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# Rome Establishes the Vision - Number Three

Rim uspostavlja viđenje – broj tri

The United States and the Prophetic Vision: A Call to Deep Biblical Study and Understanding

Sjedinjene Američke Države i proročko viđenje: poziv na duboko biblijsko proučavanje i razumijevanje

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Jeff Pippenger

Published

July 14, 2024

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In the previous two articles addressing the private interpretation that claims that the United States has been typified by the “robbers of thy people” who “establish the vision” in Daniel chapter eleven verse fourteen, we cited a passage from the pen of Ellen White which stated, “The members of the church will individually be tested and proved.” That proving, testing, and sifting process which is represented as the Messenger of the Covenant in Malachi chapter three, cleansing the silver and gold is now under way. In Malachi chapter three, it identifies a purging.

U prethodna dva članka koja se bave privatnim tumačenjem koje tvrdi da su Sjedinjene Američke Države predočene „odmetnicima tvoga naroda“ koji „utvrđuju viđenje“ u jedanaestom poglavlju Daniela, četrnaestom retku, naveli smo odlomak iz pera Ellen White koji kaže: „Članovi crkve bit će pojedinačno ispitani i okušani.“ Taj proces dokazivanja, ispitivanja i prosijavanja, koji je u trećem poglavlju Malahije prikazan kao Glasnik Saveza koji pročišćava srebro i zlato, sada je u tijeku. U trećem poglavlju Malahije prepoznaje se čišćenje.

> And he shall sit as a refiner and purifier of silver: and he shall purify the sons of Levi, and purge them as gold and silver, that they may offer unto the Lord an offering in righteousness. Then shall the offering of Judah and Jerusalem be pleasant unto the Lord, as in the days of old, and as in former years. Malachi 3:3, 4.

> I sjedit će kao onaj koji topi i pročišćuje srebro; i očistit će sinove Levijeve te ih pročistiti kao zlato i srebro, da prinose Gospodinu prinos u pravednosti. Tada će prinos Jude i Jeruzalema biti mio Gospodinu, kao u drevne dane i kao u prijašnje godine. Malahija 3,3.4.

Those who hold to the idea that the United States is the symbol which establishes the vision have been unable or unwilling to understand that the message that was unsealed in July of 2023 is what purges the candidates to be among the one hundred and forty-four thousand. In the synagogue at Capernaum the final purging of the one hundred and forty-four thousand was typified.

Oni koji se drže zamisli da su Sjedinjene Američke Države simbol koji uspostavlja viđenje nisu bili sposobni ili voljni razumjeti da je poruka koja je bila otpečaćena u srpnju 2023. ono što pročišćava kandidate da budu među sto četrdeset i četiri tisuće. U sinagogi u Kafarnaumu bilo je predočeno konačno pročišćavanje sto četrdeset i četiri tisuće.

> “Jesus told them plainly, ‘There are some of you that believe not;’ adding, ‘Therefore said I unto you, that no man can come unto Me, except it were given unto him of My Father.’ He wished them to understand that if they were not drawn to Him it was because their hearts were not open to the Holy Spirit. ‘The natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned.’ 1 Corinthians 2:14. It is by faith that the soul beholds the glory of Jesus. This glory is hidden, until, through the Holy Spirit, faith is kindled in the soul.

> „Isus im je otvoreno rekao: ‘Ima među vama onih koji ne vjeruju’; dodavši: ‘Stoga vam rekoh da nitko ne može doći k Meni ako mu to ne bude dano od Oca mojega.’ Želio je da razumiju kako je razlog što nisu bili privučeni k Njemu bio taj što njihova srca nisu bila otvorena Duhu Svetome. ‘Naravan čovjek ne prima ono što je od Duha Božjega, jer mu je to ludost; i ne može to spoznati, jer se to prosuđuje duhovno.’ 1 Corinthians 2:14. Vjerom duša promatra Isusovu slavu. Ta je slava skrivena sve dok se po Duhu Svetome u duši ne zapali vjera.“

> “By the public rebuke of their unbelief these disciples were still further alienated from Jesus. They were greatly displeased, and wishing to wound the Saviour and gratify the malice of the Pharisees, they turned their backs upon Him, and left Him with disdain. They had made their choice,—had taken the form without the spirit, the husk without the kernel. Their decision was never afterward reversed; for they walked no more with Jesus.

> „Javnim ukorom njihova nevjerovanja ovi su učenici bili još više udaljeni od Isusa. Bili su silno nezadovoljni i, želeći raniti Spasitelja i udovoljiti zlobi farizeja, okrenuli su mu leđa i s prijezirom ga ostavili. Načinili su svoj izbor — uzeli su oblik bez duha, ljusku bez jezgre. Njihova odluka poslije nikada nije bila opozvana; jer više nisu hodili s Isusom.

> “‘Whose fan is in His hand, and He will throughly purge His floor, and gather His wheat into the garner.’ Matthew 3:12. This was one of the times of purging. By the words of truth, the chaff was being separated from the wheat. Because they were too vain and self-righteous to receive reproof, too world-loving to accept a life of humility, many turned away from Jesus. Many are still doing the same thing. Souls are tested today as were those disciples in the synagogue at Capernaum. When truth is brought home to the heart, they see that their lives are not in accordance with the will of God. They see the need of an entire change in themselves; but they are not willing to take up the self-denying work. Therefore they are angry when their sins are discovered. They go away offended, even as the disciples left Jesus, murmuring, ‘This is an hard saying; who can hear it?’” The Desire of Ages, 392.

