Comparison between What is the seal?

A	B
[7SC7-12:21.2-5] : [1941]	[2Ans:31.3-32.3] : [1944]
WHAT IS THE SEAL?	WHAT IS THE SEAL?
Question No. [244]:	Question No. [21]:
What is ["] the seal of God ["] upon the foreheads of the 144,000 (Rev. 7:3)?  Is it the Sabbath seal or [some other]?	What is the seal of God upon the foreheads of the 144,000 (Rev. 7:3)? Is it the Sabbath seal or [something else]?
Answer:	Answer:
Being sealed in Christ "with that Holy Spirit of promise," after having "heard the word of truth" (Eph. 1:13; 4:30), the Christian, consequently, [is] sealed by Present Truth.	Being sealed in Christ "with that Holy Spirit of promise," after having "heard the word of truth" (Eph. 1:13; 4:30), [the saints are] consequently sealed by Present Truth [—the truth preached in their own day].
[Hence the Sabbath, the seal of the ten-commandment law, plus the judgment of the dead, plus all kindred truths since 1844, along with all previously revealed truth, in addition now to the message of the hour, Present Truth, —all together the whole Truth,—are the seal today.]	no further explanation
"The seal of the living God," [however], by which the 144,000 are sealed (Rev. 7:2), is a special seal, being the same as "the mark" of Ezekiel 9.  (See Testimonies to Ministers, p. 445; Testimonies, Vol. 3, p. 267; Id., Vol. 5, p. 211.) [Demanding] one's sighing and crying over the abominations [not only in himself but also in the church (Ezek. 9:4),] [it is placed upon him just BEFORE the Lord slays the wicked in the church, so that] the angels [may] pass over them. It is [the antitypical Passover seal—] the blood on the door post today. ["]The angel is to place a mark upon the forehead of all who [are separated from sin] and [sinners, and]   the destroying [angel] will follow, to slay utterly both old and young.["—] Testimonies, Vol. 5, p. 505.	"The seal of the living God," [the Truth], by which the 144,000 are sealed (Rev. 7:2), is a special seal, being the same as "the mark" of Ezekiel 9. (See Testimonies to Ministers, p. 445; Testimonies, Vol. 3, p. 267; Testimonies, Vol. 5, p. 211.) [It demands] one's sighing and crying over the abominations [which defile him and which desecrate both the Sabbath and the house of God, especially against selling literature and raising goals during Sabbath services.] [As the saints have this seal or mark on their foreheads,] the angels [will] pass over them[, not slay them].  It is [equivalent to] the blood on the door post [on the night of the Passover in Egypt].   The angel is to place a mark upon the foreheads of all who [by sighing over their own sins,] and [over the sins in the house of God, show fidelity to the Truth. Then] the destroying [angels] will follow, to slay utterly both old and young [who have failed to receive the seal]. [(See] Testimonies, Vol. 5, p. 505.[)]
no further explanation	[So, the former seal enables the receiver to rise from the dead in the resurrection of the just, while the latter seal enables the sighing-crying one to escape death and forever to live for God.]

Let us compare "What is the Seal?" from the only two passages in the SRod. However, let us be thorough and let us disengage our imaginations. We are only accepting an "it is written."

This phrase “What is the Seal?” appears 5 times in the SRod.

        1.      In the title of the question in        7SC7-12:21.2

        2.      In the question itself in                 7SC7-17:21.2

        3.      In the Table of contents in            2Ans:4

        4.      In the title of the quotations in     2Ans:31.3

        5.      In the question itself in                  2Ans:31.3

These are the ONLY two references with the phrase “What is the seal?” located on 5,311 pages

In 7SC7-12:21.2 published in July-December, 1941 we find the question that precedes “What is the seal?” is “ARE WE NOT DELIVERED FROM KEEPING THE COMMANDMENTS?” This is on page 7SC7-12:20.16-21.1. And the question that follows afterward is “WHAT ABOUT TITHING GIFTS?” This can be found on 7SC7-12:21.6, 7. Are any of these questions directly related to each other? The answer is no.

Now let us place the question and answer side by side and examine them.

What do we observe immediately by comparison in the question?

In column

A	B
1.  the seal of God is in quotes. But in column	1.  they are missing. In column
2.  the phrase used is “some other.” But in column	2.  it says “something else.”

 

Let us move on to the answer portion.

The above serves as an example of diligently comparing both readings side by side. You may continue and make your own comparisons and corrections if I have failed in one iota by noticing that all of the characters contained within brackets "[ ]" represent information that is absent on either side. In both cases, each has an extra paragraph on different sides of two exceptional points that are not the same on the same subject.

By doing this close scrutiny you can begin to appreciate the following inspired advice and principle. “NOW the only safe and sane procedure is to read closely every page of the solemn message contained herein.  Let not a line escape your attention.  Study every word carefully and prayerfully.  Be an earnest and diligent student of the Truth. ‘Prove all things; hold fast that which is good.’  1 Thess. 5:21.”—4Tr:7.1

However, does anyone want to hazard a guess as to what is not present in both of these passages?

The word WHEN is directly missing. You cannot find it. Not even in one single word of the question or in those answers. Now brethren, would it be fair for an experienced Minister or Bible Worker to demonstrate entrenched bias and work to use such tactics as to manipulate and re-construct something other than what Bro. Houteff says or does not say?

How can anyone lawfully use a passage that is dealing with a WHAT to explain a WHEN? This is inexplicable. Using this passage to explain “when” the seal is received is similar to eating the pie from the center out. “…No one by beginning to study a subject from the middle, backward or forward, can learn its continuity and know what it is all about. If one is to learn the full truth of a subject, he must study it in its entirety. Dogs and cats, not civilized human beings, start eating the slice of pie from the center out. As intelligent human beings, as God's people, we ought to eat the pie correctly.”—1TG5:3.1

However, what I did not think was possible is manifested now plainly. The word WHEN is implicated in both columns A and B. In Column A it says that “…a special seal…” is placed upon the sighing and crying recipient “…Just BEFORE the Lord slays the wicked in the church.”

And in Column B it states “[As the saints have this seal or mark on their foreheads,] the angels [will] pass over them[, not slay them]. It is [equivalent to] the blood on the door post [on the night of the Passover in Egypt].” After you read this you can see that timing is being implicated but it is not beyond the shadow of a reasonable doubt.

Now, the word “WHEN,” although absent from these only two passages that deal with the exact phrase “What is the Seal?” gives an inspired answer yielding two distinct and separate aspects that are seriously either ignored or misconstrued. It is however prevalent in Tract No. 1. “WHEN” occurs  38 times in 33 references. Another reason why I turned for help to this tract is that this is the first complete Bible study dedicated to the correct organic and complete interpretation of Ezekiel 9 from nuts to bolts. It holds the key to properly understanding and answering the outstanding questions that have gone unanswered for years,

Where is Jesus
 What was He wearing
“WHEN” He gave the command to the sealing angel?

Does the SRod poignantly give a clear, unambiguous answer to this momentous question? I believe it does categorically. We are informed as to where Jesus was, what He was wearing, and what He was doing BEFORE the silence in heaven for half an hour began. As soon as He ceases or interrupts His Mediatorial work in heaven that angel was clear as crystal in 5T:690 [689.2]

"…‘until,’ said the angel, the Lord Jesus shall 

[1.]  rise up from His mediatorial work in the heavenly sanctuary

[2.]  and shall clothe Himself with the garments of vengeance

[3.]  and surprise them at their unholy feast,

and they will find themselves unprepared for the marriage supper of the Lamb.’ ”—5T:689.2.

When Jesus gets to the threshold of the house we know what is about to happen. But before we get to the climax of this point let me remind you what the Bible and The SRod teach.

   “As the chariot's mounting ‘up from the earth’ shows that in this particular throne, God visits the earth and then, when His mission is accomplished, returns to heaven…”—1Tr:10.3. If you read this page in its entirety keenly you cannot help to notice that at this particular visit, Christ's mission is to come and bring Ezekiel a message and give him his mission. Nothing else is described. John of course is shown this event differently and we are going to see why. Notice also that the word visits is pluralized. Suffice for now this is what happened in 1929.

Did the Word of God mention already that the silence for half an hour began “…in heaven…” at the breaking of the 7th seal? Read 2SR:217.1 and Rev. 8:1.

