Let me begin with a few thoughts here in chapter 10. Yes, some of these verses apply to the Millerite Movement in the 1840's, but is this all that this chapter has to say? Is it possible that only a partial fulfillment has taken place in the past, and much more is yet to happen in the future? Many, many examples could be given of dual application of certain portions of scripture that the authors themselves little understood. "The prophecies that received a partial fulfillment in the overthrown of Jerusalem have a more direct application to the last days. We are standing on the threshold of great and solemn events. A crisis is before us, such as the world has never witnessed." Thoughts From the Mount of Blessing 120-121.
Joel 2 is an example, and all Bible students would agree to that chapter being only partially fulfilled. "Past history will be repeated." Testimonies to Ministers 116. In Matthew 24 where Jesus is telling of the destruction of Jerusalem in 70 AD, and the end of the world. He intermingled those events on purpose. "This entire discourse was given not for the disciples only, but for those who should live in the last scenes of this earth's history." Desire of Ages 628. That means our generation, we are the ones that can make use of this heavenly instruction. Yes, much instruction is found in chapters 10 and 11, that none of those with a graduates cap and gown ever mention.
Revelation 10 verse 1 tells of a "mighty angel" coming down from heaven. This is the same messenger of Revelation 18; "having great power; and the earth was lightened with His glory." Revelation 18:1. This messenger or angel is Jesus Christ; He will come down to direct the battle during the "Latter Rain," or "Loud Cry" period. Not visible of course, for He is "clothed in a cloud." Revelation 10:1.
"But near the close of earth's harvest, a special bestowal of spiritual grace is promised to prepare the church for the coming of the Son of man. This outpouring of the Spirit is likened to the falling of the latter rain; and it is for this added power that Christians are to send their petitions to the Lord of the harvest 'in the time of the latter rain.'" Acts of the Apostles 55 (Zechariah 10:1). Every time I read the above statement, I have a desire to petition heaven. We can do that just now, Oh Lord, lead us into all truth, and keep us from all error. Especially now that we are reading chapters that your professed people seldom read. We know you are eager to assist, and that truly all your biddings are enablings. Thank you, in Jesus name; Amen.
"And he had in his hand a little book open." Revelation 10:2. This little book that Jesus is holding in His hand is the book of Daniel. Many believe that the whole book of Daniel was sealed, until the "time of the end" in 1798. No, that is not true, much instruction was used in that book by the wise men bringing gifts to the young child Jesus. "The book that was sealed is not Revelation, but that portion of the prophecy of Daniel relating to the last days." Acts of the Apostles 585. Inspiration is telling us to look at Daniel 12 for instruction that is needed to be proclaimed during the "Loud Cry" period. "The unsealing of the little book was the message in relation to time." 7A Bible Commentary 971.
In Daniel 12, two time periods are mentioned, 1290 days, and 1335 days. Those are literal days, both are in the future. In this same chapter (Daniel 12) a starting point is given, and we will cover those verses a few pages later.
"...And cried with a loud voice." Revelation 10:3. "Loud voice", loud cry, latter rain, final warning, are all the same. Many places in Scripture where the latter rain is mentioned, like Ezekiel 37, Zechariah 10:1, and so forth, now it is described here in Revelation 10, adding more vital instruction. Revelation 11 verses 2 and 3 tell of the length of this time period.
In verse 3 of chapter 10, the seven thunders are mentioned. Then in verse 4, John "heard" and understood exactly the words of those seven thunders. He was prepared to "write" it out for us to read, until heaven stopped him "saying seal up those things which the seven thunders uttered, and write them not." Revelation 10:4. Please notice the seven thunders sound only after (not before or during) the "Loud Cry" period. Remember that dear ones, the next time these polished speakers stand before you with this error on their lips. Deception is a more accurate term, and some know why they are compelled to present it.
Verse 5 tells of Jesus standing with one foot on the earth and one on the sea and "lifting up his hand to heaven, and sware by him (God the Father) that liveth for ever and ever". Revelation 10:6. We will leave the remainder of this verse where "time" is mentioned, and go to Daniel 12:7, where Jesus has also raised His hands to heaven "and sware by him (God the Father) that liveth for ever and ever." The One standing on the water mentions "time" again. The reason time is mentioned by Jesus in verse 7 is because Daniel had asked Him an intelligent question about "time." It was necessary for Daniel to ask the same question twice, because he "heard, but understood not." Daniel 12:8. Jesus gives to Daniel the same answer both times to the question, "How long shall it be to the end of time". Testimonies to Ministers 115. Everyone knows that when time ends, eternity begins, and that is what Daniel wanted to know, with him not asking once, but twice.
