COMMENTARY ON REVELATION
Chapter 10

Commentary on Revelation Eleven

As we begin this important study today let us pray. "Eternal God of Israel, we come before your throne of grace asking for your Divine favor. Please guide us as we seek to understand more fully your holy word, especially Rev. 11:1-18. Thank for hearing our prayer and doing more than we could ask or think. In the sacred and holy name of your only Son, Jesus, we ask it. Amen."

There is a wonderful promise in James 1:5 that each of us should claim as we begin our study today. Listen: "If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that gives to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him." This is from the King James Version (KJV) with its 16th century expressions as we see here in the word upbraideth. What does this word actually mean? Actually upbraid is from Middle English "upbreiden" and Old English "upbregdan" which is simply up + pull which came to mean "to rebuke severely or bitterly; to censure sharply, scold." Upbraid also means to "rebuke, lecture or take to task." When a mother is braiding her daughter's hair that little girl knows what it means to be "upbraided" when the mother yanks on her hair to make a point. James is saying, "God is not like that." When you come to Him for help when you have a problem in life you cannot solve He doesn't "upbraid" you or in other words chew you out for bothering Him. Psalm 111:4 tells us our "Lord is gracious and full of compassion." This is His divine character of love which never changes. "I am the Lord, I change not." Malachi 3:6; Ps. 89:34, Heb. 13:8, James 1:17.

That is the reason I am asking Him to help me all the time in my mind, praying without ceasing. This is what I did about four days ago regarding Rev. 11 when I took some time out to relax and take a sauna. It was during this little 20 minute time out that Jesus told me what I needed to know to write this article I am going to share with you today.

Some Bible students and most Bible scholars believe they already know everything they need to know about chapter 11 of Revelation and all of Revelation, for that matter. But this close minded attitude shuts out more light the Lord wants to shed on this final book of the Bible. In addition to that the servant of the Lord has told us "God intends that, even in this life, truth shall be ever unfolding." 5T 703.

In fact we are told quite emphatically, "We must not think, 'Well, we have all the truth, we understand the main pillars of our faith, and we may rest on this knowledge.' Truth is an advancing truth and we must walk in the increasing light." Evang. 296, 297. And again, "No matter by whom light is sent, we should open our hearts to receive it with the meekness of Christ." GW 301. And then this one is my favorite: "New light will ever be revealed on the word of God to him who is in living connection with the Son of Righteousness. Let no one come to the conclusion that there is no more truth to be revealed. The diligent, prayerful seeker for truth will find precious rays of light yet to shine forth from the word of God. Many gems are yet scattered that are to be gathered together to become the property of the remnant people of god." "Counsels to Writers and Editors," page 35.

We also know that as current events unroll the prophetic scroll it will become clear to those who are "walking in the advancing light" what the true interpretation of Daniel and Revelation really is and just what their duty will be.

Gabriel told Daniel that his book would be sealed until the Time of the End, Dan. 12:9 which we believe is now. "Many shall be purified, and made white, and tried; but the wicked shall do wickedly; and none of the wicked shall understand; but the wise shall understand." Vs. 10. This brings us to Rev. 11:1 where John tells us that he was given a "measuring rod like a staff" and then instructed by the angel to "Get up and measure the temple of God and the altar, and those who worship in it." NAS.

Except for a few brave souls who chose to differ, the standard interpretation of this chapter has not changed since the days of Uriah Smith, author of the book, "DANIEL AND THE REVELATION." Even the book, "THE GREAT CONTROVERSY," is in basic agreement along with the SDA Bible Commentary. What I wish to share with you today may be considered an up-date from these 19th century interpretations. Although the measuring of the temple (church) is suggestive of a time of Judgment for the professed believers and worshipers inside it also is a promise of restoration and preservation for the Master builder would not be taking the time to measure (judge or make decisions) His people unless He planned to complete the building of the temple by having His servant John measure the worshipers which means He is checking to see how they are coming along...to see if they are "measuring up" yet. It also means He is in the process of making some choices regarding who is ready for the barley harvest, to be translated or harvested, and who is not, as we understand from the parable of the wheat and tares, Matt. 13 or the parable of the Virgins. Some were wise and planned ahead by taking extra oil in their vessels while the foolish neglected to do so and arrived too late to go into the Wedding or Marriage Feast.

Sincere believers have been studying the temple or sanctuary service in heaven since 1844. Various theories and interpretations have been developed over the years contradicting each other. Most of these have been abandoned along with other beliefs and doctrines by many sincere seekers for truth. But a Remnant have persevered and entered INTO THE FATHER'S HEART or Most Holy Place of the Sanctuary...the very heart of God, the Father, which Jesus revealed to us by His perfect life, death and resurrection. It is this understanding of the character of God that has made this study possible today.

Here is a comment to enlighten us about vs. 2. "The court. In the temple of Herod, which John had known well, there was an inner court divided into the Court of the Women, the Court of Israel, and the Court of the Priests. Beyond these was a great outer court, the Court of the Gentiles. A barrier--a 'middle wall of partition' (Eph. 2:14)--divided the outer and inner courts, and no Gentile was allowed to pass the barrier on pain of death (see Vol. V, 67). In view of the fact that the court mentioned here is 'given unto the Gentiles,' it would appear that John has this great outer court particularly in mind. The court has been regarded as representing this earth in contrast with the 'temple of God' in heaven." Page 801. 7 BC. John was told only to check or measure those who are worshiping God with a full and true heart. These true believers would be the watchmen on the walls of Zion, who would comprise or make up the first phase of the harvest, which is the barley harvest (Little Company, EW 271) and then the wheat would follow. The Gentiles would indicate the rest of humanity which will come later in the Grape Harvest. So, there are three phases of the harvest, 1. Barley. 2. Wheat. 3. Grapes. For a symbol of the barley, study the life of Gideon in Judges 6 and 7 and the Book of Ruth and then the Life of Jesus Christ. His whole life is an example to us but especially His three and one years of ministry and then His death, resurrection, ascension to heaven, return for forty days and then ascension again from the Mount of Olives while about 500 watched Him go up and then the descent of the Holy Ghost on the day of Pentecost. All of these events or stages will be repeated in the lives of this Little Company or Barley Group.

The forty two months is the same period of time as the 1260 days of Rev. 12 and Dan 12 and the times, time and a half of time. The treading down or trampling under foot of the Holy City has always been interpreted as meaning the persecution of God's people. The interpretation of this 1260 days has been that this represents "days of years" or a day representing a year. I have no doubt that this was acceptable and ok for the 19th century and most of the 20th century but as the scroll is unrolling and more knowledge is being given to understand these prophecies we can see that the end-time application of this time period is actual days, just as it reads.

Now, when the Bible states that God is going to make a short work upon the earth and it will not by might or power but by "my spirit," that is just what He means. As I was about to begin this paragraph I had in mind to explain the work of the Two Witnesses and the power God is going to give them and what the Greek word for power means, which I will do shortly. But the Lord spoke to me and told me to look up two verses and explain them first.

The first is Zechariah 4:6. When I looked it up the Lord impressed me to read verses 1-6 which is probably where John received His information and inspiration to write Rev. 11. I didn't know this and was really shocked to see these verses are a parallel to Rev. 11. "Then the angel who had been talking with me woke me, as though I had been asleep. 'What do you see now?' he asked. I answered, 'I see a golden lampstand holding seven lamps, and at the top there is a reservoir for the olive oil that feeds the lamps, flowing into them through seven tubes (pipes, KJV) And I see two olive trees carved upon the lampstand, one on each side of the reservoir. What is it, sir?' I asked. 'What does this mean?' Don't you really know?' the angel asked. 'No, sir,' I said, 'I don't.' Then he said, 'This is God's message to Zerubbabel: Not by might, nor by power, but by my Spirit, says the Lord of hosts-you will succeed because of my Spirit, though you are few and weak.' Therefore no mountain, (government) however high, (powerful) can stand before Zerubbabel! For it will flatten out before him! And Zerubbabel will finish building this Temple with mighty shouts of thanksgiving for God's mercy, declaring that all was done by grace alone." Zech. 4:6, 7. LB. Paul says in Rom. 9:28: "For He (God) will finish the work, and cut it short in righteousness: because a short work will the Lord make upon the earth." KJV. This places the emphases upon the righteousness of the messengers. But let's take a look at the same verse from a different perspective, looking at it from the stand point of how this final message will affect the wicked and cause them to react.

The LB says, "For the Lord will execute His sentence upon the earth, quickly ending His dealings, justly cutting them short." Rom. 9:28. LB . Although this is Kenneth Taylor's paraphrase in his famous "Living Bible" it cuts to the heart of what is going to happen when the full import of the message hits the masses and they react to it with a terrible violence never before seen in the earth. "And I will call for a sword again him throughout all my mountains, saith the Lord God:; every man's sword shall be against his brother." Ezek. 38:21.

Before we deal with the message of the Two Witnesses and identify them let me explain the interpretation of the Two Witnesses that was given in the book, "THE GREAT CONTROVERSY," in the chapter entitled, "THE FRENCH REVOLUTION." In a sentence, the interpretation was that these "Two Olive Trees" and "Two Candle Sticks" which are also called "MY TWO WITNESSES" vs. 3-6 are simply the OLD AND NEW TESTAMENTS OF THE HOLY BIBLE. Uriah Smith took this same position as did also the SDA Bible Commentary. Considerable space is devoted in all three of these works to the history of the French Revolution in France. "SDAs, who generally understand the beast of v. 7 to represent the First French Republic (1789 to 1801), especially in terms of its antireligious bias, find this prophecy fulfilled during that brief period in French revolutionary history when atheism was at its height. This period may be reckoned from Nov. 26, 1793, when a decree, issued in Paris, abolished religion, to June 17, 1797, when, it is held, the French government removed restrictions against the practice of religion."

7 BC 803. "Three years and a half later a resolution rescinding these decrees, thus granting toleration to the Scripture, was adopted by the same body." GC 287. On the same page is listed various Bible societies that were organized to circulate the Bible into hundreds of languages and dialects. This was considered the fulfillment of the two witnesses being resurrected and being called up to heaven. I believe that was a first or minor fulfillment of this prophecy, but a much greater fulfillment remains for these two witnesses.

For a clearer understanding of this future event let us scroll forward to Rev. 12:5 where John predicts the same event using different terms and symbols. "And she (mother church through the ages until the first phase (barley) of the second coming) brought forth a man child, who was to rule all nations with a rod of iron: and her child was caught up unto God, and to His throne." The phrase, "Man Child" is used only four times in the entire bible. The first time is Jer 20:15, but was not used in a prophetic sense. Next is Isa. 66:7 which is a prophecy which correlates with the last two times Man Child is used in the Bible which is found in Rev 12:5. To understand the meaning of reference in Isaiah you need to begin at verse 5 where we see that this "man child" represents a group of people who are hated for standing up for Jesus' Name (character). But they are also called "a nation" which appears suddenly or is "born" in one day (short period of time) and is a parallel to the church of Philadelphia (only perfect church of the 7 churches, Rev. 3:7-12) which was especially commended because they had not "denied my name," which is His character, which we also know is the final message to go to the world, "A revelation of His character of love." COL 415.

Now, let's go back to Rev. 11 and notice that these Two Witnesses have great power to preach the Word of God, which is what the Two Witnesses represent...the Word of God, Old and New Testaments, in other words THE WHOLE TESTIMONY OF GOD. They come on the stage of action at just the right time (Dios Perfecto Tiempo, which is Spanish for God's Perfect Timing) and they give the exact message God has planned for them to give at this specific time. The woman who gives birth to these Two Witnesses (Barley Group) is pictured in Rev. 12:1 as being pregnant, clothed or robed with the sun and standing on the moon. The woman represents God's true and pure church which He has used through the ages to carry His true message from generation to generation and age to age until this final segment of time in which a Remnant is finally born. This is the Man Child who comes to the fullness of maturity and perfection in Christ, just as He did in 30 years. He was the perfect example for this Barley group who are also brought to perfection through trials and tribulations God designed specifically for each of them.

