Coming Out of Plato's Cave - TRSC Bible Training Series 2017 Report
Talking Rock Evangelism Training School 2017 – Report
By Tony Pace – July 17, 2017
https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLKvawcR3wzZDZ_N6IM3-_BHhgkPPNnjVZ
The 2017 Talking Rock Evangelism Training School videos, is a Bible and Spirit of Prophecy based study series, that presents various critical themes and messages for today’s world. The series is led by Pastor Adrian Ebens, who shares a life’s work of personal experience, study, writing and pastoral ministry.
Throughout the month of June, I attended the TRSC Evangelistic Training School LiveStream remotely, and I was asked to share a report on my experience.
Adrian starts the series off, by introducing a series of divine information system models or patterns, to be used later as study and discussion aids. Then by using Millers Rules of Bible Interpretation, several key Biblical messages are then brought forward to clarify, edify and strengthen Gods Church.
For some, these messages may be new exciting and liberating - for others, at first pass they may be challenging to absorb. Although for either at a deeper level, one will find it is the Holy Spirit of Jesus, whom is creating a conviction to test those currently held beliefs, with an awakening of conscience, only revealing greater truths of Salvation found at the Cross.
The most essential lessons for students to obtain are those that will point them to straight paths which lead, not to the world, but from the world, to the cross of Calvary. Their studies should be of that character which will make them most successful in the service of God, and enable them to walk in the footsteps of Christ. { YI July 7, 1898, par. 4 }
This is the highest science that we can learn,—the science of salvation. The cross of Calvary, rightly regarded, is true philosophy, pure and undefiled religion. It is eternal life to all who believe. By painstaking effort, line upon line, precept upon precept, here a little and there a little, it should be impressed upon the minds of students that the cross of Christ is just as efficacious now as in Paul’s day, and should be as perfectly understood by them as it was by the great apostle, who could declare, “God forbid that I should glory, save in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom the world is crucified unto me, and I unto the world.” { YI July 7, 1898, par. 5 }
Consider our mission to test conventional wisdoms,
Investigation of Doctrine—There is no excuse for anyone in taking the position that there is no more truth to be revealed, and that all our expositions of Scripture are without an error. The fact that certain doctrines have been held as truth for many years by our people, is not a proof that our ideas are infallible. Age will not make error into truth, and truth can afford to be fair. No true doctrine will lose anything by close investigation. { CW 35.2}
We are living in perilous times, and it does not become us to accept everything claimed to be truth without examining it thoroughly; neither can we afford to reject anything that bears the fruits of the Spirit of God; but we should be teachable, meek and lowly of heart. There are those who oppose everything that is not in accordance with their own ideas, and by so doing they endanger their eternal interest as verily as did the Jewish nation in their rejection of Christ. { CW 35.3}
The Lord designs that our opinions shall be put to the test, that we may see the necessity of closely examining the living oracles to see whether or not we are in the faith. Many who claim to believe the truth have settled down at their ease, saying, “I am rich, and increased with goods, and have need of nothing.”—The Review and Herald, December 20, 1892. { CW 36.1}
I can testify to the beginnings of a spiritual life that has its belief system rooted in the doctrines of men, I was a prisoner of conscience to a denominational religion, buried deep in post-apostolic traditions and self-appointed authority.
These traditions and authority, have been reinforced over time through a series of historical councils, where right now churches of the world are riding an energetic ecumenical evangelical-charismatic wave, a wave that has been universally embraced, with these cunningly devised fables and shadowy types, symbolized in “Plato’s Allegory of the Cave”.
This nominal spiritual experience in the world denominational churches, could be likened to the process of serving and consuming fast-food. Sit in the pew, be spoon-fed a prepared targeted theme with an appropriate bible verse and story, then share some feel-good singing and rhythmic music; so for the moment it is like a “sugar rush”, but then comes the inevitable “sugar crash”, where all that remains is an empty hollow feeling, maybe even queasiness.
The spiritual food provided in these cases had no sustenance, no life-sustaining qualities, I needed something different, I needed the waters that quench everlasting thirst;
John 4:14 (KJV) But whosoever drinketh of the water that I shall give him shall never thirst; but the water that I shall give him shall be in him a well of water springing up into everlasting life.
