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“Oh, the unspeakable greatness of that exchange,—the Sinless One is condemned, and he who is guilty goes free; the Blessing bears the curse, and the cursed is brought into blessing; the Life dies, and the dead live; the Glory is whelmed in darkness, and he who knew nothing but confusion of face is clothed with glory.”

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Location: Kingsland, Georgia, United States

A person God turned around many times.

Sunday, June 30, 2019

The nested “if then”

“And Jacob vowed a vow, saying, If God will be with me, and will keep me in this way that I go, and will give me bread to eat, and raiment to put on,
So that I come again to my father’s house in peace; then shall the LORD be my God:
And this stone, which I have set for a pillar, shall be God’s house: and of all that Thou shalt give me I will surely give the tenth unto thee.” (Gen. 28:20-22).

Wow! Great vow! If Jehovah, the God of heaven and Earth would do this for me, and He would do that for me, and do three other things for me, then I will let Him be my God. And I will return a little of His wealth back to Him.

That’s being very generous, Jacob. Are you still a thief? A swindler? Are you still jewing others down like your father Abraham? Jewing even Jesus down?

Jesus is very tolerant to His wayward children. If they have a heart for Him, even 10 percent of a heart for Him, He is gracious to them. He sweeps them off their feet into His bosom with the rest of His children. Jesus knew the prostration of heart, the poverty of spirit that Jacob was suffering under.

“When, after his sin in deceiving Esau, Jacob fled from his father’s home, he was weighed down with a sense of guilt. Lonely and outcast as he was, separated from all that had made life dear, the one thought that above all others pressed upon his soul, was the fear that his sin had cut him off from God, that he was forsaken of Heaven. In sadness he lay down to rest on the bare earth, around him only the lonely hills, and above, the heavens bright with stars.” Steps to Christ, p. 19.

The heavens were bright with stars, but there was no God for Jacob. “He was forsaken of Heaven.” To that sorrow Jesus could minister. To that poor soul He could open all the storehouse of heaven with the promise, “Blessed are the poor in spirit: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.” (Matt. 5:3).

“And, behold, the LORD stood above it, and said, I am the LORD God of Abraham thy father, and the God of Isaac: the land whereon thou liest, to thee will I give it, and to thy seed;
And thy seed shall be as the dust of the earth, and thou shalt spread abroad to the west, and to the east, and to the north, and to the south: and in thee and in thy seed shall all the families of the earth be blessed.
And, behold, I am with thee, and will keep thee in all places whither thou goest, and will bring thee again into this land; for I will not leave thee, until I have done that which I have spoken to thee of.” (Gen. 28:13-15).

“From the glory above, the divine voice was heard in a message of comfort and hope. Thus was made known to Jacob that which met the need and longing of his soul--a Saviour. With joy and gratitude he saw revealed a way by which he, a sinner, could be restored to communion with God. The mystic ladder of his dream represented Jesus, the only medium of communication between God and man.” Steps to Christ, p. 19.
    
When creatures give and vow to give, we might do it with all our heart, and our benevolence might seem big. But compared to God and His benevolence, ours is inconceivably small. If You do this for me, then I’ll do this for You. What we promise to God is not one for one, in an even trade off.

When the Queen of Sheba gave of her wealth to Solomon, he returned even more to her from his tremendous stores.

“And she came to Jerusalem with a very great train, with camels that bare spices, and very much gold, and precious stones: and when she was come to Solomon, she communed with him of all that was in her heart….
And she gave the king an hundred and twenty talents of gold, and of spices very great store, and precious stones: there came no more such abundance of spices as these which the queen of Sheba gave to king Solomon.
And the navy also of Hiram, that brought gold from Ophir, brought in from Ophir great plenty of almug trees, and precious stones.
And the king made of the almug trees pillars for the house of the LORD, and for the king’s house, harps also and psalteries for singers: there came no such almug trees, nor were seen unto this day.
And king Solomon gave unto the queen of Sheba all her desire, whatsoever she asked, beside that which Solomon gave her of his royal bounty. So she turned and went to her own country, she and her servants.
Now the weight of gold that came to Solomon in one year was six hundred threescore and six talents of gold,
Beside that he had of the merchantmen, and of the traffick of the spice merchants, and of all the kings of Arabia, and of the governors of the country.” (1Ki. 10:2,10-15).

“Hearing of his wisdom and of the magnificent temple he had built, she determined ‘to prove him with hard questions’ and to see for herself his famous works.’ Prophets and Kings, p. 66. “Solomon told her all her questions: there was not anything hid from the king, which he told her not." 1 Kings 10:1-3; 2 Chronicles 9:1, 2.” Prophets and Kings, p. 66.   

But, Solomon revealed to her more than she sought. “She talked with him of the mysteries of nature; and Solomon taught her of the God of nature, the great Creator, who dwells in the highest heaven and rules over all.” Prophets and Kings, p. 66.
 
Then he added even more to his gift to her by the presentation of his daily life. He had built a life that mimicked the heaven that surrounds the Most High God.

“And when the queen of Sheba had seen all Solomon’s wisdom, and the house that he had built,
And the meat of his table, and the sitting of his servants, and the attendance of his ministers, and their apparel, and his cupbearers, and his ascent by which he went up unto the house of the LORD; there was no more spirit in her.
And she said to the king, It was a true report that I heard in mine own land of thy acts and of thy wisdom.
Howbeit I believed not the words, until I came, and mine eyes had seen it: and, behold, the half was not told me: thy wisdom and prosperity exceedeth the fame which I heard.
Happy are thy men, happy are these thy servants, which stand continually before thee, and that hear thy wisdom.
Blessed be the LORD thy God, which delighted in thee, to set thee on the throne of Israel: because the LORD loved Israel for ever, therefore made he thee king, to do judgment and justice.” (1Ki. 10:4-9).

Above and beyond “all her desire, whatsoever she asked, beside that which Solomon gave her of his royal bounty” (1Ki. 10:13), he gave her a powerful memory of good, of self-sacrifice from loyal hearts toward him, and self-sacrifice from his loyal heart toward all the people below him—an example for her to give in her treatment of her people. He gave her a greater knowledge of the true God, which brought her peace and surrender and the gift of God, the Holy Spirit.

This is exactly what His God desired to do for our world fallen into sin. He promised to

“Thus saith the LORD, The people which were left of the sword found grace in the wilderness; even Israel, when I went to cause him to rest.
The LORD hath appeared of old unto me, saying, Yea, I have loved thee with an everlasting love: therefore with lovingkindness have I drawn thee.
Again I will build thee, and thou shalt be built, O virgin of Israel: thou shalt again be adorned with thy tabrets, and shalt go forth in the dances of them that make merry.” (Jer. 31:2-4).

“At the same time, saith the LORD, will I be the God of all the families of Israel, and they shall be My people.” (Jer. 31:1).

More than their nation being rebuilt and their fields being replanted, above and beyond all “with blessings of heaven above, blessings of the deep that lieth under, blessings of the breasts, and of the womb” (Gen. 49:25), “the dew of heaven, and the fatness of the earth, and plenty of corn and wine:… people serve thee, and nations bow down to thee: … lord over thy brethren, and … thy mother’s sons bow down to thee: cursed be every one that curseth thee, and blessed be he that blesseth thee” (Gen. 27:28,29), there was the spiritual blessing—the gift of God, His reconciled Spirit.

“And the LORD spake unto Moses, saying,
Speak unto Aaron and unto his sons, saying, On this wise ye shall bless the children of Israel, saying unto them,
The LORD bless thee, and keep thee:
The LORD make His face shine upon thee, and be gracious unto thee:
The LORD lift up His countenance upon thee, and give thee peace.
And they shall put My name upon the children of Israel; and I will bless them.” (Num. 6:22).

This is God terms of our agreement with Him. They far outweigh what we agree to give to Him. We give Him all our puny heart, and He give to us all of His infinite heart. His promises are upon other promises, which are upon other promises. “For all the promises of God in Him are yea, and in Him Amen, unto the glory of God by us.” (2Cor. 1:20).

