D25 Pentecost 2020

D25 Pentecost 2020

 Contents

25.1 Historical Significance of Pentecost; 25.1.1 Holy Spirit Baptism at Pentecost; 25.1,2 Holy Spirit Power to Finish the Work; 25.2 The Great Controversy; 25.2.1 Righteousness By Faith; 25.2.1.1Two classes of Worshippers; 25.2.1.1.1 Enoch; 25.2.1.1.2 Noah;…

 Add-on Aug 23, 2020

Contents

25.3 The Rest of the unfinished message; 25.3.1 “Return of the Latter Rain”; 25.3.1.1 God’s Abundant Promises of Salvation; 25.3.1.1.1 Lessons in Rejection by Pharisees (Judaism; 25.3.1.1.2 The Man of Sin; 25.3.1.1.3 The Luther Protestant Reformation; 25.3.1.1.3.1 Wesley Contribution; 25.3.1.1.3.2 True Church Building Continues; 25.3.1.1.3.3 The Advent Movement; 25.3.1.1.3.3.1 The Advent Movementof 1840-44; 25.3.1.1.3.3.1.1 Demise of Luther’s Protestant Reformation; 25.3.1.1.3.3.1.2 Catholics Version of Justification by Faith; 25.3.1.1.3.3.1.2.1 Faith in Christ’s Merits Alone; 25.3.1.1.3.3.1.2.2 Counterfeit Resembles the True; 25.3.1.1.3.3.1.2.2.1 Re-writing History; 25.3.2 Pentecost in Summary,

D25 Discovery at Pentecost 2020

Today, May 31, 2020 is Pentecost 2020. This is the most opportune time to share about the spiritual* significance of Pentecost in the last days of earth’s history and the part we must do in finishing the work assigned to God’s remnant church to preach to the end of the world to herald the second coming of Christ. (In order to remember this day, Singaporeans can relate this event with Singapore’s Circuit Breaker period that began on April 7 (3 days before Passover) and to end June 2, 2 days after Pentecost.

 (Note: The spiritual* significance is in essence the spirit of truth quickening the understanding of heavenly things.The comforter is called the spirit of truth..His work is to to define and maintain the truth. To know Christ savingly is to be vitalized by spiritual* knowledge of the word of God guided by the Holy Spirit. Without this, our work of sharing the everlasting gospel is valueless.

“Jesus had opened before His disciples a vast tract of truth. But it was most difficult for them to keep His lessons distinct from the traditions and maxims of the scribes and Pharisees. They had been educated to accept the teaching of the rabbis as the voice of God, and it still held a power over their minds, and molded their sentiments. Earthly ideas, temporal things, still had a large place in their thoughts. They (the apostles) did not understand the spiritual nature of Christ's kingdom, though He had so often explained it to them. Their minds had become confused. They did not comprehend the value of the scriptures Christ presented. Many of His lessons seemed almost lost upon them. Jesus saw that they did not lay hold of the real meaning of His words. He compassionately promised that the Holy Spirit should recall these sayings to their minds. And He had left unsaid many things that could not be comprehended by the disciples. These also would be opened to them by the Spirit. The Spirit was to quicken their understanding, that they might have an appreciation of heavenly things. "When He, the Spirit of truth, is come," said Jesus, "He will guide you into all truth."  {DA 670.3} 

The Comforter is called "the Spirit of truth." His work is to define and maintain the truth. He first dwells in the heart as the Spirit of truth, and thus He becomes the Comforter. There is comfort and peace in the truth, but no real peace or comfort can be found in falsehood. It is through false theories and traditions that Satan gains his power over the mind. By directing men to false standards, he misshapes the character. Through the Scriptures the Holy Spirit speaks to the mind, and impresses truth upon the heart. Thus He exposes error, and expels it from the soul. It is by the Spirit of truth, working through the word of God, that Christ subdues His chosen people to Himself.  {DA 671.1})

There are three YouTube video clips that are recommended to inform you of its historical background, and the spiritual* significance to the last days generation, the Z Generation ( children of the Millennial Generation) in the preparation for the imminent second coming of Christ. This article could only be started today and would need to be continued to get the texts transcribed which is very time consuming. It is suggested that readers watch Ron Duffield’s presentation in two parts (2 hours ) to hear it from him concerning what we must do to finish the work in order for the second coming of Christ.

25.1 Historical Significance of Pentecost

(What is the Feast of Weeks (Shavuot or Pentecost), and what is its significance? Jun 4, 2017-UNLEARN the lies)

What is the Feast of Weeks (Shavuot or Pentecost), and what is its significance?

The Feast of Weeks is a spring harvest festival following Passover. It begins with the the waving of a single sheaf of the First Fruits on the day after the Sabbath (Sunday). Then seven weeks are counted leading up to the culmination on the 50th day, the day after the 7th Sabbath (evening of 30th – sunset of 31st May, 2020.)

The Feast of weeks marks the conclusion of the Counting of 7 weeks and is known by several different names in the Bible. In Hebrew, it's called Shavuot, which means weeks, and refers to the counting of 7 weeks. In Greek, it's called Pentecost, which means 50, and refers to the 50 days of counting. It is also called the Festival of Reaping and Day of the First Fruits because it is a spring harvest festival.

However, calling it FirstFruits seems a bit confusing since the day beginning the count is also called FirstFruits. On the first day a single sheaf is waved to begin the grain harvest, and at the end of 7 weeks a celebration takes place with it is the day when the FirstFruits wave offering is made. So, why are both the beginning and the end called FirstFruits?

