10 virgins parable

TEN VIRGINS PARABLE
MATT 25: 1 - 13

Traditional Belief
It is often believed and taught:
• the Ten Virgin Parable, with its Midnight Cry
Message is all in the past, and that it finished in
1844.
• Testimony of Jesus concerning this parable,
completely refutes this long-standing tradition.
• Let us establish from the Testimony of Jesus, that
the Ten Virgin Parable, is present truth for all
Advent believers right until the end of
probationary time

R. & H., Book 2, p. 419
“When the third angel's message is preached as
it should be, power attends its proclamation,
and it becomes an abiding influence. It must be
attended with divine power, or it will accomplish
nothing. I am often referred to the parable of the
ten virgins, five of whom were wise, and five
foolish. This parable has been and will be fulfilled
to the very letter, for it has a special application
to this time, and, like the third angel's message,
has been fulfilled and will continue to be present
truth till the close of time.” {RH, August 19, 1890
par. 3}

R. & H., Book 3, p. 331
“My mind was carried to the future, when
the signal will be given. "Behold, the
Bridegroom cometh; go ye out to meet
him." But some will have delayed to
obtain the oil for replenishing their lamps,
and too late they will find that character,
which is represented by the oil, is not
transferable.” {RH, February 11, 1896 par.
6}

Matt 24: 45 – 47; 48 - 51
READ

Matt 24: 45 – 47; 48 - 51
The two types of servants produce the
two types of virgins of the parable. That is,
the
1. Faithful and wise servant - gives meat
in due season [that is, he gives present
truth], produces the wise virgins.
2. Evil servant – believes in his heart that,
“My lord delayeth his coming”, produces
the foolish virgins.

R. & H., Book 3, 601
“It is not a trifling matter for those who have
the light of truth to be non-committal, nor for
the sentiments of the heart to be expressed in
the words, "My Lord delayeth his coming." The
influence of the peace-and safety sentiment is
in the midst of us. A worldly, malarious
influence prevails to soothe those who should
be stirred by the message of truth to stand as
faithful sentinels at the post of duty. Truth must
be expressed in our lives. The light must shine
brightly, or we shall cause others to stumble
and fall.” {RH, August 23, 1898 par. 4}

{RH, August 23, 1898 par. 5}
“Those who hide their light will soon lose all
power to let it shine. They are represented by
the foolish virgins; and when the crisis comes,
and the last call is made, "Behold, the
Bridegroom cometh; go ye out to meet him,"
they will find that while they have been
mingling with the world, their light has gone
out. They did not continue to provide
themselves with the oil of grace. The peace-
and-safety cry hushed them to slumber, and
made them careless in regard to their light.”
{RH, August 23, 1898 par. 5}

The 10 Virgins = SDA end time
experience
“As Christ sat looking upon the party
that waited for the bridegroom, He
told His disciples the story of the ten
virgins, by their experience
illustrating the experience of the
church that shall live just before His
second coming.” {COL 406.2}

Col 406:3
“The two classes of watchers
represent the two classes who
profess to be waiting for their Lord.
They are called virgins because
they profess a pure faith.” {COL
406.3}

LAMP = Word of God
THE LAMPS WHICH ALL THE VIRGINS HAVE = THE
WORD OF GOD: -
Ps 119: 105 – Lamps = Word of God
Acts 17; 11 - The wise virgins act the part of
modern day Noble Bereans, under the symbol
in the parable of their trimming their lamps –
the Word of God. They will rightly divide the
Scriptures.
2 Tim 2: 15 -

Trimming of the lamps
This action by the ten virgins is defined
for us by the Testimony of Jesus, as an
intense study of the Scriptures.

1884 Great Controversy, p. 250:
“At the call, "The Bridegroom cometh;
go ye out to meet him," the waiting
ones "arose and trimmed their lamps;"
they studied the word of God with an
intensity of interest before unknown.
Angels were sent from Heaven to
arouse those who had become
discouraged, and prepare them to
receive the message.” {4SP 250.2}

Note
The wise virgins do NOT give the
Midnight Cry; but rather, they
receive the message that is
proclaimed from some one else.

“At the call, "The Bridegroom cometh;
go ye out to meet him," the waiting ones
"arose and trimmed their lamps;" they
studied the word of God with an intensity
of interest before unknown. Angels were
sent from Heaven to arouse those who
had become discouraged, and prepare
them to receive the message.” {4SP
250.2}

OIL = HOLY SPIRIT
The oil is the Holy Spirit, which works out
a righteous character in the life of the
believer
1 Samuel 16:13: - “Then Samuel took the
horn of oil, and anointed him in the midst
of his brethren: and the spirit of the LORD
came upon David from that day
forward. So Samuel rose up, and went to
Ramah.”

COL 408 - 411“In the parable,
• all the ten virgins went out to meet the
bridegroom. All had lamps and vessels for oil. For
a time there was seen no difference between
them.
• So with the church that lives just before Christ's
second coming.
• All have a knowledge of the Scriptures.
• All have heard the message of Christ's near
approach, and confidently expect His
appearing. But as in the parable, so it is now. A
time of waiting intervenes, faith is tried; and when
the cry is heard, … many are unready. They have
no oil in their vessels with their lamps. They are
destitute of the Holy Spirit.” {COL 408.

COL 408
• “Without the Spirit of God a knowledge of
His word is of no avail.
• The theory of truth, unaccompanied by the
Holy Spirit, cannot quicken the soul or
sanctify the heart.
• Unless the Spirit of God sets the truth home,
the character will not be transformed.
• Without the enlightenment of the Spirit, men
will not be able to distinguish truth from
error, and they will fall under the masterful
temptations of Satan.” {COL 408.3}

OIL = Heavenly grace of God.
R. & H., Book 4, p. 110: - “The oil is
the holy grace that is sent from
heaven; and there must be an
inward adorning with that grace, if
we would stand when he appears.”
{RH, October 31, 1899 par. 13}
Definition: Titus 2: 11-12

