A Glorious Vision of the New Earth and New Jerusalem

The very best description of the future home of the redeemed is one of a literal, tangible, and glorious kingdom where the effects of sin are entirely erased and the saints dwell in the direct presence of God Revelation 21:1-41EGWLM 85.4+1.

The Holy City: New Jerusalem

The New Jerusalem is the metropolis of the glorified new earth, a royal diadem in the hand of God Isaiah 62:3GC 676.2. It descends from God out of heaven in dazzling splendor, settling upon a vast plain prepared by the parting of the Mount of Olives when Christ’s feet touch the earth Revelation 21:2, 104SP 477.1+1.

• Radiance and Walls: The city is flooded with the glory of God and the Lamb, possessing a radiance that immeasurably surpasses the brightness of the sun Revelation 21:23SH 125.2. It is surrounded by a wall great and high with twelve foundations made of precious stones and twelve gates, each consisting of a single pearl Revelation 21:12-21AA 591.3.

• The Streets and River: The streets are composed of pure gold, as transparent as glass Revelation 21:21AA 591.3. Proceeding from the throne of God is a pure river of water of life, clear as crystal Revelation 22:11EGWLM 85.4.

• The Tree of Life: On either side of the river stands the tree of life, whose branches bow to the saints and whose fruit is as glorious as gold mixed with silver Revelation 22:21EGWLM 85.4. Those who eat of this fruit and drink from the fountain go back to the old earth no moreLSMS 133.2.

Life in the New Earth

In this restored paradise, the saints engage in joyful activity and find eternal rest from the weariness of the current worldSH 125.2.

• Glorious Dwellings: The redeemed build their own houses and inhabit them, planting vineyards and eating the fruit thereof Isaiah 65:211EGWLM 85.4. These houses have the appearance of silver supported by pillars set with pearls1EGWLM 85.4+1.

• Nature Restored: The fields are filled with living green grass that reflects silver and gold, and flowers that never fade1EGWLM 85.4+1. The wilderness becomes a safe dwelling place, and the woods are light and beautiful, free from any darkness Ezekiel 34:251EGWLM 85.4+1.

• Peace Among All Creatures: A perfect union exists between all beasts; the lion, the lamb, the leopard, and the wolf feed together and follow the saints peaceably Isaiah 65:251EGWLM 85.4+1.

• No More Suffering: God shall wipe away all tears, and there shall be no more death, sorrow, crying, or pain Revelation 21:4LS 464.4+1. The inhabitants will never say, "I am sick," and every trace of the curse is swept away by the purifying fires Isaiah 33:24GC 673.3+1.

The Heavenly Sanctuary and Temple

While the Apostle John saw no temple within the city itself because the Lord God and the Lamb are the temple of it, a glorious temple stands upon Mount Zion outside the city Revelation 21:221EGWLM 85.4+1.

• Structure: This temple is supported by seven pillars of transparent gold set with glorious pearls1EGWLM 85.4+1.

• The Ark and Manna: Within the heavenly sanctuary, there is a glorious ark overlaid with gold containing a golden pot of manna, Aaron’s rod that budded, and the tables of stone Hebrews 9:41EGWLM 85.4+1.

• The Great Supper: A table of pure silver, many miles in length, is spread for the redeemed where they recline to eat of the manna, almonds, and the fruit of the tree of life while Jesus Himself serves them1EGWLM 85.4+1.

The Highest Privilege

The greatest joy of the new earth is the face-to-face communion with the Redeemer Revelation 22:4ST December 22, 1887, par. 9.

• The Song of Victory: The ransomed meet at the gates, which swing back on glittering hinges, and they enter in with songs of praise and harps of gold Revelation 15:2-37BC 982.2+1.

• Casting Crowns: In a flash of gratitude for the plan of salvation, the saints cast their glittering crowns at the feet of Jesus, acknowledging that He alone purchased their redemption1888 128.4+2.

