I'm going to let you come face to face with the prophet himself. I will say very little if anything at all. If anything needs to be stated it will always be to contrast two opposing statements that cannot be legitimately taken as one and the same when it is an updated position.
Revelation 18
"Are we giving the 11th hour MESSAGE now or will it not be given until after the fulfillment of Eze. 9?
Has the angel that is to lighten the earth with his glory (E.W. 277) already come?"
If the questioner will consult the chart on page 224 of Vol. 2 of the SRod,
he will observe that the angels of Rev. 7 and 18 are represented as coming at the 11th hour, and as we are in the sealing time, it proves that we are NOW in the 11th hour. {1SC6:10.9}
Concerning the angel of Rev. 18:1, with whose glory the earth is to be lightened, we do not claim to have as yet all his light, nor do we believe that the earth is at present lightened with his glory. But we do maintain that a large part of that light has already been revealed and that as soon as the 144,000 are sealed 👉 and 👈 the church is purified by the separation of the sinners from "the midst thereof" by the men with slaughter weapons as described in Ezekiel's vision, the earth will THEN be lightened as the 144,000 go forth proclaiming the message to all nations. (Isa. 66:19, 20.)—1SC6:10.9, 10 [1934]
Although the recorded inspired response was then given in 1934 concerning being NOW in the 11th hour in 1SC6:10.9 before the purification (the separation of the tares from among the wheat) it did not remain the same. It changed.
For evidence of this change or update we only need to consider the following:
…We are indeed now in the "eleventh hour" call,…—2SC2:2.9 [1936]
The statements, "will be disclosed to view," "precious ones now hidden," and "hidden ones will be revealed to view," nakedly unveil the fact that although the servants of the eleventh hour are not now men of prominence, not persons now generally known, they will, nevertheless, assuredly come into their own, finally.…—WHR:47.3
The titles of 1Tr [1941] and 8Tr [1941] both prove the fact that we are not NOW in the parabolical 11th hour, the period of the Loud Cry.
So as the five stones in the shepherd's bag are figurative of five messages,…the fifth, and last, AT the "eleventh hour" (the judgment of the living, the time of the Loud Cry), which shall wound the beast,…—8Tr:59.2
Now that the time has finally come for the Lord to recruit His eleventh-hour servants, this priceless parable is unfolded, and for the FIRST time it is plainly seen that whereas the judgment of the dead was to be proclaimed to many nations and people, the judgment of the living is to be proclaimed to all nations and to every people on earth. Here is what Inspiration Itself says: {WHR:23.1}
"And I saw another angel fly in the midst of heaven, having the everlasting gospel to preach unto them that dwell on the earth, and to every nation, and kindred, and tongue, and people, saying with a loud voice, 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." Rev. 14:6, 7. {WHR:23.2}
That the servants of the eleventh-hour call—those who "escape," who are NOT "cut off" (Lev. 23:29) WHILE "the house of God" is being judged (1 Pet. 4:17), the EVENT which signalizes the COMMENCEMENT of the judgment of the living, world-wide—are to be sent to all nations,…—WHR:23.1-3 [1951]
Here we have the choice to witness that this answer did not remain, was not maintained, and it did not continue through the development of the entire message that we are NOW in the 11th hour. Let us now continue examining where the SRod places the fulfillment of the angel of Revelation 18 who is to lighten the earth with his glory.
[NOTE: A prophet said, "…we do not claim to have as yet all his light, nor do we believe that the earth is at present lightened with his glory.…"—1SC6:10.10. Therefore at some point in the future we should expect to receive all of the light of the the angel of Revelation 18 and that the earth will be lightened with his glory. But this reality does not apply to the message of the angel of Revelation 7.]
Finally, though, as prophecy discloses, the tables are turned, and the long controversy ends by the Lord's casting out and destroying (Rev. 12:16) Satan's agents, the "flood" (the tares, the bad fish), and then lighting the earth with the glory of His angel (Rev. 18:1)!—7SC7-12:9.4 [1941]
"WHEN," someone asks, "will this closing work for the church begin?"
—Obviously, it is already in progress. Light is pouring in upon the subject, dispelling the darkness which has long enveloped it. Having consequently become present truth to lighten the way in which the 144,000 are to "follow the Lamb whithersoever He goeth" (Rev. 14:4), it must be proclaimed as from the housetops. {1Srp:10.1}
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}
"But how can we know for sure," another questions, "that this and companion publications are the genuine fruit of the unrolling of the scroll and of the sealing angel's arrival?"
—Simply if the claimant herein on trial is vindicated by all relevant Scripture and other inspired testimony. And if it is, then the only admissible conclusion is that the Divinely appointed and long-awaited hour has struck, and that THIS literature is the instrument used by Inspiration to make the EVENT known to God's people. {1Srp:10.3}
Since, as we have previously seen from the Spirit of Prophecy, the sealing and the slaughter take place in the church during the closing work for her, they could not antedate the present time. And the prophecy itself shows that the sealing must begin at a time when her spiritual life is at its lowest ebb, when she is polluted with sin—in "exceeding great…iniquity." Ezek. 9:9. For it is her defiled condition that causes a Holy God to do in her midst the work of marking, sealing, the saints, and of doing away with the sinners among them.—1Srp:10.1-11.1 [1945]
(See also: 1Srp:14.5-17.1)
The angel's message of Revelation 7—the angel ASCENDING from the east—is as important as the first, second, and third angel's MESSAGES of Rev. 14:6-11. It must be understood and given to the people at the right time, as ALSO the mighty angel of Rev. 18:1. The loud cry must come at a given time. This angel of Revelation 7, CAN NOT be the third angel, for John's explanation of them differ. The three angels of Revelation 14 are flying in the midst of heaven, or where the sun stands at noon, but the one of Revelation 7, is ascending from the east, or the rising of the sun. The MESSAGE of this angel has NEVER been understood at any time, NOR proclaimed by this denomination or any other people, and only theories have been advanced. It is evident that this truth, as other truths, must come at the right time.—1SR:15.1 [1930]
WHO ARE THE 144,000?
