“So in searching the field and digging for the precious jewels of truth, hidden treasures are discerned. Unexpectedly we find precious ore that is to be gathered and treasured. And the search is to be continued. Hitherto very much of the treasure found has lain near the surface, and was easily obtained. When the search is properly conducted every effort is made to keep a pure understanding and heart. When the mind is kept open and is constantly searching the field of revelation, we shall find rich deposits of truth.

因此,在搜寻这一领域、挖掘真理的珍宝时,隐藏的宝藏便得以辨识。不期然间,我们发现了值得收集并珍藏的珍贵矿脉。而且,这一搜寻应当继续下去。迄今为止,所发现的许多宝藏都位于地表附近,容易取得。只要搜寻开展得当,便会尽一切努力保持纯净的理解与心灵。当心智保持开放,并不断在启示的领域中搜寻时,我们将发现丰富的真理矿藏。

Old truths will be revealed in new aspects, and truths will appear which have been overlooked in the search. Mighty truths have been buried beneath the sophistry of error, but they will be found by the diligent searcher. As he finds and opens the treasure house of the precious jewels of truth, it is no robbery; for all who appreciate these jewels may possess them, and then they too have a treasure house to open to others. He who imparts does not deprive himself of the treasure; for as he examines it that he may present it in such a way as to attract others, he finds new treasures. . . .

旧有的真理将以新的面貌被揭示,而在寻求过程中被忽略的真理也将显现。伟大的真理曾被谬误的诡辩所掩埋,但勤勉的探求者终将把它们寻获。当他发现并开启收藏真理珍贵宝石的宝库时,这并非抢夺;因为凡珍视这些宝石的人都可以拥有它们,而他们也同样拥有一座宝库,可以向他人开启。施与者并不因此失去自己的珍宝;因为当他为了能以一种吸引他人的方式呈现它而细加审视时,他又发现了新的宝藏……

“Those who stand before the people as teachers of truth are to grapple with great themes. They are not to occupy precious time in talking of trivial subjects. Let them study the Word, and preach the Word. Let the Word be in their hands as a sharp, two-edged sword. Let it testify to past truths and show what is to be in the future.

那些作为真理教师站在众人面前的人,应当深入探讨伟大的主题。他们不应以琐碎的话题占用宝贵的时间。要研读圣言,并传讲圣言。愿圣言在他们手中如同一把锋利的两刃之剑;让它为过去的真理作见证,并指示将来的事。

Increased light will shine upon all the grand truths of prophecy, and they will be seen in freshness and brilliancy, because the bright beams of the Sun of Righteousness will illuminate the whole.” Manuscript Releases, volume 1, 37–40.

“更多的亮光将照在一切预言的伟大真理上;它们将显得焕然一新、灿烂辉煌,因为公义的日头那明亮的光芒将照亮一切。”《手稿发布》,第1卷,37-40。

I believe that I have now placed enough prophetic representations in place with the previous articles to have a good point of reference as we begin to proceed through the book of Revelation. If you are reading these articles online, I would hope you understand that the articles are in sequence by date. I understand that there are those following the articles that are familiar with most of what I am sharing, and I offer to them my apologies for all the redundancy. I have been trying to give enough biblical support for the truths we are handling, that someone new to the principles that Future for America employs will understand and stay engaged, though they might lack some of the familiarity with these concepts that many of us already know.

我相信,通过先前的文章,我已经铺陈了足够的预言性的表述,使我们在开始推进对《启示录》的研读时有一个良好的参照点。如果你在网上阅读这些文章,我希望你明白这些文章是按日期顺序排列的。我知道有一些持续关注这些文章的读者对我所分享的大部分内容已经很熟悉,对于诸多重复之处,我向他们表示歉意。我一直在努力为我们所处理的真理提供足够的圣经根据,好使那些刚接触 Future for America 所采用原则的人也能理解并保持投入,尽管他们可能不像我们许多人那样熟悉这些概念。

There are some very powerful truths, which until recently I had never recognized that have been opened in the book of Revelation. I could simply set the truths out there in the public domain without trying first to build a premise of prophetic support before I share them, but the truths are so new and so serious that I have not been willing to share without some foundation upon which to place the truths, which I believe are represented as the unsealing of Revelation that happens just before probation closes.

有一些极其有力的真理,直到最近我才意识到,它们已在《启示录》中被开启。我本可以不先为它们建立来自预言的支持性前提,就直接把这些真理公之于众;但是这些真理如此新且如此重大,以致于在没有可以安放它们的根基之前,我不愿意分享。我相信,这些真理所呈现的,正是发生在考验期即将结束之前的《启示录》封印的揭开。

And he saith unto me, Seal not the sayings of the prophecy of this book: for the time is at hand. He that is unjust, let him be unjust still: and he which is filthy, let him be filthy still: and he that is righteous, let him be righteous still: and he that is holy, let him be holy still. Revelation 22:10, 11.

他又对我说:不可封了这书上预言的话,因为时候近了。不义的,叫他仍旧不义;污秽的,叫他仍旧污秽;义的,叫他仍旧行义;圣洁的,叫他仍旧圣洁。启示录 22:10-11。

Jesus set forth a principle about teaching the truth, that I believe applies here. The principle is set within the identification of the work of the Holy Spirit.

耶稣提出了一个关于教导真理的原则,我认为这个原则适用于这里。这个原则确立在对圣灵工作的辨识之中。

And when he is come, he will reprove the world of sin, and of righteousness, and of judgment: Of sin, because they believe not on me; Of righteousness, because I go to my Father, and ye see me no more; Of judgment, because the prince of this world is judged. I have yet many things to say unto you, but ye cannot bear them now. Howbeit when he, the Spirit of truth, is come, he will guide you into all truth: for he shall not speak of himself; but whatsoever he shall hear, that shall he speak: and he will show you things to come. He shall glorify me: for he shall receive of mine, and shall show it unto you. John 16:8–16.

他来了,就要使世人认清关于罪、义和审判的事:关于罪,是因为他们不信我;关于义,是因为我往父那里去,你们就不再看见我;关于审判,是因为这世界的王已经受了审判。我还有许多事要告诉你们,但你们现在还不能承受。然而,当那位真理的灵来了,他要引导你们进入一切真理;因为他不会凭自己说话,只把他所听见的说出来,并且要把将要发生的事指示你们。他要荣耀我,因为他要领受属于我的,并把它显明给你们。约翰福音 16:8-16。

When Christ stated, “I have yet many things to say unto you, but ye cannot bear them now,” it upholds my conviction that there is now much to share, but there should first be a logical premise to build those truths upon. That being said, the previous verses identify the three angels’ messages as represented by the Holy Spirit reproving “the world of sin, and of righteousness, and of judgment.” Those three messages are the final warning message, so this passage identifying the work of the Holy Spirit is an important testimony, for it emphasizes that the message is progressively understood, and it is only understood by those who possess the oil of the Holy Spirit. John, in the book of Revelation represents that very truth when he identifies that he is a Sabbath worshipping Seventh-day Adventist at the end of the world.

当基督说:“我还有许多事要告诉你们,但你们现在担当不了”时,这就支持了我的信念:如今确有许多可以分享的内容,但首先应当有一个合乎逻辑的前提,来作为建立这些真理的根基。话虽如此,前面的经文把三位天使的信息界定为圣灵“责备这世界的罪、义和审判”的工作。这三道信息就是最后的警告信息,因此这段指明圣灵工作的经文是一个重要的见证,因为它强调这信息是逐步被理解的,而且只有拥有圣灵之油的人才能明白。约翰在《启示录》中,当他表明自己在世界末了是一个守安息日的基督复临安息日会信徒时,正是体现了这一真理。

I was in the Spirit on the Lord’s day, and heard behind me a great voice, as of a trumpet. Revelation 1:10.

在主日,我在灵里,听见在我后面有一个洪亮的声音,像号角一样。启示录 1:10。

Seventh-day Adventists at the end of the world who will understand the unsealed message in Revelation will do so because they are “in the Spirit.” In the context of the parable that we have been told “illustrates the experience of the Adventist people,” John is a wise virgin, for he has the oil of the Spirit. He represents the wise virgins at the end of the world, who hear a great voice “behind” them. The “voice from behind” him is the Alpha and Omega as identified in the very next verse, and the voice informs him to return to the old paths and walk therein.

在世界末了,将会明白《启示录》中被解封信息的基督复临安息日会信徒之所以能明白,是因为他们“在灵里”。在那个我们被告知“说明复临子民经历”的比喻的语境中,约翰是一位聪明的童女,因为他有圣灵的油。他代表世界末了的聪明童女,她们听见在她们“身后”的大声音。那“从他身后来的声音”,就是紧接下一节所指明的阿尔法和俄梅伽,并且那声音告诉他要回到古道,行在其中。

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. Jeremiah 6:16.

耶和华如此说:你们当站在路上察看,访问古道,问哪一条是善道,并行在其间,这样,你们心里必得安息;他们却说:我们不行在其间。耶利米书 6:16。

The “rest” Jeremiah refers to is the outpouring of the Holy Spirit during the latter rain. In the next verse Jeremiah provides a second illustration of the foolish virgins who refuse to return to the foundations of Adventism (the old paths) and walk therein.

耶利米所指的“安息”,就是晚雨时期圣灵的浇灌。在下一节经文中,耶利米又以第二个例证指明,那些愚拙的童女拒绝回到复临信仰的根基(古道),并行在其中。

Also I set watchmen over you, saying, Hearken to the sound of the trumpet. But they said, We will not hearken. Jeremiah 6:17.

