WILL THE SEVEN DAY ADVENTIST CHURCH BE TRIUMPHANT AT THE END OF TIMES AS A REMNANT OF GOD? Michael Orellana Abstract The present research tries to deal with matters about eschatological remnant, its identity and its final triumph. Therefore, we are going to compare Isaiah 2.1-4 and Revelation 14.1-6 to respond the next question: will the Seven Day Adventist church be triumphant at the end of times as remnant of God? In this way, our work is theological – exegetical in nature. Thus, the study of the classic prophesies and the apocalyptic prophecies are compared in view of its inner hermeneutic principles and the theological axis over which these are working. Introduction In the history of the seven day Adventist we can found a constant tension between the believe of the SDA as remnant and the opposers to this believe. These opposers had came inside and outside from the church. Moreover, if we accept this believe remain another question: Will be this church victorious at the time of the end? The identification of the SDA Church as eschatological remnant is one of the most important believes in this church. Therefore, ask if this concept is accordance with the Bible is an important question to validate this identification. Through this work, we are going to try to validate the identification of the seven day Adventist as eschatological remnant and respond the question about its final triumph. To do it, the pillars of ours arguments are in the view of remnant in the classic prophecy like Isaiah 2.1-4 and the apocalyptic prophecy like Revelation 14.1-6. Remnant of God in the Classic Prophecy One of the most important characteristics of the classic prophecy is its conditionality. Almost all the interpreters of the classic prophecy are in agree respect the conditionality of the classical prophecy. 1 One of the most remembered histories about that is the Jonah’s prophecy. God had sent to this prophet to prophecy against Nineveh. But, what had happened at the end of this history? The history changed and the prophecy didn’t fulfill! 1
Richard M. Davidson, Interpretación de la profecía del Antiguo Testamento, of Entender las Sagradas Escrituras, ed. George W. Reid (Colombia: Asociación Publicadora Interamericana, 2009), 221-224.
The prophet Jonah tested one of the most important hermeneutical principles in the interpretation of the classical prophecy: This depends of the elections of the people. 2 This conditionality of the prophecy is explained by the prophet Jeremiah: Sometimes I announce that I shall uproot, break down and destroy a certain nation or kingdom, 8 but should the nation I have threatened abandon its wickedness, I then change my mind about the disaster which I had intended to inflict on it. 9 Sometimes I announce that I shall build up and plant a certain nation or kingdom, 10 but should that nation do what displeases me and refuse to listen to my voice, I then change my mind about the good which I was intending to confer on it. (Jer 18:7-10 NJB) Then, the conditionality of the prophecy is an approved hermeneutical principle for the classical prophecy. But, what that means in relation with the remnant? In many ways there are close relationship, because the most of the prophecies about the remnant in the Old Testament are classical prophecies. One of these prophecies is Isaiah 2.1-4. The structure of the passage is the next: LINE A B
ENGLIS TEXT The vision of Isaiah son of Amoz, concerning Judah and Jerusalem. 2 It will happen in the final days that the mountain of Yahweh's house will rise higher than the mountains and tower above the heights.
TEMATIC FOCUS Introduction Exaltation of Zion Mount
C
Then all the nations will stream to it, 3 many peoples will come to it and say, 'Come, let us go up to the mountain of Yahweh, to the house of the God of Jacob that he may teach us his ways so that we may walk in his paths.'
Effects around the world
B
For the Law will issue from Zion and the word of Yahweh from Jerusalem.
Exaltation of Zion Mount
2
Gerald A. Klingbeil, Why were some prophecies in the Old Testament not fulfilled?, of Interpreting Scripture: Bible Questions and Answers. Biblical Research Institute Studies, ed. Gerhard Pfandl (Silver Spring, MD: Biblical Research Institute, 2010), 2: 91-96.
