A Theological Exposition in Response to Pastor Stephen Bohr’s Paper:

“The Door is About to Close Are You Ready”

By Pastor Arthur R. Branner II

Copyright ©

December 29, 2018

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Table of Contents Topic Page Proper Understanding of Typology …………………………………………..4 – 10 (Dual Application of Revelation 12) Diagnosing the Problem …………………………………………………….10 – 14 (The Root Cause of Blindness to Prophecy) Year/Day Principle ………………………………………………………….14 – 16 (Biblical Evidence of Literal Time Prophecy) Hermeneutical Guidelines/Principles…………………………………….….17 – 20 (How to Determine a Dual Prophecy) Appointed Times …………………………………………………………….20 - 21 (Biblical Evidence of Reapplied Prophecy) 42 Months of Revelation 13:5……………………………………………….21 – 24 (Biblical Evidence of Future Dual Application) Revelation 11………………………………………………………………...24 – 31 (Biblical Evidence of Future Dual Application) 70 Weeks ……………………………………………………………………31 – 33 (Biblical Evidence of Future Dual Application) A Proper Understanding of Ellen White……………………………………..33 – 40 (Guidelines and Principles to Interpret Spirit of Prophecy)

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Areas of Agreement Scripture is replete with examples of type and anti-type. Probably one of the most common parallel comparisons is Matthew 24 which has a dual fulfillment. Jesus said, “When ye therefore shall see the abomination of desolation, spoken of by Daniel the prophet, stand in the holy place, (whoso readeth, let him understand:)” The events associated with the Abomination of Desolation had its fulfillment in AD 70 but its greater fulfilment is still yet in the future (MB 120). The events of our day clearly reveal the soon coming of Christ. All of the events associated with the end of time as mentioned in Matthew 24 are clearly being revealed in this our day and time. When we look at the events that Christ spoke of such as earthquakes and famines, wars and rumors of wars, false prophets and pestilence we can’t help but to realize that we are in the very last days of earths history. Areas of Disagreement I want to take this time to address what I find to be a disturbing trend in the church today. I consider myself a minister who is established upon present truth and endeavor to proclaim the three angels’ message of “Righteousness by Faith” as faithfully as I can. I’m finding more and more that many “present truth” pastors/ministers make rebuttals and present whole sermons and very seldom if at all use scripture to validate their claims. This goes against the direct counsel of Ellen White. She has stated the following; “The Bible, and the Bible only is to be our guide. “(TDG 355.2) In addition she has stated this, “The Spirit was not given nor can it ever be bestowed to supersede the Bible; for the scriptures explicitly state that the word of God is the standard by which all teaching and experience must be tested. GC vii. From her own testimony Ellen White is stating that the Bible only is to be our guide, and secondly, we are to test all spiritual truth by the word of God and that nothing (not even the testimonies) are to supersede the Bible. In fact, she states, “If you had made God’s word your study, with a desire to reach the Bible standard and attain to Christian perfection, you would not have needed the Testimonies.” - 5T 664.3 I’m seeing more and more Pastors and laymen alike are using NOT the BIBLE to answer the queries of men but instead they use the testimonies of EGW as a determining factor to provide biblical answers. She refers to her writings as the “lesser light” LEADING to the greater light. She has never placed her writings ABOVE OR EQUAL to the word of God. We are violating her own counsel by using her writings with LITTLE OR NO BIBLICAL

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REFERENCES to support her testimonies. Her writings were meant to be a support for our teachings NOT the FOUNDATION; our foundation is the word of God. We will be judged on one thing and one thing alone THE WORD OF GOD (James 2:12). We should be cautious and weary of those who use more sources outside of the Bible than the Bible itself.

While there is agreement that the events of Bible prophecy parallel with our time there seems to be disagreement when it comes to timelines having dual fulfillment. Proper Understanding of Typology On page 18 Pastor Bohr makes this statement, “It is true that the law of typology is a valid principle of Bible study. It is also true that in typological stories, history repeats itself. However, it is the events, not the time-periods that repeat in similar fashion.” (Emphasis supplied). Below is a theological exposition of Revelation 12. I am taking the time to demonstrate that the Bible does present time continuums that reveal historical events that are totally different and yet share the same prophetic time line. Revelation 12 is not the only place in scripture that demonstrates this scenario of duality of time line continuum. There are other timelines in Revelation that have dual applications, to include chapters 9 and 11. In fact, this same duality is found also in Revelation 13 with a prophecy that is expressed as (42 months). At a later point in this document a detailed explanation of Revelation 13 timeline will be given, and why it must be given serious consideration for a future application. For now, let’s expound upon Revelation 12.

Chapter 12 of Revelation highlights two specific time lines. In verse 6 the timeline is expressed as 1260 day/years. In verse 14 the timeline is expressed as a time, and times and half a time. The time continuum expressed in these two verses are an expression of dual prophecy. These time lines though mentioned as different expressions of time embrace three separate and distinct historical events. In this study we will elaborate on the timelines and reveal the duality of both the timeline and the distinctly different historical events covered under the specific time lines. The events associated with these timelines will point to the time period of Pagan Rome, Papal Rome and revived Papal Rome.

I. Pagan Rome – This first perspective will look at the church during the time of Christ ministry on earth, the time that Pagan Rome ruled. Revelation 12:1 “And there appeared a great wonder in heaven; a woman clothed with the

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sun, and the moon under her feet, and upon her head a crown of twelve stars:”

a. This verse highlights a specific time period related to the church. In this verse it refers to a woman clothed in the glory of the sun. A woman represents the church (Jer. 6:2, Isaiah 54:5-6). The sun is symbolic of Christ (Malachi 4:2). The moon is symbolic of the influence of the Old Testament ordinances given to Israel (Jer. 31:35). The twelves stars represent the Apostles or Elders of the Church during the New Testament era.

i. Summary (paraphrase): John was taken up in vision to observe the church during the time when Christ and the apostles were upon the earth, at a time when the church was governed by the observance of the Old Testament customs and ordinances.

ii. During the time of the New Testament Church Christ would guide the church with the strength and power of the Holy Word until His mission was complete and He returned to His heavenly Father.

II. Revelation 12:6,9 And the woman fled into the wilderness, where she hath a place prepared of God, that they should feed her there a thousand two hundred and threescore days. 9 And the great dragon was cast out, that old serpent, called the Devil, and Satan, which deceiveth the whole world: he was cast out into the earth, and his angels were cast out with him.

a. During the time of Christ, the church would retreat to the wilderness. The time of Christ ministry lasted 3 ½ years or 1260 days (literal not prophetic days; DA 234). That points to two things in particular, the condition of the church and the location of where church often gathered.

i. Condition: a. Isaiah 53:2 “For he shall grow up before him as a

tender plant, and as a root out of a dry ground: he hath no form nor comeliness; and when we shall see him, there is no beauty that we should desire him.”

i. 4BC 290 “The dry ground may be thought of as representing the Jewish nation and its barren, lifeless round of formal religion. The sterile soil of Judaism could never have produced a flourishing “plant” like the one of which Isaiah speaks,” The prophet speaks of the church during Christ time as

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being like dry ground or in other words the church was barren. The church was in a wilderness condition.

ii. Location: The church during the time of Christ had it beginning

with John the Baptist. Where did John the Baptist minister to the people. In the wilderness. Mark 1:4 “John did baptize in the wilderness, and preach the baptism of repentance for the remission of sins.”

a. The Greek word used for wilderness is the word “eremos.”

i. Did Jesus like John the Baptist also preach and minister to the people in the wilderness? Mark 1:45 “But he went out, and began to publish it much, and to blaze abroad the matter, insomuch that Jesus could no more openly enter into the city, but was without in desert (eremos) places: and they came to him from every quarter. Jesus like John the Baptist taught, preached and performed miracles amidst the church in the wilderness!

b. During the time of the New Testament Church Christ would guide the church with the strength and power of the Holy Word. The church would retreat to the wilderness for 3 ½ years or 1260 days (literal not prophetic days; DA 234). Jesus like John the Baptist taught, preached and performed miracles amidst the church in the wilderness! In addition, the church was in a wilderness condition! It would be during this time that Jesus would defeat Satan on the cross of Calvary effectively casting down Satan from his position.

Having completed the time period that comprises three and a half years (1260 literal days) of the church during the time of Christ, using the same set of verses (Revelation 12:1-11) let us now look at the church during the time of Papal Rome.

I. Papal supremacy. Revelation 12:6 And the woman fled into the wilderness, where she hath a place prepared of God, that they should feed her there a thousand two hundred and threescore days.

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a. The dominant rule of Papal supremacy would drive the church into the wilderness. The faithful followers of Christ would seek refuge in the Piedmont mountains to escape the tyranny of Papal rule during the Dark Ages; 538 AD – 1798 AD. (GC 64.1). This time period would be for 1260 prophetic years - employing a day for a year principle (Numbers 14:34).

II. Revelation 12:11 “And they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb, and by the word of their testimony; and they loved not their lives unto the death.”

a. Summary - Those who overcame during the time of the Dark Ages held onto their faith at great cost. “…They loved not their lives even unto death.” They were able to pay the ultimate sacrifice for their faith by following the example of Jesus Christ, the one who gave His life on their behalf!

Having finished the time period that marks the reign of Papal supremacy let us now look at the time period that characterizes the time of revived Papal Rome.