Now back to the
words about "time" in Revelation 10, "...that there should
be time no longer." Revelation 10:6. When there is "time
no longer," you will have eternity. Eternity begins on the 1290
day (Daniel 12:11), when God's Voice is heard from heaven,
"from the throne, saying, It is done." Revelation
16:17. Also, "so will I make my holy name known in the midst of
my people Israel, and I will not let them pollute my holy name any more...Behold,
it is come, and it is done..." Ezekiel 39:7,8 That
is when "time" stops and eternity begins for mankind, it only resumes
for Heaven. This is also when the plan of Salvation is completed.
"But in the days of the voice of the seventh angel, when he shall begin
to sound, the mystery of God should be finished..." Revelation
10:7.
We are going to back up and cover the same ground in Revelation 11, where instruction is given to "read every verse of Revelation eleven, it is yet to take place..." Last Day Events 95. "And there was given unto me a reed like unto a rod: and the angel stood, saying, Rise, and measure the temple of God, and the altar, and them that worship therein." Revelation 11:1. Remember how the people are now being judged under the 6th seal? The word "measure" has the same Biblical meaning as the word judge. Many examples could be given, but one should do. "Every case is coming in review before God; He is measuring the temple and the worshipers therein." 7 Testimonies 219 (1902).
"But the court which is without the temple leave out, and measure it not..." Revelation 11:2 The court would be the wicked, those who never professed to serve God. Their judgment will take place during the 1000 years in heaven by the saints, Jesus is the judge during the 1000 years in heaven. God the Father is now the judge during the Investigative Judgment.
"...and the holy city shall they tread under foot forty and two months." Revelation 11:2. The "forty and two months" is 1260 literal days, or 3 ½ years. Is anyone wondering why I do not use the Bible principle, (a day for a year) here in this chapter, or in the 1290 and 1335 days of Daniel 12? I can answer that many ways, but this statement should satisfy the honest seeker. "After this period of time reaching from 1842 to 1844 there can be no definite tracing of the prophetic time. The longest reckoning reaches to the autumn of 1844." 7A Bible Commentary 971.
Now this measuring of the temple, altar, and worshipers, began in 1844 when Jesus went from the Holy place to the Most Holy place in Heaven. The "forty and two months" of verse 2, also in verse 3, it gives the same time period again as "1260 days." These dates are after the beginning of the judgment in 1844, and the starting point for this 3 ½ year period is also given in Daniel 12. This 3 ½ year period begins at the same starting point as the 1290 and 1335 days of Daniel 12. When Jesus walked on this earth, His ministry was for 3 ½ years. Same thing again at the very end. The "Loud Cry" period is during a 3 ½ year span. Except, and never forget, "For he (God) will finish the work, and cut it short..." Romans 9:28.
For many years I have been observing professed Adventists, who are waiting and praying for the "latter rain", some think that where their lives do not quite measure up now, it will measure up during that final warning. Most will be surprised to find that they will not qualify to participate in giving the "Loud Cry" message. More about this later.
"And I will give power unto my two witnesses, and they shall prophesy a thousand two hundred and threescore days, clothed in sackcloth." Revelation 11:3 The two witnesses should be identified first before telling of the days they must labor "clothed in sackcloth." It is fairly easy to witness today with out the ruling powers interfering, but soon, "The work which the church has failed to do in a time of peace and prosperity she will have to do in a terrible crisis under most discouraging, forbidding circumstances." 5 Testimonies 463.
The "two witnesses" will be the ones with this discouraging job to complete. However, verse 7 tells of their success, they get their part of the job done. "The church will yet see troublous times. She will prophesy in sackcloth... The Lord will have a people as true as steel, and with faith as firm as granite rock. They are to be His witnesses in the world." 4 Testimonies 594. Look at those words, "sackcloth", "prophesy", "witnesses". This is the same language as in Revelation 11:3. God's faithful people are His witnesses. Does someone want a Bible verse stating that fact? "And we are His witnesses...and so is also the Holy Ghost," Acts 5:32.
One application of the two witnesses is the Old and New Testament, according to inspiration (Spirit of Prophecy Volume 4, 1884). But "past history will be repeated." Testimonies to Ministers 116 (for a latter day application).
In 1984, I heard a sermon by a 1938 Loma Linda graduate and the below quote was given. I can still hear those words ringing, coming from her clear strong voice. "Then although ministerial hands may not have been laid upon you in ordination, Christ has laid His hands upon you and has said 'ye are my witnesses'". 6 Testimonies 444.