In ancient times, the grain harvest lasted seven weeks. It began with the harvesting of barley at Passover and ended with the harvesting of wheat at Shavuot. Shavuot was thus the concluding festival of the grain harvest. This is why it is a tradition to read the Book of Ruth at Pentecost because the story is tied to the grain harvest.

The Torah states that the sheaf offering is the FirstFruits of the barley harvest, and is to begin "on the morrow after the Sabbath" and continue to be counted for seven Sabbaths leading up to "the morrow after the seventh sabbath" when the bread of the FirstFruits is offered. It is interesting to note that this bread is to be offered with yeast because this feast follows the Feast of Unleavened bread in which all yeast was to be removed.

This is significant because we remove the old yeast and then bring in new yeast. Yeshua explained that leaven represents teaching, and He warned against the leaven of the Pharisees, which is the doctrines and traditions of men. So, at Passover, we learn to remove that old leaven, but at Shavuot, we are given new leaven, new teaching to apply. What is the new leaven that we are given?

Shavuot commemorates the anniversary of the giving of the Torah on Mount Sinai and the giving of the Holy Spirit in Acts. On Passover, the people of Israel were freed from bondage, and on Shavuot, they were given the instruction about how to be the people of God. We remove the leaven of men at Passover, and we add the leaven of God at Shavuot. This is why it is so important for us to UNLEARN the lies of men, and learn the truth of God's Word.

25.1.1 Holy Spirit Baptism at Pentecost

The word “Torah” means teaching and in John 14:26 Yeshua spoke about the coming of the Holy Spirit and explained that He would teach them and remind them of everything.

Then we see the fulfillment of this on Pentecost in Acts chapter 2 when the Holy Spirit was given.

There are some interesting connections between the giving of the Torah and the giving of the Holy Spirit. Both events had similar sounds and symbols such as wind, fire, smoke, and voices. The Hebrew word translated thunder in Exodus 20:18 is “qolot” and means voices or languages.

According to Jewish tradition, the Ten Commandments were spoken in all the languages of the world in the thundering so that the whole world might understand it.

Again, this is Jewish tradition, but I find it very interesting because at Pentecost the Holy Spirit enabled the Disciples to speak in other languages to equip them for the Great Commission, to take the Gospel to all nations.

At Sinai Yahweh gave the Law written on stone tablets, but at Pentecost, He gave the Law written on the Hearts of the people through the Holy Spirit.

My prayer is that the Holy Spirit will be given to you this Shavuot and that He would write the Torah on your heart and cause you to walk in all of the commandments.(Visit website: www.unlearnthelies.com )

25.2 Holy Spirit Power to Finish the Work

God’s Remnant Church are promised the gift of the Holy Spirit as the comforter, the spirit of truth, and is symbolic of the outpouring of the latter rain that will ripen the field for harvest This is the prophesied in Rev 18:1-4.

Ron Duffield, who is a keen student of Bible history has presented this sermon in a broad overview taking us straight into understanding the development of the preachers of righteousness that God has called in this world’s 6000 years history based on the theme of righteousness by faith in the great controversy between Christ and Satan. ( Please watch the video while the transcript is being prepared which takes quite some time.)

25.2 The Great Controversy

Watch https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RBnZhB7lNcY –“The Return of the Latter Rain Pt 1: The Great Controversy” by Ron Duffield, Nov 3, 2018 Everlasting Gospel

The Great Controversy is the main theme of the Bible. The amplification of the Bible story must require references to writings from past writings who were inspired by the Holy Spirit. Primarily the controversy is over the cause of sin by Satan before the earth was made as revealed in the Bible in Isa 14 and Eze 28 This is amplified by Ellen White:

“It is impossible to explain the origin of sin so as to give a reason for its existence. Yet enough may be understood concerning both the origin and the final disposition of sin to make fully manifest the justice and benevolence of God in all His dealings with evil. (Nothing is more plainly taught in Scripture than that God was in no wise responsible for the entrance of sin; that there was no arbitrary withdrawal of divine grace, no deficiency in the divine government, that gave occasion for the uprising of rebellion). Sin is an intruder, for whose presence no reason can be given. It is mysterious, unaccountable; to excuse it is to defend it. Could excuse for it be found, or cause be shown for its existence, it would cease to be sin. Our only definition of sin is that given in the word of God; it is "the transgression of the law;" it is the outworking of a principle at war with the great law of love which is the foundation of the divine government.  {GC 492.2}  ( We will never fully understand the origin of sin but we will understand the character of God.)

 Before the entrance of evil there was peace and joy throughout the universe. All was in perfect harmony with the Creator's will. Love for God was supreme, love for one another impartial. Christ the Word, the Only Begotten of God, was one with the eternal Father,--one in nature, in character, and in purpose,--the only being in all the universe that could enter into all the counsels and purposes of God. By Christ the Father wrought in the creation of all heavenly beings. "By Him were all things created, that are in heaven, . . . whether they be thrones, or dominions, or principalities, or powers" (Colossians 1:16); and to Christ, equally with the Father, all heaven gave allegiance.  {GC 493.1}

25.2.1 Righteousness By Faith

Gen 3:15 is the earliest Gospel sermon (Righteousness by faith – God’s plan from the beginning.

