Article

# The Book of Daniel - Number Eleven

Knjiga proroka Daniela - broj jedanaest

Prophetic Tests in Darkness and the Rise of the Image

Proročki ispiti u tami i uspon slike

Author

Jeff Pippenger

Published

December 6, 2023

Formats

PDF
Word
Song MP3

Daniel chapter one, represents the first angel’s message, and chapter two represents the second angel’s message. In prophetic symbolism, the first message is to fear God, the second message is to give God glory and the third message identifies the hour of judgment. Before we get directly into the second chapter of Daniel, a little review is required. The second angel’s message primarily identifies the fall of Babylon.

Danielovo prvo poglavlje predstavlja poruku prvoga anđela, a drugo poglavlje predstavlja poruku drugoga anđela. U proročkoj simbolici, prva poruka jest bojati se Boga, druga poruka jest dati Bogu slavu, a treća poruka označuje čas suda. Prije nego što izravno prijeđemo na drugo poglavlje Daniela, potreban je kratak osvrt. Poruka drugoga anđela prvenstveno označuje pad Babilona.

> And there followed another angel, saying, Babylon is fallen, is fallen, that great city, because she made all nations drink of the wine of the wrath of her fornication. Revelation 14:8.

> I za njim pođe drugi anđeo govoreći: Pade, pade Babilon, grad veliki, jer on napoji sve narode vinom gnjeva bluda svojega. Otkrivenje 14,8.

The second angel defines the fall of Babylon as the fact that she made “all nations drink of the wine of the wrath of her fornication.” Her fall is in response to her committing fornication with all nations. The fornication is brought about through her false doctrines, which are represented as “wine.” The Catholic church is made up of many false teachings, but the false doctrine that is directly associated with her fall, is the false doctrine that produces her “wrath”. That doctrine is the combination of church and state, with the church in control of the relationship. The Catholic church’s wrath, is her persecution of those she identifies as heretics. Her wrath is accomplished by her fornication with the kings of the earth. Without her connection with, and control over, the kings of the earth, she would not have the ability to persecute those she defines as heretics. Her second fall, is therefore marking the point in the future when she can once again exercise her wrath as she did in the past, that is brought about by her fornication with the kings of the earth. The kings of the earth enter into the unlawful relationship by drinking her lies. The fall of Babylon is announced for the final time in Revelation chapter eighteen.

Drugi anđeo definira pad Babilona kao činjenicu da je učinio „da svi narodi piju vino gnjeva njezina bluda“. Njezin pad dolazi kao odgovor na to što je počinila blud sa svim narodima. Taj se blud ostvaruje putem njezinih lažnih nauka, koji su prikazani kao „vino“. Katolička crkva sazdana je od mnogih lažnih učenja, ali lažni nauk koji je izravno povezan s njezinim padom jest lažni nauk koji proizvodi njezin „gnjev“. Taj je nauk spoj crkve i države, pri čemu je crkva ta koja upravlja tim odnosom. Gnjev Katoličke crkve jest njezin progon onih koje ona označuje kao heretike. Njezin se gnjev ostvaruje kroz njezin blud s kraljevima zemaljskim. Bez svoje povezanosti s kraljevima zemaljskim i nadzora nad njima, ona ne bi imala sposobnost progoniti one koje definira kao heretike. Njezin drugi pad, stoga, označava točku u budućnosti kada ona može ponovno provoditi svoj gnjev kao što je to činila u prošlosti, što se ostvaruje njezinim bludom s kraljevima zemaljskim. Kraljevi zemaljski stupaju u taj nezakoniti odnos pijući njezine laži. Pad Babilona posljednji se put objavljuje u Otkrivenju, osamnaesto poglavlje.

> And after these things I saw another angel come down from heaven, having great power; and the earth was lightened with his glory. And he cried mightily with a strong voice, saying, Babylon the great is fallen, is fallen, and is become the habitation of devils, and the hold of every foul spirit, and a cage of every unclean and hateful bird. For all nations have drunk of the wine of the wrath of her fornication, and the kings of the earth have committed fornication with her, and the merchants of the earth are waxed rich through the abundance of her delicacies. And I heard another voice from heaven, saying, Come out of her, my people, that ye be not partakers of her sins, and that ye receive not of her plagues. For her sins have reached unto heaven, and God hath remembered her iniquities. Reward her even as she rewarded you, and double unto her double according to her works: in the cup which she hath filled fill to her double. Revelation 18:1–6.

> I nakon toga vidjeh drugoga anđela gdje silazi s neba, imajući veliku vlast; i zemlja se prosvijetli od njegove slave. I povika silno jakim glasom govoreći: Pade, pade Babilon veliki i postade prebivalište đavlima, i tamnica svakomu nečistomu duhu, i krletka svakoj nečistoj i mrzostnoj ptici. Jer svi narodi piše od vina gnjeva njezina bluda, i kraljevi zemaljski s njom bludničiše, i trgovci zemaljski obogatiše se od obilja njezine raskoši. I začuh drugi glas s neba gdje govori: Iziđite iz nje, narode moj, da ne budete sudionici njezinih grijeha i da ne primite od njezinih zala. Jer grijesi njezini dopriješe do neba i Bog se spomenu njezinih bezakonja. Vratite joj kako je i ona vama vratila, i podajte joj dvostruko po djelima njezinim: u čašu koju je napunila nalijte joj dvostruko. Otkrivenje 18,1–6.