This personal journey out of the comfort zone of the cave, with its mass appeal of familiar illusions had a few questions; was I happy with truth or tradition, reality or shadows, was a spoon-fed religious experience sufficient or was I going to take my God-given autonomy and personal responsibility to work out my Salvation issues and answers for myself…
A few key texts;
Ephesians 6:12 (KJV) For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.
Jeremiah 17:5 (KJV) Thus saith the LORD; Cursed be the man that trusteth in man, and maketh flesh his arm, and whose heart departeth from the LORD.
Hebrews 11:1 (KJV) Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.
Philippians 2:12 (KJV) 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.
After all, no man of flesh has ever died (or will die) for your or I; that includes neither any religious or spiritual leader of any church or denomination; there is only one person whom has ever (or will) step up to the plate, the Creator our Lord Jesus Christ;
Revelation 13:8 (KJV) And all that dwell upon the earth shall worship him, whose names are not written in the book of life of the Lamb slain from the foundation of the world.
We can sometimes forget, that we are not a statistical accident of chance in nature;
Man is the crowning glory of the Creator’s works, and he has been redeemed at an inconceivable cost to the Son of God. None but he could restore to man the moral image of God, which had been lost through transgression. Jesus came to seek and to save that which was lost. He is represented as the true Shepherd.
Leaving the ninety and nine in the wilderness, he goes in search of the wandering, straying sheep. He continues to search under the most discouraging circumstances, shrinking not from hardships and peril, until he finds the wanderer; and then all the suffering, and trial, and peril endured for its sake are forgotten in the joy of finding the lost sheep.
When through genuine repentance for sin, and faith in Christ, the sinner has been brought back to the fold of God, there is joy in Heaven. { ST January 6, 1887, par. 3 }
We are indeed that precious pearl;
Matthew 13:46 (KJV) Who, when he had found one pearl of great price, went and sold all that he had, and bought it.
Those who thus refused to sacrifice liberty of conscience and the right of individual judgment well knew that their position marked them for future criticism, condemnation, and persecution. Said one of the delegates: “We must either deny the word of God, or—be burnt.”—Ibid., b. 13, ch. 5. { GC 201.2}
Be a Berean: Though with diligent prayer, study and discussion, all the messages will be a refreshing affirmation and demonstration, for the progression of Biblical truth.
In dealing with challenges to spiritual understanding, I only had to recall my coming into the Sabbath, the initial challenges and issues that had contradicted Scripture in denying Sabbath-keeping; how I did pray and labor to come into that satisfaction and fullness of personal understanding, eventually resting entirely on God’s word.
The Evangelist Training School messages appeal to both the reason and emotion level, we just need to ensure the proper order is applied, in that “emotion” is subject to reason and submit each line, each precept to prayer and supporting Scripture, to have the 2-3 witnesses.
The initial problem I had to a full understanding and acceptance of these messages can be two-fold: the figurative glasses I was wearing which will be dealt with in the message of PENTAGON OF LIES and the warning of being in a Laodicean condition;
Revelation 3:17 Because thou sayest, I am rich, and increased with goods, and have need of nothing; and knowest not that thou art wretched, and miserable, and poor, and blind, and naked:
3:18 I counsel thee to buy of me gold tried in the fire, that thou mayest be rich; and white raiment, that thou mayest be clothed, and [that] the shame of thy nakedness do not appear; and anoint thine eyes with eyesalve, that thou mayest see.
The layers of truthful messages, bring forth the reality of these statement, that I heartily believe we are on a journey to learn of God and His Ways;
Those who cling to old customs and hoary errors have lost sight of the fact that light is ever increasing upon the path of all who follow Christ; truth is constantly unfolding to the people of God. We must be continually advancing if we are following our Leader.
It is when we walk in the light that shines upon us, obeying the truth that is open to our understanding, that we receive greater light. We cannot be excusable in accepting only the light which our fathers had one hundred years ago.
