Lesson 5: The Seven Seals

Sabbath School Today
With the 1888 Message Dynamic

The Book of Revelation
Lesson 5: The Seven Seals

 

According to The Great Controversy, [1] the seven seals are historicist, virtually what we as a people have held to for 160 years. The new light we so desperately need is not computer-fed time calculations but the message of Christ's righteousness that will enable us to develop a Christlike character. The true motivation needed is not that which is inspired by sensational new time-frames, but by a deeper appreciation of what it cost the Son of God to redeem us by His cross and His sanctuary ministry. This is what complements the Adventist view of the prophecies and makes them relevant and inspiring.

The seven seals are one of these "great lines of prophecy" [2] which is historically parallel to the seven churches and the seven trumpets. The seals are a revelation of Christ via heavenly messengers from the time of the apostles to the second coming of Jesus.

Christ is telling us through the seals that the pristine gospel of the early church would be a tremendous blessing in the lives of those who received it and the gospel would be rejected over the course of time by even so-called Christianity, resulting in terrible woes and persecution for those who proclaimed it. It would take these long twenty centuries to recover the apostolic gospel and exceed with clarity its proclamation to the world. Just how this would be accomplished is an unveiling of Jesus Christ beginning in 1844 and its further unfolding in the 1888 message.

The "four living creatures" have an appreciation for what it cost the Son of God to lay down His life for the inhabitants of the earth. They love Him so much that they rivet John's attention (Rev. 6:1) on the commission of "God's angel messengers to earth, bringing people to repentance, life and victory; protecting the righteous and keeping under restraint the wicked." [3]

The early Christian church under the leadership of Jesus' apostles were moved with divine love to proclaim Christ crucified and risen from the dead. The "white horse" is that Ephesian era of the church before it had lost its first love (Rev. 2:4).

There follows in time the fiery red horse depicting the gospel meeting with violence and bloodshed. And, then, the famine conditions of the "black horse" during the dark ages (1260 years), when it was as difficult to find the purity of the gospel as when economic times are so bad it takes a day's wage to purchase a little bit of wheat and barley (Rev. 6:5, 6). The pale horse means death and destruction for the faithful martyrs.

The fifth seal finds the blood of the martyrs crying out for divine justice. Now follow earthquakes and celestial fireworks in the sixth seal drawing attention to the fulfillment of Bible prophecy in the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries.

Writes Ellen White, "Especially should Daniel and the Revelation have attention as never before in the history of our work. ... When we as a people understand what this book [Revelation] means to us, there will be seen among us a great revival." [4]

Here is our latter rain and loud cry which prepares a people, finally in earth's long sordid history, to a clearer understanding of the gospel in order to proclaim it to every nation, kindred, tongue and people.

The third angels' message has been proclaimed in the four corners of the earth for well over a century. But as of yet, they have not prepared a people for Jesus' coming. The three angels need help. They can't do it all by themselves. They need the outpouring of the Holy Spirit in latter rain proportions just as did the apostles on the Day of Pentecost, only in a greater degree. That's why John "saw another angel come down from heaven, having great power; and the earth was lightened with His glory" (Rev. 18:1).

How are these prophecies of the lineup of the seals related to the 1888 message of Christ's righteousness? The 1888 message was sent by the Lord to validate the understanding of the prophecies that our pioneers held. Had the 1888 message been accepted, our prophetic understandings would have complemented it and the "great revival" promised would have prepared that generation for the coming of the Lord.

--Paul E. Penno

Endnotes:
[1] Ellen G. White, The Great Controversy, p. 321.
[2] Ibid.
[3] Robert J. Wieland, The Gospel in Revelation, p. 37.
[4] Ellen G. White, Testimonies to Ministers and Gospel Workers, pp. 112, 113, emphasis added.

Notes:
Pastor Paul Penno's video of this lesson is on the Internet at: https://youtu.be/ey5J9F-Cu4E

"Sabbath School Today" is on the Internet at: http://1888message.org/sst.htm

RR

Raul Diaz

https://about.me/raul.diaz

Lesson 4: Worthy Is the Lamb

Lesson 4: Worthy Is the Lamb

 

Revelation chapter 1 describes the attorney representing the fallen world. In chapters 2 and 3, we read the indictments. Then in chapters 4 and 5 we are ushered into the courtroom of the universe, and shown the Judge and jury. The heavenly court will remain in session until probation closes, after every case has been presented, all evidence has been heard, and all the facts have been investigated, then judgment will be handed down for execution of the sentence--He that is unjust will remain unjust, and he that is filthy will remain filthy; he that is righteousness will remain so, and he that is holy will be holy for all eternity (see Rev. 22:11).

