THE SANCTUARY MESSAGE 4

THE PURPOSE OF THE THIRD ANGEL'S MESSAGE

The Advent Movement began when men looked to the Sanctuary. It was Daniel 8: 14 that first drew their attention in that direction, but it was not until Hiram Edson's experience that morning of October 23, 1844, that a clearer understanding was granted to men that the center of God's work for man in these last days was in the Most Holy Place of the Sanctuary in heaven.

The First Angel's Message was proclaimed by William Miller and his associates (EW 232, GC 368, SR 356-7), and the Second Angel's Message was widely proclaimed in the summer of 1844 (LS 59) when the Midnight Cry was sounded. But it was Hiram Edson's vision in the cornfield that prepared the way for the people of God to properly understand the full significance of the first two messages, and be prepared to receive and give the powerful message of the Third Angel. The Third Angel's Message embraces the two preceding it (7 BC 980, 8T 197, Ev 196, CW 26, 2930), for it points us to the heavenly Sanctuary where Christ is mediating on our behalf in the Most Holy Place and completing the Final Atonement for humanity, prior to returning to earth. We have just observed how very important is the work of Christ in the Sanctuary in heaven, and how, by His grace, we must individually prepare to enter this act of judgment. Now we shall see that the Third Angel's Message (including as it does the two messages before it) directs mankind to that heavenly ministry of Christ.

The following quotation is from the chapter in "Early Writings" entitled "The Third Angel's Message:"

"As the ministration of Jesus closed in the holy place, and He passed into the holiest, and stood before the ark containing the law of God, He sent another mighty angel with a third message to the world. A parchment was placed in the angel's hand, and as he descended to the earth in power and majesty, he proclaimed a fearful warning, with the most terrible threatening ever borne to man [Revelation 14:9-11]. This message was designed to put the children of God upon their guard, by showing them the hour of temptation and anguish that was before them. . The Third Angel closes his message thus: 'Here is the patience of the saints: here are they that keep the commandments of God, and the faith of Jesus [Revelation 14: 12].' As he repeated these words, he pointed to the heavenly Sanctuary. The minds of all who embrace this message are directed to the most holy place, where Jesus stands before the ark, making His final intercession." Early Writings, 254.

We are here given some fascinating insights into the message of the Third Angel. It is divided into two parts: Verses 9-11 which warns men not to receive the Mark of the Beast. This recalls the message of the Second Angel to flee from the fallen churches of Babylon. It also reminds of the announcement of the First Angel, who calls men to worship in the right way. The Third Angel's Message closes with verse 12. In this message he is directly pointing the people to place their attention on Jesus as He ministers in the Most Holy Place of the heavenly Sanctuary and carries on His Final Atonement. It is obvious from Early Writings, 254, quoted above, that the saints can only be patient in their keeping of the commandments of God by faith in Jesus—as they keep the eyes turned upon Jesus in His ministry for them in the Most Holy Place. Both the cause and the effect of their righteous living is to be found there. For it is Jesus who enables them to live clean, obedient lives, and it is Jesus who will culminate His ministry for them by sealing them into this experience in the climax of the Final Atonement.

This concept—that the Third Angel points the faithful to Jesus in the Most Holy Place—is told us three times on the first three pages of this chapter. We have already read one; let us consider the other two:

"After Jesus opened the door of the most holy [place, in order to begin His ministry there], the light of the Sabbath was seen, and the people of God were tested, as the children of Israel were tested anciently, to see if they would keep God's law. I saw the Third Angel pointing upward, showing the disappointed ones the way to the holiest of the heavenly Sanctuary. As they by faith enter the most holy, they find Jesus, and hope and joy spring up anew. I saw them looking back, reviewing the past, from the proclamation of the Second Advent of Jesus, down through their experience to the passing of the time in 1844. They see their disappointment explained, and joy and certainty again animate them. The Third Angel has lighted up the past, the present, and the future, and they know that God has indeed led them by His mysterious providence. It was represented to me that the remnant followed Jesus into the most holy place and beheld the ark and the mercy seat, and were captivated with their glory. Jesus then raised the cover of the ark, and lo! the tables of stone, with the ten commandments written upon them."—Early Writings, 254-255.

"Light from the Sanctuary illumined the past, the present, and the future."—Great Controversy, 423.

"The Third Angel has lighted up the past, the present, and the future." Early Writings, 255.

Both passages are speaking about the same experience. The light from the Sanctuary is given to all the world through the Third Angel. And that light—if properly given by the Advent people—directs people to Jesus in the Sanctuary above, and to the Law of God, and to the Holy Sabbath. That light teaches law and grace. It explains what is required of man—perfect obedience to the Commandments, and it reveals how to achieve that goal—through enabling faith in Jesus. It is to be the saints (the ones fulfilling the message in their lives) whom this angel speaks through to give this message, and those who receive it become saints also. "Patience" refers to the fact that they, themselves, consistently adhere to the inwrought principles of the message they bear.

"Here is the patience of the saints: here are they that keep the commandments of God, and the faith of Jesus." Revelation 14:12.

Speaking of this same experience and time in history, we are elsewhere told: "And the dragon was wroth with the woman [the true church], and went to make war with the remnant [last part] of her seed [descendants], which keep the commandments of God, and have the testimony of Jesus Christ." Revelation 12:17.

It is through Jesus and His Commandments that the saints will conquer. And we can be very thankful that Jesus not only sent us the Third Angel, but He sent us a beloved prophet also. Special testimonies from Jesus have been sent to His people through the messenger of His choice. Our appreciation will be shown in study and careful obedience.