我又在你们之上设立守望者,说:“要听角声。”他们却说:“我们不听。”耶利米书6:17。

When John hears the voice behind him directing him to the old paths or the foundations of Adventism, the voice he hears is as a trumpet. That voice is conveyed through the “watchmen” that God set over Adventism. Father Miller was the watchman that blew the warning trumpet at the beginning of Adventism during the proclamation of the first angel announcing the opening of the judgment. But John specifically represents those who proclaim the third angel’s message announcing the close of the judgment. He represents those who return to the foundations that God erected through the work of Miller.

当约翰听见在他身后有声音指引他回到古道,或回到复临运动的根基时,他所听见的声音如同号角。那声音是借着神设立在复临运动中的“守望者”传达出来的。米勒老先生是在复临运动之初、于第一位天使宣告审判开启的信息传扬之时,吹响警戒号角的那位守望者。但约翰特指那些宣讲第三位天使信息、宣告审判结束的人。他代表那些回到神借着米勒的工作所立下的根基的人。

We have repeatedly shown through the years, (and it can be found in Habakkuk’s Tables), that the first angel’s message “fear God” is to convict of sin, and that the second angel’s message is where righteousness is manifested and the third identifies judgment. These are the three steps of the three angels and also the three steps of the work of the Holy Spirit. Those three steps are also represented by the three Hebrew letters that make up the Hebrew word that is translated as “truth.” In the passage from John sixteen, Jesus is speaking of the work of the Holy Spirit in guiding God’s people into “all truth,” while also showing them “things to come.” Yet Jesus states that He has “many things to say unto you, but ye cannot bear them now.”

多年来,我们一再指出(这也可以在哈巴谷的表格中找到),第一位天使的信息“敬畏上帝”是要使人知罪,第二位天使的信息则是义的显明,第三位则指明审判。这是三位天使的三个步骤,也是圣灵工作的三个步骤。这三个步骤也由三个希伯来字母所代表,这三个字母组成一个被译为“真理”的希伯来词。在约翰福音第十六章的经文中,耶稣谈到圣灵的工作,引导上帝的百姓进入“一切的真理”,并将“将来的事”指示他们。然而,耶稣也说,他还有“许多事要告诉你们,但你们现在还担当不了”。

I hope you have understood some of the significance of the Hebrew word translated as “truth.” For we have just began to apply that symbol to our study. In the first three verses of Revelation one the communication process between God and man is identified. It is identified even before the Revelation identifies the three-fold nature of the godhead. It finds a second witness in the last verses of Revelation and in so doing, based upon applying “line upon line” it produces more light.

我希望你已经明白了希伯来文中译作“真理”的那个词的一些意义。因为我们才刚开始把那个符号应用到我们的研究之中。在《启示录》第一章的前三节中,揭示了神与人之间的沟通过程。甚至在《启示录》指出神格的三重本性之前,这一过程就已经被指出。它在《启示录》的最后几节经文中又得到了第二个见证;如此一来,基于运用“律上加律”的原则,便产生了更多的亮光。

Then when we add Genesis 1:1–2:3, we find a third witness and another prophetic line to lay upon the previous two lines at the beginning and ending of Revelation.

然后,当我们加上《创世记》1:1—2:3时,我们发现了第三个见证,以及另一条预言的脉络,可以叠加在位于《启示录》开头和结尾的前两条脉络之上。

Then we add the last promise in the Old Testament identifying the Elijah to come, and we have four prophetic lines.

然后我们把旧约中指明那将要来的以利亚的最后一个应许加上,这样我们就有四条预言线索了。

Then we add the first chapter of the New Testament and we have five lines to put together the ultimate message found in the Bible when applying the principle of Alpha and Omega to all the lines. If we would finish off the five lines we have already identified, by applying the principle across the board to those five lines, then we should expect to see the end of Matthew and the end of John testifying to the same information that all five of the “first and last” prophetic lines that we are considering.

然后我们再把新约的第一章加上,这样就有了五条线索;当把“阿尔法与欧米伽”的原则应用到所有这些线索上时,我们就能拼合出圣经中的终极信息。如果我们把已经识别出的这五条线索完成到底,也就是把这一原则全面地应用在这五条线索上,那么我们就应该预期会看到《马太福音》的结尾和《约翰福音》的结尾,对我们正在考察的这五条“第一和最后”的预言线索所传达的相同信息作出见证。

The message that is being unsealed is established in the book of Revelation, so it is the reference point for the other lines, in agreement with Sister White informing us that “all the books of the Bible meet and end in Revelation.” The message of the first three verses of the book of Revelation identify the process God uses to transmit His word to John to write out and send to the churches. The first book of the New Testament, as already noted, sets forth the lineage of Jesus Christ and it starts with a very informative point.

正在被解封的信息确立于《启示录》之中,因此它成为其他各条线索的参照点,这与怀特姐妹告诉我们的“圣经所有的书都在《启示录》中汇合并结束”相一致。 《启示录》前三节的讯息说明了上帝用来将祂的话语传达给约翰、使他写下来并寄给众教会的过程。 正如已经指出的,新约的第一卷书阐明了耶稣基督的家谱,并且从一个非常富有启示性的起点开始。

The book of the generation of Jesus Christ, the son of David, the son of Abraham. Matthew 1:1.

耶稣基督的家谱,大卫的子孙,亚伯拉罕的后裔。马太福音 1:1。

Jesus ended his direct interaction with the quibbling Jews by silencing them with the subject of “the son of David,” a subject that could have only been understood by the Jews if they had understood the biblical principle of beginning and ending. They didn’t, and most Adventists don’t. Anyone who wishes to argue against the principle of history repeating demonstrates that they do not understand that ancient Israel typifies modern Israel, and their unwillingness to believe that principle, is the identical unwillingness at the end of ancient Israel to understand the same principle. Jesus represented that principle in His final riddle to the Jews by directing them to the riddle of how David’s Lord, could also be David’s son?

耶稣以“大卫之子”的题目使那些争辩不休的犹太人哑口无言,从而结束了与他们的直接交锋。这一题目只有在他们明白圣经“始与终”的原则时才能理解。他们没有明白,而大多数复临信徒也没有。任何想要反对历史重演原则的人,都表明他们不明白古代以色列预表现代以色列;他们不愿相信这一原则的态度,正与古代以色列末期不愿理解同一原则的态度如出一辙。耶稣在他给犹太人的最后一个谜语中体现了这一原则,指引他们思考:“大卫的主怎么也能是大卫的子孙?”

John chapter one, identifies that in the beginning the Word was with God, and the Word is God and the Word created all things. This of course aligns with the other lines we are referring to. And if we then consider the last words in the gospel of John, we see Peter, after hearing Jesus describe how he would die, asking Jesus what would happen to the apostle John.

约翰福音第一章指出,起初道与神同在,道就是神,并且万物都是借着道创造的。这当然与我们所提到的其他经文一致。而若再看约翰福音最后的话,我们看到,彼得在听见耶稣描述他将如何去世之后,问耶稣使徒约翰将会怎样。

Peter seeing him saith to Jesus, Lord, and what shall this man do? Jesus saith unto him, If I will that he tarry till I come, what is that to thee? follow thou me. Then went this saying abroad among the brethren, that that disciple should not die: yet Jesus said not unto him, He shall not die; but, If I will that he tarry till I come, what is that to thee? This is the disciple which testifieth of these things, and wrote these things: and we know that his testimony is true. And there are also many other things which Jesus did, the which, if they should be written every one, I suppose that even the world itself could not contain the books that should be written. Amen. John 21:21–25.

彼得看见他,就对耶稣说:“主啊,这个人要怎样呢?”耶稣对他说:“我若愿意他一直等到我来,这与你有什么相干?你只管跟从我。”于是这话在弟兄中传开,说那门徒不会死;其实耶稣并没有对他说“他不会死”,只说:“我若愿意他一直等到我来,这与你有什么相干?” 为这些事作见证并把这些事写下来的,就是这位门徒;我们知道他的见证是真实的。耶稣所做的事还有许多;如果都一一写下来,我想,即使整个世界也容不下要写的那些书。阿们。约翰福音21:21-25。

Peter wanted to know how John would die, or even if John would die. The answer is repeated twice in the passage when Jesus stated it and then John restated, “If I will that he [John] tarry till I come, what is that to thee?” John did live to Jesus’ Second Coming.

彼得想知道约翰将如何死去,甚至想知道约翰是否会死。在这段经文中,答案被重复了两次:先是耶稣这样说,随后约翰又重申:“我若要他[约翰]等到我来,这与你何干?”约翰确实活到了耶稣的再来。

You can only see or hear that “truth” if you believe in the repetition of history, and also that the history that is to be repeated, does so at the end of the world. The end of the world is where John was when he wrote the book of Revelation. The last book in John’s gospel agrees with the other lines of beginning and ending for it places John in the history of the events leading to the Second Coming where he, representing those who proclaim the final warning message, sends that message to the churches.

只有当你相信历史会重复,也相信那将被重复的历史是在世界的末了发生时,你才能看见或听见那“真理”。当约翰写作《启示录》时,他所在之处就是世界的末了。约翰福音中的最后一卷书与其他关于起始与终结的线索相符,因为它把约翰置于通向第二次降临之事件的历史之中;在那里,他代表那些宣告最后警告信息的人,将那信息传达给各教会。

“In the days of the early Christians, Christ came the second time. His first advent was at Bethlehem, when He came as an infant. His second advent was at the Isle of Patmos, when He revealed Himself in glory to John the Revelator, who ‘fell at His feet as dead’ when he saw Him. But Christ strengthened him to endure the sight, and then gave him a message to write to the churches of Asia, the names of which are descriptive of the characteristics of every church.