OIL = Communications of
the Holy Spirit
R. & H., Book 4, p. 490: - “The golden
oil represents the grace with which
God keeps the lamps of believers
supplied. Were it not that this holy oil is
poured from heaven in the messages
of God's Spirit, the agencies of evil
would have entire control over men.”
{RH, February 3, 1903 par. 5}

the Holy Spirit
“God is dishonored when we do not
receive the communications that he
sends us. Thus we refuse the golden
oil which he would pour into our
souls to be communicated to those
in darkness.”
{RH, February 3, 1903 par. 6}

the Holy Spirit
This inspired explanation of the oil
representing the communications of
God’s Holy Spirit, exposes as error, the
common
Adventist belief, that all we need is the
Bible, and not the Testimonies of the
Spirit of God.
Prov 29: 18
1 Thess 5: 19 - 21

FROM THE BIBLICAL STANDPOINT, IT IS
*UNBIBLICAL TO REJECT THE NEED FOR A PROPHET
IN THE LAST DAYS, SEEING IT IS THE VERY BIBLE
WHICH C0MMANDS IN 1 THESS.5:19, 20 TO
"DESPISE NOT PROPHESYING" AND FURTHER STATES
THAT (ACCORDING TO JOEL 2:27-32) IN THE "LAST
DAYS" GOD'S SPIRIT WILL CAUSE BOTH “SONS”
AND “DAUGHTERS” (WOMEN AND MEN) TO
"PROPHESY".
Derrick Gillespie

MALACHI 4:1, 4-6 INDICATES THAT IN THE LAST
DAYS, OR JUST BEFORE THE FIERY JUDGMENT DAY,
GOD WILL NOT JUST BE CALLING PEOPLE BACK TO
KEEPING ALL HIS TEN COMMANDMENTS, BUT
ALSO WILL SEND THE PROPHETIC SPIRIT OF ELIJAH
TO PREPARE AND UNITE GOD’S PEOPLE; A CLEAR
INDICATION THAT WORK OF GOD’S LAST DAY
PEOPLE WILL BE ACCOMPANIED WITH THE SPIRIT
OF OR MINISTRY OF THE PROPHETS (SEE REV.
12:17; REV. 19:10; REV. 22:8, 9).

IN ADDITION, THE VERY BIBLE ITSELF MAKES
PLAIN THAT ONE OF THE ENDURING GIFTS OF THE
HOLY SPIRIT IN THE CHURCH (ACCORDING TO
EPH. 4: 8, 10-14) IS THAT OF "PROPHETS" SO THAT
THE CHURCH MAY GROW UP INTO MATURITY.
Derrick Gillespie

PROPHETS ARE ALSO FOR THE "EDIFYING" OF THE
CHURCH. ALL THIS IS IN ADDITION TO THE SCRIPTURES
ALREADY GIVEN. SO THEN, HOW CAN THE BIBLE SAY ALL
THIS, AND IT BE "UNBIBLICAL" TO ACCEPT PROPHETS IN
THE CHURCH IN ADDITION TO THE BIBLE? NOT AT ALL.
Most SDA IS VERY MISGIDED ON THIS ONE!! “SOLA
SCRIPTURA” OR “THE BIBLE ONLY” OBLIGATES CHRISTIANS
TO ACCEPT THE PLACE OF THE GIFTS OF THE SPIRIT, AND
TO OBEY THE COMMANDS TO “DESPITE NOT
PROPHESYINGS”, TO “PROVE ALL THINGS” AND TO “HOLD
FAST TO THAT WHICH IS GOOD”!!
Derrick Gillespie

Only if the Church ended with the apostles of the
New Testament, and only if the Church attained
the full perfection EPHESIANS 4:10-14 spoke of,
would there be no more need for the gifts of the
Spirit. God is not partial or discriminatory. Once
the Church remains in place today then the gifts
are still relevant, and once the Bible does not
change its prophecy FOR THE LASTS DAYS in Joel
2:27-32 and Mal. 4:1,4-6, then we can expect
prophets (and healers, preachers, teachers,
etc.) to still remain with the Church.
Derrick Gillespie

WE ARE TO "TRY THE SPIRITS" AND BEWARE OF
"FALSE PROPHETS" THE BIBLE MAKES PLAIN...ALL
INDICATING THAT BOTH THE REAL/TRUE AND
FALSE PROPHETS WILL BE IN THE CHURCH TILL THE
END OF TIME!! PERIOD!! After "proving" the
prophetic utterances, then we are further
commanded to "hold fast to that which is good"
...in other words, preserve, respect and abide by
the counsels and insights made available via
the prophetic gift once it passes the Biblical
test!!
Derrick Gillespie

Too many who claim to believe and hold to the
tenets of the Bible (as the sole/final rule of faith
for the Christian) tend to reject the notion that
genuine prophets can be in the Church, yet,
apart from what was BIBLICALLY shown above, it
does appear strongly FROM THE BIBLE ITSELF that
one of the identifying marks of the TRUE people
of God in the last days is for them to be blessed
with “the spirit of prophecy” or the “spirit of the
prophets”, even as they are identified as being
obedient to the commandments of God (see
Rev. 12:17 and Rev. 19:10 with Rev. 22: 8, 9).
Derrick Gillespie

the Holy Spirit
The apostle John exiled because he
had the Word of God AND the
Testimony of Jesus, which the
heavenly angel defines as being
the Spirit of Prophecy.
Rev 1: 9
Rev 19: 10

1884 Great Controversy, p. 340: - “I will also have
unbelieving ones present, who will express doubts
in regard to the Lord's messages of warning to his
church. Should the people read and believe these
admonitions, we could have little hope of
overcoming them. But if we can divert their
attention from these warnings, they will remain
ignorant of our power and cunning, and we shall
secure them in our ranks at last. God will not
permit his words to be slighted with impunity. If we
can keep souls deceived for a time, God’s mercy
will be withdrawn, and he will give them up to our
full control.” {4SP 340.2}

Original Testimony, No. 27, p. 8
“In ancient times God spoke to men
by the mouth of prophets and
apostles. In these days he speaks to
them by the testimonies of his Spirit.
There was never a time when
God more earnestly instructed his
people concerning his will, and the
course that he would have them
pursue, than now.”