Maybe you harbor doubts about the outcome of these heavenly proceedings. The 1888 messengers give us good news. "Surely all doubt as to acceptance with God ought to be set at rest. But it is not. The evil heart of unbelief still suggests doubts. 'I believe all this, but--.' There, stop right there; if you believed you wouldn't say 'but.' ... Now the question is, have you delivered yourself to Him? If you have, you may be sure that He has accepted you. If you are not His, it is solely because you have refused to deliver to Him that which He has bought. You are defrauding Him." [1]

God's people have nothing to fear from this court proceeding, because we have been promised that judgment will be "given in favor of the saints" (Dan. 7:22).

While political, social, and even environmental chaos is increasing around the world, we have the assurance of stability at the very center of the universe, where our God sits enthroned and in command of all things. High and lifted up, our God is the focal point of all that exists. The message of the everlasting gospel calls all the world to worship the Creator who made heaven and earth and all things that are in existence (Rev. 14:6, 7). This divine Being is identified as worthy to "receive glory and honour and power" (Rev. 4:11). Christ taught us to pray to the Father because His is the kingdom and power and glory that will endure forever (see Matt. 6:13). Our God is "far above all principality, and power, and might, and dominion, and every name that is named, not only in this world, but also in that which is to come" (Eph. 1:21).

Revelation's description of the grandeur of God's throne, though dazzling to our dark mind, fails in fully describing its wonderfulness. Solomon's temple in Jerusalem was the most magnificent structure on earth, and modern architects have assessed its worth at more than ninety billion dollars. We would stand in awe of such a structure, unwilling to even place the soles of our dirty shoes on its dazzling floor. But the One who is in the majestic heavenly building is beyond description in His glory and splendor, unapproachable in the light in which He dwells (1 Tim. 6:16).

In the heavenly sanctuary there is no place here for frivolity or self-exaltation. Those present there can only fall on their faces before God in total humility. This ought to give us guidance as to how we conduct ourselves in the house of God on Sabbath morning. The worship hour is sacred, and should reflect what takes place in the heavenly sanctuary on Sabbath morning. "Frivolous ditties fit for the dance hall" have no place in Christian worship. It causes "the pure angels to gather their light closer around them, and darkness envelops those in that [church]. The angels are moving from the scene. Sadness is upon [the angel's] countenances. Behold, they are weeping." [2]

The heavenly sanctuary is little thought of in the church today, but "this true priesthood, ministry, and sanctuary of Christ in heaven is too plain in the New Testament to be by any possibility denied. Yet, in the face of all this, it is a thing that is hardly ever thought of; it is a thing almost unknown, and even hardly believed, in the Christian world today." [3]

In chapter 5 our vision is shifted from the magnificence of the throne of God, which is too much for us to comprehend, to a "Lamb as it had been slain" (Rev. 5:6). A loud voice proclaims, "Worthy is the Lamb that was slain!" (Rev. 5:12). The Greek word for "slain" means done to death with violence, butchered. The apostle John used the same word in describing Cain's murder of his brother (1 John 3:12), and Cain killed his brother because of the violence and evil in his own heart. Therefore we can conclude that this Lamb standing before the throne of God is an innocent Victim. Our wickedness butchered the innocent Son of God. Stop and think about that next time you're tempted to sin.

"When the apostle looked into the city, to the place where thousands of angels were assembled before the throne, he saw in the midst of it a Lamb, as it had been slain. We have come to the innumerable company of angels, and to Jesus the Mediator, and to the blood of sprinkling. ... His blood is shed, and it is counted for us, because He identifies Himself with us in our sin. And as we lay hold of Him by faith, He comes into our hearts, and His blood is ever flowing to cleanse the sin." [4]

Why do the twenty-four elders and the angelic host proclaim this Lamb "worthy"? Was He "worthy" of the justice of the broken law to which He surrendered, that demanded the life of the sinner? Was He "worthy" of the death He received? Was He "worthy" of the brutality of His crucifixion, and rejection by the men He came to save? Of what is He worthy? He is worthy to "receive power [authority], and riches [abundance], and wisdom [in executing His counsels], strength [power to hold sin in check], and honour [preeminence of rank], and glory [highest praise], and blessing [elaborate praise]" (Rev. 5:12).