在早期基督徒的日子里,基督第二次降临了。祂第一次的降临是在伯利恒,当时祂以婴孩的身分而来。祂第二次的降临是在拔摩海岛,祂在荣耀中向领受启示的约翰显现;约翰一见到祂,便仆倒在祂脚前,像死了一样。但基督坚固了他,使他能承受这异象,然后赐给他一则信息,叫他写给亚洲的各教会;这些教会的名称都描述了每一间教会的特征。

The light that Christ revealed to His servant the prophet is for us. In His revelation are given the three angels’ messages, and a description of the angel that was to come down from heaven with great power, lightening the earth with his glory. In it are warnings against the wickedness that would exist in the last days, and against the mark of the beast. We are not only to read and understand this message, but to proclaim it with no uncertain sound to the world. By presenting these things revealed to John, we shall be able to stir the people.Manuscript Releases, volume 19, 41.

基督向祂的仆人先知所启示的亮光,是给我们的。在祂的启示中,赐下了三天使的信息,并描绘了那位将要大有能力从天而降、以其荣耀使全地发光的天使。其中还有对末后的日子将要存在的邪恶,以及对兽的印记的警告。我们不但要阅读并明白这信息,还要毫不含糊地向全世界宣告它。藉着呈现这些启示给约翰的内容,我们就能唤起众人。手稿发布,第19卷,第41页。

The end of the gospel of John identifies the communication process as in Revelation’s first three verses, by locating John prophetically in the history of the Second Coming. Thus, using Jesus’ first “second coming” (Patmos) to illustrate His last “second coming.” It connects perfectly with the other lines we are considering, for it represents John at the end of the world, on Patmos where he receives the Revelation of Jesus Christ. What about the end of the book of Matthew?

约翰福音的结尾,像《启示录》前三节一样,通过把约翰先知性地置于基督再临的历史中,指出了启示传达的过程。于是,便以耶稣第一次的“再临”(拔摩岛)来说明他最后一次的“再临”。这与我们所考察的其他线索完全契合,因为它把约翰呈现在世界的末了,他在拔摩岛上领受耶稣基督的启示。那么马太福音的结尾呢?

Then the eleven disciples went away into Galilee, into a mountain where Jesus had appointed them. And when they saw him, they worshipped him: but some doubted. And Jesus came and spake unto them, saying, All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth. Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen. Matthew 28:16–20.

于是,十一个门徒往加利利去,到了耶稣所指定的一座山上。他们见了他,就拜他,但也有人疑惑。耶稣进前来,对他们说:“天上地下所有的权柄都赐给我了。所以你们要去,使万民作我的门徒,奉父、子、圣灵的名给他们施洗;凡我所吩咐你们的,都教导他们遵守。看哪,我就常与你们同在,直到世界的末了。”阿们。马太福音28:16-20。

In the passage all power is given to Jesus, and this would of course be His creative power. And then He gives a commandment to baptize in the name of the Father, Son and also the Holy Spirit that moved upon the water in Genesis one, and the seven spirits that are before the throne of God. This passage identifies that Christians are to recognize the three persons of the heavenly trio as three distinct entities. The end of Matthew adds to the lines as the other six do.

在这段经文中,一切权柄都赐给了耶稣,这当然也包括他的创造大能。随后他又吩咐要奉父、子、并且那在创世记第一章曾在水面上运行的圣灵,以及神宝座前的七灵之名施洗。这段经文指出,基督徒应当承认天上这三位是三个彼此有别的位格。马太福音的结尾也像另外六处一样,为这些论述增添了一笔。

“Christ has made baptism the sign of entrance to His spiritual kingdom. He has made this a positive condition with which all must comply who wish to be acknowledged as under the authority of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Before man can find a home in the church, before passing the threshold of God’s spiritual kingdom, he is to receive the impress of the divine name, ‘The Lord our righteousness.’ Jeremiah 23:6.

基督已将洗礼设立为进入祂属灵国度的标志。祂把这定为一项明确的条件;凡愿意被承认为在父、子、圣灵权柄之下的人,都必须遵守。人在教会中找到归宿之前,在跨进上帝属灵国度的门槛之前,他必须接受上帝之名的印记:“耶和华我们的义。”耶利米书23:6。

“Baptism is a most solemn renunciation of the world. Those who are baptized in the threefold name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, at the very entrance of their Christian life declare publicly that they have forsaken the service of Satan, and have become members of the royal family, children of the heavenly King. They have obeyed the command, ‘Come out from among them, and be ye separate, … and touch not the unclean thing.’ And to them is fulfilled the promise, ‘I will receive you, and will be a Father unto you, and ye shall be My sons and daughters, saith the Lord Almighty.’ 2 Corinthians 6:17, 18.

洗礼是对世界最庄严的弃绝。奉父、子、圣灵的名受洗的人,在他们基督徒生命的起点,就公开宣告自己已经弃绝为撒但效力,并成为王室的成员、天上君王的儿女。他们遵行了那命令:“你们务要从他们中间出来,与他们分别,……不要沾不洁之物。”而那应许在他们身上得以应验:“我要收纳你们;我要作你们的父,你们要作我的儿女。”这是全能的主说的。哥林多后书 6:17、18。

“As Christians submit to the solemn rite of baptism, He registers the vow that they make to be true to Him. This vow is their oath of allegiance. They are baptized in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit. Thus they are united with the three great powers of heaven. They pledge themselves to renounce the world and to observe the laws of the kingdom of God. Henceforth they are to walk in newness of life. No longer are they to follow the traditions of men. No longer are they to follow dishonest methods. They are to obey the statutes of the kingdom of heaven. They are to seek God’s honor. If they will be true to their vow, they will be furnished with grace and power that will enable them to fulfill all righteousness. ‘As many as received Him, to them gave He power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on His name.’” Evangelism, 307.

当基督徒接受庄严的洗礼时,祂记下他们向祂所立要忠于祂的誓言。这誓言就是他们的效忠誓约。他们奉父、子、圣灵的名受洗。这样,他们就与天上三位大能者联合。他们立志弃绝世界,并遵守上帝国度的律法。从此他们要在新生的样式中行事为人。他们不再遵从人的遗传,也不再采用不诚实的手段。他们要遵行天国的律例,寻求上帝的荣耀。若他们忠于所立的誓约,就必蒙赐恩典与能力,使他们能成就一切的义。“凡接待祂的,就是信祂名的人,祂就赐他们权柄,成为上帝的儿女。”《布道》,307页。

Jesus illustrates the end by the beginning in His Word, for He is the Word, and He is the Alpha and Omega.

耶稣在祂的话语中以起初说明末了,因为祂就是道,祂是阿尔法和欧米伽。

Bringing these seven lines together builds a very detailed picture of the communication process between God and man, with many other critical and important truths set forth and established by the other “lines” witnesses. Seven “lines” of prophecy representing the Alpha and Omega. But what about the book of Malachi?

将这七条“线索”汇聚起来,就能勾勒出神与人之间沟通过程的极其详尽的图景;同时,许多其他关键而重要的真理,也由其他“线索”的见证予以阐明并确立。七条预言的“线索”,代表阿尔法与欧米伽。那么《玛拉基书》又如何呢?

Malachi’s book is a scathing rebuke against the unfaithful priests in Adventism. It opens with the identification of two classes of worshippers in Adventism at the end of the world.

《玛拉基书》对复临运动中不忠的祭司发出严厉的斥责。它开篇就指出,在世界末了的复临运动中有两类敬拜者。

The burden of the word of the Lord to Israel by Malachi. I have loved you, saith the Lord. Yet ye say, Wherein hast thou loved us? Was not Esau Jacob’s brother? saith the Lord: yet I loved Jacob. Malachi 1:1, 2.

耶和华借着玛拉基传给以色列的话的默示。耶和华说:我曾爱你们。你们却说:你在何事上爱我们呢?耶和华说:以扫不是雅各的哥哥吗?我却爱雅各。玛拉基书1:1、2。

Malachi further informs us that the two classes of worshippers at the end of the world are two classes of priests.

玛拉基进一步告诉我们,世界末了的两类敬拜者乃是两类祭司。

And now, O ye priests, this commandment is for you. If ye will not hear, and if ye will not lay it to heart, to give glory unto my name, saith the Lord of hosts, I will even send a curse upon you, and I will curse your blessings: yea, I have cursed them already, because ye do not lay it to heart. Malachi 2:1, 2.

现在,众祭司啊,这命令是给你们的。你们若不听从,也不把将荣耀归给我的名这事放在心上,万军之耶和华说:我就要使咒诅临到你们,并且咒诅你们的福分;是的,我已经咒诅了它们,因为你们不把这事放在心上。玛拉基书 2:1、2。

The beginning of Malachi is typifying the Laodicean and Philadelphian message with two classes of priests. The priests are commanded to “hear.” John represents the priests that do hear, and a priest represents God’s covenant chosen people. They are already cursed and will be cursed again if they do not “hear” and “they do not” or “will not” “lay it to heart.”

玛拉基书的开头以两类祭司预表老底嘉与非拉铁非的信息。祭司被命令要“听”。约翰代表那些听从的祭司,而祭司代表神立约所拣选的子民。他们已经被咒诅;若他们不“听”,并且“不”或“不会/不愿” “放在心上”,就必再受咒诅。

Ye also, as lively stones, are built up a spiritual house, an holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices, acceptable to God by Jesus Christ. Wherefore also it is contained in the scripture, Behold, I lay in Sion a chief corner stone, elect, precious: and he that believeth on him shall not be confounded. Unto you therefore which believe he is precious: but unto them which be disobedient, the stone which the builders disallowed, the same is made the head of the corner, And a stone of stumbling, and a rock of offence, even to them which stumble at the word, being disobedient: whereunto also they were appointed. But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should shew 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 2:5–10.

