Bible PROPHECY for the ENDtime

[Guest]

The first, second, and third angels messages are future and are given during the time of the trumpets.

My calculations for the first angel to sound his trumpet, is on the spring equinox 2016. The seventh trumpet sounds on Sept. 27-28 2019. The 1335 days start around end of June to early July 2012 (this has no connection to the Mayan calender, it is just coincidentaly the same year).

What pray tell, led you to believe this??

[wayfinder]

Quote:

What pray tell, led you to believe this??

The three angels warnings are connected to the effect of the trumpets. The first warning is to worship God the Creator of the heavens, the earth, the sea, and springs of waters. The first four trumpets effect the heavenly bodies, earth, sea and springs of water. This demonstrates that God, as Creator, is controlling these events. During this time of the first four devistating events of the trumpets, the world sets up a new order, bringing the whole world under a unified government. This unified world government, God calls Babylon. The second angel warns about the fallen, fallen state of Babylon. The last beast to appear is the one which makes everyone receive a mark (666) and worship it. The third angel warns against worshiping this beast and receiving his mark. The warnings are specific to the apostacy which occurs during the great tribulation, specifically the 3 1/2 years (time, times and half a time) and the 42 months which occur during this timeframe.

I don't expect you to agree with me, I am only showing you why I understand it this way.

[Johnnboy]

The first, second, and third angels messages are future and are given during the time of the trumpets.

My calculations for the first angel to sound his trumpet, is on the spring equinox 2016. The seventh trumpet sounds on Sept. 27-28 2019. The 1335 days start around end of June to early July 2012 (this has no connection to the Mayan calender, it is just coincidentaly the same year).

In all research and study of future end events, we need to put aside all our preconceived ideas, and only value as evidence inspired sources, which are the King James' Version of the Bible, or any literal translation of the Bible, and the Spirit of Prophecy writings. Any historical records that agree with these inspired sources can also be used as added emphasis.

I have tried to follow this principle in the research that I have done.

Regarding your position of the three angels' messages being future, the evidence from the Spirit of Prophecy would show that the main fulfillment is in the future, and that the past fulfillment is our guide to a better understanding of the details of the future fulfillment. The past fulfillment shows these three messages' linked to the sanctuary, specifically the judgment of the living, and the exact time of the year in the old sanctuary system when the judgment occurred.

I have not studied the trumpets of Revelation, exactly how they fit into the prophecies of Moses. These prophecies have been my focus and concentration. I don't see evidence for the years that you show for the end-time scenario, the last 7 years of time. The last 7 years of time would necessarily have to fit into the last week of years in the 50-year cycle of the Jewish economy, when all 4 of the “shadow” Sabbaths in the fall feast days align with 7th-day Sabbaths exactly the way the “shadow” Sabbaths of the spring feast days aligned at the first advent of the Messiah.

I would be interested to see any inspired evidence to support the years that you mention.

[Dr. Rich]

The inspired evidence is right there in the book of Revelation. Just don't change what was written or don't add to it because those now living in the last generation who do just might feel the wrath of God.

JB--not sure how much higher one can get to inspiration than what John, as an eyewitness to the ministry of Jesus, wrote down. You and everyone else can't prove inspiration one way or the other from any person's writings that are now dead or alive who was not an eyewitness of the ministry of Jesus when He was hear on earth. Of course Jesus testified to the Old Testament, so that is not a problem.

[Johnnboy]

There is no question about the main fulfillment of the trumpets and the other prophecies of Daniel and Revelation, being in the future. But we will not interpret this future fulfillment aright if we do not acknowledge and study the fulfillments of these same prophecies in their past fulfillments.

“That which hath been is now, and that which is to be hath already been; and God requireth that which is past.” Ecclesiastes 3:15.

The main fulfillment of the three angels' messages is definitely future, as is emphasized in the Spirit of Prophecy. But the placement and the timing of these, are based entirely upon the time of the judgment. For that information we have to rely on the prophecies of Moses and the timing and the placement in relation to the judgment brought out in the past fulfillment of the three angels' messages. We cannot understand the future unless we study the interpretation given to us in “prophetic history”, which is the experience of the Advent Movement from 1840-1844. Then continuing on from 1844, the third angel's message was for them not to go back and receive the mark of the churches.

From the inspired Old Testament of the Bible, you will find that the prophecies of Moses do not agree with the dates of the spring equinox of 2016 for the first angel to sound his trumpet. The introduction of the message of the first angel is a direct result of the “going forth of a commandment to restore and

build Jerusalem”, just as a command by Artexerses began the 2300 days of prophetic history ending with the beginning of the judgment, or the cleansing of the sanctuary on the Day of Atonement, October 22, 1844. This “prophetic history” is just what it is termed to be-- “prophetic”. It is this light that gives us the true interpretation of how these things fulfill in the future.

After the Jewish church was “spewed out” in 34 C.E., the resulting massacre of the nation did not occur for another 40 years. When one sees the evidence for the judgment of the Church, (presented in previous posts) one could expect a parallel experience relating to our Laodicean Church. If the parallel holds true for us today, we could see an exact experience happening, possibly, sometime within the next 15 years. Yet, there are still more prophecies to fulfill beyond this.

It is crucially important for us not to set any times, but for us to be extremely watchful for God's handwriting “on the wall”. “...Mene, Mene, Tekel, Upharsin.” Daniel 5:25.

[wayfinder]

What I understand about the structure and function of prophecy is this, events are sequencial and follow in the order in which they are given, 1st trumpet occurs first and is followed by the 2nd then 3rd and so on. The first trumpet does not sound at one time and then sound again years later. The 1st seal is not broken in one age and then broken again in another, obviously a seal can only be broken once.

The Image of Daniel 2 is a good example of the sequencial character of prophecy. The head of God is ancient Babylon and is followed by the kingdom of Medo-Persia and so on. The seven trumpets occur once and no more. The other characteristics of prophecy is that when a fulfillment occurs it meets every specification given by the prophecy. A fulfillment then, must contain everything that the event entails, for instance:

Revelation 11:13 And in that hour there was a great earthquake, and a tenth of the city fell ; seven thousand people were killed in the earthquake, and the rest were terrified and gave glory to the God of heaven.

In order to have a fulfillment of this part of the prophecy, one must show the specific earthquake in which a tenth of the great city fell. The exact number of those who were killed 7,000 and the rest who were terrified and gave glory to the God of heaven. It is then my understanding that this event has not happened yet.

[Johnnboy]

Wayfinder;

I think you should reconsider your belief of a prophecy only having a one-time fulfillment with every specification met. For example, the Biblical prophecy of Elijah in Malachi 4:5.

"Behold, I will send you Elijah the prophet before the coming of the great and dreadful day of the Lord:"

This prophecy speaks of the coming of Elijah near the end of time just before the plagues fall, before the "day of vengeance of our God", which is the last Jubile, according to Isaiah 61:1-3.

Then we have the Messiah referring to John the Baptist in these words:

"Verily I say unto you, Among them that are born of women there hath not risen a greater than John the Baptist;...And if ye will receive it, this is Elias, which was for to come." Matthew 11:11, 14.

Both of these prophets, Elijah and John the Baptist had a 3 and 1/2 year ministry, both did a work of reformation, both heralded the Messiah, yet, one was beheaded and one was translated to heaven in a fiery chariot.

Yet the main fulfillment of Malachi's prophecy is for the last Elijah when he comes, yet the Messiah gave it an earlier fulfillment, as well.

