Chapter 22:
Prophecies Fulfilled
While the bridegroom tarried, they all slumbered and slept. And at midnight there was a cry made, Behold, the bridegroom cometh; go ye out to meet him. Matthew 25:5-6
Introduction
The scene opens with the Adventists, disappointed. Although the time for the prophecy of 2300 days have been fulfilled, something was missed. Only through extensive Bible study, prayer, and testing could the Advent people find the true meaning of the prophecy. The church is commissioned to bring this message to the entire world.
What are the elements of this chapter?
Concept: PROPHECY
God speaks, it comes to pass, even though it may seem to be delayed. (Ezekiel 12:21-28, Habakkuk 2:1-4, Matthew 24)
Prophecies of Jesus:
Destruction of Jerusalem
Great tribulation
The dark day
Stars falling
False prophets
People: CHARLES FITCH (1805-1844)
Millerite Preacher
Created chart mapping out prophetic events and symbols in 1842
Event: THE GREAT DISAPPOINTMENT (1844)
Many disappointed Adventists renounce their faith based on the opinions and scoffing of others.
The faithful are consoled by the Word of God and are instructed to wait patiently.
The Adventists disappointment is similar to Jesus' disciples who held their own preconceived ideas of God's kingdom and were disappointed at Christ’s death.
Concept: FANATICISM
Professed believers in Jesus reject God's Word and become fanatics with a blind zeal which led to a spirit only movement. (see lesson 10) They denounce any opposition to their position. (Matthew 7:16-20)
Satan sneaks in to undo God's work by stirring up fanaticism. He is the most active when souls are being saved and brings unsanctified people into the church.
Fanatics in Paul's day - Gnosticism
Fanatics in Luther's day - Zwickau prophets, Thomas Müntzer, Peasants War
Fanatics in Wesley's day - Antinomians
Fanatics in Miller's day - Mainstream religious leaders rejecting the advent message
Parable of the Ten Virgins
Representative of the churches in the last days. (Matthew 25):
All had lamps: God’s Word
All were waiting for the bridegroom: Adventists
All fell asleep: Disappointment
Only five had oil: Holy Spirit
Only five went to the marriage feast: Heaven
The true church follows the first angels message. (Revelation 14:6-7)
Concept: THE MIDNIGHT CRY
“The Bridegroom cometh, go ye out to meet him” (Matthew 25:1-13)
He comes after the tarrying time with a call to “Wake Up!”
The wise virgins "trimmed their lamps," A call to true heart conversion and consecration to God.
Concept: REFORMATION
Reformation is the Fruit of Adventism.
Jesus’ soon coming is a call to get ready which is a call for reformation.
Reformation brings about repentance, humility, prayer, and Bible study to those who want to know the truth. (Acts 2:38)
Question: What is the purpose of Baptism?
Concept: THE SANCTUARY
A message of salvation was given to the children of Israel in the tabernacle and is being given to Christians through Jesus Christ.
The sanctuary message is discovered by Adventists.
They are brought to the study of the cleansing the heavenly sanctuary which is believed to have been fulfilled on October 22, 1844 as the great day of atonement.
They believed that they needed to afflict their souls in preparation for the coming of Christ. (1 Corinthians 5:7)
What does this have to do with me today?
What do God's people need to do to wake up from their spiritual slumber?
What disappointment have I faced in my spiritual life and how did I persevere?
How do I recognize fanaticism and protect myself from it?