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# The Hidden History of Verse Forty - Number Four

Skrivena povijest četrdesetoga retka – broj četiri

Testing and Triumph: The Formation of the Image of the Beast and the Sealing of the Wise

Kušnja i pobjeda: oblikovanje Zvijeričine slike i pečaćenje mudrih

Author

Jeff Pippenger

Published

September 23, 2024

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The prophetic line which illustrates the testing represented by the formation of the image of the beast in the United States runs parallel with the three waymarks that represent the line of the Constitution. They run parallel to each other and they contribute specific information that addresses the other line. How is it that those who pass the image of the beast test will then be prepared to walk in the light that proceeds from the throne-room of God, during the time of persecution that begins at the Sunday law in the United States? What is it about the test of the formation of the image of the beast that seals the wise virgins into an experience which allows them to navigate through the period of persecution that begins at the Sunday law, when national apostasy is followed by national ruin, and Satan begins his marvelous works?

Proročka crta koja prikazuje kušnju predstavljenu oblikovanjem zvijeričine slike u Sjedinjenim Američkim Državama teče usporedno s tri putokaza koji predstavljaju crtu Ustava. One teku usporedno jedna s drugom i svaka pridonosi određenim informacijama koje se odnose na drugu crtu. Kako to da će oni koji prođu kušnju zvijeričine slike tada biti pripravljeni hoditi u svjetlu koje izlazi iz prijestolne dvorane Božje tijekom vremena progonstva koje započinje nedjeljnim zakonom u Sjedinjenim Američkim Državama? Što je to u kušnji oblikovanja zvijeričine slike što pečati mudre djevice u iskustvo koje im omogućuje da prođu kroz razdoblje progonstva koje započinje pri nedjeljnom zakonu, kada nakon nacionalnog otpada slijedi nacionalna propast, a Sotona započinje svoja čudesna djela?

> “It is impossible to give any idea of the experience of the people of God who shall be alive upon the earth when celestial glory and a repetition of the persecutions of the past are blended. They will walk in the light proceeding from the throne of God. By means of the angels there will be constant communication between heaven and earth. And Satan, surrounded by evil angels, and claiming to be God, will work miracles of all kinds, to deceive, if possible, the very elect.” Testimonies, volume 9, 16.

> „Nemoguće je dati ikakvu predodžbu o iskustvu Božjega naroda koji će biti živ na zemlji kada se nebeska slava i ponavljanje progonstava iz prošlosti budu ispreplitali. Oni će hoditi u svjetlosti koja izlazi od prijestolja Božjega. Posredstvom anđela postojat će stalna veza između neba i zemlje. A Sotona, okružen zlim anđelima i tvrdeći da je Bog, činit će čudesa svake vrste kako bi, ako je moguće, prevario i same izabrane.” Testimonies, svezak 9, 16.

Sister White comments on the message Christ presented in the synagogue in Capernaum recorded in John chapter six. Her comments are in The Desire of Ages, in the chapter titled The Crisis in Galilee. There she emphasizes that Christ made no effort to prevent the rebellion that occured in John six, though He knew full well He would lose more disciples then than at any other time in His ministry among men.

Sestra White komentira poruku koju je Krist iznio u sinagogi u Kafarnaumu, zabilježenu u šestom poglavlju Evanđelja po Ivanu. Njezini se komentari nalaze u knjizi Čežnja vjekova, u poglavlju naslovljenom Kriza u Galileji. Ondje naglašava da Krist nije učinio nikakav napor da spriječi pobunu koja se dogodila u Ivanu 6, premda je vrlo dobro znao da će tada izgubiti više učenika nego u bilo kojem drugom razdoblju svoje službe među ljudima.

> “When Jesus presented the testing truth that caused so many of His disciples to turn back, He knew what would be the result of His words; but He had a purpose of mercy to fulfill. He foresaw that in the hour of temptation every one of His beloved disciples would be severely tested. His agony in Gethsemane, His betrayal and crucifixion, would be to them a most trying ordeal. Had no previous test been given, many who were actuated by merely selfish motives would have been connected with them. When their Lord was condemned in the judgment hall; when the multitude who had hailed Him as their king hissed at Him and reviled Him; when the jeering crowd cried, ‘Crucify Him!’—when their worldly ambitions were disappointed, these self-seeking ones would, by renouncing their allegiance to Jesus, have brought upon the disciples a bitter, heart-burdening sorrow, in addition to their grief and disappointment in the ruin of their fondest hopes. In that hour of darkness, the example of those who turned from Him might have carried others with them. But Jesus brought about this crisis while by His personal presence He could still strengthen the faith of His true followers.

> „Kad je Isus iznio istinu kušnje zbog koje su se toliki od Njegovih učenika povukli, znao je kakav će biti rezultat Njegovih riječi; ali imao je ispuniti nakanu milosrđa. Predvidio je da će u času kušnje svaki od Njegovih ljubljenih učenika biti teško iskušan. Njegova agonija u Getsemaniju, Njegova izdaja i raspeće, za njih će biti krajnje teška kušnja. Da nije bilo dano nikakvo prethodno iskušavanje, s njima bi bili povezani mnogi koji su bili pokretani isključivo sebičnim pobudama. Kad je njihov Gospodin bio osuđen u sudnici; kad je mnoštvo koje Ga je pozdravljalo kao svojega kralja siktalo na Njega i pogrđivalo Ga; kad je podrugljiva svjetina vikala: ‘Raspni Ga!’ — kad su njihove svjetovne težnje bile osujećene, ti sebični ljudi bi, odričući se svoje odanosti Isusu, navukli na učenike gorku, srcem pritiskujuću bol, povrh njihove tuge i razočaranja zbog sloma njihovih najdražih nada. U tom času tame, primjer onih koji su se odvratili od Njega mogao je i druge povući sa sobom. Ali Isus je izazvao ovu krizu dok je još svojom osobnom prisutnošću mogao ojačati vjeru svojih istinskih sljedbenika.“

> “Compassionate Redeemer, who in the full knowledge of the doom that awaited Him, tenderly smoothed the way for the disciples, prepared them for their crowning trial, and strengthened them for the final test!” The Desire of Ages, 394.

