HOW TO ESCAPE THE COMING
TRIBULATION

If there was a way to escape the coming tribulation would you want to know about it? Well, there is and the article you are about to read will tell you all about it.

YES, IT IS TRUE. YOU DO NOT HAVE TO BE HERE DURING THIS TERRIBLE TIME OF TROUBLE. The Lord has promised His people that He will protect them and take them out of this world before this test comes. Malachi 3:16-18; Luke 21:34-36 and Rev. 3:9, 10 are some of the promises along with Dan. 12, Rev. 12. In the days of Noah an ark of safety was prepared but only eight (8) people got on board and escaped the flood which killed everyone else. None escaped. In our day the scientists are being led by Satan to destroy this earth with fire. Peter says that even the heavens (atmospheric heavens) will be ablaze or on fire.

In order to escape all of these things we must study and know the truth about God and His true character as revealed by Jesus Christ, His only Son.--He is a life God, not a death God. He does not destroy. "God destroys no man." COL 84.--As you believe this the Lord will be able to lead you into the rest of the information you need to know in order to escape the "Wrath to Come" which is coming from Satan and his agents.

Before we begin, let us pray: Our most gracious heavenly Father, we come into your sacred presence asking your Divine favor. Guide us as we seek to understand the ancient prophecies of your sacred word, the holy Bible. Thank you for hearing our prayer and doing more than we could ask or think. In Jesus holy Name we pray, amen.

In one issue of my paper last year we studied on Rev. 11 and 12 which deals with God's chosen people, specifically the Elect, referred to in Rev. 11 as the "Two witnesses" and also as the "Christos," vs. 15 and Rev. 12:10. Each chapter goes over the same events each giving more detail and various perspectives regarding how Satan uses political powers (governments) to make war against God's people who represent His government or kingdom on earth often referred to as Zion. We see this in Psalm 2 as the God of heaven asks why the church and world are so enraged and plotting against Him and his "anointed" (Christos). He reveals His ability to read their minds even quoting to them their most secret plans and thoughts: "The kings of the earth set themselves, and the rulers take counsel together, against the Lord, (Jesus) and against His anointed (Christos or Barley group or Little Company) , saying, 'Let us break their bands asunder, and cast away their cords from us." Cf. Hosea 11:4; Ps. 109:4. But all of their plans against God's chosen people are futile as we see in vs. 4. "He that sits in the heavens shall laugh: the Lord shall have them in derision. Then shall He speak unto them in His wrath, and vex (trouble) them in His sore displeasure." What do you think God is laughing about? That He is about to get His revenge upon them by destroying them? Is this His character? This is just one of the things you will learn as you read this study. I will come back to this question later and give you a full explanation.

Now, let us notice carefully the following verses which detail God's plan to defeat all of the evil intentions and plans of these enraged kings and rulers against Him and His chosen Remnant.

"Yet have I set (anointed) my king (Remnant or Elect) upon my holy hill of Zion." Margin says, "upon Zion, the hill of my holiness." Ok, now let us notice the specific time period when this will happen. 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 (Christos or Anointed); and He shall reign for ever and ever. And the four and twenty elders, which sat before God on their seats, fell upon their faces, and worshiped God, Saying, We give thee thanks, O Lord God Almighty, which art and were, and art to come; because thou hast taken to thee thy great power, and hast reigned. And the nations were angry, and thy wrath is come, and the time of the dead, that they should be judged, and that thou should give reward unto thy servants the prophets, and to the saints, and them that fear thy name, small and great; and shoulders destroy them which destroy the earth." Rev. 11:15-18.

Here under the sounding of the 7th Trumpet we see 1. The nations are angry--fighting mad against the Lord and His anointed and eventually against each other to the point where they will destroy each other, Ezek. 38:21, "every man's hand against his brother." 2. The time when the dead will be judged. This has been called the "Investigative Judgment," which is for the angels and universe so they will see God's righteous way of dealing with the human race. But there is much more that has never been taught. This is in regard to what has been called THE SPECIAL RESURRECTION. Dan. 12:1-2 refers to this event as well as Paul as taking place at the time that "Michael Stands up for His people," and "At the last trump," I Cor. 15:51, 52, which would be the 7th trumpet of Rev. 11:15, as we just noted. But first, let's back go back in time a little.

Jesus predicted in Matt. 24 and Luke 21 that "Nation would arise against nation and kingdom against kingdom." Although wars have been going on for centuries it was not until the 19th and 20th centuries that we saw great armies slaughtering each other during the time of Napoleon, for example, which was just a warm up for our own American civil war and the Great Wars that followed in 1914 and 1941 in which even the USA was involved. As a result of these conflicts the nations have been weakened and financially enslaved by the International Bankers who were the very ones who fomented both wars in the first place so they could sell arms to both sides to murder each other and then loan each of the warring nations money to rebuild after the war. As a result the Bankers now own Japan, Germany and even the USA because of the tremendous debts they incurred from 1914 to 1945 and ever since. In fact, none of these nations are able to even pay the interest on these debts, especially the USA.

Now, this brings us to Rev. 13 which reveals more detail about the identity of the dragon we read about in Rev. 12 who was ready to devour the child as soon as it is born. Cf. Isa. 66:5-10. This event is still future. You mean that this child was not Jesus? No. The "Man child" is yet to come and is the same as the Elect or Barley Group. Well, how can you prove that? By reading Rev. 1:1 which tells us that this book of Revelation was given to Jesus who gave it to John "to show unto his servants things which must shortly come to pass." The events predicted are those which have been coming to pass ever since John predicted them from Patmos. Therefore, the Man child prophecy would have to take place after AD 90. And since the "Man child" has not yet appeared we must conclude that this prophecy is still future. Many have questioned why Christ told John that these predicted events were going to "shortly come to pass," when He already knew there would be over 2000 years of delay. Jesus told His disciples that only His Father in heaven knows the time of His return. Therefore, Jesus was simply giving the information to John that had been given to Him from His Father, no doubt with high hopes that His coming might take place soon. When God sent these messages to the church by the apostles He couched them in terms of His intentional will and purpose with regard to that event. The people were to be made conscious and aware of the fact that, in the divine Providence, no delay was necessary. Consequently, the seven statements of the Revelation concerning the nearness of Christ's coming are to be understood in terms of God's perfect will, purpose and desire for the church to act upon His mighty promises, which are always conditional upon the church's acceptance of these promises and cooperation with Him to bring them to pass. As you read through the messages to the seven churches you will find that the only one which fully cooperates with Christ is the 6th church, Philadelphia. Rev. 3: 7-13.

So, my friend, the book of Revelation is a book of prophecies progressively predicting the future from John's time to the end of this present age in which we are now living. The birth of Christ took place before the book of Revelation was even written. In former issues of my publication I have written articles about this "Man Child," a phrase which is used only three times in the Bible. Rev. 12:5 and Isa. 66:7.

Now, let's go to Rev. 13:1, to the KJV first which reads: "And I stood upon the sand of the sea, and saw a beast rise up out of the sea, having seven heads and ten horns, and upon his horns ten crowns, and upon his heads the name of blasphemy." As I was reading over the various translations preparing to write on this topic I first read the NAS (New American Standard) which says, "And the dragon stood on the sand of the seashore. Then I saw a beast coming up out of the sea." This prompted me to check the commentary which states that "Textual evidence favors (cf. p. 10) the reading "and he stood.'" The "he" would refer to the dragon, as the NAS reads, who is standing upon the seashore awaiting the emergence of the beast, whom it is his purpose to invest with his power and authority. Based on Rev. 17:1, 15, water is a symbol of "peoples, nations, tongues." Beasts always represent "kings" and "kingdoms," Dan. 7:17, 24. The dragon represents Satan, Rev. 12:9. In Rev. 13:2 this composite beast has characteristics of each of the beast like kingdoms which came before it because when Medo Persia conquered Babylon it absorbed some of the culture of Babylon and when Greece conquered Medo-Persia it absorbed some of the culture of Medo-Persia and when Rome conquered Greece it absorbed much of the Grecian culture. In fact, the cultures of Greece and Rome have greatly influenced and shaped the personalities and characteristics of every Western Culture for over 2,000 years.

In Rev. 13:2 John was shown that the "Dragon gave him (i.e. composite beast or kingdom) his power and his throne and great authority." All historians agree that the next power to come on the scene after the break up of the Roman Empire was Papal Rome. "Out of the ruins of political Rome, arose the great moral Empire in the 'giant form' of the Roman Church." " The Rise of the Mediaeval Church" [1900], p. 150. A. C. Flick. This power became known as the "Roman Catholic Church," which still exists today. Historians mark the beginning of this reign from about 538 AD to 1798 AD. This was a time of great persecution for the true followers of Christ because Satan was the one in back of it, guiding and controlling it, limited only by the power of the Creator who controls and guides all things. "Above the distractions of the earth He sits enthroned; all things are open to His divine survey; and from His great and calm eternity He orders that which His Providence sees best." MH 417.

"Behind this activity was Satan, seeking to exterminate the church. When he found that his efforts to annihilate the followers of Christ through persecution proved unavailing, he altered his tactics and sought to lure the church away from Christ through the establishment of a vast counterfeit religious system. Instead of working directly through paganism the dragon now worked behind the facade of a professedly Christian organization, hoping thereby to disguise his identity." 7 BC 817. In Rev. 17:3 John was carried in vision into the "wilderness" where he was shown this evil, apostate, counterfeit religious system. The wilderness is a symbol of two things the Catholic church has perfected. 1. obscurity and 2. seclusion. So, never expect to find the RCC doing her thing out in the open because that is not her modus operandi.

The Popes ascended the throne of the Caesars. The capital of the papal system was the same as that occupied by the Roman Empire at its height. "The accession of the Roman Church to power marked the beginning of the Dark Ages. As her power increased, the darkness deepened. Faith was transferred from Christ, the true foundation, to the pope of Rome. Instead of trusting in the Son of God for forgiveness of sins and for eternal salvation, the people looked to the pope, and to the priests and prelates to whom he delegated authority. They were taught that the pope was their earthly mediator and that none could approach God except through him; and, further, that he stood in the place of God to them and was therefore to be implicitly obeyed. A deviation from his requirements was sufficient cause for the severest punishment to be visited upon the bodies and souls of the offenders. Thus the minds of the people were turned away from God to fallible, erring, and cruel men, nay, more, to the prince of darkness himself, who exercised his power through them. Sin was disguised in a garb of sanctity. When the Scriptures are suppressed, and man comes to regard himself as supreme, we need look only for fraud, deception, and debasing iniquity. With the elevation of human laws and traditions was manifest the corruption that ever results from setting aside the law of God. Those were days of peril for the church of Christ. The faithful standard-bearers were few indeed." Great Controversy, Page 55. Thus has it been and as she re-gains her power so shall it be in this final hour of earth's history. This is how Satan is able to slander and blaspheme God's holy Name, by making Him look like a terrible monster.

