Daniel chapter one, when overlaid with Daniel chapter four, represents the history of the first and second angels, from 1798 to 1844. In that history the book of Daniel was unsealed, and the portion that was unsealed was chapters seven, eight and nine. “Line upon line” chapters one, four and then seven through nine, illustrate the history of the Millerite movement of the first angel.
Prvo poglavlje Daniela, kada se položi preko četvrtoga poglavlja Daniela, predstavlja povijest prvoga i drugoga anđela, od 1798. do 1844. U toj je povijesti knjiga Daniela bila otpečaćena, a dio koji je bio otpečaćen bila su poglavlja sedmo, osmo i deveto. „Red na red“: poglavlja prvo, četvrto, a zatim sedmo do deveto, prikazuju povijest mileritskog pokreta prvoga anđela.
In that history (1798 to 1844), the foundational truths of Adventism were established, and those truths were ultimately represented upon the 1843 pioneer chart. Nebuchadnezzar’s image of Daniel chapter two, is on the chart. The visions of Daniel seven and eight are on the chart. “The daily” of chapter eight is represented, as is the “seven times” of Leviticus twenty-six. The three Woes of Islam, as represented in Revelation chapter nine, are there. God forewarned repeatedly that those foundational truths would be attacked.
U toj povijesti (1798. do 1844.) uspostavljene su temeljne istine adventizma, a te su istine naposljetku bile prikazane na pionirskoj karti iz 1843. godine. Na karti se nalazi Nabukodonozorov kip iz drugoga poglavlja Daniela. Na karti se nalaze viđenja iz Daniela sedam i osam. Prikazano je „svagdašnje” iz osmoga poglavlja, kao i „sedam vremena” iz Levitskog zakonika dvadeset i šest. Ondje su i tri Jao islama, kako su prikazana u devetome poglavlju Otkrivenja. Bog je višeput unaprijed upozorio da će te temeljne istine biti napadnute.
“Let those who stand as God’s watchmen on the walls of Zion be men who can see the dangers before the people,—men who can distinguish between truth and error, righteousness and unrighteousness.
„Neka oni koji stoje kao Božji stražari na zidovima Siona budu ljudi koji mogu vidjeti opasnosti prije naroda — ljudi koji mogu razlikovati istinu od zablude, pravednost od nepravednosti.״
“The warning has come: Nothing is to be allowed to come in that will disturb the foundation of the faith upon which we have been building ever since the message came in 1842, 1843, and 1844. I was in this message, and ever since I have been standing before the world, true to the light that God has given us. We do not propose to take our feet off the platform on which they were placed as day by day we sought the Lord with earnest prayer, seeking for light. Do you think that I could give up the light that God has given me? It is to be as the Rock of Ages. It has been guiding me ever since it was given.” Review and Herald, April 14, 1903.
„Upozorenje je došlo: Ne smije se dopustiti da uđe išta što bi uznemirilo temelj vjere na kojem gradimo otkako je poruka došla 1842., 1843. i 1844. godine. Ja sam bila u toj poruci, i otada stojim pred svijetom, vjerna svjetlu koje nam je Bog dao. Ne namjeravamo maknuti svoja stopala s postolja na koje su bila postavljena dok smo iz dana u dan tražili Gospodina usrdnom molitvom, tražeći svjetlo. Mislite li da bih se mogla odreći svjetla koje mi je Bog dao? Ono treba biti kao Stijena vjekova. Ono me vodi otkako mi je dano.” Review and Herald, 14. travnja 1903.
The work of the dirt brush man, that is to be accomplished with the participation of God’s last day people, is also represented by Isaiah, when he identifies the last day people and the work they are called to do, for the foundations were destined to be buried with error before the last days arrived.
Djelo čovjeka s četkom za prašinu, koje treba biti ostvareno uz sudjelovanje Božjega naroda posljednjih dana, također je prikazano kod Izaije, kada on prepoznaje narod posljednjih dana i djelo na koje su pozvani, jer je bilo određeno da temelji budu zatrpani zabludom prije nego što su nastupili posljednji dani.
And they that shall be of thee shall build the old waste places: thou shalt raise up the foundations of many generations; and thou shalt be called, The repairer of the breach, The restorer of paths to dwell in. Isaiah 58:12.
I tvoji će iznova sagraditi drevne ruševine; podignut ćeš temelje mnogih naraštaja; i nazvat će te se: Popravljačem proloma, Obnoviteljem putova za stanovanje. Izaija 58,12.
The “old waste places,” refers to the doctrinal truths associated with the two desolating powers of paganism and papalism. The two desolating powers of paganism being followed by papalism is what William Miller used for his framework of every prophecy he presented.
„Drevne pustoši” odnose se na doktrinarne istine povezane s dvjema pustošećim silama poganstva i papinstva. To što su dvije pustošeće sile poganstva praćene papinstvom jest ono što je William Miller upotrijebio kao okvir za svako proročanstvo koje je iznio.
And they shall build the old wastes, they shall raise up the former desolations, and they shall repair the waste cities, the desolations of many generations. Isaiah 61:4.
I opet će sagraditi drevne ruševine, podignut će prijašnja pustošenja i obnovit će opustošene gradove, pustoši mnogih naraštaja. Izaija 61:4.
The structure of prophecy that is represented as the framework, is the history and relationship of those two powers. To restore “the paths to dwell in,” is the restoration of Miller’s framework, that was represented in his dream by the work of the dirt brush man. Isaiah used the illustration of the history of Ezra and those who returned from Babylon and repaired Jerusalem, to identify the restoration of the former desolations.
Struktura proročanstva koja je prikazana kao okvir jest povijest i odnos tih dviju sila. Obnoviti „staze da se u njima prebiva“ znači obnovu Millerova okvira, koji je u njegovu snu bio predočen radom čovjeka s četkom za prašinu. Izaija je upotrijebio prikaz povijesti Ezre i onih koji su se vratili iz Babilona i obnovili Jeruzalem kako bi označio obnovu prijašnjih pustoši.
Since the days of our fathers have we been in a great trespass unto this day; and for our iniquities have we, our kings, and our priests, been delivered into the hand of the kings of the lands, to the sword, to captivity, and to a spoil, and to confusion of face, as it is this day. And now for a little space grace hath been showed from the Lord our God, to leave us a remnant to escape, and to give us a nail in his holy place, that our God may lighten our eyes, and give us a little reviving in our bondage. For we were bondmen; yet our God hath not forsaken us in our bondage, but hath extended mercy unto us in the sight of the kings of Persia, to give us a reviving, to set up the house of our God, and to repair the desolations thereof, and to give us a wall in Judah and in Jerusalem. Ezra 9:7–9.