The probationary cup of the Catholic church ended in 1798, but she is to repeat the persecution she accomplished in the Dark Ages, during the soon-coming Sunday law crisis.

Vrijeme kušnje Katoličke crkve završilo je 1798. godine, ali ona treba ponoviti progonstvo koje je izvršila u Mračnom srednjem vijeku tijekom krize nedjeljnog zakona koja uskoro dolazi.

> Notwithstanding I have a few things against thee, because thou sufferest that woman Jezebel, which calleth herself a prophetess, to teach and to seduce my servants to commit fornication, and to eat things sacrificed unto idols. And I gave her space to repent of her fornication; and she repented not. Behold, I will cast her into a bed, and them that commit adultery with her into great tribulation, except they repent of their deeds. Revelation 2:20–22.

> Ali imam nekoliko stvari protiv tebe: što dopuštaš onoj ženi Jezabeli, koja samu sebe naziva proročicom, da poučava i zavodi moje sluge da bludniče i jedu ono što je žrtvovano idolima. I dadoh joj vremena da se pokaje za svoje bludništvo, ali se nije pokajala. Evo, bacit ću je na postelju, a one koji s njom čine preljub u veliku nevolju, ako se ne pokaju za svoja djela. Otkrivenje 2:20–22.

She was given twelve hundred and sixty years to repent and she refused. The three and a half years of drought that led to Mount Carmel, was given to Jezebel to repent, but she also refused. At the soon-coming Sunday law in the United States, the first of the kings of the earth that commit fornication with her in the last days is the United States, the earth beast of Revelation thirteen. It then has filled the cup of its probationary time.

Bilo joj je dano tisuću dvjesto i šezdeset godina da se pokaje, i ona je odbila. Tri i pol godine suše koje su dovele do gore Karmela bile su dane Jezabeli da se pokaje, ali i ona je odbila. Pri uskoro dolazećem nedjeljnom zakonu u Sjedinjenim Državama, prvi od kraljeva zemaljskih koji s njom čine blud u posljednjim danima jesu Sjedinjene Države, zvijer iz zemlje iz trinaestoga poglavlja Otkrivenja. Tada je ispunila čašu svoga vremena kušnje.

> “The greatest and most favored nation upon the earth is the United States. A gracious Providence has shielded this country, and poured upon her the choicest of Heaven’s blessings. Here the persecuted and oppressed have found refuge. Here the Christian faith in its purity has been taught. This people have been the recipients of great light and unrivaled mercies. But these gifts have been repaid by ingratitude and forgetfulness of God. The Infinite One keeps a reckoning with the nations, and their guilt is proportioned to the light rejected. A fearful record now stands in the register of Heaven against our land; but the crime which shall fill up the measure of her iniquity is that of making void the law of God.

> „Najveći i najpovlašteniji narod na zemlji jesu Sjedinjene Države. Milostiva Providnost štitila je ovu zemlju i izlila na nju najizabranije blagoslove Neba. Ovdje su progonjeni i potlačeni našli utočište. Ovdje se učila kršćanska vjera u svojoj čistoći. Ovaj je narod bio primatelj velike svjetlosti i neusporedivih milosti. Ali ti su darovi uzvraćeni nezahvalnošću i zaboravom Boga. Beskonačni vodi obračun s narodima, a njihova je krivnja razmjerna svjetlosti koju su odbacili. Strašan zapis sada stoji u nebeskom registru protiv naše zemlje; ali zločin koji će ispuniti mjeru njezine bezakonosti bit će ukidanje Božjega zakona.״

> “Between the laws of men and the precepts of Jehovah will come the last great conflict of the controversy between truth and error. Upon this battle we are now entering,—a battle not between rival churches contending for the supremacy, but between the religion of the Bible and the religion of fable and tradition. The agencies which will unite against truth and righteousness in this contest are now actively at work.” Spirit of Prophecy, volume 4, 398.

> “Između ljudskih zakona i Jehovinih propisa doći će posljednji veliki sukob u borbi između istine i zablude. U ovu bitku sada ulazimo,—bitku ne između suparničkih crkava koje se bore za prevlast, nego između religije Biblije i religije bajke i predaje. Sile koje će se u ovome sukobu ujediniti protiv istine i pravednosti već sada aktivno djeluju.” Spirit of Prophecy, svezak 4, 398.

At the Sunday law, the mark of the beast is enforced, thus “making void the law of God.” Before the Sunday law, the image of the beast is formed within the United States. The Sunday law arrives at a point in time, but the formation of the image of the beast is a period of time. That period of time is the prophetic period represented by Daniel’s lifespan as represented by the seventy years of captivity in Daniel chapter one. Those seventy years began with Jehoiakim, symbolizing when the first message was empowered on September 11, 2001, and ended with the making void the law of God, as represented by the “decree” of Cyrus.