Christ’s Object Lessons, p. 414
Matt 25: 5 – 7 - “ … they all slumbered and slept.
… Then all those virgins arose
“The coming of the bridegroom was at midnight--the
darkest hour. So the coming of Christ will take place in
the darkest period of this earth's history.
Special Test., Series B, No, 7, 56 & 57:- “One thing it is
certain is soon to be realized,-- the great apostasy,
which is developing and increasing and waxing
stronger, and will continue to do so until the Lord shall
descend from heaven with a shout.” {SpTB07 57.1}

Special Testimonies
Special Testimonies, Series B, No, 7, 56 & 57:-
“One thing it is certain is soon to be realized,--
the great apostasy, which is developing and
increasing and waxing stronger, and will
continue to do so until the Lord shall descend
from heaven with a shout.” {SpTB07 57.1}
Special Testimonies, Series B, No. 2, p. 14: -
“At this time the Laodicean message is to be
given, to arouse a slumbering church.” {SpTB02
14.3}

R. & H., Book 2, p. 419
“The name "foolish virgins" represents the character of
those who have not the genuine heart-work wrought
by the Spirit of God. The coming of Christ does not
change the foolish virgins into wise ones. When Christ
comes, the balances of Heaven will weigh the
character, and decide whether it is pure, sanctified,
and holy, or whether it is unclean, and unfit for the
kingdom of heaven. Those who have despised the
divine grace that is at their command, that would
have qualified them to be the inhabitants of heaven,
will be the foolish virgins. They had all the light, all the
knowledge, but they failed to obtain the oil of grace;
they did not receive the truth in its sanctifying power.”
{RH, August 19, 1890 par. 8}

Special Testimonies
The Testimony of Jesus clearly reveals the truth,
that Christ’s coming in the Parable, is a coming to
weigh the virgins’ characters in the balances of
heaven. This is Judgment Language!
The concept of being weighed in the balances as
found in the Scriptures, is a reference to a work of
Judgment being undertaken by God.
Job 3: 16
Isa 26: 7
Dan 5: 25, 27

Note
The Testimony of Jesus clearly
teaches us, that our characters are
to be weighed in God’s balances of
justice in the Investigative
Judgment, before the second
coming of Jesus.

1884 Great Controversy, p. 266
“The cleansing of the sanctuary
therefore involves a work of investigative
Judgment. This work must be performed
prior to the coming of Christ to redeem
his people; for when he comes, his
reward is with him to give to every man
according to his works. [ REV22:12.] ”
{4SP 266.1}

"If therefore thou shalt not watch, I will
come on thee as a thief; and thou shalt not
know what hour I will come upon thee."
[REV. 3:3.] How perilous is the condition of
those, who, growing weary of their watch
[like the foolish virgins perhaps? - the
compiler], turn to the attractions of the
world. {4SP 315.1}

While the man of business is absorbed
in the pursuit of gain, while the
pleasure-lover is seeking indulgence,
while the daughter of fashion is
arranging her adornments,--it may be
in that hour the Judge of all the earth
will pronounce the sentence, "Thou art
weighed in the balances, and art
found wanting.” {4SP 315.1}

• The Bridegroom comes while the foolish virgins
attempt to get the oil;
• the wise being ready go into the marriage,
with the Bridegroom, who then shuts the door.
• This must be the door of probation that is being
closed.
• All this takes place AFTER the Midnight
Cry has been given.

Note
The coming of the Bridegroom is
referring to Christ’s coming to
Judgment, and NOT to his 2nd
coming in the clouds of heaven!

8T 247
“In the balances of the sanctuary the Seventh-
day Adventist church is to be weighed. She will
be judged by the privileges and advantages
that she has had. If her spiritual experience does
not correspond to the advantages that Christ, at
infinite cost, has bestowed on her, if the blessings
conferred have not qualified her to do the work
entrusted to her, on her will be pronounced the
sentence: "Found wanting." By the light
bestowed, the opportunities given, will she be
judged.” {8T 247.2}

The Foolish virgins = Laodicean state
R. & H., Book 2, p. 420: - “The state of the
Church represented by the foolish virgins, is
also spoken of as the Laodicean state.” {RH,
August 19, 1890 par. 10}
R. & H., Book 3, p. 483: - “Those who would be
ready to meet their Lord must keep their lamps
filled with the oil of grace. It was a neglect to
do this that distinguished the foolish virgins
from the wise. They had lamps, but no oil; their
characters could not stand the test.” {RH, July
20, 1897 par. 4}

Character not Transferable
This desperate attempt of the foolish virgins
to get oil from the wise, and the wise
virgin’s inability to share their oil with the
foolish, represents the sobering spiritual
truth, that a righteous character formed by
the holy oil of God’s grace, is NOT
transferable to another person. We can
only work out our own salvation, not
someone else’s!
Ezekiel 14:14,16,18,20
Philippians 2:12

Character not Transferable
R. & H., Book 2, p. 104: - “Each one
individually must do the work, and
determine through personal efforts to
have the grace of God in the heart. I
cannot form a character for you, nor can
you for me. It is a burden that rests upon
every one individually, young or old.” {RH,
January 4, 1887 par. 10}

Too Late ,
Christ’s Object Lessons, p. 412: - “It is in a
crisis that character is revealed. When the
earnest voice proclaimed at midnight,
"Behold, the bridegroom cometh; go ye
out to meet him," and the sleeping virgins
were roused from their slumbers, it was
seen who had made preparation for the
event.
Songs of Solomon 1:8-10 , 5:2-6

Too Late ,
Christ’s Object Lessons, p. 412:
Both parties were taken unawares;
but one was prepared for the
emergency, and the other was found
without preparation.

Too Late
So now, a sudden and unlooked-for
calamity, something that brings the
soul face to face with death, will
show whether there is any real faith
in the promises of God. It will show
whether the soul is sustained by
grace. {COL 412.1}

Too Late
The great final test comes at the
close of human probation, when
it will be too late for the soul's
need to be supplied.” {COL 412.1}
The Lord has shown me clearly that the image of the
beast will be formed before probation closes; for it is
to be the great test for the people of God, by which
their eternal destiny will be decided. . . . [Revelation
13:11-17 quoted.] . . . {7BC 976.2}
This is the test that the people of God must have
before they are sealed. All who proved their loyalty
to God by observing His law, and refusing to accept a
spurious sabbath, will rank under the banner of the
Lord God Jehovah, and will receive the seal of the
living God. Those who yield the truth of heavenly
origin and accept the Sunday Sabbath, will receive
the mark of the beast (Letter 11, 1890). {7BC 976.3}

Matt 25: 5 - 12
There is a mysterious procession that is
accompanying the Bridegroom, who
give the Midnight Cry, which arouses all
ten of the sleeping virgins. Please note,
the wise do NOT give the Midnight Cry.
The best that they can do, is to join this
mysterious procession which goes in
with the Bridegroom into the festal hall.
While the foolish virgins are left behind to
try and buy the oil of the Holy Spirit when
it is too late.