你们也像活石,被建造成属灵的家,成为圣洁的祭司群体,借着耶稣基督献上属灵的祭物,使之蒙神悦纳。所以经上也说:“看哪,我在锡安安放一块首要的房角石,是拣选的,是宝贵的;信靠他的人必不至于羞愧。”所以,对你们这些信的人,他确是宝贵的;但对那些不顺从的人,“匠人所弃的石头,反倒成了房角的头块石”,又成了“绊脚的石头、使人跌倒的磐石”。他们因不顺从这道而绊跌,这也是他们所注定的。然而你们是蒙拣选的一族,是君尊的祭司,是圣洁的国度,是属神的子民,为要宣扬那召你们出黑暗、进入他奇妙光明者的美德。你们从前不是一个子民,如今却是神的子民;从前未曾蒙怜悯,如今却已经蒙了怜悯。彼得前书 2:5-10。

The priests are God’s chosen people who are tested by the “corner stone” in the foundation of the temple. The corner stone is what all the other foundation stones are aligned with, and also it is the stone that bears the weight of the entire temple. Miller’s corner stone was the “seven times” of Leviticus twenty-six. The corner stone or the stone that the builders rejected is a true story of the building of the temple, which is described very specifically in the writings of the Spirit of Prophecy. One point about the first stone that was rejected is that it was set aside after it was rejected, and from that point on the builders of the temple would regularly trip over the cornerstone, that had been set aside within their work area. It was a stone of stumbling.

祭司是神所拣选的子民,他们要受圣殿根基中那块“房角石”的试验。房角石是所有其他根基石对齐的基准,也是一块承担整座圣殿重量的石头。米勒的房角石是《利未记》二十六章中的“七倍”。这块房角石,或者说匠人所弃的石头,是一个关于建造圣殿的真实故事,在“预言之灵”的著作中有非常具体的描述。关于第一块被弃的石头,有一点是:它在被弃之后被搁置一旁;从那时起,圣殿的建造者常常在他们的施工区域里被那块已被搁置的房角石绊倒。它是一块绊跌的石头。

In Malachi God informs the wicked priests, also known as the foolish Laodicean virgins that he is going to and already has “cursed” them. He curses them for they will not “hear” and “lay” the Elijah message to their hearts. The Elijah message turns the fathers’ hearts to the children and the children’s hearts to the fathers. Turning their hearts represents hearing the Elijah message of fathers and children, which is the principle of first and last. Hearing the message of the first and last is not enough, it must be laid upon the heart. To accept the message of Elijah is to lay it to your heart. If a priest will not hear that principle, he will be cursed.

在《玛拉基书》中,神告诉那些邪恶的祭司,也称作老底嘉的愚拙童女,他将要并且已经“咒诅”他们。他咒诅他们,因为他们不肯“听”,也不肯把以利亚的信息“放在心上”。以利亚的信息使父亲的心转向儿女,儿女的心转向父亲。心的转向代表着听见关于父亲与儿女的以利亚信息,这就是先与后的原则。仅仅听见先与后的信息还不够,必须把它放在心上。接受以利亚的信息,就是把它放在你心上。若有祭司不肯听这原则,他就要受咒诅。

They brought the curse upon themselves when in 1863 they began the process of rejecting the very first foundational truth Miller discovered and have done nothing but continue that rejection to this very day. But even though the progressive curse began in 1863, (for they are already cursed), the curse that is in the future tense, takes place when they are spewed out of the mouth of the Lord at the Sunday law. The beginning of Malachi illustrates the end, for the end represents the last warning given to the wise and foolish priests. The wise and foolish in Malachi are represented as Esau and Jacob. The elder brother representing the covenant through the birthright of being the first born, contrasted with a younger brother. The elder being the first and the younger being the last.

他们在1863年开始拒绝米勒所发现的最初的根基真理的进程时,就把咒诅招到自己身上,并且直到今日,他们所做的只是继续那样的拒绝。然而,尽管渐进的咒诅始于1863年(因为他们已经被咒诅),那将来的咒诅要在星期日法令之时、当他们被主从口中吐出的时候发生。《玛拉基书》的开头阐明了结局,因为结局代表着给聪明与愚拙祭司的最后警告。《玛拉基书》中的聪明人与愚拙人是以以扫和雅各来代表的。长兄凭着长子名分所代表的约,与年幼的弟兄形成对比。长者为先,幼者为后。

In Malachi both Esau and Jacob are Laodicean Adventists but the last eventually heard the “voice” of the Lord, repented and had his named changed to Israel. The elder, the first did not hear. Jacob heard the voice of the Lord the night he dreamed and saw angels ascending and descending upon the ladder, representing Christ. Jacob represents Laodicean Adventists at the end of the world who are converted from Laodiceans unto Philadelphians when they experience the first three verses of Revelation one, as illustrated by John and Jacob’s dream of the ladder of ascending and descending angels. That experience marks the beginning of Jacob’s conversion into Israel, the Philadelphian. The ending of Jacob’s conversion story is when he wrestles with Christ at Penuel. Thus Jacob’s birthright story begins in the first three verses of Revelation chapter one when the unsealing of the final warning message is taking place and it ends in the time of the seven last plagues, during the time of trouble.

在玛拉基书中,以扫和雅各都是老底嘉的复临信徒,但后者最终听见了主的“声音”,悔改了,名字也被改为以色列。那年长的(长子)却没有听见。雅各在作梦的那夜听见了主的声音,看见天使在梯子上上去下来;那梯子预表基督。雅各预表世界末了的老底嘉复临信徒;当他们经历启示录第一章前三节时,便从老底嘉人转变为非拉铁非人;这一点如约翰以及雅各关于天使在梯子上上去下来的梯子之梦所示。那次经历标志着雅各转变为以色列——非拉铁非人的开始。雅各转变故事的终点是在毗努伊勒与基督摔跤之时。因此,雅各关于长子名分的故事,开始于启示录第一章前三节——当末后警告信息被开启之时——并终结于患难时期、末后七灾期间。

All four sets of beginnings and endings, “line upon line” give testimony to the message of the Revelation of Jesus Christ. The question is whether the foolish priests will hear or not hear.

全部四组的开端与结尾,“一行接着一行”,都为耶稣基督启示的信息作见证。问题在于那些愚昧的祭司会听,还是不听。

Blessed is he that readeth, and they that hear the words of this prophecy, and keep those things which are written therein: for the time is at hand. Revelation 1:3.

念这预言之话的人,以及听见这预言之话并遵守其中所记载的事的人,都是有福的,因为时候近了。启示录 1:3。

The wise priests who hear what the Spirit says to the churches, hear the message of Elijah. Miller was Elijah, and some heard, but others refused.

那些聆听圣灵向众教会所说的话的智慧祭司,听见了以利亚的信息。米勒是以利亚,有些人听见了,但也有人拒绝。

“Thousands were led to embrace the truth preached by William Miller, and servants of God were raised up in the spirit and power of Elijah to proclaim the message. Like John, the forerunner of Jesus, those who preached this solemn message felt compelled to lay the ax at the root of the tree, and call upon men to bring forth fruits meet for repentance. Their testimony was calculated to arouse and powerfully affect the churches and manifest their real character. And as the solemn warning to flee from the wrath to come was sounded, many who were united with the churches received the healing message; they saw their backslidings, and with bitter tears of repentance and deep agony of soul, humbled themselves before God. And as the Spirit of God rested upon them, they helped to sound the cry, ‘Fear God, and give glory to Him; for the hour of His judgment is come.’” Early Writings, 233.

成千上万的人被引导接受威廉·米勒所传的真理,并且有神的仆人被兴起,带着以利亚的灵与能力来宣扬这信息。像耶稣的先驱约翰一样,传这严肃信息的人觉得必须把斧子放在树根上,呼吁人结出与悔改相称的果子。他们的见证旨在唤醒教会,产生强大的影响,并显明其真实品格。当那“当逃避将来之忿怒”的严肃警告发出时,许多与教会联合的人接受了这医治的信息;他们看见自己的背道,便带着悔改的苦泪和灵魂深处的深重痛苦,在神面前自卑。当神的灵临到他们身上时,他们也帮助发出呼喊:“应当敬畏神,将荣耀归给他,因为他施行审判的时候已经到了。”《早期著作》,第233页。

Miller was typified by both Elijah and John the Baptist, for John the Baptist prepared the way for Christ’s first coming and Miller prepared the way for Christ to come to the Most Holy Place of the heavenly sanctuary on October 22, 1844. Malachi directly identifies John and Miller’s work.

米勒被以利亚和施洗约翰所预表,因为施洗约翰为基督第一次降临预备了道路,而米勒则为基督于1844年10月22日进入天上圣所的至圣所预备了道路。玛拉基书直接指明了施洗约翰和米勒的工作。

Behold, I will send my messenger, and he shall prepare the way before me: and the Lord, whom ye seek, shall suddenly come to his temple, even the messenger of the covenant, whom ye delight in: behold, he shall come, saith the Lord of hosts. But who may abide the day of his coming? and who shall stand when he appeareth? for he is like a refiner’s fire, and like fullers’ soap: And he shall sit as a refiner and purifier of silver: and he shall purify the sons of Levi, and purge them as gold and silver, that they may offer unto the Lord an offering in righteousness. Then shall the offering of Judah and Jerusalem be pleasant unto the Lord, as in the days of old, and as in former years. And I will come near to you to judgment; and I will be a swift witness against the sorcerers, and against the adulterers, and against false swearers, and against those that oppress the hireling in his wages, the widow, and the fatherless, and that turn aside the stranger from his right, and fear not me, saith the Lord of hosts. For I am the Lord, I change not; therefore ye sons of Jacob are not consumed. Malachi 3:1–6.

