time of trouble

Bible Study Guides – The Time of Trouble, Part IV – The First Four Plagues and Jacob’s Trouble

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July 31, 2005 – August 6, 2005

Memory Verse

“And I heard a great voice out of the temple saying to the seven angels, Go your ways, and pour out the vials of the wrath of God upon the earth.” Revelation 16:1.

Suggested Reading: Revelation 15:5–16:9; Patriarchs and Prophets, 195–203; Prophets and Kings, 605, 606; Early Writings, 279–282.

1 Describe the destructive power that will be exercised when the plagues begin to fall. For Old Testament type, see Exodus 11:4–6; 12:29, 30; 11 Samuel 24:14–16. How many angels carried out this work of destruction?

note: “A single angel destroyed all the first-born of the Egyptians and filled the land with mourning. When David offended against God by numbering the people, one angel caused that terrible destruction by which his sin was punished. The same destructive power exercised by holy angels when God commands, will be exercised by evil angels when He permits. There are forces now ready, and only waiting the divine permission, to spread desolation everywhere.” The Great Controversy, 614.

2 What effect has the final warning had on the wicked who have risen up against it? Revelation 12:17; 13:14–17.

note: “I was pointed down to the time when the third angel’s message was closing. The power of God had rested upon His people; they had accomplished their work and were prepared for the trying hour before them. They had received the latter rain, or refreshing from the presence of the Lord, and the living testimony had been revived. The last great warning had sounded everywhere, and it had stirred up and enraged the inhabitants of the earth who would not receive the message.” Early Writings, 279.

3 With whom is the devil enraged? What accusations and persecution will result? Matthew 24:9; Revelation 12:17; 14:12. For biblical examples of the similar experience of God’s people in the past, see 1 Kings 18:17; Acts 21:28; 24:6.

note: “Those who honor the law of God have been accused of bringing judgments upon the world, and they will be regarded as the cause of the fearful convulsions of nature and the strife and bloodshed among men that are filling the earth with woe. The power attending the last warning has enraged the wicked; their anger is kindled against all who have received the message, and Satan will excite to still greater intensity the spirit of hatred and persecution.” The Great Controversy, 614, 615.

4 What specific judgments are being referred to in this setting? Revelation 16:1–9.

note: “Says the revelator, in describing those terrific scourges: ‘There fell a noisome and grievous sore upon the men which had the mark of the beast, and upon them which worshiped his image.’ The sea ‘became as the blood of a dead man: and every living soul died in the sea.’ And ‘the rivers and fountains of waters . . . became blood.’ [Revelation 16:2–4.] . . .

“In the plague that follows, power is given to the sun ‘to scorch men with fire. And men were scorched with great heat.’ Verses 8, 9. The prophets thus describe the condition of the earth at this fearful time: ‘The land mourneth; . . . because the harvest of the field is perished. . . . All the trees of the field are withered: because joy is withered away from the sons of men.’ [Joel 1:10–12.]” The Great Controversy, 628.

5 What time frame is specified as to when these four plagues will begin to fall? Revelation 19:1, 2; 15:1.

note: “When Christ ceases His intercession in the sanctuary, the unmingled wrath threatened against those who worship the beast and his image and receive his mark (Revelation 14:9, 10), will be poured out.” The Great Controversy, 627.

“An angel returning from the 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.” Ibid., 613.

6 What specific point in time will these four plagues precede? For Old Testament prophecy, see Isaiah 26:20, 21; 51:21–23.

note: “The plagues upon Egypt when God was about to deliver Israel were similar in character to those more terrible and extensive judgments which are to fall upon the world just before the final deliverance of God’s people.” The Great Controversy, 627, 628.

7 What would happen to this world if these four plagues were universal? For Old Testament prophecy, see Joel 1:10–12, 17–20; Amos 8:3.

note: “These plagues are not universal, or the inhabitants of the earth would be wholly cut off. Yet they will be the most awful scourges that have ever been known to mortals.” The Great Controversy, 628, 629.

8 What element is now absent from these four judgments that was present in the judgments that fell before the close of probation? James 2:12, 13.

note: “The pleading blood of Christ has shielded the sinner from receiving the full measure of his guilt; but in the final judgment, wrath is poured out unmixed with mercy.” The Great Controversy, 629.

9 What is God going to do for His people at this time? See Old Testament prophecy, in Isaiah 33:15, 16; 41:17.

note: “The people of God will not be free from suffering; but while persecuted and distressed, while they endure privation and suffer for want of food they will not be left to perish. That God who cared for Elijah will not pass by one of His self-sacrificing children. He who numbers the hairs of their head will care for them, and in time of famine they shall be satisfied.” The Great Controversy, 629.

10 What will the world and the churches not know, and what will they continue when Christ ceases His ministration in the heavenly sanctuary? Revelation 22:11. See also Luke 13:34, 35; Mark 13:32–36.

note: “When God’s presence was finally withdrawn from the Jewish nation, priests and people knew it not. Though under the control of Satan, and swayed by the most horrible and malignant passions, they still regarded themselves as the chosen of God. The ministration in the temple continued; sacrifices were offered upon its polluted altars, and daily the divine blessing was invoked upon a people guilty of the blood of God’s dear Son and seeking to slay His ministers and apostles. So when the irrevocable decision of the sanctuary has been pronounced and the destiny of the world has been forever fixed, the inhabitants of the earth will know it not. The forms of religion will be continued by a people from whom the Spirit of God has been finally withdrawn; and the satanic zeal with which the prince of evil will inspire them for the accomplishment of his malignant designs, will bear the semblance of zeal for God.” The Great Controversy, 615.

11 Because of these fearful judgments and the continuing Sabbath/Sunday controversy, what do the religious and secular authorities decide needs to be done with those who refuse to comply with the Sunday law? For New Testament type, see John 11:47–50; Revelation 13:15–17.

note: “As the Sabbath has become the special point of controversy throughout Christendom, and religious and secular authorities have combined to enforce the observance of the Sunday, the persistent refusal of a small minority to yield to the popular demand will make them objects of universal execration. It will be urged that the few who stand in opposition to an institution of the church and a law of the state ought not to be tolerated; that it is better for them to suffer than for whole nations to be thrown into confusion and lawlessness. The same argument eighteen hundred years ago was brought against Christ by the ‘rulers of the people.’ ‘It is expedient for us,’ said the wily Caiaphas, ‘that one man should die for the people, and that the whole nation perish not.’ John 11:50. This argument will appear conclusive; and a decree will finally be issued against those who hallow the Sabbath of the fourth commandment, denouncing them as deserving of the severest punishment and giving the people liberty, after a certain time, to put them to death. Romanism in the Old World and apostate Protestantism in the New will pursue a similar course toward those who honor all the divine precepts.” The Great Controversy, 615, 616.

12 What condition does the death decree bring on God’s people? Jeremiah 30:5–7; Genesis 32:24–30.

note: “The people of God will then be plunged into those scenes of affliction and distress described by the prophet as the time of Jacob’s trouble. ‘Thus saith the Lord: We have heard a voice of trembling, of fear, and not of peace. . . . All faces are turned into paleness. Alas! for that day is great, so that none is like it: it is even the time of Jacob’s trouble . . . .’ Jeremiah 30:5–7.” The Great Controversy, 616.

13 What should the people of God do to prepare for the “time of Jacob’s trouble”? Romans 13:1–14.

note: “Yet he [Jacob] leaves nothing undone on his own part to atone for the wrong to his brother and to avert the threatened danger. So should the followers of Christ, as they approach the time of trouble, make every exertion to place themselves in a proper light before the people, to disarm prejudice, and to avert the danger which threatens liberty of conscience.” The Great Controversy, 616.

14 During the “time of Jacob’s trouble,” who will try the people of God to the uttermost? What will be severely tested? For Old Testament type, see Zechariah 3:1. See also 1 Peter 1:7; 5:8; Revelation 12:12.

note: “As Satan accuses the people of God on account of their sins, the Lord permits him to try them to the uttermost. Their confidence in God, their faith and firmness, will be severely tested. As they review the past, their hopes sink; for in their whole lives they can see little good. They are fully conscious of their weakness and unworthiness. Satan endeavors to terrify them with the thought that their cases are hopeless, that the stain of their defilement will never be washed away. He hopes so to destroy their faith that they will yield to his temptations and turn from their allegiance to God.” The Great Controversy, 618, 619.

15 What will happen to anyone who has an unconfessed sin on his or her record in the “time of Jacob’s trouble”? For biblical type, see Hebrews 12:16, 17. See also Revelation 22:11, 12; 1 Timothy 5:24, 25.

note: “Had not Jacob previously repented of his sin in obtaining the birthright by fraud, God would not have heard his prayer and mercifully preserved his life. So, in the time of trouble, if the people of God had unconfessed sins to appear before them while tortured with fear and anguish, they would be overwhelmed; despair would cut off their faith, and they could not have confidence to plead with God for deliverance.” The Great Controversy, 620.

16 What will be required of God’s people in the “time of Jacob’s trouble”? When is the preparation for this to be done? Revelation 2:10; 11 Corinthians 6:2.

note: “The season of distress and anguish before us will require a faith that can endure weariness, delay, and hunger—a faith that will not faint though severely tried. The period of probation is granted to all to prepare for that time. Jacob prevailed because he was persevering and determined.” The Great Controversy, 621.

17 Who will succeed as did Jacob? Ephesians 6:10–13, 18.

note: “His victory is an evidence of the power of importunate prayer. All who will lay hold of God’s promises, as he did, and be as earnest and persevering as he was, will succeed as he succeeded. Those who are unwilling to deny self, to agonize before God, to pray long and earnestly for His blessing, will not obtain it. Wrestling with God—how few know what it is! How few have ever had their souls drawn out after God with intensity of desire until every power is on the stretch.” The Great Controversy, 621.

Bible Study Guides – The Time of Trouble, Part 11 – The Two Kingdoms

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July 17, 2005 – July 23, 2005

Memory Verse

“Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need.” Hebrews 4:16. “When the Son of man shall come in his glory, and all the holy angels with him, then shall he sit upon the throne of his glory.” Matthew 25:31.

Suggested Reading: The Great Controversy, 343–348; Patriarchs and Prophets, 33, 34, 63–65.

Introduction

The next two lessons will cover just one sentence from The Great Controversy, 614. It reads: “The number of His subjects is made up; ‘the kingdom and dominion, and the greatness of the kingdom under the whole heaven,’ [Daniel 7:27] is about to be given to the heirs of salvation, and Jesus is to reign as King of kings and Lord of lords. [Revelation 19:16.]” In this lesson, we will consider two kingdoms referred to in God’s Word, the time period for each, their purposes, and their relationship to each other. The subject of the next lesson will be the restoration of the kingdom of glory.

