Preface

"IAUA End Time Ministry" presents this book "Preparing for the End of Time" to spread new Bible light on God's last message to the world. This book is about Bible study, prophecy, and eschatology (the end of the world) for serious students of the Bible.

God loves us and wants us to prepare for the end of time. He has revealed what will happen in the end of time. The final judgment of the world is coming soon. A final message from the Bible precedes the end of the world.

My purpose is to share my studies of the Bible with seekers of truth. The material in this book is the result of a website project begun in 2004, which grew because of my studies and with input from online readers like you.

The topics of this book arise out of the history and Biblical understanding of the Seventh-day Adventist church. Necessary background and introductory material is included to help lead anyone interested in the Bible to understand the material presented.

This book is not a detailed scholarly presentation. My goal is to present the subject completely but simply and briefly. It is not my intent to try to convince you of these truths. It is my purpose to point you to truth in the Bible, which we often overlook. You will need to investigate and verify these truths for yourself.

The Internet is a valuable tool for research. The information in this book is available for online reading with many research links and additional material under ongoing development at the website:

www.IAUA.name

This book, color covers, color illustrations, and other ministry books are available for free PDF download from the website. Information on obtaining additional print copies of this book and other ministry books is also available on the website.

First Edition published 2008-05-11

Second Edition published 2009-10-23.

Sixth revision released 2012-11-23 into the Public Domain.

All Bible quotations are from the King James Version. I added any emphasis of underlining in Bible quotes and EGW quotes.

Preachers, teachers, and students of the Bible take note. You will read ideas in this book you may find controversial and disturbing. Hold tightly to the teachings of the Bible and let the Bible interpret itself. Do not cling to the traditions and teachings of men, even if you have taught them yourself. Open your heart and mind, through prayer for the guidance of the Holy Spirit.

About the Ministry

IAUA End Time Ministry is a personal, independent ministry. This ministry is my personal effort to follow the will of God. The purpose of the ministry is to witness to God's truth through Internet websites, email newsletters, printed books, and personal contact with those who show an interest in deeper additional truth.

This ministry agrees with the fundamental teachings of the Seventh-day Adventist church. I believe there is a fundamental teaching missing from the church doctrine. I also believe the church is teaching an error, which contradicts its own fundamental teachings.

This ministry is not a part of the SDA church and is not recognized or approved by the SDA church. I am part of a loose association of individuals seeking to further the knowledge and understanding of God. I do not follow the teachings of any other leader or ministry. I follow only the Bible.

Wherever possible, this ministry avoids entering into any controversy or confrontation on the truth I believe from the Bible. I only present these topics when an interest is shown in the subject of a deeper understanding of God’s Law. It is the work of the Holy Spirit to draw others to greater truth. God also appoints prophets to do the work of calling His people to reformation and revival. I do not step out ahead of God’s leading.

About the Author

Eliau is the pen name of Frank T. Clark. I use a pen name because this book is not about me. I am not seeking to promote myself. The pen name is a transliteration of the Biblical Hebrew for Elijah. The picture on the back cover is also for very specific purposes, which are not about promoting my face or me. I am an ultraconservative, lifetime, fifth-generation, Seventh-day Adventist believer. No religion has the whole truth or is the exclusive source of truth. Each individual accepts Truth as they study the Bible to understand for themselves.

I describe myself as an ultraconservative because my beliefs go beyond adhering to only the current teachings of the Seventh-day Adventist church. I believe errors have crept into the teachings of the church. I seek a return to the truth revealed to the early Adventist church, there is "New Light" in God's Law we must seek. I seek a continued growth beyond the current complacent (Laodicean) attitude of the church to return to the primitive godliness of the Messiah, the disciples, and the apostles.

Do not waste your time asking your pastor or other church leader about what this book presents. They will only tell you what they believe and what they teach. Let God and the Holy Spirit reveal directly to you the truth found in the Bible.

It is my purpose to point you to truth in the Bible, which we often overlook. It is my intent and expectation you will study the Bible about this for yourself. It is my prayer the Holy Spirit will guide you.

13 When the Spirit of truth is come, He will guide you into all truth… and He will show you things to come.
John 16:13 (paraphrased)

About the Cover

The intended color scheme of this book's cover is from God's sanctuary, which we find described in numerous places.

1 And of the blue, and purple, and scarlet, they made cloths of service, to do service in the holy place, and made the holy garments for Aaron; as the LORD commanded Moses.
2 And he made the ephod of gold, blue, and purple, and scarlet, and fine twined linen.
Exodus 39:1-2

The background is royal blue, which represents God's law. Gold represents the riches of God's truth, purple represents the royalty of the King of Kings, and scarlet represents the blood of the Lamb. Linen is white, which represents purity.

Letter from the Author

Dear Brothers and Sisters of IAUA our Heavenly Father,

It is with great joy, I present to you this Bible Study on the topics of present truth for the last generation. I hope this study draws you, as deeply as I have been drawn, to a renewed interest in the Bible and Present Truth.

My spiritual journey wandered for years in circles and cycles because I thought I knew the Bible. In reality, I only studied what the church taught me to study. I was complacent, like the Laodicean church, as described by the Messiah in Revelation 3:14-22. I felt a half-hearted desire for more but was comfortable with the daily activities of life.

God knew my condition and by the work of the Holy Spirit impressed on my mind the nearness of the end of time. I was raised from childhood with this realization but after years of hearing the same old tired prodding, I became callous to the warning of the Three Angels' Message. I believe the same is true of many in the church today. When I began to study more and meditate on the nearness of the end of time, a greater concern energized me about being prepared for the end of time.

While talking with others about the nearness of the end of time, I received a pair of small books, which deeply challenged my complacency about my knowledge of the Bible. I read things, which I had never heard before. The Holy Spirit opened my eyes to a vast amount of Bible truth of which I had been woefully ignorant. I hope this book will do the same for you.

With astonishing swiftness, my life began to change completely. As I began to dig deeper and deeper into the Bible, my whole outlook on life began to change. The things I had once enjoyed began to lose my interest. Bible study became my primary interest. Within a year, I was laid off from my job and I felt God moving in a powerful way to change my life.

While looking for work I threw myself even deeper into hours of daily study of the Bible and research of the new truths I was learning. It would be almost two years before God would allow me to return to the work force in serving His purposes and not the ways of the world.

I hope this book will encourage you to a deeper study of the Bible. I believe the topics of this book are a valuable study guide to lead you to topics of importance, which we often overlook. This first book, "Preparing for the End of Time", is an introduction to a series of books, which covers the complete subject area of my studies on "Present Truth". The third book in the series, "God's Sacred Calendar", expands on the most important of one of these subjects. As God leads and time allows I will prepare other books expanding on these topics.

It is important to remind you, our belief in our precious Saviour is what saves us. When this belief converts us, we will begin to grow into all truth. This belief leads us to study more of His Word. As we learn more about Him, His Love for us draws us closer to Him. When the love of God fills our hearts, we will become passionate about learning everything He tells us. The expression of our love is to follow the guidance He gives us.

15 If ye love me, keep my commandments.
John 14:15

We obey the guidance found in His Law of Love because we trust Him to know what is best for us. Obedience does not save us. Obedience sanctifies us as we prepare for a place in His kingdom of Love.

12 Wherefore, my beloved, as ye have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling.
Philippians 2:12

Obedience and study is our work of salvation. Please, open your heart and pray for the work of the Holy Spirit. Let this book guide you to study deeply into His Word and learn more about His guidance for our lives. What I say may sometimes sound harsh but I pray you may sense a spirit, which is learning to be gentle, under the molding of the Holy Spirit.

With all the love God places in my heart,

Frank T. Clark

Contents

Preface

About the Ministry

About the Author

About the Cover

Letter from the Author

Contents

Introduction

Fourth Angel's Message

Foundation Cornerstones

Faith

Prayer

Study

Stages of Growth

Stage One - Babes

Stage Two - Children

Stage Three - Youth

Stage Four - Adult

The Time of the End

The 2300 Year Prophecy

The Messianic Enlightenment

The 1260 Year Prophecy

The Dark Ages of Apostasy

The Reformation

The Beast Wounded and Healing

The Three Angels' Message

The Great Tree of Apostasy

The End of Time

Tribulation and Judgment

Preparation for the end of time

Worldly

Religious

Committed

The Mark of the Beast

State of the Dead - Immortality

Second Commandment - Idol Worship

Fourth Commandment Sabbath - Sunday

Passover - Easter

God's Holy Days - Catholic Holy Days

God's Holy Days

Catholic Holy Days

How to Respond to the Coming Persecution

The Third Elijah Message

The First Elijah

The Second Elijah

The Third Elijah

Who Is The Third Elijah?

The Fourth Angel's Message

Warning

Promise

Fall of Babylon

Revival and Reformation

True Revival

Genuine Reformation

False Revival

New Bible Light

Incremental Revelation

Third Elijah Message

Statutes

Fourth Angel's Message

The Sacred Statutes

Fulfilled Statutes

Summary of Statutes

Great Commandment

Love God

First Commandment

Second Commandment

Third Commandment

Fourth Commandment

Love Others

Fifth Commandment

Sixth Commandment

Seventh Commandment

Eighth Commandment

Ninth Commandment

Tenth Commandment

Dissension

Church Unity

The Sacred Calendar

The Jewish Calendar

Biblical Principles and Witnesses

Reference Point

The Sacred Day

The Sacred Week

The Sacred Month

The Sacred Year

Yearly Sabbaths

Passover Eve

Feast of Unleavened Bread

Feast of Pentecost

Feast of Trumpets

Day of Atonement

Feast of Tabernacles

Last Great Day

The Sacred Holy Name of God

Old Testament Hebrew Use

Hebrew Pronunciation

Modern English Use

New Testament Greek Use

The Name of the Messiah

The Titles of God

Public usage

The New Earth

The Garden of Eden

Eden Restored

Our Physical Body in Heaven

Good Health

Laws of Health

Healthy Diet

Nutritious Green Breakfast Shake

Nutritional Supplements

Tzitzit, Tefillin, and Talmud

Personal Practice

Practice Opposition

Appearance Issues

Beards, Shaving, Tattoos, and Piercings

Adornment and Display

Jewish Tradition

Conclusion

Introduction

Biblical prophecy says we are now living in the time of the end. The end of time is very near. The end of this age will not be the result of pollution, nuclear holocaust, ecological catastrophe, or asteroid bombardment. The end of this world will not be from any natural or man-made disaster, though any or all of these things may be a part of the end.

The war in Afghanistan and then Iraq has aroused an interest in the biblical prophecy of Armageddon. Many expect the ongoing instability in the Middle East to lead to a final battle between the forces of good and evil.

Worldwide disasters, including the tsunami in the Indian Ocean, have led to talk about the Apocalypse. Bible prophecy speaks of a cosmic cataclysm in which God destroys the ruling powers of evil.

Blockbuster movies, the "Left Behind" series, and spiritualistic themes in television shows have stimulated interest in the rapture, the final tribulation, the mark of the beast, and the mysterious number 666. All of these events are a part of the final prophecies of Daniel and Revelation.

Preparing for the end of time is not about stockpiling food, building shelters, or buying electrical generators. It is about making a spiritual preparation.

Many have a sense of dread of end time events. This fear is valid if you are not following the will of God. The first of the Three Angels says "Fear God!” This is no mild warning to respect or love God. The Greek word translated here as "fear" means "to put to flight by terrifying".

6 And I saw another angel fly in the midst of heaven, having the everlasting gospel to preach unto them that dwell on the earth, and to every nation, and kindred, and tongue, and people,
7 Saying with a loud voice, Fear God, and give glory to him; for the hour of his judgment is come: and worship him that made heaven, and earth, and the sea, and the fountains of waters.
Revelation 14:6-7

The fear of God is not because He is scary, angry, or mean. It is because His righteousness is terrifying to anything evil. Those who are following the will of God have a different viewpoint. We do not fear the end of this age of sin. This is a time of great hope and rejoicing. The end of the pains and suffering of this world is coming. These things are the results of sin.

The end of this earth, as we now know it, is an event of cosmic proportions. It is the end of the Great Controversy between good and evil. It is a religious event. What does Bible prophecy tell us about the end of time? How does one prepare for the end of time? What are the issues to understand? I have asked these questions myself. I have found these answers in the Bible.

Fourth Angel's Message

The final message to the world is the Fourth Angel's Message of Revelation 18.

14 And this gospel of the kingdom shall be preached in all the world for a witness unto all nations; and then shall the end come.
Matthew 24:14

The Fourth Angel's Message comes out of the Third Elijah Message of Malachi 4. The Third Elijah Message is to the church of the Three Angels' Message of Revelation 14:6-12. It is a message of a simple even primitive godliness without the embellishments and distortions of human traditions.

These messages are the restoration of God's law as practiced by the Saviour, the disciples and the apostles. This book will introduce you to a misunderstood part of God's Law called the statutes.

This book starts with the background needed to lead to an understanding of the final message for our time. This book does not intend to be a detailed persuasive exposition of facts. Think of this book as a study guide to point you to the Bible. It is not my intent to try to convince you of these truths. This book is only planting a seed. (See Matthew 13:3-9, Mark 4:3-9, Luke 8:5-8.) Understanding requires you to pray for the guidance of the Holy Spirit. Conviction of truth can only come from the Holy Spirit. This book will only point you to the scripture passages about this message. You must search these truths and study them for yourself. Your must grow the truth in your own heart by your own prayer and study. No one can do this work for you.

10 With my whole heart have I sought thee: O let me not wander from thy commandments.
11 Thy word have I hid in mine heart, that I might not sin against thee.
12 Blessed art thou, O LORD: teach me thy statutes.
Psalms 119:10-12

You will see many familiar scripture passages quoted with unfamiliar context. I hope this will lead you to see great light, which Satan has hidden for centuries. I am not presenting anything new. I hope you will see, as I have seen, truth, which Satan has buried and denied.

The Fourth Angel's Message is a final restatement of the second of the Three Angels' Message of the Seventh-day Adventist church. I agree with the fundamental beliefs of the Adventist message. The Third Elijah Message of Malachi 4 is calling forth a revival and reformation of the church. The purity of the Adventist church and its message is being undermined. The church will soon face the realization God has tied the commandments and the statutes together. Denying one will place you in mockery of upholding the other.

This book begins with the basics before advancing to greater truth. It is important to have a strong foundation. We must never forget the foundations of our faith. All spiritual growth must build on the foundation of God’s love for us. We must never let the details of truth cause us to lose balance in our lives. The necessity of obedience to God’s Law must never overshadow God’s Love.

Foundation Cornerstones

You must base the practice of true religion on a relationship with God. This relationship has a foundation with three major cornerstones. These three cornerstones are faith, prayer, and study. You must maintain these three cornerstones in a balanced integration. Faith comes first for without faith we cannot come to a relationship with God. Without replacing faith, prayer comes second to maintain our relationship. Study comes third and when integrated with faith and prayer causes our relationship to grow.

Faith or prayer without ongoing study of the word becomes hollow or repetitious. Study without faith or prayer does not receive the illumination of the Holy Spirit. These three cornerstones work together to increase the depth and effectiveness of each other.

It is also interesting to note how we see the repeating cycle of growth in these words, which show even faith comes from the word.

17 So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.
Romans 10:17

Faith

Faith is a very broad topic. The English word only appears twice in the Old Testament though the Hebrew words appear 54 times. Habakkuk contains the most fascinating and well known of these passages:

1 I will stand upon my watch, and set me upon the tower, and will watch to see what he will say unto me, and what I shall answer when I am reproved.
2 And the LORD answered me, and said, Write the vision, and make it plain upon tables, that he may run that readeth it.
3 For the vision is yet for an appointed time, but at the end it shall speak, and not lie: though it tarry, wait for it; because it will surely come, it will not tarry.
4 Behold, his soul which is lifted up is not upright in him: but the just shall live by his faith.
Habakkuk 2:1-4

This scripture from Habakkuk gives great inspiration and hope when applied to the Third Elijah Message and the Second Coming. The following is the parallel passage in the New Testament.

34 For ye had compassion of me in my bonds, and took joyfully the spoiling of your goods, knowing in yourselves that ye have in heaven a better and an enduring substance.
35 Cast not away therefore your confidence, which hath great recompence of reward.
36 For ye have need of patience, that, after ye have done the will of God, ye might receive the promise.
37 For yet a little while, and he that shall come will come, and will not tarry.
38 Now the just shall live by faith: but if any man draw back, my soul shall have no pleasure in him.
39 But we are not of them who draw back unto perdition; but of them that believe to the saving of the soul.
Hebrews 10:34-39

Read these passages carefully to draw out the depth of what the Bible says. The Bible translators changed the Hebrew word for faith to many associated and similar words, which give us insight into different aspects. The most numerous of these words are faithfulness, trust, and truth. It is interesting the Greek word and the modern view emphasizes belief. The Hebrew concept seems to emphasize a practice more than just a belief. Read carefully James chapter 2 on this subject.

Prayer

Prayer is our practice of communication with God. Prayer without sincere Bible Study leaves us without His word to speak back to us by the impress of the Holy Spirit. We need to be willing to accept what the Bible says no matter what the church teaches. Others diligently study the Bible, but only with a narrow focus as the church leads them to study, constrained to denominational teachings. A lack of prayer, particularly for the work of the Holy Spirit, results in failure to reach a deeper understanding in study.

17 Pray without ceasing. I Thessalonians 5:17

There is a seeming paradox because we may ask why we need to tell God our needs. He knows what they are. God often tells us we need to ask. If we ask for selfish and greedy reasons, our wise Father does not indulge us.

2 Ye lust, and have not: ye kill, and desire to have, and cannot obtain: ye fight and war, yet ye have not, because ye ask not.
3 Ye ask, and receive not, because ye ask amiss, that ye may consume it upon your lusts.
James 4:2-3

Prayer changes us and is primarily for our benefit and not for God. It is our offering in a relationship to Him. He is eager to participate in the relationship but He knows the information we offer to Him. We benefit from the conscious interaction with Him and in letting ourselves be open to the impress of the Holy Spirit. Our requests and concerns are like giving Him permission to work in our lives over the objection of Satan. Sometimes, to our temporary dismay, He does not grant our every desire in order to strengthen us.

17 For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, worketh for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory;
18 While we look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen: for the things which are seen are temporal; but the things which are not seen are eternal.
II Corinthians 4:17

Study

Study of the Bible is the primary focus of this book and this ministry. This does not minimize the importance of faith and prayer. Other ministries focus on faith, prayer and other aspects of a godly life. Our methods in following the call of God on our lives are different but God is the creator of infinite variety. Each has their part in God's plan.

15 Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.
II Timothy 2:15

A living, growing faith depends on Bible study for knowledge and understanding of our belief and practice. Powerful prayer is a two-way communication, which depends on Bible study to know and understand what God says to us. Bible study depends on faith and prayer to open our hearts to the work of the Holy Spirit to lead us to understanding of God's Word.

Stages of Growth

It is important to understand we build our faith in stages. We start as babes in the truth with the simplest understandings. We cannot continue as babies but must grow into all truth. No part of God's message is less important but there are parts, which must come first. These words of the Messiah illustrate this principle.

23 Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye pay tithe of mint and anise and cummin, and have omitted the weightier matters of the law, judgment, mercy, and faith: these ought ye to have done, and not to leave the other undone.
Mathew 23:23

Stage One - Babes

The beginning of the truth is the gospel. As babes in the truth, we must immerse ourselves in the good news to the world. God saves us from the eternal death of sin and give us eternal life, when we believe in the Saviour.

16 For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.
John 3:16

The penalty of sin is death. (See Genesis 2:17, Romans 6:23) The Saviour paid the penalty and became our sacrifice on the cross at Golgotha. When we believe in the Saviour, we study the Bible to learn more about Him. When we learn more about Him, we learn the truth He teaches. When we study and accept these truths, the Saviour comes into our hearts.

Those who accept the Saviour into their hearts begin a life long study of the Bible to learn the full truth of the gospel. This study leads to baptism and fellowship in the church. This book assumes you have already heard the good news and accepted the Messiah as your Saviour.

The Time of the End (TOE 01.1/6) YouTube videos and others is a good source of learning the gospel truth. The book Steps to Christ is also a good place to start learning the gospel truth. If you are not already familiar with the gospel, I recommend pursuing a study of gospel truth in parallel with studying the Bible presentations of this book. I encourage you to find and attend a local Seventh-day Adventist church. I encourage you to determine if you can receive 3ABN satellite television or radio for ongoing learning of the basics of the gospel message.

It is interesting some religions teach belief is all you need. How can you say you believe in the Saviour, if you do not study His words and His life? How can you say you believe in the Saviour, if you do not follow the truths He teaches?

16 And why call ye me, Lord, Lord, and do not the things which I say?
Luke 6:46

Stage Two - Children

As children of God, we learn we can be free of the dangers and evils of this world of sin. The pain and suffering of this world is not what God intends for us. Satan tells us God is a tyrant who makes demands on us, which are not necessary. The Bible tells us Satan is a liar. God loves us and desires our good. His requirements are not because He is mean but because He knows what is best for us. His Law of Love offers us an escape from the burdens of sin.

28 Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.
29 Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls.
30 For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.
Matthew 11:28-30

Through prayer and Bible study, we begin a lifetime of growth into all truth. This book assumes you are already in a relationship with the Messiah as your Saviour.

The Desire of Ages is a good book to start learning to grow in your walk with the Saviour. If you are not already deeply involved in a study of the Bible, I recommend pursuing a study of Bible truths in parallel with studying the Bible presentations of this book.

Warning! There is a danger we face as we advance in the study of our new walk of life in the Saviour. We may forget, only accepting the Messiah as our Saviour saves us. Our walk with the Saviour brings purity, truth, and righteousness to our lives. This is a result of being saved. It is not the way we are saved.

Stage Three - Youth

As we mature in our study of truth, we learn about the errors of the past. Some of these errors still linger. The Reformation began to reverse the Dark Ages of apostasy and led to the proclamation of the Three Angels' Message for the time of the end. The study of these great truths is necessary to lead to understanding the 21st century present truth for the end of time. This book makes only a brief mention of these truths as a background leading to present truth.

14 That we henceforth be no more children, tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men, and cunning craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive;
15 But speaking the truth in love, may grow up into him in all things, which is the head, even Christ:
Ephesians 4:14-15

The book The Great Controversy is a good place for learning the truths of the Three Angels' Message. If you are not already familiar with the Three Angels' Message, I recommend pursuing a study of those Bible truths in parallel with studying the Bible presentations of this book.

Warning! There is a danger as we learn and obey more of the law of God. We may forget, only accepting the Messiah as our Saviour saves us. We obey the law because we love the Saviour. Obeying the law does not save us. Believing obedience saves you is legalism. Choosing not to obey the law indicates we do not believe in the Saviour and love Him. We may on occasion fail to live according to our understanding of the law.

6 If we say that we have fellowship with him, and walk in darkness, we lie, and do not the truth:
7 But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin.
8 If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us.
9 If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.
10 If we say that we have not sinned, we make him a liar, and his word is not in us.
I John 1:6-10

Stage Four - Adult

When we are mature, we begin studying deep into the issues of present truth for this generation. Truth is progressive! When we faithfully follow the truths we already see, we receive more truth. The “Present Truth” of the 19th century is not the “Present Truth” of the 21st century, the last century of this world of sin.