看哪,我要差遣我的使者,在我前面预备道路;你们所寻求的主,必忽然进入他的殿;你们所喜悦的那立约的使者,就是他。看哪,他要来,这是万军之耶和华说的。只是,他来的日子,谁能当得住?他显现的时候,谁能站立得住呢?因为他如炼工的火,又如漂布匠用的碱。他必坐下,像熬炼并洁净银子的工匠;他要洁净利未的子孙,像炼金炼银一样熬炼他们,使他们可以凭公义向耶和华献供物。那时,犹大和耶路撒冷所献的供物必蒙耶和华悦纳,如古时的日子,如往年的岁月。我必临近你们施行审判;我必速速作证,指证那些行邪术的、行奸淫的、起假誓的、亏负雇工工价的、欺压寡妇与孤儿的、屈枉寄居者权益的,以及不敬畏我的人。这是万军之耶和华说的。因为我耶和华是不改变的,所以你们雅各的子孙没有被消灭。玛拉基书 3:1-6。

As the ‘watchman’ for his history, Miller’s work represented raising the foundations of the temple. His work in the beginning must illustrate a work that represents the finishing of the temple. That final work requires another watchman to give the trumpet a certain sound. Miller and the message of the first angel announced the opening of judgment, and the watchman who Miller typifies at the end of Adventism will announce the close of judgment.

作为他那个时代的“守望者”,米勒的工作象征着奠定圣殿的根基。他起初的工作必须预表一项代表圣殿竣工的工作。那最终的工作需要另一位守望者吹出明确的号声。米勒与第一位天使的信息宣告了审判的开始,而在复临运动的末期,米勒所预表的那位守望者将宣告审判的结束。

In Malachi the Lord promises to bring judgment “against the sorcerers, and against the adulterers, and against false swearers, and against those that oppress the hireling in his wages, the widow, and the fatherless, and that turn aside the stranger from his right, and fear not me.” Those that are being identified here are those who “fear not” “the Lord of hosts.” William Miller is the messenger of the first angel which calls for men to “fear God.” Rejecting the foundations is to reject the fear of God.

在《玛拉基书》中,主应许要施行审判,“要刑罚行邪术的、奸淫的、起假誓的,和欺压雇工人工价、寡妇与孤儿的,并屈枉寄居者之理而不敬畏我的人。” 这里所指明的人,正是那些不敬畏万军之耶和华的人。威廉·米勒是第一位天使的使者,这位天使呼召人要“敬畏上帝”。弃绝这些根基,就是弃绝对上帝的敬畏。

For, behold, the day cometh, that shall burn as an oven; and all the proud, yea, and all that do wickedly, shall be stubble: and the day that cometh shall burn them up, saith the Lord of hosts, that it shall leave them neither root nor branch. But unto you that fear my name shall the Sun of righteousness arise with healing in his wings; and ye shall go forth, and grow up as calves of the stall. And ye shall tread down the wicked; for they shall be ashes under the soles of your feet in the day that I shall do this, saith the Lord of hosts. Remember ye the law of Moses my servant, which I commanded unto him in Horeb for all Israel, with the statutes and judgments. Behold, I will send you Elijah the prophet before the coming of the great and dreadful day of the Lord: And he shall turn the heart of the fathers to the children, and the heart of the children to their fathers, lest I come and smite the earth with a curse. Malachi 4:1–6.

因为看哪,那日将到,必如炉火燃烧;一切骄傲的,和一切行恶的,都必像碎秸;那将要来的日子必把他们烧尽,万军之耶和华说,连根带枝都不留下。至于敬畏我名的人,公义的日头必升起,其翅膀带着医治;你们必出来,像圈里的牛犊一样成长。你们必践踏恶人,因为在我施行这事的日子,他们必在你们脚掌之下如灰烬,万军之耶和华说。你们要记念我仆人摩西的律法,就是我在何烈山为以色列众人所吩咐的律例和典章。看哪,在耶和华那大而可畏的日子来到以前,我要差遣先知以利亚到你们那里去。他必使父亲的心转向儿女,儿女的心转向父亲,免得我来用咒诅击打这地。玛拉基书 4:1-6。

  • The beginning of the Bible (Genesis) and the end of the Bible (Revelation).

    《圣经》的开头(《创世记》)和《圣经》的结尾(《启示录》)。

  • The beginning of the Old Testament (Genesis) and the end of the Old Testament (Malachi).

    旧约的开端(创世记)和旧约的结尾(玛拉基书)。

  • The beginning of the New Testament (Matthew) and the end of the New Testament (again Revelation).

    新约的开头(《马太福音》)与新约的结尾(又是《启示录》)。

  • The beginning of John’s testimony (the gospel of John) and the end of John’s testimony (again Revelation).

    约翰见证的开头(《约翰福音》)和约翰见证的结尾(又是《启示录》)。

  • The beginning of Malachi and the end of Malachi.

    玛拉基的开头和结尾。

  • The beginning of Matthew’s gospel and the end of Matthew’s gospel.

    《马太福音》的开头和《马太福音》的结尾。

  • The beginning of John’s gospel and the end of John’s gospel.

    《约翰福音》的开头和结尾。

  • The beginning of the four gospels and the end of the four gospels.

    四福音书的开头和结尾

When we remove the prophetic beginnings or endings that are referenced more than once, it equals eight prophetic lines that are to be brought together and placed upon the first three verses of Revelation. What about the end of Genesis?

当我们去除那些被重复引用的预言性开头或结尾时,就等于八条预言线,要将它们汇集起来,放在《启示录》前三节经文之上。那么《创世记》的结尾呢?

Genesis chapter fifty ends with the death of Joseph.

创世记第五十章以约瑟的去世结束。

So Joseph died, being an hundred and ten years old: and they embalmed him, and he was put in a coffin in Egypt. Genesis 50:26.

于是约瑟死了,年一百一十岁;人用香料将他薰了,又把他放在棺材里,安置在埃及。创世记 50:26

Chapter forty-eight identifies the death of Jacob. The death of Jacob being first in chapter forty-eight leading to the death of Joseph in chapter fifty’s closing verses place the signature of the Alpha and Omega upon the last three chapters of Genesis as the ending of the book of Genesis.

第四十八章记载雅各之死。第四十八章先记雅各之死,随后第五十章的末尾诸节记载约瑟之死,这就把“阿尔法和俄梅伽”的署名落在《创世记》最后三章之上,将其标记为《创世记》一书的结尾。

Those two deaths are used as symbols of the beginning and ending of Israel’s captivity in Egypt. In the beginning, Jacob’s body is taken back to be buried with his fathers, and when Moses comes out of Egypt, he brings Joseph’s body to be buried in the burial place of his fathers.

这两次死亡被用来象征以色列人在埃及为奴时期的开始与结束。起初,雅各的遗体被带回去,与他列祖同葬;当摩西出埃及时,他把约瑟的遗体带出来,葬在他列祖的坟地里。

And Moses took the bones of Joseph with him: for he had straitly sworn the children of Israel, saying, God will surely visit you; and ye shall carry up my bones away hence with you. Exodus 13:19.

摩西把约瑟的骸骨与自己一同带走,因为约瑟曾郑重叫以色列人起誓,说:“神必定眷顾你们;你们要把我的骸骨从这里同你们带上去。”出埃及记13:19。

The ending of Genesis is the last three chapters. In chapter forty-eight Jacob (Israel) pronounces blessings upon his twelve sons that are directly identified as prophecies of what happens to those twelve tribes in the “last days” of the investigative judgment.

创世记的结尾是最后三章。在第四十八章,雅各(以色列)为他的十二个儿子赐福,这些赐福被直接认定为关于在调查审判的“末后的日子”里那十二个支派将会发生什么的预言。

And Jacob called unto his sons, and said, Gather yourselves together, that I may tell you that which shall befall you in the last days. Gather yourselves together, and hear, ye sons of Jacob; and hearken unto Israel your father. Genesis 49:1, 2.

雅各召了他的儿子们来,说:你们都聚集,我要把末后的日子临到你们的事告诉你们。你们要聚集而听,雅各的儿子们;留心听你们的父亲以色列的话。创世记49:1, 2.

In the “last days” of the investigative judgment the Lord promises to gather his twelve sons, who are represented as the one hundred and forty-four thousand in the book of Revelation. These are they who John represents in the book of Revelation. They are gathered by a call from Jacob, a call from their beginning history that they are told to “hear,” and “hearken” unto. In the last days, those typified by Jacob’s sons “hear” a message and “hearken” or as John says “keep” those things that are written therein. It’s a call from the father to the children, it is the Elijah message. Those called are called the “son[‘s] of Jacob,” and are also to “hearken unto Israel” their father.

在“查案审判”的“末后的日子”里,主应许要招聚祂的十二个儿子,他们在《启示录》中被表征为十四万四千人。这正是约翰在《启示录》中所描绘的那些人。他们因着来自雅各的呼召而被聚集——这呼召源自他们起初的历史,嘱咐他们要“听”,并“听从”。在末后的日子里,那些以雅各诸子为预表的人“听见”一则信息并“听从”,或者如约翰所说,“遵守”其中所记载的事。这是父亲向儿女发出的呼召,就是以利亚的信息。被呼召的人被称为“雅各的儿子们”,也要“听从”他们的父亲“以色列”。

Esau and Jacob in Malachi represent the wise and foolish virgins. The call is from their father Jacob and their father Israel, identifying that when the last call is made everyone is a Laodicean Adventist and the choice is placed into their own hands whether to be a son of Jacob the deceiver or Israel the overcomer. What allows them to make a choice is the creative power within the message. If the message is read, heard and kept, then through the identical creative power that brought all things into existence they will be changed unto a son of Israel. To refuse to hear, is to retain the experience of Jacob, the deceiver.