If our God-fearing fathers had seen what we see, and heard what we hear, they would have accepted the light, and walked in it. If we desire to imitate their faithfulness, we must receive the truths open to us, as they received those presented to them; we must do as they would have done, had they lived in our day. { HS 197.1 }
In addition to the critical messages in the Evangelistic Training, there are the personal testimonies from all the leaders, brothers and sisters; in sharing their personal vulnerabilities and victories, this could serve as the visible personal inspiration and demonstration of how Jesus Christ is able to work in our lives, all in the fullness of our faith, in that we can lay claim to His promises and gain the Victory over Sin.
The testimonies show that from whatever sad, worldly, prideful or shameful state that we come from, when we finally lay broken at His Cross and recognizing our great need, that He was and is there in our shared common struggle in humanity. We learn to surrender and die daily, as we are fodder for the greatest enemy – the one lies within, the inherent deceptive nature of self, that old-man of sin.
With that realization, comes the understanding that our “good works” are of no significant personal merit in the eyes of God. In of ourselves, we are incapable of goodness, in that all good really only comes from Him.
It is through our faith and consecration of lives to Him in love, which then allows His good works to flow out from our initial faith.
We as humans, believe we have the intellectual capacity to solve all our problems, through reason, technology, social projects, policies and legislation. While we focus on the tangible and physical world, we endanger our eternal ‘spiritual’ life by lack of faith, that we can go it alone and not realize our full dependence on God;
Many commit themselves to a course that insults the Spirit of God, and that in the face of the convictions of conscience. They make a free choice of the wrong side. They rebel against God. Mercy is despised, and justice defied. They become spiritually palsied, not because they cannot submit to God, but because they will not. Their feet are set in the way of the forward, and they have no desire to turn back. { RH June 4, 1901, par. 13 }
The Character of God is the pivotal message of the Evangelistic Training School and it is also the last “point” on the Pentagon of Lies’ 5 key Messages of;
Lie #1 Inroads of Spiritualism,
Lie #2 Sunday Sacredness,
Lie #3 Trinity/Begotten Son,
Lie #4 The Law/Everlasting Covenants and
Lie #5 The Character of God and His Seal.
The True Character of God, was a revolutionary message that I had initially received 30 years ago, one that Adrian Ebens has developed more fully and linked to other facets of Advent History and Faith.
Without the clarity of this message, one could easily be trapped in the Spiritual Schizophrenia of an apparent bi-polar God; a sick and ill God that would exhibit in a strange desire with no qualms, in sacrificing His sons blood as the mechanism to make up for His creations’ consequences of Sin.
That is to say a God one moment whom is the loving benefactor, but then at some point becomes an angry, vengeful, wrathful tyrant that demands blood through a tendency to kill;
how I could not ever bend a knee in fear (not love) and serve a God that has any aspect of man’s ‘sinful’ nature, when He clearly states;
Isaiah 55:8 (KJV) For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, saith the LORD.
Isaiah 55:9 (KJV) For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways, and my thoughts than your thoughts.
So, what is going on here;
In 2016, Gallup one of the world’s leading pollsters noted that of the percentage of people who believed in God, only 66-50% of those - believed in the devil.
Satan has done a masterful work of working in the background under the radar, and wrongfully laying all calamities, disease and death at Gods feet, where he Satan “is” the Father of such horrible things.
The third angel’s message is to be given in straight lines. It is to be kept free from every thread of the cheap, miserable inventions of men’s theories, prepared by the father of lies, and disguised as was the brilliant serpent used by Satan as a medium of deceiving our first parents. Thus Satan tries to put his stamp upon the work God would have stand forth in purity. { 2SM 37.4}
The father of lies quakes and trembles when the truth of God, in burning power, is thrown in his face. { 5T 425.4}
All He can do is to permit Satan to accomplish his destroying work. We see calamities of every kind and in every degree coming upon the earth, and why? The Lord’s restraining power is not exercised. The world has disregarded the word of God. They live as though there were no God. Like the inhabitants of the Noachic world, they refuse to have any thought of God. Wickedness prevails to an alarming extent, and the earth is ripe for the harvest. { 6T 388.3}
Satan, the author of disease and misery, will approach God’s people where he can have the greatest success. { CD 375.3}
While appearing as a great physician who can heal all their maladies, Satan will bring disease and disaster until populous cities are reduced to ruin. In accidents by sea and land, in great conflagrations, in fierce tornadoes and hailstorms, in tempests, floods, cyclones, tidal waves, and earthquakes, in a thousand forms, Satan is exercising his power. He sweeps away the ripening harvest, and famine and distress follow. He imparts to the air a deadly taint, and thousands perish. { HF 360.2 }
In Gethsemane and on the cross, our Saviour measured weapons with the prince of darkness. When Christ hung in agony on the cross, then indeed His heel was bruised by Satan. But that very act was crushing the serpent’s head. Through death He destroyed “him that had the power of death, that is, the devil.” Hebrews 2:14. This act made forever sure the plan of salvation. In death, in rising again, He opened the gates of the grave to all His followers. Our Redeemer has opened the way so that the most sinful, the most needy, the most oppressed and despised may find access to the Father. { SS 362.1 }
The Character of God has been assaulted and misrepresented for multiple millennia, when we read the Book of Job with the correct glasses, one can easily see that Satan is the cause of all of Jobs woes, while Jobs comforters are convinced God is punishing Job for sin.