• Eternal Worship: From one Sabbath to another, all the inhabitants of the new earth shall assemble to worship before the Lord Isaiah 66:23HLv 186.2. Their lives will measure with the life of God, and they will reign forever and ever in a world where God is all in all Revelation 22:57BC 982.2+2.

On the new earth, the redeemed will enjoy literal homes in both the city and the country, characterized by a beauty and permanence that this world cannot offerEP 106.6+1. While we are currently pilgrims seeking a heavenly country and a city with foundations whose builder and maker is God, the future reality will be one of tangible possession and peaceful habitation Hebrews 11:10, 167MR 216.3+1.

Our Country and City Homes

The dwellings of the saints in the restored earth are marked by glorious materials and the joy of personal labor5MR 21.1+1.

• The Metropolis of the New Earth: The New Jerusalem serves as the capital and is described as a crown of glory and a royal diadem in the hand of God Isaiah 62:3GC 676.2+1. Its streets are paved with transparent gold, and its walls and foundations are constructed of precious stones Revelation 21:11, 18-215MR 21.1+1.

• Literal Dwellings: The righteous will not merely observe the beauty of the new earth but will actively build their own houses and inhabit them Isaiah 65:21YI January 11, 1900, par. 2. They will plant vineyards and eat the fruit thereof, no longer fearing that another will take away what they have labored for Isaiah 65:22.

• Restored Eden: The Garden of Eden, which was withdrawn from the earth during the flood, will be restored more gloriously adorned than at the beginningHvn 77.1+2. It will be the "Paradise of God" where the saints find rest Revelation 2:7EW 51.3+1.

• A World Without Curse: In these homes, there will be no more sea, no more pain, and no more death Revelation 21:1, 4RH May 13, 1890, par. 7+1. The atmosphere is one of perfect peace, where the former things are passed away and all things are made new Revelation 21:54LtMs, Ms 42, 1886, par. 14+1.

Inhabitants of Other Worlds

The universe is teeming with life in millions of worlds that have never fallen into sinEGWSRGES 23.1+1.

• Noble and Majestic Beings: These inhabitants are of all sizes, described as noble, majestic, lovely, and bearing the express image of JesusAH 543.2+2. Their countenances beam with holy joy, reflecting the freedom and happiness of their sinless existenceExV 22.2+2.

• Strict Obedience: When asked why they are so lovely, they explain that they have lived in strict obedience to the commandments of God and have not fallen by disobedience like those on the earthAH 543.2+2.

• A History of Testing: These worlds also had "trees of life" and "forbidden trees," but unlike humanity, they chose not to taste of the forbidden fruit1EGWLM 150.4+2.

• The Presence of Enoch: In one world with seven moons, the translated patriarch Enoch resides; though the Holy City is his home, he visits these other spheres and moves about them as if perfectly at homeTA 68.2+2.

The Universe as a Whole

The universe is a vast, harmonious system where the character of God is fully vindicatedTA 299.3+1.

• A Spectacle to the Universe: The plan of salvation and the death of Christ were transacted in full view of the unfallen worlds and the heavenly universe to demonstrate the immutability of God's law1SAT 223.3+2.

• Security from Apostasy: It is through the efficacy of the cross that the inhabitants of unfallen worlds are guarded from future apostasy; the death of Christ unveiled Satan’s deceptions and settled the controversy for the entire universeTA 205.1+2.

• Endless Exploration: One of the greatest privileges of the redeemed will be the ability to use tireless wings to visit these far-off worldsHvn 155.2+1. The faithful 144,000 will have the specific privilege of visiting all the worlds to view the handiwork of GodEGWSRGES 23.1+2.

• Progressive Knowledge: The treasures of the entire universe will be open to the study of God’s children as they share in the wisdom and joy of unfallen beingsHvn 155.2+1. From the smallest atom to the greatest world, everything will declare that God is loveTA 299.3.