玛拉基书中的以扫和雅各代表聪明与愚拙的童女。那呼召来自他们的父亲雅各和他们的父亲以色列,指出当最后的呼召发出时,人人都是老底嘉的复临信徒,选择被交在他们自己手中:是作欺骗者雅各的儿子,还是作得胜者以色列的儿子。使他们能够作出选择的,是信息中的创造大能。若这信息被读、被听见并被遵守,那么借着那使万有存在的同样创造大能,他们将被改变,成为以色列的儿子。拒绝聆听,就是保留那欺骗者雅各的经历。

The gathering call by Jacob, which is also the gathering call of the message that is unsealed in Revelation is an important symbol to understand. The “seven times” of Leviticus twenty-six teaches that there is no gathering, unless there is previously a scattering. The one hundred and forty-four thousand are those who were scattered in advance of the calling. This truth is repeatedly identified in the Bible.

雅各发出的聚集呼召,也是《启示录》中被揭开的信息的聚集呼召,是一个需要理解的重要象征。利未记二十六章的“七次”教导说:若不先有分散,便不会有聚集。十四万四千人就是在呼召之前被分散的人。这一真理在圣经中反复被指出。

Hear the word of the Lord, O ye nations, and declare it in the isles afar off, and say, He that scattered Israel will gather him, and keep him, as a shepherd doth his flock. Jeremiah 31:10.

列国啊,要听耶和华的话;在远方的众海岛宣告,说:那分散以色列的,必聚集他,又看守他,如同牧人看守自己的羊群。耶利米书 31:10

The covenant that is renewed with the one hundred and forty-four thousand includes the promise that God will write his law upon our hearts. But those who have this creative act performed for them by the Lord have been previously scattered.

与那十四万四千人重新立的约,包括上帝要把他的律法写在我们心上的应许。但那些蒙主为他们施行这创造之工的人,先前已经被分散在各处。

Again the word of the Lord came unto me, saying, Son of man, thy brethren, even thy brethren, the men of thy kindred, and all the house of Israel wholly, are they unto whom the inhabitants of Jerusalem have said, Get you far from the Lord: unto us is this land given in possession. Therefore say, Thus saith the Lord God; Although I have cast them far off among the heathen, and although I have scattered them among the countries, yet will I be to them as a little sanctuary in the countries where they shall come. Therefore say, Thus saith the Lord God; I will even gather you from the people, and assemble you out of the countries where ye have been scattered, and I will give you the land of Israel. And they shall come thither, and they shall take away all the detestable things thereof and all the abominations thereof from thence. And I will give them one heart, and I will put a new spirit within you; and I will take the stony heart out of their flesh, and will give them an heart of flesh. Ezekiel 11:14–19.

又有耶和华的话临到我说:“人子啊,你的弟兄,就是你的弟兄、你的亲族之人,以及以色列全家所有的人,耶路撒冷的居民对他们说过:‘你们远离耶和华吧!这地是赐给我们为业的。’所以你要说:‘主耶和华如此说:我虽然把他们远远赶到外邦人中,又把他们分散在列国;然而在他们所到的各国,我还要暂作他们的圣所。’你再说:‘主耶和华如此说:我必从万民中招聚你们,从你们被分散到的各国把你们聚集出来,又把以色列地赐给你们。他们必到那里,并从那里除掉一切可憎之物和一切可厌的事。我必赐给他们一颗合一的心,也要将新灵放在你们里面;我必从他们的肉体中除去石心,赐给他们肉心。’” 以西结书 11:14-19。

More is to be said about the gathering of the one hundred and forty-four thousand in relation to the “scattering,” but we first need to bring together the consideration of the signature of Alpha and Omega in these nine references we are considering.

关于十四万四千人的聚集与“分散”的关系,还有更多可说,但我们首先需要把我们正在考察的这九处引用中关于阿尔法与俄梅伽之印记的思考汇集起来。

Two classes are represented in the last three chapters of Genesis. A class of rebels and a class of the wise. Both classes hear a voice that says this is the way walk ye in it, but one class refused to hearken to the trumpet and walk in the old paths. The class of rebels in Genesis forty-eight through fifty are represented by the thirteenth tribe.

《创世记》的最后三章呈现了两类人:一类是叛逆者,另一类是智慧人。两类人都听见有声音说:“这是正路,要行在其间”,但其中一类却不肯听从号角的声音,也不愿行走在古道上。《创世记》四十八至五十章中的叛逆者一类由第十三支派所代表。

At the beginning of ancient Israel there were thirteen tribes and at the beginning of modern Israel there were thirteen disciples. The one disciple that is distinguished from the other twelve disciples, (as was Ephraim distinguished from the other tribes) are both symbols of rebellion. Sister White directly calls Judas a foolish virgin.

古代以色列之初有十三个支派;现代以色列之初有十三位门徒。那位与其余十二门徒有别的门徒(正如以法莲与其他支派有别一样),两者都是叛逆的象征。怀特姊妹直接称犹大为愚拙的童女。

“There have been and always will be tares among the wheat, the foolish virgins with the wise, those who have no oil in their vessels with their lamps. There was a covetous Judas in the church Christ formed on earth, and there will be Judases in the church in every stage of her history.” Signs of the Times, October 23, 1879.

“麦子中曾有稗子,将来也总会有;愚拙的童女与聪明的童女并存;有人拿着灯,器皿里却没有油。基督在地上所建立的教会中曾有一个贪婪的犹大,而在她历史的每一个阶段,教会里也必有犹大。” 《时代的征兆》,1879年10月23日。

Judas Iscariot was a foolish virgin; he was a tare and if a foolish virgin, then also a Laodicean.

加略人犹大是愚拙的童女;他是稗子,并且若是愚拙的童女,也就是老底嘉人。

“The state of the Church represented by the foolish virgins, is also spoken of as the Laodicean state.” Review and Herald, August 19, 1890.

“由愚拙的童女所代表的教会的光景,也被称为老底嘉的光景。”《Review and Herald》,1890年8月19日。

Joseph’s two sons both received a blessing from Jacob in chapter forty-eight of Genesis, and from that point on they are referred to as “half tribes.” Half tribes or not, they were still tribes. Judas Iscariot was replaced by Matthias in order to fill in the twelfth place formerly held by Judas Iscariot. Judas was a disciple, and in this sense—there were thirteen disciples at the end of ancient Israel, just as there were thirteen tribes at the beginning.

在《创世记》第四十八章中,约瑟的两个儿子都接受了雅各的祝福,从那时起他们被称为“半支派”。不管是否称为半支派,他们仍然是支派。为了补上原先由加略人犹大所占的第十二位,马提亚取代了他。犹大是门徒,从这个意义上说——在古代以色列的末期,有十三位门徒,正如起初有十三个支派一样。

Joseph’s son Ephraim (the thirteenth tribe) became the symbol of the rebellion when the northern ten tribes rallied in support of Jeroboam and divided the kingdom into ten northern tribes and two southern tribes. Why do I identify Ephraim the son of Joseph as the symbol of rebellion instead of his brother Manasseh? The rebellion associated with Ephraim begins in chapter forty-eight, before Jacob blesses his twelve sons. In chapter forty-eight Jacob first blesses Joseph’s two sons. Because Manasseh was the first-born Joseph expects that the first blessing of his sons should go upon Manasseh, and Joseph rebels against Jacob choosing Ephraim.

约瑟的儿子以法莲(第十三个支派)在北方十个支派集结起来支持耶罗波安、并把王国分裂为北方十个支派和南方两个支派的时候,成了这场反叛的象征。为什么我把约瑟的儿子以法莲而不是他的兄弟玛拿西看作反叛的象征?与以法莲相关的反叛始于第四十八章,在雅各祝福他的十二个儿子之前。第四十八章里,雅各先祝福约瑟的两个儿子。因为玛拿西是长子,约瑟期望他两个儿子中首要的祝福应当临到玛拿西,于是他反对雅各选择以法莲。

The beginning of Ephraim as a representative of God’s elect possesses a testimony of rebellion, and the end of Ephraim is Leviticus twenty-six’s scattering of “seven times” from 723 BC through to 1798. In 723 BC the northern ten tribes, the kingdom of Ephraim, (also known as Israel) received a deadly wound as a kingdom of Bible prophecy. That deadly wound began a time prophecy that concluded with the papal power and its kingdom receiving a deadly wound in 1798. The deadly wound of the papal power in 1798 typifies the final fall of Babylon when the king of the north will “come to his end with none to help” in Daniel eleven verse forty-five. The rebellion and fall of Babylon in the last days was typified by the rebellion and fall of the papal power in 1798, which in turn was typified by the rebellion and fall of the kingdom of Ephraim (Israel) in 723 BC, which was typified by Joseph’s rebellion to his father’s prophetic inspiration as identified in the end of Genesis.

