Arthur L. White

Even though the tragic fall of our first parents at the beginning separated them from face-to-face converse with their Maker, God did not leave man without means by which He could communicate with him. In order that those who should so choose might intelligently avail themselves of the gracious provisions for their salvation, they must receive instruction, information, and guidance. The methods of communication have been quite varied in their nature, ranging from the audible voice of God heard on several occasions to the Urim and Thummim by which the people might inquire of the Lord. Angels on several occasions have borne Heaven's messages directly to individuals; at times God has given dreams to warn of impending danger; and all through the centuries the voices of the prophets have been heard. "By dreams, by Urim, or by prophets. ... These were God's own appointed mediums of communication." [PP. (ed. 1890, p. 683. Gen. 28:12; Numb. 27:21; 1.Sam. 28:6,15; Dan. 2:1,21.]

Of these several means of communication employed by the Lord, the most common and widely used was that of the prophet. To Israel, God Himself declared His intention in simple language: "If there be a prophet among you, I the Lord will make Myself known unto him in a vision, and will speak unto him in a dream." Num. 12:6. Information, instruction, and direction were to be revealed to the prophet, which he in turn would impart to the people. The process by which the prophet received the divine message was not through face-to-face converse with God, nor on the other hand was it merely through impressions or strong feelings; but it was through a definite, divinely chosen process, designated as "visions."

"In Divers Manners"

The Word of God abounds in references to visions, but rarely do we find a description of just what took place in connection with their reception. In the writings of Mrs. E.G. White there are also numerous references to visions, yet rarely did she speak of the circumstances of the visions.

It seems clear that no one set of facts can be related as constituting as invariable description of the circumstances connected with the visions given to God's prophets. Nor can any one rule be formulated by which we may determine the manner in which the light was of divine origin was imparted to God's messengers, to be given in turn by them to others. Not a few, having read or heard a vivid description of the physical phenomena accompanying certain of the visions, have assumed all were given in the same manner. A study of the question reveals that "God, who at sundry times and in divers manners spake in time past ... by the prophets" (Heb. 1:1), did not alter His methods in speaking to the remnant church through His chosen messenger for the last days.

As it is the purpose of this and the succeeding chapters to deal particularly with the manifestation of the prophetic gift in the Seventh-day-Adventist, or remnant, Church, the Scripture record will only occasionally be cited, and references, in the main, will be confined to the experience of Mrs. E. White. We shall use such of her statements as seem to draw the curtain back and reveal, almost always in a casual or incidental way, the elements which, when pieced together, form an illuminating composite picture, instructive and helpful both in its detail and in its larger, over-all aspects. This E.G. White witness will be supplemented by the testimony of close associates, who have spoken of certain important features scarcely ever referred to by Mrs. White herself.

Circumstances of the Visions

While the work of one claims to speak for God must meet the sure tests of the Word of God - "by their fruits ye shall know them," "to the law and to the testimony," the fulfillment of the predictions, etc. - yet the circumstances of the visions invariably constitute a point of interest in connection with the manifestation of the gift of prophecy. While such do not rightfully form a test, the circumstances of some of the visions did indeed supply confirmatory evidence of great weight. We might divide these manifestations into three general groups:

1. Visions given in public, and accompanied by the marked physical phenomena.
2. Visions given during the hours of the night, often referred to as prophetic dreams.
3. Visions given during periods of prayer or writing, unaccompanied by physical phenomena.

"They thought that I was dead, and there they watched and cried and prayed so long, but to me it was heaven, it was life, and then the world was spread out before me and I saw darkness like the pall of death.
What did it mean? I could see no light, Then I saw a little glimmer of light and then another and these lights increased and grew brighter, and multiplied and grew stronger and stronger till they were the light of the world. These were the believers in Jesus Christ ...
I never thought that I should come to the world again. When my breath came again to my body, I could not hear anything. Everything was dark. The light and glory that my eyes had rested upon had eclipsed the light and thus it was for many hours. Then gradually I began to recognize the light, and I asked where I was.
`You are right here in my house,' said the owner of the home.
`What, here? I here? Do you not know about it?' Then it all came back to me. Is this to be my home? Have I come here again? Oh, the weight and the burden which came upon my soul." [E.G. White, MS, 16, 1894.]

The Account of Eyewitnesses

Quite naturally those who personally witnessed the visions which were accompanied by physical phenomena observed very carefully what took place. While at times there was a slight variation in the circumstances, yet in their general features they were quite uniform. The utmost freedom was extended to those present to examine Mrs. White, and at times physicians were called for a more thorough and critical examination. Mrs. Martha Amadon, whose father and husband were both pioneer workers [80], and who for many years was a neighbor and close associate of Mrs. White, sums up the circumstances of a number of visions which she personally witnessed. Her account, which follows, is similar to many other accounts which are a matter of record:

"As one who has frequently observed her in vision, knowing the company of the people usually present, all deeply observant and believers in her exercises, I have often wondered why a more vivid description of the scenes which transpired has not been given.
In visions her eyes were open. There was no breath, but there were graceful movements of the shoulders, arms, and hands expressive of what she saw. It was impossible for anyone else to move her hands or arms. She often uttered words singly, and sometimes sentences which expressed to these about her the nature of the view she was having, either of heaven or of earth.
Her first word in vision was `Glory,' sounding at first close by, and then dying away in the distance, seemingly far away. This was sometimes repeated ...
There was never an excitement among those present during a vision; nothing caused fear. It was a solemn, quiet scene, sometimes lasting an hour ...
When the vision was ended, and she lost sight of the heavenly light, as it were, coming back to the earth once more, she would exclaim with a long-drawn sigh, as she took her first natural breath, `D-a-r-k.' She was then limp and stengthless." [Martha Amadon, Notebook Leaflets, Miscellaneous Leaflets, No. 2, Mrs. E.G. White in Vision.

"1. She is utterly unconscious of everything transpiring around her, as has been proved by the most rigid tests, but views herself as removed from this world, and in the presence of heavenly beings.
"2. She does not breathe. During the entire period of her continuous vision, which has at different times ranged from fifteen minutes to three hours, there is no breath, as has been repeatedly proved by pressing upon the chest, and by closing her mouth and nostrile.
"3. Immediately on entering vision, her muscles become rigid, and joints fixed, so far as any external force can influence them. At the same time her movements and gestures, which are frequent, are free and graceful, and cannot be hindered nor controlled by the strongest person.
"4. On coming out of vision, whether in the daytime or a well-lighted room at night, all is total darkness. Her power to distinguish even the most brilliant objects, held within a few inches of the eyes, returns but gradually ...
" She has probably had, during the past twenty three years, between one and two hundred visions. These have been given under almost every variety of circumstances, yet maintaining a wonderful similarity." [James White, Life Incidents, p. 272, Battle Creek, Michigan, 1868.]

Joseph Bates on Ellen Harmon (White)

"I have seen her in vision a number of times, and also in Topsham, Maine; and those who were present during some of those exciting scenes know well with what interest and intensity I listened to every word, and watched every move to detect deception or mesmeric influence. And I thank God for the opportunity I have had with others to witness these things. I can now confidently speak for myself. I believe the work is of God." [Christian Experience and Teachings of Ellen G. White, p. 89. J. Bates (1792-1872)]

The Testimony Summarized

From the many eyewitness accounts available we build the following summary:

1. Immediately preceding a vision, there was a deep sensing of the presence of God both by Mrs. White and by others in the room.
   
2. As the vision began, Mrs. White uttered an exclamation of "Glory!" or "Glory to God!" at times repeated.
   
3. There was a loss of physical strength.
   
4. Supernatural strength was then apparent.
   
5. There was no breathing, but the heartbeat continued normal, and the color in the cheeks was natural. The most critical tests failed to reveal any disturbance of the circulatory system.
   
6. Occasionally there would be exclamations indicative of the scene being presented.
   
7. The eyes were open, not with a vacant stare, but as if she were intently watching something.
   
8. The position might vary. At times she was seated; at times reclining; at times she walked about the room and made graceful gestures as she spoke of matters presented.
   
9. There was an absolute unconsciousness of what was occurring about her. She neither saw, heard, felt, nor perceived in any way the immediate surroundings or happenings.
   
10. The close of the vision was indicated by a deep inhalation, followed by about a minute by another, and very soon natural breathing was resumed.
    
11. Immediately after the vision all seemed very dark.
    
12. Within a short time natural strength and abilities were regained.
    The experience of the visions never weakened or debilitated Mrs. White. They were usually followed by increased natural strength and improved health.

Place of Physical Phenomena

A logical question arises as to why the visions were so often given in this way. One might reason, Are not the great tests of the prophet set forth in the Word of God sufficient? The answer is found in a thoughtful analysis of the situation. Here was a maiden of barely seventeen years claiming that she had been instructed of God. She had been favored with revelations, she asserted, and had a message of divine origin for the people. Eventually the great test, "by their fruits ye shall know them," would determine the validity of her claims.

As we look back today, we see Mrs. White's claim that she was the recipient of light divinely imparted by God, tested by the Word of God; We view a voluminous body of writings on many subjects, but with a perfect unity stretching from the earliest to the last; we witness the fruit of the lives of those who consistently endeavor to follow the counsel given; we see in the development and conduct of the work of the remnant church the guidance of these messages. Also, we have witnessed and are today witnessing the fulfillment of predictions recorded many decades ago. From our perspective today, we see many incontrovertible evidences which form a sound basis for belief.

But, back in the beginning days, before there was time or opportunity for the development of fruit, convincing evidences were given to those who must at the time judge as to the messages presented. Were they of God? Much depended upon the answer. The very manner in which the visions were given was one strong evidence, among many, which settled the matter in the minds of most eyewitnesses. The primary value of such testimony was, no doubt, in the aid that it gave to those who must at the outset evaluate the claims of the one who spoke for God before there was full opportunity for the application of the sure tests of the Word of God.

On one occasion, when Mrs. White wrote of he condition while in vision, she declared: "These messages were thus given to substantiate the faith of all, that in these last days we might have confidence in the Spirit of prophecy." [R&H, June 14, 1906.]

Visions received at Night

In the Ellen G. White writings, expressions of this character are frequent: "In the visions of the night some things were clearly presented before me"; or "In the night season the Lord gave me instruction." All through her experience, and more particularly in the later years of her life, the visions were frequently given during the hours of the night, while the mind was at rest and entirely severed from circumstances and influences about her. Questions may arise concerning the relationship between a prophetic dream, or night vision, and an ordinary dream. Of this Mrs. White wrote in 1868:

"There are many dreams arising from the common things of life, with which the Spirit of God has nothing to do. `There are also false dreams, as well as false visions, which are inspired by the spirit of Satan. But dreams from the Lord are classed in the Word of God with visions, and are as truly the fruits of the Spirit of prophecy as visions. Such dreams, taking into the account the persons who have them, and the circumstances under which they are given, contain their own proofs of their genuiness." [5T, p. 658.]

"Because," she answered, "the same angel messenger stands by my side instructing me in the visions of the night, as stands beside me instructing me in the visions of the day." The heavenly being referred to was at other times spoken of as "the angel," "my guide, "my instructor,: "the young man," etc. [Comment: She quotes the angel speaking in old English using the word "Ye", thou art", "mete put", "thee", "List ye". 1T, 129; EW 60,2; 62.1; 64.1; 67,2; 73,2; 119,1;122,1;127,1; 270,4; 151,3.]

Thus we can see clearly that there was no confusion in the prophet's mind, no question as to the revelation, which came during the hours of the night while the mind was at rest; for the very circumstances in connection with it made it clear that it was instruction from God. And it may well be said that the prophetic dream is on the same plane and is of equal importance with the prophetic vision. One authority has written of this:

"It does not seem possible to draw any very precise distinction between the prophetic `dream' and the prophetic `vision.' In the case of Abraham (Gen. 15:1) and of Daniel (Dan. 7:1), they seem to melt into each other." [100]

While the two types of visions already mentioned were the most common in the experience of Mrs. White, the revelations to her were by no means limited to these two. Not infrequently visions accompanied by physical phenomena were given while she was writing, speaking, or praying, either in private or in public. At such times the immediate surroundings seemed to be shut out while matters were presented to her in revelation. One outstanding instance of this character was in connection with the Minnesota camp meeting of 1870. W.C. White, who was present, gives the following account:

"Father and mother were carrying a heavy burden in behalf of the ministry who had been working in the State. On Sunday morning they undertook to conduct a revival service. Father spoke for a few minutes, but with little freedom. Then after mother had spoken briefly, they asked the congregation to kneel in prayer. Father offered a labored, sorrowful prayer, then mother began to implore for light and freedom. After she had prayed for about two minutes she stopped. There was a silence long enough to count to forty or fifty, about half a minute.
I was kneeling with the congregation, and I turned to see what was the occasion for the silence. Just then she burst forth in prayer. Her voice was melodious, and triumphant, and the remainder of her prayer greatly moved the people present.
During the period of silence, a revelation was given her regarding conditions in the Minnesota Conference, also conditions regarding the work in Battle Creek, also regarding other matters of general interest in the cause. Following the camp meeting, father and mother found retirement at the home of one of our brethren. Mother wrote diligently for about two weeks, in recording what had been shown to her during the half minute pause in her prayer." [W.C. White in Lecture at Advanced Bible School, 1936. White Publications Document File No. 696.]

