Prophecy Will Repeat

by Linda Hoffman

In the Scriptures are presented truths that relate especially to our own time. To the period just prior to the appearing of the Son of man, the prophecies of Scripture point, and here their warnings and threatenings preeminently apply. The prophetic periods of Daniel, extending to the very eve of the great consummation, throw a flood of light upon events then to transpire. The book of Revelation is also replete with warning and instruction for the last generation. The beloved John, under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, portrays the fearful and thrilling scenes connected with the close of earth’s history, and presents the duties and dangers of God’s people. None need remain in ignorance, none need be unprepared for the coming of the day of God. [RH 09-25-83 para. 6]

This tells us that the prophecies of Daniel apply to the very eve of the consummation—“the end”—that they are future—“then to transpire”—from 1883. Also the prophetic periods apply at the end or in the last generation. What are prophetic periods?

God tested and proved His people by the passing of the time in 1843. The mistake made in reckoning the prophetic periods was not at once discovered, even by learned men who opposed the views of those who were looking for Christ’s coming. Scholars declared that Mr. Miller was right in his calculation of the time, though they disputed him in regard to the event that would crown that period. But they, and the waiting people of God, were in a common error on the question of time. [CET 50.2]

Again they were led to their Bibles to search the prophetic periods. The hand of the Lord was removed from the figures, and the mistake was explained. They saw that the prophetic periods reached to 1844, and that the same evidence which they had presented to show that the prophetic periods closed in 1843, proved that they would terminate in 1844. [EW 236.1]

Prophetic periods have to do with time prophecies. They extend to the very eve of the consummation. They are “then to transpire” future to 1883. This is long past 1844. Therefore the prophetic periods of time must have a future application if we accept what the Prophet says. We can understand that there could be no day/year prophecies anymore because it would be too long. Those ended in 1844. But a literal time period will still occur and was occasionally given in scripture such as in Jeremiah 29:10. This apparent conflict of statements (ended in 1844 and is still future) can be logically explained with this understanding and therefore does not pose a contradiction, only a past and future fulfillment; a long day for a year time period and a short one, literal day for a day. Otherwise, those who say there is no future fulfillment, have no explanation for these opposite statements.

Study the Revelation in connection with Daniel; for history will be repeated. We must be true and faithful amid the abounding iniquity that prevails. At no period of time are we in such danger as when prosperity seems to crown our efforts. Self must be hidden in God. We are living amid the perils of the last days, and many are insensible to the perils that threaten our world. We, with all our religious advantages, ought to know far more to-day than we do know. “Watch, and pray,” said Jesus, “for ye know not when the time is.” “Be ye therefore ready also: for the Son of Man cometh at an hour when ye think not.” Repentance is not a desirable emotion. Christ said, “Except ye repent, ye shall all likewise perish.” The right eye is to be plucked out; the right hand is to be cut off. There is hidden depravity that needs to be carefully considered and uprooted. God help us individually to purify our souls by obeying the truth. [SPTA07 p. 55, Para. 1]

We are standing on the threshold of great and solemn events. Many of the prophecies are about to be fulfilled in quick succession. Every element of power is about to be set to work. Past history will be repeated; old controversies will arouse to new life, and peril will beset God’s people on every side. Intensity is taking possession of the human family. It is permeating everything upon the earth. And for what?–Games, plays, amusements; men are rushing and crowding, and contending for the mastery. That which is common and perishable is absorbing their attention, so that things of eternal interest are scarcely thought of. Human beings, possessed with energy, zeal, and perseverance, will place all their God-given powers in cooperation with Satan’s despotism to make void the law of God. Impostors of every caste and grade will claim to be worthy and true, and there will be a magnifying of the common and impure against the true and the holy. Thus the spurious is accepted, and the true standard of holiness is discarded, as the word of God was discarded by Adam and Eve for the lie of Satan. [RH 08-31-97 para. 7]

Notice all the future tense words used in this quote: “are about to be,” “is about to be,” “will.” Do we believe her or don’t we? If we do believe, how can we say the prophecies and prophetic periods do not repeat when she says they do?

Brethren and sisters, the Lord wants to impart to us increased light. He desires that we shall have distinct revealings of His glory, that ministers and people shall become strong in His strength. When the angel was about to unfold to Daniel the intensely interesting prophecies to be recorded for us who are to witness their fulfillment, the angel said, “Be strong, yea, be strong.” We are to receive the very same glory that was revealed to Daniel, because it is for God’s people in these last days, that they may give the trumpet a certain sound. [1888 Mtl. p. 514 para. 02]

Here we have more future tense language on the prophecies of Daniel: We “are to witness their fulfillment”. Past fulfillment is not alluded to here. Future fulfillment is for “the last days”. (Which we are now in).

Let’s look at some of the prophecies that we are specifically told will repeat.

Daniel 8, 10, 11 are future.

The light that Daniel received direct from God was given especially for these last days. The visions he saw by the banks of the Ulai and the Hiddekel, the great rivers of Shinar, are now in process of fulfillment, and all the events foretold will soon have come to pass. [16MR334.02]

Daniel’s visions by the Ulai and Hiddekel—Daniel 8, 10, 11 are future, for the last days.

Daniel 7 in the past:

Paul, in his second epistle to the Thessalonians, points out the power that has attempted to break down the law of God. He warns the believers concerning the great apostasy and the blasphemous antichristian power that would be developed and perform its work before Christ should come the second time. He says: “That day shall not come, except there come a falling away first, and that man of sin be revealed, the son of perdition; who opposeth and exalteth himself above all that is called God, or that is worshiped; so that he as God sitteth in the temple of God, showing himself that he is God. . . . The mystery of iniquity doth already work; only he who now letteth [hindereth] will let [hinder], until he be taken out of the way. And then shall that Wicked be revealed, whom the Lord shall consume with the spirit of his mouth, and shall destroy with the brightness of his coming.” The prophet Daniel, describing the same power, says, “He shall speak great words against the Most High, and shall wear out the saints of the Most High, and think to change times and laws.”

How strikingly have these prophecies been fulfilled by the Romish Church! Not only has this power attempted to change the times and laws of God, but she openly avows that she has made such changes, and she declares that by the observance of Sunday, which rests solely upon her authority, the Protestant world is acknowledging the supremacy of Rome. It is the breach which has thus been made in the law of God that the people described by Isaiah are seeking to build up. [ST 06-12-93 para. 04]

“been fulfilled”—past

Daniel 7 in the future:

That the law which was spoken by God’s own voice is faulty, that some specification has been set aside, is the claim which Satan now puts forward. It is the last great deception that he will bring upon the world. He needs not to assail the whole law; if he can lead men to disregard one precept, his purpose is gained. For “whosoever shall keep the whole law, and yet offend in one point, he is guilty of all.” James 2:10. By consenting to break one precept, men are brought under Satan’s power. By substituting human law for God’s law, Satan will seek to control the world. This work is foretold in prophecy. Of the great apostate power which is the representative of Satan, it is declared, “He shall speak great words against the Most High, and shall wear out the saints of the Most High, and think to change times and laws: and they shall be given into his hand.” Dan. 7:25.

Men will surely set up their laws to counterwork the laws of God. They will seek to compel the consciences of others, and in their zeal to enforce these laws they will oppress their fellow men. [DA 763]

We are certainly seeing this fulfilled in the laws being enacted at this time, laws totally contrary to Biblical marriage, laws allowing the killing of babies, the 10 Commandments being removed, and the outlawing of prayer to the God of Heaven though rayers to Allah are not outlawed in public schools or workplaces. Sunday laws, contrary to God’s word, will be instated next.

Much of Daniel 11 is to be fulfilled again.

We have no time to lose. Troublous times are before us. The world is stirred with the spirit of war. Soon the scenes of trouble spoken of in the prophecies will take place. The prophecy in the eleventh [chapter] of Daniel has nearly reached its complete fulfillment. Much of the history that has taken place in fulfillment of this prophecy will be repeated. In the thirtieth verse a power is spoken of that “shall be grieved, and return, and have indignation against the holy covenant: so shall he do; he shall even return, and have intelligence with them that forsake the holy covenant. And arms shall stand on his part, and they shall pollute the sanctuary of strength, and shall take away the daily sacrifice, and they shall place the abomination that maketh desolate. And such as do wickedly against the covenant shall be corrupt by flatteries: but the people that do know their God shall be strong, and do exploits. [Unpublished Manuscripts, Volume 1 p. 136 para. 1]

The creation of Sunday laws will fulfill the prophecy of Daniel 11:30. The daily is taken away and the abomination that makes desolate set up. Verse 32-33 sounds like the loud cry which follows the making of Sunday laws. This will be for a time, times and half a time: 3 1/2 years.

Daniel 12 time prophecies are future.

Time, times, and an half:

Daniel writes: “I heard the man clothed in linen, which was upon the waters of the river, when he held up his right hand and his left hand unto heaven, and sware by him that liveth forever that it shall be for a time, times, and an half; and when he shall have accomplished to scatter the power of the holy people, all these things shall be finished. And I heard, but I understood not: then said I, O my Lord, what shall be the end of these things? And He said, Go thy way, Daniel: for the words are closed up and sealed till the time of the end. Many shall be purified, and made white, and tired; but the wicked shall do wickedly: and none of the wicked shall understand; but the wise shall understand.”

This world is a theatre. The actors, the inhabitants of the world, are preparing to act their part in the last great drama. God is lost sight of. There is no unity of purpose, except as parties of men confederate to gain their ends. God is looking on. His purposes in regard to his rebellious subjects will be fulfilled. The world has not been given into the hands of men, though God is permitting the elements of confusion and disorder to bear sway for a season. A power from beneath is working to bring about the last great scenes in the drama,–Satan coming as Christ, and working with all deceivableness of unrighteousness in those who are binding themselves together in secret societies. Those who are yielding to the passion for confederation are working out the plans of the enemy. The cause will be followed by the effect.