Job 1:10 (KJV) Hast not thou made an hedge about him, and about his house, and about all that he hath on every side? thou hast blessed the work of his hands, and his substance is increased in the land.
Satan would like you to believe;
- God does not forgive
- God kills people
- Saved by our own works
- Christ is not the begotten Son of God
Now when we re-read the bible with the lens of new understanding that
- God is not a hypocrite;
in that one set of rules applies to Him and another to created beings.
- Gods’ character is reflected by His Law
The Decalogue is universally applicable and grows from the Ministration of Death
to an insight of His agape Love
- When we see Christ we see the Father
In the temple, Christ offered no sin sacrifices (except Himself for all humanity)
and He did not kill
- We have the gift of Free Choice
Live by the Sword, die by the sword
Judge and Be Judged accordingly
- God = Creator / Healer / Redeemer Whom, does not use temptation or force
Satan = Liar, Destroyer and Killer does tempt and compel
Adding further;
“God destroys no man. Everyone who is destroyed will have destroyed himself.”(Christ’s Object Lessons Page 84)
In the following, we see a snub and the apostles reaction for the Lord to destroy them, but this is again, not the Spirit of the Father and Son
Luke 9:54 (KJV) And when his disciples James and John saw this, they said, Lord, wilt thou that we command fire to come down from heaven, and consume them, even as Elias did?
Luke 9:55 (KJV) But he turned, and rebuked them, and said, Ye know not what manner of spirit ye are of.
Recall;
Job 1:16 While he [was] yet speaking, there came also another, and said,
The fire of God is fallen from heaven, and hath burned up the sheep, and the servants,
and consumed them; and I only am escaped alone to tell thee.
From Job, we know of the earlier discourse between Satan and God, and that Satan is the destroyer and killer.
Whereby naming any reference to the fire from heaven as being from God, we receive from Jesus,
who is fully manifest of God character on earth, a clear admonishment for the edification of all.
Adrian outlines this process that God is working with us:
1. God sends a merciful warning message (not a message of coercion.)
2. When the message is rejected completely, the Spirit of God withdraws.
3. Man is left to his own desolation.
4. Man receives the consequences of his own choices.
In reading Scripture especially, exercise caution around reading statement where God declares that I killed, I smote, etc. When what has happened, are the folks acting under the influence of Satan do “kill” in righteousness name and also go outside His hedge of protection,
While God - actually grieves the loss (oh no) “I killed them ….” moreso saying “oh no” they denied Me.
These folks went outside my hedge of protection, they became instruments or fodder for the enemy, and although I warned them (long-suffering), and as they declared wages of their Sin is Death, they have reaped what they sown in their hearts.
It strikes me, that in Love - God does take “ultimate universal responsibility” for His creations and “I killed them” is saying to me “I attempted to save them, and failed, thus .... I have killed them”.
God speaks to His people in blessings bestowed; and when these are not appreciated, He speaks to them in blessings removed, that they may be led to see their sins, and return to Him with all the heart. { PP 470.2}
If I still see a vengeful punishing God when reading Scripture, I need to go back and look for the process of warning or presumption, as I will be judged on the very point on How do I see God.
