiping or unprofitable visiting, and present ourselves as servants of the living God.” Seventh-day Adventist Bible Commentary, Vol. 7, 972

2.b. What is our responsibility in preparing to meet our Lord in peace? 1 John 3:2, 3

Note: “Many do not realize what they must be in order to live in the sight of the Lord without a high priest in the sanctuary through the time of trouble. Those who receive the seal of the living God and are protected in the time of trouble must reflect the image of Jesus fully.

“Their robes must be spotless; their characters must be purified from sin by the blood of sprinkling. Through the grace of God and their own diligent effort, they must be conquerors in the battle with evil. While the investigative judgment is going forward in heaven, while the sins of penitent believers are being removed from the sanctuary, there is to be a special work of purification, of putting away of sin, among God’s people upon earth.” The Faith I Live By, 337

Tuesday

3 THE HOUSEHOLD OF GOD

3.a. With whom does the judgment begin? 1 Peter 4:17. What else should we realize about this fact? Ezekiel 33:12, 13, 18

Note: “In the great day of final atonement and investigative judgment, the only cases considered are those of the professed people of God. The judgment of the wicked is a distinct and separate work, and takes place at a later period.” The Great Controversy, 480

“Angels keep a faithful record of every man’s work, and as judgment passes upon the house of God, the sentence of each is recorded by his name, and the angel is commissioned to spare not the unfaithful servants, but to cut them down at the time of slaughter. And that which was committed to their trust is taken from them. Their earthly treasure is then swept away, and they have lost all. And the crowns they might have worn, had they been faithful, are put upon the heads of those saved by the faithful servants whose means was constantly in use for God. And everyone they have been the means of saving adds stars to their crown in glory and increases their eternal reward.” Testimonies for the Church, Vol. 1, 198

3.b. As we do not know when the judgment will pass from the cases of the dead to the cases of the living, what warning of Christ should we take to heart, and why? Mark 13:33; Revelation 3:3

Note: “Solemn are the scenes connected with the closing work of the atonement. Momentous are the interests involved therein. The judgment is now passing in the sanctuary above. For many years this work has been in progress. Soon—none know how soon—it will pass to the cases of the living. In the awful presence of God our lives are to come up in review. At this time above all others, it behooves every soul to heed the Saviour’s admonition: ‘Watch and pray: for ye know not when the time is.’ Mark 13:33. ‘If therefore thou shalt not watch, I will come on thee as a thief, and thou shalt not know what hour I will come upon thee.’ Revelation 3:3.” The Great Controversy, 490

“There is no command for anyone to search the Scripture in order to ascertain, if possible, when probation will close. God has no such message for any mortal lips. He would have no mortal tongue declare that which He has hidden in His secret councils.” Selected Messages, Book 1, 192

“You are each living your probationary time day by day, obtaining your experience as the days pass; but you can go over the ground only once. Then let every precious moment be employed as you will wish it had been when the judgment shall sit and the books shall be opened. Our Lord will judge us according to the opportunities and privileges that we have had.” Manuscript Releases, Vol. 13, 156

Wednesday

4 WHILE THE DOOR IS OPEN

4.a. By what standard are our characters and lives tested in the judgment? Ecclesiastes 12:13, 14; Romans 2:12; James 2:12

Note: “The law of God is the standard by which the characters and the lives of men will be tested in the judgment.” The Great Controversy, 482

“The life of Christ on earth was a perfect expression of God’s law, and when those who claim to be children of God become Christlike in character, they will be obedient to God’s commandments. Then the Lord can trust them to be of the number who shall compose the family of heaven.” Christ’s Object Lessons, 315

“Only that which is in accord with the principles of God’s law will stand in the judgment.” Ibid., 316

4.b. What is Christ doing in our behalf while the door of probation is still open? 1 John 2:1; Hebrews 7:25. How only will we be benefited by our Saviour’s intercession? 2 Corinthians 13:5, 6

Note: “The intercession of Christ in man’s behalf in the sanctuary above is as essential to the plan of salvation as was His death upon the cross.” The Great Controversy, 489

“All who would have their names retained in the book of life should now, in the few remaining days of their probation, afflict their souls before God by sorrow for sin and true repentance. There must be deep, faithful searching of heart.” Ibid., 490

Thursday

5 A WARNING AND A PROMISE

5.a. To what warning should we give serious consideration? Proverbs 28:13

Note: “Individuals are tested and proved a length of time to see if they will sacrifice their idols and heed the counsel of the True Witness. If any will not be purified through obeying the truth and overcome their selfishness, their pride, and evil passions, the angels of God have the charge: ‘They are joined to their idols, let them alone,’ and they pass on to their work, leaving these with their sinful traits unsubdued, to the control of evil angels.” Testimonies for the Church, Vol. 1, 187

5.b. What promises should encourage those who are truly interested in their salvation? 1 John 1:9; 2 Corinthians 12:9, first part; Revelation 3:5

Note: “None need abandon themselves to discouragement and despair. Satan may come to you with the cruel suggestion, ‘Yours is a hopeless case. You are irredeemable.’ But there is hope for you in Christ. God does not bid us overcome in our own strength. He asks us to come close to His side. Whatever difficulties we labor under which weigh down soul and body, He waits to make us free.” The Ministry of Healing, 249

“Let none, then, regard their defects as incurable. God will give faith and grace to overcome them.” The Great Controversy, 489

“Those who come up to every point and stand every test and overcome, be the price what it may, have heeded the counsel of the True Witness, and they will receive the latter rain, and thus be fitted for translation.” Testimonies for the Church, Vol. 1, 187

Friday

PERSONAL REVIEW QUESTIONS

What is the investigative judgment, and why is it needed?
In what way should a knowledge of the investigative judgment affect our daily lives?
Where does the investigative judgment begin—and why?
What is our duty in seeking the benefits of Christ’s intercession?
How does the judgment message offer hope as well as warning?

The Cleansing of the Sanctuary

January 28, 2026 by Reformation Herald Publishing

March 8 – 14, 2026

Key Text

“And he said to me, ‘For two thousand three hundred days, then the sanctuary shall be cleansed.’ ” Daniel 8:14

Study Help: The Great Controversy, 409–422; Patriarchs and Prophets, 355–358

Introduction

“The subject of the sanctuary was the key which unlocked the mystery of the disappointment of 1844. It opened to view a complete system of truth.” The Great Controversy, 423

Sunday

1 THE PILLAR OF THE ADVENT FAITH

1.a. What scripture was the central pillar of the early Adventists’ faith, and how did they interpret it at first? Daniel 8:14

Note: “The scripture which above all others had been both the foundation and the central pillar of the advent faith was the declaration: ‘Unto two thousand and three hundred days; then shall the sanctuary be cleansed.’ Daniel 8:14. These had been familiar words to all believers in the Lord’s soon coming. By the lips of thousands was this prophecy repeated as the watchword of their faith. All felt that upon the events therein foretold depended their brightest expectations and most cherished hopes. These prophetic days had been shown to terminate in the autumn of 1844. In common with the rest of the Christian world, Adventists then held that the earth, or some portion of it, was the sanctuary. They understood that the cleansing of the sanctuary was the purification of the earth by the fires of the last great day, and that this would take place at the second advent. Hence the conclusion that Christ would return to the earth in 1844.” The Great Controversy, 409

1.b. What did the Advent pioneers realize after the great disappointment of 1844? Hebrews 8:3–5; 9:1–5, 8

Note: “With earnest prayer they reviewed their position and studied the Scriptures to discover their mistake. As they could see no error in their reckoning of the prophetic periods, they were led to examine more closely the subject of the sanctuary.

