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The Great Week of Time Part 8 E. G. White and the “Delay” Issue
There are seemingly conflicting statements in the writings of E. G. White relative to the time of the end. As with Biblical study, the information presented must be viewed in context and purpose. There are several issues that require concerted analysis to objectively use her material correctly:
1. The Advent pioneers originally had a view of prophecy that invited its complete fulfillment by October 22, 1844. On October 23, 1844, the intense Biblical research that had been done needed reassessment. 2. E. G. White was inspired that changes were needed. One example related to the 1843 chart used by our pioneers. It needed revision, which was done by 1850 when Daniel 12’s 1335- and 1290-day prophecies were dropped. Notice how she related to that change: “I saw that the figures of the chart were as God would have them, and that His hand was over and hid a mistake in some of the figures, so that none should see it till His hand was removed.”1 “I have seen that the 1843 chart was directed by the hand of the Lord, and that it should not 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.”2 “His hand covered a mistake in the reckoning of the prophetic periods.”3 3. Many of her writings were pastoral and sought urgently to point out errors and correct them through spiritual counsel. The Testimonies reflect this shepherding care she so eloquently gave. 4. Some of her messages added beauty to the stories and truths of the Bible in language that would appeal to all. The Conflict of the Ages series met that objective with clarity. 5. Special instruction relative to prophecy and the time of the end fills her writings. We have used that material in the many books this office has written over the past eight years to affirm conclusions made through Biblical research. It has become apparent to us that clear and accurate understanding of prophecy began to unfold only slowly after 1844 to the church leaders. One can see in E. G. White’s writings, first, a backward view; then a current view; then finally by approximately 1890 on, a forward understanding of most eschatological prophecy. A simple example of this is in the grasp of when Daniel would stand in his lot at the end of his days (Daniel 6. Often her appeal of the imminent return of Jesus was in language that “we are on the border of the eternal world” to urge preparation for time is running out. 7. As this remarkable servant had the distinctness of truth unfolded to her, she too, as we would be, was influenced by events that surrounded her relative to the end of time. Current Events Influenced Her The “abomination” that leads to “desolation” of Daniel 8–12 and Matthew 24 represents the enforcement of the Sunday laws. E. G. White saw that as an unfolding sign of the end in her day. This occurred in Australia (where she resided for several years) and in America, especially in the southern states.4 She raised concerns relative to that issue, which was consistent with her perception of the end-time from “current events.” Reviewing her comments on the timing of the coming of Jesus requires the same sensitivity as to the above issue. God sees as man does not. E. G. White saw another vital principle at work in the play and interplay of the world’s events. She Always Sensed the Shortness of Time E. G. White early on defined her statements in light of these principles: “A statement published in 1851 in Experience and Views, and found on page 49 [page 58, present edition] of Early Writings is quoted as proving my testimonies false: ‘I saw that the time for Jesus to be in the most holy place was nearly finished, and that time can last but a very little longer.’ “As the subject was presented before me, the period of Christ’s ministration seemed almost accomplished. Am I accused of falsehood because time has continued longer than my testimony seemed to indicate? How is it with the testimonies of Christ and His disciples? Were they deceived? “Paul writes to the Corinthians: “‘But this I say, brethren, the time is short: it remaineth, that both they that have wives be as though they had none; and they that weep, as though they wept not; and they that rejoice, as though they rejoiced not’ (1 Cor. 7:29, 30). “Again, in his epistle to the Romans, he says: “‘The night is far spent, the day is at hand: let us therefore cast off the works of darkness, and let us put on the armour of light’ (Rom. “And from Patmos, Christ speaks to us by the beloved John: “‘Blessed is he that readeth, and they that hear the words of this prophecy, and keep those things which are written therein: for the time is at hand’ (Rev. 1:3). ‘The Lord God of the holy prophets sent his angel to shew unto his servants the things which must shortly be done. Behold, I come quickly; blessed is he that keepeth the sayings of the prophecy of this book’ (Rev. 22:6, 7). “The angels of God in their messages to men represent time as very short. Thus it has always been presented to me. It is true that time has continued longer than we expected in the early days of this message. Our Saviour did not appear as soon as we hoped. But has the word of the Lord failed? Never!”5 The delay was a human perception. Forward Movement of Prophecy “Not by any temporary failure of Israel, however, was the plan of the ages for the redemption of mankind to be frustrated. Those to whom the prophet was speaking might not heed the message given, but the purposes of Jehovah were nevertheless to