In the recent articles we have been referring to a few passages from the Spirit of Prophecy that identify a period of time from September 11, 2001 until Michael stands up and human probation closes. During that period of time, there are a handful of prophetic illustrations which identify the final work of Christ in the Most Holy Place.

I de seneste artikler har vi henvist til nogle få passager fra Profetiens Ånd, som identificerer en tidsperiode fra 11. september 2001, indtil Mikael rejser sig, og menneskets nådetid afsluttes. I løbet af denne tidsperiode findes der en håndfuld profetiske illustrationer, som identificerer Kristi afsluttende gerning i det Allerhelligste.

The work of Christ in the sanctuary is represented in the vision of the Ulai River of Daniel chapter eight, and Sister White has informed us that the vision of the Ulai River is now in the process of fulfillment. The final work accomplished in the heavenly sanctuary, which is now in the process of fulfillment, is represented in a variety of prophetic terms. It is represented as, among other prophetic representations, the sealing time, the latter rain, the closing work of salvation, and the cleansing of the temple. It is important to bring those terms together, and also to place them in their correct historical setting.

Kristi værk i helligdommen er fremstillet i synet ved Ulai-floden i Daniels bog, kapitel otte, og Søster White har underrettet os om, at synet ved Ulai-floden nu er i færd med at gå i opfyldelse. Det afsluttende værk, som udføres i den himmelske helligdom, og som nu er i færd med at gå i opfyldelse, fremstilles med en række forskellige profetiske betegnelser. Det fremstilles blandt andre profetiske fremstillinger som beseglingstiden, den sene regn, frelsens afsluttende værk og templets renselse. Det er vigtigt at sammenholde disse betegnelser og også at anbringe dem i deres rette historiske sammenhæng.

“At that time, while the work of salvation is closing, trouble will be coming on the earth, and the nations will be angry, yet held in check so as not to prevent the work of the third angel. At that time the ‘latter rain,’ or refreshing from the presence of the Lord, will come, to give power to the loud voice of the third angel, and prepare the saints to stand in the period when the seven last plagues shall be poured out.” Early Writings, 85.

„På den tid, mens frelsens værk er ved at afsluttes, vil trængsel komme over jorden, og folkeslagene vil være vrede, men blive holdt tilbage, så de ikke hindrer den tredje engels værk. På den tid vil ‘sildigregnen’, eller vederkvægelsen fra Herrens åsyn, komme for at give kraft til den tredje engels høje råb og berede de hellige til at stå fast i den tid, da de syv sidste plager skal blive udgydt.“ Early Writings, 85.

The “work of the third angel” is also “the work of salvation,” which prepares “the saints to stand in the period when the seven last plagues shall be poured out.”

„den tredje engels værk“ er også „frelsens værk“, som forbereder „de hellige til at bestå i den tid, da de syv sidste plager skal udgydes.“

And the nations were angry, and thy wrath is come, and the time of the dead, that they should be judged, and that thou shouldest give reward unto thy servants the prophets, and to the saints, and them that fear thy name, small and great; and shouldest destroy them which destroy the earth. Revelation 11:18.

Og folkene vrededes, og din vrede er kommet, og tiden for de døde, for at de skal dømmes, og for at du skal give løn til dine tjenere profeterne og til de hellige og til dem, som frygter dit navn, små og store, og for at du skal ødelægge dem, som ødelægger jorden. Åbenbaringen 11,18.

The nations are angered before probation closes (which is when God’s wrath is poured out), yet when the nations are angered, they are also “held in check.” The “time” when the nations are angered, identifies the beginning of the closing work of salvation, and the closing work of salvation is the sealing of God’s people.

Folkeslagene vredes, før nådetiden afsluttes (hvilket er tidspunktet, hvor Guds vrede udgydes), men når folkeslagene vredes, bliver de også „holdt tilbage“. Den „tid“, hvor folkeslagene vredes, angiver begyndelsen på frelsens afsluttende værk, og frelsens afsluttende værk er beseglingen af Guds folk.

“The true people of God, who have the spirit of the work of the Lord and the salvation of souls at heart, will ever view sin in its real, sinful character. They will always be on the side of faithful and plain dealing with sins which easily beset the people of God. Especially in the closing work for the church, in the sealing time of the one hundred and forty-four thousand who are to stand without fault before the throne of God, will they feel most deeply the wrongs of God’s professed people. This is forcibly set forth by the prophet’s illustration of the last work under the figure of the men each having a slaughter weapon in his hand. One man among them was clothed with linen, with a writer’s inkhorn by his side. ‘And the Lord said unto him, Go through the midst of the city, through the midst of Jerusalem, and set a mark upon the foreheads of the men that sigh and that cry for all the abominations that be done in the midst thereof.’” Testimonies, volume 3, 266.