Od dana naših otaca pa do ovoga dana bijasmo u velikom prijestupu; i zbog naših bezakonja bismo mi, naši kraljevi i naši svećenici predani u ruke kraljevima zemalja, maču, sužanjstvu, plijenu i sramoti lica, kao što je to danas. A sada nam je za kratko vrijeme iskazana milost od Gospoda, Boga našega, da nam ostavi ostatak koji će izbjeći i da nam dade klin u svome svetome mjestu, kako bi naš Bog rasvijetlio naše oči i dao nam malo oživljenja u našem ropstvu. Jer bijasmo robovi; ipak nas Bog naš nije ostavio u našem ropstvu, nego nam je iskazao milosrđe pred očima kraljeva perzijskih, da nam dade oživljenje, da podignemo Dom Boga svojega i popravimo njegove pustoši, te da nam dade zid u Judi i u Jeruzalemu. Ezra 9:7–9.
Ezra and those who repaired Jerusalem, represent the “remnant” who are the restorers of the paths to dwell in, and they are those who are accomplishing the work in the context of the Leviticus twenty-six prayer, which Ezra references that “since the days of our fathers have we been in a great trespass unto this day; and for our iniquities have we, our kings, and our priests, been delivered into the hand of the kings of the lands, to the sword, to captivity, and to a spoil, and to confusion of face.” The “day” he is referring to is the “day” that the “remnant” of the last days restore the paths to dwell in.
Ezra i oni koji su obnavljali Jeruzalem predstavljaju „Ostatak” koji su obnovitelji staza po kojima valja prebivati, i oni su ti koji izvršavaju djelo u kontekstu molitve iz Levitskog zakonika dvadeset šest, na koju se Ezra poziva: „od dana naših otaca pa do ovoga dana u velikom smo prijestupu; i zbog naših bezakonja mi, naši kraljevi i naši svećenici, bili smo predani u ruke kraljeva zemalja, maču, sužanjstvu, plijenu i postiđenju lica.” „Dan” na koji se on poziva jest „dan” u kojem „Ostatak” posljednjih dana obnavlja staze po kojima valja prebivati.
Ezra’s remnant are the two witnesses who are resurrected at the end of three and a half days, and fulfill the Leviticus twenty-six prayer as illustrated by Daniel in chapter nine. When Ezra and his coworkers returned from exile and rebuilt Jerusalem, they typified the work of restoring Miller’s jewels, which is the work of restoring the foundational truths of Miller. For this reason, understanding the framework of Miller’s work is essential.
Ezrin Ostatak su ona dva svjedoka koja uskrsavaju na kraju tri i pol dana te ispunjavaju molitvu iz Levitskog zakonika dvadeset i šest, kako je prikazano kod Daniela u devetom poglavlju. Kada su se Ezra i njegovi suradnici vratili iz izgnanstva i ponovno sagradili Jeruzalem, predoznačili su djelo obnavljanja Millerovih dragulja, što je djelo obnavljanja Millerovih temeljnih istina. Iz toga razloga, razumijevanje okvira Millerova djela od presudne je važnosti.
“The apostles built upon a sure foundation, even the Rock of Ages. To this foundation they brought the stones that they quarried from the world. Not without hindrance did the builders labor. Their work was made exceedingly difficult by the opposition of the enemies of Christ. They had to contend against the bigotry, prejudice, and hatred of those who were building upon a false foundation. Many who wrought as builders of the church could be likened to the builders of the wall in Nehemiah’s day, of whom it is written: ‘They which builded on the wall, and they that bare burdens, with those that laded, everyone with one of his hands wrought in the work, and with the other hand held a weapon.’ Nehemiah 4:17.” Acts of the Apostles, 596.
„Apostoli su gradili na sigurnu temelju, na samoj Stijeni vjekova. Na taj su temelj donosili kamenje koje su isklesali iz svijeta. Graditelji nisu radili bez zapreka. Njihov je rad bio iznimno otežan protivljenjem Kristovih neprijatelja. Morali su se boriti protiv zadrtosti, predrasuda i mržnje onih koji su gradili na lažnom temelju. Mnogi koji su radili kao graditelji Crkve mogli bi se usporediti sa zidarima zida u Nehemijino vrijeme, o kojima je zapisano: ‘Koji su zid gradili i koji su nosili terete, i koji su tovarili, svaki je jednom rukom radio posao, a drugom držao oružje.’ Nehemija 4,17.” Djela apostolska, 596.
In both passages of Isaiah, the work is to raise up the foundations and desolations of many generations. Isaiah is identifying a spiritual work that was illustrated by the literal work. The foundations were to be guarded, but instead they were eventually totally covered up by a false foundation of counterfeit jewels. Those who Isaiah identifies are restoring the foundational truths of the Millerites, not literal bricks and stones. The symbol of those truths is Miller’s framework of the two desolating powers which trampled down the sanctuary and the host for “seven times.”
U oba odlomka iz Izaije djelo je podići temelje i razvaline mnogih naraštaja. Izaija prepoznaje duhovno djelo koje je bilo predočeno doslovnim djelom. Temelje je trebalo čuvati, ali su oni umjesto toga naposljetku bili posve prekriveni lažnim temeljem od krivotvorenih dragulja. Oni koje Izaija prepoznaje obnavljaju temeljne istine milerita, a ne doslovne opeke i kamenje. Simbol tih istina jest Millerov okvir o dvjema pustošećim silama koje su gazile Svetište i vojsku tijekom „sedam vremena”.
That work of restoration is represented as raising up “the foundations” and “desolations of many generations,” and represents the prophetic work of restoring the foundational truths through the methodology that brings prophetic line upon prophetic line, from here a little and there a little. The work of reestablishing the foundations and desolations is the work of presenting and defending the original truths represented upon the 1843 and 1850 pioneer charts, which are the two tables of Habakkuk chapter two. And the work is accomplished with the latter rain methodology of “line upon line”. It is the work of returning to Jeremiah’s old paths in the controversy of those who wish to uphold a counterfeit foundation, as represented by the false jewels of Miller’s dream.