Of these He is "worthy"--but why? Because He was willing and able to "lay down His life for His friends" (John 15:13). "While we were yet sinners" and "were [His] enemies," Christ "died for us." The Lamb was brutally killed for the salvation of "the ungodly" (Rom. 5:6-10). And now He stands before the throne of God to plead His shed blood in our behalf. Please do not misread this. God is not the angry ogre paganism proclaims Him to be. No! God is the One who gave the Sacrificial Lamb to effect the reconciliation between sinners and His holy character. "God was in Christ reconciling the world unto Himself" (2 Cor. 5:19). It was God that set forth Christ to be an atonement for us through faith in His blood (see Rom. 3:24, 25). The Third Person of the Godhead is also involved in our salvation as the "seven Spirits of God sent forth into all the earth," seven indicating the fullness and completeness of His work.

Knowing that so much has been given to us to effect the completion of the "mystery of God" (Rev. 10:7) which is "Christ in you, the hope of glory" (Col. 1:27), why do we continue to delay in believing the good news? What on earth is so attractive that we want it more than we want to see Christ and His Father vindicated of the false and vicious charges placed against Them by Satan when he fell in heaven?

"'Behold, what manner of love the Father hath bestowed upon us, that we should be called the sons of God.' In attempting any description of this love, we feel that we are as an infant lisping its first words. Silently we may adore; for silence in this matter is the only eloquence. This love is past all language to describe. It is the mystery of God in the flesh, God in Christ, and divinity in humanity. Christ bowed down in unparalleled humility, that in His exaltation to the throne of God, He might also exalt those who believe in Him, to a seat with Him upon His throne. All who look upon Jesus in faith that the wounds and bruises that sin has made will be healed in Him, shall be made whole." [5]

"It is written that 'in the days of the voice of the seventh angel, when he shall begin to sound, the mystery of God should be finished.' Rev. 10:7. The mystery of God 'is Christ in you, the hope of glory.' Col. 1:26, 27." [6]

"The time of the coming of the Lord and the restitution of all things is indeed at the very doors. And when Jesus comes, it is to take His people unto Himself. It is to present to Himself His glorious church, 'not having spot, or wrinkle, or any such thing,' but that is 'holy and without blemish.' It is to see Himself perfectly reflected in all His saints. ...

"This consummation is accomplished in the cleansing of the sanctuary, which is the finishing of the mystery of God, which is the final finishing of transgression, the making of a complete end of sins, the making of reconciliation for iniquity, the bringing in of everlasting righteousness, the sealing up of the vision and prophecy, and the anointing of the most Holy." [See Daniel 9:24]. [7]

"The themes of redemption are momentous themes, and only those who are spiritually minded can discern their depth and significance." [8]

--Ann Walper

Endnotes:
[1] E. J. Waggoner,Christ and His Righteousness, p. 82, 83; Glad Tidings ed. (1999).
[2] Ellen G. White,Testimonies for the Church, vol. 1, p. 506.
[3] A. T. Jones,TheConsecrated Way to Christian Perfection, p. 92; Glad Tidings ed. (2003).
[4] E. J. Waggoner,"Christ Our Passover,"The Present Truth, Oct. 25, 1894.
[5] Ellen G. White,"The Teacher of Truth the Only Safe Educator," Review and Herald, Nov. 17, 1891.
[6] A. T. Jones,"Editorial Note,"The Advent Review and Sabbath Herald, Dec. 13, 1898.
[7] A. T. Jones,The Consecrated Way to Christian Perfection, pp. 125, 126.
[8] Ellen G. White,Review and Herald, Nov. 17, 1891.

