Fred BischoffFred Bischoff

www.scripturefirst.netwww.scripturefirst.net

The Cross and the The Cross and the Prophecies of Daniel and Prophecies of Daniel and

Revelation - Part 2Revelation - Part 2

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ReviewReview

1. What is necessary for us to understand the 1. What is necessary for us to understand the prophecies of Daniel?prophecies of Daniel?

The eye single to God's gloryThe eye single to God's glory

No confidence in ourselvesNo confidence in ourselves

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2. Understood as they ought to be, all 2. Understood as they ought to be, all scripture testifies of...?scripture testifies of...?

"Testify of Me" (John 5:39)"Testify of Me" (John 5:39)

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3. What does the metaphor of "the 3. What does the metaphor of "the foundation" teach us about:foundation" teach us about:

a. The foundation itself?a. The foundation itself?

Jesus Christ, His wordJesus Christ, His word

b. Laying the foundation?b. Laying the foundation?

Accepting Christ (gospel, cross) as the basis Accepting Christ (gospel, cross) as the basis for one's lifefor one's life

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c. Building on the foundation?c. Building on the foundation?

Making life's choices built on the living ChristMaking life's choices built on the living Christ

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4. What was the role of Christ in Luke 24 that 4. What was the role of Christ in Luke 24 that we are told is continuing from the Holy of we are told is continuing from the Holy of Holies?Holies?

Educator, InstructorEducator, Instructor

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5. What is the heart of the 1888 message?5. What is the heart of the 1888 message?

Christ and Him crucifiedChrist and Him crucified

What He has accomplished (birth, life, death, What He has accomplished (birth, life, death, resurrection)resurrection)

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6. Does the 1888 message deal only with 6. Does the 1888 message deal only with building on the foundation?building on the foundation?

No, it identifies the foundation first, then lays No, it identifies the foundation first, then lays it in ones life, and only then teaches one to it in ones life, and only then teaches one to build upon itbuild upon it

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7. Does Daniel's prophecies point to both the 7. Does Daniel's prophecies point to both the first and the second comings as the way the first and the second comings as the way the fourth kingdom comes to its end, and God's fourth kingdom comes to its end, and God's everlasting kingdom is set up?everlasting kingdom is set up?

Yes, both are the supernatural ("without Yes, both are the supernatural ("without hands") means by which a system that will hands") means by which a system that will last forever is restored to this earth.last forever is restored to this earth.

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8. What is the way in Daniel that is given to 8. What is the way in Daniel that is given to prepare for God's everlasting kingdom?prepare for God's everlasting kingdom?

Learn Nebuchadnezzar's lessonLearn Nebuchadnezzar's lesson

Understand why Babylon is fallen, why the Understand why Babylon is fallen, why the earthly kingdoms can't lastearthly kingdoms can't last

Accept the covenant that Messiah confirmed Accept the covenant that Messiah confirmed with His own blood, that for which He was with His own blood, that for which He was brokenbroken

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RevelationRevelation

We want to consider today the meaning of the We want to consider today the meaning of the progression seen in Revelation, to what it progression seen in Revelation, to what it leads.leads.

We noticed yesterday that Revelation builds We noticed yesterday that Revelation builds to the same point that Daniel's prophecies to the same point that Daniel's prophecies did:did:

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Re 11:15 "And the seventh angel sounded; Re 11:15 "And the seventh angel sounded; and there were great voices in heaven, and there were great voices in heaven, saying, The kingdoms of this world are saying, The kingdoms of this world are become the kingdoms of our Lord, and of become the kingdoms of our Lord, and of his Christ; and he shall reign for ever and his Christ; and he shall reign for ever and ever."ever."

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This sounding of the seventh angel is the This sounding of the seventh angel is the seventh trumpet.seventh trumpet.

Let do a quick overview of Revelation as I Let do a quick overview of Revelation as I perceive it, to give a setting to this amazing perceive it, to give a setting to this amazing conclusion.conclusion.

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Remember the question Ellen White posed to Remember the question Ellen White posed to E. J. Waggoner about how to grow us up E. J. Waggoner about how to grow us up from being babes in understanding this book:from being babes in understanding this book:

"How may we most clearly comprehend and "How may we most clearly comprehend and present the gospel that Christ came in person present the gospel that Christ came in person to present to John on the isle of Patmos--the to present to John on the isle of Patmos--the gospel that is termed 'the Revelation of Jesus gospel that is termed 'the Revelation of Jesus Christ'?" (12MR212)Christ'?" (12MR212)

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Rev. 1Rev. 1

The Revelation of Jesus begins clearly in the The Revelation of Jesus begins clearly in the setting of the temple in heaven with Christ setting of the temple in heaven with Christ walking among the candlesticks, which are walking among the candlesticks, which are in the first apartment. in the first apartment.