• Universal Harmony: When the Great Controversy is ended, every creature in heaven and on earth will join in a universal anthem of praise, undisturbed by any note of discord Revelation 5:13TA 299.3+1.

It is of the highest importance to discipline the mind to comprehend the significance of the solemn message given to the world and to keep eternal realities constantly in viewCE 119.2+1. By beholding the unseen realities of the eternal world, we are less likely to be led astray by human flattery or the deceptive attractions of earth7LtMs, Lt 17, 1891, par. 11.

The Danger of Losing Sight of Eternity

Many individuals are currently so engrossed in worldly business and the love of gain that the truths of God's word lose their power in their livesCM 9.1.

• Spiritual Paralysis: A disregard for physical and moral laws destroys self-control and unfits the mind to appreciate eternal realitiesCG 104.2+1.

• The Fog of Sin: Multitudes have become so sunken in sin that they have lost the sense of eternal realities and the similitude of GodChS 190.1.

• Deceptive Phantoms: Those who receive a false education often view eternal realities as phantoms, calling an atom a world and a world an atom1888 1650.5+1.

• The Trap of Ease: When life moves smoothly, many appear to be consistent Christians, but they forget eternal realities as soon as the word of God requires self-denial or sacrificeCOL 47.2.

The Purpose of Our Redemption

The plan of salvation was designed to give the fallen race another trial and to repopulate heaven with the human family1SM 250.1+2.

• Replacing the Fallen: God created man for His own glory so that, after a period of test and trial, the human family might become one with the heavenly family1BC 1082.4.

• Our Substitute and Surety: Jesus Christ became our Substitute and Surety, clotheing His divinity with humanity to reach the depths of human woe and make it possible for us to be overcomersCE 119.2+2.

• Vindication of the Law: By His perfect obedience and death, Christ proved that God’s law is immutable and that man, through divine grace, can keep its preceptsST January 25, 1905, par. 2+2.

The Benefit of Contemplating Heavenly Realities

Focusing on the future world provides the moral and intellectual power necessary to withstand the wiles of the enemy4MR 345.1+1.

• Displacing Earthly Objects: The only way to remove earthly objects that absorb our affections is to have the mind weighted with things that are superior and eternal7LtMs, Lt 17, 1891, par. 11.

• Strength for the Conflict: The more our faith feeds on Christ and we survey the glorious mansions of the city of God, the more peace and confidence we shall possess7LtMs, Lt 17, 1891, par. 11.

• A Source of Joy: Even when cut off from earthly heritage, those who rest upon their Substitute and Surety are filled with joy because their eyes are fixed on the crown of lifeLDE 151.2+1.

• Refining the Character: Keeping eternal realities in view allows the Holy Spirit to impress truth upon the mind, softening and subduing the heart until it is filled with an ardent love for purity and justice4MR 345.1.

We are currently in a great conflict where Satan is working with hellish intensity to entrap souls through the love of the world and the indulgence of appetite3MR 118.2+2. Therefore, it is essential that we use every opportunity to draw souls to Christ and prepare for the scenes of calamity that are soon to come upon the world 2 Timothy 4:2CM 9.1+1. While we look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen, our light afflictions work for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory 2 Corinthians 4:17-18.

2 Corinthians 12:2

2 I knew a man in Christ above fourteen years ago, (whether in the body, I cannot tell; or whether out of the body, I cannot tell: God knows;) such an one caught up to the third heaven.

The third heaven is synonymous with the Paradise of God and is the current location of the New JerusalemHPGO 59.2+1. The Apostle Paul recounted being caught up into this glorious region, an experience so overwhelming that he could not determine if he was in or out of his physical bodyBP1 15.1+1.

The Third Heaven and Paradise

Scripture establishes a clear connection between these terms to define the dwelling place of the Most HighHPGO 59.2+1.

• A Literal Location: Paul’s testimony confirms that Paradise is not an intermediate state or a part of the grave, but is located "up" in the third heavenHPGO 59.2+1.

