Tag: close of probation

Categories
Close of Probation Judgment Prophecy

Three Comings of Christ

Three Comings Of Christ And Marriage Of The Lamb
THERE are three separate positions taken in regard to the advent of Christ;

1st, He comes to judge the world (began on Oct 22, 1844- Dan 8:14 sanctuary cleansed);
2nd, He comes as a thief (close of probation Matt 24/ Mark 13);
3rd, He comes to take His people to heaven (2nd Coming in the clouds).

There is truth in each position, for they do not relate to the same event but to three separate events which take place in their order.
1. Coming Of Judgment, Or Going To The Marriage
Hiram Edson’s view of Christ entering into the Most Holy Place Oct 22, 1844 (Daniel 8:14)
Today, Christ is completing his mediatorial work of judgment before the ark (containing law of God by which mankind will be judged) in the Most Holy Place in the heavenly sanctuary which began in 1844 and will close when the signal of Daniel 11:45 is fulfilled; then the plagues will be poured out upon the wicked and the righteous will find refuge under the protection of His wings.
Mal. 3:1-5. Christ will suddenly come to judgment.
Dan. 7:9, 10, 13, 14; Matt. 25:10. Christ went to the marriage when He went to the judgment. G.C. 427.

Rev. 21:9, 10. The New Jerusalem, the bride.

Isa. 62:4. The land is married, becomes the bride.

2 Cor. 11:2; Isa. 54:5; Eph. 5:23. The church is the bride. Christ is married to the city, the land, and the church.

Dan. 7:13, 14. Christ brought before the Father to receive His kingdom. It takes four things to make a kingdom: viz., territory, people, capital, or seat of government, and a king. The giving of the city, people and land to Christ, the King, constitutes the marriage.

Luke 19:12. Christ has gone into a far country to receive a kingdom. T., v. 8, p. 37.

Dan. 7:9, 10. Judgment precedes the marriage, as it must be determined who are the subjects of the kingdom before they are given to Christ. G.C. 428.

Matt. 22:2, 8-14. The judgment is compared to the examination of wedding garments. G.C. 427.

Matt. 25:1-10. All that are ready will have on the wedding garment. C.O.L. 406, 407.

Rev. 19:7, 8. The necessary garment is the white robe of righteousness. Isa. 61:10. The garments are provided; guests have only to accept them. Rev. 3:5. They are given to the overcomers.

2. Coming As A Thief, Or The Marriage

When Islam (Dan 11:45) invades Jerusalem, that is our signal that probation is closing (Dan 12:1)
Today, Christ is completing his mediatorial work of judgment before the ark (containing law of God to which mankind will be judged) in the Most Holy Place in the heavenly sanctuary which began in 1844 and will close (PROBATION CLOSES) when the signal of Daniel 11:45 is fulfilled; THEN the 7 last plagues will be poured out upon the wicked and the righteous will be hid under the protection of His wings.

Matt. 24:42-44. One coming of the Lord is compared to a thief; no one knows when a thief comes until after he has done his work and gone. T., v. 6, p. 129; v. 9, p. 135.

Dan. 7:13, 14; Rev. 22:11, 12. When the judgment closes and Christ receives the kingdom, the decree is given which forever determines the destiny of every soul on earth. But he comes as a thief; none know when they pass the line which forever closes probation. G.C. 491; T., v. 2, pp. 190-193.

Rev. 8:5. Christ then throws down His censer and ceases to be a mediator, or priest. T., v. 2, p. 691.

1 Thess. 5:2. This event is also spoken of as the coming of the day of the Lord.

2 Peter 3:10. During the “day of the Lord,” the judgments of God fall upon the earth.

Rev. 14:10. At that time the unmixed wrath of God is poured out.

Hab. 3:2. Previous to this time mercy is mingled with all the judgments of God. E.W. 281.

Ps. 75:7, 8. The wicked drink the dregs.

Heb. 11:16. Christ has prepared the city.

