My 1986 Vision That Challenged Adventism’s Highest Thought Leaders

About 44 of Adventism’s highest thought leaders, including M. L. Andreasen, contributed to the writing of the Seventh-day Adventist Bible Commentary. That Commentary teaches that Ezekiel 9 was fulfilled by the Nebuchadnezzar sieges upon Jerusalem.

I consider what I state in this document as one of the highest proofs of my office as a messenger to God’s people and the world. At the outset of my ministry to the church and the world, the Lord gave me a vision on the correct time-frame for Ezekiel 9, that challenged and still challenges Adventism’s highest thought leaders. Some refer to me as a self appointed prophet. If that were so, it would be quite a feat for a commoner to be able to correct the highest thought leaders of a worldwide church denomination that has many Ph.D Bible scholars and doctors of many other philosophies of learning including church history like Dr. George R. Knight.

The Serious Error of Adventist Theologians on the Time Framework of the Fulfillment of Ezekiel 9

In my first vision in 1986, the Lord showed me the following serious errors taught by The SDA Bible Commentary, which makes totally contradictory statements on Ezekiel 9. In one statement it says that the primary application of Ezekiel 9 was the destruction of Jerusalem by Nebuchadnezzar. In another statement on the same chapter, it says that the decree to “Begin at My Sanctuary,” Ezekiel 9:6, marked the close of Jerusalem’s probation. Neither statement is true and this is a deadly serious error taught by the SDA church when one considers that Ellen White said in a number of different statements that Ezekiel 9 would be literally fulfilled again. Here are the totally erroneous statements of the SDA Bible Commentary and Adventism’s highest thought leaders at the time, circa 1957 date of publication, and the ensuing years up to its publication, and the grave and dangerous error lives on to this day:

· “The vision had primary reference to the destruction of Jerusalem by Nebuchadnezzar.”

· In commenting on Ezekiel 9:6, and the words: “Begin at my sanctuary,” the Commentary says: “In its primary application this decree marks the close of Jerusalem’s probation.”

· If the decree of Ezekiel 9:6 was not fulfilled until Titus began destruction at the Temple in A.D. 70, some 36 years after the close of Israel’s probation, how did/does the decree of Ezekiel 9:6, in its primary application, mark the close of Jerusalem’s probation.

· How could both events be the primary application (fulfillment) of Ezekiel 9, when the sieges by Nebuchadnezzar occurred many centuries before the close of Jerusalem’s probation in A.D. 34, which was signaled by two different events:

1. The Daniel 9 490 years of probation allotted to Israel to put away sin came to a close in A.D. 34.

2. Stephen was stoned in A.D. 34.

· Ezekiel Chapter 9 is called The Seal of God.

· In Daniel 9:24-27, God gave Israel 490 years probation to reform and put sin out of the camp. Why would God permit men with slaughtering weapons to kill men, maidens and little children under the three Nebuchadnezzar sieges which occurred centuries before A.D. 34 when those 490 years ended?

· Why would God SEAL THE FATE of His people by permitting the slaughtering of men, maidens and little children, BEGINNING AT HIS SANCTUARY, at a time of about 490 years before their probation ended in A.D. 34?

God permitted the sieges upon Jerusalem by Nebuchadnezzar and the resultant CAPTIVITIES to occur that His people might be led to reform by being taken into captivity for 490 years.

Commentary on Ezekiel Chapter 9 as it Appears in the SDA Bible Commentary

“1. He cried also. Chapter 9 is a continuation of the symbolic vision of ch. 8. The prophet records what passes before him in panoramic view, leaving for us the interpretation as to what is represented by the various symbols. The speaker is the same as throughout ch. 8. His identity is shown by the prophet’s address to him in v. 8, “Ah Lord God!”

Them that have charge. The phrase is a translation of the Heb. pequddoth, singular pequddah, a word elsewhere rendered “office” (Num. 4:16), “visitation” (Jer. 8:12). It is also used of “officers” (Isa. 60:17). If this last rendering is applicable here, there is a picture of overseers, watchers, or guards (see Dan. 4:13) who attend to the execution of the sentences of God. The entire clause may also be rendered as in the LXX, “The vengeance upon the city has drawn near.”

2. Six men. These executioners of vengeance are pictured as human in form. In primary application they represent the Babylonians, who were to execute the divine sentence upon the city. In secondary application they portend the agencies of judgments which, at the close of time, will execute sentence, first upon those who have professed to be the spiritual guardians of the people, and later upon the wicked in general.

Higher gate. Since the courts of the Temple were built in stages, the inner court was the higher. “Toward the north” designates the gate as the one where the prophet had been shown the idolatries (ch. 8:5).

One man among them. This man was one of the six bearing the slaughtering weapons, and not a seventh, as some interpreters assert (see 3T 266, 267). He was “clothed with linen,” the ordinary priestly garment, and the special garment of the high priest at the ceremonies of the great Day of Atonement (Lev. 16).

Inkhorn. Heb. qeseth, a word occurring only here, probably derived from the Egyptian gśty, “the palette of a writer,” hence a case containing pens, knife, and ink. The LXX, perhaps following a different text, reads “a girdle of sapphire” instead of “inkhorn.” But the Hebrew seems to be the preferable reading.