„Guds sande folk, som har Herrens værks ånd og sjælenes frelse på hjerte, vil altid betragte synden i dens virkelige, syndige karakter. De vil altid stå på den trofaste og ligefremme behandlings side over for de synder, som så let besnærer Guds folk. Især i det afsluttende værk for menigheden, i beseglingstiden for de hundrede og fireogfyrre tusind, som skal stå uden fejl for Guds trone, vil de føle de uretter, som Guds bekendende folk begår, allerdybest. Dette fremstilles med stor kraft i profetens skildring af det sidste værk under billedet af mændene, som hver havde et slagtevåben i hånden. En mand iblandt dem var klædt i linned og havde et skriverblækhus ved sin side. ‘Og Herren sagde til ham: Gå gennem byen, gennem Jerusalem, og sæt et mærke på panden af de mænd, som sukker og råber over alle de vederstyggeligheder, som begås midt i den.’“ Testimonies, bind 3, 266.

The nations are held in check so as to not prevent the sealing of the one hundred and forty-four thousand. In Revelation chapter seven, the angry nations that are held in check are represented as four winds that are held in check during that very same period of time, and that time is specifically identified as a period of time.

Nationerne holdes tilbage for ikke at forhindre beseglingen af de hundrede og fireogfyrre tusinde. I Johannes’ Åbenbaring kapitel syv fremstilles de vrede nationer, som holdes tilbage, som fire vinde, der holdes tilbage i netop den samme tidsperiode, og denne tid identificeres specifikt som en tidsperiode.

“Satan is now using every device in this sealing time to keep the minds of God’s people from the present truth and to cause them to waver. I saw a covering that God was drawing over His people to protect them in the time of trouble; and every soul that was decided on the truth and was pure in heart was to be covered with the covering of the Almighty.

„Satan bruger nu enhver list i denne beseglingstid for at holde Guds folks sind borte fra den nærværende sandhed og for at få dem til at vakle. Jeg så et dække, som Gud trak over sit folk for at beskytte dem i trængselens tid; og hver sjæl, som stod fast på sandheden og var ren af hjertet, skulle dækkes med den Almægtiges dække.“

“Satan knew this, and he was at work in mighty power to keep the minds of as many people as he possibly could wavering and unsettled on the truth. …

„Satan vidste dette, og han virkede med mægtig kraft for at holde så mange menneskers sind som muligt vaklende og usikre over for sandheden. …“

“I saw that Satan was at work in these ways to distract, deceive, and draw away God’s people, just now in this sealing time. I saw some who were not standing stiffly for present truth. Their knees were trembling, and their feet sliding, because they were not firmly planted on the truth, and the covering of Almighty God could not be drawn over them while they were thus trembling.

„Jeg så, at Satan virkede på disse måder for at distrahere, bedrage og drage Guds folk bort netop nu i denne beseglingstid. Jeg så nogle, som ikke stod urokkeligt for den nærværende sandhed. Deres knæ bævede, og deres fødder gled, fordi de ikke stod fast grundfæstet på sandheden, og den almægtige Guds dække kunne ikke drages over dem, mens de således skælvede.

“Satan was trying his every art to hold them where they were, until the sealing was past, until the covering was drawn over God’s people, and they left without a shelter from the burning wrath of God, in the seven last plagues. God has begun to draw this covering over His people, and it will soon be drawn over all who are to have a shelter in the day of slaughter. God will work in power for His people; and Satan will be permitted to work also.” Early Writings, 43, 44.

„Satan forsøgte med al sin kunst at holde dem dér, hvor de var, indtil beseglingen var forbi, indtil dækket blev draget over Guds folk, og de stod tilbage uden ly for Guds brændende vrede i de syv sidste plager. Gud er begyndt at drage dette dække over sit folk, og det vil snart blive draget over alle dem, som skal have et ly på slagtedagen. Gud vil virke med kraft for sit folk; og Satan vil også få lov til at virke.“ Early Writings, 43, 44.

Sister White wrote these words in 1851, five years before God’s people entered into the Laodicean condition, and delayed the sealing process by rejecting the increased light of the “seven times.” That light would have increased and finished God’s work of covering His people in advance of the seven last plagues. Instead, God’s people rebelled and were consigned to wander in the wilderness of Laodicea, as typified by ancient Israel’s rebellion and wilderness wandering. How many of ancient Israel’s rebels entered into the Promised Land? What passage in the Bible, or the Spirit of Prophecy identifies any Laodiceans that will be saved? The answer is, “None!” for a Laodicean is just as lost as those of ancient Israel who died in the wilderness.