   “Ezekiel's prophecy revealing itself to be a message for the church today, the prophet, himself, must necessarily, then, represent the messengers who carry the message to the church at the time appointed.”—1TR:27.3

   “As these wheels, making a square formation ‘ran and returned,’ and as ‘over them above,’ God was sitting on His throne, it is evident that this marvelous living mechanism is the vehicle of God—His chariot in which He has come to bring the message to separate the "wicked from among the just."—1Tr:34.2 (See also p. 37.)

This is the point

   “As these mighty works are done in the time of the ‘Loud Cry of the Third Angel’s Message,’ the purification, therefore, incontrovertibly takes place at the COMMENCEMENT of the ‘Loud Cry.’  And from this it follows as a logical necessity that Ezekiel's prophecy of marking and slaying must contain the announcement of the purification of the church

   “Continuing to behold in vision [[ at His second visit ]] the cherubim and the glory of God's throne, the prophet SAW the Lord COME to the threshold of the house (church), and as He gave charge to His angel who was ‘clothed with linen’ and who ‘had the writer's inkhorn by his side,’ Ezekiel heard Him command the man: ‘Go through the midst of the city, through the midst of Jerusalem, and set a mark upon the foreheads of the men that sigh and that cry for all the abominations that be done in the midst thereof.”—1Tr:17.3, 4

Is this the same coming to Ezekiel by the river Chebar? No, it is not. Furthermore, this time instead of hearing a voice, giving a message FOR the church, he rather hears a command to the angel clothed in linen with the writer’s inkhorn by his side.

     And finally as no slaughter such as the one described in Ezekiel 9 has ever occurred, its fulfillment is obviously YET future.

     Plainly, therefore, the vision was prophetic in Ezekiel’s time, and has been prophetic ever since. And if it is ever to be fulfilled, and not remain a useless and unprofitable writing,—a thing which God never creates,—then its mystery must, of course, now be unveiled, and its action executed in the near future.

     In the clear light of these facts, chapter NINE is seen to hold the climatic scene of the vision. Describing the awful work which the Lord is to do WHEN, with the cherubim, He visits the earth, it shows the fearsome consequences to those who reject its message: its blessings missed, the kingdom lost! Tragic, frightful experience, it shall be the fate of all who refuse now to awake and TO KNOW about it, but who choose rather to remain in ignorance of its truth, and of

The Object of the Lord’s Coming In His Throne.—1TR:12.1-3

1. Ezekiel 9 is prophetic. Bro. Houteff says “…its fulfillment is OBVIOUSLY yet future.”

2. “Chapter NINE [vs. 1-11] is seen to hold the climactic scene of the vision.” Therefore we are correct to understand that this vision contains something else other than “…the climactic scene….” It contains “…its mystery must, of course, NOW be unveiled…” and maintains today the revelation which is the inspired interpretation of the prophecy which “…its fulfillment is obviously YET future.”

3. It is an ”…awful work….” the “…marking and slaying…” “…at the commencement of the ‘Loud cry.’ ” (1Tr:17.3)

4. WHEN is the Lord going to do that “…awful work…”? WHEN the time comes for "…the climactic scene…” to be fulfilled. What is Bro. Houteff’s interpretation, what does he use as an indication? ”…WHEN, with the cherubim, He visits the earth….”

5. Has anything in Ezekiel 9 happened or begun to happen? The answer is absolutely not. We do not need to make Bro. Houteff’s plain statement which is to be food for the mind into a mystery. Repeat after me: He said “…its fulfillment is obviously YET future.” However, when he comes to visit the earth for the second time to fulfill “…the climactic scene of the vision…” we can know the time has come because He will come with the cherubim to the threshold of the house.

6. What has transpired thus far? The reception of the revelation of this prophecy which “…its fulfillment is OBVIOUSLY YET FUTURE…” in 2020. “…It shows the fearsome consequences to those who reject its message…”

7. All we can do now is “to know about” the message and make ourselves “eligible” (See 1TG7 for the true implication of how the message differs from receiving the Mark during the second visit) for the mark that will be placed in the future.

Thus, “Plainly, therefore, the vision was prophetic in Ezekiel’s time, and HAS BEEN PROPHETIC EVER SINCE. And if it is ever to be fulfilled, and not remain a useless and unprofitable writing,—a thing which God never creates,—then

A) its mystery must, of course, NOW be unveiled, and
B) its action executed in the near future.”

Where is Jesus What was He wearing “WHEN” He gave the command to the sealing angel?

Jesus, after breaking the 7th seal, came from heaven and is at the threshold of the house (1Tr:17.4) wearing “…garments of vengeance…” (1Tr:23.3) before “…Ezekiel heard Him command the man…” (1Tr:17:4; 21.2). Thus the “marking and the slaying” “takes place at the commencement of the ‘Loud Cry’ ” (1Tr:17.3) after there was “silence in Heaven for the space of half an hour” (2SC5,6:10.2).



Written by your servant Neftalí Garay, May 4, 2020

P.S.

OBJECTION!

to 2An:32.2. Why?

…Mark this point with care: Those who receive the pure mark of truth, wrought in them by the power of the Holy Ghost, represented by a mark by the man in linen, are those "that sigh and that cry for all the abominations that be done" in the church.…—3T:267.1

Therefore the truth and the sealing angel are one and the same thing.

Answer:

     From this bulwark of evidence in proof of the cleansing of the church on earth and of the books in heaven, towers forth the impregnable truth that the living who, continuing faithful to the end, retain their names in the Book of Life, SHALL, in this time of separation, receive God's mark, or seal, of deliverance, while those who do not shall be left without it, to perish in their sins. And, correspondingly, the dead whose names are retained after the judgment, in the book of the dead, shall come forth in the first resurrection (Rev. 20:6), while those who were unfaithful in life wait until after the thousand years, to come forth with all the wicked in the second resurrection (Rev. 20:5).—3Tr:51.2

Please evaluate

"…that the living who, continuing faithful to the end, retain their names in the Book of Life, SHALL, in this time of separation, RECEIVE God's mark, or seal, of deliverance, while those who do not shall be left without it, to perish in their sins.…"

"…shall, in this time of separation, receive [[ It doesn't say HAVE, it says receive ]] God's mark, or seal, of deliverance, while those who do not shall be left without it,…"

So that when passages such as these are evaluated in the advancing light of the "unrolling of the scroll" we should see that

…Mark this point with care: Those who receive the pure mark of truth, wrought in them by the power of the Holy Ghost, represented by a mark by the man in linen, are those "that sigh and that cry for all the abominations that be done" in the church. Their love for purity and the honor and glory of God is such, and they have so clear a view of the exceeding sinfulness of sin, that they are represented as being in agony, even sighing and crying. Read the ninth chapter of Ezekiel.—3T:267.1

The pure mark of truth is received first before probation closes for the SDA Church and the mark of deliverance is received afterward, after the close of probation for the SDA Church. The pure mark of truth, wrought in them by the power of the Holy Spirit, happens in the sixth seal and then the winds are loosed that they might blow against the church AT the COMMENCEMENT of the harvest TIME. Yet at the opening of the 7th seal, the 144,000 living saints receive "the mark…of deliverance" (3Tr:51.2) during the 1/2 hour silence "…in this time of separation…"

What does rE-present mean?

represent (v.)

"Specifically in legal actions, "speak and act with authority on behalf of another by deputed right," by 1500."

These two "the sealing" aspects should never be conflated to represent one and the same thing that happens at the same time.

Just as there is such a thing as

1.  a "time of trouble,"

and separated by a comma

2.  "…such as never was since there was a nation."

Is that angel of Ezek. 9:4 ever interpreted to mean the Holy Spirit anywhere in the SRod? Never happened. The work of the Holy Spirit as a teacher of righteousness is always during probationary time. However, the work of the sealing angel who is among the SIX reapers (3Tr:66.2, 3) is after probationary time is closed for the church first. However, the work of the sealing angel during the gathering of the Great Multitude is during probationary time for the world (2An:91.1).

Here is more of the same leading with the same point about

…Those who receive the pure mark of truth, wrought in them by the power of the Holy Ghost, represented by a mark by the man in linen,…—3T:267.1

Represented can not be taken to mean the same thing in the same way. To "present" is one thing and to "re"-present is present something another way.

So we have established that the Holy Spirit is never presented in the Bible through the symbol of an angel. And angels are sometimes used as a symbol to re-present a message. Well, here we have a situation where we know the Holy Spirit works for salvation only while probationary time is open. Afterward comes judgment and so far we see it in the SIX MEN INVOLVED in Ezek. 9. Taken from another revelation we are told "His coming with all His angels (Matt. 25),…" (3Tr:47.3) does not change the fact that "one" among them comes with the writer's inkhorn by his side. Then after he does his work and reports He is given another command.

