THE SEVEN THUNDERS
John the Revelator was about to write what the seven thunders had uttered. It is important to remember that the loud cry was like a lion roaring – as scripture reveals this roar was intended to be a warning of impending judgment. The seven thunders were: “UTTERED” but then were SEALED as soon as they were uttered. This provides an accurate picture of what happened in the history of the Advent movement.
Revelation 10:10 KJV And I took the little book out of the angel's hand, and ate it up; and it was in my mouth sweet as honey: and as soon as I had eaten it, my belly was bitter.
Rev 10:11 KJV And he said unto me, Thou must prophesy again before many peoples, and nations, and tongues, and kings.
John was instructed to take the little book and eat it up. The question must be asked - 'What is this little book?' The Bible has the answer. A vision of the angel standing with his hands outstretched to heaven that is in Revelation 10 is also found in Daniel 12.
Daniel 12:7 KJV And I heard the man clothed in linen, which was upon the waters of the river, when he held up his right hand and his left hand unto heaven, and sware by him that liveth...
Revelation 10:5 KJV And the angel which I saw stand upon the sea and upon the earth lifted up his hand to heaven, Revelation 10:6 KJVAnd sware by him that liveth for ever and ever, who created heaven, and the things that therein are, and the earth, and the things that therein are, and the sea, and the things which are therein, that there should be time no longer:
Instructions about the 'little book' were given to Daniel:
Daniel 12:4 KJV But thou, O Daniel, shut up the words, and seal the book, even to the time of the end: many shall run to and fro, and knowledge shall be increased.
Daniel 12:9 KJV And he said, Go thy way, Daniel: for the words are closed up and sealed till the time of the end.
Twice in the same chapter Daniel is given the instruction to seal the book. The understanding of the book of Daniel - the 'little book' in the angel's hand in Revelation 10 - is sealed to the time of the end. In Revelation 10:2 - And he had in his hand a little book open: and he set his right foot upon the sea, and his left foot on the earth, John sees in the vision that the little book was OPEN or unsealed.
By comparing scripture with scripture we discover the truth.
Ellen White also assists our understanding of WHEN the little book is unsealed. In the Great Controversy (1888) in the chapter - 'A Great Religious Awakening' she writes:
"The fact that an angel is said to be the herald of this warning is significant. By the purity, the glory, and the power of the heavenly messenger, divine wisdom has been pleased to represent the exalted character of the work to be accomplished by the message and the power and glory that were to attend it. And the angel’s flight “in the midst of heaven,” the “loud voice” with which the warning is uttered, and its promulgation to all “that dwell on the earth,”—“to every nation, and kindred, and tongue, and people,”—give evidence of the rapidity and world-wide extent of the movement. GC 355.2
The angel being discussed is none other than the first angel sounding his warning message in Revelation 14
The message itself sheds light as to the time when this movement is to take place. It is declared to be a part of the “everlasting gospel;” and it announces the opening of the judgment. The message of salvation has been preached in all ages; but this message is a part of the gospel which could be proclaimed only in the last days, for only then would it be true that the hour of judgment had come. The prophecies present a succession of events leading down to the opening of the judgment. This is especially true of the book of Daniel. But that part of his prophecy which related to the last days, Daniel was bidden to close up and seal “to the time of the end.” Not till we reach this time could a message concerning the judgment be proclaimed, based on the fulfillment of these prophecies. But at the time of the end, says the prophet, “many shall run to and fro, and knowledge shall be increased.” GC 355.3
The apostle Paul warned the church not to look for the coming of Christ in his day. “That day shall not come,” he says, “except there come a falling away first, and that man of sin be revealed.” 2 Thessalonians 2:3. Not till after the great apostasy, and the long period of the reign of the “man of sin,” can we look for the advent of our Lord. The “man of sin,” which is also styled “the mystery of iniquity,” “the son of perdition,” and “that wicked,” represents the papacy, which, as foretold in prophecy, was to maintain its supremacy for 1260 years. This period ended in 1798. The coming of Christ could not take place before that time. Paul covers with his caution the whole of the Christian dispensation down to the year 1798. It is this side of that time that the message of Christ’s second coming is to be proclaimed. GC 356.1
No such message has ever been given in past ages. Paul, as we have seen, did not preach it; he pointed his brethren into the then far-distant future for the coming of the Lord. The Reformers did not proclaim it. Martin Luther placed the judgment about three hundred years in the future from his day. But since 1798 the book of Daniel has been unsealed, knowledge of the prophecies has increased, and many have proclaimed the solemn message of the judgment near. GC 356.2
Casting her eye over history Ellen White highlights the very important advice that Paul gave the Thessalonians - Christ could not come until the 'man of sin' had been revealed and only after 1798 - "It is this side of that time that the message of Christ’s second coming is to be proclaimed." She refers to the importance of the prophecies and how since the unsealing of the book of Daniel that knowledge of the prophecies has increased. The first angel's message which announces the opening of the judgment "could be proclaimed only in the last days, for only then would it be true that the hour of judgment had come." She also states that the part of Daniel's prophecy relating to the last days was closed up and sealed till the 'time of the end. 'It was not till the 'time of the end ' was reached that the judgment message could be proclaimed.
The time of the end or the time when the judgment message of Revelation 14 was a reality and judgment had truly come according to the prophecies of the little book - Daniel. In the 19th century a great religious awakening took place around the world and it was based on an understanding of the prophecies of Daniel and Revelation. William Miller in the USA spread the news of the soon coming of Christ and the importance of committing one's life and heart to the saviour of the world before it was too late. The prophecies pointed to 1844 as the time for Christ to come. The unsealing of the prophecies of Daniel and the understanding of the imminent judgment of God propelled the Advent movement to the great disappointment when Christ did not come as the prophecies pointed to. Only those people who truly desired to follow God's word saw the need to follow truth no matter what the cost: "Those who sought to shut out the testimony of God’s word they could not regard as constituting the church of Christ, “the pillar and ground of the truth.” Hence they felt themselves justified in separating from their former connection. In the summer of 1844 about fifty thousand withdrew from the churches." GC 376.1
From the history of prophetic interpretation we have discovered that the little book when unsealed spurred on a great revival. The prophetic interpretation although incorrect at that time helped give birth to a church which rediscovered the importance of "remembering the sabbath to keep it holy" and longed to hasten the second advent of Christ.
The question arises - 'If the prophecies were unsealed - why did they get it so wrong?' How can we know today that we have a true and sure understanding of prophecy?
First things first - Christ himself said "Whoso readeth let him understand." Matthew 24:15. We have to read the prophecies with an earnest desire to not have our own preconceived ideas confirmed but to see and hear what the spirit is saying through the word.
Prophecy fills the word of God and assures us that the heavenly father is in full control of this wayward planet and its inhabitants whom he loved so much that he sent his only son to die for their sins. Prophecy reveals to God's people - 'the wise' (Daniel 12:10) those events which are to come (John 16:13).
Revelation 10 and Daniel 12 are complementary chapters. In Revelation 10 the mighty angel comes down from heaven in verse 1 and in verse 2: *[[Rev 10:2]] KJV* And he had in his hand a little book open: and he set his right foot upon the sea, and his left foot on the earth, This similar scene is captured in Daniel 12:*[[Dan 12:5]] KJV* Then I Daniel looked, and, behold, there stood other two, the one on this side of the bank of the river, and the other on that side of the bank of the river.*[[Dan 12:6]] KJV* And one said to the man clothed in linen, which was upon the waters of the river, How long shall it be to the end of these wonders? In verse 4 of Daniel 12: *[[Dan 12:4]] KJV* But thou, O Daniel, shut up the words, and seal the book, even to the time of the end: many shall run to and fro, and knowledge shall be increased. It is important note that the book has been sealed in Daniel, however in Revelation 10 the book is OPEN in the hands of the man clothed in linen. The book is open or unsealed
Similar references are again made to the man clothed in linen in both chapters:
*[[Dan 12:7]] KJV* And I heard the man clothed in linen, which was upon the waters of the river, when he held up his right hand and his left hand unto heaven, and sware by him that liveth for ever that it shall be for a time, times, and an half; and when he shall have accomplished to scatter the power of the holy people, all these things shall be finished.
*[[Rev 10:5]] KJV* And the angel which I saw stand upon the sea and upon the earth lifted up his hand to heaven,*[[Rev 10:6]] KJV* And sware by him that liveth for ever and ever, who created heaven, and the things that therein are, and the earth, and the things that therein are, and the sea, and the things which are therein, that there should be time no longer:
The angel or man clothed in linen in both chapters lifts or holds up his hands to heaven and then makes the same declaration:
"there should be time no longer"
AND
"all these things shall be finished"
Obviously this is a very important declaration and it behooves us to understand its meaning.
We need to go back and see what is happening in both chapters prior to this declaration to understand its real significance and its context.
In *[[Rev 10:2]] KJV* And he had in his hand a little book open: and he set his right foot upon the sea, and his left foot on the earth, - it is very important to note that the 'little book' or the prophecies of Daniel are OPEN or UNSEALED. This unsealing process began in 1798 and even now is still in process as God's witnesses dig and mine the word of truth. Ellen White stated that: "that part of his prophecy which related to the last days, Daniel was bidden to close up and seal “to the time of the end.” The last days are the days that extend right to the coming of Jesus Christ on the very last day. Ellen White writes: The “last days” must embrace the last day. Should we say that the leaves of the New Testament were the last leaves of our Bible, we should speak correctly; yet they would embrace the last leaf. It would be equally correct to call the book of Revelation, or the two last leaves of the Bible, the last leaves. But in each case, the last leaves embrace the very last leaf. So with the last days. If we call the whole Christian age, or the last century, or the last thirty years, the last days, in each case the last days must embrace the very last day.3SG 25.1
The very important and logical principle we can derive from Ellen White's explanation is that :
"the last days must embrace the very last day."
This is a consistent theme through her writings and is also expounded in the following statement:
"In the Scriptures are presented truths that relate especially to our own time. To the period just prior to the appearing of the Son of man, the prophecies of Scripture point, and here their warnings and threatenings pre-eminently apply. The prophetic periods of Daniel, extending to the very eve of the great consummation, throw a flood of light upon events then to transpire. The book of Revelation is also replete with warning and instruction for the last generation. The beloved John, under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, portrays the fearful and thrilling scenes connected with the close of earth’s history, and presents the duties and dangers of God’s people. None need remain in ignorance, none need be unprepared for the coming of the day of God." RH September 25, 1883
The prophecy of Daniel 12 truly extends to the last days which is just prior to the great consummation or the eve of the second coming of Christ.
*[[Rev 10:3]] KJV* And cried with a loud voice, as when a lion roareth: and when he had cried, seven thunders uttered their voices.*[[Rev 10:4]] KJV* And when the seven thunders had uttered their voices, I was about to write: and I heard a voice from heaven saying unto me, Seal up those things which the seven thunders uttered, and write them not.
Right at the beginning of Revelation Chapter 10 the mighty angel of verse 1 who is none other than Christ himself, in verse 2 has in his hand the little book and it is opened. It is fascinating to see that in the next verse the lion of the tribe of Judah cries with a loud voice which is described as being similar to when a lion roars. After his cry seven thunders utter their voices but the command is given to seal up those things which the seven thunders uttered. John was about to write what they uttered but a voice from heaven commanded him not to do so.
