FAITH FUNDAMENTALS IN PROPHECY

ABSTRACT

God calls His people to restore the desolate sanctuary through divine love, faithful responsibility to God and neighbor, and the prophetic anti-type of heavenly cleansing, preparing the community for Christ’s soon return.

The Lord summons His remnant people to seek the full restoration of His sanctuary so that His presence may shine forth again before the close of probation. The prophet Isaiah recorded this enduring promise when he wrote, “And they that shall be of thee shall build the old waste places: thou shalt raise up the foundations of many generations; and thou shalt be called, The repairer of the breach, The restorer of paths to dwell in” (Isaiah 58:12). The apostle Peter confirmed this same hope in his sermon when he declared, “Whom the heaven must receive until the times of restitution of all things, which God hath spoken by the mouth of all his holy prophets since the world began” (Acts 3:21). The visions of Daniel placed before us a definite measurement of time when the angel announced, “Unto two thousand and three hundred days; then shall the sanctuary be cleansed” (Daniel 8:14). In The Great Controversy the inspired pen states that “the sanctuary in heaven is the very center of Christ’s work in behalf of men. It concerns every soul living upon the earth” (The Great Controversy, p. 488, 1911). Through inspired counsel we are told that “the subject of the sanctuary was the key which unlocked the mystery of the disappointment of 1844. It opened to view a complete system of truth, connected and harmonious” (The Great Controversy, p. 423, 1911). Ellen G. White further reminds the church that “all need to become more intelligent in regard to the work of the atonement, which is going on in the sanctuary above” (The Great Controversy, p. 488, 1911). We therefore turn our hearts toward this central message and prepare to walk through Daniel’s prayer with reverent attention. (Citations from the Spirit of Prophecy should be verified at egwwritings.org before publication.)

WHAT BREAKS THE PROPHET’S HEART?

Daniel turned his face toward the desolate sanctuary because he understood that the honor of God stood at stake before the watching nations. He confessed not only personal sin but the corporate guilt of his people when he prayed, “O Lord, righteousness belongeth unto thee, but unto us confusion of faces, as at this day” (Daniel 9:7). His intercession reflected the timeless promise, “If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land” (2 Chronicles 7:14). The psalmist anticipated the same restoring grace when he sang, “When the Lord shall build up Zion, he shall appear in his glory” (Psalm 102:16). The prophetic messenger writes that “the prayer of Daniel had been offered in faith, and his entreaties were sincere” and that “his prayer was heard from the very first sentence” (Prophets and Kings, p. 555, 1917). In Prophets and Kings the inspired pen further explains that “Daniel’s prayer should be a lesson to all who are afflicted with similar burdens” (Prophets and Kings, p. 553, 1917). Through inspired counsel we are told that “those who today bear the burden of the work of God in the earth, must wrestle as did Daniel” (Prophets and Kings, p. 624, 1917). Such intercession opens heaven’s resources for a final, decisive restoration in our generation.

The community recognizes the same desolations within and without and joins this earnest cry for healing. The Word of the Lord assures the broken when it states, “He healeth the broken in heart, and bindeth up their wounds” (Psalm 147:3), while another voice sings, “The Lord is merciful and gracious, slow to anger, and plenteous in mercy” (Psalm 103:8). The promise of Joel is precious to the remnant who confess long years of barrenness, for the Lord declares, “And I will restore to you the years that the locust hath eaten” (Joel 2:25). A passage from Steps to Christ reminds us that “the Lord can do nothing toward the recovery of man until, convinced of his own weakness, and stripped of all self-sufficiency, he yields himself to the control of God” (Steps to Christ, p. 43, 1892). Sr. White further declares in the same volume that “true repentance will lead a man to bear his guilt himself and acknowledge it without deception or hypocrisy” (Steps to Christ, p. 40, 1892). The prophetic messenger states that “no sooner does one come to Christ, than there is born in his heart a desire to make known to others what a precious friend he has found in Jesus” (Steps to Christ, p. 78, 1892). We therefore approach Daniel’s altar of prayer with confidence that the same God still hears the burdened heart today.

WHAT MOVES THE HEART OF GOD?

Divine, self-existent, sacrificial love stands as the only power capable of rebuilding what sin has destroyed in the sanctuary and in our lives. The community experiences this love as a living principle that draws us back into close fellowship with the Creator. The everlasting affection of God meets us in the words of Jeremiah, “I have loved thee with an everlasting love: therefore with lovingkindness have I drawn thee” (Jeremiah 31:3), and again in the comfort of Isaiah, “In all their affliction he was afflicted, and the angel of his presence saved them: in his love and in his pity he redeemed them” (Isaiah 63:9). The prophet Zephaniah celebrates this same tenderness when he proclaims, “The Lord thy God in the midst of thee is mighty; he will save, he will rejoice over thee with joy; he will rest in his love, he will joy over thee with singing” (Zephaniah 3:17). In Steps to Christ we read that “the heart of God yearns over His earthly children with a love stronger than death. In giving up His Son, He has poured out to us all heaven in one gift” (Steps to Christ, p. 21, 1892). The inspired pen writes in The Desire of Ages that “God is love. Like rays of light from the sun, love and light and joy flow out from Him to all His creatures” (The Desire of Ages, p. 20, 1898). Through inspired counsel we are told that “the love of God still yearns over the soul that has chosen to separate from Him, and He sets in operation influences to bring him back to the Father’s house” (The Desire of Ages, p. 202, 1898). This love stirs holy empathy within us and calls the community to respond with full surrender today.