The importance of understanding the relationship of these two kingdoms and what they represent is revealed in the following quotation. “In order to endure the trial before them, they must understand the will of God as revealed in His word; they can honor Him only as they have a right conception of His character, government, and purposes, and act in accordance with them.” The Great Controversy, 593.

1 In Scripture, the expression “kingdom of God” is employed to designate two kingdoms. What are they? Luke 13:18–20, 29; Matthew 25:31; Hebrews 4:16.

note: “As used in the Bible, the expression ‘kingdom of God’ is employed to designate both the kingdom of grace and the kingdom of glory. The kingdom of grace is brought to view by Paul in the Epistle to the Hebrews. After pointing to Christ, the compassionate intercessor who is ‘touched with the feeling of our infirmities,’ the apostle says: ‘Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace.’ Hebrews 4:15, 16. The throne of grace represents the kingdom of grace; for the existence of a throne implies the existence of a kingdom.” The Great Controversy, 347. [Emphasis in original.]

2 In His parables, Christ often spoke of another kingdom—“the kingdom of heaven.” What is the meaning of this expression? Matthew 11:12; 13:31–33.

note: “In many of His parables Christ uses the expression ‘the kingdom of heaven’ to designate the work of divine grace upon the hearts of men.” The Great Controversy, 347.

3 When did the kingdom of glory begin? John 17:5; Psalms 10:16; 11:4; 47:8; 89:14; Isaiah 6:1–3.

note: “That the Maker of all worlds, the Arbiter of all destinies, should lay aside His glory and humiliate Himself from love to man will ever excite the wonder and adoration of the universe. As the nations of the saved look upon their Redeemer and behold the eternal glory of the Father shining in His countenance; as they behold His throne, which is from everlasting to everlasting, and know that His kingdom is to have no end, they break forth in rapturous song . . . .” The Great Controversy, 651.

4 What interrupted the peace and harmony of the kingdom of glory? Ezekiel 28:15, 16; Revelation 12:7–9, first part; Genesis 3:6, 7.

note: “The spirit of discontent and disaffection had never before been known in heaven. It was a new element, strange, mysterious, unaccountable.” Patriarchs and Prophets, 39.

“No longer free to stir up rebellion in heaven, Satan’s enmity against God found a new field in plotting the ruin of the human race. In the happiness and peace of the holy pair in Eden he beheld a vision of the bliss that to him was forever lost.” Ibid., 52.

“After his transgression Adam at first imagined himself entering upon a higher state of existence. But soon the thought of his sin filled him with terror. . . . The love and peace which had been theirs was gone, and in its place they felt a sense of sin, a dread of the future, a nakedness of soul.” Ibid., 57.

5 List four things that reveal the price heaven paid to fight the war or rebellion (sin) against the Law of God. John 3:16; Revelation 12:4.

note: “God permitted Satan to carry forward his work until the spirit of disaffection ripened into active revolt. . . . God’s government included not only the inhabitants of heaven, but of all the worlds that He had created; and Lucifer had concluded that if he could carry the angels of heaven with him in rebellion, he could carry also all the worlds.” Patriarchs and Prophets, 41.

“As the anointed cherub, Lucifer had been highly exalted; he was greatly loved by the heavenly beings, and his influence over them was strong. Many of them listened to his suggestions and believed his words. ‘And there was war in heaven; Michael and His angels fought against the dragon; and the dragon fought, and his angels, and prevailed not; neither was their place found any more in heaven.’ ” Manuscript Releases, vol. 4, 85.

“Satan in his rebellion took a third part of the angels. They turned from the Father and from His Son, and united with the instigator of rebellion.” Testimonies, vol. 3, 115.

“In stooping to take upon Himself humanity, Christ revealed a character the opposite of the character of Satan. But He stepped still lower in the path of humiliation. ‘Being found in fashion as a man, He humbled Himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross.’ Philippians 2:8. As the high priest laid aside his gorgeous pontifical robes, and officiated in the white linen dress of the common priest, so Christ took the form of a servant, and offered sacrifice, Himself the priest, Himself the victim. ‘He was wounded for our transgressions, He was bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon Him.’ Isaiah 53:5.” The Desire of Ages, 25.

“The plan by which alone man’s salvation could be secured, involved all heaven in its infinite sacrifice. The angels could not rejoice as Christ opened before them the plan of redemption, for they saw that man’s salvation must cost their loved Commander unutterable woe.” Patriarchs and Prophets, 64.

“Before the Father He [Christ] pleaded in the sinner’s behalf, . . . yet it was a struggle, even with the King of the universe, to yield up His Son to die for the guilty race.” Ibid., 63.

6 When was the kingdom of grace instituted? Genesis 3:15; 4:3, 4. See Patriarchs and Prophets, 71.

note: “The kingdom of grace was instituted immediately after the fall of man, when a plan was devised for the redemption of the guilty race. It then existed in the purpose and by the promise of God; and through faith, men could become its subjects.” The Great Controversy, 347.

“Christ would take upon Himself the guilt and shame of sin—sin so offensive to a holy God that it must separate the Father and His Son. Christ would reach to the depths of misery to rescue the ruined race.

“Before the Father He pleaded in the sinner’s behalf, while the host of heaven awaited the result with an intensity of interest that words cannot express. Long continued was that mysterious communing—‘the counsel of peace’ (Zechariah 6:13) for the fallen sons of men. The plan of salvation had been laid before the creation of the earth; for Christ is ‘the Lamb slain from the foundation of the world’ (Revelation 13:8); yet it was a struggle, even with the King of the universe, to yield up His Son to die for the guilty race. But ‘God so loved the world, that He gave His only-begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life.’ John 3:16.” Patriarchs and Prophets, 63.

7 When was the kingdom of grace established (ratified)? Matthew 27:50, 51; John 19:30.

note: “Yet it [the kingdom of grace] was not actually established until the death of Christ. Even after entering upon His earthly mission, the Saviour, wearied with the stubbornness and ingratitude of men, might have drawn back from the sacrifice of Calvary. In Gethsemane the cup of woe trembled in His hand. He might even then have wiped the blood-sweat from His brow and have left the guilty race to perish in their iniquity. Had He done this, there could have been no redemption for fallen men. But when the Saviour yielded up His life, and with His expiring breath cried out, ‘It is finished,’ then the fulfillment of the plan of redemption was assured. The promise of salvation made to the sinful pair in Eden was ratified. The kingdom of grace, which had before existed by the promise of God, was then established.” The Great Controversy, 347, 348.

8 How long will the kingdom of grace be in existence? Revelation 22:11.

note: “When He leaves the sanctuary, darkness covers the inhabitants of the earth. . . . The restraint which has been upon the wicked is removed, and Satan has entire control of the finally impenitent. God’s long-suffering has ended. The world has rejected His mercy, despised His love, and trampled upon His law. The wicked have passed the boundary of their probation; the Spirit of God, persistently resisted, has been at last withdrawn. Unsheltered by divine grace, they have no protection from the wicked one.” The Great Controversy, 614.

9 When will the kingdom of glory be reinstated? Matthew 25:31, 32.

note: “He ‘shall sit and rule upon His throne; and He shall be a priest upon His throne.’ Not now ‘upon the throne of His glory;’ the kingdom of glory has not yet been ushered in. Not until His work as a mediator shall be ended will God ‘give unto Him the throne of His father David,’ a kingdom of which ‘there shall be no end.’ Luke 1:32, 33.” The Great Controversy, 416.

“So the throne of glory represents the kingdom of glory; and this kingdom is referred to in the Saviour’s words: ‘When the Son of man shall come in His glory, and all the holy angels with Him, then shall He sit upon the throne of His glory: and before Him shall be gathered all nations.’ Matthew 25:31, 32. This kingdom is yet future. It is not to be set up until the second advent of Christ.” Ibid., 347.

 

Bible Study Guides – The Time of Trouble, Part 1

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July 10, 2005 – July 16, 2005

Memory Verse

“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. And, behold, I come quickly; and my reward [is] with me, to give every man according as his work shall be.” Revelation 22:11, 12.

Suggested Reading: Revelation 15:1–8; The Great Controversy, 613, 614; 490, 491.

Introduction

The Bible has provided, through centuries, a brief outline of the last day events for the people of God. But in the second advent movement, the Lord, through the Spirit of Prophecy, has given His people a very detailed account of the closing scenes. Because these lessons are focusing very strongly on these closing events as presented to us in the Spirit of Prophecy, there may not be a Scripture reference for every question.

1 When Michael stands up, there will be the worst time of trouble that has ever happened in the history of the world. When does this time of trouble begin? Daniel 12:1; Matthew 24:21.

note: “ ‘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.’ . . .

“ ‘The commencement of that time of trouble,’ here mentioned does not refer to the time when the plagues shall begin to be poured out, but to a short period just before they are poured out, while Christ is in the sanctuary.” Early Writings, 85.

2 From the reference below, list three other events that are associated with the beginning of the time of trouble. For Old Testament type, see Deuteronomy 11:14; Jeremiah 5:24; Hosea 6:3; Joel 2:23; Zechariah 10:1. See also Acts 3:19; James 5:7; Revelation 18:1, 2.

note: “At that time, while the work of salvation is closing, trouble will be coming on the earth, and the nations will be angry, yet held in check so as not to prevent the work of the third angel. At that time the ‘latter rain,’ or refreshing from the presence of the Lord, will come, to give power to the loud voice of the third angel, and prepare the saints to stand in the period when the seven last plagues shall be poured out.” Early Writings, 85, 86.

3 What does Daniel say will end the time of trouble? Daniel 12:1.

4 When are God’s people delivered as mentioned in Daniel 12:1? Isaiah 26:20, 21.

note: “When the protection of human laws shall be withdrawn from those who honor the law of God, there will be, in different lands, a simultaneous movement for their destruction. As the time appointed in the decree draws near, the people will conspire to root out the hated sect. It will be determined to strike in one night a decisive blow, which shall utterly silence the voice of dissent and reproof.” The Great Controversy, 635.

“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 . . . . The wicked looked upon the scene with amazement, while the saints beheld with solemn joy the tokens of their deliverance.” Early Writings, 285.

