THE DAYS OF THE VOICE OF
THE SEVENTH ANGELLet us go to our first text which will expand on our headline above. "But in the days of the voice of the seventh angel, when he shall begin to sound, the mystery of God should be finished, as He has declared to His servants the prophets." Rev. 10:7. KJV.
It is important to note that what we just read is a fulfillment of ancient prophecy. The "finishing of the mystery of God," will begin to be fulfilled when the 7th angel starts blowing his trumpet. On the resurrection morning Jesus referred Cleopas and his friend to these same prophecies, beginning with Moses (Author of Pentateuch or first five books of the Old Testament) as they walked along the road to Emmaus. He asked them why they were so slow to believe what the prophets had predicted would happen to the Messiah. Then during the next 7.5 miles He gave them an in-depth Bible study explaining how Jesus of Nazareth was indeed the fulfillment of everything Israel had been waiting on for centuries. Luke 24.
Furthermore, the author of "Desire of Ages" tells us Jesus appeared to them because they were trying so hard, without success, to understand the many lessons Christ had taught them before the cross. They were asking themselves, How "Can this Man, who suffered Himself to be so humiliated, be the Christ? Their grief could not be restrained, and they wept. Jesus knew that their hearts were bound up with Him in love, and He longed to wipe away their tears, and fill them with joy and gladness. But He must first give them lessons they would never forget." DA 796. In addition to this point we must realize that had Jesus immediately revealed Himself to them, as He did Mary, they would have been so happy and satisfied their minds would not have been open for Scripture proof because He was standing right there in front of them. In their future attempts to convince and convert others of the nation of Israel they needed themselves to understand how Jesus had indeed been the fulfillment of all the types and prophecies of the Old Testament and that this was the very strongest evidence and greatest argument for the establishment of their faith. So, it is today. Our faith must rest upon the evidence of Scripture not demonstrations, per se, for those who depend upon supernatural manifestations can be easily deceived when Satan supplies them with signs and wonders as he has been doing now for centuries among many religious groups around the world. When the Jews demanded that He give them a sign (miracle or wonder) He rebuked them. "'An evil and adulterous generation seeks after a sign; and a sign will not be given it, except the sign of Jonah,' And He left them, and went away." Matt. 16:4. By the sign of Jonah He was referring to His death and resurrection which would be the greatest proof of all that He truly was the Messiah. This "sign or wonder" would cause the 12 disciples to multiply by ten (10 X 12=120 and on the day of Pentecost to 3000 in one day and to keep on multiplying until even Saul of Tarsus was converted and sent to the Gentiles. On that same resurrection morning Jesus also appeared to Simon or Peter, Luke 24:34, I Cor. 15:5, no doubt to assure Him that He was forgiven for denying Him.
This gives us an important clue and insight to what Paul means when He tells us that these kind of epiphanies will happen again during the days of His Second Coming or epiphaneia (coming or manifestation). "So Christ was once offered to bear the sins of many; and unto them that look for Him shall He appear the second time without sin unto salvation." This is muy importante (very important) because, if you are not earnestly anticipating His appearance He will pass you by and go to those who are longing to see Him.
The purpose of His coming in our day is to reap the harvest, which has three phases:
For years we heard that in the end-times the "work" would go "like fire in the stubble." Many precious teachers and preachers believed and taught this idea but they didn't have clue one about the character of God message and if it was presented to them they didn't understand it or just flat out rejected it. But now we can see how this message will go to the world in conjunction with the Sabbath message because the concept that God is a life God and does not destroy gives strength and impetus to the Sabbath message. Why? Because it proves that God keeps His own law...He does not lie, steal, break the Sabbath, etc. nor does He kill, which is the 6th commandment. Our precious Lord Jesus is the Creator of the heavens and the earth. And as the Creator He never takes life but only gives life. In fact, in order to truly be "born again" into the kingdom of God you must have a new heart...a new mind. This takes creative power. And it is the Sabbath message that precisely demonstrates that God, as the Creator of the universe, would certainly have the power to create a new heart. The fourth commandment of the decalogue proves it. This will not only be the heart and crux of the controversy, it will be the very belief and doctrine of this army described in Rev. 19.
With this mighty army we will be able to begin the grape harvest and in the process defeat the New World Order. This will take place in just three and half years and then Jesus will come. If you try and explain this to a person who has not studied the Bible you might as well be speaking Chinese. He/she cannot relate at all. If you try and explain it to a person who has a background in the Third Angel's message and understands even a little about the SOP the usual response is one of total shock. Only a few are glad to hear about how they can escape the coming tribulation and not die but join Jesus' army to help give the final message. Luke 21:34-36. These are the ones that give me the courage to keep on keeping on.
I am continually reading, thinking and praying for more information and proof as to how to make this message more real. But the problem is this: The overwhelming majority of people today on planet earth, whether in the church or not, do not view the world as such a bad place to live. Even if they have cancer, have lost their job or a loved one by death, etc. they still just want to recover and continue their careers or get back into their lifestyles so they can live the "good life." So, before you continue reading this article, my friend, I am going to ask you to stop right where you are and pray to God for spiritual insight and wisdom. Why? So you will not miss the great blessing God has in store for you. We are in a spiritual battle and need God's power to receive His spirit so we can receive the gifts He wants to give us. Paul explains it better than I could. Listen:
"Now we have received, not the spirit of the world, but the spirit which is of God...the natural man receives not the things of the Spirit of God; for they are foolishness unto him; neither can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned." I Cor. 2:12-14. "But the unspiritual man simply cannot accept the matters which the Spirit deals with---they just don't make sense to him, for, after all, you must be spiritual to see spiritual things. The spiritual man, on the other hand, has an insight into the meaning of everything; though his insight may baffle the man of the world. This is because the former is sharing in God's wisdom, and 'Who hath known the mind of the Lord, That He should instruct Him?' Incredible as it may sound, we who are spiritual have the very thoughts of Christ." I Cor. 2:14-16. Phillips. Compare Dan. 12 which describes the "wise ones" who will understand what is going on while the wicked are caught up in the panic and confusion and will end up being destroyed.
There are many who claim to be followers of Christ but if you ask them if they have the "mind of Christ," they don't know what you mean. But Paul explains it in Phil. 2:6-11. "Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus:" Paul goes on to describe what this mind or attitude of our Lord led Him to do. He who was in the very form of God, as Co-creator with the God family, became a servant and humbled Himself down to the level of a criminal, allowing wicked men, led on by Satan and his angels, to put Him to death in the most cruel and humiliating fashion known in the world at that time...crucifixion. This is what His great love for the whole human race led Him to do and His reward will be the salvation of the whole human race. "Wherefore God also has highly exalted Him, and given Him a name (power and authority) which is above every name: that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth; and that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God." Phil. 2:6-10. I have gone over this concept with you many times sharing and giving many proofs from both the Bible and the SOP such as DA 425 and 826. But, Isa. 53:11 alone reveals this wonderful truth. Here we read how the soul of Jesus will at last be satisfied when He finally see the results of His great sacrifice. But it must begin right now today, in this our age, the last age before the 1,000 years begins.
The harvest is almost ready and Jesus is going to reap the first fruits very soon. Are you ready? Only a few understand what this really means. The majority are walking in darkness and will cry out too late, "The harvest is past, the summer is ended and we are not saved." Jer. 8:20. Don't be among that tragic group, my friend. The purpose of this article today is to try and wake you up so you can have a part in this final glorious work of the Third Angel. Do you believe God speaks to you? I don't hear very many Christian people talking very much about this part of their relationship with Jesus, if they even have a very close one to start with. Of course, I understand everyone is different but God has promised to speak to us just as surely as He spoke to godly men and women in the Bible. About the only people I hear talking about this to any extent are those of the Pentecostal persuasion on CBN, TBN, etc. So, how does God speak to us? In the very first two verses of the book of Hebrews Paul tells us that although God spoke to Israel in the past through the ancient prophets (whose witness and testimony we still have in the Old Testament) He has chosen to speak to us "in these last days...by His Son, whom He has appointed heir of all things, by whom also He made the worlds;"
Paul knew what he was talking about because Jesus Himself appeared to him personally and gave him his commission. Has Jesus given you a commission yet? Have you heard His voice? Do you know what He wants you to do? David says in Psalm 85:8, "Show us thy mercy, O Lord, and grant us thy salvation. I will hear what God the Lord will speak: for He will speak peace unto His people, and to His saints:..Surely His salvation is nigh them that fear Him;" The word "fear" in that verse means to have respect, reverence, love and admiration for God and His plan in the earth. And that is what I want to explain to you but first we must set the ground work. So, please be praying for your mind and heart to be enlightened by His Holy Spirit as you read, so you will understand.
