10 virgins parable

TEN VIRGINS PARABLE

MATT 25: 1 - 13

Traditional BeliefIt is often believed and taught: • the Ten Virgin Parable, with its Midnight

Cry Message is all in the past, and that it finished in 1844. • Testimony of Jesus concerning this

parable, completely refutes this long-standing tradition.

• Let us establish from the Testimony of Jesus, that the Ten Virgin Parable, is present truth for all Advent believers right until the end of probationary time

R. & H., Book 2, p. 419“When the third angel's message is

preached as it should be, power attends its proclamation, and it becomes an abiding influence. It must be attended with divine power, or it will accomplish nothing. I am often referred to the parable of the ten virgins, five of whom were wise, and five foolish. This parable has been and will be fulfilled to the very letter, for it has a special application to this time, and, like the third angel's message, has been fulfilled and will continue to be present truth till the close of time.” {RH, August 19, 1890 par. 3}

R. & H., Book 3, p. 331

“My mind was carried to the future, when the signal will be given. "Behold, the Bridegroom cometh; go ye out to meet him." But some will have delayed to obtain the oil for replenishing their lamps, and too late they will find that character, which is represented by the oil, is not transferable.” {RH, February 11, 1896 par. 6}

Matt 24: 45 – 47; 48 - 51

READ

Matt 24: 45 – 47; 48 - 51

The two types of servants produce the two types of virgins of the parable. That is, the

1. Faithful and wise servant - gives meat in due season [that is, he gives present truth], produces the wise virgins.

2. Evil servant – believes in his heart that, “My lord delayeth his coming”, produces the foolish virgins.

R. & H., Book 3, 601“It is not a trifling matter for those who have the light of truth to be non-committal, nor for the sentiments of the heart to be expressed in the words, "My Lord delayeth his coming." The influence of the peace-and safety sentiment is in the midst of us. A worldly, malarious influence prevails to soothe those who should be stirred by the message of truth to stand as faithful sentinels at the post of duty. Truth must be expressed in our lives. The light must shine brightly, or we shall cause others to stumble and fall.” {RH, August 23, 1898 par. 4}

{RH, August 23, 1898 par. 5}

“Those who hide their light will soon lose all power to let it shine. They are represented by the foolish virgins; and when the crisis comes, and the last call is made, "Behold, the Bridegroom cometh; go ye out to meet him," they will find that while they have been mingling with the world, their light has gone out. They did not continue to provide themselves with the oil of grace. The peace-and-safety cry hushed them to slumber, and made them careless in regard to their light.” {RH, August 23, 1898 par. 5}

The 10 Virgins = SDA end time experience

“As Christ sat looking upon the party that waited for the bridegroom, He told His disciples the story of the ten virgins, by their experience illustrating the experience of the church that shall live just before His second coming.” {COL 406.2}

Col 406:3

“The two classes of watchers represent the two classes who profess to be waiting for their Lord.They are called virgins because they profess a pure faith.” {COL 406.3}

LAMP = Word of God

THE LAMPS WHICH ALL THE VIRGINS HAVE = THE WORD OF GOD: -

Ps 119: 105 – Lamps = Word of God

Acts 17; 11 - The wise virgins act the part of modern day Noble Bereans, under the symbol in the parable of their trimming their lamps – the Word of God. They will rightly divide the Scriptures.

2 Tim 2: 15 -

Trimming of the lamps

This action by the ten virgins is defined for us by the Testimony of Jesus, as an intense study of the Scriptures.

1884 Great Controversy, p. 250:

“At the call, "The Bridegroom cometh; go ye out to meet him," the waiting ones "arose and trimmed their lamps;" they studied the word of God with an intensity of interest before unknown. Angels were sent from Heaven to arouse those who had become discouraged, and prepare them to receive the message.” {4SP 250.2}

Note

The wise virgins do NOT give the Midnight Cry; but rather, they receive the message that is proclaimed from some one else.


“At the call, "The Bridegroom cometh; go ye out to meet him," the waiting ones "arose and trimmed their lamps;" they studied the word of God with an intensity of interest before unknown. Angels were sent from Heaven to arouse those who had become discouraged, and prepare them to receive the message.” {4SP 250.2}

OIL = HOLY SPIRIT

The oil is the Holy Spirit, which works out a righteous character in the life of the believer

1 Samuel 16:13: - “Then Samuel took the horn of oil, and anointed him in the midst of his brethren: and the spirit of the LORD came upon David from that day forward. So Samuel rose up, and went to Ramah.”

COL 408 - 411 “In the parable,• all the ten virgins went out to meet the

bridegroom. All had lamps and vessels for oil. For a time there was seen no difference between them.

• So with the church that lives just before Christ's second coming.

• All have a knowledge of the Scriptures. • All have heard the message of Christ's

near approach, and confidently expect His appearing. But as in the parable, so it is now. A time of waiting intervenes, faith is tried; and when the cry is heard, … many are unready. They have no oil in their vessels with their lamps. They are destitute of the Holy Spirit.” {COL 408.

COL 408• “Without the Spirit of God a

knowledge of His word is of no avail. • The theory of truth, unaccompanied

by the Holy Spirit, cannot quicken the soul or sanctify the heart.

• Unless the Spirit of God sets the truth home, the character will not be transformed.

• Without the enlightenment of the Spirit, men will not be able to distinguish truth from error, and they will fall under the masterful temptations of Satan.” {COL 408.3}

OIL = Heavenly grace of God.

R. & H., Book 4, p. 110: - “The oil is the holy grace that is sent from heaven; and there must be an inward adorning with that grace, if we would stand when he appears.” {RH, October 31, 1899 par. 13}

Definition: Titus 2: 11-12

OIL = Communications of the Holy Spirit

R. & H., Book 4, p. 490: - “The golden oil represents the grace with which God keeps the lamps of believers supplied. Were it not that this holy oil is poured from heaven in the messages of God's Spirit, the agencies of evil would have entire control over men.” {RH, February 3, 1903 par. 5}


“God is dishonored when we do not receive the communications that he sends us. Thus we refuse the golden oil which he would pour into our souls to be communicated to those in darkness.”{RH, February 3, 1903 par. 6}


This inspired explanation of the oil representing the communications of God’s Holy Spirit, exposes as error, the commonAdventist belief, that all we need is the Bible, and not the Testimonies of the Spirit of God.