[Johnnboy]

Another Biblical example of a dual fulfillment of prophecy shown by the Messiah, is in the text referred to in Isaiah 61:1-3. The Messiah read this Scripture, of the prophecy of the Jubile on the Sabbath Jubile in the synagogue. He stopped in the middle of the sentence, omitting the phrase that applies to the last Jubile, “the day of vengeance of our God”, and then He went on to say, “This day is this scripture fulfilled in your ears.” Luke 4:21. By omitting the phrase that did not apply to the first fulfillment of the Jubile, He showed that this prophecy will be fulfilled at the last Sabbath Jubile at the day of vengeance of our God.

Matthew 24-The Messiah's answer to the disciples question about the end of the world is the prophecy that the Christians heeded when they fled Jerusalem before its destruction in 70 C.E. And so escaped the massacre that followed. This prophecy applies to the end of the world, as well.

Please do not overlook the verse from Ecclesiastes 3:15, where God says, “That which hath been is now, and that which is to be hath already been, and God requires that which is past.”

In this verse we see 3 fulfillments-the past, the present, and the future. It really behooves us to be watching so we'll recognize the fulfillment of prophecy before us, from that which has fulfilled in the past.

We are seeing more than one fulfillment of the 2300-day prophecy from the command of Artexerxes in 457 B.C.E. To the Day of Atonement, October 22, 1844 was 2300 years, then a second fulfillment of this exact same prophecy occurred from June 27, 1980, when the “Basic Law: Jerusalem, Capitol of Israel,” went forth by the news agencies of the world beginning with Reuters News Agency in Europe.

Exactly, 2300 days later the count ended on a Day of Atonement of a Sabbatical year, October 13, 1986. This Basic Law was a commandment to RESTORE AND BUILD JERUSALEM, meeting every specification of the prophecy of Daniel and Moses.

Since the judgment of the living has not yet occurred there will be one more literal fulfillment of the 2300 days until “the sanctuary is cleansed”. The judgment of the living will be at the end of this time period when the tables of stone will be brought out from their hiding place and displayed before the whole world, exactly as Jeremiah, the prophet, prophesied over 2500 years ago. This prophecy was recorded in 2 Maccabees chapter 2.

[Johnnboy]

Richard, In your complete understanding, can you tell me what the "abomination of desolation" is, and we will start from there.

It is a good place to start, what you all think???

[Johnnboy]

Originally Posted By: wayfinder

How many prophet Elijahs do you say there will be at the end. I say ONE. The faithful and wise bondservant is the promised "prophet Elijah" who will restore all things. ONE.

You have been so busy looking for something new, and trying to guess at what's prophecy and what's not, that you don't even understand that the end time started in 1844, NOT 1994.

The last Elijah prophet has already come too. It was Ellen White. And you have treated her just like they treated John the baptist.

"Behold, I will send you Elijah the prophet before the coming of the great and dreadful day of the Lord" (Malachi 4:5). Somebody is to come in the spirit and power of Elijah, and when he appears, men may say, "You are too earnest, you do not interpret the Scriptures in the proper way. Let me tell you how to teach your message." 1SM 412.2

Indeed, they have treated God's messenger, Ellen G. White, just as they treated John the Baptist. However, she, herself pointed to the future for the final fulfillment of this great prophecy. Malachi, the prophet, said, "Just before the great and dreadful day of the Lord." Ellen White also stated that this prophet would come in the SPIRIT AND THE POWER OF ELIJAH. Read the story of the showdown on Mt. Carmel again, where 850 prophets of Baal were slain just before the appearance of the small, black cloud, which is the sign of the coming of the Son of Man in the clouds of heaven. (1 Kings 18:18-44). It is very plain to see that Ellen White did not come in that spirit or that power.

The footnotes are not inspired, remember.

[Johnnboy]

MM,

To "proclaim the Sabbath more fully" can easily mean to tell about it "more fully" in various ways around the world.

That is certainly being done now, and may signal that we are now living in the first seal perid. A major removal of peace from the earth [second seal] may tend to confirm this.

The next post will show that I also understand the 144,000 will be from the SDA Church.

No it is knot being done now. How can we go if we don't know??

"I saw that we sensed and realized but little of the importance of the Sabbath, to what we yet should realize and know of its importance and glory. I saw we knew not what it was yet to ride upon the high places of the earth and to be fed with the heritage of Jacob. But when the refreshing and latter rain shall come from the presence of the Lord and the glory of His power we shall know what it is to be fed with the heritage of Jacob and ride upon the high places of the earth. Then shall we see the Sabbath more in its importance and glory. But we shall not see it in all its glory and importance until the covenant of peace is made with us at the voice of God, and the pearly gates of the New Jerusalem are thrown open and swing back on their glittering hinges and the glad and joyful voice of the lovely Jesus is heard richer than any music that ever fell on mortal ear bidding us enter. [i saw] that we had a perfect right in the city for we had kept the commandments of God, and heaven, sweet heaven is our home. Mar 245.2

[Johnnboy]

In His teaching, the Messiah pointed to the importance of believing the prophets that had been sent, especially drawing attention to the writings of the great prophet, Moses.

John 5:46, 47 "For had ye believed Moses, ye would have believed me: for he wrote of me. But if ye believe not his writings, how shall ye believe my words?"

In general we, as God's people, have been satisfied with the fact that since we are no longer under the old covenant, the writings of Moses have no relevance; we feel that we have 1844, not realizing that we lose the great significance of 1844, by not believing in the unfolding of truth in the writings of Moses.

The consequence of this unbelief is ultimate rejection of even the Messiah's words, even 1844, which was "the bright light" that shone all along the path the people of God were traveling to the Holy City.

"On this path the advent people were traveling to the city which was at the farther end of the path. They had a bright light set up behind them at the beginning of the path, which an angel told me was the "midnight cry." [see Matthew 25:6.] This light shone all along the path, and gave light for their feet, so that they might not stumble.

"If they kept their eyes fixed on Jesus, who was just before them, leading them to the city, they were safe. But soon some grew weary, and said the city was a great way off, and they expected to have entered it before. Then Jesus would encourage them by raising His glorious right arm, and from His arm came a light which waved over the advent band, and they shouted "Alleluia!" Others rashly denied the light behind them, and said that it was not God that had led them out so far. The light behind them went out, leaving their feet in perfect darkness, and they stumbled and lost sight of the mark and of Jesus, and fell off the path down into the dark and wicked world below." CET 57,58 ; EW 14,15.

[Rondo]

Notice what Luke says was said at Christ's resurrection:

Luke 24:44He said to them, "This is what I told you while I was still with you: Everything must be fulfilled that is written about me in the Law of Moses, the Prophets and the Psalms."

Wasn't Daniel considered a Prophet???

[Johnnboy]

Rondo,

Yes, Daniel is one of the prophets, but he fulfilled a different role in comparison with Moses. However, he was shown some very important visions, showing the timeline until the Messiah would appear. So he would have been included in what the Messiah stated.

Moses was the first of those mentioned by the Messiah, and he also was the one who appeared with Elijah on the Mount of Transfiguration to strengthen the Messiah for His supreme conflict.

Moses' prophetic writings are the foundation of all end-time prophecies. These end-time prophecies would be almost impossible to understand correctly, without the timing aspect of the prophecies of Moses.

[Johnnboy]

The evidence for a future fulfillment of the fall feasts is:

1.

The spring feasts were fulfilled in a literal 52-day setting in 31 C.E. There is inspired evidence showing that the spring feasts will have an application for the end-time, as well, which I will explain later.

2.

The fall feasts have never been fulfilled in their literal 22-day setting with all the four “shadow” Sabbaths dispersed within them falling on 7th-day Sabbaths, which would be necessary to be fulfilled “in like manner”.

3.

The ceremonies within the spring feasts are observed the same every year, whereas, that is not the case with the fall feasts.

4.

