The destruction of Jerusalem by Roman troops in AD 70 and the demolition of the temple was foretold by Christ. Most of the inhabitants did not heed the warnings sent by God to prepare them so as to avoid death and disaster. They were provided the means and could have known but their time of probation had ended.
All the predictions given by Christ concerning the destruction of Jerusalem were fulfilled to the letter. GC p. 7/29.
Do not neglect the lesson being taught by this experience.
The world is no more ready to credit the message for this time than were the Jews to receive the Saviour's warning concerning Jerusalem. Come when it may, the day of God will come unawares to the ungodly. GC p. 12/38.Top
Followers of Christ demonstrated their commitment and devotion to Christ their Lord by lives of uncompromising godliness. Their lives were a constant rebuke to the ungodly and they were harrassed and many were killed.
There have ever been two classes among those who profess to be followers of Christ. While one class study the Saviour's life and earnestly seek to correct their defects and conform to the Pattern, the other class shun the plain, practical truths which expose their errors. GC p. 15/43.
What has God promised? Is it worth what it takes? What does it take? What does God require? Is the effort worth it? What great love the father has bestowed on us that we should be called the children of God. How should we respond?
Why is it, then, that persecution seems in a great degree to slumber? The only reason is that the church has conformed to the world's standard and therefore awakens no opposition. GC p. 17/48.Top
Compromise and a lack of true knowledge of God led over time to a false system of religion that called itself Christian. The authorities, the Popes and Cardinals were corrupt to the core but claimed to be the representatives of God. They kept the Holy Bible away from the people and supported the pagan worship of the Sun on Sunday, as a replacement for the worship of the Creator God on the Jewish Sabbath.
This compromise between paganism and Christianity resulted in the development of "the man of sin" foretold in prophecy as opposing and exalting himself above God. That gigantic system of false religion is a masteriece of Satan's power - a monument of his efforts to seat himself upon the throne to rule the earth according to his will. GC p. 18/50.
Other pagan notions, philosophies, falsehoods and even new fabricated ideas were introduced into so-called Christianity. These included the immortality of the soul, pergatory, indulgences, various forms of idolatry, religious tyranny and the use of force and violence including torture of heretics.
The condition of the world under the Romish power presented a fearful and striking fulfillment of the words of the prophet Hosea: "My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge: because thou hast rejected knowldege I will also reject thee: ... seeing thou hast forgotten the law of thy God, I will also forget thy children" GC p. 24/60.Top
In spite of the general state of ignorance and moral decline there were some who had a knowledge of God and a true healthy relationship with God. An example of this is found among the Waldenses in the mountain regions in the north of Italy.
The faith which for centuries was held and taught by the Waldensian Christians was in marked contrast to the false doctrines put forth from Rome. GC p. 26/64.
Persecution and trials did not entirely stop the missionary efforts of these believers. They sent missionaries out from their communities with portions of Scripture sewn into their garments.
The persecutions visited for many centuries upon this God-fearing people were endured by them with a patience and constancy that honored their Redeemer. GC p. 33/78.Top
In the midst of general ignorance among the masses centers of learning retained a knowledge of ancient languages and some scholars were devoted to truth. Among these John Wycliffe is an example of one dedicated to truth and determined to study the Holy Scriptures.
Wycliffe was a keen detector of error and he struck fearlessly against many of the abuses sanctioned by the authority of Rome. GC p. 36/82.
Wycliffe translated the Holy Bible into English and played a significant role in the English breaking away from the influence of the Roman Catholic church politically. Wycliffe openly spoke against falsehood and his teachings spread to other lands. God protected him through many attacks.
The great movement that Wycliffe inaugurated, which was to liberate the conscience and the intellect, and set free the nations so long bound to the triumphal car of Rome, had its spring in the Bible. GC p. 42/93.Top
Because corruption was so widespread the preachers of the gospel were known as reformers. In Bohemia, for example, the people had the gospel in their own language for many years starting sometime in the ninth century but were oppressed by the Romanists. Huss and Jerome were influenced to some degree by the writtings of Wycliffe. The reform movement was greatly agitated in the city of Prague.
God permitted great light to shine upon the minds of these chosen men, revealing to them many of the errors of Rome; but they did not receive all the light that was to be given to the world. GC p. 48/103.
Various promises and commitments were made to Huss and Jerome as to their safety and protection but they were betrayed and ultimately both were martyred. This was not a particular win for the Papists because the truth was scattered widely. Conflict continued which included a number of military actions. These ended in a treaty with some serious loopholes.
The papal leaders, despairing of conquering by force, at last resorted to diplomacy, A compromise was entered into, that while professing to grant to the Bohemians freedom of conscience, really betrayed them into the power of Rome. GC p. 56/118.Top
Luther's early life was strict, even harsh, and he often went hungry! He became a priest and was associated with the University of Wittenberg long after his "conversion" on Pilate's staircase in Rome where he received the words, "The just shall live by faith." (Romans 1:17) The corruption within the church including the sale of indulgences led Luther to nail his 95 theses to the door of the castle church. This had an impact on both the high and the low of society.