“The mighty Angel who instructed John was no less a personage than Jesus Christ. Setting His right foot on the sea, and His left upon the dry land, shows the part which He is acting in the closing scenes of the great controversy with Satan. This position denotes His supreme power and authority over the whole earth. The controversy has waxed stronger and more determined from age to age, and will continue to do so, to the concluding scenes when the masterly working of the powers of darkness shall reach their height. Satan, united with evil men, will deceive the whole world and the churches who receive not the love of the truth. But the mighty Angel demands attention. He cries with a loud voice. He is to show the power and authority of His voice to those who have united with Satan to oppose the truth.” Ms59-1900 1.5900
At the very time the little book is open or unsealed there is still something that remains sealed or not to be understood at the time of the book of Daniel's unsealing. What are the seven thunders that are proclaimed directly after the lion roar of the mighty angel - Christ?
Using the word of God to help us understand why the loud cry is similar to the roar of a lion we need to take note of the following scriptures:
Hosea 11:10 KJV They shall walk after the LORD: he shall roar like a lion: when he shall roar, then the children shall tremble from the west.
Amos 3:4 Will a lion roar in the forest, when he hath no prey? Will a young lion cry out of his den, if he have taken nothing?
5 Can a bird fall in a snare upon the earth, where no gin is for him? Shall one take up a snare from the earth, and have taken nothing at all?
6 Shall a trumpet be blown in the city, and the people not be afraid? Shall there be evil in a city, and the LORD hath not done it?
7 Surely the Lord GOD will do nothing, but he revealeth his secret unto his servants the prophets.
8 The lion hath roared, who will not fear? The Lord GOD hath spoken, who can but prophesy?
Isaiah 21:8 KJVAnd he cried, A lion: My lord, I stand continually upon the watchtower in the daytime, and I am set in my ward whole nights:
Jeremiah 4:7 KJV The lion is come up from his thicket, and the destroyer of the Gentiles is on his way; he is gone forth from his place to make thy land desolate; and thy cities shall be laid waste, without an inhabitant.
Jeremiah 4:19 KJV My bowels, my bowels! I am pained at my very heart; my heart maketh a noise in me; I cannot hold my peace, because thou hast heard, O my soul, the sound of the trumpet, the alarm of war. Jeremiah 4:20 KJV Destruction upon destruction is cried; for the whole land is spoiled: suddenly are my tents spoiled, and my curtains in a moment. Jeremiah 4:21 KJV How long shall I see the standard, and hear the sound of the trumpet?
In the above references we read that God when about to release judgments on the Gentiles or even his own people is compared to a roaring lion. In Hosea 11 when he roars like a lion the "children shall tremble from the west". In Amos 3 a lot of comparisons are made to awaken the reader to understand that God always gives warnings before the judgments happen: the lion will roar, the trumpet will sound and the prophets will prophesy - but the question is - will you hear and heed the warning given? Ellen White referring to the passage in Amos states:
"The Lord, in his great mercy, does not bring judgments upon the earth without giving warning to its inhabitants by the mouth of his servants. Says the prophet Amos, “Surely the Lord God will do nothing, but he revealeth his secret unto his servants the prophets.” [Amos 3:7.] When the iniquity of the antediluvians moved him to bring a flood of waters upon the earth, he first made known to them his purpose, that they might have opportunity to turn from their evil ways." 4SP 208.2
Through Amos also the Lord clearly revealed his purpose to bring judgments upon his impenitent people: “Hear this word that the Lord hath spoken against you, O children of Israel, against the whole family which I brought up from the land of Egypt, saying, You only have I known of all the families of the earth: therefore I will punish you for all your iniquities. Can two walk together, except they be agreed? Will a lion roar in the forest, when he hath no prey? will a young lion cry out of his den, if he have taken nothing?... RH February 5, 1914
Jeremiah chapter four describes the destruction wrought on Israel by Babylon but also makes prophetic reference to the last days:
"It was needful that men should be awakened to their danger; that they should be roused to prepare for the solemn events connected with the close of probation...The prophet Jeremiah, looking forward to this fearful time, exclaimed: “I am pained at my very heart.... I cannot hold my peace, because thou hast heard, O my soul, the sound of the trumpet, the alarm of war. Destruction upon destruction is cried.” Jeremiah 4:19, 20. " GC 310.2
*[[Rev 10:3]] KJV* And cried with a loud voice, as when a lion roareth: and when he had cried, seven thunders uttered their voices.*[[Rev 10:4]] KJV* And when the seven thunders had uttered their voices, I was about to write: and I heard a voice from heaven saying unto me, Seal up those things which the seven thunders uttered, and write them not.
When the mighty angel cried with a loud voice like a roaring lion the seven thunders uttered their voices. We have just determined from comparing scripture with scripture that when God roars like a lion he is warning those who will heed the warning, that judgments are coming. Seemingly straight after the warning we hear the voices of seven thunders. But then the seven thunders are sealed. Could those seven thunders be the judgments that the mighty angel was warning us about?
Let us examine what thunder is in the scriptures. And start with Revelation.
Revelation 14:2 KJV And I heard a voice from heaven, as the voice of many waters, and as the voice of a great thunder: and I heard the voice of harpers harping with their harps:
Job 37:2 KJV Hear attentively the noise of his voice, and the sound that goeth out of his mouth.
Job 37:3 KJV He directeth it under the whole heaven, and his lightning unto the ends of the earth.
Job 37:4 KJV After it a voice roareth: he thundereth with the voice of his excellency; and he will not stay them when his voice is heard.
Job 37:5 KJV God thundereth marvellously with his voice; great things doeth he, which we cannot comprehend.
2Samuel 22:14 KJV The LORD thundered from heaven, and the most High uttered his voice.
Psalms 18:13 KJV The LORD also thundered in the heavens, and the Highest gave his voice; hail stones and coals of fire.
The voice of God is likened to thunder. When on earth Christ whilst witnessing to those about him stated : John 12:28 Father, glorify thy name. Then came there a voice from heaven, saying, I have both glorified it, and will glorify it again. Verse 29: The people therefore, that stood by, and heard it, said that it thundered: others said, An angel spake to him
Thunderings also proceed from the throne of God: Rev 4:5 KJV And out of the throne proceeded lightnings and thunderings and voices: and there were seven lamps of fire burning before the throne, which are the seven Spirits of God.
Just before the seven thunders utter their voices the lion roar is heard warning of judgments to come. Where in scripture are warnings of judgments and thunderings or multiple thunders combined?
Revelation 4:5 KJV And out of the throne proceeded lightnings and thunderings and voices: and there were seven lamps of fire burning before the throne, which are the seven Spirits of God.
In Revelation 4 we are given a description of the throne and its surroundings. From the throne proceed thunderings or multiple thunders. This scene and the chapter itself does not include reference to impending judgments but does reveal where the 'thunderings' come from –from the throne. It must also be stated that this scene continues on in chapter five and six where the one who sits on the throne has in his hand a book Revelation 5:1) with seven seals that are soon to be opened by Christ himself.
Revelation 8:5 KJV And the angel took the censer, and filled it with fire of the altar, and cast it into the earth: and there were voices, and thunderings, and lightnings, and an earthquake.
In this scene we are given a description of 'fire' being cast down to the earth (See Latter Rain study on this website). Then the 'thunderings' are heard. The very next verse and the context of the chapter is a revelation in itself. Prior to the casting of fire to the earth we are told: Revelation 8:2 KJV And I saw the seven angels which stood before God; and to them were given seven trumpets. Trumpets are used as a warning of impending judgment (See Jeremiah 4:19, 20). In the verse immediately following the 'thunderings' Revelation 8:6 KJVAnd the seven angels which had the seven trumpets prepared themselves to sound. This particular passage reveals a direct association between the 'thunderings' and the warning of imminent judgments - the roar of the lion echoes throughout this chapter as the trumpets begin to sound.
Revelation 11:19 KJV And the temple of God was opened in heaven, and there was seen in his temple the ark of his testament: and there were lightnings, and voices, and thunderings, and an earthquake, and great hail. In Revelation chapter 11 we hear 'thunderings' after the seventh trumpet sounds and the declaration is given: "the nations were angry, and thy wrath is come, and the time of the dead, that they should be judged, and that thou shouldest give reward unto thy servants the prophets, and to the saints," (Revelation 11:18) When does God's wrath come? God's wrath sounds like judgments. The time of the judgment of the dead has come. If the judgment of the dead has come it indicates that the judgment of the living has closed. This interpretation accurately fits in with Revelation 10 :Revelation 10:6 KJV And sware by him that liveth for ever and ever, who created heaven, and the things that therein are, and the earth, and the things that therein are, and the sea, and the things which are therein, that there should be time no longer: Revelation 10:7 KJV But 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. Time is no longer, the mystery of God is finished just as the seventh angel begins to sound. Multiple ‘thunders’ sound at the beginning and the end of the seven trumpets, however the ‘thunders’, earthquake and hail after the final trumpet blows signifies the arrival of the seven plagues (Revelation 15:5-8). This is a warning the wicked cannot escape.
Revelation 19:1KJV And after these things I heard a great voice of much people in heaven, saying, Alleluia; Salvation, and glory, and honour, and power, unto the Lord our God:
Revelation19:6 KJV And I heard as it were the voice of a great multitude, and as the voice of many waters, and as the voice of mighty thunderings, saying, Alleluia: for the Lord God omnipotent reigneth.
The thunderings in Revelation 19 are the sound made by ‘a great multitude or the ‘great voice of much people in heaven’ giving praises to the God of the universe. These ‘thunderings’ are not the voice of God nor warnings of judgments to come.
Revelation 10:1- 3 And I saw another mighty angel come down from heaven, clothed with a cloud: and a rainbow was upon his head, and his face was as it were the sun, and his feet as pillars of fire: And he had in his hand a little book open: and he set his right foot upon the sea, and his left foot on the earth, And cried with a loud voice, as when a lion roareth: and when he had cried, seven thunders uttered their voices.
“The mighty Angel who instructed John was no less a personage than Jesus Christ. Setting His right foot on the sea, and His left upon the dry land, shows the part which He is acting in the closing scenes of the great controversy with Satan….He cries with a loud voice. He is to show the power and authority of His voice to those who have united with Satan to oppose the truth.
After these seven thunders uttered their voices, the injunction comes to John, as to Daniel, in regard to the little book: “Seal up those things which the seven thunders uttered.” These relate to future events which will be disclosed in their order.” MS August 16, 1900
Revelation 10 captures Jesus Christ revealing: “His supreme power and authority over the whole earth.”The little book He has in His hand is OPEN. The book of Daniel is OPEN when He cries with a loud voice as when a lion roars and then seven thunders utter their voices.
Revelation 10:4 And when the seven thunders had uttered their voices, I was about to write: and I heard a voice from heaven saying unto me, Seal up those things which the seven thunders uttered, and write them not.
The little book of Daniel has been opened since 1798 and it was in the 1840’s that the prophetic understanding of the three angel’s messages became a reality:
“The first and second messages were given in 1843 and 1844, and we are now under the proclamation of the third; but all three of the messages are still to be proclaimed. It is just as essential now as ever before that they shall be repeated to those who are seeking for the truth. By pen and voice we are to sound the proclamation, showing their order and the application of the prophecies that bring us to the third angel’s message. There cannot be a third without the first and second. These messages we are to give to the world in publications, in discourses, showing in the line of prophetic history the things that have been, and the things that will be.” Ms32-1896 1.3200
“This warning is brought to view in Revelation 14. Here is a threefold message represented as proclaimed by heavenly beings and immediately followed by the coming of the Son of man to reap “the harvest of the earth.” The first of these warnings announces the approaching judgment. The prophet beheld an angel flying “in the midst of heaven, having the everlasting gospel to preach unto them that dwell on the earth, and to every nation, and kindred, and tongue, and people, saying with a loud voice, Fear God, and give glory to Him; for the hour of His judgment is come: and worship Him that made heaven, and earth, and the sea, and the fountains of waters.” Revelation 14:6, 7.GC 311.3
Revelation 10 provides an overview of the experience of the Millerites in the 1840’s. A great movement was propelled by an understanding of the prophecies of Daniel that led them to believe that Christ was to come at the end of the 2300 day prophecy of Daniel 8. Not only did they believe that Christ was coming:
“As far as the interpretations of the 7 Seals and the 7 Trumpets go Miller had, to a great extent, adopted them from other interpreters and passed these on.” Armin Krakolinig - A Historical Background of the Adventist Interpretation of Daniel and Revelation
The Millerites understanding of Revelation had positioned the 7 Seals the 7 Trumpets and the 7 plagues primarily in history as had numerous historians and theologians before him. Please see below William Miller’s understanding of the 7 Trumpets and what they represented:
Armin Krakolinig - A Historical Background of the Adventist Interpretation of Daniel and Revelation
The sixth trumpet was meant to end with the fall of the Ottoman Empire which never happened on the predicted 11 August 1840. (Please see Josiah Litch study on this website for more information). The above application of the seven trumpets although “UTTERED” did not come to fruition or fulfillment. Not only were the Millerites extremely disappointed when Christ did not come at the time they had believed the prophecies of Daniel and Revelation had pointed to. Their understanding of the seals and trumpets and application of them prior to 1844 was also on shaky ground.