Here is a promise for anyone who wants to hear God's voice. He really does want to speak to you personally. Listen: "When you turn, whether to the right or to the left, your ears will hear a voice behind you, saying, 'This is the way; walk in it!'" Isa. 30:21. The next verse explains what will happen when you begin to hear God's voice. "And you will destroy all silver idols and golden images and cast them out like filthy things you hate to touch. 'Ugh!' you'll say to them. 'Be gone!" v. 31. In the New Testament Jesus spoke of His disciples as sheep. "I am the good shepherd, and know my sheep, and am known of mine." John 10:14.
In the parable of the Ten Virgins, Matt. 25, the wise virgins were on the ball and took extra oil but the foolish virgins were too stressed out trying to take care of their personal affairs, work for and attend church services and functions, so they didn't have time to read, pray, study and have personal time with Jesus. When the midnight hour struck all ten awoke when they heard the cry, "The bridegroom is coming!" The five foolish virgins soon found out that they didn't have enough oil (understanding through the Holy Spirit) in their lamps (Bibles) and complained to the wise virgins about it, asking them to donate some of their Holy Spirit, which was not possible. Why? Because a righteous character is not transferable. It is like a student named John, who has diligently and faithfully studied his lessons all semester and is ready for the final exam while his room mate has been so busy with extra curricular activities. He has not taken the time to study. "Oh, John," he pleads, give me your brain so I can pass the test. It just is not possible. The prophet spoke directly to this problem when he declared that when a nation sins and famine comes upon man and beast, "even though these three men, Noah, Daniel, and Job were in its midst, by their own righteousness they could only deliver themselves,' declared the Lord God." Ezek. 14:13, 14, 18. So, it will be when the door of opportunity to go into the wedding closes today as it did in Jesus' day for the leaders of the nation. By their own choice they had shut themselves out even as the Pharisees and lawyers in Jesus' day "rejected (frustrated) the counsel of God against (within) themselves." Luke 7:30. What a terrible experience. "O Israel, you have destroyed yourself." Hosea 13:9. Let us pray that this will not happen to us or our loved ones.
The last person Jesus talked to before He ascended to heaven on that resurrection morning was Mary Magdalene. He told her "Do not hold onto me, for I have not yet returned to the Father." John 20:17. NIV. The Greek word here is "haptomahee" (Strong's 680, 681) meaning "to attach or fasten oneself to." The RSV says, "do not hold me." Although Jesus certainly wanted to go to heaven to receive the assurance that His sacrifice had been accepted, He also wanted to comfort His disciples so they would know that He really was alive again, especially Mary, who had been so devoted to Him. He knew she would spread the news to the others. Yet, when the disciples heard Mary's testimony and of the other women whom the angels had spoken to, they refused to believe. ?Pero, por que no? (But, why not?) Let us read an excellent explanation and then compare the generally accepted teaching and attitude in the religious world today.
"The news of Christ's resurrection was so different from what they had anticipated that they could not believe it. It was too good to be true, they thought. They had heard so much of the doctrines and the so-called scientific theories of the Sadducees that the impression made on their minds in regard to the resurrection was vague. They scarcely knew what the resurrection from the dead would mean. They were unable to take in the great subject." DA 793.
How much different are we today? You might be surprised how many professed Christians in our day have some of the same ideas as the leaders in Christ's day. We like to think that everyone believes in the Word of God and that there is no debate about this among Bible believing Christians. But don't be so sure. The critical and pivotal issue today, as in the days of Christ, is the Character of God. But the Pharisees had no place in their theology for a suffering and dying Messiah, let alone one who would allow Himself to be hanged on a cross until He gave up the ghost.
This was especially true among His own disciples who wouldn't even listen when Jesus tried to prepare them for His impending death. How could such a terrible thing happen to their wonderful Jesus!? They believed it was impossible for the Messiah (the Son of God) to be hurt or killed. Nor could they imagine that He would lower Himself to be arrested and put on trial, let alone be beaten and crucified. That is why Judas was so sure his plan was "fail safe." He was 100% sure Jesus would use His supernatural powers to defend His honor and right to rule as the Messiah, the King of Israel, who was to sit on David's throne and rule the world. Judas was sure that He would exert His power at the very moment the mob came to arrest Him. Judas had allowed the "deceitfulness of riches" to blind him to the truth of Christ's nature and the character of His mission and kingdom. He believed Jesus would finally realize this was the perfect time to take advantage of the situation and enthrone Himself as the rightful "King of the Jews," whom he believed would be totally invincible. Judas had allowed himself to be deceived by the great deceiver himself, Satan. Through his love for money he was blinded to the truth because the love of money blinds people to the truth and reality of God's true kingdom. What a shock Judas received when he saw Jesus meekly surrender Himself without a fight.
As the night and mock trial progressed and Judas saw Christ was not going to deliver Himself, but submit to all the terrible abuse they began heaping upon Him, he threw the money down before the priests, testifying that He had betrayed "innocent blood," and went out and hanged himself. Through the centuries Christians have had a very low opinion of Judas because of what he did. What they have not realized is that unless they understand the true character of God they will end up also selling out their Lord in our day and then cry out, "What have I done? How could I have been so stupid?" Jer. 8:20. So, my friend, it is critical that we understand the issue today is still the same, even though we have a different stage with different actors in a different segment of history, which is the last age before the millennium.
Unless we come to a very clear understanding that this issue of the character of God is the very heart of the Great Controversy, we will be no better off than Judas or the Jewish nation who condemned Jesus to death. In order to avoid this tragic replay we must understand how God's Name, His character, has been slandered. Why even His very government has been threatened by the arch rebel, Lucifer, now called Satan. As a result of all the false, slanderous lies Satan has spread throughout the universe, God Himself is on trial. That is why John tells us that "The hour of His Judgment (trial) has come." Rev. 14:7. The traditional interpretation of this verse is that God is the One who is judging the human race, beginning with the church. But when you look more carefully at the grammatical construction of the sentence you will see that it actually reads, "The hour of the judgment or judging of Him," the relative pronoun being in the objective case, i.e., receiving the action. And when you substitute the word "Trial" for judgment it becomes crystal clear that God Himself is the very One who is on trial.
In fact, the whole God family is on trial, having been accused of being selfish, arbitrary and not willing to sacrifice for the good of others. Jesus tried His best to prepare His disciples for His coming trial and crucifixion but they wouldn't listen. We are now in that same position today. After 24 years of sharing the character of God I am well aware of the resistance to the basic idea that our wonderful God is "Holy, harmless and undefiled." Human nature has not changed in the last 2,000 years. I can tell you from my own personal experience that it is not easy to accept new ideas that go against what you have always believed, and which isolates you from your family, friends and significant others and even goes against your own carnal nature. But with much prayer and study a person can gain the victory. So, when we look back at Jesus' disciples we should not wonder why they were so slow to believe. The same thing is happening today but people just don't recognize it.
In every age only a few understand and respond to the new development of truth the Lord brings forth through His servants. "In every age there is a new development of truth, a message of God to the people of that generation. the old truths are all essential; new truth is not independent of the old, but an unfolding of it. It is only as the old truths are understood that we can comprehend the new. When Christ desired to open to His disciples the truth of His resurrection, He began 'at Moses and all the prophets' and 'expounded unto them in all the scriptures the things concerning Himself.' But it is the light which shines in the fresh unfolding of truth that glorifies the old. He who rejects or neglects the new does not really possess the old. For him it loses its vital power and becomes a lifeless form." COL 127, 128.