But the sin-loving and superstitious multitudes were terrified as the sophistries that had soothed their fears were swept away. GC p. 63/130.
The people were aroused to the issues and the papal authorities acted. They launched various attacks and restrictions. Luther was excommunicated and eventually ordered to appear before the court at the Diet of Worms. This is said regarding the written instructions given to one papal official:
Here is displayed the true spirit of popery. Not a trace of Christian principle, or even of common justice, is to be seen in the whole document. GC p. 65/134.Top
Luther was not in Worms when the Diet first convened. Some of the delegates feared for his safety. The historical significance of this event cannot be ignored. More material is available online at this link. Note this comment.
Had the eyes of the assembly been opened, they would have beheld angels of God in the midst of them, shedding beams of light athwart the darkness of error and opening minds and hearts to the reception of truth. GC p. 74/150.
Luther did appear and testify before the Diet and was "kidnapped" afterward for his own safety at the direction of a friend. But what of Luther's strength under such stress? Note this comment
With his mind stayed upon God, Luher prepared for the struggle before him. He thought upon the plan of his answer, examined passages in his own writings, and drew from the Holy Scriptures suitable proofs to sustain his positions. Then, laying his left hand on the Sacred Volume, which was open before him, he lifted his right hand to heaven and vowed "to remain faithful to the gospel, and freely to confess his faith, even should he seal his testimony with his blood." GC p. 78/158. (ref. supplied)Top
Zwingli was mere weeks younger than Luther but his education was quite different. He was not in the thrall of the papists but became a priest having learned the gospel of God's free grace from a teacher by the name of Wittembach.
The doctrine preached by Zwingli was not received from Luther. It was the doctrine of Christ. "If Luther preaches Christ," said the Swiss Reformer, "he does what I am doing." GC p. 87/174.
Zwingli was transferred to Zurich, an important town of the Swiss Confederacy. He had a role in the cities of Bern and Basel declaring for the Reformation. He took a gentle and cautious approach to preaching the gospel.
Such was the interest in Zwingli's preaching that the cathedral was filled to overflowing with the crowds that came to listen to him. Little by little, as they could bear it, he opened the truth to his hearers. He was careful not to introduce, at first, points which would startle them and create prejudice. His work was to win their hearts to the teaching of Christ, to soften them by His love, and keep before them His example; and as they should receive the principles of the Gospel, their superstitious beliefs and practices would inevitably be overthrown. GC p. 90/180.Top
While Luther was being kept safe from the papists at the castle in Wartburg things were happening at Wittenberg. Luther was accused of putting "his interpretations" on the Holy Scriptures. So charlatans, posers and frauds were claiming the right to "interpret" scriptures and were deceiving many people. Confusion seemed to be everywhere.
The fanaticism was checked for a time; but several years later it broke out with greater violence and more terrible results. Said Luther, concerning the leaders in this movement: "To them the Holy Scriptures were but a dead letter, and they all began to cry, 'The Spirit! the Spirit!' But most assuredly I will not follow where their spirit leads them." GC p. 96/190.
Deception, lies, false claims are all works of Satan.
Satan is constantly seeking to deceive men and lead them to call sin righteousness, and righteousness sin. How successful has been his work! How often censure and reproach are cast upon God's faithful servants because they will stand fearlessly in defense of the truth! GC p. 97/192.Top
The ruling class, the emperor, kings and nobles seemed to be entirely in the camp of the papists. The "Lutheran Princes" not only backed the reformers but prepared a "solemn declaration" delineating their "protest". This was at the Diet of Spires. Article: the Diet of Spires. The princes were in the minority.
A deep impression was made upon the Diet. The majority were filled with amazement and alarm at the boldness of the protesters. The future appeard to them stormy and uncertain. Dissension, strife and bloodshed seemed inevitable. But the Reformers, assured of the justice of their cause, and relying upon the arm of Omnipotence, were "full of courage and firmness." GC p. 103/203.
The principles contained in this celebrated Protest are the essence of Protestantism. Firstly, the civil authorities can never direct the conscience of the person devoted to the God of the Bible. Secondly, the arbitrary decrees of a church cannot overrule the decrees that issue from God in the Holy Bible.
The reformed princes had determined upon having a statemnt of their views in systematic form, with the evidence from the Scriptures, to present before the Diet; and the task of its preparation was committed to Luther, Melanchthon, and their associates. The Confession was accepted by the Protestants as an exposition of their faith, and they assembled to affix their names to the importatnt document. GC p. 105/206.Top
At about the time Luther's German Bible was published the French New Testament was also published. A French nobleman, Louis de Berquin, became convicted by the gospel truth and joined in the reform movement. He was very open and outspoken. At first the king, Francis I, seemed to support his Knight but the support turned out to be more political than true.
The Reformer was tried and condemned to die, and lest Francis should even yet interpose to save him, the sentence was executed on the very day it was pronounced. GC p. 111/217.
