Armageddon, Divine Glory, and the Special Resurrection

Armageddon is the final battle between the forces of good and evil that marks the close of all earthly scenes and the end of the worldBHB 128.2+1. This momentous event represents the culmination of the great controversy between Christ and His angels and Satan and his angelsNTMS 180.1+1.

🛡️ The Nature of the Conflict

Armageddon is not merely a secular military engagement; it is a spiritual battle where the religious elements of the world awake to take the fieldLDE 251.3+1. While the nations of the earth are currently held in check by four mighty angels to prevent universal destruction, this restraining power will eventually be removed7BC 967.8+1. At that time, all who do not possess the spirit of truth will unite under the leadership of satanic agencies for the final contestLDE 238.3+1.

🌍 The Gathering of the Nations

The scriptures provide specific details regarding how this gathering occurs:

• The Preparation: The "way" for the kings of the East is prepared by the drying up of the water of the river Euphrates, which symbolizes the collapse of the Ottoman power Revelation 16:12GNT 101.2+1.

• The Deception: Three unclean spirits, described as the spirits of devils working miracles, go forth from the dragon, the beast, and the false prophet to deceive the kings of the whole world Revelation 16:13-14WGI 83.2+1.

• The Location: These powers are gathered into a place called in the Hebrew tongue Armageddon, a name associated with the mountain of Megiddo and the valley of Jezreel, where God historically intervened to deliver His people Revelation 16:16GP 28.3+1.

⚡ The Climax and Divine Intervention

As the battle reaches its peak, several supernatural events take place:

• The Seventh Plague: The seventh angel pours out his vial into the air, and a great voice from the throne of heaven declares, "It is done" Revelation 16:17WGI 87.2+1.

• Physical Commotion: The earth experiences a mighty earthquake, such as has never been seen, causing cities to fall and every island and mountain to be moved Revelation 16:18-20WGI 83.2+1.

• The Appearance of Christ: Jesus Christ appears in the clouds of heaven, not as a gentle shepherd, but as a warrior and the King of kings Revelation 19:11-16GP 92.3+1.

• Final Judgment: The beast and the kings of the earth who gathered to make war against Christ are defeated; the Lord consumes them with the spirit of His mouth and destroys them with the brightness of His coming 2 Thessalonians 2:8+1GCDB January 31, 1893, page 89.4.

🙏 The Hope of the Faithful

For the people of God, Armageddon is a time of deliverance where Michael stands up to protect those whose names are written in the book Daniel 12:1ARSH October 2, 1860, page 159.14. While the world faces anguish and a time of trouble such as never was, the Lord remains a shelter and strength for His children Joel 3:16. Following this final convulsion, the earth will be renovated, and every kingdom shall bow to the authority of the MessiahHST October 30, 1844, page 95.13.

God's glory is the very essence of His character, a radiant light that represents His majesty, holiness, and creative power4BC 1139.4+2. It is most perfectly revealed through Jesus Christ, who is the outshining and effulgence of that glory, making the Father's love and power known to the world Hebrews 1:3PTUK July 15, 1897, page 434.1+1.

🌟 The Nature and Manifestation of Divine Glory

God is the "God of glory," and His presence is often shrouded in light or symbols to protect finite human vision Acts 7:2PTUK July 15, 1897, page 434.1+1.

• The Source of All Light: All physical light on earth is but a portion of God’s glory, and in the New Jerusalem, His glory will replace the sun and moon entirely Revelation 21:23PTUK July 15, 1897, page 434.1.

• A Veiled Presence: Because no man can see God’s face and live, He has historically veiled His majesty in types like the burning bush, the pillar of cloud and fire, and the humanity of Christ Exodus 34:20DA 23.2+1.

• The Sanctuary: God’s glory, known as the Shekinah, was visibly manifested over the mercy seat in the earthly sanctuary and filled the temple during times of special dedication2BC 1030.6+2.

🕊️ Reflecting Glory through Character

Holiness is the reflection of God’s glory in the human life, and it is God's object in all His dealings with usST March 30, 1904, par. 5.

• Transformation: As we behold the glory of the Lord, we are changed into His same image from glory to glory by the Spirit 2 Corinthians 3:18ARSH April 21, 1896, page 249.1.