This is precisely what has happened to the writing of not only the Bible but the Spirit of Prophecy as well. Nevertheless, God always finds a faithful Remnant to do His work. He may choose you today to be part of that Remnant. Don't try to resist, because you cannot win. Saul of Tarsus, who became Paul the apostle, found that out the hard way as have many others through the centuries. Now, here we are living in this last Remnant of time. Some of the things I am going to share with you may seem just as fantastic as what happened in the days of those first disciples. They were looking for the Messiah to come in a certain way which blinded them to the truth. As human beings we tend to see what we are looking for. Let me tell you a personal story to illustrate what I mean.
In the early 1980's I lived in West Virginia for three and half years. GLC headquarters and offices were out in the country on a 97 acre farm. Land was very cheap. I had a secretary who helped process the mail and kept the books. Every Friday afternoon she would prepare a deposit for one of us to take to the bank. It was always in a black bank bag. As she left a little early that day, she told me she was leaving the deposit on her desk. So, about an hour later I went up to the office and looked everywhere on her desk but didn't see it. I finally gave up and called her house and she told me that she had not been able to find the black bag, so had placed the checks for deposit on the right side of the typewriter, which were held together by a paper clip with the deposit slip and adding machine tape on top. As soon as she described it I saw it. I really felt stupid because it had been there in plain sight all the time.
So, why didn't I see it before? The reason was simple. I was looking for a black bag. I had a preconceived, biased, built-in idea and notion of what that deposit was supposed to look like. I did not see the deposit because it was not in a black back. Nevertheless, it was there all the time, in plain sight. Beloved, can you see that is precisely why the Jewish nation failed to recognize Jesus as their long awaited Messiah? He did not come in the kind of package or wrapping they were expecting so they rejected Him. "And have ye not read this scripture; 'The stone that the builders rejected is become the head of the corner. This was the Lord's doing, and it is marvelous in our eyes?'" Mark 12:9-10. This was a most appropriate illustration of what the leaders were doing because it has a two fold application. The first is to the Jewish nation and the second is to our generation with the character of God message as revealed in the final Christos, Barley or Two Witnesses of Rev. 11. Three of the gospels quote Jesus as referring to this true, historical event of a stone that was rejected. It just so happened that when Solomon's temple was being built immense stones were brought to the building site for placement as each was needed to go into its proper place. No additional work was needed...they were ready for positioning. There was this huge stone that the builders had to keep walking and working around. It was always in their way because it seemed useless. They had no idea where it fit in. It became a rejected stone but they couldn't get it out of the way because the original blue print had called for it to be made and brought to be placed. Finally, the day came to lay the corner stone. The builders searched high and low for the right stone. Many were tried and tested only to crack and crumble. Other stones failed the test of atmospheric changes of rain and sun. Finally, someone pointed out to them that the stone that was always in their way, the one they hated so much, might possibly be the very one they were looking for. It had already borne the test of being exposed to the elements without any damage. Next they subjected it to the severe test of weights to see if it would crack or not. Amazingly, it passed the test. When they placed it where the cornerstone was supposed to go--they found that it was a perfect fit! Isaiah the prophet used it as a symbol of the Christos (Anointed One) in Jesus' day as well as our day for the final manifestation of the sons of God. Rom. 8:19. Isa. 8:13-15; 28:16.
What I have already written along these lines has not generated much of a response for or against what I am trying to explain, although many continue to order books and videos and talk about other things. But the most exciting news seems to be going right over the heads of most of my readers. I also get the same basic reaction when I try to give a Bible study on this topic of Jesus' plan to rescue His saints out of this sinful world, give them immortal bodies so they may return and wake up the virgins, who 40 days later will become the 144,000. Such an idea is just too "far out" (foreign) to their minds. Like the disciples of old, we have placed God in a box and labeled it "The theology of God." Basically, that was what the believers in the Great Advent Movement did. When Oct. 22nd, 1844 came and went they were disappointed. Another great disappointment is just ahead for the majority of professed believers today. Why? One of the reasons is because they do not realize that what they think is going to happen in the future is already happening now! They do not understand the concept of progressive fulfillment of prophecy.
Yesterday, I saw the last part of a Christian film on TBN entitled, "The Gathering." It was basically about this young man who accepted Jesus and was trying to convince his father, mother and sister to also accept Jesus as their Saviour so they would not be left behind for the coming seven years of tribulation. But they wouldn't believe him. Eventually, only his little brother ended up being "raptured" with him along with all the true Christians in the world who are also raptured out of the world in less than twenty minutes. As many of you may know, this has been the accepted theological position of almost all Pentecostals since the turn of the century or before with a few variations from one denomination to another. This doctrine is known as "the Secret Rapture."
The Bible nowhere teaches a secret rapture. The closest you could come to that idea would be the translation of the "Two Witnesses" in Rev. 11:7-13. Most people think that the two witnesses will be two actual human beings or they interpret it to mean the Old and New Testament. But if you study these verses out carefully, you will find that these Two Witnesses are in reality the same as the little "Barley Company." These verses describe their work, persecution, death, and resurrection after three and a half days as well as their translation to heaven. "And after three days and an half the Spirit of life from God entered into them, and they stood upon their feet; and great fear fell upon them which saw them. And they heard a great voice from heaven saying unto them, 'Come up hither' and they ascended up to heaven in a cloud (same as Jesus' ascension) And their enemies beheld them."
Vs 13 describes a great earthquake (same earthquake as described in Rev. 16:13) and the death of 7,000 men and a Remnant giving glory to God which would indicate their conversion to God's character message, which proves probation had not closed. Verse 14 speaks of the final and third woe coming on the earth which would have to be the Sunday Law Death Decree (which Satan will announce from the Temple in Jerusalem) because verse 15 is an announcement that the "Kingdoms of this world have become the kingdoms of our Lord and of His Christ." This voice from heaven announcing the change or transfer of power God is about to make, transferring the control, power and authority from Satan to Jesus through the Barley Company constitutes the "tidings" that Dan. 11:44 is speaking about which alarms Satan. Notice his reaction to these tidings this voice announces from heaven. "But tidings from the east and the north shall alarm him, and he shall go forth with great fury to exterminate and utterly destroy many. And he shall pitch his palatial tents between the sea and the glorious holy mountain; yet he shall come to his end, with none to help him." Dan. 11:43, 44. RSV. The "glorious holy mountain" is a phrase describing the new government God has just announced from heaven that He is setting up through the "Barley Group" who constitute this "Glorious Holy Mountain" because a mountain represents a government and this government is described as "glorious" and "holy." In order to divert the world's attention away from God's new government through this "Glorious Holy Mountain" Satan will no doubt begin appearing all over the earth as the Messiah, claiming to be Christ Himself and telling the people that they must obey this new World Sunday Law or else be put to death. This is when the woman (church) flees into the wilderness, which means obscurity and seclusion, GC 55 (like the Jews in Europe during WW2). No doubt many will escape to the mountains or wherever they can hide out.
You must remember that we are only half way through this final seven year period when the Sunday Law Death decree is passed, and becomes the law of the land, so there will still be three and half more years to go. Daniel 12 describes this time period as being the time of the "third woe" and a "time of trouble such as never was since there was a nation." So, this three and a half year period is going to make the reign of terror in France, 1798, and Hitler's Third Reich look tame in comparison. It will be similar to but worse than what went on in Jerusalem from A.D. 66 to AD 70 when the Roman armies sieged Jerusalem and starving mothers ate their own children. Jesus told his disciples that there would be a way of escape from that terrible time of trouble in their day and He has given us instruction on how to escape the coming Time of Trouble. See Luke 21:34-36. The next verse after Dan. 11:44 is Dan. 12:1 which announces that Michael (Christ) is standing up. Traditionally, this has been interpreted to mean that His work in the Most Holy Place is finished. The reason it is finished is simply because the Most Holy Place is out of business. There is no one else to plead for because everyone has finally made up their minds, cast their ballots for or against Jesus and His true Sabbath. The righteous have decided or judged the Creator to be a God of love who would not send such terrible plagues on the human race, whereas, the wicked have judged God to be a bad God who is bringing the plagues to force people to worship on Sunday. His mediatorial work is completed because the destiny of every soul is at last decided by their own choice for this final age before the millennium begins.