Notes:
Pastor Paul Penno's video of this lesson is on the Internet at: https://youtu.be/IQKVcZex5NI

"Sabbath School Today" is on the Internet at: http://1888message.org/sst.htm

RR

Raul Diaz

https://about.me/raul.diaz

Lesson 3: Jesus' Messages to the Seven Churches

RR

Sabbath School Today
With the 1888 Message Dynamic

The Book of Revelation
Lesson 3: Jesus' Messages to the Seven Churches

If you are traveling to a distant place, you are wise to take a map [or GPS]. You can read the names of the cities, rivers, or mountains that indicate where you are at any time. In this way you can know when you are coming near to your destination.
When, nearly 2000 years ago, the apostle Paul wrote his first letter to the church at Thessalonica, he wrote as though he believed the coming of the Lord was very near at that time. Actually, he wrote as an inspired prophet, like the Old Testament prophets who also described the Day of the Lord as very near in their time. It is like looking at a distant mountain on a sharp clear morning--it seems very close, while usually the haze in between tells you that it is many miles away.
Paul corrected this wrong impression by writing his second letter to the Thessalonians. He made it clear that the Lord would not come in the lifetime of those living at that time. The "map" indicated that many things must come before "that day" could arrive. In telling the Thessalonians what must happen before Jesus will come the second time, Paul refers to the prophecies of Daniel concerning the great "falling away" or apostasy of the Dark Ages.
From Paul's day onwards, the journey on the "map" would be a long one, and many events must first come to pass before the Lord should return. The "falling away" took place several hundred years after the time of the apostles and continued throughout the Dark Ages up until our "time of the end."
The prophetic "map" also unfolds itself before us in the Book of Revelation. The history of God's church from the time of the apostles until the coming of the Lord is revealed in the story of the "seven churches" of Revelation 2 and 3. "Ephesus" is the early church of the apostles; "Smyrna" is the church of the early centuries that suffered bloody persecution at the hands of the Roman Empire; "Pergamos" is the church that enjoyed support and patronage between A.D. 300-500 from the professedly "Christian" empire; "Thyatira" is the church faithful to the Lord in the long Dark Ages.
In his message to Thyatira, Jesus gives the first hint that our journey on the "map" is getting towards "the time of the end." He says: "Hold fast what you have till I come. ... I will give him the morning star" (Rev. 2:25, 28). The night was passing away--the morning would soon come!
"Sardis" is the church of the Reformation period that brought the Dark Ages to a close; "Philadelphia" is the church in the time when those who loved the Bible began to realize that they were living in the "time of the end." They witnessed the first visible "signs" of Christ's coming. To them Jesus said, "Behold,I come quickly" (Rev. 3:11). The "map" is unfolding through the centuries. We can "see" that our long journey is drawing to its close. The events that Paul had mentioned to the Thessalonians had now taken place, and Christian people in many lands had begun to awaken as from a long sleep and to think about the second coming of Christ. These people were called "adventists."
"Laodicea" is the last of the seven churches, and brings us to the end.
Does Revelation indicate that "the angel of the church of the Laodiceans" will ultimately fail and pass a point of no return? If so, he will be the first of the seven churches to do so. Always in the preceding six messages there were promises "to him who overcomes," and in the end, each of those "angels" passed on the torch of truth to the succeeding generation, despite many failures and apostasies, and despite the fact that no one in past ages fully understood the truth as it was yet to be revealed.
The teaching of The Great Controversy is clear that God has always had a remnant throughout history who were faithful. This is the import of Revelation 12, where we read of the true church as "the woman [who] fled into the wilderness," where she was fed. Thus the identity of the true church remained intact through all past ages.
This means that the preceding six messages to Ephesus, Smyrna, Pergamos, Thyatira, Sardis, and Philadelphia, did not fail of their objective. None were intended to prepare a people for translation, and none did; but in each succeeding age each "angel" did heed its message and did preserve the church and its essential truth so that "the angel of the church of the Laodiceans" could at last build upon it. No way can a true Christian say that Christ's ministry "who walks in the midst of the seven golden lampstands" (Rev. 2:1) has been a failure, or that it will ultimately become a failure. To say so would cast contempt upon His cross and His High Priestly ministry.
None of the preceding churches were invited to share Christ's throne, but the "angel of the church of the Laodiceans" is so invited. But if the angel fails and is spewed out, the final promise must fail, and such ultimate failure would call into question the "overcoming" of all the previous six churches. The messages to the seven churches are a total unit, and the failure of the last dooms them all.
This is readily seen by the fact that all believers in Christ of previous generations who are now sleeping in their graves must remain prisoners there until Christ returns; and He cannot return until the problem of Laodicea is resolved. Thus the solemn truth is that the ultimate success of the entire plan of salvation depends upon its final hour, and that hour is the overcoming brought to view in Revelation 3:21.
It is not difficult to understand how the enemy of all righteousness wants to zero in on attacking and denying the possibility and certainty of that final victory.
It was in the history of 1888 that our Lord "knocked" as a Divine Lover seeking entrance at the door of His Bride-to-be. Jesus' direct quotation from the Septuagint is an inspired commentary that says, "The Laodicean message must be understood in the light of the Song of Solomon." If Christ is not omniscient (He says He does not know the time of His second coming--Mark 13:21), perhaps He did not foreknow the outcome of the 1888 appeal. Can we not appreciate His divine eagerness to take to Himself His Bride-to-be? Can we not sense how Christ "the Lover" hoped against hope that she would respond?
But Ellen White said afterwards, "The disappointment of Christ is beyond description." [1] The Song of Solomon tells what happened better than our own historians have told it.
Note how Ellen White clearly ties in the Song of Songs phraseology with the results of the 1888 message:
"The Christian life, which had before seemed to them [the youth] undesirable and full of inconsistencies, now appeared in its true light, in remarkable symmetry and beauty. He who had been to them as a root out of dry ground, without form or comeliness, became the 'chiefest among ten thousand' [Song of Songs 5:10] and the one altogether lovely." [2]
It is a love story indeed--the most poignant ever penned. It breathes the same hope of ultimate reconciliation and reunion as does the Laodicean message.
Such hope is worth dying for, and worth living for. Whether our own poor little souls are at last saved and we get to Heaven to bask in our rewards--this is not at all important. What is important is that the deeply disappointed Lover and Bridegroom-to-be receive His reward, that He at last receive as His Bride a church which is capable of a true heart-appreciation of Him.