5 What is the portion of the time of trouble called that follows the time when Michael stands up? Jeremiah 30:7.

note: “This argument will appear conclusive; and a decree will finally be issued against those who hallow the Sabbath of the fourth commandment, denouncing them as deserving of the severest punishment and giving the people liberty, after a certain time, to put them to death. . . .

“The people of God will then be plunged into those scenes of affliction and distress described by the prophet as the time of Jacob’s trouble.” The Great Controversy, 615, 616.

6 Identify 14 items in the paragraph below that are connected with the close of probation. (Revelation 22:11, 12.)

note: “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 the 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 Great Controversy, 613, 614.

7 Find 12 more items in the following quotation that occur when Jesus leaves the sanctuary at the close of probation. (Daniel 12:1; Jeremiah 30:7.)

note: “When He leaves the sanctuary, darkness covers the inhabitants of the earth. In that fearful time the righteous must live in the sight of a holy God without an intercessor. The restraint which has been upon the wicked is removed, and Satan has entire control of the finally impenitent. God’s long-suffering has ended. The world has rejected His mercy, despised His love, and trampled upon His law. The wicked have passed the boundary of their probation; the Spirit of God, persistently resisted, has been at last withdrawn. Unsheltered by divine grace, they have no protection from the wicked one. Satan will then plunge the inhabitants of the earth into one great, final trouble. As the angels of God cease to hold in check the fierce winds of human passion, all the elements of strife will be let loose. The whole world will be involved in ruin more terrible than that which came upon Jerusalem of old.” The Great Controversy, 614.

8 What forces are now ready and waiting for God’s permission to spread desolation everywhere? For Old Testament type, see Job 1:6–12; 2:1–7.

note: “A single angel destroyed all the first-born of the Egyptians and filled the land with mourning. When David offended against God by numbering the people, one angel caused that terrible destruction by which his sin was punished. The same destructive power exercised by holy angels when God commands, will be exercised by evil angels when He permits. There are forces now ready, and only waiting the divine permission, to spread desolation everywhere.” The Great Controversy, 614.

Bible Study Guides – The Final Warning, Part 111

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July 3, 2005 – July 9, 2005

Memory Verse

“Though Noah, Daniel, and Job, [were] in it, [as] I live, saith the Lord God, they shall deliver neither son nor daughter; they shall [but] deliver their own souls by their righteousness.” Ezekiel 14:20.

Suggested Reading: The Great Controversy, 622–625, 479–490.

Introduction

In this lesson, we will study pages 622 to 625 of The Great Controversy. Although these pages are found in the chapter entitled “The Time of Trouble,” which explains the events associated with the close of probation and following, these few pages are also about events and issues that occur before probation closes.

exercise: See how many words or phrases you can find in these pages that refer to events or issues before the close of probation. There are at least 18.

1 What test is referred to in the following statement? Exodus 20:8–11; Revelation 14:9–12. See The Great Controversy, 602, 605, 608, 613.

note: “Those who exercise but little faith now, are in the greatest danger of falling under the power of satanic delusions and the decree to compel the conscience. And even if they endure the test they will be plunged into deeper distress and anguish in the time of trouble, because they have never made it a habit to trust in God. The lessons of faith which they have neglected they will be forced to learn under a terrible pressure of discouragement.” The Great Controversy, 622.

2 What are the people of God to do at the present time, and what are they not to do? For biblical counsel, see Job 22:21; Ephesians 6:18; Philippians 4:6; 1 John 2:15–17.

note: “We should now acquaint ourselves with God by proving His promises. Angels record every prayer that is earnest and sincere. We should rather dispense with selfish gratifications than neglect communion with God. The deepest poverty, the greatest self-denial, with His approval, is better than riches, honors, ease, and friendship without it. We must take time to pray. If we allow our minds to be absorbed by worldly interests, the Lord may give us time by removing from us our idols of gold, of houses, or of fertile lands.

“The young would not be seduced into sin if they would refuse to enter any path save that upon which they could ask God’s blessing. If the messengers who bear the last solemn warning to the world would pray for the blessing of God, not in a cold, listless, lazy manner, but fervently and in faith, as did Jacob, they would find many places where they could say: ‘I have seen God face to face, and my life is preserved.’ Genesis 32:30.” The Great Controversy, 622.

3 What period of time is still before us? What will each one have to do during that time? Daniel 12:1; Ezekiel 14:14, 20.

note: “The ‘time of trouble, such as never was’ [Daniel 12:1], is soon to open upon us; and we shall need an experience which we do not now possess and which many are too indolent to obtain. It is often the case that trouble is greater in anticipation than in reality; but this is not true of the crisis before us. The most vivid presentation cannot reach the magnitude of the ordeal. In that time of trial, every soul must stand for himself before God.” The Great Controversy, 622.

4 While Christ is still making atonement for us in the heavenly sanctuary, what are God’s people to do? Colossians 1:28.

note: “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 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.” The Great Controversy, 623.

5 What are the people of God to do in their lives while the sanctuary is still open? For New Testament teaching, see Hebrews 4:14–16.

note: “It is in this life that we are to separate sin from us, through faith in the atoning blood of Christ. Our precious Saviour invites us to join ourselves to Him, to unite our weakness to His strength, our ignorance to His wisdom, our unworthiness to His merits. God’s providence is the school in which we are to learn the meekness and lowliness of Jesus. . . . It rests with us to co-operate with the agencies which Heaven employs in the work of conforming our characters to the divine model. None can neglect or defer this work but at the most fearful peril to their souls.” The Great Controversy, 623.

6 What will reach its culmination in the time of trouble? Revelation 12:12.

note: “The apostle John in vision heard a loud voice in heaven exclaiming: ‘Woe to the inhabiters of the earth and of the sea! for the devil is come down unto you, having great wrath, because he knoweth that he hath but a short time.’ Revelation 12:12. Fearful are the scenes which call forth this exclamation from the heavenly voice. The wrath of Satan increases as his time grows short, and his work of deceit and destruction will reach its culmination in the time of trouble.” The Great Controversy, 623.

7 Who will go forth to the kings of the earth, and what two things will they do? Revelation 16:13, 14, 16.

note: “The spirits of devils will go forth to the kings of the earth and to the whole world, to fasten them in deception, and urge them on to unite with Satan in his last struggle against the government of heaven. By these agencies, rulers and subjects will be alike deceived. Persons will arise pretending to be Christ Himself, and claiming the title and worship which belong to the world’s Redeemer. They will perform wonderful miracles of healing and will profess to have revelations from heaven contradicting the testimony of the Scriptures.” The Great Controversy, 624.

8 What will be the crowning act in Satan’s drama of deception? 11 Corinthians 11:14.

note: “In the last days he will appear in such a manner as to make men believe him to be Christ come the second time into the world. He will indeed transform himself into an angel of light. But while he will bear the appearance of Christ in every particular, so far as mere appearance goes, it will deceive none but those who, like Pharaoh, are seeking to resist the truth.” Testimonies, vol. 5, 698.

“As the crowning act in the great drama of deception, Satan himself will personate Christ. . . . Now the great deceiver will make it appear that Christ has come. In different parts of the earth, Satan will manifest himself among men as a majestic being of dazzling brightness, resembling the description of the Son of God given by John in the Revelation. Revelation 1:13–15.” The Great Controversy, 624.

9 Describe the strong, almost overmastering delusion that takes place under the crowning act of Satan. Matthew 24:24; Mark 13:22.

note: “The glory that surrounds him is unsurpassed by anything that mortal eyes have yet beheld. The shout of triumph rings out upon the air: ‘Christ has come! Christ has come!’ The people prostrate themselves in adoration before him, while he lifts up his hands and pronounces a blessing upon them, as Christ blessed His disciples when He was upon the earth. His voice is soft and subdued, yet full of melody. In gentle, compassionate tones he presents some of the same gracious, heavenly truths which the Saviour uttered; he heals the diseases of the people, and then, in his assumed character of Christ, he claims to have changed the Sabbath to Sunday, and commands all to hallow the day which he has blessed. He declares that those who persist in keeping holy the seventh day are blaspheming his name by refusing to listen to his angels sent to them with light and truth. This is the strong, almost overmastering delusion.” The Great Controversy, 624.

10 Why will the true people of God not be misled by the appearance of Satan as Christ? Revelation 12:17; 14:12; 19:10.

note: “But the people of God will not be misled. The teachings of this false christ are not in accordance with the Scriptures. His blessing is pronounced upon the worshipers of the beast and his image, the very class upon whom the Bible declares that God’s unmingled wrath shall be poured out.” The Great Controversy, 625.

11 What Scriptural instruction is given that all may be able to discern between the appearance of Satan as Christ and the true coming of Jesus? Matthew 24:26, 27, 31; 25:31; Revelation 1:7; 1 Thessalonians 4:16, 17; Revelation 19:11–16.

note: “And, furthermore, Satan is not permitted to counterfeit the manner of Christ’s advent. The Saviour has warned His people against deception upon this point, and has clearly foretold the manner of His second coming. ‘There shall arise false christs, and false prophets, and shall show great signs and wonders; insomuch that, if it were possible, they shall deceive the very elect. . . . Wherefore if they shall say unto you, Behold, He is in the desert; go not forth: behold, He is in the secret chambers; believe it not. For as the lightning cometh out of the east, and shineth even unto the west; so shall also the coming of the Son of man be.’ Matthew 24:24–27, 31; 25:31; Revelation 1:7; 1 Thessalonians 4:16, 17. This coming there is no possibility of counterfeiting. It will be universally known—witnessed by the whole world.” The Great Controversy, 625.

12 Who only will be shielded from this powerful delusion that takes the world captive? See New Testament instruction in Ephesians 1:13; 4:15, 16; 11 Timothy 3:16, 17.

note: “Only those who have been diligent students of the Scriptures and who have received the love of the truth will be shielded from the powerful delusion that takes the world captive. By the Bible testimony these will detect the deceiver in his disguise. To all the testing time will come. By the sifting of temptation the genuine Christian will be revealed.” The Great Controversy, 625.

Behold, I Come Quickly! — The Wisdom of God’s Timing

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September 9 – 15, 2018

Key Text

“The Lord is not slack concerning His promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance” (2 Peter 3:9).

Study Help

Selected Messages, Book 1, 185–192; Early Writings, 56–58, 69–73, 111–114.

Introduction

“It is true that time has continued longer than we expected in the early days of this message. Our Saviour did not appear as soon as we hoped. But has the Word of the Lord failed? Never! It should be remembered that the promises and the threatenings of God are alike conditional.” Evangelism, 695.

