The introduction


That introduction shows 1844 was a decisive year.

God was raising up a movement to give the three angels Message.

BUT the dragon was also busy raising up movements to counter the Three Angels Message.

The book of Revelation chapters 10 and 11 reveals quite a bit of information from an inspired source as to what was going on in the years just prior to, including and following 1844.

What the introduction of our new lessons points out, was already predicted in Revelation chapter 10 and 11.

In chapter 11 of Revelation we have the rise of the atheistic movement, throwing off the perceived restraints of God and the Bible.
See Rev.11:3, Rev.11:7-11

We understand the two witnesses are the old and new testament. The Bible was suppressed during the 1260 years (42 prophetic months) 538-1798, when the papal church held control of the religious worship of the European nations.

When this time period was coming to an end, a "beast from the bottomless pit" manifests itself, (Rev.11:7) whose aim is to rid the world of the Bible and God, of priests and kings, and promote worship of only human reason.
For an inspired commentary on this read Great Controversy pages 268-269, 273, 285-286. Or read the whole chapter. Indeed it was a reaction against established religion and its wrong picture of God, which reached its most horrific result in the country that earlier had engaged in fierce persecution against people who upheld the Bible instead of complying with the recognized church.

Remember this whole thing relates to the battle that was started by the fallen angel (the dragon) in heaven (Rev. 12:7-9) whose whole aim was to relieve angels and now human beings of the restraints of God's law. (Rev.12:17)
People are the prize being fought over.
God is also working to draw people to Himself, to give them life and light and to show them His law is the true way to liberty and equality.

In chapter 10 of Revelation we see another movement raising.
So in Revelation chapters 10 and 11 we see the rise of two movements.

Revelation ten is about God working to establish the people who will give the three angel's message.



There were serious Bible student, searching for truth.
They take the "opened book" (Rev. 10:8) and start studying the prophecies of Daniel and Revelation. They find the 2300 day prophecy,(Daniel 8:14) but misunderstand what the cleansing of the sanctuary means, and believe it means Jesus would come at the end of that time period.
(Rev. 10:9-10) How sweet the message tasted, but the disappointment was very bitter.
They were given more light and told they had a mission to share the message of prophecy again. (Rev. 10:11) Thus the three angels' message was to go out to the world.

Both sides had their message.
1844 was indeed a decisive time in history.

One side has the message -- Worship and give glory to Him that Created everything. (Rev. 14:7)
The other side has the message -- There was no creation, it's evolution, God, if He exists at all, isn't that particular, His law isn't binding, human reason and wisdom is master.

The three angel's message is urgent! We are the prize and the stakes are extremely high as to which side we are on, and who we chose to serve. There is no middle ground.

Memory Text: "And the dragon was enraged with the woman, and he went to make war with the rest of her offspring, who keep the commandments of God and have the testimony of Jesus Christ" (Revelation 12:17, NKJV).

"The theme of the Bible?s last book, Revelation, is this: Jesus Wins, Satan Loses. The heart of this battle is outlined in Revelation 12:1-17"

There are only two sides.
Those who make the dragon their master and work to establish his kingdom.
Those who make Jesus their master and co-operate with Him to establish His kingdom in both their lives and promote His kingdom.

Revelation 17:14 These (the dragon's enlisted forces) shall make war with the Lamb, and the Lamb shall overcome them: for he is Lord of lords, and King of kings: and they that are with him are called, and chosen, and faithful.

The big question is this:
Do we want Jesus to win?
Sure, we want a life without death, or pain. We want that mansion He's gone to prepare, but do we also want Him, His righteousness, His sinlessness?
Would we be happy to live forever in a future sinless world?

Would we be happy to join the society of sinless angels, and to live in an atmosphere where there is not the least taint of sin. Do we now seek purity; knowing that no cherished impurities or sins will abide the searching test of the day of God, and be received into a pure and holy heaven.

While we can never earn salvation, yet those who cherish their seemingly little sins, would never be happy in heaven. That's why we need to surrender and repent of all our sins now!

Those who win with the Lamb are the called, chosen and faithful.
Whosoever (the invitation goes out to all), is called.
Those who respond are chosen to represent Christ.
BUT only those who are faithful will win with Christ.

Revelation 12: 7And there was war in heaven: Michael and his angels fought against the dragon; and the dragon fought and his angels,
12:4 And his tail drew the third part of the stars of heaven, and did cast them to the earth:

12:8 And prevailed not; neither was their place found any more in heaven.
12:9 And the great dragon was cast out, that old serpent, called the Devil, and Satan, which deceiveth the whole world: he was cast out into the earth, and his angels were cast out with him.

This battle actually has two phases, verses 7 and 4 describe the beginning of the battle in heaven, before creation. One third of the heavenly angels were influenced by the dragon (a high ranking beautiful angel) insinuating that God's laws were too restrictive, and God wasn't fair with them. He wanted to be equal with God! (See Isaiah 14:13-14)

This brought doubts into heaven. Even though Satan and one third of the angels were cast out, the questions he planted into the minds of angels didn't totally go away.
We see in the book of Job, that Satan still had access to the councils of heaven where he would appear to flaunt his victory over people, and continue his accusations against God's justice.

But at the cross, that changed. All doubts lingering in unfallen minds were completely and eternally erased. The horrific evidence was that Satan would stoop to torture and kill his Creator. No longer did he have access to heaven.

Jesus declared in John 12:31 Now is the judgment of this world: now shall the prince of this world be cast out. And I, if I be lifted up from the earth, will draw all unto me.

Revelation 12:10 And I heard a loud voice saying in heaven, Now is come salvation, and strength, and the kingdom of our God, and the power of his Christ: for the accuser of our brethren is cast down, which accused them before our God day and night.
At the cross, Satan was defeated. Salvation was available for all who accepted Christ and the cleansing blood of justification.


Angels were fully convinced that setting aside God's law ended in terrible degradation for the ones doing so. But not yet mankind, they are not yet convinced that setting aside God's law and following after their own desires has terrible natural results. They still tended to believe Satan's lies that God's laws restricted their pursuit for happiness and success.

Not till all are fully convinced that sin is the enemy to happiness, peace, goodness and life, will God permanently blot out all sin from the universe.

The lesson states:

Yes, the dragon was very determined to destroy Christ. He knew Christ had come to reclaim for the human race the dominion he (satan) claimed as his territory, wrested from Adam when his sophistry caused Adam to sin. With fiendish energy he sought to make Christ sin, knowing if he could get Christ to sin, that would make Jesus subject to him, and earth with its inhabitants would be under his (satan's) control forever.

Yes! Christ defeated Satan's attempts every time. Not even once, did sin mar His record. He lived a perfect, human life, by the power from His Father, not by His own human strength.

"In His death on the cross, He revealed the magnitude of His love and delivered us from the penalty of sin?s condemnation. In His resurrection, as our living High Priest, He delivers us from the power of sin in our lives." (From Lesson)

His sacrifice on the cross is all sufficient to forgive every and all sin for every person on earth.
But not all are forgiven, not even everyone who professes to be a Christian. Why?

Don't they want to give up certain sins?
Part of the three angel's message is to rid ourselves of sin, for those who are living in sin have some pretty awful things declared for their future. It is urgent for us to send our sins before hand to judgment to be covered by the blood of the Lamb, and by God's grace to walk in newness of life.
How can we do this?

We must come to Christ and He will give us the spirit of repentance. For repentance is a prerequisite for forgiveness.

Matt. 4:17 Jesus began to preach, and to say, Repent: for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.
Luke 13:3 I tell you, except you repent, you shall all likewise perish.
Romans 2:4 Don't despise his goodness and forbearance and longsuffering; not knowing that the goodness of God leads thee to repentance?

When we accept by faith what Christ has done for us, it leads us to repentance, and a turning from sin.

"When we confess our sins He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and cleanse us from all unrighteousness." 1 John 1:9

We don't want to hold on to any sins, for if left unrepented of, and unconfessed, they will rise to stand against us.
But if they are confessed in repentance and our lives placed into the hands of our Savior, and we are walking with Him, they will not stand against us, for they are forgiven, and Christ will present us before the Father in His perfect righteousness.

There is no such thing as once saved always saved in our earthly journey. But as long as we place our faith in Jesus, in humble repentance place our lives in His hands, we can have the assurance of salvation, for "He is able to save to the uttermost that come unto God by him, seeing he ever liveth to make intercession for them." (Hebrews 7:25)

It's His work in us. He leads to repentance. It's His forgiveness and cleansing power. But the choice is still ours. When we chose Him, we can fully trust in His promises and live for Him with courage and conviction.

Revelation 12:11 And they overcame him (the dragon and his temptations) by the blood of the Lamb, and by the word of their testimony; and they loved not their lives unto the death.

Since in this weeks lesson we are spending a lot of time in Revelation 12, we need to explore the meaning of the symbols.


12:1And there appeared a great wonder in heaven; a woman
Compare with Genesis 3:15 to the woman was promised a Seed or offspring.
Jeremiah 6:2 Zion is compared to a delicate and comely woman
Ephesians 5:25 The wife is likened to the church.
We also find when God's people are unfaithful they are likened to a whore or unfaithful wife.
So here we find the woman represents the church or Zion.

clothed with the sun, representing the robe of righteousness (Rev. 19:7-8)
and the moon under her feet, the promises in all the reflecting symbolism of God's redemption in the old testament
and upon her head a crown of twelve stars: 12 apostles leading the church (Rev 1:20)
12:2 And she being with child cried, travailing in birth, and pained to be delivered. The promised Messiah (Gen.3:15, Isaiah 9:6, Dan. 9:25)

12:3 And there appeared another wonder in heaven; and behold a great red dragon,that old serpent called the devil and satan (Rev. 12:9)
having seven heads and ten horns, and seven crowns upon his heads. satan works through human authorities, powers and kingdoms.
12:4 And his tail drew the third part of the stars of heaven,
Before creation he had already rebelled against God and influences a third of the heavenly angels to rebel with him.
and did cast them to the earth: Since they were no longer dwelling in heaven, they set up here on earth, where that old serpent, the devil, set up residence in the tree of knowledge of good and evil and drew Eve and Adam to rebel against God, and surrender the dominion of the earth to him (satan).

and the dragon stood before the woman which was ready to be delivered, for to devour her child as soon as it was born. Satan would not give up his kingdom without a desperate fight, to the extent he would kill his Creator the Lord of the universe. Jesus was coming to reclaim the lost dominion for mankind, and redeem humans from the grip of sin. Satan was ready with full ammunition to destroy the whole plan of salvation, and destroy God Himself if possible.

12:5 And she brought forth a man child, (Jesus) who was to rule all nations with a rod of iron: Jesus would win, His rule and power is strong, unbreakable like iron. He is the corner stone, the firm foundation, if we come to Him in repentance and faith He will break away our sinfulness from us and make us fit for His kingdom: but if that rock falls on unrepentant sinners, it will grind them to pieces, just like a rod of iron can shatter a clay pot to pieces. (See Luke 20:17-18, Psalms 2:9)

and child was caught up unto God, and his throne.
After successfully resisting all Satan's assaults and gaining the victory over sin, death and the grave, Jesus returned to heaven and sat down on the right hand of His Father's throne.. (Hebrews 12:2)


12:6 And the woman fled into the wilderness, where she hath a place prepared of God, that they should feed her there a thousand two hundred [and] threescore days.
Satan now turns his wrath on Christ's church. But God provides her with the necessities.

12:7 And there was war in heaven: Michael and his angels fought against the dragon; and the dragon fought and his angels, This war started before Creation, but now, in 31 A.D. some very important things happen!!!. The final throwing out of the last traces of sympathy in heavenly minds takes place
12:8 And prevailed not; neither was their place found any more in heaven.
12:9 And the great dragon was cast out, that old serpent, called the Devil, and Satan, which deceiveth the whole world: he was cast out into the earth, and his angels were cast out with him. Satan's fiendish efforts to destroy Christ, though for a moment as Jesus hung on the cross, it looked like satan was winning, but in actuality this act meant Satan was fully defeated, the war is won, salvation is fully ratified by Christ's death. Satan no longer has access to heavenly council meetings (as he did in Job chapter one)

12:10 And I heard a loud voice saying in heaven, Now is come salvation, and strength, and the kingdom of our God, and the power of his Christ: for the accuser of our brethren is cast down, which accused them before our God day and night.
Heaven is rejoicing over the victory! We too, can rejoice, the door to heaven and eternal life with our Savior, is thrown open for all who accept Christ and His gift of salvation, and opening the doors of their hearts to invite Him in, to take control of their lives.

But though the war is won, the battle is still raging.

Symbols of Revelation 12 Continued.

Though Satan is now defeated, he is more determined than ever to assert his reign and destroy any evidence of Christ's victory, thus robbing Christ of the people He had come to save.
He persecuted the woman (the church of Christ)

Revelation 12:11 And they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb Satan seeks to discourage them accusing them, "you sinned, in fact you committed some pretty bad sins, there's no way you will ever go to heaven, give up and come enjoy the sensual pleasures of life, you're lost anyway, God could never love or save you."
BUT the followers of Jesus will point to the blood of the Lamb which provides full and complete pardon for all their confessed sins. They fully trust in God that they are forgiven, for God is faithful to forgive us our sins and cleanse us from all unrighteousness, if we bring them to Him in repentance and confession. (1 John 1:9)
We can only overcome the accuser by the blood of the Lamb, for we have all sinned. It's only the blood of the Lamb that can completely remove that sin from our record.

They overcome him by the word of their testimony; our testimony for Christ, when we declare our faith in Christ and His salvation, not only plants seeds of truth, it also strengthens our faith. Romans 10:9 tells us that we need to tell others what Christ has done for us "with your mouth confess the Lord Jesus and believe in your heart that God raised Him to life, and you will be saved."

and they loved not their lives unto the death. Believe Rev. 2:10-11, and be faithful unto death, Christ will give you a crown of life and you will not suffer the second death. It is this faith that allows people to chose death rather than deny their Lord.

12:12 Therefore rejoice, [ye] heavens, and ye that dwell in them. Woe to the inhabiters of the earth and of the sea! for the devil is come down unto you, having great wrath, because he knoweth that he hath but a short time. The wonderful news of the gospel is great cause for rejoicing, but it won't be an easy road, there's a very angry enemy whose going to work very hard to wean you away from Christ and then devour you.

12:13 And when the dragon saw that he was cast unto the earth, he persecuted the woman which brought forth the man Child His forceful wrath is predicted in other passages like Mark 13:13 And ye shall be hated of all for my name's sake: but he that shall endure unto the end, the same shall be saved.

12:14 And to the woman were given two wings of a great eagle, that she might fly into the wilderness, into her place, where she is nourished for a time, and times, and half a time, from the face of the serpent. The 1260 prophetic years are mentioned several times in prophecy, (Daniel 7 and 12, Rev. 11, 12, 13 )representing a time when people were not free to worship God according to their belief in the scripture. Many hid in mountain communities because it was not safe to live in a society which was not tolerant of gospel message. They depended upon God to take care of them. The 1260 years are generally understood to be from 538 - 1798 AD.

