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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}

OIL = Communications of
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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