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Rev. 2 & 3Rev. 2 & 3

The messages to the seven churches (first of The messages to the seven churches (first of four series of sevens: churches, seals, four series of sevens: churches, seals, trumpets, plagues) deals with the issues of trumpets, plagues) deals with the issues of church purity and apostasy, of trials and church purity and apostasy, of trials and overcoming. The most stupendous reward overcoming. The most stupendous reward for overcoming is that for the seventh for overcoming is that for the seventh church (Laodicea = that which is "judged"): church (Laodicea = that which is "judged"): to sit with Christ on His throne. to sit with Christ on His throne.

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Rev. 4Rev. 4

From here the setting shifts northward to the From here the setting shifts northward to the throne, at the site of the table of showbread, throne, at the site of the table of showbread, "in the sides of the north" (Isa. 14:13)."in the sides of the north" (Isa. 14:13).

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Rev. 5 & 6Rev. 5 & 6

Here the series of seven seals speak also of Here the series of seven seals speak also of purity and apostasy, of trials and purity and apostasy, of trials and overcoming. The sixth seal speaks of the overcoming. The sixth seal speaks of the day of God's wrath, of hiding, and asks who day of God's wrath, of hiding, and asks who will be able to stand.will be able to stand.

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Rev. 7Rev. 7

We next see the forces of turmoil being We next see the forces of turmoil being restrained while a group is prepared to restrained while a group is prepared to stand, sealed for God and for eternity. stand, sealed for God and for eternity.

These first two settings thus show the South-These first two settings thus show the South-North axis of the heavenly sanctuary.North axis of the heavenly sanctuary.

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Rev. 8Rev. 8

In the culmination of the seals in the seventh In the culmination of the seals in the seventh we see the silence of an awesome event, the we see the silence of an awesome event, the ending of the intercession as the censor is ending of the intercession as the censor is cast, and Calvary-like responses to the cast, and Calvary-like responses to the accomplishment by God of a great feat--accomplishment by God of a great feat--voices, thunder, lightning, and an voices, thunder, lightning, and an earthquake. earthquake.

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And with the reference to the altar of incense, And with the reference to the altar of incense, the setting again moves, this time into the the setting again moves, this time into the East-West axis of the temple.East-West axis of the temple.

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Rev. 9Rev. 9

Here the seven trumpets sound in warning to Here the seven trumpets sound in warning to the world, with woes on its inhabitants. The the world, with woes on its inhabitants. The sixth trumpet looses those restrained forces sixth trumpet looses those restrained forces mentioned under the sixth seal, but there is mentioned under the sixth seal, but there is no repentance.no repentance.

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Rev. 10Rev. 10

In contrast, during this period when time is no In contrast, during this period when time is no more, God has His agents, faithful through more, God has His agents, faithful through disappointment and persecution. disappointment and persecution.

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Rev. 11Rev. 11

The seventh trumpet announces the time of The seventh trumpet announces the time of God's wrath, during which the mystery of God's wrath, during which the mystery of God is finished. This is the time of God is finished. This is the time of judgment, to reward the righteous and to judgment, to reward the righteous and to destroy the wicked. And it is here that the destroy the wicked. And it is here that the setting moves for a final time, with the setting moves for a final time, with the temple opened to the place of the ark.temple opened to the place of the ark.

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In this westward move, the focus is in the In this westward move, the focus is in the most holy place, with its awesome, yearly most holy place, with its awesome, yearly ministry. And again with the location ministry. And again with the location change occurring under the seventh of the change occurring under the seventh of the series, the portents of a great event are series, the portents of a great event are depicted--lightning, voices, thunder, an depicted--lightning, voices, thunder, an earthquake, and hail. earthquake, and hail.

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Rev. 12 & 13Rev. 12 & 13

Before the final series of seven are shown, we Before the final series of seven are shown, we have a delineation of the wicked which are have a delineation of the wicked which are to be destroyed. The three great powers of to be destroyed. The three great powers of wickedness are outlined--the dragon, the wickedness are outlined--the dragon, the beast, and the false prophet, especially in beast, and the false prophet, especially in their relation to God's people. their relation to God's people.

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Rev. 14Rev. 14

Then the people of God are described, with Then the people of God are described, with their last day message and their being their last day message and their being reaped--the cryptic first mention of the reaped--the cryptic first mention of the reward proclaimed in the seventh trumpet. reward proclaimed in the seventh trumpet. The wicked as people are then reaped for The wicked as people are then reaped for wrath.wrath.

