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Chapter Eight

MATTHEW CHAPTER TWENTY-FOUR
World Events That Lead to the Development and Work of the Church Triumphant

Verses 1-3

“And Jesus went out, and departed from the temple; and His disciples came to Him for to show Him the buildings of the temple. And Jesus said unto them, See ye not all these things? Verily I saw unto you, there shall not be left here one stone upon another that shall not be thrown down. And as He sat upon the mount of Olives, the disciples came unto Him privately, saying, Tell us, when shall these things be? And what shall be the sign of Thy coming, and of the end of the world?

“While these prophecies received a partial fulfillment at the destruction of Jerusalem, they have a more direct application in the last days.” 5T 753; LDE 18

“The twenty-fourth chapter of Matthew gives an outlining of what is to come upon the world.” Letter 90, May 23, 1902; TDG 152; 10MR 220

Perhaps the rest of the quote is pertinent, not only for the support of a true ministry, but especially to help in the presentation of the 24th chapter of Matthew “as an outline of what is to come upon the world.”

“The twenty-fourth chapter of Matthew gives an outline of what is to come upon the world. We are living amid the perils of the last days. Those who are perishing in sin must be warned. The Lord calls upon every one to whom He has entrusted the talent of means to act as His helping hand by giving their money for the advancement of His work. Our money is a treasure lent us by the Lord, and it is to be invested in the work of giving to the world the last message of mercy...he who spends his life in an effort to gain worldly riches, is indeed making a poor investment. Too late he will see that in which he has trusted crumbling into dust.” This Day With God, p. 152

“...He said: ‘When his branch is yet tender, and putteth forth leaves, ye know that summer is nigh: so likewise ye, when ye shall see all these things, know that it is near, even at the doors. Verily I say unto you, this generation (the generation that saw the signs) [RH insertion] shall not pass, till all these things be fulfilled.’” RH Dec. 27, 1898

Though the fulfillment was not complete as it could have been almost 2000 years ago, nor 150 years ago, Christ’s statement of truth still remains. Truly the generation of Christians that sees all the signs recorded in Matthew 24 will be alive when Jesus comes.

Note: At one time Matthew 24 was honestly considered two prophecies, but the last time around it is considered as one.

“Christ forewarned His disciples of the destruction of Jerusalem and the signs to take place prior to the Coming of the Son of man. The whole of the twenty-fourth chapter of Matthew is a prophecy concerning the events to precede this event, and the destruction of Jerusalem is used to typify the last great destruction of the world by fire.” MS 77, 1899; LDE 18

“The prophecy which He uttered was twofold in its meaning: while foreshadowing the destruction of Jerusalem, it prefigured also the terrors of the last great day.” GC88 26

“The Saviour’s prophecy concerning the visitation of judgments upon Jerusalem is to have another fulfillment, of which that terrible desolation was but a faint shadow.” GC88 37

“These lessons are for our benefit. We need to stay our faith upon God, for there is just before us a time that will try men’s souls... ‘All these are the beginning of sorrows.’ While these prophecies received a partial fulfillment at the destruction of Jerusalem, they have a more direct application to the last days.” 5T 753

This prophecy
is especially
for us!

“This entire discourse was given, not for the disciples only, but for those who should live in the last scenes of this earth’s history.” DA 628

Therefore, the remaining events of the chapter lead up to the destruction of the world.

Verses 4, 5

“And Jesus answered and said unto them, Take heed that no man deceive you. For many shall come in my name, saying, I am Christ; and shall deceive many.”

“He had those in view who were living near the close of time, when He said: ‘Take heed to yourselves.’” 5T 10

“The same deceptions practiced prior to the destruction of Jerusalem have been practiced through the ages, and will be practiced again.” DA 628

There have been several would-be “Christ’s” in our age. The Maitreya, Farrakhan, Mooney, even Charles Manson to name a few.

If this chapter is an outline of what will surely come to pass, it will be wise to note carefully the sequence of events outlined for us in the next three verses.

Verses 6-9

“And ye shall hear of wars and rumors of wars: see that ye be not troubled: for all these things must come to pass, but the end is not yet. For nation shall rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom: and there shall be famines, and pestilences, and earthquakes, in divers places. All these are the beginning of sorrows. Then shall they deliver you up to be afflicted, and shall kill you: and ye shall be hated of all men for My name’s sake.”

