Time of the End vs. End of Time

The "time of the end" is a distinct period that began in 1798, while "the end of time" refers to the ultimate close of Earth's history, when Christ returns. These two terms, though related, represent different stages in God's prophetic plan for the world.

Understanding the "Time of the End" 🕰️

The "time of the end" is a prophetic period that commenced around 1798 and leads up to the actual "end of time"ARSH March 17, 1859, page 130.5+2. This period is characterized by several key developments:

• Unsealing of Daniel's Prophecies: Before this period, certain parts of Daniel's prophecies were "closed up and sealed" Daniel 12:4+1. However, at the "time of the end," these prophecies were to be unsealed and better understood17MR 6.3+3. This means that knowledge concerning these prophetic chains would greatly increaseARSH March 17, 1859, page 130.5+7.

• Increase of Knowledge: Not only general knowledge in various fields but specifically knowledge about prophetic timelines, the close of the current dispensation, and Christ's imminent return was prophesied to growARSH March 17, 1859, page 130.5+2. This has been wonderfully fulfilled through diligent study of the ScripturesBIAD 72.5+1.

• Purification and Testing: During this period, many of God's people would be "purified, and made white, and tried" Daniel 12:10APEC 107.2+2. This is a time for believers to seek a deeper spiritual experience and prepare for the challenges ahead12MR 36.3+2.

• Papal Supremacy's End: A significant event marking the beginning of the "time of the end" was the cessation of the Papacy's 1260-year period of supremacy in 1798ARSH March 17, 1859, page 130.5+3. This marked a shift in geopolitical and religious power dynamicsAPEC 98.1.

• The Three Angels' Messages: The "time of the end" is particularly associated with the proclamation of the first, second, and third angels' messages of Revelation 14:6-12+3. These messages warn the world of God's judgment and call His people to prepare for Christ's comingLDE 68.1+2.

Approaching the "End of Time" ⏳

The "end of time" signifies the literal end of Earth's history, leading to Christ's second comingARSH September 16, 1851, page 25.4+5. Several indicators point to our nearness to this ultimate conclusion:

• Signs of the Times: Wars, rumors of wars, famines, pestilences, earthquakes, and a general increase in lawlessness are all foretold as signs of the world's rapid approach to its end Matthew 24:6-8+1GC88 585.2+3.

• Spiritual Apostasy: As the end nears, there will be a widespread "falling away" from the faith, characterized by infidelity, false doctrines, and a decline in true piety within the professed church 1 Timothy 4:1+1DD 8.1+4.

• Fulfillment of Prophecy: The completion of major prophetic periods, like the 2300 days of Daniel 8:14 and the precise fulfillment of events such as the fall of the Ottoman Empire in 1840, serve as powerful indicators that we are indeed living in the last daysEVRR325+5.

• Increased Missionary Work: The gospel is to be preached "in all the world for a witness unto all nations; and then shall the end come" Matthew 24:14SITI July 21, 1887, page 439.16+2. This global proclamation of truth, especially through the three angels' messages, is a final preparatory work before the Lord's returnEVRR232+7.

• The Seal of God: In the end time, God's people will receive the "seal of the living God," which involves the observance of the true Sabbath Revelation 7:2-4EVRR232+3. This distinctive mark will identify those who are preparing for Christ's return and will enable them to stand during the unprecedented "time of trouble"EVRR232+4.

We are called to live with solemn awareness of these realities, focusing on cultivating a Christ-like character, obeying God's commandments, and sharing the message of His soon coming with othersCG 330.2+8. Our primary task is to prepare ourselves and others for the glorious return of our LordT33 34.1+4.