Pri nedjeljnom zakonu nameće se žig Zvijeri, čime se „ukida Zakon Božji“. Prije nedjeljnog zakona u Sjedinjenim Državama oblikuje se slika Zvijeri. Nedjeljni zakon dolazi u određenom trenutku vremena, ali oblikovanje slike Zvijeri jest razdoblje vremena. To razdoblje vremena jest proročko razdoblje predstavljeno Danielovim životnim vijekom, kako je predočeno sedamdesetogodišnjim sužanjstvom u prvom poglavlju Daniela. Tih sedamdeset godina započelo je s Jojakimom, simbolizirajući vrijeme kada je prva poruka bila osnažena 11. rujna 2001., a završilo je ukidanjem Zakona Božjega, kako je predstavljeno Kirovim „dekretom“.

The history of Daniel’s prophetic life of seventy years is symbolic of several lines of prophecy. It represents the sealing time of the one hundred and forty-four thousand. It represents a three-step testing process that is illustrated in the three angels of Revelation fourteen, and represents the structure of the Hebrew word “truth.” It represents the purification of the sons of Levi that is accomplished by the messenger of the covenant. It is represented by Christ twice cleansing the temple. It is represented by the progressive apostasy within Jerusalem in Ezekiel chapters eight and nine. It also represents the history where the image of the beast is formed in the United States.

Povijest Danielova proročkog života od sedamdeset godina simbol je nekoliko proročkih linija. Ona predstavlja vrijeme zapečaćenja sto četrdeset i četiri tisuće. Predstavlja trostupanjski proces kušanja koji je prikazan u tri anđela iz Otkrivenja četrnaest te predstavlja strukturu hebrejske riječi „istina“. Predstavlja pročišćenje sinova Levijevih koje izvršava glasnik Saveza. Prikazana je time što je Krist dvaput očistio Hram. Prikazana je i progresivnim otpadom unutar Jeruzalema u osmom i devetom poglavlju Ezekiela. Ona također predstavlja povijest u kojoj se u Sjedinjenim Državama oblikuje slika Zvijeri.

The image of the beast is also represented by the fornication of Jezebel with Ahab, the fornication of Herod with Herodias, the golden calf of Aaron’s rebellion, the two counterfeit worship temples of Jeroboam located in Bethel and Dan, the prophets of Baal and the prophets of Ashtaroth in the story of Mount Carmel. The only definition of the image of the beast in the writings of Ellen White is the combination of church and state, with the church in control of the relationship. That issue of a church ruling over the state is the essence of what the sacred document, which is the Constitution of the United States, was designed to guard against. When the principle of the separation of church and state is discarded by the earth beast at the soon-coming Sunday law, the completed union of church and state in the United States will be accomplished.

Lik zvijeri također je prikazan bludom Jezabele s Ahabom, bludom Heroda s Herodijadom, zlatnim teletom Aronove pobune, dvama krivotvorenim bogoslužnim hramovima Jeroboamovim smještenima u Betelu i Danu, prorocima Baalovim i prorocima Aštartinim u izvještaju o gori Karmelu. Jedina definicija lika zvijeri u spisima Ellen White jest spoj crkve i države, pri čemu crkva upravlja tim odnosom. To pitanje crkve koja vlada nad državom sama je bit onoga od čega je sveti dokument, to jest Ustav Sjedinjenih Američkih Država, bio zamišljen da štiti. Kada zemaljska zvijer pri uskoro dolazećem nedjeljnom zakonu odbaci načelo odvojenosti crkve i države, bit će ostvarena dovršena unija crkve i države u Sjedinjenim Američkim Državama.

From September 11, 2001 until the Sunday law in the United States there is a visual test, which is based upon students of prophecy recognizing the formation of the image of the beast. We are now at the very end of that process. In the process of forming the image of the beast there are several movements that contribute to the full development at the Sunday law, where the mark of the beast is enforced. There are political movements, religious movements, social movements and financial movements. Notice the events that are referenced in connection with the formation of the image of the beast in the following passage.

Od 11. rujna 2001. pa do nedjeljnog zakona u Sjedinjenim Američkim Državama postoji vizualni test, koji se temelji na tome da studenti proročanstva prepoznaju oblikovanje slike zvijeri. Sada se nalazimo na samome kraju toga procesa. U procesu oblikovanja slike zvijeri postoji nekoliko pokreta koji pridonose punom razvoju pri nedjeljnom zakonu, kada se nameće žig zvijeri. Postoje politički pokreti, vjerski pokreti, društveni pokreti i financijski pokreti. Zapazite događaje na koje se upućuje u vezi s oblikovanjem slike zvijeri u sljedećem odlomku.

> “Already preparations are advancing, and movements are in progress, which will result in making an image to the beast. Events will be brought about in the earth’s history that will fulfill the predictions of prophecy for these last days” The Seventh-day Adventist Bible Commentary, volume 7, 976.

> „Već pripreme napreduju i pokreti su u tijeku, koji će dovesti do stvaranja slike Zvijeri. U povijesti zemlje nastupit će događaji koji će ispuniti proročanska predviđanja za ove posljednje dane.“ The Seventh-day Adventist Bible Commentary, volume 7, 976.

