Chapter 17:
Heralds of the Morning
“And I beheld when he had opened the sixth seal, and, lo, there was a great earthquake; and the sun became black as sackcloth of hair, and the moon became as blood;” Revelation 6:12
Introduction
Cataclysm and natural phenomena of a massive scale wake up God’s sleeping people. A message of preparation must be made, a message of coming judgment. How will anyone be ready unless a reformation takes place? Who will heed the signs and warnings of Christ's return? What way-marks are set before them?
What are the elements of this chapter?
Concept: SECOND COMING OF CHRIST
The defining theme of Scripture which declares judgment, salvation, glory, and the promise and manner of His coming. (Psalm 50:3-4; Psalm 96:11-13; Isaiah 25:8-9; Matthew 25:31-32; John 14:1-3, Acts 1:11, 1 Thessalonians 4:16; Revelation 22:20)
The second coming of Christ was the reassurance of the reformers.
Christ Prophesied Signs of His Return
Signs in the sun and in the moon
The stars falling from heaven
Earthquakes
False Christs
Persecution of the church
(Matthew 24: 3-14; Luke 21:7-25; Mark 13:4-26; Revelation 6:12, Joel 2:1-2)
Event: LISBON EARTHQUAKE, 1755
An earthquake devastates the city of Lisbon so terribly that the shockwaves were felt as far away as the Americas. (GC 304.2-305.2)
Event: THE DARK DAY 1780
In the northeastern part of American colonies, the sun was inexplicably covered by a strange mist that turned day into an eerie night. It lasted until just before sunset when the sun finally broke through. When night fell, the strange mist remained, causing the moon to turn into a blood red shade. (GC 306.1-306.4)
Why is Prophecy Important to Study?
Prophecy brings light.
The Spirit of Prophecy is the testimony of Jesus Christ.
(2 Peter 1:19-21; John 12:35; John 8:12, Revelation 19:10)
Event: JESUS PROPHESIED
BACKSLIDING (AD 31)
Backsliding will occur in the last day church which is reminiscent of learned Jews who unheeded the birth of Christ. (GC 315.4) (Matthew 24:12; Luke 21:34-36)
Concept: REFORMATION
A call to reform is given in light of a backsliding church. (Joel 2:12-17; Proverbs 3:12-14; Psalm 25:14)
A reformed church proclaims the everlasting gospel given by the three angels messages of Revelation 14:6-10.
What does this have to do with me today?
What is Jesus asking of us in these times? (Revelation 3: 3)
What was the condition of God's people during prophetic events in the late 1700’s? (Luke 21:34)
Who is God asking to proclaim prophecy now?
Am I neglecting to prepare for the second coming?