“But Heaven pitied man, and the plan of salvation was devised. When the curse was pronounced upon the race, in connection with the curse there was given the promise of pardon through a Saviour who was to come. This promise was the star of hope that lighted up the gloom, that, like the pall of death, hung over the future of man, and of the world which was given him as his dominion. The gospel was first preached to Adam and Eve in Eden. They sincerely repented of their guilt, believed the promise of God, and were saved from utter ruin.  {ST, April 22, 1886 par. 2}

Though they must suffer from the power of their mighty foe, still through the merits of Christ they could look forward to victory. The mystery of the gospel was spoken in Eden when God said to the serpent: "I will put enmity between thee and the woman, and between thy seed and her seed; it shall bruise thy head, and thou shalt bruise his heel." (If Satan could have touched the Head with his specious temptations, the human family would be lost; but the Lord had made known the purpose and plan of the mystery of grace, declaring that Christ should bruise the serpent under his feet.  {BEcho, July 15, 1893 par. 1} 

In that garden God also instituted the sacrificial system as a means to point forward t the time when Christ would come, as the lamb slain slain from the foundation of the world. (This was the plain and brief gospel plan presented. In regard to their first children

Between righteousness and sin, love and hatred, truth and falsehood, there is an irrepressible conflict.(truth and error conflict always involved)  When one presents the love of Christ and the beauty of holiness, he is drawing away the subjects of Satan's kingdom, and the prince of evil is aroused to resist it. (Persecution and reproach await all who are imbued with the Spirit of Christ. ) The character of the persecution changes with the times; but the principle--the spirit that underlies it--is the same that has slain the chosen of the Lord ever since the days of Abel.  {SD 307.3}

Righteousness by faith is hard to tell apart without the word of God because the counterfeit resembles the true. In every generation we woule see this conflict, that God would raise up preachers of righteousness to preach to the people and there was conflict (Heb 11:4,5, 7).

It is only through the merits of Jesus that our transgressions of the law can be pardoned. Those who feel that they can be moral without divine help, who feel no need of the blood of Christ, are betrayed into grievous sins. If they do not gladly, gratefully, accept the cleansing blood, they are under condemnation. There is no other provision made whereby they can be released from sin's terrible thralldom. There must be repentance toward God and faith in our Lord Jesus Christ. (This is the only way to secure excellence of character, the only path to divine favor.  ){ST, September 11, 1884 par. 4}(Cain and Abel represent two classes of men that have existed from generation to generation, and will continue to exist to the close of time. One availed himself of the promised sacrifice for sin; the other ventured to depend upon his own merits. His was the sacrifice of a sinner without the virtue of divine mediation, which is alone able to bring him into favor with God.)

25.2.1.1Two classes of Worshippers

Humanism is rampant even in the US, the most christianised nation.The class of worshipers who follow the example of Cain includes by far the greater portion of the world; for nearly every false religion has been based on the same principle--that man can depend upon his own efforts for salvation. It is claimed by some that the human race is in need, not of redemption, but of development--that it can refine, elevate, and regenerate itself. As Cain thought to secure the divine favor by an offering that lacked the blood of a sacrifice, so do these expect to exalt humanity to the divine standard, independent of the atonement. The history of Cain shows what must be the results. It shows what man will become apart from Christ. Humanity has no power to regenerate itself. It does not tend upward, toward the divine, but downward, toward the satanic. Christ is our only hope. "There is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved." "Neither is there salvation in any other." Acts 4:12.  {PP 73.1}

25.2.1.1.1 Enoch

Enoch also was a preacher of righteousness, and sought to turn men from their evil ways. For three hundred years he walked with God, giving to the world the example of a pure and spotless life, one which was in marked contrast with the lives of the men of that self-willed and perverse generation, who openly disregarded God's holy law, and boasted of their freedom from its restraints. But his testimony and his example were alike unheeded; because men loved sin better than holiness. (Enoch served God with singleness of heart; and the Lord communicated to him his will, and through holy vision revealed to him the great events connected with Christ's second appearing. And then this favored servant of the Lord was borne to Heaven by angels without seeing death.)  {ST, April 22, 1886 par. 4}

25.2.1.1.2 Noah

 “And spared not the old world, but saved Noah the eighth person, a preacher of righteousness, bringing in the flood upon the world of the ungodly”- 2 Pe 2:5. 

One hundred and twenty years of probation was granted to the inhabitants of the world, and Noah was to live through that generation... Amid world-wide contempt of God, he was a faithful preacher of righteousness, exemplifying to the world what a man's life could be by reposing confidence in the sure word of God, by rendering obedience to all his commandments. Nearly the whole (anteluvian) world was against Noah; who had not had light in regard to the redemption that had been promised to our first parents. The significance of the sacrificial offerings had been perverted, and they no longer shadowed forth to the people the method of the atonement. {ST, April 18, 1895 par. 6} 

God in the garden instituted the simple sacrificial system and by the time of Noah it was so perverted that the gospel could not be seen in that system God had instituted aside from Noah and some others. ... to be continued

It is now suggested that the reader proceed to complete the article which has been started to lead them to complete the work in their own pace and experience the working of the Holy Spirit to finish the work as the beginning in spiritual understanding. This is the start of our preparation in finishing the work with the outpouring of the latter rain. And then Jesus second coming. (End  D25 pg 7/7) Posted Jun 6, 2020 by Tsc at singtsc@yahoo.com

The whole world is held captive to Covid-19; in fear of infection and possibly physical death. However, we are ignorantly dismissing the reality that all have sinned and infected by the disease of sin and spiritual death. Covid-19 points us to sin, the greater root disease where Jesus holds the only remedy. We can be healed by the blood of Jesus cleansing us from our confessed sins and have eternal life.