Verses 5 and 6 tell of the added power they receive during the "latter rain." The power they receive comes directly from Heaven as they are giving the final warning to those "who have not yet heard the testing truth for this time...His hand is still stretched out to save, while the door is closed to those who would not enter." 9 Testimonies 97. The cutoff date for professed Seventh Day Adventists comes sooner than for the rest of the world. Heaven knows best every time. You who are expert fence walkers, know how tenderly the Lord can be in every situation. You cannot argue with God! Especially those who are entertaining sin like an honored guest.
At the end of verse 6, it tells of the power that God's witnesses will have. They, "have power over waters to turn them to blood, and smite the earth will all plagues," Revelation 11:6 After probation closes and the four angels cease to hold, then the plagues can begin. God's witnesses, although their witnessing job is over, they have something to announce. Actually, the 7 trumpets are merely an announcement of the 7 last plagues. They are reminiscent of Moses and Aaron's announcement to the King of Egypt regarding the plague scheduled for the following day. Remember now, the number of "witnesses" has lessened to only 144,000 when the plagues begin. Before probation closed for everyone, there were many who faithfully performed their duty as God's witnesses, but they were put to death because of their testimony and bold stand in defense of God. "Yet under one head the papal power — the people will unite to oppose God in the person of His witnesses." 7 Testimonies 182.
In Adventism the fact is correctly established of the three angels flying in the midst of heaven, of it being a message given by people. But, when it comes to the trumpet angels, they refuse to see that these announcements are given by people also. A angel in the Bible simply means a messenger. You and I can be such a messenger in God's behalf.
Verse 7 tells that they will get their job done. They are even living "calm and composed," (Early Writings 283) until the 6th trumpet. "And when they (the 144,000) shall have finished their testimony, the beast that ascendeth out of the bottomless pit shall make war against them, and shall overcome them, and kill them." Revelation 11:7.
The next two verses mentions something unusual about their "dead bodies" not put into graves, or covered for 3 ½ literal days. This 3 ½ days is the time of "Jacob's trouble" for the 144,000. Satan is not allowed to destroy this company. However, he is allowed to "check them out" by turning up the furnace heat. I remember reading in God's Holy Word of another time that a furnace was heated "7 times hotter" and no harm came to those who were determined "to be faithful until death." Protection from the furnace is no problem when you are God's property. But someone is saying, the Bible says "dead bodies." Another scoffer could mention that "difficult verse" of Revelation 9. "By these three was the third part of men killed," Revelation 9:18 This is the same timing and the same group, the 144,000, during their "Jacob's trouble." Revelation 9 says, "killed", Revelation 11, says "dead bodies." Can scripture sort out this apparent dilemma? Yes, but first a few words of 1998 plain English. "By condemning the people of God to death they have as truly incurred the guilt of their blood, as if it had been shed by their hands." Great Controversy 628. "As it is written, For thy sake we are killed all the day long; we are accounted as sheep for the slaughter." Romans 8:36.
The very fact that wicked men, urged on by Satan, unite under "one head, the papal power" to get this law signed, to kill God's remaining people, renders them just the same as dead. When 200 million come against the 144,000 and many of the 144,000 are locked up in prison. It is just like shooting fish in a barrel. There is no where to escape, no where to hide. Reason tells us they are just the same as dead. The wicked know this, and that is the reason they "rejoice over them, and make merry, and shall send gifts one to another;" Revelation 11:10, boasting to each other of how many notches they will have on their six-shooter. They are prepared remember, for the "hour" (midnight), "day", "month" and "year" "to slay the third part of men." Revelation 9:15. But wait, verse 11 is still in the Bible, let's read it all. "And after three days and a half the spirit of life from God entered into them, and they stood upon their feet; and great fear fell upon them (the wicked) which saw them." Revelation 11:11 Remember when Moses came down from the Mount with his shinning face? He had to cover it before conversing with the people. When God's witnesses "stand on their feet" it is because of a Voice from Heaven. God's Voice will give not just a shinning face, but also a glorified body. No more trembling knees now for the faithful. "And they heard a great voice from heaven saying unto them," Revelation 11:12.
Just listen to the instruction that Isaiah has recorded for us about this same time period. Isaiah 51-21-23. "Therefore hear now this, thou afflicted, and drunken, but not with wine: Thus saith thy Lord the LORD, and thy God that pleadeth the cause of his people, Behold, I have taken out of thine hand the cup of trembling, even the dregs of the cup of my fury; thou shalt no more drink it again: But I will put it into the hand of them that afflict thee; which have said to thy soul, Bow down, that we may go over: and thou hast laid thy body as the ground, and as the street, to them that went over."