I. Revived Papal Rome.

This time period is when the “deadly wound” of the Papacy is healed. The Papacy received its deadly would in 1798. This means that the set of verses that we are about to examine point to a time subsequent to then. The verses we will examine are found in Revelation 12:14-17. The time period expressed in these verses though they have a historical application they are dual in nature and thereby have also a future application. Its dual application is expressed however in literal years. But before we move into our study I would like to reference a comment made by Pastor Bohr in his study. His comment is located on page 23 and it reads as follows; “There is no clear example in Bible prophecy where a literal time period points forward to another literal time period of equal length such as the fourteen years of feast and famine in Egypt.” As we noted from our study of Revelation 12:6 the time period of the church during pagan Rome (the three and a half years of ministry to the Church by Christ himself) was three and a half literal years. In our historical application of the same verse we attribute it to the Dark Ages. In like manner we are going to deduce in these verses another literal time period of three and a half years. This is in contrast to Pastor Bohr’s claim that there are no literal time

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periods that point forward to another literal time period. It is reasonable to infer a future literal application of these verses for the following reasons;

a. Verse 12 highlights a time when Satan makes his manifest appearance upon this earth. “…for the devil is come down unto you having great wrath because he knoweth that he hath but a short time.”

b. The time period of the church’s wilderness experience is for a time, times and a half a time. This is the same time period expressed in Daniel 12:7. The Hebrew word in Daniel 12:7 used to describe “time,” is the Hebrew word “moed.” The word moed as first used in Daniel is found in Daniel 4:16. Theologians often refer to this as the law of first use or first mention. The law of first mention states that the way that a term, principle or precept is first utilized determines how it is consistently used throughout the book. In Daniel 4:16 the Bible tells us that King Nebuchadnezzar was made to eat with the cattle of the field and that seven “times (moeds)” past over him. The moed is a literal year. Hence, King Nebuchadnezzar ate grass with the cattle for seven years. Hence Daniel 12:7 points to a secondary application of the 1260. The 1260 of Daniel 12:7 can be interpreted as 3 ½ literal years. In other words, Daniel 12:7 has a dual application (an historical application of the Dark Ages and a future application). With that in mind, what John the Revelator seen in vision was not inconsistent with what Daniel seen. The same designation of time used in Revelation 12:14 (time, times and half of time) is the same expression of time used by Daniel in Daniel 12:7. Therefore, this time period points to dual application, a time in the future when this time line is fulfilled in literal days.

c. The third reason this passage of scripture points to a dual application of the future is because it points to a time when the remnant church has the spirit of prophecy to help guide its destiny (Revelation 12:17). Revelation 12:17 says, “And the dragon was wroth with the woman, and went to make war with the remnant of her seed, which keep the commandments of God, and have the testimony of Jesus Christ.” The testimony of Jesus according to Revelation 19:10 is the “Spirit of Prophecy.” The Seventh-day Adventist Church was formed as a denomination in 1863. It is during this time that we as a denomination received a wonderful gift through the ministry of Ellen G. White, commonly referred to as the “Spirit of Prophecy.” In addition, the gift that will be manifest in the “last days” will be the “spirit of prophecy.” Joel 2:28 “And it shall come to pass afterward, that I will pour out my spirit upon all flesh; and your sons and your

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daughters shall prophesy, your old men shall dream dreams, your young men shall see visions.” Therefore, it is logical to deduce that this verse (Revelation 12:17) is pointing us beyond the period of the Dark Ages (538 AD – 1798 AD). There are no three and a half year prophetic periods that we are aware of between 1863 and now (except for the time periods that I have suggested). Therefore, it is reasonable to conclude that this is speaking of a time in the future!

II. Revelation 12:14 “And to the woman were given two wings of a great eagle, that she might fly into the wilderness, into her place, where she is nourished for a time, and times, and half a time, from the face of the serpent. 15 And the serpent cast out of his mouth water as a flood after the woman, that he might cause her to be carried away of the flood. 16 And the earth helped the woman, and the earth opened her mouth, and swallowed up the flood which the dragon cast out of his mouth. 17 And the dragon was wroth with the woman, and went to make war with the remnant of her seed, which keep the commandments of God, and have the testimony of Jesus Christ.”

a. Summary: The church endures a 3 1/2 year period of time (literal years) being sustained by God. After which Satan is enraged with the church and seeks to destroy the remnant, a flood of persecution is poured out by Rome. But God intervenes and keeps the Remnant people of God from being wiped out!

b. Let’s explore how this will take place. i. Genesis 9:12 “And God said, “This is the token of the covenant

which I make between me and you and every living creature that is with you, for perpetual generations: 13 I do set my bow in the cloud, and it shall be for a token of a covenant between me and the earth.” According to these verses God promised to never allow the earth and its inhabitants to be destroyed by water again.

III. Revelation 12:15 “And the serpent cast out of his mouth water as a flood after the woman, that he might cause her to be carried away of the flood.”

a. This verse points to the dragon bringing a flood upon the woman that she should be destroyed by that flood. The Dragon is symbolic of Papal Rome. The flood is symbolic of persecution caused by ungodly men (Psalms 18:4). This scripture is pointing forward to a time when the armies of Papal Rome will seek to wipe out the last remaining remnant Sabbath keeping believers.

IV. Revelation 12:16 “And the earth helped the woman, and the earth opened her mouth, and swallowed up the flood which the dragon cast out of his mouth.”

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a. Before the Remnant people of God are completely annihilated by Papal Rome God intercedes! In the same manner that God intervened when Moses was being threatened with the sedition of Korah, Dathan and Abirum, God intervenes supernaturally to save his chosen people. How? Notice this passage from Ellen White:

i. With shouts of triumph, jeering, and imprecation, throngs of evil men are about to rush upon their prey, when, lo, a dense blackness, deeper than the darkness of the night, falls upon the earth. Then a rainbow, shining with the glory from the throne of God, spans the heavens and seems to encircle each praying company. The angry multitudes are suddenly arrested. Their mocking cries die away. The objects of their murderous rage are forgotten. With fearful forebodings they gaze upon the symbol of God’s covenant and long to be shielded from its overpowering brightness. – {GC 635.3}

ii. Summary - God promised to never allow the inhabitants of earth to be destroyed by literal flood, carries over to a spiritual promise, that He would not allow the Remnant Church to be wiped out by the floods of persecution! The rainbow that encircles God’s people is a token reminder of that eternal promise!

V. Conclusion: We see from the study of this chapter the clear manifestation of dual prophetic interpretation. The Bible uses the expression of two prophetic time periods. The 1260 day/year prophecy and a time, times, and a half of time, and yet it clearly points to three different historical events. While both of these have their historical interpretation that reveals the Dark Ages, it also has a dual application that points to both pagan Rome as well as a revived Papal Rome.

Diagnosing the Problem Isaiah 29 presents a profoundly disturbing prophecy that is pertinent to the times in which we are living. Isaiah 29:9 says, “Stay yourselves, and wonder; cry ye out, and cry: they are drunken, but not with wine; they stagger, but not with strong drink.” Who is this that Isaiah the prophet is referring to? Notice the next verse. Isaiah 29:10 “For the Lord hath poured out upon you the spirit of deep sleep, and hath closed your eyes: the prophets and your rulers, the seers hath he covered.” This is directly related to our time because were told that just before the return of the Lord the church would fall asleep (Matthew 25:5). Specifically,

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Isaiah says that the prophets and the rulers would fall asleep. Who are the prophets and rulers of our day and time? Notice what Isaiah says in Isaiah 56:10 “His watchmen are blind: they are all ignorant, they are all dumb dogs, they cannot bark; sleeping, lying down, loving to slumber.” Typically, when a person is asleep they are unable to see, they are blind unless you sleep with your eyes open. Here Isaiah says that the watchmen are asleep. These watchmen are described in the next verse using different terminology. Isaiah 56:11 “Yea, they are greedy dogs which can never have enough, and they are shepherds that cannot understand: they all look to their own way, every one for his gain, from his quarter.” When Isaiah refers to the prophets (who are watchmen) this is a synonym for shepherds or pastors. This only makes sense; the word prophet literally means “mouth piece for God.” Are not pastors’ “mouthpieces” for God? Are they not commanded to speak the word of the Lord (2 Tim. 4:2)? The rulers would equate to our denominational leaders to include conference, union and division leaders/officials and theologians. Literally Isaiah 29 is revealing to us the condition of lethargy that exist within our churches largely due in part because of our pastors, leaders, and theologians. Signs of the Times May 29, 1890 “Much has been lost because our ministers and people have concluded that we have had all the truth essential for us as a people, but such a conclusion is erroneous and in harmony with the deceptions of Satan; for truth will be constantly unfolding.” Isaiah goes on to identify how this condition of lethargy reveals itself among of the rulers and prophets (pastors, denominational leaders and theologians). Notice what Isaiah the prophet says, Isaiah 29:11 “And the vision of all is become unto you as the words of a book that is sealed, which men deliver to one that is learned, saying, Read this, I pray thee: and he saith, I cannot; for it is sealed.” Notice carefully that God says through Isaiah that those rulers and prophets who are in a condition of spiritual lethargy are those who cannot discern or comprehend the vision. What vision is the prophet Isaiah referring to? Isaiah provides us the answer in the clue that follows. He says that the vision is like a book that is sealed! What book do we know of from the Old Testament that contains a vision that was sealed up? It is the book of Daniel and in particular Daniel the 12th chapter that Daniel was told that the vision would be sealed until the time of the end. Could it be that Isaiah is revealing to us in these last days that many of God’s people are asleep because we are void of our understanding of prophecy?

This would naturally be the conclusion we come to when we understand the parable of the 10 virgins. The ten virgins have lamps in their hands. The lamps are a symbol of the word of God (Psalms 119:105). What happen with the virgins? The Bible says they all fell asleep. What would cause the wise virgins to awaken from their sleep? They had extra oil in their vessels. Oil is a symbol of the Holy Spirit. This is symbolic of the fact that the Holy Spirit would awaken the wise

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virgins to recognize their need to fill their lamps with more oil. In other words, the Holy Spirit would stir up a need to understand more from the word of God. The Holy Spirit would lead the wise virgins to pour themselves into the word of God to seek out more understanding. In other words, this is speaking of a time when the church would experience an awakening, a spiritual revival. What would result from this? The light of their lamps would shine brighter from replenishing them with oil. Light is not only a symbol of the word of God but light is more specifically a symbol of prophecy. 2 Peter 1:19 “We have also a more sure word of prophecy; whereunto ye do well that ye take heed, as unto a light that shineth in a dark place, until the day dawn, and the day star arise in your hearts.” So, in other words revival would occur among the wise virgins as the result of a greater understanding of prophecy! Notice what Ellen White says, TM 113.2 “Let us give more time to the study of the Bible. We do not understand the word as we should. The book of Revelation opens with an injunction to us to understand the instruction that it contains. “Blessed is he that readeth, and they that hear the words of this prophecy,” God declares, “and keep those things which are written therein: for the time is at hand.” When we as a people understand what this book means to us, there will be seen among us a great revival.”