• Obedience and Health: We are commanded to do everything, including eating and drinking, to the glory of God 1 Corinthians 10:317MR 370.1+1. Neglecting health or indulging appetite dishonors God and clouds our perception of His truth4aSG 11.3+1.

• The Church’s Mission: The church is called to put on the "beautiful garments" of Christ's righteousness, reflecting His light to a world in darkness through the keeping of His commandmentsCET 207.2+1.

⚡ The Glory in the Final Events

At the conclusion of earth's history, God's glory will play a central role in the deliverance of His people and the judgment of the world.

• The Loud Cry: Before the end, the whole earth will be lightened with the glory of God through a final message of truth Revelation 18:13SM 412.1.

• Deliverance of the Saints: During the time of trouble, the countenances of the 144,000 will be lighted up with the glory of God, shining as Moses’ face did when he descended from SinaiExV 17.3+1.

• The Second Coming: Jesus will descend on a great white cloud, wrapped in flames of fire and surrounded by ten thousand angels, appearing in the power and great glory of His Father Matthew 24:30EW 16.1+1.

🏔️ Our Responsibility to Honor Him

To honor God is the greatest and most glorious work a human being can engage inST September 16, 1889, par. 10.

• Humility: We must avoid taking glory to ourselves; all success in the work of the Lord belongs to Him alonePM 139.4+1.

• The Eye Single: When we live with an eye single to God's glory, our souls are filled with heavenly light, and we are raised above everything mean, selfish, and impure15MR 23.4+2.

• Praise: Even when we repeat the same stories of His goodness, God is glorified by our continued expressions of gratitude and honorEW 115.3.

Yes, there is a special resurrection of specific groups of people that occurs just before the physical appearance of Jesus Christ in the clouds of heavenHvn 28.1+1. This unique event takes place during the final scenes of earth's history, following the delivery of the living saints from their oppressors but prior to the general resurrection of all the righteousEVRR513+1.

👥 Participants in the Special Resurrection

This resurrection includes both a specific class of the righteous and a specific class of the wickedHvn 28.1+1.

• Faithful Believers: All those who have died in the faith of the third angel's message since 1848 are raised glorifiedHvn 28.1+1. They come forth to hear God’s covenant of peace with those who have kept His law and to witness the final events they looked forward to in lifeHvn 28.1+1.

• The Crucifiers of Christ: Those who "pierced Him," including the ones who mocked and derided Jesus during His dying agonies, are raised to behold Him in His kingly glory Revelation 1:7Hvn 28.1.

• Violent Opposers: The most aggressive enemies of God’s truth and His people throughout history are brought up to see the honor placed upon the loyal and obedientHvn 28.1+1.

🎺 Characteristics of the Event

The special resurrection is distinct from the general resurrection of the saints that occurs at the sounding of the last trumpEVRR513+1.

• Timing: It occurs in connection with the voice of God, which shakes the heavens and the earth and declares the day and hour of Jesus' coming Joel 3:16LDE 272.2+1.

• A Mixed Resurrection: Unlike the general resurrections which are strictly separated by a thousand years, this is a "mixed" resurrection involving a limited number from both the righteous and the wicked classes Daniel 12:2TBI 239.2.

• Glorification and Witness: The righteous who rise at this time are able to experience the final plagues and the approach of the cloud of glory without suffering their terrible effectsEVRR513. They join the living saints in exclaiming, "Behold, this is our God; we have waited for Him" Isaiah 25:9EVRR513.

📖 Scriptural and Prophetic Basis

The foundations for this event are found in both the Old and New Testaments as well as modern prophetic light.

• The Book of Daniel: It is written that "many of them that sleep in the dust of the earth shall awake, some to everlasting life, and some to shame and everlasting contempt" Daniel 12:2Hvn 28.1.

• The Revelation: The apostle John recorded that when Christ comes with clouds, "every eye shall see him, and they also which pierced him" Revelation 1:7Hvn 28.1+1.

• A Special Reward: This resurrection is considered a special reward for those who endured hostility, sacrifice, and the struggle against their carnal nature while proclaiming the final warning messages to the world Revelation 14:13EVRR513.