John the Revelator was about to write what the seven thunders had uttered. It is important to remember that the loud cry was like a lion roaring – as scripture reveals this roar was intended to be a warning of impending judgment. The seven thunders were: “UTTERED” but then were SEALED as soon as they were uttered. This provides an accurate picture of what happened in the history of the Adventist movement. The trumpets or warnings of judgment were given – the majority of them already being fulfilled in the history of the nations. The fall of the Ottoman Empire was meant to be the ultimate warning before the world became a nightmare of war and cataclysmic events prior to Christ coming in 1844. This never eventuated. The ‘thunders’ were UTTERED but SEALED or not understood at that time.
Ellen White writes:
“The special light given to John which was expressed in the seven thunders was a delineation of events which would transpire under the first and second angels’ messages. It was not best for the people to know these things, for their faith must necessarily be tested. In the order of God, most wonderful and advanced truths would be proclaimed. The first and second angels’ messages were to be proclaimed, but no further light was to be revealed before these messages had done their specific work. MS August 16, 1900
God’s people in the 1840’s were definitely tested. What they thought were solid prophetic declarations – did not eventuate at the time they expected. It truly was a great disappointment! In the above statement Ellen White emphasises that “no further light was to be revealed” until these messages had done their specific work. The first and second Angel’s messages have been given to the world since the disappointment of 1844 but in the latter days will unite with the message of the third angel at the time of the Sunday law to announce the final warning to the world. The work of the first and second Angel’s messages is almost complete and the understanding of the seven thunders is being unsealed. The trumpets will herald the ‘hour of God’s judgment and the final call to ‘Come out of Babylon, my people’ will resound throughout the world.
“[Revelation 18:1, 2, 4, quoted.] This scripture points forward to a time when the announcement of the fall of Babylon, as made by the second angel of Revelation 14 (verse 8), is to be repeated, with the additional mention of the corruptions which have been entering the various organizations that constitute Babylon, since that message was first given, in the summer of 1844.... These announcements, uniting with the third angel's message, constitute the final warning to be given to the inhabitants of the earth....”LDE 199.2
Prophecy declares that the first angel would make his announcement to “every nation, and kindred, and tongue, and people.” The warning of the third angel, which forms a part of the same threefold message, and is the message for this time, will be no less widespread. The banner on which is inscribed, “The commandments of God and the faith of Jesus,” is to be raised aloft. The power of the first and second messages is to be intensified in the third. It is represented in the prophecy as being proclaimed with a loud voice by an angel flying in the midst of heaven, and it will command the attention of the world.ST January 25, 1910, par. 12
The most fearful threatening ever addressed to mortals is contained in the third angel's message. That must be a terrible sin which calls down the wrath of God unmingled with mercy. But men are not left in darkness concerning this important matter; the warning against the worship of the beast and his image is to be given to the world before the visitation of God's judgments, that all may know why the judgments are inflicted, and may have opportunity to escape.ST January 25, 1910, par. 13…The third angel's message increases in importance as we near the close of this earth's history. It is the last offer of mercy to the world, the most solemn message ever given to mortals. ST January 25, 1910, par. 15
God’s warnings to the world are clearly revealed in the three Angel’s messages. God’s judgments are going to be visited on humanity, but it is the responsibility of those who understand the three Angel’s messages and their importance to give the ‘loud cry’ of Revelation 18. This loud cry will be sounded when: “all nations have drunk of the wine of the wrath of her fornication, and the kings of the earth have committed fornication with her, and the merchants of the earth are waxed rich through the abundance of her delicacies.” Revelation 18:4. The trumpets will sound and declare that the hour of His judgment is come. These will be judgments mixed with mercy as the majority of them only affect one third of the world. (Revelation 8:7, 11 etc.). The third angel’s message will echo the warning not to worship the beast and his image as the more fearful judgments – the seven plagues will be poured out on the impenitent: “The same shall drink of the wine of the wrath of God, which is poured out without mixture into the cup of his indignation” (Revelation 14:10).
Revelation 18:1-4 quoted -The words of this scripture are to be fulfilled. Soon the last test is to come to all the inhabitants of the earth. At that time prompt decisions will be made. Those who have been convicted under the presentation of the word, will range themselves under the blood-stained banner of Prince Emmanuel. They will see and understand as never before that they have missed many, many opportunities for serving God. They will realize that they have not worked as zealously as they should to seek and save the lost, to snatch them, as it were, out of the fire. RH December 9, 1902, par. 4
Going back to Revelation 10 we read:
Verses 5-7 And the angel which I saw stand upon the sea and upon the earth lifted up his hand to heaven,
And sware by him that liveth for ever and ever, who created heaven, and the things that therein are, and the earth, and the things that therein are, and the sea, and the things which are therein, that there should be time no longer: But 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.
Those who lived through the great disappointment of Jesus not coming when they believed he would in 1844 came to an understanding of their experience through the above verses. They believed that:
"And the angel which I saw stand upon the sea and upon the earth lifted up his hand to heaven, and sware by him that liveth for ever and ever, who created heaven, and the things that therein are, and the earth, and the things that therein are, and the sea, and the things which are therein, that there should be time no longer.” This message announces the end of the prophetic periods. The disappointment of those who expected to see our Lord in 1844 was indeed bitter to those who had so ardently looked for His appearing. It was in the Lord’s order that this disappointment should come, and that hearts should be revealed. Ms32-1896 1.3200
Not one cloud has fallen upon the church that God has not prepared for; not one opposing force has risen to counterwork the work of God but He has foreseen. All has taken place as He has predicted through His prophets. He has not left His church in darkness, forsaken, but has traced in prophetic declarations what would occur, and through His providence, acting in its appointed place in the world’s history, He has brought about that which His Holy Spirit inspired the prophets to foretell. Ms32-1896 1.3200
All that God has in prophetic history specified to be fulfilled in the past has been, and all that is yet to come in its order will be. Daniel, God's prophet, stands in his place. John stands in his place. In the Revelation the Lion of the tribe of Judah has opened to the students of prophecy the book of Daniel, and thus is Daniel standing in his place. He bears his testimony, that which the Lord revealed to him in vision of the great and solemn events which we must know as we stand on the very threshold of their fulfillment. Ms32-1896 1.3200
This time, which the angel declares with a solemn oath, is not the end of this world's history, neither of probationary time, but of prophetic time, which should precede the advent of our Lord. That is, the people will not have another message upon definite time. After this period of time, reaching from 1842 to 1844, there can be no definite tracing of the prophetic time. The longest reckoning reaches to the autumn of 1844. 19MR 320.4
Revelation 10:7 refers to two events involving a specific time. In the early days of the Advent message the Millerites understanding of the trumpets and their application to historical events helped them to pinpoint what they thought was the ‘mystery of God’ ending:
“When the sixth trumpet hath ceased to sound, the seventh begins, and “in the days of the voice of the seventh angel, when he shall BEGIN to sound, the mystery of God [or dispensation of grace] shall be finished.” It would appear from this, that upon the fall of the Turkish empire, which will take place on the closing up of the “sixth vial” and “trumpet,” that the day of probation will close.” Miller’s Works, vol. 1. Views of the Prophecies and Prophetic Chronology 1842
Miller and Litch believed that August 11, 1840 or the fall of the Turkish empire would herald the close of probation. This did not turn out to be the case. (See the Josiah Litch study and video on this website)
The declaration of the angel announcing that there would be “time no longer” referred to the end of the 2300 day prophecy or “the prophetic time”. The pioneers believed this was also when Christ would come. Revelation 10:7 then states - But 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. The pioneers tied the two references to time in verse 7 together When the prophetic time ceased or was no longer this also meant that the ‘mystery of God’ was to close or end.
Ellen White writes about this time:
“In the special efforts which were made to proclaim the Advent message in the summer of 1844, the leaders in the movement had seen their own experience in the parable of the ten virgins recorded in Matthew 25. There had been a “tarrying time” followed by the cry, “Behold the bridegroom cometh; go ye out to meet him.” This was commonly referred to as “the midnight cry.” In her first vision, this was shown to Mrs. White as a bright light set up behind the Adventists at the beginning of the path. In the parable, they read that those who were ready went in with the bridegroom to the marriage, “and the door was shut.” (See Matthew 25:10.) They therefore concluded that on October 22, 1844, the door of mercy was closed to those who failed to accept the message which had been so widely proclaimed.” EW xxvii.2
A distinction needed to be made in the verse between the references to time. The “time no longer” reference referred to the end of the prophetic period of Daniel 8:14. It is important to note the very next word in the verse –the word: BUT. That word is there to emphasise that the time referred to in the first instance is totally set apart from the time when the mystery of God would come to an end. The pioneers unfortunately believed that they referred to the same event. Therefore a disappointment or bitter experience was the result.
After the disappointment it was the understanding of the sanctuary service that helped them to see: “that they were correct in believing that the end of the 2300 days in 1844 marked an important crisis. But while it was true that that door of hope and mercy by which men had for eighteen hundred years found access to God, was closed, another door was opened, and forgiveness of sins was offered to men through the intercession of Christ in the most holy. One part of His ministration had closed, only to give place to another. There was still an ‘open door’ to the heavenly sanctuary, where Christ was ministering in the sinner's behalf.” EW xxviii.2
As the Advent movement grew in understanding and faith after the disappointment a variety of views on the time that the mystery of God should be finished were expressed. James White believed: “the seventh angel began to sound at the close of the 2300 days, in 1844, when the cleansing of the sanctuary, or the finishing of the mystery of God, commenced.” LIFIN 212.1(1868) The word of God in Revelation 10:7 uses the word “FINISHED”. James uses the word FINISHING which means that it had not finished. Uriah Smith believed: “few will be disposed to deny that the mystery of God is the gospel. It is the same, then, as if the angel had declared, In the days of the voice of the seventh angel, when he shall begin to sound, the gospel shall be finished. But what is the finishing of the gospel? Let us first inquire for what it was given. It was given to take out from the nations a people for God’s name. Acts 15:14. Its finishing must, as a matter of course, be the close of this work. It will be finished when the number of God’s people is made up, mercy ceases to be offered, and probation closes.” DAR1909 526.1(Similar view to 1897 version) So Uriah was also convinced that the ‘gospel’ or ‘mystery of God’ was not FINISHED but in the process of FINISHING. This would happen ‘when the number of God’s people would be made up’.