“In their investigation they learned that there is no Scripture evidence sustaining the popular view that the earth is the sanctuary; but they found in the Bible a full explanation of the subject of the sanctuary, its nature, location, and services; the testimony of the sacred writers being so clear and ample as to place the matter beyond all question.” The Great Controversy, 411

“The sanctuary in heaven, in which Jesus ministers in our behalf, is the great original, of which the sanctuary built by Moses was a copy.” Ibid., 414

Monday

2 THE NEW TESTAMENT SANCTUARY

2.a. How did the Scriptures further confirm to the Advent believers that the New Testament sanctuary is in heaven? Revelation 11:19; 4:2, 5; 8:3

Note: “Those who were studying the subject found indisputable proof of the existence of a sanctuary in heaven. Moses made the earthly sanctuary after a pattern which was shown him. Paul teaches that that pattern was the true sanctuary which is in heaven. And John testifies that he saw it in heaven.” The Great Controversy, 415

“And as the prophecy of Daniel 8:14 is fulfilled in this dispensation, the sanctuary to which it refers must be the sanctuary of the new covenant.” Ibid., 417

2.b. What else must we understand about the heavenly sanctuary? Hebrews 9:22, 23; 12:24

Note: “The cleansing, both in the typical and in the real service, must be accomplished with blood: in the former, with the blood of animals; in the latter, with the blood of Christ. Paul states, as the reason why this cleansing must be performed with blood, that without shedding of blood is no remission. Remission, or putting away of sin, is the work to be accomplished.” The Great Controversy, 417, 418. [Author’s italics.]

Tuesday

3 IN THE EARTHLY SANCTUARY

3.a. Of what did the daily service consist? Numbers 28:1–6. How were sins transferred to the sanctuary? Leviticus 4:4–6, 14–17

Note: “The daily service consisted of the morning and evening burnt offering, the offering of sweet incense on the golden altar, and the special offerings for individual sins.” Patriarchs and Prophets, 352

“Day by day the repentant sinner brought his offering to the door of the tabernacle and, placing his hand upon the victim’s head, confessed his sins, thus in figure transferring them from himself to the innocent sacrifice. The animal was then slain. … The blood, representing the forfeited life of the sinner, whose guilt the victim bore, was carried by the priest into the holy place and sprinkled before the veil, behind which was the ark containing the law that the sinner had transgressed. By this ceremony the sin was, through the blood, transferred in figure to the sanctuary.” The Great Controversy, 418

3.b. What service was performed once a year, and for what purpose? Leviticus 16:8, 15–22

Note: “The sins of Israel being … transferred to the sanctuary, the holy places were defiled, and a special work became necessary for the removal of the sins. God commanded that an atonement be made for each of the sacred apartments, as for the altar, to ‘cleanse it, and hallow it from the uncleanness of the children of Israel.’ Leviticus 16:19.” Patriarchs and Prophets, 355

“Once a year, on the great Day of Atonement, the priest entered the most holy place for the cleansing of the sanctuary. The work there performed completed the yearly round of ministration. On the Day of Atonement, two kids of the goats were brought to the door of the tabernacle, and lots were cast upon them, ‘one lot for the Lord, and the other lot for the scapegoat.’ Leviticus 16:8. The goat upon which fell the lot for the Lord was to be slain as a sin offering for the people. And the priest was to bring his blood within the veil and sprinkle it upon the mercy seat and before the mercy seat. The blood was also to be sprinkled upon the altar of incense that was before the veil.” The Great Controversy, 419

Wednesday

4 IN THE HEAVENLY SANCTUARY

4.a. Where did Christ exercise His priestly ministry for eighteen centuries after His ascension? Hebrews 9:11, 12, 24

Note: “For eighteen centuries this work of ministration continued in the first apartment of the sanctuary. The blood of Christ, pleaded in behalf of penitent believers, secured their pardon and acceptance with the Father, yet their sins still remained upon the books of record.” The Great Controversy, 421

“The blood of Christ, while it was to release the repentant sinner from the condemnation of the law, was not to cancel the sin; it would stand on record in the sanctuary until the final atonement; so in the type, the blood of the sin offering removed the sin from the penitent, but it rested in the sanctuary until the Day of Atonement.” Patriarchs and Prophets, 357

4.b. As there was a work of atonement in the typical service, once a year, what work began in the antitypical service, at the end of the 2,300 prophetic days (or literal years)? Hebrews 9:7

Note: “As in the typical service there was a work of atonement at the close of the year, so before Christ’s work for the redemption of men is completed, there is a work of atonement for the removal of sin from the sanctuary. This is the service which began when the 2300 days ended. At that time, as foretold by Daniel the prophet, our High Priest entered the most holy, to perform the last division of His solemn work—to cleanse the sanctuary.” The Great Controversy, 421

“In the great day of final award, the dead are to be ‘judged out of those things which were written in the books, according to their works.’ Revelation 20:12. Then by virtue of the atoning blood of Christ, the sins of all the truly penitent will be blotted from the books of heaven. Thus, the sanctuary will be freed, or cleansed, from the record of sin.” Patriarchs and Prophets, 357, 358

Thursday

5 THE BLOTTING OUT OF SINS

5.a. How can our sins contaminate the heavenly sanctuary? What is recorded in heaven? Isaiah 65:6, 7; Revelation 20:12

Note: “Opposite each name in the books of heaven is entered with terrible exactness every wrong word, every selfish act, every unfulfilled duty, and every secret sin, with every artful dissembling. Heaven-sent warnings or reproofs neglected, wasted moments, unimproved opportunities, the influence exerted for good or for evil, with its far-reaching results, all are chronicled by the recording angel.” The Great Controversy, 482

“We must not only cease to do evil, but we must learn to do well. God has given us powers to be exercised in good works; and if these powers are not put to use, we shall certainly be set down as wicked and slothful servants.” Selected Messages, Book 1, 220

5.b. How is the heavenly sanctuary to be cleansed? Isaiah 43:25; Acts 3:19. Why is this so important for us to understand?

Note: “As the typical cleansing of the earthly was accomplished by the removal of the sins by which it had been polluted, so the actual cleansing of the heavenly is to be accomplished by the removal, or blotting out, of the sins which are there recorded. But before this can be accomplished, there must be an examination of the books of record to determine who, through repentance of sin and faith in Christ, are entitled to the benefits of His atonement. The cleansing of the sanctuary therefore involves a work of investigation—a work of judgment.” The Great Controversy, 421, 422

“Many are deceiving themselves, for the principle of love does not dwell in their hearts. They may close eyes to their own errors and defects, but they cannot deceive God. There must be a reformation. The plowshare of truth must plow deep furrows in our proud hearts and tear up the sod of our unsanctified natures, that the Spirit and love of Jesus may be planted in our hearts. Time is fast hastening on, and every work will soon be brought into judgment, and either our sins or our names will be blotted out of the Book of Life.” Sons and Daughters of God, 49

Friday

PERSONAL REVIEW QUESTIONS

Which texts of Scripture enable us to gain a correct understanding of Daniel 8:14?
What do the apostles teach us about the heavenly sanctuary?
Name some points from the earthly sanctuary service which help us understand the heavenly service.
What work began at the close of the 2300 days’ prophecy?
Why is it essential that our sins be blotted out?

