NO MORE TIME SINCE 1844?
Table of Contents:
Thought Provoking Quotes:
Are we really sure that there are no more time prophecies
after 1844?
“And he laid
hold on the dragon, that old serpent, which is the Devil, and Satan, and bound
him a thousand years…”
Revelation 20:2
“Then
will take place the final fulfillment of the Revelator's prophecy. [Revelation
13:4-18, quoted.]” –
Manuscript Releases,
vol. 19 (Nos. 1360-1419) (1900)
“The
prophetic periods of Daniel,
extending to the very eve of the great consummation...”
– The Review
and Herald,
“There is no
excuse for any one in taking the position… that all our expositions of Scripture
are without an error.”
– The
Review and Herald,
Foundational
Issues:
Greater Light
First and then the Lesser Light
The Bible is the
“Greater Light” and all foundational doctrines must be derived and defended
solely on the Bible. Many base their beliefs entirely on EGW quotes that are
taken out of context. Can we find support for these out of context conclusions,
in the Bible? One of those beliefs is the issue of “time” after 1844. Can we
prove that there is no more time after 1844 from the Bible alone? This cannot be
done especially in the light of the fact that there are clear examples of time
prophecies still to be fulfilled in Revelation as well as in Daniel. See
Revelation 20:2, 20:3, 20:4 and 20:5. These (among others) are clear prophecies
about events still to take place that are specifically associated with time.
Very soon the
loud cry message will go forth and it must be founded solidly on the Bible. The
people must hear a “Thus sayeth the Lord” not a “Thus sayeth Ellen White.” The
purpose of Ellen White’s writings was to lead men and women back to the Bible.
“Little heed is
given to the Bible, and the Lord has given a lesser light to lead men and women
to the greater light.” –
The Review and
Herald,
Not to Take Place of the Bible.—“The
testimonies of Sister White should not be carried to the front. God's Word is
the unerring standard. The Testimonies are not to take the place of the Word.
Great care should be exercised by all believers to advance these questions
carefully, and always stop when you have said enough.
Let all prove their positions from the Scriptures and
substantiate every point they claim as truth from the revealed Word of God.”--Letter
12, 1890. –
Evangelism 256.2
Testimonies Not
Ahead of Bible.—“The more
we look at the promises of the Word of God, the brighter they grow. The more we
practice them, the deeper will be our understanding of them. Our position and
faith is in the Bible. And never do we want any
soul to bring in the Testimonies ahead of the Bible.”
–
Manuscript 7, 1894;
Evangelism, p.
256.3
Does EGW Claim
Infallibility?
Many have
mentioned that our founding fathers wrote about and believed certain doctrines
and we must not cross those boundaries. Does EGW agree?
Led of God, but Not Infallible.--We
must not think, "Well, we have all the truth, we understand the main pillars of
our faith, and we may rest on this knowledge." The truth is an advancing truth,
and we must walk in the increasing light. –
Counsels to Writers and Editors,
p. 33.2
“There is no
excuse for any one in taking the position that
there is no more truth to be revealed, and
that all our expositions of Scripture are
without an error.
The fact that certain doctrines have been held as truth
for many years by our people, is not a proof that our ideas are infallible.
Age will not make error into truth,
and truth can afford to be fair. No true doctrine will lose anything by close
investigation. We are living in perilous times, and it does not become us to
accept everything claimed to be truth without examining it thoroughly; neither
can we afford to reject anything that bears the fruits of the Spirit of God; but
we should be teachable, meek and lowly of heart.
There are those who oppose everything that is not in accordance with their own
ideas, and by so doing they endanger their eternal interest as verily as did the
Jewish nation in their rejection of Christ.”
– Review and Herald,
“We have
many lessons to learn, and many,
many to unlearn.
”http://www.endtimeissues.com/Articles/Article333-The
Judgment of the Living-III.html - _ftn16
– Testimonies to Ministers,
p. 30
“His
hand covered a mistake
in the reckoning of the prophetic periods.”
– Early Writings, p. 235,
277; The Spirit of Prophecy,
vol. 4, 228; The Great
Controversy, p. 373.
If we are told that we have many lessons to UNLEARN then we
must be diligently searching for where we have been in ERROR in the past! Where
we have been wrong, we must learn what is true.
Progressive
Revelation
Everyone born on
this planet grows in their understanding and wisdom as time marches on. This
fact applied to Adam and Eve, Jesus himself, our founding fathers including
Ellen White, and to the Remnant church as a whole. We must never say that we
understand everything perfectly.
“And Jesus
increased in wisdom
and stature, and in favour with God and man.” Luke 2:52
“Each period
of the fulfillment of prophetic history is a
preparation for the
advanced light which will succeed each period. As
the prophecy comes to an end, there is to be a
perfect whole.”
–Manuscript
Releases, vol. 13, p. 15
As we grow, we then discover that some of the things that we
thought we understood, were in reality off course or incomplete. When that
discovery is made then we need to “unlearn” those things and follow that which
is truth.
“We have
many lessons to learn, and many,
many to unlearn.
”http://www.endtimeissues.com/Articles/Article333-The
Judgment of the Living-III.html - _ftn16
– Testimonies
to Ministers, p. 30
“His
hand covered a mistake
in the reckoning of the prophetic periods.”
– Early Writings, p. 235,
277; The Spirit of Prophecy,
vol. 4, 228; The Great
Controversy, p. 373.
Because we are constantly learning and we have been directly
told that we have things to unlearn, we must diligently search for those things
what are incorrect and correct our course where necessary.
“A spirit of
Phariseeism has been coming in upon the people who claim to believe the truth
for these last days. They are self-satisfied. They have said, ‘We have the
truth. There is no more light for the people of God.’