"While engaged in earnest prayer, I was lost to everything around me; the room was filled with light, and I was bearing a message to an assembly that seemed to be the General Conference." [Testimonies to Ministers, p. 461.][140]

What it Means When a Church Has a True Prophet

At this point it is amazing to have learned above how God has let his prophets, his mouthpieces, know throughout history what the message was they were supposed to bear. Since God knows everything that goes on, and since some occurrences are deemed of importance to His causes, He will let His prophets know what goes on behind closed doors in private or counsel meetings, etc. In the case of God's prophet Ellen White, leaders of the church, especially those who had been elected more recently, could not yet quite fathom, how true that was. So, we know there some leaders who thought for a while that Willy C. White, her son, who had attended workers meetings, must have contacts who told him what was going on, and that he would tell his mother; but that was not true. His mother would be told of God during night time hours what was essential to know and write messages for those involved to guide them in the right path. Until they grasped the true working of the Spirit of Prophecy, that was a puzzling matter to them, even though Bible prophets had the same experiences that God would let them know what goes on behind closed doors. Thus, leaders of other churches, cannot comprehend what it means to have a prophet in the church for they never had a true prophet, for they were unfaithful in numerous things. Thus, they resists the idea of prophets in a church for it directs attention to their failings. {6BIO 158.7}

The Length of the Visions

While some of the visions were very extended in their nature, at times lasting more than an hour, and on one occasion four hours, there were other times when the visions were very brief in duration - only a few minutes, or in some cases, seconds. There were times when there was an almost instantaneous flashlight view given of certain situations or conditions. At such times the vision usually related to only one subject or one phase of a subject, while the longer views might take in many, many subjects, or deal with events occurring over a long period of time. The visions of the early years were more comprehensive in their content, longer in duration, and less frequent. In later years, they were more frequent but often limited in scope.

Thus it may be seen that "at sundry times and in divers manners" God spoke to Ellen White as He did to the prophets in "time past."

As the circumstances connected with the giving of the visions were diverse, and not subject to any fixed pattern, so also the manner in which the light was imparted to God's messenger varied greatly. The prophets of old did not become automatons mechanically recording or speaking the messages received. They were not deprived of the use of their ordinary faculties in connection with their work as God's messengers.

It has been supposed by some that in Mrs. White's experience she wrote while in vision. This is not true. Some have concluded that when she wrote she was recording words which she heard repeated to her by an angel. This, too, is erroneous, except in rare instances when short, direct quotations are given of what the attending angel said. Some have been of the opinion that there was a mechanical force which guided the pen which she held in her hand. Such a view is also entirely out of harmony with the facts.

The revelation consisted in the enlightening of the mind, and then when not in vision it was the task of the prophet - with the aid of the Spirit of God, of course - to pass on to others instruction, admonition, and information of divine origin which she had received. A wide range of subjects was covered in the visions. Often the matters revealed were of general interest and concern, but frequently, too, specific messages were given for individuals. In this article we shall deal with the manner in which the messenger received such divine illumination. While several Bible instances will come to the mind of the reader, we shall confine this article to a number of concrete illustrations drawn from the Ellen G. White books and manuscripts, setting forth typical cases in her experience.

Seemingly Present, Participating in Events

Note the simplicity of the language used by Ellen White in a description of how light came to her in her first vision (December 1844):

"While I was praying at the family altar, the Holy Ghost fell upon me, and I seemed to be rising higher and higher, far above the dark world. I turned to look for the advent people in the world, but could not find them, when a voice said to me, `Look again, and look a little higher.' At this I raised my eyes, and saw a straight and narrow path, cast up high above the world. On this path the advent people were traveling to the city, which was at the farther end of the path." [EW, p. 14.]

(1) She was rising above the world.
(2) She turned to look for something.
(3) She could not locate that which she sought.
(4) She heard a voice speaking to her.
(5) She obeyed the command of that voice.
(6) Raising her eyes, she observed the advent people traveling.
(7) She viewed their destination.
(8) Later she seemed to be with them as they enjoyed their reward.

Broad Panoramic Views Given

At times the events of the past, present, and future were opened up to Ellen White in panoramic view. It seemed to her that she witnessed in rapid succession the vivid enactment of the scenes of history. We quote here a few sentences from the author's Introduction to The Great Controversy, giving us a glimpse of this means of enlightenment of her mind:

"Through the illumination of the Holy Spirit, the scenes of the long-continued conflict between good and evil have been opened to the writer of these pages. From time to time I have been permitted to behold the working, in different ages, of the great controversy between Christ, the Prince of Life, the Author of our salvation, and Satan, the prince of evil, the author of sin, the first transgressor of God's holy law. ...
As the Spirit of God opened to my mind the great truths of His Word, and the scenes of the past and the future, I have been bidden to make known to others that which has thus been revealed, - to trace the history of the controversy in past ages, and especially so to present it as to shed a light on the fast approaching struggle of the future." [500]

Instruction came at times not only through the witnessing of the occurring of events but also through the words of the accompanying angel, explaining the meaning of that which was seen. Notice this significant experience, related in Volume IX of the Testimonies:

"While at Loma Linda, California, (Monday) April 16, 1906, there passed before me a most wonderful representation. During a vision of the night, I stood on an eminence, from which I could see houses shaken like a reed in the wind. Buildings, great and small, were falling to the ground. Pleasure resorts, theaters, hotels, and the homes of the wealthy were shaken and shattered. Many lives were blotted out of existence, and the air was filled with the shrieks of the injured and the terrified. ... The awfulness of the scenes that passed before me I cannot find words to describe. It seemed that the forbearance of God was exhausted, and that the judgment day had come.
Terrible as was the representation that passed before me, that which impressed itself most vividly upon my mind was the instruction given in connection with it. The angel that stood by my side declared that God's supreme rulership, and the sacredness of His law, must be revealed to those who persistently refuse to render obedience to the King of kings. Those who choose to remain disloyal, must be visited in mercy with judgments, in order that, if possible, they may be aroused to a realization of the sinfulness of their course." [9T, p. 92-93.]

Oftentimes while in vision it seemed to Ellen White that she was conveyed to one of our institutions, and then she would be conducted from department to department. Perhaps she would seem to be in counsels which were held, would witness the actions of individuals, hear the words spoken, and observe the surroundings in general. An interesting account of one such vision appears in Counsels on Health. Mrs. White seemed to be at a certain institution, and "an angel of God" conducted her from room to room. She heard the conversation "in the rooms of the helpers."

"The frivolous talk, the foolish jesting, the meaningless laugh, fell painfully upon the ear. ... I was astonished as I saw the jealousy indulged, and listened to the words of envy, the reckless talk, which made angels of God ashamed. ...
From still other rooms came the most disagreeable sallies of low wit, and vain talk. Some were making sport of individuals, and even imitating the words uttered in meeting; sacred things were made the subject of jest." [CH, p. 412-143.]

In 1887, from across the Atlantic, Mrs. White wrote to one of our workers of detrimental policies pursued in one of our institutions. Note how she received her information:

"I arose at three o'clock this morning with a burden on my mind. ... In my dreams I was at --, and I was told by my Guide to mark everything I heard and to observe everything I saw. I was in a retired place, where I could not be seen, but could see all that went on in the room. Persons were settling accounts with you, and I heard them remonstrating with you in regard to the large sum charged for board and room and treatment. I heard you with firm, decided voice refuse to lower the charge. I was astonished to see the charge was so high." [E.G. White Letter 30, 1887.]

Another illustration of this character is presented. Mrs. White was at one time a guest at the home of one of our church members, but early during her stay she arose one morning at four o'clock to write out "some things presented" to her during the night. We quote from her account.

"The angel of God said, `Follow me.' I seemed to be in a room in a rude building, and there were several young man playing cards. They seemed to be very intent upon the amusement in which they were engaged and were so engrossed that they did not seem to notice that anyone had entered the room. There were young girls present observing the players, and words were spoken not of the most refined order. There was a spirit that was not of a character calculated to purify and uplift the mind and ennoble the character. ...
I inquired, `Who are these and what does this scene represent?'
The word was spoken, `Wait.'
I had another representation. There was the imbibing of the liquid poison, and the words and actions under its influence were anything but favorable for serious thoughts, clear perception in business lines, pure morals, and the uplifting of the participants. ...
I asked again, `Who are these?'
The answer came, `A portion of the family where you are visiting. The great adversary of souls, the great enemy of God and man, the head of principalities and powers, and the ruler of the darkness of this world is presiding here tonight. Satan and his angels are leading on with his temptations these poor souls to their own ruin.'" [E.G.White Letter 1, 1893.]

Seeing Buildings no yet Erected

There were times when institutions or buildings which in the future would constitute a part of our institutions, were shown to Mrs. White before they were erected, and at times before they were planned. She refers to one such instance in a letter written in 1903:

"I have been thinking of how, after we began sanitarium work in Battle Creek, sanitarium buildings all ready for occupation were shown to me in vision. The Lord instructed me as to the way in which the work in these buildings should be conducted in order for it to exert a saving influence on the patients.
All this seemed very real to me, but when I awoke I found that the work was yet to be done, that there were no buildings erected.
Another time I was shown a large building going up on the site on which the Battle Creek Sanitarium was afterward erected. The brethren were in great perplexity as to who should take charge of the work. I wept sorely. One of authority stood up among us, and said, `Not yet.' You are not ready to invest means in that building, or to plan for its future management.'
At this time the foundation of the sanitarium had been laid. But we need to learn the lesson of waiting." [E.G. White Letter 135, p. 1903.]

Two consecutive paragraphs form a personal testimony addressed to a prominent worker of earlier years illustrate how far-reaching experiences of life may be made plain in just a brief symbolic view:

"Many other scenes connected with your case have been presented to me. At one time you were represented to me as trying to push a long car up a steep ascent. But this car, instead of going up the hill, kept running down. This car represented the food business as a commercial enterprise, which has been carried forward in a way that God does not command.
At another time you were represented to me as a general, mounted on a horse, and carrying a banner. One came and took out of your hand the banner bearing the words, `The commandments of God and the faith of Jesus,' and it was trampled in the dust. I saw you surrounded by men who were linking you up with the world." [E.G. White Letter 239, 1903.]

There were times also when two different or divergent views were presented to Mrs. White - one illustrating what would take place if certain plans or policies were followed, and in another view the outworking of other plans or policies. An interesting illustration of this point is found in Testimonies for the Church, Volume 9, pages 28 and 29, where two maps were seemingly exhibited. To Mrs. White it seemed that she was attending a large gathering, "One of authority was addressing the company." Before them was a large map which "pictured God's vineyard." Lights were seen to appear as the work was conducted on right lines. Then the map was taken away and another, with but few lights, was exhibited. The audience was told that this illustrated the results of men "following their own course."
Another excellent illustration of this may be cited in connection with the locating of the health food factory at Loma Linda in the year 1906. The manager and his associates were planning for the erection of a large building very near the main sanitarium building. While plans were developing, Mrs. White, at her home in northern California, was one night given two visions. Of the first of these she says:

"I was shown a large building where many foods were made. There were also some smaller buildings near the bakery. As I stood by, I heard loud voices in dispute over the work that was being done. There was a lack of harmony among the workers, and confusion had come in." [E.G. White Letter 140, 1906.]

This grouping of illustrations might be greatly enlarged, but sufficient is given here to form a good representation of the varied ways in which the light was imparted by God to the mind of Ellen White. In an illuminating statement made by her in 1860 we find this terse description of how matters were revealed to her:

"As inquiries are frequently made as to my state in vision, and after I come out, I would say that when the Lord sees fit to give a vision, I am taken into the presence of Jesus and angels, and am entirely lost to earthly things. I can see no farther than the angel directs me. My attention is often directed to scenes transpiring upon earth.
At times I am carried far ahead into the future and shown what is to take place. Then again I am shown things as they have occurred in the past." [2SG, p. 292 (1860, Battle Creek)].

In this section we relate to our readers how Jewish Rabbis have reacted to some of the writings of Ellen White. A thoroughly educated Jewish Rabbi would never have touched the New Testament, were it not for reading the Book, `Patriarchs and Prophets.' Joe Kagan was born in a Jewish family which derived originally out of eastern Europe. He was still young, when his family settled in the United States of America. When he was 13 years of age, he debuted as tenor at Carnegie Hall since he had such a fine voice. After a very rigorous and quality education he became a rabbi. By around 1978 he was on the staff of Ronald Reagan. The young rabbi had a very negative attitude toward Christianity and would have never touched a New Testament. However, in the Thora, the Old Testament, he was very well versed.

One day a book with the title, `Patriarchs and Prophets' by Ellen G. White got into his hands. He read it with astonishment. He knew just the man to ask about who it was who wrote this book.

His question was, `Who was Ellen White and at which university was she educated?'

He was told that White had only three years of grammar school education.

He then asked, `Where did she learn Hebrew?'

He was told correctly that Ellen White had never studied Hebrew and could not read or understand the language but that she was the most productive author of all time.

The rabbi was very impressed by the answers and explained that the content and information of `Patriarchs and Prophets' was of the type, which is found in the `Mishna.' The `Mishna' is part of the rabbinical holy scriptures. However it was not translated into English until only about 60 years ago and that because of that, only a very educated Jewish rabbi could have such vast knowledge as he found in that book `Patriarchs and Prophets' by Ellen White.

He said, `Patriarchs and Prophets' contains the history of his people very exactly. He also believed that one would have to know how to write in the Hebrew language to write the way she did, because her sentence structures are not English, they are Hebrew. The rhythm of her prose, the meter, the arrangement of words and ideograms are not of English derivation. He said, when he read the book, it appeared to him that the book was translated from Hebrew into English. But Ellen White wrote `Patriarchs and Prophets' in her own home in California, far removed from any university and without any help by Hebrew writings.

As a result, Rabbi Kagan befriended an Adventist family with whom he then studied the Bible and additional books by Ellen G. White. It was after that experience, that he said, "I am convinced that Ellen White was inspired by the same source as were the Hebrew prophets. I want to ... accept Jesus as my Messiah."