After the initial discovery in 1844 of the heavenly Sanctuary and Jesus within it enabling men to keep His Law, still others learned of this wondrous truth. But they had not gone through the Midnight Cry experience, and in this there was a lack, but the Third Angel makes up this lack by pointing them to the Most Holy Place where Jesus ministers His grace and enables men to keep His Commandments:

"Many who embraced the third message had not had an experience in the two former messages. Satan understood this, and his evil eye was upon them to overthrow them; but the Third Angel was pointing them to the most holy place, and those who had had an experience in the past messages were pointing them the way to the heavenly Sanctuary. Many saw the perfect chain of truth in the angels' messages, and gladly received them in their order, and followed Jesus by faith into the heavenly Sanctuary. These messages were represented to me as an anchor to the people of God. Those who understand and receive them will be kept from being swept away by the many delusions of Satan."—Early Writings, 256.

A persistent theme on these three pages of "Early Writings" (254-256) is that of directing the people to look to Jesus within the Sanctuary. Many years ago, while studying in the book "Early Writings," I came across the impressive chapter entitled "The Advent Movement Illustrated." You will want to read it for yourself, on pages 240-245. (The next chapter, "Another Illustration" (245-250) is equally instructive. Here you will learn that, repeatedly, Satan used friends, relatives and error (but especially friends and relatives) to try to turn the faithful away from God. But in each instance they were saved by "fixing the eye upon Jesus." What a most thrilling thought! Oh, what strength and glory there is in it! We are not a band of orphans down here. We need only turn our eye upward and, by faith, fix it upon Jesus. He is, as it were, but a little way above us, ministering for us in the Sanctuary. When darkness cast upon you by Satan or by associates threatens to separate your soul from your Saviour, fix your eye upward upon Jesus and by faith cling to Him.

"He sent His angels to direct their minds that they might follow Him where He was."—Early Writings, 244.

But now that we know where He is—there are even more blessings! Having seen Him in the Sanctuary above, we are, by faith, to follow Him within it—that we may be there with Him as He ministers on our behalf and presents us to the Wonderful Father.

"As he [the Third Angel] repeated these words, he pointed to the heavenly Sanctuary. The minds of all who embrace this message are directed to the most holy place, where Jesus stands before the ark, making His final intercession." Early Writings, 254.

"I saw the Third Angel pointing upward, showing the disappointed ones the way to the holiest of the heavenly Sanctuary. As they by faith enter the most holy, they find Jesus, and hope and joy spring up anew. . [and they then are awed as they view the majesty of His holy Law] ."Early Writings, 254-255. "The Third Angel was pointing them to the most holy place. . Many saw the perfect chain of truth in the angels' messages, and gladly received them in their order [as they were given], and followed Jesus by faith into the heavenly Sanctuary. These messages were represented to me as an anchor to the people of God. Those who understand and receive them will be kept from being swept away by the many delusions of Satan."—Early Writings, 256.

"I then saw the Third Angel. Said my accompanying angel, 'Fearful is his work. Awful is his mission. He is the angel that is to select the wheat from the tares, and seal, or bind, the wheat for the heavenly garner. These things should engross the whole mind, the whole attention.' "Early Writings, 118.

"It [the Third Angel's message] is represented as being given with a loud voice: that is, with the power of the Holy Spirit." 7 Bible Commentary, 980.

"And grieve not the Holy Spirit whereby ye are sealed unto the day of redemption." Ephesians 4: 30. "As the wax takes the impression of the seal, so the soul is to take the impression of the Spirit of God and retain the moral image of Christ."—Review, November I, 1892. )

"When the earth is lighted with the glory of the angel of Revelation 18, the religious elements, good and evil, will awake from their slumber, and the armies of the living God will take the field." 7 Bible Commentary, 983.

"Those who have held the beginning of their confidence firm unto the end will be wide awake during the time that the Third Angel's message is proclaimed." 7 Bible Commentary, 984.

"There will be among the people of the Lord, such a revival of primitive godliness as has not been witnessed since apostolic times."—Great Controversy, 464.

"I have no specific time of which to speak when the outpouring of the Holy Spirit will take place—when the mighty angel [of Revelation 18:2-4] will come down from Heaven, and unite with the Third Angel in closing up the work for this world; my message is that our only safety is in being ready for the heavenly refreshing, having our lamps trimmed and burning." 7 Bible Commentary, 984.

A most powerful description of the Investigative Judgment is to be found in Volume 4 of the Testimonies. You will want to carefully read the entire vision; it is only four pages in length. Here are portions from it:

"On the morning of October 23, 1879, about two o'clock, the Spirit of the Lord rested upon me, and I beheld scenes in the coming judgment. Language fails me in which to give an adequate description of the things which passed before me and of the effect they had upon my mind.

" . . Ten thousand times ten thousand were assembled before a large throne, upon which was seated a Person of majestic appearance. Several books were before Him, and upon the covers of each was written in letters of gold, which seemed like a burning flame of fire: 'Ledger of Heaven.' One of these books, containing the names of those who claim to believe the truth, was then opened. Immediately I last sight of the countless millions about the throne, and only those who were professedly children of the light and of the truth engaged my attention. As these persons were named, one by one, and their good deeds mentioned, their countenances would light up with a holy joy that was reflected in every direction. But this did not seem to rest upon my mind with the greatest force.

"Another book was opened, wherein were recorded the sins of those who profess the truth. Under the general title of selfishness came every other sin. .

"As the Holy One upon the throne slowly turned the leaves of the Ledger, and His eyes rested far a moment upon individuals, His glance seemed to burn into their very souls, and at the same moment every ward and action of their lives passed beware their minds as clearly as though traced before their vision in letters of fire. Trembling seized them, and their faces turned pale. Their first appearance when around the throne was that of careless indifference. But how changed their appearance now! The feeling of security is gone, and in its place is a nameless terror. A dread is upon every soul, lest he shall be found among those who are wanting. Every eye is riveted upon the face of the One upon the throne; and as His solemn, searching eye sweeps over that company, there is a quaking of heart; far they are self-condemned without one word being uttered. .

" . . Said the Judge: 'All will be justified by their faith and judged by their works' . .

