The “Revelation of Jesus Christ” is opened up to God’s people when “the time is at hand.” The final warning message for mankind is given just before the close of human probation and that final message is represented in several prophetic lines in the Bible. In Revelation fourteen that final warning message is represented by three angels.
„Otkrivenje Isusa Krista“ otvara se Božjemu narodu kada je „vrijeme blizu“. Posljednja poruka upozorenja za čovječanstvo dana je neposredno prije završetka vremena milosti za ljudski rod, a ta je posljednja poruka u Bibliji prikazana u nekoliko proročkih nizova. U četrnaestom poglavlju Otkrivenja ta je posljednja poruka upozorenja prikazana trojicom anđela.
And I saw another angel fly in the midst of heaven, having the everlasting gospel to preach unto them that dwell on the earth, and to every nation, and kindred, and tongue, and people, Saying with a loud voice, Fear God, and give glory to him; for the hour of his judgment is come: and worship him that made heaven, and earth, and the sea, and the fountains of waters.
I vidjeh drugoga anđela gdje leti posred neba, imajući vječno evanđelje da ga navijesti onima koji prebivaju na zemlji, i svakomu narodu, i plemenu, i jeziku, i puku, govoreći jakim glasom: Bojte se Boga i podajte mu slavu, jer je došao čas njegova suda; i poklonite se Onomu koji je stvorio nebo, i zemlju, i more, i izvore voda.
And there followed another angel, saying, Babylon is fallen, is fallen, that great city, because she made all nations drink of the wine of the wrath of her fornication.
I za njim dođe drugi anđeo govoreći: Pade, pade Babilon, grad veliki, jer je sve narode napojio vinom gnjeva svoga bluda.
And the third angel followed them, saying with a loud voice, If any man worship the beast and his image, and receive his mark in his forehead, or in his hand, The same shall drink of the wine of the wrath of God, which is poured out without mixture into the cup of his indignation; and he shall be tormented with fire and brimstone in the presence of the holy angels, and in the presence of the Lamb: And the smoke of their torment ascendeth up for ever and ever: and they have no rest day nor night, who worship the beast and his image, and whosoever receiveth the mark of his name. Here is the patience of the saints: here are they that keep the commandments of God, and the faith of Jesus. Revelation 14:6–12.
I treći anđeo pođe za njima govoreći jakim glasom: Ako se tko klanja Zvijeri i njezinu kipu te primi žig na svoje čelo ili na svoju ruku, taj će piti vino gnjeva Božjega, koje je nerazrijeđeno uliveno u čašu srdžbe njegove; i bit će mučen ognjem i sumporom pred svetim anđelima i pred Janjetom. I dim njihove muke uzlazi u vijeke vjekova; i nemaju počinka ni danju ni noću oni koji se klanjaju Zvijeri i njezinu kipu, i tko god primi žig njezina imena. Ovdje je postojanost svetih: ovdje su oni koji drže zapovijedi Božje i vjeru Isusovu. Otkrivenje 14:6–12.
In chapter eighteen of Revelation the very same message announces the fall of Babylon.
U osamnaestom poglavlju Otkrivenja ista ta poruka objavljuje pad Babilona.
And after these things 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, and the hold of every foul spirit, and a cage of every unclean and hateful bird. For all nations have drunk of the wine of the wrath of her fornication, and the kings of the earth have committed fornication with her, and the merchants of the earth are waxed rich through the abundance of her delicacies. And I heard another voice 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 18:1–5.
I nakon toga vidjeh drugoga anđela gdje silazi s neba, imajući veliku vlast; i zemlja se prosvijetli od njegove slave. I povika silno jakim glasom govoreći: Pade, pade Babilon veliki i postade prebivalište đavolā i tamnica svakoga nečistog duha i krletka svake nečiste i mrske ptice. Jer svi su narodi pili vino gnjeva njezina bluda, i kraljevi zemaljski s njom su bludničili, i trgovci zemaljski obogatili su se od obilja njezine raskoši. I čuh drugi glas s neba gdje govori: Izađite iz nje, narode moj, da ne budete sudionici njezinih grijeha i da ne primite od njezinih zala. Jer grijesi njezini dopriješe do neba, i Bog se spomenu njezinih bezakonja. Otkrivenje 18:1–5.
The prophetic line of history, or we might say, the sequence of events represented by the angel that lightens the earth with his glory in chapter eighteen represents the events that lead to the close of judgment, the close of probation and the seven last plagues. The prophetic history represented in chapter eighteen runs “parallel” to the line of prophetic history represented by the three angels of chapter fourteen.
Proročka linija povijesti, ili bismo mogli reći, slijed događaja prikazan anđelom koji obasjava zemlju svojom slavom u osamnaestom poglavlju, predstavlja događaje koji vode završetku suda, završetku vremena milosti i sedam posljednjih zala. Proročka povijest prikazana u osamnaestom poglavlju teče „usporedno” s linijom proročke povijesti prikazanom trima anđelima iz četrnaestoga poglavlja.