Worship Him – Revelation 14

January 28, 2026 by Reformation Herald Publishing

The First Angel of Revelation 14

March 1 – 7, 2026

Key Text

“Worship Him that made heaven and earth, and the sea and springs of waters.” Revelation 14:7, last part

Study Help: The Ministry of Healing, 409–418; Prophets and Kings, 183–189

Introduction

“In Revelation 14, men are called upon to worship the Creator; and the prophecy brings to view a class that, as the result of the threefold message, are keeping the commandments of God. One of these commandments points directly to God as the Creator.” The Great Controversy, 437

Sunday

1 A CRISIS OVER TRUE WORSHIP

1.a. What distinct characteristic of God is the basis of true worship according to the first angel’s message? Revelation 14:7, last part. How does this message parallel the message of Elijah’s time? 1 Kings 18:21

Note: “History is being repeated. The world today has its Ahabs and its Jezebels. The present age is one of idolatry, as verily as was that in which Elijah lived. No outward shrine may be visible; there may be no image for the eye to rest upon; yet thousands are following after the gods of this world—after riches, fame, pleasure, and the pleasing fables that permit man to follow the inclinations of the unregenerate heart. Multitudes have a wrong conception of God and His attributes and are as truly serving a false god as were the worshipers of Baal. Many even of those who claim to be Christians have allied themselves with influences that are unalterably opposed to God and His truth. Thus, they are led to turn away from the divine and to exalt the human.” Prophets and Kings, 177, 178

1.b. How may the subtlety of popular philosophy seduce us away from the worship of the true God? 2 Timothy 4:3, 4

Note: “In rejecting the truth, men reject its Author. In trampling upon the law of God, they deny the authority of the Lawgiver. It is as easy to make an idol of false doctrines and theories as to fashion an idol of wood or stone. By misrepresenting the attributes of God, Satan leads men to conceive of Him in a false character. With many, a philosophical idol is enthroned in the place of Jehovah; while the living God, as He is revealed in His Word, in Christ, and in the works of creation, is worshipped by but few. Thousands deify nature while they deny the God of nature. Though in a different form, idolatry exists in the Christian world today as verily as it existed among ancient Israel in the days of Elijah. The god of many professedly wise men, of philosophers, poets, politicians, journalists—the god of polished fashionable circles, of many colleges and universities, even of some theological institutions—is little better than Baal, the sun-god of Phoenicia.” The Great Controversy, 583

Monday

2 IN THE NEW TESTAMENT DAYS

2.a. Why did Christ face opposition in seeking to elevate true worship? John 3:19, 20; 8:44, 45, 47

Note: “Truth looked down from heaven and saw not the reflection of her image; for dense clouds of moral darkness and gloom enveloped the world, and the Lord Jesus alone was able to roll back the clouds; for He was the Light of the world. By His presence He could dissipate the gloomy shadow that Satan had cast between man and God. Darkness covered the earth, and gross darkness the people. Through the accumulated misrepresentations of the enemy, many were so deceived that they worshiped a false god, clothed with the attributes of the satanic character.” Fundamentals of Christian Education, 176, 177

2.b. How did the apostle Paul face the problem of false worship? Acts 24:14; 28:17. How was he accused by the Jews? Acts 18:13. And by the Romans? Acts 16:20, 21. And by the Greeks? Acts 19:26–28

Note: “Ephesus was a popular center for the worship of Diana. The fame of the magnificent temple of ‘Diana of the Ephesians’ extended throughout all Asia and the world. Its surpassing splendor made it the pride, not only of the city, but of the nation. The idol within the temple was declared by tradition to have fallen from the sky. Upon it were inscribed symbolic characters which were believed to possess great power. Books had been written by the Ephesians to explain the meaning and use of these symbols.

“Among those who gave close study to these costly books were many magicians who wielded a powerful influence over the minds of the superstitious worshipers of the image within the temple.” The Acts of the Apostles, 286

Tuesday

3 DIVINE TACT NEEDED

3.a. How tactful was Paul among the Athenians and the Corinthians? Acts 17:22–31; 18:4

Note: “When the apostle [Paul] took up his work in Corinth, he realized that he must introduce most carefully the great truths he wished to teach. He knew that among his hearers would be proud believers in human theories, and exponents of false systems of worship who were groping with blind eyes, hoping to find in the book of nature theories that would contradict the reality of the spiritual and immortal life as revealed in the Scriptures. He also knew that critics would endeavor to controvert the Christian interpretation of the revealed word, and that skeptics would treat the gospel of Christ with scoffing and derision.

“As he endeavored to lead souls to the foot of the cross, Paul did not venture to rebuke, directly, those who were licentious, or to show how heinous was their sin in the sight of a holy God. Rather he set before them the true object of life and tried to impress upon their minds the lessons of the divine Teacher, which, if received, would lift them from worldliness and sin to purity and righteousness. He dwelt especially upon practical godliness and the holiness to which those must attain who shall be accounted worthy of a place in God’s kingdom.” The Acts of the Apostles, 272

3.b. How careful should we be in our efforts to emphasize true worship? 1 Peter 3:15, 16

Note: “God has jewels in all the churches, and it is not for us to make sweeping denunciation of the professed religious world, but in humility and love, present to all the truth as it is in Jesus. Let men see piety and devotion, let them behold Christlikeness of character, and they will be drawn to the truth.” Seventh-day Adventist Bible Commentary, Vol. 4, 1184

“The truth should be presented with divine tact, gentleness, and tenderness. It should come from a heart that has been softened and made sympathetic. We need to have close communion with God, lest self rise up, as it did in Jehu, and we pour forth a torrent of words that are unbefitting, that are not as dew or as the still showers that revive the withering plants. Let our words be gentle as we seek to win souls. …

“God’s plan is first to get at the heart. Speak the truth, and let Him carry forward the reformatory power and principle. Make no reference to what opponents say, but let the truth alone be advanced. The truth can cut to the quick.” Testimonies for the Church, Vol. 6, 400

Wednesday

4 THE BASIS OF THE EXISTING CONFLICT

4.a. What are the fundamentals of true worship as proclaimed by the first angel? Psalm 100:3; Ecclesiastes 12:13

Note: “God’s claim to reverence and worship, above the gods of the heathen, is based upon the fact that He is the Creator and that to Him all other beings owe their existence.” Patriarchs and Prophets, 336

“By the first angel, men are called upon to ‘fear God, and give glory to Him’ and to worship Him as the Creator of the heavens and the earth. In order to do this, they must obey His law. Says the wise man: ‘Fear God, and keep His commandments: for this is the whole duty of man.’ Ecclesiastes 12:13

“Without obedience to His commandments no worship can be pleasing to God.” The Great Controversy, 436

4.b. What are the fundamentals of all false worship, even among professed Christians? Isaiah 29:13, 14; Matthew 15:3, 9

Note: “In seeking to cast contempt upon the divine statutes, Satan has perverted the doctrines of the Bible, and errors have thus become incorporated into the faith of thousands who profess to believe the Scriptures. The last great conflict between truth and error is but the final struggle of the long-standing controversy concerning the law of God. Upon this battle we are now entering—a battle between the laws of men and the precepts of Jehovah, between the religion of the Bible and the religion of fable and tradition.” The Great Controversy, 582