以法莲作为神选民的代表,其开端就带有悖逆的见证;而以法莲的结局,则是利未记二十六章所说“七倍”的分散,从公元前723年一直到1798年。公元前723年,北方十个支派——以法莲的国(也称以色列)——作为圣经预言中的国度,受了致命的伤。那致命的伤开启了一段时间预言,并在1798年以教皇权势及其国度受到致命的伤而告终。1798年教皇权势所受的致命伤,预表了巴比伦的最终倾覆;那时,正如但以理书十一章四十五节所言,“北方王必来到他的结局,没有人帮助他”。末世巴比伦的悖逆与倾倒,曾被1798年教皇权势的悖逆与倾倒所预表;而那一次又被公元前723年以法莲(以色列)国的悖逆与倾倒所预表;这一切又被创世记结尾所指出的约瑟对他父亲先知性启示的悖逆所预表。

The rebellion that Ephraim is a symbol of started with his father’s rebellion (Joseph) against his father (Jacob). It ultimately leads to the rebellion of the ten northern tribes, which leads to the “scattering represented” as “seven times” in Leviticus twenty-six. The period of the time the northern kingdom was scattered is divided into two periods. One ending in the year 538, the next period ending in 1798, and all pointing to the message that is unsealed just before probation closes in the book of Revelation. That message identifies the final fall of Babylon. At each waymark of Ephraim’s prophetic history rebellion is marked. Just as is the rebellion of the thirteenth disciple, Judas Iscariot. This is two of the witnesses that identify the number thirteen as a symbol of rebellion. But none of these sacred truths can be recognized if a person isn’t standing on the foundations of Adventism that were built upon the first truth Miller discovered and the first truth discarded by Adventism.

以法莲所象征的叛逆,始于他的父亲(约瑟)对他父亲(雅各)的叛逆。它最终导致北方十个支派的叛逆,并引出利未记二十六章中以“七倍”所代表的“分散”。北国被分散的时期被分为两个阶段:其一在538年结束,其二在1798年结束,并且都指向启示录中在恩典期结束前不久才被解封的信息。那信息标明巴比伦的最终倾倒。在以法莲的预言历史的每一个路标上,都可见叛逆的标记;正如第十三位门徒——加略人犹大——的叛逆一样。这两者是将数字十三视为叛逆象征的两个见证。然而,除非人站在复临主义的根基上——那根基是建基于米勒首先发现却又被复临主义最先弃绝的那条真理——否则这些神圣的真理都无法被认识。

The ending of Genesis agrees with all the other lines that we have been considering. In summation:

《创世记》的结尾与我们一直在考虑的所有其他线索都相一致。综上所述:

In the beginning the heavenly trio of the Father, Son and Holy Spirit witnessed the creation of the heavens and earth that was accomplished by the Son, who is also the Word. The Word became the channel of communication from the Father, to mankind, and the Word is the only avenue for mankind to communicate with the Father. The Father’s message was given by the Son to the angel Gabriel, who replaced Lucifer (the light bearer) after Lucifer’s rebellion in heaven. Gabriel receives the light, or message and delivers it to a prophet, who is the holy created being assigned with passing the message from the Father to the fallen created family. The message given to the prophet is written out and then conveyed to mankind. At every step in the communication process the message is holy, and for this reason the prophets, who are fallen human beings are to be holy. At the point that the holy message is transferred into the hands of fallen humanity, humanity has the potential of handling a holy message with unsanctified hands. Thus, the light of the holy message produces both light and darkness. When the message is received by those in the family of fallen man it contains the identical creative power that created all things, which is the power that justifies that being. The beginning of the communication process illustrates the end of the communication process. Therefore, if the message is heard, read and kept, the message recreates fallen mankind into the image of the Son.

起初,天上的圣父、圣子与圣灵这三位见证了天地的创造;这创造是由圣子成就的,圣子也是“道”。“道”成了从圣父到人类的沟通渠道,而“道”也是人类与圣父沟通的唯一途径。圣父的信息由圣子传给天使加百列;在路西弗于天上叛变之后,加百列取代了路西弗(光明的携带者)。加百列领受光,也就是信息,并将其传递给一位先知;先知是被指派把圣父的信息传达给堕落受造大家庭的圣洁受造者。给先知的信息被写下来,然后传达给人类。在沟通过程的每一步,这信息都是圣洁的;因此,先知们虽是堕落的人类,也当圣洁。当这圣洁的信息转交到堕落人类手中时,人类就可能用未成圣的手来处理圣洁的信息。因此,圣洁信息之光既能带来光明,也能带来黑暗。当堕落人类家族中的人领受这信息时,其中就包含着那创造万有的同样创造大能,这正是使那人得称义的能力。沟通过程的开端说明了沟通过程的终局。因此,若这信息被听见、被阅读并被遵守,它就把堕落的人类重新塑造成圣子的形象。

Blessed is he that readeth, and they that hear the words of this prophecy, and keep those things which are written therein: for the time is at hand. Revelation 1:3.

念这预言之话的人,以及听见这预言之话并遵守其中所记载的事的人,都是有福的,因为时候近了。启示录 1:3。

John illustrates fallen mankind in the “last days” of the investigative judgment who hear a voice behind them and turn around to receive the message that leads to the past. Those that receive and make the message not a part of their life, but exclusively their life, are there and then justified. To be justified is to be made holy. When those who read and hear the message sent from the Father, accept the message and are made holy, it is through the creative power within the message. The creative power accomplishes the work of justifying men, when men believe as did Abraham. The message instructs them to turn and listen to the voice behind, which leads to the old paths, which are the foundational truths. The message guides them into all truth and as they walk the old paths, they are walking on the path of the justified.

约翰描绘了在查案审判的“末后的日子”里,堕落的人类听见身后的声音,转身去领受那引向过去的信息。那些领受这信息,并使它不只是他们生命的一部分,而是他们生命的全部的人,就在当下被称义。称义就是成圣。当那些读到并听见从父所差来的信息的人接受这信息而成圣时,这是借着信息里所蕴含的创造大能。人若像亚伯拉罕那样相信,这创造的大能就成就使人称义的工作。这信息教导他们回转,聆听身后的声音;这声音引他们进入古道,那古道就是根本真理。这信息引导他们进入一切真理,而当他们行走在古道上时,他们就在行走称义之路。

But the path of the just is as the shining light, that shineth more and more unto the perfect day. The way of the wicked is as darkness: they know not at what they stumble. My son, attend to my words; incline thine ear unto my sayings. Let them not depart from thine eyes; keep them in the midst of thine heart. For they are life unto those that find them, and health to all their flesh. Keep thy heart with all diligence; for out of it are the issues of life. Put away from thee a froward mouth, and perverse lips put far from thee. Let thine eyes look right on, and let thine eyelids look straight before thee. Ponder the path of thy feet, and let all thy ways be established. Turn not to the right hand nor to the left: remove thy foot from evil. Proverbs 4:18–27.

但义人的道路好像黎明的光,越照越明,直到日子完全。恶人的道路却如幽暗;他们不知道因何跌倒。我儿,要留心我的话语,侧耳听我的言语。不要让它们离开你的眼目;要把它们存放在你心的深处。因为寻得它们的人得着生命,也使全身得健康。要竭力保守你的心,因为生命的泉源由此而出。要使乖僻的口离开你,把乖谬的嘴唇远远除去。你的眼目要向前正看,你的眼睑要直视前方。要细察你脚下的路,使你一切的道路都稳妥。不要偏向左右;要使你的脚远离恶事。箴言 4:18-27。

Those justified by the message conveyed walk on the path that represents an ever-increasing light, but that very light makes the path of the wicked correspondingly darker. Light separates from darkness. The creative power that commanded for there to be light in the beginning produces the same effect upon mankind at the end as light did in the beginning. The class that refuses to hear the voice behind, and therefore choose to walk the darkened path “stumble” at his Word, for they stumble on the foundation stone, the old tried stone. The voice is Alpha and Omega, and when the justified hear those words and incline their hearts unto those words they keep those words in the midst of their hearts, for the Alpha and Omega turns their hearts to the fathers, (the past) and the hearts of the fathers point to the end.

因所传达的信息而得称义的人,行走在象征日益增光的道路上;但正是这同样的光,使恶人的道路相应更加黑暗。光与黑暗分开。那在起初命令“要有光”的创造大能,在末了对人类所产生的作用,与起初之光所产生的一样。不肯听那在后边的声音、因而选择行走黑暗之路的那一类人,便在他的话上“绊跌”,因为他们绊在那根基石上,那块古老、久经试验的石头上。这声音就是阿尔法和欧米伽;当被称义的人听见这些话,并使心倾向这些话时,便将这些话珍藏在心中,因为阿尔法和欧米伽使他们的心转向列祖(过去),而列祖的心指向末了。

The way of the just is uprightness: thou, most upright, dost weigh the path of the just. Yea, in the way of thy judgments, O Lord, have we waited for thee; the desire of our soul is to thy name, and to the remembrance of thee. With my soul have I desired thee in the night; yea, with my spirit within me will I seek thee early: for when thy judgments are in the earth, the inhabitants of the world will learn righteousness. Isaiah 26:7–9.

义人的路是正直的;至正的主啊,你使义人的路平直。耶和华啊,我们在你审判之道上等候你;我们心灵所渴慕的是你的名和对你的记念。夜间,我的心灵切慕你;我里面的灵也要清早寻求你,因为当你的审判临到地上,世上的居民就学习公义。以赛亚书 26:7-9。

God weighs, or He judges, those who walk the path of the just, and He does so in the “last days” when His judgments are in the land. The just are those who have waited for the Lord in fulfillment of the tarrying time in the parable of the ten virgins. The desire of those walking the path of increasing knowledge, is for a greater and greater understanding of God’s name, His character. Those who have waited for their Lord, are those that proclaim the final warning message, for they are those who proclaim the Midnight Cry, which is of course the first internal message of Revelation eighteen that is followed by the second, external message.

上帝衡量,也就是祂审判,那些行走义人之路的人;而祂是在“末后的日子”,当祂的审判临到全地之时这样做。义人就是那些在十童女的比喻中新郎迟延的时期里等候主的人。行在知识不断增长之路上的人所渴慕的,是对上帝之名、祂的品格有越来越深的认识。那些等候自己主的人,就是宣告最后警告信息的人,因为他们就是宣告“午夜呼声”的人;这当然是启示录十八章中的第一道内部信息,随后还有第二道外部信息。

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. Revelation 18:1–4.