4
C
Then he will judge between the nations and arbitrate between many peoples. They will hammer their swords into ploughshares and their spears into sickles. Nation will not lift sword against nation, no longer will they learn how to make war. (Isa 2:1-4 NJB)
Effects around the world
This structure shows us the close relation between the exaltation of Zion Mount and its effects around the World. This important prophecy is founded in exactly form in Micah 4.1-3. Moreover, the mean of the exaltation of Zion is an important issue in the prophetic books like Isaiah, Jeremiah, Micah and others. The purpose of God was to exalt the Zion Mount to be most important missionary center in the world. In other words, the exaltation of Zion is a mission logical strategy to bring the world into the salvation. 3 But, we know that the fulfillment of this plan hasn´t achieved through historical Israel. Nevertheless, the word of God remains firm. The steadiness of the word of God means that God cans accomplish his purposes in many ways. This recalls us the response of Jesus to the Pharisees who believe that the Israelite nation was the unique way how God cans accomplish his purposes. Jesus said: and do not presume to tell yourselves, "We have Abraham as our father," because, I tell you, God can raise children for Abraham from these stones. (Mat 3:9 NJB) Then, at the finish of this section, we conclude that the classical prophecies about Zion hadn´t fulfilled through historical nation of Israel, but the purpose of God remains steady. Remnant of God in the apocalyptic prophecy One of the characteristics of the apocalyptic prophecy is unconditionality. 4 In other words, the apocalyptic prophecy is not the purpose of God, but how will be accomplished the purpose of God in the history or what will happen with the purpose of God in the history.
3
Jiri Moskala, A missão de Deus entre os gentíos no Antigo Testamento, of Teologia e Metodologia da Missão, VIII Simpósio Bíblico-Teológico Sul-Americano, ed. Elías Brasilde Souza (Cachoeira, BA: CePLiB, 2011), 31-58. 4
Jon K. Paulien, La hermenéutica de la apocalíptica bíblica, of Entender las Sagradas Escrituras: El Enfoque Adventista, ed. George W. Reid (Colombia: Asociación Publicadora Interamericana, 2009), 303, 304.
In this way, we can be sure about the second coming of Jesus because there are not conditions for it. Other believes in relation with the future depends of this hermeneutical principle of the apocalyptic prophecy like the resurrection, the final destruction of the evil and regeneration of the new earth. We accept all this believe as unconditional truths. What that means in relation with the remnant? First, the eschatological remnant is in the climax of the apocalyptic prophecies. This appears at the final battle between Miguel and Satan (Rev. 12.12-17), in the parallels of the cleaning of the sanctuary with the vindication of the people of God (Dan. 8.13; 7.26-27) 5 and in the final victory of the Lamb of God (Rev. 7.1-17;14.1-6). Therefore, when we are talking about the remnant inside the apocalyptic prophecies are not refers in any way as a possibility. Rather, the remnant motif is always depicted as a victorious people. 6 We are going to consider the scene of Revelation 14.1-5. LINE A1
ENGLIS TEXT Next in my vision I saw Mount Zion, and standing on it the Lamb who had with him a hundred and forty-four thousand people, all with his name and his Father's name written on their foreheads.
TEMATIC FOCUS The victory of the Lamb, the 144 000 over the Zion Mount
2
B1
I heard a sound coming out of heaven like the sound of the ocean or the roar of thunder; it was like the sound of harpists playing their harps.
Sound of victory from heaven
3
B2
There before the throne they were singing a new hymn in the presence of the four living creatures and the elders, a hymn that could be learnt only by the hundred and forty-four thousand who had been redeemed from the world.
Song of redemption before the throne
4
A2
These are the sons who have kept their virginity and not been defiled with women; they follow the Lamb wherever he goes; they, out of all people, have been redeemed to be the first-fruits for God and for the Lamb. 5 No lie was found in their mouths and no fault can be found in them.
Identity of the 144 000
5
Merling Alomía, Daniel; El profeta mesiánico (Lima, Perú: Ediciones Theologika, 2007), 252-256. 6
Hans K. LaRondelle, Las Profecías del Fin (Buenos Aires: Asociación Casa Editora Sudamericana, 1997), 328-335.
