Habakkuk's Two Tables #31
Part Four: DANIEL
Presented by Jeff Pippenger
Invocation by Brother Jeff Pippenger: (The invocation was not recorded on the DVD at the beginning of this presentation.)
BROTHER PIPPENGER: Okay. We are dealing with Habakkuk's Tables, of course; and, right now we are in a section where we are looking at these Tables as typified in Bible prophecy.
And, we have been going through the Book of Daniel.
5
Begins Ends
Daniel 1 2 3 4 4
1798 1842 1844 1850 1863 1989 2001 Sunday Law
1840 '43 '50 '63
Daniel One 126
1 2 3
Figure No. 52.
I will explain what this represents. We are not going to spend a great deal of time on this; but, this is Daniel, chapters 1, 2, and 3.
This is Daniel, chapter 4, where we are beginning to focus in. Daniel, chapter 4, begins here [1863] and ends there [1989].
And then down here in our history, Daniel, chapter 5, Belshazzar is fulfilled.
But, if you remember, we identified that Daniel is the prophet that is associated with the First Angel's Message. He is associated with Jehoiakim, the first of the three kings that were confronted by Nebuchadnezzar as Jerusalem was destroyed; and, he is also identified as living until the first of three kings, Cyrus, that would raise up the temple in Jerusalem.
So, Daniel is associated with the first king in the tragedy of Jerusalem being destroyed, the first king in Jerusalem being rebuilt; and, we are saying that his book is primarily focusing on the First Angel's Message.
So, when we looked at Daniel, chapter 1, that is what this is [1798]. We identified it that just as the First Angel's Message in the Millerite History, the First Angel's Message in the Millerite History of Revelation 14:6-7 had all the waymarks of all Three Messages: "Fear God," First Message; "Give Him Glory," Second Message; "For the Hour of His Judgment is Come," Third Message. That is all in the Everlasting Gospel of the First Angel's Message.
So, too, in Daniel, chapter 1, we identified all of these waymarks. Daniel feared God; he determined he would not defile himself with the king's meat. Then he was tested and his countenance was looked upon, an image test. And then he was brought in before Nebuchadnezzar to be tested at the end of the days, thus marking judgment. So, in Daniel, chapter 1, just like the First Angel's Message, we have all three waymarks.
Then we looked at Daniel, chapter 2, and showed that it was the image of the beast test, the test that precedes The Sunday Law test. And, not only do we have the image of Daniel�2 emphasizing that Daniel, chapter 2, is the image of the beast test, but the bottom line, the punch line of Daniel, chapter 2, is the truth that is in the iron and clay down in the toes [referencing the image in the upper left-hand corner of the 1843 and 1850 Charts] that Sister White says is a combination of churchcraft and statecraft, which is church and state; and, church and state Sister White identifies as the image of the beast.
So, we looked at Daniel 2 as being the second test, which in one way it can be represented as the image of the beast test, it is here; and, the second test, where the two classes will be finalized before they demonstrate what their character is at the third test. And we have dealt quite a bit with that. So, in the second test you will have the proclamation, "Babylon is fallen," marking that one class has developed the character of Judas; the other class, the character of Christ: one class the character of the wise virgins, the other the character of the foolish virgins; wheat and tares; and, so on and so forth.
Then we looked at Daniel, chapter 3, and noted that it is The Sunday Law. Of course, the First and Second Angels' Messages in Millerite History that came in 1798, 1842, and 1844, they were marking the waymarks in the First Angel's Message. There really was not a Sunday Law in 1844; it was prefiguring it. It was not the perfect fulfillment. Babylon had not fully fallen in 1842. The fall of Babylon is a progressive event.
So, the history of the Millerites is typifying the perfect fulfillment of the Three Angels' Messages at the end of the world.
So, in Daniel, chapter 1, you have the First Angel's Message; Daniel, chapter 2, the Second; Daniel, chapter 3, the Third. And now we are getting ready to look at Daniel, chapter 4; and, we have looked at Daniel, chapters 4 and 5, in terms of the 2520 already, and the fall of Babylon; but, we are going to show that Daniel, chapter 4, which I have marked beginning here [1863] and ending here [1989], that this is William Miller's dream. Daniel, chapter 4, the only chapter in the Book of Daniel that he did not write, that Nebuchadnezzar wrote chapter 4, and William Miller's second dream and Nebuchadnezzar's second dream.
William Miller's second dream we find in Early Writings. It is the only chapter in Early Writings that Ellen White did not write. And we are going to show that his dream is identifying when the truths that the Lord used him to assemble, the foundational truths [referencing the 1843 Chart], began to be covered up in 1863 with the introduction of a counterfeit chart. And in 1989, in agreement with his dream, the Dirt Brush Man, who is Christ, comes in and begins to sweep out the rubbish of tradition and custom that has come into Adventism, covering up the truths on this [1843] Chart, from 1863 and onward.
So, usually when you do William Miller's dream, which we are on the verge of doing, you have got to read the dream; you have to give an overview of it, you have to tell what the dream represents; and, you have to bring in some Bible and Spirit of Prophecy to prove what you are suggesting about it.
But, I want to make this a little bit more airtight; so, today we are just going to go through and we are going to establish the symbols that are found in William Miller's dream, and then tomorrow we will go through William Miller's dream, already having identified the symbols. We are going to take a little bit more time with it is what I am saying.
Revelation Five
We will begin with Revelation, chapter 5; but, notice in your notes from Testimonies, volume�9, page 267, it says,
"The fifth chapter of Revelation needs to be closely studied. It is of great importance to those who shall act a part in the work of God for these last days. There are some who are deceived. They do not realize what is coming on the earth. Those who have permitted their minds to become beclouded in regard to what constitutes sin are fearfully deceived. Unless they make a decided change they will be found wanting when God pronounces judgment upon the children of men. They have transgressed the law and broken the everlasting covenant, and they will receive according to their works." Testimonies, volume 9, 267.
The Lion of the tribe of Judah
What I want to focus on for our purposes today is the first sentence there, "The fifth chapter of Revelation needs to be closely studied." And if you will turn there now, we are going to read the first seven verses.
Chapter 4 of Revelation is the Throne Room scene, where John sees God the Father sitting upon the throne and He has a book in His hand that is sealed with Seven Seals, which we are going to identify as the Bible.