Søster White skrev disse ord i 1851, fem år før Guds folk trådte ind i den laodikeiske tilstand og forsinkede beseglingsprocessen ved at forkaste det tiltagende lys om de „syv tider“. Dette lys ville have tiltaget og fuldendt Guds værk med at dække sit folk før de syv sidste plager. I stedet gjorde Guds folk oprør og blev overgivet til at vandre i Laodikeas ørken, som det blev forbilledliggjort ved det gamle Israels oprør og ørkenvandring. Hvor mange af det gamle Israels oprørere gik ind i det forjættede land? Hvilket sted i Bibelen, eller i Profetiens Ånd, identificerer nogen laodikeere, som vil blive frelst? Svaret er: „Ingen!“ for en laodikeer er lige så fortabt som dem af det gamle Israel, der døde i ørkenen.

The sealing of the one hundred and forty-four thousand is a period of time, and it begins when the four angels restrain the four winds, which is also when the nations are angered, yet held in check. During the sealing time God prepares His people to stand in the time of the seven last plagues, and that preparation is represented as pulling “a covering” over His people, and it is also represented as finishing the work of salvation and finishing the work of the third angel. The preparation which is represented by all these illustrations is based upon the reception of “present truth.”

Beseglingen af de hundrede og fireogfyrre tusinde er et tidsrum, og det begynder, når de fire engle holder de fire vinde tilbage, hvilket også er den tid, da folkene vredes, men dog holdes i tømme. Under beseglingstiden bereder Gud sit folk til at bestå i de syv sidste plagers tid, og denne beredelse fremstilles som at drage „et dække“ over sit folk, og den fremstilles også som at fuldende frelsens værk og fuldende den tredje engels værk. Den beredelse, som fremstilles ved alle disse billeder, er grundet på modtagelsen af „nærværende sandhed“.

Those who will not stand “stiffly for present truth,” are those who were “wavering,” because their minds were not focused upon “present truth.” She writes that she “saw some who were not standing stiffly for present truth. Their knees were trembling, and their feet sliding, because they were not firmly planted on the truth, and the covering of Almighty God could not be drawn over them while they were thus trembling.”

De, som ikke vil stå »urokkeligt for den nærværende sandhed«, er dem, der var »vaklende«, fordi deres sind ikke var rettet mod »den nærværende sandhed«. Hun skriver, at hun »så nogle, som ikke stod urokkeligt for den nærværende sandhed. Deres knæ skælvede, og deres fødder gled, fordi de ikke stod fast grundfæstet på sandheden, og den almægtige Guds dække kunne ikke drages over dem, mens de således skælvede.«

The “present truth” is what provides the “covering” and the “covering” is also represented as the “seal of God.” The “seal of God” was typified by the blood that covered the doors of the Hebrews, that allowed the destroying angel to pass over the homes where the door was “covered” with the blood. The “covering” is the “sealing,” and the “sealing” is accomplished by the “present truth.”

„Nærværende sandhed“ er det, som tilvejebringer „dækket“, og „dækket“ fremstilles også som „Guds segl“. „Guds segl“ blev forbilledliggjort ved det blod, som dækkede hebræernes døre, og som gjorde det muligt for den ødelæggende engel at gå forbi de hjem, hvor døren var „dækket“ med blodet. „Dækket“ er „beseglingen“, og „beseglingen“ fuldbyrdes ved „nærværende sandhed“.

Sanctify them through thy truth: thy word is truth. John 17:17.

Hellig dem ved din sandhed; dit ord er sandhed. Johannes 17,17.

Every reform movement had its own specific theme, and the theme of the reformatory movement of the one hundred and forty-four thousand is “Islam of the third Woe”. The “present truth” in the last days is Islam of the third Woe.

Enhver reformbevægelse havde sit eget særlige tema, og temaet for de hundrede og fireogfyrre tusindes reformatoriske bevægelse er „den tredje vejs Islam“. Den „nærværende sandhed“ i de sidste dage er den tredje vejs Islam.

“The Scriptures are constantly opening to the people of God. There always has been and always will be a truth specially applicable to each generation.” Review and Herald, June 29, 1886.

„Skrifterne åbner sig bestandigt for Guds folk. Der har altid været, og der vil altid være, en sandhed, som i særlig grad er anvendelig for hver generation.“ Review and Herald, 29. juni 1886.

It is a present truth “message” that seals God’s people in the last days, and the sealing time is represented as beginning when the four winds are held in check. The nations were angered on September 11, 2001, and at that point the sealing of the one hundred and forty-four thousand began, as the latter rain, which is “a message”, began to be unsealed.

Det er et nærværende sandheds-„budskab“, der besegler Guds folk i de sidste dage, og beseglingstiden fremstilles som begyndende, når de fire vinde holdes tilbage. Folkene blev vrede den 11. september 2001, og på det tidspunkt begyndte beseglingen af de hundrede og fireogfyrre tusind, idet den sildige regn, som er „et budskab“, begyndte at blive forseglet op.