Therefore, where and when does the sealing angel receive a command to deliver the mark of deliverance? (These are the type of plain and simple straightforward questions that error {1SC7:5.8} avoids answering directly or when they open their mouths to evade the truth they abuse their influence and obfuscate the truth.)

The Bible says (Ezek. 9:2-4) that the sealing angel was with Christ during the 1/2 hour silence (Rev. 8:1) at the threshold of the house before he receives the command (1Tr:17:3).

How many were sighing and crying at this point in time in the wilderness at the commencement of the "Loud Cry"? 144,000 eligible living candidates at the same EVENT.

What made them eligible? Obedience to the sealing message wrought in them through the power of the Holy Ghost. The sealing angel does NOT make anyone eligible when he is at the threshold of the house (after the close of probation for the SDA Church) with Christ and five other angels having slaughtering weapons during the 1/2 hr. silence to participate in the bodily separation of the tares from among the wheat. However, the appearance is strong. Why is that? Because an "angel" in another context is being used as a symbol when it joins the third angel's message (1SR:21.2; 6T:406.5).

Should we differentiate between symbols or not? Does being precise and accurate even matter to God? Does it matter if there are only 143,999 eligible candidates? Why do we want to pick and choose when accuracy matters or not? Sin is indeed a mystery that practitioners want to continue straight into the pre-millennial kingdom of God.

But praise the Lord the Holy Spirit will not allow it. Holy angels under the command of Jesus Christ will not allow it. Certainly not our Father Who is in heaven. Only self-deluded Christians who scream from inside Satan's kidnapping bag will spue out such "golden cup" doctrines.

Now getting back to the sealing angel at the threshold of the house (Ezek. 9:3) ready to receive the command (Ezek. 9:4) from Jesus Christ according to the Bible. After the sealing angel receives the command to seal then five others receive a separate command to go behind him and follow on to do the work of destroying (Ezek. 9:5). These are the reapers (3Tr:66.2, 3) fulfilling Matt. 13:30. Then the sealing angel reports back where? At the same threshold of the house, yes? Who cannot see that? Those with blind faith and without scriptural support or a SRod interpretation. Wasn't this the same place where the sealing angel left Jesus when he went to do the sealing? (See: 1Tr:21.2.)

So after he comes back the sealing angel receives his second command. He was commanded:

"…Go in between the wheels, even under the cherub, and fill thine hand with coals of fire from between the cherubims, and scatter them over the city.…" (Ezek. 10:2)

This the sealing angel does, and what is the result? According to the 1Tr:39.1, POWER. (See: 1SR:37.2.) The long-awaited antitypical Joel 2:28; Rev. 8:5; Isa. 32:15; Ezek. 10:2. Where does this take place? In the wilderness. The same place where the "latter rain" of truth fell through the power of the Holy Spirit and the separation of the tares from the wheat.

Notice that the sealing angel was not commanded to cast "himself" upon the city. And why not if you are arguing from 3T:267.1 that the truth by the Holy Spirit and the sealing angel is one and the same. This is why "re-present" is very significant and it is important that we do not abuse appearances alone to bolster erroneous opinions. The sealing angel is told to cast the Holy Spirit Who has taken on the appearance of "coals of fire" in the hand of the sealing angel. Therefore the Holy Spirit is one thing and the sealing angel himself is still another separate entity.

So quoting 3T:267.1 at the wrong time, for the wrong reason, in order to misrepresent Elijah's timely interpretations (a HOLY SPIRIT product) is essentially evil. There is no need to sugarcoat "a way" that leads to "the end"…"the ways of death." It matters not if our favorite Minister speaks these misrepresentations. We are all held accountable the same way.

May this be a lesson not to engage in private interpretations that are just full of appearances alone wrongly dividing the word of truth leading ourselves and others astray under the voice of false shepherds, Modern magicians—Sorcerers (Mal. 3:5 - 2TG30:16.4).

Can the seal of God be placed upon us if we are still sinners?  Read this reference:

   “We do not have the Lord’s Supper among us now because we are not ready for it.  We are still SINNERS, not yet clean.  But now is the time we are to repent if we ever will…”—12SC6,7:9.2 - April - May 1957.

The sealing itself comes with the revelation of the sealing message. The Holy Spirit convicts unprepared lukewarm Laodiceans ready to be spued out not to participate in that aspect of the prophecy. 1SR:15.1 CLEARLY indicates that the vision of Rev. 7 is mostly figurative. The emphasis is the MESSAGE of the sealing angel. However, Ezekiel chapter nine we are told are literal words according to EGW. Bro. Houteff emphasizes that “the mark” is the same not the entire vision of Rev. 7.

Comparing both visions we see that in the book of Ezekiel (according to tract No. 1) the prophet is commanded to bring a (sealing) message to Judah and Israel, all twelve tribes. But this Vision is more about what happens to those who do not receive anti-typical Ezekiel’s MESSAGE. And it describes literally what will happen to those who reject the messenger’s warning. When Jesus comes with six men all having slaughtering weapons, at the same time to the threshold of the house a command is given to go and seal. This vision does not reveal how many receive the seal of deliverance. But it does reveal what happens to all who fail to qualify to receive the seal in this event.

The Vision of Rev. 7 on the other hand reveals how many living saints received the seal.

Evidence that all six men come with Jesus at the EVENT of the purification of the church, at the opening of the 7th seal—the commencement of the Judgment of the Living.

The Judgment of the Living, When does it begin?

Who are the Reapers?

The harvest cannot begin before the work of the latter rain is finished. The harvest will not begin until after the 7th seal is opened in heaven, the 1/2 hour of silence begins. And after the seventh seal is opened then the reapers are sent and one among them is the sealing angel, Believe it or not!

The truth fits only one way. There are not multiple available understandings to choose from. Only those who are willing to have their position examined and closely scrutinized are really standing on a thus saith the Lord.

     "...Let not men feel that it is their perogative to give to the world what they suppose to be truth, and refuse that anything should be given contrary to their ideas.  This is not their work.  Many things will appear distinctly as truth, which will not be acceptable to those who think their own interpretations of the Scripture always right.  Most decided changes will have to be made in regard to ideas which some have accepted as without a flaw."—Testimonies To Ministers, p. 76.—WHR:67.3

When Shall the 144,000 see eye to eye?

Where do our doctrines come from?

     Let us discuss for a few moments what it is that seals God's people as a whole, as a body. You recall that in the days of Joshua the whole nation fell in defeat before their enemy. Then Joshua prayed and God revealed to him that there was a sinner in the camp and that unless he were found and removed, Israel would never stand before her enemies. This illustrates the fact that it is the removing of the wicked from the midst of the church that seals it—makes it able to live on. You see, then, that the church's danger lurks behind the hypocrites that are in it. For this reason the winds are held until the first fruits are individually sealed, and when all the sinners have thereafter been removed, there will remain only the righteous, thus leaving a sealed church, a holy people that God can put His angels round about to protect (seal) against any molesting thing. And they are the men, who, having escaped the slaughter, constitute the servants of God whom He shall send to all the nations to proclaim His glory.—12SC2 20.1

"…seals God's people as a whole, as a body…" [[ not one here and one there ]]

On the other hand the latter rain "present truth" falls on one here and one there before the harvest begins.