Transgression has almost reached its limit. Confusion fills the world, and a great terror is soon to come upon human beings. And the end is very near. We who know the truth should be preparing for what is soon to break upon the world as an overwhelming surprise. [Bible Training School 02-01-03]

Interestingly this phrase “time, times and a half” in Daniel 12:7 is used only in a future sense in SOP writings. I never found it in reference to the past 1260 years of papal rule. This “moed, moeds and a half” refer to a 3 1/2 year period at the end of all things. Moed is the word for appointed times, feasts in scripture. The Strong’s number for moed is H4150. This time period given in feast language is related to God’s feast days and things happening at those times. In Daniel moed refers to the “the end” in 8:19, 11:27, 35. Most time periods are given in days or months which are from different Hebrew words.

One thousand two hundred and ninety:

We have no time to lose. Troublous times are before us. The world is stirred with the spirit of war. Soon the scenes of trouble spoken of in the prophecies will take place. The prophecy in the eleventh [chapter] of Daniel has nearly reached its complete fulfillment. Much of the history that has taken place in fulfillment of this prophecy will be repeated. In the thirtieth verse a power is spoken of that “shall be grieved, and return, and have indignation against the holy covenant: so shall he do; he shall even return, and have intelligence with them that forsake the holy covenant. And arms shall stand on his part, and they shall pollute the sanctuary of strength, and shall take away the daily sacrifice, and they shall place the abomination that maketh desolate. And such as do wickedly against the covenant shall be corrupt by flatteries: but the people that do know their God shall be strong, and do exploits. [Unpublished Manuscripts, Volume 1 p. 136 para. 1]

And from the time that the daily sacrifice shall be taken away, and the abomination that maketh desolate set up, there shall be a thousand two hundred and ninety days. Daniel 12:11

A wonderful connection is seen between the universe of heaven and this world. The things revealed to Daniel were afterward complemented by the revelation made to John on the Isle of Patmos. These two books should be carefully studied. Twice Daniel inquired, How long shall it be to the end of time?

“And I heard, but I understood not: then said I, O my Lord, what shall be the end of these things? And He said, Go thy way, Daniel: for the words are closed up and sealed till the time of the end. Many shall be purified, and made white, and tried; but the wicked shall do wickedly: and none of the wicked shall understand; but the wise shall understand. And from the time that the daily sacrifice shall be taken away, and the abomination that maketh desolate set up, there shall be a thousand two hundred and ninety days. Blessed is he that waiteth, and cometh to the thousand three hundred and five and thirty days. But go thou thy way till the end be: for thou shalt rest, and stand in thy lot at the end of the days.”

It was the Lion of the tribe of Judah who unsealed the book and gave to John the revelation of what should be in these last days.

Daniel stood in his lot to bear his testimony which was sealed until the time of the end, when the first angel’s message should be proclaimed to our world. These matters are of infinite importance in these last days; but while “many shall be purified, and made white, and tried,” “the wicked shall do wickedly: and none of the wicked shall understand.”. . . The book of Daniel is unsealed in the revelation to John, and carries us forward to the last scenes of this earth’s history.

Will our brethren bear in mind that we are living amid the perils of the last days? Read Revelation in connection with Daniel. Teach these things. [TM 114, 115]

This shows the 1290 to be future according to SOP. The start of the abomination is Sunday laws and the end is 1335 days later, the answer to Daniel’s question of how long to “the end of time”. The 1335 is beyond the 1290 by 45 days. The 1335 could be the voice of God which brings deliverance to God’s people and tells the time of the second coming.

After these seven thunders uttered their voices, the injunction comes to John as to Daniel in regard to the little book: “Seal up those things which the seven thunders uttered.” These relate to future events which will be disclosed in their order. Daniel shall stand in his lot at the end of the days. John sees the little book unsealed. Then Daniel’s prophecies have their proper place in the first, second, and third angels’ messages to be given to the world. The unsealing of the little book was the message in relation to time.

The books of Daniel and the Revelation are one. One is a prophecy, the other a revelation; one a book sealed, the other a book opened. John heard the mysteries which the thunders uttered, but he was commanded not to write them. [7BC 971]

This shows that the 7 thunders are future and relate to the 1st, 2nd, and 3rd angels’ messages, events that are fulfilled from the book of Daniel when it is understood how they relate to the 3 angels’ messages.

Brother Hewit from Dead River was there. He came with a message to the effect that the destruction of the wicked and the sleep of the dead was an abomination within a shut door that a woman, Jezebel, a prophetess had brought in and he believed that I was that woman Jezebel. We told him of some of his errors in the past, that the 1335 days were ended and numerous errors of his. It had but little effect. His darkness was felt upon the meeting and it dragged. [6MR250.02]

Again, it is future.

The Seals:

Thy right hand, O God, shall dash in pieces Thine enemies. Revelation 6 and 7 are full of meaning. Terrible are the judgments of God revealed. The seven angels stood before God to receive their commission. To them were given seven trumpets. The Lord was going forth to punish the inhabitants of the earth for their iniquity, and the earth was to disclose her blood and no more cover her slain. Give the description in chapter 6. [15MR219.02]

Revelation 6 and 7 are the seals, judgments, and events that lead to the sealing of God’s people (chapter 7). These are future judgments that are coming. We have seen the 2nd seal which is characterized by a red horse, in the many Christians that were killed in the 20th and 21st centuries. Hitler, Stalin, Communism in general, and Muslims have killed millions upon millions of Christians.

The 3rd and 4th Seals:

The same spirit is seen today that is represented in Revelation 6:6-8). History is to be repeated. That which has been will be again. This spirit works to confuse and to perplex. Dissension will be seen in every nation, kindred, tongue, and people, and those who have not had a spirit to follow the light that God has given through His living oracles, through His appointed agencies, will become confused. Their judgment will reveal weakness. Disorder and strife and confusion will be seen in the church. [APOC 102]

Revelation 6:6-8 is the 3rd and 4th seals. “Will be” is used repeatedly—future tense from Sister White’s day. We have seen plenty of famine and pestilence the world over.

The 5th Seal:

When the fifth seal was opened, John the Revelator in vision saw beneath the altar the company that were slain for the Word of God and the testimony of Jesus Christ. After this came the scenes described in the eighteenth of Revelation, when those who are faithful and true are called out from Babylon. [Revelation 18: 1-5, quoted.] [20MR14.03]

This puts the death of many Christians in the future followed by the loud cry, or the 4th angel of Revelation 18. Again it is future! So the famine and pestilence of the 4th seal leads to the “little” time of trouble and the message going to the whole world.

The Loud Cry:

Another angel from heaven will join the third angel in proclaiming the loud cry, “Come out of her, My people, that ye be not partakers of her sins, and receive not of her plagues” (Revelation 18:4). The crisis is upon us. It is coming as a thief in the night stealing upon us unawares. [APOC 22]

I stated [at the 1888 General Conference Session] that another angel was to come down from heaven with a message, and the whole earth was to be lighted with his glory. It would be impossible for [God’s people] to state just how this additional light will come. It might come in a very unexpected manner; in a way that would not agree with the ideas that many have conceived. It is not at all unlikely or contrary to the ways and works of God to send light to His people in unexpected ways.–Letter 22, 1889, p. 10. (To R. A. Underwood, January 18, 1889.) [APOC 26]

Before the close of this world’s history, those who are willing to accept the evidence will have the dark veil removed from their minds. Hearts will be cleansed through accepting Christ during the time that the whole world is lighted by the glory of the angel that comes down from heaven [–the angel of Revelation 18:1-3 ] . . . [APOC 35].

When does the loud cry come?

And at the commencement of the time of trouble, we were filled with the Holy Ghost as we went forth and proclaimed the Sabbath more fully.[1] This enraged the churches and nominal Adventists,* as they could not refute the Sabbath truth. And at this time God’s chosen all saw clearly that we had the truth, and they came out and endured the persecution with us. I saw the sword, famine, pestilence, and great confusion in the land. The wicked thought that we had brought the judgments upon them, and they rose up and took counsel to rid the earth of us, thinking that then the evil would be stayed. [EW 35]

The famine, sword, and pestilence—the 4th seal—overlaps the “little time of trouble”.

“The commencement of that time of trouble,” here mentioned does not refer to the time when the plagues shall begin to be poured out, but to a short period just before they are poured out, while Christ is in the sanctuary. At that time, while the work of salvation is closing, trouble will be coming on the earth, and the nations will be angry, yet held in check so as not to prevent the work of the third angel. At that time the “latter rain,” or refreshing from the presence of the Lord, will come, to give power to the loud voice of the third angel, and prepare the saints to stand in the period when the seven last plagues shall be poured out. [EW 85]

The 5th seal is here shown to relate to the 4th angel’s message or the loud cry.

The 6th Seal:

We are doing work for eternity. I want to do it better. I want to do it so that it will stand the test of the Judgment; that when the Judgment shall sit, and the books shall be opened, and every man judged according to the things written in the books, it will there be seen that I have a clean record, without blot; that I have led the right path heavenward, and that I have done what I could to win souls to Christ. Oh that I could speak so as to arouse men and women to realize the importance of the time in which we live! that now is the time of salvation, that now is the time to work. God forbid that we should be idle and asleep, and in the resurrection morn it be said, If it had not been for you, I should have been saved. God forbid that we should allow the spirit and influence of the world to come in, and draw others away upon the wrong track. Here is where the two paths diverge; here is where many will be led astray. And in the day of God many will say, This is why I went into infidelity. I saw that there was no power or worthiness in the church, or among the ministers, and therefore I chose the other path, which has led me to death and destruction. In agony of soul they will seek the rocks and mountains, and cry, “Fall on us, and hide us from the face of him that sitteth on the throne, and from the wrath of the Lamb: for the great day of his wrath is come; and who shall be able to stand?” [RH 01-04-87 para. 22]

The 6th seal portrays the cry of the wicked over the plagues of God—God’s wrath coming upon them.