“To John were opened scenes of deep and thrilling interest in the experience of the church. He saw the position, dangers, conflicts, and final deliverance of the people of God. He records the closing messages which are to ripen the harvest of the earth, either as sheaves for the heavenly garner or as fagots for the fires of destruction. Subjects of vast importance were revealed to him, especially for the last church, that those who should turn from error to truth might be instructed concerning the perils and conflicts before them. None need be in darkness in regard to what is coming upon the earth.” The Great Controversy, 341.

“For Johannes blev der åbnet scener af dyb og gribende interesse i menighedens erfaring. Han så Guds folks stilling, farer, kampe og endelige udfrielse. Han nedskriver de afsluttende budskaber, som skal modne jordens høst, enten som neg til den himmelske lade eller som bundter til ødelæggelsens ild. Emner af vidtrækkende betydning blev åbenbaret for ham, især for den sidste menighed, for at de, som skulle vende sig fra vildfarelse til sandhed, måtte blive undervist om de farer og kampe, der ligger foran dem. Ingen behøver at være i mørke med hensyn til, hvad der skal komme over jorden.” The Great Controversy, 341.

When the nations were angered, they were simultaneously held in check, and the “latter rain” began to fall, and the latter rain is the message of “present truth” that seals God’s people.

Da folkeslagene blev vrede, blev de samtidig holdt tilbage, og »sildigregnen« begyndte at falde, og sildigregnen er budskabet om »nærværende sandhed«, som besegler Guds folk.

“The work in Battle Creek is after the same order. The leaders in the sanitarium have mingled with unbelievers, admitting them to their councils, more or less, but it is like going to work with their eyes shut. They lack the discernment to see what is going to break upon us at any time. There is a spirit of desperation, of war and bloodshed, and that spirit will increase until the very close of time. Just as soon as the people of God are sealed in their foreheads—it is not any seal or mark that can be seen, but a settling into the truth, both intellectually and spiritually, so they cannot be moved—just as soon as God’s people are sealed and prepared for the shaking, it will come. Indeed, it has begun already. The judgments of God are now upon the land, to give us warning, that we may know what is coming.” Manuscript Releases, volume 10, 252.

"Arbejdet i Battle Creek er af samme art. Lederne på sanatoriet har blandet sig med vantro og i større eller mindre grad optaget dem i deres råd, men det er som at gå til værks med lukkede øjne. De mangler dømmekraft til at se, hvad der når som helst vil bryde ind over os. Der er en ånd af fortvivlelse, af krig og blodsudgydelse, og denne ånd vil tiltages indtil tidens helt afslutning. Så snart Guds folk er beseglet på deres pander — det er ikke noget segl eller mærke, som kan ses, men en grundfæstelse i sandheden, både intellektuelt og åndeligt, så de ikke kan rokkes — så snart Guds folk er beseglet og beredt til rystelsen, vil den komme. Ja, den er allerede begyndt. Guds domme hviler nu over landet for at give os advarsel, så vi kan vide, hvad der kommer." Manuscript Releases, bind 10, 252.

The “sealing” is “a settling into truth.” In the context of the sealing time she writes, “There is a spirit of desperation, of war and bloodshed, and that spirit will increase until the very close of time.” When the nations are angered, they will be held in check, but the “war and bloodshed,” represented as the four winds “will increase until the very close of time.” Islam of the third Woe progressively escalates its warfare until the very close of time, and the prophetic understanding of Islam as the “theme” in the reformation of the one hundred and forty-four thousand, simultaneously increases during the same period of time. The progressive escalation accomplished by Islam runs parallel to the outpouring of the latter rain during the identical period of time, for the latter rain is a “message”.

„Beseglingen“ er „at blive grundfæstet i sandheden“. I forbindelse med beseglingens tid skriver hun: „Der er en ånd af fortvivlelse, af krig og blodsudgydelse, og denne ånd vil tiltages indtil tidens allersidste afslutning.“ Når nationerne vredes, vil de blive holdt i tømme, men „krig og blodsudgydelse“, fremstillet som de fire vinde, „vil tiltages indtil tidens allersidste afslutning“. Islams i det tredje Ve progressive optrapning af sin krigsførelse fortsætter indtil tidens allersidste afslutning, og den profetiske forståelse af islam som „temaet“ i de hundrede og fireogfyrretusindes reformation tiltager samtidig i den samme tidsperiode. Den progressive optrapning, som fuldbyrdes ved islam, løber parallelt med udgydelsen af den sildige regn i den samme tidsperiode, for den sildige regn er et „budskab“.

