Sabbath Afternoon - May 11, 2024

Scripture Reading for the Week:
1 Thessalonians 4:13-18; Matthew 24:27; Matthew 24:30-31; 2 Peter 1:19-21; Daniel 8:14; Daniel 9:20-27; Ezra 7:7-13. 


Thought for Meditation:
   We were perplexed and disappointed, yet did not renounce our faith. Many still clung to the hope that Jesus would not long delay His coming; the word of the Lord was sure, it could not fail. We felt that we had done our duty, we had lived up to our precious faith; we were disappointed, but not discouraged. The signs of the times denoted that the end of all things was at hand; we must watch and hold ourselves in readiness for the coming of the Master at any time. We must wait with hope and trust, not neglecting the assembling of ourselves together for instruction, encouragement, and comfort, that our light might shine forth into the darkness of the world. {CET 49.1}  ( Christian Experience and Teachings of EGWhite 1922)


Memory Text:

“And it will be said in that day: ‘Behold, this is our God; we have waited for Him, and He will save us. This is the Lord; we have waited for Him; we will be glad and rejoice in His salvation’ ” (Isaiah 25:9). 


This week's SSLesson will dig deeper into the mine of history that brings about the Seventh-Day Adventist movement into the picture after the Great Disappointment of October 22, 1844 prediction of Christ's Second Coming. This includes the fundamental principles of Biblical interpretation principles set forth by William Miller and other Pioneers of the Church.


Study Outline:

The Second Coming
Sunday - May 12, 2024

The Promise of His Return - The Blessed Hope

 John 14:1-3; 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18; Titus 2:11-14;   1 Corinthians 15:15-18. 


Monday - May 13, 2024

Anticipating the Time - How will Jesus Comes?

Acts 1:9-11; Revelation 1:7; Matthew 24:27; Matthew 24:30-31;  1 Thessalonians 5:2-5; Hebrews 9:28.  


William Miller

Tuesday - May 14, 2024

William Miller and the Bible - How to Interpret the Bible?

Isaiah 28:9-10; Proverbs 8:8-9; John 16:13; 2 Peter 1:19-21;  Daniel 1:17; Daniel 2:45; 1 Peter 1:10-11; Revelation 1:1-3; Jeremiah 49:36; Revelation 17:15; Jeremiah 6:2; Ephesians 5:22-32; Numbers 14:34; Ezekiel 4:6. 


Wednesday - May 15, 2024

The 2,300 Days of Daniel 8:14 - The Prophetic Time

Genesis 15:13; Numbers 14:34; Jeremiah 25:11; Daniel 9:24; Mark 1:15; Galatians 4:4; Romans 5:6;  Daniel 8:14; Daniel 8:1-27; Daniel 9:1-27; Daniel 8:1-27.


Thursday - May 16, 2024

The Longest Prophetic Timeline  - The Prophecy of 2,300 Days

Ezra 7:7-13; Daniel 9:25-26.  


Friday - May 17, 2024

Insights and Further Study

From the Pen of Inspiration


The Second Coming

Sunday - May 12, 2024

The Promise of His Return

 John 14:1-3; 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18; Titus 2:11-14;   1 Corinthians 15:15-18. 

“Looking for the blessed hope and glorious appearing of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ” (Titus 2:13)


Glorious Appearing Of the Great God and Our Saviour

Those who labor for souls must attain to a deeper, fuller, clearer knowledge of God than can be gained by ordinary effort. They must throw all their energies into the work of the Master. They are engaged in a high and holy calling, and if they gain souls for their hire they must lay firm hold upon God, daily receiving grace and power from the Source of all blessing. "For the grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared to all men, teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world; looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ; who gave Himself for us, that He might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify unto Himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works." Titus 2:11-14.  {Acts of Apostles  205.3}  


