Prayer Thought:
God has a distinct people, a church on earth, second to none, but superior to all in their facilities to teach the truth, to vindicate the law of God. God has divinely appointed agencies–men whom He is leading, who have borne the heat and burden of the day, who are cooperating with heavenly instrumentalities to advance the kingdom of Christ in our world. Let all unite with these chosen agents, and be found at last among those who have the patience of the saints, who keep the commandments of God, and have the faith of Jesus. {TM 58.1}
Introduction:
Take note the above statement:
God has appointed agencies – where He is leading.
They are cooperating with heavenly instrumentalities – His prophets in the last days.
To advance the kingdom of Christ in the world – our present world as depicted in Dan. 2 – the Ten toes verse 33 (1T 360.3)
There’s an invitation for all to join the chosen agents of whom God elected or appointed as it will not be left to other people but to those who are part of the mountain of God (His church in the last days – SDA).
They must be found at last among those who have patience of the saints.
They will keep the commandments of God.
They have the faith of Jesus, which is the Spirit of Prophecy (Rev. 19:10)
No prophet of God has ever forged a complete prophetic chain of events, with no links missing. It has taken many inspired writers to complete the long chain of prophecy. The mind, therefore, which takes the position that Sister White has done what no prophet in or out of the Bible has ever done, does so at the utter disregard of actual Biblical procedure and also of revealed Truth.
Daniel’s book will be understood in the “latter days” in “the time of the end” {Dan. 12:4}
Daniel was being taught by God to read the mysteries of the future and to record for coming generations, through figures and symbols, events covering the history of this world till the close of time.” {PK 484.3}
Daniel’s interpretation was to be rejected and forgotten; truth was to be misinterpreted and misapplied. The symbol designed of Heaven to unfold to the minds of men important events of the future, was to be used to hinder the spread of the knowledge that God desired the world to receive…” {PK 505.1}
Our position in the image of Nebuchadnezzar is represented by the toes, in a divided state, and of a crumbling material, that will not hold together. Prophecy shows us that the great day of God is right upon us. It hasteth greatly.” {1T 360.3}
Questions to Ponder:
What are God’s everlasting covenant with His people?
(See: CC 187.4; FLB 78.4; ” Isaiah 27:2, 3; PK 22.1; PK 716.1; PK 716.2; MS 23, 1899; PK 722; PK 703
What is Pre-millennial Kingdom? Ezek. 36:23-28
What it would be like? Zech. 12:5-14; 13:1-5; Matt. 13:31-33; Matt. 25:1-12
When does this take place? Micah 3:12; 4:1, 2; Dan. 2:44
What signs precede its establishment? Matt. 13:31-33; Rev. 14:14-19
Who were the first subjects of the Kingdom? TM 422.1
Why only a stone was use to smite the Image, why not a mountain? 1T 608-609; 1T 189.2; 5T 505.2
What is expected of the subjects of Christ’s kingdom? RH, February 25, 1909 par. 10
Did the OT and NT church expected the Kingdom of Glory? Isa. 9:6, 7; Acts 1:6, 7
What is God’s everlasting covenant with His people?
Of all the assurances which His word contains, it is one of the strongest testimonies to the faithfulness, the justice, and the covenant mercy of God. . . . Glorious are the promises made to David and his house, promises that look forward to the eternal ages, and find their complete fulfillment in Christ. {CC 187.4}
The terms of the “old covenant” were, Obey and live: “If a man do, he shall even live in them;” but “cursed be he that confirmeth not all the words of this law to do them.” Ezekiel 20:11; Leviticus 18:5; Deuteronomy 27:26. The “new covenant” was established upon “better promises”–the promise of forgiveness of sins, and of the grace of God to renew the heart, and bring it into harmony with the principles of God’s law. {FLB 78.4}
The only means of salvation is provided under the Abrahamic covenant.