“The anointed ones standing by the Lord of the whole earth, have the position once given to Satan as covering cherub. By the holy beings surrounding his throne, the Lord keeps up a constant communication with the inhabitants of the earth. The golden oil represents the grace with which God keeps the lamps of believers supplied, that they shall not flicker and go out. Were it not that this holy oil is poured from heaven in the messages of God’s Spirit, the agencies of evil would have entire control over men.

„De salvede, som står hos hele jordens Herre, har den stilling, der engang blev givet Satan som den skærmende kerub. Ved de hellige væsener, som omgiver hans trone, opretholder Herren en stadig forbindelse med jordens indbyggere. Den gyldne olie repræsenterer den nåde, hvormed Gud holder de troendes lamper forsynede, så de ikke skal blafre og slukkes. Var det ikke således, at denne hellige olie udgydes fra himlen i budskaberne fra Guds Ånd, ville det ondes magter have fuldstændig kontrol over menneskene.“

“God is dishonored when we do not receive the communications which he sends us. Thus we refuse the golden oil which he would pour into our souls to be communicated to those in darkness. When the call shall come, ‘Behold, the bridegroom cometh; go ye out to meet him,’ those who have not received the holy oil, who have not cherished the grace of Christ in their hearts, will find, like the foolish virgins, that they are not ready to meet their Lord. They have not, in themselves, the power to obtain the oil, and their lives are wrecked. But if God’s Holy Spirit is asked for, if we plead, as did Moses, ‘Show me thy glory,’ the love of God will be shed abroad in our hearts. Through the golden pipes, the golden oil will be communicated to us. ‘Not by might, nor by power, but by my Spirit, saith the Lord of Hosts.’ By receiving the bright beams of the Sun of Righteousness, God’s children shine as lights in the world.” Review and Herald, July 20, 1897.

„Gud vanæres, når vi ikke modtager de budskaber, som han sender os. Derved afviser vi den gyldne olie, som han ville udgyde i vore sjæle for at blive meddelt til dem, der er i mørke. Når råbet lyder: ‘Se, brudgommen kommer; gå ham i møde,’ vil de, som ikke har modtaget den hellige olie, som ikke har næret Kristi nåde i deres hjerter, erfare, ligesom de dårlige jomfruer, at de ikke er rede til at møde deres Herre. De har ikke i sig selv magt til at skaffe olien til veje, og deres liv lider skibbrud. Men dersom der bedes om Guds Hellige Ånd, dersom vi bønfalder som Moses gjorde: ‘Lad mig se din herlighed,’ vil Guds kærlighed blive udgydt i vore hjerter. Gennem de gyldne rør vil den gyldne olie blive meddelt os. ‘Ikke ved magt og ikke ved styrke, men ved min Ånd, siger Hærskarers Herre.’ Ved at modtage de klare stråler fra Retfærdighedens Sol skinner Guds børn som lys i verden.“ Review and Herald, 20. juli 1897.

The latter rain begins to “sprinkle” and ultimately escalates to a full outpouring. The “sprinkling” of the latter rain is identified as the rain being “measured”, and the full outpouring is when it is poured out “without measure”. Sister White clearly identifies a time when the latter rain is falling, and some receive it, and some don’t. At that time the rain is being “measured”, or it is “sprinkling”.

Den sildige regn begynder at „stænke“ og tiltager til sidst til en fuld udgydelse. Den „stænken“, der kendetegner den sildige regn, identificeres som regnen, der bliver „tilmålt“, og den fulde udgydelse er, når den udgydes „uden mål“. Søster White identificerer tydeligt en tid, hvor den sildige regn falder, og nogle modtager den, og nogle gør ikke. På den tid bliver regnen „tilmålt“, eller den „stænker“.

Some people will recognize that something is happening, but it will only frighten them.

Nogle mennesker vil erkende, at noget er ved at ske, men det vil kun skræmme dem.

“There is to be in the churches a wonderful manifestation of the power of God, but it will not move upon those who have not humbled themselves before the Lord, and opened the door of their heart by confession and repentance. In the manifestation of that power which lightens the earth with the glory of God, they will see only something which in their blindness they think dangerous, something which will arouse their fears, and they will brace themselves to resist it. Because the Lord does not work according to their expectations and ideal, they will oppose the work. “Why,” they say, “should we not know the Spirit of God, when we have been in the work so many years?” Because they did not respond to the warnings, the entreaties, of the messages of God, but persistently said, “I am rich, and increased with goods, and have need of nothing.”” Maranatha, 219