It’s interesting that Isaiah 29:11 seems to address the book of Daniel in particular. The big contention that is stirring amongst us as Adventist is whether the prophetic timelines of Daniel 12 have a dual application. While they (the 1260, 1290 and 1335) have their historical application to the past, many say that those timelines cannot have a dual application for the future. Many claim that all that is needed from Daniel 12 has been fully revealed. In other words, the book of Daniel is sealed – so to speak. There is no more fulfilment the book is shut up, closed for discussion, God has said everything He needs to say concerning Daniel 12. When I think about the stance that many are taking toward the prophecies of Daniel it evokes great sadness and concern in my heart. Why is this so disturbing, because many of the rules of Biblical interpretation that we have embraced have no Biblical foundation whatsoever. For example, where in the Bible does God say he will never use a timeline more than once. What Biblical hermeneutics does that break? Where is the scripture and verse that warns us against that? Who says that a prophecy of a longer timeline cannot be interpreted with a shorter literal timeline? These are man-made rules that are not founded in scripture. In fact, the Bible says just the opposite! The next section of our study will provide the evidence to the contrary! Isn’t this exactly what the prophet Isaiah has said? Is it not that a lack of prophetic understanding is caused by the false precepts of man? Isaiah 29:11-12 both the learned (pastors, denominational officers, and theologians) and the unlearned (the laymen) say that they are not able to understand the vision (prophetic understanding) - why? Isaiah tells us why in the next verse, Isaiah

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29:13 “Wherefore the Lord said, Forasmuch as this people draw near me with their mouth, and with their lips do honour me, but have removed their heart far from me, and their fear toward me is taught by the precept of men.” Here the prophet explicitly says that the reason there is a great pretense and a lack of true in-depth understanding of prophecy is because of the precepts of men. We have allowed men who are considered the professional clergymen to extrapolate all that we need to know about scripture. This is a repeat of the Dark Ages when the laity were forced to rely upon the interpretation of the professional clergy. However, in the Dark Ages it was coerced by Papal Rome and its oppressive rule. But in this modern era, we voluntarily acquiesce to erroneous subjugation. By doing so we have forfeited our right to ongoing investigation of the word of God and have concluded that all our expositions of scripture are without error. We have determined that everything that we have been told about prophecy is without need of questioning, that everything we need to know is plainly revealed already, therefore we don’t need to study prophecy anymore, God finished saying everything He needed to say in 1844. While there are certainly pillars in our church that I believe are unmovable to include the Sabbath and the commandments of God, the Sanctuary, the Spirit of Prophecy, the Second coming of Christ, the state of the dead, righteous by faith, and health reform, our prophetic understanding of future application is not one of them. To a large degree we have allowed the Higher Critical method to dominate our understanding of prophetic understanding. The higher critical method relies upon a man-made method of biblical interpretation that leans heavily upon textual, philosophical and literary analysis. While these methods of study may serve as a good secondary or perhaps tertiary source of critical analysis, this should not be our primary means of interpreting scripture. How can I say this? Because Isaiah the prophet helps us to understand why the rulers and prophets fell asleep.

In the previous chapter the prophet Isaiah talked about this lethargy amongst the leaders. Isaiah 28:7 “But they also have erred through wine, and through strong drink are out of the way; the priest and the prophet have erred through strong drink, they are swallowed up of wine, they are out of the way through strong drink; they err in vision, they stumble in judgment.” Notice the prophet Isaiah once again speaks of the leaders being unable to comprehend or understand prophecy, why? Because they are drunk. To be drunk is the same as being blind or asleep (1 Thess.5:6). So, Isaiah lets us know that the leaders (in this case he refers to them as priest and prophets) are void of prophetic understanding and he gives us the reason in verse 9 and 10. Isaiah 28:9 Whom shall he teach knowledge? and whom shall he make to understand doctrine? them that are weaned from the milk, and drawn from the breasts. 10 For precept must be upon precept, precept upon precept; line upon line, line upon line; here a little, and there a little.” The prophet

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Isaiah lets us know that the reason for the downfall of the priest and prophets is because of their lack of Biblical understanding due to a wrongful method of study. Instead of relying primarily upon the Biblical method of comparing scripture with scripture (precept upon precept, line upon line) many seek out understanding by relying more upon the interpretations of men rather than of utilizing God’s method of deriving at truth. What I’m about to say is going to be disturbing to many who read this. But here it goes, our primary interpretation of scripture should not even be the result of our study of Ellen White’s writings. Our primary conclusions should be based upon our study of God’s word. Many have become indolent in pursuit of truth and allow Ellen White to do their Bible study for them. In fact, for many she is their Bible study. Ellen White’s writing must still be filtered through the word of God and not the other way around. Ellen White should be used to confirm our discovery of the word of God not to formulate our understanding of scripture. This can be confirmed by what she herself said, “If you had made God’s word your study, with a desire to reach the Bible standard and attain to Christian perfection, you would not have needed the Testimonies.” - 5T 664.3 What Ellen White is saying is that we were given her writings because many were too slothful to read the Bible. And yet many use her writings as the primary source of study and become even more aloof from the study of God’s word! Stop relying so much upon her gift and become more personally acquainted with the word of God. It’s like those who become vegetarian. In order to transition to a full vegetarian diet many will use the meat analogues (affectionately called veggie meats) as a bridge, a means to getting used to a vegetarian diet. But unfortunately, many remain on the bridge and never graduate to a diet independent of those substitutes. Many of us are still on the bridge when it comes to Ellen White. Please don’t misunderstand me I’m not saying that Ellen White should somehow become obsolete. I too still enjoy a good vegan hamburger patty from time to time but it is not my main diet. We need to spend more time in the word of God as our main course of study and allow Ellen White to be a side dish. This I believe will truly honor her in the manner that she herself admonished, …to be the lesser light that leads to the greater light – God’s word.

Year/Day Principle

On page 19 of Pastor Bohr’s exposition on the subject of time prophecies always being prophetic in nature he writes, “…in harmony with the unbending biblical principle, we must apply the year/day principle to the time element in the original story.” Pastor Bohr makes the comment that prophecies are unbending, meaning that ALL prophecies must be calculated by using the day for a year principle. It has been demonstrated through the above study that this is not

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accurate, that the period of Christ time was a period of 3 ½ literal years. This same time period (Revelation 12:6) of 3 ½ years expressed as 1260 years was used also to provide a narrative for the Dark Ages.

Furthermore, Pastor Bohr’s statement is in contradiction to other time prophecies revealed in scripture. There are other Bible prophecies that ARE NOT interpreted using the day for a year calculation. For example, Pastor Bohr talked about the prophecy of Joseph concerning the seven lean cows and the seven fat cows.

Pastor Bohr makes a comment regarding David Gates use of prophetic timelines that reverse the order of events. In his words here’s what Pastor Bohr states, “David’s interpretation does just the opposite; he takes the longer symbolic apocalyptic time prophecies of the past and applies them to literal, shorter periods at the end of time. Typology is a valuable tool for understanding Bible prophecy and even though typology involves a repetition, the repetition is always larger and longer than the type—it works from lesser to greater.” However, the Bible reveals differently. Case and point Revelation 12:6 which represents a literal interpretation describing the church in the time of Christ and a prophetic interpretation describing the church during the Dark Ages using the day for a year principle. In addition, there are other Bible passages that specifically address this concept. Let’s examine the Bible to validate the idea that it is not always the case that Bible prophecy is calculated by an increase of the timeline from lesser to greater.

For many years we have used two verses in particular to reveal the day for a year principle. The two verses that are typically used are Numbers 14:34 and Ezekiel 4:6. Let’s first look at Numbers 14:34.

Numbers 14:34 “After the number of the days in which ye searched the land, even forty days, each day for a year, shall ye bear your iniquities, even forty years, and ye shall know my breach of promise.” The children of Israel had been redeemed from Egypt by the mighty hand of God. God led them through the wilderness in search of the promised land. Each step of the way they murmured and complained about their provisions. They complained about their food, their water and even rebelled against the leader that God had ordained to lead them. In spite of their constant nagging toward Moses their leader and in spite of their rebellious attitude the day came when God brought them to the edge of Canaan. God instructed Moses to have 12 leaders, one leader from each of the tribes of Israel to be an envoy to go search out the promised land. They sent out the spies to assess the land of bounty and abundance. When the 12 spies returned however, they did not come back excited to inhabit the new land that was revealed to them. Instead they came back with a spirit of fear and a lack of trust. All but two men Caleb and Joshua came back with a negative report of doubt, fear and dismay. As

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a result, God pronounced the termination of their promised covenant blessing. They would no longer be privileged to receive the promise, but instead they would die off in the wilderness, and their children would instead inherit the blessing. The envoy of spies that had been sent out were sent out and the duration of their time spent searching out the land lasted for 40 days. Hence, the punishment that would result would be met out in years. Forty years they would have to roam the wilderness as a consequence for their lack of faith and persistent rejection of God’s provision. Hence the day for a year principle is clearly revealed in this scenario. The smaller number of days is compounded and enlarged to years, forty days in exchange for forty years. Now let’s explore the other verse commonly used for the day/year principle, Ezekiel 4:6.

In Ezekiel 4:6 the Bible states, “And when thou hast accomplished them, lie again on thy right side, and thou shalt bear the iniquity of the house of Judah forty days: I have appointed thee each day for a year.” In this scenario God gave instructions to the prophet Ezekiel. Israel had been in a state of rebellion for a number of years. In fact, the Bible tells us exactly how long Israel had demonstrated their rebellion. Notice carefully Ezekiel 4:4 “Lie thou also upon thy left side, and lay the iniquity of the house of Israel upon it: according to the number of the days that thou shalt lie upon it thou shalt bear their iniquity. 5 For I have laid upon thee the years of their iniquity, according to the number of the days, three hundred and ninety days: so shalt thou bear the iniquity of the house of Israel.” Notice the prophet Ezekiel was given the specific instruction to act, based upon the number of YEARS in which Israel had been in rebellion to God. What was the prophet Ezekiel to do? He was to lie upon his left side to demonstrate the number of years Israel had been in rebellion. Israel had been in rebellion for 390 YEARS hence the prophet was to demonstrate their rebellion in the equivalent number of DAYS. In other words, the larger number (years of violation) had occurred first and then it was expressed in the smaller number (390 days) demonstrated by Ezekiel’s acted parable.

Being that this verse of scripture is used as a principle for calculating apocalyptic prophecies, this opens the door for helping us to reevaluate the hermeneutical principles that govern our prophetic interpretation and understanding. This proves without a doubt that longer apocalyptic prophecies can be interpreted by utilizing literal days! Though it is permissible to utilize a year for a day principle (the opposite of a day for a year principle) there are certain rules that should govern the process.

Now that we see that the Bible permits year for a day prophetic interpretation there are certain guidelines that are needed in order to avoid eisegesis (one’s own private opinion/interpretation). What are some of the rules that are helpful to accurately assess the possibility of dual prophetic fulfillment?

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Hermeneutical guidelines/principles Here are some interpretive guidelines and principles that are helpful in

obtaining sound biblical interpretation of prophetic time periods. Four principles that are crucial in developing a sound hermeneutical approach to prophecy is to examine the context, verify the timeline with other scriptures, determine if the verse has any relevance to the law of first mention/use, and finally take advantage of the original language to determine any relevant clues.