"…removing of the wicked from the midst of the church seals it…" [[ who is "it" that is sealed? "…the church…" ]]

"…God can put His angels round about to protect (seal)…" [[ at the TIME of harvest where there is no sin or sinner. ]]

Furthermore,

As late as 1943 "…the fact that the church is still imperfect, SHOWS that even the "born again" Christians are to this day unable to choose consistently between good and evil…"—14Tr:35.3

Thus,

     "Not one of us will ever receive the seal of God while our "characters have one spot, or stain upon them.  It is left with us to remedy the defects in our characters, to cleanse the soul temple of every defilement.  Then the latter rain will fall upon us as the early rain fell upon the disciples on the day of Pentecost." {4SC4-9:4.11} 

     "Now is the time to prepare.  The seal of God will never be placed upon the forehead of an impure man or woman.  It will never be placed upon the forehead of the ambitious, world-loving man or woman.  It will never be placed upon the forehead of men or women of false tongues or deceitful hearts.  All who receive the seal must be without spot before God—candidates for Heaven."—"Testimonies for the Church," Vol. 5, pp. 214, 216. {4SC4-9:4.12} 

     Therefore, unless we obey and receive the stamp of God's approval, NOW, in the TIME [[ of sealing by present truth in order to become "eligible" 1TG7 ]] of "the closing work for the church," (3T 266), how may we hope to have a part in the setting up of that kingdom in the time when the 144,000 go forth "as the children of Israel" and "bring an offering in a clean vessel, which "offering" is explained in Isaiah 66:20 as being "brethren" "out of all nations," of whom the Lord says He "will also take of them for priests and for Levites."  (Verse 21.)—4SC4-9:4.11-5.1

THEREFORE,

     The wheat, "the children of the kingdom" (Matt. 13:38), are gathered into the barn, the kingdom; the tares, "the children of the wicked one" (verse 38)—mere professors, those who are not doers of the Word, and who were granted membership "while men slept"—"are gathered and burned in the fire" (Matt. 13:40), after the wheat is bound into sheaves. But 

Who Are the Reapers? {3Tr:66.2} 

     "The reapers are the angels" who "shall come [[ future tense, not presently here ]] forth, and sever the wicked from among the just." Matt. 13:39, 49. These angels are not those who shall "come" with Christ at His second coming, but rather those whom He "shall [[ future tense, not presently here ]] send forth.'' They are like the three angels of Revelation 14:6-11. Indeed, the third angel "is to select the wheat from the tares and seal, or bind, the wheat for the heavenly garner."—Early Writings, p. 118. Therefore the angels, the reapers, whom Christ sends forth, include BOTH him who does the sealing, or binding, and those who follow on to do the destroying (Ezek. 9:2, 5, 6), first in the church, then in the world. Thus is the 

Separation in Two Sections.—3Tr:66.2, 3

How and when do we become "eligible" (1TG7) while the latter rain of truth is falling upon every one grass in the field (Zec. 10:1)?

     From the glorious supply house from which Immanuel received butter and honey long ago, the Spirit of Truth is herewith seen ladling out its soul-nourishing food more lavishly than ever before.  May everyone who so freely receives, not only lift his heart in thanks to the Great Giver of all good gifts, "the Father of lights," but also freely give his best efforts to cooperate with the Comforter Who has come, by freely

GIVING TO ALL WHO ASK.—14Tr:46.1

We become "eligible" (1TG7) during the "sealing time" with "the sealing" message to wash us from sin and error by the power of the Holy Ghost's miracle working knowledge.

This is why 2An:32.1 is in harmony with 2An:32.3. 2An:32.3 reveals and indicates that the answer provided contains both "the former seal" and "the latter seal." "The former seal" is described on page 32 paragraph 1 and "the latter seal" is described on page 32 paragraph 2. Both are not received at the same time. One logically precedes the other.

Compare 2SR:278.3-279.1  [1932] with 1Srp:10.2-11.1  [1945]

     "On this Scripture was the message based, prophetically declaring, that 144,000 will be marked, and the balance now in the church must suffer the consequences except they repent and march on with the truth of God.…"—2SR:279.1

If we won't speak the truth (1TG14:22.5) as it is in Jesus then who's voice are we representing? Tread carefully and in wisdom.

Finally, let's look at  

The Two Seals

"…The grace of sanctification wrought in the soul by the Holy Ghost is the seal and assurance of one's redemption to come, of a joyful resurrection.…"—1SR:27.1

"…According to these scriptures which are plainly stated, we must conclude that the saints of God are sealed with present truth in all ages, and whatever that present truth is, that is the seal.…"—1SR:28.1

     Those who died under the third angel's message, keeping the Sabbath, are sealed with the Sabbath truth, but the 144,000 never die.  While they must keep Sabbath and have that seal, they must sigh and cry for the abominations that are in the church, for otherwise they can not receive the mark by the angel with the writer's inkhorn of Ezekiel 9, which is the seal according to Testimonies to Ministers, page 445; Volume 5, pages 210-16; Volume 3, pages 266-7.  The sealing of the 144,000 is the separation of the faithful from the disloyal ones; the purification of the church.  Those who do not keep the truth, and indulge in the sins and abominations, who try to throw a cloak over the existing evils, will fall under the figure of the five men with the slaughter weapons of Ezekiel 9. {1SR:28.2} 

     The Sabbath has been present truth since 1845, and being the seal of the law of God has been sealing the law among the people of God ever since that year.  Isa. 8:16 "Bind up the testimony, seal the law among my disciples." This has been the work of the third angel, and for this reason the third angel has no seal, for the seal is in the law, but the angel of Revelation 7, has a seal in his hand.  Ezekiel calls him the man with the writer's inkhorn who is to set a mark upon the men who sigh and cry for all the abominations that be done in the midst thereof (the church).  This is the seal of the 144,000, but all the saved under the third angel are sealed with the Sabbath seal.  The 144,000 having this seal are also marked (sealed) by the angel of Revelation 7, which is the same as the one of Ezekiel 9.  In other words, it may be termed a double seal.—1SR:27.1-29.1  

     We read in Testimonies to Ministers, page 445: "This sealing of the servants of God [the 144,000: Rev. 7] is the same that was shown to Ezekiel in vision."  Then the sealing of the 144,000 is the same as Ezekiel 9, and the marking by the man with the writer's inkhorn is the seal.  As soon as the marking is done, "the five men with the slaughter weapons go after him and slay both old and young, both maids and little children, and women.  And they began at the ancient men which were before the house."—1SR:46.3  [1930]

"…Thus, present truth has the power to change the individual and fit him for eternal life, which is the seal of the living God.…"—2SR:198.2  [1932]

The next time this subject comes up is in

"An open letter to my ministering brethren":

     Still further, the "Record" contends that the Sabbath is the seal of the 144,000, whereas, "Testimonies to Ministers," written by the author of "Early Writings," "The Great Controversy," and "Testimonies for the Church," says: "This sealing of the servants of God is the same that was shown to Ezekiel in vision."—"Testimonies to Ministers," p. 445.  To you who, along with us, believe that Sister White's writings are inspired, the above quotation proves that those who have been sealed by the Sabbath seal since 1844 are not the 144,000, for the 144,000 do not receive the seal as a result of Sabbath keeping, but rather as a result of sighing and crying against the abominations among Sabbath keepers.  See Ezekiel 9:4: "Testimonies for the Church," Vol. 3, p. 267; Vol. 5, p. 211. {3SC7:2.11} 

     Hence there are two sealings, in two different periods: first, the sealing, in the beginning work for the church, of those who died under the Third Angel's Message since 1844, and second, the sealing, in the closing work for the church, of those who shall never die.—3SC7:2.11, 12  [1937]

Now in 1941 for the first time, he deals with the subject as a question, "What is the seal?"

(See: 7SC7-12:21.2-5  [1941])

And the last time in 1944 the same question.

(See: 2An:31.3-32.3  [1944])

You will find that Bro. Houteff does not choose favorites but harmonizes both aspects which is the point. Ultimately truth, the message revealed, brings you into the right condition before probation closes. But after probation closes only the condition qualifies you for protection. However, the revelation and obedience to the message is not a protection in it itself. So we must understand why the truth receives the credit but it is not what is received after probation closes. What is received is protection from death.

This is the true reason why it is that the 144,000 are sealed both with the former and the latter aspect of the seal (2An:32.3) in the sixth seal by truth and in the seventh seal for protection.

…The 144,000 are sealed before the silence "of half an hour," or AT the opening of the seal, but they are judged in the period of the seventh seal, for the prayer was for "all" saints—the living.—2SR:220.2  [1932]

"…They are alive at the time they are sealed, and the sealing enables them to live on.  And since the message that is to seal the 144,000 is here, we believe that we are now living in the period when God is going to seal first the 144,000 and when they are sealed their destination is God, New Jerusalem, not the grave and the resurrection.…"—12SC2:11.1  [1946]

July 26, 2023

Let's compare Rev. 7 and  Ezek. 9

Revelation 7:3 KJB

[3] Saying, Hurt not the earth, neither the sea, nor the trees, till we have sealed the servants of our God in their foreheads.

Ezekiel 9:4 KJB

[4] And the Lord said unto him, Go through the midst of the city, through the midst of Jerusalem, and set a mark upon the foreheads of the men that sigh and that cry for all the abominations that be done in the midst thereof.

Is there a fundamental difference between

“…in their foreheads…”

and

“…upon their foreheads…”

It should be as different as the Latter Rain is from the time of reaping.