3. The glory. That is, the glory described in ch. 8:4, which was a reappearance of the vision described in ch. 1.

To the threshold. The removal was probably to indicate that the command for judgment would proceed from the very Temple itself, which the Jews considered the pledge of their safety.

4. Mark. Heb. taw, the last letter of the Hebrew alphabet. In the time of Ezekiel this Hebrew character was written in the form of X. The marking was done in vision, and the exact nature of the mark is perhaps not important. An ancient interpretation that saw in the sign a prefigurement of the cross is rather fanciful. In the vision the mark was doubtless literal, but in significance it had reference wholly to character. The messenger was to pay no regard to birth or position, but to mark only those who mourned for the prevailing sinfulness and kept themselves aloof from it.

The vision had primary reference to the destruction of Jerusalem by Nebuchadnezzar. It will have another fulfillment during the closing scenes of this world’s history. It parallels closely the visions of Rev. 7; 15; 16. The distinguishing mark in Revelation is “the seal of God” and, like the mark in Ezekiel, is based on character qualifications. God places His mark of approval upon all who, through the power of the Holy Spirit, reflect the image of Jesus (see COL 67). This stamp of approbation has been likened to God’s mark of ownership, as though God inscribes upon those who qualify for citizenship in His kingdom His name and address—“God, New Jerusalem” (TM 446).

The outward, visible sign of this completion of the work of grace in the soul will be the observance of the true Sabbath of the Bible (see 8T 117). This will be brought about in the following way: The seventh-day Sabbath has always stood as God’s appointed rest day for man. Established at creation (Gen. 2:1–3), it was designed to be of perpetual obligation. The command to observe it was placed in the bosom of the moral law (Ex. 20:8–11). Neither Christ nor His apostles abrogated the Sabbath. The great apostasy following the death of the apostles presumed to set it aside and substitute in its place another day of rest, the first day of the week. But the Word of God predicts a great work of Sabbath reform to precede the second coming of Christ. (Isa. 56:1, 2, 6–8; 58:12, 13; Rev. 14:6–12; see GC 451–460). It also predicts that simultaneously Satan, the great apostate leader, will exalt his own counterfeit system of religion, presenting a false sabbath, Sunday, as the day of worship (Rev. 13; 14:9–12; cf. Dan. 7:25). He will be successful to the extent that he will be able to unite the whole world in a great religious reform movement, a prominent feature of which will be the exaltation of Sunday (Rev. 13:8; 14:8; 16:14; 18:3; see GC chs. 35–40). As a result of his efforts in this direction the whole world will be divided into two camps, those who are faithful to God and keep His Sabbath, and those who join the universal counterfeit religious movement and honor the false sabbath. The observance of the true Sabbath will thus become the distinguishing mark of the true worshiper of God.

Yet it is not the outward observance of the Sabbath that constitutes the mark. The seal stands for that character qualification that all must have who are accounted worthy of citizenship in the kingdom of glory about to be established. Only those who have purified their souls will cling to the Sabbath in that awful time of trouble preceding the return of Jesus. Insincere Sabbathkeepers will abandon the ranks of God’s people and unite with Satan against heaven, and join in the battle against the Ruler of the universe (TM 465). Thus only the genuine and true remain as the sole defenders of God’s holy Sabbath. These are joined by others of God’s true children who, until now, have been scattered throughout the various communions of Christendom, but who, under the increasing light of the loud cry, embrace the Sabbath and join God’s remnant people (see GC 611, 612).

The mark is placed upon those “that sigh and that cry for all the abominations that be done.” Those who belong to this class have been described as distinguished by their soul anguish over the declensions among God’s professed people. They lament and afflict their souls because pride, avarice, selfishness, and deception of every kind are in the church. They feel powerless to stop the rushing torrent of iniquity and hence are filled with grief and alarm (see 5T 210). Those in the other class seek to throw a cloak over existing evils and excuse the great wickedness everywhere prevalent. They claim that God is too good and too merciful to punish evil. The Lord will not do good, neither will He do evil, they say. They assert the Lord does not expect so high a standard, and will be satisfied with a mere desire to do right. But the Lord cannot change His standard. To do so would be to change Himself. Rather, He supplies grace for the acquirement of every virtue and the correction of every defect. He asks of every Christian that full advantage be taken of these provisions. He demands no less than perfection. Unless this is attained, the soul will be found without the seal of God when probation closes.

6. Begin at my sanctuary. In its primary application this decree marks the close of Jerusalem’s probation. God had exhausted His resources in appealing to rebellious Israel. His restraining power would be removed from the invading Chaldeans. Mercilessly their armies would execute the sentence to “slay utterly old and young.” They would begin at the sanctuary, where the gross sins of the people had been concentrated.

These scenes will be re-enacted in the last days. Judgment, then, too, begins at the “house of God” (1 Peter 4:17), with those to whom God has given great light and who have stood as guardians of the spiritual interests of the people, but who have betrayed their trust (see 5T 211). These unfaithful shepherds receive first the abuse that will be heaped upon them by those who have been deceived by their guile (EW 282). Later, they perish in the general destruction that precedes and accompanies the second coming of Christ (see Rev. 15–19).

