Time Excitement

Several principals have been explained to us in the inspired Writings. We should study
and seek to understand the implications and ramifications of coming events. We
should try to understand their causes, effects, and relationships. It is also very helpful
to grasp the order of these events—which ones come first, which come later, and
which are simultaneous.
Yet, in all of our studies, we will not be able to know the dates of coming events or the
amount of time between them. Nor should we try to obtain this information. Our
heavenly Father has wisely withheld it from us; and we should not try to search out
that which He does not want us to study into. This would include time spans and dates.
It matters not whether we call it “prophetic time,” “literal time,” or “actual time.” An
attempt to foretell future time dates, seasons, or time spans is an effort in futility.
Someone may reply, “Oh, no, my time-setting calculations are not prophetic time; that is yearfor-
a-day time—and that ended in 1844. My ideas are literal day-for-a day time prophecies; so
they are not “prophetic time.”Therefore I can tell you that the National Sunday Law will be
enacted next year and the close of probation will follow so many months later.
—But it is all predicted time; and that makes it prophetic time.
Another will say, “Well, it is not an exact date; only a year that we are predicting. It is all
right for us to do this; so it is not really “definite time setting.”
—But that suggested calculation is for a definite year or a definite time span between
events; therefore it is “definite time.” And we have been warned against setting definite time
after 1844.
Time setting involves either setting dates or time spans between events.
(1) A “date” is an actual time when an event will take place. It may be an hour, day,
month, or season of the year. (“The loud cry will begin on October 22 of this year,” etc.)
It may only be a year date. (“The latter rain will take place in 1994,” etc.)
(2) A “time span” is the length of time between events. (“Because the National Sunday
Law will begin in January of 1984, we can know that the latter rain will begin in March
and probation will close in the spring of the next year,” etc.) We can and should be
acquainted with the order in which events occur together or follow one another; but we
cannot know how much time will elapse between these events.
God has not told us these things; and we are not to seek to delve into that which He has not
revealed to us.
It is significant that we will not know when certain events occur—even after they happen. For
example, no one will know the date when probation will close even after it has occurred.
(Compare Great Controversy, 613:2 with 615:1). Therefore it would be incorrect for someone
to say (as one writer does): “Probation closed for the world (or for part of it) in 1967.”
Most of the inspired statements in regard to time prophecies and time setting after
1844 are quoted below. You will want to carefully consider them. Obedience to God’s
revealed will in these matters is far more important than the excitement which comes
from imagining that a new date setting has been worked out.
TIME SETTING: ONE OF THE FIRST ERRORS TO COME IN AFTER 1844
“The majority of Adventists rejected the truths concerning the sanctuary and the law of God;
and many also renounced their faith in the advent movement and adopted unsound and
conflicting views of the prophecies which applied to that work. Some were led into the error of
repeatedly fixing upon a definite time for the coming of Christ. The light which was shining on
the subject of the sanctuary should have shown them that no prophetic period extends to the
second advent; and that the exact time of the advent is not foretold. But, turning from the light,
they continued to set time after time for the Lord to come; and often they were disappointed.
“When the Thessalonian church received erroneous views concerning the coming of Christ,
the apostle Paul counseled them to test their hopes and anticipations carefully by the Word of
God. He cited them to prophecies revealing the events to take place before Christ should
come; and He showed that they had no ground to expect Him in their day. ‘Let no man
deceive you by any means’ (2 Thessalonians 2:3) are his words of warning. Should they
ALL KINDS OF TIME
From 1844 to the second advent of Christ, no time setting—of any kind—is to be
applied to any future event which God has told us about in His Word: DEFINITE
TIME—We cannot correctly determine definite time for any future event (Great
Controversy, 456- 457; 7 Bible Commentary, 971; Life Sketches, 88-89; 4
Testimonies, 306-308; Evangelism, 221).
SPECIFIC TIME—We cannot know the specific time of any future event
(Fundamentals of Christian Education, 335).
EXACT TIME—We cannot know the exact time of any future event (Manuscript 78,
1903).
DAY OR HOUR—We cannot know the day or hour of any future event (Desire of
Ages, 632-633; 6 Testimonies, 440).
DATE—We cannot know the date of any future event (2 Selected Messages, 84;
Life Sketches, 88-89).
SEASON—We cannot know the season of any future event (Testimonies to
Ministers, 54-55; 1 Selected Messages, 185-186; Acts 1:7; 1 Selected Messages,
188 [this fall]).
APPROXIMATE YEAR—We cannot know the approximate year of any future
event (2 Selected Messages, 113-114).
EXACT YEAR—We cannot know the exact year of any future event (1 Selected
Messages, 188-189; 1 Testimonies, 409).
indulge expectations that were not sanctioned by the Scriptures, they would be led to a
mistaken course of action. Disappointment would expose them to the derision of unbelievers;
and they would be in danger of yielding to discouragement and be tempted to doubt the truths
essential for their salvation. The apostle’s admonition to the Thessalonians contains an
important lesson for those who live in the last days. Many Adventists have felt that unless they
could fix their faith upon a definite time for the Lord’s coming, they could not be zealous and
diligent in the work of preparation. But as their hopes are again and again excited, only to be
destroyed, their faith receives such a shock that it becomes will-night impossible for them to
be impressed by the great truths of prophecy. “The preaching of a definite time for the
judgment [in 1844], in the giving of the first message, was ordered of God. The computation
of the prophetic periods on which that message was based, placing the close of the 2300
days in the autumn of 1844, stands without impeachment. The repeated efforts to find new
dates for the beginning and close of the prophetic periods, and the unsound reasoning
necessary to sustain these positions, not only lead minds away from the present truth but
throw contempt upon all efforts to explain the prophecies. The more frequently a definite time
is set for the second advent and the more widely it is taught, the better it suits the purposes of
Satan. After the time has passed, he excites ridicule and contempt of its advocates; and thus
he casts reproach upon the great advent movement of 1843 and 1844. Those who persist in
this error will at last fix upon a date too far in the future for the coming of Christ. Thus they will
be led to rest in a false security, and many will not be undeceived until it is too late.”—Great
Controversy, 456-457.
THE TIMING OF COMING EVENTS
According to the following, we are not to try to set time for any future event that is
promised of God to occur before the millennium begins:
TIME SETTING—There will be no tracing of definite time after 1844 (7 Bible
Commentary, 971); for time setting is not a test after 1844 (Early Writings, 75; 2 Selected
Messages, 73; 1 Testimonies, 409).
THE INVESTIGATIVE JUDGMENT—None know how soon it will pass to the cases of
the living (Great Controversy, 490; 5 Testimonies, 692); for no man knows how near we
are to the close of it (Great Controversy, 428- 491).
THE LATTER RAIN AND LOUD CRY—The loud cry and the latter rain are very closely
related (Early Writings, 271); for the latter rain empowers God’s people in the loud cry
(Early Writings, 86; Great Controversy, 611-612). But it is wrong to predict the date for
the latter rain (1 Selected Messages, 188) because we should not time set the
outpouring of the Holy Spirit (Evangelism, 221). No light has been given us regarding a
definite time for this event (7 Bible Commentary, 984).
THE THIRD ANGEL’S MESSAGE—We are warned against time setting in our sharing of
this truth (Early Writings, 75). This message does not need time setting in order to
strengthen it (Early Writings, 75). It must never be hung on time (1 Selected Messages,
188). God has never revealed a definite time for the close of the last message (7 Bible
Commentary, 989-990; 1 Selected Messages, 191); for indeed, there are no more
messages of any kind that are based on time (6 Bible Commentary, 1052; 7 Bible
Commentary, 971; 1 Selected Messages, 188) and no man has a true message of
definite time (2 Selected Messages, 113).
THE CLOSE OF PROBATION—God has not revealed definite time for the close of
probation (7 Bible Commentary, 989-990; 1 Selected Messages, 191); and we have
been warned against time setting in regard to this event (7 Bible Commentary, 989-990;
2 Selected Messages, 73).
THE SECOND COMING—No man has a true message of time setting in regard to the
second advent (2 Selected Messages, 113); and to try to predict this is to please Satan
(Great Controversy, 457). We have been warned against doing this (Desire of Ages,
632-633; Fundamentals of Christian Education, 335; Great Controversy, 456-457; 1
Testimonies, 409; Testimonies to Ministers, 55, 60-61); and we should beware of doing it
(Testimonies to Ministers 55, 60-61; 1 Selected Messages, 75-76). Those who do it only
weaken the faith of God’s people (Early Writings, 22; 1 Testimonies, 72-73).
ANY FUTURE EVENT—No man is able to predict any future event (Evangelism, 221);
for no one can know definite time (6 Bible Commentary, 1052; Evangelism, 221; 1
Selected Messages, 188; 6 Testimonies, 440).
ANY OTHER PROMISE THAT GOD HAS GIVEN— We should be aware of time setting
in regard to any promise that God has made (Testimonies to Ministers, 55). So then,
consider this: The people of God have been promised many events that shall take place
before the second advent.
(1) Should we try to figure out when these events will take place? No, we should not try
to do this (Testimonies to Ministers, 55).
(2) Should we dream up new events that God has never told us of and time set in regard
to them? Obviously, we should not do this.
THERE SHALL BE NO MORE TIME PROPHECIES AFTER 1844
The meaning of Revelation 10:5-6 is explained in Manuscript 59, 1900, and quoted in 7 Bible
Commentary, 971. “And the Angel which I saw stand upon the sea and upon the earth lifted
up His hand to heaven, and sware by Him that liveth forever and ever . . that there should be
time no longer.”—Revelation 10:5-6.
In Manuscript 59, 1900 (quoted below), we are told a few things:
(1) Jesus was the angel of Revelation 10:1-3, 5-6.
(2) One sentence spoken by the Angel (“There should be time no longer”) is a specific
prediction that, after 1844, there would be no more messages, based on time, given by
Heaven to God’s people.
(3) No other time prophecy [including the 1335-year prophecy] could reach beyond 1844.
Here is part of the passage. You will want to read the entire section for yourself in 7 Bible
Commentary, 971. “The mighty Angel who instructed John was no less a personage than
Jesus Christ . . The mighty Angel demands attention. He cries with a loud voice . . This time
[given in Revelation 10:6] which the Angel declares with a solemn oath, is not the end of this
world’s history, neither of probationary time, but of prophetic time, which should precede the
advent of our Lord. That is, the people will not have another message upon definite time. After
this period of time, reaching from 1842 to 1844, there can be no definite tracing of th
prophetic time. The longest reckoning reaches to the autumn of 1844.”—7 Bible Commentary,
971 (Manuscript 59, 1900).
NOT GIVEN THIS KNOWLEDGE BECAUSE WE WOULD NOT USE IT PROPERLY
“The times and seasons God has put in His own power. And why has not God given us this
knowledge? Because we would not make a right use of it if He did. A condition of things would
result from this knowledge among our people that would greatly retard the work of God in
preparing a people to stand in the great day that is to come. We are not to be engrossed with
speculations in regard to the times and the seasons which God has not revealed. Jesus told
His disciples to watch, but not for definite time.”—Evangelism, 221.
BACK IN THEARLY YEARS OF THE WORK
“The nominal Adventists charged me with fanaticism, and I was falsely represented as the
leader of the fanaticism which I was laboring constantly to arrest. “Different times were set [by
others] for the Lord to come and were urged upon the brethren. But the Lord showed me that
they would pass by, for the time of trouble must take place before the coming of Christ; and
that every time a date was set and passed, it would weaken the faith of God’s people. For this
I was charged with being the evil servant that said, ‘My Lord delayeth His coming.’ Matthew
24:48. “All these things weighed heavily upon my spirits; and, in the confusion, I was
sometimes tempted to doubt my own experience.”—Life Sketches, 88-89 (Early Writings, 22).
FROM PAST TO FUTURE
NO NEW TIME PROPHECIES FROM GOD THROUGH MEN AFTER 1844—
Prior to October 23, 1844, there were day-day prophecies (Genesis 7:4), yearyear
prophecies (Genesis 6:3; 15:13; 40:12-20; 41:28-54; 1 Kings 17:1 [Luke
4:25]; Jeremiah 25:11), and year-day prophecies (Numbers 14:34; Daniel 7:25;
8:14; 9:24-27). These included predictions of day, month, and/or year date
predictions, including predictions of time spans between events. But, in
contrast, no time prophecies extend beyond 1844 (Great Controversy, 456-
457; 7 Bible Commentary, 971; Early Writings, 75; 1 Testimonies, 72-73, 409; 2
Selected Messages 73).
TIME PROPHECIES FROM 1844 TO THE VOICE OF GOD—Only God can
give us correct time prophecies (date predictions and predicted time spans).
Between October 22, 1884, and the sounding of the Voice of God from
heaven, there will be none (see quotations and references elsewhere in this
study). “None” would include all the types of time settings given by Heaven
prior to 1844 (day-day prophecies, year-day prophecies, predictions of days,
months, years or time spans from one event to another).
THE NEXT TIME PROPHECY WILL BE GIVEN BY THE VOICE OF GOD
SOUNDING FROM HEAVEN—The first inspired and correct time prophecy
after 1844 will occur when the Voice of God delivers His people (Great
Controversy, 635-664). That Voice will declare the day and hour of Christ’s
return (Great Controversy, 640). THE PROPHECY OF THE MILLENNIUM The
predicted 1,000-year millennium will begin when Christ returns for His people,
the wicked are slain, and Satan is bound to this world (Great Controversy, 653-
661).
THE FINAL TIME PROPHECY—If it can be called that, the final time prophecy
is that, after sin and sinners are forever destroyed, the redeemed will dwell in
peace and safety forever and ever; and sin will never arise again (Great
Controversy, 503-504, 673-678).
A FALSE EXCITEMENT FROM TIME PROPHECIES AFTER 1844
“Time has not been a test since 1844, and it will never again be a test. The Lord has shown
me that the message of the third angel must go and be proclaimed to the scattered children of
the Lord, but it must not be hung on time. I saw that some were getting a false excitement,
arising from preaching time; but the third angel’s message is stronger than time can be. I saw
that this message can stand on its own foundation and needs not time to strengthen it; and
that it will go in mighty power, and do its work, and will be cut short in righteousness.”—Early
Writings, 75.
NO MORE TIME DATING AFTER 1844
“These statements relative to [the error of] time setting were printed about thirty years ago,
and the books containing them have been circulated everywhere; yet some ministers,
claiming to be well-acquainted with me, state that I have set time after time for the Lord to
come, and those times have passed; therefore my visions are false. No doubt these false
statements are received by many as truth; but none who are acquainted with me or with my
labors can, in candor, make such report. This is the testimony I have ever borne since the
passing of the time in 1844: ‘Time after time will be set by different ones, and will pass by; and
the influence of this time setting will tend to destroy the faith of God’s people.’ If I had in vision
seen definite time [after 1844], and had borne my testimony to it, I could not have written and
published, in the face of this testimony, that all times that should be set would pass . . And I
had no vision until 1845, which was after the passing of the time of general expectation in
1844. I was then shown what I have here stated. “And has not this testimony been fulfilled in
every particular? The First-day Adventists have set time after time; and, notwithstanding the
repeated failure, they have gathered courage to set new times. God has not led them in this.
Many of them have rejected the true prophetic time [of Daniel 8:14] and ignored the fulfillment
of prophecy, because the time passed in 1844 and did not bring the expected event. They
rejected the truth, and the enemy has had power to bring strong delusions upon them that
they should believe a lie. The great test on time was in 1843 and 1844; and all who have set
time since then have been deceiving themselves and deceiving others.” — 1 Testimonies, 72-
73.
EFFECTS OF THE 1854 TIME-SETTING MOVEMENT
“I saw that God tested His people upon time in 1844, but that no time which has since been
set has borne the special marks of His hand. He has not tested His people upon any
particular time since 1844. We have been, and still are, in the patient waiting time.
Considerable excitement was created by the 1854 time [date], and many have settle it that
that movement was in the order of God because it was quite extensive and some were
apparently converted by it. But such conclusions are not necessary. There was much
preached in connection with the time in 1854 that was reasonable and right. Some who were
honest took truth and error together, and sacrificed much of what they possessed to carry out
the error. And after their disappointment . . Some who endured the disappointment have seen
the evidences of present truth, and have embraced the third angel’s message, and are
striving to carry it out in their lives. But where there is one who has been benefited . . there
are ten who have been injured by it. Many of these are placed where they will not be
convinced of the truth, though it be presented before them ever so clearly.” —1 Testimonies,
409.
THE CLOSE OF PROBATION IN OCTOBER 1884
“I plainly stated at the Jackson camp meeting to these fanatical parties that they were doing
THE EXCITEMENT OF TIME SETTING
It is always dangerous to create an excitement on the basis of man-made
suppositions. Each of the following statements is quoted more fully elsewhere in
this present study. “I saw that some were getting a false EXCITEMENT, arising
from the preaching of time; but the third angel’s message is stronger than time
can be.”—Early Writings, 75.
“No time which has since [1844] been set has borne the special marks of His
hand . . Considerable EXCITEMENT was created by the 1854 time [setting].”—1
Testimonies, 409.
“Those who think they must preach definite time in order to make an impression
upon the people do not work from the right standpoint . . An EXCITEMENT is
created; but, when the time passes . . those who moved out upon time fall back
into coldness, darkness, and sin, and it is almost impossible to arouse their
consciences without some great EXCITEMENT.”—4 Testimonies, 308.
“The disciples were anxious to know the exact time . . ‘It is not for you to know the
times or the seasons, which the Father hath put in His own power. But ye shall
receive power, after that the holy Ghost is come upon you . . And ye shall be
witnesses unto Me’ . . This is the work in which we also are to be engaged.
Instead of living in expectation of some special season of EXCITEMENT.”—1
Selected Messages, 185-186.
the work of the adversary of souls; they were in darkness. They claimed to have great light
that probation would close in October 1884. “I there stated in public that the Lord had been
pleased to show me that there would be no definite time in the message given of God since
1844; and that I knew that this message, which four or five were engaged in advocating with
great zeal, was heresy. The visions of this poor child were not of God. This light came not
from heaven.”— 2 Selected Messages, 73.
THE 1894 TIME DATE
“Those to whom he presented his views listened to him eagerly, and some thought him
inspired. He had a chart made, and reasoned from the Scriptures to show that the Lord would
come at a certain date, in 1894, I think. To many his reasoning seemed without a flaw. They
told of his powerful exhortations in his sickroom. Most wonderful views passed before him.
But what was the source of his inspiration? It was the morphine given to relieve his pain . .
The wonderful light, which presented such a show of truth was the result of a misapplication
of Scripture. The Lord’s work would not close [and probation end] in 1894. The word of the
Lord to me was, ‘This is not truth, but will lead into strange paths; and some will become
confused over this representation, and will give up the faith.” —2 Selected Messages, 113.
THEORIES NEW AND STARTLING
“From the beginning of our work, men have arisen from time to time, advocating theories that
were new and startling. But if those who claim to believe the truth would go to those who have
had experience, would go to the Word of God in a teachable, humble spirit, and examine their
theories in the light of truth and with the aid of the brethren who have been diligent Bible
students, and at the same time make supplication unto God, asking, Is this the way of the
Lord, or is it a false path in which Satan would lead me? they would receive light, and would
escape out of the net of the fowler. Let all our brethren and sisters beware of anyone who
would set a time for the Lord to fulfill His word in regard to His coming or in regard to ANY
OTHER PROMISE HE HAS MADE of special significance. ‘It is not for you to know the times
or the seasons which the Father hath put in His own power.’ False teachers may appear to be
very zealous for the work of God, and may expend means to bring their theories before the
world and the church. But, as they mingle error with truth, their message is one of deception,
and will lead souls into false paths. They are to be met and opposed, not because they are
bad men but because they are teachers of falsehood and are endeavoring to put upon
falsehood the stamp of truth. “What a pity it is that men will go to such pains to discover some
theory of error . . by which the people might be enriched in the most holy faith. Instead of
teaching truth, they let their imagination dwell upon that which is new and strange.”—
Testimonies to Ministers, 54-55.
TIME SETTING AND THE SECOND ADVENT
“In consideration of the shortness of time, we as a people should watch and pray, and in no
case allow ourselves to be diverted from the solemn work of preparation for the great event
before us . . Every moment is of the highest value. Time is granted them, not to be employed
in studying their own ease and becoming dwellers on the earth but to be used in the work of
overcoming every defect in their own characters and in helping others, by example and
personal effort, to see the beauty of holiness. God has a people upon the earth who, in faith