The topics of this book are the study of these Bible truths found in prophecy for the end of time.

·         The Third Elijah Message

·         The Fourth Angel's Message

·         Prophetic understanding of the final events

13 Howbeit when he, the Spirit of truth, is come, he will guide you into all truth: for he shall not speak of himself; but whatsoever he shall hear, that shall he speak: and he will shew you things to come.
John 16:13

Warning! The more we learn, the greater the temptations to forget, we always depend on the grace of God. We love and obey the law, because we love the Saviour. If we do not have His love in our hearts, we are worthless. Without this love, the information in this book will seem pointless and legalistic.

I encourage you to determine if you can receive BETV (Bible Exploration TV) satellite television for ongoing learning of the full gospel message.

The Bible alone is the Word of truth. Do not trust any man to be the source of truth. Men can lead us to truth but depend on God, His Word, and the Holy Spirit to guide you into all truth.

5 Thus saith the LORD; Cursed be the man that trusteth in man, and maketh flesh his arm, and whose heart departeth from the LORD.
6 For he shall be like the heath in the desert, and shall not see when good cometh; but shall inhabit the parched places in the wilderness, in a salt land and not inhabited.
7 Blessed is the man that trusteth in the LORD, and whose hope the LORD is.
8 For he shall be as a tree planted by the waters, and that spreadeth out her roots by the river, and shall not see when heat cometh, but her leaf shall be green; and shall not be careful in the year of drought, neither shall cease from yielding fruit.
9 The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked: who can know it?
10 I the LORD search the heart, I try the reins, even to give every man according to his ways, and according to the fruit of his doings.
Jeremiah 17:5-10

The Time of the End

An illustration (parable) is needed to explain the difference between "The Time of the End" and the "The End of Time".

Some time in the months before Thanksgiving a farmer selects a turkey and places it in a pen for special feeding and care. This is the time of the end for the turkey. As the months go by the farmer feeds the turkey well and it grows plump. The day before Thanksgiving the farmer goes to the shed, and starts sharpening the axe. This is the end of time for the turkey. It is the same for this world.

Each day dawns with first light followed by the sunrise. The time of the end and the end of time, also have a dawn and sunrise. Prophecy foretells the signs and dates of these things.

In order to understand where we are in the stream of time, we must go back to see how we got here. Then we can be prepared to look into the future.

The 2300 Year Prophecy

We are now living in the time of the end as prophesied by Daniel. The Bible first introduces longest time prophecy in the entire Bible in Daniel 8.

13 Then I heard one saint speaking, and another saint said unto that certain saint which spake, How long shall be the vision concerning the daily sacrifice, and the transgression of desolation, to give both the sanctuary and the host to be trodden under foot?
14 And he said unto me, Unto two thousand and three hundred days; then shall the sanctuary be cleansed.
Daniel 8:13-14

A day in prophecy represents a year. The 2300-day (year) prophecy ended in 1844. It began in 457 BC with the going forth of the decree for the rebuilding of Jerusalem and the restoration of the nation of Israel after the Babylonian captivity. God gave the nation of Israel another chance to follow Him and prepare for the First Coming of the Messiah. They failed to do this, God again destroyed Jerusalem, and God again eliminated the nation of Israel in 70 AD. God again symbolically restored the political nation of Israel in 1948 to prepare for the Second Coming of the Messiah.

The Messianic Enlightenment

The First Coming of the Messiah revealed the ultimate truth of God. God came to earth as a mortal man and lived a perfect life and example of truth. The Messiah taught the unblemished truth straight from the mouth of God. He was crucified on the cross as the ultimate penalty for sin and sacrificed for the salvation of humanity. The disciples and apostles of the Messiah spread the message of truth. After the victory in the death and resurrection of the Messiah came the temporary resurgence of sin to its highest levels since the destruction of the world by flood.

It is important not to lose sight of the fact the Messiah, the disciples, and the apostles were all Israelites. The disciples and the apostles practiced all of the Law of Moses. The Messiah upheld and practiced the Law of Moses and never spoke against it. When facing the Jewish judges, the only "guilt" they found was He admitted He was the Messiah. This they would not accept. Today many people accept the Messiah, but they do not accept what it means for us that He was an Israelite.

The 1260 Year Prophecy

The prophet tells us of the dark night of apostasy in Daniel 7. The dawn of the time of the end followed this great apostasy.

25 And he shall speak great words against the most High, and shall wear out the saints of the most High, and think to change times and laws: and they shall be given into his hand until a time and times and the dividing of time.
Daniel 7:25

The 1260-day prophecy ended in 1798. The Dark Ages was this time of apostasy and persecution.

The Time of the End (TOE 01.1/6) YouTube video presentations are an excellent introductory discussion of the prophecies.

The Dark Ages of Apostasy

The Dark Ages saw a tremendous apostasy from Biblical truth. This apostasy trampled Great truths to the ground. These truths lay hidden for centuries and were all but lost. Paul saw the beginning of the mystery of iniquity, the man of sin, the son of perdition. The corruption and domination of religious power in Papal Rome grew until the full establishment of the evil mingling with political power in 538. Papal Rome dominated until the political blow to its power in 1798.

1 Now we beseech you, brethren, by the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, and by our gathering together unto him,
2 That ye be not soon shaken in mind, or be troubled, neither by spirit, nor by word, nor by letter as from us, as that the day of Christ is at hand.
3 Let no man deceive you by any means: for that day shall not come, except there come a falling away first, and that man of sin be revealed, the son of perdition;
4 Who opposeth and exalteth himself above all that is called God, or that is worshipped; so that he as God sitteth in the temple of God, shewing himself that he is God.
5 Remember ye not, that, when I was yet with you, I told you these things?
6 And now ye know what withholdeth that he might be revealed in his time.
7 For the mystery of iniquity doth already work: only he who now letteth will let, until he be taken out of the way.
2 Thessalonians 2:1-7

The Apostle John calls the son of perdition, the antichrist. Those within and closest to the system the antichrist created clearly reveal its identity. By the 12th Century, the faithful and revered of the Roman Catholic Church were expressing the most profound discontent.

Bernard of Clairvaux said, concerning the Catholic bishops:

They are ministers of Christ, but servants of antichrist; the gold on their spurs, their reins and saddles, is brighter than on their altars; their tables are splendid with dishes and cups, thence their drunkenness and gluttony; their larders are stored with provisions, and their cellars overflow with wine - and for such rewards as these men seek to become bishops; for these things are not bestowed on merit but on things which walk in darkness.
T. W. Carron, The Christian Testimony Through the Ages (London: G. Morrish, 1955), p. 96.

Warning! Papal Rome is an apostatized religious system mingled with political power created by Satan. Do not apply what I am saying to people in the Roman Catholic Church. Do not confuse the difference between the errors of the power system and the people in the church. While we hate sin and oppose evil systems, we must remember to have God's love for all of His children in our heart.

God does not warn us of this false system to condemn or hurt us. He does this because He loves us and desires our eternal good. He knows there are many honest and faithful people who are a part of this system. It is not the individuals He condemns, but rather the institution. He only condemns the system because He loves the people who are deceived by its erroneous teachings.

1 Judge not, that ye be not judged.
2 For with what judgment ye judge, ye shall be judged: and with what measure ye mete, it shall be measured to you again.
Matthew 7:1-2

The Reformation

In the 14th Century, the seeds of the Reformation were sprouting. The Reformation challenged the religious power of the church. John Wycliffe shows his bold stand of opposition to the pope (as the representative of the evil system) in the following passage:

"The Gospel of Jesus Christ," he said, "is the only source of true religion. The Pope is Antichrist, the proud worldly priest of Rome, and the most cursed of clippers and purse-carvers."
Andrew Miller, Short Papers on Church History (London: Pickering & Inglis, no date), p. 554.

The 15th Century saw the martyrdom of one of the early reformers John Hus. His observation:

The Roman pontiff and the cardinals are not the Church. The Church can exist without cardinals and a pope, and in fact for hundreds of years there were no cardinals. As for the position Christ assigned to Peter, Christ called himself the Rock, and the Church is founded on him.
Philip Schaff, History of the Christian Church, Vol. VI (Grand Rapids: Wm. B. Eerdmans Pub. Co., 1910), pp. 368-370.

The 16th century saw the rise of one of the greatest of the reformers Martin Luther. His statements:

...There is buying, selling, bartering, trading, trafficking, lying, deceiving, robbing, stealing, luxury, harlotry, knavery, and every sort of contempt of God, and even the rule of Antichrist could not be more scandalous. Venice, Antwerp, Cairo are nothing compared to this fair which is held at Rome and the business which is done there, except that in those other places they still observe right and reason.
Martin Luther, Works of Martin Luther, Vol. II, "An Open Letter to the Christian Nobility" (Grand Rapids: Baker Book House, reprint 1982), p. 95-96.

I was wrong. I retract the statement that certain articles of John Hus are evangelical. I say now, "Not some but all the articles of John Hus were condemned by Antichrist and his apostles in the synagogue of Satan." And to your face, most holy Vicar of God, I say freely that all the condemned articles of John Hus are evangelical and Christian, and yours are downright impious and diabolical.

...Since they have burned my books, I burn theirs. The canon law was included because it makes the pope a god on earth. So far I have merely fooled with this business of the pope. All my articles condemned by Antichrist are Christian. Seldom has the pope overcome anyone with Scripture and with reason.
Roland H.Bainton, Here I Stand (Nashville: Abingdon, Press, 1950), p. 128.

The Beast Wounded and Healing

The decay of the religious power of Rome from the attacks of the Reformation continued until the loss of political power and the deadly wound in 1798. Napoleon sent Berthier to Rome with orders to imprison the pope and bring him to France. The time of the end was dawning.

3 And I saw one of his heads as it were wounded to death; and his deadly wound was healed: and all the world wondered after the beast.
Revelation 13:3

As prophesied, the beast was, as it were, wounded to death. Napoleon severely reduced the Catholic Church in political power, wealth, possessions, and influence for many years. As prophesied, the deadly wound is healing and the beast begins to grow in power again.

The deadly wound began healing with the Lateran Treaty between the Holy See and the kingdom of Italy, which was signed in 1929. This returned political status to the Catholic Church and some of its wealth and possessions.

The political power of the Catholic Church is returning to full force. Pope John Paul II is widely viewed to have ended communism in collusion with Reagan and Gorbachev. The fall of communism began May 2, 1989 with the fall of the Iron Curtain in Hungary. The Berlin wall was opened on November 9, 1989. Two years later the Soviet Union was disbanded.

The religious power of the Catholic Church has also grown. The Catholic Church went through a short phase of humility and conciliation. Pope John Paul II issued many stern writings emphasizing the supremacy and renewing the goals of the Catholic Church.

The Three Angels' Message

The message of the Three Angels is a prophecy of a great revival and reformation. The prophetic fulfillment began as an outgrowth of the Great Awakening of the first half of the nineteenth Century, which climaxed with the Millerite Revival of 1831-1844. This revival ended with the Great Disappointment of October 22, 1844.

A remnant of those believers continued with the message and formed the Seventh-day Adventist Church. The Seventh-day Adventist Church is proclaiming this message in the time of the end leading to the end of time.

6 And I saw another angel fly in the midst of heaven, having the everlasting gospel to preach unto them that dwell on the earth, and to every nation, and kindred, and tongue, and people,
7 Saying with a loud voice, Fear God, and give glory to him; for the hour of his judgment is come: and worship him that made heaven, and earth, and the sea, and the fountains of waters.

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

9 And the third angel followed them, saying with a loud voice, If any man worship the beast and his image, and receive his mark in his forehead, or in his hand,
10 The same shall drink of the wine of the wrath of God, which is poured out without mixture into the cup of his indignation; and he shall be tormented with fire and brimstone in the presence of the holy angels, and in the presence of the Lamb:
11 And the smoke of their torment ascendeth up for ever and ever: and they have no rest day nor night, who worship the beast and his image, and whosoever receiveth the mark of his name.
12 Here is the patience of the saints: here are they that keep the commandments of God, and the faith of Jesus.
Revelation 14:6-12

The first angel gives, in a loud voice, a message warning of impending judgment. The end of the world is coming. Time has come for the judgment of the dead. When this event ends, the judgment of the living will begin and the end will soon come.

18 And the nations were angry, and thy wrath is come, and the time of the dead, that they should be judged, and that thou shouldest give reward unto thy servants the prophets, and to the saints, and them that fear thy name, small and great; and shouldest destroy them which destroy the earth.
Revelation 11:18

The message of the second angel warns of the apostasy of Babylon. Notice how, unlike the first and third angel, the second angel does not give his message in a loud voice.  We will see this is significant. The implication of this message is we need to leave these apostasies. We have not seen and forsaken all the apostasies. The message clearly states the power and identity of Babylon.

1 And there came one of the seven angels which had the seven vials, and talked with me, saying unto me, Come hither; I will shew unto thee the judgment of the great whore that sitteth upon many waters:

2 With whom the kings of the earth have committed fornication, and the inhabitants of the earth have been made drunk with the wine of her fornication.

3 So he carried me away in the spirit into the wilderness: and I saw a woman sit upon a scarlet coloured beast, full of names of blasphemy, having seven heads and ten horns.

4 And the woman was arrayed in purple and scarlet colour, and decked with gold and precious stones and pearls, having a golden cup in her hand full of abominations and filthiness of her fornication:

5 And upon her forehead was a name written, MYSTERY, BABYLON THE GREAT, THE MOTHER OF HARLOTS AND ABOMINATIONS OF THE EARTH.
Revelation 17:1-5

The message of the third angel is also a loud voice with a severe warning of judgment. The angel specially targets this message to those who follow the beast, Babylon, and the image to the beast.

14 And deceiveth them that dwell on the earth by the means of those miracles which he had power to do in the sight of the beast; saying to them that dwell on the earth, that they should make an image to the beast, which had the wound by a sword, and did live.

15 And he had power to give life unto the image of the beast, that the image of the beast should both speak, and cause that as many as would not worship the image of the beast should be killed.

16 And he causeth all, both small and great, rich and poor, free and bond, to receive a mark in their right hand, or in their foreheads:
Revelation 13:14-16

The declaration of the Three Angels' Message is more thoroughly covered on the Time of the End (TOE 01.1/6) YouTube videos website. There is a need for a reviving of the Three Angels' Message. The proclamation has become weak. Many have diluted the first angel's message to "Fear God!" to just showing love or reverence to God. While this is true, we must not forget judgment is coming. There is truly a valid reason to fear if your heart is not right with God. We have not fully heeded the warning of the fallen nature of Babylon and her power to corrupt.

The church has become complacent and has not continued its original zeal to grow into all truth. God, who knows the future and all things, described the church at this time as the Laodicean church of Revelation 3:14-22.

The Great Tree of Apostasy

I think of the "Tree of Knowledge of Good and Evil" as an analogy of the apostasies of the Catholic Church of Rome. The Protestant Reformers fought against the great tree of apostasies beginning at the leaves and branches. With the passing of each reformer, his followers stagnated at the level to which they had been led. Later reformers went further in reform beginning at the point of the last reformer.

Do not fault the earlier reformers for failing to advance farther than they did. In hindsight, we see the truths, which have now been revealed and restored. Each reformer advanced as far as they could be led in their time. Even the Messiah was limited in what He told the disciples. The Holy Spirit would later add to His words.

12 I have yet many things to say unto you, but ye cannot bear them now.
13 Howbeit when he, the Spirit of truth, is come, he will guide you into all truth: for he shall not speak of himself; but whatsoever he shall hear, that shall he speak: and he will show you things to come.
John 16:12-13

Ellen White and other Bible leaders, which banded together out of the Millerite Advent movement of 1844 to create the Seventh-day Adventist Church, reached the trunk of the great tree of apostasy. The sunrise came for the time of the end. The restoration of the seventh day Sabbath was a great stride forward. They called their message The Three Angels' Message after the three angels of Revelation 14. The Adventists also stagnated at the level to which their early reform leaders led them.

The Third Elijah Message reaches the root of the great tree of apostasy. The restoration of the statutes of God's law prepares the 144,000 for the final perfection of the saints and the establishment of God's kingdom in the hearts of His people on earth. The first light for the end of time is dawning. The Third Elijah Message is now giving the final call of warning to the Church. Soon the Holy Spirit will spread this message to the whole world. The sunrise will soon occur for the end of time.

The Fourth Angel's Message is the last message to the whole world. The Fourth Angel repeats and enlarges the message of the Second Angel and cries mightily with a strong voice, adding to the Three Angels’ Message. Those in the church of the Three Angels' Message who hear and follow the Third Elijah Message will go forth to the world proclaiming the Fourth Angel's Message. The message establishes the spiritual kingdom of God's righteousness among His people on earth.

Then the kingdoms of this world are laid waste. (See Daniel 2:44-45.) His righteous people establish the kingdom of God on earth in their hearts. Then the righteous go to heaven to review the judgment as the earth rests for a thousand years. After this comes the final execution of the judgment against the wicked.

The End of Time

The end of time begins with the sealing of the 144,000. Preparation for the end of time means being prepared for the return of the Messiah. Those who are first prepared will be part of the 144,000. There are only two direct mentions of the 144,000. In these verses, we see the 144,000 receive a special sealing just before the final tribulation.

1 And after these things I saw four angels standing on the four corners of the earth, holding the four winds of the earth, that the wind should not blow on the earth, nor on the sea, nor on any tree.
2 And I saw another angel ascending from the east, having the seal of the living God: and he cried with a loud voice to the four angels, to whom it was given to hurt the earth and the sea,
3 Saying, Hurt not the earth, neither the sea, nor the trees, till we have sealed the servants of our God in their foreheads.
4 And I heard the number of them which were sealed: and there were sealed an hundred and forty and four thousand of all the tribes of the children of Israel.
Revelation 7:1-4

Here we see the 144,000 are a special group who spread the truth without deceit (no guile), are without fault (obedient to all of God's law), and are not associated with fallen churches (defiled with women).

1 And I looked, and, lo, a Lamb stood on the mount Sion, and with him an hundred forty and four thousand, having his Father's name written in their foreheads.
2 And I heard a voice from heaven, as the voice of many waters, and as the voice of a great thunder: and I heard the voice of harpers harping with their harps:
3 And they sung as it were a new song before the throne, and before the four beasts, and the elders: and no man could learn that song but the hundred and forty and four thousand, which were redeemed from the earth.
4 These are they which were not defiled with women; for they are virgins. These are they which follow the Lamb whithersoever he goeth. These were redeemed from among men, being the firstfruits unto God and to the Lamb.
5 And in their mouth was found no guile: for they are without fault before the throne of God.
Revelation 14:1-5

The 144,000 are a small number of the millions who have followed the Three Angels' Message. These millions are the wheat and the tares growing together. Those who have not already studied the Bible for truth will have a final opportunity after the 144,000 are sealed. Those who have studied the Bible and followed the Word of God by accepting the Messiah, keeping the Sabbath, and have heard but rejected the Third Elijah Message will have no excuse for not seeing and following. The final truth of the Fourth Angel's message will then fill the earth.

1 And after these things I saw another angel come down from heaven, having great power; and the earth was lightened with his glory.
2 And he cried mightily with a strong voice, saying, Babylon the great is fallen, is fallen, and is become the habitation of devils, and the hold of every foul spirit, and a cage of every unclean and hateful bird.
3 For all nations have drunk of the wine of the wrath of her fornication, and the kings of the earth have committed fornication with her, and the merchants of the earth are waxed rich through the abundance of her delicacies.
Revelation 18:1-3

Those who have already seen and studied the truth of God but have refused to accept the Third Elijah Message will be sealed to eternal damnation. The 144,000 have accepted the full truth of God's law. The restoration of the statutes will be the final source of the perfecting of character.

48 Be ye therefore perfect, even as your Father which is in heaven is perfect.
Matthew 5:48

The 144,000 who have accepted the truth will be sealed to eternal salvation. The 144,000 will receive the full measure of the Holy Spirit in the outpouring of the Latter Rain. They will go forth to spread the message to the entire world with the revelation of God's power. The gospel of God's kingdom will have been established on earth. Then the Messiah will return to earth in His Second Coming.

6 And ye shall hear of wars and rumours of wars: see that ye be not troubled: for all these things must come to pass, but the end is not yet.
7 For nation shall rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom: and there shall be famines, and pestilences, and earthquakes, in divers places.
8 All these are the beginning of sorrows.
9 Then shall they deliver you up to be afflicted, and shall kill you: and ye shall be hated of all nations for my name's sake.
10 And then shall many be offended, and shall betray one another, and shall hate one another.
11 And many false prophets shall rise, and shall deceive many.
12 And because iniquity shall abound, the love of many shall wax cold.
13 But he that shall endure unto the end, the same shall be saved.
14 And this gospel of the kingdom shall be preached in all the world for a witness unto all nations; and then shall the end come.
Matthew 24:6-14

Tribulation and Judgment

After the sealing begins a time of tribulation and judgment such as has never been.

1 And after these things I saw four angels standing on the four corners of the earth, holding the four winds of the earth, that the wind should not blow on the earth, nor on the sea, nor on any tree.
2 And I saw another angel ascending from the east, having the seal of the living God: and he cried with a loud voice to the four angels, to whom it was given to hurt the earth and the sea,
3 Saying, Hurt not the earth, neither the sea, nor the trees, till we have sealed the servants of our God in their foreheads.
Revelation 7:1-3

Most disasters and trials up to this time have come not from God but as a result of the consequences of sin. Yes, God allows these things, but He does not usually cause them. The consequences of sin are indiscriminate and often fall on the righteous as well as the wicked. Sin is not just and fair.

Sometimes disasters and trials have come as judgments from God, to warn us of our evil ways. In the time of the end, this will happen as never before and the nations and people of the earth will tremble.

14 And the heaven departed as a scroll when it is rolled together; and every mountain and island were moved out of their places.
15 And the kings of the earth, and the great men, and the rich men, and the chief captains, and the mighty men, and every bondman, and every free man, hid themselves in the dens and in the rocks of the mountains;
Revelation 6:14-15

The great tragic events we see today are only the beginnings of the great judgments and warnings, which will come. These will increase in magnitude and frequency until the whole earth will know the judgment of God is come.

7 Fear God, and give glory to him; for the hour of his judgment is come.
Revelation 14:7

Preparation for the end of time

How do we prepare to be a part of the 144,000 or a part of those saved at the end of time? Preparation and growth occurs in stages. We can observe people in three main stages concerning their relationship with God.

1. Worldly

2. Religious

3. Committed

Worldly

The worldly person has put God on the back burner. They rarely, if ever, attend church. They often consider themselves good people. Deep inside they feel an emptiness or loneliness, which they rarely admit. They are unsuccessful in filling the emptiness with work, parties and having a good time. A good deed here and there or volunteer work partly fills the emptiness.

The occasional disaster or trial jars them to a realization of a greater need. Before long, the pleasures of life drag them back to the same routine. What do these people need? They need to:

1.      Recognize their current lost condition as a sinner in a world, which can never provide peace, happiness, and security.

2.      Recognize God as the Supreme Being in the universe who loves us very much and has the solution to the problems in their lives.

3.      Commit to God their life and everything they have, to do what He has shown is best, for which He provides grace and strength.

4.      Recognize the need for spiritual growth by Bible study, prayer, and fellowship with other believers.

Religious

The religious person has made God a priority in their lives. They attend church every week. They study the Bible. They listen to the pastor's sermon. They accept the doctrines of the church. They accept baptism into the church. They give an offering to support the church. They often consider themselves good people. They occasionally feel an emptiness or loneliness, which they rarely admit. They mostly fill the emptiness with work, church activities and having a good time.