One very important rule of interpretation is to always evaluate a prophetic timeline based upon the context of the passage in which it occurs. For the sake of example let us use Daniel 12:6-7 to determine if there is any possibility of dual application. The first thing that is needful to determine whether dual application of apocalyptic timeline is permissible is to determine the context of the timeline. In the case of Daniel 12:6-7 the historical application of those verses have been understood to refer to the Dark Ages, 538 AD – 1798 AD. However, when we look at the context of Daniel 12:6-7 we see that this portion of the book of Daniel would not be understood until the time of the end (verses 4, 9). The time of the end can be determined by comparing scripture with scripture. There are two time of the end periods. One time of the end is determined by examining Daniel 11:33-35. In Daniel 11:33 the Bible describes the persecution of many during the period of the Dark Ages. Then verse 35 tells us that the persecution under the Dark Ages helped to purge and purify the church. The verse goes on to say that this time of persecution that purged and purified the church was the time of the end. That means that 1798 represents the time of the end. It is interesting that the time of judgement (Oct. 22, 1844) followed the Dark Ages by only 46 years. In other words, the Dark Ages ushered in the time of Judgment. The Judgment of the dead represents the beginning of the time of the end.

However, there is another time of the end. By comparing scripture with scripture, we can deduce this. In Matthew 24 Jesus told us how we can identify the time of the end. Matthew 24:14 “And this gospel of the kingdom shall be preached in all the world for a witness unto all nations; and then shall the end come.” The event that helps us to realize the time of the end is when the gospel has been preached unto all the world as a witness. How can a person be able to know when this event has occurred? The very next verse reveals how an individual may determine when the gospel has reached throughout the world. Matthew 24:15 “When ye therefore shall see the abomination of desolation, spoken of by Daniel the prophet, stand in the holy place, (whoso readeth, let him understand.” The abomination of desolation is the trigger event that reveals the time of the end! This

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event reveals the beginning of the time of the judgment of the living. Hence the two times of the ends spoken of in Daniel 12:4,9 are the opening of the judgement and the close of the judgment, judgment of the dead and judgment of the living. The historical interpretation of Daniel 12:6-7 as the Dark Ages does not suffice as the only interpretation of Daniel 12. Why? In addition to revealing the two periods that represent the time of the end there are other considerations in the context of this passage that help us to identify the need for a secondary or dual application of the timeline. The context of Daniel 12 begins with revealing the close of probation when Michael stands up. In addition, verse 2, talks about the resurrection of the dead upon the return of Christ. Furthermore, verse 3 highlights the reward and accommodation received by the righteous when Christ returns. From the context alone, we have good evidence to deduce that Daniel 12 has a future dual application.

The second and most important principle is to try and identify another place in scripture that confirms your claim. A precept must never be formulated on the basis of one scripture alone. In Deuteronomy 19:15 a person was never to be convicted of a crime or wrong doing without the existence of at least two material witnesses. Likewise, spiritual conviction should not be established unless there are two or three material witnesses. Jesus said in John 5:39 “Search the scriptures; for in them ye think ye have eternal life: and they are they which testify of me.” The word testify in this verse means to bear witness. The scriptures are living witnesses that are meant to confirm our convictions. Therefore, it is necessary to find other passages (at least 2-3) to validate your belief/claim. We must proceed to ask ourselves are their other verses of scripture that can substantiate a future 3 ½ year period of time, and the answer is yes; Revelation 12:14, 13:5 & 11:2.

The third principle is to locate any reference to the concept of first use/mention. In Daniel 12:7 there is a principle of first use that applies to this scripture. As stated previously the law of first mention states that the way that a term, principle or precept is first utilized determines how it is consistently used throughout the book. In Daniel 4:16 is the first place that we find the concept of “moed” or the word used for “time”. In Daniel 4:16 the Bible tells us that King Nebuchadnezzar was made to eat with the cattle of the field and that seven “times (moeds)” passed over him. The moed is a literal year. Hence, King Nebuchadnezzar ate grass with the cattle for seven years. Hence Daniel 12:7 points to a secondary application of the 1260. The 1260 of Daniel 12:7 can be interpreted as 3 ½ literal years. In other words, Daniel 12:7 has a dual application (a historical application of the Dark Ages and a future application).

Lastly, are there any words in the original language that can assist in understanding whether the passage has a future fulfillment. In the case of Daniel 12 there is specific Hebrew language found in chapter 8 of Daniel that helps us to

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identify it as having a dual application. The vision that Daniel has in chapter 8 is directly related to the vision of Daniel 12. Let us examine and substantiate this claim.

Daniel 8:17, 19 “So he came near where I stood: and when he came, I was afraid, and fell upon my face: but he said unto me, Understand, O son of man: for at the time of the end shall be the vision. 19 And he said, Behold, I will make thee know what shall be in the last end of the indignation: for at the time appointed the end shall be.” The angel lets Daniel know that he will inform him of what occurs in the last end of the indignation. The Hebrew word that is used for “last end” is the word achariyth which has the meaning of latter time, prophetic for future time! “Achariyth has an end-time meaning such as may be found in Daniel 2:28 and 10:14.” When it came time for Daniel to understand the vision the angel drew near to tell Daniel the interpretation. In verse 17 Daniel is told when the vision would take place; “at the time of the end.” The Hebrew word that is used for “end” is (qets) which means end of time! And to be double sure of what time Daniel is referring to, verse 19 gives the specifics. In verse 19 Daniel is told exactly when the end shall be. The end occurs around the time of the indignation! What and when is the Indignation? The Hebrew word used for indignation is the Hebrew word (za’am). This word za’am (indignation) is also found in Isaiah 26:20 to define the occurrence of this indignation [the end of time].

Isaiah 26:20-21 “Come, my people, enter thou into thy chambers, and shut thy doors about thee: hide thyself as it were for a little moment, until the indignation (za’am) be overpast. 21 For, behold, the Lord cometh out of his place to punish the inhabitants of the earth for their iniquity: the earth also shall disclose her blood, and shall no more cover her slain.”

The time of the indignation is a time when God’s remnant people find refuge

in secluded places in the munitions of rocks, while God pours out His judgments upon the earth. This is none other than the time of the seven last plagues!

At this point you might be asking, “how does all of this relate to Daniel 12:7? Here’s how. The words that are used for time and times (Daniel 12:7) is the Hebrew word mow’ed, mow’edeem the exact word that is used for “appointed” in Daniel 8:19! “And he said, Behold, I will make thee to know what shall be in the last end of the indignation: for at the time appointed (moed) the end shall be.

Daniel was told in Daniel 12:4, 9 that the visions received in that chapter pointed to “the time of the end.” In other words, the message of Daniel 8:13, 17, 19 is foretelling what will occur in the very last 3 ½ year time period of earth’s history as recorded in Daniel 12. Therefore, the last 3 ½ year time period will usher in the very end (achariyth) leading toward the seven last plagues!

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From the above study we have followed the Biblical principles of prophetic interpretation, by examining the context, verifying the timeline with other scriptures, discovering the law of first mention/use, and finally taking advantage of the original language to determine relevant clues. From this we can deduce that Daniel 12 has a future application. These principles if followed can also be used to verify other passages of scripture that have dual application to include the following; Revelation 12:14-17, Revelation 13:1-8, Revelation 11:1-13 and other similar passages. Appointed Times When we look throughout scripture beginning with the Old Testament, we find that God had appointed times. These appointed times were referred to in the Old Testament Hebrew language as the “moed” or it’s plural form “moedeem.” The word moed is used when referring to the different seasons that occur throughout the year; spring, summer, winter and fall. These times regulate the balance of nature. God brings about the seasons as a cycle of regular yearly occurrence. Year after year God brings about the cycle of seasons that reoccur over and over again. God uses the same timeline designated for the months of spring, summer, winter and fall and uses those appointed times over and over again. The same three months assigned for summer he will use next year and the year after and the year after… The ‘moeds” were also the sacred Holy days that occurred throughout the Jewish calendar year. These moeds are specific times that God gave to Israel to acquaint them with His desired will, specifically the seven feast days listed in Leviticus 23. These feasts had a regular pattern of occurrence that were meant to be observed by the children of Israel. The weekly Sabbath is also an appointed time. The Sabbath has its time period from sundown Friday to sundown Saturday. The reason this is so significant is that year after year God appointed the same times to be observed.

Some of the feast had a specific timeline associated with its fulfillment. For example, the feast of unleavened bread was to last seven days after the start of Passover. Then Pentecost (also referred to as the Feast of Weeks) was to commence 50 days after the occurrence of the first day of the Feast of Unleavened Bread. Following the Feast of Weeks is the Feast of Trumpets. The feast of Trumpets consisted of the blowing of the trumpets for 10 days before the Day of Atonement; (yet another timeline fulfillment for a feast day). After the fulfillment of the Day of Atonement is the Feast of Tabernacles which occurs five days after the Day of Atonement and it was to last for seven days. Why is all of this significant? It is significant because it reveals a God who uses time periods

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(cycles) over and over again. Every year God uses the same three months to bring about the summer months, the same three months to bring about the Fall, Winter and Spring. Every year God uses the same timeline of expectation for Israel to observe the Feast of Unleavened Bread, Pentecost, Trumpets, and Tabernacles, and the weekly Sabbath and yet we say that God never uses timelines more than once. I can almost hear someone saying, “Well Pastor Branner maybe God uses reoccurring timelines for appointed days but not for prophecy.” Think again!

In Daniel 12:6-7 the Bible says, “And one said to the man clothed in linen, which was upon the waters of the river, “How long shall it be to the end of these wonders?” 7 And I heard the man clothed in linen, which was upon the waters of the river, when he held up his right hand and his left hand unto heaven, and sware by him that liveth for ever that it shall be for a time, times, and an half; and when he shall have accomplished to scatter the power of the holy people, all these things shall be finished.” These verses in Daniel 12:6-7 are highlighting the 1260 year/day prophecy. The Hebrew word that is used in verse 7 for “times” is the Hebrew word “moed,” the same word that is used when referring to the feast days! Therefore, when we refer to the prophecies of Daniel 12 we are referring to timelines that have an element of reoccurrence; that which is able to be reapplied just as the other “moeds” had their reoccurrence. Hence, the 1260 timeline of Daniel 12:6-7 had its first fulfillment from 538 AD – 1798 AD. It has its future fulfillment from Spring of 2019 to the Fall of 2022 (three and a half years). This same 3 ½ year period is expressed in Revelation 13:5 as 42 months. 42 Months of Revelation 13:5 When speaking of the forty-two months of Revelation 13:5 Pastor Bohr makes the assertion on page 20 of his exposition that “No one has the right to extrapolate or extract some of these verses from their proper place in the prophetic chain and give them another future fulfillment.” I would like to say that the word of God is profound and God is such a sophisticated God that we must be careful about setting limits on God. Over my few short years of life I have seen a measure of God’s complexity and intricate knowledge buried in the pages of Holy writ. God is past finding out. If we become diligent students of the word of God, and have an open mind to receive, God can reveal deep hidden treasures that are not available to the surface reader. It may be that when we get to heaven that God will reveal to us levels of hidden interpretation in scripture that we can’t even fathom in this current existence of our mortal feebleness. I submit that we have already shown that our historical interpretation of scripture has the possibility of a future dual interpretation based upon our study of Daniel 12: 6-7.