and holy hope, are tracing down the roll of fast-fulfilling prophecy and are seeking to purify
their souls by obeying the truth that they may not be found without the wedding garment when
Christ shall appear. “Many who have called themselves Adventists have been time setters.
Time after time has been set for Christ to come, but repeated failures have been the result.
The definite time of our Lord’s coming is declared to be beyond the ken of mortals. Even the
angels who minister unto those who shall be heirs of salvation know not the day nor the hour.
‘But of that day and hour knoweth no man, no, not the angels of heaven, but My Father only.’
Because the times repeatedly set have passed, the world is in a more decided state of
unbelief than before in regard to the near advent of Christ. They look upon the failures of the
time setters with disgust; and, because men have been so deceived, they turn from the truth,
substantiated by the Word of God, that the end of all things is at hand.”—4 Testimonies, 306-
307.
WARNED AGAINST MAPPING OUT THE FUTURE
“But the day and the hour of His coming, Christ has not revealed. He stated plainly to His
disciples that He Himself could not make known the day or the hour of His second appearing.
Had He been at liberty to reveal this, why need He have exhorted them to maintain an attitude
of constant expectancy? There are those who claim to know the very day and hour of our
Lord’s appearing. Very earnest are they in mapping out the future. But the Lord has warned
them off the ground they occupy. The exact time of the second coming of the Son of man is
God’s mystery.” — Desire of Ages, 632-633.
DOING AN EVIL WORK THAT WILL RUIN SOULS
“We are near the end but, if you or any other man shall be seduced by the enemy and led on
to set the time for Christ’s coming, he will be doing the same work which has wrought the ruin
of the souls of those who have done it in the past. If you are wearing the yoke of Christ, if you
are lifting His burden, you will see that there is plenty to do in the same lines wherein the
servants of God are laboring—in preaching Christ and Him crucified. But anyone who shall
start up to proclaim a message to announce the hour, day, or year of Christ’s appearing has
taken up a yoke and is proclaiming a message that the Lord has never given him.”
Testimonies to Ministers, 60-61.
IN ORDER TO MAKE AN IMPRESSION UPON THE PEOPLE
“Those who think they must preach definite time in order to make an impression upon the
people do not work from the right standpoint. The feelings of the people many be stirred and
their fears aroused, but they do not move from principle. An excitement is created; but, when
the time passes, as it has done repeatedly, those who moved out upon time fall back into
coldness, darkness, and sin, and it is almost impossible to arouse their consciences without
some great excitement.” — 4 Testimonies, 308.
SCRIPTURE AND APPARENT LOGIC
“Those who so presumptuously preach definite time, in so doing, gratify the adversary of
souls; for they are advancing infidelity rather than Christianity. They produce Scripture; and,
by false interpretation, show a chain of argument which apparently proves their position. But
their failures show that they are false prophets, that they do not rightly interpret the language
of inspiration. The Word of God is truth and verity, but men have perverted its meaning. These
errors have brought the truth of God for these last days into disrepute. Adventists are derided
by ministers of all denominations, yet God’s servants must not hold their peace. The signs
foretold in the prophecy are fast fulfilling around us. This should arouse every true follower of
Christ to zealous action.” — 4 Testimonies, 307.
ALWAYS SETTING ANOTHER TIME
“We are not of that class who define the exact period of time that shall elapse before the
coming of Jesus the second time with power and great glory. Some have set time; and, when
that has passed, their presumptuous spirits have not accepted rebuke, but they have set
another and another time. But many successive failures have stamped them as false
prophets.” — Fundamentals of Christian Education, 335.
THE TIME OF THE LATTER RAIN
“Jesus has told His disciples to ‘watch,’ but not for definite time. His followers are to be in the
position of those who are listening for the orders of their Captain. They are to watch, wait,
pray, and work as they approach the time for the coming of the Lord; but no one will be able
to predict just when that time will come; for ‘of that day and hour knoweth no man.’ You will
not be able to say that He will come in one, two, or five years, neither are you to put off His
coming by stating that it may not be for ten or twenty years . . We are not to know the definite
time either for the outpouring of the Holy Spirit or for the coming of Christ.”—Evangelism, 221.
YOU ARE NOT TO KNOW IT
“You are not to know the day or hour of the Lord’s appearing, for this has not been revealed,
and let none speculate on that which has not been given him to understand. Let everyone
work upon that which has been placed in his hands, knowing the daily duties that God
requires.”— 6 Testimonies, 440.
MUCH OF IT IS DELAY SETTING
“No one has a true message fixing the time when Christ is to come or not to come. Be
assured that God gives no one authority to say that Christ delays His coming for five years,
ten years, or twenty years. ‘Be ye also ready, for in such an hour as ye think not the Son of
man cometh’ (Matthew 24:44). This is our message, the very message that the three angels
flying in the midst of heaven are now proclaiming. The work to be done now is that of
sounding this last message of mercy to a fallen world . . The truth as it is in Jesus is the
refuge in these days of error.”—2 Selected Messages, 113-114.
DAY AND DATE FOR UNFULFILLED PROPHECY
“There will always be false and fanatical movements made by persons in the church who
claim to be led of God—those who will run before they are sent, and will give day and date for
the occurrence of unfulfilled prophecy. The enemy is pleased to have them do this, for their
successive failures and leading unto false lines cause confusion and unbelief.”—2 Selected
Messages, 84.
ELLEN WHITE HEARD THE HOUR
“They [Early Writings, 15, 34 in the present edition] contain all that I have ever been shown in
regard to the definite time of the Lord’s coming. I have not the slightest knowledge as to the
time spoken by the voice of God. I heard the hour proclaimed, but had no rememberance of
that hour after I came out of vision.”—1 Selected Messages, 75-76.
GOD HAS GIVEN NO MESSAGE TO ANYONE TO DATE THE CLOSE OF PROBATION
“The Word of the Lord reveals the fact that the end of all things is at hand; and its testimony is
most decided that it is necessary for every soul to have the truth planted in the heart so that it
will control the life and sanctify the character . . The opportune time for us to work is now, just
now, while the day lasts. But there is no command for anyone to search the Scriptures in
order to ascertain, if possible, when probation will close. God has no such message for any
mortal lips. He would have no mortal tongue declare that which He has hidden in His secret
councils.”—7 Bible Commentary, 989-990.
HE SET TIME FOR PROBATION TO CLOSE
“If ever a man that I looked upon was inspired, this man certainly was; but I told him plainly
his inspiration was of Satan, not of God. His message bore not the divine credentials . . The
time was set [by this fanatical teacher] for probation to close; and, as every prediction failed,
the young man saw he had been deceived, and he confessed his sin.”—2 Selected
Messages, 65.
GOD HAS NOT REVEALED WHEN PROBATION WILL END
“God has not revealed to us the time when this message will close or when probation will
have an end. Those things that are revealed we shall accept for ourselves and for our
children; but let us not seek to know that which has been kept secret in the councils of the
Almighty . . Letters have come to me asking me if I have any special light as to the time when
probation will close; and I answer that I have only this message to bear, that it is now time to
work while the day lasts, for the night cometh in which no man can work. Now, just now, it is
time for us to be watching, working and waiting.”—7 Bible Commentary, 989 (more complete
in 1 Selected Messages, 191-192).
PROBATION WILL CLOSE SUDDENLY AND UNEXPECTEDLY
“When probation ends, it will come suddenly, unexpectedly—at a time when we are least
expecting it. But we can have a clean record in heaven today, and know that God accepts us;
and finally, if faithful, we shall be gathered into the kingdom of heaven.”—7 Bible
Commentary, 989.
OUR ONLY SAFETY IS IN BEING READY
“I have no specific time of which to speak when the outpouring of the Holy Spirit will take
place — when the mighty angel will come down from heaven and unite with the third angel in
closing up the work for this world; my message is that our only safety is in being ready for the
heavenly refreshing, having our lamps trimmed and burning. Christ has told us to watch, ‘for
in such an hour as ye think not, the Son of man cometh,’ ‘Watch and pray’ is the charge that is
given us by our Redeemer . . O, how much time has been wasted through giving attention to
trifling things. Repent and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out when the times of
refreshing shall come from the presence of the Lord.”—1 Selected Messages, 192.
IT’S TIME TO WATCH, FOR THE END IS ALMOST UPON US
“Christ’s disciples were given warning of the destruction of Jerusalem. Those who watched for
the sign of the coming ruin and fled from the city escaped destruction. So now we are given
warning of Christ’s second coming and of the destruction to fall upon the world. Those who
heed the warning will be saved. “Because we know not the exact time of His coming, we are
commanded to watch. ‘Blessed are those servants, whom the Lord when He cometh shall find
watching.’ Luke 12:37. Those who watch for the Lord’s coming are not waiting in idle
expectancy. The expectation of Christ’s coming is to make men fear the Lord and fear His
judgments upon transgression. It is to awaken them to the great sin of rejecting His offers of
mercy. Those who are watching for the Lord are purifying their souls by obedience to the
truth. With vigilant watching they combine earnest working. Because they know that the Lord
is at the door, their zeal is quickened to cooperate with the divine intelligences in working for
the salvation of souls . . They are declaring the truth that is now specially applicable. As
Enoch, Noah, Abraham, and Moses each declared the truth for his time, so will Christ’s
servants now give the special warning for their generation . . The advent of Christ will surprise
the false teachers . . Upon all who dwell on the face of the whole earth, upon all who make
this world their home, the day of God will come as a snare. It comes to them as a prowling
thief . . Men are putting afar off the coming of the Lord. They laugh at warnings. The proud
boast is made . . ‘We will go deeper into pleasure loving.’ But Christ says, ‘Behold, I come as
a thief.’ Revelation 16:15 . . “Everything in the world is in agitation. The signs of the times are
ominous. Coming events cast their shadows before. The Spirit of God is withdrawing from the
earth, and calamity by sea and by land . . Who can read the future? Where is security? There
is security in nothing that is human or earthly . . Satan sees that his time is short. He has set
all his agencies at work that men may be deceived, deluded, occupied, and entranced until
the day of probation shall be ended and the door of mercy be forever shut.
“Solemn there come to us down through the centuries the warning words of our Lord from the
Mount of Olives: ‘Take heed to yourselves, lest at any time your hearts be overcharged with
surfeiting, and drunkenness, and cares of this life, and so that day come upon you unawares.’
‘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.’ ”— Desire of Ages, 634-
636.
“The time before Christ’s coming is short. We know not the exact measure of it, but God
knows the hour of Christ’s coming.”—Review, August 20, 1903 (“A Worldwide Message,” July
24, 1903). 1 SELECTED MESSAGES, 185-191
Nearly every statement in the Spirit of Prophecy on the subject of time setting has been
included in this appendix at the close of our End of Time book,— with one exception: the
longest single passage on this topic—the sermon at Lansing, Michigan, first printed in the
Review of March 22, 1892, and later reprinted in 1 Selected Messages, 185-191. Here is part
of that chapter: “The disciples were anxious to know the exact time for the revelation of the
kingdom of God; but Jesus tells them that they may not know the times and the seasons; for
the Father has not revealed them. To understand when the kingdom of God should be
restored was not the thing of most importance for them to know. They were to be found
following the Master, praying, waiting, watching, and working. They were to be
representatives to the world of the character of Christ. That which was essential for a
successful Christian experience in the days of the disciples, is essential in our day. ‘And He
said unto them, it is not for you to know the times or the seasons, which the Father hath put in
His own power. But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you.’ And
after the Holy Ghost was come upon them, what were they to do? ‘And ye shall be witnesses
unto Me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of
the earth’ (Acts 1:7, 8). “This is the work in which we also are to be engaged. Instead of living
in expectation of some special season of excitement, we are wisely to improve present
opportunities, doing that which must be done in order that souls may be saved. Instead of
exhausting the powers of our minds in speculations in regard to the times and seasons which
the Lord has placed in His own power, and withheld from men, we are to yield ourselves to
the control of the Holy Spirit, to do present duties, to give the bread of life, unadulterated with
human opinions, to souls who are perishing for the truth. “Satan is ever ready to fill the mind
with theories and calculations that will divert men from the present truth, and disqualify them
for the giving of the third angel’s message to the world. It has ever been thus; for our Saviour
often had to speak reprovingly to those who indulged in speculations and were ever inquiring
into those things which the Lord had not revealed. Jesus had come to earth to impart
important truth to men, and He wished to impress their minds with the necessity of receiving
and obeying His precepts and instructions, of doing their present duty. And His
communications were of an order that imparted knowledge for their immediate and daily use.
“Jesus said: ‘This is life eternal, that they might know Thee the only true God, and Jesus
Christ, whom Thou has sent’ (John 17:3). All that was done and said had this one object in
view—to rivet truth in their minds, that they might attain unto everlasting life. Jesus did not
come to astonish men with some great announcement of some special time when some great
event would occur, but He came to instruct and save the lost. He did not come to arouse and
gratify curiosity; for He knew that this would but increase the appetite for the curious and the
marvelous. It was His aim to impart knowledge whereby men might increase in spiritual
strength and advance in the way of obedience and true holiness. He gave only such
instruction as could be appropriated to the needs of their daily life, only such truth as could be
given to others for the same appropriation. “He did not make new revelations to men, but
opened to their understanding truths that had long been obscured or misplaced through the
false teaching of the priests and teachers. Jesus replaced the gems of divine truth in their
proper setting, in the order in which they had been given to patriarchs and prophets. And after
giving them this precious instruction, He promised to give them the Holy Spirit whereby all
things that He had said unto them should be brought to their remembrance. “We are in
continued danger of getting above the simplicity of the gospel. There is an intense desire on
the part of many to startle the world with something original, that shall lift the people into a
state of spiritual ecstasy and change the present order of experience. There is certainly great
need of a change in the present order of experience; for the sacredness of present truth is not
realized as it should be. But the change we need is a change of heart; and it can only by
obtained by seeking God individually for His blessing, by pleading with Him for His power, by
fervently praying that His grace may come upon us, and that our characters may be
transformed. This is the change we need today, and for the attainment of this experience we
should exercise persevering energy and manifest heartfelt earnestness. We should ask with
true sincerity, ‘What shall I do to be saved?’ We should know just what steps we are taking
heavenward. “Christ gave to His disciples truths whose breadth and depth and value they little
appreciated, or even comprehended, and the same condition exists among the people of God
today. We too have failed to take in the greatness, to perceive the beauty of the truth which
God has entrusted to us today. Should we advance in Spiritual knowledge, we would see the
truth developing and expanding in lines of which we have little dreamed, but it will never
develop in any line that will lead us to imagine that we may know the times and the seasons
which the Father hath put in His own power. Again and again have I been warned in regard to
time setting. There will never again be a message for the people of God that will be based on
time. We are not to know the definite time either for the outpouring of the Holy Spirit or for the
coming of Christ. “I was searching through my writings, before coming to this meetings, to see
what I should take with me to Australia, and I found an envelope on which was written,
‘Testimony given in regard to time setting, June 21, 1851. Preserve carefully.’ I opened it, and
this is what I found. It reads: “ ‘A copy of the vision the Lord gave Sister White, June 21, 1851,
at Camden, New York. The Lord showed me that the message must go, and that it must not
be hung on time; for time will never be a test again. I saw that some were getting a false
excitement, arising from preaching time, that the third angel’s message can stand on its own
foundation, and that it needs not time to strengthen it, and that it will go with mighty power,
and do its work, and will be cut short in righteousness. “ ‘I saw some were making everything
bend to this next fall; that is, making their calculation and disposing of their property in
reference to that time. I saw that this was wrong for this reason; instead of going to God daily,
and earnestly desiring to know their present duty, they looked ahead and made their
calculations as though they knew that the work would end this fall, without inquiring their duty
of God daily.’ ”—E.G. White (copied at Milton, June 29, 1851, A.A.G.)
“This was the document I came upon last Monday in searching over my writings, and here is
another which was written in regard to a man who was setting time in 1884, and sending
broadcast his arguments to prove his theories. The report of what he was doing was brought
to me at the Jackson (Michigan) camp meeting, and I told the people they need not take heed
to this man’s theory; for the event he predicted would not take place. The times and the
seasons God has put in His own power. And why has not God given us this knowledge?
Because we would not make a right use of it if He did. A condition of things would result from
this knowledge among our people that would greatly retard the work of God in preparing a
people to stand in the great day that is to come. We are not to live upon time excitement. We
are not to be engrossed with speculations in regard to the times and the seasons which God
has not revealed. Jesus has told His disciples to ‘watch,’ but not for a definite time. His
followers are to be in the position of those who are listening for the orders of their Captain;
they are to watch, wait, pray, and work, as they approach the time for the coming of the Lord;
but no one will be able to predict just when that time will come; for ‘of that day and hour
knoweth no man.’ You will not be able to say that He will come in one, two, or five years.” —1
Selected Messages, 185-189 (Review, March 22, 1892).
“God has not revealed to us the time when this message will close or when probation will
have an end. Those things that are revealed we shall accept for ourselves and for our
children; but let us not seek to know that which has been kept secret in the councils of the
Almighty. It is our duty to watch and work and wait, to labor every moment for the souls of
men that are ready to perish. We are to keep walking continually in the footsteps of Jesus,
working in His lines, dispensing His gifts as good stewards of the manifold grace of God.
Satan will be ready to give to anyone who is not learning every day of Jesus, a special
message of his own creating, in order to make of no effect the wonderful truth for this time.
“Letters have come to me asking me if I have any special light as to the time when probation
will close; and I answer that I have only this message to bear, that it is now time to work while
the day lasts, for the night cometh in which no man can work. Now, just now, it is time for us
to be watching, working, and waiting. The Word of the Lord reveals the fact that the end of all
things is at hand, and its testimony is most decided that it is necessary for every soul to have
the truth planted in the heart so that it will control the life and sanctify the character. The Spirit
of the Lord is working to take the truth of the inspired Word and stamp it upon the soul so that
professed followers of Christ will have a holy, sacred joy that they will be able to impart to
others. The opportune time for us to work is now, just now, while the day lasts. But there is no
command for anyone to search the Scripture in order to ascertain, if possible, when probation
will close. God has no such message for mortal lips. He would have no mortal tongue declare
that which He has hidden in His secret councils.”—1 Selected Messages, 191-192.
“I have no specific time of which to speak when the outpouring of the Holy Spirit will take
place—when the mighty angel will come down from heaven and unite with the third angel in
closing up the work for this world; my message is that our only safety is in being ready for the
heavenly refreshing, having our lamps trimmed and burning. Christ has told us to watch; ‘for
in such an hour as ye think not, the Son of man cometh.’ ‘Watch and pray’ is the charge that is
given us by our Redeemer. Day by day we are to seek the enlightenment of the Spirit of God,
that it may do its office work upon the soul and character. O, how much time has been wasted
through giving attention to trifling things. Repent and be converted, that your sins may be
blotted out when the times of refreshing shall come from the presence of the Lord.”—1
Selected Messages, 192 (Review, March 29, 1892).
TIME PREDICTIONS COME FROM SATAN
We are clearly told that time setting after 1844 is not from God. In view of this, it would seem
that dates and time spans that some individuals preach might originate directly with the prince
of darkness. However, the following statement indicates that ALL such time setting comes
from Satan! The implication is here given that it is part of the lure by which he draws people
into spiritualism! Should we not then beware of dabbling in time setting or accepting the
theories of those who present it? “By the prediction of Saul’s doom, given through the woman