The Cross stands as the supreme revelation of this restoring love and provides the foundation for every act of sanctuary cleansing. The voice of David assures the redeemed when he sings, “For the Lord is good; his mercy is everlasting; and his truth endureth to all generations” (Psalm 100:5), and the apostle declares that “God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us” (Romans 5:8). The Lord further promised through Isaiah, “I, even I, am he that comforteth you” (Isaiah 51:12), and the prophet adds, “For I the Lord thy God will hold thy right hand, saying unto thee, Fear not; I will help thee” (Isaiah 41:13). In Steps to Christ we read that “in the matchless gift of His Son, God has encircled the whole world with an atmosphere of grace as real as the air which circulates around the globe” (Steps to Christ, p. 68, 1892). The prophetic messenger affirms in The Desire of Ages that “Christ was treated as we deserve, that we might be treated as He deserves. He was condemned for our sins, in which He had no share, that we might be justified by His righteousness, in which we had no share” (The Desire of Ages, p. 25, 1898). Sr. White concludes, “It would have been an almost infinite humiliation for the Son of God to take man’s nature, even when Adam stood in his innocence in Eden. But Jesus accepted humanity when the race had been weakened by four thousand years of sin” (The Desire of Ages, p. 49, 1898). We therefore yield our hearts to this love and behold in the Cross the unshakable foundation of our restoration.

HOW SHALL WE HONOR HIM?

We honor God by dedicating our entire lives and resources to the cause of sanctuary restoration in these final days. This responsibility flows from grateful hearts that have received the light of the third angel’s message and choose to walk in it without compromise. The wise man counsels, “Honour the Lord with thy substance, and with the firstfruits of all thine increase” (Proverbs 3:9), and the Lord Jesus Himself summarized the law when He said, “Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind” (Matthew 22:37). The voice of Moses commands, “And thou shalt teach them diligently unto thy children, and shalt talk of them when thou sittest in thine house” (Deuteronomy 6:7), while the psalmist pleads, “Create in me a clean heart, O God; and renew a right spirit within me” (Psalm 51:10). In Steps to Christ the inspired pen warns that “God demands of His servants today as much as He demanded of His ancient people. They cannot expect that He will accept a part-hearted service” and adds, “He requires the entire affections” (Steps to Christ, p. 58, 1892). Through inspired counsel we are told that “the spirit of true obedience to the Lord springs from love” (The Desire of Ages, p. 668, 1898). Sr. White further writes that “those who would render acceptable service to God must love His law from their inmost soul” (Christ’s Object Lessons, p. 283, 1900). Such wholehearted service alone honors the One who has redeemed us with His own blood.

The duty of consecration reaches every department of life and shapes every choice the believer makes. The prophet Isaiah urges us, “Seek ye the Lord while he may be found, call ye upon him while he is near” (Isaiah 55:6), and the voice of Joshua declares, “Choose you this day whom ye will serve… but as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord” (Joshua 24:15). The apostle Paul exhorts, “I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service” (Romans 12:1). In Christ’s Object Lessons we read that “every gift bestowed upon man is to be used in cooperation with the divine agencies in seeking the souls who are out of Christ” (Christ’s Object Lessons, p. 328, 1900). Sr. White declares that “no man can succeed in the service of God unless his whole heart is in the work” (Christ’s Object Lessons, p. 309, 1900). Through inspired counsel we are told that “every act of our lives makes its impression upon the mind, and is forming the character” (Christ’s Object Lessons, p. 82, 1900). The prophetic messenger continues, “By beholding we become changed. Though originally formed in the likeness of God, man has, through sin, become assimilated to satanic nature” (Christ’s Object Lessons, p. 355, 1900). We therefore present every faculty as a daily offering and find in undivided service the secret of spiritual power.

WHO BEARS THE BURDEN?

We carry a burden for the spiritual desolations around us and intercede for others just as Daniel interceded for his captive people. This responsibility flows directly from the same love that God shows toward the community in its hour of need. The prophet Jeremiah commanded, “And seek the peace of the city whither I have caused you to be carried away captives, and pray unto the Lord for it” (Jeremiah 29:7), while the apostle wrote, “Bear ye one another’s burdens, and so fulfil the law of Christ” (Galatians 6:2). The Lord Jesus called His disciples to influence when He taught, “Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven” (Matthew 5:16). The apostle James defined practical religion when he wrote, “Pure religion and undefiled before God and the Father is this, To visit the fatherless and widows in their affliction, and to keep himself unspotted from the world” (James 1:27). In The Desire of Ages the inspired pen explains that “love to God and love to our neighbor are the two great principles of the law” (The Desire of Ages, p. 607, 1898). Through inspired counsel we are told that “Christ’s method alone will give true success in reaching the people. The Saviour mingled with men as one who desired their good” (The Ministry of Healing, p. 143, 1905). Sr. White affirms, “He showed His sympathy for them, ministered to their needs, and won their confidence. Then He bade them, ‘Follow Me’” (The Ministry of Healing, p. 143, 1905). Such Christ-like ministry draws souls to the cleansing work of our great High Priest.