But we
are not safe when we take a position that we will not accept
anything else than that
upon which we have settled as truth.
We should take the Bible, and investigate it closely for
ourselves. We should dig in the mine of God’s word
for truth.” –
The
Review and Herald,
“Whenever
the people of God are growing in grace, they will be
constantly obtaining a
clearer understanding of His word. They will
discern new light and beauty in its sacred truths.
This has been true in the history of the church in all ages, and thus it will
continue to the end. But as real spiritual life declines, it has ever been the
tendency to cease to advance in the knowledge of the truth.”
– Gospel Workers, p.
297.
New light means
that it is new! Therefore we must be looking for things that are in error and
correct our course AND we must look for things that Ellen White did not already
write about.
“Increased
light will shine upon all the grand truths of prophecy,
and they will be seen in freshness and brilliancy because the bright beams of
the Sun of Righteousness will illuminate the whole.”
– Selected Messages, bk 3, p.
390 (MS 18, 1888).
Daniel Standing in His Lot Now.—“[Daniel
12:9, 4, 10, 13 quoted.] The time has come for Daniel to
stand in his lot. The
time has come for the light given him to go to the world as never before. If
those for whom the Lord has done so much will walk in the light,
their knowledge of Christ and the prophecies relating to
Him will be greatly increased
as they near the close
of this earth's history.” –
Manuscript Releases,
176, 1899
Unity of
Scriptures and SOP
We as Adventists
have constantly maintained that we must compare scripture with scripture to
ensure that we have truth (Isaiah 28:10). Unlike others, who hang their beliefs
on a text or two that appear to say what they want it to say, we compare all
scriptures (or at least a majority) on a subject to make sure we understand
everything possible about it.
Some say that
they don’t need to study certain portions of the prophecies because they know
that it is either not important (such as the differences in the word “vision” in
Daniel 8 to 12) or because it contradicts the teachings of our founding fathers
(like the time periods of Daniel 12).
However,
some of the scriptures and quotes presented in this study (below) directly
conflict with what those people say regarding no more prophetic time in the
future. The only way
to search for harmony is to study all
the evidence that has been presented and pray that God will show us the harmony
in what appears to be contradictory. There is a clear path through all the
evidence that presents a beautiful harmonious picture of truth for these last
days.
Context
Many use the word
“context” in their presentations, yet they seem to ignore it at the same time,
favoring out of context EGW quotes that fit their understanding over clear
Biblical context. For example Matthew 24 was clearly written within the context
of either the destruction of
Even if Jesus
hadn’t give that huge clue, the context of Daniel 12 is still readily apparent
as a last day context. Study Daniel 12:6 for example:
“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?” Daniel 12:6
Notice that
Strong’s concordance states that the original word for “wonders” is “miracle!”
What miracles is Daniel talking about? There are two miracles that directly
precede this question in the text. They are the deliverance of God’s people who
are “written in the book” (v1) and the special resurrection (v3). These are last
day events in the extreme! They are after 1798 (beginning of the “time of the
end”), they are after 1844 and they are at the “extremity of time” which is the
Hebrew definition of the words, ”time of the end” given in multiple places
including Daniel
Daniel is
asking Jesus how long it will be till the “end
of time.” He is
not asking how long it will be to the “time
of the end” (or 1798)! Ellen White affirms that
he asks this question twice in this chapter (v6 and v9).
“Twice
Daniel inquired, how long shall it be to the
end of time? … The book of Daniel is unsealed
in the revelation to John, and carries us forward to the
last scenes of this earth’s history…Teach
these things.”
–
Testimonies to Ministers,
pp. 114-115
Then,
following Daniel’s question about how long till the
end of time, Jesus gives an
answer with specific timing:
“…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.” Daniel 12:7
Daniel
asked how long till the end of time
and Jesus gave a specific answer with time.
Ellen White’s quotes affirm the context. The Biblical context has been unsealed
and is now unmistakable.
“Daniel
shall stand in his lot at the end of the days.
John sees the little book unsealed.
Then Daniel’s prophecies have their proper place in the first, second, and third
angels’ messages to be given
[in the future] to the world. The unsealing of
the little book was the message in relation to time.”
–
Manuscript Releases,
vol. 19, p. 320
“John sees
the little book unsealed. Then
Daniel’s prophecies have their proper place in the first, second, and third
angels’ messages to be given to the world. The unsealing of the little book was
the message in relation to time.”
– White, Ellen G.;
Manuscript Releases, vol. 1,
p. 99
Daniel is
beginning to “stand in his lot” to give his testimony regarding the time periods
of the final prophecies yet to be fulfilled.
Straight
Testimony
Very soon a
message of “straight testimony” will be preached to the people of God. We are
told that this message will cause a shaking among God’s people. This message
will be so controversial that many are caused to reject the message that God is
presenting. The controversy will be of such intensity that many will actually
leave God’s Remnant church. Could it be that this new light of added details
concerning the prophecies just ahead would cause this shaking?
“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.” –
Early Writings,
p. 270.2
“In
Minneapolis God gave precious gems of truth to His people in new settings, This
light from heaven by some was rejected with all the stubbornness the Jews
manifested in rejecting Christ, and there was much talk about standing by the
old landmarks. But there was evidence they knew not what the old landmarks were.
There was evidence and there was reasoning from the
Word that commended itself to the conscience; but
the minds of men were fixed, sealed against the entrance of light, because they
had decided it was a dangerous error removing the ‘old landmarks’–when
it was not moving a peg of the old landmarks.”
– Manuscript Releases,
vol. 11, p. 243.