of Endor, Satan planned to ensnare the people of Israel. He hoped that they would be
inspired with confidence in the sorceress, and would be led to consult her. Thus they would
turn from God as their counselor and would place themselves under the guidance of Satan.
The lure by which spiritualism [but not always so named] attracts the multitudes is its
pretended power to draw aside the veil from the future and reveal to men what God has
hidden. God has in His Word opened before us the great events of the future—all that it is
essential for us to know— and He has given us a safe guide for our feet amid all its perils; but
it is Satan’s purpose to destroy men’s confidence in God, to make them dissatisfied with their
condition in life, and to lead them to seek a knowledge of what God has wisely veiled from
them, and to despise what He has revealed in His Holy Word. “There are many who become
restless when they cannot know the definite outcome of affairs. They cannot endure
uncertainty, and in their impatience they refuse to wait to see the salvation of God . . If they
would but trust in God and watch unto prayer, they would find divine consolation. Their spirit
would be calmed by communion with God. The weary and heavy laden would find rest unto
their souls if they would only go to Jesus; but, when they neglect the means that God has
ordained for their comfort and resort to other sources, hoping to learn what God has withheld,
they commit the error of Saul, and thereby gain only a knowledge of evil. “God is not pleased
with this course, and has expressed it in the most explicit terms. This impatient haste to tear
away the veil from the future reveals a lack of faith in God and leaves the soul open to the
suggestions of the master deceiver . . By experience gained through the long ages, he can
reason from cause to effect and often forecast, with a degree of accuracy, some of the future
events of man’s life. Thus he is enabled to deceive poor, misguided souls and bring them
under his power and lead them captive at his will . . “God Himself is the light of His people; He
bids them fix their eyes by faith upon the glories that are veiled from human sight. The Sun of
Righteousness sends its bright beams into their hearts; they have light from the throne of
heaven, and they have no desire to turn away from the source of light to the messengers of
Satan.”—Patriarchs and Prophets, 686-688.
SEEKING TO KNOW WHAT GOD HAS NOT REVEALED
It may seem harmless enough to try to figure out that which God has chosen not to reveal; but
it is wrong to do so—especially when it is something we have been told not to do. As humble
children of God, we are to accept that which our kind Father gives us with thankfulness and
obedience. But we are not to try to delve into that which He has not made known. Because
Heaven has not revealed the time of any event—and has specifically told us not to figure out
that time. It is sinful for us to disregard His will and His command in this matter, and seek to
pry open the dating of future events. The following statements are powerful and clear
concerning this issue: “Eve, unconsciously, at first, separated from her husband in her
employment. When she became aware of the fact, she felt that there might be danger; but,
again, she thought herself secure, even if she did not remain close by the side of her
husband. She had wisdom and strength to know if evil came and to meet it. This the angels
had cautioned her not to do. Eve found herself gazing with mingled curiosity and admiration
upon the fruit of the forbidden tree. She saw it was very lovely and was reasoning with herself
why God had so decidedly prohibited their eating or touching it. Now was Satan’s opportunity.
He addressed her as though he was able to divine her thought: ‘Yea, hath God said, Ye shall
not eat of every tree of the garden?’ Thus, with soft and pleasant words, and with musical
voice, he addressed the wondering Eve . . But she was amazed, for she knew that to the
serpent God had not given the power of speech. “Eve’s curiosity was aroused. Instead of
fleeing from the spot, she listened to hear a serpent talk. It did not occur to her mind that it
might be that fallen foe, using the serpent as a medium. It was Satan that spoke, not the
serpent. Eve was beguiled, flattered, infatuated. Had she met a commanding personage,
possessing a form like the angels and resembling them, she would have been on guard. But
that strange voice should have driven her to her husband’s side to inquire of him why another
should thus freely address her. But she entered into a controversy with the serpent. She
answered his question, ‘We may eat of the fruit of the trees of the garden. But of the fruit of
the tree which is in the midst of the garden, God hath said, Ye shall not eat of it, neither shall
ye touch it, lest ye die.” The serpent answered, ‘Ye shall not surely die: for God doth know
that in the day ye eat thereof, then your eyes shall be opened, and ye shall be as gods,
knowing good and evil.’ “Satan would convey the idea that by eating of the forbidden tree
they would receive a new and more noble kind of knowledge than they had hitherto attained.
This has been his special work, with great success, ever since his fall—to lead men to pry into
the secrets of the Almighty and not to be satisfied with what God has revealed, and not
careful to obey that which He hath commanded. He would lead them to disobey God’s
commands, and then make them believe that they are entering a wonderful field of
knowledge. This is purely supposition, and a miserable deception. They fail to understand
what God has revealed, and disregard His explicit commandments and aspire after wisdom,
independent of God, and seek to understand that which He has been pleased to withhold
from mortals. They are elated with their ideas of progression and charmed with their own vain
philosophy, but grope in midnight darkness relative to true knowledge. They are ever learning
and never able to come to the knowledge of the truth.”—Story of Redemption, 32- 34. “There
is a constant effort made to explain the work of creation as the result of natural causes; and
human reasoning is accepted even by professed Christians, in opposition to plain Scripture
facts. There are many who oppose the investigation of the prophecies, especially those of
Daniel and the Revelation, declaring them to be so obscure that we cannot understand them;
yet these very persons eagerly receive the suppositions of geologists, in contradiction of the
Mosaic record. But if that which God has revealed is so difficult to understand, how
inconsistent it is to accept mere suppositions in regard to that which He has not revealed! “
‘The secret things belong unto the Lord our God: but those things which are revealed belong
to us and to our children forever.’ Deuteronomy 29:29.”—Patriarchs and Prophets, 113.
“Those who possess the carnal mind cannot comprehend the sacred force of vital truth upon
which their salvation depends, because they cherish pride of heart, love of the world, love of
ease, selfishness, covetousness, envy, jealousy, lust, hatred, and every evil. If they would
overcome these they might be partakers of the divine nature. Many leave the plain truths of
God’s Word and neglect to follow the light that shines clearly upon their pathway; they try to
pry into secrets not plainly revealed and conjecture and talk and dispute in regard to
questions which they are not required to understand, for they have no special reference to
their salvation. Thousands have been beguiled in this way by Satan. They have neglected
present faith and present duty which are clear and comprehensive to all who have their
reasoning powers; they have dwelt upon doubtful theories and scriptures which they could not
comprehend, and have erred concerning the faith; they have a mixed faith.”—2 Testimonies,
694.
“It is a masterpiece of Satan’s deceptions to keep the minds of men searching and
conjecturing in regard to that which God has not made known and which He does not intend
that we shall understand. It was thus that Lucifer lost his place in heaven. He became
dissatisfied because all the secrets of God’s purposes were not confided to him, and he
entirely disregarded that which was revealed, concerning his own work in the lofty position
assigned him. By arousing the same discontent in the angels under his command, he caused
their fall. Now he seeks to imbue the minds of men with the same spirit and to lead them also
to disregard the direct commands of God.”—The Great Controversy, 523.
“Such has been Satan’s work from the days of Adam to the present, and he has pursued it
with great success. He tempts men to distrust God’s love and to doubt His wisdom. He is
constantly seeking to excite a spirit of irreverent curiosity, a restless, inquisitive desire to
penetrate the secrets of divine wisdom and power. In their efforts to search out what God has
been pleased to withhold, multitudes overlook the truths which He has revealed and which
are essential to salvation.”—Patriarchs and Prophets, 54-55.
“By the prediction of Saul’s doom, given through the woman of Endor, Satan planned to
ensnare the people of Israel. He hoped that they would be inspired with confidence in the
sorceress, and would be led to consult her. Thus they would turn from God as their counselor
and would place themselves under the guidance of Satan. The lure by which spiritualism
attracts the multitudes is in its pretended power to draw aside the veil from the future and
reveal to men what God has hidden. God has in His Word opened before us the great events
of the future—all that it is essential for us to know—and He has given us a safe guide for our
feet amid all its perils; but it is Satan’s purpose to destroy men’s confidence in God, to
make them dissatisfied with their condition in life, and to lead them to see a knowledge of
what God has wisely veiled from them, and to despise what He has revealed in His Holy
Word.”—Patriarchs and Prophets, 686-687.
Here are eleven special theories about time which are being mentioned by various folk. Some
of them are excuses offered for setting time—in spite of the fact that Ellen White repeatedly
said not to.
THE PROPHETIC TIME THEORY
In order to excuse and validate their time-setting calculations, in spite of the fact that the Spirit
of Prophecy said there would be no “prophetic time” after 1844 (7 Bible Commentary, 971),
the defense is frequently offered that the new time settings are not “prophetic time.” The
reasoning underlying this remarkable assertion is that “prophetic time” is year-day time setting
(“2300 years from 457 B.C. to A.D. 1844,” etc.), but day day time setting (“2300 days from
1987 to 1994,” etc.) is not “prophetic time.” But consider this:
(1) “Prophetic time” and “definite time” are the same thing (7 Bible Commentary, 971).
(2) There will be no more definite time prophecies from 1844 to the second advent of Christ
(compare 7 Bible Commentary, 971; Early Writings, 22; Great Controversy, 456-457; 4
Testimonies, 306-308; and Evangelism, 221).
(3) In Manuscript 59, 1900 (7 Bible Commentary, 971), we are told that, in Revelation 10:5-6,
Christ Himself predicted that no more messages based on time would be given.
(4) The passage (7 Bible Commentary, 971) specifically defines “prophetic time” as “definite
time.” Yet if you stop to think about it—all time setting is keyed to definite time. This includes
time setting based on 2300, 1260, etc. literal days (day-day time setting). It is about definite
time spans and/or definite time dates.
THE DEFINITE TIME THEORY
Time setters claim that their calculations only predict “indefinite time,” and that the Spirit of
Prophecy only said we should not seek to ascertain “definite time” for any future event. In
reply, we would say this:
(1) As the above passages indicate, the inspired Writings warn us to have nothing to do with
“time” setting as often as we are warned to stay away from “definite time” setting.
(2) It is not possible to set time, without setting it definitely. All that is required is a predicted
year. Otherwise you are merely saying that Jesus is “coming soon”; and we all believe that!
By its very nature, time setting requires the setting of definite time dates (day, month, and/or
year) between predicted events. All of this involves DEFINITE time. Yet throughout this
present study, we have been told that the God of heaven has given, and will give, no more
messages based on time to this planet after 1844 and prior to the second advent (with the
sole exception of the day and hour date of Christ’s return, which will be given in earth-shaking
tones from the skies after the close of probation [Great Controversy, 640]).
(3) Over and over we are told not to set time; that is ANY KIND OF TIME—prophetic, yearday,
day-day; you name it. Consider this: “They continued to set TIME after TIME” (Great
Controversy, 456). “It must not be hung upon TIME” (Early Writings, 75). “TIME after TIME will
be set by different ones and will pass by” (1 Testimonies, 72-73). “No TIME . . has borne the
special marks of His hand” (1 Testimonies, 409). “Let all our brethren and sisters beware of
anyone who would set a TIME . . in regard to His coming or in regard to any other promise He
has made of special significance” (Testimonies to Ministers, 55). “TIME after TIME has been
set . . Because the TIMES repeatedly set have passed” (4 Testimonies, 307) “. . seduced by
the enemy and led on to set the TIME” (Testimonies to Ministers, 60). “Some have set a
TIME; and when that has passed, their presumptuous spirits have not accepted rebuke, but
they have set another and another TIME” (Fundamentals of Christian Education, 335). “No
one will be able to predict just when that TIME will come” (Evangelism, 221). “No one has a
true message fixing the TIME” (2 Selected Messages, 113). The Message must go, and that it
must not be hung on TIME (Early Writings, 75). “God has not revealed to us the TIME” (1
Selected Messages, 191).
THE DAY-DAY THEORY
Time-setting advocates claim that year-day time calculations (2300 years: “457 B.C. to A.D.
1844,” etc.) ended in 1844; thereafter all calculations after 1844 must be based on a day-day
basis (2300 days: “1987 to 1994,” etc.). But the following should be noted: (1) We have been
warned against ANY time setting; and that would include day-day. A careful reading of the
Spirit of Prophecy statements on time setting reveals them to be very generalized. In the
providence of God, the Inspired Statements were so written in order to include all types and
instances of time setting. Therefore, we who know so much of God’s Holy Word will be left
without excuse in the Judgment if we engage in time setting. (2) Not once does the Spirit of
Prophecy ever recommend or condone day-day time settings of our historic year-day
prophetic periods (1260, 1290, 2300, 1335, or 490 years). (3) Not once are we ever told that
there are or can be alternate applications to those time prophecies. (4) There is not the
slightest indication in God’s Word that, prior to 1884, those prophetic periods were calculated
on a year-day basis (2300 years); and, since then, they can be recalculated on a day-day
basis (2300 days). (5) Another error that is brought forward to buttress this one is the double
application theory. We will discuss that concept later in this study.
THE SECOND ADVENT THEORY
It is claimed that only second advent dating is prohibited; so, therefore we can happily
speculate to our heart’s content on the dating of the earlier events. But consider the following:
(1) Elsewhere in this study it has been noted that the Spirit of Prophecy specifically warns
against setting time for the investigative judgment, latter rain, loud cry, third angel’s message,
close of probation, or second advent. (2) We have also been warned against attempting to
time set any future event (Evangelism, 221) or any promise which God has for us in the future
(Testimonies to Ministers, 55).
THE CLOSE OF CHURCH PROBATION THEORY
A specialized type of time setting involves the date “when probation will close for the church.”
They tell us that, although we cannot know the date of the general close of probation, we can
ascertain the date when the probation of the denomination has closed. In reply, we suggest
this:
(1) A careful study of last-day events in the Spirit of Prophecy reveals that, prior to the
general close of probation, our attention is directed toward the National Sunday Law
crisis, with several events which occur between enactment of that law and the general
close of probation: the marking, the sealing, the loud cry, and the individual close of
probation.
(2) According to the Spirit of Prophecy, the shaking and sifting, which is now in progress,
will climax during the marking/sealing. At that time the chaff in the church will be sifted
out and the good wheat will remain to receive the latter rain and begin the loud cry.
THAT is when probation will close for false professors in the church. Therefore,
probation cannot already have ended for the church, because the National Sunday
Law and marking/sealing time have not yet begun! It is as simple as that.
(3) We are in a time of ongoing general apostasy in our denomination. Every year gets
worse. It is foolish to try to pinpoint one event among the many which are so rapidly
occurring—and date the close of probation for the entire denomination on that event.
Let us stay with the emphases and issues brought out in the Bible/Spirit of Prophecy.
We know that there will be individual closes of probation and they will begin in a given
nation, when its National Sunday Law is enacted. We know that a general close of
probation will occur when the last individual has been tested and made his decision on
whether he will worship the true God or the beast. But—if there will be a close of
probation for our denominational organization—the closest we can come to it is the fact
of the National Sunday Law event. At that time, it will become illegal for our
denomination to operate without total Sunday keeping compromise on the part of our
leaders. And that may happen! But the issue in the last days will be the
Sabbath/Sunday issue, not something else.
(4) Again, let us beware of trying to delve into that which God has not revealed. Work for
the lost, prepare your own heart for heaven, and seek to help those around you. These
are the tasks Heaven has appointed us at this time. One individual, who dates the
probation for the church as having closed back in 1967, assures his followers that “it is
not time now to work for the lost.” But, if you read the quotations given earlier in this
present study, that is one of Satan’s two objectives in tempting men to time set: [1]
discourage people when the time does not come to pass and [2] persuade them that it
is too late to work for others.
THE NEW LIGHT THEORY
According to this excuse, in spite of all the warnings that the God of heaven has given against
it, His people should do time setting anyway because it is “new light” and the Spirit of
Prophecy has told us that “new light” will come to our people. Some of us think we must ever
be on the forefront of searching out that which God has not revealed and be eager to listen to
those with new-light speculations. Oh, my people, my people! When will we start obeying God
for a change! If we cannot obey the plain statements of His Word now, why should we
imagine that we will later do it in the most difficult crisis of the marking and sealing time?
Consider this:
(1) The new light will be from God’s Word, not from our imaginations. Theories and ideas
foreign to Scripture are brought forward and presented to us as though they were inspired of
God.
(2) The new light will agree with the old light. If the old light is that we are to have nothing to
do with time setting, why then are we eagerly listening to those who present time setting to us
as though it were new light?
(3) The new light will not have as its most powerful evidence the generalized “new light”
statements. (“Ellen White says there will be new light for our people. I have new light for you.
Therefore it is the light predicted in the Spirit of Prophecy!”)
(4) When we try to delve into that which God has not revealed, we are on Satan’s enchanted
ground; and, by dallying there, erelong we will be overcome by his other of deceptions.
THE HISTORY WILL BE REPEATED THEORY
Those eager to calculate time periods, regardless of Heaven’s warnings, tell us that the Spirit
of Prophecy declares that “history will be repeated”; and therefore all the time prophecies
must be repeated also! So we MUST determine what they are and proclaim them. How long
will it be before we can recognize an excuse for disobeying God when it is presented to us?
Consider this:
(1) We ARE told that history will be repeated (TM 116; CM 128; PK 535, 255, 363; Ed 177;
7BC 917, 976; 1SM 162-163; GC 316), but we are never told that TIME PROPHECIES will be
repeated.
(2) In the above “history-repeated” quotations, not once is the emphasis on repeating time
prophecies or periods: Education, 177:0—One nation arose after another; and each had its
time of test and then was rejected. History will be repeated. (Also see Prophets and Kings,
535:1). Great Controversy, 316:0-1—A church arises, backslides, and is finally rejected
because of disobedience. This truth has been repeated all though history. Colporteur Ministry,
128:1—The book, Great Controversy, has to be written to warn the people; for past history will
be repeated. 7 Bible Commentary, 976—The final crisis will have within it elements of former
crises. Testimonies to Ministers, 116:2—“Past history will be repeated; old controversies will
arouse to new life, and peril will beset God’s people on every side.” 7 Bible Commentary,
917/2:2-3 and 1 Selected Messages, 162-163 [Both are from the same original source, but
each has material not in the other.]—Individuals arise with foolish new speculations and
heresies. History will be repeated; it will happen again.
(3) The “history-repeated” quotations present two points: [1] the cyclic pattern in the history of
nations, organizations, and individuals. They are given an opportunity and then set aside
when they fail. [2] Earlier controversies and issues will again be revived in the future because
they are essential elements in the longstanding controversy between Christ and Satan.
(4) The most basic issues in these last days are fought over strict obedience to God’s Word;
and time setting in these last days is disobedience to God’s Word.
(5) God’s principles are always in harmony with one another. One should not be used as an
excuse for disobeying another: [1] God told us NOT to set time after 1844. [2] IF time spans
were to be repeated after 1844 (and we were never once told that they would), then He will
repeat them, WITHOUT our having known the fact— simply because we are categorically told
we cannot and will not be able to correctly determine predictive time after 1844. [3] To flout
God’s direct command and try to set day-day 2300, 1260, etc. dates after 1844 is sin. Those
who do it are in rebellion against God’s Holy Word. So history is being repeated after all. In
this end time, after centuries of rebellion, people are still disobeying the plain commands of
God. His definite command is, “after 1844,” do not set time.
THE JUBILEE THEORY
When we discuss the Jubilee (“jubile” in most KJVs), we discuss something which cannot, for
a certainty, be known.
The argument for this goes something like this: Jesus will carry out a final special event on
the anniversary of the Jubilee. So, if we can determine the date of the Jubilee. Presto! We
can date an important coming event!
The Biblical sources of the Jubilee would be Leviticus 25:9-15, 28-30, 31-33, 40, 50-54 and
27:17-24. Our analysis of the Jubilee follows: In ancient Israel, every 7th, 49th, or 50th year
was set aside as a special rest. On that date, the people were to “proclaim liberty throughout
