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]