Now, I want to point out to you that the translation of the Barley Company is recorded on page 272 and 273 of "Early Writings." Remember that this is the first of the first fruits, the Barley, and the wheat comes next after 40 days. Just as a farmer harvests his crops as they are ready or ripe for reaping, so "The Barley" is ready first and then the wheat. "Let both (wheat & tares/wise & foolish virgins) grow together until the harvest: and in the time of harvest I will say to the reapers, Gather ye together first the tares, and bind them in bundles to burn them: but gather the wheat into my barn." Matt. 13:30. Jesus gave the interpretation of this parable: "The harvest is the end of the world; and the reapers are the angels." Matt. 13:39. The fact that the wise virgins (144,000) are reaped and gathered (translated) into the heavenly barn is proof that the 144,000 will also be translated. The question as to who gives the Loud Cry is commented upon in EW 241, 242. "Then I heard the voice of another angel saying 'Babylon is fallen, is fallen!'...I saw a number of angels conversing with the one who had cried, 'Babylon is fallen,' and these united with him in the cry, 'Behold, the Bridegroom cometh: go ye out to meet Him.' The musical voices of these angels seemed to reach everywhere. An exceedingly bright and glorious light shone around those who had cherished the light which had been imparted to them. Their faces shone with excellent glory, and they united with the angels in the cry, 'Behold, the Bridegroom cometh.'" Continuing on page 243 we discover that these comments are in regard to the aftermath of the 1844 disappointment. Anyone who has studied the history of the Millerite movement knows how much hatred and bad press Mr. Miller and his followers endured. We also know how much ridicule and unbelief Sr. White endured from the time she received the prophetic gift after the disappointment, in 1845, and ever since, even to this day. In fact, she has probably received more bad press in the last 25 years then ever before. But this pattern has been repeated throughout history with God's messengers (prophets) throughout history. In Elijah's day, 900 BC, all of the true prophets had been killed by Jezebel and her church of Baal. And in Matt. 23:35 Jesus said that His own generation, which was even then plotting His death, would be held accountable for the death of all the righteous prophets since Abel to Zacharias Matt. 23:35, which indicated the scribes and pharisees had the same murderous spirit as Cain.
So, this is always the spirit that is manifested against God's true messengers and their message. This pattern will not cease but intensify as the end draws near. In "Early Writings," EGW continually makes comparisons between the actions and reactions of God's people and their enemies in regard to the message that was given at that time. So, what took place during that time period in the 19th century during the 1844 movement and 40 years later in 1888? It shows that the final movements and messages are progressive, being repeated in every generation with greater emphasis and intensity. The former messages are not negated or repudiated by the final messages being brought forth today but confirming them and building upon them. This shows how gracious and loving God is to His own people and humanity as a whole to continue giving more and more proof of who He is (His character) and the opportunity, obligations and responsibility of His chosen people. Unfortunately, God's professed people are repeating the history of Israel in Jesus' day just as they repeated the History of Israel in Moses' day and afterward until Jesus Himself appeared.
After the reaping and garnering of the Barley (Little Company, EW 272, 273) and the wheat into the heavenly garner, the grape harvest begins as everyone who has received immortal bodies become part of Jesus' mighty army portrayed in Rev. 19 as riding on white horses. In the chapter, "The Loud Cry" we read, "The message of the fall of Babylon, as given by the second angel, is repeated, with the additional mention of the corruptions which have been entering the churches since 1844." This statement is referring to Rev. 18:4 where John tells us that Babylon the great (the New World Order Church or Synagogue of Satan) "is fallen, is fallen, and is become the habitation of devils, and the hold of every foul spirit, and a cage of every unclean and hateful bird." The following verses state that all nations have been drinking her wine, i.e., believing her doctrines, and committing fornication with her and that the business men of the world have grown rich because of her. Then the call comes to the true in heart in these fallen churches to "come out of her, my people, that ye be not partakers of her sins, and that ye receive not of her plagues. For her sins have reached unto heaven, and God hath remembered her iniquities." Remember what the angels told Lot? "What relatives do you have here in the city? the men (angels) asked. 'Get them out of this place---sons-in-law, sons, daughters, or anyone else. 13. For we will destroy the city completely. The stench of the place has reached to heaven and God has sent us to destroy it." Gen. 19:12, 13." LB. The Bible speaks of Lot in regard to his escape from Sodom. "And delivered just Lot, vexed with the filthy conversation (lifestyle) of the wicked: (For that righteous man dwelling among them, in seeing and hearing, vexed his righteous soul from day to day with their unlawful deeds;) The Lord knows how to deliver the godly out of temptations." 2 Pet. 2:7-9a. How gracious and kind God was with Lot who now serves as an example of many today who are compromising themselves by working, playing and living with and among the same kind of people and environment as Lot. Abraham wisely removed himself from the those wicked cities and serves as an example for us today.
Now, let us go back to "Early Writings" where we see on page 277 the chapter "The Loud Cry," where EGW tells us that she saw angels hurrying to and fro getting ready for an important event. We do not know the time of this event exactly but have a clue from EGW regarding the messages that were given in 1888 as the beginning of the "Loud Cry of the Third Angels' Message." This is an incredibly important statement for two reasons. It shows first of all how the final message has been growing, developing and intensifying since the late 19th century. Talk about being given time to do research and study on a topic! What kind of an excuse could anyone give for not knowing about this message of God's character, which is what 1888 was all about anyway. No wonder the devil has worked so hard to distort it. After the brethren rejected the message, actually, killed it before it could even get off of the ground, EGW, by-passed the General Conf. and went with Jones and Waggoner to camp meetings throughout the USA taking the basic messages of 1888 directly to the people. In addition to that a great deal of Jones and Waggoners talks during the 1888 conference and afterwards have been published. But the best information coming out of that era of church history is the book, "CHRIST OBJECT LESSONS," which was published in 1900. In this book she clearly and categorically states: "GOD DESTROYS NO MAN. EVERYONE WHO IS DESTROYED WILL HAVE DESTROYED HIMSELF." "Christ's Object Lessons," page 84. Compare Vol. 5, Pages 119, 120. Incredible as it might seem, in the face of this bold and unequivocal statement of God's non-destructive personality and character the vast, overwhelming majority of God's professed people reject this truth and insist that is not what it means at all, demanding, like the Jews of old, a killer, destroyer God. That is why they chose Barrabas instead of Jesus and declared that they had no king but Caesar. The same thing is being done today and what is being sown will be reaped in the most terrible harvest the human mind can imagine! Beloved, after thinking, praying and researching on this topic virtually every waking hour of my life for the last 24 years I am more convinced every day that goes by that this truly is the final truth and final message about our wonderful God.
Behold, say the Scripture, the darkness shall cover the earth, and gross
darkness the people; but the Lord shall arise upon thee, and His glory
shall be seen upon thee. Isa. 60:2. It is the darkness of misapprehension
of God that is enshrouding the world. Men are losing their knowledge of
His character. It has been misunderstood and misinterpreted. At this
time a message from God is to be proclaimed, a message illuminating
in its influence and saving in its power. His character is to be made
known. Into the darkness of the world is to be shed the light of His
glory, the light of His goodness, mercy and truth...(Isa. 40:9, 10 then
quoted) Those who wait for the Bridegroom's coming are to say to
the people, 'Behold your God.' The last rays of merciful light, the last
message of mercy to be given to the world, is a revelation of
His character of love. COL 415.Thank God more and more people are understanding and accepting it. At the same time many are rejecting it. The majority are asleep and don't know or care what is going on. But they will be awakened by the "outpouring of the wrath of God." So, what does that mean? God's wrath is when He takes His hands off, Rom. 1:18-28...in other words "He gives them up or over to their own desires," as happened to Egypt as explained in Psalm 5:2, "Destroy them O God, let them fall by their own counsels," and Psalm 78:42-49. Please read those verses and you will understand how God's "wrath, Anger," etc. comes. It is simply when God allows a person or nation to go his/their own way and destroy themselves. "God destroys no one," ever. This is basic level one of the character of God message, so if you can just get up to level one you will have an excellent chance of going all the way to levels 4 and 5.