> „‘Kojoj je vijača u ruci, i temeljito će pročistiti svoje gumno te sabrati svoju pšenicu u žitnicu.’ Matej 3,12. Ovo je bilo jedno od vremena pročišćavanja. Riječima istine pljeva se odvajala od pšenice. Budući da su bili previše tašti i samopravedni da bi primili ukor, previše skloni svijetu da bi prihvatili život poniznosti, mnogi su se odvratili od Isusa. Mnogi još uvijek čine isto. Duše se danas ispituju kao što su bili iskušavani oni učenici u sinagogi u Kafarnaumu. Kada se istina primijeni na srce, oni vide da njihov život nije u skladu s voljom Božjom. Uviđaju potrebu za potpunom promjenom u sebi; ali nisu voljni prihvatiti djelo samoodricanja. Stoga se srde kada se otkriju njihovi grijesi. Odlaze uvrijeđeni, kao što su učenici ostavili Isusa, mrmljajući: ‘Tvrda je to besjeda; tko je može slušati?’” Čežnja vjekova, 392.

By “words of truth” the gold and silver of Malachi’s illustration of the final temple cleansing of the one hundred and forty-four thousand was represented.

„Riječima istine” bilo je predočeno zlato i srebro iz Malahijina prikaza konačnoga čišćenja hrama u vezi sa sto četrdeset i četiri tisuće.

> Behold, I will send my messenger, and he shall prepare the way before me: and the Lord, whom ye seek, shall suddenly come to his temple, even the messenger of the covenant, whom ye delight in: behold, he shall come, saith the Lord of hosts. But who may abide the day of his coming? and who shall stand when he appeareth? for he is like a refiner’s fire, and like fullers’ soap. Malachi 3:1, 2.

> Evo, šaljem glasnika svojega da pripravi put preda mnom; i iznenada će doći u svoj hram Gospodin koga tražite, i anđeo Saveza komu se radujete; evo, on dolazi, govori Gospod nad vojskama. Ali tko će podnijeti dan njegova dolaska? i tko će opstati kad se on pojavi? Jer on je kao oganj talioničarov i kao lužina bjeliočeva. Malahija 3,1.2.

All the prophets, including Malachi are identifying the last days. In the first of these articles we cited, The 1888 Materials, page 403, where we are informed, “He who rests satisfied with his own present imperfect knowledge of the Scriptures, thinking this sufficient for his salvation, is resting in a fatal deception. There are many who are not thoroughly furnished with Scriptural arguments, that they may be able to discern error, and condemn all the tradition and superstition that has been palmed off as truth.” Those identified in the same passage “are not close Bible students,” who have “not studied to a purpose” the “passages of Scripture” where there exists “differences of opinion.” Those being addressed “do not read the Bible [in order] to appropriate the marrow and fatness to their own souls. They do not feel that it is the voice of God speaking to them. But, if we would understand the way of salvation, if we would see the beams of the Sun of righteousness,” they “must study the Scriptures for a purpose.”

Svi proroci, uključujući i Malahiju, ukazuju na posljednje dane. U prvome od ovih članaka citirali smo The 1888 Materials, stranicu 403, gdje smo obaviješteni: „Onaj tko ostaje zadovoljan svojim sadašnjim nesavršenim poznavanjem Pisma, smatrajući to dostatnim za svoje spasenje, počiva u pogubnoj obmani. Mnogi nisu temeljito opremljeni biblijskim dokazima kako bi mogli razabrati zabludu i osuditi svu predaju i praznovjerje koje je podmetnuto kao istina.” Oni koji su označeni u istome odlomku „nisu pomni proučavatelji Biblije”, koji „nisu proučavali s određenom svrhom” „mjesta iz Pisma” ondje gdje postoje „razlike u mišljenju”. Oni kojima je upućen ovaj govor „ne čitaju Bibliju [kako bi] prisvojili srž i obilje njezino vlastitim dušama. Ne osjećaju da im je to glas Božji koji im govori. Ali, ako bismo razumjeli put spasenja, ako bismo vidjeli zrake Sunca pravednosti”, oni „moraju proučavati Pisma s određenom svrhom.”

The first article identified that one of the pieces of their misguided prophetic model is the passage from The Great Controversy, which records, “Romanism in the Old World and apostate Protestantism in the New will pursue a similar course toward those who honor all the divine precepts.” The Great Controversy, 615. Their private interpretation claims this sentence is identifying “Romanism” as past history and “apostate Protestantism” as the modern world. After the grammatical evidence that the application they make on this sentence has been wrested from its correct meaning, they exhibited no public retraction of the false application. In fact they used the very passage to advertise their next zoom meeting. Yet we are informed that “We ought to impress upon all the necessity of inquiring diligently into divine truth, that they may know that they do know what is truth.” There was no effort to retract the false claim, which appears to be evidence that those promoting this false application are not “inquiring diligently” to “know what is truth.”

U prvom je članku utvrđeno da je jedan od elemenata njihova zabludjela proročkog modela odlomak iz Velike borbe, koji bilježi: „Rimokatolicizam u Starome svijetu i otpali protestantizam u Novome slijedit će sličan smjer prema onima koji poštuju sve božanske propise.” Velika borba, 615. Njihovo privatno tumačenje tvrdi da ova rečenica označuje „rimokatolicizam” kao prošlu povijest, a „otpali protestantizam” kao suvremeni svijet. Nakon gramatičkih dokaza da je primjena koju daju ovoj rečenici istrgnuta iz njezina ispravnog značenja, nisu javno pokazali nikakvo povlačenje te pogrešne primjene. Štoviše, upravo su tim odlomkom oglašavali svoj sljedeći zoom sastanak. Ipak, obaviješteni smo da „Trebamo svima naglasiti nužnost marljiva istraživanja božanske istine, kako bi znali da doista znaju što je istina.” Nije bilo nikakva nastojanja da se povuče ta lažna tvrdnja, što se čini dokazom da oni koji promiču tu pogrešnu primjenu ne „istražuju marljivo” kako bi „znali što je istina.”

From the beginning of this controversy, we have approached it as if it was more than simply a disagreement between truth and error over who the robbers of thy people represent, and I still hold that position. The articles on the book of Daniel had reached a point by number two hundred where the significance of verses thirteen to fifteen of Daniel eleven had been soundly set forth. The verses represent the history from 1989 unto the soon-coming Sunday law that exists in verse forty of Daniel eleven.