Revelation 8 and 9 are future.

And when He had opened the seventh seal, there was silence in heaven about the space of half an hour. And I saw the seven angels which stood before God; and to them were given seven trumpets. And another angel came and stood at the altar, having a golden censer; and there was given unto him much incense, that he should offer it with the prayers of all saints upon the golden altar which was before the throne. And the smoke of the incense, which came with the prayers of the saints, ascended up before God out of the angel’s hand” (Revelation 8:1-4). [APOC 102]

Trumpet after trumpet is to be sounded, vial after vial poured out one after another upon the inhabitants of the earth. [1888 Mtl. p. 762 para. 01]

The Trumpets are future.

And Joshua the son of Nun called the priests, and said unto them, Take up the ark of the covenant, and let seven priests bear seven trumpets of rams’ horns before the ark of the LORD. And he said unto the people, Pass on, and compass the city, and let him that is armed pass on before the ark of the LORD. And it came to pass, when Joshua had spoken unto the people, that the seven priests bearing the seven trumpets of rams’ horns passed on before the LORD, and blew with the trumpets: and the ark of the covenant of the LORD followed them. And the armed men went before the priests that blew with the trumpets, and the rereward came after the ark, the priests going on, and blowing with the trumpets. And Joshua had commanded the people, saying, Ye shall not shout, nor make any noise with your voice, neither shall any word proceed out of your mouth, until the day I bid you shout; then shall ye shout. So the ark of the LORD compassed the city, going about it once: and they came into the camp, and lodged in the camp. Joshua 6:6-11

This is a a type of the trumpets in the future. You have the seven trumpets blown, the loud shout or cry. Then you have the wall of the great city falling down. Babylon crumbles! The first 4 trumpets fall on the very things in the first angel’s message from Revelation 14: earth, sea, rivers and fountains, and heavens. These judgments of God may be that which gives power to the loud cry and shows God’s displeasure at the Sunday laws that have been enacted. These are the very things that God, in the 4th commandment, says that He created. (Exodus 20:8-11)

And I saw another angel fly in the midst of heaven, having the everlasting gospel to preach unto them that dwell on the earth, and to every nation, and kindred, and tongue, and people, Saying with a loud voice, Fear God, and give glory to him; for the hour of his judgment is come: and worship him that made heaven, and earth, and the sea, and the fountains of waters. Revelation 14:6, 7

Revelation 9: the 5th Trumpet

This trumpet portrays a time when Satan will appear to men as an angel of light along with his demons. They torture men.

“In this age antichrist will appear as the true Christ, and then the law of God will be fully made void in the nations of our world. Rebellion against God’s holy law will be fully ripe. But the true leader of all this rebellion is Satan clothed as an angel of light. Men will be deceived and will exalt him to the place of God, and deify him. But Omnipotence will interpose, and to the apostate churches that unite in the exaltation of Satan, the sentence will go forth, `Therefore shall her plagues come in one day, death, and mourning, and famine; and she shall be utterly burned with fire: for strong is the Lord God who judgeth her.'”

Disguised as an angel of light, he [Satan] will walk the earth as a wonder-worker. In beautiful language he will present lofty sentiments. Good words will be spoken by him, and good deeds performed. Christ will be personified, but on one point there will be a marked distinction. Satan will turn the people from the law of God.

He will declare that the Sabbath has been changed from the seventh to the first day of the week; and as lord of the first day of the week he will present this spurious sabbath as a test of loyalty to him. [Mar 205]

The 6th and 7th Trumpets announce the coming plagues.

Revelation 10 is future as well as past.

After these seven thunders uttered their voices, the instruction comes to John as to Daniel in regard to the little book: “Seal up those things which the seven thunders uttered.” These relate to future events which will be disclosed in their order. Daniel shall stand in his lot at the end of the days. John sees the little book unsealed. Then Daniel’s prophecies have their proper place in the first, second, and third angels’ messages to be given to the world. [Unpublished Manuscripts, Volume 6 p. 16 para. 1]

The books of Daniel and the Revelation are one. One is a prophecy, the other a revelation; one a book sealed, the other a book opened. [Unpublished Manuscripts, Volume 6 p. 16 para. 1]

Revelation 11: the Two Witnesses are future.

Let all who would understand the meaning of these things read the eleventh chapter of Revelation. Read every verse, and learn the things that are yet to take place in the cities. Read also the scenes portrayed in the eighteenth chapter of the same book.

“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.” It will not be to the credit of any who believe the word of the prophecies of this book to ignore the special indications of God, and show indifference in regard to this wonderful display of the power of God because of the sins of this city recently destroyed. The Lord forbid that those who have witnessed this great destruction shall make light of the matter and flatter themselves that in the future they will have buildings far in advance of any buildings they have yet had. For if those who have felt the rebuke of God shall set themselves defiantly to invest their means as they have done, God will exercise His power to counteract their efforts. This calamity calls for men who have abused their privileges and taken advantage of their fellow men, to make amends for the wrong they have done. The Lord has spoken. Will men hear His voice? [21MR 91]

Every verse of Revelation 11 has a future fulfillment and is connected to the Loud cry in Revelation 18. When the two witness speak (the loud cry), and bring down the judgments of the 7 trumpets, then there are many martyrs. The two witness are represented as Moses and Elijah because both represent the laws of Jehovah and were zealous for those laws. The 10 Commandments and the Law of Moses both still stand according to SOP.

The light given me is that we are to study more than we do the instruction given to Moses by God after He had proclaimed the law from Sinai. The ten commandments were spoken by God Himself, and were then written on tables of stone, to be preserved till the judgment should take place. After the giving of the law, God gave Moses specifications regarding the law. These specifications are plain and explicit. No one need make a mistake.

In the day of judgment we shall be asked whether we have lived in harmony with these specifications. [AUCR, March 25, 1907 par. 3]

Revelation 12 is to be repeated.

This will swell to a roar. We have yet to learn the significance of those words of John: “Then the dragon was wroth with the woman, and went to make war with the remnant of her seed, which keep the commandments of God, and have the testimony of Jesus Christ. [RH 08-28-83 para. 27]

Those who bear the seal of the living God will be tested; for we read: “The dragon was wroth with the woman, and went to make war with the remnant of her seed, which keep the commandments of God, and have the testimony of Jesus Christ.” [20MR221.02]

It is interesting to note that in all of the SOP quotes on this chapter, she speaks of the woman fleeing into the wilderness (verse 6) but not flying into the wilderness (verse 14). She refers to the 1260 as past but not the time, times and a half as past. So the woman who flies into the wilderness is the last-day church.

A future application of Revelation 13:

“He that leadeth into captivity shall go into captivity: he that killeth with the sword must be killed with the sword. Here is the patience and the faith of the saints” [Rev. 13:10]. This entire chapter is a revelation of what will surely take place. [Rev. 13:11, 15-17, quoted.] [19MR182.06]

Some say that prophecy with time elements cannot repeat. Revelation 13:5 is included in the “entire chapter” noted above. 42 Months “will surely take place” yet.

Revelation 12, 13, 14, and 17 all have future applications.

God has warned His people of the perils before them. John beholds the things which will be in the last days, and he sees a people working counter to God. Read Revelation 12:17; 14:10-13, and chapters 17 and 13. John sees the company who have been deceived. He says, “I saw three unclean spirits like frogs come out of the mouth of the dragon, and out of the mouth of the beast, and out of the mouth of the false prophet. For they are the spirits of devils, working miracles, which go forth unto the kings of the earth and of the whole world, to gather them to the battle of that great day of God Almighty. Behold, I come as a thief. Blessed is he that watcheth, and keepeth his garments, lest he walk naked, and they see his shame” [Rev. 16: 13-15]. [1896MS]

Beware! We cannot say that there is no repeat of prophetic fulfillment without calling God’s prophet a liar. History shows us just how these prophecies will repeat, though not in long prophetic periods but very rapidly at the very end of this earth’s history. If you cannot see this please reread the above quotes again and again. Let’s pray for eyes that can see and ears that can hear. Let us not repeat the error of the Jews at Jesus’ first coming who did not recognize any fulfillment of prophecy when it conflicted with their preconceived notions.

The great error with churches in all ages has been to reach a certain point in their understanding of Bible truth and there stop. There they anchored. They ceased to “Go forward,” as much as to say, “We have all-sufficient light. We need no more.” And they refuse light. [1888 Mtl. p. 826 para. 02]

There is a most solemn work to be done. In these last days we have the benefit of the wisdom and experience of past ages. The men of God, saints and martyrs, have made confession of their faith, and the knowledge of their experience and their burning zeal for God is transmitted to the world in the living oracles. [1888 Mtl. p. 826 para. 04]

Spiritual Mathematics

Spiritual Mathematic

Moses had been a gallant leader of a rebellious people for forty years. They had been wandering around in a desolate wilderness while God was trying to teach them His ways. Now it was time for them to enter the Promised Land. Moses deeply loved them even though they have given him many trials. He would soon be taken from them so he wanted to remind them of some important points and admonish them to be faithful.

We have all had this experience in one way or another. Your son or daughter is leaving home for the new adventure called college. You desire very much that they prosper in this new environment. You want to them to be happy and healthy, making wise decisions when you aren’t around to guide them. They have given you many trials but you love them and long for them to prosper. You stand at the door saying good bye along with some last-minute advice.

What council did Moses give to the children of Israel?

