Who has the last word?

"Remember" The 4th Commandment




Date: Mar 17, 2008 11:00 AM
Subject: Bible Study 7, What Time Is It, Part III
Body:






BIBLE STUDY #7 What time is it? PART III


So far we've studied the prophetic mechanism that reaches 1844 chronologically. Why is 1844 so important? What does the Bible mean when it says, "then shall the sanctuary be restored'? The answer to this question is not complicated when the underlying issues involved are properly understood.

Even though many people do not appreciate the prophetic importance of 1844 at this time, this is about to change! Interest in this subject will rise from obscurity to intense interest in the near future. As we will see, God has ordained that earth shall know that "the appointed time of the end has come!" For the sake of review, notice that the longest time prophecy in the bible is built solidly upon four historical moments confirmed in scripture:

1. The decree to restore and rebuild Jerusalem occurred in 457 B.C. Ezra 7

2. 69 weeks later (483 years) Jesus was baptized and anointed by the Holy Spirit in 27 A.D. Luke 3

3. Jesus was crucified in 30 A.D. at the time of the Passover feast – right on time. John 19

4. Probationary time for the Jews as a nation ended in 34 A.D when the privilege of representing to the Christians. Acts 7-10.

According to Daniel 8:14, the cleansing of the heavenly sanctuary began in 1844. The cleansing or restoration of the heavenly sanctuary is very similar to the ancient Day of Atonement service conducted in the wilderness sanctuary. What should this mean to us right now?

Two failures

To appreciate the importance of 1844, we look back to the 70 weeks of probationary time given to the Jewish nation. The 490 years must be contrasted with 1800 years of failed opportunities. Notice the diagram below:





The "appointed time of the end" follows a similar parallel. 1844 marks the beginning of the appointed time of the end (just as 457 B.C. marked the beginning of the 490 years) and the second coming marks the end of the appointed time of the end (just as 34 A.D. marked the end of Jewish probation). The 490 years granted to Israel and the appointed time of the end serve a similar function in that the appointed time of the end is earth's last time period for the Gentiles.

Remember, Jesus chose Israel to be a special people. He patiently dealt with them as a nation for approximately 1800 years. They rejected His love and affection, and ultimately crucified the One who chose them. The promised curses have come to pass. Jesus as His chosen people abandoned Israel in 34 A.D. – it was their choice. So Jesus chose twelve disciples to displace the twelve tribes.

If Israel would be stiff-necked and rebellious, He would have to start over. He formed a new group of people called "Christians." These were to accomplish what the Jews had failed to do. These were to represent His character and love before the world. These were to be channels through which His blessings of love could flow. These were sent out to the Gentiles of the world. The Gentiles were to have their day of opportunity! Jesus told his disciples, "They (the Jews) will fall by the sword and will be taken as prisoners to all the nations. Jerusalem will be trampled on by the Gentiles until the times (years) of the Gentiles are fulfilled." Luke 21:24

The times (or years of probation) of the Gentiles are not over yet! We will see in Revelation that Jesus intends that every gentile hear the gospel call. So, turning from the Jews, Jesus gave the gospel commission to the Christian Church. Maybe they would fulfill their opportunity. But history confirms that the Church also failed to do what Jesus wanted them to do! Here, in brief is the story.

Jesus starts over

For three and half years Jesus patiently taught the disciples about the kingdom of love. After His ascension, the disciples, endowed with the power of the Holy Spirit, labored for Jesus just as He commanded, "Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you…" Matthew 28:19,20

Satan wasted no time in opposing the developing work of Jesus on earth. His desire for the destruction of Christians was as fierce and determined as it was against the Jews. Satan used every evil resource at his disposal to destroy the knowledge and love of God bestowed upon the Christian church. How did he do it?

Satan wages war

Satan began with torture and death. Those first Christians were defenseless against the rage of "that old serpent, the devil" and for the first three centuries of the church's history, both Jews and Romans relentlessly persecuted Christians. Ironically, persecution of the church accomplished what the Romans and Jews wanted least. As Christians scattered for their lives, they carried the gospel of Jesus with them throughout the world!

But after while, Satan saw that the more he persecuted the church, the larger and more dedicated it became. Persecution served to keep the church pure and its doctrines free of human sophistry. This was not the desired effect, so Satan launched a new form of warfare against the church. He applied the adage, "If you can't lick 'em, join 'em." Satan joined the church! Where he failed in destroying the truth through persecution he would succeed by leading the church to corrupt the teachings of Jesus. He corrupted the truth through educated and eloquent men in leadership positions. While these men outwardly claimed to be Disciples of Christ they were far less than "born again."

Daniel predicted the Christian Church would be antichrist centuries before it existed!

The prophecy recorded in Daniel 7 clearly identifies the corrupting influence of Satan upon the Christian Church and its destructive effects upon God's people. A few comments are presented on this amazing prophecy.

Remember king Nebuchadnezzar's dream? He saw kingdoms of man outlined in the form of a man made of various metals. A few years after the king's vision, Daniel had a vision that essentially covered the same kingdoms and time periods. The prophetic process of repetition and enlargement is clearly seen here. The king saw a broad picture of future events and Daniel saw the same thing but with more detail!

Daniel see a lion, bear, leopard and a terrible beast

The vision is recorded in Daniel 7. You should read this entire chapter from your Bible to understand all that Daniel saw. Basically, Daniel's dream contained four strange beasts. They were unusual beasts in the features were added to their bodies to highlight certain characteristics: They were:

1. A lion with eagle wings

2. A bear with three ribs in its mouth

3. A leopard with four wings and four heads

4. A terrible beast with ten horns

Daniel was particularly awed at the fourth beast having ten horns because it had unusual power, was indescribable in its fury, and ultimately focused its wrath on the saints of God. The accompanying angel told Daniel the four beasts represented four kingdoms that would rise from the earth. Many historians agree that four beasts seen by Daniel represent the same kingdoms seen by Nebuchadnezzar. The Bible often parallels prophetic themes with additional information to help us understand the meaning of a prophecy. (Compare the beasts with lesson 6) So, the lion represented Babylon, the bear, Medo-Persia; the leopard, Grecia and the four beasts represent the fourth kingdom, Rome. The harmony of the chronological sequence and the contents of the visions with historical confirmation place this matter beyond reasonable controversy.

The fourth beast

Even though Daniel observed four beasts in his vision, he was most distressed and awed by the fourth beast, for it was very different than the other beasts. This beast persecuted the saints. The following is a brief summery of the fourth beast as described in Daniel 7 and the little horn that came out of the fourth beast:

1. It starts out as the fourth world empire.
2. It is unusual in strength and furious with enemies.
3. It has teeth of iron.
4. Out of this kingdom ten horns (or kings) arise.
5. After the ten kings appear, a little horn arises and, in so doing, uproots three of the original kings.
6. This new horn has all the fierce qualities of its parent, the terrible fourth beast.
7. The little becomes a great horn – much stronger than any of the remaining horns.
8. The little horn power blasphemes the God of heaven.
9. The little horn power wars against the saints for a specified time.
10. The little horn power "thinks" to change times and laws.
11. The little horn power endures until the end of the world.

Historically, the fourth beast has been clearly identified as Rome for almost 1500 years. The little horn power (items 5-11 above) has likewise been identified by students of prophecy for almost fifteen centuries as an antichrist power. There is no question concerning the character of the little horn. It is antichrist. The identity of this antichrist power is necessary because it has a leading role in the last day events!

The little horn power is the great spiritual power that came out of the fourth kingdom, Rome! For more than seven hundred years students of prophecy have called the little horn power the universal Christian or the Roman Catholic Church.

Note: The following is a brief description of what happened in the course of history to the Christian Church as it moved farther and farther away from the truth of God's Word by replacing the teachings of the Bible with man-made traditions or doctrines. The sponsor of this Bible study sincerely believe there are many wonderful and dedicated Christian people within the Roman Catholic Church who love their church and faithfully practice its teachings. Many of its members have not had an opportunity or sufficient reason to consider the Protestant view of the Church's history. Even further, many Catholics have little or no knowledge concerning the origins of its doctrines or teachings. Upon examination, many Catholics are shocked to learn that many Church doctrines have no Biblical basis whatsoever.

Process of identification

By what means did the Protestant Reformers identify the Catholic Church as being antichrist? A collection of writings calling for reformation within the Roman Church began to circulate about 1300 A.D. As time passed, the number of people calling for change significantly increased. Those denouncing teachings or doctrines promoted by the Church that had no biblical basis became known as "protestors" or "protestants." Their united plea was simple, "Away with the harsh and unjust rule of Roman clerics teaching mad-made traditions. Give us the Bible alone as the Word of God. Sola Scriptura!"

The pleas of the protestors provoked power church officials so that eventually, any or all protestors were condemned to the dungeon, stake or sword. Persecution, torture, discouragement and death are some of Satan's most persuasive tools!

Some of the better known reformers involved in the initial call for reformation were Wycliff, Huss, Jerome, Luther, Calvin, Knox, and Tyndale. As the conflict between the Protestants and the Catholic Church grew, educated men throughout Europe began identifying the little horn power in Daniel 7 as the Papacy. The following steps generally derived their conclusions:

Rome – Fourth beast

The terrible fourth beast in Daniel 7 is historically confirmed and recognized as civil Rome, the fourth universal kingdom of the world. Civil Rome came to power about 168 B.C. with the overthrow of Greece. The powerful teeth of iron belonging to the terrible beast (remember, the legs of Nebuchadnezzar's image representing this fourth kingdom in Daniel 2 were also made of iron) fittingly described the unusual strength of Rome's military legions since they were first to extensively use iron weapons.

Ten horns overtake Rome

The ten horns that overcame Rome were recognized by reformers as the ten kingdoms into which civil Rome (Europe) was divided around 476 A.D. They were: Ostrogoths, Heruli, Franks, Vandals, Lombards, Visigoths, Suevi, Burgundians, Alamanni and the Anglo-Saxon.

Little horn overtakes three horns

According to Daniel, the little horn power was to become prominent after the ten horns were active. While it may be said the Christian Church began at the time of Christ. It must be understood that the church grew from infancy to great political power over a period of about 5 centuries. According to Daniel's prophecy, the little horn power would become stronger than any of the ten kingdoms represented by the ten horns! A major point is made that after the ten horns are in power, then the little horn rises to power.

According to the prophecy, the little horn would distinguish itself from the other kingdoms, by "plucking" up of the original ten horns or kingdoms by their roots. The Roman Church (the little horn) plucked up three horns (three tribal nations) known as the Ostrogoths, Vandals, and the Heruli as it rose to power. These three tribal nations were destroyed over a theological dispute on the deity of Christ. Historically, this dispute is known as the "Arian controversy." The dominating influence of the emerging Christian Church upon the remaining seven tribal nations is clearly demonstrated in this portion of the prophecy for the war against those holding "Arian" views was concluded by 538 A.D.

Little horn wages war on saints

According to Daniel, the little horn power would have the same fierce qualities as its parent, the fourth beast. The little horn would become stronger than all the other horns. It would have a mouth that spoke against the Most High and it would have eyes like a man.

As the church became politically powerful, she became lord over the nations of Europe. It was the Church that appointed Kings and Queens. The Church decided political issues.

The Church eventually ruled the world. The Church claimed the right to determine eternal life or death upon her subjects. She was as determined and cruel in conquering her foes as the pagan parent was. To expand her power and influence, the Pope promised forgiveness of sin – past, present and future along with eternal salvation to anyone willing to fight for the Holy Roman Empire. Millions perished in crusades fought in the name of God. The Roman Catholic Church conquered Europe and literally ruled with an "iron" fist for almost 13 centuries.

The Church exercised a number of spiritual prerogatives that blasphemes God's truth. For example, the Church claims infallibility for its leader! "We teach and define it to be a dogma divinely revealed that the Roman Pontiff, when he speaks ex cathedra, that is, when action in his office as pastor and teacher of all Christians, by his supreme Apostolic authority…he enjoys that infallibility with which the divine Redeemer willed His Church to be endowed in defining doctrine concerning faith and morals; and therefore such definitions of the said Roman Pontiff are irreformable of themselves, and not from the consent of the Church" (Quoted from a booklet titled The Papacy, Expression of God's Love, page 29, published by the knights of Columbus).