“Behold, the days come, saith the LORD, that I will make a new covenant with the house of Israel, and with the house of Judah:
Not according to the covenant that I made with their fathers in the day that I took them by the hand to bring them out of the land of Egypt; which My covenant they brake, although I was an husband unto them, saith the LORD:
But this shall be the covenant that I will make with the house of Israel; After those days, saith the LORD, I will put My Law in their inward parts, and write it in their hearts; and will be their God, and they shall be My people.
And they shall teach no more every man his neighbour, and every man his brother, saying, Know the LORD: for they shall all know me, from the least of them unto the greatest of them, saith the LORD: for I will forgive their iniquity, and I will remember their sin no more.
Thus saith the LORD, which giveth the sun for a light by day, and the ordinances of the moon and of the stars for a light by night, which divideth the sea when the waves thereof roar; The LORD of hosts is His name:
If those ordinances depart from before me, saith the LORD, then the seed of Israel also shall cease from being a nation before me for ever.
Thus saith the LORD; If heaven above can be measured, and the foundations of the earth searched out beneath, I will also cast off all the seed of Israel for all that they have done, saith the LORD.
Behold, the days come, saith the LORD, that the city shall be built to the LORD from the tower of Hananeel unto the gate of the corner.
And the measuring line shall yet go forth over against it upon the hill Gareb, and shall compass about to Goath.
And the whole valley of the dead bodies, and of the ashes, and all the fields unto the brook of Kidron, unto the corner of the horse gate toward the east, shall be holy unto the LORD; it shall not be plucked up, nor thrown down any more for ever.” (Jer. 31:31).

“Wherein God, willing more abundantly to shew unto the heirs of promise the immutability of His counsel, confirmed it by an oath:
That by two immutable things, in which it was impossible for God to lie, we might have a strong consolation, who have fled for refuge to lay hold upon the hope set before us:
Which hope we have as an anchor of the soul, both sure and stedfast, and which entereth into that within the veil;
 Whither the forerunner is for us entered, even Jesus, made an High Priest for ever after the order of Melchisedec.” (Heb. 6:17-20).

 “For when God made promise to Abraham, because he could swear by no greater, He sware by Himself,
Saying, Surely blessing I will bless thee, and multiplying I will multiply thee.” (Heb. 6:13,14).

Christ guaranteed two immutable things. On top of His promise of blessing and multiplying He swore an oath by Him who none is greater.

The science of sin

“He that is our God is the God of salvation; and unto GOD the Lord belong the issuesH8444 [“exit”] from death.” (Ps. 68:20).

The science of salvation of necessity involves the issues of avoiding sin.

Salvation requires the science to defining sin. Sin must be defined, and the all scripture is profitable for doctrine and instruction in that venture. Therefore, the Bible is the ultimate dictionary of sin’s definitions. The Bible has many definitions of sin beside the three obvious ones. What is sin?

“Whosoever committeth sin transgresseth also the law: for sin is the transgression of the law.” (1Jn. 3:4).

“He that doubteth is damnedG2632 [“judged”] if he eat, because he eateth not of faith: for whatsoever is not of faith is sin.” (Rom. 14:23).

“To him that knoweth to do good, and doeth it not, to him it is sin.” (Jas. 4:17).

So we can see immediately that the first three definitions simply come from different perspectives of sin. Let’s learn more from the views of three minds, John, Paul, and James.

John’s definition of sin relates to the breaking the Law of love. To him, sin is the opposite of love. John was big on love. But, in all that he wrote on the subject of love, an undercurrent of Law is heard. Like the deep subterranean water that at certain high spots breaks through the surface of the ground in artesian wells and geysers, likewise, according to John’s understanding, love was based upon the foundation of Law and obedience, love being the expression of that deep, thick, reinforced, durable foundation. Therefore, because sin destroys love, it also works contrary to God’s Law.

Paul’s definition of sin relates to faith. Sin is the opposite of trust. Sin results from not taking God at His word, not believing the King. If we don’t believe God, then who are we believing? We are believing Lucifer. And sin is the foundation of Lucifer’s kingdom. If we aren’t trusting God, who are we trusting? There is only one other final authority —that is His arch enemy.  Paul and John were not far from each others’ definitions because faith and love pair up together like two birds of a feather. But, with Paul, sin is not defined as doing bad things. Doing bad things, committing bad acts and saying bad words and even imagining bad thoughts, all are an automatic, natural result of a deeper problem. And that deeper lack we often overlook, even though it is infinitely essential. That lack “of course” is dependence on God, knowing God. I give quotation marks to “of course” because we all know that! Right? History bears out that that is the world’s most pervasive assumption! All we like sheep have gone astray; we’ve turned everyone to his own way. If we all had dependence on God, then why must the Bible reiterate it again and again? We all know it. But do we know it “in truth” (Isa. 10:20)? If we knew it, then why must our God keep having to run us down to bring us back to it.

“For thus saith the Lord GOD, the Holy One of Israel; In returning and rest shall ye be saved; in quietness and in confidence shall be your strength: and ye would not. But ye said, No; for we will flee upon horses; therefore shall ye flee: and, We will ride upon the swift; therefore shall they that pursue you be swift.” (Isa. 30:15,16).

Look at the context of those who the Lord taught to stay upon Him “in truth”. It would take a lot of wrestling them to the ground, a lot of pain and suffering of stubbornly willful hearts, a lot of purging from the nation the genuinely determined rebels, before true dependence on God could come to the hearts of those who survived the purge.

“And it shall come to pass in that day, that the remnant of Israel, and such as are escaped of the house of Jacob, shall no more again stay upon him that smote them; but shall stay upon the LORD, the Holy One of Israel, in truth.
The remnant shall return, even the remnant of Jacob, unto the mighty God.
For though thy people Israel be as the sand of the sea, yet a remnant of them shall return: the consumption decreed shall overflow with righteousness.
For the Lord GOD of hosts shall make a consumption, even determined, in the midst of all the land.” (Isa. 10:20-23).

Do we really, truly know God? Do we know Him “in truth”? Do I? There are a lot of Christian coins in the church—and many of them are lost and don’t know it. A mighty shaking is coming, as we all know. “Will I survive it?” must be every Christian’s concern in this investigative judgment time. “Many false prophets shall rise, and shall deceive many…. But he that shall endure unto the end, the same shall be saved.” (Matt. 24:11,13). Is my foot firmly planted on Christ the Rock? Or is my foot slipping? Has idolatry, under its million chameleon disguises, insidiously made many inroads into my heart? Am I afflicting my soul with the high standard? Am I searching my heart for darling sins, per 2 Corinthians 13:5? “Lord, is it I [who is about to betray You]?” (Matt. 26:22). Do I truly know the only true God and Jesus Christ whom He sent? Do I have life eternal? Or, is my heart deceitful above all things and desperately wicked? Do I think I am an Ephesian and Philippian, when I am a Corinthian and a Galatian? “For if a man think himself to be something, when he is nothing, he deceiveth himself.” (Gal. 6:3). Do I use formulas, even Bible-based formulas to have a nirvana kind of “eternal life” (John 5:39) that never goes any deeper than a rote, hypnotic rendition of words, or have I dared to challenge my nirvana with the Law of God expressed in the tonic Spirit of Prophecy that sets my teeth on edge in order to have a union with a Law loving Jesus who spoke at Sinai and wrote the scriptures for that eternal life “in truth”? There is a lot packed in Paul’s definition of sin.

James’ definition of sin deals with responsibility. He assumes that faith and love are the understood mandate from heaven. So James takes faith and love to the next level. You have faith—prove it. You have love—prove it. Trust, but verify! If you can’t prove it—then you have sin! God won’t answer you prayers because if He did you would consume it upon your lusts! If we could liken Paul and John to Jones and Waggoner (which probably is a huge over simplification!) then we can liken James to Ellen White. Maybe these aren’t perfect comparisons, but there’s something to the apostle James-Ellen White connection.

There is no evidence of genuine repentance unless it works reformation. If he restore the pledge, give again that he had robbed, confess his sins, and love God and his fellow men, the sinner may be sure that he has passed from death unto life.
     When, as erring, sinful beings, we come to Christ and become partakers of His pardoning grace, love springs up in the heart. Every burden is light, for the yoke that Christ imposes is easy. Duty becomes a delight, and sacrifice a pleasure. The path that before seemed shrouded in darkness, becomes bright with beams from the Sun of Righteousness.
     The loveliness of the character of Christ will be seen in His followers. It was His delight to do the will of God. Love to God, zeal for His glory, was the controlling power in our Saviour’s life. Love beautified and ennobled all His actions. Love is of God. The unconsecrated heart cannot originate or produce it. It is found only in the heart where Jesus reigns. ‘We love, because He first loved us.’ 1 John 4:19, R.V. In the heart renewed by divine grace, love is the principle of action. It modifies the character, governs the impulses, controls the passions, subdues enmity, and ennobles the affections. This love, cherished in the soul, sweetens the life and sheds a refining influence on all around.” Steps to Christ, p. 59.
    