Sunday

GOD’S COMPASSION

  • Explain God’s goal for every human He has created. 1 Timothy 2:3–6.

 Note: “God is long-suffering, not willing that any should perish; but His forbearance has a limit, and when the boundary is passed, there is no second probation. His wrath will go forth and He will destroy without remedy.” The Youth’s Instructor, March 28, 1905.

  • Why couldn’t the Lord permit the people of Israel to take direct possession of the promised land? Hebrews 3:7–11.

Note: “God did not design that His people, Israel, should wander forty years in the wilderness. He promised to lead them directly to the land of Canaan, and establish them there a holy, healthy, happy people. But those to whom it was first preached, went not in ‘because of unbelief’ (Hebrews 3:19).” Evangelism, 696.

Monday

REASONS FOR THE APPARENT DELAY

  • As believers, what danger do we face today? Hebrews 3:12, 13.

Note: “For forty years did unbelief, murmuring, and rebellion shut out ancient Israel from the land of Canaan. The same sins have delayed the entrance of modern Israel into the heavenly Canaan. In neither case were the promises of God at fault. It is the unbelief, the worldliness, unconsecration, and strife among the Lord’s professed people that have kept us in this world of sin and sorrow so many years.” Evangelism, 696.

  • Why does it seem that the Lord is delaying His coming? 2 Peter 3:9.

Note: “The long night of gloom is trying, but the morning is deferred in mercy, because if the Master should come, so many would be found unready. God’s unwillingness to have His people perish, has been the reason of so long delay.” Evangelism, 694.

“In mercy to the world, Jesus delays His coming, that sinners may have an opportunity to hear the warning and find in Him a shelter before the wrath of God shall be poured out.” The Great Controversy, 458.

  • Who is in a position to relieve much of the spiritual gloom that envelops our planet? 2 Peter 3:11, 12; 1 Corinthians 15:34.

Note: “The Lord in compassion is seeking to enlighten the understanding of those who are now groping in the darkness of error. He is delaying His judgments upon an impenitent world, in order that His light-bearers may seek and save that which is lost.” The Review and Herald, March 31, 1910.

  • How can we hasten Jesus’ coming? 2 Corinthians 5:20; Matthew 24:14.

Note: “By giving the gospel to the world it is in our power to hasten our Lord’s return. We are not only to look for but to hasten the coming of the day of God.” The Desire of Ages, 633.

Tuesday

EXTRA POWER TO SPEED THINGS ALONG

  • How will the sharing of the gospel reach its climax in the last days? Zechariah 10:1; Joel 2:23.

Note: “The great work of the gospel is not to close with less manifestation of the power of God than marked its opening. 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.” The Great Controversy, 611, 612.

  • What is needed to be entrusted with the latter rain—the outpouring of God’s Spirit without measure? Joel 2:17, 18; Acts 3:19, 20.

Note: “I saw that none could share the ‘refreshing’ unless they obtain the victory over every besetment, over pride, selfishness, love of the world, and over every wrong word and action. We should, therefore, be drawing nearer and nearer to the Lord and be earnestly seeking that preparation necessary to enable us to stand in the battle in the day of the Lord. Let all remember that God is holy and that none but holy beings can ever dwell in His presence.” Early Writings, 71.

“The heart must be emptied of every defilement and cleansed for the indwelling of the Spirit. It was by the confession and forsaking of sin, by earnest prayer and consecration of themselves to God, that the early disciples prepared for the outpouring of the Holy Spirit on the Day of Pentecost. The same work, only in greater degree, must be done now.” Testimonies to Ministers and Gospel Workers, 507.

“For the baptism of the Spirit every worker should be pleading with God. Companies should be gathered together to ask for special help, for heavenly wisdom, that they may know how to plan and execute wisely. Especially should men pray that God will baptize His missionaries with the Holy Spirit.

“The presence of the Spirit with God’s workers will give the presentation of the truth a power that not all the honor or glory of the world could give. The Spirit furnishes the strength that sustains striving, wrestling souls in every emergency, amidst the unfriendliness of relatives, the hatred of the world, and the realization of their own imperfections and mistakes.” Testimonies, vol. 8, 22.

Wednesday

THE OMNISCIENT KNOWS BEST

  • Even as we advance in the knowledge of God, what information does He still reserve the right to withhold from us, and why? Acts 1:6, 7.

Note: “God has not revealed to us the time when this message will close, or when probation will have an end. … Let us not seek to know that which has been kept secret in the councils of the Almighty.” Selected Messages, Book 1, 191.

“There will never again be a message for the people of God that will be based on time. We are not to know the definite time either for the outpouring of the Holy Spirit or for the coming of Christ. …

“ ‘The Lord showed me that the message must go, and that it must not be hung on time; for time will never be a test again. I saw that some were getting a false excitement, arising from preaching time, that the third angel’s message can stand on its own foundation, and that it needs not time to strengthen it, and that it will go with mighty power, and do its work, and will be cut short in righteousness.’ ” Ibid., 188.

  • Why should we be satisfied with God’s wisdom in this matter? Deuteronomy 29:29.

Note: “The preaching of a definite time for the judgment, in the giving of the first message, was ordered by God. The computation of the prophetic periods on which that message was based, placing the close of the 2300 days in the autumn of 1844, stands without impeachment. The repeated efforts to find new dates for the beginning and close of the prophetic periods, and the unsound reasoning necessary to sustain these positions, not only lead minds away from the present truth, but throw contempt upon all efforts to explain the prophecies. The more frequently a definite time is set for the second advent, and the more widely it is taught, the better it suits the purposes of Satan. After the time has passed, he excites ridicule and contempt of its advocates, and thus casts reproach upon the great advent movement of 1843 and 1844. Those who persist in this error will at last fix upon a date too far in the future for the coming of Christ. Thus they will be led to rest in a false security, and many will not be undeceived until it is too late.” The Great Controversy, 457.

Thursday

THE IMPENDING PROCLAMATION

  • What declaration is soon to be pronounced from Heaven, and why is this of such solemn importance to every mortal? Revelation 22:11.

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.

“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 that all must have to fit them to live in the sight of a holy God. Those who refuse to be hewed by the prophets and fail to purify their souls in obeying the whole truth, and who are willing to believe that their condition is far better than it really is, will come up to the time of the falling of the plagues, and then see that they needed to be hewed and squared for the building. But there will be no time then to do it and no Mediator to plead their cause before the Father. … [Revelation 22:11 quoted.]” Early Writings, 71.

“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 efforts, they must be conquerors in the battle with evil.” The Review and Herald, January 17, 1907.

Friday

PERSONAL REVIEW QUESTIONS

1     What should we learn from the delay in Israel’s entrance into Canaan?

2    Who is the chief culprit in delaying today’s entrance into heavenly Canaan?

3    How is the latter rain related to this event, and what enables it to come?

4    Explain the main purpose of the latter rain and the timing of it.

5    What do I need for God to be able to trust me with this refreshing?

The Little Time of Trouble

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For thus saith the Lord; We have heard a voice of trembling, of fear, and not of peace. Ask ye now, and see whether a man doth travail with child? Wherefore do I see every man with his hands on his loins, as a woman in travail and all faces are turned into paleness? Alas, for that day is great, so that none is like it: it is even the time of Jacob’s trouble; but he shall be saved out of it.” Jeremiah 30:5–7.

God has not left us to wonder about the meaning of this Scripture, for the Spirit of Prophecy opens up the magnitude of this crisis. “The ‘time of trouble such as never was,’ is soon to open upon us; and we shall need an experience which we do not now possess and which many are too indolent to obtain. It is often the case that trouble is greater in anticipation than in reality; but this is not true of the crisis before us. The most vivid presentation cannot reach the magnitude of the ordeal.” The Great Controversy, 622.

The little time of trouble occurs prior to the close of probation and will be experienced by all the living saints. When they receive the latter rain, they give the loud cry with divine power, warning all the inhabitants of the earth that they must make a final decision for or against God. Then probation will close and immediately the great time of trouble will commence. “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.” Early Writings, 33.

There is no question. When the little time of trouble begins, the latter rain falls, the saints are sealed and the loud cry is given. This is made positively clear in the following quotation. “‘The commencement of that time of trouble,’ here mentioned, [on page 33] does not refer to the time when the plagues shall begin to be poured out, but to a short period just before they are poured out, while Christ is in the sanctuary. At that time, while the work of salvation is closing, trouble will be coming on the earth, and the nations will be angry, yet held in check so as not to prevent the work of the third angel.” Early Writings, 85.

When the national Sunday law is adopted by the United States of America, the papal power will be so in control of the New World Order that it will force all nations to immediately follow the Sunday law in America, making it a universal law. It will be accepted by all nations and falsely believed to be the beginning of the great millenium of peace that will lead the entire world to be converted to God.

“Papists, Protestants, and the worldlings will alike accept the form of godliness without the power, and they will see in this union a great movement for the conversion of the world and the ushering in of the long-expected millenium.” The Great Controversy, 588.

We know what the true results will be. “When the reasoning of philosophy has banished the fears of God’s judgments; when religious teachers are pointing forward to long ages of peace and prosperity, and the world are absorbed in their rounds of business and pleasure, planting and building, feasting and merrymaking, rejecting God’s warnings and mocking His messengers —then it is that sudden destruction cometh upon them, and they shall not escape. 1 Thessalonians 5:3.” Patriarchs and Prophets, 104.

The people of the world believe that the New World Order program will bring a millenium of peace in which everyone will be saved, but God will permit calamities to awaken the honest in heart to see the need to obey God or perish. “Calamities will come—calamities most awful, most unexpected; and these destructions will follow one after another. If there will be a heeding of the warning that God has given, and if churches will repent, returning to their allegiance, then other cities may be spared for a time. But if men who have been deceived continue in the same way in which they have been walking, disregarding the law of God and presenting falsehoods before the people, God allows them to suffer calamity, that their senses may be awakened.” Evangelism, 27.

Here again we see a picture of a loving God, who, as a loving Father, is not willing that any of His children should perish. This is why these disasters gradually get worse, giving time for the Third Angel’s Message to do its work.

“Angels are now restraining the winds of strife, until the world shall be warned of its coming doom; but a storm is gathering, ready to burst upon the earth, and when God shall bid His angels loose the winds, there will be such a scene of strife as no pen can picture . . .”A moment of respite has been graciously given us of God. Every power lent us of heaven is to be used in doing the work assigned us by the Lord for those who are perishing in ignorance.” Evangelism, 704.