If I see vengeance and death in the Character of God, then that is what I will see at judgement, where my current pleas and cries are for His tender Love and mercy to save me, as I am in this wicked and wretched body, and I do see and want to share His true character with others.
At times God has given His people victory, but then He is forgotten and folks move out on their own to suffer consequences, also I need to see where Satan is masquerading in the hearts of men or situation as with Job.
CONVENANTS AND THE MINSITRATION OF DEATH
This fourth point of the Pentagon of Lies is very rich, it is going to test how we read the Law and the Gospel and do we see one everlasting covenant or two, the old and the new as given in the Testaments;
Consider,
Galatians 3:24 (KJV) Wherefore the law was our schoolmaster to bring us unto Christ, that we might be justified by faith.
Hebrews 13:8 (KJV) Jesus Christ the same yesterday, and to day, and for ever.
The Covenants will see that the Cross is not the dividing line of Augustinian “dispensations in time” of old covenant (testament) and new covenant (testament) as condemned to death by the Law of The Father and only then Saved by the Son, Jesus Christ at the cross.
Rather, the cross is the magnification of our “dispensational experience” in that the Law and the Gospel work together in a Divine Source Channel relationship, and reinforced as Invisible -> Visible
This understanding and acceptance (or lack of) in 1888 prevented the church from receiving the Latter Rain.
This is good opportunity to touch point on another message of importance that is foundation for understanding Scripture.
And we see a Ministration of Death in the Law, blinding us in Glory
2 Corinthians 3:7 (KJV) But if the ministration of death, written and engraven in stones, was glorious, so that the children of Israel could not stedfastly behold the face of Moses for the glory of his countenance; which glory was to be done away:
In that ministration thought, recall man was created from the dust of the earth and when sin was first cast on this planet, death was the consequence to both man and the planet who are inextricably linked to one another; one remark made by Adrian was if you want a greener planet – stop sinning.
Isaiah 51:6 (KJV) Lift up your eyes to the heavens, and look upon the earth beneath: for the heavens shall vanish away like smoke, and the earth shall wax old like a garment, and they that dwell therein shall die in like manner: but my salvation shall be for ever, and my righteousness shall not be abolished.
THE DIVINE PATTERN of Source, Channel and Flow of Blessings
With the Divine Pattern, Adrian presents various Source to Channel relationships;
God -> Christ,
Invisible -> Visible,
Husband -> Wife,
Parent -> Child,
Christ -> Church,
Reason -> Emotion,
Old Testament -> New Testament,
Seed -> Tree,
Sun -> Moon,
etc.
With these, there are streams of blessings that flow outwardly consisting of Love, Life, Knowledge, Blessing, Protection, Mercy, etc.
This “Divine Pattern” is an important aspect to note in reviewing the next, third point on the Pentagon of Lies;
THE TRINITY vs. BEGOTTEN SON
John 3:16 (KJV) 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.
Explore this doctrine that began as one of those post-pioneer initiatives starting in 1920’s, and soon after Martin-Barnhouse Evangelical conferences 1950’s (QOD, Evangelism), where finally SDA leaders in 1980 General Conference aligned (embrace) with "ecumenical/denominational Christians" on this doctrine.
Matthew 15:9 (KJV) But in vain they do worship me, teaching for doctrines the commandments of men.
Mark 7:8 (KJV) For laying aside the commandment of God, ye hold the tradition of men, as the washing of pots and cups: and many other such like things ye do.
Mark 7:13 (KJV) Making the word of God of none effect through your tradition, which ye have delivered: and many such like things do ye.
This subtle change can initially be seen in shifts in language from Godhead to Trinity in the Statement of Beliefs from the Pioneers days and fast forward to today.
The Salvation issues and implications of a “co-equal” doctrine have tremendous consequences, as they are of Satan who wanted to be equal with God,
The controversy in heaven began with selfish strife for position, a desire on the part of Lucifer to be equal with God. { RH May 30, 1899, par. 3 }
This is also in opposition to the Biblical Divine Pattern of Source (Father) and Channel (Begotten Son) with the flow of blessings/stream of life and His Agape Love. This is a good point we need to consider for the message of our;
IDENTITY AND SPIRITUAL HERITAGE
Performance versus Relationship based kingdoms
In God’s kingdom, our value is in our relationships - while in the earthly world, our workplace “professional value” is largely defined by key performance indicators, which are quantifiable and measurable statistics that are tied to business goals and objectives; be it sales revenue, number of customers served, number of pieces built, etc. there will be some benchmark of a target.
