When the parable of the ten virgins was fulfilled in Millerite history it took place during the second angel’s message. The second angel’s message represents two distinct messages, both in the period of time which they cover and in terms of the intended audience of the message. The second angel’s message was directed to the Protestant churches that had just returned to Rome and became daughters of Babylon. The Midnight Cry was directed to the sleeping Millerites. The first message was directed outside of the Millerites, the second was directed inside. This will be fulfilled to the letter in our day.
Da lignelsen om de ti jomfruer blev opfyldt i Milleritternes historie, fandt det sted under den anden engels budskab. Den anden engels budskab repræsenterer to særskilte budskaber, både med hensyn til det tidsrum, de omfatter, og med hensyn til den tiltænkte modtagerkreds for budskabet. Den anden engels budskab var rettet til de protestantiske kirker, som netop var vendt tilbage til Rom og var blevet Babylons døtre. Midnatsråbet var rettet til de sovende Milleritter. Det første budskab var rettet uden for Milleritterne, det andet var rettet indad. Dette vil blive opfyldt bogstaveligt i vore dage.
The difference that needs to be noted in the repetition of our day is that in the beginning of Adventism the message of the second angel first went outside the Millerites and then part two of the message went inside the Millerites. At the end of Adventism, when the parable is again repeated, so also is the second angel’s message. We are told that directly more than a handful of times. But the two-fold nature of the message is reversed at the end. The first message goes to Adventism and the second to those outside of Adventism. We are told that the work and message represented by the angel of Revelation eighteen is a repetition of the second angel’s message.
Den forskel, der må bemærkes i gentagelsen i vor tid, er, at i adventismens begyndelse gik den anden engels budskab først uden for milleriterne, og derefter gik budskabets anden del ind blandt milleriterne. Ved adventismens afslutning, når lignelsen igen gentages, gentages også den anden engels budskab. Det får vi fortalt direkte mere end en håndfuld gange. Men budskabets todelte karakter er vendt om ved enden. Det første budskab går til adventismen, og det andet til dem uden for adventismen. Det bliver os fortalt, at det værk og budskab, som er fremstillet ved englen i Åbenbaringen atten, er en gentagelse af den anden engels budskab.
“The prophet says, ‘I saw another angel come down from heaven, having great power; and the earth was lightened with his glory. And he cried mightily with a strong voice, saying, Babylon the great is fallen, is fallen, and is become the habitation of devils’ (Revelation 18:1, 2). This is the same message that was given by the second angel. Babylon is fallen, ‘because she made all nations drink of the wine of the wrath of her fornication’ (Revelation 14:8). What is that wine?—Her false doctrines. She has given to the world a false sabbath instead of the Sabbath of the fourth commandment, and has repeated the falsehood that Satan first told Eve in Eden—the natural immortality of the soul. Many kindred errors she has spread far and wide, ‘teaching for doctrines the commandments of men’ (Matthew 15:9).
„Profeten siger: ‚Jeg så en anden engel stige ned fra himmelen; han havde stor magt, og jorden blev oplyst af hans herlighed. Og han råbte med vældig røst og sagde: Faldet, faldet er det store Babylon, og det er blevet et tilholdssted for djævle‘ (Åbenbaringen 18:1, 2). Dette er det samme budskab, som blev givet af den anden engel. Babylon er faldet, ‚fordi hun gav alle folkeslagene at drikke af sin utugts vredes vin‘ (Åbenbaringen 14:8). Hvad er denne vin?—Hendes falske læresætninger. Hun har givet verden en falsk sabbat i stedet for sabbatten i det fjerde bud, og har gentaget den løgn, som Satan først fortalte Eva i Eden—sjælens naturlige udødelighed. Mange beslægtede vildfarelser har hun udbredt vidt og bredt, idet hun ‚lærer menneskebud som læresætninger‘ (Mattæus 15:9).“
“When Jesus began His public ministry, He cleansed the Temple from its sacrilegious profanation. Among the last acts of His ministry was the second cleansing of the Temple. So in the last work for the warning of the world, two distinct calls are made to the churches. The second angel’s message is, ‘Babylon is fallen, is fallen, that great city, because she made all nations drink of the wine of the wrath of her fornication’ (Revelation 14:8). And in the loud cry of the third angel’s message a voice is heard from heaven saying, ‘Come out of her, my people, that ye be not partakers of her sins, and that ye receive not of her plagues. For her sins have reached unto heaven, and God hath remembered her iniquities’ (Revelation 18:4, 5).” Selected Messages, book 2, 118.
"Da Jesus begyndte sin offentlige tjeneste, rensede Han templet for dets helligbrøde og vanhelligelse. Blandt de sidste handlinger i Hans tjeneste var den anden renselse af templet. Således gives der i det sidste værk til advarsel for verden to særskilte kald til menighederne. Den anden engels budskab er: 'Faldet, faldet er Babylon, den store stad, fordi hun gav alle folkeslagene at drikke af sin utugts vredes vin' (Åbenbaringen 14,8). Og i det høje råb i den tredje engels budskab høres en røst fra himlen, som siger: 'Drag ud fra hende, mit folk, for at I ikke skal blive delagtige i hendes synder og ikke få del i hendes plager. For hendes synder har nået himlen, og Gud har ihukommet hendes misgerninger' (Åbenbaringen 18,4.5)." Selected Messages, bog 2, s. 118.
The message of the second angel at the beginning of Adventism is the same message as the message represented by the angel of Revelation eighteen, and in that warning, there are two voices that proclaim a message. The first voice is proclaimed when the earth is lightened by his glory and in verse four John heard another voice saying, “come out of her.”
Den anden engels budskab ved adventismens begyndelse er det samme budskab som det budskab, der fremstilles ved englen i Åbenbaringen atten, og i denne advarsel er der to røster, som forkynder et budskab. Den første røst forkyndes, når jorden oplyses af hans herlighed, og i vers fire hørte Johannes en anden røst sige: »Drag ud fra hende.«
In Millerite history the call out of Babylon came first and the message to the Millerites came second. In Revelation eighteen it is the second voice, or second message that addresses those outside of Adventism. Along with the declaration that there are “two distinct calls made to the churches” we find that the two times Christ cleansed the temple (at the beginning and ending of His ministry) is also an illustration of the beginning and ending of Adventism.
I milleritternes historie kom kaldet ud af Babylon først, og budskabet til milleritterne kom dernæst. I Åbenbaringen atten er det den anden røst, eller det andet budskab, der henvender sig til dem uden for adventismen. Sammen med erklæringen om, at der er »to adskilte kald, som rettes til menighederne«, finder vi også, at de to gange, Kristus rensede templet (ved begyndelsen og afslutningen af sin tjeneste), ligeledes er en illustration af adventismens begyndelse og afslutning.
The beginning of Adventism illustrated a purification of the workers that helped in building the foundation that William Miller was used to establish. The foundation was completed at the conclusion of the second angel’s message, for with the arrival of the third angel on October 22, 1844 the truths that make up the foundations of Adventism were made available to understand, for those who are willing to hear.
Begyndelsen af adventismen illustrerede en renselse af arbejderne, som bidrog til opbygningen af det fundament, som William Miller blev brugt til at lægge. Fundamentet blev fuldendt ved afslutningen af den anden engels budskab, for med den tredje engels ankomst den 22. oktober 1844 blev de sandheder, der udgør adventismens fundament, gjort tilgængelige at forstå for dem, der er villige til at høre.