Now, let us go back to Rev. 12:6 which follows immediately after the verse describing the translation of the MAN CHILD which we have already identified as the "Little Company" or "Barley Group" i.e. Remnant or Elect, Son, King and Sons of God. "And the woman fled into the wilderness, where she hath a place prepared of God, that they should feed her there a thousand two hundred and threescore days." Rev. 12:6. You will find that almost all commentators interpret this period of 3 ? times as being the 1260 years of papal persecution from 538 AD to 1798 AD. Even the book, "The Great Controversy," adopts this view. Because of this, we need to think about how and why the Bible is written as it is. Because the Scriptures are designed to serve and meet the spiritual needs of every generation to the end of time there is built into each one of these prophecies elements that can be applied to every generation, the final generation being the ultimate fulfillment. Therefore, when the Final Generation , Barley Group or Elect come on the scene they will be able to see the ultimate and complete fulfillment of these prophecies. At each stage of the Great Controversy in every age the scroll is being opened a little more. And as the prophecies are being fulfilled little by little they may seem to have a different interpretation. But in the final age it will all be seen in its completeness and the "contradictions" will be clearly seen as simply partial fulfillments. The coming of the Messiah the first time is a parallel to the coming of the Christos in our day and although there are many similarities there will also be differences.

As we look back at the life and ministry of John the Baptist we see him fulfilling the predicted role of the forerunner and herald of the Messiah. Many thought John was the Messiah but He told them that He was yet to come. So, it was that when Jesus came to be baptized John announced Him as the promised One, although only a few saw the Holy Spirit descending like a Dove and heard the Father's voice from heaven announcing, "This is my beloved Son in Whom I am well pleased." Matt. 3:17; cf. John 1:31-33. The people were in darkness regarding the true mission of the Messiah. Even John the Baptist did not fully understand his character and work. This becomes evident when John sent a message to Jesus asking Him if he truly was the One who was to come or if they should look for another. John did not realize Christ would not take up a sword to deliver Israel but instead would have to die. "Like the Saviour's disciples, John the Baptist did not understand the nature of Christ's kingdom...Like the prophet Elijah, in whose spirit and power he had come to Israel, he looked for the Lord to reveal Himself as a God that answers by fire." DA 215. As John languished alone in his lonely prison cell his disciples brought him reports of Jesus' activities. Instead of overthrowing the Roman government and taking the throne of David Jesus was teaching and healing the people. While the Roman yoke rested more heavily upon Israel each and every day Jesus continued eating and drinking at the tables of the publicans. Herod and other wicked leaders continued in their usual vile activities while the cries of the poor and suffering went up to heaven. "To the desert prophet all this seemed a mystery beyond his fathoming....John had been bitterly disappointed in the result of his mission." DA 216. The author of "Desire of Ages" describes John's fervent hope and expectation that his work would have the same effect as when the law was read in the days of Josiah and Ezra. 2 Chron. 34; Nehemiah 8, 9, and that a work of repentance and returning to the Lord would follow. He had sacrificed his entire life for this purpose. He wondered if it had all been in vain or if he had somehow failed in some phase of his ministry. He reasoned that "If the promised Deliverer had appeared, and John had been found true to his calling, would not Jesus now overthrow the oppressor's power, and set free His herald? But the Baptist did not surrender his faith in Christ." DA 216. He remembered hearing the "voice from heaven and the descending dove, the spotless purity of Jesus, and the power of the Holy Spirit that had rested upon John as he came into the Saviour's presence, and the testimony of the prophetic scriptures, all witnessed that Jesus of Nazareth was the Promised One." DA 216. Instead of discussing his feelings of doubt with his disciples he decided to send a message in the form of a question to Jesus. He hoped that an interview with Christ would strengthen their faith. He also was hoping that Jesus might speak a word of encouragement directly to him. So, the question was put to Christ, "Art thou he that should come? or look we for another? " Luke 7:20. The Bible does not record any kind of emotional reaction from Jesus but "Desire of Ages" tells us exactly how He felt. "It was keenly bitter and disappointing to human nature. If John, the faithful forerunner, failed to discern Christ's mission, what could be expected from the self-seeking multitude?" DA 216.

Now, let us try and apply the experience of John the Baptist to what has happened to the people of God in the last 150 plus years, beginning with 1844. We know the history of the Great Disappointment which is a parallel to what happened with John the Baptist, his disciples and followers. But out of that disappointment came a little Remnant who prayed and persevered in their desire to follow God's leading. The Spirit of Prophecy was manifested and a few began to walk in the advancing light. Most of us know all this history by heart. Then forty four years later the Lord brought forth a precious message to this struggling group of people through two messengers named Jones and Waggoner. This was the message of Righteousness by faith in 1888 which was rejected by the majority but accepted by a few. The Servant of the Lord declared that this was the beginning of the final message which would go to the whole world, even the light from the angel of Rev. 18. TM 91, 92. Again this is a good parallel to the ministry of Jesus.

In chapter 18 of "DESIRE OF AGES," we read that for a time the influence of John the Baptist was so much greater than even the leaders of the nation that if he had agreed with the popular opinion that he was the Messiah, he could have formed an army to try and break away from the bondage of Rome. But John refused to be deceived by such a false theory which was nothing less than a bribe. Instead he directed the attention of the people to Jesus whose ministry began to increase as John's decreased. The disciples of John were jealous and began to criticize. They questioned not only the proper words to be used at baptism, but even the right of Christ's disciples to baptize at all. When John's disciples complained to him he humbly explained that Jesus was fulfilling the prophecies. "John represented himself as the friend who acted as a messenger between the betrothed parties, preparing the way for marriage. When the bridegroom had received his bride, the mission of the friend was fulfilled. He rejoiced in the happiness of those whose union he had promoted. So John had been called to direct the people to Jesus, and it was his joy to witness the success of the Saviour's work. He said, 'This my joy therefore, is fulfilled. He must increase, but I must decrease.' Looking in faith to the Redeemer, John had risen to the height of self-abnegation. He sought not to attract men to himself, but to lift their thoughts higher and still higher, until they should rest upon the Lamb of God. He himself had been only a voice, a cry in the wilderness. Now with joy he accepted silence and obscurity, that the eyes of all might be turned to the Light of life. Those who are true to their calling as messengers for God will not seek honor for themselves. Love for self will be swallowed up in love for Christ. No rivalry will mar the precious cause of the gospel. They will recognize that it is their work to proclaim, as did John the Baptist, 'Behold the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world.' John 1:29...So with the followers of Christ. We can receive of heaven's light only as we are willing to be emptied of self. We cannot discern the character of God, or accept Christ by faith, unless we consent to the bringing into captivity of every thought to the obedience of Christ. To all who do this the Holy Spirit is given without measure. In Christ 'dwelleth all the fullness of the Godhead bodily, and in Him ye are made full.'" Col. 2:9, 10, R.V. "Desire of Ages 178-181. The word "glory" means character. COL 414. The word "name" also has to do with character as we see that the very name of Jesus (meaning Saviour) describes who He is and His work for the human race. Only those who truly desire to be like Jesus in character will see Him for who He really is and what He is like in His character. "It is by faith that the soul beholds the glory of Jesus. This glory is hidden, until, through the Holy Spirit, faith is kindled in the soul." DA 392. Beloved, I hope you will take the time to read for yourself the chapter "Imprisonment and Death of John," beginning on page 214. Most people cannot understand the mysterious fate of John the Baptist. But God's ways are not our ways. We tend to look at the present but God sees the end from the beginning. Jesus did not go to deliver John physically from prison for He knew that His heavenly Father had a better plan. He could not risk placing His own mission in jeopardy. The angels were sent to comfort Him and opened the prophecies more fully concerning the true character and work of the Messiah."Gladly would the Saviour have come to John, to brighten the dungeon gloom with His own presence...But for the sake of thousands who in after years must pass from prison to death, John was to drink the cup of martyrdom. As the followers of Jesus (in the centuries to come) should languish in lonely cells, or perish by the sword, the rack, or the fagot, apparently forsaken by God and man, what a stay to their hearts would be the thought that John the Baptist, to whose faithfulness Christ Himself had borne witness, had passed through a similar experience!" DA 224.

So, in all of these events both the character of God was being revealed as well as the character of Satan. As soon as you decide to take a stand for God's character, to vindicate His glorious Name, people will misunderstand you . They will think you have gone crazy. You will be misunderstood by those who have refused to give their all to the Saviour. Satan will attack you from every side. But God will use these assaults to perfect your character. Sacrificing one's selfish ego is one of the prices to be paid but that is how the Father has chosen to establish His kingdom as we see in the life of Jesus. Now, let us note the parallel between Elijah and John the Baptist. "To John was opened the same truth that had come to Elijah in the desert, when 'a great and strong wind rent the mountains, and brake in pieces the rocks before the Lord; but the Lord was not in the wind: and after the wind an earthquake; but the Lord was not in the earthquake: and after the earthquake a fire; but the Lord was not in the fire: and after the fire, God spoke to the prophet by a 'still small voice.' I Kings 19:11, 12. So Jesus was to do His work, not with the clash of arms and the overturning of thrones and kingdoms, but through speaking to the hearts of men by a life of mercy and self-sacrifice." DA 217.

And now this most insightful statement regarding the way God leads us: Listen and take courage.

"God never leads His children otherwise than they would choose to be led, if they could see the end from the beginning, and discern the glory of the purpose which they are fulfilling as co-workers with Him." DA 224, 225.

Again, note the parallel between Elijah and John the Baptist. It was not until the end of their lives that they were able to see God's true character of love; that He does not use violence and force to accomplish His will in the lives of men and women, but the soft whispering of His beautiful voice when the conflicts of life have brought them to a standstill and humbled their hearts. And how interesting it is that the same thing happened in the life of Ellen G. White, the Elijah messenger to this final generation. Two of her most important books were published in the latter years of her life. "Desire of Ages," in 1898 and "Christ's Object Lessons," in 1900. In the very first page of "Desire of Ages," we read that "Our little world is the lesson book of the universe." It was this book more than any other that helped me to see God's character. In preparing the manuscript for the book, "INTO THE FATHER'S HEART," in 1981-82 the Lord led me to this quote:

"'That the thoughts of many hearts may be revealed.' In the light of the Saviour's life, the hearts of all, even from the Creator to the prince of darkness, are revealed. Satan has represented God as selfish and oppressive, as claiming all, and giving nothing, as requiring the service of His creatures for His own glory, and making no sacrifice for their good. But the gift of Christ reveals the Father's heart. It testifies that the thoughts of God toward us are 'thoughts of peace, and not of evil.'" Jeremiah 29:11...He will spare nothing, however dear, which is necessary to the completion of His work. No truth essential to our salvation is withheld, no miracle of mercy is neglected, no divine agency is left unemployed. Favor is heaped upon favor, gift upon gift. The whole treasury of heaven is open to those He seeks to save. Having collected the riches of the universe, and laid open the resources of infinite power, He gives them all into the hands of Christ, and says, All these are for man. Use these gifts to convince him that there is no love greater than Mine in earth or heaven. His greatest happiness will be found in loving Me." DA 57.

As I read these words the Lord spoke to me clearly in my mind, "Michael, I want the title of this book to be"'INTO THE FATHER'S HEART.'" This 412 page volume was the combination of three manuscripts that had been written in 1977, 1979 and 1981 in succession. In the very first manuscript I quoted from "CHRIST'S OBJECT LESSONS," page 84, "GOD DESTROYS NO MAN." Although these powerful words were published in 1900 this very thought had already been expressed as early as 1881 which we find on pages 120 of Volume 5 of the Testimonies to the Church. "The case is placed on record for our benefit. Just what took place in Pharaoh's heart will take place in every soul that neglects to cherish the light and walk promptly in its rays. GOD DESTROYS NO MAN. The sinner destroys himself by his own impenitence. When a person once neglects to heed the invitations, reproofs, and warnings of the Spirit of God, his conscience becomes seared, and the next time he is admonished, it will be more difficult to yield obedience than before. And thus with every repetition. Conscience is the voice of God, heard amid the conflict of human passions; when it is resisted, the Spirit of God is grieved."