Ye shall not do after all the things that we do here this day, every man whatsoever is right in his own eyes. Deuteronomy 12:8

Ye shall not add unto the word which I command you, neither shall ye diminish ought from it, that ye may keep the commandments of the LORD your God which I command you. Deuteronomy 4:2

Take heed to thyself that thou be not snared by following them (heathen), after that they be destroyed from before thee; and that thou enquire not after their gods, saying, How did these nations serve their gods? even so will I do likewise. Thou shalt not do so unto the LORD thy God: for every abomination to the LORD, which he hateth, have they done unto their gods; for even their sons and their daughters they have burnt in the fire to their gods. What thing soever I command you, observe to do it: thou shalt not add thereto, nor diminish from it. Deuteronomy 12:30-32

Do what God commands. Don’t add to it or subtract from it. Don’t be a spiritual mathematician.

Does this Old Testament principle apply to the Christian era as well?

Did Jesus come to change the laws of the Old Testament? What does He Himself say?

Think not that I am come to destroy the law, or the prophets: I am not come to destroy, but to fulfill.

For verily I say unto you, Till heaven and earth pass, one jot or one tittle shall in no wise pass from the law, till all be fulfilled. Matthew 5:17, 18

Jesus follows this statement with references to two of the Ten Commandments and to several other laws that God gave through Moses. How many laws were eliminated at the cross? What did Jesus say? Not one jot or tittle, not even a slight punctuation mark in the language. Heaven and earth have not passed away yet. So are we still to obey all the laws given in the Old Testament? Absolutely! The only thing that changed at the cross was the remedy for breaking the law, not the law itself. Jesus became the lamb sacrifice, the legal substitute to die for our sins.

Every word of God is pure: he is a shield unto them that put their trust in him. Add thou not unto his words, lest he reprove thee, and thou be found a liar. Proverbs 30:5, 6

We are told not to add to or take away from what God said. Don’t be a spiritual mathematician. If God says something, He means it. If He wants something changed, He will tell us about it. This He did in Daniel 9.

And he (the Messiah) shall confirm the covenant with many for one week: and in the midst of the week he shall cause the sacrifice and the oblation to cease, and for the overspreading of abominations he shall make it desolate, even until the consummation, and that determined shall be poured upon the desolate. Daniel 9:27

Here we are told that Jesus, the Messiah, would cause sacrifice and oblation (burnt offerings) to cease.

The book of Hebrews explains more of what was changed at the cross. It speaks of Jesus being a better sacrifice than the animals burned on the Altar; a better priest than Aaron and his descendants; serving in a more perfect sanctuary than any on earth, even the magnificent one that Solomon built; introducing better promises of a heavenly inheritance rather than some earthly real estate. These are the things that were changed. Circumcision was replaced by baptism according to Colossians 2:11, 12. These all had to do with the remedy for breaking the law, not the moral law itself.

But modern day Christians have not only taken away what Jesus said He did not come to change, but they have also added many things that God did not command. Subtracting and adding—spiritual mathematics—can be dangerous business. The Christian world has rejected most of the Torah that God gave through Moses and added many of their own traditions. They say that all that is required of a Christian is obedience to the Ten Commandments. There are some who don’t even think they must do that. Their beliefs give the impression that it doesn’t matter whether one goes about killing, stealing, or worshiping idols. All that matters is that a person has the blood of Jesus covering them. But that blood is not a camouflage to cover evil. Rather, it is a body wash to cleanse the inward man from sin and the love of iniquity. Many religions have subtracted from God’s Holy Laws and added their own traditions and fables.

If we want to know what has been taken out in contradiction to Jesus’ words, just read the Torah; it’s right there for any to read who want to know what God requires of them. It includes laws about relationships, laws about employers and employees, about land management, the tithing system, laws against homosexuality and bestiality, health laws, dress code, education of our children, God’s festivals and much more! Are you taking God’s Word as He gave it or are you guilty of subtraction from His stated requirements? Beware! There are serious consequences for those who manipulate His Word by adding and subtracting!

What has been added? Many things were changed by the Roman Catholic church that are still retained in Christianity. Though we may not be part of that church, remnants of the changes that she made have filtered down to us thorough tradition. Here is a quote from a Catholic Cardinal that explains what was added by Catholicism.

The use of temples, and these dedicated to particular saints, and ornamented on occasions with branches of trees; incense, lamps, and votive offerings on recovery from illness; holy water; asylums; holydays and seasons, use of calendars, processions, blessings on the fields; sacerdotal vestments, the tonsure, the ring in marriage, turning to the East, images at a later date, perhaps the ecclesiastical chant, and the Kyrie Eleison, are all of pagan origin, and sanctified by their adoption into the Church. [John Henry Neuman. Development of Christian Doctrine. London, 1878] (emphasis added)

All these are of pagan origin. Let’s look a little closer at some of these items and see what is really meant by them.

Lamps, Candles, Processions:

Another peculiarity of the Papal worship is the use of lamps and wax-candles. If the Madonna and child are set up in a niche, they must have a lamp to burn before them; if mass is to be celebrated, though in broad procession is to be formed, it cannot be thorough and complete without lighted tapers to grace the goodly show. The use of these lamps and tapers comes from the same source as all the rest of the Papal superstition. That which caused the “Heart,” when it became an emblem of the incarnate Son, to be represented as a heart on fire, required also that burning lamps and lighted candles should form part of the worship of that Son; for so, according to the established rites of Zoroaster, was the sun-god worshipped. [Alexander Hislop. The Two Babylons. p. 191] (emphasis added)

Temples and Asylums:

How did the bishops, who were originally appointed for purely spiritual objects, contrive to grasp at such a large amount of temporal authority? From Gibbon we get light as to the real origin of what Guizot calls this “prodigious power.” The author of the Decline and Fall shows, that soon after Constantine’s time, “the Church” [and consequently the bishops, especially when they assumed to be a separate order from the other clergy] gained great temporal power through the right of asylum, which had belonged to the Pagan temples, being transferred by the Emperors to the Christian churches. His words are: “The fugitive, and even the guilty, were permitted to implore either the justice or mercy of the Deity and His ministers.” Thus was the foundation laid of the invasion of the rights of the civil magistrate by ecclesiastics, and thus were they encouraged to grasp at all the powers of the State. Thus, also, as is justly observed by the authoress of Rome in the 19th Century, speaking of the right of asylum, were “the altars perverted into protection towards the very crimes they were raised to banish from the world.” This is a very striking thing, as showing how the temporal power of the Papacy, in its very first beginnings, was founded on “lawlessness,” and is an additional proof to the many that might be alleged, that the Head of the Roman system, to whom all bishops are subject, is indeed o anomos, “The Lawless One” (2 Thess. ii. 8), predicted in Scripture as the recognised Head of the “Mystery of Iniquity.” [Ibid., p. 260] (emphasis added)

Holy Water:

We have evidence that the purifying virtue of the waters, which in Pagan esteem had such efficacy in cleansing from guilt and regenerating the soul, was derived in part from the passing of the Mediatorial god, the sun-god and god of fire, through these waters during his humiliation and sojourn in the midst of them; and that the Papacy at this day retains the very custom which had sprung up from that persuasion. [Ibid., p. 142] (emphasis added)

Wedding Ring:

The wedding ring comes from paganism.  It cannot be found in the Old or New Testaments. There was no practice among early Christians to wear finger rings as a sign of marriage or an engagement.  Pope Gregory 1, in 860 AD decreed that as a required statement of nuptial intent, the groom to be had to give his intended an engagement ring. He further decreed the ring be of gold to signify financial sacrifice.  The first diamond engagement ring is the one given by King Maximillian in 1477 to Mary of Burgundy. Wedding rings can be traced to idols and heathen religions. It is not just the image of the idol we are commanded not to possess, but rather any part of the idol itself.  Thus, to make ones self after the image of the idol is to practice idolatry.  All images of false gods and goddesses show the use of earrings, finger rings, bracelets, nose rings, and other jewelry.  Where do we find this same practice associated with the God of the Bible?  Did Jesus wear jewelry? Did the Apostles and early Christians?  The answer is no!

The wedding ring originated in Babylon, the cradle of civilization.  The most ancient ring discovered there is in the shape of the eternal serpent. The image of the serpent biting its tail to form the circle of the ring is an ancient satanic symbol. The same symbol is used by the Theosophy Cult. Satan as the serpent, that great dragon of Revelation 12, has by this symbol joined a man and a woman under his cult.  [http://www.jesus-messiah.com/html/wedding_rings.html] (emphasis added)

Turning to the East:

…when the Inca, and his court, followed by the whole population of Cuzco, assembled at early dawn in the great square to greet the rising of the sun. “Eagerly,” says Prescott, “they watched the coming of the deity, and no sooner did his first yellow rays strike the turrets and loftiest buildings of the capital, than a shout of gratulation broke forth from the assembled multitude, accompanied by songs of triumph, and the wild melody of barbaric instruments, that swelled louder and louder as his bright orb, rising above the mountain range towards the east, shone in full splendour on his votaries.” Could this alternate mourning and rejoicing, at the very time when the Babylonians mourned and rejoiced over Tammuz, be accidental? As Tammuz was the Sun-divinity incarnate, it is easy to see how such mourning and rejoicing should be connected with the worship of the sun. [The Two Babylons, p. 117] (emphasis added)

Benjamin of Tudela, the great Jewish traveller, gives a striking account of sun-worship even in comparatively modern times, as subsisting among the Cushites of the East, from which we find that the image of the sun was, even in his day, worshipped on the altar. “There is a temple,” says he, “of the posterity of Chus, addicted to the contemplation of the stars. They worship the sun as a god, and the whole country, for half-a-mile round their town, is filled with great altars dedicated to him. By the dawn of morn they get up and run out of town, to wait the rising sun, to whom, on every altar, there is a consecrated image, not in the likeness of a man, but of the solar orb, framed by magic art. [Ibid., p. 162] (emphasis added)

Where do Easter sunrise services come from? Paganism. The worship of the sun.