“Blow the trumpet
in
Does EGW give a future application to the prophecies of
Daniel?
“The light
that Daniel received from God was given especially for
these last days.
The visions he saw by the banks of the Ulai and the Hiddekel, the great rivers
of
“As Daniel’s
prayer is going forth, the angel Gabriel comes sweeping down from the heavenly
courts to tell him that his petitions are heard and answered. This mighty angel
has been commissioned to give him skill and understanding – to open before him
the mysteries of future ages. Thus, while earnestly seeking to know and
understand the truth, Daniel was brought into communion with Heaven’s delegated
messenger.
“In answer
to his petition, Daniel received not only the light and truth which he and his
people most needed, but a view of the great
events of the future,
even to the advent of
the worlds’ Redeemer.”
–
The Sanctified Life, pp.
48-49 1889,
The Review and Herald,
“A wonderful
connection is seen between the universe of heaven and this world. The things
revealed to Daniel were afterward complemented by the revelation made to John on
the Isle of Patmos. These two books should be carefully studied. Twice Daniel
inquired, how long shall
it be to the end of time?
… The book of Daniel is unsealed in the revelation to John, and carries us
forward to the last scenes of this earth’s
history…Teach these things.”
–
Testimonies to
Ministers, pp. 114-115
“The
prophetic periods of
Daniel, extending
to the very eve of the great consummation,
throw a flood of light upon events then
to transpire.” –
The Review and Herald,
“Daniel
shall [future] stand in his lot at the end of the days. John sees the little
book unsealed. Then
Daniel's prophecies have their proper place in the first, second, and third
angels' messages to be given [future] to the world.”
– Manuscript Releases,
vol. 19, p. 320 (1887)
“A great
work will be done in a short time. A message
will soon be given by God’s appointment that will swell into a loud cry.
Then Daniel will stand
in his lot, to give his testimony.”
–
Manuscript Releases,
vol. 2, p. 20 (Letter
54, 1906)
“As the
message of Christ’s first advent announced the kingdom of His grace, so the
message of His second advent announces the kingdom of His glory. And the second
message, like the first,
is based on the prophecies.
The words of the angel to Daniel relating to the
last days were to be understood in the time of the
end. At that time, ‘many shall run to and fro,
and knowledge shall be increased.’ ‘The wicked shall do wickedly: and none of
the wicked shall understand; but the wise shall understand.’ Dan. 12:4, 10.”
–
The Desire of Ages,
p. 234
“The
book that was sealed was not
the book of Revelation, but that
portion of the prophecy of
Daniel which related to the last days.”
–
Selected Messages,
vol. 2, p. 105
“Daniel
shall stand in his lot at the end of the days.
John sees the little book unsealed.
Then Daniel’s prophecies have their proper place in the first, second, and third
angels’ messages to be given
to the world. The unsealing of the little book
was the message in relation to time.”
–
Manuscript Releases,
vol. 19, p. 320 1887
“John sees
the little book unsealed. Then
Daniel’s prophecies have their proper place in the first, second, and third
angels’ messages to be given to the world. The unsealing of the little book was
the message in relation to time.”
– White, Ellen G.;
Manuscript Releases, vol. 1,
p. 99 1887
Doesn’t
Ellen White state in multiple locations that there will be no time prophecies
after 1844?
"Time
has not been a test
since 1844, and it will never again be a test.
The Lord has
shown me that the message of the third angel must go and be proclaimed to the
scattered children of the Lord, but it must not be hung on time.
I saw that some were getting a false excitement, arising
from preaching time; but the third angel's
message is stronger than time can be. I saw that this message can stand on its
own foundation and needs not time to strengthen it; and that it will go in
mighty power, and do its work, and will be cut short in righteousness."
–
Early Writings,
p. 75.
Study the explanations given
regarding “time” in
the following quotes for a clearer understanding:
“Yet God
accomplished His own beneficent purpose in permitting the warning of the
judgment to be given just as it was [Jesus coming
in 1844]. The great day
was at hand, and in His providence the people were brought
to the test of a definite time,
in order to reveal to them what was in their hearts. The message was designed
for the testing and purification of the church. They were to be led to see
whether their affections were set upon this world or upon Christ and heaven.
They professed to love the Saviour; now they were to prove their love.
Were they ready to renounce their worldly hopes and
ambitions, and welcome with joy the advent of their
Lord? The message was designed to enable them
to discern their true spiritual state; it was sent in mercy to arouse them to
seek the Lord with repentance and humiliation.”
– The Great Controversy,
pp.353-354
“When called
to endure the scoffs and reproach of the world, and the
test of a delay and
disappointment, would they renounce the faith? Because they did not immediately
understand the dealings of God with them, would they cast aside truths sustained
by the clearest testimony of His word?” –
The Great
Controversy, pp. 353-354
“The
proclamation of a definite time for Christ’s
coming called for the great opposition from
many of all classes…” –
The Great
Controversy, pp.370-371
“It had been
God’s purpose to conceal the future and to bring His people to a point of
decision. Without the preaching of definite time
for the coming of Christ, the work designed of
God would not have been accomplished. Satan was leading very many to look far in
the future for the great events connected with the judgment and the end of
probation. It was necessary that the people be brought to seek earnestly for a
present preparation.” –
Early Writings,
p. 246
“The message
that God sent for the testing
and purification of the church revealed all too surely how great was the number
who had set their affections on this world rather than upon
Christ.”
–
The Great Controversy,
pp. 380-381
“Again and again I
have been warned in regard to time-setting. There will never again
[since 1844]
be a message for the people of God that will be based on
time. We are not to know the definite time
either for the outpouring of the Holy Spirit
or for the coming of Christ.”