Now, beloved I do not think it could be any clearer. You will find the same ideas repeated in COL "Christ's Object Lessons," page 84. For those of you who already believe or can now see, perhaps, for the very first time, that God does not destroy, this is a simple but precious truth to your heart. But for those who, like the multitudes, wanted John the Baptist and Jesus to take up the sword and march against the armies of Rome they do not accept these plain words at face value. How many times I have heard ministers and laymen tell me, But that is not what EGW meant when she wrote that. What they are really saying is, When I read the SOP I can make it mean whatever I want it to mean to me. Same with the Bible. Of course, people do not consciously realize that this is what they are saying but because they allow their emotions to over ride and control their mind or reasoning ability they read into whatever they hear or read what they want to believe. This is how the slave traders and slave owners in the south were able to justify selling human beings made in the image of God. Black people are inferior and under the curse of God. Besides God chose the white man to rule the earth. So, their whole life style was based on a false interpretation of the Bible in order to justify their crime of enslaving their brothers and sisters just because their skin was black. Again my point is that the human heart and mind is capable of gross misbehavior and criminal action when the Bible is misinterpreted.

Through the years I have answered this objection by explaining that EGW meant precisely what she wrote, just like a picture, photo, movie or video reveals certain things that cannot be disputed. Yet, it would seem that not only beauty is in they eye of the beholder, but truth itself is also in the eyes and minds of the beholder because people are selective in what they read and see. In order to make a point recently, I referred a reader to a popular song in which the female artist was asking this man who wanted to go out on a date with her, "What part of 'No' don't you understand?" So, I ask my readers, "What part of the phrase, 'GOD DESTROYS NO MAN' is it that you do not understand?" It also reminds me of the video tape played for the first jury who were trying the policemen who had beaten Rodney King a few years ago. They played that original video footage over and over again on the news during and after the trial, probably making it almost as well known as the Zappruder film of the assassination of JFK on Friday, Nov. 22, 1963.

My purpose in mentioning Rodney King being assaulted over and over again by the LA police with their night sticks is simply to ask the question: "what part of that video didn't the jury understand?" It is clear and as plain as 2 + 2=4 that the policemen were indeed beating him violently and repeatedly. Yet, the verdict of that mostly white jury was that the policemen were not guilty of what the video plainly showed they were guilty of far beyond a reasonable doubt.

So, what does this prove? Simply this: That most people do not decide an issue on the basis of facts and logic. The overwhelming majority of people decide issues on the basis of at least five things. 1. Their own personal feelings. 2. What they have been brought up to believe by their parents and church. 3. Their standing and position in their respective communities. 4. How it will affect their physical safety. 5. How it will affect their job and/or financial well being. I found that out early in my ministry when I was giving Bible studies. Almost 100% of the people would agree that Saturday, the 7th day was the Sabbath. They could not refute the plain truth from the Scriptures. In spite of this, very few were willing to stop going to church on Sunday and observe the Sabbath. This really opened my eyes about human nature verses the truth. Human nature wins almost every time. Without the Spirit of God helping us we could never obey any of God's commandments. The same is true with life style, especially in regard to our living habits in the realm of how we talk, what we eat and drink, what we wear, the places we go and even the company we keep. We all know how hard it is to change any of these areas, especially if the person smokes, drinks and enjoys many of the foods the Bible condemns as unclean, such as pork, to say nothing about flesh food in and of itself. For the majority of people facts and logic have little or nothing to do with the life style they follow. But it has everything to do with their feelings and emotions about those habits they have acquired over a period of many years. Just try and get some of your friends or family to stop drinking any of the diet sodas like coca cola and Pepsi cola which have a very harmful chemical in them called aspartame which I understand was used in Nutra Sweet (and others) which has been proved to be harmful to the human body.

To change in any of these areas usually requires a tremendous struggle and sacrifice. Yet, as difficult as that may be, to accept the truth that God does not destroy seems to be even more difficult for most people, especially those who feel they are already obeying the law and following all of the rules. For those who are willing to follow Jesus all the way into the "Father's Heart," into the Most Holy Place of the Heavenly Sanctuary, where there is a special blessing which involves becoming One with the Creator via the marriage supper of the Lamb. This is the very reason John says that in the last days only a Remnant will remain true to Him and His teachings as we read in Rev. 12:17. "And 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. "Enter in at the strait gate: for wide is the gate, and broad is the way, that leads to destruction, and many there be which go in thereat: Because strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leads to life, and few there be that find it." Matt. 7:13, 14. In the gospels Jesus gives a very clear prophetic outline of the days in which we are now living. He declared that the leading signs of the end would be deception, betrayal and persecution of those who would take a firm stand for the truth of His Name, i.e. the truth about His character. In the first few verses of Matt. 24 He tells His disciples about the buildings of the temple and how they will all be destroyed. The disciples did not argue with Him on this point. They knew the Nation of Israel was ripe for destruction because of their godless and deceitful ways in the temple as well as their personal lives. And we see a parallel to all of this in our very own nation, church and world as well. So, they asked Jesus when these things would take place. His answer was mainly for us today as most of his disciples did not even live to see the destruction of Jerusalem. As far as we know, only John the beloved lived beyond 70 AD when Jerusalem was finally sieged, sacked and basically destroyed. Jesus went on to explain how nation would rise up against nation and that there would be famines, pestilences and earthquakes. Yet, these would only be the beginning of sorrows. In Matt. 14:9 He told them that they would be delivered up to be afflicted and killed. "You shall be hated of all nations for my name's sake." Many would be offended and betray and hate one another. False prophets would abound opening the door for wide spread iniquity which in turn would destroy true love and feelings in men's hearts. "But he that shall endure unto the end, the same shall be saved. And this gospel of the kingdom shall be preached in all the world for a witness unto all nations; and then shall the end come." Matt. 24:14.

Before we go into the book of Daniel re: the Abomination of Desolation I think it would be good to look at what happened in pre WW II Germany to see how an entire nation was led astray. The German people are a proud and talented people. How was Hitler able to do what he did to them? To answer this question I want to quote from an author whom I believe has gone right to the heart of the issue. "Deception is progressive and cumulative. Hitler used propaganda to build a personality cult through which he could beguile the German people into seeing him as the source of all good. Eventually, he was so successful in his role of an angel of light that public opinion shielded him from the international criticism and the responsibility of his own evil deeds. Though he was the source of all that went on in his name, the confidence of the German people in their Fuhrer (leader) insulated him and absolved him of blame...Hitler's control over every aspect of German life was total. 'He penetrated all social structures by his supervision, regimentation, and control...His overriding need was to force others to do his will. He had neither scruples nor inhibitions." "Hitler & the New Age."Pg. 110.

Hitler isolated Germany from world public opinion, internal dissent and the real truth by controlling the media. Sound familiar? He learned that if the people were told a lie that was big enough and constantly held it up before them in acceptable formats, based on what they themselves had been taught and believed, the general public would eventually come to accept that lie as the gospel truth. This was done on two important topics which fed both their pride, ambition as well as their prejudice and hatred. Each of these topics dealt with two powerful emotions which found vent in two acceptable forms. 1. Hitler told the people that they were the best in everything. "Deutschland Ubber Alles." Germany over all. This was chauvinism, i.e. fanatical patriotism, super nationalism to the max, which includes unreasoning devotion to one's race with contempt for other races. The children were taught daily that Germans were the best looking, the brightest, the most talented and especially most well suited to rule over others. 2. He taught them that the people who were the cause of all of their problems were the Jews. The holocaust that followed was not expected by most people. Winston Churchill was a lone voice in the wilderness throughout the 30's trying to inform the people what was coming and to prepare for it. But his words of warning were largely ignored until the crisis was upon them in 1939. Another voice of warning has been given to the people of God since about 1845 when EGW was called to begin her ministry. Although the majority of the church gave lip service to her writings the majority never took her seriously. Today she is being slandered and rejected more than ever as a false prophet. I do not agree with these critics for many reasons--I don't have time to go into at this writing. But I do want to share with you one prediction that I have seen coming to pass more and more during the last few years. Listen: "We are living in the time of the end....The days in which we live are solemn and important. The Spirit of God is gradually but surely 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. (Now watch this) 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." T9 page 11. This was written about 1904. Vol 9 spanned the years from 1904 to 1909. Another lone voice whose warnings have been ignored by the majority. Shortly after this was written Woodrow Wilson was duped into signing the Federal Reserve act into law in 1913. The very next year WW I broke out in Europe. The USA entered the war in 1917. By loaning money to both sides the NWO International Bankers enriched themselves by causing the stock market crash of 1929. The Income Tax Law was established and WW II was fomented during which the Bankers again loaned money to both sides. This brings us up to 1945 in this brief historical survey but that is sufficient to show how EGW's prophecy was fulfilled and continues to be fulfilled. The people have been lulled to sleep all the while they are being robbed, slowly poisoned by chemicals in their food, in their drinks like Aspartame in Coca Cola, Pepsi and all soft drinks.

That this could ever happen again is denied yet the stage has already been set. Today we have a mass culture where the hit song and movie in New York is the hit song and movie in Colorado, Nebraska, Florida and California. And the major networks, NBC, CBS, ABC and CNN are all reaching the same areas. Don't you see, the USA is being brainwashed the same way Germany was brainwashed. "The German people had the same message preached at them at all times and from every conceivable angle. The press, radio, magazines, newspaper, posters, billboards, music, films, and educational institutions taught over and over that 'Only National Socialism could bring salvation to the nation.' Since Adolf Hitler was national socialism incarnate, he was seen as the only possible savior of Germany." "Hitler and the New Age." Page 110, 111.

If Napoleon is the one who invented the modern art of image making through propaganda then Hitler perfected it. Author Bob Rosio traces the progression of how Hitler molded public opinion to believe he was a god. "In 1933: Hitler is a unique genius, a man of absolute greatness. 1937. Hitler is the best imaginable expert in every field. 1938: Hitler is a genius of boundless passion. 1939: Hitler is the greatest German of all times. 1941: Hitler is the highest synthesis of the genius of the human race." These were some of the headlines and slogans that the leading newspapers of Germany ran during the 30's and early 40's. By the time WW 2 began in 1941, 42 the majority of the people had been brainwashed to believe the monstrous lie that Hitler was not only a superior human being but a "good man" God had chosen to lead the nation. This is precisely what Hitler told them in every speech. So, you don't think it could happen again? It already has with almost every president since Woodrow Wilson. FDR and JFK are two outstanding examples of men who captivated the imagination of the masses. Yet, their private lives told another story. But we all still want to believe the best about them. Even though Bill Clinton was impeached in the house he survived to finish his second term. How many people he had put to death or how much money he misappropriated or how many men and women he had sex with may never be known. Yet, in spite of his own confession that he had lied to his wife and the nation, the people's high opinion of him continued unabated. It never occurred to them that if he had lied about one thing he had probably had been dishonest in others as well. This is a perfect example of how people come to believe that evil is good and good is evil when they tune into the wrong spirit which will lead the majority of people into Spiritualism which is being spread around the world today with false manifestations of Mary, for example. A friend of mine just sent me the following e-mail regarding this very deception. Note:

Subj: IS THE VOICE OF THE VIRGIN OF GUADALUPE A RELIGIOUS MIRACLE?
Date: 5/18/01 7:22:22 AM Pacific Daylight Time
To: MCLUTE777

Several years ago there was a major article in the San Jose Mercury News here which had researched and documented the Mexican Virgin of Guadalupe story and found that it was a total fabrication--pure fiction, a lie; it had never happened. It was made up by some priest as a device to unite all of Mexico under Roman Catholicism. Naturally there was a big outcry among the Mexican Catholic community against the article. People love their lies and don't want to know the truth. People believe what they want to believe, never what they have to believe. There is a county park at Watsonville, Pinto Lake Park, where several years ago a Mexican woman noticed what appeared to be a rough image of the Virgin of Guadalupe in the bark on the side of an oak tree. Now that area around the tree has become a shrine with an altar and lots of candles and benches like an amphitheater around the tree and there is always a small group of the faithful there sitting and meditating and praying.