Dan. 7:13, 14. The city and subjects are all ready when the kingdom is given to Christ, but the land is still occupied by the enemy.
(This is an interesting statement regarding the land. And this is because Satan will still be the occupant of the land for 1000 years until the time when Christ completes the ATONEMENT by finally destroying sin, sinners and Satan once and for all at the end of the 1000 years…. THEN Christ and His saints will inherit the land (heavenly Canan) of which was originally promised to Abraham.) see EW 295 & Mal. 4:1-3

Matthew 24 parable of fig tree w/ SOP quotes
“The great truth of Christ’s second coming is ever to be kept before the church. “Let your loins be girded about,” we are admonished, “and your lights burning; and ye yourselves like unto men that wait for their lord, when he will return from the wedding; that when he cometh and knocketh, they may open unto him immediately. Blessed are those servants, whom the lord when he cometh shall find watching: verily I say unto you, that he shall gird himself, and make them to sit down to meat, and will come forth and serve them. And if he shall come in the second watch, or come in the third watch, and find them so, blessed are those servants…. Be ye therefore ready also: for the Son of man cometh (close of probation) at an hour when ye think not.” {RH November 13, 1913, par. 3}
Because we do not know the exact hour of Christ’s coming, we are commanded to watch. “Blessed are those servants, whom the Lord when he cometh shall find watching.” Those who watch for the Lord’s return do not wait in idle expectancy. They purify their hearts by obedience to the truth. With vigilant watching they unite earnest working. Because they know that the Lord is at the door (of the sanctuary), their zeal is quickened to cooperate with divine intelligences in working for the salvation of souls. These are the faithful and wise servants, who give to the Lord’s household their portion of meat in due season. They are declaring the truth that is now specially applicable. As Enoch, Abraham, and Moses each declared the truth for his time, so will Christ’s servants now give the special warning for their generation. {RH November 13, 1913, par. 4}
Now is the time to prepare for the coming of our Lord. Readiness to meet him cannot be attained in a moment’s time. Preparatory to that solemn scene there must be vigilant waiting and watching, combined with earnest work. So God’s children glorify him. Amid the busy scenes of life their voices will be heard speaking words of encouragement, faith, and hope. All they have and are is consecrated to the Master’s service. {RH November 13, 1913, par. 5}
But like the dwellers in Sodom, those who refuse to serve God will be awakened only when it is too late. As the sun rose for the last time upon the cities of the plain, the people thought to begin another day of godless riot. All were eagerly planning their business or their pleasure, and the messenger of God was derided for his fears and his warnings. Suddenly as a peal of thunder from an unclouded sky fell balls of fire on the doomed capital. {RH November 13, 1913, par. 6}
“So shall also the coming of the Son of man be.” The people will be eating and drinking, planting and building, marrying and giving in marriage, until the wrath of God shall be poured out without mixture of mercy. Men have been taught by their ministers to believe that the coming of Christ is to be spiritual, or is to take place in the distant future, and the message of his soon return has been denounced as fanaticism or heresy. Skepticism and “science falsely so called” have undermined faith in the Bible. The multitudes are striving to forget God, and they eagerly accept fables, that they may pursue the path of self-indulgence undisturbed. The people are hurrying to and fro, the lovers of pleasure intent upon amusement, the money-makers seeking wealth; and all are saying, Where is the promise of his coming? {RH November 13, 1913, par. 7}
The Jews misinterpreted and misapplied the Word of God, and they knew not the time of their visitation. The years of the ministry of Christ and his apostles—the precious last years of grace to the chosen people—they spent in plotting the destruction of the Lord’s messengers. Earthly ambitions absorbed them, and the offer of the spiritual kingdom came to them in vain. So today the kingdom of this world absorbs men’s thoughts, and there are few who take heed to the rapidly fulfilling prophecies, and the tokens of the swift-coming kingdom of God.” {RH November 13, 1913, par. 8}

“If left to the care of those who, while professing allegiance to God, know not the time of their visitation (close of probation- Matt 24/ Mark 13/ Islam on the scene), the light of the candle (see Rev18:23), or church, will go out in darkness. He who is a true watchman in this time of peril will work with tireless vigilance. He will keep faithfully the courts of the Lord’s house.”
{23LtMs, Lt 4, 1908, par. 10}

3. Christ Coming For His People, Or Coming From The Wedding

2nd Coming of Christ for His bride (church).
We will sit down with Jesus at the heavenly banquet.

Luke 19:15. After having received the kingdom Christ returns to the earth. E.W. 251, 280.

Luke 12:35-37. This is also called returning from the wedding.

Matt. 13:38-41. Having received the kingdom, He comes to set it in order, and remove all trace of sin. E.W. 55.

Rev. 19:16. Christ comes in kingly robes.

Rev. 20:1-9. It takes over 1000 years to destroy the last race of sin from the earth.

Rev. 20:4. During this time the saints are with Christ.