– The Review
and Herald,
“It is not
in the providence of God that any finite man shall, by any device or reckoning
that he may make of figures, or of symbols, or of types, know with any
definiteness in regard
to the very period of the Lord’s coming.”
–
Manuscript Releases,
vol. 10, p. 272
“No one has a true message fixing the time when Christ is to come or not to come. Be assured that God gives no one authority to say that Christ delays His coming five years, ten years, or twenty years. ‘Be ye also ready: for in such an hour as ye think not the Son of man cometh’ (Matt. 24: 44). This is our message, the very message that the three angels flying in the midst of heaven are proclaiming. The work to be done now is that of sounding this last message of mercy to a fallen world. A new life is coming from heaven and taking possession of all God's people. But divisions will come in the church. Two parties will be developed. The wheat and tares grow up together for the harvest.” – Selected Messages, p. 113.3
“These types were
fulfilled [crucifixion, resurrection],
not only as to the event, but as to the time…
In like
manner the types which relate to the second advent must be fulfilled at the
time pointed
out in the symbolic service.” –
The Great
Controversy, p. 399
“Soon we
heard the voice of God like many waters, which
gave us the day and hour of Jesus’ coming.”
–
Early Writings,
p.15
“The
prophetic periods of
Daniel, extending to the very eve of the great
consummation, throw a flood of light upon
events then to
transpire.” –
The Review and Herald,
There are
“great and solemn events which
we must know as
we stand on the very threshold of their fulfillments.”
– Manuscript Releases,
vol. 32, 1896
“Let us read
and study the twelfth chapter of Daniel.
It is a warning that
we shall all
need to understand before the time of the end.”
–
Manuscript Releases,
vol. 15, p. 228 (1903);
Last Day Events,
p. 15
“A message
will soon be given by God’s appointment that will swell into the loud cry.
Then Daniel will
stand in his lot
to give his testimony.” – Manuscript
Releases, vol. 2 p/ 20 (Letter
54, 1906)
“The words
of the angel to Daniel relating to the last days
were to be understood in
the time of the end.
At that time, ‘many shall run to and fro, and knowledge shall be increased.’
‘The wicked shall do wickedly: and none of the wicked shall understand; but the
wise shall understand.’ Dan. 12:4, 10.”
–
The Desire of Ages, p.
234.
“The message
itself [Revelation 14:6-7] sheds light as to the time when this movement is to
take place. It is declared to be a part of the ‘everlasting gospel:’ and it
announces the opening of the judgment. The message of salvation has been
preached in all ages’ but this message is a part of the gospel which could be
proclaimed only in the last days, for only then would it be true that the hour
of judgment had come. The prophecies present a succession of events leading down
to the opening of the judgment. This is especially true of the book of Daniel.
But that part of his prophecy which
related to the last days [eth qets],
Daniel was bidden to close
up and seal ‘to the time of the end.’”
– The Great
Controversy, pp. 355-356
·
We are now living at the
time of the end and as the prophecies declare, understanding about the final
events of Daniel and Revelation are being opened up to us.
“…and knowledge shall be increased.”
Daniel 12:4. God is faithful!
Progressive Revelation of EGW Quotes on Prophecy
As our pioneers passed the Great Disappointment evening, it
became apparent that new understanding had to come to prophecy. The meaning of
the 2300 years was soon opened to them. It would be several years before they
would understand that the “time periods” of Daniel 12 had been misunderstood. At
that time EGW commissioned the creation of a new prophetic chart in 1850.
“The Lord
showed me that the 1843 chart was directed by his hand, and that no part of it
should be altered; that the figures were as he wanted them. That his hand was
over and hid a mistake
in some of the figures, so that none could see it,
until his hand was removed.”
– The Review and Herald,
“His
hand covered a mistake
in the reckoning of the prophetic periods.”
– Early Writings, pp. 235,
277; The Spirit of Prophecy,
vol. 4, 228; The Great
Controversy, p. 373.
“God showed me the
necessity of getting out a chart. I saw it was needed and that the truth made
plain upon tables would affect much and would cause souls to come to the
knowledge of the truth. –
Letter 26,
The new chart changed the 1843 year to 1844, and eliminated
the 1290 and 1335 days of Daniel 12. These prophecies were not understood.
After 1850 there was prophetic silence for many years. God
had other truths to open to these new Advent Believers. The Sabbath, and church
organization, etc. were areas to discover and learn about.
In 1883 there was an isolated message
given to EGW that the “time periods of Daniel” (looking forward
beyond 1883) would go
right up to the “eve of the great consummation.” She was referring to Daniel 12.
“The
prophetic periods of
Daniel, extending to the very eve of the great
consummation, throw a flood of light upon
events then to
transpire.” –
The Review and
Herald,
Then more time passed until 1887 when God told her this:
“Daniel
shall stand in his lot at the end of the days.
John sees the little book unsealed.
Then Daniel’s prophecies have their proper place in the first, second, and third
angels’ messages to be given
to the world. The unsealing of the little book
was the message in relation to time.”
–
Manuscript Releases,
vol. 19, p. 320
Then more time passed as the great
message of Christ Our Righteousness came into the Church with force but with
great resistance.
Finally around 1890 something wonderful began to happen.
God began to unfold new truths to Ellen G. White. Between this time and 1906
some of the most amazing messages regarding end time prophecy were given to her.
These are just a few:
There are
“great and solemn events which
we must know as
we stand on the very threshold of their fulfillments.”
– Manuscript
Releases, vol. 32, 1896
“Let us read
and study the twelfth chapter of Daniel.
It is a warning that
we shall all
need to understand before the time of the end.”