"The scene then passed away, and I found myself still upon the earth, inexpressibly grateful that the day of God had not yet came, and that precious probationary time is still granted us in which to prepare for eternity." 4 Testimonies, 385-387,

What makes the difference between the two classes (those accepted of God in the Investigative Judgment and those who are not)? The genuineness of the life work is the out flowing of the genuineness of the heart work. Thoughtfully read the chapter entitled "The Shaking," in Early Writings, especially pages 269-271. Here you will find that the faithful, praying ones are those who obtain the victory over sin and receive the Seal and the "refreshing" the Latter Rain. Prior to entering the typical Day of Atonement, the people were to put away their sins and humble their hearts before God. This is the experience that you will find anti-typically fulfilled within the lives of the Remnant as described in Early Writings, 269-271.

We are now living in the antitypical Day of Atonement, and the purpose of the Day of Atonement should ever be kept in mind. It is not merely to remove sin from the heavenly Sanctuary—but that the sin may be taken out of our lives as well. "And this shall be a statute far ever unto you: that in the seventh month, and the tenth day of the month, ye shall afflict your souls. . Far on that day shall the priest make an atonement far you, to cleanse you, that ye may be clean from all your sins before the Lard. . And this shall be an everlasting statute unto you, to make an atonement far the children of Israel far all their sins once a year."—Leviticus 16:29-30,34.

It will work no permanent accomplishment if the sins are only removed from the Sanctuary in heaven, if the people of God continue sinning on earth after the sins in the record books of heaven have been removed. "Early Writings," 71 clarifies this point. It is now that you and I must put away our sins. We are not to wait till the Judgment passes to the cases of the living to do it, we are not to wait until after the close of probation to do it, and we are not to wait for the Second Advent of Christ to do it.

"Also, on the tenth day of the seventh month there shall be a day of atonement: it shall be an holy convocation unto you; and ye shall afflict your souls, and offer an offering made by fire unto the Lord." Leviticus 23:27.

"And this shall be a statute forever, unto you: that in the seventh month, on the tenth day of the month, ye shall afflict your souls, and do no work at all . . Far on that day shall the priest make an atonement far you, to cleanse you, that ye may be clean from all your sins before the Lard. It shall be a sabbath of rest unto you, and ye shall afflict your souls. . And this shall be an everlasting statute unto you, to make an atonement for the children of Israel far all their sins once a year." Leviticus 16: 29-31, 34.

"In a view given June 27, '1950, my accompanying angel said, 'Time is almost finished. Do you reflect the lovely image of Jesus as you should?' Then I was painted to the earth and saw that there would have to be a getting ready among those who have of late embraced the third angel's message. Said the angel, 'Get ready, get ready, get ready. You will have to die a greater death to the world than ye have ever yet died: I saw that there was a great work to do for them and but little time in which to do it.—Early Writings, 64.

How important is Revelation 14: 12? The Third Angel speaks those words as He points all men to the Most Holy of the heavenly Sanctuary. The inquiry is frequently made, "What shall be the banner that we shall carry during the Loud Cry crisis? What will be written upon it?" Here is the banner that the faithful people of God will carry high—all the way to the end of the final warning to mankind—the Close of Probation:

"The banner of the Third Angel has inscribed upon it, 'The commandments of God and the faith of Jesus: . . The Sabbath is Gods memorial of His creative work, and it is a sign that is to be kept before the world. There is to be no compromise with those who are worshiping an idol sabbath. . I was told that men will employ every policy to make less prominent the difference between the faith of Seventh-day Adventists and those who observe the first day of the week. In this controversy the whole world will be engaged, and the time is short. This is no time to haul dawn our colors. A company was presented before me under the name of Seventh-day Adventists, who were advising that the banner or sign which makes us a distinct people should not be held out so strikingly; for they claimed it was not the best policy in securing success to our institutions. This distinctive banner is to be borne through the world to the close of probation. In describing the remnant people of God, John says, 'Here is the patience of the saints: here are they that keep the commandments of God, and the faith of Jesus' (Rev 14: 12) . . I saw same reaching out their hands to remove the banner, and to obscure its significance. . Shall not the commandments of God be more highly esteemed when men pour contempt upon the Law of God?" 2 Selected Messages, 384-385,

"In describing the remnant people of God, John says. . [Rev 14:12]." Their banner represents their experience. When men are concerned to lay down the banner, it is because they have already forsaken the experience.

"I saw angels hurrying to and fro in heaven, descending to the earth, and again ascending to heaven, preparing for the fulfillment of some important event. Then I saw another mighty angel commissioned to descend to the earth, to unite his voice with the third angel, and give power and force to his message. Great power and glory were imparted to the angel, and as he descended, the earth was lightened with his glory. The light which attended this angel penetrated everywhere, as he cried mightily, with a strong voice, 'Babylon the great is fallen, is fallen, and is became the habitation of devils, and the hold of every foul spirit, and a cage of every unclean and hateful bird: The message of the fall of Babylon, as given by the second angel, is repeated, with the additional mention of the corruptions which have been entering the churches since 1844. The work of this angel comes in at the right time to join in the last great work of the third angel's message as it swells to a loud cry. And the people of God are thus prepared to stand in the hour of temptation, which they are soon to meet. I saw a great light resting upon them, and they united to fearlessly proclaim the third angel's message.

"Angels were sent to aid the mighty angel from heaven, and I heard voices which seemed to sound everywhere, '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.

This message seemed to be an addition to the third message, joining it as the midnight cry joined the second angel's message in 1844. The glory of God rested upon the patient, waiting saints, and they fearlessly gave the last solemn warning, proclaiming the fall of Babylon and calling upon God's people to come out of her that they might escape her fearful doom.

"The light that was shed upon the waiting ones penetrated everywhere, and those in the churches who had any light, who had not heard and rejected the three messages, obeyed the call and left the fallen churches. Many had come to years of accountability since these messages had been given, and the light shone upon them, and they were privileged to choose life or death. Some chose life and took their stand with those who were looking for their Lord and keeping all His commandments. The third message was to do its work; all were to be tested upon it, and the precious ones were to be called out from the religious bodies. A compelling power moved the honest, while the manifestation of the power of God brought a fear and restraint upon their unbelieving relatives and friends so that they dared not, neither had they the power to, hinder those who felt the work of the Spirit of God upon them . . . Mighty miracles were wrought, the sick were healed, and signs and wonders followed the believers. God was in the work, and every saint, fearless of consequences, followed the convictions of his own conscience and united with those who were keeping all the commandments of God; and with power they sounded abroad the third message. I saw that this message will close with power and strength far exceeding the midnight cry.