Those united 200 million wicked ones are stopped dead in their tracks (so to speak). They are not really dead either. Some in that group are the ones who shall "seek death, and shall not find it;" Revelation 9:6 Oh they are going to die all right, after they locate every one of God's true people. The very ones they misled, the very ones they "taught falsehood as truth, and many souls were led astray." 9 Testimonies 268. Somehow Heaven will arrange those special meetings. There will be plenty of time for worship then, some have already uttered these words to Heaven; "We have believed in Thy coming, and taught it with energy." Early Writings 37.
It is a number of days between the Voice of God and Jesus' second coming in the clouds "and every eye will see him." Revelation 1:7. "And I saw a flaming cloud come where Jesus stood. Then Jesus . . . took His place on the cloud which carried Him to the East, where it first appeared to the saints on earth—a small black cloud which was the sign of the Son of man. While the cloud was passing from the Holiest to the East, which took a number of days, the synagogue of Satan worshipped at the saint's feet." Maranatha 287. The Bible says the same "Behold, I will make them...to come and worship before thy feet, and to know that I have loved thee." Revelation 3:9 In our next segment of Daniel 12, those "number of days" will be spelled out, giving critical instruction for last day people.
Verses 15 through 19 describe events during the 7th trumpet and the 7 plague. In verse 18, the great drama is reiterated briefly. Verse 17 tells of when we will look up into Heaven and see the Ten Commandments. "And the temple of God was opened in heaven, and there was seen in his temple the ark of his testament: and there were lightnings, and voices, and thunderings, and an earthquake, and great hail." Revelation 11:19 "In the temple will be seen the ark of the testament in which were placed the two tables of stone, on which are written God's law." 7A Bible Commentary 972. "Then there appears against the sky a hand holding two tables of stone folded together...The hand opens the tables, and there are seen the precepts of the Decalogue, traced as with a pen of fire. The words are so plain that all can read them. Memory is aroused, the darkness of superstition and heresy is swept from every mind, and God's ten words, brief, comprehensive, and authoritative, are presented to the view of all the inhabitants of the earth." Great Controversy 639-640.
The last few words in chapter eleven tells of the hail to fall, it is described as "great hail." Revelation 11:17. "And there fell upon men a great hail out of heaven, every stone about the weight of a talent." Revelation 16:21. Some have suggested the great hail stones will weigh 86 pounds. And what was not shook down and destroyed when God the Father's Voice sounded from heaven, this hail will complete. Not until then will we be free from those that deceive and lie. But then according to Isaiah "and the hail shall sweep away the refuge of lies..." Isaiah 28:17. Praise His Holy Name, liars mouths are soon to be closed.
We will go to Daniel 12 next, but first let us consider a deception as to when God's law appears in the sky. This deception is by a group I really want to believe in and trust, knowing that they hold the original writings of Ellen G. White. It is the White Estate who have through "footnotes" and "bold headings," they have placed discrepancy and deception into the book Last Day Events. This bad information is something that is confusing God's precious people. On page 246 appears the bold heading "The Fifth Plague," then on page 248 the bold heading, "The Sixth Plague." Now a surface reader would think that everything related between those three pages would pertain to what the prophet had described under the Fifth Plague. No so. The words of the prophet are correct and accurate, but these headings are inaccurate. God's law does not appear in the sky as so stated on page 247 of that book, during the 5th plague. We can establish exactly from reading God's word, when that law will appear in the sky.
We have just covered this event in Revelation eleven, but let us do it again to see when God's law appears in the sky, for every human eye to behold. "The second woe is past, and behold the third woe cometh quickly. And the seventh angel sounded; and there were great voices in heaven, saying, The kingdoms of this world are become the kingdoms of our Lord, and of his Christ; and he shall reign forever and ever. And the temple of God was opened in heaven, and there was seen in his temple the ark of his testament: and there were lightnings, and voices, and thunderings, and an earthquake, and great hail." Revelation 11:14, 15, & 19. It is during the 7th Plague when God's law appears in the sky. The Bible tells us plainly of that fact. Ellen White has informed us in scores of places of that fact. Please, deceivers, remove your hands from God's written word, and his people. Now here comes some instruction to the false shepherds in Israel (not in Egypt) God is talking here to his professed pastors, "And as for my flock, they eat that which you have trodden with your feet; and they drink that which ye have fouled with your feet." Ezekiel 34:19.