The fall feasts had extra special significance in the Sabbatical year. During the Feast of Tabernacles the commandments of God were read before all Israel...men, women , children and the stranger

“And Moses commanded them, saying, At the end of [every] seven years, in the solemnity of the year of release, in the feast of tabernacles, When all Israel is come to appear before the LORD thy God in the place which he shall choose, thou shalt read this law before all Israel in their hearing. Gather the people together, men, and women, and children, and thy stranger that [is] within thy gates, that they may hear, and that they may learn, and fear the LORD your God, and observe to do all the words of this law: And [that] their children, which have not known [any thing], may hear, and learn to fear the LORD your God, as long as ye live in the land whither ye go over Jordan to possess it.” Deut. 31:10-13.

This positively indicates that the fulfillment of the fall feasts will be in a Sabbatical year when the focus will be on the law of God, at that time the tables of stone that the prophet Jeremiah hid, will be brought from their hiding place and displayed before world. The ancient Jewish historical records found in 2 Machabees 2 describe this future fulfillment of the Feast of Tabernacles.

“It was also contained in the same writing how the prophet being warned by God commanded that the tabernacle and the ark should accompany him, till he came forth to the mountain where Moses went up and saw the inheritance of God. And when Jeremias came thither he found a hollow cave: and he carried in hither the tabernacle and the ark and the altar of incense and so stopped the door: Then some of them that followed him came up to mark the place: but they could not find it. And when Jeremias perceived it, he blamed them, saying: The place shall be unknown till God gather together the congregation of the people and receive them to mercy. And then the Lord will shew these things: and the majesty of the Lord shall appear and there shall be a cloud, as it was also showed to Moses, and he shewed it when Solomon prayed that the place might be sanctified to the great God.” 2 Machabees 2:4-8.

The following inspired statements also point to this same time.

“When the judgment shall sit, and the books shall be opened, and every man shall be judged according to the things written in the books, then the tables of stone, hidden by God until that day, will be presented before the world as the standard of righteousness. Then men and women will see that the prerequisite of their salvation is obedience to the perfect law of God. None will find excuse for sin. By the righteous principles of that law, men will receive their sentence of life or of death.” Review and Herald, January 28, 1909.

“And He [Christ] gave unto Moses, when He had made an end of communicating with him upon Mount Sinai, two tables of testimony, tables of stone, written by the finger of God." Nothing written on those tables could be blotted out. The precious record of the law was placed in the ark of the testament and is still there, safely hidden from the human family. But in God's appointed time He will bring forth these tables of stone to be a testimony to all the world against the disregard of His commandments and against the idolatrous worship of a counterfeit Sabbath (MS 122, 1901). {1BC 1109.2}

“God will not break His covenant, nor alter the thing that has gone out of His lips. His word will stand fast forever as unalterable as His throne. At the judgment this covenant will be brought forth, plainly written with the finger of God, and the world will be arraigned before the bar of Infinite Justice to receive sentence. {PK 187.1}

“It was written with the finger of God, never to be obliterated, never to be destroyed. The tables of stone are hidden by God, to be produced in the great judgment-day, just as He wrote them (RH March 26, 1908). {1BC 1109.3}

5.

The apostle Peter spoke of a future end-time fulfillment when he admonished his hearers to ..”repent and be converted, that their sins may be blotted out when the time of refreshing shall come from the presence of the Lord and He shall send Jesus...” Act 3:19

This statement connects the end-time fulfillment with the latter rain and the second coming of the Messiah.

The Day of Atonement, which was one of the fall festivals, was the feast day when the sanctuary was cleansed by the blotting out of sins.

6.

The Day of Atonement, this second fall feast, had special significance in the Sabbatical year since it was on this day that a certain class of Hebrew slaves were set free

“At the end of [every] seven years thou shalt make a release... [And] if thy brother, an Hebrew man, or an Hebrew woman, be sold unto thee, and serve thee six years; then in the seventh year thou shalt let him go free from thee.” Deut. 15:1, 12.

“In the sabbatical year the Hebrew slaves were to be set at liberty, and they were not to be sent away portionless.” Patriarchs and Prophets, p.532.

Please note this: Although the Day of Atonement has extra special significance in the Sabbatical year, its major fulfillment was in the Jubile year which is the year following a Sabbatical year.

“And thou shalt number seven sabbaths of years unto thee, seven times seven years; and the space of the seven sabbaths of years shall be unto thee forty and nine years.

Then shalt thou cause the trumpet of the jubilee to sound on the tenth [day] of the seventh month, in the day of atonement shall ye make the trumpet sound throughout all your land.

And ye shall hallow the fiftieth year, and proclaim liberty throughout [all] the land unto all the inhabitants...” Lev. 25:8-10)

In the Jubile year on the Day of Atonement all the remaining slaves obtained their freedom. This evidence shows that only the Day of Atonement has extra special significance in two consecutive years, the Sabbatical year and the Jubile year. By this divine placement on the tenth day of the seventh month, the Day of Atonement occurs on a 7th-day Sabbath in the Jubile year, the very year of its greatest significance. Thus arranged the four “shadow” Sabbaths of the fall feasts would all occur on 7th-day Sabbaths in their fulfillment within these two consecutive years. Only by this design could the Day of Atonement fulfill its prophetic destiny of occurring on the 7th-day Sabbath.

7.

By the fulfillment of the Day of Atonement on October 22, 1844, the beginning of the judgment of the dead, God was directing attention to the connection of the fall feasts, or harvest festivals, to the closing events of the plan of salvation.

This fulfillment in 1844 teaches us that the correct scheduling of the feast days is according to the Hillel I calendar, the ancient Hebrew calendar in use until the middle of the fourth century C.E. when it was replaced by the Hillel II calendar. Thus the reason that the Day of Atonement occurred on October 22, 1844, instead of September 23, 1844, was that the correct calendar began the new year with the first new moon after the spring equinox, whereas the Hillel II calendar presently used by the Hebrew community begins the new year with the new moon nearest the spring equinox. There are many years when the two calendars arrive at the same dates, however, the year 1844 was not one of these years.

8.

The experience of the pioneers in the 1840-1844 movement teaches many wonderful concepts.

A. It teaches us that the Day of Atonement is the day that ends the time prophecy of the 2300 days.

B. The “midnight cry”, “Behold the Bridegroom cometh!” is connected with the end of the 2300 days.

C. The three angels' messages of Revelation 14 focus on this same time period.

D. The close of this 2300-day period marked the end of prophetic time meaning that there will never be another prophecy based upon “a day for a year” interpretation.

E. The Day of Atonement in the setting of the 2300-day (2300 year) prophecy did not meet all the specifications for the timing of the fall feasts in the laws of Moses.

F. The Day of Atonement in 1844 could not be the main fulfillment of that feast day since the year, 1844, occurred in the middle of a week of years rather than being a Sabbatical or a Jubile year, as would be required.

G. The fulfillment of the Day of Atonement, October 22, 1884, fell on a Tuesday instead of on a Monday or on a 7th-day Sabbath, as would also be required to be a main fulfillment.

9.

There was no actual 22 literal day fulfillment of the fall feasts, the Feast of Trumpets, the Day of Atonement, and the Feast of Tabernacles in the year 1844 as would be necessary in the main fulfillment.

10.

Of the Bible texts portraying the judgment of the Day of Atonement, commented on in the Spirit of Prophecy, there are approximately twenty percent referring to the Day of Atonement of October 22, 1844. The remaining approximately eighty percent point to the future for the fulfillment of this event.

11.

In the Spirit of Prophecy statements there are two future judgments described to take place before the second advent of Christ. The first of these would be the judgment of the Church, while the other is the judgment of living individuals. Two examples of each of these judgments are as follows:

“The church will be weighed in the balances of the sanctuary. If her moral character and spiritual state do not correspond with the benefits and blessings God has conferred upon her, she will be found wanting.” 5 Testimonies p. 83.