Both the apostle James and Ellen G. White ministries and messages were largely Old Testament, old covenant messages/ministries. This situation always happens when the current people of God are in danger of losing the first love for their new covenant responsibilities. Ellen White sounded like James the Just and John the Baptist until 1888. Then she finally started to sound like the apostle Paul spreading before us the new covenant privileges, yet with a John the Baptist tone continuously sounding in the background. But, after 1898 or so, under the guidance of Jesus, she reverted to her original old covenant, reproving language. Why? Because we were not faithful with the 1888 message, its privileges and duties. We were no longer worthy of the Latter Rain. What else could Jesus do, than put us back into Babylon. Once again, we would be “kept under the law, shut up unto the faith which should afterwards be revealed” (Gal. 3:23), “till the seed should come to whom the promise was made” (Gal. 3:19). Back under the Law’s condemnation, which we deserved, and still deserve.

And, Galatians 3:19 “[the law] was given because of transgressions” relates to the terrible implications of Daniel 8:12, as well as Daniel 11:30-32, implications regarding the people of God given over to Satan because of transgression—i.e. idolatry. Everyone who knows the dark history of the apostolic church should fear another loss of first love by their generation, and then a slide into apostasy by their denomination, their congregation, their church click, and even their personal religious experience. Such a fear is only right. It’s only wise. It’s biblical. “Examine yourselves, whether ye be in the faith; prove your own selves. Know ye not your own selves, how that Jesus Christ is in you, except ye be reprobates?” (2Cor. 13:5). “Fear God, and give glory to Him; for the hour of His judgment is come.” “Babylon is fallen, is fallen, that great city, because she made all nations drink of the wine of the wrath of her fornication.” (Rev. 14:7,8).

If we would know the future we need only look at the past.

“And an host [Noah’s ancient Hebrew theocracy, Christianity, Protestantism, (Adventism?)] was given him [Satan and his beast power] against the daily sacrifice by reason of transgression, and it cast down the truth to the ground; and it practised, and prospered.” (Dan. 8:12).

“… therefore he [Satan and his beast power] 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 he corrupt by flatteries: but the people that do know their God shall be strong, and do exploits.” (Dan. 11:30-32).

Thankfully, God has never given them all over the Satan! Thankfully God has always had a loyal remnant! “Thus saith the LORD; If heaven above can be measured, and the foundations of the earth searched out beneath, I will also cast off all the seed of Israel for all that they have done, saith the LORD.” (Jer. 31:37). The true apostolic succession has always existed in the beleaguered church in the wilderness, even if only “few, that is, eight souls were saved” (1Pet. 3:20). Though few in the days of Noah, there has ever been a faithful, spiritual lineage of saints since the fall of Adam. And, there always will be. So, there’s still hope for us today!

But, are we Adventists in danger of receiving the mark of the beast? This should have been a valid concern for the apostolic church and the Reformation churches. Why shouldn’t it be a valid concern for the Adventist church today?

“God has children, many of them, in the Protestant churches, and a large number in the Catholic churches, who are more true to obey the light to the very best of their knowledge than a large number among Sabbathkeeping Adventists who do not walk in the light.” The Ellen G. White 1888 Materials, p. 377.

“Who has the heart? With whom are our thoughts? Of whom do we love to converse? Who has our warmest affections and our best energies? If we are Christ’s, our thoughts are with Him, and our sweetest thoughts are of Him. All we have and are is consecrated to Him. We long to bear His image, breathe His spirit, do His will, and please Him in all things.
     Those who become new creatures in Christ Jesus will bring forth the fruits of the Spirit, ‘love, joy, peace, long-suffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, temperance.’ Galatians 5:22, 23. They will no longer fashion themselves according to the former lusts, but by the faith of the Son of God they will follow in His steps, reflect His character, and purify themselves even as He is pure. The things they once hated they now love, and the things they once loved they hate. The proud and self-assertive become meek and lowly in heart. The vain and supercilious become serious and unobtrusive. The drunken become sober, and the profligate pure. The vain customs and fashions of the world are laid aside. Christians will seek not the ‘outward adorning,’ but ‘the hidden man of the heart, in that which is not corruptible, even the ornament of a meek and quiet spirit.’ 1 Peter 3:3, 4.” Steps to Christ, p. 58.

Will we be “the people that do know their God, and do exploits” (Dan. 11:32)? Will we be “they that understand among the people” and “instruct many” (Dan. 11:33), “teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you” (Matt. 28:20)? Or, will we be among those who place “the abomination of desolation, spoken of by Daniel the prophet” (Matt. 24:15), “the transgression of desolation, to give both the sanctuary and the host to be trodden under foot” (Dan. 8:13)? If you are reading this, you probably will rank among those who know their God.

But, we must use every tool of true education from Jesus’ testimony through His last day prophet in the Spirit of Prophecy counsels to the Laodicean church. This is of utmost necessity for us all during this intense investigative judgment, a time of strong delusion and thick darkness that are coming upon the world. We must continually place before ourselves the correct definition of sin, in all of its many aspects.

“Preach the word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all longsuffering and doctrine.
For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears;
And they shall turn away their ears from the truth, and shall be turned unto fables.
But watch thou in all things, endure afflictions, do the work of an evangelist, make full proof of thy ministry.” (2Tim. 4:2-5).

“Yea, and all that will live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution.
But evil men and seducers shall wax worse and worse, deceiving, and being deceived.
But continue thou in the things which thou hast learned and hast been assured of, knowing of whom thou hast learned them;
And that from a child thou hast known the holy scriptures, which are able to make thee wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus.
All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness:

That the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works.” (2Tim. 3:12-17).

Friday, June 21, 2019

"Wild fires" Target: Protestant America


This might seem like a long video, but it’s an interview of 2 veteran firefighters and packed with fire anomaly evidence related to the most recent wildfires in California. The anomalies point to a technology that is a household term--microwave, but not normally delivered from the same platform or with the vast amount of power as in the California fires. It seems to be using the science that Tesla had developed.

My concern, is that, via continued improvements in the delivery systems, this new weapon will be used all the way across the United States, and around the world. The nightmare might be that the “wild” fires sweep from west coast to our eastern seaboard, and similarly in other countries. The forests will eventually come back, but the people will be unable to. This is a very effective way to implement U.N. Agenda 21 or 2030. I can’t conceive of any other way to remove people from off their privately owned land in order to create a vast nature reserve in accordance with the bio-diversity map from Agenda 21. No American would obey the U.N. short of involving either a militarized police force or the military itself. And that would lead to too much chaos.

This video seems to indicate that the wildfires have their cause in a subversive element of our military and its latest weapon, microwave/laser resistant heating. It is a very efficient use of the military, being that only a select core of people are involved, and no one suspects that military weapons are being used. So, there is no public outcry, no politicians need to worry. But, this is an attack on the people of the United States by their government (or certain small groups within the respective governments of the world). I see some biblical prophecies that refer to this attack, the later Revelation prophetic symbolisms taken from the more ancient context of Old Testament Babylonian/Assyrian attacks.

“Blow ye the trumpet in Zion, and sound an alarm in My holy mountain: let all the inhabitants of the land tremble: for the day of the LORD cometh, for it is nigh at hand;
A day of darkness and of gloominess, a day of clouds and of thick darkness, as the morning spread upon the mountains: a great people and a strong; there hath not been ever the like, neither shall be any more after it, even to the years of many generations.
A fire devoureth before them; and behind them a flame burneth: the land is as the garden of Eden before them, and behind them a desolate wilderness; yea, and nothing shall escape them.
The appearance of them is as the appearance of horses; and as horsemen, so shall they run.
Like the noise of chariots on the tops of mountains shall they leap, like the noise of a flame of fire that devoureth the stubble, as a strong people set in battle array.
Before their face the people shall be much pained: all faces shall gather blackness.
They shall run like mighty men; they shall climb the wall like men of war; and they shall march every one on his ways, and they shall not break their ranks:
Neither shall one thrust another; they shall walk every one in his path: and when they fall upon the sword, they shall not be wounded.
They shall run to and fro in the city; they shall run upon the wall, they shall climb up upon the houses; they shall enter in at the windows like a thief.
The earth shall quake before them; the heavens shall tremble: the sun and the moon shall be dark, and the stars shall withdraw their shining:
And the LORD shall utter His voice before his army: for His camp is very great: for He is strong that executeth His word: for the day of the LORD is great and very terrible; and who can abide it?” (Joel 2:1-11).

