JACOB'S TIME OF TROUBLE

 

 

INTRODUCTION

 

“For thus saith the LORD; We have heard a voice of trembling, of fear, and not of peace.

 

“Ask ye now, and see whether a man doth travail with child? wherefore do I see every man with his hands on his loins, as a woman in travail, and all 33faces are turned into paleness?

 

“Alas! for that day [is] great, so that none [is] like it: it [is] even the time of Jacob's trouble; but he shall be saved out of it.” (Jer. 30:5-7)

 

"And at that time shall Michael stand up, the great Prince which standeth for the children of thy people: and there shall be a time of trouble, such as never was since there was a nation even to that same time: and at that time thy people shall be delivered, every one that shall be found written in the book."(Dan. 12:1)

 

This study has become one of the most controversial subjects in Davidia at the present time. Much emphasis is placed on WHEN, rather than WHAT spiritual preparation is needed. All points are important and will be addressed.

 

We will also dig deep into the “GOLDEN BOWL”, and hear what the Rod has to say in regards to Assyria’s fall, Michael     standing up, the King of the North, the Confederacy, Jonah Message, the Solemn Assemble and many other subjects.

 

REQUIREMENTS FOR JACOB’S TROUBLE

In 2TG #7 pp.10, 11 inspiration say “What a solemn time we have come to, Brothers, Sisters.  Do you realize that if you do not now make an effort to put your name in the book, it may be forever too late?  And is it not better to have your name there even if the trouble were a hundred years in the future?

 

1TG #47 p.14 also say that “The people that have come to this antitypical time of trouble are returning to the homeland, are comforted.  Apparently it is bad enough to frighten all, but God's encouraging counsel is, "Fear not."

 

“Plainly, the burden of this chapter is concerning the antitypical returning to the homeland.  Though terrible the trouble may seem, yet the outcome of it is to be the same as in the type.  Right now we may not appreciate this study as we ought to, but the time is soon coming in which we will dig as fast and as hard for it as we would to get out from under an avalanche.  Those who have but little faith in the Word of God though, the study will not do them much good.  Now is the time to start cultivating the faith we need to have then.”

 

To have our names in the book of life, and to have faith in the word of God are the two most important requirements to take us through the trouble.

 

“Had not Jacob previously repented of his sin in obtaining the birthright by fraud, God would not have heard his prayer and mercifully preserved his life. So, in the time of trouble, if the people of God had unconfessed sins to appear before them while tortured with fear and anguish, they would be overwhelmed; despair would cut off their faith, and they could not have confidence to plead with God for deliverance. But while they have a deep sense of their unworthiness, they have no concealed wrongs to reveal. Their sins have gone beforehand to judgment and have been blotted out, and they cannot bring them to remembrance.”  (GC 620.1)

Our source of information will strictly come from the “Golden Bowl.” However, for the brethren who believe that the unpublished Codes were written by the prophet and they should be used, references will be used from them only as proof that they are in total disagreement with the Rod and their belief especially as to WHEN Jacob time of trouble is.

 

One thing must be made clear, and that is, the unpublished Codes are not considered as part of the Shepherds Rod Publications. Even if the prophet did write them they were not published by him, therefore they are not in the bowl. This will be proven later.

 

It will be reveal by this presentation that Jacob time of trouble occur after Ezek.9. It is after the purification of the church that the term “Homeward bound” applies. The change of name also takes place after the “STRUGGLE.” These are all terms that are used to identify exactly WHEN Jacobs time of trouble is.

 

Also, there is no confederacy prior to Ezek.9 that will affect Davidians. That idea is not supported by the published materials.

 

The principle of harmonizing the Rod with the Rod and with the SOP and, inspiration by date or the unrolling of the scroll will be applied through out this presentation. (See Tr. #3 p101, 3 Ans. p53, and 1 T.G. #5 p3)

 

Due to the fact that Sis. White did not have a chronological understanding on JTT, we will mostly use those references from her writings that the Rod uses.

 

THE PHENOMENOM OF INSPIRATION.

“Inspiration makes very clear that the Lord's messenger dare not in any way improvise upon revelation (Rev.22: 18-20), although often privileged to articulate it in his own words. Judged by the same standard, no one else dare meddle with the inspired writer's work. This rational sequence consistently concludes that when a point in one's writings is not clear, then only the writer himself should be consulted concerning it, if he is living.  Otherwise, only the same Spirit of Inspiration, the original Author of the writings, can clarify whatever is involved.

 

“Still further, there are circumstances in connection with certain aspects of every message which necessitate clarification.  Such clarification, however, can be no greater than the light which shines at the time.  And the light may come solely from within the message itself, or, again, it may derive from a limited understanding common to the time "then present"—an understanding which the messenger himself shares.” (1Ans. pp.47, 49).

 

During the administration of Bro Houteff, perchance there were doctrinal issues as in discussion, he the prophet could be contacted personally as to the truth of the matter. All that is available to us now is the written words. The most important thing to remember is this, whatever conclusion we arrive at, it must be “an understanding which the messenger himself shares.” And his understanding is found only in the Golden Bowl that which he published.

 

THE GIFT OF RELIGIOUS LIBERITY.

 

“Both he who believes and he who believes not should not meddle with each other's business.  They should control their tongues, and should be charitable each to the other.  Let each keep peace with all men.  Especially should the believers do so with those who are of the household of faith.

 

“Neither force upon one anything which he does not want, nor withhold from him anything which might be his.  And never stand between him and his God, to Whom alone he is answerable, and Who alone is to resolve all issues:

 

“Restrain or deter none from an investigation of purported truth, but help them to "prove all things," and to "hold fast that which is good." 1 Thess. 5:21.  Do not try to make invalids of them or a fool of yourself by expecting them to accept your say-so.  Urge them to see for themselves and to bear their own responsibility.

 

“Remember that everyone has the right to believe as he will, and that he must give an account of himself to the Lord only, not to you.  Grant to all the freedom of religion that you would have them grant to you.  And though a Christian will never sacrifice principle, yet he will ever be as courteous to those who disagree with him as to those who agree.

 

“The Lord alone, moreover, is responsible for your salvation, and to Him alone are you accountable for your sins. "Cease ye" hereafter "from man, whose breath is in his nostrils: for wherein is he to be accounted of?"  Isa. 2:22.  Do not become an invalid by letting others think for you, but Make Use of the Gift of Mind and Reason.” (13 Tr. pp.25-31)

 

These are some of the principles that inspiration has lay down for us to follow. Not for other brethren (B.R.C. Members) to decide for us what is truth from what is error, and to be as courteous to those who disagree with us. This is one of our biggest problems in Davidia, especially those in leadership position.

 

OPENING REMARKS.

 

When the subject of location of HQ’s was first presented from the Codes, the very first thing I did was reinvestigate the preconceived understanding I had on the subject. (TM p30) As you know, Salem’s understanding on location of HQ’s in the east comes from the study of Ezek. 47 that is found in 2 SR p297.

 

In 1983 when MT. Dale broke off from Salem Association, we took with us many of Bro. Don’s man made doctrines and By-Laws. e.g. “Gods HQ’s must be in the east, according to Ezek. 47,” The living SOP is not a man but the book only, and many others. Those who are new in the message do not know the history as to the intent of such By- Laws; most cannot be supported by the Rod.

 

Such studies and By - Laws were made because Bro. Don and Bro Bingham were in competition with each other on doctrinal issues. As an example, Bashan established their association in the midst of North America. The Rod says in the midst of the land, North and South America.

 

Bro Don teaches that according to Ezek. 47, Gods HG’s must be in the east. The Rod teaches the river flowing east denotes the direction that the message, (not HG’s) should go, that is, east of California. Further more, in 1932 when Bro. Houteff wrote 2 SR, he did not have the light on location of HQ’s. This light was revealed to him in 1934. See 1 SC #2 p2, and then in 1935 he moved to the “midst of the land” Waco Texas, east of California.

 

It was the direction of the stream from Zech.’s prophecy, and not Ezek.’s river, that the prophet used in reference to location of HQ’s. See 1 SC #10 p4.

 

The point I am trying to make is, many of the beliefs that were taught to us when we came into the message are mans dung, location of HG’s is a perfect example. For this very reason an investigation on the subjects here presented is unavoidable, because you could be holding on to some traditional view.

 

The information in this article is contrary to the beliefs that are presently taught by those in leadership position, as was location of HQ’s. Those who may be contemplating investigating this compilation because of this reason, I sincerely recommend reading G.C. Ch. 37, “The Scriptures a Safeguard,” and T.M. pp105-111. Your salvation could be at stake.

 

I praise God for helping me to have an open mind by investigating this truth on Jacob’s time of trouble and the other subjects, when they were brought to my attention in a different light, just as with location of HG’s. To God be the Glory.

 

ESAU AND JACOB, WHO?

 

THE TIME AND CHURCH

 

(1SR. 1930)

 

“The lesson can not be in two churches.  Why?  Because they are born from one mother.  They must come under the same message.  Why?  Because they are begotten by the same father.  If this is the generation that will witness the end, and the church that shall be delivered and be translated without tasting death, then this must be the time to which this lesson applies.  Now the question is, In which church shall it find its fulfillment?  It can only find its fulfillment in God's true church. If the Protestant churches have fallen and are termed Babylon, then they have neither part nor lot in this lesson.  If the Seventh-day Adventist church is the true Israel, and has a message which no other organization teaches; and if the message we bear is, the advent of Christ and the end of the world in this generation, then this is the church.” (1SR p54)

 

TWO CLASSES OF PEOPLE

(1SR. 1930)

 

“The Bible says the twins represent two classes of people.  If this is true, then we have two classes of people in the church.  One class is represented by Esau, the other by Jacob.  Referring to Testimonies to Ministers, page 46, we read: "There are two opposing influences continually exerted on the members of the church.  One influence is working for the purification of the church, and the other for the corrupting of the people of God." (1SR p55) (See SOR. p97)

 

1SRP 1945)

 

“Esau and Jacob being twins and the last in this line of typology, they therefore foreshadow two classes of people living at the same time in the church period subsequent to the one which Isaac represents -- the last, the Laodicean Esau, being the first-born, prefigures an Esauite ministry who for as little as a mess of "pottage" forfeit their position to a Jacobite laity.” (1SRP p63)

(1TG. #45. 1947)

 

“We are to study the sixty-sixth chapter of Isaiah.  In this chapter the Lord speaks to two groups of servants: the servants up to the cleansing of the sanctuary (Dan. 8:14) -- to the Judgment for the Living, the purification of the church ("Testimonies," Vol. 5, pg. 80), the time in which they are found "smiting" their fellow servants, eating and drinking with the drunken.  The other servants are the servants thereafter.