Holy Days and Seasons:

Ques. What are the days which the church commands to be kept holy?

Ans. The Sunday, or our Lord’s day, which we observe by apostolic tradition, instead of the Sabbath. The feasts of our Lord’s Nativity, or Christmas day; his circumcision, or New Year’s day; the Epiphany, or twelfth day; Easterday, or the day of our Lord’s resurrection, with the Monday following; the day of our Lord’s ascension; Whit-Sunday, or the day of the coming of the Holy Ghost, with the Monday following; Trinity Sunday; Corpus Christi, or the feasts of the blessed sacrament. We keep the days of the Annunciation, and Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary. We observe the feasts of All-saints; of St. John Baptist; of the holy apostles, St. Peter and St. Paul. In this kingdom we keep the feasts of St. Patrick, our principal patron.” [Richard Challoner, The Catholic Christian Instructed, p. 209]

Notice whose authority is accepted when we keep these pagan holidays as “Christian.” Roman Catholic Church authority. Please note that this is in contrast to God’s authority and His holy days—the Biblical feasts. Let’s look at the papal and pagan origin of some of these “holy days”.

A New Calendar and Easter Observances:

About the end of the sixth century, the first decisive attempt was made to enforce the observance of the new calendar. It was in Britain that the first attempt was made in this way; and here the attempt met with vigorous resistance. The difference, in point of time, betwixt the Christian Pasch, as observed in Britain by the native Christians, and the Pagan Easter enforced by Rome, at the time of its enforcement, was a whole month; and it was only by violence and bloodshed, at last, that the Festival of the Anglo-Saxon or Chaldean goddess came to supersede that which had been held in honour of Christ. [The Two Babylons, p. 103] (emphasis added)

Such is the history of Easter. The popular observances that still attend the period of its celebration amply confirm the testimony of history as to its Babylonian character. The hot cross buns of Good Friday, and the dyed eggs of Pasch or Easter Sunday, figured in the Chaldean rites just as they do now. The “buns,” known too by that identical name, were used in the worship of the queen of heaven, the goddess Easter, as early as the days of Cecrops, the founder of Athens — that is, 1500 years before the Christian era… The origin of the Pasch eggs is just as clear. The ancient Druids bore an egg, as the sacred emblem of their order. In this Dionysiaca, or mysteries of Bacchus, as celebrated in Athens, one part of the nocturnal ceremony consisted in the consecration of an egg…The classic poets are full of the fable of the mystic egg of the Babylonians; [Ibid., p. 107] (emphasis added)

Christmas:

The festivals of Rome are innumerable; but five of the most important may be singled out for elucidation – viz., Christmas-day, Lady-day, Easter, the Nativity of St. John, and the Feast of the Assumption. Each and all of these can be proved to be Babylonian. [Ibid., p. 91] (emphasis added)

How, then, did the Romish Church fix on December the 25th as Christmas-day? Why, thus: Long before the fourth century, and long before the Christian era itself, a festival was celebrated among the heathen, at that precise time of the year, in honour of the birth of the son of the Babylonian queen of heaven; and it may fairly be presumed that, in order to conciliate the heathen, and to swell the number of the nominal adherents of Christianity, the same festival was adopted by the Roman Church, giving it only the name of Christ. This tendency on the part of Christians to meet Paganism half-way was very early developed; and we find Tertullian, even in his day, about the year 230, bitterly lamenting the inconsistency of the disciples of Christ in this respect, and contrasting it with the strict fidelity of the Pagans to their own superstition. “By us,” says he, “who are strangers to Sabbaths, and new moons, and festivals, once acceptable to God, the Saturnalia, the feasts of January, the Brumalia, and Matronalia, are now frequented; gifts are carried to and fro, new year’s day presents are made with din, and sports and banquets are celebrated with uproar; oh, how much more faithful are the heathen to their religion, who take special care to adopt no solemnity from the Christians.” . . . That Christmas was originally a Pagan festival, is beyond all doubt. The time of the year, and the ceremonies with which it is still celebrated, prove its origin. In Egypt, the son of Isis, the Egyptian title for the queen of heaven, was born at this very time, “about the time of the winter solstice.” The very name by which Christmas is popularly known among ourselves — Yule-day — proves at once its Pagan and Babylonian origin. “Yule” is the Chaldee name for an “infant” or “little child,” and as the 25th of December was called by our Pagan Anglo-Saxon ancestors, “Yule-day,” or the “Child’s day,” and the night that preceded it, “Mother-night,” long before they came in contact with Christianity, that sufficiently proves its real character. far and wide, in the realms of Paganism, was this birth-day observed. [Ibid., p. 93] (emphasis added)

The Christmas Tree:

It was no mere astronomic festival, then, that the Pagans celebrated at the winter solstice (Christmas). That festival at Rome was called the feast of Saturn, and the mode in which it was celebrated there, showed whence it had been derived. The feast, as regulated by Caligula, lasted five days; loose reins were given to drunkenness and revelry, slaves had a temporary emancipation, and used all manner of freedoms with their masters. This was precisely the way in which, according to Berosus, the drunken festival of the month Thebeth, answering to our December, in other words, the festival of Bacchus, was celebrated in Babylon… The Christmas tree, now so common among us, was equally common in Pagan Rome and Pagan Egypt. In Egypt that tree was the palm-tree; in Rome it was the fir; the palm-tree denoting the Pagan Messiah, as Baal-Tamar, the fir referring to him as Baal-Berith. The mother of Adonis, the Sun-God and great mediatorial divinity, was mystically said to have been changed into a tree, and when in that state to have brought forth her divine son. If the mother was a tree, the son must have been recognised as the “Man the branch.” And this entirely accounts for the putting of the Yule Log into the fire on Christmas-eve, and the appearance of the Christmas-tree the next morning. As Zero-Ashta, “The seed of the woman,” which name also signified Ignigena, or “born of the fire,” he has to enter the fire on “Mothernight,’ that he may be born the next day out of it, as the “Branch of God,” or the Tree that brings all divine gifts to men. But why, it may be asked, does he enter the fire under the symbol of a Log? To understand this, it must be remembered that the divine child born at the winter solstice was born as a new incarnation of the great god (after that god had been cut in pieces), on purpose to revenge his death upon his murderers. Now the great god, cut off in the midst of his power and glory, was symbolised as a huge tree, stripped of all its branches, and cut-down almost to the ground. But the great serpent, the symbol of the life restoring AESCULAPIUS, twists itself around the dead stock and lo, at its side up sprouts a young tree — a tree of an entirely different kind, that is destined never to be cut down by hostile power — even the palm-tree, the well-known symbol of victory. The Christmas-tree, as has been stated, was generally at Rome a different tree, even the fir; but the very same idea as was implied in the palm-tree was implied in the Christmas-fir; for that covertly symbolised the new-born god as Baal-berith, “Lord of the Covenant,” and thus shadowed forth the perpetuity and everlasting nature of his power, now that after having fallen before his enemies, he had risen triumphant over them all. Therefore, the 25th of December, the day that was observed at Rome as the day when the victorious god reappeared on earth, was held at the Natalis invicti solis, “The birth-day of the unconquered Sun.” Now the Yule Log is the dead stock of Nimrod, deified as the sun-god, but cut down by his enemies; the Christmas-tree is Nimrod redivivus — the slain god come to life again. [Ibid., pp. 96-98]

King Solomon was known for his wisdom but he had some serious blots on his record.

2 Kings 23:13, 14 (1 Kings 11:4-8). Memorials of Apostasy.– Goodness alone is true greatness. Everyone will transmit a heritage of good or of evil. On the southern eminence of the Mount of Olives were the memorial stones of Solomon’s apostasy. Huge idols, unshapely blocks of wood and stone, appeared above the groves of myrtle and olive. Josiah, the youthful reformer, in his religious zeal destroyed these images of Ashtoreth and Chemosh and Moloch, but the broken fragments and masses of ruins remained opposite Mount Moriah, where stood the temple of God. As strangers in after generations asked, “What mean these ruins confronting the temple of the Lord?” they were answered, “There is Solomon’s Mount of Offense, where he built altars for idol worship to please his heathen wives” [SDA Bible Commentary, Vol. 2, p. 1039] (emphasis added)

More than three centuries later, Josiah, the youthful reformer, in his religious zeal demolished these buildings and all the images of Ashtoreth and Chemosh and Moloch. Many of the broken fragments rolled down the channel of the Kedron, but great masses of ruins remained. Even as late as the days of Christ, the ruins on the “Mount of Offense,” as the place was called by many of the truehearted of Israel, might still be seen. Could Solomon, when rearing these idolatrous shrines, have looked into the future, how he would have started back in horror to think of the sad testimony they would bear to the Messiah! [Review and Herald, February 15, 1906] (emphasis added)

We too can have a Mount of Offense to God. Many Christians worship at the shrine of Ashtoreth today in their celebration of Easter. They bow at the shrine of Baal in their observance of Christmas? What does true biblical Christianity have to do with these holidays? We can try to “Christianize” them but they are still just a variation of pagan worship! The Israelites made the golden calf and called it “the God that brought you out of Egypt” but God did not accept their worship. He told Moses to go down from the mountain because the people had corrupted themselves.

For I testify unto every man that heareth the words of the prophecy of this book, If any shall add unto these things, God shall add unto him the plagues that are written in this book: And if any man shall take away from the words of the book of this prophecy, God shall take away his part out of the book of life, and out of the holy city, and from the things which are written in this book. Revelation 22:18, 19

It is time to quit playing mathematical games and start following true worship standards given in the word of God. Don’t add to or subtract from what God has said. God does not accept it!

