Lesson 18:
An American Reformer
“We have also a more sure word of prophecy; whereunto ye do well that ye take heed, as unto a light that shineth in a dark place, until the day dawn, and the day star arise in your hearts:” 2 Peter 1:19
Introduction
The scene opens in the United States of America where the church is declining in morality and the knowledge of the Scripture. God calls forth a witness to stand for the truth with Bible prophecy as his main weapon. William Miller is set forth to preach God's truth in order to correct errors that were prevalent in the church. As always, there is opposition; but in spite of it a new movement for truth emerges.
What are the elements of this chapter?
People: WILLIAM MILLER (1782-1849)
American Protestant reformer.
His belief in deism was in conflict with the Bible. Setting the Bible aside he was left unsatisfied and depressed.
The Holy Spirit impressed him with a sense of his own sin and he returned to study Scripture and discovers the 2300 Day Prophecy in Daniel 8:14.
Apprehensive to disclose what he had learned, he takes nine years before he speaks publicly about what he had discovered.
He became a Baptist preacher in 1833.
False Doctrines Prevalent in Miller's Time:
Deism
Spiritual Reign of Christ
Universalism
Dispensationalism
The Earth as the Sanctuary
Concept: DEISM
The belief in a Creator God with no personal interest in humanity.
Concept: SPIRITUAL REIGN OF CHRIST
The erronious belief that Christ will rule spiritually on earth for a thousand years before he comes. (pre-millenialism)
Concept: UNIVERSALISM
The erronious belief that eventually all humanity will be saved.
Concept: DIS-PENSATIONALISM
The erronious belief that God dispensed grace and mercy to different periods of time with different criteria; supports the concept of a secret rapture.
Concept: THE EARTH AS THE SANCTUARY
The interpretation of Daniel 8:14 that the earth represented the sanctuary to be cleansed with fire at the second coming of Christ.
Concept: GOD'S WORD
Miller engages in two years of prayerful study, comparing scripture with scripture laying aside his own preconceptions. (Psalm 119:130)
Miller studies Bible prophecy from the books of Daniel and Revelation.
Miller preaches Christ's Second Coming and brings about revival.
Concept: ADVENTISTM
A movement that holds the belief in the imminent and glorious return of Jesus Christ to redeem the righteous from the earth.
Accepted by many who see their need for Christ.
Hundreds convert to the Adventist message from various protestant denominations.
The Reformation Resumes With Miller
A true reformation, affects repentance and humility in those who heed it’s calling. Appealing to people’s minds rather than their emotions.
The lives of the Adventists were a constant rebuke to the unconsecrated.
Places of ill repute were turned into meeting houses.
Concept: PROPHECY
Prophecy in the Scripture is inspired. (2 Timothy 3:16; 2 Peter 1:21; Romans 15:4)
Concept: 70 WEEKS PROPHECY
William Miller discovers the prophecy that foretold Jesus' birth, ministry, death, and close of probation for the Jewish nation. (Daniel 9:24-27)
Concept: 2300 days Prophecy
Miller also discovered a prophecy that described the cleansing of the sanctuary that started in 457 AD (Ezra 7:12-26) and ended in 1844. (Daniel 8:14)
THE ADVENT MESSAGE
Declares the second Coming of Christ and the execution of judgment.
(1 Thessalonians 4:16; Matt 24:30,27; Matt 24:31; Matt 25:31; 1 Corinthians 5:50)
Event: THE STARS FALL, 1833 AD
A meteor shower occurs November 13 over all North America from 2:00 a.m. until dawn.(Matthew 24: 29; Revelations 6:13)
A herald of coming judgment, the people are wakened up out of their spiritual slumber.
People: JOSIAH LITCH (1809-1886)
Millerite preacher.
Accurately prophesys from the Bible the fall of the Ottoman Empire in 1840 which gives impetus to the advent movement through the spirit of prophecy.
Event: THE ADVENTIST MOVEMENT OPPOSED 1844
Popular religious teachers ridiculed and scoffed at the Adventist message.
People: ADVENTISTS
Those who accept the teachings of the Adventist movement, believing in Christ’s second coming.
The message is similar to that of Noah's (Matthew 24:37-39)
What does this have to do with me today?
Am I settled in the truth? Would I share it even if it meant being ridiculed?
How do I respond to someone who believes in un-biblical views?
Have I resisted God’s will for my life? Has He been longsuffering with me?
Why does God proclaim prophecy to His people?
Would William Miller and Noah be labeled conspiracy theorists today?