This martyrdom was witnessed by a large throng and the reform movement grew as a result. Many French were martyred. John Calvin witnessed one of these public burnings of a heretic and was influenced by this to study the Bible for himself. The reformation in France was strongly opposed by the Catholics. The crimes and atrocities committed by the Romanists were terrible. The order of the Jesuits was created to oppose the reformers. Farel, Calvin and other reformers ended up in Geneva. Geneva became a refuge for many.
Many who sought here a refuge returned to their own countries to resist the tyranny of Rome. John Knox, the brave Scotch Reformer, not a few of the English Puritans, the Protestants of Holland and of Spain, and the Huguenots of France carried from Geneva the torch of truth to lighten the darkness of their native lands. GC p. 121/236.Top
The Waldensian Bible was translated into Dutch and the Reformation had a measure of success in the Netherlands in spite of the persecution and martyrdom of many reformers.
The rage of the persecutors was equaled by the faith of the martyrs. Not only men but delicate women and young maidens displayed unflinching courage. GC p. 123/240.
In Denmark, Tausen and other teachers were protected by a royal edict. In Sweden, Olaf and Laurenius Petri were opposed by the papists but the King of Sweden sided with the reformers and accepted the Protestant faith. A translation of the Bible in the Swedish language was produced.
It was ordered by the Diet that throughout the kingdom, ministeres should explain the Scriptures and that the children in the schools should be taught to read the Bible. GC p. 125/244.Top
The Reformation, the translation of the Bible into English and other languages and its wide distribution was providentially driven by the development of printing and publishing. The Holy Bible became widely accessible and the understanding of Bible truths grew among the general population. Prominent among these truths is salvation by faith, individual rights and personal responsibility before God. The obvious opposite of these beliefs is the notion that God is primarily concerned with behavior and the keeping of His law. And that allegience is owed to denominations, government powers and earthly authorities. Wycliffe's English Bible was translated from Latin. Tyndale translated the New Testament into English from Greek. This work was often interupted but eventually he was able to print 3,000 copies in Worms, Germany. More followed later. Tyndale suffered a martyr's death. Although they were critical of the Catholics, the reformers were not always in agreement on everything.
The great doctrine of justification by faith, so clearly taught by Luther, had been almost wholly lost sight of; and the Romish principle of trusting to good works for salvation, had taken its place. GC p. 131/253.
Restoration of Bible truth proceeded by fits and starts. John and Charles Wesley were led to understand righteousness by faith after associating with German Moravians but this did not lessen their commitment to live a life of strict self-denial. They were mockingly called Methodists by their detractors.
The spiritual declension which had been manifest in England just before the time of Wesley was in great degree the result of antinomian teaching. Many affirmed that Christ had abolished the moral law and that Christians are therefore under no obligation to observe it. GC p. 135/260.Top
The French Revolution with all its attrocities was a fulfillment of Bible prophecy. Just like Babylon, Persia, Greece and Rome fulfilled the prophecies of Daniel, Europe under the Roman church fulfilled prophecies in Daniel and Revelation. Indeed, there are elements of these prophecies yet to be fulfilled. But key events reveal the authority of the Holy Bible and also point out key events in the future. Understanding the 1,260 day prophecy and the 42 month prophecy build faith in God and the Bible.
The periods here mentioned --- "forty and two months," and "a thousand two hundred and threescore days" --- are the same, alike representing the time in which the church of Christ was to suffer oppression from Rome. GC p. 138/266.
Today's atheist and anti-God society is an echo of this time if not itself yet another fulfillment. In reaction to the oppression of the people by the Catholic heirarchy the government pointedly set aside the law of God. Laws were passed that officially downgraded marriage to a merely civil contract with no spiritual component. The Leaders openly blasphemed God. A law was passed that at the appointed time every individual that opposed the revolution could be and would be freely killed.
But blackest in the black catalogue of crime, most horrible among the fiendish deeds of all the dreadful centuries, was the St. Bartholomew Massacre. GC p. 141/272.Top
The kings and authorities in England alternately broke away from and submitted to the Roman heirarchy. They retained the impulse to control the people and the Puritans became the victims of persecution. Many migrated to Holland. In Holland they considered themselves Pilgrims and when they migrated to America that is what they were called.
When first constrained to separate from the English Church, the Puritans had joined themselves together by a solemn covenant, as the Lord's free people, "to walk together in all His ways made known or to be made known to them." GC p. 152/291.
John Robinson and Roger Williams were pastors to the Pilgrims. The civil magistrates had authority to force attendance at services of the established church. Roger Willimas disagreed with that arrangement and was forced to leave the colony and eventually established Rhode Island. Freedom of conscience is suppressed when only official church members can vote as this ends up corrupting the church. The church becomes corrupt when it appeals to the civil power to support it.