The work of building the foundation concluded at the climax of the history of the second angel, when “two distinct calls were made to the churches.” The first call was outside the Millerites, the second was for the Millerites. But another beginning that aligns with Adventism’s beginning is the ministry of Christ when He cleansed His temple the first time. The prophetic illustration of the temple being cleansed is marking a purification at the beginning and end of His ministry, that in turn typifies a purification of Adventism at its beginning and ending. Christ’s two temple cleansings align with the beginning and ending of Adventism, but His message was just for His covenant people who were in the process of forever divorcing themselves from God.
Arbejdet med at lægge grundvolden blev afsluttet ved højdepunktet i den anden engels historie, da „to særskilte kald blev rettet til menighederne“. Det første kald var uden for milleriterne; det andet var for milleriterne. Men en anden begyndelse, som svarer til adventismens begyndelse, er Kristi tjeneste, da Han første gang rensede sit tempel. Den profetiske illustration af, at templet renses, markerer en renselse ved begyndelsen og afslutningen af Hans tjeneste, hvilket igen er et forbillede på en renselse af adventismen ved dens begyndelse og afslutning. Kristi to tempelrenselser svarer til adventismens begyndelse og afslutning, men Hans budskab var kun til Hans pagtsfolk, som var i færd med for bestandig at skille sig fra Gud.
The beginning of Adventism presented a message announcing the opening of the judgment and the end of Adventism is announcing the end of judgment. Jesus cleansed the temple the first time and rebuked the Jews for turning His house into a den of thieves, but the second cleansing of the temple was “among the last acts of His ministry.” At the end of His ministry, He no longer told the Jews that they had made His Father’s house a den of thieves, he then told them that their house “was left to them desolate.”
Adventismens begyndelse frembar et budskab, der forkyndte dommens åbning, og Adventismens afslutning forkynder dommens ende. Jesus rensede templet første gang og irettesatte jøderne, fordi de havde gjort Hans hus til en røverkule, men templets anden renselse var „blandt de sidste handlinger i Hans tjeneste“. Ved afslutningen af Sin tjeneste sagde Han ikke længere til jøderne, at de havde gjort Hans Faders hus til en røverkule; da sagde Han til dem, at deres hus „blev forladt og overgivet til øde for dem“.
“Meanwhile worshipers from every nation sought the temple which had been dedicated to the worship of God. Glittering with gold and precious stones, it was a vision of beauty and grandeur. But Jehovah was no longer to be found in that palace of loveliness. Israel as a nation had divorced herself from God. When Christ, near the close of His earthly ministry, looked for the last time upon the interior of the temple, He said, ‘Behold, your house is left unto you desolate.’ Matthew 23:38. Hitherto He had called the temple His Father’s house; but as the Son of God passed out from those walls, God’s presence was withdrawn forever from the temple built to His glory.” Acts of the Apostles, 145.
Imidlertid søgte tilbedere fra alle nationer templet, som var blevet indviet til tilbedelsen af Gud. Strålende af guld og ædelsten var det et syn af skønhed og storhed. Men Jehova fandtes ikke længere i dette yndige palads. Israel som nation havde skilt sig fra Gud. Da Kristus, nær afslutningen af sin jordiske tjeneste, for sidste gang så ind i templets indre, sagde Han: »Se, jeres hus bliver overladt til jer selv, øde.« Matthæus 23,38. Hidtil havde Han kaldt templet sin Faders hus; men da Guds Søn gik ud fra disse mure, blev Guds nærvær for evigt trukket tilbage fra templet, som var bygget til Hans ære.” Apostlenes Gerninger, 145.
The temple He cleansed at the beginning was a different temple than what He cleansed at the end. The first temple was His Father’s house, but the second temple was the Jew’s house. The Lord entered into covenant with Adventism at the beginning and Adventists became priests in His temple. At the end of Adventism, they are to be no more priests, and their house will be desolated.
Det tempel, som Han rensede i begyndelsen, var et andet tempel end det, Han rensede til sidst. Det første tempel var Hans Faders hus, men det andet tempel var jødernes hus. Herren indgik pagt med adventismen i begyndelsen, og adventister blev præster i Hans tempel. Ved adventismens ende skal de ikke længere være præster, og deres hus skal blive lagt øde.
The second angel represents two messages. This is one reason the message is represented as Babylon falling twice. This is not the primary reason for the twice repeated announcement of Babylon’s fall, but is one reason. How is it two messages?
Den anden engel repræsenterer to budskaber. Dette er en af grundene til, at budskabet fremstilles som Babylons fald to gange. Dette er ikke den primære grund til den to gange gentagne bekendtgørelse af Babylons fald, men det er en af grundene. Hvordan er det to budskaber?
The second angel arrived in response to the rejection of the first angel’s message. When the failed prediction, identifying 1843 as the conclusion of the 2300-year prophecy, the Protestant churches used the erroneous message to reject Miller’s message. Miller’s message was the first angel’s message. At its rejection the Protestant churches, who had been God’s church in the wilderness for over 1260 years, were rejected and became a daughter of Babylon. At that point the second angel arrived with his message.
Den anden engel kom som svar på forkastelsen af den første engels budskab. Da den fejlslagne forudsigelse, som identificerede 1843 som afslutningen på de 2300 år i profetien, blev brugt af de protestantiske kirker som det fejlagtige budskab til at forkaste Millers budskab, var Millers budskab den første engels budskab. Ved forkastelsen af dette blev de protestantiske kirker, som havde været Guds kirke i ørkenen i over 1260 år, forkastet og blev en datter af Babylon. På det tidspunkt kom den anden engel med sit budskab.
There are some very important points involved with the various elements of this history we are considering. There is at least one point that must be developed slowly for it definitely contributes to the understanding of the message of the Revelation of Jesus Christ that is currently being unsealed. For this reason, I am including a very important passage about that history. It is two chapters that I am pointing to, but there is also a third important chapter in the middle of those two chapters. I am not including this at this time in order to limit the scope of our consideration.
Der er nogle meget vigtige punkter forbundet med de forskellige elementer i den historie, vi betragter. Der er mindst ét punkt, som må udvikles langsomt, for det bidrager afgjort til forståelsen af budskabet i Jesu Kristi åbenbaring, som i øjeblikket er ved at blive åbenbaret. Af denne grund medtager jeg en meget vigtig passage om denne historie. Det er to kapitler, jeg henviser til, men der er også et tredje vigtigt kapitel imellem disse to kapitler. Dette medtager jeg ikke på nuværende tidspunkt for at begrænse omfanget af vores betragtning.
Notice which angel is being addressed as you read through, look for the progressive testing process, note in the first paragraph that the prophetic characteristics of the angel of Revelation eighteen are also the characteristics of the first angel. Notice that to crucify one of the messages is to crucify Christ, and notice that the three angels are all presented as single angels, but the Midnight Cry message is a multitude of angels.