“No misfortune is so great as to become the worshiper of a false god. No man is in such miserable darkness as he who has lost his way to heaven.” Testimonies to Ministers and Gospel Workers, 435

Thursday

5 THE CLIMAX OF THE CONFLICT

5.a. What test will soon be brought between true and false worship? Revelation 13:4, 8, 12, 15

Note: “We are nearing the close of this earth’s history. Satan is making desperate efforts to make himself god, to speak and act like God, to appear as one who has a right to control the consciences of men. He strives with all his power to place a human institution in the position of God’s holy rest day.” Seventh-day Adventist Bible Commentary, Vol. 7, 980, 981

5.b. What is soon to distinguish the worshipers of God from the worshipers of the beast? Exodus 31:16, 17; 1 John 5:2

Note: “The keeping of God’s law, on the one hand, and its violation, on the other, will make the distinction between the worshipers of God and the worshipers of the beast.” The Great Controversy, 445, 446

“Thus, the distinction is drawn between the loyal and the disloyal. Those who desire to have the seal of God in their foreheads must keep the Sabbath of the fourth commandment. Thus, they are distinguished from the disloyal, who have accepted a man-made institution in place of the true Sabbath. The observance of God’s rest day is a mark of distinction between him that serveth God and him that serveth Him not.” Seventh-day Adventist Bible Commentary, Vol. 7, 981

Friday

PERSONAL REVIEW QUESTIONS

How is false worship practiced today, even among professed believers?
Name some obstacles encountered by the apostle Paul in his labors.
What is essential for us to be able to witness successfully for Christ?
By what points can we distinguish between true and false worship?
How are the vast majority of people soon to promote false worship?

Recipe – Creamy Peach Bake

January 28, 2026 by Lynette Golia

Peaches

The peach is a member of the rose family and is a close relative of the almond.
There are over 300 varieties of peaches in the US and over 2,000 varieties worldwide.
California produces about 50% of the peaches in the US, but Georgia is still famous for their peaches nationwide.
In Japan, white peaches are highly prized and often given as luxurious gifts, sometimes even costing upwards of $10 each for the most perfect specimens.
There are hundreds of varieties of peaches in existence today, but all peaches are categorized into two types: freestones and clingstones. The flesh of freestone peaches separates easily from the pit, which makes them ideal for eating fresh. In clingstone varieties, the flesh of the peach clings to the pit. These varieties are best for canning.
It is a common misconception that a peach/plum hybrid is the nectarine. A nectarine is actually just a variety of peach with smooth rather than fuzzy skin. In this case, fuzzy skin is a dominant trait; whereas the smooth skin of a nectarine is a recessive trait. Only one gene separates peaches and nectarines and this gene variant causes peaches to have a fuzzy skin and nectarines to have a smooth skin.
Peach fuzz is a survival tactic, providing protection from the elements. It stops water and moisture from reaching the delicate skin, preventing premature rot, and ensuring development of a fully mature seed. It also acts as an irritant to destructive insects, preventing them from eating the fruit.

Aside from jams, tarts, pies, cobblers, crisps, cereals, and smoothies, peaches also lend themselves to savory dishes such as salads, pizzas, and soups.

https://veritablevegetable.com/just-peachy-fun-facts-about-peaches/; https://fruitguys.com/blog/ten-tasty-facts-you-probably-didnt-know-about-the-peach/

Recipe – Creamy Peach Bake

Ingredients

16 oz. canned peaches (reserve juice), thinly sliced, or 2 cups fresh peaches, peeled and sliced

1½ cups rolled oats, uncooked

1/2 cup pitted dates, chopped

1 cup non-dairy vanilla milk

6 oz. firm silken tofu

1/8 tsp. cardamom

1/8 tsp. coriander

2 tsp. vanilla flavoring

1/4 tsp. almond flavoring

1/2 tsp. salt

Process

Oil an 8”x 8” casserole dish and set aside. Mix peaches, oats, and dates in a bowl. Transfer to prepared dish. Combine reserved peach juice with just enough milk to make 1½ cups of liquid and blend with all remaining ingredients until smooth. Pour into the oat mixture. Cover and bake at 350°F for 30 minutes. Uncover and bake for 15 minutes more. Allow to cool 10 minutes. Serve with additional non-dairy milk. (If using unsweetened non-dairy vanilla milk, add 2 Tbs. maple syrup if desired.)

The Foundation – Daniel 7

January 28, 2026 by John J. Grosboll

Daniel 7 is one of the foundational chapters in the Bible concerning the investigative judgement and there’s no point in going to chapters 8—10, or 12 or Revelation before you understand this. It’s foundational and exciting information because it reveals that there is a God in heaven who knows thousands of years ahead of time what will happen. And He has shown us these things in the Bible so that we can be ready for the future.

The Fourth Beast and the Ten Kingdoms

There are four beasts. Let us look at the fourth beast. “Thus, he said: ‘The fourth beast shall be a fourth kingdom on earth, which shall be different from all other kingdoms, and shall devour the whole earth, trample it and break it in pieces.’ ” Daniel 7:23

In his book, The Temporal Power of the Pope, 122, Cardinal Henry Edward Manning wrote regarding verse 23: “The legions of Rome occupied at the circumference of the world. The military roads which sprang from Rome traversed all the earth; the whole world was, as it were, held in peace and in tranquility by the universal presence of this mighty heathen empire. It was ‘exceedingly terrible,’ according to the prophecies of Daniel; it was as it were of iron, beating down and subduing the nations.” Does the Roman Catholic church know who the fourth beast is? Yes, Cardinal Manning tells us very clearly. It is an iron kingdom beating down the nations of earth.

“The ten horns are ten kings who shall arise from this kingdom. and another shall rise after them; he shall be different from the first ones, and shall subdue three kings.” Verse 24

These ten kingdoms rose up over hundreds of years. The ten kingdoms were despised by Rome—verse 23’s fourth kingdom—because Rome believed it would last forever. The ten kingdoms grew stronger and stronger. What Rome believed didn’t matter because hundreds of years before it was founded, Daniel had predicted its demise and the rise of the ten kingdoms.

G. Wells says, “No vestige of the Western Empire, the original Roman Empire, remained as a distinct and separate political division.” The Outline of History, 526. They became stronger and stronger and divided it up until those ten kings owned it all. Another writer wrote, “The destruction of the Roman Empire in the West by the German barbarians is one of the most momentous events in history. It marks a turning point in the fortunes of mankind.”

Out of the Ten, Another.

Daniel then writes that after the fourth beast is divided into the ten kingdoms, another kingdom—different from the first ten—would rise up, more than the ten. This 11th kingdom would assume an air of superiority over all the others.

“The downfall of the Roman imperial government in the West was further, an event of immense significance in the political world, for the reason that it rendered possible the growth in western Europe of several nations or states in place of the single empire.

“Another consequence of the fall of the Roman power in the West was the development of the papacy. In the absence of an emperor in the West, the popes rapidly gained influence and power, and soon built up an ecclesiastical empire that in some respects took the place of the old empire, and carried on its civilizing work.” Myers’s General History for Colleges, 316

“If any man consider the original of this great ecclesiastical dominion, he will easily perceive, that the Papacy is no other than the ghost of the deceased Roman Empire, sitting crowned upon the grave thereof.” Thomas Hobbes

“There grew up in Europe a line of rulers far more powerful than any of these, namely the popes at Rome. Moreover, the majesty of Rome helped to raise the bishops above his fellows.” Medieval and Modern Times, James Harvey Robinson, 40, 41

Here we see secular history almost quoting Scripture regarding the characteristics of this new kingdom and its power over the previous ten kingdoms.