move steadily forward to their complete fulfillment.”6 “God’s purpose for Israel will meet with literal fulfillment. That which God purposes, man is powerless to disannul. Even amid the working of evil, God’s purposes have been moving steadily forward to their accomplishment. It was thus with the house of Israel ... it is thus with spiritual Israel today.”7 This underscores a broad concept regarding God’s timing. Whether it is a timing prophecy, a period, an appointed time, sequence of events or decree, they all come within the framework of a very distinct forward-moving Biblical pattern. As type has its antitype, in all eras of human history God works within a specific framework of minor first fulfillment and then final fulfillment in all His prophetic revelations. This assures us of the divine precision of prophecy and aids in its interpretive understanding. In forward-moving themes minor prophetic fulfillment becomes a metaphor for a final application. Man’s evil does not impede God’s plans. Now we look at the numerous eschatological statements of E. G. White. They are set in chronological order and reflect the above principles and her progressive understanding of the end. We ask that the student view each one in the context of her (EGW’s) understanding, time, purpose of the thought and meaning to the remnant people. When Will Jesus Return? 1844 – “delay” (written in 1882, regarding this time): “Had Adventists, after the great disappointment in 1844, held fast their faith, and followed on unitedly in the opening providence of God, receiving the message of the third angel and in the power of the Holy Spirit proclaiming it to the world, they would have seen the salvation of God, the Lord would have wrought mightily with their efforts, the work would have been completed, and Christ would have come ere this to receive His people to their reward.”8 1851 – “delay”: “Now is the time to lay up treasure in heaven, and to set our hearts in order, ready for the time of trouble. Those only who have clean hands and a pure heart will stand that trying time. Now is the time for the law of God to be in our minds (foreheads), and written in our hearts. The Lord has shown me the danger of letting our minds be filled with worldly thoughts and cares. I saw that some minds were led away from present truth and a love of the holy Bible, by reading other exciting books; and others were filled with perplexity and care for what they shall eat, drink and wear. I saw some, looking too far off for the coming of the Lord. Time has continued on a few years longer than they expected, therefore they think it may continue a few years more, and in this way their minds are being led from present truth, out after the world. In these things I saw great danger; for if the mind is filled with other things, present truth is shut out, and there is no place in our foreheads for the seal of the living God. This seal is the Sabbath. I saw that the time for Jesus to be in the most holy place was nearly finished, and that time can last but a very little longer; and what leisure time we have should be spent in searching the Bible, which is to judge us in the last day.”9 1878 – expectancy: “Ministers who would labor effectively for the salvation of souls must be both Bible students, and men of prayer. It is a sin for those who attempt to teach the word to others to be themselves neglectful of its study. All who feel the worth of souls will flee to the stronghold of truth, where they may be furnished with wisdom, knowledge, strength, and divine power to work the works of God. They should not rest without the holy unction from on high. Too much is at stake for them to dare to be careless in regard to their spiritual advancement. Ministers of Christ, your coldness, your lack of prayer, of fervor, and of heavenly wisdom may turn the balance with a soul, and send it to perdition. Ye messengers of the truth, ye cannot afford to be indifferent in these last days! Our feet are on the borders of the eternal world, and every probationary moment is more precious than gold.”10 1879 – expectancy: “All who are faithful workers for God will yield their spirit and all their powers a willing sacrifice to him. The Spirit of God operating upon their spirit calls forth the sacred harmonies of the soul in the answer to the divine touch. This is true sanctification, as revealed in the word of God. It is the work of a lifetime. And that which the Spirit of God has begun upon the earth for the perfection of man, glory shall crown in the mansions of God. Those who are indolent and self-caring know not true happiness and peace. They are losing, even in this life, and what glory they lose in the future, immortal life. I wish I could speak words to men and women which would nerve them to diligent action. The moments now granted us to work are few. We are standing upon the very borders of the eternal world. We have no time to lose. Every moment is golden, and altogether too precious to be devoted merely to self-serving. Who will seek God earnestly, and from him draw strength and grace to be his faithful workers in the missionary field? Individual effort is essential for the success of this work. The ease-loving and self-caring, the worldly, ambitious ones will be ashamed to engage perseveringly in the tract and missionary work. Some may take hold of it impulsively, but they will not be able to bear rebuffs, and sneers, and contempt. These soon become weary in well-doing, and fall back to their own position of living and caring for self. For