Reading the Bible alone, this rabbi would not have found or accepted Jesus Christ. The writings of Ellen White opened his eyes, that Jesus was the fulfillment of all of the prophecies of the Messiah. Rabbi Kagan was baptized in a private baptism on December 22, 1979 near Sacramento. When he emerged from the chilly water, he praised God and His new Messiah. Then he said, "Now I am a complete Jew. I have accepted the Old and the New Testament of which the prophets testify."

The disciples traveling to Emmaus needed to be disentangled in their interpretation of the Scriptures. Jesus walked with them disguised, and as a man He talked with them. Beginning at Moses and the prophets He taught them in all things concerning Himself, that His life, His mission, His sufferings, His death were just as the Word of God had foretold. He opened their understanding that they might understand the Scriptures. How quickly He straightened out the tangled ends and showed the unity and divine verity of the Scriptures. How much men in these times need their understanding opened. {1SM 20.4}
The Bible is written by inspired men, but it is not God's mode of thought and expression. It is that of humanity. God, as a writer, is not represented. Men will often say such an expression is not like God. But God has not put Himself in words, in logic, in rhetoric, on trial in the Bible. The writers of the Bible were God's penmen, not His pen. Look at the different writers. {1SM 21.1}
It is not the words of the Bible that are inspired, but the men that were inspired. Inspiration acts not on the man's words or his expressions but on the man himself, who, under the influence of the Holy Ghost, is imbued with thoughts. But the words receive the impress of the individual mind. The divine mind is diffused. The divine mind and will is combined with the human mind and will; thus the utterances of the man are the word of God.-- Manuscript 24, 1886 (written in Europe in 1886). {1SM 21.2}
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Brethren, let not a mind or hand be engaged in criticizing the Bible. It is a work that Satan delights to have any of you do, but it is not a work the Lord has pointed out for you to do. {1SM 17.4} Men should let God take care of His own Book, His living oracles, as He has done for ages. They begin to question some parts of revelation, and pick flaws in the apparent inconsistencies of this statement and that statement. Beginning at Genesis, they give up that which they deem questionable, and their minds lead on, for Satan will lead to any length they may follow in their criticism, and they see something to doubt in the whole Scriptures. Their faculties of criticism become sharpened by exercise, and they can rest on nothing with a certainty. You try to reason with these men, but your time is lost. They will exercise their power of ridicule even upon the Bible. They even become mockers, and they would be astonished if you put it to them in that light. {1SM 17.5}
Brethren, cling to your Bible, as it reads, and stop your criticisms in regard to its validity, and obey the Word, and not one of you will be lost. The ingenuity of men has been exercised for ages to measure the Word of God by their finite minds and limited comprehension. If the Lord, the Author of the living oracles, would throw back the curtain and reveal His wisdom and His glory before them, they would shrink into nothingness and exclaim as did Isaiah, "I am a man of unclean lips, and I dwell in the midst of people of unclean lips" (Isaiah 6:5). {1SM 18.1}
Simplicity and plain utterance are comprehended by the illiterate, by the peasant, and the child as well as by the full-grown man or the giant in intellect. If the individual is possessed of large talents of mental powers, he will find in the oracles of God treasures of truth, beautiful and valuable, which he can appropriate. He will also find difficulties, and secrets and wonders which will give him the highest satisfaction to study during a long lifetime, and yet there is an infinity beyond. {1SM 18.2}
Men of humble acquirements, possessing but limited capabilities and opportunities to become conversant in the Scriptures, find in the living oracles comfort, guidance, counsel, and the plan of salvation as clear as a sunbeam. No one need be lost for want of knowledge, unless he is willfully blind. {1SM 18.3}
We thank God that the Bible is prepared for the poor man as well as for the learned man. It is fitted for all ages and all classes.--Manuscript 16, 1888 (written at Minneapolis, Minn., in autumn of 1888).
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The ten commandments were spoken by God himself, and were written by his own hand. They are of divine, and not human composition. But the Bible, with its God-given truths expressed in the language of men, presents a union of the divine and the human. Such a union existed in the nature of Christ, who was the Son of God and the Son of man. Thus it is true of the Bible, as it was of Christ, that "the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us." John 1:14. {GC88 c.5} [Comment: While Christ had the nature of man, he had a sinless nature, for unless one sins, there is no sin, but he did have a genetically weakened nature of 4000 years of sin by his family tree, but never yielded to temptation. DA 117]
Written in different ages, by men who differed widely in rank and occupation, and in mental and spiritual endowments, the books of the Bible present a wide contrast in style, as well as a diversity in the nature of the subjects unfolded. Different forms of expression are employed by different writers; often the same truth is more strikingly presented by one than by another. And as several writers present a subject under varied aspects and relations, there may appear, to the superficial, careless, or prejudiced reader, to be discrepancy or contradiction, where the thoughtful, reverent student, with clearer insight, discerns the underlying harmony. {GC88 d.1}
As presented through different individuals, the truth is brought out in its varied aspects. One writer is more strongly impressed with one phase of a subject; he grasps those points that harmonize with his experience or with his power of perception and appreciation; another seizes upon a different phase; and each, under the guidance of the Holy Spirit, presents what is most forcibly impressed upon his own mind; a different aspect of the truth in each, but a perfect harmony through all. And the truths thus revealed unite to form a perfect whole, adapted to meet the wants of men in all the circumstances and experiences of life. {GC88 d.2}
God has been pleased to communicate his truth to the world by human agencies, and he himself, by his Holy Spirit, qualified men and enabled them to do this work. He guided the mind in the selection of what to speak and what to write. The treasure was intrusted to earthen vessels, yet it is, none the less, from Heaven. The testimony is conveyed through the imperfect expression of human language; yet it is the testimony of God; and the obedient, believing child of God beholds in it the glory of a divine power, full of grace and truth. {GC88 d.3}
In his Word, God has committed to men the knowledge necessary for salvation. The Holy Scriptures are to be accepted as an authoritative, infallible revelation of his will. They are the standard of character, the revealer of doctrines, and the test of experience. "Every scripture inspired of God is also profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, for instruction which is in righteousness; that the man of God may be complete, furnished completely unto every good work." 2 Timothy 3:16, 17, Revised Version. {GC88 d.4}
Yet the fact that God has revealed his will to men through his Word, has not rendered needless the continued presence and guiding of the Holy Spirit. On the contrary, the Spirit was promised by our Saviour, to open the Word to his servants, to illuminate and apply its teachings. And since it was the Spirit of God that inspired the Bible, it is impossible that the teaching of the Spirit should ever be contrary to that of the Word. {GC88 d.5}
The Spirit was not given—nor can it ever be bestowed—to supersede the Bible; for the Scriptures explicitly state that the Word of God is the standard by which all teaching and experience must be tested. Says the apostle John, "Believe not every spirit, but try the spirits whether they are of God; because many false prophets are gone out into the world." 1 John 4:1. And Isaiah declares, "To the law and to the testimony; if they speak not according to this word, it is because there is no light in them." Isaiah 8:20. {GC88 e.1}
Great reproach has been cast upon the work of the Holy Spirit, by the errors of a class that, claiming its enlightenment, profess to have no further need of guidance from the Word of God. They are governed by impressions which they regard as the voice of God in the soul. But the spirit that controls them is not the Spirit of God. This following of impressions, to the neglect of the Scriptures, can lead only to confusion, to deception and ruin. It serves only to further the designs of the evil one. Since the ministry of the Holy Spirit is of vital importance to the church of Christ, it is one of the devices of Satan, through the errors of extremists and fanatics to cast contempt upon the work of the Spirit, and cause the people of God to neglect this source of strength which our Lord himself has provided. {GC88 e.2}
In harmony with the Word of God, his Spirit was to continue its work throughout the entire period of the gospel dispensation. During the ages while the Scriptures of both the Old and the New Testament were being given, the Holy Spirit did not cease to communicate light to individual minds, apart from the revelations to be embodied in the sacred canon. The Bible itself relates how, through the Holy Spirit, men received warning, reproof, counsel, and instruction, in matters in no way relating to the giving of the Scriptures. And mention is made of prophets in different ages, of whose utterances nothing is recorded. In like manner, after the close of the canon of Scripture, the Holy Spirit was still to continue its work, to enlighten, warn, and comfort the children of God. {GC88 e.3}
Jesus promised his disciples, "The Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name, he shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you." "When he, the Spirit of truth, is come, he will guide you into all truth; . . . and he will show you things to come." John 14:26; 16:13. Scripture plainly teaches that these promises, so far from being limited to apostolic days, extend to the church of Christ in all ages. The Saviour assures his followers, "I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world." Matthew 28:20. And Paul declares that the gifts and manifestations of the Spirit were set in the church "for the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ; till we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ." Ephesians 4:12, 13. {GC88 e.4}
For the believers at Ephesus the apostle prayed, "That the God of Our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give unto you the Spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of him; the eyes of your understanding being enlightened; that ye may know what is the hope of his calling, and what . . . is the exceeding greatness of his power to us-ward who believe." Ephesians 1:17-19. The ministry of the divine Spirit in enlightening the understanding and opening to the mind the deep things of God's holy Word, was the blessing which Paul thus besought for the Ephesian church. {GC88 f.1}

Our Mission Statement
"In a special sense Seventh-day Adventists have been set in the world as watchmen and light bearers. To them has been entrusted the last warning for a perishing world. On them is shining wonderful light from the word of God. They have been given a work of the most solemn import--the proclamation of the first, second, and third angels' messages. There is no other work of so great importance. They are to allow nothing else to absorb their attention. {9T 19.1} The most solemn truths ever entrusted to mortals have been given us to proclaim to the world. The proclamation of these truths is to be our work." {9T 19.1-2}

Inquiry: Won't you tell us first, Sister White, about your home, your parents, and your early experience?
Sister White: "I was born at Gorham, Maine, November 26, 1827. My parents, Robert and Eunice Harmon, were for many years residents of this State. . . . While I was but a child, my parents removed from Gorham to Portland, Maine." {LS, p. 17}
"At the age of eleven years I was converted, and when twelve years old was baptized, and joined the Methodist Church. At the age of thirteen I heard Bro. Miller deliver his second course of lectures in Portland, Me. I then felt that I was not holy, not ready to see Jesus. And when the invitation was given for church members and sinners to come forward for prayers, I embraced the first opportunity, for I knew that I must have a great work done for me to fit me for Heaven.
"From this time, up to December, 1844, my joys, trials and disappointments were like those of my dear Advent friends around me." {EW, p. 11,13}
Inquiry: What special experience did you have in December?
Sister White: "At this time I visited one of our Advent sisters, and in the morning we bowed around the family altar. It was not an exciting occasion, and there were but five of us present, all women. While I was praying, the power of God came upon me as I had never felt it before. I was wrapped in a vision of God's glory, and seemed to be rising higher and higher from the earth, and was shown something of the travels of the Advent people to the Holy City, as narrated below." . . . "At this time I had a view of the experience of the advent believers, the coming of Christ, and the reward to be given to the faithful." {EW, p. 13; 5T, 655}
Inquiry: How were you led into public work?
Sister White: In a second vision, which soon followed the first, I was shown the trials through which I must pass, and that it was my duty to go and relate to others what God had revealed to me. It was shown me that my labors would meet with great opposition, and that my heart would be rent with anguish, but that the grace of God would be sufficient to sustain me through all. The teaching of this vision troubled me exceedingly, for it pointed out my duty to go out among the people and present the truth.
"My health was so poor that I was in constant bodily suffering, and, to all appearance, had but a short time to live. I was but seventeen years of age, small and frail, unused to society, and naturally so timid and retiring that it was painful for me to meet strangers. I prayed earnestly for several days, and far into the night, that this burden might be removed from me and laid upon someone more capable of bearing it. But the light of duty did not change, and the words of the angel sounded continually in my ears: `Make known to others what I have revealed to you.'" {1T, 62}
Inquiry: Will you tell us something of how you began your work of writing?
Sister White: " Early in my public labors I was bidden by the Lord, `Write, write the things that are revealed to you.' At the time this message came to me, I could not hold my hand steady. My physical condition made it impossible for me to write. But again came the word, `Write the things that are revealed to you.' I obeyed; and as the result it was not long before I could write page after page with comparative ease. Who told me what to write? Who steadied my right hand, and made it possible for me to use a pen? -- It was the Lord. When we come into right relation with him, and give ourselves wholly to him, we shall see the miracle-working power of God in word and deed." {RH, June 14, 1906 par. 17}
Inquiry: Please tell us more about the visions.
Sister White: "As inquiries are frequently made as to my state in vision, and after I come out, I would say that when the Lord sees fit to give a vision, I am taken into the presence of Jesus and angels, and am entirely lost to earthly things. I can see no farther than the angel directs me. My attention is often directed to scenes transpiring upon earth.
"At times I am carried far ahead into the future and shown what is to take place. Then again I am shown things as they have occurred in the past. After I come out of vision I do not at once remember all that I have seen, and the matter is not so clear before me until I write, then the scene rises before me as was presented in vision, and I can write with freedom. Sometimes the things which I have seen are hid from me after I come out of vision, and I cannot call them to mind until I am brought before a company where that vision applies, then the things which I have seen come to my mind with force. I am just as dependent upon the Spirit of the Lord in relating or writing a vision, as in having the vision. It is impossible for me to call up things which have been shown me unless the Lord brings them before me at the time that he is pleased to have me relate or write them." {2SG 292.1.2}

