The Dangers of Time Setting and the 6,000-Year Timeline

The timeline of the great controversy is consistently presented as a period of nearly six thousand years, followed by the millennium, but these periods are never given as a basis for calculating the exact date of Christ's returnGC ix.4+1. The Lord has purposely hidden the specific "day and hour" of His coming because if this knowledge were given, it would be misused and would actually retard the work of preparing a people to standRH March 22, 1892, par. 10.

The Danger of Time Setting

It is a serious error to use prophetic periods or chronological spans to set a definite time for the Second Advent1888 959.1+1.

• Time is No Longer a Test: Since the passing of the time in 1844, there is no longer a message based on definite time; the third angel's message stands on its own foundation and does not need time to strengthen it1888 959.1.

• A Warning Against Speculation: You will not be able to say He will come in one, two, or five years, nor should you put off His coming by stating it may be ten or twenty years awayRH March 22, 1892, par. 10.

• The Fruits of Time Setting: Predicting a specific date creates a false excitement that grieves the Holy Spirit and ultimately tends to destroy the faith of God's people when the time passesLDE 34.4+1.

The Six Thousand Year Period

While the struggle between Christ and Satan is described as continuing for six thousand years, this is a general measure of the history of sin rather than a countdown clock for the end of the worldGC 655.4+1.

• The Age of the Earth: Creation week consisted of seven literal days, and the world is now approximately six thousand years oldEGWSRGES 3.4+1.

• The Work of Satan: For six thousand years, Satan has practiced his skill to deceive, and for six thousand years, his "prison house" has received God’s peopleGC 659.3+1.

• Soon to Close: This long conflict is indeed "soon to close," but the exact "set time" to favor Zion is a matter known only to GodGC88 518.1+1.

The Purpose of Prophetic Delay

The vision is for an "appointed time," and though it may seem to tarry, believers are to wait for it in faith Habakkuk 2:3ST March 30, 1876, par. 2.

• A Prolonged Preparation: If the power of Satan is allowed to manipulate things within the church, the time of preparation may be prolonged1888 1525.2.

• The Character of the Watcher: Instead of being engrossed in speculations about times and seasons, followers of Christ are to be in the position of those listening for the orders of their Captain—watching, waiting, praying, and workingRH March 22, 1892, par. 10+1.

• The Final Separation: God has an appointed time when He will bind off the work, which occurs when the truth has gone to all nations as a witness Matthew 24:141888 1525.2.

Proper Focus for the Last Days

Our duty is to inquire of God daily for our present work rather than looking ahead to make calculations based on the fall of any particular year1LtMs, Ms 1, 1851, par. 4. Every moment of the "last remnant of time" should be spent in proclaiming the message of mercy and preparing a people to stand in the great day of GodPaM 29.1+1. We are to be a holy and peculiar people, reflecting the spiritual mold of God so that others may be awakened to their eternal interests9LtMs, Ms 8a, 1894, par. 3+1. Any teaching that centers on a specific date or "temporal millennium" of peace on earth is a deception that lulls souls to sleep on the brink of ruinGC88 321.1+1.