Now, let's go back to EW 277. EGW explains that the second and third angels' messages come together at the perfect time. The second one is repeated and the third one is about the "glory" or character of God which COL 414, 415 confirms is "A REVELATION OF THE CHARACTER OF GOD." "The work of this angel comes in at the right time to join in the last great work of the third angels' message as it swells to a loud cry. And the people of God are thus prepared to stand in the hour of temptation (promise Jesus gives to the church of Philadelphia (Barley Company in Rev. 3) which they are soon to meet. I saw a great light resting upon them, and they united to fearlessly proclaim the third angel's message. Angels were sent to aid the mighty angel from heaven, and I heard voices which seemed to sound everywhere, "Come out of her my people." On page 278 of EW we read that the light penetrated everywhere and the churches who had any light and had not rejected the three messages, "obeyed the call and left the fallen churches. Many had come to years of accountability since these messages had been given." This shows the wisdom of God in allowing the message to develop and grow through the years. "The last call was carried even to the poor slaves...I saw that this message will close with power and strength far exceeding the midnight cry." Now, let's go to page 280 where I want to make a very important point regarding the translation of the "Barley Company."
"Every case had been decided for life or death. While Jesus had been ministering in the sanctuary, the judgment had been going on for the righteous dead, and then for the righteous living. (This is a clear reference to the beginning of the investigative judgment which began in 1844) Christ had received His kingdom, having made the atonement for His people and blotted out their sins. The subjects of the kingdom were made up. The marriage of the Lamb was consummated." EW 280.
I just saw this statement today as I was reading EW again trying to clarify some points in my mind and gather more evidence and proof. Notice what she says has taken place already before the third Woe begins due to the final Sunday Law death decree which brings on the final three and half years of the "Abomination of Desolation." Dan. 12.
She is quoting here from Dan. 7:27 which I will quote in its entirety promptly, but let me go back to Dan. 7:9 where we read about the Judgment being set (See also: Matt. 19:28, Luke 22:30, I Cor. 6:2, 3, Rev. 20:4). "I beheld til the thrones (of this earth, i.e. NWO, Babylon, Synagogue of Satan) were cast down, (destroyed by the light of the Message of the Angels of Rev. 18) and the Ancient of days, did sit,...I saw in the night visions, and, behold, one like the Son of man (Barley Company & 40 days later the 144,000) came with the clouds of heaven, and came to the Ancient of days, and they (angels) brought him (Barley Company, as one unit) near before Him (God the Father--no more fear...they come close to the Father God of Israel) And there was given him dominion, and glory, and a kingdom, that all people, nations, and languages (remember that I told you they would be able to speak in all the languages of the world in order to govern them), should serve Him: His dominion is an everlasting dominion, which shall not pass away, and his kingdom that which shall not be destroyed." Dan. 7:9-14.
At this point Daniel was grieved because all of these visions troubled him in his spirit so much that he asked for an in-depth explanation. He was especially concerned about the fourth beast which was said to overcome the saints who would "rise from dead" as it were, when God pronounced His blessing upon them, and said to them "come up here." Rev. 11:12. This is the resurrection, as it were, of the two witnesses which John saw and explained. Revelation builds upon and expands and enlarges upon the visions of Daniel. The punch line of this explanation is EGW's paraphrase of vs. 27. But I will quote vs. 26 first. "But the judgment shall sit, and they shall take away his dominion, to consume and to destroy it unto the end. And the kingdom and dominion, and the greatness of the kingdom under the whole heaven, shall be given to the people of the saints of the most High, (beginning with the Barley Company and then growing into the 144,000 and finally the grape harvest), whose kingdom is an everlasting kingdom, and all dominions (rulers) shall serve and obey Him." The Him is the same as the Son and the King and Barley, etc. A careful reading of Psalm 2, a Messianic Psalm, gives added insight and strength to what Daniel said. Notice: "Yet have I set my King upon my holy hill of Zion. I will declare the decree: the Lord (Jesus) hath said unto me, (Barley Company), Thou art my Son; this day have I begotten thee. Ask of me, and I shall give thee the heathen for thine inheritance, and the uttermost parts of the earth for thy possession. Thou shalt break them with a rod of iron; thou shalt dash them in pieces like a potter's vessel. Be wise now therefore, O ye kings: be instructed, ye judges of the earth. Serve the Lord with fear, and rejoice with trembling. Kiss the Son, lest he be angry, and ye perish from the way, when his wrath is kindled but a little. Blessed are all they that put their trust in Him." Psalm 2:6-11.
Let me share with you a letter I recently wrote to a friend about Psalm 2.
Dear Sister M.
The Lord just led me to look up the word "kiss" in Strong's concordance for more understanding of Psalm 2:12, "Kiss the Son, lest He be angry (withdraw--same as wrath, Ps. 78:49, Rom. 1) and ye perish from the way when his wrath is kindled but a little." The main word is "Nashaq (Naw-shak) #5401, meaning "to kiss literally or figuratively, and to touch. It also has to do with a "Mode of attachment" such as attaching oneself to a leader, or to aid and help them. It also can mean to equip with weapons (spiritual, of course). But when you go to 2836 the deeper meaning begins to emerge very clearly. Strong's 2836 says, chashaq means to cling, join, to love, delight in, desire, set in love. 2388 means: To fasten upon to seize, be strong, strengthen, help, fortify, cleave, confirm, help, be sure, take hold.
Psalm 2 has always been special to me more each year since I first memorized it in August of 1976. But more recently, it has taken on greater meaning as it reveals what is taking place right now in terms of the final elect being formed through the character of God message. "Kiss the Son," is a direct command from the Creator Himself to the kings, rulers and judges of the earth to "kiss the son" which means to aid and help him, to attach themselves to him...to get behind him and support him. So, Psalm 2 is not only a spiritual movement which will have a direct affect upon the leaders of this world in the near future. If they don't accept this "son," they are going to be in very big trouble with the God of the universe. In fact, God tells them that they will "perish in the way, when his wrath is kindled but a little." This means that when they refuse to accept and embrace the message of this son, whom God Himself has anointed, Rev. 11:15, 12:10, they will have forfeited God's protection and will die very quickly, either by their own hands or by the hands of their enemies. The power this "son" is given is totally awesome and only those who have the true understanding of Jesus' character of love, that He is "Holy, harmless and undefiled," Heb. 7:26, will be fit vessels to fill with such power and might. That is what it's all about and it is happening and gaining ground even as you read this.
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The Lord is preparing the whole world to receive this tremendous message of love the Barley Group or Son/King is going to give to the world. One indication of this is a hit song on the market today by a country western singing star named Faith Hill. The song she sings is entitled, "This Kiss." As I listened to the words of this song I wept as I realized the spiritual message behind it was about "Getting married to Jesus," and going into the wedding supper of the Lamb. These are the very emotions and spiritual feelings one has when a person realizes how much Jesus loves us and how God is preparing the Gentiles to be embraced and loved by their true Creator God in the same way Jesus revealed God's love when He was on earth. Even the wicked will be enthralled with this tremendous emotion of love and that is why they say, "Let us break their bands asunder and cast away their cords from us." Psalm 2:2. That is why Satan is trying so hard to spread homosexuality all over the world because this lifestyle stifles, blocks and cuts off the work the Holy Spirit. But even these barriers will be broken down. What an awesome time to be alive. It is so important for us to study and pray so we will understand these things.
Just as most Christians today believe that the COMING of Christ is a one time, single event, as the Jewish nation did at the time of His first Advent, so most of the Christian world today also believe that the plagues will come on all the "bad" people of the world in "one" single day. Some even believe the plagues will come in one "hour." Let me tell you, my friend, everyone who is subscribing to such a theology is in for a very big shock. Remember what Jesus said about Jerusalem not "knowing the time of her visitation?" Well, the instant replay is already in progress.