Writing and Publishing

Inquiry: How do you find time to do so much writing?
Sister White: "I thank God for the assurance of His love, and that I have daily His leading and guidance. I am very busy with my writing. Early and late, I am writing out the matters that the Lord opens before me. The burden of my work is to prepare a people to stand in the day of the Lord. The promise of Christ is sure. The time is not long. We must work and watch and wait for the Lord Jesus. We are called upon to be steadfast, unmovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord. All our hopes have their foundation in Christ." {1SM 56.1}
"Many messages of counsel and reproof and encouragement have been sent out to individuals, and much of the instruction that I have received for the church has been published in periodicals and books, and circulated in many lands...." {1SM 55.3}
Inquiry: Tell us a little more about the writing. Did the Lord direct you in the exact wording of your messages?
Sister White: "Although I am as dependent upon the Spirit of the Lord in writing my views as I am in receiving them, yet the words I employ in describing what I have seen are my own, unless they be those spoken to me by an angel, which I always enclose in marks of quotation." - The Review and Herald, Oct. 8, 1867. {1SM 37.1}
Inquiry: Surely you must have had literary assistance in preparing the many articles and books for publication. Won't you explain this to us?
Sister White: "While my husband lived, he acted as a helper and counselor in the sending out of the messages that were given to me. We traveled extensively. Sometimes light would be given to me in the night season, sometimes in the daytime before large congregations. The instruction I received in vision was faithfully written out by me, as I had time and strength for the work. Afterward we examined the matter together, my husband correcting grammatical errors and eliminating needless repetition. Then it was carefully copied for the persons addressed, or for the printer." {1SM 50.2}
Inquiry: How about this part of your work in later years?
Sister White: "As the work grew, others assisted me in the preparation of matter for publication. After my husband's death, faithful helpers joined me, who labored untiringly in the work of copying the testimonies and preparing articles for publication. But the reports that are circulated, that any of my helpers are permitted to add matter or change the meaning of the messages I write out, are not true." {1SM 50.4}

The Testimonies

Inquiry: Now, Sister White, we would like to ask a few questions about the writings themselves. We observe that in the Testimonies you have published many messages of a personal nature. Why is this?
Sister White: "Since the warning and instruction given in testimony for individual cases applied with equal force to many others who had not been specially pointed out in this manner, it seemed to be my duty to publish the personal testimonies for the benefit of the church. In Testimony 15, speaking of the necessity for doing this, I said: `I know of no better way to present my views of general dangers and errors, and the duty of all who love God and keep His commandments, than by giving these testimonies. Perhaps there is no more direct and forcible way of presenting what the Lord has shown me.'" [VOL. 2, P. 9 (1868).] {5T 658.6}
Inquiry: But how are these personal testimonies written years ago of any importance to us today?
Sister White: "If one is reproved for a special wrong, brethren and sisters should carefully examine themselves to see wherein they have failed and wherein they have been guilty of the same sin. They should possess the spirit of humble confession. If others think them right, it does not make them so. God looks at the heart. He is proving and testing souls in this manner. In rebuking the wrongs of one, He designs to correct many. But if they fail to take the reproof to themselves, and flatter themselves that God passes over their errors because He does not especially single them out, they deceive their own souls and will be shut up in darkness and be left to their own ways to follow the imagination of their own hearts." {5T 659.1}
Inquiry: Is belief in the Spirit of Prophecy vital to one's being a good Seventh-day Adventist?
Sister White: "`It is Satan's plan to weaken the faith of God's people in the Testimonies.' `Satan knows how to make his attacks. He works upon minds to excite jealousy and dissatisfaction toward those at the head of the work. The gifts are next questioned; then, of course, they have but little weight, and instruction given through vision is disregarded.' `Next follows skepticism in regard to the vital points of our faith, the pillars of our position, then doubt as to the Holy Scriptures, and then the downward march to perdition. When the Testimonies, which were once believed, are doubted and given up, Satan knows the deceived ones will not stop at this; and he redoubles his efforts till he launches them into open rebellion, which becomes incurable and ends in destruction.'" [VOL. 4, P. 211; VOL. 1, P. 236]
CIAS: Some decades ago, one attack against the SOP was verbalized saying that Sister White used language like "chambers of the mind", and then, based on that, called her a mystic. (People chuckle in the background.) What is wrong with that? The thing wrong with that is that they do not know their Bible. The Bible has a lot to say on the term "chambers" in various ways. One would have to censor Job, the authors of Psalms, the OT prophets, even Jesus Himself (Mt. 24:26). Therefore, beware of such attacks on the SOP. They always betray a spirit which is like that of those who attack the Word of God, that of His prophets and messengers, teachers, pastors and lay people. Avoid such detractors for they are not of us.
"`By giving place to doubts and unbelief in regard to the work of God, and by cherishing feelings of distrust and cruel jealousies, they are preparing themselves for complete deception. They rise up with bitter feelings against the ones who dare to speak of their errors and reprove their sins.'" [VOL. 3, P. 328.] {5T 672.1}
Inquiry: You would then consider it essential for new converts today to understand your work?
Sister White: "As the end draws near and the work of giving the last warning to the world extends, it becomes more important for those who accept present truth to have a clear understanding of the nature and influence of the Testimonies, which God in His providence has linked with the work of the third angel's message from its very rise." {5T 654.2}
Inquiry: But, Sister White, there are a few things in your writings that I find difficult to explain to my own satisfaction. What should be our attitude in this matter?
Sister White: "Satan has ability to suggest doubts and to devise objections to the pointed testimony that God sends, and many think it a virtue, a mark of intelligence in them, to be unbelieving and to question and quibble. Those who desire to doubt will have plenty of room. God does not propose to remove all occasion for unbelief. He gives evidence, which must be carefully investigated with a humble mind and a teachable spirit, and all should decide from the weight of evidence." [VOL. 3, P. 255 (1873).]
"God gives sufficient evidence for the candid mind to believe; but he who turns from the weight of evidence because there are a few things which he cannot make plain to his finite understanding will be left in the cold, chilling atmosphere of unbelief and questioning doubts, and will make shipwreck of faith." [VOL. 4, PP. 232, 233 (1876).] {5T 675.3}

Relationship to the Bible

Inquiry: How are your messages related to those of the prophets of old?
Sister White: "In ancient times God spoke to men by the mouth of prophets and apostles. In these days He speaks to them by the testimonies of His Spirit. There was never a time when God instructed His people more earnestly than He instructs them now concerning His will and the course that He would have them pursue." [VOL. 4, PP. 147, 148 (1876).] {5T 661.1}
Inquiry: What relationship, then, do your writings sustain to the word of God?
Sister White: "The word of God is sufficient to enlighten the most beclouded mind and may be understood by those who have any desire to understand it. But notwithstanding all this, some who profess to make the word of God their study are found living in direct opposition to its plainest teachings. Then, to leave men and women without excuse, God gives plain and pointed testimonies, bringing them back to the word that they have neglected to follow." [VOL. 2, P. 455 (1870).]
The word of God abounds in general principles for the formation of correct habits of living, and the testimonies, general and personal, have been calculated to call their attention more especially to these principles." [VOL. 4, P. 323 (1879).] {5T 663.2}
Inquiry: Can you make the point of relationship a little clearer?
Sister White: "Little heed is given to the Bible, and the Lord has given a lesser light to lead men and women to the greater light. O, how much good would be accomplished if the books containing this light were read with a determination to carry out the principles they contain! There would be a thousandfold greater vigilance, a thousandfold more self-denial and resolute effort. And many more would now be rejoicing in the light of present truth." {RH, January 20, 1903 par. 9}
Inquiry: What do you consider the most convincing test by which to judge your writings?
Sister White: "Let the Testimonies be judged by their fruits. What is the spirit of their teaching? What has been the result of their influence? `All who desire to do so can acquaint themselves with the fruits of these visions. For seventeen years God has seen fit to let them survive and strengthen against the opposition of Satan's forces and the influence of human agencies that have aided Satan in his work.'" [VOL. 1, P. 330 (1862).] {5T 671.1}
"God is either teaching His church, reproving their wrongs and strengthening their faith, or He is not. This work is of God, or it is not. God does nothing in partnership with Satan. My work . . . bears the stamp of God or the stamp of the enemy. There is no halfway work in the matter. The Testimonies are of the Spirit of God, or of the devil." [VOL. 4, P. 230.] {5T 671.2}
Inquiry: In case you should pass away, Sister White, what about your writings?
Sister White: "Abundant light has been given to our people in these last days. Whether or not my life is spared, my writings will constantly speak, and their work will go forward as long as time shall last. My writings are kept on file in the office, and even though I should not live, these words that have been given to me by the Lord will still have life and will speak to the people. But my strength is yet spared, and I hope to continue to do much useful work. I may live until the coming of the Lord; but if I should not, I trust it may be said of me, `Blessed are the dead which die in the Lord from henceforth: Yea, saith the Spirit, that they may rest from their labours; and their works do follow them.'" (Revelation 14:13).... {1SM 55.5}

In Every Home

Inquiry: We can see where our workers, of course, should have your books; but how about their use by the rank and file of Seventh-day Adventists?
Sister White: "The volumes of `Spirit of Prophecy,' should be in every family, and should be read aloud in the family circle. More than one-half of our people know little or nothing of the contents of these books, and they are losing much by their neglect. {RH, December 26, 1882 par. 19}
"The Testimonies contain instruction which meets the case of all, both parents and children. Should these be read aloud to the entire family, the children as well as the parents would be benefited by their counsels, warnings, and reproofs. While these are placed out of sight and neglected for the reading of fictitious, sensational literature, both yourselves and your children will be retrograding mentally and spiritually." {RH, December 26, 1882 par. 20}
Inquiry: Have you anything to say regarding those who take an indifferent attitude toward the Spirit of prophecy?
Sister White: "A wealth of moral influence has been brought to us in the last half century. Through His Holy Spirit the voice of God has come to us continually in warning and instruction, to confirm the faith of the believers in the Spirit of prophecy. Repeatedly the word has come, Write the things that I have given you to confirm the faith of My people in the position they have taken. Time and trial have not made void the instruction given, but through years of suffering and self-sacrifice have established the truth of the testimony given. The instruction that was given in the early days of the message is to be held as safe instruction to follow in these its closing days. Those who are indifferent to this light and instruction must not expect to escape the snares which we have been plainly told will cause the rejecters of light to stumble, and fall, and be snared, and be taken. If we study carefully the second chapter of Hebrews, we shall learn how important it is that we hold steadfastly to every principle of truth that has been given." {The Review and Herald, July 18, 1907.} {1SM 41.1}
Inquiry: Then, Sister White, we take it that the counsel we find in your books will be of vital importance to us in the coming crisis.
Sister White: "Perilous times are before us. Everyone who has a knowledge of the truth should awake and place himself, body, soul, and spirit, under the discipline of God. The enemy is on our track. We must be wide awake, on our guard against him. We must put on the whole armor of God. We must follow the directions given through the spirit of prophecy. We must love and obey the truth for this time. This will save us from accepting strong delusions. God has spoken to us through His word. He has spoken to us through the testimonies to the church and through the books that have helped to make plain our present duty and the position that we should now occupy. The warnings that have been given, line upon line, precept upon precept, should be heeded. If we disregard them, what excuse can we offer?" {8T 298.1}

She could have written of destruction by earthquakes, by hurricanes or tornadoes - but she spoke of disasters as we read below.

Ellen G. White received the following vision in 1909 after being a prophet for 65 years, just before the start of World War I, before World War II and September 11, 2001:

"We are living in the time of the end. The fast-fulfilling signs of the times declare that the coming of Christ is near at hand. The days in which we live are solemn and important. The Spirit of God is gradually but surely being withdrawn from the earth. Plagues and judgments are already falling upon the despisers of the grace of God. The calamities by land and sea, the unsettled state of society, the alarms of war, are portentous. They forecast approaching events of the greatest magnitude. {9T 11.1}

The agencies of evil are combining their forces and consolidating. They are strengthening for the last great crisis. Great changes are soon to take place in our world, and the final movements will be rapid ones." {9T 11.2}

The condition of things in the world shows that troublous times are right upon us. The daily papers are full of indications of a terrible conflict in the near future. Bold robberies are of frequent occurrence. Strikes are common. Thefts and murders are committed on every hand. Men possessed of demons are taking the lives of men, women, and little children. Men have become infatuated with vice, and every species of evil prevails. {9T 11.3}

The enemy has succeeded in perverting justice and in filling men's hearts with the desire for selfish gain. "Justice standeth afar off: for truth is fallen in the street, and equity cannot enter." Isaiah 59:14. In the great cities there are multitudes living in poverty and wretchedness, well-nigh destitute of food, shelter, and clothing; while in the same cities are those who have more than heart could wish, who live luxuriously, spending their money on richly furnished houses, on personal adornment, or worse still, upon the gratification of sensual appetites, upon liquor, tobacco, and other things that destroy the powers of the brain, unbalance the mind, and debase the soul. The cries of starving humanity are coming up before God, while by every species of oppression and extortion men are piling up colossal fortunes." {9T 11.4}

"On one occasion, when in New York City, I was in the night season called upon to behold buildings rising story after story toward heaven. These buildings were warranted to be fireproof, and they were erected to glorify the owners and builders. Higher and still higher these buildings rose, and in them the most costly material was used. Those to whom these buildings belonged were not asking themselves: "How can we best glorify God?" The Lord was not in their thoughts." {9T 12.1}

"As these lofty buildings went up, the owners rejoiced with ambitious pride that they had money to use in gratifying self and provoking the envy of their neighbors. Much of the money that they thus invested had been obtained through exaction, through grinding down the poor. They forgot that in heaven an account of every business transaction is kept; every unjust deal, every fraudulent act, is there recorded." [Comment: Said the angel, "Time is almost finished. Do you reflect the lovely image of Jesus as you should? ... Get ready, get ready, get ready. Ye will have to die a greater death to the world than ye have ever yet died. ... Deny self; ye must step fast. ... Sabbathkeepers will have to die to self, die to pride and love of approbation." {EW 64.1; 67.2; 120,1.}] "They forgot that in heaven an account of every business transaction is kept; every unjust deal, every fraudulent act, is there recorded. The time is coming when in their fraud and insolence men will reach a point that the Lord will not permit them to pass, and they will learn that there is a limit to the forbearance of Jehovah." {9T 12.3}

"The scene that next passed before me was an alarm of fire. Men looked at the lofty and supposedly fire-proof buildings and said: "They are perfectly safe." But these buildings were consumed as if made of pitch. The fire engines could do nothing to stay the destruction. The firemen were unable to operate the engines." {9T 13.1}

"I am instructed that when the Lord's time comes, should no change have taken place in the hearts of proud, ambitious human beings, men will find that the hand that had been strong to save will be strong to destroy. No earthly power can stay the hand of God. No material can be used in the erection of buildings that will preserve them from destruction when God's appointed time comes to send retribution on men for their disregard of His law and for their selfish ambition." {9T 13.2}

"There are not many, even among educators and statesmen, who comprehend the causes that underlie the present state of society. Those who hold the reins of government are not able to solve the problem of moral corruption, poverty, pauperism, and increasing crime. They are struggling in vain to place business operations on a more secure basis. If men would give more heed to the teaching of God's word, they would find a solution of the problems that perplex them." {9T 13.3}

And that is why we find that the saying, `Power corrupts, absolute power corrupts absolutely,' has never been more true than today.