The term "Man Child" is a generic term meaning a human being just as Hosea 11:1 refers to Israel as God's son even though Israel, as a nation, consisted of both males and females. This is a special characteristic of the Hebrew language, that it will take one item (person or object) such as "son" or "barley loaf" or "tent" (referring to Gideon's experience in Judges 6 & 7) and linguistically use it to represent many things. For example, the son represents all 12 tribes of Israel, the barley loaf represents Gideon and his 300 soldiers and the tent represents the 135,000 hordes of heathen (NWO) who are preparing to destroy Israel. The word "God" itself (Elohim) has a plurality built into it as we read in Gen. 1:26 where we read "And God said, Let us make man in our image, after our likeness:"

We also need to notice that although this pure, pregnant, woman has been robed with the brightness and glory of the sun she is standing on the moon. The moon is symbolical of the Old Testament foundation and witness for the church while the glory of the sun represents the transition to the New Testament through which she has passed from law to the perfection of God's grace in order to prepare her to give birth to Jesus in His time frame and then the Man Child in his time frame, 2,000 years later at the close of the age, according to God's perfect timing. Actually, the birthing or coming forth of the Man Child has two phases. The first is in the person of Jesus Christ, our perfect example and the second is the Barley Group which is also symbolized by the Son and King in Psalm 2, the Sons of God in Rom. 8:19, the Two Witnesses, the Man Child, The Army of Joel 1 and 2 and Rev. 19, the rock cut out of the mountain without hands in Dan. 2:45, the "Wise" of Dan. 12:3, the "Elect" of Matt. 24:22-24, the "Branch" of Jer. 33:15 and others.

In order to understand the important work the Two Witnesses will perform one needs to read about the Little Company in the book, "EARLY WRITINGS," 269 and on. Although the Servant of the Lord emphasizes the power this Company has to speak out the truth (for 3 ½ years) Rev. 11:3 predicts that they will prophesy in sackcloth (a symbol of deep sorrow and mourning, 2 Sam. 3:31; 2 Kings 19:1, 2). So, what are they mourning about? What is the cause of their sorrow? Listen to the pen dipped in the ink of heaven. "The coming of the bridegroom was at midnight--the darkest hour. So the coming of Christ will take place in the darkest period of this earth's history. The days of Noah and Lot pictured the condition of the world just before the coming of the Son of man. The Scriptures pointing forward to this time declare that Satan will work with all power and "with all deceivableness of unrighteousness." 2 Thess. 2:9, 10. His working is plainly revealed by the rapidly increasing darkness, the multitudinous errors, heresies, and delusions of these last days. Not only is Satan leading the world captive, but his deceptions are leavening the professed churches of our Lord Jesus Christ. The great apostasy will develop into darkness deep as midnight, impenetrable as sackcloth of hair. To God's people it will be a night of trial, a night of weeping, a night of persecution for the truth's sake. But out of that night of darkness God's light will shine." COL 414, 415.

Now, on the very next page we read what their message will be, regarding the Name of God, which is rejected and denied by their brethren, who hate them, as they hated Jeremiah and all the prophets. "Behold," say the Scripture, "the darkness shall cover the earth, and gross darkness the people; but the Lord shall arise upon thee, and His glory shall be seen upon thee." Isa. 60:2. It is the darkness of misapprehension of God that is enshrouding the world. Men are losing their knowledge of His character. It has been misunderstood and misinterpreted. At this time a message from God is to be proclaimed, a message illuminating in its influence and saving in its power. His character is to be made known. Into the darkness of the world is to be shed the light of His glory, the light of His goodness, mercy and truth...(Isa. 40:9, 10 then quoted) Those who wait for the Bridegroom's coming are to say to the people, 'Behold your God.' The last rays of merciful light, the last message of mercy to be given to the world, is a revelation of His character of love." COL 415.

Now, let's look quickly at Rev. 11:7 which takes us to the close of the first 3 ½ years, which is half way through the last seven years of this earth's history. What a wonderful and loving Heavenly Father we have who let's us know the future in advance. Not only is He revealing the exact plans of the enemy, He is also telling us how to escape Satan's traps and to defeat the Synagogue of Satan (Rev. 3:9) which is the New World Order of our day. God never does anything without first giving many warnings in advance. "If a trumpet is blown in a city will not the people tremble? (A trumpet is a signal for war) If a calamity occurs in a city has not the Lord done it? (God is portrayed in the Scriptures as the causative factor for all the events of life, good or bad, Isa. 45:7) Surely the Lord God does nothing unless He (first) reveals His secret counsel to His servants the prophets." Amos 3:7.

So, these chosen ones who make up this little "Barley Group or Company" will preach the truth of God's word in bodies of flesh for 3 ½ years. Their message will be similar to that of Elijah and the prophets of His day who rebuked King Ahab and his wicked Queen Jezebel who had killed all of the prophets of Jehovah. Although there were still 7,000 believers they were all hiding out. Elijah had not heard so much as a little peep from any of them and had no idea they even existed until God told him that He had preserved unto Himself 7,000 who had not bowed down and kissed Baal. He was the only one who was standing up in public against the New World Order of that day. So, this is the situation that will exist again in our day. It is going to be a very lonely job. Rev. 11:7 tells us that when this Barley Company has "finished their testimony" after 3 ½ years the beast from the bottomless pit is going to make war against them and kill them. Because of the prophecy of Malachi 3:16-18 we already know that God is not going to let His "Jewels" die. He will "spare them, as a man spares his own son that serves him." vs. 17. Therefore, we know that this death they die at the hands of the New World Order (Beast from the bottomless pit) is not a literal, physical death but a slandering of their character similar to what happened in France to the Holy Bible during the French Revolution when in 1793 they publicly burned the Bible claiming that it had caused "all the fooleries...which...the human race" had committed. GC 276. This was the result of centuries of suppression of the Scriptures during the period of papal supremacy (538 AD to 1798 AD) when Rome's policy, under the disguise and profession of reverence for the Bible, kept it locked up in an unknown tongue (Latin) and hidden away from the people. All during this period, "Rome had misrepresented the character of God and perverted His requirements, and now men rejected both the Bible and its Author. She had required a blind faith in her dogmas, under the pretended sanction of the Scriptures. In the reaction, Voltaire and his associates cast aside God's word altogether and spread everywhere the poison of infidelity. Rome had ground down the people under her iron heel; and now the masses, degraded and brutalized, in their recoil from her tyranny, cast off all restraint. Enraged at the glittering cheat to which they had so long paid homage, they rejected truth and falsehood together; and mistaking license for liberty, the slaves of vice exulted in their imagined freedom." GC 282.

Since the printing of these words in the late 19th century (1888) organized religion has continued the work of Rome by slandering God's true character of love by presenting Him as an angry and offended deity who seeks only to pour retribution upon all those who do not obey every detail of every law organized religion has dreamed up in whatever faith a person may choose. The one common thread that runs through every organized religion on the face of the earth is that God destroys people by various means. The aberrations of nature are called ACTS OF GOD and the Catholic Church especially pictures God as sitting upon a throne in heaven, far removed from us sinners. He and even His Son Jesus are unapproachable except through the Virgin Mary who will intercede for us now and at the time of our death. Although Protestants do not profess faith in Mary as an intercessor they still teach a wrathful God which has turned millions away from the Blessed Saviour.

Fortunately, there have been a few brave souls in all religious persuasions who have tried to present a more benign portrait of God, but they have been far and few between. As a result, the multitudes have turned to Eastern religions, the occult, alcohol, drugs and the Psychics for comfort, solace and guidance. Some have even been seduced into the worship of Lucifer and Satan with the promise of power, drugs and free sex. Jesus prophesied correctly that the leading sign of the end would be deception and warned us, "Take heed that no man deceive you." Matt. 24:4. As never before, the multitudes of earth are ripe for deception. Riding on a cloud of false hope for a bright future and a supposed strong economy the USA and much of the world are wading knee deep and rising in a cash filled society with no thought that it could collapse over the weekend even though the stock market has given many warning signs of its instability. The lessons of the 1929 stock crash are so far removed from this generation's mind as to never even have occurred. Yet, history will repeat according to all of the experts whose voices are lost in the din of daily trading. Jesus' warning has never been more apropos than now. Listen:

"Be on your guard, so that your hearts are not overloaded with dissipation, drunkenness and worldly cares, and that day takes you by surprise like a trap, (snare) for it will come upon all the inhabitants of the globe. But you be vigilant and pray unceasingly so that you may have strength to escape all those impending events and to stand (or arrive) in the presence of (or before) the Son of Man (Jesus)." Luke 21: 34-36. This is the verse that the Lord directed me to read after I had prayed on my knees for about ten minutes one day after reading about the NWO's plan to arrest and place in prison camps all who dare speak out against them. That was about three years ago and ever since then He has been revealing to me through the Scriptures, individuals, videos, books and supernatural means of various kinds His plan to warn God's professed people first, for judgment (decision making re: God's character) must begin first with the house (church) of God. I Pet. 4:17.

The next verse He led me to read was Rev. 11:15 which reveals more about these "Two Witnesses." "And the seventh (7th) angel sounded; and there were great voices in heaven, saying, The kingdoms of this world are become the kingdoms of our Lord, and of His Christ; and he shall reign for ever and ever." Like most people I had always believed that the Lord was the Father and His Christ was Jesus. But that is not what it means at all. The Lord here is the Lord Jesus and His "Christos" (meaning "anointed") is this special group we have been talking about which we have identified as THE BARLEY COMPANY and these "TWO WITNESSES" who will stand alone, each in their own country, province, state, county, city, town and village scattered throughout the earth. They will be supernaturally, divinely led and guided and protected by the Holy Spirit and God's holy angels to deliver a two fold message, just like a two edged sword. The first side of this sword is a message about the true character of God that He has never hurt or killed anyone. That He is totally innocent of all the false charges Satan, his evil angels and wicked men confederated with them through the ages have heaped upon the sacred and holy Name of our God.

Isaiah 25:7 has predicted that God is going to remove and take away a veil or covering of deception that is presently upon all the nations of the earth. In Isa. 24:23 we read that this is going to take place when "the Lord of hosts shall reign in mount Zion." Read all of Isa. 24 regarding what is going to be happening during the last seven years of this earth's history, especially during the last 3 ½ years. "And He will destroy in (or through) this mountain the face of the covering cast over all people, and the veil that is spread over all nations." Isa. 25:7. The servant of the Lord has revealed how this will be done. "It is the darkness of misapprehension of God that is enshrouding the world. Men are losing their knowledge of His character. It has been misunderstood and misinterpreted. At this time a message from God is to be proclaimed, a message illuminating in its influence and saving in its power. HIS CHARACTER IS TO BE MADE KNOWN. Into the darkness of the world is to be shed the light of His glory, the light of His goodness, mercy, and truth." COL 415. Notice there beloved, that EGW states that the very glory (character) the Lord revealed to Moses as "MY NAME" is the very message that is to be the final message to go to the world. See Exodus 33:18, 19. Now, in this same book we read, "GOD DESTROYS NO MAN." COL 84. If you want more proof from the Bible and the writings of EGW I have prepared just such a document entitled, "UNDERSTANDING AND KNOWING THE TRUTH ABOUT GOD IN THESE LAST DAYS OF EARTH'S HISTORY. A Compilation of Bible Scripture and EGW Quotations Which Prove that God has Never Hurt or Killed Anyone." This document is available to you for only $2.95 postpaid.

So, the same spirit that was in power during the time of the French Revolution still exists again. They went underground for awhile but rose again in the form of Communism and Nazism which seems to be dead but is in reality very much still alive. So, as all these evil forces join together into one grand and deceptive confederacy to make war against all who try and stand up against them to oppose their grand scheme to reduce the population by various means so it will easier for them to control the masses who are left and make them their slaves. However, the Lord is going to intervene, as we shall see. But first, the Barley Company must die a symbolical death via character assassination by utilizing the world wide media. The world will be convinced that these dissidents and opponents of the New World Order are nothing but trouble makers and will rejoice at the news that their influence has at last been destroyed.

"And their dead bodies shall lie in the street of the great city, which spiritually is called Sodom and Egypt, where also our Lord was crucified." Rev. 11:8. I believe this is referring to the media continuing to play, over and over again, sound bites and news excerpts of these people whose character they have just slandered. They will not let the subject drop or be finished. They want to gloat and celebrate their victory, no doubt like the Pharisees and Scribes did after Jesus was crucified on Friday. So, there won't be any closure on this issue. And the Bible expresses it symbolically as if their "dead bodies were lying out in the streets of Jerusalem (where Jesus was crucified) rotting with no decent burial." Jerusalem will be the center of the NWO. God's brave soldiers are not literally lying out in the streets. They may be arrested and put in jails around the globe at certain locations. Some may just be hiding out.