The remnant carries forward the work of mercy because every soul restored becomes a living monument to the power of the heavenly sanctuary. The Saviour Himself said, “Therefore all things whatsoever ye would that men should do to you, do ye even so to them: for this is the law and the prophets” (Matthew 7:12), and the apostle prayed, “And the Lord make you to increase and abound in love one toward another, and toward all men” (1 Thessalonians 3:12). The Hebrews are urged, “And let us consider one another to provoke unto love and to good works” (Hebrews 10:24), while the apostle John observed, “We love him, because he first loved us” (1 John 4:19). In The Desire of Ages we read that “the strongest argument in favor of the gospel is a loving and lovable Christian” (The Ministry of Healing, p. 470, 1905). The prophetic messenger states that “the very best medicine you can give is love and sympathy” (Testimonies for the Church, vol. 2, p. 235, 1885). Sr. White further writes, “Speak no word of doubt or discouragement. Speak hopefully. Encourage cheerfulness in the home” (The Ministry of Healing, p. 487, 1905). Through inspired counsel we are told that “the work of gathering in the harvest belongs to every disciple of Christ” (The Ministry of Healing, p. 104, 1905). We therefore reach out with compassion and point every burdened heart to the Advocate who pleads our case above.

WHAT DID DANIEL FORESEE?

The vision granted to Daniel reveals the long, prophetic chain that culminates in the cleansing of the heavenly sanctuary by our great High Priest. The angel Gabriel measured the appointed time when he announced, “Unto two thousand and three hundred days; then shall the sanctuary be cleansed” (Daniel 8:14), and again declared, “Seventy weeks are determined upon thy people and upon thy holy city” (Daniel 9:24). The apostle John was told to “rise, and measure the temple of God, and the altar, and them that worship therein” (Revelation 11:1). The Lord Jesus warned, “When ye therefore shall see the abomination of desolation, spoken of by Daniel the prophet, stand in the holy place, (whoso readeth, let him understand)” (Matthew 24:15), while the apostle Peter promised, “And he shall send Jesus Christ, which before was preached unto you: Whom the heaven must receive until the times of restitution of all things” (Acts 3:20-21). In The Great Controversy the inspired pen confirms that “the great work of redemption commenced upon the cross is here completed” (The Great Controversy, p. 480, 1911). Through inspired counsel we are told that “the cleansing, both in the typical and in the real service, must be accomplished with blood: in the former, with the blood of animals; in the latter, with the blood of Christ” (The Great Controversy, p. 417, 1911). Sr. White explains, “As anciently the sins of the people were by faith placed upon the sin offering and through its blood transferred, in figure, to the earthly sanctuary, so in the new covenant the sins of the repentant are by faith placed upon Christ and transferred, in fact, to the heavenly sanctuary” (The Great Controversy, p. 421, 1911).

The investigative judgment now proceeds in the most holy place and concerns every soul who has ever named the name of Christ. The prophet Daniel beheld this solemn scene when he wrote, “The judgment was set, and the books were opened” (Daniel 7:10), and the apostle Paul affirmed that “we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ” (2 Corinthians 5:10). The wise man counsels, “Fear God, and keep his commandments: for this is the whole duty of man. For God shall bring every work into judgment” (Ecclesiastes 12:13-14). The first angel of Revelation cries, “Fear God, and give glory to him; for the hour of his judgment is come” (Revelation 14:7), while the Lord through Jeremiah testifies, “I the Lord search the heart, I try the reins, even to give every man according to his ways” (Jeremiah 17:10). In The Great Controversy we read that “in the typical service only those who had come before God with confession and repentance, and whose sins, through the blood of the sin offering, were transferred to the sanctuary, had a part in the service of the day of atonement” (The Great Controversy, p. 480, 1911). The prophetic messenger affirms, “So in the great day of final atonement and investigative judgment, the only cases considered are those of the professed people of God” (The Great Controversy, p. 480, 1911). Sr. White warns, “All who would have their names retained in the book of life, should now, in the few remaining days of their probation, afflict their souls before God by sorrow for sin and true repentance” (The Great Controversy, p. 490, 1911). Through inspired counsel we are told that “while the investigative judgment is going forward in heaven, while the sins of penitent believers are being removed from the sanctuary, there is to be a special work of purification, of putting away of sin, among God’s people upon earth” (The Great Controversy, p. 425, 1911). The remnant therefore stands in awe before this present, solemn work and prepares to meet the Judge of all the earth.

WHEN HISTORY REPEATS ITSELF

The desecrations of the earthly sanctuary in ancient times provide a sobering pattern that still warns the church in the present hour. The prophet recorded how “the Lord delivered them into the hand of spoilers that spoiled them” (Judges 2:14), and yet “when the Lord raised them up judges, then the Lord was with the judge, and delivered them out of the hand of their enemies” (Judges 2:18). The walls of Jerusalem lay in ruin until Nehemiah heard the report, “The remnant that are left of the captivity there in the province are in great affliction and reproach: the wall of Jerusalem also is broken down” (Nehemiah 1:3). The Lord rebuked the prophets who declared peace when He said, “They have healed also the hurt of the daughter of my people slightly, saying, Peace, peace; when there is no peace” (Jeremiah 6:14). The apostle warned the early church that “after my departing shall grievous wolves enter in among you, not sparing the flock” (Acts 20:29). In The Great Controversy the inspired pen traces how “the papacy is just what prophecy declared that she would be, the apostasy of the latter times” (The Great Controversy, p. 571, 1911). Sr. White further explains, “Through the two great errors, the immortality of the soul and Sunday sacredness, Satan will bring the people under his deceptions” (The Great Controversy, p. 588, 1911). The prophetic messenger warns, “The Roman Church is far-reaching in her plans and modes of operation. She is employing every device to extend her influence and increase her power” (The Great Controversy, p. 565, 1911).