--From the Writings of Robert J. Wieland

Endnotes:
[1] Ellen G. White, Review and Herald, Dec. 15, 1904.
[2] Ibid., Feb. 12, 1889.
Notes:
Pastor Paul Penno's video of this lesson is on the Internet at:
https://youtu.be/vto6GCL1ZLQ
"Sabbath School Today" is on the Internet at: http://1888message.org/sst.htm

Ps.

Dear Friends of “Sabbath School Today,”

If you would like a PDF of the first three chapters, and notes on those chapters, of Elder Robert J. Wieland’s book, The Gospel in Revelation: Unlocking the Last Book of the Bible click here or go the 1888message.org website.  These chapters are enjoyable and easy to read and will give you some interesting facts on the subject of lesson 3, the seven churches, with emphasis on the last church, Laodicea.

Sincerely,
The “Sabbath School Today” Staff

Lesson 2: Among the Lampstands

Lesson 2: Among the Lampstands

 

Revelation describes the ultimate culmination of the plan of salvation that God has been trying to explain throughout the scriptures. The focus of the book is on the many facets of Jesus and His relationship with His church. The 1888 message gives the clearest explanation of how Christ fulfills His mission to make His bride ready for the great celestial wedding.

Revelation 1:12-18 (which parallels Daniel 10:5-12) gives a comprehensive description of Christ's person as seen in vision by both Daniel and John. Space allows us to consider only a few of the details.

Christ's feet are described as being like burnished bronze. Metal is polished (burnished) by rubbing it to a shiny reflective surface. Ancient Israel used bronze or copper to make looking glasses or mirrors. Exodus 38:8 tells us that the ladies who served the tabernacle builders donated their looking glasses to be melted down to make the base of the bronze laver. The priests were required to wash their hands and feet in the laver when they entered the sanctuary "that they may not die" (Ex. 30:21).

In the sign language of the scriptures, mirrors illustrate a function of God's law (James 1:23-25, 2 Cor. 3:17, 18). Perhaps the significance of Christ's shining feet suggests that His law is still in effect in His government. "The humanity of Jesus of Nazareth is the celestial Mirror in which we see reflected both God's Ideal for mankind and the condition in which we really are."[1] When we understand the humanity of Christ, we see the incarnation of love and realize our natures can never achieve the perfection that the law requires. Because His government is still based on His law, we can never be a part of it without help. 

