Plagues, Lay Persons, and Spiritual Darkness Defined

A plague is a divine judgment or a severe affliction, often in the form of a widespread disease, famine, or other calamity, sent by God as a punishment for wickedness or to demonstrate His power and justiceEVRR549+2. These afflictions are sometimes described as being part of God's "armory" and "weapons of his indignation" Jeremiah 50:25 reserved for a specific "time of trouble, against the day of battle and war" Job 38:22-23DAR 643.2.

Examples of Plagues in Scripture

Throughout history, God has manifested His power through plagues, notably during the deliverance of Israel from Egypt. These historical events serve as literal examples and foreshadow future divine judgmentsDAR 643.2+1.

• Egypt's Plagues: The plagues brought upon Egypt by Moses and Aaron serve as a significant type for understanding future divine interventionsDAR 643.2+1. These included:

• Water turning to Blood: The rivers and all water sources becoming blood, making them undrinkable Exodus 7:17-20EVRR538+1. This was a direct humiliation of Egyptian gods associated with the NilePP 759.1.

• Frogs: An overwhelming infestation of frogs covering the land and entering homes, even into ovens and kneading troughs Exodus 8:2-7SBD Plagues The ten.4. This was particularly trying as frogs were considered sacred animalsSBD Plagues The ten.4.

• Lice: The dust of the earth turning into small, penetrating insects, which the Egyptian magicians could not replicate and confessed as "the finger of God" Exodus 8:16-19PP 266.2+1.

• Flies: Swarms of flies plaguing the people and their homes, while sparing the Israelites in Goshen Exodus 8:20-241SP 189.1+5.

• Pestilence (Murrain): A severe disease striking livestock, causing widespread death among Egyptian cattle, but not affecting Israelite herds Exodus 9:1-7PTUK December 31, 1896, page 839.1.

• Boils: Painful, grievous sores breaking out on both people and animals Exodus 9:8-11EVRR537. The magicians themselves were afflicted and could not stand before MosesEVRR538+1.

• Hail: A devastating storm of hail mixed with fire, destroying crops, trees, and people in the field, again sparing Goshen Exodus 9:13-26SBD Plagues The ten.9.

• Locusts: Swarms of locusts so vast they covered the earth, devouring all vegetation left by the hail Exodus 10:1-15SBD Plagues The ten.9.

• Darkness: A dense, oppressive darkness that lasted for three days, contrasting with light in the dwellings of the Hebrews Exodus 10:21-23SR 117.2.

• Death of the Firstborn: The final and most severe plague, where all the firstborn in Egypt, from Pharaoh's heir to the captive's, and all the firstborn of cattle, were slain in a single night Exodus 12:29-30ETI First-born.4. This judgment directly targeted the Egyptian king, who was considered a godPP 759.1.

The Seven Last Plagues

In prophetic context, the "seven last plagues" are described as literal and worldwide calamities poured out at the close of human probation, just before the Second Advent of ChristEVRR549+5. These plagues are "the wine of the wrath of God" Revelation 16:1 and are specifically directed at those who have received the mark of the beast and worshipped his image Revelation 16:2SITI September 2, 1886, page 535.6+4.

The progression of these plagues reveals the true character of the wicked:

• First Plague: Agonizing cancerous sores afflict the unsaved, for which there is no relief Revelation 16:2EVRR549+1. These sores are described as "noisome and grievous" and "more corroding than the leprosy"LUJ 253.4.

• Second Plague: The world's oceans become toxic, like "the blood of a dead man," causing all sea life to perish Revelation 16:3EVRR549+3.

• Third Plague: All fresh water sources, including rivers and springs, turn to blood, making them undrinkable Revelation 16:4EVRR549+3. This judgment is seen as righteous because the wicked "have shed the blood of saints and prophets" Revelation 16:6DAR1909 689.1+1.