Læg mærke til, hvilken engel der tiltales, mens du læser igennem, se efter den gradvise prøvelsesproces, bemærk i det første afsnit, at de profetiske kendetegn ved engelen i Åbenbaringen atten også er kendetegnene ved den første engel. Læg mærke til, at at korsfæste ét af budskaberne er at korsfæste Kristus, og læg mærke til, at de tre engle alle fremstilles som enkelte engle, men Midnatsråbets budskab er en mangfoldighed af engle.
“I was shown the interest which all heaven had taken in the work which had been going on upon the earth. Jesus commissioned a strong and mighty angel to descend and warn the inhabitants of earth to get ready for his second appearing. I saw the mighty angel leave the presence of Jesus in heaven. Before him went an exceedingly bright and glorious light. I was told that his mission was to lighten the earth with his glory, and warn man of the coming wrath of God. Multitudes received the light. Some seemed to be very solemn, while others were joyful and enraptured. The light was shed upon all, but some merely came under the influence of the light, and did not heartily receive it. But all who received it, turned their faces upward to heaven, and glorified God. Many were filled with great wrath. Ministers and people united with the vile, and stoutly resisted the light shed by the mighty angel. But all who received it withdrew from the world, and were closely united together.
„Jeg fik vist den interesse, som hele himlen havde taget i det værk, der var blevet udført på jorden. Jesus gav en stærk og mægtig engel befaling til at stige ned og advare jordens indbyggere om at gøre sig rede til hans andet komme. Jeg så den mægtige engel forlade Jesu nærhed i himlen. Foran ham gik et overmåde klart og herligt lys. Jeg fik at vide, at hans mission var at oplyse jorden med sin herlighed og advare menneskene om Guds kommende vrede. Store skarer modtog lyset. Nogle syntes at være meget alvorlige, mens andre var glade og henrykte. Lyset blev udgydt over alle, men nogle kom blot ind under lysets indflydelse og modtog det ikke af hjertet. Men alle, som modtog det, vendte deres ansigter opad mod himlen og priste Gud. Mange blev fyldt med stor vrede. Prædikanter og folk sluttede sig sammen med de usle og satte sig hårdnakket imod det lys, som den mægtige engel udgød. Men alle, som modtog det, trak sig bort fra verden og var nøje forenede med hinanden.
“Satan and his angels were busily engaged in seeking to attract the minds of all they could from the light. The company who rejected it were left in darkness. I saw the angel watching with the deepest interest the professed people of God, to record the character they developed, as the message of heavenly origin was introduced to them. And as very many who professed love for Jesus turned from the heavenly message with scorn, derision and hatred, an angel with a parchment in his hand, made the shameful record. All heaven was filled with indignation, because Jesus was slighted by his professed followers.
„Satan og hans engle var travlt beskæftiget med at søge at drage sindene hos alle dem, de kunne, bort fra lyset. Den skare, som forkastede det, blev efterladt i mørke. Jeg så englen våge med den dybeste interesse over Guds bekendende folk for at optegne den karakter, de udviklede, idet budskabet af himmelsk oprindelse blev fremholdt for dem. Og da meget mange, som bekendte kærlighed til Jesus, vendte sig bort fra det himmelske budskab med hån, spot og had, gjorde en engel med en pergamentrulle i hånden den skammelige optegnelse. Hele himlen var fyldt med harme, fordi Jesus blev ringeagtet af sine bekendende efterfølgere.
“I saw the disappointment of the trusting ones. They did not see their Lord at the expected time. It was God’s purpose to conceal the future, and bring his people to a point of decision. Without this point of time the work designed of God would not have been accomplished. Satan was leading the minds of very many far ahead in the future. A period of time proclaimed for Christ’s appearing must bring the mind to earnestly seek for a present preparation. As the time passed, those who had not fully received the light of the angel, united with those who had despised the heavenly message, and they turned upon the disappointed ones in ridicule. I saw the angels in heaven consulting with Jesus. They had marked the situation of Christ’s professed followers. The passing of the definite time had tested and proved them, and very many were weighed in the balance and found wanting. They all loudly professed to be Christians, yet failed in following Christ in almost every particular. Satan exulted at the state of the professed followers of Christ. He had them in his snare. He had led the majority to leave the straight path, and they were attempting to climb up to heaven some other way. Angels saw the pure, the clean, and holy, all mixed up with sinners in Zion, and the world-loving hypocrite. They had watched over the true lovers of Jesus; but the corrupt were affecting the holy.
„Jeg så skuffelsen hos de tillidsfulde. De så ikke deres Herre på den forventede tid. Det var Guds hensigt at skjule fremtiden og bringe sit folk til et afgørelsens punkt. Uden dette tidspunkt ville det værk, som Gud havde tilsigtet, ikke være blevet fuldbyrdet. Satan ledte manges tanker langt frem i fremtiden. Et tidsrum, forkyndt for Kristi komme, måtte bringe sindet til alvorligt at søge en nuværende beredelse. Da tiden var forbi, forenede de, som ikke fuldt ud havde modtaget engelens lys, sig med dem, som havde foragtet det himmelske budskab, og de vendte sig mod de skuffede med hån. Jeg så englene i himmelen rådføre sig med Jesus. De havde lagt mærke til situationen blandt Kristi bekendende efterfølgere. Den fastsatte tids forløb havde prøvet og befundet dem, og meget mange blev vejet på vægtskålen og fundet for lette. De bekendte sig alle højlydt til at være kristne, men svigtede i at følge Kristus i næsten ethvert forhold. Satan jublede over tilstanden hos Kristi bekendende efterfølgere. Han havde dem i sin snare. Han havde ledt flertallet til at forlade den lige vej, og de forsøgte at stige op til himmelen ad en anden vej. Engle så de rene, de uplettede og hellige, fuldstændig sammenblandet med syndere i Zion og med verdenselskende hyklere. De havde våget over Jesu sande elskere; men de fordærvede øvede indflydelse på de hellige.“
“Those whose hearts burned with a longing, intense desire to see Jesus, were forbidden by their professed brethren to speak of his coming. Angels viewed the whole scene, and sympathized with the remnant, who loved the appearing of Jesus. Another mighty angel was commissioned to descend to earth. Jesus placed in his hand a writing, and as he came to earth, he cried, Babylon is fallen! is fallen! Then I saw the disappointed ones again look cheerful, and raise their eyes to heaven, looking with faith and hope for their Lord’s appearing. But many seemed to remain in a stupid state, as if asleep; yet I could see the trace of deep sorrow upon their countenances. The disappointed ones saw from the Bible that they were in the tarrying time, and that they must patiently wait the fulfillment of the vision. The same evidence which led them to look for their Lord in 1843, led them to expect him in 1844. I saw that the majority did not possess that energy which marked their faith in 1843. Their disappointment had dampened their faith. But as the disappointed ones united in the cry of the second angel, the heavenly host looked with the deepest interest, and marked the effect of the message. They saw those who bore the name of Christians turn with derision and scorn upon those who had been disappointed. As the words fell from the mocker’s lips, You have not gone up yet! an angel wrote them. Said the angel, They mock God.