“God has given the messages of Revelation 14 their place in the line of prophecy, and their work is not to cease till the close of this earth’s history. The first and second angel’s messages are still truth for this time, and are to run parallel with this which follows. The third angel proclaims his warning with a loud voice. ‘After these things,’ said John, ‘I saw another angel come down from heaven, having great power, and the earth was lightened with his glory.’ In this illumination, the light of all the three messages is combined.” The 1888 Materials, 803, 804.
„Bog je porukama iz Otkrivenja 14 dao njihovo mjesto u nizu proročanstava, i njihovo djelo ne smije prestati sve do završetka povijesti ove zemlje. Poruke prvoga i drugoga anđela još su uvijek istina za ovo vrijeme i trebaju teći usporedno s ovom koja slijedi. Treći anđeo objavljuje svoje upozorenje snažnim glasom. ‘Nakon toga’, rekao je Ivan, ‘vidio sam drugoga anđela kako silazi s neba, koji je imao veliku vlast, i zemlja se rasvijetlila od njegove slave.’ U tom prosvjetljenju sjedinjena je svjetlost svih triju poruka.” The 1888 Materials, 803, 804.
The three angels of chapter fourteen flying in the midst of heaven, symbolizes a worldwide message that concludes with the mark of the beast and the close of probation. In chapter eighteen the entire earth is lightened by the glory of the angel whose message also concludes with the close of probation.
Tri anđela iz četrnaestog poglavlja koji lete posred neba simboliziraju svjetsku poruku koja završava žigom zvijeri i završetkom vremena milosti. U osamnaestom poglavlju sva se zemlja rasvjetljuje slavom anđela čija poruka također završava završetkom vremena milosti.
The message that is symbolically represented by three angels in chapter fourteen and that is also represented by the angel that descends in chapter eighteen are two illustrations of the same warning message. There is nothing redundant in the Bible, nothing wasted. The fact that the very same message is identified more than once by John is an emphasis on the importance of the message and it illustrates the divine method of teaching that is a biblical rule called “repeat and enlarge.” Bringing two lines of prophetic history together reveals truths that would not be recognized in either line when considered apart from the other line. Today if you brought two witnesses of the same event into court to testify, they might very well give opposite reports based upon their political or social ideology. This is not the case with Bible witnesses, they always agree, and if it appears to you that they don’t agree, then you are looking at something incorrectly.
Poruka koja je simbolički predstavljena s tri anđela u četrnaestom poglavlju, a koja je također predstavljena anđelom koji silazi u osamnaestom poglavlju, dvije su ilustracije iste poruke upozorenja. U Bibliji nema ničega suvišnog, ničega uzaludnog. Činjenica da Ivan više nego jednom označuje upravo istu poruku naglašava važnost te poruke i prikazuje božansku metodu poučavanja, koja je biblijsko pravilo nazvano „ponovi i proširi”. Dovođenje dviju linija proročke povijesti zajedno otkriva istine koje ne bi bile prepoznate ni u jednoj liniji kada bi se promatrala odvojeno od druge. Danas, kada biste na sud doveli dva svjedoka istoga događaja da svjedoče, oni bi vrlo lako mogli dati oprečna izvješća na temelju svoje političke ili društvene ideologije. To nije slučaj s biblijskim svjedocima; oni se uvijek slažu, i ako vam se čini da se ne slažu, tada nešto promatrate pogrešno.
The two illustrations we are considering are the very same warning message that the book of Malachi represents as the return of Elijah the prophet. All three of the messages arrive in advance of the close of probation—for the warning message contained in all three lines of prophecy are not simply given in advance of the close of probation, but the close of probation is the very point of reference, the subject if you will, of each of those warning messages. In fact, if any warning message is proclaimed or illustrated by any prophet, it’s the same warning as Revelation fourteen, eighteen and Malachi’s Elijah prophecy.
Dvije ilustracije koje razmatramo upravo su ista poruka upozorenja koju knjiga proroka Malahije predstavlja kao povratak proroka Ilije. Sve tri poruke dolaze unaprijed, prije završetka vremena milosti — jer poruka upozorenja sadržana u sve tri linije proročanstva nije samo dana unaprijed, prije završetka vremena milosti, nego je završetak vremena milosti samo ishodište, odnosno predmet, svake od tih poruka upozorenja. Zapravo, ako bilo koji prorok navješćuje ili prikazuje bilo kakvu poruku upozorenja, to je isto upozorenje kao ono u Otkrivenju četrnaest, osamnaest i u Malahijinu proročanstvu o Iliji.
These three lines of prophecy can easily be shown to run parallel to each other. That being said there are two primary sources of information in biblical prophecy. One is the identification of the sequence of events that unfold at the end of the world. The other source of information is the illustration of the prophets’ activities connected with the message outlining the future events.
Ove se tri linije proroštva mogu lako pokazati kao međusobno usporedne. Uz to, postoje dva glavna izvora obavijesti u biblijskom proroštvu. Jedan je prepoznavanje slijeda događaja koji se odigravaju na svršetku svijeta. Drugi izvor obavijesti jest prikaz djelovanja prorokâ povezanog s porukom koja ocrtava buduće događaje.