12:15 And the serpent cast out of his mouth water as a flood after the woman, that he might cause her to be carried away of the flood. When armies sweep away cities or kingdoms it is often referred to as being "like a flood". ( Jer. 46:7,8 ; 47:2 :Daniel 11:22) So too, during the 1260 years whole armies were sent out to exterminate those who did not believe like the established church.

12:16 And the earth helped the woman, and the earth opened her mouth, and swallowed up the flood which the dragon cast out of his mouth. In revelation 13:11 we read of a beast with lamb like horns rising out of the earth. Earth representing a land with fewer people and without all the built up cities. Thus here, is generally referred to as America.
People found refuge from persecution by immigrating to America, the "land of the free".

12:17 And the dragon was wroth with the woman and went to make war with the remnant of her seed, The dragon hasn't changed, he's as wrathful as ever, but where is the woman? She was still mentioned in the previous verse, but now we just have a remnant (a piece) of her offspring. The next verse tells us this remnant has two characteristics that make the dragon very angry. Could it be the woman herself no longer supports these characteristics?

which keep the commandments of God, and have the testimony of Jesus Christ.

The commandments of God seem to play a huge role in these last days.
Here Satan's wrath is primarily directed against people who keep the commandments.
Then in Revelation 14 we find the "saints" identified as "they that keep the commandments of God".

How does the "woman"-- the main body of Protestantism, regard the ten commands? There is a varied response, some still see them as God's standard, and want them in schools and court houses, etc. but mostly there is a strong movement to take them away. In Protestantism itself, the downplay of the commands had its roots in the Sabbath commandment. When that was brought to a larger attention, we soon heard that the commandments are nailed to the cross and they (especially the fourth) are nailed to the cross and no longer binding.
The backlash in this split loyalty among Protestantism is to reaffirmation that Sunday can be placed in the spot for the 7th day. But that's replacing part of God's law, not keeping it.

Is there a remnant who still, by God's grace, love and power, keep all ten?

Have the testimony of Jesus
Rev. 19:10 The testimony of Jesus, is the spirit of prophecy.
Prophecy is Jesus' testimony concerning His work and dealings throughout history and into the future to save and redeem mankind amid great opposition. Prophecy is about Jesus.

But where is the remnant of the woman with the prophetic gift that gives a correct understanding of prophecy.
Protestant America seems to be called the "false prophet" in the Bible. So it would seem the main line of prophetic interpretation may be false. Protestant America seems to have a lot of so called prophets these days. There are books of failed prophecies, and still more coming out, from numerous charismatic type of people called prophets.

Is there a remnant somewhere with a consistent line of Prophecy that agrees with the bible? Which also keeps, by God's grace and love, his ten commandments?

The Earth (the nation of America) helped the woman escape from the persecutions that sought to bend the conscience of the multitudes into one mold.
The control and ruthless persecutions created a Dark Age of evil.

The pilgrims took enormous risks to find freedom in the New World. Yet, though they wanted religious freedom, they didn't fully understand the value of religious freedom either and sought to control all their communities to worship the same. The Reformers didn't really understand it either, though they threw off the restraints of the papacy, no sooner were they the majority and they began to practice persecution. The concept that all in a society must believe the same was deeply engrained in their thinking.

The Earth helped the woman. Though it took a little while, America formed a nation that offered religious freedom. A precious freedom !!!

But sadly the prophecy doesn't end there. The nation that rises from the EARTH, and helped the woman, is letting its freedoms erode. Revelation 13:11-12 tells us this nation will allow the dragon to take over and they will enforce all the restrictions and persecutions of the dark ages.
The last verses of Revelation 12 tells us the dragon will make war with the remnant of the woman's children.

What has happened in the last two years was only a test run. Our freedoms, that we took for granted for so long, are being attacked, and will vanish.

We need to remember -- when the time comes to again flee into the wilderness , that God nourishes His people there. All who endure to the end shall be saved and given eternal life.

Read for This Week's Study: Matt. 24:14, Rev. 14:14-20, Matt. 16:27, Acts 1:9-11, Mark 4:26-29, Rev. 16:1.

Memory Text: Then I looked, and behold, a white cloud, and on the cloud sat One like the Son of Man, having on His head a golden crown, and in His hand a sharp sickle. And another angel came out of the temple, crying with a loud voice to Him who sat on the cloud, Thrust in Your sickle and reap, for the time has come for You to reap, for the harvest of the earth is ripe. (Revelation 14:14, 15, NKJV).


There will come a day when every human being on planet Earth will have made their final, irrevocable decision, either for or against Jesus.

There are only two basic decisions a person can make, all other decisions fall into one or the other side.

Life is like two roads, one is wide and filled with many alternative options and the multitudes are walking that road but the end of it is destruction.

The other road is narrow and not popular, it's filled with obstacles placed there by an enemy to trip the travelers and cast them down. But there is One Who walks beside the travelers and if they cling to Him they will reach a glorious eternal future with Him.

Rev. 14:14 Then I looked, and behold, a white cloud, and on the cloud sat One like the Son of Man, having on His head a golden crown, and in His hand a sharp

Mark 14:62 Jesus said, ? you will see the Son of Man sitting at the right hand of the Power, and coming with the clouds of heaven.

Matthew 25:31 ?When the Son of Man comes in His glory, and all the holy angels with Him, then He will sit on the throne of His glory.

The Son of God is the Son of Man.

When "Son of Man" is used as a title it refers to the humanity of Jesus Christ and "Son of God" refers to the full Deity of Christ.

Jesus is the sinless Son of God, "Who, being in the form of God, it was not robbery for Him to be equal with God: But He made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men"(Phil 2:6,7)

He became the second Adam who came to redeem His human family from their sin.
The first Adam sinned and lost his dominion of the earth to Satan. Sin and suffering came as a result.
The second Adam, though bearing the physical and mental weakness of fallen mankind, did not sin, but lived a perfect human life!
He became our brother, took our sins and died, He won back mankind's lost dominion. He conquered sin and the grave.
He is our brother, His human linage traces back through David, Abraham, Noah, back to Adam.

And He is coming back to claim His family. All whose names are written in the Lamb's book of life.

Jesus, the Son of Man, is our brother.


How can we treat Jesus as our brother, when He's in heaven?
When the Son of Man returns in the clouds of glory, there will be two groups, each awaiting Him, but only one of those groups will enter into glory with Jesus. The group that treated Jesus as their brother!!
But Jesus is in heaven ---??

Read it in Matt. 25

When the Son of Man comes in all His glory and before Him are all the people, He will separate them one from another, as a shepherd divides his sheep from the goats.

And He will say
I was hungry and you gave me food
I was thirsty and you gave me water to drink
I had no clothes, and you gave me clothes
I was a stranger and you befriended me
I was sick and you visited me.
Come now and enter the joy of the Lord.

And they will say, but Lord, when did we do all these things for you?
And He will tell them, when you did it to the least of these my brethren you did it to ME!

And those people who didn't give assistance to the needy, didn't help ME!
Assuredly, I say to you, inasmuch as you did not do it to one of the least of these, you did not do it to ME! ?And these will go away into everlasting punishment, but the righteous into eternal life.?


Do we think along those lines?
When we see someone in need, ---do we think "I want to help Jesus".

Read Daniel 7:9-10, , Daniel 7:13-14. Why did Daniel call Jesus the ?Son of Man? in something as serious as the judgment?



When the time had come, at the end of the 2300 years, to cleanse the sanctuary, Christ came, not to the earth, as the people expected, but, as foreshadowed in the type, to the most holy place of the temple of God in heaven. In these scriptures the prophet Daniel tells us Christ, the Son of Man, comes at this time to the Ancient of Days: He comes to the Ancient of Days in heaven to receive dominion and glory and a kingdom. He comes to the Ancient of Days to redeem the full rights of the dominion of this earth, for the human race.

Jesus appears before the court as the SON OF MAN. He is representing the human race. Jesus, the Son of Man, took upon Himself humanity to stand at the head of human race and reclaim the lost inheritance for mankind. He is the second Adam. The first Adam lost the dominion and brought death to all, the second Adam brings life and reclaims the lost dominion for mankind.

• Adam
  Adam was given the dominion of the newly created Earth (Genesis 1:28)
  Adam sold out the dominion to the serpent (satan) (Genesis 3}
  Satan declares himself as the prince of this world and even entered heavenly councils as the representative of this World (Job 1:6-7)
  Satan suggested he could give Christ that dominion if He would only bow and worship him, (Matt.3:8-10)
  Mankind has been trying to get the dominion back by force and making an awful mess of it.
• 
  
  One man, Adam, who chose to listen to the devil's lies, and chose to bow to satan's suggestions, instead of trusting and obeying God, brought many centuries of pain, and misery to this world.
  By yielding to temptation, Adam as well as all his descendants was brought under the power of Satan. All except Jesus Christ!
  
  Jesus, the Son of Man, took upon Himself humanity so He, as a human, could stand at the head of the human race, and reclaim the lost inheritance for mankind. He is the second Adam. The first Adam lost the dominion and brought death to all, the second Adam brings life and reclaims the lost dominion for mankind.
  
  The Son of Man put aside His Divine power, and lived as a man, in perfect harmony with God the Father.
  The SON OF MAN, Christ, does not appear before the heavenly court as "God" even though He is verily God, He appears before the court as "the Son of Man" having taken upon Himself humanity, He comes as the representative of the human race, standing at the head of the human race before God.
  
  Has a human ever been found to be totally true to God the Father? Only a perfect human life can win back what the first Adam lost. And only the perfect life and death of the Creator of humans could be sufficient to offer them pardon.
  
  The verdict of the court? Christ receives the dominion! He has won it back for the human race!
  
  This judgment scene is also a victory for the human race, through Jesus.
  
  The Son of Man, as high priest, is the stand in, or proxy for His people in the judgment. In the ancient sanctuary all who trusted in the provisions of the sanctuary for forgiveness and cleansing were approved in the judgment. But those who did not repent and confess their sins were "cut off" and cast out.
  
  And so in the heavenly court, Christ, Who is the "Lamb of God" as well as the "Son of Man", has a book -- it's called the "Lamb's book of life".
  It's not our book of life, but the Lamb's book of life. In it are names of all Who have come to Christ to be joined with Him, to be covered by the blood of His atoning sacrifice.
  These names Christ presents before the Father as fellow heirs with Him:
  
  Rev. 3:5 He that overcometh, the same shall be clothed in white raiment; and I will not blot out his name out of the book of life, but I will confess his name before my Father, and before his angels.
  Matt. 10:32-32 Whosoever therefore shall confess me before men, him will I confess also before my Father which is in heaven. But whosoever shall deny me before men, him will I also deny before my Father which is in heaven.
  
  For all whose names are confessed before the Father and retained in the book of life, Christ's victory carries the wonderful verdict:
  
  Daniel 7:26-27 "The court will sit for judgment, and the horn's dominion will be taken away, annihilated and destroyed forever. Then the sovereignty, the dominion and the greatness of all the kingdoms under the whole heaven will be given to the people of the saints of the Most High; His kingdom will be an everlasting kingdom, and all the dominions will serve and obey Him:
  
  
  
  
  

What is the Everlasting Gospel?

I'd say it is the whole story of redemption.

1. The everlasting gospel was already in place in the beginning, before Creation.
Rev. 13:8, from the foundation of the earth.
1 Peter 1:20 Christ was foreordained before Creation to come to this world
Ephesians 1:4 just as He chose us in Him before the foundation of the world, that we would be holy and blameless before Him. In love

2. It was promised to Adam and Eve, Abraham, Jacob
Genesis 3:15 A "seed" would crush the serpent.
Genesis 22:18 All nations will be blessed in by (Abraham's) seed.
Genesis 28:14 In thy (Jacob's) seed shall all families of the earth be blessed.

3. It is about the Creator of the whole universe, becoming human and dwelling with us.
John 1:10-14 The Word was made flesh and dwelt among us...to give them power to become the sons of God.

4. It's about Christ dying in our place to forgive
1 Peter 1:18-19 we are redeemed...by the precious blood of Christ
Ephesians 1:7 Redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins...
Rev. 5:9 thou wast slain, and hast redeemed us to God by thy blood out of every kindred, and tongue, and people, and nation;

5. It's about Christ giving us power to live godly lives
1 Peter 2:21,22 Christ left us an example that we follow in His footsteps. Who did no sin.
Romans 6:3-4,18 buried with Him into death, raised with Him to walk in newness of life.. made free from sin, ye became the servants of righteousness.


6. He makes us New Creatures
2 Cor 5:17 In Christ, a new creature, all old things are passed away
Eph. 4:5,10 By grace, Even when we were dead in sins, has quickened (made us alive) together with Christ,..created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God has before ordained that we should walk in them.

7.He gives us the Holy Spirit,
Gal. 5:16 Walk in the Spirit, and ye shall not fulfil the lust of the flesh.
John 15:26 he (the Holy Spirit) testify of me (Jesus):
John 16:30 the Spirit of truth, is come, he will guide you into all truth
John 3:3-7 We must be born again, born of the water and the spirit
Romans 8:8-13 In the flesh we cannot please God, but if the Spirit of God dwells in us, He makes us alive to righteousness and through the Spirit sin is mortified (put to death)

8.He is coming again
John 14:3 to receive us unto Himself, to be with Him!
Revelation 6:17, 7:14 Who shall be able to stand when He comes? They that washed their robes, and made them white in the blood of the Lamb.


And there's so much more!
The everlasting Gospel is all heaven working to fit us to be companions to heavenly beings!
It's about Jesus wanting to take us home when He comes to gather His people.

It's simple enough for a child to understand.
It's vast enough that the redeemed will study it through all eternity.

The three angel's message is included in the everlasting gospel.

The gospel is really God's story.
The gospel reveals God's character of love, mercy and holiness, manifested in the plan of salvation.

The gospel is everlasting! It was there before the foundations of the earth were laid, and throughout eternity the redeemed will experience an expanding appreciation of God's character and purpose.

Romans 1:16-17
The gospel is --- the power of God
It is the power of God unto salvation!
This power is offered to everyone who believes.
The gospel reveals the righteousness of God.
And this righteousness is received by faith.
Faith builds more faith, faith unto faith.
And those who by faith receive this power unto salvation, live just (righteous) lives by faith.

Romans 6:3-7,22
Christ's death on the cross is the foundation of the gospel story. It is the means of salvation. It provides the means, both for the pardon of forgiveness, and for cleansing and living a life dead to sin and alive in Christ.

1 Thess. 1:5 Romans 8:14
The Holy Spirit brings the power of the gospel into the lives of those who believe.

Centrality of the Cross

John 3:14-15 And as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, even so must the Son of man be lifted up: That whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have eternal life.
John 12:32 Jesus said, And I, if I be lifted up from the earth, will draw all unto me.

1 Peter 1:18-19 Forasmuch as ye know that ye were not redeemed with corruptible things, [as] silver and gold, from your vain conversation [received] by tradition from your fathers;
But with the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish and without spot:

1 John 1:7 the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin.

Colossians 2:13 And you, being dead in your sins and the uncircumcision of your flesh, has he given life together with him, having forgiven you all trespasses;

Romans 6:4-6,18 Therefore we are buried with him by baptism into death: that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life. For if we have been planted together in the likeness of his death, we shall be also share in the likeness of his resurrection: Knowing this, that our old man is crucified with [him], that the body of sin might be destroyed, that henceforth we should not serve sin.
Being then made free from sin, ye became the servants of righteousness.

