GETTING READY FOR
TRANSLATION DAYARE YOU PREPARING TO RECEIVE AN IMMORTAL BODY WHEN JESUS RETURNS?
From the beginning of time man has been seeking to return to the Paradise our first parents lost in Eden. One of the most famous of the Spanish explorers, Ponce de Leon (1460 -1521) is credited with discovering Florida. He came to this new land seeking the "Fountain of Perpetual Youth." Dead at the age of 61 in Cuba from a poisoned arrow his futile search for eternal life ended in utter disappointment. Still the search continues unabated today. What is the answer? Is there a secret formula? That is the purpose of this article.
Paul tells us that God has an agenda..."His own purpose" for inviting all men everywhere to receive immortal life. Furthermore, he explains that this has been a "mystery" or "secret" which "in other ages (past) was not made known unto the sons of men, as it is now revealed unto His holy apostles and prophets by the Spirit." Eph. 3:3-5. Then in vs 9, 10 we read that "all" are to be made aware of the "fellowship of the mystery" which has been hidden in the heart of God since the beginning. And through the life and death of Jesus is now being revealed even to the "principalities and powers" through the church, thereby revealing the "manifold wisdom of God." Now, let's talk about the word "mystery," and what it really means.
The word "mystery" has more than one meaning in the English language. Because of "mystery Novels" most people think in terms of "crimes to be solved," or "dark, dangerous secrets and enigmas" which perplex the mind and are impossible to fathom. But this is not what the Bible is talking about when it uses the word "mystery." Even Roget's Thesaurus includes the words "awesome, secret, supernatural and wonderfulness" in his definitions of "mystery."
Notice what Paul says: "I am telling you this strange and wonderful secret: we shall not all die, but we shall all be given new bodies! It will all happen in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, (in a flash) when the last trumpet is blown. For there will be a trumpet blast from the sky and all the Christians who have died will suddenly become alive, with new bodies that will never, never die; and then we who are still alive shall suddenly have new bodies too." I Cor. 15:51, 52. When is the last trump? Read on.
In AD 66, the year he was beheaded, Paul wrote from his prison cell in Rome that the purpose of God had finally been made known and given (to) us in Christ Jesus before the world began, "But is now made manifest by the appearing of our Saviour Jesus Christ, who has abolished death, and has brought life and immortality to light through the gospel." 2 Tim. 1:10. When something is "brought to light" it obviously means that before it was hidden in the darkness and not known. It also means "to make visible, disclose, make an appearance, display."
At the first coming of Jesus all of this happened over a period of over 33 years, because the first event of the First Coming of Christ was the announcement of the birth of Christ's forerunner, John the Baptist. Gabrielle was sent to tell this good news to Zacharias, the father of John the Baptist, as he ministered in the sanctuary. Six months later the Second Event of the First Coming of Christ occurred when the same angel appeared to Mary, the mother of Jesus, and told her she had been chosen to become the mother of the Son of God or the Messiah. Twelve years later Jesus went to the temple and shared with some learned theologians a few gems of truth He would expand upon 18 years later when He began His 3 ? years of ministry in Galilee. Each event was more profound and glorious then the preceding one ending with the Cross and then the resurrection which were the two most glorious events up to that time.
In every age there are only a few who are ready to receive these revelations of truth. "Among the Jews there were yet steadfast souls, descendants of that holy line through whom a knowledge of God had been preserved. These still looked for the hope of the promise made unto the fathers." DA 34. So, it is today. When Michael stands up for "the children of thy people" the angel meant that a holy seed had been preserved and were holding onto the truth...the descendants of the righteous ones of past ages will be God's final agents to give the final message. Isa. 6:13.
"The message of salvation is communicated to men through human agencies. But the Jews had sought to make a monopoly of the truth which is eternal life. They had hoarded the living manna, and it had turned to corruption. The religion which they tried to shut up to themselves became an offense. They robbed God of His glory, and defrauded the world by a counterfeit of the gospel. They had refused to surrender themselves to God for the salvation of the world, and they became agents of Satan for its destruction. The people whom God had called to be the pillar and ground of the truth had become representatives of Satan. They were doing the work that he desired them to do, taking a course to misrepresent the character of God, and cause the world to look upon Him as a tyrant." DA 36.
Now, let us draw a parallel between the First Coming of Christ in human flesh and His Second coming in our day. On the night Jesus was born all heaven was astir. "Above the hills of Bethlehem are gathered an innumerable throng of angels. They wait the signal to declare the glad news to the world. Had the leaders in Israel been true to their trust, they might have shared the joy of heralding the birth of Jesus. But now they are passed by." DA 47. Just think of it, Beloved. Here is the event for which Israel had been waiting since the days of Moses and yet on that grand and glorious night they are passed over for a few shepherds and some heathen wise men who were also looking for the coming of the Messiah. Isn't that truly amazing! They knew not the day of their visitation. Jesus wept for them. Luke 19:41-48. What was the difference? The Shepherds and Wise men had a Spirit of love and compassion for humanity and were hoping and praying for the Messiah to come to deliver the world from its dark night of sin.
But the same thing is happening again today. Only a few are becoming aware that the final message is going to the world even as you read these words. We must be in an attitude and spirit of prayer. We must be willing to totally submit our all in dedication to our Master's service for the salvation of the world. This is what Jesus did and this is what we can and must do as well.
Remember what I shared with you in past issues regarding the real purpose of Christ's mission to planet earth? It was on the mount of Transfiguration at which time Jesus prayed that the father would give a manifestation of what is in store for every faithful believer. That is why His face and entire body glowed with such a beautiful light on the mountain that night. "And was transfigured before them: and his face did shine as the sun, and His raiment was white as the light." Matt. 17:2.