The love and devotion of so many people to what they believe can only be admired. I believe that God honors their love and faithfulness to Him even thought it is done in ignorance. But it is sad that it is not the truth. It is our job to teach them the truth in a kind, loving and tactful way. May the Lord help us to do this.

A. Jackson

The deceptions of this age are not only in regard to religion. Let's just take a look at our food and drink. How many decades of scientific studies did it take to convince the American people that smoking causes cancer? Yet the poison that has been put into the soft drinks nearly everyone imbibes daily with their hamburgers, chips and candy are worse than nicotine. Aspartame is one example of the deadly chemicals which are being put into our soft drinks. One wonders what chemicals are being put into the alcoholic beverages. Yet, there is a daily, ongoing media blitz brainwashing the people to believe these products are good for them just like they used to believe smoking camels would make them smart, handsome and popular. Anyone born in the 40's or 50's were raised on those kind of slogans that popular movie stars dispensed on their programs such as "I Love Lucy" and the "Jack Benny Show." Who could forget that little short guy that used to say, "Call for Phillip Morris?" Another area of brainwashing has been regarding the cause and cure of cancer. The AMA promotes three methods. 1. Cut it out (surgery) 2. Burn it out (cobalt or radium) 3. Poison it out (chemotherapy). Even though a number of alternative methods are available very few choose them. The most effective and, in my opinion, the worst brain washing regarding our physical health has been in regard to vaccinations. I have conclusive evidence to prove that shots (vaccinations) not only do not prevent illness but are very bad for you and your child.

In Matt. 24:15 Jesus referred to the book of Daniel. "When you therefore shall see the abomination of desolation, spoken of by Daniel the prophet, stand in the holy place, (whoso reads, let him understand). Now, let's go to Dan. 12:11 and read where Jesus was quoting: And from the time that the daily sacrifice shall be taken away, and the abomination that makes desolate set up, there shall be a thousand two and ninety days." Now, let us do some simple reasoning here.What is the "daily sacrifice" that is going to be taken away? There are only two possibilities. 1. The spiritual sacrifice Jesus is making for us in the Most Holy place of the heavenly sanctuary...offering His own blood on a daily basis. 2. The second would be the setting up of an earthly sacrificial system to take the place of or to divert the people's minds away from Christ's ministry in the sanctuary. Let us notice what Dan. 11:43-45 tells us. I believe this is talking about how much power and money Satan has. "He shall have power over all the precious things of Egypt...but tidings (reports or news) out of the east (Jesus comes from the east or rising of the sun) and out of the north (where God sits to make all the appointments) shall trouble him: (Satan knows he only has a short time left) Therefore he shall go forth with great fury to destroy, and utterly to make away (do away with or kill) many. (This is when he goes into the temple to proclaim himself as God and passes a world Sunday law death decree). And he (Satan) shall plant the tabernacles of his palace between the seas and the glorious holy mountain; (God's Remnant or elect...barley group); yet he shall come to his end, and none shall help him." Now, before I make any further comments on those verses I just want to point out that in order for the "daily sacrifice" to be "taken away" it has to first be set up. So, when would such a system of "daily sacrifice be set up just for the purpose of stopping it or taking it away?" This would logically have to be when this new Temple is set up and they start the animal sacrifice system all over again. According to reports there is a plan to peacefully re-build the temple right next to the Dome of the Rock, although some deny it will ever happen (peacefully). But plans for the temple services have been in the works for years. Only time will tell how and when it will all come together.

Now, let me comment on the phrase, "He knows He has but a short time." Rev. 12: 12. Obviously these two verses are talking about the same time period and the same event...i.e. The translation of the Man Child which is ths same as the Barley Group or Little Company. The "Tidings out of the East and out of the North" (where all the appointments are made) is that God finally has perfected the first phase of the harvest, which is the Barley. When this group is translated and taken before the "Ancient of Days" Dan. 7:13, 14 the kingdoms of this world are transferred to the "Christos" who is the same as this Barley Group or Elect. "And there was given him dominion, and glory, and a kingdom, that all people, nations, and languages, should serve him:" vs. 14. This verse parallels Dan. 2:44-45."And in the days of these kings shall the God of heaven set up a kingdom , which shall never be destroyed." vs 44. Cf. Dan. 7:27. Now after the Man Child is translated or "caught up" to God's throne, for the purpose of receiving the kingdom, Rev. 12:6 says that the "woman fled into the wilderness," where God has prepared a place for her for 1, 260 days or 3 ? years. This is literal time, not symbolical. The very next verse then describes a "war in heaven" between Michael (Christ) and His angels and the dragon (Satan) and his angels. Vs 8 says that they "prevailed not" or in other words, they lost the battle. This verse has traditionally been interpreted to apply to the casting down of Satan in the very beginning of the Great Controversy about the time this world was first created. But that event has already been mentioned in vs. 4 where John saw the dragon's tail casting down one third of the "stars" of heaven, i.e. angels. Satan has been "standing before the woman" ever since the prophecy of Gen. 3:15 eager to devour all of God's righteous seed right up to the birth of Jesus and also the Man Child. The"Casting down of Satan" has been progressive. For example, when the "seventy returned again with joy, saying, Lord, even the devils are subject unto us through thy name," Jesus immediately responded by making this amazing announcement: "I beheld Satan as lightning fall from heaven." Luke 10:17, 18. Jesus is obviously speaking of what had just happened as a result of 70 human beings going out in His Name doing the very work He had been doing. Satan's kingdom was being invaded and destroyed. The Messiah had come and the truth about God the Father was being revealed. Satan's mask was being ripped off and the universe was able to see the real truth regarding the God family and the human family...that they are one. That human beings are capable of acting just like Jesus and doing His very works. The angels and unfallen worlds were watching and seeing the truth. But this was not the end of the Great Controversy by any means. Because we know that Rev. 12 was written about AD 90 about events that would transpire during the final age before the 1,000 years. And that age is the one we are living in right now. So, Rev. 12:7-9 is talking about the casting down of Satan in our day in the eyes of the universe. Satan has accused us before God day and night. "And the great dragon was cast out, that old serpent, called the Devil, and Satan, which deceiveth the whole world: he was cast out into the earth, and his angels were cast out with him. And I heard a loud voice saying in heaven, Now is come salvation, and strength, and the kingdom of our God, and the power of His Christos (Barley Group or Elect, etc): for the accuser of our brethren is cast down, which accused them before our God day and night." Now, vs. 11 indicates there will be many martyrs at this same time who "loved not their lives unto the death." Then in verse 12 this voice in vs. 10 tells the "heavens" to rejoice (because they will no longer have to endure the slanders of Satan against the human race before the throne of God). This same voice also says, "Woe to the inhabitants of the earth and of the sea! For the devil is come down unto you, having great wrath, because he knows that he has but a short time." Rev. 12:12. So, how long is this "short time?" Rev. 12:13, 14 tells us that it will be 3 ? years, because when the dragon (Satan) sees that his arguments before the throne of God have been defeated by the translation of the Man Child or Barley Group. So, Satan then goes forth to destroy as many as possible, concentrating especially on the "woman which brought forth the man child." vs. 13. Cf. Dan. 11:44, 45. This will be the time of the Grape harvest.

We know that before the "Great Time of Trouble," there will be a "Little Time of Trouble." We have not even gotten into the Little Time of Trouble yet and already things are pretty bad in this old world and getting worse by the minute. So, this is a good indication of how bad things are going to get even before the "Big Time of Trouble" starts, which the bible describes thusly: "And there shall be a time of trouble, such as never was since there was a nation even to that same time: and at that time thy people shall be delivered, every one that shall be found written in the book." Dan. 12:1. Now that was just the last half of vs. 1. The first half of the verse predicts the standing up of Michael" The great prince which stands for the children of thy people." This deliverance takes place at the same time as the "special resurrection." In this resurrection will be some who "shall awake, some to everlasting life, and some to shame and age lasting contempt." This is a parallel to what happened at the time Christ was resurrected. Jesus was the type or prototype and what happens in our day will be the anti-type or fulfillment of the first type. When Jesus died we read: "and the earth did quake, and the rocks rent; and the graves were opened; and many of the bodies of the saints which slept arose, and came out of the graves after His resurrection, and went into the holy city, and appeared unto many." We know that Jesus went up to heaven in the morning and came back down in the afternoon. Did these saints come back with him? The Bible only says that they appeared to many after they were raised just as Jesus did, so it is possible that they did come back with him to do a special work but perhaps did not stay the full 40 days, so we don't know for certain. The Bible does not say anything about them appearing to any of the disciples. Only Jesus appeared to them. Therefore, their faith must rest on Jesus and His word only.

"Christ arose from the dead as the first fruits of those that slept. He was the antitype of the wave sheaf, and His resurrection took place on the very day when the wave sheaf was to be presented before the Lord. For more than a thousand years this symbolic ceremony had been performed. From the harvest fields the first heads of ripened grain were gathered, and when the people went up to Jerusalem to the Passover, the sheaf of first fruits was waved as a thank offering before the Lord. Not until this was presented could the sickle be put to the grain, and be gathered into sheaves. The sheaf dedicated to God represented the harvest. So Christ the first fruits represented the great spiritual harvest to be gathered for the kingdom of God. His resurrection is the type and pledge of the resurrection of all the righteous dead. I Thess. 4:16, 17. DA 785, 786. The people who were raised from the dead on Sunday morning with Jesus were martyred saints from the past probably such as righteous Able to John the Baptist. Although their names are not given EGW simply states that they had been co-laborers with God, and who at the cost of their lives had borne testimony to the truth. They went to heaven with Him not only as trophies of His victory over death and the grave but as first models and a promise of what will happen again, in this, our final age.

We have already noted that when Michael stands up for His people two classes of people are delivered. The first class are the living whose names are written in the book. Now what book would this be? We have several texts that give us very important clues. Let's look first at Rev. 3:6-13 which is the message to the Church of Philadelphia, the only church of the seven churches which Christ did not rebuke. They were perfect in His eyes. Jesus gives them the "Key of David." What is a key for? It is for opening doors. Jesus is the one who has the key and will open the door of opportunity to give the final message to the world which has to do with the reputation and personality of God, in particular His character. The commentary refers us back to Isa. 22:20-22 and 2 Kings 18:18 where Eliakim was given supervision over the household of David because he was given "the key of the house of David." So, in this metaphor we see that this key represents Christ's jurisdiction over the church and over the divine purpose which Jesus plans to achieve through it. See Matt. 28:18; Eph. 1:22. With this key the church of Philadelphia, under Christ's guidance and leadership, has full authority to open and shut, to carry the plan of redemption forward to success. Everything that Jesus achieved is a gift He desires to give to the members of His church. Gabrielle announced to Mary that her baby's name would be called "JESUS. He shall be great, and shall be called the Son of the Highest: and the Lord God shall give unto Him the throne of His father David." Luke 1:32.