In this interesting scene we found the people of God above the Zion mount in a victorious image join to the Lamb of God. They are before the throne of God as redeemers. This passage is very clear in respect with the total victory of the people of God. Then, John wrote sufficient characteristics of this people to identify to them. These characteristics are in close relationship with Revelation 7.13-17. Similarities Both are before the throne of God Both are in close relation with the Lamb of God
Both are coming from the humanity
Revelation 7.9-17 they were standing in front of the throne and in front of the Lamb (Rev 7:9 NJB) because the Lamb who is at the heart of the throne will be their shepherd and will guide them to springs of living water (Rev 7:17 NJB) of people from every nation, race, tribe and language (Rev 7:9 NJB)
Both are proclaiming in a special way in relation with the salvation provided
They shouted in a loud voice, 10 'Salvation to our God, who sits on the throne, and to the Lamb!' (Rev 7:9-10 NJB)
In both groups exist an emphasis in the identification
One of the elders then spoke and asked me, 'Who are these people, dressed in white robes, and where have they come from?' (Rev 7:13 NJB)
Revelation 14.1-5 There before the throne (Rev 14:3 NJB) they follow the Lamb wherever he goes (Rev 14:4 NJB)
they, out of all people, have been redeemed to be the first-fruits for God and for the Lamb. (Rev 14:4 NJB) There before the throne they were singing a new hymn in the presence of the four living creatures and the elders, a hymn that could be learnt only by the hundred and forty-four thousand who had been redeemed from the world. (Rev 14:3 NJB) These are the sons who have kept their virginity and not been defiled with women; they follow the Lamb wherever he goes; they, out of all people, have been redeemed to be the first-fruits for God and for the Lamb. (Rev 14:4 NJB)
In the comparison above exist sufficient elements to identify the 144 000 with the great multitude. 7 Moreover, that identification is in accordance with the argument of the chapter 7. In this chapter what the prophet hears (7.1) is amplified in what the prophet sees (7.9). In other words, the meaning of the 144 000 is explained in many ways.
7
Then, the comparison of these passages allows us to see the background of the scene: The Zion mount. This is the place where the people of God will appear in victory beside the Lamb of God. This scene recall us the purpose of God inside the classical prophecies. In the past, God had been trying to bring salvation to the world through the historical Israel. But, the way has been changed, not the purpose; the tool but not the final. So, what means 144 000? That means the ancient purpose of God to bring salvation to the world through his people, but fully accomplished at the end. In that scene is depicted all the tribes of Israel gathered over Zion (7.4; 14.1) around the throne of God (7.9; 14.3). The salvation is the new song in their lips (7.9-10; 14.3). At this moment, we have provided sufficient argument in favor of the totally and unconditionally triumph of the people of God. Let us identify the SDA with this glorious people. Identification of the Seven Day Adventist Church as final and victorious remnant of God The next two passages of the Scripture are being used to explain the identification of the SDA church as eschatological remnant. All of these are dealing with the eschatological remnant of God. PASSAGES Then I saw another angel, flying high overhead, sent to announce the gospel of eternity to all who live on the earth, every nation, race, language and tribe. 7 He was calling, 'Fear God and glorify him, because the time has come for him to sit in judgment; worship the maker of heaven and earth and sea and the springs of water.' (Rev 14:6-7 NJB) 17 Then the dragon was enraged with the woman and went away to make war on the rest of her children, who obey God's commandments and have in themselves the witness of Jesus. (Rev 12:17 NJB)
CHARACTERISTIC STRESSED
The eschatological remnant has the eternal gospel. This contains a message about judgment, Sabbath and obedience.
The eschatological remnant obey the commandments of God
God, in accordance with the scripture the remnant of God will have a message about judgment and an obedient live to the commandments of God. 8 Where can we found a scene of judgment and people in the Scripture?
8
Richard P. Lehmann, The Remnant in the Book of Revelation, of Toward a Theology of the Remnant, ed. Angel Manuel Rodriguez (Silver Spring, MD: Biblical Research Institute, 2009), 91-95.