Meanwhile the wicked are rejoicing and "dancing on the graves," as it were, of these brave, modern Elijahs, perhaps like Jezebel celebrated when she learned that her death threat caused Elijah to flee for his life. Vs. 10 says that these wicked modern Jezebels and Ahabs "send gifts one to another" rejoicing that their "torment" is over, just like Herod's conscience was tormented because John the Baptist rebuked his illegitimate marriage to his brother Phillip's wife, Herodias, Mark 6:19. So, she had John the Baptist killed to relieve her tormented conscience. Nothing causes torment like a guilty conscience when truth and righteousness are constantly presented before the willful sinner. It just becomes intolerable to him. But after their successful character assassination they believe they have finally got rid of these "trouble makers" and like Herod and Herodias, the wicked of the earth, who run the NWO, are relieved from the torment of the convicting testimony of these Two Witnesses. The wicked then, like Beltshazzer of old in Daniel 5, drink themselves drunk to quiet their consciences by losing themselves in celebration and merriment. But it doesn't last for long. Only three and a half days. Notice now how God suddenly and supernaturally enters the picture and reverses the course of events.

"And after three days and an half the spirit of life from God entered in to them, and they stood upon their feet; and great fear fell upon them which saw them." Rev. 11:11. These are three actual days or 84 hours. So, the wicked are going to actually see this happen as well as hear the Voice of God which will deliver the saints (Barley Company). "And they heard a great voice from heaven saying unto them, Come up hither. And they ascended up to heaven in a cloud; and their enemies beheld them." vs. 12. This is the special translation of the Barley Company which takes place at the same time as the special resurrection of Dan. 12:1. Next, there is a great earth quake which kills 7,000 men (perhaps the enemies of the Barley Group) causing the rest to give glory to God, probably out of fear and also because they were rooting, backing and cheering for the Barley Group to win all along and are happy God is taking over to make sure the righteous finally win at long last.

This is when the transfer of power takes place which we read about in Rev. 11:15. "The seventh (7th) angel blew his trumpet and there were mighty voices in heaven, shouting, The dominion (kingdom, sovereignty, rule) of the world has now come into the possession and become the kingdom of our Lord and of His Christ, the Messiah, and He shall reign forever and ever -- for the eternities of the eternities!" Psalm 22:28; Dan. 7:13, 14, 27. The noun Messiah is a title which simply means, "The Anointed One."

The next verse tells us that the 24 elders fall prostrate and worship before the Lord in heaven because they are so happy. Then vs 18 announces that the time has come for God's servants to be rewarded and those who have been destroying and corrupting the earth to be destroyed. The sanctuary in heaven was then open and the ark of the covenant was seen standing inside the sanctuary. This is symbolical that God's true Sabbath and all that it represents regarding God's power to create worlds and new hearts is about to be revealed to the world in mighty glory and power through His servants. Now, let us talk about the harpers and what they will be doing at this time.

These harpers are singing a new song before the throne of God. Verse 3 says that only 144,000 are able to learn that song, which by plain logic, would indicate that they did not know this song before. The harpers are the teachers, who are teaching the 144,000 by singing this song to them. Then the 144,000 repeat what they hear and sing it again and again until they know it by heart. The idea of harpers harping on their harps a new song could also refer to a new doctrine that makes music in the heart. This, I believe, is the character of God message.

Who are these harpers? Their voice is said to be coming "from heaven." Using the harvest concept the harpers would have to have been reaped or harvested before the 144,000. First of all, the harpers are singing a song that only the 144,000 "can learn" which suggests that the harpers knew this song first and are singing it or teaching it to the 144,000. Isn't that logical? Furthermore, there are two grains that preceded the grape harvest. Therefore, it is logical that the harpers would be barley and the 144,000 would be wheat. Vs. 4 would confirm this as it states that the 144,000 are "first fruits." So, if they are wheat they must be the beginning or first crop or first fruits of the wheat harvest. In v. 14 John says that he "looked, and behold a white cloud, and upon the cloud one sat like unto the Son of man, having on his head a golden crown, and in his hand a sharp sickle." Notice that it does not say this is "the son of man," but "one sat like unto the Son of man." In Rev. 2:10, Jesus promised a "crown of life" to those who were faithful in the church of Philadelphia. Another version says: "Then the scene changed and I saw a white cloud, and someone sitting on it who looked like Jesus, who was called 'the Son of Man,' with a crown of solid gold upon his head and a sharp sickle in his hand." LB. This golden crown proves that they have been given eternal life...that they did not possess it before. The fact that they are now wearing the crown proves that they are now immortal beings, who cannot be killed. That is why, I believe, that the synagogue of Satan come and bow down before them Rev. 3:9 ...because they have been elevated to be the executive counsel of planet earth and are now in charge of the affairs of planet earth. "The kingdoms of this world are become (have become) the kingdoms of our Lord (Jesus) and His Christos (barley & wheat) or Jesus' elect who are now reigning with Him. This is why Dan. 11:44 tells us that Satan's kingdom will come to an end and that "none will help him." So, all of Satan's angel helpers (demons) now abandon him for they see his cause is hopeless. They are filled with terror and go forth to destroy all the wicked who have no protection. The various factions of Satan's government, throughout the world, begin fighting and destroying one another, thereby collapsing Satan's kingdom.

Remember when I explained in the article, "Many are called but few are chosen," that the Bible often refers to a group as one unit. Hosea 11:1 says: "When Israel was a child I loved Him and called my SON out of Egypt." Matt. 2:15 reinterprets this verse, applying it to Jesus. Notice: "that it might be fulfilled which was spoken of the Lord by the prophet, saying, Out of Egypt have I called my son." This is what we call "Dual or double application" or a "double fulfillment." In Judges 7 we also have Gideon and his three hundred represented by one barley loaf and all 135,000 of the enemy troops parked down in the valley, symbolized as one tent, which was knocked flat by the barley loaf. So, to have the first wave of saints translated to heaven referred to as "one like the son of man" is in keeping with the way the Hebrew writers expressed themselves. "Adam" means "mankind," and Eve is referred to as "the mother of all living." Gen. 3:20. The Greek word, "ecclesia" refers to the church corporate or "the called out ones." Furthermore, when God speaks of His "elect" or "Final Remnant," which will become the "Executive Council" for giving the final message to the earth, He refers to them as His "Jewels" or "special Treasure." Mal. 3:16-18.

Now, let's go to Dan. 7, where Daniel sees in vision a judgment scene where one like the Son of man is installed with great honor, power and glory.

"I beheld till the thrones were cast down, and the Ancient of days did sit, whose garment was white as snow, and the hair of his head like the pure wool: his throne was like the fiery flame, and his wheels as burning fire. A fiery stream issued and came forth from before Him (Jesus); thousand thousands ministered unto Him, and ten thousand times ten thousand stood before him: the judgment was set, and the books were opened." Dan. 7:9, 10. Then, in Vs. 11, 12 we read of the death and destruction of the beast power and his allies who are given to the burning flame, presumably referring to the Lake of Fire, which we know is not literal but a representation of the fire of God which comes down in the form of great revelations of truth and righteousness. This truly "burns up" the wicked, or makes them very angry and they stew in their juices, so to speak, until they finally repent, which they will do, absolutely, according to Phil. 2:6-11. Much more proof is given in another article in this paper this time plus books and videos on this subject.

Now, let's go on with Dan. 7:13. "I saw in the night visions, and, behold, one like the Son of man came with the clouds of heaven, and came to the Ancient of days, and they brought him near before him. And there was given him, dominion, and glory, and a kingdom, that all people, nations, and languages, should serve him: his dominion is an everlasting dominion, which shall not pass away, and his kingdom that which shall not be destroyed."

You should also compare Rev. 11:15 and 12:10 which speak of loud voices in heaven proclaiming that the "kingdoms of this world are become the kingdoms of our Lord and His Christ (Christos or anointed one)." This takes place little by little over a seven year time period. This anointed one is the same as the "man child" of Rev. 12:5 and Isa. 66:7 which is "caught up unto God, and to His throne." Rev. 12:5. This is also the church of Philadelphia which cannot be destroyed. Even the synagogue of Satan comes and bows down before them. Rev. 3:9. Why? Because they find out that they cannot kill them and realize they are God's chosen elect who have received this power to reign and rule and bring in everlasting righteousness under Jesus, their Lord. So, is this mind-blowing, good news or what? Don't let the harvest pass you by, my friend. If you think it is just too good to be true, please read what Paul said in I Cor. 2:9. "Eye hath not seen, nor hear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them who love Him."

Friends, I have been preaching about this beautiful character of our precious Lord Jesus now since the fall of 1976. You would not believe how many people have rejected me personally because of what I have told them without even taking five minutes to study the subject for themselves. And most of them were SDA ministers and leaders in the church, believe it or not.

The crisis is coming. The darkness is getting worse every day. Already the Pope has told the people that they must begin keeping Sunday holy. All kinds of crazy weather is destroying houses and lands around the globe. EGW tells us who is doing this. It is Satan. Because our God does not do that kind of thing. He is not a killer or a destroyer. "GOD DESTROYS NO MAN." This, my friend, is the dividing truth. This is what will decide whether or not you accept the Pope and His Sunday Sabbath or the true Sabbath of Jesus Christ. This is, my friend, the extra oil...the PRESENT TRUTH the Holy Spirit has revealed to God's Remnant people as the final message to go to the world. Listen and learn.

"It is the darkness of misapprehension of God that is enshrouding the world. Men are losing their knowledge of His character. It has been misunderstood and misinterpreted. At this time a message from God is to be proclaimed, a message illuminating in its influence and saving in its power. His character is to be made known. Into the darkness of the world is to be shed the light of His glory, the light of His goodness, mercy and truth."

EGW goes on to explain that this is the very work Isaiah outlined in Isa. 40:9, 10 by telling people "Behold your God!" Yes, look at this wonderful Jesus who only wants to help you. You don't have to be afraid of Him anymore. He has come to save you.

"Those who wait for the Bridegroom's coming are to say to the people, "Behold Your God." THE LAST RAYS OF MERCIFUL LIGHT, THE LAST MESSAGE OF MERCY TO BE GIVEN TO THE WORLD, IS A REVELATION OF HIS CHARACTER OF LOVE. THE CHILDREN OF GOD ARE TO MANIFEST HIS GLORY. IN THEIR OWN LIFE AND CHARACTER THEY ARE TO REVEAL WHAT THE GRACE OF GOD HAS DONE FOR THEM." COL 415, 416.

So, even though I had been preaching and writing about this message for about 17 years I didn't understand who the 144,000 were. So, the Lord impressed me to begin an investigation, which I did, basically, under protest, as I always thought this was sort of a forbidden subject. Only fanatics talked about the 144,000. I certainly didn't want to be stigmatized as some kind of crazy, weird, fanatic who thinks that only 144,000 are going to heaven. Through prayer I finally overcame those fears and began my research and writing in 1992. One day I noticed that EGW had stated that we should strive with all of our might to be among the 144,000. Why? The answer is in the quote itself. "Let us strive with all the power that God has given us to be among the hundred and forty-four thousand. And let us do all that we can to help others gain heaven. We are to have an interest in Christ Jesus; for He is our Savior. He came to this world to be tempted in all points as we are, to prove to the universe that in this world of sin human beings can live lives that God will approve." R & H, March 9, 1905. (Partially quoted in 7BC 970).

In Rev. 14:1-3 we learn that the 144,000 are the first fruits, redeemed or purchased from the earth. The other day I heard a man on TBN telling the people that the 144,000 would all be Jews who would give their testimony and then all be martyred. I couldn't believe it. The confusion and deception in the religious world is absolutely beyond belief. Just think of the deceptions on religious TV. First of all, they all believe Sunday is God's holy day, thus joining with the Papacy. 2. They all believe you go to heaven when you die. 3. They believe the wicked are all burning in eternal hell fire. 4. Most of them believe in speaking in tongues. 5. They believe God destroys people and is bringing all the present weather aberrations to punish sinners. Most SDAs agree with them on this. 6. Most, but not all, believe shots and vaccinations are safe and effective and necessary for good health. Most SDAs agree with them on this. 7. They do not understand or realize why God created this earth in the beginning or the ultimate plan of the ages. Neither do SDAs. 8. They definitely do not have a clue about the 144,000. Neither do SDAs. 8. They do not understand the sanctuary truth with all of its symbols and last day applications. 9. They do not believe in the prophetic gift that was manifested among the believers after 1844 in the life of EGW which the Lord has used to correct, guide and encourage His people with.