And in chapter 5, John is going to become part of the prophecy; and, we have dealt with this many times in this worship series so far. When a prophet becomes part of the prophecy, he represents God's people at the end of the world. So, we want to look at what happens to John as he sees this book sealed with Seven Seals.
In Revelation 5, beginning in verse 1, it says,
"1And I saw in the right hand of him"�this is God the Father�"that sat on the throne a book written within and on the backside, sealed with seven seals. 2And I saw a strong angel proclaiming with a loud voice, Who is worthy to open the book, and to loose the seals thereof? 3And no man in heaven, nor in earth, neither under the earth, was able to open the book, neither to look thereon. 4And I wept much,"�
Now, you want to take note that when John realizes no one can open this book, he begins to weep.
�"4And I wept much, because no man was found worthy to open and to read the book, neither to look thereon. 5And one of the elders saith unto me, Weep not: behold, the Lion of the tribe of Judah, the Root of David, hath prevailed to open the book, and to loose the seven seals thereof. 6And I beheld, and, lo, in the midst of the throne and of the four beasts, and in the midst of the elders, stood a Lamb as it had been slain,"�
Who is the Lamb?
FROM THE AUDIENCE: Jesus.
BROTHER PIPPENGER: Jesus.
�"having seven horns and seven eyes, which are the seven Spirits of God sent forth into all the earth. 7And he came and took the book out of the right hand of him that sat upon the throne." Revelation 5:1-7 (KJV).
So here Jesus is portrayed as two things, the Lamb and the Lion; the Lamb, and the Lion of the tribe of Judah. And we are going to find that when Jesus is represented as the Lion of the tribe of Judah�and I hope you understand that the different ways that Christ is represented in the Scriptures is employed in order to teach us a different lesson about who and what He is. In Daniel 8:13, Christ is called Palmoni, the Wonderful Numberer. And you find that Daniel 8:13 is the very hub of all the time prophecies in the Bible; and, when Jesus is there in Daniel�8:13 as Palmoni, which means the Numberer of Secrets or the Wonderful Numberer, He is emphasizing that this is the point of reference for the time prophecies of the Bible.
When Jesus is represented as Shiloh, it is talking about the Latter Rain Message of the 2520.
When Jesus is represented as the Lamb, it is talking about His sacrificial work.
But, what we want to see today is that when Jesus is represented as the Lion of the tribe of Judah, it is representing both His work in sealing up God's Word and in unsealing God's Word, because He does both.
The Book
So, in Manuscript Releases, volume 20, page 197, it says,
"We ask John what he saw and heard in the vision at Patmos, and he answers: 'And I saw in the right hand of Him that sat on the throne a book written within and on the backside, sealed with seven seals. And I saw a strong angel proclaiming with a loud voice, Who is worthy to open the book, and to loose the seals thereof? And no man in heaven, nor in earth, neither under the earth, was able to open the book, neither to look thereon.'
"There in His open hand lay the book,"�
Now, this quote here, I want you to understand that some people�and I am not trying to argue with them�but, some people will take this quote, this paragraph here, and say this book that is in Revelation 4 and 5 is some kind of divine history book. And it is, but they are saying that it is something other than the Bible. What I am saying is, the divine history book is the Bible and that we need to make sure we understand that it is the Bible that is being dealt with here in Revelation 4 and 5, not some kind of secondary book. All right?
So, as we read this paragraph, you will see why people�where they get their arguments that this is some kind of divine history book outside the Bible; but, we are going to resolve that.
�"There in His open hand lay the book, the roll of the history of God's providences, the prophetic history of nations and the church. Herein was contained the divine utterances, His authority, His commandments, His laws, the whole symbolic counsel of the Eternal, and the history of all ruling powers in the nations. In symbolic language was contained in that roll the influence of every nation, tongue, and people from the beginning of earth's history to its close.
"This roll was written within and without. John says: 'I wept much, because no man was found worthy to open and to read the book, neither to look thereon.' The vision as presented to John made its impression upon his mind. The destiny of every nation was contained in that book. John was distressed at the utter inability of any human being or angelic intelligence to read the words, or even to look thereon. His soul was wrought up to such a point of agony and suspense that one of the strong angels had compassion on him, and laying his hand on him assuringly said, 'Weep not: behold, the Lion of the tribe of Judah, the Root of David, hath prevailed to open the book, and to loose the seven seals thereof.'
"John continues: 'I beheld, and, lo, in the midst of the throne and of the four beasts, and in the midst of the elders, stood a Lamb as it had been slain, having seven horns and seven eyes, which are the seven Spirits of God sent forth into all the earth. And He came and took the book out of the right hand of Him that sat upon the throne.'
"As the book was unrolled, all who looked upon it were filled with awe. There were no blanks in the book. There was space for no more writing. [Revelation 5:8�14; 6:8, quoted.]" Manuscript Releases, volume 20, 197.
Okay. This is why, if you understand this is the Bible�and it is. We are going to show you that in a moment�this is why the Book of Revelation says there is a curse on anyone that adds to this book; because, there is no room for anymore words in the Bible; and, there is a curse on anyone who takes from it.
Of course, Seventh-day Adventists do not understand that it is the same authority that is in God's Word that is in the Spirit of Prophecy. So, if you add to or take from the Spirit of Prophecy, you are under the identical curse.
FROM THE AUDIENCE: Amen!
BROTHER PIPPENGER: And yesterday, in our Sabbath School, we had introduced this counterfeit Great Controversy called, "The Great Hope," where they took the 42�chapters of The Great Controversy and they turned them into 11, and they went ahead with the 11 chapters they were using and like they threw them into a blender and then put them back together, removing words, removing paragraphs, adding words; and, they do not think they are going to be under a curse.
And I suppose Adventists who are going to use this little publication to do evangelistic work, they probably do not think they are going to be under a curse, either; but, they will be under the curse of Jehoiakim, who took God's Word and chopped it up, like they have done with The Great Hope and threw it in the fire.
But, it did not last, did it? Jeremiah just wrote the book again with more curses in it than before.
But, in any case, when it comes to this Book, there is not any room for any more words, and you better not take the words that are in there out or change them.
Now, what is this divine book that causes John to weep that is taken from the Father by the Lion of the tribe of Judah? It contains divine utterances, we are told.