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Rev. 15 & 16Rev. 15 & 16

Then follows an outline of the final seven Then follows an outline of the final seven series, the plagues of wrath and judgment, series, the plagues of wrath and judgment, in the setting of the opened temple which is in the setting of the opened temple which is inaccessibly filled with smoke. In the sixth inaccessibly filled with smoke. In the sixth plague the three unclean spirits of devils plague the three unclean spirits of devils coming from the three great powers of coming from the three great powers of wickedness gather the world to the final wickedness gather the world to the final battle. battle.

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The seventh plague again declares a The seventh plague again declares a completion, "It is done." The awful completion, "It is done." The awful concurring events again are described--concurring events again are described--voices, thunder, lightning, an earthquake, voices, thunder, lightning, an earthquake, and hail. and hail.

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Rev. 17 & 18Rev. 17 & 18

In a further view of the outcome of judgment, In a further view of the outcome of judgment, we see a description with an internal we see a description with an internal collapse of the powers of evil, corporately collapse of the powers of evil, corporately named Babylon, pictured as an impure named Babylon, pictured as an impure woman.woman.

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Rev. 19Rev. 19

In contrast to this spiritual whore, the Lamb's In contrast to this spiritual whore, the Lamb's bride is introduced and the marriage supper bride is introduced and the marriage supper announced. announced.

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Rev. 20Rev. 20

But first the external obliteration is explained But first the external obliteration is explained of the three powers of wickedness and the of the three powers of wickedness and the people identified with them. With the people identified with them. With the eradication of sin in the persons of eradication of sin in the persons of unrepentant and unrestored rebels, the unrepentant and unrestored rebels, the consequences of sin are likewise consequences of sin are likewise incinerated, death and hell. incinerated, death and hell.

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Rev. 21 & 22Rev. 21 & 22

And then is ushered in the glorious scene of And then is ushered in the glorious scene of the reward of the righteous, the marriage the reward of the righteous, the marriage supper of the Lamb, and the intimate supper of the Lamb, and the intimate oneness of God with His people, face to oneness of God with His people, face to face. Here, in this city, there is no more face. Here, in this city, there is no more need for a temple, for man and God are need for a temple, for man and God are finally, fully reconciled, judgment and finally, fully reconciled, judgment and restoration complete. restoration complete.

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Can we not echo John's exuberant Can we not echo John's exuberant exclamation, "Even so, come Lord Jesus."exclamation, "Even so, come Lord Jesus."

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From DanielFrom Daniel

John is told, borrowing clear language from John is told, borrowing clear language from Daniel's prophetic overview, that it is under Daniel's prophetic overview, that it is under the seventh trumpet that "the kingdoms of the seventh trumpet that "the kingdoms of this world are become the kingdoms of our this world are become the kingdoms of our Lord." (Rev. 11:15)Lord." (Rev. 11:15)

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But in this trumpet series we are also told But in this trumpet series we are also told other significant events under this seventh other significant events under this seventh trumpet:trumpet:

"The temple of God was opened in heaven" to "The temple of God was opened in heaven" to reveal the Most Holy Place containing "the reveal the Most Holy Place containing "the ark of the covenant." (Rev. 11:19)ark of the covenant." (Rev. 11:19)

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And it is "in the days of the voice of the seventh angel, when he shall begin to sound, the mystery of God should be finished, as he hath declared to his servants the prophets." (Rev. 10:7)

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Mystery of God

What is this "mystery of God"?

How does it relate to the cross?

What connection does it have to the everlasting kingdom of God?

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Mr 4:11 "And he said unto them, Unto you it Mr 4:11 "And he said unto them, Unto you it is given to know the is given to know the mysterymystery of the of the kingdomkingdom of God: but unto them that are of God: but unto them that are without, all without, all thesethese things are done in things are done in parables."parables."

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The disciples were commissioned to preach of the kingdom nigh at hand. This meant they were "given to know the mystery" of this kingdom.

But observe how Christ used this same word "know" for what they did and did not yet know.

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The events of the triumphal entry:The events of the triumphal entry:

Joh 12:16 "These things understood not his Joh 12:16 "These things understood not his disciples at the first: but when Jesus was disciples at the first: but when Jesus was glorified, then remembered they that these glorified, then remembered they that these things were written of him, and that they things were written of him, and that they had done these things unto him."had done these things unto him."

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The washing of Peter's feet:The washing of Peter's feet:

Joh 13:7 "Jesus answered and said unto him, Joh 13:7 "Jesus answered and said unto him, What I do thou knowest not now; but thou What I do thou knowest not now; but thou shalt know hereafter."shalt know hereafter."