Voracious locusts, one of the most feared natural disasters in ancient times, symbolizing human armies are the Jews' enemy. Joel's prophecy sounds to be the typical source of the antitypical symbolisms of Revelation’s fifth and sixth trumpets. The smoke, fire, and brimstone (seen in the sixth trumpet, Revelation 9:13-19) is related to spiritualism and the mark of the beast (see Deuteronomy 29:18,20-28; Revelation 14:9-11). I believe the smoke represents demonic agencies, and the locusts are their human hosts/counterparts (the Jesuits and the new Jesuit Vatican).

“And the fifth angel sounded, and I saw a star fall from heaven unto the earth: and to him was given the key of the bottomless pit.
And he opened the bottomless pit; and there arose a smoke out of the pit, as the smoke of a great furnace; and the sun and the air were darkened by reason of the smoke of the pit.
And there came out of the smoke locusts upon the earth: and unto them was given power, as the scorpions of the earth have power.
And it was commanded them that they should not hurt the grass of the earth, neither any green thing, neither any tree; but only those men which have not the seal of God in their foreheads.
And to them it was given that they should not kill them, but that they should be tormented five months: and their torment was as the torment of a scorpion, when he striketh a man.
And in those days shall men seek death, and shall not find it; and shall desire to die, and death shall flee from them.
And the shapes of the locusts were like unto horses prepared unto battle; and on their heads were as it were crowns like gold, and their faces were as the faces of men.” (Rev. 9:1-7).

And I believe this prophecy refers to our day. Before Jesus returns there will be a time of trouble such as never was. All the alarming things we are witnessing around our country and the other nations seem to be building up to that final trouble. Yet, the solution in the ancient prophecies of desolation is still good for our day. Parenthetically, remember that the ancient Jews desired a Messiah for the riddance of the Roman power rather a Redeemer from sin. Today, nothing has changed. So many Americans today seek a way to stop the growing momentum of today’s Vatican/U.N. Agenda 21/2030. But, the Bible and its everlasting gospel, the preparation for the closing up of the investigative judgment and eternity with Jesus, is all the same everlasting solution as of old. It is our only solution. Any other solution is enormously shortsighted and eternally fatal.

“Therefore also now, saith the LORD, turn ye even to Me with all your heart, and with fasting, and with weeping, and with mourning:
And rend your heart, and not your garments, and turn unto the LORD your God: for He is gracious and merciful, slow to anger, and of great kindness, and repenteth Him of the evil.
Who knoweth if He will return and repent, and leave a blessing behind Him; even a meat offering and a drink offering unto the LORD your God?
Blow the trumpet in Zion, sanctify a fast, call a solemn assembly:
Gather the people, sanctify the congregation, assemble the elders, gather the children, and those that suck the breasts: let the bridegroom go forth of his chamber, and the bride out of her closet.
Let the priests, the ministers of the LORD, weep between the porch and the altar, and let them say, Spare Thy people, O LORD, and give not Thine heritage to reproach, that the heathen should rule over them: wherefore should they say among the people, Where is their God?” (Joel 2:12-17).

“And one said to the man clothed in linen, which was upon the waters of the river, How long shall it be to the end of these wonders?
And 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 for ever 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.” (Dan. 12:6,7).

“And they that are left of you shall pine away in their iniquity in your enemies’ lands; and also in the iniquities of their fathers shall they pine away with them.
If they shall confess their iniquity, and the iniquity of their fathers, with their trespass which they trespassed against Me, and that also they have walked contrary unto Me;
And that I also have walked contrary unto them, and have brought them into the land of their enemies; if then their uncircumcised hearts be humbled, and they then accept of the punishment of their iniquity:

Then will I remember My covenant with…” Protestantism/Seventh-day Adventism! (Lev. 26:39-42).

Monday, June 17, 2019

Carrying the burden of the Lord, being sick from bad news

“A merry heart maketh a cheerful countenance: but by sorrow of the heart the spirit is broken.” (Prov. 15:13).

“Hitherto is the end of the matter. As for me Daniel, my cogitations much troubled me, and my countenance changed in me: but I kept the matter in my heart.” (Dan. 7:28).
“And I Daniel fainted, and was sick certain days; afterward I rose up, and did the king’s business; and I was astonished at the vision, but none understood it.” (Dan. 8:27).

By the time of the vision of chapter 7, Daniel and his people had been in captivity approximately 43 years. And at the time of the chapter 8 vision their captivity had continued 46 years. It would take another approximate 24 years before Daniel would learn from reading Jeremiah that Babylon would fall and freedom would come to the Jews.

But Daniel’s troubled mind did not arise because of captivity. His troubles came from learning what Satan would do to God, and then to God’s people. He understood that the future apostasies would play out very similar to the many Israelite apostasies of ancient times, but that the previous apostasies of Israel would look tame compared to the apostasies of the future.

It was hard enough to bear the knowledge that God’s people would not learn from the current captivity and curse of God, but that their rebellion would be ten times worse. 2,300 years would be a long departure from heaven. Israel had only been a kingdom for 550 years under David, they had been a nation 800 years since Moses, 1100 years as a tribe had passed since their father Israel far back in prehistory, and it had been 1,300 years since Abraham followed the voice of the Lord further back into the misty past. And look at all the ups and downs since Abraham covenanted with God for a holy kingdom that Moses ratified and David inaugurated. But, 2,300 years in the future —a whole millennium more than the centuries since Abraham, 1,300 years in the past mists of time? 2,300 years of increasing rebellion, antipathy, animosity, hostility against the throne of God? 2,300 years of decreasing connection with heaven until total darkness would envelope the hearts of God’s people?

“And he said unto me, Unto two thousand and three hundred days; then shall the sanctuary be cleansed.
And it came to pass, when I, even I Daniel, had seen the vision, and sought for the meaning, then, behold, there stood before me as the appearance of a man.
And I heard a Man’s voice between the banks of Ulai, which called, and said, Gabriel, make this man to understand the vision.
So he [Gabriel] came near where I stood: and when he came, I was afraid, and fell upon my face: but he said unto me, Understand, O son of man: for at the time of the end shall be the vision.
Now as he was speaking with me, I was in a deep sleep on my face toward the ground: but he touched me, and set me upright.
And he said, Behold, I will make thee know what shall be in the last end of the indignation: for at the time appointed the end shall be.…
And in the latter time of their kingdom, when the transgressors are come to the full, a king of fierce countenance, and understanding dark sentences, shall stand up.
And his power shall be mighty, but not by his own power: and he shall destroy wonderfully, and shall prosper, and practise, and shall destroy the mighty and the holy people.
And through his policy also he shall cause craft to prosper in his hand; and he shall magnify himself in his heart, and by peace shall destroy many: he shall also stand up against the Prince of princes; but he shall be broken without hand.
And the vision of the evening and the morning which was told is true: wherefore shut thou up the vision; for it shall be for many days.
And I Daniel fainted, and was sick certain days; afterward I rose up, and did the king’s business; and I was astonished at the vision, but none understood it.” (Dan 8:14-19,23-27).

Daniel wrote, “I was astonished at the vision.” “I Daniel fainted, and was sick…days.” (Dan. 8:27). This strong but gentle father of Israel fell ill for many days because what he saw distressed his heart and mind so terribly. A satanic earthly power having a “fierce countenance” (Dan. 8:23) and the “eyes of man, and a mouth speaking great things” (Dan. 7:8) standing up against the “Prince of the host” (Dan. 8:11), the “Prince of the covenant” (Dan. 11:22), the “Prince of princes” (Dan. 8:25) was too much to hear and see.

“And the vision of the evening and the morning which was told is true: wherefore shut thou up the vision; for it shall be for many days. And I Daniel fainted, and was sick certain days; afterward I rose up, and did the king’s business; and I was astonishedH8074 at the vision, but none understood it.” (Dan. 8:26,27).

H8074
שׁמם
shâmêm
shaw-mame’

A primitive root; to stun (or intransitively grow numb), that is, devastate or (figuratively) stupefy (both usually in a passive sense): - make amazed, be astonied, (be an) astonish (-ment), (be, bring into, unto, lay, lie, make) desolate (-ion, places), be destitute, destroy (self), (lay, lie, make) waste, wonder.

Daniel was stunned, devastated, stupefied. His immune system couldn’t handle the sorrowful scene. He collapsed and his body shut down. A man of great energy and happiness to serve his heathen masters, now must recuperate from what he knew must be the future of his people.