The Sacred Volumes�The Book of Divine Instruction
In Spalding and Magan, page 58, it says,
"When Christ came to this earth, the traditions that had been handed down from generation to generation, and the human interpretation of the Scriptures, hid from men the truth as it is in Jesus. The truth was buried beneath a mass of tradition. The spiritual import of the sacred volumes was lost; for in their unbelief men locked the door of the heavenly treasure. Darkness covered the earth, and gross darkness the people. Truth looked down from heaven to earth; but nowhere was revealed the divine impress. A gloom like the pall of death overspread the earth.
"But the Lion of the tribe of Judah prevailed. He opened the seal that closed the book of divine instruction."�
So, when the Lion of the tribe of Judah is opening this Book, it is the Book of Divine Instruction.
�"The world was permitted to gaze upon pure, unadulterated truth. Truth itself descended to roll back the darkness and counteract error. A Teacher was sent from heaven with the light that was to light every man that comes into the world. There were men and women who were eagerly seeking for knowledge,"�
I like this last sentence. That is why I bold-faced this; because, she is going to define what knowledge is.
�"There were men and women who were eagerly seeking for knowledge, the sure word of prophecy, and when it came, it was as a light shining in a dark place." Spalding and Magan, 58.
Okay. So, if there is going to be an increase of knowledge, there is going to be an increase of prophetic knowledge.
The Bible is the Book of Divine Instruction
But, the Book that the Lion of the tribe of Judah opens, unseals, is the Book of Divine Instruction.
In Signs of the Times, July 11, 1906, Sister White says,
"Let everyone who has been blessed with reasoning faculties take up the Bible and search its pages, that he may understand the will of God concerning him. In this Book divine instruction is given to all."�
So, what is the Book of Divine Instruction? It is the Bible.
�"The Bible is addressed to every one�to every class of society, to those of every clime and age." Signs of the Times, July 11, 1906.
So, as Jesus, the Lion of the tribe of Judah, takes this Book, because He has prevailed�
How did He prevail; or, maybe I should say, where did He prevail? He prevailed at the cross. That is why He is also the Lamb.
So, He is in the Throne Room scene. He takes the Bible that has been sealed up, and He begins to remove the seals, one at a time which, one of the things that is telling you is, it is a progressive unsealing. Whatever that represents, He did not take all seven of them and remove them simultaneously. He removes them one at a time.
Come and See
And in Revelation 6, I have four verses because I want you to see something that is marked when He removes the seals.
The verse is in your notes, where it says, "Come and See." Every time He removes a seal, He says, "Come and see."
"1And I saw when the Lamb opened one of the seals,"�this is the First Seal�"And I saw when the Lamb opened one of the seals, and I heard, as it were the noise of thunder, one of the four beasts saying, Come and see. . . ."�
And in verse 3, it says,
� "3And when he had opened the second seal, I heard the second beast say, Come and see. . . . 5And when he had opened the third seal, I heard the third beast say, Come and see."�
How many times do you have to see something before it is established?
FROM THE AUDIENCE: Two or three.
BROTHER PIPPENGER: Two or three.
So, here we are finding that when Jesus removes the seal, what is pronounced?
FROM THE AUDIENCE: "Come and see."
BROTHER PIPPENGER: "Come and see."
So, if you find "Come and see" pronounced, what do you know has happened? A seal has been removed.
Continuing in verse 5:
�"And I beheld, and lo a black horse; and he that sat on him had a pair of balances in his hand. . . . 7And when he had opened the fourth seal, I heard the voice of the fourth beast say, Come and see." Revelation 6:1, 3, 5, 7 (KJV).
So, what are we doing here? What we are doing here is we are identifying that Christ is the Lion of the tribe of Judah. We are identifying that He is the One that unseals the Bible, because the Bible is the Book that is sealed with Seven Seals; and, when He removes a seal, there is a pronouncement of, "Come and see," that is proclaimed.
And we are doing this because tomorrow we are going to look at William Miller's dream, and these are certain characteristics that are in William Miller's dream that we already want to be settled into. Okay?
The Lion Unseals the Book
So, let us make sure that we understand that it is the Lion of the tribe of Judah that takes the responsibility for unsealing God's Word.
Manuscript Releases, volume 18, pages 14-15, says,
"It was the Lion of the tribe of Judah who unsealed the book and gave to John the revelation of what should be in these last days. Daniel stood in his lot to bear his testimony, which was sealed until the time of the end, when the first angel's message should be proclaimed to our world."�
Now, I want you to think about those first two sentences, if you would.
And, let me read the whole thing first.
�"These matters are of infinite importance"�
This paragraph that she is talking about is of infinite importance; so, there is stuff in here that we need to understand, no doubt.
�"These matters are of infinite importance in these last days, but while 'many shall be purified, and made white, and tried,' 'the wicked shall do wickedly: and none of the wicked shall understand.'" Manuscript Releases, volume 18, 14�15.
Who are the many that are purified, made white, and tried? It is the people that go through a three-step testing process. The First Angel's Message, you are purified; the Second Angel's Message, you are given the white garments of righteousness; the Third Angel's Message is judgment: it is where you are tried; it is the courtyard of the sanctuary, the Holy Place, and the Most Holy Place.
Many are going to go through this three-step cleansing process and stand faithfully in the Judgment but the wicked will not understand the increase of knowledge.
And what is the increase of knowledge? It is the sure word of prophecy. There is going to be a prophetic testing message that produces two classes of worshippers. So, Sister White is putting this in place, and she is drawing this out of Daniel 12, which is typically applied to the Millerite History; but, in these first two sentences, she is telling us it is the Lion of the tribe of Judah that unseals the Book and gave to John the revelation of what would be in the last days.
What book did He unseal? The next sentence: "Daniel stood in his lot to bear his testimony, which was sealed until the time of the end, . . ."
So, in Revelation, chapter 5 and onward, when Jesus begins to remove the seals one at a time, that First Seal that He removes, when was it removed? 1798, the Time of the End.