7. Defile the house. The Jews expected that God would spare His house from defilement. In this they were disappointed. In part the defilement was effected by the bleeding corpses of the idolatrous worshipers.

8. I was left. In vision Ezekiel saw Jerusalem reduced to a city of the dead. It seemed to him that he was standing alone in the midst of the slain. No notice is here made of any who, because of the protecting mark, were saved. Evidently they constituted a small minority.

Residue of Israel. The ten tribes had already gone into captivity in 723/722 b.c. (2 Kings 17:6). A considerable group from the southern kingdom of Judah had been removed in 605 b.c., and especially in 597 b.c. (see p. 568). Ezekiel pleads for the remnant still left. The nature and magnitude of the sin justified the judgment.

9. Earth. Heb. ’ereṣ, which may also be translated, “land.” Either translation makes good sense. The people asserted that the Lord was not concerned with the conduct of men. They imagined they had free scope to act as they chose toward one another, no one calling them into account for their deeds. The result was moral decay.

ELLEN G. WHITE COMMENTS

1 5T 207

1, 2 GC 656; 3T 266

2–7 TM 431

3–6 5T 207

4 GC 656; PK 590; TM 445; 3T 266, 370; 5T 210, 474

4–6 5T 505

5, 6 3T 267; 5T 211

6 GC 656

10 TM 432

11 EW 279; SR 402

The SDA Bible Commentary on Ezekiel 9.

I will now present all of the above references:

1 5T 207:

The chapter for Testimonies, Vol. 5, p. 207, begins by quoting Ezekiel 9.

Chap. 24 - The Seal of God

"He cried also in mine ears with a loud voice, saying, Cause them that have charge over the city to draw near, even every man with his destroying weapon in his hand." {5T 207.2}

And he called to the man clothed with linen, which had the writer’s inkhorn by his side; and the Lord said unto him, Go through the midst of the city, through the midst of Jerusalem, and set a mark upon the foreheads of the men that sigh and that cry for all the abominations that be done in the midst thereof. And to the others he said in mine hearing, Go ye after him through the city, and smite: let not your eye spare, neither have ye pity: slay utterly old and young, both maids, and little children, and women: but come not near any man upon whom is the mark; and begin at My sanctuary. Then they began at the ancient men which were before the house." {5T 207.3}

Note: Some very misguided professing Seventh-day Adventists use the above passage to teach the error that we must be in the midst of the apostate SDA church (modern-day spiritual Jerusalem) in order to be sealed by the Man in Linen. History proves this to be a very foolish virgin error for the following reasons:

· SDA leaders would have you believe that the bad are shaken out to leave their apostate church purged and purified. That is directly contrary to the prefigure type of the last LITERAL fulfillment of Ezekiel 9, circa A.D. 27-70. That is exactly contrary to Isaiah 37:31, 32.

· SDA leaders would have you believe that Ezekiel 9 applies ONLY anciently to the Nebuchadnezzar captivities and to the world at the end-time—thus excluding God BEGINNING AT HIS SANCTUARY, “those who have been privileged with great light, …the house of Jacob” 5T 211.

· Ezekiel 9 will occur at the SDA church as a taunt, an instruction, before it begins with the world, Ezekiel, Chapter 5. There would be no taunt or instruction to the world vis-à-vis the apostate SDA church, if it was experiencing Ezekiel 9 at the same time the world (BABYLON) does and if both were going down together, that would not constitute BEGINNING AT HIS SANCTUARY, spiritual Jerusalem or modern-day spiritual Jerusalem.

· Ellen White begins Ezekiel 9 for BABYLON, in The Great Controversy, pp. 653-656. Notice these qualifying words on page 653: “Such are the judgments that fall upon Babylon in the day of the visitation of God’s wrath.” Apostate spiritual Jerusalem, is not the same as Babylon. As well, BEGIN AT MY SANCTUARY, apostate Jerusalem, is different from beginning at BABYLON!

· There could be no Ezekiel 9 sealing until A.D. 34, which was when the 490 years of probation for the Jews ended.

· Beginning in A.D. 34, the disciples began calling the faithful believers in Jesus, out of the Temple and into home churches so that there was no opportunity to be sealed in or by the apostate Jewish Temple which was full of abominations.

· At the renting of the veil of the Temple at the crucifixion of Christ, this signified that the presence of Christ had departed, so there was no longer a MAN IN LINEN at the apostate Temple (Sanctuary) to seal anyone.

· The faithful were to sigh and cry for the abominations of the Temple leaders. How could those leaders seal anyone?

· Seven years earlier, in A.D. 27, as the first act of His ministry, Christ “gathered out” His disciples, those who would SEAL every true Christian. cf. DA 232.

· It was the disciples of Jesus Christ, NOT REPROBATE, ABOMINABLE LEADERS AT THE TEMPLE, who were told that whoever they bound (sealed) on earth, would be bound (sealed) in heaven.

· "Verily I say unto you," Christ continued, "whatsoever ye shall bind on earth shall be bound in heaven: and whatsoever ye shall loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven." Verse 18. This statement holds its force in all ages. On the church has been conferred the power to act in Christ's stead. It is God's instrumentality for the preservation of order and discipline among His people. To it the Lord has delegated the power to settle all questions respecting its prosperity, purity, and order. Upon it rests the responsibility of excluding from its fellowship those who are unworthy, who by their un-Christlike conduct would bring dishonor on the truth. Whatever the church does that is in accordance with the directions given in God's word will be ratified in heaven.” 7T 263.