> „Sućutni Otkupitelju, koji si, u punoj spoznaji propasti koja Ga je čekala, nježno poravnao put učenicima, pripremio ih za njihovu krunsku kušnju i osnažio ih za konačni ispit!” Želja vjekova, 394.

The Sunday law is the final test where character is manifested. Before the final test Christ, who never changes, allows a test by which His people’s eternal destiny will be decided. It is a test they must pass before they are sealed, and before their probation closes at the Sunday law. It is a prophetic test that prepares the wise virgins “for their crowning trial, and strengthens them for the final test!” Their “crowning trial” is their crowning test, for the wise virgins are those who are “purified, made white and tried.” The final test is their crowning trial, and in that testing time, the wise virgins “will walk in light proceeding from the throne of God”. What is it within the testing process represented as “the formation of the image of the beast” that prepares the wise virgins for the crowning trial and allows them to walk in the light proceeding from the throne of God. What is the light that proceeds from the throne of God?

Nedjeljni zakon jest završni ispit na kojem se očituje karakter. Prije završnog ispita Krist, koji se nikada ne mijenja, dopušta ispit kojim će biti odlučena vječna sudbina Njegova naroda. To je ispit koji moraju položiti prije nego što budu zapečaćeni i prije nego što se njihovo vrijeme milosti zatvori pri nedjeljnom zakonu. To je proročki ispit koji mudre djevice pripravlja „za njihovu krunsku kušnju i osnažuje ih za završni ispit!” Njihova „krunska kušnja” jest njihova krunska kušnja, jer su mudre djevice one koje su „očišćene, ubijeljene i okušane.” Završni ispit jest njihova krunska kušnja, i u tom vremenu kušnje mudre će djevice „hoditi u svjetlu koje izlazi od prijestolja Božjega”. Što je to unutar procesa kušanja, prikazano kao „oblikovanje slike Zvijeri”, što mudre djevice pripravlja za krunsku kušnju i omogućuje im da hode u svjetlu koje izlazi od prijestolja Božjega? Što je svjetlo koje izlazi od prijestolja Božjega?

> And when he had opened the seventh seal, there was silence in heaven about the space of half an hour. And I saw the seven angels which stood before God; and to them were given seven trumpets. And another angel came and stood at the altar, having a golden censer; and there was given unto him much incense, that he should offer it with the prayers of all saints upon the golden altar which was before the throne. And the smoke of the incense, which came with the prayers of the saints, ascended up before God out of the angel’s hand. And the angel took the censer, and filled it with fire of the altar, and cast it into the earth: and there were voices, and thunderings, and lightnings, and an earthquake. Revelation 8:1–5.

> I kad otvori sedmi pečat, nastade tišina na nebu oko pola sata. I vidjeh sedam anđela koji stajahu pred Bogom; i dade im se sedam truba. I drugi anđeo dođe te stade pred žrtvenik, imajući zlatnu kadionicu; i dade mu se mnogo kada, da ga prinese sa molitvama svih svetih na zlatni žrtvenik koji bijaše pred prijestoljem. I dim kada, koji uzađe s molitvama svetih, uzdignu se pred Boga iz ruke anđelove. I anđeo uze kadionicu, napuni je ognjem sa žrtvenika i baci na zemlju: i nastadoše glasovi, i gromovi, i sijevanja munja, i potres. Otkrivenje 8,1–5.

In the last days, in the period where the parable of the ten virgins is being fulfilled and the one hundred and forty-four thousand are being sealed, the seventh seal is unsealed and it identifies fire being cast to the earth in answer to the prayers of the saints. The fire that is cast down in the final and perfect fulfillment of the parable of the ten virgins is the message of the midnight cry, as typified by the outpouring of the Holy Spirit at the Exeter camp meeting, and the outpouring of the Holy Spirit at Pentecost, which was there represented as fire. Notice Sister White’s commentary on the message of the midnight cry.

U posljednjim danima, u razdoblju u kojem se ispunjava prispodoba o deset djevica i zapečaćuje sto četrdeset i četiri tisuće, otvara se sedmi pečat te on označuje oganj bačen na zemlju kao odgovor na molitve svetih. Oganj koji se baca na zemlju u konačnom i savršenom ispunjenju prispodobe o deset djevica jest poruka ponoćnoga poklika, kako je predočena izlijevanjem Duha Svetoga na tabor-sastanku u Exeteru i izlijevanjem Duha Svetoga na Pedesetnicu, koja je ondje bila prikazana kao oganj. Zapazite komentar sestre White o poruci ponoćnoga poklika.

> “Those who rejected the first message could not be benefited by the second; neither were they benefited by the midnight cry, which was to prepare them to enter with Jesus by faith into the most holy place of the heavenly sanctuary. And by rejecting the two former messages, they have so darkened their understanding that they can see no light in the third angel’s message, which shows the way into the most holy place. I saw that as the Jews crucified Jesus, so the nominal churches had crucified these messages, and therefore they have no knowledge of the way into the most holy, and they cannot be benefited by the intercession of Jesus there. Like the Jews, who offered their useless sacrifices, they offer up their useless prayers to the apartment which Jesus has left; and Satan, pleased with the deception, assumes a religious character, and leads the minds of these professed Christians to himself, working with his power, his signs and lying wonders, to fasten them in his snare.” Early Writings, 259.

> „Oni koji su odbacili prvu poruku nisu mogli imati koristi od druge; niti im je koristio ponoćni poklik, koji ih je trebao pripraviti da vjerom uđu s Isusom u Svetinju nad svetinjama nebeskog Svetišta. A odbacivanjem dviju prijašnjih poruka toliko su pomračili svoje razumijevanje da ne mogu vidjeti nikakvu svjetlost u poruci trećega anđela, koja pokazuje put u Svetinju nad svetinjama. Vidjela sam da su, kao što su Židovi razapeli Isusa, tako i nazivne crkve razapele ove poruke, i stoga nemaju nikakva znanja o putu u Svetinju nad svetinjama te ne mogu imati koristi od Isusova posredovanja ondje. Poput Židova, koji su prinosili svoje beskorisne žrtve, oni uzdižu svoje beskorisne molitve prema odjeljku koji je Isus napustio; a Sotona, zadovoljan prijevarom, uzima na sebe religiozno obilježje i usmjerava umove ovih tobožnjih kršćana k sebi, djelujući svojom silom, svojim znakovima i lažnim čudesima, da ih učvrsti u svojoj zamci.” Early Writings, 259.