 

“There is but one right choice for you to make, and that is to cease keeping company with the mighty Esaus, and to join the unpretentious Truth-laden Jacobs.” (1TG. # 45 pp.12, 23)

 

Esau and Jacob represent two classes of people within the SDA church up to the time of the purification. The Esauites, - the General conference brethren, the Jacobites, - Gods people, present truth believers who are been smitten. For more information on the term and application of the word “smiting,” see 2 SC #2 pp7, 8.

 

TIME OF STRUGGLE, NOT TROUBLE.

 

(1SR. 1930)

 

“The children struggled before they were delivered.  In this, too, must be a lesson.  It is intended to point out the time when the application is made.  It has been defined by the father's age that the lesson is for a later period.  The children's struggle was before they were delivered; the lesson, then, is for God's people just before they are delivered.” (1SR p.54)

 

(1 SRP. 1945)

 

“Similarly, though in another phase, Rebekah also represents the church, while Esau and Jacob represent her offspring, the laity.  And since the two struggled within the mother before they were born (delivered), the important lesson is that while the church is travailing with her children just before they are delivered, receive the second birth (John 3:3) and are led into the kingdom, they are to struggle within.  So, Rebekah's carrying two sons makes known that the church is carrying within her two classes of people -- Esaus and Jacobs” (1SRP. p.26) (See TM p.46)

 

We must differentiate between the struggle with Esau and Jacob within the church, and Jacobs’s struggle (wrestling) with the angel, while on his way home. (“The church purified.”) There is a “STRUGGLE” between Esau and Jacob and a STRUGGLE / TROUBLE (wrestle) with the angel that is mention in this study. (See PP pp.201, 203)

 

“Before Jacob entered his father's house he went through that terrible (struggle and wrestled) with the angel till the breaking of the day.  Gen. 32:24-29.” (1SR p62)

The struggle with Esau and Jacob in the church is depicted by the example in Tr. #2 and 2 TG #22, “The Great Paradox of the Ages.”

 

THE GRISLED AND THE BAY – DOUBLE LEADERSHIP.

“The dissimilar teams hitched to the fourth chariot, each pulling in a different direction from the other,(struggle) show not only that there is a double leadership in the Laodicean church, but also that the one is opposed to the other in character as well as in purpose. This condition being a strange one, the wise will well consider it. Seeing that the Word of God has spoken it, and that the symbolism perfectly describes the contest (or struggle) which, before their very eyes, is taking place, they will tenaciously take hold of the truth.” (Tr. #2 p.37) (See TM p.46) ( ) ours.

 

“The teams are seen to have a controversial struggle over the chariot.  Grisled being an indefinite color -- neither black nor white, denotes hypocrisy, the kind of which is heretofore unknown, whereas the color, bay, denotes spiritual strength (margin) the kind heretofore unknown.” (2 TG #22 p22)

 

The Rod stated “The children struggle before they were delivered,” delivered from what, Jacobs time of trouble, or Ezek.9? The Rod makes it very clear that the struggle is between Esau and Jacob within the church. This has nothing to do with Jacob’s time of trouble. No where in those statements did Bro. Houteff ever suggest that it is antitypical Esau who is responsible for Jacob’s trouble.

.

Although the type supports that idea, he did not apply that part of the type to the antitype, neither should we. Therefore, this deliverance is from Ezek.9 as the following reference will prove.

 

TIME OF FIRST DELIVERANCE

 

(1TG #43. 1947)

 

“Since God's people of today are not in the land of Edom, south of Palestine, but are scattered throughout the earth, and since the Lord is to slay their enemies in order to free them, the truth is obvious: These are antitypical Edom and Bozrah.

 

“After Esau of old sold his birthright for a mess of pottage he was called Edom; and the name Bozrah means "sheepfold."  Plainly, then, the Edomites of Isaiah 63:1 are those who in our day have sold their birthright, and who at the same time are persecuting (as did Esau persecute Jacob) (See1 SR p146) those who have bought it, so to speak.  Thus it is that as God's people had to be delivered from the Sanhedrin in Christ's day, they must now be delivered from the General Conference, the antitypical Edomite brethren, in order to be led into all Truth, and into their fathers' land.

 

“The words, "the year of My redeemed is come," and "the day of vengeance is in Mine heart," clearly says that the Lord's strange work in Edom and Bozrah is the day of vengeance and a sign of antitypical Israel's (the church purified) returning to the home land.” (1TG #43 pp16, 17)

The second deliverance is from Jacob’s time of trouble, in the time of trouble, after the close of probation as the following references will also prove.

 

SECOND DELIVERANCE, AND JACOBS TIME OF TROUBLE, WHEN?

 

“We quote from the writings of the "Spirit of Prophecy": "This was the time of Jacob's trouble.  Then all the saints cried out with anguish of spirit, and were delivered by the voice of God.  The one hundred and forty-four thousand triumphed.  Their faces were lighted up with the glory of God." -- "Life Sketches," page 117.  Note that the 144,000 in number, were present in "the time of Jacob's trouble."  According to the following quotation, that time of trouble commences immediately after the close of probation: "When Christ shall cease His work as mediator in man's behalf, then this time of trouble will begin." -- "Patriarchs and Prophets," page 201. That time of trouble is before any of the sleeping saints are resurrected, therefore the 144,000 are not resurrected, but are living saints who have never tasted death and are to be translated at the second coming of Christ.” 2 SR. p163.

 

The 144,000 were delivered again by the voice of God after the close of probation when Christ shall cease His work as mediator in man’s behalf and during the time of trouble.

 

“Jacob's night of anguish, when he wrestled in prayer for deliverance from the hand of Esau (Genesis 32:24-30), represents the experience of God's people in the time of trouble.” (GC p616) (See EW. pp282-285 also)

“Do you now realize that not only the time of trouble is at the door, but even this special resurrection?  Do you actually see that in the time of trouble, while the living saints are being delivered these dead who rise "to everlasting life," are also delivered from their graves?  Do you realize that this time of trouble is in "the great and dreadful day of the Lord," the day which the promised prophet Elijah announces?  (2 TG. No. 7 pp. 11)

 

If Jacob’s time of trouble is before Ezek. 9, then how could the 144,000 be present when they will not be realized until after the purification? To repeat, when Christ shall cease His work as mediator in man's behalf, then this time of trouble, Jacob’s time of trouble, will begin, and that time of trouble commences immediately after the close of probation for the church.

 

TYPES AND SYMBOLS

 

“Cunning men under the power of the great deceiver, with good words and fair speeches have sought to overthrow the faith of the saints in the word of God by almost innumerable interpretations of the Scriptures, and multiplicity of sects; making it nearly impossible for one to find his way out through the confusion, and thus keeping him in ignorance of the truth.  God, knowing beforehand of these cunning devices, has prophetically illustrated the truth by this candlestick in its assemblage of parts, symbolically showing that the truth of the Bible is revealed by Inspiration only.  Written words can be misconstrued, but symbols can not.  Thus making it possible for both learned, and unlearned, to immediately distinguish the difference between truth and error.

 

…..”Find your explanations "in the Bowl," and you will have no trouble in knowing the truth, or of avoiding the ever ready trap of deception.  Thus the difficulty in knowing the difference between truth and error is eliminated.” (2SR pp.287-289).

 

Is there any where “in the Bowl” where a symbol or chart is use to identify WHEN Jacob time of trouble is, which would eliminate the possibility of “Cunning men under the power of the great deceiver, with good words and fair speeches have sought to overthrow the faith of the saints”?

(Written in 1930) Please open your 1SR to pp.133, 134, (Ezek.4 chart) there you will discover on the very top WHEN Bro. Houteff stated Jacob time of trouble would occur. No doubt he did not have light on the kingdom then, however, he did have light on Ezek. 9, therefore, with the understanding that was held at that time, and he placed it in the time of the plagues, which is after Ezek.9.This was the understanding which the messenger himself shared in 1930.

 

On the right side of the chart there are seven items listed in chronological order. The question that confronts us now is this; did Bro. Houteff change the location of Jacob’s time of trouble to occur prior to Ezek 9 after he had light on the kingdom? This is the million dollar question that will be clearly revealed through the lens of Inspiration, that he unquestionably did not. As we proceed, this will be made clear by the overwhelming evidences.

 

 FUNDAMENTAL BELIEF’S

 

(2TG #10. 1948)

 

The fundamental belief’s are used as additional proof to further establish the fact that is already stated in 1SR pp 133, 134 which is, Jacob‘s time of trouble is after Ezek.9.It must be noted that light on the kingdom was revealed when 2TG #10 was written. It is the belief of some that the F.B’s are not in chronological sequence. As we proceed, it will be made clear that they are.

 

#1-3   gives a general description of the medium of the prophetic gift in the church, and its purpose. Also the sealing of the 144,000, that they might be empowered to accomplish the closing work for the world, and to gather all their brethren out of all nations.

 

#4.   Tells of the destruction of the tears from among the first fruits.

#5.   “That immediately thereafter ,” (thereafter what?) (“The destruction of the tares from among the first fruits of the living,”) the angels let loose the four winds, where upon ensues,–(To come after in time or as a result. Webster) the time of trouble and Michael standing up.”

 

#6.   Identify that the blowing of the winds is the image of the beast decree.

 

#7   “that subsequently, (following in time, order or place. Webster) the time of Jacob's trouble for the 144,000, the sons of Jacob, logically develops on their way home to the land of their fathers “

 

#8   “that the foregoing epochal (an event or a time that brings a new period or development. Webster) shall cause the 144,000 to have their names changed as did their father, Jacob.”

 

#9   “that these events shall ultimate (last in progression. Webster) in the setting up of the Kingdom.”

 

#10   “that with this sequence of events (#’s4 – 10) will ensue the Loud Cry of the angel that lightens the earth with his glory “ (Sequence. - A set of numbers having a definite order fixed by a rule. Webster)

 

#’s   11 – 15 self explanatory.

 

If we do not understand the meaning of the words used in the FB, then we would be ignorant as to whether or not they are in chronological order or not. Guessing is not one of the methods used by inspiration. “We have a more sure word,” and here it is.

The seven items listed at the right of your chart in 1SR pp133-134 are in chronological order according to the light he had then. When additional light was revealed, he then placed Jacobs’s time of trouble before the seven last plagues according to 2TG #10 p30 #s 7, 10. Concluding the point that after Bro. Houteff had light on the kingdom, he still placed JTT to occur after Ezek.9. This is irrefutable.

 

Only inspiration can change Inspiration

 

. “When a point in one's writings is not clear, then only the writer himself should be consulted concerning it, if he is living.  Otherwise, only the same Spirit of Inspiration, the original Author of the writings, can clarify whatever is involved.” (1Ans. p. 47)

 

God has inspired His Prophet to record the events in the order that is revealed. How dare any one to put their unholy hands on God’s property by rearranging it to sooth their uninspired man made doctrines.