all the land, unto all the inhabitants thereof” (Leviticus 25:10). Surely, one might think, the
great final windup of human history will fall on the date of a Jubilee! But there are problems:
(1) We do not know whether the Jubilee was the 49th or 50th year. The present writer thinks it
fell on the 50th year (the year after the seven sabbaths of years), but it might have been the
49th. In the approximate 3,400 years since it began, the difference between 49 and 50 would
amount to a difference of perhaps 68 years!
(2) We do not know when it began. This is the BIG problem! We generally estimate the
Exodus from Egypt occurred about 1440 B.C. And the entrance into Canaan about 1400 B.C.
But no one knows the exact date. If we cannot know the exact date, we cannot know when
the Jubilee began. If we cannot know that, we cannot know when its anniversaries occur.
Within a few weeks at the most, the children of Israel arrived at Mount Sinai. They were there
about a year. While there, the Jubilee statute was given them. (It was given in Leviticus 25;
and they later left Sinai in Numbers 10.)
(3) Did the Jubilee cycle start when it was given at Sinai or, more likely, was it to begin 40
years later when they entered and took possession of the Promised Land? So there we have
it: a cycle without a certain beginning and without a definite length. But there is more:
(4) We do not know when it is supposed to end, and we do not have certainty as to the event
which will mark its end. There are several contenders for the honor:
[1] When the judgment passes to the living and the sealing begins. That would be an
excellent time for the Jubilee to fall on. According to clear statements in the Spirit of
Prophecy, Satan’s devices no longer have effect on God’s people henceforth (5T 212-
216, 472-475; EW 71; etc.). But that is an ongoing process; not everyone will be sealed
at the same time.
[2] Then there is the sounding of the Voice of God from the heavens, which will forever
deliver His people from the physical power and oppression of Satan. They will cry “
Victory” over the beast at that time.
[3] The second advent of Christ is yet a third great event, when God takes His faithful
ones to heaven. So we have a cycle without a beginning date and no definite length,
compounded by uncertainty about when, in these last days, it should end.
(5) Then there is the problem of rounded numbers. The Bible is full of them. Because of the
rounded-number problem, the great event that the Jubilee points forward to could come within
a number of years of the end of the Jubilee cycle. If you have read my 36-page book, The
Great Week of 7,000 Years, you know that it is totally impossible to date the end of that time
span. I prove it in the book from clear Spirit of Prophecy statements.
(6) Last but not least, God has said that NO ONE can or will know—or successfully predict—
the date of any coming event until the Voice of God declares the day and hour of Christ’s
coming. Therefore (IF you will believe the Word of God) it is totally impossible to figure out
any coming event from the Jubilee cycle. (The present writer does not believe in date setting;
but he does believe in the Jubilee, although without setting any dates for it or accepting any
that another may set. According to Leviticus 25:10, it appears that the Jubilee fell on the 50th
year. It applied to all the inhabitants of the land. At that time, they returned to their former
possessions and family links were reunited. That would indicate that the Jubilee is a type of
the second advent of Christ. Whether its anniversary will coincide with that event, we cannot
know. The ram’s horn [yobel, hence “jubile”] was blown in a trumpet blast on the day of
atonement, announcing the Jubilee. Events which followed brought the liberation of slaves
and the return of property to rightful owners. Thus we see here a most powerful type of the
final windup of earth’s history.)
THE CEREMONIAL YEAR THEORY
According to this theory, all of the crucial final events (National Sunday Law, sealing/marking,
loud cry, close of probation, and second advent) will be keyed to the ancient typical Levitical
year of ceremonies. A common pattern is to place the Sunday law as being enacted at the
Passover, the sealing on Pentecost, and so forth. One year later, either probation will close or
(according to another theory) Christ will return. A frequently held variant is to place all this
within a 2300-day time span and begin it on a Passover or a Day of Atonement. But there are
problems here as well:
(1) Never does God’s Word tell us that the Jewish ceremonial year will date last-day
events. Some may not think that matters. But when were we ever told to invent our
own theology out of whole cloth! People who manufacture their own theology make
themselves their own god.
Consider the sordid history of the change of the Sabbath. By the attempted change of the
Sabbath, the pope set himself above the God of heaven and made himself a substitute.
It is easy to reject God’s Scriptures and invent our own, but it is dangerous. Are you bold
enough to do it?
God gave us a Bible Sabbath; and He commanded us to keep it and work the other six days.
In defiance of God’s Word and knowing that the Scriptures forbid it, the pope taught the
people to worship on a different day. God gave us final events; but He commanded us not to
time set them. Knowing the warnings forbidding it, people today do it with apparent impunity
and teach others to have confidence in their rebellion. In light of what God’s Word has said on
the subject of time setting, are you brave enough to even listen to them? (2) Not once in
Scripture (Bible and/or Spirit of Prophecy) are we told that the ceremonial year will have a
second antitypical fulfillment after 1844. Someone will object, “But what about the antitypical
day of atonement?” That is not a second antitypical fulfillment; it is the first one! Passover was
antitypically fulfilled at Calvary; Pentecost, at the outpouring of the Holy Spirit on the Apostles
shortly thereafter. The Feast of Trumpets met its antitype in the Midnight Cry; and we are now
in the antitypical Day of Atonement. The Feast of Tabernacles will be fulfilled at the second
advent and at the marriage supper of the Lamb, when the faithful arrive in heaven.
THE INTERLINKED PROPHECIES FULFILLEMENT THEORY
Variations on this theme are seemingly endless. A complicated set of interlocking time spans
is presented, generally beginning with the National Sunday Law; this links closely with every
other major final event and a variety of insignificant ones (and imaginary ones as well).
Proponents of these theories will tell you that it is not time setting, since no dates are
involved.
But consider this:
(1) No advance dates may be presented; yet, as soon as the National Sunday Law is passed,
a quick glance at the time chart yields the month and year of every other significant final event
leading to—and including— the second advent! This means that, if this strange theory is
correct, as soon as the law is enacted, we will know all the important dates ahead of us
including the close of probation (which not even Satan will know afterit is ended) and the
second advent (which means God will not need to state it in the skies at the Voice of God
event).
(2) The theory received its big push from Desmond Ford. Apotelesmatics was one of his key
concepts, used by him, to effectively destroy our historic Daniel and Revelation beliefs in the
minds of many of our people. It is good to know the background and fruits of the theory. In our
denomination, it did not originate in the Bible or the Spirit of Prophecy; it originated in the new
theology. And it has led many church members into a modernist rejection of our historic
prophetic beliefs. That rejection continues today. One researcher counted more than a dozen
antitypical applications of Daniel 8:14 in one three-paragraph statement in Desmond Ford’s
Glacier View thesis. That is how powerful this strange concept can be in the hands of a
devoted double applicationist. “The question may reasonably be asked here, Whose
interpretation of Daniel 8:14 addresses the context better— the relatively localized
interpretation of the [Adventist] pioneers or Ford’s broad generalizations which apply it to
almost every major event through the scheme of salvation history?”—W.H. Shea, The
Apotelesmatic Principle.
(3) Intriguingly enough, those who resolutely try to find current second fulfillment’s of every
sentence and phrase in Daniel and Revelation—keep changing their fulfillments every few
years! Within a short span of four years, one individual changed his position from that of Iran
and Iraq being the contending kings of Daniel 11 to that of the U.S. and Iraq being those
kings. That is a dramatic switch; and there will be more to come, simply because current
events keep changing and major Bible prophecies are now made to hang on the precarious
hooks of current newspaper headlines. It is significant that Ford only applied double
applications to Daniel 8, 9, and 11; but he did not apply it to 2 or 7. Whereas a leading
independent conservative freely applies double applications to most every Bible prophecy he
opens to. One person who has carefully studied the writings of both men considers that
individual’s interpretations of Daniel to be more liberal than those of Ford. Yet Ford is an
Evangelical. There is a strange quality of the human mind, that it is more willing to accept the
teachings of a living speaker than the counsels of the Written Word. My friend, fear and
tremble, and plead every day with God for help—lest, in the coming days, you leave His side
and follow after men and their theories. We must know and obey the Bible and Spirit of
Prophecy, regardless of what those around us may teach.
(4) Before concluding this section, we should note that Adventists have always accepted the
historist approach to Bible prophecy. We have seen fulfillments of Daniel, Matthew 24, and
Revelation as occurring all through history. But, within half a century after Luther (as part of
the Roman Catholic Counter Reformation to destroy Protestantism), two Jesuit scholars
invented two different schools of prophetic interpretation. Both had one objective: to turn away
the pointing finger of Daniel and Revelation from Rome. Alcazar, early in the seventeenth
century, thought up “preterism,” which applies Bible prophecy to the time of Christ and shortly
thereafter. A Spanish Jesuit, Ribera, wrote a book in 1590 which presented “futurism,”—the
concept that the prophecies of Daniel, Matthew 24, and Revelation would only be fulfilled in
the last days. Desmond Ford, at Glacier View in 1980, fully rejected historicism and espoused
the twin Jesuit views of preterism and futurism. In contrast, some of our “conservatives” lean
toward futurism as the fulfillment of the prophecies of Daniel and Revelation.
THE TIMES OF THE GENTILES THEORY
This is yet another time-setting theory: According to it, the six-day war, won by the Israelis in
1967, marked the date when probation for our denomination ended. It is keyed to the idea
that the prophecy of Luke 21:24 was fulfilled when—on June 7, 1967—Jerusalem was
retaken by the Israelis. “And they shall fall by the edge of the sword, and shall be led away
captive into all nations: and Jerusalem shall be trodden down of the Gentiles, until the times
of the Gentiles be fulfilled.”—Luke 21:24. According to this theory, because the Jews had fully
returned to Jerusalem in 1967, that event marked the end of probation for the Adventist
Church. There are several basic flaws in this theory. Let us consider the first: For long
centuries, the burning question was whether the Jews would ever return to Jerusalem after
they were driven from it in A.D. 70 and again in 135. Actually, in the centuries which followed,
the Jews did return to Jerusalem on several occasions. Several times, under various rulers,
they were permitted to live in or near it. But such a return could not be what is meant by the
Jews “returning to Jerusalem.” At issue here is governmental authority. The Jews could not be
considered to have returned to Jerusalem until they returned to full governmental authority
over that region. The truth is that, in this latter sense, the Jews have never returned to
Jerusalem! They may have fought the six-day war, and they may have retaken the city and its
invirons, but they have never returned to the governance control they had prior to the A.D. 66-
70 war with the Roman Empire.
Over fifty years ago, a Bible teacher at college told the present writer of a visit to a Jewish
synagogue. While there, he asked the rabbi why the Jews do not sacrifice the lamb at Pasach
(Passover) and the goat at Yom Kippur (Day of Atonement). In pained solemnity, the rabbi
replied that the Jewish people could never again sacrifice the lamb and the goat at their
annual services, until they had returned to Jerusalem and rebuilt the Temple on the Temple
Mount. And that has proved true. The Jews have never really “returned to Jerusalem”; and,
before the second advent, they never will. Bible prophecy declares they would remain
scattered among the heathen through all future time. And so it will remain until Jesus returns.
Yes, they have a beachhead in Palestine; but it is U.S. dollars that keep them there, always
on the brink of extinction by surrounding Arabs. They do not have internationally accepted
possession of the full land (the West Bank is a large chunk of the Promised Land, and so is
the Gaza Strip); and they do not have genuine rule over Jerusalem. Although the Jews live
there and manage part of it, Jerusalem is not really theirs.
They do not have ownership and control of Jerusalem as the French have control of Paris and
the Egyptians have control of Cairo. In reality, the Jews are only partial managers of the
place; they share ownership with the Arabs. And all sides know it. The Scripture has not been
broken. The Jews have not returned to autonomy in Jerusalem; they never will. The problem
is with the Temple. First, the Israelis do not control the Temple Mount. As soon as they won
the Six Day War in 1967, they handed legal control of the top of the Temple Mount to the
Palestinians! This was done in order to avoid uprisings and riots by the Palestinians. Second,
every rabbi will tell you that the service on the Temple Mount must be restored in order for the
religious services of the nation to begin again, in full. And, by Orthodox Jewish law, the
Temple can only be rebuilt on that Mount. Yet the heathen edifices dedicated to Muslim
worship were there when the Jews arrived; they are still there. Never will the Israelis dare to
tear down those two Muslim shrines so the Jewish Temple can again be placed there! The
third most sacred place in all Islam is the Temple Mount in Jerusalem. In contrast, today the
most sacred place in Jewry is the Wailing Wall just below the Mount. But all that is there are
giant temple foundation stones, dating back to Solomon’s time. Below the Mount, the Jews
have the foundations of the Temple; on the Mount, the Arabs have worship centers which are
profane to Jewish belief.
Why is the Temple Mount considered so sacred to the Arabs? Only 65 years after
Muhammad’s flight (Hegira) from Mecca, in A.D. 687, Abd-al-Malik began construction of the
Dome of the Rock (Qubbat al-Sakhra) on the desolate Temple Mount, where the Jewish
Temple stood until its destruction in A.D. 70. Malik hoped to divert pilgrims from the two most
sacred Muslim worship centers: Mecca and Medina. This double octagon of exquisitely
patterned marble tiles was completed in 691. It encloses a stone slab. According to Muslim
tradition, it was from that sacred stone that Muhammad ascended to heaven on his black
horse. Because of this, Jerusalem became the Arabs’ third most important city; and they
named it al-Quds (the Holy City). As for the flat-topped Temple Mount, it received the name,
Haram es-Sharif (the Enclosure of the Noble Building).
The Jews well-know that they must rebuild the Temple on the Temple Mount (ancient Mount
Moriah) in order to properly reestablish themselves. That is where Abraham offered Isaac and
where Solomon’s Temple stood. The large cleared space—down below the Mount—by the
Wailing Wall (the western supporting wall of the Temple Mount) is surely not the place to put
it. The symbolism of all this is terrific. Here are the Jews standing outside the wall, denied
entrance by the Arabs who control it!
The Israelis want to regain those thirty acres (the flat top of the Temple Mount), but they do
not know how to do it. On September 17, 1974, about a year after the Yom Kippur War, plans
were initiated for the building of the Jerusalem Great Synagogue, touted to be “the first large
central house of worship since the destruction of the Temple in A.D. 70.” It was to be located
in the heart of the city, next to the Heikhal Shlomo, Israel’s chief rabbinical offices.
Holding1,700 people, it was to cost $10 million. Its promoters were quick to mention that the
project in no way implied restoration of the Temple. They dare not frighten the Arabs into
starting a never-ending, devastating warfare. Sporadically, several different Jewish plans
have been proposed for rebuilding the Temple on the Mount. But, each time, the thought of
the immense bloodshed it would bring has killed the project. The Temple services will never
be restored; the Jews will never really own their land! The Temple Mount will continue to
remain in the hands of their bitterest enemies to the end of this evil world.
By Orthodox law, no Jewish synagogue—no matter where it is located throughout the world
can sacrifice a lamb or goat on an altar. According to rabbinical rules, the Temple must be
restored on the Temple Mount before that can happen. So, instead, faithful Jews observe the
Seder on Passover evening each year. They go to a meat market and purchase a leg of a
lamb; and they serve it at home with bitter herbs, unleavened bread, parsley, mixed nuts,
apples, and wine. At home, each family observes the day of atonement at the dinner table as
the father waves a dead chicken over his head. Who is in charge of the city? It remains
divided between the Jews and the Arabs—with the Arabs controlling the most important part!
Without possession of the Mount, they do not really possess Jerusalem. In subsequent years,
legal control of the Arab Quarter of Old Jerusalem has also been handed over to the
Palestinans! They now control both the Temple Mount and one of the four quarters of the old
city. The modern city around it—is not part of historic Jerusalem. Now you can see why the
Jews have never truly returned to Jerusalem! Decades ago, a small booklet was published by
our church, entitled David Dare. That book contained several fulfilled Bible prophecies, such
as the desolation of the original cities of Tyre and Babylon. One of the predictions was that
the Jews would never return to Jerusalem.
After 1967, our denomination stopped publishing that booklet. But its principles still hold true;
for the Jews have not returned to genuine, total governance of Jerusalem, much less the
former Jewish territory of their ancestors. The Bible prophecies emphasize that they would
always be scattered among the heathen—the Gentiles,—regardless of where they might live.
Both predictions still apply.
According to Bible prophecy, the Jews would not again legally control Jerusalem and the
Temple Mount; and they would dwell among Gentiles who will tread upon their holy places.
(The word, “Gentiles,” means “other nations”; that is, non-Jews.) (2) This brings us to a
second basic flaw in the “times of the Gentiles” theory: Jerusalem is still being trodden down
by the Gentiles. It has not stopped. Indeed, it has greatly increased since 1967! Prior to 1967,
the Arabs would permit no Jew to step foot on the Temple Mount. If one did, several nearby
Arabs would draw near, slip daggers from their long robes into him, and then walk away as
the Jew crumpled to the ground.
One of the first actions by the Jewish government after winning the 1967 war was that
everyone—Jew, Christian, Muslim, Buddhist, or whatever—could freely go up onto the
Temple Mount and enter any building there. This law, which guaranteed the Arabs the right to
worship at their third holiest place and control it, was made to assure that the entire Muslim
world would not shortly rise up as one man and utterly wipe the Israelis from the face of the
Near Eastern map.
As a result, more Gentiles are treading the holy place of the sacred Jewish Temple Mount
than ever before in history—without any exception! The prophecy of Luke 21:24 requires that
the feet of the Gentiles STOP treading that Mount. That surely did not happen in 1967! Since
1967, Gentile footsteps have increased a thousandfold. These facts provide indelible
evidence that the “times of the Gentiles” in Luke 21:24 is still in effect. Those feet will continue
to defile the sacred Mount until the second coming of Jesus Christ.
A keystone prophecy was given us in Ezekiel 21:25-27. It is parallel to Luke 21:24 and helps
explain it. That brief prophecy in Ezekiel, stretching from 605 B.C. To the second coming of
Christ, is longer than the 2300- days prophecy!
“And thou, profane wicked prince of Israel, whose day is come, when iniquity shall have an
end. Thus saith the Lord God; Remove the diadem, and take off the crown; this shall not be
the same: exalt him that is low, and abase him that is high.
“I will overturn, overturn, overturn it: and it shall be no more, until He come whose right it is;
and I will give it Him.”—Ezekiel 21:25-27. The Jews experienced three “overturnings,” which
resulted in destroying the Temple and scattering the Jews among the nations. That condition
was never to be reversed until “He come whose right it is; and I will give it to Him.” —Only
Christ has that right!
The Jews will never return to Jerusalem; only spiritual Israel will. At the third advent, they will
receive it; and the New Jerusalem will be theirs forever. “To the ‘profane wicked prince’ [the
last king of Judah] had come the day of final reckoning. ‘Remove the diadem,’ the Lord
decreed, ‘and take off the crown.’ Not until Christ Himself should set up His kingdom was
Judah again to be permitted to have a king. ‘I will overturn, overturn, overturn it,’ was the
divine edict concerning the throne of the house of David; ‘and it shall be no more, until He
come whose right it is; and I will give it Him.’ Ezekiel 21:25-27.”—Prophets and Kings, 451:2.
The prophecy of Ezekiel 21:25-27 points to the “final overthrow of all earthly dominions,” not
to a six-day war in 1967 when the Jews regained part of Jerusalem. “The final overthrow of all
earthly dominions is plainly foretold in the Word of truth. In the prophecy, uttered when
sentence from God was pronounced upon the last king of Israel, is given the message:
“ ‘Thus saith the Lord God, Remove the diadem, and take off the crown . . exalt him that is
low, and abase him that is high. I will overturn, overturn, overturn it; and it shall be no more,
until He come whose right it is; and I will give it Him’ (Ezekiel 21:25-27). “The crown removed
from Israel passed successively to the kingdoms of Babylon, Medo-Peria, Greece, and Rome.
God says, ‘It shall be no more, until He come whose right it is; and I will give it Him.’ ”
Education, 179, 1-3.
“It shall be no more, until He come whose right it is; and I will give it Him.” Never again will the
Jews rule their own land. Today they still do not. Actually, no one does; Jews and Arabs
continually contest that ownership amid bloodshed. But soon, He will come whose right it is.
Time is now in God’s hands; and He will order that which is best. In order to understand His
plan for future events, read Great Controversy. —vf
WM 1292
DATE OF PUBLICATION: SEPTEMBER 2005
WAYMARKS – from PILGRIMS REST
HCR 77, BOX 38A - BEERSHEBA SPRINGS, TN 37305 USA