"Servants of God, endowed with power from on high with their faces lighted up, and shining with holy consecration, went forth to proclaim the message from heaven. Souls that were scattered all through the religious bodies answered to the call, and the precious were hurried out of the doomed churches, as Lot was hurried out of Sodom before her destruction. God's people were strengthened by the excellent glory which rested upon them in rich abundance and prepared them to endure the hour of temptation. I heard everywhere a multitude of voices saying, 'Here is the patience of the saints: here are they that keep the commandments of God, and the faith of Jesus.' "Early Writings, pp. 277-279.

SECTION ELEVEN

THE BEGINNING OF THE THIRD ANGEL'S MESSAGE

"For nine years he waited, the burden still pressing upon his soul, until in 1831 he for the first time publicly gave the reasons of his faith."—Great Controversy, p. 331.

"The second angel's message of Revelation 14 was first preached in the Summer of 1844." Great Controversy, p. 389.

"In the summer and autumn of 1844 the proclamation, 'Behold, the Bridegroom cometh: was given."—Great Controversy, p. 426.

"The tenth day of the seventh month, the great Day of Atonement, the time of the cleansing of the Sanctuary, which in the year 1844, fell upon the twenty-second of October." Great Controversy, p. 400.

"These angels represent those who receive the truth, and with power open the gospel to the world,"—Letter 79, 1900; 7 Bible Commentary, p. 979.

"The fact that an angel is said to be the herald of this warning is significant. By the purity, the glory, and the power of the heavenly messenger, divine wisdom has been pleased to represent the exalted character of the work to be accomplished by the message, and the power and glory that were to attend it. And the angel's flight 'in the midst of heaven: the 'loud voice: with which the warning is uttered, and its promulgation to all 'that dwell on the earth'—'to every nation, and kindred, and tongue, and people.'—give evidence of the rapidity and the worldwide extent of the movement."—Great Controversy, p. 355.

"These messages were represented to me as an anchor to hold the body and as individuals receive and understand them, they are shielded against the many delusions of Satan."1 Spiritual Gifts, p. 168.

"Christ is coming the second time with power unto salvation. To prepare human beings for this event, He has sent the first second and third angels' messages."—Letter 79, 1900; 7 Bible Commentary, p. 979.

"I saw that as the Jews crucified Jesus, so the nominal churches had crucified these messages [3 angels' messages], and therefore they have no knowledge of the way into the most holy, and they cannot be benefited by the intercession of Jesus there."—Early Writings, p. 261.

"The third angel closes his message thus: 'Here is the patience of the saints, here are they that keep the commandments of God, and the faith of Jesus.' As he repeated these words, he pointed to the heavenly Sanctuary. The minds of all who embrace this message are directed to the Most Holy place." Early Writings, p. 254.

"I saw the third angel pointing upward, showing the disappointed ones to the Most Holy place, where He had gone to cleanse the Sanctuary and make a special atonement for Israel." Early Writings, p. 251.

"As the ministration of Jesus closed in the Holy Place, and He passed into the Holiest, and stood before the ark containing the law of God, He sent another mighty angel with a third message to the world. . The third angel pointing upward, showing the disappointed ones the way to the Holiest of the heavenly Sanctuary." Early Writings, pp. 254, 255.

"The third angel has lighted up the past, the present, and the future, and they know that God has indeed led them by His mysterious providence. It was represented to me that the remnant followed Jesus into the Most Holy Place and beheld the ark and the mercy seat, and were captivated with their glory." Early Writings, p. 255.

"The third angel's message is to be regarded as the highest importance. It is a life and death question. The impression made by this message will be proportionate to the earnestness and solemnity with which it is proclaimed."—Manuscript 16, 1900; 7 Bible Commentary, p. 980.

"The third angel's message increases in importance as we near the close of this earth's history."—Manuscript 135, 1902; 7 Bible Commentary, p. 980.

"The message of Christ's righteousness is to sound from one end of the earth to the other to prepare the way of the Lord. This is the glory of God, which closes the work of the third angel."—6 Testimonies, p. 19.

"The message of the fall of Babylon, as given by the second angel, is repeated with the additional mention of the corruptions which have been entering the churches since 1844."—Early Writings, p. 277.

"When Jesus began His public ministry, He cleansed the temple from its sacrilegious profanation. Among the last acts of His ministry was the second cleansing of the temple. So in the last work for the warning of the world, two distinct calls are made to the churches. The second angel's message is, 'Babylon is fallen, is fallen, that great city, because she made all nations drink of the wine of the wrath of her fornication.' And in the loud cry of the third angel's message a voice is heard from heaven saying, 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.' "—Review and Herald, December 6,1892.

"And at the commencement of the time of trouble, we were filled with the Holy Ghost as we went forth and proclaimed the Sabbath more fully."—Early Writings, p. 85.

"Those who rejected the first message could not be benefited by the second, and were not benefited by the midnight cry, which was to prepare them to enter with Jesus by faith into the Most Holy place of the heavenly Sanctuary and by rejecting the two former messages, they can see no light in the third angel's message, which shows the way into the Most Holy place." Early Writings, pp. 260, 261; 1 Spiritual Gifts, p. 171.

"I was shown what did take place in heaven at the close of the prophetic periods in 1844. As Jesus ended His ministration in the holy place and closed the door of that apartment, a great darkness settled upon those who had heard and rejected the message of His coming, and they lost sight of Him." Early Writings, p. 251.

"They embraced them [the three angels' messages] in their order, and followed Jesus by faith into the heavenly Sanctuary."—l Spiritual Gifts, p. 166.