"The Scriptures describe the condition of the world just before Christ's second coming. Of the men who by robbery and extortion are amassing great riches, it is written: "Ye have heaped treasure together for the last days. Behold, the hire of the laborers who have reaped down your fields, which is of you kept back by fraud, crieth: and the cries of them which have reaped are entered into the ears of the Lord of Sabaoth. Ye have lived in pleasure on the earth, and been wanton; ye have nourished your hearts, as in a day of slaughter. Ye have condemned and killed the just; and he doth not resist you." James 5:3-6. {9T 13.4}

"The world is stirred with the spirit of war. The prophecy of the eleventh chapter of Daniel has nearly reached its complete fulfillment. Soon the scenes of trouble spoken of in the prophecies will take place." {9T 14.2}

"Soon the battle will be waged fiercely between those who serve God and those who serve Him not. Soon everything that can be shaken will be shaken, that those things that cannot be shaken may remain." {9T 15.5}

"Satan is a diligent Bible student. He knows that his time is short, and he seeks at every point to counterwork the work of the Lord upon this earth. It is impossible to give any idea of the experience of the people of God who shall be alive upon the earth when celestial glory and a repetition of the persecutions of the past are blended."

"The worshipers of God will be especially distinguished by their regard for the fourth commandment, since this is the sign of God's creative power and the witness to His claim upon man's reverence and homage." p. 16.

"The wicked will be distinguished by their efforts to tear down the Creator's memorial and to exalt the institution of Rome. In the issue of the conflict all Christendom will be divided into two great classes, those who keep the commandments of God and the faith of Jesus, and those who worship the beast and his image, and receive his mark. Although church and state will unite their power to compel all, "both small and great, rich and poor, free and bond," to receive the mark of the beast, yet the people of God will not receive it." p. 16-17.

"I believe that banking institutions are more dangerous to our liberties than standing armies. If the American people ever allow private banks to control the issue of their currency, first by inflation, then by deflation, the banks and corporations that will grow up around the banks will deprive the people of all property until their children wake-up homeless on the continent their fathers conquered."

It may be of passing interest that these visions and the account of it happened to be printed in Testimonies, Volume 9, p. 11 and onward - 911.

Many may not know that in the days Ellen White wrote the above quotes in 1909, the tallest building in New York City was a 10 story tall wood building.

[Click for the German Version here.]

Question: Does Bible Prophecy Predict that God Would Send A Prophet in the End of Time?

To consider this question let us read Daniel 7 verse 25 where it says,

"And he (the little horn, v. 8) shall speak great words against the most High, and shall wear out the saints of the most High, and think to change times and laws: and they shall be given into his hand until a time and times and the dividing of time." Dn. 7:25.

This verse speaks of the `little horn' power which is the Roman Catholic Papal System of Rome. It does not mean, by what it does, that these are the doings of the people belonging to this church. There are many good people in all churches. There are also plenty of bad people in them because there will be `wheat and tares' till Jesus comes, according to the Saviors own words, Matth. 13.

God's Prophetic Calendar

Why is the little horn the RCC system? Because of the exact historical sequence when it arrived on the scene. Daniel says in chapter 7, verses 4-7, that the lion was Babylon (2:37; 7:17; 8:20,21), the bear was Medo-Persia, the leopard was Greece (under Alexander) and the terrible beast would then be the next super power which followed closely that of Greece, which is the Roman Empire.[700] That the terrible beast had 10 horns, means that at some point in time (476 AD) it was influenced or divided by 10 invading powers. Among these ten horns arises, according to Daniel, a `little horn', whose parallel in Revelation is called a beast (Rev. 13:3ff), which uproots three of the ten horns and grows large and powerful by 538 A.D. Since it is spoken of as thinking to change times and God's laws (Dn. 7:25), and since it has a blasphemous name (Rev. 13:1, 6, 17), it is a religious power, ruled by a succession of crowned, king like, leaders because they rule for many centuries, Rev. 13:1,5 and we can take these two events as identifiers for no other power ever attempted such things.

But according to the scripture we just quoted, this `little horn' thinks to do the following, it will . .

1. speak great words against the most high and wear out the saints, and
2. think to change times and laws.

"... and they (who? the saints, the times, the law) shall be given into his hand until a time (=1) and times (=2) and a dividing of time (=˝)." [1+2+˝ = 3˝]

We showed already elsewhere that these 3˝ times, the 42 months and the 1260 days signify the same time period of 1260 years.

Question: `During these 1260 years, will this system seek to change God's time?' Yes! Would it seek to change God's law during that same time period? Yes! These are important events which happened in real history when this system `thinks' it could change God's Law.[715] Not only that, the church also claims that it had the right to change God's "times". We know that changing the law means changing the day of rest, but what does the changing of "times" mean?

To determine the answer we read what the Bible says about "times". We read, "And he said unto them, It is not for you to know the times or the seasons, which the Father hath put in his own power." Acts 1:7.

The disciples asked Jesus just before His ascension, `When are you going to establish the kingdom for Israel? Is the time now for that prophetic event, to restore Israel, to take place?' `Is this the prophetic moment?'

Jesus' answer to their question was, `The answer to your question is not for you to know, but only for God.'

In other words God had not yet at that moment revealed the time when the restoration of Israel would become reality on God's prophetic calendar, but kept it to Himself. This whole subject was not present truth during the time of the disciples of Christ. Revealing the time of restoration involved explaining the change from physical Israel to spiritual Israel and would have been difficult to understand for the disciples so soon after they had been called by Jesus.

Another scripture says, "But of the times and the seasons, brethren, ye have no need that I write unto you. For yourselves know perfectly that the day of the Lord so cometh as a thief in the night." 1.Thess. 5:1.

Paul, too, is talking about a prophetic event, and says to the church, `You do not need to know the times and the seasons', indicating that these expressions have something to do with a prophetic event, God's prophetic calendar.

This word "times" is also used when God gave a prophecy to Nebuchadnezzar (Daniel 4:22), that he was going to act like an animal for seven years, God said, "... seven times pass over ..." you. So it is too for the little horn, it was to be in control for time, times and the dividing of time - 3 1/2 times, 3 1/2 prophetic years of 360 days in each year = 1260 years - one day for a year.

In other words, when this `little horn' thinks it can change God's `times', it must mean that it could change God's order of prophetic events; that it thought somehow to change God's prophetic calendar in order to misplace events so people cannot understand these prophecies and warnings.

King Nebuchadnezzar tried this too. God had shown him that there would be a succession of four kingdoms, and what did the king do? He had an image erected that was made of gold from head to toe. Doing that, he tried to change God's scenario. So we see, that the devil wants always to hide prophetic truths, the clarity the Bible presents, if people allow it only to speak to them. This, then, is what the `little horn' is trying to do during the time frame of the 1260 years.

So what did the ruling personalities of the Roman church do during this time span of the 1260 years? There was in the Middle Ages a Spanish RC Jesuit trained theologian by the name of Ludovicus Alcasar (1554-1613) who established a system of prophetic interpretation which became known as `Preterism' - the idea that the end time prophecies we discuss here and elsewhere, all belong into the time of Antiochus Epiphanes IV. (175-164) in order to free the papacy from the idea that it was the antichrist.

Another RC theologian from Spain by the name of Francesco Rivera, developed a system of prophetic interpretation we know today as `Futurism'. Both of these systems of interpretation tried to rid the papacy of the view that it was the antichrist as the reformers taught it during those years. They achieved their objective by teaching Preterism and/or Futurism in their schools of learning for centuries, thus switching the historical interpretations (i.e. Luther), to another place and time. From then on people could not `see' that these Bible prophecies were fulfilled with Rome. They changed during these 1260 years the "times", God's prophetic calendar.

Question: `Do you think God would raise up a people who would set things straight at the end of this period?'

Most certainly, Yes!

In this connection the Bible says something very interesting. To better understand it, we recall the parallels between Revelation 12 and 13.

The When, Where and What

With that in mind let us read about the period right at the end of the 1260 years, after the earth helped the woman. The end of these 1260 years of course refers to the occasion when the dragon beast or sea beast (Rv. 13:1-3) would receive a deadly wound which happened in 1798. That is also the year when the United States of America established first diplomatic relations with another country, France, in 1798. That is the reason why we expect the next stage of this lamb/beast power, its persecuting phase (Rv. 13:15-17), to take place after 1798 which answers then the question of `when'. And that this would take place `where'? In the USA, because the earth, the early colonies, helped the woman, and that is what the dragon beast power did not like.

The following Bible verses tell us when and where this group of persecuted people is going to arise. We read,

"And the dragon was wroth with the woman, and went to make war with the remnant of her seed (the remnant seed of Jesus, vs. 1-5), which keep the commandments of God, and have the testimony of Jesus Christ." Rev. 12:17.

So, we see that the devil hates the woman and her seed, the followers of Jesus, who keep the commandments.

Important Questions and Their Answers:

The question we ask, `Which works of the little horn does that (the raising up of a commandment keeping people) take care of?'

Answer: `It takes care of or fulfills the little horn's deed as it changed the `times' and the law.'

Question: When God raises up a people after 1798, that undoes which aspects the little horn was responsible for?'

Answer: `Thinking that he could change the law! For after 1798 God raised a people who would keep His 10 laws again.'

Question: `What then must the `testimony of Jesus' mean?

Answer: `Is it just possible that the `testimony of Jesus' has something to do with teaching the correct concept of prophetic time after it has been maligned and misaligned especially by RC trained theologians?' Yes!

We realize that God did raise up a people who would keep the commandments as opposite to the little horn which thought it could change God's commandments without interference.

The same way God would raise up a people who would preach God's prophetic calendar in the proper way, so His truths will be made known in all the world and the activities of the little horn power be made known before they all occur - before it is way too late.[800]

So we want to find out what this `testimony of Jesus' is. The best way is to let the Apostle John explain his own words. We read,

"And I fell at his feet to worship him. And he said unto me, See thou do it not: I am thy fellowservant, and of thy brethren that have the testimony of Jesus (let us not forget that): worship God: for the testimony of Jesus is the spirit of prophecy." Rev. 19:10.

These considerations mean that God's end time church (the brethren or fellow servants), after when? 1798, will have a people where?, in the United States who correct the changes caused by the little horn which led to misinterpreting God's prophetic utterances in that God sent a prophet since they now kept again His commandments, Prov. 28:9.

To confirm this we read in the Bible what these `brethren of John have.' We read,

"And I John saw these things, and heard them. And when I had heard and seen, I fell down to worship before the feet of the angel which showed me these things. Then saith he unto me, See thou do it not: for I am thy fellowservant, and of thy brethren the prophets, and of them which keep the sayings of this book: worship God." Rev. 22:8,9.

Recapitulating, we gather from these scriptures, that the "brethren" of John, way down the stream of time since this message comes from an angel,

1. according to Rev. 19:10, have the testimony of Jesus, and
2. what are they called according to Rev. 22:8,9? They are called `prophet.'

That then must mean to have `the testimony of Jesus' is to be a `prophet.'

From this we learn that God's remnant people, after 1798, will have among them a prophet.

So the last day church will have two characteristics,

1. they keep the commandments of God, and
   
2. they are going to possess the gift of prophecy

Well, I read and re-read this line-up of scriptures and must say that they certainly are related and God's Word is certainly an inspired Word and so I concluded this is plain Bible truth. There is no problem with this interpretation. That is the reason I included Ellen White's life as a prophet on the website. God gave His dedicated followers when they followed God's Word in everything prophetic guidance as He did in times of old. If that would not have taken place, it would be much harder to discern God working among men. But since it did take place our faith in God is full of joy and gladness to all of us, Amen.

The work of God's prophet became rather quickly, a very present help in a time of need, to straighten out the convolutions of false prophetic interpretations found in Babylon by providing true prophetic guidance.

The impact of God's true prophets is always powerful, so the devil had to come up with something to counteract it. What could that be?