Galatians 6:14 God forbid that I should glory, save in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom the world is crucified unto me, and I unto the world.

Colossians 1:20 And through him to reconcile all things unto himself, making peace through the blood of his cross, both as to the things that are on earth, and the things that are in heaven.

Fallen humanity could not have a home in the paradise of God without the Lamb slain from the foundation of the world. Shall we not then exalt the cross of Christ?

-Without the cross, man could have no connection with the Father. On it hangs our every hope.

In view of it the Christian may advance with the steps of a conqueror; for from it streams the light of the Saviour's love. When the sinner reaches the cross, and looks up to the One who died to save him, he may rejoice with fullness of joy; for his sins are pardoned. Kneeling at the cross, he has reached the highest place to which man can attain. The light of the knowledge of the glory of God is revealed in the face of Jesus Christ; and the words of pardon are spoken: Live, O ye guilty sinners, live. Your repentance is accepted; for I have found a ransom. {5BC 1133.1}

Through the cross we learn that our heavenly Father loves us with an infinite and everlasting love, and draws us to Him with more than a mother's yearning sympathy for a wayward child. Can we wonder that Paul exclaimed, "God forbid that I should glory, save in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ"? It is our privilege also to glory in the cross of Calvary, our privilege to give ourselves wholly to Him who gave Himself for us. Then with the light of love that shines from His face on ours, we shall go forth to reflect it to those in darkness (RH April 29, 1902).


But let none deceive themselves with the thought that God, in His great love and mercy, will yet save even the rejecters of His grace. The exceeding sinfulness of sin can be estimated only in the light of the cross. When men urge that God is too good to cast off the sinner, let them look to Calvary.
It was because there was no other way in which man could be saved, because without this sacrifice it was impossible for the human race to escape from the defiling power of sin, and be restored to communion with holy beings,?impossible for them again to become partakers of spiritual life,?it was because of this that Christ took upon Himself the guilt of the disobedient and suffered in the sinner's stead. The love and suffering and death of the Son of God all testify to the terrible enormity of sin and declare that there is no escape from its power, no hope of the higher life, but through the submission of the soul to Christ.
SC 312

The world is in trouble. Sin has ruined emotions, lives, ruined families, societies, increased disease, pain and misery. The dragon is busy and is out to deceive the whole world and bind them in cords of iniquity to deprive them of the awesome gift God is offering to them.


The three angels' messages are an urgent cry announcing there is only one solution. God has not left the realities of sin and evil to totally wipe out the human race. He has a most glorious solution!!! -- the everlasting gospel to save any and all who will come to Him. He is urgently calling,

"I have no pleasure in the death of the wicked; but that the wicked turn from his way and live: turn ye, turn ye from your evil ways; for why will you die?" (Ezekiel.33:11)

For as you know that you were not redeemed with corruptible things like silver and gold, ...but with the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish and without spot: (1 Peter 1:18-19)

I will make this covenant with you...saith the Lord, I will put my laws into your heart, and in your mind will I write them; And your sins and iniquities will I remember no more. (Hebrews 10:16-17)

Let us draw near to Him, with a true heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled from an evil conscience, and our bodies washed with pure water. Let us hold fast the profession of our faith without wavering; for he who promised is faithful. (Hebrews 10:21-23)

Fear God and give glory to Him.
Interestingly the Bible tells us in the last days men's hearts will be failing them for fear, because of the things coming upon the earth. (Luke 21:26) Yet here the first angel urges us to "fear God". Could the "fear of the Lord" relieve the fear of things coming upon the earth?

We may wonder, why doesn't the angel say, "trust God"?

Most people, when they read texts about "the fear of the Lord" do their best to explain away any nuance of fear. But, then why would the text say "fear God"?

Could it be that humans loose the concept of the awe filled grander and power of God, and fail to regard His sovereignty and holiness. God is not to be trifled with, He is absolutely serious about cleansing and restoring a holy universe.

His great love has provided abundant grace and means to save every person from sin, but sin will not enter heaven, it will be destroyed.

To fear God is to worship Him in reverence and grateful love, and yes, fearing to bring dishonor to His holy name by our sinful behavior.

Thus -- fear God and give Him glory.
That glory is not only our praise, it is our godly conduct which is possible only by His presence and transforming power in our lives.

Psalm 111:10 The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom; A good understanding have all those who do His commandments; His praise endures forever.

Deuteronomy 13:4 You shall follow the Lord your God and fear Him; and you shall keep His commandments, obey His voice, serve Him, and cling to Him.

2 Corinthians 7:1 Therefore, having these promises, beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from all defilement of flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God.

1 Corinthians 10:31 Whether, then, you eat or drink or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God.

Matthew 5:16 Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven.

Three questions concerning the "fear God".

1. What is the fear of the Lord?

We already looked for answers in the last post, but let's look at a few more Bible verses::
Proverbs 9:10-11 The fear of the Lord is knowledge of the Holy One, It is also the beginning of wisdom and understanding.

Proverbs 8:14 The fear of the Lord is to hate evil: pride, and arrogancy, and the evil way, and the froward mouth,

Duet 10:12 what does the Lord your God require of you, to fear the Lord your God, to walk in all his ways, to love him, to serve the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul.

To fear God in the right way doesn't mean to be scared of Him, but it does mean to be in awe and reverence as we contemplate His absolute holiness, righteousness and justice! Bible characters fell trembling when God revealed Himself, His overpowering holiness clearly contrasting with their sinfulness.
Also a biblical fear of God, for the believer, includes understanding how much God hates sin.
To fear God is to find the balance between His great love for the sinner, and His great hatred against sin.
Fearing God means having a reverence for Him that greatly impacts the way we live.

2. What seems to be a key issue in this balance?

Psalm 130:4 There is forgiveness with thee, that thou mayst be feared"

God's forgiveness takes away the repenting persons dread of God, and brings the right fear of God.
God mixes grace (forgiveness and cleansing for those who call upon His name)
with justice, (wages of sin is death, BUT the penalty for sin was borne by our Creator Himself upon the cross)
Without God?s mercy and forgiveness we could never approach the Holy God, we'd be consumed in an instance.
Without the cross, there would only be a fearful looking for the judgement.

As we look at the natural consequences of sin, our hearts should swell with gratitude for the One Who has made full provision for our pardon, cleansing and deliverance from sin. Even the act of wiping out all sin, is an act of love by God. He will not tolerate the heartache and pain of sin forever. He will rise to deliver His people from the venom of dragon and his henchmen.

3. Results of "fearing God" with godly fear.

a. Confidence in a loving, righteous God, we can count on to rightly deal with all. A refuge as well as a deliverer. Prov. 14:27-28
b. The ability to appreciate the holiness and beauty of God's law and covenantal grace (Ps. 112:1) we love, not only Him but also His law. Ps. 119:97-104
c. A reverential worship, knowing we are in the presence of the King of kings, and Lord of lords.
d. A hatred for sin, as an enemy.
e. A for our neighbors and loved ones, longing to point them to our awesome God, so they can find forgiveness, cleansing and holiness in Christ, and eternal life with Jesus forever.



To fear God with the right fear leads us to love HIM, and others
God's perfect love will cast out earthly fear.
.
Lev 27:15 So you shall not wrong one another, but you shall fear your God; for I am the Lord your God.

Going back to our first thought:
Fear God and give glory to Him.
Remember the Bible tells us in the last days men's hearts will be failing them for fear, because of the things coming upon the earth. (Luke 21:26) Yet here the first angel urges us to "fear God". Could the "fear of the Lord" relieve the fear of things coming upon the earth?

We may face persecution, we may be urged to give up our faith or die. It can be frightening when powerful people use intimidating means to get us to do something we know is wrong, and would bring dishonor, or cause us to reject our Savior. Many feel real fear when persecution and coercive powers are anticipated or experienced!
What counteracts this fear and helps people face it without yielding to its forcefulness?

The verse suggests that the fear of the Lord counteracts this fear of human coercion -- don't fear the evil ones and give in to them in fear, even if they kill you, for if you are following Christ and faithfully cling to Him, He is offering you the greatest joy and happiness in an eternally with Him.
But if you yield to the one who is coercing you to do something against God, and renounce your Savior, you may, or may not gain a few more days of this earthly life, but you would be choosing to obey the evil one to gain those few more days, rather than Christ and the end of those rejecting Christ is to lose out on eternal life and end up in the lake of fire.

Life here is only temporal anyway. A few years to choose whom we will serve. But God holds the power and the right to give us eternal life, if we choose Him who is Life and the giver of life. Why chose the adversary who can only share with us the lake of fire which was prepared for him and his angels.

Psalm 58:11
So that men will say,
?Surely there is a reward for the righteous;
Surely He is God who judges in the earth.?

Psalm 94:2
Rise up, O Judge of the earth; Render punishment to the proud.

Psalm 98:9
For He is coming to judge the earth.
With righteousness He shall judge the world,
And the peoples with equity.

Romans 14:12
12 So then each of us shall give account of himself to God.

Ecclesiastes 12:14
For God will bring every work into judgment,
Including every secret thing, Whether good or evil.

It is both good news and bad news.
Good news for those who have come to Jesus, repented of their sin, and have surrendered their lives to Him. It is bad news for those who cling to their sins, and navigate their life on their own reason.

Ezekiel 18:30-32
Therefore I will judge you, O house of Israel,
Every one according to his ways, declares the Lord GOD.
Repent, and turn from all your transgressions; so iniquity shall not be your ruin.
Cast away from you all your transgressions, whereby ye have transgressed;
and make you a new heart and a new spirit:
for why will ye die, O house of Israel?
For I have no pleasure in the death of him that perishes, says the Lord GOD:
wherefore turn and live ye.

REPENTANCE IS KEY
Whether the judgment is good or bad for us, depends:
1. accepting Christ's saving grace
2. On our coming to Christ in repentance

Matthew 9:13
Go and learn what that means, I will have mercy, and not sacrifice: for I am not come to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance.

Acts 20:21
(Paul) Testifying both to the Jews, and also to the Greeks,
repentance toward God,
and faith toward our Lord Jesus Christ.

Jesus has opened wide the door to salvation. He has provided everything we need to be saved.
Yet, He also demands something of us besides an intellectual knowledge of His saving power.

Notice the key word repeated in each of sayings of Jesus:

From that time Jesus began to preach, saying, ?Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.? (Matthew 4:17)

I have not come to call the righteous but sinners to repentance. (Luke 5:32)

The men of Nineveh will rise up at the judgment with this generation and condemn it, for they repented at the preaching of Jonah, and behold, something greater than Jonah is here. (Matthew 12:41)

Unless you repent, you will all likewise perish. (Luke 13:3, 5)

What is repentance?
It's more than just sorrow that we have sinned. For there is a repentance unto salvation and a repentance that is not unto salvation. (1 Corinthians 7:10)

Repentance is a turning, a change in direction not merely outwardly, but a change in our thinking; in our minds that led to fruits of righteousness. It's the opposite of thinking we are righteous because we belong to some group. We sense our great need for a Savior to cleanse us. (Luke 3:8)

The Holy Spirit convicts of sin to led us to repentance, but we can either push that out of our minds, or we can repent and follow His leading. (Romans 8:13-14) He will lead us to Jesus.
It is sin repented of that is covered by the blood of Christ and will not be accounted against us in the judgment. (Romans 4:7) Sins not repented of and clung to will stand against us in the judgment.

In the earthly sanctuary it was the sins that were confessed upon the sacrificial animal that were carried into the sanctuary either by the blood or by the priest in the daily services. It was the sins that had been brought into the sanctuary that were blotted out on the day of atonement, covered by the blood on the mercy seat, carried out and sent into the wilderness. Signifying that there is a searching of our hearts and a need for earnest repentance, seeking cleansing, that needs to be experienced in having our sins all covered on judgment day.

After His resurrection Jesus commanded the apostles to preach repentance:

He said to them, ?Thus it is written, that the Christ should suffer and on the third day rise from the dead, and that repentance for the forgiveness of sins should be proclaimed in his name to all nations..Luke 24:46-47

The lesson spends time in Revelation 4 and 5 which takes us into scenes of God's throne room.

There is God's magnificent throne.
Around the throne are 4 living creatures, the 24 elders, and multitudes of angels.
In God's hand is a scroll. The prophet John weeps because there is no living being in heaven or earth to open that scroll. But the Lion of the tribe of Judah, the Lamb slain but risen, comes. He is declared worthy! He takes the scroll to open it.

The lesson makes it clear, it's only because the Lamb, Who died for our sins, and lives as our priest, will anyone be able to stand in the judgment.


What is this book or scroll?

It is the book of the everlasting covenant. -- The book of the covenant that was made before the earth was created:


The whole symbolic counsel of the Eternal!!
The covenant. Only the ONE slain, the One Who had ratified that covenant with His own blood, the One Who conquered death and the grave, could take that book and administer ALL the terms of that covenant.


Revelation 4-5 show Christ's inauguration as priest in the heavenly sanctuary.
There we also see the seven lamps of fire before the throne referred to as seven spirits. "Seven lamps of fire burning before the throne, which are the seven spirits of God." These are about to be poured out upon the seven churches.


Heb. 12.24
Jesus is the mediator of the new covenant, by His blood.

As the seals are opened we see the church's reactions to the covenant.

When the sixth seal is opened two parties are brought to view. Each of the two is pictured in the final events of earth's history. As Christ appears and the heavens recede like a scroll and every mountain and island is removed, those who have been deceived will flee from the face of Him who sits on the throne. What deception has deceived them? The deception that is now taught in many Christian circles that people do not have to repent and forsake their sins so that those sins may be blotted out. To them the coming of the Lord is a consuming fire and they cannot face it.

The other group is pictured standing before God's throne with palm branches, worshiping God Who wipes away every tear from their eyes.

As it is shown that so many people will be rushing for the mountains begging them to fall upon them to hide them from the wrath of the God, we hear the question being asked: "WHO WILL BE ABLE TO STAND?"

It is chapter 7 that deals with the answer. The answer is
"These are they that have WASHED THEIR ROBES IN THE BLOOD OF THE LAMB AND MADE THEM WHITE IN THE BLOOD OF THE LAMB. Rev. 7:14

It is only through the blood of Christ that any of us can stand in that judgment. For it is only in Christ's righteousness that we can be accounted as worthy of heaven. In other words-- without the covenant, and a vital relationship with Christ, NONE will stand. But He has made every provision for us to stand with Him in righteousness in His glorious kingdom.

THE JUDGMENT HOUR
Lesson six

I find people asking, how does a person convince anyone, especially people of other faiths, of the timelines and the judgment at the end of the 2300. How can we make them see the sense of this doctrine?

When it comes to people of other faiths, it is hard to explain this to them because they have a completely different understanding of end time events and the manner and purpose of Jesus second coming. They have a completely different understanding as to the state of the dead, and the resurrection, all which makes a pre-Advent judgment rather unnecessary, for to them all the dead already received their destiny.