The subject is, "Who are the 144,000?" First mention of this number in the Bible is in Rev. 7:4: "And I heard the number of them which were sealed: And there were sealed an hundred and forty and four thousand of all the tribes of the children of Israel." Rev. 7:2. "And I saw another angel ascending from the east, having the seal of the living God: And he cried with a loud voice to the four angels, to whom it was given to hurt the earth and the sea." Note that THIS angel is ascending and NOT descending. In contrast to this, Rev. 18:1 says, "And after these things I saw another angel COME DOWN from heaven, having great power, and the earth was lightened with his glory." This mighty angel is NOT ascending, descending, nor coming, but "come." If the angel made the trip from heaven to earth in less than 15 minutes in answer to prayer (Dan. 9:4-23), while it takes light millions of years to travel part of the distance, we can easily understand why the expression "but come" is used, meaning suddenly appearing WITHOUT warning. This angel is the Loud Cry angel, an addition to the third angel and the message of the fall of Babylon as given by the second angel is repeated, as foretold in the 18th chapter of Revelation. The people of God are thus prepared to stand in the hour of temptation, which they are soon to meet. {1SR:20.1}
Early Writings, page 277: "Then I saw another mighty angel commissioned to descend to the earth, to unite his voice with the third angel, and give power and force to his message. Great power and glory were imparted to the angel, and as he descended, the earth was lightened with his glory. The light which attended this angel penetrated everywhere, as he cried mightily, with a strong voice, 'Babylon is fallen, is fallen, and is become the habitation of devils, and the hold of every foul spirit, and a cage of every unclean and hateful bird.' The MESSAGE of the fall of Babylon, as given by the second angel, is repeated, with the additional mention of the corruptions which have been entering the churches since 1844. The work of this angel, comes in at the right time to join in the last great work of the third angel's message, as it swells to a loud cry. And the people of God are thus prepared to stand in the hour of temptation, which they are soon to meet. I saw a great light resting upon them, and they united to fearlessly proclaim the third angel's message…This message seemed to be an addition to the third message, joining it as the midnight cry joined the second angel's message in 1844." {1SR:21.1}
Of the three angels of Rev. 14:6-11, John writes: "And I saw another angel fly in the midst of heaven,…and the third angel followed them." These angels, following each other, were seen flying in the midst of heaven where the sun would be at mid-day, in its full strength. There is a difference between these angels and the ONES in Revelation 7 and 18:1. These angels are neither "ascending" nor "come," but continue to "fly in the midst of heaven." The meaning is that these angels' messages are not as powerful as the one of Rev. 18:1, for John says he saw the angel "come," that is, stand upon the earth. The angel mentioned here is near by, but the other three angels are at a distance. This symbol shows that they could not be as powerful as the one that is close by, but these three angels are flying and continue to fly. The meaning is that while they are not as powerful, they continue a long time UNTIL this other angel of Rev. 18:1 joins in with THEM, as it has been with the first, second, and third angel's MESSAGES until now. {1SR:21.2}
We go back to the angel of Revelation 7, the one in which WE are MOST interested at the present time. This particular angel is ascending from the east. "Ascending" here could not mean departing or flying away, but simply coming, or advancing. For example, in the morning while the sun is rising or ascending, the temperature gains in heat as it nears mid-day, just so with this angel that is to seal the 144,000. The angel was seen coming, but he is taking time. The sealing cannot begin UNTIL AFTER he arrives, for the seal of the living God is in his possession. If we can locate the time when he arrives we may know the beginning of the sealing time of the 144,000. Did we know the time when the first second, and third angel's MESSAGES began? Our answer is: Yes. {1SR:22.1}
There is no reason for not knowing the definite time when this angel of Revelation 7 arrives. If we did not know the time, we would have no message, and if Satan can deceive us from present truth, he has won with his deceptive powers. 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:20.1-22.2
WILL THIS SEALING CONTINUE TO THE CLOSE OF PROBATION?
The sealing of the 144,000 can not extend to the close of probation, for they must be sealed long before that time, and it must close before the loud cry of the third angels' message. Early Writings, page 277 says: "I saw angels hurrying to and fro in heaven, descending to the earth, and again ascending to heaven, preparing for the fulfillment of some important event. Then I saw another mighty angel commissioned to descend to the earth, to unite his voice with the third angel, and give power and force to his message. Great power and glory were imparted to the angel, and as he descended, the earth was lightened with his glory....This message seemed to be an addition to the third message." It seems in the expression, "the angels hurrying to and fro," the author has reference to the fulfillment of Ezekiel 9; and then follows the mighty angel of the loud cry of Rev. 18:1. {1SR:35.9}
Ezekiel 9, can not meet its fulfillment at the time Christ comes in the clouds, for the slaughter is in the church. The church of Christ must be pure and clean, free from every stain long before Jesus comes. If we are not in this pure condition, we can not hope to stand in the time of trouble, nor can we escape the effects of the plagues. The church could not stand without an intercessor after probation nor before, if there is one unclean thing in the camp of Israel. "For thus saith the Lord God of Israel, there is an accursed thing in the midst of thee, O Israel: Thou canst not stand before thine enemies, until ye take away the accursed thing from among you." Joshua 7:13.… {1SR:36.1}
When then was this purification of the church? Ezekiel 8, tells us of the abominations done in the midst of Jerusalem (church); Ezekiel 9, reveals the consequences to those who do not sigh and cry for all the abominations. "One sinner may diffuse darkness that will exclude the light of God from the entire congregation." Volume 3, page 265.—1SR:35.9-36.1; 37.1
SEVEN—PERFECT NUMBER
In this prophecy we find there are only six portions, and only six steps have been made. Luther, Knox, Wesley, Campbell, Miller and White. The number "six" is not a perfect number. It is evident then, that there is still another portion to follow, and a step to climb. "Seven" is the perfect, Biblical number. 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 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. Zephaniah also declares, "The remnant of Israel shall not do iniquity, nor speak lies, neither shall a deceitful tongue be found in their mouth: For they shall feed and lie down and none shall make them afraid." In Prophets and Kings, page 725, we read: "Clad in the armor of Christ's righteousness, the church is to enter upon her final conflict. 'Fair as the moon, clear as the sun, and terrible as an army with banners', she is to go forth into all the world, conquering and to conquer." {1SR:126.3}
It could be explained that this brings us to the opening of the seventh seal of Rev. 8:1. The church on the seventh step, under the seventh seal, and in the seventh trumpet. By this we know we are on the borders of Eternity. Would the lips of any of us utter the words, "The harvest is past, the summer is ended, and we are not saved?" But how shall we attain this perfection? It will not be easy. Unless we make an effort we shall never reach the mark, for the enemy is not leaving one string loose. He has interfered all the way, in every step, and every part of the truth, and his plans are stronger now than ever before. Nevertheless, prophecy has declared that the 144,000 have not bowed a knee to Baal, "and in their mouth was found no guile: For they are without fault before the throne of God." At the present time the denomination employs about 10,000 evangelical workers, but what will it be when 144,000 without guile, spot or wrinkle, or any such thing, filled with the Spirit of God, compass the globe? Such is the beginning of the seventh step. No wonder the prophet declared, "the uncircumcised and the unclean shall no more come into thee". "And I shall make her a strong nation." Micah 4:7.—1SR:126.2-127.1
Humanly speaking, to finish the work of the gospel in this generation (the generation being almost past) would be an impossible task; but prophecy declares that impossibilities will be accomplished. The church which travailed and brought forth her children is the church in the time of the loud cry of the third angel's message. There is a great ingathering to be accomplished in just a little while. "And after these things I saw ANOTHER angel come down from heaven, having great power; and the earth was lightened with his glory." Rev. 18:1. "And many nations shall come, and say, Come, and let us go up to the mountain of the Lord and to the house of the God of Jacob."—1SR:180.1 [1930]
If Christ by assembling these seven churches in a group of seven candlesticks and giving the blackest record to the last one, is not calling the Laodiceans Babylon, then neither is the interpretation of the "heads" [[ on the Leopard-like beast ]] doing so. It is not because the Laodiceans are better that they are not called Babylon, for their record is worse, but it is to show that on account of their increased light, He is to deal differently with them. It is to prove that if the "angel" (leadership) of the church of the Laodiceans should reject the message of the "True Witness," He cannot call the 144,000 out from the midst of them into another movement BY THE CALL of Revelation 18: "Come out of her my people, that ye be not partakers of her sins, and that ye receive not of her plagues," (Rev. 18:4), but RATHER by the MESSAGE of Revelation 7 and Ezekiel 9. Thus speedily releasing His people, and quickly "finish the work, and cut it short in righteousness: because a short work will the Lord make upon the earth." (Rom. 9:28.)—2SR:94.2