A good track record of performance and achievements, will generally lead to increasing levels of responsibility in the corporate hierarchy; typically, the strongest of wills will prevail, assets are the currency of reward and all recognize and support your “corporate citizenship” accomplishments.
In conversation, folks tend to identify corporately, when the question “tell me about yourself” is posed, the response is generally their professional standing and accomplishments.
Even the use of social media is tied to a “personal value”, in essence a persona or avatar is put on public display and subject to the anonymous scrutiny and comments by others.
This identity can easily be shaped by public opinion and formed by an inclusive comparative valuation, as the motivation (currency) for acceptance in the community is “likes”. Over time, this becomes the equivalent to the dopamine rush an addict experiences as a high, where sufficient negative feedback (pain, sense of loss, rejection, emptiness) can result in anxiety and depression, or worse.
For members Gods relational kingdom, we are brothers and sisters to our Father and His Begotten Son, there is no performance or assets but the value is on relationships of Love. With Christ, our center and source we aim to become increasingly faithful, fully content in Him and ever appreciative of His eternal sacrifice.
Adrian summarizes:
1. God’s kingdom is a family.
2. God is our Father, and we are His children.
3. Our identity and value as individuals is based on our relationship to God.
4. The kingdom of God is a relational kingdom based on the relationships between us and God and between each other.
5. These relationships are safeguarded by the Ten Commandments.
6. Th breaking of the commandments destroys our identity and value.
The 16th century reformers made headway to bring light to the dark ages, but as members in Gods church, do we identify as Protestants or Israelites.
The challenge with Protestant identification is while Indulgences and Sacraments where at issue, many Protestants still kept Sundays and beheld the Trinity.
To the prophet was given a revelation of the beneficent design of God in scattering impenitent Judah among the nations of earth. “My people shall know My name,” the Lord declared. Isaiah 52:6. In their exile they were to impart to others a knowledge of the living God. Many among the strangers were to learn to love Him as their Creator and Redeemer; they were to begin the observance of His holy Sabbath as a memorial of His creative power. “All the ends of the earth shall see the salvation of our God.” Verse 10. Many of these converts from heathenism would unite with the Israelites and accompany them on the return journey to Judea. They should thenceforth be numbered among spiritual Israel—His church on earth. { SS 196.3 }
“The Lord hath utterly separated me from His people” ( Isaiah 56:3), for the word of God through His prophet to those who should yield themselves to Him and observe His law was that they should thenceforth be numbered among spiritual Israel—His church on earth. { PK 371.3}
Further the Message with respect to the first two points on the Pentagon of Lies, begin with this statement;
Through the two great errors, the immortality of the soul and Sunday sacredness, Satan will bring the people under his deceptions. While the former lays the foundation of spiritualism, the latter creates a bond of sympathy with Rome. The Protestants of the United States will be foremost in stretching their hands across the gulf to grasp the hand of spiritualism; they will reach over the abyss to clasp hands with the Roman power; and under the influence of this threefold union, this country will follow in the steps of Rome in trampling on the rights of conscience. { GC 588.1}
Idolatry is a component of the Spiritualism message, which includes warnings about the negative influences of media, tv, music and movies; in that Satan’s continuously assaults on our senses given it is the gateway to our soul.
Awareness is so very important, given the mobility of devices connected to the Internet, we are essentially wired 24/7; even though these devices are not inherently evil, withdrawal effects are even being noted
Manipulation of the masses through media is not a new or unproven concept, the overt or even subversive implanted messages, coupled the unknown intents/spirits of writers, actors, producers; raise the specter that Satan uses media to draw us away from God, essentially to overwhelm the brain to block reason, amplify the emotional channel and sabotage our Divine Pattern relationship with God.