• Fourth Plague: The sun smites with extreme heat, scorching men with fire Revelation 16:8-9EVRR549+1. During this plague, the wicked blaspheme God and refuse to repent Revelation 16:9EVRR545.

• Fifth Plague: An "impenetrable global darkness" covers the earth, producing extreme cold and causing immense pain in the kingdom of the beast (the Papacy) Revelation 16:10-11EVRR549+3. The unsaved continue to blaspheme God Revelation 16:11EVRR545. This darkness is also the moment when God's people, facing a death decree, are divinely protectedEVRR564+2.

• Sixth Plague: The symbolic Euphrates (representing the multitudes supporting spiritual Babylon) is dried up, exposing religious leaders and leading their supporters to turn against them Revelation 16:12EVRR549+4. This plague prepares the way for the "battle of that great day of God Almighty," Armageddon, as "unclean spirits like frogs" unite the world against God Revelation 16:13-14EVRR549+3.

• Seventh Plague: A global earthquake of unprecedented magnitude occurs, causing cities to fall and islands and mountains to be removed Revelation 16:18-20EVRR549+5. This plague marks the destruction of spiritual Babylon Revelation 16:19EVRR549+1. Men blaspheme God because of the exceedingly great hail Revelation 16:21EVRR545.

These plagues demonstrate God's justice and reveal the unreformed hearts of those who reject HimEVRR545. While these events bring immense suffering, they also highlight God's protective care for His faithful people, who are shielded from their most devastating effects Psalm 91:1-12DAR1909 473.3+1.

A lay person, or lay member, is an individual church member who is not an ordained minister, elder, or deacon, and does not hold an official, paid position within the church hierarchy. They are members of the general congregation, playing a vital role in the church's mission and operations, often through voluntary service and direct engagement with the community.7MR 96.2+94

Characteristics of Lay Members

Lay members are called to actively participate in God's work, not merely be passive recipients of ministry. Their efforts are crucial for the advancement of the gospel, particularly in reaching those who have not yet heard the truth.7MR 100.1+53

Here are some key aspects of their role:

• Active Participation: They are encouraged to take initiative and responsibility, working to win souls to Jesus. This involves personal effort, often "at their own charges," and seeing how much they can accomplish.ChS 184.1+2

• Missionary Work: Lay members are essential in spreading the message in their communities, through activities like loaning or selling books, distributing papers, and holding Bible readings in homes.WM 63.3+7

• Unity and Love: For their efforts to be acceptable to God, lay members must cultivate unity and brotherly love among themselves, putting away strife and envy.7MR 96.2+5

• Personal Conversion: A crucial first step for lay members is to ensure their own conversion and sanctification, as this enables them to effectively reflect Christ's character.7MR 96.2+3

• No Excuse for Idleness: Many lay members are "idlers in the market place" when they could be actively engaged in service. They are called to "go ye also into the vineyard." Matthew 20:6-7AA 110.3

• Self-Supporting: Some lay members, like Paul, set an example by supporting themselves through daily labor while also advancing God's cause.WM 63.3

• Influence on Youth: Youthful lay members who are consecrated to God can have a powerful influence on their associates, often more so than older preachers or laymen. They have a responsibility to save their fellow mortals.T12 21.1

Difference Between Lay Persons and Non-Lay Persons

The distinction primarily lies in their official roles, responsibilities, and the nature of their service within the church.