The story of Israel’s call, of their successes and failures, of their restoration to divine favor, of their rejection of the Master of the vineyard, and of the carrying out of the plan of the ages by a goodly remnant to whom are to be fulfilled all the covenant promises–this has been the theme of God’s messengers to His church throughout the centuries that have passed. And today God’s message to His church–to those who are occupying His vineyard as faithful husbandmen–is none other than that spoken through the prophet of old:
“Sing ye unto her, A vineyard of red wine. I the Lord do keep it; I will water it every moment: lest any hurt it, I will keep it night and day.” Isaiah 27:2, 3. {PK 22.1}
Eternal Purpose for the House of Israel
O Let Israel hope in God. The Master of the vineyard is even now gathering from among men of all nations and peoples the precious fruits for which He has long been waiting. Soon He will come unto His own; and in that glad day His eternal purpose for the house of Israel will finally be fulfilled. “He shall cause them that come of Jacob to take root: Israel shall blossom and bud, and fill the face of the world with fruit.” Verse 6. {PK 22.2}
Numbered Among the Spiritual Israel (144,000)
Never has the Lord been without true representatives on this earth who have made His interests their own. These witnesses for God are numbered among the spiritual Israel, and to them will be fulfilled all the covenant promises made by Jehovah to His ancient people. Today, in the spirit and power of Elias and of John the Baptist, messengers of God’s appointment are calling the attention of a judgment-bound world to the solemn events soon to take place in connection with the closing hours of probation and the appearance of Christ Jesus as King of kings and Lord of lords. Soon every man is to be judged for the deeds done in the body…
Solemn Responsibility:
The hour of God’s judgment has come, and upon the members of His church on earth rests the solemn responsibility of giving warning to those who are standing as it were on the very brink of eternal ruin. To every human being in the wide world who will give heed must be made plain the principles at stake in the great controversy being waged, principles upon which hang the destinies of all mankind. {PK 716.1}
Good News of Salvation to Everyone
In these final hours of probation for the sons of men, when the fate of every soul is so soon to be decided forever, the Lord of heaven and earth expects His church to arouse to action as never before. Those who have been made free in Christ through a knowledge of precious truth, are regarded by the Lord Jesus as His chosen ones, favored above all other people on the face of the earth; and He is counting on them to show forth the praises of Him who hath called them out of darkness into marvelous light. The blessings which are so liberally bestowed are to be communicated to others. The good news of salvation is to go to every nation, kindred, tongue, and people. {PK 716.2}
Fulfillment of His Promises
He is ever mindful of His covenant, and His truth endureth to all generations (MS 23, 1899).
Obstacles to the advancement of the work of God will appear; but fear not. To the omnipotence of the King of kings, our covenant-keeping God unites the gentleness and care of a tender shepherd. Nothing can stand in His way. His power is absolute, and it is the pledge of the sure fulfillment of His promises to His people. He can remove all obstructions to the advancement of His work. He has means for the removal of every difficulty, that those who serve Him and respect the means He employs may be delivered. His goodness and love are infinite, and His covenant is unalterable. {SD 219.3}
Final Restoration to Divine Favor
“Facts of Faith” has long been out of print, the matter contained therein having been largely incorporated, with many additions, in the later volume, “Spirit of Prophecy,” Volume 1 (1870), and finally in “Patriarchs and Prophets” (1890). When “Patriarchs” was completed, Mrs. White hoped soon to go on with the story from the close of David’s reign, and publish in connected form that which she had been enabled to write through the years concerning the experiences of Solomon and divided Israel, and their final restoration to divine favor as one united people,– a type of spiritual Israel, the church of God on earth today, to whom will finally be fulfilled all the covenant promises. {LS 435.2}
Literal Fulfillment of God’s Purpose for Israel