There are two rules worth considering in connection with these ideas. The first is that all the prophets speak about the end of the world, which is where probation closes.
Postoje dva pravila koja valja razmotriti u vezi s ovim idejama. Prvo je da svi proroci govore o svršetku svijeta, gdje završava vrijeme kušnje.
“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 vlastito vrijeme nego za naše, tako da je njihovo prorokovanje na snazi za nas. ‘A sve se to njima događalo za primjer, a napisano je za upozorenje nama, do kojih su došli svršeci svijeta.’ 1. Korinćanima 10:11. ‘Njima je bilo objavljeno da ne služe sebi, nego nama, u ovome što vam sada navijestiše oni koji su vam propovijedali evanđelje po Duhu Svetome poslanom s neba; u što anđeli žele proniknuti.’ 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 sabrala i zajedno povezala svoja blaga za ovaj posljednji naraštaj. Svi veliki događaji i svečani činovi povijesti Staroga zavjeta ponavljali su se i ponavljaju se u crkvi u ovim posljednjim danima.” Selected Messages, knjiga 3, 338, 339.
All the prophetic messages of the Bible are “in force for us” “upon whom the ends of the world are come.” That rule, in conjunction with another rule that identifies “matters” which the Holy Spirit has “shaped,” “both in the giving of the prophecy and” also “in the events portrayed” add strength to the claim that prophetic events at the beginning of a prophecy typify and run parallel to the prophetic events at the end of any given prophecy.
Sve proročanske poruke Biblije „na snazi su za nas” „na koje su došli svršeci svijeta.” To pravilo, zajedno s drugim pravilom koje prepoznaje „stvari” koje je Sveti Duh „oblikovao”, „kako u davanju proroštva tako” i „u prikazanim događajima”, daje dodatnu snagu tvrdnji da proročki događaji na početku nekog proroštva predstavljaju tip i teku usporedno s proročkim događajima na kraju bilo kojeg danog proroštva.
“There is need of a much closer study of the word of God; especially should Daniel and the Revelation have attention as never before in the history of our work. We may have less to say in some lines, in regard to the Roman power and the papacy; but we should call attention to what the prophets and apostles have written under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit of God. The Holy Spirit has so shaped matters, both in the giving of the prophecy and in the events portrayed, as to teach that the human agent is to be kept out of sight, hid in Christ, and that the Lord God of heaven and His law are to be exalted. Read the book of Daniel. Call up, point by point, the history of the kingdoms there represented.” Testimonies to Ministers, 112.
„Potrebno je mnogo pomnije proučavanje Božje riječi; osobitu pozornost valja posvetiti Danielu i Otkrivenju kao nikada prije u povijesti našega djela. Možda ćemo u nekim pravcima imati manje za reći u pogledu rimske sile i papinstva; ali trebamo skrenuti pozornost na ono što su proroci i apostoli napisali pod nadahnućem Svetoga Duha Božjega. Sveti Duh je tako uredio stvari, kako u davanju proročanstva tako i u događajima koji su prikazani, da pouči kako ljudski čimbenik treba ostati izvan vidokruga, skriven u Kristu, a da Gospod Bog neba i Njegov zakon trebaju biti uzvišeni. Čitajte knjigu proroka Daniela. Prizovite, točku po točku, povijest kraljevstava koja su ondje prikazana.“ Testimonies to Ministers, 112.
The “Holy Spirit has so shaped matters, both in the giving of the prophecy and in the events portrayed.” In “giving of the prophecy and in the events portrayed” “matters” have been “so shaped” by “the Holy Spirit” that both “the giving of the prophecy” and “the events portrayed,” are to be recognized as inspired and applied to the prophetic illustration of the end of the world.
„Duh Sveti tako je uredio stvari, kako u davanju proročanstva tako i u prikazanim događajima.” U „davanju proročanstva i u prikazanim događajima” „stvari” su bile „tako uređene” od strane „Duha Svetoga” da se i „davanje proročanstva” i „prikazani događaji” trebaju prepoznati kao nadahnuti i primijeniti na proročki prikaz svršetka svijeta.
John was given the prophecy from Gabriel and told to write it in a book and send it to the churches. He was then being persecuted by Rome; he was exiled in a fashion that would parallel what in the world today would call a black-site. In that history John was as isolated from mankind as is any prisoner at Guantanamo Bay.
Ivanu je Gabriel dao proroštvo i rekao mu da ga zapiše u knjigu te pošalje crkvama. Tada je bio progonjen od Rima; bio je prognan na način koji bi bio usporediv s onim što bi se u današnjem svijetu nazvalo tajnim zatočeničkim mjestom. U toj je povijesnoj situaciji Ivan bio jednako izoliran od čovječanstva kao i bilo koji zatvorenik u zaljevu Guantanamo.
John identifies that the vision took place when he was worshipping on the seventh-day Sabbath, which is the Lord’s Day.