     "And He shewed me a pure river of water of life, clear as crystal, proceeding out of the throne of God and of the Lamb.  In the midst of the street of it, and on either side of the river, was there the tree of life, which bare twelve manner of fruits, and yielded her fruit every month: and the leaves of the tree were for the healing of the nations.  And there shall be no more curse: but the throne of God and of the Lamb shall be in it; and His servants shall serve Him: and they shall see His face; and His name shall be in their foreheads."  (Rev. 22:1-4.) {3SC2:6.10}

     The foregoing passages show that the message by antitypical Elijah shall bring again the dominion which Adam lost,…—3SC2:6.10, 11

     John in Revelation 7, says that he saw 144,000 WITH the seal of God in their foreheads, and since we understand through Inspiration that this sealing and marking are done to the same people, let us now see what the seal is.  To serve as an illustration, let us suppose that this book that I now hold up is an envelope.  And let us also suppose that this slip of paper which I have now in my hand is very precious to me and I want to save it from all manner of defacement and destruction.  Is it not reasonable that you would expect me to put it into this envelope and seal it well to keep the paper from falling out?  Moreover, if you do not want the wrong persons to open your letters you seal them.  When God places His seal upon the 144,000, then nobody can hurt them.  Do you see then that the winds were held by the angels because the servants of God were not as yet sealed—under special protection?  Unless they were sealed when the winds start to blow, God's people would be left utterly without protection from the danger of the hurting of the winds.  Were they sealed, however, before the winds blow, the winds could not harm them.—12SC2:10.1

     "This sealing of the servants of God," the Lord revealed, "is the same that was shown to Ezekiel in vision."—Testimonies To Ministers, p. 445. (Read Ezekiel 9).—1Srp:8.1

The sealing angel with a sealing message must come during probationary time before the four winds are loosed in order to benefit the SDA church. Then after the message is received and accepted and the time has come for 144,000 to be protected the sealing angel with both a destroying weapon and a sealing instrument acts after probation is closed during the half-hour silence after the winds have been loosed to first blow against the SDA Church.

     John saw that these proud Jews were exalting and glorifying themselves by parading their ostentatious piety before the public. They bound portions of the law upon their foreheads and about their wrists, that all might recognize and pay deference to their assumed sanctity.…—2SP:74.1

     I saw some with strong faith and agonizing cries, pleading with God. Their countenances were pale, and marked with deep anxiety, which expressed their internal struggle. There were firmness and great earnestness expressed in their countenances, while large drops of perspiration rose upon their foreheads, and fell. Now and then their faces would light up with the marks of God's approbation, and again the same solemn, earnest, anxious look settled upon them.—1SG 183.1

Did you see another difference?

…Never are we, in the establishment of institutions, to try to compete with worldly institutions in size or splendor. We shall gain the victory, not by erecting massive buildings in rivalry with our enemies, but by cherishing a Christlike spirit of meekness and lowliness. We are to be distinguished from the world because God has placed his seal upon us, because he manifests in us his own character of love. Our Redeemer covers us with his righteousness.—RH, January 18, 1906 par. 7

So then what causes us to "manifest His own character of love"? What came first?

…Professedly Christian parents fail to practice piety at home. How can fathers and mothers represent Christ's character in the home life when they are content to reach a cheap, low standard? The seal of the living God will be placed upon those only who bear a likeness to Christ in character.—RH, May 21, 1895 par. 5

Is the seal the cause to make us Christians or is that the recognition received after the fact?

…The reason we do not have more of the blessing of the Lord is that the professed people of God serve him with divided hearts, as verily as did ancient Israel. They profess to be worshipers of God, but many as verily worship idols as did the Hebrews.—RH, May 21, 1895 par. 9

Does this mean that we cannot receive the seal of the living God before we rid ourselves of our idols and every sin?

Therefore

     Now is the time to lay up treasure in heaven, and to set our hearts in order, ready for the time of trouble. Those only who have clean hands and a pure heart will stand that trying time. Now is the time for the law of God to be in our minds (foreheads), and written in our hearts. The Lord has shown me the danger of letting our minds be filled with worldly thoughts and cares. I saw that some minds were led away from present truth and a love of the holy Bible, by reading other exciting books; and others were filled with perplexity and care for what they shall eat, drink and wear. I saw some, looking too far off for the coming of the Lord. Time has continued on a few years longer than they expected, therefore they think it may continue a few years more, and in this way their minds are being led from present truth, out after the world. In these things I saw great danger; for if the mind is filled with other things, present truth is shut out, and there is no place in our foreheads for the seal of the living God. This seal is the Sabbath. I saw that the time for Jesus to be in the most holy place was nearly finished, and that time can last but a very little longer; and what leisure time we have should be spent in searching the Bible, which is to judge us in the last day.—Broadside2, January 31, 1849 par. 11

     Study the 9th chapter of Ezekiel. These words will be literally fulfilled…—MR 260.2

…the time will soon come when the prophecy of Ezekiel 9 will be fulfilled; that prophecy should be carefully studied, for it will be fulfilled to the very letter.…—1888:1303.1

The Bible says:

Eze. 9:1-2

 1  He cried also in mine ears with a loud voice, saying, Cause them that have charge over the city to draw near, even every man with his destroying weapon in his hand.
 2  And, behold, six men came from the way of the higher gate, which lieth toward the north, and every man a slaughter weapon in his hand; and one man among them was clothed with linen, with a writer's inkhorn by his side: and they went in, and stood beside the brasen altar.

When do the men have charge over the city, is it before or at the fulfillment of Ezekiel 9? Before the fulfillment of Ezke. 9.

How many men does the Bible say will come when Ezek. 9 will be performed? "…SIX MEN…" (3Tr:71.2, 3.)

How many of them have "…his destroying weapon in his hand"? "…SIX MEN…" (3Tr:71.2, 3.) "…every man…" (Ezek. 9:2.)

However, "one man among them" (Ezek. 9:2), "…the SIX MEN…" (3Tr:71.2) is different. The Word of God says He has a writer's inkhorn by his side at the time of slaughter and Bro. Houteff agrees.

When does the SRod interpret the fulfillment of Ezek. 9:2? It is interpreted to be fulfilled in the future. (See: 3Tr:66.2, 3  [1941]; 1Srp:55.4  [1945].)

When does the SRod interpret the fulfillment of Ezek. 9:3? It is interpreted to be fulfilled in the future as well. (See: 1Tr:21.2  [1941].)

By stating the distinction and bringing clarity between the former seal aspect early on in this blog post on 2An:32.3, the other, "the latter seal" aspect is not being denied. Case in point

     In 1844, as all Seventh-day Adventists know, Sister White was given a vision of the 144,000 signalizing the sealing angel's starting his ascent from the east (Rev. 7:2-4).  From then on he was ascending, and the saints were awaiting his arrival.  Finally, in 1929, through the Sabbath School Lessons the Lord announced throughout the Seventh-day Adventist Denomination that the angel had arrived.  Then the scroll began to unroll and the angel's presence to be felt by many of those who were agonizing for truth and righteousness.—1Srp:10.2  [1945]

And the latter sealing aspect is covered in the same booklet in the following passage

     When will this come to pass?—The type unquestionably reveals the time through the fact that only the first-born were then

1 Shepherd's Rod Tract 55

in danger.  Accordingly, the antitypical Passover will take place in the time of the firstfruit harvest—the sealing of the 144,000, the firstfruits, the first to go to antitypical Jerusalem, the first to stand on Mount Zion with the Lamb, the first-born by the Spirit.  Obviously, all of the firstfruits who receive the mark will live on, and all who fail to receive the mark will perish as surely as did the first-born who at the time of the typical Passover failed to apply the blood on the door-posts.—1Srp:55.5  [1945]

Therefore, those who exalt the "former seal" aspect while they deny this "latter seal" aspect are wrongly dividing the Word of truth. This "latter seal" aspect will only take place at the time of harvest. The Bible and the interpretation are given not only in 1Srp:55.5 in contrast to its counterpart in 1Srp:10.2 but in every other passage of the SRod message that places the whole entire fulfillment of Ezek. 9 in the future must be respected and taught correctly.

So who can righteously place the fulfillment of Ezek. 9:4 to have begun in 1930 separate and apart from the fulfillment of the EVENT without a thus saith the Lord or an interpretation from Bro. Houteff?

Ezekiel 9:4 Cannot be logically interpreted outside of “THE EVENT.”