The same spirit of compromise still threatens to obscure the sanctuary message in our own time of probationary closing. The prophet Hosea lamented, “My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge: because thou hast rejected knowledge” (Hosea 4:6), and the Lord through Malachi declared, “Ye are departed out of the way; ye have caused many to stumble at the law” (Malachi 2:8). The voice of Amos cried out, “Behold, the days come, saith the Lord God, that I will send a famine in the land, not a famine of bread, nor a thirst for water, but of hearing the words of the Lord” (Amos 8:11). The apostle Paul foretold, “For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers” (2 Timothy 4:3), while Peter warned, “There were false prophets also among the people, even as there shall be false teachers among you” (2 Peter 2:1). In Prophets and Kings the inspired pen reminds us that “in every age God has had His witnesses to bear testimony to His truth” (Prophets and Kings, p. 119, 1917). Through inspired counsel we are told that “the same compelling power that in past ages drove men of God into the wilderness… will once again be revealed” (The Great Controversy, p. 626, 1911). Sr. White declares, “Those who are living upon the earth when the intercession of Christ shall cease in the sanctuary above, are to stand in the sight of a holy God without a mediator” (The Great Controversy, p. 425, 1911). The reformer’s spirit therefore must rise again in our generation as the breach is repaired stone by stone.

WHY MERCY MEETS JUSTICE?

The mercy seat with its overshadowing cherubim reveals the perfect blend of justice and mercy that defines God’s work in the heavenly sanctuary. The community approaches the judgment with confidence in Christ our Advocate because of what this furniture symbolized in the typical service. The Lord directed Moses, “And thou shalt make a mercy seat of pure gold: two cubits and a half shall be the length thereof, and a cubit and a half the breadth thereof. And thou shalt make two cherubims of gold, of beaten work shalt thou make them, in the two ends of the mercy seat” (Exodus 25:17-18). The Lord further promised, “And there I will meet with thee, and I will commune with thee from above the mercy seat, from between the two cherubims which are upon the ark of the testimony” (Exodus 25:22). The high priest was instructed, “And he shall take of the blood of the bullock, and sprinkle it with his finger upon the mercy seat eastward” (Leviticus 16:14). The psalmist sang, “Mercy and truth are met together; righteousness and peace have kissed each other” (Psalm 85:10). In Patriarchs and Prophets the inspired pen explains that “above the mercy seat was the Shekinah, the manifestation of the divine presence; and from between the cherubim, God made known His will” (Patriarchs and Prophets, p. 349, 1890). Through inspired counsel we are told that “the law of God, enshrined within the ark, was the great rule of righteousness and judgment. That law pronounced death upon the transgressor” (Patriarchs and Prophets, p. 349, 1890). Sr. White writes, “But above the law was the mercy seat, upon which the presence of God was revealed, and from which, by virtue of the atonement, pardon was granted to the repentant sinner” (Patriarchs and Prophets, p. 349, 1890). The blending of law and grace at the mercy seat assures every contrite soul of acceptance through the Mediator.

The investigative judgment now vindicates both God and His saints before the watching universe by virtue of the same atoning blood. The apostle wrote that Christ “ever liveth to make intercession” for those who come unto God by Him (Hebrews 7:25), while John declared, “If any man sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous” (1 John 2:1). The wise man assures, “He that covereth his sins shall not prosper: but whoso confesseth and forsaketh them shall have mercy” (Proverbs 28:13). The voice of Daniel records, “I beheld till the thrones were cast down, and the Ancient of days did sit, whose garment was white as snow” (Daniel 7:9), and the prophet Zechariah saw “Joshua the high priest standing before the angel of the Lord, and Satan standing at his right hand to resist him” (Zechariah 3:1). In The Great Controversy the prophetic messenger declares that “Satan invents unnumbered schemes to occupy our minds, that they may not dwell upon the very work with which we ought to be best acquainted” (The Great Controversy, p. 488, 1911). Through inspired counsel we are told that “the intercession of Christ in man’s behalf in the sanctuary above is as essential to the plan of salvation as was His death upon the cross” (The Great Controversy, p. 489, 1911). Sr. White affirms, “By His death He began that work which after His resurrection He ascended to complete in heaven” (The Great Controversy, p. 489, 1911). The remnant therefore lives each day under the bright reality of this heavenly ministry.

WHAT SAITH THE FAITHFUL WITNESS?