The Blessed Hope Of Christ's 2nd Coming

"What has it done for you, Ellen? Would you be what you are now if you had never heard the doctrine of Christ's soon coming? What hope has it inspired in your heart; what peace, joy, and love has it given you? And for me it has done everything. I love Jesus, and all Christians. I love the prayer meeting. I find great joy in reading my Bible and in prayer." {Christian Experience and Teachings of EGWhite 1922, 37.1}   

We both felt strengthened by this conversation, and resolved that we would not be turned from our honest convictions of truth, and the blessed hope of Christ's soon coming in the clouds of heaven. We were thankful that we could discern the precious light, and rejoice in looking for the coming of the Lord. {Christian Experience and Teachings of EGWhite 1922, 37.1}  

 

The 2nd Coming the Very Keynote of the Sacred Scriptures

One of the most solemn and yet most glorious truths revealed in the Bible is that of Christ's second coming, to complete the great work of redemption. . . . The doctrine of the Second Advent is the very keynote of the Sacred Scriptures. . . .  {FLB 348.2}  

The coming of the Lord has been in all ages the hope of His true followers.  {FLB 348.3}  

The patriarch Job in the night of his affliction exclaimed with unshaken trust: "I know that my redeemer liveth, and that he shall stand at the latter day upon the earth: . . . in my flesh shall I see God: whom I shall see for myself, and mine eyes shall behold, and not another." Job 19:25-27. . . .  {FLB 348.4}  

The Saviour's parting promise upon Olivet, that He would come again, lighted up the future for His disciples, filling their hearts with joy and hope that sorrow could not quench nor trials dim. Amid suffering and persecution, the "appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ" was the "blessed hope." . . .  {FLB 348.5}  

On rocky Patmos the beloved disciple hears the promise, "Surely I come quickly," and his longing response voices the prayer of the church in all her pilgrimage, "Even so, come, Lord Jesus." Revelation 22:20. . . .  {The Faith I Live By 1958, 348.6}  


Consider the Following

Since Jesus promised to return (John 14:1-3), this has been the hope of all believers to this day (Titus 2:13). 

What makes the Second Coming of Jesus such an eagerly awaited event?
(1) Signals the end of illness, suffering and death
(2) It means the end of poverty, injustice and oppression
(3) End fights, conflicts and wars
(4) Open the doors to a world of peace, happiness and eternal communion with God 


Monday - May 13, 2024

Anticipating the Time - How Will Jesus Comes?

Acts 1:9-11; Revelation 1:7; Matthew 24:27; Matthew 24:30-31;  1 Thessalonians 5:2-5; Hebrews 9:28.  

“For as the lightning cometh out of the east, and shineth even unto the west; so shall also the coming of the Son of man be” (Matthew 24:27)


As in the Days of Noah

"As the days of Noah were, so shall also the coming of the Son of man be. For as in the days that were before the flood, they were eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage, until the day that Noah entered into the ark, and knew not until the flood came, and took them all away; so shall also the coming of the Son of man be." In the days of Noah God saw that the wickedness of man was great in the earth, and that every imagination of the thoughts of his heart was only evil continually. "And it repented the Lord that He had made man on the earth, and it grieved Him at His heart. . . . And God said unto Noah, The end of all flesh is come before Me; for the earth is filled with violence through them; and, behold I will destroy them with the earth."  {Signs of the Times, October 9, 1901 par. 5}   


The Son of Man Shall Come in His Glory

Miller found the literal, personal coming of Christ to be plainly taught in the Scriptures. Says Paul, “The Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God.” [1 Thessalonians 4:16.] And the Saviour declares: “They shall see the Son of man coming in the clouds of heaven with power and great glory.” “For as the lightning cometh out of the east, and shineth even unto the west; so shall also the coming of the Son of man be.” [Matthew 24:30, 27.] 