Ezekiel records the words of God about these people.

31 And they come unto thee as the people cometh, and they sit before thee as my people, and they hear thy words, but they will not do them: for with their mouth they shew much love, but their heart goeth after their covetousness.
Ezekiel 33:31

Revelation records the words of God about the church of these people.

14 And unto the angel of the church of the Laodiceans write; These things saith the Amen, the faithful and true witness, the beginning of the creation of God;
15 I know thy works, that thou art neither cold (knowing the need and seeking more truth) nor hot (Earnestly studying and proclaiming more truth): I would thou wert cold or hot.
16 So then because thou art lukewarm (satisfied with a little truth and not proclaiming it), and neither cold nor hot, I will spue thee out of my mouth.
17 Because thou sayest, I am rich (plenty of truth), and increased with goods (more truth than anyone else), and have need of nothing (we are members of the church); and knowest not that thou art wretched, and miserable, and poor, and blind, and naked:
Revelation 3:14-17

The occasional disaster or trial jars them to a realization of a greater need. Before long the routine of life continues. What do these people need? They need to:

1.      Recognize their current lost condition as a sinner, because church membership and attendance alone can never provide peace, happiness, and security.

2.      Recognize the need for continual growth by Bible study, prayer, and fellowship with other growing believers. In this way we continue to develop firmer, steadier characters which reveal the Messiah's righteousness in every situation.

3.      It is not enough to hear and understand the truth. Do not accept what anyone else tells you. You must prove every truth yourself from the Bible.

The Bible says:

18 I counsel thee to buy (obtain by study and obedience) of me gold (more precious truth) tried in the fire (obtained by great effort), that thou mayest be rich (have all the truth); and white raiment (sanctification), that thou mayest be clothed (righteous), and that the shame of thy nakedness do not appear; and anoint thine eyes with eyesalve (Holy Spirit), that thou mayest see.

The warning:

19 As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten: be zealous therefore, and repent.

The promise:

20 Behold, I stand at the door, and knock: if any man hear my voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with me.
21 To him that overcometh will I grant to sit with me in my throne, even as I also overcame, and am set down with my Father in his throne.
22 He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches.
Revelation 3:18-22

Committed

Those truly committed to God will look to others like they should be committed to a mental hospital. Their thoughts are different from the rest of the world. Their actions are different. The closer they follow God the less they fit in this world and in the organized denominations.

These are the basic beliefs of those who are committed. They share the first part of these beliefs with those who have heard and followed the Three Angels' Message.

v     The only true God is the omnipresent, omniscient, omnipotent creator of the universe.

7 Saying with a loud voice, Fear God, and give glory to him; for the hour of his judgment is come: and worship him that made heaven, and earth, and the sea, and the fountains of waters.
Revelation 14:7

v     God is the source of all truth and all, which is good.

5 Every word of God is pure: he is a shield unto them that put their trust in him.
Proverbs 30:5

v     God created this world for us to live in joy and happiness, sharing with Him forever.

28 And God blessed them, and God said unto them, Be fruitful, and multiply, and replenish the earth, and subdue it: and have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the fowl of the air, and over every living thing that moveth upon the earth.
Genesis 1:28

v     Satan is the source of evil, deceptions, and all, which is bad.

15 Thou wast perfect in thy ways from the day that thou wast created, till iniquity was found in thee.
Ezekiel 28:15

v     The Tree of Knowledge of Good and Evil was the test of obedience to truth. Satan tempted Eve and the human family fell into sin. Disobedience leads to death. God gave the promise of the destruction of Satan.

15 And I will put enmity between thee and the woman, and between thy seed and her seed; it shall bruise thy head, and thou shalt bruise his heel.
Genesis 3:15

v     God reveals Himself through the Bible.

17 Sanctify them through thy truth: thy word is truth.
John 17:17

v     The Bible is the inspired word of God and contains instruction for all aspects of life.

16 All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness:
2 Timothy 3:16

v     Understanding of the Bible comes through the Holy Spirit.

10 But God hath revealed them unto us by his Spirit: for the Spirit searcheth all things, yea, the deep things of God.
11 For what man knoweth the things of a man, save the spirit of man which is in him? even so the things of God knoweth no man, but the Spirit of God.
12 Now we have received, not the spirit of the world, but the spirit which is of God; that we might know the things that are freely given to us of God.
13 Which things also we speak, not in the words which man's wisdom teacheth, but which the Holy Ghost teacheth; comparing spiritual things with spiritual.
1 Corinthians 2:10-13

v     Salvation comes by belief in the Messiah.

16 For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.
John 3:16

v     True belief in the Messiah means studying His life and His words from the scripture. This will result in love for the Messiah and appreciation of His sacrifice.

12 And I, if I be lifted up from the earth, will draw all men unto me.
John 12:32

v     True love for the Messiah means we obey the instructions in the Bible.

15 If ye love me, keep my commandments.
16 And I will pray the Father, and he shall give you another Comforter, that he may abide with you for ever;
17 Even the Spirit of truth; whom the world cannot receive, because it seeth him not, neither knoweth him: but ye know him; for he dwelleth with you, and shall be in you.
18 I will not leave you comfortless: I will come to you.
19 Yet a little while, and the world seeth me no more; but ye see me: because I live, ye shall live also.
20 At that day ye shall know that I am in my Father, and ye in me, and I in you.
21 He that hath my commandments, and keepeth them, he it is that loveth me: and he that loveth me shall be loved of my Father, and I will love him, and will manifest myself to him.
John 14:15-21

v     The Bible is the only rule of authority, which is to be followed rather than any rules and traditions of men.

29 Then Peter and the other apostles answered and said, We ought to obey God rather than men.
Acts 5:29

v     All of the Ten Commandments are to be obeyed by all of mankind.

21 He that hath my commandments, and keepeth them, he it is that loveth me: and he that loveth me shall be loved of my Father, and I will love him, and will manifest myself to him.
John 14:21

17 Think not that I am come to destroy the law, or the prophets: I am not come to destroy, but to fulfil.
18 For verily I say unto you, Till heaven and earth pass, one jot or one tittle shall in no wise pass from the law, till all be fulfilled.
19 Whosoever therefore shall break one of these least commandments, and shall teach men so, he shall be called the least in the kingdom of heaven: but whosoever shall do and teach [them], the same shall be called great in the kingdom of heaven.
Matthew 5:17-19

You must first believe and practice these concepts. Then you will be prepared to evaluate and understand the concepts of the Fourth Angel's Message. How does one prepare for the end of time?

v     We must be earnestly seeking to know and understand truth.

7 Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you:
Matthew 7:7

v     We must pray for the illumination of the Holy Spirit.

169 Let my cry come near before thee, O LORD: give me understanding according to thy word.
Psalm 119:169

v     Every individual must study the Bible truths for themselves. We cannot depend on any other person or organization as the source for our beliefs.

15 Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.
2 Timothy 2:15

11 These were more noble than those in Thessalonica, in that they received the word with all readiness of mind, and searched the Holy Scriptures daily, whether those things were so.
Acts 17:11

v     All true believers obey the statutes of God. The commandments and the statutes existed before the children of Israel left Egypt. Abraham knew and kept them.

4 And I will make thy seed to multiply as the stars of heaven, and will give unto thy seed all these countries; and in thy seed shall all the nations of the earth be blessed;
5 Because that Abraham obeyed my voice, and kept my charge, my commandments, my statutes, and my laws.
Genesis 26:4-5

The truth, which says God did not nail the “Law of Moses” (the statutes) to the cross, is the primary focus of this book. It is a tradition of man, led by Satan, which tries to nail the “Law of Moses” to the cross. This is a critical issue to preparing for the end of time. God knew this would be the final issue so he left a specific detailed prophecy in His own words to the church in the end of time.

4 Remember ye the law of Moses my servant, which I commanded unto him in Horeb for all Israel, with the statutes and judgments.
Malachi 4:4

He has told us a special prophet will proclaim this message at the end of time.

5 Behold, I will send you Elijah the prophet before the coming of the great and dreadful day of the LORD:
Malachi 4:5

v     Health is required to be able to advance in knowledge and understanding. Poor health weakens spiritual discernment.

2 Beloved, I wish above all things that thou mayest prosper and be in health, even as thy soul prospereth.
3 John 1:2

v     God has revealed his plans for the future in prophecy.

7 Surely the Lord GOD will do nothing, but he revealeth his secret unto his servants the prophets.
Amos 3:7

The Mark of the Beast

The 144,000 take a stand against a great power. A beast symbolically represents this power in Daniel 7 and Revelation 13. I am only going to give a brief introduction and overview of this beast. I am not going to repeat what other sources have covered in detail. Daniel first introduces the beast.

7 After this I saw in the night visions, and behold a fourth beast, dreadful and terrible, and strong exceedingly; and it had great iron teeth: it devoured and brake in pieces, and stamped the residue with the feet of it: and it was diverse from all the beasts that were before it; and it had ten horns.
8 I considered the horns, and, behold, there came up among them another little horn, before whom there were three of the first horns plucked up by the roots: and, behold, in this horn were eyes like the eyes of man, and a mouth speaking great things

25 And he shall speak great words against the most High, and shall wear out the saints of the most High, and think to change times and laws: and they shall be given into his hand until a time and times and the dividing of time.
Daniel 7:7-8, 25

Revelation continues, in more detail, describing the proud words, and the blasphemy of the beast. Revelation repeats the length of time for the domination of the beast.

5 And there was given unto him a mouth speaking great things and blasphemies; and power was given unto him to continue forty and two months.
6 And he opened his mouth in blasphemy against God, to blaspheme his name, and his tabernacle, and them that dwell in heaven.
Revelation 13:5-6

From these next verses we see the blasphemies of the beast to change times and laws become a mark of the beast. This mark occurs when civil legislation attempts to enforce religious observance. The mark in the hand is when you obey the requirements. The mark in the forehead is when you believe in the blasphemy.

16 And he causeth all, both small and great, rich and poor, free and bond, to receive a mark in their right hand, or in their foreheads:
17 And that no man might buy or sell, save he that had the mark, or the name of the beast, or the number of his name.
Revelation 13:16-17

Warning! Papal Rome is an apostatized religious system mingled with political power created by Satan. Do not apply what I am saying to people in the Roman Catholic Church. Do not confuse the difference between the errors of the power system we hate and the people in the church we love.

State of the Dead - Immortality

This is the first lie of Satan.

4 And the serpent said unto the woman, Ye shall not surely die:
Genesis 3:4

This is a sample of Roman Catholic teachings of the immortality of the soul from the Catechism.

The term "flesh" refers to man in his state of weakness and mortality. The "resurrection of the flesh" (the literal formulation of the Apostles' Creed) means not only that the immortal soul will live on after death, but that even our "mortal body" will come to life again.
The Profession of Christian Faith (http://www.vatican.va
/archive/ccc_css/archive/catechism/p123a11.htm)

Second Commandment - Idol Worship

One of the most flagrant blasphemies of Papal Rome is the worship of idols. The Catechism changes the meaning of the first and fourth commandment, cleverly ignores (abolishes) the second commandment, as recognized by other churches, and splits the tenth commandment into two parts.

4 Thou shalt not make unto thee any graven image, or any likeness of any thing that is in heaven above, or that is in the earth beneath, or that is in the water under the earth.
5 Thou shalt not bow down thyself to them, nor serve them: for I the LORD thy God am a jealous God, visiting the iniquity of the fathers upon the children unto the third and fourth generation of them that hate me;
6 And shewing mercy unto thousands of them that love me, and keep my commandments.
Exodus 20:4-6

Fourth Commandment Sabbath - Sunday

The worst blasphemy is the changing of God's weekly day of rest and worship. Instead of being a sign of God's creation, Papal Rome moves it to the day of pagan Sun worship. Nowhere in the Bible is there any instruction to begin worship on the first day of the week.

9 Six days shalt thou labour, and do all thy work:
10 But the seventh day is the sabbath of the LORD thy God: in it thou shalt not do any work, thou, nor thy son, nor thy daughter, thy manservant, nor thy maidservant, nor thy cattle, nor thy stranger that is within thy gates:
11 For in six days the LORD made heaven and earth, the sea, and all that in them is, and rested the seventh day: wherefore the LORD blessed the sabbath day, and hallowed it.
Exodus 20:9-11

Pope John Paul II released a lengthy letter in 1998 detailing the importance of Sunday legislation. An example quote from section 67:

Therefore, also in the particular circumstances of our own time, Christians will naturally strive to ensure that civil legislation respects their duty to keep Sunday holy. In any case, they are obliged in conscience to arrange their Sunday rest in a way which allows them to take part in the Eucharist, refraining from work and activities which are incompatible with the sanctification of the Lord's Day, with its characteristic joy and necessary rest for spirit and body.
Apostolic Letter Dies Domini (http://www.vatican.va
/holy_father/john_paul_ii/apost_letters/documents/hf_jp-ii_apl_05071998_dies-domini_en.html)

The Catholic Catechism calls for Sunday legislation.

In respecting religious liberty and the common good of all, Christians should seek recognition of Sundays and the Church's holy days as legal holidays. They have to give everyone a public example of prayer, respect, and joy and defend their traditions as a precious contribution to the spiritual life of society. If a country's legislation or other reasons require work on Sunday, the day should nevertheless be lived as the day of our deliverance which lets us share in this "festal gathering," this "assembly of the firstborn who are enrolled in heaven."
Catechism of the Catholic Church (http://www.vatican.va
/archive/ccc_css/archive/catechism/p3s2c1a3.htm)

Passover - Easter

The earliest change made by Papal Rome was moving the Passover from a fixed day in God's calendar to the next Sunday in the popular calendar. Papal Rome corrupted the day into a day of observing pagan customs disregarding the true observance.

4 In the fourteenth day of the first month at even is the LORD's passover.
Leviticus 23:5

The Passover is part of the statutes of God. The Ten Commandments are only a summary of God's law. The statutes are the details of God's law. The importance of the statutes was lost in the Dark Ages. Currently most believe they are no longer binding. Only the animal sacrificial system ended at Golgotha. The 144,000 and all those saved at the end of time will obey all the commandments, statutes, and judgments found in the Torah.

God's Holy Days - Catholic Holy Days

Many people know this truth. Even the SDA church has fallen short in accepting new light on old Bible truths. The Dark Ages of Catholic Apostasy have destroyed and perverted so much of Bible Truth. Even the SDA church has not completely come out of the darkness.

4 And I heard another voice from heaven, saying, Come out of her, my people, that ye be not partakers of her sins, and that ye receive not of her plagues.
Revelation 18:4

The church rightfully rejected the pagan and Catholic Sunday worship, which Papal Rome substituted for the weekly Sabbath (Saturday) worship. Yet, they have failed to reject the pagan and Catholic holidays, which Papal Rome substituted for the seven yearly Sabbath Holy Days. It is not enough just to try to ignore the pagan holidays. Some pastors even encourage people to enjoy the pagan holidays while they preach against God’s Holy Days. The seven yearly Sabbaths are part of the statutes of God (the Law of Moses) found in Leviticus 23 and other places in the Bible.

God's Holy Days

Weekly Sabbath (7th day of the week)
Unleavened Bread (15th day of the 1st month)
Unleavened Bread (21st day of the 1st month)
Pentecost (50 days after the 15th day of the 1st month)
Trumpets (1st day of the 7th month)
Day of Atonement (10th day of the 7th month)
Tabernacles (15th day of the 7th month)
Last Great Day (22nd day of the 7th month)

Catholic Holy Days

Weekly Sunday (1st day of the week)
Easter Sunday (Sunday after Passover)
Pentecost Sunday (7th Sunday after Easter)
Nativity of the Lord (December 25, Christmas)
Epiphany of the Lord (January 6)
Ascension of the Lord (Forty days after Easter)
Body and Blood of Christ (9th Thursday after Easter)
Holy Mary the Mother of God (January 1)
Mary Immaculate Conception (December 8)
Assumption of Mary (August 15)
Saint Joseph (March 19)
Saint Peter and Saint Paul (June 29)
All Saints (November 1)

The Law of the Catholic Church defines their Holy Days.

Canon 1246 §1. Sunday, on which by apostolic tradition the paschal mystery is celebrated, must be observed in the universal Church as the primordial holy day of obligation. The following days must also be observed: the Nativity of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Epiphany, the Ascension, the Body and Blood of Christ, Holy Mary the Mother of God, her Immaculate Conception, her Assumption, Saint Joseph, Saint Peter and Saint Paul the Apostles, and All Saints.
Code of Canon Law of the Catholic Church (http://www.vatican.va/archive/ENG1104/__P4N.HTM)

How to Respond to the Coming Persecution

It is important to understand we are to obey the laws of the land when they do not directly contradict the law of God. We can obey the existing Sunday laws and some of the ones soon to come.

13 Submit yourselves to every ordinance of man for the Lord's sake: whether it be to the king, as supreme;
14 Or unto governors, as unto them that are sent by him for the punishment of evildoers, and for the praise of them that do well.
15 For so is the will of God, that with well doing ye may put to silence the ignorance of foolish men:
I Peter 2:13-15

When we are required to cease labor on Sunday, we can do so. God gave us six days in which to labor. It does not mean we must work every day. Many other days of the year are already days of leisure and not work. If the civil law tells us to cease labor on Sunday, we can comply.

These events in the past provide valuable guidance for future events.

Question: "Should not those in the Southern field work on Sunday?" [The questioner evidently had in mind to inquire regarding the duty of our brethren under conditions then existing in the South, rather than their duty in that particular locality, regardless of conditions.] {RH, April 6, 1911 par. 10}

"If they do this, there is danger that as soon as the opposing element can get the slightest opportunity, they will stir up one another to persecute those whom they hate. At present Sunday-keeping is not the test. The time will come when men will not only forbid Sunday work, but they will try to force men to labor on the Sabbath, and to subscribe to Sunday observance or forfeit their freedom and their lives. But the time for this has not yet come, for the truth must be presented more fully before the people as a witness. What I have said about this should not be understood as referring to the action of old Sabbath-keepers who understand the truth. They must move as the Lord shall direct them, but let them consider that they can do the best missionary work on Sunday. {RH, April 6, 1911 par. 11}
Ellen G. White. The Review and Herald, April 6, 1911 A Study of Principles -- No. 5,Methods of Labor Where Prejudice Is Strong

When government passes laws to attend church on Sunday, we can choose to do so. We already have meetings on any day of the week. In our own churches, we can hold Sunday prayer meetings, if required. Those who believe and practice the fourth commandment know it takes much more than attending church to be keeping a day holy.

Only much prayer and the power of the Holy Spirit will guide the faithful to proper spiritual discernment. Do not let the early Sunday laws provoke an inappropriate response and do not let them lull you into complacency. We must be careful to discern the difference between attending church on a day and worshipping the day itself.

16 Behold, I send you forth as sheep in the midst of wolves: be ye therefore wise as serpents, and harmless as doves.
Matthew 10:16

The earliest Sunday laws have been mild and demand little in an attempt to soften the resistance and lull the unsuspecting into complacency. The beast will not stop at this. Laws will be set which clearly contradict the law of God. These we will not and must not obey. We will not work on the Sabbath. We must attend holy convocations on the Sabbath (Leviticus 23:3). Already, many believers fail to attend church in violation of God’s command.

23 But when they persecute you in this city, flee ye into another: for verily I say unto you, Ye shall not have gone over the cities of Israel, till the Son of man be come.
Matthew 10:23

The Bible clearly and often teaches the leaving of the cities. Have we listened? Soon we will, under duress instead of choice. Otherwise, we will be subject to greater persecution than what God has planned for us to endure.

15 When ye therefore shall see the abomination of desolation, spoken of by Daniel the prophet, stand in the holy place, (whoso readeth, let him understand:)
16 Then let them which be in Judaea flee into the mountains:
Matthew 24:15-16

Ellen White said much on the subject of obedience to civil law. This is just a sampling of some available quotes.

"The miracle-working power manifested through spiritualism will exert its influence against those who choose to obey God rather than men. Communications from the spirits will declare that God has sent them to convince the rejecters of Sunday of their error, affirming that the laws of the land should be obeyed as the law of God. They will lament the great wickedness in the world and second the testimony of religious teachers that the degraded state of morals is caused by the desecration of Sunday. Great will be the indignation excited against all who refuse to accept their testimony." {GC 590.2}
Ellen G. White. Great Controversy, Chapter 36, The Impending Conflict, page 590, paragraph 2.

Carefully note the difference between the true and the false statement.

True: "The laws of the land should be obeyed subject to the law of God".

False: "The laws of the land should be obeyed as the law of God"

The Third Elijah Message

There is a special prophetic message of warning for the end of time. We find this message in the last chapter of the last book of the Old Testament. This message is to the church, which teaches the Three Angels' Message. God knew there would be great apostasy and resistance to returning to all the truth. He provided a special message, in His own words, recorded by Malachi for just this time when the church nails the "Law of Moses" to the cross.

4 Remember ye the law of Moses my servant, which I commanded unto him in Horeb for all Israel, with the statutes and judgments.
Malachi 4:4

You will not hear this message being preached in the church. This message has waited silently for two thousand years. This message is now being proclaimed. This is the time of the end. The end of time will soon be here. The Lord is coming. Are you ready? God has promised a great prophet just before the end.

5 Behold, I will send you Elijah the prophet before the coming of the great and dreadful day of the LORD:
6 And he shall turn the heart of the fathers to the children, and the heart of the children to their fathers, lest I come and smite the earth with a curse.
Malachi 4:5-6

The words of the Messiah, which indicate the Third Elijah shall come (future tense) and the Second Elijah had come already (past tense). The Saviour knew and understood the prophecy, which says the Third Elijah would restore all things.

10 And his disciples asked him, saying, Why then say the scribes that Elias must first come?
11 And Jesus answered and said unto them, Elias truly shall first come, and restore all things.
12 But I say unto you, That Elias is come already, and they knew him not, but have done unto him whatsoever they listed. Likewise shall also the Son of man suffer of them.
13 Then the disciples understood that he spake unto them of John the Baptist.
Matthew 17:10-13

Peter also knew the prophecy. The time of the end is a time of restoration of all things. The Sabbath truth has been restored. The truth of all God has commanded is being restored.

21 Whom the heaven must receive until the times of restitution of all things, which God hath spoken by the mouth of all his holy prophets since the world began.
Acts 3:21

There can be no dispute; the message of Malachi 4 is for the last days. The final destruction, by fire, of all the wicked is clearly described as the introduction to this message.

1 For, behold, the day cometh, that shall burn as an oven; and all the proud, yea, and all that do wickedly, shall be stubble: and the day that cometh shall burn them up, saith the LORD of hosts, that it shall leave them neither root nor branch.
2 But unto you that fear my name shall the Sun of righteousness arise with healing in his wings; and ye shall go forth, and grow up as calves of the stall.
3 And ye shall tread down the wicked; for they shall be ashes under the soles of your feet in the day that I shall do this, saith the LORD of hosts.
Malachi 4:1-3

The Ten Commandments are not the limit of God's law. The statutes and judgments of God are the expansion and details of the commandments. The statutes of God were not done away with at the cross. It is time for the modern children of Israel to return to the observance of all of God's law. The Messiah told us clearly.