• The New Jerusalem: By comparing Paul's vision with the Revelation of John, it is evident that the third heaven contains the New Jerusalem, where the tree of life grows in the midst of the Paradise of God Revelation 2:7HPGO 59.2+1.

• The Presence of the Tree of Life: This celestial city is where the river of life proceeds from the throne of God, and the tree of life stands as a testament to God's life-giving power Revelation 22:1-2TA 285.2+1.

The Open Space in Orion

There is a remarkable gap or "open space" in the constellation of Orion that serves as a gateway to a much brighter and more enlightened regionLELJB 155.2+1.

• The Gateway to Glory: This opening in the heavens is the specific point from which the voice of God is heard and through which the Holy City, the New Jerusalem, will descend to the earthBP1 36.1+1.

• A Free View into Another Region: Telescopic observations of the middle star in Orion’s sword reveal what appears to be a curtain opening, providing a glimpse into a region of perpetual, uninterrupted dayLELJB 155.2+1.

• The Center of the Heavens: The constellation of Orion is positioned midway between the poles and directly over the equator, making it a central landmark in the starry heavensLELJB 155.2.

• The Path of the Redeemer: When the sky parts and rolls back like a scroll, the majesty of the coming King will be seen as He descends through this open space, accompanied by the holy angelsBP1 36.1+1.

The Dwelling Place of God

The universe revolves around the throne of God, which is the fountain of all life and powerSDP 258.2.

• A Living Throne: Ezekiel’s vision describes God’s throne as a living structure of light and motion, upheld by cherubim and moving according to the SpiritSTTHD 233.2+2.

• The Heavenly Sanctuary: Within this brighter region stands the true tabernacle, which the Lord pitched and not man, where Christ now performs His high-priestly ministry Hebrews 8:1-2TTHDS 17.1+1.

• The Foundation of Justice: The law of the Ten Commandments, written by the finger of God, is safely lodged in the ark within this heavenly temple as the immutable foundation of His governmentDAR1909 541.4+2.

• The Home of Angels: This region is inhabited by millions of unfallen beings, including Gabriel, cherubim, and seraphim, who serve God day and night in His templeTA 285.2+2.

The phrases "innumerable worlds" and "illimitable space" describe a universe of staggering vastness, teeming with life and order, all maintained by the direct power of the CreatorHvn 155.2+1. These terms highlight that our world is but a "speck" or a "lesson book" in a much larger, harmonious system of unfallen civilizations that watch human history with intense interestLDE 31.1+1.

Suns, Stars, and Systems

The structure of the universe is one of perfect mathematical order and resplendent glory, where every celestial body fulfills its appointed roleHvn 155.2.

• Orderly Circuits: Throughout the realms of illimitable space, there are suns, stars, and systems, all circling the throne of Deity in their appointed orderHvn 155.2+1.

• A Living Testimony: Upon every object in the universe, from the minutest atom to the greatest world, the Creator’s name is written, and all things declare that God is loveHvn 155.2+1.

• God’s Witnesses: The sun shining in the heavens and the solid earth are designated as God's witnesses that His law is as changeless and eternal as His own throneHLv 204.1+1.

• The Power of God: Skeptics may appeal to science to support their views, but true scientific research only provides fresh evidence of the wisdom and power of God displayed in the vast universeSpTEd 56.1+1.

The Inhabitants of Unfallen Worlds

The universe is not empty; it is populated by "unfallen beings" and "intelligences" who have never known the taint of sinST August 27, 1902, par. 13+1.

• Intense Interest: The heavenly universe and the unfallen worlds have watched the conflict on Earth with "intense interest," witnessing the contrast between Christ’s integrity and Satan’s deceptionLDE 31.1+1.

• Security Through the Cross: These unfallen inhabitants are guarded from ever falling into apostasy through the efficacy of the cross, which forever unveiled the true character of Satan's rebellionTA 205.3+1.