'Those who rejected and opposed the light of the first angel's message, lost the light of the second, and could not be benefited by the power and glory which attended the message, 'Behold, the Bridegroom cometh: Jesus turned from them with a frown; for they had slighted and rejected Him. Those who received the message were wrapped in a cloud of glory. Early Writings, p. 249.

"The fourteenth chapter of Revelation is a chapter of the deepest interest. This Scripture will soon be understood in all its bearings, and the message given to John the Revelator will be repeated with distinct utterance."—Review and Herald, October 13,1904; 7 Bible Commentary, p. 978.

"As the time comes for it to be given with greatest power, the Lord will work through humble instruments, leading the minds of those who consecrate themselves to His service. The laborers will be qualified rather by the unction of His Spirit than by the training of literary institutions. Great Controversy, p. 606.

"Unless those who can help. . are aroused to a sense of their duty, they will not recognize the work of God when the loud cry of the third angel shall be heard. When light goes forth to lighten the earth, instead of coming up to the help of the Lord, they will want to bind about His work to meet their narrow ideas. . There will be those among us who will always want to control the work of God, to dictate even what movements shall be made when the work goes forward under the direction of the angel who joins the third angel. . " Testimonies to Ministers, p. 300.

SECTION TWELVE

OCTOBER 22,1844- JESUS ENTERS THE SECOND APARTMENT

"As Jesus ended His ministration in the holy place, and closed the door of that apartment, a great darkness settled upon those who had heard and rejected the message of His coming, and they lost sight of Him. Jesus then clothed Himself with precious garments. . A breastplate of curious work was suspended from His shoulder. As He moved, this glittered like diamonds, magnifying letters which looked like names written or engraved upon the breastplate. Upon His head was something which had the appearance of a crown. When fully attired, He was surrounded by angels, and in a flaming chariot, He passed within the second vail.—Early Writings, 251.

Carefully read the companion, but more complete, description given in Early Writings, 54-56. And note that the final sentence in the original of this chapter ("End of the 2300 Days") is not in the present edition of this book: Final sentence that should be added to present edition: "I saw one after another leave the company who were praying to Jesus in the holiest, and go out and join those before the throne, and they at once received the unholy influence of Satan before the [first apartment] throne." (See "Ellen G. White and Her Critics," by F.D. Nichol, page 624, for confirmation of this.) The Third Angel pointed the faithful ones to enter the Most Holy Place (EW 254-256), and some entered it (GC 431-432), while others did not (EW 55-56, 259-260).

"As the apostle John was granted a view of the temple of God in heaven, he beheld there 'seven lamps of fire burning before the throne: Revelation 4 :3. He saw an angel having a golden censer; and there was given unto him much incense, that he should offer it with the prayers of all saints upon the golden altar which was before the throne: Revelation 8 :3. Here the prophet was permitted to behold the first apartment of the Sanctuary in heaven, and he saw there the 'seven lamps of fire: and 'the golden altar" represented by the golden candlestick and the altar of incense in the sanctuary of earth. Great Controversy, pp. 414, 415.

"I saw the Father rise from the throne, and in a flaming chariot go into the Holy of Holies within the veil, and sit down. Then a cloudy chariot, with wheels like flaming fire, surrounded by angels, came to where Jesus was. He stepped into the chariot and was borne to the Holiest, where the Father sat. Early Writings, p. 55; see also p. 56.

"As the priest entered the most holy once a year to cleanse the earthly sanctuary, so Jesus entered the Most Holy of the heavenly, at the end of the 2300 days of Daniel 8, in 1844, to make a final atonement for all who could be benefited by His mediation, and thus to cleanse the sanctuary.

"As the ministration of Jesus closed in the holy place, and He passed into the Holiest, and stood before the ark containing the law of God, He sent another mighty angel with a third message to the world."—Early Writings, pp. 253,254.

'Then [in 1844] Jesus rose up and shut the door of the holy place, and opened the door into the most holy, and passed within the second veil, where He now stands by the ark, and where the faith of Israel now reaches.

"I saw that Jesus had shut the door of the holy place, and no man can open it; and that He had opened the door into the most holy, and no man can shut it (Rev 3:7-8).Early Writings, 42.

Carefully read the chapter "End of the 2300 Days" in Early Writings, 54-56. Many pretend to be worshiping Jesus, but only the faithful are worshiping Him in the Most Holy Place of the heavenly Sanctuary.

In your study of this chapter, you should know that by a mechanical omission, the following three sections were left out of this chapter when it underwent reprinting. We are not told the exact location of the first two omissions in that chapter, but I will here place them in the area where they may have been located:

"I saw the Father rise from the throne, and in a flaming chariot go into the holy of holies within the veil, and sit down. There [in the holy of holies] I saw thrones that I had never seen before. Then Jesus rose up from the throne, and the most of those who were bowed down arose with Him. Then Jesus shew showed I me the difference between faith and feeling. I did not see one ray of light pass from Jesus to the careless multitude after He arose, and they were left in perfect darkness." Early Writings, 55 [omitted sentences in italics].

The third omission is by far the most significant. It reveals that many of the company of true worshipers would leave and go out to join the company of false worshipers. This omission was the closing sentence in the chapter:

"I turned to look at the company who were still bowed before the throne [in the first apartment] ; they did not know that Jesus had left it . . Satan's object was to keep them deceived and to draw back and deceive God's children. I saw one after another leave the company who were praying to Jesus in the holiest, and go out and join those before the throne, and they at once received the unholy influence of Satan before the throne. "—Early Writings, 56.

The above three omissions are disclosed in the book, "Ellen G. White and Her Critics," by F. D. Nichol, page 624.

" 'It will take all to buy the field.' I cried to God to spare His people, some of whom were fainting and dying. Then I saw that the judgments of the Almighty were speedily coming, and I begged of the angel to speak in his language to the people. Said he, 'All the thunders and lightnings of Mount Sinai would not move those who will not be moved by the plain truths of the Word of God, neither would an angel's message awake them."—Early Writings, 51.

