Digging For Truth

          This page was started on Sept. 7, 2014 and is a work in progress.   Come back again to see what is new

So the first question should be, When is the Time of trouble? We need to understand that there is a 'Little time of trouble" described by EGW as just before the time of trouble, and her writing are blurred as to which period. the student needs to be careful to understand this.

On page 33 [of Early Writings] is given the following: ". . . At the commencement of the time of trouble, we were filled with the Holy Ghost as we went forth and proclaimed the Sabbath more fully."  {LDE 143.1}

  This view was given in 1847 when there were but very few of the Advent brethren observing the Sabbath, and of these but few supposed that its observance was of sufficient importance to draw a line between the people of God and unbelievers. Now the fulfillment of that view is beginning to be seen. "The commencement of that time of trouble," here mentioned, does not refer to the time when the plagues shall begin to be poured out, but to a short period just before they are poured out, while Christ is in the sanctuary. At that time, while the work of salvation is closing, trouble will be coming on the earth, and the nations will be angry, yet held in check so as not to prevent the work of the third angel.-- EW 85, 86 (1854).  {LDE 143.2}

          However, the time of trouble refers to after the close of probation and everyone's eternal destiny is sealed. I also saw that many do not realize what they must be in order to live in the sight of the Lord without a high priest in the sanctuary through the time of trouble. Those who receive the seal of the living God and are protected in the time of trouble must reflect the image of Jesus fully. { EW 71.1} 

Those professed believers who come up to the time of trouble unprepared, will, in their despair, confess their sins before the world in words of burning anguish, while the wicked exult over their distress. The case of all such is hopeless. When Christ stands up, and leaves the most holy place, the time of trouble commences, the case of every soul is decided, and there will be no atoning blood to cleanse from sin and pollution. As Jesus leaves the most holy, he speaks in tones of decision and kingly authority:  "He that is unjust, let him be unjust still; and he which is filthy, let him be filthy still; and he that is righteous, let him be righteous still; and he that is holy, let him be holy still. And, behold, I come quickly; and my reward is with me, to give every man according as his work shall be."  {ST, November 27, 1879 par. 7}

So when we read the inspired quotations with the phrase  the Time of Trouble (click on link) we need to understand which period of time is being described, before probation closes or after. There are quotes that describe both periods as 'the time of trouble' and this leads to confusion unless we understand these quotes correctly. With this in mind we will start our study.

   All the members of the church, if they are sons and daughters of God, will have to undergo a process of discipline before they can be lights in the world. God will not make men and women channels of light while they are in darkness and are content to remain so, making no special efforts to connect with the Source of light. Those who feel their own need, and arouse themselves to the deepest thought and the most earnest, persevering prayer and action, will receive divine aid. There is much for each to unlearn with respect to himself, as well as much to learn. Old habits and customs must be shaken off, and it is only by earnest struggles to correct these errors, and a full reception of the truth in carrying out its principles, by the grace of God, that the victory can be gained.  {4T 485.3}

                 We need to learn about suffering, as Christ suffered and to . . .

      40 Quotations with the phrase  To Suffer for Christs Sake  >  Called to Suffer for Christ's Sake

       If you go to prison, go trusting in Him, if you are to be a martyr, grace will be given as needed.

The disciples were not endowed with the courage and fortitude of the martyrs until such grace was needed. Then the Saviour's promise was fulfilled. When Peter and John testified before the Sanhedrin council, men "marveled; and they took knowledge of them, that they had been with Jesus." Acts 4:13. Of Stephen it is written that "all that sat in the council, looking steadfastly on him, saw his face as it had been the face of an angel." Men "were not able to resist the wisdom and the spirit by which he spake." Acts 6:15, 10. And Paul, writing of his own trial at the court of the Caesars, says, "At my first defense no one took my part, but all forsook me. . . . But the Lord stood by me, and strengthened me; that through me the message might be fully proclaimed, and that all the Gentiles might hear: and I was delivered out of the mouth of the lion." 2 Tim. 4:16, 17, R. V.   {DA 354.3}

    The servants of Christ were to prepare no set speech to present when brought to trial. Their preparation was to be made day by day in treasuring up the precious truths of God's word, and through prayer strengthening their faith. When they were brought into trial, the Holy Spirit would bring to their remembrance the very truths that would be needed.  {DA 355.1}

           Remember Lot's Wife - Luke 17: 32   She was turned to a pillar of salt when she looked back

                     Because of what she left behind in Sodom.  See worldly possessions

   In preparing the way for Christ's first advent, he was a representative of those who are to prepare a people for our Lord's second coming. The world is given to self-indulgence. Errors and fables abound. Satan's snares for destroying are multiplied. All who would perfect holiness in the fear of God must learn the lessons of temperance and self-control. The appetites and passions must be held in subjection to the higher powers of the mind. This self-discipline is essential to that mental strength and spiritual insight which will enable us to understand and to practice the sacred truths of God's word. For this reason temperance finds its place in the work of preparation for Christ's second coming.  {CC 271.4}

There are many in the church who at heart belong to the world, but God calls upon those who claim to believe the advanced truth, to rise above the present attitude of the popular churches of today. Where is the self-denial, where is the cross-bearing that Christ has said should characterize his followers? The reason we have had so little influence upon unbelieving relatives and associates is that we have manifested little decided difference in our practices from those of the world. Parents need to awake, and purify their souls by practicing the truth in their home life. When we reach the standard that the Lord would have us reach, worldlings will regard Seventh-day Adventists as odd, singular, straight-laced extremists. "We are made a spectacle unto the world, and to angels, and to men."  {RH, January 9, 1894 par. 10}

                 21 Additional quotes about:  Reach the standard of perfection   

    My  personal  favorites

             Related Phrases:  Approach the time of trouble    --   Commencement of the time of trouble  --   Prepare for eternity

             Supplemental Reading:  Early Writings, page 111-115  --  Early Writings, page 69 - 71

  It is these great truths that old and young need to learn. We need to study the working out of God’s purpose in the history of nations and in the revelation of things to come, that we may estimate at their true value things seen and things unseen; that we may learn what is the true aim of life; that, viewing the things of time in the light of eternity, we may put them to their truest and noblest use. Thus, learning here the principles of His kingdom and becoming its subjects and citizens, we may be prepared at His coming to enter with Him into its possession.  Education, page 184.1   Read entire Chapter 19

We started this study with this quotation,  ". . . The events connected with the close of probation and the work of preparation for the time of trouble, are clearly presented. But multitudes have no more understanding of these important truths than if they had never been revealed. Satan watches to catch away every impression that would make them wise unto salvation, and the time of trouble will find them unready."  Great Controversy, page 594.1

Now lets look at the beginning of this quote, the part which was left out.  Click here to continue to the next page

                           Resources and Visual Aids

           EGW Letter 103 written in 1903 to Brother Starr

           Chronology of Last Day Events Chart by Elder Hayward

              Closing Events Chart by Gordon Collier

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