17 Think not that I am come to destroy the law, or the prophets: I am not come to destroy, but to fulfil.
18 For verily I say unto you, Till heaven and earth pass, one jot or one tittle shall in no wise pass from the law, till all be fulfilled.
19 Whosoever therefore shall break one of these least commandments, and shall teach men so, he shall be called the least in the kingdom of heaven: but whosoever shall do and teach them, the same shall be called great in the kingdom of heaven.
Matthew 5:17-19

The "Law of Moses" (statutes) was not nailed to the cross. Only the animal sacrifices and the animal sacrificial system were completed with the sacrifice of the Messiah. Notice I did not say "abolished". No part of the Law of God can ever be abolished. Animal sacrifices began with sin as a temporary atonement for sin to point to the perfect sacrifice to come. The animal sacrifices were "completed" and stand forever as a testimony of the purposeful leading of God. The animal sacrifices and oblations ceased with the final sacrifice of the Messiah. The final sacrifices for sin will occur when the wicked are sacrificed for their own sin because they did not accept the sacrifice of the Messiah.

27 And he shall confirm the covenant with many for one week: and in the midst of the week he shall cause the sacrifice and the oblation to cease, and for the overspreading of abominations he shall make it desolate, even until the consummation, and that determined shall be poured upon the desolate.
Daniel 9:27

Beware of the error of including other laws, commanded by God to Moses, with the animal sacrifices. Daniel and Hebrews make it clear the animal sacrifices ceased. Do not be deceived and throw out other inconvenient requirements of God on this flimsy excuse.

The First Elijah

Elijah declared the message of God to the children of Israel. His message was one of repentance and reformation. In this quote, adapted for our time, Baal represents the opinions of men. It does not matter whether they are pastors or church leaders.

21 And Elijah came unto all the people, and said, How long halt ye between two opinions? if the LORD be God, follow him: but if Baal, then follow him. And the people answered him not a word.
1 Kings 18:21

Do not depend on the pastor or the church leaders for the truth. Heed the warning of God.

5 Thus saith the LORD; Cursed be the man that trusteth in man, and maketh flesh his arm, and whose heart departeth from the LORD.
6 For he shall be like the heath in the desert, and shall not see when good cometh; but shall inhabit the parched places in the wilderness, in a salt land and not inhabited.
7 Blessed is the man that trusteth in the LORD, and whose hope the LORD is.
8 For he shall be as a tree planted by the waters, and that spreadeth out her roots by the river, and shall not see when heat cometh, but her leaf shall be green; and shall not be careful in the year of drought, neither shall cease from yielding fruit.
9 The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked: who can know it?
10 I the LORD search the heart, I try the reins, even to give every man according to his ways, and according to the fruit of his doings.
Jeremiah 17:5-10

The Second Elijah

John the Baptist was the Second Elijah declaring the message of God preparing the way for the First Coming of the Messiah.

1 Behold, I will send my messenger, and he shall prepare the way before me: and the LORD, whom ye seek, shall suddenly come to his temple, even the messenger of the covenant, whom ye delight in: behold, he shall come, saith the LORD of hosts.
Malachi 3:1

The message of the second Elijah, John the Baptist, was to the children of Israel. It is time to confess we have ignored the law of God and repent. The time for ignorance and excuses is past.

1 In those days came John the Baptist, preaching in the wilderness of Judaea,
2 And saying, Repent ye: for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.
3 For this is he that was spoken of by the prophet Esaias, saying, The voice of one crying in the wilderness, Prepare ye the way of the Lord, make his paths straight.
Matthew 3:1-3

John the Baptist made a major impact on the people of his time.

5 Then went out to him Jerusalem, and all Judaea, and all the region round about Jordan,
Matthew 3:5

5 And there went out unto him all the land of Judaea, and they of Jerusalem, and were all baptized of him in the river of Jordan, confessing their sins.
Mark 1:5

The Third Elijah

The Third Elijah declares the message of God preparing the way for the Second Coming of the Messiah. The message of the Third Elijah is to the modern children of Israel. It is to those within the church whom have studied and followed the Three Angels' Message. This message leads to the sealing of the 144,000. Those who do not accept the truth are also sealed to judgment.

1 He cried also in mine ears with a loud voice, saying, Cause them that have charge over the city to draw near, even every man with his destroying weapon in his hand.
2 And, behold, six men came from the way of the higher gate, which lieth toward the north, and every man a slaughter weapon in his hand; and one man among them was clothed with linen, with a writer's inkhorn by his side: and they went in, and stood beside the brasen altar.
3 And the glory of the God of Israel was gone up from the cherub, whereupon he was, to the threshold of the house. And he called to the man clothed with linen, which had the writer's inkhorn by his side;
4 And the LORD said unto him, Go through the midst of the city, through the midst of Jerusalem, and set a mark upon the foreheads of the men that sigh and that cry for all the abominations that be done in the midst thereof.
5 And to the others he said in mine hearing, Go ye after him through the city, and smite: let not your eye spare, neither have ye pity:
6 Slay utterly old and young, both maids, and little children, and women: but come not near any man upon whom is the mark; and begin at my sanctuary. Then they began at the ancient men which were before the house.
Ezekiel 9:1-6

The most significant expansion of the details of the commandments found in the statutes is the yearly Sabbaths described in Leviticus 23. This is not all we find in the statutes and judgments. The 144,000 will acquaint themselves with and achieve perfect obedience, through the grace of God, by the study and practice of all of the statutes and judgments.

48 Be ye therefore perfect, even as your Father which is in heaven is perfect.
Matthew 5:48

2 And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.
Romans 12:2

10 But when that which is perfect is come, then that which is in part shall be done away.
1 Corinthians 13:10

7 Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap.
8 For he that soweth to his flesh shall of the flesh reap corruption; but he that soweth to the Spirit shall of the Spirit reap life everlasting.
Galatians 6:7-8

Do not accept human traditions. Do not accept false teachings. Learn the truth for yourself.

15 Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.
2 Timothy 2:15

The time to make your decision for the truth is now. Many seem to be waiting for some sign from heaven before they will commit. Many seem to be waiting for the Sunday law before they get serious about God's message. The words of the Saviour are a warning to us.

11 And the Pharisees came forth, and began to question with him, seeking of him a sign from heaven, tempting him.
12 And he sighed deeply in his spirit, and saith, Why doth this generation seek after a sign? verily I say unto you, There shall no sign be given unto this generation.
Mark 8:11-12

There may not be any sign to the church before the sealing of the 144,000. It may be too late for those who are supposed to be watching, waiting, and ready.

1 Then shall the kingdom of heaven be likened unto ten virgins, which took their lamps, and went forth to meet the bridegroom.
2 And five of them were wise, and five were foolish.
3 They that were foolish took their lamps, and took no oil with them:
4 But the wise took oil in their vessels with their lamps.
5 While the bridegroom tarried, they all slumbered and slept.
6 And at midnight there was a cry made, Behold, the bridegroom cometh; go ye out to meet him.
7 Then all those virgins arose, and trimmed their lamps.
8 And the foolish said unto the wise, Give us of your oil; for our lamps are gone out.
9 But the wise answered, saying, Not so; lest there be not enough for us and you: but go ye rather to them that sell, and buy for yourselves.
10 And while they went to buy, the bridegroom came; and they that were ready went in with him to the marriage: and the door was shut.
11 Afterward came also the other virgins, saying, Lord, Lord, open to us.
12 But he answered and said, Verily I say unto you, I know you not.
13 Watch therefore, for ye know neither the day nor the hour wherein the Son of man cometh.
Matthew 25:1-13

Who Is The Third Elijah?

There has not yet been a prophet in the end of time, which has presented the message the Bible describes for the Third Elijah. The Law of Moses has not yet been presented with the power and spirit of Elijah. Some claim the church has already presented the Elijah Message. Clearly, this cannot be true, when you understand the Elijah Message is a call to remember the Law of Moses.

Some wonder if Elijah himself may come down from heaven to preach the message. This does not seem likely to me. Some do not know their scripture and believe the lie he was not taken to heaven. (See Matthew 17:3, Mark 9:4, Luke 9:30.) They suggest he will rise with the special resurrection.

It may be the Third Elijah is not one person but a group of people. It is not the 144,000 for they are not sealed as a group until the end of the Third Elijah Message to the church. It may be those who will become a part of the 144,000.

I suspect the Third Elijah is a single person. This person will proclaim the message in the spirit and power of Elijah. This person will proclaim the message in the spirit and power of the Second Elijah, John the Baptist. This person will be intimately familiar with the Law of Moses. This person will probably be trained in the Law of Moses from birth. This person will observe all the statutes of God recorded in the Law of Moses without exception. However, this person will not be blinded and corrupted by Jewish tradition.

We may not fully understand God's method for the fulfillment of this prophecy until it occurs. We might not fully understand until we reach heaven.

Expanded information about the Third Elijah Message is available in the fifth book of this series and at this website.

www.ThirdElijahMessage.info

The Fourth Angel's Message

The Fourth Angel's Message is an outgrowth of the Third Elijah Message for the end of time. The Fourth Angel's Message is a message of great power and light to the world.

1 And after these things I saw another angel come down from heaven, having great power; and the earth was lightened with his glory.
2 And he cried mightily with a strong voice, saying, Babylon the great is fallen, is fallen, and is become the habitation of devils, and the hold of every foul spirit, and a cage of every unclean and hateful bird.
3 For all nations have drunk of the wine of the wrath of her fornication, and the kings of the earth have committed fornication with her, and the merchants of the earth are waxed rich through the abundance of her delicacies.
Revelation 18:1-3

The strong and mighty voice of the fourth angel is followed by the voice of God Himself.

4 And I heard another voice from heaven, saying, Come out of her, my people, that ye be not partakers of her sins, and that ye receive not of her plagues. Revelation 18:4

The light of the angel is a new light on old truths. The power of the angel is to spread this truth to the whole world. The light is the complete restoration of God's law. God's law as it was known and practiced by the Messiah. God's law as it was known and practiced by the disciples and apostles.

The last part of the law, missing after the great apostasy of the Dark Ages, is the statutes of God. The restoration of the complete law leads to the perfecting of the saints and the establishment of God's kingdom on earth. This event is sometimes called the Latter Rain and is a second manifestation of the Holy Spirit as it occurred at Pentecost ten days after the Messiah ascended to heaven.

Warning

This is a message of warning to ancient Israel, which can be applied to modern Israel, the church of God.

10 Ye shall fall by the sword; I will judge you in the border of Israel; and ye shall know that I am the LORD.
11 This city shall not be your caldron, neither shall ye be the flesh in the midst thereof; but I will judge you in the border of Israel:
12 And ye shall know that I am the LORD: for ye have not walked in my statutes, neither executed my judgments, but have done after the manners of the heathen that are round about you.
Ezekiel 11:10-12

The "manners of the heathen" especially speaks to me of the observance of the Catholic holidays.

13 But the house of Israel rebelled against me in the wilderness: they walked not in my statutes, and they despised my judgments, which if a man do, he shall even live in them; and my sabbaths they greatly polluted: then I said, I would pour out my fury upon them in the wilderness, to consume them.
Ezekiel 20:13

Promise

This is the promise to ancient Israel, which can be applied, to modern Israel, the church of God.

17 Therefore say, Thus saith the Lord GOD; I will even gather you from the people, and assemble you out of the countries where ye have been scattered, and I will give you the land of Israel.
18 And they shall come thither, and they shall take away all the detestable things thereof and all the abominations thereof from thence.
19 And I will give them one heart, and I will put a new spirit within you; and I will take the stony heart out of their flesh, and will give them an heart of flesh:
20 That they may walk in my statutes, and keep mine ordinances, and do them: and they shall be my people, and I will be their God.
Ezekiel 11:17-20

The "land of Israel" speaks to me of the final Promised Land, the New Earth.

19 I am the LORD your God; walk in my statutes, and keep my judgments, and do them;
20 And hallow my sabbaths; and they shall be a sign between me and you, that ye may know that I am the LORD your God.
Ezekiel 20:19-20

Fall of Babylon

The message of the Fourth Angel repeats and enlarges the message of the Second Angel and cries mightily with a strong voice, adding to the Three Angels’ Message. Babylon has fallen to the final foul depths. I think it is significant the wording has changed. The second angel refers to Babylon, the great city. The fourth angel refers to Babylon the great. The moral, political, and economic aspects seem to refer to something more than just Rome. It sounds like the "image" to the beast, the United States, and the protestant daughter churches. The rest of the chapter is similar.

There is a distinctive nature to the general messages of the four angels (Revelation 14:6-7, Revelation 14:8, Revelation 14:9-12, Revelation 18:1-3). These messages are of a general nature presented from heaven to the world. There are other specific angels with different actions and specific messages but they are presented from different specific places to different specific people. A deeper understanding of all the angels of Revelation is a separate subject of the study of prophecy.

Revival and Reformation

All messages are about revival and reformation. The Third Elijah Message and the Fourth Angel's Message are also a message about revival and reformation. There are three basic types of messages.

True Revival

A revival is primarily a call to return to faith and obedience. A true revival presents all the elements of God's Truth to remind believers and to call unbelievers. Zeal for God's Truth is preached and a call to repentance for those who have fallen away.

There may be minor elements of reformation during a revival. Usually these are personal reformations of disobedience when ignoring known truths.

A revival results in personal changes. A revival results in greater faith and obedience. A renewed commitment to serious Bible study, prayer, and witnessing is an absolute requirement for true revival.

Genuine Reformation

A reformation is primarily the restoration of God's Truth. A reformation is needed when elements of God's Truths have been completely forgotten or lost by the majority. A genuine reformation message is mostly presented to those who are already believers and doers of God's Truth. There are always the exact same elements of revival found during a reformation.

False Revival

A false revival is Satan's counterfeit. A false revival is similar to a real revival but contains elements of deception. In a false revival, only some of God's Truth will be presented. A false revival will also tend to emphasize some truths out of proportion to cover up the fact some are left out. A false revival will tend to emphasize emotional display to cover up the lack of true repentance and obedience. False and superficial Bible study, prayer, and witnessing are the result of false revival, if they even happen at all.

A false revival may also try to look like a reformation. "Mysteries" and "knowledge" from the Bible, often associated with prophecy, are presented as "Messages" and "New Light". These things are important and valuable but are poor substitutes for a lack of truth about God's law, salvation, justification, sanctification, and righteousness.

A false revival often manipulates people to do what the leaders want them to do instead of inspiring them by the Word of God to follow the leading of the Holy Spirit in their lives. A cookie cutter approach, pressuring everyone to the same set of actions, is a clear sign a revival is not being led by the Holy Spirit. God clearly demonstrates, He has different plans for different people. The Holy Spirit is observed to support a wide variety of actions by those who are led to follow the spirit.

New Bible Light

Those who have followed the Three Angels' Message have received great light. Many do not see the Dark Ages of apostasy hold one last forgotten truth for them. For those in the Adventist church who do not realize there is more truth, additional new light, we offer the following quotes from Ellen G. White.

All of the following quotes are pasted directly from The Complete Published Ellen G. White Writings, Version 3.0 CD. Many quotes are repeated in later editions and other sources. The earliest source is usually quoted. The quotes may be long because they always include at least the entire paragraph, to provide valuable context. All quotes are supplied without added emphasis. Pray for the Holy Spirit to show you where the emphasis should be for present truth.

Ellen clearly indicated, there was additional new light, she did not know. The Messiah said to His disciples:

12 I have yet many things to say unto you, but ye cannot bear them now.
13 Howbeit when he, the Spirit of truth, is come, he will guide you into all truth: for he shall not speak of himself; but whatsoever he shall hear, that shall he speak: and he will show you things to come.
John 16:12-13

What does Ellen say about new light?

We must not for a moment think that there is no more light, no more truth to be given us. We are in danger of becoming careless, by our indifference losing the sanctifying power of truth, and composing ourselves with the thought, "I am rich and increased with goods, and have need of nothing." [REV. 3:17.] While we must hold fast to the truths which we have already received, we must not look with suspicion upon any new light that God may send. {GW92 390.1} {RH, August 7, 1894 par. 1} {GW 310.4} Ellen G. White, Gospel Workers (1892), page 390, paragraph 1

The question has been asked me, "Do you think that the Lord has any more light for us as a people?" I answer that he has light that is new to us, and yet it is precious old light that is to shine forth from the word of truth. We have only the glimmerings of the rays of the light that is yet to come to us. We are not making the most of the light which the Lord has already given us, and thus we fail to receive the increased light; we do not walk in light already shed upon us. {RH, June 3, 1890 par. 2} {1SM 401.2}

We call ourselves commandment-keeping people, but we do not comprehend the exceeding breadth of the far-reaching principles of the law of God; we do not understand its sacred character. Many who claim to be teachers of the truth, have no real conception of what they are doing in teaching the law of God, because they do not have a living knowledge of the Lord Jesus Christ. {RH, June 3, 1890 par. 3} Ellen G. White, "The Darkness Comprehended It Not.", Review and Herald June 3, 1890

She mentions the "Law of God"! What does this have to do with new light? They already observed the Ten Commandments, including the Sabbath. Where does this new light come from?

Said my guide, "There is much light yet to shine forth from the law of God and the gospel of righteousness. This message, understood in its true character, and proclaimed in the Spirit, will lighten the earth with its glory. The great decisive question is to be brought before all nations, tongues, and peoples. The closing work of the third angel's message will be attended with a power that will send the rays of the Sun of Righteousness into all the highways and byways of life, and decisions will be made for God as supreme Governor; His law will be looked upon as the rule of His government." {1888 166.1} Ellen G. White, To Brethren Assembled at General Conference, A Call to a Deeper Study of the Word, Minneapolis, Minnesota, November 1888 - Ms 15, 1888

Incremental Revelation

Ellen was a prophet of the Three Angels' Message, which made great strides in presenting the seventh day Sabbath and other messages to the world. Some of those who teach the Third Elijah Message (Fourth Angel's Message) try to show Ellen believed, practiced, or taught the importance of the statutes. While she did say much in support of the statutes and new light, it is not appropriate to try to extract explicit teachings of the Third Elijah Message from her work. The knowledge of the Third Elijah Message, though, does provide a new insight from her words.

No truth is more clearly taught in the Bible than that God by His Holy Spirit especially directs His servants on earth in the great movements for the carrying forward of the work of salvation. Men are instruments in the hand of God, employed by Him to accomplish His purposes of grace and mercy. Each has his part to act; to each is granted a measure of light, adapted to the necessities of his time, and sufficient to enable him to perform the work which God has given him to do. But no man, however honored of Heaven, has ever attained to a full understanding of the great plan of redemption, or even to a perfect appreciation of the divine purpose in the work for his own time. Men do not fully understand what God would accomplish by the work which He gives them to do; they do not comprehend, in all its bearings, the message which they utter in His name. {GC 343.2} Ellen G. White, Great Controversy, page 343, paragraph 2

We must study and know the truth for ourselves.

I have been shown that many who profess to have a knowledge of present truth know not what they believe. They do not understand the evidences of their faith. They have no just appreciation of the work for the present time. When the time of trial shall come, there are men now preaching to others who will find, upon examining the positions they hold, that there are many things for which they can give no satisfactory reason. Until thus tested they knew not their great ignorance. And there are many in the church who take it for granted that they understand what they believe; but, until controversy arises, they do not know their own weakness. When separated from those of like faith and compelled to stand singly and alone to explain their belief, they will be surprised to see how confused are their ideas of what they had accepted as truth. Certain it is that there has been among us a departure from the living God and a turning to men, putting human in place of divine wisdom. {5T 707.2} {Mar 45.1} {LDE 70.1} {GW 298.2} {CW 39.2} Ellen G. White, Testimonies for the Church Volume Five (1882-1889), page 707, paragraph 2

Third Elijah Message

I believe the truths of the Third Elijah Message will be brought to the church in power through the work of a special prophet, the Third Elijah. The revelation of this light to individuals and to the church is the work of the Holy Spirit. This subject is to be studied carefully by serious Bible students but is not to be agitated by open argument and dissension. God provides prophets to perform this work. Unless a person has the love of God in their hearts, and the Holy Spirit calls them, they need to consider carefully their responsibility and actions. I have considered very carefully the words of the Spirit of Prophecy.

Among those to whom this message to the church in Sardis was sent, there were those who had heard and been convicted by the preaching of John the Baptist, but who had forsaken the faith in which they once rejoiced. There were others who had received the truth from Christ's teaching, and who were once ardent believers, rejoicing in the faith, but who had lost their first love, and were without spiritual strength. Because they did not hold the beginning of their confidence firm unto the end, they were believing as men without faith. They quibbled about matters of no special importance which were not given by the Lord as tests, and dwelt upon their differences of opinion till these differences became as mountains, separating them from Christ and from one another, destroying unity and love. {1888 1795.3}

We are in danger of falling into similar errors. Never should that which God has not given as a test be carried as was the subject of the law in Galatians. I have been instructed that the terrible experience at the Minneapolis Conference is one of the saddest chapters in the history of the believers in present truth. God forbids that the subject of the two laws should ever again be agitated as it then was. Some are not yet healed of their defection and would plunge into this subject once more. Should they do this, differences of opinion would again create division. This question must not be revived. {1888 1796.1} Ellen G. White, Letter to C. P. Bollman November 20, 1902

We read there were subjects of truth, which even the Messiah avoided because they would be too divisive.

Christ did not reveal many things that were truth, because it would create a difference of opinion and get up disputations, but young men who have not passed through this experience we have had, would as soon have a brush as not. Nothing would suit them better than a sharp discussion. {1888 24.3} Ellen G. White, Letter to E. J. Waggoner and A. T. Jones February 18, 1887

This is one of many quotes to consider. The entire chapter needs careful study for insight and guidance from the Holy Spirit.

While Jesus made it plain that He was under no obligation to pay the tribute, He entered into no controversy with the Jews in regard to the matter; for they would have misinterpreted His words, and turned them against Him. Lest He should give offense by withholding the tribute, He did that which He could not justly be required to do. This lesson would be of great value to His disciples. Marked changes were soon to take place in their relation to the temple service, and Christ taught them not to place themselves needlessly in antagonism to established order. So far as possible, they were to avoid giving occasion for misinterpretation of their faith. While Christians are not to sacrifice one principle of truth, they should avoid controversy whenever it is possible to do so.
{DA 434.4}

Statutes

For those who nail the "Law of Moses" (statutes) to the cross, I offer the testimony of God's own prophet. Do you disagree with the spirit of prophecy, the testimony of Jesus?

10 And I fell at his feet to worship him. And he said unto me, See thou do it not: I am thy fellowservant, and of thy brethren that have the testimony of Jesus: worship God: for the testimony of Jesus is the spirit of prophecy.
Revelation 19:10

What does Ellen say about the statutes? Does she nail the statutes to the cross? Let those who teach this do so at their own peril. I offer the testimony of God's own prophet to the time of the end.

In consequence of continual transgression, the moral law was repeated in awful grandeur from Sinai. Christ gave to Moses religious precepts which were to govern the everyday life. These statutes were explicitly given to guard the ten commandments. They were not shadowy types to pass away with the death of Christ. They were to be binding upon man in every age as long as time should last. These commands were enforced by the power of the moral law, and they clearly and definitely explained that law. {RH, May 6, 1875 par. 10} {1BC 1104.6} {ST April 15, 1875}  Ellen G. White, "The Law of God", Review and Herald, May 6, 1875

Do you have some excuse to explain away the testimony of Jesus? I believe the above statement was part of the paper she mentions in the following quote.