Od samoga početka ove polemike pristupali smo joj kao da je ona više od pukoga neslaganja između istine i zablude o tome koga predstavljaju odmetnici tvoga naroda, i ja se toga stajališta još uvijek držim. Članci o knjizi proroka Daniela dosegli su, do broja dvjesto, točku na kojoj je značenje stihova trinaest do petnaest iz Daniela jedanaest bilo valjano izloženo. Ti stihovi predstavljaju povijest od 1989. godine pa sve do uskoro dolazećega zakona o nedjelji koji se nalazi u četrdesetom stihu Daniela jedanaest.

We have been identifying that history as the hidden history of verse forty. We have also identified that when Sister Whites states “the book that was sealed is not the Revelation, but that portion of the prophecy of Daniel relating to the last days,” that the hidden history of Daniel chapter eleven verse forty is “that portion of the prophecy of Daniel.” Verses thirteen through fifteen represent the prophetic truth which is unsealed in the last days. Those three verses are therefore also represented as both the “Revelation of Jesus Christ” and the “Seven Thunders” in the book of Revelation that is unsealed just prior to the close of probation. When Sister White refers to that “portion of the book of Daniel,” the passage where the statement is located states:

Povijest o kojoj je riječ prepoznali smo kao skrivenu povijest četrdesetoga retka. Također smo utvrdili da, kada sestra White kaže: „knjiga koja je bila zapečaćena nije Otkrivenje, nego onaj dio Danielova proročanstva koji se odnosi na posljednje dane“, skrivena povijest Daniela 11,40 predstavlja „onaj dio Danielova proročanstva“. Redci trinaesti do petnaesti predstavljaju proročku istinu koja se otpečaćuje u posljednjim danima. Stoga su ta tri retka također predstavljena i kao „Otkrivenje Isusa Krista“ i kao „Sedam gromova“ u knjizi Otkrivenja koja se otpečaćuje neposredno prije završetka vremena milosti. Kada sestra White upućuje na taj „dio knjige proroka Daniela“, odlomak u kojem se ta izjava nalazi kaže:

> “Let none think, because they cannot explain the meaning of every symbol in the Revelation, that it is useless for them to search this book in an effort to know the meaning of the truth it contains. The One who revealed these mysteries to John will give to the diligent searcher for truth a foretaste of heavenly things. Those whose hearts are open to the reception of truth will be enabled to understand its teachings, and will be granted the blessing promised to those who ‘hear the words of this prophecy, and keep those things which are written therein.’

> „Neka nitko ne misli da je, zato što ne može objasniti značenje svakoga simbola u Otkrivenju, za njega beskorisno istraživati ovu knjigu nastojeći upoznati značenje istine koju ona sadrži. Onaj koji je Ivanu otkrio ove tajne dat će marljivom tragaču za istinom predokus nebeskih stvari. Onima čija su srca otvorena za primanje istine bit će omogućeno razumjeti njezin nauk, i bit će im podijeljen blagoslov obećan onima koji ‘čitaju riječi ovoga proroštva i drže ono što je u njemu napisano.’”

> “In the Revelation all the books of the Bible meet and end. Here is the complement of the book of Daniel. One is a prophecy; the other a revelation. The book that was sealed is not the Revelation, but that portion of the prophecy of Daniel relating to the last days. The angel commanded, ‘But thou, O Daniel, shut up the words, and seal the book, even to the time of the end.’ Daniel 12:4.” Acts of the Apostles, 584, 585.

> „U Otkrivenju se susreću i završavaju sve knjige Biblije. Ovdje je dopuna knjige proroka Daniela. Jedno je proroštvo, a drugo otkrivenje. Knjiga koja je bila zapečaćena nije Otkrivenje, nego onaj dio Danielova proroštva koji se odnosi na posljednje dane. Anđeo je zapovjedio: ‘A ti, Daniele, zatvori ove riječi i zapečati knjigu do vremena svršetka.’ Daniel 12:4.” Djela apostolska, 584, 585.

The word “complement” means to bring to perfection. The portion of the book of Daniel that relates to the last days, which is unsealed at the time of the end, is made perfect when combined, “line upon line” with the “Revelation of Jesus Christ,” and “the Seven Thunders.” Those three representations are the message which is unsealed, and therefore represents the “words of truth” that are employed to “purge” the one hundred and forty four thousand in the final temple cleansing of Malachi, as represented in verses thirteen to fifteen of Daniel eleven. The verse in the middle is the verse where the current controversy is represented, and as such represents the identical controversy that confronted the Millerites in their prophetic history.

Riječ „dopuna” znači dovesti do savršenstva. Dio knjige proroka Daniela koji se odnosi na posljednje dane, a koji je otpečaćen u vrijeme svršetka, biva usavršen kada se spoji, „red na red”, s „Otkrivenjem Isusa Krista” i „Sedam gromova”. Ta tri prikaza sačinjavaju poruku koja je otpečaćena te stoga predstavljaju „riječi istine” koje se rabe da bi se „očistilo” sto četrdeset i četiri tisuće u završnom čišćenju hrama iz Malahije, kako je to prikazano u redcima trinaest do petnaest jedanaestoga poglavlja Daniela. Redak u sredini jest redak u kojemu je prikazana sadašnja kontroverza te kao takav predstavlja istovjetnu kontroverzu s kojom su se Milleriti suočili u svojoj proročkoj povijesti.

To claim the “robbers of thy people” in verse fourteen is the United States is a perfect parallel to the Protestants of Millerite history claiming that the robbers represented Antiochus Epiphanes. The controversy will purge the dross from the gold and silver, but the more important issue is that the controversy has been allowed to lead those represented by the Levites of Malachi chapter three to study more deeply than ever before God’s prophetic Word. The “dirt brush Man” of William Miller’s dream is now sweeping the counterfeit coins and jewels out of the room, in advance of His work in reassembling the genuine jewels into a perfect order which shines ten times brighter than the sun.