Then it is that the redeemed from among men will receive their promised inheritance. Thus God’s purpose for Israel will meet with literal fulfillment. That which God purposes, man is powerless to disannul. Even amid the working of evil, God’s purposes have been moving steadily forward to their accomplishment. It was thus with the house of Israel throughout the history of the divided monarchy; it is thus with spiritual Israel today. {PK 720.3}
Eternal Purpose of Jehovah
In the darkest days of her long conflict with evil, the church of God has been given revelations of the eternal purpose of Jehovah. His people have been permitted to look beyond the trials of the present to the triumphs of the future, when, the warfare having been accomplished, the redeemed will enter into possession of the promised land. These visions of future glory, scenes pictured by the hand of God, should be dear to His church today, when the controversy of the ages is rapidly closing and the promised blessings are soon to be realized in all their fullness. {PK 722.1}
Divine Assurance for His Church
Many were the messages of comfort given the church by the prophets of old. “Comfort ye, comfort ye My people” (Isaiah 40:1), was Isaiah’s commission from God; and with the commission were given wonderful visions that have been the believers’ hope and joy through all the centuries that have followed. Despised of men, persecuted, forsaken, God’s children in every age have nevertheless been sustained by His sure promises. By faith they have looked forward to the time when He will fulfill to His church the assurance, “I will make thee an eternal excellency, a joy of many generations.” Isaiah 60:15. {PK 722.2}
God’s church on Earth Fulfill the Ancient Prophecy
In proclaiming the truths of the everlasting gospel to every nation, kindred, tongue, and people, God’s church on earth today is fulfilling the ancient prophecy, “Israel shall blossom and bud, and fill the face of the world with fruit.” Isaiah 27:6. The followers of Jesus, in co-operation with heavenly intelligences, are rapidly occupying the waste places of the earth; and, as the result of their labors, an abundant fruitage of precious souls is developing. Today, as never before, the dissemination of Bible truth by means of a consecrated church is bringing to the sons of men the benefits foreshadowed centuries ago in the promise to Abraham and to all Israel,–to God’s church on earth in every age,–“I will bless thee, . . . and thou shalt be a blessing.” Genesis 12:2. {PK 703.1}
City of Truth – Holy Mountain of the Lord
This promise of blessing should have met fulfillment in large measure during the centuries following the return of the Israelites from the lands of their captivity. It was God’s design that the whole earth be prepared for the first advent of Christ, even as today the way is preparing for His second coming. At the end of the years of humiliating exile, God graciously gave to His people Israel, through Zechariah, the assurance: “I am returned unto Zion, and will dwell in the midst of Jerusalem: and Jerusalem shall be called a city of truth; and the mountain of the Lord of hosts the holy mountain.” And of His people He said, “Behold, . . . I will be their God, in truth and in righteousness.” Zechariah 8:3, 7, 8. {PK 703.2}
Complete Fulfillment: God’s Name will be Great!
Not by any temporary failure of Israel, however, was the plan of the ages for the redemption of mankind to be frustrated. Those to whom the prophet was speaking might not heed the message given, but the purposes of Jehovah were nevertheless to move steadily forward to their complete fulfillment. “From the rising of the sun even unto the going down of the same,” the Lord declared through His messenger, “My name shall be great among the Gentiles; and in every place incense shall be offered unto My name, and a pure offering: for My name shall be great among the heathen.” Malachi 1:11. {PK 705.3}
All Covenant Promises will Be Fulfilled through His Church
That which God purposed to do for the world through Israel, the chosen nation, He will finally accomplish through His church on earth today. He has “let out His vineyard unto other husbandmen,” even to His covenant-keeping people, who faithfully “render Him the fruits in their seasons.” Never has the Lord been without true representatives on this earth who have made His interests their own. These witnesses for God are numbered among the spiritual Israel, and to them will be fulfilled all the covenant promises made by Jehovah to His ancient people. {PK 713.1}
Inheritors of the Covenant Promises