The formation of the image of the beast involves an advancing preparation that includes “events” and “movements,” both in the plural. The history represented by Daniel’s seventy years of captivity began with Jehoiakim, and ended with the decree of Cyrus. Jesus illustrates the end of a thing with the beginning of a thing, and there is a “decree” that represents the beginning of the period that Daniel’s seventy prophetic years typifies. That “decree” was the USA Patriot Act, which was publicly premised upon the attack of Islam of the third woe. But unlike the dictatorial executive orders of Abraham Lincoln in the Civil War, or Franklin Roosevelt in World War Two, the Patriot Act is still in force, and will most likely be reinforced and strengthened as hostilities with global Islam increase. The executive orders of both the Civil and Second World War ended with the end of hostilities, but there will be no end of hostilities with global Islam, but rather, escalating terror attacks around the world.

Oblikovanje slike Zvijeri uključuje napredujuću pripremu koja obuhvaća „događaje” i „pokrete”, oboje u množini. Povijest prikazana Danielovih sedamdeset godina sužanjstva započela je s Jojakimom, a završila Kirovim dekretom. Isus kraj neke stvari predočuje njezinim početkom, i postoji „dekret” koji predstavlja početak razdoblja što ga Danielovih sedamdeset proročkih godina predočuje. Taj je „dekret” bio USA Patriot Act, koji je javno bio utemeljen na napadu islama trećeg jao. No, za razliku od diktatorskih izvršnih naloga Abrahama Lincolna u Građanskom ratu ili Franklina Roosevelta u Drugom svjetskom ratu, Patriot Act je još uvijek na snazi i najvjerojatnije će biti dodatno učvršćen i pojačan kako se neprijateljstva s globalnim islamom budu povećavala. Izvršni nalozi i Građanskoga rata i Drugoga svjetskog rata završili su završetkom neprijateljstava, ali neprijateljstvima s globalnim islamom neće biti kraja, nego će se teroristički napadi diljem svijeta sve više pojačavati.

There are two primary legal philosophies within Western culture. English Law and Roman Law. The premise of English Law is that a person is innocent until proven guilty, and the premise of Roman Law is that a person is guilty until proven innocent. The USA Patriot Act is a classic example of Roman Law, and stands in direct opposition to English Law. This is one of those “events” that would be brought about in the formation of the image of the beast. If the United States is going to become the image of Catholicism, Catholic religious and political philosophy would need to be established in the United States in advance of the enforcement of the mark of the beast.

Unutar zapadne kulture postoje dvije temeljne pravne filozofije: englesko pravo i rimsko pravo. Polazište engleskoga prava jest da je osoba nevina dok joj se ne dokaže krivnja, a polazište rimskoga prava jest da je osoba kriva dok joj se ne dokaže nevinost. Zakon USA Patriot Act klasičan je primjer rimskoga prava i stoji u izravnoj suprotnosti s engleskim pravom. To je jedan od onih „događaja” koji bi trebali biti dovedeni do ostvarenja u oblikovanju slike Zvijeri. Ako će Sjedinjene Američke Države postati slika katolicizma, katolička vjerska i politička filozofija morala bi unaprijed biti uspostavljena u Sjedinjenim Američkim Državama prije provođenja žiga Zvijeri.

> “This subject is urging itself upon my mind. Consider it; for it is a matter of vast importance. With which of these two classes shall we identify our interest? We are now making our choice, and we shall soon discern between him that serveth God and him that serveth him not. Read the fourth chapter of Malachi, and think about it seriously. The day of God is right upon us. The world has converted the church. Both are in harmony, and are acting upon a short-sighted policy. Protestants will work upon the rulers of the land to make laws to restore the lost ascendency of the man of sin, who sits in the temple of God, showing himself that he is God. The Roman Catholic principles will be taken under the care and protection of the State. This national apostasy will speedily be followed by national ruin. The protest of Bible truth will be no longer tolerated by those who have made not the law of God their rule of life. Then will the voice be heard from the graves of martyrs, represented by the souls which John saw slain for the word of God and the testimony of Jesus Christ which they held; then the prayer will ascend from every true child of God, ‘It is time, Lord, for thee to work: for they have made void thy law.’” General Conference Daily Bulletin, January 1, 1900.

> „Ova tema snažno se nameće mojemu umu. Razmotrite je; jer je to pitanje od goleme važnosti. S kojom ćemo od ove dvije skupine poistovjetiti svoj interes? Sada donosimo svoj izbor i uskoro ćemo razlučiti između onoga koji služi Bogu i onoga koji mu ne služi. Pročitajte četvrto poglavlje Malahije i ozbiljno razmislite o njemu. Dan Božji upravo je nad nama. Svijet je obratio crkvu. Oboje su u skladu i djeluju po kratkovidnoj politici. Protestanti će djelovati na vladare zemlje da donesu zakone kako bi obnovili izgubljenu prevlast čovjeka grijeha, koji sjedi u hramu Božjem pokazujući za sebe da je Bog. Rimokatolička načela bit će uzeta pod skrb i zaštitu države. Ovu nacionalnu apostaziju ubrzo će slijediti nacionalna propast. Prosvjed biblijske istine više se neće podnositi od onih koji zakon Božji nisu učinili pravilom svojega života. Tada će se čuti glas iz grobova mučenika, predstavljen dušama koje je Ivan vidio pobijene zbog riječi Božje i svjedočanstva Isusa Krista koje su držali; tada će se iz svakoga pravoga Božjeg djeteta uzdići molitva: ‘Vrijeme je, Gospode, da djeluješ: jer su ukinuli tvoj zakon.’” General Conference Daily Bulletin, 1. siječnja 1900.