It was to provide this help to us that Christ, who was immortal, came in the likeness of sinful flesh. E. J. Waggoner, one of the 1888 "messengers," explains this in simple terms: "We cannot understand how Christ could be God in the beginning, sharing equal glory with the Father, before the world was, and still be born a babe in Bethlehem. The mystery of the crucifixion and resurrection is but the mystery of the incarnation. ... We cannot understand how He could create the world from nothing, nor how He can raise the dead, nor yet how it is that He works by His Spirit in our own hearts; yet we believe and know these things." [2]

This inability to understand can be a stumbling point with many. They want to understand the mind of God before they can "believe and know these things." Mostly, the difficulty is a matter of control. It is so difficult to truly accept "not I, but Christ." Yet, Christ is not only our High Priest, He must also be our King. The Greek word translated "robe" in Revelation 1:13 is used to describe priestly attire, but it was wrapped with a golden girdle which is kingly apparel.

Another aspect of the imagery of Christ's feet is that feet symbolize dominion. In Job 1:7, Satan brags to God that he had come from roaming the earth and "walking around on it." God did not challenge the possessory implication of Satan's statement. In Daniel 7:12-14, the Ancient of Days gave the kingdom and the power and the dominion to "one like a Son of Man." At the cross, Christ redeemed and ransomed the human race; we now belong to Him. Christ is not trespassing when He walks among His churches. He has won the right to be there.

 As Ruler of this world, Christ has consecrated a specific way to save mankind, as explains A. T. Jones, the other 1888 "messenger": "For He 'gave Himself for us.' Titus 2:14. This 'price' was paid for every soul that is on earth, and for every one who ever was or ever shall be on earth; for 'He died for all.' Having died for all; having paid the wondrous price for all; having given Himself for all, it is certainly a fact that all are His. ... And as our whole self is sin and sin only, in order to get us, in order to buy us, He had to buy our sins also ... because He bought us with that great price, so also our sins are His." [3]

It is ironic; we are not responsible for resolving our own sin problem. Someone may say, but the formula is "if we confess our sins, He will forgive them" (1 John 1:9). They also misinterpret James 2:14 as supporting a "balanced" view of faith and works.

But Paul is clear that "by grace are ye saved through faith, and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: not of works, lest any man should boast" (Eph. 2:8, 9). Would James or John contradict Paul? "The apparent conflict (it troubles many) is resolved as clear as sunlight: salvation is totally of grace through faith, but the 'faith' is not dead; it's a living faith 'which works.' Its fruit: obedience to all the commandments of God (Gal. 5:6)." "There's no 'balance' between righteousness by faith and righteousness by works. (Laodicean lukewarmness, hot and cold water 'balanced,' this confusion is Laodicea's problem.)" [4]

Christ is not only our forgiving High Priest, but He has also earned the right to be our King and Ruler. Our works count for nothing because He has done it all. Praise God for His overwhelming grace.

--Arlene Hill

Endnotes:
[1] Leslie Hardinge,With Jesus in His Sanctuary, p. 110; American Christian Ministries, (1991).
[2] E. J. Waggoner, Christ and His Righteousness, p. 27; Glad Tidings ed. (1999).
[3] A. T. Jones, The Consecrated Way to Christian Perfection, pp. 5, 6; Glad Tidings ed. (2003).
[4] Robert J. Wieland, "Dial Daily Bread," July 28, 2012.

Notes:
Pastor Paul Penno's video of this lesson is on the Internet at: https://youtu.be/IdjRolpAMWo

"Sabbath School Today" is on the Internet at: http://1888message.org/sst.htm

RR

Raul Diaz

https://about.me/raul.diaz

Lesson 1: The Gospel From Patmos

Lesson 1: The Gospel From Patmos

 

What is the relationship between Revelation and the 1888 Message?

Ellen White says there is a very close relationship between the 1888 message of Christ's righteousness and the general features of the prophecies of Revelation.

There may be "matters of minor importance that call for careful study and corrections," she says; but "the great waymarks of truth, showing us our bearings in prophetic history, are to be carefully guarded, lest they be torn down, and replaced with theories that would bring confusion rather than genuine light." [1]

Why Was Ellen White So Concerned in 1896 About Adventist Futurism?
It was apparent to her then that the "most precious message" of the 1888 era was "in a great degree" meeting with determined resistance and rejection. [2] In her understanding, the basic prophetic understandings of our people at that time were correct and properly conceived so as to lighten the earth with the glory of the loud cry message if only our brethren had accepted the further light of the 1888 message of Christ's righteousness.

In other words, combined with the prophetic understanding of our people at that time, the proclamation of the 1888 message could have finished the gospel commission in that generation. At no time did Ellen White express a need for a new interpretation of Daniel and Revelation. Rather, she pleaded for a much more diligent comprehension of the prophecies as "the chain of truth in the prophecies" was searched out by the diligent, prayerful study of our pioneers.