Tvrdnja da su „nasilnici iz tvoga naroda“ u četrnaestom retku Sjedinjene Američke Države savršena je paralela s protestantima iz mileritske povijesti koji su tvrdili da su razbojnici predstavljali Antioha Epifana. Polemika će ukloniti trosku iz zlata i srebra, ali je važnije pitanje to što je dopušteno da ta polemika one koje predstavljaju Leviti iz trećega poglavlja Malahije navede na dublje proučavanje Božje proročke Riječi nego ikada prije. „Čovjek s četkom za prašinu“ iz sna Williama Millera sada mete krivotvorene novčiće i dragulje iz prostorije, unaprijed u odnosu na svoje djelo ponovnoga sabiranja pravih dragulja u savršen poredak koji sjaji deset puta jače od sunca.

The controversy was allowed to take place to accomplish that very work, for we have been informed that, “God will arouse His people; if other means fail, heresies will come in among them, which will sift them, separating the chaff from the wheat. The Lord calls upon all who believe His word to awake out of sleep. Precious light has come, appropriate for this time. It is Bible truth, showing the perils that are right upon us. This light should lead us to a diligent study of the Scriptures and a most critical examination of the positions which we hold. God would have all the bearings and positions of truth thoroughly and perseveringly searched, with prayer and fasting. Believers are not to rest in suppositions and ill-defined ideas of what constitutes truth.”

Dopušteno je da se ta polemika odigra kako bi izvršila upravo to djelo, jer nam je rečeno da će „Bog probuditi svoj narod; ako druga sredstva zakažu, među njih će ući krivovjerja koja će ih prosijati, odvajajući kukolj od pšenice. Gospod poziva sve koji vjeruju Njegovoj riječi da se probude iz sna. Došla je dragocjena svjetlost, prikladna za ovo vrijeme. To je biblijska istina koja pokazuje pogibli koje su upravo pred nama. Ta bi nas svjetlost trebala navesti na marljivo proučavanje Svetoga pisma i na najkritičnije ispitivanje stajališta koja zastupamo. Bog bi htio da se sve strane i sva stajališta istine temeljito i ustrajno istraže, uz molitvu i post. Vjernici ne smiju počivati na pretpostavkama i nejasno određenim predodžbama o tome što čini istinu.”

The “heresies” He allows and employs to arouse His sleeping saints are “old controversies.”

„Krivovjerja“ koja On dopušta i kojima se služi da probudi svoje usnule svete jesu „stare kontroverze“.

> “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. Old controversies will be revived, and new theories will be continually arising. But God’s people, who in their belief and fulfillment of prophecy have acted a part in the proclamation of the first, second, and third angels’ messages, know where they stand. They have an experience that is more precious than fine gold. They are to stand firm as a rock, holding the beginning of their confidence steadfast unto the end.” Selected Messages, book 2, 109.

> „U povijesti i proročanstvu Božja Riječ prikazuje dugotrajni sukob između istine i zablude. Taj je sukob još uvijek u tijeku. Ono što je bilo, ponovno će se ponoviti. Stare će se raspre oživjeti, a nove će se teorije neprestano pojavljivati. Ali Božji narod, koji je svojim vjerovanjem i ispunjenjem proročanstva odigrao ulogu u naviještanju poruka prvoga, drugoga i trećega anđela, zna gdje stoji. Oni imaju iskustvo koje je dragocjenije od čistoga zlata. Trebaju stajati čvrsto kao stijena, držeći početak svojega pouzdanja postojanim do kraja.” Selected Messages, knjiga 2, 109.

The controversy over the “robbers of thy people” is an old controversy from the Millerite history, which is the “beginning of their confidence” that they are told to hold “steadfast to the end.” The “beginning of” the one hundred and forty-four thousand’s “confidence” is the foundational truths which are represented upon the 1843 and 1850 pioneer charts.

Rasprava o „nasilnicima iz tvoga naroda” stara je rasprava iz milleritske povijesti, koja je „početak njihova pouzdanja” za koje im je rečeno da ga drže „čvrsto do kraja”. „Početak” „pouzdanja” sto četrdeset i četiri tisuće jesu temeljne istine koje su prikazane na pionirskim kartama iz 1843. i 1850. godine.

> “The enemy is seeking to divert the minds of our brethren and sisters from the work of preparing a people to stand in these last days. His sophistries are designed to lead minds away from the perils and duties of the hour. They estimate as nothing the light that Christ came from heaven to give John for his people. They teach that the scenes just before us are not of sufficient importance to receive special attention. They make of no effect the truth of heavenly origin, and rob the people of God of their past experience, giving them instead a false science.

> „Neprijatelj nastoji odvratiti umove naše braće i sestara od djela pripremanja naroda da opstane u ovim posljednjim danima. Njegove su sofisterije smišljene da odvedu umove od pogibli i dužnosti ovoga časa. Oni ni za što drže svjetlo koje je Krist došao s neba dati Ivanu za svoj narod. Uče da prizori što su upravo pred nama nisu od dovoljne važnosti da bi im se posvetila posebna pozornost. Obezvređuju istinu nebeskoga podrijetla i oduzimaju Božjem narodu njegovo prijašnje iskustvo, dajući mu umjesto njega lažnu znanost.

> “‘Thus saith the Lord, Stand ye in the ways, and see, and ask for the old paths, where is the good way, and walk therein.’

> „Ovako govori Gospodin: Stanite na putove i pogledajte, i raspitajte se za drevne staze, gdje je dobar put, i idite njime.“

> “Let none seek to tear away the foundations of our faith,—the foundations that were laid at the beginning of our work, by prayerful study of the Word and by revelation. Upon these foundations we have been building for the last fifty years. Men may suppose that they have found a new way, and that they can lay a stronger foundation than that which has been laid. But this is a great deception. Other foundation can no man lay than that which has been laid.