"And at that time shall Michael stand up, the great prince, which standeth for the children of thy people." Daniel 12:1. Today, in the Most Holy place in heaven, Jesus is our High Priest, and judgment is proceeding. When He stands up, probation is closed, judgment is over. "...and there shall be a time of trouble, such as never was since there was a nation even to that same time." Daniel 12:1.
We know from reading Revelation 8:6, when all hell is about to break forth. The plagues can begin when Jesus stands up. "and many of them that sleep in the dust of the earth shall awake." Notice it says "many", (not all) "some to everlasting life, and some to shame and everlasting contempt." First, we will identify those raised in this special resurrection to "shame and everlasting contempt." It will surely include those that pierced our Savior, they must be alive to see Him coming in the clouds. "Behold He cometh with clouds; and every eye shall see Him, and they also which pierced Him." Revelation 1:7 Is there anyone else you could think of to be raised to life to see Jesus coming in power? I think of many of the Hitler types, but the name Voltaire is at the head of the list. Anyone remember his voice boasting "I am weary of hearing people repeat that 12 men established the Christian religion. I will prove that one man may suffice to overthrow it." A lot of Johnny-come-latelys of both genders are trumpeting a similar message today. But let us not speculate, we must have inspiration. "Graves are opened, (at the Voice of God) and 'many of them that sleep in the dust of the earth... awake, some to shame and everlasting contempt.' Daniel 12:2. All who have died in the faith of the third angel's message come forth from the tomb glorified, to hear God's covenant of peace with those who have kept His law. 'They also which pierced Him' (Revelation 1:7), those that mocked and derided Christ's dying agonies, and the most violent opposers of His truth and His people, are raised to behold Him in His glory and to see the honor placed on the loyal and obedient." Great Controversy 637. We know for sure that the saints since the third angel's message was given, and who have died, will come forth in a glorified body. Some of the wicked will also have some sort of special body to stay alive for a "number of days" until Jesus returns.
"And they that be wise (margin says teachers) shall shine as the brightness of the firmament; and they that turn many to righteousness as the stars for ever and ever." Daniel 12:3. What a promise to each one of us now living during a time when this chapter is to be understood. You and I can be in that group to shine forever and ever. This chapter was not understood by any of the Adventist pioneers in 1844, neither in 1888 when a most important message was rejected by SDA leadership. It was not understood even in 1903. "Let us read and study the 12th chapter of Daniel. It is a warning that we shall all need to understand before the time of the end." 15 Manuscript Release 228 (1903). Those people in a past generation were just prisoners of time and why should I expect that generation of Bible students to do my Bible research down here in 1998? You are right, I shouldn't and I don't. However, I am truly thankful for Godly persons of both genders that have pointed me in the right direction with solid Bible instruction. I was encouraged by these people to hold God’s word in my hand and read for myself.
"In every age there is a new development of truth, a message of God to the people of that generation. The old truths are all essential; new truth is not independent of the old, but an unfolding of it. It is only as the old truths are understood that we can comprehend the new." Christ's Object Lessons 127. Some of God's people living today, realize that there are "special truths in relation to the closing scene's of earths history, is during the last generation living on the earth." 2 Testimonies 692-693.
Verse 4 tells us plainly, that something was sealed "even to the time of the end. Knowledge shall be increased." (Daniel 12:4) That is knowledge about the very prophecies in this chapter "knowledge shall be increased." The Bible here is not talking about computers, rocket ships and jet planes. No, here the Bible is talking about knowledge concerning this very chapter. That is what is important to me, and that was the important subject to Daniel. When he asked, he was told by Jesus himself, for the whole world to read and understand, some readers will forsake Jesus' words and apply His two reply’s to all sorts of dates. (Both in future and in the past.) "But the wise shall understand." Daniel 12:10.
"Then I Daniel looked, and, behold, there stood other two, the one on this side of the bank of the river, and the other on that side of bank of the river." Daniel 12:5 From reading other chapters of Daniel we know that Gabriel, the highest angel in heaven (and he is also the sealing angel) was on one side of that river. Jesus Himself was there on the other bank, or "lip" of the river (see margin).