Prov 29: 181 Thess 5: 19 - 21

FROM THE BIBLICAL STANDPOINT, IT IS *UNBIBLICAL TO REJECT THE NEED FOR A PROPHET IN THE LAST DAYS, SEEING IT IS THE VERY BIBLE WHICH C0MMANDS IN 1

THESS.5:19, 20 TO "DESPISE NOT PROPHESYING" AND FURTHER STATES THAT (ACCORDING TO JOEL 2:27-32) IN THE "LAST DAYS" GOD'S SPIRIT WILL

CAUSE BOTH “SONS” AND “DAUGHTERS” (WOMEN AND MEN) TO "PROPHESY".

Derrick Gillespie

MALACHI 4:1, 4-6 INDICATES THAT IN THE LAST DAYS, OR JUST BEFORE THE FIERY JUDGMENT DAY, GOD WILL NOT JUST BE CALLING PEOPLE BACK TO KEEPING ALL HIS TEN COMMANDMENTS, BUT ALSO WILL SEND THE PROPHETIC SPIRIT OF ELIJAH TO PREPARE AND UNITE GOD’S PEOPLE; A CLEAR INDICATION THAT WORK OF GOD’S LAST DAY PEOPLE WILL BE ACCOMPANIED WITH THE SPIRIT OF OR MINISTRY OF THE PROPHETS (SEE REV. 12:17; REV. 19:10; REV. 22:8, 9).

IN ADDITION, THE VERY BIBLE ITSELF MAKES PLAIN THAT ONE OF THE ENDURING GIFTS OF THE HOLY SPIRIT IN THE CHURCH (ACCORDING TO EPH. 4: 8, 10-14) IS THAT OF "PROPHETS" SO THAT THE CHURCH MAY GROW UP INTO MATURITY.

Derrick Gillespie

PROPHETS ARE ALSO FOR THE "EDIFYING" OF THE CHURCH. ALL THIS IS IN ADDITION TO THE SCRIPTURES ALREADY GIVEN. SO THEN, HOW CAN THE BIBLE SAY ALL THIS, AND IT BE "UNBIBLICAL" TO ACCEPT PROPHETS IN THE CHURCH IN ADDITION TO THE BIBLE? NOT AT ALL. Most SDA IS VERY MISGIDED ON THIS ONE!! “SOLA SCRIPTURA” OR “THE BIBLE ONLY” OBLIGATES CHRISTIANS TO ACCEPT THE PLACE OF THE GIFTS OF THE SPIRIT, AND TO OBEY THE COMMANDS TO “DESPITE NOT PROPHESYINGS”, TO “PROVE ALL THINGS” AND TO “HOLD FAST TO THAT WHICH IS GOOD”!!

Derrick Gillespie

Only if the Church ended with the apostles of the New Testament, and only if the Church attained the full perfection EPHESIANS 4:10-14 spoke of, would there be no more need for the gifts of the Spirit. God is not partial or discriminatory. Once the Church remains in place today then the gifts are still relevant, and once the Bible does not change its prophecy FOR THE LASTS DAYS in Joel 2:27-32 and Mal. 4:1,4-6, then we can expect prophets (and healers, preachers, teachers, etc.) to still remain with the Church.

Derrick Gillespie

WE ARE TO "TRY THE SPIRITS" AND BEWARE OF "FALSE PROPHETS" THE BIBLE MAKES PLAIN...ALL INDICATING THAT BOTH THE REAL/TRUE AND FALSE PROPHETS WILL BE IN THE CHURCH TILL THE END OF TIME!! PERIOD!! After "proving" the prophetic utterances, then we are further commanded to "hold fast to that which is good" ...in other words, preserve, respect and abide by the counsels and insights made available via the prophetic gift once it passes the Biblical test!!

Derrick Gillespie

Too many who claim to believe and hold to the tenets of the Bible (as the sole/final rule of faith for the Christian) tend to reject the notion that genuine prophets can be in the Church, yet, apart from what was BIBLICALLY shown above, it does appear strongly FROM THE BIBLE ITSELF that one of the identifying marks of the TRUE people of God in the last days is for them to be blessed with “the spirit of prophecy” or the “spirit of the prophets”, even as they are identified as being obedient to the commandments of God (see Rev. 12:17 and Rev. 19:10 with Rev. 22: 8, 9).

Derrick Gillespie

OIL = Communications of the Holy Spirit The apostle John exiled because he had the Word of God AND the Testimony of Jesus, which the heavenly angel defines as being the Spirit of Prophecy.

Rev 1: 9 Rev 19: 10


1884 Great Controversy, p. 340: - “I will also have unbelieving ones present, who will express doubts in regard to the Lord's messages of warning to his church. Should the people read and believe these admonitions, we could have little hope of overcoming them. But if we can divert their attention from these warnings, they will remain ignorant of our power and cunning, and we shall secure them in our ranks at last. God will not permit his words to be slighted with impunity. If we can keep souls deceived for a time, God’s mercy will be withdrawn, and he will give them up to our full control.” {4SP 340.2}

Original Testimony, No. 27, p. 8 “In ancient times God spoke to men by the mouth of prophets and apostles. In these days he speaks to them by the testimonies of his Spirit. There was never a time whenGod more earnestly instructed his people concerning his will, and the course that he would have them pursue, than now.”

Christ’s Object Lessons, p. 414

Matt 25: 5 – 7 - “ … they all slumbered and slept. … Then all those virgins arose

“The coming of the bridegroom was at midnight--the darkest hour. So the coming of Christ will take place in the darkest period of this earth's history.