But remember, just before we enter into the time of trouble, the faithful will receive the seal of God (7BC 960). Things are coming to a head. Life is getting exciting. People just like you are closing their minds to worldliness and instead are clothing their minds with righteousness. With God all things are possible. Wonder of wonders, we will be sealed forever and will do His bidding during the very last phase of this world’s history. Our converts may make tremendous sacrifices but the 144,000 march on. Are you ready?

“And it was commanded them (the evil ones) that they should not hurt the grass of the earth, neither any green thing, neither any tree; but only those men which have not the seal of God in their foreheads.
“And to them it was given that they should not kill them...” Revelation 9:4,5
(Parenthesis and underlining mine.)

Reading the Matthew statement and the Revelation statement makes it obvious there will be a time coming when they can kill some of us and there will be a time coming when they cannot kill any of us.

“We are standing on the threshold of great and solemn events. Many of the prophecies are about to be fulfilled in quick succession. Every element of power is about to be set to work. Past history will be repeated; old controversies will arouse to new life, and peril will beset God’s people on every side.” TM 116

“We will be required to render obedience to human edicts in violation of the divine law. Those who will be true to God and to duty will be menaced, denounced, and proscribed. They will be betrayed both by parents and brethren, and kinfolks, and friends.” Mar. 213; 5T 472. (Luke 21:16 ref.)

Make up your mind right now that no amount of peer pressure is going to change your beliefs. Even now it would be good to bow your head in prayer.

“Again and again the Lord has instructed that our people are to take their families away from the cities, into the country, where they can raise their own provisions; for in the future the problem of buying and selling will be a very serious one.” 2SM 141; LDE 99

“It is impossible to give any idea of the experience of the people of God who shall be alive upon the earth when celestial glory and a repetition of the persecutions of the permanent and stationary are blended. They will walk in light proceeding from the throne of God. By means of the angels there will be constant communication between heaven and earth. And Satan, surrounded by evil angels, and claiming to be God, will work miracles of all kinds, to deceive, if possible, the very elect.” 9T 16

Ellen White indicates above that a certain celestial glory is soon to be seen in the sky. She also describes a return of persecution during that same time.

Malachi Martin wrote that the present pope is also expecting a phenomenon of celestial glory and that it will escalate him to a renewed leadership role in world affairs.

“He (John Paul II) is a pope who is waiting. That is the essence of his action. And in the meantime, he is busy in all the highways and byways along which all the men of his age are moving...to a new world order. He is waiting, rather, for an event that will fission human history. Splitting the immediate past from the oncoming future. It will be an event on public view in the skies, in the oceans, and on the continental land masses of this planet. It will particularly involve our human sun, which every day lights up and shines upon the valleys, the mountains, and the plains of this earth. But on the day of this event, it will not appear merely as the master star of our so-called solar system. Rather it will be seen as the circumambient glory of the Woman whom the apostle describes as ‘clothed with the sun’ and giving birth to ‘a child who will rule the nations with a scepter of iron.’
“Fissioning it will be as an event, in John Paul’s conviction of faith, for it will immediately nullify all the grand designs the nations are now forming and will introduce the Grand Design of man’s Maker. John Paul’s waiting and watching time will then be over. His ministry as the servant of the Grand Design will then begin.” Keys of This Blood, chapter title “In the Final Analysis,” page 639.

“The Scriptures teach that popery is to regain its lost supremacy, and that the fires of persecution will be rekindled through the time-serving concessions of the so-called Protestant World.” 7BC 975; 2SM 367-368

“Through the apostles, God gave the Jewish people a last opportunity to repent...They were men of whom the world was not worthy, yet their judges pronounced on them the death sentence. They were not allowed to live and serve their God. By killing them, the Jews crucified afresh the Son of God. So it will be again. But it is over the seventh-day Sabbath that the battle will be fought.” RH Dec. 20, 1898

In verse nine of Matthew chapter twenty-four we saw that the world will turn against us. Next, in verse 10 we will see that our unfaithful brethren will turn against us.

Verse 10

“And then shall many be offended, and shall betray one another, and shall hate one another.”