–
Manuscript Releases,
vol. 15, p. 228 (1903);
Last Day Events,
p. 15
“A message
will soon be given by God’s appointment that will swell into the loud cry.
Then Daniel will
stand in his lot
to give his testimony.” –
Manuscript Releases,
vol. 2 p/ 20 (Letter
54, 1906)
In relation to these messages, God told her to write a very
stern but enlightened warning in 1892:
“There is no
excuse for any one in taking the position that
there is no more truth to be revealed, and
that all our expositions of Scripture are
without an error.
The fact that certain doctrines have
been held as truth for many years by our people, is
not a proof that our ideas are infallible.
Age will not make error into truth, and truth can afford to be fair. No true
doctrine will lose anything by close investigation.”
– The Review and Herald,
Evaluation of Difficult Ellen White Quotes Concerning, “No
More Test of Time”
Quote 1:
“I am compelled to
state that I have not had the least faith in Mr. [J. M.] Garmire or his work.
The pamphlet that was issued last fall at the time of our
The daughter of
Mr. Garmire claims, or he claims for her, to have visions; but they bear not the
stamp of God. They are of the same character as many such things we have met in
our experience--a delusion of Satan. –
Selected Messages,
vol. 2, p. 73.1
I plainly stated
at the
I there stated in
public that the Lord had been pleased to show me that there would be no definite
time in the message given of God since 1844;
and that I knew that this message, which four or five were engaged in advocating
with great zeal, was heresy. The visions of this poor child were not of God.
This light came not from heaven. Time was short; but the end was not yet. A
great work was to be accomplished to prepare a people to be sealed with the seal
of the living God.” –
An Exposure of Fanaticism and Wickedness
(Pamphlet), pp. 9, 10 (1885).
Selected Messages, vol.
2, p. 73.3}
What did EGW mean by this statement?
If she means that there is no “timing message” she would be contradicting her
own “inspiration.” She said that the death of Christ was on the exact time/day
and hour of the Passover Feast in GC 399. Then she clearly said the Fall Feast
reflected when the end events would occur. We know exactly the
time of the fall feast. She
also specifically added that the final events must be fulfilled at the
time pointed out in the
symbolic service.
“In like
manner the types which relate to the second advent must be fulfilled at the
time pointed
out in the symbolic service.” –
The Great
Controversy, p. 399
Then, in the Review and Herald
“In the
Scriptures are presented truths that relate especially to our own time. To the
period just prior to
the appearing of the Son of man, the prophecies of Scripture point, and here
their warnings and threatenings pre-eminently apply. The
prophetic periods of Daniel,
extending to the very eve of the great
consummation, throw a flood of light upon
events then to
transpire. The book of Revelation is also replete with warning and instruction
for the last generation.
The beloved John, under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, portrays the fearful
and thrilling scenes connected with the close of earth's history, and presents
the duties and dangers of God's people. None need remain in ignorance, none need
be unprepared for the coming of the day of God.”
–
The Review and Herald,
That specific timing issue is directly related to Daniel 12.
Notice the context of the paragraph. It is entirely related to the final events
of prophecy that are just about to be fulfilled. She also noted in 19MR282 that
when Satan appears as an angel of light, then would appear the “final
fulfillment” of Rev. 13. She then quotes a 42 month time prophecy.
“In the last
days Satan will appear as an angel of light, with great power and heavenly
glory, and claim to be the Lord of the whole earth. He will declare that the
Sabbath has been changed from the seventh to the first day of the week; and as
lord of the first day of the week he will present this spurious sabbath as a
test of loyalty to him. Then
will take place the final fulfillment of the Revelator's prophecy. [Revelation
13:4-18, quoted.]” –
Manuscript Releases,
vol. 19, p. 282.1
In the light of her direct reference to “time” in the future
to 1885, what might she mean? We must be precise. As shown earlier in this
paper, she uses the words, “definite time” and is referring to the second coming
of Jesus. This is the context of the quote. There will be no “definite time” set
for the second coming of Jesus after 1844.
Quote 2:
“The world
placed all time proclamation on the same level and called it a delusion,
fanaticism, and heresy. Ever since 1844 I have borne my testimony that we were
now in a period of time in which we are to take heed to ourselves lest our
hearts be overcharged with surfeiting and drunkenness, and cares of this life,
and so that day come upon us unawares. Our position has been one of waiting and
watching, with no time proclamation to intervene
between the close of the prophetic periods in 1844 and the time of the Lord's
coming. We do not know the day nor the hour, or
when the definite time
is, and yet the prophetic reckoning shows us that Christ is at the door.”
– Manuscript
Releases, vol. 16, p. 178.2
The clues to understand this quote are given in the context.
This quotation, by itself, could be interpreted several ways, “proving different
interpretations.” Did EGW give the context in the previous paragraph? Yes. Here
is what it says, along with the above paragraph.
”The
time-setters have
pronounced the curse of the Lord upon me as an unbeliever who said, My Lord
delayeth His
coming
[context issue].
But I have told them that the books of
heaven would not make my record thus, for the Lord knows that I loved and longed
for the appearing
of Christ. But
their oft-repeated message of
definite time
[regarding His coming]
was exactly what the enemy wanted,
and it served his purpose well to unsettle the faith in the first proclamation
of time, that was of heavenly origin.” –
Manuscript
Releases, vol. 16, p. 178.1
“The
world placed all time proclamation on the same level and called it a delusion,
fanaticism, and heresy. Ever since 1844
I have borne my testimony that we were now in a period of time in which we are
to take heed to
ourselves lest our hearts be overcharged with surfeiting and drunkenness, and
cares of this life, and so
that day
[second coming-context issue]
come upon us unawares.