Special Test., Series B, No, 7, 56 & 57:- “One thing it is certain is soon to be realized,-- the great apostasy, which is developing and increasing and waxing stronger, and will continue to do so until the Lord shall descend from heaven with a shout.” {SpTB07 57.1}

Special Testimonies

Special Testimonies, Series B, No, 7, 56 & 57:- “One thing it is certain is soon to be realized,-- the great apostasy, which is developing and increasing and waxing stronger, and will continue to do so until the Lord shall descend from heaven with a shout.” {SpTB07 57.1}

Special Testimonies, Series B, No. 2, p. 14: - “At this time the Laodicean message is to be given, to arouse a slumbering church.” {SpTB02 14.3}

R. & H., Book 2, p. 419 “The name "foolish virgins" represents the character of those who have not the genuine heart-work wrought by the Spirit of God. The coming of Christ does not change the foolish virgins into wise ones. When Christ comes, the balances of Heaven will weigh the character, and decide whether it is pure, sanctified, and holy, or whether it is unclean, and unfit for the kingdom of heaven. Those who have despised the divine grace that is at their command, that would have qualified them to be the inhabitants of heaven, will be the foolish virgins. They had all the light, all the knowledge, but they failed to obtain the oil of grace; they did not receive the truth in its sanctifying power.” {RH, August 19, 1890 par. 8}

Special Testimonies

The Testimony of Jesus clearly reveals the truth, that Christ’s coming in the Parable, is a coming to weigh the virgins’ characters in the balances of heaven. This is Judgment Language!

The concept of being weighed in the balances as found in the Scriptures, is a reference to a work of Judgment being undertaken by God.

Job 3: 16Isa 26: 7Dan 5: 25, 27

Note

The Testimony of Jesus clearly teaches us, that our characters are to be weighed in God’s balances of justice in the Investigative Judgment, before the second coming of Jesus.

1884 Great Controversy, p. 266

“The cleansing of the sanctuary therefore involves a work of investigative Judgment. This work must be performed prior to the coming of Christ to redeem his people; for when he comes, his reward is with him to give to every man according to his works. [ REV22:12.] ” {4SP 266.1}


"If therefore thou shalt not watch, I will come on thee as a thief; and thou shalt not know what hour I will come upon thee." [REV. 3:3.] How perilous is the condition of those, who, growing weary of their watch [like the foolish virgins perhaps? - the compiler], turn to the attractions of the world. {4SP 315.1}


While the man of business is absorbed in the pursuit of gain, while the pleasure-lover is seeking indulgence, while the daughter of fashion is arranging her adornments,--it may be in that hour the Judge of all the earth will pronounce the sentence, "Thou art weighed in the balances, and art found wanting.” {4SP 315.1}


• The Bridegroom comes while the foolish virgins attempt to get the oil;

• the wise being ready go into the marriage, with the Bridegroom, who then shuts the door.

• This must be the door of probation that is being closed.

• All this takes place AFTER the Midnight Cry has been given.

Note

The coming of the Bridegroom is referring to Christ’s coming to Judgment, and NOT to his 2nd coming in the clouds of heaven!

8T 247

“In the balances of the sanctuary the Seventh-day Adventist church is to be weighed. She will be judged by the privileges and advantages that she has had. If her spiritual experience does not correspond to the advantages that Christ, at infinite cost, has bestowed on her, if the blessings conferred have not qualified her to do the work entrusted to her, on her will be pronounced the sentence: "Found wanting." By the light bestowed, the opportunities given, will she be judged.” {8T 247.2}

The Foolish virgins = Laodicean state

R. & H., Book 2, p. 420: - “The state of the Church represented by the foolish virgins, is also spoken of as the Laodicean state.” {RH, August 19, 1890 par. 10}

R. & H., Book 3, p. 483: - “Those who would be ready to meet their Lord must keep their lamps filled with the oil of grace. It was a neglect to do this that distinguished the foolish virgins from the wise. They had lamps, but no oil; their characters could not stand the test.” {RH, July 20, 1897 par. 4}

Character not Transferable

This desperate attempt of the foolish virgins to get oil from the wise, and the wise virgin’s inability to share their oil with the foolish, represents the sobering spiritual truth, that a righteous character formed by the holy oil of God’s grace, is NOT transferable to another person. We can only work out our own salvation, not someone else’s!

Ezekiel 14:14,16,18,20Philippians 2:12

Character not Transferable

R. & H., Book 2, p. 104: - “Each one individually must do the work, and determine through personal efforts to have the grace of God in the heart. I cannot form a character for you, nor can you for me. It is a burden that rests upon every one individually, young or old.” {RH, January 4, 1887 par. 10}

Too Late ,

Christ’s Object Lessons, p. 412: - “It is in a crisis that character is revealed. When the earnest voice proclaimed at midnight, "Behold, the bridegroom cometh; go ye out to meet him," and the sleeping virgins were roused from their slumbers, it was seen who had made preparation for the event.

Songs of Solomon 1:8-10 , 5:2-6

Too Late ,

Christ’s Object Lessons, p. 412:

Both parties were taken unawares; but one was prepared for the emergency, and the other was found without preparation.

Too Late So now, a sudden and unlooked-for calamity, something that brings the soul face to face with death, will show whether there is any real faith in the promises of God. It will show whether the soul is sustained by grace. {COL 412.1}

Too Late The great final test comes at the close of human probation, when it will be too late for the soul's need to be supplied.” {COL 412.1}

The Lord has shown me clearly that the image of the beast will be formed before probation closes; for it is to be the great test for the people of God, by which their eternal destiny will be decided. . . . [Revelation

13:11-17 quoted.] . . . {7BC 976.2} This is the test that the people of God must have before they are sealed. All who proved their loyalty

to God by observing His law, and refusing to accept a spurious sabbath, will rank under the banner of the Lord God Jehovah, and will receive the seal of the living God. Those who yield the truth of heavenly origin and accept the Sunday Sabbath, will receive

the mark of the beast (Letter 11, 1890). {7BC 976.3}

Matt 25: 5 - 12There is a mysterious procession that is accompanying the Bridegroom, who give the Midnight Cry, which arouses all ten of the sleeping virgins. Please note, the wise do NOT give the Midnight Cry. The best that they can do, is to join this mysterious procession which goes in with the Bridegroom into the festal hall. While the foolish virgins are left behind to try and buy the oil of the Holy Spirit when it is too late.

RH, October 31, 1899 par. 5

“At the call, the sleeping eyes are opened, and every one is aroused. They see theprocession they are to join moving on, bright with torches and glad with music. They hear the voice of the bridegroom and the voice of the bride. The five wise virgins trim their lamps, and go forth to meet the bridegroom.”