It is during this little time of trouble that God gives a last chance to the world to accept His law. “Soon strife among the nations will break out with an intensity that we do not now anticipate. The present is a time of overwhelming interest to all living. Rulers and statesmen, men who occupy positions of trust and authority, thinking men and women of all classes, have their attention fixed upon the events taking place about us. They are watching the strained, restless relations that exist among the nations. They observe the intensity that is taking possession of every earthly element. And they realize that something great and decisive is about to take place, that the world is on the verge of a stupendous crisis.” Maranatha, 174.

This is why we will finish the work under the most dire circumstances during this little time of trouble. “While the work of salvation is closing, trouble will be coming on the earth, and the nations will be angry, yet held in check so as not to prevent the work of the third angel. At that time the ‘latter rain,’ or refreshing from the presence of the Lord, will come, to give power to the loud voice of the third angel, and prepare the saints to stand in the period when the seven last plagues will be poured out.” Early Writings, 85.

God has foreseen what is coming and has made the necessary preparations for us to be refreshed by the latter rain and with the power of the mighty angel to give the loud cry. Oh, it will not be long until the climax is reached and Jesus will come!

“Satan works through the elements also to garner his harvest of unprepared souls. He has studied the secrets of the laboratories of nature and he uses all his power to control the elements as far as God allows. While appearing to the children of men as a great physician who can heal all their maladies, he will bring disease and disaster until populous cities are reduced to ruin and desolation. Even now he is at work. In accidents and calamities by sea and by land; in great conflagrations, in fierce tornadoes and terrific hailstorms, in tempests, floods, cyclones, tidal waves, and earthquakes, in every place and in a thousand forms, Satan is exercising his power. He sweeps away the ripening harvest, and famine and distress follow. He imparts to the air a deadly taint, and thousands perish by the pestilence. These visitations are to become more and more frequent and disastrous. Destruction will be upon both man and beast.” The Great Controversy (1888 edition), 589.

Satan’s purpose in such destruction will be to blame God’s faithful for these terrible judgments. “As men depart further and further from God, Satan is permitted to have power over the children of disobedience. He hurls destruction among men. There is calamity by land and sea. Property and life are destroyed by fire and flood. Satan resolves to charge this upon those who refuse to bow to the idol which he has set up. His agents point to Seventh-day Adventists as the cause of the trouble. ‘These people stand out in defiance of law,’ they say. ‘They desecrate Sunday. Were they compelled to obey the law for Sunday observance, there would be a cessation of these terrible judgments.’ ” Maranatha, 176.

Finally the Sunday violators will be declared to be the cause of all that is taking place in this little time of trouble. “Satan puts his interpretation upon events, and they [leading men] think, as he would have them, that the calamities which fill the land are a result of Sunday-breaking. Thinking to appease the wrath of God, these influential men make laws enforcing Sunday observance. They think that by exalting this false rest-day higher, and still higher, compelling obedience to the Sunday law, the spurious sabbath, they are doing God service. Those who honor God by observing the true Sabbath are looked upon as disloyal to God, when it is really those who thus regard them who are themselves disloyal, because they are trampling under foot the Sabbath originated in Eden.” Maranatha, 176.

Thus the entire world under the papal power will turn against God’s people. Sabbath-keepers will be hated and plans will be made to utterly destroy them. “The whole world is to be stirred with enmity against Seventh-day Adventists, because they will not yield homage to the papacy, by honoring Sunday, the institution of this antichristian power. It is the purpose of Satan to cause them to be blotted from the earth, in order that his supremacy of the world may not be disputed.” Testimonies to Ministers, 37.

Such wicked plans will draw the attention of the honest in heart, to the belief and teaching of God’s remnant church in such a way as is now thought impossible. In fact, the attention of the entire world will be riveted on our beliefs. “Every position of truth taken by our people will bear the criticism of the greatest minds; the highest of the world’s great men will be brought in contact with truth and therefore every position we take should be critically examined and tested by the Scriptures.” Evangelism, 69.

 

Study and Prepare

 

Now we seem to be unnoticed, but this will not always be. Movements are at work to bring us to the front, and if our theories of truth can be picked to pieces by historians or the world’s greatest men, it will be done. We must know for ourselves what the truth is and be prepared to give a reason for the hope that we have with meekness and fear. (See 1 Peter 3:15.)

We are nearing the time when we shall stand alone to answer for our beliefs. But the strength of God’s remnant will be found in their obedience and knowledge of His word. “The powers of darkness will open their batteries upon us; and all who are indifferent and careless, who have set their affections on their earthly treasure, and who have not cared to understand God’s dealings with His people, will be ready victims. No power but a knowledge of the truth as it is in Jesus, will ever make us steadfast; but with this, one may chase a thousand, and two put ten thousand to flight.” Maranatha, 217.

This is why we have been urged to study and prepare for what is sure to come. We will have to bear our testimony before courts and councils. “You know not where you may be called upon to give your witness of truth. Many will have to stand in the legislative courts; some will have to stand before kings and before the learned of the earth, to answer for their faith. Those who have only a superficial understanding of truth will not be able clearly to expound the Scriptures, and give definite reasons for their faith. They will become confused, and will not be workmen that need not be ashamed. Let no one imagine that he has no need to study, because he is not to preach in the sacred desk. You know not what God may require of you.” Fundamentals of Christian Education, 217.

“The time is not far off when the people of God will be called upon to give their testimony before the rulers of the earth. Not one in twenty has a realization of what rapid strides we are making toward the great crisis in our history. There is no time for vanity, for trifling, for engaging the mind in unimportant matters.” Maranatha, 253.

“The Lord Jesus will give the disciples a tongue and wisdom that their adversaries can neither gainsay nor resist. Those who could not by reasoning overcome satanic delusions, will bear an affirmative testimony that will baffle supposedly learned men. Words will come from the lips of the unlearned with such convincing power and wisdom that conversions will be made to the truth. Thousands will be converted under their testimony.

“Why should the illiterate man have this power, which the learned man has not? The illiterate one, through faith in Christ, has come into the atmosphere of pure, clear truth, while the learned man has turned away from the truth. The poor man is Christ’s witness. He cannot appeal to the histories or so-called high science, but he gathers from the Word of God powerful evidence. The truth that he speaks under the inspiration of the Spirit, is so pure and remarkable and carries with it a power so indisputable, that his testimony cannot be gainsaid.” Maranatha, 252.

 

Persecution

 

God’s people will be persecuted during this time of trouble. This will take place during the loud cry before probation closes. But thank God such persecutions will be limited. “Persecution in its varied forms is the development of the principle which will exist as long as Satan exists and Christianity has vital power . . . But so long as Jesus remains man’s intercessor in the sanctuary above, the restraining influence of the Holy Spirit is felt by rulers and people. It still controls to some extent the laws of the land. Were it not for these laws, the conditions of the world would be much worse than it now is. While many of our rulers are active agents of Satan, God also has His agents among the leading men of the nations. The enemy moves upon his servants to propose measures that would greatly impede the work of God; but statesmen who fear the Lord are influenced by holy angels to oppose such propositions with unanswerable arguments. Thus a few men will hold in check a powerful current of evil. The opposition of the enemies of truth will be restrained that the Third Angel’s Message may do its work. When the final warning shall be given, it will arrest the attention of these leading men through whom the Lord is now working, and some of them will accept it, and will stand with the people of God through the time of trouble.” The Great Controversy, 610, 611.

“As Christ was hated without cause, so will His people be hated because they are obedient to the commandments of God. If He who was pure, holy, and undefiled, who did good and only good in our world, was treated as a base criminal and condemned to death, His disciples must expect but similar treatment, however faultless may be their life and blameless their character.

“Human enactments, laws manufactured by satanic agencies under a plea of goodness and restriction of evil, will be exalted, while God’s holy commandments are despised and trampled under foot. And all who prove their loyalty by obedience to the law of Jehovah must be prepared to be arrested, to be brought before councils that have not for their standard the high and holy law of God.” Seventh-day Adventist Bible Commentary, Volume 7, 977.

This is not a very pretty picture. In the end time, corrupt judges will pledge themselves to uphold and honor the New World Order. “Those who live during the last days of this earth’s history will know what it means to be persecuted for the truth’s sake. In the courts injustice will prevail. The judges will refuse to listen to the reasons of those who are loyal to the commandments of God, because they know that arguments in favor of the fourth commandment are unanswerable. They will say, ‘We have a law, and by our law he ought to die.’ God’s law is nothing to them. ‘Our law’ with them is supreme. Those who respect this human law will be favored, But those who will not bow to the idol sabbath will have no favors shown them.” Maranatha, 195.

“Before the warfare shall be ended and the victory won, we as a people are to experience trials similar to those of Paul. We shall encounter the same hardness of heart, the same cruel determination, the same unyielding hatred . . . Persecutions will again be kindled against those who are true to God; their motives will be impugned, their best efforts misinterpreted, their names cast out as evil . . .God would have His people prepared for the soon-coming crisis. Prepared or unprepared, we must all meet it.” Sketches from the Life of Paul, 251, 252.

“There will come a time when, because of our advocacy of Bible truth, we shall be treated as traitors.” Testimonies, vol. 6, 394.

“Wealth, genius, education, will combine to cover them with contempt. Persecuting rulers, ministers, and church members will conspire against them. With voice and pen, by boasts, threats, and ridicule, they will seek to overthrow their faith.” Testimonies, vol. 5, 450.

“As the defenders of truth refuse to honor the Sunday-sabbath, some of them will be thrust into prison, some will be exiled, some will be treated as slaves. To human wisdom all this now seems impossible; but as the restraining Spirit of God shall be withdrawn from men, and they shall be under the control of Satan, who hates the divine precepts, there will be strange developments. The heart can be very cruel when God’s fear and love are removed.” The Great Controversy, 608.

“Throughout the land the papacy is piling up her lofty and massive structures, in the secret recesses of which her former persecutions are to be repeated.” Testimonies for the Church, volume 5, 449, 450.

“The papal church will never relinquish her claim to infallibility. All that she has done in her persecution of those who reject her dogmas she holds to be right; and would she not repeat the same acts, should the opportunity be presented? Let the restraints now imposed by secular governments be removed and Rome be reinstated in her former power, and there would speedily be a revival of her tyranny and persecution.” The Great Controversy, 564.

Furthermore, Protestants will also persecute the faithful. “The church appeals to the strong arm of civil power, and in this work, papists and Protestants unite.” The Great Controversy, 607.