Ok, so let's try and figure it out. Who are these 144,000 and where do they fit in to the final eschatological picture? Well, first of all, Rev. 7:3, 4, tells us that God Himself commands that the four winds not be loosed "till we have sealed the servants of our God in their foreheads." The very next verse tells us that the number who are to be sealed will be 144,000. Verse 9 also speaks of "a great multitude, which no man could number, of all nations..." So, we have two groups. Until about two weeks ago I thought that was all that would go to heaven when Jesus comes. Before I begin explaining the barley people or wave sheaf concept let me explain a little more about the 144,000 and the great multitude.

When the Bible tells us that the 144,000 are sealed and that they are redeemed from among men that means they did not die but were translated without seeing death. EGW confirms this in Great Controversy. GC 649. Please study it out for yourself. Because the 144,000 are identified as "first fruits" that means they are the first harvest of wheat, which is the second grain to be harvested. The Barley is the "early grain" and is the first grain to be harvested. The 120 were the type of the 144,000, first fruits or wheat. The 144,000 then is the anti-type in our day. The 3,000 converted on the day of Pentecost were the second fruits or the rye or spelt. Exodus 9:32. Then there were other harvests after that by the 3,000 and it just kept growing and growing as Saul of Tarsus was converted and became Paul, the apostle to the gentile world of that day. Acts 9. This all resulted from the early rain at the time of Pentecost. It will be repeated in our day on a much wider scale. What I didn't know about was the barley or first of the first fruits who are the ones who give the cry "Behold the Bridegroom cometh, go you out to meet Him." This is the call or cry or shout that wakes up the Ten Virgins. This is what Gideon and His 300 represent...the barley or wave sheaf or first of the first fruits. This is an old testament type. The Jewish Harvest Cycle also is a type and the "Little Company" is the anti-type EGW saw. Let me show you how I identified this group in Early Writings. Starting on page 269 EGW begins writing about the "Shaking." This is the same as the "shaking and sifting" time when God is calling His servants who will comprise the wave sheaf. This is what happened when Gideon made His first call to go to battle against the enemy. Remember how many came out? Yes, it was 32,000. And then 22,000 left when they saw the hordes of the enemy. Then from the 10,000 only 300 were selected. On page 270 EGW said the shaking was caused mainly by the "Straight testimony called forth by the counsel of the True Witness to the Laodiceans." EGW goes into great detail describing this company who were "weeping and praying in agony of spirit" and "moved in exact order, like a company of soldiers." She says they had gained the victory. I do not believe they are all together in one place but scattered all over the earth, yet the same Spirit is moving upon them. GC 626 and 635 confirm this. It is more difficult to identify the "little company" in Great Controversy as she blends together all these harvests, 1. The barley or wave sheaf. 2. The Wheat harvest or 144,000, 3. The Rye harvest and 4. The Great Multitude which is the grape harvest. These are four distinct groups. I am going to try to delineate these for you the best I can at this time. This is my first effort for this so I thank you for your patience. I was as surprised as I am sure most of you reading this will be. Why God has chosen me to reveal this to you is a greater mystery to me than the mystery I am trying to reveal to you. I just try to do what Jesus asks me to do because I love Him so much.

Ok, let's take group #1, the barley, first of the first fruits or wave sheaf, also called "The Little Company," who are translated at the same time of the special resurrection. This translation is predicted in Dan. 12:1-3. Michael (Jesus) stands up for His people at the beginning of the time of trouble which begins when the "abomination that maketh desolate (is) set up." Dan. 12:11. This abomination is Satan going into the temple to declare himself as God. This could possibly have a dual application, in that he is in the process of going into and deceiving and thus taking possession of the (which include worship) of the entire human race at this time...entering into their temples by the lies he is telling via all the media and false teachers from the churches of Babylon. And he literally goes into the temple they will build in Jerusalem for him. I understand there is a mosque in Damascus which tradition proclaims to be the site for the return of the Messiah the second time. If this is true can't you picture what will happen when Satan comes claiming to be Jesus Christ? Is it possible that Satan, as the anti-christ, will enter many or most of the temples and mosques of the world dazzling them with His brilliance and glory thereby seducing the whole of Islam. These events along with the main event of him entering the temple at Jerusalem, which they plan to build, and proclaiming himself as God will begin the three time periods of 1260, 1290 and 1335. The Dome of the Rock, third most sacred shrine, is only a few yards away from the proposed temple site. Each day brings us closer to these final events. How thankful we can be that Jesus promised to deliver those who remained faithful in watching and praying. How many compose this little barley company we do not know any more than we know how many saints were raised with Jesus at the time of His resurrection.

All we know is that they are identified as "thy people," in Dan. 12:1 and "The little company" in EW 271-273. "Soon I heard the voice of God, which shook the heavens and the earth. There was a mighty earthquake. Buildings were shaken down on every side. I then heard a triumphant shout of victory, loud, musical, and clear. I looked upon the company, who, a short time before, were in such distress and bondage. Their captivity was turned. How beautiful they then looked! All marks of care and weariness were gone, and health and beauty were seen in every countenance. Their enemies, the heathen round them, fell like dead men; they could not endure the light that shone upon the delivered, holy ones. This light and glory remained upon them, until Jesus was seen in the clouds of heaven, and the faithful, tried company were changed in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, from glory to glory. (Now notice the last part of this quote is referring to the special resurrection of Dan. 12:2. "And the graves were opened, and the saints came forth, clothed with immortality, crying, 'Victory over death and the grave'; and together with the living saints they were caught up to meet their Lord in the air, while rich, musical shouts of glory and victory were upon every immortal tongue." EW 272-273.

This is not the "general resurrection" but a "special translation" of a "little company" and a special resurrection of those EGW speaks of in GC 637 and EW 269-273. Three groups are raised. 1. All who have died in the faith of the third angel's message. 2. Those who pierced Him. 3. They also who mocked and derided Christ's dying agonies and 4. "The most violent opposers of His truth and His people, are raised to behold Him in His glory and to see the honor placed upon the loyal and obedient." What an incredible time that will be to be alive. Who would want to miss such a spectacle?

Now, I want to go back to Gideon and his 300. On page 405 of the book, Patriarchs and Prophets, 546, we read that Israel's land and people had been suffering the persecution and ravages of these wild, heathen tribes for seven years. Now, 135,000 of them had massed against Israel. Unless God intervened they probably would all be destroyed. So, that is when the angel of the Lord called Gideon and he in turn made a call to which 32,000 responded. So it will be in our day. Many have already responded to the call during the last few decades but the ranks of the independents are beginning to thin down as the battle becomes more fierce. Soon, only the faithful "little company" will remain to be translated. According to the harvest cycle, after the wave sheaf is offered (little company goes up to heaven with Jesus) there will be 40 days more. Let's take the life of Jesus as a type. On the resurrection morning Jesus went to heaven after he comforted Mary. Some believe He went up at the third hour and returned at the ninth hour. On our clocks today that would be 9:00 A.M. in the morning and 3:00 P.M. in the afternoon. This is also the time period Jesus was on the cross. This needs a lot more prayer and study because although I agree with this time sequence, I am not yet an expert at explaining it. What I do know for sure though is that this little company is identified in Scripture as the "Christos" of Rev. 11:15 and 12:10 and also the "Man child" of Rev. 12:5 and Isa. 66:7 and Psalm 2:9. See also Rev. 2:26-28 and Rev. 3:9 and Rev. 19:15 all are referring to this same wave sheaf, barley loaf, "little company" group Jesus translates first of all with many righteous dead, which are also a first fruit from the dead.

The rest of the righteous dead will be raised later at the end of the 1335 days. This little company or wave sheaf or barley loaf will go up with Jesus and stay there for six hours, just like Jesus did after the resurrection. I believe this will also fulfill Dan. 7:9-14. In v. 13 it talks about "one like the Son of man" who comes before the throne of the Ancient of Days and is "given him (the company is spoken of here as a unit just like the Man child and Christos are spoken of as one) dominion, and glory, and a kingdom, and that all people, nations, and languages, should serve him: his dominion is an everlasting dominion, which shall not pass away, and his kingdom that which shall not be destroyed." This wave sheaf, barley company has now received their gifts and commission, Psalm 68:18; Eph. 4:8. They now return to earth with Jesus as pictured in Rev. 19, riding on white horses and wake up the ten sleeping virgins. "Then shall ye return, and discern between the righteous and the wicked, between him that serveth God and him that serveth him not." Mal. 3:18.

They have immortal bodies like Jesus and can appear and disappear at will. They travel by thought vibration like Adam before the fall and like Jesus did after the resurrection and like Philip did in Acts 8. This is why the New World Order cannot kill them and ends up bowing down before them and worshiping at their feet. Do you think they would do that if they were ordinary human beings they could kill with a bullet through their brain or with poison or a vaccination or a microwave weapon. Of course not. So, what happens to these people that makes them invulnerable and invincible, no longer subject death or carnal weapons?

A few days ago the Lord helped me to discover this text. "Thou hast ascended on high, thou hast led captivity captive: thou hast received gifts for men; yea, for the rebellious also, that the Lord God might dwell among them." Psalm 68:18. We know that God gave the gift of languages to the disciples on the day of Pentecost. If God's Remnant Sons are going to go to the world to give the final message of His true character of love it would seem logical that they would need to speak in the languages of the people, all the nations of the earth. So, the gift of speaking in tongues is part of the "gifts" God is going to give His Chosen sons as they are manifested before the world. But they also must be able to travel without visas or passports or airplanes, cars, trains or buses or any kind of money. Yes, they would need to travel like Jesus did after the resurrection, by mind travel or thought vibration. That is, they just think of where they wish to go and they are there in an instant. They can appear and disappear at will; Pass through walls just like Jesus. Even Philip had at least one experience like that in Acts 8 after he baptized the Eunuch.

How many are there in this barley group...this little company? Well, how many does it take to make up a company? The only place in the bible the word company is defined with numbers is in regard to the 250 princes who joined with Korah, Dathan and Abiriam in rebellion against Moses' and Aaron's leadership. Num. 26:9-10. So, we have two precedents in the Scripture to give us an idea of how large a company is...300 and 250. But EGW defines this same group as a "Little Company" who are traveling up the narrow pathway to heaven. So, it would probably be less than 300. At any rate, they are the true watchmen on the walls of Zion who are not asleep and walking in the advancing light of the Third Angels' Messages. They are the ones God chooses to wake up the ten sleeping virgins, five of whom become the 144,000.

The blowing of the trumpet and singing signifies a time to go to war and in a spiritual sense it means to begin speaking out the truth, as we read in Isa. 58:1 "Cry aloud, spare not, lift up thy voice like a trumpet, and show my people their transgression, and the house of Jacob their sins." Read also Hosea 8:1 and every scripture that mentions a trumpet to get the total picture as to the full meaning of the trumpet. In Joel 2:1 and on, the prophet says: "Blow ye the trumpet in Zion (God's professed people), and sound an alarm in my holy mountain: let all the inhabitants of the land tremble: for the day of the Lord cometh, for it is nigh at hand; A day of darkness and of gloominess, a day of darkness...etc." It goes on to describe God's final army as "A great people and a strong" the likes of which has never existed before nor ever will again. This is a description of the Barley Army which God is calling forth and preparing through a sifting and shaking process similar to what He did with Gideon's 32,000 volunteers. When His army is finally formed (how many of these true watchmen on the walls of Zion there will be of this first of the first fruits or wave sheaf we are not told) they will begin sounding the final message. Actually, it has probably already started. EGW said the final message or Third angels' message had already begun with the 1888 message of Righteousness by Faith.

Again a sifting and shaking scenario takes place and finally the five wise virgins are sealed in their foreheads. How do I know these five wise virgins become the 144,000? One reason is because Rev. 14:4 identifies them as "virgins," meaning they are not defiled with women (or the fallen churches of Babylon with their false doctrines). V. 4 also identifies them as the "first fruits." The first fruits is the wheat harvest or wise virgins, 144,000. This would compare to the 120 who were converted on the day of Pentecost, 50 days after Jesus rose from the dead. The 120 are a type of wheat. The 144,000 are the anti-type. Exodus 9:32. Just as the 120
spoke in tongues and converted 3000 on the day of Pentecost so the 144,000 will return to discern who among the one third of the human race are desiring to serve the Lord and become their shepherds to guide them to a knowledge of the truth, as we read in Zech. 13:8-9. "And it shall come to pass, that in all the land, saith the Lord, two parts therein shall be cut off and die; but the third shall be left therein. And I will bring the third part through the fire, and will refine them as silver is refined, and will try them as gold is tried: they shall call on my name (character), and I will hear them: I will say, It is my people: and they shall say, The Lord is my God."