"Through Christ, the hidden glory of the holy of holies was to stand revealed. He had suffered death for every man, and by this offering, the sons of men were to become the sons of God. With open face, beholding as in a glass the glory of the Lord, believers in Christ were to be changed into the same image, from glory to glory. The mercy seat, upon which the glory of God rested in the holiest of all, is opened to all who accept Christ as the propitiation for sin, and through its medium, they are brought into fellowship with God. The veil is rent, the partition walls broken down, the handwriting of ordinances cancelled. By virtue of His blood the enmity is abolished. "Letter 230,1907.

SECTION THIRTEEN

RECEIVING THE BENEFITS

"I saw that as the Jews crucified Jesus, so the nominal churches had crucified these messages, and therefore they have no knowledge of the way into the most holy, and they cannot be benefited by the intercession of Jesus there. Like the Jews, who offered their useless sacrifices, they [the modernists today who reject the law of God] offer up their useless prayers to the apartment which Jesus has left; and Satan, pleased with the deception, assumes a religious character, and leads the minds of these professed Christians to himself, working with his power, his signs and lying wonders, to fasten them in his snare."—Early Writings, 261.

"The great sacrifice [at Calvary] had been offered and had been accepted, and the Holy Spirit which descended on the day of Pentecost carried the minds of the disciples from the earthly sanctuary to the heavenly, where Jesus had entered by His own blood, to shed upon His disciples the benefits of His atonement [within the first apartment, see remainder of quote] . But the Jews were left in total darkness. They lost all the light which they might have had upon the plan of salvation, and still trusted in their useless sacrifices and offerings. The heavenly Sanctuary had taken the place of the earthly, yet they had no knowledge of the change. Therefore they could not be benefited by the mediation of Christ in the holy place." Early Writings, 259.

"The humble, self-sacrificing followers of Jesus will pass on to perfection leaving behind the indifferent and lovers of the world."1 Testimonies, 608-609.

"It is those who by faith follow Jesus in the great work of the atonement, who receive the benefits of His mediation in their behalf."—Great Controversy, 430.

"The actual cleansing of the heavenly [Sanctuary] is to be accomplished by the removal, or blotting out, of the sins which are there recorded. But before this can be accomplished, there must be an examination of the books of record to determine who, through repentance of sin and faith in Christ, are entitled to the benefits of His atonement."—Great Controversy, 421-422.

"He [Christ] asks for His people not only pardon and justification, full and complete, but a share in His glory and a seat upon His throne."—Great Controversy. 484.

Here is how Hiram Edson describes what took place that morning of the 23rd of October, 1844:

" . . instead of our High Priest coming out of the Most Holy of the heavenly Sanctuary to come to this earth on the tenth day of the seventh month, at the end of the 2300 days, he for the first time entered on that day the second apartment of that sanctuary and that he had a work to perform in the Most Holy before coming to this earth."—Hiram Edson, Manuscript entitled, "Life and Experience," page 9.

SECTION FOURTEEN

THE MIDNIGHT CRY EXPERIENCE

As we near the National Sunday Law, Latter Rain, Sealing and Loud Cry, we should hearken back to the experience of those who were in the Midnight Cry, and we should seek to emulate their experience. This is the very best preparation for the crisis that is ahead:

"A spirit of solemn and earnest prayer was everywhere felt by the saints. A holy solemnity was resting upon them. Angels were watching with the deepest interest the effect of the message, and were elevating those who received it, and drawing them from earthly things to obtain large supplies from salvation's fountain. God's people were then accepted of Him. Jesus looked upon them with pleasure, for His image was reflected in them. They had made a full sacrifice, an entire consecration, and expected to be changed to immortality." Early Writings, 239.

"There was little ecstatic joy, but rather deep searching of heart, confession of sin, and forsaking of the world. A preparation to meet the Lord was the burden of agonizing spirits. There was persevering prayer, and unreserved consecration to God."—Great Controversy, 400-401.

It would seem that the genuinely faithful, though few, among the many at that time apparently waiting to meet their Lord were indeed ready. But the Investigative Judgment had not convened as of yet. This was the reason why Jesus could not return to earth on October 22, 1844.

"But the people were not yet ready to meet their Lord. There was still a work of preparation to be accomplished." Great Controversy, 424.

"As the typical cleansing of the earthly sanctuary was accomplished by the removal of the sins by which it had been polluted, so the actual cleansing of the heavenly is to be accomplished by the removal, or blotting out, of the sins which are there recorded. But before this can be accomplished, there must be an examination of the books of record to determine who, through repentance of sin and faith in Christ, are entitled to the benefits of this atonement. The cleansing of the Sanctuary therefore involves a work of investigation—a work of judgment."—Great Controversy, 421-422.

"Attended by heavenly angels, our great High Priest enters the holy of holies and there appears in the presence of God to engage in the last acts of His ministration in behalf of man—to perform the work of Investigative Judgment and to make an atonement for all who are shown to be entitled to its benefits."—Great Controversy, 480.

Many saw the perfect chain of truth in the angels' messages, and gladly received them in their order, and followed Jesus by faith into the heavenly Sanctuary."—Early Writings, 256.

SECTION FIFTEEN

PREPARATION FOR THE LATTER RAIN

"The living righteous will receive the seal of God prior to, the close of probation. 1 Selected Messages, 66.

"Before the work is closed up and the sealing of God's people is finished, we shall receive the outpouring of the Spirit of God. 1 Selected Messages, 111.

"I also saw that many do not realize what they must be in order to live in the sight of the Lord without a High Priest in the Sanctuary through the time of trouble. Those who receive the seal of the living God and are protected in the time of trouble must reflect the image of Jesus fully.

"I saw that many were neglecting the preparation so needful and were looking to the time of 'refreshing' and the latter rain to fit them to stand in the day of the Lord and to live in His sight. Oh, How many I saw in the time of trouble without a shelter! They had neglected the needful preparation; there fore they could not receive the refreshing that all must have to fit them to live in the sight of a holy God. . [Read the rest] .. I saw that none could share the 'refreshing' unless they obtain the victory over every besetment, over pride, selfishness, love of the world, and over every wrong word and action.—Early Writings, 71.