In the Millerite history the test of the message of the midnight cry “was to prepare them to enter with Jesus by faith into the most holy place of the heavenly sanctuary.” The message of the midnight cry that is now being developed is also represented as the testing of the formation of the image of the beast. They are both the test that leads to the close of probation where character is manifested. When the Millerites entered into the Most Holy Place by faith, their faith was once again tested. The faith of the one hundred and forty-four thousand will be tested at the Sunday law, but they are promised that they will be safe, for they will walk “in the light proceeding from” the seventh seal, which was opened when the message of the midnight cry began to be unsealed in July of 2023.

U milleritskoj povijesti kušnja poruke ponoćnoga poklika „bila je pripraviti ih da po vjeri uđu s Isusom u Svetinju nad svetinjama nebeskoga Svetišta.” Poruka ponoćnoga poklika koja se sada razvija također je prikazana kao kušnja oblikovanja slike Zvijeri. Oboje su kušnja koja vodi do završetka vremena milosti, gdje se očituje karakter. Kada su milleriti po vjeri ušli u Svetinju nad svetinjama, njihova je vjera ponovno bila stavljena na kušnju. Vjera sto četrdeset i četiri tisuće bit će iskušana pri nedjeljnom zakonu, ali im je obećano da će biti sigurni, jer će hoditi „u svjetlu koje izlazi iz” sedmoga pečata, koji je bio otvoren kada se poruka ponoćnoga poklika počela otpečaćivati u srpnju 2023.

The message that was unsealed at that time is established through the methodology of line upon line, which is the methodology of the latter rain. The latter rain began to sprinkle in 2001, and the final testing of Adventism began. In July of 2023 the final period in the testing process that concludes at the Sunday law began when the message of the midnight cry, which is also the latter rain, which is also the increase of knowledge that is produced when the seventh seal is removed, and is also the unsealing of the seven thunders as well as the Revelation of Jesus Christ. All the lines that represent an unsealing of prophetic light are identified as being unsealed in the hidden history of verse forty of Daniel chapter eleven.

Poruka koja je u to vrijeme bila otpečaćena uspostavljena je kroz metodologiju „redak na redak“, koja je metodologija kasne kiše. Kasna je kiša počela škropiti 2001. godine i započelo je završno ispitivanje adventizma. U srpnju 2023. započelo je završno razdoblje u procesu ispitivanja koje završava nedjeljnim zakonom, kada je poruka ponoćnog pokliča, koja je ujedno i kasna kiša, koja je također porast spoznaje nastao uklanjanjem sedmog pečata, a također i otpečaćenje sedam gromova kao i Otkrivenje Isusa Krista. Sve crte koje predstavljaju otpečaćenje proročkog svjetla prepoznate su kao otpečaćene u skrivenoj povijesti četrdesetog retka jedanaestog poglavlja Daniela.

In that hidden history the line of the Constitution’s three primary waymarks is represented. It is the line when church and state come together to form the image of the beast. It contains a prophetic line that addresses the presidents of the United States which illustrate the dynamics of the political struggles that occur in the history of the Republican horn of the earth-beast. That line includes the parallel histories of both major political parties of the United States. That line is closely related to the horn of apostate Protestantism from its beginning in 1844, until it usurps the control of the civil government at the Sunday law.

U toj skrivenoj povijesti prikazana je linija triju primarnih orijentira Ustava. To je linija u kojoj se crkva i država sjedinjuju kako bi oblikovale sliku Zvijeri. Ona sadrži proročku liniju koja se odnosi na predsjednike Sjedinjenih Država, koji predočuju dinamiku političkih borbi što se odvijaju u povijesti republikanskoga roga zemaljske Zvijeri. Ta linija uključuje usporedne povijesti obiju glavnih političkih stranaka Sjedinjenih Država. Ta je linija usko povezana s rogom otpaloga protestantizma od njegova početka 1844. godine, pa sve dok pri nedjeljnom zakonu ne uzurpira nadzor nad građanskom vlašću.

The prophetic role of apostate Protestantism includes the witness of the Hasmonaean Dynasty as a symbol of apostate Protestantism. In the backdrop of the line of the horn of apostate Protestantism you also have the line of the Laodicean Seventh-day Adventist church. From the line of Laodicean Adventism you have the line of the one hundred and forty-four thousand. That hidden history also has the line of Islam of the third woe. Russia has a line, the United Nations has a line and of course, the papal power has a line.

Proročka uloga otpaloga protestantizma uključuje svjedočanstvo Hašmonejske dinastije kao simbola otpaloga protestantizma. U pozadini linije roga otpaloga protestantizma nalazi se također i linija laodicejske Adventističke crkve sedmoga dana. Iz linije laodicejskog adventizma proizlazi linija sto četrdeset i četiri tisuće. Ta skrivena povijest također ima liniju islama trećega jaoa. Rusija ima svoju liniju, Ujedinjeni narodi imaju svoju liniju i, naravno, papinska sila ima svoju liniju.

If a student of prophecy applies himself as a Berean living in the last days, he will feed upon the lines that are identified in the hidden history of verse forty. The student of prophecy will take the book out of the angel’s hand and eat it. Then when the final test of the Sunday law arrives, he will not only have come to understand the message of the midnight cry that was unsealed, but he will fully understand how the image of the beast was formed in the United States.

Ako se proučavatelj proročanstva posveti poput Berejca koji živi u posljednjim danima, hranit će se crtama koje su prepoznate u skrivenoj povijesti četrdesetoga retka. Proučavatelj proročanstva uzet će knjigu iz ruke anđela i pojesti je. Tada, kada pristigne završna kušnja nedjeljnoga zakona, on neće samo doći do razumijevanja poruke ponoćnoga pokliča koja je bila otpečaćena, nego će u potpunosti razumjeti kako je u Sjedinjenim Državama bila oblikovana slika Zvijeri.