RH, October 31, 1899 par. 6

“The foolish virgins made no provision for their lamps; and when aroused from their slumbers, they found that their lights were going out. ... But while they went to buy, the procession moved on, and left them behind. The bridal train entered the house, and the door was shut. When the foolish virgins reached the banqueting hall, they received an unexpected denial. They were left outside in the blackness of the night.”

RH, July 20, 1897“While the foolish virgins awoke to find their lamps burning dimly, or going out in the darkness, the wise virgins, with their lamps burning brightly, entered the festal hall, and the gates were shut.Greatly rejoicing at the sound of the bridegroom's voice, they joined the bridal procession.”

Question?Which group has the presence of the Bridegroom – Jesus with them? The sleeping Ten Virgins? Or, This procession?

Ans: The procession of course!

Question?

The Testimony of Jesus has made it very clear, that the wise virgins have to join this mysterious procession that is passing along with Christ on its way to the festal hall. It is this procession with Jesus who gives the Midnight Cry to the Ten sleeping Virgins.

NOTEThat little word “join” in connection with this mysterious procession is significant, because it indicates that the wise virgins have to join something that they are not already part of. Just as the Testimony of Jesus teaches us that we have to join the church triumphant. You don’t join something if you are already a part of it!

R. & H., Book 2, p. 530“Compassion beamed from his [that is, Christ – compiler] countenance, and his conduct was characterized by grace, humility, truth, and love. Every member of his church militant must manifest the same qualities, if he would join the church triumphant.” {RH, November 17, 1891 par. 12}

This procession which the wise virgins have to join, is described by the Testimony of Jesus, as being “the company that walked in the light given to them.” - R. & H., Book 4, p. 109 - {RH, October 31, 1899 par. 10}

R. & H., Book 4, p. 109 “This procession which the wise virgins have to join, is described by the Testimony of Jesus, as being “the company that walked in the light given to them.” - {RH, October 31, 1899 par. 10}

R. & H., Book 4, p. 109 NOTE: - A simple summary may be helpful to bring out the historical precedent concerning the procession who gives the Midnight Cry to the sleeping virgins:

A SUMMARY1. Many of those who cherished the light of

the 1st Angel’s message “broke the cords which confined them, and stood out separate from those companies.” That is, they separated from their churches who were opposing the 1st Angel’s message.

2. The ministers and leading men of these churches, who had themselves rejected the light of the 1st Angel’s message, were tightening the cords of control over their remaining members, and they “were constantly saying, God is with us. We stand in the light. We have the truth.”

A SUMMARY

3. There was a first disappointment for those who had cherished the light of the 1st Angel’s message, which caused discouragement.

4. The 2nd Angel’s message is then sounded, and the message of the Midnight Cry accompanies this second message.

5. “Those who had cherished the light which had been imparted to them”, united with the angels to help give the Midnight Cry.

A SUMMARY6. Those who give this message are persecuted by those who have rejected the light, and a voice is heard telling them to “Come out from among them, and touch not the unclean.”

7. “A large number broke the cords which bound them, and they obeyed the voice, and left those who were in darkness, and united with those who had previously broken the cords, and they joyfully united their voices with them.”

A SUMMARY8. The honest in heart still in the churches which had rejected the light from heaven, reach out their hands for help to the “united company who were free, rejoicing in God”, and the only answer given to them is – “Come out from among them, and be separate.” And the individuals, who are honest in heart, after a struggle, finally break the cords that had bound them, and they “joined the free company”.

A SUMMARYWho composes the procession? It is “those who had previously broken the cords” – that is, those who had previously, or earlier on in point of time left their churches for rejecting the light sent to them from heaven. This is the historical precedent that can be learned from the study of Advent history!

A SUMMARYThis procession in our time as far as it relates to the Ten Virgin Parable, must therefore, be those who have previously separated themselves from the backslidden, Laodicean church, before they give the Midnight Cry to the ten sleeping virgins. The best the wise virgins can do, is to join this procession that is giving the Midnight Cry to them, by going out of the sleeping Laodicean church.

Has God no living church? He has a church, but it is the church militant, not the church triumphant. We are sorry that there are defective members, that there are tares amid the wheat. . . . Although there are evils existing in the church, and will be until the end of the world, the church in these last days is to be the light of the world that is polluted and demoralised by sin. {FLB 305.2}

The church, enfeebled and defective, needing to be reproved, warned, and counselled, is the only object upon earth upon which Christ bestows His supreme regard.--TM 45, 49 (1893).

There is no need to doubt, to be fearful that the work will not succeed. God is at the head of the work, and He will set everything in order. If matters need adjusting at the head of the work God will attend to that, and work to right every wrong. Let us have faith that God is going to carry the noble ship which bears the people of God safely into port.--2SM 390 (1892).

The bulwarks of Satan will never triumph. Victory will attend the third angel's message. As the Captain of the Lord's host tore down the walls of Jericho, so will the Lord's commandment-keeping people triumph, and all opposing elements be defeated.--TM 410 (1898).

The Lord has made us the depositaries of His law; He has committed to us sacred and eternal truth, which is to be given to others in faithful warnings, reproofs, and encouragement.--5T 381 (1885).

Seventh-day Adventists have been chosen by God as a peculiar people, separate from the world. By the great cleaver of truth He has cut them out from the quarry of the world and brought them into connection with Himself. He has made them His representatives and has called them to be ambassadors for Him in the last work of salvation. The greatest wealth of truth ever entrusted to mortals, the most solemn and fearful warnings ever sent by God to man, have been committed to them to be given to the world.--7T 138 (1902).

In a special sense Seventh-day Adventists have been set in the world as watchmen and light bearers. To them has been entrusted the last warning for a perishing world. On them is shining wonderful light from the Word of God. They have been given a work of the most solemn import--the proclamation of the first, second, and third angels' messages. There is no other work of so great importance. They are to allow nothing else to absorb their attention.--9T 19 (1909).