Through the eyes of faith let us once again draw a parallel between His day and our own, between His transfiguration and our own which is just ahead of us, in the very near future. Do you desire it? Do you long for it? Are you praying for it? In Matt. 13 Jesus told the parable of the Wheat and the Tares. In verse 43 He comes to the end of Parable of the Sower with these words: "Then shall the righteous shine forth as the sun in the kingdom of their Father. Who has ears to hear, let him hear." Dan. 12:3 predicts the same thing. "And they that be wise (teachers) shall shine as the brightness of the firmament;" Cf. Mal. 4:2.
There is a beautiful parallel between the prayer of Jesus at His baptism and the prayer He prayed on the Mount of Transfiguration. Let us analyze them both as they each have a special significance. We are told that when Jesus came to John to be baptized that "John recognized in Him a purity of character that he had never before perceived in any man. The very atmosphere of His presence was holy and awe-inspiring...never had he come in contact with a human being from whom there breathed an influence so divine. All this was in harmony with what had been revealed to John regarding the Messiah." DA 110.
Jesus came in a body of flesh to reveal the truth about His Father to the whose human race. He was the second Adam...to complete what Adam had failed to do. And what was that? To reveal the beautiful righteousness of God's government, law and the perfection of His judgments and decisions regarding how He runs the universe according to Divine law. And so it is with us. We have been called and chosen to do the same work as our Blessed Redeemer.. to reveal the glorious character of our Father in heaven. That the Father Himself loves us just as much as Jesus does. John 16:27.
And so He identified with us in baptism, as our perfect example. "Upon coming up out of the water, Jesus bowed in prayer on the river bank. A new and important era was opening before Him. He was now, upon a wider stage, entering on the conflict of His life. Though He was the Prince of Peace, His coming must be as the unsheathing of a sword. The kingdom He had come to establish was the opposite of that which the Jews desired. He who was the foundation of the ritual and economy of Israel would be looked upon as its enemy and destroyer...No one upon earth had understood Him, and during His ministry He must still walk alone. (And so must we) Throughout His life His mother and His brothers did not comprehend His mission. Even His disciples did not understand Him. He had dwelt in eternal light, as one with God, but His life on earth must be spent in solitude." DA 111.
Now, let us go to the prayer itself which He prayed as "He reached out His hand to grasp the hand of Omnipotent love....The Saviour's glance seems to penetrate heaven as He pours out His soul in prayer. Well He knows how sin has hardened the hearts of men, and how difficult it will be for them to discern His mission, and accept the gift of salvation. He pleads with the Father for power to overcome their unbelief, to break the fetters with which Satan has enthralled them, and in their behalf to conquer the destroyer. He asks for the witness that God accepts humanity in the person of His Son. Never before have the angels listened to such a prayer. They are eager to bear to their loved Commander a message of assurance and comfort. But no; the Father Himself will answer the petition of His Son....from the open heavens a voice was heard saying, 'This is My beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.'" DA 111, 112.
Now, my friend, I want you to notice an important point I had never seen before myself, although I have read this chapter many times. I put it in italics and underlined it for emphasis. As our Redeemer (the one who came to pay our debt and buy us back) Jesus asks the Father to accept Him in our place, i.e., to accept the whole human race in His place. He asks that all that He has done up to that time and is about to do for 3 ? years, be accepted as our having done it...that the Father accept Him as an example of what every human being can be and do, of our true potential and destiny. But why was He willing to do that? Because from the very beginning of the great controversy Satan has accused both Him and His Father of being selfish and arbitrary. And we, His children have been caught in the middle.
Lucifer claimed that although laws might be necessary for the inhabitants of other worlds, angels being of a higher order and more exalted, need no such restraint for their own wisdom was a sufficient guide. It was just as impossible for them to err as God Himself. "The exaltation of the Son of god as equal with the Father was represented as an injustice to Lucifer, who, it was claimed, was also entitled to reverence and honor." PP 37. This mighty angel worked with mysterious secrecy concealing his true motives and purposes all the while camouflaging his insinuations and doubts under a guise of pretended reverence for the Government of the Almighty. Lucifer was greatly beloved and reverenced by the heavenly host. The angels delighted to execute his commands as he was such a glorious being, having been clothed by the Creator with wisdom, honor and power above them all. The Bible tells us, "Behold thou art wiser than Daniel; there is no secret that they can hide from thee." Ezek. 28:3. He was the highest of all created beings. The prophet tells us that his "heart was lifted up because of thy beauty, thou hast corrupted thy wisdom by reason of thy brightness." Ezek. 28:3-18. This all evidently happened about the same time as the creation of this world. From Lucifer's treatment of Jesus when He came into this world we know there was a long standing jealousy and hatred of the Son of God. We are told, "Yet the Son of God was exalted above him, as one in power and authority with the Father. He shared the Father's counsels, while Lucifer did not thus enter into the purposes of God. 'Why,' questioned this mighty angel, 'should Christ have the supremacy? Why is He honored above Lucifer?"
From the time I was a child my mother tried to explain these things to me the best as she knew how. Although she had no theological training or even went to college her simple faith in the Word of God sparked a flame in my heart to search out and understand how and why the Great Controversy began. My search began to intensify in the summer of 1976 when I began memorizing some of the Psalms. This led to a break through in my understanding of the character of God I had never realized before. God had never hurt or killed anyone. As I continued my research I learned that Lucifer had no reason for the things he did. In fact we are told that "Lucifer was convinced that he was in the wrong. He saw that 'the Lord is righteous in all His ways, and holy in all His works' Ps 145:17." This made no sense to me at all. If he knew what he was doing was wrong why did he continue on? I decided to try and get to the bottom of this mystery so I could understand it myself and then explain it to others. And that is why you are reading this article today. That is why I was willing to risk my life five different times since 1994 to go into the poorest part of the Spanish world to seek and save the lost. Jesus is our example. He gave His all for us. What have we done for Him. Please ask yourself that question as you read this article for deeper understanding of this issue of the character of God. And realize, my friend, that only a few people in this world understand the issues at stake.