Ivan označava da se viđenje zbilo dok je bogoslužio u subotu sedmoga dana, koja je Dan Gospodnji.
For the Son of man is Lord even of the sabbath day. Matthew 12:8.
Jer je Sin Čovječji gospodar i subote. Matej 12,8.
While worshipping in the Spirit, he heard a great voice behind him.
Dok je u Duhu iskazivao štovanje, začuo je za sobom snažan glas.
I John, who also am your brother, and companion in tribulation, and in the kingdom and patience of Jesus Christ, was in the isle that is called Patmos, for the word of God, and for the testimony of Jesus Christ. I was in the Spirit on the Lord’s day, and heard behind me a great voice, as of a trumpet, Saying, I am Alpha and Omega, the first and the last: and, What thou seest, write in a book, and send it unto the seven churches which are in Asia; unto Ephesus, and unto Smyrna, and unto Pergamos, and unto Thyatira, and unto Sardis, and unto Philadelphia, and unto Laodicea. Revelation 1:9–11.
Ja, Ivan, vaš brat i sudionik u nevolji, i u kraljevstvu i postojanosti Isusa Krista, bijah na otoku zvanom Patmos poradi riječi Božje i poradi svjedočanstva Isusa Krista. Bijah u Duhu u Dan Gospodnji, i začuh za sobom jak glas, kao glas trube, koji govoraše: Ja sam Alfa i Omega, Prvi i Posljednji; i: Što vidiš, napiši u knjigu i pošalji sedmerim crkvama koje su u Aziji: u Efez, i u Smirnu, i u Pergam, i u Tijatiru, i u Sard, i u Filadelfiju, i u Laodiceju. Otkrivenje 1:9–11.
John, his surroundings and the circumstances identified describe him as one that is being persecuted for being a seventh-day Sabbath worshipper, but one who is also being persecuted because they believe in both the Bible and the writings of Ellen White, which is the “testimony of Jesus.” He hears a great voice behind him, which he turns to see, and in so doing he represents a Seventh-day Adventist at the end of the world who hear a voice behind them saying, “this is the way, walk ye in it.”
Ivan, njegova okolina i utvrđene okolnosti opisuju ga kao nekoga tko je progonjen zato što svetkuje subotu sedmoga dana, ali i kao nekoga tko je također progonjen zato što vjeruje i u Bibliju i u spise Ellen White, koji su „svjedočanstvo Isusovo“. On čuje jak glas iza sebe, kojemu se okreće da bi ga vidio, i čineći tako predstavlja adventista sedmoga dana na svršetku svijeta koji čuju glas iza sebe kako govori: „ovo je put, idite njime“.
All the lines of prophecy parallel each other at the end of the world.
Sve linije proroštva teku usporedno jedna s drugom na svršetku svijeta.
“In the Revelation all the books of the Bible meet and end.” Acts of the Apostles, 585.
„U Otkrivenju se sastaju i završavaju sve knjige Biblije.“ Djela apostolska, 585.
Any prophet that hears a voice behind them, aligns with John in the illustration of God’s people at the end of the world. John heard a voice behind him that gave him instructions. Isaiah also heard a voice of instruction.
Svaki prorok koji čuje glas iza sebe usklađuje se s Ivanom u prikazu Božjega naroda na svršetku svijeta. Ivan je čuo glas iza sebe koji mu je davao upute. Izaija je također čuo glas upute.
And therefore will the Lord wait, that he may be gracious unto you, and therefore will he be exalted, that he may have mercy upon you: for the Lord is a God of judgment: blessed are all they that wait for him.
Zato će Gospodin čekati da vam se smiluje, i zato će se uzvisiti da vam iskaže milosrđe; jer Gospodin je Bog pravde: blago svima koji njega čekaju.
For the people shall dwell in Zion at Jerusalem: thou shalt weep no more: he will be very gracious unto thee at the voice of thy cry; when he shall hear it, he will answer thee. And though the Lord give you the bread of adversity, and the water of affliction, yet shall not thy teachers be removed into a corner any more, but thine eyes shall see thy teachers: And thine ears shall hear a word behind thee, saying, This is the way, walk ye in it, when ye turn to the right hand, and when ye turn to the left. Isaiah 30:18–21.
Jer će narod prebivati na Sionu, u Jeruzalemu: nećeš više plakati; on će ti iskazati veliku milost na glas tvoga vapaja; čim ga čuje, odazvat će ti se. I premda vam Gospod dade kruh nevolje i vodu tjeskobe, tvoji učitelji više se neće sklanjati u kut, nego će tvoje oči gledati tvoje učitelje. I tvoje će uši čuti riječ iza tebe koja govori: Ovo je put, njime idite, kad skrenete nadesno i kad skrenete nalijevo. Izaija 30:18–21.