August 12, 2023

In light of the subtle difference between Rev. 7 "…in their foreheads…" and Ezek. 9 "…upon the foreheads…" it is both obvious now (praise be to God) in the advancing light God is making available to those striving for the pure mark of truth, that all both those who will rise in the special resurrection (Dan. 12:2) and those who will stand upon Mt. Zion with the Lamb receive the seal of the sealing message.

So now we may choose to see what the Spirit of Truth has disclosed. That there is even a difference between "set a mark" because what makes them eligible to reive a mark? Isn't it the mark contained "…in their foreheads…"?

"…upon the foreheads…" appears 27 times in 26 references. All of which refers to the 144,000. And "…in their foreheads…" appears 53 times in 51 references. But Only 25 of those 53 occurrences deal with the 144,000. Both phrases carry different meanings at different points in time so they should not be conflated.

This is the principle behind "…in their foreheads…" as portrayed by John the Revelator.

   We read in Revelation 8 and 9, of the seven angels with the seven trumpets.  These seven trumpets indicate the principal political and warlike events which were to transpire during the time of the gospel church.  The sealing of the 144,000 belongs to the time of the sixth trumpet.  Beginning with Rev. 9:1, we read about the angel with the fifth trumpet.  Verse 4 of this chapter we quote: "And it was commanded them that they should not hurt the grass of the earth, neither any green thing, neither any tree; but only those men which have not the seal of God in their foreheads." Here we see that many years before the third angel's message ever began to be preached, the saints of God were sealed with the seal of God, just the same as the ones under the third angel's message are to be sealed.  According to these scriptures which are plainly stated, we must conclude that the saints of God are sealed with present truth in all ages, and whatever that present truth is, that is the seal.  Present truth under the third angel's message is Sabbath truth, therefore, the Sabbath is a seal which seals the people who are obedient to it.  Quoting Great Controversy, page 452: "The seal of God's law is found in the fourth commandment....When the Sabbath was changed by the papal power, the seal was taken from the law." Early Writings, page 58: "The sealing time is very short, and will soon be over."—1SR:28.1

Now let's take another crucial look at 2 Answerer page 31 and 32 and harmonize.

"…The angel is to place a mark UPON the foreheads of all who by sighing over their own sins, and over the sins in the house of God, show fidelity to the Truth.…" (2An:32.2.)

   So, the former seal [["…in their foreheads…"]] enables the receiver to rise from the dead in the resurrection

2 Answerer 32

of the just, while the latter seal [["…upon the foreheads…"]] enables the sighing-crying one to escape death and forever to live for God.—2An:32.3

Therefore the 144,000 must first be sealed "in their foreheads" during probationary time with the sealing message. This is the time of the falling of the latter rain of truth which is also called the sealing time of the 144,000. Afterward, when probation is closed, only the 144,000 at the fulfillment of Ezekiel 9 will receive a seal "upon the foreheads" to protect them in the "firstfruits" reaping at the commencement of harvest time—the half hour of silence in heaven.

Any point of truth must always be viewed and examined closely in the light of the whole message.

   Now the only safe and sane procedure is to read closely every page of the solemn message contained herein.  Let not a line escape your attention.  Study EVERY word carefully and prayerfully.  Be an earnest and diligent student of the Truth.  "Prove all things; hold fast that which is good."  1 Thess. 5:21.—4Tr:7.1

…it will be well to bear in mind that any interpretation of scripture which fails fittingly to build an indestructible structure of truth and to bring a lesson of special importance for the time then present, is erroneous, uninspired by the spirit of Truth—a vain thing.—15Tr:34.1

November 12, 2023

Two references to consider 

1.  The cry and time of the cry - 1 SC Nos 10 page 9 or Blue book page 85

2.  The sealing of the 144,00 and the fulfillment of Ezekiel - 1 SC Nos 11, 12 page 9 paragraphs 6, 7.  Brother Houteff says at the fulfillment of Ezekiel Nine the members of the SDA church will either receive the seal or be left out.

This doesn’t negate the fact that the people of God are being sealed now but shows that at the fulfillment of Ezekiel 9 SDAs alive at the time will either be sealed or be cut off. How do you understand this?


Answer:

This is how I believe the SRod is teaching these references. I must not isolate my favorite references and suppress those others that do not help my pet theory. I must embrace all equally and explain them in the light of the SRod. I should learn by now that when questions are asked and answered that they should never be exalted above the study itself somewhere else in the message. I must know what the message teaches clearly on the subject as a whole and then view the questions in the light of that whole subject. That is the safest thing to do.

1SC10:9.10-12  [1935]

Should be viewed in the light of the parable. Do we understand what is this Laodicean's issue? Of course, that is not our issue.

We know already how important it is to have the correct understanding of the parable of the 10 virgins. The possession of the extra oil before the cry is heard is what differentiates all 10 virgins. When the cry is heard it is too late. Anyone appropriating the oil after the cry is heard is lost. That is what the parable teaches. So where would you put this "time of the cry"?

And finally "the sealing time" is not isolated but It's in the same breath as meeting the bridegroom. Where should we place this explanation if we are to make all of the references harmonize?

I've read in the SRod that the moment the 144,000 are to receive the seal of the living God from the writer's inkhorn during the 1/2 hour silence is called the sealing time as well.

How important to find out that one phrase can be placed in two places such as "…the sealing…" and have more than one aspect.

1SC11,12:9.6, 7  [1935] is a wonderful pairing with the previous reference (1SC10:9.10-12) and is an opportunity to misconstrue the parable. Except we know that the SRod does solidify the parable of the 10 virgins until the White House Recruiter. According to WHR, all Laodiceans are called to fill their vessels. If that is true then the "cry" of the parable is yet still future. The confusion to understand that extra oil is needed by the foolish virgins did not happen in 1929/1930 and hasn't happened yet in the present in 2023.

We have seen that there are two aspects of "the sealing" phrase. One is to receive the truth through the Holy Spirit during probationary time "in their foreheads." That is the purpose of Ezek. 1. And the other is to receive a mark/seal "upon the foreheads" during the antitypical Passover. That is Ezek. 9.

Let's revisit this phrase "the sealing" with a reverent spirit and a humble mind.

This phrase, "the sealing" occurs 276 times in 239 records in the SRod message. I wrote about it in the blog post below.

What is the seal 3rd Attempt suppressed details by presupposition

Irrespective of our preference based on hearsay because that is what the leaders taught us, let's examine how Bro. Houteff used this phrase. 

Did Bro. Houteff use the phrase "the sealing" to mean when the angel with the writer's inkhorn places the mark upon the forehead? (See: 3Tr:66.3; 1SR:28.2; 46.3; 102.2; 145.3; 2SR:162.2; 169.3; 171.2; 185.1; 256.3; 1Tr:19.5, 20.1, 3; 

[The subject of Ezek. 9 is interpreted with authority in Tract 1. Please find me one paragraph, a single sentence where the phrase "the sealing" is referring to something other than when the angel comes to perform the separation? Did you find it? Is that or isn't that the tract that interprets Ezek. 9?]

4Tr:34.2; 5Tr:88.1; 8Tr:17.3; 1TG3:12.5; 2TG14:20.1.)

Did Bro. Houteff use the phrase "the sealing" also to refer to when the message is promulgated among all Laodiceans? Yes

(See: 1SR:22.1, 2; 2SR:165.3; 8Tr:86.1; 9Tr:53.1, 3; 1TG52:21.1; 23.1; 2TG1:11.3.)

Comparing some of the 82 references out of 239 which start with 1SR going right through the 15 tracts and both volumes of 1 and 2TG we can see that the phrase points more to when the tares are being removed than anything else. And when the phrase is used in conjunction with the word "message" we should understand that probation is still open for the SDA Church and it is not the separation as in the commencement of the harvest.

So although it is used to mean probation is open and there is time to get ready it is mostly used to represent when the tares are being removed. Is that not correct?

I did not write what is in the SRod. I found it written in that way after re-examining what I thought I believed the message was teaching.

Now after examining further where can you put

     As the five wise virgins are the 144,000 (Rev. 14:4), we see that the cry for them to awake is THE SAME as Isa. 52:1: which makes the time of the cry the SAME as "the sealing time of the 144,000" (3 T 266), 👉🏼 and THEIR 👈🏼 meeting the bridegroom the SAME as Ezek. 9. Then after the close of probation and after the pouring of the plagues, He will come and take His own, not to witness the marriage but to eat the marriage supper after the ceremony is performed.—1SC10:9.12

Do you know where Bro. Houteff placed the fulfillment of Isa. 52:1? Let me show you. It was certainly not in 1929/1930.