And in Daniel 12 when it is talking about the Book of Daniel being unsealed, it talks about an increase of knowledge, something that increases, escalates. The Books of Daniel and Revelation are the same book. They are telling the same story; they perfect each other. So, when Jesus is illustrating the unsealing of the Book of Daniel in the Book of Revelation in order to convey the increase of knowledge, He does it by showing that He removes Seven Seals. It is an increasing knowledge, seven steps along the way.
And when He removes the seals, what do you hear?
FROM THE AUDIENCE: Thunder.
BROTHER PIPPENGER: Thunder. Maybe Seven Thunders? Come and see.
In the Revelation
Notice this next quote from Selected Messages, book 2, page 109.
"All that God has in prophetic history specified to be fulfilled in the past has been, and all that is yet to come in its order will be. Daniel, God's prophet, stands in his place. John stands in his place. In the Revelation the Lion of the tribe of Judah has opened to the students of prophecy the book of Daniel,"�
Where in the Revelation did the Lion of the tribe of Judah open the Book of Daniel? He begins to do it in chapter 5. He takes the Bible and begins to remove the seal from the book in the Bible that has been sealed up until the time of the end: Daniel.
Right? Are you all following that logic?
�"In the Revelation the Lion of the tribe of Judah has opened to the students of prophecy the book of Daniel and thus is Daniel standing in his place."�
What does it mean that Daniel is standing in his place and lot? He is fulfilling his purposes. In 1798 the Book of Daniel began to fulfill its purpose.
�"He [Daniel] bears his testimony, that which the Lord revealed to him in vision of the great and solemn events which we must know as we stand on the very threshold of their fulfillment."�
There are some great and solemn events that we MUST know as we stand on the threshold of their fulfillment. And when you look closely at these great and solemn events, which we must know as we stand on the threshold of their fulfillment, Sister White plainly tells us that the majority of Adventism does not know these events. We will deal with that as we proceed in this worship series.
Continuing on with the quote:
�"In history and prophecy the Word of God portrays the long continued conflict between truth and error. That conflict is yet in progress. Those things which have been, will be repeated." Selected Messages, book 2, 109.
So, all of this about the Lion of the tribe of Judah opening the Book of Daniel in Revelation�5 and onward is put in the context of a repetition of history.
Pioneer Position
Here is the Pioneer understanding expressed by James White, in Review and Herald, November�1, 1853.
"What Daniel was commanded to seal up and close, (Daniel 12:4) is now, through the all-powerful mediation of the Lion of the tribe of Judah, revealed unto us. Revelation 5:5. Hence 'many run to and fro, and knowledge is increased.'" James White, Review and Herald, November 1, 1853.
So, the Pioneers understood that when the Lion of the tribe of Judah began to remove the Seven Seals from the divine book, the Bible, that He was unsealing the Book of Daniel in 1798 in a progressive fashion. That is why it as an increase of knowledge.
The Lion Seals
Revelation 10:1-4
But, the Lion also seals up things. Go to Revelation.
The Lion of the tribe of Judah, He is the One that associates Himself with unsealing the Bible, but He is the One that also associates Himself with sealing the Bible.
In Revelation 10, beginning in verse 1, it says,
So, this, Christ coming down here, he cries as a what? As a Lamb? Does He cry as a Lamb? He cries as a Lion.
Who is the Lion? He is the One that unseals and seals God's Word. So, that is one of the keys that we have in here. He cries as a Lion. And John is about to write what the Seven Thunders uttered, but He is commanded to seal it up, "Don't write it."
So, what we are saying here is we are trying to identify the Lion of the tribe of Judah both seals God's Word and unseals God's Word according to His purposes.
The Seventh-day Adventist Bible Commentary, volume 7, page 971, says of these Seven Thunders,
"After these seven thunders uttered their voices, the injunction"�
What is an injunction? It is a command.
�"[the command] comes to John as to Daniel in regard to the little book: 'Seal up those things which the seven thunders uttered.'"�
Sister White here is telling us that when John was told to seal up the Seven Thunders, it is identical as when Daniel was told to seal up his book until the time of the end. The sealing up of the Seven Thunders, "Do not write what the Seven Thunders uttered," to John, is identical to Daniel's book being sealed up.
�"'Seal up those things which the seven thunders uttered.' These relate to future events which will be disclosed in their order."�
Okay. Where is John at in history? Because, John in Revelation 10 has become part of the prophecy; he is representing a people that go take the Little Book from the Angel's hand.
When did the Millerites take the Book of Daniel from the Angel's hand?
When is it sweet in their mouth? On August 11, 1840, it is sweet; because, the year-day principle has been confirmed before the whole world. So, John is here in 1840 and he is told to�what?�seal up what the Seven Thunders uttered. They relate to future events.
So, these Seven Thunders represent events that are going to take place after 1840. Right?
�"After these seven thunders uttered their voices, the injunction comes to John as to Daniel in regard to the little book. 'Seal up those things which the seven thunders uttered.' These relate to future events which will be disclosed in their order. Daniel shall stand in his lot at the end of the days. John sees the little book unsealed."�
When Daniel stands in his lot, what does it mean? He is going to fulfill his purpose at the end of the days.
� Then Daniel's prophecies have their proper place in the first, second, and third angels' messages to be given to the world. The unsealing of the little book was the message in relation to time.
"The books of Daniel and the Revelation are one. One is a prophecy, the other a revelation; one a book sealed, the other a book opened. John heard the mysteries which the thunders uttered, but he was commanded not to write them.
"The special light given to John which was expressed in the seven thunders was a delineation of events which would transpire under the first and second angels' messages."�
Whoa! Sister White just said, two paragraphs back, that the Seven Thunders represent future events that would be disclosed in their order. Now she is saying they represent the events of 1798 to 1844, ". . . a delineation of events which would transpire under the first and second angels' messages." The Seven Thunders represent the Millerite History and the history of the 144,000. This is in agreement with line upon line, that all the Reform Movements are paralleling and typifying the Reform Movement of the Latter Rain. And John was told to seal up this truth about the Seven Thunders, and the truth about the Seven Thunders that he seals up is that the Millerite History is perfectly repeated in the history of the 144,000.
�"It was not best for the people to know these things, for their faith must necessarily be tested. In the order of God most wonderful and advanced truths would be proclaimed. The first and second angels' messages were to be proclaimed, but no further light was to be revealed before these messages had done their specific work. This is represented by the angel standing with one foot on the sea, proclaiming with a most solemn oath that time should be no longer." The Seventh-day Adventist Bible Commentary, volume 7, 971.