Little horn empowered 1260 years

Daniel predicted the little horn power would persecute the saints of God for a time, times and half a time. This phrase represents three and a half years. A "time" equals one year. A "times" represents two years, and "half a time" represents half a year. We know these terms represent 1260 days because John uses these time periods in an interchangeable way. See Revelation 12:6,14 If we use the day/year principle described in previous lessons, the 1,260 days of the prophecy represents 1,260 literal years. The day/year principle must be followed in this chapter because certain scenes in this vision correspond with the timing of the 2,300 years. This point will be studied in the next lesson.

Protestant reformers as 538 A.D. established the beginning of the 1,260-year period when the Pope began exercising authority of life and death over the subjects of the fragmented Roman Empire. Emperor Justinian had previously granted absolute power as "Corrector of Heretics" to the Pope through an imperial decree in 533. Giving such power to the Church set the stage for the beginning of a terrible reign of terror by Roman Pontiffs that would become known as the "dark ages."

If 533 is the correct commencement date of Papal authority, and the day/year principle is applicable, a break or termination in the power of the papacy should occur 1260 later in 1798. A significant number of Protestants wrote years before the fall of the Papacy that Church power should be broken some time in the 18th century! Writers such as Thomas Parker, 1646; Increase Mather, president of Harvard, 1723; William Burnet, 1724; and Richard Clark, 1759, and others anticipated the prophetic collapse of the Roman Church power during the 18th century!

Napoleon unwittingly fulfilled the 1260-year prophecy by capturing the Pope and putting him in prison in February 1798. Thus the predicted 1260 years of Papal rule and persecutions described by Daniel were fulfilled.

Little horn "thinks" to change law of God

Daniel predicted the little horn power would "think" to change times and laws. In 787 A.D. at the Second Nicean Council, the second commandment was entirely removed from the Ten Commandments and the tenth commandment was divided into two separate commandments so ten would remain. This was done so questions about the use of images or icons in worship would not come up. In addition, the fourth commandment was reduced to just a few words so questions would not be raised about the day of worship. Compare the Ten Commandments (Exodus 20:3-17) with a Catholic Catechism for confirmation on these changes.

Little horn claims to be God on earth

As a capstone for identification, Protestants for 400 + years have argued that the blasphemous title of the Pope, which in Latin is "Vicarious Filli Dei", and means "in place of the Son of God", was a fulfillment of prophecy. In English, differing forms of this title are used: for example, "Vicar of Jesus Christ" or, "Vicar of God." Regardless which term is used, the meaning is still the same, "in place of the Son of God."





"Anti" Christ

Historically speaking, Protestants found only one organization that met all the specifications of the little horn of Daniel 7. It was the Papacy. (Even though there is debate within Protestantism today as to who the little horn power is, the chronological and historical harmony of the prophecy leaves no room for misinterpretation.) The point is that Satan succeeded again. He so corrupted the Christian Church that it became "anti" Christ. The Church sentenced well over 100 million people to death during it reign for refusing to receive its doctrines. For some time Satan had what he wanted all along – control of earth! The devil has ever worked to have people worship anything or anyone but Jesus. Revelation predicts that the Antichrist (Satan himself) will yet appear on earth and claim all power and authority that rightfully belongs to God! This will be the final blasphemy! Webster defines blasphemy as "taking the prerogatives of God."

History repeated

Again, it is said that Satan is the Antichrist. He led the Jews to become antichrist during a period of 1,800 years and he succeeded in causing the Christian Church to do the same in about the same length of time! In both cases, he achieved his goals by putting self-centered, ambitious and unprincipled men into leadership. Love of money and power hold greater reward and satisfaction to the carnal nature than following the teaching of the humble and meek Carpenter from Nazareth.

Jesus starts over a final time

Jesus did not give up even though the Jews and the Christian Church became "antichrist."

Just as He called men and women out of Judaism to begin the Christian Church, He called those who loved and sought truth out of a Christian Church to a new movement.

Historically, this new organization is called the Protestant Reformation. Thus Jesus passed the responsibility of giving the gospel from the Christians to Protestants.

Note: The term Christian as used in this review of history applies to Roman Catholic Church, which still claims to possess the one and only true Christian faith. Even though Protestants claim to be Christians, there is a vast theological difference between Catholics and Protestants.)





Incredible timing

The timing of prophetic events is incredible! The Catholic Church was "wounded" in 1798 when General Breathier captured the Pope and placed him in prison. The iron grip of Rome was finally broken. The Protestant Movement would rapidly grow and become a dominant world influence. Truth could ever flourish The Dark Ages were over. Jesus rose up the Protestant Movement so that men and women could hear "more" Bible truth.

Truths such as salvation by faith, the ministry of Jesus in heaven instead of priestly ministry through Rome, the second coming and the prophetic meaning of 1844 are among these truths! The Roman Catholic system was brought down so that truth might prosper.

Bibles could be printed and freely distributed, and freedom of worship became an inalienable right. No longer would people have to be separated from the knowledge of God by a priest. Everyone could own a Bible and have the liberty to search for truth!

Even though the point has not yet been clearly made, the contents of this lesson sets the stage for 1844 and beyond, for the Bible predicts a healing or future restoration of Papal power! (A rapid process which is being observed at this very time.) The first rise and fall of the Papacy occurred on time as predicted in Daniel and the second will be just as timely. Notice that less than 50 years separate the fall of Papal rule in 1798 and the completion of the 2,300 year prophecy in 1844. These two events are related and our next lesson will study this interesting relationship.

Summary

For 1800 years the Christian Church had an opportunity to accomplish what the Jews failed to do. But alas, the roman Church became as evil and "anti" Christ as their predecessors the Jews. The Holy Roman Empire was brought down at the end of the 1,260 years in 1798 by a dictator refusing to believe in God. Even though Napoleon, like Nebuchadnezzar, didn't know the God of heaven, history and waterloo confirms again that there is a God that sets up kings and takes them down. (Daniel 4:25)

Jesus then rose up the Protestants. They received the responsibility to proclaim the truth of God's Word. This point is most important for somebody on earth has to be able to tell the rest of the world about "the appointed time of the end." You will see the critical reason for this point in a future lesson. Looking at the pitiful condition of Protestantism today, we may be able to guess why Revelation refers to the saints at the end of the world as a "remnant."

2 Days part II

In response to Greg Laurie's comments:

1. The Sabbath IS Repeated in the New Testament.

"For he spake in a certain place of the seventh day on this wise, And God did rest the seventh day from all his works. And in this place again, If they shall enter into my rest." (Heb. 4:4-5)

When speaking of the destruction of Jerusalem, an event that occurred 40 years AFTER Jesus' death and resurrection He said:

"But pray ye that your flight be not in the winter, neither on the sabbath day:" (Matt. 24:20)

2. In Matt. 24:20 Jesus was making know His intentions that His followers would be keeping the Sabbath after His death. Why would He need to have a lesson on keeping the Sabbath if His followers already kept the Sabbath? The Jews did make keeping the Sabbath legalistic, and Jesus showed them the error of their ways by healing a leper on the Sabbath (John 5:9), driving out a demon on the Sabbath, and allowing the disciples to pick corn on the Sabbath to eat. These were not against the Sabbath commandment but were only against the man-made laws the Jews had invented pertaining to the Sabbath. When Jesus instructed the Pharisees and the disciples how to keep the Sabbath, isn't that instruction to keep the Sabbath? It most assuredly is. Here is a positive affirmation from the mouth of Jesus Himself whereby the practice of the Sabbath is affirmed.

"How much then is a man better than a sheep? Wherefore it is lawful to do well on the sabbath days." (Matt. 12:12)

3. Again, the Apostles never "taught" anyone to keep the Sabbath, because they all already were keeping it!

"And the next sabbath day came almost the whole city together to hear the word of God." (Acts 13:44)

"And he came to Nazareth, where he had been brought up: and, as his custom was, he went into the synagogue on the sabbath day, and stood up for to read." (Luke 4:1)

"For we which have believed do enter into rest, as he said, As I have sworn in my wrath, if they shall enter into my rest: although the works were finished from the foundation of the world. For he spake in a certain place of the seventh day on this wise, And God did rest the seventh day from all his works. And in this place again, If they shall enter into my rest. Seeing therefore it remaineth that some must enter therein, and they to whom it was first preached entered not in because of unbelief: Again, he limiteth a certain day, saying in David, To day, after so long a time; as it is said, To day if ye will hear his voice, harden not your hearts. For if Jesus had given them rest, then would he not afterward have spoken of another day. There remaineth therefore a rest to the people of God. For he that is entered into his rest, he also hath ceased from his own works, as God did from his. Let us labour therefore to enter into that rest, lest any man fall after

----------------- Bulletin Message -----------------
From: LAZARUZ
Date: Mar 17, 2008 9:47 AM



The Plan of Salvation : from the book "Early Writings"

Sorrow filled heaven, as it was realized that man was lost, and that world which God had created was to be filled with mortals doomed to misery, sickness, and death, and there was no way of escape for the offender. The whole family of Adam must die. I saw the lovely Jesus and beheld an expression of sympathy and sorrow upon His countenance. Soon I saw Him approach the exceeding bright light which enshrouded the Father. Said my accompanying angel, He is in close converse with His Father. The anxiety of the angels seemed to be intense while Jesus was communing with His Father. Three times He was shut in by the glorious light about the Father, and the third time He came from the Father, His person could be seen. His countenance was calm, free from all perplexity and doubt, and shone with benevolence and loveliness, such as words cannot express. He then made known to the angelic host that a way of escape had been made for lost man. He told them that He had been pleading with His Father, and had offered to give His life a ransom, to take the sentence of death upon Himself, that through Him man might find pardon; that through the merits of His blood, and obedience to the law of God, they could have the favor of God, and be brought into the beautiful garden, and eat of the fruit of the tree of life. {EW 149.2}

At first the angels could not rejoice; for their Commander concealed nothing from them, but opened
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before them the plan of salvation. Jesus told them that He would stand between the wrath of His Father and guilty man, that He would bear iniquity and scorn, and but few would receive Him as the Son of God. Nearly all would hate and reject Him. He would leave all His glory in heaven, appear upon earth as a man, humble Himself as a man, become acquainted by His own experience with the various temptations with which man would be beset, that He might know how to succor those who should be tempted; and that finally, after His mission as a teacher would be accomplished, He would be delivered into the hands of men, and endure almost every cruelty and suffering that Satan and his angels could inspire wicked men to inflict; that He would die the cruelest of deaths, hung up between the heavens and the earth as a guilty sinner; that He would suffer dreadful hours of agony, which even angels could not look upon, but would veil their faces from the sight. Not merely agony of body would He suffer, but mental agony, that with which bodily suffering could in no wise be compared. The weight of the sins of the whole world would be upon Him. He told them He would die and rise again the third day, and would ascend to His Father to intercede for wayward, guilty man. {EW 149.3}

The angels prostrated themselves before Him. They offered their lives. Jesus said to them that He would by His death save many, that the life of an angel could not pay the debt. His life alone could be accepted of His Father as a ransom for man. Jesus also told them that they would have a part to act, to be with Him and at different times strengthen Him; that He would take man's fallen nature, and His strength would not be even equal with theirs; that they would be witnesses of His humiliation and great sufferings; and that as they would witness His sufferings, and the
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hatred of men toward Him, they would be stirred with the deepest emotion, and through their love for Him would wish to rescue and deliver Him from His murderers; but that they must not interfere to prevent anything they should behold; and that they should act a part in His resurrection; that the plan of salvation was devised, and His Father had accepted the plan. {EW 150.1}