Now, let's go back to Rev. 3 where we see Jesus telling the church of Philadelphia about this great door of opportunity they have in this end time. So, He is talking to you and me. Like Elijah we have been working hard for the cause of God and the enemy has been shooting at us...trying to take us out of the battle. "I know thy works." So, here Jesus commends Philadelphia for their works. I have been watching you and you have been doing a good job, so now I am going to open a door for you to even do greater works than in the past. Next He tells them that even though they only have "a little strength..." He is going to give them success. "For you see your calling, brethren, how that not many wise men after the flesh, not many mighty, not many noble, are called: But God has chosen the foolish things of the world to confound the wise; and God has chosen the weak things of the world to confound the things which are mighty; And base things of the world,...to bring to nought things that are: (why?) That no flesh should glory in His Presence." I Cor. 1:26-29.

Now, we need to watch the last part of vs. 8 very carefully. "And have not denied my Name." What does the word "Name" mean in this context? In the Hebrew language a person's name denoted and signified His character. So, Jesus is telling the church of Philadelphia that because they have "kept my word and not denied my name" that great doors of opportunity are going to be opened up for them. As for the deeper meaning of this word "name," let's start with "Michael" which means "God like" or "who is what God is or one like God." Israel means "An over comer." Jacob literally meant, "a heel catcher" or one who follows after to catch your heel and cause you to fall. In other words, a deceiver and cheat. One who came up behind you and took advantage of you when you were not expecting it. Remember what Isaac and Esau said after they found out that Jacob had stolen his birth right? "But Isaac said, 'Your brother came and tricked me. He has taken your blessing.' Esau said, 'Jacob' is the right name for him. He has tricked me these two times." That is why the Lord changed Jacob's name to Israel, signifying His victory over these selfish, sinful ways. Jesus means "Saviour." Philadelphia, although a Greek word, is also very important, meaning "the Church of brotherly love." So, when Jesus commends Philadelphia for not "denying my Name," He is referring to their willingness to stand up for and teach the truth about God's true character. And that is what Malachi 3:16-18 is talking about as well. "Then they that feared the Lord spake often one to another: and the Lord hearkened, and heard it, and a book of remembrance was written before him for them that feared the Lord, and that thought upon His Name. (Now here comes the reward for concentrating upon and being willing to defend God's Name or character). And they shall be mine, saith the Lord of hosts, in that day when I make up my jewels (special treasure) and I will spare them, as a man spares His own son that serves Him. Then shall you return, and discern between the righteous and the wicked, between him that serves God and him that serves Him not."

Now, my friend, it is critical at this point to understand whom God considers "righteous" and whom He considers "wicked." This verse in Malachi clearly indicates that those who are thinking about and discussing God's Name (character) for the purpose of understanding and sharing it with others (The truth about His righteous character) are the "Jewels" He considers His "SPECIAL TREASURE," whom He will "spare" (save alive from the death decree and translate).

Well, someone may ask about now. What is there about God's name that needs to be understood and defended? Well, the truth is friend of mine, the Lord is being blamed for a lot of things today. As we know, insurance companies use the phrase "act of God" when they cannot find a human culprit to blame. And in yesterday's Oregonian I read about a special gathering that got rained on. "An unrelenting morning storm soaked everything. 'Even God is angry today,' one man lamented." That reminded me of one of Job's servants who reported that he saw the "Fire of God" fall from heaven "and burned up the sheep, and the servants, and consumed them; and I only am escaped alone to tell you." Job 1:16. We know that Satan was the one who sent that fire when God allowed him to do so. Read Job 1 and 2 for the whole story. When I first began to understand this concept Elder Morris D. Lewis shared with me Psalm 78:48, 49. "He gave up their cattle also to the hail, and their flocks to hot thunderbolts (lightnings) . He cast upon them the fierceness of His anger, wrath, and indignation, and trouble, by sending evil angels among them." In stark and vivid contrast God's angels do not destroy, but keep the law of God which says, "Thou shalt not kill." "Bless the Lord, ye His angels, that excel in strength, that do his commandments, hearkening unto the voice of His Word." Psalm 103:20. Now, notice how the SOP confirms this text. "Angels are sent from the heavenly courts, NOT TO DESTROY, but to watch over and guard imperiled souls, to save the lost, to bring the straying ones back to the fold." R & H May 10, 1906. I think this should establish beyond any question that EGW firmly believed God does not destroy.

Now, what does this have to do with the end times we are living in right now? After a lot of prayer for guidance in preparing this article the Lord has led me to quote from the book, "THE GREAT CONTROVERSY BETWEEN CHRIST AND SATAN." The first quote I want to share with you takes me back to the year 1959 when Roy Pendleton gave some talks down in California on the subject of "Flying Saucers." I had never heard this message before. It was on a reel to reel tape. A man let me have his old Philco tape recorder and so every chance I had I would let people listen to Roy's message. I did that for 15 or 20 years until I put it on cassette tape. Roy starts out his message with the following quote:

"Satan has long been preparing for his final effort to deceive the world...little by little he has prepared the way for his masterpiece of deception in the development of spiritualism. He has not yet reached the full accomplishment of his designs; but it will be reached in the last remnant of time. Says the prophet: 'I saw three unclean spirits like frogs;...they are the spirits of devils, working miracles, which go forth unto the kings of the earth and of the whole world, to gather them to the battle of that great day of God Almighty.' Rev. 16:13, 14. Except those who are kept by the power of God, through faith in His word, the whole world will be swept into the ranks of this delusion. The people are fast being lulled to a fatal security, to be awakened only by the outpouring of the wrath of God." Also quoted is Isa. 28:17, 18. GC 562

This quote is from the last two pages of the chapter 34 entitled, "SPIRITUALISM." The very next chapter is "AIMS OF THE PAPACY." This chapter introduces the topic of Sunday worship and how Satan has worked through the Papacy to present this false day of worship as the true in order to secure the allegiance of Protestants and eventually the entire world with a global Sunday Law. "Marvelous in her shrewdness and cunning is the Roman Church. She can read what is to be. She bides her time, seeing that the Protestant churches are paying her homage in their acceptance of the false Sabbath and that they are preparing to enforce it by the very means which she herself employed in bygone days. Those who reject the light of truth will yet seek the aid of this self-styled infallible power to exalt an institution that originated with her. How readily she will come to the help of Protestants in this work it is not difficult to conjecture. Who understands better than the papal leaders how to deal with those who are disobedient to the church?" GC 580. In the past heretics were burned at the stake and beheaded. Reports have been circulating that Guillotines are being brought into this country to be used when the time is right for public executions as in times past to frighten the masses in submissive compliance. Rev. 20:4 speaks of those who have been "beheaded for the witness of Jesus." This is talking about our time as it also mentions that they would not take the "Mark of the Beast," which is why they will be beheaded.

The next chapter (36) is entitled, "THE IMPENDING CONFLICT," which begins with a history of Satan's objective to overthrow God's law from the inception of the Great Controversy. "To deceive men, and thus lead them to transgress God's law, is the object which he has steadfastly pursued. Whether this be accomplished by casting aside the law altogether, or by rejecting one of its precepts, the result will be ultimately the same. He that offends 'in one point,' manifests contempt for the whole law; his influence and example are on the side of transgression; he becomes 'guilty of all.'" James 2:10. GC 582.

In the next paragraph the author explains how the doctrines of the Bible have been perverted by incorporating errors into the faith of thousands who profess to believe the Scriptures. Two of the most well known errors are Sunday sacredness and the immortality of the soul. "Through these two great errors..Satan will bring the people under his deceptions. While the former lays the foundation of spiritualism, the latter creates a bond of sympathy with Rome." GC 588. Spiritualism will be the glue that cements Romanism and Protestantism and under this three fold union persecution will follow because of Sunday legislation. The missing ingredient necessary for a National Sunday Law to be passed by Congress is a massive financial crisis, such as the great depression of 1929. Although many attempts have been and are still being made to crash the stock market and destroy our national economy in any way possible, our wonderful God has not allowed this to happen yet. Why? Rev. 7 pictures four angels holding back the winds of strife until God's servants are sealed in their foreheads, i.e. the 144,000.

So, this is the reason the economy is still going although there have been indications that we are not as well off as we were in the past. Prices continue to spiral up little by little, such as the price of gasoline and the cost of electricity and other public utilities.

So, what is this "sealing message?"

This has to do with God's creative power which is found in the fourth commandment, revealing that God is the Creator of the universe. This concept has really never been preached to the world, i.e that in the fourth commandment itself is the truth about God's creative power. If this truth had been explained through the centuries, the false theory of evolution would never have had a chance to get such a strong hold on people's minds. During the Scopes trial in Dayton, Tenn., in 1925, William Jennings Bryan wired or wrote the leading Creationist in the world at that time, George McCready Price, who was teaching at Newbold College in England. He asked him for advice in his debate with Clarence Darrow, the famous, witty and clever trial lawyer from Chicago. Price wrote back advising Bryan that the best and most powerful argument he could use to defeat the theory of evolution would be the 7th Day Sabbath as found in the book of Genesis 1 & 2, Because Bryan was a Sunday keeper he ignored Price's advice and the rest is history. Darrow made a fool out of Bryan, who was a brilliant orator but not so good at debating. The trial took its toll on Bryan and he died a broken man shortly after the trial.

The servant of the Lord has told us that during the Time of Trouble "we went out and preached the Sabbath more fully." That pronoun "we" intrigues me. Let me explain. At the time of the Barley harvest there will be a special resurrection as well as a special translation. Here are the four groups who will be raised up at that time. 1. "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." 2. "They also who pierced Him" (Rev. 1:7). 3. Those that mocked and derided Christ's dying agonies, 4. And the most violent opposers of His truth and His people." All of these people will be raised up in this special resurrection to behold Him in His glory and to see the honor placed upon the loyal and obedient. GC 632. Now the reason they are raised up is different than what I use to think and probably what you think. Notice that EGW will be in that first group so when she says, "We went out and preached the Sabbath more fully," she is predicting what the Lord showed her she would be doing after the special resurrection. When I first wrote this paragraph I didn't plan to go into detail about why the Lord will raise up these others who opposed the truth and who pierced Him. Until I read the following verse: "And the house of David shall be as God, as the angel of the Lord before them." Zech. 12:8. This is the reason the "Synagogue of Satan" will come and bow down before the Church of Philadelphia. Rev. 3:9. Cf. John 10:34; Ps. 82. "And I will pour upon the house of David, (Barley group, Little Company, Church of Philadelphia), and upon the inhabitants of Jerusalem, the spirit of grace and of supplications: and they shall look upon Me (Jesus) whom they have pierced, and they shall mourn for him, as one mourns for his only son, and shall be in bitterness for him, as one that is in bitterness for his firstborn. In that day shall there be a great mourning in Jerusalem...In that day there shall be a fountain opened to the house of David and to the inhabitants of Jerusalem for sin and for uncleanness." Zech. 12:9-13:1. So, what is the purpose for raising these people up who opposed Christ and pierced Him? From these passages it sounds to me like they are very sorry they killed Jesus. They are mourning about their actions as they realize what they have done. Now, I don't know if they all will accept Him but I think many will repent and be forgiven and taken to heaven as He waves the wave sheaf before the Father's throne. Dan 12:1, 2 speaks about some who will be raised to "everlasting shame and contempt." The word "everlasting" means "age lasting." So, they will be very ashamed for what they have done but will have a chance to repent, like the thief on the cross. What a great victory, winning to His side some if not many or maybe all of His greatest enemies. Listen to this: "Those whose course has been most offensive to Him He freely accepts; when they repent, He imparts to them His divine Spirit, places them in the highest positions of trust, and sends them forth into the camp of the disloyal to proclaim His boundless mercy...He would have us bear testimony to the fact that He cannot be satisfied until the human race are reclaimed and re-instated in their holy privileges as His sons and daughters." DA 826. I will let you think about that one for awhile. Dan. 12:1, 2

Now, let's go back to page 589 of "Great Controversy." "Through spiritualism, Satan appears as a benefactor of the race, healing the diseases of the people, and professing to present a new and more exalted system of religious faith; but at the same time he works as a destroyer."