It is a well-established, historical fact that “Papal Rome was for all practical purposes the continuation of the Roman Empire … . Whatever Roman elements the barbarians and Arians left were put under the protection of the bishop of Rome who was the chief person there after the emperor’s disappearance. The Roman church in this way privily pushed itself into the place of the Roman world empire of which it is the actual continuation.” The Seventh-day Adventist Bible Commentary, Vol. 4, 846, (Adolph Harnack in 1903, What is Christianity?, 269, 270) If we understand that Papal Rome is a mere continuation of the Roman Empire, then we will understand that Rome was established as a world power that would continue until the end of the world.

“The empire has not perished, but has only undergone transformation. … That is no clever remark, but the recognition of the true state of the matter historically, and the most appropriate and fruitful way of describing the character of this church. It still governs the nations.” Ibid. That was in 1903 he recognized that. “It is a political creation, and as imposing as a World-Empire, because the continuation of the Roman Empire, the Pope, who calls himself ‘King’ and ‘Pontifex Maximus,’ is Caesar’s successor.” Ibid.

G. Wells talks about this power. “As the barbarian races settled and became Christian, the pope began to claim an overlordship of their kings. In a few centuries, the Pope had become in theory, and to a certain extent in practice, the high priest, censor, judge, and divine monarch of Christendom.” The Outline of History, 526. This provides a description of the development of the little horn’s power; a power that became greater than any other nation in Europe, and continues to this day.

Joseph Stalin also said, “How big an army does he [the pope] have?” He doesn’t need an army for He can use the armies of any nation he chooses.

He Speaks and Persecutes

The two big subjects of Daniel 7 are the little horn and the judgment. These subjects should be studied together because we cannot understand the judgment without understanding the little horn.

As the little horn’s power grew, prophecy tells us what happens next. “He shall speak pompous [great] words against the Most High.” Daniel 7:25, first part. “The pope is of so great dignity, and so exalted that he is not a mere man, but as it were God and the vicar of God. So that whatever the pope does, seems to proceed from the mouth of God. … The pope is as it were God on earth.” Ferraris Ecclesiastical Dictionary.

Pope Leo XIII said, “We hold upon this earth the place of God Almighty.” Great words, indeed. But notice as we further in verse 25, Daniel says, he “shall persecute [wear out] the saints of the Most High.” Encyclical letter dated June 20, 1894

History says that “the church of Rome has shed more innocent blood than any other institution that has ever existed among mankind, will be questioned by no Protestant who has a competent knowledge of history. The memorials, indeed, of many of her persecutions are now so scanty, that it is impossible to form a complete conception of the multitude of her victims, and it is quite certain that no power of imagination can adequately realize their sufferings.” W.E.H. Lecky, History of the Rise and Influence of the Spirit of Rationalism in Europe, Vol. 2, 32

A Roman Catholic scholar stated, “The Catholic Church is a respecter of conscience and of liberty. … She has, and she loudly proclaims that she has a ‘horror of blood.’ Nevertheless, when confronted by heresy she does not content herself with persuasion; arguments of an intellectual and moral order appear to her insufficient, and she has recourse to force, to corporal punishment, to torture. She creates tribunals like those of the Inquisition, she calls the laws of the State to her aid, if necessary she encourages a crusade, or a religious war and all her ‘horror of blood’ practically culminates into urging the secular power to shed it, which proceeding is almost more odious—for it is less frank—than shedding it herself. Especially did she act thus in the sixteenth century with regard to Protestants. Not content to reform morally, to preach by example, to convert people by eloquent and holy missionaries, she lit in Italy, in the Low Countries, and above all in Spain, the funeral piles of the Inquisition. In France under Francis I and Henry II, in England under Mary Tudor, she tortured the heretics, whilst both in France and Germany during the second half of the sixteenth and the first half of the seventeenth century if she did not actually begin, at any rate she encouraged and actively aided, the religious wars.” The Catholic Church, the Renaissance, and Protestantism, 182–184

The Thirty Years’ War, fought from 1618 to 1648, resulted from religious conflict within the Holy Roman Empire, sparked by the Reformation. An estimated 4.5 to 8 million soldiers and civilians died in battle, from famine, or disease. Parts of Germany reported a 50% decline in population, this included approximately 98 percent of the Protestant men in Germany. (wikipedia.org/wiki/Thirty_Years%27_War)

This was common knowledge in America because it was recent history. Today in America, it is not only acknowledged, but justified and defended. “The church has persecuted. Only a tyro [a beginner] in church history will deny that. … One hundred and fifty years after Constantine, the Donatists were persecuted, sometimes put to death. … Protestants were persecuted in France and Spain with the full approval of the church authorities. We have always defended the persecution of the Huguenots, and the Spanish Inquisition. … Wherever and whenever there is honest Catholicity, there will be a clear distinction drawn between truth and error, and Catholicity and all forms of heresy. When she thinks it good to use physical force she will use it. … But will the Catholic Church give bond that she will not persecute at all? Will she guarantee absolute freedom and equality of all churches and all faiths? The Catholic church gives no bonds for her good behavior.” The Western Watchman, December 24, 1908

The Saints

A saint keeps the law of God (Romans 7:12). A wicked person breaks the law of God. Understanding Daniel 7 is fundamental, foundational to understanding the prophecies regarding the judgment and the end of time found in the book of Revelation. More than any other chapter in the Bible, Daniel 7 provides the different descriptions and identifying marks of the little horn, and the distinguishing mark or sign of its power.

The Distinguishing Mark

The Roman Catholic church is not alone in persecuting God’s saints. Other religions have spoken great things about themselves, but the little horn power has a special distinguishing mark that these other religions do not have. We find that mark in Daniel 7:25. We must understand this to have any comprehension about the investigative judgment.

Daniel 7:25, last part, says that this special distinguishing mark that sets the little horn power apart from other religions and powers, that he “shall intend to change times and laws.” What are these times and laws? The context of the prophecy is speaking about the things of the Most High. So, if the little horn power seeks to change times and laws, then it is seeking to change the times and laws of the Most High.

Can any human being, power, or organization in this world change the law of God? No! Why? Because God has said that He does not change, and we know that the law of God is His character. Changing the law would changing Himself, and this He will not do (Psalm 89).

Jesus said, “And it is easier for heaven and earth to pass away than for one tittle of the law to fail.” Luke 16:17. A tittle is part of a letter, it’s actually a part of a part of a letter. Jesus said heaven and earth cold pass away, but not a single part of a letter of the law to fail. I don’t think you could state it in any stronger language. The apostle Paul says concerning Jesus Christ that it was through Him that God made the worlds, and He is the One who upholds everything by the word of His power, and He says that He would destroy it all before He would allow the smallest part of a letter of the law to fail.

The Protestant Reformation gave man access to the Bible. No longer was the Bible written only in Latin, a language the common man could not read, nor was it chained to the wall in Catholic churches. Reformers translated the Bible into many of the European languages, and the printing press was invented, allowing the Bible to be distributed everywhere.