WE ARE NOT TO SET TIME

By earnest prayer and careful study of the book of Daniel, a sincere, God-fearing New England farmer, William Miller, was guided by God to crack the code of Daniel 8 and 9, — and discover that a major event was predicted to occur near the half-way mark of the nineteenth century.

This date (later corrected to the autumn of 1844) was, indeed, the right one: Something very important was to occur on October 22, 1844 (Great Controversy, 456-457). And it did.

A major new work began within the Sanctuary in heaven, a work of investigative judgment which you are acquainted with (Great Controversy, 409-432, 479-491). That event was one of the most important in all human history. But another event also occurred on October 22, 1844, an event we rarely take notice of. It is unfortunate that we give it so little attention.

It is an event predicted in the book of Revelation: “And the angel which I saw stand upon the sea and upon the earth lifted up his hand to heaven. And sware by Him that liveth for ever and ever, who created heaven, and the things that therein are, and the earth, and the things that therein are, and the sea, and the things which are therein, that there should be time no longer.” — Revelation 10:5-6.

We have here, in Revelation 10:6, a second prediction which began to take effect on October 22, 1844. What is that prediction, and how can we be certain that it is so? The phrase, “that there should be time no longer” could have several interpretations, and, of ourselves, we would not be able to know which of them to apply. Only Scripture can give us correct interpretations. Fortunately, we are told exactly what it means in a Spirit of Prophecy comment on Revelation 10. It is printed in 7 Bible Commentary 971, where we are told that it was Christ Himself who spoke the words given in that chapter. He is the angel of Revelation 10. Here is the explanation of Revelation 10:6: “This time, which the angel declares with a solemn oath, is not the end of this world’s history, neither of probationary time, but of prophetic time, which should precede the advent of our Lord. That is, the people will not have another message upon definite time. After this period of time, reaching from 1842 to 1844, there can be no definite tracing of the prophetic time. The longest reckoning reaches to the autumn of 1844.” — 7 Bible Commentary, 971 [emphasis ours].

WHEN GOD SPEAKS WE SHOULD OBEY

The Bible says, “I am the Lord ; I change not.” (Malachi 3:6). When the Lord says something, it is so — and no man can change it. And, we might add, no man should try to change it. In accordance with this light, Ellen White repeatedly wrote that there would be no correct time prophecies, no accurate time settings, no worthwhile time calculations, and no usable time-span calculations after 1844. None would be given to mankind by the Lord, and none would correctly be deduced by anyone on earth. One thing you can be certain of: When the Lord says something, Satan will try to counterwork it. He will cause men to ignore it, reject it, ridicule it, or explain it away. That is the way Satan works, and we need to be aware of it. Surely, we do not want to be found on Satan’s side of the controversy, defending and promoting his arguments and devices.

In the Garden of Eden, God said not to eat of a certain tree. So Satan tempted Eve to specially eat of that one. To all mankind, God said to keep the seventh day holy, so Satan invented substitute holy days on the first and sixth days of the week. An immense portion of mankind today keeps one or the other of those false sabbaths holy.

First, we need to know what God says. Second, we should obey it. Third, we should be aware of the fact that Satan will try to get us to do something different, and thus disobey the commandment of the Lord. When God says to do something, we should do it. When He says not to do something, we should not do it! This may sound simplistic, but it is a life or death issue.

NOT TO LIVE ON TIME EXCITEMENT

If you are tempted to set time, or believe the theories of those who are doing so, read this: “We are not to live upon TIME EXCITEMENT. We are not to be engrossed with speculations in regard to the times and the seasons which God has not revealed.” — 1 Selected Messages, 189.

“I saw that some were getting a false EXCITEMENT, arising from preaching time; but the Third Angel’s Message is stronger than time can be.” — Early Writings, 75.

THE REBELLION IN THE WILDERNESS

The people were weary with the traveling, and they had finally come to the banks of the Jordan. Moses sent twelve spies across the river to spy out the land. They returned with grapes — and a false report. God had said it was time to enter the Promised Land. The spies said it was not time. The people believed the spies. So the Lord said they would perish in the wilderness because of it. He had set the time for them to enter the goodly land, and they refused to accept it. Then, the next day, they decided to “obey” the Lord by setting a different time for the fulfillment of His Word, a different time to enter the Promised Land. But the Lord had told them there would be no more time for that — until 40 years had passed. He had given them a time prophecy, and they determined to break it. You know the result (Numbers 13-14).

The people tried to set a time during a period of time when the Lord said not to. They perished in the wilderness as a result. God has told us, “Do not set time after 1844.” The words are clear, and repeated many times in the Spirit of Prophecy. “Jesus has told His disciples to watch, — but not for definite time.” — Evangelism, 221.

PROPHETIC TIME

Now, someone will say, “Oh, but we are not setting prophetic time, but only literal time.” Seriously, now, that is a lame excuse! The Lord, through Ellen White, did not tell us, “Do not set prophetic time, but you can set literal time.” No, we were repeatedly told, in the Spirit of Prophecy writings, “DO NOT SET TIME!” “Prophetic time” is predicted time; as simple as that. It is not a special kind of predicted time, it is all predicted time. To say it differently, “prophetic time” is prophesied time. When we say that Scripture predicts a certain time span, year, or actual date, this is a prophetic time statement. It is prophetic time, or prophesied (predicted), time that we are dealing with. “Prophetic time” includes all time setting, whether it be about events which have not yet occurred, or which have already occurred.

DEFINITE AND LITERAL TIME

We were told not to set “definite time” after 1844 (Great Controversy, 456-457). What is “definite time”? It is an actual date; year, month, or day. What does the phrase “definite time” mean to you? How can it be interpreted to mean “prophetic” time, and not also “literal” time? The Spirit of Prophecy never differentiates between “literal” and “prophetic” time setting, and definitely not in the sense that modern time setters do. It is all time setting. They claim that it is all right for them to set time, since they only do it with day-for-day interpretations (1260 days, instead of 1260 years, etc.) It is true that Bible time prophecies include both day-for-day and year-for-day time sequences. But both are time prophecies; both are prophetic time settings. Indeed, is not all time setting literal? It is the Jehovah’s Witnesses who have non-literal time; they say a day equals a thousand years, and therefore they do not need to keep the Bible Sabbath.

COMMANDS GIVEN TO US

We are told not to “set dates” (Life Sketches, 89; Early Writings, 22). Then why are we doing it? We are told that “time will never again be a test,” and that our message to the people—any people — must “not be hung on time” (Early Writings, 75). Is not that clear enough? We are told that “the influence of time setting will destroy the faith of God’s people” (1 Testimonies, 72- 73). Are you or I guilty of trying to destroy the faith of God’s people? (Compare 1 Testimonies, 409.) We are told that there should be “no definite time” set after 1844, and that those who do so are teaching “heresy.” That is strong language (2 Selected Messages, 73). We are told that setting time leads precious souls into “strange paths” (2 Selected Messages, 113). You and I dare not do that, or support it by our words or influence. We are told to “beware of anyone who would set a time for the Lord to fulfill His Word in regard to His coming, or in regard to any other promise He has made of special significance” (Testimonies to Ministers, 55). How much more all inclusive can a sentence get? What must the Lord do to us, before we will stop setting time? Must He send us back into the wilderness for another forty years, as He did to the Israelites when they tried to confound His time statement? We are told that not even the angels know the dates we are trying to search out, and that souls are going down to ruin because of all this uncalled for time setting: “Because the times repeatedly set have passed, the world is in a more decided state of unbelief than before in regard to the near advent of Christ. They look upon the failures of the time setters with disgust; and because men have been so deceived, they turn from the truth substantiated by the Word of God that the end of all things is at hand.” — 4 Testimonies, 307.

We are told of those who are “very earnest in mapping out the future” and the dates for coming events (Desire of Ages, 632-633), — are doing that which we should not do.

We are told that we are to take up the yoke of preaching Christ, and not take up the yoke of time setting (Testimonies to Ministers, 60-61).

We are told that when we “preach definite time,” we only hurt the people, and, “when the time passes,” they “fall back into coldness, darkness, and sin,” and it is almost impossible to later arouse them again (4 Testimonies, 308).

It is presumption to do that which God specifically said not to do. We are told that those who “presumptiously preach definite time,” please the devil and only show they are false prophets (4 Testimonies, 307).

A key aspect here is the delay factor. In the very last chapter of the Bible, we are told more than once to expect Christ’s return very soon! But the message of these time setters is that we have a few years delay before the end will come. “No one has a true message fixing the time when Christ is to come or not to come. Be assured that God gives no one authority to say that Christ delays His coming five years, ten years or twenty years. ‘Be ye also ready, for in such an hour as ye think not the Son of man cometh.’ (Matthew 24:44).” — 2 Selected Messages, 113-114.

“Oh, someone will say, “we are not dating the Second Advent, but only some other — some different — unfulfilled prophecy.”

Read this: “There will always be false and fanatical movements made by persons in the church who claim to be led of God — those who will run before they are sent, and will give day and date for the occurrence of unfulfilled prophecy. The enemy is pleased to have them do this.” — 2 Selected Messages, 84.

“Oh,” but someone will say, “but we are only dating a promise yet to be fulfilled before the Second Advent.”

The counsel is clear: “Let all our brethren and sisters beware of anyone who would set a time for the Lord to fulfill His Word in regard to His coming, or in regard to any other promise He has made of special significance.” — Testimonies to Ministers, 55. “But,” you will say, “the man who presents these time settings surely seems inspired by God.” According to 2 Selected Messages, 65, such men are, indeed, inspired — but by Satan. The problem is that men and women desire to pry open secrets, not revealed by God in His Word. But it is wrong to try to do that. Read 7 Bible Commentary, 989 (more complete in 1 Selected Messages, 191). Here is part of it: “God has not revealed to us the time when this message will close, or when probation will have an end . . Let us not seek to know that which has been kept secret in the councils of the Almighty.” — 7 Bible Commentary, 989; 1 Selected Messages, 191.

Probation will end suddenly and unexpectedly — when we least expect it. That is the message of God to mankind (7 Bible Commentary, 989). Yet men and women today are giving us a variety of dates for the close of probation. They presume to be able to date in advance an event, which the God of heaven says no one will be able to do.