Christ addresses the Laodicean church with urgent counsel because the people of the last hour have grown lukewarm and spiritually blind. The community must accept His rebuke and open the door for true restoration in our hearts and homes. The True Witness charges, “Because thou sayest, I am rich, and increased with goods, and have need of nothing; and knowest not that thou art wretched, and miserable, and poor, and blind, and naked” (Revelation 3:17). The same Faithful Witness counsels, “I counsel thee to buy of me gold tried in the fire, that thou mayest be rich; and white raiment, that thou mayest be clothed, and that the shame of thy nakedness do not appear; and anoint thine eyes with eyesalve, that thou mayest see” (Revelation 3:18). Then comes the tender appeal, “Behold, I stand at the door, and knock: if any man hear my voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with me” (Revelation 3:20). The promise to the overcomer is sure, for “to him that overcometh will I grant to sing with me in my throne, even as I also overcame, and am set down with my Father in his throne” (Revelation 3:21). In Testimonies for the Church the inspired pen explains that “the message of the True Witness finds the people of God in a sad deception, yet honest in that deception” (Testimonies for the Church, vol. 3, p. 252, 1875). Through inspired counsel we are told that “the message to the Laodiceans is applicable to Seventh-day Adventists who have had great light and have not walked in the light” (Selected Messages, book 1, p. 357, 1958). Sr. White declares, “It is those who profess to know the truth, and yet do not bring its sanctifying power into their lives, who will be lost” (Testimonies for the Church, vol. 5, p. 386, 1889).

The remedy for our Laodicean condition is found in zealous repentance and complete surrender to Christ as the great High Priest. The True Witness commands, “As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten: be zealous therefore, and repent” (Revelation 3:19). The Lord through David promised, “The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit: a broken and a contrite heart, O God, thou wilt not despise” (Psalm 51:17), and the apostle James pleaded, “Cleanse your hands, ye sinners; and purify your hearts, ye double minded” (James 4:8). The prophet Hosea cried, “Take with you words, and turn to the Lord: say unto him, Take away all iniquity, and receive us graciously” (Hosea 14:2), while Joel commanded, “Therefore also now, saith the Lord, turn ye even to me with all your heart, and with fasting, and with weeping, and with mourning” (Joel 2:12). In Testimonies for the Church the prophetic messenger declares that “the Lord wants every one of His children to be happy, peaceful, and obedient” (Testimonies for the Church, vol. 5, p. 488, 1889). Through inspired counsel we are told that “the Lord requires of His people now zeal and earnestness, faith and trust, that they may have power to overcome” (Testimonies for the Church, vol. 5, p. 277, 1889). Sr. White further explains, “The eyesalve, the truth, will not be palatable to all. The wedding garment will not be accepted by all” (Testimonies for the Church, vol. 4, p. 88, 1881). She adds, “Pride and self-love are reproved by it, and many turn from this heaven-recommended remedy” (Testimonies for the Church, vol. 4, p. 89, 1881). We therefore heed the gentle knock and allow Christ to rebuild the inner temple of the soul.

WHO GUARDS THE SACRED TRUST?

We act as stewards of sacred truth by preserving and proclaiming the sanctuary doctrine in these closing hours of probation. The community holds fast what has been committed to our trust against every form of error and compromise. The apostle Paul charged Timothy, “Hold fast the form of sound words, which thou hast heard of me, in faith and love which is in Christ Jesus” (2 Timothy 1:13), and again, “And the things that thou hast heard of me among many witnesses, the same commit thou to faithful men, who shall be able to teach others also” (2 Timothy 2:2). The same apostle wrote, “Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth” (2 Timothy 2:15). The prophet Habakkuk records the divine command, “Write the vision, and make it plain upon tables, that he may run that readeth it” (Habakkuk 2:2), and Jude entreats, “Earnestly contend for the faith which was once delivered unto the saints” (Jude 1:3). In Early Writings the inspired pen records that “I saw a company who stood well guarded and firm, giving no countenance to those who would unsettle the established faith of the body” (Early Writings, p. 258, 1882). Through inspired counsel we are told that “God called this remnant out of the great body of professed Christians, and made them the depositaries of His law” (Testimonies for the Church, vol. 5, p. 17, 1889). Sr. White warns, “There is no excuse for any one in taking the position that there is no more truth to be revealed, and that all our expositions of Scripture are without an error” (Counsels to Writers and Editors, p. 35, 1946).

The pioneers who first received the sanctuary truth held it as a trust to be transmitted to the last generation in undiminished clarity. The voice of David sings, “Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path” (Psalm 119:105), and the prophet Isaiah testifies, “To the law and to the testimony: if they speak not according to this word, it is because there is no light in them” (Isaiah 8:20). The apostle Peter declares, “We have also a more sure word of prophecy; whereunto ye do well that ye take heed, as unto a light that shineth in a dark place” (2 Peter 1:19). The Lord through Moses commanded, “Ye shall not add unto the word which I command you, neither shall ye diminish ought from it” (Deuteronomy 4:2), and Solomon warned, “Add thou not unto his words, lest he reprove thee, and thou be found a liar” (Proverbs 30:6). In Early Writings the prophetic messenger explains that “I saw a writing, copies of which were scattered in different parts of the land, giving orders that unless the saints should give up their peculiar views… and unite with these popular bodies, the laws of the land should be enforced against them” (Early Writings, p. 33, 1882). Through inspired counsel we are told that “the past fifty years have not dimmed one jot or principle of our faith as we received the great and wonderful evidences that were made certain to us in 1844” (Selected Messages, book 1, p. 207, 1958). Sr. White affirms, “The truth for this time is precious; but those whose hearts have not been broken by falling on the Rock Christ Jesus, will not see and understand what is truth” (Selected Messages, book 1, p. 411, 1958). The prophetic pen also records, “The pillars of our faith were established by prayerful study of the word and by revelation. These will stand the test of trial” (Counsels to Writers and Editors, p. 32, 1946). We therefore stand firm upon the platform of present truth and pass it on undiminished.

WHAT MAKES US DIFFERENT?