We find that the devil's response, to God raising a people, who keep the commandments of God and who have the gift of prophecy to explain the "times" or the calendar of prophetic events, came in two ways. The answer we find in Revelation 13:11-18. We find in this portion of scripture that the devil has two emissaries:

1. The first of these is the beast power changing the Word of God against what it says in Rev. 22:18,19,

   As we know, the beast ruled the world for 1260 years, during which he "thought" to change God's law. The change he instituted was the day of worship from the seventh day of the week to the first. But the devil also caused the beast to think it could change God's prophetic calendar by inventing `Preterism' and `Futurism'.

2. The second beast is the former `lamb beast' after it changed so drastically and enforces for the European beast its changes of civil law on pain of death when it will impose the `Mark of the Beast.'

3. Around the time when God raised up a prophet and a people the devil was not sleeping. What happened? All sorts of counteractive forces were raised up during the mid 1800s. Darwinism, Communism, Civil War, the New Age Movement, new religions in America which still exist today, etc.

What is the `Mark of the Beast'? It is the opposite of the `Seal of God' which we learned is God's holy Sabbath; the `Mark of the Beast' must then be Sunday.

Question: This Sunday keeping, is that the same as thinking the beast could change God's law during the Middle Ages?

Answer: Yes!

Question: Is imposing the `Mark of the Beast' by law - that people cannot buy and sell and on pain of death - the same as `thinking' to change God's law?

Answer: Yes! Because the beast power thought it could change these things during the Middle Ages and in the end time it is going to enforce it by law, Rev. 13:11-17.

This then is the devilish response against God raising a people after 1798. The beast is going to be filled with wrath deciding to go against those few who keep the Sabbath of the `commandments of God' and enforce it by passing a `Sunday Law' which will be enforced on pain of death.

But on the subject for our next query we want to find out the other name of the land beast of Revelation 13. We read,

"And I saw three unclean spirits like frogs (in Egypt symbols of gods of immortality) come out of the mouth of (these three) the dragon, and out of the mouth of the beast, and out of the mouth of the false prophet." Rev. 16:13.

Let us recall this briefly:

1. In Rev 12 we have a dragon trying to kill the child when He was born, and then going after the woman, as she flees into the wilderness.
   
2. In Rev 13:1-10 we have a beast which governs for 1260 years.
   
3. In Rev 13:11-13 we have the `land beast', which makes an image.

What is that land beast called in Rev 16:13? We gave the answer already.

It is called `the false prophet.'

Question: But how does the devil counteract in the end time the true `Gift of Prophecy?'

Answer: He does it by raising the `false prophet.' Is God taken by surprise because of this? Does He have a response?

Yes! God's response to the devil wanting to enforce the `Mark of the Beast', the change in the law, and wanting to present a false prophetic scenario through primarily apostate Protestantism, is, by giving to the world through its commandment keeping people the `Three Angels Messages of Revelation chapter 14.

Why? Because these three messages call people everywhere to keep the commandments of God, as predicted in Rev. 12:17, but this scripture does not say anything about what the remnants will be preaching. Their message, the Bible indicates, is found in Revelation 14.

But when the preaching of the 3rd angel's message ends, the Bible presents the significant words, "Here are they that keep the commandments of God.", Rev. 14:12.

The first angel's message calls all people to worship the Creator by keeping His holy Sabbath because it quotes lines from the fourth commandment when it says, worship him who "... made heaven and earth, the sea, and all that in them is" (Exodus 20:11; Rev. 14:7). But the beast does the exact opposite at the end of time when it enforces the false day of worship which cannot point to the true Creator.

Question: Is the true prophet going to help God's people present the true scenario of Bible prophecy in the time of the end - by identifying,

1. who the dragon really is?
   
2. who the beast really is?
   
3. who the land beast really is?
   
4. what the image really is and
   
5. what the `mark' is?

Is God going to raise up a prophet to explain how these agents of change really should be understood so the true message can be proclaimed in all the world?

Answer: Yes! God's people on earth should expect a prophet who will explain the `three angels messages' in the proper sense of the Bible Word.

The Prophet Elijah

Before we close we must take into account some interesting remarks which have to do with the `false prophet' in Revelation. We want to explain that phrase more closely from the Bible. The power which is called the `false prophet' in Revelation, we discover, is trying to counterfeit the work of a true prophet we read about in the Bible.

How is that possible?

The Bible also says that the `land beast', which is called the `false prophet', is going to cause "fire to come down from heaven on the earth in the sight of men" Rev. 13:13.

Which prophet in the Bible does that remind us of?

It reminds us of Elijah.

Therefore, this `false prophet' in Revelation 16:13 must be a counterfeit prophet Elijah, - which means that if you know what the real Elijah preached you will know what the false Elijah is going to preach in advance.

Who were Elijah's enemies and how many were there?

Elijah had three enemies:

(1) King Ahab, the civil ruler; (2) a harlot by the name of Jezebel, who, the Bible says, was involved in witchcraft and she committed fornication with King Ahab, (2.Kings 9:22), besides being a harlot. She does all the maneuvering for the impassive King Ahab to fulfill her desire to kill Elijah.; (3) the false prophets of the sungod Baal who were the preachers for Jezebel.

Question: Do we have a counterpart to this threefold system in the Book of Revelation?

Answer: In Revelation we have (1) a dragon which are the kings of the earth, (2) we have a beast and a harlot which is symbolized by Jezebel.; (3) we have the `false prophets' of the sungod Baal which represent the `false prophet' in Rev. 16 who imposes the `mark of the beast' which is the first day of the week - - the day of the sun.

Question: Since we know what the message of the enemies of Elijah was [860], what was the prophet's message?

Answer: God's people in the end will have the same type of enemy.

1. a civil power,
   
2. a harlot system,
   
3. and a false prophet of that harlot system, also called the `daughter'.

To analyze this whole theme, we have to merge another Bible account with this one. We have to merge the Elijah story with the story of John the Baptist, because he is called the New Testament Elijah, Matth. 11:14. It is not hard to know how John derived the faith building gospel message he bore. It must have been based on his study of the time prophecies of Daniel so that he recognized, when he (John himself) was of age and started preaching and just before Christ came to him to be baptized, the Messiah must already be walking among the Jewish people. That was John's message which led many to believe and repent. So we can tell that John the Baptist was the greatest prophet in the sense that it was his privilege to announce the coming of Christ, to whom all the prophets had borne witness (Daniel 9; Lk. 24:27; Jh. 5:39,46).

Putting these two stories together we can see what the outcome will be, for in the NT story, John the Baptist also has three enemies.

We have a passive King Herod;
(1) Passive King Herod; (2) we have a harlot woman (Herodias), because she was Herod's brother's wife - he was committing adultery. She does all the maneuvering; (3) her daughter Salome, who is an exact image of her mother, was born of her mother and she was just like her mother.

That illustrates the symbolism of the image of the beast.

With that we have the explanation for the symbolism of the beast.

But Herodias, like Jezebel, is the more dangerous figure in the story. They represent a harlot illegal system, because Herodias maneuvers to fulfill her purpose to kill the man who seems to know her innermost thoughts and worries.

Similarly, the Protestant denominations were `born' from the RCC, and in many ways they are just like their `Mother Church', the `ECCLESIARIUM MATER ET CAPUT'.

In what ways?

1. They keep the same day of worship, thus the issue in the end is about `worship,'
   
2. they talk about uniting church and state,
   
3. they believe that the dead are not dead [900],
   
4. they believe that this whole prophetic scenario we presented is going to be fulfilled in the Middle East,
   
5. instead of in Rome and in the United States as we studied carefully from Scripture.

We notice what they are really doing is, they are really taking what the Roman system taught in the Middle Ages - the 1st day of the week, and liberal Protestants say that the antichrist was Antiochus Epiphanes, a view which originated in the RCC. Conservative Protestants do use this Middle East scenario in our time as well as in the end time just ahead - - in other words, they absorbed all these teachings which originated in their Mother Church and proclaim it in the world as truth, but it is not truth.

To whom and what did Elijah preach?

His message was for Israel. So, why do we talk so much about Christians?

We do so, because in Revelation we read, that in the end time, this message about the harlot and the beast applies to Christians (See here).

Therefore, we can say that the Elijah message of the OT was, so to speak, given to quote, unquote, `Christians.' It was given to God's professed people, on either side of the cross, who had apostatized.

Question: To whom will the end time Elijah message be given? - - To the Muslims? - to the Hindus? - or the Buddhists?

No! It will be given by the people on Elijah's side to the people who profess to serve the true God.

The Show Down

Of the kings of Israel and of Judah it may be said in the beginning, and by way of comparison, that, of the kings of Judah many were bad and some were good; while of the kings of Israel many were bad and some were worse. [910]

Is it different today?

No! As a result, "Everyone who wants to live a godly life in union with Christ Jesus will be persecuted." 2.Tim. 3:12, GNB.

So, when hard times arrive, how do we respond? What can we know?

The spirit of persecution will not be excited against those who have no connection with God, and so have no moral strength. It will be aroused against the faithful ones, who make no concessions to the world and will not be swayed by its opinions, its favor, or its opposition. A religion that bears a living testimony in favor of holiness, and that rebukes pride, selfishness, avarice, and fashionable sins, will be hated by the world and by superficial Christians. . . . When you suffer reproach and persecution you are in excellent company; for Jesus endured it all, and much more. If you are faithful sentinels for God, these things are a compliment to you. It is the heroic souls, who will be true if they stand alone, who will win the imperishable crown. [915]

So we may know,

5:11 "Blessed are they which are persecuted for righteousness' sake: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
5:11 Blessed are ye, when [men] shall revile you, and persecute you, and shall say all manner of evil against you falsely, for my sake.
5:12 Rejoice, and be exceeding glad: for great is your reward in heaven: for so persecuted they the prophets which were before you." Matth. 4:10-12, KJV.

From the experience of Elijah we may know, in difficult times like these the Lord will take care of His own. Twice a day, Elijah was fed by the ravens (1.Kings 17:6), at other times it was a poor widow (1.Ki. 17:9-24). Consider the experience of Obadiah, who fed 100 of the table of Jezebel, wife of King Ahab, (1.Ki. 18:3,4). That teaches us that God takes care of those who love Him. That is also promised by Jesus (Lk. 12:29-31).

In the days of Elijah there were many with an unstable mind. There was much fighting among them. When sin began in heaven, Lucifer blamed God for his rebellion. He said, God said something to me, insinuating, if God would have been quiet, not critizie me, there would be no sin.

It cost Israel suffering and great affliction to be brought to that repentance that was necessary in order to recover their lost faith and a clear sense of their responsibility to God. Their apostasy was more dreadful than drought or famine. Elijah waited and prayed in faith through the long years of drought and famine that the hearts of Israel, through their affliction, might be turned from their idolatry to allegiance to God. But notwithstanding all their sufferings, they stood firm in their idolatry and looked upon the prophet of God as the cause of their calamity. And if they could have had Elijah in their power they would have delivered him to Jezebel, that she might satisfy her revenge by taking his life. Because Elijah dared to utter the word of woe which God bade him, he made himself the object of their hatred. They could not see God's hand in the judgments under which they were suffering because of their sins, but charged them to the man Elijah. They abhorred not the sins which had brought them under the chastening rod, but hated the faithful prophet, God's instrument to denounce their sins and calamity. [920]

What will God do now?

The Gospel Message of Elijah

In the days of Elijah, what was the contest about? It was a show down between Baal vs. the Lord.

"After some time, in the third year of the drought, the Lord said to Elijah, `Go, and present yourself to King Ahab, and I will send rain.' So Elijah started out." 1.Ki. 18:1, GNB.

Appearing before the king and all those at the palace, Elijah gives his message. He tells the priests of Baal to call upon their god first.

"Then Elijah called for the four hundred and fifty prophets of Baal, and for the four hundred of Asherah, and told them to build an altar and call upon their god, and that he would build an altar and call upon his God, and that whoever answered by fire, he should be God. The prophets of Baal built their altar and prepared their sacrifice, and called from morning until noon: "O Baal, hear us." At noon they cried louder and jumped up and down about the altar, and cut themselves with knives until the blood gushed out. But, though it was during the very hours when the sun was shining in his strength upon the drought-stricken land, yet the day passed, and the evening came, and "there was neither voice, nor any to answer, nor any that regarded." As this crying to Baal had continued from morning till evening through every phase of the sun's power, the utter impotence of Baal had to be confessed." [923]

Now it was Elijah's turn.

"Reminding the people of the long-continued apostasy that has awakened the wrath of Jehovah, Elijah calls upon them to humble their hearts and turn to the God of their fathers, that the curse upon the land of Israel may be removed. Then, bowing reverently before the unseen God, he raises his hands toward heaven and offers a simple prayer. Baal's priests have screamed and foamed and leaped, from early morning until late in the afternoon; but as Elijah prays, no senseless shrieks resound over Carmel's height. He prays as if he knows Jehovah is there, a witness to the scene, a listener to his appeal. The prophets of Baal have prayed wildly, incoherently. Elijah prays simply and fervently, asking God to show His superiority over Baal, that Israel may be led to turn to Him." [924]

Do you know what kind of a message Elijah preached?

The Bible says, Elijah preached the true gospel because

1. ... he restored the altar of the Lord.

We read, "And Elijah said unto the people, `Come near unto me.' And all the people came near unto him. And he repaired the altar of the Lord that was broken down. And Elijah took twelve stones, according to the number of the tribes of the sons of Jacob, unto whom the word of the Lord came, saying, `Israel shall be thy name.'" 1. Kings 18:30-31.