Those of you who read my last article on the STAGES OF HIS FIRST AND SECOND COMING will recall how we learned that Jesus' first coming took place over a period of at least 33 years and involved at least 22 individual stages or events. Didn't Jesus compare His Second Coming to this earth to the days of Noah? Yes, He certainly did. Matt. 24:36-41. How long did Noah preach about the coming flood disaster? That's right, he preached for 120 years. And when the door of the ark was shut the rain didn't come for seven days. And when the rain finally began to fall it rained day and night for forty days. And how long were Noah and His family in the ark? For about one year. My point is simply this: In order to not repeat the disappointment of the pioneers of the 19th century in 1844 and 1888 we must understand progressive revelation and progressive fulfillment of prophecy.
Here again, an understanding of the character of God is crucial because the very reason the foolish virgins shut themselves out of the wedding feast is that they failed to understand God's character. And remember what Rev. 14:7 says about God being on trial..."FOR THE HOUR OF HIS JUDGMENT IS COME." Let's take a closer look at the word "hour." Does that mean the hour of His judgment or trial is going to last for one hour? Obviously not. It means that the time period or era for the world to study the character of God...to examine and investigate the character of God has come. Let's take the phrase, "The Judgment Hour Message." So, what is this message? It is the three fold message of Rev. 14:6-20. Does anyone believe this message will be given in one literal hour or even a "prophetic" hour. Of course not. The Judgment Hour Message has been going on since 1844.
The word "hour" is used ten times in the book of Revelation. The first instance is very interesting. Notice: "If therefore thou shalt not watch, I will come on thee as a thief, and thou shalt not know what hour I will come upon thee." Rev. 3:3. If you apply the "Law of primacy" also known as the "Law of first use" to this word hour in the book of Revelation you are going to come up with the same interpretation of this text as we generally apply to Matt. 24:44; "Therefore be ye also ready: for in such an hour as ye think not the Son of man cometh." The word hour here simply means "period of time or era," not a literal hour, the same as we apply to "hour of His judgment" or "judgment hour." One of the definitions of Webster's dictionary for the word "hour" is: "Fixed time; a particular time or occasion; also, a short indefinite period of time." Remember what Jesus said to the religious leaders who led the mob to arrest Him? "This is your hour and the power of darkness." It was their "time" to go on stage and play their parts just as we are playing our parts today.
In comparison to 6,000 years, "the Judgment hour" is a relatively short period of time even if it is 120 years or more "as in the days of Noah." It just depends when you wish to start counting 120 years, 1844, 1888 or 1914 when WWI began. We could apply the same reasoning to the word "day" or "days," which we don't need to go into because we realize that the word "day" can be used to denote a period of time the same as the word "hour."
Even the SOP supports the idea that the plagues are progressive and had, in fact, already begun in her day. "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. 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 Page 11. Written between 1904 and 1909. I have underlined the sentence referring to the plagues having already begun to fall.
In past issues I have shown from news articles how the oceans are being polluted more every day due to oil spills, garbage dumps, acid rain and toxic wastes. Rev. 16:3 predicts that the "sea; became as the blood of a dead man: and every living soul (being or creature) died in the sea." What is the blood of a dead man like? It is contaminated, unclean and toxic because it has no oxygen and is not moving. The very fact that whales are beaching themselves and seas such as the Mediterranean has less and less marine life every year is proof that the oceans are dying. Under the fourth plague we read that men are scorched with great heat. Many believe this is happening now, gradually, with the erosion of the ozone layer. The fifth plague is a plague of darkness on the "seat of the beast." We all know that darkness does not come suddenly but gradually as the sun slowly descends in the west giving way to the night.
This darkness is obviously one of a spiritual nature in that truth and righteousness eventually has not one iota of influence or existence in the affairs of Babylon which is operated by the "Synagogue of Satan" (Rev. 3:9) which is the New World Order. As we know, the NWO has been growing and developing since the days of Adam Wieshaupt or about 1776 when he established the order of the Illuminati. If you want to study on this topic the best book to read is: "THE FOURTH REICH OF THE RICH," by Des Griffin.
It is very interesting that believers who are the most informed about God's truth in these last days are also the best detectors of the lies and evil plans of the enemy. Unfortunately, the majority of God's professed people do not even know who the enemy is, let alone his plans, because they have not studied and therefore, do not know the truth about God's character. And because they don't know the truth about God's true character they don't know what His plans are to defeat the enemy. So, they continue walking in darkness, thinking they are safe and doing God's will. These are the foolish virgins. For proof of this let us read from COL. "The Spirit works upon man's heart, according to his desire and consent implanting in him a new nature; but the class represented by the foolish virgins have been content with a superficial work. They do not know God. They have not studied His character; they have not held communion with Him; therefore they do not know how to trust, how to look and live Their service to God degenerates into a form." "Christ Object Lessons, page 411.
From time to time I receive letters from people who ask me how I obtain this information about the character of God and end-time events. Well, most of the information I have shared about God's character has come from my own personal study of the Bible and EGW's writings. When I first began memorizing Psalms 2 through 20 I had no idea where it would lead me but I just kept on going til the light came on at Psalm 5:10, which I have explained many times through the years. After I began writing about "God Does Not Destroy" and sending this information out to people all over the USA, parts of Africa and the world, a few others began their own personal study and would come to visit me and/or write me sharing their personal notes of what they had learned. That's how I learned about the animal sacrifice system not being God's perfect will, as well as the "Two Lords," which took some time to digest. I took all of this information and put it together with my own research and then began writing articles and manuscripts. When it came to the concept of Universal Reconciliation it took quite a bit longer to fully understand and develop in my mind before I actually began writing about it. The Lord had to allow me to go through some hard lessons and personal crisis before I was willing to share this openly, beginning in the fall and winter of 1990 and 1991. This was also the beginning of a much lower profile experience for me which I came to enjoy after so much exposure for about 17 years which brought a lot of hatred and persecution that was really hard to believe.
Every person who is willing to know God's will is going to be led by the Spirit of God into His truth for these last days. And they will be intensely hated and persecuted for it. Jesus said: "My doctrine is not mine, but His that sent Me. If any man will do His will, He shall know of the doctrine, whether it be of God, or whether I speak of myself. He that speaks of Himself seeks His own glory: but He that seeks His glory that sent Him, the same is true, and no unrighteousness is in Him." John 7:16-18. From the writings of the SOP, I learned very early, as a teenager, that our goal as Christians should be to vindicate the character of God. I was also taught this as a theology major at college. The writings of EGW have probably helped me more than anything else. Another way I have learned many of the truths I have been sharing is by direct revelation.
About two weeks ago, as I was driving down the road, the Lord suddenly spoke to me. Mike, what is the 'last trump'? Immediately I thought of what Paul tells us in I Cor. 15:51. "Behold, I show you a mystery; We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed, In a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trump: for the trumpet shall sound, and the dead shall be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed." Then the thought again came to my mind with tremendous speed and clarity, like a flash of light..."The last trump is the seventh trumpet." When thoughts come into my mind that fast, especially when I wasn't even thinking about the subject of the resurrection, I knew those were not my own thoughts but the voice of God teaching me something He wanted me to know. I was shocked, humbled and thankful to the Lord because I knew that was His way of letting me know He was approving of my research. Only He could have spoken to me so directly like that, putting those two verses together in my mind so I would include it in this article. "And the seventh angel sounded; and there were great voices in heaven, saying, The kingdoms of this world are become the kingdoms of our Lord, and of His Christ; and He shall reign for ever and ever." Rev. 11:15.