> „Neka nitko ne nastoji razvaliti temelje naše vjere — temelje koji su bili položeni na početku našega djela, molitvenim proučavanjem Riječi i objavom. Na tim temeljima gradimo posljednjih pedeset godina. Ljudi mogu pretpostavljati da su pronašli nov put i da mogu položiti čvršći temelj od onoga koji je već položen. Ali to je velika obmana. Jer drugoga temelja nitko ne može položiti osim onoga koji je položen.

> “In the past many have undertaken the building of a new faith, the establishment of new principles. But how long did their building stand?—It soon fell; for it was not founded upon the Rock.

> „U prošlosti su mnogi poduzimali izgradnju nove vjere, uspostavljanje novih načela. Ali koliko je dugo trajala njihova građevina? — Ubrzo je pala, jer nije bila utemeljena na Stijeni.“

> “Did not the first disciples have to meet the sayings of men? Did they not have to listen to false theories, and then, having done all, to stand firm, saying, ‘Other foundation can no man lay than that is laid’?

> „Zar se prvi učenici nisu morali suočiti s ljudskim izrekama? Zar nisu morali slušati lažne teorije, a zatim, učinivši sve, ostati čvrsti govoreći: ‘Jer drugoga temelja nitko ne može postaviti osim onoga koji je postavljen’?“

> “So we are to hold the beginning of our confidence steadfast unto the end. Words of power have been sent by God and by Christ to this people, bringing them out from the world, point by point, into the clear light of present truth. With lips touched with holy fire, God’s servants have proclaimed the message. The divine utterance has set its seal to the genuineness of the truth proclaimed.” Review and Herald, March 3, 1904.

> „Dakle, trebamo čvrsto držati početak svojega pouzdanja sve do kraja. Riječi sile poslane su od Boga i od Krista ovom narodu, izvodeći ga iz svijeta, točku po točku, u jasno svjetlo sadašnje istine. Usnama dotaknutima svetim ognjem, Božji su sluge objavljivali poruku. Božanski izričaj stavio je svoj pečat na istinitost objavljene istine.” Review and Herald, 3. ožujka 1904.

Jeremiah’s “old paths,” are the “foundations that were laid at the beginning of our work.” Those truths were founded “upon the Rock,” and in the Millerite history those foundational truths were the “present truth” message that was proclaimed in 1842, 1843 and 1844.

Jeremijini „stari putovi“ jesu „temelji koji su bili položeni na početku našega djela“. Te su istine bile utemeljene „na Stijeni“, a u mileritskoj povijesti te su temeljne istine bile poruka „sadašnje istine“ koja je bila objavljivana 1842., 1843. i 1844. godine.

> “May God help you to receive the words that I have spoken. Let those who stand as God’s watchmen on the walls of Zion be men who can see the dangers before the people,—men who can distinguish between truth and error, righteousness and unrighteousness.

> „Neka vam Bog pomogne da primite riječi koje sam izgovorila. Neka oni koji stoje kao Božji stražari na zidovima Siona budu ljudi koji mogu vidjeti opasnosti pred narodom,—ljudi koji mogu razlikovati istinu od zablude, pravednost od nepravednosti.

> “The warning has come: Nothing is to be allowed to come in that will disturb the foundation of the faith upon which we have been building ever since the message came in 1842, 1843, and 1844. I was in this message, and ever since I have been standing before the world, true to the light that God has given us. We do not propose to take our feet off the platform on which they were placed as day by day we sought the Lord with earnest prayer, seeking for light. Do you think that I could give up the light that God has given me? It is to be as the Rock of Ages. It has been guiding me ever since it was given. Brethren and sisters, God lives and reigns and works today. His hand is on the wheel, and in his providence he is turning the wheel in accordance with his own will. Let not men fasten themselves to documents, saying what they will do, and what they will not do. Let them fasten themselves to the Lord God of heaven. Then the light of heaven will shine into the soul-temple, and we shall see the salvation of God.” Review and Herald, April 14, 1903.

> „Upozorenje je došlo: ne smije se dopustiti da uđe išta što bi poremetilo temelj vjere na kojem gradimo otkako je došla poruka 1842., 1843. i 1844. godine. Ja sam bila u ovoj poruci, i otada stojim pred svijetom, vjerna svjetlu koje nam je Bog dao. Ne namjeravamo maknuti svoje noge s platforme na koju su bile postavljene dok smo iz dana u dan tražili Gospodina usrdnom molitvom, tražeći svjetlo. Mislite li da bih se mogla odreći svjetla koje mi je Bog dao? Ono treba biti kao Vječna Stijena. Ono me vodi otkako mi je dano. Braćo i sestre, Bog živi i vlada i djeluje danas. Njegova je ruka na kotaču, i u svojoj providnosti on okreće kotač u skladu sa svojom vlastitom voljom. Neka se ljudi ne privezuju uz dokumente, govoreći što će činiti, a što neće činiti. Neka se privežu uz Gospodina Boga neba. Tada će svjetlo neba zasjati u hramu duše, i vidjet ćemo spasenje Božje.” Review and Herald, 14. travnja 1903.

The message that was proclaimed “in 1842, 1843, and 1844” is the message represented upon the 1843 pioneer chart. In May of 1842, three hundred 1843 charts were printed. Ellen White and the pioneers all gave testimony that the chart was a fulfillment of Habakkuk chapter two’s command to write the vision and make it plain upon tables. In that very history there were three hundred Millerite preachers, and SDA historians testify to the fact that they all employed the 1843 chart.

Poruka koja je bila objavljivana „1842., 1843. i 1844.” jest poruka prikazana na pionirskoj karti iz 1843. U svibnju 1842. tiskano je tristo karata iz 1843. Ellen White i svi pioniri posvjedočili su da je ta karta bila ispunjenje naloga iz drugoga poglavlja Habakuka da se viđenje zapiše i jasno izloži na pločama. U toj istoj povijesti bilo je tristo mileritskih propovjednika, a povjesničari SDA svjedoče o činjenici da su se svi oni služili kartom iz 1843.