And Elijah sacrificed a bullock (v. 33), which could be as young as a lamb, Exodus 29:1. Repairing the altar means Elijah restored the type of worship God gave Israel, which pointed forward to the Messiah who would lay down His life as the Lamb for the sins of the whole world. From this we know he preached the true way to salvation from sin.

How do the people respond?

"The people answer him not a word. Not one in that vast assembly dare reveal loyalty to Jehovah. Like a dark cloud, deception and blindness had overspread Israel. Not all at once had this fatal apostasy closed about them, but gradually, as from time to time they had failed to heed the words of warning and reproof that the Lord sent them. Each departure from rightdoing, each refusal to repent, had deepened their guilt and driven them farther from Heaven. And now, in this crisis, they persisted in refusing to take their stand for God." [928]

So we ask, What will it take to wake us up to our true situation today - after 155 years of delaying true repentance?

Like in days of old when the careless and indifferent, who did not join with those who prized victory and salvation enough to perseveringly plead and agonize for it, did not obtain it, and they were left behind in darkness.

Ahab, watching all this, what would his reaction be? Ahab said to Elijah, "Is it you who is troubling Israel?"

Elijah replies, "I have not troubled Israel, but you and your father's house, because you have abandoned the commandments of God and you are worshipping Baal the sun god." 1. Kings 18:17-18, paraphrased from scripture [950].

That means, that Elijah also

2. ... restored the commandments of the Lord. He brought them back into the mind of the king for a witness. But the king would not yield to the evidence of his senses and the words of scripture.

Will we yield?

For those in the days of Ahab the following became true, "`When that time comes,' says the Lord Almighty, `a fountain will be opened to purify the descendants of David and the people of Jerusalem from their sin and idolatry.'" Zech. 13:1, GNB.

Is that the same message that will be presented in the end of time?

Yes, it is. It is the message of restoring God's holy Law as emphasized in Rev. 14:7! The connection is, restoring the altar implies the message God taught in the sanctuary in which was the Ark of the Covenant, inside which were the tables of the Law of God, the breaking of which was the reason the Lamb of God (Jh. 1:36), Christ, died on the cross. . . This is the very gospel which Elijah restored documented in scripture by just these few words.

We notice that Elijah, who was a prophet, also presented the true prophetic scenario in contrast to the false prophets of Baal who presented a false scenario - for they said, worship the sun god. Elijah said, worship the Creator God.

We notice therefore the same issues in the days of Elijah which we encounter in our days, some 2860 years later.

Elijah made fire come down from heaven in the sight of man to prove that his message was from God. When he did so, what did the people say?

We read, the people said, "The Lord, he is God; the Lord, he is God." 1.Kings 18:39, when they saw the fire totally illuminate Mount Carmel.

Did you know that the Bible says that in the end time God will send a prophet Elijah again?

It says,

"Behold, I will send you Elijah the prophet before the coming of the great and dreadful day of the Lord: And he shall turn the heart of the fathers to the children, and the heart of the children to their fathers, lest I come and smite the earth with a curse." Malachi 4:5,6

So people ask, `Will it be Elijah in person?'

What is the answer? The answer is `no', because he is dead for a long time.

Well, at this point only people who know their Bible will scratch their head and say, `Elijah is not dead. He was taken into heaven.'

So will the Elijah of the end time be the literal Elijah?

No. It will be someone who will preach the message which Elijah preached to the whole world.

Since the three angels messages go to every nation, kindred, tongue and people, we know that no individual, single person could do that.

Therefore, the same way that God's enemies are a world wide system, so too must Elijah represent a world wide system. - He must represent a people.

What does Malachi say? God will send Elijah `before the dreadful day of the Lord.'

What day is that? It is the day of the Second Coming, when Jesus comes again.

4:1 "For, behold, the day cometh, that shall burn as an oven (Hebr. 12:29); and all the proud, yea, and all that do wickedly, shall be stubble: and the day that cometh shall burn them up, saith the Lord of hosts, that it shall leave them neither root nor branch.
4:2 But unto you that fear my name shall the Sun of righteousness arise with healing in his wings (1Thess. 4:16f; Rev.22:2); and ye shall go forth, and grow up as calves of the stall.
4:3 And ye shall tread down the wicked; for they shall be ashes under the soles of your feet in the day that I shall do this, saith the Lord of hosts.
4:4 Remember ye the law of Moses my servant, which I commanded unto him in Horeb for all Israel, with the statutes and judgments." Malachi 4:1-4.

Malachi reminds us, the Old Testament ends in expectancy. It is an incomplete book - because it ends by saying that the next thing you are supposed to see is the appearance of Elijah - and then John the Baptist appears in the New Testament preaching in the desert. But even he is not the final fulfillment because John the Baptist did not preach immediately before `the dreadful and terrible day of the Lord.' - That means there must be another Elijah to come, - and that Elijah will present the same message as the original Elijah.

So, we shall study now how to find the true Elijah. It is really not hard to determine.

1. you look for a people who preach the message of Elijah, the true gospel,
   
2. you look for a people who want to keep all of God's commandments, and who preach that
   
3. we are not to worship on the day of the sun.
4. And it must be some system that does not belong to the three-fold powers that are enemies of Elijah,
   
5. they would also be a group of people, who are not necessarily well liked like Elijah, but eventually will be persecuted.

Along this line of thought we may add that it is quite simple in the end time to find out who is on God's side - if you are persecuted you are on God's side. If you are part of the persecutors, you are on the devil's side. Remember that.

God's people will be persecuted because they preach the Elijah message. And you can identify the true movement of God, because they preach the same message that Elijah preached, on a world wide scale, to every nation, kindred, tongue and people.

They have the same message, the same enemies, the same persecution.

So too, Elijah was blamed for all the calamities in the world at that time (1.Kings 18:17); God's people in the end will be blamed for all the calamities that take place. After some of the recent horrendous events it is very easy to find a scape goat.

Pentecost

Can we find another occasion in the Bible on which fire fell down from heaven? Yes!

When was that? It was on the day of Pentecost.

We read,

"And suddenly there came a sound from heaven as of a rushing mighty wind, and it filled all the house where they were sitting. And there appeared unto them cloven tongues like as of fire, and it sat upon each of them." Acts 2:2,3

At that time it was a sign that those present received the Holy Spirit.

As we know already, the false prophet also brings fire down from heaven in the sight of man.

What must that mean?

It must mean that there will be a marvelous revival of religion in the United States, which will appear to be the work of the Holy Spirit, but which will be the work of another spirit.

Because fire like on Pentecost will fall. The fire on Pentecost was the Holy Spirit, but this is fire of a counterfeit religion, because it is fire brought down by the `false prophet.'

It seems to be like a great revival like on Pentecost when the true fire fell down and thousands were converted in a day; and in the course of months.

In the same way, in the end time, through the work of this false prophet, who brings fire down from heaven, there will be many conversions, people will weep, they will pray and raise their hands . . . the churches will be full and people will say, `This is God's doing.'

How can we be sure if its of God or not?

Will it be one of the great television preachers of our day and age? - Someone, who attracts thousands and thousands to his meetings?

A famous television evangelist has claimed to have seen visions where he said, he `saw literal fire falling from heaven,' claiming, `the glory of God is about to be revealed visibly.'

So we ask, where in the Bible can we read about the true manifestation of the Holy Spirit?

We find it where it speaks about that mighty angel who `came down from heaven, having great power; and all the earth is filled with his glory.' Rev. 18:1.

Such will be the true manifestation at the end time when that mighty angel cries out with a mighty voice and all the earth is filled with his glory.

But the false prophet, in contrast, is also the false manifestation of the Holy Spirit - and then the television preacher says, `On the day of Pentecost fell fire from heaven . . . Elijah brought fire down from heaven.' And, `there was fire in the pillar of clouds that led Israel in the desert.'

Is a preacher with such a message the real messenger of God?

He certainly does what appear to be miracles on stage. And of course we remember that John says, that the false prophet will perform "great wonders" and signs and miracles, (Rev. 13:13).

So, how do we know these television preachers are not the real messengers of God?

That the fire falling down, as he said he saw it will - - how can we tell if the its from God? (For the important, detailed answer click here)

How does the Bible say to proof such things?

"To the law and to the testimony: if they speak not according to this word, it is because there is no light in them." Isaiah 8:20.

That means if they never speak of the Sabbath, that the dead are dead, of the sanctuary, that we are now in the judgment hour, that the beast is the papacy, that the US is the land beast, that the mark of the beast is the first day of the week, that hell is going to be put out.

If they never teach these clear Bible teachings, they cannot be the true Elijah. Because in order to be the true Elijah, you must preach the same message that was preached by Elijah.

A Few Things About Ellen White

In conclusion we say a few things about Ellen White.

She wrote a book which gives you the true prophetic scenario for the end time.

It is a correction of the false views on prophecy taught by the RCC and much of Protestantism.

She is the gift that God has given to help the remnant church proclaim the three angels messages to the world in the right way, so that the world can make the right decision to be on God's side in the crisis ahead.

To illustrate let us read a few passages. [Please read about a great, false revival on pages 463-464 in her book, `The Great Controversy.' Be aware that some churches may hand out free but shortened versions of this book containing selected, important aspects. Those we cannot recommend.]

In the light of what we studied (by beginning here), see if you agree that the following message is correct:

"Those who honor the Bible Sabbath will be denounced as enemies of law and order, as breaking down the moral restraints of society, causing anarchy and corruption, and calling down the judgments of God upon the earth. Their conscientious scruples will be pronounced obstinacy, stubbornness, and contempt of authority. They will be accused of disaffection toward the government."

We can say there is no church in the world which believes that we are subject to the government more than the SdA church - as long as the government stays within the boundaries of its responsibilities. We should be exemplary citizens of the United States. We should pay our taxes, we should pray for our political leaders and I know we often do pray at church and in our homes. Especially now, in this time of confusion.

She goes on and says,

"Ministers who deny the obligation of the divine law will present from the pulpit the duty of yielding obedience to the civil authorities as ordained of God. In legislative halls and courts of justice, commandment-keepers will be misrepresented and condemned. A false coloring will be given to their words; the worst construction will be put upon their motives."

But when you come before them, don't fret about what you will say, for the Holy Spirit will let you know what to say, as long as you put it in your brain - read, read, read.

That is why reading these articles is so important. It can help you to fortify your faith. The material is not primarily to win converts to our faith, our primary purpose is that our very own members will understand the issues and be able to give reason for their faith from the Bible. That is why we try to be thorough and proof text everything.

This way the whole world can know these truths through the various mass media now available.

She continues,

"As the Protestant churches reject the clear, scriptural arguments in defense of God's law, they will long to silence those whose faith they cannot overthrow by the Bible. Though they blind their own eyes to the fact, they are now (writing this in 1911) adopting a course which will lead to the persecution of those who conscientiously refuse to do what the rest of the Christian world are doing, and acknowledge the claims of the papal Sabbath.

The dignitaries of church and State will unite to bribe, persuade, or compel all classes to honor the Sunday. The lack of divine authority will be supplied by oppressive enactments. Political corruption is destroying love of justice and regard for truth; and even in free America, rulers and legislators, in order to secure public favor (that is votes), will yield to the popular demand for a law enforcing Sunday observance. Liberty of conscience, which has cost so great a sacrifice, will no longer be respected. In the soon-coming conflict we shall see exemplified the prophet's words: "The dragon was wroth with the woman, and went to make war with the remnant of her seed, which keep the commandments of God, and have the testimony of Jesus Christ." [Rev. 12:17.]

Is that the true scenario?

We notice there is nothing in here about the Muslims and the Buddhists, about Hamas, al-Queda, Pakistan, etc.

It seems the devil is mixing up these problem areas to such an extent that the whole Christian world is googling it every day.

While Catholicism and Protestantism are saying, `Look east,' Ellen White says, `Look west.'

Because she is a prophet that God has raised up for these last days, to straighten out the "times" we talked about and which were changed by this system and straighten out the law which was also "changed" by this system during the 1260 years.

How can you obtain a copy of the book? You may find it posted online somewhere, or you can go to a SdA Church Sabbath or midweek service and ask if they have a copy for you. Try to find someone who will get things going to obtain one for you.

Ellen White also wrote, "The GC ... contains the story of the past and present and the future. In its outline of the closing scenes of this earth's history, it bears a powerful testimony in behalf of the truth. I am more anxious to see a wide circulation of this book than for any other I have written; for the last message of warning to the world is given more distinctly than in any of my other books." {Letter 281, 1905}

Ellen White received four hours of visions for this book in 1858. That gave her the broad outlines for what is in the GC today. That afternoon, she and her husband James White traveled to Battle Creek and decided to stop in Jackson, MI, at the home of the Palmers, who were friends of theirs. While they were going on the train to Jackson, they were talking about the plans of publishing the GC. When Ellen White was sitting at the table in the home of the Palmers, suddenly she had a stroke and she thought she was going to die. She was only 31 years of age then. Six months later, God revealed to her that at Jackson, MI, it was the devil's intention to kill her because he heard what she and her husband were talking about on the train, about publishing the book `The Great Controversy.' [The devil cannot read minds.] The devil hates this book. Read this book with an open mind and please make your decision to stand with the remnant of God. [After Stephen Bohr. Hier also available in German.]

Yes, this is the dynamite, unerring interpretation of the scriptures we just studied, the Bible answer to what the `testimony of Jesus' is.

In all humbleness and yet in forceful Bible truth we admit that God has a people in the United States of America, after 1798, (and since then in the whole world), who would have the gift of prophecy in their midst and who keep all ten of the commandments of God.