…As the prophetic word of God says, "All the world wondered after the beast" (worldliness), and not after the head (papacy), it denotes that they have wondered after the world and not after Catholicism. Out of this great apostasy the MESSAGE of Revelation 7:1-8, will seal and save 144,000 saints, from the S.D.A. church who shall never taste death. But the MESSAGE represented by the angel of Revelation 18, with WHOSE glory the earth is to be lightened, will call out from the world the "great multitude" of Revelation 7:9.—2SR:107.1
The second reason is, as the angel was about to show the vision to John, he said to him, "Come hither; I will show thee the judgment of the great whore that sitteth upon many waters." (Rev. 17:1.) Then John was carried into the wilderness and there he saw the woman riding on the beast. The reason the vision is given is to show him the judgment of the woman. But she was not judged in the days of Rome; her judgment is yet in the future, and will be executed under the "Loud Cry" angel of Revelation 18. (See verses 8, 10.) The riding on the beast is her last act; therefore, the beast must represent the period in which she is judged.—2SR:111.2
While multitudes are falling into the snares of the devil, and as he is endeavoring to wipe out the church, the "Third Angel's Message" breaks through with mighty power and a "loud cry," saying, "Come out of her, my people, that ye be not partakers of her sins, and that ye receive not of her plagues." (Rev. 18:4.) And as the "Cry" of the angel (messenger) rings through the earth a great multitude of all nations leave the false, but popular system of worship, and against all earthly favor take their stand with the saints under the protection of divine power. This will incur the wrath of the dragon.—2SR:160.1
What is the message? The eleventh hour message is none other than Revelation 18—the loud cry of the Third Angel. Quoting "Testimonies to Ministers," p. 59: "This same message [The Third Angel's] is to be proclaimed the SECOND time. 'And after these things I saw another angel come down from heaven, having great power; and the earth was lightened with his glory.' This message is the last that will ever be given TO THE WORLD; and it will accomplish its work."—"The Great Controversy," p. 390. {2SR:230.3}
"Thus the message of the third angel will be proclaimed. As the time comes for it to be given with greatest power, the Lord will work through humble instruments, leading the minds of those who consecrate themselves to His service. The laborers will be qualified rather by the unction of His Spirit than by the training of literary institutions. Men of faith and prayer will be constrained to go forth with holy zeal, declaring the words which God gives them. The sins of Babylon will be laid open. The fearful results of enforcing the observances of the church by civil authority, the inroads of Spiritualism, the stealthy but rapid progress of the papal power,—all will be unmasked. By these solemn warnings the people will be stirred. Thousands upon thousands will listen who have never heard words like these. In amazement they hear the testimony that Babylon is the church, fallen because of her errors and sins, because of her rejection of the truths sent to her from heaven. As the people go to their former teachers with the eager inquiry, Are these things so? the ministers present fables, prophesy smooth things, to soothe their fears, and quiet the awakened conscience. But since many refuse to be satisfied with the mere authority of men, and demand a plain 'Thus saith the Lord,' the popular ministry, like the Pharisees of old, filled with anger as their authority is questioned, will denounce the message as of Satan, and stir up the sin loving multitudes to revile and persecute those who proclaim it."—Id., pp. 606, 607. {2SR:231.1}
The eleventh hour call, in reality, is similar to that of the ninth. The ninth hour call is repeated with additional mention of the corruption in the churches; also light and force is added to it.—2SR:230.1-231.2
By the "rain" is represented great light on the Word of God that is to ripen the harvest and lighten the world with ITS glory—the angel of Revelation 18:1. The pouring out of the Spirit is the power that is to descend upon God's servants to carry on the work represented by the former and latter rain. "And upon all flesh" is the Spirit that is to convince the honest in heart of the truth and bring them into the church, of which Pentecost was a type. "And the floors shall be full of wheat, and the fats shall overflow with wine and oil"—represents a great harvest of souls that shall be garnered in by the result of the "rain" and the "Spirit." (Joel 2:24.) {2SR:256.2}
The "rain" falls in the "first month," that is, the month by which the closing work for the church is represented—the sealing time of the 144,000. Therefore, in that period of time (before Ezekiel Nine) a great light is to be revealed. It is remarkable to note the perfect grammatical order of the words at the time of their application, clearly dividing the Word of truth as though it were written just at the time the prophetic words are revealed. "For He hath given you the former rain moderately" is the light of truth that is characterized by the former rain which must have fallen previous to the time of the latter rain. Therefore, the former rain is none other than the writings of the "Spirit of Prophecy." Further proof of this will be given in another chapter. {2SR:256.3}
But note that the falling of the former rain is repeated with the latter rain: "And He will cause to come down for you the rain, the former rain, and the latter rain in the first month." Therefore the former rain (Spirit of Prophecy) falls the second time—revealed more fully in the time of the "latter rain"—the first time independent of the latter rain, and the second time associated with the latter in the "first month" (preceding Ezekiel Nine). The meaning is, the truth recorded in the writings of the "Spirit of Prophecy" was not fully understood until the time of the latter rain. Thus the former rain comes again with the latter rain, and this is what brings about the "Loud Cry."—2SR:256.2-257.1 [1932]
In the purification of the church, "the angels shall…sever the wicked from among the just," but in the TIME, of the "Loud Cry," the just from among the wicked, for so we read: "And after these things I saw ANOTHER angel come down from heaven, having great power; and the earth was lightened with his glory.…And I heard another voice from heaven, saying, Come out of her, my people, that ye be not partakers of her sins, and that ye receive not of her plagues." (Rev. 18:1, 4.) Therefore, two distinct separations, at TWO different times; namely, the firstfruits of the 144,000—the virgins of Revelation 14:4, from the church (Rev. 7:1-8), THEN follows the separation of the second fruits—the great multitude which no man can number (Rev. 7:9), the just from among the wicked.—1Tr33:25.1 [1st Ed.] [1933]
In the purification of the church, "the angels shall…sever the wicked from among the just" (Matt. 13:49), but in the time of the "Loud Cry," they shall gather the just from among the wicked. So it is written: "And after these things I saw another angel come down from heaven, having great power; and the earth was lightened with his glory.… And I heard another voice from heaven, saying, Come out of her, My people, that ye be not partakers of her sins, and that ye receive not of her plagues." Rev. 18:1, 4.—1Tr:27.1 [1941]
The reason the Laodicean church is not "Babylon" is because the wicked are taken out of it by the destroying weapons of Ezekiel Nine; but from the churches who are in Babylon, the just (My people) are called out from among the wicked. Therefore, there are two fruits. The first fruits, the 144,000, are not defiled with women (Rev. 14:4); that is, they are those whom the sealing MESSAGE found in the church of God, not in the churches that are called the daughters of Babylon, and "the mother of harlots." Thus they are not defiled with them. The second fruits are those of Revelation 7:9 and 18:4, called out of Babylon—a great multitude which no man can number.—3Tr34:44.1 [2nd Ed.] [1934]
As this ministry, of which "there hath not been ever the like, neither shall be any more after it, even to the years of many generations" (Joel 2:2), is to be free from all earthly encumbrances, therefore let no one longer delay in effecting the transition which will ultimately see him engaged heart and soul in the Lord's "closing work for the church," the ingathering of the "firstfruits" who are to be sealed from among the living. And while giving himself to this work, he will at the same time be preparing himself to give the message in the TIME of the "Loud Cry," which the purification of the church—the deliverance of the sealed and the destruction of the unsealed—is to usher in and which those who are to be purified are to proclaim.—4Tr:45.3
Most of the Christians at the present time, by despising the gift of prophecy in the Christian era, and by applying the Old Testament Scriptures to God's ancient people only, have rejected all the prophets! The Seventh-day Adventist denomination, however, has long professed to believe in the Spirit of Prophecy, particularly in that special message which in the latter part of the last century make clear that the angel of Revelation 18:1, who is to lighten the earth with his glory, was still in the future (Early Writings, p. 277), and that the prophet Elijah's message was yet to come (Testimonies to Ministers, p. 475). In her Laodicean attitude, however, that she is "rich, and increased with goods," and has "need of nothing," neither truth nor prophets, she manifests the spirit which led the Jewish leaders to kill God's messengers, and which has caused nearly all Christendom to set aside the prophets, thus teaching that they ceased with the preaching of John the Baptist. {4Tr:55.1}
By thus shortening man's vision, the enemy is determinedly preparing the way for the church to reject the latter rain, and never to receive the promised latter-day Pentecost: {4Tr:55.2}
"Be glad then, ye children of Zion, and rejoice in the Lord your God: for He hath given you the former rain moderately, and He will cause to come down for you the rain, the former rain, and the latter rain in the first month.… And it shall come to pass afterward, that I will pour out My Spirit upon all flesh; and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, your old men shall dream dreams, your young men shall see visions: and also upon the servants and upon the handmaids in those days will I pour out My Spirit." Joel 2:23, 28, 29. (See our Tract No. 2, pp. 58, 59.) All who cheat themselves of this blessing, will seal their doom forever in the
Valley of Jezreel.