“ In the balances of the sanctuary the Seventh-day Adventist church is to be weighed. She will be judged by the privileges and advantages that she has had. If her spiritual experience does not correspond to the advantages that Christ, at infinite cost, has bestowed on her, if the blessings conferred have not qualified her to do the work entrusted to her, on her will be pronounced the sentence: "Found wanting." By the light bestowed, the opportunities given, will she be judged.”8 Testimonies p. 247

“The precious record of the law was placed in the ark of the testament and is still there, safely hidden from the human family. BUT IN GOD'S APPOINTED TIME HE WILL BRING FORTH THESE TABLES OF STONE to be a testimony to all the world against the disregard of His commandments and against the idolatrous worship of a counterfeit Sabbath.” 1 Bible Commentary, p. 1109. Emphasis ours

“When the judgment shall sit, and the books shall be opened, and every man shall be judged according to the things written in the books, then the tables of stone, hidden by God until that day, will be presented before the world as the standard of righteousness, Then men and women will see that the prerequisite of their salvation is obedience to the perfect law of God, None will find excuse for sin. By the righteous principles of that law, men will receive their sentence of life or of death.” The Advent Review and Sabbath Herald, January 28, 1909.

12.

Another Bible verse that the Spirit of Prophecy gives a dual application is the verse from Matthew 25:6, “ Behold, the bridegroom cometh; go ye out to meet him.”

"Babylon is fallen, is fallen, that great city." Revelation 14:8. That message was first proclaimed by the servants of God in the summer of 1844. As a result, many left the fallen churches. In connection with this message the "midnight cry" [see Matthew 25:1-13.] was given: "Behold, the Bridegroom cometh; go ye out to meet Him." Christian Experience and Teachings, 51.

“My mind was carried to the future, when the signal will be given. "Behold, the Bridegroom cometh; go ye out to meet him." Review and Herald, February 11, 1896.

13.

The three angels' messages of Revelation 14 that were given in the setting of the 1840-1844 movement have another application under the latter rain just before the end of time. These two statements from the Spirit of Prophecy illustrate this fact.

“The messages of the first, second, and third angels will in the future be proclaimed with a loud voice.” Loma Linda Messages, p.85

“The first, second, and third angels' messages are to be repeated.” Review and Herald, October 31, 1899.

[Johnnboy]

WERE THE 3 COMMANDMENTS TO

RESTORE AND BUILD JERUSALEM PROPHETIC?

Originally, in prophetic history, there were three commandments to “restore and build Jerusalem”. The first, by Cyrus, the second by Darius, and the third and most complete, was in 457 B.C.E. by the King Artaxerxes.

Could these three commandments in prophetic history actually be prophetic of three fulfillments of the 2300-day prophecy, each beginning with a commandment to “restore and build Jerusalem”? Or is it just a coincidence? Why does the Spirit of Prophecy draw attention to these three commandments that “went forth”? the last one being the most complete.

THE FIRST:

“In a written proclamation published “throughout all his kingdom, Cyrus made known his desire to provide for the return of the Hebrews and for the rebuilding of their temple”. (Ezra 1:1-4 quoted) PK 558.

THE SECOND:

“A score or more of years passed by, when a second decree, quite as favorable as the first, was issued by Darius Hystaspes, the monarch then ruling.” PK 598.

THE THIRD:

“About seventy years after the return of the first company of exiles under Zerubbabel and Joshua, Artaxerxes Longimanus came to the throne of Medo-Persia....The decree of Artaxerxes Longimanus for the restoring and building of Jerusalem, the third issued since the close of the seventy years' captivity, is remarkable for its expressions regarding the God of heaven, for its recognition of the attainments of Ezra, and for the liberality of the grants made to the remnant people of God (Ezra 7:11,12,15,20).” PK 607, 610.

Why does the Spirit of Prophecy give specific comments on these three distinct and separate commandments to “restore and build Jerusalem”? To repeat, could it be prophetic of three different fulfillments of the 2300 days, each beginning with a “going forth of a commandment to restore and build Jerusalem”?

THE FIRST FULILLMENT:

The first fulfillment from 457 B.C.E. reaching 2300 years to the Day of Atonement, Tuesday, October 22, 1844, was the beginning of the judgment of the dead, blotting out of the sins of those dead who are saved.

THE SECOND FULFILLMENT:

The second, beginning with the “Basic Law-Jerusalem-Capital of Israel”, “went forth”, Friday, June 27, 1980, by way of Reuters International News Agency and other national and international news agencies around the world, and, ended exactly 2300 literal days later, on the Day of Atonement, Monday, October 13, 1986, which year was also a 7th Sabbatical year, the year preceding the historical Biblical Jubile. This was the day of the judgment of Laodicea, as a corporate body. (Evidence given later)

THE THIRD FULFILLMENT:

Of the three fulfillments, the third 2300-day period would perfectly fulfill the prophecy of the “cleansing of the sanctuary” (Daniel 8:14).

The third fulfillment of the last and final 2300-day prophecy would, also, begin with a commandment to “restore and build Jerusalem”. It would end at the time that the sanctuary is completely cleansed from all sin, at b the time of the judgment of the living. This 2300 days will, also, end on a Day of Atonement in a 7th Sabbatical year, when a “certain class of slaves” will be set free—one year before the commencement of the historical Biblical Jubilee, when all remaining slaves of every type and form are given liberty.

Each of the two 2300-day periods that have already been fulfilled, began with a “going forth” of a commandment to “restore and build Jerusalem”, the last of these two fulfillments beginning when the “Basic Law-Jerusalem, Capital of Israel” “went forth”, on Friday, June 27, 1980. There are noticeable similarities between these two commandments.

BOTH were universally proclaimed.

BOTH, obviously, began a 2300-day period, the first, the prophetic-day period of 2300 years, the second, the 2300 literal-day period, both ending on a Day of Atonement.

BOTH contained provisions for restoring Jerusalem, as the capitol city, and also, for the rebuilding of it, as well, as for the restoration of the “holy places”, in ancient times and in this present time.

BOTH resulted in the building of a wall of defense, with continual opposition from surrounding nations.

BOTH were met by the same reaction of being vehemently opposed by the surrounding nations of the world. Sanballat and all his cohorts made every effort to prevent Artaxerxes' commandment from successfully restoring and rebuilding Jerusalem. In 1980, the United Nations actually, unanimously voted to make “null and void” Israel's law to “restore and build” Jerusalem”, without any visible impact against the adoption of this law..

BOTH “went forth” in a first year in a Sabbatical-year cycle. The first commandment in 457 B.C.E. was in the first year in a week of years, one week of years after a Biblical Jubilee. The second commandment which occurred June 27, 1980, also, “went forth” in a first year, one week of years before the Biblical Jubilee.

In giving Daniel the explanation of the vision of the 2300 days, the angel designates the first seventy weeks of the time period to be a probationary period for God's people, as a corporate body, wherein they could find repentance and reconciliation, and bring in righteousness.

Daniel 9:24 “Seventy weeks are determined upon thy people and upon thy holy city, to finish the transgression, and to make an end of sins, and to make reconciliation for iniquity, and to bring in everlasting righteousness,...”

Failing in this, the nation of Israel reached the end of the seventy weeks. With the stoning of Stephen, the first Christian martyr, in 34 C.E., the chosen nation was fully divorced from God, assuring their destruction approximately 35 years later, in 70 C.E.