Sacrifices and Offerings–Their Meaning for Today

An Acted Parable

When God gave the Hebrew people instructions for the Tabernacle and the various rites and ceremonies that would be done there, it was not just for the purpose of occupying their time and seeing how well they could follow complicated directions. There was deep meaning in each and every detail. Everything about the system was for the purpose of educating them regarding His Plan of Salvation. The sacrifices and offerings they brought were all a part of the Gospel acted out, a living parable.

Ye also, as lively stones, are built up a spiritual house, an holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices, acceptable to God by Jesus Christ. 1 Peter 2:5

Burnt Offering

(Lev. 1; 6:8-13; 7:8, 37; 8:18-21; 22:18-20)

Dedication / Consecration

A person might voluntarily bring an animal as a burnt offering when they wanted to give a gift totally to God with nothing kept back. The animal was killed and its entire body was burned as a symbol of the person consecrating themselves totally to God. It was a “sweet savor” to Him because He appreciated the motive behind it.

There was also a mandatory, daily, public burnt offering which was a symbol of the continual consecration of the entire nation to God.

I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service. And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God. Romans 12:1, 2

God is looking for those who will give themselves totally to Him every day with no reservations.

Firstfruits

(Ex. 23:19; 34:26; Lev. 2:12; Num. 15:17-21; 18:12; Deu. 18:4; 26:1-11)

Giving the First and Best

Bringing an offering of Firstfruits symbolized giving God the first and best before taking any for personal use. The person acknowledged God’s blessing and expressed their gratitude for what He had provided.

And now, behold, I have brought the firstfruits of the land, which thou, O LORD, hast given me. And thou shalt set it before the LORD thy God, and worship before the LORD thy God: And thou shalt rejoice in every good thing which the LORD thy God hath given unto thee, and unto thine house, thou, and the Levite, and the stranger that is among you. Deuteronomy 26:10, 11

God is waiting for us to express our appreciation to Him for all the blessings He gives us. We are admonished to give our best to Him in addition to the tithe that already belongs to Him. He doesn’t want merely what is left over after we have used His resources for ourselves.

Peace Offering / Thank Offering

(Lev. 3; 7:11-21, 29-37; 19:5-8)

Friendship and Fellowship

When a person brought a Peace Offering or Thank Offering, part of it was burned on the Altar, certain parts were given to the Priest, and the remainder was eaten by the person and their family. This was like extending a personal invitation to God to have a meal together in friendship and fellowship, again for the purpose of expressing appreciation for what He had done.

And if ye offer a sacrifice of peace offerings unto the LORD, ye shall offer it at your own will. It shall be eaten the same day ye offer it, and on the morrow: Leviticus 19:5, 6

Behold, I stand at the door, and knock: if any man hear my voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with me. Revelation 3:20

By him therefore let us offer the sacrifice of praise to God continually, that is, the fruit of our lips giving thanks to his name. But to do good and to communicate (share) forget not: for with such sacrifices God is well pleased. Hebrews 13:15, 16

Sincere praise is a sacrifice that God appreciates. We need to recognize His gracious hand in our lives and give Him the praise He deserves for all the good that He does for us. He is generous in blessing us. Though we cannot benefit Him by giving anything back to Him, since He owns everything and has no needs, we can be a blessing to Him by our generous expressions of genuine thankfulness and praise.

Sin-offering

(Lev. 4; 6:24-30; 7:37)

Removal of Guilt

If a person erred and disobeyed God inadvertently, they were required to bring an animal as a sacrifice. They confessed their sin on the head of the animal, which symbolically transferred their guilt to the animal, then killed it as their legal substitute. Its blood was sprinkled on the Altar, its body was burned, and the sinner could walk away pardoned.

. . . and the priest shall make an atonement for his sin that he hath committed, and it shall be forgiven him. Leviticus 4:35

Trespass-offering

(Lev. 5:1 – 6:7; 7:1-7, 37; Num. 5:5-10; 18:9, 10)

Reparation for Damage Done

A trespass offering was presented to God when a person had unintentionally done something that caused monetary damage. He was required to restore the principal plus 20% to the damaged party to make reparation for the damages and then bring a trespass offering to God.

. . . he shall restore that which he took violently away, or the thing which he hath deceitfully gotten, or that which was delivered him to keep, or the lost thing which he found, or all that about which he hath sworn falsely; he shall even restore it in the principal, and shall add the fifth part more thereto, and give it unto him to whom it appertaineth, in the day of his trespass offering. Leviticus 6:4, 5

We should appreciate the forgiving attitude God has, that He has laid our guilt on His Son, Jesus, as our Substitute, the Ultimate Sin-offering. Since He does not want us to die eternally because of our sin, He has granted us the opportunity to confess and repent and be pardoned.

For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord. Romans 6:23

For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. John 3:16

The Ephod

TWhen God gave instructions to Moses for the High Priest’s garments, one of the items described was the Ephod. It was a special, beautifully-embroidered, vest-like garment to be worn under the Breastplate. At first it is mentioned as worn solely by the High Priest but later others are mentioned as having Ephods: Gideon (Judges 8:27); Micah (Judges 17:5); Samuel, as a child (1 Samuel 2:18); the 85 Priests that Doeg killed at Nob (1 Samuel 22:18); David (2 Samuel 6:14; 1 Chronicles 15:27).

It seems that at times the Ephod was not used as a piece of clothing: Gideon’s Ephod was “put in his city” and became an item of apostasy for the people of Israel (Judges 8:27); the Ephod at Nob in the time of David’s visit to Ahimelech was somewhat of a decoration, not being worn by anyone (1 Samuel 21:9); Abiathar, a survivor of Doeg’s slaughter of the priests, was carrying an Ephod when he came to David (1 Samuel 23:6) and David asked God’s counsel by means of it (1 Samuel 23:9-11; 30:7, 8).

The Hebrew root word for ephod פֹד (the Hebrew characters pey & daleth) is also the root for a family of words that all mean something akin to “redeem” or “redemption.” Here are those other words:

H6299 פָּדָה pâdâh paw-daw’

A primitive root; to sever, that is, ransom; generally to release, preserve: – X at all, deliver, X by any means, ransom, (that are to be, let be) redeem (-ed), rescue, X surely.

H6302 פָּדוּי pâdûy paw-doo’ee

Passive participle of H6299; ransomed (and so occuring under H6299); as abstraction (in plural masculine) a ransom: – (that are) to be (that were) redeemed.

H6304 פְּדֻת פְּדוּת pedûth pedûth ped-ooth’, ped-ooth’

From H6929; distinction; also deliverance: – division, redeem, redemption.

H6306 פִּדְיֹן פִּדְיוֹן פִּדְיֹם פִּדְיוֹם pidyôm pidyôm pidyôn pidyôn (1,2) pid-yome’, (3,4) pid-yone’

From H6299; a ransom: – ransom, that were redeemed, redemption.

“Ephod” has the letter אֵ (the Hebrew character aleph) prefixed before the פֹד (pey daleth) which in the ancient pictograph characters meant “strength” or “power.” The Ephod symbolized the power of our Redeemer and the Redemption He provides.

H646 אֵפֹד אֵפוֹד ‘êphôd ‘êphôd ay-fode’, ay-fode’

Second form is a rare form; probably of foreign derivation; a girdle; specifically the ephod or high priest’s shoulder piece; also generally an image: – ephod.

The long white robe of fine linen that the High Priest wore was a symbol of Purity and Righteousness, the “Robe of Righteousness” (Isaiah 61:10; Revelation 19:8). The shorter blue coat symbolized Obedience to the Law. The Breastplate was known as the “Breastplate of Judgment” (Exodus 28:29). The golden crown on his forehead symbolized Holiness (Exodus 28:36). It would seem fitting to refer to the Ephod as the “Ephod of Redemption.” These are all significant components of the Salvation that comes to us through our Great Heavenly High Priest, Jesus Christ.

The Gospel in Stone

There is symbolism in everything about the Sanctuary and its services and the Priests who ministered there. Here is a study about the stones in the High Priest’s Breastplate. There are varying perspectives on this because it is difficult to know exactly what particular stones are referred to from the Hebrew words or what color they were. We looked into multiple commentaries, dictionaries, and lexicons including the Ancient Hebrew Lexicon which gives word meanings based on the ancient Hebrew pictographic characters. We were fascinated by some of the implications that emerged. There seemed to be many characteristics and functions of Christ’s ministry on our behalf that are implied by each of those stones. We share this study not as “orthodox” theology but as another perspective on the incredibly rich mine of truth in the Sanctuary.

And thou shalt make the breastplate of judgment with cunning work; after the work of the ephod thou shalt make it; of gold, of blue, and of purple, and of scarlet, and of fine twined linen, shalt thou make it. Foursquare it shall be being doubled; a span shall be the length thereof, and a span shall be the breadth thereof. And thou shalt set in it settings of stones, even four rows of stones: the first row shall be a sardius, a topaz, and a carbuncle: this shall be the first row. And the second row shall be an emerald, a sapphire, and a diamond. And the third row a ligure, an agate, and an amethyst. And the fourth row a beryl, and an onyx, and a jasper: they shall be set in gold in their inclosings. And the stones shall be with the names of the children of Israel, twelve, according to their names, like the engravings of a signet; every one with his name shall they be according to the twelve tribes. Exodus 28:15-21

Sardius

*H124 אֹדֶם ‘ôdem o’-dem

From H119; redness, that is, the ruby, garnet, or some other red gem: – sardius.

H119 אָדַם ‘âdam aw-dam’

To show blood (in the face), that is, flush or turn rosy: – be (dyed, made) red (ruddy).