When men began reading the Bible, they asked, “Why are we keeping Sunday?” Believed to be written in 1545 by Melanchthon, Martin Luther’s associate, in very old English, he says, “He changeth the tymes and lawes that any of the size works days commanded of God will make them unholy and idle days when he listeth or of their own holy days abolished make work days again. When they changed ye Saterday into Sondaye they have changed God’s laws and turned them into their own tradicions to be kept above God’s precepts.” Right away people recognized what was happening.

“Question: Have you any other way of proving that the Church has power to institute festivals of precept? Answer: Had she not such power, she could not have done that in which all modern religionists agree with her—she could not have substituted the observance of Sunday the first day of the week, for the observance of Saturday the seventh day, a change for which there is no Scriptural authority.” From A Doctrinal Catechism, 174. The special, distinguishing mark of the little horn power was an intention to change the times (the Sabbath) and the law (the fourth commandment). This is foundational to understanding the subject of the Investigative Judgment.

How Long, Lord? How Long?

God not only told us when and how the little horn power would develop, providing all the descriptions of who and what it would be so that we would recognize it, but for the first time God gave His children a timeline so that they would know how long this power would be given authority to persecute and overcome God’s saints. This period of time is so important that in Daniel and Revelation, it is mentioned seven times. Seven is a perfect number in the Bible. If something is mentioned seven times in the Bible prophecies, we can be sure it is very important that we understand it, the prophecies regarding the three and a half years, the 42 months, and the 1260 days.

Point 1: The year is called a time in scripture (Daniel 11:13, margin). So, a time is one year, a time dual is two years, the dividing of time is half a year giving you three years and a half.

Point 2: According to ancient history, historians and Jews believed that a year was 360 days.

Point 3: In a symbolic time prophecy, a day equals a year (Ezekiel 4:1–6). The prophecies that foretold Christ’s first coming as the Messiah used the day for a year principle. If a person does not believe in this principle, then they should be looking for a messiah to come around 455 B.C. The day for a year principle is foundational to the Christian religion (Daniel 9:25).

By applying the day for a year principle to Daniel 7, we find that the little horn power is granted the power to persecute and harass God’s saints for 1260 years.

When did the 1260 years begin? When the papacy was given its authority by the civil government. This was done when Justinian made a decree in A.D. 532 against anyone who was called a heretic, and in A.D. 533, Justinian made a decree making the bishop of Rome the lord of all the churches (The Apocalypse of St. John, 172).

However, Italy’s population included Arian powers who did not accept the pope as lord over the churches. In fact, they wanted to decide who would be pope. Not surprisingly, the papacy did not like that idea. So, the sword of the empire cleared the way.

For 16 years, these campaigns caused the city of Rome to be under different masters or rulers five times and suffered three severe sieges. In A.D. 538, at the close of the first siege, the imperial army under Belisarius and the almost the entire nation of the Goths under King Witiges gathered to take control of the city of Rome. The Goths were defeated, digging ‘the grave of the Gothic monarchy’ in Italy.* The resistance of A.D. 538 against Witiges was the crucial hour in history. George Finlay, a secular historian writes, “With the conquest of Rome by Belisarius, the history of the ancient city may be considered as terminating; and with his defense against Witiges commences the history of the Middle Ages.”

First by Decree, then by Force

In A.D. 533, the pope was made ruler over all Christendom by decree, but in A.D. 538, he was made the ruler by force. Now move ahead 1260 years to 1793. “On November 26, 1793, the Convention, of which 17 bishops and some clergy were members, decreed the abolition of all religion.” The Age of Revolution, W.H. Hutton, 156

As far as the France were concerned, the papacy was the only religion, so by decree, it declared the abolition of all other religions. France was then an atheistic socialistic power. The decree was effective in 1793, but it was not enforced until 1798.

In 1798, “General Berthier, by orders of the French government, led his forces into Rome and proclaimed a republic. The pope [Pius VI] was dragged into exile, where he died. The whole papal government was dissolved.”

“ ‘The papacy was extinct: not a vestige of its existence remained; and among all the Roman Catholic powers not a finger was stirred in its defense. The Eternal City had no longer prince or pontiff; its bishop was a dying captive in foreign lands; and the decree was already announced that no successor would be allowed in his place.’ ” Canon Trevor.

Let’s Summarize

Most of the world thought the papacy was done. However, Daniel 7 says it would continue until the kingdom was given to the saints. The Bible tells us that it would look like the papacy was dead, but it would be healed.

The Roman Empire was the fourth beast.
Ten kings would arise out of the fourth beast (A.D. 351–476).
Another king would arise after A.D. 476.
This other king would be different from the first ten.
He would speak great words and be stronger than his fellows.
He would speak great words against the Most High.
He would wear out the saints of the Most High.
He would attempt or think to change the times and laws of God’s government.
This would continue for 1260 years.

This supremacy was established by decree in A.D. 533. It was established by force in A.D. 538. It was abolished by decree in 1793. It was abolished by force in 1798. When writing about this, Daniel says that this horn had “eyes like the eyes of a man, and a mouth speaking pompous words. ‘I watched till thrones were put in place, and the Ancient of Days was seated; His garment was white as snow, and the hair of His head was like pure wool. His throne was a fiery flame, its wheels a burning fire; a fiery stream issued and came forth from before Him. A thousand thousands ministered to Him; ten thousand times ten thousand stood before Him. The court was seated, and the books were opened.’ ” Daniel 7:9, 10

Notice, the court, the books, the judgment all have to do with what this little horn has been doing, and what the result of this court session will be.

Jesus Christ will receive a worldwide kingdom that will last forever. “I was watching in the night visions, and behold, One like the Son of Man, coming with the clouds of heaven! He came to the Ancient of Days, and they brought Him near before Him. Then to Him was given dominion and glory and a kingdom, that all peoples, nations, and languages should serve Him. His dominion is an everlasting dominion, which shall not pass away, and His kingdom the one which shall not be destroyed.” Verses 13, 14
“I was watching; and the same horn was making war against the saints, and prevailing against them, until the Ancient of Days came, and a judgment was made in favor of the saints of the Most High, and the time came for the saints to possess the kingdom.” Daniel 7:21, 22 The kingdom first given to Christ is now given to His saints.
“But the court shall be seated, and they shall take away his dominion, to consume and destroy it forever.” Daniel 7:26. God destroys the little horn’s dominion.
“Then the kingdom [when the dominion of the little horn is taken away and destroyed] and dominion, and the greatness of the kingdoms under the whole heaven, shall be given to the people, the saints of the Most High. His kingdom is an everlasting kingdom, and all dominions shall serve and obey Him.” Verse 27. The whole world is given to the saints of the Most High. Where do you want to be when that happens?

The Bible tells us that a saint keeps the commandments. Since the law of God is holy, just, and good (Romans 7:12), the person who keeps the law of God, is made holy and is, therefore, a saint.

Our Father controls the future. When there is a transition of rulers in this world, when the true Christ stands up and begins to rule, when the rule of antichrist is over, may we be found among that number who are called the saints of the Most High.

*Thomas Hodgkins wrote a series of books entitled, Italy and Her Invaders. Excerpts from these books are used here.

Pastor John J. Grosboll is the Director of Steps to Life and pastors the Prairie Meadows Church in Wichita, Kansas. He may be reached by email at historic@stepstolife.org or by telephone at 316-788-5559.