I have something to say to you that I should withhold no longer. I have been looking in vain as yet to get an article that was written nearly twenty years ago in reference to the "added law." I read this to Elder [J. H.] Waggoner. I stated then to him that I had been shown [that] his position in regard to the law was incorrect, and from the statements I made to him he has been silent upon the subject for many years. {1888 21.1} {9MR 215.1} {15MR 18.2} {PC 131.1} Ellen G. White, Letter written February 18, 1887, from Basel, Switzerland, to E. J. Waggoner and A. T. Jones

She further went on to say the time was not right.

I have not read Elder Butler's pamphlet, or any articles written by any of our writers, and do not mean to; but I did see years ago that Elder Waggoner's views were not correct, and read to him matter which I had written. The matter does not lie clear and distinct in my mind yet. I cannot grasp the matter, and for this reason I am fully convinced that presenting it has been not only untimely but deleterious. {1888 22.2} {9MR 215.2} {15MR 19.2} {PC 132.1}

This is a quote from valuable background material, which clarifies this subject.

This was not a new subject of interest to Seventh-day Adventists. J. H. Waggoner, in his book The Law of God: An Examination of the Testimony of Both Testaments, published at the Review office in 1854, took the position that the "added law" of verse 19 and the "schoolmaster" of verse 24 was the moral and not the ceremonial law. He took the controversial stance that "not a single declaration" in Galatians "referred to the ceremonial or Levitical law" (page 24). {3BIO 387.2}

According to Uriah Smith, "Sister White . . . had a vision in which this law question was shown her, and she immediately wrote J. H. Waggoner that his position on the law was wrong," and the book was taken off the market (Uriah Smith to W. A. McCutchen, Aug. 6, 1901). This settled the matter for a number of years. Then the question was raised as to whether the counsel given to Waggoner referred to the doctrinal positions in the book or to the matter of publishing conflicting views. {3BIO 387.3} Arthur L. White, Ellen G. White Biography Volume 3 The Lonely Years 1876-1891

These are some other statements concerning the statutes.

The light given me is that we are to study more than we do the instruction given to Moses by God after He had proclaimed the law from Sinai. The ten commandments were spoken by God Himself, and were then written on tables of stone, to be preserved till the judgment should take place. After the giving of the law, God gave Moses specifications regarding the law. These specifications are plain and explicit. No one need make a mistake. {AUCR, March 25, 1907 par. 3}

In the day of judgment we shall be asked whether we have lived in harmony with these specifications. It is because we do not carry out these specifications in all our dealings, in our institutions, our families, and in our individual lives, at all times, and in all places, that we do not make greater advancement. It is by the directions that God has given that we shall be judged at the last day. {AUCR, March 25, 1907 par. 4} Ellen G. White, Words of Counsel, Australasian Union Conference Record, March 25, 1907

In these last days there is a call from Heaven inviting you to keep the statutes and ordinances of the Lord. The world has set at naught the law of Jehovah; but God will not be left without a witness to his righteousness, or without a people in the earth to proclaim his truth. The door of the heavenly sanctuary has been opened, and no man can shut it, and the light of the Holy of Holies is shining into the world. The people of God have had their attention called to the ark of the testimony, and the law within it has been revealed with its unalterable precepts. In holy vision, John saw the remnant church on the earth, in an age of lawlessness, and he points them out in unmistakable language: "Here is the patience of the saints; here are they that keep the commandments of God, and the faith of Jesus." They are in harmony with that law that rests in the ark in the most holy place of the heavenly sanctuary. The whole duty of man is summed up in its sacred precepts. In the heart of the law is the commandment enjoining upon man the observance of the Sabbath of Jehovah, which the world and the church have trodden under their feet. For centuries men have walked in blindness concerning the true Sabbath, and the times of this ignorance God winked at; but now is the day of reformation, and he calls upon men everywhere to repent. When the light of God's disregarded commandment shone upon the path of those who sincerely loved God, they delayed not to keep his statutes. They realized that they must come out from the world and be separate, and touch not the unclean, that they might claim the promise, "I will receive you, and will be a Father unto you, and ye shall be my sons and daughters, saith the Lord Almighty." They became the repairers of the breach that has been made in the law of God, because they turned away their feet from the Sabbath, from doing their pleasure on God's holy day, and called the Sabbath a delight, the holy of the Lord, honorable, and did honor him, not speaking their own words or finding their own pleasure. {ST, February 3, 1888 par. 5} Ellen G. White, "Serve the Lord with Gladness", The Signs of the Times, February 3, 1888

Men in this age of the world act as if they were at liberty to question the words of the Infinite, to review his decisions and statutes, indorsing, revising, reshaping, and annulling, at their pleasure. If they can not misconstrue, misinterpret, or alter God's plain decision, or bend it to please the multitude and themselves, they break it. We are never safe while we are guided by human opinions; but we are safe when we are guided by a "Thus saith the Lord." We can not trust the salvation of our souls to any lower standard than the decision of an infallible Judge. Those who make God their guide, and his word their counselor, follow the lamp of life. God's living oracles guide their feet in straight paths. Those who are thus led do not dare judge the word of God, but ever hold that his word judges them. They get their faith and religion from his word. It is the guide that directs their path. It is a light to their feet, and a lamp to their path. They walk under the direction of the Father of light, with whom is no variableness, neither shadow of turning. He whose tender mercies are over all his works makes the path of the just as a shining light, which shines more and more unto the perfect day. {RH, February 21, 1899 par. 9} {HP 132.3} {LHU 106.2} {RC 113.4} {RH, March 29, 1906 par. 1} Ellen G. White, "The Truth as It Is in Jesus.--No. 2", Review and Herald February 21, 1899

God is now testing and proving His people. Character is being developed. Angels are weighing moral worth, and keeping a faithful record of all the acts of the children of men. Among God's professed people are corrupt hearts; but they will be tested and proved. That God who reads the hearts of everyone, will bring to light hidden things of darkness where they are often least suspected, that stumbling blocks which have hindered the progress of truth may be removed, and God have a clean and holy people to declare His statutes and judgments. {1T 332.3}

The Captain of our salvation leads His people on step by step, purifying and fitting them for translation, and leaving in the rear those who are disposed to draw off from the body, who are not willing to be led, and are satisfied with their own righteousness. "If therefore the light that is in thee be darkness, how great is that darkness!" No greater delusion can deceive the human mind than that which leads men to indulge a self-confident spirit, to believe that they are right and in the light, when they are drawing away from God's people, and their cherished light is darkness. {1T 333.1} Ellen G. White, Testimonies For The Church Volume One (1855-1868), page 332, paragraph 3

The proclamation of the gospel is the only means in which God can employ human beings as his instrumentalities for the salvation of souls. As men, women, and children proclaim the gospel, the Lord will open the eyes of the blind to see his statutes, and will write upon the hearts of the truly penitent his law. The animating Spirit of God, working through human agencies, leads the believers to be of one mind, one soul, unitedly loving God and keeping his commandments,-- preparing here below for translation. {RH, October 13, 1904 par. 7} {2MR 22.2} {7BC 984.3} {RH, October 20, 1904 par. 3} Ellen G. White, "The Closing Work", Review and Herald, October 13, 1904

Fourth Angel's Message

Ellen spoke many times of the "other" angel of Revelation 18. A search of the keywords "earth glory lighten*" reveals many times where the work of the fourth angel is mentioned. These quotes indicate the influence of a fourth angel, joins with the third angel, and is the Latter Rain.

The prophecies in the eighteenth of Revelation will soon be fulfilled. During the proclamation of the third angel's message, "another angel" is to "come down from heaven, having great power," and the earth is to be "lighted with his glory." The Spirit of the Lord will so graciously bless consecrated human instrumentalities that men, women, and children will open their lips in praise and thanksgiving, filling the earth with the knowledge of God, and with his unsurpassed glory, as the waters cover the sea. {RH, October 13, 1904 par. 3} Ellen G. White, "The Closing Work", Review and Herald, October 13, 1904

If those who handle the word of God will come to God as little children, they will see of his salvation, and Jesus will walk among them to make them vessels unto honor. Those who follow in the light need have no anxiety lest that in the outpouring of the latter rain they will not be baptized with the Holy Spirit. If we would receive the light of the glorious angel that shall lighten the earth with his glory, let us see to it that our hearts are cleansed, emptied of self, and turned toward heaven, that they may be ready for the latter rain. Let us be obtaining a fitting up to join in the proclamation of the angel who shall lighten the earth with his glory. Let us be colaborers with Christ. Now is the time for us to let self die, to crucify the flesh, with the affections and lusts, to deny the cravings of appetite and passion. The minds of many are channels for impure thoughts. They do not have a realizing sense of the offensive character of sin. I call upon you to clear the King's highway. Weighty responsibilities are resting upon you; for you are to represent the character of your Lord to the world. Faith without works is dead. There must be corresponding works, or the faith is worthless, a mere pretension, an empty profession. You are to manifest your faith by a life of integrity, making it evident that Christ is abiding in the heart, and that you are able to show forth what is the hope of his calling. {ST, August 1, 1892 par. 14} Ellen G. White, Signs of the Times, August 1, 1892

The influence of these messages has been deepening and widening, setting in motion the springs of action in thousands of hearts, bringing into existence institutions of learning, publishing houses, and health institutions; all these are the instrumentalities of God to co-operate in the grand work represented by the first, second, and third angels flying in the midst of heaven to warn the inhabitants of the world that Christ is coming again with power and great glory. The prophet says, "I saw another angel come down from heaven, having great power; and the earth was lightened with his glory. And he cried mightily with a strong voice, saying, Babylon the great is fallen, is fallen, and is become the habitation of devils." This is the same message that was given by the second angel. Babylon is fallen, "because she made all nations drink of the wine of the wrath of her fornication." What is that wine?--Her false doctrines. She has given to the world a false Sabbath instead of the Sabbath of the fourth commandment, and has repeated the falsehood that Satan first told to Eve in Eden.--the natural immortality of the soul. Many kindred errors she has spread far and wide, "teaching for doctrines the commandments of men." {1888 1078.6} {1888 725.1} {2MR 228.1} {SpTA01b 15.2} {RH, December 6, 1892 par. 15} {7BC 985.4} {3SM 405.3} {2SM 118.1} {Mar 171.3} Ellen G. White, Review and Herald, December 6, 1892

Thus the substance of the second angel's message is again given to the world by that other angel who lightens the earth with his glory. These messages all blend in one, to come before the people in the closing days of this earth's history. All the world will be tested, and all that have been in the darkness of error in regard to the Sabbath of the fourth commandment will understand the last message of mercy that is to be given to men. {17MR 23.1} {2SM 116.2} Ellen G. White, Manuscript 32, 1896

The light of the Fourth Angel sounds a lot like a Pentecost experience.

Soon we heard the voice of God like many waters, which gave us the day and hour of Jesus' coming. The living saints, 144,000 in number, knew and understood the voice, while the wicked thought it was thunder and an earthquake. When God spoke the time, He poured upon us the Holy Ghost, and our faces began to light up and shine with the glory of God, as Moses' did when he came down from Mount Sinai. {EW 14.1} Ellen G. White, Early Writings (1882)

Expanded information about the Four Angels Message is available in the sixth book of this series and at this website.

www.FourAngelsMessage.info

The Sacred Statutes

The sacred statutes and judgments are the basis of the Third Elijah Message.

4 Remember ye the law of Moses my servant, which I commanded unto him in Horeb for all Israel, with the statutes and judgments.
5 Behold, I will send you Elijah the prophet before the coming of the great and dreadful day of the LORD:
Malachi 4:4-5

I believe most of God's Law was verbally passed from one generation to the next until the decline of human ability made it necessary for the law to be written to preserve its content. God personally dictated His law to Moses to preserve accurately its content for future generations. He added some details to increase its scope of guidance to His people as the ravages of sin increased the degenerate nature of humanity.

If the statutes did not exist until Sinai, how could God say Abraham kept them? Was God mistaken or are we mistaken?

5 Because that Abraham obeyed my voice, and kept my charge, my commandments, my statutes, and my laws.
Genesis 26:5

37 Therefore shall ye observe all my statutes, and all my judgments, and do them: I am the LORD.
Leviticus 19:37

12 Here is the patience of the saints: here are they that keep the commandments of God, and the faith of Jesus.
Revelation 14:12

There is a Bible reference where one can read the Ten Commandments (Exodus 20:2-17, Deuteronomy 5:6-21) and know what they are. What is a Bible reference for the statutes? The statues are scattered throughout Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers, and Deuteronomy.

These are the primary chapter references for most of the statutes and judgments.

·         Exodus 12-13, 20-23, 34-35

·         Leviticus (all)

·         Numbers 5-6, 15, 18-19, 27-30, 35

·         Deuteronomy 4-7, 10-27

A statute is any commandment given by God through Moses. A statute is often introduced with the same words.

1 And the LORD spake unto Moses, saying,
2 Speak unto the children of Israel…
Exodus 14:1-2

A judgment is any commandment with a punishment attached. The punishment of the judgments is now the responsibility of the state government. It is no longer up to us to take the punishment of the law into our own hands. God will shortly be performing the final judgment himself.

Fulfilled Statutes

There are statutes, which we no longer practice:

·         Sacrifices and oblations

The purpose of the animal sacrifices was a symbolic atonement for sin until the true atoning sacrifice of the Messiah. After His sacrifice, the symbolic purpose was completed. There is no meaning to continued animal sacrifices so they ceased.

27 And he shall confirm the covenant with many for one week: and in the midst of the week he shall cause the sacrifice and the oblation to cease, and for the overspreading of abominations he shall make it desolate, even until the consummation, and that determined shall be poured upon the desolate.
Daniel 9:27

·         Temple functions

After the perfect sacrifice, the primary purpose of the temple on earth ceased. The focus of the earthly temple has ceased and is transferred back to the heavenly sanctuary.

21 Jesus saith unto her, Woman, believe me, the hour cometh, when ye shall neither in this mountain, nor yet at Jerusalem, worship the Father.
22 Ye worship ye know not what: we know what we worship: for salvation is of the Jews.
23 But the hour cometh, and now is, when the true worshippers shall worship the Father in spirit and in truth: for the Father seeketh such to worship him.
24 God is a Spirit: and they that worship him must worship him in spirit and in truth.
John 4:21-24

·         Levite responsibilities

The Messiah is now our High Priest. The Messiah continues the function of the High Priest in the heavenly sanctuary.

14 Seeing then that we have a great high priest, that is passed into the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold fast our profession.
Hebrews 4:14

There are no specific Levite responsibilities anymore, since the animal sacrifices and the temple have ceased. However, we are all described as priests unto God. The statutes for the lifestyle of a priest therefore apply to all of us.

5 Now therefore, if ye will obey my voice indeed, and keep my covenant, then ye shall be a peculiar treasure unto me above all people: for all the earth is mine:
6 And ye shall be unto me a kingdom of priests, and an holy nation. These are the words which thou shalt speak unto the children of Israel.
Exodus 19:5-6

9 But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should show forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvellous light:
1 Peter 2:9

6 And hath made us kings and priests unto God and his Father; to him be glory and dominion for ever and ever. Amen.
Revelation 1:6

·         Adult circumcision.

There is a statute, which was specific to the eating of the Passover lamb. (See Exodus 12:43-49.) Adults were required to be circumcised before they could eat of the sacrificial lamb. It is important to note, since the Passover lamb is no longer sacrificed, the statute of adult circumcision no longer applies. (See Acts 15.)

Summary of Statutes

This summary is a brief introduction to the statutes. The statutes are grouped under a relevant commandment. Remember, every individual is responsible for their personal study and understanding from the Bible. This is my understanding of the most significant of the unique statutes, which are to be practiced today.

Warning! Do not forget! Our interest in the Law of God is not as a set of rules. We seek His guidance because we love Him and we know He loves us. We desire to follow the guidance of the Law because it is His wisdom, which guides us. We do not find salvation in following a set of rules. We find His help.

Great Commandment

There are two great commandments. Love God. Love Others.

36 Master, which is the great commandment in the law?
37 Jesus said unto him, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind.
38 This is the first and great commandment.
39 And the second is like unto it, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself.

40 On these two commandments hang all the law and the prophets.
Matthew 22:36-40

Love God

4 Hear, O Israel: The LORD our God is one LORD:
5 And thou shalt love the LORD thy God with all thine heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy might.
Deuteronomy 6:4-5

First Commandment

2 I am the LORD thy God, which have brought thee out of the land of Egypt, out of the house of bondage.
3 Thou shalt have no other gods before me.
Exodus 20:2-3 Deuteronomy 5:6-7

·         God proclaims circumcision of the male offspring as a private sign of our commitment. Leviticus 12:3

·         God commands us to put tassels on the 'corners' of our clothing as a reminder and public sign of our commitment to His law. Numbers 15:38

Second Commandment

4 Thou shalt not make unto thee any graven image, or any likeness of any thing that is in heaven above, or that is in the earth beneath, or that is in the water under the earth.
5 Thou shalt not bow down thyself to them, nor serve them: for I the LORD thy God am a jealous God, visiting the iniquity of the fathers upon the children unto the third and fourth generation of them that hate me;
6 And shewing mercy unto thousands of them that love me, and keep my commandments.
Exodus 20:4-6 Deuteronomy 5:8-10

·         Do not make or use any figures for ornaments. Exodus 20:20 Deuteronomy 7:25-26

·         Do not deface the image of God and make baldness upon the head, shave off the corner of the beard, or make any cuttings or marks in the flesh. Leviticus 21:5 Leviticus 19:27-28 Deuteronomy 14:1

Third Commandment

7 Thou shalt not take the name of the LORD thy God in vain; for the LORD will not hold him guiltless that taketh his name in vain.
Exodus 20:7 Deuteronomy 5:11

·         Do not use the name of God in profanity. Leviticus 19:12 Leviticus 22:32

·         Do not tempt or test God. Deuteronomy 6:16

·         Do not curse or blaspheme God. Exodus 22:28 Leviticus 24:15-16

·         Show reverence to God and His name. Deuteronomy 6:13 Deuteronomy 10:20

Fourth Commandment

8 Remember the sabbath day, to keep it holy.
9 Six days shalt thou labour, and do all thy work:
10 But the seventh day is the sabbath of the LORD thy God: in it thou shalt not do any work, thou, nor thy son, nor thy daughter, thy manservant, nor thy maidservant, nor thy cattle, nor thy stranger that is within thy gates:
11 For in six days the LORD made heaven and earth, the sea, and all that in them is, and rested the seventh day: wherefore the LORD blessed the sabbath day, and hallowed it.
Exodus 20:8-11 Deuteronomy 5:12-15

·         God proclaims the start of the sacred calendar. Exodus 12:2

·         God proclaims His yearly Sabbaths and how they are to be observed. Leviticus 23

·         God proclaims the Sabbatical year, the Jubilee year, and how they are observed. Leviticus 25

Love Others

18 Thou shalt not avenge, nor bear any grudge against the children of thy people, but thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself: I am the LORD.
Leviticus 19:18

Fifth Commandment

12 Honour thy father and thy mother: that thy days may be long upon the land which the LORD thy God giveth thee.
Exodus 20:12 Deuteronomy 5:16

·         Do not strike your father or mother. Exodus 21:15

·         Do not curse or belittle your father or mother. Exodus 21:17

·         Honor the old and the wise. Leviticus 19:32

Sixth Commandment

13 Thou shalt not kill.
Exodus 20:13 Deuteronomy 5:17

·         Do not oppress or mistreat anyone. Leviticus 25:17

·         Clean flesh, which is acceptable for eating and unclean flesh, which is not acceptable for eating. Leviticus 11 Deuteronomy 14:3-20

·         Do not eat the flesh of an animal, which dies on its own. Deuteronomy 14:21

·         Do not eat fat or blood. Leviticus 3:17

Seventh Commandment

14 Thou shalt not commit adultery.
Exodus 20:14 Deuteronomy 5:18

·         God proclaims his plan for sexuality. Leviticus 18

·         Marriage is required for sexual intercourse. Exodus 22:16 Deuteronomy 22:13-29 Deuteronomy 23:17

Eighth Commandment

15 Thou shalt not steal.
Exodus 20:15 Deuteronomy 5:19

·         Do not oppress or humiliate the orphan or widow. Exodus 20:22-24

·         Provide for the poor and unfortunate from what God has provided to you. Leviticus 19:9-10 Leviticus 23:22 Deuteronomy 24:19-22 Deuteronomy 15:7-11

Ninth Commandment

16 Thou shalt not bear false witness against thy neighbour.
Exodus 20:16 Deuteronomy 5:20

·         Do not gossip and slander. Leviticus 19:16

Tenth Commandment

17 Thou shalt not covet thy neighbour's house, thou shalt not covet thy neighbour's wife, nor his manservant, nor his maidservant, nor his ox, nor his ass, nor any thing that is thy neighbour's.
Exodus 20:17 Deuteronomy 5:21

·         Return lost property. Deuteronomy 22:1

·         Seek not after your own heart and your own eyes. Number 15:39

Dissension

Many in the church of the Three Angels' Message teach the statutes are no longer binding. They use the same texts and arguments used to dismiss the observance of the weekly Sabbath. Some use complicated arguments and logic to try to separate the statutes they do not want to observe, from the Ten Commandments.

The weekly Sabbath and the yearly Sabbaths are the times of Daniel 7:25 changed by the Catholic Church. The holy days of the Catholic Church replaced God's holy days, which are the yearly Sabbaths specified in Leviticus 23. Many reject God's holy days and prefer the baptized pagan holidays of the Roman Catholic Church.

It is important to note the church affirms some of the statutes. The Ten Commandments does not explicitly described tithing, unclean flesh, fornication, homosexuality, and many other practices. The church rightly speaks against picking and choosing the Ten Commandments to honor. The church opens itself to confusion and criticism by picking and choosing the statutes they will honor.

The church does not realize, by nailing the "Law of Moses" (statutes) to the cross, they weaken Law of God. This encourages people to go farther and ignore all the law. This teaching of partial obedience to God’s law will lead to an easy rejection of the weekly Sabbath when the time of test comes.

Church Unity

I am becoming increasingly concerned over the conflict within our church over the feasts and statutes. I have spent much time in studying the issues to seek to learn how to resolve this conflict in my own life.

This conflict is not new. It started even in the early church. A careful study of Acts 15 and Galatians is important for you to understand the issues. This is a summary of the issues.

The initial disagreement was over a statute, which was specific to the eating of the Passover lamb. Circumcision was required of anyone, even adults, who ate of the sacrificial lamb.

43 And the LORD said unto Moses and Aaron, This is the ordinance of the passover: There shall no stranger eat thereof:
44 But every man's servant that is bought for money, when thou hast circumcised him, then shall he eat thereof.
45 A foreigner and an hired servant shall not eat thereof.
46 In one house shall it be eaten; thou shalt not carry forth ought of the flesh abroad out of the house; neither shall ye break a bone thereof.
47 All the congregation of Israel shall keep it.
48 And when a stranger shall sojourn with thee, and will keep the passover to the LORD, let all his males be circumcised, and then let him come near and keep it; and he shall be as one that is born in the land: for no uncircumcised person shall eat thereof.
49 One law shall be to him that is homeborn, and unto the stranger that sojourneth among you.
Exodus 12:43-49

According to the Jewish tradition, because of this statute, those who were converted to God as adults were required to be circumcised to be saved.