H120 אָדָם ‘âdâm aw-dawm’

From H119; ruddy, that is, a human being (an individual or the species, mankind, etc.): – X another, + hypocrite, + common sort, X low, man (mean, of low degree), person.

H121 אָדָם ‘âdâm aw-dawm’

The same as H120; Adam, the name of the first man, also of a place in Palestine: – Adam.

**AHLB 1082 “blood” “red” a red precious stone

Nevertheless death reigned from Adam to Moses, even over them that had not sinned after the similitude of Adam’s transgression, who is the figure of him that was to come. But not as the offence, so also is the free gift. For if through the offence of one many be dead, much more the grace of God, and the gift by grace, which is by one man, Jesus Christ, hath abounded unto many. Romans 5:14, 15

For as in Adam all die, even so in Christ shall all be made alive. But every man in his own order: Christ the firstfruits; afterward they that are Christ’s at his coming. 1 Corinthians 15:22, 23

And so it is written, The first man Adam was made a living soul; the last Adam was made a quickening spirit. Howbeit that was not first which is spiritual, but that which is natural; and afterward that which is spiritual. The first man is of the earth, earthy: the second man is the Lord from heaven. 1 Corinthians 15:45-47

But Christ being come an high priest of good things to come, by a greater and more perfect tabernacle, not made with hands, that is to say, not of this building; Neither by the blood of goats and calves, but by his own blood he entered in once into the holy place, having obtained eternal redemption for us. For if the blood of bulls and of goats, and the ashes of an heifer sprinkling the unclean, sanctifieth to the purifying of the flesh: How much more shall the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered himself without spot to God, purge your conscience from dead works to serve the living God? And for this cause he is the mediator of the new testament, that by means of death, for the redemption of the transgressions that were under the first testament, they which are called might receive the promise of eternal inheritance. Hebrews 9:11-15

And immediately I was in the spirit: and, behold, a throne was set in heaven, and one sat on the throne. And he that sat was to look upon like a jasper and a sardine stone (sardius ASV): and there was a rainbow round about the throne, in sight like unto an emerald. Revelation 4:2, 3

Sardius: Jesus became the second Adam, taking on sinful human flesh, and shedding his blood for us.

Topaz

H6357 פִּטְדָה piṭdâh pit-daw’

Of foreign derivation; a gem, probably the topaz: – topaz.

AHLB 2603 Pitdah: An unknown precious stone.

***TSK Pitdah, is constantly rendered by the LXX τοπαζιον, and Vulgate, topazius, with which agrees Josephus. The topaz is a precious stone, of a pale, dead green, with a mixture of yellow, sometimes of a fine yellow; and hence called chrysolyte by the moderns, from its gold colour.

Topaz: ????

Carbuncle

H1304 בָּרְקַת בָּרְקַת bâreqath bâreqath baw-reh’-keth, baw-rek-ath’

From H1300; a gem (as flashing), perhaps the emerald: – carbuncle.

H1300 בָּרָק bârâq baw-rawk’

From H1299; lightning; by analogy a gleam; concretely a flashing sword: – bright, glitter (-ing, sword), lightning.

AHLB 2041 The shining flash of a sword as it is thrust.

Barqet: An unknown gem probably from its shining.

And he had in his right hand seven stars: and out of his mouth went a sharp twoedged sword: and his countenance was as the sun shineth in his strength. And when I saw him, I fell at his feet as dead. And he laid his right hand upon me, saying unto me, Fear not; I am the first and the last: I am he that liveth, and was dead; and, behold, I am alive for evermore, Amen; and have the keys of hell and of death. Write the things which thou hast seen, and the things which are, and the things which shall be hereafter; Revelation 1:16-19

So hast thou also them that hold the doctrine of the Nicolaitans, which thing I hate. Repent; or else I will come unto thee quickly, and will fight against them with the sword of my mouth. Revelation 2:15, 16

For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart. Hebrews 4:12

And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God: Ephesians 6:17

Carbuncle: Jesus, the Word, became a man; His word is a sword, dividing and pruning.

Emerald

H5306 נֹפֶךְ nôphek no’-fek

From an unused root meaning to glisten; shining; a gem, probably the garnet: – emerald.

And immediately I was in the spirit: and, behold, a throne was set in heaven, and one sat on the throne. And he that sat was to look upon like a jasper and a sardine stone: and there was a rainbow round about the throne, in sight like unto an emerald. Revelation 4:2, 3

Again, as the Holy Spirit rested upon the prophet, he sees a door opened in heaven, and hears a voice calling him to look upon the things which shall be hereafter. And he says, “Behold, a throne was set in heaven, and one sat on the throne. And he that sat was to look upon like a jasper and a sardine stone.” Ministering angels were around about Him, waiting and eager to do His will, while the rainbow of God’s promise, which was a token of His covenant with Noah, was seen by John encircling the throne on high—a pledge of God’s mercy to every repentant, believing soul. It is an everlasting testimony that “God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.” It declares to the whole world that God will never forget His people in their struggle with evil. Manuscript 100, 1893

As the bow in the cloud is formed by the union of the sunlight and the shower, so the rainbow encircling the throne represents the combined power of mercy and justice. It is not justice alone that is to be maintained; for this would eclipse the glory of the rainbow of promise above the throne; man could see only the penalty of the law. Were there no justice, no penalty, there would be no stability to the government of God. AG 70

The One who has stood as our Intercessor; who hears all penitential prayers and confessions; who is represented with a rainbow, the symbol of grace and love, encircling His head, is soon to cease His work in the heavenly sanctuary. Grace and mercy will then descend from the throne, and justice will take their place. He for whom His people have looked will assume His right–the office of Supreme Judge. RH 1/1/89

Emerald: Jesus came to renew the Covenant of mercy and justice with His people.

Sapphire

H5601 סַפִּיר sappı̂yr sap-peer’

From H5608; a gem (perhaps as used for scratching other substances), probably the sapphire: – sapphire.

H5608 סָפַר sâphar saw-far’

A primitive root; properly to score with a mark as a tally or record, that is, (by implication) to inscribe, and also to enumerate; intensively to recount, that is, celebrate: – commune, (ac-) count, declare, number, + penknife, reckon, scribe, shew forth, speak, talk, tell (out), writer.

And they saw the God of Israel: and there was under his feet as it were a paved work of a sapphire stone, and as it were the body of heaven in his clearness. Exodus 24:10

And above the firmament that was over their heads was the likeness of a throne, as the appearance of a sapphire stone: and upon the likeness of the throne was the likeness as the appearance of a man above upon it. Ezekiel 1:26

Then I looked, and, behold, in the firmament that was above the head of the cherubims there appeared over them as it were a sapphire stone, as the appearance of the likeness of a throne. Ezekiel 10:1

Speak unto the children of Israel, and bid them that they make them fringes in the borders of their garments throughout their generations, and that they put upon the fringe of the borders a ribband of blue: And it shall be unto you for a fringe, that ye may look upon it, and remember all the commandments of the LORD, and do them; and that ye seek not after your own heart and your own eyes, after which ye use to go a whoring: That ye may remember, and do all my commandments, and be holy unto your God. Numbers 15:38-40

Sapphire: God’s Law is the foundation of His throne, His government. Jesus is God and perfectly lived the Law, showing us the basis for righteousness.

Diamond

H3095 יַהֲלֹם yahălôm yah-hal-ome’

From H1986 (in the sense of hardness); a precious stone, probably onyx: – diamond.

H1986 הָלַם hâlam haw-lam’

A primitive root; to strike down; by implication to hammer, stamp, conquer, disband: – beat (down), break (down), overcome, smite (with the hammer).

These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world. John 16:33

To him that overcometh will I grant to sit with me in my throne, even as I also overcame, and am set down with my Father in his throne. Revelation 3:21

I am he that liveth, and was dead; and, behold, I am alive for evermore, Amen; and have the keys of hell and of death. Revelation 1:18

And I saw, and behold a white horse: and he that sat on him had a bow; and a crown was given unto him: and he went forth conquering, and to conquer. Revelation 6:2

And another angel came out from the altar, which had power over fire; and cried with a loud cry to him that had the sharp sickle, saying, Thrust in thy sharp sickle, and gather the clusters of the vine of the earth; for her grapes are fully ripe. And the angel thrust in his sickle into the earth, and gathered the vine of the earth, and cast it into the great winepress of the wrath of God. And the winepress was trodden without the city, and blood came out of the winepress, even unto the horse bridles, by the space of a thousand and six hundred furlongs. Revelation 14:18-20

Diamond: Jesus has conquered the world, sin, and death.

Ligure

H3958 לֶשֶׁם leshem leh’-shem

From an unused root of uncertain meaning; a gem, perhaps the jacinth: – ligure.

AHLB 2324 An unknown stone.

Fausett’s Bible Cyclopedia: Ligure—magnetic amber stone, drawing wood, iron and brass.

Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Matthew 11:28

And I, if I be lifted up from the earth, will draw all men unto me. John 12:32

Ligure: Jesus draws all men to himself.

Agate

H7618 שְׁבוּ shesheb-oo’

From an unused root (probably identical with that of H7617 through the idea of subdivision into flashes or streamers (compare H7632)) meaning to flame; a gem (from its sparkle), probably the agate: – agate.

H7617 שָׁבָה shâbâh shaw-baw’

A primitive root; to transport into captivity: – (bring away, carry, carry away, lead, lead away, take) captive (-s), drive (take) away.

H7632 שָׁבִיב shâbı̂yb shaw-beeb’

From the same as H7616; flame (as split into tongues): – spark.