He is to be accompanied by all the hosts of Heaven. “The Son of man shall come in his glory, and all the holy angels with him.” “And he shall send his angels with a great sound of a trumpet, and they shall gather together his elect.” [Matthew 25:31; 24:31.]  {Great Controversy 1888 edition, 321.2} 


The Signs that Precede Christ's 2nd Coming

In the twenty-fourth of Matthew is recorded Christ's prophecy in regard to the signs that precede His second coming. After mentioning some of them, He says, "Now learn a parable of the fig-tree; when his branch is yet tender, and putteth forth leaves, ye know that summer is nigh; so likewise ye, when ye shall see all these things, know that it is near, even at the doors. ... But of that day and hour knoweth no man, no, not the angels of heaven, but My Father only. But as the days of Noah were, so shall also the coming of the Son of man be. For as in the days that were before the flood, they were eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage, until the day that Noah entered into the ark, and knew not until the flood came, and took them all away; so shall also the coming of the Son of man be."  {Bible Training School, June 1, 1902 par. 3}  


Be Not Conformed to this World

It is impossible for man to present his body a living sacrifice, holy, and acceptable to God, while, because it is customary for the world to do so, he is indulging in habits that are lessening physical, mental, and moral vigor. The apostle adds: "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." Jesus, seated upon the Mount of Olives, gave instruction to His disciples concerning the signs which should precede His coming. He said: "But as the days of Noah were, so shall also the coming of the Son of man be. For as in the days that were before the Flood they were eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage, until the day that Noah entered into the ark, and knew not until the Flood came, and took them all away; so shall also the coming of the Son of man be."  {Testimonies for the Church volume 3 163.1}  


Consider the Following

During the 19th century, Protestants distorted the doctrine of the 2nd Coming by teaching that Jesus would establish an earthly kingdom of a thousand years of peace (premillennialism), or that there would be a period of a thousand years of peace before the 2nd Coming (postmillennialism). 

 However, the reformers taught that the millennium would be preceded by the 2nd Coming, and that this would be:
(1) Literally. Revelation 22:20
(2) Visible. Revelation 1:7; Matthew 24:27
(3) Audible. 1 Thessalonians 4:16; 1 Corinthians 15:52
(4) Glorious. 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18; 1 Corinthians 15:51-55 


William Miller

Tuesday - May 14, 2024

William Miller and the Bible

Isaiah 28:9-10; Proverbs 8:8-9; John 16:13; 2 Peter 1:19-21;  Daniel 1:17; Daniel 2:45; 1 Peter 1:10-11; Revelation 1:1-3; Jeremiah 49:36; Revelation 17:15; Jeremiah 6:2; Ephesians 5:22-32; Numbers 14:34; Ezekiel 4:6. 

“For precept must be upon precept, precept upon precept; line upon line, line upon line; here a little, and there a little” (Isaiah 28:10)


Every Spirit Should be Tested

William Miller had no sympathy with those influences that led to fanaticism. He declared, with Luther, that every spirit should be tested by the word of God. "The devil," said Miller, "has great power over the minds of some at the present day. And how shall we know what manner of spirit they are of? The Bible answers: 'By their fruits ye shall know them.'. . . There are many spirits gone out into the world; and we are commanded to try the spirits. The spirit that does not cause us to live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world, is not the Spirit of Christ. I am more and more convinced that Satan has much to do in these wild movements. . . . Many among us who pretend to be wholly sanctified, are following the traditions of men, and apparently are as ignorant of truth as others who make no such pretensions."--Bliss, pages 236, 237. "The spirit of error will lead us from the truth; and the Spirit of God will lead us into truth. But, say you, a man may be in an error, and think he has the truth. What then? We answer, The Spirit and word agree. If a man judges himself by the word of God, and finds a perfect harmony through the whole word, then he must believe he has the truth; but if he finds the spirit by which he is led does not harmonize with the whole tenor of God's law or Book, then let him walk carefully, lest he be caught in the snare of the devil."--The Advent Herald and Signs of the Times Reporter, vol. 8, No. 23 (Jan. 15, 1845). "I have often obtained more evidence of inward piety from a kindling eye, a wet cheek, and a choked utterance, than from all the noise of Christendom."--Bliss, page 282.  {GC 396.2}  