To djelo obnove prikazano je kao podizanje „temelja” i „pustoši mnogih naraštaja” te predstavlja proročko djelo obnavljanja temeljnih istina metodologijom koja donosi proročku crtu na proročku crtu, ovdje malo i ondje malo. Djelo ponovne uspostave temelja i pustoši jest djelo iznošenja i obrane izvornih istina prikazanih na pionirskim kartama iz 1843. i 1850., koje su dvije ploče iz drugog poglavlja Habakuka. A to se djelo ostvaruje metodologijom potonjega dažda, „crtu na crtu”. To je djelo povratka na Jeremijine stare staze u prijeporu s onima koji žele poduprijeti krivotvoren temelj, kako je prikazano lažnim draguljima iz Millerova sna.
“The enemy is seeking to divert the minds of our brethren and sisters from the work of preparing a people to stand in these last days. His sophistries are designed to lead minds away from the perils and duties of the hour. They estimate as nothing the light that Christ came from heaven to give to John for His people. They teach that the scenes just before us are not of sufficient importance to receive special attention. They make of no effect the truth of heavenly origin and rob the people of God of their past experience, giving them instead a false science.
„Neprijatelj nastoji odvratiti umove naše braće i sestara od djela pripravljanja naroda da opstane u ovim posljednjim danima. Njegove su sofisterije smišljene da odvedu umove od pogibli i dužnosti ovoga časa. Oni nizašto drže svjetlo koje je Krist došao s neba dati Ivanu za svoj narod. Uče da prizori koji su upravo pred nama nisu od dostatne važnosti da bi im se posvetila posebna pozornost. Oni obezvrjeđuju istinu nebeskoga podrijetla i lišavaju Božji narod njegova prijašnjeg iskustva, dajući mu umjesto toga lažnu znanost.״
“‘Thus saith the Lord, Stand ye in the ways, and see, and ask for the old paths, where is the good way, and walk therein.’ Jeremiah 6:16.
„Ovako govori Gospodin: Stanite na putove i pogledajte, i pitajte za stare staze, gdje je put dobri, i idite njime.” Jeremija 6:16.
“Let none seek to tear away the foundations of our faith—the foundations that were laid at the beginning of our work by prayerful study of the word and by revelation. Upon these foundations we have been building for the last fifty years. Men may suppose that they have found a new way and that they can lay a stronger foundation than that which has been laid. But this is a great deception. Other foundation can no man lay than that which has been laid.
„Neka nitko ne nastoji otrgnuti temelje naše vjere — temelje koji su bili položeni na početku našega djela molitvenim proučavanjem Riječi i objavom. Na tim temeljima gradimo već posljednjih pedeset godina. Ljudi mogu pretpostavljati da su pronašli nov put i da mogu položiti čvršći temelj od onoga koji je već položen. Ali to je velika prijevara. Jer nitko ne može postaviti drugoga temelja osim onoga koji je već postavljen.״
“In the past many have undertaken the building of a new faith, the establishment of new principles. But how long did their building stand? It soon fell, for it was not founded upon the Rock.
„U prošlosti su mnogi poduzimali izgradnju nove vjere, uspostavljanje novih načela. Ali koliko je dugo njihova građevina stajala? Ubrzo je pala, jer nije bila utemeljena na Stijeni.״
“Did not the first disciples have to meet the sayings of men? Did they not have to listen to false theories, and then, having done all, to stand firm, saying: ‘Other foundation can no man lay than that is laid’? 1 Corinthians 3:11.
„Nisu li se prvi učenici morali suočiti s ljudskim tvrdnjama? Nisu li morali slušati lažne teorije i potom, učinivši sve, postojano stajati govoreći: ‘Jer temelja nitko ne može postaviti drugoga osim onoga koji je postavljen’? 1. Korinćanima 3:11.
“So we are to hold the beginning of our confidence steadfast unto the end. Words of power have been sent by God and by Christ to this people, bringing them out from the world, point by point, into the clear light of present truth. With lips touched with holy fire, God’s servants have proclaimed the message. The divine utterance has set its seal to the genuineness of the truth proclaimed.” Testimonies, volume 8, 296, 297.
„Stoga trebamo postojano držati početak svoje pouzdanosti sve do kraja. Riječi sile bile su poslane od Boga i od Krista ovom narodu, izvodeći ga iz svijeta, točku po točku, u jasno svjetlo sadašnje istine. Usnama dotaknutima svetim ognjem, Božji su sluge naviještali poruku. Božanska je riječ stavila svoj pečat na istinitost objavljene istine.” Testimonies, sv. 8, 296, 297.
The “work of preparing a people to stand in the last days,” is the work associated with the two prophecies of Ezekiel in chapter thirty-seven. A message is delivered by Isaiah’s voice in the wilderness, and the first message of Ezekiel brings those that have been dead in the street of the city of Sodom and Egypt for three-and-a-half days together. They then recognize they have been in Matthew’s tarrying time of the parable of the ten virgins. They then hear the call given to Jeremiah to separate the precious from the vile if they wish to return. They also recognize that Daniel’s prayer in chapter nine as present truth. Therefore if and when they choose to return by accepting and accomplishing the conditions of the gospel, then they receive Ezekiel’s second message and stand upon their feet a mighty army.
„djelo pripravljanja naroda da opstane u posljednjim danima“ djelo je povezano s dvama Ezekielovim proročanstvima u trideset i sedmom poglavlju. Poruka se objavljuje glasom Izaije u pustinji, a prva Ezekielova poruka sabire one koji su tri i pol dana bili mrtvi na ulici grada Sodome i Egipta. Tada prepoznaju da su se nalazili u Matejevu vremenu čekanja iz prispodobe o deset djevica. Potom čuju poziv dan Jeremiji da odvoje dragocjeno od bezvrijednoga ako se žele vratiti. Također prepoznaju Danielovu molitvu u devetom poglavlju kao sadašnju istinu. Stoga, ako i kada odluče vratiti se prihvaćajući i ispunjavajući uvjete evanđelja, tada primaju drugu Ezekielovu poruku i staju na svoje noge, silna vojska.
The “work of preparing a people to stand in the latter days” is accomplished through the latter rain methodology of “line upon line.” That work involves a work of restoring the Millerite truths that are represented on the 1843 and 1850 pioneer charts. Those two charts are Habakkuk’s two tables and they are to be laid upon one another (line upon line), and in so doing the two charts represent the foundational truths that are to be restored in the last days by the dirt brush man.
„Djelo pripravljanja naroda da opstane u posljednjim danima“ ostvaruje se metodologijom kasne kiše „redak po redak“. To djelo uključuje djelo obnove mileritskih istina koje su prikazane na pionirskim kartama iz 1843. i 1850. godine. Te dvije karte jesu Habakukove dvije ploče i treba ih položiti jednu na drugu (redak po redak), a čineći tako te dvije karte predstavljaju temeljne istine koje u posljednjim danima treba obnoviti čovjek s četkom za prašinu.