Having said all that do you now understand why Jesus prayed as He did on the banks of the Jordan after His baptism? It was because Satan, as our accuser, has been condemning us before the throne of God "day and night" ever since Adam's fall. Rev. 12:10-12. Do you realize these false accusations are still being made against us even as you read this? Why would I say that? Did not the death of Jesus stop those accusations? No, they did not. Let me explain. The book of Revelation was written by John on the Isle of Patmos about 96 AD. It is a book of prophecies about the future, not a history book, per se, although references are made to His sacrifice as in Rev. 13:8 as being an event which transcends all time, even from the foundation of the world. But the actual time Jesus died was AD 33. The predicted events of Revelation are in chronological order. We know this by such expressions as "After this," Rev. 4:1, "And after these things," Rev. 7:1 and "After this," Rev. 7:9. The same is true of Rev. 18:1 and 19:1. The very first verse of the book clearly states that what he is writing are "things which must shortly come to pass;" which is an obvious reference to events at a time in the future which will happen quickly or in a short span of time. My point again is, the book of Revelation is about the future, not the past. Therefore the "Christos" of Rev. 11:15 and 12:10 could not possibly referring to Jesus Christ. Even the text itself states that this Christos or Christ belongs to and is being used by "Our Lord," a clear reference to Jesus. The "Christ" here is not Jesus Christ. It is His Elect.
Please notice: "And the 7th angel sounded and there were great voices in heaven, saying, The kingdoms of this world are become the kingdoms of our lord (Jesus) and His Christ." Rev. 11:15. This same "Christ" or "Christos" is again referred to in Rev. 12:10. "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 Christ or Christos:" Just pause here for a moment and let this sink in. Who is this Christos? Well, what does the word "Christ" or "Christos" mean in the Greek language? It simply means, "anointed," or "chosen." It also means "Messiah." If you don't believe me listen to this: "Christ. (krist). [Gr. Christos, "anointed," equivalent to the Heb. Mashiach, "messiah," "anointed."] SDA Bible Dictionary, pg 192.
So, what does this mean? It simply means that Rev. 11 and 12, which are parallel chapters like Dan 2 and 7, are speaking of this same "Christos" whom Jesus is using in the end time. Rev. 11:3-12 is a clear explanation of the work of this anointed Christos which is referred to in Rev 12:5 as a "Man Child" who is defined and described in Isa. 66:7 as a "nation." Compare Ps 52:8, Jer. 11:16 and Zech. 4:3. Zechariah 4 sheds more light. Listen: "Then said he, These are the two anointed (sons of oil or Holy Spirit) ones, that stand by the Lord of the whole earth." Zech 4:14.
My friend, these are symbols which will become very clear to your mind if you only pray a little and ask Jesus to help you understand it. In the book, "Christ's Object Lessons," in the very last chapter "The Coming of the Bridegroom" EGW defines the two olive trees of Zech. 4:1-14 as "holy ones." "So from the holy ones that stand in God's presence His Spirit is imparted to the human instrumentalities who are consecrated to His service. The mission of the two anointed ones is to communicate to God's people that heavenly grace which alone can make His word a lamp to the feet and a light to the path." COL 408. In Luke 21:36 Jesus invites all to "Watch and pray" at all times or in other words, to be in a prayerful state of mind constantly, so you can "Stand before the Son of Man or arrive in His Presence." This is a clear reference to being translated. And I believe this is what will take place during the first phase of the Second Coming of Jesus when He translates the Barley Company whom He will use as His "Christos."
Remember that Jesus and His Father had declared Job to be "perfect and upright" before all the "sons of God," in Job 1 and 2. So, it is that Jesus is again asking that all He has done and will do be accepted as if we had done it. Amazing! And that is when the Father spoke the well done from heaven. This is at the very beginning of His ministry. Now, let us skip forward in time to the mount of transfiguration in Matt. 17 where we are going to examine His second prayer from the pen of inspiration.
The experience on the mount of transfiguration took place on "an high mountain." Matt. 17:1. Edersheim suggests that it "must have been one of the slopes of gigantic, snowy Hermon." Pg. 92, "The Life and Times of Jesus the Messiah." Jesus led them "far up a rugged path, to a lonely mountainside...Presently Christ tells them that they are now to go no farther. Stepping a little aside from them, the Man of sorrows pours out His supplications with strong crying and tears. He prays for strength to endure the test in behalf of humanity. He must Himself gain a fresh hold on Omnipotence, for only thus can He contemplate the future. And he pours out His heart longings for His disciples, that in the hour of the power of darkness their faith may not fail. The dew is heavy upon His bowed form, but He heeds it not. The shadows of night gather thickly about Him, but He regards not their gloom. So the hours pass slowly by. At first the disciples unite their prayers with His in sincere devotion; but after a time they are overcome with weariness,...and fall asleep (same as in the Garden of Gethsemane). Jesus has told them of His sufferings; He has taken them with Him that they might unite with Him in prayer; even now He is praying for them. The Saviour has seen the gloom of His disciples, and has longed to lighten their grief by an assurance that their faith has not been in vain. Not all, even of the twelve, can receive the revelation He desires to give. Only the three who are to witness His anguish in Gethsemane have been chosen to be with Him on the mount. (Peter, James and John). Now the burden of His prayer is that they may be given a manifestation of the glory He had with the Father before the world was, that His kingdom may be revealed to human eyes, and that His disciples may be strengthened to behold it. He pleads that they may witness a manifestation of His divinity that will comfort them in the hours of His supreme agony with the knowledge that He is of a surety the Son of God and that His shameful death is a part of the plan of redemption." DA 421. So, this is His unselfish prayer for His disciples. I want to make a comment on this quote from EGW. If you read Edersheim's account of the transfiguration you will see that EGW did not copy any of his ideas or thoughts at all. He refers to the snow and that it was the end of the Sabbath neither of which is mentioned in "Desire of Ages."