The great principle so nobly advocated by Robinson and Roger Williams, that truth is progressive, that Christians should stand ready to accept all the light which may shine from God's holy word, was lost sight of by their descendants. GC p. 154/297.Top
The Bible writers in many places and various ways talk about, refer to and predict the return of Christ. The prophecies are numerous. The fulfillments are extensive. Ths so-called Lisbon earthquake, by itself, fulfills several. The Waldenses, Wycliffe, Luther, Calvin, Ridley, Latimer and others through the years looked forward with happy expectation to the judgment and the final events of earth history.
In fulfillment of this prophecy (the Revelation 6:12 earthquake prophecy) there occurred, in the year 1755, the most terrible earthquake that has ever been recorded. Though commonly known as the earthquake of Lisbon, it extended to the greater part of Europe, Africa, and America. It was felt in Ireland, in the West Indies, in the island of Madeira, in Norway and Sweden, Great Britain and Ireland. It pervaded an extent of not less than four million square miles. In Africa the shock was almost as severe as in Europe. A great part of Algiers was destroyed. ...
(Lisbon) was completely desolated. GC p. 159, 160/304.
The Dark Day of 1780 still has no explanation. The event is remarkably strange as described by eye witnesses. The Bible contains warnings and instructions. We are instructed to heed the warnings and promptings of the Holy Spirit. We need to act at the personal level and not rely on scholars and theologians alone. What happened at Christ's first coming contains a lesson for us.
With profound and reverent interest the elders of Israel should have been studying the place, the time, the circumstances, of the greatest event in the world's history --- the coming of the Son of God to accomplish the redemption of man. All the people should have been watching and waiting that they might be among the first to welcome the world's Redeemer. GC p. 164/313.Top
William Miller from a young age developed the habit of careful thought. He was energetic and honest but was under the influence of Deist friends until his mid 30s when he became convicted that the Bible was the inspired word of God. Miller embarked on a plan of personal Bible study that resulted in him rejecting many commonly accepted doctrines. Among these rejected doctrines was the idea that a 1,000 year period of righteousness and peace would preceed the personal, literal coming of Christ as foretold by Christ Himself in Matthew 24, 25. He was particularly interested in understanding the 2,300 day prophecy in Daniel 8:14. Miller resolved many of his questions but there was one problem.
Miller accepted the generally received view that in the Christian age the earth is the sanctuary, and he therefore understood that the cleansing of the sanctuary foretold in Danel 8:14 represented the purification of the earth by fire at the second coming of Christ. GC p. 171/324,325.
By 1818 Miller was fully convinced that Christ would return in 1843/1844. He was initially reluctant to preach and teach his understanding of the prophecies but he was willing to let God lead him and a preaching and teaching ministry was the result. Now, as then, great joy should be the result of hearing and accepting the prophecies of the Bible.
Those who accepted the advent doctrine were roused to the necessity of repentance and humiliation before God. Many had long been halting between Christ and the world; now they felt that it was time to take a stand. GC p. 179/340.Top
One should not expect to fully understand the purposes and ways of God. His ways are higher than our ways. His thoughts are higher than our thoughts. Even the Bible prophets did not understand all that they wrote about. It is not that they made errors. It is only that they did and wrote what God wanted them to do and write. They wrote under the direction of the Holy Spirit even when they did not fully understand what they were writing about.
Even the prophets who were favored with the special illumination of the Spirit did not fully comprehend the import of the revelations committed to them. The meaning was to be unfolded from age to age, as the people of God should need the instruction therein contained. GC p. 181/344.
Christ spoke only truth to the disciples but they misconstrued and plainly misunderstood what Christ said. After His resurrection and assension they understood better but most importantly they received the Holy Spirit and spoke and acted as the Holy Spirit directed.
Like the first disciples, William Miller and his associates did not, themselves, fully comprehend the import of the message which they bore. Errors that had been long established in the church prevented them from arriving at a correct interpretation of an important point in the prophecy. GC p. 185/351.Top
Joseph Wolff was the son of a Jewish Rabbi. He asked his father questions that his father could not or would not answer. He studied Christianity in Rome but openly attacked the abuses found there. He became a Protestant and joined the English Church. Wolff traveled extensively visiting the United States, Egypt, Abyssinia, Syria, Palestine, Persia, Bokhara, and India
Wolff believed the coming of the Lord to be at hand, his interpretation of the prophetic periods placing the great consummation within a very few years of the time pointed out by Miller. To those who urged from the scripture, "Of that day and hour knoweth no man," that men are to know nothing concerning the nearness of the advent, Wolff replied: "Did our Lord say that that day and hour should never be known?" GC p. 190/359.
The soon coming of Christ was preached in many countries around the world. Children in Scandinavia as young as six preached the Hour of His judgment is come. Many humbled themselves before God. Still other professions were accompanied by only superficial changes in behavior.