FROM THE SKIES WILL COME THE FINAL TIME MESSAGE

It is clear that, repeatedly, Ellen White reiterated the message declared by Christ, the angel of Revelation 10. In verse 6, He declared, with finality, that there would be no more time prophecies after 1844. After that date, never again would an earthly prophet, or any other individual, be shown a time prophecy by the God of heaven, or be able to correctly deduce one.

Instead, the Creator will Himself declare, from the heavens, the day and hour of the Second Advent. Because it will be proclaimed from the skies, there can be no doubt that it comes for God. Also keep in mind that it will not be given till some time after the close of human probation.

“The voice of God is heard from heaven, declaring the day and hour of Jesus’ coming, and delivering the everlasting covenant to His people. Like peals of loudest thunder His words roll through the earth.” — Great Controversy, 640.

That statement cannot be counterfeited, cannot be misjudged, cannot be questioned. It is, doubtless, God Himself who is speaking. Listen not to the time-setting preachers and their date-setting pamphlets. From October 22, 1844, onward, only God Himself will date future events, and He will declare it as thunder from the skies.

THE SOLEMN PLEDGE

But there is another aspect to that Revelation 10:5-6 passage which we need to consider. It is important, and it is worthy of our careful attention: “And the angel which I saw stand upon the sea and upon the earth lifted up his hand to heaven. And sware by Him that liveth for ever and ever, who created heaven, and the things that therein are, and the earth, and the things that therein are, and the sea, and the things which are therein, that there should be time no longer.” — Revelation 10:5-6.

Consider thoughtfully what you have just read! We have here a most solemn promise, or pledge, by Christ Himself. It is given as a sworn statement, based on the fact that His Father exists! How much more serious and meaningful a statement can be given to us! What kind of sin is it — to turn from that statement and, by our time setting, seek to counterwork and deny it? Whoever does it, must be a brave person. For to do so is to declare that Christ is wrong, and the Father does not exist! In view of Revelation 10:5-6, as explained by 7 Bible Commentary, 971 (and all the other supporting Spirit of Prophecy statements), it We Are Not to Set Time must be a type of blasphemy to set time — when Christ has said not to do it! How brave are you? Brave enough to flaunt the authority of God and set time, accept time settings, and encourage others to accept them? Why were you and I placed here? Why were we brought into the Advent Message? merely to focus our attention on time messages, which God has not given us, — or were we placed here to share the great truth about obedience to the law of God through faith in Jesus Christ? Will God be pleased if you switch your message from that, which He has given you, to one which He solemnly adjured you to have nothing to do with? Thank it over. Probationary time is short. What kind of answer will you give Him in the judgment? If you have been involved in this, you would do well to repent while you have an opportunity. Put the terrible thing from you, and live a changed life. God will forgive, but do not wait.

TIME SETTING PAST, PRESENT, AND FUTURE

People have been setting time for a long time. Did you know that, just before the end of the first millennium, there was a time-setting group that predicted that Christ would return about the year A.D. 1000? They had applied Revelation 20 to the Second Advent. But our own people have been especially active in this line. God knew this would happen, and so He forewarned us not to do it. But we have done it anyway. Here are several time settings which have occurred in our past history:

1851 — In 1850, Joseph Bates predicted that the Second Advent would occur in 1851, because he speculated that the seven drops of blood on the mercy seat (Leviticus 16:14) represented seven years (1 E. G. White Biography, 207-210, by A. White).

1854 — This time setting was keyed to the fact that it was ten years since 1844.

(See 1 Testimonies, 409 for an Inspired comment.)

1884 — This time setting was based on the fact that it was 40 years since 1844, and likened to the 40 years delay in the wilderness, before entrance into the promised land. (She mentions this time setting in 2 Selected Messages, 73.)

1894 — A 50-year anniversary was the basis of this time setting. (See 2 Selected Messages, 113 for an Inspired comment.)

1928 — Taylor G. Bunch led out in this time excitement. He predicted that, since it was 40 years since 1888, Christ’s Second Advent was about to occur.

1938 — This time setting did not attract as much attention, and was based on a 50-year anniversary since 1888.

1955 — This prediction was made by the Davidians, and was not for October 22, but April 22 of that year. Adventist leaders were to be slain by the angels just prior to that date, and several other events would occur. Details are given in our book, The Davidians of Waco (page

15). When nothing happened, the Davidian movement collapsed for several years.

1964 — Many were interested in this one. I recall when it happened, and told my friends nothing would come of it. This was the 120th year since 1844 (“As it was in the days of Noah” — and he preached 120 years).

1967 — William Grotheer says that the probation of the Seventh-day Adventist denomination ended this year, because the Jews won the Six Day War against the Arabs. After that date, it is no longer necessary to evangelize.

1987 — This was a supposed jubilee cycle terminal date for the end of time.

1994 — This was another supposed jubilee cycle date for the end. Several different folk have focused their attention on 1994 as the key year when final events will begin. One of these is Larry Wilson. He believes four major lines of evidence converge on March 19, 1994 as the key closing-events date. Yet, even after the date passed uneventfully, he continues to claim it is very important. Some time setters are doing that now: claiming that something must have happened on the predicted date — when actually nothing happened!

And that brings us to a special time setter: Before concluding, this collection of dates, we should give attention to one of the very boldest time setters in Adventist history: Jeanine Sautron, a woman who lives in France. She dares to set times many years in advance, all the while knowing the Spirit of Prophecy prohibitions against doing so. A rather complete refutation of her theories will be found in our booklet, Jeanine Sautron.

Here, very briefly, are some of her time settings. In spite of the fact that NOT ONE of them has been fulfilled to date, she still claims that all of them are inspired of God — and the events predicted actually occurred! Quoted material is from her publications):

1988 — “The Judgment of the Living begins with the Seventh-day Adventists.” —That means that, if true, the individual probation of nearly all of us has already closed.

1991 — “The official organized Seventh-day Adventist Church was spewed out and rejected” by God.

1992 — After a year without a people, in this year God is said to have given Sautron’s group — which, in her broken English (she is French), she calls “the Remnants” — the “candlestick” of religious authority.

1993 — The Remnants were commanded to begin evangelizing the world, as of March 6.

1994 — One of her most astounding claims: The sealing ended in March 1994! That means all individual probations are closed! Yet the National Sunday Law crisis has not begun yet! Sautron’s theology is totally mixed up.

1994 — “March 23, 1994: The four winds of Revelation 7 were unleashed!” Well, when did that happen? We never noticed it. Also predicted to occur soon after that date: “The Sunday Law will soon be here!”

1995 — “March 7, 1995: worldwide disasters and economic collapse!” I assure you; nothing eventful will occur on that date.

2005 — “March 7, 2005: Probation closes for man!” That would be the universal close of probation. Yet Sautron places the end of the sealing eleven years earlier!

PILGRIMS REST

HCR 77, BOX 38A – BEERSHEBA SPRINGS, TN 37305 USA

I have seen that the 1843 chart was directed by the hand of the Lord

I have seen that the 1843 chart was directed by the hand of the Lord, and that it should not be
altered; that the figures were as He wanted them; that His hand was over and hid a mistake in
some of the figures, so that none could see it, until His hand was removed.
[THIS APPLIES TO THE CHART USED DURING THE 1843 MOVEMENT, AND HAS
SPECIAL REFERENCE TO THE CALCULATION OF THE PROPHETIC PERIODS AS IT
APPEARED ON THAT CHART. THE NEXT SENTENCE EXPLAINS THAT THERE WAS AN
INACCURACY WHICH IN THE PROVIDENCE OF GOD WAS SUFFERED TO EXIST. BUT
THIS DOES NOT SUB- A CHART PRECLUDE THE PUBLICATION OF SEQUENTLY WHICH
WOULD CORRECT THE MISTAKE, AFTER THE 1843 MOVEMENT WAS PAST, AND THE
CALCULATION AS THEN MADE HAD SERVED ITS PURPOSE.] {EW 74.1}
Then I saw in relation to the "daily" (Daniel 8:12) that the word "sacrifice" was supplied by
man's wisdom, and does not belong to the text, and that the Lord gave the correct view of it
to those who gave the judgment hour cry. When union existed, before 1844, nearly all were
united on the correct view of the "daily"; but in the confusion since 1844, other views have
been embraced, and darkness and confusion have followed. Time has not been a test since
1844, and it will never again be a test. {EW 74.2}
Except by Inspiration
I saw that the truth should be made plain upon tables, that the earth and the fullness thereof
is the Lord's, and that necessary means should not be spared to make it plain. I saw that the
old chart was directed by the Lord, and that not a figure of it should be altered except by
inspiration. I saw that the figures of the chart were as God would have them, and that His
hand was over and hid a mistake in some of the figures, so that none should see it till His
hand was removed. {Spalding and Magan 1.3}
The 1850 Chart & Tract Production
God showed me the necessity of getting out a chart. I saw it was needed and that the truth
made plain upon tables would affect much and would cause souls to come to the knowledge
of the truth.--Letter 26, 1850, p. 1. (To Brother and Sister Loveland, November 1, 1850.)
{5MR 202.4}
On our return to Brother Nichol's, the Lord gave me a vision and showed me that the truth
must be made plain upon tables, and it would cause many to decide for the truth by the third
angel's message with the two former being made plain upon tables. I also saw it was as
necessary for the paper to be published as for the messengers to go, for the messengers
need a paper to carry with them containing present truth to put in the hands of those who hear
and then the truth would not fade from the mind, and that the paper would go where the
messengers could not go . . . .{5MR 203.1}
GOD IS IN IT
“The [1850] chart is being executed in Boston. God is in it. Brother Nichols has the charge of
it.” Manuscript release, volume 15, 213.
THE CHARTS ORDERED BY GOD
I saw that God was in the publishment of the chart by Brother Nichols. I saw that there was a
prophecy of this chart in the Bible, and if this chart is designed for God‘s people, if it [is]
sufficient for one it is for another, and if one needed a new chart painted on a larger scale, all
need it just as much. . . .
I saw that the charts [the 1843 and the 1850] ordered by God struck the mind favorably, even
without an explanation. There is something light, lovely, and heavenly in the representation of
the angels on the charts. The mind is almost imperceptibly led to God and heaven. But the
other charts that have been gotten up disgust the mind, and cause the mind to dwell more on
earth than heaven. Manuscript Releases, volume 13, 359.
NO NEW MESSAGE
God is not giving us a new message. We are to proclaim the message that in 1843 and 1844 ,
brought us out of the other churches. Review and Herald, January 19, 1905.
THE MESSAGES OF 1843 AND 1844
God bids us give our time and strength to the work of preaching to the people the messages
that stirred men and women in 1843 and 1844 . Manuscript Release, Number 760.
THE MESSAGES OF 1843 AND 1844?
Now our history shows that there were hundreds teaching from the same chronological charts
that William Miller was, all of one stamp. Then it was the oneness of the message all on one
theme, the coming of the Lord Jesus at a certain time, 1844. Joseph Bates, Early SDA
Pamphlets, 17.
The messages given from 1840-1844 are to be made forcible now
All the messages given from 1840-1844 are to be made forcible now, for there are many
people who have lost their bearings. The messages are to go to all the churches. {21MR
437.1}
Christ said, "Blessed are your eyes, for they see; and your ears, for they hear. For verily I say
unto you, That many prophets and righteous men have desired to see those things which ye
see, and have not seen them; and to hear those things which ye hear, and have not heard
them" [Matthew 13:16, 17]. Blessed are the eyes which saw the things that were seen in 1843
and 1844. {21MR 437.2}
The message was given. And there should be no delay in repeating the message, for the
signs of the times are fulfilling; the closing work must be done. A great work will be done in a
short time. A message will soon be given by God's appointment that will swell into a loud cry.
Then Daniel will stand in his lot, to give his testimony. {21MR 437.3}
The attention of our churches must be aroused. We are standing upon the borders of the
greatest event in the world's history, and Satan must not have power over the people of God,
causing them to sleep on. The papacy will appear in its power. All must now arouse and
search the Scriptures, for God will make known to His faithful ones what shall be in the last
time. The word of the Lord is to come to His people in power. {21MR 437.4}
A Firm Platform
I saw a company who stood well guarded and firm, giving no countenance to those who
would unsettle the established faith of the body. God looked upon them with approbation. I
was shown three steps-- the first, second, and third angels' messages. Said my
accompanying angel, "Woe to him who shall move a block or stir a pin of these messages.
The true understanding of these messages is of vital importance. The destiny of souls hangs
upon the manner in which they are received." I was again brought down through these
messages, and saw how dearly the people of God had purchased their experience. It had
been obtained through much suffering and severe conflict. God had led them along step by
step, until He had placed them upon a solid, immovable platform. I saw individuals approach
the platform and examine the foundation. Some with rejoicing immediately stepped upon it.
Others commenced to find fault with the foundation. They wished improvements made, and
then the platform would be more perfect, and the people much happier. Some stepped off the
platform to examine it and declared it to be laid wrong. But I saw that nearly all stood firm
upon the platform and exhorted those who had stepped off to cease their complaints; for God
was the Master Builder, and they were fighting against Him. They recounted the wonderful
work of God, which had led them to the firm platform, and in union raised their eyes to heaven
and with a loud voice glorified God. This affected some of those who had complained and left
the platform, and they with humble look again stepped upon it. {EW 258.3}
I was pointed back to the proclamation of the first advent of Christ. John was sent in the spirit
and power of Elijah to prepare the way of Jesus. Those who rejected the testimony of John
were not benefited by the teachings of Jesus. Their opposition to the message that foretold
His coming placed them where they could not readily receive the strongest evidence that He
was the Messiah. Satan led on those who rejected the message of John to go still farther, to
reject and crucify Christ. In doing this they placed themselves where they could not receive
the blessing on the day of Pentecost, which would have taught them the way into the
heavenly sanctuary. The rending of the veil of the temple showed that the Jewish sacrifices
and ordinances would no longer be received. The great Sacrifice had been offered and had
been accepted, and the Holy Spirit which descended on the day of Pentecost carried the
minds of the disciples from the earthly sanctuary to the heavenly, where Jesus had entered by
His own blood, to shed upon His disciples the benefits of His atonement. But the Jews were
left in total darkness. They lost all the light which they might have had upon the plan of
salvation, and still trusted in their useless sacrifices and offerings. The heavenly sanctuary
had taken the place of the earthly, yet they had no knowledge of the change. Therefore they
could not be benefited by the mediation of Christ in the holy place. {EW 259.1} to affect
different minds. Some look with horror upon one deception, while they readily receive another.
Satan deceives some with Spiritualism. He also comes as an angel of light and spreads his
influence over the land by means of false reformations. The churches are elated, and
consider that God is working marvelously for them, when it is the work of another spirit. The
excitement will die away and leave the world and the church in a worse condition than before.
{EW 260.1}
The Foundation and Platform
The warning has come: Nothing is to be allowed to come in that will disturb the foundation of
the faith upon which we have been building ever since the message came in 1842, 1843,
and 1844. I was in this message, and ever since I have been standing before the world, true
to the light that God has given us. We do not propose to take our feet off the platform on
which they were placed as day by day we sought the Lord with earnest prayer, seeking for
light. Do you think that I could give up the light that God has given me? It is to be as the Rock
of Ages. It has been guiding me ever since it was given. Brethren and sisters, God lives and
reigns and works today. His hand is on the wheel, and in his providence he is turning the
wheel in accordance with his own will. Let not men fasten themselves to documents, saying
what they will do, and what they will not do. Let them fasten themselves to the Lord God of
heaven. Then the light of heaven will shine into the soul-temple, and we shall see the
salvation of God. {RH, April 14, 1903 par. 35}
Simply stated the platform is on those charts those are the messages proclaimed from 1840-
1844
“It was the united testimony of Second Advent lecturers and papers, when standing on 'the
original faith' that the publication of the chart was a fulfillment of Habakkuk 2:2, 3. If the chart
was a subject of prophecy (AND THOSE WHO DENY IT LEAVE THE ORIGNAL FAITH), then
it follows that B.C. 457 was the year from which to date the 2300 days. It was necessary that
1843 should be the first published time in order that ‘the vision’ should ‘tarry,’ or that there
should be a tarrying time, in which the virgin band was to slumber and sleep on the great
subject of time, just before they were to be aroused by the Midnight Cry.” Second Advent
Review and Sabbath Herald, volume 1, number 2, James White.
Show what the Word of God declares is to take place on this earth. The God who gave Daniel
instruction regarding the closing scenes of this earth's history will certainly confirm the
testimony of His servants as at the appointed time they give the loud cry. {21MR 436.6}
Nothing would be allowed to stand in the way of the new movement
The enemy of souls has sought to bring in the supposition that a great reformation was to
take place among Seventh-day Adventists, and that this reformation would consist in giving
up the doctrines, which stand as the pillars of our faith, and engaging in a process of
reorganization. Were this reformation to take place, what would result? The principles of truth
that God in His wisdom has given to the remnant church, would be discarded. Our religion
would be changed.
The fundamental principles that have sustained the work for the last fifty years would be
accounted as error. A new organization would be established. Books of a new order would be
written. A system of intellectual philosophy would be introduced. The founders of this system
would go into the cities, and do a wonderful work. The Sabbath of course, would be lightly
regarded, as also the God who created it. Nothing would be allowed to stand in the way of the
new movement. The leaders would teach that virtue is better than vice, but God being
removed, they would place their dependence on human power, which, without God, is
worthless. Their foundation would be built on the sand, and storm and tempest would sweep
away the structure {1SM 204.2}

Old Truths

Old Truths (EGW)

We are God’s commandment-keeping people. For the past fifty years every phase of heresy has been brought to bear upon us, to becloud our minds regarding the teaching of the Word–especially concerning the ministration of Christ in the heavenly sanctuary, and the message of Heaven for these last days, as given by the angels of the fourteenth chapter of Revelation. Messages of every order and kind have been urged upon Seventh-day Adventists, to take the place of the truth which, point by point, has been sought out by prayerful study, and testified to by the miracle-working power of the Lord. But the waymarks which have made us what we are, are to be preserved, and they will be preserved, as God has signified through His Word and the testimony of His Spirit. He calls upon us to hold firmly, with the grip of faith, to the fundamental principles that are based upon unquestionable authority. {1SM 208.2}