RH, October 31, 1899 par.
5
“At the call, the sleeping eyes are opened, and
every one is aroused. They see the
procession they are to join moving on, bright with
torches and glad with music. They hear the voice
of the bridegroom and the voice of the bride. The
five wise virgins trim their lamps, and go forth to
meet the bridegroom.”

RH, October 31, 1899 par. 6
“The foolish virgins made no provision for their
lamps; and when aroused from their slumbers,
they found that their lights were going out. ...
But while they went to buy, the procession
moved on, and left them behind. The bridal
train entered the house, and the door was
shut. When the foolish virgins reached the
banqueting hall, they received an
unexpected denial. They were left outside in
the blackness of the night.”

RH, July 20, 1897
“While the foolish virgins awoke to find
their lamps burning dimly, or going out in
the darkness, the wise virgins, with their
lamps burning brightly, entered the
festal hall, and the gates were shut.
Greatly rejoicing at the sound of the
bridegroom's voice, they joined
the bridal procession.”

Question?
Which group has the presence of the
Bridegroom – Jesus with them?
The sleeping Ten Virgins?
Or, This procession?
Ans: The procession of course!

Question?
The Testimony of Jesus has made it very
clear, that the wise virgins have to join
this mysterious procession that is passing
along with Christ on its way to the festal
hall. It is this procession with Jesus who
gives the Midnight Cry to the Ten sleeping
Virgins.

NOTE
That little word “join” in connection with
this mysterious procession is significant,
because it indicates that the wise virgins
have to join something that they are not
already part of. Just as the Testimony of
Jesus teaches us that we have to join
the church triumphant. You don’t join
something if you are already a part of it!

R. & H., Book 2, p. 530
“Compassion beamed from his [that is,
Christ – compiler] countenance, and his
conduct was characterized by grace,
humility, truth, and love. Every member of
his church militant must manifest the same
qualities, if he would join the church
triumphant.” {RH, November 17, 1891 par. 12}
This procession which the wise virgins have to join, is
described by the Testimony of Jesus, as being “the
company that walked in the light given to them.” - R. & H.,
Book 4, p. 109 - {RH, October 31, 1899 par. 10}

R. & H., Book 4, p. 109
“This procession which the wise virgins
have to join, is described by the
Testimony of Jesus, as being “the
company that walked in the light given
to them.” - {RH, October 31, 1899 par. 10}

R. & H., Book 4, p. 109
NOTE: - A simple summary may be
helpful to bring out the historical
precedent concerning the procession
who gives the Midnight Cry to the
sleeping virgins:

A SUMMARY
1. Many of those who cherished the light of the 1st
Angel’s message “broke the cords which confined
them, and stood out separate from those
companies.” That is, they separated from their
churches who were opposing the 1st Angel’s
message.
2. The ministers and leading men of these churches,
who had themselves rejected the light of the 1st
Angel’s message, were tightening the cords of control
over their remaining members, and they “were
constantly saying, God is with us. We stand in the light.
We have the truth.”

A SUMMARY
3. There was a first disappointment for those
who had cherished the light of the 1st Angel’s
message, which caused discouragement.
4. The 2nd Angel’s message is then sounded,
and the message of the Midnight Cry
accompanies this second message.
5. “Those who had cherished the light which
had been imparted to them”, united with the
angels to help give the Midnight Cry.

A SUMMARY
6. Those who give this message are
persecuted by those who have rejected the
light, and a voice is heard telling them to
“Come out from among them, and touch not
the unclean.”
7. “A large number broke the cords which
bound them, and they obeyed the voice, and
left those who were in darkness, and united
with those who had previously broken the
cords, and they joyfully united their voices
with them.”

A SUMMARY
8. The honest in heart still in the churches
which had rejected the light from heaven,
reach out their hands for help to the “united
company who were free, rejoicing in God”,
and the only answer given to them is –
“Come out from among them, and be
separate.” And the individuals, who are
honest in heart, after a struggle, finally
break the cords that had bound them, and
they “joined the free company”.

A SUMMARY
Who composes the procession? It is
“those who had previously broken the
cords” – that is, those who had previously,
or earlier on in point of time left their
churches for rejecting the light sent to
them from heaven. This is the historical
precedent that can be learned from the
study of Advent history!

A SUMMARY
This procession in our time as far as it
relates to the Ten Virgin Parable, must
therefore, be those who have previously
separated themselves from the
backslidden, Laodicean church, before
they give the Midnight Cry to the ten
sleeping virgins. The best the wise virgins
can do, is to join this procession that is
giving the Midnight Cry to them, by going
out of the sleeping Laodicean church.

Has God no living church? He has a church,
but it is the church militant, not the church
triumphant. We are sorry that there are
defective members, that there are tares
amid the wheat. . . . Although there are
evils existing in the church, and will be
until the end of the world, the church in
these last days is to be the light of the
world that is polluted and demoralised by
sin. {FLB 305.2}

The church, enfeebled and
defective, needing to be
reproved, warned, and
counselled, is the only object
upon earth upon which Christ
bestows His supreme regard.--
TM 45, 49 (1893).

There is no need to doubt, to be fearful
that the work will not succeed. God is at
the head of the work, and He will set
everything in order. If matters need
adjusting at the head of the work God
will attend to that, and work to right
every wrong. Let us have faith that God
is going to carry the noble ship which
bears the people of God safely into
port.--2SM 390 (1892).

The bulwarks of Satan will never triumph.
Victory will attend the third angel's message. As
the Captain of the Lord's host tore down the
walls of Jericho, so will the Lord's
commandment-keeping people triumph, and all
opposing elements be defeated.--TM 410
(1898).
The Lord has made us the depositaries of His
law; He has committed to us sacred and eternal
truth, which is to be given to others in faithful
warnings, reproofs, and encouragement.--5T
381 (1885).