 

“No one else dare meddle with the inspired writer's work.” (1 Ans. p.47)

 

“Teach the message as it is -- add nothing to it, neither take anything from it.” (1SC #4 p.1)

 

“And if any man shall take away from the words of the book of this prophecy, God shall take away his part out of the book of life, and out of the holy city, and [from] the things which are written in this book.” (Rev. 22:19)

 

“The fate of Uzzah was a divine judgment upon the violation of a most explicit command. Through Moses the Lord had given special instruction concerning the transportation of the ark. None but the priests, the descendants of Aaron, were to touch it, or even to look upon it uncovered. The divine direction was, "The sons of Kohath shall come to bear it: but they shall not touch any holy thing, lest they die." Numbers 4:15.

 

“By the judgment upon Uzzah He designed to impress upon all Israel the importance of giving strict heed to His requirements. Thus the death of that one man, by leading the people to repentance, might prevent the necessity of inflicting judgments upon thousands”.  {PP 705,706}

 

“As the first and second decrees by the kings of Medo-Persia had failed to complete the construction of the temple and restore the sacred typical service, a third decree was set forth, then the king added: "Also I have made a decree, that whosoever shall alter this word, let timber be pulled down from his house, and being set up, let him be hanged thereon; and let his house be made a dunghill for this." (Ezra 6:11.)

 

“It will be noticed that the third decree threatened the lives of disloyal men and nations: "Whosoever shall alter this word," said the king, "let his house be made a dunghill for this."  So much for the type.  Now we come to the anti-type.  The type reveals that the messages of 1844 and 1888 are to be followed by a third one.  But according to the type, the third message is to be a severe one.  A message that will demand obedience and enforce executive judgment upon those who would oppose its decree.” (2 SR p278, 279.)

For additional information about Jacob’s time of trouble, see G.C. Ch 39, P.P. Ch 18. SOR Ch’s 12, 13. (Please read)

 

JACOB’S TIME OF TROUBLE. WHO OR WHAT IS RESPONSABLE

 

 (1 SR. 1930)

 

“Jacob's wrestling with the angel typifies the time of "Jacob's trouble" (for the church).  We read in Early Writings, pages 36, 37: "A decree went forth to slay the saints, which caused them to cry day and night for deliverance.  This was the time of Jacob's trouble." See also Patriarchs and Prophets, pages 202-203. (1SR p.62)

 

Please note: Inspiration typifies Jacob’s time of trouble, to an event when he wrestled with the angel. Nothing about Esau was mentioned. (See S.O.R p97)

 

(Also in 1 SRP. 1945)

 

“On this trying and testing time the Spirit of Prophecy comments: "A decree went forth to slay the saints, which caused them to cry day and night for deliverance.  This was the time of Jacob's trouble" -- Early Writings, pp. 36, 37. (See also Patriarchs and Prophets, pp. 202, 203.) (1SRP p.36)

 

Antitypical Jacob's trouble is created by “a decree” that is mentioned in EW pp.36, 37. Who is responsible for this decree, WHAT is it and WHEN will it be executed, before or after Ezek.9? Let the S.O.P. and the Rod speak.

 

“By comparing Gen.ch. 32, with Jer. 30:7, and the prophecy of Obadiah, we may see that Jacob represents believers, and Esau represents unbelievers. I doubt not, but these two characters will be brought out, and clearly seen in the closing strife with the Image Beast, which is just before us. See Rev. 13:11-18. Jacob’s trouble was when the messengers returning to him, said, “We came to thy brother Esau, and also he cometh to meet thee, and four hundred men with him. Then Jacob was greatly afraid and distressed.” Gen 32: 6, 7.

 

“The true saints will be brought into a similar situation, at the time of the fulfillment of Rev. 13:11-18.

 

“Not that the saints will be killed; then none would remain till the change: but to fulfill this prophecy, a decree must go forth to kill the saints, which will cause fear, and distress. When Jacob was troubled, he wrestled with the angels “until the breaking of day.” Gen.32:34. In the last closing strife with the Image Beast, when a decree goes forth, that as many as would not worship the Image of the beast shall “be killed” the saints will cry day and night, and be delivered by the voice of God.” (W.L.F. pp. 9, 10) (See 5T pp152, 451)

According to 1 S.R. book, and the Pocket Edition, "A decree went forth to slay the saints, which caused them to cry day and night for deliverance. This was the time of Jacob's trouble." “A Word to the Little Flock” p. 10 identified the Two Horn Beast (one of the characters-Esau) as the one responsible for enforcing a decree which will cause the saints to cry day and night for deliverance. That is the time of Jacob’s trouble. The image of the beast as we all know is set up after Ezek.9. See 2TG. #10.

 

(Decree –. An order usually having the force of law - Webster.)

 

Now we see who is responsible for Jacob’s time of trouble and when it will occur. (“IS ALL OF A WORD TO THE LITTLE FLOCK AUTHENTIC?” See 2 Ans. p. 51)

 

Are there any references in the Rod that harmonize with W.L.F, which proves that the Two Horn Beast is responsible for enforcing the decree against the Jacobites after the purification of the church, that will cause the saints to cry day and night for deliverance?

 

TWO DEATH DECREES

 

PICTURE OF REV.7

 

(Tr. #15. 1947)

 

“It being a foregone conclusion that Satan is against the saints, and that the Lord is against the truth-hating and evil-doing multitude, the subject becomes crystal clear: When let loose, the winds are to strike against the faithful "remnant," against those who are left after the earth has opened her mouth and swallowed up "the flood," the "tares" (Rev. 12:16, 17); but the angels who are stationed to hurt, are to smite those who make war against the remnant. Those whose names are found in the book, are "delivered." Dan. 12:1. Seeing that the 144,000, the servants of God, are not as yet sealed (not yet enclosed, protected, guarded, and ready to take their stand with the Lamb on Mt. Sion, but rather are still commingled with the tares) the angels are commanded to forestall the clash.

 

“Consequently, when this sealing work is completed, then the angels who hold the winds will let the winds blow, and the angels who are to hurt the earth, sea, and trees, will then commence their given work.  Otherwise stated, to let the winds blow, is to permit the two-horn beast to decree "that as many as would not worship the image of the beast should be killed" (Rev. 13:15); and to let the angels hurt, is to allow the Lord's decree to take its course: "If any man worship the beast and his image, and receive his mark in his forehead, or in his hand, 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." Rev. 14:9, 10. ….“Both decrees will be in force after the 144,000 are sealed.” (15 Tr. p.61, 62)

Inspiration stated that the blowing of the winds is to permit the two-horn beast to decree that as many as would not worship the image of the beast should be killed. It is the two horn beast who is responsible for enforcing a decree which will cause the saints to cry day and night for deliverance, and it will be enforced after the sealing of the 144,000 and after the earth opens her mouth and swallows up the flood.

 

There is no doubt, that in the context of 15 Tr. p61, the remnant that the winds are to strike against after the earth has opened her mouth and swallowed up "the flood," the "tares” are none other than the 144,000. This point will be further proven as we continue. The striking of the winds and the war against the remnant is one of the same. See I SR. p151.The war against the remnant also have reference to the Great multitude, but not in this context. (See p82)

2 TG #14. 1947

 

“Chapter 12 takes us even further back in time than chapter 11, way beyond the birth of Christ, then forward to the time the earth opens her mouth and swallows up the flood, and to the time of the remnant (the remnant are those who are left after the others are swallowed up by the earth).  They as a people keep the commandments of God, and have the testimony of Jesus Christ.  They are persecuted by the dragon immediately after the earth swallows up the flood.

 

“Thus it is that chapter 12 ends its story with the remnant, the servants of God, the first fruits, the 144,000.  They become the remnant after the hypocrites among them are swallowed up by the earth, so to speak.

 

“Chapter 13 begins with the dissolution of the Roman Empire, and with the kings who arose from it, who then took their crowns, as symbolized by the crowned horns of the leopard-like beast.  This chapter ends with the two-horned beast's decree, the decree to kill all who dare not receive the mark of the beast.  Thus will the dragon be wroth with the woman, and thus will he persecute the remnant. (2TG #14 pp17, 18)

 

 (2 TG. # 36 1949)

 

“We have now seen that the world is next to be ruled not by Democracy, not by Communism, not by Protestantism, nor by Catholicism.  It is to be ruled by a system of religion in which all her daughters participate -- a church and state government, which is to be an image or likeness of the leopard-like beast before it received its deadly wound.

 

“Soon, Brother, Sister, we are to enter into this period of persecution, and how thankful we should be that there is no need to fear, no need to be taken off guard.  For with the Light now shining on our pathway we should know what to expect and how to cope with the situation.  Truly "unto the upright there ariseth light in the darkness." Ps. 112:4. (2 TG. # 36 pp.7, 8)

 

There’s no persecution to come upon the church during the sealing period, therefore Jacob’s time of trouble must occur after, and not before the sealing.

 

“But as the church today is virtually everywhere in subordination to the state, and therefore utterly powerless to impose the penalty of imprisonment, torture, and death, as her predecessors frequently did, in punishment for supposed heresy, the threat of excommunication is consequently the highest price that the Denomination is able to impose upon any who would dare to awaken her sleepers. (WR p72)

 

“And as during the sealing period, the nations are restrained from obstructing the sealing of the righteous, and the "four angels" (Rev. 7:2) are commanded not to hurt the wicked, we see that the 144,000 are sealed in a time of peace -- not, though, in a time of peace among the nations themselves, but rather in a time during which neither the nations are permitted to persecute the church (those who are being sealed) nor the angels permitted to hurt the wicked.” This condition, however, being contrary to that which existed in the days of the apostles, when both the Romans and the Jews (church and state confederated) persecuted the Christians, and when God took the life of Ananias and Sapphira, and brought destruction upon Jerusalem.” (9Tr. p53)

 

This church and state union will bring a time of “persecution” that “we” (Davidians) are to enter into after (not before) the earth opens her mouth and swallows up the flood. The remnant (144,000) will then be faced with a death decree (Persecution.) It is during this time of trouble, the time of the Mark of the Beast decree, the time of church and state union, that men shall seek death and shall not find it. They shall not find death because they are sealed, and delivered by Michael.

 

(1 TG #37 1947)

 

“Shall we not be thankful to know that everyone whose name is found in the book shall be delivered even from the time of trouble into which we are soon to enter? -- Michael shall stand up for His people (Dan. 12:1)?  Once He gathers us, he shall never again scatter us.” (1TG #37 p19)

 

SEEKING DEATH, WHEN

 

(2 TG #17. 1948)

 

“When the beast's decree is passed that no one can buy or sell, and should be killed for non-conformity, then God only can protect His people, the people whose names are written in "The Book."  Such is His faithful promise:

(See Dan 12:1). (2 TG #17 p.11)

 

(Tr. #5. Revised 1942)

“After the expiration of the five figurative months of restriction during which they were not to kill some will be made invulnerable to death for the finishing of the gospel work, and will, if necessary to the discharging of their responsibility, be

 

GLAD TO DIE, BUT CANNOT.”