„De, hvis hjerter brændte af en længsel, et intenst begær efter at se Jesus, fik af deres bekendende brødre forbud mod at tale om hans komme. Engle betragtede hele skuepladsen og følte med den rest, som elskede Jesu tilsynekomst. En anden mægtig engel blev udsendt for at stige ned til jorden. Jesus lagde et skrift i hans hånd, og da han kom til jorden, råbte han: Babylon er faldet! er faldet! Da så jeg de skuffede igen blive opmuntrede og løfte deres øjne mod himlen, idet de med tro og håb skuede efter deres Herres tilsynekomst. Men mange syntes at forblive i en sløv tilstand, som om de sov; dog kunne jeg se sporene af dyb sorg på deres ansigter. De skuffede så i Bibelen, at de befandt sig i ventetiden, og at de tålmodigt måtte afvente synets opfyldelse. Det samme bevis, som havde ledt dem til at se frem til deres Herre i 1843, fik dem til at forvente ham i 1844. Jeg så, at flertallet ikke besad den kraft, som havde kendetegnet deres tro i 1843. Deres skuffelse havde svækket deres tro. Men da de skuffede forenede sig i den anden engels råb, så den himmelske hærskare til med den dybeste interesse og lagde mærke til virkningen af budskabet. De så dem, som bar navnet kristne, vende sig med hån og foragt mod dem, som var blevet skuffede. Da ordene faldt fra spotterens læber: I er endnu ikke steget op! skrev en engel dem ned. Engelen sagde: De spotter Gud.“
“I was pointed back to the translation of Elijah. His mantle fell on Elisha, and wicked children (or young people) followed him, mocking, crying, Go up thou bald head! Go up thou bald head! They mocked God, and met their punishment there. They had learned it of their parents. And those who have scoffed and mocked at the idea of the saints’ going up, will be visited with the plagues of God, and will realize that it is not a small thing to trifle with him.
„Jeg blev henvist tilbage til Elias’ borttagelse. Hans kappe faldt på Elisa, og ugudelige børn (eller unge mennesker) fulgte efter ham, spottede og råbte: Far op, du skaldede! Far op, du skaldede! De spottede Gud og mødte der deres straf. De havde lært det af deres forældre. Og de, som har hånet og spottet tanken om de helliges opfarelse, skal blive hjemsøgt af Guds plager og vil indse, at det ikke er en ringe ting at spøge med ham.״
“Jesus commissioned other angels to fly quickly to revive and strengthen the drooping faith of his people, and prepare them to understand the message of the second angel, and of the important move which was soon to be made in heaven. I saw these angels receive great power and light from Jesus, and fly quickly to earth to fulfill their commission to aid the second angel in his work. A great light shone upon the people of God as the angels cried. Behold the Bridegroom cometh, go ye out to meet him. Then I saw those disappointed ones rise, and in harmony with the second angel, proclaim, Behold the Bridegroom cometh, go ye out to meet him. The light from the angels penetrated the darkness everywhere. Satan and his angels sought to hinder this light from spreading, and having its designed effect. They contended with the angels of God, and told them that God had deceived the people, and that with all their light and power, they could not make the people believe that Jesus was coming. The angels of God continued their work, although Satan strove to hedge up the way, and draw the minds of the people from the light. Those who received it looked very happy. They fixed their eyes up to heaven, and longed for the appearing of Jesus. Some were in great distress, weeping and praying. Their eyes seemed to be fixed upon themselves, and they dared not look upward.
„Jesus gav andre engle befaling til hurtigt at flyve ud for at genoplive og styrke sit folks svigtende tro og berede dem til at forstå den anden engels budskab og den vigtige handling, som snart skulle finde sted i himmelen. Jeg så disse engle modtage stor kraft og lys fra Jesus og hurtigt flyve til jorden for at fuldbyrde deres sendelse med at bistå den anden engel i hans gerning. Et stort lys skinnede over Guds folk, mens englene råbte: Se, brudgommen kommer, gå ham i møde. Da så jeg de skuffede rejse sig og i samklang med den anden engel forkynde: Se, brudgommen kommer, gå ham i møde. Lyset fra englene gennemtrængte mørket overalt. Satan og hans engle søgte at hindre dette lys i at udbrede sig og få den tilsigtede virkning. De stred med Guds engle og sagde til dem, at Gud havde bedraget folket, og at de med alt deres lys og al deres kraft ikke kunne få folket til at tro, at Jesus kom. Guds engle fortsatte deres arbejde, skønt Satan stræbte efter at spærre vejen og drage folkets sind bort fra lyset. De, som modtog det, så meget lykkelige ud. De fæstede deres øjne mod himmelen og længtes efter Jesu tilsynekomst. Nogle var i stor nød, græd og bad. Deres øjne syntes at være rettet mod dem selv, og de vovede ikke at se opad.“
“A precious light from heaven parted the darkness from them, and their eyes, which had been fixed in despair upon themselves, were turned upward, while gratitude and holy joy were expressed upon every feature. Jesus and all the angelic host looked with approbation upon the faithful, waiting ones.
Et dyrebart lys fra himlen skilte mørket fra dem, og deres øjne, som i fortvivlelse havde været fæstet på dem selv, blev vendt opad, mens taknemmelighed og hellig glæde kom til udtryk i hvert ansigtstræk. Jesus og hele den englelige hærskare så med velbehag på de trofaste, ventende.
“Those who rejected and opposed the light of the first angel’s message, lost the light of the second, and could not be benefited by the power and glory which attended the message, Behold the Bridegroom cometh. Jesus turned from them with a frown. They had slighted and rejected him. Those who received the message were wrapt in a cloud of glory. They waited and watched and prayed to know the will of God. They greatly feared to offend him. I saw Satan and his angels seeking to shut this divine light from the people of God; but as long as the waiting ones cherished the light, and kept their eyes raised from earth to Jesus, Satan could have no power to deprive them of this precious light. The message given from heaven enraged Satan and his angels, and those who professed to love Jesus, but despised his coming, scorned and derided the faithful, trusting ones. But an angel marked every insult, every slight, every abuse they received from their professed brethren. Very many raised their voices to cry, Behold the Bridegroom cometh, and left their brethren who did not love the appearing of Jesus, and who would not suffer them to dwell upon his second coming. I saw Jesus turn his face from those who rejected and despised his coming, and then he bade angels lead his people out from among the unclean, lest they should be defiled. Those obedient to the messages stood out free and united. A holy and excellent light shone upon them. They renounced the world, tore their affections from it, and sacrificed their earthly interests. They gave up their earthly treasure, and their anxious gaze was directed to heaven, expecting to see their loved Deliverer. A sacred, holy joy beamed upon their countenances, and told of the peace and joy which reigned within. Jesus bade his angels go and strengthen them, for the hour of their trial drew on. I saw that these waiting ones were not yet tried as they must be. They were not free from errors. And I saw the mercy and goodness of God in sending a warning to the people of earth, and repeated messages to bring them up to a point of time, to lead them to a diligent search of themselves, that they might divest themselves of errors which have been handed down from the heathen and papists. Through these messages God has been bringing out his people where he can work for them in greater power, and where they can keep all his commandments. . . .