Eating Bugs. The New Trend?

January 28, 2026 by Esteban Salazar

As the world is moving rapidly into the so-called “fourth Industrial Revolution,” one of the topics that quickly pops up into the regular lives of people under this massive and world-changing event is food and the prospect of supplementing one’s diet with bugs.

The very idea of having to eat creepy things, is gaining ground under this “revolution.” And even though “there is nothing new under the sun” (Ecclesiastes 1:9), we can surely be surprised at what many of these ideas are suggesting.

For instance, let’s think of a typical lunch box menu during a usual lunch break: a vegetarian burger or a tasty lentil patty prepared and residing within a whole grain bun with vegan mayo and organic ketchup, plus good veggies to complete the meal, or perhaps a nice baked potato, or a health-conscious homemade fruit smoothie. I bet many of you are drooling by now, but just imagine all these with an extra ingredient—insect-derived by-products. Yes, you read that right.

In many countries, there are food processing plants that manufacture insect-derived flour from the larvae of a particular kind of fly, processed and ground to powder for human consumption. Experts say bugs are a climate-friendly and nutrient-rich alternative to typical animal proteins, but when it comes to Western cultures, the “ick” factor is standing in the way of an insect-inclusive diet.

Eating insects is nothing new. We find that almost every country has in its cultural history the inclusion of bugs for food. Even in the Bible, the Lord allowed the consumption of certain kinds of insects for food.

However, in a new world order, having an insect-based diet as a regular meal is a totally new concept. In spite of this trend, we need to be mindful of the counsel we are given regarding a vegan diet and the possible side effects of including bugs in the food we eat.

Insects Contain Chitin

Chitin (poly-N-acetyl-glucosamine), in general, is a biopolymer, very common in nature. It is mainly produced by fungi, arthropods and nematodes. The list also includes crustaceans, arachnids, algae, and, of course, insects. Insects carry this element not only in their body’s structural frame which supports their exoskeletons and trachea where it may be present in amounts ranging up to 60%, but it is a part of the lining of the epithelium in their digestive system as well. Here, the average chitin content in a number of different species is reported to be 33%.

What Are the Dangers of Chitin?

In general, chitin is not toxic to humans. However, things can change when humans are exposed to a high degree of chitin, particularly when found in food.

For instance, a whiff of chitin inhaled triggers an immune response in the lungs, likely causing a reaction similar to being attacked by fungal spores. In some people, that reaction goes haywire, leading to dangerous inflammation and asthma.

Dietary chitosan may influence calcium metabolism by accelerating its urinary excretion. The reported undesirable effects are a marked decrease in the level of vitamin E in the body’s plasma, reduction in bone mineral content, and growth retardation.

Insects also contain ecdysteroids. These are a type of steroidal hormone present also in certain water animals and some plants. In insects, they control various life-cycle processes. Ecdysterone has a similar chemical structure to testosterone, the male androgen. Due to this action, eating insects or insect derived products may interfere in the long run with human hormone metabolism.

At any rate, there are many things we can continue discussing about changing forms of standardized diets. Yet, for myself, I appreciate more God’s wonderful healthy lifestyle and diet program—found in His word—based on fruits, nuts, seeds, cereals, and vegetables for a healthy and happy life.

Resources: The National Library of Medicine, pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/23955853, 3786550, and 31102246

Esteban Salazar is a preventive medicine and lifestyle coach with more than 25 years of experience. His work has expanded as an international speaker and featured guest in many TV and radio shows around the world. He has a bachelor’s degree in Health Ministries and Nutrition from Hartland College in Virginia and also completed farther studies at the E. I. Institute of Applied Chemistry in Mittlesinn, Germany. He enjoys country living with his wife Maritza in the sierra region of Ecuador, South America. He loves playing the piano, traveling, and vegan cuisine.

Testimony – A Health Retreat

January 28, 2026January 28, 2026 by Martin Bernar

Health retreat anyone? Who wouldn’t love to unwind for three days and dedicate time to his/her physical health—healthy food, exercise classes directed by experts, massages, nature walks, swimming in waterfalls. I was recently invited to such a retreat held in a jungle camp in the tropical part of Mexico; just a short walk from the beach! The attendee limit was 25 people and the cost for each participant was rather steep, but I was invited for free! In exchange, the organizers asked me to oversee the preparation of vegan meals. I was also asked to give a daily 30-minute talk on veganism and healthy lifestyle to the guests. How could I refuse?

The retreat was a secular event. I was to be a part of a four-member team of instructors: two yoga instructors, and a gym trainer, and my task was to share my knowledge of veganism. The organizers knew that I do not consume animal products; hence they declared me an expert in the field. I don’t have any formal education in health sciences, so I decided to share the Adventist health message that has stood the test of time.

As I was contemplating what specifically to share with the group, I decided the first presentation would be on the five blue zones (see map). Blue zones are areas of the world where people live significantly longer and healthier lives. I mentioned that one such blue zone is the town of Loma Linda, California. Why was Loma Linda included on the blue zone list? The reason is simple: Most of its residents are Seventh-day Adventists who live the health message that our church has followed for 150 years.

I delivered the presentation and at the end I asked if anyone had heard of the Seventh-day Adventist Church. Out of the 25 attendees, only one person knew that such a church exists. To say that I was surprised is an understatement. Seriously? Only one person? Not a good testimony for our church.

Yoga Instructor

Shortly after the presentation, one of the yoga instructors approached me and wanted to know more about the Adventist diet. I explained that veganism is not a test of fellowship; however, church members are to abstain from tobacco, alcohol, any illegal drugs, and do not consume animals that are listed in the Bible (Leviticus 11 and Deuteronomy 14) as unfit for human consumption.

This instructor looked at me surprised. He had never heard of such a list of animals in the Bible. So, he pulled out his phone and googled the list. He read everything carefully and then we had about a 15-minute conversation on the subject. I explained that this Biblical dietary guide was given to the ancient Israel as a biological protection. They were not to suffer from the diseases and infections of their neighboring nations. Most Christians today claim that this prohibition was for the Jews only and doesn’t apply to us. Since it was for their biological protection, do non-Jews have a superior digestive tract? I left it as an open question.

This man exclaimed: “Yes, it makes a perfect sense. I’m convinced; I’ll never touch such meats again!” “Wow, that was easy,” I thought to myself. I had never witnessed such a quick conviction. This instructor’s actual profession is a food engineer, perhaps that contributed to his quick understanding.

We made friends and exchanged contact information. A week later I received a message from him. He confided to me that he has lots of overweight family members, suffering from diabetes and myriads of health issues. Just three days prior, his sister prepared a pork dish and got food poisoning. She didn’t learn her lesson, and is still cooking pork, which is quite discouraging to my new friend. He attempted to help her and also enlighten his family, but they were not open to it. It was apparent that he felt a bit down. “What shall I do?” he asked. All I could say was to lead by example and he’s the best light his family can have. Given his family history, his health and fitness are certainly a testimony. Imagine, this man isn’t even a Christian!

Gym Instructor

Unbeknownst to me, another instructor also looked up the Adventist church on the Internet. The next day he said to me: “I can’t believe a church has achieved something like this. Pretty incredible. Do you have access to the Adventist church? Is it open to the public? Can you take me?” After the retreat was over, we visited an Adventist bookstore in the city of Guadalajara. Since he already has all kinds of books on healthy living, I recommended the books Counsels on Diet and Foods and The Ministry of Healing by Ellen G. White to him so that he could learn about the beginnings of the health message. He was thrilled.