The previous passage marks the time when “Roman Catholic principles will be taken under the care and protection of the State,” as occurring at the Sunday law. The Sunday law is the end of the symbolic period that began on September 11, 2001. The Patriot Act at the beginning, typifies the Sunday law at the end. Two of the events that are brought about in order to form the image of the beast was the arrival of the third Woe, and the subsequent Patriot Act.

Prethodni odlomak označava vrijeme kada će „rimokatolička načela biti uzeta pod skrb i zaštitu države“, kao ono koje nastupa pri nedjeljnom zakonu. Nedjeljni zakon jest kraj simboličkog razdoblja koje je započelo 11. rujna 2001. Zakon o domoljublju na početku predoznačuje nedjeljni zakon na kraju. Dva događaja koja su uzrokovana kako bi se oblikovala slika Zvijeri bili su dolazak trećega Jaoa i naknadni Zakon o domoljublju.

The formation of the image of the beast is the test where our eternal destiny will be decided, and it comes in advance of the Sunday law. At the Sunday law our probation as Seventh-day Adventists closes, and it is there that the visible seal is impressed and the ensign uplifted. The formation of the image of the beast occurs before the Sunday law, before the visible sealing, and before the close of probation.

Oblikovanje slike Zvijeri kušnja je na kojoj će biti odlučena naša vječna sudbina, i ono dolazi prije nedjeljnoga zakona. Pri nedjeljnom zakonu naša kušnja kao adventista sedmoga dana završava, i ondje se utiskuje vidljivi pečat te podiže stijeg. Oblikovanje slike Zvijeri događa se prije nedjeljnoga zakona, prije vidljivoga pečaćenja i prije završetka kušnje.

> “The Lord has shown me clearly that the image of the beast will be formed before probation closes; for it is to be the great test for the people of God, by which their eternal destiny will be decided. Your position is such a jumble of inconsistencies that but few will be deceived.

> „Gospodin mi je jasno pokazao da će se lik Zvijeri oblikovati prije nego što se zaključi vrijeme milosti; jer to treba biti velika kušnja za Božji narod, po kojoj će biti odlučena njihova vječna sudbina. Tvoje je stajalište takva zbrka nedosljednosti da će samo rijetki biti prevareni.“

> “In Revelation 13 this subject is plainly presented; [Revelation 13:11–17, quoted].

> „U Otkrivenju 13 ova je tema jasno izložena; [Otkrivenje 13,11–17, citirano].“

> “This is the test that the people of God must have before they are sealed. All who proved their loyalty to God by observing His law, and refusing to accept a spurious sabbath, will rank under the banner of the Lord God Jehovah, and will receive the seal of the living God. Those who yield the truth of heavenly origin and accept the Sunday sabbath, will receive the mark of the beast” Manuscript Releases, volume 15, 15.

> „Ovo je kušnja koju Božji narod mora proći prije nego što bude zapečaćen. Svi koji su dokazali svoju odanost Bogu vršeći Njegov zakon i odbijajući prihvatiti lažnu subotu, stat će pod stijeg Gospoda Boga Jehove i primit će pečat živoga Boga. Oni koji odbace istinu nebeskoga podrijetla i prihvate nedjeljnu subotu, primit će žig zvijeri“ Manuscript Releases, svezak 15, 15.

The period of time for the formation of the image of the beast was represented by Daniel’s seventy years of captivity. Daniel first passed the test of fearing God, by choosing to eat only God’s food. Daniel’s first test was a dietary test. Daniel’s second test was a visual test that occurred at the end of a testing period of ten days of eating God’s diet, as opposed to eating the diet of Babylon. The success of that diet was manifested in Daniel’s physical appearance. The second test is a visual test. The first test is a dietary test. Daniel manifested his faith, and passed the first test, but in the second test, Daniel could not see in advance if he was going to appear “fatter and fairer” than those who ate Babylon’s diet. There are always people who look tremendous, but eat garbage, and there are conscientious health reformers that look like walking death.

Vremensko razdoblje za oblikovanje slike Zvijeri bilo je predočeno Danielovim sedamdesetogodišnjim sužanjstvom. Daniel je najprije prošao kušnju straha Božjega time što je odabrao jesti samo Božju hranu. Danielova prva kušnja bila je kušnja prehrane. Danielova druga kušnja bila je kušnja vida koja se dogodila na kraju razdoblja kušnje od deset dana hranjenja Božjom prehranom, nasuprot hranjenju babilonskom prehranom. Uspjeh te prehrane očitovao se u Danielovu tjelesnom izgledu. Druga kušnja jest kušnja vida. Prva kušnja jest kušnja prehrane. Daniel je očitovao svoju vjeru i prošao prvu kušnju, ali u drugoj kušnji Daniel nije mogao unaprijed vidjeti hoće li izgledati „deblji i ljepši“ od onih koji su jeli babilonsku prehranu. Uvijek postoje ljudi koji izgledaju izvrsno, a jedu smeće, i savjesni zdravstveni reformatori koji izgledaju kao hodajuća smrt.