Satan has planned every detail. Listen in as God tells us of Satan’s devices as he instructs his angels and his evil men. “We [Satan and his angels] led the Romish church to inflict imprisonment, torture, and death upon those who refused to yield to her decrees; and now that we are bringing the Protestant churches and the world into harmony with this right arm of our strength, we will finally have a law to exterminate all who will not submit to our authority.” Testimonies to Ministers, 473.

Former Seventh-day Adventists will join in the persecution of God’s saints. “Men of talent and pleasing address, who once rejoiced in the truth, employ their powers to deceive and mislead souls. They become the most bitter enemies of their former brethren. When Sabbath-keepers are brought before the courts to answer for their faith, these apostates are the most efficient agents of Satan to misrepresent and accuse them, and by false reports and insinuations to stir up the rulers against them.” The Great Controversy, 608.

Finally, this New World Order will determine to utterly destroy God’s faithful, just as Satan attempted in earlier centuries. “The decree which is to go forth against the people of God will be very similar to that issued by Ahasuerus against the Jews in the time of Esther . . . Satan instigated the scheme in order to rid the earth of those who preserve the knowledge of the true God. But his plots were defeated by a counterpower that reigns among the children of men . . . The Protestant world today see in the little company keeping the Sabbath a Mordecai in the gate. His character and conduct, expressing reverence for the law of God, are a constant rebuke to those who have cast off the fear of the Lord and are trampling upon His Sabbath; the unwelcome intruder must by some means be put out of the way.

“The same masterful mind that plotted against the faithful in ages past is still seeking to rid the earth of those who fear God and obey His law. Satan will excite indignation against the humble minority who conscientiously refuse to accept popular customs and traditions. Men of position and reputation will join with the lawless and the vile to take counsel against the people of God . . . By false representations and angry appeals they will stir up the passions of the people. Not having a ‘Thus saith the Scriptures’ to bring against the advocates of the Bible Sabbath, they will resort to oppressive enactments to supply the lack. To secure popularity and patronage, legislators will yield to the demand for a Sunday law. Those who fear God cannot accept an institution that violates a precept of the Decalogue. On this battlefield comes the last great conflict of the controversy between truth and error. And we are not left in doubt as to the issue. Now, as in the days of Mordecai, the Lord will vindicate His truth and His people.” Testimonies, vol.5, 450, 451.

“When this grand work is to take place in the battle, prior to the last closing conflict, many will be imprisoned, many will flee for their lives from cities and towns, and many will be martyrs for Christ’s sake in standing in defense of the truth.” Maranatha, 199.

“As he [Satan] influenced the heathen nations to destroy Israel, so in the near future he will stir up the wicked powers of the earth to destroy the people of God. Men will be required to render obedience to human edicts in violation of the divine law. “Those who are true to God will be menaced, denounced, and proscribed. They will be ‘betrayed both by parents, and brethren, and kinsfolk, and friends,’ even unto death.” Prophets and Kings, 587.

Such persecutions, during this little time of trouble, will bring the close of probation upon the earth. I praise God for the encouragement He has given for this soon-coming little time of trouble. “And if we are called to suffer for Christ’s sake, we shall be able to go to prison trusting in Him as a little child trusts in his parents. Now is the time to cultivate faith in God.” Our High Calling, 357.

We do not need the courage and fortitude of the martyrs of old until brought into the position that they were in. “Should there be a return of persecution there would be grace given to arouse every energy of the soul to show a true heroism.” Our High Calling, 125.

“The disciples were not endowed with the courage and fortitude of the martyrs until such grace was needed.” The Desire of Ages, 354. “When for the truth’s sake the believer stands at the bar of the unrighteous tribunals, Christ stands by his side . . . When one is incarcerated in prison walls, Christ ravishes the heart with His love. When one suffers death for His sake, Christ says, ‘I am He that liveth and was dead; and, behold, I am alive forevermore . . . and have the keys of hell and of death.’ Revelation 1:18. The life that is sacrificed for Me is preserved unto eternal glory.” The Desire of Ages, 669.

 

Editorial — The Trouble

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“The time of trouble, which is to increase until the end, is very near at hand. We have no time to lose. The world is stirred with the spirit of war. The prophecies of the eleventh of Daniel have almost reached their final fulfillment.” Review and Herald, November 24, 1904.

“Light has been given me that the cities will be filled with confusion, violence, and crime, and that these things will increase till the end of this earth’s history.” Testimonies, vol. 7, 84.

“Paul warns us that we may look for wickedness to increase as the end draws near. . . And he gives a startling list of sins that will be found among those who have a form of godliness.” Patriarchs and Prophets, 103.

“The judgments of God are in the land. The wars and rumors of wars, the destruction by fire and flood, say clearly that the time of trouble which is to increase until the end, is already in the world.” Manuscript Releases, vol. 4, 89.

“Already nations are angry, already Satan is working with signs and lying wonders, and this will increase until the end.” The Paulson Collection, 136, 137.

“The great truth of our entire dependence upon Christ for salvation lies close to the error of presumption. Freedom in Christ is by thousands mistaken for lawlessness; and because Christ came to release us from the condemnation of the law, men declare that the law itself is done away, and that those who keep it are fallen from grace. And thus, as truth and error appear so near akin, minds that are not guided by the Holy Spirit will be led to accept the error, and in so doing place themselves under the power of Satan’s deceptions.” Home Missionary, November 1, 1893.

“In the future, Satan is to come down with great power, to work signs and wonders. He will bring down fire from heaven in the presence of his devotees, and, to those who have allowed themselves to be led away from the only true foundation,–the word of God,–will give proof of his authority. He will deceive if possible the very elect.” Southern Watchman, March 1, 1904.

 

The Needed Help in Trouble

 

“Those who are standing firm upon the word of the everlasting God will meet Satan with the weapon with which Christ met him,–“It is written.” This will be of more power than the working of miracles. The people of God will conquer through the Holy Spirit’s working, which is stronger than miracles or aught else. It is from the Lord that we are to obtain power.” Southern Watchman, March 1, 1904.

“Our divine Lord is equal to any emergency. With him nothing is impossible. He has shown His great love for us by living a life of self-denial and sacrifice, and by dying a death of agony. Come to Christ just as you are, weak, helpless, and ready to die. Cast yourself wholly on His mercy. There is no difficulty within or without that can not be surmounted in His strength.” Signs of the Times, January 3, 1906.

“The Lord’s angels are appointed to keep strict watch over those who put their faith in the Lord, and these angels are to be our special help in every time of need. Every day we are to come to the Lord with full assurance of faith, and to look to Him for wisdom. . . . Those who are guided by the Word of the Lord will discern with certainty between falsehood and truth, between sin and righteousness.” Bible Commentary, vol. 7, 907.

“Every ray of light that Heaven sends is essential for our salvation. We are living in the last days, and the Lord does not mean to leave us in darkness and uncertainty. There are great blessings in store for those who keep the commandments of God, not in name merely, but in sincerity and truth . . . Unless divine power is brought into the experience of the people of God, false theories and erroneous ideas will take minds captive, Christ and his righteousness will be dropped out of the experience of many, and their faith will be without power or life. Such will not have a daily, living experience of the love of God in the heart, and if they do not zealously repent, they will be among those who are represented by the Laodiceans, who will be spewed out of the mouth of God.” Review and Herald, September 3, 1889.

 

The Times of Trouble

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In Daniel 12:1 it says: “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.” In the title of this article, notice the plural word, times, in “The Times of Trouble.” When an object is looked at with the naked eye, sometimes only one item is seen. But, if it is looked at with a magnifying glass, it can be seen that there are divisions. If one stands on railroad tracks and looks far down the tracks, in the distance they seem to come together and make one track.

When the prophets of old looked down the line of something far away, they tended to see it as a mass. Later prophets saw more detail. Sometimes in the experience of a single prophet, from an earlier vision to a later vision there will be a difference. The first vision appears to be looking at a mass and the later visions appear to be looking at more detail. That is why I have called this “The Times of Trouble.”

We know what trouble is. We know that the Christian’s life is a time of trouble. We can see reference to that frequently in the counsels of the Spirit of Prophecy. For example: “Remember that in every time of trouble, Jesus is near you, seeking to impress His image upon you. He is trying to help you to carry the cross. He is close beside you . . . He is always ready to clasp the hand stretched out for aid.” The Review and Herald, June 20, 1907. We have wonderful promises about any kind of trouble, any place, any time. But there is another use of the phrase “the time of trouble,” which is a little different. In the book, The Great Controversy, 614, we read about a great and final time of trouble.

In The Great Controversy, 594, God’s messenger writes about a problem the disciples had. There are at least three times in the New Testament when Jesus told them directly and specifically that He was going to be betrayed and crucified, and that He would rise from the grave on the third day. Yet, we are told in this reference, that the problem with the disciples was that they were just not listening to that information. They did not want to hear, because it was not in harmony with their ideas. They wanted a Messiah to come and establish a great empire of Israel. They wanted Israel to rule over all the nations. With such a dream in their minds, it was hard for them to get the clear picture, even though they were plainly told.

“The words which they needed to remember were banished from their minds; and when the time of trial came, it found them unprepared. The death of Jesus as fully destroyed their hopes as if He had not forewarned them.” The Great Controversy, 594.

Suppose they had internalized these statements that Jesus made about what was going to happen. Where would they have been on the morning of the third day, when Jesus had said He would rise again? They would have been there around the tomb, pressing as closely as they could, waiting for that huge event to take place.

They would have seen with their own eyes that blinding flash of glory. They would have seen the Roman soldiers fall as dead men to the ground. They would have seen with their own eyes the angel’s hand roll that stone away from the grave, and Jesus step forth proclaiming Himself Lord of all. How that would have strengthened their ministry! How much better it would have been when they went all over the world, as they then did, preaching, if they could have said, “We saw it. We were there. He told us that it was going to happen and it came about just like He said. We saw it with our own eyes.” Would that have made their testimony much stronger?

Instead, they missed it because they did not listen carefully. I want to apply this to our time. After telling us that the death of Jesus as fully destroyed their hopes as if He had not forewarned them, Ellen White says: “So in the prophecies the future is opened before us as plainly as it was opened to the disciples by the words of Christ.” Ibid. What future is she talking about? Notice carefully: ” . . . the events connected with the close of probation and the work of preparation for the time of trouble.” Ibid. Can you recite these events? What if you were asked, “What are the events connected with the time of trouble?” Could you immediately tell what they are? Do we have them as clearly in our minds as they ought to be?