 

Rev. 9:6. "And in those days shall men seek death, and shall not find it; and shall desire to die, and death shall flee from them."

“The experience of Christ's first disciples will explain why that, after the expiration of the "five months," men will desire to die, but cannot.

 

“Though God's people today shall go through a "time of trouble such as never was" (Dan. 12:1), when earthly tribunals shall cause to come to pass "that as many as would not worship the image of the beast should be killed" (Rev. 13:15), yet the Word declares: "...at that time thy people shall be delivered, every one that shall be found written in the book." Dan. 12:1. (See Tr. #15 p.62)

 

“In thus pursuing a course against all earthly favor (by proclaiming the message of the "hour"), they will be going "forth as sheep in the midst of wolves" (Matt. 10:16) -- "seeking death." And although happy to "die" for Christ's sake, or, as the Revelator puts it though they "shall desire to die," the promise is that "death shall flee from them," making it impossible for them to die. Even the sword of the wicked that is raised to kill them, shall break and fall "as powerless as a straw" (Early Writings, p. 34), making them utterly invincible. (5 Tr. pp 75-77)

 

Inspiration identifies seeking death to the time of Dan 12:1, Rev.13:15, E.W. p34, and “after the expiration of the five figurative months.” The Rod is very clear as to when men shall seek death and shall not find it. “After the expiration of the "five months," men will desire to die, but cannot,” and also ” when earthly tribunals shall cause to come to pass "that as many as would not worship the image of the beast should be killed.”

 

Please take a look on your HARVEST CHART and you will observe that the five figurative months ends at Ezke.9. Therefore, it is after the purification of the church, that Rev. 9: 6 finds its fulfillment, not before. The fifth trumpet therefore does not end at Ezek. 9.

 

”But as has been shown, we are still in the period of the fifth trumpet, a fact which evokes the question: How, then, could the sixth trumpet have sounded before the events of the fifth had expired?

 

”It will be observed that though each of the trumpets begin at a definite time, yet one overlaps the other, and all seven extend to the second coming of Christ.”

 

The fifth trumpet begins at Rev. 9: 1, and continues to verse 12, the time the first woe (fifth trumpet) is past, the time when men shall seek death and not find it.

 

"In that day," saith the Lord, "whosoever shall seek to save his life shall lose it; and whosoever shall lose his life shall preserve it." Luke 17:31, 33. In short, only those who "desire to die" for Christ's sake shall obtain eternal life.

 

"One woe [fifth trumpet] is past; and, behold there come two woes more hereafter" (Rev. 9:12) the next being in

 

THE SIXTH TRUMPET.

Revelation 9:13 to 11:14.

 

“With the fourteenth verse of Revelation 9 begins the description of the sixth trumpet, and it ends with the fourteenth verse of Revelation 11, which announces: "The second woe [sixth trumpet] is past; and, behold, the third woe cometh quickly." Accordingly, each prophetic event recorded between Revelation 9:14 and 11:14 must find its fulfillment in the period of the sixth trumpet -- between the first and the second woes.

 

Rev. 11:13. "And the same hour was there a great earthquake, and the tenth part of the city fell, and in the earthquake were slain of men seven thousand: and the remnant were affrighted, and gave glory to the God of heaven."

 

”Thus the "earthquake" takes place, not throughout Christendom, but throughout the church from which is separated the firstfruits -- the 144,000. And since an earthquake is a shaking then the one in point is figurative of a shaking therein.

 

“Chapters 10 and 11 of The Revelation cover a series of events different from those of chapter 9. Verse 13 of the eleventh chapter brings us up only to the time of the fulfillment of the marking and slaying (Ezekiel 9) in the church, or to the commencement of the Loud Cry of the Third Angel's Message. Rev. 9, verses 20 and 21, carries us on to the completion of the gospel and the ingathering of the saints. "The second woe [sixth trumpet] is past; and, behold, the third woe cometh quickly.

 

”The sounding of the seventh trumpet announces that "the kingdoms of this world are become the kingdoms of our Lord," just as the angel explained: "In the days of the voice of the seventh angel, when he shall begin to sound, the mystery of God should be finished, as He hath declared to His servants the prophets." Rev. 10:7. Thus again it is seen that as the events of the sixth trumpet draw to their end and the events of the seventh begin, the work of the gospel (the mystery of God) is to be completed.” (Tract 5 pp.78-79,114,115)

 

Tr. #5 applies the time of seeking death to the period of the ending of the fifth trumpet, or after the expiration of the five months, which is after Ezek. 9. It is the time when God’s people are going through the time of trouble (“persecution”), the time of the mark of the beast. (2TG. #46 p.33 apply seeking death also to the time of the loud cry period.)

The end of the fifth figurative months recorded in the fifth trumpet, and the earthquake mentioned in the sixth trumpet, has reference to the same event- Ezek.9, as mentioned on pp113,114 of 5 Tr. (See 2TG. #15 p12 for further proof.) Thus revealing a perfect example of how the trumpets overlap.

 

UNPUBLISHED CODE’S VIEW ON REV. 9:6.

 

”But the 144,000 are not sealed with a promise of the resurrection; they are sealed for some other purpose.  They are sealed for protection from the hurting of the winds.  That shows that the 144,000 are not sealed for the resurrection day, but for protection from being harmed by everybody and everything.  They are alive at the time they are sealed, and the sealing enables them to live on.

 

Rev. 9:6 -- "And in those days shall men seek death, and shall not find it; and shall desire to die, and death shall flee from them."

“Is it not logical to believe that the reason these men could not die is that they are sealed by God?  What else can make men live on and on and no one could kill them?  Who, other than God, can give life?  And do you suppose that God is going to extend the life of the wicked?  He promises to do that only for the righteous those having the seal of God in their foreheads.  Then these that seek death and cannot find it are God's people.  They are to live on and on for eternity. At what time will they be made invulnerable to death?  Our study today makes plain that it is during the fifth trumpet and before the sounding of the sixth trumpet.  If God is going to do this during the period of the fifth trumpet, then the sealing of the 144,000 must take place in the period of the fifth trumpet and not in the sixth.   It is then before the sixth angel sounds that some will have the experience of seeking death and not finding it.

 

“(This is a deep subject.  If I am not making it clear to you, then you should ask questions, for it is very important.  It is not a doctrine to talk about merely to pass the time.)

 

“To repeat, it is "in those days" in the fifth trumpet that some will seek death and will not find it.

 

“So we see that history in the period of the fifth trumpet discloses that up to this time Revelation 9:6 have not met its fulfillment.  But there will yet be a decree before the fifth trumpet ends, that if men dare to disobey, they must face the threatened penalty of death. Those however, who have been sealed when the decree comes will seek death and death will flee from them.  God will not let them die.” (12 SC #2 pp. 11, 12, 14)

 

This code is in total contradiction with Tr. #5 where it clearly states that the sixth trumpet began before the 1260 days. (See pp79, 80 and The Seven Trumpets Chart.) Remember, the earthquake mentioned in the 6th trumpet and the five figurative months in the fifth trumpet, has reference to the same event, Ezek.9.The Rod also states that it is “after the expiration of the "five months," men will desire to die, but cannot,” where as the unpublished code said “It is then before the sixth angel sounds that some will have the experience of seeking death and not finding it.” That is false.

 

The Code is also incorrect by placing the decree before the fifth trumpet ends.

The death decree, the blowing of the winds, takes place after, (not before) the purification of the church as stated in 2TG#10 p29, 8Tr.pp 22-24 and 9Tr.p58.

 

The idea that there is a death decree before the purification is not supported by the Rod, as one of the BRC members would like to suggest. This is his comment on Mich. 7:11, 12. (See 1 TG. #28 pp14, 15)

 

“My understanding of the decree mentioned in the above statement (Mich. 7:11, 12) is the Assyrian death decree before the Kingdom is established. What do you think? When the decree is made the church will be rejoicing thinking that they too will soon be rid of the Davidians by the Assyrian decree.”

 

What this BRC member is trying to interject is there will be a decree before the Babylonian period (blowing of the winds) that will affect Davidians. Where in the Rod is there an Assyrian death decree? Did he not read Tr. #15 p.62 where it said that “Both decrees will be in force after the 144,000 are sealed,” after the earth opens her mouth and swallows up the flood? How can the church rejoice against Davidians when there are no Esauites at that time? As soon as the sealing is completed, then the angles slay. (See 8Tr. pp.22-24, 9Tr. p58, 15 Tr. pp 59, 60.) Let’s hear what the Rod has to say.

 

(1 TG #28. 1947)

 

Mich. 7:11, 12 -- "In the day that thy walls are to be built, in that day shall the decree be far removed.  In that day also he shall come even to thee from Assyria, and from the fortified cities, and from the fortress even to the river, and from sea to sea, and from mountain to mountain."

 

“Since this decree is removed in the day the Kingdom (the church purified) is restored, in the day the saints are fortified, the decree has no effect on them.  In that day, declares Inspiration, there shall be a great gathering from Assyria and from the fortified cities, even from sea to sea and mountain to mountain.  This message, therefore, is the one that precedes the harvest of the earth, the great and dreadful day of the Lord, the Judgment for the Living, the day in which all things are to be restored (Mark 9:12).” (1TG #28 p.15)

“The church in her purity is called by these Scriptures, "The house of David."  Therefore, this term becomes one of the names of the church in the time of the "Loud Cry." (2SR p290) See 1TG #9.

 

O how beautiful it is to know that there is coming a time and place when God’s people will no longer be tormented with the pressures and problems that this world has to offer. When the saints are taken to the kingdom and fortified, (The house of David) then the decree has no effect on them. This is when the decree will be removed. That is all that Micah has revealed.

 

Isn’t Inspiration wonderful? God revealed to John WHEN the decree would be enforced, and through Micah, WHEN it would be removed. God used both Prophets to reveal the beginning and ending of the mark of the beast decree.

 

CHANGE OF NAME, WHEN?

(The Leviticus of D.S.D.A. 1943)

 

PREFACE

 

”Provisional in set-up as well as in name, the Davidian Seventh-day Adventist Association exists solely to accomplish a divinely appointed work within the Seventh-day Adventist denomination, wherein it therefore strictly confines its activities. As its work there within draws to a close, and the "servants of our God" (Rev. 7:3) are sealed, its name will be changed (Isa. 56:5; 62:2; 65:15) and its purpose and its work will become all-embracing to the gospel (Matt. 17:11; Acts 3:21, Isa. 61:4-7). Then its Constitution and By-Laws as herein codified will become fully operative.” (LD. p2)

 

(Tract 14 1943)

 

“Plainly, therefore, in the time when Assyria crumbles, the Lord is to perform a dual work among His professed people, some of whom will be made free because of their faithfulness, and some of whom will be slain because of their wickedness.  The delivered ones will then be called by another name.