The response is Daniel 7.26-27. We are going to analyze these two verses. BIBLICAL TEXT But the court will sit, and he will be stripped of his royal authority which will be finally destroyed and reduced to nothing. 26
TEMATIC FOCUS Judgment Destruction of horn
27
And kingship and rule and the splendours of all the kingdoms under heaven will be given to the people of the holy ones of the Most High, whose royal power is an eternal power, whom every empire will serve and obey." (Dan 7:26-27 NJB)
Victory of the people of God
This passage reveals that judgment, destruction of the horn and victory of the people are in close relationship. This connection is so important to understand the final crisis above the earth. These three elements appear in connection with the eternal gospel (Rev. 14.6-13). The most interesting is that there appears Babylon. Yet, here is not space to talk about the meaning of Babylon, but many commentators identify Babylon with the horn of Daniel 7.26 9. Then, the final remnant of God must appear with a peculiar message of judgment and fall of Babylon. This people are indubitably the Seven Day Adventist Church. 10 But, beyond we can identify the eschatological remnant in the apocalyptic literature with the Seven Day Adventist Church, still remain this final question: How can we verify or probe the final triumph of this Church? First, we must identify the characteristic of this final eschatological period. Many passages in Revelation and Daniel can explain the characteristic of this final period: Revelation 18; 14.6-13; 13.12-18; Daniel 7.12-13; 8.25; 12.1. In the next table we are going to show the connection between these passages: Healing of the best Rev. 13.12
Scene of Judgment Daniel 7.12-13 Proclamation of the eternal gospel Rev, 14.6-7
Dominion of the Image of the Best Rev. 13.15-18 Announce about the fall of Babylon Rev. 14.8-13
Great Tribulation Daniel 12.1
9
Marvin Moore, El juicio investigador: Su fundamento bíblico (Buenos Aires: Asociación Casa Editora Sudamericana, 2011), 95-109. 10
Gerhard Pfandl, Identifying Marks of the End-Time Remnant in the Book of Revelation, of Toward a Theology of the Remnant, ed. Angel Manuel Rodriguez (Silver Spring, MD: Biblical Research Institute, 2009), 139-158.
The context where the eschatological remnant will move is time of the healing of the beast, persecution and finally tribulation. Since the healing of the beast until the tribulation, the remnant will appears as a loyalty people which keep the commands of God. Then, in the final eschatological period we can see two forces in opposite directions: Babylon and the remnant of God. 11 Second, we must identify the mission of the remnant in the final eschatological period. This mission is founded in Rev 14.6-13. 12 In accordance with this passage, the final remnant has a particular mission: Preach the eternal gospel including advertences against Babylon. The consequence of the fulfillment of his mission is the Great Tribulation. Babylon will persecute this remnant and will be time of tribulation. Finally, we must respond the next question: What is the connection between the eschatological remnant and the triumphal people or 144000? The respond to this question is founded in the characteristics of the 144 000 in Revelation 7.13-14. SECTION BIBLICAL TEXT 13 A1 One of the elders then spoke and asked me, B1 'Who are these people, dressed in white robes, and where have they come from?' 14
A2 B2
I answered him, 'You can tell me, sir.' Then he said, 'These are the people who have been through the great trial; they have washed their robes white again in the blood of the Lamb.
TEMATIC FOCUS Question mark Identity of the people
Question mark Identity of the people
The great multitude comes from the great trial. This great trial in the book of Revelation is set in the final time. Then, the equation is simple: The purpose of God was to exalt his people over Zion with missionary goal; the 144 000 is the fulfillment of the missionary purpose of God 13; the 144 000 had gone out from all the nations and is the great multitude; the great multitude comes from the great trial.
11
M.L.Andreasen, El Santuario y su servicio (Buenos Aires: Asociación Casa Editora Sudamericana, 2009), 209,210. 12
Ekkehardt Mueller, Missão no Apocalipse, of Teologia e Metodologia da Missão, VIII Simpósio Bíblico-Teológico Sul-Americano, ed. Elías Brasilde Souza (Cachoeira, BA: CePLiB, 2011), 154-157, 162-168. 13
M.L.Andreasen, 227.
In the book of Revelation the unique people who will live times of tribulation is the eschatological remnant of Revelation 14.6-12 whose characteristics correspond with the Seven Day Adventist Church. 14 Conclusion The Seven Day Adventist Church is the final messenger of God whose advertisements are heard for the entire world. This final messenger will be probed in time of Great tribulation where the beast will rule over the world. But, in spite of terrible consequences announced for the beast against the truly people of God, the scripture affirm the final victory over the Zion mount. This final victory will be for those keep the commands of God in times of Great tribulation. We have probed that the Seven Day Adventist will be victorious in the time of the end. But the real issue is: Are you dispose to pass through the Great tribulation for sake of the word of God? The Church will be victorious and you?
14
Ted N. C. Wilson, E Chegada a Hora do seu Juízo, of Teologia e Metodologia da Missão, VIII Simpósio Bíblico-Teológico Sul-Americano, ed. Elías Brasilde Souza (Cachoeira, BA: CePLiB, 2011), 669-681.