The exercise of Daniel’s self-discipline and faith in the first test is what carried him through the second test, though the outcome of the second testing period was clouded in “darkness”. The Millerites who ate the little book on August 11, 1840, thereafter glorified God in the proclamation of the Midnight Cry message as the message swept over the land as a tidal wave. The second test is a visual test, which is preceded by a literal and spiritual dietary test and then followed by a prophetic litmus test. The second test requires a visual demonstration of the faith that was professed in the first test.

Provođenje Danielove samodiscipline i vjere u prvome testu bilo je ono što ga je pronijelo kroz drugi test, premda je ishod drugoga razdoblja kušnje bio zasjenjen „tamom“. Mileriti koji su pojeli malu knjigu 11. kolovoza 1840. nakon toga su proslavili Boga u proglašavanju poruke Ponoćnog vapaja, dok je ta poruka preplavljivala zemlju poput plimnoga vala. Drugi test jest vizualni test, kojemu prethodi doslovni i duhovni prehrambeni test, a zatim ga slijedi proročki lakmus-test. Drugi test zahtijeva vidljivo očitovanje vjere koja je bila ispovjeđena u prvome testu.

> Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen. For by it the elders obtained a good report. Hebrews 11:1, 2.

> A vjera je jamstvo onoga čemu se nadamo, dokaz za ono što ne vidimo. Jer po njoj stari primiše dobro svjedočanstvo. Hebrejima 11,1.2.

Daniel chapter two is a visual test, that is only successfully accomplished if the diet that was selected in the first test is actively applied to the testing process.

Drugo poglavlje Danielove knjige vizualni je ispit, koji se može uspješno položiti jedino ako se prehrana odabrana u prvome ispitu aktivno primjenjuje u procesu ispitivanja.

> For the vision is yet for an appointed time, but at the end it shall speak, and not lie: though it tarry, wait for it; because it will surely come, it will not tarry. Behold, his soul which is lifted up is not upright in him: but the just shall live by his faith. Habakkuk 2:3, 4.

> Jer vizija je još za određeno vrijeme, ali na svršetku će progovoriti i neće slagati; ako i oklijeva, čekaj je, jer će zacijelo doći, neće zakasniti. Gle, duša onoga koji se uzoholio nije prava u njemu; a pravednik će živjeti od svoje vjere. Habakuk 2,3.4.

The outcome of the second test is left in darkness in order to demonstrate if the professed faith of the first test was a genuine faith.

Ishod drugoga ispita ostavljen je u tami kako bi se pokazalo je li ispovijedana vjera iz prvoga ispita bila istinska vjera.

> “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. 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.” The Seventh-day Adventist Bible Commentary, volume 7, 971.

> „Posebna svjetlost dana Ivanu, koja je bila izražena u sedam gromova, bila je prikaz događaja koji će se zbiti pod porukama prvoga i drugoga anđela. Nije bilo najbolje da narod zna te stvari, jer je njihova vjera nužno morala biti stavljena na kušnju. U Božjem poretku trebale su biti objavljene najčudesnije i najuzvišenije istine. Poruke prvoga i drugoga anđela trebale su biti objavljene, ali nikakva daljnja svjetlost nije se smjela otkriti prije nego što te poruke izvrše svoje posebno djelo.” The Seventh-day Adventist Bible Commentary, svezak 7, 971.

It is divinely fitting that Daniel chapter two, is based upon an image, for it represents the test of the image of the beast. Those students of prophecy that recognized September 11, 2001 as a fulfillment of prophecy, symbolically ate the hidden book. They were then led back to the old paths of Adventism as they appear on the pioneer 1843 and 1850 Charts. The old paths identified the movement of the first angel, which they then were led to understand represented the movement of the third angel. All the precious revelations that they were led to understand came about by the understanding of the prophetic methodology that they received. That methodology was typified by the methodology of William Miller, that was confirmed when the first message of his history was empowered on August 11, 1840.

Božanski je prikladno da se drugo poglavlje Daniela temelji na kipu, jer ono predstavlja ispit kipa zvijeri. Oni proučavatelji proroštva koji su 11. rujna 2001. prepoznali kao ispunjenje proroštva, simbolično su pojeli skrivenu knjigu. Tada su bili povedeni natrag na stare staze adventizma, kako se pojavljuju na pionirskim kartama iz 1843. i 1850. godine. Stare su staze prepoznale kretanje prvoga anđela, za koje su potom bili navedeni razumjeti da predstavlja kretanje trećega anđela. Sve dragocjene objave koje su bili navedeni razumjeti proizašle su iz razumijevanja proročke metodologije koju su primili. Ta je metodologija bila predočena metodologijom Williama Millera, koja je bila potvrđena kada je prva poruka njegove povijesti bila osnažena 11. kolovoza 1840. godine.