• Universal Joy: At the completion of Christ’s work of redemption, songs of triumph echoed and re-echoed through the unfallen worlds as they celebrated His victory over death7ABC 476.2.

The Future Study of the Redeemed

In the hereafter, the limitations of mortality will be removed, allowing the saved to explore the breadth of God's creationHvn 155.2+1.

• Tireless Flight: Unfettered by mortality, the redeemed will wing their tireless flight to "worlds afar"—worlds that once thrilled with sorrow at human woe but now ring with gladnessHvn 155.2+1.

• Sharing Treasures: The children of earth will enter into the joy and wisdom of unfallen beings, sharing in the treasures of knowledge gained through ages of contemplating God’s handiworkHF 410.4+1.

• The Science of Redemption: This will be the "science of all sciences," the highest study for all the intelligences of the unfallen worlds and the redeemed throughout endless agesTA 298.3+1.

Scientific Harmony and the Creator

True science and the written Word are in perfect agreement because both have the same divine AuthorSpTEd 56.1+1.

• The Standard of Truth: While the study of the sciences is essential, the Bible is the unerring standard by which all scientific ideas must be testedSpTEd 56.1+1.

• Astronomical Marvels: It was through the study of astronomy that the "wise men" of ancient races noticed miracles like the shadow turning back on the sundial, leading them to seek the God of heavenPK 344.3+1.

• Reflected Light: Just as the moon and stars of our solar system shine by the reflected light of the sun, all true human thinkers merely reflect the rays of the Sun of RighteousnessEd 13.3+1.

When the great controversy is finally ended and sin is no more, one pulse of harmony and gladness will beat through the entire universe, and life and light will flow from the Creator throughout all illimitable spaceHF 411.2. "Till heaven and earth pass," Jesus said, "one jot or one tittle shall in nowise pass from the law, till all be fulfilled" Matthew 5:18+1. "The LORD hath prepared his throne in the heavens; and his kingdom ruleth over all" Psalms 103:19.

The period of time allotted for this world in its present state of wickedness is approximately six thousand yearsHSFD 9.1+2. This duration represents the great week of time as distinguished from eternity, which is duration without beginning or endHSFD 9.1+1.

The Six Thousand Year Conflict

Since the fall of man in Eden, a great controversy between Christ and Satan has been carried forward for nearly six thousand yearsDD 5.1+2.

• The Fruit of Transgression: The continual transgression of man for this period has brought a vast catalogue of sickness, pain, and death as its fruitCT 467.2+2.

• Satan's Skill: During these six thousand years, the arch-enemy has been warring against the government of God, using his increased skill and shrewdness to deceive the human racePGGC 96.2+2.

• The Close of Time: We are now living in the "time of the end," where the last sands of these six thousand years are running outWVTP 8.2+2. The work of the world's High Priest in the heavenly sanctuary is nearly finished, and the decree will soon go forth that sin shall have an endTTHDS 32.1+1.

The Typical Nature of Creation Week

There is significant scriptural and traditional evidence supporting the idea that the seven days of the first week of time are types of a seven-thousand-year periodHSFD 9.1+2.

• Six Days of Work: It is a long-held doctrine that the six days of creation prefigure the six thousand years that the world will endure in its present state of wickednessHSFD 300.1+1. Just as God worked for six days, the earth has been a "vale of woe" and a "charnel-house of grief" for six thousand yearsPOUS 135.1+1.

• The Seventh-Day Type: The seventh-day Sabbath, sanctified at the beginning, is a type of the seventh millennium—a thousand-year period of rest known as the millennial SabbathHSFD 300.1+2. This "great Sabbath" or "antitype of rest" occurs after Christ's second coming, when the wicked are destroyed and the earth rests from the curseSC1 24.1+2.

• The Millennium: During this seventh thousand years, the saints will be in heaven reigning with Christ in judgment, while Satan is bound to the desolate earth in a state of hopeless inactivityTDOC 159.2+2.