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The church has concluded that the 42 months of Revelation 13:5 has a historical application that points to the Dark Ages (538 AD. – 1798 AD). However, there are some considerations that we must make in order to be HONEST with the text. While the Dark Ages are used to reference the time period of the forty-two months we must either assign this to be a dual prophecy or an incorrect allocation of the time period. Please consider the following:

I. This forty-two month period happens AFTER the deadly wound is “healed” (Revelation 13:3). The papacy received its deadly wound in 1798. How can the 42 months of Revelation 13:5 be pointing to the dark ages when the papacy had not yet received its deadly wound? We have always taught that the Papacy received its deadly wound in 1798. You can’t heal from a wound unless it has first been inflicted. Therefore the 42 month period mentioned in Revelation 13:3 must come AFTER 1798.

II. In addition, according to verse 8 this happens during the time of the judgement. Why? Because verse 8 highlights the state of those who worship the beast, that they are in a condition of eternal condemnation because their names have been excluded from the Lambs book of life. Revelation 13:8 “And all that dwell upon the earth shall worship him, whose names are not written in the book of life of the Lamb slain from the foundation of the world.” We realize this by comparing scripture with scripture. The other scripture that helps us to identify this fact is found in Daniel 12:1. “And at that time shall Michael stand up, the great prince which standeth for the children of thy people: and there shall be a time of trouble, such as never was since there was a nation even to that same time: and at that time thy people shall be delivered, every one that shall be found written in the book.” Clearly when Michael stands up probation has CLOSED. This suggest that these 42 months of Revelation 13:5 precedes the final close of probation for the world and concludes with the judgement. Therefore, this could not have been the dark ages JUDGMENT HAD NOT EVEN BEGUN THEN!!! Hence, the 42 months of Revelation 13:5 is referring to the last 3 ½ year timeline of probationary hour in earth’s history, bringing about the final judgment of mankind – the close of probation for the world!

III. Furthermore, Satan impersonates Christ during the 42 months. Revelation 13:4 “And they worshipped the dragon which gave power unto the beast: and they worshipped the beast, saying, Who is like unto the beast? who is able to make war with him?”

Pastor Bohr makes this assertion on page 32 of his exposition, “Some have misunderstood a quotation in Manuscript 153, 1902 where Ellen White seemed to suggest that the 42 months will have a dual fulfillment, the first symbolic and past and the other literal and future.” Then on page 33

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Pastor Bohr says this, “Because Ellen White quotes Revelation 13:4-8 after describing Satan’s appearance as an angel of light, David and others assume that the 42 months will have a literal future fulfillment.”

It is obvious that Ellen White was able to recognize from this passage that it is referring to the very near future when Satan will appear. Here the Bible clearly reveals that the inhabitants of this world will give homage to Satan. It is obvious that Satan poses himself as Christ and seduces the rest of the inhabitants of the world to worship him. This is substantiated by other verses of scripture. 2 Thessalonians 2:9 “…the working of Satan with all power and signs and lying wonders. 2 Thessalonians 2:4 “Who opposeth and exalteth himself above all that is called God, or that is worshipped; so that he as God sitteth in the temple of God, shewing himself that he is God.” It is Satan who imitates Christ and deceives many into observing and honoring a false Sabbath. He even performs miracles and cause fire to come down from heaven in the sight of men. (Rev. 13:13,14) (GC 553.2) Therefore, I agree with Ellen White concerning this matter, that the 42 month time line points to a future occurrence.

IV. This leads me to my next point, the use of the word “month” as it relates to the law of first mention. The law of first mention says that the way a concept or principle is first initiated determines its consistent use throughout the book. The first place that the word “month” is used in reference to prophetic time is in Revelation 9:5. In verse 5 we read that the Locust Beast have the authority to torment men for five months. The previous verse (verse 4) tells us when this event of torment occurs; it occurs during the time of the sealing! Revelation 9:4 “And it was commanded them that they should not hurt the grass of the earth, neither any green thing, neither any tree; but only those men which have not the seal of God in their foreheads.” The time of the sealing is when God’s people receive the mark of allegiance to God for honoring His holy Sabbath day, while the wicked receive the mark of the beast. This is of course referring to the time of the National and Universal Sunday Law. Therefore, the time of the sealing cannot last 150 years (utilizing the day for a year principle). The sealing time is short and calculated by the use of literal months. It is common knowledge, that the sealing time for the rest of Gods people in the world is a very short period of time that happens right before the outpouring of the seven last plagues when probation closes for the world. Therefore the 42 Months must be used according to the law of first mention, as a literal time period. The word “Month” is the Hebrew word “men” and is used in a literal form throughout all of scripture. Thus, the word “month” has no prophetic time use. Therefore the 42 month period of time as mentioned in Revelation 13:5 is a

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future time period that consist of literal time, and not prophetic time. By this weight of evidence provided in the above study we can safely presume that Revelation 13: 5 is a literal 42 months.

Revelation 11 Revelation 11 like chapters 12 and 13 have their historical interpretation but also it has its future dual applications. This is why two different expressions of time are used in verses 2 and 3. Verse 2 uses the term 42 months while verse 3 uses the description of a thousand two hundred and threescore days. And like chapter 12 of Revelation the use of prophetic time described as a thousand two hundred and threescore days is representative of the time period of Pagan Rome (during Christ time) and Papal Rome (during the Dark Ages). Pastor Bohr makes the assertion that the chronology of the verse 2 is not in sequential order. Notice his statement on page 27 “Do the events in the second half of verse 2 transpire after the events in verse 1 and the first part of verse 2? The answer is no. In order to prove this, we must examine the tenses of the verbs in verse 2. Revelation 11:1 and the first part of verse 2 conclude the events in chapter 10. The last half of verse 2 goes back in history to the year 538 AD and begins a new cycle.” I respectfully disagree and I humbly submit that this is not accurate for several reasons. It is not an accurate assessment based upon the grammatical construct, a proper understanding of Greek terms, based upon the context, the law of first mention, and other passages of scripture. Pastor Bohr has absolutely NO scriptural authority to add or take away from scripture in such fashion, and showed no scriptural evidence to arrive at such a conclusion. Let us first analyze the grammatical construct. But before we do I would like to make a comparison using the King James version and the version that Pastor Bohr uses. Please note the King James version is the first quote, followed by the version used by Pastor Bohr. KJV: Revelation 11:1 “And there was given me a reed like unto a rod: and the angel stood, saying, Rise, and measure the temple of God, and the altar, and them that worship therein. 2 But the court which is without the temple leave out, and measure it not; for it IS given unto the Gentiles: and the holy city shall they tread under foot forty and two months.” Pastor Bohr’s Version - NKJV (commentary removed):

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Revelation 11:1 “Then I was given a reed like a measuring rod and the angel stood saying, “Rise and measure the temple of God, the altar and those who worship there. 2 However, leave out the court that is outside the temple, and do not measure it for it WAS given to the Gentiles, and they will tread the holy city underfoot for forty-two months. “

Pastor Bohr uses the New King James Version, a version of scripture that slants the argument in his favor. The verb tense used in the New King James Version (it “WAS given”) seems to suggest that an action had already taken place. When one does a careful reading of the passage there are two things under consideration; a time for judgment to transpire for the Gentiles, and the time when the Gentiles trample the holy city.

Revelation 11:1 “Then [after the great disappointment in 1844] I was given a reed like a measuring rod and the angel [a continuation and conclusion of chapter 10] stood saying, “Rise [the pre-advent judgment involves only believers; the judgment of the wicked transpires during and after the millennium] and measure the temple of God, the altar and those who worship there [the beginning of the investigative judgment in 1844]. 2 However [from measuring], leave out the court that is outside the temple, and do not measure it for it was given [past tense, taking us back to 538 AD] to the Gentiles [unbelievers]. And they [unbelievers] will tread [future tense; beginning in 538 AD; see Daniel 8:10] the holy city [the faithful church] underfoot for forty-two months [538-1798 AD].”

Verse one begins with a judgment scene and a very specific directive. The angel that spoke with John instructed him to measure three things, the temple, the altar and those who worship there. This could not be referring to the investigative judgment which began in 1844. The reason why is because John is told to measure (in other words to judge) those who are WORSHIPPING at the altar. The Greek word used here is a present active participle; which is descriptive of an action that is currently taking place. 1844 began with the judgment of the righteous DEAD. Dead people don’t worship. This is a very significant detail in this passage.

The reasoning that Pastor Bohr uses to support his view does not support a sound interpretation of the verse based upon the grammatical structure of the sentence. Here’s why. The last two sentences are talking about two separate ideas. The first sentence is referring to the court yard not yet being measured; “However, leave out the court that is outside the temple, and do not measure it for it was given [past tense, taking us back to 538 AD] to the Gentiles .” Pastor Bohr is implying that the courtyard had already been given to the Gentiles; “it was given []past tense, taking us back to 538 AD].” Then in the next sentence Pastor Bohr states

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that the Gentiles WILL tread upon the city (future tense). Either the event that happened was in the past or still to be in the future? What’s even more confusing is that one event is referring to the courtyard while the other is referring to the holy city, and yet no distinction is made. Are these two events the same; the courtyard and the trampling of the Holy city? It seems from Pastor Bohr’s perspective that these two events are one and the same. How can the courtyard be already given to the Gentiles if they haven’t yet (future tense) trampled upon the city? This doesn’t make sense. In efforts to try and make an event already happen you disqualify the SAME event from happening in the future! However, this reasoning does work if you believe that this passage of scripture has dual application. When one does a careful reading of the passage there are two things being considered; a time for judgment to transpire for the Gentiles, and the time when the Gentiles trample the holy city. Let’s consider the judgment of the Gentiles. John is told not to measure (measuring is symbolic of judgment Matt. 7:1) the court outside the temple. The court outside the temple represents the Gentiles. Why was John told not to measure the outer court or in other words to judge the Gentiles? It can only be one of two reasons, either the court yard has already been measured, meaning the judgment of the Gentiles has already transpired OR the judgement is going to transpire in the future. What is the answer? The answer is given in the next phrase. “And they will tread the holy city underfoot forty and two months.” The grammatical construct of the verse highlights the use of the word “and” to begin the sentence. And is a conjunction. A conjunction is for the purpose of joining two related clauses together. Literally the verse is revealing to us why judgment is being withheld from the Gentiles. Judgment is being withheld from the Gentiles because their cup of iniquity is not yet full. They are going to bring a final act of persecution for 42 months against the holy city (God’s people). God will then bring judgement upon them as a result of this atrocious act of oppression. In other words, the Gentiles cannot be judged yet for they have not yet fulfilled the forthcoming prophecy of the anticipated time of persecution; the 42 months!