Many no longer believe in the Great Controversy in which man was created perfect and sinned against his Creator, thus God needs to deal with the sin problem, not just help people evolve into more loving creatures. Since theistic evolution shows mankind as evolving into a better species, the thought prevails that people need further evolution, not a need of being redeemed from sin..

Most do not believe that Christ's second coming is a dramatic and final END to probation and present day nations. For most, yes, there will be a tribulation, but if you are right with the Lord some believe they will be in heaven and escape it. Then come back with Christ and rule over the nations.

Of course there are many variation (pre, post, a, millennial) etc. etc. many levels and variations of interpretations.

The point is, I have found sharing these prophecies with people of other denominations is difficult, not because our understanding is complex, but because their whole understanding on many other beliefs is so very different. Most of the time it ends up in leaving this subject which needs a foundation before it makes sense to them, and start to study the state of the dead, the resurrection, the manner of Jesus second coming and what happens when He comes. Do they see the whole Great Controversy that must deal with the sin problem, with both love and justice.
For unless those subjects are understood, then yes, it's hard to convince anyone of a pre-Advent Judgment. The whole paradigm of thought on multiple beliefs affect the person's ability to understand, or see the necessity and urgency of it.

HOW DOES SIN ENTER THE SANCTUARY?

The daily sanctuary service, was continuous, every day. In the earthly sanctuary, when a sinner brought his lamb or goat, he confessed his sins upon it, and the lamb was slain, yes, the blood of the substitute cleansed the sinner of his guilt; he was forgiven. But what happens next?

I see Scripture does not view sin as as something that just disappears; it views sin in a rather tangible manner.
Sin is something that can fill a "cup of iniquity" (Gen. 15:16),
Sin is something that can be transferred (Leviticus 3 and 4 confessing people lay their hands on the head of the sacrificial animal transferring their sins to the victim),
Our sins is something that Christ could bear in His own body, even though He Himself never sinned (1 Peter 2:24)
Sin is something that priests could bear for the Israelites. (Numbers 18:1,23, Lev. 10:17)

Confessed sins are carried into the sanctuary.

After the penitent sinner has confessed his sins upon the head of the sacrificial animal and taken it's life (Lev. 4:4,15,24,29) the priest performs one of two kinds of rituals.

1. In the case of the sin offering for a fellow priest, or for the whole congregation, the officiating pries sprinkled some of the blood seven times before the veil in the holy place as well as on the horns of the altar of incense. (Lev. 4:6,7, 17,18)

2. In the case of the sin offering for other individuals, the officiating priest sprinkled the blood on the horns of the altar of burnt offering in the court. Pours out the blood at the base of the altar and then he eats some of the flesh of the sin offering, in the holy place. (Lev. 6:26; 10:17) By eating the flesh, the priest became the sin-bearer. "to bear the guilt..to make an atonement for them."

The Day of ATONEMENT

The Day of Atonement is the day of the cleansing of the sanctuary/temple. How is it that the sanctuary/ temple was defiled? This is not dealing with mere hygienic issues; this is dealing with the principle of cleanness and purity in opposition to contamination/defilement.

Leviticus 16:16 states that this atonement for the holy place must be made
because of the uncleanness of the children of Israel, and because of their transgressions, for all their sins. So he must do for the tabernacle of the congregation.

Obviously, the tabernacle has been defiled by the sins of the people, and on the day of atonement, the Scriptures clearly state an atonement must be made for the tabernacle itself.

The Two Goats on the Day of Atonement

Notice: During the daily ministrations, the blood carried into the sanctuary came from animals upon which the hands of the sinner were laid, signifying they transferred their sin upon the victim. It symbolized Christ bearing our sins at the cross. The sinner who confesses his sin is forgiven, pardoned!

But no hands were laid upon the Lord's goat on the day of atonement. It's blood carried no sin -- It symbolized Christ's righteousness. It cleansed the sanctuary and had authority to rid everyone and everything of sin!!

Then notice what happens at the end of the rituals on the day of atonement. Remember the sacrifice was already made; the priest had already entered the holy and most holy place with the blood, where he makes an atonement for the holy place, because of the sins of the people. It is when he returns from making an atonement that he lays both of his hands on the head of the live goat, and confesses over it "all the iniquities of the children of Israel, and all their transgression in regard to all their sins; and he shall lay them on the head of the goat." (Lev. 16:21)

Here we see a clear representation of sin being transferred by the laying on of hands. Where did this sin come from? Was not the sin forgiven at the sacrifice? Was not the presenting of the blood in the Most Holy Place enough? Did this not blot out the sins already? Where did these sins come from, which the priest placed upon the head of the scape goat after making an end of atoning?

Here we see something so obvious that it amazes me that people refuse to see it. The sanctuary needed to be cleansed because of the sins of the people which had been transferred from the confessing sinners upon the sacrificial animals throughout the year, and then transferred into the sanctuary, either by the priest sprinkling the blood, or eating the flesh of the sacrifice. (Lev. 6:26; 10:17)

This is the final blotting out of all sin. This is the final cleansing in the ?salvation year," pointing forward to Christ's work in the heavenly sanctuary.

Hebrews 9:22-23
?Almost all things are by the law purged (#2511) with blood; and without shedding of blood is no remission. It is therefore necessary that the patterns of things in the heavens should be purified (#2511) with these: but the heavenly things themselves with better sacrifices than these.?

The hour of his judgment has come -- the urgent message, is that we still have a short space of time to allow the Holy Spirit to help us send all our sins to the sanctuary to be covered by Christ's precious blood. He is inviting us to do so, before the High Priest comes forth from the sanctuary.

The time of the Seventy Week prophecy which many have problems understanding, broken down and where it points to..

"The 'time' which He declared to be fulfilled was the period made known by the angel Gabriel to Daniel. ?Seventy weeks,? said the angel, ?are determined upon thy people and upon thy holy city, to finish the transgression, and to make an end of sins, and to make reconciliation for iniquity, and to bring in everlasting righteousness, and to seal up the vision and prophecy, and to anoint the most holy? Dan. 9:24.

A day in prophecy stands for a year. (See Num. 14:34; Ezek. 4:6.) The seventy weeks, or four hundred and ninety days, represent four hundred and ninety years. A starting point for this period is given: ?Know therefore and understand, that from the going forth of the commandment to restore and to build Jerusalem unto the Messiah the Prince shall be seven weeks, and threescore and two weeks,? sixty-nine weeks, or four hundred and eighty-three years, Daniel 9:25. The commandment to restore and build Jerusalem, as completed by the decree of Artaxerxes Longimanus (see Ezra 6:14; 7:1, 9, margin), went into effect in the autumn of B. C. 457. From this time four hundred and eighty-three years extend to the autumn of A. D. 27.

According to the prophecy, this period was to reach to the Messiah, the Anointed One. In A. D. 27, Jesus at His baptism received the anointing of the Holy Spirit, and soon afterward began His ministry. Then the message was proclaimed. ?The time is fulfilled.?

Then, said the angel, ?He shall confirm the covenant with many for one week [seven years].? For seven years after the Savior entered on His ministry, the gospel was to be preached especially to the Jews; for three and a half years by Christ Himself; and afterward by the apostles.

?In the midst of the week He shall cause the sacrifice
and the oblation to cease? Daniel 9:27. In the spring of
A. D. 31, Christ the true sacrifice was offered on Calvary. Then the veil of the temple was rent in twain, showing that the sacredness and significance of the sacrificial service had departed. The time had come for the earthly sacrifice and oblation to cease.

The one week?seven years?ended in A. D. 34. Then by the stoning of Stephen the Jews finally sealed their rejection of the gospel; the disciples who were scattered abroad by persecution ?went everywhere preaching the word? (Acts 8:4); and shortly after, Saul the persecutor was converted, and became Paul, the apostle to the Gentiles.

The time of Christ?s coming, His anointing by the Holy Spirit, His death, and the giving of the gospel to the Gentiles, were definitely pointed out. It was the privilege of the Jewish people to understand these prophecies, and to recognize their fulfillment in the mission of Jesus.

Christ urged upon His disciples the importance of prophetic study. Referring to the prophecy given to Daniel in regard to their time, He said, ?Whoso readeth, let him understand? Matthew. 24:15.

from Ellen G. Whites The Desire of Ages, the chapter entitled The Kingdom of God Is at Hand.* https://www.messagemagazine.com/grow-your-faith/the-experience/the-kingdon-is-at-hand/

In prophecy, a day represents a year. So. Daniels prophecy gives a period of seven weeks plus sixty-two weeks, a total of sixty-nine weeks. Starting from the time of the issue of the commandment to restore and to rebuild Jerusalem to the completion of the building was to take seven weeks, then another sixty-two weeks would bring us to the time of Christs baptism.

Daniel foretold the time when the Messiah was to be anointed. This was fulfilled at Christs baptism in AD 27, which was at the commencement of His ministry. 'Know therefore and understand, that from the going forth of the commandment to restore and to build Jerusalem unto the Messiah the Prince shall be seven weeks, and threescore and two weeks: the streets shall be built again, and the wall, even in troublous times.' Daniel 9:25.

The commandment to rebuild Jerusalem was given by king Artaxerxes of Persia in the year 457 B.C. Ezra 7:11-26. Therefore, seven weeks, (or forty-nine days = forty-nine years) brings us to 408 B.C., the date when the rebuilding of Jerusalem was completed. Taking the remaining sixty-two weeks (or 434 days = 434 years) brings us to the exact date of Christs baptism: A.D. 27. This was Christs anointing with the Holy Spirit.

The question is raised --
There were several decrees, why chose the one in 457, why not Cyrus' decree. Didn't he send the Jews back with the commission to rebuild Jerusalem?

Which decree?
Cyrus decree ended the 70 literal years of Jeremiah's prophecy (Jeremiah 25:11-12) compare to (Daniel 9:1-2)

The first deportation of Jews to Babylon (which included Daniel and his friends Shadrach, Meshach and Abed-Nego) began the 70 years of captivity. Bible commentaries identify this as occurring between 607 and 605 B.C. The date of the return of the Jews to Jerusalem, (thanks to Cyrus' decree) occurred sometime between 538 and 536 B.C. (606 BC to 536 BC is 70 years)

So when do the 70 weeks of years given to post exile Jews begin?

1. Did they begin in 536 when Cyrus released the Jews?
What did Cyrus's decree actually say?
(Ezra 1:1-3, 2Chron.36:22-23)
Hmm.. seems he only mentioned

"go up to Jerusalem which is in Judah and rebuild the house of the Lord"

2. About 15 years later we have Darius' decree, (520 BC) which basically restated and confirmed Cyrus' decree, (Ezra 6:1-5), the opposition to rebuilding the temple was to stop, and the building of the temple was to resume.

"Concerning the house of God at Jerusalem, let the temple, the place where sacrifices are offered, be rebuilt and let its foundations be retained...."

3. 457 B.C. ? Artaxerxes, King of Persia, issued a decree to Ezra authorizing him to reinstitute the Temple services, appoint judges and magistrates, and teach the Law (Ezra 7:11-26) In other words, it was the first decree authorizing Jerusalem to operate as a legal city state granting authority to set up the magisterial functions of self-government (Ezra 7:25?26). Thus it was Artaxerxes? decree issued in his seventh regnal year?Tishri 458 through Elul 457 BC?that allowed the restoration and rebuilding, not just rebuilding of the temple, but the restoration of Jerusalem as a political identity, to take place.

Thus many (not just Adventists) begin the seventy weeks of sevens (490 years) in 457 BC.

And thus all the time events fit.
Jesus was anointed by the Holy Spirit in AD 27 at His baptism in preparation for His life?s work (Luke 3:22; cf. Acts 10:38; Luke 4:18).

For seven years (the last week of seven years) the covenant was preached specifically to the Jews. In the midst of that week, AD 31 Christ was "cut off" crucified, but not for His own sins, but for ours. The covenant continued to be preached extensively in Jerusalem with thousands responding, but then persecution hit with fury. AD 34 marks the rejection by the Jews as a nation, of that covenant.

How does the 490 year prophecy for Jerusalem fit with the three angel's message?

First and Foundational;
Without Christ's mission on earth, His life, death, and resurrection, there would be no need for judgment, for there would be no forgiveness, no redemption, there would be no book of life. The power of sin and death would not have been broken, redemption would not be available. Sin would reap its natural result with no escape. Bur Christ did come -- when the time was fulfilled He, the Son of the Almighty God, the One Who created all things, came, born of a virgin, to live and die, in order to redeem the fallen human race.

Secondly, what can we learn from the 490 years?

The 490 years, especially how they ended, have some powerful parallels with the last days.

John the Baptist came preaching --
-- "repent for the kingdom of heaven is at hand". Matt 3:2
Israel was just years away from coming destruction.
-- The appeal to worship God and accept His salvation was powerfully preached to them for seven years
Jesus wept over Jerusalem, if only they would know the things that make for their peace, but it's hidden from their eyes (Luke 19:41-42)
They fought against the very One Who wanted to save them.
Their city, and thousands of it inhabitants suffered destruction.

The three angels message
-- repent for Christ is coming very soon
This whole world is standing before coming destruction
-- Worship God, the God of Creation, embrace His gospel of salvation.
Keep His commandments and cling in faith to Jesus
Do not follow the crowd into a counterfeit worship.
The appeal is made with a "loud voice"
Come out of the confusion, so you won't suffer her plagues.
Destruction is certain.

Here is more on the two goats...


The identification and eschatological meaning of the scapegoat of Leviticus 16 has generated much discussion in academic circles. Within ancient Jewish tradition, the scapegoat was always seen as a demonic being. 1 But since the post-apostolic period, many Christian expositors have tried to identify it with Christ and His sacrificial death.2

Seventh-day Adventists have stressed a clear distinction between "the goats" of Leviticus 16:8, considering the one "for the Lord" as a type of Christ, and the one "for the scapegoat [Heb. Azazel]" as representing Satan. 3 This is also the view expressed in Ellen White's writings.

The present paper provides a chronological survey of Ellen White's statements on the antitypical scapegoat. The discussion begins with O. R. L. Crosier's contribution, which laid the foundation of the Seventh-day Adventist understanding of the subject; continues with Ellen White's early and later statements related to the topic; and ends with some remarks on an unusual manuscript that completely departs from all her other writings and from Seventh-day Adventist thought in general.