In the second fulfillment of the 2300 days, which began on June 27, 1980, the seventy weeks ended on October 29,1981. On that day, amateur archeologist, Tom Crotser from Winfield, Kansas, found, but did not disturb, the sacred Ark of the covenant containing the ten commandments. Led by the information in 2 Maccabees 2, he searched for the Ark on Mt. Pisgah, where Moses went up to see the inheritance of God.

2 Maccabees 2:4-8

“4 It was also contained in the in the same writing (of Jeremiah) ,how the prophet (Jeremiah), being warned by God, commanded that the tabernacle and the ark should accompany him, till he come forth to the mountain where Moses went up and saw the inheritance of God.

5 And when Jeremiah came thither he found a hollow cave: and he carried in thither the tabernacle and the ark and the altar of incense and so stopped the door.

6 Then some of them that followed him came up to mark the place: but they could not find it.

7 And when Jeremiah perceived it, he blamed them, saying: The place shall be unknown till God gather together the congregation of the people and receive them to mercy.

8 And then the Lord will shew these things : and the majesty of the Lord shall appear and there shall be a cloud, as it was also shewed to Moses, and he shewed it when Solomon prayed that the place might be sanctified to the great God.” 2 Maccabees 2:4-8

With his three companions, Tom Crotser set up camp near the peak of the mountain. During the night he was given a dream in which he could see through the top of the mountain, showing the location of the Ark of the Covenant, and the route they must follow to reach it. He awoke and immediately informed his companions of what he had been shown. In the darkness of that night, they proceeded to the spot pointed out in the dream, and began the dig.

After some difficult digging within the tombs, through several passages identified in the dream, they finally broke through into the last room, and found the Ark of the Covenant. They took some pictures, but did not touch or disturb anything.

There is quite a story behind this discovery, which many readers may wish to investigate further, as all the details are not related here.

The government of Jordan resealed the entrance to these tombs and posted guards to prevent any further investigation of the site.

As the seventy weeks were ending, there were some profound developments within the General Conference of Seventh-day Adventists in Washington, D.C.

The Seventh-day Adventist Church had applied for their trademark from the Patent Office of the United States Federal Government in Washington, D.C., which they received the week following the end of the seventy weeks.

When the Seventh-day Adventist Church Corporation applied for their Mark (trademark) from the federal government (the beast with lamb-like horns, Rev. 13:12) they were issued Federal Document No. 1177185 on the tenth day of November, 1981.

The following quotation is from this document:

“This is to certify that the records of the Patent and trademark Office show that an application was filed in said office for registration of the Mark shown herein, a copy of said Mark and pertinent data from the Application being annexed hereto and made a part hereof, and there having been due compliance with the requirements of the law and with the regulations prescribed...Upon examination, it appeared that the applicant was entitled to have said Mark registered under the Trademark Act of 1946, and the said Mark has been duly registered this day in the Patent and Trademark Office on the Principal Register....I have hereunto set my hand and caused the seal of the Patent and Trademark Office to be affixed this tenth day of November, 1981.

(Signature appears) COMMISSIONER OF PATENTS AND TRADEMARKS”

Please note that the word “Mark” is repeated four times and is capitalized in the original document.

In speaking of “the Mark”, a vital statement came to mind from the book by James and Ellen G. White, entitled “A Word to the Little Flock”.

“The work of the second angel, was to show to the advent host that Babylon had fallen, And as a large portion of them did not learn this fact, until the MIDNIGHT CRY waked them up, just in time for them to make their escape from the churches, before the 10th day came on; it follows, that the second angel brought us to the 7th month, 1844. The third angel's message was, and still is, a WARNING to the saints to 'hold fast', and not go back, and 'receive' the marks which the virgin band got rid of, during the second angel's cry.” E.G. White. A Word to the Little Flock p.11 E.G. White

Following the registration of the “Mark”, the Seventh-day Adventist Church commenced litigation through the civil power now at their disposal, filing suit against an 11-member independent group, headed by Marik, in Hawaii, on April 9, 1987, as one of the first of many such cases to follow.

Corbett, Marik's twangy-voiced Texas attorney, in the Hawaiian case, said:

“This has stirred up one of the hottest ruckuses I've ever seen....It's a suite of tremendous import, for if the judgment is not overturned on appeal, it will open the door for mass persecution of one's religion, be it...Christian, Buddhist, Muslim, Hindu.”

This action by the Seventh-day Adventist Church makes more relevant the following statement:

“In order for the United States to form an image of the beast, the religious power must so control the civil government that the authority of the state will also be employed by the church to accomplish her own ends.” The Great Controversy, p. 443 EGW

When asked from which funds the litigation expenses are paid, the General Conference of Seventh-day Adventists responded on their official letterhead, stating:

“April 10, 1989

Mr.

Dear Brother ____________:

Thank you for your recent letters concerning trademarks. Elder Wilson's office asked me to respond.

First, enclosed is a copy of the questions and answers we have released on the question. Perhaps you already have seen it in the January 12 issue of the Adventist Review.

Second, you inquired whether tithe is used to pay church litigation. The treasury informs me that all litigation is paid from the annual appropriation made at the Annual Council, and that appropriation comes from tithe.

If you have additional questions, please write.

Sincerely,

(SIGNATURE) Robert W. Nixon Associate General Counsel”

How does this “Mark” relate to the three angels' messages? Or to the present truth for today?

There are several profound statements from Ellen G. White in regard to the judgment of the “Church”. She makes very clear that the “church” goes through to the end victoriously. Some use the words “church” and “Church” interchangeably, without understanding the difference in meaning; however, in legal terms there is a big difference between these two words, “church and Church”. See any corporate law dictionary or corporate law lawyer.

The word “Church” indicates a legal corporation registered under the laws of the state. This Church gives government recognized tax-deductible receipts, and is, also, a 501©3 Corporation. All 501©3 Corporations are incorporated under “Roman Catholic Canon Law” and thereby subject to that law, make no mistake about it.

This marks the end of the seventy weeks which were allotted to the Gentile churches.

Because of the principle of the “unfolding” of truth pertaining to prophecy, which is found in the Spirit of Prophecy, each fulfillment gives important details of the future fulfillment that can be expected when the third commandment “goes forth” to “restore and build Jerusalem”.

The truths that God has unfolded in the first two fulfillments will be understood by those who live to pass through this final 2300-day period.

“But it is the light which shines in the fresh unfolding of truth that glorifies the old. He who rejects or neglects the new does not really possess the old.” COL 128

Ecclesiastes 3:15 “That which hath been is now; and that which is to be hath already been; and God requireth that which is past.”

1 Corinthians 10:11 “Now all these things happened unto them for ensamples: and they are written for our admonition, upon whom the ends of the world are come.”

The two fulfillments of the 2300-day prophecy that have already occurred, began with a commandment to restore and build Jerusalem, both ended on a Day of Atonement, as stated above. The prophetic time period of the 2300 days ended on October 22, 1844, while this prophecy in literal time, ended on October 13, 1986.

In the old sanctuary types, the sins of the people of Israel were removed from the sanctuary on the Day of Atonement, thus cleansing the sanctuary. It was considered a day of judgment, as those who were unrepentant and did not afflict their souls were separated from Israel.

“Once a year, on the great Day of Atonement, the priest entered the most holy place for the cleansing of the sanctuary. The work there performed, completed the yearly round of ministration. . . .” FLB 198

“At the time appointed for the judgment--the close of the 2300 days, in 1844--began the work of investigation and blotting out of sins.” FLB 211.

“Says the prophet Daniel, “The Judgment was set, and the books were opened.” The Revelator, describing the same scene, adds, “Another book was opened, which is the book of life; and the dead were judged out of those things which were written in the books, according to their works.” Revelation 20:12.” GC88 480

While the judgment of the dead began on the Day of Atonement, October 22, 1844, by far the majority of statements from the Spirit of Prophecy refer to a future time when “the judgment shall sit and the books shall be opened”, indicating that the more complete fulfillment of the judgment is yet future from the judgment of 1844.