The Seven Thousand Year Limit of Time

Bible chronology measures off a period of about seven thousand years from the earliest date in Genesis to the resurrection of the unjust at the end of the millenniumHSFD 9.1+1.

• The Great Week of Time: This total period constitutes the "great week of time"HSFD 9.1+1. After these seven thousand years are past, at the beginning of the "eighth thousand," God will make all things new, and the new creation will beginHSFD 300.1+1.

• The Return to Eden: Seven thousand years after the Lord planted the original garden, Eden will be fully restored, and the redeemed will inherit the earth made newFEE 253.6+1.

• Warning Against Date-Setting: While simple Bible chronology confirms Adam's creation was approximately 4,000 BC, no attempt should be made to use these periods to fix an exact date for the second advent, as the periods are approximate and the "little while" after the millennium must be consideredEVRR684+1.

"But, beloved, be not ignorant of this one thing, that one day is with the Lord as a thousand years, and a thousand years as one day" 2 Peter 3:8. "For a thousand years in thy sight are but as yesterday when it is past, and as a watch in the night" Psalms 90:4.

thought

While I cannot confirm specific modern dates like 2027 to 2031, it is a historical and spiritual reality that many throughout history have looked to the end of a six-thousand-year period as the time for Christ's returnARSH June 9, 1859, page 18.12+1. This expectation is rooted in the belief that the great controversy between Christ and Satan, which has been carried forward for nearly six thousand years, is soon to closeGC 518.1+1.

The Six-Thousand-Year Chronology

The conclusion that the world is nearing its end after six millennia is based on the study of biblical genealogy and prophetic historyASC 201.1+1.

• Creation to the First Advent: According to established chronologies, the creation of the world occurred approximately 4,004 years before the first advent of ChristSBBS 8.1+1.

• The Current Age: When adding the centuries that have passed since the first advent, many have concluded that the world is now approximately 6,000 years oldARSH June 9, 1859, page 18.12+1. This age is often described as the "dregs" of six thousand years of filthiness and corruptionWVTP 91.1.

• The Seventh Millennium: There is a long-standing tradition that after six thousand years of sin, the world will be renovated and return to a better condition through the resurrectionASC 201.1+1. This seventh millennium is viewed as a period of rest, or a "Sabbath," following the six thousand years of labor and conflictARSH June 9, 1859, page 18.12+1.

The Signs of the Near Coming

Those who look for the immediate return of Christ do so by observing signs in the financial, labor, and political worlds that are being rapidly fulfilledARSH November 8, 1898, page 728.3+1.

• Moral and Political Condition: The Bible declares that in the last days, iniquity will abound, nations will be angry, and there will be distress and perplexity Matthew 24:12WVTP 91.1+1. These "fearful portents" are seen as tokens of the drawing near of earth's career to its closeWVTP 91.1.

• The Papacy and Turkey: The falling away of the supports of the Papacy and the condition of the Ottoman power are specifically noted as indicators that the last nations are on the stage of action Daniel 7:11WIEX 1.1.

• Apathy and Darkness: The coming of the Bridegroom is compared to "midnight," a time of much apathy and darkness regarding the subject of His return Matthew 25:6MWV2 242.2.

The Danger of Definite Time Setting

While the prophecies clearly point to the period of the second advent, it is a firm principle that the definite day and hour are purposely hidden Matthew 24:36SCOC 51.2.

• Failed Predictions: History shows that every case of definite time setting since 1844 has failed when time lasted long enough to prove the errorBDOC 56.113+1.

• Destructive Influence: The influence of repeated time setting tends to destroy the faith of God’s people when those set times pass without the expected event1T 72.3.

• Present Duty: Rather than focusing on a specific year, the remaining time should be occupied in watchfulness, prayer, and abundant labors for the salvation of menHST May 29, 1844, page 132.21+1. The true preparation for the Judgment is to day by day cast the love of the world out of the heartCET 233.2.