O. R. L. Crosier's Contribution
The Seventh-day Adventist understandings of the cleansing of the heavenly sanctuary (Dan 8:14; Heb 9:23) and the final role of Satan as the eschatological scapegoat (Lev 16; Rev 20) were largely shaped by the biblical interpretations presented in O. R. L. Crosier's article "The Law of Moses," published in The Day-Star Extra, February 7, 1846. 4
In his treatment of the scapegoat, Crosier argued forcefully,

It is supposed by almost every one that this goat typified Christ in some of his offices, and that the type was fulfilled at the first Advent. From this opinion I must differ; because,
1st, That goat was not sent away till after the High Priest had made an end of cleansing the Sanctuary, Lev 16: 20, 21; hence that event cannot meet its antitype till after the end of the 2300 days.
2nd, It was sent away from Israel into the wilderness, a land not inhabited, to receive them. If our blessed Saviour is its anti-type, He also must be sent away, not his body alone, but soul and body, for the goat was sent away alive, from, not to, nor into, his people; neither into heaven, for that is not a wilderness or land not inhabited.
3rd, It received and retained all the iniquities of Israel; but when Christ appears the second time He will be "without sin."
4th, The goat received the iniquities from the hands of the priest and he sent it away. As Christ is the Priest, the goat must be something else besides himself and which he can send away.
5th, This was one of two goats chosen for that day, one was the Lord's and offered for a sin-offering; but the other was not called the Lord's, neither offered as a sacrifice. Its only office was to receive the iniquities for the priest after he had cleansed the Sanctuary for them, and bear them into a land not inhabited, leaving the Sanctuary, priest and people behind and free from their iniquities. Lev. 16: 7-10, 22.
6th, The Hebrew name of the scape-goat as will be seen from the margin of ver. 8, is "Azazel." On this verse, Wm. Jenke, in his Comp. Com. has the following remarks: (Scape-goat) See diff. opin. in Bochart. Spencer, after the oldest opinion of the Hebrews and Christians, thinks Azazel is the name of the devil; and so Rosenmire, whom see. The Syriac has Azazel, the angel (Strongone) who revolted.
7th, At the appearing of Christ, as taught from Rev. 20: Satan is to be bound and cast into the bottomless pit, which act and place are significantly symbolized by the ancient High Priest sending the scape-goat into a separate and uninhabited wilderness.
8th, Thus we have the Scripture, the definition of the name in two ancient languages both spoken at the same time, & the oldest opinion of the Christians in favor of regarding the scape-goat as a type of Satan. In the common use of the term, men always associate it with something mean, calling the greatest villains' and refugees from justice scape-goats. Ignorance of the law and its meaning is the only possible origin that can be assigned for the opinion that the scape-goat was a type of Christ.
5
Crosier's views of Satan as the antitypical scapegoat were fully accepted by early Sabbatarian Adventists, and the above-quoted arguments would be echoed consistently within Seventh-day Adventist literature on the topic, including in Ellen White's writings. Noteworthy, already in 1847, A Word to the "Little Flock" came off the press with the following endorsing paragraph from her pen,

"I believe the Sanctuary, to be cleansed at the end of the 2300 days, is the New Jerusalem Temple, of which Christ is a minister. The Lord shew me in vision, more than one year ago, that Bother Crosier had the true light, on the cleansing of the Sanctuary, &c; and that it was his will, that Brother C. should write out the view which he gave us in the Day-Star, Extra, February 7, 1846. I feel fully authorized by the Lord, to recommend that Extra, to every saint". 6

By searching her published and unpublished writings, one can see that Ellen White continued to speak of Satan as the antitypical scapegoat."
https://whiteestate.org/legacy/issues-scapegoat-asp/

WORSHIPPING THE CREATOR
Comments on Lesson Seven

By faith we understand that the world was created by the word
of God, so that what is seen was made out of things which do not appear."
Heb. 11:3, R.S.V."

The story of creation found in Genesis 1 is simple, direct, no symbols or embellishments.
It is true history, not myth, fable, or legend. Here God is identified as the Originator of all things.

But certain students of earth science, rejecting the literal Genesis account of the creation of our world, and wanting to fit in with popular "educational" thinking, developed the idea known today as theistic evolution, a speculative theory which assumes that God created this world through the evolutionary process. They tried to harmonize the Bible account of creation with their theory by proposing that a great stretch of time elapsed between the action of each "day" in the Genesis account. What followed was a highly figurative account of how this earth and all living things upon it evolved by a uniform process of changes or developments over a long period of time.
According to this idea, these organic changes in plants and animals took place in harmony with uniform or established principles of growth and development, the laws of nature operating without interruption over centuries and millenniums, almost always on the upward scale and progressively.

But what do the scriptures say:

Jeremiah
10:12 He hath made the earth by his power, he has established the world by his wisdom, and
stretched out the heavens by his discretion.

Psalms 102:25 Of old you laid the foundation of the earth: and the heavens are the work of thy hands.
Psalms 33:6 By the word of the LORD were the heavens made; and all the host of them by the breath of his mouth.
33:9 For he spake, and it was done; he commanded, and it stood fast.

Genesis 2:7 And the LORD God formed man from the dust of the ground, and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life; and man became a living soul.
1:27 So God created man in his own image, in the image of God created he him; male and female created he them.
1:31 And God saw every thing that he had made, and, behold, it was very good.

The vast universe was spoken into existence. Beautiful flowers and plants were spoken into existance. But when it came to creating human beings, it was a very special time.
With His own hands Christ crafted every detail into perfection, and then bent down and breathed LIFE into the first human.
We can image Adam opening his eyes, and looking up into a face of love smiling down at him!

The creation story is a story of love and intimate care.
Human beings were created for fellowship with their Creator!
They are greatly valued and loved by their Creator.
So much so, He died on the cross, and rose again, to open the door for them to come back into that close fellowship with Him.

Worship the Creator!!! Why? He made you, He loves you. It doesn't matter your intelligence level, or physical capabilities, with Him there is life and love and purpose. He knows what is best for you, you can trust Him.

The counterfeit theory of origin, places no value on the individual human. It's survival of the fittest. Individuals are expendable. Love, though taught in evolutionary circles, is not holy love, but a means to achieve whatever is thought to bring a degree of happiness. There is no hope beyond one's own abilities which quickly fade.
One of the great sins is the thought that somehow man can improve on the creation of God. Digitalize human beings????
Yes, sin has weakened the human frame, and learning to improve what remains is a good thing, but when mankind starts tinkering with the very mechanism of life, with the function of the mind, changing the human system they are on dangerous ground.
To throw away the manual provided by the creator? Makes no sense really. We don't know better than our Creator, and that is plainly seen in the mess this world is in due to throwing out the manual and ignoring the Creator.


Psalms 139:14 I will praise thee; for I am fearfully and wonderfully made: marvellous are thy works; and my soul knows this right well.

Psalms 95:6-8 O come, let us worship and bow down: let us kneel before the LORD our maker.
For he is our God; and we are]the people of his pasture, and the sheep of his hand. To day if you will hear his voice, Harden not your heart,

Psalms 100:3-4 Know ye that the LORD he is God: it is he that made us, and not we ourselves; we are his people, and the sheep of his pasture.
Enter into his gates with thanksgiving, and into his courts with praise: be thankful unto him, [and] bless his name.

It is sometimes mind boggling how it can be possible that every individual person in this world is special to God when there are billions of people on this planet and absolutely countless planets, and galaxies out there in the universe.
We tend to get a feeling of being lost in the crowd. Sure God loves the crowd, but ........

We've experienced the feeling one gets in a huge crowd, of being just an unidentified human, nothing more than an occupier of a small space, basically unnoticed and unimportant.

The song explains the dilemma:

In the stars His handiwork I see
On the wind He speaks with majesty
Tho' He ruleth over land and sea
What is that to me
I will celebrate nativity
For it has a place in history
Sure He came to set His people free
What is that to me
'Til by faith I met Him face to face
And I felt the wonder of His grace
Then I knew that He was more
Than just a God who didn't care
That lived away out there
And now He walks beside me day by day
Ever watching o'er me lest I stray
Helping me to find that narrow way
He's ev'rything to me.

Sabbath, to be a meaningful experience, needs to be understood from the sense that God walks beside "me" everyday, a very personal God, interested in all my work and projects, and He longs for special time with "me" personally, on the day He set aside for that purpose.

If we don't have that sense that God wants to spend that special time with "ME" and I want that special time with Him, then the Sabbath looses it's specialness and becomes only a cultural thing.

CREATION SABBTATH

Does it matter which day we set apart as a special day for God?
Isn't the important thing just to worship Him; does the day matter?

One person, in a class, stated, "In the Old Testament, people worshipped on the 7th-day Sabbath to commemorate creation.
In the New Testament, people worship on the 1st day of the week to commemorate recreation, as Christ rose to recreate us. See Romans 6:4 and 2 Corinthians 5:17.

Sounds reasonable, EXCEPT:
1. Nowhere in the Bible does it say God blessed and sanctified a different day.
2. Jesus never referred to Sunday (1st day) with references of it being a new Sabbath.
3. The disciples never mentioned that Christ had instituted a new Sabbath day in honor of His resurrection, or of recreation.
4. There are other days one might consider, if man is left to choose a day. Without the death on the cross, on Friday, there would be no resurrection or new creatures recreated in Christ. So maybe Friday should be the day?

So basically, Sunday has no command or blessing as a new Sabbath from the Lord.

Yet, as we study the three angels' message, we see a struggle concerning right worship and wrong worship, with life-and-death results! The devil is out to war against those who worship God and keep His commandments. (Rev. 12:17) The saints are described as keeping the commandments of God. (Rev. 14:12) And the urgent call is to worship the One Who made (created) heaven and earth, the sea and fountains, (Rev. 14:7) using language that sounds very much like the fourth commandment (Exodus 20:11), which takes us back to Genesis 2:2-3.

So, does it make a difference?
Did it make a difference when Cain worshipped, bringing garden produce, while Abel worshipped, bringing a lamb?

God made the seventh day holy, set it apart for holy purposes and blessed it.

No where do we see Him blessing, making holy, and setting apart for holy use any other day, just the seventh day!
So what are we doing when we take a common day, and say it is holy and blessed?
Are we presenting our own works to God?

Can we bless, and make holy, a day of our c

TWO CONTRASTING SYSTEMS

Babylon is fallen, fallen. that great city, because she made all nations drink of the wine of the wrath of her fornication.

What solemn announcement does the angel make, and what did Babylon do to warrant such an announcement?

What is the answer in the context of the chapter?
The first angel's message is the call to:
1. Proclaim the everlasting gospel.
2. Stand in reverential awe before God giving Him glory
3. Recognize that He is our judge and judgment is taking place.
4. Worship our Creator Who made us and everything else.

The second angel's message basically proclaims that a great confusion of ideas and practices have obscured the initial crucial message and the main bodies that should have embraced that message have in fact rejected it.

As to freedom of choice.
That, like everything else the devil has confused, and has turned upside down and backwards.
God gave freedom of choice to
1.either worship, trust and obey Him, as our Creator and Redeemer.
2. or not to worship, trust and obey Him, establishing our own ideas of how to worship and live.

Satan turns everything around and says God demands a very restrictive regime and threatens extermination if one departs from that course.
He (satan) claims to give people many choices and the freedom to do whatever they desire and want,
no laws condemning or restricting them, they can do whatever makes them happy.

God says His law is the law of freedom, love and happiness. To turn onto another path, choosing to disregard His law brings one under the dark banner of enslavement to sin, misery and death. He is allowing those who chose to do so in this world to throw away His law and show where that leads, so people can see the truth of Satan's deceptions.

Satan says God's law is a law of bondage, to cast it off is the road to freedom and anyone rebuking sin and urging people to follow God's ways is intolerant, unloving, and destroying people's freedom. They are an enemy to liberty, and according to him, need to be stopped.

Of course there is the sin of controlling force over people's conscience. The stronger dominating the weaker. That is not Christ's way of love, but neither is upholding sin in any form, whether by force or by a wrong concept of love.
Christ loves the sinner and wants to lift them out of sin, He hates the sin.

In our society people tend to swing to the opposite pole, thinking it wrong to "train up a child in the way they should go", linking that with harsh and wrong methods, and thereby also condemning the loving but firm guidance so essential to help young people make the right choice.
It's even becoming illegal to call many things "sin", which the Bible plainly says is sin.

The world is full of confusion.
Truth has become a subjective, relevant thing.

One of the biggest problems is thinking obedience to God's laws is legalism! Thus of course Sunday seems a little thing if obedience to God's call to worship on the day He has blessed is considered "legalistic".

Obedience is not legalism.
Sanctification is part of the gospel, it is being set apart for holy purpose. God wants to set each of us apart to become holy through His sanctifying power and grace. He is our Creator and has set apart the 7th day, made it holy and sanctified (set it apart for holy purpose), and says it is a sign that He is our God and we are His people, and He is the One that sanctifies us. Ezekiel 20:12,20

Great Controversy p 382
"Babylon is said to be ?the mother of harlots.? By her daughters must be symbolized churches that cling to her doctrines and traditions, and follow her example of sacrificing the truth and the approval of God, in order to form an unlawful alliance with the world.

The message of Revelation 14 announcing the fall of Babylon, must apply to religious bodies that were once pure and have become corrupt. Since this message follows the warning of the Judgment, it must be given in the last days, therefore it cannot refer to the Romish Church, for that church has been in a fallen condition for many centuries.

Furthermore, in the eighteenth chapter of the Revelation, in a message which is yet future, the people of God are called upon to come out of Babylon. According to this scripture, many of God's people must still be in Babylon. And in what religious bodies are the greater part of the followers of Christ now to be found? Without doubt, in the various churches professing the Protestant faith. At the time of their rise, these churches took a noble stand for God and the truth, and his blessing was with them.

Even the unbelieving world was constrained to acknowledge the beneficent results that followed an acceptance of the principles of the gospel. In the words of the prophet to Israel, ?Thy renown went forth among the heathen for thy beauty; for it was perfect through my comeliness, which I had put upon thee, saith the Lord God.?But they fell by the same desire which was the curse and ruin of Israel,?the desire of imitating the practices and courting the friendship of the ungodly. ?Thou didst trust in thine own beauty, and playedst the harlot because of thy renown.?{GC88 382.3}

THE JUDGMENT OF BABYLON -- COME OUT OF HER



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.

The angel's messages are given by people under the power of the Holy Spirit.
When the latter rain falls, the amplified message will be given with great power!


Rev. 18:2 And he cried mightily with a strong voice, saying, Babylon the great is fallen, is fallen,
As the churches refused to receive the first angel's message, refused the Creator?s Sabbath of worship, refused to accept a sanctuary message that included judgment, refused the power of the gospel to lift them from sin, they rejected the light from heaven and fell from the favor of God. They trusted to their own strength, and by opposing the first message placed themselves where they could not see the light of the second angel's message. But the beloved of God accepted the message, "Babylon is fallen," and left the churches.

18:2 b (Babylon) is become the habitation of devils, and the hold of every foul spirit, and a cage of every unclean and hateful bird.

Clearly there is a serious spiritual disease in Babylon. The devil?s counterfeits have taken over. Not just one, but every conceivable deception is present.
Judgment is coming on the world, but it is on the house of God right now (I Peter 4:17). A gathering of unclean birds? vultures ? evil spirits. This is a harbinger of judgment coming on those who stubbornly hang on to the defiling practices and attributes of sin, hiding them under a cloak of religion. Refusing to surrender self to God, thus sinking ever deeper into satan?s deceptions .

We see those unclean fowls again in the final battle (Revelation 19:17-21), when they devour all who refused to be cleansed and prepared for Christ? coming. Those foul spirts and birds are metaphorically already gathered in great numbers in so called ?spiritual? places, though still held somewhat in cages giving people a chance to escape out of Babylon before it?s too late.