 

Four Times of Trouble

 

Let us consider these events and see if we can be in a better position than the disciples. In spite of their great privilege, they were not prepared. “The events connected with the close of probation and the work of preparation for the time of trouble, are clearly presented. But multitudes have no more understanding of these important truths than if they had never been revealed.” Ibid.

This study is called “The Times of Trouble.” The reason is that the references to the time of trouble at first looks like it is one great big event. Then upon a careful investigation, it is found that the study naturally divides into four parts, or four phases, of the time of trouble.

Phase one is the time of preparation. I propose that we are in that time right now. Phase two is the little time of trouble which is just before the close of probation. Between phase one—the time of preparation, and phase two which is just before the close of probation, there is not a clear line drawn. Phase three is after the close of probation. Between phase two and phase three there is a very distinct line—the close of probation. Then phase four is after the death decree. This again is a very distinct line.

 

Phase One—The Time of Preparation

 

The word preparation occurs over and over in the inspired writer’s discussion of this topic. Ellen White refers to it as the time of the early rain, not the time of the latter rain, which very definitely comes later in phase two. In the Bible, they spoke of the early rain and the latter rain in relation to the barley harvest. It took the early rain in Palestine to cause the seed to sprout and grow. Near the end of the harvest season there would be a latter rain, which they could expect with confidence, which would cause the barley to mature and be ready for the harvest. Phase one is the early rain time and the preparation here involves a shaking. As I go about the country speaking to people in various places, I am often asked, “Brother Larson, do you think we are in the shaking time?” I have typically answered, “Yes.” But, I have not had time to explain all that I think about that. What I find is that we are right now in the mental shaking time, to be followed by the physical shaking.

Notice the two kinds of people, and the two kinds of mental preparing. “Those who are uniting with the world are receiving the worldly mold and preparing for the mark of the beast. Those who are distrustful of self, who are humbling themselves before God and purifying their souls by obeying the truth—these are receiving the heavenly mold and preparing for the seal of God.” Testimonies, vol. 5, 216.

Some people, at this very moment, are preparing for the mark of the beast, others are preparing for the seal of God. That is why I call this a mental shaking time. This is borne out by the statements about the two parties being formed. “As trials thicken around us, both separation and unity will be seen in our ranks.” Testimonies, vol. 6, 400.

“Here [Isaiah 8:11–16] are plainly represented two distinct parties formed from a company that was once united.” The Review and Herald July 18, 1907. Does anyone have any doubt that we are seeing two parties forming in Adventism today? Gradually, but unmistakably, two parties are forming. Those who love the Scriptures, and the Spirit of Prophecy and those who seem to be withdrawing, first from the Spirit of Prophecy, and then from the Scriptures.

 

Physical Preparation

 

In Phase one, the emphasis is more on spiritual preparation, than physical. What do inspired writings say about physical preparation? In Counsels on Diet and Foods, 131, we are advised to have the best physical and mental health that we can, because we are going to need it. She advises that we eat nourishing food, take rest for both body and mind, and make sure our health is in good shape to take what is coming.

The Lord also has something to say about where we should be living in preparation for the future: “Again and again the Lord has instructed that our people are to take their families away from the cities, into the country, where they can raise their own provisions; for in the future the problem of buying and selling will be a very serious one.” Selected Messages, vol. 2, 141.

What about storing up food for the very end? She says: “The Lord has shown me in vision, repeatedly, that it is contrary to the Bible to make any provision for our temporal wants in the time of trouble. I saw that if the saints have food laid up by them, or in the fields, in the time of trouble when sword, famine, and pestilence are in the land, it will be taken from them by violent hands and strangers would reap their fields. Then will be the time for us to trust wholly in God, and He will sustain us. I saw that our bread and water would be sure at that time, and we should not lack, or suffer hunger.—The Lord has shown me that some of His children would fear when they see the price of food rising, and they would buy food and lay it by for the time of trouble. Then in a time of need, I saw them go to their food and look at it, and it had bred worms, and was full of living creatures, and not fit for use. Broadside 2, January 31. 1849. (See also Early Writings, 56, 57.) “In the time of trouble none will labor with their hands. Their sufferings will be mental, and God will provide for them.” Adventist Apocalypse, 6.

We are counseled that because of increasing tensions, we should guard our words carefully. We should avoid extremes and rash movements. Some come along impatiently saying, “Let us defy the authorities, stand up to them and tell them where to go. We do not care if they put us into jail.” Some people talk like that. But we must let the Lord lead in those matters. We do not have to set up a time of trouble before the time.

What about owning property in the very end? The Lord has clearly instructed us: “Houses and lands will be of no use to the saints in the time of trouble, for they will then have to flee before infuriated mobs, and at that time their possessions cannot be disposed of to advance the cause of present truth. I was shown that it is the will of God that the saints should cut loose from every encumbrance before the time of trouble comes, and make a covenant with God through sacrifice. If they have their property on the altar and earnestly inquire of God for duty, He will teach them when to dispose of these things. Then they will be free in the time of trouble and have no clogs to weigh them down.

“I saw that if any held on to their property and did not inquire of the Lord as to their duty, He would not make duty known, and they would be permitted to keep their property, and in the time of trouble it would come up before them like a mountain to crush them, and they would try to dispose of it, but would not be able.” Early Writings, 56, 57. Each one will not dispose of his property at the same time. God will instruct us when the right time is. (See Counsels on Stewardship, 59.)

Many who are not strong enough to handle the time of trouble will be laid in their graves before it comes.(See Counsels on Health, 375.) This will include many children. “The Lord has often instructed me that many little ones are to be laid away before the time of trouble.” Child Guidance, 566.

 

Spiritual Preparation

 

The big point is, do not defer the preparation. The things we must do to be prepared we must do now. “I also saw that 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.” Early Writings, 71.

“All our preparation for heaven must be completed here. When Christ comes, our characters will not be changed. These vile bodies will be changed, and fashioned after the likeness of His glorious body; but there will not be a moral change wrought in us then.” The Review and Herald, August 7, 1888. Voices all over the country are telling the Seventh-day Adventist people they do not need to stop sinning at all. Jesus is going to stop them from sinning when He comes. No way. If you ever stop sinning, you are going to do it here.

This is what we are aiming for: “Christ never murmured, never uttered discontent, displeasure, or resentment. He was never disheartened, discouraged, ruffled, or fretted. He was patient, calm, and self-possessed under the most exciting and trying circumstances. All His works were performed with a quiet dignity and ease, whatever commotion was around Him. Applause did not elate Him. He feared not the threats of His enemies. He moved amid the world of excitement, of violence and crime, as the sun moves above the clouds. Human passions and commotions and trials were beneath Him. He sailed like the sun above them all. Yet He was not indifferent to the woes of men. His heart was ever touched with the sufferings and necessities of His brethren, as though He Himself were the one afflicted. He had a calm, inward joy, a peace which was serene. His will was ever swallowed up in the will of His Father.” Manuscript Releases, vol. 3, 427, 428.

 

Phase Two–The Little Time of Trouble

 

Phase two is a short but very intense time. A time of very intense activity just before the close of probation.

Ellen White wrote about this little time: “I saw that the holy Sabbath is, and will be, the separating wall between the true Israel of God and unbelievers; and that the Sabbath is the great question to unite the hearts of God’s dear, waiting saints. I saw that God had children who do not see and keep the Sabbath. They have not rejected the light upon it.” Early Writings, 85. Pause and reflect upon that. They are not keeping the Sabbath. They have not rejected the light upon it, because they have never received the light. “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.” Ibid.

People responding said, “What is this? We thought that at the time of trouble there would be no use to preach anymore. What is this preaching of the Sabbath at the commencement of the time of trouble?” Mrs. White wrote another article and explained what she meant. “‘The commencement of that time of trouble,’ here mentioned does not refer to the time when the plagues shall begin to be poured out, but to a short period just before they are poured out while Christ is in the Sanctuary.” Ibid.

“At that time, while the work of salvation is closing, trouble will be coming upon the earth, and the nations will be angry, yet held in check so as not to prevent the work of the third angel. At that time [notice carefully, that little time] the ‘latter rain,’ or refreshing from the presence of the Lord, will come.” Ibid. 85, 86.

Today people are saying that they think the latter rain is falling here or there, but this is not correct—not this particular application of the latter rain. It comes in the short time just before the close of probation. “At that time the latter rain or refreshing from the presence of the Lord will come and give power to the voice of the third angel and prepare the saints to stand in the period when the seven last plagues shall be poured out.” Ibid.

“I saw that God had children who did not see and keep the Sabbath. They have not rejected the light upon it. 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. This enraged the churches and nominal Adventists, as they could not refute the Sabbath truth. At this time God’s chosen all saw clearly that we had the truth, and they came out and endured the persecution with us.” Ibid., 33. Are you adding all of these together? We will preach the Sabbath with great power, the Holy Spirit will come with the times of refreshing, the latter rain, the churches will be enraged, the nations will be angry, troubles will be increasing. This is a short, but very, very intense time.

People will be coming out of the other churches and uniting with us and people will be leaving us and uniting with the fallen churches. Ellen White said she saw standard after standard trailing in the dust as company after company left us to join the foe, and tribe after tribe coming in to take their places. (See Testimonies, vol. 8, 41.)

“I saw the sword, and famine, and pestilence, and great confusion in the land. The wicked thought that we had brought the judgments upon them, and they rose up and took counsel to rid the earth of us, thinking that then the evil would be stayed.” Early Writings, 33, 34.

Phase two is the time of the sealing, the time of refreshing, the time when those who have been preparing to receive the seal of God, and those who have been preparing to receive the mark of the beast will receive it.

The Sunday law comes into this period also. “Just before we entered it [the time of trouble], we all received the seal of the living God. Then I saw the four angels cease to hold the four winds. And I saw famine, pestilence, and sword, nation rose against nation, and the whole world was in confusion.” The Seventh-day Adventist Bible Commentary, vol. 7, 968. Big and climactic events will be happening. People will be making their final decisions to go one way or the other. The line will be drawn between them, and the two parties will reach their final fulfillment.

“Servants of God with their faces lighted up and shining with holy consecration, will hasten from place to place to proclaim the message from heaven. By thousands of voices all over the earth, the warning will be given. Signs and wonders will follow the believers. Satan also works with lying wonders, even bringing down fire from heaven in the sight of men. Revelation 13:13. Thus the inhabitants of the earth will be brought to take their stand . . . Family connections, church relations, are powerless to stay them now. Truth is more precious than all besides. Notwithstanding the agencies combined against the truth, a large number take their stand upon the Lord’s side.” The Great Controversy, 612.