The Lord has not given you a message to call the Seventh-day Adventists Babylon, and to call the people of God to come out of her. All the reasons you may present cannot have weight with me on this subject, because the Lord has given me decided light that is opposed to such a message. . . .{LDE 51.2}

Babylon has been fostering poisonous doctrines, the wine of error. THIS WINE OF ERROR IS MADE UP OF FALSE DOCTRINES, such as the NATURAL IMMORTALITY OF THE SOUL, the ETERNAL TORMENT OF THE WICKED, the DENIAL OF THE PRE-EXISTENCE OF CHRIST PRIOR TO HIS BIRTH IN BETHLEHEM, AND ADVOCATING AND EXALTING THE FIRST DAY OF THE WEEK ABOVE GOD'S HOLY AND SANCTIFIED DAY. These and kindred errors are presented to the world by the various churches, and thus the Scriptures are fulfilled that say, 'FOR ALL NATIONS HAVE DRUNK OF THE WINE OF THE WRATH OF HER FORNICATION.' It is a wrath which is created by false doctrines, and WHEN KINGS AND PRESIDENTS DRINK THIS WINE OF THE WRATH OF HER FORNICATION, THEY ARE STIRRED WITH ANGER AGAINST THOSE WHO WILL NOT COME INTO HARMONY WITH THE FALSE AND SATANIC HERESIES WHICH EXALT THE FALSE SABBATH, AND LEAD MEN TO TRAMPLE UNDERFOOT GOD'S MEMORIAL. {TM 61.3}

I know that the Lord loves His church. It is not to be disorganised or broken up into independent atoms. There is not the least consistency in this; there is not the least evidence that such a thing will be.--2SM 63, 68, 69 (1893).

The message to pronounce the Seventh-day Adventist Church Babylon, and call the people of God out of her, does not come from any heavenly messenger, or any human agent inspired by the Spirit of God.—Ibid., 2:66...ELLEN G. WHITE: VOLUME 4—THE AUSTRALIAN YEARS: 1891-1900, BY ARTHUR L. WHITE, PAGE 85

I tell you, my brethren, the Lord has an organised body through whom He will work. . . . When anyone is drawing apart from the organised body of God's commandment-keeping people, when he begins to weigh the church in his human scales and begins to pronounce judgement against them, then you may know that God is not leading him. He is on the wrong track.--3SM 17, 18 (1893).

Beware of those who arise that have a great burden to denounce the church. The chosen ones who are standing and breasting the storm of opposition from the world, and are uplifting the down-trodden commandments of God, to exalt them as holy and honorable, are indeed the light of the world. How dare mortal man pass his judgment upon them, and call the church a harlot, Babylon, a den of thieves, a cage of every unclean and hateful bird....THE REMNANT CHURCH; ITS ORGANIZATION, AUTHORITY, UNITY, AND TRIUMPH, PAGE 12

I will say in the fear and love of God, I know the Lord has thoughts of love and mercy to restore and heal them of all their backslidings. He has a work for His church to do. They are not to be pronounced Babylon, but to be as the salt of the earth, the light of the world. They are to be the living messengers to proclaim a living message in these last days....THE REMNANT CHURCH; ITS ORGANIZATION, AUTHORITY, UNITY, AND TRIUMPH, PAGE 6

Not Revealed to Just One or Two.--God has not passed His people by, and chosen one solitary man here and another there as the only ones worthy to be entrusted with His truth. He does not give one man new light contrary to the established faith of the body. In every reform men have arisen making this claim. Paul warned the church in his day, "Of your own selves shall men arise, speaking perverse things, to draw away disciples after them." The greatest harm to God's people comes through those who go out from among them speaking perverse things. Through them the way of truth is evil spoken of. {CW 45.2}

NATIONAL SUNDAY LAW

CLOSE OF PROBATION1844 AD

CHURCH MILLITANT

CHURCH TRIUPHANT

THE WHEAT AND TARES MUST

GROW TOGETHER!

JESUS SEPERATES THE WHEAT FROM

THE TARES!

PREPARATION TIME

HARVEST TIME

Testimonies to Ministers pg.45- 46,Last Days Events Chapter 12,

Matt. 13: 24-30

The Church Militant Is Imperfect

The church militant is not the church triumphant, and earth is not heaven. The church is composed of erring, imperfect men and women, who are but learners in the school of Christ, to be trained, disciplined, educated, for this life and for the future, immortal life. --ST Jan. 4, 1883. {LDE 61.2}

The Church Militant Is Imperfect

Seventh-day Adventists hold as a fundamental belief that they are the remnant church referred to in Revelation 12:17. They are the church militant, not the church triumphant. The church militant is composed of both wheat and tares, but nevertheless it is the visible organization God is using to proclaim the three angels’ messages to the ends of the earth.

The Father loves His people today as He loves His own Son. Someday it will be our privilege to see Him face to face. "We should remember that the church, enfeebled and defective though it be, is the only object on earth on which Christ bestows His supreme regard. He is constantly watching it with solicitude, and is strengthening it by His Holy Spirit . . . . Trust to God's guardianship. His church is to be taught , Enfeebled and defective though it is, it is the object of His supreme regard." Selected Messages, vol. 2p. 396. (2 COR. 12:9)

"God has a church upon the earth, who are His chosen people, who keep His commandments. He is leading, not stray offshoots, not one here and one there, but a people. The truth is a sanctifying power; but the church militant is not the church triumphant. There are tares among the wheat. 'Wilt thou then that we . . . gather them up?' was the question of the servant; but the master answered, 'Nay; lest while ye gather up the tares, ye root up also the wheat with them.' The gospel net draws not only good fish, but bad ones as well, and the Lord only knows who are His.” TM, p. 61.

WHEN IS THE HARVEST

The tares and the wheat are to grow together until the harvest; and the harvest is the end of probationary time. {COL 71.3}

There are two opposing influences continually exerted on the members of the church. One influence is working for the purification of the church, and the other

for the corrupting of the people of God. {TM 46.1}

The tares represent a class who are the fruit or embodiment of error, of false principles. {COL-71}

The Lord has shown me clearly that the image of the beast will be formed before probation closes; for it is to be the test for the people of God, by which their eternal destiny will be decided... This is the test that the people of God must have before they are sealed . All who prove their loyalty to God by observing His law, and refusing to accept a spurious Sabbath, will rank under the banner of

the Lord God Jehovah and will receive the seal of the living God. Those who yield the truth of heavenly origin and accept the Sunday Sabbath, will receive the mark of

the beast. (BC 7A -976)

Not one of us will ever receive the seal of God while our characters have one spot or stain upon them. It is left with us to remedy the defects in our characters, to cleanse the soul temple of every defilement. Then the latter rain will fall upon us as the early rain fell upon the disciples on the Day of Pentecost. {5T 214.2}

I then saw the third angel. Said my accompanying angel, "Fearful is his work. Awful is his mission. He is the angel that is to select the

wheat from the tares, and seal, or bind, the wheat for the heavenly garner. These things should engross the whole mind, the whole

attention." {EW-118}

The Church Triumphant.--The work is soon to close. The members of the church militant who have proved faithful will become the church

triumphant.-- Letter 32, 1892. {Ev 707.1}

Harvest Time

The tares and the wheat are to grow together until the harvest; and the harvest is the end of probationary time. {COL 71.3}

WHILE MEN SLEPT

his enemy came and

sowed tares among the wheat, and

went his way.