Not only is it important to understand the grammar in order to rightfully understand the text but it is essential to have a proper understanding of the Greek terms. Essentially, John here is literally transported back in time. This passage of scripture reveals the time when pagan Rome would attack Jerusalem in AD 70 (an event lasting 42 months from A.D. 66 – A.D. 70). AD 70 is when the time of the Gentiles was fulfilled (Luke 21:24). While looking at the past John is also taking a glimpse into the future; because the time of the Gentiles (Rome) would have its greater fulfillment in the future. The reason we can deduce this is because the Greek word that is used for temple in verse one is not the word that is typically

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associated with the physical temple. The Greek word that is used to describe the physical temple is the word “hieron.” However, the word that is used in Revelation 11:1 is the word “naos” which is often used to describe that which is holy, as in the Holy or Most Holy Place to include the heavenly sanctuary. In other words, John is given a view of the Judgment of the living when the Gentiles (Revived Papal Rome) will rise up in persecution toward Gods people (the holy city). In addition to that notice the commentary of Ellen White regarding AD 70; “The ruin of Jerusalem was a symbol of the final ruin that shall overwhelm the world. The prophecies that received a partial fulfillment in the overthrow of Jerusalem have a more direct application to the last days. We are now standing on the threshold of great and solemn events.” MB 120.2 The future persecution of Rome is also mentioned by Ellen White. Notice, “The persecutions of Protestants by Romanism, by which the religion of Jesus Christ was almost annihilated, will be more than rivaled when Protestantism and popery are combined.”—Selected Messages 3:387 (1889). Furthermore, she states, “…prior to the last closing conflict, many will be imprisoned, many will flee for their lives from cities and towns, and many will be martyrs for Christ’s sake in standing in defense of the truth.... You will not be tempted above what you are able to bear. Jesus bore all this and far more.... {3SM 397.4} Not only is it important to understand the original language in order to rightfully understand the text but it is essential to understand the context. As Pastor Bohr has stated the context of Revelation 11:1-2 is Revelation 10 and in particular verse 11. Verse 11 says, “And he said unto me, Thou must prophesy again before many peoples, and nations, and tongues, and kings.” Gods people are told to “prophesy again.” What are they to prophesy? Based upon our understanding of the events of our historical past we can understand with certainty our mission for the future. In the past we had prophesied the return of the Lord Jesus Christ. However, upon further investigation we realized from the great disappointment what really occurred on October 22, 1844. 1844 began the ministry of Christ in the heavenly sanctuary where Christ began the judgment of the righteous beginning with those in the graves. It would only make sense that God’s people would finish the prophecy. Judgment is not only for the deceased but judgment must also occur for the living. God’s people are to prophesy and proclaim the judgment of the living!

This is further confirmed by Revelation 14. But before we go to Revelation 14 let us first look at the words of Jesus as found in Matthew 24. In Matthew 24 Jesus told us of the sign that reveals the time of the end. In verse 14 Jesus said these words, “And this gospel of the kingdom shall be preached in all the world for a witness unto all nations; and then shall the end come.” The one sign that reveals that the time of the end has come is when the gospel has been preached to all the

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world. How is one to know when the gospel has reached the whole world? Notice the very next verse. Matthew 24:15 “When ye therefore shall SEE (the word “see” is eido, meaning to perceive with the eyes, to look at, behold, discern) the abomination of desolation, spoken of by Daniel the prophet, stand in the holy place, (whoso readeth, let him understand.” The signal event that triggers the time of the end is when the abomination of desolation stands! Mark 13:4 states when you SEE the abomination of desolation standing where it OUGHT NOT! With that in mind let us go to Revelation 14. Revelation 14:6-7 says, “And I saw another angel fly in the midst of heaven, having the everlasting gospel to preach unto them that dwell on the earth, and to every nation, and kindred, and tongue, and people, Saying with a loud voice, Fear God, and give glory to him; for the hour of his judgment is come: and worship him that made heaven, and earth, and the sea, and the fountains of waters.” From this verse we can deduce two things; that the gospel commission for God’s people is to spread the message to the whole world. Secondly, when the message has gone to the whole world it is then time to proclaim that the hour of Judgement IS come! It is my firm belief that judgment of the living began in September 2015 when Pope Francis came and stood at the White House, Congress, the United Nations and Philadelphia. On September 23rd 2015 the Pope came to the White House to make his address to the citizens of the United States. This was an act of rebellion and defiance against God, because the Pope read from his encyclical to promote the false Sabbath. The 23rd happened to be the Day of Atonement on the Jewish calendar. The Pope chose to blaspheme the most sacred day of the Jewish calendar, in what is considered judgment day, when God judges the actions of men. Notice the connection. The Greek word for “stand” in Matthew 24:15 and Mark 13:14 when referring to the Abomination of desolation is the word “histemi.” That same word “histemi” appears in Acts 17:31 “Because he hath appointed (histemi) a day, in the which he will judge the world in righteousness by that man whom he hath ordained; whereof he hath given assurance unto all men, in that he hath raised him from the dead.” When synthesizing the two verses we realize the following; that when the Pope (the Abomination of Desolation) took his stand (histemi) judgement of the living began! Hence, Revelation 11:1 is the next step in the process for God’s people after the command to prophesy again – to anticipate, prophesy and to be ready for the judgment of the living! Not only is it important to examine the original language to understand Revelation 11 but it is also essential to identify the principle of first use when it is applicable. As mentioned before the principle of first use/mention is the idea that how a precept, concept or principle is first used determines its consistent use throughout the book. It is important for us to once again locate the use or first mention of the word “month.” Previously in this study we determined that when

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the word “month” is used in the book of Revelation it is always referring to a literal month and not a prophetic month – using a day for a year principle. This is important because Revelation 11:2 identifies the period of time that Rome persecutes the people of God. Therefore, the judgment scene spoken of in Revelation 11 is a time of the judgment of the living and points to a future dual application of 42 months (3 ½ literal years). Lastly, lets look at another Old Testament scripture that validates this idea of a principle fulfillment or reoccurrence of AD 70. This same concept is found in Daniel 9:26. Daniel 9:26 states, “And after threescore and two weeks shall Messiah be cut off, but not for himself: and the people of the prince that shall come shall destroy the city and the sanctuary; and the end thereof shall be with a flood, and unto the end of the war desolations are determined.” There are two perspectives to view from Daniel 9:26; one from the perspective of the “type” as the traditional view relates to Christ, and the other is from the perspective of the modern-day “anti-type” application of the Little Horn. This is the traditional view of Christ being the Messiah who is cut off. The cutting off refers to Christ dying the second death on behalf of humanity, making salvation available for all who believe and repent of their sins. From this perspective verse 26 can be understood from the traditional interpretation. Here is a paraphrase of verse 26: After the sixty-two weeks have come to fruition Christ

the Messiah will be put to death, but not for any sins he committed but for the sins of humanity. The prince of darkness using Rome as its destroyer (the same entity responsible for His death) will come 40 years later and destroy Jerusalem and its temple. The city and the temple will be overthrown with a flood of persecution brought about by military enforcement. And unto the end of the military onslaught desolations are determined.

Daniel 9:26 clearly details the fact that the sacrifice of the Messiah ends the

sacrificial system. The death of Christ was executed by the ruling power Rome. The latter portion of verse 26 describes the action taken by the people of the prince – that they would destroy the city and the sanctuary. In other words, the wishes of the ruling prince are carried out by the people themselves. The prince is the one who is ultimately responsible for the fate of the sanctuary and the citizens of the city. It is logical to assume that the end that comes by flood is not simply the final destruction of Jerusalem in A.D. 70 but the final phase of persecution/destruction rendered by Rome in the last days. The reason for this is that the verse already says that the people of the prince shall DESTROY the city and the sanctuary. Then it

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continues by saying; “…THE END THEREOF shall be with a flood.” The Hebrew word that is used here for “sanctuary” is NOT the word miqdash; (a literal physical structure) but the word qodesh (implying the heavenly sanctuary)! Daniel purposely used this word qodesh instead of miqdash in order to help the reader to realize the twofold application of this occurrence. It seems Daniel is making the reader to know that Rome’s act of destruction would happen in both eras, the Pagan stage as defined by A.D. 70 as well as the revived Papal stage; to occur during the imposition of the National Sunday Law. The Pagan stage points to the literal destruction of the temple, while the Papal stage points to the desecration of the heavenly sanctuary. Notice the end time application of the Little Horn: This is the “anti-type” perspective highlighting the modern-day application/viewpoint. Below is a paraphrasing of Daniel 9:26: At the end of earth’s history this same entity that put

Christ to death, comes now in the form of Papal Rome to destroy “Jerusalem” (God’s people, Zachariah 3:2), and shall manifest contempt against the heavenly sanctuary and blaspheme the ministry of Christ. He shall overrun God’s people with floods of persecution, and shall continue to bring desolation to the people of God. But that same entity will be overrun, flooded by the justice of God and shall receive divine retribution; desolation that has been pre-determined by God to be fulfilled in its appointed time. The flood that is spoken of here is the same flood that is spoken of in

Revelation 12:15 (see p. 6 section III a. of this document). Pastor Bohr makes the statement that judgment of the wicked takes place

during and after the millennium, “the pre-advent judgment involves only believers; the judgment of the wicked transpires during and after the millennium” This is only partially true. Yes, the righteous will CONFIRM the righteous judgments of God during the millennium. However, the wicked are judged BY GOD before the return of Christ to this earth. There are at least three evidence of scripture that proves that the wicked undergo judgment while on the earth. The first proof of this is found in Revelation 14:10. All those who receive the mark of the beast will receive the judgments of God through the seven last plagues. If they weren’t already judged of God they would not receive the seven last plagues. The seven last plagues are God’s judgments poured out undiluted with mercy. In other words, probation has closed and there is no more grace available, therefore God is free to initiate His temporal judgment because He has already determined the eternal outcome and destiny of the wicked.