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The identity of Christ:The identity of Christ:

Joh 17:7 "Now they have known that all things Joh 17:7 "Now they have known that all things whatsoever Thou hast given Me are of Thee."whatsoever Thou hast given Me are of Thee."

Joh 17:8 "For I have given unto them the words Joh 17:8 "For I have given unto them the words which Thou gavest Me; and they have which Thou gavest Me; and they have received them, and have known surely that I received them, and have known surely that I came out from Thee, and they have believed came out from Thee, and they have believed that Thou didst send Me."that Thou didst send Me."

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Without knowing the identity of Christ, they would have not been able even to be His disciples. Understanding Christ's divinity and humanity was the basis of "the mystery of the kingdom of God."

The things they did not understand, they would learn later, as we noted, after they learned self-distrust.

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But their slowness perhaps hampered their full usefulness, and led God to turn to the apostle who was "born out of due time" (1Cor. 15:8), to write most about this mystery.

Observe Paul's statements regarding (1) the time element, (2) what had been done with this mystery; (3) what it is, (4) its effect:

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Ro 16:25 "Now to him that is of power to Ro 16:25 "Now to him that is of power to stablish you according to my stablish you according to my gospelgospel, and , and the the preaching of Jesus Christpreaching of Jesus Christ, according , according to the to the revelationrevelation of the of the mysterymystery, which was , which was kept secret since the world began."kept secret since the world began."

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Secret since the world beganSecret since the world began

Revelation of the mysteryRevelation of the mystery

Gospel = Preaching of Jesus ChristGospel = Preaching of Jesus Christ

-> Stablish you-> Stablish you

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1Co 2:7 "But we speak the wisdom of God in 1Co 2:7 "But we speak the wisdom of God in a a mysterymystery, even the hidden wisdom, which , even the hidden wisdom, which God ordained before the world unto our God ordained before the world unto our glory."glory."

Ordained before the worldOrdained before the world

We speak We speak

-> Unto our glory-> Unto our glory

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Eph 1:9, 10 "Having made known unto us the Eph 1:9, 10 "Having made known unto us the mysterymystery of his will, according to his good of his will, according to his good pleasure which he hath purposed in himself: pleasure which he hath purposed in himself: that in the dispensation of the fulness of that in the dispensation of the fulness of times he might gather together in one all times he might gather together in one all things in Christ, both which are in heaven, things in Christ, both which are in heaven, and which are on earth; even in him."and which are on earth; even in him."

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Made know unto usMade know unto us

-> Gather together in one all things in Christ-> Gather together in one all things in Christ

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Eph 3:3-9 "How that by revelation he made Eph 3:3-9 "How that by revelation he made known unto me the known unto me the mysterymystery; (as I wrote ; (as I wrote afore in few words, whereby, when ye read, afore in few words, whereby, when ye read, ye may understand my knowledge in the ye may understand my knowledge in the mysterymystery of Christ) which in other ages was of Christ) which in other ages was not made known unto the sons of men, as it not made known unto the sons of men, as it is now revealed unto his holy is now revealed unto his holy apostles and apostles and prophetsprophets by the Spirit; by the Spirit;

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"that the Gentiles should be fellowheirs, and "that the Gentiles should be fellowheirs, and of the same body, and partakers of his of the same body, and partakers of his promise in Christ by the gospel: whereof I promise in Christ by the gospel: whereof I was made a minister, according to the gift was made a minister, according to the gift of the grace of God given unto me by the of the grace of God given unto me by the effectual working of his power. effectual working of his power.

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"Unto me, who am less than the least of all "Unto me, who am less than the least of all saints, is this grace given, that I should saints, is this grace given, that I should preach among the Gentiles preach among the Gentiles the the unsearchable riches of Christunsearchable riches of Christ; and to ; and to make all men see what is the fellowship of make all men see what is the fellowship of the the mysterymystery, which from the beginning of , which from the beginning of the world hath been hid in God, who the world hath been hid in God, who created all things by Jesus Christ."created all things by Jesus Christ."

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In other ages not made knownIn other ages not made known

Made know unto me; now revealed unto His Made know unto me; now revealed unto His holy apostles and prophetsholy apostles and prophets

Peach the unsearchable riches of ChristPeach the unsearchable riches of Christ

-> the Gentiles should be fellowheirs, in -> the Gentiles should be fellowheirs, in Christ by the gospelChrist by the gospel

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Eph 5: 31, 32 "For this cause shall a man Eph 5: 31, 32 "For this cause shall a man leave his father and mother, and shall be leave his father and mother, and shall be joined unto his wife, and they two shall be joined unto his wife, and they two shall be one flesh. This is a great one flesh. This is a great mysterymystery: but I : but I speak concerning Christ and the church."speak concerning Christ and the church."