Our position has been one of waiting and watching, with
no time proclamation
to intervene between the close of the prophetic periods in 1844 and the
time of the
Lord's coming.
[from 1844 when there was a time proclamation of “heavenly origin,” there will
not be another date set for His coming – that is the context]
We do not know the
day nor the hour,
[of the second coming]
or when the
definite time is, and yet the
prophetic reckoning shows us
that Christ is at
the door.” –
Manuscript Releases,
vol. 16, p. 178.2
When carefully analyzed, the context
is clear. The whole message above relates to overzealous people who
were!!! setting times for
Jesus to come. She is simply stating there was to be only one date set and it
was of heavenly origin.
Quote 3:
“This time,
which the angel declares with a solemn oath, is not the end of this world's
history, neither of probationary time, but of prophetic time, which should
precede the advent of our Lord. That is,
the people will not have another message upon
definite time.
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.” –
The
Seventh-day Adventist Bible Commentary, vol. 7,
p. 971.7;
Manuscript Releases, vol. 19, p. 320.4, 1900
This quote appears to be pretty solidly against “time” after
1844 at first glance, but let’s take a closer look. First, notice that this is
not an isolated quote. It comes from a larger thought concerning Revelation
chapter 10.
No Less a Person than Christ.—“The
mighty angel who instructed John was no less a personage than Jesus Christ.
Setting His right foot on the sea, and His left upon the dry land, shows the
part which He is acting in the closing scenes
of the great controversy with Satan. This position denotes His supreme power and
authority over the whole earth. The controversy had waxed stronger and more
determined from age to age, and will continue to do so, to the
concluding scenes when
the masterly working of the powers of darkness shall reach their height. Satan,
united with evil men, will deceive the whole
world and the
churches who
receive not the love of the truth. But the mighty angel demands attention. He
cries with a loud voice. He is to show the power and authority of His voice to
those who have united with Satan to oppose the truth.”
–
The Seventh-day Adventist Bible Commentary,
vol. 7, p. 971.3
“After these
seven thunders uttered their voices, the injunction comes to John as to Daniel
in regard to the little book: "Seal
up those things which the seven thunders uttered." These relate to
future events which
will be
disclosed in their order. Daniel shall stand in his lot at the
end of the days.
John sees the little book unsealed. Then
Daniel's prophecies have their proper place in the first, second, and third
angels' messages to be given to the world. The unsealing of the little book was
the message in relation to time.”
–
The Seventh-day
Adventist Bible Commentary, vol. 7, p. 971.4
“The
books of Daniel and the Revelation are one. One is a prophecy, the other a
revelation; one a book sealed, the other a book opened. John heard the mysteries
which the thunders uttered, but he was commanded not to write them.”
–
The Seventh-day Adventist Bible Commentary,
vol. 7, p. 971.5
“The
special light given to John which was expressed in the seven thunders was a
delineation of events which would transpire under the first and second angels'
messages. It was not best for the people to know
these things, for their faith must necessarily be tested.
In the order of God most
wonderful and advanced truths would be proclaimed.
The first and second angels' messages were to be proclaimed,
but no further light
was to be revealed before
these messages had done their specific work. This is represented by the angel
standing with one foot on the sea, proclaiming with a most solemn oath that time
should be no longer.” –
The Seventh-day
Adventist Bible Commentary, vol. 7, p. 971.6
“This
time, which the angel declares with a solemn oath, is not the end of this
world's history, neither of probationary time, but of
prophetic time, which should
precede the advent of our Lord.
That is, the people will
not have another message upon definite
time. 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.”
– The Seventh-day Adventist Bible Commentary,
vol. 7, p. 971.7
“The
angel's position, with one foot on the sea, the other on the land, signifies the
wide extent of the
proclamation of the message. It will
cross the broad waters and be proclaimed in other countries, even to
all the world. The
comprehension of truth, the glad reception of the message, is represented in the
eating of the little book. The truth in regard to the time of the advent of our
Lord was a precious message to our souls.” –
Manuscript 59,
1900; The
Seventh-day Adventist Bible Commentary, vol. 7,
p. 971.8
Notice the contextual timing words, “closing scenes,”
“concluding scenes,” “future events,” “end of the days,” “in the order of God,”
“all the world,” etc. Notice also the timing clues such as, “when,” “will,”
“then,” “before,” etc. This is an entirely end time passage in a future context
written in the year 1900.
Paragraph 4 –
The Seventh-day
Adventist Bible Commentary, vol. 7, p. 971.3
Additionally, she says that the
little “open/unsealed”
book is the “message
in relation to time!”
In the same context/paragraph she says that the seven thunders are “future events which will be disclosed
[unsealed] in their
order.” In the same
breath she adds that Daniel will stand in his lot at the end of the days AND his
prophecies will have their place in the three angel’s messages. The implications
are that the “order” or “timing” of the final events before the return of Christ
will be understood! The timing of the final events is given by Daniel in chapter
12 and these messages are to be proclaimed with the three angles’ messages at
the “end of the days.”
Amazing!
Remember:
“The
prophetic periods of
Daniel, extending to the very
eve of the great consummation,
throw a flood of light upon events then
to transpire.” –
The Review and
Herald,
Paragraph 5
Notice that the seven thunders were effectively sealed just
as the end time portion of Daniel was sealed.
“The
book that was sealed was not
the book of Revelation, but that
portion of the prophecy of
Daniel which related to the last days.”