Now, let's try and analyze what we know so far and maybe we can put some more pieces of this end-time jig-saw puzzle together. As I have shared with you in the past, EGW wrote about a "Little Company" which she saw traveling up a narrow pathway which was going up in the opposite direction of the rest of the Christian world which were in a state of apostasy. EW 263. EGW said they looked careworn as if they had been passing through some severe trials and conflicts. I hope you will read this whole section beginning with 263 to 273 because I think you will clearly see that this "Little Company" is the same as the Barley group who are also identified as the "Elect" and "Chosen" and "Sons of God," etc. On page 271 of "Early Writings" EGW says that this little Company had been weeping and praying in agony of spirit and the number of angels guarding them had been doubled. They were clothed with an armor from their head to their feet and they moved in exact order, like a company of soldiers. Their faces expressed the severe conflict they had been through. "Even though their features revealed internal anguish their faces now shone with the light and glory of heaven because they had obtained the victory and had deep gratitude and holy, sacred joy. Their number had lessened but those who remained had great power to speak forth the truth with great effect. Evil angels had no power over them. They had received the latter rain." On pages 272, 273 EGW describes how the wicked unbelievers were aroused and enraged by the zeal and power of this little company. Then they began pleading to God for deliverance because they had been appointed unto death. This sounds to me like the first phase of the death decree. EGW then speaks of a cup they had to drink and of a baptism they had to experience. Next she speaks of the voice of God which shook the heavens and earth and a mighty earthquake. This has to be the same earthquake of Rev. 16:17 which takes place at the time of the seventh vial. "And the seventh angel poured out his vial into the air; and there came a great voice out of the temple of heaven, from the throne, saying, 'IT IS DONE." Cf. Dan. 12:1-3, Ezek. 37, I Thess. 4:16, 17.
On page 272, 273 of "Early Writings," a most graphic description is given of how a "glorious light" shined on this little company and how the wicked fell like dead men because they could not endure the light that shone upon the delivered, holy ones. "This light and glory remained upon them, until Jesus was seen in the clouds of heaven, and the faithful, tried company were changed in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, from glory to glory. (Notice EGW is quoting from I Cor. 15:51) And the graves were opened, and the saints came forth, clothed with immortality, crying, 'Victory over death and the grave"; and together with the living saints (their wave sheaf) they were caught up to meet their Lord in the air, while rich, musical shouts of glory and victory were upon every immortal tongue." EW 272, 273.
Please note that the translation of this "Little Company" takes place at the same time as 1. The Voice of God which delivers the Little Company and shakes the earth. 2. The Mighty Earthquake of Rev. 16:17. 3. The translation of the righteous and 4. The resurrection of "the saints."
When I first read that after a friend told me that the Little Company was the same group as the Barley or first of the first fruits, I thought, "wait a minute. There has to be more people translated at the coming of Christ then just a little company." Then I remembered that there was going to be a "Special Resurrection" before the big "general resurrection."
This same "special resurrection" is referred to in "The Great Controversy" pg. 637. "Graves are opened, and 'many of them that sleep in the dust of the earth...awake, some to everlasting life, and some to shame and everlasting contempt.' Dan. 12:2. (Chronologically, this ties the special resurrection together with the "standing up of Michael for His people" and the beginning of the Time of Trouble) Now, let me continue with this quote from GC 637. "All who have died in the faith of the third angel's message come forth from the tomb glorified, to hear God's covenant of peace with those who have kept His law. 'They also which pierced Him' (Rev. 1:7), those that mocked and derided Christ's dying agonies, and the most violent opposers of His truth and His people, are raised to behold Him in His glory and to see the honor placed upon the loyal and obedient." So, here you have at least three, possibly four, groups or categories of people who are going to come up from their dusty graves at the same time as the Barley Company are translated. In fact, these resurrected ones will be their wave sheaf just as Jesus took the risen saints from Old Testament times with Him to heaven, Psalm 24 and "Desire of Ages" page 833, so this Barley Company will also have a wave sheaf to take to heaven with them.
This is described in the vision Daniel had of the "Thrones" cast down which is a direct reference to Rev. 11:15 and the 7th Trumpet at which time the transfer of power takes place for the leadership of this world. "I beheld till the thrones were cast down (kings and authorities of this earth replaced by the Barley Company and the 144,000 under the leadership of Jesus as we read in Rev. 19) and the Ancient of days did sit, (Traditionally we have thought of this as God the Father but it very well could represent the whole God Family or at least Jesus and His Father in their Oneness. Opinions may vary on this point but the description Daniel gives is the same as what John gives in Rev. 1:13-16). Daniel continues his description in vs. 10-12. But then in v. 13 he continues what he saw at this same time. Notice what he says: "I saw in the night visions, and, behold, one like the Son of man came with the clouds of heaven, and came to the Ancient of days and they brought him near before him. And there was given him dominion, and glory, and a kingdom, that all people, nations and languages, should serve him: his dominion is an everlasting dominion, which shall not pass away, and his kingdom that which shall not be destroyed." Ok, let me tell you who I believe this is. First of all, notice that John says that he saw "One like the Son of man came with the clouds of heaven." This is not Jesus coming before the Father because we just saw the parallel language of Daniel and John in describing the One on the throne and the being in the midst of the candlesticks in Rev. 1:13 is identical and therefore the same being. Jesus clearly taught that "I and my Father are One and the same." John 14. Secondly, Daniel describes this being as "One like the Son of man." So, this is not Jesus but One who is like Him. Now, for further proof let us read again Rev. 11:15. "And the seventh angel sounded; (7th Trumpet) and there were great voices in heaven, saying, The kingdoms of this world are become the kingdoms of our Lord, and of His Christ; and He shall reign for ever and ever.
Please also notice that this transfer of power takes place immediately after the resurrection of the "Two Witnesses" who were "killed" and lay dead in the street of the great city, which spiritually is called Sodom and Egypt (Isaiah 1:10) "where also our Lord was crucified." Rev. 11:8. Most people have thought that the "great city" was Babylon or Rome. But it isn't. This "great city" John is talking about is none other than the city of Jerusalem. In the past theologians have tried to interpret this as symbolically referring to France where the Lord was made fun of and crucified during the French Revolution. This may have been the best interpretation they could come up with one hundred years ago but as the prophetic scroll is being unrolled we can clearly see now that Jerusalem is going to be the center of the New World Order's religion as Roman Catholicism, Judaism and the Muslims (Moslem Religion) all join together in worship of the new world leader who is going to come and sit in the Temple of God they are going to build and proclaim himself as God to the world. So, we see here that these two witnesses represent the Word of God in the Old and New testaments. These two testaments are being preached to the world by human beings who are hated by the world. Because Mal. 3:16-18 and Luke 21:34-36 indicate that God's chosen "Jewels" and His elect will not die we can safely conclude that these "two witnesses" represent this same group. Therefore, their "death" is not literal but symbolic of the character assassination they must endure for three and half days until the voice of God puts His Divine blessing upon them the same as the voice that spoke from heaven placed His Divine blessing upon Jesus at His baptism and woke Jesus from the tomb. This is their baptism of fire they must endure at the close of the three and a half days. But Michael will stand up and declare that they are His sons...His King. "Yet have I set my King upon my holy hill of Zion. I will declare the decree: the Lord (Jesus) has said unto me 'Thou are my Son; this day have I begotten thee. Ask of Me, and I shall give thee the heathen for thine inheritance, and the uttermost parts of the earth for thy possession. Thou shall break them with a rod of iron; thou shalt dash them in pieces like a potter's vessel." Notice the parallel of this verse is Rev. 19:14. "And the armies which were in heaven followed Him upon white horses, clothed in fine linen, white and clean." These are the saints riding on these white horses following Jesus because Rev. 19:8 tells us plainly that the wife of the lamb are the saints and the white linen represents the "righteousness of saints." Now, notice Rev. 21:9, 10 which clearly say that the Lamb's wife is the holy city Jerusalem. So, which is it? Is Jesus' wife the saints or the city of Jerusalem? the answer is simple. A city cannot be a city unless it is filled with people, therefore the saints in the city of Jerusalem represent the bride of Christ. Someone has also suggested that the Holy Ghost will be Jesus' wife. There are many symbols which strongly suggest and indicate that there is a female counterpart to the deity. For example, in the Old Testament the name Elohim has been passed over, ignored and mistranslated again and again. When Jesus died we read that "He gave up the Ghost." We have assumed that this just meant that the "breath of life" left Him. But, what if they are one and the same? Is it possible that the Holy Ghost is the spark of life God gives or uses when He creates life? And when that breath, spirit or ghost leaves, the person dies. I don't know if this word can be translated in the feminine or not but there are two points I wish to mention which are strong arguments in favor of assigning a feminine face to this ghost (i.e. The Shekinah Glory which is feminine) or spirit of life which Jesus and every human being has been "giving up" when they died since the world began. In the book "Desire of Ages," EGW states that "The angel of mercy was then folding HER (feminine) wings to step down from the golden throne to give place to justice and swift-coming judgment." DA 578. Please notice that this "angel of Mercy" is not only referred to as a female personage but she also has a throne, implying deity. There are also symbols of this male-female duality such as the two doves. The male was killed and the female flew away which is what happened when Jesus died. In the Song of Solomon we read in the KJV: "I charge you, O ye daughters of Jerusalem, by the roes, and by the hinds of the field, that ye stir not up, nor awake my love, til he please." Song of Solomon 3:5. Now, let us read the NAS version: "I adjure you, O daughters of Jerusalem, By the gazelles or by the hinds of the field, That you will not arouse or awaken my love Until SHE pleases." Song of Solomon 3:5. Cf. 2:7. This is just one of many places in the Bible where the translators have erred by changing the original from the feminine gender to the masculine gender. In this version of the Song of Solomon the text shows when the bride is talking and when the bridegroom is speaking. Most people think the references to the "Rose of Sharon" and the "Lily of the Valley" are male and refers to Christ when in reality it is referring to the bride, His female counterpart, the church. Notice also in Song of Solomon 4:9 and 5:1 Christ refers to His bride as His "sister and spouse." The NAS says, "My sister my bride." A great deal of research remains to be done in this area. It is well known that the results of male dominance in the area of theological interpretation has had a tremendous influence on our thinking regarding God. The idea that within the Oneness of God there is a feminine factor and that the deity is not only male but female as well, could have a profound influence in changing people's attitude toward God. The slandering of God's Name seems to have no bounds. I am sure there will be those who protest but facts are facts and you can check it out for yourself. What the full implication of where this will lead yet remains to be seen and known. We can only pray and ask the Lord for guidance. Now, let us return to Jesus' activities after His resurrection.