Add-on Aug 23, 2020

 Contents

 25.3 The Rest of the unfinished message; 25.3.1 “Return of the Latter Rain”; 25.3.1.1 God’s Abundant Promises of Salvation; 25.3.1.1.1 Lessons in Rejection by Pharisees (Judaism; 25.3.1.1.2 The Man of Sin; 25.3.1.1.3 The Luther Protestant Reformation; 25.3.1.1.3.1 Wesley Contribution; 25.3.1.1.3.2 True Church Building Continues; 25.3.1.1.3.3 The Advent Movement; 25.3.1.1.3.3.1 The Advent Movement of 1840-44; 25.3.1.1.3.3.1.1 Demise of Luther’s Protestant Reformation; 25.3.1.1.3.3.1.2 Catholics Version of Justification by Faith; 25.3.1.1.3.3.1.2.1 Faith in Christ’s Merits Alone; 25.3.1.1.3.3.1.2.2 Counterfeit Resembles the True; 25.3.1.1.3.3.1.2.2.1 Re-writing History; 25.3.2 Pentecost in Summary,

 25.3 The Rest of the unfinished message

  Now that Wp5.9.7 Reflection on Life at http://www.wakeupow.com/440101196 started on Aug 9, 2020 is completed, it is opportune to resume the rest of the important message on the culmination of the Pentecost message.

I must confessed I have yet to watch completely   Ron Duffield “ Return of the Latter Rain “ which is in 6 parts relating the history of the Adventist Church movement under the guidance Christ. Those of us who have been motivated to watch the whole series will be convicted that Ellen G. White is the messenger that God has bestowed on His remnant church in the last days. I will attempt to just highlight some passages only.

“Reflection on Life” is an extension of the previous article, Wp5.9.6 Covid-19 in sharing hope for overcoming the fear of the virus pestilence and the consequence of the economic shutdown at Wp5.9.6 Covid-19 - http://www.wakeupow.com/440101195

 It is a wakeup call for discovery on our journey in life by personal quiet time spent on reflection in view of the pestilence crisis that has driven the world into the worst economic crisis in recent history. It seems to be here is stay and world leaders are helpless and resigned to the fact that society has to adapt to a new normalrather than to consider returning to the old ways, meaning going way back to the beginning and begin again by getting to know the true God who created the world and all that is in it.

25.3.1 “Return of the Latter Rain”

 It is in the context of God’s commission to preach to the end of the world for then only will Jesus come again for the deliverance of God’s children. We all desire to finish the work and is longing for Jesus second coming. The Disciples received the early rain at Pentecost  and we look forward to the  outpouring of the latter rain as promised.

 25.3.1.1 God’s Abundant Promises of Salvation

 To none will it be granted to enjoy the presence of Christ in the paradise of God if they do not enjoy his presence and love in this probationary life, if they do not have a likeness of character to him on earth. Since nothing short of Christlikeness is expected of the followers of Jesus, God has left abundant promises whereby this expectation may be fulfilled. The apostle says: "Grace and peace be multiplied unto you through the knowledge of God, and of Jesus our Lord, according as his divine power hath given unto us all things that pertain unto life and godliness, through the knowledge of Him that hath called us to glory and virtue; whereby are given unto us exceeding great and precious promises; that by these ye might be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust." The storehouse of unlimited resource is opened to all who knock in faith.  {ST, September 12, 1892 par. 5} 

 Unbelief is the sin that so easily besets us; and this sin is obnoxious to God. However secret is its working in the heart, the guilty one stands revealed and convicted before heaven. The Redeemer of the world has pledged his word, saying, "Ask, and it shall be given you." Is it any marvel then that the blessing of God is withheld when you dishonor his name by your unbelief? Who is it that has made to you these promises? It is He who "so loved the world, that he gave his only-begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life." Who is it that says, "Ask, and it shall be given you"? Who is it that stands before the great multitude holding forth the divine promise?--It is He who came into the world to rescue us from the bondage of Satan, and make us free men and women in Christ Jesus.  {ST, September 12, 1892 par. 6} 

 Then come to God with full assurance of faith, knowing that he who hath promised is faithful, and will fulfill his word. Like Habakkuk, say, "I will stand upon my watch, and set me upon the tower, and will watch to see what he will say unto me." Having asked the Lord for good things, as a hungry child asks his parent for bread, believe from your heart that the Heavenly Father giveth not the Spirit by measure unto you; for to them that ask in faith the Holy Spirit will be given in its fullness, as free as the river that proceedeth from the throne of God, slaking the thirst of all who will come and drink. Come, then, feeling that all Heaven invites you. Come, then, in steadfast faith, knowing that all Heaven welcomes you. Fasten your soul on the blessed assurance, God has spoken this promise, God has invited me, not to mock me, not to disappoint me, for before I knocked, he was unlocking the door for me; while I was yet speaking, he answered, "Here I am." Then put away this distrust of God; come to him now, and let all the angels of God have occasion for rejoicing, as they see those who are athirst partaking of the waters of life.  {ST, September 12, 1892 par. 7} 

 25.3.1.1.1 Lessons in Rejection by Pharisees (Judaism)

 To the Pharisees the teaching of Jesus was new in almost every respect, was unrecognized and unacknowledged as truth. They professed to have respect for the religion of Abel, Enoch, Noah, Abraham, and Moses. But, although Christ taught the original truths that had been committed to the fathers, his teaching was new to the Pharisees, because they had perverted, and misinterpreted, and burdened down the requirements of God, until the truth had lost its original significance and beauty.  {ST, September 19, 1892 par. 5} 