An Infidel who does not Believe the Bible was Led to Understand the Prophecy

I saw that God sent His angel to move upon the heart of a farmer [William Miller] who had not believed the Bible, and led him to search the prophecies. Angels of God repeatedly visited that chosen one, and guided his mind, and opened his understanding to prophecies which had ever been dark to God's people. The commencement of the chain of truth was given him, and he was led on to search for link after link, until he looked with wonder and admiration upon the Word of God. . . . {The  Truth About Angels (1996), 247.2} 

Angels of God accompanied William Miller in his mission. He was firm and undaunted. He fearlessly proclaimed the message. . . . Although opposed by professed Christians and the world, and buffeted by Satan and his angels, he ceased not to preach the everlasting gospel to crowds wherever he was invited, and sound the cry, Fear God and give glory to Him; for the hour of His judgment is come.—Spiritual Gift volume 1, 128, 132. {The  Truth About Angels (1996),.3} 


William Miller Started to Unfold the Mysteries of the Kingdom of God

As he followed down the prophecies, he saw that the inhabitants of the earth were living in the closing scenes of this world's history, yet they knew it not. He looked at the churches and saw that they were corrupt; they had taken their affections from Jesus and placed them on the world; they were seeking for worldly honor, instead of that honor which cometh from above; grasping for worldly riches, instead of laying up their treasure in heaven. He could see hypocrisy, darkness, and death everywhere. His spirit was stirred within him. God called him to leave his farm, as He called Elisha to leave his oxen and the field of his labor to follow Elijah. With trembling, William Miller began to unfold to the people the mysteries of the kingdom of God, carrying his hearers down through the prophecies to the second advent of Christ. With every effort he gained strength. As John the Baptist heralded the first advent of Jesus and prepared the way for His coming, so William Miller and those who joined with him proclaimed the second advent of the Son of God.  {Early Writings 229.2}  


The Witness Of William Miller Disturb Satan's kingdom

We are troubled on every side, yet not distressed; we are perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not forsaken; cast down, but not destroyed. 2 Corinthians 4:8, 9. {Christ Triumphant (1999), 337.1} 

William Miller was disturbing Satan’s kingdom, and the archenemy sought not only to counteract the effect of the message, but to destroy the messenger himself. As Father Miller made a practical application of Scripture truth to the hearts of his hearers, the rage of professed Christians was kindled against him, even as the anger of the Jews was excited against Christ and His apostles. Church members stirred up the baser classes, and upon several occasions enemies plotted to take his life as he should leave the place of meeting. But holy angels were in the throng, and one of these, in the form of a man, took the arm of this servant of the Lord and led him to safety from the angry mob. His work was not yet done, and Satan and his emissaries were disappointed in their purpose. {Christ Triumphant (1999), 337.2} 


Consider the Following

Based on the words of Isaiah (Isa. 28:9-10), William Miller decided to make the Bible his own interpreter. 

Starting from Genesis, he studied every biblical passage. If its meaning was not clear, he looked for the solution in some other biblical passage. 

When he came to the prophetic passages, he discovered that the same principle could be applied there as well: 

(1) Beasts represent kingdoms (Dan. 7:17, 23) 

(2) The winds represent destruction (Jer. 49:36) 

(3) Water represents multitudes (Rev. 17:15) 

(4) Women represent churches (Ez. 23:4; 2Co. 11:2) 

(5) Days are literal years (Num. 14:34; Ezek. 4:6) 



Wednesday - May 15, 2024

The 2,300 Days of Daniel 8:14

Genesis 15:13; Numbers 14:34; Jeremiah 25:11; Daniel 9:24; Mark 1:15; Galatians 4:4; Romans 5:6;  Daniel 8:14; Daniel 8:1-27; Daniel 9:1-27; Daniel 8:1-27.