The tares represent a class who are the fruit or embodiment of error, of false principles. {COL-71}

There are two opposing influences continually exerted on the members of the church. One influence is working for the

purification of the church, and the other for the corrupting of the people of God. {TM 46.1}

the experience that will bring God's peoplethe seal of God“Zechariah's vision of Joshua and the Angel applies with peculiar force to the experience of God's people in the closing-up of the great day of atonement . . . .”

Testimony to the Church Vol. 5 pgs. 472-475

the experience that will bring God's peoplethe seal of God“As Joshua was pleading before the Angel, so the remnant church, with brokenness of heart and earnest faith, will plead for pardon and deliverance through Jesus their Advocate ...”


the experience that will bring God's peoplethe seal of God “They are fully conscious of the sinfulness of their lives they see their weakness and unworthiness, and as they look upon themselves they are ready to despair.”


the experience that will bring God's peoplethe seal of God“The tempter stands by to accuse them, as he stood by to resist Joshua. He points to their filthy garments, their defective characters...”


the experience that will bring God's peoplethe seal of God“As the people of God afflict their souls before Him, pleading for purity of heart, the command is given, ‘Take away the filthy garments from them’, and the encouraging words are spoken:”


the experience that will bring God's peoplethe seal of God“'Behold, I have caused thine iniquity to pass from thee, and I will clothe thee with change of raiment.’”


the experience that will bring God's peoplethe seal of God“The spotless robe of Christ‘s righteousness is placed upon the tried, tempted, yet faithful children of God.”


the experience that will bring God's peoplethe seal of God“The despised remnant are clothed in glorious apparel, nevermore to be defiled by the corruptions of the world.”


the experience that will bring God's peoplethe seal of God“Their names are retained in the Lamb's book of life, enrolled among the faithful of all ages. They have resisted the wiles of the deceiver: they have not been turned from their loyalty by the dragon's roar.”


the experience that will bring God's peoplethe seal of God“Now they are eternally secure from the tempter's devices. Holy angels, unseen, were passing to and fro, placing upon them the seal of the living God.”


Observation1. The setting is the antitypical day of

atonement.2. God’s people afflict their souls in full

consciousness of their sinfulness.3. Jesus takes away “the filthy garments”

and seals His people.


Prophets and Kings pgs. 725

“Clad in the armor of Christ's righteousness [not 'filthy garments'], the church is to enter upon her final conflict. ‘Fair as the moon, clear as the sun and terrible as an army with banners’. She is to go forth into all the world, conquering and to conquer."

the experience that will bring God's peoplethe seal of God

the experience that will bring God's peoplethe seal of God“I was shown those who I had before seen weeping and praying in agony of spirit. The company of guardian angels around them had been doubled, and they were clothed with an armor from their head to their feet.”

[Compare description of Joshua and the Angel Zac.3; 5T .472-475]

Early Writings pgs. 271

the experience that will bring God's peoplethe seal of God“They moved in exact order, like a company of soldiers. Their countenances expressed the severe conflict which they had endured: the agonizing struggle they had passed through Yet their features, marked with severe internal anguish, now shone with the light and glory of heaven.”


the experience that will bring God's peoplethe seal of God“They had obtained the victory, and it called forth from them the deepest gratitude and holy sacred joy . . . evil angels still pressed around them, but could have no power over them . . . I asked what had made this great change.”



the experience that will bring God's peoplethe seal of God“An angel answered, ‘It is the latter rain, the refreshing from the presence of the Lord, the loud cry of the third angel’.”

Observation1. The Remnant Clothe in Christ Robe of

Righteousness

2. The Remnant having received the Latter Rain, proclaim the Loud Cry message going forth to conqueror

Testimony to the Church Vol. 5 pgs. 472-475; Early Writings pg. 271

Testimony to the Church Vol. 5 pgs. 214

the experience that will bring God's peoplethe seal of God“Not one of us will ever receive the seal of God while our characters have one spot or stain upon them. It is left with us to remedy the defects in our characters; to cleanse the soul temple of every defilement . Then the latter rain will fall upon us . . .”

Observation1. “Filthy garments” must be removed

2. Then receive the seal of God

3. Then God bestows HIS Latter Rain


GOD'S PEOPLE DO NOT SIGH FOR ABOMINATIONS

IN THE CHURCH DURING THE LATTER RAIN

Proposed order of events for God‘s people are as follows:1 . The Shaking;2 . The Latter Rain/Loud Cry;3. The Sealing.

To realise the fallacy of placing the sealing of God's people after the latter rain and loud cry, please consider three simple and straightforward propositions:

1. The Condition of God's people Immediately Prior to Being Sealed.

2. The Thoroughness of the Shaking.

3. The Glorious State of the Church During the Latter Rain which Follows the Shaking.

The Condition of God's people Immediately Prior to BeingSealed“Especially in the closing work for the church, in the sealing time of the one hundred and forty-four thousand who are to stand without fault before the throne of God will they [the true people of God] feel most deeply the wrongs of God's professed people…”



The Condition of God's people Immediately Prior to BeingSealed“Those who receive the pure mark of truth, wrought in them by the power of the Holy Ghost, represented by a mark by the man in linen, are those that sigh and that cry for all the abominations that be done in the church.”

Testimony to the Church Vol. 5. pgs. 209-211

The Condition of God's people Immediately Prior to BeingSealed"At the time when the danger and depression of the church are greatest, the little company who are standing in the light will be sighing and crying for the abominations that are done in the land. But more especially will their prayers arise in behalf of the church because its members are doing after the manner of the world…”


The Condition of God's people Immediately Prior to BeingSealed"They mourn before God to see religion despised in the very homes of those who have had great light. They lament and afflict their souls because pride, avarice, selfishness, and deception of almost every kind are in the church . . .”