It is evident from viewing both Uriah Smith’s and James White’s interpretation of Revelation 10:7 that they were attempting to mold a plain statement of scripture into their existing understanding that the trumpets and seals had been fulfilled in a historical setting except for the seventh trumpet which began to sound at the close of the 2300 days in 1844. They had to alter a plain statement of scripture. The events connected with the close of probation are clearly revealed. (See the Close of Probation study and video on this website to ensure you know when this event will take place). When the seventh angel is ‘ABOUT TO’ sound the mystery of God is finished. Once the angel sounds and the declaration is made: “The kingdoms of this world are become the kingdoms of our Lord, and of his Christ; and he shall reign for ever and ever.” Revelation 11:15 (Daniel 7:14) the testimony of God’s witnesses has ended (Revelation 11:7) and the gospel can no longer penetrate the hearts and minds of men. At this announcement the time for the outpouring of God’s wrath has come. In Revelation 11:19 and Revelation 15: 5 the temple is opened in heaven and the vials of God’s wrath are about to be poured out upon the earth. Understanding of the trumpets, seals and plagues was sealed in the days of our Advent pioneers and only now are we privileged to see that portion of Daniel which was sealed –the seven thunders – begin to make sense in the context of the pioneers experience and disappointment.
Revelation 10: 9, 10 And I went unto the angel, and said unto him, Give me the little book. And he said unto me, Take it, and eat it up; and it shall make thy belly bitter, but it shall be in thy mouth sweet as honey. And I took the little book out of the angel's hand, and ate it up; and it was in my mouth sweet as honey: and as soon as I had eaten it, my belly was bitter.
The experience of eating the little book or the book of Daniel for the Advent pioneers was truly a ‘sweet as honey’ experience. They expected Christ to come on October 22, 1844 and spread the news of Christ’s impending return far and wide. The time was spent preparing their hearts and minds in readiness to meet their saviour. When the day dawned on October 23 and they realised their desire to see Christ coming in the clouds had not occurred as they had hoped and believed it became a ‘bitter’ experience. How could they get it so wrong? Especially when the prophecies seemed to point so clearly to the end of the world!
At that time they did not realise that the sealing of the seven thunders also referred to their ‘bitter’ experience. They could not understand the judgments of God including the trumpets and seals because God had sealed them up. The true understanding of the roars of the lion of the tribe of Judah was yet to be revealed.
Revelation 10:11 And he said unto me, Thou must prophesy again before many peoples, and nations, and tongues, and kings.
The climax of Revelation chapter 10 is captured in the final verse. John states that the angel said unto him that he ‘MUST PROPHESY AGAIN’. Even though God’s people had an incomplete understanding of prophecy and suffered a great disappointment and BITTER experience they were admonished to PROPHESY AGAIN.
“As we near the close of this world’s history, the prophecies recorded by Daniel demand our special attention, as they relate to the very time in which we are living. With them should be linked the teachings of the last book of the New Testament Scriptures. Satan has led many to believe that the prophetic portions of the writings of Daniel and of John the revelator cannot be understood. But the promise is plain that special blessing will accompany the study of these prophecies. “The wise shall understand” (verse 10), was spoken of the visions of Daniel that were to be unsealed in the latter days; and of the revelation that Christ gave to His servant John for the guidance of God’s people all through the centuries, the promise is, “Blessed is he that readeth, and they that hear the words of this prophecy, and keep those things which are written therein.” Revelation 1:3.” Prophets and Kings 547.2
“The book that was sealed was not the book of Revelation, but that portion of the prophecy of Daniel which related to the last days. The Scripture says, “But thou, O Daniel, shut up the words, and seal the book, even to the time of the end: many shall run to and fro, and knowledge shall be increased.” When the book was opened, the proclamation was made, “Time shall be no longer.” The book of Daniel is now unsealed, and the revelation made by Christ to John is to come to all the inhabitants of the earth. By the increase of knowledge a people is to be prepared to stand in the latter days.” 1MR 43.3
The first and second angels’ messages were to be proclaimed, but no further light was to be revealed before these messages had done their specific work. MS August 16, 1900
The time has come when the first and second angel’s messages have done their work and light is illuminating the prophecies of Daniel and Revelation. The latter days are here and the visions pertaining to that time are being understood by the wise (Daniel 12:10). The seven thunders or judgments of God are no longer sealed. The warnings must be given to a dying world.
By comparing scripture to scripture it is interesting to note that Ezekiel was given similar instructions when he was told to prophesy to the house of Israel. In Ezekiel 2:3-10 &3:1-3 we read:
“And he said unto me, Son of man, I send thee to the children of Israel, to a rebellious nation that hath rebelled against me: they and their fathers have transgressed against me, even unto this very day. For they are impudent children and stiffhearted. I do send thee unto them; and thou shalt say unto them, Thus saith the Lord GOD. And they, whether they will hear, or whether they will forbear, (for they are a rebellious house,) yet shall know that there hath been a prophet among them. And thou, son of man, be not afraid of them, neither be afraid of their words, though briers and thorns be with thee, and thou dost dwell among scorpions: be not afraid of their words, nor be dismayed at their looks, though they be a rebellious house. And thou shalt speak my words unto them, whether they will hear, or whether they will forbear: for they are most rebellious. But thou, son of man, hear what I say unto thee; Be not thou rebellious like that rebellious house: open thy mouth, and eat that I give thee. And when I looked, behold, an hand was sent unto me; and, lo, a roll of a book was therein; And he spread it before me; and it was written within and without: and there was written therein lamentations, and mourning, and woe.”
“Moreover he said unto me, Son of man, eat that thou findest; eat this roll, and go speak unto the house of Israel. So I opened my mouth, and he caused me to eat that roll. And he said unto me, Son of man, cause thy belly to eat, and fill thy bowels with this roll that I give thee. Then did I eat it; and it was in my mouth as honey for sweetness”
It was not good news for the house of Israel. Yet commanded to prophesy Ezekiel did exactly that. In Ezekiel 3: 14-21
“So the spirit lifted me up, and took me away, and I went in bitterness, in the heat of my spirit; but the hand of the LORD was strong upon me. Then I came to them of the captivity at Telabib, that dwelt by the river of Chebar, and I sat where they sat, and remained there astonished among them seven days. And it came to pass at the end of seven days, that the word of the LORD came unto me, saying, Son of man, I have made thee a watchman unto the house of Israel: therefore hear the word at my mouth, and give them warning from me. When I say unto the wicked, Thou shalt surely die; and thou givest him not warning, nor speakest to warn the wicked from his wicked way, to save his life; the same wicked man shall die in his iniquity; but his blood will I require at thine hand. Yet if thou warn the wicked, and he turn not from his wickedness, nor from his wicked way, he shall die in his iniquity; but thou hast delivered thy soul. Again, When a righteous man doth turn from his righteousness, and commit iniquity, and I lay a stumblingblock before him, he shall die: because thou hast not given him warning, he shall die in his sin, and his righteousness which he hath done shall not be remembered; but his blood will I require at thine hand. Nevertheless if thou warn the righteous man, that the righteous sin not, and he doth not sin, he shall surely live, because he is warned; also thou hast delivered thy soul.”
The roll Ezekiel ate was symbolic of the messages God wanted him to give Israel. It is important to note that at this time Israel were already captives of Babylon. The roll Ezekiel ate is described in Ezekiel 2:10 as being: “written within and without: and there was written therein lamentations, and mourning, and woe.” The messages Ezekiel had to convey to God’s people were not going to be desirable. Lamentations, mourning and woe were the core messages Ezekiel was asked to deliver. Comparing Ezekiel’s experience and God’s desire for him to prophesy to God’s people has amazing similarities to the message given to John the Revelator and the Advent believers: “Thou must prophesy again.” The messages to be given by God’s people are warnings –the judgments or trumpets of God will blow and three of them are ‘woes’. The three Angel’s messages resound throughout the world warning people to:
Fear God, and give glory to him; for the hour of his judgment is come: and worship him that made heaven, and earth, and the sea, and the fountains of waters. (First Angel’s message – Revelation 14:7)
Come out of Babylon my people, that ye be not partakers of her sins, and that ye receive not of her plagues (Second Angel’s message –Revelation 14:8).
And 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; (Third Angel’s message – Revelation 14:9-11)
Without a doubt God’s warning messages are to be given: before many peoples, and nations, and tongues, and kings. The final messages to the world are also replete with lamentations, woe and mourning. The seven thunders will utter their voices and the lion’s roar will be made plain –the hour of his judgment IS come. God’s witnesses will prophesy again and it will be in sackcloth (Revelation 11:3). More detail about the final warning given by God’s witnesses and the vital role they play can be found in the study –Revelation 11 on this website. 2 Peter 3:9 The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance.
Ezekiel also experienced bitterness – the Strongs concordance describe his bitterness as:
mar mârâh
mar, maw-raw'
From H4843; bitter (literally or figuratively); also (as noun) bitterness, or (adverbially) bitterly: - + angry, bitter (-ly, -ness), chafed, discontented, X great, heavy.
Ezekiel’s heart was heavy with the burden that God had asked him to bear. He even sat for seven days ‘astonished’ or in a stunned state, totally taken aback with what God had requested him to do. Such responsibility and urgency to get the message out! However Ezekiel didn’t shrink from the task.
It is interesting to note that when a person is chosen by God to prophesy, the Lord is very precise about the eternal consequences of the prophesying. In Ezekiel chapter 33 the same sentiments expressed to Ezekiel in chapter 3 were reiterated. Ezekiel was a chosen watchman to the house of Israel:
Ezekiel 33:2-7 Son of man, speak to the children of thy people, and say unto them, When I bring the sword upon a land, if the people of the land take a man of their coasts, and set him for their watchman:If when he seeth the sword come upon the land, he blow the trumpet, and warn the people; Then whosoever heareth the sound of the trumpet, and taketh not warning; if the sword come, and take him away, his blood shall be upon his own head. He heard the sound of the trumpet, and took not warning; his blood shall be upon him. But he that taketh warning shall deliver his soul. But if the watchman see the sword come, and blow not the trumpet, and the people be not warned; if the sword come, and take any person from among them, he is taken away in his iniquity; but his blood will I require at the watchman's hand. So thou, O son of man, I have set thee a watchman unto the house of Israel; therefore thou shalt hear the word at my mouth, and warn them from me.
God’s people today are in the same position as Ezekiel. We are the watchmen and women. It is the command: “Thou must prophesy again before many peoples, and nations, and tongues, and kings.” Revelation 10:11 that confirms God’s people as ‘watchmen’. It is now not only the house of Israel that must be warned! The world must be warned!
Amos 3:7 Surely the Lord GOD will do nothing, but he revealeth his secret unto his servants the prophets.
Amos 3:8 The lion hath roared, who will not fear? the Lord GOD hath spoken, who can but prophesy?
The secret has been unsealed. That secret is unveiled to his servants – the prophets. The seven trumpets will sound and is a reason to fear and prophesy. It is no coincidence that in the very next chapter – Revelation 11 that God’s witnesses are described as PROPHESYING in sackcloth: Revelation 11:3.
Jeremiah 4:18 – 21: “Thy way and thy doings have procured these things unto thee; this is thy wickedness, because it is bitter, because it reacheth unto thine heart. My bowels, my bowels! I am pained at my very heart; my heart maketh a noise in me; I cannot hold my peace, because thou hast heard, O my soul, the sound of the trumpet, the alarm of war. Destruction upon destruction is cried; for the whole land is spoiled: suddenly are my tents spoiled, and my curtains in a moment. How long shall I see the standard, and hear the sound of the trumpet? “
The messages to be given by God’s prophets or witnesses are not going to be easy to give. But no matter how ‘bitter’ the message is, it must be given. Ezekiel had to prophesy “lamentations, woe and mourning” Ezekiel 2: 10. When the trumpets finally sound and ‘destruction upon destruction’ is prophesied by God’s witnesses it will be the final opportunity for the world to hear the gospel message and “he that taketh warning shall deliver his soul.” Ezekiel 33:5.