And he said unto me, Unto two thousand and three hundred days; then shall the sanctuary be cleansed. {Dan. 8:14}


Christ Entered into the Most Holy Place of the Heavenly Sanctuary 

As a people, we should be earnest students of prophecy; we should not rest until we become intelligent in regard to the subject of the sanctuary, which is brought out in the visions of Daniel and John. This subject sheds great light on our present position and work, and gives us unmistakable proof that God has led us in our past experience. It explains our disappointment in 1844, showing us that the sanctuary to be cleansed was not the earth, as we had supposed, but that Christ then entered into the most holy apartment of the heavenly sanctuary, and is there performing the closing work of his priestly office, in fulfillment of the words of the angel to the prophet Daniel, "Unto two thousand and three hundred days; then shall the sanctuary be cleansed."  {The Review and Herald, November 27, 1883 par. 9}  


The 2,300 Days was not Understood by Daniel Himself

Through another vision further light was thrown upon the events of the future; and it was at the close of this vision that Daniel heard "one saint speaking, and another saint said unto that certain saint which spake, How long shall be the vision?" Daniel 8:13. The answer that was given, "Unto two thousand and three hundred days; then shall the sanctuary be cleansed" (verse 14), filled him with perplexity. Earnestly he sought for the meaning of the vision. He could not understand the relation sustained by the seventy years' captivity, as foretold through Jeremiah, to the twenty-three hundred years that in vision he heard the heavenly visitant declare should elapse before the cleansing of God's sanctuary. The angel Gabriel gave him a partial interpretation; yet when the prophet heard the words, "The vision . . . shall be for many days," he fainted away. "I Daniel fainted," he records of his experience, "and was sick certain days; afterward I rose up, and did the king's business; and I was astonished at the vision, but none understood it." Verses 26, 27.  {Prophets and Kings 554.1} 

Still burdened in behalf of Israel, Daniel studied anew the prophecies of Jeremiah. They were very plain--so plain that he understood by these testimonies recorded in books "the number of the years, whereof the word of the Lord came to Jeremiah the prophet, that He would accomplish seventy years in the desolations of Jerusalem." Daniel 9:2.  {Prophets and Kings 554.2}  


Consider the Following

Considering that, in Miller's time, the Earth was thought to be the sanctuary, he deduced that the prophecy about its purification (Dan. 8:14) indicated the time of the Second Coming of Jesus. 

He noted that Gabriel had explained to Daniel all the details of the vision (Dan. 8:20-25), except for the 2,300 days (Dan. 8:26-27). 

Years later Gabriel was sent again to explain this point to Daniel (Dan. 9:21-23). He explained that there was a certain or “cut off” period, and that it would begin with “the going out of the order to restore and build Jerusalem” (Dan. 9:24-25). If Miller found this order, he would find the beginning of the 2,300 days/years. 



Thursday - May 16, 2024

The Longest Prophetic Timeline

Ezra 7:7-13; Daniel 9:25-26.  

“And you, Ezra, in accordance with the wisdom of your God, which you possess, appoint magistrates and judges to administer justice to all the people of Trans-Euphrates—all who know the laws of your God. And you are to teach any who do not know them” (Ezra 7:25)


The Cleansing of the Sanctuary 2,300 years

The scripture which above all others had been both the foundation and central pillar of the advent faith was the declaration, "Unto two thousand and three hundred days; then shall the sanctuary be cleansed." Daniel 8:14. These had been familiar words to all believers in the Lord's soon coming. By the lips of thousands was this prophecy joyfully repeated as the watchword of their faith. All felt that upon the events therein brought to view depended their brightest expectations and most cherished hopes. These prophetic days had been shown to terminate in the autumn of 1844. In common with the rest of the Christian world, Adventists then held that the earth, or some portion of it, was the sanctuary, and that the cleansing of the sanctuary was the purification of the earth by the fires of the last great day. This they understood would take place at the second coming of Christ. Hence the conclusion that Christ would return to the earth in 1844. {The Story of Redemption (1947), 375.1}   

But the appointed time came, and the Lord did not appear. The believers knew that God's Word could not fail; their interpretation of the prophecy must be at fault; but where was the mistake? Many rashly cut the knot of difficulty by denying that the 2300 days ended in 1844. No reason could be given for this position, except that Christ had not come at the time of expectation. They argued that if the prophetic days had ended in 1844, Christ would then have come to cleanse the sanctuary by the purification of the earth by fire; and that since He had not come, the days could not have ended. {The Story of Redemption (1947), 375.2}   