"Not one of us will ever receive the seal of God while our characters have one spot or stain upon them. It is left with us to remedy the defects in our characters, to cleanse the soul temple of every defilement. Then the latter rain will fall upon us as the early rain fell upon the disciples on the day of Pentecost." 5 Testimonies, 214.

"I saw that none could share the 'refreshing' unless they obtain the victory over every besetment, over pride, selfishness, love of the world, and over every wrong word and action.—Early Writings, 71.

"I was shown that if God's people make no efforts on their part, but wait for the refreshing to come upon them and remove their wrongs and correct their errors; if they depend upon that to cleanse them from filthiness of the flesh and spirit, and fit them to engage in the loud cry of the Third Angel, they will be found wanting. The refreshing or power of God comes only on those who have prepared themselves for it by doing the work which God bids them, namely, cleansing themselves from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God." 1 Testimonies, 619.

What the Latter Rain does is to seal in the character development which the people of God have earlier attained through the grace of Jesus their High Priest and Mediator:

"The latter rain, falling near the close of the harvest, ripens the grain, and prepares it for the sickle. . As the dew and the rain are given first to cause the seed to germinate, and then to ripen the harvest, so the Holy Spirit is given to carry forward, from one stage to another, the process of spiritual growth. The ripening of the grain represents the completion of the work of God's grace in the soul. By the power of the Holy Spirit the moral image of God is to be perfected in the character. We are to be wholly transformed into the likeness of Christ.

"The latter rain, ripening earth's harvest, represents the spiritual grace that prepares the church for the coming of the Son of man. But unless the former rain has fallen, there will be no life; the green blade will not spring up. Unless the early showers have done their work, the latter rain can bring no seed to perfection. Testimonies to Ministers, 506.

The remainder of this chapter is powerful. You will want to carefully read it (TM 506-512). Here are a few samples from it:

"Many have in a great measure failed to receive the former rain. They have not obtained all the benefits that God has thus provided for them. They expect that the lack will be supplied by the latter rain. When the richest abundance of grace shall be bestowed, they intend to open their hearts to receive it. They are making a terrible mistake. (507) "The heart must be emptied of every defilement, and cleansed for the indwelling of the Holy Spirit." (507) "Unless we are daily advancing in the exemplification of the active Christian virtues, we shall not recognize the manifestations of the Holy Spirit in the latter rain. It may be falling on hearts all around us, but we shall not discern or receive it. (507) "Divine grace is needed at the beginning, divine grace at every step of advance, and divine grace alone can complete the work. There is no place for us to rest in a careless attitude." (508) "We may have a measure of the Spirit of God, but by prayer and faith we are continually to seek more of the Spirit. It will never do to cease our efforts. If we do not progress, if we do not place ourselves in an attitude to receive both the former and the latter rain, we shall lose our souls, and the responsibility will lie at our own door. (508)

"Do not rest satisfied that in the ordinary course of the season, rain will fall. Ask for it. (508) "We are not to trust to the ordinary working of providence [to eventually send us the latter rain in the course of time] . We must pray that God will unseal the fountain of the water of life. (509) "As we seek God for the Holy Spirit, it will work in us meekness, humbleness of mind, a conscious dependence upon God for the perfecting latter rain. If we pray for the blessing in faith, we shall receive it. (509) "The whole heavenly treasure awaits our demand and reception; and as we receive the blessing, we in our turn are to impart it. Thus it is that the holy lamps are fed, and the church becomes a light bearer in the world. (510)

"We should daily obtain a deep and living experience in the work of perfecting Christian character. We should daily receive the holy oil [the oil of the Holy Spirit and His imparted graces—see page 510] that we may impart to others. (510-511) "We may have long followed the narrow path, but it is not safe to take this as proof that we shall follow it to the end. If we have walked with God in fellowship of the Spirit, it is because we have sought Him daily by faith." (511) "Those who do not cultivate the spirit and habit of prayer cannot expect to receive the golden oil of goodness, patience, longsuffering, gentleness, love." (511) "The dispensation in which we are now living is to be, to those that ask, the dispensation of the Holy Spirit. Ask for His blessing." (511) "We are called to proclaim the special truths for this time. For all this the outpouring of the Spirit is essential. We should pray for it. The Lord expects us to ask Him. We have not been wholehearted in this work. (511-512) "We cannot depend upon form or external machinery. What we need is the quickening influence of the Holy Spirit of God." (512) "Pray without ceasing, and watch by working in accordance with your prayers. As you pray, believe, trust in God. It is the time of the latter rain, when the Lord will give largely of His Spirit. (512)

"The seal of God will never be placed upon the forehead of an impure man or woman. . All who receive the seal of God must be without spot before God. 5 Testimonies, 216.

"What are you doing, brethren, in the great work of preparation? Those who are uniting with the world are receiving the worldly mold and preparing for the mark of the beast. Those who are distrustful of self, who are humbling themselves before God and purifying their souls by obeying the truth these are receiving the heavenly mold and preparing for the seal of God in their foreheads. When the decree goes forth and the stamp is impressed, their character will remain pure and spotless for eternity.

"Now is the time to prepare. The seal of God will never be placed upon the forehead of an impure man or woman. It will never be placed upon the forehead of the ambitious. World-loving man or woman. It will never be placed upon the forehead of men or women of false tongues or deceitful hearts. All who receive the seal must be without spot before God, candidates for heaven." 5 Testimonies, 216.

"Are we striving with all our power to attain to the stature of men and women in Christ? Are we seeking for His fulness, ever pressing toward the mark set before us—the perfection of His character? When the Lord's people reach this mark, they will be sealed in their foreheads. Filled with the Spirit, they will be complete in Christ, and the recording angel will declare, 'It is finished: "Our High Calling, 150.

"Repent ye therefore, and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out, when the times of refreshing shall come from the presence of the Lord.—Acts 3:19.