„De, som forkastede og modstod lyset fra den første engels budskab, mistede lyset fra den anden og kunne ikke nyde godt af den kraft og herlighed, som ledsagede budskabet: Se, brudgommen kommer. Jesus vendte sig fra dem med en vred mine. De havde ringeagtet og forkastet ham. De, som tog imod budskabet, blev indhyllet i en sky af herlighed. De ventede og vågede og bad for at kende Guds vilje. De frygtede i høj grad at krænke ham. Jeg så Satan og hans engle søge at lukke dette guddommelige lys ude fra Guds folk; men så længe de ventende nærede lyset og holdt deres øjne løftet fra jorden op til Jesus, havde Satan ingen magt til at berøve dem dette dyrebare lys. Budskabet givet fra himlen gjorde Satan og hans engle rasende, og de, som bekendte sig til at elske Jesus, men foragtede hans komme, hånede og spottede de trofaste, tillidsfulde. Men en engel optegnede hver fornærmelse, hver ringeagt, hver mishandling, de modtog fra deres bekendende brødre. Meget mange hævede deres røst for at råbe: Se, brudgommen kommer, og forlod deres brødre, som ikke elskede Jesu tilsynekomst, og som ikke ville tillade dem at dvæle ved hans andet komme. Jeg så Jesus vende sit ansigt bort fra dem, som forkastede og foragtede hans komme, og derpå bød han englene føre sit folk ud fra de urenes midte, for at de ikke skulle blive besmittede. De, som var lydige mod budskaberne, stod frem frie og forenede. Et helligt og ophøjet lys skinnede over dem. De gav afkald på verden, rev deres hengivenhed løs fra den og ofrede deres jordiske interesser. De opgav deres jordiske skat, og deres ængstelige blik var rettet mod himlen i forventning om at se deres elskede Befrier. En hellig, hellig glæde strålede fra deres ansigter og vidnede om den fred og glæde, som herskede indeni. Jesus bød sine engle gå og styrke dem, for deres prøvelses time nærmede sig. Jeg så, at disse ventende endnu ikke var prøvet, som de måtte blive det. De var endnu ikke fri for vildfarelser. Og jeg så Guds barmhjertighed og godhed i at sende en advarsel til jordens folk og gentagne budskaber for at føre dem frem til et bestemt tidspunkt, for at lede dem til en flittig selvransagelse, så de kunne frigøre sig fra vildfarelser, som var blevet overleveret fra hedninger og papister. Ved disse budskaber har Gud ført sit folk ud, hvor han kan virke for dem med større kraft, og hvor de kan holde alle hans bud....“
“As the ministration of Jesus closed in the Holy place, and he passed into the Holiest, and stood before the ark containing the law of God, he sent another mighty angel to earth with the third message. He placed a parchment in the angel’s hand, and as he descended to earth in majesty and power, he proclaimed a fearful warning, the most terrible threatening ever borne to man. This message was designed to put the children of God upon their guard, and show them the hour of temptation and anguish that was before them. Said the angel, They will be brought into close combat with the beast and his image. Their only hope of eternal life is to remain steadfast. Although their lives are at stake, yet they must hold fast the truth. The third angel closes his message with these words, Here is the patience of the saints; here are they that keep the commandments of God, and the faith of Jesus. As he repeated these words he pointed to the heavenly Sanctuary. The minds of all who embrace this message are directed to the Most Holy place where Jesus stands before the ark, making his final intercession for all those for whom mercy still lingers, and for those who have ignorantly broken the law of God. This atonement is made for the righteous dead as well as for the righteous living. Jesus makes an atonement for those who died, not receiving the light upon God’s commandments, who sinned ignorantly.
„Da Jesu tjeneste i det Hellige blev afsluttet, og han gik ind i det Allerhelligste og stod foran arken, som indeholdt Guds lov, sendte han endnu en mægtig engel til jorden med det tredje budskab. Han lagde et pergament i englens hånd, og da han steg ned til jorden i majestæt og kraft, forkyndte han en frygtelig advarsel, den mest forfærdende trussel, der nogen sinde er blevet båret til mennesket. Dette budskab var bestemt til at sætte Guds børn på vagt og vise dem den fristelsens og angstens time, som lå foran dem. Englen sagde: De vil blive ført ind i nærkamp med dyret og dets billede. Deres eneste håb om evigt liv er at forblive standhaftige. Skønt deres liv er på spil, må de dog holde fast ved sandheden. Den tredje engel afslutter sit budskab med disse ord: Her er de helliges tålmodighed; her er de, som holder Guds bud og Jesu tro. Da han gentog disse ord, pegede han på den himmelske helligdom. Sindene hos alle, som tager imod dette budskab, rettes mod det Allerhelligste, hvor Jesus står foran arken og frembærer sin sidste forbøn for alle dem, for hvem nåden endnu dvæler, og for dem, der i uvidenhed har overtrådt Guds lov. Denne soning sker både for de retfærdige døde og for de retfærdige levende. Jesus gør soning for dem, som døde uden at have modtaget lyset over Guds bud, og som syndede i uvidenhed.“
“After Jesus opened the door of the Most Holy the light of the Sabbath was seen, and the people of God were to be tested and proved, as God proved the children of Israel anciently, to see if they would keep his law. I saw the third angel pointing upward, showing the disappointed ones the way to the Holiest of the heavenly Sanctuary. They followed Jesus by faith into the Most Holy. Again they have found Jesus, and joy and hope spring up anew. I saw them looking back reviewing the past, from the proclamation of the second advent of Jesus, down through their travels to the passing of the time in 1844. They see their disappointment explained, and joy and certainty again animate them. The third angel has lighted up the past, present and future, and they know that God has indeed led them by his mysterious providence.
„Efter at Jesus havde åbnet døren til Det Allerhelligste, blev sabbattens lys set, og Guds folk skulle prøves og bevises, ligesom Gud fordum prøvede Israels børn, for at se, om de ville holde hans lov. Jeg så den tredje engel pege opad og vise de skuffede vejen til det Allerhelligste i den himmelske helligdom. Ved tro fulgte de Jesus ind i Det Allerhelligste. Atter har de fundet Jesus, og glæde og håb springer frem på ny. Jeg så dem se tilbage og gennemgå fortiden, fra forkyndelsen af Jesu andet komme og gennem deres vandring frem til tidens udløb i 1844. De ser deres skuffelse forklaret, og glæde og vished besjæler dem igen. Den tredje engel har oplyst fortid, nutid og fremtid, og de ved, at Gud virkelig har ledet dem ved sit hemmelighedsfulde forsyn.“
“It was represented to me that the remnant followed Jesus into the Most Holy place, and beheld the ark, and the mercy-seat, and were captivated with their glory. Jesus raised the cover of the ark, and behold! the tables of stone, with the ten commandments written upon them. They trace down the lively oracles; but they start back with trembling when they see the fourth commandment living among the ten holy precepts, while a brighter light shines upon it than upon the other nine, and a halo of glory is all around it. They find nothing there informing them that the Sabbath has been abolished, or changed to the first day of the week. It reads as when spoken by the mouth of God in solemn and awful grandeur upon the mount, while the lightnings flashed and the thunders rolled, and when written with his own holy finger in the tables of stone. Six days shalt thou labor and do all thy work; but the seventh day is the Sabbath of the Lord thy God. They are amazed as they behold the care taken of the ten commandments. They see them placed close by Jehovah, overshadowed and protected by his holiness. They see that they have been trampling upon the fourth commandment of the decalogue, and have observed a day handed down by the heathen and papists, instead of the day sanctified by Jehovah. They humble themselves before God, and mourn over their past transgressions.