Jesus stayed with His disciples for forty days and then returned to heaven. It probably took that long for them to get used to the idea that He was really alive again. Their numbers grew to 120 which is not really very many in comparison to the millions in Judea who knew of Jesus' teachings, his crucifixion and resurrection. But at least by this time they were fully convinced Jesus really was alive and had ascended to heaven and had told them to wait for the promise of the Father. I am not sure they really knew what that meant or would be but they soon found out and the Holy Spirit led them to preach to the multitudes at 9:00 A.M. Sunday morning. Later Peter preached again as recorded in Acts 3 about the time of Christ's Second coming and another time of "refreshing" (latter rain) "And He shall send Jesus Christ, which before was preached unto you: whom the heaven must receive until the times of restitution of all things, which God hath spoken by the mouth of all His holy prophets since the world began." Acts 3:20, 21.
Notice here that Peter refers to the fact that "ALL HIS HOLY PROPHETS" have predicted this event of the coming of the Christ or Christos. This reminds me of Jesus' statement to Cleopas and his friend when they were walking to Emmaus and Jesus joined them and gave them a long Bible study from all the prophets of the Old Testament "Beginning at Moses and all the prophets, He expounded unto them in all the scriptures the things concerning Himself." Luke 24:25.
Jesus told Cleopas and his friend that they were "fools and slow of heart to believe all that the prophets have spoken." As we have been told by both the Bible and SOP we are repeating the history of Israel. Once again, almost the entire church is asleep (unaware). And again Jesus is saying to us, "O fools and slow of heart to believe" the really good news. Nevertheless, it must be explained for those who will receive it for the time is near.
So we can see many events are going to be transpiring at the same time. Let's review. First of all, there is a translation or coming of Christ at the time of this special resurrection. The group that is translated is the "Little Company," which is the "First of the first fruits" of the barley harvest. In past articles I have explained how this "Little barley company" takes all the saints who are raised from the dead to heaven with them as a "wave sheaf," to present them before the Father's throne, just as Jesus took the saints from past ages to heaven with Him when He rose from the grave on the first day of the week. Everything Jesus did will be repeated or duplicated by this "Barley Company." As I pointed out before Jesus went to heaven just after He told Mary not to touch Him and returned in the afternoon to talk to Cleopas and his friend on the road to Emmaus. Later Jesus invited the disciples to touch Him which proves He had already gone to heaven, been accepted, received His commission and returned to planet earth according to the six hour cycle we see on the cross, beginning at 9:00 A.M. when He was put on the cross and 3:00 P.M. when He gave up the Ghost and died. You see this repeated on the day of Pentecost on Sunday morning when Peter began preaching and they accused the disciples of being drunk. Peter told these scorners that men don't get drunk at 9:00 A.M.
"Then those who feared the Lord spoke to one another, and the Lord gave attention and heard it, and a book of remembrance was written before Him for those who fear the Lord and who esteem His name. 'And they will be mine,' says the Lord of hosts, 'on the day that I prepare My own possession (Jewels or Special Treasure), and I will spare them as a man spares his own son who serves him.' So you will again distinguish (discern) between the righteous and the wicked, between one who serves God and one who does not serve Him." Mal. 3: 16-18. The KJV reads, "Then shall ye return." Return from where? The marriage supper of the Lamb, the Wedding feast.
Ok, what other gifts will we have? The ability to appear and disappear at will like Jesus did after the resurrection. This is called "thought travel," or travel by thought vibration. The ability to ascend and descend to the throne room of God and back again like Jesus did on the day of His resurrection. The ability to perform miracles of healing and foretell the future. You will also have an immortal body and probably look about 25 to 30 years of age. You will also be able to speak in all the languages of the world and appear to kings, presidents and dignitaries all over the world, going into the private quarters of their homes to speak with them about what they are doing. If you have seen Michael Landon on Highway to Heaven you know what I mean. On this show he would appear to people in their homes and they would ask him, how did you get in my house? He would usually respond, Well, that really isn't the important thing here now, is it? Let's talk about your son. That's what's really important.' But who are you? 'Well, I am an angel from heaven sent to help you and your son.' You might be sent on missions to warn leaders of government that if they don't change their course they are headed for disaster.
You would have the ability to flash the past as well as the future before them using their living room wall as a screen. Your first job, should you be chosen and accept the assignment, would be to discern between the wise and foolish virgins in forty days. These wise virgins will become the 144,000. They will also ascend to heaven, like the first group, receive their gifts, and then return to join with the Barley company as well as all the dead from the special resurrection. Dan. 12:1-4.
This reaping of the Barley will probably take place in one day as they will only be a company. The wheat will be a larger group of 144,000, the wise virgins, and the reaping will take longer, probably weeks, just as the wheat harvest takes longer than the barley harvest. But at the end of the forty days they all will be perfectly united as were the 120 disciples in the upper room. They will wait ten days for the outpouring of the Latter Rain at which time they will be empowered mightily with the Holy Spirit to give the final message to the entire world for the final work...the reaping of the grapes, which represent the Gentiles. How many workers besides the barley (company like Gideon's 300) which will increase to the wheat (144,000) and from there the army keeps on growing and growing until the white horses with riders following Jesus is said to be 200 Million, Rev. 9:16. The population of the earth today is estimated to be about six billion. Zech. 13:8, 9 indicates that one third (1/3) of the human race at that time will be saved which would be at least two billion souls. I believe EGW saw God's final Remnant racing around the globe giving the final message. Here is the quote: "Servants of God, with their faces lighted up and shining with holy consecration, will hasten from place to place to proclaim the message from heaven. By thousands of voices, all over the earth, the warning will be given. Miracles will be wrought, the sick will be healed, and signs and wonders will follow the believers. Satan also works with lying wonders, even bringing down fire from heaven in the sight of men. Rev. 13:13. Thus the inhabitants of the earth shall be warned." "Great Controversy" page 612.
May the Lord help us to be faithful so we may have a part in this glorious warfare to bring this 6,000 year reign of sin to an end and bring in everlasting righteousness. mfc.
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