With a holy sadness Jesus comforted and cheered the angels and informed them that hereafter those whom He should redeem would be with Him, and that by His death He should ransom many and destroy him who had the power of death. And His Father would give Him the kingdom and the greatness of the kingdom under the whole heaven, and He would possess it forever and ever. Satan and sinners would be destroyed, nevermore to disturb heaven or the purified new earth. Jesus bade the heavenly host be reconciled to the plan that His Father had accepted and rejoice that through His death fallen man could again be exalted to obtain favor with God and enjoy heaven. {EW 151.1}

Then joy, inexpressible joy, filled heaven. And the heavenly host sang a song of praise and adoration. They touched their harps and sang a note higher than they had done before, for the great mercy and condescension of God in yielding up His dearly Beloved to die for a race of rebels. Praise and adoration were poured forth for the self-denial and sacrifice of Jesus; that He would consent to leave the bosom of His Father, and choose a life of suffering and anguish, and die an ignominious death to give life to others. {EW 151.2}

Said the angel, "Think ye that the Father yielded up His dearly beloved Son without a struggle? No, no. It was even a struggle with the God of heaven, whether to let guilty man perish, or to give His beloved Son to die for Him." Angels were so interested for man's
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salvation that there could be found among them those who would yield their glory and give their life for perishing man, "But," said my accompanying angel, "that would avail nothing. The transgression was so great that an angel's life would not pay the debt. Nothing but the death and intercessions of His son would pay the debt and save lost man from hopeless sorrow and misery." {EW 151.3}

But the work of the angels was assigned them, to ascend and descend with strengthening balm from glory to soothe the Son of God in His sufferings, and minister unto Him. Also, their work would be to guard and keep the subjects of grace from the evil angels and the darkness constantly thrown around them by Satan. I saw that it was impossible for God to alter or change His law to save lost, perishing man; therefore He suffered His beloved Son to die for man's transgression. {EW 152.1}

Satan again rejoiced with his angels that he could, by causing man's fall, pull down the Son of God from His exalted position. He told his angels that when Jesus should take fallen man's nature, he could overpower Him and hinder the accomplishment of the plan of salvation. {EW 152.2}

I was shown Satan as he once was, a happy, exalted angel. Then I was shown him as he now is. He still bears a kingly form. His features are still noble, for he is an angel fallen. But the expression of his countenance is full of anxiety, care, unhappiness, malice, hate, mischief, deceit, and every evil. That brow which was once so noble, I particularly noticed. His forehead commenced from his eyes to recede. I saw that he had so long bent himself to evil that every good quality was debased, and every evil trait was developed. His eyes were cunning, sly, and showed great penetration. His frame was large, but the flesh hung loosely about his
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hands and face. As I beheld him, his chin was resting upon his left hand. He appeared to be in deep thought. A smile was upon his countenance, which made me tremble, it was so full of evil and satanic slyness. This smile is the one he wears just before he makes sure of his victim, and as he fastens the victim in his snare, this smile grows horrible.

BIBLE STUDY #5 What time is it? PART I

The Bible often follows the process of repetition and enlargement. This consists of presenting a point and then expanding the details about the point in subsequent visions. In our next lesson, we shall begin to study a dream given to Daniel that clearly shows our chronological position in prophetic time!

Review

Our last study surveyed the sweeping prophecy of Daniel 2. King Nebuchadnezzar's dream concerning the kingdoms of man has almost been fulfilled and historical confirmation brings the fulfillment of the vision down to our day. But what time is it?

Will there be 100 more years before Jesus returns? Are we really living in the last days? If we are, how is it proven?

WHAT TIME IS IT?

There is only one prophecy in the Bible that tells us where we are in time. Other prophecies like Daniel 2 and Daniel 7 tell us where we are sequentially but only one leads us to a specific date so that we may know our chronological position. It's found in Daniel 8-12.

Introduction to the prophecy

1. This prophecy is directly connected with the work of Jesus in the heavenly sanctuary.
2. This prophecy has five very important dates connected with it. /all five dates have been historically confirmed.
3. Unlike the seven chapters of Daniel, this prophecy is written in Hebrew.
4. This prophecy came to Daniel in segments over a period of about three or four years. The last five chapters of Daniel (8-12) contain this prophecy.
5. Even though a portion of this prophecy applies to Daniel's day, the focus is the "appointed time of the end."

The vision

Sometime during the third year of King Belshazzar's reign (last king of Babylon), Daniel received the first segment of this serious vision. A summery of Daniel's vision follows:

1. I was standing beside the Ulai Canal… Before me was a ram with two long horns standing beside the canal. One of the horns was longer than the other but grew up later. I watched the ram as he charged toward the west, north and the south. No animal could stand against him… He did as he pleased and became great. {V14}
2. As I was thinking about this, suddenly a goat with a prominent horn between his eyes came from the west, crossing the whole earth without touching the ground. He came toward the two-horned ram…and charged at him with great rage. I saw him attack the ram furiously…and shatter his two horns. The ram was powerless to stand against him; the goat knocked him to the ground and trampled on him. {5-7}
3. The goat became very great, but at the height of his power his large horn was broken off, and in its place four prominent horns grew up toward the four winds of heaven…" {V8}
4. Later, out of the four winds, another horn arises. It starts small, but grows in power to the south and east and toward the Beautiful Land. It grew until it reached the host of the heavens, and it threw some of the starry host down to the earth and trampled on them. {V9-10)
5. This horn sets itself up to be as great as the Prince of the host; it takes away the daily sacrifice from him, and the place of his sanctuary was brought low. {V11}
6. Because of rebellion, the saints and the daily sacrifice were given over to it. It prospered in everything it did, and truth was thrown to the ground. {V12}
7. At the end of this vision, Daniel heard two angels talking as he watched this vision. One angel asked five questions {V13}, they are:

a. How long will it take for the vision to be fulfilled?
b . How will the daily be taken away?

c. How long will the rebellion that causes desolation last?

d. How long will the sanctuary be surrendered?

e. How long will the people of earth be trampled upon?

The vision has two parts

During the vision, the angel Gabriel was sent to Daniel with the instruction, "tell this man the meaning of the vision." As will be seen, the content of the vision is so comprehensive, that Gabriel actually requires three visits to give Daniel a full explanation! The first visit of Gabriel begins in Daniel 8:15.

Before explaining the vision to Daniel, Gabriel twice emphasizes that this vision concerns "the appointed time of the end" (verses 17 and 19). The visit of Gabriel with Daniel took place 25 centuries ago. Several times in the vision the phrase "the appointed time of the end" is used. The phrase leads us to believe that God must have an appointed time to end the troubles on earth. Are we living in the last century? Have we reached "the appointed time of the end?' How can we tell if we have or haven't? Just as a navigator looks at the stars to know his latitude and longitude, there has to be some sign or event that shows our chronological position in time so that we can know when the appointed time of the end arrives. Without a marker, we can only guess at the time.

Many people challenge the idea that we are living at the end of the world's history. They ask, "what evidence do you have to show that the end is now and not 500 years from now?" The world has seen WW1, WW2 and there will be a WW3 (according to Revelation). So how can we know that we are living at the end of the world? Bible prophecy holds the answer. Jesus has declared the end from the beginning. Gabriel told Daniel, "…none of the wicked will understand, but those who are wise will understand." Daniel 12:10

Even though the vision of Daniel 8-12 serves a variety of purposes and answers a number of questions, it basically has two parts. The first establishes a historical footing or marker so students of prophecy can determine their chronological position from historical sources. The second and more complex portion of the vision explains certain events that occur during the appointed time of the end. It is also important to know that other prophecies in the Bible add information to compliment the vision of Daniel.

The explanation begins

In his first visit with Daniel, the angel Gabriel said:

1. The two-horned ram that you saw represents the kings of Media and Persia. {V20

2. The goat is the kingdom of Greece, and the large horn is the first king. {V21}

3. The four horns that replaced the one that was broken off represents four kingdoms that will emerge from this nation but will not have the same power. {V22}

4. Later, (during the appointed time of the end) when lawlessness has gained control of the world, a stern-faced king, a master of intrigue, will arise. He will become very strong, but not by his own power. He will cause astounding devastation and will succeed at whatever he does. He will destroy the mighty men and the holy people. {V23, 24}

5. He will cause deceit to prosper, He will consider himself superior and when the world feels secure, he will destroy many and take his stand against the Prince of princes. Yet he will be destroyed, but not by human power. {V25}

Commentary

Some commentators separate the last five chapters of Daniel into a number of unrelated visions because it is obvious that the visions and explanations come to Daniel over a period of time. However, we will see that each time Gabriel talks with Daniel, he refers to one of their earlier visits and/or a portion of the vision seen earlier. This clearly demonstrates a unity between the segments. Further, if we tie the five chapters together, the pieces will harmoniously relate to each other. If the vision is broken into disconnected parts, conclusions will have no historical footing to work from. In such a case, the appointed time of the end cannot be determined. We will see that Jesus carefully tied the historical events of Daniel's day and the appointed time of the end together with a specified number of years!

While the first portion of the vision held immediate meaning for Daniel, it more importantly provides very valuable historical data for us. This historical data provides a historical marker from which we can mark the passing of time. The second portion of the vision applies to events that take place during the appointed time of the end.

Immediate meaning

Jesus not only knows and predicts the future; He is also concerned with the present. In Daniel's day, Jesus was deeply grieved with Israel's rebellion and consequently sent them into captivity. Through Jeremiah, Jesus foretold the Babylonian captivity would last 70 years. "For twenty-three years…the word of the Lord has come to me and I have spoken to you again and again, but you have not listened… Therefore the Lord Almighty says this: 'Because you have not listened to my words, I will summon all the peoples of the north and my servant Nebuchadnezzar, king of Babylon… And I will bring them against this land and its inhabitants and against all the surrounding nations. This whole country will become a desolate wasteland, and these nations will serve the king of Babylon seventy years.'" Jeremiah 25:3,8,9,11

Remember, Daniel was one of the Hebrew captives taken into Babylon. He had interpreted the dream concerning the kingdoms of man for Nebuchadnezzar and Daniel knew that another world empire was to follow Babylon. In the vision of Daniel 8, Jesus not only reveals the rise of subsequent empires to Daniel, He even calls them by name!

(Jesus even named the Persian general that would overtake the Babylonian empire a hundred years before he was born! See Isaiah 45.) These nations are symbolized as a ram with two horns and a goat with a great horn. These two beasts and their horns represent the kings of the Medo-Persian and Grecian empires respectively.

Daniel also knew that the 70 years of captivity predicted by Jeremiah were about to expire too! He was anxious for his people to be set free to return to Jerusalem. He wondered if the fall of Babylon would bring freedom to his people. The hope of returning to the homeland and the destiny of his people burned deeply within his heart. Daniel wanted to know the outcome of these things so badly that he fasted and prayed for understanding for three weeks! At the end of the fast, Gabriel was sent to Daniel. He had good news and he had bad news.

Babylon's last night

Gabriel told Daniel that the fall of Babylon was imminent. He explained that the ram with two horns represented the kings of Media and Persia that would overthrow Babylon. Daniel was also shown that the Medo-Persian Empire would eventually fall. Thus Jesus opened Daniel's mind to a much larger view of His purposes than he understood before.

Gabriel explained to Daniel that God's purpose for Israel was much more inclusive that just returning to Jerusalem. So in the first visit, Gabriel told Daniel about the imminent of Babylon. Daniel needed to be prepared – for as it turned out, he would be put on center stage before the Babylonian ruler of the world.

On Babylon's last night, Daniel was awakened by a summons. He was told to immediately appear before Belshazzar, king of Babylon! The king and a thousand of his nobles were having a drunken party when a hand suddenly and mysteriously appeared and wrote something on the wall of the palace. The ominous message was not decipherable to the king, or his wise men. Eventually, Daniel was called to read the strange message. The old prophet told the king. "O king, the Most High God gave your father greatness and glory and splendor…But when his heart became arrogant and hardened with pride, he was disposed from his throne…until he acknowledged that the Most High is sovereign over the kingdoms of men… But you his son, O Belshazzar, have not humbled yourself, though you knew all this. Instead, you have set yourself up against the Lord of heaven… You praised the gods of silver and gold, of bronze, iron, wood and stone, which cannot see or hear or understand. But you did not honor the God who holds in his hand your life and all your ways… The meaning is: God has numbered the days of your reign and brought it to an end. You have been weighed on the scales and found wanting. Your kingdom is divided and given to the Medes and Persians." Selections from Daniel 5. The Bible also says that very night Belshazzar was slain and Darius the Mede took over the city of Babylon.