The passage on pages 269-271 of Early Writings is very impressive. You will want to carefully read it. The following excerpts represent some of the high points of what is presented on those three pages. But you will want to read all three of those pages in the book for yourself. As you do so, note the pattern that it presents: (1) Some pleading for help from God, while others not interested in doing so. (2) The victory is obtained and the faithful are "clothed with an armor" that renders it impossible for the evil angels to have power over them (compare 5T 475). (3) The Latter Rain has fallen. (4) They now speak forth the truth with great power and many come in. (5) This is the Loud Cry of the Third Angel.

"I saw some with strong faith and agonizing cries, pleading with God. . Evil angels crowded around, pressing darkness upon them to shut out Jesus from their view, that their eyes might be drawn to the darkness that surrounded them, and thus they be led to distrust God and murmur against Him. Their only safety was in keeping their eyes directed upward. . As the praying ones continued their earnest cries, at times a ray of light from Jesus came to them, to encourage their hearts and light up their countenances. Some, I saw, did not participate in this work of agonizing and pleading. They seemed indifferent and careless. They were not resisting the darkness around them, and it shut them in like a thick cloud. . "My attention was then turned to the company I had seen, who were mightily shaken.

I was shown those whom I had before seen weeping and praying in agony of spirit. The company of guardian angels around them had been doubled, and they were clothed with an armor from their head to their feet. . They had obtained the victory, and it called forth from them the deepest gratitude and holy, sacred joy. The numbers of this company had lessened. Some had been shaken out and left by the way. The careless and indifferent, who did not join with those who prized victory and salvation enough to perseveringly plead and agonize for it, did not obtain it, and they were left behind in the darkness, and their places were immediately filled by others taking hold of the truth and coming into the ranks. Evil angels still pressed around them, but could have no power over them.

"I heard those clothed with the armor speak forth the truth with great power. . I asked what had made this great change. An angel answered, 'It is the latter rain, the refreshing from the presence of the Lord, the loud cry of the Third Angel." Early Writings, 269-271.

"To sin, wherever found, 'Our God is a consuming fire.' Hebrews 12:29. In all who submit to His power the Spirit of God will consume sin. But if men cling to sin, they become identified with it. Then the glory of God, which destroys sin, must destroy them."—Desire of Ages, 107.

"Through the Scriptures the Holy Spirit speaks to the mind, and impresses truth upon the heart. Thus He exposes error, and expels it from the soul. It is by the Spirit of truth, working through the Word of God, that Christ subdues His chosen people to Himself.

" . . The Spirit was given as a regenerating agent, and without this the sacrifices of Christ would have been of no avail. . Sin could be resisted and overcome only through the mighty agency of the Third Person of the Godhead. . It is the Spirit that makes effectual what has been wrought out by the world's Redeemer. It is by the Spirit that the heart is made pure. Through the Spirit the believer becomes a partaker of the divine nature. Christ has given His Spirit as a divine power to overcome all hereditary and cultivated tendencies to evil, and to impress His own character upon His church. . The very image of God is to be reproduced in humanity. The honor of God, the honor of Christ, is involved in the perfection of the character of His people."—Desire of Ages, 671.

"The Holy Spirit is wanting in our work. . What we need is a baptism of the Holy Spirit. Without this we are no more fitted to go forth to the world than were the disciples after the crucifixion of their Lord." 1 Selected Messages, 411.

"At that time the 'latter rain' or refreshing from the presence of the Lord, will come, to give power to the loud voice of the Third Angel, and prepare the saints to stand in the period when the seven last plagues shall be poured out."—Early Writings, 86.

"It is the latter rain which revives and strengthens them to pass through the time of trouble."

"The Spirit was to be given as a regenerating agent, and without this the sacrifice of Christ would have been of no avail. The power of evil had been strengthening for centuries, and the submission of men to this Satanic captivity was amazing. Sin could be resisted and overcome only through the mighty agency of the third person of the Godhead, who would come with no modified energy, but in the fullness of divine power. It is the Spirit that makes effectual what has been wrought out by the world's Redeemer. It is by the Spirit that the heart is made pure. Through the Spirit the believer becomes a partaker of the divine nature. Christ has given His Spirit as a divine power to overcome all hereditary and cultivated tendencies to evil, and to impress His character upon His church."—Desire of Ages, p. 671.

"The latter rain will come, and the blessing of God will fill every soul that is purified from every defilement. It is our work today to yield our souls to Christ, that we may be filled for the time of refreshing from the presence of the Lord—filled for the baptism of the Holy Spirit."—Evangelism, p. 702.

"As Joshua pleaded before the Angel, so the remnant church, with brokenness of heart and unfaltering faith, will plead for pardon and deliverance through Jesus, their Advocate."—Prophets and Kings, p. 588.

"Christ is in the heavenly Sanctuary, and He is there to make an atonement for the people. He is there to present His wounded side and pierced hands to His Father. He is there to plead for His Church that is upon the earth. He is cleansing the Sanctuary from the sins of the people. What is our work?—It is our work to be in harmony with the work of Christ. By faith we are to work with Him, to be in union with Him."—Review, January 28, 1890.

"The latter rain is to fall upon the people of God. A mighty angel is to come down from heaven, and the whole earth is to be lighted with His glory. Are we ready to take part in the glorious work of the Third Angel? Are our vessels ready to receive the heavenly dew? Have we defilement and sin in the heart? If so, let us cleanse the soul temple, and prepare for the showers of the latter rain. The refreshing from the presence of the Lord will never come to hearts filled with impurity. May God help us to die to self, that Christ, the hope of glory, may be formed within! I must have the spirit of God in my heart. I can never go forward to do the great work of God, unless the Holy Spirit rests upon my soul. 'As the hart panteth after the water brooks, so panteth my soul after thee, 0 God.' The day of judgment is upon us. 0 that we may wash our robes of character, and make them white in the blood of the Lamb!—"Review, April 21, 1891.

CONTINUE 5

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