· We will see where the “CHURCH” was when Christ “gathered out” those who would take the gospel to the world.

· Every true Christian was called out of the apostate Jewish Temple from the time of the close of probation for Israel which was in A.D. 34 and on, by Christ’s disciples into home churches.

· As well, in A.D. 27, the first act of Christ’s ministry was to “gather out” those who would take the gospel to the world:

"Christ was a protestant...The Reformers date back to Christ and the apostles. They came out and separated themselves from a religion of forms and ceremonies. Luther and his followers did not invent the reformed religion. They simply accepted it as presented by Christ and the apostles." E.G. White, Review and Herald, vol. 2, 48, col. 2.

"The Sanhedrin had rejected Christ's message and was bent upon His death therefore Jesus departed from Jerusalem, from the priests, the temple, the religious leaders, the people who had been instructed in the law, and turned to another class to proclaim His message, and to gather out those who should carry the gospel to all nations.

As the light and life of men was rejected by the ecclesiastical authorities in the days of Christ, so it has been rejected in every succeeding generation. Again and again the history of Christ's withdrawal from Judea has been repeated. When the Reformers preached the word of God, they had no thought of separating themselves from the established church but the religious leaders would not tolerate the light, and those that bore it were forced to seek another class, who were longing for the truth. In our day few of the professed followers of the Reformers are actuated by their spirit. Few are listening for the voice of God, and ready to accept truth in whatever guise it may be presented. Often those who follow in the steps of the Reformers are forced to turn away from the churches they love, in order to declare the plain teaching of the word of God. And many times those who are seeking for light are by the same teaching obliged to leave the church of their fathers, that they may render obedience." E.G. White, Desire of Ages, 232.

"The recreant priests added licentiousness to the dark catalogue of their crimes yet they still polluted by their presence the tabernacle of the Lord, and, laden with sin, dared to come into the presence of a holy God. As the men of Israel witnessed the corrupt course of the priests, they thought it safer for their families not to come up to the appointed place of worship. Many went from Shiloh with their peace disturbed, their indignation aroused, until they at last determined to offer their sacrifices themselves, concluding that this would be fully as acceptable to God, as to sanction in any manner the abominations practiced in the Sanctuary." E.G. White, The Signs of the Times, vol. 1, p. 264, col. 3, December 1, 1881.

The Church That Will Receive the Seal of God

"God has a church. It is not the great cathedral, (or the super mega church), neither is it the national establishment, neither is it the various denominations; it is the people who love God and keep His commandments. 'Where two or three are gathered together in My name, there am I in the midst of them.' Where Christ is even among the humble few, THIS IS CHRIST'S CHURCH, for the presence of the High and Holy One who inhabiteth eternity can alone constitute a church." Upward Look, p. 315.

Way back in the first civilized settlement of the Hebrews, just after coming out of their 40 years in the Sinai wilderness, to settle in Shiloh, God’s faithful were sacrificing at home to protect themselves and their families from the licentious, abominable sins of the leaders.

Scripture on Home Churches

Act 16:32 And they spake unto him the word of the Lord, and to all that were in his house.

Act 16:34 And when he had brought them into his house, he set meat before them, and rejoiced, believing in God with all his house.

Act 16:40 And they went out of the prison, and entered into [the house of] Lydia: and when they had seen the brethren, they comforted them, and departed.

Act 18:7 And he departed thence, and entered into a certain [man's] house, named Justus, [one] that worshipped God, whose house joined hard to the synagogue.

Rom 16:5 Likewise [greet] the church that is in their house. Salute my well beloved Epaenetus, who is the firstfruits of Achaia unto Christ.

1Cr 1:11 For it hath been declared unto me of you, my brethren, by them [which are of the house] of Chloe, that there are contentions among you.

1Cr 16:15 I beseech you, brethren, (ye know the house of Stephanas, that it is the firstfruits of Achaia, and [that] they have addicted themselves to the ministry of the saints,)

1Cr 16:19 The churches of Asia salute you. Aquila and Priscilla salute you much in the Lord, with the church that is in their house.

Ellen White on Home Churches

When the young men and women were kept away from the Alpha of apostasy in the church, what did they do where did they meet for worship?

Ellen White on Home Churches in the Alpha of Apostasy:

"There is a little hope in one direction: Take the young men and women, and place them where they will come as little in contact with our churches as possible, that the low grade of piety which is current in this day shall not leaven their ideas of what it means to be a Christian." E.G. White, Manuscript Release #995, p. 5.

"Brother and sister Haskell have rented a house in one of the best parts of the city, and have gathered round them a family of helpers, who day by day go out giving Bible readings, selling our papers, and doing medical missionary work. During the hour of worship, the workers relate their experiences. Bible studies are regularly conducted in the home, and THE YOUNG MEN AND YOUNG WOMEN connected with the mission receive a practical, thorough training in holding Bible readings and in selling our publications. The Lord has blessed their labors, a number have embraced the truth, and many others are deeply interested." Review and Herald, September 7, 1905, Evangelism, p. 108.