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Secondly, the reason we know that judgment has already taken place is because of what the Bible says in Revelation 22:12 “And, behold, I come quickly; and my reward is with me, to give every man according as his work shall be.” In addition, the Bible says that God will destroy the wicked with the brightness of His coming (2 Thess. 2:8). God would not execute judgment upon the wicked unless they’re names had already come up in the judgement!

Lastly, we are able to know that judgment of the wicked is rendered by God before the second coming based on the sanctuary sequence found in Leviticus 16. Leviticus 16 reveals the order of sequence on the day of atonement (judgment). Verses 11 through 14 is when the High Priest seeks atonement for himself and His family. Verses 15 through 17 represents the High Priest making atonement on behalf of the people of God (Israel). Then the third phase of the judgment is found in verses 18 and 19. In these two verses the Bible reveals the actions of the High Priest to make atonement for the OUTER COURT (representative of the Gentiles). Leviticus 16:18 “And he shall go out unto the altar that is before the Lord, and make an atonement for it; and shall take of the blood of the bullock, and of the blood of the goat, and put it upon the horns of the altar round about.” The altar that is being spoken of here is the brazen altar located in the outer court (1BC 777). This atonement was not only to an act of redemption for the children of Israel but it was to serve the purpose of making atonement for the strangers (the Gentiles) that were amongst them (Lev. 19:29). From this third phase of judgment we can see that God judges the “wicked” (gentiles) as a part of the judgment. 70 Week prophecy Pastor Bohr ask the following question, “Is it legitimate to extrapolate the last 3.5 years of the prophecy of the 70 weeks from their original context and reapply them to end time events?” My answer is not only is it legitimate but the Bible does so. Let’s go to the 70 week prophecy and see its legitimate end time dual prophecy located in Daniel 9:27 (for a full study of the 70 week dual prophecy you may request if from our website at; scienceofsalvation.org ). Let’s focus in on Daniel 9:27. Daniel 9:27 says, “And he shall confirm the covenant with many for one week: and in the midst of the week he shall cause the sacrifice and the oblations to cease, and for the overspreading of abominations he shall make it desolate, even until the consummation, and that determined shall be poured upon the desolate.” There are two perspectives to view from Daniel 9:27; one from the perspective of the “type” as the traditional view relates to Christ, and the other is from the perspective of the modern-day “anti-type” application of the Little Horn.

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Below in verse 27 is the traditional view that presents Christ as the one who confirms the covenant for one week and in the midst of the week he would culminate the plan of salvation by allowing Himself to be the ultimate sacrifice for sin. Here is a paraphrase of the verse 27.

Daniel 9:27 Christ shall confirm the covenant for one week through the work of the Holy Spirit operating in both He and His disciples. After three and a half years Christ would die on the cross causing the sacrificial system to cease. The work would be continued by the disciples for another three and a half years. Christ death would bring victory over sin, that would culminate in the complete annihilation of the enemy who is Satan and the grave, even the extent of conquering the second death. His death had been predetermined and prophesied from eternity past and was poured out upon him at the appointed time. Daniel 9:27 starts off with, “And he shall confirm the covenant with many

for one week…” Who is the “he” that confirms the covenant with many? It is easy to assume that the he is referring to Christ, and it does. However, when you look at the grammatical construct of the verse the passage can also be interpreted with a dual meaning. Why? Because the verse begins with the word and, the word and is a coordinating conjunction. A conjunction is for the purpose of joining two related clauses together. That means that verse 27 is directly connected to verse 26. The focus of verse 26 is the prince. The prince is responsible for the people who overthrown the city and the sanctuary. Therefore, it is perfectly legitimate to infer that the “he” that confirms the covenant in verse 27 is the prince of verse 26. In other words, the “prince” of verse 26 is the antecedent of verse 27.

The Hebrew word that is used for “confirm” is the word (gabar). The meaning of the word gabar carries the idea of God keeping his promise of punishment or judgment by allowing a person’s enemies to prevail over them. This is also confirmed in the book of Lamentations. Lamentations 1:16 says, “For these things I weep; mine eye, mine eye runneth down with water, because the comforter that should relieve my soul is far from me: my children are desolate, because the enemy prevailed (gabar). This verse not only uses the same verb as used in Daniel 9:27 (gabar) but it also reveals the result of the enemy being able to prevail over Jerusalem during its siege, they were able to render Israel desolate.

“Now let’s look at the anti-type perspective that points to the modern-day application/viewpoint. Here is a paraphrase of verse 27. Christ shall confirm the covenant with spiritual Israel

by allowing their enemy (Papal Rome) to prevail as it were, over

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them. In the midst of the week the heinous acts of Papal Rome will lead to the taking away of the daily sacrifice, [a removal of the Sabbath from its lawful place, Ezekiel 22:26; 23:38]; and because the Papacy shall commit this transgression of abomination it will bring vile contempt even against the Holy of Holies. For this cause, God will make Rome desolate, and he shall do so at the consummation of the plan of salvation, for the time of Rome’s ultimate fate of demise and total desolation has been predetermined. This is to show that the last week of the 70-week prophecy has a dual

application in the last days. Space will not permit a full exposition of the subject matter. Again, to receive the full study please request it at our website: scienceofsalvation.org [request the study entitled “Decoding the Book of Daniel; Theological Exposition Treatise]

A Proper Understanding of Ellen White It is becoming more and more disturbing to me as I see a trend in Adventism

that I believe is not healthy. While we have been given a wonderful gift in the person of Ellen White, it seems as if many use her to replace what the Bible says. Often when there is an apparent contradiction between the Bible and Ellen White people will side with Ellen White over what the Bible writers are saying in the Bible. This next section is for the purpose of gaining a right perspective and use of the writings of Ellen White.

Often prophets were given divine revelations through visions. These visions were not time stamped, meaning they were not given a specific time when the contents of the vision would be fulfilled except when the visions were given a specific timeline of fulfillment (ie. Daniel 9:24-25). That meant that the Bible writer was left to determine when the vision would reach its fulfillment. This was based upon looking at all the evidence around them to determine if the vision was to be fulfilled at that time or weeks or months or perhaps years in the future. Based upon the evidence around them many New Testament Bible writers believed that it was likely that Christ would return in their day and time.

Let’s take for example Paul the apostle. Hebrews 1:1 “God, who at sundry times and in divers’ manners spake in time past unto the fathers by the prophets, 2 Hath in these last days spoken unto us by his Son, whom he hath appointed heir of all things, by whom also he made the worlds; It is obvious that Paul believed that it was likely that Christ would return in his time. What evidence did Paul have to believe this? Undoubtedly, Paul remembered the words of Christ that were recorded by Matthew. In Matthew 24 the apostle recalls the events of Christ

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speaking with His disciples. Jesus foretold the destruction of Jerusalem and told His disciples that not one stone would be left upon another. His disciples asked the question, “When shall these things be and what shall be the sign of thy coming and of the end of the world.” Jesus then begins to share with them the things that would happen leading up to the end of the world. But finally, in verse 14 Jesus specifically talks about the one signal event that points to the end. Matthew 24:14 “And this gospel of the kingdom shall be preached in all the world for a witness unto all nations; and then shall the end come.” What would help the sincere seeker to know when the gospel had been preached unto all the world? The very next verse reveals the event that makes it known. Matthew 24:15 “When ye therefore shall see the abomination of desolation, spoken of by Daniel the prophet, stand in the holy place, (whoso readeth, let him understand:)” This would be when Rome would besiege Jerusalem under the Emperors Cestius and Titus from A.D. 66 – A.D. 70. Why is all of this significant? Because the book of Hebrews was written in A.D. 70. Paul in Colossians 1:23 stated that the gospel had been preached in all the world (the book of Colossians was written in A.D. 60). That means that by the time the book of Hebrews had been written the gospel had been preached throughout the world for at least 10 years. In addition, the book of Hebrews had been written the same year as the siege of Jerusalem! No wonder Paul believed that Christ would soon return!

Again, in Hebrews 9 the Bible says, Hebrews 9:26 For then must he often have suffered since the foundation of the world: but now once in the end of the world hath he appeared to put away sin by the sacrifice of himself. Again Paul here based upon the knowledge of end times events reiterated his sentiments regarding the end of the world.

Then notice 1 Thess. 4:15 “For this we say unto you by the word of the Lord, that we which are alive and remain unto the coming of the Lord shall not prevent them which are asleep.” Even as early as A.D. 51 it was believed that Christ would come back. Paul included himself as one of those who would be alive when Jesus would return. Paul wanted to comfort those who were losing loved ones that Christ would return for His people.

Let’s look at the apostle Peter and how he viewed the time in which he lived. Notice what Peter said in 1 Peter 1:20, “Who verily was foreordained before the foundation of the world, but was manifest in these last times for you.” Peter also believed the likelihood of Christ return in his day and time. What evidence did Peter have of Christ imminent return? The book of first Peter was written between A.D. 62-64. That means that the gospel had been preached throughout the world. It was during a time of great persecution. The church was suffering the loss of thousands of Christians under the rule of Emperor Nero. An emperor whose cruelty led to even Peter’s demise. Peter would among the many martyrs who died

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under Emperor Nero. Nero hatred towards the Christians was so vehement that he secretly had the city set on fire and then blamed the Christians for its destruction. Peter may have thought that the onslaught of persecution pointed to the time of trouble spoken of by Jesus in Matthew 24.

Then let’s look at John the Revelator. In Revelation 3:10 notice what John says, “Because thou hast kept the word of my patience, I also will keep thee from the hour of temptation, which shall come upon all the world, to try them that dwell upon the earth. 11 Behold, I come quickly: hold that fast which thou hast, that no man take thy crown.” John the revelator believed that Christ was soon to come. He too lived in a time of great direst for the people of God. The book of Revelation was written between A.D. 90-95 which happens to be during a time when the church was suffering under the persecution of Domitian. Like Nero, Domitian persecuted thousands under his rule. It would only be natural for John to believe that Christ would not allow this persecution of God’s people to endure much longer, that Christ would come to rescue his people from the dark cloud of oppression.

Let’s now look at the author of the book of Acts. Luke here reveals his thoughts about the times in which he lived. In Acts 2:17 notice what Luke says, “And it shall come to pass in the last days, saith God, I will pour out of my Spirit upon all flesh: and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, and your young men shall see visions, and your old men shall dream dreams.” As the disciple were able to witness the outpouring of the former rain during Pentecost, the disciples had believed that it was a manifestation of God before His imminent return. What evidence is there to presume this assertion? Notice the disciples conversation with Jesus just days before they were able to experience Pentecost. Acts 1:6 “…they asked of him, saying, Lord, wilt thou at this time restore again the kingdom to Israel?” This reveals the evidence that they believed He would come to rule the earth in a very short time.