„Det blev fremstillet for mig, at resten fulgte Jesus ind i det Allerhelligste og skuede arken og nådestolen og blev betaget af deres herlighed. Jesus løftede låget på arken, og se! stentavlerne med de ti bud skrevet på dem. De følger de levende gudsord ned gennem rækken; men de viger tilbage med bæven, når de ser det fjerde bud leve blandt de ti hellige forskrifter, mens et klarere lys skinner over det end over de andre ni, og en glorie af herlighed omgiver det helt. De finder intet der, som underretter dem om, at sabbatten er blevet afskaffet eller ændret til ugens første dag. Det lyder, som da det blev talt af Guds mund i højtidelig og frygtindgydende majestæt på bjerget, mens lynene flammede og tordenen rullede, og da det blev skrevet med hans egen hellige finger på stentavlerne. Seks dage skal du arbejde og gøre al din gerning; men den syvende dag er sabbat for Herren din Gud. De forundres, når de ser den omhu, der er blevet vist de ti bud. De ser dem anbragt tæt ved Jehova, overskygget og beskyttet af hans hellighed. De ser, at de har trådt på det fjerde bud i dekalogen og har holdt en dag, som er blevet overleveret af hedninger og papister, i stedet for den dag, som Jehova har helliget. De ydmyger sig for Gud og sørger over deres tidligere overtrædelser.
“I saw the incense in the censer smoke as Jesus offered their confessions and prayers to his Father. And as it ascended, a bright light rested upon Jesus, and upon the mercy-seat; and the earnest, praying ones, who were troubled because they had discovered themselves to be transgressors of God’s law, were blest, and their countenances lighted up with hope and joy. They joined in the work of the third angel, and raised their voices and proclaimed the solemn warning. But few at first received the message, yet they continued with energy to proclaim the warning. Then I saw many embrace the message of the third angel, and unite their voices with those who had first proclaimed the warning, and they exalted God and magnified him by observing his sanctified Rest-day.
„Jeg så røgelsen i røgelseskarret ryge, idet Jesus frembar deres bekendelser og bønner for sin Fader. Og mens den steg op, hvilede et klart lys over Jesus og over nådestolen; og de alvorlige, bedende, som var bekymrede, fordi de havde opdaget, at de var overtrædere af Guds lov, blev velsignede, og deres ansigter lyste op med håb og glæde. De sluttede sig til den tredje engels værk, løftede deres røster og forkyndte den højtidelige advarsel. Men kun få tog først imod budskabet; dog fortsatte de med kraft at forkynde advarslen. Derpå så jeg mange omfavne den tredje engels budskab og forene deres røster med dem, som først havde forkyndt advarslen, og de ophøjede Gud og priste ham ved at holde hans helligede hviledag.“
“Many who embraced the third message had not an experience in the two former messages. Satan understood this, and his evil eye was upon them to overthrow them; but the third angel was pointing them to the Most Holy place, and those who had an experience in the past messages were pointing them the way to the heavenly Sanctuary. Many saw the perfect chain of truth in the angels’ messages, and gladly received it. They embraced them in their order, and followed Jesus by faith into the heavenly Sanctuary. These messages were represented to me as an anchor to hold the body. And as individuals receive and understand them, they are shielded against the many delusions of Satan.
”Mange, som tog imod det tredje budskab, havde ikke gjort erfaring i de to foregående budskaber. Satan forstod dette, og hans onde øje var rettet imod dem for at bringe dem til fald; men den tredje engel pegede dem hen til det Allerhelligste, og de, som havde gjort erfaring i de tidligere budskaber, viste dem vejen til den himmelske helligdom. Mange så den fuldkomne sandhedskæde i englenes budskaber og tog imod den med glæde. De tog imod dem i deres rette rækkefølge og fulgte Jesus i tro ind i den himmelske helligdom. Disse budskaber blev fremstillet for mig som et anker til at holde menigheden fast. Og idet enkeltpersoner modtager og forstår dem, bliver de beskyttet imod Satans mange vildfarelser.
“After the great disappointment in 1844, Satan and his angels were busily engaged in laying snares to unsettle the faith of the body. He was affecting the minds of individuals who had a personal experience in these things. They had an appearance of humility. They changed the first and second messages, and pointed to the future for their fulfillment, while others pointed far back in the past, declaring that they had been there fulfilled. These individuals were drawing the minds of the inexperienced away, and unsettling their faith. Some were searching the Bible to try to build up a faith of their own, independent of the body. Satan exulted in all this; for he knew that those who broke loose from the anchor, he could affect by different errors and drive about with winds of doctrine. Many who had led in the first and second messages, denied them, and division and scattering was throughout the body. I then saw Wm. Miller. He looked perplexed, and was bowed with sorrow and distress for his people. He saw the company who were united and loving in 1844, losing their love for each other, and opposing one another. He saw them fall back into a cold, backslidden state. Grief wasted his strength. I saw leading men watching Wm. Miller, and fearing lest he should embrace the third angel’s message and the commandments of God. And as he would lean towards the light from heaven, these men would lay some plan to draw his mind away. I saw a human influence exerted to keep his mind in darkness, and to retain his influence among them. At length Wm. Miller raised his voice against the light from heaven. He failed in not receiving the message which would have fully explained his disappointment, and cast a light and glory on the past, which would have revived his exhausted energies, brightened up his hope, and led him to glorify God. But he leaned to human wisdom instead of divine, and being broken with arduous labor in his Master’s cause, and by age, he was not as accountable as those who kept him from the truth. They are responsible, and the sin rests upon them. If Wm. Miller could have seen the light of the third message, many things which looked dark and mysterious to him would have been explained. His brethren professed such deep love and interest for him, he thought he could not tear away from them. His heart would incline towards the truth; but then he looked at his brethren. They opposed it. Could he tear away from those who had stood side and shoulder with him in proclaiming Jesus’ coming? He thought they surely would not lead him astray.