Amos 3:8 The lion hath roared, who will not fear? the Lord GOD hath spoken, who can but prophesy?
Rev 10:11 KJV And he said unto me, Thou must prophesy again before many peoples, and nations, and tongues, and kings.
John was instructed to take the little book and eat it up. The question must be asked - 'What is this little book?' The Bible has the answer. A vision of the angel standing with his hands outstretched to heaven that is in Revelation 10 is also found in Daniel 12.
Daniel 12:7 KJV And I heard the man clothed in linen, which was upon the waters of the river, when he held up his right hand and his left hand unto heaven, and sware by him that liveth...
Revelation 10:5 KJV And the angel which I saw stand upon the sea and upon the earth lifted up his hand to heaven, Revelation 10:6 KJVAnd sware by him that liveth for ever and ever, who created heaven, and the things that therein are, and the earth, and the things that therein are, and the sea, and the things which are therein, that there should be time no longer:
Instructions about the 'little book' were given to Daniel:
Daniel 12:4 KJV But thou, O Daniel, shut up the words, and seal the book, even to the time of the end: many shall run to and fro, and knowledge shall be increased.
Daniel 12:9 KJV And he said, Go thy way, Daniel: for the words are closed up and sealed till the time of the end.
Twice in the same chapter Daniel is given the instruction to seal the book. The understanding of the book of Daniel - the 'little book' in the angel's hand in Revelation 10 - is sealed to the time of the end. In Revelation 10:2 - And he had in his hand a little book open: and he set his right foot upon the sea, and his left foot on the earth, John sees in the vision that the little book was OPEN or unsealed.
By comparing scripture with scripture we discover the truth.
Ellen White also assists our understanding of WHEN the little book is unsealed. In the Great Controversy (1888) in the chapter - 'A Great Religious Awakening' she writes:
"The fact that an angel is said to be the herald of this warning is significant. By the purity, the glory, and the power of the heavenly messenger, divine wisdom has been pleased to represent the exalted character of the work to be accomplished by the message and the power and glory that were to attend it. And the angel’s flight “in the midst of heaven,” the “loud voice” with which the warning is uttered, and its promulgation to all “that dwell on the earth,”—“to every nation, and kindred, and tongue, and people,”—give evidence of the rapidity and world-wide extent of the movement. GC 355.2
The angel being discussed is none other than the first angel sounding his warning message in Revelation 14
The message itself sheds light as to the time when this movement is to take place. It is declared to be a part of the “everlasting gospel;” and it announces the opening of the judgment. The message of salvation has been preached in all ages; but this message is a part of the gospel which could be proclaimed only in the last days, for only then would it be true that the hour of judgment had come. The prophecies present a succession of events leading down to the opening of the judgment. This is especially true of the book of Daniel. But that part of his prophecy which related to the last days, Daniel was bidden to close up and seal “to the time of the end.” Not till we reach this time could a message concerning the judgment be proclaimed, based on the fulfillment of these prophecies. But at the time of the end, says the prophet, “many shall run to and fro, and knowledge shall be increased.” GC 355.3
The apostle Paul warned the church not to look for the coming of Christ in his day. “That day shall not come,” he says, “except there come a falling away first, and that man of sin be revealed.” 2 Thessalonians 2:3. Not till after the great apostasy, and the long period of the reign of the “man of sin,” can we look for the advent of our Lord. The “man of sin,” which is also styled “the mystery of iniquity,” “the son of perdition,” and “that wicked,” represents the papacy, which, as foretold in prophecy, was to maintain its supremacy for 1260 years. This period ended in 1798. The coming of Christ could not take place before that time. Paul covers with his caution the whole of the Christian dispensation down to the year 1798. It is this side of that time that the message of Christ’s second coming is to be proclaimed. GC 356.1
No such message has ever been given in past ages. Paul, as we have seen, did not preach it; he pointed his brethren into the then far-distant future for the coming of the Lord. The Reformers did not proclaim it. Martin Luther placed the judgment about three hundred years in the future from his day. But since 1798 the book of Daniel has been unsealed, knowledge of the prophecies has increased, and many have proclaimed the solemn message of the judgment near. GC 356.2
Casting her eye over history Ellen White highlights the very important advice that Paul gave the Thessalonians - Christ could not come until the 'man of sin' had been revealed and only after 1798 - "It is this side of that time that the message of Christ’s second coming is to be proclaimed." She refers to the importance of the prophecies and how since the unsealing of the book of Daniel that knowledge of the prophecies has increased. The first angel's message which announces the opening of the judgment "could be proclaimed only in the last days, for only then would it be true that the hour of judgment had come." She also states that the part of Daniel's prophecy relating to the last days was closed up and sealed till the 'time of the end. 'It was not till the 'time of the end ' was reached that the judgment message could be proclaimed.
The time of the end or the time when the judgment message of Revelation 14 was a reality and judgment had truly come according to the prophecies of the little book - Daniel. In the 19th century a great religious awakening took place around the world and it was based on an understanding of the prophecies of Daniel and Revelation. William Miller in the USA spread the news of the soon coming of Christ and the importance of committing one's life and heart to the saviour of the world before it was too late. The prophecies pointed to 1844 as the time for Christ to come. The unsealing of the prophecies of Daniel and the understanding of the imminent judgment of God propelled the Advent movement to the great disappointment when Christ did not come as the prophecies pointed to. Only those people who truly desired to follow God's word saw the need to follow truth no matter what the cost: "Those who sought to shut out the testimony of God’s word they could not regard as constituting the church of Christ, “the pillar and ground of the truth.” Hence they felt themselves justified in separating from their former connection. In the summer of 1844 about fifty thousand withdrew from the churches." GC 376.1
From the history of prophetic interpretation we have discovered that the little book when unsealed spurred on a great revival. The prophetic interpretation although incorrect at that time helped give birth to a church which rediscovered the importance of "remembering the sabbath to keep it holy" and longed to hasten the second advent of Christ.
The question arises - 'If the prophecies were unsealed - why did they get it so wrong?' How can we know today that we have a true and sure understanding of prophecy?
First things first - Christ himself said "Whoso readeth let him understand." Matthew 24:15. We have to read the prophecies with an earnest desire to not have our own preconceived ideas confirmed but to see and hear what the spirit is saying through the word.
Prophecy fills the word of God and assures us that the heavenly father is in full control of this wayward planet and its inhabitants whom he loved so much that he sent his only son to die for their sins. Prophecy reveals to God's people - 'the wise' (Daniel 12:10) those events which are to come (John 16:13).
Revelation 10 and Daniel 12 are complementary chapters. In Revelation 10 the mighty angel comes down from heaven in verse 1 and in verse 2: *[[Rev 10:2]] KJV* And he had in his hand a little book open: and he set his right foot upon the sea, and his left foot on the earth, This similar scene is captured in Daniel 12:*[[Dan 12:5]] KJV* Then I Daniel looked, and, behold, there stood other two, the one on this side of the bank of the river, and the other on that side of the bank of the river.*[[Dan 12:6]] KJV* And one said to the man clothed in linen, which was upon the waters of the river, How long shall it be to the end of these wonders? In verse 4 of Daniel 12: *[[Dan 12:4]] KJV* But thou, O Daniel, shut up the words, and seal the book, even to the time of the end: many shall run to and fro, and knowledge shall be increased. It is important note that the book has been sealed in Daniel, however in Revelation 10 the book is OPEN in the hands of the man clothed in linen. The book is open or unsealed
Similar references are again made to the man clothed in linen in both chapters:
*[[Dan 12:7]] KJV* And I heard the man clothed in linen, which was upon the waters of the river, when he held up his right hand and his left hand unto heaven, and sware by him that liveth for ever that it shall be for a time, times, and an half; and when he shall have accomplished to scatter the power of the holy people, all these things shall be finished.
*[[Rev 10:5]] KJV* And the angel which I saw stand upon the sea and upon the earth lifted up his hand to heaven,*[[Rev 10:6]] KJV* And sware by him that liveth for ever and ever, who created heaven, and the things that therein are, and the earth, and the things that therein are, and the sea, and the things which are therein, that there should be time no longer:
The angel or man clothed in linen in both chapters lifts or holds up his hands to heaven and then makes the same declaration:
"there should be time no longer"
AND
"all these things shall be finished"
Obviously this is a very important declaration and it behooves us to understand its meaning.
We need to go back and see what is happening in both chapters prior to this declaration to understand its real significance and its context.
In *[[Rev 10:2]] KJV* And he had in his hand a little book open: and he set his right foot upon the sea, and his left foot on the earth, - it is very important to note that the 'little book' or the prophecies of Daniel are OPEN or UNSEALED. This unsealing process began in 1798 and even now is still in process as God's witnesses dig and mine the word of truth. Ellen White stated that: "that part of his prophecy which related to the last days, Daniel was bidden to close up and seal “to the time of the end.” The last days are the days that extend right to the coming of Jesus Christ on the very last day. Ellen White writes: The “last days” must embrace the last day. Should we say that the leaves of the New Testament were the last leaves of our Bible, we should speak correctly; yet they would embrace the last leaf. It would be equally correct to call the book of Revelation, or the two last leaves of the Bible, the last leaves. But in each case, the last leaves embrace the very last leaf. So with the last days. If we call the whole Christian age, or the last century, or the last thirty years, the last days, in each case the last days must embrace the very last day.3SG 25.1
The very important and logical principle we can derive from Ellen White's explanation is that :
"the last days must embrace the very last day."
This is a consistent theme through her writings and is also expounded in the following statement:
"In the Scriptures are presented truths that relate especially to our own time. To the period just prior to the appearing of the Son of man, the prophecies of Scripture point, and here their warnings and threatenings pre-eminently apply. The prophetic periods of Daniel, extending to the very eve of the great consummation, throw a flood of light upon events then to transpire. The book of Revelation is also replete with warning and instruction for the last generation. The beloved John, under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, portrays the fearful and thrilling scenes connected with the close of earth’s history, and presents the duties and dangers of God’s people. None need remain in ignorance, none need be unprepared for the coming of the day of God." RH September 25, 1883
The prophecy of Daniel 12 truly extends to the last days which is just prior to the great consummation or the eve of the second coming of Christ.
*[[Rev 10:3]] KJV* And cried with a loud voice, as when a lion roareth: and when he had cried, seven thunders uttered their voices.*[[Rev 10:4]] KJV* And when the seven thunders had uttered their voices, I was about to write: and I heard a voice from heaven saying unto me, Seal up those things which the seven thunders uttered, and write them not.
Right at the beginning of Revelation Chapter 10 the mighty angel of verse 1 who is none other than Christ himself, in verse 2 has in his hand the little book and it is opened. It is fascinating to see that in the next verse the lion of the tribe of Judah cries with a loud voice which is described as being similar to when a lion roars. After his cry seven thunders utter their voices but the command is given to seal up those things which the seven thunders uttered. John was about to write what they uttered but a voice from heaven commanded him not to do so.
“The mighty Angel who instructed John was no less a personage than Jesus Christ. Setting His right foot on the sea, and His left upon the dry land, shows the part which He is acting in the closing scenes of the great controversy with Satan. This position denotes His supreme power and authority over the whole earth. The controversy has waxed stronger and more determined from age to age, and will continue to do so, to the concluding scenes when the masterly working of the powers of darkness shall reach their height. Satan, united with evil men, will deceive the whole world and the churches who receive not the love of the truth. But the mighty Angel demands attention. He cries with a loud voice. He is to show the power and authority of His voice to those who have united with Satan to oppose the truth.” Ms59-1900 1.5900
At the very time the little book is open or unsealed there is still something that remains sealed or not to be understood at the time of the book of Daniel's unsealing. What are the seven thunders that are proclaimed directly after the lion roar of the mighty angel - Christ?