The light of the seventh seal proceeds from the throne and in the context of the parable of the ten virgins it is the message of the midnight cry. The message of the midnight cry is what prepares the wise virgins for the period when the persecutions of the past are repeated.

Svjetlost sedmoga pečata izlazi od prijestolja i, u kontekstu prispodobe o deset djevica, jest poruka ponoćnoga vapaja. Poruka ponoćnoga vapaja jest ono što priprema mudre djevice za razdoblje u kojemu se progoni iz prošlosti ponavljaju.

> “In reviewing our past history, having traveled over every step of advance to our present standing, I can say, Praise God! As I see what God has wrought, I am filled with astonishment, and with confidence in Christ as leader. We have nothing to fear for the future except as we shall forget the way the Lord has led us, and His teaching in our past history.” Testimonies to Ministers, 31.

> „Promatrajući našu prošlu povijest i prolazeći kroz svaki korak napretka do našega sadašnjeg položaja, mogu reći: Hvala Bogu! Kad vidim što je Bog učinio, ispunjena sam zadivljenošću i pouzdanjem u Krista kao Vođu. Za budućnost se nemamo čega bojati, osim ako zaboravimo put kojim nas je Gospodin vodio i Njegov nauk u našoj prošloj povijesti.“ Testimonies to Ministers, 31.

The Lord is leading His people in the testing process that began in July 2023. His leading included opening up the prophetic Word in relation to the hidden history of verse forty. That history identifies how the image of the beast is formed in the United States, and of course much more than simply that element of end-time events. When we find ourselves in the crowning trial at the Sunday law, when the persecutions of the past are beginning to repeat, we “have nothing to fear for the future except as we shall forget the way the Lord has led us, and His teaching in our past history.”

Gospodin vodi svoj narod u procesu kušnje koji je započeo u srpnju 2023. Njegovo vodstvo uključivalo je otvaranje proročke Riječi u vezi sa skrivenom poviješću četrdesetog retka. Ta povijest pokazuje kako se u Sjedinjenim Državama oblikuje slika zvijeri, i naravno mnogo više od samo toga elementa događaja posljednjega vremena. Kada se nađemo u krunskoj kušnji pri nedjeljnom zakonu, kada se progoni iz prošlosti počinju ponavljati, „nemamo se čega bojati za budućnost osim ako zaboravimo put kojim nas je Gospodin vodio i Njegov nauk u našoj prošloj povijesti.”

At the Sunday law the “past history” will be repeated in the period of the formation of the image of the beast in the United States. The Lion of the tribe of Judah has unsealed the final message and led His people to the hidden history of verse forty. There He taught His people to not simply understand His prophetic Word, but also the privilege and responsibility to attain an experience qualified to be among those of His people who were to be His representatives in the final crisis.

Prigodom nedjeljnoga zakona „prošla povijest” ponovit će se u razdoblju oblikovanja slike Zvijeri u Sjedinjenim Državama. Lav iz plemena Judina otvorio je pečat završnoj poruci i poveo svoj narod do skrivene povijesti četrdesetoga retka. Ondje je svoj narod poučio ne samo da razumije Njegovu proročku Riječ, nego i o prednosti i odgovornosti da stekne iskustvo dostojno onih iz Njegova naroda koji trebaju biti Njegovi predstavnici u završnoj krizi.

One of the prophetic characteristics of those people is that they know how to walk by the light proceeding from the throne. That light is the light of the hidden history of verse forty, which describes in minute detail the religious, political, social and economic dynamics involved in erecting the image of the beast in the United States. The light which is recognized concerning this sacred history is produced through the application of line upon line, from here a little and there a little, and it is the light that describes the history when the persecutions of the past are once again initiated.

Jedno od proročkih obilježja toga naroda jest da zna hoditi po svjetlu koje izlazi od prijestolja. To svjetlo jest svjetlo skrivene povijesti četrdesetoga retka, koja u najsitnijim pojedinostima opisuje religijske, političke, društvene i gospodarske dinamike uključene u podizanje slike Zvijeri u Sjedinjenim Državama. Svjetlo koje se prepoznaje u vezi s ovom svetom poviješću nastaje primjenom pravila „redak na redak, ovdje malo i ondje malo“, i to je svjetlo koje opisuje povijest kada se progoni iz prošlosti ponovno pokreću.

Those who understand the increase of knowledge are the wise, and the increase of knowledge is upon the formation of the image of the beast, and the wise will understand the history of the formation of the image of the beast in the world in advance of the arrival of that history. Jesus, as Alpha and Omega, always illustrates the end of a thing with the beginning of a thing.

Oni koji razumiju umnoženje znanja jesu mudri, a umnoženje znanja odnosi se na oblikovanje slike zvijeri, i mudri će unaprijed razumjeti povijest oblikovanja slike zvijeri u svijetu prije dolaska te povijesti. Isus, kao Alfa i Omega, uvijek prikazuje svršetak neke stvari njezinim početkom.

It is worth noting that the passage where Sister White identifies that God’s people will walk in light proceeding from the throne is the conclusion of the first chapter in Testimonies, volume nine. The chapter begins on page eleven, so the chapter begins at nine-eleven and it ends describing the Sunday law. It describes the period where the image of the beast is formed and the one hundred and forty-four thousand are manifested, but only if you have the faith to see that chapter in such a fashion.

Vrijedno je zapaziti da je odlomak u kojem sestra White prepoznaje da će Božji narod hoditi u svjetlu koje izlazi s prijestolja završetak prvoga poglavlja u Testimonies, svezak deveti. Poglavlje započinje na jedanaestoj stranici, dakle započinje na devet-jedanaest, a završava opisujući nedjeljni zakon. Ono opisuje razdoblje u kojem se oblikuje slika Zvijeri i očituje se sto četrdeset i četiri tisuće, ali samo ako imate vjeru da to poglavlje vidite na takav način.

Being the first section of volume nine, it opens with that identification, and employs the title, For the Coming of the King. It is clearly referencing not only the Second Coming of Christ, but also the parable of the ten virgins, for the section title then quotes Paul.

Kao prvi odsjek devetoga sveska, započinje tim određenjem i rabi naslov, Za dolazak Kralja. Očito se ne odnosi samo na Drugi Kristov dolazak, nego i na prispodobu o deset djevica, jer naslov odsječka potom navodi Pavla.