"And one said to the man." (Daniel 12:6) Notice the word "one" is italicized in your Bible, which means it was a supplied word by the translators. So it should read, and I, (Daniel) "said to the man clothed in linen, which was upon the waters of the river". Jesus is the one who later walked on water, no question as to who Daniel is talking to. His golden moment had arrived to ask a question. Something was puzzling him about this "time of trouble such as never was," and some of his "people shall be delivered, every one that shall be found written in the book." Daniel 12:1. Another troubling thing to Daniel was this special resurrection when "graves are to open." This was just too much to comprehend. He needed more information, so he asked "How long shall it be to the end of these wonders?" Daniel 12:6. Does Jesus answer Daniel's question or not, is He just saying words when He speaks to Daniel in verse 7? Remember, it was this same Jesus who later said, "...if his son ask bread will He give him a stone? Or if he ask a fish, will he give him a serpent?" All heaven knows how to answer a question, especially, "your Father which is in heaven gives good things to them that ask Him." Matthew 7:10 Jesus tells Daniel exactly the time until "the end," but no starting point as yet is given in this verse. "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 a half." Daniel 12:7 Remember over there in Revelation 10 where Jesus said "...that there should be time no longer." Revelation 10:6. Here we are again same event, Jesus raises his hands to heaven and tells Daniel exactly what he wanted to know.
Let us break this down, where it is so plain, that children can understand and explain it others.
"time"=one Jewish year
360 days
"times"=two Jewish years
720 days
"half" or as margin says, "part."
Now 4, 5, and 6 months is a part of a year
also is 7 months which is equal to
210 days
Total Days
1290 days
If we use 3 years and 7 months, the total days would be "1290 days," and this is the answer that Jesus gives to Daniel the second time when asked the same question. "Twice Daniel inquired, how long shall it be to the end of time?" Testimonies to Ministers 115. What would everyone think of a man to tell his bride to be two different dates when she asks him the date of their marriage? Jesus gives the same answer twice, and it is 1290 days to the end of time. But before He tells Daniel the second time, very tenderly He prepares Daniel to receive the answer. And this time a double starting point is given. Daniel was not going to be around to start counting, because he must "rest" awhile and come up on the 1335 days, at the resurrection when Jesus returns. This critical instruction was given to Daniel for our benefit, we are the ones that these words of Daniel 12 apply.
"And I heard, but I understood not: then said I, O my Lord, what shall be the end of these things?" Daniel 12:8 Verse 9 tells us again, that this entire chapter is "closed and sealed." It was sealed to Urriah Smith, it was sealed to S. N. Haskell, James White and other pioneers. It seems sealed to most Adventist authors of yesterday. But not now, we are the last generation living in the "time of the end." It is now time for the "wise" to step forward and say something. "The unsealing of the little book was the message in relation to time." 7A Bible Commentary 971. This quote is talking about the 1290 days and the 1335 days of Daniel 12. Now "days" means time, to the wise. But stay with me, the Bible has the answers and we will read many more in this chapter. When Daniel asked the second time, in verse 8, Jesus very tenderly prepares His questioner to receive His answer, listen to his tender response. "Many shall be purified, and made white, and tried." Daniel 12:10. The 144,000 are of that class, this is the very group that Jesus is describing, no other group will be "tried," as they will be. The dead from all past ages cannot be resurrected to life until this group demonstrate to the whole Universe, that they are just like Jesus. They will demonstrate in a age when the human race has degenerated, deeper and deeper into sin almost 6000 years. There will be no questions on the minds of that viewing audience that this group is just like God's son, in every detail. They have proven that God's law can be obeyed when Satan said it couldn't.
"But the wicked shall do wickedly: and none of the wicked shall understand." Daniel 12:10. Jesus is talking about discernment in this chapter, that none of the wicked shall understand. To the wicked, the vital information of Revelation 8, 9, 10, 11 and Daniel 12, in a future setting is like pouring water on a ducks back. Yes, Jesus is correct, they will not understand. Why would anyone try to instruct their sickly flock to put these dates in the past is beyond my comprehension. But they do, and they will, clear up to the close of probation. They have their reward already, it must be to hard to recall all the books written, all the articles, all the advice to avoid the "lunatic fringe." (According to them.) No, not really, nothing is too hard for Heaven, when you do it Heaven's way. I firmly believe that most difficulties can be cleared up in five minutes, if we would humble ourselves and say we are sorry.
"But the wise shall understand." Daniel 12:10. There will be many who will understand that the 1335 days are in the future, that is when Daniel will stand, at the sounding of the "last trump." 1 Corinthians 15:52.