[80] Some may know the name Charles M. Kinney (1855-1951), who was born a slave in Richmond, Virginia, baptized in 1878 following an evangelistic meeting by J.N. Loughborough and Ellen White in Reno, Nevada. The Reno SdA church send him to school to Healdsburg, CA. Next he was ordained as minister at the Southern District Camp Meeting where Dan T. Jones also attended in Louisville, Kentucky. Because of a severe illness of his wife he retired in 1911 as a full time minister. In his lifetime he raised five SdA churches and saw the membership of African-American SdAs rise from 60 to 26,500 members.
[100] M'Clintock and Strong, Cyclopaedia, Vol. VIII, article, "Prophet", p. 646. How was it with Daniel? Daniel, even though there was no sin on him, believed that he was guilty of the sins of Israel because he chose to be a Jew. In general we may say, that throughout history the majority in the churches has never been right. Missionary work requires that we stand up and step out. When we do that we can claim the promises of God. Many are unwilling to step out because they are too busy. Parents, that is why the prophet wrote, that "most of the youth in this age will come short of everlasting life!" Testim. Vol. 2, p. 144. Mrs. White also wrote, "Although loath to punish, nevertheless He will punish ... When the Lord comes forth as an avenger, He will also come as a protector of all those who have preserved the faith in its purity and kept themselves unspotted from the world. ... The class who do not feel grieved over their own spiritual declension, nor mourn over the sins of others, will be left without the seal of God. ..." Listen, what happened to God's people in old Israel will happen again to our people for the Bible says ... "The Lord commissions His messengers, the men with slaughtering weapons in their hands: "Go ye after him through the city, and smite: let not your eye spare, neither have ye pity: slay utterly old and young, both maids, and little children, and women: but come not near any man upon whom is the mark; and begin at My sanctuary. Then they began at the ancient men which were before the house." Here we see that the church--the Lord's sanctuary--was the first to feel the stroke of the wrath of God. ... No superiority of rank, dignity, or worldly wisdom, no position in sacred office, will preserve men from sacrificing principle when left to their own deceitful hearts. Those who have been regarded as worthy and righteous prove to be ring-leaders in apostasy and examples in indifference and in the abuse of God's mercies. Their wicked course He will tolerate no longer, and in His wrath He deals with them without mercy. ... Our own course of action will determine whether we shall receive the seal of the living God or be cut down by the destroying weapons. Already a few drops of God's wrath have fallen upon the earth; but when the seven last plagues shall be poured out without mixture into the cup of His indignation, then it will be forever too late to repent and find shelter. No atoning blood will then wash away the stains of sin." [5T, p. 209ff.]
Therefore, pray for our leaders, brothers and sisters in faith, our children and youth to be faithful to God and know these things. Do not turn your back on the prophet of God.
Mrs. White also wrote on the condition of delusion in the Laodicean church, "What greater deception can come upon human minds than a confidence that they are right when they are all wrong!" [5T, p. 252,253] That is sad and need not be so. But we know that there will be a people who will carry the ark of God, not for rewards in this world, for Peter, as a basic theme in his letters, says, `There is nowhere else to go.'

[140] A short account of early denominational history: The 1870 General Conference session was the first to have an official delegate from outside the United States by the name of James Ertzenberger, a young man from Switzerland. The session resolved: "That we set him apart to the work of the Christian ministry, that he may return to Switzerland to preach the commandments of God and the faith of Jesus."
This took place four years before J.N. Andrews went to Europe as the church's first official missionary. Ertzenberger had become an Adventist indirectly through the efforts of M.B. Czechowski, a former Polish priest, who had gone to Europe in 1864 without our denomination's backing. Czechowski went as an Adventist missionary, even though he had become a Seventh-day Adventist only in 1857. While in Europe he taught our beliefs without mentioning either the Seventh-day Adventists or Advent Christians. One of Czechowski's converts in Switzerland discovered a copy of the Review & Herald in a room where Czechowski had been staying. This led to contact between the small group of Sabbathkeepers in Switzerland and the General Conference in Battle Creek, Michigan.
These Swiss Sabbathkeepers sent James Ertzenberger to the United States in 1869 to appeal for a minister to come to Europe. He arrived too late for the General Conference session, but remained 15 months, living most of the time in the home of James and Ellen White. While there he not only perfected his knowledge of English but also learned about all phases of our work.
During his visit Ertzenberger became our first official delegate from overseas to a General Conference session. In September of 1870 he returned to Switzerland. Later, after J.N. Andrews arrived in Europe, Elder Ertzenberger translated for him. For 50 years our first overseas delegate worked in various countries of Europe until his death in 1920. [Adventist Review, July 18-25, 1985.]
[500] GC, p. x,xi. Check out also this quote, "I would say that we are living in a most solemn time. In the last vision given me, I was shown the startling fact that but a small portion of those who now profess the truth will be sanctified by it and be saved. Many will get above the simplicity of the work. They will conform to the world, cherish idols, and become spiritually dead. The humble, self-sacrificing followers of Jesus will pass on to perfection, leaving behind the indifferent and lovers of the world." (Testimonies Vol. 1, p. 608-609).

[700] How can we be sure about the identity of these animal kingdoms? (1) As to Babylon being represented as a lion, history tells us that 120 artistic lions formed the avenue of procession in the city of Babylon which led to the king's palace. See Jer. 4:6,7; 50:17, 44. We also read how Habakuk says, "... I raise up the Chaldeans, that bitter and hasty nation, which shall march through the breadth of the land, to possess the dwellingplaces that are not theirs. . . . Their horses are swifter than the leopards . . . their horsemen shall come from far; they shall fly as the eagle that hasteth to eat." Hab. 1:6, 8. Since Babylon was compared to a lion with wings like an eagle, the feathers of which were plucked out and he was given a human heart (Dan. 7:4). Next we read, how Nebukadnezzar's `human heart was taken away and exchanged for a beast's heart,' (Dan. 4:32,33) However, later it would be helped and given a human heart when Nebuchadnezzar was reinstated in his kingship after the seven years. Thus we see in these symbols the dual arrangement of the Babylonians and Chaldeans, a class of priests whose kingdom was that of the Chaldean/Hittites erroneously assigned to the lesser known Hittites of older times.
(2) How can we be sure that the bear, who stood with one side of his legs, was Medo-Persia? The bear fits the description very well since the Persian power under Cyrus, in this dual kingdom, surmounted the power of Darius the Mede. The three ribs in its mouth are said to indicate the three best known countries this power overcame: Babylon (539), Lydia (ca. 555) and Egypt (525). The Medo-Persians are challenged to "Arise and devour much flesh," (Dan. 7:5) which we may compare with Micah 3:3 (ca. 720 BC) and where it says, "... the ten horns which thou sawest upon the beast, these shall hate the whore, and shall make her desolate and naked, and shall eat her flesh, and burn her with fire." Rev. 17:18. These scriptures then appear to point to the great victory over the Babylonian power. (Herodotus, Bk. 1, Sec. 77)
(3) How can we be sure that the leopard is Greece? The leopard, Alexander the Great, has with cat like skill and cunning stealthily (Jer. 5:6) waited for his opportunity to overcome his victim and `flown' from Greece to Egypt and Pakistan and back within less than 8 years like one on eagle's wings (Hab. 1:8), a distance of some 5100 miles (8200 km). See Hosea writing along these lines already in ca. 750 BC, Hosea 13:7,8.

[715] About changing God's holy Sabbath day of the Commandments, Dr. Martin Luther wrote, "They allege the change of the Sabbath into the Lord's day, contrary, as it seemeth to the Decalogue; and they have no example more in their mouths than the change of the Sabbath. They will needs have the Church power to be very great, because it hath dispensed with a precept of the Decalogue." (Creeds of Christendom, Volume 3, p. 64. Thomas Tillam, `Sabbath Sought Out", 1657.)
The able reformer, Philipp Melanchthon, a close associate of Luther, was even more specific, saying: "He changeth the tymes and lawes that any of the six work dayes commanded of God will make them unholy and idle dayes when he lyste, or of their own holy dayes abolished make work dayes again, or when they changed ye Saturday into Sonday." (Exposicion of Daniel the Prophete, gathered out of Philipp Melanchthon by George Joye (ca. 1492-1553), 1545. See Anderson, R.A., Unfolding Daniel's Prophecies, p. 93)

[800] There is a point in time when it is way too late because probation closes. Where is that taught in the Bible? Click here for the very helpful details to understand it. God's truths which had been trampled upon in particular by the little horn power were: (1) the Sabbath is God's holy day on which we are to worship our Creator, (2) that the dead rest in their grave until resurrected on the day of the Second Coming of Jesus, that (3) Jesus is our high priest and not some human cleric, (4) that the bread represents the body of Christ, (6) that Jesus is the judge of all, and (7) that God is our "Father", not some human priest, to name a few.

[860] What was the message of the Baal's priests? Where do we read about it in the Bible? We find it in 1.Kings 18:18. A more complete message of Baal may be found in the account of Balaam or here; but as in the days of Elijah we read, "And Elijah came unto all the people, and said, How long halt ye between two opinions? if the Lord be God, follow him: but if Baal, then follow him. And the people answered him not a word.", and
"And Elijah said unto the prophets of Baal, Choose you one bullock for yourselves, and dress it first; for ye are many; and call on the name of your gods, but put no fire under. And they took the bullock which was given them, and they dressed it, and called on the name of Baal from morning even until noon, saying, O Baal, hear us. But there was no voice, nor any that answered. And they leaped upon the altar which was made." and,
"And they cried aloud, and cut themselves after their manner with knives and lancets, till the blood gushed out upon them. And it came to pass, when midday was past, and they prophesied until the time of the offering of the evening sacrifice, that there was neither voice, nor any to answer, nor any that regarded." In other words, Baal worship served an angry god which had to be appeased, which in true life led to atrocious activities in pagan worship.

[900] Consider this: While the churches do know that we as humans are not `all knowing' like God is, that we are not `all powerful' like God is, that we cannot be `present all around the world' like God can, many believe that man `does not completely die at death, the first "sleep" death, Jh. 11:13,14, but has something immortal in him like God, the King of kings and Lord of lords, only has (1.Tim. 6:15,16); and both, God and man are immortal, yet, man is not omniscient, omnipotent, omnipresent like God is. Therefore, the truth is that man does not have immortality inherently, but God can communicate it to His faithful people at the end of time on resurrection day.

[910] 1904 ATJ, EB 193.1.

[915] Y.I., May 28, 1884.; MM 256.5.

[919] 1T 182.1.

[920] 3T 276.4.

[923] 1904 ATJ, EB 209.1.

[924] PK 152.1.

[928] PK 147.3.

[950] The scripture reads, "And it came to pass, when Ahab saw Elijah, that Ahab said unto him, Art thou he that troubleth Israel?
And he answered, I have not troubled Israel; but thou, and thy father's house, in that ye have forsaken the commandments of the Lord, and thou hast followed Baalim." 1.Kings 18:17,18.
We are rapidly nearing the end time. Soon we will experience what the word of God has spoken through His prophets.
"God is jealous, and the Lord revengeth; the Lord revengeth, and is furious; the Lord will take vengeance on his adversaries, and he reserveth wrath for his enemies. The Lord is slow to anger, and great in power, and will not at all acquit the wicked: the Lord hath his way in the whirlwind and in the storm, and the clouds are the dust of his feet. He rebuketh the sea, and maketh it dry, and drieth up all the rivers: Bashan languisheth, and Carmel, and the flower of Lebanon languisheth. The mountains quake at him, and the hills melt, and the earth is burned at his presence, yea, the world, and all that dwell therein. Who can stand before his indignation? and who can abide in the fierceness of his anger? his fury is poured out like fire, and the rocks are thrown down by him. The Lord is good, a strong hold in the day of trouble; and he knoweth them that trust in him. But with an overrunning flood he will make an utter end of the place thereof, and darkness shall pursue his enemies." Nahum 1:2-8.
"And he shall send his angels with a great sound of a trumpet, and they shall gather together his elect from the four winds, from one end of heaven to the other." Matthew 24:31.
"And after these things I saw four angels standing on the four corners of the earth, holding the four winds of the earth, that the wind should not blow on the earth, nor on the sea, nor on any tree. And I saw another angel ascending from the east, having the seal of the living God: and he cried with a loud voice to the four angels, to whom it was given to hurt the earth and the sea, Saying, Hurt not the earth, neither the sea, nor the trees, till we have sealed the servants of our God in their foreheads." Rev. 7:1-3
The restraining Spirit of God is even now being withdrawn from the world. Hurricanes, storms, tempests, fire and flood, disasters by sea and land, follow each other in quick succession. Science seeks to explain all these. The signs thickening around us, telling of the near approach of the Son of God, are attributed to any other than the true cause. Men cannot discern the sentinel angels restraining the four winds that they shall not blow until the servants of God are sealed; but when God shall bid His angels loose the winds, there will be such a scene of strife as no pen can picture. {6T 408.1}
Local disturbances in nature are permitted to take place as symbols of that which may be expected all over the world when the angels loose the four winds of the earth. The forces of nature are under the direction of an Eternal Agency. Science, in her pride, may seek to explain strange happenings on land and on sea; but science fails of tracing in these things the workings of Providence. Science fails of perceiving that intemperance is the cause of most of the frequent accidents so terrible in their results. {19MR 280.1}
It is not an angry God who wants to smite us that way in actuality. He wants to save us. But just like it was human failure on the Italian cruise whip, so are most of the judgments caused by man himself, his incorrigible, evilness as the cause if we could see behind the scenes. We serve a God of love, not of wrath, and hot anger like sinful man can have. Thus we know all these things occur and will occur ever more frequent and unexpected to try and wake sinners up to their peril, so they will seek refuge in faith in God's power to save them and not seek eternal death, but be saved by Jesus, the only Savior for lost mankind.