These two themes are highly intertwined, Christs’ work and the 3 advents of Christ are all pointed to throughout Scripture;
But such subjects as the sanctuary, in connection with the 2300 days, the commandments of God and the faith of Jesus, are perfectly calculated to explain the past Advent movement and show what our present position is, establish the faith of the doubting, and give certainty to the glorious future. These, I have frequently seen, were the principal subjects on which the messengers should dwell. { EW 63.2}
Revelation 10:10 (KJV) And I took the little book out of the angel's hand, and ate it up; and it was in my mouth sweet as honey: and as soon as I had eaten it, my belly was bitter.
Revelation 14:6 (KJV) 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,
The first and second messages [Revelation 14:6-8] were given in 1843 and 1844, and we are now under the proclamation of the third; but all three of the messages are still to be proclaimed. It is just as essential now as ever before that they shall be repeated to those who are seeking for the truth. By pen and voice we are to sound the proclamation, showing their order and the application of the prophecies that bring us to the third angel’s message. There cannot be a third without the first and second.... { CTr 338.3}
Like the Jews, who offered their useless sacrifices, they offer up their useless prayers to the apartment which Jesus has left; and Satan, pleased with the deception, assumes a religious character, and leads the minds of these professed Christians to himself, working with his power, his signs and lying wonders, to fasten them in his snare. Some he deceives in one way, and some in another. He has different delusions prepared to affect different minds. Some look with horror upon one deception, while they readily receive another. Satan deceives some with Spiritualism. He also comes as an angel of light and spreads his influence over the land by means of false reformations. The churches are elated, and consider that God is working marvelously for them, when it is the work of another spirit. The excitement will die away and leave the world and the church in a worse condition than before. { EW 260.1}
Jesus did not come to the earth as the waiting, joyful company expected, to cleanse the sanctuary by purifying the earth by fire. I saw that they were correct in their reckoning of the prophetic periods; prophetic time closed in 1844, and Jesus entered the most holy place to cleanse the sanctuary at the ending of the days. Their mistake consisted in not understanding what the sanctuary was and the nature of its cleansing. As I looked again at the waiting, disappointed company, they appeared sad. They carefully examined the evidences of their faith and followed down through the reckoning of the prophetic periods, but could discover no mistake. The time had been fulfilled, but where was their Saviour? They had lost Him. { EW 243.2}
Review the day/year principles for all of Millers 1843 (1844) chart with key prophetic day/years: 2520, 2300, 1335, 1290. 483, 490, 360, 70 and 64 Days.
With Key historical dates: 742, 723,677,606,536,457,31,4BC to 27,31,34,330,508,538,1798,1840,1843/1844, 1989,2001 AD are the Thundering’s, Woes, Seals, Horses, Churches and the fourth kingdom/repetition of historical events and phases.
Identifying the scattering and gathering of Israel, the daily pagan sacrifice with respect abomination of desolation in the breakdown of pagan to papal Rome.
“If ye walk contrary unto Me, and will not hearken unto Me,” the Lord had forewarned His people, “I, even I, ... will scatter you among the heathen, and will draw out a sword after you: and your land shall be desolate, and your cities waste.” Leviticus 26:21, 28, 33. { PK 429.1}
Daniel 8:14 (KJV) And he said unto me, Unto two thousand and three hundred days; then shall the sanctuary be cleansed.
After these seven thunders uttered their voices, the injunction comes to John as to Daniel in regard to the little book: “Seal up those things which the seven thunders uttered.” These relate to future events which will be disclosed in their order. Daniel shall stand in his lot at the end of the days. John sees the little book unsealed. Then Daniel’s prophecies have their proper place in the first, second, and third angels’ messages to be given to the world. The unsealing of the little book was the message in relation to time. { 7BC 971.4 }
The books of Daniel and the Revelation are one. One is a prophecy, the other a revelation; one a book sealed, the other a book opened. John heard the mysteries which the thunders uttered, but he was commanded not to write them. { 7BC 971.5 }
The special light given to John which was expressed in the seven thunders was a delineation of events which would transpire under the first and second angels’ messages. It was not best for the people to know these things, for their faith must necessarily be tested. In the order of God most wonderful and advanced truths would be proclaimed. The first and second angels’ messages were to be proclaimed, but no further light was to be revealed before these messages had done their specific work. This is represented by the angel standing with one foot on the sea, proclaiming with a most solemn oath that time should be no longer. { 7BC 971.6 }
SUNDAY VS THE SABBATH MORE FULLY
This message of the first point on the Pentagon of Lies, on keeping the Sabbath more fully are brought forth through the Evangelistic training.