Many years ago, a man needed reproving for teaching error. He was teaching that the "1335 days" were in the past. His very words were "that the 1335 days were ended." 5 Manuscript Release 203. I am thankful Ellen White reproved this man for teaching this error, and with the same stroke of her pen, today she is reproving all the other false teachers saying the same thing on modern day presses and copy machines. This includes that attractive Adventist magazine printed and circulated on the Kansas prairie. The Editor of that magazine does not mind me saying such honest words. Because we both believe that "open rebuke is necessary to prevent others from being ensnared." Testimonies, Series B, No. 2, page 10.
Next is verse eleven, Jesus can now answer, and I will not let you forget the question Daniel asked twice, "How long shall it be to the end of time?" Testimonies to Ministers 115. I am so glad that this question was asked, not once, but twice. Many today would ask the same question if we had a face to face audience with Jesus. But since we don't have such an opportunity, it becomes all the more urgent for us to listen carefully to our Saviors reply. Remember now, His answer will correspond directly to the question asked Him.
"From the time that the daily sacrifice shall be taken away." Daniel 12:11. The word sacrifice is an inserted word and should not be there (see Early Writings 74). So let's leave it out and start again "from the time the daily is taken away." That tells me one can drive a peg in the ground. That is one starting point, but another one is given. But first, what is this daily that is taken away in the setting of the last days? The Pioneers had the correct interpretation for their day and they were correct. But what about our generation? I believe the daily suggest something good, something I want to cling to, but it is "taken away". I believe it to be my freedom to worship God on the seventh day of the week, and I would be denied that when it is "taken away".
Now, there was one starting point, but another one is given and here it comes, "and the abomination that maketh desolate set up." Why even a child can recognize those words as suggesting something evil. I believe this "set up" means a law signed, on the books, with a penalty attached. It is the Sunday Law that is "set up" and there is where you drive a peg to begin counting the 1260 days of Revelation 11:3, the 1290 and the 1335 days of Daniel 12, all literal days. Hold it please, I am not a time setter. Don't be scared off by those who are surface readers themselves and want to instruct everyone else to be likewise. There was a time in the pre 1844 era when people needed to be tested on time, to weed out those insincere ones in the church. But never again will time be a test. The time lines I have mentioned above have nothing to do with any testing. Here is how we are tested, if you really want to know before returning to Chapter 12.
"God leads His people on, step by step. He brings them up to different points calculated to manifest what is in the heart. Some endure at one point, but fall off at the next. At every advanced point the heart is tested and tried a little closer. If the professed people of God find their hearts opposed to this straight work, it should convince them that they have a work to do to overcome, if they would not be spewed out of the mouth of the Lord. Said the angel: 'God will bring His work closer and closer to test and prove every one of His people.' Some are willing to receive one point; but when God brings them to another testing point, they shrink from it and stand back, because they find that it strikes directly at some cherished idol. Here they have opportunity to see what is in their hearts that shuts out Jesus. They prize something higher than the truth, and their hearts are not prepared to receive Jesus. Individuals are tested and proved a length of time to see if they will sacrifice their idols and heed the counsel of the True Witness. If any will not be purified through obeying the truth, and overcome their selfishness, their pride, and evil passions, the angels of God have the charge: 'They are joined to their idols, let them alone,' and they pass on to their work, leaving these with their sinful traits unsubdued, to the control of evil angels. Those who come up to every point, and stand every test, and overcome, be the price what it may, have heeded the counsel of the True Witness, and they will receive the latter rain, and thus be fitted for translation." 1 Testimonies 187.
Dear Adventist friend, you have just read the kind of testing you are now receiving each day. Yours and my testing will never be about "time", absolutely not! If our act is not together when the Sunday Law is signed and we still have any sinful traits, it is too late for that group to participate in the Latter Rain. That group will be controlled by evil angels all during the "Loud Cry" message. Oh yes, they will still be directing the work, but they are just working for the Lord like the Devil. "Only those who have withstood temptation in the strength of the Mighty One will be permitted to act a part in proclaiming it, when it shall have swelled into the loud cry." Review & Herald, 11/19/1908. There will be no more detours until we come to the end of this Chapter 12.
"There shall be a thousand two hundred and ninety days." Now that answers Daniel's question again, same answer, 3 years and 7 months from the Sunday Law until God's Voice is heard from heaven. "Time" ends, eternity resumes at that point. Graves open, glorified bodies appear, false shepherds crawling over the broken rubble of every building and wall turned over by God's Voice and earthquake. Remember the "number of days" we read about? Well this Chapter tells us that those "number of days" is 45 days until Jesus appears. Was there another time when people with glorified bodies were on the earth 40 days? Yes, those who arose when Jesus arose. I don't know why it is 45 days this time. Someone suggested to me it is because God knew we would have a Gentile calendar of five extra days around the year 2000. This suggestion came not from a seasoned veterans standing in SDA pulpits, this information by passed them, "because thou hast hid these things from the wise and prudent, and hast revealed them unto babes." Matthew 11:25.