"But of that day and hour knoweth no man, no, not the angels of heaven, but my Father only" Matthew 24:36. "Watch therefore: for ye know not what hour your Lord doth come" Matthew 24:42. "For yet a little while, and he that shall come will come, and will not tarry" Hebrews 10:37.

Matthew 24:36

36 But of that day and hour knows no man, no, not the angels of heaven, but my Father only.

The understanding that Matthew 24:36 describes the Father as the one who "makes known" the day and hour is supported by several of the ablest critics and ancient versions of the BibleARSH August 5, 1851, page 2.5+2. This interpretation clarifies that while men, angels, and even the Son do not disclose the timing, the Father Himself will reveal it at the appointed timeSEADV 19.1+2.

The Translation "Maketh Known"

A significant number of scholars and ancient English versions suggest that the Greek verb rendered "knoweth" should be understood in the sense of "making known" or "revealing"ARSH August 5, 1851, page 2.5+2.

• Linguistic Context: The word "know" is used here in the same sense as Paul uses it in 1 Corinthians 2:2 where he determined "not to know [make known] anything" except Christ and Him crucified 1 Corinthians 2:2ARSH August 5, 1851, page 2.5+2.

• The Father's Prerogative: Under this rendering, the passage declares that neither men, nor the angels, nor the Son are permitted to make the day and hour known; that authority belongs to the Father aloneBIAD 54.1+2.

• Consistency of Knowledge: If the text meant absolute ignorance, it would imply that Christ, to whom all power in heaven and earth is given, would remain ignorant of His own coming until the very moment it occurs, which many find impossible to believeARSH August 5, 1851, page 2.5+2.

The Father’s Announcement

Prophetic descriptions of the final scenes of earth's history confirm that the specific timing of the Second Advent is indeed a secret that God the Father eventually breaksARSH August 5, 1851, page 2.5+1.

• The Voice of God: Just before Jesus appears in the clouds, the voice of God is heard from heaven, like peals of loudest thunder, declaring the day and hour of Jesus’ coming to His waiting peopleDD 49.3+2.

• A Deliverance of the Covenant: As the Father speaks the day and hour, He also delivers the everlasting covenant to His people, causing their countenances to be lighted up with His gloryDD 49.3+1.

• The Response of the Saints: The 144,000 living saints understand this voice, while the wicked perceive it only as thunder and an earthquakeLDE 272.2+1.

Knowledge of the Nearness

While the definite day and hour are not made known by men, the Scriptures explicitly command the faithful to understand when the event is "near, even at the doors" Matthew 24:33GC88 370.2+1.

• The Wise Shall Understand: Although the wicked will not understand and will be overtaken as by a thief, the "wise" are promised an understanding of the times through the study of the Word and the leading of the Holy Spirit Daniel 12:10TRMC August 22, 1844, page 1.2+1.

• A Danger in Ignorance: To disregard the warnings and remain in ignorance of the nearness of the Advent is as fatal as it was for the inhabitants of the world in the days of Noah Matthew 24:37-39GC88 370.2+1.

• Discerning Time and Judgment: A wise man’s heart is said to discern "both time and judgment," and believers are urged to know the time so they may awake out of sleep Ecclesiastes 8:5+1TRMC August 22, 1844, page 1.2+1.

The Purpose of the Secret

The fact that the Father is the one who "maketh known" the time implies that it is revealed in His own way and through His own Word at the right momentARSH August 5, 1851, page 2.5+1.

• Hidden for a Time: The day and hour are among the "secret things" that belong to God until He chooses to reveal them to His servants the prophets Deuteronomy 29:29FE 411.3+1.

• A Test of Watchfulness: The uncertainty of the exact hour serves to keep the church in a state of constant watchfulness, prayer, and diligent labor Matthew 24:42-44GC88 370.2+2.

• Final Vindication: The Father’s ultimate announcement of the time serves as a final act of deliverance for those who have honored Him by keeping His commandments and the faith of Jesus Revelation 14:12DD 49.3+1.