„Der skal i menighederne ske en vidunderlig åbenbarelse af Guds kraft, men den vil ikke virke på dem, som ikke har ydmyget sig for Herren og åbnet deres hjertes dør ved bekendelse og omvendelse. I åbenbarelsen af den kraft, som oplyser jorden med Guds herlighed, vil de kun se noget, som de i deres blindhed anser for farligt, noget, som vil vække deres frygt, og de vil ruste sig til at modstå det. Fordi Herren ikke virker i overensstemmelse med deres forventninger og ideal, vil de sætte sig op imod værket. „Hvorfor,“ siger de, „skulle vi ikke kende Guds Ånd, når vi har været i værket så mange år?“ Fordi de ikke gav agt på Guds budskabers advarsler og indtrængende formaninger, men vedholdende sagde: „Jeg er rig og har overflod og mangler intet.““ Maranatha, 219

“Many have in a great measure failed to receive the former rain. They have not obtained all the benefits that God has thus provided for them. They expect that the lack will be supplied by the latter rain. When the richest abundance of grace shall be bestowed, they intend to open their hearts to receive it. They are making a terrible mistake. The work that God has begun in the human heart in giving His light and knowledge must be continually going forward. Every individual must realize his own necessity. The heart must be emptied of every defilement and cleansed for the indwelling of the Spirit. It was by the confession and forsaking of sin, by earnest prayer and consecration of themselves to God, that the early disciples prepared for the outpouring of the Holy Spirit on the Day of Pentecost. The same work, only in greater degree, must be done now. Then the human agent had only to ask for the blessing, and wait for the Lord to perfect the work concerning him. It is God who began the work, and He will finish His work, making man complete in Jesus Christ. But there must be no neglect of the grace represented by the former rain. Only those who are living up to the light they have will receive greater light. Unless we are daily advancing in the exemplification of the active Christian virtues, we shall not recognize the manifestations of the Holy Spirit in the latter rain. It may be falling on hearts all around us, but we shall not discern or receive it.” Testimonies to Ministers, 506, 507.

”Mange har i stor udstrækning undladt at modtage den tidlige regn. De har ikke opnået alle de velsignelser, som Gud således har sørget for til dem. De forventer, at mangelen vil blive afhjulpet ved den sene regn. Når nådens rigeste fylde skal blive skænket, agter de at åbne deres hjerter for at modtage den. De begår en frygtelig fejltagelse. Det værk, som Gud har begyndt i menneskets hjerte ved at give sit lys og sin kundskab, må stadig føres fremad. Hvert enkelt menneske må indse sin egen nødvendighed. Hjertet må tømmes for enhver besmittelse og renses til Åndens iboen. Det var ved syndsbekendelse og syndens forsagelse, ved alvorlig bøn og hengivelse af sig selv til Gud, at de første disciple beredte sig til Helligåndens udgydelse på pinsedagen. Det samme værk, blot i større grad, må gøres nu. Da behøvede det menneskelige redskab kun at bede om velsignelsen og vente på, at Herren fuldendte værket for ham. Det er Gud, som begyndte værket, og han vil fuldende sit værk og gøre mennesket fuldkomment i Jesus Kristus. Men nåden, som er fremstillet ved den tidlige regn, må ikke forsømmes. Kun de, som lever op til det lys, de har, vil modtage større lys. Hvis vi ikke dagligt går fremad i udøvelsen af de virksomme kristelige dyder, skal vi ikke genkende Helligåndens tilkendegivelser i den sene regn. Den kan falde på hjerter overalt omkring os, men vi skal hverken skelne den eller modtage den.” Testimonies to Ministers, 506, 507.

In the passage she identifies that there is a time when “the richest abundance of grace shall be bestowed,” thus identifying a time when the latter rain is poured out without measure. In connection with that fact, she identifies that only those who are living up to the light they have will receive greater light. In that principle, it is clear that the light (which is the present truth) progressively increases. In the last sentence she identifies a time when the latter rain is falling, and some are recognizing and receiving it, and others are not. If you don’t recognize the message, which is the latter rain, you will not receive it.

I dette afsnit angiver hun, at der findes en tid, hvor „den rigeste overflod af nåde skal blive skænket“, og dermed angiver hun en tid, hvor den sildige regn udgydes uden mål. I forbindelse med dette forhold angiver hun, at kun de, som lever op til det lys, de har, vil modtage større lys. I dette princip er det klart, at lyset (som er den nærværende sandhed) tiltager gradvist. I den sidste sætning angiver hun en tid, hvor den sildige regn falder, og nogle erkender og modtager den, mens andre ikke gør det. Hvis du ikke erkender budskabet, som er den sildige regn, vil du ikke modtage det.

“We must not wait for the latter rain. It is coming upon all who will recognize and appropriate the dew and showers of grace that fall upon us. When we gather up the fragments of light, when we appreciate the sure mercies of God, who loves to have us trust Him, then every promise will be fulfilled. [Isaiah 61:11 quoted.] The whole earth is to be filled with the glory of God.” The Seventh-day Adventist Bible Commentary, volume 7, 984.