What would possess a person to claim that the pioneer identification of Rome as the robbers of thy people, as represented upon the chart, is erroneous? What would possess someone to receive that claim? Yet, what possesses those of us that claim to accept the pioneer understanding that Rome is symbolized with the expression, “robbers of thy people,” and yet in reality not be able to defend that understanding for themselves?

Što bi moglo navesti nekoga da ustvrdi kako je pionirsko poistovjećivanje Rima s razbojnicima tvoga naroda, kako je prikazano na karti, pogrešno? Što bi moglo navesti nekoga da prihvati tu tvrdnju? Pa ipak, što navodi one među nama koji tvrde da prihvaćaju pionirsko razumijevanje da je Rim simboliziran izrazom „razbojnici tvoga naroda”, a ipak u stvarnosti nisu sposobni sami obraniti to razumijevanje?

In the first article we cited the following passage:

U prvome članku naveli smo sljedeći odlomak:

> “Whatever may be man’s intellectual advancement, let him not for a moment think that there is no need of thorough and continuous searching of the Scriptures for greater light. As a people we are called individually to be students of prophecy. We must watch with earnestness that we may discern any ray of light which God shall present to us.” Testimonies, volume 5, 708.

> „Kakav god bio čovjekov intelektualni napredak, neka ni za trenutak ne pomisli da nema potrebe za temeljitim i neprekidnim istraživanjem Svetoga pisma radi veće svjetlosti. Kao narod pozvani smo, svaki pojedinačno, biti proučavatelji proročanstava. Moramo bdjeti s ozbiljnošću kako bismo razabrali svaku zraku svjetlosti koju nam Bog bude predstavio.” Testimonies, svezak 5, 708.

I claim the “light which God” is now presenting “to us” is that we have not fully awakened to our responsibility to personally understand the first fifteen verses of Daniel eleven, and that we have not understood that verses thirteen to fifteen of that same chapter represents the truths that accomplish the final purging and sealing of the one hundred and forty-four thousand. If there were no heresies introduced in this very history it would provide evidence that we are wide awake. But this controversy proves otherwise.

Tvrdim da je „svjetlo koje Bog“ sada iznosi „pred nas“ to da se nismo u potpunosti probudili za svoju odgovornost da osobno razumijemo prvih petnaest redaka jedanaestog poglavlja Daniela te da nismo razumjeli da redci trinaest do petnaest toga istog poglavlja predstavljaju istine koje izvršavaju konačno pročišćenje i pečaćenje sto četrdeset i četiri tisuće. Kad u samoj toj povijesti ne bi bile uvedene nikakve hereze, to bi pružilo dokaz da smo posve budni. Ali ova suprotnost dokazuje drukčije.

> “The fact that there is no controversy or agitation among God’s people should not be regarded as conclusive evidence that they are holding fast to sound doctrine. There is reason to fear that they may not be clearly discriminating between truth and error. When no new questions are started by investigation of the Scriptures, when no difference of opinion arises which will set men to searching the Bible for themselves to make sure that they have the truth, there will be many now, as in ancient times, who will hold to tradition and worship they know not what. . ..

> Činjenica da među Božjim narodom nema prijepora ni uznemirenosti ne treba se smatrati konačnim dokazom da se čvrsto drže zdrave nauke. Ima razloga za strah da možda ne razlikuju jasno istinu od zablude. Kad se istraživanjem Svetoga pisma ne pokreću nova pitanja, kad ne nastaje razlika u mišljenju koja bi ljude navela da sami istražuju Bibliju kako bi se uvjerili da imaju istinu, bit će mnogih i sada, kao i u drevna vremena, koji će se držati predaje i klanjati se ne znajući čemu....

> “God will arouse His people; if other means fail, heresies will come in among them, which will sift them, separating the chaff from the wheat. The Lord calls upon all who believe His word to awake out of sleep. Precious light has come, appropriate for this time. It is Bible truth, showing the perils that are right upon us. This light should lead us to a diligent study of the Scriptures and a most critical examination of the positions which we hold. God would have all the bearings and positions of truth thoroughly and perseveringly searched, with prayer and fasting. Believers are not to rest in suppositions and ill-defined ideas of what constitutes truth. Their faith must be firmly founded upon the word of God so that when the testing time shall come and they are brought before councils to answer for their faith they may be able to give a reason for the hope that is in them, with meekness and fear.

> „Bog će probuditi svoj narod; ako druga sredstva zakažu, među njih će ući krivovjerja koja će ih prosijati, odvajajući kukolj od pšenice. Gospodin poziva sve koji vjeruju Njegovoj riječi da se probude iz sna. Došla je dragocjena svjetlost, prikladna za ovo vrijeme. To je biblijska istina koja pokazuje pogibli što su upravo pred nama. Ta bi nas svjetlost trebala potaknuti na marljivo proučavanje Svetoga pisma i na najstrože ispitivanje stavova koje zastupamo. Bog želi da se svi aspekti i sva stajališta istine temeljito i ustrajno istraže, uz molitvu i post. Vjernici ne smiju počivati na pretpostavkama i nejasno određenim predodžbama o tome što čini istinu. Njihova vjera mora biti čvrsto utemeljena na Božjoj riječi kako bi, kada dođe vrijeme kušnje i kada budu izvedeni pred vijeća da odgovaraju za svoju vjeru, mogli dati obrazloženje nade koja je u njima, s krotkošću i strahom.

> “Agitate, agitate, agitate. The subjects which we present to the world must be to us a living reality. It is important that in defending the doctrines which we consider fundamental articles of faith we should never allow ourselves to employ arguments that are not wholly sound.” Testimonies, volume 5, 708.