Historical notes

According to history, Babylon fell in the autumn of 538 B.C, as the Medes and Persians came to power. However, both Nebuchadnezzar and Daniel's visions say the Medes and Persians were not to rule the world forever. They too would pass away. About two centuries later, the defeat of the Persians by Alexander the Great at Arbela in 331 B.C. established Greece as a world empire. Thus history confirms the sequence and chronological portion of the vision concerning the ram and the goat.

The vision given to Daniel also predicted that the goat (Greece) would become very great, but at the height of his power his large horn was broken off and in its place four prominent horns grew up. At the zenith of world power, Greece's first king, Alexander the Great, died an untimely death at age 32. His kingdom was passed down to his heirs, but was eventually divided among his four leading generals: Cassander, Lysimachus, Selueucius and Ptolemy. History again confirms the sequence and chronology of the vision.

An accurate understanding of Bible prophecy always harmonizes with historical evidence to unveil the foreknowledge of Jesus! Political powers do not come and go by the whim of men. The apostle Paul said, "…For there is no authority except that which God has established. The authorities that exist have been established by God." Romans 13:1


The horn that started small

Remember, Gabriel told Daniel two times that this vision concern the "appointed time of the end." In future lessons, we shall study the event that marks the time of the end and the horn that starts small. For now, we need to continue with the portion of the vision that relates to Daniel's day so that we may carefully establish some historical dates indicating when the appointed time of the end begins!

During the first year

Some time during the first year of the reign of the Medes and Persians, Daniel was imploring God for the release of the Jews from captivity and the restoration of Jerusalem when Gabriel suddenly appeared before Daniel to continue their discussion on the vision given to Daniel concerning the ram and goat. Daniel says, "…while I was still in prayer, Gabriel, the man I had seen in the earlier vision, came to me in swift flight about the time of the evening sacrifice." Daniel 9:21 On the second visit, Gabriel said, "I have come to give you insight and understanding… Therefore, consider the message and understand the vision" (of the 2,300 evenings and mornings). Daniel 9:21-23

(Note: Daniel's concern was focused on the end of the 70 years of Babylonian captivity predicted by Jeremiah. He anticipated the imminent fulfillment of the prophecy. He thought his vision of the 2,300 evenings and mornings related to the restoration of Israel and consequently sought greater understanding. Gabriel returns to talk with Daniel but the subject under discussion is much larger than the restoration of the Jews. In fact, history tells us that Daniel's concern for the freedom of his people was satisfied the year of Gabriel's visit! Captivity ended as prophesied by Jeremiah when Cyrus king of Persia, released Israel from captivity. Ezra recorded the decree. "In the first year of Cyrus king of Persia, in order to fulfill the word of the Lord spoken by Jeremiah, the Lord moved the heart of Cyrus king of Persia to make a proclamation…"(freeing Israel). See Ezra 1:1-11

So Gabriel returns in this second visit to continue his explanation of the meaning of the vision having 2,300 evenings and mornings. The angel came to Daniel about sundown, the time of the evening sacrifice and said:

1. 70 "sevens (or weeks) are granted to Israel to:

1.
1. Pay the penalty for their wicked deeds as a nation
2. Put an end to national apostasy
3. Bring in everlasting righteousness
4. Seal up the vision and prophecy
5. Anoint the Most Holy

2. From the issuing of the decree to restore and rebuild Jerusalem, until the Anointed One appears would be 69 weeks.
3. In the middle of the 70th week, the Anointed One would be cut off, also confirm a covenant and He would put an end to sacrifice and offering.
4. Jerusalem and its sanctuary would later be destroyed.
5. Wars and desolations would continue until the end of time.
6. And one who causes desolations will continue until the end of time.

(See Daniel 9:24-27

Gabriel led Daniel to understand that God's purpose in the future was much larger than Israel returning to Jerusalem. In fact, if you'll compare items 2 and 4 of the prophecy, Gabriel explains that Jerusalem will be rebuilt and afterwards, it will be destroyed again!

Daniel was also told that wars would continue until the end of time and the one who causes desolation (destructions) would continue until the end of time.

The angel also told Daniel that the Anointed One (Messiah) would appear 69 weeks after the decree to rebuild Jerusalem.This indicated that yes, Jerusalem would be restored and that the Holy One of Israel would now come. Daniel knew of the promised Messiah for Isaiah had prophesied:"The virgin will be with child and will give birth to a son, and will call Him Immanuel…God in the future will honor Galilee of the Gentiles…The people walking in darkness have seen a great light; on those living in the land of the shadow of death a light has dawned…And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace." Isaiah 7:14; 9:1,2,6

The most important matter that came out of this visit is that Daniel was led to understand that 70 "seven" were to be placed upon the Jews for several reasons. The ultimate purpose (see item 1 above) was to prepare a people to receive Messiah!

An appointment with Messiah

Review the six elements of Gabriel's talk with Daniel. You will notice that the message given to Daniel clearly states that from the decree to restore and rebuild Jerusalem until Messiah appears would be 69 weeks.

God's timing is always perfect. Three keys unlock this important message from Gabriel allowing us to see the beauty of His timing. We will look at the first two keys in this study:

KEY I - A day for a year

The words "70 sevens" refer to an understanding the Jews had regarding time. A "seven" was a time period of 7 years. Seven " sevens" (or 49 years) was a revolving time period called a "Jubilee." According to Leviticus 25 & 26, the Jews were to count years by sevens for the land was to have a rest every 7th year. Israel was not to sow or plant their fields in the 7th year. God promised to make their fields so fruitful during the sixth year that work in the fields during the 7th year would be unnecessary!

Even more, after the year of rest at the 49th year, (the 7th sabbatical,) the year of Jubilee was the 50th year, which was also the first year of the next "seven." During the Jubilee year, land that had been sold was returned to the family. Debts were cancelled and real estate was returned to the original owner! The "seven" and the Jubilees were a lesson designed by Jesus to teach Israel that one-day, He would both redeem (buy back) those faithful and obedient to the Lord and would return them to their original homeland – the Garden of Eden. The great debt of sin would be paid in full for those willing to live by faith!

Daniel understood that 70 "sevens" of years meant 490 years or 10 Jubilees. This time period of grace would be granted to Israel as a final effort to fulfill God's plan for them as a nation. Daniel must have sorrowed to hear that Jerusalem would be rebuilt and then destroyed again. Would his people be prepared to accept the Messiah?

Daniel was told the Anointed One (the Messiah) would appear 483 years (69x7 =483) after the decree to restore and rebuild Jerusalem. Although three decrees were given on behalf of Israel, the decree granting the necessary money, Artaxeres gave governmental power and freedom of worship in the seventh year of his reign. The decree is recorded in Ezra 7 and was issued in the fall of 457 B.C.

Note: Some challenge the use of the decree dated 457 B.C. since there were actually three decrees. Fortunately, enough historical evidence is available to show the particular decree, issued in 457 B.C., is the one that fulfills the prophecy.

In our understanding and application of the 69 "sevens" is correct, Jesus the Messiah, the Anointed One, should appear 483 years after the decree to restore and rebuild Jerusalem.Did He appear before the Jewish people that year?

"In the fifteenth year of the reign of Tiberius Caesar – when Pontius Pilate was governor of Judea, Herod tetrarch of Galilee… The people were waiting expectantly and were wondering in their hearts if John (the Baptist) might possibly be the Christ… When all the people were being baptized, Jesus was baptized too… Jesus…was about thirty years old when he began his ministry." Selections from Luke 3.

From historical sources we can calculate the fifteenth year of Tiberius Caesar that Luke speaks of. It is 27 A.D., which is exactly 483 years from the decree in 457 B.C. by Artaxerxes! Jesus, who set the time of His appearing – appeared right on time.

KEY II – Jesus dies on time

Gabriel said that in the middle of the 70th "seven" the Anointed One would be cut off (literally cut down), that He would also confirm a covenant and He would put an end to sacrifice and offering.

Since a "seven" represents 7 years, the 70th week of this prophecy is seven years long. The 70th week began with 27 A.D. and reaches to 34 A.D. The middle mark (or middle of the week) between these years is 30 A.D. Several points converge during this year:

1. Jesus was crucified in the spring of the year during the Passover feast, which was celebrated in the spring. John 19:14
2. It appears that Passover fell on Saturday that year, John 19:31 (Note: some scholars believe the accompanying eclipse of the sun at Jesus' death is recorded as being Friday April 7th, 30 A.D.)
3. Gabriel indicated that Messiah was to be "cut off" (literally translated: cut down).

Did his own people cut him down? Stephen, the first Christian martyr cried out to

The Sanhedrin regarding the crucifixion of Jesus "you have betrayed and murder-ed him!" Acts 7:52

4. Did Messiah put an end to sacrifices and offerings? Paul says, "God …cancelled the written code, with its regulations, that was against us and that stood opposed to us; he took it away, nailing it to the cross." Colossians 2:13,14
5. Did Jesus confirm the covenant? Again, Paul says, "This salvation, which was first announced by the Lord, was confirmed to us by those who heard him." Hebrews 2:3

History agrees

According to the prophecy, Jesus died exactly on time. As the High Priest was about to slay the Passover lamb in Jerusalem's temple, out on Golgotha's hill – Jesus, the Passover Lamb of God died for the sins of the whole world.

An angel immediately flew to the temple and tore open the heavy veil from top to bottom that separated the Holy place from the Most Holy place. This act signified the end of the sacrificial system. Jesus had confirmed His covenant with His own blood. The religious services, which had been required of Israel, were now unnecessary. The penalty of sin, which they had pointed to, was paid in full. The shadow of earthy things disappeared in the fulfillment of Christ's death. The ceremonies were nailed to the cross.

(Note: When the veil was torn open, the great multitude that gathered for the Passover beheld the contents of the Most Holy place of the temple for the first time. The room's sole property was darkness. The Ark of the Covenant that had been hidden by Jeremiah at the time of the Babylonian captivity was never found and remains hidden to this very day! How symbolic that darkness not only filled the inner place of Israel's religious shrine, great darkness filled the hearts of the worshipers too.)

Summary



1. In 27A.D., the fifteenth year of Tiberius Caesar, the Jews anticipated the appearing of Messiah. The women at the well said: "I know that Messiah is coming…when he comes, he will explain everything to us." John 4:25 Mathematically, 27 A.D. is the 483rd year from the decree given by Artaxerxes in 457 B.C.

2. Jesus was baptized in 27 A.D. being 30 years of age before he could serve as a priest. See Numbers 4:3

3. "Elijah" as promised in Malachi 4:5 preceded the year 27 A.D. He came in the person of John the Baptist to prepare the "way of the Lord." Matthew 11:14

4. Jesus, who gave this vision to Daniel 550 years before He was born, understood the timing and fulfillment of the prophecy, for He said at the beginning of His ministry on earth, "The time has come…" Mark 1:14,15 Again, Jesus speaking after His baptism in Nazareth said, "The Spirit of the Lord is on me…to proclaim the year of the Lord's favor." Luke 4:18,19

5. Christ died precisely on time. Jesus, the Passover Lamb of God, died on the very day the ceremonial service had pointed to for centuries. The Council of Caesarea in 196 A.D., the Alexandrian Chronicle, and early historians Maximus Monachus, and Cedrenus also historically confirm 30 A.D.