Now watch what happens as Jesus continues to pray, because this is an example of what is going to happen at the time of translation of the Barley Group or Little Company, the Elect of Matt. 24:24.
"His prayer is heard. While He is bowed in lowliness upon the stony ground, suddenly the heavens open, the golden gates of the city of God are thrown open wide, and holy radiance descends upon the mount, enshrouding the Saviour's form. Divinity from within flashes through humanity, and meets the glory coming from above. Arising from His prostrate position, Christ stands in Godlike majesty. The soul agony is gone. His countenance now shines "as the sun," and His garments are "white as the light." DA 421. Read all of Rev. 11 and the translation of the Two Witnesses.
Because they were so overcome with sleep the disciples missed most of the conversation that took place between Jesus, Moses and Elijah. "Failing to watch and pray, they had not received that which God desired to give them,--a knowledge of the sufferings of Christ, and the glory that should follow. They lost the blessing that might have been theirs through sharing His self-sacrifice...Yet they received great light." DA 425. This vision was proof beyond any doubt that Jesus truly was the long awaited Messiah and that all heaven knew of the sin of the Jewish nation in rejecting Christ and they received a clearer insight into the work of the Redeemer. Now, beloved, isn't it interesting that even though they slept through most of that dialogue they still received "Great Light." And what does that tell us? That we can have "Great Light" and still be unconverted, as the disciples were at this time. Many Christians have a head knowledge but not a heart knowledge. They are religious but not spiritual. It also means that they were not ready for the crisis that lay just ahead of them, even Jesus' coming sufferings in Gethsemane, His trial and death on the cross. For this they were not ready. Why? Because they were not praying with Jesus to stay awake. Are you a Watchman on the walls of Zion? Well, don't go to sleep or you will be in the same position as the disciples on the Mount and in Gethsemane...unready for the crisis. Stay awake!
But what was the real purpose of the visit of these two old testament worthies? "The hope of the world, the salvation of every human being, was the burden of their interview." DA 425. In the Great Commission Jesus promised that He would be with us to the very end of the world as we go forth to teach all nations the wonderful truth of the gospel. Cf. DA 826. How will we be able to do this in the coming days when the NWO has control of the whole world? Matt. 28:19, 20. I want us to think about that for a little bit. And while we are contemplating, I want to share something with you I wrote about in my last paper, almost as an after thought, as I had not realized it until the article was basically finished. It will help us to answer the question I just posed. We just read Jesus' promise to always be with us until the very end. So, we don't have to be afraid. "Fear not," He often said.
The servant of the Lord has told us that God is going to give "Great power" to certain ones who are referred to as "Chosen Ones." They are also called the "Little Company." Early Writings 263-273.
These people are translated and taken to heaven together although they are scattered all over the earth. There is also a resurrection of the dead of all those who died believing in the Third Angels Messages. They all go to heaven together. But this is not the end of the world. Oh, no. There is 3 ? years to go. This is only phase number one of the Barley Harvest. The Wheat follows as you can learn if you read through the little book of Ruth. Beloved, you do not want to be here in a body of flesh during those last 3 ? years. That is when the "Third Woe" will take place, Rev. 11:14.
What I discovered last time at the close of my front page article was that the events described by John in Rev. 6, as taking place under the sixth seal, are listed in chronological order. The sixth seal is opened with 1. A great earthquake. 2. The sun becoming black as sackcloth of hair, and the moon turning to blood, and 3. The stars of heaven falling unto the earth and all the great men of the earth hiding out in the mountains and calling for the rocks and the mountains to fall on them to hide them from the face of Jesus who is sitting on His throne. The last verse says: "For the great day of His wrath is come; and who shall be able to stand?" Rev. 6:17. Now, we have all seen paintings of this scene depicting the coming of Jesus on a cloud. I have seen them since I was a child in many SDA books. And we all believed this coming of Christ was the very end of the world. But what the Lord led me to notice was Rev. 7:1, which is the very next verse after 6:17. Remember that in the original Greek manuscript of the Apocalypse or Revelation there were no chapter divisions. So, notice the next four words John writes after his description of the Second Coming of Jesus. "And after these things." Rev. 7:1. There it is in black and white. After Jesus comes here in Rev. 6 the very next event John sees is the four angels holding back the winds of strife until the 144,000 are sealed.
So, how long will it take to 1. Wake up the Ten Virgins. 2. Select the Wise from the foolish and 3. Teach these 144,000 the message they are going to give to the world? How long will it take to do all of this? In order to answer this question you only need to look at the types. Jesus is a type of the Elect. He died and rose again just like the Two Witnesses will do in Rev. 11. Jesus is the type and the Two Witnesses are the Anti-type. And just as Jesus went to heaven on the morning of His resurrection and then returned in the afternoon of that same day He arose, so the Two Witnesses or Man Child will also be taken to heaven to appear before the Father, just like Jesus did. In Dan. 7:13, 14 we see a scene in which "One like the Son of man came with the clouds of heaven, and came to the Ancient of days, and they brought him near before Him. And there was given him dominion, and glory, and a kingdom, that all people, nations, and languages, should serve him: (see Psalm 2:6-12)."