此后,我看见另一位有大权柄的天使从天降下;地就因他的荣耀发光。他大声喊着说:“巴比伦大城倾倒了!倾倒了!成了鬼魔的住处,各样污秽之灵的囚牢,各样污秽可憎之鸟的囚笼。因为万国都喝了她淫乱烈怒的酒;地上的君王与她行淫,地上的商人也借着她奢华的丰盛而发财。”我又听见从天上有另一声音说:“我的民哪,你们要从她那里出来,免得有分于她的罪,也免得受她所受的灾殃。”启示录18:1-4。

When the angel of Revelation eighteen descended on September 11, 2001, the Seventh-day Adventist church refused its final call to return to the old paths. It then ceased to be the horn of true Protestantism in the United States. At that point a testing process began for those who chose to take the message of that strong voice and eat it, as typified by John when the angel of Revelation ten descended at the beginning of Adventism on August 11, 1840. The spiritual nation that had taken the mantle of true Protestantism when the first angel’s message was rejected, then followed in the footsteps of apostate Protestantism at the beginning of Adventism.

当2001年9月11日启示录第十八章的天使降临时,基督复临安息日会拒绝了那最后、呼召人归回古道的信息。它于是就不再是美国真正新教的那一角。那时,凡选择领受那大声音的信息并把它吃了的人,便开始进入一场考验的过程,正如在1840年8月11日复临运动开端时,启示录第十章的天使降临之际由约翰所预表的那样。当第一位天使的信息被拒绝时接过真正新教衣钵的那个属灵国度,随后也效法了在复临运动之初所出现的背道新教的脚步。

The true Protestant horn was then given to those who accepted the message in the little book that was in the angel’s hand in Revelation ten. The testing process at the beginning of Adventism from 1840 through 1844 represents a testing process at the end of Adventism from September 11, 2001 until the Sunday law in the United States. Within the first history of 1840 to 1844, and the testing process that began on September 11, 2001, marks a dispensational transition from the former body of believers who held the mantle of Protestantism, unto a new body of believers who take the mantle of true Protestantism.

真正的新教之角就赐给了那些接受《启示录》第十章天使手中小书卷之信息的人。复临运动之初自1840年至1844年的考验过程,预表着复临运动末期自2001年9月11日至美国周日法令之间的一个考验过程。1840年至1844年的第一段历史,以及自2001年9月11日开始的考验过程,标志着一次时代性的转换:从先前持守新教衣钵的信徒群体,转向一个承接真正新教衣钵的新信徒群体。

More important to our consideration of the path of the justified is that within that history there is a disappointment that marks the beginning of the tarrying time. The faithful wait for their Lord in that time, which ends with the unsealing of the message of the Midnight Cry. That testing process at the beginning of Adventism ended when the message of the Midnight Cry concluded on October 22, 1844. The testing process at the end concludes for those represented by John at the Sunday law in the United States. The message of the Midnight Cry at the end, will conclude just as at the beginning, and in the beginning of Adventism the message of the Midnight Cry was unsealed in advance of the close of the testing process. The message of the Midnight Cry at the beginning is now being unsealed at the end.

就我们对义人之路的考察而言,更重要的是,在那段历史中有一场失望,标志着等候时期的开始。忠心的人在那段时间等候他们的主,而这段时间以“午夜呼声”信息的解封而告终。复临运动之初的那一场考验过程,随着1844年10月22日“午夜呼声”信息的结束而告终。末时的考验过程,对由约翰所代表的那一班人,将在美国的周日法令时告终。末后的“午夜呼声”信息将如同起初一样结束;而在复临运动开始之时,“午夜呼声”的信息在考验过程结束之前就已被解封。起初的“午夜呼声”信息,如今正在末后被解封。

The justified wise virgins enter into covenant with God when the wicked foolish virgins enter into a covenant of death.

当邪恶的愚拙童女与死亡立约时,称义的聪明童女与神立约。

To whom he said, This is the rest wherewith ye may cause the weary to rest; and this is the refreshing: yet they would not hear. But the word of the Lord was unto them precept upon precept, precept upon precept; line upon line, line upon line; here a little, and there a little; that they might go, and fall backward, and be broken, and snared, and taken. Wherefore hear the word of the Lord, ye scornful men, that rule this people which is in Jerusalem. Because ye have said, We have made a covenant with death, and with hell are we at agreement; when the overflowing scourge shall pass through, it shall not come unto us: for we have made lies our refuge, and under falsehood have we hid ourselves: Therefore thus saith the Lord God, Behold, I lay in Zion for a foundation a stone, a tried stone, a precious corner stone, a sure foundation: he that believeth shall not make haste. Isaiah 28:12–16.

他对他们说:“这是使疲乏人得以安息的安息;这是安歇之处。”他们却不肯听。但耶和华的话临到他们,成了“诫命加上诫命,诫命加上诫命;规条加上规条,规条加上规条;这里一点,那里一点”,好使他们去的时候向后跌倒,破碎,陷入网罗而被擒拿。所以,你们这些在耶路撒冷治理这百姓的亵慢人哪,当听耶和华的话。因为你们说:“我们与死亡立了约,与阴间达成协议;当横扫的灾鞭经过的时候,必不到我们;因为我们以谎言为避难所,在虚假之下藏身。”因此,主耶和华如此说:“看哪,我在锡安安放一块石头为根基,是试验过的石头,是宝贵的房角石,稳固的根基;信靠的人必不慌忙。”以赛亚书 28:12-16

The justified take the holy message of the Midnight Cry to the church and thereafter they proclaim the message of the second voice as they call mankind out of Babylon.

称义的人将午夜呼声的神圣信息带到教会,随后他们宣告第二个声音的信息,呼召人类从巴比伦出来。

“So in the last work for the warning of the world, two distinct calls are made to the churches. The second angel’s message is, ‘Babylon is fallen, is fallen, that great city, because she made all nations drink of the wine of the wrath of her fornication.’ And in the loud cry of the third angel’s message a voice is heard from heaven saying, ‘Come out of her, my people, that ye be not partakers of her sins, and that ye receive not of her plagues. For her sins have reached unto heaven, and God hath remembered her iniquities.’” Review and Herald, December 6, 1892.

因此,在为警告世界而进行的最后工作中,向各教会发出了两个明确的呼召。第二位天使的信息是:“巴比伦大城倾倒了,倾倒了!因为她使万国喝了她淫乱烈怒之酒。”在第三位天使信息的大呼喊中,有声音从天上说:“我的民哪,你们要从她出来,免得与她一同有罪,也免得受她所受的灾殃;因为她的罪恶已经达到天上,神已经记念她的不义了。”《评论与通讯》,1892年12月6日。

Those who come out of Babylon and join those walking on the path of the just are accepted into the fold through the water of baptism that is represented by the name of the heavenly trio. The justified, whether it is those who are currently hearing the message delivered to John on Patmos, or those who thereafter are called out of Babylon are all justified by receiving the Holy Spirit. That combination of the Holy Spirit’s divinity and man’s humanity was accomplished, as set forth as an example when Christ took upon himself human nature. The one hundred and forty-four thousand were represented upon two witnesses, the twelve sons of Jacob and the twelve disciples. The wicked are represented by the thirteenth tribe and the thirteenth disciple. Both “thirteens” in either illustration were called to be priests unto God, and those who reject that calling are represented by Esau, while his younger brother Jacob represents those who accept the calling. Esau and Jacob both represent Laodicean Seventh-day Adventists at the end of the world. One class accepts the holy message conveyed through the prophet’s writings and is changed unto Israel, while Esau retains his name.

那些从巴比伦出来并与行在义人道路上的人一同前行的人,藉着以天上三位之名所代表的洗礼之水,被接纳进入羊群。凡称义的人,无论是现今听见在拔摩岛赐给约翰的信息的,还是其后从巴比伦被呼召出来的,都是因领受圣灵而得称为义。那种圣灵的神性与人类人性的联合,已在基督取了人性时成就,并被设立为榜样。十四万四千人是借着两个见证所代表的,就是雅各的十二个儿子和十二位门徒。恶人则由第十三个支派和第十三位门徒所代表。在这两个例证中,这两个“十三”都被呼召作神的祭司;拒绝这呼召的,以扫为其代表;他的弟弟雅各则代表那些接受这呼召的人。以扫和雅各都代表世界末了老底嘉的基督复临安息日会信徒。一类人接受藉着先知著作所传达的圣洁信息,并被改名为以色列,而以扫仍保留自己的名字。

There is of course much more in these nine lines of Alpha and Omega, for this was simply a brief summation of beginnings and endings in God’s Word.

当然,这九行“阿尔法与欧米伽”的文字中还有更多内容,因为这不过是对神的话语中开端与结束的简要概括。

Nine lines of history, representing prophetic histories from the creation to the Second Coming. All nine of these prophetic lines of beginnings and endings are directly connected to the first three verses of Revelation chapter three. Those three verses identify that the Revelation of Jesus Christ, that is unsealed just before probation closes, is a manifestation of God’s creative power. What other power could construct such a complex inter-woven testimony from a variety of witnesses, who provided their testimony from the time of Moses until the time of John the Revelator?

九条历史线,代表着从创造到第二次降临的预言历史。这九条有关开端与终结的预言脉络,都直接关联到《启示录》第三章的前三节。这三节经文指出,那在恩典时期结束之前被解封的“耶稣基督的启示”,乃是上帝创造大能的彰显。还有什么力量,能将自摩西时代直到启示者约翰时代、由众多见证人所提供的证词,编织成如此复杂而相互交织的见证呢?

Take off your shoes, for this is holy ground.

把你的鞋脱下来,因为这里是圣地。