"Blessed is he that waiteth, and cometh to the thousand three hundred and five and thirty days." Daniel 12:12. Yes, when Jesus returns in the sky and says those words "awake, awake, awake" righteous Abel will come up. David, the ex-adulterer, the ex-murderer, will arise because he is only sleeping. "For David is not ascended into the heavens." Acts 2:34 Daniel, who has given real courage and backbone to some of us who are fearful. Every time we read of his bold stand in defense of God, encouragement comes to the reader, he will be there standing in his lot on the "1335th day." How much more assurance could one receive than to have Jesus, the Life Giver, promise you something in a face to face interview?
Rahab the ex-harlot, who had none of the right kind of blood flowing through her veins, will be there on that "blessed" "thousand three hundred five and thirty days." What Jesus promised to Daniel years ago should be so precious to us living down here in end of time. Speaking of harlots, once Jesus was talking to some of His church leadership, (not the gentile pastors) and He mentioned harlots. "Verily I say unto you, That the publicans and the harlots go into the kingdom of God before you." Matthew 21:31.
On that "1335th day" a man will arise "Physically, Samson was the strongest man upon the earth, but in self-control, integrity, and firmness, he was one of the weakest of men. Many mistake strong passions for a strong character, but the truth is that he who is mastered by his passions is a weak man. The real greatness of the man is measured by the power of the feelings that he controls, not by those that control him." Patriarchs and Prophets 567, 568. Someone besides me may have needed to read the above words for additional courage today, and tomorrow, knowing that "all his biddings are enablings." Christ's Object Lessons 303. Is it just speculation about Samson being there? It makes no difference what I think, what does the Bible say? After reciting a long list of the faithful in all ages, Paul says these words "And what shall I more say? for time would fail me to tell of Gideon, and of Barak, and of Samson, and of Jephthah; of David also, and Samuel, and of the prophets". Hebrews 11:32.
Let me repeat verse 12 again, as we now may appreciate more fully the words "Blessed is he that waitheth, and cometh to the thousand three hundred and five and thirty days." Daniel 12:12. What a blessed day for so many of every kindred, tongue and nation. And we, the faithful will witness every event even before the sky is filled to overflowing with God the Father, Jesus, the Holy Spirit and all the angels. We are not told, but Moses, Elijah, Enoch, the “four beasts, and the twenty-four elders” wouldn’t miss a trip like this. Why this earth was where they were born, they know where their roots came from.
"But go thou thy way till the end be: for thou shalt rest, and stand in thy lot at the end of the days." Daniel 12:13.
Before closing out this 12th chapter of Daniel, let me quote the remainder of verse seven, where our Saviour is talking. Remember now, this verse is His first answer to Daniel. Every word from His mouth is important. ". . .And when he shall have accomplished, to scatter the power of the holy people, all these things shall be finished." Daniel 12:7. The "He" in the lower portion of this verse is a pronoun, referring to the "Him that liveth forever" in the front part of this verse. Now for Adventist authors of our generation, or any generation, to apply these words about our Father in heaven, "Saying that the one to scatter the power of the holy people, is the papacy." For them to say this, it is on the level of treason. The truth is, the "He" is our Heavenly Father, and it is absolutely necessary for Him to scatter His Holy people. Because God will finish the work, not man.
"But there will come a time when there will be a great scattering--a scattering that we do not now dream of--and it will be brought about in unexpected ways. Some of you will be taken away to remote regions, but God will have a work for you there." 5 Manuscript Release 72-73.
"The time is soon coming when God's people, because of persecution, will be scattered in many countries." An Appeal for the Madison School.
Please dear reader, don’t be sidetracked by these false shepherds teaching this old error of a past generation. Time will not be spent here to prove that Urriah Smith was drinking from broken cisterns. Today some Adventist authors have a golden tongue presenting a most glorious package, all wrapped in shinning paper with a red ribbon. But when the wrapper comes off, Bible students find fermentation, decay and fungus. It is the “spoiled manna” that the Bible warns against. They are taking God's "professed people" on a rabbit trail safari, going "before their congregations presenting fragments of long used discourses, instead of a fresh portion of meat in due season for the people." Review & Herald, May 20, 1890.
“And
what shall I more say?” Hebrews 11:32.