Seventh-day Adventists have been chosen by
God as a peculiar people, separate from the
world. By the great cleaver of truth He has cut
them out from the quarry of the world and
brought them into connection with Himself. He
has made them His representatives and has
called them to be ambassadors for Him in the
last work of salvation. The greatest wealth of
truth ever entrusted to mortals, the most
solemn and fearful warnings ever sent by God
to man, have been committed to them to be
given to the world.--7T 138 (1902).

In a special sense Seventh-day Adventists
have been set in the world as watchmen and
light bearers. To them has been entrusted the
last warning for a perishing world. On them is
shining wonderful light from the Word of God.
They have been given a work of the most
solemn import--the proclamation of the first,
second, and third angels' messages. There is
no other work of so great importance. They
are to allow nothing else to absorb their
attention.--9T 19 (1909).

The Lord has not given you a message to
call the Seventh-day Adventists Babylon,
and to call the people of God to come
out of her. All the reasons you may
present cannot have weight with me on
this subject, because the Lord has given
me decided light that is opposed to such
a message. . . .{LDE 51.2}

Babylon has been fostering poisonous doctrines, the wine of error.
THIS WINE OF ERROR IS MADE UP OF FALSE DOCTRINES, such as the
NATURAL IMMORTALITY OF THE SOUL, the ETERNAL TORMENT OF THE
WICKED, the DENIAL OF THE PRE-EXISTENCE OF CHRIST PRIOR TO HIS
BIRTH IN BETHLEHEM, AND ADVOCATING AND EXALTING THE FIRST
DAY OF THE WEEK ABOVE GOD'S HOLY AND SANCTIFIED DAY. These
and kindred errors are presented to the world by the various
churches, and thus the Scriptures are fulfilled that say, 'FOR ALL
NATIONS HAVE DRUNK OF THE WINE OF THE WRATH OF HER
FORNICATION.' It is a wrath which is created by false doctrines, and
WHEN KINGS AND PRESIDENTS DRINK THIS WINE OF THE WRATH OF HER
FORNICATION, THEY ARE STIRRED WITH ANGER AGAINST THOSE WHO
WILL NOT COME INTO HARMONY WITH THE FALSE AND SATANIC
HERESIES WHICH EXALT THE FALSE SABBATH, AND LEAD MEN TO
TRAMPLE UNDERFOOT GOD'S MEMORIAL. {TM 61.3}

I know that the Lord loves His church. It is not to be
disorganised or broken up into independent atoms.
There is not the least consistency in this; there is
not the least evidence that such a thing will be.--
2SM 63, 68, 69 (1893).
The message to pronounce the Seventh-day
Adventist Church Babylon, and call the people of
God out of her, does not come from any heavenly
messenger, or any human agent inspired by the
Spirit of God.—Ibid., 2:66...ELLEN G. WHITE:
VOLUME 4—THE AUSTRALIAN YEARS: 1891-1900,
BY ARTHUR L. WHITE, PAGE 85

I tell you, my brethren, the Lord has an
organised body through whom He will
work. . . . When anyone is drawing apart
from the organised body of God's
commandment-keeping people, when he
begins to weigh the church in his human
scales and begins to pronounce judgement
against them, then you may know that God
is not leading him. He is on the wrong
track.--3SM 17, 18 (1893).

Beware of those who arise that have a great burden
to denounce the church. The chosen ones who are
standing and breasting the storm of opposition from
the world, and are uplifting the down-trodden
commandments of God, to exalt them as holy and
honorable, are indeed the light of the world. How
dare mortal man pass his judgment upon them, and
call the church a harlot, Babylon, a den of thieves, a
cage of every unclean and hateful bird....THE
REMNANT CHURCH; ITS ORGANIZATION,
AUTHORITY, UNITY, AND TRIUMPH, PAGE 12

I will say in the fear and love of God, I know
the Lord has thoughts of love and mercy to
restore and heal them of all their
backslidings. He has a work for His church to
do. They are not to be pronounced Babylon,
but to be as the salt of the earth, the light of
the world. They are to be the living
messengers to proclaim a living message in
these last days....THE REMNANT CHURCH;
ITS ORGANIZATION, AUTHORITY, UNITY,
AND TRIUMPH, PAGE 6

Not Revealed to Just One or Two.--God has not passed
His people by, and chosen one solitary man here and
another there as the only ones worthy to be entrusted
with His truth. He does not give one man new light
contrary to the established faith of the body. In every
reform men have arisen making this claim. Paul warned
the church in his day, "Of your own selves shall men
arise, speaking perverse things, to draw away disciples
after them." The greatest harm to God's people comes
through those who go out from among them speaking
perverse things. Through them the way of truth is evil
spoken of. {CW 45.2}

NATIONAL
SUNDAY LAW
CLOSE OF
PROBATION1844 AD
CHURCH MILLITANT CHURCH TRIUPHANT
THE WHEAT AND
TARES MUST
GROW TOGETHER!
JESUS SEPERATES
THE WHEAT FROM
THE TARES!
PREPARATION TIME HARVEST TIME
Testimonies to Ministers pg.45- 46,
Last Days Events Chapter 12,
Matt. 13: 24-30

The Church Militant Is
Imperfect
The church militant is not the church triumphant,
and earth is not heaven.The church is composed
of erring, imperfect men and women, who are but
learners in the school of Christ, to be trained,
disciplined, educated, for this life and for the
future, immortal life. --ST Jan. 4, 1883. {LDE 61.2}

The Church Militant Is
Imperfect
Seventh-day Adventists hold as a fundamental
belief that they are the remnant church referred to
in Revelation 12:17. They are the church militant,
not the church triumphant.The church militant is
composed of both wheat and tares, but
nevertheless it is the visible organization God is
using to proclaim the three angels’ messages to the
ends of the earth.