–
Selected Messages,
vol. 2, p. 105
Paragraph 6
Here she explains further that the
details of Daniel’s last day timing prophecies were not to be understood so that
the testing of God’s people in 1844 would be accomplished. If they had known
these things the Advent movement would not have started! But, she goes on to say
that in the order of God, most wonderful and
advanced truths will be proclaimed! She is saying
that the things that were not understood will be understood and proclaimed to
the world. This quote confirms her thoughts:
“It had been
God’s purpose to conceal the future and to bring His people to a point of
decision. Without the preaching of definite time
for the coming of Christ,
the work designed of God would not have been accomplished. Satan was leading
very many to look far in the future for the great events connected with the
judgment and the end of probation. It was necessary that the people be brought
to seek earnestly for a present preparation.”
–
Early Writings, p. 246
Paragraph 7 –
Quote in Question
“This time,
which the angel declares with a solemn oath, is not the end of this world's
history, neither of probationary time, but of
prophetic time, which should precede the advent of
our Lord. That is,
the people will not have another message upon
definite time. 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.” –
The Seventh-day
Adventist Bible Commentary, vol. 7, p. 971.7
In this paragraph she says that the
angel is proclaiming the end of
“prophetic time.” But in paragraph 4 she said,
“Daniel
will stand in his lot”
and “The unsealing of the
little book was the message in relation to time.”
Plus she says that, the prophetic periods of Daniel extend to
the “eve of the great
consummation.” How do we reconcile the apparent
contradiction?
Notice that she uses the words, “That
is” at the beginning of the second sentence.
These words tell us that she is explaining what she just said in the first
sentence! The rest of the sentence that follows “that is” defines the context of
what she means by the words, “prophetic time”
in the first sentence. She defines her use of the words “prophetic time” as “definite
time.”
Note that EGW used the phrase, “definite
time” in a number of places to mean that there was
to be no more preaching of a definite time for Jesus’ return! She never intended
to say that we would not understand the timing of events prior to His return.
“Yet God
accomplished His own beneficent purpose in permitting the warning of the
judgment to be given just as it was [Jesus coming
in 1844]. The great day
was at hand, and in His providence the people were brought
to the test of a definite
time, in order to reveal to them what was
in their hearts.” –
The Great
Controversy, pp.
353-354
“The
proclamation of a definite time
for Christ’s coming
called for the great opposition from many of all classes…”
–
The Great Controversy,
pp.
370-371
These quotes should make it plain that EGW is saying that
there shall never again be a message setting a definite time/date for the return
of Jesus. Yet although we do not know a specific date for His return, we know
that it is close!
“We do not
know the day nor the hour, or when the
definite time
is, and yet the
prophetic reckoning shows us that Christ is at the door”
– Manuscript
Releases, vol. 10, p. 270, 1888
Remember:
“The
prophetic periods of
Daniel, extending to the very
eve of the great consummation,
throw a flood of light upon events then
to transpire.” –
The Review and
Herald,
How do we explain the remaining
sentences in this paragraph?
“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.”
Remember that different dates were set for the return of
Jesus and as one date passed, their reckoning (calculation) of the time was
extended to a new date. The “longest” reckoning extended to the “autumn of 1844”
which we know was
Paragraph 8
Finally in the last paragraph we are
told in a future context that the “message
in relation to time”
will go to “all
the world!”
Another Issue / Quote 4
What if the above explanation doesn’t entirely answer your
questions? What if you believe she literally meant that there are no more
prophetic periods after 1844? Although this is contradictory to her thoughts as
presented above, there is another angle to consider. Let’s study another quote
(Quote 4), where she also referred to Revelation 10:
"And the angel which I saw stand upon the sea and
upon the earth lifted up his hand to heaven, and sware by him that liveth for
ever and ever, who created heaven, and the things that therein are, and the
earth, and the things that therein are, and the sea, and the things which are
therein, that there should be time no
longer [delayed]."
(Rev. 10:5, 6). This message announces the end
of the prophetic periods. The disappointment of
those who expected to see our Lord in 1844
was indeed bitter to those who had so ardently looked for His appearing. It was
in the Lord's order that this disappointment should come, and that hearts should
be revealed.” –
Selected Messages,
vol. 2, p. 108.1, 1896
It is apparent in this quote that she again ties the phrase
“prophetic periods” with the date 1844 that led to the great disappointment. As
in Quote 3, the context of her thinking surrounds the date that was set for the
return of Christ in 1844 and that no more prophetic periods pinpointing a date
for Jesus’ return would be set. But this quote has an additional issue to
consider.
“Delayed”
– is a very important “missing word” in the
translation of the KJV. Jesus is implying that
there has been a “tarrying time” which is now coming to an end. This in turn
implies that a new “time period” will begin. That is exactly what is presented
directly following this passage in Rev. 11:2 and 3. The 42 months/1260 days
identify and mark the time of the judgment of the living. Strong’s Concordance
confirms that the word translated as time in Rev. 10:6 of the KJV actually
implies “delay,”
as correctly translated by modern translations including the NKJV and others.
The NIV says,
”And he swore by him who lives
for ever and ever, who created the heavens and all that is in them, the earth
and all that is in it, and the sea and all that is in it, and said, ‘There will
be no more delay!’”
Revelation 10:6
The NKJV says,
“and swore by Him who lives
forever and ever, who created heaven and the things that are in it, the earth
and the things that are in it, and the sea and the things that are in it, that
there should be delay
no longer,” Revelation 10:6
Here is where we must understand the
concept of “progressive revelation.” EGW was not aware of that translation
error. If we understand her statements to actually mean that there are no more
time prophecies after 1844, we must realize that she is using Rev. 10:5 and 6
as referring to
the time of the end
associated with the 2300 years.