Now, I would like to show the order of events from Early Writings. On page 269, middle of the page, the heading says, "THE SHAKING." This is about the shaking of the Little Company. I believe this event called the "Shaking" has been going on for many years until the present time. It is also a world wide event regarding the professed people in different countries of the world who do not even know each other. But the Lord sees them as One "Little Company." When Gideon made his call to the Tribes of Israel to come out and help him fight the enemy 32,000 showed up. Little by little this number was reduced because of certain messages and a final test which left Gideon with only 300. So it is with the final message to the world. In the beginning many want to have a part in giving the message. But as time goes along many drop out and are never seen again. On page 270 of "Early Writings," the author tells how she asked the meaning of the shaking. She was shown that "it would be caused by the straight testimony called forth by the counsel of the True Witness to the Laodiceans. This will have its effect upon the heart of the receiver, and will lead him to exalt the standard and pour forth the straight truth. Some will not bear this straight testimony. They will rise up against it, and this is what will cause a shaking among God's people." EW 270.
From this statement I was not able to determine what this "Straight Testimony" actually is which causes the "shaking" i.e. so many people giving up their faith. So, let's continue on. The next paragraph states further that "The solemn testimony upon which the destiny of the church hangs has been lightly esteemed, if not entirely disregarded. This testimony must work deep repentance; all who truly receive it will obey it and be purified." The very next paragraph describes beautiful music coming from a voice. "Soon I heard a voice (notice that it is just one voice even though it is this little Company speaking) like many musical instruments all sounding in perfect strains, sweet and harmonious. It surpassed any music I had ever heard, seeming to be full of mercy, compassion, and elevating joy. It thrilled my whole being." EW 270-271.
Now, what is the source of this "voice" which is making such beautiful music? The angel then draws the author's attention to the Little Company she had seen before who were weeping and praying in agony of spirit. Their guardian angels had been doubled. They were also clothed with an armor from their head to their feet and they were all moving in exact order, like a company of soldiers. Now, let me try and tie this "voice" here with the "voice" in Rev. 14:1-5. This is a description of the 144,000 who have the "Name" or character of the Father written in their foreheads. In vs 2 John hears a voice from heaven, as the voice of many waters, and as the voice of a great thunder as well as the voice of harpers harping with their harps. I believe these harps are symbolic of a beautiful message which no one can learn but the 144,000. But if they have to learn it that means they did not know it and had to learn it. So, who is teaching them? The ones who know it are the Barley group.
Now, in regard to the "Straight Testimony" and what it actually is; I could find only one reference in 8T 297. "The Lord calls for a renewal of the straight testimony borne in years past. He calls for a renewal of spiritual life...By prayer and confession of sin we must clear the King's highway. As we do this, the power of the Spirit will come to us. We need Pentecostal energy. This will come, for the Lord has promised to send His Spirit as the all conquering power." This continues on to page 301 where she unequivocally states that the book of Revelation is for the last days. "To John the Lord opened the subjects that He saw would be needed by His people in the last days. The instruction that He gave is found in the book of Revelation. Those who would be co-workers with our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ will show a deep interest in the truths found in this book. With pen and voice they will strive to make plain the wonderful things that Christ came from heaven to reveal."
Next, please notice this important statement about the arrangement of the messages of the book of Revelation itself. "The solemn messages that have been given in their order in the Revelation are to occupy the first place in the minds of God's people. Nothing else is to be allowed to engross our attention." 8T 302. The next two pages continue on stressing the importance of studying, understanding and sharing the book of Revelation with the church and world. But notice how she stated that these "solemn messages" are "given in their order," obviously referring to the chronological and sequential order of the chapters.
We also need to realize the sequential order of "Early Writings" itself. Starting with 269 on to 273 we read about this "Little Company" which is finally translated along with those who are resurrected from the dead as their wave sheaf, the same as Jesus had when He went to heaven at the 3rd hour in the morning. Now, let us reason together for a moment here. This little company is not the 144,000 for they (144,000) are mentioned later, as we shall see. And just as the resurrected saints appeared to many after they came back from heaven with Jesus, on the first day of the week, so also will these saints in our day also come back the same day. But they will only appear to those who "love His appearing," 2 Tim. 4:8, or in other words, like the Shepherds and Wise men, they were hoping, praying and waiting for His appearing.
So, this is a special translation that takes place at the same time as the "Special Resurrection" of Dan. 12:2. Next we see that from pages 273 on of "Early Writings" the chronological order of events. 1. The Sins of Babylon. 2. The Loud Cry. pg 277. Now, why would the Loud Cry be given if Christ has already returned? What would be the need of it if everything is finished and the world has already ended? Of course, there would be no need at all. But that is not the case.
Instead we read: "I saw angels hurrying to and fro in heaven, descending to the earth, and again ascending to heaven, preparing for the fulfillment of some important event. Then I saw another mighty angel commissioned to descend to the earth, to unite his voice with the third angel, and give power and force to his message." EW 277. The earth is lightened with his glory, Rev. 18:1-4. This message includes the warning that "Babylon has fallen." "The work of this angel comes in at the right time to join in the last great work of the third angel's message as it swells to a loud cry. And the people of God are thus prepared to stand in the hour of temptation, which they are soon to meet. I saw a great light resting on upon them and they united to fearlessly proclaim the third angel's message." EW 277. Please notice the phrase, "The Hour of Temptation." What is that? Jesus explained it to the Church of Philadelphia, the only church which was perfect and therefore did not receive a rebuke from Christ. Notice: "Because you have kept the word of my patience, I also will keep you from the HOUR OF TEMPTATION, which shall come upon all the world, to try them that dwell upon the earth." Rev. 3:10. Luke 21 is a parallel passage which speaks of a "snare" or "trap" that will come upon "all them that dwell on the face of the whole earth. Watch ye therefore, and pray always, that ye may be accounted worthy to escape all these things that shall come to pass, and to stand before the Son of Man." Luke 21:34-36.