Did you see that? Who works as a "destroyer?" Satan. Now, how does he do this? "His temptations are leading multitudes to ruin. Intemperance dethrones reason; sensual indulgence, strife, and bloodshed follow. Satan delights in war, for it excites the worst passions of the soul and then sweeps into eternity its victims steeped in vice and blood. It is his object to incite the nations to war against one another, for he can thus divert the minds of the people from the work of preparation to stand in the day of God. Satan works through the elements also to garner his harvest of unprepared souls. He has studied the secrets of the laboratories of nature, and he uses all his power to control the elements as far as God allows. (remember Satan is the prince of the power of the air) When he was suffered to afflict Job, how quickly flocks and herds, servants, houses, children, were swept away, one trouble succeeding another as in a moment. It is God that shields His creatures and hedges them in from the power of the destroyer. But the Christian world have shown contempt for the law of Jehovah; and the Lord will do just what He has declared that He would -- He will withdraw His blessings from the earth and remove His protecting care from those who are rebelling against His law and teaching and forcing others to do the same. Satan has control of all whom God does not especially guard. He will favor and prosper some in order to further his own designs, and he will bring trouble upon others and lead men to believe that it is God who is afflicting them. While appearing to the children of men as a great physician who can heal all their maladies, he will bring disease and disaster, until populous cities are reduced to ruin and desolation.

Even now he is at work. In accidents and calamities by sea and by land, in great conflagrations, in fierce tornadoes and terrific hailstorms, in tempests, floods, cyclones, tidal waves, and earthquakes, in every place and in a thousand forms, Satan is exercising his power. He sweeps away the ripening harvest, and famine and distress follow. He imparts to the air a deadly taint, and thousands perish by the pestilence. These visitations are to become more and more frequent and disastrous. Destruction will be upon both man and beast. 'The earth mourns and fades away,' The haughty people...do languish. The earth also is defiled under the inhabitants thereof; because they have transgressed the laws, changed the ordinance, broken the everlasting covenant." Isaiah 24:4, 5.

In Chapter 37 "THE SCRIPTURES A SAFEGUARD," we read: "The people of God are directed to the Scriptures as their safeguard against the influence of false teachers and the delusive power of spirits of darkness. Satan employs every possible device to prevent men from obtaining a knowledge of the Bible; for its plain utterances reveal his deceptions. At every revival of God's work the prince of evil is aroused to more intense activity; he is now putting forth his utmost efforts for a final struggle against Christ and His followers. Note: <This was written about 1855> "The last great delusion is soon to open before us. Anti-Christ is to perform his marvelous works in our sight." GC 593.

Now, let us see how this correlates with Bible prophecy. "And I beheld another beast (power or kingdom) and he had two horns like a lamb, and he spake as a dragon." Rev. 13:11. Note: Here we have a seeming contradiction. How could a little innocent lamb end up "speaking like a Dragon?" This lamb like beast has been identified as the USA. In just the last 50 years we can see how our beloved nation has truly begun to have the characteristics of a persecuting power like the Catholic Church in Europe during the dark ages. The rights and power of the state has taken precedence over the rights and power of the people, just as it did in Germany under Hitler. Now, Rev. 13:12 predicts that is exactly what will happen. "He exercises all the authority (power) of the first beast in his presence. And he makes the earth and those who dwell in it to worship the first beast, whose fatal (deadly) wound was healed. Rev. 13:12. Notice here that it is our own freedom loving nation who is going to lead (cause) the whole world to "worship" the first beast who had a deadly wound. Most theologians during the reformation and since have identified the first beast as the Roman Catholic Church. The deadly wound was dealt to Catholicism during the time of Luther and Calvin, etc. and continued on until 1928 when the deadly wound was healed by Mussolini when he made the Concordant pact with the Roman Catholic Church, making her an official government (nation, i.e. the Vatican) in her own right. Now, let us notice vs. 13. "He performs great signs, so that he even makes fire come down out of heaven to the earth in the presence of men. And he deceives those who dwell on the earth because of the signs which it was given him to perform in the presence of the beast, telling those who dwell on the earth to make an image to the beast who had the wound of the sword and has come to life (again). And it was given to him to give breath to the image of the beast, so that the image of the beast would even speak and cause as many as do not worship the image of the beast to be killed." Rev. 13:14, 15.

Now beloved, right there is your "Death Decree." Do we know when this death decree will be enacted? Let's answer that with another question. What is the purpose of this death decree? It is to cause (by force of law) everyone to worship the image of the beast. Worship has to do with religion.

So we are talking about a religion of some kind which will demand worship and obedience upon pain of death. Those of us who have studied history know that even before this nation declared its independence on July 4th, 1776, there were Blue Laws in the colonies which were strictly enforced. What are "Blue Laws?" They are Sunday Laws. And in many states they are still on the books even though they are not being enforced.

How could it ever happen that the citizens of this nation would agree to have a National Sunday law and then a death decree to enforce it? Only through deception. "So closely will the counterfeit resemble the true that it will be impossible to distinguish between them except by the Holy Scriptures...those who endeavor to obey all the commandments of God will be opposed and derided." Now, my friend, I want you to notice the next quote very carefully because it is not only enlightening but crucial.

"In order to endure the trial before them, they must understand the will of God as revealed in His word; they can honor Him only as they have a right conception of His character, government, and purposes, and act in accordance with them. None but those who have fortified the mind with the truths of the Bible will stand through the last great conflict. To every soul will come the searching test: Shall I obey God rather than men? The decisive hour is even now at hand." GC 594. Remember that these words were penned about 146 years ago in 1855. If you study the history of the 1888 crisis you will learn that this was when God's professed people got off track. One of the experts on this time period of church history told me personally that the main emphasis of the 1888 messages was the "Character of God." Do you realize that "Desire of Ages,"(1898) and "Christ's Object Lessons," (1900) were written and published within 10 to 12 years after the rejection of the 1888 messages of Righteousness by Faith? The true character of Christ and His Father are emphasized and lifted up all through these books. "God Destroys No Man," COL 84 is clearly stated. "There can be no more conclusive evidence that we possess the spirit of Satan than the disposition to hurt and destroy those who do not appreciate our work, or who act contrary to our ideas." DA 487. Here is another one to prove God does not destroy.

"In all of our afflictions He is afflicted. In every temptation and every trial the angel of His presence is near to deliver. Not even a sparrow falls to the ground without the Father's notice. Satan's hatred against God leads him to hate every object of the Saviour's care. He seeks to mar the handiwork of God, and he delights in destroying even the dumb creatures. It is only through God's protecting care that the birds are preserved to gladden us with their songs of joy. But He does not forget even the sparrows. 'Fear ye not therefore, ye are of more value than many sparrows.'" DA 356, 357.

When presented with these clear-cut statements most professed believers will try and explain them away saying they mean something else. Like the Pharisees of old they do not desire to know the truth but seek any excuse possible for evading it. Jesus could read the minds of the Pharisees but used this gift to try and help them see their danger. "Jesus gave the rabbis an evidence of His divinity by showing that He read their hearts. Ever since the healing at Bethesda they had been plotting His death. Thus they were themselves breaking the law which they professed to be defending. 'Did not Moses give you the law,' He said, 'and yet none of you keep (obey) the law. Why do you go about plotting my death?" Now watch the reaction of these willfully blind and demon possessed leaders. "Like a swift flash of light these words revealed to the rabbis the pit of ruin into which they were about to plunge. For an instant they were filled with terror. They saw that they were in conflict with Infinite Power. But they would not be warned. In order to maintain their influence with the people, their murderous designs must be concealed. Evading the question of Jesus, they exclaimed, 'You have a devil: who is going about to kill you? (They were, of course) They insinuated that the wonderful works of Jesus were instigated by an evil spirit." DA 456. This kind of rejection was going on day after day. And each week and month that passed made the death of their nation more certain as they continued to reject the Son of God. So it is today with the character of God. Just as the Jews passed a death decree against God's people so another decree of death will be passed in our day--remember this death decree was passed against the Son of God by the most devout and strictest Sabbath keepers the world has ever seen. Some have said their blindness was so great that as soon as they had accomplished their work of crucifying Jesus they hurried home to light their candles, recite their verses, sing their songs of praise and pray to the Creator they had just crucified!! What blindness! Yet, the blindness of this generation is even greater. Isa. 60:1, 2. Gross darkness is upon the people. COL 414-416.

In Rev. 11 we see a continuation of the vision of Rev. 10 in which a "mighty angel" descends from heaven "clothed with a cloud: and a rainbow was upon his head, and his face was as it were the sun, and his feet as pillars of fire." Although this is not Jesus, whom we saw standing in the midst of the candlesticks in Rev. 1:13-17, the context indicates that it is the same being Daniel describes in Dan. 10 whom we have identified in previous articles as Gabrielle. Notice that I spelled this in the feminine because we showed in a previous article that Gabrielle is the twin sister and bride of Michael. She speaks under the name "Wisdom" in Proverbs 8. Compare this with Song of Solomon. Just as Michael (Christ) worked side by side with Gabrielle in Daniel's time so she also works with Him in John's day. Remember what Gabrielle said in Dan. 10:21? "And there is none that holds (stands) with me in these things, but Michael your prince." What she is telling Daniel is that Michael is the only being who is equal to her. Since Michael is Christ, what would that tell you? The name of this article was "The Myth of Santa Claus and Mary." Vol. 27, Number 4, Oct. Nov. Dec. 2000. It is on God's Last Call Web site -- let's go on now. We see this same angel telling John to measure the worshipers in the temple. Obviously this is highly symbolic, therefore the "Two Witnesses" are also symbolic, not two literal persons such as Moses and Elijah. First of all, Moses and Elijah now have immortal life and as immortal beings cannot die anymore than the holy angels or Jesus Himself can die. John is quoting from Zechariah 4:11-14. Notice vs. 14 calls these two "olive trees" and "candlesticks" "anointed ones." The original Hebrew says, "Sons of oil." Secondly, the prophecy of Malachi 4:5 has already been fulfilled the first time in the life and ministry of John the Baptist. How do I know that? Because Jesus explained it to his disciples when they asked him,"Why then say the scribes that Elias must first come?" Here is a good example of how organized religion teaches erroneous doctrine by making false predictions. However, Jesus swept away this deceptive illusion with the truth as we must do today. "Elias truly shall first come, and restore all things. But I say unto you, That Elias is come already, and they knew him not, but have done unto him whatsoever they listed. Likewise shall also the Son of man suffer of them." Luke 17:11, 12. As in many of the prophecies, there are dual applications. This is especially true of Malachi 4 and its 6 verses. The prophet predicts that a time or day is coming which will "burn like an oven or hot furnace." Psalm 2 predicts the same thing for our day."Why do the heathen rage and people imagine a vain thing?" In the days of John the Baptist Rome and Israel were raging against each other and eventually Israel and its center of worship (temple) was destroyed in AD 70 due to the blind rage of the Roman soldiers against the hated Jewish leaders. "The Saviour's prophecy concerning the visitation of judgments upon Jerusalem is to have another fulfilment, of which that terrible desolation was but a faint shadow. In the fate of the chosen city we may behold the doom of a world that has rejected God's mercy and trampled upon His law." GC 36. Are the nations raging today? Just look at what happened in 1945. The USA was so enraged at Japan for their sneak attack on Pearl Harbor that they dropped not one, but two atomic bombs on Japan in Aug. of 1945. Do you think that rage of the nations has subsided any? No, it hasn't. It has just been submerged into a different form ready to burst forth with even greater fury. Only God's angels pictured in Rev. 7 are holding back this destruction until the servants of God are sealed. What is the sealing message? It has to do with all three of the messages found in Rev. 14, especially the Sabbath message, which proves that God is a life God, not a death god. The belief that God destroys is Baal Worship pure and simple. "Multitudes have a wrong conception of God and His attributes, and are as truly serving a false god as were the worshipers of Baal. Many even of those who claim to be Christians have allied themselves with influences that are unalterably opposed to God and His truth. Thus they are led to turn away from the divine and to exalt the human." PK 177, 178.