"Vi må ikke vente på silregnen. Den kommer over alle, som vil erkende og tilegne sig den nådes dug og de byger, som falder over os. Når vi samler lysets stumper op, når vi værdsætter Guds visse miskundheder, han som elsker, at vi stoler på ham, da vil ethvert løfte blive opfyldt. [Esajas 61,11 citeret.] Hele jorden skal fyldes med Guds herlighed." The Seventh-day Adventist Bible Commentary, bind 7, s. 984.

At the time when the angry nations are held in check, the latter rain begins to be “measured.” When “the richest abundance of grace shall be bestowed,” is identifying when the latter rain is poured out without measure.

På den tid, da de vrede nationer holdes tilbage, begynder den sildige regn at blive „tilmålt“. Når „den rigeste overflod af nåde skal blive skænket“, angiver dette, hvornår den sildige regn udgydes uden mål.

At the time when the nations are angered, yet held in check, the latter rain begins to fall, but it is “measured” because the church at that point is mixed with wheat and tares. It is the rain that brings both the wheat and the tares to maturity, and the latter rain is the message of present truth that is either recognized and received, or not. All of these prophetic concepts are clearly identified in the Scriptures. On September 11, 2001, the latter rain began to “sprinkle”, and it escalates progressively until the Midnight Cry message arrives and the wise and foolish virgins are forever separated.

På den tid, da folkene vredes, men dog holdes tilbage, begynder den sene regn at falde, men den er „afmålt“, fordi menigheden på dette tidspunkt er blandet med hvede og ukrudt. Det er den regn, som fører både hveden og ukrudtet til modenhed, og den sene regn er budskabet om nærværende sandhed, som enten erkendes og modtages, eller ikke. Alle disse profetiske begreber er tydeligt identificeret i Skrifterne. Den 11. september 2001 begyndte den sene regn at „bestænke“, og den tiltager gradvis, indtil Midnatsråbets budskab kommer, og de kloge og de dårlige jomfruer for bestandig adskilles.

The wise are then lifted up as an ensign to call God’s other flock out of Babylon, and the latter rain is then poured out without measure, and continues to fall until Michael stands up and human probation closes.

De vise ophøjes da som et banner for at kalde Guds anden hjord ud af Babylon, og den sildige regn udgydes da uden mål og fortsætter med at falde, indtil Mikael rejser sig, og menneskenes prøvetid ophører.

“I saw that the four angels would hold the four winds until Jesus’ work was done in the sanctuary, and then will come the seven last plagues.” Early Writings, 36.

„Jeg så, at de fire engle ville holde de fire vinde tilbage, indtil Jesu værk var fuldbragt i helligdommen, og derefter vil de syv sidste plager komme.“ Early Writings, 36.

The holding of the four winds, represents God’s providential control over the escalating judgments that he allows to take place in the last days. The four angels hold the four winds during the sealing time of the one hundred and forty-four thousand, but in that period of time there is the “spirit of desperation, of war and bloodshed, and that spirit will increase.” When the last of God’s children have been sealed, Michael will stand up and the four winds will be fully released, and the Seven Last Plagues will arrive.

Tilbageholdelsen af de fire vinde repræsenterer Guds forsynsmæssige kontrol over de tiltagende domshandlinger, som han tillader at finde sted i de sidste dage. De fire engle holder de fire vinde tilbage under beseglingstiden for de hundrede og fireogfyrre tusinde, men i denne tidsperiode er der “fortvivlelsens ånd, krigens og blodsudgydelsens ånd, og denne ånd vil tage til.” Når den sidste af Guds børn er blevet beseglet, vil Mikael stå frem, og de fire vinde vil blive fuldt løsnet, og de syv sidste plager vil komme.

In the “hour of the great earthquake” of Revelation chapter eleven, the “troublous times,” of Daniel chapter nine, when the street and wall are finished, is the time when “the nations will be angry.” In that time period, the latter rain will be poured out in “measure.” Isaiah identifies the time when the latter rain is measured, and he marks that time as the “day of the east wind.” The “day of the east wind,” was September 11, 2001.

I den »time med det store jordskælv« i Johannes’ Åbenbaring, kapitel elleve, de »trængselsfulde tider« i Daniels Bog, kapitel ni, når gade og mur er fuldendt, er den tid, da »folkene vil vredes«. I denne tidsperiode vil den sildige regn blive udgydt i »mål«. Esajas identificerer den tid, hvor den sildige regn bliver tilmålt, og han angiver denne tid som »østvindens dag«. »Østvindens dag« var den 11. september 2001.

We will continue to consider the “measuring” of the latter rain in the next article, but it should be remembered that the jewel of Miller’s dream that is represented upon the sacred tables of Habakkuk as the three Woes of Islam, is to shine ten times brighter in the last days, than when it was first gathered together by Miller.