> “In the year 1840 another remarkable fulfillment of prophecy excited widespread interest. two years before, Josiah Litch, one of the leading ministers preaching the second advent, published an exposition of Revelation 9, predicting the fall of the Ottoman Empire. According to his calculations, this power was to be overthrown . . . on the 11th of August, 1840, when the Ottoman power in Constantinople may be expected to be broken. And this, I believe, will be found to be the case.’

> „Godine 1840. još jedno izvanredno ispunjenje proročanstva pobudilo je široko zanimanje. Dvije godine prije toga, Josiah Litch, jedan od vodećih propovjednika koji su naviještali drugi dolazak, objavio je tumačenje Otkrivenja 9, predviđajući pad Osmanskoga Carstva. Prema njegovim izračunima, ta je sila trebala biti oborena... 11. kolovoza 1840., kada se može očekivati da će osmanska vlast u Carigradu biti slomljena. I vjerujem da će se pokazati da je tako.”

> “At the very time specified, Turkey, through her ambassadors, accepted the protection of the allied powers of Europe, and thus placed herself under the control of Christian nations. The event exactly fulfilled the prediction. When it became known, multitudes were convinced of the correctness of the principles of prophetic interpretation adopted by Miller and his associates, and a wonderful impetus was given to the advent movement. Men of learning and position united with Miller, both in preaching and in publishing his views, and from 1840 to 1844 the work rapidly extended.” The Great Controversy, 334, 335.

> „Upravo u određeno vrijeme Turska je, preko svojih veleposlanika, prihvatila zaštitu savezničkih sila Europe te se tako stavila pod nadzor kršćanskih naroda. Taj je događaj točno ispunio proročanstvo. Kad je to postalo poznato, mnoštvo se uvjerilo u ispravnost načela proročkog tumačenja koja su prihvatili Miller i njegovi suradnici, te je adventnom pokretu dan čudesan poticaj. Ljudi od znanja i ugleda pridružili su se Milleru, kako u propovijedanju tako i u objavljivanju njegovih gledišta, a od 1840. do 1844. djelo se brzo širilo.” The Great Controversy, 334, 335.

When men accepted September 11, 2001, as a fulfillment of prophecy, they were also “convinced of the correctness of the principles of prophetic interpretation adopted by” Future for America. The angel had descended with the hidden book and commanded those that would eat, to eat. The prophetic logic contained within the little book of the Millerite history, and the hidden book of our current history, is required to safely navigate the test of the formation of the image of the beast. But after eating, or assimilation of the prophetic methodology, the student must thereafter manifest a visual confirmation of what he had previously eaten. That act of faith must be manifested by a test which is navigated with an outcome that is “dark”.

Kada su ljudi prihvatili 11. rujna 2001. kao ispunjenje proročanstva, bili su također „uvjereni u ispravnost načela proročkog tumačenja koja je usvojio” Future for America. Anđeo je sišao sa skrivenom knjigom i zapovjedio onima koji će jesti, da jedu. Proročka logika sadržana u maloj knjizi milleritske povijesti i u skrivenoj knjizi naše sadašnje povijesti nužna je kako bi se sigurno prošlo kroz kušnju oblikovanja slike Zvijeri. No nakon jedenja, odnosno usvajanja proročke metodologije, učenik mora potom očitovati vidljivu potvrdu onoga što je prethodno pojeo. Taj čin vjere mora se očitovati kroz kušnju kroz koju se prolazi s ishodom koji je „mračan”.

The prophetic rules of William Miller in the history of the first angel, combined with the prophetic keys that were established in the history of the third angel, allows students of prophecy to recognize that each of the three angels of Revelation fourteen brought with them a message in a little book that was to be eaten. The methodology they chose to eat allows those students to then see that when the angel of Revelation eighteen descended on September 11, 2001, he had a book that must be eaten in his hand, though it is not directly addressed in chapter eighteen.

Proročka pravila Williama Millera u povijesti prvoga anđela, zajedno s proročkim ključevima koji su bili uspostavljeni u povijesti trećega anđela, omogućuju proučavateljima proroštva prepoznati da je svaki od triju anđela iz Otkrivenja četrnaest sa sobom donio poruku u maloj knjizi koju je trebalo pojesti. Metodologija koju su izabrali da bi je pojeli potom tim proučavateljima omogućuje vidjeti da je, kada je anđeo iz Otkrivenja osamnaest sišao 11. rujna 2001., u svojoj ruci imao knjigu koja se mora pojesti, premda se o tome ne govori izravno u osamnaestom poglavlju.

The angel had a hidden book in his hand. That prophetic logic is what Daniel represents when he chose to reject Babylonian food. That prophetic logic is what is necessary in order to see the formation of the image of the beast, for though we have been informed that there are “movements” and “events” that will be brought about in forming the image of the beast, we have also been informed that the movement for Sunday legislation is going on in “darkness.” We must have spiritual “night vision goggles” to be able to see their movements in the dark, for it is the formation of the image, but it is formed in “darkness”. It will only be recognized by the prophetic rules that the student of prophecy accepted when he recognized September 11, 2001, as a fulfillment of the arrival of the third Woe.