“I saw that the Holy Sabbath is, and will be, the separating wall between the true Israel of God and unbelievers; and that the Sabbath is the great question, to unite the hearts of God’s dear, waiting saints. I saw that God had children, who do not see and keep the Sabbath. They had not rejected the light on it. And at the commencement of the time of trouble, we were filled with the Holy Ghost as we went forth and proclaimed the Sabbath more fully.” { ExV54 3.2 }
Ultimately, the character of the class of 144,000 will not see death and will meet Christ on His second advent in the clouds, and if we look at Enoch (Gen 5:24) and Noah (Gen 6:9) where they walked with God, it was Enoch and Elijah (2Kin 2:1) that did not see death – what is the way for us?;
1 Kings 11:38 (KJV) And it shall be, if thou wilt hearken unto all that I command thee, and wilt walk in my ways, and do that is right in my sight, to keep my statutes and my commandments, as David my servant did; that I will be with thee, and build thee a sure house, as I built for David, and will give Israel unto thee. { RC 119.2}
After all, Gods people are found
Revelation 14:12 (KJV) Here is the patience of the saints: here are they that keep the commandments of God, and the faith of Jesus.
We know what the commandments are, but the “statutes”’
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 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 men 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 ( The Signs of the Times, April 15, 1875 [Reprinted in The Review and Herald, May 6, 1875]). { 1BC 1104.6 }
Salvation by legalism is not very likely, nor does salvation come by name, creed, region, religious affiliation, what we wear, what we put in our mouths, or keeping the Sabbath because we have to. There must come an understanding, an appreciation of these things, God does not compel or force – it is “Remember the Sabbath”, not thou shalt keep the Sabbath, the things that come from our willing hearts by choice to Him are preferred;
All legalism, all the sorrow and woe by which you may encompass yourself, will not give you one moment of relief. You cannot rightly estimate sin. You must accept God’s estimate, and it is heavy indeed. If you bore the guilt of your sin, it would crush you; but the sinless One has taken your place, and, though, undeserving, he has borne your guilt. By accepting the provision God has made, you may stand free before God in the merit and virtue of your Substitute. You will then have a proper estimate of sin, and the godly sorrow of true repentance will take the place of hopeless discouragement and grief, for you will turn from sin with grief and abhorrence. { ST April 9, 1894, par. 3 }
With the proper understanding of Christs’ work in the Sanctuary, an earthly pattern was laid out for Moses in the Tabernacle, for the whole of masses to follow for generations. These were appointed times to gather through the seasons of the year, based on the Sabbath principles.
These feasts and festivals, were meant as symbols of type for the anti-types; of which with historical accounts and recognition of the Sanctuary service, with prophesied events were to be recalled.
Over time half of these feasts have been accomplished on earth, in parallel to the stronger anti-type in Heaven. Including the Sabbath, there is a tremendous multiplicity of the Holy Spirit to be bestowed at these appointed times of memorial and prophetic works in the Sanctuary.
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In conclusion, my narrative has only scratched at the depth of the messages presented. Although I was remotely attending, it was as receiving scraps from the masters table, with each message and its subsequent reflection, came a powerful realization on the Character of God and of all the Spiritual critical touch-points messages, that could only be accomplished by the work and gifts of the Holy Spirit of Jesus Christ, through Pastor Adrian Ebens.
I could only recommend taking notes alongside referring to Scripture and the Spirit of Prophecy, as there is a tremendous wealth of Spiritual manna in these videos. Please do come with a sincere and open heart to hear and learn some truth, there is Spiritual refreshment and a new way to see the invisible types.
One further note of personal reflection; this series of messages really showed me that when faith is built on a solid platform/foundation – any new light (truths) to be acknowledged as being received from the True source, will be a message that only brings us to a clearer understanding and closer relationship with Jesus Christ.
Anything else, is either the wrong message or the wrong source, although to deny a true prompting of the Holy Spirit will be quite grievous and shut out any future light.
Blessings to all,
Tony Pace