Another version says, "To arrive in my Presence." It means to "be in good standing with Christ." So, that is the bottom line here. Do you have a relationship with Jesus? Do you really know Him? Do you really know who He is? Have you accepted His invitation and entered into the Father's Heart? This is what the final message is all about...knowing the truth about God...understanding His true character. That is the theme of the final chapter of the book, "Christ's Object Lessons," page 414, 415 which tells us "The final message to go the world is a revelation of His character of love." Only the Elect will be giving this message.
Now, beloved this is not a different message then the Little Company gave for 3 ? years or 1260 days, Rev 11:3, but an expansion and extension of it. The message is growing. Why? Because now the Virgins are awake, all ten of them. Five are wise and Five are foolish. So, who are these Wise Virgins? There are three Scriptures which give us important clues. First of all, Dan. 12:1 tells us they are the "Children (direct descendants) of thy people (i.e. Israel)." 2. Next is Rev. 7, which names the literal 12 tribes of Israel, except for Dan. There are 12,000 from each tribe making 144,000 in all. 3. And then Rev. 14 tells us these 144,000 are Virgins which correlates with Matt. 25, the parable of the Ten Virgins.
Again let us do a parallel with the types. Jesus is a type of the Barley or the Elect or Christos with His 12 disciples who swell to 120 before the day of Pentecost. The Barley Harvest takes place before the day of Pentecost. In fact, the Barley harvest began taking place the moment Jesus rose from the grave and His disciples realized He was alive. Jesus was the first of the First Fruits, which is Barley.
Paul verifies this. "But every man in his own order: Christ the first fruits; afterward they that are Christ's at His coming." I Cor. 15:23.
Before we go on, let us understand the truth about the First Coming of Christ. It was not a one time event but a series of events over 33 years culminating in His trial, death on the cross and 3 ? days later His resurrection. This is so important to understand. Why? Because, unless we understand the truth about His First Coming we will not be able to understand the manner of His coming in our day.
So, the first phase of His coming culminated on Sunday morning when He rose from the grave and went to heaven to present Himself before His Father's throne to be accepted for the sacrifice He had just made for us. Then He returned or came back to earth again (beginning phase two of His mission) and stayed for 40 days to complete the Wheat Harvest, which is the second stage of the First Coming of Christ. This second stage or "Wheat Harvest," yielded 120 altogether in the upper room. And remember that they were in that upper room, hiding out, for fear of the Jews. John 20:19. Their lives were on the line. A death decree had already been passed and carried out against Jesus. So, anyone claiming to be His follower would also come under the same condemnation.
In fact, we know from the book of Acts alone, that the disciples were constantly being harassed, threatened, arrested and even killed, as in the case of Stephen and James, Acts 7 & 12. In addition to this, Saul of Tarsus was making havoc of the church, Acts 7-9. So, this scenario in the early church is another type for us as it will be repeated in our day during the 40 days of reaping after the Two Witnesses are killed (Testimony stopped by slander for 3 ? days) then raised up and translated. Rev. 11.
This will be a parallel or the anti-type of the death of Jesus. It will be the triggering event to begin the Wheat Harvest. It will also be a time of trial for the Ten Virgins, five of whom will become the 144,000. But it will also serve as Jacob's Time of Trouble. "I saw that the four angels would hold the four winds until Jesus' work was done in the sanctuary, and then will come the seven last plagues. These enraged the wicked against the righteous; they thought that we had brought the judgments of God upon them, and that if they could rid the earth of us, the plagues would then be stayed. A decree went forth to slay the saints, which caused them to cry day and night for deliverance. This was the time of Jacob's trouble. Then all the saints cried out with anguish of spirit, and were delivered by the voice of God. The 144,000 triumphed. Their faces were lighted up with the glory of God." Early Writings pg. 37. On the rest of this page and 38 the author describes those who gave up the Sabbath. They were crying out to God that "We have believed in Thy coming, and taught it with energy." Cf. Matt 7. Then they would look at their garments (character) and see the writing "weighed & found wanting" and they would howl and wail in agony of spirit. These are also the ones who will say, "The harvest is past, the summer is ended and we are not saved." Jere. 8:20.
This will be repeated because we read in Rev. 11 that the Two Witnesses (Barley or Elect) are going to be killed and then they will be raised up and translated to God's throne where they receive their commission and authority to begin the "Wheat harvest." They are the "first of the first fruits" and go to heaven to receive their commission to come back, just as Jesus did on the first day of the week, The 12 disciples join with 108 other believers in the upper room after 40 days making 120. These are a type of the very beginning of the Harvest (Barley). Jesus stayed with the disciples for 40 days helping them to select these extra 108.. Upon ascension Thursday, when He ascended back to heaven, Jesus told them to wait for the promise of the Father. So, they waited there for ten days until the Holy Ghost came on the Day of Pentecost. That is when the Early Rain came. These events are called "Types" which will be repeated in our day only on a much wider scale, even the entire world.