Sealed Until the Time of the End
Manuscript Releases, volume 18, pages 14-15, we have already read.
"Daniel stood in his lot to bear his testimony, which was sealed until the time of the end, when the first angel's message should be proclaimed to our world. These matters are of infinite importance in these last days, but while 'many shall be purified, and made white, and tried,' 'the wicked shall do wickedly: and none of the wicked shall understand.'" Manuscript Releases, volume 18, 14�15.
When the Book is sealed, whether it is the Book of Daniel or the Seven Thunders, it is sealed until when?
FROM THE AUDIENCE: Until the time of the end.
BROTHER PIPPENGER: Until the time of the end.
So, when the Book of Daniel is unsealed in 1798, that is the Time of the End; therefore, when the Seven Thunders is unsealed in the future events that it represents, when it is the Seven Thunders are unsealed, paralleling the unsealing of the Book of Daniel, they are unsealed when? At the Time of the End. There is going to be a Time of the End at the end of the world.
Just Before Probation Closes
When is that?
Go to Revelation 22.
Now, most of us are familiar with what verse 11 represents in Revelation 22. It says,
"11He 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 22:11 (KJV).
What is that? That is the close of human probation. That is Michael standing up.
Notice the verse before it, verse 10 of Revelation 22.
"10And he saith unto me, Seal not the sayings of the prophecy of this book: for the time is at hand." Revelation 22:10 (KJV).
Well, there is only one prophecy that has been sealed up in the Book of Revelation. It is the Seven Thunders. So, we can determine from here that there is a point just before the close of human probation when there is a command saying, "The time is at hand," to unseal the Seven Thunders; and, when that takes place, that will be the Time of the End for the end of the world, and it will take place just before human probation closes.
But, what we are looking at here primarily is that the sealing up of God's Word and the unsealing of God's Word is a work that is accomplished by the Lion of the tribe of Judah.
Standing in His Lot
"Daniel has been standing in his lot since the seal was removed and the light of truth has been shining upon his visions. He stands in his lot, bearing the testimony which was to be understood at the end of the days." Sermons and Talks, volume�1, 225�226.
Therefore, when the Seven Thunders is unsealed at the Time of the End at the end of the world, who is going to be standing in his lot?
FROM THE AUDIENCE: Daniel.
BROTHER PIPPENGER: Daniel.
So, when the Seven Thunders are unsealed at the Time of the End at the end of the world, just before probation closes, what message will arrive? A message from the Book of Daniel will mark the Time of the End.
So, now we have put that in place about who unseals, what book they are unsealing, and when the unsealing takes place.
Did you notice when the unsealing takes place?
When does the unsealing take place?
FROM THE AUDIENCE: At the Time of the End.
BROTHER PIPPENGER: It is called the Time of the End, but when does the Time of the End arrive?
FROM THE AUDIENCE: (Various indiscernible responses.)
BROTHER PIPPENGER: Yes, those are right but�
FROM THE AUDIENCE: At the end of the days.
BROTHER PIPPENGER: At the end of the days. That is right.
FROM THE AUDIENCE: (Various indiscernible responses.)
When the graves will be opened up.
BROTHER PIPPENGER: You are all missing it, but you have got to see this one. It is when John weeps. When John weeps, the Book is unsealed.
FROM THE AUDIENCE: (Affirmations of agreement.)
Jewels
Now we are going to look at what jewels are.
Men and Women
Review and Herald, May 5, 1903.
"The Lord will call young men from the humble walks of life into his service, just as he did when living in person on this earth. He passed by the learned rabbis, to choose as his first disciples humble, unlearned fishermen. He has workers whom he will call forth from poverty and obscurity. Engaged in the common duties of life, and clothed with coarse raiment, they are looked upon by men as of little worth. But they will become precious jewels, to shine brightly for the Lord. 'They shall be mine, saith the Lord of hosts, in that day when I make up my jewels.'" Review and Herald, May 5, 1903.
So, human beings are Christ's jewels. In fact, the ensign in Zechariah 9:16 are lifted up as a crown.
"16And the Lord their God shall save them in that day as the flock of his people: for they shall be as the stones of a crown, lifted up as an ensign upon his land." Zechariah 9:16 (KJV).
They are jewels upon a crown.
Miller's Tenth Rule
But, notice Miller's tenth rule.
Rule X: "Figures sometimes have two or more different significations, as day is used in a figurative sense to represent three different periods of time." Miller's Rules of Prophetic Interpretation.
A day is a day, a day is a year, and a day is 1000 years in the Scriptures.
The Lion is Babylon; the Lion is the Lion of the tribe of Judah; the Lion is Satan; the Lion is Judah.
So, you have to determine a symbol by context; so, we are acknowledging right off the bat that a jewel can be God's people, but that is not what it is primarily addressed as.
Truths to Share
Manuscript Releases, volume 1, page 40:
"Mighty truths have been buried beneath the sophistry of error, but they will be found by the diligent searcher."�
What will be found? Mighty truths.
�"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." Manuscript Releases, volume 1, 40.
So, what are these jewels now?
FROM THE AUDIENCE: Truths.
BROTHER PIPPENGER: These are the great truths of God's Word.
The Casket
What is a casket?
Special Testimonies on Education, page 53.
We need to know what a casket is because there is a casket in William Miller's dream. In fact, there are two caskets in William Miller's dream.
"The Bible is a field where are concealed heavenly treasures, and they will remain hidden treasures until, by diligent mining, they are discovered and brought to light. The Bible is a casket containing jewels of inestimable value, which should be so presented as to be seen in their intrinsic luster. But the beauty and excellence of these diamonds of truth are not discerned by the natural eye. The lovely things of the material world are not seen until the sun, dispelling the darkness, floods them with its light. And so with the treasures of God's word; they are not appreciated until they are revealed by the Sun of Righteousness." Special Testimonies on Education, 53.
So, what is a casket?
FROM THE AUDIENCE: The Bible.
BROTHER PIPPENGER: It is the Bible.
Now, James White, when he was complementing on William Miller's dream, here is what he said in the footnotes, Signs of the Times, September 10, 1894,
"The 'casket' represents the great truths of the Bible, relative to the second advent of our Lord Jesus Christ, which were given Brother Miller to publish to the world." James White, Brother Miller's Dream, footnotes.