Many were persecuted by their unbelieving brethren. In order to retain their position in the church, some consented to be silent in regard to their hope; but others felt that loyalty to God forbade them thus to hide the truths which He had committed to their trust. Not a few were cut off from the fellowship of the church for no other reason than expressing their belief in the coming of Christ. GC p. 197/372.Top
Church members often left or were forced to leave their denominations when their leaders took actions against them such as denying them the privilege of even speaking of their hope. The negative effect on the mainline churches was distinct and apparent but their leaders seemed to be blind as to the cause. The warnings in the Bible are clear. Some heeded the Judgment Hour warning message.
But the churches generally did not accept the warning. Their ministers, who, as watchmen "unto the house of Israel," should have been the first to discern the tokens of Jesus' coming, had failed to learn the truth either from the testimony of the prophets or from the signs of the time. GC p. 201/380.
The Revelation 14 warning is directed to churches, leaders and individuals. In the case of the churches they were influenced by worldly concerns. They were following in the foot steps of the apostate Roman church and the traditions of that church. They had not learned the lessons of the Reformers and the Protestants. Many were associated with secular governments.
Rome withheld the Bible from the people and required all men to accept her teachings in its place. It was the work of the Reformation to restore to men the word of God; but is it not too true that in the churches of our time men are taught to rest their faith upon their creed and the teachings of their church rather than on the Scriptures? GC p. 206/388.Top
Believers were greatly disappointed when Christ did not return in the spring of 1844. Those that based their belief on the Bible realized that mistakes had been made but looked for answers in the Bible. They were encouraged by the story of the ten virgins. They considered that they were in the tarrying time mentioned in the parable. Others, in their disappointment, rejected the message and became fanatics setting their own views and opinions above the word of God.
But again they were destined to disappointment. The time of expectation passed, and their Saviour did not appear. GC p. 214/403.
The triumphal entry of Jesus into Jerusalem on the back of a donkey was the fulfillment of Bible prophecy. Prophecy must be fulfilled. Had the disciples realized that Christ would be crucified a few days later they could not have fulfilled this prophecy.
In like manner Miller and his associates fulfilled prophecy and gave a message which Inspiation had foretold should be given to the world, but which they could not have given had they fully understood the prophecies pointing out their disappointment, and presenting another message to be preached to all nations before the Lord should come. The first and second angel's messages were given at the right time and accomplished the work which God designed to accomplish by them. GC p. 215/405.Top
As mentioned earlier the identity of the earth as the sanctuary was the critical error made but some persisted in this error and therefore rejected the Bible as the word of God or found some other weak explanation. There is no scriptural support for the idea that the earth is the sanctuary mentioned in Daniel 8:14. In Hebrews 8:1,2 it is clearly stated that the true tabernacle is of God and not made by man.
The sanctuary in heaven, in which Jesus ministers in our behalf, is the great original, of which the sanctuary build by Moses was a copy. GC p. 220/414.
The cleansing of the sanctuary with all its ordinances was a pattern or figure of things in heaven. There are many important lessons to be learned by studying the sanctuary services. High among these important points is God's justice and mercy. The ten commandment law is there in the Most Holy Place with God's angels and great glory. God is Holy. Sin cannot exist in His presence. Sin must be dealt with in God's way, according to His plan of salvation.
Important truths concerning the atonement are taught by the typical service. A substitute was accepted in the sinner's stead; but the sin was not canceled by the blood of the victim. A means was thus provided by which it was transferred to the sanctuary. By the offering of blood the sinner acknowledged the authority of the law, confessed his guilt in transgression, and expressed his desire for pardon through faith in a Redeemer to come; but he was not yet entirely released from the condemnation of the law. On the Day of Atonement the high priest having taken an offering from the congregation, went into the most holy place with the blood of this offering, and sprinkled it upon the mercy seat, directly over the law, to make satisfaction for its claims. Then, in his character of mediator, he took the sins upon himself and bore them from the sanctuary. Placing his hands upon the head of the scapegoat, he confessed over him all these sins, thus in figure transferring them from himself to the goat. The goat then bore them away, and they were regarded as forever separated from the people. GC p. 223/420.Top
The cleansing of the sanctuary is the same as the hour of His judgment in Revelation 14:7. This event or time of judgment is what is called the investigative judgment. This judgment began in 1844 and takes place in heaven. The condition and character of Christ followers is like that of the ten virgins in the parable. Those who go out to meet the bridegroom are prepared and have a supply of oil.
In the parable it was those that had oil in their vessels with their lamps that went in to the marriage. Those who, with a knowledge of the truth from the Scriptures, had also the Spirit and grace of God, and who, in the night of their bitter trial, had patiently waited, searching the Bible for clearer light --- these saw the truth concerning the sanctuary in heaven and the Saviour's change in ministration, and by faith they followed Him in His work in the sanctuary above. GC p. 228/427.
There comes a point in time when the door of probation closes. This happens when the investigative judgment concludes. This is evident in the ancient sanctuary service when the Israelites gathered around the sanctuary to receive the pardon of their sins.