> „Potičite, potičite, potičite. Predmeti koje iznosimo pred svijet moraju nam biti živa stvarnost. Važno je da, braneći nauke koje smatramo temeljnim člancima vjere, nikada ne dopustimo sebi služiti se argumentima koji nisu posve valjani.” Svjedočanstva, svezak 5, 708.

As we move forward in this consideration of the robbers of God’s people we will demonstrate that the argument upon verse fourteen of Daniel eleven between the Protestants and the Millerites is identical to the argument between the new and private interpretation that the United States, and not Rome, establishes the vision. The position that The Great Controversy uses the expression, “old world” to identify past history is a “supposition and ill-defined idea” and it is an illustration of an “argument that is not wholly sound.”

Kako budemo napredovali u ovom razmatranju razbojnika Božjega naroda, pokazat ćemo da je rasprava o četrnaestom retku jedanaestog poglavlja Daniela između protestanata i milerita istovjetna raspravi između novoga i privatnoga tumačenja prema kojemu Sjedinjene Države, a ne Rim, uspostavljaju viđenje. Stajalište da The Great Controversy rabi izraz „stari svijet” kako bi označila prošlu povijest jest „pretpostavka i nejasno određena zamisao” te je primjer „tvrdnje koja nije posve zdrava”.

Those who have used the passage to uphold their supposition that the Millerites were incorrect in identifying Rome as the robbers of thy people, should fulfill their Christian obligation and publicly retract their claim, for it is unsustainable grammatically and historically. For those sitting on the side-lines of this controversy, you are responsible to rightly divide the word of truth, for you have been called to be an individual who is a student of prophecy, not a follower of a man’s idea.

Oni koji su se tim odlomkom poslužili kako bi poduprli svoju pretpostavku da su mileriti pogriješili poistovjećujući Rim s pljačkašima tvoga naroda, trebali bi ispuniti svoju kršćansku obvezu i javno povući svoju tvrdnju, jer je ona neodrživa gramatički i povijesno. A vi koji sjedite po strani u ovoj raspravi, odgovorni ste da ispravno razlažete riječ istine, jer ste pozvani biti pojedinci koji proučavaju proročanstvo, a ne sljedbenici čovjekove zamisli.

Men wrest the Scriptures to their own destruction.

Ljudi izvrću Pisma na vlastitu propast.

> And account that the longsuffering of our Lord is salvation; even as our beloved brother Paul also according to the wisdom given unto him hath written unto you; As also in all his epistles, speaking in them of these things; in which are some things hard to be understood, which they that are unlearned and unstable wrest, as they do also the other scriptures, unto their own destruction. Ye therefore, beloved, seeing ye know these things before, beware lest ye also, being led away with the error of the wicked, fall from your own stedfastness. But grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. To him be glory both now and forever. Amen. 2 Peter 3:15–18.

> I držite da je dugotrpljivost našega Gospodina spasenje; kao što vam je i naš ljubljeni brat Pavao, prema mudrosti koja mu je dana, pisao; kao i u svim svojim poslanicama, govoreći u njima o ovim stvarima; u kojima ima nešto što je teško razumjeti, što neuki i nepostojani izvrću, kao i ostala Pisma, na vlastitu propast. Vi dakle, ljubljeni, budući da to unaprijed znate, čuvajte se da i vi, zavedeni zabludom bezakonika, ne otpadnete od svoje vlastite postojanosti. Nego rastite u milosti i u spoznaji našega Gospodina i Spasitelja Isusa Krista. Njemu slava i sada i dovijeka. Amen. 2 Petrova 3:15–18.

Peter states that it is the “unlearned and unstable” who “wrest” the Scriptures “unto their own destruction.” In agreement with that fact is Sister White’s repeated warnings to us to study for ourselves. If we are not fulfilling our responsibility to be students of prophecy, we are determining our own destruction.

Petar izjavljuje da su „neuki i nepostojani” ti koji „izvrću” Pisma „na vlastitu propast”. U skladu s tom činjenicom jesu i ponovljena upozorenja sestre White da proučavamo sami za sebe. Ako ne ispunjavamo svoju odgovornost da budemo proučavatelji proroštva, određujemo vlastitu propast.

It is the robbers of thy people who establish the vision, and Solomon identifies that where there is no vision the people perish.

To su razbojnici tvoga naroda koji ostvaruju viđenje, a Salomon utvrđuje da ondje gdje nema viđenja narod propada.

> Where there is no vision, the people perish: but he that keepeth the law, happy is he. Proverbs 29:18.

> Gdje nema viđenja, narod propada; a blago onomu koji drži zakon. Izreke 29,18.

One of the definitions of “perish” is to be made naked. Where there is an incorrect understanding of the vision, it is based upon the fact that the symbol that establishes the vision is not understood, or incorrectly understood. To be among those who perish in Solomon’s warning is to secure the nakedness represented by the Laodiceans who are spewed out of the mouth of the Lord at the soon coming Sunday law. Why would we accept an idea that misrepresents the clear meaning of Sister White’s comments upon the old and new world, and that rejects the Millerite identification that it is Rome who establishes the vision, which was directly represented upon the 1843 chart, which represents the foundational truths of Adventism, and which is Christ, the Rock of Ages that is represented by all sacred illustration of the foundations?

Jedna od definicija riječi „propasti” jest biti ogoljen. Gdje postoji pogrešno razumijevanje viđenja, ono se temelji na činjenici da simbol koji uspostavlja viđenje nije shvaćen, ili je shvaćen pogrešno. Biti među onima koji propadaju u Salomonovu upozorenju znači osigurati golotinju koju predstavljaju Laodikejci koji su izbljuvani iz usta Gospodnjih pri uskoro nadolazećem nedjeljnom zakonu. Zašto bismo prihvatili zamisao koja pogrešno prikazuje jasno značenje komentara sestre White o starom i novom svijetu i koja odbacuje mileritsko poistovjećenje da je Rim taj koji uspostavlja viđenje, što je bilo izravno prikazano na karti iz 1843., koja predstavlja temeljne istine adventizma i koja je Krist, Stijena vjekova, prikazana svakim svetim prikazom temelja?