Many years ago I found a quote from EGW which I feel fits in here regarding the conversion of one third of the human race in this last hour of earth's history. I believe the first part of this EGW quote is talking about the little company and probably the 144,000 together who go forth and convert the one third. Please notice:

"Those who walk even as Christ walked, who are patient, gentle, kind, meek and lowly in heart, those who yoke up with Christ and lift His burdens, who yearn for souls as He yearned for them---these will enter into the joy of their Lord. They will see with Christ the travail of His soul, and be satisfied. Heaven will triumph, for the vacancies made in heaven by the fall of Satan and his angels will be filled by the redeemed of the Lord (RH May 29, 1900). BC 7, page 949.

I believe the time is near when all these things are going to be coming to pass very rapidly. The terrible destruction recently (Nov. 1998) caused by Hurricane Mitch in Central America, especially in Honduras, in which about 11,000 were killed and millions made homeless and destitute is a clear sign that Satan is even now beginning to wreak havoc on this planet. We can expect disasters like this to continue and accelerate. We also know that the religious element of this world will call for a National Sunday Law to be enacted to get God on our side. Satan will eventually appear as Jesus and lead the world to condemn all Sabbath keepers. We know this is coming, so now is the time we need to make a full, complete and total commitment to Jesus so we will not miss out on this great opportunity to be with Him in this last hour of earth's history.

Who will God choose to wake up the sleeping virgins? In Psalm 2 we have a clue. In v. 7 a The Creator declares a decree, saying: "Thou art my Son; this day have I begotten thee. Ask of Me (Jesus) and I shall give thee the heathen for thine inheritance, and the uttermost parts of the earth for thy possession. Thou shalt break them with a rod of iron; thou shalt dash them in pieces like a potter's vessel."

Now, if your interpretation of these three verses is that God is going to give you authority over the nations so you can go around with supernatural power to destroy people whom you deem evil and wicked, then you do not know God's character. The breaking of vessels means to help people fall on the Rock, Christ Jesus, and have their hearts broken so that they may be molded again after His Divine image. Only those with hearts full of love and compassion for humanity like the Blessed Saviour will be chosen to do this work. Only those who know and possess His character will be chosen to be among the wave sheaf. This is the time of preparation. May the Lord bless you as you pray and study on these things. Truly your friend and servant in Christ, our Lord,


Additional notes:

The barley and flax ripen together, not side by side like the wheat and tares but in separate fields just as the rye and wheat ripen simultaneously. The important thing to understand is that the barley has to have the white linen because they are a holy priesthood unto God, Melchizedec order, the one tenth. The wise virgins or 144,000, the elect, a tithe. See Isa. 6:11-13. >From the stalk of the flax comes the linen fiber. And from the carp is the golden oil. Barley looks a little like wheat but the kernel is shorter and fatter. Linseed oil comes from the carp which is at the top of the stalk. Everything has to be done exactly on time. Ex. 9:30-32. Second fruits is the rye. The first fruits are the cream of the crop. Second fruits (rye) is the same as the second harvest which is equal to the 3,000. The church is a grain harvest of the whole house of Israel. The harvest cycle continues to swell for 3 ½ years to the whole house of Israel. The second 3 ½ years is the time period when the great multitude (gentiles) is gathered in. This is the grape harvest. Rev. 9 and 19 need to be studied carefully to understand the symbols and the timing of the grape harvest. Some bible interpreters believe the 200,000,000 of Rev. 9:16 is referring to the converts to Christ in the grape harvest as it swells to one third of the human race spoken of in Zech. 13:8, 9. Rev. 19 also speak of riders on white horses following Jesus. Rev. 9:7 does not sound like evil men or demons. No one should be dogmatic on these points as much more study and prayer needs to be done on these Scriptures. The good grapes come from grafting into the original root stock. The grapes that are not grafted into the original stock (Israel) are unfit for eating or wine or the harvest. In Rev. 14 the grapes are gathered into the wine press of God or the fiery experiences of Zech. 13:8, 9. They must be grafted in properly from the root stock.

The wheat and rye grow in separate fields. The wheat is the tithe or 120 and the rye is the second fruits or the anti-type of the 3000. In regard to this idea of the tenth please notice Isa. 6:11-13. Isaiah asks the Lord the same thing Daniel asked. "How Long?" "Then said I, Lord, how long? And he answered, Until the cities be wasted without inhabitant, and the houses without man, and the land be utterly desolate, And the Lord have removed men far away (taken captive to foreign countries and also many killed), and there be a great forsaking in the midst of the land. But yet in it shall be a tenth, and it shall return (see Mal. 3:16-18), and shall be eaten...so the holy seed shall be the substance thereof." I believe the "eating" means their words will be believed. That is when one third of the human race will be converted as we read in Zech. 13:8, 9. Jesus said to the 12 apostles...if the branches were not pruned they would be committed to the burning. The branches go over the wall and go down to the ground. They must be cut back so stringently so they can reach up to heaven. As a final note here I would like to point out that only those who are like Christ in character will be chosen to wake up the virgins and eventually become one of the sealed 144,000. The hardest part of this is to accept and believe the character of God message on all four levels. This will be the main sacrifice for those who wish to work for God in these last days. May the Lord help each of us to be faithful. mfc.


UNROLLING THE PROPHETIC SCROLL OF REVELATION
A Further Study of Rev 11:15.

Before we begin, let us pray: Our most gracious heavenly Father, we come into your sacred presence asking your Divine favor. Guide us as we seek to understand the ancient prophecies of your sacred word, the holy Bible. Thank you for hearing our prayer and doing more than we could ask or think. In Jesus holy Name we pray, amen.

In one issue of this paper last year we studied on Rev. 11 and 12 which deals with God's chosen people, specifically the Elect, referred to in Rev. 11 as the "Two witnesses" and also as the "Christos," vs. 15 and Rev. 12:10. Each chapter goes over the same events each giving more detail and various perspectives regarding how Satan uses political powers (governments) to make war against God's people who represent His government or kingdom on earth often referred to as Zion.

We see this in Psalm 2 as the God of heaven asks why the church and world are so enraged and plotting against Him and his "anointed" (Christos). He reveals His ability to read their minds even quoting to them their most secret plans and thoughts: "The kings of the earth set themselves, and the rulers take counsel together, against the Lord, (Jesus) and against His anointed (Christos or Barley group or Little Company), saying, 'Let us break their bands asunder, and cast away their cords from us." Cf. Hosea 11:4; Ps. 109:4. But all of their plans against God's chosen people are futile as we see in vs. 4. "He that sits in the heavens shall laugh: the Lord shall have them in derision. Then shall He speak unto them in His wrath, and vex (trouble) them in His sore displeasure." What do you think God is laughing about? That He is about to get His revenge upon them by destroying them? Is this His character? This is just one of the things you will learn as you read this study. I will come back to this question later and give you a full explanation.

Now, let us notice carefully the following verses which detail God's plan to defeat all of the evil intentions and plans of these enraged kings and rulers against Him and His chosen Remnant.

"Yet have I set (anointed) my king (Remnant or Elect) upon my holy hill of Zion." Margin says, "upon Zion, the hill of my holiness." Ok, now let us notice the specific time period when this will happen. And the seventh angel sounded; and there were great voices in heaven, saying, The kingdoms of this world are become the kingdoms of our Lord, and of His Christ (Christos or Anointed); and He shall reign for ever and ever. And the four and twenty elders, which sat before God on their seats, fell upon their faces, and worshiped God, Saying, We give thee thanks, O Lord God Almighty, which art and were, and art to come; because thou hast taken to thee thy great power, and hast reigned. And the nations were angry, and thy wrath is come, and the time of the dead, that they should be judged, and that thou should give reward unto thy servants the prophets, and to the saints, and them that fear thy name, small and great; and should destroy them which destroy the earth." Rev. 11:15-18.

Here under the sounding of the 7th Trumpet we see 1. The nations are angry (fighting mad) against the Lord and His anointed and eventually against each other to the point where they will destroy each other, Ezek. 38:21, "every man's hand against his brother." 2. The time when the dead will be judged. This has been called the "Investigative Judgment," which is for the angels and universe so they will see God's righteous way of dealing with the human race. But there is much more that has never been taught. This is in regard to what has been called THE SPECIAL RESURRECTION. Dan. 12:1-2 refers to this event as well as Paul as taking place at the time that "Michael Stands up for His people," and "At the last trump," I Cor. 15:51, 52, which would be the 7th trumpet of Rev. 11:15, as we just noted. But first, let's go back in time a little.

Jesus predicted in Matt. 24 and Luke 21 that "Nation would arise against nation and kingdom against kingdom." Although wars have been going on for centuries it was not until the 19th and 20th centuries that we saw great armies slaughtering each other during the time of Napoleon, for example, which was just a warm up for our own American civil war and the Great Wars that followed in 1914 and 1941 in which even the USA was involved. As a result of these conflicts the nations have been weakened and financially enslaved by the International Bankers who were the very ones who fomented both wars in the first place so they could sell arms to both sides to murder each other and then loan each of the warring nations money to rebuild after the war. As a result the Bankers now own Japan, Germany and even the USA because of the tremendous debts they incurred from 1914 to 1945 and ever since. In fact, none of these nations are able to even pay the interest on these debts, especially the USA.

Now, this brings us to Rev. 13 which reveals more detail about the identity of the dragon we read about in Rev. 12 who was ready to devour the child as soon as it is born. Cf. Isa. 66:5-10. This event is still future. "You mean that this child was not Jesus?" No. The "Man child" is yet to come and is the same as the Elect or Barley Group. "Well, how can you prove that?" By reading Rev. 1:1 which tells us that this book of Revelation was given to Jesus who gave it to John "to show unto his servants things which must shortly come to pass." The events predicted are those which have been coming to pass ever since John predicted them from Patmos. Therefore, the Man child prophecy would have to take place after AD 90. And since the "Man child" has not yet appeared we must conclude that this prophecy is still future. Many have questioned why Christ told John that these predicted events were going to "shortly come to pass," when He already knew there would be over 2000 years of delay. Jesus told His disciples that only His Father in heaven knows the time of His return. Therefore, Jesus was simply giving the information to John that had been given to Him from His Father, no doubt with high hopes that His coming might take place soon. When God sent these messages to the church by the apostles He couched them in terms of His intentional will and purpose with regard to that event. The people were to be made conscious and aware of the fact that, in the divine Providence, no delay was necessary. Consequently, the seven statements of the Revelation concerning the nearness of Christ's coming are to be understood in terms of God's perfect will, purpose and desire for the church to act upon His mighty promises, which are always conditional upon the church's acceptance of these promises and cooperation with Him to bring them to pass. As you read through the messages to the seven churches you will find that the only one which fully cooperates with Christ is the 6TH church, Philadelphia. Rev. 3: 7-13.

So, my friend, the book of Revelation is a book of prophecies progressively predicting the future from John's time to the end of this present age in which we are now living. The birth of Christ took place before the book of Revelation was even written. In former issues of this publication I have written articles about this "Man Child," a phrase which is used only three times in the Bible. Rev. 12:5 and Isa. 66:7.

Now, let's go to Rev. 13:1, to the KJV first which reads: "And I stood upon the sand of the sea, and saw a beast rise up out of the sea, having seven heads and ten horns, and upon his horns ten crowns, and upon his heads the name of blasphemy." As I was reading over the various translations preparing to write on this topic I first read the NAS (New American Standard) which says,"And the dragon stood on the sand of the seashore. Then I saw a beast coming up out of the sea." This prompted me to check the commentary which states that "Textual evidence favors (cf. p. 10) the reading "and he stood.'" The "he" would refer to the dragon, as the NAS reads, who is standing upon the seashore awaiting the emergence of the beast, whom it is his purpose to invest with his power and authority. Based on Rev. 17:1, 15, water is a symbol of "peoples, nations, tongues." Beasts always represent "kings" and "kingdoms," Dan. 7:17, 24. The dragon represents Satan, Rev. 12:9. In Rev. 13:2 this composite beast has characteristics of each of the beast like kingdoms which came before it because when Medo-Persia conquered Babylon it absorbed some of the culture of Babylon and when Greece conquered Medo-Persia it absorbed some of the culture of Medo-Persia and when Rome conquered Greece it absorbed much of the Grecian culture. In fact, the cultures of Greece and Rome have greatly influenced and shaped the personalities and characteristics of every Western Culture for over 2,000 years.