Men cannot with impunity reject the warning which God in mercy sends them. GC p. 230/431.Top
The Sabbath commandment is in the "very bosom" of the ten commandments. It is a sign. It is to be kept holy. In Revelation 14 one group keeps the commandments of God and has the faith of Jesus. In contrast to this group the rest worship the beast and his image. The forces opposed to God are variously described as the dragon, the first beast and the second beast, collectively Babylon.
The keeping of the Sabbath is a sign of loyalty to the true God, "Him that made heaven, and earth, and the sea, and the fountains of waters." GC p. 233/438.
The dragon in Revelation 12:9 is the devil or Satan. The dragon can also symbolize pagan Rome. (GC p. 234/438) In Revelation 13:1-10 beast #1 is papal Rome. In Revelation 13:11-14, beast #2 is the United States of America. All these are opposed to God and are agents of Satan. They all receive worship in Revelation chapters 12-14. Beast #2 is the lamb like beast with two horns that speaks like a dragon and makes people worship beast #1. This predicts what the United States of America will do in the future.
When the leading churches of the United States, uniting upon such points of doctrine as are held by them in common, shall influence the state to enforce their decrees and to sustain their institutions, then Protestant America will have formed an image to the Roman hierarchy, and the infliction of civil penalties upon dissenters will inevitably result. GC p. 237/445.Top
The restoration of proper observation of the Sabbath according to the commandment is a recurring theme in the book of Isaiah, not only in chapter 58. Spurious excuses are given by those who would seek to prefer Sunday-keeping.
As the attention of the people was called to the subject of Sabbath reform, popular ministers perverted the word of God, placing such interpretations upon its testimony as would best quiet inquiring minds. And those who did not search the Scriptures for themselves were content to accept conclusions that were in accordance with their desires. By argment, sophistry, the traditions of the Fathers, and the authority of the church, many endeavored to overthrow the truth. GC p. 243/455.
The apostle Paul warns us to not be deceived. Those who preach and teach truth will be opposed and denounced but are called to speak the truth boldly.
The great obstacle both to the acceptance and to the promulgation of truth is the fact that it involves inconvenience and reproach. This is the only argument against the truth that its advocates have never been able to refute. But this does not deter the true followers of Christ. They do not wait for truth to become popular. GC p. 245/460.Top
True revivals are accompanied by changed lives. God's law is elevated and respected for what it is. The law is holy, just and good even as God is holy, just and good. Superficial conversions do not result in enduring positive changes.
The Scriptures plainly show that the work of sanctification is progressive. When in conversion the sinner finds peace with God through the blood of the atonement, the Christian life has but just begun. Now he is to "go on unto perfection;" to grow up "unto the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ." GC p. 250/470.
It is also true that the claim to be without sin is itself evidence that the person making the claim is far from holy. We glorify God by healthy living and a pure lifestyle. We ask for and are filled with the Holy Spirit and the fruit of the Spirit is evident in our lives.
Such are the fruits of Bible conversion and sanctification; and it is because the great principles of righteousness set forth in the law of God are so indifferently regarded by the Christian world that these fruits are so rarely witnessed. This is why there is manifest so little of the deep, abiding work of the Spirit of God which marked revivals in former years. GC p. 254, 255/478.Top
The judgment of the righteous began in heaven in 1844. This is the event described in Daniel 7:9, 10. Daniel saw this event in prophetic vision. At that time it was future and now it is past. This is the judgment that first begins with us, 1 Peter 4:17. The "end of them that obey not" refers to the judgment of the wicked at the end of the millenium.
The law of God is the standard by which the characters and the lives of men will be tested in the judgment. GC p. 257/482.
Every serious Bible student needs to understand this chapter. A solemn time of judgment is happening now in heaven. What needs to be our response? We are called to true confession, true repentance, true love toward others, etc.
Silently, unnoticed as the midnight thief, will come the decisive hour which marks the fixing of every man's destiny, the final withdrawal of mercy's offer to guilty men. GC p. 262/491.Top
Some questions have no clear Bible answer because God has chosen to not reveal these answers in clear simple words. God made provision should sin arise but is not responsible for sin. God is not to be blamed. Peace and joy filled heaven before sin originated.
The law of love being the foundation of the governmnent of God, the happiness of all created beings depended upon their perfect accord with its great principles of righteousness. God desires from all His creatures the service of love -- homage that springs from an intelligent appreciation of His character. GC p. 263/493.
God grants freedom of will to all intelligent beings so they can render voluntary service to others out of the pure motive of love. Lucifer, step by step, proceeded to set himself in opposition to the system of government based on love. Some of these steps were ambition, pride and discontent. Following this downward path he continued to deceive and corrupt other heavenly agents and eventually led them into open revolt.
The same spirit that prompted rebellion in heaven still inspires rebellion on earth. Satan has continued with men the same policy which he pursued with the angels. GC p. 267/500.
God manifested His character of fathomless love and infinite wisdom at the cross of Christ. Satan's true character was exposed. At Christ's declaration, "It is finished", Satan's destiny was fixed. The whole created universe will witness to the nature and results of sin.