God’s remnant people hear a voice behind them identifying which way they should walk. They then need to decide if they will listen or not listen. The people represented by John and Isaiah are people at the end of the world who wait for the Lord while He tarries, and Isaiah informs us he tarries because He is a God of judgment. From the beginning of Millerite history in 1798 until the close of probation for Adventism at the Sunday law, God is accomplishing the judgment in the heavenly sanctuary. The promise is that those who wait for the Lord during the judgment period will be blessed.
Božji ostatak čuje glas iza sebe koji im pokazuje kojim putem trebaju ići. Tada trebaju odlučiti hoće li slušati ili neće slušati. Ljudi predstavljeni Ivanom i Izaijom jesu ljudi na svršetku svijeta koji čekaju Gospodina dok On odgađa, a Izaija nas obavještava da On odgađa zato što je Bog suda. Od početka mileritske povijesti 1798. godine pa do završetka vremena milosti za adventizam pri nedjeljnom zakonu, Bog izvršava sud u nebeskom Svetištu. Obećanje glasi da će oni koji čekaju Gospodina tijekom razdoblja suda biti blagoslovljeni.
God’s people who are blessed for waiting, are represented by the virgins who wait for the Bridegroom in the parable of the ten virgins. All ten fell asleep, and then at midnight a crisis arrives that separates the sleeping virgins into two classes. One class had heard a voice behind them and turned to see the voice which instructed them as to which way to proceed, and the other class refused to turn around and hear the voice—in spite of the fact that the message that runs throughout the book of Revelation is, “He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches.”
Božji narod koji je blagoslovljen zbog čekanja prikazan je djevicama koje čekaju Zaručnika u prispodobi o deset djevica. Svih deset zaspaše, a potom u ponoć nastupa kriza koja razdvaja uspavane djevice u dvije skupine. Jedna je skupina čula glas iza sebe i okrenula se da vidi glas koji ih je uputio kojim putem valja ići, a druga se skupina odbila okrenuti i čuti glas — unatoč činjenici da poruka koja se provlači kroz cijelu knjigu Otkrivenja glasi: „Tko ima uho, neka čuje što Duh govori crkvama.“
“The parable of the ten virgins of Matthew 25 also illustrates the experience of the Adventist people.” The Great Controversy, 393.
„Prispodoba o deset djevica iz Mateja 25 također prikazuje iskustvo adventnog naroda.“ Velika borba, 393.
John represents the Adventist people who turn to the past in order to understand the future. When they “hear a word behind” them as John did, the word also includes the instruction given in Isaiah’s testimony of this identical event. Isaiah’s instruction was, “this is the way, walk ye in it, when ye turn to the right hand, and when ye turn to the left.” The wise virgins in Daniel twelve understand the increase of knowledge at the end of the world, because they had “run to and fro” in the word to understand the life-giving knowledge that was unsealed.
Ivan predstavlja adventistički narod koji se obraća prošlosti kako bi razumio budućnost. Kada „čuju riječ iza“ sebe kao što je Ivan čuo, ta riječ također uključuje uputu danu u Izaijinu svjedočanstvu o tom istom događaju. Izaijina uputa bila je: „ovo je put, idite njime, kad skrenete nadesno i kad skrenete nalijevo.“ Mudre djevice u Danielu dvanaest razumiju umnoženje znanja na svršetku svijeta, jer su „prolazile tamo-amo“ po Riječi kako bi razumjele životodajno znanje koje je bilo otpečaćeno.
But thou, O Daniel, shut up the words, and seal the book, even to the time of the end: many shall run to and fro, and knowledge shall be increased. Daniel 12:4.
A ti, Daniele, zatvori ove riječi i zapečati knjigu do vremena svršetka: mnogi će tumarati amo-tamo, i znanje će se umnožiti. Daniel 12,4.
The prophets we are considering represent Seventh-day Adventists in the history where judgment comes to a conclusion and probation closes. Those represented as the wise virgins hear a voice behind them saying this is the way to walk and He promises to guide them on the path when they turn to the left or the right. “Running to and fro” as the wise virgins do when the book is unsealed is a symbol for Bible study. Nature informs us that in order to run, you first must learn to walk and Isaiah’s testimony says that if you listen to the voice behind you, he will guide you in the study of His Word whether you turn to the Old Testament (left) or the New Testament (right). Open the Bible and He will guide you by His voice. But for Seventh-day Adventists at the end of the world it also means He will guide you when you open the Bible (left) and when you open the Spirit of Prophecy (right).
Proroci koje razmatramo predstavljaju adventiste sedmoga dana u povijesti u kojoj sud dolazi svome završetku i vrijeme kušnje se zatvara. Oni koji su prikazani kao mudre djevice čuju glas iza sebe kako govori: ovo je put, njime idite, i On obećava da će ih voditi na stazi kada skrenu nalijevo ili nadesno. „Pretrčavanje amo-tamo”, kako to čine mudre djevice kada je knjiga otpečaćena, simbol je za proučavanje Biblije. Priroda nas poučava da, da bi se trčalo, najprije se mora naučiti hodati, a Izaijino svjedočanstvo kaže da će te, ako poslušaš glas iza sebe, On voditi u proučavanju svoje Riječi, bilo da se okreneš Starome zavjetu (lijevo) ili Novome zavjetu (desno). Otvori Bibliju i On će te voditi svojim glasom. No za adventiste sedmoga dana na svršetku svijeta to također znači da će te On voditi kada otvoriš Bibliju (lijevo) i kada otvoriš Duh proroštva (desno).