Statements from the Spirit of Prophecy differentiate between these two specific judgments that are to occur after 1844; the first, the judgment of the Church, and the second is the judgment of the living individual.

THE JUDGMENT OF THE CHURCH

“There is danger that God's commandment-keeping people will be found, as were the Jews, weighed in the balance of the heavenly sanctuary, and found wanting.” The Youth's Instructor, October 14, 1897

“In the balances of the sanctuary the Seventh-day Adventist church is to be weighed. She will be judged by the privileges and advantages that she has had. If her spiritual experience does not correspond to the advantages that Christ, at infinite cost, has bestowed on her, if the blessings conferred have not qualified her to do the work entrusted to her, on her will be pronounced the sentence: "Found wanting." By the light bestowed, the opportunities given, will she be judged. . .” 8T 247, LDE 59, 60

“And thou, Capernaum [seventh-day Adventists, who have had great light], which art exalted unto heaven [in point of privilege], shalt be brought down to hell: for if the mighty works which have been done in thee had been done in Sodom, it would have remained until this day."--RH Aug. 1, 1893. [THE BRACKETED COMMENTS ARE BY ELLEN WHITE.] LDE 48

“The church is in the Laodicean state. The presence of God is not in her midst.” 1NL 99 (1898). LDE 49

THE JUDGMENT OF THE LIVING

In light of the following evidence, there is a future literal fulfillment of the 2300-day prophecy, yet to take place, which would, of course, begin with another commandment “to restore and build Jerusalem”. The first angel's message pointing to the time of the judgment of the living at the end of this future 2300 days, will go with power. The following statements from Ellen White describe events connected with this fulfillment at the time the judgment of the living begins.

“The precious record of the law was placed in the ark of the testament and is still there, safely hidden from the human family. BUT IN GOD'S APPOINTED TIME HE WILL BRING FORTH THESE TABLES OF STONE to be a testimony to all the world against the disregard of His commandments and against the idolatrous worship of a counterfeit Sabbath.” 1 Bible Commentary, p. 1109, E. G. White.

From this statement above, we see that God has an appointed time in the future for this event to occur.

“The tables of stone are hidden by God TO BE PRODUCED IN THE GREAT JUDGMENT DAY just as He wrote them.” Review and Herald, March 26, 1908, E. G. White.

This judgment day, yet to come, would be the day to which the first angel's message points, as the “hour of His judgment”, the end of the 2300 literal days, a Day of Atonement in a seventh Sabbatical year.

Other statements by Ellen G. White point to this future judgment.

“When the judgment shall sit, and the books shall be opened, and every man shall be judged according to the things written in the books,THEN THE TABLES OF STONE, HIDDEN BY GOD UNTIL THAT DAY, WILL BE PRESENTED BEFORE THE WORLD as the standard of righteousness. Then men and women will see that

the PREREQUISITE of their salvation is obedience to the perfect law of God. None will find excuse for sin. By the righteous principles of that law, men will receive their sentence of life or of death.” Review and Herald, January 28, 1909, E. G. White.

“The first, second, and third angels' messages are to be repeated. The call is to be given to the church: "Babylon the great is fallen, is fallen, and is become the habitation of devils, and the hold of every foul spirit, and a cage of every unclean and hateful bird. For all nations have drunk of the wine of the wrath of her fornication, and the kings of the earth have committed fornication with her, and the merchants of the earth have waxed rich through the abundance of her delicacies. . . . Come out of her, my people, that ye be not partakers of her sins, and that ye receive not of her plagues. For her sins have reached unto heaven, and God hath remembered her iniquities. Many who went forth to meet the Bridegroom under the messages of the first and second angels, refused the third, the last testing message to be given to the world, and a similar position will be taken when the last call is made.” RH, October 31, 1899 par. 11 and 12.

"The people of God everywhere are to be aroused to co-operate in the great, grand work represented by the first, second, and third angel's messages. This last warning to the inhabitants of the earth is to make men see the importance God attaches to his holy law. So plainly is the truth to be presented, that no transgressor, hearing it, shall fail to discern the importance of obedience to the Sabbath commandment." RH, March 26, 1908 par. 3

“Then by virtue of the atoning blood of Christ, the sins of all the truly penitent will be blotted from the books of heaven. Thus the sanctuary will be freed, or cleansed, from the record of sin. In the type, this great work of atonement, or blotting out of sins, was represented by the services of the Day of Atonement—the cleansing of the earthly sanctuary, which was accomplished by the removal, by virtue of the blood of the sin offering, of the sins by which it had been polluted.” PP 357.

[Dr. Rich]

Why did God give us prophecy and what are we supposed to do with it?

I think the first point on this issue is the purpose for the prophecies God has given to His prophets. Second, the targeted time or generation and/or people to whom the intended prophecy specifically applies. Third, the expected result or response from those to whom the prophecy applies or concerns. Here are a couple of examples to demonstrate this:

The account of Jonah contains examples of all three of the above points. The wickedness of Nineveh was close to, or had reached the point at which God was legally required to act in judgment; to destroy the city. The purpose for the prophecy was to warn the inhabitants of the coming destruction. The specific time or generation was the current inhabitants. The expected result was that they could either heed the warning or ignore it. Or leave the city before the destruction or stay and be destroyed. They could also repent from the top down, i.e. king to slave, repentance and change of heart, and therefore God would not have the legal authority to carry out the destruction. It should be pointed out that this account also demonstrates the fact that the chosen prophet may not necessarily understand the total intent or application of the prophecy given to them.

Another example to demonstrate these three points or characteristics is the prayer of Daniel as recorded in Daniel 9:1-19. The text begins with the time when this takes place (the first year of Darius). Daniel had been studying the prophecies of Jeremiah the prophet and I find this interesting that one prophet is studying another prophets prophecy which clearly tells us that a prophet only knows as much about the future as is revealed to them and to understand anything else they must study another prophets writing.

The prophecy Daniel had been researching was probably the one recorded in Jeremiah chapters 25 and 29, specifically in regards to the number of years of captivity. Daniel, in his prayer, demonstrates his understanding of the purpose and function of prophecy. The purpose of the prophecies of Jeremiah concerned the captivity of the southern kingdom and the length of time the captivity would last. God had promised, through His prophet Jeremiah, that the length of time would be seventy years and then He would destroy Babylon by bringing the Medes and Persians. The first verse of Daniel 9 shows that the destruction of Babylon did happen as was prophesied and the Mede Darius was the ruler of the land.

Clearly, Daniel’s prayer was offered because of the prophecy and the time specified in it. Daniel’s concern was that the people were so far from God spiritually that He may have decided not to fulfill His promise in the prophecy that God would restore the captives to the land after seventy years. Therefore, the expected result was that Daniel and his people (Hebrews) would be released from captivity and returned to their land and this is exactly what happened.

Here is a more current prophecy using the three points described above. The prophecy of Daniel 8 has an integral connection to the Seventh-day Adventist church. October the twenty-second 1844 is both a unifying moment and an embarrassment, for the church, but should it really be? The prophecy apparently shares a connection with the one in Daniel 9 and so this may be helpful in coming to a true understanding. Daniel’s prayer was not only in response to the prophecies of Jeremiah, but also concerning the prophecy given to him earlier, the one recorded in Daniel 8, this prophecy ends with the phrase “I was astounded at the vision, and there was none to explain it”.