In the final execution of the judgment it will be seen that no cause for sin exists. GC p. 269/503.Top
All have sinned and the sinner has no power to break free from the bondage of sin without the power that comes from God. Even the desire to break free from Satan is lost. To counter this condition God by His power introduces enmity. Without this we would all be lost for eternity. The serious nature of this matter is not understood by far too many people.
From the days of Adam to our own time, our great enemy has been exercising his power to oppress and destroy. He is now preparing for his last campaign against the church. All who seek to follow Jesus will be brought into conflict with this relentless foe. GC p 272/510.
Christ makes it possible to resist Satan.
No man without his own consent can be overcome by Satan. The tempter has no power to control the will or to force the soul to sin. He may distress, but he cannot contaminate. He can cause agony, but not defilement. The fact that Christ has conquered should inspire His followers with courage to fight manfully the battle against sin and Satan. GC p. 273/510.Top
The existence and nature of good and bad angels is not fully appreciated by many people. The good and bad angels are indistiguishable from the good and evil spirits and these are not, as some suppose, the "spirits of dead men". The reality and malicious character of the fallen angels is vividly portrayed in the New Testament as they confronted Christ.
Had not Christ restrained the demons, they would have plunged into the sea, not only the swine, but also their keepers and owners. GC p. 276/515.
We need a correct understanding of the wiles and devices of Satan.
The power and malice of Satan and his host might justly alarm us were it not that we may find shelter and deliverance in the superior power of our Redeemer. GC p. 277/517.Top
Satan employs great skill and cunning against those that ask questions such as "What must I do to be saved?" He has little concern over those that are indifferent to matters of salvation.
Satan well knows that all whom he can lead to neglect prayer and the searching of the Scriptures, will be overcome by his attacks. Therefore he invents every possible device to engross the mind. GC p. 278/519.
Truth found in the Bible is twisted and misused by the agents of Satan. This takes many forms but pride, carnal desires and worldly wisdom cause many to believe lies. Wrong thinking and doubt lead many into Satan's camp. The experience of Balaam and the eventual consequences on Israel illustrate the solution.
Satan is well aware that the weakest soul who abides in Christ is more than a match for the hosts of darkness, and that, should he reveal himself openly, he would be met and resisted. Therefore he seeks to draw away the soldiers of the cross from their strong fortifications, while he lies in ambush with his forces, ready to destroy all who venture upon his ground. Only in humble reliance upon God, and obedience to all His commandments, can we be secure. GC p. 284/530.Top
The fall of Adam and Eve in at least one sense pivots about the idea of life and death. Satan here countered God's statement that man would return to dust, implying soul death. Satan has been working this angle ever since.
It is beyond the power of the human mind to estimate the evil which has been wrought by the heresy of eternal torment. GC p. 287/536.
Some are led to believe that evil people at death go straight to heaven. This despite clear Bible statements to the contrary. After a person dies there is a time at which that person is judged as to whether that person will resurrect in the first resurrection or in the second resurrection.
The theory of the immortality of the soul was one of those false doctrines that Rome, borrowing from paganism, incorporated into the religion of Christendom. GC p. 294/549.Top
Many are deceived by Satan into believing angels are the spirits of dead people. This belief is in direct opposition to the teachings of the Bible.
But none need be deceived by the lying claims of spiritualism. God has given the world sufficient light to enable them to discover the snare. GC p. 298/556.
Spiritualism has assumed a Christian guise. This makes the deception even more dangerous. Those trapped in this fearful deception feel safe and secure from the judgments of God.
Satan has long been preparing for his final effort to deceive the world. The foundation of his work was laid by the assurance given to Eve in Eden; Ye shall not surely die." GC p. 301/561.Top
The Roman Catholic Church has recovered much in the eyes of the world since its loss of influence during the time of Luther and the Reformation. The magnificent cathedrals and impressive ceremonies seduce and deceive the unrenewed heart.
There is a striking similarity between the Church of Rome and the Jewish Church at the time of Christ's first advent. While the Jews secretly trampled upon every principle of the law of God, they were outwardly rigorous in the observance of its precepts, loading it down with exactions and traditions that made obedience painful and burdensome. GC p. 304/568.
Satan is acting behind the outwardly religious organizations to spread falsehoods. Among these are a false picture of God, false interpretations of Scripture, false science, and false understandings of the place and role of law. Another is Sunday, the false Sabbath. History records the actions of the Roman Catholic Church.
These records of the past clearly reveal the enmity of Rome toward the true Sabbath and its defenders, and the means which she employs to honor the institution of her creating. The word of God teaches that these scenes are to be repeated as Roman Catholics and Protestants shall unite for the exaltation of the Sunday. GC p. 310/578.Top
It has from the beginning been Satan's purpose to overthrow the law of God. God's law is not only binding on man but ruin results when it is disregarded as it was in France.
Wherever the divine precepts are rejected, sin ceases to appear sinful or righteousness desireable. Those who refuse to submit to the government of God are wholly unfitted to govern themselves. GC p. 313/584.