Moses beheld the disciples of Jesus as they went forth to carry His gospel to the world. He saw that though the people of Israel “according to the flesh” had failed of the high destiny to which God had called them, in their unbelief had failed to become the light of the world, though they had despised God’s mercy and forfeited their blessings as His chosen people–yet God had not cast off the seed of Abraham; the glorious purposes which He had undertaken to accomplish through Israel were to be fulfilled. All who through Christ should become the children of faith were to be counted as Abraham’s seed; they were inheritors of the covenant promises; like Abraham, they were called to guard and to make known to the world the law of God and the gospel of His Son. Moses saw the light of the gospel shining out through the disciples of Jesus to them “which sat in darkness” (Matthew 4:16), and thousands from the lands of the Gentiles flocking to the brightness of its rising. And beholding, he rejoiced in the increase and prosperity of Israel. {PP 476.1}
Theme of God’s Messengers
The story of Israel’s call, of their successes and failures, of their restoration to divine favor, of their rejection of the Master of the vineyard, and of the carrying out of the plan of the ages by a goodly remnant to whom are to be fulfilled all the covenant promises–this has been the theme of God’s messengers to His church throughout the centuries that have passed. And today God’s message to His church–to those who are occupying His vineyard as faithful husbandmen–is none other than that spoken through the prophet of old:
“Sing ye unto her, A vineyard of red wine. I the Lord do keep it; I will water it every moment: lest any hurt it, I will keep it night and day.” Isaiah 27:2, 3. {PK 22.1}
Fulfill His Everlasting Covenant
God had commanded that Jerusalem be rebuilt; the vision of the measuring of the city was an assurance that He would give comfort and strength to His afflicted ones, and fulfill to them the promises of His everlasting covenant. His protecting care, He declared, would be like “a wall of fire round about;” and through them His glory would be revealed to all the sons of men. That which He was accomplishing for His people was to be known in all the earth. “Cry out and shout, thou inhabitant of Zion: for great is the Holy One of Israel in the midst of thee.” Isaiah 12:6. {PK 581.3}
Remnant “Men Wondered At” Among the Living (144,000)
Now is reached the complete fulfillment of the words of the Angel: “Hear now, O Joshua the high priest, thou, and thy fellows that sit before thee: for they are men wondered at: for, behold, I will bring forth My Servant the Branch.” Zechariah 3:8. Christ is revealed as the Redeemer and Deliverer of His people. Now indeed are the remnant “men wondered at,” as the tears and humiliation of their pilgrimage give place to joy and honor in the presence of God and the Lamb. “In that day shall the branch of the Lord be beautiful and glorious, and the fruit of the earth shall be excellent and comely for them that are escaped of Israel. And it shall come to pass, that he that is left in Zion, and he that remaineth in Jerusalem, shall be called holy, even everyone that is written among the living in Jerusalem.” Isaiah 4:2, 3. {PK 592.1}
Strength of Heaven
Those who proclaim the third angel’s message must put on the whole armor of God, that they may stand boldly at their post, in the face of detraction and falsehood, fighting the good fight of faith, resisting the enemy with the word, “It is written.” Keep yourselves where the three great powers of heaven, the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, can be your efficiency. These powers work with the one who gives himself unreservedly to God. The strength of heaven is at the command of God’s believing ones. The man who takes God as his trust is barricaded by an impregnable wall. {SW, February 23, 1904 par. 2}
What is Pre-millennial Kingdom? Ezek. 36:23-28
23 And I will sanctify my great name, which was profaned among the heathen, which ye have profaned in the midst of them; and the heathen shall know that I [am] the LORD, saith the Lord GOD, when I shall be sanctified in you before their eyes.
24 For I will take you from among the heathen, and gather you out of all countries, and will bring you into your own land.
25 Then will I sprinkle clean water upon you, and ye shall be clean: from all your filthiness, and from all your idols, will I cleanse you.
26 A new heart also will I give you, and a new spirit will I put within you: and I will take away the stony heart out of your flesh, and I will give you an heart of flesh.
27 And I will put my spirit within you, and cause you to walk in my statutes, and ye shall keep my judgments, and do [them].
28 And ye shall dwell in the land that I gave to your fathers; and ye shall be my people, and I will be your God.
GOD.S ETERNAL PURPOSE FOR ISRAEL TO BE FULFILLED WITH THE SDA CHURCH.