Anđeo je u svojoj ruci imao skrivenu knjigu. Tu proročku logiku Daniel predstavlja kada je izabrao odbaciti babilonsku hranu. Ta je proročka logika nužna kako bi se moglo vidjeti oblikovanje zvijeričine slike, jer premda smo bili obaviješteni da postoje „pokreti” i „događaji” koji će se zbiti pri oblikovanju zvijeričine slike, također smo bili obaviješteni da se pokret za nedjeljno zakonodavstvo odvija u „tami”. Moramo imati duhovne „naočale za noćno gledanje” kako bismo mogli vidjeti njihove pokrete u tami, jer to jest oblikovanje slike, ali se ono oblikuje u „tami”. Ono će biti prepoznato jedino po proročkim pravilima koja je student proroštva prihvatio kada je prepoznao 11. rujna 2001. kao ispunjenje dolaska trećega Jaoa.

> “God has revealed what is to take place in the last days, that His people may be prepared to stand against the tempest of opposition and wrath. Those who have been warned of the events before them are not to sit in calm expectation of the coming storm, comforting themselves that the Lord will shelter His faithful ones in the day of trouble. We are to be as men waiting for their Lord, not in idle expectancy, but in earnest work, with unwavering faith. It is no time now to allow our minds to be engrossed with things of minor importance. While men are sleeping, Satan is actively arranging matters so that the Lord’s people may not have mercy or justice. The Sunday movement is now making its way in darkness. The leaders are concealing the true issue, and many who unite in the movement do not themselves see whither the undercurrent is tending. Its professions are mild and apparently Christian, but when it shall speak it will reveal the spirit of the dragon. It is our duty to do all in our power to avert the threatened danger. We should endeavor to disarm prejudice by placing ourselves in a proper light before the people. We should bring before them the real question at issue, thus interposing the most effectual protest against measures to restrict liberty of conscience. We should search the Scriptures and be able to give the reason for our faith. Says the prophet: ‘The wicked shall do wickedly: and none of the wicked shall understand; but the wise shall understand.’” Testimonies, volume 5, 452.

> „Bog je otkrio što će se zbiti u posljednjim danima, kako bi Njegov narod bio pripravljen oduprijeti se oluji protivljenja i gnjeva. Oni koji su upozoreni na događaje što su pred njima ne smiju sjediti u mirnom iščekivanju nadolazeće oluje, tješeći se time da će Gospodin zakloniti svoje vjerne u dan nevolje. Trebamo biti kao ljudi koji čekaju svoga Gospodara, ne u besposlenom iščekivanju, nego u ozbiljnom radu, s nepokolebljivom vjerom. Sada nije vrijeme da dopustimo da nam misli budu zaokupljene stvarima od manje važnosti. Dok ljudi spavaju, Sotona djelatno uređuje okolnosti tako da Gospodnji narod ne zadobije milost ni pravdu. Pokret za nedjelju sada napreduje u tami. Vođe prikrivaju pravo pitanje, a mnogi koji se pridružuju tom pokretu ni sami ne vide kamo vodi podzemna struja. Njegova su očitovanja blaga i naizgled kršćanska, ali kad progovori, otkrit će duh zmaja. Naša je dužnost učiniti sve što je u našoj moći da odvratimo zaprijećenu opasnost. Trebamo nastojati razoružati predrasude tako što ćemo se pred ljudima prikazati u pravom svjetlu. Trebamo im iznijeti pravo sporno pitanje, i tako uložiti najučinkovitiji prosvjed protiv mjera kojima se ograničava sloboda savjesti. Trebamo istraživati Sveto pismo i biti kadri dati razlog svoje vjere. Prorok kaže: ‘Bezbožnici će činiti bezbožno; i nijedan od bezbožnika neće razumjeti; a razumni će razumjeti.’” Svjedočanstva, svezak 5, 452.

Daniel represents the “wise” who can see the movement for Sunday legislation, even though it is going on in “darkness.” He can do so, for he passed the dietary test, before the visual test. The visual test of the formation of the image of the beast takes place in “darkness.”

Daniel predstavlja „mudre” koji mogu razabrati pokret za nedjeljno zakonodavstvo, premda se on odvija u „tami”. On to može, jer je prošao prehrambeni ispit prije vizualnoga ispita. Vizualni ispit oblikovanja slike zvijeri odvija se u „tami”.

We will begin our consideration of Daniel chapter two as the second angel’s message in the next article.

Razmatranje drugog poglavlja Daniela kao poruke drugog anđela započet ćemo u sljedećem članku.

> And I will bring the blind by a way that they knew not; I will lead them in paths that they have not known: I will make darkness light before them, and crooked things straight. These things will I do unto them, and not forsake them. Isaiah 42:16.

> I slijepce ću voditi putem kojega nisu poznavali; vodit ću ih stazama kojih nisu znali; tamu ću pred njima pretvoriti u svjetlost, a krivudava mjesta u ravna. To ću im učiniti i neću ih ostaviti. Izaija 42,16.

Back to Articles