The Condition of God's people Immediately Prior to BeingSealed

“The class who do not feel grieved over their own spiritual declension, nor mourn over the sins of others, will be left without the seal of God.”

The Thoroughness of the Shaking

“In the mighty sifting soon to take place we shall be better able to measure the strength of Israel. The signs reveal that the time is near when the Lord will manifest that His fan is in His hand, and He will thoroughly purge His floor.”

Testimony to the Church Vol. 5. pgs. 80

Testimony to the Church Vol. 1. pg. 190


“Oh, that every lukewarm professor could realize the clean work that God is about to make among His professed people.”

Testimony to the Church Vol. 1. pg. 431


“God's people will be sifted even as corn is sifted in a sieve, until all the chaff is separated from the pure kernals of grain.”

The National Sunday law separates wheat from tares! As the storm approaches, a large class who have professed faith in the third angel's message, but have not been sanctified through obedience to the truth, abandon their position, and join the ranks of the opposition. By uniting with the world and partaking of its spirit, they have come to view matters in nearly the same light; and when the test is brought, they are prepared to choose the easy, popular side. Men of talent and pleasing address, who once rejoiced in the truth, employ their powers to deceive and mislead souls. They become the most bitter enemies of their former brethren. When Sabbath-keepers are brought before the courts to answer for their faith, these apostates are the most efficient agents of Satan to misrepresent and accuse them, and by false reports and insinuations to stir up the rulers against them. {GC88 608.1}

The time is not far distant, when the test will come to every soul. . . . In this time, the gold will be separated from the dross in the church. True godliness will be clearly distinguished from the appearance and tinsel of it. Many a star that we have admired for its brilliancy, will then go out in darkness. Chaff like a cloud will be borne away on the wind, even from places where we see only floors of rich wheat. All who assume the ornaments of the sanctuary, but are not clothed with Christ's righteousness, will appear in the shame of their own nakedness.--Testimonies, vol. 5, pp. 80,81.

Manuscript Release Vol. 12. pg. 324


“The church may appear as about to fall, but it does not fall. It remains, while the sinners in Zion will be sifted out. The chaff separated from the precious wheat. This is a terrible ordeal, but nevertheless it must take place.”

Manuscript Release Vol. 12. pg. 324


“None but those who have been overcoming by the blood of the Lamb and the word of their testimony will be found with the loyal and true, without spot or stain of sin, without guile in their mouths. We must be divested of our self-righteousness and arrayed in the righteousness of Christ.”

NATIONAL SUNDAY LAW

CLOSE OF PROBATION1844 AD

CHURCH MILLITANT

CHURCH TRIUPHANT

THE WHEAT AND TARES MUST

GROW TOGETHER!

JESUS SEPERATES THE WHEAT FROM

THE TARES!

PREPARATION TIME

HARVEST TIME

Testimonies to Ministers pg.45- 46,Last Days Events Chapter 12,

Matt. 13: 24-30

Glorious State of the Church During the Latter Rainwhich Follows the Shaking “Then [after the shaking] will the church of Christ appear fair as the moon, clear as the sun, and terrible as an army with banners. The seeds of truth that are being sown by missionary effort will then spring up and blossom and bear fruit.”

Testimony to the Church Vol.5. pg. 82

“God requires perfection of His children. His law Is a transcript of His own character, and it is the standard of all character. This infinite standard is presented to all that there may be no mistake in regard to the kind of people whom God will have to compose His kingdom.”-Christ Object Lessons, 315:1. “Those only who through faith in Christ obey all of God’s commandments will reach the condition of sinlessness in which Adam lived before his transgression. They testify to their love of Christ by obeying all His precepts.” -8 Manuscript Releases, 99:2. To sin means to crucify Jesus (Heb. 6:6), and sin is the transgression of God’s holy law (1 John. 3:4). If you love Jesus would you continue crucifying.

“God’s Ideal for His children is higher than the highest human thought can reach. ‘Be ye therefore perfect, even as your Father which is in heaven is perfect.’ This command is a promise. The plan of redemption contemplates our complete recovery from the power of Satan. Christ always separates the contrite soul from sin. He came to destroy the works of the devil, and He has made provision that the Holy Spirit shall be imparted to every repentant soul, to keep him from sinning, “The tempter’s agency is not to be accounted an excuse for one wrong act. Satan is jubilant when he hears the professed followers of Christ making excuses for their deformity of character. It is these excuses that lead to sin. There is no excuse for sinning. A holy temper, a Christ-like life, is accessible to every repenting, believing child of God.

“The ideal of Christian character is Christlikeness. As the Son of man was perfect In His life, so His followers are to be perfect in their life. Jesus was in all things made like unto His brethren. He became flesh, even as we are. He was hungry and thirsty and weary. He was sustained by food and refreshed by sleep. He shared the lot of man; yet He was the blameless Son of God, He was God in the flesh. His character is to be ours. The Lord says of those who believe in Him, ‘I will dwell in them, and walk in them; and I will be their God, and they shall be My people,’ “Christ reaches us where we are. He took our nature and overcame, that we through taking His nature might overcome. . by His divinity He lays hold upon the throne of heaven, while by His humanity He reaches us. He bids us by faith In Him attain to the glory of the character of God. Therefore are we to be perfect, even as our ‘Father which is in heaven is perfect.’ “Desire of Ages, 311:2-312:0.

The Church Triumphant Will Be Faithful and Christlike

The work is soon to close. The members of the church militant who have proved faithful will become the church triumphant.--Ev 707 (1892). {LDE 62.1} The life of Christ was a life charged with a divine message of the love of God, and He longed intensely to impart this love to others in rich measure. Compassion beamed from His countenance, and His conduct was characterized by grace, humility, truth, and love. Every member of His church militant must manifest the same qualities, if he would join the church triumphant.--FE 179 (1891) {LDE 62.2}

PreparationTime

CHURCH MILLITANT

CHURCH TRIUMPHANT

Little Time of TroubleCountry Living

Growing own Food

DeathDecree Armageddon

Jacobs Time of Trouble

Get ReadyThe Day & Hr.