„Efter den store skuffelse i 1844 var Satan og hans engle travlt beskæftiget med at lægge snarer for at rokke legemets tro. Han påvirkede sindene hos enkeltpersoner, som havde en personlig erfaring i disse ting. De havde et udseende af ydmyghed. De ændrede det første og det andet budskab og henviste til fremtiden for deres opfyldelse, mens andre pegede langt tilbage i fortiden og erklærede, at de dér havde fundet deres opfyldelse. Disse personer ledte de uerfarnes tanker bort og bragte deres tro ud af ligevægt. Nogle grans-kede Bibelen for at forsøge at opbygge en tro for sig selv, uafhængig af legemet. Satan frydede sig over alt dette; for han vidste, at dem, der rev sig løs fra ankeret, kunne han påvirke med forskellige vildfarelser og drive omkring med lærdommens vinde. Mange, som havde stået i spidsen for det første og det andet budskab, fornægtede dem, og splittelse og spredning fandtes overalt i legemet. Derpå så jeg Wm. Miller. Han så forvirret ud og var bøjet af sorg og nød for sit folk. Han så den skare, som i 1844 havde været forenet og kærlig, miste deres kærlighed til hinanden og stå hinanden imod. Han så dem falde tilbage i en kold, frafalden tilstand. Sorgen fortærede hans kræfter. Jeg så ledende mænd holde øje med Wm. Miller og frygte, at han skulle antage den tredje engels budskab og Guds bud. Og når han hældede mod lyset fra himlen, lagde disse mænd en eller anden plan for at drage hans sind bort. Jeg så en menneskelig indflydelse blive udøvet for at holde hans sind i mørke og bevare hans indflydelse iblandt dem. Til sidst hævede Wm. Miller sin røst imod lyset fra himlen. Han svigtede ved ikke at modtage det budskab, som fuldt ud ville have forklaret hans skuffelse og kastet lys og herlighed over fortiden, hvilket ville have genoplivet hans udmattede kræfter, oplyst hans håb og ført ham til at herliggøre Gud. Men han støttede sig til menneskelig visdom i stedet for guddommelig, og idet han var nedbrudt af møjsommeligt arbejde i sin Herres sag og af alder, var han ikke så ansvarlig som dem, der holdt ham borte fra sandheden. De er ansvarlige, og synden hviler på dem. Hvis Wm. Miller havde kunnet se lyset fra det tredje budskab, ville mange ting, som forekom ham mørke og gådefulde, være blevet forklaret. Hans brødre bekendte en så dyb kærlighed og interesse for ham, at han mente, at han ikke kunne rive sig løs fra dem. Hans hjerte hældede mod sandheden; men så så han på sine brødre. De modsatte sig den. Kunne han rive sig løs fra dem, som havde stået side om side og skulder ved skulder med ham i forkyndelsen af Jesu komme? Han tænkte, at de visselig ikke ville føre ham vild.“
“God suffered him to come under the power of Satan, and death to have dominion over him. He hid him in the grave, away from those who were constantly drawing him from God. Moses erred just as he was about to enter the promised land. So also, I saw that Wm. Miller erred as he was soon to enter the heavenly Canaan, in suffering his influence to go against the truth. Others led him to this. Others must account for it. But angels watch the precious dust of this servant of God, and he will come forth at the sound of the last trump.
"Gud tillod ham at komme under Satans magt og døden at have herredømme over ham. Han skjulte ham i graven, bort fra dem, som uafladeligt drog ham bort fra Gud. Moses fejlede, netop som han stod for at gå ind i det forjættede land. Således så jeg også, at Wm. Miller fejlede, da han snart skulle gå ind i det himmelske Kana'an, idet han lod sin indflydelse gå imod sandheden. Andre førte ham dertil. Andre må stå til regnskab for det. Men engle våger over denne Guds tjeners dyrebare støv, og han skal fremgå ved den sidste basuns lyd."
“I saw a company who stood well guarded and firm, and would give no countenance to those who would unsettle the established faith of the body. God looked upon them with approbation. I was shown three steps—one, two and three—the first, second and third angels’ messages. Said the angel, Woe to him who shall move a block, or stir a pin in these messages. The true understanding of these messages is of vital importance. The destiny of souls hangs upon the manner in which they are received. I was again brought down through these messages, and saw how dearly the people of God had purchased their experience. It had been obtained through much suffering and severe conflict. Step by step had God brought them along, until he had placed them upon a solid, immovable platform. Then I saw individuals as they approached the platform, before stepping upon it examine the foundation. Some with rejoicing immediately stepped upon it. Others commenced to find fault with the laying of the foundation of the platform. They wished improvements made, and then the platform would be more perfect, and the people much happier. Some stepped off the platform and examined it, then found fault with it, declaring it to be laid wrong. I saw that nearly all stood firm upon the platform, and exhorted others who had stepped off to cease their complaints, for God was the master-builder, and they were fighting against him. They recounted the wonderful work of God, which had led them to the firm platform, and in union nearly all raised their eyes to heaven, and with a loud voice glorified God. This affected some of those who had complained, and left the platform, and again they with humble look stepped upon it.
”Jeg så en skare, som stod vel bevogtet og fast, og som ikke ville give nogen støtte til dem, der ville rokke ved legemets grundfæstede tro. Gud så på dem med velbehag. Jeg fik vist tre trin — det første, det andet og det tredje — de tre englebudskaber. Englen sagde: Ve den, som flytter en blok eller rokker ved en stift i disse budskaber. Den rette forståelse af disse budskaber er af livsvigtig betydning. Sjæles skæbne afhænger af den måde, hvorpå de modtages. Jeg blev igen ført ned gennem disse budskaber og så, hvor dyrt Guds folk havde købt deres erfaring. Den var blevet opnået gennem megen lidelse og hård kamp. Skridt for skridt havde Gud ført dem frem, indtil han havde stillet dem på en fast, urokkelig platform. Dernæst så jeg enkelte personer, som, idet de nærmede sig platformen, undersøgte grundlaget, før de trådte op på den. Nogle trådte straks op på den med glæde. Andre begyndte at finde fejl ved lægningen af platformens grundvold. De ønskede, at der blev foretaget forbedringer, og så ville platformen være mere fuldkommen, og folket langt lykkeligere. Nogle trådte ned fra platformen og undersøgte den, hvorefter de fandt fejl ved den og erklærede, at den var lagt forkert. Jeg så, at næsten alle stod faste på platformen og formanede andre, som var trådt ned fra den, til at ophøre med deres klager, for Gud var mesterbyggeren, og de stred imod ham. De fortalte om Guds vidunderlige værk, som havde ført dem til den faste platform, og i forening løftede næsten alle deres øjne mod himlen og priste Gud med høj røst. Dette virkede på nogle af dem, som havde klaget og forladt platformen, og atter trådte de op på den med ydmygt blik.
“I was pointed back to the proclamation of the first advent of Christ. John was sent in the spirit and power of Elijah to prepare the way for Jesus’ coming. Those who rejected the testimony of John were not benefited by the teachings of Jesus. Their opposition to the proclamation of his first advent placed them where they could not readily receive the strongest evidence of his being the Messiah. Satan led on those who rejected the message of John to go still further, to reject Jesus and crucify him. In doing this, they placed themselves where they could not receive the blessing on the day of Pentecost, which would have taught them the way into the heavenly Sanctuary. The rending of the vail of the temple showed that the Jewish sacrifices and ordinances would no longer be received. The great Sacrifice had been offered, and had been accepted, and the Holy Spirit which descended on the day of Pentecost carried the minds of the disciples from the earthly Sanctuary to the heavenly, where Jesus had entered by his own blood, and shed upon his disciples the benefits of his atonement. The Jews were left in complete deception and total darkness. They lost all the light they might have had upon the plan of salvation, and still trusted in their useless sacrifices and offerings. They could not be benefited by the mediation of Christ in the Holy place. The heavenly Sanctuary had taken the place of the earthly, yet they had no knowledge of the way to the heavenly.