1 And certain men which came down from Judaea taught the brethren, and said, Except ye be circumcised after the manner of Moses, ye cannot be saved.
2 When therefore Paul and Barnabas had no small dissension and disputation with them, they determined that Paul and Barnabas, and certain other of them, should go up to Jerusalem unto the apostles and elders about this question.
Acts 15:1-2

It is important to note, since the Passover lamb was no longer sacrificed, the statute no longer applied. Adults are no longer circumcised. There is a statute, which says the children of believing parents are to be circumcised on the eighth day after birth. I believe this still applies.

3 And in the eighth day the flesh of his foreskin shall be circumcised.
Leviticus 12:3

There were other specific times when God ordered the circumcision of adults. The practice of circumcision caused a conflict even for Moses and his wife.

24 And it came to pass by the way in the inn, that the LORD met him, and sought to kill him.
25 Then Zipporah took a sharp stone, and cut off the foreskin of her son, and cast it at his feet, and said, Surely a bloody husband art thou to me.
26 So he let him go: then she said, A bloody husband thou art, because of the circumcision.
Exodus 4:24-26

It is also interesting to note the question in Acts was taken to the church elders for discussion and guidance. Even there it was only by the power of the Holy Spirit the issue was resolved. This is the same counsel I find in the Spirit of Prophecy concerning dissension in the church. Failure to follow this counsel led to serious public contention, which was not resolved even by the General Conference of 1888.

The initial dispute over circumcision of adults in the early church was expanded to include all the statutes. Apparently, the statutes were not emphasized in the initial teaching of the Gospel. This is consistent with understanding growth comes in stages.

5 But there rose up certain of the sect of the Pharisees which believed, saying, That it was needful to circumcise them, and to command them to keep the law of Moses.
Acts 15:5

The council recognized the guidance of the Holy Spirit, which showed the circumcision of adults ended with the sacrificing of the symbolic Passover Lamb. The Passover Lamb was symbolic of the Son of God who was the true Lamb of God. After the true sacrifice of the Lamb of God, the purpose of the animal sacrifices was completed.

The council directed the early presentation of critical statutes, which continues even today.

20 But that we write unto them, that they abstain from pollutions of idols, and from fornication, and from things strangled, and from blood.
Acts 15:20

The council recognized the full teaching of the statutes was available on an ongoing basis. As the laws recorded by Moses were learned, they would be followed.

21 For Moses of old time hath in every city them that preach him, being read in the synagogues every sabbath day.
Acts 15:21

The Christian walk is a continuing growth into all truth. Those who are farther along in their walk must not be critical of those who have not advanced as far. Those who are indeed farther along in their walk will carefully nurture the growth and strengthening of the foundational faith of their brethren. They will not do the work of Satan to destroy and tear down the church with dissension and discord.

The Spirit of Prophecy points to the importance of the statutes but it appears this is not yet a testing truth for this time. Those who know and understand do well to follow their conscience but they need to beware of how they present this truth to others. Criticism, judgment, and argument do not serve the cause of God.

God will provide Himself a prophet to call out a reformation and revival in the church and in the world.

4 Remember ye the law of Moses my servant, which I commanded unto him in Horeb for all Israel, with the statutes and judgments.
5 Behold, I will send you Elijah the prophet before the coming of the great and dreadful day of the LORD:
6 And he shall turn the heart of the fathers to the children, and the heart of the children to their fathers, lest I come and smite the earth with a curse.
Malachi 4:4-6

The Sacred Calendar

The modern Gregorian Calendar is an invention of the Roman Catholic Church. This calendar, with religious holidays designed and enforced by the Catholic Church, is a counterfeit of God's Sacred Calendar. A return to all truth is also a return to understanding and observing God's Sacred Calendar.

The first point, which must be clearly established. God's sacred calendar is based on the movements of the sun and the moon.

14 And God said, Let there be lights in the firmament of the heaven to divide the day from the night; and let them be for signs [signals], and for seasons [appointed times], and for days, and years:
Genesis 1:14

The sun and moon are the signals for all the appointed times of God. Astronomical data is used to determine the sacred calendar. The word "seasons" is the Hebrew word "MUOD" which has a very special meaning and is closely associated with the feasts.

When I first began studying God's calendar, it reminded me of things I had learned to avoid like Astrology, birth month signs, and horoscopes. Those things are Satan's counterfeits. God intends for us to be aware of the movements in the sky according to what He specifies but we need to avoid getting interested in the counterfeits.

The Jewish Calendar

The closest modern example of God's calendar is the Jewish Calendar. The popular Jewish calendar is based on a formula for following the movements of the sun and the moon. This formula is not quite accurate even as an average. Errors and disagreements in the reckoning of the Jewish Calendar since the third century (or before) create confusion about the exact date of the Passover and the other feasts. Errors and disagreements of a day or two are common and occasionally the exact month can be in dispute. Astronomical data makes accurate determination possible, if you agree on the rules.

The confusion over the calendar occurs because the Bible, which is the only completely trustworthy source, is not scientifically clear on determining the calendar. This does not mean you cannot determine the calendar, but it requires careful study of the Bible compared with outside sources. The study and uncertainty of interpretation required leads to differences of understanding.

Biblical Principles and Witnesses

When looking at history and tradition as a source of understanding it is important to use Biblical principles. The use of the Biblical principle of two or three credible witness is an important guide.

6 At the mouth of two witnesses, or three witnesses, shall he that is worthy of death be put to death; but at the mouth of one witness he shall not be put to death.
Deuteronomy 17:6

This principle applies in capital offense cases and in the establishment of guilt for any sin.

15 One witness shall not rise up against a man for any iniquity, or for any sin, in any sin that he sinneth: at the mouth of two witnesses, or at the mouth of three witnesses, shall the matter be established.
Deuteronomy 19:15

The Saviour applied this principle to any disputed matter and made it the heart of His principles for conflict resolution.

16 But if he will not hear thee, then take with thee one or two more, that in the mouth of two or three witnesses every word may be established.
Matthew 18:16

The apostle Paul invoked this principle in his dealings with the contentious Corinthians.

1 This is the third time I am coming to you. In the mouth of two or three witnesses shall every word be established.
II Corinthians 13:1

It is important to point out in the following discussion I am not speaking about a Jewish Calendar. It is God's Sacred Calendar. Please note. This chapter is detailed and complete but it does not try to be exhaustive. This subject alone fills a book. Refer to the book God's Sacred Calendar, which is found on the website:

www.SacredCalendar.info

Reference Point

Time and date determination is a difficult issue because it is different around the world. I believe as the Jews did in the first century and most do now. Jerusalem is the reference point because the law goes forth out of the eternal city. Otherwise, people in a different part of the world may be celebrating a different day! The weekly Sabbath is celebrated on the same day around the world following the sunset. The observance of the yearly Sabbaths should be the same.

·         The Bible states the Holy City will be placed on the current site of Jerusalem in the New Earth.

4 And his feet shall stand in that day upon the mount of Olives, which is before Jerusalem on the east, and the mount of Olives shall cleave in the midst thereof toward the east and toward the west, and there shall be a very great valley
Zechariah 14:4

·         The law goes forth from Zion.

3 And many people shall go and say, Come ye, and let us go up to the mountain of the LORD, to the house of the God of Jacob; and he will teach us of his ways, and we will walk in his paths: for out of Zion shall go forth the law, and the word of the LORD from Jerusalem.
Isaiah 2:3

·         God led the children of Israel to make this the site of the temple and the capital of Israel. There is also evidence the gate to the Garden of Eden was at the Mount of Olives outside Jerusalem.

www.IAUA.name/Where.html

The Sacred Day

The local sacred day begins with evening at sunset.

5 And God called the light Day, and the darkness he called Night. And the evening and the morning were the first day.
Genesis 1:5

At the sunrise in Jerusalem, the new day begins for the world about twelve hours in advance of arriving in Jerusalem. All calendar determinations depend on understanding the difference between the local day and the day from the world perspective.

Those places on earth up to twelve hours ahead of Jerusalem begin the day in advance of its coming to Jerusalem. Those places on earth up to twelve hours after Jerusalem begin the day after its coming to Jerusalem. The International Date Line is relatively accurate. I am sure God will not condemn those near the IDL, if they worship a day early with those to the east or a day late with those to the west. Community associations can affect choices to worship with those to the east or with those to the west near the date line.

If you live without any contact with civilization and the calculated time of sunset is not available, you can use observation to approximate the beginning of the day.

A day on God's sacred calendar begins at sunset. A day on the Gregorian calendar begins at midnight. This creates a discrepancy when a Gregorian day or date is used to identify a sacred day or date. By convention, the sacred day actually begins with sunset of the previous Gregorian day. As an example, the weekly Sabbath (a sacred day) is Saturday (a Gregorian day) and begins at sundown on Friday (a Gregorian day).

The Sacred Week

The weekly cycle ending with the weekly Sabbath was established at creation.

1 Thus the heavens and the earth were finished, and all the host of them.
2 And on the seventh day God ended his work which he had made; and he rested on the seventh day from all his work which he had made.
3 And God blessed the seventh day, and sanctified it: because that in it he had rested from all his work which God created and made. Genesis 2:1-3

The Bible is not scientifically clear on how to know which day is the weekly Sabbath. There is no astronomical evidence for the weekly cycle. God has preserved His weekly cycle through tradition so there is no doubt of the Sabbath day when you accept it is the seventh day of the week and not the first.

The tradition of the seven-day weekly cycle is deeply ingrained into our society dating back to at least the time of the Messiah. We can have confidence the Son of God correctly followed all of God's Law. The Catholic Church and the Jewish people were the faithful preservers of the seven-day weekly cycle. No reasonable person doubts this. The Bible is absolutely clear the seventh day of the week is the Sabbath. We depend on tradition to know the days of the week. We can only know which date on the calendar is the Sabbath because of this tradition.

The Sacred Month

The sacred month begins with the first complete sacred day (from a world perspective) after the signal of the astronomical new moon (solar conjunction). This signal is sometimes spectacularly visible with a solar eclipse. The Hebrew word for month actually means "new moon". The Biblical month usually begins with a visible (in Jerusalem) sliver of the new moon. This verse refers to Trumpets Sabbath, which is the first day of the month.

3 Blow up the trumpet in the new moon, in the time appointed, on our solemn feast day.
Psalms 81:3

This is how to use the Gregorian date of the new moon to calculate the Gregorian date for the first day of the sacred month. If the new moon is before sunrise in Jerusalem, add 1 day to the Gregorian date of the new moon. If after, add 2 days. Stated in a different way, the beginning of the month is the sunset, after the sunrise in Jerusalem, which is after the astronomical new moon.

There is another way to understand this determination. After sunrise in Jerusalem, the new day has already begun on the other side of the world. The first day of the month must begin for the whole world after the signal of the New Moon.

If you live without any contact with civilization and the calculated time of the new moon and sunrise in Jerusalem is not available, you can use observation of the first visible sliver of the new moon to approximate the beginning of the month.

Some people always calculate the new month based on assumptions about the local observation of the first visible sliver of the new moon. The complicated calculations and arbitrary decisions about what constitutes visible are too unreliable to be the basis of God's law. Variability in eyesight, weather conditions, altitude, location, and other factors make using these methods as a primary determination unacceptable.

The use of observation rules for the start of the month creates confusing discrepancies between different people in different areas of the world. Though the result is sometimes the same, this causes serious disunity, which does not serve the cause of God. I am sure God does not condemn those who follow the best understanding they know.

30 And the times of this ignorance God winked at; but now commandeth all men every where to repent:
Acts 17:30

Imagine the confusion, if the start of the Sabbath at sundown was based only on observation rules instead of astronomical data referenced to the fixed location of Jerusalem. Those who travel would quickly discover the dateline paradox, as Magellan did hundreds of years ago. Those who live near the Arctic Circle still have a struggle.

Some suggest those in times past did not have the modern grasp of astronomy for determining time. This is incorrect. There is evidence of calendars based on advanced calculations as far back as history records. An interesting historical fact, noted in the SDA Bible Commentary, Abraham was known as a great astronomer. This was probably because astronomy was necessary to keep track of God's calendar.

The Jewish people currently determine the start of the month from a formula, which is not completely accurate. They also observe rules called postponements, which are not scriptural.

These differences in interpretation are why differences of a day or two can sometimes occur in the start of the month.

The Sacred Year

The equinox of the sun signals the time for the beginning of the year. The Bible clearly states the year begins in spring.

3 This month shall be unto you the beginning of months: it shall be the first month of the year to you.
Exodus 12:2

Jewish tradition in general and Catholic tradition in particular preserves for us the specific determination. The pagan New Year begins with the first day of the pagan first month but God’s New Year is the first yearly Sabbath. This is the simple rule of determination. The first yearly Sabbath is the first full moon after the equinox. We call this the “Spring Passover” rule.

This is the more precise way to state the rule. The first yearly Sabbath is the evening at the end of the first 14th day (full moon) of a month where the sun rises at Golgotha (Jerusalem) after the spring equinox. Sunrise on the 14th day marks the beginning of the 15th day about 12 hours in advance of its coming to Jerusalem. The first yearly Sabbath occurs within about thirty days immediately after the signal of the spring equinox. This is the “Spring Passover” rule. It is not to be more than a month away, as the drifting popular calendar has it in some years.

If you live without any contact with civilization and the calculated time of the spring equinox is not available, you can use observation of the position of the sun to approximate the beginning of the year. This is difficult to do without training.

The Jews follow a formula, created after the destruction of Jerusalem and the disbanding of the Sanhedrin about the third century, for determining the first month of the year. Small errors in this formula cause Passover to come later and later in the year as the centuries go by.

There are those who believe the first day of the first sacred month must be after the spring equinox. This is called the “Spring New Moon” rule. This belief is based on the fact the Millerites used this method to determine the Day of Atonement in 1844 as October 22. It is surprising those who never observed all of God's Sacred Calendar are used as authorities in determining the calendar. They were correct in recognizing it was the 10th day of the seventh month on God's Sacred Calendar. They were correct in the beliefs and meaning of the day even though they made an error and selected the wrong date on the Gregorian calendar.

The primary justification among Adventists for this choice of determination is the claim Ellen White never spoke against it. This claim is false. It is important to note she did not begin her prophetic ministry until after the date was long past. Believers had not yet even accepted the weekly Sabbath until years later.

The Holy Spirit chose not to make this an issue and create unnecessary confusion and dissension. Those who have learned to follow all of God's Law should take careful note of this example. Nevertheless, her words do contradict this and show the truth of the “Spring Passover” rule.

The time of the Passover corresponded to the close of March or the beginning of April… {DA 75.2} Also {PP 537.3}

The Millerite determination has Passover of 1844 about May 4. This is clearly outside of the range of Ellen’s general statement.

There are also those who insist observation of the ripening of the barley crop at Jerusalem is to be used to determine the start of the New Year. This ignores the fact astronomical data is used to determine the sacred calendar.

These differences in interpretation are why differences of an entire month can sometimes occur in the start of the year.

Yearly Sabbaths

The observance of all Sabbaths is described in Leviticus 23. The weekly Sabbath is described first, then the yearly Sabbaths. The yearly Sabbaths are described by the same words as the weekly Sabbath. In this quotation and the ones following the identical words indicating holy convocation and no work are underlined.

One of the excuses for not observing the yearly Sabbaths is they were nailed to the cross with the "Law of Moses". Every scriptural excuse used to justify neglecting the yearly Sabbaths is the same excuse Sunday-keepers use against the weekly Sabbath.

Only the offering of animal sacrifices was completed at the cross. Only the charges against us were nailed to the cross.

27 And he shall confirm the covenant with many for one week: and in the midst of the week he shall cause the sacrifice and the oblation to cease, and for the overspreading of abominations he shall make it desolate, even until the consummation, and that determined shall be poured upon the desolate.
Daniel 9:27

Another of the excuses for not observing the yearly Sabbaths is they had animal sacrifices associated with them. The weekly Sabbath had animal sacrifices associated with it. We still keep the Sabbath but remove the animal sacrifices.

Another of the excuses for not observing the yearly Sabbaths is they don't know how to observe them. There is no mystery! All Sabbaths are observed the same, by holy convocation and no work. The Fourth Commandment does not even tell us what to do on Sabbath. It tells us what not to do. You have to go to the statutes to learn a holy convocation is expected.

Do you have some other excuse? Listen to the word of the God.

1 And the LORD spake unto Moses, saying,
2 Speak unto the children of Israel, and say unto them, Concerning the feasts of the LORD, which ye shall proclaim to be holy convocations, even these are my feasts.
3 Six days shall work be done: but the seventh day is the sabbath of rest, an holy convocation; ye shall do no work therein: it is the sabbath of the LORD in all your dwellings.
Leviticus 23:1-3

The sacred yearly Sabbaths are memorials of great events in God's Sacred Calendar and prophetic dates for fulfillment of past and future signs. I believe this will be especially true at the end of time. I anticipate each of the yearly Sabbaths may mark a special event at the return of the Messiah.

The following table is a list of the events on God's Sacred Calendar. A reference date from the Gregorian Calendar for the year 2008 is indicated. The Gregorian equivalent calendar dates change every year. The date on the Sacred Calendar never changes. The terminology from the Jewish Calendar is also provided.

I am using numbers for the months of the Sacred Calendar in keeping with the Biblical example. The references to the sacrificial system, are crossed out.

4 These are the feasts of the LORD, even holy convocations, which ye shall proclaim in their seasons.
Leviticus 23:4

These are the events on God's Sacred Calendar:

Passover Eve

01-14 (Not a Sabbath)

Jewish Calendar: Erev Pesach

Gregorian Calendar: March 22, 2008

14 And this day shall be unto you for a memorial; and ye shall keep it a feast to the LORD throughout your generations; ye shall keep it a feast by an ordinance for ever.
Exodus 12:14

5 In the fourteenth day of the first month at even is the LORD's passover.
Leviticus 23:5

Feast of Unleavened Bread

01-15 First day (Sabbath)

Jewish Calendar: Pesach I

Gregorian Calendar: March 23, 2008

6 And on the fifteenth day of the same month is the feast of unleavened bread unto the LORD: seven days ye must eat unleavened bread.
7 In the first day ye shall have an holy convocation: ye shall do no servile work therein.
Leviticus 23:6-7

01-21 Last day (Sabbath)

Jewish Calendar: Pesach VII

Gregorian Calendar: March 29, 2008

8 in the seventh day is an holy convocation: ye shall do no servile work therein.
Leviticus 23:8

Feast of Pentecost

03-05 or 06 (Sabbath)

Jewish Calendar: Shavu'ot

Gregorian Calendar: May 12, 2008

16 Even unto the morrow after the seventh sabbath shall ye number fifty days;
Leviticus 23:16

21 And ye shall proclaim on the selfsame day, that it may be an holy convocation unto you: ye shall do no servile work therein: it shall be a statute for ever in all your dwellings throughout your generations.
Leviticus 23:21

The fifty-day count crosses two ends of the month. The day of the month depends on the number of days in those months. In God's Sacred Calendar the number of days in a month is not fixed as it is in the popular Jewish calendar, which is based on a fixed formula.

Feast of Trumpets

07-01 (Sabbath)

Jewish Calendar: Rosh Hashanah

Gregorian Calendar: September 1, 2008

24 In the seventh month, in the first day of the month, shall ye have a sabbath, a memorial of blowing of trumpets, an holy convocation.
25 Ye shall do no servile work therein:
Leviticus 23:24-25

Day of Atonement

07-10 (Sabbath)

Jewish Calendar: Yom Kippur

Gregorian Calendar: September 10, 2008

27 Also on the tenth day of this seventh month there shall be a day of atonement: it shall be an holy convocation unto you; and ye shall afflict your souls, and offer an offering made by fire unto the LORD.
28 And ye shall do no work in that same day: for it is a day of atonement, to make an atonement for you before the LORD your God. Leviticus 23:27-28

Feast of Tabernacles

07-15 First day (Sabbath)

Jewish Calendar: Sukkot

Gregorian Calendar: September 15, 2008

34 The fifteenth day of this seventh month shall be the feast of tabernacles for seven days unto the LORD.
35 On the first day shall be an holy convocation: ye shall do no servile work therein. Leviticus 23:34-35

Last Great Day

07-22 (Sabbath)

Jewish Calendar: Shemini Atzeret

Gregorian Calendar: September 22, 2008

36 On the eighth day shall be an holy convocation unto you; and ye shall offer an offering made by fire unto the LORD: it is a solemn assembly; and ye shall do no servile work therein.
Leviticus 23:36

A complete example of God's Sacred Calendar marked with equivalent dates of the Gregorian calendar for the years 2008 – 2013 is in the second book of this series and at the following website. Expanded information about God's Sacred Calendar is available in the third book of this series and at this website:

www.SacredCalendar.info

The Sacred Holy Name of God

The first question in your mind may be "What does the name of God have to do with the end of time?"

1.      The world is filled with the unholy use of the name "Jesus". This name is applied to all types of false teachings and false worship. Prophecy tells us even worse is coming. Satan himself will take on the name of "Jesus".

2.      The Fourth Angel's Message is to be a full revelation of all of God's truths. This issue is a contributing part of the ongoing spiritual growth of the 144,000 into all truth. There is no such thing as an unimportant or unnecessary truth.

3.      This issue is also an illustration of the two extremes Satan uses in his deceptions.

Satan's primary method of deception is to hide, bury, and discredit the truth. When this attack is unsuccessful, Satan will take the opposite approach in his deceptions.

The opposite approach is to take a truth and emphasize it to a disproportionate amount and adding peripheral non-issues. This will also hide, bury, and discredit the truth. Satan does not care whether you go into the ditch on the left hand or the right hand side of the road. Only a straight middle course will follow the example of the Messiah.

Individuals who taught the use of Elohim (ELAIM) as a substitute for the word "God" first introduced me to the serious issue of the name of God. Researching this teaching quickly led to those who proposed the use of Yahweh as required for the name of God. Initially, I was caught up in the fanaticism of these ideas. After ongoing study, the Holy Spirit led me to a more moderate position, closely following the teachings of the Bible.

It is important to be zealous and clarify the fanaticism of one extreme without gong to the laxity of the other extreme. God has revealed His personal name to His children. Intimacy comes with the understanding and use of a personal name. His personal name has been hidden and disguised by Satan, the Master of Evil.

This chapter is only a summary of this topic and the considerable controversy it causes. After prayerful examination of scripture and examining both sides of the issue, I was led to a middle ground. This is my understanding of the issues. The name of God and the Messiah is important but not a test point of doctrine. Splitting hairs over titles and declaring them pagan is not scriptural or factual.

Almost all Bible translations have a universal failing to reveal the Sacred Holy Name. Only the original Hebrew contains the Sacred Holy Name. The Jews preserved this in the Torah and the other sacred writings. About the second century BC the doctrine of the "Ineffable (not to be uttered) Name" became the rule. The Jews obscure the name by changing the pronunciation and using a different word when read. This led to the name itself disappearing from the non-Hebrew Bible.

Old Testament Hebrew Use

The best way to understand the Old Testament is to read it in the original Hebrew. Few of us can spend the years it takes to learn Hebrew well enough to read it with a high level of understanding. Many of us still struggle with English as our native language.