Paul left

"And as they persisted in their rejection of the gospel the apostle (Paul) went into the synagogue, and spake boldly for the space of three months, disputing and persuading the things concerning the kingdom of God. But when divers were hardened, and believed not, but spake evil of that way before the multitude, he departed from them, and separated the disciples, disputing daily in the school of one Tyrannus." Acts, 19:8, 9.

"Fearing that the faith of the believers would be endangered by continued association with these opposers of the truth, Paul separated from them, and gathered the disciples into a distinct body." E.G. White, Acts of the Apostles, p. 286.

Question: If one had to remain a member of the apostate church (Temple) in order to be sealed, why did Jesus, His disciples, and Paul lead all the faithful Christians OUT of the apostate Jewish church? Where was the porch and the altar when Christ, His disciples and Paul led folk out? The altar was then in the home churches they organized. End note.

Jesus is about to leave the mercy seat of the heavenly [BEGIN P.208] sanctuary to put on garments of vengeance and pour out His wrath in judgments upon those who have not responded to the light God has given them. "Because sentence against an evil work is not executed speedily, therefore the heart of the sons of men is fully set in them to do evil." Instead of being softened by the patience and long forbearance that the Lord has exercised toward them, those who fear not God and love not the truth strengthen their hearts in their evil course. But there are limits even to the forbearance of God, and many are exceeding these boundaries. They have overrun the limits of grace, and therefore God must interfere and vindicate His own honor. {5T 207.4}

Of the Amorites the Lord said: "In the fourth generation they shall come hither again: for the iniquity of the Amorites is not yet full." Although this nation was conspicuous because of its idolatry and corruption, it had not yet filled up the cup of its iniquity, and God would not give command for its utter destruction. The people were to see the divine power manifested in a marked manner, that they might be left without excuse. The compassionate Creator was willing to bear with their iniquity until the fourth generation. Then, if no change was seen for the better, His judgments were to fall upon them. {5T 208.1}

With unerring accuracy the Infinite One still keeps an account with all nations. While His mercy is tendered with calls to repentance, this account will remain open; but when the figures reach a certain amount which God has fixed, the ministry of His wrath commences. The account is closed. Divine patience ceases. There is no more pleading of mercy in their behalf. {5T 208.2}

The prophet, looking down the ages, had this time presented before his vision. The nations of this age have been the recipients of unprecedented mercies. The choicest of heaven’s blessings have been given them, but increased pride, covetousness, idolatry, contempt of God, and base ingratitude are written [BEGIN P.209] against them. They are fast closing up their account with God. {5T 208.3}

But that which causes me to tremble is the fact that those who have had the greatest light and privileges have become contaminated by the prevailing iniquity. Influenced by the unrighteous around them, many, even of those who profess the truth, have grown cold and are borne down by the strong current of evil. The universal scorn thrown upon true piety and holiness leads those who do not connect closely with God to lose their reverence for His law. If they were following the light and obeying the truth from the heart, this holy law would seem even more precious to them when thus despised and set aside. As the disrespect for God’s law becomes more manifest, the line of demarcation between its observers and the world becomes more distinct. Love for the divine precepts increases with one class according as contempt for them increases with another class. {5T 209.1}

The crisis is fast approaching. The rapidly swelling figures show that the time for God’s visitation has about come. Although loath to punish, nevertheless He will punish, and that speedily. Those who walk in the light will see signs of the approaching peril; but they are not to sit in quiet, unconcerned expectancy of the ruin, comforting themselves with the belief that God will shelter His people in the day of visitation. Far from it. They should realize that it is their duty to labor diligently to save others, looking with strong faith to God for help. "The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much." {5T 209.2}

The leaven of godliness has not entirely lost its power. At the time when the danger and depression of the church are greatest, the little company who are standing in the light will be sighing and crying for the abominations that are done in the land. But more especially will their prayers arise in behalf [BEGIN P.210] of the church because its members are doing after the manner of the world. {5T 209.3}

The earnest prayers of this faithful few will not be in vain. When the Lord comes forth as an avenger, He will also come as a protector of all those who have preserved the faith in its purity and kept themselves unspotted from the world. It is at this time that God has promised to avenge His own elect which cry day and night unto Him, though He bear long with them. {5T 210.1}

The command is: "Go through the midst of the city, through the midst of Jerusalem, and set a mark upon the foreheads of the men that sigh and that cry for all the abominations that be done in the midst thereof." These sighing, crying ones had been holding forth the words of life; they had reproved, counseled, and entreated. Some who had been dishonoring God repented and humbled their hearts before Him. But the glory of the Lord had departed from Israel; although many still continued the forms of religion, His power and presence were lacking. {5T 210.2}

In the time when His wrath shall go forth in judgments, these humble, devoted followers of Christ will be distinguished from the rest of the world by their soul anguish, which is expressed in lamentation and weeping, reproofs and warnings. While others try to throw a cloak over the existing evil, and excuse the great wickedness everywhere prevalent, those who have a zeal for God’s honor and a love for souls will not hold their peace to obtain favor of any. Their righteous souls are vexed day by day with the unholy works and conversation of the unrighteous. They are powerless to stop the rushing torrent of iniquity, and hence they are filled with grief and alarm. They mourn before God to see religion despised in the very homes of those who have had great light. They lament and afflict their souls because pride, avarice, selfishness, and deception of almost every kind are in the church. The Spirit [BEGIN P.211] of God, which prompts to reproof, is trampled underfoot, while the servants of Satan triumph. God is dishonored, the truth made of none effect. {5T 210.3}