“The Lord GOD shall…call His servants by another name.” (Isa. 65:15).

This promise was fulfilled after Christ ascended to the right hand of His Father in heaven. He sent the Spirit of His reconciled Father upon His weak and vulnerable disciples, and their new name was soon called by His name, Christian. But, another apostasy would follow that great revival and reformation. 

The gift of prophecy had returned to God’s people for a short time, and He walked among them after 500 years of silence from above. “We have also a more sure word of prophecy; whereunto ye do well that ye take heed, as unto a light that shineth in a dark place, until the day dawn, and the Day Star arise in your hearts.” (2Pet. 1:19). “I John, who also am your brother, and companion in tribulation, and in the kingdom and patience of Jesus Christ, was in the isle that is called Patmos, for the word of God, and for the testimony of Jesus Christ.” (Rev. 1:9).

But the gift of prophecy would depart again, and this time for more than 1,700 years.

“And when the dragon saw that he was cast unto the earth, he persecuted the woman which brought forth the man child.
And to the woman were given two wings of a great eagle, that she might fly into the wilderness, into her place, where she is nourished for a time, and times, and half a time, from the face of the serpent.
And the serpent cast out of his mouth water as a flood after the woman, that he might cause her to be carried away of the flood.
And the earth helped the woman, and the earth opened her mouth, and swallowed up the flood which the dragon cast out of his mouth.
And 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.” (Rev. 12:13-17).

Not until 1844 would that precious gift return to reclaim all the truths that the Lord God had been giving during the Old Testament. That year was 2,300 years after the vision of Daniel 9, “At the beginning of thy supplications the commandment came forth, and I am come to shew thee; for thou art greatly beloved: therefore understand the matter, and consider the vision.” (Dan. 9:23). “Know therefore and understand, that from the going forth of the commandment to restore and to build Jerusalem unto the Messiah the Prince shall be seven weeks, and threescore and two weeks: the street shall be built again, and the wall, even in troublous times.” (Dan. 9:25). The year that Artaxerxes gave authority and funding to rebuild the Jews’ nation and its capital was 457 B.C. That year was the king’s seventh year of reigning, his regnal year being 464 B.C. “And there went up some of the children of Israel, and of the priests, and the Levites, and the singers, and the porters, and the Nethinims, unto Jerusalem, in the seventh year of Artaxerxes the king.” (Ezra 7:7). Sixty-nine “weeks” (that is, 69 seven-year periods equaling 483 years) later was A.D. 27, which was 483 literal years after 457 B.C., plus adding 1 year for the year 0.

“Yea, whiles I was speaking in prayer, even the man Gabriel, whom I had seen in the vision at the beginning, being caused to fly swiftly, touched me about the time of the evening oblation.
And he informed me, and talked with me, and said, O Daniel, I am now come forth to give thee skill and understanding.
At the beginning of thy supplications the commandment came forth, and I am come to shew thee; for thou art greatly beloved: therefore understand the matter, and consider the vision.
Seventy weeks are determined upon thy people and upon thy holy city, to finish the transgression, and to make an end of sins, and to make reconciliation for iniquity, and to bring in everlasting righteousness, and to seal up the vision and prophecy, and to anoint the most Holy.
Know therefore and understand, that from the going forth of the commandment to restore and to build Jerusalem unto the Messiah the Prince shall be seven weeks, and threescore and two weeks: the street shall be built again, and the wall, even in troublous times.
And after threescore and two weeks shall Messiah be cut off, but not for Himself: and the people of the prince that shall come shall destroy the city and the sanctuary; and the end thereof shall be with a flood, and unto the end of the war desolations are determined.
And He 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.” (Dan. 9:21-27).

That period of 69 prophetic “weeks” of literal years ended when Jesus was baptized and introduced to the people of Israel by John the Baptist with his highly charged, “Behold the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world”. (John 1:29). After 3½ years of His personal ministry and sacrificial death, plus a 3½ year grace period for the Jews to accept the Messiah, the people who had been instrumental in Him giving to the world, completed the 70th prophetic “week” of seven literal years.

Yet, this was only part of “the vision” that Gabriel was sent to Daniel to explain from Daniel 8:10-26. Daniel 9:24-27 explained the antitype of the earthly sanctuary’s daily service. But, the “cleansing of the sanctuary”, which the larger vision of Daniel 8 was revealing, still needed an explanation. If Daniel had realized the connection between the earthly and the heavenly sanctuary, he might not have been left in such turmoil. But, evidently he had enough to try to grasp the way Satan would work to usurp Messiah’s salvation to our lost world.

Much of the mystery of the vision was left for Messiah and the church He established to understand and bring to the world. But, even the apostolic church was only given part of the full explanation of the Daniel 8 vision. The part they were given to know was that phase of redemption that dealt with their period in the antitypical work in the heavenly sanctuary. Daniel had been given to know only the first phase of the 2,300 year prophecy that dealt with the Old Testament dispensation, as seen in the courtyard of the earthly sanctuary complex. The part revealed to the New Testament church was the antitypical work dealing with presenting the grace of God through the Priestly ministry of Jesus in the Holy Place of the heavenly sanctuary.

But, in the earthly sanctuary ceremonial system the “cleansing of the sanctuary” dealt with neither the courtyard nor the Holy Place of the earthly sanctuary. The “cleansing of the sanctuary” dealt solely with the third part of the ceremonial system—“after the second veil, the tabernacle which is called the Holiest of allG39 G39 [hagia hagion]” (Heb. 9:3), the Most Holy Place of the heavenly sanctuary—which the earthly temple had been a copy. “As Moses was admonished of God when he was about to make the tabernacle: for, See, saith He, that thou make all things according to the pattern shewed to thee in the mount.” (Heb. 8:5).

This is what the Daniel 8 vision meant by cleansing the Most Holy Place of the heavenly sanctuary, “the true tabernacle, which the Lord pitched, and not man”. (Heb. 8:2). Annually, this Most Holy inner sanctum where Christ dwelled needed to be purified of all the pollution transferred to it spiritually. Daily guilt was transferred to a sacrificial animal, then its guilty blood was brought into the sanctuary and sprinkled before the veil of the Most Holy inner sanctum, thus Israel’s guilt for sins committed were spiritually transferred into the Holy Place, at the veil of the Most Holy where Christ dwelled. After a year’s worth of Israel’s pollution accumulating before Christ, the whole temple had to be cleansed, specified in Leviticus chapter 16.

This procedure being only to “serve unto the example and shadow of heavenly things” (Heb. 8:5), there must be a heavenly counterpart to this earthly cleansing. This heavenly cleansing of the throne of God would take place at the end of the 2,300 year prophecy of Daniel 8:9-14. It would deal not only with the sins of our whole fallen race since the fall of Adam and Eve, but it would deal with the whole great controversy begun by Lucifer, son of the morning.

“How art thou fallen from heaven, O Lucifer, son of the morning! how art thou cut down to the ground, which didst weaken the nations!
For thou hast said in thine heart, I will ascend into heaven, I will exalt my throne above the stars of God: I will sit also upon the mount of the congregation, in the sides of the north:
I will ascend above the heights of the clouds; I will be like the most High.” (Isa. 14:12-14).

The self-exaltation of Lucifer and his ambition to compete with Christ is exactly what Daniel saw in his chapter 8 vision. But, it was given for a structure for a future second episode by the mastermind of evil.

“And out of one of them came forth a little horn, which waxed exceeding great, toward the south, and toward the east, and toward the pleasant land.
And it waxed great, even to the host of heaven; and it cast down some of the host and of the stars to the ground, and stamped upon them.
Yea, he magnified himself even to the Prince of the host, and by him the daily sacrifice was taken away, and the place of His sanctuary was cast down.
And an host was given him against the daily sacrifice by reason of transgression, and it cast down the truth to the ground; and it practised, and prospered.” (Dan. 8:9-12).

The host given to the little horn power were those under the “Prince of the host”. The host was the people of Jehovah who chose transgression of obedience, and apostasy over their covenant with the only true God. Many times did they leave their God, the living God. For this Daniel mourned and interceded for them.

“And I set my face unto the Lord God, to seek by prayer and supplications, with fasting, and sackcloth, and ashes:
 And I prayed unto the LORD my God, and made my confession, and said, O Lord, the great and dreadful God, keeping the covenant and mercy to them that love Him, and to them that keep His commandments;
We have sinned, and have committed iniquity, and have done wickedly, and have rebelled, even by departing from Thy precepts and from Thy judgments:
Neither have we hearkened unto Thy servants the prophets, which spake in Thy name to our kings, our princes, and our fathers, and to all the people of the land….” (Dan. 9:3-6).