Courts are corrupt. Spiritualism imitates nominal Christianity. Satan appears as a benefactor. However, in actuality, Satan is behind events of massive destruction in thousands of forms. Sabbath keepers are denounced.
Satan's policy in this final conflict with God's people is the same that he employed in the opening of the great controversy in heaven. He professed to be seeking to promote the stability of the divine government, while secretly bending every effort to secure its overthrow. GC p. 316/591.Top
Every statement and every miracle must be tested by what is given to us in the Bible. We must obey God rather than men. It is time for us to keep the commandments of God and have the faith of Jesus. We need the truth and light in the Bible.
It is the first and highest duty of every rational being to learn from the Scriptures what is truth, and then to walk in the light and encourage others to follow his example. GC p. 320/598.
It is false to consider a teaching of Scripture to have a mystical, spiritual or secret meaning. The obvious meaning is the correct meaning unless a symbol or figure is employed. The Bible should never be studied without prayer.
We need to be guided by the Spirit of truth. Every follower of Christ should earnestly inquire: "Lord, what wilt Thou have me to do?" GC p. 322/601.Top
The message of the second angel, Babylon is fallen, was given in the years just before 1844. This message is to be given again. We know this because it is repeated in Revelation 18. This is the final warning and it comes with this command: "Come out of her, My people." The warning is clear and simple.
But not one is made to suffer the wrath of God until the truth has been brought home to his mind and conscience, and has been rejected. There are many who have never had an opportunity to hear the special truths for this time. GC p. 324/605.
Great power will attend the preaching of this message. Opposition will be stirred up. People will pick sides. Many leaders will side with of the opposition.
Conscientious obedience to the word of God will be treated as rebellion. Blinded by Satan, the parent will exercise harshness and severity toward the believeing child; the master or mistress will oppress the commandment-keeping servant. Affection will be alienated; children will be disintherited and driven from home. GC p. 325/608.Top
The great time of trouble described and predicted throughout the Bible begins at the end of a period of judgment when the Great Judge stands up and declares the saved and unsaved have exhausted their time of probation.
When the third angel's message closes, mercy no longer pleads for the guilty inhabitants of the earth. The people of God have accomplished their work. They have received "the later rain," "the refreshing from the presence of the Lord," and they are prepared for the trying hour before them. GC p. 328/613.
People will not be able to tie the start of this time to a particular event on earth but it will be apparent to to many that study and understand the Bible.
Only those who have been diligent students of the Scriptures and who have received the love of the truth will be shielded from the powerful delusion that takes the world captive. By the Bible testimony these will detect the deceiver in his disguise. To all the testing time will come. GC p. 334/625.Top
It will appear to human eyes that the saved will be exterminated but angels protect them. Then things take an alarming turn. The sun suddenly appears in the middle of the night. Rainbows appear. There are earthquakes. Dead people come back to life. Even some evil people awake to be eye witnesses to the coming of Christ. The righteous recognize these signs and rejoice.
Soon there appears in the east a small black cloud, about half the size of a man's hand. It is the cloud which surrounds the Saviour and which seems in the distance to be shrouded in darkness. The people of God know this to be the sign of the Son of man. GC p. 342/640.
While the lost seek to hide Christ calls forth the righteous dead. Friends are reunited. Innocent children are restored to their mothers. The saints rise to meet Christ in the air and journey toward the heavenly mansions in the City of God.
Before the ransomed throng is the Holy City. Jesus opens wide the pearly gates, and the nations that have kept the truth enter in. There they behold the Paradise of God, the home of Adam in his innocency. GC p. 345/646.Top
Those who sacrifice truth to gain favor with men will be lost. Those who have not sustained a right relation to God will be lost. Those who allow themselves to be deluded will be lost.
At the coming of Christ the wicked are blotted from the face of the whole earth -- consumed with the spirit of His mouth and destroyed by the brightness of His glory. Christ takes His poeple to the City of God, and the earth is emptied of its inhabitants. GC p. 352/657.
Justice is meeted out to Satan, the scapegoat. He is declared guilty of all the evil he caused. Satan is confined to the desolate earth with his angels.
For six thousand years, Satan's work of rebellion has "made the earth to tremble." He has "made the world as a wilderness, and destroyed the cities thereof." GC p. 353/659.Top
At the close of the thousand years, Christ again returns to earth. The lost rise to meet their doom. The New Jerusalem descends on the spot where the Mount of Olives was. Satan organizes an attack. A coronation ceremony is witnessed by saved and lost. The white throne judgment of Revelation 20: 11, 12 takes place.
The whole wicked world stand arraigned at the bar of God on the charge of high treason against the government of heaven. GC p. 358/668.
The lost acknowledge the justice of God but are nonetheless full of hatred of God. They turn against each other. They rage against Satan. He can no longer control them. Fire comes down from God out of heaven. Evil is destroyed. God creates a new heaven and a new earth.
The great controversy is ended. Sin and sinners are no more. GC p. 363/678.
Please read the whole book to get the full context for each point.