In Rev. 13:2 John was shown that the "Dragon gave him (i.e. composite beast or kingdom) his power and his throne and great authority." All historians agree that the next power to come on the scene after the break up of the Roman Empire was Papal Rome. "Out of the ruins of political Rome, arose the great moral Empire in the 'giant form' of the Roman Church." "The Rise of the Mediaeval Church [1900], p. 150. A. C. Flick. This power became known as the "Roman Catholic Church," which still exists today. Historians mark the beginning of this reign from about 538 AD to 1798 AD. This was a time of great persecution for the true followers of Christ because Satan was the one back of it, guiding and controlling it, limited only by the power of the Creator who controls and guides all things. "Above the distractions of the earth He sits enthroned; all things are open to His divine survey; and from His great and calm eternity He orders that which His Providence sees best." MH 417.

"Behind this activity was Satan, seeking to exterminate the church. When he found that his efforts to annihilate the followers of Christ through persecution proved unavailing, he altered his tactics and sought to lure the church away from Christ through the establishment of a vast counterfeit religious system. Instead of working directly through paganism the dragon now worked behind the facade of a professedly Christian organization, hoping thereby to disguise his identity." 7 BC 817. In Rev. 17:3 John was carried in vision into the "wilderness" where he was shown this evil, apostate, counterfeit religious system. The wilderness is a symbol of two things the Catholic church has perfected. 1. obscurity and 2. seclusion. So, never expect to find the RCC doing her thing out in the open because that is not her modus operandi.

The Popes ascended the throne of the Caesars. The capital of the papal system was the same as that occupied by the Roman Empire at its height. "The accession of the Roman Church to power marked the beginning of the Dark Ages. As her power increased, the darkness deepened. Faith was transferred from Christ, the true foundation, to the pope of Rome. Instead of trusting in the Son of God for forgiveness of sins and for eternal salvation, the people looked to the pope, and to the priests and prelates to whom he delegated authority. They were taught that the pope was their earthly mediator and that none could approach God except through him; and, further, that he stood in the place of God to them and was therefore to be implicitly obeyed. A deviation from his requirements was sufficient cause for the severest punishment to be visited upon the bodies and souls of the offenders. Thus the minds of the people were turned away from God to fallible, erring, and cruel men, nay, more, to the prince of darkness himself, who exercised his power through them. Sin was disguised in a garb of sanctity. When the Scriptures are suppressed, and man comes to regard himself as supreme, we need look only for fraud, deception, and debasing iniquity. With the elevation of human laws and traditions was manifest the corruption that ever results from setting aside the law of God. Those were days of peril for the church of Christ. The faithful standard-bearers were few indeed." Great Controversy, Page 55. Thus has it been and as she re-gains her power so shall it be in this final hour of earth's history. This is how Satan is able to slander and blaspheme God's holy Name, by making Him look like a terrible monster.

Now, let us go back to Rev. 12:6 which follows immediately after the verse describing the translation of the MAN CHILD which we have already identified as the "Little Company" or "Barley Group" i.e. Remnant or Elect, Son, King and Sons of God. "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." Rev. 12:6. You will find that almost all commentators interpret this period of 3 ½ times as being the 1260 years of papal persecution from 538 AD to 1798 AD. Even the book, "The Great Controversy," adopts this view. Because of this, we need to think about how and why the Bible is written as it is. Because the Scriptures are designed to serve and meet the spiritual needs of every generation to the end of time there is built into each one of these prophecies elements that can be applied to every generation, the final generation being the ultimate fulfillment. Therefore, when the Final Generation , Barley Group or Elect come on the scene they will be able to see the ultimate and complete fulfillment of these prophecies. At each stage of the Great Controversy in every age the scroll is being opened a little more. And as the prophecies are being fulfilled little by little they may seem to have a different interpretation. But in the final age it will all be seen in its completeness and the "contradictions" will be clearly seen as simply partial fulfillments. The coming of the Messiah the first time is a parallel to the coming of the Christos in our day and although there are many similarities there will also be differences.

As we look back at the life and ministry of John the Baptist we see him fulfilling the predicted role of the forerunner and herald of the Messiah. Many thought John was the Messiah but He told them that He was yet to come. So, it was that when Jesus came to be baptized John announced Him as the promised One, although only a few saw the Holy Spirit descending like a Dove and heard the voice from heaven announcing, "This is my beloved Son in Whom I am well pleased." Matt. 3:17; cf. John 1:31-33. The people were in darkness regarding the true mission of the Messiah. Even John the Baptist did not fully understand his character and work. This becomes evident when John sent a message to Jesus asking Him if he truly was the One who was to come or if they should look for another. John did not realize Christ would not take up a sword to deliver Israel but instead would have to die. "Like the Saviour's disciples, John the Baptist did not understand the nature of Christ's kingdom...Like the prophet Elijah, in whose spirit and power he had come to Israel, he looked for the Lord to reveal Himself as a God that answers by fire." DA 215. As John languished alone in his lonely prison cell his disciples brought him reports of Jesus' activities. Instead of overthrowing the Roman government and taking the throne of David Jesus was teaching and healing the people. While the Roman yoke rested more heavily upon Israel each and every day Jesus continued eating and drinking at the tables of the publicans. Herod and other wicked leaders continued in their usual vile activities while the cries of the poor and suffering went up to heaven. "To the desert prophet all this seemed a mystery beyond his fathoming....John had been bitterly disappointed in the result of his mission." DA 216. The author of "Desire of Ages" describes John's fervent hope and expectation that his work would have the same effect as when the law was read in the days of Josiah and Ezra. 2 Chron. 34; Nehemiah 8, 9, and that a work of repentance and returning to the Lord would follow. He had sacrificed his entire life for this purpose. He wondered if it had all been in vain or if he had somehow failed in some phase of his ministry. He reasoned that "If the promised Deliverer had appeared, and John had been found true to his calling, would not Jesus now overthrow the oppressor's power, and set free His herald? But the Baptist did not surrender his faith in Christ." DA 216. He remembered hearing the "voice from heaven and the descending dove, the spotless purity of Jesus, and the power of the Holy Spirit that had rested upon John as he came into the Saviour's presence, and the testimony of the prophetic scriptures, --all witnessed that Jesus of Nazareth was the Promised One." DA 216. Instead of discussing his feelings of doubt with his disciples he decided to send a message in the form of a question to Jesus. He hoped that an interview with Christ would strengthen their faith. He also was hoping that Jesus might speak a word of encouragement directly to him. So, the question was put to Christ, "Art thou he that should come? or look we for another? " Luke 7:20. The Bible does not record any kind of emotional reaction from Jesus but "Desire of Ages" tells us exactly how He felt. "It was keenly bitter and disappointing to human nature. If John, the faithful forerunner, failed to discern Christ's mission, what could be expected from the self-seeking multitude?" DA 216.

Now, let us try and apply the experience of John the Baptist to what has happened to the people of God in the last 150 plus years, beginning with 1844. We know the history of the Great Disappointment which is a parallel to what happened with John the Baptist, his disciples and followers. But out of that disappointment came a little Remnant who prayed and persevered in their desire to follow God's leading. The Spirit of Prophecy was manifested and a few began to walk in the advancing light. Most of us know all this history by heart. Then forty four years later the Lord brought forth a precious message to this struggling group of people through two messengers named Jones and Waggoner. This was the message of Righteousness by faith in 1888 which was rejected by the majority but accepted by a few. The Servant of the Lord declared that this was the beginning of the final message which would go to the whole world, even the light from the angel of Rev. 18. TM 91, 92. Again this is a good parallel to the ministry of Jesus.

In chapter 18 of "DESIRE OF AGES," we read that for a time the influence of John the Baptist was so much greater than even the leaders of the nation that if he had agreed with the popular opinion that he was the Messiah, he could have formed an army to try and break away from the bondage of Rome. But John refused to be deceived by such a false theory which was nothing less than a bribe. Instead he directed the attention of the people to Jesus whose ministry began to increase as John's decreased. The disciples of John were jealous and began to criticize. They questioned not only the proper words to be used at baptism, but even the right of Christ's disciples to baptize at all. When John's disciples complained to him he humbly explained that Jesus was fulfilling the prophecies. "John represented himself as the friend who acted as a messenger between the betrothed parties, preparing the way for marriage. When the bridegroom had received his bride, the mission of the friend was fulfilled. He rejoiced in the happiness of those whose union he had promoted. So John had been called to direct the people to Jesus, and it was his joy to witness the success of the Saviour's work. He said, 'This my joy therefore, is fulfilled. He must increase, but I must decrease.' Looking in faith to the Redeemer, John had risen to the height of self-abnegation. He sought not to attract men to himself, but to lift their thoughts higher and still higher, until they should rest upon the Lamb of God. He himself had been only a voice, a cry in the wilderness. Now with joy he accepted silence and obscurity, that the eyes of all might be turned to the Light of life. Those who are true to their calling as messengers for God will not seek honor for themselves. Love for self will be swallowed up in love for Christ. No rivalry will mar the precious cause of the gospel. They will recognize that it is their work to proclaim, as did John the Baptist, 'Behold the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world.' John 1:29...So with the followers of Christ. We can receive of heaven's light only as we are willing to be emptied of self. We cannot discern the character of God, or accept Christ by faith, unless we consent to the bringing into captivity of every thought to the obedience of Christ. To all who do this the Holy Spirit is given without measure. In Christ 'dwelleth all the fullness of the Godhead bodily, and in Him ye are made full.'" Col. 2:9, 10, R.V. "Desire of Ages 178-181.

The word "glory" means "character. COL 414. The word "name" also has to do with character as we see that the very name of Jesus (meaning Saviour) describes who He is and His work for the human race. Only those who truly desire to be like Jesus in character will see Him for who He really is and what He is like in His character. "It is by faith that the soul beholds the glory of Jesus. This glory is hidden, until, through the Holy Spirit, faith is kindled in the soul." DA 392.

Beloved, I hope you will take the time to read for yourself the chapter "Imprisonment and Death of John," beginning on page 214. Most people cannot understand the mysterious fate of John the Baptist. But God's ways are not our ways. We tend to look at the present but God sees the end from the beginning. Jesus did not go to deliver John physically from prison for He knew that His heavenly Father had a better plan. He could not risk placing His own mission in jeopardy. The angels were sent to comfort Him and opened the prophecies more fully concerning the true character and work of the Messiah. "Gladly would the Saviour have come to John, to brighten the dungeon gloom with His own presence...But for the sake of thousands who in after years must pass from prison to death, John was to drink the cup of martyrdom. As the followers of Jesus (in the centuries to come) should languish in lonely cells, or perish by the sword, the rack, or the fagot, apparently forsaken by God and man, what a stay to their hearts would be the thought that John the Baptist, to whose faithfulness Christ Himself had borne witness, had passed through a similar experience!" DA 224.

So, in all of these events both the character of God was being revealed as well as the character of Satan. As soon as you decide to take a stand for God's character, to vindicate His glorious Name, people will misunderstand you . They will think you have gone crazy. You will be misunderstood by those who have refused to give their all to the Saviour. Satan will attack you from every side. But God will use these assaults to perfect your character. Sacrificing one's selfish ego is one of the prices to be paid but that is how the Father has chosen to establish His kingdom as we see in the life of Jesus.

Now let us note the parallel between Elijah and John the Baptist. "To John was opened the same truth that had come to Elijah in the desert, when 'a great and strong wind rent the mountains, and brake in pieces the rocks before the Lord; but the Lord was not in the wind: and after the wind an earthquake; but the Lord was not in the earthquake: and after the earthquake a fire; but the Lord was not in the fire: and after the fire, God spoke to the prophet by a 'still small voice.' I Kings 19:11, 12. So Jesus was to do His work, not with the clash of arms and the overturning of thrones and kingdoms, but through speaking to the hearts of men by a life of mercy and self-sacrifice." DA 217.

And now this most insightful statement regarding the way God leads us: Listen and take courage. "God never leads His children otherwise than they would choose to be led, if they could see the end from the beginning, and discern the glory of the purpose which they are fulfilling as co-workers with Him." DA 224, 225.