> “Section 1—For the Coming of the King

> „Odsjek 1 — Za dolazak Kralja“

> “‘Yet a little while, and He that shall come will come, and will not tarry.’ Hebrews 10:37.”

> „Jer još malo, sasvim malo, i Onaj koji ima doći doći će i neće zakasniti.” Hebrejima 10,37.

The following two verses are left off, but they contribute to the light in the passage.

Sljedeća su dva retka izostavljena, ali pridonose svjetlu u ovom odlomku.

> For yet a little while, and he that shall come will come, and will not tarry. Now the just shall live by faith: but if any man draw back, my soul shall have no pleasure in him. But we are not of them who draw back unto perdition; but of them that believe to the saving of the soul. Hebrews 10:37–39.

> Jer još malo, vrlo malo, i Onaj koji ima doći doći će i neće zakasniti. A pravednik će živjeti od vjere; ako li tko uzmakne, mojoj duši neće biti mio. Ali mi nismo od onih koji uzmiču na propast, nego od onih koji vjeruju na spasenje duše. Hebrejima 10:37–39.

Paul was referring to Habakkuk where the faithful wise virgins are contrasted with those who Paul says “draw back unto perdition.” Habakkuk said it this way:

Pavao se pozivao na Habakuka, gdje se vjerne mudre djevice suprotstavljaju onima za koje Pavao kaže da se „povlače na propast“. Habakuk je to izrazio ovako:

> Behold, his soul which is lifted up is not upright in him: but the just shall live by his faith. Habakkuk 2:4.

> Evo, duša njegova koja se uznosi nije pravedna u njemu; a pravednik će živjeti po svojoj vjeri. Habakuk 2,4.

Habakkuk’s tarrying time is the tarrying time of the ten virgins, and the chapter of the coming King, in connection with Paul’s words from Hebrews, identifies the perfect fulfillment and application of this chapter in the period of the sealing of the one hundred and forty-four thousand. That period began on September 11, 2001 and ends at the Sunday law, which is Laodicean Adventism’s last crisis, which in the parable of the ten virgins is the manifestation of character at the Sunday law. The last paragraphs of the chapter address the Sunday law, and the chapter begins by addressing September 11, 2001.

Habakukovo vrijeme odgađanja jest vrijeme odgađanja deset djevica, a poglavlje o Kralju koji dolazi, u vezi s Pavlovim riječima iz Poslanice Hebrejima, prepoznaje savršeno ispunjenje i primjenu ovoga poglavlja u razdoblju pečaćenja sto četrdeset i četiri tisuće. To je razdoblje započelo 11. rujna 2001. i završava nedjeljnim zakonom, koji je posljednja kriza laodicejskog adventizma, a koji je u prispodobi o deset djevica očitovanje karaktera pri nedjeljnom zakonu. Posljednji odlomci poglavlja govore o nedjeljnom zakonu, a poglavlje započinje razmatranjem 11. rujna 2001.

> “The Last Crisis

> „Posljednja kriza“

> “We are living in the time of the end. The fast-fulfilling signs of the times declare that the coming of Christ is near at hand. The days in which we live are solemn and important. The Spirit of God is gradually but surely being withdrawn from the earth. Plagues and judgments are already falling upon the despisers of the grace of God. The calamities by land and sea, the unsettled state of society, the alarms of war, are portentous. They forecast approaching events of the greatest magnitude.

> „Živimo u vremenu svršetka. Znakovi vremena koji se brzo ispunjavaju objavljuju da je Kristov dolazak blizu. Dani u kojima živimo svečani su i važni. Duh Božji postupno, ali sigurno, biva povučen sa zemlje. Pošasti i sudovi već padaju na one koji preziru milost Božju. Nesreće na kopnu i moru, nestalno stanje društva, uzbune zbog rata, zlokobni su znakovi. Oni navješćuju događaje koji se približavaju i koji su od najveće važnosti.

> “The agencies of evil are combining their forces and consolidating. They are strengthening for the last great crisis. Great changes are soon to take place in our world, and the final movements will be rapid ones.

> „Sile zla udružuju svoje snage i učvršćuju se. Jačaju za posljednju veliku krizu. Uskoro će se u našem svijetu zbiti velike promjene, a završni će pokreti biti brzi.“

> “The condition of things in the world shows that troublous times are right upon us. The daily papers are full of indications of a terrible conflict in the near future. Bold robberies are of frequent occurrence. Strikes are common. Thefts and murders are committed on every hand. Men possessed of demons are taking the lives of men, women, and little children. Men have become infatuated with vice, and every species of evil prevails.

> „Stanje stvari u svijetu pokazuje da su teška vremena upravo pred nama. Dnevne novine pune su naznaka strašnoga sukoba u bliskoj budućnosti. Drske pljačke česte su pojave. Štrajkovi su uobičajeni. Krađe i ubojstva počinju se na sve strane. Ljudi opsjednuti demonima oduzimaju život muškarcima, ženama i maloj djeci. Ljudi su postali zaslijepljeni porokom i prevladava svaka vrsta zla.״

> “The enemy has succeeded in perverting justice and in filling men’s hearts with the desire for selfish gain. ‘Justice standeth afar off: for truth is fallen in the street, and equity cannot enter.’ Isaiah 59:14. In the great cities there are multitudes living in poverty and wretchedness, well-nigh destitute of food, shelter, and clothing; while in the same cities are those who have more than heart could wish, who live luxuriously, spending their money on richly furnished houses, on personal adornment, or worse still, upon the gratification of sensual appetites, upon liquor, tobacco, and other things that destroy the powers of the brain, unbalance the mind, and debase the soul. The cries of starving humanity are coming up before God, while by every species of oppression and extortion men are piling up colossal fortunes.