Using the word of God to help us understand why the loud cry is similar to the roar of a lion we need to take note of the following scriptures:
Hosea 11:10 KJV They shall walk after the LORD: he shall roar like a lion: when he shall roar, then the children shall tremble from the west.
Amos 3:4 Will a lion roar in the forest, when he hath no prey? Will a young lion cry out of his den, if he have taken nothing?
5 Can a bird fall in a snare upon the earth, where no gin is for him? Shall one take up a snare from the earth, and have taken nothing at all?
6 Shall a trumpet be blown in the city, and the people not be afraid? Shall there be evil in a city, and the LORD hath not done it?
7 Surely the Lord GOD will do nothing, but he revealeth his secret unto his servants the prophets.
8 The lion hath roared, who will not fear? The Lord GOD hath spoken, who can but prophesy?
Isaiah 21:8 KJVAnd he cried, A lion: My lord, I stand continually upon the watchtower in the daytime, and I am set in my ward whole nights:
Jeremiah 4:7 KJV The lion is come up from his thicket, and the destroyer of the Gentiles is on his way; he is gone forth from his place to make thy land desolate; and thy cities shall be laid waste, without an inhabitant.
Jeremiah 4:19 KJV My bowels, my bowels! I am pained at my very heart; my heart maketh a noise in me; I cannot hold my peace, because thou hast heard, O my soul, the sound of the trumpet, the alarm of war. Jeremiah 4:20 KJV Destruction upon destruction is cried; for the whole land is spoiled: suddenly are my tents spoiled, and my curtains in a moment. Jeremiah 4:21 KJV How long shall I see the standard, and hear the sound of the trumpet?
In the above references we read that God when about to release judgments on the Gentiles or even his own people is compared to a roaring lion. In Hosea 11 when he roars like a lion the "children shall tremble from the west". In Amos 3 a lot of comparisons are made to awaken the reader to understand that God always gives warnings before the judgments happen: the lion will roar, the trumpet will sound and the prophets will prophesy - but the question is - will you hear and heed the warning given? Ellen White referring to the passage in Amos states:
"The Lord, in his great mercy, does not bring judgments upon the earth without giving warning to its inhabitants by the mouth of his servants. Says the prophet Amos, “Surely the Lord God will do nothing, but he revealeth his secret unto his servants the prophets.” [Amos 3:7.] When the iniquity of the antediluvians moved him to bring a flood of waters upon the earth, he first made known to them his purpose, that they might have opportunity to turn from their evil ways." 4SP 208.2
Through Amos also the Lord clearly revealed his purpose to bring judgments upon his impenitent people: “Hear this word that the Lord hath spoken against you, O children of Israel, against the whole family which I brought up from the land of Egypt, saying, You only have I known of all the families of the earth: therefore I will punish you for all your iniquities. Can two walk together, except they be agreed? Will a lion roar in the forest, when he hath no prey? will a young lion cry out of his den, if he have taken nothing?... RH February 5, 1914
Jeremiah chapter four describes the destruction wrought on Israel by Babylon but also makes prophetic reference to the last days:
"It was needful that men should be awakened to their danger; that they should be roused to prepare for the solemn events connected with the close of probation...The prophet Jeremiah, looking forward to this fearful time, exclaimed: “I am pained at my very heart.... I cannot hold my peace, because thou hast heard, O my soul, the sound of the trumpet, the alarm of war. Destruction upon destruction is cried.” Jeremiah 4:19, 20. " GC 310.2
*[[Rev 10:3]] KJV* And cried with a loud voice, as when a lion roareth: and when he had cried, seven thunders uttered their voices.*[[Rev 10:4]] KJV* And when the seven thunders had uttered their voices, I was about to write: and I heard a voice from heaven saying unto me, Seal up those things which the seven thunders uttered, and write them not.
When the mighty angel cried with a loud voice like a roaring lion the seven thunders uttered their voices. We have just determined from comparing scripture with scripture that when God roars like a lion he is warning those who will heed the warning, that judgments are coming. Seemingly straight after the warning we hear the voices of seven thunders. But then the seven thunders are sealed. Could those seven thunders be the judgments that the mighty angel was warning us about?
Let us examine what thunder is in the scriptures. And start with Revelation.
Revelation 14:2 KJV And I heard a voice from heaven, as the voice of many waters, and as the voice of a great thunder: and I heard the voice of harpers harping with their harps:
Job 37:2 KJV Hear attentively the noise of his voice, and the sound that goeth out of his mouth.
Job 37:3 KJV He directeth it under the whole heaven, and his lightning unto the ends of the earth.
Job 37:4 KJV After it a voice roareth: he thundereth with the voice of his excellency; and he will not stay them when his voice is heard.
Job 37:5 KJV God thundereth marvellously with his voice; great things doeth he, which we cannot comprehend.
2Samuel 22:14 KJV The LORD thundered from heaven, and the most High uttered his voice.
Psalms 18:13 KJV The LORD also thundered in the heavens, and the Highest gave his voice; hail stones and coals of fire.
The voice of God is likened to thunder. When on earth Christ whilst witnessing to those about him stated : John 12:28 Father, glorify thy name. Then came there a voice from heaven, saying, I have both glorified it, and will glorify it again. Verse 29: The people therefore, that stood by, and heard it, said that it thundered: others said, An angel spake to him
Thunderings also proceed from the throne of God: Rev 4:5 KJV And out of the throne proceeded lightnings and thunderings and voices: and there were seven lamps of fire burning before the throne, which are the seven Spirits of God.
Just before the seven thunders utter their voices the lion roar is heard warning of judgments to come. Where in scripture are warnings of judgments and thunderings or multiple thunders combined?
Revelation 4:5 KJV And out of the throne proceeded lightnings and thunderings and voices: and there were seven lamps of fire burning before the throne, which are the seven Spirits of God.
In Revelation 4 we are given a description of the throne and its surroundings. From the throne proceed thunderings or multiple thunders. This scene and the chapter itself does not include reference to impending judgments but does reveal where the 'thunderings' come from –from the throne. It must also be stated that this scene continues on in chapter five and six where the one who sits on the throne has in his hand a book Revelation 5:1) with seven seals that are soon to be opened by Christ himself.
Revelation 8:5 KJV And the angel took the censer, and filled it with fire of the altar, and cast it into the earth: and there were voices, and thunderings, and lightnings, and an earthquake.
In this scene we are given a description of 'fire' being cast down to the earth (See Latter Rain study on this website). Then the 'thunderings' are heard. The very next verse and the context of the chapter is a revelation in itself. Prior to the casting of fire to the earth we are told: Revelation 8:2 KJV And I saw the seven angels which stood before God; and to them were given seven trumpets. Trumpets are used as a warning of impending judgment (See Jeremiah 4:19, 20). In the verse immediately following the 'thunderings' Revelation 8:6 KJVAnd the seven angels which had the seven trumpets prepared themselves to sound. This particular passage reveals a direct association between the 'thunderings' and the warning of imminent judgments - the roar of the lion echoes throughout this chapter as the trumpets begin to sound.
Revelation 11:19 KJV And the temple of God was opened in heaven, and there was seen in his temple the ark of his testament: and there were lightnings, and voices, and thunderings, and an earthquake, and great hail. In Revelation chapter 11 we hear 'thunderings' after the seventh trumpet sounds and the declaration is given: "the nations were angry, and thy wrath is come, and the time of the dead, that they should be judged, and that thou shouldest give reward unto thy servants the prophets, and to the saints," (Revelation 11:18) When does God's wrath come? God's wrath sounds like judgments. The time of the judgment of the dead has come. If the judgment of the dead has come it indicates that the judgment of the living has closed. This interpretation accurately fits in with Revelation 10 :Revelation 10:6 KJV And sware by him that liveth for ever and ever, who created heaven, and the things that therein are, and the earth, and the things that therein are, and the sea, and the things which are therein, that there should be time no longer: Revelation 10:7 KJV But 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. Time is no longer, the mystery of God is finished just as the seventh angel begins to sound. Multiple ‘thunders’ sound at the beginning and the end of the seven trumpets, however the ‘thunders’, earthquake and hail after the final trumpet blows signifies the arrival of the seven plagues (Revelation 15:5-8). This is a warning the wicked cannot escape.
Revelation 19:1KJV And after these things I heard a great voice of much people in heaven, saying, Alleluia; Salvation, and glory, and honour, and power, unto the Lord our God:
Revelation19:6 KJV And I heard as it were the voice of a great multitude, and as the voice of many waters, and as the voice of mighty thunderings, saying, Alleluia: for the Lord God omnipotent reigneth.
The thunderings in Revelation 19 are the sound made by ‘a great multitude or the ‘great voice of much people in heaven’ giving praises to the God of the universe. These ‘thunderings’ are not the voice of God nor warnings of judgments to come.
Revelation 10:1- 3 And I saw another mighty angel come down from heaven, clothed with a cloud: and a rainbow was upon his head, and his face was as it were the sun, and his feet as pillars of fire: And he had in his hand a little book open: and he set his right foot upon the sea, and his left foot on the earth, And cried with a loud voice, as when a lion roareth: and when he had cried, seven thunders uttered their voices.
“The mighty Angel who instructed John was no less a personage than Jesus Christ. Setting His right foot on the sea, and His left upon the dry land, shows the part which He is acting in the closing scenes of the great controversy with Satan….He cries with a loud voice. He is to show the power and authority of His voice to those who have united with Satan to oppose the truth.
After these seven thunders uttered their voices, the injunction comes to John, as to Daniel, in regard to the little book: “Seal up those things which the seven thunders uttered.” These relate to future events which will be disclosed in their order.” MS August 16, 1900
Revelation 10 captures Jesus Christ revealing: “His supreme power and authority over the whole earth.”The little book He has in His hand is OPEN. The book of Daniel is OPEN when He cries with a loud voice as when a lion roars and then seven thunders utter their voices.
Revelation 10:4 And when the seven thunders had uttered their voices, I was about to write: and I heard a voice from heaven saying unto me, Seal up those things which the seven thunders uttered, and write them not.
The little book of Daniel has been opened since 1798 and it was in the 1840’s that the prophetic understanding of the three angel’s messages became a reality:
“The first and second messages were given in 1843 and 1844, and we are now under the proclamation of the third; but all three of the messages are still to be proclaimed. It is just as essential now as ever before that they shall be repeated to those who are seeking for the truth. By pen and voice we are to sound the proclamation, showing their order and the application of the prophecies that bring us to the third angel’s message. There cannot be a third without the first and second. These messages we are to give to the world in publications, in discourses, showing in the line of prophetic history the things that have been, and the things that will be.” Ms32-1896 1.3200
“This warning is brought to view in Revelation 14. Here is a threefold message represented as proclaimed by heavenly beings and immediately followed by the coming of the Son of man to reap “the harvest of the earth.” The first of these warnings announces the approaching judgment. The prophet beheld an angel flying “in the midst of heaven, having the everlasting gospel to preach unto them that dwell on the earth, and to every nation, and kindred, and tongue, and people, saying with a loud voice, Fear God, and give glory to Him; for the hour of His judgment is come: and worship Him that made heaven, and earth, and the sea, and the fountains of waters.” Revelation 14:6, 7.GC 311.3
Revelation 10 provides an overview of the experience of the Millerites in the 1840’s. A great movement was propelled by an understanding of the prophecies of Daniel that led them to believe that Christ was to come at the end of the 2300 day prophecy of Daniel 8. Not only did they believe that Christ was coming:
“As far as the interpretations of the 7 Seals and the 7 Trumpets go Miller had, to a great extent, adopted them from other interpreters and passed these on.” Armin Krakolinig - A Historical Background of the Adventist Interpretation of Daniel and Revelation
The Millerites understanding of Revelation had positioned the 7 Seals the 7 Trumpets and the 7 plagues primarily in history as had numerous historians and theologians before him. Please see below William Miller’s understanding of the 7 Trumpets and what they represented:
Armin Krakolinig - A Historical Background of the Adventist Interpretation of Daniel and Revelation
The sixth trumpet was meant to end with the fall of the Ottoman Empire which never happened on the predicted 11 August 1840. (Please see Josiah Litch study on this website for more information). The above application of the seven trumpets although “UTTERED” did not come to fruition or fulfillment. Not only were the Millerites extremely disappointed when Christ did not come at the time they had believed the prophecies of Daniel and Revelation had pointed to. Their understanding of the seals and trumpets and application of them prior to 1844 was also on shaky ground.