Lay Persons (Lay Members):

• Definition: Individuals comprising the general church membership who are not formally ordained or salaried for ministerial or leadership roles.7MR 96.2+91

• Responsibility: While they are to obey and submit to their appointed rulers and officers, they also have individual responsibility to God for using their talents in His work.4MR 442.2+3

• Flexibility in Service: They often work in a "quiet way" and "at their own charges," being able to enter communities and homes where ministers might not have the same access.WM 63.3+1

• Spiritual Condition: Sometimes, lay members may be in a better spiritual condition than some ministers, realizing their spiritual needs more acutely.6LtMs, Ms 8, 1889, par. 7

• Historical Context: Historically, there have been periods when the Bible was withheld from the "lay people," and they were forbidden to interpret it, with such matters being reserved for the clergy.PTUK January 4, 1894, page 19.14+3

Non-Lay Persons (Clergy/Ministers/Officers):

• Definition: These include ordained ministers, elders, deacons, evangelists, and other church officers who hold specific, often salaried, positions of leadership and oversight within the church structure.7MR 96.2+131

• Specific Duties: Ministers and pastors are responsible for preaching, discipling, teaching, and overseeing the flock. Deacons manage temporal affairs and assist ministers. Elders provide spiritual leadership.8MR 369.2+26

• Accountability: Leaders are accountable for their influence on the minds and characters of those they serve.PM 72.3+1

• Historical Abuses: Historically, there have been instances where clergy abused their power, claiming immunity from secular law or engaging in corrupt practices.ECE 444.2+9

• Training: Non-lay persons often undergo formal training for their specialized roles, such as ministerial education or medical training for minister-physicians.8MR 369.2+6

In summary, while both lay members and non-lay persons are essential to the church's mission, non-lay persons typically hold formal, often ordained, leadership or specialized roles, whereas lay members contribute through voluntary service and direct evangelism in their daily lives. The work of God cannot be finished until all members unite their efforts.ChS 68.1

Darkness, in a spiritual context, signifies a separation from God, representing moral and spiritual ignorance, sin, and the absence of divine light. This absence leads to an inability to discern truth and duty, often resulting in superstition, bigotry, and disobedience to God's will3T 72.2+1.

Key aspects include:

• Separation from God: Spiritual darkness results from a disconnection from God, who is the source of all light and life19MR 299.4.

• Moral Ignorance: Darkness clouds the mind, making it difficult to understand divine things and recognize the true character of GodChS 55.2+1.

• Influence of Satan: The prince of darkness uses darkness to blind minds, leading people away from the light of truth and into deception6LtMs, Ms 40, 1890, par. 48+1.

• Effects on Individuals: Those walking in darkness often exhibit traits such as selfishness, pride, and a lack of true holiness, preventing them from detecting subtle workings of evilRH February 26, 1901, par. 10+1.

• The Remedy: Christ is the light of the world, sent to dispel darkness and reveal the Father; receiving Him enables individuals to walk as children of light and become partakers of the divine natureDA 463.3+3.

Manifestations and Consequences

• Spiritual Blindness: Darkness obstructs spiritual vision, causing a distorted perception of one's condition and leading to stumbling and crooked pathsST July 21, 1887, par. 10.

• Resistance to Truth: Taking pleasure in darkness results in avoiding the light, lest one's deeds should be reprovedCTBH 127.1.

• Bigotry and Superstition: Moral darkness breeds superstition and bigotry, blinding judgment and hindering discernment of duty3T 72.2+1.

• Unfruitful Works: Professed Christians in darkness may perform religious activities without genuine love or understanding, rendering their works ineffectiveARSH April 26, 1860, page 178.12.

Overcoming Darkness

• Seeking Divine Enlightenment: Through prayer and study of the Word, individuals can receive divine enlightenment to distinguish truth from error3SM 389.4+1.

• Walking in the Light: Believing in and following Christ enables individuals to escape darkness and live as children of light1888 914.2.

• Receiving Reproof: Those who do not wish to know themselves will allow reproofs and warnings to pass to others, remaining in darkness2T 688.2+1.

• Bearing the Light: Every church member has a duty to shine, dispelling moral darkness by sharing the light of truth with others8MR 95.2+1.

"The path of the just is as a shining light, that shines more and more unto the perfect day" Proverbs 4:18. As believers draw closer to Christ, the darkness fades, and the true light illuminates their hearts and lives, guiding them into knowledge, holiness, and service.