6. Each time the story is told of the birth of Jesus, the story of the wise men is told. What many people don't know is the wise men were students of prophecy. They came from the East (area around Babylon) where they found and studied Daniel's writings. By understanding that a priest in Israel had to be 30 years of age before beginning his ministry, they calculated the end of the 483 years and then subtracted 30 years from their conclusion to determine the year of Jesus birth. When you consider the fact that their roundtrip journey took about 2 years, you can begin to appreciate the intensity of their desire to attend the birth of Messiah. Wise men do not go to such lengths on a whim. Like the prophets Simeon and Anna, they longed to "personally" behold the Savior of the world. Their presence at the birth of Jesus also confirms the accuracy of this prophecy for there are no other prophecies in the Bible pinpointing the time of Messiah's appearing other than this one found in Daniel 9.

The fullness of time

Paul succinctly sums up Daniel's prophecy by saying, "But when the time had fully come, God sent his Son…" (Galatians 4:4). Can any question remain that God's timing is less than perfect?

In our next study, the third key will be explained. It holds a special message for Christians!

BIBLE STUDY #6 What time is it?PART II


Review

In our last lesson we began looking into Daniel's prophecy concerning the appointed time of the end. Even though the prophecy spans several centuries, its primary focus is the appointed time of the end.

The prophecy actually contains two parts. The first part held immediate meaning for Daniel and as we shall see, it also establishes a valuable historical marker so that we might know when the end of time arrives. So far, we have discussed 3 dates. These were 457 B.C., 27 and 31 A.D. The correctness of 457B.C. is marked by the decree of Artaxerxes (Ezra 7) to restore and rebuild Jerusalem. Jesus beginning his ministry precisely on time 483 years later - during the fifteenth year of Tiberius Caesar.

The 15th year of Tiberius Caesar is 27 A.D. Further, Jesus, the Passover Lamb, died right on time, three and half years later at the Passover feast in the Spring of 30 A.D.

Three keys help us unlock the vision of Daniel's prophecy. The first key requires an understanding of the time period known as a "seven." A "seven" represents 7 years. (See Leviticus 26.) Every 7 years, the Jews did not plant crops for this year was a rest or sabbatical. Thus 70 "sevens" represent 490 literal years. The appearing of Messiah 483 years later (69 "seven") confirms the correctness of this interpretation.

The second key is the historical timing of Christ's death as it relates to the prophecy. Jesus died precisely on time in the middle of the 70th week, which is 30 A.D. Some students of prophecy believe the 70th week is broken into two parts. In this view, the 70th week contains a time period of 3.5 years, a gap of many centuries, then the final time period of 3.5 years. If this is true, the middle of the 70th cannot be determined! For example, we can only compute the middle of the 70th week when we know the beginning and ending dates. The middle year between 27 A.D. and 34 A.D. is 30 A.D. However, if the 70th week is not consecutive years, the middle of the 70th week cannot be determined until the end of the week is known.

Other students of prophecy attempt to move the entire 70th week of seven years to the end of time. If this is done, the birth, death and resurrection of Jesus are completely missed! Further, those moving the 70th week of seven years to the end of time disconnect the 69 weeks from the 70th week. If this is done, no historical marker pinpoints the beginning of the seven years of the 70th week.

The 70 weeks of 490 years must stand together as one unit of time. These years were allotted to the Jewish nation to accomplish certain things, which Gabriel explained to Daniel. Jesus Himself confirmed the beginning of the 70th week of seven years by beginning His ministry in 27 A.D. and confirming the covenant by His death three and a half years later in 30 A.D.

The third and last key that unlocks this portion of the prophecy relates to the end of the 70th week – 34 A.D. At this point in time, the destiny of the Jewish nation was decided.

KEY III – The destiny of the Jews

Let us review Gabriel's comments to Daniel concerning the Jews:

"70 sevens (or weeks) are granted to Israel to":

1. Pay the penalty for their wicked deeds as a nation
2. Put an end to national apostasy
3. Bring in everlasting righteousness
4. Seal up the vision and prophecy
5. Anoint the Most Holy

The first two elements of the prophecy above relate to Jewish behavior and the last three elements relate to promised glory. The Jews knew they were special to God. They knew that Messiah would come through their bloodline. This prophecy underscores the special relationship between Jesus and His people. If they would turn to Jesus, Israel could still fulfill His purpose. They would have the opportunity to anoint the Most Holy One of Israel! They would have the opportunity to bring in everlasting righteousness. Just think, if the Jews had taken advantage of the promise given, the history of the world would be far different than it has been! If the Jews have fulfilled their calling, they could have "sealed up the vision and prophecy" so that the destruction also contained in this prophecy would not take place!

This prophecy (and a few others in the Bible) contains a conditional element. If Israel did not meet the conditions set forth, Jerusalem would again be destroyed and wars and desolations would continue to the end of the world. Even more, the "one" who causes wars and desolations would be free to continue his work until the end.

This prophecy illuminates a very serious and important point. When Jesus chose Israel to be a special people to Himself, He wanted them to clearly understand that the relationship depended upon certain conditions. Jesus told the Jews through Moses, "..If you do not obey the Lord your God and do not carefully follow all his commands and decrees I am giving you today, all these curses will come upon you and overtake you… The Lord will send on you curses, confusion and rebuke in everything you put your hand to, until you are destroyed and come to sudden ruin because of the evil you have done in forsaking him." Deuteronomy 28:15,20

So, seventy "sevens" or 490 years of probationary time was granted to Israel. It was their last opportunity for reconciliation with Jesus. God had suffered with their stiff-necks and hard hearts for about 1300 years, and this was their final opportunity. If they did not respond to the offer, Jesus would do something else. Several important factors supplement this portion of the prophecy.

During the 70 "sevens" Israel was to atone for their wicked ways as a nation by experiencing revival and reformation. Repentance means the forsaking of sin! During this probationary time of 490 years (457 B.C. to 34 A.D.), the Jewish nation was to "bring in everlasting righteousness" by forsaking sin and measuring up to the high standards set forth by Jesus.

70 "sevens" – a measure of forgiveness

The Jewish people knew the 70 sevens were probationary. They knew national apostasy brought on the Babylonian captivity. They knew they were given a last chance. In fact, Jesus used the 70 "sevens" mentioned in Daniel 9 as an expression of forbearance when Peter asked, "…Lord, how many times shall I forgive my brother when he sins against me? Up to seven times? Jesus answered, I tell you, not seven times, but seventy times seven." Matthew 18:21,22

The Jews were to bring in everlasting righteousness. What does "bringing in everlasting righteousness" mean? It means Jesus wanted the nation to operate on the principles of righteousness. This can only happen if the people of the nation love righteousness. Jesus wanted a people that loved the Lord with all their hearts and their neighbors as themselves! The Jews clearly knew that their favored status with God was conditional. Moses had said, "If you fully obey the Lord your God and carefully follow all his commands… blessings will come… However, if you do not obey the Lord your God and do not carefully follow all his commands… curses will come upon you…" (Deut 28)

The last year of the 70th "seven" occurred in 34 A.D. This year is very important for it represents the last year of Jewish probation as a nation to receive and fulfill God's promises. As the 490 years of probationary time expired, so did Israel's last opportunity to fulfill God's glorious plan for them as a nation. Like Sodom and Gomorrah, Jericho and the wicked nations of Canaan, Israel passed the point of divine forbearance. They had been forgiven "seventy times seven." The Jewish nation like the heathen nations before them came to the end of divine mercy and Jesus dealt with them accordingly. Jesus had clearly warned Israel of His actions on the heathen and made it clear He would do the same to them saying, "…So I punished (the land of Canaan) for its sin and the land vomited out its inhabitants… And if you defile the land, it will vomit you out as it vomited out the nations that were before you." Leviticus 18:25,28

Israel abandoned

A series of events transpired in 34 A.D. that shows Jesus terminated His relationship with the nation of Israel. Before looking at them, lets review Israel's relation to Jesus:

* The Jews rejected Jesus as the Messiah, the Savior of the world. They could not see beyond the shadows of ceremonies and services. For salvation, they preferred the blood of animals to faith in the blood of Jesus.
* The Jews failed to bring in national repentance; thus their corporate rebellion led them to crucify Jesus and persecute those who represented His work on earth.
Their religious pride blinded them in their transgressions.
* Jesus, knowing He would die in 30 A.D. when He gave the prophecy to Daniel, did not base the close of Jewish probation on His death. For three and half years after His death, His disciples pressed upon the leaders in Jerusalem the prophecies concerning the resurrected Messiah! Oh, what divine mercy, what divine patience and forbearance! Jesus, before his death predicted the Jews would reject the gospel, saying, "If they do not listen to Moses and the Prophets, they will not be convinced even if someone rises from the dead."
Luke 16:31

The straw that breaks the camel's back

The most significant historical event recorded in the Bible during the last year of probationary time (34 A.D.) was the stoning of the Christian deacon, Stephen. The Sanhedrin (the Jewish Supreme court) sentenced Stephen to death for preaching, "Jesus risen from the dead." The killing of Stephen initiated a calculated and open persecution of all Christians by the Jews (see Acts 7).

Jesus chooses others to carry His gospel

What did Jesus do from heaven in 34 A.D. in response to the decision of the Jews?

1. Jesus gave Peter a vision about unclean animals. While in vision, Peter thought the command to "kill and eat" the unclean animals had dietary implications. Peter said, "I have never eaten anything impure or unclean." Acts 10:14 But a voice from heaven said, "…Do not call anything impure that God has made clean." Acts 10:15 three times this happened. Peter wondered about the vision. What did it mean? While thinking about the meaning, the Holy Spirit said, "…Simon, three men are looking for you. So get up and go downstairs. Do not hesitate to go with them, for I have sent them."
Acts 10:19,20

The apostle Peter was invited to the home of a Roman centurion, Cornelius. Cornelius was a Gentile and as such, was regarded as "unclean" by the Jews. But Cornelius wanted to hear the gospel. He was a God-fearing man.

Peter was very perplexed about going into the home of a Gentile (which was unlawful for a Jew to enter), but the Holy Spirit had said, "Go!" Upon arriving at the home of Cornelius, Peter said, "…you are well aware that it is against our law for a Jew to associate with a Gentile or visit him. But God has shown me that I should not call any man impure or unclean. So when I was sent for, I came without raising any objection. May I ask why you sent for me?" Acts 10:28,29 Peter now understood the meaning of the vision. A great change was taking place. He dimly began to see that the commission of representing God on earth belonged to the Christians – instead of the Jews. (Compare Acts 10, Matthew 28)

2. Perhaps the strongest response of Jesus to Israel's final rejection in 34 A.D. was to take one of Israel's brightest and best and "make" a Christian out of him. The conversion of Saul to the apostle Paul and his life of service is a story only excelled by the life of Jesus. Saul, the Jewish persecutor, became Paul, the persecuted Christian, an apostle sent specifically to the gentiles. Jesus told Ananias concerning Saul, "…This man is my chosen instrument to carry my name before the Gentiles and their kings and before the people of Israel. I will show him how much he must suffer for my name." Acts 9:15,16

At the expiration of the 70 "seven" in 34 A.D., Israel had failed to meet the conditions of the prophecy. Therefore, Jesus rose up a new group of "chosen" people called "Christians." Jesus set out to accomplish through the Christians Church what the Jews had failed to do. He gave the Christian Church a renewed covenant, a renewed faith, a renewed understanding of His character and most of all, a theology based on His life, death, resurrection and priestly ministry.

Three keys confirm historical footing

The three keys now work together to unlock the longest time prophecy in the Bible. Note that 457 B.C. is now historically confirmed with three dates. First, Jesus began His ministry on time (27 A.D.), He died on time (30 A.D.), and Israel lost favored status at the end of the seventy "seven" (34 A.D.). The promised destruction of the city and the temple also mentioned in the prophecy (Daniel 9:26) occurred in 70 A.D. Rome completely destroyed Jerusalem in that siege. What a sad ending to such a glorious beginning.

The appointed time of the end

The vision of Daniel is comprehensive. As you can see, the Bible is a storehouse of treasures and those who study prophecy study the deep things of God.