Now, let's talk more about the Wheat Harvest which has to do with the Ten Virgins. Five are wise and five are foolish. But no one knows who are wise and who are foolish yet, because at this point (even as we speak) they all have one thing in common. What is that? THEY ARE ALL ASLEEP. Now, if they are all asleep (not aware) who is going to wake them up by crying out, "Behold, the Bridegroom is coming?"
It would have to be someone who is awake. Throughout history these people have been called the "Watchmen on the Walls of Zion." And it is still the same today. The majority of God's professed people are sleeping as we speak, which means they do not understand the meaning of the events which are transpiring at this time. They will not wake up until the death decree. That is the same thing that happened in Christ's day. Most of Israel was sleeping. They did not know Jesus was the Messiah. Jesus' death on the cross shocked them out of their sleeping stupor. But they still did not become aware of what was going on until the Resurrection. That was the beginning of the 40 days of Wheat Harvest during which time 108 new disciples were chosen. It was also during that 40 day period that Jesus and the risen saints from Old Testament times (possibly even John the Baptist was among them) appeared to many Matt 27:52, 53. This will happen again in our day at the time of the special resurrection. "Great Controversy, pg 637.
Notice: "Servants of God, endowed with power from on high, with their faces lighted up, and shining with holy consecration, went forth to proclaim the message from heaven." EW 279. "The work will be similar to that of the Day of Pentecost. As the 'former rain' was given, in the outpouring of the Holy spirit at the opening of the gospel, to cause the up springing of the precious seed, so the 'latter rain' will be given at its close for the ripening of the harvest...Servants of God, with their faces lighted up and shining with holy consecration, will hasten from place to place to proclaim the message from heaven. By thousands of voices, all over the earth, the warning will be given. Miracles will be wrought, the sick will be healed, and signs and wonders will follow the believers." Great Controversy 612. The reference to their faces being "lighted up" reminds us of the Mt of Transfiguration and Moses. Cf. Matt 13:43.
On page 279 of "Early Writings," the heading is "THE THIRD MESSAGE CLOSED." The Lord has just brought two scriptures to my mind. 1. "And the nations were angry, and thy wrath is come, and the time of the dead, that they should be judged, and that you should give reward to your servants the prophets, (by raising them from the dead) and to the saints (elect or Christos, by translating them), and them that fear your name, small and great; and shouldest destroy (disable or unplug) them which destroy the earth." Rev. 11:18. We know there are three phases of the judgment and this is the first phase, "The Investigative Judgment." 2. "For the time is come that judgment must begin at the house of God." I Pet. 4:17.
Now watch this statement from EW 280. "Every case had been decided for life or death. While Jesus had been ministering in the sanctuary, the judgment had been going on for the righteous dead, (first) and then for the righteous living." The righteous dead are all those who come up in the Special Resurrection. The righteous living are all those who will be translated without seeing death which is the Barley Group or the Elect who are also called the Christos and Wise and Man Child. There are 21 designations for this group. It is during this 50 day period that the Wise Virgins are selected to become the 144,000. Mal 3:16-18. "Christ had received His kingdom, having made the atonement for His people and blotted out their sins. The subjects of the kingdom were made up (in 40 days). The marriage of the Lamb was consummated." (This is the close of probation for the church or those who profess to know God) "In that fearful time, after the close of Jesus' mediation, the saints were living in the sight of a holy God without an intercessor. Every case was decided, every jewel numbered." EW 280. The word "Jewel" here refers to Mal. 3:16-18. The phrase, "Every jewel numbered" indicates the 144,000 is a literal number.
The selection of this group, discerning between the Wise and Foolish virgins, righteous and wicked, will be the work of the Elect. Mal 3:18. Just as Jesus selected 108 additional members, making 120, so the Elect, under the direction of the Holy Spirit will "discern" among the virgins who is Wise and who is foolish. This will take 40 days.
Now, let us look at two more scriptures. 1. "I saw in the night visions, and, behold, one like the Son of man came with the clouds of heaven, and came to the Ancient of days, and they brought him near before him." (Everyone thinks this is Jesus. But it isn't. It is the Elect or Barley or Man Child, etc.) Notice that it does not say "the son of man" but "one like the Son of man." "And they brought him near before Him." This could not be Jesus because Jesus is already in heaven seated on the right hand of the Father. He is already "near" the Father. They are One. Therefore, this is someone else who is being brought "near" before the Ancient of days. But for what purpose?
The next verse tells us: "And there was give him dominion, and glory, and a kingdom, that all people, nations, and languages, should serve him: His dominion is an everlasting dominion, which shall not pass away, and His kingdom that which shall not be destroyed." Dan. 7:13, 14. Compare Psalm 2 where the "Anointed" and "Son" and "King" are all the same group of people. Psalm 2 is a description of the work of the elect after they have been translated, given immortal bodies, received their commission and work and authority to carry it out. Now, let us go to our second text. 2. "And I looked, and behold a white cloud, and upon the cloud one sat like unto the Son of man, having on his head a golden crown, (this is not Jesus for He has many crowns, not just one, Rev. 19:12) and in his hand a sharp sickle. (This is the Elect or Barley reaping/selecting the Wheat). And another angel came out of the temple, crying with a loud voice to him that sat on the cloud, Thrust in thy sickle, and reap: for the time is come for thee to reap; for the harvest of the earth is ripe. And He that sat on the cloud thrust in his sickle on the earth; and the earth was reaped." Rev. 14: 14, 15. This is a description of the work of the Barley or Elect in discerning between the wise and foolish virgins. Notice that the description here is the same as in Dan. 7:13, 14 because it is the same group carrying out their commission. "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 (from the marriage supper of the Lamb) and discern between the righteous and the wicked, between him that serves God and him that serves him not." Malachi 3: 17, 18. May the Lord bless us as we seek to have a part of this final movement to vindicate the character of God before the universe.