> „Neprijatelj je uspio izopačiti pravdu i ispuniti srca ljudi željom za sebičnim dobitkom. ‘Pravda stoji daleko; jer istina pade na ulici, i poštenje ne može da uđe.’ Izaija 59,14. U velikim gradovima ima mnoštvo onih koji žive u siromaštvu i bijedi, gotovo posve lišeni hrane, zaklona i odjeće; dok u istim tim gradovima ima i onih koji imaju više nego što bi srce moglo poželjeti, koji žive raskošno, trošeći svoj novac na bogato namještene kuće, na osobno ukrašavanje ili, što je još gore, na udovoljavanje putenim požudama, na alkohol, duhan i druge stvari koje uništavaju snage mozga, remete um i ponižavaju dušu. Vapaji izgladnjeloga čovječanstva uzdižu se pred Boga, dok ljudi svakovrsnim ugnjetavanjem i iznudom gomilaju golema bogatstva.“

> “On one occasion, when in New York City, I was in the night season called upon to behold buildings rising story after story toward heaven. These buildings were warranted to be fireproof, and they were erected to glorify their owners and builders. Higher and still higher these buildings rose, and in them the most costly material was used. Those to whom these buildings belonged were not asking themselves: ‘How can we best glorify God?’ The Lord was not in their thoughts.

> „Jednom prigodom, dok sam bila u New Yorku, u noćno doba bila sam pozvana promatrati zgrade kako se uzdižu kat za katom prema nebu. Za te se zgrade jamčilo da su otporne na požar, i bile su podignute da proslave svoje vlasnike i graditelje. Sve više i više te su se zgrade uzdizale, a u njima se upotrebljavao najskuplji materijal. Oni kojima su te zgrade pripadale nisu se pitali: ‘Kako možemo najbolje proslaviti Boga?’ Gospodin nije bio u njihovim mislima.“

> “I thought: ‘Oh, that those who are thus investing their means could see their course as God sees it! They are piling up magnificent buildings, but how foolish in the sight of the Ruler of the universe is their planning and devising. They are not studying with all the powers of heart and mind how they may glorify God. They have lost sight of this, the first duty of man.’

> „Pomislila sam: ‘O, kad bi oni koji tako ulažu svoja sredstva mogli vidjeti svoj postupak onako kako ga Bog vidi! Gomilaju veličanstvene građevine, ali kako je njihovo planiranje i smišljanje bezumno u očima Vladara svemira. Ne proučavaju svim silama srca i uma kako bi mogli proslaviti Boga. Izgubili su iz vida ovo, prvu čovjekovu dužnost.’“

> “As these lofty buildings went up, the owners rejoiced with ambitious pride that they had money to use in gratifying self and provoking the envy of their neighbors. Much of the money that they thus invested had been obtained through exaction, through grinding down the poor. They forgot that in heaven an account of every business transaction is kept; every unjust deal, every fraudulent act, is there recorded. The time is coming when in their fraud and insolence men will reach a point that the Lord will not permit them to pass, and they will learn that there is a limit to the forbearance of Jehovah.

> „Dok su se te uzvišene zgrade uzdizale, vlasnici su se radovali s oholim ponosom što imaju novca da ga upotrijebe za ugađanje sebi i izazivanje zavisti svojih susjeda. Velik dio novca koji su tako ulagali bio je stečen iznuđivanjem, tlačenjem siromašnih. Zaboravili su da se na nebu vodi račun o svakoj poslovnoj transakciji; svaki nepravedan posao, svaki prijevarni čin, ondje je zabilježen. Dolazi vrijeme kada će ljudi u svojoj prijevari i drskosti dosegnuti točku preko koje im Gospodin neće dopustiti da prijeđu, i naučit će da postoji granica Jahvinu dugotrpljenju.“

> “The scene that next passed before me was an alarm of fire. Men looked at the lofty and supposedly fire-proof buildings and said: ‘They are perfectly safe.’ But these buildings were consumed as if made of pitch. The fire engines could do nothing to stay the destruction. The firemen were unable to operate the engines.

> „Prizor koji je zatim prošao preda mnom bio je požarni uzbun. Ljudi su gledali visoke i navodno protupožarne zgrade i govorili: ‘One su potpuno sigurne.’ Ali te su zgrade bile proždrte kao da su načinjene od smole. Vatrogasne štrcaljke nisu mogle ništa učiniti da zaustave razaranje. Vatrogasci nisu mogli upravljati štrcaljkama.״

> “I am instructed that when the Lord’s time comes, should no change have taken place in the hearts of proud, ambitious human beings, men will find that the hand that had been strong to save will be strong to destroy. No earthly power can stay the hand of God. No material can be used in the erection of buildings that will preserve them from destruction when God’s appointed time comes to send retribution on men for their disregard of His law and for their selfish ambition.

> „Poučena sam da će, kada dođe Gospodnje vrijeme, ako se nikakva promjena ne bude zbila u srcima oholih, častoljubivih ljudskih bića, ljudi uvidjeti da će ruka koja je bila snažna spasavati biti snažna i uništavati. Nikakva zemaljska sila ne može zaustaviti Božju ruku. Nikakav se materijal ne može upotrijebiti pri podizanju zgrada da ih sačuva od uništenja kada dođe od Boga određeno vrijeme da pošalje odmazdu na ljude zbog njihova zanemarivanja Njegova zakona i zbog njihove sebične častohlepljivosti.״

> “There are not many, even among educators and statesmen, who comprehend the causes that underlie the present state of society. Those who hold the reins of government are not able to solve the problem of moral corruption, poverty, pauperism, and increasing crime. They are struggling in vain to place business operations on a more secure basis. If men would give more heed to the teaching of God’s word, they would find a solution of the problems that perplex them.

> „Nema mnogo onih, čak ni među odgojiteljima i državnicima, koji shvaćaju uzroke što leže u temelju sadašnjega stanja društva. Oni koji drže uzde vlasti nisu sposobni riješiti problem moralne iskvarenosti, siromaštva, bijede i porasta zločina. Uzalud se bore da poslovne djelatnosti postave na sigurniji temelj. Kad bi ljudi više pazili na učenje Božje riječi, našli bi rješenje za probleme koji ih muče.

> “The Scriptures describe the condition of the world just before Christ’s second coming. Of the men who by robbery and extortion are amassing great riches, it is written: ‘Ye have heaped treasure together for the last days. Behold, the hire of the laborers who have reaped down your fields, which is of you kept back by fraud, crieth: and the cries of them which have reaped are entered into the ears of the Lord of Sabaoth. Ye have lived in pleasure on the earth, and been wanton; ye have nourished your hearts, as in a day of slaughter. Ye have condemned and killed the just; and he doth not resist you.’ James 5:3–6.