It's not only in the secular world these unclean birds hang out. They concentrate on Babylon ? the woman who supposedly symbolizes God?s people, His bride. They have taken the churches away from loyalty and faithfulness to Christ and His commandments, and substituted the traditions and commandments of men?counterfeits ? which the Bible also classifies as adultery and fornication.


18:3 For all nations have drunk of the wine of the wrath of her fornication,

Wine ? a deceptive drink that seems to give a good feeling, but deadens the senses and alters the powers of the mind. It is administered in wrath? Whose wrath? Those demons wanting to rob Christ of His purchased possession; to rob Him of the people He died to save. They are pouring out this wine through human powers looked up to as spiritual Christian leaders, but whose teachings keep people benumbed and stupefied in sin. This counterfeit religion isn't just localized, it's being forced on the whole world! The wine being symbolic of false doctrine, false teaching, and corrupt practices.

18:3 and the kings of the earth have committed fornication with her,

Christ?s true church receives her power from God. When empowered by the Holy Spirit their witness changes people?s lives. But Babylon fornicates with kings, using civic power to force her mandates upon the people.
Having forsaken the true source of power which alone ennobles and lifts people out of sin, Babylon seeks to force everyone into her mold of morality with civic and kingly power.
and the merchants of the earth are waxed rich through the abundance of her delicacies.
Money plays a big role in Babylon. Fraudulent money (making money out of nothing) is what our whole economies are now floating on.

The money changers long ago discovered that control over a fraudulent money supply not only gave them control over the assets of the people, but in a very real way, control over the governments of the people. The system sucks money out of the common people, makes them more and more dependent on government, while the top guys multiply that money mathematically without any actual money backing it, and they get very rich.
Rev. 13: 17 shows this system will be used to force and control everyone. But it will crash.

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.
Even so, our greatest threat is not the Plagues at the end! As bad as it will be,yet far worse is being spiritually unprepared, enmeshed in the deceptions of sin when Christ closes His intercessory work in the sanctuary and our names are missing in the book of life.

Symbols often convey more than lengthy pages of explanation.
But we do need to understand the symbols.

Woman -- we've mentioned before, is symbolic of professing people of God.
Harlot woman -- one who is unfaithful to her profession as a follower of Christ

The harlot of Revelation 18 is symbolic and not any actual woman. To understand more about what this harlotry entails we look to other Bible passages which use this symbolism elsewhere in scripture.

Revelation depicts her harlotry with linking up with the kings of the earth. Worshipping power and control, rather than depending on and following Christ. Enjoying wealth and sensual pleasure instead of delighting to do God's will. (e.g. Revelation 18:7-9)

But we see more precisely in other Bible passages that harlotry almost always stands as a symbol for idolatry. In the Old Testament, we see that when Israel engaged in idolatry, she was depicted as a harlot or an adulteress (e.g. Ex 34:15, 16, Lev 20:6, Numbers 25:1, Judges 8:33, Psalm 106:39, Jer 3:1, Hosea 4:12).

What is Idolatry?
We see it in its raw form when people venerate images, kiss the toes of statues, pray to images thinking they are praying to God. Substituting things in the place of God.
Israel did that with the golden calf a Sinai. Exodus chapter 32, the Israelites brought gold, and Aaron formed it into a golden calf and announced "To morrow is a feast to the LORD."
Did they really think they were worshipping THE LORD JEHOVAH when they offered sacrifice, danced and played around that golden calf?
God didn't think so.

So idolatry goes far deeper than mere image worship. It is worship, but it is not in line with true worship of God. It is worshipping something of our own making instead of worshipping the Creator.
The person engaged in idolatress worship may even be deceived into thinking they are worshipping THE LORD when in fact they are worshipping something else. When the Christians substitute a sabbath of their own making for that which God commanded, they too worship that which humans own hands have made.

Paul tells us that covetousness is idolatry -- see Colossians 3:5

Unleashed -- what happens when God's restraining Spirit is drawn back and the devil is unleashed to show the universe in full unrestrained display how he intends to rule this world?

Yes, he uses his human agencies to do his bidding and advance his goal of drawing undeserved worship to himself. But the chief focus of his wrath is not on the beast or his image, those are just pawns in his hands. The chief focus of his wrath is against the "elect", they that keep the commandments of God and have the testimony and faith of Jesus. (Rev. 12:17, Matthew 24:24, Rev. 14:12)

Is it possible that we too, could be deceived?
We sometimes read Matthew 24:24 and focus on the phrase "if possible" and turn it around thinking, see, it's not possible we would accept the deception, we don't have to worry. And yes, those securely anchored in Christ and His Word won't be deceived, but what happens to the many who FEEL they are safe and simply utter the words, "just focus on Jesus" don't worry about all this talk of deception? Then without watching and praying, when seeing miraculous things that SEEM to be uplifting Jesus happening around them will FEEL the deceptions are from God and that they are about Jesus, and will sadly be deceived.

Matt. 24:24 For there shall arise false Christs, and false prophets, and shall show great signs and wonders; insomuch that, if possible, they shall deceive the very elect.

I agree we should not think of this as "them" vs "us", but rather we need to sink our anchors deep into truth and share what we learn with all who need the truth just as badly as we need the truth. We all need the truth as it is in Christ (not just the truth of forgiveness, but all His warnings and promises) we all need the full armor of God, (Eph.6:13-18) for this battle is not against flesh and blood, but against spiritual powers (as in fallen angels) that want to take us all with them into the lake of fire, and deprive us of eternal life.

Yes, God is the ONLY ONE who can deliver us, and sustain us. And He will deliver all who diligently seek Him.

Hebrews 11:6 Without faith it is impossible to please Him: for he that comes to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him.
11:7 By faith Noah, being warned of God of things not seen as yet, moved with fear, prepared an ark to the saving of his house; by the which he condemned the world, and became heir of the righteousness which is by faith.
May we all be like Noah, heeding the warnings from God, diligently seeking and walking with God and preparing for what is coming.

..



Yes, God has given people a conscience through which the Holy Spirit can lead us to make right choices. Our conscience is an important gift from God to help us resist evil. But we can grieve away the Holy Spirit and end up following wrong spirits, who are only too happy to take over. We can turn the volume of our conscience down so that what seems more "right" in our own minds governs our choices, not what God tells us is right. We are all very capable of adjusting our conscience to fit our own sentiments and/or culture.

Our conscience needs to be fortified with the sure Word of Scripture and placed under the will of God.

When Luther stood before the tribunal in Worms, he did not say, ?My conscience is held captive by my culture and what others demand is the right way for us all to believe". No, he said, "Unless I am convinced by sacred Scripture, or by evident reason, I cannot, and will not recant, for my conscience is held captive by the word of God."

We need to be sure our consciences have been captured by the word of God. He has given us His word. It exposes the lies we tell ourselves to excuse and make us feel better, as well as exposing the lies our culture and the propaganda feed us through media which tends to shift our paradigm of thought and concepts of right and wrong.

Yes,

"One of the pillars of Babylonian deception is a false understanding of death, which, centered on the idea of the immortality of the soul, prepares the way for the deceptive influence of spiritualism."

Demons personating departed loved ones, or appearing as messengers from heaven (i.e. Mary, Joseph, an apostle), or a "master" supposedly coming to enlighten the world. It's all happening, but we are warned those things will escalate in the last days.

One of the biggest jumps in technology can now allow people to talk to the dead. AI (artificial intelligence) promises you can actually communicate with dead loved ones.

"HereAfter" is a platform which lets the dead chat with you on demand, and it sounds just like the deceased, their voices having been recorded. Surviving loved ones interact with the customized voice avatar via smart speaker, mobile or desktop app, and it responds. Another program called "Black Mirror", even lets one see their loved one, and their facial expressions as they "chat".

Of course that technology is still in its infancy, but if it takes off, one can only speculate how easy it is for demonic participation.

And for those who don't believe in any "supernatural" involvement. That suits the devil fine. Not only does it cause people to deny the existence of God, it also takes away the realization there is an enemy going about like a roaring lion seeking whom he can devour. (1 Peter 5:8) Thus no need to fear, since a devil is only a mythical thing.

Scripture warns over and over that there will be supernatural displays that will deceive the world. Those supernatural displays will be extremely hard to dismiss.
Revelation 13:13-14, Matthew 24:24, 2Thess.2:9-10, Mark 13:22

Both sides will have miracles that will make it very evident there are supernatural forces involved over the destiny of every human being. We need to be committed and anchored in Christ and His Word, or the powers of evil will overwhelm us.

Two sides, and only two. Everyone will be on one side or the other.

What are the issues?

The central issues in the great controversy focus on loyalty, (who do we trust and obey) authority (who has the right to receive our trust and obedience), and worship (who is worthy to receive our reverence, worship, and adoration?

WORSHIP
Who is worthy to receive worship?

"Worship him that made heaven, and earth, and the sea, and the fountains of waters. Rev. 14:7
"Thou art worthy, O Lord, to receive glory and honour and power: for thou hast created all things, and for thy pleasure they are and were created. Rev. 4:11

AUTHORITY
Who has the right to be God and expect certain things?
The One who made us knows how we best operate!

LOYALTY
When we obey the commandments in loving trust and commitment we show that we trust the One Who gave us those commandments.
We are the servants of the one we obey
Romans 6:16 Know ye not, that to whom ye yield yourselves servants to obey, his servants ye are to whom ye obey; whether of sin unto death, or of obedience unto righteousness?

We see an illustration of the conflict in the garden of Eden.

Adam and Eve knew God, for they walked and talked with Him in the cool of the evenings. They knew He was worthy of worship for God had given them everything -- life, and a perfect garden environment, with everything they needed.

Yet they had one test, only a single tree which they were to leave alone, all the other trees were theirs,
That test may have seemed a trivial thing. Weren't there so many more complex things by which to sully their character? What's so wrong with eating a piece of fruit?

But the serpent was there. That fallen angel who wanted to be God in the place of God.

So that little test would reveal whose word Eve trusted. Did she believe what God said, or would she believe the deceptive lies of the serpent, who promised her godhood and everlasting life (both of which he could never give them)

That test also showed loyalty (or the lack of it) . Would Eve remain loyal to her Creator and obey Him, or would she show high regards and loyalty to a lying serpent?

End Time Conflict

Revelation gives us pictures of the adversary. -- a dragon (that same old serpent that deceived Eve), and two accomplices, a beast, and another beast actively seeking to institute a counterfeit worship through deception and force.
The world isn't perfect now, in fact it is in deep trouble, but the beast and dragon use that to their advantage. If we just worship according to their promises and force, the earth will be saved.

Who will we be loyal to?

Yes there is a test. A simple test to see who is loyal to whose authority?
Like in Eden it may sound too simple, after all aren't there more prominent things involving character, etc.

But again it tests loyalty -- Who do we trust and obey,.

Who do we accept as our Lord, worthy of worship, trust, and obedience.

In Eden there was no coercion, but now there will be much coercion, and it will take stamina, commitment and love, to remain true to our God and Savior, in this test, when the adversary is demanding obedience and worship to his counterfeit on pain of death.

God had John write those things in Revelation so we would recognize the deceptions and be able to avoid them. He told Adam and Eve about the fallen angel that would try to win them over onto his side. Eve should have recognized him as soon as he suggested doing the very thing God had told them not to do.

Adam on the other hand, did recognize the deceiver for who he was, but he though God's grace was too powerful for something like death to be the result of giving in a little to the adversary.

A basic problem I see -- is that it is not wise to separate God's redeeming, transforming grace, from His law.

Yes, in Christ's time the law was the focus and they rejected Christ and His transforming saving power. It's very true, they were following rules, thinking that was enough, and rejecting the offer of grace.

The were separating God's law from grace and that is spiritual suicide.

But in the last days, things tend to be reversed, God's grace is used to reject God's law.
God's law is a transcript of His character, His personality is the living reality of His law, by rejecting His law, a person also rejects God and His mercy. (Exodus 20:6) We don't love God by disregarding His law. If we love Him we will keep His commandments. (John 14:15) Especially rejecting the memorial of His creation, and creative power, is a rejection of God, and taking away the very reason we should worship Him. (Rev. 4:11)

One striking example of what is now facing the world can be found in Ezekiel.

In Ezekiel 8:16 These men, who were supposedly worshippers of God, stood right in front of God's sanctuary, turned their backs on God and worship WHAT? The sun!

What happens next in Ezekiel 9:3,4.
A sealing process!
And everyone who does not receive the seal dies.

* 1st we see 25 men in front of the sanctuary worshipping the Sun.
* 2nd we see a heavenly being placing a mark on all opposed to these evils
* 3rd All who didn't receive the heavenly seal, die
* 4th The men at the front of the sanctuary are the first to die.

Then turn to Ezekiel 20:13-21
Reflect on the sorrowful tone in the voice of God as He wooed them to worship Him on the Sabbath, but they kept refusing, and He kept giving them another chance, and another, but they kept refusing, till finally the disaster spoken of in Ezekiel 9:6 came to pass.

The one commandment that is a sign that the Creator God is our God, and we are His people, is the fourth commandment --

Ex. 20:11 Remember the Sabbath day...for in six days God created.....This links the Sabbath with creation.
Ex. 31:13 Verily my sabbaths ye shall keep: for it is a sign between me and you ...that you may know that I am the LORD that doth sanctify you.

Since 1844 the true Sabbath has been preached.
True it has not always been preached or practiced with full understanding of what it signifies and means to the follower of Christ, but that does not remove the importance of worshipping God on the day He sanctified, blessed and called us to remember.

Since 1844 the Christian world has pull together every conceivable excuse for not worshipping on the day God sanctified and blessed, in order to uphold a day of their own making.
No not all understand that either, and not one is made to suffer the wrath of God (Rev. 14:10) until the truth has been brought home to his mind and conscience, and has been rejected. But because so many good Christians have fallen asleep in the triumphs of faith and have not understood or kept the true Sabbath, they, (people who realize which day is God's true Sabbath) think it not important and are doubting about its being a test for us now in the time of the end.

Of course Sabbath observance will never atone for the willful breaking of other commandments. We need God's grace both for forgiveness and for living a life of sanctification. But God's grace will not cover the willful rejection of the fourth commandment either.

It is when the Christian world, who have, especially in the last 175 years, vehemently declared that keeping God's true Sabbath is legalism, and to get rid of it have even nailed God's whole law to the cross as no longer binding, then turn around and demand, by force of law that everyone observe sunday as the day of rest, that the third angels message reaches it's complete fulfillment.

Every person will be brought to decision.
Situations will make it very inconvenient and dangerous to worship on the 7th day. No way will anyone be keeping the 7th day just for a show of piety. It will be a real commitment to honor the Creator!

Malachi 3:18 Then shall ye return, and discern between the righteous and the wicked, between him that serveth God and him that serveth him not

Those who now think the Sabbath isn't really that important won't be worshipping on the 7th day then. Now we need to understand and practice what it really means or we will be swept away in what will seem to be worship.

Why is this an important point?
And why is the fact an earthly power usurped that ministry of Christ, also an important point?

What is a mediator?
A mediator's work is to bring two parties at odds with one another back together.
The human race broke their connection with God by their sin and rebellion against God's kingdom. Without a Mediator, they faced eternal death, with no hope.