The Pharisees opposed the teachings of Jesus with all their force, and Jesus turned from the recognized religious leaders to find in others new bottles for the new wine. In the untutored fisherman, in the publican at the market-place, in the woman of Samaria, in the common people who heard him gladly, he found his new bottles for the new wine. Priests and scribes and rulers were fixed in a rut of ceremonies, observances, and traditions. For long years they had lost their vitality, and their hearts had become contracted, like the old withered, dried-up bottles to which he had compared them; but in the fishermen, the Samaritans, the publicans and sinners, Jesus found hearts that he could impress and make receptacles for his divine truth.  {ST, September 19, 1892 par. 6} 

 God's people must go on from light to a greater light, or they will become, as did the Pharisees, unwilling to receive additional light. They will find themselves in the condition represented by withered, dried-up bottles. In their religious faith they will be unmovable, inflexible, like the withered fig tree dried up by the roots. Those whom Jesus chose for his work were people to whom the world gave little attention; the fishermen, the despised publicans and Samaritans, had no connection with the schools of the scribes and Pharisees; but Christ saw in them the requisite qualifications for the work of God. The Pharisees looked upon his association with publicans and sinners as a matter that merited their condemnation; for it was in marked contrast to their habits, customs, and traditions. But Christ taught his disciples lessons concerning the broad character of his kingdom, which was to be perpetuated through eternal ages.  {ST, September 19, 1892 par. 7} 

The lessons which Jesus taught in the parables should be carefully studied; they contain instruction for his people in these last days, that we may not make the mistakes which the Jewish nation made in the time of Christ. The gospel was first preached to the Jews; but they felt whole and in no need of a physician. Christ came to minister to the sin-sick soul; for only those will be converted who feel and know that they are sinners. Christ came holding forth precious truth for the acceptance of men, presenting heavenly principles to be woven into the life, bestowing spiritual benefits to be passed on to others. Christ, the consolation of Israel, had come unto his own, but his own received him not. He must find new bottles to contain his new wine.  {ST, September 19, 1892 par. 8} 

 25.3.1.1.2 The Man of Sin

In the days of the apostle Paul, the Thessalonian brethren were laboring under the erroneous impression that the Lord would return in their day, and Paul wrote to correct this false impression, stating what events must transpire before the advent could take place. He declared: "Let no man deceive you by any means: for that day shall not come, except there come a falling away first, and that man of sin be revealed, the son of perdition; who opposeth and exalteth himself above all that is called God, or that is worshiped; so that he as God sitteth in the temple of God, showing himself that he is God." The man of sin was to arise, and do his work of exaltation and blasphemy, before the brethren could look for the coming of Christ. That great event was to be preceded by a falling away. There would be revealed a form of Antichrist, and the leaven of apostasy was to work with increasing power to the end of time. We are not to be surprised beyond measure to see the widespread declension of faith and piety. I have been bearing my testimony for the last forty years, that there would be those who would fall away from the path cast up for the ransomed of the Lord to walk in. God has been sending warnings, reproofs, and encouragements to his people. He has warned them that some would depart from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits.  {RH, July 31, 1888 par. 3} 

 From the beginning, it has been the special doctrine of the adversary of God and man, that the law of God was faulty and objectionable. He has ever represented the royal law of liberty, as oppressive and unendurable. He has denoted it "a yoke of bondage." He has declared that it was impossible for man to keep the precepts of Jehovah. This has been, and still is, the work of Satan. This is the seductive doctrine that devils are seeking to spread throughout the world. "No law" is the cry of the enemy of God. Shall we go over to the side of the great rebel? If we do, it will be our ruin. Shall we make void the law of God, because Satan tells us that we should be more free, and happier, if we would do so? Were Adam and Eve happier, and did they walk in more liberty, when they received and acted upon these suggestions of the evil one?  {RH, July 31, 1888 par. 4} 

 So even with Pentecost and the world being turned upside down in one generation as the gospel went to the then known world before Christ would come there would be a time period of 1260 years and even to the end of times where another system would arise a false gospel, a false representation of God’s plan of salvation would come into being .

Thus Ellen White says:

 A prayerful study of the Bible would show Protestants the real character of the papacy and would cause them to abhor and to shun it; but many are so wise in their own conceit that they feel no need of humbly seeking God that they may be led into the truth. Although priding themselves on their enlightenment, they are ignorant both of the Scriptures and of the power of God. They must have some means of quieting their consciences, and they seek that which is least spiritual and humiliating. What they desire is a method of forgetting God which shall pass as a method of remembering Him. The papacy is well adapted to meet the wants of all these. It is prepared for two classes of mankind, embracing nearly the whole world--those who would be saved by their merits, and those who would be saved in their sins. Here is the secret of its power.  {GC 572.2} 

 A day of great intellectual darkness has been shown to be favorable to the success of the papacy. It will yet be demonstrated that a day of great intellectual light is equally favorable for its success. In past ages, when men were without God's word and without the knowledge of the truth, their eyes were blindfolded, and thousands were ensnared, not seeing the net spread for their feet. In this generation there are many whose eyes become dazzled by the glare of human speculations, "science falsely so called;" they discern not the net, and walk into it as readily as if blindfolded. God designed that man's intellectual powers should be held as a gift from his Maker and should be employed in the service of truth and righteousness; but when pride and ambition are cherished, and men exalt their own theories above the word of God, then intelligence can accomplish greater harm than ignorance. Thus the false science of the present day, which undermines faith in the Bible, will prove as successful in preparing the way for the acceptance of the papacy, with its pleasing forms, as did the withholding of knowledge in opening the way for its aggrandizement in the Dark Ages.  {GC 572.3} 