John the Revelator was about to write what the seven thunders had uttered. It is important to remember that the loud cry was like a lion roaring – as scripture reveals this roar was intended to be a warning of impending judgment. The seven thunders were: “UTTERED” but then were SEALED as soon as they were uttered. This provides an accurate picture of what happened in the history of the Adventist movement. The trumpets or warnings of judgment were given – the majority of them already being fulfilled in the history of the nations. The fall of the Ottoman Empire was meant to be the ultimate warning before the world became a nightmare of war and cataclysmic events prior to Christ coming in 1844. This never eventuated. The ‘thunders’ were UTTERED but SEALED or not understood at that time.
Ellen White writes:
“The special light given to John which was expressed in the seven thunders was a delineation of events which would transpire under the first and second angels’ messages. It was not best for the people to know these things, for their faith must necessarily be tested. In the order of God, most wonderful and advanced truths would be proclaimed. The first and second angels’ messages were to be proclaimed, but no further light was to be revealed before these messages had done their specific work. MS August 16, 1900
God’s people in the 1840’s were definitely tested. What they thought were solid prophetic declarations – did not eventuate at the time they expected. It truly was a great disappointment! In the above statement Ellen White emphasises that “no further light was to be revealed” until these messages had done their specific work. The first and second Angel’s messages have been given to the world since the disappointment of 1844 but in the latter days will unite with the message of the third angel at the time of the Sunday law to announce the final warning to the world. The work of the first and second Angel’s messages is almost complete and the understanding of the seven thunders is being unsealed. The trumpets will herald the ‘hour of God’s judgment and the final call to ‘Come out of Babylon, my people’ will resound throughout the world.
“[Revelation 18:1, 2, 4, quoted.] This scripture points forward to a time when the announcement of the fall of Babylon, as made by the second angel of Revelation 14 (verse 8), is to be repeated, with the additional mention of the corruptions which have been entering the various organizations that constitute Babylon, since that message was first given, in the summer of 1844.... These announcements, uniting with the third angel's message, constitute the final warning to be given to the inhabitants of the earth....”LDE 199.2
Prophecy declares that the first angel would make his announcement to “every nation, and kindred, and tongue, and people.” The warning of the third angel, which forms a part of the same threefold message, and is the message for this time, will be no less widespread. The banner on which is inscribed, “The commandments of God and the faith of Jesus,” is to be raised aloft. The power of the first and second messages is to be intensified in the third. It is represented in the prophecy as being proclaimed with a loud voice by an angel flying in the midst of heaven, and it will command the attention of the world.ST January 25, 1910, par. 12
The most fearful threatening ever addressed to mortals is contained in the third angel's message. That must be a terrible sin which calls down the wrath of God unmingled with mercy. But men are not left in darkness concerning this important matter; the warning against the worship of the beast and his image is to be given to the world before the visitation of God's judgments, that all may know why the judgments are inflicted, and may have opportunity to escape.ST January 25, 1910, par. 13…The third angel's message increases in importance as we near the close of this earth's history. It is the last offer of mercy to the world, the most solemn message ever given to mortals. ST January 25, 1910, par. 15
God’s warnings to the world are clearly revealed in the three Angel’s messages. God’s judgments are going to be visited on humanity, but it is the responsibility of those who understand the three Angel’s messages and their importance to give the ‘loud cry’ of Revelation 18. This loud cry will be sounded when: “all nations have drunk of the wine of the wrath of her fornication, and the kings of the earth have committed fornication with her, and the merchants of the earth are waxed rich through the abundance of her delicacies.” Revelation 18:4. The trumpets will sound and declare that the hour of His judgment is come. These will be judgments mixed with mercy as the majority of them only affect one third of the world. (Revelation 8:7, 11 etc.). The third angel’s message will echo the warning not to worship the beast and his image as the more fearful judgments – the seven plagues will be poured out on the impenitent: “The same shall drink of the wine of the wrath of God, which is poured out without mixture into the cup of his indignation” (Revelation 14:10).
Revelation 18:1-4 quoted -The words of this scripture are to be fulfilled. Soon the last test is to come to all the inhabitants of the earth. At that time prompt decisions will be made. Those who have been convicted under the presentation of the word, will range themselves under the blood-stained banner of Prince Emmanuel. They will see and understand as never before that they have missed many, many opportunities for serving God. They will realize that they have not worked as zealously as they should to seek and save the lost, to snatch them, as it were, out of the fire. RH December 9, 1902, par. 4
Going back to Revelation 10 we read:
Verses 5-7 And the angel which I saw stand upon the sea and upon the earth lifted up his hand to heaven,
And sware by him that liveth for ever and ever, who created heaven, and the things that therein are, and the earth, and the things that therein are, and the sea, and the things which are therein, that there should be time no longer: But 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.
Those who lived through the great disappointment of Jesus not coming when they believed he would in 1844 came to an understanding of their experience through the above verses. They believed that:
"And the angel which I saw stand upon the sea and upon the earth lifted up his hand to heaven, and sware by him that liveth for ever and ever, who created heaven, and the things that therein are, and the earth, and the things that therein are, and the sea, and the things which are therein, that there should be time no longer.” This message announces the end of the prophetic periods. The disappointment of those who expected to see our Lord in 1844 was indeed bitter to those who had so ardently looked for His appearing. It was in the Lord’s order that this disappointment should come, and that hearts should be revealed. Ms32-1896 1.3200
Not one cloud has fallen upon the church that God has not prepared for; not one opposing force has risen to counterwork the work of God but He has foreseen. All has taken place as He has predicted through His prophets. He has not left His church in darkness, forsaken, but has traced in prophetic declarations what would occur, and through His providence, acting in its appointed place in the world’s history, He has brought about that which His Holy Spirit inspired the prophets to foretell. Ms32-1896 1.3200
All that God has in prophetic history specified to be fulfilled in the past has been, and all that is yet to come in its order will be. Daniel, God's prophet, stands in his place. John stands in his place. In the Revelation the Lion of the tribe of Judah has opened to the students of prophecy the book of Daniel, and thus is Daniel standing in his place. He bears his testimony, that which the Lord revealed to him in vision of the great and solemn events which we must know as we stand on the very threshold of their fulfillment. Ms32-1896 1.3200
This time, which the angel declares with a solemn oath, is not the end of this world's history, neither of probationary time, but of prophetic time, which should precede the advent of our Lord. That is, the people will not have another message upon definite time. After this period of time, reaching from 1842 to 1844, there can be no definite tracing of the prophetic time. The longest reckoning reaches to the autumn of 1844. 19MR 320.4
Revelation 10:7 refers to two events involving a specific time. In the early days of the Advent message the Millerites understanding of the trumpets and their application to historical events helped them to pinpoint what they thought was the ‘mystery of God’ ending:
“When the sixth trumpet hath ceased to sound, the seventh begins, and “in the days of the voice of the seventh angel, when he shall BEGIN to sound, the mystery of God [or dispensation of grace] shall be finished.” It would appear from this, that upon the fall of the Turkish empire, which will take place on the closing up of the “sixth vial” and “trumpet,” that the day of probation will close.” Miller’s Works, vol. 1. Views of the Prophecies and Prophetic Chronology 1842
Miller and Litch believed that August 11, 1840 or the fall of the Turkish empire would herald the close of probation. This did not turn out to be the case. (See the Josiah Litch study and video on this website)
The declaration of the angel announcing that there would be “time no longer” referred to the end of the 2300 day prophecy or “the prophetic time”. The pioneers believed this was also when Christ would come. Revelation 10:7 then states - But 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. The pioneers tied the two references to time in verse 7 together When the prophetic time ceased or was no longer this also meant that the ‘mystery of God’ was to close or end.
Ellen White writes about this time:
“In the special efforts which were made to proclaim the Advent message in the summer of 1844, the leaders in the movement had seen their own experience in the parable of the ten virgins recorded in Matthew 25. There had been a “tarrying time” followed by the cry, “Behold the bridegroom cometh; go ye out to meet him.” This was commonly referred to as “the midnight cry.” In her first vision, this was shown to Mrs. White as a bright light set up behind the Adventists at the beginning of the path. In the parable, they read that those who were ready went in with the bridegroom to the marriage, “and the door was shut.” (See Matthew 25:10.) They therefore concluded that on October 22, 1844, the door of mercy was closed to those who failed to accept the message which had been so widely proclaimed.” EW xxvii.2
A distinction needed to be made in the verse between the references to time. The “time no longer” reference referred to the end of the prophetic period of Daniel 8:14. It is important to note the very next word in the verse –the word: BUT. That word is there to emphasise that the time referred to in the first instance is totally set apart from the time when the mystery of God would come to an end. The pioneers unfortunately believed that they referred to the same event. Therefore a disappointment or bitter experience was the result.
After the disappointment it was the understanding of the sanctuary service that helped them to see: “that they were correct in believing that the end of the 2300 days in 1844 marked an important crisis. But while it was true that that door of hope and mercy by which men had for eighteen hundred years found access to God, was closed, another door was opened, and forgiveness of sins was offered to men through the intercession of Christ in the most holy. One part of His ministration had closed, only to give place to another. There was still an ‘open door’ to the heavenly sanctuary, where Christ was ministering in the sinner's behalf.” EW xxviii.2
As the Advent movement grew in understanding and faith after the disappointment a variety of views on the time that the mystery of God should be finished were expressed. James White believed: “the seventh angel began to sound at the close of the 2300 days, in 1844, when the cleansing of the sanctuary, or the finishing of the mystery of God, commenced.” LIFIN 212.1(1868) The word of God in Revelation 10:7 uses the word “FINISHED”. James uses the word FINISHING which means that it had not finished. Uriah Smith believed: “few will be disposed to deny that the mystery of God is the gospel. It is the same, then, as if the angel had declared, In the days of the voice of the seventh angel, when he shall begin to sound, the gospel shall be finished. But what is the finishing of the gospel? Let us first inquire for what it was given. It was given to take out from the nations a people for God’s name. Acts 15:14. Its finishing must, as a matter of course, be the close of this work. It will be finished when the number of God’s people is made up, mercy ceases to be offered, and probation closes.” DAR1909 526.1(Similar view to 1897 version) So Uriah was also convinced that the ‘gospel’ or ‘mystery of God’ was not FINISHED but in the process of FINISHING. This would happen ‘when the number of God’s people would be made up’.