If we were to look for another fulfillment of the "coming of Elijah" in our day could we find it? Remember that John the Baptist came in the Spirit and power of Elijah. And although a few accepted John's testimony that Jesus was the Lamb of God and promised Messiah, the nation as a whole rejected Christ, led on by the priests and rulers in their blind jealousy and insane rage against Jesus for cleansing the temple two times and refusing to take up the sword and conquer the Romans. So, although the ministry of John the Baptist blessed a few Israelites, it was not able to avert the curse predicted by Malachi 4:6. But what about our day? Paul's prophecy is being fulfilled more each day. "Evil men and seducers shall wax worse and worse, deceiving and being deceived." 2 Tim. 3:13. Some believe that the ministry of Ellen G. White, spanning 70 years, also has fulfilled that prophecy. Remember that John the Baptist said, "He must increase and I must decrease." John's ministry faded away in the glorious light of the ministry of Jesus. So, all that has gone before will fade in the glory of the ministry of the final Elect. The ministry and writings of EGW have guided God's people since 1844. But now in this glorious revelation of the character of God, the final message of the Elect will shine even brighter just as Jesus' ministry shined brighter than that of John the Baptist. Paul also made a similar comparison and parallel between the administration of Moses and Christ in I Cor. 3.

Now, let us talk about the deliverance of God's "Elect". These are two very familiar terms from Matt. 24:24 about how the deceptions will be so great that even the "Elect" would be deceived, if it were possible, but it is not possible. So they will not be deceived. We will get to that a little later and explain what it is they know that protects them from being deceived. I have mentioned before that this special group who are translated at the same time as those in the "Special Resurrection" of Dan. 12:1, 2 are referred to in Psalm 2 as God's "Son" and "My King upon my holy Hill of Zion." This will be the first of the Harvest, i.e. the Barley. These are taken to heaven and given a commission which is referred to in Dan. 7:13, 14; Psalm 2 and Rom. 8:19, 20 and also in Rev. 11:15; 12:10. They can speak in all the languages of the world, travel by thought vibration like Jesus did after His resurrection. They will be like God to the wicked so much so that the NWO (Synagogue of Satan) will bow down before their feet and worship them like Haaman fell at the feet of Esther pleading for his life. These are the "Watchmen on the Walls of Zion" who never sleep and who wake up the virgins with the cry, "Behold the Bridegroom Cometh. Go out to meet Him." Matt. 25. The ones who are sleeping are the Ten Virgins. Five are wise and five are foolish. The five wise become the 144,000. How do I know that? Because Rev. 14:4 tells us they are virgins. And the only other place it refers to virgins is in Matt. 25. They are not defiled with "women" i.e., the false doctrines of the fallen churches. Now, do these 144,000 also go to heaven and get immortal bodies like the Barley people or Little Company?

Yes, they do, at the end of the 40 days, just as Jesus returned to heaven after 40 days with his wave sheaf. Jesus is the type and the Barley or Little Company is the anti-type or fulfillment of the type. The 144,000 are sealed, as we read in Rev. 7, 12,000 from each of those named tribes. They are the anti-type or fulfillment of the 120 which is the original type pointing toward the 144,000. So, the Barley or Little Company will be translated and receive immortal bodies and then come back down and call and then discern between the righteous and the wicked. As the wheat harvest progresses and finally comes to an end during that 40 day period the 144,000 will be gathered from the nations and sealed. Then they are able to learn this special song about God's character which the Barley or Little Company will teach them. This is the special "song" which is the final message to go to the world of His marvelous character. It is referred to as a "song" because of the beautiful harmony it brings forth in those who accept it and share with others. See COL 414-416.

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.

The 144,000 will work with Jesus through the Great Time of Trouble (lasting 3 ? years) giving their testimony for 1260 days. This will be the beginning of the Wheat Harvest, because the 144,000 are the first fruits of this harvest of the house of Israel. I also believe that these 12,000 from each of the 12 tribes named in Rev. 7 are the actual descendants from the original "lost tribes" of Israel. This is the "holy seed" God has preserved. Isa. 6:13. Isn't that amazing how God kept track of them all through the centuries and matched people up so they could bear off spring who would become "holy seed" perfecting them a little more with each generation by giving them more and more truth about Himself.

It is truly mind blowing how awesome of a God we serve. So, beloved, we see that the final Harvest Cycle of this age begins with the Barley and Flax. Now, this is highly symbolical (anti-typical, i.e. fulfilling the types). Why? Because, although the Barley is primarily used for making bread, the Flax is used to make linen for clothes and linseed oil. See Gen. 41:42 where the King (Pharaoh) arrayed or dressed Joseph (just out of prison) "in vestures of fine linen, and put a gold chain about his neck," (showing royalty and power and authority to rule). Then in Rev. 19:8 we read that God's people are to be "arrayed in fine linen, clean and white (bright): for the fine linen is the righteousness of saints." How do we obtain this "fine linen"? We receive it as a free gift and then "put it on," which means that we "clothe ourselves" or "immerse and bath" our minds with the knowledge of Jesus and His true and righteous character, which truly is a preparation for the "Baptism of the Holy Spirit" in the latter rain.

Paul tells us to "put on Christ" or "the new man," in Rom. 13:12, 14; Gal. 3:27; Eph. 4:24, Col. 3:10. Then in Rev. 19:14 we read that the "armies...in heaven followed Him (Jesus) upon white horses, clothed in fine linen, white and clean." So, the way we "put on Christ," is to simply believe in Him and His true character and then walk as He walked.

So, the Barley and the Flax come up at the same time. This is easily proven by Exodus 9:31 where we read that "the flax and the barley had been beaten to the ground, for the barley had headed (budded) and the flax was in bloom; but the wheat and the spelt (flax) were not ruined for they were a later crop." This is why the Bible pictures all Ten of the virgins still sleeping right up until the time of the Coming of Christ (bridegroom) which happens at the time Michael (Jesus) stands up (Dan 12:1, 2) because of the death decree that will be passed against God's people. So, the first phase of the Second Coming of Christ begins with the translation of the Barley and Flax (type or symbol of their holy priesthood). The Little Company or Elect which is the Barley or Watchmen on the Walls of Zion, etc. Ex. 9:31 reveals the time of year of these plagues. "Flax blossoms the end of January or the beginning of February. The barley crop was in ear about the same time, commonly being cut in March...In Egypt the wheat harvest began about a month later than the barley harvest, and continued until the early part of April." 1 BC 540. Linen was the preferred cloth of Egypt. The priests wore nothing but linen.

As we have seen already in the life of Joseph in Egypt, that he became the spokesman for Pharaoh, so the Barley or Little Company/Son/ King will become the true Mouth piece of God who are anointed and empowered by the Father Himself (Dan. 7:13, 14). They then "return" (Mal. 3:16-18) and "discern" between the wise and foolish virgins. This will be the beginning of the Wheat Harvest which continues right on into the Grape Harvest (Gentiles). At the end of each phase of this harvest the wicked will cry out,"The harvest is past, the summer is ended, and we are not saved." Jer. 8:20. This is the first time they became aware of the correct timing of the final events.

The last part of the harvest will be the grapes or the gentiles which are referred to in Rev. 7:14 as having"come out of great tribulation, and have washed their robes, and made them white in the blood of the lamb."Rev. 7:14. In vs 16 we are told that they will no longer hunger or thirst or suffer from the heat of the sun which indicates that they had to go through the terrible final days of earth's history, the last 3 ? years at which time the seven last plagues will be let loose or poured out and the Mark of the Beast enforced with the death decree. That is what Jesus warned us about in Luke 21:34-36 to not get trapped into having to go through this terrible ordeal.Let's look now at other titles of this final Remnant.

1. Kings of the East, Rev. 16:2.
2. Those who have insight (margin says "Instructors) Dan. 11:33, 12:3.
3. Tower of the Flock, Hill of the daughter of Zion. Micah 4:8.
4. Stone that is cut out of the mountain without hands. Dan. 2:45.
5. His holy Arm, The salvation of our God. Isa. 52:10.
6. Manifestation of the Sons of God. Rom. 8:19.
7. The Elect. Matt. 24:22.
8. The Generation to come, the People yet to be created. Psalm 102:18.
9. The Coming generation, The people who will be born. Psalm 22:30, 31.
10. The perfection of beauty. Psalm 50:2.
11. The People who know the joyful sound. Psalm 89:15.
12. Thy Mighty Ones. Joel 3:11.
13. The White horse of Rev. 19:11; Zech. 10:3. 13. The Sharp Sickle. Rev. 14:14; Joel 13:13. Isa. 41:15; Jer. 51:20
14. The Branch 23:5, 6; Zech. 3:8, 9.
15. A Barley Cake or Loaf. Judges 7:13-15; Ruth.
16. Church of Philadelphia, Rev. 3:7-12.
17. The Man-child, Isa. 66:7-9; Rev. 12:5.
18. The Sons of Oil. Zech. 4:14.
19. Jewels or Special Treasure, Mal. 3:16-18.
20. The Rock cut out of the Mountain without hands. Dan. 2:34, 35.

Now, we are going to examine two very powerful quotes which should convince the most hardened skeptic that the SOP (EGW) taught God does not destroy. Here is the first one: "We cannot know how much we owe to Christ for the peace and protection which we enjoy. It is the restraining power of God that prevents mankind from passing fully under the control of Satan. The disobedient and unthankful have great reason for gratitude for God's mercy and longsuffering in holding in check the cruel, malignant power of the evil one. But when men pass the limits of divine forbearance, that restraint is removed. God does not stand toward the sinner as an executioner of the sentence against transgression; but He leaves the rejectors of His mercy to themselves, to reap that which they have sown. Every ray of light rejected, every warning despised or unheeded, every passion indulged, every transgression of the law of God, is a seed sown which yields its unfailing harvest. The Spirit of God, persistently resisted, is at last withdrawn from the sinner, and then there is left no power to control the evil passions of the soul, and no protection from the malice and enmity of Satan."