—4Tr:55.1-3 [1943]
The light on this subject will spread as fire in stubble until it finally illuminates the whole earth (Rev. 18:1), and all who walk in its blaze will have their names placed in the Lamb's Book of Life. They will find deliverance from the enemy's last determmed effort to plunge the world into
12 Tract (1st Ed.) 40
the bottomless pit of eternal ruin. For them "shall Michael stand up, the great Prince which standeth for the children of thy people," said the angel, "and at that time thy people shall be delivered, every one that shall be found written in the book." Dan. 12:1.—12Tr41:40.4 [1941]
Question: "Do the following citations refer to the same time and event?
(a) When
the Lord shall arise to shake terribly the earth. L.S. 412; 2 T 141.
(b) His
return from His ministration in the most holy place. 2 T 190-1; 2 T
690-1; Matt. 24.
(c) He
that is unjust, etc. 2 T 691.
(d) The
judgment of the living. G.C. 490-1; 9 T 266-9." {1SC8:10.1}
Answer: The references cited refer to the same event, which covers the period of the Loud Cry of the Angel of Rev. 18, as explained in L.S. 412. This period begins with the words of Revelation 18:1-3, and closes with Rev. 22:11. 2 T 190, 191 and 690, 691 apply at the close of the above stated period. {1SC8:10.2}
The closing verses of Matt. 24 apply to the church at the present time and meet their fulfillment in the EVENT of Ezekiel 9. {1SC8:10.3}
The time when "the mandate goes forth 'he that is unjust,' " etc. (Vol. 2, 691), "the work for sinners will be done." During this period of time each will have settled his destiny, -- either allowed himself to be made righteous and holy, or else chosen to remain unjust and filthy still.—1SC8:10.1-4 [1935]
Revelation 18:1 and "Early Writings," p. 277
Regarding the angel of Revelation 18:1 and the angel of Revelation 7:2, the former is the Loud Cry angel spoken of in "Early Writings," p. 277 where it says: "Then I saw another mighty angel commissioned to descend to the earth, to unite his voice with the third angel, and give power and force to his message…The work of this angel comes in at the right time to join in the last great work of the third angel's message, as it swells to a loud cry.... {2SC5,6:10.4}
"This message seemed to be an addition to the third message, joining it as the midnight cry joined the second angel's message in 1844." The "Shepherd's Rod" message is what the above quotation describes. {2SC5,6:10.5}
The angel of Revelation 7, who prophetically sealed the 144,000, is the same as the one of Ezekiel Nine, who marked those who sighed and cried for the abominations in the church. Says the Spirit of Prophecy: "This mightiest of angels (Rev. 7:2) has in his hand the seal of the living God, or of Him who alone can give life, who can inscribe UPON the foreheads the mark or inscription, to whom shall be granted immortality, eternal life. It is the voice of this highest angel that had authority to command the four angels to keep in check the four winds until this work was performed, and until he should give the summons to let them loose.…This sealing of the servants of God is the same that was shown to Ezekiel in vision."—"Testimonies to Ministers," pp. 444, 445.—2SC5,6:10.4-6 [1936]
WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN
"COME" AND "COMING"?
Question No. 91:
In "The Shepherd's Rod," Vol. 1, p. 20, the point is made that John saw the angel of Revelation 18, not coming, not in flight on his way down, but "come" down, that is, already arrived. But in plain English "come down" means descend. And Sister White says: "as he descended." How, therefore, can the "Rod" rightly lay stress upon the thought that John saw him already "come"—already arrived? {4An:33.2}
Answer:
When something of high velocity such as a bullet or a bolt of lightning is coming on, its high rate of travel does not give an observer time to view the continuity of its onward progress—its "coming", he is able to behold it only when it is finally arrived—"come." Thus the fact that the angel of Revelation 18:1 is seen, not "coming" (as is the angel of Revelation 7:2), but "come," signifies that he comes suddenly—like the angel of Daniel 9:21. {4An:33.3}
By CONTRAST, in beholding the approach of an object such as the sun, an observer is well able to keep steadily in view the continuity of its "ascending." Accordingly, the Rod observes that the angel of Revelation 7:2 was seen while yet afar off, "ascending from the east," because he was coming slowly like the sun; whereas the angel of Revelation 18:1 was seen suddenly "come," because the terrific momentum of his downward flight did not allow enough time for the human eye to see him "coming." {4An:34.1}
This contradistinction between the speed of the TWO angels, because of the different significance of EACH, is the point of stress.—4An:33.2-34.2 [1944]
How do I know that the great day of the Lord is almost here?
—I know it because the announcement of it is here already, and because the MESSAGE of THE MARKING that is foretold in Ezekiel's chapter nine, the work of the Judgment, is already making its way throughout the Adventist world. I know it also because the material for the glory that FOLLOWS immediately thereafter (the material that is to lighten the earth with the glory of the angel, the Loud Cry—Rev. 18:1) is all ready and waiting. {1TG5:12.3}
And what happens then?
—the cry goes out to the whole dominion of Babylon, "saying, Come out of her, My people, that ye be not partakers of her sins, and that ye receive not of her plagues." Rev. 18:4. God's people come out of Babylon to join His purified sin-free church, His guileless servants, the 144,000, the first fruits of the mountain of the Lord's house.—1TG5:12.3, 4 [1946]
"Come out of her [Babylon who THEN rides the beast—rules the world], My people, that ye be not partakers of her sins, and that ye receive not of her plagues." Rev. 18:4. So SHALL the earth be "lightened" with the glory of the angel, and so shall the saints be gathered from the four corners of the earth.—1TG19:7.5 [1946]
Now we see that this event (the Lord's standing on the mount and the saints' fleeing to the valley) is not only pre-millennial, but even pre-probationary; that it commences the re-establishment of the house of Judah; that it prepares the way for lightening the earth with the glory of the angel (Rev. 18:1); that it is eventually to bring the end of sinners.—1TG20:14.2 [1946]
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." {1TG21:20.1}
The fulfillment of this scripture is what is called the Loud Cry of the Third Angel's Message. But note that the whole earth is lightened with his glory. Let us now take notice of what happens after the Three Angels' Messages permeate the earth, after the earth is thus lightened with the glory of the angel. {1TG21:20.2}
Rev. 18:2—"And he cried mightily with a strong voice, saying, Babylon the great is fallen, is fallen, and is become the habitation of devils, and the hold of every foul spirit, and a cage of every unclean and hateful bird." {1TG21:20.3}
Ah, AFTER the earth is lightened, then it is that Babylon falls. Plainly, then, Babylon has not actually fallen as yet. In fact Babylon has not even come into existence yet, for she is yet to mount (rule) the beast (the world). See Revelation 17 and Tract #12, "The World Yesterday, Today, Tomorrow." {1TG21:20.4}
Rev. 18:4—"And I heard another voice from heaven, saying, Come out of her, My people, that ye be not partakers of her sins, and that ye receive not of her plagues." {1TG21:20.5}
This voice from heaven, you see, comes to God's people AFTER the earth is lightened with the Loud Cry of the angel. The burden of the Voice is that God's people should come out of Babylon so that they be not partakers of her sins, and receive not of her plagues. If on this account they must come out of Babylon, then it must be that the place into which they are called to come is free from sin and thus free from danger of the plagues. And where could that be but in the purified land and church of God, where there is no more sin and no more sinners to endanger the peace of God's people? Vain, indeed, it would be if the people were called from one place of sin and brought into another place of sin. As clear as crystal it is that the purification of the church ("cleansing"—Dan. 8:14; Judgment of the Living—1 Pet. 4:17) takes place BEFORE the Loud Cry of the Third Angel's message begins in the world, before God's people are called out of Babylon. {1TG21:20.6}