We separate from worldly practices and fashions so our lives may reflect the purity of the heavenly sanctuary. The community stands as a distinct witness before a darkened world that is ripening for the final outpouring of judgment. The apostle Paul commanded, “Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing; and I will receive you” (2 Corinthians 6:17), while the apostle John warned, “Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world. If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him” (1 John 2:15). The same apostle wrote, “And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God” (Romans 12:2). James declares, “Know ye not that the friendship of the world is enmity with God? whosoever therefore will be a friend of the world is the enemy of God” (James 4:4). The Lord Jesus prayed, “I have given them thy word; and the world hath hated them, because they are not of the world, even as I am not of the world” (John 17:14). In The Desire of Ages the inspired pen explains that “the followers of Christ are to be in the world, but not of it… If His followers were taken out of the world, His influence would no longer remain” (The Desire of Ages, p. 306, 1898). Through inspired counsel we are told that “the spirit of worldly policy is taking possession of the minds of those who are entrusted with sacred responsibilities” (Testimonies for the Church, vol. 9, p. 110, 1909). Sr. White further declares, “We are reformers. We desire that our children should study to the best advantage. In order to do this, employment must be given them” (Testimonies for the Church, vol. 6, p. 179, 1900).

True separation reaches every dimension of dress, diet, recreation, and association in the daily life of the believer. The voice of Peter exhorts, “Whose adorning let it not be that outward adorning of plaiting the hair, and of wearing of gold, or of putting on of apparel” (1 Peter 3:3). The prophet Isaiah warned the daughters of Zion when he wrote, “Because the daughters of Zion are haughty, and walk with stretched forth necks and wanton eyes… therefore the Lord will smite with a scab” (Isaiah 3:16-17), and Paul instructed, “In like manner also, that women adorn themselves in modest apparel, with shamefacedness and sobriety” (1 Timothy 2:9). The apostle exhorts further, “Whether therefore ye eat, or drink, or whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God” (1 Corinthians 10:31), while Solomon counsels, “Look not thou upon the wine when it is red, when it giveth his colour in the cup” (Proverbs 23:31). In Testimonies for the Church the prophetic messenger writes that “to dress plainly, and abstain from display of jewelry and ornaments of every kind is in keeping with our faith” (Testimonies for the Church, vol. 3, p. 366, 1875). Through inspired counsel we are told that “the dress of our people should be the most simple. The skirt and sacque… may be made plain and neat” (Testimonies for the Church, vol. 1, p. 525, 1868). Sr. White further admonishes, “Christians should not take pains to make themselves a gazingstock by dressing differently from the world. But when, in accordance with their faith and duty in respect to their dressing modestly and healthfully, they find themselves out of fashion, they should not change their dress in order to be like the world” (Testimonies for the Church, vol. 1, p. 458, 1868). The inspired pen adds, “There is a much greater work upon you than you imagine. Many will be saved or lost through your influence” (Testimonies for the Church, vol. 4, p. 200, 1881). We therefore choose holiness of life and shine as lights in a crooked and perverse generation.

ARE YOU READY TO MEET HIM?

We prepare for the Second Coming by living in constant readiness as the sanctuary work nears its glorious completion. The community watches and waits with lamps trimmed and burning, knowing that the Bridegroom may appear at any hour. The apostle Paul announced, “For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first” (1 Thessalonians 4:16). The apostle John saw the appearing and wrote, “Behold, he cometh with clouds; and every eye shall see him, and they also which pierced him: and all kindreds of the earth shall wail because of him” (Revelation 1:7). The same apostle Paul instructed Titus to teach the people, “Looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ” (Titus 2:13). The Lord Jesus declared, “Watch therefore: for ye know not what hour your Lord doth come” (Matthew 24:42), and the prophet Isaiah cried, “And it shall be said in that day, Lo, this is our God; we have waited for him, and he will save us” (Isaiah 25:9). In The Great Controversy the inspired pen describes how “soon there appears in the east a small black cloud, about half the size of a man’s hand. It is the cloud which surrounds the Saviour, and which seems in the distance to be shrouded in darkness” (The Great Controversy, p. 640, 1911). Through inspired counsel we are told that “the people of God recognize it as the sign of the Son of man. In solemn silence they gaze upon it as it draws nearer the earth, becoming lighter and more glorious, until it is a great white cloud” (The Great Controversy, p. 640, 1911). Sr. White writes, “Amid the reeling of the earth, the flash of lightning, and the roar of thunder, the voice of the Son of God calls forth the sleeping saints” (The Great Controversy, p. 644, 1911).

The remnant lives with eternity in view and labors to prepare others for that great and dreadful day of the Lord. The Saviour assured His disciples, “And, behold, I come quickly; and my reward is with me, to give every man according as his work shall be” (Revelation 22:12), while the apostle wrote, “And every man that hath this hope in him purifieth himself, even as he is pure” (1 John 3:3). The prophet Daniel beheld, “And many of them that sleep in the dust of the earth shall awake, some to everlasting life, and some to shame and everlasting contempt” (Daniel 12:2). The apostle Peter exhorted, “Wherefore, beloved, seeing that ye look for such things, be diligent that ye may be found of him in peace, without spot, and blameless” (2 Peter 3:14), and Paul testified, “I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith: Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness” (2 Timothy 4:7-8). In The Great Controversy the prophetic messenger writes that “with songs of triumph the ransomed ones ascend to the Holy City” (The Great Controversy, p. 645, 1911). Through inspired counsel we are told that “all come forth from their graves the same in stature as when they entered the tomb. Adam, who stands among the risen throng, is of lofty height and majestic form” (The Great Controversy, p. 644, 1911). Sr. White declares, “The living righteous are changed ‘in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye.’ At the voice of God they were glorified; now they are made immortal” (The Great Controversy, p. 645, 1911). The inspired pen also affirms, “Now Jesus opens before them the gates of the Holy City, and the nations that have kept the truth enter in” (The Great Controversy, p. 646, 1911). We therefore live each day in the bright hope of His return and labor with renewed zeal to bring others into the ark of safety.