1 Thess. 4:16. When Christ comes for His people, He remains in the clouds. E.W. 286, 287.

Zech. 14:4. At the end of 1000 years His feet will touch on the Mount of Olives, and the work of purifying the earth begins. E.W. 291.

Rev. 21:9, 10. The city descends.

Rev. 20:9. Fire from God devours the wicked. E.W. 294.

2 Peter 3:7-13. The same fire purifies the earth.

2 Peter 3:5-7. As the earth was once cleansed from sin by water, so it will again be cleansed by fire.

Nahum 1:9. Sin arose again after the flood; but after the fires have done their work, it will never rise up again a second time.

Isa. 33:14, 15; Gen. 8:1. As Noah rode in safety on the waters of the flood, so the righteous in the city of God will dwell safely in the midst of the fire. G.C. 673.

Isa. 35:1-10. Earth purified,–clad in wedding garments. Rev. 19:9. Then will come the marriage supper. E.W. 19. Luke 12:37. Christ Himself will serve.

(study texts/ references extracted from S. N. Haskell’s 1919 Bible Handbook, “Three Comings of Christ and the Marriage of the Lamb” p. 21-24)



Categories
Sunday Law

Time is Running Out! Sunday Law

As the approach of the Roman armies was a sign to the disciples of the impending destruction of Jerusalem, so may this apostasy (“the decree enforcing the institution of the papacy” – false Sunday in place of true seventh-day Sabbath) be a SIGN to us that the limit of God’s forbearance is reached, that the measure of our nation’s iniquity is full, and that the angel of mercy is about to take her flight (close of probation/ 7 last plagues begin- Islam invades Jerusalem), never to return. 
5T 451.2

SUNDAY LAW WAS ALREADY PASSED IN 1892

Many Adventists teach that a SUNDAY LAW is coming… but there is a subtle deception here. SUNDAY will again be an important subject matter since it goes against the Lord’s true seventh-day Sabbath, but all that remains is the enforcement of the SUNDAY LAW– which law has been on the books since 1892! The Sunday Law was passed back in 1892 under President Harrison.

If we rely on a Sunday Law to be passed in the future — to prepare for the end — it will be too late as it was for the Jews who did not believe/ know the Scriptures and/or procrastinated.
Those who did not make the necessary preparation of leaving the city when they saw the SIGN — of being surrounded the first time by the armies of Titus in 70 A.D.,– realized it was too late when the army surrounded the city a SECOND time.
The SIGN has already been given to us in 1892. There will be no second SIGN (in relation to Sunday Law) for preparation. (Side Note: We do have one LAST SIGN that the end is near in Daniel 11:45- when Islam invades Jerusalem, then probation closes)
When Jerusalem was surrounded the SECOND time by the armies of Titus, THEN SUDDEN destruction came upon the doomed City. Those who prepared in advance by following the counsel as written in the Scriptures were prepared, so when when the SIGN was given, they immediately LEFT THE CITY and escaped the terrible destruction.
This lesson still applies for us today. We should have been preparing (following the commands of Christ: i.e. move out of cities, preach gospel truth, warn folks, obey the truth etc.) since 1892 when the SIGN was given! The next move will be SUDDEN DESTRUCTION (in connection with Islam) as we are told in Matthew 24 and Mark 13. If we have not followed the warnings given, esp. since 1892, to get out of the cities, we will lose our life in the coming destruction.

“It is in a crisis that character is revealed. When the earnest voice proclaimed at midnight, “Behold, the bridegroom cometh; go ye out to meet him,” and the sleeping virgins were roused from their slumbers, it was seen who had made preparation for the event. Both parties were taken unawares; but one was prepared for the emergency, and the other was found without preparation. So now, a sudden and unlooked-for calamity, something that brings the soul face to face with death, will show whether there is any real faith in the promises of God. It will show whether the soul is sustained by grace. The great final test comes at the close of human probation, when it will be too late for the soul’s need to be supplied“. {COL 412.1} 

“The test upon this question does not come until Sunday observance is ENFORCED by law, and the world is enlightened concerning the obligation of the true Sabbath. Not until the issue is thus plainly set before the people, and they are brought to choose between the commandments of God and the commandments of men, will those who continue in transgression receive the mark of the beast. {4SP 281.2}

‘God has most graciously granted us a probation in which to prepare for the test which will be brought upon us.” {SpTEd 157.1}