When brought together, line upon line, they identify the mistake in the 1843 chart, which was thereafter corrected upon the 1850 chart. When considered as one table (line upon line) they then represent both the experience of God’s people and the hidden history of the seven thunders, for together they illustrate the first disappointment, the tarrying time, the Midnight Cry, and October 22, 1844, and the great disappointment.
Kada se stave zajedno, redak na redak, oni prepoznaju pogrešku na karti iz 1843., koja je potom ispravljena na karti iz 1850. Kada se promatraju kao jedna tablica (redak na redak), tada prikazuju i iskustvo Božjega naroda i skrivenu povijest sedam gromova, jer zajedno prikazuju prvo razočaranje, vrijeme odgode, Ponoćni poklik, i 22. listopada 1844., te veliko razočaranje.
It is the first disappointment, Midnight Cry and great disappointment that is the hidden history of the seven thunders. It is the structure of truth, for truth is based upon the first and last letter of the Hebrew word “truth” being the same as is the first and last disappointment of that history. The middle and thirteenth letter is a symbol of rebellion as represented by those who reject the message of the Midnight Cry. The two charts when brought together provide two witnesses to the prophetic truths of the Millerites that are to be restored by the dirt brush man, but they also identify the experience that typifies the experience of the one hundred and forty-four thousand.
Prvo razočaranje, Ponoćni poklik i veliko razočaranje skrivena su povijest sedam gromova. To je struktura istine, jer se istina temelji na tome da su prvo i posljednje slovo hebrejske riječi „istina” isti kao i prvo i posljednje razočaranje te povijesti. Srednje, trinaesto slovo simbol je pobune, kako je predstavljena u onima koji odbacuju poruku Ponoćnog poklika. Dvije karte, kada se dovedu zajedno, pružaju dva svjedoka proročkim istinama milerita koje čovjek s četkom za prašinu treba obnoviti, ali one također predočuju iskustvo koje je praslika iskustva sto četrdeset i četiri tisuće.
Those called to be the ensign (the one hundred and forty-four thousand) were confronted with their first disappointment on July 18, 2020, and then in July of 2023, they were then presented with a message from a voice crying in the wilderness. The voice was calling them to return.
Oni koji su pozvani da budu stijeg (sto četrdeset i četiri tisuće) suočili su se sa svojim prvim razočaranjem 18. srpnja 2020., a zatim im je u srpnju 2023. bila upućena poruka glasa koji viče u pustinji. Taj ih je glas pozivao da se vrate.
It is at this point in the hidden history of the seven thunders that rebellion will be manifested, for the next waymark is when the dirt brush man gathers the jewels and casts them into the casket. They then shine ten times brighter. At that point Miller was awakened. When the virgins (Miller) awake, it is too late. The restoration of the desolations of many generations is a work that the two witnesses must participate in. That work is now being carried out.
Upravo će se u toj točki skrivene povijesti sedam gromova očitovati pobuna, jer je sljedeći putokaz trenutak kada čovjek s četkom za prljavštinu skuplja dragulje i baca ih u kovčežić. Tada oni sjaje deset puta jače. U toj je točki Miller bio probuđen. Kada se djevice (Miller) probude, prekasno je. Obnova pustoši mnogih naraštaja djelo je u kojemu dva svjedoka moraju sudjelovati. To se djelo sada izvršava.
William Miller’s framework of the prophecies represented by the vision of the Ulai River, of Daniel chapters seven, eight and nine was the two desolating powers of paganism and papalism and the framework for Future for America is paganism (the dragon), followed by papalism (the beast) and apostate Protestantism (the false prophet). The key that establishes both frameworks is the writings of the apostle Paul. The apostle Paul was the prophetic voice that connected ancient Israel with spiritual Israel. Before his conversion, Paul’s name was Saul, which means “selected” or “set forth”.
Okvir proročanstava Williama Millera, prikazan viđenjem o rijeci Ulaj, iz sedmoga, osmoga i devetoga poglavlja Daniela, bile su dvije pustošeće sile: poganstvo i papinstvo; a okvir za Future for America jest poganstvo (zmaj), za kojim slijede papinstvo (zvijer) i otpali protestantizam (lažni prorok). Ključ koji uspostavlja oba okvira jesu spisi apostola Pavla. Apostol Pavao bio je proročki glas koji je povezivao stari Izrael s duhovnim Izraelom. Prije svojega obraćenja, Pavlovo je ime bilo Savao, što znači „izabran“ ili „postavljen“.
Paul was chosen (selected) to be the apostle to the Gentiles, and he was chosen among other things for his understanding of the Old Testament. Writing the majority of the New Testament, there is no other of the New Testament authors who possessed the understanding of the Old Testament as did Paul. He was chosen to lead out in presenting the gospel to the Gentiles, but he was also chosen to establish the relationship of the prophetic histories of the Old Testament with the prophetic history that followed the time period of the cross. Without Paul’s testimony the prophetic understanding of the Millerites, and that of Future for America would be non-existent. In the very history where literal Israel was divorced as God’s chosen people, Paul was chosen to identify that ancient Israel, though then divorced from God, was the symbol of the prophetic history of spiritual Israel. The necessary prophetic rules for the movements of the first and third angels are based primarily upon the writings of the apostle Paul.
Pavao je bio izabran (odabran) da bude apostol neznabošcima, a među ostalim je bio izabran i zbog svojega razumijevanja Staroga zavjeta. Napisavši većinu Novoga zavjeta, nijedan drugi autor Novoga zavjeta nije posjedovao razumijevanje Staroga zavjeta kakvo je imao Pavao. Bio je izabran da predvodi u iznošenju evanđelja neznabošcima, ali je također bio izabran da uspostavi odnos između proročkih povijesti Staroga zavjeta i proročke povijesti koja je uslijedila nakon vremenskog razdoblja križa. Bez Pavlova svjedočanstva proročko razumijevanje milerita, kao i ono od Future for America, ne bi postojalo. Upravo u onoj povijesti u kojoj je doslovni Izrael bio otpušten kao Božji izabrani narod, Pavao je bio izabran da prepozna kako je taj drevni Izrael, premda tada razveden od Boga, bio simbol proročke povijesti duhovnog Izraela. Nužna proročka pravila za pokrete prvoga i trećega anđela temelje se prvenstveno na spisima apostola Pavla.