It is evident by looking at these few verses in the New Testament that the Bible writers believed that Christ would likely return in their time. Was Ellen White of the same mindset as the New Testament prophets?

What about Ellen White? Did she have similar views to that of the Bible? Ellen White like the Bible writers of the New Testament, based upon the best evidence around her believed in the likelihood of Christ return in her day. Here is a short chronology of her beliefs during her years of ministry. Notice this statement made by Ellen White in 1849. “The sealing time is very short, and will soon be over. Now is the time, while the four angels are holding the four winds, to make our calling and election sure.” {EW 58.2}(originally written in Broadside 2 January 31, 1849 Par. 12). Ellen White lived in a time where she had witnessed one of the greatest religious awakenings the world has even known – the great

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awakening of 1843. Her along with the other pioneers had been privy to go through the time of the great disappointment and come to discover that in October 22, of 1844 Christ had entered into a new phase of His heavenly ministry moving from the Holy Place to the Most Holy Place where He began the judgment of the dead. The natural thought amongst the pioneers was that God would be finished judging the dead in only a few short years. Hence, the above statement testifies of that fact. By 1849 it was believed by Ellen Whites generation that God had already begun the judgment of the living hence the sealing process had begun.

In August of that same year notice what Ellen White says; Satan was trying his every art to hold them where they were, until the sealing was past, until the covering was drawn over God’s people, and they left without a shelter from the burning wrath of God, in the seven last plagues. God has begun to draw this covering over His people, and it will soon be drawn over all who are to have a shelter in the day of slaughter. God will work in power for His people; and Satan will be permitted to work also. – {EW 44.2} (RH Aug. 1, 1849 par. 9)

Toward the late 1800’s Ellen White is witnessing things that suggest that the National Sunday Law might soon come into effect. Notice her statement written in 1888, “The Sunday movement is now making its way in darkness. The leaders are concealing the true issue, and many who unite in the movement do not themselves see whither the under-current is tending. Its professions are mild, and apparently Christian; but when it shall speak, it will reveal the spirit of the dragon. It is our duty to do all in our power to avert the threatened danger. We should endeavor to disarm prejudice by placing ourselves in a proper light before the people. We should bring before them the real question at issue, thus interposing the most effectual protest against measures to restrict liberty of conscience. We should search the Scriptures, and be able to give the reason for our faith. Says the prophet, “The wicked shall do wickedly, and none of the wicked shall understand; but the wise shall understand.” – {RH December 11, 1888 Par. 8} By 1888 Ellen White believed that the Sunday Law was imminent, why? Senate Bill 2983 referred to as the Blair Bill named after Senator H. W. Blair was introduced during the 50th session of congress, on May 21, 1888. The purpose of the bill was to secure by legislation the day of the week commonly known as the Lord’s day, to be acknowledged as a day of religious worship. In other words, the National Sunday Law. During this period of time God moved upon the heart of Alonzo T. Jones to enter a plea against the legislation. His efforts paid off and the results were that congress decided against passing the law. It would only be natural of Ellen White and her contemporaries to assume that this would be only a temporary victory and before long congress would attempt to pass the law once again.

Ellen White would give counsel regarding time setting. Notice these words in Testimonies to Ministers page 55, “Beware of anyone who would set a time for

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the Lord to fulfill His word in regard to His coming, or in regard to any other promise He has made of special significance. ‘It is not for you to know the times or the seasons’. TM 55. Testimonies to Ministers was written during the years of 1890-1898. Undoubtedly, she would say this because there was nothing else to wait upon except for the outpouring of the seven last plagues. This would mean that there of course would be no other time sensitive promises that God needed to fulfill. After the time of the sealing the next event believed to occur is the time of trouble!

Again, Ellen White reiterates the fact that the sealing work had begun. Notice this statement, “Just as soon as the people of God are sealed in their foreheads—it is not any seal or mark that can be seen, but a settling into the truth, both intellectually and spiritually, so they cannot be moved—just as soon as God’s people are sealed and prepared for the shaking, it will come. Indeed, it has begun already. —The S.D.A. Bible Commentary 4:1161 (1902). – {LDE 219.4} In 1902. Ellen White makes it clear that the sealing work was simultaneously in progress with the shaking!

Then in 1903 notice this statement from Ellen White, “The time of God’s destructive judgments is the time of mercy for those who have no opportunity to learn what is truth. Tenderly will the Lord look upon them. His heart of mercy is touched; His hand is still stretched out to save, while the door is closed to those who would not enter. Large numbers will be admitted who in these last days hear the truth for the first time. —Letter 103, June 3, 1903. In 1903 Ellen White makes the statement that to some the door of probation had already closed.

“Our time is precious. We have but a few, a very few, days of probation in which to make ready for the future, immortal life.” {YI April 28, 1908 Par. 9}. By 1908 Ellen White makes the statement that there were only a few days (not years or months or even weeks) left before probation would close.

In the following year Ellen White makes this comment, “Probationary time will not continue much longer. Now God is withdrawing his restraining hand from the earth. Long has he been speaking to men and women through the agency of his Holy Spirit; but they have not heeded the call. Now he is speaking to his people, and to the world, by his judgments. The time of these judgments is a time of mercy for those who have not yet had opportunity to learn what is truth. Tenderly will the Lord look upon them. His heart of mercy is touched; his hand is still stretched out to save.” – {SW December 1, 1909 Par. 3}. In 1909 Ellen White states that God’s destructive judgments have already begun. Her statement seems to imply that the judgments that fall upon the unrepentant are judgments that seal their doom, while those who are ignorant of Bible truth still have the measure of God’s mercy upon them.

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I believed that the Spirit of God moved upon the heart of Ellen White to help her realize that Christ may not come in her time. As a result, she began to signal to us who would live in this generation things that would be needful for us to understand. She made several statements that signaled to us the need to recognize a deeper understanding of prophetic events that would have been overlooked in her age. Notice the following quotes:

May 26, 1890 “In our knowledge of truth, there is first a beginning in our understanding of it, then a progression, then completion…Much has been lost because our ministers and people have concluded that we have had all the truth essential for us as a people, but such a conclusion is erroneous and in harmony with the deceptions of Satan; for truth will be constantly unfolding.” Review and Herald, December 20, 1892 - "There is no excuse for any one in taking the position that there is no more truth to be revealed, and that all our expositions of Scripture are without an error. The fact that certain doctrines have been held as truth for many years by our people, is not a proof that our ideas are infallible. Age will not make error into truth, and truth can afford to be fair. No true doctrine will lose anything by close investigation” 1892 (CW 51.1) “If our youth are seeking to educate themselves to be workers in His cause, they should learn the way of the Lord, and live by every word that proceedeth out of His mouth. They are not to make up their minds that the whole truth has been unfolded, and that the Infinite One has no more light for His people. If they entrench themselves in the belief that the whole truth has been revealed, they will be in danger of discarding precious jewels of truth that shall be discovered as men turn their attention to the searching of the rich mine of God’s word. RH July 26, 1892 We have many lessons to learn, and many, many to unlearn. God and heaven alone are infallible. Those who think that they will never have to give up a cherished view, never have occasion to change an opinion, will be disappointed. As long as we hold to our own ideas and opinions with determined persistency, we cannot have the unity for which Christ prayed. trouble will find them unready.

This brief chronological listing of the prophetic events that shaped the

beliefs of Ellen White and her contemporaries clearly show why she would believe there were no more prophecies to be fulfilled. This brief synapsis of Ellen

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White’s understanding of the prophetic events of her time is to help us make better choices in how we utilize and comment on her writings. It is evident from the above chronology that Ellen White had this belief as early as 1849 only five years after the great disappointment. It is therefore understood why she repeatedly stressed that there were “no more time prophecies.” Based upon the best evidence that she had at the time she believed that they were living in the culminating events of earth’s history. But we know now that her assumptions were not correct. We are still waiting for the “Daily” to be taken away, the National Sunday Law has not happened yet, the personation of Christ by Satan is still forthcoming, hence the close of probation has not occurred nor the death decree, and we are waiting for the short time of trouble as well as the time of trouble. It is therefore irresponsible and incorrect to infer that there are no more time prophecies. It only makes sense to understand this when you realize that she made these statements at a time when she believed all prophetic events had reached their fulfillment and that the only event that was yet to occur would be the coming of Christ!

In addition, she can’t be referring the fact that there are no more prophecies to be fulfilled, the Bible points out the following prophecies that still yet need to be fulfilled (Revelation 8:1, Revelation 9:4-5, Revelation 20:1, Revelation 17:12). Furthermore, she herself says that God will announce the day and the hour of Christ return (GC 640.2). Furthermore, Ellen White says, “Let us read and study the 12th chapter of Daniel. It is a warning we shall all need to understand before the time of the end”. LTR 161, July 30, 1903. Probation is a time of warning and here she uses the word “warning” as it concerns the message of Daniel. And if we don’t see this one we could miss our visitation.

As Adventist our traditional understanding of 1844 was fulfilled in the scripture found in Revelation 10:10 “And I took the little book out of the angel's hand, and ate it up; and it was in my mouth sweet as honey: and as soon as I had eaten it, my belly was bitter” the expectation of Christ return was a sweet expectation. But when Christ failed to return at the expected time it turned bitter in the belly. This is our traditional interpretation of this verse. The very next verse commands us to “Prophesy Again.” To further validate this biblical injunction the Bible says in Joel 2:28 "And it shall come to pass afterward, that I will pour out my spirit upon all flesh; and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, your old men shall dream dreams, your young men shall see visions"

To infer that there are no more time prophecies when the Bible clearly says there are is inaccurate. We cannot discredit Ellen White for what she believed, because no person knows the day and the hour of Christ return. But many have wrongfully used her writings to suggest something that is not true –

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that no more time prophecies exist. Not only is this incorrect but is very damaging to the cause of God. This causes many to disregard the need to further study the possibility of future prophetic fulfillment. It makes us willfully blind to something God is trying to reveal. Hence, we are the church of Laodicea, we are wretched, miserable, poor, BLIND, and naked! It is my sincere hope that this study has increased your understanding of prophecy and its relevance for us today. More than anything I hope that it has stimulated your desire to study more and to be more open to the leading of the Holy Spirit. In these last days let us study to show ourselves approved unto God, that we might know the time of our visitation!

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