 In the movements now in progress in the United States to secure for the institutions and usages of the church the support of the state, Protestants are following in the steps of papists. Nay, more, they are opening the door for the papacy to regain in Protestant America the supremacy which she has lost in the Old World. And that which gives greater significance to this movement is the fact that the principal object contemplated is the enforcement of Sunday observance--a custom which originated with Rome, and which she claims as the sign of her authority. It is the spirit of the papacy--the spirit of conformity to worldly customs, the veneration for human traditions above the commandments of God--that is permeating the Protestant churches and leading them on to do the same work of Sunday exaltation which the papacy has done before them.  {GC 573.1} 

25.3.1.1.3 The Luther Protestant Reformation 

 There was a present truth in the days of Luther,—a truth at that time of special importance; there is a present truth for the church today. He who does all things according to the counsel of his will, has been pleased to place men under various circumstances, and to enjoin upon them duties peculiar to the times in which they live, and the conditions under which they are placed. If they would prize the light given them, broader views of truth would be opened before them. But truth is no more desired by the majority today than it was by the papists who opposed Luther. There is the same disposition to accept the theories and traditions of men instead of the Word of God as in former ages. Those who present the truth for this time should not expect to be received with greater favor than were earlier reformers. The great controversy between truth and error, between Christ and Satan, is to increase in intensity to the close of this world's history.  {GC88 143.3}

 “Unfortunately, Luther followed Augustine rather than Paul in his teaching of predestination, freedom of the will, and kindred doctrines… The middle of the sixteenth century found, therefore, two dominant Protestant schools of thought in Europe- Lutheranism and Calvinism. Both were serving to emancipate thousands from the bondage of mediaeval Catholicism, and both were defending valiantly certain scriptural doctrines. Both systems, however, possessed glaring weaknesses.” Norval F. Pease. “Justification ad righteousness by Faith in the Seventh-day Adventist Church Before 1900,” pp 17, 19, 22, 26.

 “The Reformation did not, as many suppose, end with Luther. It is to be continued to the close of this world's history. Luther had a great work to do in reflecting to others the light which God had permitted to shine upon him; yet he did not receive all the light which was to be given to the world. From that time to this, new light been continually shining upon the Scriptures, and new truths have been constantly unfolding.” (Thus Luther’s Protestant Reformation stagnated and stalled in its progression because he followed Augustine rather than Paul in his teaching of predestination, freedom of the will, and kindred doctrines.)

 25.3.1.1.3.1 Wesley Contribution

 “The great doctrine of justification by faith, so clearly taught by Luther, had been almost wholly lost sight of, and the Romish principle of trusting to good works for salvation, had taken its place. (Some two centuries later,) Whitefield and the Wesleys, who were members of the established church, were sincere seekers for the favor of God, and this they had been taught was to be secured by a virtuous life and an observance of the ordinances of religion.”  {GC88 253.3} {GC88 148.3} (John Westley continued with the reformation- “Once established in the faith of Christ, his whole soul burne with the desire to spread everywhere a knowledge of the glorious gospel of God’s free grace… “He continued his strict and self-denying life, not now as the ground, but the result of faith; not the root, but the fruit of holiness. The grace of God in Christ is the foundation of the Christian's hope, and that grace will be manifested in obedience. Wesley's life was devoted to the preaching of the great truths which he had received,—justification through faith in the atoning blood of Christ, and the renewing power of the Holy Spirit upon the heart, bringing forth fruit in a life conformed to the example of Christ.”  {GC88 256.3}

 25.3.1.1.3.2 True Church Building Continues

 “The enemy of righteousness left nothing undone in his effort to stop the work committed to the Lord's builders. But God "left not Himself without witness." Acts 14:17. Workers were raised up who ably defended the faith once delivered to the saints. History bears record to the fortitude and heroism of these men. Like the apostles, many of them fell at their post, but the building of the temple went steadily forward. The workmen were slain, but the work advanced. The Waldenses, John Wycliffe, Huss and Jerome, Martin Luther and Zwingli, Cranmer, Latimer, and Knox, the Huguenots, John and Charles Wesley, and a host of others brought to the foundation material that will endure throughout eternity. And in later years those who have so nobly endeavored to promote the circulation of God's word, and those who by their service in heathen lands have prepared the way for the proclamation of the last great message--these also have helped to rear the structure.  {AA 598.1} ( Ellen White has confirmed that the heart of God's last message  is the message of justification by faith which is the third angel's message in verity."--1SM 372 (1890))

25.3.1.1.3.3 The Advent Movement

 Many Protestant denominations around the world  in the 1830s and 1840s were moved by God, not just William Miller, to proclaim the soon coming of God and that final judgment hour message. Discovered in the Daniel and Revelation.

 25.3.1.1.3.3.1 The Advent Movementof 1840-44 

 The Advent movement of 1840-44 was a glorious manifestation of the power of God; the first message was carried to every missionary station in the world, and in this country there was the greatest religious interest which has been witnessed in any land since the Reformation of the sixteenth century; but these are to be far exceeded by the mighty movement under the loud cry of the third message. The work will be similar to that of the day of Pentecost. Servants of God, with their faces lighted up and shining with holy consecration, hasten from place to place to proclaim the warning from Heaven. By thousands of voices, all over the earth, the message will be given. Miracles are wrought, the sick are healed, and signs and wonders follow the believers. Satan also works with lying wonders, even bringing down fire from heaven in the sight of men. Thus the inhabitants of the earth are brought to take their stand.  {4SP 429.2}

A Great religious awakening under the proclamation of Christ's soon coming, is foretold in the prophecy of the first angel's message of Revelation 14. An angel is seen 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.” “With a loud voice” he proclaims the message, “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.]  {GC88 355.1}

 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.  {GC88 355.2}

 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.  (God has raised up this church to not only preach the messages given in the past but a culmination of that message in the judgment hour message of the cleansing of the sanctuary )

  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 a 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.” [Daniel 12:4.]  {GC88 355.3}

 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.  {GC88 356.2} ( This message could not be proclaimed until the time 1844 and beyond and it is to this people that God raised up that the message was given. In addition, God was to sent greater light starting in the 18880’s and 1890s for the his church and best summarised in the 1895 statement.