It is evident from viewing both Uriah Smith’s and James White’s interpretation of Revelation 10:7 that they were attempting to mold a plain statement of scripture into their existing understanding that the trumpets and seals had been fulfilled in a historical setting except for the seventh trumpet which began to sound at the close of the 2300 days in 1844. They had to alter a plain statement of scripture. The events connected with the close of probation are clearly revealed. (See the Close of Probation study and video on this website to ensure you know when this event will take place). When the seventh angel is ‘ABOUT TO’ sound the mystery of God is finished. Once the angel sounds and the declaration is made: “The kingdoms of this world are become the kingdoms of our Lord, and of his Christ; and he shall reign for ever and ever.” Revelation 11:15 (Daniel 7:14) the testimony of God’s witnesses has ended (Revelation 11:7) and the gospel can no longer penetrate the hearts and minds of men. At this announcement the time for the outpouring of God’s wrath has come. In Revelation 11:19 and Revelation 15: 5 the temple is opened in heaven and the vials of God’s wrath are about to be poured out upon the earth. Understanding of the trumpets, seals and plagues was sealed in the days of our Advent pioneers and only now are we privileged to see that portion of Daniel which was sealed –the seven thunders – begin to make sense in the context of the pioneers experience and disappointment.
Revelation 10: 9, 10 And I went unto the angel, and said unto him, Give me the little book. And he said unto me, Take it, and eat it up; and it shall make thy belly bitter, but it shall be in thy mouth sweet as honey. And I took the little book out of the angel's hand, and ate it up; and it was in my mouth sweet as honey: and as soon as I had eaten it, my belly was bitter.
The experience of eating the little book or the book of Daniel for the Advent pioneers was truly a ‘sweet as honey’ experience. They expected Christ to come on October 22, 1844 and spread the news of Christ’s impending return far and wide. The time was spent preparing their hearts and minds in readiness to meet their saviour. When the day dawned on October 23 and they realised their desire to see Christ coming in the clouds had not occurred as they had hoped and believed it became a ‘bitter’ experience. How could they get it so wrong? Especially when the prophecies seemed to point so clearly to the end of the world!
At that time they did not realise that the sealing of the seven thunders also referred to their ‘bitter’ experience. They could not understand the judgments of God including the trumpets and seals because God had sealed them up. The true understanding of the roars of the lion of the tribe of Judah was yet to be revealed.
Revelation 10:11 And he said unto me, Thou must prophesy again before many peoples, and nations, and tongues, and kings.
The climax of Revelation chapter 10 is captured in the final verse. John states that the angel said unto him that he ‘MUST PROPHESY AGAIN’. Even though God’s people had an incomplete understanding of prophecy and suffered a great disappointment and BITTER experience they were admonished to PROPHESY AGAIN.
“As we near the close of this world’s history, the prophecies recorded by Daniel demand our special attention, as they relate to the very time in which we are living. With them should be linked the teachings of the last book of the New Testament Scriptures. Satan has led many to believe that the prophetic portions of the writings of Daniel and of John the revelator cannot be understood. But the promise is plain that special blessing will accompany the study of these prophecies. “The wise shall understand” (verse 10), was spoken of the visions of Daniel that were to be unsealed in the latter days; and of the revelation that Christ gave to His servant John for the guidance of God’s people all through the centuries, the promise is, “Blessed is he that readeth, and they that hear the words of this prophecy, and keep those things which are written therein.” Revelation 1:3.” Prophets and Kings 547.2
“The book that was sealed was not the book of Revelation, but that portion of the prophecy of Daniel which related to the last days. The Scripture says, “But thou, O Daniel, shut up the words, and seal the book, even to the time of the end: many shall run to and fro, and knowledge shall be increased.” When the book was opened, the proclamation was made, “Time shall be no longer.” The book of Daniel is now unsealed, and the revelation made by Christ to John is to come to all the inhabitants of the earth. By the increase of knowledge a people is to be prepared to stand in the latter days.” 1MR 43.3
The first and second angels’ messages were to be proclaimed, but no further light was to be revealed before these messages had done their specific work. MS August 16, 1900
The time has come when the first and second angel’s messages have done their work and light is illuminating the prophecies of Daniel and Revelation. The latter days are here and the visions pertaining to that time are being understood by the wise (Daniel 12:10). The seven thunders or judgments of God are no longer sealed. The warnings must be given to a dying world.
By comparing scripture to scripture it is interesting to note that Ezekiel was given similar instructions when he was told to prophesy to the house of Israel. In Ezekiel 2:3-10 &3:1-3 we read:
“And he said unto me, Son of man, I send thee to the children of Israel, to a rebellious nation that hath rebelled against me: they and their fathers have transgressed against me, even unto this very day. For they are impudent children and stiffhearted. I do send thee unto them; and thou shalt say unto them, Thus saith the Lord GOD. And they, whether they will hear, or whether they will forbear, (for they are a rebellious house,) yet shall know that there hath been a prophet among them. And thou, son of man, be not afraid of them, neither be afraid of their words, though briers and thorns be with thee, and thou dost dwell among scorpions: be not afraid of their words, nor be dismayed at their looks, though they be a rebellious house. And thou shalt speak my words unto them, whether they will hear, or whether they will forbear: for they are most rebellious. But thou, son of man, hear what I say unto thee; Be not thou rebellious like that rebellious house: open thy mouth, and eat that I give thee. And when I looked, behold, an hand was sent unto me; and, lo, a roll of a book was therein; And he spread it before me; and it was written within and without: and there was written therein lamentations, and mourning, and woe.”
“Moreover he said unto me, Son of man, eat that thou findest; eat this roll, and go speak unto the house of Israel. So I opened my mouth, and he caused me to eat that roll. And he said unto me, Son of man, cause thy belly to eat, and fill thy bowels with this roll that I give thee. Then did I eat it; and it was in my mouth as honey for sweetness”
It was not good news for the house of Israel. Yet commanded to prophesy Ezekiel did exactly that. In Ezekiel 3: 14-21
“So the spirit lifted me up, and took me away, and I went in bitterness, in the heat of my spirit; but the hand of the LORD was strong upon me. Then I came to them of the captivity at Telabib, that dwelt by the river of Chebar, and I sat where they sat, and remained there astonished among them seven days. And it came to pass at the end of seven days, that the word of the LORD came unto me, saying, Son of man, I have made thee a watchman unto the house of Israel: therefore hear the word at my mouth, and give them warning from me. When I say unto the wicked, Thou shalt surely die; and thou givest him not warning, nor speakest to warn the wicked from his wicked way, to save his life; the same wicked man shall die in his iniquity; but his blood will I require at thine hand. Yet if thou warn the wicked, and he turn not from his wickedness, nor from his wicked way, he shall die in his iniquity; but thou hast delivered thy soul. Again, When a righteous man doth turn from his righteousness, and commit iniquity, and I lay a stumblingblock before him, he shall die: because thou hast not given him warning, he shall die in his sin, and his righteousness which he hath done shall not be remembered; but his blood will I require at thine hand. Nevertheless if thou warn the righteous man, that the righteous sin not, and he doth not sin, he shall surely live, because he is warned; also thou hast delivered thy soul.”
The roll Ezekiel ate was symbolic of the messages God wanted him to give Israel. It is important to note that at this time Israel were already captives of Babylon. The roll Ezekiel ate is described in Ezekiel 2:10 as being: “written within and without: and there was written therein lamentations, and mourning, and woe.” The messages Ezekiel had to convey to God’s people were not going to be desirable. Lamentations, mourning and woe were the core messages Ezekiel was asked to deliver. Comparing Ezekiel’s experience and God’s desire for him to prophesy to God’s people has amazing similarities to the message given to John the Revelator and the Advent believers: “Thou must prophesy again.” The messages to be given by God’s people are warnings –the judgments or trumpets of God will blow and three of them are ‘woes’. The three Angel’s messages resound throughout the world warning people to:
Fear God, and give glory to him; for the hour of his judgment is come: and worship him that made heaven, and earth, and the sea, and the fountains of waters. (First Angel’s message – Revelation 14:7)
Come out of Babylon my people, that ye be not partakers of her sins, and that ye receive not of her plagues (Second Angel’s message –Revelation 14:8).
And 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; (Third Angel’s message – Revelation 14:9-11)
Without a doubt God’s warning messages are to be given: before many peoples, and nations, and tongues, and kings. The final messages to the world are also replete with lamentations, woe and mourning. The seven thunders will utter their voices and the lion’s roar will be made plain –the hour of his judgment IS come. God’s witnesses will prophesy again and it will be in sackcloth (Revelation 11:3). More detail about the final warning given by God’s witnesses and the vital role they play can be found in the study –Revelation 11 on this website. 2 Peter 3:9 The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance.
Ezekiel also experienced bitterness – the Strongs concordance describe his bitterness as:
mar mârâh
mar, maw-raw'
From H4843; bitter (literally or figuratively); also (as noun) bitterness, or (adverbially) bitterly: - + angry, bitter (-ly, -ness), chafed, discontented, X great, heavy.
Ezekiel’s heart was heavy with the burden that God had asked him to bear. He even sat for seven days ‘astonished’ or in a stunned state, totally taken aback with what God had requested him to do. Such responsibility and urgency to get the message out! However Ezekiel didn’t shrink from the task.
It is interesting to note that when a person is chosen by God to prophesy, the Lord is very precise about the eternal consequences of the prophesying. In Ezekiel chapter 33 the same sentiments expressed to Ezekiel in chapter 3 were reiterated. Ezekiel was a chosen watchman to the house of Israel:
Ezekiel 33:2-7 Son of man, speak to the children of thy people, and say unto them, When I bring the sword upon a land, if the people of the land take a man of their coasts, and set him for their watchman:If when he seeth the sword come upon the land, he blow the trumpet, and warn the people; Then whosoever heareth the sound of the trumpet, and taketh not warning; if the sword come, and take him away, his blood shall be upon his own head. He heard the sound of the trumpet, and took not warning; his blood shall be upon him. But he that taketh warning shall deliver his soul. But if the watchman see the sword come, and blow not the trumpet, and the people be not warned; if the sword come, and take any person from among them, he is taken away in his iniquity; but his blood will I require at the watchman's hand. So thou, O son of man, I have set thee a watchman unto the house of Israel; therefore thou shalt hear the word at my mouth, and warn them from me.
God’s people today are in the same position as Ezekiel. We are the watchmen and women. It is the command: “Thou must prophesy again before many peoples, and nations, and tongues, and kings.” Revelation 10:11 that confirms God’s people as ‘watchmen’. It is now not only the house of Israel that must be warned! The world must be warned!
Amos 3:7 Surely the Lord GOD will do nothing, but he revealeth his secret unto his servants the prophets.
Amos 3:8 The lion hath roared, who will not fear? the Lord GOD hath spoken, who can but prophesy?
The secret has been unsealed. That secret is unveiled to his servants – the prophets. The seven trumpets will sound and is a reason to fear and prophesy. It is no coincidence that in the very next chapter – Revelation 11 that God’s witnesses are described as PROPHESYING in sackcloth: Revelation 11:3.
Jeremiah 4:18 – 21: “Thy way and thy doings have procured these things unto thee; this is thy wickedness, because it is bitter, because it reacheth unto thine heart. My bowels, my bowels! I am pained at my very heart; my heart maketh a noise in me; I cannot hold my peace, because thou hast heard, O my soul, the sound of the trumpet, the alarm of war. Destruction upon destruction is cried; for the whole land is spoiled: suddenly are my tents spoiled, and my curtains in a moment. How long shall I see the standard, and hear the sound of the trumpet? “
The messages to be given by God’s prophets or witnesses are not going to be easy to give. But no matter how ‘bitter’ the message is, it must be given. Ezekiel had to prophesy “lamentations, woe and mourning” Ezekiel 2: 10. When the trumpets finally sound and ‘destruction upon destruction’ is prophesied by God’s witnesses it will be the final opportunity for the world to hear the gospel message and “he that taketh warning shall deliver his soul.” Ezekiel 33:5.
Amos 3:8 The lion hath roared, who will not fear? the Lord GOD hath spoken, who can but prophesy?
| seven_thunders.pdf |