such there will be no reward in Heaven, for Christ is to give to every one as his works shall be.”11 1881 – expectancy: “I would, at this time, sound the note of warning to those who shall assemble at our camp meeting. The end of all things is at hand. My brethren, ministers and laymen, I have been shown you must work in a different manner from what you have been in the habit of working.”12 1881 – expectancy: “Vigilance and fidelity have been required of Christ’s followers in every age; but now that we are standing upon the very verge of the eternal world, holding the truths we do, having so great light, so important a work, we must double our diligence. Everyone is to do to the very utmost of his ability. My brother, you endanger your own salvation if you hold back now. God will call you to account if you fail in the work He has assigned you. Have you a knowledge of the truth? give it to others.”13 1886 – expectancy: “I want to speak to the ears of our people in America in every church. Awake from the dead, and Christ will give you life. Souls are perishing for the light of truth as it is in Jesus. We are standing upon the very borders of the eternal world. Fair-weather Christians will not be wanted for this work. The sentimental and tasteful religion is not needed for this time. There must be intensity brought into our faith and in the proclamation of truth. I tell you, a new life is proceeding from satanic agencies to work with a power we have not hitherto realized. And shall not a new power from above take possession of God’s people? The truth, sanctifying in its influence, must be urged upon the people. There must be earnest supplications offered to God, agonizing prayer to Him, that our hopes as a people may not be founded on suppositions, but on eternal realities. We must know for ourselves, by the evidence of God’s Word, whether we are in the faith, going to heaven or not. The moral standard of character is God’s law. Do we meet its requirements? Are the Lord’s people bringing their property, their time, their talents, and all their influence into the work for this time? Let us arouse. ‘If ye then be risen with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ sitteth on the right hand of God’ (Col. 3:1).—Letter 55, 1886.”14 1888 – “delay”: “It was not the will of God that Israel should wander forty years in the wilderness; he desired to lead them directly to the 1888 – impending: “A great crisis awaits the people of God. A crisis awaits the world. The most momentous struggle of all the ages is just before us. Events which for more than forty years we have upon the authority of the prophetic word declared to be impending are now taking place before our eyes. Already the question of an amendment to the Constitution restricting liberty of conscience has been urged upon the legislators of the nation. The question of enforcing Sunday observance has become one of national interest and importance. We well know what the result of this movement will be. But are we ready for the issue? Have we faithfully discharged the duty which God has committed to us of giving the people warning of the danger before them?”16 1889 – expectancy: “There are many who have not taxed their mental powers, and who have no experience in putting to the stretch their utmost ability to find out what is truth. It is not possible that the Holy Spirit shall fall upon you unless you feel your need, and are more desirous for its descent than you now are. You should realize that you are living upon the very borders of the eternal world, that Christ is coming very soon, and that all heaven is interested in the work that is in progress in fitting up a people for his coming. If ever there was a people that needed to heed the counsel of the True Witness to the Laodicean church to be zealous and to repent before God, it is the people who have had opened up before them the stupendous truths for this time, and who have not lived up to their high privileges and responsibilities. We have lost much in not living up to the light of the solemn truths which we profess to believe.”17 1890 – expectancy: “My brethren, we are living in a most solemn period of this earth’s history. There is never time to sin; it is always perilous to continue in transgression; but in a special sense is this true at the present time. We are now upon the very borders of the eternal world and stand in a more solemn relation to time and to eternity than ever before. Now let every person search his own heart, and plead for the bright beams of the Sun of Righteousness to expel all spiritual darkness and cleanse from defilement. ‘If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.’ Through faith, irrespective of feeling, Jesus, the Author of our salvation, the Finisher of our faith, will, by His precious grace, strengthen the moral powers, and the sinner may reckon himself ‘to be dead indeed unto sin, but alive unto God through Jesus Christ.’ Simple faith, with the love of Christ in the soul, unites the believer to God. While toiling in battle as a faithful soldier of Christ, he has the sympathy of the whole loyal universe. The ministering angels are round about him to aid in the conflict, so that he may boldly say, ‘The Lord is my helper,’ ‘the Lord is my strength and my shield;’ I shall not be overcome. ‘By grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God.’”18 1891 – expectancy: “Will you, my sister, always trust in Jesus, who is your righteousness? The love of God is shed abroad in your heart by the Holy Ghost, which is graciously given unto you. You are one with Christ. He will give you grace to be patient, He will give you grace to be trustful, He will give you grace to overcome restlessness, He will warm your heart with His own sweet Spirit, He will revive your soul in its weakness. Only a few days more to be as pilgrims and strangers in this world, seeking for a better country, even an heavenly. Our home is in heaven. Then stay your soul in confidence upon God. Roll all your burdens upon Him.”19 1892 – expectancy: “Let every one who claims to believe that the Lord is soon coming, search the Scriptures as never before; for Satan is determined to try every device possible to keep souls in darkness, and blind the mind to the perils of the times in which we are living. Let every believer take up his Bible with earnest prayer, that he may be enlightened by the holy Spirit as to what is truth, that he may know more of God and of Jesus Christ whom he has sent. Search for the truth as for hidden treasures, and disappoint the enemy. The time of test is just upon us, for the loud cry of the third angel has already begun in the revelation of the righteousness of Christ, the sin-pardoning Redeemer. This is the beginning of the light of the angel whose glory shall fill the whole earth. For it is the work of every one to whom the message of warning has come, to lift up Jesus, to present him to the world as revealed in types, as shadowed in symbols, as manifested in the revelations of the prophets, as unveiled in the lessons given to his disciples and in the wonderful miracles wrought for the sons of men. Search the Scriptures; for they are they that testify of him.”20 1892: “We are on the borders of the eternal world.”21 1893: “We are on the borders of the eternal world.”23 1893 – “delay”: “The work of opponents to the truth has been steadily advancing while we have been compelled to devote our energies in a great degree to counteracting the work of the enemy through those who were in our ranks. The dullness of some and the opposition of others have confined our strength and means largely among those who know the truth, but do not practice its principles. If every soldier of Christ had done his duty, if every watchman on the walls of Zion had given the trumpet a certain sound, the world might ere this have heard the message of warning. But the work is years behind. What account will be rendered to God for thus retarding the work?”24 1894: “We are on the borders of the eternal world.”24 1896 – “prolonged”, yet there is an appointed time (!): “The Lord Has a Time Appointed. The natural heart is not to bring its own tainted, corrupting principles into the work of God. There must be no concealing of the principles of our faith. The third angel’s message is to be sounded by God’s people. It is to swell to the loud cry. The Lord has a time appointed when He will bind off the work; but when is that time? When the truth proclaimed for these last days shall go forth as a witness to all nations, then shall the end come. If the power of Satan can come into the very 1896: “We are on the borders of the eternal world.”26 1897-“delay”: “[Num. 32:6-15, quoted.] The Lord God is a jealous God, yet He bears long with the sins and transgressions of His people in this generation. If the people of God had walked in His counsel, the work of God would have advanced, the messages of truth would have been borne to all people that dwell on the face of the whole earth. Had the people of God believed Him and been doers of His word, had they kept His commandments, the angel would not have come flying through heaven with the message to the four angels that were to let loose the winds that they should blow upon the earth crying, Hold, hold the four winds that they blow not upon the earth until I have sealed the servants of God in their foreheads. But because the people are disobedient, unthankful, unholy, as were ancient Israel, time is prolonged that all may hear the last message of mercy proclaimed with a loud voice. The Lord’s work has been hindered, the sealing time delayed. Many have not heard the truth. But the Lord will give them a chance to hear and be converted, and the great work of God will go forward.—Letter 106, 1897.”27 1901: “We are on the borders of the eternal world.”28 1901-“delay”: “We may have to remain here in this world because of insubordination many more years, as did the children of Israel; but for Christ’s sake, His people should not add sin to sin by charging God with the consequence of their own wrong course of action. – Letter 184, 1901.”29 1903 – “delay”: “I know that if the people of God had preserved a living connection with Him, if they had obeyed His Word, they would today be in the heavenly Canaan.” – General Conference Bulletin, March 30, 1903.”30 1903: “We are on the borders of the eternal world.”31 1908: “We are on the borders of the eternal world.”32 During this year she made two other “delay” comments similar to 1903. 1909 – “delay”: “If every soldier of Christ had done his duty, if every watchman on the walls of Zion had given the trumpet a certain sound, the world might ere this have heard the message of warning. But the work is years behind. While men have slept, Satan has stolen a march upon us.”33 1910: “We are on the borders of the eternal world.”34 1913 – expectancy: “All heaven is astir, engaged in preparing for the day of God’s vengeance, the day of Zion’s deliverance. The time of tarrying is almost ended. The pilgrims and strangers who have so long been seeking a better country are almost home. I feel as if I must cry aloud, Homeward bound! Rapidly we are nearing the time when Christ will come to gather His redeemed to Himself.” – Review and Herald, Nov. 13, 1913.”35 1913: “We are on the borders of the eternal world.”36 1914: “We are on the borders of the eternal world.”38 –––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––