Now, I think James White, he is correct but to be more specific the casket is the Bible. Sister White just said so.
Signs of the Times, September 10, 1894:
"The word of God abounds in precious jewels of truth, and parents should bring them forth from their casket and present them before their children in their true luster." Signs of the Times, September 10, 1894.
How do you bring these precious jewels forth to your children? You bring them from the Bible, from your casket.
Testimonies, volume 6, page 425:
"God has given His ministers the message of truth to proclaim. This the churches are to receive and in every possible way to communicate, catching the first rays of light and diffusing them. Here is our great sin. We are years behind. The ministers have been seeking the hidden treasure and have been opening up the casket and letting the jewels of truth shine forth, but the members of the church have not done a hundredth part of that which God requires of them." Testimonies, volume 6, 425.
So, what is the casket? It is the Bible.
What is the Bible? It is the book that is sealed the Seven Seals.
What does it contain? Jewels; great truths.
A Casket with a Key Attached
And you know what? The Bible has a key attached to it.
Notice Manuscript Releases, volume 17, page 261; because, Miller's dream talks about a casket with a key attached, and so does Sister White. Right here she says,
"Connected with the Word of God there is a key that unlocks the precious casket, to our satisfaction and delight. I feel thankful"�
Do you think that Sister White is inspired?
FROM THE AUDIENCE: (Affirmations.)
BROTHER PIPPENGER: Okay. She is inspired.
Did William Miller have his dream before she wrote this? Yes.
And William Miller talks about a casket with a key attached.
So, is she just copying William Miller because she liked the way he said it?
FROM THE AUDIENCE: No.
BROTHER PIPPENGER: She does not do that. She is inspired. So, her telling us about a casket, which is the Bible with a key attached, is telling us that when William Miller is talking about a casket with a key attached and she goes ahead and puts that dream in her writings, this is not just a human agreement. This is being accurate to the truth.
�"Connected with the Word of God there is a key that unlocks the precious casket, to our satisfaction and delight. I feel thankful for every ray of light. In the future, experiences now to us very mysterious will be explained. Some experiences we may never fully comprehend until this mortal shall put on immortality." Manuscript Releases, volume 17, 261.
So, she says, connected with the Bible there is a key; but, what is the key?
The Key
Testimonies, volume 8, page 157:
"Faithful teachers should be placed in charge of the Bible classes, teachers who will strive to make the students understand their lessons, not by explaining everything to them, but by requiring them to explain clearly every passage they read. Let these teachers remember that little good will be accomplished by skimming over the surface of the word. Thoughtful investigation and earnest, taxing study are required in order for this word to be understood. There are truths in the word which, like veins of precious ore, are hidden beneath the surface. The hidden treasure is discovered as it is searched for, as a miner searches for gold and silver. The evidence of the truth of God's word is in the word itself. Scripture is the key that unlocks scripture. The deep meaning of the truths of God's word is unfolded to our minds by His Spirit.
"The Bible is the great lesson book for the students in our schools. It teaches the whole will of God concerning the sons and daughters of Adam. It is the rule of life, teaching us of the character that we must form for the future life. We need not the dim light of tradition to make the Scriptures comprehensible. As well might we suppose that the noonday sun needs the glimmering torchlight of earth to increase its glory. The utterances of priest and minister are not needed to save men from error. Those who consult the divine Oracle will have light. In the Bible every duty is made plain. Every lesson given is comprehensible. Every lesson reveals to us the Father and the Son. The word is able to make all wise unto salvation. In the word the science of salvation is plainly revealed. Search the Scriptures, for they are the voice of God speaking to the soul." Testimonies, volume 8, 157.
Scripture is the key that unlocks Scripture.
Miller's Fourth and Fifth Rules
The next comment is two of William Miller's rules, his fourth rule and his fifth rule.
William Miller's fourth rule says,
Rule IV: "To understand doctrine, bring all the scriptures together on the subject you wish to know, then let every word have its proper influence, and if you can form your theory without a contradiction, you cannot be in error."
His fifth rule says,
Rule V: "Scripture must be�its own expositor, since it is a rule of itself. If I depend on a teacher to expound it to me and he should, guess at its meaning, or desire to have it so on account of his sectarian creed or to be thought wise, then his guessing, desire, creed or wisdom is my rule, not the Bible."
So, what is the key to understanding the Bible? Proof-texting.
James White, commenting on William Miller's dream says,
"The 'key attached' was his manner of interpreting the prophetic Word�Comparing scripture with scripture�the Bible its own interpreter. With this key Brother Miller opened the 'casket,' or the great truth of the advent to the world." James White, Brother Miller's Dream, footnotes.
Miller's Fourteenth Rule
Miller's fourteenth rule is,
Rule XIV: "The most important rule of all is, that you must have faith."
Signs of the Times, September 5, 1906, says,
"
"Salvation depends upon our knowledge of God's will as contained in His Word. Never cease asking and searching for truth. It is God's will that you shall know what He has said to you. But you must exercise faith. As you search the Scriptures, you must believe that God is, and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him.
"Search, O search the Bible with a heart hungry for spiritual food. Dig into the Word as the miner digs into the earth to find the veins of gold. Do not give up your search till you have ascertained your relation to God and His will concerning you.
"'Search the Scriptures; for in them ye think ye have eternal life.' To search means to look diligently for something. Search for the hidden treasures in God's Word. You cannot afford to be without them. Study the difficult passages, comparing verse with verse, and you will find that scripture is the key which unlocks scripture. Those who prayerfully study the Bible go from each search wiser than they were before.
"That which is worth having is not obtained without earnest, persevering effort. In business life, those only who are willing to put forth determined effort see successful results. Without earnest toil we cannot expect to obtain a knowledge of spiritual things. Those who find the jewels of truth must dig for them as the miner digs for the precious ore hidden in the earth." Signs of the Times, September 5, 1906.
Pacific Union Recorder, February 23, 1905, says,
"We are to study the Word of God, comparing one portion with another. Scripture is the key that unlocks scripture. As we read and study and pray, there is beside us a divine Teacher, the Holy Spirit, enlightening our understanding, that we may comprehend the great truths of God's Word.