The Father loves His people today as He loves His own
Son. Someday it will be our privilege to see Him face to
face. "We should remember that the church, enfeebled
and defective though it be, is the only object on earth
on which Christ bestows His supreme regard. He is
constantly watching it with solicitude, and is
strengthening it by His Holy Spirit . . . .
Trust to God's guardianship. His church is to be taught ,
Enfeebled and defective though it is, it is the object of
His supreme regard." Selected Messages, vol. 2p. 396.
(2 COR. 12:9)

"God has a church upon the earth, who are His chosen
people, who keep His commandments. He is leading,
not stray offshoots, not one here and one there, but a
people.The truth is a sanctifying power; but the
church militant is not the church triumphant. There
are tares among the wheat. 'Wilt thou then that we . .
. gather them up?' was the question of the servant;
but the master answered, 'Nay; lest while ye gather
up the tares, ye root up also the wheat with them.'
The gospel net draws not only good fish, but bad ones
as well, and the Lord only knows who are His.”TM, p.
61.

WHEN IS THE HARVEST
The tares and the wheat are to grow together until the
harvest; and the harvest is the end of probationary time. {COL
71.3}
There are two opposing influences continually exerted on the members of the
church. One influence is working for the purification of the church, and the other
for the corrupting of the people of God. {TM 46.1}
The tares represent a class who are the fruit or embodiment of
error, of false principles. {COL-71}
The Lord has shown me clearly that the image of the beast will be
formed before probation closes; for it is to be the test for the people
of God, by which their eternal destiny will be decided... This is the
test that the people of God must have before they are sealed . All who
prove their loyalty to God by observing His law, and refusing to
accept a spurious Sabbath, will rank under the banner of the Lord
God Jehovah and will receive the seal of the living God. Those who
yield the truth of heavenly origin and accept the Sunday Sabbath, will
receive the mark of the beast. (BC 7A -976)
Not one of us will ever receive the seal of God while our characters
have one spot or stain upon them. It is left with us to remedy the
defects in our characters, to cleanse the soul temple of every
defilement. Then the latter rain will fall upon us as the early rain fell
upon the disciples on the Day of Pentecost. {5T 214.2}
I then saw the third angel. Said my accompanying angel, "Fearful is
his work. Awful is his mission. He is the angel that is to select the
wheat from the tares, and seal, or bind, the wheat for the heavenly
garner. These things should engross the whole mind, the whole
attention." {EW-118}
The Church Triumphant.--The work is soon to close. The members of the
church militant who have proved faithful will become the church
triumphant.-- Letter 32, 1892. {Ev 707.1}

Harvest Time
The tares and the wheat are to grow together until the harvest; and the harvest is
the end of probationary time. {COL 71.3}

his enemy
came and
sowed tares
among the
wheat, and
went his way.
The tares represent a class who are the fruit or
embodiment of error, of false principles. {COL-71}
There are two opposing influences continually exerted on the
members of the church. One influence is working for the
purification of the church, and the other for the corrupting of
the people of God. {TM 46.1}

the experience that will bring God's people
the seal of God
“Zechariah's vision of
Joshua and the Angel
applies with peculiar
force to the experience
of God's people in the
closing-up of the great
day of atonement . . . .”
Testimony to the Church Vol. 5 pgs. 472-475

the seal of God
“As Joshua was
pleading before the
Angel, so the remnant
church, with
brokenness of heart
and earnest faith, will
plead for pardon and
deliverance through
Jesus their Advocate ...”

the seal of God
“They are fully
conscious of the
sinfulness of their lives
they see their weakness
and unworthiness, and
as they look upon
themselves they are
ready to despair.”

the seal of God
“The tempter stands by
to accuse them, as he
stood by to resist
Joshua. He points to
their filthy garments,
their defective
characters...”

the seal of God
“As the people of God
afflict their souls before
Him, pleading for purity
of heart, the command
is given, ‘Take away the
filthy garments from
them’, and the
encouraging words are
spoken:”

the seal of God
“'Behold, I have caused
thine iniquity to pass
from thee, and I will
clothe thee with change
of raiment.’”

the seal of God
“The spotless robe of
Christ‘s righteousness is
placed upon the tried,
tempted, yet faithful
children of God.”

the seal of God
“The despised remnant
are clothed in glorious
apparel, nevermore to
be defiled by the
corruptions of the
world.”

the seal of God
“Their names are
retained in the Lamb's
book of life, enrolled
among the faithful of all
ages. They have resisted
the wiles of the
deceiver: they have not
been turned from their
loyalty by the dragon's
roar.”

the seal of God
“Now they are eternally
secure from the
tempter's devices. Holy
angels, unseen, were
passing to and fro,
placing upon them the
seal of the living God.”

Observation
1. The setting is the antitypical day of
atonement.
2. God’s people afflict their souls in full
consciousness of their sinfulness.
3. Jesus takes away “the filthy garments”
and seals His people.

Prophets and Kings pgs. 725
“ [not
'filthy garments'], the church is to enter upon her
final conflict. ‘Fair as the moon, clear as the sun
and terrible as an army with banners’.
the seal of God

the seal of God
“I was shown those who
. The
company of guardian angels around them had
been doubled, and they were clothed with an
armor from their head to their feet.”
[Compare description of Joshua and the Angel Zac.3;
5T .472-475]
Early Writings pgs. 271

the seal of God
“They moved in exact order, like a company of
soldiers. Their countenances expressed the
severe conflict which they had endured: the
agonizing struggle they had passed through Yet
their features, marked with severe internal
anguish, now shone with the light and glory of
heaven.”

the seal of God
“They had obtained the victory, and it called
forth from them the deepest gratitude and holy
sacred joy . . . evil angels still pressed around
them, but could have no power over them . . . I
asked what had made this great change.”

the seal of God
“An angel answered,

Observation
1. The Remnant Clothe in Christ Robe of
Righteousness
2. The Remnant having received the
Latter Rain, proclaim the Loud Cry
message going forth to conqueror
Testimony to the Church Vol. 5 pgs. 472-475; Early Writings pg. 271

Testimony to the Church Vol. 5 pgs. 214
the seal of God
“Not one of us will ever receive the
while our characters have one spot or stain upon
them. It is left with us to remedy the defects in
our characters; to cleanse the soul temple of
every defilement .
. . .”

Observation
1. “Filthy garments” must be removed
2. Then receive the seal of God
3. Then God bestows HIS Latter Rain

GOD'S PEOPLE DO NOT SIGH
FOR ABOMINATIONS
IN THE CHURCH DURING
THE LATTER RAIN

Proposed order of events for God‘s people
are as follows:
1 . The Shaking;
2 . The Latter Rain/Loud Cry;
3. The Sealing.
To realise the fallacy of placing the sealing of God's
people after the latter rain and loud cry, please
consider three simple and straightforward
propositions:
1. The Condition of God's people Immediately
Prior to Being Sealed.
2. The Thoroughness of the Shaking.
3. The Glorious State of the Church During the
Latter Rain which Follows the Shaking.