"The third angel's message is to lighten the earth with its glory; but only those who have withstood temptation in the strength of the Mighty One will be permitted to act a part in proclaiming it when it shall have swelled into the loud cry."—"The Review and Herald," Nov. 19, 1908.—1TG21:20.1-21.1 [1946]
10. That with this sequence of events will ensue the Loud Cry of the angel that lightens the earth with his glory (Rev. 18:1), as that other Voice cries, "Come out of her, My people, that ye be not partakers of her sins, and that ye receive not of her plagues." Rev. 18:4.—2TG10:30.4 [1947]
Rev. 18:1-4—And after these things I saw another angel come down from heaven, having great power; and the earth was lightened with his glory. And he cried mightily with a strong voice, saying, Babylon the great is fallen, is fallen, and is become the habitation of devils, and the hold of every foul spirit, and a cage of every unclean and hateful bird. For all nations have drunk of the wine of the wrath of her fornication, and the kings of the earth have committed fornication with her, and the merchants of the earth are waxed rich through the abundance of her delicacies. And I heard another voice from heaven, saying, Come out of her, My people, that ye be not partakers of her sins, and that ye receive not of her plagues. {2TG11:18.2}
These verses illustrate the separation that takes place in the so-called Christian world. But mark that the angel proclaims the fall of Babylon in the TIME of the angel's Loud Cry, in the time the earth is lightened with the glory of the angel. Then it is that God's people are actually called to come out of Babylon.—2TG11:18.2, 3 [1947]
Since the records of both the dead and the living must be reviewed by the Judicial Tribunal, the First Angel's Message (Rev. 14:6), must be proclaimed in both periods, in the period of the judgment of the dead, and by a loud cry in the period of the judgment of the living. The direct application of the First Angel's Message, therefore, also the call to come out of Babylon, are actually made in THE day the earth is lightened with the glory of the angel. (See Rev. 18:1-4). The Revelation, therefore, is to be more FULLY understood during the judgment of the living. {2TG12:29.6}
The light that now shines on our path is an unmistakable evidence that we are approaching the TIME of the judgment of the living, the time when "the Son of man shall come in His glory, and all the holy angels with Him, then shall He sit upon the throne of His glory: and before Him shall be gathered all nations: and He shall separate them one from another, as a shepherd divideth his sheep from the goats." Matt. 25:31-33.—2TG12:29.6-30.1 [1947]
As a result OF the purification of the church, the sealing of the 144,000, the servants of God, the earth is lightened with the glory of the angel (Rev. 18:1), with "the everlasting gospel" (Rev. 14:6). God's people are THEN called out of Babylon's domain that they be not partakers of her sins (Rev. 18:4). Then are they brought into a place where there are no sins, where the remnant keep the commandments of God, and where there is no fear of the plagues ever falling (Rev. 18:4). And so chapter 18 begins AFTER the sealing of the servants of God, and ends with the destruction of the woman, Babylon the Great. This takes place after the saints have been called out and taken home.—2TG14:20.1 [1947]
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. {2TG18:23.6}
After what things?—After the scarlet-colored beast comes into being and while the woman, Babylon, is sitting upon him. It is THEN that the earth is to be lightened with the glory of the angel, with the message of the hour. {2TG18:23.7}
Rev. 18:2-4—And he cried mightily with a strong voice, saying, Babylon the great is fallen, is fallen, and is become the habitation of devils, and the hold of every foul spirit, and a cage of every unclean and hateful bird. For all nations have drunk of the wine of the wrath of her fornication, and the kings of the earth have committed fornication with her, and the merchants of the earth are waxed rich through the abundance of her delicacies. And I heard another voice from heaven, saying, Come out of her, My people, that ye be not partakers of her sins, and that ye receive not of her plagues. {2TG18:23.8}
A heavenly voice, the Spirit of Truth, is heard calling God's people out of Babylon AFTER the earth is lightened with the glory of the angel. For God's people to come out so that they be not partakers of her sins and receive not of her plagues, they must necessarily be called into a place that is free from sin, and thus be saved from Babylon's plagues. Consequently they go into a purified sinless church, and a land that is not in danger of the plagues.—2TG18:23.6-24.1 [1947]
The message of Elijah that restores all things is indeed an addition to the Third Angel's Message, and it shall certainly swell into a loud cry. It shall gather God's people from the four corners of the earth, and bring them out of Babylon as the earth is lightened with the glory of the angel (Rev. 18:1-4). (See Early Writings, pg. 277.)—2TG31:8.7 [1948]
This parable of the Kingdom, you note, contains three periods of time: First, the period of sowing the seed—the time of Christ's ministry; second, the period of growing—the time from the ascension of Christ to the harvest; third, the time of harvest—a short period of time "at the end of the world" (Matt. 13:49), the period in which the earth is lightened with the glory of the angel (Rev. 18:1), and in which all God's people are called out of Babylon (Rev. 18:4). Then those who did not respond to this gathering call will cry out: "The harvest is past, the summer is ended, and we are not saved." Jer. 8:20. The "harvest," therefore, is "the end of the world." Matt. 13:49. It commences in the church and ends in Babylon. {2TG44:32.3}
The work of the harvest, very obviously, is synonymous with the Judgment that decides who are tares and who are wheat—who are to be burned and destroyed as noxious weeds, and who are as precious wheat to be admitted into "the barn," the Kingdom. Thus it is that the Judgment is the cleansing of the sanctuary (Dan. 8:14), "the house of God," the temple to which the Lord suddenly comes and purifies His servants, the Levites.…—2TG44:32.3-33.1 [1949]
In the logic of this illustration, it follows that Jesus Christ is the great dynamo, and the Father the power thereof. WHEN, therefore, the whole church, not a member excluded, connects herself with Heaven's Power House, THEN the earth will be lightened with the glory of the angel (Rev. 18:1). (For this very reason the "laying on the hands" is the Biblical method of transmitting the Spirit of God from one person to another.) Consequently a church not having this vital connection with Heaven is a spiritually dead church, one which is bound to be "wretched, and miserable, and poor, and blind, and naked." Rev. 3:17. Hence likewise is every individual who is not in contact with the church. Only this power enables the individual church member to choose the good and to refuse the evil, and to go through the great and dreadful day of the Lord. Accordingly, it is now seen anew that what is applicable to the church as a body, is applicable to the individual members of it.—2TG45:8.4 [1950]
These challenging facts are, of course, a mighty rebuke to those who may have long neglected their God-given duty to educate both ministry and laity to expect, watch for, and upon sight gladly welcome the "additional message," that of the eleventh hour. Had they been faithful to their trust, they would now recognize the message that is knocking at their door, as that long-awaited one, and would know it is the one variously designated: (1) the judgment of the living, (2) the harvest, (3) the great and dreadful day of the Lord, (4) the loud cry (as the message lightens the earth with the glory of Christ's righteousness beaming from the 144,000 guileless servants of God). And, accordingly, they would know that it is thus that the Lord will sift the nations (Isa. 30:28), "finish the work, and cut it short in righteousness." Rom. 9:28.—WHR:40.1 [1951]
These facts should make you wonder as to which angel came in 1888, was it the message of Revelation 7 or was it the angel of Revelation 18:1 as witnessed by EGW.
Now that we have examined all of the references identifying and interpreting the ANGEL of Revelation 18:1 different and apart from any other. Let's now look at the angel of Rev. 7:2.
Revelation 7
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:29.1 [1930]
Why were the first paid last, and the last first?
Answer.