The way to walk is even more specific when Jeremiah’s testimony is added.
Put kojim treba hoditi postaje još određeniji kada se doda Jeremijino svjedočanstvo.
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, and ye shall find rest for your souls. But they said, We will not walk therein. Also I set watchmen over you, saying, Hearken to the sound of the trumpet. But they said, We will not hearken.
Ovako govori Gospodin: Stanite na putove i pogledajte, i raspitajte se za stare staze, gdje je dobar put, i njime idite, pa ćete naći pokoj dušama svojim. Ali oni rekoše: Nećemo njime ići. Postavih nad vama i stražare, govoreći: Poslušajte glas trube. Ali oni rekoše: Nećemo slušati.
Therefore hear, ye nations, and know, O congregation, what is among them. Hear, O earth: behold, I will bring evil upon this people, even the fruit of their thoughts, because they have not hearkened unto my words, nor to my law, but rejected it. Jeremiah 6:16–19.
Stoga čujte, narodi, i spoznajte, o zajednice, što je među njima. Čuj, o zemljo: evo, pustit ću zlo na ovaj narod, sam plod njihovih misli, jer nisu poslušali mojih riječi, ni mojega zakona, nego su ga odbacili. Jeremija 6:16–19.
There are two classes of worshippers in the passage. One group considers all the “ways” and chooses the “old paths” to walk in. They were capable of selecting the “good way” from all the other possible “ways,” because they are those who listened to the voice behind them, and that voice informed them, “this is the way, walk ye in it.” John represents those that hear the voice from behind, a voice from the “old paths.”
U ovome odlomku postoje dvije skupine štovatelja. Jedna skupina razmatra sve „putove” i odabire „stare staze” kojima će hoditi. Bili su sposobni izabrati „dobar put” među svim drugim mogućim „putovima”, jer su oni koji su slušali glas iza sebe, a taj ih je glas poučavao: „to je put, njime idite.” Ivan predstavlja one koji čuju glas iza sebe, glas sa „starih staza”.
“‘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 gledajte, i raspitajte se za stare staze, gdje je dobar put, i hodite 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 otkrivenjem. Na tim temeljima gradimo posljednjih pedeset godina. Ljudi mogu misliti da su pronašli nov put i da mogu položiti čvršći temelj od onoga koji je već položen. Ali to je velika obmana. Jer nitko ne može položiti drugoga temelja osim onoga koji je već položen.“
“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, uspostavu novih načela. Ali koliko je dugo njihova građevina opstala? 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.
„Zar se prvi učenici nisu morali suočiti s ljudskim tvrdnjama? Zar nisu morali slušati lažne teorije i zatim, učinivši sve, ostati postojani govoreći: ‘Jer drugoga temelja nitko ne može postaviti 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 čvrsto držati početak svojega pouzdanja do kraja. Riječi sile poslane su 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 objavljivali poruku. Božanski je izričaj stavio svoj pečat na istinitost objavljene istine.” Testimonies, sv. 8, 296, 297.
But there is another group in Jeremiah’s line and that “congregation” as he identifies them, have built a house representing a new faith, and that house falls because it was not built upon the rock. That house is the Seventh-day Adventist church, or as John identifies the very same church—the synagogue of Satan.
Ali postoji još jedna skupina u Jeremijinu rodu, i ta je „zajednica“, kako ih on označuje, sagradila kuću koja predstavlja novu vjeru, i ta kuća pada jer nije sagrađena na stijeni. Ta je kuća Crkva adventista sedmoga dana, ili, kako Ivan označuje tu istu crkvu — sotonina sinagoga.
To refuse to hear is to reject, his “words” and his “law.” Due to their rebellion against returning and walking in the old paths and also their refusal to hear the trumpet message of the watchman, God is going to bring evil upon the people Jeremiah identifies as a “evil congregation.” How God deals with the Seventh-day Adventist church of Laodicea is a subject of Bible prophecy. The prophet Hosea contributes to the characteristics of the “evil congregation” when he speaks about why they are rejected.
Odbiti čuti znači odbaciti njegove „riječi” i njegov „Zakon”. Zbog njihove pobune protiv vraćanja i hoda starim stazama, kao i zbog njihova odbijanja da čuju trubnu poruku stražara, Bog će dovesti zlo na narod koji Jeremija označava kao „zlu zajednicu”. Način na koji Bog postupa sa crkvom Laodiceje Adventista sedmoga dana predmet je biblijskoga proročanstva. Prorok Hošea doprinosi obilježjima „zle zajednice” kada govori o tome zašto su odbačeni.