By Satan’s effort to always eclipse their conviction and knowledge of the ever present power of Jehovah from His throne in heaven. Even the knowledge of Christ, the Prince of princes, and the knowledge of His offering on the cross, Satan constantly blotted from men’s knowledge. This would be taken a step further during the Dark Ages when all that Jesus was doing for sinners was taken away from the faith of mankind through the false doctrine of Satan’s servants who dominated Christendom. This is what Daniel saw in vision. The people who he believed to be Jews persecuted for their faith, were actually Christians being persecuted.

But, regardless of who were the persecuted ones for the truth that they held dear, the systematic work of Satan against the stars of faith, the great “cloud of witnesses” (Heb. 12:1) seen in the faith chapter of Hebrews 11, is what put Daniel on his sickbed. His horror and great darkness came from seeing such an abominable crime against God’s children that Satan was able to get away with. And multitudes who were complicit in the persecutions believed his deceptions. In the context of permitting them to love all that their fallen natures craved Satan turned their loyalty against the God of love and righteousness. Idolatry was the transgression that caused their separation from the only good God, and transgression was the power of captivity to Satan and his ability to desolate them. Thus one of the angels called it, “the transgression of desolation” (Dan. 8:13), and later Gabriel termed it, “the abomination that maketh desolate” (Dan. 11:31; 12:11), and which Jesus called “the abomination of desolation” (Matt. 24:15).

It is the same desolation that Paul called, “a falling away first, and that man of sin be revealed, the son of perdition”, “the mystery of iniquity”, and “that Wicked [one]”, “whose coming is after the working of Satan with all power and signs and lying wonders, And with all deceivableness of unrighteousness” (2Thess. 2:3,7,8,9,10).

John called it, “MYSTERY, BABYLON THE GREAT, THE MOTHER OF HARLOTS AND ABOMINATIONS OF THE EARTH”. He saw it as a monstrous system controlling essentially the whole human race, “all nations”, “all the world”, “peoples, and multitudes, and nations, and tongues” (Rev. 14:8; 13:3; 17:15). It was also composed of a middle management of kings and merchants, (i.e. governments and corporations), and exalted, pagan, idolatrous papal religion as the “GREAT” upper management. “Babylon the great is fallen, is fallen, and is become the habitation of devils, and the hold of every foul spirit, and a cage of every unclean and hateful bird. For all nations have drunk of the wine of the wrath of her fornication, and the kings of the earth have committed fornication with her, and the merchants of the earth are waxed rich through the abundance of her delicacies.”  (Rev. 18:2,3). “The beast that thou sawest was, and is not; and shall ascend out of the bottomless pit, and go into perdition: and they that dwell on the earth shall wonder, whose names were not written in the book of life from the foundation of the world, when they behold the beast that was, and is not, and yet is.” (Rev. 17:8).

“Perdition” means total a blotting out of righteousness, love, faith, peace, joy, patience and toleration, self-control from Adam’s and Noah’s race, and the planet that God gave them. Such a condition overspreading the church and possessing the earth is why Paul called that controlling power, “the son of perdition”. It is why Paul saw the “host” that Daniel had said “was given” to the son of perdition “by reason of transgression” as a whole religio-political world who received the self-indulgent world governance. This gigantic construct of tempted and ignorant masses trusting in the bewitching power of a one world dogmatic religious-spiritual power, and her threatening dictatorships and tempting incorporated privatizing sector, all of this towering Babel which Paul described more literally to be “them that perish; because they received not the love of the truth, that they might be saved. And for this cause God shall send them strong delusion, that they should believe a lie: that they all might be damned who believed not the truth, but had pleasure in unrighteousness.” (2Thess. 2:10-12). Thus, by a strong delusion of open sin, permitted by God through opening the bottomless pit in 1849 at the California Gold Rush during the Sabbath Conferences, and administered by Satan, God would give the church to Satan.

This condition of Protestant America, the leading group that represents the true God of the Bible has desserted its beautiful Reformation religion, its righteous Constitution of innocent, lamb-like Republicanism, and its energetic and bold capitalism and economic might. And it is quickly moving to a state of spiritualism and unrighteousness and loveless, Christless religion, despotic government, and corrupt business that the Bible writers warned would pervade a world in total rebellion.

Our day is what Daniel saw in vision. He saw no good news, only fearful, tragic news. More fearful than the horrific prophetic symbolism of the amalgamated serpent-mammal was the certain demon possession upon the deluded and corrupted people daring God to damn them forever. All the priceless treasure of holiness and love that heaven would bestow upon a people they would give up.

Darkness is covering the earth and gross darkness the people. The Protestant world has gone wild after self-indulgence and will end up robbed and spoiled, first spiritually and then temporally. All the “wild” fires will consume the American empire, and leave this proud generation in slavery. All the puppetry that demonic power can muster to rewire the image of God in the human race is moving rapidly toward Gestapo rule, forcing upon the whole world ungodliness and wickedness and blasphemous anger at God.

“Babylon hath been a golden cup in the LORD’s hand, that made all the earth drunken: the nations have drunken of her wine; therefore the nations are mad [raving, clamorously foolish, boasting].
Babylon is suddenly fallen and destroyed: howl for her; take balm for her pain, if so be she may be healed.
We would have healed Babylon, but she is not healed: forsake her, and let us go every one into his own country: for her judgment reacheth unto heaven, and is lifted up even to the skies.
The LORD hath brought forth our righteousness: come, and let us declare in Zion the work of the LORD our God.” (Jer. 51:7-10).

“And the sixth angel poured out his vial upon the great river Euphrates; and the water thereof was dried up, that the way of the kings of the east might be prepared.
And 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.” (Rev. 16:12-14).

War and desolations are decried and a consumption is determined. “Upon the earth distress of nations, with perplexity… Men’s hearts failing them for fear, and for looking after those things which are coming on the earth. ” (Luke 21:25,26). All of this disturbed Daniel. But the worst of it was the consumption of his beloved people of God, the ancient Israelites, and the modern Protestant-Adventist remnant of the Hebrew religion.

“And 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 for ever 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 tried; but the wicked shall do wickedly: and none of the wicked shall understand; but the wise shall understand.…
But go thou thy way till the end be: for thou shalt rest, and stand in thy lot at the end of the days.” (Dan. 12:7-10,13).

An intense Daniel watched and listened for a good end of hope and expectancy; but he didn’t hear it. “And one said to the Man clothed in linen, which was upon the waters of the river, How long shall it be to the end of these wonders?... And I heard, but I understood not: then said I, O my Lord, what shall be the end of these things?” (Dan. 12:6,8). Daniel has worked and stressed long. He has faithfully and vigilantly carried the Lord’s burden upon the mighty and holy people. Now he can stand in his lot; he can rest. He should rest knowing that God will be victorious in the end, and that in the end He will have a purified remnant through the scattering of their power.

Daniel could rest. He was to know the words of His Lord, “Consider the lilies of the field…they toil not, neither do they spin.” (Matt. 6:28). “Behold the fowls of the air: for they sow not, neither do they reap.” (Matt. 6:26).

“Those who take Christ at His word, and surrender their souls to His keeping, their lives to His ordering, will find peace and quietude. Nothing of the world can make them sad when Jesus makes them glad by His presence. In perfect acquiescence there is perfect rest…. Our lives may seem a tangle; but as we commit ourselves to the wise Master Worker, He will bring out the pattern of life and character that will be to His own glory. And that character which expresses the glory—character—of Christ will be received into the Paradise of God. A renovated race shall walk with Him in white, for they are worthy.” Desire of Ages, p. 331.

We need to bear the Lord’s burdens, but when He says we can lay our burdens at His feet we should do so. Daniel had been making a habit of this, which gave him the reputation: “a man … in whom is the spirit of the holy gods; … light and understanding and wisdom, like the wisdom of the gods, was found in him” (Dan. 5:11). At the end of a long career as prophet, priest, and king to Nebuchadnezzar who was king over the world, Daniel could retire and prepare for going to his long sleep.

“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. For her sins have reached unto heaven, and God hath remembered her iniquities.” (Rev. 18:4,5).