—The pay God's servants receive is eternal life, and is characterized by the penny. Therefore, those who are granted the assurance of a never ending life first, are those who were hired last, and according to the parable, it was the company called at the eleventh hour. They are those who are marked or sealed by the man with the writer's inkhorn of Ezekiel 9, or as John calls him, the angel with the seal of God; and he sealed, or marked, 144,000. (See Rev. 7.) This glorious company is the first who are granted the assurance of never tasting death. (See "The Shepherd's Rod," Vol. 1, pp. 22-24.) Thus they are paid first but those who were called early in the morning (Israel after the flesh) are to be resurrected (the righteous) when Christ comes in the clouds, at which time they shall be given immortality. "So that the last shall be first, and the first, last." For this reason, those who were sealed and saved by the Third Angel's Message since 1844, are resurrected in the special resurrection before Christ comes. (See Dan. 12:2; "Early Writings," p. 285.)—2SR:235.2 [1932]
In view of this sad fact, God must have a second leadership to finish His greatest work since the world began. Of this second set of servants, we read: "And I saw another angel ascending from the east, having the seal of the living God: and he cried with a loud voice to the four angels,...saying, Hurt not the earth, neither the sea, nor the trees, till we have sealed the servants of our God in their foreheads." "And in their mouth was found no guile: for they are without fault before the throne of God." Rev. 7:2, 3; 14:5.—2Tr:39.1 [1941]
If Christ by assembling these seven churches in a group of seven candlesticks and giving the blackest record to the last one, is not calling the Laodiceans Babylon, then neither is the interpretation of the "heads" [[ of the Leopard-like Beast ]] doing so. It is not because the Laodiceans are better that they are not called Babylon, for their record is worse, but it is to show that on account of their increased light, He is to deal differently with them. It is to prove that if the "angel" (leadership) of the church of the Laodiceans should reject the message of the "True Witness," He cannot call the 144,000 out from the midst of them into another movement by the call of Revelation 18: "Come out of her my people, that ye be not partakers of her sins, and that ye receive not of her plagues," (Rev. 18:4), but rather by the MESSAGE of Revelation 7 and Ezekiel 9. Thus speedily releasing His people, and quickly "finish the work, and cut it short in righteousness: because a short work will the Lord make upon the earth." (Rom. 9:28.)—2SR:94.2
…As the prophetic word of God says, "All the world wondered after the beast" (worldliness), and not after the head (papacy), it denotes that they have wondered after the world and not after Catholicism. Out of this great apostasy the MESSAGE of Revelation 7:1-8, will seal and save 144,000 saints, from the S. D. A. church who shall never taste death. But the MESSAGE represented by the angel of Revelation 18, with whose glory the earth is to be lightened, will call out from the world the "great multitude" of Revelation 7:9.—2SR:107.1
It was previously explained that Zechariah's prophecy is applicable to the church in the TIME of the "Loud Cry." Thus it becomes present truth. We quote from Zechariah 12:8. "In that day shall the Lord defend the inhabitants of Jerusalem; and he that is feeble among them at that day shall be as David; and the house of David shall be as God, as the angel of the Lord before them"—before the great multitude of Revelation 7:9. {2SR:290.1}
The church in her purity is called by these Scriptures, "The house of David." Therefore, this term becomes one of the names of the church in the time of the "Loud Cry." Thus the church under this name shall be as God before the people.…—2SR:290.1, 2 [1932]
The angel of Revelation 7, who prophetically sealed the 144,000, is the same as the one of Ezekiel Nine, who marked those who sighed and cried for the abominations in the church. Says the Spirit of Prophecy: "This mightiest of angels (Rev. 7:2) has in his hand the seal of the living God, or of Him who alone can give life, who can inscribe UPON the foreheads the mark or inscription, to whom shall be granted immortality, eternal life. It is the voice of this highest angel that had authority to command the four angels to keep in check the four winds until this work was performed, and until he should give the summons to let them loose.…This sealing of the servants of God is the same that was shown to Ezekiel in vision."—"Testimonies to Ministers," pp. 444, 445.—2SC5,6:10.6 [1936]
THE TIME TO LET THE WINDS LOOSE
QUESTION NO. 207:
If the angel who seals the firstfruits (the 144,000), continues the sealing of the second fruits (the great multitude—Revelation 7:9), will the four angels be holding the four winds (Rev. 7:1) throughout the sealing of both fruits? {6SC1-6:13.4}
ANSWER:
As Revelation 7:14 says that the great multitude (the second fruits) "came out of great tribulation," it is therefore conclusive that the four winds will be held only UNTIL the servants of God (the 144,000) are sealed, and that when the winds are loosed and blowing, then will the great multitude be gathered and sealed—thus coming out of "great tribulation," a time of trouble, such as never was since there was a nation even to that same time." Dan. 12:1.—6SC1-6:13.5 [1940]
"I saw four angels standing on the four corners of the earth [at the time of the sealing of the 144,000], holding the four winds of the earth that the wind should not blow on the earth, nor on the sea, nor on any tree. And I saw another angel ascending from the east, having the seal of the living God: and he cried with a loud voice to the four angels, to whom it was given to hurt the earth and the sea, saying, Hurt not the earth, neither the sea, nor the trees, till we have sealed the servants of our God in their foreheads." Rev. 7:1-3. {8Tr:21.2}
Here are brought to view two hurtings about to take place: one by the winds, the other by the angels; and two commands to the angels: one that they restrain the winds, that the winds blow not "on the earth, nor on the sea, nor on any tree" (Rev. 7:1); the other that the angels restrain themselves from hurting "the earth,...sea," and "the trees," till the servants of God are sealed. Rev. 7:2, 3. Since, therefore, as soon as the servants of God are sealed both the winds and the angels will begin to hurt the question arises as to what the work of the winds and the work of the angels represent—political strife or something else? As the nations have always been at war, this two-fold work of hurting could not represent political strife. And as Jesus says that at the time of the end "nation shall rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom" (Matt. 24:7), it is clear that the hurting by the winds, also the hurting by the angels both of which are kept back until the 144,000 are sealed, must be figurative of holding back the "time of trouble, such as never was since there was a nation." Dan. 12:1. Accordingly, God's restraining of the four winds is His holding back the image of the beast's activity (Rev. 13:15-17) against the saints, while His restraining the four angels that they hurt not is His holding back the executing of His vengeance (Isa. 63:1-4; Jer. 51:18) upon the sinners who trouble the church, until after the sealing of the 144,000 is completed. Being coupled, these two hurtings bring the time of trouble such as never was. {8Tr:22.1}
Revelation 7:1-3, therefore, reveals a two-fold conflict: wicked men against God (the blowing of the winds) and God against them (the angels hurting them). But though the blowing of the winds and the hurting of the angels after the servants of God are sealed, will bring the "time of trouble," yet "every one that shall be found written in the book" "shall be delivered." Dan. 12:1. {8Tr:23.1}
From these facts we see that this time of trouble is held back in order to safeguard the sealing of the 144,000 servants, lest they, "the very elect," be brought down to worship the image of the beast, or be killed for refusing.—8Tr:21.2-23.2 [1941]
Neither could they be, as some think, those who arose from their graves when Christ "yielded up the ghost" (Matt. 27:50, 52, 53), for, besides the reasons already given, the angel came "from the east" not to call them from their graves but to seal them in their foreheads (Rev. 7:3, 4).—9Tr:53.2 [1942]
"And I saw another angel ascending from the east, having the seal of the living God: and he cried with a loud voice to the four angels, to whom it was given to hurt the earth and the sea, Saying, Hurt not the earth, neither the sea nor the trees, till we have sealed the servants of our God in their foreheads. And I heard the number of them which were sealed: and there were sealed an hundred and forty and four thousand of all the tribes of the children of Israel." Rev. 7:1-4. {15Tr:58.4}
From the implication that "the four winds" are to blow and the four angels are to hurt as soon as the servants of God are sealed is seen looming the "time of trouble" such as never was (Dan. 12:1).—15Tr:58.4-59.1 [1947]
"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.—7SC7-12:21.5 [1941]
"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.) {2An:32.2}
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.—2An:32.2, 3 [1944]
WHEN WILL THE WINDS BE LOOSED?