Clearly, the purpose of the vision of Daniel 8 was to present information about the kingdom of God at the “time of the end”. This prophecy foretells of the future kingdom and it’s accomplishment of the plan for restoration. The key point of this prophecy is the restoration of the holy place. The restoration of the function of the temple, (in this case the temple in heaven), and would therefore indicate that there had not been a kingdom of God on earth on whose behalf the temple was to function. Thus, the importance of the Daniel 9 prophecy can be seen here. Daniel was told that seventy sevens/weeks have been determined/decreed…. In other words, a specific, predetermined period of time had been given to Daniel’s people and their holy city, to accomplish the restoration of righteousness (see verse 24).

But it is clear from the evidence, namely we are still living in a sinful world, that the seventy sevens ended long ago, 33 C.E to be specific. From 33 C.E. until 1844 C.E. the temple in heaven awaited a kingdom. This kingdom appeared right on time and is now known today as the Seventh-day Adventist church.

Another prophecy, concerning this day, was given by Jesus to His disciples in answering their questions about the end of the age. Matthew 25:1-13 starts out with the words “At that time the kingdom of heaven will be like…”. Please note the specific “kingdom of heaven” designation and remember that the temple operates on behalf of the kingdom of heaven. The ten bridesmaids are NOT the bride, but maids for the bride and have a specific expectation about the time or the day the Bridegroom will appear and they go out on that specific day to meet them the Groomsmen (servants for the Groom or 'bondservants', to get the information on when the actual wedding will take place.

What would have given them this specific time? The only correct answer is the prophecy of the 2300 evenings and mornings of Daniel 8:14. Of course, Jesus knew this when He gave the information to His disciples and therefore it is revealed to the wise that those who were disappointed actually acted as expected, according to the information in the vision given to Daniel.

The purpose of both prophecies was to reveal to the wise, at the end of the age, who the kingdom of heaven is and that they will accomplish God’s plan for restoration. The specific time is 1844 to the end, so since we are living during this time, the prophecy applies to us. The response then is, become what the kingdom of heaven has always been required to become, righteous. It is the restoration of righteousness that is the end of God’s plan and it is the responsibility of the bridesmaids/kingdom to prepare the bride during the Great Tribulation to meet her bridegroom. Revelation is the prophecy that contains this necessary information to understand the process on how the bride will be prepared to meet her Bridegroom, the Son of God.

[Guest]

Hey Dr. Rich, I'm just wondering. How many people do you know on the face of the earth, that you think fall into that "wise" category that you speak of? Is it 3? Or is it possibly up to 4, or 5?

[Gordon1]

Hey Dr. Rich, I'm just wondering. How many people do you know on the face of the earth, that you think fall into that "wise" category that you speak of? Is it 3? Or is it possibly up to 4, or 5?

Hi Richard,

What part(s) of Dr. Rich's view strikes you as most unorthodox?

[John317]

What part(s) of Dr. Rich's view strikes you as most unorthodox?

By "unorthodox," I assume you mean without the support of the Bible or Spirit of prophecy.

I'm not sure where to begin.

In all seriousness, if we go by another thread, it would appear that this question is itself a kind of attack on individuals. But as the moderator, I don't accept that interpretation, because to do so would basically cripple the Forum.

The rule is still that members can attack theologies but not persons.

It is not wrong to attack someone theology, even if the person attacking does not show evidence. This is particularly true when the evidence is well known and has been discussed before on various threads, or when the evidence is well stated in Fundamental Beliefs.

In other words, we don't say that people can be banned-- or even that they are in the wrong-- for saying someone's theology is false just because they don't back it up with evidence. I can't tell you how many times people have accused me of having a false theology, and without showing evidence. I ask for evidence, but if they don't give it, I don't accuse them of doing evil. I simply show the evidence from the Bible in support of what I'm saying.

But as for Dr. Rich, he does have some ideas and teaching that are not according to the Bible, and we've discussed these together many times both in person and on the Forum. It isn't a personal thing with me or with him (as far as I can tell), because I believe he knows that I enjoy being with him and talking to him. It's just that we have some serious disagreements on theology and the Bible, but I never let that change how I feel about someone personally. If I did, I would leave the Forum right now, because I believe it's a sin to hold grudges or have anger toward others over Christ's teachings. The Holy Spirit is never behind that.

[Gordon1]

Thanks John. I'm not familiar with Dr. Rich's posting history, but what he wrote in this last post does not seem far removed from SDA thought.

Thanks for elaborating on policy. Agreed, ad hominem remarks do not belong.

[Johnnboy]

Why did God give us prophecy and what are we supposed to do with it?

I think the first point on this issue is the purpose for the prophecies God has given to His prophets. Second, the targeted time or generation and/or people to whom the intended prophecy specifically applies. Third, the expected result or response from those to whom the prophecy applies or concerns. Here are a couple of examples to demonstrate this:

The account of Jonah contains examples of all three of the above points. The wickedness of Nineveh was close to, or had reached the point at which God was legally required to act in judgment; to destroy the city. The purpose for the prophecy was to warn the inhabitants of the coming destruction. The specific time or generation was the current inhabitants. The expected result was that they could either heed the warning or ignore it. Or leave the city before the destruction or stay and be destroyed. They could also repent from the top down, i.e. king to slave, repentance and change of heart, and therefore God would not have the legal authority to carry out the destruction. It should be pointed out that this account also demonstrates the fact that the chosen prophet may not necessarily understand the total intent or application of the prophecy given to them.

Another example to demonstrate these three points or characteristics is the prayer of Daniel as recorded in Daniel 9:1-19. The text begins with the time when this takes place (the first year of Darius). Daniel had been studying the prophecies of Jeremiah the prophet and I find this interesting that one prophet is studying another prophets prophecy which clearly tells us that a prophet only knows as much about the future as is revealed to them and to understand anything else they must study another prophets writing.

The prophecy Daniel had been researching was probably the one recorded in Jeremiah chapters 25 and 29, specifically in regards to the number of years of captivity. Daniel, in his prayer, demonstrates his understanding of the purpose and function of prophecy. The purpose of the prophecies of Jeremiah concerned the captivity of the southern kingdom and the length of time the captivity would last. God had promised, through His prophet Jeremiah, that the length of time would be seventy years and then He would destroy Babylon by bringing the Medes and Persians. The first verse of Daniel 9 shows that the destruction of Babylon did happen as was prophesied and the Mede Darius was the ruler of the land.

Clearly, Daniel’s prayer was offered because of the prophecy and the time specified in it. Daniel’s concern was that the people were so far from God spiritually that He may have decided not to fulfill His promise in the prophecy that God would restore the captives to the land after seventy years. Therefore, the expected result was that Daniel and his people (Hebrews) would be released from captivity and returned to their land and this is exactly what happened.

Here is a more current prophecy using the three points described above. The prophecy of Daniel 8 has an integral connection to the Seventh-day Adventist church. October the twenty-second 1844 is both a unifying moment and an embarrassment, for the church, but should it really be? The prophecy apparently shares a connection with the one in Daniel 9 and so this may be helpful in coming to a true understanding. Daniel’s prayer was not only in response to the prophecies of Jeremiah, but also concerning the prophecy given to him earlier, the one recorded in Daniel 8, this prophecy ends with the phrase “I was astounded at the vision, and there was none to explain it”.

Clearly, the purpose of the vision of Daniel 8 was to present information about the kingdom of God at the “time of the end”. This prophecy foretells of the future kingdom and it’s accomplishment of the plan for restoration. The key point of this prophecy is the restoration of the holy place. The restoration of the function of the temple, (in this case the temple in heaven), and would therefore indicate that there had not been a kingdom of God on earth on whose behalf the temple was to function. Thus, the importance of the Daniel 9 prophecy can be seen here. Daniel was told that seventy sevens/weeks have been determined/decreed…. In other words, a specific, predetermined period of time had been given to Daniel’s people and their holy city, to accomplish the restoration of righteousness (see verse 24).