 25.3.1.1.3.3.1.1 Demise of Luther’s Protestant Reformation

 Luther’s Protestant Reformation stagnated and stalled in its progression resulting in the death of the true righteous by faith Protestant spirit after 500 years on October 31, 2017. This began with the Catholics and Lutherans getting together to sign a Joint Declaration on the Justification of Faith at the ceremony in Augsburg, Germany, on Oct 31, 1999, Reformation Sunday ( the anniversary of Martin Luther nailing his 95 thesis of protest to the church door in Wittenberg, Germany. They agreed that the Lutherans and the Catholics explication of justification are in their difference open to one another and do not destroy the consensus regarding the basic truths of the doctrine of justification.They agreed that the Catholic Council does not  condemn the Lutherans doctrine as the Lutherans  teaching does not affect Catholics belief. Sadly, the next progression was the Catholics and the World Methodist Council followed suit declaring the common understanding of justification as outlined in the Joint Declaration of Justification corresponds to Methodist doctrine signed on June 23, 2006.)

 25.3.1.1.3.3.1.2 Catholics Version of Justification by Faith

The Catholic Catechism have incorporated penance for the forgiven of sins ( See Catechism of the Catholic Church: Article 1459 defines penance as the sinner way to recover his full spiritual health by doing something more to make amend for the sin: he must make ‘satisfaction for or ‘expiate’ his sins. Article 2010 -  After conversion, the Holy Spirit can move a person earn merits for ourselves and for others the graces needed fr our sanctification and the attainment of eternal life..)

 25.3.1.1.3.3.1.2.1 Faith in Christ’s Merits Alone

Let the subject be made distinct and plain that it is not possible to effect anything in our standing before God or in the gift of God to us through creature merit. Should faith and works purchase the gift of salvation for anyone, then the Creator is under obligation to the creature. Here is an opportunity for falsehood to be accepted as truth. If any man can merit salvation by anything he may do, then he is in the same position as the Catholic to do penance for his sins. Salvation, then, is partly of debt, that may be earned as wages. If man cannot, by any of his good works, merit salvation, then it must be wholly of grace, received by man as a sinner because he receives and believes in Jesus. It is wholly a free gift. Justification by faith is placed beyond controversy. And all this controversy is ended, as soon as the matter is settled that the merits of fallen man in his good works can never procure eternal life for him.  {FW 19.3} (1889)

  When the leading churches of the United States, uniting upon such points of doctrine as are held by them in common, shall influence the state to enforce their decrees and to sustain their institutions, then Protestant America will have formed an image of the Roman hierarchy, and the infliction of civil penalties upon dissenters will inevitably result.  {GC 445.1}

 25.3.1.1.3.3.1.2.2 Counterfeit Resembles the True

 “The last great delusion is soon to open before us. Antichrist is to perform his marvelous works in our sight. So closely will the counterfeit resemble the true that it will be impossible to distinguish between them except by the Holy Scriptures. By their testimony every statement and every miracle must be tested.”  {GC 593.1}

 25.3.1.1.3.3.1.2.2.1 Re-writing History

 This was the news report on rewriting history about the Protestant Reformation by Pope Freancis:

Pope to Christians, Protestants: Stop prejudice, forgive sins of past by Carol GlatzMar 31, 2017CATHOLIC NEWS SERVICE https://cruxnow.com/global-church/2017/03/pope-christians-protestants-stop-prejudice-forgive-sins-past/

“Serious research into the figure of Luther and his critique of the church of his time and the papacy certainly contributes to overcoming the atmosphere of mutual distrust and rivalry that for all too long marked relations between Catholics and Protestants,” he said.

“An attentive and rigorous study, free of prejudice and polemics, enables the churches, now in dialogue, to discern and receive all that was positive and legitimate in the Reformation, while distancing themselves from errors, extremes and failures, and acknowledging the sins that led to the division,” the pope said.

 While the past cannot be changed, he said, 50 years of dialogue means there can be “a purification of memory,” which is “to tell that history differently,” in a way that is “free of any lingering trace of the resentment over past injuries that has distorted our view of one another.” (In fact, the history of America  as a nation is being rewritten  as the young people in our public schools are being taught kinds of rewritten history in order to forget the past.  That is why Ellen White  has counseled “n reviewing our past history, having traveled over every step of advance to our present standing, I can say, Praise God! As I see what the Lord has wrought, I am filled with astonishment, and with confidence in Christ as leader. We have nothing to fear for the future, except as we shall forget the way the Lord has led us, and His teaching in our past history.--LS 196 (1902).  {LDE 72.1}

Even in our church today there has been at least two rivers of thought. Some feel Adventist message is contribution to the world is not unique. But the message that God has given us is more than just the evangelical gospel. ( eg recently we say we believe n the trinity which is different from the Catholic trinity ( unnecessary confusion  as . Our justification by faith is not the Catholic version.) SDA uniqueness is in the revelation that God has given this church the message to uplift Christ :

“Of all professing Christians, Seventh-day Adventists should be foremost in uplifting Christ before the world. The proclamation of the third angel's message calls for the presentation of the Sabbath truth. This truth, with others included in the message, is to be proclaimed; but the great center of attraction, Christ Jesus, must not be left out. It is at the cross of Christ that mercy and truth meet together, and righteousness and peace kiss each other. The sinner must be led to look to Calvary; with the simple faith of a little child he must trust in the merits of the Saviour, accepting His righteousness, believing in His mercy.”  {GW 156.2} ( God has intended that all of our fundamental beliefs should be presented as they ae in Christ, that Christ is the centre.