 

“The time of this "work" is termed "harvest." Matt. 13:30.  Therefore, up to this separation, the tares (those who are to be slain) and the wheat (those who are to be delivered) together comprise the membership of Laodicea (the last of the seven churches -- Rev. 3:14-18), the church just before the "tares" are forever separated from the "wheat" (Matt. 13:30).  Very obviously, then, the penitent Laodiceans are separated from the impenitent ones during Assyria's fall, and then are liberated from her rule.

"The city" is figurative of Judah and Israel, the church in which are to be found the 144,000 servants of God (Testimonies to Ministers, p. 445) those who are to be called by another name after the unworthy servants are slain. And as the 144,000 are the first fruits (Rev. 14:4) of the harvest, they are the "escaped" of the Isaiah 66:19 and of Ezekiel 9. This separation of the tares from the wheat in the church is to signalize the beginning of the final harvest of earth -- the end of the world. Then will have come the time for the denominational name to cease, for all her idols to be cut off, and for a new name (Isa. 62:2) to be given to those who escape. Then will these escaped ones proclaim God's glory and His fame to the Gentiles, and bring out of all nations all their brethren (all that will be saved) to "the house of the Lord." Isa. 66:16, 19, 20. (Tract #14 p.17-19)

 

(1 SRP. 1945)

 

“After twenty years of faithful service in Padan-Aram, in the sharp, overreaching employ of Laban, his uncle, Jacob at last turned his face and his steps homeward toward his father's house in the land of promise.

 

“But trouble overtook him.  While grappling with his fears as to the outcome of his imminent meeting with Esau "there wrestled a man with him until the breaking of the day." Gen. 32:24

 

“Here lay down the man Jacob and rose up the man Israel, exemplifying the agonizing experience through which his posterity must victoriously pass before they, too, receive a new name, pass from sons of Jacob to sons of God, become Israelites indeed.  Having gained the victory over this test, "the time of Jacob's trouble," they will reach home, the land of promise -- the happy end of their long and troubled journey.”

 

“Now, the change of Esau's name shows that the Esauites are some day, and not far hence, no longer to be thought of and idolized as Esauites as the ones who finish, but rather dreaded as Edomites, as ones who perish.  And the change of Jacob's name shows that the Jacobites are then no longer to be driven out and feared as Jacobites, as supplanters, carnal, but rather welcomed as Israelites, holy princes, co-rulers standing with the Lamb on Mount Zion (Rev. 14:1), in the palace of the Great King.” ((1SRP pp.36 64)

 

According to the type and the Rod, it was after Jacob started for home that he encountered the trouble and his name was changed. At what point and time will it be considerer that we too have started for home, and our name changed, before or after Ezek.9? The fundamental belief, along with LD and Tr. #14 shows that it is after the purification of the church and after the fall of Assyria.

 

How clearer Inspiration could make it. It is after the Esauites are removed, that the Jacobites have their trouble and receive their change of name (see 1 TG. #28 pp14, 15) while on their way home. This event is identified as the 2nd exodus. (Please see chart on 1SRP p61) See 1TG #35 p21, 1TG #37 pp14, 15.

 

After Gods saints enter the promise land, their names will be changed again.

See 9Tr. pp 61, 62, 10Tr. p 45.

 

JACOB HOMEWARD BOUND: TIME OF TROUBLE

 

(1 SR 1930)

 

“At the end of the twenty years Jacob was homeward-bound to the promised land and his father's house with great possessions.  By the time he arrived at his father's house he had his twelve sons (the heads of the twelve tribes).  Before Jacob entered his father's house he went through that terrible struggle and wrestled with the angel till the breaking of the day.  Gen. 32:24-29.” (1 SR. p62) (See also 1SRP p36)

 

(1TG #43. 1947)

“The words, "the year of My redeemed is come," and "the day of vengeance is in Mine heart," clearly says that the Lord's strange work in Edom and Bozrah is the day of vengeance and a sign of antitypical Israel's (the church purified) returning to the home land.” (1TG 43: 17)

 

“JACOB'S TIME OF TROUBLE; JUDAH AND ISRAEL GOING HOME”

 

(1TG #47. 1947)

 

Jer. 30:7 -- "Alas!  for that day is great, so that none is like it: it is even the time of Jacob's trouble, but he shall be saved out of it."

 

“The people that have come to this antitypical time of trouble are returning to the homeland, are comforted.  Apparently it is bad enough to frighten all, but God's encouraging counsel is, "Fear not."

 

“Plainly, the burden of this chapter is concerning the antitypical returning to the homeland.  Though terrible the trouble may seem, yet the outcome of it is to be the same as in the type.  Right now we may not appreciate this study as we ought to, but the time is soon coming in which we will dig as fast and as hard for it as we would to get out from under an avalanche.  Those who have but little faith in the Word of God though, the study will not do them much good.  Now is the time to start cultivating the faith we need to have then”. (1 TG #47 p14)

 

After the people of God are liberated from the unconverted in the church, while on their way home, they will go through a trouble typify by Jacob’s time of trouble which will help them to further develop their faith and trust in the Lord (See GC pp 615-634) We cannot start for home until our entire God given duties and responsibilities is accomplished that is pertained to mother. It is after the purification of the church that we will return (homeward bound) to the home land.

 

“When it has accomplished this "closing work for the church" (Testimonies, Vol. 3, p. 266), then those who have overcome every "temptation in the strength of the Might One," who have sighed and cried and escaped the destruction will "be as David; and the house of David shall be as God, as the angel of the Lord before them." Zech. 12:8. Davidians indeed!--"a great people and a strong" (Joel 2:2), "clad in the armor of Christ's righteousness,...'fair as the moon, clear as the sun, and terrible as an army with banners,'...to go forth into all the world, conquering and to conquer."--Prophets and Kings, p. 725.

 

”In this way the Davidian Seventh-day Adventists are to gather all the saints to the house of the Lord.

 

”Mt. Carmel's great burden is to get this manifold work done as soon as possible, so that we may then go home to our eternal rest, no more to be fettered with the shackles of sin.” (Answerer Book 3 pp. 64, 65)

 

When our God given work is accomplished as mentioned in the above reference, (This is also known as the “Withering of Mt. Carmel”. See 1 SC #14 pp.7, 8) then the Jacobites will start their journey home, and on their way home they will have trouble. As Davidians, we do understand this to be both a spiritual and a literal experience. See E.W. p282-285, 56-58.

 

 THE UNPUBLISHED CODES

 

JACOB HOMEWARD BOUND: TIME OF TROUBLE, CHANGE OF NAME.

 

A REMINDER – These codes are used only as proof that they are not in harmony on all points with the Rod and the brethren who upholds them, and believe that J.T.T is before Ezek.9

 

12 SC #5

 

“We shall now devote a few moments to the study of Jacob, the type, in relation to the church in the antitype.  When Jacob left his home in Palestine, while he was on his way to Padanaram, God met him and gave him his promises that He would be with him, and God fulfilled His promises.  Likewise, when the church left the vineyard, God's Promise was with her that He would not forsake her in the Gentile world.  While Jacob was in Padanaram away from home, he became very rich and his household increased greatly.  Then he was commanded to return home.  So it will be today in the antitype.  The time will come when the church is to be multiplied and then return home.  But when Jacob left his father-in-law's house, and was on the way back to Palestine, you remember that he had his great time of trouble.  It happened before he reached Palestine, his homeland.  He wrestled in anguish all night with God, and it was then that his name was changed from Jacob to Israel.

 

“We are not now living in the antitypical time of the changed name, Israel, but we are living in the antitypical "Jacob" time.  You might say that Jacob is the fleshly name, a name that does not spell either prince or saint.  Why are we still in the time portrayed by Jacob's sin-denoting name? -- Because we have not yet started for home.  When we start for home as did Jacob, we, too, shall meet with our time of trouble, even Jacob's time of trouble.  And at that time we shall become thoroughly converted to God forever, and our name will be changed as is foretold in Isaiah 61:6, and it will be a name that the Lord Himself will give us.  When we demonstrate that we are truly converted, then this great promised blessing will come to us.  And when our name has been changed it signifies that we are certain candidates for entrance into the Kingdom eternal.

 

“According to the type we are studying, and also prophecy, the Jacobites are about to gather themselves and leave the Gentile nations to return to their homeland, Palestine.  And on their way they will meet Esau and have their name changed to Israel.  Since Esau, however, did not go to the Gentile nations, but it was Jacob who left and came here, there must be Esauites also in Palestine.  Is that not correct?  Though it is true that we are connected with Edomites in the church, -- those who despise their birthright and whom God will therefore take away, -- it is equally true that there are other Esauites besides, for the Esauites in the Seventh-day Adventist church are not all of them.  No, they are not all of the Esauites.  In addition to the Esauites that are in the Adventist church, there are Esauites in Palestine, and there are also Esauites in the other churches, too, and from them other Jacobites must be gathered.  Do you not see that the Esauites are going to be enraged with God's people and give them trouble behind and a bigger trouble ahead?  And besides all the trouble Jacob will suffer from Esau, he is also to have Laban running after him!  Somebody typified by Laban will pursue antitypical Jacob for trouble.

 

“It is very apparent, then, that God's people will have much trouble among themselves on the way, and ahead.  Trouble is what they face.  But God will take care of them today as He did anciently.  He has promised that He will remove the Edomites in the church and He has promised also to clear away the Edomites and all of the others that are in the land of promise, and give it to His people.” (12 SC #5 pp.15, 16. 18 – 20)  Please read the whole story from pgs 12-20.

 

Were you paying attention to WHEN this Code said that the trouble and change of name would take place. Please note the code is not saying it is the Esauites in the church that is responsible for the trouble that causes Jacob’s name to be changed, but those Esauites in the gentile world, while on their way home.

 

Brethren, though it is true that the published materials does not support this view about Esauites in the gentile world, and somebody typified by Laban will pursue antitypical Jacob for trouble. (See 1SR pp.54,55,63, 1TG #45 p.12) it totally disagree with the brethren who believes that it is the Esauites in the church that will bring about the trouble on Jacob before Ezek. 9. Unpublished Codes believers, the Codes are not in your favor. This will be further proven.

 

13 SC #1, 2.

Jer. 30:7 “Though it is designated as the time of Jacob's trouble, yet there is no trouble like it in the respect that none is so great.  In this prophecy God is revealing that before God's people return to their father's land there shall be a time of trouble that will turn all faces pale.  It will be a time of trembling, of fear, and of trouble such as never was.