Her warnings of false doctrines creeping in became more insistent after 1888. We see the justification for these warnings in the present prophetic confusion in this church. The prospect of an utterly disunited "pluralism" wreaking further confusion is disheartening to anyone who longs for the church to "press together."

It is general knowledge that there is vast confusion today regarding these prophecies. Where is the "genuine light"? We are told:

"Especially should Daniel and the Revelation have attention as never before in the history of our work. ... When we as a people understand what this book [Revelation] means to us, there will be seen among us a great revival. ... When the books of Daniel and Revelation are better understood, believers will have an entirely different religious experience. ... The Lord will bless all who will seek humbly and meekly to understand that which is revealed in the Revelation." [3]

These solemn calls for deeper study of the prophecies do not imply that we need a new model of interpretation which must either deny or supplant the understanding that the Holy Spirit gave to our pioneers.

It was during the 1888 crisis that Ellen White said, "Many things intended to deceive will come, bearing some of the marks of truth. Just as soon as these shall be set forth as the great power of God, Satan is all ready to weave in that which he has prepared to lead souls from the truth for this time." [4]

According to Ellen White's inspired counsels, nothing would please the enemy more than to see Seventh-day Adventists inventing new schemes of interpretation of Daniel and Revelation, splintering themselves off into fragments, reapplying the time prophecies, and thus creating confusion and hindering the work of soul-winning. New members would be devastated if novel theories are urged upon them and they encounter prophetic confusion in the church!

Tampering with the "great waymarks of ... our bearings in prophetic history" will produce "confusion." "A sleepless adversary" is at work to distort those prophetic understandings. "Faith ... is undermined" when these "events in the train of prophecy that had their fulfillment away in the past are made future." Acknowledging that these past understandings were correct for their time but applying them again "to the future" is also an example of confusion.

What Is the Best Hope For Resolving Our Prophetic Confusion?
In the light of Ellen White's clear counsels, how could any new invention of prophetic interpretation find general worldwide acceptance in this our generation? It will be impossible to convince the world church to scuttle The Great Controversy, which will continue in a convincing way to refute all new interpretations and re-applications of the prophecies. The Holy Spirit has set a seal of approval on that book.

Our disunity should lead us to be deeply embarrassed to the point of fasting, prayer, and corporate humiliation. Our only hope is to "press together" in a deeper appreciation for the "great prophetic waymarks" that have built this Seventh-day Adventist Church from its earliest days.

Numerous attempts by those who say, "This is truth. I have new light." are fueled by a sense of bewilderment at the long delay in the return of Christ. "We need a new interpretation of the prophecies" is the cry. But the true key to understanding this long delay, far beyond when the generation that saw "signs" in the heavens should have witnessed His return, is explained by the 1888 history.

No honest mind can read Matthew 24:34, Mark 13:30, and Luke 21:32 without recognizing that the Lord's original intention was that the same generation which experienced the Great Disappointment of 1844 should witness the fruition of "the blessed hope." The rejection of the 1888message was totally contrary to Heaven's gracious plan, and to the expectations of angels.

The prophetic scenario which prevailed in the 1888 era has again come back into place on the stage of current history. A 70-year detour wherein Russian Communism appeared to displace the Papacy as the "beast" of Revelation 13 has now come to an end. The principal characters again occupying center stage in the world's spotlight are a revived Romanism as the "first beast," a powerful United States as the two-horned beast (a Protestantism sidling ever closer to Rome), a renascent Islam, and exploding Spiritualism. It is prophetic deja vu.

It's time once more that "a most precious message" at last come into its own as the Lord intended. It must go unsuppressed and unopposed to the world church, and thence to enlighten the world at large.

--Paul E. Penno

Endnotes (Ellen G. White):
[1] Selected Messages, book 2, p. 101.
[2] Selected Messages, book 1, pp. 234, 235.
[3] Testimonies to Ministers and Gospel Workers, pp. 112-114.
[4] Selected Messages, book 2, p. 92 (1894).

Notes:
Pastor Paul Penno's video of this lesson is on the Internet at: https://youtu.be/u2u_g7CyP1s

"Sabbath School Today" is on the Internet at: http://1888message.org/sst.htm

RR

Raul Diaz

https://about.me/raul.diaz