…The question is, Why was not the seventh portion included in this prophecy?  Because the six were polluted; defiled with man's preparation, man's thoughts, and plans have been injected and followed, which, in God's sight are as "dung."  It is not to be so with the seventh, for it is the last; it must be pure.  This last portion, pure and undefiled, is represented by the angel of Rev. 18:1, "And after these things I saw another angel come down from heaven, having great power; and the earth was lightened with his glory."  It is at this time that Isaiah's prophecy will be fulfilled.  Isa. 52:1, 2: "Awake, awake: put on thy strength, O Zion; put on thy beautiful garments, O Jerusalem, the Holy City: For henceforth there shall no more come into thee the uncircumcised and the unclean.  Shake thyself from the dust; arise, and sit down, O Jerusalem: Loose thyself from the bands of thy neck, O captive daughter of Zion [God's pure church]." {1SR:126.2} 

     Note the last part of the first verse: "For henceforth there shall 

Vol. 1 Shepherd's Rod book 126

no more come into thee the uncircumcised and the unclean."  There has always been in the church the uncircumcised, the unclean, and unconverted, in all her history, but here the prophet declares there shall be "no more".  Let us give thanks to our God for this precious promise, and for the revelation of His Word.…—1SR:126.2, 3

Do we have the uncircumcised and the unclean in Davidia?

Is the SRod message adulterated by false believers today? Then we are not living in the time of the angel of Rev. 18:1 neither has he come down. Not yet. But the message of the angel of Revelation 7 has been fully revealed.

     The 144,000 are living saints, to be translated without seeing death.  "The Lord has shut them in.  Their destination is inscribed—GOD, NEW JERUSALEM." Testimonies to Ministers, page 446.  Therefore, those who die "in the Lord" must be of those who are saved, after the separation (in the time of harvest) under which Isa. 52:1 and Zeph. 3:13, are fulfilled.…—1SR:219.1

Are we in the time of harvest?

So, NOW again, where does 1SC10:9.12 really belong in the timeline?

The more closely we look at this with an open mind and a humble heart the clearer it becomes through the aid of the Spirit of Truth. Now we see the perfect harmony between both references. But we had to shift 1SC10:9.12 into its correct place and not according to private interpreters.

A passage must always be examined in the light of the entire message if needs be as you see me constantly do.

After this exercise, I've learned and am absolutely more convinced now than ever before what "the sealing" phrase really represents and what it means in context when referring to the moment the 144,000 living saints receive the seal of protection upon the foreheads from the slaughter weapons after probation was closed for the SDA church.

And now "the sealing message" is just the instrument that not only prepares the candidates but predicts the future event, the fulfillment of Ezek. 9 (the marking and slaying EVENT).

There is no other or better way to see it. What is wrong doctrinally needs to be traded in for what is correct. It means to have on the spotless robe, the righteousness of Christ, on. What is untrue is not of God.

Now read 1SR:26.1 to see what the phrase "the sealing" means and see how consistent the prophet remained to the meaning given there. It was referring to the time of bodily separation of the tares from among the wheat.

In light of 1SR:26.1 about the meaning of the phrase "the sealing" what does the message reveal about "the sealing" angel?

Let the message give the answer:

…John's prophecy in Revelation 7, of this ascending angel was only a vision of something to come, and the fulfillment of this prophecy was realized when Sister White was given her first vision in 1844, which was a vision of the 144,000.  Read Early Writings, pages 13-20.  John prophesied of this movement and the scene of the angel ascending in the east (John's vision) became a reality in 1844, but the angel is in the east, and we must await his arrival, for when he arrives, the sealing begins.—1SR:22.2

Where is the angel? Bro. Houteff said, "In the east." I read it in black and white.

So has he arrived? According to this, he hasn't. But WHEN he arrives "the sealing" begins.

How do we know? Read the first sentence of 1SR:22.2. It is because of the revelation of Revelation chapter 7 through His servant Elijah. Praise the Lord. May we love Him and serve Him all the days of our lives. May we hasten His kingdom with unadulterated truth.

See now 3SC7:2.8-12 is getting clearer?

This reference 11SC7:8.1 is the one that makes them appear apart and different from the others. That is when we must understand that this has to be referring to the sealing message apart before the purification before even the winds are loosed.

Same explanation with 13SC3,4:10.2.

5An:31.5 This reference is about "the work of the message unfinished" and not the time of the separation.

I went through all of them. There are very few references where the phrase "the sealing" is used to mean the time to prepare before the EVENT. the majority is used in the moment of the EVENT.

And no one who hasn't gone through this truth-seeking exercise is qualified to say what is the truth of the matter from error.

After all of this evidence are we settled on the matter about the meaning of "the sealing"?

…Going through the Blue book questions and tracks again and they seem to paint a very clear picture.  In the one reference I read brother Houteff speaks about those alive at the time of Ezekiel 9 and he says only those who have been sighing and crying will receive the mark and be spared while all others slain.

…God’s people are being sealed now as we agree and that the fulfillment of Ezekiel 9 is yet future from our time and will have a sealing then the slaughter.  We must look at the quotes and references in harmony, yes

Yes, I'm aware of that fact.

Watch the phrase

"the sealing message" + the

"Holy Spirit" ONLY operates during probationary time (2An:32.1; 7SC7-12:21.3, 4).

When it's time for the purification "the sealing angel" will do his work of separation after the 7th seal is broken in heaven. There are only 2 references in the entire SRod. Let's read them in light of what is revealed.

The first and only reference written is by Bro. Houtef.

GREETINGS FROM THE EAST

     The sealing angel, coming from the east, who is to [[ FUTURE TENSE ]] place Heaven's credentials upon the "servants of God," is slowly, but surely doing his work in this part of the field, and the blessed Third Angel's Message is being lifted higher before those who are to enter whole-heartedly into the "closing work for the church"; and which work the servant of God tells us is "forcibly set forth by the prophet's illustration of the last work under the figure of the five men with slaughter weapons in their hands."—"Testimonies for the Church," Vol. 3, p. 266. {2SC2:2.3} 

     As our dear people learn the truth on the subject for the first time in their lives and actually see that what Ezekiel was shown is prophecy and that John's vision of the same event is the revelation of it, their hearts melt with joy and Godly fear; and the unanimous testimony is that they would not take millions of dollars for this blessed "present truth" on the Third Angel's Message, and in many instances real conversion to the truth is experienced for the first time, and both old and young rejoice together in this "blessed hope." {2SC2:2.4} 

     We have everything to encourage us in this noble work in behalf of our own beloved brethren in the church, for, not one who has accepted the sealing message and THE call for reformation as set forth in the volumes of "The Shepherd's Rod" has given up; that is, those who have the volumes of the "Testimonies," and who have studied "The Shepherd's Rod" message for themselves. {2SC2:2.5} 

     Surely the Lord is preparing His people FOR the "Loud Cry" which will be given [[ FUTURE TENSE ]] as soon as the 144,000—the "firstfruits"—are sealed and which truth is also brought to our attention in "The Signs of the Times" of May, 1927, and in the little pamphlet entitled, "Forty Years in the Wilderness in Type and Antitype," by Elder Taylor G. Bunch.—2SC2:2.3-6  [1936]

The second is written by an SDA.

Dear Brethren:

     I am thankful for the truth of the sealing angel, who is to seal the living saints. This message is a great blessing to my home. My husband is not a Christian, but since we have been studying "The Shepherd's Rod," a wonderful change has taken place in him and I believe that he will yet be an overcomer. So with gratitude, I am enclosing___tithe, and___first fruits offering.—2SC7,8:9.1

Did you find any indication where Eze. 9:4 began to be fulfilled since 1929/1930 before the rest of Ezek. 9:1-3, 5-11 will be fulfilled later on in the purification of the church?

That is their burden of proof. That is what they must find written in the SRod in order to justify that belief. And because the evidence does not exist then the only logical conclusion is that it is of private interpretation because of misconstrued references.

Ezek. 9:4 cannot logically be interpreted outside of "the EVENT"

So the answer given in 2An:32 “what is the seal?” must be understood in the light of the previous question, “when did the seals begin?” Obviously the seal that the 144,000 receive is called “the mark of deliverance“ for a reason. None other saint since Father Adam ever received such a seal.