The class who do not feel grieved over their own spiritual declension, nor mourn over the sins of others, will be left without the seal of God. The Lord commissions His messengers, the men with slaughtering weapons in their hands: "Go ye after him through the city, and smite: let not your eye spare, neither have ye pity: slay utterly old and young, both maids, and little children, and women: but come not near any man upon whom is the mark; and begin at My sanctuary. Then they began at the ancient men which were before the house." {5T 211.1}

Here we see that the church--the Lord’s sanctuary--was the first to feel the stroke of the wrath of God. The ancient men, those to whom God had given great light and who had stood as guardians of the spiritual interests of the people, had betrayed their trust. They had taken the position that we need not look for miracles and the marked manifestation of God’s power as in former days. Times have changed. These words strengthen their unbelief, and they say: The Lord will not do good, neither will He do evil. He is too merciful to visit His people in judgment. Thus "Peace and safety" is the cry from men who will never again lift up their voice like a trumpet to show God’s people their transgressions and the house of Jacob their sins. These dumb dogs [Isaiah 56:10-12] that would not bark are the ones who feel the just vengeance of an offended God. Men, maidens, and little children all perish together. {5T 211.2}

The abominations for which the faithful ones were sighing and crying were all that could be discerned by finite eyes, but by far the worst sins, those which provoked the jealousy of the pure and holy God, were unrevealed. The great Searcher of hearts knoweth every sin committed in secret by the workers of iniquity. These persons come to feel secure in their deceptions and, because of His long-suffering, say that the Lord [BEGIN P.212] seeth not, and then act as though He had forsaken the earth. But He will detect their hypocrisy and will open before others those sins which they were so careful to hide. {5T 211.3}

No superiority of rank, dignity, or worldly wisdom, no position in sacred office, will preserve men from sacrificing principle when left to their own deceitful hearts. Those who have been regarded as worthy and righteous prove to be ring-leaders in apostasy and examples in indifference and in the abuse of God’s mercies. Their wicked course He will tolerate no longer, and in His wrath He deals with them without mercy. {5T 212.1}

It is with reluctance that the Lord withdraws His presence from those who have been blessed with great light and who have felt the power of the word in ministering to others. They were once His faithful servants, favored with His presence and guidance; but they departed from Him and led others into error, and therefore are brought under the divine displeasure. {5T 212.2}

The day of God’s vengeance is just upon us. The seal of God will be placed upon the foreheads of those only who sigh and cry for the abominations done in the land. Those who link in sympathy with the world are eating and drinking with the drunken and will surely be destroyed with the workers of iniquity. "The eyes of the Lord are over the righteous, and His ears are open unto their prayers: but the face of the Lord is against them that do evil." {5T 212.3}

Our own course of action will determine whether we shall receive the seal of the living God or be cut down by the destroying weapons. Already a few drops of God’s wrath have fallen upon the earth; but when the seven last plagues shall be poured out without mixture into the cup of His indignation, then it will be forever too late to repent and find shelter. No atoning blood will then wash away the stains of sin. {5T 212.4}

"And at that time shall Michael stand up, the great prince [BEGIN P.213] 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, everyone that shall be found written in the book." When this time of trouble comes, every case is decided; there is no longer probation, no longer mercy for the impenitent. The seal of the living God is upon His people. This small remnant, unable to defend themselves in the deadly conflict with the powers of earth that are marshaled by the dragon host, make God their defense. The decree has been passed by the highest earthly authority that they shall worship the beast and receive his mark under pain of persecution and death. May God help His people now, for what can they then do in such a fearful conflict without His assistance! {5T 212.5}

Courage, fortitude, faith, and implicit trust in God’s power to save do not come in a moment. These heavenly graces are acquired by the experience of years. By a life of holy endeavor and firm adherence to the right the children of God were sealing their destiny. Beset with temptations without number, they knew they must resist firmly or be conquered. They felt that they had a great work to do, and at any hour they might be called to lay off their armor; and should they come to the close of life with their work undone, it would be an eternal loss. They eagerly accepted the light from heaven, as did the first disciples from the lips of Jesus. When those early Christians were exiled to mountains and deserts, when left in dungeons to die with hunger, cold, and torture, when martyrdom seemed the only way out of their distress, they rejoiced that they were counted worthy to suffer for Christ, who was crucified for them. Their worthy example will be a comfort and encouragement to the people of God who will be brought into the time of trouble such as never was. {5T 213.1}

Not all who profess to keep the Sabbath will be sealed. [BEGIN P.214] There are many even among those who teach the truth to others who will not receive the seal of God in their foreheads. They had the light of truth, they knew their Master’s will, they understood every point of our faith, but they had not corresponding works. These who were so familiar with prophecy and the treasures of divine wisdom should have acted their faith. They should have commanded their households after them, that by a well-ordered family they might present to the world the influence of the truth upon the human heart. {5T 213.2}