“And because iniquity shall abound, the love of many shall wax cold.
But he that shall endure unto the end, the same shall be saved.
And this gospel of the kingdom shall be preached in all the world for a witness unto all nations; and then shall the end come.” (Matt. 24:12-14).

In the midst of total Nimrod-like exhumed anarchy, and of upheaval and expulsion of Noah’s original government of righteousness and peace God will give one last call to His prized human race.

“For Israel hath not been forsaken, nor Judah of his God, of the LORD of hosts; though their land was filled with sin against the Holy One of Israel.
Flee out of the midst of Babylon, and deliver every man his soul: be not cut off in her iniquity; for this is the time of the LORD’s vengeance; He will render unto her a recompence.” (Jer. 51:5,6).

“Reward her even as she rewarded you, and double unto her double according to her works: in the cup which she hath filled fill to her double.” (Rev. 18:6).

“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.
And the kings of the earth, who have committed fornication and lived deliciously with her, shall bewail her, and lament for her, when they shall see the smoke of her burning,
Standing afar off for the fear of her torment, saying, Alas, alas, that great city Babylon, that mighty city! for in one hour is thy judgment come.
And the merchants of the earth shall weep and mourn over her; for no man buyeth their merchandise any more.” (Rev. 18:8-11).

“The kings of the east” (Rev. 16:12) have arrived to lay Babylon waste. Let the fires rage and take away our power. We have watched the last approach and waited for the final destruction. We have sighed and cried. Now that the time has come we can lay down our trumpets.

“And I saw heaven opened, and behold a white horse; and He that sat upon him was called Faithful and True, and in righteousness He doth judge and make war.
His eyes were as a flame of fire, and on His head were many crowns; and He had a name written, that no man knew, but He Himself.
And He was clothed with a vesture dipped in blood: and His name is called The Word of God.
And the armies which were in heaven followed Him upon white horses, clothed in fine linen, white and clean.” (Rev. 19:11-14).

There is nothing more to hope for. There is nothing more to distress over. The Deliverer has cleansed His people of all sin and guilt. Beautiful times are ahead.

Tuesday, June 04, 2019

The Shaking: truly receiving the testimony or genuinely rebelling against it

After another look at Early Writings pages 269-272, I see more coming out of it.

The issue is rebellion, or rather, genuine rebellion.

We have this statement from Desire of Ages, page 324.

“It is not necessary for us deliberately to choose the service of the kingdom of darkness in order to come under its dominion. We have only to neglect to ally ourselves with the kingdom of light.”

To neglect to ally ourselves with Christ’s kingdom of light leads to never “truly” receiving the straight testimony. “The testimony of the True Witness … must work deep repentance; all who truly receive it will obey it and be purified.” Early Writings, p. 270.3.

“If we do not co-operate with the heavenly agencies, Satan will take possession of the heart, and will make it his abiding place. The only defense against evil is the indwelling of Christ in the heart through faith in His righteousness. Unless we become vitally connected with God, we can never resist the unhallowed effects of self-love, self-indulgence, and temptation to sin. We may leave off many bad habits, for the time we may part company with Satan; but without a vital connection with God, through the surrender of ourselves to Him moment by moment, we shall be overcome. Without a personal acquaintance with Christ, and a continual communion, we are at the mercy of the enemy, and shall do his bidding in the end.”

When Jesus came the first time, the whole world was in rebellion with God. Rebellion had struck its roots deep into the heart, and the hostility of man was most violent against heaven.” The Desire of Ages, p. 36. But, the rebellion in many Christ could overcome. There were the many publicans and prostitutes, paralytics and lepers, centurions and members of Caesar’s household who were in rebellion with God, but could be brought to repentance.


Of them He immortalized those most merciful words to His avowed enemies, “They that be whole need not a physician, but they that are sick. But go ye and learn what that meaneth, I will have mercy, and not sacrifice: for I am not come to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance.” (Matt. 9:12,13). Thank the Lord for He is good; for His mercy endureth forever.

Paul declared of the Gentiles, “Having the understanding darkened, being alienated from the life of God through the ignorance that is in them, because of the blindness of their heart: who being past feeling have given themselves over unto lasciviousness, to work all uncleanness with greediness.” Yet, their rebellion hadnt gone beyond hope. Paul still fought to save the Gentiles, “For ye, brethren, became followers of the churches of God which in Judaea are in Christ Jesus: for ye also have suffered like things of your own countrymen, even as they have of the Jews: who both killed the Lord Jesus, and their own prophets, and have persecuted us; and they please not God, and are contrary to all men: forbidding us to speak to the Gentiles that they might be saved, to fill up their sins alway: for the wrath is come upon them to the uttermost.”

Paul also spoke to the rebellion growing among the Jewish Christians, in order to reconnect them to their Messiah. “For when for a time ye ought to be teachers, ye have need that one teach you again which be the first [elementary] principles of the oracles of God; and are become such as have need of milk, and not of strong meat.... For it is impossible for those who were once enlightened, and have tasted of the heavenly gift, and were made partakers of the Holy Ghost... if they shall fall away, to renew them again unto repentance....” ...“But, beloved, we are persuaded better things of you, and things that accompany salvation, though we thus speak.” (Heb. 5:12; 6:4-6,9).


Again Paul strongly admonished,

“Now the just shall live by faith: but if any man draw back, my soul shall have no pleasure in him. But we are not of them who draw back unto perdition; but of them that believe to the saving of the soul.” (Heb. 10:38,39).

But on the flip side of the Koine regarding two kinds of rebellion, there are also the right and wrong kinds of receiving truth. We may receive something of the testimonies. But, Ellen White made a distinction between receiving the testimony vice truly receiving the testimony, genuinely receiving it. We can be rebellious and still be saved. We can receive truth and still be lost. But, we can’t have genuine rebellion and be saved; and we can’t truly receive the testimony of Jesus and be lost. It all has to do with knowingly determining to do right or wrong.

To receive, but to miss truly receiving the truth is to have genuine rebellion in church clothing. This is why Jesus has always prompted His prophets to guard the truth by modifying the requirement with warning words like “truly” and “genuine” for certifying the reward to the perfectly righteous and the demise of the perfectly wicked.

There are subtle ways that we can cooperate with the demonic agencies toward our own eternal demise. Ellen White said, “We have only to neglect to ally ourselves with the kingdom of light” in order to come under the power of darkness. John put it this way, “...light is come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil. For every one that doeth evil hateth the light, neither cometh to the light, lest his deeds should be reproved.” (John 3:19,20). So, the hidden agenda of genuine rebellion in the human heart, which is more deceitful than anything and desperately wicked, is that it despises being reproved of its sinfulness. The heart that entertains genuine rebellion lies to itself, and works to silence the voices speaking truth. The genuine rebel cooperates with Satan to annihilate the children of God. But working for the devil is dangerous work. You never know when he’s going to throw you under the bus. No one is safe who sets his feet to destroy the work of God.

Genuine rebellion doesn’t always have the overt look, a head-on affront with “both barrels blazing” against the Law of God. That’s the devil’s obvious Baal approach. But there’s his other technique for leading sinners against the Law of God—that is, the “happy” Ashtoreth technique of dodging the Law’s rebukes, and laughing it off, brazenly daring God to do something about her scoffing. That’s what we hear in arrogant tones coming from Babylon the Great Whore, who ultimately gets thrown into the lake of fire. “I sit a queen…and shall see no sorrow.” (Rev. 18:7). “How much she hath glorified herself, and lived deliciously....” But God sees the heart of that Pharisee of pharisees, and He judges it, “...so much torment and sorrow give her.” The purported Mother of God. The Queen of heaven over the King of heaven. The Queen of sheer genius and of genuine rebellion. 

“I question whether genuine rebellion is ever curable. Study in Patriarchs and Prophets the rebellion of Korah, Dathan, and Abiram. This rebellion was extended, including more than two men. It was led by two hundred and fifty princes of the congregation, men of renown. Call rebellion by its right name, and apostasy by its right name, and then consider that the experience of the ancient people of God with all its objectionable features was faithfully chronicled to pass into history. The Scripture declares, “These things...are written for our admonition, upon whom the ends of the world are come” (1 Corinthians 10:11).” Manuscript Releases, vol. 9, p. 360.
  
Rebellion comes in both forms of open and hidden kinds. And open rebellion is more curable than hidden rebellion. Jesus mostly enjoys the heart that is hot. If He can’t have that, He will work with the heart that is cold. But He can’t stomach the lukewarm. And I might be lukewarm. Anyone can fall into the nice, warm bathtub while sipping on the sumptuous, delicious, super-sweet talk from the high priest of familiar spirits. How can I know if I am lukewarm, the heart as deceptive as it is? I better search my heart and afflict my soul. I better do my self-examinations, constantly.