> “But every building erected on other foundation than God’s word will fall. He who, like the Jews in Christ’s day, builds on the foundation of human ideas and opinions, of forms and ceremonies of man’s invention, or on any works that he can do independently of the grace of Christ, is erecting his structure of character upon the shifting sand. The fierce tempests of temptation will sweep away the sandy foundation and leave his house a wreck on the shores of time.

> „Ali svaka građevina podignuta na drugome temelju osim Božje riječi pasti će. Onaj koji, poput Židova u Kristovo doba, gradi na temelju ljudskih zamisli i mišljenja, na oblicima i obredima čovjekova izuma, ili na bilo kojim djelima koja može činiti neovisno o Kristovoj milosti, podiže svoju građevinu karaktera na pijesku koji se pomiče. Žestoke oluje kušnje odnijet će pješčani temelj i ostaviti njegovu kuću kao ruševinu na obalama vremena.“

> “‘“Therefore thus saith the Lord God, … Judgment also will I lay to the line, and righteousness to the plummet: and the hail shall sweep away the refuge of lies, and the waters shall overflow the hiding place.’ Isaiah 28:16, 17.

> „Stoga ovako veli Gospodin Bog, … I sud ću položiti po užetu, i pravdu po visku; a tuča će pomesti utočište laži, i vode će preplaviti skrovište.” Izaija 28,16.17.

> “But today mercy pleads with the sinner. ‘As I live, saith the Lord God, I have no pleasure in the death of the wicked; but that the wicked turn from his way and live: turn ye, turn ye from your evil ways; for why will ye die?’ Ezekiel 33:11. The voice that speaks to the impenitent today is the voice of Him who in heart anguish exclaimed as He beheld the city of His love: ‘O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, which killeth the prophets, and stoneth them that are sent unto her! how often would I have gathered thy children together, even as a hen gathereth her own brood under her wings, and ye would not! Behold, your house is left unto you desolate.’ Luke 13:34, 35 , R.V. In Jerusalem, Jesus beheld a symbol of the world that had rejected and despised His grace. He was weeping, O stubborn heart, for you! Even when Jesus’ tears were shed upon the mount, Jerusalem might yet have repented, and escaped her doom. For a little space the Gift of heaven still waited her acceptance. So, O heart, to you Christ is still speaking in accents of love: ‘Behold, I stand at the door, and knock: if any man hear My voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with Me.’ ‘Now is the accepted time; behold, now is the day of salvation.’ Revelation 3:20; 2 Corinthians 6:2.

> „Ali danas milost preklinje grešnika. ‘Tako ja bio živ, govori Gospod Jahve, nije mi drago da bezbožnik umre, nego da se bezbožnik odvrati od svojega puta i živi: obratite se, obratite se sa svojih zlih putova; zašto da umrete?’ Ezekiel 33:11. Glas koji danas govori nepokajanima glas je Onoga koji je u tjeskobi srca uskliknuo, promatrajući grad svoje ljubavi: ‘Jeruzaleme, Jeruzaleme, koji ubijaš proroke i kamenuješ one koji su ti poslani! koliko puta htjedoh okupiti tvoju djecu, kao što kvočka skuplja svoje piliće pod krila, i ne htjedoste! Evo, kuća vaša ostavlja vam se pusta.’ Luke 13:34, 35, R.V. U Jeruzalemu je Isus vidio simbol svijeta koji je odbacio i prezreo Njegovu milost. On je plakao, o tvrdokorno srce, za tobom! Čak i kad su Isusove suze bile prolivene na gori, Jeruzalem se još mogao pokajati i izbjeći svoju propast. Još je kratko vrijeme Dar neba čekao da ga prihvati. Tako, o srce, Krist tebi još uvijek govori naglascima ljubavi: ‘Evo, stojim na vratima i kucam; posluša li tko Moj glas i otvori vrata, ući ću k njemu i večerati s njim, i on sa Mnom.’ ‘Evo sad je vrijeme milosno, evo sad je dan spasenja.’ Revelation 3:20; 2 Corinthians 6:2.“

> “You who are resting your hope on self are building on the sand. But it is not yet too late to escape the impending ruin. Before the tempest breaks, flee to the sure foundation. ‘Thus saith the Lord God, Behold, I lay in Zion for a foundation a stone, a tried stone, a precious cornerstone, of sure foundation: he that believeth shall not make haste.’ ‘Look unto Me, and be ye saved, all the ends of the earth: for I am God, and there is none else.’ ‘Fear thou not; for I am with thee: be not dismayed; for I am thy God: I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee; yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of My righteousness.’ ‘Ye shall not be ashamed nor confounded world without end.’ Isaiah 28:16, R.V.; 45:22; 41:10; 45:17.” Thoughts from the Mount of Blessing, 150–152.

> „Vi koji svoju nadu polažete u sebe gradite na pijesku. Ali još nije prekasno da izbjegnete nadolazeću propast. Prije nego što oluja izbije, pobjegnite na siguran temelj. ‘Ovako veli Gospodin Jahve: Evo, postavljam na Sionu kamen za temelj, kamen prokušan, dragocjen ugaoni kamen, temelj pouzdan; tko vjeruje, neće se smesti.’ ‘Obratite se k Meni i spasit ćete se, svi krajevi zemlje, jer Ja sam Bog i nema drugoga.’ ‘Ne boj se, jer Ja sam s tobom; ne plaši se, jer Ja sam tvoj Bog; osnažit ću te, da, pomoći ću ti, da, poduprijet ću te desnicom svoje pravednosti.’ ‘Nećete se postidjeti niti ćete se smesti dovijeka.’ Izaija 28:16, R.V.; 45:22; 41:10; 45:17.” Misli s gore blaženstava, 150–152.

We will continue this study in the next article.

Nastavit ćemo ovo proučavanje u sljedećem članku.

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