Christ and the churchChrist and the church

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Col 1: Col 1: 25-2:325-2:3 "Whereof I am made a minister, "Whereof I am made a minister, according to the dispensation of God which according to the dispensation of God which is given to me for you, to fulfil the word of is given to me for you, to fulfil the word of God; even the God; even the mysterymystery which hath been hid which hath been hid from ages and from generations, but now is from ages and from generations, but now is made manifest to his saints: made manifest to his saints:

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"to whom God would make known what is "to whom God would make known what is the riches of the glory of this the riches of the glory of this mysterymystery among the Gentiles; which is Christ in you, among the Gentiles; which is Christ in you, the hope of glory: whom we preach, the hope of glory: whom we preach, warning every man, and teaching every man warning every man, and teaching every man in all wisdom; that we may present every in all wisdom; that we may present every man perfect in Christ Jesus: man perfect in Christ Jesus:

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"whereunto I also labour, striving according "whereunto I also labour, striving according to his working, which worketh in me to his working, which worketh in me mightily. For I would that ye knew what mightily. For I would that ye knew what great conflict I have for you, and for them great conflict I have for you, and for them at Laodicea, and for as many as have not at Laodicea, and for as many as have not seen my face in the flesh; seen my face in the flesh;

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"that their hearts might be comforted, being "that their hearts might be comforted, being knit together in love, and unto all riches of knit together in love, and unto all riches of the full assurance of understanding, to the the full assurance of understanding, to the acknowledgement of the acknowledgement of the mysterymystery of God, of God, and of the Father, and of Christ; in whom and of the Father, and of Christ; in whom are hid all the treasures of wisdom and are hid all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge."knowledge."

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Hid from ages and from generationsHid from ages and from generations

Now made manifest to His saintsNow made manifest to His saints

Make known the riches of the glory of this Make known the riches of the glory of this mysterymystery

Christ in you the hope of gloryChrist in you the hope of glory

-> Present every man perfect in Christ, knit -> Present every man perfect in Christ, knit together in lovetogether in love

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1Ti 3:16 "And without controversy great is 1Ti 3:16 "And without controversy great is the the mysterymystery of godliness: God was manifest of godliness: God was manifest in the flesh, justified in the Spirit, seen of in the flesh, justified in the Spirit, seen of angels, preached unto the Gentiles, believed angels, preached unto the Gentiles, believed on in the world, received up into glory."on in the world, received up into glory."

God manifest, justified, seen, preached, God manifest, justified, seen, preached, believed, receivedbelieved, received

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Just as the kingdom of God is opposed by the Just as the kingdom of God is opposed by the kingdoms of this world, so the mystery of kingdoms of this world, so the mystery of God is opposed by another mystery:God is opposed by another mystery:

2Th 2:7 "For the 2Th 2:7 "For the mysterymystery of iniquity doth of iniquity doth already work: only he who now letteth already work: only he who now letteth will will letlet, until he be taken out of the way.", until he be taken out of the way."

Vs. 4 "opposeth and exalteth himself above Vs. 4 "opposeth and exalteth himself above all that is called God"all that is called God"

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Re 17:5 "And upon her forehead was a name Re 17:5 "And upon her forehead was a name written, written, MYSTERYMYSTERY, BABYLON THE , BABYLON THE GREAT, THE MOTHER OF HARLOTS GREAT, THE MOTHER OF HARLOTS AND ABOMINATIONS OF THE AND ABOMINATIONS OF THE EARTH."EARTH."

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Re 17:7 "And the angel said unto me, Re 17:7 "And the angel said unto me, Wherefore didst thou marvel? I will tell Wherefore didst thou marvel? I will tell thee the thee the mysterymystery of the woman, and of the of the woman, and of the beast that carrieth her, which hath the seven beast that carrieth her, which hath the seven heads and ten horns."heads and ten horns."

18 "has a kingdom over the kings of the 18 "has a kingdom over the kings of the earth"earth"

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Can we see in the two mysteries revealed, Can we see in the two mysteries revealed, "the two principles that are contending for "the two principles that are contending for supremacy," "the two antagonistic motives" supremacy," "the two antagonistic motives" that determine our eternal destiny, and the that determine our eternal destiny, and the kingdom of God in contrast to the kingdoms kingdom of God in contrast to the kingdoms of this world?of this world?