Be an Authentic Christian

Our role as Christians is not to convert people. Our role is to plant seeds. Only the Holy Spirit can convert hearts. So, what can we do for hungry souls around us? Two things:

Be authentic. Be firm in your principles and stand up for them. People will notice and will look up to you as you’ve never dreamed before. New opportunities to share your faith will arise without asking for it.

Share love with people. Is someone around you going through a tough time? Offer a hug, a strong shoulder, be a good listener. Has someone around you spiritually fallen? Leave any criticism at home. Instead, offer compassion and point the person to God’s grace.

As I attended the Sabbath School lately, the Sabbath school teacher shared that he has a hard time sharing the gospel with his coworkers. He’s just not ready. I thought, seriously? There is no need to preach anything. Our life is the most powerful sermon we can deliver. If we attend a church and at the same time don’t live a Christian life, then sure, our lives won’t impact anyone. But if we live authentically as Christians, people around us will notice and will ask questions themselves. May the Lord help us to be close to Him daily. Then, we will be witnesses for Christ without trying.

“A noble life is the most powerful sermon in favor of Christianity. If we would live such a life, our consciences must be quickened by continual contact with the word of God. Our souls must be familiar with the heavenly standard, and we must avoid every course that diverges from the right.” The Voice in Speech and Song, 303

Grass – God’s Carpet

January 28, 2026 by Judy Rebarchek

Poaceae is (true grasses) the most economically important plant family because it includes cereals, wheat, rice, oats, barley, millet, and maize used for staple foods and feed for livestock. Some of the species, such as bamboo, thatch, and straw, are used for building materials, and other species are a source for biofuel—for example, maize is converted to ethanol.

Lawns and pastureland are composed of true grasses and 46% of the world’s arable land (land used for crops) is covered by rice, wheat, maize, barley, and sugar cane.

It is estimated that there is 11,000 to 13,000 species of grass (Poaceae). These species include cereal grasses, bamboos, natural grassland, lawns, and pastures.

Grasses can be annual or perennial. During winter’s cold, snow, and ice, grass lays dormant beneath the ground with most species turning brown. The melting ice and snow provides the moisture necessary to bring it back when the warming temperatures of Spring awakens the blades and they begin to grow, breaking through the soil.

By summer, the ground is green with new grass. A soft, lush carpet of Kentucky bluegrass, fescue, buffalograss, zoysia grass, and crabgrass.

How many remember running barefoot through and digging your toes into the soft grass in the summer or the smell that fills the air after mowing the lawn?

I love the texts that use grass as an example of Jesus’ promises in which we can place our full trust. What a loving God who covers the world with His perfect carpet.

“The grass withers, the flower fades, but the word of God stands forever.” Isaiah 40:8

“Thus, Christ interpreted the message which He Himself had given to the lilies and the grass of the field. He desires us to read it in every lily and every spire of grass. His words are full of assurance, and tend to confirm trust in God.

“So wide was Christ’s view of truth, so extended His teaching, that every phase of nature was employed in illustrating truth. The scenes upon which the eye daily rests were all connected with some spiritual truth, so that nature is clothed with the parables of the Master.” Christ’s Object Lessons, 19, 20

“Now if God so clothes the grass of the field, which today is, and tomorrow is thrown into the over, will He not much more clothe you, O you of little faith?” Matthew 6:30

Sources: wikipedia.org/wiki/Grass; wikipedia.org/wiki/Poaceae; americangardener.net/types-of-grasses-for-lawn

The Early Life of George Stephenson

January 28, 2026 by Lynette Golia

George Stephenson, the inventor of the locomotive engine, and the founder of the railway system of traveling, was born in 1781 in England. His parents were poor, honest, industrious people. His birthplace a cottage with a clay floor, bare rafters, and unplastered walls.

George was the second of six children, and his father’s earnings seldom exceeded twelve shillings a week. Little, therefore, was left for clothing, and nothing at all for school. As a child, George’s time was spent in running errands and playing about the cottage.

He often helped to care for the children, his special duty being to see that they were kept out of the way of the coal wagons that passed on the tramroad in front of the cottage. These wagons were drawn on wooden rails by horses. Who can tell to what extent the constant sight of this rude railway may have shaped the great work of George Stephenson’s later life? It is interesting to know that the first experiment of a locomotive steam engine was tried on this very tramroad.

When George was eight years old, he found his first employment. He was appointed to look after the cows belonging to a widow, and for this he received twopence (2.5 cents) a day. He had plenty of leisure, which he spent chiefly in company with a favorite playmate, erecting small mills in the little streams around, and making engines out of clay, with hemlock stalks for steam pipes.

George was soon promoted to hoe turnips and to lead horses in plowing, though he was barely big enough to stride across the furrows. For this work he received fourpence a day.

But his great desire was to be with his father and brother at the coal mine. His wish was granted, and his wages were raised, to sixpence and afterward to eightpence a day. This was his employment for several years.

The growing and thoughtful lad, however, never forgot his clay engines; and his great ambition was to have the management of a real engine. Great, therefore, was his delight when he was taken to be an assistant to his father in firing an engine.

At seventeen years of age, his youthful ambition was gratified by his appointment as engineer at the same coal mine where his father was employed as fireman. Here, at last, he was able to carefully study every part of the machinery and to become a thorough master of the construction of the steam engine, an opportunity he had so ardently longed for.

He was now eighteen years of age, but he had never learned to read. His parents could not afford to send him to school, but they had tried to train him to good habits at home. He had been taught to use every minute wisely, and now he determined to learn to read and write. At the age of nineteen, he was proud to be able to write his own name. Then he began the study of arithmetic, working out his problems upon a slate as he sat by his engine fire.

Industry, sobriety, and thrift were the true secret of George’s success as a young man, and these sterling qualities afterward made him useful, prosperous, and honored. Besides his work as engineer, he became an expert in mending and making shoes. He also became skillful in mending clocks.

A heavy trial awaited him in the early death of his wife, leaving one son, Robert. The next year after this sad event, his father was blinded by an accident and reduced to want. With part of the money he had so carefully saved, George at once paid his father’s debts and placed him and his mother in a comfortable cottage near his own home, where he supported them until their deaths.

A great triumph now awaited him, a fitting reward of his own close attention and perseverance. An engine of defective construction had been erected for the purpose of pumping the water from a neighboring pit. It proved utterly incapable of doing the work for which it had been erected. All the best engineers in the district had tried in vain to remedy its defects. George examined it and expressed his belief that he could make it efficient. He was asked to undertake the task, and very soon the pit was cleared of water.

It would be a pleasant task to follow the growing success of this noble young man step by step—to read of his resolve to give his son the best education he could, of his own unceasing efforts at self-improvement, of his ingenuity, his untiring industry, and his masculine vigor.

Amid difficulties of no ordinary kind, God was gradually preparing George Stephenson for his great and enduring work—the construction of the locomotive engine, and the introduction of the vast railway system—so that in this “time of the end” when “knowledge shall be increased” His truth might be carried to “every nation, and kindred, and tongue, and people.” In the year 1825, this work was accomplished, and passengers and goods were first carried over a railway by a locomotive. This great achievement ranked among the highest of all the wonderful products of the industrial era.