The Condition of God's people Immediately
Prior to Being
Sealed
“Especially in the closing work for the church, in
the sealing time of the one hundred and forty-
four thousand who are to stand without fault
before the throne of God will they [the true
people of God]

Prior to Being
Sealed
“Those who receive the pure mark of truth,
wrought in them by the power of the Holy Ghost,
represented by a , are
those that for all the
abominations that be .”

Testimony to the Church Vol. 5. pgs. 209-211
Prior to Being
Sealed

The Thoroughness of the Shaking
“In the soon to take place we shall
be better able to measure the strength of Israel.
The signs reveal that the time is near when the
Lord will manifest that His fan is in His hand, and
He will thoroughly purge His floor.”
Testimony to the Church Vol. 5. pgs. 80

Testimony to the Church Vol. 1. pg. 190
“Oh, that every lukewarm professor could realize
the clean work that God is about to make among
His professed people.”

Testimony to the Church Vol. 1. pg. 431

The National Sunday law separates wheat from tares!
As the storm approaches, a large class who have professed
faith in the third angel's message, but have not been
sanctified through obedience to the truth, abandon their
position, and join the ranks of the opposition. By uniting
with the world and partaking of its spirit, they have come to
view matters in nearly the same light; and when the test is
brought, they are prepared to choose the easy, popular side.
Men of talent and pleasing address, who once rejoiced in
the truth, employ their powers to deceive and mislead
souls. They become the most bitter enemies of their former
brethren. When Sabbath-keepers are brought before the
courts to answer for their faith, these apostates are the
most efficient agents of Satan to misrepresent and accuse
them, and by false reports and insinuations to stir up the
rulers against them. {GC88 608.1}

The time is not far distant, when the test will come
to every soul. . . . In this time, the gold will be
separated from the dross in the church. True
godliness will be clearly distinguished from the
appearance and tinsel of it. Many a star that we have
admired for its brilliancy, will then go out in
darkness. Chaff like a cloud will be borne away on
the wind, even from places where we see only floors
of rich wheat. All who assume the ornaments of the
sanctuary, but are not clothed with Christ's
righteousness, will appear in the shame of their own
nakedness.--Testimonies, vol. 5, pp. 80,81.

Manuscript Release Vol. 12. pg. 324
“The church may appear as about to fall, but it
does not fall. It remains, while the sinners in Zion
will be sifted out. The chaff separated from the
precious wheat.

Manuscript Release Vol. 12. pg. 324
“None but those who have been overcoming by
the blood of the Lamb and the word of their
testimony will be found with the loyal and true,
without spot or stain of sin, without guile in their
mouths.

Glorious State of the Church During the
Latter Rain
which Follows the Shaking
“Then [after the shaking] will the church of Christ
appear
. The seeds of
truth that are being sown by missionary effort
will then spring up and blossom and bear fruit.”
Testimony to the Church Vol.5. pg. 82

“God requires perfection of His children. His law Is a
transcript of His own character, and it is the standard of all
character. This infinite standard is presented to all that there
may be no mistake in regard to the kind of people whom
God will have to compose His kingdom.”-Christ Object
Lessons, 315:1.
“Those only who through faith in Christ obey all of God’s
commandments will reach the condition of sinlessness in
which Adam lived before his transgression. They testify to
their love of Christ by obeying all His precepts.” -8
Manuscript Releases, 99:2.
To sin means to crucify Jesus
(Heb. 6:6), and sin is the
transgression of God’s holy law
(1 John. 3:4). If you love Jesus
would you continue crucifying.

“God’s Ideal for His children is higher than the highest
human thought can reach. ‘Be ye therefore perfect, even as
your Father which is in heaven is perfect.’ This command is a
promise. The plan of redemption contemplates our complete
recovery from the power of Satan. Christ always separates
the contrite soul from sin. He came to destroy the works of
the devil, and He has made provision that the Holy Spirit
shall be imparted to every repentant soul, to keep him from
sinning, “The tempter’s agency is not to be accounted an
excuse for one wrong act. Satan is jubilant when he hears
the professed followers of Christ making excuses for their
deformity of character. It is these excuses that lead to sin.
There is no excuse for sinning. A holy temper, a Christ-like
life, is accessible to every repenting, believing child of God.

“The ideal of Christian character is Christlikeness. As the Son of man
was perfect In His life, so His followers are to be perfect in their life.
Jesus was in all things made like unto His brethren. He became flesh,
even as we are. He was hungry and thirsty and weary. He was
sustained by food and refreshed by sleep. He shared the lot of man; yet
He was the blameless Son of God, He was God in the flesh. His
character is to be ours. The Lord says of those who believe in Him, ‘I
will dwell in them, and walk in them; and I will be their God, and they
shall be My people,’
“Christ reaches us where we are. He took our nature and overcame,
that we through taking His nature might overcome. . by His divinity He
lays hold upon the throne of heaven, while by His humanity He reaches
us. He bids us by faith In Him attain to the glory of the character of
God. Therefore are we to be perfect, even as our ‘Father which is in
heaven is perfect.’ “Desire of Ages, 311:2-312:0.