For this reason, we will consider some of the prophetic principles that are identified by Paul that impacted the message of the Millerites, that was set within the framework of two desolating powers, and in so doing we will also consider how those principles impact upon the framework of three desolating powers.
Iz toga ćemo razloga razmotriti neka od proročkih načela koja Pavao utvrđuje, a koja su utjecala na poruku milerita, postavljenu unutar okvira dviju sila pustošenja, te ćemo pritom također razmotriti kako ta načela utječu na okvir triju sila pustošenja.
Moreover, brethren, I would not that ye should be ignorant, how that all our fathers were under the cloud, and all passed through the sea; And were all baptized unto Moses in the cloud and in the sea; And did all eat the same spiritual meat; And did all drink the same spiritual drink: for they drank of that spiritual Rock that followed them: and that Rock was Christ. But with many of them God was not well pleased: for they were overthrown in the wilderness. Now these things were our examples, to the intent we should not lust after evil things, as they also lusted. Neither be ye idolaters, as were some of them; as it is written, The people sat down to eat and drink, and rose up to play. Neither let us commit fornication, as some of them committed, and fell in one day three and twenty thousand. Neither let us tempt Christ, as some of them also tempted, and were destroyed of serpents. Neither murmur ye, as some of them also murmured, and were destroyed of the destroyer. Now all these things happened unto them for ensamples: and they are written for our admonition, upon whom the ends of the world are come. 1 Corinthians 10:1–10.
Štoviše, braćo, ne bih htio da budete u neznanju o tome kako su svi naši oci bili pod oblakom i svi prošli kroz more; i svi su bili kršteni u Mojsija u oblaku i u moru; i svi su jeli istu duhovnu hranu; i svi su pili isto duhovno piće: jer pili su iz one duhovne Stijene koja ih je pratila, a ta je Stijena bio Krist. Ali Bog nije bio zadovoljan mnogima od njih, jer su bili oboreni u pustinji. A ovo su bili primjeri za nas, da ne žudimo za zlim stvarima, kao što su i oni žudjeli. Niti budite idolopoklonici, kao što su neki od njih bili; kao što je pisano: Narod sjede jesti i piti, pa ustade igrati. Niti bludničimo, kao što su neki od njih bludničili, i u jedan dan pade ih dvadeset i tri tisuće. Niti iskušavajmo Krista, kao što su ga neki od njih također iskušavali, pa su bili uništeni od zmija. Niti mrmljajte, kao što su neki od njih također mrmljali, pa su bili uništeni od Zatiratelja. A sve se to njima događalo za primjer, i napisano je za našu opomenu, na koje su došli svršeci vjekova. 1 Korinćanima 10:1–10.
In ten short verses, Paul identifies that the rite of baptism was typified at the Red Sea crossing, that the Rock which followed ancient Israel, was a “spiritual Rock,” and that it was Christ. He identifies that ancient Israel was the example for those living in the last days. This passage is a warning, and the passage is a point of controversy between those who uphold truth and those who oppose truth. Adventist theologians teach that Paul was simply identifying that the histories of ancient Israel were illustrating moral lessons that needed to be understood by those living in the last days, but they insist Paul was not identifying that the histories of literal Israel were actually to be repeated by spiritual Israel. Sister White often uses this passage to confirm exactly what Paul meant.
U deset kratkih redaka Pavao utvrđuje da je obred krštenja bio predoznačen pri prijelazu preko Crvenoga mora, da je Stijena koja je pratila drevni Izrael bila „duhovna Stijena“ te da je to bio Krist. On utvrđuje da je drevni Izrael bio primjer onima koji žive u posljednjim danima. Ovaj odlomak je upozorenje, a također je i točka prijepora između onih koji zastupaju istinu i onih koji se istini protive. Adventistički teolozi naučavaju da je Pavao jednostavno ukazivao na to da su povijesti drevnoga Izraela predočavale moralne pouke koje trebaju razumjeti oni koji žive u posljednjim danima, ali ustraju na tome da Pavao nije ukazivao na to da se povijesti doslovnoga Izraela doista trebaju ponoviti u duhovnom Izraelu. Sestra White često se služi ovim odlomkom kako bi potvrdila upravo ono što je Pavao mislio.
“Each of the ancient prophets spoke less for their own time than for ours, so that their prophesying is in force for us. ‘Now all these things happened unto them for ensamples: and they are written for our admonition, upon whom the ends of the world are come.’ 1 Corinthians 10:11. ‘Not unto themselves, but unto us they did minister the things, which are now reported unto you by them that have preached the gospel unto you with the Holy Ghost sent down from heaven; which things the angels desire to look into.’ 1 Peter 1:12. . . .
„Svaki od drevnih proroka govorio je manje za svoje vrijeme nego za naše, tako da je njihovo prorokovanje na snazi za nas. ‘A sve se to njima događalo za primjer; i napisano je za opomenu nama, na koje su došli svršeci svijeta.’ 1. Korinćanima 10,11. ‘Njima je bilo objavljeno da ne sebi, nego nama služe onim što vam je sada naviješteno po onima koji su vam propovijedali evanđelje po Duhu Svetomu poslanomu s neba; u što anđeli žele zaviriti.’ 1. Petrova 1,12....”
“The Bible has accumulated and bound up together its treasures for this last generation. All the great events and solemn transactions of Old Testament history have been, and are, repeating themselves in the church in these last days.” Selected Messages, book 3, 338, 339.
„Biblija je skupila i zajedno povezala svoja blaga za ovaj posljednji naraštaj. Svi veliki događaji i svečani prizori iz povijesti Staroga zavjeta ponavljali su se i ponavljaju se u crkvi u ovim posljednjim danima.“ Selected Messages, knjiga 3, 338, 339.
The “great events and solemn transactions of Old Testament history have been, and are, repeating themselves in the church in these last days,” is how Sister White summarizes Paul’s meaning in the verses. In an attempt to undermine Paul’s identification of ancient Israel as symbolically illustrating literal Israel’s history, Satan has foisted two primary attacks against this prophetic principle. The first, that I already mentioned, is the claim that Paul was simply identifying that those histories represented moral lessons. That false teaching is a half-truth, and a half-truth is not truth at all. It is true that the moral lessons that might be derived from the history of ancient Israel, is for the benefit of those living in the last days, but when that is used to deny that those histories are also an illustration of events that will be repeated, it becomes a half-truth, which is designed to deny the truth.