”Jeg blev henvist tilbage til forkyndelsen af Kristi første komme. Johannes blev sendt i Elias’ ånd og kraft for at berede vejen for Jesu komme. De, som forkastede Johannes’ vidnesbyrd, havde ikke gavn af Jesu lære. Deres modstand mod forkyndelsen af hans første komme bragte dem derhen, hvor de ikke let kunne modtage det stærkeste bevis på, at han var Messias. Satan førte dem, som forkastede Johannes’ budskab, videre til også at forkaste Jesus og korsfæste ham. Derved satte de sig selv dér, hvor de ikke kunne modtage velsignelsen på pinsedagen, som ville have lært dem vejen ind i den himmelske Helligdom. Sønderrivelsen af forhænget i templet viste, at de jødiske ofre og anordninger ikke længere ville blive modtaget. Det store Offer var blevet frembåret og var blevet antaget, og Helligånden, som nedsteg på pinsedagen, løftede disciplenes tanker fra den jordiske helligdom til den himmelske, hvor Jesus var gået ind med sit eget blod og havde udgydt sin forsonings velgerninger over sine disciple. Jøderne blev efterladt i fuldstændig forførelse og totalt mørke. De mistede alt det lys, de kunne have haft over frelsesplanen, og stolede stadig på deres nytteløse ofre og gaver. Den himmelske Helligdom havde taget den jordiskes plads, men de havde ingen kundskab om vejen til den himmelske.”
“Many look with horror at the course the Jews pursued toward Jesus in rejecting and crucifying him. And as they read the history of his shameful abuse, they think they love Christ, and would not have denied him like Peter, or crucified him like the Jews. But God who has witnessed their professed sympathy for his Son, has proved them, and has brought to the test that love which they professed for Jesus.
„Mange ser med rædsel på den kurs, jøderne fulgte over for Jesus ved at forkaste og korsfæste ham. Og når de læser beretningen om den skændige mishandling, han blev udsat for, mener de, at de elsker Kristus, og at de ikke ville have fornægtet ham som Peter eller korsfæstet ham som jøderne. Men Gud, som har været vidne til deres bekendte sympati for sin Søn, har prøvet dem og sat den kærlighed på prøve, som de bekendte over for Jesus.“
“All heaven watched with the deepest interest the reception of the message. But many who profess to love Jesus, and who shed tears as they read the story of the cross, instead of receiving the message with gladness, are stirred, with anger, and deride the good news of Jesus’ coming, and declare it to be delusion. They would not fellowship those who loved his appearing, but hated them, and shut them out of the churches. Those who rejected the first message could not be benefited by the second, and were not benefited by the midnight cry, which was to prepare them to enter with Jesus by faith into the Most Holy place of the heavenly Sanctuary. And by rejecting the two former messages, they can see no light in the third angel’s message, which shows the way into the Most Holy place. I saw that the nominal churches, as the Jews crucified Jesus, had crucified these messages, and therefore they have no knowledge of the move made in heaven, or of the way into the Most Holy, and they cannot be benefited by the intercession of Jesus there. Like the Jews, who offered their useless sacrifices, they offer up their useless prayers to the apartment which Jesus has left, and Satan, pleased with the deception of the professed followers of Christ, fastens them in his snare, and assumes a religious character, and leads the minds of these professed Christians to himself, and works with his power, his signs and lying wonders. Some he deceives in one way and some in another. He has different delusions prepared to affect different minds. Some look with horror upon one deception, while they readily receive another. Satan deceives some with Spiritualism. He also comes as an angel of light, and spreads his influence over the land. I saw false reformations everywhere. The churches were elated, and considered that God was marvelously working for them, when it was another spirit. It will die away and leave the world and the church in a worse condition than before.
"Hele himlen iagttog med den dybeste interesse modtagelsen af budskabet. Men mange, som bekender at elske Jesus, og som fælder tårer, når de læser beretningen om korset, bliver, i stedet for at modtage budskabet med glæde, opbragt og spotter det gode budskab om Jesu komme og erklærer det for at være en vildfarelse. De ville ikke have fællesskab med dem, som elskede hans tilsynekomst, men hadede dem og udelukkede dem fra menighederne. De, som forkastede det første budskab, kunne ikke drage nytte af det andet og havde heller ikke gavn af midnatsråbet, som skulle berede dem til ved tro at gå ind med Jesus i det himmelske helligdoms Allerhelligste. Og ved at forkaste de to foregående budskaber kan de intet lys se i den tredje engels budskab, som viser vejen ind i det Allerhelligste. Jeg så, at de navnkristne kirker, ligesom jøderne korsfæstede Jesus, havde korsfæstet disse budskaber, og derfor har de ingen kundskab om den bevægelse, der er sket i himlen, eller om vejen ind i det Allerhelligste, og de kan ikke have gavn af Jesu forbøn dér. Ligesom jøderne, der frembar deres unyttige ofre, opsender de deres unyttige bønner til den afdeling, som Jesus har forladt, og Satan, som glæder sig over bedraget blandt Kristi bekendende efterfølgere, binder dem fast i sin snare og antager en religiøs skikkelse og leder disse bekendende kristnes tanker til sig selv og virker med sin kraft, sine tegn og løgneundere. Nogle bedrager han på én måde og andre på en anden. Han har forskellige vildfarelser rede for at påvirke forskellige sind. Nogle ser med rædsel på én vildfarelse, mens de villigt antager en anden. Satan bedrager nogle ved spiritisme. Han kommer også som en lysets engel og udbreder sin indflydelse over landet. Jeg så falske vækkelser overalt. Kirkerne var opstemte og mente, at Gud på underfuld vis virkede for dem, når det var en anden ånd. Det vil dø hen og efterlade verden og kirken i en værre tilstand end før."
“I saw that God had honest children among the nominal Adventists, and the fallen churches, and ministers and people will yet be called out from these churches, before the plagues shall be poured out, and they will gladly embrace the truth. Satan knows this, and before the loud cry of the third angel, raises an excitement in these religious bodies, that those who have rejected the truth may think God is with them. He hopes to deceive the honest, and lead them to think that God is still working for the churches. But the light will shine, and every one of the honest ones will leave the fallen churches, and take their stand with the remnant.” Spiritual Gifts, volume 1, 151–172.
„Jeg så, at Gud havde oprigtige børn blandt de navnkristne adventister og de faldne kirker, og både prædikanter og menige vil endnu blive kaldt ud fra disse kirker, før plagerne udgydes, og de vil med glæde tage imod sandheden. Satan ved dette, og før den tredje engels høje råb fremkalder han en ophidselse i disse religiøse samfund, for at de, som har forkastet sandheden, må tro, at Gud er med dem. Han håber at bedrage de oprigtige og få dem til at tro, at Gud stadig virker for kirkerne. Men lyset vil skinne, og hver eneste af de oprigtige vil forlade de faldne kirker og tage standpunkt sammen med resten.“ Spiritual Gifts, bind 1, 151–172.
This passage has so many important truths, but I am using the passage to isolate some characteristics of the messages of Millerite history, in order to understand how those typify our history. All three of the angels of Revelation fourteen have a message in their hands. The second and third angel are identified as having a “parchment,” with them as they descend with their message. Each angel represents a message, and the arrival of each message causes an effect.
Dette afsnit rummer så mange vigtige sandheder, men jeg anvender afsnittet til at isolere nogle karakteristika ved budskaberne i Milleritternes historie for at forstå, hvordan disse er et forbillede på vor historie. Alle tre af englene i Åbenbaringen fjorten har et budskab i deres hånd. Den anden og den tredje engel identificeres som havende et „pergament“ med sig, idet de stiger ned med deres budskab. Hver engel repræsenterer et budskab, og ankomsten af hvert budskab frembringer en virkning.
We will continue this subject in the next article.
Vi vil fortsætte dette emne i den næste artikel.