Question No. 46:
If the angel who seals the first fruits, the 144,000, goes right on with the sealing of the second fruits, the great multitude (Rev. 7:9), will the four angels be holding the four winds (Rev. 7:1) throughout the sealing of both fruits? {2An:90.3}
Answer:
As Revelation 7:14 says that the great multitude (the second fruits) "came out of great tribulation," it is conclusive that the four winds will be held, as the angel commanded, "till we have sealed the servants of our God...." Rev. 7:3. The winds, therefore, are loosed and blowing after the 144,000 are sealed and while the great multitude is being gathered and sealed. Thus only can it be said that the multitude came out of "great tribulation," out of "a time of trouble, such as never was since there was a nation even to that same time." Dan. 12:1.—2An:90.3-91.1 [1944]
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}
"But how can we know for sure," another questions, "that this and companion publications are the genuine fruit of the unrolling of the scroll and of the sealing angel's arrival?"—Simply if the claimant herein on trial is vindicated by all relevant Scripture and other inspired testimony. And if it is, then the only admissible conclusion is that the Divinely appointed and long-awaited hour has struck, and that this literature is the instrument used by Inspiration to make the event known to God's people.—1Srp:10.2, 3 [1945]
(See also: 1Srp:7.1-17.1; 4An:33.2-34.2)
Is the angel of Ezekiel 9 and Revelation 7 the same sealing angel?
Whether it is a literal angel in both instances of Ezek. 9 and Rev. 7 one thing we can be assured of is that One aspect of his work in Rev. 7 is done during probationary time during the unrolling of the scroll. To reveal the truth about the purification. A time to make preparations for a future event. However, when considering the matter from Ezekiel's testimony this aspect is not revealed in this manner, in the vision of Ezek. 1-10. According to Ezekiel's vision in chapter one, it is the Lord Himself who brought a message to a literal manservant to then turn around and give that same message to His church Modern Israel. In Revelation, this same aspect of Ezek. 1 is portrayed as an angel in Revelation 7 who comes with a message. That message has the capacity to seal God's saints with the seal of the living God for resurrection (2An:32.3).
The angel of Revelation 7, as interpreted in 1SR:15 (1Srp:10.1-11.1), stresses the arrival of additional truth, another message as the arrival of the truth of the third angel’s message through a messenger. It is the unrolling of the scroll before the coming of the great and dreadful day of the Lord.
Why is the call of action so urgent? Because Inspiration definitely reveals that the time of the Judgment for the Dead is about to pass away and the time for the Judgment for the Living about to begin. And since there was a special message for the Judgment concerning the Dead, it is even more important that there should be a special message concerning the Judgment for the Living, the announcement of which is already here. The Spirit of Prophecy speaks of the message in the following words: "I saw angels hurrying to and fro in heaven, descending to the earth and again ascending to heaven, preparing for the fulfillment of some important EVENT. Then I saw another mighty angel commissioned to descend to the earth, to unite his voice with the third angel, and give power and force to his message.... This message seemed to be an addition to the third message, joining it as the midnight cry joined the second angel's message in 1844...."—Early Writings, p. 277.—4JL:3.2
If that is indeed a literal angel and not figurative then we must understand that the sealing angel in 1929 did not receive a command from the Lord at the threshold of the house. That command (Ezek. 9:4) is still yet future. That will happen when the sealing angel comes with a slaughtering weapon in his hand.
"…Cause them that have charge over the city to draw near,…" {1TG3:12.3}
The angels have charge of the "city," Jerusalem, not of the world, and not of Babylon.…—1TG3:12.3, 4
"…Cause them that have charge over the city to draw near,…" {1TG52:15.2}
Note that at the command of the Lord, the angels in charge are to slay the sinners in Jerusalem (in the church), not in the world. Only the abomination-hating ones, those who receive the mark for sighing and crying against the wrongs are to be left.—1TG52:15.2-16.1
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
One aspect of the sealing has to do with understanding the truth of the separation.
The other aspect is being prepared for the EVENT of the separation.
Published in 1935
The Lord commands [[ When? Where? ]] the angel with the writer's ink horn to go 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"—in the church—so that when the men with the slaughter weapons start slaying they may pass by those who have the mark. To sigh and cry for the abominations is a sign of reformation and as reformation never takes place without a revelation of some new truth, it is evident that the message must be brought to every one's attention and if the individual does not reform at the moment he is convinced of the truth, neither will he do it later. Therefore, as the sealing MESSAGE makes its way through the church, those who awake and reform (sigh) and endeavor to enlighten others by the light that is shining upon them (cry), he receives the seal.—1SC13:9.6
In 1936
Anciently God was furious with His people and was tempted to cast them away forever root and branch. But here He says that fury is not in Him. He is longsuffering toward His people, and He is anxious that all should take hold of His strength and be at peace with Him. That very choice is found in the message we bear today. As the message makes its way
Vol. 11 Symbolic Code No. 7 17
through the ranks of the church we see some take hold of His strength and rejoice in the Truth, and we also painfully see the briers and thorns set in battle against the Lord. Though fury is not in God and though He is not willing that any should perish, yet He declares that those who will not take hold of His strength by accepting His Truth must lose out.—11SC7:17.2
In 1944
And as reformation never takes place with out a revelation of some new truth, then this "closing work for the church" must be accompanied by a message (Testimonies, Vol. 3, p. 266), and must be proclaimed to all. And he who does not reform at the moment he is convinced of the Truth, will not reform later. Therefore, as the sealing message makes its way through the church, only those who awake and reform (sigh) and endeavor to share with others (cry) the light that is shining upon them, receive the seal. They are then accounted sinless through the perfection of Christ imparted in their behalf until they are given the "new heart" promised in Ezekiel 36:26, after which they will be forever sinless—forever without cause to repent.—2An:34.1
These are the three references that speak of "…message makes its way through…"
In 1946
How do I know that the great day of the Lord is almost here?
—I know it because the announcement of it is here already, and because the MESSAGE of THE MARKING that is foretold in Ezekiel's chapter nine, the work of the Judgment, is already making its way throughout the Adventist world.…—1TG5:12.3
Four times in four different years the Inspired revelation of a future event is foretold, namely the understanding of the prophecy of the future fulfillment of Ezek. 9 (the sealing MESSAGE) is making its rounds in the SDA Church. The anti-typical Passover is being predicted prominently while the investigative judgment for the dead is still in session.
These satisfy "the sealing" aspect of "settling into truth." This comes before the fulfillment of Ezekiel 9:1-11. This happens before the visitation of a literal angel with a literal slaughter weapon in his hand receives an audible command from the Lord at the threshold of the house after Christ opened the 7th seal in heaven.
The interpretation of Revelation 7 reveals how the message prepares the 144,000 for the future mark of deliverance (3Tr:44.3).
Moreover, the fact that the unfolding of these chapters is now for the first time brought to attention, further proves that the lessons which they contain are expressly for the church at this hour; the first of which to be considered is the lesson of
The Typical Valley of Achor.—4Tr:27.2 [1943]
Furthermore, revelation precedes the EVENT. The sealing angel when he comes with Jesus and a slaughtering weapon in his hand (Ezek. 9:2), after the seventh seal has been opened in heaven to the threshold of the house on earth, he will not THEN come to help anyone settle into truth. He came for the purification of the church. The separation of the tares among the wheat. He comes and finds them all 144,000 together sighing and crying at that moment.
The first sentence of 1SC13:9.6 speaks to the marking and slaughtering. And the sentences that follow speak to what is necessary to survive the event.
