I was tis morning studying about reformations for God's people this and a pattern became very clear. Has anyone here seen something similar?
1. A message of Truth comes from God 2. The message is accepted or rejected 3. The rejectors of the Truth get destroyed 4. The lovers and acceptors of the Truth get saved
Just for a little addition, i would say in #2: The messenger and his message is rejected by the majority, and derided by nearly all the leaders, but accepted by a faithful few. #3: The rejecters of the truth are left in darkness or destroyed.
I can add to: #1: the message has its foundation on prophecy. Like the message of John the Baptist and it is a message of life and death #2: those who accept the message are mainly laymen, and a few of the leaders (only the humble ones) - Like the way Nebuchadnezzar was humbled, those who accept the truth among the leaders accept to be humbled like Nebuchadnezzar, and at their end excellent majesty is added. They become saved by Truth. Those who reject the message do it because of pride (not surrendering own opinions) and like Belteshazzar they become destroyed as Babylon was destroyed after MENE MENE TEKEL UPHARSIN was written on the wall. #3: Those among the people who reject the truth receive delisions. the devil pretends to be Christ to them and breathes an unholy influence of his own spirit and the deceived think that God is working wonderful things for them #4: Those who have accepted the truth receive an empowerment from the Holy Spirit of Truth and there is ALOT of POWER with LOVE and last appeal ENTREATIES to the rejectors of truth to accept it
When a probation closes the rejectors of God's mercy get destroyed and the acceptors get saved and God is glorified for His ways are righteous and just. Both parties - the doomed and the saved will come to acknowledge that.
I continued today morning to study the reformations of the past to better understand the reformations of the present and a brother I study with (call him AT) shared this quote:
The work of God in the earth presents, from age to age, a striking similarity in every great reformation or religious movement. The principles of God's dealing with men are ever the same. The important movements of the present have their parallel in those of the past, and the experience of the church in former ages has lessons of great value for our own time.{GC 343.1}
We were able to identify 7 way marks that we realized are a pattern in the great reformations. Based on Matthew 25, the parable of the 10 virgins, and Revelation 10, the Great Advent movement of 1840-1844, first there is a backsliding or a period of darkness, all the virgins are asleep, and then there is a need for revival and light to bring life and scatter away the darkness.
Waymark 1: A fulfillment of prophecy that triggers investigations into prophetic Scripture. The people decide to take their lamps (See Matt 25:1). Light begins to shine.
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.
Waymark 2: A reform message and reformer(s) resulting from increase in knowledge and light based on the studies in prophecy under first waymark. A heavenly being descends representing the brightness of the light and the power of that message. There begins an escalating separation of two classes based on their acceptance or rejection of the message sent from heaven. (See Matt 25:2 5)
Waymark 3: A period of revival to those who accept the message. During this time there is a manifestation of Gods power and final appeals to the rejecters of truth to make their final decisions. (See Matthew 25:6-9)
Waymark 4: A judgment is illustrated against the despisers of the message. There is a door that is shut, an illustration of a close of probation. (See Matt 25:10 13)
Waymark 5: If there is more time and potential of darkness returning, the remnant is given a work to do to keep and advance the truths that remain.
Revelation 10:11 And he said unto me, Thou must prophesy again before many peoples, and nations, and tongues, and kings.
Waymark 6: The remnant backslides and their work remains incomplete and as a result a period of darkness returns similar to the time period before waymark 1. The virgins go back to deep slumber. Another illustration of dark ages.
Waymark 7: Another reform movement is needed to awaken the people and scatter away the darkness. This message is a repetition of the 3rd waymark and within this repetition, all the 7 waymarks can be identified and the cycle continues as long as backsliding is possible and takes place.
There are other things we are able to map on to this basic pattern as we study and compare the reformations of the past, not every feature is present but the basics or main elements of the pattern are seen throughout.
Test 1: The message of a prophet or prophets or message based on study of prophecy.
Test 2: A visual sign that reveals the separation of two classes wise and foolish virgins, wheat and tares. Non-believers get marked for destruction while believers get marked for salvation. (Angels do that)
Test 3: A door that closes. Probation closes against the rejecters of Gods mercy and love but in favor of those who love righteousness and eschew evil. Destruction finally comes on them and salvation finally for the believers.
We have also a more sure word of prophecy; [test 1] whereunto ye do well that ye take heed, [trim your lamps during test 2 and gather enough oil] as unto a light that shineth in a dark place, until the day dawn, and the day star arise in your hearts. [For those who choose to be wise virgins] 2 Peter 1:19.
Test 3 should find the faithful forever locked up in Jesus, if they are to be saved.
Look at and study Noahs reformation and the ark that was built and the door that was shut, and the rain that destroyed, and the rainbow promise. Get into the ark was the message and appeal.
The time of Lot and destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah, the faithful were separated from the wicked ones. Out of the cities was the message.
The time of John the Baptist and Jesus. Behold the Lamb was the message.
The time of William Miller and the Millerites. Fear God and give Him glory was the cry.