PK 19 The people of God were to extend the borders of their kingdom to embrace the whole world. God intended that the earth was to be filled with righteousness from border to border.
PK 713, 714 Even though ancient Israel did not fulfill this commission, God’s word cannot return to Him void. Thus we see that what ancient Israel failed to do, it will be accomplished through the Israel of today. PK 22, 299
Ps. 105:8-11 This verse describes what the covenant is and definitely reveals that God will remember it forever. The covenant says, .unto thee will I give the land of Canaan.. The kingdom established in Palestine.
What it would be like?
Zech. 12:5-14; 13:1-5; Matt. 13:31-33; Matt. 25:1-12
Textual Evidences Reveals It:
Isa. 11:1-12 – This passage could not be referring to Heaven during the millennium or to the New Earth because:
There will be no Gentiles to seek the kingdom
No such gathering described in verses 11, 12 will take place in Heaven or the New Earth.
There will be no births in the New Earth. Hence, there will be no children. 1SM 172, 173; Luke 20:27-36
Therefore Isaiah here must be speaking of a time when there will be Gentiles seeking to join God’s kingdom, and a great gathering from various nations, and when sucking, weaned, and little children exist.
Analysis from the Passages
Zech. 8:1-8 – There will be no old men and women, or little children in the New Jerusalem.
Ezekiel 37:15-28 – Israel and Judah has not as yet been a kingdom together
Ezekiel 48:1-16 – This passage describes a new and unfulfilled set-up of Palestine.
A New Division of the Land
The prophet presents a division of the land entirely different from that in Joshua’s time (Josh. 17): it is to be in strips from the east to the west; Dan is to have the first portion in the north, and Gad, the last portion in the south; between the borders of these two are to be the portions of the rest of the tribes; the city is to be in the midst of the land (Ezek. 48).
The fact that such a division of the Promised Land has never been made, shows that it is yet future. Also the fact that the sanctuary is to be there, whereas it is not to be in the earth made new (Rev. 21:22), again proves that this unique setup is premillennial.
In addition, the twofold fact that the name of the city is “The Lord is There,” and that its location, according to the division of the land, necessarily must in some respects be different from that of old Jerusalem, shows that Jerusalem of today, the city proper, may not at all be rebuilt as a capital city of the coming Kingdom. (See Tract No. 12, The World Yesterday, Today, Tomorrow, 1941 Edition, pp. 52, 53).
When does this take place?
Micah 3:12; 4:1, 2; Dan. 2:44
Jer. 30:3, 4 – This promise of restoration is unconditional, and that it includes the return of Israel and Judah (all 12 tribes) to the land of their fathers (Canaan/Palestine). This will be fulfilled in the latter days.
When Jeremiah was writing, only two tribes existed as a nation. The ten tribes had been scattered many years before in 721 B.C.
Jer. 23:5-8 – This promise also is unconditional and refers to all 12 tribes in the Latter days.
Hosea 3:4, 5 – Here we see that after many days of obscure wondering, without their own government (king or prince), and without the temple and its services (sacrifice, ephod, teraphim), all the tribes (children of Israel) will return (to the land of their fathers) and establish a kingdom.
Daniel 2: 44 – Here we see that the Kingdom is to be established in the days of the ten toe kings (Our present world 1T 361). We must therefore be looking for the establishment of the kingdom not before our present world, not after our present world, but in.–during our present world.
We also note that the stone is the same as the kingdom because they both smite the image. The stone is the 144,000
The stone was a kingdom before it smote the image (verse 44) .and it (the kingdom) shall destroy all these kingdoms…. This proves that the kingdom is established before the finishing of the gospel. Mat. 24:14
Micah 3:12; 4:1, 2 – This passage introduces the establishment of the house of God (His Kingdom) above all other denominational churches (mountains and hills)
What signs precede its establishment?