“The warning here given as to what the disciples would have to meet at the hands of their fellow men is a warning to us also. ‘Then shall they deliver you up to be afflicted,’ Christ said, ‘and shall kill you: and ye shall be hated of all nations for My name’s sake. And then shall many be offended, and shall betray one another, and shall hate one another.’ These words will be fulfilled.” RH April 19, 2898

“Many stumble and fall, apostatizing from the faith they once advocated. Those who apostatize in time of trial will, to secure their own safety, bear false witness, and betray their brethren. Christ has warned us of that.” DA 630

Apostasy will be
rampant among
us. Are you
standing on the
right side now?

“Those who forsake God in order to save their lives will be forsaken by Him. In seeking to save their lives by yielding the truth, they will lose eternal life.” 9T 230; 3SM 401

Verses 11-12

“And many false prophets shall arise, and shall deceive many. And because iniquity shall abound, the love of many shall wax cold.”

“The word ‘many' refers to the professed followers of Christ.” 2T 346

“Many” refers to Seventh-day Adventists as the next quote implies:

“And because iniquity shall abound, the love of many shall wax cold... 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.” 5T 136

“There will be a shaking of the sieve. The chaff must in time be separated from the wheat. Because iniquity abounds, the love of many waxes cold. It is the very time when the genuine will be the strongest.” LDE 173

God is even now encouraging you to be among the genuine.

Verse 13-14

“But he that shall endure unto the end, the same shall be saved. And this gospel of the kingdom shall be preached in all the world for a witness unto all nations; and then shall the end come.”

Note: There are three important events in the above verses.

1. An end.
2. Gospel of the kingdom preached to all the world.
3. Another end.

This teacher does not believe these “ends” portray the end of the world since in both cases more events follow. For now please consider them as events in the middle of the prophecy where they are given. Eventually the prophecy does take us to the end of the world, but much later in verses 30 and 31.

In the verses preceding 13 and 14 the church is addressed. It seems logical to conclude that the first “end” is the end of the judgment of the church, which is followed, as we know, by the preaching of the 144,000 (the church triumphant) “in all the world as a witness.” This in turn is followed by the second “end” – the end of probation on the world.

These are the two “ends” mentioned. What is in between them? Extensive preaching! The loud cry of the third angel.

It is well known that the “loud cry” or final preaching of truth is soon to take place. We have seen enough evidence to know that those among us who are not prepared will be “left behind” while those who have “never heard” the truth may have opportunity to repent and be saved.

“I heard those clothed with the armor (of angels) speak forth the truth with great power. It had effect. Many had been bound; some wives by their husbands, and some children by their parents. The honest who had been prevented from hearing the truth now eagerly laid hold upon it...I asked what had made this great change. An angel answered, ‘It is the latter rain, the refreshing from the presence of the Lord, the loud cry of the third angel.’” EW 271

After their witness to all the world is complete, probation is closed for the world; thus will come the end of all opportunity for salvation, which is the second “end” in the above verses. In verse 15 and 16 we’ll see what follows.

Speaking of the effects of the final loud cry soon to be given, Ellen White gives warning to us regarding carelessness and indifference. She clearly indicates that the careless and indifferent will be caught totally off guard and decidedly left behind in darkness. Sadly, in the second quote following, she makes it clear that many of our own previously trusted ministers will be left behind.

“Some had been shaken out and left by the way. Careless and indifferent, who did not join with those who prized victory and salvation enough to perseveringly plead and agonize for it, did not obtain it, and they were left behind in darkness...” EW 271

A few of our stars
will be faithful to
the end.

“Many a star that we have admired will then go out in darkness.”

You might wonder what will be the effects of the ‘loud cry’ on careless and indifferent church members? Will God’s true church be left without members?

“...their places were immediately filled by others taking hold of the truth and coming into the ranks.” EW 271

The close of probation on the church militant does not mean the end of the church. The church triumphant comes from the church militant. The name Seventh-day Adventist is a statement of belief. I have no doubt all the name means will be carried on in the very soul of God’s people.

To what length will the enemy go to combat the work of the loud cry?

“As the crowning act in the great drama of deception, Satan himself will personate Christ...the great deceiver will make it appear that Christ has come.” GC 624

Some students apply Revelation chapter nine to this very experience:

VERSE 6 “And in those days shall men seek death, and not find it; and shall desire to die, and death shall flee from them.”