 25.3.2 Pentecost in Summary

In summary, we know that we are in a 6,000 year controversy and from the very beginning God set out on a plan of salvation. He shared this in the garden of Eden with Adam and Eve by providing the lamb’s skin to cover their nakedness so that they were redeemed from death. The lamb in the sacrificial system points forward to Christ coming to earth as “the lamb of God which taketh away the sin of the world” –Jn 1:29.“For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.” For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved. “He that believeth on him is not condemned: but he that believeth not is condemned already, because he hath not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God.”( Jn 3:16-18)  

 Satan has always been active in seeking  to pervert, confuse by bringing in false theories and ideas so that the truth about God in His character and plan of salvation would be confused and misunderstood. In this mode man human beings would not know about the plan of salvation and be held in Satan’s grasp of sin.

In every generation God has raised up a person or people to proclaim the truth. This truth is ever unfolding for when Satan distorts the given truth, God comes back in more detail and more expressions of His character and of the plan of salvation. This cycle is being repeated  to this very day.

We are living in a time when there is great confusion, even more confusion than ever better like experiencing the breakdown of normalcy in work and social life caused by the Covid-19 death threatening crisis.  All the leaders and  governments are lost for remedy other than to tell us to lower our expectation and accept a ”new norm” way of life. But they are not the people of the word that tells us not to forget the past of how God has led us. Our safeguard is the Bible and the amplification of the Spirit of Prophecy  given to the Remnant church. The way is clear that we must repent and return to the old ways, back to the Bible and begin studying the book of Genesis. 

 Consider, Christ warning ( Mat 24: 37-39); As in the days Noah, there is too much eating and drinking, planting and building. The world has stolen the energies of the servants of Christ. Brethren, if you would have your religion honored by unbelievers, honor it yourselves by corresponding works. By a close connection with God and a strict adherence to Bible truth in the face of difficulty and worldly pressure, you may infuse the spirit of the truth into the hearts of your children so that they will work effectually with you as instruments in God's hands for good.  {5T 134.4}  Then we have the city of Nineveh who heeded Jonah’s warning and repented to turn back the wrath of God for that generation . But the Assyrian capital eventually was wiped ou as prophesied by Zehpeniah about 140 years later in 1612 B.C.( Zep 2:13)  

We have the plea of Zepheniah reminding us about the great day of God’s judgment which is the day of wrath (Zep1:14-18). God is conveying through Zepheniah  His loving plea to seek the Lord while probation lingers ( Zep 2:1-3)

 "And because iniquity shall abound, the love of many shall wax cold." The very atmosphere is polluted with sin. Soon God's people will be tested by fiery trials, and the great proportion of those who now appear to be genuine and true will prove to be base metal. Instead of being strengthened and confirmed by opposition, threats, and abuse, they will cowardly take the side of the opposers. The promise is: "Them that honor Me I will honor." Shall we be less firmly attached to God's law because the world at large have attempted to make it void?  {5T 136.1} 

Already the judgments of God are abroad in the land, as seen in storms, in floods, in tempests, in earthquakes, in peril by land and by sea. The great I AM is speaking to those who make void His law. When God's wrath is poured out upon the earth, who will then be able to stand? Now is the time for God's people to show themselves true to principle. When the religion of Christ is most held in contempt, when His law is most despised, then should our zeal be the warmest and our courage and firmness the most unflinching. To stand in defense of truth and righteousness when the majority forsake us, to fight the battles of the Lord when champions are few--this will be our test. At this time we must gather warmth from the coldness of others, courage from their cowardice, and loyalty from their treason. The nation will be on the side of the great rebel leader {5T 136.2} 

The test will surely come. Thirty-six years ago I was shown that what is now transpiring would take place, that the observance of an institution of the papacy would be enforced upon the people by a Sunday law, while the sanctified rest day of Jehovah would be trampled underfoot.  {5T 137.1} 

The Captain of our salvation will strengthen His people for the conflict in which they must engage. How often when Satan has brought all his forces to bear against the followers of Christ, and death stares them in the face, have earnest prayers put up in faith brought the Captain of the Lord's host upon the field of action and turned the tide of battle and delivered the oppressed.  {5T 137.2} 

Now is the time when we should closely connect with God, that we may be hid when the fierceness of His wrath is poured upon the sons of men. We have wandered away from the old landmarks. Let us return. If the Lord be God, serve Him; if Baal, serve him. Which side will you be on?   {5T 137.3} 

 Finally to close the understanding on the significance of Pentecost please watch another very important Bible study given by Pr, Stephen Bohr on “The Secrets of Pentecost - The Return of the War Hero - - 1 of 10 Streamed live on May 3, 2014 secretsunsealed  -    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JQQfSbW76r4&list=PLihnlHdV4AJaf4QFhcMNzne8QBIrrbX6h

The End  pg 8-18,  Posted on August 23, 2020 by Tsc at singtsc@yahoo.com

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