Satan hopes to involve the remnant people of God in the general ruin that is coming upon the earth. As the coming of Christ draws nigh, he will be more determined and decisive in his efforts to overthrow them. Men and women will arise professing to have some new light or some new revelation whose tendency is to unsettle faith in the old landmarks. Their doctrines will not bear the test of God’s word, yet souls will be deceived. {CCh 344.4}

The end is near! We have not a moment to lose! Light is to shine forth from God’s people in clear, distinct rays, bringing Jesus before the churches and before the world. . . . The instrumentalities to be used are those souls who gladly receive the light of truth which God communicates to them. These are God’s agencies for communicating the knowledge of truth to the world. If through the grace of Christ His people will become new bottles, He will fill them with the new wine. God will give additional light, and old truths will be recovered, and replaced in the frame-work of truth; and wherever the laborers go, they will triumph. As Christ’s ambassadors, they are to search the Scriptures, to seek for the truths that have been hidden beneath the rubbish of error. And every ray of light received is to be communicated to others. One interest will prevail, one subject will swallow up every other,–Christ our righteousness. . . . {SD 259.3}

The old truths, given us at the beginning, are to be heralded far and near. The lapse of time has not lessened their value. It is the constant effort of the enemy to remove these truths from their setting, and to put in their place spurious theories. But the Lord will raise up men of keen perception, who with clear vision will discern the intrigues of Satan, and will give these truths their proper place in the plan of God. {RH, August 20, 1903 par. 8}

Christ came to implant in the minds of men the great truths of which few knew the value. The Jewish nation had discarded truth for tradition. Christ declared to them, “Ye hypocrites, well did Esaias prophesy of you, saying, This people draweth nigh unto Me with their mouth, and honoreth Me with their lips; but their heart is far from Me. But in vain do they worship Me, teaching for doctrines the commandments of men.” {RH, August 20, 1903 par. 9}

He spoke as one having authority, and not as the scribes, in a hesitating, uncertain manner. With calmness and power He proclaimed the living principles of truth, making them more forcible by His manner of presenting them. He could read and understand the policy of Satan,–his desire to cover truth with the rubbish of superstition and tradition. He rescued truth, and gave it to the world, clothed with more than its original glory and luster. {RH, August 20, 1903 par. 10}

At this time there is need of men of sharp spiritual eyesight, who can discern truth from error. The first, second, and third angels’ messages are to be proclaimed with no faltering hesitancy, but with power from on high. We know in whom we have believed. We know that as we obey His word to us, He will give to our words power that will convict and convert souls. {RH, August 20, 1903 par. 11}

Truths that have been buried under a mass of rubbish are to be revived, and reset in their original setting. {3MR 415.2}

The time has come when things must be called by their right names. The truth is to triumph gloriously, and those who have long been halting between two opinions must take their stand decidedly for or against the law of God. Some will take up with theories that misinterpret the Word of God, and undermine the foundation of the truth that has been firmly established, point by point, and sealed by the power of the Holy Spirit. The old truths are to be revived, in order that the false theories that have been brought in by the enemy may be intelligently met. There can be no unity between truth and error. We can unite with those who have been led into deception only when they are converted. {UL 88.2}

There have been one and another who in studying their Bibles thought they discovered great light, and new theories, but these have not been correct. The Scripture is all true, but by misapplying the Scripture men arrive at wrong conclusions. We are engaged in a mighty conflict, and it will become more close and determined, as we near the final struggle. We have a sleepless adversary, and he is constantly at work upon human minds that have not had a personal experience in the teachings of the people of God for the past fifty years. Some will take the truth applicable to their time, and place it in the future. Events in the train of prophecy that had their fulfillment away in the past are made future, and thus by these theories the faith of some is undermined.—Manuscript 31, 1896 {2SM 102.2}

Many errors arose, and though I was then little more than a child, I was sent by the Lord from place to place to rebuke those who were holding these false doctrines. There were those who were in danger of going into fanaticism, and I was bidden in the name of the Lord to give them a warning from heaven. {Ev 610.1}

We shall have to meet these same false doctrines again. There will be those who will claim to have visions. When God gives you clear evidence that the vision is from Him, you may accept it, but do not accept it on any other evidence; for people are going to be led more and more astray in foreign countries and in America. The Lord wants His people to act like men and women of sense. {Ev 610.2}

In the future, deception of every kind is to arise, and we want solid ground for our feet. We want solid pillars for the building. Not one pin is to be removed from that which the Lord has established. . . . Where shall we find safety unless it be in the truths that the Lord has been giving for the last fifty years?–Review and Herald, May 25, 1905. {Ev 610.3}

We are standing upon the threshold of great and solemn events. The whole earth is to be lightened with the glory of the Lord as the waters cover the channels of the great deep. Prophecies are being fulfilled, and stormy times are before us. Old controversies which have apparently been hushed for a long time will be revived, and new controversies will spring up; new and old will commingle, and this will take place right early. The angels are holding the four winds, that they shall not blow, until the specified work of warning is given to the world; but the storm is gathering, the clouds are loading, ready to burst upon the world, and to many it will be as a thief in the night. {SpTA01b 38.1}{TM 116.2}

Difficult points of present truth have been reached by the earnest efforts of a few who were devoted to the work. Fasting and fervent prayer to God have moved the Lord to unlock His treasuries of truth to their understanding. Wily opponents and boasting Goliaths have had to be met, sometimes face to face, but more frequently with the pen. Satan has urged men on to fierce opposition, to blind the eyes and darken the understanding of the people. The few who had the interest of the cause and truth of God at heart were aroused to its defense. They did not seek for ease, but were willing to venture even their lives for the truth’s sake. {2T 650.2}

The enemy of souls has sought to bring in the supposition that a great reformation was to take place among Seventh-Day Adventists, and that this reformation would consist in giving up the doctrines which stand as the pillars of our faith, and engaging in a process of reorganization. Were this reformation to take place, what would result? The principles of truth that God in His wisdom has given to the remnant church, would be discarded. Our religion would be changed. The fundamental principles that have sustained the work for the last fifty years would be counted as error. A new organization would be established. Books of a new order would be written. A system of intellectual philosophy would be introduced. The founders of this system would go into the cities, and do a wonderful work. The sabbath, of coarse, would be lightly regarded, as also the God who created it. Nothing would be allowed to stand in the way of the new movement. The leaders would teach that virtue is better than vice, but God being removed, they would place their dependence on human power, which, without God, is worthless. Their foundation would be built on sand, storm and tempest would sweep away the structure. Who has authority to begin such a movement? We have our Bibles. We have our experiences, attested to by the miraculous working of the Holy Spirit. We have the truth that admits of no compromise. Shall we not repudiate everything that is not in harmony with this truth? {1SM 204-205}

There have been one and another who in studying their Bibles thought they discovered great light, and new theories, but these have not been correct. The Scripture is all true, but by misapplying the Scripture men arrive at wrong conclusions. We are engaged in a mighty conflict, and it will become more close and determined, as we near the final struggle. We have a sleepless adversary, and he is constantly at work upon human minds that have not had a personal experience in the teachings of the people of God for the past fifty years. Some will take the truth applicable to their time, and place it in the future. Events in the train of prophecy that had their fulfillment away in the past are made future, and thus by these theories the faith of some is undermined.—Manuscript 31, 1896 {2SM 102.2}

A few are still alive who passed through the experience gained in the establishment of this truth. God has graciously spared their lives to repeat and repeat till the close of their lives, the experience through which they passed even as did John the apostle till the very close of his life. And the standard-bearers who have fallen in death, are to speak through the reprinting of their writings. I am instructed that thus their voices are to be heard. They are to bear their testimony as to what constitutes the truth for this time. {CW 32.1}

We are not to receive the words of those who come with a message that contradicts the special points of our faith. They gather together a mass of Scripture, and pile it as proof around their asserted theories. This has been done over and over again during the past fifty years. And while the Scriptures are God’s word, and are to be respected, the application of them, if such application moves one pillar from the foundation that God has sustained these fifty years, is a great mistake. He who makes such an application knows not the wonderful demonstration of the Holy Spirit that gave power and force to the past messages that have come to the people of God.– Preach the Word, p. 5. (1905.) {CW 32.2}

In the future, deception of every kind is to arise, and we want solid ground for our feet. We want solid pillars for the building. Not one pin is to be removed from that which the Lord has established. The enemy will bring in false theories, such as the doctrine that there is no sanctuary. This is one of the points on which there will be a departing from the faith. Where shall we find safety unless it be in the truths that the Lord has been giving for the last fifty years? {RH, May 25, 1905 par. 28}

We have nothing to fear for the future, except as we shall forget the way the Lord has led us, and His teaching in our past history. {CET 204.1}

As I saw what we must be in order to inherit glory, and then saw how much Jesus had suffered to obtain for us so rich an inheritance, I prayed that we might be baptized into Christ’s sufferings, that we might not shrink at trials, but bear them with patience and joy, knowing what Jesus had suffered that we through His poverty and sufferings might be made rich. Said the angel, “Deny self; ye must step fast.” Some of us have had time to get the truth and to advance step by step, and every step we have taken has given us strength to take the next. But now time is almost finished, and what we have been years learning, they will have to learn in a few months. They will also have much to unlearn and much to learn again. Those who would not receive the mark of the beast and his image when the decree goes forth, must have decision now to say, Nay, we will not regard the institution of the beast. {EW 67.2} 1 SM 196.

My message to you is: No longer consent to listen without protest to the perversion of truth. Unmask the pretentious sophistries which, if received, will lead ministers and physicians and medical missionary workers to ignore the truth. Every one is now to stand on his guard. God calls upon men and women to take their stand under the blood-stained banner of Prince Emmanuel. I have been instructed to warn our people; for many are in danger of receiving theories and sophistries that undermine the foundation pillars of the faith. {1SM 196.4}

THE ‘ALPHA OF APOSTASY’- LEARN FOR YOURSELF THE DANGERS TO BE AVOIDED

Click to access Alpha-Apostacy.pdf

BEHAVIOR IN THE HOUSE OF GOD!

PLEASE READ THE FOLLOWING! Jot down every point and keep it with you!

Testmonies Vol. 5, p. 491-500
Chap. 56 – Behavior in the House of God

To the humble, believing soul, the house of God on earth is the gate of heaven. The song of praise, the prayer, the words spoken by Christ’s representatives, are God’s appointed agencies to prepare a people for the church above, for that loftier worship into which there can enter nothing that defileth. {5T 491.1}
From the sacredness which was attached to the earthly sanctuary, Christians may learn how they should regard the place where the Lord meets with His people. There has been a great change, not for the better, but for the worse, in the habits and customs of the people in reference to religious worship. The precious, the sacred, things which connect us with God are fast losing their hold upon our minds and hearts, and are being brought down to the level of common things. The reverence which the people had anciently for the sanctuary where they met with God in sacred service has largely passed away. Nevertheless, God Himself gave the order of His service, exalting it high above everything of a temporal nature.
The house is the sanctuary for the family, and the closet or the grove the most retired place for individual worship; but the church is the sanctuary for the congregation. There should be rules in regard to the time, the place, and the manner of worshiping. Nothing that is sacred, nothing that pertains to the worship of God, should be treated with carelessness or indifference. In order that men may do their best work in showing forth the praises of God, their associations must be such as will keep the sacred distinct from the common, in their minds. Those who have broad ideas, noble thoughts and aspirations, are those who have associations that strengthen all thoughts of divine things. Happy are those who have a sanctuary, be it high or low, in the city or among the rugged mountain caves, in the lowly cabin or in the wilderness. If it is the best they can secure for the Master, He will hallow the place with His presence, and it will be holy unto the Lord of hosts.
When the worshipers enter the place of meeting, they should do so with decorum, passing quietly to their seats. If there is a stove in the room, it is not proper to crowd about it in an indolent, careless attitude. Common talking, whispering, and laughing should not be permitted in the house of worship, either before or after the service. Ardent, active piety should characterize the worshipers.
If some have to wait a few minutes before the meeting begins, let them maintain a true spirit of devotion by silent meditation, keeping the heart uplifted to God in prayer that the service may be of special benefit to their own hearts and lead to the conviction and conversion of other souls. They should remember that heavenly messengers are in the house. We all lose much sweet communion with God by our restlessness, by not encouraging moments of reflection and prayer. The spiritual condition needs to be often reviewed and the mind and heart drawn toward the Sun of Righteousness. If when the people come into the house of worship, they have genuine reverence for the Lord and bear in mind that they are in His presence, there will be a sweet eloquence in silence. The whispering and laughing and talking which might be without sin in a common business place should find no sanction in the house where God is worshiped. The mind should be prepared to hear the word of God, that it may have due weight and suitably impress the heart.
When the minister enters, it should be with dignified, solemn mien. He should bow down in silent prayer as soon as he steps into the pulpit, and earnestly ask help of God. What an impression this will make! There will be solemnity and awe upon the people. Their minister is communing with God; he is committing himself to God before he dares to stand before the people. Solemnity rests upon all, and angels of God are brought very near. Every one of the congregation, also, who fears God should with bowed head unite in silent prayer with him that God may grace the meeting with His presence and give power to His truth proclaimed from human lips. When the meeting is opened by prayer, every knee should bow in the presence of the Holy One, and every heart should ascend to God in silent devotion. The prayers of faithful worshipers will be heard, and the ministry of the word will prove effectual. The lifeless attitude of the worshipers in the house of God is one great reason why the ministry is not more productive of good. The melody of song, poured forth from many hearts in clear, distinct utterance, is one of God’s instrumentalities in the work of saving souls. All the service should be conducted with solemnity and awe, as if in the visible presence of the Master of assemblies.
When the word is spoken, you should remember, brethren, that you are listening to the voice of God through His delegated servant. Listen attentively. Sleep not for one instant, because by this slumber you may lose the very words that you need most–the very words which, if heeded, would save your feet from straying into wrong paths. Satan and his angels are busy creating a paralyzed condition of the senses so that cautions, warnings, and reproofs shall not be heard; or if heard, that they shall not take effect upon the heart and reform the life. Sometimes a little child may so attract the attention of the hearers that the precious seed does not fall into good ground and bring forth fruit. Sometimes young men and women have so little reverence for the house and worship of God that they keep up a continual communication with each other during the sermon. Could these see the angels of God looking upon them and marking their doings, they would be filled with shame, with abhorrence of themselves. God wants attentive hearers. It was while men slept that Satan sowed his tares.
When the benediction is pronounced, all should still be quiet, as if fearful of losing the peace of Christ. Let all pass out without jostling or loud talking, feeling that they are in the presence of God, that His eye is resting upon them, and that they must act as in His visible presence. Let there be no stopping in the aisles to visit or gossip, thus blocking them up so that others cannot pass out. The precincts of the church should be invested with a sacred reverence. It should not be made a place to meet old friends and visit and introduce common thoughts and worldly business transactions. These should be left outside the church. God and angels have been dishonored by the careless, noisy laughing and shuffling of feet heard in some places.
Parents, elevate the standard of Christianity in the minds of your children; help them to weave Jesus into their experience; teach them to have the highest reverence for the house of God and to understand that when they enter the Lord’s house it should be with hearts that are softened and subdued by such thoughts as these: “God is here; this is His house. I must have pure thoughts and the holiest motives. I must have no pride, envy, jealousy, evil surmising, hatred, or deception in my heart, for I am coming into the presence of the holy God. This is the place where God meets with and blesses His people. The high and holy One who inhabiteth eternity looks upon me, searches my heart, and reads the most secret thoughts and acts of my life.”
Brethren, will you not devote a little thought to this subject and notice how you conduct yourselves in the house of God and what efforts you are making by precept and example to cultivate reverence in your children? You roll vast responsibilities upon the preacher and hold him accountable for the souls of your children; but you do not sense your own responsibility as parents and as instructors and, like Abraham, command your household after you, that they may keep the statutes of the Lord. Your sons and daughters are corrupted by your own example and lax precepts; and, notwithstanding
this lack of domestic training, you expect the minister to counteract your daily work and accomplish the wonderful achievement of training their hearts and lives to virtue and piety. After the minister has done all he can do for the church by faithful, affectionate admonition, patient discipline, and fervent prayer to reclaim and save the soul, yet is not successful, the fathers and mothers often blame him because their children are not converted, when it may be because of their own neglect. The burden rests with the parents; and will they take up the work that God has entrusted to them, and with fidelity perform it? Will they move onward and upward, working in a humble, patient, persevering way to reach the exalted standard themselves and to bring their children up with them? No wonder our churches are feeble and do not have that deep, earnest piety in their borders that they should have. Our present habits and customs, which dishonor God and bring the sacred and heavenly down to the level of the common, are against us. We have a sacred, testing, sanctifying truth; and if our habits and practices are not in accordance with the truth, we are sinners against great light, and are proportionately guilty. It will be far more tolerable for the heathen in the day of God’s retributive justice than for us.
A much greater work might be done than we are now doing in reflecting the light of truth. God expects us to bear much fruit. He expects greater zeal and faithfulness, more affectionate and earnest efforts, by the individual members of the church for their neighbors and for those who are out of Christ. Parents must begin their work on a high plane of action. All who name the name of Christ must put on the whole armor and entreat, warn, and seek to win souls from sin. Lead all you can to listen to the truth in the house of God. We must do much more than we are doing to snatch souls from the burning.
It is too true that reverence for the house of God has become almost extinct. Sacred things and places are not discerned; the holy and exalted are not appreciated. Is there not a cause for the want of fervent piety in our families? Is it not because the high standard of religion is left to trail in the dust? God gave rules of order, perfect and exact, to His ancient people. Has His character changed? Is He not the great and mighty God who rules in the heaven of heavens? Would it not be well for us often to read the directions given by God Himself to the Hebrews, that we who have the light of the glorious truth shining upon us may imitate their reverence for the house of God? We have abundant reason to maintain a fervent, devoted spirit in the worship of God. We have reason even to be more thoughtful and reverential in our worship than had the Jews. But an enemy has been at work to destroy our faith in the sacredness of Christian worship.
The place dedicated to God should not be a room where worldly business is transacted. If the children assemble to worship God in a room that is used during the week for a school or a storeroom, they will be more than human if, mingled with their devotional thoughts, they do not also have thoughts of their studies or of things that have happened during the week. The education and training of the youth should be of a character that would exalt sacred things and encourage pure devotion for God in His house. Many who profess to be children of the heavenly King have no true appreciation of the sacredness of eternal things. Nearly all need to be taught how to conduct themselves in the house of God. Parents should not only teach, but command, their children to enter the sanctuary with sobriety and reverence.
The moral taste of the worshipers in God’s holy sanctuary must be elevated, refined, sanctified. This matter has been sadly neglected. Its importance has been overlooked, and as the result, disorder and irreverence have become prevalent, and God has been dishonored. When the leaders in the church, ministers and people, father and mothers, have not had elevated views of this matter, what could be expected of the inexperienced children? They are too often found in groups, away from the parents, who should have charge of them. Notwithstanding they are in the presence of God, and His eye is looking upon them, they are light and trifling, they whisper and laugh, are careless, irreverent, and inattentive. They are seldom instructed that the minister is God’s ambassador, that the message he brings is one of God’s appointed agencies in the salvation of souls, and that to all who have the privilege brought within their reach it will be a savor of life unto life or of death unto death.
The delicate and susceptible minds of the youth obtain their estimate of the labors of God’s servants by the way their parents treat the matter. Many heads of families make the service a subject of criticism at home, approving a few things and condemning others. Thus the message of God to men is criticized and questioned, and made a subject of levity. What impressions are thus made upon the young by these careless, irreverent remarks the books of heaven alone will reveal. The children see and understand these things very much quicker than parents are apt to think. Their moral senses receive a wrong bias that time will never fully change. The parents mourn over the hardness of heart in their children and the difficulty in arousing their moral sensibility to answer to the claims of God. But the books of heavenly record trace with unerring pen the true cause. The parents were unconverted. They were not in harmony with heaven or with heaven’s work. Their low, common ideas of the sacredness of the ministry and of the sanctuary of God were woven into the education of their children. It is a question whether anyone who has for years been under this blighting influence of home instruction will ever have a sensitive reverence and high regard for God’s ministry and the agencies He has appointed for the salvation of souls. These things should be spoken of with reverence, with propriety of language, and with fine susceptibility, that you may reveal to all you associate with that you regard the message from God’s servants as a message to you from God Himself.
Parents, be careful what example and what ideas you give your children. Their minds are plastic, and impressions are easily made. In regard to the service of the sanctuary, if the speaker has a blemish, be afraid to mention it. Talk only of the good work he is doing, of the good ideas he presented, which you should heed as coming through God’s agent. It may be readily seen why children are so little impressed with the ministry of the word and why they have so little reverence for the house of God. Their education has been defective in this respect. Their parents need daily communion with God. Their own ideas need to be refined and ennobled; their lips need to be touched with a live coal from off the altar; then their habits, their practices at home, will make a good impression on the minds and characters of their children. The standard of religion will be greatly elevated. Such parents will do a great work for God. They will have less earthliness, less sensuality, and more refinement and fidelity at home. Life will be invested with a solemnity of which they have scarcely conceived. Nothing will be made common that pertains to the service and worship of God.
I am often pained as I enter the house where God is worshiped, to see the untidy dress of both men and women. If the heart and character were indicated by the outward apparel, then certainly nothing could be heavenly about them. They have no true idea of the order, the neatness, and the refined deportment that God requires of all who come into His presence to worship Him. What impressions do these things give to unbelievers and to the youth, who are keen to discern and to draw their conclusions?
In the minds of many there are no more sacred thoughts connected with the house of God than with the most common place. Some will enter the place of worship with their hats on, in soiled, dirty clothes. Such do not realize that they are to meet with God and holy angels. There should be a radical change in this matter all through our churches. Ministers themselves need to elevate their ideas, to have finer susceptibilities in regard to it. It is a feature of the work that has been sadly neglected. Because of the irreverence in attitude, dress, and deportment, and lack of a worshipful frame of mind, God has often turned His face away from those assembled for His worship.
All should be taught to be neat, clean, and orderly in their dress, but not to indulge in that external adorning which is wholly inappropriate for the sanctuary. There should be no display of the apparel; for this encourages irreverence. The attention of the people is often called to this or that fine article of dress, and thus thoughts are intruded that should have no place in the hearts of the worshipers. God is to be the subject of thought, the object of worship; and anything that attracts the mind from the solemn, sacred service is an offense to Him. The parading of bows and ribbons, ruffles and feathers, and gold and silver ornaments is a species of idolatry and is wholly inappropriate for the sacred service of God, where the eye of every worshiper should be single to His glory. All matters of dress should be strictly guarded, following closely the Bible rule. Fashion has been the goddess who has ruled the outside world, and she often insinuates herself into the church. The church should make the word of God her standard, and parents should think intelligently upon this subject. When they see their children inclined to follow worldly fashions, they should, like Abraham, resolutely command their households after them. Instead of uniting them with the world, connect them with God. Let none dishonor God’s sanctuary by their showy apparel. God and angels are there. The Holy One of Israel has spoken through His apostle: “Whose adorning let it not be that outward adorning of plaiting the hair, and of wearing of gold, or of putting on of apparel; but let it be the hidden man of the heart, in that which is not corruptible, even the ornament of a meek and quiet spirit, which is in the sight of God of great price.”
When a church has been raised up and left uninstructed on these points, the minister has neglected his duty and will have to give an account to God for the impressions he allowed to prevail. Unless correct ideas of true worship and true reverence are impressed upon the people, there will be a growing tendency to place the sacred and eternal on a level with common things, and those professing the truth will be an offense to God and a disgrace to religion. They can never, with their uncultivated ideas, appreciate a pure and holy heaven, and be prepared to join with the worshipers in the heavenly courts above, where all is purity and perfection, where every being has perfect reverence for God and His holiness.
Paul describes the work of God’s ambassadors as that by which every man shall be presented perfect in Christ Jesus. Those who embrace the truth of heavenly origin should be refined, ennobled, sanctified through it. It will require much painstaking effort to reach God’s standard of true manhood. The irregular stones hewed from the quarry must be chiseled, their rough sides must be polished. This is an age famous for surface work, for easy methods, for boasted holiness aside from the standard of character that God has erected. All short routes, all cutoff tracks, all teaching which fails to exalt the law of God as the standard of religious character, is spurious. Perfection of character is a lifelong work, unattainable by those who are not willing to strive for it in God’s appointed way, by slow and toilsome steps. We cannot afford to make any mistake in this matter, but we want day by day to be growing up into Christ, our living Head.