But it is clear from the evidence, namely we are still living in a sinful world, that the seventy sevens ended long ago, 33 C.E to be specific. From 33 C.E. until 1844 C.E. the temple in heaven awaited a kingdom. This kingdom appeared right on time and is now known today as the Seventh-day Adventist church.

Another prophecy, concerning this day, was given by Jesus to His disciples in answering their questions about the end of the age. Matthew 25:1-13 starts out with the words “At that time the kingdom of heaven will be like…”. Please note the specific “kingdom of heaven” designation and remember that the temple operates on behalf of the kingdom of heaven. The ten bridesmaids are NOT the bride, but maids for the bride and have a specific expectation about the time or the day the Bridegroom will appear and they go out on that specific day to meet them the Groomsmen (servants for the Groom or 'bondservants', to get the information on when the actual wedding will take place.

What would have given them this specific time? The only correct answer is the prophecy of the 2300 evenings and mornings of Daniel 8:14. Of course, Jesus knew this when He gave the information to His disciples and therefore it is revealed to the wise that those who were disappointed actually acted as expected, according to the information in the vision given to Daniel.

The purpose of both prophecies was to reveal to the wise, at the end of the age, who the kingdom of heaven is and that they will accomplish God’s plan for restoration. The specific time is 1844 to the end, so since we are living during this time, the prophecy applies to us. The response then is, become what the kingdom of heaven has always been required to become, righteous. It is the restoration of righteousness that is the end of God’s plan and it is the responsibility of the bridesmaids/kingdom to prepare the bride during the Great Tribulation to meet her bridegroom. Revelation is the prophecy that contains this necessary information to understand the process on how the bride will be prepared to meet her Bridegroom, the Son of God.

Dr. Rich,

It is true that there is a “targeted people” in the current generation to whom the prophecy applies, but the Scripture also makes clear that, “That which has been is NOW, and that which IS TO BE, HAS ALREADY BEEN”... Eccl. 3:15. Paul said that “all these things HAPPENED unto them for ENSAMPLES: and are written for ...(those) upon whom the end of the world are come.” This would mean that the fulfillment of prophecy in earlier generations, can have a more direct application to the last generation at the end of time.

So I'm meaning that the “targeted people” that you referred to, could be understood in a broader sense than just to a specific generation of people.

You should reconsider your position on the year of 33 C.E., as the end of the seventy sevens. The statements from the Spirit of Prophecy about that period of time give the year 34 C.E., as the end of the seventy weeks, which agrees perfectly with the first century Jewish historian, Josephus.

The writings of Josephus list 27 C.E. (spring) to 28 C.E. (spring) as a Jubilee year, which would be a first year in a week of years. The Messiah began His public ministry on the Day of Atonement of 27 C.E., when He proclaimed, “This day is this Scripture fulfilled in your ears” after reading the Jubilee prophecy of Isaiah 61. Seven years from the autumn of 27 C.E., would reach to the autumn of 34 C.E.

The prophecy of Daniel 9:27, “the midst of the week” would end in the spring of 31 C.E., at the time that the spring feasts were fulfilled.

[Musicman1228]

Just because a person disagrees with another persons interpretation of Scripture does not automatically mean that they disagree with the Bible. Interpretation is ALWAYS personal.

As to the 33 CE date as given by Dr. Rich; I think there is confusion about 'ends' and 'beginnings'. 33 CE is the END of the last week of years of the 490 year prophecy of Dan. 9:24. Here as a rendition of that last week of years:

[Remember: each year begins on the Spring Equinox and ends on the day before the NEXT Spring Equinox.]

Year 1: the Sunday year - 27 CE.

Year 2: the Monday year - 28 CE.

Year 3: the Tuesday year - 29 CE.

Year 4: the Wednesday year - 30 CE, also the year in which Christ was crucified.

Year 5: the Thursday year - 31 CE.

Year 6: the Friday year - 32 CE.

Year 7: the Sabbath year, also the Jubilee year, the 49th year of the final week of Sabbath years - 33 CE.

34 CE was the first year of the NEXT week of years of the NEXT 49 year Jubilee cycle. It was not the ending year of the previous 49 year cycle.

So in this case Dr. Rich is correct.

[Johnnboy]

Just because a person disagrees with another persons interpretation of Scripture does not automatically mean that they disagree with the Bible. Interpretation is ALWAYS personal.

As to the 33 CE date as given by Dr. Rich; I think there is confusion about 'ends' and 'beginnings'. 33 CE is the END of the last week of years of the 490 year prophecy of Dan. 9:24. Here as a rendition of that last week of years:

[Remember: each year begins on the Spring Equinox and ends on the day before the NEXT Spring Equinox.]

Year 1: the Sunday year - 27 CE.

Year 2: the Monday year - 28 CE.

Year 3: the Tuesday year - 29 CE.

Year 4: the Wednesday year - 30 CE, also the year in which Christ was crucified.

Year 5: the Thursday year - 31 CE.

Year 6: the Friday year - 32 CE.

Year 7: the Sabbath year, also the Jubilee year, the 49th year of the final week of Sabbath years - 33 CE.

34 CE was the first year of the NEXT week of years of the NEXT 49 year Jubilee cycle. It was not the ending year of the previous 49 year cycle.

So in this case Dr. Rich is correct.

Musicman 1228,

The Hebrew sacred year began with the first new moon AFTER the spring equinox and ended on the day BEFORE the first new moon AFTER the spring equinox of the following year.

The current Hebrew calendar (Hillel II) differs, in that the sacred year begins on the new moon NEAREST the spring equinox, which, of course, could be before the equinox, or after.

Therefore, the Sabbatical year (the 7th year in a week of years) began on the first new moon after the spring equinox of 33 C.E., and ended on the day before the first new moon after the spring equinox in 34 C.E.

“This month shall be unto you the beginning of months: it shall be the first month of the year to you.” Exodus 12:2.

The above statement was made by God to Moses while Israel was preparing to leave Egypt in the spring just before the Passover.

The fulfillment of Daniel's 70th week (the 7 years) prophecy can better be understood if one takes into account the Messiah's proclaiming the Jubilee on the Day of Atonement in 27 C.E., which was in the middle of the time between the beginning and the ending of the year (although the termination of the fall feast ceremonies was considered the end of the year). (“..the feast of ingathering at the year's end.” Exodus 34:22)

The rendition of the years:

Year 1: 27 C.E. spring - 28 C.E. Spring –Messiah proclaiming the Jubilee-the Day of Atonement

Year 2: 28 C.E. spring- 29 C.E. spring

Year 3: 29 C.E. spring - 30 C.E. spring

Year 4: 30 C.E. spring - 31 C.E. spring –At the spring festivals, the Messiah was crucified in 31 C.E.

Year 5: 31 C.E. spring- 32 C.E. spring

Year 6: 32 C.E. spring- 33 C.E. spring

Year 7: 33 C.E. spring- 34 C.E. spring

Year 1: 34 C.E. Spring- 35 C.E. Spring

The Jubilee year was the 50th year, also the first year in the next set of 7 years so as not to interrupt the Sabbatical year cycle. The Jubilee year was 27 C.E. - 28 C.E. Therefore, the Jubilee would not occur for another 49 years.

“And ye shall hallow the fiftieth year...A jubilee shall that fiftieth year be unto you.” Leviticus 25:10, 11.

[Dr. Rich]

You might be correct on when the Hebrew's year started, but God's year started on the Spring Equinox and ended the day before the Spring Equinox. It was the Passover that was 15 days after the first new moon after the Spring Equinox that caused the slight problem.