 

“Trouble is coming.  It is not going to be a small trouble.  Why is it called Jacob's time of trouble?  Jacob met his trouble while he was returning to the promised land.  Now Jacob is to return again to the Promised Land with all his household, and again he is to meet with great trouble.  That is why it is called the time of Jacob 's trouble.  The trouble is to be exceedingly great.

 

Some of us may think we have hardship now, but the fact is that we do not know what hardship is.  We cannot now comprehend or even imagine how great the trouble will be.  "Alas! for that day is great, so that none is like it: it is even the time of Jacob's trouble; but he shall be saved out of it."  The trouble actually is what saves him.  Then the time of trouble is coming for the good of the latter-day Jacob-ites.  It is coming to deliver them.  Through this most difficult time, it is the man who has the greatest faith in God that will fear the least.  The more faith one has then the greater will be his deliverance.

 

We have learned that in that great time of trouble those represented by Jacob will be delivered.  Daniel calls it a time of trouble such as never was, and he also foretells that Michael shall stand up and deliver everyone whose name is written in the book.  Why did both prophets write about it?  Jeremiah perhaps deals more directly with the deliverance of the people and makes plain the time God is to accomplish the deliverance.

 

Jer. 30:8 -- "To break one's yoke and bonds means to make one free.  It is from the Assyrian yoke that Jacob is going to be made free.

 

(Jer,30:10) “Jacob should not fear, because he shall be saved out of his trouble.  God is going to deliver him by a miracle.  If it were not a fearfully troublous time they would not need to be told to fear not nor be dismayed.  It is to be a terrible time of trouble just before Jacob is delivered.  Certainly, then, the statement that there is a silver lining behind every cloud is true in this case.

 

Jer. 30:11-13)-  “God's people are to receive punishment, but it is only going to be in measure.  The incurable bruise and grievous wound is the kingdom lost.  Though the bruise is incurable, yet they are to be delivered.  Only a miracle can heal an incurable bruise.  Just before God's people are delivered they will be painfully aware that there is no possible way for them to be delivered.  But a miracle is to take place.  Then all will know that God alone wrought their deliverance.” (13 SC #1, 2 pp 10-13.)

 

Besides identifying what Jacobs trouble will be like, there are five main points to consider from this Code. (1) Both Jeremiah and Daniel spoke of the same event. (2) The Jacobites will be freed from the Assyrian yoke. (3) They will be delivered by a miracle in that great time of trouble, and then all will know that God alone wrought their deliverance. (4) Jacob met his trouble while he was returning home. (5) Michael stands up and delivers every one whose name is written in the book. These points will be addressed as we continue.

In order to understand the time of these events, the first thing for us to realize is, the Code or the Rod never applied the standing up of Michael to an event prior to Ezek.9. It clearly states “that in that great time of trouble those represented by Jacob will be delivered.” This again is a post Ezek. 9 event.

 

Consider #4, 5 of the F.B’s below.

 

(2 TG # 10.1948)

 

(4) “That the destruction of the tares from among the first fruits of the living (Matt. 13:30, 48, 49; Ezek. 9:6, 7) results in the purification of the church.

 

(5) “That immediately thereafter, the angels let loose the four winds (Rev. 7:1-3), whereupon ensues the time of trouble and Michael's standing up to deliver from it, all whose names are written in the Lamb's Book of Life (Dan. 12:1)”.(2 TG #10 p. 30)

 

Even if you chose to believe that the F.B’s are not in chronological order, #5 still stands. (Ensues. – To come after in time or as a result. Webster)

 

WHICH REMNANT, WHICH SEED AND WHICH WAR

 

It has been the understanding over the years that as soon as the 144,000 are sealed, they are taken to the kingdom, and no harm will come upon them. This is partially true.

 

Tr. #15 page 61, par. 2, said the winds, when they are let lose, they are to strike against the faithful remnant (after) the earth opens her mouth and swallow up the flood, also that the angels are to hurt those who make war against the remnant.

 

There is no doubt in the context of Tr. # 15, the remnant which war was made against, and those that the winds are to strike against, is the same. The remnant that are left after the earth opens her mouth and swallowed up the flood, (those that the winds are to strike against,) are the 144,000.

 

One should understand that there are two remnants, two seeds and two wars, one from/against the S.D.A church-144,000, and the other from/against the world-Great Multitude. This will be further proven as we continue.

 

TWO REMNANTS, TWO SEEDS AND TWO WARS.

“The fact that there is a remnant (that which is left) of the seed of the woman, shows that her seed is divided into two parts, and that consequently the symbolism represents three groups of people: (1) the woman; (2) the first part of her seed--those who in this instance are not the remnant; (3) the second part of her seed--those who are the remnant.

 

”In the light of this symbolical representation, the woman, herself, is seen to symbolize the mother part of the church--God's appointed and Spirit-filled ministers who bring in the born-again (John 3:3) converts. The first part of her seed must, accordingly, be the first fruits, the 144,000, who, separated from the sinners that were among them, are taken to Mount Sion, there to stand with the Lamb (Rev. 14:1). Hence, "the remnant of her seed" are in this instance those who are yet in the world when Babylon rides the beast (Rev. 17). Thus they are the second and last fruits which are to be taken to the purified church, the Kingdom, where there is neither sin nor fear of Babylon's plagues falling upon them (Rev. 18:4).

 

”And now, since in her progression of time, the woman represents each successive ministry, therefore at the time that the dragon is wroth with her, she necessarily must represent the last ordained ministry, the 144,000, those who bring all their brethren from all nations to God's "holy mountain Jerusalem." Isa. 66:20.

 

“With this light shining on the subject, the truth is clearly seen that after the earth swallows the flood, after the angels separate the wicked ("the tares," the "bad" "fish") from the righteous (the "wheat," the "good" "fish") in the church, and take the righteous to Mount Sion ("the barn," "the vessels" Matt. 13:30, 48), the dragon will then be angry with the woman (the servants of God), and as a result will war against the remnant (the second fruits, those who are then to be called out of Babylon--Rev. 18:4).” (2 Ans. pp.14, 15.)

 

Prior to the 144,000 going to Mount Sion, they represent the first part of the woman’s seed, the remnant. After they are taken to Mount Sion, they become the woman with whom the dragon will then be angry with, “and as a result will war against the remnant (the second fruits-"the remnant of her seed"), those who are then to be called out of Babylon.” Let’s continue.

 

"And the dragon was wroth with the woman, and went to make war with the remnant of her seed, which keep the commandments of God, and have the testimony of Jesus Christ." Rev. 12:17.

 

”The term "remnant" discloses that her seed is divided into two parts: The one is taken, the other is left. Nehemiah, for example, explains: "The remnant that are left of the captivity there in the province are in great affliction and reproach." Neh. 1:3. A "remnant" always represents one part of the whole, either large or small.

 

”And notice that the dragon wars, not against a remnant of the "flood," but against the remnant of her seed. Christ being the woman's only child, her seed are therefore the Christians, those who are born into the church through the Spirit of Christ. Accordingly, the act of taking the first fruits to Mount Sion (Rev. 14:1) brings about a condition which makes a remnant of those who are still left among the Gentiles. In this instance, therefore, they, the second fruits, are the remnant.

 

”Let it be remembered that it is after the earth swallows the flood that the dragon is to be wroth with the woman, and "to make war with the remnant of her seed [not with her personally], which keep the commandments of God and have the testimony of Jesus Christ." Rev. 12:16 17. Clearly, then, there is no escaping the conclusion that the doing away with Satan's flood is doubtless the purifying of the church, the destroying of those who have joined the church through the aid of the serpent. This purifying is the very thing that enables the church as a body to keep the commandments of God and also to have the testimony of Jesus Christ, the living Spirit of Prophecy (Rev. 19:10), in her midst. This is her only hope, her only strength, her only deliverance. In this light, Inspiration now puts new life into the words --

"Awake, awake; put on thy strength, O Zion; put on thy beautiful garments, O Jerusalem, the holy city: for henceforth there shall no more come into thee the uncircumcised and the unclean." Isa. 52:1.

 

”The church's purification, therefore, will not bring the millennial time of peace. Indeed not but it will bring the end of the wicked in the church, and with it Satan's greatest wrath against the remnant, against those who, while still among the Gentiles, dare thereafter to take their stand on the Lord's side. They shall, nevertheless, be delivered if they, as it were risk their lives -- if they take their stand on the Lord's side and thereby put their names in the "book." Dan. 12:1.

 

”The dragon cannot war with the (woman), the church that is made up of the first fruits, because at that time she is with the Lamb on Mt. Sion (Rev. 14:1), out of the dragon's reach. (Tract 15 p88-89) (Please remember this.)

 

"And the earth helped the woman, and the earth opened her mouth, and swallowed up the flood which the dragon cast out of his mouth." Rev. 12:16.

 

”Or, literally stated, the unconverted who are now in the midst of the church, are to be slain and buried. The converted are then to be taken into the kingdom. Then will the dragon be "wroth with the woman, and.make war with the remnant of her seed, which keep the commandments of God, and have the testimony of Jesus Christ." Rev. 12:17.

 

”Stirred to fury over her purification, the dragon will make war "with the remnant of her seed." Against her personally, though, he will not war, because her communicants, the 144,000 (the first fruits -- Rev. 7:3-8; 14:4), those who go first into the kingdom, stand with the Lamb, the King, on Mount Sion (Rev. 14:1) His palace grounds. Thus being the rulers of the tribes, they are symbolized by the crowned woman. And being in their own land, they are protected from the dragon who consequently persecutes only the "remnant," those who are left behind, who are still in Babylon but who are finally called out of her (Rev. 18:4). (Tract 12 p 44)

 

“Besides, the Revelator points out that not until after the flood is swallowed by the earth, after the unconverted are "slain" and buried, and the church thereby purified, will the dragon wage his fiercest warfare against the remnant of the woman's seed. Hence, the harvest time in the church, the time the earth swallows the flood, is before the dragon wars against the remnant.

 

"Fruits" garnered are the result of a harvest. When the 144,000, the first fruits (Rev. 14:4), are garnered in, and the tares (flood) are destroyed (swallowed) from among them, the 144,000 are taken to Mt. Zion, where they then comprise the Mother church, the twelve-star-crowned woman, under the protection of the Lamb, the One with them. Thus protected, she is secure from the dragon's then making war against her. So he wars only against her "remnant," those yet to be garnered--the second fruits still scattered throughout the world, away from Mt. Zion. This climax of the ages was vividly foretold by both Isaiah and Micah: (Answerer Book 2 47, 48.)

 

The above references unquestionable prove that after the earth swallows the flood, and the 144,000 are taken to the kingdom, the dragon cannot war with them, because they will then become the woman with whom he will be angry with, also, they will be protected by the Lamb. He will war only with the great multitude (the remnant of her seed) at that time.