My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge: because thou hast rejected knowledge, I will also reject thee, that thou shalt be no priest to me: seeing thou hast forgotten the law of thy God, I will also forget thy children. Hosea 4:6.
Moj narod gine zbog pomanjkanja znanja; budući da si ti odbacio znanje, i ja ću odbaciti tebe, da mi više ne budeš svećenik; budući da si zaboravio zakon Boga svojega, i ja ću zaboraviti tvoju djecu. Hošea 4,6.
They are rejected for lacking knowledge, which represents a message that is unsealed at the time of the end. God is ending here His covenant relationship with His people in the passage, for He directly calls them, “My people!” Because they rejected Christ, and have forgotten His law they will be no priest for God. When God’s people enter into covenant with God, He makes them priests and kings. When God entered into covenant with ancient Israel he stated through Moses:
Odbačeni su zbog nedostatka znanja, što predstavlja poruku koja je otpečaćena u vrijeme svršetka. Bog ovdje okončava svoj saveznički odnos sa svojim narodom u ovom odlomku, jer ih izravno naziva: „Moj narod!“ Budući da su odbacili Krista i zaboravili njegov zakon, neće biti svećenik Bogu. Kada Božji narod stupa u savez s Bogom, on ih čini svećenicima i kraljevima. Kada je Bog stupio u savez sa starim Izraelom, izjavio je preko Mojsija:
Now therefore, if ye will obey my voice indeed, and keep my covenant, then ye shall be a peculiar treasure unto me above all people: for all the earth is mine: And ye shall be unto me a kingdom of priests, and an holy nation. These are the words which thou shalt speak unto the children of Israel. Exodus 19:5, 6.
Stoga sada, budete li doista slušali moj glas i držali moj savez, bit ćete mi osobita dragocjenost iznad svih naroda; jer sva je zemlja moja. I bit ćete mi kraljevstvo svećenikā i svet narod. To su riječi koje ćeš govoriti sinovima Izraelovim. Izlazak 19:5, 6.
When God entered into covenant with the Christian church he stated through Peter:
Kad je Bog stupio u savez s kršćanskom crkvom, izjavio je po Petru:
But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should show forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvellous light: Which in time past were not a people, but are now the people of God: which had not obtained mercy, but now have obtained mercy. 1 Peter 2:9, 10.
Ali vi ste izabrani rod, kraljevsko svećenstvo, sveti narod, narod stečeni, da navješćujete kreposti Onoga koji vas je iz tame pozvao u svoje čudesno svjetlo; koji nekoć ne bijaste narod, a sada ste narod Božji; koji ne bijaste zadobili milosrđe, a sada ste zadobili milosrđe. 1. Petrova 2,9.10.
Peter in these verses addresses the transition from ancient Israel as God’s chosen covenant people unto the Christian church, when he states that “in times past were not a people, but now are the people of God.” When the Jews divorced themselves from God, the Lord entered into covenant with the Christian church. Both were considered as nations of priests while they were married to the Lord.
Petar u ovim recima govori o prijelazu sa staroga Izraela kao Božjega izabranog saveznog naroda na kršćansku Crkvu, kada kaže da „nekada niste bili narod, a sada ste narod Božji“. Kada su se Židovi odijelili od Boga, Gospodin je sklopio savez s kršćanskom Crkvom. Oboje su se smatrali narodima svećenikā dok su bili u braku s Gospodinom.
To be rejected as a priest indicates that you once were a covenant people. Seventh-day Adventists entered into covenant with the Lord at the beginning of Adventist history. The church in the wilderness came out of the Reformation but rejected the Millerite message, and thus divorced themselves from God during the history of the first and second angels’ messages. The final separation was the arrival of the second angel and the pronouncement was that they were no longer a daughter of Christ, but had become a daughter of Babylon. Immediately after, during the Midnight Cry, God called His new bride to the covenant marriage.
Biti odbačen kao svećenik pokazuje da si nekoć bio saveznički narod. Adventisti sedmoga dana stupili su u savez s Gospodinom na početku adventističke povijesti. Crkva u pustinji izišla je iz Reformacije, ali je odbacila milleritsku poruku te se tako razvela od Boga tijekom povijesti poruka prvoga i drugoga anđela. Konačno razdvajanje nastupilo je dolaskom drugoga anđela, a objava je glasila da više nisu kći Kristova, nego da su postali kći Babilona. Odmah potom, tijekom Ponoćnog pokliča, Bog je pozvao svoju novu zaručnicu na saveznički brak.
The two tables that were the symbol of the covenant for ancient Israel were the two tables of the Ten Commandments, and the two tables for spiritual modern Israel are the two tables of Habakkuk as represented by the 1843 and 1850 charts. The covenant people that inspiration has identified repeatedly as Laodicea rejected the old paths, refused to listen to the voice behind them, and they therefore repeat the ending history of ancient Israel as they are spewed out of the mouth of the Lord. Why does this happen to those He calls, “My people?”