„Veliki događaji i ozbiljne scene iz povijesti Staroga zavjeta ponavljali su se, i ponavljaju se, u crkvi u ovim posljednjim danima“, tako sestra White sažima Pavlovo značenje u tim redcima. U nastojanju da potkopa Pavlovo poistovjećenje drevnoga Izraela kao simboličkoga prikaza povijesti doslovnoga Izraela, Sotona je nametnuo dva glavna napada protiv toga proročkog načela. Prvi, koji sam već spomenuo, jest tvrdnja da je Pavao jednostavno ukazivao na to da su te povijesti predstavljale moralne pouke. Taj lažni nauk jest poluistina, a poluistina uopće nije istina. Istina je da su moralne pouke koje se mogu izvući iz povijesti drevnoga Izraela na korist onima koji žive u posljednjim danima, ali kada se to koristi da bi se zanijekalo da su te povijesti ujedno i prikaz događaja koji će se ponoviti, tada to postaje poluistina, osmišljena da zaniječe istinu.
“A blessing or a curse is now before the people of God—a blessing if they come out from the world and are separate, and walk in the path of humble obedience; and a curse if they unite with the idolatrous, who trample upon the high claims of heaven. The sins and iniquities of rebellious Israel are recorded and the picture presented before us as a warning that if we imitate their example of transgression and depart from God we shall fall as surely as did they. ‘Now all these things happened unto them for ensamples: and they are written for our admonition, upon whom the ends of the world are come.’” Testimonies, volume 1, 609.
„Blagoslov ili prokletstvo sada je pred Božjim narodom — blagoslov ako iziđu iz svijeta, budu odvojeni i hode stazom ponizne poslušnosti; a prokletstvo ako se ujedine s idolopoklonicima, koji gaze uzvišene zahtjeve neba. Grijesi i bezakonja buntovnog Izraela zapisani su, a slika je stavljena pred nas kao opomena da ćemo, ako oponašamo njihov primjer prijestupa i odstupimo od Boga, jednako sigurno pasti kao što su i oni pali. ‘A ovo im se sve događalo za uzor, a napisano je za opomenu nama, kojima su došli svršeci svijeta.’” Testimonies, svezak 1, 609.
One truth is not to be used to deny another truth, for when it is, it turns the truth of God into a lie.
Jedna se istina ne smije koristiti za poricanje druge istine, jer kada se to čini, istina Božja pretvara se u laž.
“One saying of the Saviour must not be made to destroy another.” The Great Controversy, 371.
„Ne smije se dopustiti da jedna Spasiteljeva izjava poništi drugu.“ Velika borba, 371.
The teaching that ancient Israel’s history represents moral lessons alone, is often used by Adventist theologians to destroy God’s prophetic Word, and it is one of the half-truths that is included in the dish of fables prepared to deceive God’s people into receiving a lie, and the lie they receive is identified in the writings of the apostle Paul.
Učenje da povijest drevnoga Izraela predstavlja samo moralne pouke adventistički teolozi često rabe kako bi razorili Božju proročku Riječ, i to je jedna od poluistina uključenih u jelo bajki pripravljeno da Božji narod zavede na prihvaćanje laži, a laž koju prihvaćaju prepoznata je u spisima apostola Pavla.
The other primary attack against the principle that the history of ancient Israel illustrates the history of modern Israel was invented by Jesuits during the history of the counter reformation, and it consists of agreeing to the idea that the history of ancient Israel is repeated. The Jesuit lie is that the history is literally repeated, not spiritually repeated. The lie was invented as a way to prevent an understanding that the pope of Rome is the antichrist of Bible prophecy, for the teaching assents to the truth that there is an antichrist in the last days, but it argues that the antichrist is represented by a literal power, not a spiritual power. The whore in Revelation seventeen, who has mystery Babylon written on her forehead, would then be a whore that arises in the literal land of Babylon, which today is Iraq.
Drugi glavni napad na načelo da povijest drevnoga Izraela oslikava povijest suvremenoga Izraela izmislili su isusovci tijekom povijesti protureformacije, a sastoji se u prihvaćanju ideje da se povijest drevnoga Izraela ponavlja. Isusovačka laž jest da se ta povijest ponavlja doslovno, a ne duhovno. Ta je laž izmišljena kako bi se spriječilo razumijevanje da je rimski papa antikrist biblijskoga proročanstva, jer to učenje pristaje uz istinu da u posljednjim danima postoji antikrist, ali tvrdi da je antikrist predstavljen doslovnom silom, a ne duhovnom silom. Bludnica iz sedamnaestoga poglavlja Otkrivenja, koja na svojem čelu ima napisano: Tajna, Babilon, tada bi bila bludnica koja se podiže u doslovnoj zemlji Babilona, što je danas Irak.
“Those who become confused in their understanding of the word, who fail to see the meaning of antichrist, will surely place themselves on the side of antichrist.” Kress Collection, 105.
„Oni koji postanu zbunjeni u svojem razumijevanju Riječi, koji ne uspiju uvidjeti značenje antikrista, zasigurno će se svrstati na stranu antikrista.“ Kress Collection, 105.
The pope is a literal person, representing a literal power (the Catholic church), but he and his organization has been prophetically identified by literal Babylon, and can only be correctly identified when the subject of the antichrist is set forth as the spiritual fulfillment of a literal example. Paul identified that literal Israel illustrates spiritual Israel, but it was not a new prophetic truth that he presented, for his understanding was generally based upon the Old Testament, and it is there that his testimony is grounded.
Papa je doslovna osoba koja predstavlja doslovnu silu (Katoličku crkvu), no on i njegova organizacija proročki su poistovjećeni s doslovnim Babilonom i mogu biti ispravno prepoznati jedino kada se predmet antikrista izloži kao duhovno ispunjenje doslovnog primjera. Pavao je pokazao da doslovni Izrael predočuje duhovni Izrael, ali to nije bila nova proročka istina koju je iznio, jer se njegovo razumijevanje općenito temeljilo na Starome zavjetu, i ondje je utemeljeno njegovo svjedočanstvo.
Thus saith the Lord the King of Israel, and his redeemer the Lord of hosts; I am the first, and I am the last; and beside me there is no God. And who, as I, shall call, and shall declare it, and set it in order for me, since I appointed the ancient people? and the things that are coming, and shall come, let them show unto them. Fear ye not, neither be afraid: have not I told thee from that time, and have declared it? ye are even my witnesses. Is there a God beside me? yea, there is no God; I know not any. Isaiah 44:6–8.
