In the slander case depicted in the menu item above this one, the main contention was whether or not Matthew 24:21 applied only to the historic 1260 days of tribulation, or also to a future application. The following statement settles this question forever.
Here is a case where Ellen White applies Matthew 24:21 to a time future to 1888, which was when she penned the statement:
"There is great need that our weakening faith should be quickened, and that we should ever keep before the mind the evidences that our Lord is soon coming, that we may ever be found not only waiting, but watching and working. We are not to be found in idle expectancy; for this leads to carelessness of life, and deficiency of character. We are to realize that the judgments of God are about to fall upon the earth, and we should most earnestly present before the people the warning that the Lord has commissioned us to give: 'For then shall be GREAT TRIBULATION, such as was not since the beginning of the world to this time, no, nor ever shall be.' [Matt. 24:21 quoted] 'Men's hearts failing them for fear, and for looking after those things which are coming on the earth: for the powers of heaven shall be shaken. And then shall they see the Son of man coming in a cloud with power and great glory. And when these things begin to come to pass, then look up, and lift up your heads; for your redemption draweth nigh." The Ellen G. White 1888 Materials, The Perils and Privileges of the LAST DAYS, pr. 6, p. 1073.
As the source reference shows, this statement was written in 1888. Matthew 24:21 is connected (in context) with judgments of God that are about to fall upon the earth. This closes the issue for me. I am not a false prophet for applying Matthew 24:21 to the end-time. Ellen White says in the above statement that the Lord has commissioned us to give the warning of Matthew 24:21, to the world; that this should be most earnestly presented before the people. I rest my case. Contrary to Robert Parker, I am not a false prophet because I applied Matthew 24:21, to the future great time of Jacob's trouble.
Another clear reference is from The Great Controversy, as follows:
"None but the hundred and forty-four thousand can learn that song; for it is the song of their experience--an experience such as no other company have ever had. 'These are they which follow the Lamb whithersoever He goeth." These, having been translated from the earth, from among the living, are counted as 'the first fruits unto God and to the Lamb.' Revelation 15:2, 3; 14:1-5. 'These are they which came out of GREAT TRIBULATION,; 'they have passed through the time of trouble such as NEVER WAS SINCE THERE WAS A NATION; they have endured the anguish of the time of Jacob's trouble; they have stood without an intercessor through the final outpouring of God's judgments." The Great Controversy, p. 648.
Here is a GREAT TRIBULATION, the Time of Jacob's trouble, such as never was since there was a nation. This would have to qualify as the greatest GREAT TRIBULATION since there was a nation, and there were nations from the time the 1260 day prophecy began and ended.
Matthew 24 Conflict After the Gospel Has Gone to All Nations
Dear Robert,
I would like to give you a remarkable example of how Ellen White's statement in SDA Bible Commentary, vol. 7, 985, col. 1, about the conflagration "After the truth has been proclaimed as a witness to all nations, every conceivable power of evil will be set in operation....then there will be a removing of the landmarks..." etc., is NOW being fulfilled right before our very eyes. The SDA Eternal Gospel Church is spreading the three angel's messages all over the world via billboards and newspapers. Whether or not one agrees with this methodology, (I do) the message is still going to all the world, and it is this agitation that will cause the Sunday Law to become international and enforced. This is how we can have a part in inducing--instigating the second coming of Jesus Christ. Ellen White says as much by implying that the trouble will come because of agitation of the truth. The gospel is going to the world without the aid of the professing SDA church, while its leadership and pastors scorn those who are so engaged. Then, "After the truth (Everlasting Gospel of Rev 14) has been proclaimed as a witness to all nations, then, the little and great time of Jacob's trouble will ensue.
Here is the statement in its entirety:
"After the truth has been proclaimed as a witness TO ALL NATIONS, every conceivable power of evil will be set in operation, and minds will be confused by many voices crying, 'Lo, here is Christ; lo, He is there This is the truth, I havew the message from God. He has sent me with great light' [Matt. 24:23]. THEN there will be a removing of the landmarks, and an attempt to tear down the pillars of our faith. A more decided effort will be made to exalt the false sabbath, and to cast contempt upon God Himself by supplanting the day He has blessed and sanctified. This false sabbath is to be enforced by an oppressive law.
Satan and his angels are wide awake and intensely active, working with energy and perseverance through human instrumentalities to bring about his purpose of obliterating from the minds of men the knowledge of God. But while Satan works with his lying wonders, the time will be fulfilled foretold in the Revelaion, and the mighty angel that shall lighten the earth with his glory will proclaim the fall of Babylon, and call upon God's people to forsake her (RH Dec. 13, 1892)." SDA Bible Commentary, vol. 7, p. 985, col. 1.
God bless all,
Ron Beaulieu