Eyes Fixed on Sanctuary

As a people, we should be earnest students of prophecy; we should not rest until we become intelligent in regard to the subject of the sanctuary, which is brought out in the visions of Daniel and John. This subject sheds great light on our present position and work, and gives us unmistakable proof that God has led us in our past experience. It explains our disappointment in 1844, showing us that the sanctuary to be cleansed was not the earth, as we had supposed, but that Christ then entered into the most holy apartment of the heavenly sanctuary, and is there performing the closing work of His priestly office, in fulfillment of the words of the angel to the prophet Daniel, "Unto two thousand and three hundred days; then shall the sanctuary be cleansed."  {Evangelism (1946), 222.3}  


Consider the Following

In the seventh year of Artaxerxes, king of Persia, an order was issued for Ezra to go to Jerusalem and have sufficient political autonomy to complete the restoration of the city (Ezra 7:7, 11-14, 20-21, 24- 25). It was the year 457 BC 

As the 70-week prophecy indicates, it took Jerusalem 49 years to be completely rebuilt, and 434 more years passed until the arrival of the Messiah (Dan. 9:25). This calculation places the baptism of Jesus in the year 27 AD, and the end of the 70 weeks in the year 34 AD. 

Putting the pieces of the prophetic calendar together, Miller concluded that the Second Coming of Jesus would occur sometime in the year 1843 (which he set at 1844) 


Friday - May 17, 2024

Insights and Further Study

Seriousness of Sanctuary Truth.--While Christ is cleansing the sanctuary, the worshipers on earth should carefully review their life, and compare their character with the standard of righteousness.--Review and Herald, April 8, 1890.  {Evangelism (1946), 224.1}  

Preaching the Sanctuary Doctrine Endorsed by Holy Spirit.--For more than half a century the different points of present truth have been questioned and opposed. New theories have been advanced as truth, which were not truth, and the Spirit of God revealed their error. As the great pillars of our faith have been presented, the Holy Spirit has borne witness to them, and especially is this so regarding the truths of the sanctuary question. Over and over again the Holy Spirit has in a marked manner endorsed the preaching of this doctrine. But today, as in the past, some will be led to form new theories and to deny the truths upon which the Spirit of God has placed His approval.--Manuscript 125, 1907.  {Evangelism (1946), 224.2}  

False Theories Regarding the Sanctuary.--In the future, deception of every kind is to arise, and we want solid ground for our feet. We want solid pillars for the building. Not one pin is to be removed from that which the Lord has established. The enemy will bring in false theories, such as the doctrine that there is no sanctuary. This is one of the points on which there will be a departing from the faith. Where shall we find safety unless it be in the truths that the Lord has been giving for the last fifty years?--Review and Herald, May 25, 1905.  {Evangelism (1946), 224.3} 


Questions to Ponder


From the Pen of Inspiration

“One of the most solemn and yet most glorious truths revealed in the Bible is that of Christ's second coming, to complete the great work of redemption. To God's pilgrim people, so long left to sojourn in the “region and shadow of death,” a precious, joy-inspiring hope is given in the promise of His appearing, who is “the resurrection and the life,” to “bring home again his banished.” The doctrine of the second advent is the very key-note of the sacred Scriptures.” EGW (The Great Controversy, pg. 299)

“All we have to do with is this one day. Today we must be faithful to our trust. Today we must love God with all the heart and our neighbor as ourselves. Today we must resist the temptations of the enemy, and through the grace of Christ gain the victory. Thus we shall watch and wait for Christ's coming. Each day we should live as if we knew that this would be our last day on this earth. If we knew that Christ would come tomorrow, would we not crowd into today all the kind words, all the unselfish deeds, that we could?” EGW (In heavenly places, December 14 p.355)


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