"We are also to search our hearts carefully, to see if we really desire to understand the teaching of the Word of God.
"We are to listen attentively to the words of the ministers of God, those chosen of Him and precious, whose opportunities for learning of Him have been larger than our own. We are to respect and appreciate those who have a knowledge of His words, and who understand its application better than we do." Pacific Union Recorder, February 23, 1905.
The Scattered Jewels
Now, the jewels in the Bible are scattered. That is how they are portrayed. We want to mark that.
What have we done so far? We have identified that it is the Lion of the tribe of Judah that unseals and seals the Book; and, when the Book is unsealed, it is unsealed at the Time of the End; and, when it is unsealed at the Time of the End, Daniel is standing there to fulfill his purpose.
We have identified that the book that He unseals is the Bible, sealed with Seven Seals, representing a progressive development of truth.
We have identified that when a seal is removed, we hear the angels say, "Come and see," and the sound of thunder.
We have identified that the Bible is the casket and it has a key attached, and the key that is attached that opens the casket is proof-texting, comparing Scripture with Scripture, verse with verse, Miller's Rules of Prophetic Interpretation.
We have identified that the jewels are the precious truths of God's Word.
Now we want to identify that the words are represented as being scattered.
Review and Herald, December 1, 1891:
"The apostle says, 'All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: that the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works.' The Bible is its own expositor. One passage will prove to be a key that will unlock other passages, and in this way light will be shed upon the hidden meaning of the word. By comparing different texts treating on the same subject, viewing their bearing on every side, the true meaning of the Scriptures will be made evident."�
Sounds like we are reading William Miller, but we are not. This is Sister White.
She continues on.
�"Many think that they must consult commentaries on the Scriptures in order to understand the meaning of the word of God, and we would not take the position that commentaries should not be studied; but it will take much discernment to discover the truth of God under the mass of the words of men. How little has been done by the church, as a body professing to believe the Bible, to gather up the scattered jewels of God's word into one perfect chain of truth! The jewels of truth do not lie upon the surface, as many suppose. The master mind in the confederacy of evil is ever at work to keep the truth out of sight, and to bring into full view the opinions of great men. The enemy is doing all in his power to obscure heaven's light through"�what?�"educational processes; for he does not mean that men shall hear the voice of the Lord, saying, 'This is the way, walk ye in it.'
"The jewels of truth lie scattered over the field of revelation; but they have been buried beneath human traditions, beneath the sayings and commandments of men, and the wisdom from heaven has been practically ignored; for Satan has succeeded in making the world believe that the words and achievements of men are of great consequence. The Lord God, the Creator of the worlds, at infinite cost has given the gospel to the world. Through this divine agent, glad, refreshing springs of heavenly comfort and abiding consolation have been opened for those who will come to the fountain of life. There are veins of truth yet to be discovered; but spiritual things are spiritually discerned. Minds beclouded with evil cannot appreciate the value of the truth as it is in Jesus." Review and Herald, December 1, 1891.
So, the jewels of truth, they are scattered; and, the Book is sealed.
Traditions, Customs and Maxims
A Sealed Book
We want to know what seals this Book. What really are these seals?
Are they actually literally seven cords around the Bible?
FROM THE AUDIENCE: No.
BROTHER PIPPENGER: No. It is customs and traditions that are handed down from generation to generation that seals the Bible.
Signs of the Times, May 17, 1905:
"The scribes and Pharisees professed to explain the Scriptures, but they explained them in accordance with their own ideas and traditions. Their customs and maxims became more and more exacting. In its spiritual sense, the sacred Word became to the people as a sealed book, closed to their comprehension." Signs of the Times, May 17, 1905.
What seals the Book?
FROM THE AUDIENCE: Customs and traditions.
BROTHER PIPPENGER: Customs and traditions and maxims of men that escalate. They become more and more exacting as time progresses.
Buried Jewels
These jewels are buried.
Review and Herald, August 16, 1898:
"We have an infinite Redeemer, and how precious are the gems of truth that testify to this in God's word. But these precious jewels have been buried beneath a mass of rubbish, of tradition, of heresies, which Satan himself has originated. His schemes are working with a strange power upon human minds to eclipse the value of Christ to those who believe in him. The enemy of God and man has cast a spell over those who profess to be the followers of Christ, until of many it can be said, They know not the time of their visitation." Review and Herald, August 16, 1898.
The Time of the Savior
Speaking of the time of Christ, because the time of Christ is repeated in the time of the Millerites, and it is repeated in our time.
Review and Herald, June 4, 1889, says,
"In the time of the Savior, the Jews had so covered over the precious jewels of truth with the rubbish of tradition and fable, that it was impossible to distinguish the true from the false. The Savior came to clear away the rubbish of superstition and long-cherished errors, and to set the jewels of God's word in the framework of truth."�
Okay. Not only does the Lion of the tribe of Judah, not only does the Savior gather up the jewels, He is going to put them in perfect order, perfect order, the framework of truth.
�"What would the Savior do if he should come to us now as he did to the Jews? He would have to do a similar work in clearing away the rubbish of tradition and ceremony. The Jews were greatly disturbed when he did this work. They had lost sight of the original truth of God,"�
What did the Jews lose sight of with their traditions and customs? The Old Paths, the foundational truths.
�"They had lost sight of the original truth of God, but Christ brought it again to view. It is our work to free the precious truths of God from superstition and error. What a work is committed to us in the gospel!" Review and Herald, June 4, 1889.
If you really take some time and read that paragraph, what it is saying is the work of returning to the Old Paths that is accomplished by God's people at the end of the world is the work that Christ was doing in His day and age. He was taking them back to the foundational, the original truths; and, to get there He had to clear away the rubbish and traditions that had been handed down through the history of Ancient Israel.
Counsels on Sabbath School Work, page 47:
When Christ came into the world to exemplify true religion, and to exalt the principles that should govern the hearts and actions of men, falsehood had taken so deep a hold upon those who had had so great light,"�
Who is it that has so great light?
FROM THE AUDIENCE: Seventh-day Adventists.
BROTHER PIPPENGER: But this is talking about Ancient Israel.