It seems that most people fall into this Ashtoreth category of hidden rebellion. In her vision, Ellen White called it indifference and carelessness toward the straight testimony of Jesus, and to not “[prize] victory and salvation enough to perseveringly plead and agonize for it”. Satan is very subtle and low-key about his nefarious work of leading souls down the broad road to destruction. If they one time had the first love, as King Saul received it, and they don’t repent during the long process of losing it, it completely slips away as it did with King Saul. And Jesus must take away their candlestick. Could this be me? Could it be you? Shouldn’t we be asking Jesus, “Is it I?”

The disciples weren’t in total rebellion, because they had been willing to receive Jesus’ loving reproofs. Over the years with Him they had learned their weaknesses, and the strong possibility that their Master was right about them when He said, “Verily I say unto you, One of you which eateth with Me shall betray Me.” (Mark 14:18). “And they began to be sorrowful, and to say unto Him one by one, Is it I? and another said, Is it I?” (Mark 14:19).
  
There is a healthy fear to turn from Jesus, and that fear is indispensable for salvation. Let’s not be satisfied with receiving the truth, but with truly receiving it. Otherwise, our soft judgment toward our condition could very well come short of its fully dangerous and precarious position. Ours might end up genuine, incurable rebellion, and the unpardonable sin, which is blasphemy against the silenced shouts of God’s Spirit. We might end up foolish virgins, of whom Jesus also immortalized His dreadful warning,

“And the foolish said unto the wise, Give us of your oil; for our lamps are gone out.
But the wise answered, saying, Not so; lest there be not enough for us and you: but go ye rather to them that sell, and buy for yourselves.
And while they went to buy, the bridegroom came; and they that were ready went in with him to the marriage: and the door was shut.
Afterward came also the other virgins, saying, Lord, Lord, open to us.
But he answered and said, Verily I say unto you, I know you not.” (Mat. 25:8-12).

And,

“Wherefore I say unto you, All manner of sin and blasphemy shall be forgiven unto men: but the blasphemy against the Holy Ghost shall not be forgiven unto men.
And whosoever speaketh a word against the Son of man, it shall be forgiven him: but whosoever speaketh against the Holy Ghost, it shall not be forgiven him, neither in this world, neither in the world to come.” (Matt. 12:31,32).

And,

“We shall be overcome.” “Without a vital connection with God, through the surrender of ourselves to Him moment by moment”, “without a personal acquaintance with Christ, and a continual communion”, “we are at the mercy of the enemy, and shall do his bidding in the end.” Desire of Ages, p. 324.

So, I will re-quote the whole shaking vision. Be edified, saints! Be shaken! Be victorious by sins blotted out, purified, and sealed.


The Shaking


     I saw some, with strong faith and agonizing cries, pleading with God. Their countenances were pale and marked with deep anxiety, expressive of their internal struggle. Firmness and great earnestness was expressed in their countenances; large drops of perspiration fell from their foreheads. Now and then their faces would light up with the marks of God’s approbation, and again the same solemn, earnest, anxious look would settle upon them.  {EW 269.1}
     Evil angels crowded around, pressing darkness upon them to shut out Jesus from their view, that their eyes might be drawn to the darkness that surrounded them, and thus they be led to distrust God and murmur against Him. Their only safety was in keeping their eyes directed upward. Angels of God had charge over His people, and as the poisonous atmosphere of evil angels was pressed around these anxious ones, the heavenly angels were continually wafting their wings over them to scatter the thick darkness.  {EW 269.2} 
     As the praying ones continued their earnest cries, at times a ray of light from Jesus came to them, to encourage their hearts and light up their countenances. Some, I saw, did not participate in this work of agonizing and pleading. They seemed indifferent and careless. They were not resisting the darkness around them, and it shut them in like a thick cloud. The angels of God left these and went to the aid of the earnest, praying ones. I saw angels of God hasten to the assistance of all who were struggling with all their power to resist the evil angels and trying to help themselves by calling upon God with perseverance. But His angels left those who made no effort to help themselves, and I lost sight of them.  {EW 270.1} 
     I asked the meaning of the shaking I had seen and was shown that it would be caused by the straight testimony called forth by the counsel of the True Witness to the Laodiceans. This will have its effect upon the heart of the receiver, and will lead him to exalt the standard and pour forth the straight truth. Some will not bear this straight testimony. They will rise up against it, and this is what will cause a shaking among God’s people.  {EW 270.2} 
     I saw that the testimony of the True Witness has not been half heeded. The solemn testimony upon which the destiny of the church hangs has been lightly esteemed, if not entirely disregarded. This testimony must work deep repentance; all who truly receive it will obey it and be purified.  {EW 270.3} 
     Said the angel, “List ye!” Soon I heard a voice like many musical instruments all sounding in perfect strains, sweet and harmonious. It surpassed any music I had ever heard, seeming to be full of mercy, compassion, and elevating, holy joy. It thrilled through my whole being. Said the angel, “Look ye!” My attention was then turned to the company I had seen, who were mightily shaken. I was shown those whom I had before seen weeping and praying in agony of spirit. The company of guardian angels around them had been doubled, and they were clothed with an armor from their head to their feet. They moved in exact order, like a company of soldiers. Their countenances expressed the severe conflict which they had endured, the agonizing struggle they had passed through. Yet their features, marked with severe internal anguish, now shone with the light and glory of heaven. They had obtained the victory, and it called forth from them the deepest gratitude and holy, sacred joy.  {EW 270.4} 
     The numbers of this company had lessened. Some had been shaken out and left by the way. The careless and indifferent, who did not join with those who prized victory and salvation enough to perseveringly plead and agonize for it, did not obtain it, and they were left behind in darkness, and their places were immediately filled by others taking hold of the truth and coming into the ranks. Evil angels still pressed around them, but could have no power over them.  {EW 271.1} 
     I heard those clothed with the armor speak forth the truth with great power. It had effect. Many had been bound; some wives by their husbands, and some children by their parents. The honest who had been prevented from hearing the truth now eagerly laid hold upon it. All fear of their relatives was gone, and the truth alone was exalted to them. They had been hungering and thirsting for truth; it was dearer and more precious than life. I asked what had made this great change. An angel answered, “It is the latter rain, the refreshing from the presence of the Lord, the loud cry of the third angel.”  {EW 271.2} 
     Great power was with these chosen ones. Said the angel, “Look ye!” My attention was turned to the wicked, or unbelievers. They were all astir. The zeal and power with the people of God had aroused and enraged them. Confusion, confusion, was on every side. I saw measures taken against the company who had the light and power of God. Darkness thickened around them; yet they stood firm, approved of God, and trusting in Him. I saw them perplexed; next I heard them crying unto God earnestly. Day and night their cry ceased not: “Thy will, O God, be done! If it can glorify Thy name, make a way of escape for Thy people! Deliver us from the heathen around about us. They have appointed us unto death; but Thine arm can bring salvation.” These are all the words which I can bring to mind. All seemed to have a deep sense of their unworthiness and manifested entire submission to the will of God; yet, like Jacob, every one, without an exception, was earnestly pleading and wrestling for deliverance.  {EW 272.1} 
     Soon after they had commenced their earnest cry, the angels, in sympathy, desired to go to their deliverance. But a tall, commanding angel suffered them not. He said, “The will of God is not yet fulfilled. They must drink of the cup. They must be baptized with the baptism.”  {EW 272.2} 
     Soon I heard the voice of God, which shook the heavens and the earth. There was a mighty earthquake. Buildings were shaken down on every side. I then heard a triumphant shout of victory, loud, musical, and clear. I looked upon the company, who, a short time before, were in such distress and bondage. Their captivity was turned. A glorious light shone upon them. How beautiful they then looked! All marks of care and weariness were gone, and health and beauty were seen in every countenance. Their enemies, the heathen around them, fell like dead men; they could not endure the light that shone upon the delivered, holy ones. This light and glory remained upon them, until Jesus was seen in the clouds of heaven, and the faithful, tried company were changed in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, from glory to glory. And the graves were opened, and the saints came forth, clothed with immortality, crying, “Victory over death and the grave”; and together with the living saints they were caught up to meet their Lord in the air, while rich, musical shouts of glory and victory were upon every immortal tongue. {EW 272.3} Early Writings, p. 269-272.