Thou hast ascended on high, thou hast led captivity captive: thou hast received gifts for men; yea, for the rebellious also, that the LORD God might dwell among them. Psalm 68:18

Wherefore he saith, When he ascended up on high, he led captivity captive, and gave gifts unto men. Ephesians 4:8

The Spirit of the Lord GOD is upon me; because the LORD hath anointed me to preach good tidings unto the meek; he hath sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives, and the opening of the prison to them that are bound; To proclaim the acceptable year of the LORD, and the day of vengeance of our God; to comfort all that mourn; To appoint unto them that mourn in Zion, to give unto them beauty for ashes, the oil of joy for mourning, the garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness; that they might be called trees of righteousness, the planting of the LORD, that he might be glorified. Isaiah 61:1-3

And when the day of Pentecost was fully come, they were all with one accord in one place. And suddenly there came a sound from heaven as of a rushing mighty wind, and it filled all the house where they were sitting. And there appeared unto them cloven tongues like as of fire, and it sat upon each of them. And they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance. Acts 2:1-4

And unto the angel of the church in Sardis write; These things saith he that hath the seven Spirits of God, and the seven stars; I know thy works, that thou hast a name that thou livest, and art dead. Revelation 3:1

And I beheld, and, lo, in the midst of the throne and of the four beasts, and in the midst of the elders, stood a Lamb as it had been slain, having seven horns and seven eyes, which are the seven Spirits of God sent forth into all the earth. Revelation 5:6

Agate: Jesus conquered all enemies and freed their captives. He was filled with the Spirit and gifted the Spirit to His people symbolized by the flames of fire.

Amethyst

H306 אַחְלָמָה ‘achlâmâh akh-law’-maw

Perhaps from H2492 (and thus dream stone); a gem, probably the amethyst: – amethyst.

H2492 חָלַם châlam khaw-lam’

A primitive root; properly to bind firmly, that is, (by implication) to be (causatively to make) plump; also (through the figurative sense of dumbness) to dream: – (cause to) dream (-er), be in good liking, recover.

AHLB 2164 Dream: {str: 2492}

An unknown gem probably in the sense of gazing. amethyst| {str: 306}

A vision is to gaze at something. To have visions from God is to be in good favor. This maybe included in the idea along with dreams. It seems to possibly refer to prophesying.

Think not that I am come to destroy the law, or the prophets: I am not come to destroy, but to fulfil. Matthew 5:17

And beginning at Moses and all the prophets, he expounded unto them in all the scriptures the things concerning himself. Luke 24:27

Yea, and all the prophets from Samuel and those that follow after, as many as have spoken, have likewise foretold of these days. Acts 3:24

To him give all the prophets witness, that through his name whosoever believeth in him shall receive remission of sins. Acts 10:43

Amethyst: Jesus fulfilled the dreams and visions of the prophets regarding the Messiah.

Beryl

H8658 תַּרְשִׁישׁ tarshı̂ysh tar-sheesh’

Probably of foreign derivation (compare H8659); a gem, perhaps the topaz: – beryl.

The appearance of the wheels and their work was like unto the colour of a beryl: and they four had one likeness: and their appearance and their work was as it were a wheel in the middle of a wheel. Ezekiel 1:16

And when I looked, behold the four wheels by the cherubims, one wheel by one cherub, and another wheel by another cherub: and the appearance of the wheels was as the colour of a beryl stone. Ezekiel 10:9

As the wheel-like complications were under the guidance of the hand beneath the wings of the cherubim, so the complicated play of human events is under divine control. Amidst the strife and tumult of nations, He that sitteth above the cherubim still guides the affairs of the earth. [See Ezekiel 1:4, 26; 10:8; Daniel 4:17, 25, 32.] Ed 178

God is acquainted with every man. Could our eyes be opened we would see that eternal justice is at work in our world. A powerful influence, not under man’s control, is working. Man may fancy that he is directing matters, but there are higher than human influences at work. The servants of God know that He is working to counteract Satan’s plans. Those who know not God cannot comprehend His movements. There is at work a wheel within a wheel. Apparently the complication of machinery is so intricate that man can see only a complete entanglement. But the divine hand, as seen by the prophet Ezekiel, is placed upon the wheels, and every part moves in complete harmony, each doing its specified work, yet with individual freedom of action. 4BC 1161

Then I lifted up mine eyes, and looked, and behold a certain man clothed in linen, whose loins were girded with fine gold of Uphaz: His body also was like the beryl, and his face as the appearance of lightning, and his eyes as lamps of fire, and his arms and his feet like in colour to polished brass, and the voice of his words like the voice of a multitude. Daniel 10:5. 6

For I came down from heaven, not to do mine own will, but the will of him that sent me. And this is the Father’s will which hath sent me, that of all which he hath given me I should lose nothing, but should raise it up again at the last day. And this is the will of him that sent me, that every one which seeth the Son, and believeth on him, may have everlasting life: and I will raise him up at the last day. John 6:38-40

And Jesus came and spake unto them, saying, All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth. Matthew 28:18

Beryl: God’s will and His control over the affairs of this world result in order and harmony. Jesus always did His Father’s will and all the affairs on earth are now in His hands.

Onyx

H7718 שֹׁהַם shôham sho’-ham

From an unused root probably meaning to blanch; a gem, probably the beryl (from its pale green color): – onyx.

Come now, and let us reason together, saith the LORD: though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they be red like crimson, they shall be as wool. Isaiah 1:18

I beheld till the thrones were cast down, and the Ancient of days did sit, whose garment was white as snow, and the hair of his head like the pure wool: his throne was like the fiery flame, and his wheels as burning fire. Daniel 7:9

And after six days Jesus taketh with him Peter, and James, and John, and leadeth them up into an high mountain apart by themselves: and he was transfigured before them. And his raiment became shining, exceeding white as snow; so as no fuller on earth can white them. Mark 9:2, 3

Christ emptied Himself, and took the form of a servant, and offered sacrifice, Himself the priest, Himself the victim. As the high priest, after performing his service in the holy of holies, came forth to the waiting congregation in his pontifical robes, so Christ will come the second time clothed in glorious garments of the whitest white, “such as no fuller on earth can whiten them.” He will come in His own glory, and in the glory of His Father, as King of kings and Lord of lords, and all the angelic host will escort Him on His way. Ms 113, 1899

A little longer, and we shall have a robe of purity, whiter than any fuller on earth could whiten it. It is the garment woven in the loom of heaven, not to cover over our sins, for Jesus takes away the sin of the world, but to clothe us in the righteousness of Christ. I want to behold him until I shall be changed into his likeness; for by beholding we become changed. We should talk of the crown of life, of the heaven of bliss that awaits the faithful. May God help us to press the battle to the gate. He will place the crown of life upon our heads as we proclaim, “Worthy, worthy is the Conqueror.” We shall exclaim, “Worthy is the Lamb that was slain to receive power, and riches, and wisdom, and strength, and honor, and glory, and blessing.” ST 4/23/94

Onyx: God offers to whiten our stained, filthy garments and also offers us the perfectly white robe of Christ’s righteousness.

Jasper

H3471 יָשְׁפֵה yâshphêh yaw-shef-ay’

From an unused root meaning to polish; a gem supposed to be jasper (from the resemblance in name): – jasper.

And he that sat was to look upon like a jasper and a sardine stone: and there was a rainbow round about the throne, in sight like unto an emerald. Revelation 4:3

And he carried me away in the spirit to a great and high mountain, and shewed me that great city, the holy Jerusalem, descending out of heaven from God, Having the glory of God: and her light was like unto a stone most precious, even like a jasper stone, clear as crystal; Revelation 21:10, 11

Jasper: Jesus revealed God’s glory.

Summary

Sardius: red, blood, man, Adam

Jesus became the second Adam, taking on sinful human flesh, and shedding his blood for us.

Topaz: ????

Carbuncle: the flash of a sword

Jesus, the Word, became a man; His word is a sword, dividing and pruning.

Emerald: a rainbow (a symbol of the covenant) like an emerald

Jesus came to renew the Covenant of mercy and justice with His people.

Sapphire: God’s Law

God’s Law is the foundation of His throne, His government. Jesus is God and perfectly lived the Law, showing us the basis for righteousness.

Diamond: to strike and overcome

Jesus has conquered the world, sin, and death.

Ligure: magnetic

Jesus draws all men to himself.

Agate: separate flashes of fire; separating captives from captors

Jesus conquered all enemies and freed their captives. He was filled with the Spirit and gifted the Spirit to His people symbolized by the flames of fire.

Amethyst: to dream, have a vision

Jesus fulfilled the dreams and visions of the prophets regarding the Messiah.

Beryl: God’s perfect control

God’s will and His control over the affairs of this world result in order and harmony. Jesus always did His Father’s will and all the affairs on earth are now in His hands.

Onyx: to whiten

God offers to whiten our stained, filthy garments and also offers us the perfectly white robe of Christ’s righteousness.

Jasper: glory

Jesus revealed God’s glory.


  CARBUNCLE
  bâreqath
  FLASHING SWORD
TOPAZ
  piṭdâh
  ?
SARDIUS
  ‘ôdem
  BLOOD, ADAM

DIAMOND
  yahălôm
  OVERCOME
SAPPHIRE
  sappı̂yr
  GOD’S LAW
EMERALD
  nôphek
  COVENANT

AMETHYST
  ‘achlâmâh
  VISIONS
AGATE
  she
  RELEASE CAPTIVES
LIGURE
  leshem
  MAGNET

JASPER
  yâshphêh
  GLORY
ONYX
  shôham
  WHITEN
  BERYL
  tarshı̂ysh
  GOD’S CONTROL

Key to Resource Abbreviations

*H followed by a number–Strong’s Hebrew Dictionary

**AHLB–The Ancient Hebrew Lexicon of the Bible by Jeff Benner

***TSK–Treasury of Scriptural Knowledge