The next best text for Modern English understanding is The Complete Word Study Old Testament. A number is printed above the English text, which represents each word in the Hebrew Old Testament. The number corresponds to the original Hebrew word in Strong's A Concise Dictionary of the Word in the Hebrew Bible.

There is a website (www.BlueLetterBible.com), which shows each verse with the complete Hebrew/Greek source and a word-by-word breakdown. This is a most effective study tool.

Strong's Hebrew Dictionary #03068 is Jehovah: Jewish national name of God. This is called the Tetragrammaton (four letters). This is improperly translated 6,510 times as "the LORD" in the King James Version, which is a title not a name.

7 Thou shalt not take the name of "the LORD" thy God in vain; for "the LORD" will not hold him guiltless that taketh his name in vain.
Exodus 20:7

There are 7 times when it is crudely translated "Jehovah". Jehovah is an English name adapted from a German pronunciation of a Jewish scheme to hide the true Hebrew pronunciation of the name of God.

18 That men may know that thou, whose name alone is JEHOVAH, art the most high over all the earth.
Psalms 83:18

How important is this to God?

15 And God said moreover unto Moses, Thus shalt thou say unto the children of Israel, "the LORD" God of your fathers, the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob, hath sent me unto you: this is my name for ever, and this is my memorial unto all generations.
Exodus 3:15

How does this promise apply to the modern children of God, if they do not even know His name?

14 If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land.
II Chronicles 7:14

What did the name of God mean to those in the Bible? What should it mean to us?

7 Some trust in chariots, and some in horses: but we will remember the name of the LORD our God.
Psalms 20:7

The name of God predates the Jewish nation and the Flood.

26 And to Seth, to him also there was born a son; and he called his name Enos: then began men to call upon the name of "the LORD".
Genesis 4:26

It was primarily through the study of Hebrew script, Bible names, and their Hebrew pronunciation described in Strong's Hebrew Dictionary (after reversing the pattern of Jewish attempts to hide the true pronunciation) I developed my current understanding of the original pronunciation of the name of God. The evidence is quite compelling. I am not going to attempt a detailed "proof" of my understanding. Study deeply the evidences I mention and come to your own conclusion.

Hebrew Pronunciation

The first clue to the proper spelling and pronunciation is to dispel the myth (actually an ignorant lie) the Tetragrammaton (four letters) is four consonants. Josephus refers to the sacred name as four vowels. Josephus was in a position to know having been a member of the priesthood.

"A mitre also of fine linen encompassed his head, which was tied by a blue ribbon, about which there was another golden crown, in which was engraven the sacred name [of God]: it consists of four vowels."
The Wars of the Jews, Book 5, chapter 5, paragraph 7.

The name of God is part of many Hebrew names. The term Jew (IAU) is literally the name of God. No wonder the pronunciation was changed because of the exclusive attitude of the Jews to keep the name of God off the lips of the heathen.

The name of the Messiah is usually spelled Yahushua, which means "Yahu Saves". Notice, since Hebrew is read right-to-left the first three letters are identical to the name of God. This is exactly the same name Joshua had in the Old Testament (note the Greek in Acts 7:45). Notice the last three letters of Elijah are identical to the name of God. The name of Judah is actually the name of God with only one letter difference. Numerous names of the Old Testament begin or end with part of the name of God. This has often been disguised through changes in pronunciation and spelling.

The identical first three letters of the name of Joshua was unacceptable to the Jews because of the ineffable name doctrine. The name came to be shortened to Yeshua. This deletes the portion of the name which connects with God and means only "He saves". This change appears in the Greek Septuagint long before the Messiah was even born.

The Hebrew script for several key names is shown referenced by Strong's number. Remember, Hebrew is written right to left. Compare the Strong's Hebrew Dictionary pronunciation of the vowels as they are pronounced in multiple appearances in these words. You will discover an inconsistency for the first and third vowel dependent on when they appear with the second vowel. My suggestion for a transliteration, which relates to the corrected, consistent pronunciation, is shown:

Strong's  KJV        Hebrew           Transliteration (Pronunciation)

#00452   Elijah      לאיהו     Eliau (ail·ee·ah·oo)

#03041   Jedidiah  ידידיה    Ididia (ee·dee·dee·ah)

#03050   Yah        יה         IA (ee·ah)

#03063   Judah      יהודה     Iauda (ee·ah·oo·dah)

#03064   Jehudi     יהודי      Iaudi (ee·ah·oo·dee)

#03068   Yahweh  יהוה      IAUA (ee·ah·oo·ah)

#03067   Jehudith יהודית    Iaudith (ee·ah·oo·deeth)

#03091   Joshua    יהושוע   Iaushuo (ee·ah·oo·shoo·oh)

#03470   Isaiah      ישעיהו   Ishoiau (ee·shoh·ee·ah·oo)

Greek              Latin letters

#2424     Jesus       Ἰησοῦς       Iesous (ee·ay·sooce')

Additional information about Biblical Hebrew transliteration is available in the seventh book of this series and at this website.

www.WordIAUA.info

You can easily trace the evolution of the changes in the pronunciation. The first disguising of the sacred name is found in the changing of the sound of the first vowel leading to the second vowel. The sound "ee-ah" if slurred is a lot like "ee-yah" and so becomes "yah" as found in Yahweh. This was later changed by the influence of the German language on Jews in Germany to "Jah" as found in Jehovah.

The second change is the sound of the third vowel leading to the fourth vowel from "oo-ah", which if slurred is a lot like "oo-wah". You can also see the transition from "oo" or "u" to "w" or double-u in Yahweh. Under German influence, it became "v" as found in Jehovah.

The progression of the change in these pronunciations is illustrated like this.

Ee-ah-oo-ah

Ee-yah-oo-wah

Yah-u-wah

Yah-weh

Jeh-o-vah

Modern English Use

The Sacred Holy Name is probably from the language of Eden. It is quite possible Hebrew is a direct descendent of the original language of Eden. The languages were confounded at Babel. The true followers of God would not be found at Babel. They were not dispersed like all the others. Their language was probably not changed.

The Hebrew Torah indicates the spelling, which is a clue to the pronunciation, in Hebrew script. Misinformation tells us there were no vowels in the original Hebrew. A simple examination of Hebrew script shows this to be false. History records the original Torah did not have any vowel markings for pronunciation. The modern Torah tries to obfuscate (hide) the name by misrepresenting vowels and consonants. The vowel markings are deliberately designed to confuse the pronunciation.

It is sad to note in modern times just how bizarre Jewish tradition has become. They even refuse to write the words L-rd and G-d. Instead of showing reverence for God, it just shows how silly our human ideas can get.

The more evidence I see of the attempt to hide the Sacred Name, the more convinced I become of its importance. If the Sacred Name is going to be a part of our lives today, it needs to be clearly understood.

There is a specific difficulty with any of the conventional English representations. They do not conveniently or accurately convey the pronunciation. One choice would be the cryptic but conventional YHWH. This is a conventional transliteration (letter substitution) of the Hebrew. The problem is you must remember they are Hebrew vowels not consonants.

Yahweh is commonly used with some indication of pronunciation but the consonants are to be pronounced as vowels. The "Y" sound is to be pronounced as in "happy". The "W" sound is to be pronounced as in "new". Some represent the name as Yahuwah to get even closer to the true pronunciation.

The last part of the pronunciation still eluding most believers and researchers is the leading sound "ee". It is valuable to note this important historical fact. The Hebrew scholars who created the Septuagint selected the Greek "I" as the character to represent the first letter of the Tetragrammaton. The Greek pronunciation as indicated in Strong's matches what I use. The English word, Isaiah, also uses an "I" in the same circumstances with a matching Hebrew pronunciation.

It is confusing to try to transliterate Hebrew with the conventional letters and try to compensate with vowels. The most accurate rendering by pronunciation is IAUA. One of the beauties of this representation is it preserves the concept of four letters, the Tetragrammaton. You will note, I have decided to capitalize the entire name. This complements the traditional way of writing YHWH. I do not want to introduce a new word but pronunciation and not conventional transliteration is important for a personal proper name. This is acceptable, practical, and necessary since the Jewish rendering does not use the Latin alphabet. It needs to be easy enough for even children to understand.

A year after I was impressed the best way to represent the name of God was IAUA, I discovered this is not an original invention of mine. Others have proposed the same spelling.

Later, I discovered even more evidence for the spelling and pronunciation of the name of God. The Septuagint translation of the Old Testament provides indisputable evidence. This is described in detail in the book Sacred Name IAUA, which is found on the website.

The short form IA, which appears at the end of many Hebrew names, is often mispronounced. The pronunciation is the same as the ending of the English words India, Syria, Lydia, and others. The vowels of the English language are pronounced a dozen different ways. It is interesting to compare with Spanish where a vowel usually has the same sound. The vowel pronunciation of Spanish for the name IAUA is identical to my best understanding of the correct pronunciation.

This principle can be extended to all Hebrew names, which include the name of God. Many modern translations of these names in Israel match what I propose. It is simple to look up the Hebrew for these names in Strong's Hebrew Dictionary and substitute the appropriate letters as previously illustrated.

You may ask, "Why is a name and its pronunciation so important?" Let me give you an illustration. I have worked with many people from other countries, whose names are difficult and unusual to an English-speaking person. I have seen many times how these people have changed their names to something easier.

I always felt it was condescending, disrespectful and inconsiderate to be unwilling to learn a person's true name. I have always made a point of learning the person's true name and doing my best to pronounce it as accurately as I can. I have always received appreciation for my efforts. How can I extend any less consideration and respect to my heavenly Father?

How would you feel if you went to a foreign country and they changed your name?

New Testament Greek Use

The best text for Modern English understanding is The Complete Word Study New Testament. The Greek New Testament manuscripts we know today do not contain the Sacred Holy Name. I do not understand how an item of such significance in the Old Testament is totally missing in the New Testament. This is a matter of major consideration to both sides of the disagreement over the importance of the Sacred Name.

The first point is the only one on which all parties agree.

Jews of first century Judah were bound by their own culturally entrenched custom of not speaking the Tetragrammaton. Jesus at no time condemned this custom. He did not teach against it as an error. He never addressed the custom one way or another. The fact that Jesus ignored this Jewish practice presents ... a rather conspicuous problem.
Did Jesus Speak the Name Yahweh?

My observation is the Saviour did not become embroiled in political, religious, or philosophical arguments. This is an important example to us. In the New Testament Iaushuo refers to God as Father. Iaushuo repeatedly taught others to refer to God as Father. This is an even more intimate way to refer to God. Iaushuo probably used this as an example against the Jewish prohibition of using IAUA.

How was the Old Testament name of God changed in the New Testament? Here is one method to trace this change. There are numerous quotes in the New Testament of the Old Testament. I assume it was quoted accurately. The Messiah quoted scripture from the Old Testament. I assume He quoted it accurately. The words in the New Testament indicate how the name of God was changed.

·         1 Who hath believed our report? and to whom is the arm of the LORD revealed?
Isaiah 53:1

38 That the saying of Esaias the prophet might be fulfilled, which he spake, Lord, who hath believed our report? and to whom hath the arm of the Lord been revealed?
John 12:38

·         1 The LORD said unto my Lord, Sit thou at my right hand, until I make thine enemies thy footstool.
Psalm 110:1

44 The LORD said unto my Lord, Sit thou on my right hand, till I make thine enemies thy footstool?
Matthew 22:44

·         4 Hear, O Israel: The LORD our God is one LORD:
Deuteronomy 6:4

29 And Jesus answered him, The first of all the commandments is, Hear, O Israel; The LORD our God is one Lord:
Mark 12:29

In these verses and many others, Strong's Hebrew Dictionary #2962 kurios is used. The Greek word is less specific than the Hebrew. When the word is used for "the LORD" it is preceded by a specific article (art3588 nn2962) or is an implied article (an,nn2962).

It is suggested; later copyists may have changed the wording in the New Testament. The general claim is there is not a single copy with the name of God or the Messiah in Hebrew or Aramaic. A search of the Internet for "Hebrew Matthew" reveals this is not the case.

Catholic Church history records Matthew was originally written in Hebrew. Hebrew manuscripts exist and are published. I have not had the opportunity to examine one of these.

The Name of the Messiah

In the Septuagint, the short form Yeshua (Joshua) was transliterated to the Greek Iesou and Iesous. This occurred even before the Messiah was born. The Septuagint was begun about 250 BC. This Greek Iesous became in English Jesus.

The name IAUA also refers to Iaushuo. The Messiah is truly God. He is also called "the LORD" using the same Greek words referring to God.

22 Now all this was done, that it might be fulfilled which was spoken of the Lord by the prophet, saying,
Matthew 1:22

15 And was there until the death of Herod: that it might be fulfilled which was spoken of the Lord by the prophet, saying, Out of Egypt have I called my son.
Matthew 2:15

6 He is not here: for he is risen, as he said. Come, see the place where the Lord lay.
Matthew 28:6

19 So then after the Lord had spoken unto them, he was received up into heaven, and sat on the right hand of God.
20 And they went forth, and preached every where, the Lord working with them, and confirming the word with signs following. Amen.
Mark 16:19-20

3 And they entered in, and found not the body of the Lord Jesus.
Luke 24:3

2 Then she runneth, and cometh to Simon Peter, and to the other disciple, whom Jesus loved, and saith unto them, They have taken away the LORD out of the sepulchre, and we know not where they have laid him.
John 20:2

18 Mary Magdalene came and told the disciples that she had seen the LORD, and that he had spoken these things unto her.
John 20:18

There are numerous other verses where He is called "the LORD". I also prefer the Hebrew word Messiah to the Greek word "Christ".

The Titles of God

Some say English titles such as God and Lord are pagan. This is unjustified because the Old Testament uses the title "God" numerous times with the name of IAUA. It also freely applies Elohim to refer to IAUA and pagan gods.

1 And God [#430 Elohim] spake all these words, saying,
2 I am "the LORD" [IAUA] thy God [Elohim], which have brought thee out of the land of Egypt, out of the house of bondage.
3 Thou shalt have no other gods [elohim] before me.
Exodus 20:1-3

In the Old Testament the title, Lord is used numerous times with the name of IAUA.

17 Three times in the year all thy males shall appear before the LORD [#113 Adhon] God [IAUA].
Exodus 23:17

The titles are also freely used in the New Testament. They are also mixed with references to the true god and the pagan gods. I use the Bible as my witness and my guide. I do not try to place myself as expert and judge over the prophets and the apostles.

From this analysis, I conclude there is no error in using the titles Lord and God. There is no benefit to be derived by emphasizing Hebrew titles to refer to God in an English speaking society. This practice conveys an attitude of separation, elitism and condemnation of what is familiar to a person. Rather than supposedly separating the sacred and the profane, it confuses the listener and brings disrepute on the message.

Among those who understand, the use of Jewish terms is valuable. It gives a sense of kinship with the Hebrews and our Jewish Messiah. All in heaven will be Hebrews.

7 Know ye therefore that they which are of faith, the same are the children of Abraham.
Galatians 3:7

Public usage

It may be necessary in the uninformed public to avoid confusing people leading to disagreement and arguments and retain the use of "the LORD" when reading scripture. There is no problem with "LORD", which is not objectionable.

I am less comfortable with the words "Jesus" and "Christ". Jesus is an English adaptation of a Greek transliteration of a shortened form of His actual name. Christ is an English adaptation of a Greek translation for a Hebrew title, which has an English adaptation, Messiah. There is nothing wrong with using the terms "Jesus" and "Christ". I use them when reading from Holy Scriptures. I prefer and usually use the term Messiah or Saviour in discussion.

Among informed listeners, I will not hesitate to substitute "IAUA" for "the LORD" and "Iaushuo" for "Jesus".

Expanded information and additional evidence for the Sacred Name of God is available in the fourth book of this series and at this website.

www.SacredName.info

The New Earth

The end of this age of sin is not something to be feared. This is a time of great hope and rejoicing. The end of the pain and suffering is coming. These things are the results of sin.

The lie has been spread the world to come is not to be desired. The lie is stated, we will be spirits without physical bodies. This lie is related to the lie the dead are not actually dead but have become spirits. Satan knows the truth of the joy and happiness enjoyed by those who live in God's presence.

The Garden of Eden

Read the book of Genesis. God created the world perfect.

31 And God saw every thing that he had made, and, behold, it was very good. And the evening and the morning were the sixth day.
Genesis 1:31

He created us as physical beings to live, eat, love, work, and play. The "work" He gave us is considered a fun hobby today.

15 And the LORD God took the man, and put him into the garden of Eden to dress it and to keep it.
Genesis 2:15

Our original occupation was gardening! Not to raise food, for this was bountiful. The need to work for our food was a result of the entrance of sin.

17 And unto Adam he said, Because thou hast hearkened unto the voice of thy wife, and hast eaten of the tree, of which I commanded thee, saying, Thou shalt not eat of it: cursed is the ground for thy sake; in sorrow shalt thou eat of it all the days of thy life;
18 Thorns also and thistles shall it bring forth to thee; and thou shalt eat the herb of the field;
19 In the sweat of thy face shalt thou eat bread, till thou return unto the ground; for out of it wast thou taken: for dust thou art, and unto dust shalt thou return.
Genesis 3:17-19

Eden Restored

God will recreate a New Earth where we will live, love, play and do all the good things we enjoy now, without the pain and suffering of this world of sin. The conditions He created at the beginning will be restored. The next to the last chapter of Revelation contains a glorious promise and a dreadful warning.

1 And I saw a new heaven and a new earth: for the first heaven and the first earth were passed away; and there was no more sea.
2 And I John saw the holy city, new Jerusalem, coming down from God out of heaven, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband.
3 And I heard a great voice out of heaven saying, Behold, the tabernacle of God is with men, and he will dwell with them, and they shall be his people, and God himself shall be with them, and be their God.
4 And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain: for the former things are passed away.
5 And he that sat upon the throne said, Behold, I make all things new. And he said unto me, Write: for these words are true and faithful.
6 And he said unto me, It is done. I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end. I will give unto him that is athirst of the fountain of the water of life freely.
7 He that overcometh shall inherit all things; and I will be his God, and he shall be my son.
8 But the fearful, and unbelieving, and the abominable, and murderers, and whoremongers, and sorcerers, and idolaters, and all liars, shall have their part in the lake which burneth with fire and brimstone: which is the second death.
Revelation 21:1-8

This is another description from the Old Testament prophet Isaiah.

17 For, behold, I create new heavens and a new earth: and the former shall not be remembered, nor come into mind.
18 But be ye glad and rejoice for ever in that which I create: for, behold, I create Jerusalem a rejoicing, and her people a joy.
19 And I will rejoice in Jerusalem, and joy in my people: and the voice of weeping shall be no more heard in her, nor the voice of crying.
20 There shall be no more thence an infant of days, nor an old man that hath not filled his days: for the child shall die an hundred years old; but the sinner being an hundred years old shall be accursed.
21 And they shall build houses, and inhabit them; and they shall plant vineyards, and eat the fruit of them.
22 They shall not build, and another inhabit; they shall not plant, and another eat: for as the days of a tree are the days of my people, and mine elect shall long enjoy the work of their hands.
23 They shall not labour in vain, nor bring forth for trouble; for they are the seed of the blessed of the LORD, and their offspring with them.
24 And it shall come to pass, that before they call, I will answer; and while they are yet speaking, I will hear.
25 The wolf and the lamb shall feed together, and the lion shall eat straw like the bullock: and dust [shall be] the serpent's meat. They shall not hurt nor destroy in all my holy mountain, saith the LORD.
Isaiah 65:17-25

Our Physical Body in Heaven

The Messiah was resurrected with a glorified physical body just as He had before His death. Mary saw Him and was physically restraining Him from ascending. A more accurate translation of "Touch me not" may be "Don't hold me back".

17 Jesus saith unto her, Touch me not; for I am not yet ascended to my Father: but go to my brethren, and say unto them, I ascend unto my Father, and your Father; and to my God, and your God.
John 20:17

He demonstrated to the disciples He had a physical body.

36 And as they thus spake, Jesus himself stood in the midst of them, and saith unto them, Peace be unto you.
37 But they were terrified and affrighted, and supposed that they had seen a spirit.
38 And he said unto them, Why are ye troubled? and why do thoughts arise in your hearts?
39 Behold my hands and my feet, that it is I myself: handle me, and see; for a spirit hath not flesh and bones, as ye see me have.
40 And when he had thus spoken, he showed them his hands and his feet.
41 And while they yet believed not for joy, and wondered, he said unto them, Have ye here any meat?
42 And they gave him a piece of a broiled fish, and of an honeycomb.
43 And he took it, and did eat before them.
Luke 24:36-43

He took this body to heaven when He ascended and He will return with the same body.

11 Which also said, Ye men of Galilee, why stand ye gazing up into heaven? this same Jesus, which is taken up from you into heaven, shall so come in like manner as ye have seen him go into heaven.
Acts 1:11

The same glorified and immortal body He has, will be ours.

2 Beloved, now are we the sons of God, and it doth not yet appear what we shall be: but we know that, when he shall appear, we shall be like him; for we shall see him as he is.
I John 3:2

51 Behold, I shew you a mystery; We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed,
52 In a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trump: for the trumpet shall sound, and the dead shall be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed.
I Corinthians 15:51-52

Good Health

Good health is a critical component of the last message because if you do not have a clear mind and sound body you are hampered in understanding and spreading the message. This presentation only brushes the surface of this vital topic.

We are waging a warfare upon which hang eternal results. We have unseen enemies to meet. Evil angels are striving for the dominion of every human being. Whatever injures the health, not only lessens physical vigor, but tends to weaken the mental and moral powers. Indulgence in any unhealthful practice makes it more difficult for one to discriminate between right and wrong, and hence more difficult to resist evil. It increases the danger of failure and defeat. {MH 128.3}
Ellen G. White, The Ministry of Healing (1905), page 128, paragraph 3

I have made radical changes in my diet and have already experienced tremendous blessing. My weight dropped from 298 pounds to about 220. I lost an average of a pound a week. Stress in my life has increased greatly the last couple of years and I have slowly gained back about 20 pounds. The struggle to control appetite and weight never ends.

I thought being a vegetarian since I was 14 was enough to ensure my good health. I was almost vegan because I rarely drank milk or used eggs. My biggest downfall... cheese! I also learned modern agricultural methods have depleted most nutrients out of the overproduced crops and left only calories. Modern food processing also depletes nutrients and leaves only the calories.

Our bodies are starving for nutrition and we think we are hungry. We eat more of calories we don't need without getting the nutrition we do need. Sometimes we aren’t even hungry, we are thirsty. Drink a tall glass of water, when you are tempted to snack.

Laws of Health

How do we get and stay healthy? Follow the laws of health:

·         First and most important is to trust in divine power. Spiritual health contributes to good health.

·         Live a temperate life. Not practicing extremes, drugs or harmful life-styles. Especially avoid all common stimulants and depressants:

¨      Coffee.

¨      Tea.

¨      Cola and other caffeine drinks

¨      Chocolate

¨      Refined sugars

¨      Tobacco.

¨      Alcohol in any form.

·         Eat a healthy diet of natural foods, uncontaminated by processes, additives or genetic engineering.

·         Get proper rest. (7-8 hours a day are the ideal minimum)

·         Get moderate exercise. (30 min. of a brisk walk, or the equivalent, should be taken each day.)

·         Breathe deeply of plenty of clean, fresh air.

·         Drink an abundance of clean water.

·         Sunshine when possible.