Ovako govori Gospodin, Kralj Izraelov, i njegov Otkupitelj, Gospod nad vojskama: Ja sam prvi i ja sam posljednji, i osim mene nema Boga. I tko će, kao ja, zazvati, i objaviti to, i urediti to preda mnom, otkako sam postavio drevni narod? I što dolazi, i što će doći, neka im pokažu. Ne bojte se, niti se plašite: nisam li ti od onoga vremena kazao i objavio? Vi ste doista moji svjedoci. Ima li Boga osim mene? Da, nema Boga; ne znam ni za jednoga. Izaija 44:6–8.
We are to be Christ’s witnesses, as was Paul, that the Alpha and Omega appointed not only ancient Israel, but all the biblical ancient people as symbols to show “the things that are coming,” upon those who live in the last days. Paul was an expert on the Old Testament, and he was raised up to be the prophetic connecting link between the dispensation of literal and spiritual Israel. It was his writings that guided those who understood the increase of knowledge at the time of the end in 1798, and also in 1989.
Trebamo biti Kristovi svjedoci, kao što je bio i Pavao, da je Alfa i Omega odredio ne samo drevni Izrael, nego sav biblijski drevni narod kao simbole koji pokazuju „ono što dolazi” na one koji žive u posljednjim danima. Pavao je bio poznavatelj Staroga zavjeta, i bio je podignut da bude proročka poveznica između razdoblja doslovnog i duhovnog Izraela. Upravo su njegovi spisi vodili one koji su razumjeli porast znanja u vrijeme svršetka 1798., a također i 1989.
Ancient literal Babylon, the ancient children of the east, ancient Egypt, ancient Greece, and the ancient Medo-Persian empire are symbols of spiritual powers at the end of the world. The ancient symbols are the literal that precedes, and represent, the spiritual that follows. Paul goes so far as to identify that literal Adam symbolized spiritual Adam (who is Christ).
Drevni doslovni Babilon, drevni sinovi istoka, drevni Egipat, drevna Grčka i drevno medo-perzijsko carstvo simboli su duhovnih sila na svršetku svijeta. Drevni simboli jesu doslovno koje prethodi i predstavlja duhovno koje slijedi. Pavao ide tako daleko da utvrđuje kako je doslovni Adam simbolizirao duhovnog Adama (koji je Krist).
And so it is written, The first man Adam was made a living soul; the last Adam was made a quickening spirit. Howbeit that was not first which is spiritual, but that which is natural; and afterward that which is spiritual. The first man is of the earth, earthy: the second man is the Lord from heaven. As is the earthy, such are they also that are earthy: and as is the heavenly, such are they also that are heavenly. And as we have borne the image of the earthy, we shall also bear the image of the heavenly. 1 Corinthians 15:45–49.
Tako je i pisano: Prvi čovjek Adam postade duša živa; posljednji Adam duh koji oživljuje. Ali nije najprije ono što je duhovno, nego ono što je naravno; a potom ono što je duhovno. Prvi je čovjek od zemlje, zemljan; drugi je čovjek Gospodin s neba. Kakav je zemljani, takvi su i zemljani; i kakav je nebeski, takvi su i nebeski. I kao što smo nosili sliku zemljanoga, nosit ćemo i sliku nebeskoga. 1 Corinthians 15:45–49.
There are some very profound lessons Paul is teaching concerning the first and last Adam, but we are simply identifying the principle which he sets forth very clearly in the passage, when he states, “that was not first which is spiritual, but that which is natural; and afterward that which is spiritual.” The literal, which Paul here identifies as “natural,” is first, and the spiritual is last. Literal Israel was first, and natural, and spiritual Israel comes “afterward.”
Postoje neke vrlo duboke pouke koje Pavao iznosi u vezi s prvim i posljednjim Adamom, no mi samo utvrđujemo načelo koje on vrlo jasno izlaže u tom odlomku, kada kaže: „nije najprije ono što je duhovno, nego ono što je naravno; a potom ono što je duhovno.“ Doslovno, koje Pavao ovdje označuje kao „naravno“, jest prvo, a duhovno je posljednje. Doslovni Izrael bio je prvi, i naravan, a duhovni Izrael dolazi „potom“.
Literal Babylon precedes spiritual Babylon. The next important point that is emphasized in Paul’s writings is the point in history when the change from literal to spiritual is to be applied. It is the time period of the cross when the prophetic change from literal to spiritual is identified.
Doslovni Babilon prethodi duhovnom Babilonu. Sljedeća važna točka koja je naglašena u Pavlovim spisima jest povijesni trenutak u kojemu se prijelaz s doslovnoga na duhovno treba primijeniti. To je razdoblje križa u kojemu se prepoznaje proročka promjena s doslovnoga na duhovno.
For ye are all the children of God by faith in Christ Jesus. For as many of you as have been baptized into Christ have put on Christ. There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither bond nor free, there is neither male nor female: for ye are all one in Christ Jesus. And if ye be Christ’s, then are ye Abraham’s seed, and heirs according to the promise. Galatians 3:26–29.
Jer svi ste po vjeri u Kristu Isusu sinovi Božji. Jer koji ste god u Krista kršteni, Kristom se zaodjenuste. Nema više: Židov ni Grk; nema više: rob ni slobodnjak; nema više: muško ni žensko — jer svi ste vi jedno u Kristu Isusu. Ako li ste Kristovi, onda ste Abrahamovo sjeme, baštinici po obećanju. Galaćanima 3,26–29.
It matters not what your birthright might be, if and when you accept Christ, you then become the seed of Abraham. You are not literal Israel; you are spiritual Israel. The transition from literal to spiritual was the cross. Paul divides mankind into two classes. Each class has their own covenant, each are descendants of Abraham. Each has a city that represents their family and covenant. Each is either a son of literal Adam or spiritual Adam.
Nije važno kakvo bi moglo biti vaše prvorodstvo; ako i kada prihvatite Krista, tada postajete Abrahamovo sjeme. Vi niste doslovni Izrael; vi ste duhovni Izrael. Prijelaz s doslovnoga na duhovno bio je križ. Pavao dijeli čovječanstvo na dvije skupine. Svaka skupina ima svoj Savez, svaka je potomstvo Abrahamovo. Svaka ima grad koji predstavlja njihovu obitelj i Savez. Svaki je ili sin doslovnoga Adama ili duhovnoga Adama.