VERSE 11 “And they had a king over them, which is the angel of the bottomless pit, whose name in the Hebrew tongue is Abaddon, but in the Greek tongue hath his name Apollyon.”

(Some say Apollyon translates to mean “Destroyer.” A gentleman from Greece told me that it can also interpret to mean “the Lost.”)

So, to repeat wonderful news, just before the close of this world’s probation, the promise is:

“And this gospel of the kingdom shall be preached in all the world for a witness.”

Seventh-day Adventists have long known that this final preaching will be followed by the end of probation.

With the help of angels the everlasting gospel will be preached “unto them that dwell on the earth, and to every nation, and kindred, and tongue, and people.”

“...and then shall the end come.” Matthew 24:14

In its context this is not the end of the world, but the end of preaching the gospel for a witness unto all nations. This is only the end of the world’s probation. There are yet more events prophesied to happen.

At the end of probation for the world there are two things we can rejoice about. First, the saved are forever secure for heaven. Second, there will be no more martyrs. See GC 634

Verses 15-16

“When ye therefore shall see the abomination of desolation spoken of by Daniel the prophet, stand in the holy place, (whoso readeth let him understand) Then let them which be in Judea flee into the mountains.”

Why? Because with probation closed there is no longer reason to keep witnessing or risking one’s life to witness.

“’His place of defense shall be the munitions of rocks: bread shall be given him; His water shall be sure.’ Is. 33:16 By this promise the children of God will live. When the earth shall be wasted with famine, they shall be fed.” DA 121

In the Old Testament, Daniel did prophecy of an Antichrist that would set up his throne in Jerusalem. At the same time a Heavenly Being stands up, no doubt ready to deliver God’s people. All these things Daniel, like Jesus, saw taking place while a severe time of trouble would be devastating the earth.

Daniel 11:45 – 12:1

“And he shall plant the tabernacles of his palace between the seas in the glorious holy mountain; yet he shall come to his end, and none shall help him. And at that time shall Michael stand up, the great prince which standeth for the children of the people: and there shall be a time of trouble, such as never was since there was a nation even to that same time: and at that time thy people shall be delivered, every one that shall be found written in the book.”

Daniel also pinpointed the location of the “holy mountain” mentioned in the above text. In his ninth chapter and the sixteenth verse he exclaimed, “Thy city Jerusalem, thy holy mountain.”

The good news is that we will not be swept away in the devastation, but that we will be delivered. Now notice how Christ agrees with Daniel’s prophecy in the next four verses in Matthew.

Verses 17-21

“Let him which is on the housetop not come down to take anything out of his house: neither let him which is in the field return back to take his clothes. And woe unto them that are with child, and to them that give suck in those days! But pray ye that your flight be not in the winter, neither on the Sabbath day: for then shall be great tribulation, such as was not since the beginning of the world to this time, no, nor ever shall be.”

Satan’s
reign of terror.

“The wicked have passed the boundary of their probation; the Spirit of God, persistently resisted, has been at last withdrawn. Unsheltered by divine grace, they have no protection from the wicked one. Satan will then plunge the inhabitants of the earth into one great, final trouble. As the angels of God cease to hold in check the fierce winds of human passion, all the elements of strife will be let loose. The whole world will be involved in ruin more terrible than that which came upon Jerusalem of old.” GC 614

“The world will then behold, as never before, the results of Satan’s rule.” GC 37

Not to worry. During these very severe and horrific events, the saints will be delivered. See Daniel 12.

Verse 22

“And except those days should be shortened, there should no flesh be saved: but for the elect’s sake those days shall be shortened.”

“When Jesus leaves the most holy, His restraining Spirit is withdrawn from rulers and people. They are left to the control of evil angels. Then such laws will be made by the counsel and direction of Satan, that unless time should be very short, no flesh could be saved.” 1T 204

“Unless time should be very short.” Yes, a short period of time is still remaining after the close of probation. It will be enough time for the following events.

Verses 23, 24

“Then if any man shall say unto you, Lo, here is Christ, or there, believe it not. For there shall arise false Christs, and false prophets, and shall show great signs and wonders; insomuch that, if it were possible, they shall deceive the very elect.”

In this final application of the prophecy why is it impossible to deceive the very elect? Because they are sealed, probation is closed, probation is closed, and because they will only .listen to Christ’s counsel. Those who love the truth will not fall for Satan’s deceptions but will take Christ’s counsel given in the next four verses.