 

Will the dragon war with the 144,000 (prior) to their going to the kingdom. Are they also called “the remnant of her seed”?

 

YES, THE ROD STILL TEACHES THE "SAME THINGS"

 

Question No. 255:

 

“In its beginning, The Shepherd's Rod agreed with the Spirit of Prophecy that "the remnant of her seed are the 144,000 against whom the dragon makes war."--The Shepherd's Rod, Vol. 2, p. 265.  Today, ten years later, it teaches that "'the remnant of her seed' are in this instance those who are yet in the world when Babylon rides the beast (Rev. 17)."--The Symbolic Code, July-December, 1941, p. 9.  When was it right--then or now?

 

Answer:

 

“If one cannot deny that the 144,000, the first fruits, are members of the church, then one cannot deny that they are of her seed. And as they remain alive from the slaying of the unfaithful in their midst, they are therefore the "remnant"--that which remains.  By the same token of logic, it is equally undeniable that since the woman of Revelation 12 is a symbol of the church to the end of time, then the second fruits of her seed, those who remain alive from the destruction of the wicked throughout the world, are also a "remnant."

 

“Clearly, therefore, both statements are correct. The only point of difference between them is that when the one in Volume 2 was made, the Rod did not have the additional light which later inspired the one in the Code, and which shows that both the 144,000 and the great multitude are remnants: the former because of escaping from the slaying of the Lord in the church (Isa. 66:19), and the latter because of not being called out of Babylon until after the former have gone to the land of Israel (Isa. 66:20), also because of remaining alive after the wicked, from among whom they are called out, have perished.” (8 SC 1-12 p20)

 

Please note that the Rod did not change its view that the 144,000 is also the remnant of her seed that the dragon also makes war with.

 

The word remnant of her seed with whom the dragon makes war is used interchangeably to also identify the 144,000. In other words, it has a double application as the following references will further prove.

 

“This is the church that is represented in Revelation 12:17, "Which keep the commandments of God, and have the testimony of Jesus Christ."  The "woman" represents the church as a body.  "The remnant of her seed" are the 144,000 against whom the dragon makes war.  The war is waged against them, because they are the earthly leaders and founders of the movement.  "Of her seed" signifies that they are part of "the woman," or in other words, the 144,000, and the great multitude, is but one movement -- one family.” (2SR p265) ( See 1 SC #9 p4)

 

"And the earth helped the woman [church], and the earth opened her mouth, and swallowed up the flood [the wicked] which the dragon cast out of his mouth. And the dragon was wroth with the woman, and went to make war with the remnant of her seed [with those that are spared], which keep the commandments of God, and have the testimony of Jesus Christ....for the testimony of Jesus is the Spirit of Prophecy." Rev. 12:16, 17; 19:10.

 

“This passage reveals that the remnant, those who are left after the earth swallows the dragon's flood which is now threatening to do away with the woman (the ever-living church), are the ones who as a group keep the commandments of God, and have "the testimony of Jesus Christ."  It is then, not now, that the remnant as a body truly keeps the commandments of God, still has the Spirit of Prophecy in its midst, and is the remnant in fact, and no longer merely in prospect or in theory.” (2 TG #45 pp9, 10)

 

"And the serpent [the Devil] cast out of his mouth water as a flood [unconverted multitude] after the woman, that he might cause her to be carried away of the flood. And the earth helped the woman, and the earth opened her mouth, and swallowed up the flood which the dragon cast out of his mouth [did away with the hypocrites, doubters, and men-followers]. And the dragon was wroth with the woman [the church], and went to make war with the remnant [with those that escaped] of her seed [those that are truly her children] which keep the commandments of God, and have the testimony of Jesus Christ." Rev. 12:15-17.

 

“Thus both Scripture and logic make clear that these escaped and separated ones are the remnant people of God, in fact, once the church is purified, -- the sinners removed from her midst, -- then the call made by "the remnant" for God's people to come out of Babylon, goes forth in a very loud voice”. (G.C.S pp27, 28)

 

“When he meets his third defeat, when the tares which he sowed are burned (for as a flood they are swallowed by the earth, but as tares they are burned by the angels), then it is that the Church will appear "'Fair as the moon, clear as the sun, and terrible as an army with banners,' she is to go forth into all the world, conquering and to conquer." -- Prophets and Kings, pg. 725.

 

“Having met such a mighty defeat, and having seen that the Church is freed from his flood, the Dragon's wrath is to be intensified.  He will be wroth with the woman and "make war with the remnant of her seed, which keep the commandments of God, and have the testimony of Jesus Christ" (Rev. 12:17), "the Spirit of Prophecy" (Rev. 19:10).

 

“Obviously, the remnant are those who are left after the earth opens her mouth and swallows up the flood.  They as a body keep the commandments of God, and have the living Spirit of Prophecy, the Spirit Who dictated the Scriptures, Who has led God's people into all Truth down through the ages, and Who still is.  Thus it is that the Dragon's wrath, and the Church's purity, caused by the Dragon's third defeat, are to bring the time of trouble such as never was: (2 TG #16 pp 21, 22) (See also 2 TG #24 pp23, 24, 2 TG #34 p20, 1 TG #6 p38, 39.)

 

BLUE LAWS AND THE CHURCH

 

Question:

 

"Is the church to be purified before the enforcement of the Sunday law?  Or will the Sunday law be the means of showing who are loyal and who are not loyal to the truth?"

 

Answer:

 

“If the time of trouble or the anger of the nations, which is caused by the union of church and state (the image of the beast), takes place in the time of the judgment of the living, as explained in former publications, the enforcement of the "Blue Sunday law" must take place after the purification of the church.  The Bible says, "The dragon...went to make war with the remnant of her seed, which keep the commandments of God, and have the testimony of Jesus." (Rev. 12:17.)

 

“The term, "remnant," in this instance means "those who escape" from the slaughter. (Isa. 66:16, 19); that is, those who are left after the slaughter takes place, and who are to be sent "unto the nations" to "bring all your brethren unto the Lord out of all nations." (Verse 20).  As the church as a body is not now keeping the commandments of God, ("Testimonies to Ministers," p. 373), and as the dragon makes war with the "remnant" (the church that is left), which keeps the commandments, it is evident that the enforcement of the Sunday law will take place after the sealing, at a time when the church is keeping the commandments of God.” (2 SC #9 p6)

 

“As soon as the separation is finished, and Satan has lost out with his deceptive scheme, the church finds herself in a great conflict with the enemy.  Rev. 12:17, "And the dragon was wroth with the woman, and went to make war with the remnant of her seed [those who are left], which keep the commandments of God, and have the testimony of Jesus Christ." (The war against the woman is the blue law.”) (1SR p152)

 

THE FOUR WINDS--WHAT ARE THEY?

 

Question No. 53:

 

"Testimonies to Ministers," p. 444, states: John sees the elements of nature--earthquake, tempest, and political strife--represented as being held by four angels." But Tract No. 8, "Mt. Sion at the Eleventh Hour," p. 22, says: "As the nations have always been at war, this twofold work of hurting could not represent political strife." How are these contradictory statements reconciled?

 

Answer:

 

”We are confident that if the questioner will carefully restudy Testimonies to Ministers p. 444, he will see that it is endeavoring to show that the Divine object in holding back the winds, is, as the passage plainly says, "the safety of God's church." That being the case, then the winds, themselves being figurative of strife, trouble, and war, are, when let loose, to blow against the church. This is very evident because their being held from John's day until this very hour, has never prevented and is not now preventing the nations' warring among themselves. Always have they been at war with one another, and today they are engaged in a deadly world-wide conflict unparalleled in all history, although the angels are still holding the winds. Of necessity, therefore, the strife represented by the blowing of the winds, must be essentially religious in aim, and political only in procedure, thus religious-political, as stated in Tract No. 12, The World Yesterday, Today, Tomorrow, pp. 38, 65, and in The Shepherd's Rod, Vol. 2, p. 114. This conclusion is borne out in the following passage:

 

"The time is coming when we cannot sell at any price. The decree will soon go forth prohibiting men to buy or sell of any man save him that hath the mark of the beast. We came near having this realized in California a short time since; but this was only the threatening of the blowing of the four winds. As yet they are held by the four angels. We are not just ready. There is a work yet to be done, and then the angels will be bidden to let go, that the four winds may blow upon the earth. That will be a decisive time for God's children,--a time of trouble such as never was since there was a nation."--Testimonies, Vol. 5, p. 152.

 

”The tract, in its particular statement in question, is stressing only the religious aspect of the trouble, in the endeavor to show that the trouble is not political in aim,--not to conquer territory, but to build up international religion in order to compel the world to worship the image of the beast.

 

”In this clear light, we see that both Testimonies to Ministers and The Shepherd's Rod series are endeavoring to show that the strife is neither purely political nor purely religious, but religious-political. It is the church and state allied in common action”. (3 Ans. pp24, 25)

 

The only church that will be in existence after the purification is the remnant church, the 144,000. This is the church that the winds are to blow against. That will be a decisive time for God's children,--a time of trouble such as never was since there was a nation. It is the time when the church and state will be allied in common action.

 

“Now at the eleventh hour, therefore, the Recruiter is marshalling forces the world around to the standard of the great Prince of Truth, in preparation for Heaven's immanent D-day assault against the abominations that are carried on by the hypocrites -- by the dragon's flood (Rev. 12:15). Soon, though, the earth will open its mouth and swallow up "the flood." Then those who are left, "the remnant," the escaped of Israel" (Isa. 4:2), the first contingent of commandos for Christ, "will put such firmness and decision into their testimonies that they will make a break against the barriers of Satan." -- Testimonies to Ministers, p. 413.

 

”They will "bruise his head" when he goes to make war against them” (Gen. 3:15; Rev. 12:16, 17). (W.R pp 61, 62)

 

THE CHURCH MUST BE PURIFIED.

 

”No Christian of any faith can honestly deny the church's need of purification. And as the Lord never does anything without forewarning His church, He is now sending to her the message of purification, in order to give her a foretaste of future glory, so that as heaven's clarion call to reformation continues sounding forth among His people, they may have a keen relish for its truth, and may give themselves wholeheartedly to the work of reform, right now while He is clearly laying before them His plan for the setting up of His kingdom with consequent results to the sinners. Those who give implicit heed to the call, shall have an irresistible desire to come fully into line and to have the Lord separate them from sin and sinners. They alone shall receive the seal of God and as the first fruits of the kingdom, 144,000 strong, stand with the Lamb on "Mount Zion"!