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Cross in Revelation

The word "lamb" occurs in 27 verses in The word "lamb" occurs in 27 verses in Revelation. These are clear references to the Revelation. These are clear references to the cross, the mystery of God revealed, and to cross, the mystery of God revealed, and to the very basis of God's kingdom. Look at the very basis of God's kingdom. Look at six of them:six of them:

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Re 5:6 "And I beheld, and, lo, in the midst of Re 5:6 "And I beheld, and, lo, in the midst of the throne and of the four beasts, and in the the throne and of the four beasts, and in the midst of the elders, stood a Lamb as it had midst of the elders, stood a Lamb as it had been slain, having seven horns and seven been slain, having seven horns and seven eyes, which are the seven Spirits of God eyes, which are the seven Spirits of God sent forth into all the earth."sent forth into all the earth."

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Re 7:9 "After this I beheld, and, lo, a great Re 7:9 "After this I beheld, and, lo, a great multitude, which no man could number, of multitude, which no man could number, of all nations, and kindreds, and people, and all nations, and kindreds, and people, and tongues, stood before the throne, and before tongues, stood before the throne, and before the Lamb, clothed with white robes, and the Lamb, clothed with white robes, and palms in their hands."palms in their hands."

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Re 12:11 "And they overcame him by the Re 12:11 "And they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb, and by the word of their blood of the Lamb, and by the word of their testimony; and they loved not their lives testimony; and they loved not their lives unto the death."unto the death."

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Re 13:8 "And all that dwell upon the earth Re 13:8 "And all that dwell upon the earth shall worship him, whose names are not shall worship him, whose names are not written in the book of life of the Lamb slain written in the book of life of the Lamb slain from the foundation of the world."from the foundation of the world."

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Re 14:1 "And I looked, and, lo, a Lamb stood Re 14:1 "And I looked, and, lo, a Lamb stood on the mount Sion, and with him an on the mount Sion, and with him an hundred forty and four thousand, having his hundred forty and four thousand, having his Father's name written in their foreheads."Father's name written in their foreheads."

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Re 19:7 "Let us be glad and rejoice, and give Re 19:7 "Let us be glad and rejoice, and give honour to him: for the marriage of the honour to him: for the marriage of the Lamb is come, and his wife hath made Lamb is come, and his wife hath made herself ready."herself ready."

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The "blood" of this Lamb is mentioned in 4 The "blood" of this Lamb is mentioned in 4 verses in addition to Rev. 12:11:verses in addition to Rev. 12:11:

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Re 1:5 "And from Jesus Christ, who is the Re 1:5 "And from Jesus Christ, who is the faithful witness, and the first begotten of the faithful witness, and the first begotten of the dead, and the prince of the kings of the dead, and the prince of the kings of the earth. Unto him that loved us, and washed earth. Unto him that loved us, and washed us from our sins in his own blood."us from our sins in his own blood."

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Re 5:9 "And they sung a new song, saying, Re 5:9 "And they sung a new song, saying, Thou art worthy to take the book, and to Thou art worthy to take the book, and to open the seals thereof: for thou wast slain, open the seals thereof: for thou wast slain, and hast redeemed us to God by thy blood and hast redeemed us to God by thy blood out of every kindred, and tongue, and out of every kindred, and tongue, and people, and nation."people, and nation."

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Re 7:14 "And I said unto him, Sir, thou Re 7:14 "And I said unto him, Sir, thou knowest. And he said to me, These are they knowest. And he said to me, These are they which came out of great tribulation, and which came out of great tribulation, and have washed their robes, and made them have washed their robes, and made them white in the blood of the Lamb."white in the blood of the Lamb."

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Re 19:13 "And he was clothed with a vesture Re 19:13 "And he was clothed with a vesture dipped in blood: and his name is called The dipped in blood: and his name is called The Word of God."Word of God."

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The Mystery and 1888The Mystery and 1888

Ellen White:Ellen White:

"...The sinner is constantly being drawn to "...The sinner is constantly being drawn to Jesus by the wonderful manifestation of His Jesus by the wonderful manifestation of His love in that He humiliated Himself to die a love in that He humiliated Himself to die a shameful death upon the cross. What a shameful death upon the cross. What a study is this! Angels have striven, earnestly study is this! Angels have striven, earnestly longed, to look into this wonderful mystery. longed, to look into this wonderful mystery.

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"It is a study that can tax the highest human "It is a study that can tax the highest human intelligence, that man, fallen, deceived by intelligence, that man, fallen, deceived by Satan, taking Satan's side of the question, can Satan, taking Satan's side of the question, can be conformed to the image of the Son of the be conformed to the image of the Son of the infinite God--that man shall be like Him, that, infinite God--that man shall be like Him, that, because of the righteousness of Christ given to because of the righteousness of Christ given to man, God will love man, fallen but redeemed, man, God will love man, fallen but redeemed, even as He loved His Son. Read it right out of even as He loved His Son. Read it right out of the living oracles. the living oracles.