As one reviews these thoughts, it is clear that the reason to present a given message varied. There are definitive thoughts in several statements suggesting that time is prolonged. These are in the context of her understanding and/or to present a serious warning. As an example, in 1903, while addressing the General Conference, she used the words “I know” related to the possibility of being in the kingdom. Her quotes are always in a context when preparation is to occur or when the spread of the gospel message should be finished. In 1896 an important principle was presented, defining her message. If Satan can come into God’s church, the preparation will be prolonged. Yet – God has an appointed time to bind off the work. “Urgency,” “rally to finish” the work and pay attention to “current events” runs through these quotations. What about 1903 when she noted that “today” God’s people could be in the heavenly Canaan? She repeated this again twice in 1908. How can we reconcile that with the GWT? In Daniel’s day the 490 years was to bring in “everlasting righteousness” by AD 34. If that was true, the Gentiles would never receive the gospel message. That would have been, according to Daniel In everything there is always a “might have been”. But in God’s great foreknowledge He knows “what will be”. In that context He operates, gives prophecy and warns. EGWhite counseled in both spheres. The GWT is prophetic in the “what will be” realm. There is a danger that we overread the intent of the incredible writings of E. G. White. If we take the issues at hand and apply her words to the reason she wrote them, the era of her understanding and the context of her eschatological warnings, they do not conflict. A sovereign principle that reaches to the very depths of this insight: “But like the stars in the vast circuit of their appointed path, God’s purposes know no haste and no delay. Through the symbols of the great darkness and the smoking furnace, God had revealed to Abraham the bondage of Israel in Egypt, and had declared that the time of their sojourning should be four hundred years. ‘Afterward,’ He said, ‘shall they come out with great substance.’ Gen. 15:14. Against that word, all the power of Pharaoh’s proud empire battled in vain. On ‘the self-same day’ appointed in the divine promise, ‘it came to pass, that all the hosts of the Lord went out from the “‘When the fullness of the time was come, God sent forth His Son.’ Providence had directed the movements of nations, and the tide of human impulse and influence, until the world was ripe for the coming of the Deliverer. The nations were united under one government. One language was widely spoken, and was everywhere recognized as the language of literature. From all lands the Jews of the dispersion gathered to Jerusalem to the annual feasts. As these returned to the places of their sojourn, they could spread throughout the world the tidings of the Messiah’s coming.”38 Is there a “great clock of time” that is pointing to Christ’s second return? It is the Great Week of Time. Perhaps within that timing theme we can realize a balanced view of the eloquent thoughts from Ellen G. White. Her’s was a matured ministry of preparation for a soon-returning Savior.
References: 1Spalding and Magan Collection, p. 1 (emphasis added). 2Early Writings, p. 74 (emphasis added). 3The Great Controversy, p. 373 (emphasis added). 4 Biography of Ellen G. White, p. 252; Selected Messages, bk 3, pp. 381, 394; Manuscript Releases, No. 10, p. 275. 5Selected Messages, bk 1, p. 68 (emphasis added). 6Prophets and Kings, pp. 705-706 (emphasis added). 7Ibid., p. 720 (emphasis added). 8Selected Messages, bk 1, p. 68. 9Broadside2, January 31, 1849 (emphasis added). 10Advent Review and Sabbath Herald, 08/08/1878 (emphasis added). 11Ibid., 01/02/1879 (emphasis added). 12Testimonies, vol. 5, pp. 16-17 (emphasis added). 13Testimonies, vol. 5, p. 460 (emphasis added). 14Selected Messages, bk 2, pp. 382-383 (emphasis added). 15The Great Controversy, p. 458 (1888) (emphasis added). 16Testimonies, vol. 5, p. 711 (1882–1889) (emphasis added). 17Advent Review and Sabbath Herald, 06/04/1889 (emphasis added). 18Testimonies, vol. 1, pp. 147-148 (emphasis added). 19Selected Messages, bk 2, pp. 231-232 (emphasis added). 20Advent Review and Sabbath Herald, 11/22/1892 (emphasis added). 21PH002, p. 28. 22Review and Herald, 02/21/1883 (12). 23General Conference Daily Bulletin, 02/28/93 (emphasis added). 24The Signs of the Times, 05/29/1884. 25The Publishing Ministry, pp. 389-390 (emphasis added). 26The General Conference Bulletin 10/01/1896. 27Manuscript Releases, vol. 15, pp. 292-293 (emphasis added). 28The Review and Herald, 06/11/01 (16). 29Evangelism, p. 696 (emphasis added). 30Ibid., p. 694 (emphasis added). 31Review and Herald, 03/03/03 (08). 32Southern Watchman, 04/14/1908 (08). 33Testimonies, vol. 9, p. 29 (emphasis added). 34The Signs of the Times, 03-22-1910 35Evangelism, p. 219 (emphasis added). 36Review and Herald, 09/18/1913 (09). 37Ibid., 10/29/1914 (14). 38Desire of Ages, p. 32.
Christian Heritage Foundation, CS © 2005 – Franklin S. Fowler Jr., M.D., Director
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