WHERE DO WE STAND TOGETHER?

The community applies these truths through united study, prayer, and witness so that we may strengthen one another in the final work of restoration. The Lord has ordained corporate fellowship as a vital channel of His grace in these closing days. The apostle exhorts, “And let us consider one another to provoke unto love and to good works: Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another” (Hebrews 10:24-25). The Saviour Himself commanded, “Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost” (Matthew 28:19). The early church practiced this unity, for “they continued stedfastly in the apostles’ doctrine and fellowship, and in breaking of bread, and in prayers” (Acts 2:42). The psalmist sang, “Behold, how good and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity” (Psalm 133:1), and the Lord through Malachi said, “Then they that feared the Lord spake often one to another: and the Lord hearkened, and heard it” (Malachi 3:16). In The Acts of the Apostles the inspired pen explains that “the secret of their success would be found in their union with Christ. Apart from Him, they could do nothing” (The Acts of the Apostles, p. 19, 1911). Through inspired counsel we are told that “the church is God’s appointed agency for the salvation of men. It was organized for service, and its mission is to carry the gospel to the world” (The Acts of the Apostles, p. 9, 1911). Sr. White writes, “The Spirit was given as a regenerating agency, and without this the sacrifice of Christ would have been of no avail” (The Acts of the Apostles, p. 49, 1911).

The remnant company moves forward in the harmony of the heavenly pattern as we labor for the salvation of souls in the closing scenes of earth’s history. The Lord Jesus prayed, “Neither pray I for these alone, but for them also which shall believe on me through their word; That they all may be one; as thou, Father, art in me, and I in thee” (John 17:20-21). The apostle Paul appealed, “Now I beseech you, brethren, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that ye all speak the same thing, and that there be no divisions among you” (1 Corinthians 1:10). The same apostle wrote, “Endeavouring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. There is one body, and one Spirit, even as ye are called in one hope of your calling” (Ephesians 4:3-4). The Saviour declared, “By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another” (John 13:35), and Solomon counseled, “Iron sharpeneth iron; so a man sharpeneth the countenance of his friend” (Proverbs 27:17). In The Acts of the Apostles the prophetic messenger affirms that “as members of the visible church, and workers in the vineyard of the Lord, all professed Christians should do their utmost to preserve peace, harmony, and love in the church” (The Acts of the Apostles, p. 549, 1911). Through inspired counsel we are told that “the gospel commission is the great missionary charter of Christ’s kingdom” (The Acts of the Apostles, p. 28, 1911). Sr. White declares, “Every true disciple is born into the kingdom of God as a missionary” (The Desire of Ages, p. 195, 1898). The inspired pen further affirms, “There is no limit to the usefulness of one who, by putting self aside, makes room for the working of the Holy Spirit upon his heart, and lives a life wholly consecrated to God” (Gospel Workers, p. 113, 1915). We therefore unite our prayers, our labors, and our witness so that the final message may be carried in the power of the Latter Rain.

HOW SHALL WE FINISH THE WORK?

The closing message of mercy is the third angel’s message proclaimed in the power of the Loud Cry as the heavenly sanctuary completes its appointed work. The apostle John heard the angel cry, “Fear God, and give glory to him; for the hour of his judgment is come: and worship him that made heaven, and earth, and the sea, and the fountains of waters” (Revelation 14:7). The third angel followed, “Saying with a loud voice, If any man worship the beast and his image, and receive his mark in his forehead, or in his hand, The same shall drink of the wine of the wrath of God” (Revelation 14:9-10). The fourth angel descended “having great power; and the earth was lightened with his glory” (Revelation 18:1), and the cry was raised, “Babylon the great is fallen, is fallen, and is become the habitation of devils” (Revelation 18:2). The faithful people are called, “Come out of her, my people, that ye be not partakers of her sins, and that ye receive not of her plagues” (Revelation 18:4). In The Great Controversy the inspired pen declares that “the great work of the gospel is not to close with less manifestation of the power of God than marked its opening” (The Great Controversy, p. 611, 1911). Through inspired counsel we are told that “in visions of the night, representations passed before me of a great reformatory movement among God’s people” (Testimonies for the Church, vol. 9, p. 126, 1909). Sr. White affirms, “Many, very many, were beholding with delight the heavenly light, as it shone forth in rays from the throne” (Testimonies for the Church, vol. 9, p. 126, 1909).

