READING CIRCLE STUDY by Stephen N. Haskell

Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · Oct 23, 1900

READING CIRCLE STUDY.

By Stephen N. Haskell

S. N. H.

The third chapter of Revelation is especially applicable to the time in which we live. It covers the period of time embraced by the three messages of Revelation 14. The church had come out of the wilderness, leaning on the arm of her Beloved. The twelve hundred and sixty years of papal persecution were in the past. Immediately after the tribulation of those days the sun was darkened. Matt. 24:29. The Saviour had said, “When these things begin to come to pass, then look up, and lift up your heads; for your redemption draweth nigh.” Luke 21:25-28. The signs in the sun, moon, and stars introduced the period covered by this chapter.

During the fifth church the Lord called his people “Sardis,” or Prince of Joy. The olive branch of peace and freedom of conscience waved over the world. The message comes from him “that hath the seven Spirits of God.” The seven Spirits of God represent “the eyes of the Lord [which] run to and fro throughout the whole earth, to show himself strong in the behalf of them whose heart is perfect toward him.” 2 Chron. 16:9.

Verses 2, 3, explain what it is to watch. Mark 13:32-37. “The Lord is a God of knowledge, and by him actions are weighed.” 1 Sam. 2:3. It is he who says, “I know thy works, that thou hast a name that thou livest, and art dead.” He alone knows the thoughts of the heart. 1 Kings 8:39. God judges according to the thoughts and purposes of the heart. 1 Cor. 4:5.

The strength of the church is not in her opportunities, nor in the light that shines upon her, nor in her facilities, which appear to make her invincible; neither is it found in her boasted greatness. That which alone makes individuals or the church strong is the power of God, manifested in the accomplishment of his own purposes in Christ before the foundation of the world. Eph. 1:4, 5. Our attitude toward this purpose measures our strength and decides our destiny. It becomes all to be watchful, and strengthen every good purpose; for this is God’s leading.

In every church will be found those who will respond to the call, “He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches.” It is not the common sinner, nor he who makes no profession of piety, who is here addressed. When pride and contempt of God’s holy law and his service are expressed by those who profess to be God’s people, the Lord declares that, unless they repent, he will punish them. There are true and false worshipers in all the churches of to-day.

Many claim to be Christians when their hearts are set on worldly pleasure and gain. A witness is present in all the scenes of pleasure and mirth; and in an unconscious moment an unseen hand writes “TEKEL,” and the features of the scene change, as on the night of Belshazzar’s impious feast.

The warning must go forth. Meetings must be held everywhere. In large pavilion tents the people are to be gathered, also in halls and schoolhouses, where all classes of people, rich and poor, high and low, are made welcome. Those in the most isolated places must be searched out by fishers and by hunters,—Bible readers, canvassers, and colporteurs. Jer. 16:16. Those who have not defiled their garments with known sin will leave the evils and corruptions of Babylon, and take their stand with those who keep the commandments of God and the faith of Jesus. Those who overcome will be clothed with the righteousness of Christ, and he will not blot out their names, but will confess them before the Father.

The Philadelphia church, or the church of brotherly love, is recognized in the Advent movement that culminated in 1844. As the door in the most holy place in the heavenly sanctuary opened, and the one in the outer apartment closed, at that time, so on earth there was a corresponding movement. The doors of access to the churches, which had hitherto been opened, were now closed; but the door in the heavenly sanctuary, from which came the Third Angel’s Message, was opened, and none can shut it. It is the only door of hope. God has prepared hearts everywhere to hear the solemn message, “Come out of her, my people, that ye be not partakers of her sins, and that ye receive not of her plagues.” Rev. 18:4.

He who denies the experience gained in that movement under the first angel’s message of 1844, will one day acknowledge that God honors those who have kept his commandments and the faith of Jesus. Isa. 60:10, 11, 14, 15. In the hour of temptation that will come upon all the world to try them that dwell upon the earth, they will be kept when thousands fall at their side and ten thousand at their right hand. No plagues will come nigh their dwelling. Psalm 91. The end is near, and a crown of life awaits the faithful. Those who are true to principle will be pillars in the church upon earth, labeled with the name of God, the city of God, the New Jerusalem, and with Christ’s new name.

The Laodicean church brings us to the investigative judgment. Laodicea signifies “judging the people.” Christ is the True Witness, whose message is a clean-cut warning, like a sharp two-edged sword. Because the people have so great satisfaction in their own human endeavors, they are miserable, poor, blind, and naked. The Saviour’s counsel is, “Buy of me gold tried in the fire [faith and love], 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 righteousness of Christ will result in enlightening the whole earth. The heavenly Merchantman addresses those who have lost their first love, those who have lost their first zeal and interest in spiritual things, and urges them to buy of his wares. This message must come to those who are in the highways of Christian experiences.

It is true conversion of the whole being that God requires. “Behold,” says Christ, “I stand at the door, and knock.” He longs to come in and sup with us. If we let him in, a union will be formed that will not be broken in this world nor in the world to come. This precious experience is within our reach. See 2 Peter 1:19; Hosea 6:3; 2 Sam. 23:4; Judges 5:31. It will cost all to buy the field. But it will pay.

The commission which Christ gave to the disciples will be revived. Mark 16:14-18. Every means of grace will be brought into the field to meet Satan, who will work with “ALL power and signs and lying wonders, and with all deceivableness of unrighteousness in them that perish.” 2 Thess. 2:9-11. The message will draw the dividing line in the world. Its proclamation culminates in the loud cry of the loud cry of the Third Angel’s Message. “Come out of her, my people.” To the overcomer is the precious promise of sitting with Christ upon his throne, as he overcame and sat down with his Father upon his throne. “He that hath an ear, let him hear.”