Nothing we could do on our own would be sufficient to mediate between ourselves and God. No amount of good works or law-keeping makes us righteous enough to stand before a holy God (Isaiah 64:6; Romans 3:20; Galatians 2:16).

Without a mediator salvation from our sin is impossible. Yet there is hope!

(1 Timothy 2:5)?For there is one God and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus? .

Hebrews 7:22 By so much was Jesus made a surety of a better testament.

Hebrews 7:25-27 Wherefore he is able also to save them to the uttermost that come unto God by him, seeing he ever lives to make intercession for them. For such an high priest became us, who is holy, harmless, undefiled, separate from sinners, and made higher than the heavens; Who needs not daily, as those high priests, to offer up sacrifice, first for his own sins, and then for the people's: for this he did once, when he offered up himself.

Meanwhile, here on earth a system rose to cast down the place of God's sanctuary back to this earth (Daniel 8:11-12) They reinstated the daily sacrificial system (a bloodless one) called the mass. Which drew people's minds away from the daily ministry of Christ in heaven, and claimed the work for themselves. Forgiveness came by the word of the earthly priest, not the cleansing blood of Jesus!
This system is still in operation today.

This was the biggest reason Luther rose up and nailed 95 thesis to the door of the Wittenberg church.

We can come directly to Christ for forgiveness and cleansing, earthly powers do not have the authority or the power to forgive or cleanse anyone, because they are themselves sinful human beings.

When persecution comes, this is extremely important to remember. Earthly tribunals may condemn a person to "hell" for not following certain religious mandates, but they don't have the power to do that. Our appeal is to a higher court!

One of the promises of the investigative judgment is that Christ vindicates His saints, (Dan.7:22)no matter what earthly courts or powers may have decreed.

Who do we follow? There are two who are being followed, two choices as to who we will follow.

A beast rose up out of the sea, having seven heads and ten horns, and upon his horns ten crowns, and upon his heads the name of blasphemy. (The Babylonian/Roman/Papal beast)
And I saw one of his heads as if it had been mortally wounded, and his deadly wound was healed. And all the world marveled and followed the beast. And they worshipped the dragon which gave power unto the beast: and they worshipped the beast,
Revelation 13:3-5

What a terrible picture!
The whole world worshipping and following the counterfeit, which can only bring them betrayal and death?
Was Jesus sacrifice for nothing?

But no, it's NOT everyone! There is another group!

I looked, and, lo, a Lamb stood...and with him were an hundred forty and four thousand, having his Father's name written in their foreheads....redeemed from the earth... These are they which follow the Lamb whithersoever he goeth. These were redeemed from among men, the first fruits....

After this I beheld, and, lo, a great multitude, which no man could number, of all nations, and kindreds, and people, and tongues, stood before the throne, and before the Lamb, clothed with white robes, and palms in their hands; And cried with a loud voice, saying, Salvation to our God which sitteth upon the throne, and unto the Lamb. Rev. 14:1-4 and 7:9-10

Since that old serpent, the dragon, Satan seduced our first parents, mankind, by default follows the wrong masters, their hearts are at enmity to the things of God.

But there is salvation offered to all who follow the Lamb of God !!! Christ has come to rescue and redeem us from the grips of sin and death! To change our hearts and lives.

Choose you this day whom you will serve; ... but as for me and my house, we will serve the LORD.
Joshua 24:13

We have a choice. To follow the Lamb wherever He leads is a commitment, a choice, it's not a feeling.

Yes, it is God's love that draws us to Him and changes us. It's because He first loved us, that we respond in love. But our love is imperfect. Self love can over ride our feelings of love for God, but real love does not depend on feeling, real love is a commitment, a principle that governs our lives.

At a marriage retreat it was emphasized: "Love is a principle, not a feeling". Quite a few objected to that definition, but it was explained that feelings are fleeting, feelings can deceive us. Many times, people are moved and filled with feelings of love and think that will conquer all, only to find out the reality of life has a way of taking feelings down. When circumstances leave one with no "feel good" solutions, the love feeling only too often disappears.

Real love is not based on the feelings, nice as those feelings may be at times; real love is based on choice, decision, and commitment.



That choice and commitment at times must operate when feelings don't want to take that route.

Biblical examples:
But Daniel purposed in his heart that he would not defile himself (Dan. 1:8) And when faced with temptation, he resisted, for he had made the choice not to defile himself, and God was with him.

Joseph, though treated badly by his brothers, also purposed in his heart to stay true to God, and God was with him. When temptation came, he cried, "How can I do this and sin against God" and fled the scene. Even when feeling down, mistreated and falsely accused, Joseph choose to stay true to God, and God was with him.

Christ, Himself, in the garden of Gethsemane, his human feelings dreading the ordeal before Him, prayed, "Not my will, but Thine, O Lord".

Love in action, following the Lamb wherever He leads, occurs when we make a deliberate decision to do so. That decision is to place our will entirely under the will of the Lamb and do what His Word and the Holy Spirit ask us to do, That choice is made before temptation strikes. Every morning start the day in prayer, committing ourselves to the Lamb. Then when temptation strikes though our sensation or feelings of love at the time are negative, our will, placed under Christ's will will resist the temptation.

People then ask the question, "Is our love fake, if it is motivated by a commitment or duty, not a feeling?" It could be fake, and satan does make people think they are hypocrites and tempts them to give up, but it can also be the move toward a more perfect love, a victory won by the strength of the Lord working in our lives in denying self-love, and strengthening our imperfect love into a more perfect love to our God.

A person with a mature love to God will always find joy and delight in doing God?s will. But we are not perfect! We are in a battle with sin. Satan and sin corrupt our wills, and the self can rear up feelings of disinclinations to do what we know Christ would want us to do. That is often our reality. Jesus said,

?If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself? (Matthew 16:24).

Denying self is not a natural reaction. It is a choice.

In this world of sin, love must be more than a feeling; self-denial will always be a part of the duty of love.

When the worldly laws ask us, under threat of painful consequences, to deny our Creator God, it won't "feel good" to resist.
When in response to Christ's love we fully commit ourselves to follow the Lamb in our daily lives, we will resist temptation when things get really tough, even if it is painful and not giving us a good feeling, because we have chosen and committed ourselves to follow the Lamb where ever He leads, based on a love that is greater than feelings. He has done so much for us, how could we do less.

Friday: Further Thought ~ The Seal of God and Mark of the Beast ? Part 1

Discussion Questions:



Rev. 13:2 the dragon gave him his power, and his seat, and great authority.
4 And they worshipped the dragon which gave power unto the beast: and they worshipped the beast,

The dragon gave the beast his power, his throne, and great authority. Just as the Father has given His throne and authority to Christ (Rev. 2:27), so Satan invests the beast as his coregent and representative on earth -- and uses scripture to make it sound authentic.
"You are Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church."
But Peter is not the church's foundational stone, Christ is.

Satan has counterfeited everything. A counterfeit is NOT an opposite, a counterfeit looks very much like the true but is false. He is busy setting up a system that brings to him the worship that belongs only to God. It is a demonstration of his style of government. A kingdom that makes the created the foundation, instead of the Creator.

Papal Rome felt they had the authority to rule, in a large measure because they were in the imperial city of Rome, they were groomed for that power by the Roman emperors, and finally given the authority as the head of all churches with the "duty" to persecute "heretics" by Justinian in the newly formulated "code of Justinian".




It is only by the knowledge of the great conflict between Christ and Lucifer (Satan) that the serious question is answered, "Why is there so much trouble and misery in the world, if there is a God of love?"
When the existence of Satan and his angels is denied, it tends to follow that a loving God is soon also denied.
This world was taken hostage by a usurper, the gospel is the good news that Christ came to redeem and rescue a people held hostage.

The reason God allows this suffering, is NOT because He uses evolution to develop a new species of better humans, that's basically what thiesitic evolution teaches, but which wholly distorts the character of God! It's definitely not due to lack of love.

God allows Satan to demonstrate his program of freedom from God's law, so all created beings can see the folly and terror that results from living in rebellion to God's law.
His law was challenged as being restrictive, taking away freedom and the ability to find and advance in happiness and knowledge. How can created beings find out the truth of God's law and love? By seeing the results of such a course.

In stark contrast one can see the beauty, holiness, in a God of love. Yes, he allowed His created beings to try to find greater happiness outside His law, but then, instead of saying "you chose that path don't come crying to Me, NO, He gave Himself to redeem mankind and bring them back into a perfect life of holiness and pure love and joy which is found only in Him and the law that is the real law of freedom and happiness!

The 1260 years the beast sends God's true church fleeing to the wilderness
At the end of which the beast receives deadly wound
But near the end of time the Beast is healed and the whole world wonders after the beast!


What do we see in the world today?
Were the people in the wrong in thinking this "beast" refers to Roman Catholic Papal Power united with Political Powers?

Are protestants now saying that Protest is dead, and reaching out to join hands with the papal power?
Are people asking the papacy to "do something" about various problems in the world?


Maybe we just read history wrong, or didn't bother to read it so we are disinformed with misinformation about the papacy -- things weren't really what these anti-papacy people were saying in years past?

Wait -- what is happening here?
Are these questions we hear just a sign that prophecy is true THE WOUND IS JUST ABOUT COMPLETELY HEALED???

One thing we need to be careful with, is that history is constantly being rewritten. The victor (or want to be victor) tends to try to erase parts of history and replace it with their own version. We know ancient kings did this. And it's still happening. For example, as Canadians, in a Canadian classroom, the war of 1812 was depicted rather differently from what was heard in American history classes.
The accounts from people who lived in eastern or western Germany during WWII are not identical to what one reads in American textbooks.

That is very true to a rather large extent of what one reads in church history on the internet. The papal church was very diligent in destroying the writings and records of the opposition. Much of what we know of the opposition is known only from Catholic writings that opposed them. We no longer have their side of the story, except for a few bits and pieces.

We see this in the issue over the Sabbath.
There are only three or so documents from the first centuries AD, that mention the Sabbath issue that have been made to sound like the church shifted into Sunday worship almost immediately after the resurrection.
Yet, a careful searching not only reveals that the papal church was making decrees and pronouncements a few hundred years later urging people to stop their Sabbath (Judaizing) and regard Sunday, as well as evidence Christians were still keeping Saturday/Sabbath hundreds of years after the resurrection.
Those few documents kept by the church don't really support their claim.
The question arises -- where are all the writings of churches that were keeping Sabbath? They are gone, only hints of them referred to in Catholic writings.




Older books (written in 17-18 hundreds) tend to give insights from people who actually lived closer to the time when the papacy was still in political power, and felt the persecuting hand of the church.
Yet, much of this is either missing or down played in modern accounts.

The counter reformation has worked very hard over the last 500 years to remove the stigma against the papal supremacy, which exposed the papal tyranny and their determination to rule in religious matters. People back in reformation time weren't shy (like they are today) to expose these things. True the intensity of rooting out anything the church called "heresy" was stronger at some times than others, but it was still always there. It was dangerous for dissenters to put any trust in offers of peace, it could backfire on them within a night.

Reading a lot about the history about papal problems and achievements emphases those popes were not holy men, yes, there was strife among them, rivalry, several times there was more than one claiming to be pope at the same time -- looking at their individual lives may cause some to think they weren't that powerful.
Yet, the power lay in the office, not in any individual pope, it was the belief of the people and kings of the supposedly binding authority the system possessed to consign people to hell if they didn't tow the line that kept people under fear to disagree with the papal line.
Persecution, torture, ridicule, being cut of from Christian society and sacraments, were very much part of the program to keep this fear alive and keep people in line.

The picture being created today is one of, --yes there were corruptions that needed to be reformed, but really the papacy was no worse than powers that killed people.
The popes in our day are lovable, pious, good shepherds that the world needs desperately to help solve the mess the world is in now.

I mean -- how else can the wound be healed. Such an attitude is the healing of the wound. And it is almost wholly healed now. Most of the Protestant world have laid down their claim that the papacy is the antichrist. All it needs is the final linking with the powerful civic governments of the world, and the confirmation and embellishment with those signs and wonders (supernatural displays) the Bible talks about, that will over ride the senses as well as challenge all cultivated reasoning and cause the nations to declare -- "who can resist the beast, who can fight against him?" -- they will think this is the work of "god" and the "whole world wanders after the beast".

538-1798 1260 years

So, in what sense was the capture of Pius VI in 1798, a deadly wound to the Catholics?
We heard pope Silverius was also taken captive and imprisoned way back in 537 AD. And several other popes or anti-popes were also imprisoned during the 1260 years.

So what is special about Pius VI being captured and imprisoned?

Silverius was pope when Belisarius (Justinian's general) was in Italy to drive the Goths out of Rome. The Goths were Christians but of the Arian line. Silverius was accused of plotting with the Goths and deposed. In 538 Rome was "freed" from Gothic power, and Roman Imperial law, (Justinian's lawyers had gathered and formally codified Rome's laws as "Corpus Juris Civilis" (?Body of Civil Law?), was established in that city once again. Vigilius became pope, replacing the pro-Gothic pope Silverius.

Eastern Emperor, Justinian himself, a very active persecutor of all who did not line up to what was considered Orthodoxic theology put into that law, the exalted title for the papacy as "THE HEAD OF ALL CHURCHES" who was to also accept the persecuting policy of Justinian against all "heretics".

Justinian was embroiled with many problems in the east, thus the pope, now given authority not only over the spiritual, but also to use civic power to enforce religion was left rather on his own in the west.

Yes, there was plenty of corruption and strife amongst the succession of popes. A few more were deposed, and replaced. But the authority of the papal chair did not change.

What is the real issue involved with the prophetic 1260 years? The real issue is papal primacy by law!

Papal Primacy is what the Papacy lost in 1798. She wants back what she had during those 1260 years.

What is Papal Primacy? First Papal Primacy is not:
Popularity
It is not being the top civil or political leader in a country.
It is not even whether everyone always accepts that primacy.

Papal Primacy during the 1260 years was being recognized BY LAW, as the supreme teaching authority. It was recognizing that the papacy had the legal right to persecute and eradicate all whom she defined as heretics. Papal power resided in her stance of having the very keys over who would enjoy eternal life, or suffer the wrath of God in purgatory or hell. A faulty application of Matt. 16:19's "bind and loose" was used to give the papacy power to intimidate even powerful kings into obedience in executing their agendas.

The issue isn't whether people liked it or not-- many didn't. The issue isn't whether the papacy suffered weak points during those years. We know there were even times when there were several "popes" fighting for the position. The issue is an entire era, covering 1260 years when papal primacy was established by law. Beginning with Justinian's code of law, and ending with Napolean's code of law.

So what was the difference in 1798 when Pope Pius VI was taken captive and imprisoned?

The pope's Legislative Primacy was taken away.
Justinian's law giving the Pope primacy over all churches and the authority to persecute heretics came to an end with Napolean's code of freedom of religion in his law.



The Catholic church did not die, yes there have been more popes, but the beast died, they do NOT have the authority to force or persecute people who believe differently. The primacy with political power died.

And it is that power that will come to life again.

A FALLING AWAY
It has a number!

The much debated 666
Revelation defines it as the number of man --

One point to remember:
Satan is the one who is behind this apostasy. He is the true ?man of sin? who desires to exalt ?himself above all that is called God?.