·         Keep a positive outlook.

Healthy Diet

A healthy diet will consist mostly of raw unprocessed fruits, grains, nuts, and vegetables. Processed food loses nutritional value and becomes just calories. Factory processed food has all kinds of chemicals added to it. Read ingredients and avoid added sugar and salt like poison. Moderate use of raw honey is a suitable alternative because it is sweeter (use less) and more nutritious. Moderate use of sea salt is a suitable alternative. Cooking should be used only when necessary to hydrate dried foods. Frozen foods are acceptable but only warm, do not overheat. Steaming or stir-fry (minimal oil or water) is best. Do not cook with an excess amount of water because you do not want to discard the water, which is full of nutrients, after cooking.

Again and again I have been shown that God is trying to lead us back, step by step, to his original design, --that man should subsist upon the natural products of the earth. Among those who are waiting for the coming of the Lord, meat-eating will eventually be done away; flesh will cease to form a part of their diet. We should ever keep this end in view, and endeavor to work steadily toward it. I cannot think that in the practice of flesh-eating we are in harmony with the light which God has been pleased to give us. All who are connected with our health institutions especially should be educating themselves to subsist on fruits, grains, and vegetables. If we move from principle in these things, if we as Christian reformers educate our own taste, and bring our diet to God's plan, then we may exert an influence upon others in this matter, which will be pleasing to God. {CTBH 119.1}
Ellen G. White, Christian Temperance and Bible Hygiene (1890), page 119, paragraph 1

Nutritious Green Breakfast Shake

This highly nutritious shake is based on mostly raw unprocessed foods selected for freedom from genetic manipulation, overproduction, and wide ranges of mineral and vitamin content. This is suitable as a meal all by itself. We have this for breakfast almost every morning. It takes less than ten minutes to make.

All ingredient amounts are only approximate. Vary according to taste and availability:

·         1 1/4 cup (1/2 can) Pineapple Chunks in 100% Pineapple Juice (no sugar added)

·         1/4 cup Raw sunflower seeds

·         1/4 cup ground flax seed

·         1 cup canned or fresh pineapple juice (or apple)

·         Large handful of fresh (or 1/2 cup compacted frozen) spinach or any other garden greens such as comfrey, chickweed, kale, dandelion, chard, ...

·         small handful fresh (or 1/2 cup compacted frozen) parsley

·         2 Tablespoons Soy Lecithin granules

·         1 - 3 Tablespoons Flaxseed oil (high in the vital Omega-3 fatty acid), cold-pressed High Lignan (Barleans)

·         1 Banana

·         1 Tbsp. raw honey (optional)

Toss all ingredients into a blender, cold where possible, and blend at high speed. This makes it highly digestible and releases the chlorophyll in the greens.

This recipe makes 2 to 4 servings depending on appetite. Do not hesitate to eat/drink a lot. Remember how important it is to have a substantial breakfast.

Ingredient amounts can be varied for desired taste and consistency. Liquid volume can be changed to range from a spooned shake to a quick drink. Toss in some almonds or other things to make it more chewable or a spooned shake.

Optional ingredients to mix and match for taste and variety.

Mint leaves
Apple
Cherry
Strawberry
Blueberry

Make only what you will consume immediately as it will not keep, even with refrigeration, beyond 24 hours at the most.

Fresh greens are great but frozen is a lot easier to use. Fresh parsley in bulk can be washed, dried and frozen for ease of use.

Flaxseed must be ground fresh in a coffee grinder just before use.

I have also started adding kelp powder for iodine and other trace minerals.

I keep even the cans of pineapple in the refrigerator to keep them cold.

Nutritional Supplements

There are other basic vital nutritional supplements ignored by modern medicine. Iodine, magnesium, and sulfur are major common nutritional components missing out of food because of agricultural overproduction.

MSM is an organic sulfur. You need 1/2 teaspoon to a tablespoon a day. You can put some in the green breakfast shake. This is best when you use honey or Stevia because MSM can be bitter. Tablets are easiest to take but powder is cheaper and can be dissolved in water. Swallow quickly!

Tzitzit, Tefillin, and Talmud

Shortly after I began studying the statutes as a source of God's commands for His people, I learned the truth about the tzitzit. The statute is given in two places.

37 And the LORD spake unto Moses, saying,
38 Speak unto the children of Israel, and bid them that they make them fringes in the borders of their garments throughout their generations, and that they put upon the fringe of the borders a ribband of blue:
39 And it shall be unto you for a fringe, that ye may look upon it, and remember all the commandments of the LORD, and do them ; and that ye seek not after your own heart and your own eyes, after which ye use to go a whoring:
40 That ye may remember, and do all my commandments, and be holy unto your God.
41 I am the LORD your God, which brought you out of the land of Egypt, to be your God: I am the LORD your God.
Numbers 15:37-41

12 Thou shalt make thee fringes upon the four quarters of thy vesture, wherewith thou coverest thyself.
Deuteronomy 22:12

I was under immediate conviction of the validity and importance of this statute. God has provided His perfect way to show our religious devotion. We are to look upon the tzitzit and remember His law.

This statute is still not honored by most who believe in the statutes. It is interesting you do not even find this mentioned in most discussions or books about the statutes. I suspect traces of anti-Semitism still exist.

The word translated as fringes in Numbers is tsiytsith.

fringe, tassel, lock Strong's Hebrew Dictionary #06734

The word translated as ribband in Numbers is pathiyl.

cord, thread (twisted) Strong's Hebrew Dictionary #06616

The word translated as fringes in Deuteronomy is gedil.

twisted threads, tassels Strong's Hebrew Dictionary #01434

The translation of border or hem from the Greek is kraspedon.

1) the extremity or prominent part of a thing, edge, skirt, margin

a) the fringe of a garment

b) in the NT a little appendage hanging down from the edge of the mantle or cloak, made of twisted wool

c) a tassel, tuft: the Jews had such appendages attached to their mantles to remind them of the law

Strong's Hebrew Dictionary #2899

I prefer to refer to my tzitzit simply as tassels. I do not find any value in emphasizing the use of Hebrew words when there are appropriate English equivalents.

The New Testament clearly indicates the Messiah obeyed all of Moses law and wore the tassels.

20 And, behold, a woman, which was diseased with an issue of blood twelve years, came behind him, and touched the hem of his garment:
Matthew 9:20

36 And besought him that they might only touch the hem of his garment: and as many as touched were made perfectly whole.
Matthew 14:36

56 And whithersoever he entered, into villages, or cities, or country, they laid the sick in the streets, and besought him that they might touch if it were but the border of his garment: and as many as touched him were made whole.
Mark 6:56

44 Came behind him, and touched the border of his garment: and immediately her issue of blood stanched.
Luke 8:44

The Messiah spoke against the practice of making the tassels long.

5 But all their works they do for to be seen of men: they make broad their phylacteries, and enlarge the borders of their garments,
Matthew 23:5

Personal Practice

I adopted the wearing of tassels on September 2, 2004. Some may label me fanatic or weird. I am not ashamed to follow the law of God.

38 Whosoever therefore shall be ashamed of me and of my words in this adulterous and sinful generation; of him also shall the Son of man be ashamed, when he cometh in the glory of his Father with the holy angels.
Mark 8:38

41 And they departed from the presence of the council, rejoicing that they were counted worthy to suffer shame for his name.
Acts 5:41

16 For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek.
Romans 1:16

There are many extensive and varied Jewish traditions for the tzitzit. I am not interested in following the traditions of men, but it is valuable to be aware of them. I initially made a simple adaptation of the traditions in my own practice. I later simplified the tassel even more and made it shorter after carefully considering the criticism of Matthew 23:5 concerning making the tassels long to be seen of men.

I take four pieces of white yarn (lamb's wool is the symbolic ideal but almost impossible to find) and one of royal blue yarn about 14 inches long each. I knot them together in the middle, fold it in half, and knot them all together again. This makes about a 2 inch loop with ten 3-4 inch strings hanging from it. These ten strings symbolize the Ten Commandments to me. The two royal blue threads symbolize the two great laws on which the Ten Commandments are based.

It is important to pull tightly on each individual string to keep the knots from being excessively big. I don't worry about trying to make the ends line up or cut them off to length. I like the raw look of uneven strings instead of making it look polished and precise. I then tie little knots in the ten ends so they do not unravel. I find this to be the hardest part of the process.

I made  a little device from a 16 inch piece of wood with two little finishing nails close together an inch from each end (four total). I make the knots around the nails to get the length correct. After forming all the knots on a long strand, I pull the knots off the nails and pull them tight before I cut it into strands between the knots.

I make four of them as the Bible says. I loop the top of the tassel through my belt loops. One on each side and the others quarter way around to the front. This is a simple adaptation of the four corners of the garment for modern clothing styles. They are easily transferred when I put on a clean pair of pants. If I wear something without a belt, I use a safety pin to attach the tassels.

I do not believe there is anything special about making them any particular way. As long as it looks something like a tassel, it meets God's specification.

An example of a showy traditional long tzitzit can be seen on the website. There is a full-color life-size picture of a completed tassel on the website so you can visualize what I am describing. There is a picture of me wearing my modest short tassels on the back of the book so you can see how they look. The tassels in the logo on the cover give you an idea of what they look like.

There is a dispute about the proper shade of blue to be used in the tassel. Those Jewish people who practice the wearing of the "blue" thread in the tassel usually wear navy blue or black. This symbolizes for them their mourning for the loss of the temple. I use the blue symbolized by the Bible, which is compared to lapus lazuli and other references. I suspect even the name royal blue refers back to the King of Kings.

I suspect even the tradition of tying a string on your finger to remember refers back through tradition to the tassel on the garment to remember.

Some do not believe this statute applies to women. The Bible does not say it is only for men. Each person must make their own decision about following the command of God.

Practice Opposition

One of the superfluous objections to following the practice of wearing the tassels is claiming it was only for the Jews.

7 Know ye therefore that they which are of faith, the same are the children of Abraham.
Galatians 3:7

29 And if ye be Christ's, then are ye Abraham's seed, and heirs according to the promise.
Galatians 3:29

4 And I heard the number of them which were sealed: and there were sealed an hundred and forty and four thousand of all the tribes of the children of Israel.
Revelation 7:4

Opposition even comes from individuals who believe in the keeping of the statutes. They point out a solitary quote from Ellen White, which appears to dismiss the statute.

The children of Israel, after they were brought out of Egypt, were commanded to have a simple ribbon of blue in the border of their garments, to distinguish them from the nations around them, and to signify that they were God's peculiar people. The people of God are not now required to have a special mark placed upon their garments. But in the New Testament we are often referred to ancient Israel for examples. If God gave such definite directions to his ancient people in regard to their dress, will not the dress of his people in this age come under his notice? Should there not be in their dress a distinction from that of the world? Should not the people of God, who are his peculiar treasure, seek even in their dress to glorify God? And should they not be examples in point of dress, and by their simple style rebuke the pride, vanity, and extravagance of worldly, pleasure-loving professors? God requires this of his people. Pride is rebuked in his word. {HR, February 1, 1872 par. 4}

I believe it is obvious from the context Ellen is not intending to pronounce a teaching on statute keeping or the particular statute. My reading sees a curious contradiction with her statement, which points to following the examples of Israel. My view is, Ellen was a prophet of the Three Angels' Message, which made great strides in presenting the seventh day Sabbath, and other messages to the world. It is not appropriate to try to extract explicit teachings concerning the statutes of the Third Elijah Message or the Fourth Angel's Message from her work.

Appearance Issues

There are many general issues of appearance beyond wearing the tassels. Since I began wearing the tassels, I have been made increasingly aware there are many who are highly opposed to anything Jewish. The reaction I have faced to the observance of Passover and the yearly Sabbaths is nothing compared to the reaction toward the wearing of the tassels.

Those who believe in the observance of the yearly Sabbaths have reacted the most negatively. It looks like they will accept something they can do privately, but not something, which publicly marks them as believers. A person, who chooses to follow all the statutes, including the wearing of the tassels, attracts the focus of many critics. Even the most devoted followers and teachers of the Third Elijah Message have warned me of the danger of prejudice against the truth of the message caused by the wearing of the tassels.

I can almost hear Satan cackle to himself. "The Sunday-keepers ignore just one little commandment". "The feast-keepers ignore just one little statute". How does the Messiah feel when we choose to dismiss one of His requirements? Unfortunately, this is not the only little requirement people ignore.

Remember! Keeping the law of the Messiah does not save you. Belief in the Messiah saves you. Ignoring the law of the Messiah means you do not practice what you believe.

The Messiah was an Israelite. The Messiah observed and obeyed all scripture. He was our perfect example.

21 For even hereunto were ye called: because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that ye should follow his steps:
I Peter 2:21

15 For I have given you an example, that ye should do as I have done to you.
John 13:15

Did the Messiah command something, which is too difficult?

48 Be ye therefore perfect, even as your Father which is in heaven is perfect.
Matthew 5:48

Beards, Shaving, Tattoos, and Piercings

I have not been outspoken on the issue of beards on men. I prefer to witness by example and concentrate on other issues of obedience, which need to be addressed first. It is easy to become judgmental, and unnecessarily critical on this and other issues. I struggle to share truth in love. Sometimes what I say may sound harsh but I pray you may sense a spirit, which is learning to be gentle under the molding of the Holy Spirit.

Let us examine some of the specific statutes in question.

27 Ye shall not round the corners of your heads, neither shalt thou mar the corners of thy beard.
28 Ye shall not make any cuttings in your flesh for the dead, nor print any marks upon you: I am the LORD.
Leviticus 19:27-28

5 They shall not make baldness upon their head, neither shall they shave off the corner of their beard, nor make any cuttings in their flesh.
Leviticus 21:5

1 Ye are the children of the LORD your God: ye shall not cut yourselves, nor make any baldness between your eyes for the dead.
Deuteronomy 14:1

In all the presentations of the statutes I have heard, it is interesting I have never heard mention of the beard as well as the tassels. It seems some will follow God enough to accept the private practice of the yearly Sabbaths but to change our daily appearance is asking too much.

There is general agreement on avoiding tattoos and piercings, but I believe it needs to refer to specific Biblical guidance for proper support. It is easy to make the excuse this statute does not apply today. There is the implication this is only wrong when done "for the dead".

Each person must seek God's guidance in their own heart and in their own lives on this subject. This my personal witness to my own understanding of applying the principles of God to my appearance. I am not telling you what you should do. I do encourage you to study all the guidance God has provided for us in His word and seek His guidance on what He expects from you.

It is appropriate to trim, comb, and arrange the hair/beard for neatness and attractiveness. Excessively long hair on men or excessively short hair on women is against the natural distinction of the sexes as created by God. Paul gave some difficult teachings in this chapter but here is a statement to consider.

14 Doth not even nature itself teach you, that, if a man have long hair, it is a shame unto him?
15 But if a woman have long hair, it is a glory to her: for her hair is given her for a covering.
I Corinthians 11:14-15

Shaving, plucking, or coloring the hair is also an extreme and is telling God you do not approve of how He made you and you know better. These practices are also at the basis of applying makeup and chemicals on the skin to alter appearance as well as the extreme of cosmetic surgery. It is true, sin has marred our bodies, but our true need is a pure heart not perfect-looking skin.

7 But the LORD said unto Samuel, Look not on his countenance, or on the height of his stature; because I have refused him: for the LORD seeth not as man seeth; for man looketh on the outward appearance, but the LORD looketh on the heart.
I Samuel 16:7

Adornment and Display

We need to look beyond just obedience to God's guidance in His Law. We need to consider the principles in His guidance. A principle behind these statutes is the defiling of the image of God as created in man and women. An excessive altering of the appearance for purposes of adornment or display is a denial of the natural beauty as created by God. Excessive concern with our outward appearance becomes a god of our idolatry. Those who believe in evolution see no problem with this because they deny God, the perfection of His plan, or His specific purposes in His creation.

The result of sin means we must wear clothes. There are many verses describing the principles of modesty.

26 Neither shalt thou go up by steps unto mine altar, that thy nakedness be not discovered thereon. Exodus 20:26

Simple and modest dress in gender specific and appropriate clothing is to be desired rather than elaborate and costly dress to attract attention to the appearance.

Have you ever pondered why women are criticized for wearing a necklace but men will adorn themselves with ties?

15 And he said unto them, Ye are they which justify yourselves before men; but God knoweth your hearts: for that which is highly esteemed among men is abomination in the sight of God.
Luke 16:15

I have never understood the purpose of putting a thin showy jacket over a shirt when it is not even cold. Is this adornment or utility? When I was a child, I followed the customs I was taught but I always wondered about this. When I became mature and thought carefully about these practices, I put away childish things.

I do not wear showy or expensive silver or gold watches or watch bands. I do not usually wear a watch at all, but if I did, it would be simple and inexpensive such as with a leather or plastic strap. Even better, I would just put it in my pocket. Why does it need to be displayed at all?

I desire for my appearance to testify of my belief in God as the Creator and a simple acceptance of the way He made me.

Jewish Tradition

Closely associated with the Tzitzit in Jewish practice are the Kippah, Tefillin, and the Mezuzah. I have received comments inquiring and joking about my adopting those practices. It is important to note, these practices are not statutes. These practices are part of the "oral" tradition of the Mishnah and the Talmud. The wearing of the Kippah was apparently not even adopted until about the 2nd century.

I am a student, follower, and teacher of God's Law. I am an Israelite and a Hebrew by practice and belief. I am not Jewish which I define as a mixture of religion and cultural tradition. I do not promote Judaism as a religion. I am not a Messianic, which is a confused mixture of Jewish tradition, Judaism, and Christian religion. I do not wear a kippah because it is a Jewish tradition. I do wear tassels because they are a command of God.

19 Whosoever therefore shall break one of these least commandments, and shall teach men so, he shall be called the least in the kingdom of heaven: but whosoever shall do and teach them, the same shall be called great in the kingdom of heaven.
Matthew 5:19

It is my desire to practice a primitive godliness from the Bible without the burden of cultural baggage.

Conclusion

Preparing for the end of time has nothing to do with stocking up on supplies or buying electricity generators. It has everything to do with spiritual development. Wilderness survival training is of little value unless you are spiritually ready.

33 But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.
Matthew 6:33

If we want to be safe on the other side of the end of time, we must believe in the only way to be saved.

16 For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.
John 3:16

The Messiah died to pay the price for our sin.

23 For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.
Romans 6:23

The final complete sacrifice of the Messiah draws all those who will respond to the Holy Spirit of God.

32 And I, if I be lifted up from the earth, will draw all men unto me.
John 12:32

When we are drawn to him, we respond to His love with the love He puts in our hearts. He tells us how we will respond when we love him

15 If ye love me, keep my commandments.
John 14:15

We have a work to do to understand, obey, and practice His commandments.

12 … work out your own salvation with fear and trembling
Philippians 2:12

We do not obtain salvation by our own works. Many confuse my practice of my beliefs with salvation by works. I practice my beliefs because I am saved, to obey God, not to try to earn salvation.

Believing in the Messiah saves us. If we do not practice our belief then we do not really believe. If we do not strengthen and practice our belief by studying the Bible, then we deceive ourselves.

22 But be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves.
James 1:22

Our salvation work is to develop our belief beyond a superficial statement "I believe." Our work is to make our belief personal through our own study of the Bible. Remember, the Bible is the source of truth, not what the pastor or church says.

This book is not the source of truth either. My purpose is only to get you interested in studying the Bible more deeply. I am pointing you to items of Bible study, which are often overlooked.

In the time of the end God has given us prophecy to identify the most disputed and critical "Present Truth" for the end of time.

4 Remember ye the law of Moses my servant, which I commanded unto him in Horeb for all Israel, with the statutes and judgments.
Malachi 4:4

Study the truth for yourself! Do not let anyone tell you the "Law of Moses" is "nailed to the cross". What does the Bible say? Look it up! Read it! Study it! Do you think "Remember" means to ignore or "nail to the cross"? Does it not mean to know, to study, to believe, and to practice?

It is my purpose to point you to truth in the Bible, which is often overlooked. It is my intent and expectation you will study the Bible about this for yourself. It is my prayer the Holy Spirit will guide you. The outpouring of the Holy Spirit is occurring now.

13 Howbeit when he, the Spirit of truth, is come, he will guide you into all truth: for he shall not speak of himself; but whatsoever he shall hear, that shall he speak: and he will show you things to come.
John 16:13

The outpouring of the Holy Spirit with power occurs after the sealing of the 144,000 who have prepared themselves through the study and practice of all of God's Law.

1 And after these things I saw another angel come down from heaven, having great power; and the earth was lightened with his glory.
2 And he cried mightily with a strong voice, saying, Babylon the great is fallen, is fallen, and is become the habitation of devils, and the hold of every foul spirit, and a cage of every unclean and hateful bird.
3 For all nations have drunk of the wine of the wrath of her fornication, and the kings of the earth have committed fornication with her, and the merchants of the earth are waxed rich through the abundance of her delicacies.
Revelation 18:1-3

The voice of God is calling.

4 And I heard another voice from Heaven, saying, Come out of her, My people, that you may not be partakers of her sins, and that you may not receive of her plagues.
Revelation 18:4

Preachers, teachers, and students of the Bible take note. Has the Holy Spirit spoken to your heart and mind to accept at face value the voice of God given by verbal inspiration in Malachi 4:4? You may now be having a Second Elijah experience.

10 And the people asked him, saying, What shall we do then?
Luke 3:10

Is this your response to the word of God?

28 Then said they unto him, What shall we do, that we might work the works of God?
John 6:28

You may wish to join with those at Pentecost.

37 Now when they heard this, they were pricked in their heart, and said unto Peter and to the rest of the apostles, Men and brethren, what shall we do?
Acts 2:37

First, if you have been preaching, teaching, or believing any part of the Law of Moses is nailed to the cross, you need to stop. The charges of sin against us by the devil were forgiven and nailed to the cross.

Second, you need to study the Bible in a new understanding to grow into this new light. Some verses in the Bible have been misinterpreted to cause the New Testament to be in conflict with the Old Testament. The Holy Spirit will clear this up for you as you study with a heart open to His teaching. When your understanding grows, you will respond to the guidance of the Holy Spirit and begin to practice these truths.

Third, because of the controversial nature of this common error in the church, you must avoid creating disruption and discord by trying to hit people over the head with this truth. You do not need to feel you must begin presenting this truth until after you have carefully studied for yourself and grounded yourself in this deeper understanding of the Bible. Let the Holy Spirit lead you and do not step out ahead of His guidance.

Fourth, wherever possible, as the Holy Spirit leads, share this truth with those who appear to be open to something more than the traditional teaching of the church. The remnants of the Dark Ages of apostasy against this truth are still very deeply ingrained.

Finally, be prepared to participate in spreading the Third Elijah Message and the Fourth Angel's Message when the full outpouring of the Holy Spirit occurs.

I love this quote and I echo its sentiment:

I recommend to you, dear reader, the Word of God as the rule of your faith and practice. By that Word we are to be judged. God has, in that Word, promised to give visions in the "last days"; not for a new rule of faith, but for the comfort of His people, and to correct those who err from Bible truth. Thus God dealt with Peter when He was about to send him to preach to the Gentiles. (Acts 10.) {EW 78.1} {ExV 64.3}

To those who may circulate this little work, I would say that it is designed for the sincere only and not for those who would ridicule the things of the Spirit of God. {EW 78.2} {ExV 64.4}