THE GIFTS THAT THE ELECT WILL RECEIVE
A few days ago the Lord helped me to discover this text. "Thou hast ascended on high, thou hast led captivity captive: thou hast received gifts for men; yea, for the rebellious also, that the Lord God might dwell among them." Psalm 68:18.
Please notice, beloved, that the purpose and motive of these gifts is so that "The Lord God (Jesus) might dwell among them." Through His righteous servants the Lord will be able to go among the rebellious and bring them all back to the throne of God. This was what Peter was referring to in Acts 3:21 when he spoke of the "Times of Restitution of all things," and the NEB translates this "UNIVERSAL RESTORATION."
We know that God gave the gift of languages to the disciples on the day of Pentecost. If God's Elect Sons are going to go to the whole world, in order to give the final message of His true character of love, it would seem logical that they would need to speak in the languages of the people. Therefore, it is imperative that the gift of speaking in tongues is part of the "gifts" God is going to give His Chosen sons of (Rom. 8:19) when the time comes when He will manifest them before the world, or put them on display, as it were. His precious Jewels or Special Treasure. Mal. 3: 16-18. So, they will need to be able to travel without visas or passports or airplanes, cars, trains or buses or need any kind of money.
Yes, they would need to travel like Jesus did after the resurrection, by mind travel or thought vibration. What is that? That is when a person just thinks of where he wishes to go and he is there in an instant. They can appear and disappear at will. Pass through walls just like Jesus did. Even Philip had at least one experience like that in Acts 8 after he baptized the Eunuch. How many are there in this barley group...this little company? Well, how many does it take to make up a company? The only place in the bible the word company is defined with numbers is in regard to the 250 princes who joined with Korah, Dathan and Abiriam in rebellion against Moses' and Aaron's leadership. Num. 26:9-10. So, we have two precedents in the Scripture to give us an idea of how large a company is...300 and 250. But EGW defines this same group as a "Little Company" who are traveling up the narrow pathway to heaven. So, it would probably be less than 300. At any rate, they are the true watchmen on the walls of Zion who are not asleep and walking in the advancing light of the Third Angels' Messages. They are the ones God chooses to wake up the ten sleeping virgins, five of whom become the 144,000. More on that later. Let's go back now and pick up where we left off with Gideon after he heard the two soldiers talking about the dream and its interpretation which made Gideon a total believer.
It was finally enough evidence to convince Gideon! He didn't ask God for anymore signs. The Bible says that He "Worshiped," and then returned to His 300 soldiers. Worship has many meanings which include "Extreme devotion, reverence, intense love and adoration." Gideon no doubt experienced all of these emotions and more as he realized how perfectly God had prepared everything for Him. Since I have been studying this story and its end time implications for us today I have wondered how many others of those 135,000 soldiers had similar dreams or nightmares about their coming defeat. Of all the stories in the Old Testament this one really fits our present situation. As we continue to pray and study I believe we are going to find more as we need them. The story of Esther is one that particularly comes to mind as it has to do with the coming death decree and EGW specifically tells us that Esther's experience has an end time application. Haman represents the NWO and the King, to whom Esther was married, represents Christ. Haman being hanged in place of Mordecai represents the death of the "Synagogue of Satan," after they bow down before the feet of the Church of Philadelphia, as Rev. 3:9 indicates will happen in this final age.
The rest of Judges 7 and 8 explain in detail how Gideon divided his three hundred men into three companies to surround the enemy on three sides. Their only escape route was up the narrow valley. Remember that Gideon nor any of his men had any kind of carnal, literal weapon in their hands. All they had was a trumpet and a torch which was kept hidden until Gideon blew his trumpet which was the signal for them to do likewise and break the pitchers so their torches became visible to that vast army. Of course, we know that 120,000 of them just began killing each other. Later this happened again in the days of good king Jehosaphat when the Lord impressed the leaders of Israel to send a choir out singing the praises of the Lord and the enemy destroyed themselves. We have already been told this is what will happen again. What we have not known is the sequence of events which will lead up to this. 2 Chron. 20:20.
The blowing of the trumpet and singing signifies speaking out the truth, as we read in Isa. 58:1 "Cry aloud, spare not, lift up thy voice like a trumpet, and show my people their transgression, and the house of Jacob their sins." Read also Hosea 8:1 and every scripture that mentions a trumpet to get the total picture as to the full meaning of the trumpet. In Joel 2:1 and on, the prophet says: "Blow ye the trumpet in Zion (God's professed people), and sound an alarm in my holy mountain: let all the inhabitants of the land tremble: for the day of the Lord cometh, for it is nigh at hand; A day of darkness and of gloominess, a day of darkness...etc." It goes on to describe God's final army as "A great people and a strong" the likes of which has never existed before nor ever will again. This is a description of the Barley Army which God is calling forth and preparing through a sifting and shaking process similar to what He did with Gideon's 32,000 volunteers. When His army is finally formed (how many of these true watchmen on the walls of Zion there will be of this first of the first fruits or wave sheaf we are not told) they will begin sounding the final message. Actually, it has probably already started. EGW said the final message or Third angels' message had already begun with the 1888 message of Righteousness by Faith. The question we each must answer today is this: Am I going to have a part in giving this final message to the world? It is your decision, my friend.
Please know that I am praying for you. Please write today and let me know you are praying for this ministry. I will be looking for your letter. Your friend always in the power of the Lord Jesus to help us do what He asks us to do. Pastor Mike Clute.
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