By their lack of devotion and piety, and their failure to reach a high religious standard, they make other souls contented with their position. Men of finite judgment cannot see that in patterning after these men who have so often opened to them the treasures of God’s word, they will surely endanger their souls. Jesus is the only true pattern. Everyone must now search the Bible for himself upon his knees before God, with the humble, teachable heart of a child, if he would know what the Lord requires of him. However high any minister may have stood in the favor of God, if he neglects to follow out the light given him of God, if he refuses to be taught as a little child, he will go into darkness and satanic delusions and will lead others in the same path. {5T 214.1}

Not one of us will ever receive the seal of God while our characters have one spot or stain upon them. It is left with us to remedy the defects in our characters, to cleanse the soul temple of every defilement. Then the latter rain will fall upon us as the early rain fell upon the disciples on the Day of Pentecost. {5T 214.2}

We are too easily satisfied with our attainments. We feel rich and increased with goods and know not that we are "wretched, and miserable, and poor, and blind, and naked." Now is the time to heed the admonition of the True Witness: "I counsel thee to buy of Me gold tried in the fire, that thou mayest be rich; and white raiment, that thou mayest be [BEGIN P.215] clothed, and that the shame of thy nakedness do not appear; and anoint thine eyes with eyesalve, that thou mayest see." {5T 214.3}

In this life we must meet fiery trials and make costly sacrifices, but the peace of Christ is the reward. There has been so little self-denial, so little suffering for Christ’s sake, that the cross is almost entirely forgotten. We must be partakers with Christ of His sufferings if we would sit down in triumph with Him on His throne. So long as we choose the easy path of self-indulgence and are frightened at self-denial, our faith will never become firm, and we cannot know the peace of Jesus nor the joy that comes through conscious victory. The most exalted of the redeemed host that stand before the throne of God and the Lamb, clad in white, know the conflict of overcoming, for they have come up through great tribulation. Those who have yielded to circumstances rather than engage in this conflict will not know how to stand in that day when anguish will be upon every soul, when, though Noah, Job, and Daniel were in the land, they could save neither son nor daughter, for everyone must deliver his soul by his own righteousness. {5T 215.1}

No one need say that his case is hopeless, that he cannot live the life of a Christian. Ample provision is made by the death of Christ for every soul. Jesus is our ever-present help in time of need. Only call upon Him in faith, and He has promised to hear and answer your petitions. {5T 215.2}

Oh, for a living, active faith! We need it; we must have it, or we shall faint and fail in the day of trial. The darkness that will then rest upon our path must not discourage us or drive us to despair. It is the veil with which God covers His glory when He comes to impart rich blessings. We should know this by our past experience. In that day when God has a controversy with His people this experience will be a source of comfort and hope. {5T 215.3}

It is now that we must keep ourselves and our children unspotted from the world. It is now that we must wash our robes [BEGIN P.216] of character and make them white in the blood of the Lamb. It is now that we must overcome pride, passion, and spiritual slothfulness. It is now that we must awake and make determined effort for symmetry of character. "Today if ye will hear His voice, harden not your hearts." We are in a most trying position, waiting, watching for our Lord’s appearing. The world is in darkness. "But ye, brethren," says Paul, "are not in darkness, that that day should overtake you as a thief." It is ever God’s purpose to bring light out of darkness, joy out of sorrow, and rest out of weariness for the waiting, longing soul. {5T 215.4}

What are you doing, brethren, in the great work of preparation? Those who are uniting with the world are receiving the worldly mold and preparing for the mark of the beast. Those who are distrustful of self, who are humbling themselves before God and purifying their souls by obeying the truth these are receiving the heavenly mold and preparing for the seal of God in their foreheads. When the decree goes forth and the stamp is impressed, their character will remain pure and spotless for eternity. {5T 216.1}

Now is the time to prepare. The seal of God will never be placed upon the forehead of an impure man or woman. It will never be placed upon the forehead of the ambitious, world-loving man or woman. It will never be placed upon the forehead of men or women of false tongues or deceitful hearts. All who receive the seal must be without spot before God--candidates for heaven. Go forward, my brethren and sisters. I can only write briefly upon these points at this time, merely calling your attention to the necessity of preparation. Search the Scriptures for yourselves, that you may understand the fearful solemnity of the present hour.” [BEGIN P.217] {5T 216.2} End of Seal of God Chapter.

"Study the 9th chapter of Ezekiel. These words will be literally fulfilled yet the time is passing, and the people are asleep. They refuse to humble their souls and to be converted. Not a great while longer will the Lord bear with the people who have such great and important truths revealed to them, but who refuse to bring these truths into their individual experience. The time is short. God is calling will YOU hear? Will YOU receive His message? Will YOU be converted before it is too late? Soon, very soon, every case will be decided for eternity. Letter 106, 1909, pp. 2, 3, 5, 7. (To "The churches in Oakland and Berkeley, September 26, 1909.)" E. G. White Manuscript Releases Volume One, p. 260.

“The time will soon come when the prophecy of Ezekiel 9 will be fulfilled; that prophecy should be carefully studied, for it will be fulfilled to the very letter.”— Ellen G. White 1888 Materials, p. 1303.

The Signs of the Times, February 12, 1880: “The desolation of Jerusalem stands as a solemn warning before the eyes of modern Israel.”