Here now is the second one:

"But in that day, as in the time of Jerusalem's destruction, God's people will be delivered, everyone that shall be found written among the living. Isaiah 4:3. <Comment> I had never seen this verse in Isa. 4 in this light until now. I believe EGW is referring to the translation of the Little Company or the "Barley Group" (Gideon's Band). See EW 270 and on. This is a description of the "Little Company" the servant of the Lord saw walking up this narrow pathway. If you do not have "Early Writings" let me know and I will send you these pages so you can understand what I am talking about. Notice verses 2 and 3. "In that day shall the branch of the Lord (cf. Isa. 11:1-5) be beautiful and glorious, (the margin from original the Hebrew says, "beauty & glory," i.e. having Christ's character) and the fruit of the earth shall be excellent and comely for them that are escaped of Israel. And it shall come to pass, that he that is left in Zion, (from the shaking and terrible apostasy due to deception & persecution) shall be called holy, even every one that is written (In the book) among the living in Jerusalem." <comment> This is a direct reference to those who will remain alive to be translated and is a parallel to Dan. 12:1, 2 & Malachi 3:16-18. "When the Lord shall have washed away the filth of the daughters of Zion, and shall have purged the blood of Jerusalem from the midst thereof by the spirit of judgment, and by the spirit of burning. <comment> Cf. Mal. 4:1, 2. Then vs 5, 6 is a promise of protection for God's Remnant who are being hunted down like animals; they will be protected by a cloud and smoke by day, and the shining of a flaming fire by night: as well as protection from the terrible searing heat of the sun (Rev. 16:1) as well as from the storm and rain. Now, we have already read in Rev. 11:12 that they are going to be translated in the sight of their enemies. This will not be a secret rapture. These are the ones who remain alive and are faithful. So, their "death" is a symbolism just like the City of Jerusalem here is symbolized as Sodom and Egypt (cf. Isa. 1:10-12). It will be just like the "death experience" the disciples went through when Jesus died. The believers in 1844 had a similar experience, but this one that is coming for the Little Company will be much worse. Much more traumatic and severe similar to what Jacob went through...that is why it is called "Jacob's Time of Trouble." The character of Jesus and their own reputation were destroyed, assassinated along with Jesus on the cross. As far as they were concerned, the church was dead. But when Jesus arose from the grave on Sunday morning the church was raised to life just as if they had died. The priests and rulers were no doubt congratulating each other that they finally got rid of that "deceiver" who had tormented them for three and a half years by rebuking them and telling them that they would not stand in the day of judgment unless they confessed their sins. Do you see the parallel? These two witnesses represent the Little Barley Company, as identified in the 20 descriptions already listed. Now, let us continue with the quote from EGW.

"Christ has declared that He will come the second time to gather His faithful ones to Himself:...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," Matt. 24:30, 31. Then shall they that obey not the gospel be consumed with the spirit of His mouth and be destroyed with the brightness of His coming. 2 Thess. < Comment> EGW is now going to make a very important comment to explain the mechanics of how this destruction is effected or carried out. Notice:

"Like Israel of old the wicked destroy themselves; they fall by their iniquity. By a life of sin, they have placed themselves so out of harmony with God, their natures have become so debased with evil, that the manifestation of His glory is to them a consuming fire." GC 37. <Comment> We know how the Jewish nation was destroyed. The Romans came and sieged the city for 3 ? years during which time they starved to death and killed each other fighting over the food. Finally the Romans broke into the city, set the temple ablaze. Those whom they did not kill with the sword they crucified. The remainder were sold as slaves.

Jesus came and manifested His glory, even the glorious fire of His truth for He told them, "I am come to bring fire on the earth." Luke 12:49. And that is precisely what He did for 3 ? years but they rejected Him and thus separated themselves from God. As a result they forfeited God's protection and Rome came and destroyed them. I hope you will study this verse out for yourself so you will understand what the "Fire of God" truly is.

The "consuming fire" in this case was, first of all, His glorious character, "holy, harmless and undefiled" (Heb. 7:26) which they rejected. This was the "fire of His love," Song of Solomon 8:6, which was manifested on the day of Pentecost in Tongues of Fire on the heads of the 120 disciples in the upper room. This was the power of the Holy Spirit to cleanse the soul temple from sin so as to provide a clean dwelling place for the Presence of God which would have been their salvation and protection. It was a "spiritual fire" or "symbolical fire" that the Jewish nation refused to receive thus leaving them unprotected from the literal "consuming fire" which was the Roman armies that destroyed them. God did not destroy them although He takes the blame for it, as always, because He is the everlasting Sovereign and majestic God of Israel. Instead, like King Saul and Israel as a nation, they destroyed themselves, just as Hosea declared, "Oh Israel, thou hast destroyed thyself, but in Me is thine help." Hosea 13:9. But to the faithful who believed in the words of Jesus there was a way of escape and they wisely embraced His words and followed His counsel. As a result, "Not one Christian perished in the destruction of Jerusalem. Christ had given His disciples warning, and all who believed His words watched for the promised sign. 'When ye shall see Jerusalem compassed with armies,' said Jesus, 'then know that the desolation thereof is nigh. Then let them which are in Judea flee to the mountains; and let them which are in the midst of it depart out.'" Luke 21:20, 21.

Now, let us draw a parallel to our day from this same chapter in which we find that the Holy Spirit led Luke to record not only the method or means of escape for the Christians in the Autumn of AD 66, but in this last age in which we are living as well. Please take time to read all of Luke 17 and 21 for yourself along with Matt. 24 and Mark 13 as well as chapter one of "Great Controversy." Pray as you read and the Lord will make many more things clear to your mind that we don't have time to cover in this article. Luke 21:24-33 are verses that I believe apply specifically to our day...the last age before Jesus comes. Then the very next verse begins the last recorded words of Jesus on the Mount of Olives regarding the future. "Be on your guard, so that your hearts are not overloaded with dissipation, drunkenness and worldly cares, and that day takes you by surprised like a trap, for it will come upon all the inhabitants of the globe. But you be vigilant (constantly watching) and pray unceasingly so that you may have strength to escape all those impending events and to stand in the presence of the Son of Man." Luke 21:34-36. Modern Language. A paraphrase says, "To arrive in my Presence without having to experience these horrors." We know that for years Pentecostals have been teaching that they will be secretly "raptured" before the Tribulation begins. But they have never taught that God's army (Rev. 19) led by Jesus on White Horses, will return to this earth with immortal bodies for the purpose of transferring the kingdoms of this earth from Satan to Christ through the authority and power the Father will give Him through this Barley group or little company.

Why is it almost no one seems to know this wonderful truth...The real good news...? Why? Because, my friends, they have rejected the character of God message, "Denying His Name." Where do I get that idea? Let's read it together in Rev. 3:8: "I know your doings (works). See, (original Greek is "idou" meaning to "Behold," which means to take a good, long look and study out the situation...observe it carefully) I have provided (set) an open door in front of you, one which no one is able to close; because, while possessing little strength, you have observed My word and have not renounced (denied) My Name (character)." Remember this is what Moses requested God to reveal to Him..."His glory which He declared to be His Name. Ex. 33:12-19. And so the Lord revealed His goodness to Moses which literally means, "my beauty," or "my excellence." This was done by revealing the attributes of His character such as "merciful and gracious, longsuffering, and abundant in goodness and truth." Ex. 34:6, 7.

Now, beloved, I want to share something with you the Lord just revealed to me in my mind as I was studying on Moses' experience there on the Mountain which was so important for Moses to understand so He could become the real leader He needed to be for God's people. This same revelation of His character was given to Elijah 585 years later on the same mountain when the Lord allowed the destructive elements of the wind, the fire and an earthquake to be manifested by the devil who is the Destroyer. Ex. 12:23; Ps. 17:4; Jer. 4:7. I Cor. 10:10. Actually, the Lord has revealed Himself to everyone in various manners and methods through the centuries but not so dramatically as we see in the life of Moses, Solomon (when the temple was dedicated), Isaiah 6, Elijah, Ezekiel and Daniel when Gabrielle appeared to him, Dan. 10. And I believe this was the same revelation that was given to Saul on the road to Damascus when "repentinamente le rodeo un resplandor de luz de cielo" which in English reads, "suddenly there shined round about him a light from heaven." In Acts 22:11 Saul recounted this vision to his Hebrew brethren referring to the "glory of that light." There you have that word "glory" again which is an important clue that this was the same vision of God's character that He has always shown those who have desired and requested it in their hearts. Saul had been suffering with a guilty conscience ever since the death of Stephen. So, this glorious epiphany was a little sample of the "glory of the Lord," which will fill the earth in the last days. "And the glory of the Lord shall be revealed, and all flesh (how many? All flesh) shall see it together: for the mouth of the Lord has spoken it." Isa. 40:5. This will take place after the 1,000 years. Read "Great Controversy" pg. 666 for more information on this point. Think also what the word "Lake" actually means in Rev. 20:9-15. What is a lake? It is a body of water. And we know the people will be on "fire" with hatred, revenge, remorse and a desire to kill God and the saints inside the city because they are so jealous and angry. So, that is why the Bible uses this metaphor or symbol of the Lake representing this "Lake of humanity" who are on fire with all these negative, fiery emotions. Obadiah 17, 18 also refer to this same experience at this same moment in time. "And the house of Jacob shall be a fire, and the house of Joseph a flame, and the house of Esau for stubble, and they shall kindle in them, and devour them; and there shall not be any remaining of the house of Esau; for the Lord hath spoken it." Just as Saul of Tarsus was destroyed by the fiery and glorious light of Jesus on the road to Damascus that day (Acts 9) so also the whole house of Esau (Edomites) will also be transformed just as Jacob died in the arms of Jesus as he wrestled with Him that fateful and glorious night and what was the result. He was transformed into Israel, an overcomer, the same as Saul of Tarsus was transformed into Paul the apostle. When Jesus appeared to Saul he was blinded by the light of the Saviour's glorious Presence Speaking his name twice, "Saul! Saul! Why are you persecuting Me?" (Or Why do you keep on or continue to persecute Me?) Shocked and surprised by this sudden and unexpected revelation Saul asked this obviously superior and supernatural being the same question any of us would ask, "Who are you, Lord?" Without any hesitation the Voice replied, "I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting. Get up now and go into the city. Someone there will tell you what you must do." Acts 9. "In the glorious Being who stood before him he saw the Crucified One. Upon the soul of the stricken Jew the image of the Saviour's countenance was imprinted forever. The words spoken struck home to his heart with appalling force. Into the darkened chambers of his mind there poured a flood of light, revealing the ignorance and error of his former life and his present need of the enlightenment of the Holy Spirit."AA 114, 115. In "Great Controversy" pg. 666 you will find that EGW describes the Panoramic view or Movie In the Sky which will be given after the 1,000 years when the wicked rush up to surround the city. "As soon as the books of record are opened (in the mind of each sinner), and the eye of Jesus looks upon the wicked, they are conscious of very sin which they have ever committed." Great Controversy pg. 666. We know that God does not condemn anyone. He is never against any of us. He makes the sun to shine and the rain to fall on the good and bad alike. The wicked are their own judges and accusers because they believe the lies of Satan that God does not love them. Their mind is like a computer holding all the files of their lives which they periodically access and review causing more guilt, frustration, remorse anger and a desire for revenge. When Jesus looks upon them they become aware of the real truth of what really happens. Eventually this leads them to bow down before the King of the Universe, confess and at last praise His holy name. See Phil. 2:6-11. Rev. 5:11-14. This will not be a fake confession or conversion nor will it be a forced one anymore than it was for Saul of Tarsus. Psalm 22:26-28.

As Saul was baptized with the glory of Jesus' holy and life-giving Presence he realized that he had been doing the work of Satan by persecuting the followers of Jesus. He realized that he had been lied to and misled by the priests and rulers. "In that hour of heavenly illumination Saul's mind acted with remarkable rapidity. The prophetic records of Holy Write were opened to his understanding. He saw that the rejection of Jesus by the Jews, His crucifixion, res