Again, note the parallel between Elijah and John the Baptist. It was not until the end of their lives that they were able to see God's true character of love; that He does not use violence and force to accomplish His will in the lives of men and women, but the soft whispering of His beautiful voice when the conflicts of life have brought them to a standstill and humbled their hearts. And how interesting it is that the same thing happened in the life of Ellen G. White, the Elijah messenger to this final generation. Two of her most important books were published in the latter years of her life. "Desire of Ages," in 1898 and "Christ's Object Lessons," in 1900. In the very first page of "Desire of Ages," we read that "Our little world is the lesson book of the universe." It was this book more than any other that helped me to see God's character. In preparing the manuscript for the book, "INTO THE FATHER'S HEART," in 1981-82 the Lord led me to this quote:

"'That the thoughts of many hearts may be revealed.' In the light of the Saviour's life, the hearts of all, even from the Creator to the prince of darkness, are revealed. Satan has represented God as selfish and oppressive, as claiming all, and giving nothing, as requiring the service of His creatures for His own glory, and making no sacrifice for their good. But the gift of Christ reveals the Father's heart. It testifies that the thoughts of God toward us are 'thoughts of peace, and not of evil.'" Jeremiah 29:11...He will spare nothing, however dear, which is necessary to the completion of His work. No truth essential to our salvation is withheld, no miracle of mercy is neglected, no divine agency is left unemployed. Favor is heaped upon favor, gift upon gift. The whole treasury of heaven is open to those He seeks to save. Having collected the riches of the universe, and laid open the resources of infinite power, He gives them all into the hands of Christ, and says, All these are for man. Use these gifts to convince him that there is no love greater than Mine in earth or heaven. His greatest happiness will be found in loving Me." DA 57.

As I read these words the Lord spoke to me clearly in my mind, "Michael, I want the title of this book to be"'INTO THE FATHER'S HEART.'" This 412 page volume was the combination of three manuscripts that had been written in 1977, 1979 and 1981 in succession. In the very first manuscript I quoted from "CHRIST'S OBJECT LESSONS," page 84, "GOD DESTROYS NO MAN." Although these powerful words were published in 1900 this very thought had already been expressed as early as 1881 which we find on pages 120 of Volume 5 of the Testimonies to the Church. "The case is placed on record for our benefit. Just what took place in Pharaoh's heart will take place in every soul that neglects to cherish the light and walk promptly in its rays. GOD DESTROYS NO MAN. The sinner destroys himself by his own impenitence. When a person once neglects to heed the invitations, reproofs, and warnings of the Spirit of God, his conscience becomes seared, and the next time he is admonished, it will be more difficult to yield obedience than before. And thus with every repetition. Conscience is the voice of God, heard amid the conflict of human passions; when it is resisted, the Spirit of God is grieved."

Now, beloved I do not think it could be any clearer. You will find the same ideas repeated in COL "Christ's Object Lessons," page 84. For those of you who already believe or can now see, perhaps, for the very first time, that God does not destroy, this is a simple but precious truth to your heart. But for those who, like the multitudes, wanted John the Baptist and Jesus to take up the sword and march against the armies of Rome they do not accept these plain words at face value. How many times I have heard ministers and laymen tell me, "But that is not what EGW meant when she wrote that." What they are really saying is, "When I read the SOP I can make it mean whatever I want it to mean to me. Same with the Bible."

Of course, people do not consciously realize that this is what they are saying but because they allow their emotions to over ride and control their mind or reasoning ability they read into whatever they hear or read what they want to believe. This is how the slave traders and slave owners in the south were able to justify selling human beings made in the image of God. "Black people are inferior and under the curse of God. Besides God chose the white man to rule the earth." So, their whole life style was based on a false interpretation of the Bible in order to justify their crime of enslaving their brothers and sisters just because their skin was black. Again my point is that the human heart and mind is capable of gross misbehavior and criminal action when the Bible is misinterpreted.

Through the years I have answered this objection by explaining that EGW meant precisely what she wrote, just like a picture, photo, movie or video reveals certain things that cannot be disputed. Yet, it would seem that not only "beauty is in they eye of the beholder, but truth itself is also in the eyes and minds of the beholder because people are selective in what they read and see. In order to make a point recently, I referred a reader to a popular song in which the female artist was asking this man who wanted to go out on a date with her, "What part of 'No' don't you understand? So, I ask my readers, "What part of the phrase, 'GOD DESTROYS NO MAN' is it that you do not understand?" It also reminds me of the video tape played for the first jury who were trying the policemen who had beaten Rodney King a few years ago. They played that original video footage over and over again on the news during and after the trial, probably making it almost as well known as the Zappruder film of the assassination of JFK on Friday, Nov. 22, 1963.

My purpose in mentioning Rodney King being assaulted over and over again by the LA police with their night sticks is simply to ask the question: "what part of that video didn't the jury understand?" It is clear and as plain as 2 + 2=4 that the policemen were indeed beating him violently and repeatedly. Yet, the verdict of that mostly white jury was that the policemen were not guilty of what the video plainly showed they were guilty of far beyond a reasonable doubt.

So, what does this prove? Simply this: That most people do not decide an issue on the basis of facts and logic. The overwhelming majority of people decide issues on the basis of at least five things. 1. Their own personal feelings. 2. What they have been brought up to believe by their parents and church. 3. Their standing and position in their respective communities. 4. How it will affect their physical safety. 5. How it will affect their job and/or financial well being. I found that out early in my ministry when I was giving Bible studies. Almost 100% of the people would agree that Saturday, the 7th day was the Sabbath. They could not refute the plain truth from the Scriptures. In spite of this, very few were willing to stop going to church on Sunday and observe the Sabbath. This really opened my eyes about human nature verses the truth. Human nature wins almost every time. Without the Spirit of God helping us we could never obey any of God's commandments. The same is true with life style, especially in regard to our living habits in the realm of how we talk, what we eat and drink, what we wear, the places we go and even the company we keep. We all know how hard it is to change any of these areas, especially if the person smokes, drinks and enjoys many of the foods the Bible condemns as unclean, such as pork, to say nothing about flesh food in and of itself. For the majority of people facts and logic have little or nothing to do with the life style they follow. But it has everything to do with their feelings and emotions about those habits they have acquired over a period of many years. Just try and get some of your friends or family to stop drinking any of the diet sodas like coca cola and Pepsi cola which have a very harmful chemical in them called aspartame which I understand was used in Nutra-Sweet which has been proved to be harmful to the human body.

To change in any of these areas usually requires a tremendous struggle and sacrifice. Yet, as difficult as that may be, to accept the truth that God does not destroy seems to be even more difficult for most people, especially those who feel they are already obeying the law and following all of the rules. For those who are willing to follow Jesus all the way into the "Father's Heart," into the Most Holy Place of the Heavenly Sanctuary, where there is a special blessing which involves becoming One with the Creator via the marriage supper of the Lamb.

This is the very reason John says that in the last days only a Remnant will remain true to Him and His teachings as we read in Rev. 12:17. "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." Rev. 12:17. "Enter in at the strait gate: for wide is the gate, and broad is the way, that leads to destruction, and many there be which go in thereat: Because strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leads to life, and few there be that find it." Matt. 7:13, 14.

In the gospels Jesus gives a very clear prophetic outline of the days in which we are now living. He declared that the leading signs of the end would be deception, betrayal and persecution of those who would take a firm stand for the truth of His Name, i.e. the truth about His character. In the first few verses of Matt. 24 He tells His disciples about the buildings of the temple and how they will all be destroyed. The disciples did not argue with Him on this point. They knew the Nation of Israel was ripe for destruction because of their godless and deceitful ways in the temple as well as their personal lives. And we see a parallel to all of this in our very own nation, church and world as well. So, they asked Jesus when these things would take place. His answer was mainly for us today as most of his disciples did not even live to see the destruction of Jerusalem. As far as we know, only John the beloved lived beyond 70 AD when Jerusalem was finally sieged, sacked and basically destroyed. Jesus went on to explain how nation would rise up against nation and that there would be famines, pestilences and earthquakes. Yet, these would only be the beginning of sorrows. In Matt. 14:9 He told them that they would be delivered up to be afflicted and killed. "You shall be hated of all nations for my name's sake." Many would be offended and betray and hate one another. False prophets would abound opening the door for wide- spread iniquity which in turn would destroy true love and feelings in men's hearts. "But he that shall endure unto the end, the same shall be saved. 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." Matt. 24:14.

Before we go into the book of Daniel re: the Abomination of Desolation I think it would be good to look at what happened in pre-WW II Germany to see how an entire nation was led astray. The German people are a proud and talented people. How was Hitler able to do what he did to them? To answer this question I want to quote from an author whom I believe has gone right to the heart of the issue. "Deception is progressive and cumulative. Hitler used propaganda to build a personality cult through which he could beguile the German people into seeing him as the source of all good. Eventually, he was so successful in his role of an angel of light that public opinion shielded him from the international criticism and the responsibility of his own evil deeds. Though he was the source of all that went on in his name, the confidence of the German people in their Fuhrer (leader) insulated him and absolved him of blame...Hitler's control over every aspect of German life was total. 'He penetrated all social structures by his supervision, regimentation, and control...His overriding need was to force others to do his will. He had neither scruples nor inhibitions." "Hitler & the New Age." Pg. 110.

Hitler isolated Germany from world public opinion, internal dissent and the real truth by controlling the media. Sound familiar? He learned that if the people were told a lie that was big enough and constantly held it up before them in acceptable formats, based on what they themselves had been taught and believed, the general public would eventually come to accept that lie as the gospel truth. This was done on two important topics which fed both their pride, ambition as well as their prejudice and hatred. Each of these topics dealt with two powerful emotions which found vent in two acceptable forms. 1. Hitler told the people that they were the best in everything. "Deutschland Ubber Alles." Germany over all. This was chauvinism, i.e. fanatical patriotism, super nationalism to the max, which includes unreasoning devotion to one's race with contempt for other races. The children were taught daily that Germans were the best looking, the brightest, the most talented and especially most well suited to rule over others. Secondly, he taught them that the people who were the cause of all of their problems were the Jews. The holocaust that followed was not expected by most people. Winston Churchill was a lone voice in the wilderness throughout the 30's trying to inform the people what was coming and to prepare for it. But his words of warning were largely ignored until the crisis was upon them in 1939. Another voice of warning has been given the people of God since about 1845 when EGW was called to begin her ministry. Although the majority of the church gave lip service to her writings the majority never took her seriously. Today she is being slandered and rejected more than ever as a false prophet. I do not agree with these critics for many reasons I don't have time to go into at this writing. But I do want to share with you one prediction that I have seen coming to pass more and more during the last few years. Listen: "We are living in the time of the end....The days in which we live are solemn and important. The Spirit of God is gradually but surely withdrawn from the earth. Plagues and judgments are already falling upon the despisers of the grace of God. The calamities by land and sea, the unsettled state of society, the alarms of war, are portentous. They forecast approaching events of the greatest magnitude. (Now watch this) The agencies of evil are combining their forces and consolidating. They are strengthening for the last great crisis. Great changes are soon to take place in our world, and the final movements will be rapid ones." T9 page 11. This was written about 1904. Vol 9 spanned the years from 1904 to 1909. Another lone voice whose warnings have been ignored by the majority. Shortly after this was written Woodrow Wilson was duped into signing the Federal Reserve act into law in 1913. The very next year WW I broke out in Europe. The USA entered the war in 1917. By loaning money to both sides the NWO International Bankers enriched themselves by causing the stock market crash of 1929. The Income Tax Law was established and WW II was fomented during which the Bankers again loaned money to both sides. This brings us up to 1945 in this brief historical survey but that is sufficient to show how EGW's prophecy was fulfilled and continues to be fulfilled. The people have been lulled to sleep all the while they are being robbed, slowly poisoned by chemicals in their food, in their drinks like Nutra-Sweet or Aspartame in Coca Cola, Pepsi and all soft drinks.

That this could ever happen again is denied yet the stage has already been set. Today we have a mass culture so the hit song and movie in New York is the hit song and movie in Colorado, Nebraska, Florida and California. And the major networks, NBC, CBS, ABC and CNN are all reaching the same areas. Don't you see, the USA is being brainwashed the same way Germany was brainwashed. "The German people had the same message preached at them at all times and from every conceivable angle. The press, radio, magazines, newspaper, posters, billboards, music, films, and educational institutions taught over and over that 'Only National Socialism could bring salvation to the nation.' Since Adolf Hitler was national socialism incarnate, he was seen as the only possible savior of Germany." "Hitler and the New Age." Page 110, 111. $9.85 Post Paid.