“Ye shall keep the Sabbath therefore; for it is holy unto you.” It is set apart as My institution, to be devoted to religious service. “Everyone that defileth it shall surely be put to death.” [Verse 14.] Were the death penalty now carried out, it would deter man from wilful transgression. But “because sentence against an evil work is not executed speedily, the hearts of the sons of men are fully set in them to do evil.” [Ecclesiastes 8:11.] The Lord bears long with His rebellious human family. He gives all an opportunity to learn the truth from His Word. He has given them a probation, during which they are tested and tried. The death penalty is deferred because Christ our Saviour died in man’s behalf, giving sinful human beings another opportunity to return to their loyalty. Those who will not obey the word of God, but rank themselves with transgressors, those who bear the sign of disobedience, doing their own work on the Lord’s holy day, must at last bear the death penalty.” {15LtMs, Lt 80, 1900, par. 6}

“The test will surely come. Thirty-six years ago (1846) I was shown that what is now (penned in 1882) transpiring would take place, that the observance of an institution of the papacy would be enforced upon the people by a Sunday law, while the sanctified rest day of Jehovah would be trampled underfoot.” {5T 137.1} (volume 5 published in 1889)

Please note the truth about SUNDAY LAW that we should be telling the people:

We cannot tell the people any more that the United States government is going to put away the Sabbath of the Lord from the fourth commandment and put Sunday in its place. No man can do that and speak truly. Everyone that speaks the truth on that has to say that has been done and point the people simply to the official record in the proceedings of the government that shows it and there it stands. Therefore, as this is truly so, this text applies as never before, “Now is our salvation nearer than when we believed.”  
{February 13, 1895 ATJ, GCB 116.9} (Italicized in original)

WHEN DID SUNDAY ENFORCEMENT BECOME A LAW?
please see this page for more detailed documention regarding when the sunday law was passed in 1892

By the events now transpiring between the civil authorities and the world religions, we know that the ENFORCEMENT of SUNDAY is not too far in the distance

more about the mark of the beast

The prophecy (Matt 24:15, 16). which he uttered was twofold in its meaning: while foreshadowing the destruction of Jerusalem, it prefigured also the terrors of the last great day…. The Saviour’s prophecy concerning the visitation of judgments upon Jerusalem is to have another fulfillment, of which that terrible scene was but a faint shadow. 

4SP 26, 27, 37

KNOWING OUR PAST HISTORY HELPS US TO UNDERSTAND THE PRESENT

How can we truly prepare our minds and hearts for the coming crisis?

I saw that the message, “Sell that ye have, and give alms,” has not been given, by some, in its clear light, and the object of the words of our Saviour has not been clearly presented. The object of selling is not to give to those who are able to labor and support themselves, but to spread the truth.
{EW 57.2}

What does the Lord mean when He says, “Sell that ye have, and give alms.” Luke 12:33? The following chapter, “Friends by the Mammon of Unrighteousness,” gives wise counsel to help us prepare in advance for the time of trouble that is coming:

Friends by the mammon of unrighteousness
Categories
Close of Probation Prophecy Truth verses Error

Most Fatal Last Deception to Come Upon God’s People

“Would it not be well for us to go under the fig-tree to plead with God as to what is truth?”
{RH Feb., 18, 1890.21}

“Jesus saw Nathanael coming to him and saith of him, Behold an Israelite indeed, in whom is no guile! Nathanael saith unto him, Whence knowest thou me? Jesus answered and said unto him, Before that Philip called thee, when thou wast under the fig-tree, I saw thee.”
{RH January 21, 1873, par. 11}

“And Judah and Israel dwelt safely, every man under his vine and under his fig-tree, from Dan even to Beersheba, all the days of Solomon.”
{RH August 17, 1905, par. 5}

“A similar work will be accomplished when that other angel, represented in [Rev 18:1], gives his message. The first, second, and third angels’ messages will be repeated (of Rev 14). The call will be given to the church, “Come out of her, my people, that ye be not partakers of her sins, and that ye receive not of her plagues.” [Rev 18: 4.]  [Rev 18: 2-5 quoted]. Take each verse of this chapter, and read it carefully, especially the last two: “And the light of [a] candle (Adventists) shall shine no more in thee… [Rev 18:23 & 24 quoted]. The parable of the ten virgins (SDA’s) was given by Christ Himself, and every specification should be carefully studied. A time will come when the door will be shut (probation will close- Matt 24/ Mark 13). We (SDA’s) are represented either by the wise orthe foolish virgins.We(SDA’s) cannot now distinguish, nor have we authority to say who are wise and who foolish. There are those who hold the truth in unrighteousness, and these appear just like the wise.”
{Ms92a-1898.11-14} (italicized parenthesis added)
“If left to the care of those who, while professing allegiance to God, know not the time of their visitation (close of probation- Matt 24/ Mark 13/ Islam on the scene), the light of the candle (see Rev18:23), or church, will go out in darkness. He who is a true watchman in this time of peril will work with tireless vigilance. He will keep faithfully the courts of the Lord’s house.”
{23LtMs, Lt 4, 1908, par. 10} (italicized parenthesis added)
Fig Tree_Most Fatal Last Deception