Matt. 13:30-33; DA 785-786; Rev. 14:14-19
Matt. 13:30-33 – The wheat and tares are to grow together until the time of harvest. Then the tares will be gathered together first in bundles to be burned, then the wheat gathered into the barn. At the time of harvest the tares are removed first. For further understanding of how this is done refer to the study on Rev. 7. The time of harvest. (Matt. 13:39) The end of the world. This does not necessarily mean Christ second coming. COL 72 puts the harvest at the end of probationary time. Heb 9:24-26 puts the end of the world at the time Christ entered into the most holy place to “put away sin by the sacrifice of himself.”
Harvest is in two phases… first fruits of the Harvest gathered in when the tares are removed then the sickle can be put to the grain and the rest of the Harvest takes place. First fruits are the first ripened grain to be harvested. See DA 785, 786
Rev. 14:17-19 – we see another angel doing another reaping, 9T 97 tells us to know the time of our visitation. “The time of God’s destructive judgments is the time of mercy for those who have had no opportunity to learn what is truth.” While the door is closed to us as SDA’s because we have had great light the door is still opened for those who have never had the opportunity to know the truth.
What experience the people would have in the Kingdom?
Ezekiel 36:16-37 – Here we see that God is to cleanse His people from their sins. Hence only those who have embraced the righteousness of Christ will inherit the land. The kingdom is to be a witness to the heathen. This is the grandest object of the kingdom being established here on earth prior to the coming of our Lord.
Who were the first subjects of the Kingdom? TM 422.1
Who are the subjects of the kingdom of God?–all those who do His will. They have righteousness, peace, and joy in the Holy Ghost. The members of Christ’s kingdom are the sons of God, partners in His great firm. The elect of God are a chosen generation, a peculiar people, a holy nation, to show forth the praises of Him who hath called them out of darkness into His marvelous light. They are the salt of the earth, the light of the world. They are living stones, a royal priesthood. They are in copartnership with Jesus Christ. These are they that follow the Lamb whithersoever He goeth. . . . {TM 422.1}
God Qualifies His Subjects
O Christ does not acknowledge any caste, color, or grade as necessary to become a subject of His kingdom. Admittance to His kingdom does not depend upon wealth or a superior heredity. But those who are born of the Spirit are the subjects of His kingdom. Spiritual character is that which will be recognized by Christ. His kingdom is not of this world. His subjects are those who are partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust. And this grace is given them of God. Christ does not find His subjects fitted for His kingdom, but He qualifies them by His divine power. Those who have been dead in trespasses and sins are quickened to spiritual life. The faculties which God has given them for holy purposes are refined, purified, and exalted, and they are led to form characters after the divine similitude. . . . {AG 52.2}
God Makes His Subjects
“Contrary to worldly kingdoms, Christ does not find his subjects,–he makes them. Those who stand under the blood-stained banner of Prince Immanuel are the subjects of a kingdom not recognized by worldly kingdoms, whose subjects have wandered from their allegiance to God, from their obedience to the law of his kingdom. These are accounted as dead in trespasses and sins. They are destitute of the Spirit of God, which worketh in the children of obedience. {RH, June 21, 1898 par. 35}
Christ Set A New Kingdom
“I am come, Christ said, to set up a new kingdom. Except a man be born of the Spirit, he can not be enrolled as a subject of my kingdom.”–Testimony, Jan. 11, 1897. {RH, June 21, 1898 par. 36}
Why only a stone was use to smite the Image, why not a mountain? 1T 608-609; 1T 189.2; 5T 505.2
The elect of God are a chosen generation, a peculiar people, a holy nation, to show forth the praises of Him who hath called them out of darkness into His marvelous light. They are the salt of the earth, the light of the world. They are living stones, a royal priesthood. They are in co-partnership with Jesus Christ. These are they that follow the Lamb whithersoever He goeth. {20MR 114.4}
Observe that “the stone” (the Kingdom) does not become a great mountain until after it smites the image, showing that the Kingdom begins in its infancy with only the first fruits, who soon stand on Mount Zion with the Lamb, and who later, after they have garnered in the second fruits of the living, smite the nations; finally there come from the grave the saved of all ages fully to make up the “great mountain”—the Kingdom complete!