”The end of the wicked” only happens once in the history of the world. It begins at harvest time. Meaning the wicked must perish but the righteous survive In this conflict. Obviously, if it wasn‘t necessary then there would not be a need for the sealing angel to receive a command at the threshold of the house to do as he is commanded after probation for the church is closed.

It still remains to be a double seal. One is of obedience to all revealed truth which includes Elijah’s message. And the other is received at the time of the event so that they may not be slaughtered. The truth “in their foreheads“ receives the credit but it is not the truth alone otherwise why use the term former and latter if there’s no difference?

Bro. Houteff in 1SR wrote that ”when the angel arrives the sealing begins.” And he will come at the time of reaping. If he comes before doing something else then that does not take away what he will do in the future. The point is not to diminish what is applicable to be fulfilled in the future. That is dishonest. To say things like “there is no where in the Shepherd’s Rod where the sealing and slaughter happen at the same time.” And then limiting the way Bro. Houteff used the phrase “the sealing.” This is dishonest.

Read 9Tr:61-63.1. The language that seems to indicate that Ezek. 9:4 is fulfilling now.

But is that true? If it is true we have to find a way to explain it without suppressing a single positive reference. Worst still if there is a way but because of pride of opinion and to avoid confessing they made a mistake now use there influence and rhetoric to suppress a harmonious explanation. This is why we choose to be transparent with the aim to be faithful and just to every reference equally.

What is their working theory that a believer can receive the mark of Ezek. 9:4 between 1929 and before the confederacy is formed and can still pass away between that period sealed/marked? Where is that taught in the message? Right away we can see that there is a contradiction in that position. And with a contradiction, there must be an error present. Can that qualify as the "pure mark of truth"?

We have answers so no problem for us. This is why we need in our presentation to put them in a box and leave the key inside the box. Their only way out is to accept the truth they refuse to acknowledge if they would be perfect.

This is the answer to prove the correct positive understanding that "the sealing" of the message is distinct from the seal/mark of deliverance by "the sealing" angel during the 1/2 hr silence.

And you will find it when you read:

Death of Saints after Ezek. 9 begins

Did you find the key to unlocking 2An:32.1, 3; 32.2?

So what is possible before the "firstfruits" are reaped at the commencement of the harvest before the confederacy is formed is also possible during the great and dreadful day of the Lord. Saints can be saved/sealed but pass away.

This proves to be the last key and answer to that man-made theory. I can't think of anything else necessary to bring resolution. All that has been discussed between us has been exhaustive.

The most important reference and truth quoted and reported in "Death of Saints after Ezek. 9 begins" is this:

…While this sifting process in the fallen churches is in progress, the man with the 

Vol. 2 Shepherd's Rod book 169

writer's inkhorn seals those who come out.…—2SR:169.3

This is the evidence in reverse that the truth heeded is one thing and the seal of protection that guarantees the receiver of it to be translated without tasting death is a separate thing altogether. One is and becomes a member of the Great Multitude. The other is a member of the saints for the first resurrection.

This is how we will have zero issues on this subject about "the sealing" because we have not hidden any vital point of interest into obscurity in order to sustain a cherished opinion. We want to be on the side of lifting the Voice together so that God may bring Zion. (1TG38:27.1, 2.)

How long shall Davidians halt between the word of God and the words of men?

Will the reaping of the "firstfruits" harvest take place simultaneously while the latter rain is falling?

Please provide your answer by book and page. At some point, we need to settle into pure unadulterated truth to receive the seal of the living God.

If people want to believe and teach that the 144,000 guileless servants of God will be sealed while holding to doctrinal error let them provide that supporting reference from the SRod.

January 13, 2024

To cement further what is being ignored by some.

"…it will be well to bear in mind that any INTERPRETATION of scripture which fails fittingly to build an indestructible structure of truth and to bring a lesson of special importance for the time then present, is erroneous, uninspired by the spirit of Truth—a vain thing."—15Tr:34.1

     Consider, now, with what exact fidelity to the natural harvest the Master has stated the truths of the spiritual harvest: "Let BOTH grow together until the harvest," He says: "and in the time of harvest I will say to the reapers, Gather ye together first the tares and bind them in bundles to burn them: but gather the wheat into My barn." Matt. 13:30. {3Tr:65.2} 

     In these parabolic words Christ has made the spiritual method of harvesting 

3 Tract 65

analogous to the natural method. Were the one not precisely like the other, He would have distinguished the difference. Be admonished, therefore, not to let vain imaginings come into the mind, but stand squarely on the Scriptures, for they are full of meaning of illimitable value—are, indeed, your very life.—3Tr:65.2, 3

Who Are the Reapers? {3Tr:66.2} 

     "The reapers are the angels" who "shall come forth, and sever the wicked from among the just." Matt. 13:39, 49. These angels are not those who shall "come" 

3 Tract 66

with Christ at His second coming, but rather those whom He "shall send forth.'' They are like the three angels of Revelation 14:6-11. Indeed, the third angel "is to select the wheat from the tares and seal, or bind, the wheat for the heavenly garner."—Early Writings, p. 118. Therefore the angels, the reapers, whom Christ sends forth, include both him who does the sealing, or binding, and those who follow on to do the destroying (Ezek. 9:2, 5, 6), first in the church, then in the world. Thus is the 

Separation in Two Sections.—3Tr:66.2, 3

[[ NOTE: Now pay close sanctifying attention to the next paragraphs that cannot be understood independently from the previous ones. ]]

     This being the dreadful experience of the tares in Babylon, in the second section of the harvest, there must, as a type, be a similar and precedent experience for the tares in the Laodicean church, in the FIRST section of the harvest, a parallel which shows conclusively that 

The Church Is Not Babylon. {3Tr:71.1} 

     The reason that the church is figuratively not "Babylon" is that it is called Jerusalem (Ezek. 9:4, 8), and from among the good therein, the wicked (the tares) are destroyed, taken out, by the SIX MEN with the slaughter WEAPONS (Ezek. 9:6-9), and then afterward the good (the wheat) are gathered in "the barn;" while from among the wicked in Babylon, the just ("My people") are called out and gathered into the barn, and then the seven angels pour out the seven last plagues, and the remaining wicked are destroyed. {3Tr:71.2} 

     Thus in the first section of the harvest, the separation in the church, the wicked are destroyed by SIX MEN with slaughter WEAPONS, before the good are taken out; and in the second section, the separation among the churches in Babylon, the wicked are destroyed by seven angels with the seven last plagues, after the good are taken out. There are therefore two separations and two fruits: the former gives the first fruits, the 144,000, who are not defiled with women (Rev. 14:4). That is, THEY are those whom THE SEALING MESSAGE finds 

3 Tract 71

in the church of God, not in the heathen churches. And the second gives the second fruits, the great multitude from all nations, some of whom also may be undefiled with women—heathen churches.—3Tr:71.1-3

Brethren who will be wise. End the controversy here. Both the former seal and the latter seal of WHAT IS THE SEAL? (2An:32.3) are implicated directly in a direct Bible Study where the prophet is interpreting under the influence of the Spirit of Truth who NEVER ERRS.

What have we witnessed thus far?

1.       At the commencement of the harvest the work of the reapers involves both he who does the sealing and those who follow on to do the work of bodily separation.

 

2.       That there are SIX reapers involved and one among them in the FUTURE will perform sealing work after probation has closed for the church.

 

3.       The only reason that the previous points are possible, that the HARVEST (Matt. 13:30) can COMMENCE as described is because of THE SEALING MESSAGE [the latter rain] finds 144,000 saints [mature] worthy to be delivered from the slaughtering WEAPONS of SIX MEN.

 

4.       The sealing message searching out the 144,000 is not the fulfillment of Ezek. 9:4 but rather the fulfillment of Ezek. 3:17-21 (1Tr:41.1-42.1; 12.2-4).

 

5.       The sealing message is seen to be something different and apart from one of the reaping (3An:63.3) angel responsible for putting/setting a mark upon the foreheads during the 1/2 hour silence (5Tr:114.1; 2SC5,6:10.2)

 

6.       Does Jesus speak to the SIX reapers in 1929 or in the future AT the threshold of the house WHEN the prophecy of Ezekiel 9 begins to be fulfilled?

To raise our voice against these plain facts revealed in Tract No. 3 amounts to maintaining our self-righteousness and rejecting the righteousness of Christ which is pure, unadulterated truth. What will you choose to wear at the coming of the bridegroom is left up to you.

Rev. 14:5—And in their mouth was found no guile: for they are without fault before the throne of God.

Continue the analysis by comparing Ezekiel 9 and Revelation 7