Lastly, any question asked on a point in reference to the phrase “the sealing” in context must be viewed in the light of all of those places in the Shepherd’s Rod message where Bro. Houteff teaches the subject of Ezekiel 9 as a complete Bible study. That would be all of 1Tr, 3Tr and 7SC7-12:21.5; 8SC1-12:18.9; 1Srp:55.4, 5; 1TG43:14.3-15.1; 1TG52:15.2-16.3; 2TG20:26.3, 4; 2TG30:17.1; 6JL:4.2; 8JL:4.5; 8.4.
Bro. Houteff published the following truth:
The Shepherd's Rod literature is designed for Seventh-day Adventists…—5An:51.2
If it is designed it means it is not meant for the world to understand as a test of faith until after the purification of the church happens.
The true interpretation of Rev. 7 and Ezek. 9 is not meant for the world (non-SDAs) to understand before the great and dreadful day commences.
Who is in control of the scriptures?
According to 1SR:15.2 it reads:
…Bear in mind that as Joseph of ancient days controlled the storehouse, even so Christ controls the Scriptures and the times.…—1SR:15.2
The message interpreted in Revelation 7 and Ezekiel 9 is meant primarily and specifically for SDAs. While the message under the Loud Cry period will be greater under the angel of Rev. 18. There will be no sighing and crying as a prerequisite for the GM to be saved. They are simply called to leave the precincts of Babylon and take refuge in Palestine. Escape for thy life as Lot was once called to leave that city ripe for destruction.
Revelation 7:1-3, therefore, reveals a two-fold conflict: wicked men against God (the blowing of the winds) and God against them (the angels hurting them). But though the blowing of the winds and the hurting of the angels after the servants of God are sealed, will bring the "time of trouble," yet "every one that shall be found written in the book" "shall be delivered." Dan. 12:1.—8Tr:23.1
Here once again Bro. Houteff is giving you the meaning of what the four winds represent. It is the attempt of the wicked to harm the righteous in God's Remnant church. After the 144,000 are delivered from their death decree (14Tr:18) they will never again be in jeopardy. They are under God's direct protection (1Tr:39-40).
This is why this unique conflict can not take place before 144,000 are all settled into the truth (a.k.a. sealed) all at the same time by the sealing message revealed in Rev. 7 and Ezek. 9. This message is brought to Ezekiel in vision by the Lord Himself as revealed in 1Tr. This is the interpretation of Ezekiel's vision. It is only meant to seal all saints who believe and respond to the call for a revival and a reformation. Those who die obedient to this call within a call are sealed for the resurrection (2An:32.3).
I can read that in the SRod message. I don't need to conflate that with the command the sealing angel receives at the time of the separation during the 1/2 hr silence. When he receives a command at the threshold of the house.
This is similar to two prophets seeing the same judgment scene but from different points of view. Daniel sees the setting up of the judgment. While John sees beyond the firstfruits. Likewise, Ezekiel saw something that John was not given to see.
Ezek. 9:4 is always placed to be fulfilled in the future:
WHEN the day approaches for this scripture to be fulfilled, then its truth must be the "meat in due season" for the people at that time. Nothing else can take its place. And so we see that as Nineveh was spared by the message to it, so the Laodiceans can only be saved by the "Message to the Laodiceans."—2TG20:26.4
Did you see Ezek. 9:4 is put in the future by the Prophet?
You will receive [[ not have ]] the mark of deliverance only if you sigh and cry against all these abominations. Ezek. 9:4-6.—2TG30:17.1
Where did the prophet put Ezek. 9:4? God will test every Davidian's honesty and mark them either as faithful or unfaithful wrongly dividing the word of truth.
…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
According to 1SR:22.2, the angel has not arrived. At least not for the sealing of the 144,000 living saints under the command given to the sealing angel during the commencement of harvest time.
Long ago through the Spirit of Prophecy (Early Writings, 270) the S.D.A. church was forewarned of this shaking. And now in the present graphic revelation is seen its fatal end—the destruction of all who do not become affrighted and give glory to God. Figuratively numbering seven thousand, these "slain" in the church comprehend that element which does NOT sigh and cry for the abominations (Ezek. 9:4), and which as a consequence fails to receive the mark (Ezek. 9:4), or the seal (Rev. 7:3-8), of God's approbation. All who compose this class are cut off, leaving the remnant who "were affrighted"—those who have sighed and cried for the abominations, and who have consequently received the mark or the seal, and escaped the slaughter. These are they who "shall
5 Tract 113
sing for the majesty of the Lord" (Isa. 24:14)—give "glory to the God of heaven."—5Tr:113.2
Note: "…and who have consequently received the mark or the seal, 👉🏼AND👈🏼 escaped the slaughter.…" The receiving of the mark/seal is present in the same breathe, the same sentence as WHEN the slaughter takes place. Of course this couldn't be referring to the point in time of settling into the truth, being sealed by the Holy Spirit. That would have taken place before the seventh seal is opened in heaven and Christ comes down to perform Ezek. 9 with six men.
As if some Davidians might pretend to turn a blind eye to what is written in 5Tr:113.2, as if that was a mistake Bro. Houteff repeats the same thought with direct and explicit terms. He makes it a testimony of the equivalence of two witnesses on the same point. Read 5Tr:114.1. I'm sure I have this listed in my list of evidence in my blog posts.
It reads:
Chapters 10 and 11 of The Revelation cover a series of events different from those of chapter 9. Verse 13 of the eleventh chapter brings us up ONLY to the TIME of the fulfillment of the marking 👉🏼AND👈🏼 slaying (Ezekiel 9) in the church, 👉🏼OR👈🏼 to the commencement of the Loud Cry of the Third Angel's Message. Rev. 9, verses 20 and 21, carries us on to the completion of the gospel and the ingathering of the saints. "The second woe [sixth trumpet] is past; and, behold, the third woe cometh quickly" (Rev. 1 1: 14)—
THE SEVENTH TRUMPET.—5Tr:114.1
In other words, the COMMENCEMENT of the LOUD CRY carries us to the EVENT of the fulfillment of the marking and slaying. This is the same as saying Harvest time has begun. The end of the world (Matt. 13:30) is here.
And why is that? Because the Bible says in Ezek. 9:2: "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."
How many men came together at the same time for that EVENT according to scripture? SIX men. What did they all have in common in their hand at that TIME? "…every man a slaughter weapon in his hand…" Who is authorized to contradict the Bible? Are the wise authorized to twist Bro. Houteff's interpretation?
The comparison between Ezek. 9 and Rev. 7 helps here.
The Bible says:
Re 7:3—Saying, Hurt not the earth, neither the sea, nor the trees, till we have sealed the servants of our God in their foreheads.
Apparently, this angel has something to say (vs. 3) before the hurting begins when he first arrives. But in Ezek. 9 he only speaks after the slaughter is over in vs. 11.
The Sealing of the 144,000—The First Fruits. {1Tr:19.2}
"This mightiest of angels," says the Spirit of Prophecy, "has in his hand the seal of the living God, or of Him who alone can give life, who can inscribe upon the foreheads the mark...."—1Tr:19.2, 3
As long as it is "upon the foreheads" it means that probation for the SDA Church is closed. The 144,000 are already gathered by the TRUTH (Voice) or the number is made up, and they all at the same time already know about the sealing message and are practicing it.
If it meant the same, we're to receive "the seal" of God "in their forehead" in 1929 then that means that prior to the arrival of the angel, everyone knew what it meant? But, no one knew the meaning of the message of the Judgment of the living and were not then prepared to receive the mark of deliverance for trouble not yet present.
What is your verdict? The answer to this question will determine the amount of light you have cultivated. If details and perfection are inconsequential then neither is the glory of God and the offering of Abel of any vital importance.
By your servant Bro. Neftali Garay Friday, October 13, 2023
Comments
Post a Comment