If she knew about that missing word, it would have altered the advent concept
that began this movement. God was still protecting that information which
allowed His people to be tested. The word “delay” tells us of a tarrying time
continuing after 1844 until the final prophetic time periods of Daniel 12 and
Revelation 11 to 13 take place. When that time finally comes, there will be no
more “delay.”
If we take the conclusive position
that because EGW is inspired we must accept the
error, we go against her direct counsel that
“new light” might even change our interpretation of Scripture.
“There is no
excuse for any one in taking the position that
there is no more truth to be revealed, and
that all our expositions of Scripture are
without an error.
The fact that certain doctrines have been held as truth
for many years by our people, is not a proof that our ideas are infallible.
Age will not make error into truth,
and truth can afford to be fair. No true doctrine will lose anything by close
investigation.” –
The Review and Herald,
So if we assume that she believed
prophetic time (day for a year prophetic time) would be “no
longer” after 1844, while ignoring her statements
that explain “prophetic time”
as “definite time”
then we must understand that new light was to come. Taking this position creates
a problem however. In 1883, three years before Quote 4 was written, and
seventeen years before Quote 3 was written, she said,
“The
prophetic periods of
Daniel, extending to the very
eve of the great consummation,
throw a flood of light upon events then
to transpire.” This is written in a future
context!
Back to Quote 3
If we persist in believing she meant
no more time prophecies after 1844, there is another observation that reveals
EGW “knew what she was expressing” as inspired
in the quotation in question.
Though her knowledge of Rev. 10:6 was incomplete, what she said
regarding “end time” is very accurate!
The EGW estate has dealt with some of her thoughts on “prophetic dates” or
“prophetic time” (GC 681.1). According to the
EGW estate, her understanding of the 2300 days related to a “year-day principle.”
In that light, let’s re-evaluate the quote:
“This
time
[referring to the 2300 years]
which the angel declares with a solemn
oath, is not
the end of this world's history,
neither
of probationary time,
[so it relates to a time
before probation closes]
but of
prophetic time
[a year-for-a-day concept],
which should
precede
the advent of our Lord.
That is, the people
will not have another message upon
definite time
[“prophetic time” year-for-a-day
understanding that resulted in the testing of God’s people with a date for the
return of Jesus in 1844].
After
this period of time, reaching from 1842 to 1844, there can be no definite
tracing of the
prophetic time.
[That is true! Since 1844 there are no prophecies that can
be traced into the future which have a “year for a day” concept tied to them or
a date for the return of Jesus. Why? Because time prophecies after this time
period are literal time. When EGW noted in 1883 that Daniel’s prophecies went up
to the very eve of the consummation (RH 9-25-1883), the 2300 years had
already past. The only
“pending” prophecies would be Daniel 12 and Rev. 11-13. So
indirectly, she noted
that they had to be
literal time.] The
longest reckoning reaches to the autumn of 1844.” [True]
– The
Seventh-day Adventist Bible Commentary, vol. 7,
p. 971.7;
Manuscript Releases, vol. 19, p. 320.4, 1900
Remember, however, the words “That
is” and the rest of the sentence that follows
defines the context of what prophetic time
means. She defines her use of the words “prophetic time” as “definite
time.”
As shown earlier in this document, a “definite time” for Jesus’ return will
never be set again.
“I
was a firm believer in
definite time in 1844, but
this
prophetic time was
not shown me in vision, for
it was some months after the passing of this period of time before the first
vision was given me. There were many proclaiming a
new time after this, but
I was shown that we should not have another
definite time to proclaim to the people. All who
are acquainted with me and my work will testify that I have borne but
one testimony in regard to
the setting of the time
[for Jesus return].”
– Manuscript Releases,
vol. 10, p. 268.4, 1888
“The
prophetic periods of
Daniel, extending to the very
eve of the great consummation,
throw a flood of light upon events then
to transpire.” –
The Review and
Herald,
Be Careful
to not Attack the Messenger of New Light:
EGW had
much to say on this in the chapter “Among
Snares” in the Desire of Ages. Also she noted:
“When
new light is presented
to the church, it is perilous to shut yourselves
away from it. Refusing to hear
because you are
prejudiced against the message or the messenger
will not make your case excusable before God. To
condemn that which you
have not heard and do not
understand will not exalt your wisdom in the
eyes of those who are candid
in their investigations of truth. And
to speak with contempt of
those whom God has sent with a message of truth,
is folly and madness.” –
Counsels on
“But
the message seemed to them an idle tale,
and they believed it not. Emboldened
in their wickedness they mocked the messenger
of God, made light of his entreaties, and even accused him of presumption.”
– The Great Controversy,
p. 337
“If he can
lead men to distrust the messenger,
or to attach no sacredness to the message,
he knows that they will feel under no obligation
to heed the word of God to them. And when
light is set aside as darkness,
Satan has things his own way.” –
Lift Him Up,
p. 361.2
“In the days
of Paul there was need of warning …. if the message
or the messenger differed
in some little degree from their preconceived ideas,
they closed the door firmly
against the light and the lightbearer.”
– The Signs
of the Times, May 15, 1893
“I saw Satan
would work more powerfully now than ever he has before. He knows that his time
is short and that the sealing of the saints will place them beyond his power; he
will now work in every way that he can and will try his every insinuation to get
the saints off from their guard and get them asleep
on the present truth
or doubting it,
so as to prevent their being
sealed with the seal of the living God.”
Ms 7, 1850, pp. 2, 3. (A Vision God Gave Me at Brother Harris’, August 24,
1850.)”
–
Manuscript Releases, vol.
8, p. 220
John Bartels (and son
Steven)
Director / Engineer
Grenada Family Network