No Mediator

CHURCH VICTORIOUS

Trouble Coming Upon the Earth

Trouble Continuing I also saw that many do not realize what they must be in order to live in the sight of the Lord without a high priest in the sanctuary through the time of trouble. Those who receive the seal of the living God and are protected in the time of trouble must reflect the image of Jesus fully. {Early Writings page 71.1}

"Said the angel, "Deny self; ye must step fast." Some of us have had time to get the truth and to advance step by step, and every step we have taken has given us strength to take the next. But now time is almost finished, and what we have been years learning, they will have to learn in a few months. They will also have much to unlearn and much to learn again. Those who would not receive the mark of the beast and his image when the decree goes forth, must have decision now to say, Nay, we will not regard the institution of the beast.{Early Writings page 67.2}

"Time is almost finished. Do you reflect the lovely image of Jesus as you should?" Then I was pointed to the earth and saw that there would have to be a getting ready among those who have of late embraced the third angel's message. Said the angel, "Get ready, get ready, get ready. Ye will have to die a greater death to the world than ye have ever yet died." I saw that there was a great work to do for them and but little time in which to do it. EARLY WRITINGS PAG 64

The Church Triumphant.--The work is soon to close. The members of the church militant who have proved faithful will become the church triumphant. And still our General, who never makes a mistake, says to us, "Advance; enter new territory; lift the standard in every land. 'Arise, shine; for thy light is come, and the glory of the Lord is risen upon thee.'" The time has come when through God's messengers the scroll is being unrolled to the world. The truth contained in the first, second, and third angels' messages must go to every nation, kindred, tongue, and people; it must lighten the darkness of every continent, and extend to the islands of the sea. There must be no delay in this work. Our watchword is to be, Onward, ever onward! Angels of heaven will go before us to prepare the way. Our burden for the regions beyond can never be laid down till the whole earth is lightened with the glory of the Lord. {Ev 707.1-4}

“By Implanting In their hearts the principles of His word, the Holy Spirit develops in men the attributes of God. The light of His glory −His character −is to shine forth in His followers. Thus they are to glorify God, to lighten the path to the Bridegroom’s home, to the city of God, to the marriage supper of the Lamb.”-Christ’s Object Lessons, 414:2.

“In the future, the earth is to be lightened with the glory of God, A holy influence is to go forth to the world from those who are sanctified through the truth. The earth is to be encircled with an atmosphere of grace. The Holy Spirit is to work on human hearts, taking the things of God and showing them to men.” -9 Testimonies, 40:2.

SecondComing

Rev. 22:11Close Of

Probation

Rev.18:1-4Loud Cry

James 5:7Latter Rain

Rev.7:1-8Seal Of

God

Rev.13:15-17The TestDan.8:14

JudgmentBegins

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 7 Last Plagues

It was impossible for the plagues to be poured out while Jesus officiated in the sanctuary; but as His work there is finished, and His intercession closes, there is

nothing to stay the wrath of God, and it breaks with fury upon the shelterless head of the guilty sinner, who has slighted salvation and hated reproof. In that

fearful time, after the close of Jesus' mediation, the saints were living in the sight of a holy God without an intercessor. Every case was decided, every jewel

numbered. Jesus tarried a moment in the outer apartment of the heavenly sanctuary, and the sins which had been confessed while He was in the most

holy place were placed upon Satan, the originator of sin, who must suffer their punishment. {EW 280.2}

1 2 3 4 5 6 7

I heard those clothed with the armor speak forth the truth with great power. It had effect. Many had been bound; some wives by their husbands, and

some children by their parents. The honest who had been prevented from hearing the truth now eagerly laid hold upon it. All fear of their relatives was gone, and the truth alone was exalted to them. They had been hungering and

thirsting for truth; it was dearer and more precious than life. I asked what had made this great change. An angel answered, "It is the latter rain, the

refreshing from the presence of the Lord, the loud cry of the third angel." {EW-272}

The health reform, I was shown, is a part of the third angel's message, and is just as closely

connected with it as are the arm and hand with the human body. I saw that we as a people must

make an advance move in this great work. Ministers and people must act in concert. God's people are not prepared for the loud cry of the

third angel. They have a work to do for themselves which they should not leave for God to do for them. He has left this work for them to do. It is an individual work; one cannot do it for

another. "Having therefore these promises, dearly beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from all

filthiness of the flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God." Gluttony is the

prevailing sin of this age. Lustful appetite makes slaves of men and women, and beclouds their

intellects and stupefies their moral sensibilities to such a degree that the sacred, elevated truths of

God's word are not appreciated. The lower propensities have ruled men and women. {CD-32}

Not one of us will ever receive the seal of God while our characters have one spot or stain upon them. It is left with us to remedy the

defects in our characters, to cleanse the soul temple of every defilement. Then the latter

rain will fall upon us as the early rain fell upon the disciples on the Day of Pentecost. {5T

214.2}

The Lord has shown me clearly that the image of the beast will be formed before probation

closes; for it is to be the great test for the people of God, by which their eternal destiny

will be decided. . . . [Revelation 13:11-17 quoted.] . . . {7BC 976.2}

This is the test that the people of God must have before they are sealed. All who proved

their loyalty to God by observing His law, and refusing to accept a spurious sabbath, will

rank under the banner of the Lord God Jehovah, and will receive the seal of the living

God. Those who yield the truth of heavenly origin and accept the Sunday Sabbath, will

receive the mark of the beast (Letter 11, 1890). {7BC 976.3}

When every other trust fails, then it will be seen who have an abiding trust in Jehovah. And while the enemies of truth are on every side, watching the Lord’s servants for evil, God will watch over them for good. He will be to them as the shadow of a great rock in a weary land.

The Acts of the Apostles by Ellen G. White page 431 paragraph 2

God desires His people to prepare for the soon-coming crisis. Prepared or unprepared, they must all meet it; and those only who have brought their lives into conformity to the divine standard, will stand firm at that time of test and trial.


When secular rulers unite with ministers of religion to dictate in matters of conscience, then it will be seen who really fear and serve God. When the darkness is deepest, the light of a godlike character will shine the brightest.


10 virgins parable

Spiritual