For it is written, that Abraham had two sons, the one by a bondmaid, the other by a freewoman. But he who was of the bondwoman was born after the flesh; but he of the freewoman was by promise. Which things are an allegory: for these are the two covenants; the one from the mount Sinai, which gendereth to bondage, which is Agar. For this Agar is mount Sinai in Arabia, and answereth to Jerusalem which now is, and is in bondage with her children. But Jerusalem which is above is free, which is the mother of us all. For it is written, Rejoice, thou barren that bearest not; break forth and cry, thou that travailest not: for the desolate hath many more children than she which hath an husband. Now we, brethren, as Isaac was, are the children of promise. But as then he that was born after the flesh persecuted him that was born after the Spirit, even so it is now. Nevertheless what saith the scripture? Cast out the bondwoman and her son: for the son of the bondwoman shall not be heir with the son of the freewoman. So then, brethren, we are not children of the bondwoman, but of the free. Galatians 4:22–30.
Jer pisano je da je Abraham imao dva sina, jednoga od ropkinje, a drugoga od slobodne. Ali onaj od ropkinje bio je rođen po tijelu, a onaj od slobodne po obećanju. To je rečeno u prenesenom smislu: jer one predstavljaju dva saveza; jedan je od gore Sinaja, koji rađa za ropstvo, a to je Hagara. Jer ta Hagara jest gora Sinaj u Arabiji i odgovara sadašnjem Jeruzalemu, jer robuje zajedno sa svojom djecom. Ali gornji Jeruzalem slobodan je, i on je majka svima nama. Jer pisano je: Razveseli se, nerotkinjo koja ne rađaš; klikni i povikaj, ti koja ne trpiš porođajne boli; jer pusta ima mnogo više djece nego ona koja ima muža. A mi smo, braćo, kao Izak, djeca obećanja. Ali kao što je tada onaj koji se rodio po tijelu progonio onoga koji se rodio po Duhu, tako je i sada. Ipak, što kaže Pismo? Istjeraj ropkinju i njezina sina, jer sin ropkinje neće baštiniti sa sinom slobodne. Stoga, braćo, nismo djeca ropkinje, nego slobodne. Galaćanima 4:22–30.
In the time period of the cross, the ancient literal became symbols of the modern spiritual. The apostle Paul clarified these essential prophetic truths that allowed William Miller to establish the framework of two desolating powers, which he based all of his prophetic conclusions upon. The same work accomplished by the apostle Paul is what identifies the three desolating powers that is the framework for all the prophetic conclusions of Future for America.
U vremenskom razdoblju križa, drevne doslovne stvarnosti postale su simboli suvremenih duhovnih stvarnosti. Apostol Pavao razjasnio je te ključne proročke istine koje su Williamu Milleru omogućile da uspostavi okvir dviju pustošećih sila, na kojemu je temeljio sve svoje proročke zaključke. Isto djelo koje je izvršio apostol Pavao ono je što prepoznaje tri pustošeće sile, što je okvir za sve proročke zaključke službe Future for America.
The framework of Miller’s understanding of the increase of knowledge represented by the Ulai River vision of chapter seven, eight and nine was based upon his discovery that “the daily” in the book of Daniel represented pagan Rome. He made that discovery in Paul’s second letter to the Thessalonians. That understanding is the primary truth identified in association with the prophetic “lie,” that causes strong delusion to come upon Seventh-day Adventists in the last days.
Okvir Millerova razumijevanja porasta znanja, prikazanog viđenjem rijeke Ulaj u sedmom, osmom i devetom poglavlju, bio je utemeljen na njegovu otkriću da „svagdašnja“ u knjizi proroka Daniela predstavlja poganski Rim. To je otkriće pronašao u Pavlovoj Drugoj poslanici Solunjanima. To razumijevanje jest temeljna istina prepoznata u vezi s proročkom „laži“, koja uzrokuje da snažna zabluda dođe na adventiste sedmoga dana u posljednjim danima.
We will continue our study of the increase of knowledge represented by the vision of the Ulai River in the next article by considering what Miller recognized in Paul’s letter.
U sljedećem ćemo članku nastaviti naše proučavanje porasta znanja prikazanog viđenjem rijeke Ulai razmatrajući ono što je Miller prepoznao u Pavlovoj poslanici.
“One who sees beneath the surface, who reads the hearts of all men, says of those who have had great light: ‘They are not afflicted and astonished because of their moral and spiritual condition.’ Yea, they have chosen their own ways, and their soul delighteth in their abominations. I also will choose their delusions, and will bring their fears upon them; because when I called, none did answer; when I spake, they did not hear: but they did evil before Mine eyes, and chose that in which I delighted not.’ ‘God shall send them strong delusion, that they should believe a lie,’ because they received not the love of the truth, that they might be saved,’ ‘but had pleasure in unrighteousness.’ Isaiah 66:3, 4; 2 Thessalonians 2:11, 10, 12.
„Onaj koji vidi ispod površine, koji čita srca svih ljudi, kaže za one koji su imali veliku svjetlost: ‘Oni nisu ožalošćeni ni zapanjeni zbog svojega moralnog i duhovnog stanja.’ Da, izabrali su svoje vlastite putove, i duša njihova uživa u svojim gadostima. I ja ću izabrati njihove zablude, i navući ću na njih ono čega se boje; jer kad sam zvao, nitko se nije odazvao; kad sam govorio, nisu slušali; nego su činili zlo preda Mnom i izabrali ono što Mi nije bilo po volji.’ ‘Bog će im poslati silnu zabludu da povjeruju laži,’ jer ‘nisu primili ljubavi prema istini da bi se spasili,’ ‘nego su uživali u nepravednosti.’ Izaija 66:3, 4; 2 Solunjanima 2:11, 10, 12.
“The heavenly Teacher inquired: ‘What stronger delusion can beguile the mind than the pretense that you are building on the right foundation and that God accepts your works, when in reality you are working out many things according to worldly policy and are sinning against Jehovah? Oh, it is a great deception, a fascinating delusion, that takes possession of minds when men who have once known the truth, mistake the form of godliness for the spirit and power thereof; when they suppose that they are rich and increased with goods and in need of nothing, while in reality they are in need of everything.’” Testimonies, volume 8, 249, 250.
„Nebeski Učitelj upitao je: ‘Koja jača zabluda može zavesti um od pretvaranja da gradite na pravom temelju i da Bog prihvaća vaša djela, dok u stvarnosti mnoge stvari činite prema svjetovnoj politici i griješite protiv Jehove? O, to je velika obmana, očaravajuća zabluda, koja ovladava umovima kada ljudi koji su nekoć poznavali istinu, zamijene oblik pobožnosti za njezin duh i silu; kada misle da su bogati, da su se obogatili i da ni u čemu nemaju potrebe, dok u stvarnosti imaju potrebu za svime.’” Testimonies, svezak 8, 249, 250.