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"This is the mystery of godliness. This picture "This is the mystery of godliness. This picture is of the highest value. It is to be meditated is of the highest value. It is to be meditated upon, placed in every discourse, hung in upon, placed in every discourse, hung in memory's hall, uttered by human lips, and memory's hall, uttered by human lips, and traced by human beings who have tasted traced by human beings who have tasted and known that the Lord is good. It is to be and known that the Lord is good. It is to be the groundwork of every discourse. the groundwork of every discourse.

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"There have been dry theories presented and "There have been dry theories presented and precious souls are starving for the bread of precious souls are starving for the bread of life. This is not the preaching that is life. This is not the preaching that is required or that the God of heaven will required or that the God of heaven will accept, for it is Christless. The divine accept, for it is Christless. The divine picture of Christ must be kept before the picture of Christ must be kept before the people. He is that Angel standing in the sun people. He is that Angel standing in the sun of heaven. He reflects no shadows. of heaven. He reflects no shadows.

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"Clothed in the attributes of Deity, shrouded in "Clothed in the attributes of Deity, shrouded in the glories of Deity, and in the likeness of the the glories of Deity, and in the likeness of the infinite God, He is to be lifted up before men. infinite God, He is to be lifted up before men. When this is kept before the people, creature When this is kept before the people, creature merit sinks into insignificance. The more the merit sinks into insignificance. The more the eye looks upon Him, the more His life, His eye looks upon Him, the more His life, His lessons, His perfection of character are lessons, His perfection of character are studied, the more sinful and abhorrent will sin studied, the more sinful and abhorrent will sin appear. appear.

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"By beholding, man can but admire and "By beholding, man can but admire and become more attracted to Him, more become more attracted to Him, more charmed, and more desirous to be like Jesus charmed, and more desirous to be like Jesus until he assimilates to His image and has the until he assimilates to His image and has the mind of Christ. Like Enoch he walks with mind of Christ. Like Enoch he walks with God. His mind is full of thoughts of Jesus. God. His mind is full of thoughts of Jesus. He is his best Friend." {1888 pp. 212, 213}He is his best Friend." {1888 pp. 212, 213}

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A. T. Jones:A. T. Jones:

"This great truth of the priesthood, ministry, "This great truth of the priesthood, ministry, and sanctuary of Christianity is not to be and sanctuary of Christianity is not to be hid forever from the eyes of the church and hid forever from the eyes of the church and the world. The mystery of iniquity arose the world. The mystery of iniquity arose and so hid from the world the mystery of and so hid from the world the mystery of God that all the world followed it God that all the world followed it wondering. Rev. 13:3,4. wondering. Rev. 13:3,4.

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"But the day comes when the mystery of "But the day comes when the mystery of iniquity shall be exposed, and the mystery iniquity shall be exposed, and the mystery of God in its own truth and purity shall of God in its own truth and purity shall shine forth once more, never more to be shine forth once more, never more to be hid, but to accomplish its great purpose and hid, but to accomplish its great purpose and be completely finished." (The Consecrated be completely finished." (The Consecrated Way, p. 104)Way, p. 104)

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"At that time there would be broken up the "At that time there would be broken up the horror of great darkness by which the horror of great darkness by which the mystery of iniquity had hid from ages and mystery of iniquity had hid from ages and generations the mystery of God. generations the mystery of God.

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"At that time the sanctuary and the true "At that time the sanctuary and the true tabernacle and the truth of it would be lifted tabernacle and the truth of it would be lifted up from the ground where the man of sin up from the ground where the man of sin had cast them down and stamped upon them had cast them down and stamped upon them and would be exalted to the heaven where and would be exalted to the heaven where they belong and whence they will shine they belong and whence they will shine forth in such light as that the earth shall be forth in such light as that the earth shall be lightened with the glory. lightened with the glory.

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"At that time the transcendent truth of the "At that time the transcendent truth of the priesthood and ministry of Christ would be priesthood and ministry of Christ would be rescued from the oblivion to which the rescued from the oblivion to which the abomination and transgression of desolation abomination and transgression of desolation had consigned it and would once more and had consigned it and would once more and forever stand in its true and heavenly place forever stand in its true and heavenly place in the faith of the church, in the faith of the church,

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"accomplishing in every true believer that "accomplishing in every true believer that perfection which is the eternal purpose of perfection which is the eternal purpose of God which He purposed in Christ Jesus our God which He purposed in Christ Jesus our Lord." (Ibid, p. 112)Lord." (Ibid, p. 112)

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"The cleansing of the sanctuary and the "The cleansing of the sanctuary and the finishing of the mystery of God are finishing of the mystery of God are identical as to time and are also so closely identical as to time and are also so closely related as to be practically identical in related as to be practically identical in character and event." (Ibid., p. 113)character and event." (Ibid., p. 113)

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E. J. WaggonerE. J. Waggoner

"The words of Paul to the Philippians, 'Work "The words of Paul to the Philippians, 'Work out your own salvation with fear and out your own salvation with fear and trembling' are often quoted by those who trembling' are often quoted by those who forget the words immediately following, forget the words immediately following, 'For it is God which worketh in you both to 'For it is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of His good pleasure.' Phil. will and to do of His good pleasure.' Phil. 2:12, 13. 2:12, 13.