The Latter Rain falls upon a prepared people who have received the Former Rain and have continued to walk in advancing light. The prophet Joel announced, “Be glad then, ye children of Zion, and rejoice in the Lord your God: for he hath given you the former rain moderately, and he will cause to come down for you the rain, the former rain, and the latter rain in the first month” (Joel 2:23). The same prophet declared, “And it shall come to pass afterward, that I will pour out my spirit upon all flesh; and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy” (Joel 2:28). The apostle James wrote, “Be patient therefore, brethren, unto the coming of the Lord. Behold, the husbandman waiteth for the precious fruit of the earth, and hath long patience for it, until he receive the early and latter rain” (James 5:7). The Lord through Hosea promised, “Then shall we know, if we follow on to know the Lord: his going forth is prepared as the morning; and he shall come unto us as the rain, as the latter and former rain unto the earth” (Hosea 6:3). The prophet Zechariah counseled, “Ask ye of the Lord rain in the time of the latter rain; so the Lord shall make bright clouds, and give them showers of rain” (Zechariah 10:1). In Testimonies to Ministers the prophetic messenger explains that “we may have had a measure of the Spirit of God but by prayer and the study of the Bible we must have more” (Testimonies to Ministers, p. 507, 1923). Through inspired counsel we are told that “unless we are daily advancing in the exemplification of the active Christian virtues, we shall not recognize the manifestations of the Holy Spirit in the latter rain” (Testimonies to Ministers, p. 507, 1923). Sr. White further writes, “It may be falling on hearts all around us, but we shall not discern or receive it” (Testimonies to Ministers, p. 507, 1923). The inspired pen continues, “I saw that none could share the ‘refreshing’ unless they obtain the victory over every besetment, over pride, selfishness, love of the world, and over every wrong word and action” (Early Writings, p. 71, 1882). We therefore press together in confession, in prayer, and in earnest seeking until the windows of heaven are opened upon a waiting church.

WHAT REMAINS FOR US?

The remnant of God’s people in this final hour stands at the very threshold of eternity with the sanctuary truth as their anchor and guide. The voice of the Spirit and the Bride still cry, “Come. And let him that heareth say, Come. And let him that is athirst come” (Revelation 22:17), while the prophet Isaiah pleads, “Ho, every one that thirsteth, come ye to the waters” (Isaiah 55:1). The Lord Jesus assures, “Behold, I come quickly: blessed is he that keepeth the sayings of the prophecy of this book” (Revelation 22:7), and the same Saviour promises, “He which testifieth these things saith, Surely I come quickly. Amen. Even so, come, Lord Jesus” (Revelation 22:20). The apostle Paul exclaims, “Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love him” (1 Corinthians 2:9), and Daniel beheld how “they that be wise shall shine as the brightness of the firmament; and they that turn many to righteousness as the stars for ever and ever” (Daniel 12:3). In The Great Controversy the inspired pen describes how “the great controversy is ended. Sin and sinners are no more. The entire universe is clean” (The Great Controversy, p. 678, 1911). Through inspired counsel we are told that “one pulse of harmony and gladness beats through the vast creation. From Him who created all, flow life and light and gladness, throughout the realms of illimitable space” (The Great Controversy, p. 678, 1911). Sr. White writes, “From the minutest atom to the greatest world, all things, animate and inanimate, in their unshadowed beauty and perfect joy, declare that God is love” (The Great Controversy, p. 678, 1911).

The community therefore lifts up its eyes and beholds the King in His beauty as the work of the heavenly sanctuary draws to its glorious close. The voice of the Lord still rings forth, “Behold, I make all things new” (Revelation 21:5), and the prophet Isaiah proclaims, “Behold, I create new heavens and a new earth: and the former shall not be remembered, nor come into mind” (Isaiah 65:17). The apostle Peter assured, “Nevertheless we, according to his promise, look for new heavens and a new earth, wherein dwelleth righteousness” (2 Peter 3:13). The psalmist sings, “The meek shall inherit the earth; and shall delight themselves in the abundance of peace” (Psalm 37:11), and the Saviour declares, “Blessed are the pure in heart: for they shall see God” (Matthew 5:8). The apostle John saw “a new heaven and a new earth: for the first heaven and the first earth were passed away; and there was no more sea” (Revelation 21:1). In The Great Controversy the prophetic messenger affirms that “with unutterable love, Jesus welcomes His faithful ones to the joy of their Lord. The Saviour’s joy is in seeing, in the kingdom of glory, the souls that have been saved by His agony and humiliation” (The Great Controversy, p. 647, 1911). Through inspired counsel we are told that “the years of eternity, as they roll, will bring richer and still more glorious revelations of God and of Christ” (The Great Controversy, p. 678, 1911). Sr. White concludes, “And the years of eternity, as they roll, will bring richer and still more glorious revelations of God and of Christ. As knowledge is progressive, so will love, reverence, and happiness increase” (The Great Controversy, p. 678, 1911). The inspired pen affirms further, “All the treasures of the universe will be open to the study of God’s redeemed” (The Great Controversy, p. 677, 1911). We therefore answer the call to repair the breach, to honor the divine Restorer, and to prepare for that imminent day when the sanctuary shall be cleansed in fact and in fullness.

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SELF-REFLECTION

How can I, in my personal devotional life, delve deeper into these prophetic truths, allowing them to shape my character and priorities?

How can we adapt these complex themes to be understandable and relevant to diverse audiences, from seasoned church members to new seekers or those from different faith traditions, without compromising theological accuracy?

What are the most common misconceptions about these topics in my community, and how can I gently but effectively correct them using Scripture and the writings of Sr. White?

In what practical ways can our local congregations and individual members become more vibrant beacons of truth and hope, living out the reality of Christ’s soon return and God’s ultimate victory over evil?

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