So what does Satan tempt mankind to do?
We see right from the beginning in Gen. 3, he fills human minds with desire to "be like God", to exalt self and one's own thoughts above the commands of God.
Gen. 3:5-6 (Just disobey God and trust your own judgment then) your eyes shall be opened, and ye shall be as gods, knowing good and evil.

All earthly humans and earthly powers that take the things of God and exalt themselves above all that is called God, are following his program.

The papacy has been well documented to do just that, and the number applies to her. However, the number appears to include more than that, and is applied to all who follow in that path of substituting human wisdom and power in the place of God. Thus exalting self above God.

The number six is the worlds number; a world that stands in defiance of God's commandments. But 666 repeats the number in ever increasing strength. It occurs in units, tens, and hundreds. Rising in supposed value, but never reaching God's sacred number -seven.

But six is severed from seven by an impassable gulf. Notice how the apostle John stops his accounts of the seven seals, trumpets and plagues after the sixth. He stops and gives additional information, then in the seventh God takes over!
Six is the number of the world in the time of probation, they have a choice but most disregard the warnings not realizing they are heading for the final judgment; hence there is a pause between the sixth and seventh seals, and the sixth and seventh trumpets and the seventh plague. In which thoughts are expressed that the world is gathering into one of two camps to face judgment.
In the seventh we see Christ claiming his people and the earth as His.

As A.Fausett writes in his commentary:


IThe adversary, in spite of having three versions of seven heads (dragon Rev. 12:3, sea beast Rev. 13:1, scarlet beast Rev. 17:3) all three with seven heads will never reach the symbolic perfection of seven, only 666.
One of the heads was mortally wounded, to make up for it the scarlet beast tries to bring up an eighth -- to somehow, seemingly restore the demised head . But it doesn't work, causes a lot of trouble, but does NOT bring the beasts to seven, only emphasizes their 666 position which ends in perdition.


I see a lot of symbolism pointing to the 7th day Sabbath in this. God gave us His Sabbath as a sign that He is our God, our Creator and it is He that sanctifies us.
Only He can lift us out of the 666 realm, into the realm of perfection signified by the number seven. He asks us to "remember" the Sabbath of the seventh day that He blessed and sanctified. (Ex. 20:8-11, Ezekiel 20:12,20)

And yes, history shows there has been, and is, a falling away on this point, and once one important command of God is dismissed, it's easy to dismiss many other commands of God and replace them with mankind's ideas of what is good. Once a person exalts self above God, God's will becomes optional to them.

But in the face of the increasing evil, which making God's law optional brings, people will realize there is a command that has been neglected, but they though they try to re-instate the Sabbath commandment, they do so with a day that is not sanctified or chosen by God. Legislation will be passed to honor Sunday, the day of the beast's choosing, in its place.

Interestingly, it is called the eighth day and given many nice reasons for offering it to the Lord. But the LORD said, remember the seventh day which I have bless and sanctified.

While many people do not yet realize what has been going on for centuries, yet Sunday is symbolic of exalting self, above God and belongs with the 666 realm, we want to be in God's sanctifying realm symbolized by the seventh.

The falling away has a number -- 666 (part 2)
The number of man, exalting himself above God.

Revelation 13:15 And he had power to give life unto the image of the beast, that the image of the beast should both speak, and cause that as many as would not worship the image of the beast should be killed.
13:16 And he causeth all, both small and great, rich and poor, free and bond, to receive a mark in their right hand, or in their foreheads:
13:17 And that no man might buy or sell, save he that had the mark, or the name of the beast, or the number of his name.
13:18 Here is wisdom. Let him that hath understanding count the number of the beast: for it is the number of a man; and his number [is] Six hundred threescore [and] six.




Is there anything in the Old Testament that might give us connecting clues in understanding Revelation 13:16-18.

We can turn to Daniel chapter three.
There is an image. It is sixty cubits high, and it's base is six cubits wide and six cubits deep.
A 666 image???

Nebuchadnezzar had a dream. A dream of a huge image with a head of gold, chest of silver, thighs of brass, and legs of iron. He was greatly troubled until Daniel told him it was a dream revealing the future. The head of gold represented Nebuchadnezzar and his Babylon kingdom, BUT another kingdom would follow, then another, and another.

Another kingdom follow his kingdom? this really troubled Nebuchadnezzar. So he decided to build this image, but he would make some changes! His version would excel the original! He ordered that whole image be made of the precious metal (gold) and constructed to stand sixty cubits (90 feet) tall--all overlaid with gold. It was his design that the whole image should represent the greatness of Babylon and erase from memory any thought that the image should pass on to other kingdoms.

Once set up, Nebuchadnezzar demanded worship on pain of being burned alive.

What we can learn from Daniel 3?
Truth can be turned into error, embellished to appear more pleasing and awe inspiring than truth. History will be repeated, mankind will take God's signs and memorials, and change them to institute their own counterfeits. These counterfeits will have a veneer of truth, embellished with inspiring form. And like Nebuchadnezzar, in his belief that he was the representative of god upon earth, a power claiming to speak for God, supposes it has the power and authority to change God's times and laws.

Babylon plays a major role in the book of Revelation. Though the ancient kingdom of Babylon is but a heap of ruins, it's ambitious soul and spirit lives on throughout the whole image depicted in Daniel. In the last days, in the time of the iron/clay feet, an image will be build and demand the whole world worship. Mankind will still seek to rule the world in the name of the gods, the counterfeit will overwhelmingly look like the true .

There is a lot in Daniel three that lays a foundation to understanding Revelation

The seal of God



BUT



What or when is the mark of the beast?

Receiving the mold of the world leads to the mark of the beast.

The specific test itself comes when the light of truth reveals the sanctity of the Seventh Day to the people, but Sunday is legislated as a day when people must cease their work and worship God. Those who turn away from the light shining on God's day to honor Sunday receive the mark of the beast. For they have chosen to defy God's Sabbath and honor the beast's Sabbath.

Right now there is very little Sunday observance. An hour at church is not observing a day as holy unto God. It is when the importance of God's commandments is recognized, and the 4th commandment sabbath is thrown aside while the sanctity of that day is assigned to Sunday by an act of legislation that the test for the whole world will take place.


What is a test? The test is "whom will we serve?" The last day test
comes when all people are faced with a specific situation where a choice must be made, to either follow God's will or go along with the crowd in substituting his command for the tradition of men.

Life gives many quizzes in which people develop a pattern, being molded by following the Holy Spirit, or being molded to flow with the world.
The preparation for the test -- meeting the many quizzes of life with a "thus says the Lord" He is my strength, my Lord and Master, my Savior, I will follow Him.

Does the Papacy claim the change of Saturday to Sunday is the MARK that the church has authority over the things of God?







Several have asked for more modern official quotes:
So here is the present position from the Catholic current catechism, posted on the Vatican Website.

The Catechism of the Catholic Church (Latin: Catechismus Catholicae Ecclesiae; commonly called the Catechism or the CCC) is a catechism promulgated for the Catholic Church by Pope John Paul II 1992.

Part three, Section Two: the ten commandments, Chapter One, Article three: the third commandment.
Quotes Exodus 20:8-10 and Mark 2:27-28
This is followed by 27 statements. Here is a sample
A point that causes concern is #2188

The next points are a summary.


From what I can see here -- this is a statement tailored so all former Protestant churches can agree and ecumenical unity can progress. According to this view; The Saturday Sabbath was for the Jews, but now, since the cross, a new law is instituted for Christians in which Sunday is now the day of supreme worship.
So we are back to old covenant/new covenant arguments and that somehow the Sabbath was transferred, though no new command or confirmation is given in scripture.

It's plain that the goal is to get the whole world "for their common good" to unite on this point.
This issue is about WHOM DO WE WORSHIP?

It's not about "does the Sabbath save us". -- But who we worship is crucial to our Salvation.
And yes, that worship must be genuine from the heart.

Arguing that Saturday keeping is just an outward show, therefore this isn't an important point, is missing the whole message!
The issue is WHO DO WE WORSHIP! The One we obey! (Romans 6:16)

"Worship Him that made the heavens and the earth and the fountains of water.... (Rev.14:7)
"Here is the patience of the saints, here are they that keep the commandments of God and have the faith of Jesus. (Rev. 14:12)
For In vain they worship Me, teaching for doctrine the commandments of men. (Matt. 15:9)

MEMORY VERSE

Revelation 18:1 After these things I saw another angel coming down from heaven, having great authority, and the earth was illuminated with his glory.

The above verse sounds victorious and wonderful, but the context that follows doesn't sound good at all, as it defines a world worshipping and involved in a system gone totally wrong.
But the message is a message of hope and urgency to "come out".

But let's consider another verse which may cause us to put a little different light on the verse.

John 12:23 And Jesus answered them, saying, The hour is come, that the Son of man should be glorified.

What hour is Jesus referring to in this second verse?
John 12:27-28 Now is my soul troubled; and what shall I say? Father, save me from this hour: but for this cause came I unto this hour. Father, glorify thy name. Then came there a voice from heaven, saying, I have both glorified it, and will glorify it again.

Jesus was referring to His crucifixion! The glorifying sought is that reached through death. It wasn't for Himself that He prayed for glorification, but that God's name may be glorified among the people.

At this time Christ's mission didn't look victorious either, rather it looked more like cruel defeat. The priests and Pharisees had been given plenty of evidence of Who Christ was, but what was also becoming evident was that they would never receive Him as the Messiah, they were determined to kill Him! To His disciples the case seemed hopeless.
And yet it was the hour He would be glorified! Christ was approaching the consummation of His mission. Christ was to open up the fountain of grace for the whole world!

Does our dying to self, bring glory to God?

Take up thy cross and follow Me. Luke 9:23-24
John 12:24 Verily, verily, I say unto you, Except a corn of wheat fall into the ground and die, it abides alone: but if it die, it brings forth much fruit.

Yes, those verses mean dying to self and living for Christ.


Yet, there is another thought expressed.


WHEN WILL THE EARTH BE ILLUMINATED WITH HIS GLORY
How will the third angel's message lighten up the earth and bring everyone to decision, causing many to leave Babylon and cast their lot in with God's people who keep the commandments of God and have the faith of Jesus.

At present, when the three angel's messages of the importance of the Sabbath is shared the response too often is "don't be so arrogant", "you think you're better than us?" "the Sabbath is legalism". etc. And true, the message is sometimes given in a manner that gives that impression. Mere religious words in our society don't "lighten the earth".

But when a people would rather suffer the lose of all that makes life livable, and even die (and yes there will be martyrs before probation closes), rather than deny the God who created all things and offers salvation, by trampling on His Sabbath. When this is brought before the world and discussed in the courts of law people are going to ask questions?

Sure, many will think the Saturday keepers are crazy insubordinates and deserve what they get, but others will seriously think -- is the legal mandate to set apart Sunday under the pretext of restoring God's favor, actually submitting to a false god, and to powers that are defying God's commands, and denying Christ as the Creator and Redeemer?
Which day did God actually set apart, and if not Sunday, why is Sunday now being mandated legally?

This message (depicted as an angel) which lightens the whole earth with glory, before Babylon receives her plagues and is destroyed, will be given by people who have so committed themselves to Christ, that their stand to be faithful to the Creator God (by the power of the Holy Spirit that is promised to be poured out upon them) will, by their very willingness to suffer, be that glory that lightens the world.

WHY IS THIS GLORY TO ENLIGHTEN THE WHOLE EARTH

God wants everyone to have a chance to accept salvation, before Babylon's judgment is carried out.

Revelation 18:4 Come out of her, my people, that ye be not partakers of her sins, and that ye receive not of her plagues. "


Rev. 22:14 Blessed [are] they that do his commandments, that they may have right to the tree of life, and may enter in through the gates into the city.

Psalms 111: 7 The works of His hands are verity and justice;
All His commandments are sure.
8 They stand fast forever and ever,
And are done in truth and uprightness.
9 He has sent redemption to His people;
He has commanded His covenant forever:
Holy and awesome is His name.

GOD'S GLORY FILLS THE EARTH

Rev. 14:7 Fear God and give glory to Him!

God?s glory is His character of righteousness, love, mercy, goodness.

The earth will be filled with the glory of God when we are filled with the love of God and our characters are changed by redeeming love.

Exodus 33:19 "?I will make all My goodness pass before you, and I will proclaim the name of the Lord before you. I will be gracious to whom I will be gracious, and I will have compassion on whom I will have compassion.?

Through the transforming work of Christ in our lives, we can reflect His glorious character.
His love in our personal lives reveals His glory, His character, to the world.

There is no glory for ourselves in our good works, or our righteousness, or our goodness. The message of Christ's righteousness is to sound from one end of the earth to the other. And, as noted in the post above, it may be because God's people are willing to pay the ultimate price rather than bring any dishonor to God, that this message will sounded throughout the whole world.

In the following verse Jesus tells Simon Peter that he would glorify God by his death, and to follow the example of Christ. We know from history Peter was also crucified, but requested to be crucified upside down because he didn't think himself worthy to crucified like Christ!

John 21:17-19 Jesus said the third time, Simon, son of Jonas, lovest thou me? Peter was grieved because He had asked the third time, Lovest thou me? And he said to him, Lord, you know all things; you know that I love You!
Jesus said unto him... Verily, verily, I say to you, When you were young, you put on your belt, and walked where ever you wanted: but when you are old, you will stretch forth your hands, and another shall gird thee, and carry you where you would rather not go.
Thus Jesus, signified by what death he should glorify God. And when he had spoken this, he said to Simon Peter, Follow me.

Yet we are to bring glory to God while living!

1 Cor. 6:20 For ye are bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God's.

1 Peter 2:12 Having your conversation honest among the Gentiles: that, whereas they speak against you as evildoers, they may by your good works, which they shall behold, glorify God in the day of visitation.

2 Cor. 4:4-6 The god of this world has blinded the minds of them which believe not, lest the light of the glorious gospel of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine unto them.
4:5 For we preach not ourselves, but Christ Jesus the Lord; and ourselves your servants for Jesus' sake. For God, who commanded the light to shine out of darkness, hath shined in our hearts, to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ.

Matt. 5:14 Ye are the light of the world.

Knowing Truth

From Monday's lesson:
God?s final appeal to His people is to flee the errors of Babylon and walk in the light of eternal truth found in His Word. The key to everything is the Bible. As long as people stick to the Bible and follow what it teaches, they will not be deceived in the final crisis, particularly regarding the Sabbath.

The message of the second angel appeals to us to accept truth

Is knowing the truth important? Isn't it enough just to love Jesus and others, why spend time studying the scriptures trying to figure out what is truth? Won't the Holy Spirit simply tell us what is a deception and what is not?

These are comments I've met as these lessons on the three angels have been studied this quarter.

Of course, if one does not see the love of God and redeeming grace of Jesus in these messages they have not arrived at truth. And yes, we need the Holy Spirit to lead is into all truth.

So how important is KNOWING and establishing ourselves in truth concerning these last day warning messages?


Hos. 4:6 My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge: because thou hast rejected knowledge, I will also reject thee, that thou shalt be no priest to me: seeing thou hast forgotten the law of thy God

It appears to me that KNOWING truth is very important.