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"God Himself does the good works which "God Himself does the good works which when exhibited in the lives of men, render when exhibited in the lives of men, render them pleasing to Him. So the Saviour said: them pleasing to Him. So the Saviour said: 'But he that doeth truth cometh to the light, 'But he that doeth truth cometh to the light, that his deeds may be made manifest, that that his deeds may be made manifest, that they are wrought in God.' John 3:21. How, they are wrought in God.' John 3:21. How, then, do they appear in men? then, do they appear in men?

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"This is the 'mystery of godliness.' It is the "This is the 'mystery of godliness.' It is the mystery of 'God manifest in the flesh.' 'In mystery of 'God manifest in the flesh.' 'In the beginning was the Word, and the Word the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.' was with God, and the Word was God.' 'And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt 'And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us.' John 1:1, 14.among us.' John 1:1, 14.

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"This was done to demonstrate the possibility "This was done to demonstrate the possibility of God's dwelling in human flesh. The of God's dwelling in human flesh. The mystery of the works of God being mystery of the works of God being manifested in the lives of men, is simply the manifested in the lives of men, is simply the mystery of the incarnation." (Good Works, mystery of the incarnation." (Good Works, p. 7)p. 7)

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What is true for Head, becomes true for His What is true for Head, becomes true for His body, as His people choose to identify fully body, as His people choose to identify fully with Him, in response to seeing how He has with Him, in response to seeing how He has identified with them.identified with them.

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SummarySummary

"Christ could have done nothing during His "Christ could have done nothing during His earthly ministry in saving fallen man if the earthly ministry in saving fallen man if the divine had not been blended with the divine had not been blended with the human. The limited capacity of man cannot human. The limited capacity of man cannot define this wonderful mystery--the blending define this wonderful mystery--the blending the two natures, the divine and the human. the two natures, the divine and the human. It can never be explained. Man must It can never be explained. Man must wonder and be silent. wonder and be silent.

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"And yet man is privileged to be a partaker of "And yet man is privileged to be a partaker of the divine nature, and in this way he can to the divine nature, and in this way he can to some degree enter into the mystery. This some degree enter into the mystery. This wonderful exhibition of God's love was made wonderful exhibition of God's love was made on the cross of Calvary. Divinity took the on the cross of Calvary. Divinity took the nature of humanity, and for what purpose?--nature of humanity, and for what purpose?--That through the righteousness of Christ That through the righteousness of Christ humanity might partake of the divine nature. humanity might partake of the divine nature.

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"This union of divinity and humanity, which "This union of divinity and humanity, which was possible with Christ, is was possible with Christ, is incomprehensible to human minds. The incomprehensible to human minds. The wonderful things to take place in our wonderful things to take place in our world--the greatest events of all ages--are world--the greatest events of all ages--are incomprehensible to worldly minds; they incomprehensible to worldly minds; they cannot be explained by human sciences. cannot be explained by human sciences. The powers of heaven shall be shaken. The powers of heaven shall be shaken.

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"Christ is coming in power and great glory, "Christ is coming in power and great glory, but His coming is not such a mystery as the but His coming is not such a mystery as the things to take place before that event. Man things to take place before that event. Man must be a partaker of the divine nature in must be a partaker of the divine nature in order to stand in this evil time, when the order to stand in this evil time, when the mysteries of satanic agencies are at work. mysteries of satanic agencies are at work.

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"Only by the divine power united with the "Only by the divine power united with the human can souls endure through these times human can souls endure through these times of trial. Says Christ, 'Without me ye can do of trial. Says Christ, 'Without me ye can do nothing.' Then there must be far less of self nothing.' Then there must be far less of self and more of Jesus." {1888 332.1}and more of Jesus." {1888 332.1}

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AppealAppeal

Do you want to enter into the mystery of God:Do you want to enter into the mystery of God: To be stablished (fixed)To be stablished (fixed) To receive of His glory (self-sacrificing To receive of His glory (self-sacrificing

love)love) To have Christ dwelling in youTo have Christ dwelling in you To be knit together in loveTo be knit together in love

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