Dvije ploče koje su bile simbol Saveza za drevni Izrael bile su dvije ploče Deset zapovijedi, a dvije ploče za duhovni suvremeni Izrael jesu dvije Habakukove ploče, kako su prikazane na kartama iz 1843. i 1850. godine. Savezni narod koji je nadahnuće višeput prepoznalo kao Laodiceju odbacio je stare staze, odbio slušati glas iza sebe, te stoga ponavlja završnu povijest drevnoga Izraela dok biva izbljuvan iz usta Gospodnjih. Zašto se to događa onima koje On naziva: „Moj narod?”
The parable of the ten virgins, which illustrates the experience of Adventism is twice fulfilled, once at the beginning and then at the ending of Adventism. Sister White teaches that the parable has been and will be fulfilled to the very letter, and also that the parable is always to be understood as present truth, just as is the third angel.
Prispodoba o deset djevica, koja prikazuje iskustvo adventizma, ispunjava se dvaput: jednom na početku, a zatim na završetku adventizma. Sestra White uči da se ta prispodoba ispunila i da će se ispuniti do najsitnijeg slova, te također da se prispodoba uvijek treba razumjeti kao sadašnja istina, kao što je to i treći anđeo.
“I am often referred to the parable of the ten virgins, five of whom were wise, and five foolish. This parable has been and will be fulfilled to the very letter, for it has a special application to this time, and, like the third angel’s message, has been fulfilled and will continue to be present truth till the close of time.” Review and Herald, August 19, 1890.
„Često me upućuju na prispodobu o deset djevica, od kojih je pet bilo mudrih, a pet ludih. Ova prispodoba ispunila se i ispunit će se do u najmanju pojedinost, jer ima posebnu primjenu za ovo vrijeme i, poput poruke trećega anđela, ispunila se i nastavit će biti sadašnja istina do svršetka vremena.” Review and Herald, 19. kolovoza 1890.
Millerite Adventism fulfilled the waiting of the parable between their failed prediction of 1843 and the correct prediction of October 22, 1844. The prophetic details of this history are many and important, but I simply wish to identify that the parable of the ten virgins is directly connected to the third angel as Sister White just stated.
Mileritski adventizam ispunio je čekanje iz prispodobe između njihova neuspjelog predviđanja za 1843. godinu i točnog predviđanja za 22. listopada 1844. Proročki pojedinosti ove povijesti brojni su i važni, no ja jednostavno želim utvrditi da je prispodoba o deset djevica izravno povezana s trećim anđelom, kao što je sestra White upravo izjavila.
From 1798 until October 22, 1844, the message of the first angel announced the opening of the judgment. Just before the judgment began the Midnight Cry of the parable of the ten virgins was fulfilled. Therefore, when the third angel announces the close of judgment, the announcement of the Midnight Cry will once again be repeated.
Od 1798. do 22. listopada 1844. vijest prvoga anđela naviještala je otvaranje suda. Neposredno prije nego što je sud započeo, ispunio se Ponoćni poklič iz prispodobe o deset djevica. Stoga će, kada treći anđeo objavi završetak suda, objava Ponoćnoga pokliča ponovno biti ponovljena.
The recognition that the Protestant churches had rejected God’s message, thus becoming the daughters of Babylon, was the arrival of the second angel’s message and the beginning of the tarrying time in the parable that was being “fulfilled to the very letter.” The Lord did not return in 1843, He tarried to test and bless the virgins. The announcement of the second angel identifying the Protestant churches as daughters of Babylon was a call for those still in those fallen churches to come out and stand with the Millerites and their understanding of the prophecies. At the Exeter camp meeting Samuel Snow provided the evidence necessary to confirm the Lord’s coming on October 22, 1844, and the message of the Midnight Cry swept across the land like a tidal wave. Then the third angel arrived at the Great Disappointment of October 22, 1844.
Spoznaja da su protestantske crkve odbacile Božju poruku te tako postale kćeri Babilona označila je dolazak poruke drugoga anđela i početak vremena odgode u prispodobi koja se „ispunjavala do posljednjega slova“. Gospodin se nije vratio 1843.; zadržao se kako bi iskušao i blagoslovio djevice. Objavljivanje poruke drugoga anđela, koja je protestantske crkve označila kao kćeri Babilona, bio je poziv onima koji su još uvijek bili u tim palim crkvama da iziđu i stanu uz milerite i njihovo razumijevanje proročanstava. Na taborovanju u Exeteru Samuel Snow iznio je dokaze nužne da potvrde Gospodinov dolazak 22. listopada 1844., a poruka Ponoćnoga poklika prohujala je zemljom poput plimnoga vala. Tada je treći anđeo došao u Velikom razočaranju 22. listopada 1844.
This was a brief summation of a beginning history that I have left out many points, in order to isolate a few points that seem more relevant to what we are addressing.
Ovo je bio sažet prikaz jedne rane povijesti u kojem sam izostavio mnoge pojedinosti kako bih izdvojio nekoliko točaka koje se čine važnijima za ono čime se bavimo.
We will continue these thoughts in the next article.
Ove ćemo misli nastaviti u sljedećem članku.