Now that the accuracy of 457 B.C. has been "nailed" down, we can understand another portion of Daniel's vision. Remember, Daniel heard two angels talking in the first segment of his vision. One angel asked a very complex question that really contains five questions. They are:

1. How long will it take for the vision to be fulfilled?
2. How will the daily be taken away?
3. How long will the rebellion that causes desolation last?
4. How long will the sanctuary be surrendered?
5. How long will the saints be trampled upon?

The answers to these five questions are sprinkled throughout this comprehensive prophecy. To appreciate the answers to all these questions, the student must understand Revelation's story too. For now, we will look at the fourth question, "how long will the sanctuary be surrendered?"

Daniel heard an immediate answer to this question. One angel said, "…it will take 2,300 evenings and mornings; then the sanctuary will be recons crated" (Daniel 8:14). Daniel heard the answer, but didn't understand the meaning. Gabriel said, "The vision of the (2,300) evenings and mornings that has been given to you is true, but seal up the vision, for it concerns the distant future. I Daniel was exhausted and lay ill for several days. Then I got up and went about the king's business. I was appalled by the vision; it was beyond understanding" Daniel 8:26,27

A year passes

Daniel meditated on the vision from time to time. As any student of prophecy, he carefully studied all that had been revealed through past prophets for understanding on God's purposes and plans. He wanted to know the meaning of what he had seen. One day, while Daniel was in earnest prayer, Gabriel came to give more information about the vision.

(Note: The reason we have spent considerable effort establishing the historical importance and accuracy of 457 B.C. is because this date also marks the beginning of the 2.300 evenings and mornings!)

Seventy "sevens" are cut off

Remember, Gabriel told Daniel, "Seventy sevens are decreed for your people…" Daniel 9:24 The Hebrew word translated "decreed" is chathak (see Strong's Hebrew and Chaldee dictionary #2852), which literally means, "cut off." What Gabriel told Daniel is that seventy "sevens" are "cut off" from the vision of the 2,300 evenings and mornings. In other words, the 490 years are a subset or part of the larger vision.

The relationship between the vision recorded in Daniel 8 and the comments of Gabriel in Daniel 9 is clearly established for Daniel identifies Gabriel as the one he had talked with in the earlier segment of this vision. (Daniel 9:21) Even though Daniel desired to know the meaning of the vision concerning the 2,300 evenings and mornings, Gabriel does not directly address the first segment of Daniel's vision except to say the seventy sevens are cut off from the larger time period.

What does the scripture mean? "…it will take 2,300 evenings and mornings; then the sanctuary will be recon se crated." Daniel 8:14 Several elements have to be addressed to explain the meaning of this verse.

1. Since creation, an evening and a morning represent one day. "God called the light 'day' and the darkness He called 'night'. And there was evening and morning the first day." Genesis 1:5 In Bible times a day began at evening (twilight). This was followed by midnight, morning and noon. A 24-hour day lasted from evening to evening.

* 2,300 evenings and mornings means 2,300 days. Since the seventy "sevens" (490 years) are "cut off" from this prophecy, we know that this prophecy represents on day as a year. Here's how: the seventy "sevens" are a subset of a larger time prophecy; consequently, they are "cut off" or cut out of the larger time prophecy. If the seventy "sevens" use the day for a year process, then 2,300 days have to follow the day/year structure too!





From the mathematics alone, we note the date would be 1843. This is because math uses a number scale that includes a zero. Notice the following scale:

-----------------------------------------

- 2 -1 0 1 2



3. You will notice that 2 years (or two spaces) exist between –1 and 1 for this scale moves from –1 to 0 to 1. When the dating of time relative to Christ's birth was put together, the 0 year was left out. It is not possible to say 0 B.C. or 0 A.D. So any periods of time that span B.C. to A.D. must have an additional year added to be mathematically correct. So 1843 + 1 equals 1844.

4. What does the Bible mean when it says that the sanctuary will be recon se crated or cleansed after 2,300 evenings and mornings?

Some Christians believe that the Jews are still God's chosen people and that Israel has an important part for the cause of Jesus at the end of the world. Thirty-eight hundred years of Jewish history and tradition indicates the Jewish nation will never accept Christ as the promised Messiah. (Yes, a few Jews have come to accept Jesus as their personal Messiah, but as a nation, they haven't changed.)

It is true that Israel plays a part in the end of the world – but it is not a glorious part. This prophecy of Daniel predicts that Israel (and most of the world) will accept the great imposter that is coming upon the earth claiming to be God! More will be said about this when we study Revelation 9.

The sanctuary to which the vision relates exists in heaven, where Jesus serves as our High Priest. Remember, this vision primarily applies to the "appointed time of the end." The Romans destroyed the rebuilt sanctuary of the Jews in A.D.70 because the privilege of being God's chosen nation was forfeited by the end of the 70th Week (34 A.D.). Thus Jesus prophesied to the Pharisees, "Look, your house (temple) is left to you desolate."

Matthew 23:38

Remember, the Apostle Paul confirms the presence of the heavenly sanctuary, "We do have such a high priest, who sat down at the right hand of the throne of the Majesty in heaven, and who serves in the sanctuary, the true tabernacle set up by the Lord, not by man." Hebrews 8:1,2

So, the vision of the 2,300 days is connected to the services of the heavenly sanctuary that is to be restored or recon se crated! How can this be?

The sanctuary restored

The Christian faith is built upon the achievement of Jesus. He came to earth, was tempted beyond anything humans will ever face; yet lived a sinless life and willingly died at the hands of His own people to pay the penalty of sin. He returned to heaven and sat down at the right hand of the Father to intercede through the merits of His blood for the human race. Christ's work in heaven from His ascension to 1844 many is thought of as that of a priest in the earthy sanctuary.

Since the Old Testament sanctuary built in the wilderness was a representation of the one in heaven, services there represent or "shadow" processes of services actually taking place in heaven! Paul clearly understood this point. Talking about the role of priests, he says, "They serve at a sanctuary that is a copy and shadow of what is in heaven. This is why Moses was warned when he was about to build the tabernacle: 'See to it that you make everything according to the pattern shown you on the mountain.'" Hebrews 8:5

Since the Jews failed to respond to the probationary time period of the seventy "sevens", the intended purpose of the rebuilt temple and restored services were never fulfilled. Consequently, Jesus said, "Your temple is left desolate." Here is a profound point: What Jesus intended to do in the earthy temple would have to be done in the heavenly one!

In a later lesson, we will learn that Jesus was coroneted as High Priest in 1844 in heaven and began a very special work. It is His coronation and work as our High Priest that recon se crates or restores the sanctuary process! This is not to say Jesus wasn't busy with heavenly business from His ascension in 30 A.D. to 1844. No! Jesus was very intimately involved with the development of the Christian Church. Jesus showed Daniel that certain matters would develop during the "times of the Gentiles." Some of these prophetic matters are very fascinating and will be looked at in our next lesson.

The point is made that Jesus clearly placed a long span of time between Daniel's day and the "appointed time of the end: - 2,300 years to be exact! Since Jesus personally confirmed the accuracy of 457 B.C. with his baptism and death, 1844 is just as certain too! We shall soon see that 1844 marks the beginning of the end.

Summary

Daniel 8 and 9 are inseparably linked together to show us when the "appointed time of the end" arrives chronologically. The accuracy of 1844 is as certain as the beginning date of 457 B.C., the baptism of Jesus in 27 A.D. and the death of Jesus in 30 A.D. Three keys unlock the meaning of the seventy "sevens" and the resulting harmony is both scriptural and historical.

Isn't it interesting that what the Jews forfeited, the Christians inherited? In our next study, we will look into prophetic events that take place between the ascension of Jesus and 1844. We will see how history repeats itself!



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Two days or one?

Anti-Judaism at root of 'Sunday Sabbath'?
4th century church banned observing Saturday at risk of ex-communication
Posted: March 16, 2008
5:25 pm Eastern

© 2008 WorldNetDaily

When Samuele Bacchiocchi, a Seventh-Day Adventist, immersed himself in the research of how the biblical Sabbath moved from Saturday to Sunday, he did so in an unlikely environment for a non-Catholic – the Pontifical Gregorian University in Rome.

He not only had open access to long-forgotten historical records, he also graduated at the top of his class – summa cum laude, an honor which included a gold medal from Pope Paul VI.

But what he found in that investigation would probably shock most Christians who have never studied the subject, nor thought deeply about what became of the fourth commandment.

What caused the switch from worship on Saturday to Sunday? One of the principle motivations in the early church, Bacchiocchi finds, was anti-Judaism.

Consider this Nicene conciliar letter from Constantine written in A.D. 325: "Let us then have nothing in common with the detestable Jewish crowd: for we have received from our Savior a different way ... Strive and pray continually that the purity of your souls may not seem in anything to be sullied by fellowship with the customs of these most wicked men ... All should unite in desiring that which sound reason appears to demand and in avoiding all participation in the perjured conduct of the Jews."

Not surprisingly, anti-Sabbath laws followed in Rome – imposing harsh penalties for anyone who refused to work on Saturday or who deigned to worship on that day of the week.

He quotes Sylvester I, the pope from 314-337: "If every Sunday is to be observed joyfully by the Christians on account of the resurrection, then every Sabbath on account of the burial is to be execration (loathing or cursing) of the Jews."

Observing the Sabbath meant excommunication from the church as of A.D. 363 and the Council of Laodicea: "Christians must not judaize by resting on the Sabbath, but must work on that day, rather honoring the Lord's Day; and, if they can, resting then as Christians. But if any shall be found to be judaizers, let them be anathema from Christ."

But Bacchiocchi also reminds readers the Saturday Sabbath, despite official repression against it, never was completely abandoned.

Likewise, over the years, some prominent voices have never forgotten the Sabbath – and what became of it.

Was it, indeed, a Roman Catholic decision made after the first century and the death of the apostles?

It's hard to argue with the historical record.

In fact, some Catholics revel in the role Rome played in the switch.

"The Catholic Church of its own infallible authority created Sunday a holy day to take the place of the Sabbath of the old law," wrote the Kansas City Catholic on Feb. 9, 1893.

Other Catholic sources agree with little self-doubt.

"Sunday is a Catholic institution, and its claims to observance can be defended only on Catholic principles," wrote the Catholic Press in Sydney, Australia, on Aug. 25, 1900. "From beginning to end of Scripture there is not a single passage that warrants the transfer of weekly public worship from the last day of the week to the first."

James Cardinal Gibbons seconds the motion in his famous "The Faith of Our Fathers," published in 1876: "You may read the Bible from Genesis to Revelation, and you will not find a single line authorizing the sanctification of Sunday. The Scriptures enforce the religious observance of Saturday, a day which we never sanctify."

But it's not just Catholics who acknowledge the church has just plain forgotten one of God's great commandments – without so much as a second thought.



Dwight L. Moody


Dwight L. Moody, one of America's great Protestant evangelists of the 19th century, noted the omission in his book, "Weighed and Wanting."

"The Sabbath was binding in Eden, and it has been in force ever since," he wrote. "The fourth commandment begins with the word 'remember,' showing that the Sabbath already existed when God wrote the law on the tablets of stone at Sinai. How can men claim that this one commandment has been done away with when they will admit that the other nine are still binding?"

How do today's top Christian pastors refute the evidence the Sabbath is still in effect?

Greg Laurie, a Calvary Chapel pastor with one of the largest congregations in the country in Southern California, as well as a weekly columnist at WND, says there are three reasons Christians do not observe the Sabbath:

* It is the only commandment not repeated in the New Testament.
* Jesus never taught anyone to keep the Sabbath.
* The apostles never taught anyone to keep the Sabbath.

The Sabbath, he says, is a "shadow of the things that were to come; the reality, however, is found in Christ."

"It would be like coming back from a long trip away from my wife and kids," he says. "I could not wait to get home and be reunited with them. Then while getting off the plane I see them with the sun behind them casting a long shadow before them. Then I get off the plane and run and fall down and try to hug the shadow!"