The Barren Fig-Tree

The treatment of the barren fig-tree by the Saviour of the world, shows how all pretenders to godliness will be treated. He pronounced upon it his withering curse, and left it seared and sapless, rejected by God. This tree represents the Jews, who refused to respond to the love of Christ. Despite all the privileges and opportunities granted them, they brought forth only briers and thorns,—no fruit to the glory of God. This blighted tree was a parable to the house of Israel,—a most impressive lesson. It is also a lesson to the professed followers of Christ in every age. Reaching through all time, it speaks in unmistakable language to all formalists and boasters of godliness who stand forth to the world with high profession, but are utterly devoid of that vital piety which alone God recognizes as fruit.
There is a decided lack of piety among us as a people. The true burden of the work for the salvation of souls does not rest upon us as it should. Like the barren fig-tree, many flaunt their foliage-covered branches before the Lord, proudly claiming to be his commandment-keeping people, while the heart-searching God finds them destitute of fruit.
We boast of our advancement in the truth; but our works do not correspond with our profession. We are sadly deficient in spirit, energy, and life. Leaf-covered trees are plenty, but they are destitute of fruit. The fearful condition of lukewarmness and unfaithfulness which would exist in the last days was described by the great apostle in these words:
“This know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come; for men shall be lovers of their own selves, covetous, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, without natural affection, truce-breakers, false accusers, incontinent, fierce, despisers of those that are good, traitors, heady, high-minded, lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God; having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof; from such turn away.”
We learn from the Sacred Record that this tree, upon which hung not a redeeming cluster of fruit, was clothed with green foliage. Notice the words. “Having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof.” The doom of the fruitless fig-tree has an application to individual professors who manifest the natural tendencies of the unrenewed heart, and contradict their faith by their daily life. They do not represent to the world the character of Christ, because they have not Christ in them.
Our Saviour never turned away from the truly penitent, no matter how great their guilt. But he hates all hypocrisy and vain display. He addressed with the most severe and unqualified reproof the Pharisees and hypocrites represented by the fig-tree covered with green foliage, but destitute of fruit.
Fruitless professors, sad indeed is your fate; for the open sinner stands in a more favorable position in the sight of God. The blight of God’s curse is upon that class who hide the deformity of their lives under a profession of godliness. John, that bold, undaunted reprover of sin, who came to prepare the way for Christ’s first advent, thus addressed the multitude that flocked to hear him: “Therefore every tree which bringeth not forth good fruit is hewn down, and cast into the fire” Terrible words! And as we see the many who profess to be God’s commandment-keeping people, whose lives show that they do not the will of our Father which is in Heaven, we can come to only one conclusion,—that in the doom of the fig-tree which bore no fruit, and upon which fell the withering curse of God, they may read their own fate.
The compassion and tender love of Jesus for those for whom he died, is without parallel. But when his love and mercy are insulted, when his life and example are misrepresented by those professing to be his followers, severe retribution will surely follow. Christ has bought man with an infinite price. Soul, body, and spirit,—all that constitutes the man,—is the rightful property of our Saviour; and when he sees the body, the temple of the soul, defiled and degraded by indulgence of appetite and lustful passion, and the heart polluted and defiled by sin,—when he sees the soul which was the purchase of his blood, proving a curse rather than a blessing to the world, he dooms it as he did the fig-tree, and it becomes a fearful monument of his righteousness and avenging wrath.
Jesus is wounded and insulted by his professed followers whose unconsecrated lives disgrace their profession. He would purify the temple courts of the soul; but if his efforts to warn and reprove are not heeded, his forbearance and compassion will be changed to severity and judgment. {RH January 11, 1881}

John Bell letter
Matthew 24 w/ sop Quotes
“it is not for you to know the times or seasons”

Please visit our mark 13 menu/ page for more studies on this subject