�"who had so great light, that they no longer comprehended the light, and had no inclination to yield up tradition for truth. They rejected the heavenly Teacher, they crucified the Lord of glory, that they might retain their own customs and inventions. The very same spirit is manifested in the world today. Men are averse to investigating truth, lest their traditions should be disturbed,"�
Okay. Their traditions, their customers, they are already established. This paragraph here, this has got some insight in it, too. They are already established.
Now, notice this sentence.
�"Men are averse to investigating truth, lest their traditions should be disturbed, and a new order of things should be brought in."�
You see, they have an order of things going on right now that is based upon traditions and customs; and, were the truth to come to the surface, there would be a new order of things. So, what it is saying is at the end of the world you are in a particular order, but the Lord is going to put you back into a particular order. That is why when Sister White is talking about the Omega Apostasy, she says books of a new order would be written. It is because when you get to the end of the world, you have an order of things that is based upon tradition and custom, and were you to receive the truth it would bring the true order, the framework of truth into existence.
�"Men are averse to investigating truth, lest their traditions should be disturbed, and a new order of things should be brought in. There is with humanity a constant liability to err, and men are naturally inclined to highly exalt human ideas and knowledge, while the divine and eternal is not discerned or appreciated." Counsels on Sabbath School Work, 47.
Casting the Jewels into the Framework of Truth
Now, notice that Jesus does not just put the jewels into a framework of truth. He does not do that.
What does He do? He casts them in.
All these things that I am emphasizing are components of William Miller's dream. That is why I am emphasizing them. The Dirt Brush Man is going to pick the jewels up from off the floor and the furniture and cast them into the new casket in William Miller's dream.
Manuscript Releases, volume 13, pages 240 � 241:
"The key of knowledge in Christ's day had been taken away by those who should have held it to unlock the treasure house of wisdom in the Old Testament Scriptures. The rabbis and teachers had virtually shut up the kingdom of heaven from the poor and the afflicted, and left them to perish. In His discourses Christ did not bring many things before them at once, lest He might confuse their minds. He made every point clear and distinct. He did not disdain the repetition of old and familiar truths in prophecies if they would serve His purpose to inculcate ideas.
"Christ was the originator of all the ancient gems of truth. Through the work of the enemy these truths had been displaced. They had been disconnected from their true position, and"�what?�"placed in the framework of error."�
As contrasted with a framework of truth.
�"placed in the framework of error. Christ's work was to readjust and establish the precious gems in the framework of truth. The principles of truth which had been given by Himself to bless the world had, through Satan's agency, been buried and had apparently become extinct. Christ rescued them from the rubbish of error, gave them a new, vital force, and commanded them to shine as precious jewels, and stand fast forever.
"Christ Himself could use any of these old truths without borrowing the smallest particle, for He had originated them all. He had"�what?�"cast them into the minds and thoughts of each generation, and when He came to our world He rearranged and vitalized the truths which had become dead, making them more forcible for the benefit of future generations. It was Jesus Christ who had the power of rescuing the truths from the rubbish, and again giving them to the world with more than their original freshness and power." Manuscript Releases, volume�13, 240�241.
So, Christ comes when truth is covered up with rubbish and tradition, and He gathers up the scattered jewels and He casts them into the minds of men. And what does He do? He makes those truths what?
FROM THE AUDIENCE: More forcible.
BROTHER PIPPENGER: More forcible.
That is why when Sister White says all the truths of 1840 to 1844 are to be made forcible now, she is talking about the work of Christ in returning to the Old Paths.
Christ Ready to Sweep Away
Publishing Ministry, page 68.
Christ is going to cast the precious jewels into a framework of truth, but He is going to sweep out the rubbish. Okay? He is the Dirt Brush Man.
"The Scriptures are given for our benefit that we may have instruction in righteousness. Precious rays of light have been obscured by the clouds of error, but Christ is ready to sweep away the mists of error and superstition, and to reveal to us the brightness of the Father's glory, so that we shall say as did the disciples, 'Did not our heart burn within us, while he talked with us by the way?'" Publishing Ministry, 68.
". . . clouds of error"? In William Miller's dream the Dirt Brush Man comes in and He sweeps the floor from the rubbish and tradition and the false coins, and they go out the window like�what?�like a cloud: ". . . clouds of error."
Truths will Blaze Forth
The last quote, Review and Herald, December 15, 1885:
"The dust and rubbish of error have buried the precious jewels of truth, but the Lord's workers can uncover these treasures, so that thousands will look upon them with delight and awe. Angels of God will be beside the humble worker, giving grace and divine enlightenment, and thousands will be led to pray with David, 'Open thou mine eyes that I may behold wondrous things out of thy law.' Truths that have been for ages unseen and unheeded, will blaze forth from the illuminated pages of God's holy word."�
And you will see that when William Miller first saw these original truths [referencing the 1843 Chart], he says it is the brightest light that man had ever seen. But, when the Dirt Brush Man casts these jewels back into the casket at the end of the dream, he says they were ten times brighter.
�"Truths that have been for ages unseen and unheeded, will blaze forth from the illuminated pages of God's holy word. The churches generally that have heard, refused, and trampled upon the truth, will do more wickedly; but 'the wise,' those who are honest, will understand. The book is open, and the words of God reach the hearts of those who desire to know his will. At the loud cry of the angel from heaven who joins the third angel, thousands will awake from the stupor that has held the world for ages, and will see the beauty and value of the truth." Review and Herald, December 15, 1885.
And William Miller's dream, he is dreaming�right?�in his dream, and the last statement he says about his dream is, when he sees these truths that are ten times brighter, that he shouts out and his shout awakens him.
Shall we pray?
Benediction: Heavenly Father, we thank you that we are living in a time when the Dirt Brush Man, the Lion of the tribe of Judah, is recovering the original truths that have been covered up by traditions and customs that have been handed down from generation to generation. We thank you that you have allowed us to live in this time and we ask that you give us the discernment to see the work that you are doing. We ask that you give us the willingness to fulfill our responsibilities as miners, to begin to dig in the mine, in the casket of your Word, that we can become familiar with the work of a miner, that we can be blessed by finding these jewels and sharing those jewels with those that we come in contact with. We ask a blessing upon this day of service that we are all going to perform for you. We ask that you continue to bless the LiveStreaming and the recording that we are doing, and we thank you for all these things in Jesus's name. Amen.