Mind Help

Chap. 18 - Mind Cure

The relation that exists between the mind and the body is very intimate. When one is affected, the other sympathizes. The condition of the mind affects the health to a far greater degree than many realize. Many of the diseases from which men suffer are the result of mental depression. Grief, anxiety, discontent, remorse, guilt, distrust, all tend to break down the life forces and to invite decay and death. {MH 241.1}
Disease is sometimes produced, and is often greatly aggravated, by the imagination. Many are lifelong invalids who might be well if they only thought so. Many imagine that every slight exposure will cause illness, and the evil effect is produced because it is expected. Many die from disease the cause of which is wholly imaginary. {MH 241.2}
Courage, hope, faith, sympathy, love, promote health and prolong life. A contented mind, a cheerful spirit, is health to the body and strength to the soul. "A merry [rejoicing] heart doeth good like a medicine." Proverbs 17:22. {MH 241.3}
In the treatment of the sick the effect of mental influence should not be overlooked. Rightly used, this influence affords one of the most effective agencies for combating disease.
242
{MH 241.4}
Control of Mind Over Mind

There is, however, a form of mind cure that is one of the most effective agencies for evil. Through this so-called science, one mind is brought under the control of another so that the individuality of the weaker is merged in that of the stronger mind. One person acts out the will of another. Thus it is claimed that the tenor of the thoughts may be changed, that health-giving impulses may be imparted, and patients may be enabled to resist and overcome disease. {MH 242.1}
This method of cure has been employed by persons who were ignorant of its real nature and tendency, and who believed it to be a means of benefit to the sick. But the so-called science is based upon false principles. It is foreign to the nature and spirit of Christ. It does not lead to Him who is life and salvation. The one who attracts minds to himself leads them to separate from the true Source of their strength. {MH 242.2}
It is not God's purpose that any human being should yield his mind and will to the control of another, becoming a passive instrument in his hands. No one is to merge his individuality in that of another. He is not to look to any human being as the source of healing. His dependence must be in God. In the dignity of his God-given manhood he is to be controlled by God Himself, not by any human intelligence. {MH 242.3}
God desires to bring men into direct relation with Himself. In all His dealings with human beings He recognizes the principle of personal responsibility. He seeks to encourage a sense of personal dependence and to impress the need of personal guidance. He desires to bring the human into association with the divine, that men may be transformed into the divine likeness. Satan works to thwart this purpose. He seeks to encourage dependence upon men. When minds are
243
turned away from God, the tempter can bring them under his rule. He can control humanity. {MH 242.4}
The theory of mind controlling mind was originated by Satan, to introduce himself as the chief worker, to put human philosophy where divine philosophy should be. Of all the errors that are finding acceptance among professedly Christian people, none is a more dangerous deception, none more certain to separate man from God, than is this. Innocent though it may appear, if exercised upon patients it will tend to their destruction, not to their restoration. It opens a door through which Satan will enter to take possession both of the mind that is given up to be controlled by another, and of the mind that controls. {MH 243.1}
Fearful is the power thus given to evil-minded men and women. What opportunities it affords to those who live by taking advantage of other's weaknesses or follies! How many, through control of minds feeble or diseased, will find a means of gratifying lustful passion or greed of gain! {MH 243.2}
There is something better for us to engage in than the control of humanity by humanity. The physician should educate the people to look from the human to the divine. Instead of teaching the sick to depend upon human beings for the cure of soul and body, he should direct them to the One who can save to the uttermost all who come unto Him. He who made man's mind knows what the mind needs. God alone is the One who can heal. Those whose minds and bodies are
244
diseased are to behold in Christ the restorer. "Because I live, He says, "ye shall live also." John 14:19. This is the life we are to present to the sick, telling them that if they have faith in Christ as the restorer, if they co-operate with Him, obeying the laws of health, and striving to perfect holiness in His fear, He will impart to them His life. When we present Christ to them in this way, we are imparting a power, a strength, that is of value; for it comes from above. This is the true science of healing for body and soul. {MH 243.3}
Sympathy

Great wisdom is needed in dealing with diseases caused through the mind. A sore, sick heart, a discouraged mind, needs mild treatment. Many times some living home trouble is, like a canker, eating to the very soul and weakening the life force. And sometimes it is the case that remorse for sin undermines the constitution and unbalances the mind. It is through tender sympathy that this class of invalids can be benefited. The physician should first gain their confidence and then point them to the Great Healer. If their faith can be directed to the True Physician, and they can have confidence that He has undertaken their case, this will bring relief to the mind and often give health to the body. {MH 244.1}
Sympathy and tact will often prove a greater benefit to the sick than will the most skillful treatment given in a cold, indifferent way. When a physician comes to the sickbed with a listless, careless manner, looks at the afflicted one with little concern, by word or action giving the impression that the case is not one requiring much attention, and then leaves the patient to his own reflections, he has done that patient positive harm. The doubt and discouragement produced by his indifference will often counteract the good effect of the remedies he may prescribe.
245
{MH 244.2}
If physicians could put themselves in the place of the one whose spirit is humbled and whose will is weakened by suffering, and who longs for words of sympathy and assurance, they would be better prepared to appreciate his feelings. When the love and sympathy that Christ manifested for the sick is combined with the physician's knowledge, his very presence will be a blessing. {MH 245.1}
Frankness in dealing with a patient inspires him with confidence, and thus proves an important aid to recovery. There are physicians who consider it wise policy to conceal from the patient the nature and cause of the disease from which he is suffering. Many, fearing to excite or discourage a patient by stating the truth, will hold out false hopes of recovery, and even allow a patient to go down to the grave without warning him of his danger. All this is unwise. It may not always be safe or best to explain to the patient the full extent of his danger. This might alarm him and retard or even prevent recovery. Nor can the whole truth always be told to those whose ailments are largely imaginary. Many of these persons are unreasonable, and have not accustomed themselves to exercise self-control. They have peculiar fancies, and imagine many things that are false in regard to themselves and to others. To them these things are real, and those who care for them need to manifest constant kindness and unwearied patience and tact. If these patients were told the truth in regard to themselves, some would be offended, others discouraged. Christ said to His disciples, "I have yet many things to say unto you, but ye cannot bear them now." John 16:12. But though the truth may not all be spoken on all occasions, it is never necessary or justifiable to deceive. Never should the physician or the nurse stoop to prevarication. He who does this places himself where God cannot co-operate with him, and in forfeiting the confidence of his patients he is casting away one of the most effective human aids to their restoration.
246
{MH 245.2}
The power of the will is not valued as it should be. Let the will be kept awake and rightly directed, and it will impart energy to the whole being and will be a wonderful aid in the maintenance of health. It is a power also in dealing with disease. Exercised in the right direction, it would control the imagination and be a potent means of resisting and overcoming disease of both mind and body. By the exercise of the will power in placing themselves in right relation to life, patients can do much to co-operate with the physician's efforts for their recovery. There are thousands who can recover health if they will. The Lord does not want them to be sick. He desires them to be well and happy, and they should make up their minds to be well. Often invalids can resist disease simply by refusing to yield to ailments and settle down in a state of inactivity. Rising above their aches and pains, let them engage in useful employment suited to their strength. By such employment and the free use of air and sunlight, many an emaciated invalid might recover health and strength. {MH 246.1}
Bible Principles of Cure

For those who would regain or preserve health there is a lesson in the words of Scripture, "Be not drunk with wine, wherein is excess; but be filled with the Spirit." Ephesians 5:18. Not through the excitement or oblivion produced by unnatural or unhealthful stimulants; not through indulgence of the lower appetites or passions, is to be found true healing or refreshment for the body or the soul. Among the sick are many who are without God and without hope. They suffer from ungratified desires, disordered passions, and the condemnation of their own consciences; they are losing their hold upon this life, and they have no prospect for the life to come. Let not the attendants upon the sick hope to benefit these patients
247
by granting them frivolous, exciting indulgences. These have been the curse of their lives. The hungry, thirsting soul will continue to hunger and thirst so long as it seeks to find satisfaction here. Those who drink at the fountain of selfish pleasure are deceived. They mistake hilarity for strength, and when the excitement ceases, their inspiration ends, and they are left to discontent and despondency. {MH 246.2}
Abiding peace, true rest of spirit, has but one Source. It was of this that Christ spoke when He said, "Come unto Me, all ye that labor and are heavy-laden, and I will give you rest." Matthew 11:28. "Peace I leave with you, My peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you." John 14:27. This peace is not something that He gives apart from Himself. It is in Christ, and we can receive it only by receiving Him. {MH 247.1}
Christ is the wellspring of life. That which many need is to have a clearer knowledge of Him; they need to be patiently and kindly, yet earnestly, taught how the whole being may be thrown open to the healing agencies of heaven. When the sunlight of God's love illuminates the darkened chambers of the soul, restless weariness and dissatisfaction will cease, and satisfying joys will give vigor to the mind and health and energy to the body. {MH 247.2}
We are in a world of suffering. Difficulty, trial, and sorrow await us all along the way to the heavenly home. But there are many who make life's burdens doubly heavy by continually anticipating trouble. If they meet with adversity or
248
disappointment they think that everything is going to ruin, that theirs is the hardest lot of all, that they are surely coming to want. Thus they bring wretchedness upon themselves and cast a shadow upon all around them. Life itself becomes a burden to them. But it need not be thus. It will cost a determined effort to change the current of their thought. But the change can be made. Their happiness, both for this life and for the life to come, depends upon their fixing their minds upon cheerful things. Let them look away from the dark picture, which is imaginary, to the benefits which God has strewn in their pathway, and beyond these to the unseen and eternal. {MH 247.3}
For every trial, God has provided help. When Israel in the desert came to the bitter waters of Marah, Moses cried unto the Lord. The Lord did not provide some new remedy; He called attention to that which was at hand. A shrub which He had created was to be cast into the fountain to make the water pure and sweet. When this was done, the people drank of the water and were refreshed. In every trial, if we seek Him, Christ will give us help. Our eyes will be opened to discern the healing promises recorded in His word. The Holy Spirit will teach us how to appropriate every blessing that will be an antidote to grief. For every bitter draft that is placed to our lips, we shall find a branch of healing. {MH 248.1}
We are not to let the future, with its hard problems, its unsatisfying prospects, make our hearts faint, our knees tremble, our hands hang down. "Let him take hold of My strength," says the Mighty One, "that he may make peace with Me; and he shall make peace with Me." Isaiah 27:5. Those who surrender their lives to His guidance and to His service will never be placed in a position for which He has not made provision. Whatever our situation, if we are doers of His word, we have a Guide to direct our way; whatever our
249
perplexity, we have a sure Counselor; whatever our sorrow, bereavement, or loneliness, we have a sympathizing Friend. {MH 248.2}
If in our ignorance we make missteps, the Saviour does not forsake us. We need never feel that we are alone. Angels are our companions. The Comforter that Christ promised to send in His name abides with us. In the way that leads to the City of God there are no difficulties which those who trust in Him may not overcome. There are no dangers which they may not escape. There is not a sorrow, not a grievance, not a human weakness, for which He has not provided a remedy. {MH 249.1}
None need abandon themselves to discouragement and despair. Satan may come to you with the cruel suggestion, "Yours is a hopeless case. You are irredeemable." But there is hope for you in Christ. God does not bid us overcome in our own strength. He asks us to come close to His side. Whatever difficulties we labor under, which weigh down soul and body, He waits to make us free. {MH 249.2}
He who took humanity upon Himself knows how to sympathize with the sufferings of humanity. Not only does Christ know every soul, and the peculiar needs and trials of that soul, but He knows all the circumstances that chafe and perplex the spirit. His hand is outstretched in pitying tenderness to every suffering child. Those who suffer most have most of His sympathy and pity. He is touched with the feeling of our infirmities, and He desires us to lay our perplexities and troubles at His feet and leave them there. {MH 249.3}
It is not wise to look to ourselves and study our emotions. If we do this, the enemy will present difficulties and temptations that weaken faith and destroy courage. Closely to study our emotions and give way to our feelings is to entertain doubt and entangle ourselves in perplexity. We are to look away from self to Jesus.
250
{MH 249.4}
When temptations assail you, when care, perplexity, and darkness seem to surround your soul, look to the place where you last saw the light. Rest in Christ's love and under His protecting care. When sin struggles for the mastery in the heart, when guilt oppresses the soul and burdens the conscience, when unbelief clouds the mind, remember that Christ's grace is sufficient to subdue sin and banish the darkness. Entering into communion with the Saviour, we enter the region of peace.