As we continue reading in The Great Controversy, we notice that Ellen White is looking back to the past. “When the third angel’s message closes, mercy no longer pleads for the guilty inhabitants of the earth. The people of God have accomplished [past perfect, completed] 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 the earth announces that his work is done; the final test has been brought [past perfect] 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 [past perfect] decided for life or death. Christ has made [past perfect] the atonement for His people and blotted out their sins.” The Great Controversy, 613, 614.

 

Blotting out of Sins

 

We hear a lot from time to time about the blotting out of sins. Those who try to bring the blotting out of sins down to a time before the close of probation are mistaken. “When sin has been repented of, confessed, and forsaken, then pardon is written against the sinner’s name; but his sins are not blotted out until after the investigative judgment.” Signs of the Times, May 16, 1895. [All emphasis supplied] The blotting out of sins is after the investigative judgment.

In phase two, the number of His subjects is made up. It is a very intensive, active and shaking time. People are making their final decisions.

 

Phase Three–After Probation Closes

 

Phase three is marked by the beginning of the seven last plagues. This is when we will see the most tremendous convulsions of nature, the most enormous earthquakes, the most enormous tidal waves and the largest famines and pestilences that this world has ever seen. Daniel said there will be a time of trouble such as never was since there was a nation.

Ellen White writes about the fall of Jerusalem when the blood was flowing down the temple steps, and when the crosses were so thick around the walls that you could hardly walk between them. She says it will be like that all over the world. During all this Satan appears as Christ. It is very, very clear that by the fifth plague of darkness, he is doing his work. (See The Great Controversy, 624.)

In Evangelism, 209, she refers to thousands of cities that will be destroyed and become as Jerusalem was during this time. Her attention was directed to a particular group at this time. “I was shown a company who were howling in agony. On their garments was written in large characters, ‘Thou art weighed in the balance, and found wanting.’ I asked who this company were. The angel said, ‘These are they who have once kept the Sabbath and have given it up.’” Present Truth, August 1, 1849. They will be in the greatest distress of all.

When Christ stands up and leaves the Most Holy Place, there is no further atonement. The devil is doing his work, trying to persuade the people that we are the cause of all these terrible things that are happening in the world. This will bring them finally to the place where they are ready to destroy us and the death decree will be made.

 

The Time of Jacob’s Trouble

 

The time of Jacob’s trouble. (See The Great Controversy, 613–634.) is a particular time when Jesus says the people of God will stand without a mediator and they will not know their condition for sure.

God’s people can see the plagues falling. They can see everything that is happening all around them and their question is, “Am I right with God.” They know that there is no mediator any longer, probation has closed. If there is any sin at this point, it is hopeless.

The question comes to our mind, Why? Why does not God deliver His people out of the world and take them to the kingdom of God right now? Why do they have to go through this experience after probation has closed? The reason for this is found in Testimonies, vol. 4, 8: “The purification of the people of God cannot be accomplished without their suffering.” We probably do not understand this, and we may never understand, but it is there.

Notice this detail about the attitude of the wicked at this time. “And the fourth angel poured out his vial upon the sun; and power was given unto him to scorch men with fire and men were scorched with great heat, and blasphemed the name of God, which hath power over these plagues; and they repented not to give Him glory.” Revelation 16:8, 9. Even through fear they will not repent. They are so locked in an attitude of defiance against God that nothing will change them.

Eventually the last plague comes. “There fell upon men a great hail out of heaven, every stone about the weight of a talent; and men blasphemed God because of the plague of the hail.” Revelation 16:21. There is still no repentance. No matter what God does, their hearts are so locked in defiance and rebellion that they will not surrender under any conditions. He is showing the whole universe that when Christ said, “It is finished,” it was finished. There is nobody else who will repent no matter what.

 

Summary

 

Phase one: The time of preparation is now. The time when we should be building a faith that is invincible, expecting tests and trials, keeping our possessions on the altar, making spiritual preparation and recognizing that some of our loved ones may be laid in the grave in order to preserve them.

Phase two: An intense time just before the close of probation. The time of the latter rain, the seal of God, and the mark of the beast. The preaching of the Sabbath, in its final phase, with great power of the Holy Spirit, with people accepting either the seal of God or the mark of the beast. Disposing of our possessions as indicated by the Lord so the money can be used in the final proclamation.

Phase three: After the close of probation, the four angels loose the four winds and the plagues begin to fall. There will be tremendous convulsions of the earth, fires, famines, earthquakes, tidal waves, etc. At this time we have the assurance that none of the faithful will die because it would not accomplish anything.

Phase four: The time of Jacob’s trouble, which is after the death decree when it is decreed that all Sabbath keepers should be put to death.

We began our study with the statement from Ellen White that these things have been clearly laid out before us. I must agree with that. The information is there and we would have to agree with the other part of her statement that many of us do not know any more about it than if it had never been revealed.

Let us try to get this firmly fixed in our minds so that we are better prepared than the disciples were. One of the best ways, is to read the last few chapters of The Great Controversy. Read them over and over, slowly and carefully and mark everything you find there.

At this time, let us determine that we are going to use the time of preparation well. The time of preparation is tremendously important, but it is not forever. The thing to keep in our minds is that those who want to stand during that final phase must reflect the image of Jesus fully. Let us make that our goal.

 

The Shaking

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We are now in the time when everything that can be shaken will be.

I have repeatedly presented before you and others that there would come a shaking time, when everything that can be shaken will be shaken, that those things which cannot be shaken may remain. We are now entering upon that time. 1888 Materials, 331.

Before a person is shaken out a secret work takes place.

How often our hearts have been pained by some sudden revelation in the outward actions of those for whom we had hoped better things, bringing to light their true character, that had heretofore been hidden from the sight of all! When held up before the light of God’s word, the character is found to be like the moth-eaten garment, which, when shaken out and examined,reveals the destructive work that has been going on secretly for years. While they have a form of godliness, sins small in their eyes have been eating into the warp and woof of their character; and that which at a casual glance appeared lovely, is unsightly and disgusting to look upon. Could the actor, as he entered upon this path of wrong, have seen himself as he appeared when his true character was opened to the light, he would have been as terrified and startled as was Hazael when Elisha told him what a wicked and cruel course he would pursue in the future. Youth Instructor, December 15, 1886.

People will be shaken out all the way until the end of the time of trouble.

They fell all the way along the path one after another, until we heard the voice of God like many waters which gave us the day and hour of Jesus’ coming. Word to the Little Flock, 14.

Only overcomers will not be shaken out.

God leads His people on, step by step. He brings them up to different points calculated to manifest what is in the heart. Some endure at one point, but fall off at the next. At every advanced point the heart is tested and tried a little closer. If the professed people of God find their hearts opposed to this straight work, it should convince them that they have a work to do to overcome, if they would not be spewed out of the mouth of the Lord. Said the angel: “God will bring His work closer and closer to test and prove every one of His people.” Some are willing to receive one point; but when God brings them to another testing point, they shrink from it and stand back, because they find that it strikes directly at some cherished idol. Here they have opportunity to see what is in their hearts that shuts out Jesus. They prize something higher than the truth, and their hearts are not prepared to receive Jesus. 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. 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, vol. 1, 187.

If we do not study our Bibles carefully we will be shaken out.

None but those who have fortified the mind with the truths of the Bible will stand through the last great conflict. Great Controversy, 593, 594.

Many leaders will be shaken out.

Many a star that we have admired for its brilliancy will then go out in darkness. Chaff like a cloud will be borne away on the wind, even from places where we see only floors of rich wheat. All who assume the ornaments of the sanctuary, but are not clothed with Christ’s righteousness, will appear in the shame of their own nakedness. Testimonies, vol. 5, 81.

Ministers of God, it is too late to be contending for the supremacy. The solemn time has come when ministers should be weeping between the porch and the altar, crying, “Spare thy people, O Lord, and give not thine heritage to reproach.” It is a day when instead of lifting up their souls in self-sufficiency, ministers and people should be confessing their sins before God and one another. The law of God is made void, and even among those who advocate its binding claims, are some who break its sacred precepts. The Bible will be opened from house to house, and men and women will find access to these homes, and minds will be opened to receive the word of God; and when the crisis comes, many will be prepared to make right decisions even in the face of the formidable difficulties that will be brought about through the deceptive miracles of Satan. Although these will confess the truth and become workers with Christ at the eleventh hour, they will receive equal wages with those who have wrought through the whole day. There will be an army of steadfast believers who will stands as firm as a rock through the last test. But where in that army are those who have been standard-bearers? Where are those whose voices have sounded in proclaiming the truth to the sinning? Some of them are not there. We look for them, but in the time of shaking they have been unable to stand, and have passed over to the enemy’s ranks. Review and Herald, December 24, 1889.

Current Events – Labor Unions

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The work of the people of God is to prepare for the events of the future, which will soon come upon them with blinding force. In the world gigantic monopolies will be formed. Men will bind themselves together in unions that will wrap them in the folds of the enemy. A few men will combine to grasp all the means to be obtained in certain lines of business. Trades unions will be formed, and those who refuse to join these unions will be marked men. Letter 26, 1903.” Country Living, 10.

“The trades unions will be one of the agencies that will bring upon this earth a time of trouble such as has not been since the world began. Letter 200, 1903.” Ibid.

In the United States of America, 23 states currently have right-to-work laws, with the majority of them in the Southeast and through the Great Plains. Right-to-work laws restrict the financial and political power of unions, which is why the issue is generally fought along partisan lines. The ability to create such a provision was created as part of the 1947 Taft-Hartley Act.

Right-to-work states basically believe that the right to live includes the right to work, and that the exercise of the right to work must be protected and maintained free from undue restraints and coercion. Therefore, in these states the right of persons to work will not be denied because of membership or nonmembership in any labor union or labor organization or association.

Contrary to the right-to-work states’ fundamental beliefs, a major large labor organization in the United States has stated that labor unions are a fundamental institution for democracy and economic development.

In January 2012, the United States President signed three union-friendly Executive Orders. The Executive Orders expressly noted the need for “strong labor unions” to support a strong middle class, and the “need to level the playing field for workers and the unions that represent their interests.”

Labor unions, however, are not active only in the United States. For example, the International Trade Union Confederation (ITUC), a worldwide union network based in Brussels, Belgium, represents 175 million workers in 155 countries and territories and has 311 national affiliates. An Internet visit to LabourStart provides daily news of labor union activity throughout the world. A recent visit there carried news from 37 countries.

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