The Church Triumphant
Will Be Faithful and Christlike
The work is soon to close. The members of the
church militant who have proved faithful will
become the church triumphant.--Ev 707 (1892). {LDE
62.1}
The life of Christ was a life charged with a divine
message of the love of God, and He longed intensely
to impart this love to others in rich measure.
Compassion beamed from His countenance, and His
conduct was characterized by grace, humility, truth,
and love. Every member of His church militant must
manifest the same qualities, if he would join the
church triumphant.--FE 179 (1891) {LDE 62.2}

CHURCH
MILLITANT
CHURCH
TRIUMPHANT
Little Time of Trouble
Country Living
Growing own Food
Death
Decree Armageddon
The Day & Hr.
CHURCH
VICTORIOUS
Trouble Coming
Upon the Earth
Trouble Continuing
I also saw that many do not realize what they must be in
order to live in the sight of the Lord without a high priest in
the sanctuary through the time of trouble. Those who
receive the seal of the living God and are protected in the
time of trouble must reflect the image of Jesus
fully. {Early Writings page 71.1}
"Said the angel, "Deny self; ye must step fast." Some of us have had
time to get the truth and to advance step by step, and every step we
have taken has given us strength to take the next. But now time is
almost finished, and what we have been years learning, they will have
to learn in a few months. They will also have much to unlearn and
much to learn again. Those who would not receive the mark of the
beast and his image when the decree goes forth, must have decision
now to say, Nay, we will not regard the institution of the beast.{Early
Writings page 67.2}
"Time is almost finished. Do you reflect the lovely image of Jesus as
you should?" Then I was pointed to the earth and saw that there
would have to be a getting ready among those who have of late
embraced the third angel's message. Said the angel, "Get ready, get
ready, get ready. Ye will have to die a greater death to the world than
ye have ever yet died." I saw that there was a great work to do for
them and but little time in which to do it. EARLY WRITINGS PAG 64

The Church Triumphant.--The work is soon to close. The
members of the church militant who have proved faithful
will become the church triumphant. And still our General,
who never makes a mistake, says to us, "Advance; enter
new territory; lift the standard in every land. 'Arise, shine;
for thy light is come, and the glory of the Lord is risen upon
thee.'" The time has come when through God's messengers
the scroll is being unrolled to the world. The truth contained
in the first, second, and third angels' messages must go to
every nation, kindred, tongue, and people; it must lighten
the darkness of every continent, and extend to the islands of
the sea. There must be no delay in this work. Our
watchword is to be, Onward, ever onward! Angels of heaven
will go before us to prepare the way. Our burden for the
regions beyond can never be laid down till the whole earth
is lightened with the glory of the Lord. {Ev 707.1-4}

“By Implanting In their hearts the principles of His word, the
Holy Spirit develops in men the attributes of God. The light
of His glory −His character −is to shine forth in His followers.
Thus they are to glorify God, to lighten the path to the
Bridegroom’s home, to the city of God, to the marriage
supper of the Lamb.”-Christ’s Object Lessons, 414:2.
“In the future, the earth is to be lightened with the glory of
God, A holy influence is to go forth to the world from those
who are sanctified through the truth. The earth is to be
encircled with an atmosphere of grace. The Holy Spirit is to
work on human hearts, taking the things of God and
showing them to men.” -9 Testimonies,
40:2.

Second
Coming
Rev. 22:11
Close Of
Probation
Rev.18:1-4
Loud Cry
James 5:7
Latter Rain
Rev.7:1-8
Seal Of
God
Rev.
13:15-17
The TestDan.8:14
Judgment
Begins
1 2 3 4 5 6 7
7 Last Plagues
It was impossible for the plagues to be poured out while Jesus officiated in the
sanctuary; but as His work there is finished, and His intercession closes, there is
nothing to stay the wrath of God, and it breaks with fury upon the shelterless
head of the guilty sinner, who has slighted salvation and hated reproof. In that
fearful time, after the close of Jesus' mediation, the saints were living in the
sight of a holy God without an intercessor. Every case was decided, every jewel
numbered. Jesus tarried a moment in the outer apartment of the heavenly
sanctuary, and the sins which had been confessed while He was in the most
holy place were placed upon Satan, the originator of sin, who must suffer their
punishment. {EW 280.2}
I heard those clothed with the armor speak forth the truth with great power.
It had effect. Many had been bound; some wives by their husbands, and
some children by their parents. The honest who had been prevented from
hearing the truth now eagerly laid hold upon it. All fear of their relatives was
gone, and the truth alone was exalted to them. They had been hungering and
thirsting for truth; it was dearer and more precious than life. I asked what
had made this great change. An angel answered, "It is the latter rain, the
refreshing from the presence of the Lord, the loud cry of the third angel."
{EW-272}
The health reform, I was shown, is a part of the
third angel's message, and is just as closely
connected with it as are the arm and hand with
the human body. I saw that we as a people must
make an advance move in this great work.
Ministers and people must act in concert. God's
people are not prepared for the loud cry of the
third angel. They have a work to do for
themselves which they should not leave for God
to do for them. He has left this work for them to
do. It is an individual work; one cannot do it for
another. "Having therefore these promises, dearly
beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from all
filthiness of the flesh and spirit, perfecting
holiness in the fear of God." Gluttony is the
prevailing sin of this age. Lustful appetite makes
slaves of men and women, and beclouds their
intellects and stupefies their moral sensibilities to
such a degree that the sacred, elevated truths of
God's word are not appreciated. The lower
propensities have ruled men and women. {CD-32}
Not one of us will ever receive the seal of God
while our characters have one spot or stain
upon them. It is left with us to remedy the
defects in our characters, to cleanse the soul
temple of every defilement. Then the latter
rain will fall upon us as the early rain fell upon
the disciples on the Day of Pentecost. {5T
214.2}
The Lord has shown me clearly that the image
of the beast will be formed before probation
closes; for it is to be the great test for the
people of God, by which their eternal destiny
will be decided. . . . [Revelation 13:11-17
quoted.] . . . {7BC 976.2}
This is the test that the people of God must
have before they are sealed. All who proved
their loyalty to God by observing His law, and
refusing to accept a spurious sabbath, will
rank under the banner of the Lord God
Jehovah, and will receive the seal of the living
God. Those who yield the truth of heavenly
origin and accept the Sunday Sabbath, will
receive the mark of the beast (Letter 11,
1890). {7BC 976.3}

When every other trust
fails, then it will be seen
who have an abiding trust
in Jehovah. And while the
enemies of truth are on
every side, watching the
Lord’s servants for evil, God
will watch over them for
good. He will be to them as
the shadow of a great rock
in a weary land.
The Acts of the Apostles by
Ellen G. White page 431
paragraph 2
God desires His people to
prepare for the soon-coming
crisis. Prepared or unprepared,
they must all meet it; and those
only who have brought their
lives into conformity to the
divine standard, will stand firm
at that time of test and trial.
paragraph 2
When secular rulers unite with
ministers of religion to dictate
in matters of conscience, then
it will be seen who really fear
and serve God. When the
darkness is deepest, the light
of a godlike character will
shine the brightest.
paragraph 2

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