The Healing Promises


"The Lord redeemeth the soul of His servants:
And none of them that trust in Him shall be desolate."
Psalm 34:22.


"In the fear of the Lord is strong confidence:
And His children shall have a place of refuge."
Proverbs 14:26.


"Zion said, Jehovah hath forsaken me, and
The Lord hath forgotten me.
Can a woman forget her sucking child,
That she should not have compassion on the son of her
womb?
Yea, these may forget, yet will not I forget thee.
Behold, I have graven thee upon the palms of My hands."
Isaiah 49:14-16, A.R.V.
251

"Fear thou not; for I am with thee:
Be not dismayed; for I am thy God:
I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee;
Yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of My
righteousness." Isaiah 41:10.


"Ye that have been borne by Me from your birth,
That have been carried by Me from your earliest breath,
Even to your old age I am the same;
Even to hoar hairs I will carry you;
I have done it, and I will still bear you;
I will carry, and I will deliver you."
Isaiah 46:3, 4, Noyes. {MH 250.1}
Nothing tends more to promote health of body and of soul than does a spirit of gratitude and praise. It is a positive duty to resist melancholy, discontented thoughts and feelings--as much a duty as it is to pray. If we are heaven-bound, how can we go as a band of mourners, groaning and complaining all along the way to our Father's house? {MH 251.1}
Those professed Christians who are constantly complaining, and who seem to think cheerfulness and happiness a sin, have not genuine religion. Those who take a mournful pleasure in all that is melancholy in the natural world, who choose to look upon dead leaves rather than to gather the beautiful living flowers, who see no beauty in grand mountain heights and in valleys clothed with living green, who close their senses to the joyful voice which speaks to them in nature, and which is sweet and musical to the listening ear--these are not in Christ. They are gathering to themselves gloom and darkness, when they might have brightness, even the Sun of Righteousness arising in their hearts with healing in His beams. {MH 251.2}
Often your mind may be clouded because of pain. Then do not try to think. You know that Jesus loves you. He understands your weakness. You may do His will by simply resting in His arms. {MH 251.3}
It is a law of nature that our thoughts and feelings are encouraged and strengthened as we give them utterance.
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While words express thoughts, it is also true that thoughts follow words. If we would give more expression to our faith, rejoice more in the blessings that we know we have,--the great mercy and love of God,--we should have more faith
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and greater joy. No tongue can express, no finite mind can conceive, the blessing that results from appreciating the goodness and love of God. Even on earth we may have joy as a wellspring, never failing, because fed by the streams that flow from the throne of God. {MH 251.4}
Then let us educate our hearts and lips to speak the praise of God for His matchless love. Let us educate our souls to be hopeful and to abide in the light shining from the cross of Calvary. Never should we forget that we are children of the heavenly King, sons and daughters of the Lord of hosts. It is our privilege to maintain a calm repose in God. {MH 253.1}
"Let the peace of God rule in your hearts; . . . and be ye thankful." Colossians 3:15. Forgetting our own difficulties and troubles, let us praise God for an opportunity to live for the glory of His name. Let the fresh blessings of each new day awaken praise in our hearts for these tokens of His loving care. When you open your eyes in the morning, thank God that He has kept you through the night. Thank Him for His peace in your heart. Morning, noon, and night, let gratitude as a sweet perfume ascend to heaven. {MH 253.2}
When someone asks how you are feeling, do not try to think of something mournful to tell in order to gain sympathy. Do not talk of your lack of faith and your sorrows and sufferings. The tempter delights to hear such words. When talking on gloomy subjects, you are glorifying him. We are not to dwell on the great power of Satan to overcome us. Often we give ourselves into his hands by talking of his power. Let us talk instead of the great power of God to bind up all our interests with His own. Tell of the matchless power of Christ, and speak of His glory. All heaven is interested in our salvation. The angels of God, thousands upon thousands, and ten thousand times ten thousand, are commissioned to minister to those who shall be heirs of salvation. They guard us against evil and press back the powers of darkness that are seeking our destruction. Have we not
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reason to be thankful every moment, thankful even when there are apparent difficulties in our pathway? {MH 253.3}
Sing Praises

Let praise and thanksgiving be expressed in song. When tempted, instead of giving utterance to our feelings, let us by faith lift up a song of thanksgiving to God.


We praise Thee, O God, for the Son of Thy love,--
For Jesus who died and is now gone above.


We praise Thee, O God, for Thy Spirit of light,
Who has shown us our Saviour, and scattered our night.


All glory and praise to the Lamb that was slain,
Who has borne all our sins, and has cleansed every stain.


All glory and praise to the God of all grace,
Who has bought us, and sought us, and guided our ways.


Revive us again; fill each heart with Thy love;
May each soul be rekindled with fire from above.


Chorus:
Hallelujah! Thine the glory, Hallelujah! amen;
Hallelujah! Thine the glory, Revive us again. {MH 254.1}
Song is a weapon that we can always use against discouragement. As we thus open the heart to the sunlight of the Saviour's presence, we shall have health and His blessing.
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"Give thanks unto the Lord, for He is good:
For His mercy endureth forever.
Let the redeemed of the Lord say so,
Whom He hath redeemed from the hand of the enemy."


"Sing unto Him, sing psalms unto Him:
Talk ye of all His wondrous works.
Glory ye in His holy name:
Let the heart of them rejoice that seek the Lord."


"For He satisfieth the longing soul,
And filleth the hungry soul with goodness.
Such as sit in darkness and in the shadow of death,
Being bound in affliction and iron; . . .
They cried unto the Lord in their trouble,
And He saved them out of their distresses.
He brought them out of darkness and the shadow of death,
And brake their bands in sunder.
Oh that men would praise the Lord for His goodness,
And for His wonderful works to the children of men!"


"Why art thou cast down, O my soul?
And why art thou disquieted within me?
Hope thou in God:
For I shall yet praise Him,
Who is the health of my countenance,
And my God."
Psalms 107:1,2; 105:2,3; 107:9-15; 42:11. {MH 254.2}
"In everything give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you." I Thessalonians 5:18. This command is an assurance that even the things which appear to be against us will work for our good. God would not bid us be thankful for that which would do us harm.


"The Lord is my light and my salvation;
Whom shall I fear?
The Lord is the strength of my life;
Of whom shall I be afraid?"
"In the day of trouble He shall keep me secretly in His pavilion:
In the covert of His tabernacle shall He hide me; . . .
And I will offer in His tabernacle sacrifices of joy;
I will sing, yea, I will sing praises unto the Lord."
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"I waited patiently for the Lord;
And He inclined unto me, and heard my cry.
He brought me up also out of an horrible pit, out of the
miry clay,
And set my feet upon a rock, and established my goings.
And He hath put a new song in my mouth, even praise
unto our God."
"The Lord is my strength and my shield;
My heart trusted in Him, and I am helped:
Therefore my heart greatly rejoiceth;
And with my song will I praise Him."
Psalms 27:1; 27:5, 6, R.V.; 40:1-3; 28:7. {MH 255.1}
One of the surest hindrances to the recovery of the sick is the centering of attention upon themselves. Many invalids feel that everyone should give them sympathy and help, when what they need is to have their attention turned away from themselves, to think of and care for others. {MH 256.1}
Often prayer is solicited for the afflicted, the sorrowful, the discouraged; and this is right. We should pray that God will shed light into the darkened mind and comfort the sorrowful heart. But God answers prayer for those who place themselves in the channel of His blessings. While we offer prayer for these sorrowful ones, we should encourage them to try to help those more needy than themselves. The darkness will be dispelled from their own hearts as they try to help others. As we seek to comfort others with the comfort wherewith we are comforted, the blessing comes back to us. {MH 256.2}
The fifty-eight chapter of Isaiah is a prescription for maladies of the body and of the soul. If we desire health and the true joy of life we must put into practice the rules given in this scripture. Of the service acceptable to Him, and its blessings, the Lord says:


"Is it not to deal thy bread to the hungry,
And that thou bring the poor that are cast out to thy house?
When thou seest the naked, that thou cover him;
And that thou hide not thyself from thine own flesh?
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Then shall thy light break forth as the morning,
And thine health shall spring forth speedily:
And thy righteousness shall go before thee;
The glory of the Lord shall be thy rearward.
Then shalt thou call, and the Lord shall answer;
Thou shalt cry, and He shall say, Here I am.
If thou take away from the midst of thee the yoke,
The putting forth of the finger, and speaking vanity;
And if thou draw out thy soul to the hungry,
And satisfy the afflicted soul;
Then shall thy light rise in obscurity,
And thy darkness be as the noonday:
And the Lord shall guide thee continually,
And satisfy thy soul in drought,
And make fat thy bones:
And thou shalt be like a watered garden,
And like a spring of water,
Whose waters fail not."
Isaiah 58:7-11. {MH 256.3}
Good deeds are twice a blessing, benefiting both the giver and the receiver of the kindness. The consciousness of right-doing is one of the best medicines for diseased bodies and minds. When the mind is free and happy from a sense of duty well done and the satisfaction of giving happiness to others, the cheering, uplifting influence brings new life to the whole being. {MH 257.1}
Let the invalid, instead of constantly requiring sympathy, seek to impart it. Let the burden of your own weakness and sorrow and pain be cast upon the compassionate Saviour. Open your heart to His love, and let it flow out to others. Remember that all have trials hard to bear, temptations hard to resist, and you may do something to lighten these burdens. Express gratitude for the blessings you have; show appreciation of the attentions you receive. Keep the heart full of the precious promises of God, that you may bring forth from this treasure, words that will be a comfort and strength to others. This will surround you with an atmosphere that will be helpful and uplifting. Let it be your aim to bless those around
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you, and you will find ways of being helpful, both to the members of your own family and to others. {MH 257.2}
If those who are suffering from ill-health would forget self in their interest for others; if they would fulfill the Lord's command to minister to those more needy than themselves, they would realize the truthfulness of the prophetic promise, "Then shall thy light break forth as the morning, and thine health shall spring forth speedily."


Marah and Elim


Today 'tis Elim with its palms and wells,
And happy shade for desert weariness;
'Twas Marah yesterday, all rock and sand,
Unshaded solitude and dreariness.
Yet the same desert holds them both, the same
Hot breezes wander o'er the lonely ground;
The same low stretch of valley shelters both,
And the same mountains compass them around.


So it is here with us on earth, and so
I do remember it has ever been;
The bitter and the sweet, the grief and joy,
Lie near together, but a day between.


Sometimes God turns our bitter into sweet,
Sometimes He gives us pleasant watersprings;
Sometimes He shades us with His pillar cloud,
And sometimes to a blessed palm shade brings.
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What matters it? The time will not be long;
Marah and Elim will alike be passed;
Our desert wells and palms will soon be done,
We reach the "City of our God" at last.
O happy land! beyond these lonely hills,
Where gush in joy the everlasting springs;
O holy Paradise! above these heavens,
Where we shall end our desert wanderings.
--Horatius Bonar.


Blessed Assurance


Blessed assurance, Jesus is mine!
Oh, what a foretaste of glory divine!
Heir of salvation, purchase of God,
Born of His Spirit, washed in His blood.


Chorus:
This is my story, this is my song,
Praising my Saviour all the day long;
This is my story, this is my song,
Praising my Saviour all the day long.


Perfect submission, perfect delight,
Visions of rapture now burst on my sight.
Angels descending bring from above
Echoes of mercy, whispers of love.


Perfect submission, all is at rest,
I in my Saviour am happy and blest,
Watching and waiting, looking above,
Filled with His goodness, lost in His love.
--Fanny J. Crosby. {MH 258.1}