 

”Such a state of holiness will today, just as in the past, cause the dragon to be wroth with the woman, also now to make war with her remnant (Rev. 12:17), a conflict which is further described in the words:

 

"I saw four angels standing on the four corners of the earth [at the time of the sealing of the 144,000], holding the four winds of the earth that the wind should not blow on the earth, nor on the sea, nor on any tree. 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, saying, Hurt not the earth, neither the sea, nor the trees, till we have sealed the servants of our God in their foreheads." Rev. 7:1-3.

 

”Here are brought to view two hurtings about to take place: one by the winds, the other by the angels; and two commands to the angels: one that they restrain the winds, that the winds blow not "on the earth, nor on the sea, nor on any tree" (Rev. 7:1); the other that the angels restrain themselves from hurting "the earth,... sea," and "the trees," till the servants of God are sealed. Rev. 7:2, 3). Since, therefore, as soon as the servants of God are sealed both the winds and the angels will begin to hurt the question arises as to what the work of the winds and the work of the angels represent -- political strife or something else? As the nations have always been at war, this two-fold work of hurting could not represent political strife. And as Jesus says that at the time of the end "nation shall rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom" (Matt. 24:7), it is clear that the hurting by the winds, also the hurting by the angels both of which are kept back until the 144,000 are sealed, must be figurative of holding back the "time of trouble, such as never was since there was a nation." Dan. 12:1.

 

“Accordingly, God's restraining of the four winds is His holding back the image of the beast's activity (Rev. 13:15-17) against the saints, while His restraining the four angels that they hurt not is His holding back the executing of His vengeance (Isa. 63:1-4; Jer. 51:18) upon the sinners who trouble the church, until after the sealing of the 144,000 is completed. Being coupled, these two hurtings bring the time of trouble such as never was.

 

”Revelation 7:1-3, therefore, reveals a two-fold conflict: wicked men against God (the blowing of the winds) and God against them (the angels hurting them). But though the blowing of the winds and the hurting of the angels after the servants of God are sealed, will bring the "time of trouble," yet "every one that shall be found written in the book" "shall be delivered." Dan. 12:1.

 

"From these facts we see that this time of trouble is held back in order to safeguard the sealing of the 144,000 servants, lest they, "the very elect," be brought down to worship the image of the beast, or be killed for refusing.

 

“Since "in the Revelation all the books of the Bible meet and end" (The Acts of the Apostles, p. 585), the sealing of the servants of God (Rev. 7) must necessarily be found also in the prophecies. In Ezekiel, chapter nine, is envisioned the marking of those who sigh and cry "for all the abominations that be done in the midst thereof" (in Judah and in Israel), and the slaughter of those who do not thus sigh and cry. And the fact that God has at no time taken the sinners from among the righteous in Judah and in Israel, shows that this prophecy of purification by slaughter has never been fulfilled. So, therefore, as the marking is the same as the sealing, the angels' slaying is the same as the angels' hurting.

 

”This hurting and sealing which John saw, and the slaughter and marking which Ezekiel saw are again identified as one and the same: "This sealing of the servants of God is the same that was shown to Ezekiel in vision." -- Testimonies to Ministers, p. 445; Testimonies, Vol. 5, p. 211; Vol. 3, p. 267.

 

”Although the marking and the slaughter (Ezek. 9) include only the church, -- Judah and Israel, -- the hurting by the winds and the hurting by the angels (Rev. 7) include all the world -- both "the earth" and "the sea," each of which is indicative of a different locality: the sea, in the realm of nature the storehouse (home) of the waters, is therefore in the realm of symbols the birth-place of the nations -- the Old Country, the earth, the opposite of the sea, is correspondingly a domain away from the Old Country. It is located to John in the symbol of the two-horned beast's coming up, not out of the sea, but "out of the earth" (Rev. 13:11), the only place where trees naturally grow. And as according to Daniel 4:20-22, trees are figurative of rulers, therefore the trees in this instance represent "the ancient men...before the house" (Ezek. 9:6) -- a fact which reveals that in this period, the church's headquarters are in the two-horned beast's dominion -- the New World, "the earth."

 

”In the light of the clear cut facts be fore us, we see that the main object of the sealing or marking of the servants of God is to cleanse the church from sin and sinners, so that she may be able to stand strong against the image-beast in the time of trouble; and that when this purifying work is completed, "it shall come to pass that he that is left in Zion, and he that remaineth in Jerusalem, shall be called holy, even every one that is written among the living in Jerusalem: when the Lord shall have washed away the filth of the daughters of Zion, and shall have purged the blood of Jerusalem from the midst thereof by the spirit of judgment, and by the spirit of burning." Isa. 4:3, 4. (Tr. #8 pp20-25.)

 

Before commenting on the above references, let us consider the statement below as we dig the shaft deep into the mine of truth.

 

“And now the only safe and sane procedure is to read closely every page of the solemn message contained in The Shepherd's Rod publications. Let not a line escape your attention. Study every word carefully and prayerfully. Be earnest and diligent in your perusal of Truth, and "prove all things; hold fast that which is good." 1 Thess. 5:21. (Ans. 5 29)

 

The first point of observation is, in the context of the above references, the remnant of her seed, and the remnant spoken of with whom the dragon wars with after the earth opens her mouth and swallows up the flood, has reference to the 144,000. Remember, the Rod clearly stated, that after the 144,000 are taken to the kingdom, the dragon cannot war with them, because they will be out of his reach, therefore he will war only with the remnant of her seed, the great multitude.

 

We must not fail to realizes that the sealing of the 144,000 also protect them from the mark of the beast activity (in addition to that of Ezek. 9), lest they, "the very elect," be brought down to worship the image of the beast, or be killed for refusing. Brothers and Sisters, why would it be necessary for the 144,000 to be sealed (protected) from the blowing of the winds if it will not have any affect on them, also, if they are taken to the kingdom immediately after the purification then the sealing from the winds would not be necessary.

 

So we see that the sealing of the servants of God does not only protect them from the Angels with the slaughter weapons, but also from the mark of the beast prior to them going to the Kingdom. Tr. #15 puts it in clear perspective.

 

“That the angels' holding the winds does not denote their restraining the nations from warring among themselves, is made clear by the fact that the winds were not held from clashing wind against wind (nation against nation), but rather from hurting the earth, the sea, and the trees. Moreover, that the nations from the north and from the south, from the east and from the west were engaged in World War I, and also in World War II, although the 144,000 are not yet sealed, is another irrefutable evidence that the trouble which is forecast by the winds' blowing and the angels' hurting, is yet future. That it is a global disturbance, is again seen in the fact that the winds on the one hand, and the angels on the other hand, are to trouble both earth and sea.

 

”It being a foregone conclusion that Satan is against the saints, and that the Lord is against the truth-hating and evil-doing multitude, the subject becomes crystal clear: When let loose, the winds are to strike against the faithful "remnant," against those who are left after the earth has opened her mouth and swallowed up "the flood," the "tares" (Rev. 12:16, 17); but the angels who are stationed to hurt, are to smite those who make war against the remnant. Those whose names are found in the book, are "delivered." Dan. 12:1. Seeing that the 144,000, the servants of God, are not as yet sealed (not yet enclosed, protected, guarded, and ready to take their stand with the Lamb on Mt. Sion, but rather are still commingled with the tares) the angels are commanded to forestall the clash.” (15 Tr. pp60, 61)

 

2 TG #14 also states “Chapter 12 takes us even further back in time than chapter 11, way beyond the birth of Christ, then forward to the time the earth opens her mouth and swallows up the flood, and to the time of the remnant (the remnant are those who are left after the others are swallowed up by the earth).  They as a people keep the commandments of God, and have the testimony of Jesus Christ.  They are persecuted by the dragon immediately after the earth swallows up the flood.

 

“Thus it is that chapter 12 ends its story with the remnant, the servants of God, the first fruits, the 144,000.  They become the remnant after the hypocrites among them are swallowed up by the earth, so to speak.

 

“Chapter 13 begins with the dissolution of the Roman Empire, and with the kings who arose from it, who then took their crowns, as symbolized by the crowned horns of the leopard-like beast.  This chapter ends with the two-horned beast's decree, the decree to kill all who dare not receive the mark of the beast.  Thus will the dragon be wroth with the woman, and thus will he persecute the remnant. (2TG #14 pp17, 18)

 

There is no doubt that the 144,000 will also experience the effects of the mark of the beast activity (persecution) after the earth opens her mouth and swallows up the flood, and prior to their going to the kingdom. This is the time of Jacob’s trouble, but he shall be saved out of it.

 

“Though God's people today shall go through a "time of trouble such as never was" (Dan. 12:1), when earthly tribunals shall cause to come to pass "that as many as would not worship the image of the beast should be killed" (Rev. 13:15), yet the Word declares: "...at that time thy people shall be delivered, every one that shall be found written in the book." Dan. 12:1.

 

”O what a promise and what assurance! Who can comprehend God's mighty power, and the glory of this long awaited deliverance? Those who at all do, and who fully trust in the Lord will, for the good of His people, "go forth therefore unto Him without the camp, bearing His reproach." Heb. 13:13.

 

”In thus pursuing a course against all earthly favor (by proclaiming the message of the "hour"), they will be going "forth as sheep in the midst of wolves" (Matt. 10:16) -- "seeking death." And although happy to "die" for Christ's sake, or, as the Revelator puts it though they "shall desire to die," the promise is that "death shall flee from them," making it impossible for them to die. Even the sword of the wicked that is raised to kill them, shall break and fall "as powerless as a straw" (Early Writings, p. 34), making them utterly invincible.” (Tract 5 p77)

 

"And at that time shall Michael stand up, the great Prince which standeth for the children of thy people: and there shall be a time of trouble, such as never was since there was a nation even to that same time: and at that time thy people shall be delivered, every one that shall be found written in the book. And many of them that sleep in the dust of the earth shall awake, some to everlasting life, and some to shame and everlasting contempt. Dan. 12:1, 2.

 

”Those who expect to be led and to be saved by the Word of Truth, also to be delivered from the time of trouble, by Michael's standing up (Dan. 12:1), which trouble the present distress of nations is about to bring forth, should not hesitate now to take their stand on the side of right and truth. For this cause, Brother, Sister, is the light now shining on your path.” (12 Tr. pp90, 92)

 

“He, though, who is persuaded, and who walks in the light, will experience joy inexpressible: He will receive the "mark" (Ezek. 9:4), the "seal" (Rev. 7:2, 3), of God's approval. His sins will be blotted out. His name will be ineffaceably written in the Lamb's book of life. He will witness Michael's standing up and delivering him from the "time of trouble such as never was." Dan. 12:1. He will return midst the ransomed of the Lord, and come to Zion with "songs and everlasting joy upon" his head. He "shall obtain joy and gladness, and sorrow and sighing shall flee away" Isa. 35:10. He will inherit the earth -- saved eternally!” (5 Tr. p118)