Vi vil fortsætte med at betragte „opmålingen“ af den sildige regn i den næste artikel, men det bør erindres, at juvelen i Millers drøm, som på Habakkuks hellige tavler fremstilles som Islams tre veer, skal skinne ti gange klarere i de sidste dage, end da den først blev samlet af Miller.

“On one occasion, when in New York City, I was in the night season called upon to behold buildings rising story after story toward heaven. These buildings were warranted to be fireproof, and they were erected to glorify their owners and builders. Higher and still higher these buildings rose, and in them the most costly material was used. Those to whom these buildings belonged were not asking themselves: ‘How can we best glorify God?’ The Lord was not in their thoughts.

„Ved en lejlighed, da jeg var i New York City, blev jeg i nattens timer kaldet til at se bygninger rejse sig etage efter etage mod himlen. Disse bygninger blev garanteret som brandsikre, og de blev opført for at herliggøre deres ejere og bygherrer. Højere og atter højere hævede disse bygninger sig, og i dem blev de kostbareste materialer anvendt. De, som disse bygninger tilhørte, spurgte ikke sig selv: ’Hvordan kan vi bedst herliggøre Gud?’ Herren var ikke i deres tanker.“

“I thought: ‘Oh, that those who are thus investing their means could see their course as God sees it! They are piling up magnificent buildings, but how foolish in the sight of the Ruler of the universe is their planning and devising. They are not studying with all the powers of heart and mind how they may glorify God. They have lost sight of this, the first duty of man.’

„Jeg tænkte: ’Å, om dog de, som således investerer deres midler, kunne se deres handlemåde, således som Gud ser den! De hober storslåede bygninger op, men hvor tåbelig er ikke deres planlægning og udtænkning i universets Herskers øjne. De gransker ikke med hjertets og sindets fulde kræfter, hvorledes de kan herliggøre Gud. De har mistet dette af syne, menneskets første pligt.’“

“As these lofty buildings went up, the owners rejoiced with ambitious pride that they had money to use in gratifying self and provoking the envy of their neighbors. Much of the money that they thus invested had been obtained through exaction, through grinding down the poor. They forgot that in heaven an account of every business transaction is kept; every unjust deal, every fraudulent act, is there recorded. The time is coming when in their fraud and insolence men will reach a point that the Lord will not permit them to pass, and they will learn that there is a limit to the forbearance of Jehovah.

"Mens disse høje bygninger rejste sig, frydede ejerne sig i ærgerrig stolthed over, at de havde penge at bruge til at tilfredsstille selvet og vække deres naboers misundelse. Meget af de penge, som de således investerede, var erhvervet ved udpresning, ved at træde de fattige ned. De glemte, at der i himlen føres regnskab med enhver forretningstransaktion; enhver uretfærdig handel, enhver svigagtig handling, er der optegnet. Den tid kommer, da mennesker i deres svig og overmod vil nå et punkt, som Herren ikke vil tillade dem at overskride, og de vil lære, at Jehovas langmodighed har en grænse."

“The scene that next passed before me was an alarm of fire. Men looked at the lofty and supposedly fire-proof buildings and said: ‘They are perfectly safe.’ But these buildings were consumed as if made of pitch. The fire engines could do nothing to stay the destruction. The firemen were unable to operate the engines.

“Det næste syn, der blev ført frem for mig, var en brandalarm. Mennesker betragtede de høje og angiveligt brandsikre bygninger og sagde: ‘De er fuldkommen sikre.’ Men disse bygninger blev fortæret, som om de var gjort af beg. Brandsprøjterne kunne intet udrette for at standse ødelæggelsen. Brandmændene var ude af stand til at betjene sprøjterne.

“I am instructed that when the Lord’s time comes, should no change have taken place in the hearts of proud, ambitious human beings, men will find that the hand that had been strong to save will be strong to destroy. No earthly power can stay the hand of God. No material can be used in the erection of buildings that will preserve them from destruction when God’s appointed time comes to send retribution on men for their disregard of His law and for their selfish ambition.” Testimonies, volume 9, 12, 13.

„Jeg er blevet undervist om, at når Herrens tid kommer, vil mennesker erfare, at den hånd, som havde været stærk til at frelse, vil være stærk til at ødelægge, dersom der ikke er sket nogen forandring i stolte, ærgerrige menneskers hjerter. Ingen jordisk magt kan standse Guds hånd. Intet materiale kan anvendes ved opførelsen af bygninger, som vil bevare dem fra ødelæggelse, når Guds fastsatte tid kommer til at sende gengældelse over mennesker for deres tilsidesættelse af Hans lov og for deres egenkærlige ærgerrighed.“ Testimonies, bind 9, 12, 13.