> „Sveto pismo opisuje stanje svijeta neposredno prije Kristova drugog dolaska. O ljudima koji pljačkom i iznudom gomilaju velika bogatstva napisano je: ‘Zgrnuli ste sebi blago za posljednje dane. Evo, plaća radnika koji su poželi vaša polja, a koju ste im prijevarom uskratili, viče; i vapaji žetelaca doprli su do ušiju Gospodina nad vojskama. Živjeli ste raskošno na zemlji i odavali se nasladama; ugojili ste svoja srca kao na dan klanja. Osudili ste i ubili pravednika; on vam se ne opire.’ Jakov 5,3–6.”

> “But who reads the warnings given by the fast-fulfilling signs of the times? What impression is made upon worldlings? What change is seen in their attitude? No more than was seen in the attitude of the inhabitants of the Noachian world. Absorbed in worldly business and pleasure, the antediluvians ‘knew not until the Flood came, and took them all away.’ Matthew 24:39. They had heaven-sent warnings, but they refused to listen. And today the world, utterly regardless of the warning voice of God, is hurrying on to eternal ruin.

> „Ali tko čita upozorenja koja daju znakovi vremena što se brzo ispunjavaju? Kakav dojam ostavljaju na svjetovne ljude? Kakva se promjena vidi u njihovu stavu? Ništa više nego što se vidjelo u stavu stanovnika noaškoga svijeta. Zaokupljeni svjetovnim poslovima i užicima, pretpotopni ljudi ‘nisu opazili dok nije došao potop i sve ih odnio’. Matej 24,39. Imali su upozorenja poslana s neba, ali su odbili slušati. I danas svijet, posve ravnodušan prema Božjemu glasu upozorenja, žuri u vječnu propast.“

> “The world is stirred with the spirit of war. The prophecy of the eleventh chapter of Daniel has nearly reached its complete fulfillment. Soon the scenes of trouble spoken of in the prophecies will take place.

> „Svijet je uzburkan duhom rata. Proročanstvo iz jedanaestoga poglavlja Daniela gotovo je dosegnulo svoje potpuno ispunjenje. Uskoro će se odigrati prizori nevolje o kojima je govoreno u proročanstvima.״

> “‘“Behold, the Lord maketh the earth empty, and maketh it waste, and turneth it upside down, and scattereth abroad the inhabitants thereof…. Because they have transgressed the laws, changed the ordinance, broken the everlasting covenant. Therefore hath the curse devoured the earth, and they that dwell therein are desolate…. The mirth of tabrets ceaseth, the noise of them that rejoice endeth, the joy of the harp ceaseth.’ Isaiah 24:1–8.

> „‘Evo, Jahve pustoši zemlju i opustošuje je, prevrće joj lice i raspršuje njezine stanovnike…. Jer su prestupili zakone, izmijenili odredbu, prekršili vječni savez. Zato je prokletstvo proždrlo zemlju, i opustošeni su oni koji na njoj prebivaju…. Uminu veselje bubnjeva, prestaje graja onih koji se raduju, umukne radost citre.’ Izaija 24,1–8.

> “‘Alas for the day! for the day of the Lord is at hand, and as a destruction from the Almighty shall it come…. The seed is rotten under their clods, the garners are laid desolate, the barns are broken down, for the corn is withered. How do the beasts groan! the herds of cattle are perplexed, because they have no pasture; yea, the flocks of sheep are made desolate.’ ‘The vine is dried up, and the fig tree languisheth; the pomegranate tree, the palm tree also, and the apple tree, even all the trees of the field, are withered: because joy is withered away from the sons of men.” Joel 1:15–18, 12.

> „Jao onomu danu! jer je blizu dan Gospodnji, i doći će kao pustošenje od Svemogućega…. Sjeme je sagnjilo pod svojim grudama, žitnice su opustošene, spremišta su porušena, jer je žito uvenulo. Kako stoka uzdiše! Krda goveda smetena su, jer nemaju paše; da, i stada ovaca opustošena su.” „Loza je usahla, i smokva klone; šipak, i palma također, i jabuka, sva stabla poljska, posušila su se: jer je radost usahnula od sinova ljudskih.” Joel 1:15–18, 12.

> “‘I am pained at my very heart; … I cannot hold my peace, because thou has heard, O my soul, the sound of the trumpet, the alarm of war. Destruction upon destruction is cried; for the whole land is spoiled.’ Jeremiah 4:19, 20.

> „Jao meni zbog utrobe moje, zbog utrobe srca mojega! … ne mogu šutjeti, jer si čula, dušo moja, glas trube, poklič boja. Propast za propašću oglašuje se, jer je sva zemlja opustošena.“ Jeremija 4,19.20.

> “‘I beheld the earth, and, lo, it was without form, and void; and the heavens, and they had no light. I beheld the mountains, and, lo, they trembled, and all the hills moved lightly. I beheld, and, lo, there was no man, and all the birds of the heavens were fled. I beheld, and, lo, the fruitful place was a wilderness, and all the cities thereof were broken down.’ Verses 23–26.

> „Pogledah zemlju, i gle, bijaše bez obličja i pusta; i nebesa, i na njima ne bijaše svjetlosti. Pogledah gore, i gle, drhtahu, i svi se brežuljci ljuljahu. Pogledah, i gle, ne bijaše čovjeka, i sve ptice nebeske pobjegoše. Pogledah, i gle, plodno mjesto bijaše pustinja, i svi gradovi njegovi bijahu razoreni.“ Redci 23–26.

> “‘“Alas! for that day is great, so that none is like it: it is even the time of Jacob’s trouble; but he shall be saved out of it.” Jeremiah 30:7.

> „„Jao! Jer je velik onaj dan, takva nema nijednoga: to je vrijeme Jakovljeve nevolje; ali on će biti izbavljen iz nje.“ Jeremija 30,7.

> “Not all in this world have taken sides with the enemy against God. Not all have become disloyal. There are a faithful few who are true to God; for John writes: ‘Here are they that keep the commandments of God, and the faith of Jesus.’ Revelation 14:12. Soon the battle will be waged fiercely between those who serve God and those who serve Him not. Soon everything that can be shaken will be shaken, that those things that cannot be shaken may remain.