“The desolation of Jerusalem in the days of Jeremiah is a solemn warning to modern Israel, that the counsels and admonitions given them through chosen instrumentalities cannot be disregarded with impunity.” Prophets and Kings, 416.

Conclusions

· This correction of the serious errors of the SDA Bible Commentary on Ezekiel 9, is an example of how God uses His messengers to reset error into the framework of truth.

· By saying that Ezekiel 9 had its primary fulfillment in the Nebuchadnezzar sieges, SDA leaders obfuscate a very important lesson for God’s people as regards Ezekiel 9 BEGINNING AT HIS SANCTUARY.

· Since Ellen White said that Ezekiel 9 will be LITERALLY fulfilled, it is important to see how it was fulfilled in the case of the Jews from A.D. 27-70, for that example is a type for us.

· If Ezekiel 9 is LITERALLY fulfilled again, BEGINNING AT HIS SANCTUARY, it is very important for Adventists to understand this serious warning, which, in TYPE, called a faithful remnant (Ezekiel 5:1-3) OUT OF THE APOSTATE JERUSALEM CHURCH.

· It is important to see where the dross was gathered in this TYPE. Ezekiel 22:17-31 tells us that the dross was gathered into the midsts of Jerusalem. This means that the tares will be gathered into the midsts of the SDA church for slaughter, burning and melting, OR EZEKIEL 9 WOULD NOT BE LITERAL in its fulfillment.

· All of the above means that a faithful remnant will be gathered out of spiritual Jerusalem [the SDA church militant], and that because of her abominations she is not able to seal anyone.

· Isaiah saw the same going forth of a remnant OUT OF JERUSALEM as did Ezekiel, to wit:

³¹And the remnant that is escaped of the house of Judah shall again take root downward, and bear fruit upward:

³²For out of Jerusalem shall go forth a remnant, and they that escape out of mount Zion: the zeal of the LORD of hosts shall do this. Isaiah 37:31, 32.

Did Ellen White say to leave when the abominations should take over? Oh yes she did! She gave us the LITERAL prefigure type of a literally fulfilled Ezekiel 9 and 22:17-31 to follow at the end-time. Isaiah 37:31, 32 is apropos and applies because of the apostasy abominations in the church for which we are to sigh and cry.

"Even though you may not be able to speak a word to those who are working on wrong principles, leave them. Your withdrawal and silence may do more than words. Nehemiah refused to associate with those who were untrue to principle, and he would not permit his workmen to associate with them. The love and fear of God were his safeguard-Dare to be a Daniel, Dare to stand alone. Thus as did Moses, you will endure the seeing of Him who is invisible. But a cowardly and silent reserve before evil associates, while you listen to their devices makes you one with them. Come out from among them and be separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing; and I will receive you, and will be a Father unto you, and ye shall be my sons and daughters, saith the Lord Almighty." Review & Herald Vol. 4, p. 42.

· Are the abominations for which we are to sigh and cry over, and which are conditional to our being sealed, “working on wrong principles?”

· Is Ezekiel 9 indeed a PREFIGURE TYPE for us to follow—A MORE SURE WORD OF PROPHECY that is as solid as anything in the Bible? Notice:

· “The future was mercifully veiled from the disciples. Had they at that time fully comprehend the two awful facts--the Redeemer's sufferings and death, and the destruction of their city and temple--they would have been overwhelmed with horror. Christ presented before them an outline of the prominent events to take place before the close of time. His words were not then fully understood; but their meaning was to be unfolded as His people should need the instruction therein given. The prophecy which He uttered was twofold in its meaning; while foreshadowing the destruction of Jerusalem, it prefigured also the terrors of the last great day.” The Great Controversy, p. 25.

· The terrors of the last great day BEGIN AT HIS SANCTUARY, those who have been privileged with great light, in a literal fulfillment of Ezekiel 9. This is not Shepherd’s Rod theory. I am not a Shepherd’s Rodsman and neither is God or Ellen White!

· Whatever was literal in the last fulfillment of Ezekiel 9, will be literal in the next, so if you want a preview of the next literal fulfillment, read chapter 1 of The Great Controversy and Chapters 1-22 of Ezekiel.

"If God has any new light to communicate, He will let His chosen and beloved understand it, without their going to have their minds enlightened by hearing those who are in darkness and error. {EW 124.2}

“I was shown the necessity of those who believe that we are having the last message of mercy, being separate from those who are daily imbibing new errors. I saw that neither young nor old should attend their meetings; for it is wrong to thus encourage them while they teach error that is a deadly poison to the soul and teach for doctrines the commandments of men. The influence of such gatherings is not good. If God has delivered us from such darkness and error, we should stand fast in the liberty wherewith He has set us free and rejoice in the truth. God is displeased with us when we go to listen to error, without being obliged to go; for unless He sends us to those meetings where error is forced home to the people by the power of the will, He will not keep us. The angels cease their watchful care over us, and we are left to the buffetings of the enemy, to be darkened and weakened by him and the power of his evil angels; and the light around us becomes contaminated with the darkness.” {EW 124.3}

“I saw that we have no time to throw away in listening to fables. Our minds should not be thus diverted, but should be occupied with the present truth..." Early Writings, p. 125.

—rwb