What is expected of the subjects of Christ’s kingdom?
The answer is given by Christ himself, “Be ye therefore perfect, even as your Father which is in heaven is perfect.” No soul can enter into the heavenly courts who does not have an understanding of God’s requirements, and does not strive to be perfect, even as God is perfect. {RH, February 25, 1909 par. 8}
Every individual believer is under obligation to give to others the truth he possess. Nothing should be allowed to keep the servant of Christ from letting his light shine forth to his fellow men. We are ever to be learners, ever to be increasing in a knowledge of how to lead others to the light of truth. All around us there are sinners to be labored for. If we will arouse ourselves to co-operate with the divine Worker, we shall see a great work accomplished. And we ourselves will grow in grace as we seek to communicate the will of God to others. {RH, February 25, 1909 par. 10}
As professed Christians our lives must be Christlike, and this can only be when we receive this grace to impart it to others. Many among us who profess to believe are daily losing opportunities of receiving the grace of Christ and of imparting this grace to others. We should be daily increasing in ability to do the precious work of winning souls to Christ. This is such a precious work, such a satisfying work! And all heaven is waiting for channels through which can be poured the heavenly oil to refresh and strengthen needy souls. The Lord will protect and guide those who will let his divine fullness flow from their lips in grateful praise, and who labor, through deeds of charity and love, to bless mankind. Such workers will become consecrated agents for God. {RH, February 25, 1909 par. 11}
Christ’s subjects are those who keep his commandments. These only are counted as his subjects. If after the light has come, the disobedient continue in transgression, they are subjects of the kingdom of the prince of this world. That which is born of the flesh is flesh; that which is born of the Spirit is spirit. {PH086 9.1}
Peculiar People
We are subjects of the Lord’s kingdom, and we are to work to establish that kingdom in righteousness.– Letter 92, 1899, p. 5. (To “Dear Brethren,” typed June 16, 1899.) {3MR 41.1}
The Lord has been greatly dishonored by His people’s catching up the issues that arise in this time of test and trial. His people are to keep free from politics. They are to stand as a separate, peculiar people; the name of God our Ruler is to be in their foreheads, showing to all that He is their sovereign.–Ms 1, 1897, p. 7. (“Forgetfulness.” No date.) {3MR 41.2}
Did the OT and NT church expected the Kingdom of Glory?
YES, THE OLD TESTAMENT CHURCH EXPECTED THE KINGDOM OF GLORY
Isa. 9:6, 7 The Jews expected the Messiah to establish the kingdom of glory in their day. With the promise of the birth of the Messiah (Christ) also came the promise of the establishment of His kingdom.
YES, THE APOSTLES EXPECTED THE KINGDOM IN THEIR DAY
Acts 1:6, 7 The Lord did not say that the kingdom was not to be established, but that it was not for them to know the times or the seasons. The Jews and the Apostles had studied this promise and were expecting Christ to set up His kingdom at that time.
Conclusion:
As it was presented, God will count everyone accountable for the truth received and will stand into judgment without an advocate for inspirations declares, “The truth stands firmly established on the eternal Rock–a foundation that storm and tempest can never move. . . . Do not lower the banner of truth . . . in order to unite with the solemn message for these last days anything that will tend to hide the peculiar features of our faith. {AG 30.6}
God’s promises to Abraham will be fulfilled, His covenant with the ancient Israel will be fulfilled literally to the modern Israel in the promise land and extend to the gentiles during the Loud Cry (His kingdom of glory) Rev. 18:1-4.
His kingdom will be established in the last day through His chosen people in the 11th hour (144,000) a small beginning (a stone) but it will become a great mountain and fill the whole earth (Dan. 2:35; Isa. 2:1-4; Mic. 4:1-4; Isa. 66:19-20)
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