> „Nisu svi na ovome svijetu stali na stranu neprijatelja protiv Boga. Nisu svi postali nevjerni. Postoji vjerni ostatak koji je odan Bogu; jer Ivan piše: ‘Ovdje su oni koji drže zapovijedi Božje i vjeru Isusovu.’ Otkrivenje 14,12. Uskoro će se ogorčeno voditi bitka između onih koji služe Bogu i onih koji Mu ne služe. Uskoro će se uzdrmati sve što se može uzdrmati, da bi ostalo ono što se ne može uzdrmati.

> “Satan is a diligent Bible student. He knows that his time is short, and he seeks at every point to counterwork the work of the Lord upon this earth. It is impossible to give any idea of the experience of the people of God who shall be alive upon the earth when celestial glory and a repetition of the persecutions of the past are blended. They will walk in the light proceeding from the throne of God. By means of the angels there will be constant communication between heaven and earth. And Satan, surrounded by evil angels, and claiming to be God, will work miracles of all kinds, to deceive, if possible, the very elect. God’s people will not find their safety in working miracles, for Satan will counterfeit the miracles that will be wrought. God’s tried and tested people will find their power in the sign spoken of in Exodus 31:12–18. They are to take their stand on the living word: ‘It is written.’ This is the only foundation upon which they can stand securely. Those who have broken their covenant with God will in that day be without God and without hope.

> „Sotona je marljiv proučavatelj Biblije. On zna da mu je vrijeme kratko te na svakom koraku nastoji osujetiti djelo Gospodnje na ovoj zemlji. Nemoguće je dati ikakvu predodžbu o iskustvu Božjega naroda koji će biti živ na zemlji kada se nebeska slava i ponavljanje progona iz prošlosti sjedine. Oni će hoditi u svjetlu koje izlazi od Božjega prijestolja. Posredstvom anđela postojat će stalna veza između neba i zemlje. A Sotona, okružen zlim anđelima i tvrdeći da je Bog, činit će čudesa svake vrste kako bi, ako bude moguće, prevario i same izabrane. Božji narod neće svoju sigurnost nalaziti u činjenju čudesa, jer će Sotona oponašati čudesa koja će biti učinjena. Božji okušani i prokušani narod svoju će snagu naći u znaku o kojemu se govori u Izlasku 31:12–18. Oni trebaju zauzeti svoje stajalište na živoj Riječi: ‘Pisano je.’ To je jedini temelj na kojemu mogu sigurno stajati. Oni koji su prekršili svoj Savez s Bogom bit će u onaj dan bez Boga i bez nade.

> “The worshipers of God will be especially distinguished by their regard for the fourth commandment, since this is the sign of God’s creative power and the witness to His claim upon man’s reverence and homage. The wicked will be distinguished by their efforts to tear down the Creator’s memorial and to exalt the institution of Rome. In the issue of the conflict all Christendom will be divided into two great classes, those who keep the commandments of God and the faith of Jesus, and those who worship the beast and his image, and receive his mark. Although church and state will unite their power to compel all, ‘both small and great, rich and poor, free and bond,’ to receive the mark of the beast, yet the people of God will not receive it. Revelation 13:16. The prophet of Patmos beholds ‘them that had gotten the victory over the beast, and over his image, and over his mark, and over the number of his name, stand on the sea of glass, having the harps of God,’ and singing the song of Moses and the Lamb. Revelation 15:2.

> „Štovatelji Boga bit će osobito prepoznatljivi po svojem poštovanju prema četvrtoj zapovijedi, jer je ona znak Božje stvaralačke sile i svjedočanstvo o Njegovu pravu na čovjekovo štovanje i poklonstvo. Zli će se prepoznati po svojim nastojanjima da sruše Spomenik Stvoriteljev i uzvise ustanovu Rima. U pitanju toga sukoba cijelo će se kršćanstvo podijeliti u dvije velike skupine: one koji drže Božje zapovijedi i vjeru Isusovu, i one koji se klanjaju Zvijeri i njezinu kipu te primaju njezin žig. Premda će crkva i država ujediniti svoju moć kako bi prisilile sve, ‘male i velike, bogate i siromašne, slobodne i robove’, da prime žig Zvijeri, ipak ga Božji narod neće primiti. Otkrivenje 13,16. Prorok s Patmosa promatra ‘one koji pobijediše Zvijer i kip njezin i žig njezin i broj imena njezina, gdje stoje na staklenom moru, imajući harfe Božje’ i pjevaju pjesmu Mojsijevu i Janjetovu. Otkrivenje 15,2.“

> “Fearful tests and trials await the people of God. The spirit of war is stirring the nations from one end of the earth to the other. But in the midst of the time of trouble that is coming,—a time of trouble such as has not been since there was a nation,—God’s chosen people will stand unmoved. Satan and his host cannot destroy them, for angels that excel in strength will protect them.” Testimonies, volume 9, 11–17.

> „Strašni ispiti i kušnje očekuju Božji narod. Duh rata pokreće narode od jednoga kraja zemlje do drugoga. Ali usred vremena nevolje koje dolazi — vremena nevolje kakve nije bilo otkako je naroda — Božji će izabrani narod stajati nepokolebljivo. Sotona i njegova vojska ne mogu ih uništiti, jer će ih štititi anđeli koji se odlikuju snagom.” Svjedočanstva, svezak 9, 11–17.

The one hundred and forty-four thousand, who are “God’s tried and tested people” His “chosen people” “will stand unmoved” when “the persecutions of the past” are repeated. The light they will “walk in” is the light of the message of the seventh seal, which is the midnight cry, which is the light identifying the formation of the image of the beast.

Sto četrdeset i četiri tisuće, koji su „Božji iskušani i prokušani narod”, Njegov „izabrani narod”, „ostat će nepokolebljivi” kada se „progonstva iz prošlosti” ponove. Svjetlo u kojem će „hoditi” jest svjetlo poruke sedmoga pečata, koje je ponoćni poklič, koje je svjetlo što prepoznaje oblikovanje slike Zvijeri.

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