LET’S “GO FORWARD!”

July 3, 2010: “Go Forward”

Presidential address at the 2010 General Conference Session in Atlanta, Georgia, given July 3, 2010:

http://www.audioverse.org/sermons/recordings/2439/go-forward.html

YOU MUST LISTEN TO THIS sermon from our new General Conference President! You can download this sermon in an audio file for easy listening (in English) within the link above.

This is what we believe!
Advent Hope, Miami

NO APOLOGIES

http://www.whiteestate.org/features/no-apologies-needed.asp

Music for Worship

Worship, music and counterfeits. A definition of terms may prove useful to assure that all readers understand these words in the same way.

For purposes of this article, music is a gift of God. It is a wonderful gift, because He has given us a part of Himself. Everybody knows that God is love. And God gives us that love. What about music? In Exodus 15:2 and Isaiah 12:2 it says, “The Lord is my strength and song.” God Himself is my song, and He gives me music.

Everybody has their own ideas concerning worship, but a definition can be helpful. R. C. Leonard provides one: “Worship is the central focus of a vital Christian faith, and the most distinctive activity of the church of Jesus Christ. The biblical words translated worship (Hebrew shachah, Greek proskuneo) mean, literally, to bow down or bend the knee. Such was the ancient gesture of honor to a sovereign and superior authority. To worship is to offer the oath of covenant loyalty to the Great King, and to affirm our faithfulness as His servants. For this reason, the worship of God, through Jesus Christ, lies at the heart of all Christian expression.” R. C. Leonard, Worship in the Church, January 1997,  (April 15, 2001).

Now, consider counterfeits. One popular definition is that a counterfeit is a cheap imitation of the real thing. It is cheap, and it is an imitation. Whenever there is something important that comes from God, Satan has to counterfeit it. So if you notice a counterfeit, it is a good idea to look at the real thing, because it must be very important for Satan to bother counterfeiting it. Do counterfeits look nice? Do they sound nice? Certainly! They are glittery and beautiful and meant to attract. Counterfeits are not good things to have, because they are not worth much and can even be dangerous. You do not want to be found using counterfeit money, do you?

True Worship

All through history, worship has been conducted in different ways, true worship and counterfeit, pagan worship. Even true worship has varied at different times and in different cultural settings. This article does not have time or space to examine historical worships. Presently, we are concerned with worship in the last days, in our own time. God gives us information concerning the worship He requires in the final days. We find it in Revelation 14, in the Three Angels Messages. In fact, that is one of the basic things they are all about. God does not leave any significant chance of our misunderstanding what He wants.

Look at the Three Angels Messages in Revelation 14:612, and read them through. In the first message, verse 7, the angel says, “Fear God, and give glory to Him; for the hour of His judgment is come: and worship Him that made heaven, and earth, and the sea, and the fountains of waters.” There is that word worship. We are commanded to worship, and who is to be the object of our worship? The Creator God. That is very plain. We are commanded to worship the One and only true God, the One Who, down through history, has repeated His covenant with us to be our God and to claim us as His people. This is the first big message for us.

The second and third messages tell us that there is someone we are commanded not to worship the beast. The scope of this article does not include identifying the beast, but the angel’s messages tell us the consequences of worshiping the beast nothing but bad things, horrifying things. The end of that message gives the identifying marks of those who worship the true God they keep the commandments of God and have the faith of Jesus.

It is reasonable to say that all of these identifying marks and commands lead to the conclusion that the worship of God is the true worship and the only true worship. Also, the worship of the beast is the false, or counterfeit, worship. Everything that goes with the worship of the beast is false or counterfeit worship. Some of the things this involves include the false sabbath and the false music. Although many other things could be included, the emphasis of this article is music, true God-based music and false, counterfeit music.

Where Does Music Come In?

Some may ask, Can you prove that music is a part of worship? There have been many people, throughout history, who have said that instrumental music should not be used. John Calvin, for example, claimed that the instrumental music used in the Old Testament times was meant for people who were tender and like children. “But in New Testament times Christ has come and the church has reached full age, it would only bury the light of the gospel should we introduce the shadows of a departed dispensation.” John L. Girardeau, Instrumental Music in the Public Worship of the Church, New Covenant Publication Society, Havertown, PA., 1983, 63, 64.

What about music in worship in the last days, in the setting of the Three Angels Messages? Consider the following statements:

“As a part of religious service, singing is as much an act of worship as is prayer. Indeed, many a song is prayer.” Education,168. Many other quotations could be cited which include instrumental music.

“Singing is just as much the worship of God in a religious meeting as speaking. . . .” Selected Messages, Book 3, 333.

According to Mrs. White, music in worship includes speaking, prayer, and singing. Each of these aspects of music may be true worship or counterfeit worship. So music is an important part of worship, making it an important part of the Third Angels Message and what God wants from us in these last days. It does matter what our music is like. It shows our allegiance to God and our acceptance of His covenant, or it shows our allegiance to the beast. God does not accept any counterfeit in His worship.

The Roles of Music in Worship

Let us examine exactly what music accomplishes in the worship service. Actually it plays many roles:

1. Music sets the mood. The thoughts, feelings, and emotions of the people are controlled by the music. Alertness or sleepiness may be caused by the music. Music creates a proper frame of mind for the rest of the service. If a minister wants to introduce strange ideas of theology, he can use what we call celebration music to put the people into a hypnotic state, and they accept and retain in their minds whatever he wishes without even knowing it is happening.

2. Music creates unity and harmony. People feel and think together because of the music. It is a kind of group entrainment. (That word is not entertainment.) What is entrainment? Scientists have discovered that when two rhythms are placed adjacent to each other they lock into each other and become the same rhythm. They first discovered this with pendulum clocks back in the 1600s. If the clocks were close together, the pendulums would start swinging the same. Since then we have learned that we can control all kinds of body rhythms with music. Just play the music with the speed or vibration you want, and you can slow down or accelerate the heart rate, or any of the other rhythms in the body, including brain waves.

If you play fast, jazzy rhythms at the beginning of church, your whole body gears up to the same thing. Scientists have found ways to eject rhythms of whatever tempo they want, add certain tones into musical recordings, and nobody knows they are there, but their brains accept them and respond accordingly, maybe even slowing them down enough to become like zombies. One danger of this is that Satan can use his counterfeit in accompaniment tapes that vocalists buy, and nobody ever knows the difference. Recent research shows that group entrainment may take place. One study showed that, in a university class, the brain waves of the students entrained with those of the professor. This has serious implications for those who are using NLP (Neuro-Linguistic Programming) to control others. “While preaching, praying, or conversing, some professed Adventists who had rejected present truth used mesmerism to gain adherents, and the people would rejoice in this influence, for they thought it was the Holy Ghost.” Early Writings, 44. Now the scientists are showing us it can really happen. Do not think it is foolish imagination. Satan is using his false, counterfeit worship and the music in it to control peoples minds. This fact makes it extremely important that we do not use Satan’s music in worship, and certainly not anywhere else either.

3. Music creates a kind of people. You are what you eat; you are what you see; you are what you hear. You are the kind of music to which you listen.

4. Music invokes the Holy Spirit and invites the presence of angels. “When the singing is such that angels can unite with the singers, an impression is made on minds that singing from unsanctified lips cannot make. . . . The songs, in which every word is uttered clearly, in a musical tone, are the songs that they [angels] join us in singing. They take up the refrain that is sung from the heart with the spirit and the understanding.” Evangelism, 509, 510.

5. Most important of all, music is an act of worship. This places it as a significant part of true worship, which then makes it an important part of the Three Angels Messages.

Praise Ye the Lord

What difference does it make what music we have in our worship services? If music is basically entertainment, why do we have music in worship at all? Many people have said that music is just a matter of preference. In other words, just choose what you like. The problem is there is a big difference. And it all goes back to Gods music for Gods worship and Satan’s music (counterfeit) for Satan’s worship.

A search of the Bible will reveal not only what God wants us to sing about but also how He wants us to sing. If music is an important part of the worship of God, He must have given us some instruction about it.

The thing mentioned more often than anything else is praise. “Praise ye the Lord. . . . Let them sing praises unto Him with the timbrel and harp.” Psalm 149:1, 3. “Praise ye the Lord: for it is good to sing praises unto our God; for it is pleasant; and praise is comely.” Psalm 147:1.

Offer Thanksgiving for His Goodness

The thing mentioned most frequently after praise is thanksgiving. “It is a good thing to give thanks unto the Lord, and to sing praises unto Thy name, O most High.” Psalm 92:1. Does God get tired of hearing us thank Him? No, He does not.

We should use joyful songs. “Make a joyful noise unto God, all ye lands: Sing forth the honour of His name: make His praise glorious.” Psalm 66:1, 2. “O let the nations be glad and sing for joy.” Psalm 67:4.

What Should Our Music Include?

Majesty” They shall lift up their voice, they shall sing for the majesty of the Lord. . . .” Isaiah 24:14.

Gods Righteousness” They shall abundantly utter the memory of Thy great goodness, and shall sing of Thy righteousness.” Psalm 145:7.

Gods Power “Be Thou exalted, Lord, in Thine own strength: so will we sing and praise Thy power.” Psalm 21:13.

Gods Mercy and Judgment “I will sing of mercy and judgment: unto Thee, O Lord, will I sing.” Psalm 101:1.

To Gods Name” So will I sing praise unto Thy name for ever, that I may daily perform my vows.” Psalm 61:8.

Other verses give us the following: To the glory of God, Gods goodness, Ways of the Lord, Science of Salvation, Psalms, Holy songs, Words of the Law, Prophecy, Songs of Triumph and Victory, Faith and Holy Cheer, Hope and Trust. And the final song for the future: the Song of Deliverance.

Music of the Word

It seems that God has given us plenty to sing about without resorting to the devils counterfeit songs about our own selves and our own feelings. It would be a good idea if we would try to practice now for the music of heaven.

I have a dream that some might like to share with me. Imagine a few Seventh-day Adventist churches here and there who keep the commandments of God and have the faith of Jesus and are doing all they can to avoid the devils counterfeit music, becoming serious about their music being Gods music. Even a church or two could start it. What if these churches started making the music of their church Seventh-day Adventist music? How, you ask, could you do that? Well, there is the previous list that God gave us. With that, suppose we sing songs about the Three Angels Messages, about Christ’s Second Coming, about the Sabbath, about the state of the dead, about the sanctuary, about the Spirit of Prophecy the pillars of our faith. That is just a start. There are plenty of songs in our hymnal that we already know and more good songs that we could learn. For example, do you know the song about the judgment, “Christ the Lord, All Power Possessing,” found on page 415 in the new hymnal? The first verse is about Christ ascending to heaven; the second verse pictures the judgment; the third verse is about Christ coming back. The tune is an exciting, vigorous tune, and the song is well worth some effort to learn. After searching out all of the wonderful songs that truly tell of our own Seventh-day Adventist beliefs, we need to think about the words as we sing them and breathe new life into them. Our whole church will become invigorated!

Words with Meaning

Where Mrs. White wrote that song is an act of worship and song is prayer, she continues as follows: “If the child is taught to realize this, he will think more of the meaning of the words he sings and will be more susceptible to their power.” Education, 168. The older ones among us are not too old to learn the same lesson.

Are you and your church singing Gods music in your worship services, or is the devils counterfeit music sneaking in among you? Is your music preparing you for heaven?