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READING CIRCLE STUDY

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Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · Dec 11, 1900

FromReview and Herald, Vol. 77, No. 50.

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READING CIRCLE STUDY

By S. N. H.

A Review of Seven Chapters of Revelation

S. N. H.
In the first chapter we are given the manner in which God communicates to mankind through the gift of prophecy. It originates with God, is given to His Son, who sends it by Gabriel unto His prophets, and they communicate it to the people. So to reject any prophecy would be to reject God, Jesus Christ, and the angel Gabriel, as well as the instrument through which it came.
God, angels, and the Holy Spirit send a heavenly benediction to those who read, or hear read, this book. Christ is revealed as He comes in glory, also His work in heaven in behalf of His people.
“The Lord himself revealed, to His servant John, the mysteries of the book of Revelation, and He designs they shall be open to the study of all. In this book are depicted scenes that are now in the past, and some of eternal interest that are taking place around us; others of its prophecies will not receive their complete fulfillment until the close of time, when the great conflict between the powers of darkness and the Prince of heaven will take place.”
The apostle describes the majesty of Christ in Rev. 1:12-18. Most glorious and precious words! Oh, why are we so ready to yield to temptations? Why are we so irresolute in purpose? Why are we so weak to practice the word of God? Why so feeble in action? Why is the glory of Jesus so dimly seen? Why is His preciousness so little realized, His love so imperfectly experienced? This should be our prayer, “Lord, show me thy glory.” If we by faith see Christ’s glory on earth, we shall love Him and see His fullness in heaven.
The second and third chapters are an abbreviated history of the church, which is shown in two ways: first, by the names chosen; and second, by the language used. The church did run well for the first century, but lost its zeal, its first love. It soon passed into a state of submission to the persecuting power, without compromising principle, and no reproof was given it, but precious promises were held out to it. The third period was a state of compromise; and the fourth a state of persecution as a result of the worldly union of Church and State. The third chapter covers the signs in the heavens and in the earth. This chapter closes with the great Redeemer representing himself as a heavenly merchantman laden with riches, calling from house to house, presenting His priceless goods, and saying: “I counsel thee to buy of me gold tried in the fire, that thou mayest be rich; and white raiment, that thou mayest be clothed, and that the shame of thy nakedness do not appear; and anoint thine eyes with eyesalve, that thou mayest see.” The gold that Jesus would have us buy of Him is gold tried in the fire; it is the gold of faith and love, which has no defiling substance with it. That white raiment is the righteousness of Christ, the wedding garment which Christ alone can give. The eyesalve is true spiritual discernment; for spiritual things must be “spiritually discerned.”
In our daily life we should be careful of the record that is passing up to heaven; for God is no respecter of persons, but will render to every one according to his works. The thoughts of those who are finally saved will be upon heaven and heavenly things. Those whose minds are full of the things of this world will never enter the pearly gates. Such are superficial and carnal, loving things that are sensual and devilish.
The fourth and fifth chapters present some of the most wonderful thoughts the human mind can grasp. Our attention is directly called to the great center of the universe, where God is seated upon His angelic throne. In the midst of the angels of heaven, are seen some who have been victors on the earth. But the most wonderful of all is that amid this redeemed company who are in the midst of the angels that constitute His throne, stands “a Lamb as it had been slain”—a monument of God’s everlasting love! Christ not only took our nature and is now in heaven, but a company out of “every kindred, and tongue, and people, and nation” are there. And every one of them has a vial of incense, which is offered with the prayers of the saints. What more could have been done than He has done for our encouragement and salvation?
Then there is the rainbow of promise, a token of God’s everlasting covenant, around His throne. The light of the sun is the glory of God. His glory is His character. Ex. 33:18, 19. His character is mercy and love. Ex. 34:6, 7. The work of the sun illustrates His character. Matt. 5:43-48. It brings forth the precious fruits of the earth. Deut. 33:14. “As a flower turns to the sun, that the bright rays may touch it with beauty, so will the soul turn to the Sun of Righteousness that heaven’s light may beautify the character with the graces of the character of Christ.”—Desire of Ages. “Christ is sitting for His portrait in every disciple.”
The sixth chapter of Revelation is another history of the church. God gives the history of His people and of the world in various ways, that different features may be brought out. Human language is not able to make the different features stand out in only one line so as to be appreciated. This chapter contains the relation of the church to the civil governments. The signs in the heaven are also made prominent. The Saviour’s instruction about the signs in the heavens is mentioned by each of the evangelists. In the seven churches and in the seven seals we are brought to the end of probationary time.
The seventh chapter is one of special interest, as it takes up a history of the work of God’s people from 1844, and more particularly from 1848. It is a work that will close when God’s servants are sealed. It began in 1848, when the time of trouble would have begun had not the angels held the winds until God’s people were sealed. It carries them through to the end, and reveals them surrounding God’s throne in glory. It also brings in another company, the innumerable number, composed of all the redeemed in glory.
“The one hundred and forty-four thousand were all sealed and perfectly united. On their foreheads was written, God, New Jerusalem, and a glorious star containing Jesus’ new name.” “As we were about to enter the holy temple, Jesus raised His lovely voice and said, Only the one hundred and forty-four thousand enter this place; and we shouted, Alleluia. This temple was supported by seven pillars, all of transparent gold, set with pearls most glorious. The wonderful things I there saw, I can not describe. Oh that I could talk in the language of Canaan! then could I tell a little of the glory of the better world. I saw there tables of stone in which the names of the one hundred and forty-four thousand were engraved in letters of gold.”—Experience and Views, “Early Writings,” pages 11, 14.