If Napoleon is the one who invented the modern art of image-making through propaganda then Hitler perfected it. Author Bob Rosio traces the progression of how Hitler molded public opinion to believe he was a god. "In 1933: Hitler is a unique genius, a man of absolute greatness. 1937. Hitler is the best imaginable expert in every field. 1938: Hitler is a genius of boundless passion. 1939: Hitler is the greatest German of all times. 1941: Hitler is the highest synthesis of the genius of the human race." These were some of the headlines and slogans that the leading newspapers of Germany ran during the 30's and early 40's. By the time WW 2 began in 1941-42 the majority of the people had been brainwashed to believe the monstrous lie that Hitler was not only a superior human being but a "good man" God had chosen to lead the nation. This is precisely what Hitler told them in every speech. So, you don't think it could happen again? It already has with almost every president since Woodrow Wilson. FDR and JFK are two outstanding examples of men who captivated the imagination of the masses. Yet, their private lives told another story. But we all still want to believe the best about them. Even though Bill Clinton was impeached in the house he survived to finish his second term. How many people he had put to death or how much money he misappropriated or how many men and women he had sex with may never be known. Yet, in spite of his own confession that he had lied to his wife and the nation, the people's high opinion of him continued unabated. It never occurred to them that if he had lied about one thing he had probably had been dishonest in others as well. This is a perfect example of how people come to believe that evil is good and good is evil when they tune into the wrong spirit which will lead the majority of people into Spiritualism which is being spread around the world today with false manifestations of Mary, for example. A friend of mine just sent me the following e-mail regarding this very deception. Note:

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Subj: IS THE VOICE OF THE VIRGIN OF GUADALUPE A RELIGIOUS MIRACLE?

Several years ago there was a major article in the San Jose Mercury-News here which had researched and documented the Mexican Virgin of Guadalupe story and found that it was a total fabrication__pure fiction, a lie; it had never happened. It was made up by some priest as a device to unite all of Mexico under Roman Catholicism.

Naturally there was a big outcry among the Mexican Catholic community against the article. People love their lies and don't want to know the truth. People believe what they want to believe, never what they have to believe. There is a county park at Watsonville, Pinto Lake Park, where several years ago a Mexican woman noticed what appeared to be a rough image of the Virgin of Guadalupe in the bark on the side of an oak tree. Now that area around the tree has become a shrine with an altar and lots of candles and benches like an amphitheater around the tree and there is always a small group of the faithful there sitting and meditating and praying.

The love and devotion of so many people to what they believe can only be admired. I believe that God honors their love and faithfulness to Him even though it is done in ignorance. But it is sad that it is not the truth. It is our job to teach them the truth in a kind, loving and tactful way. May the Lord help us to do this.

A. Jackson

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The deceptions of this age are not only in regard to religion. Let's just take a look at our food and drink. How many decades of scientific studies did it take to convince the American people that smoking causes cancer? Yet the poison that has been put into the soft drinks nearly everyone imbibes daily with their hamburgers, chips and candy are worse than nicotine. Aspartame and Nutra-Sweet are but two examples of the deadly chemicals which are being put into our soft drinks. One wonders what chemicals are being put into the alcoholic beverages. Yet, there is a daily, ongoing media blitz brainwashing the people to believe these products are good for them just like they used to believe smoking camels would make them smart, handsome and popular. Anyone born in the 40's or 50's were raised on those kind of slogans that popular movie stars dispensed on their programs such "I Love Lucy" and the "Jack Benny Show." Who could forget that little short guy that used to say, "Call for Phillip Morris?" Another area of brainwashing has been regarding the cause and cure of cancer. The AMA promotes three methods. 1. Cut it out (surgery) 2. Burn it out (cobalt or radium) 3. Poison it out (chemotherapy). Even though a number of alternative methods are available very few choose them. The most effective and, in my opinion, the worst brain washing regarding our physical health has been in regard to vaccinations. I have conclusive evidence to prove that shots not only do not prevent illness but are very bad for you and your child. If you would like more information on this topic to inform yourself of the dangers of vaccinations just write into GLC Box 473 Woodburn, OR 97071 Web Site www.godslastcall.org

In Matt. 24:15 Jesus referred to the book of Daniel. "When you therefore shall see the abomination of desolation, spoken of by the Daniel the prophet, stand in the holy place, (whoso reads, let him understand). Now, let's go to Dan. 12:11 and read where Jesus was quoting: "And from the time that the daily sacrifice shall be taken away, and the abomination that makes desolate set up, there shall be a thousand two and ninety days."

Now, let us do some simple reasoning here. What is the "daily sacrifice" that is going to be taken away? There are only two possibilities. 1. The spiritual sacrifice Jesus is making for us in the Most Holy place of the heavenly sanctuary...offering His own blood on a daily basis. 2. The second would be the setting up of an earthly sacrificial system to take the place of or to divert the people's minds away from Christ's ministry in the sanctuary. Let us notice what Dan. 11:43-45 tells us. I believe this is talking about how much power and money Satan has. "He shall have power over all the precious things of Egypt...but tidings (reports or news) out of the east (Jesus comes from the east or rising of the sun) and out of the north (where God sits to make all the appointments) shall trouble him: (Satan knows he only has a short time left) Therefore he shall go forth with great fury to destroy, and utterly to make away (do away with or kill) many. (This is when he goes into the temple to proclaim himself as God and passes a world Sunday law death decree). And he (Satan) shall plant the tabernacles of his palace between the seas and the glorious holy mountain; (God's Remnant or elect...barley group); yet he shall come to his end, and none shall help him."

Now, before I make any further comments on those verses I just want to point out that in order for the "daily sacrifice" to be "taken away" it has to first be set up. So, when would such a system of "daily sacrifice be set up just for the purpose of stopping it or taking it away?" This would logically have to be when this new Temple is set up and they start the animal sacrifice system all over again. According to reports there is a plan to re-build the temple right next to the Dome of the Rock, although some deny it will ever happen. But plans for the temple services have been in the works for years. Only time will tell how and when it will all come together.

Now, let me comment on the phrase, "He knows He has but a short time." Rev. 12: 12. Obviously these two verses are talking about the same time period and the same event...i.e. The translation of the Man Child which is ths same as the Barley Group or Little Company. The "Tidings out of the East and out of the North" (where all the appointments are made) is that God finally has perfected the first phase of the harvest, which is the Barley. When this group is translated and taken before the "Ancient of Days" Dan. 7:13, 14 the kingdoms of this world are transferred to the "Christos" who is the same as this Barley Group or Elect. "And there was given him dominion, and glory, and a kingdom, that all people, nations, and languages, should serve him:" vs. 14. This verse parallels Dan. 2:44-45."And in the days of these kings shall the God of heaven set up a kingdom , which shall never be destroyed." vs 44. Cf. Dan. 7:27. Now after the Man Child is translated or "caught up" to God's throne, for the purpose of receiving the kingdom, Rev. 12:6 says that the "woman fled into the wilderness," where God has prepared a place for her for 1, 260 days or 3 ½ years. This is literal time, not symbolical. The very next verse then describes a "war in heaven" between Michael (Christ) and His angels and the dragon (Satan) and his angels. Vs 8 says that they "prevailed not" or in other words, they lost the battle. This verse has traditionally been interpreted to apply to the casting down of Satan in the very beginning of the Great Controversy about the time this world was first created. But that event has already been mentioned in vs. 4 where John saw the dragon's tail casting down one third of the "stars" of heaven, i.e. angels. Satan has been "standing before the woman" ever since the prophecy of Gen. 3:15 eager to devour all of God's righteous seed right up to the birth of Jesus and also the Man Child. The"Casting down of Satan" has been progressive. For example, when the "seventy returned again with joy, saying, Lord, even the devils are subject unto us through thy name," Jesus immediately responded by making this amazing announcement: "I beheld Satan as lightning fall from heaven." Luke 10:17, 18. Jesus is obviously speaking of what had just happened as a result of 70 human beings going out in His Name doing the very work He had been doing. Satan's kingdom was being invaded and destroyed. The Messiah had come and the truth about God the Father was being revealed. Satan's mask was being ripped off and the universe was able to see the real truth regarding the God family and the human family...that they are one. That human beings are capable of acting just like Jesus and doing His very works. The angels and unfallen worlds were watching and seeing the truth. But this was not the end of the Great Controversy by any means. Because we know that Rev. 12 was written about AD 96 about the events that would transpire, in our day and age, before just before Jesus returns. And that age is the one we are living in right now. So, Rev. 12:7-9 is talking about the casting down of Satan in our day in the eyes of the universe. Satan has accused us before God day and night. "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. And I heard a loud voice saying in heaven, Now is come salvation, and strength, and the kingdom of our God, and the power of His Christos (Barley Group or Elect, etc): for the accuser of our brethren is cast down, which accused them before our God day and night." Now, vs. 11 indicates there will be many martyrs at this same time who "loved not their lives unto the death." Then in verse 12 this voice in vs. 10 tells the "heavens" to rejoice (because they will no longer have to endure the slanders of Satan against the human race before the throne of God). This same voice also says, "Woe to the inhabitants of the earth and of the sea! For the devil is come down unto you, having great wrath, because he knows that he has but a short time." Rev. 12:12. So, how long is this "short time?" Rev. 12:13, 14 tells us that it will be 3 ½ years, because when the dragon (Satan) sees that his arguments before the throne of God have been defeated by the translation of the Man Child or Barley Group. So, then Satan then goes forth to destroy as many as possible, concentrating especially on the "woman which brought forth the man child." vs. 13. Cf. Dan. 11:44, 45. This will be the time of the Grape harvest.

We know that before the "Great Time of Trouble," there will be a "Little Time of Trouble." We have not even gotten into the Little Time of Trouble yet and already things are pretty bad in this old world and getting worse by the minute. So, this is a good indication of how bad things are going to get even before the "Big Time of Trouble" starts, which the bible describes thusly: "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." Dan. 12:1. Now that was just the last half of vs. 1. The first half of the verse predicts the standing up of Michael"The great prince which stands for the children of thy people." This deliverance takes place at the same time as the "special resurrection." In this resurrection will be some who "shall awake, some to everlasting life, and some to shame and age lasting contempt." This is a parallel to what happened at the time Christ was resurrected. Jesus was the type or prototype and what happens in our day will be the anti-type of fulfillment of the first type. When Jesus died we read: "and the earth did quake, and the rocks rent; and the graves were opened; and many of the bodies of the saints which slept arose, and came out of the graves after His resurrection, and went into the holy city, and appeared unto many." We know that Jesus went up to heaven in the morning and came back down in the afternoon. Did these saints come back with him? The Bible only says that they appeared to many after they were raised just as Jesus did, so it is possible that they did come back with him to do a special work but perhaps did not stay the full 40 days, so we don't know for certain. The Bible does not say anything about them appearing to any of the disciples. Only Jesus appeared to them. Therefore, their faith must rest on Jesus and His word only.

"Christ arose from the dead as the first fruits of those that slept. He was the antitype of the wave sheaf, and His resurrection took place on the very day when the wave sheaf was to be presented before the Lord. For more than a thousand years this symbolic ceremony had been performed. From the harvest fields the first heads of ripened grain were gathered, and when the people went up to Jerusalem to the Passover, the sheaf of first fruits was waved as a thank offering before the Lord. Not until this was presented could the sickle be put to the grain, and be gathered into sheaves. The sheaf dedicated to God represented the harvest. So Christ the first fruits represented the great spiritual harvest to be gathered for the kingdom of God. His resurrection is the type and pledge of the resurrection of all the righteous dead. I Thess. 4:16, 17. DA 785, 786. The people who were raised from the dead on Sunday morning with Jesus were martyred saints from the past probably such as righteous Able to John the Baptist. Although their names are not given EGW simply states that they had been co-laborers with God, and who at the cost of their lives had borne testimony to the truth. They went to heaven with Him not only as trophies of His victory over death and the grave but as first models and a promise of what will happen again, in this, our final age.

We have already noted that when Michael stands up for His people two classes of people are delivered. The first class are the living whose names are written in the book. Now what book would this be? We have several texts that give us very important clues. Let's look first at Rev. 3:6-13 which is the message to the Church of Philadelphia, the only church of the seven churches which Christ did not rebuke. They were perfect in His eyes. Jesus gives them the "Key of David." What is a key for? It is for opening doors. Jesus is the one who has the key and will open the door of opportunity to give the final message to the world which has to do with the reputation and personality of God, in particular His character. The commentary