Verses 25-28

“Behold I have told you before. Wherefore if they shall say unto you, Behold, he is in the desert; go not forth: Behold, he is in the secret chambers; believe it not. For as the lightning cometh out of the east, and shineth even unto the west; so shall also the coming of the Son of man be. For wheresoever the carcass is, there will the eagles be gathered together.”

Do you wonder how active Satan will be in his work of deception?

“Even Him (Jesus) whose coming is after the working of Satan with ALL power and signs and lying wonders, and with all deceivableness of unrighteousness in them that perish; because they received not the love of the truth, that they might be saved. And for this cause God shall send them strong delusion that they should believe a lie.” 2 Thessalonians 2:9-11

The True Witness repeats His earlier counsel saying, “Behold I have told you before.” (“Before” was previous to probation’s close see Matt. 24:4,5). He repeats it now to reassure the saints that they should not be concerned with Satan’s strongest deception. Satan will still be trying to harass and deceive the saints after the close of probation. Why? Because Satan does not know that probation has closed!

“He numbers the world as his subjects; but the little company who keep the commandments of God are resisting his supremacy. If he could blot them from the earth, his triumph would be complete. He sees that holy angels are guarding them, and he infers that their sins have been pardoned; but he does not know that their cases have been decided in the sanctuary above.” GC 618

The True Witness once again reminds His people regarding His actual coming. “Wheresoever the carcass is, there will the eagles be gathered together.” (See again verse 28.) John the Revelator wrote of the same event.

“And the remnant were slain ... and all the fowls were filled with their flesh.” Revelation 19:21

Verse 29

“Immediately after the tribulation of those days shall the sun be darkened, and the moon shall not give her light, and the stars shall fall from heaven, and the powers of the heavens shall be shaken.”

Verse 29 will be fulfilled immediately after the tribulation of those days (Satan’s reign of terror such as never was). These events may start the turning point in favor of the saints on planet earth.

The Bible, Ellen White, and the SDA Bible Commentary all support the signs in the sun, moon, and stars being repeated after the close of probation. What a tremendous morale boost this will be to the weary, misunderstood, harassed saints.

Since most Seventh-day Adventist are convinced these signs had applications on May 19, 1780 and November 13, 1833, we will only review a couple of statements regarding their antitype (second fulfillment) after the close of the world’s probation.

SDA Bible Commentary, Vol. 4 pages 949-950
Re: Joel chapter three:

“Put ye in the sickle, for the harvest is ripe: come, get you down; for the press is full, the vats overflow; for their wickedness is great. Multitudes, multitudes in the valley of decision.” Joel 3:13, 14

Then the Commentary adds:

“It should be noted, however, that the decision here referred to is that of Jehovah as judge, and not that of the people who are being judged. In other words, their probation has already closed.

Then the Commentary continues:

“For the day of the LORD is near in the valley of decision. The sun and the moon shall be darkened, and the stars shall withdraw their shining. The LORD also shall roar out of Zion, and utter His voice from Jerusalem; and the heavens and the earth shall shake: but the LORD will be the hope of His people, and the strength of the children of Israel.” Joel 3:14-16

In other words, when these celestial signs are given in Joel chapter two they refer to a time before the close of probation when those who call on the name of the Lord can be saved. In Joel chapter three these same celestial signs are given after probation has closed!

The Sabbath School Quarterlies teach the same thing regarding the future application of these celestial signs:

“These signs in the natural world that already have occurred (the dark day, May 19, 1780; the falling stars, November 13, 1833; and others) will be repeated immediately before the second coming of Jesus.” January – March, 1992 edition, p. 25

This truth is repeated in a more recent edition.

“The signs in the natural world were fulfilled in the past two centuries (Matt. 22:29). These signs will be repeated just before Christ comes (Joel 3:15, Isaiah 3:9,10; Rev. 6:12,13; Ezekiel 32:7,8).” Sabbath School Quarterly July – September, 1996

Ellen White tells us regarding Matthew 24:

“This entire discourse was given, not for the disciples only, but for those who should live in the last scenes of this earth’s history.” DA 628

The verse-by-verse study of Matthew gets more revealing and exciting as we continue in chapter nine.

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