FROM ANCIENT EMPIRES TO EARTH’S FINAL CONFLICT!

“And the dragon was wroth with the woman, and went to make war with the remnant of her seed, which keep the commandments of God, and have the testimony of Jesus Christ.” (Revelation 12:17, KJV)

ABSTRACT

This article delves into the prophecies of Daniel and Revelation, revealing the progression of opposing powers, the central role of the heavenly sanctuary, and the call to align with God’s truth amid the great controversy between righteousness and sin.

PROPHECY’S EPIC CLASH!

Welcome, seekers of truth, and curious minds from every walk of faith! Prepare yourselves for a journey, not through an enchanted forest or across a mythical landscape, but into the very heart of biblical prophecy, a landscape more awe-inspiring and relevant than any fiction. The purpose of this article, my friends, is to equip all who hunger for understanding, with a comprehensive, theologically sound, and deeply engaging exploration of monumental prophecies. We’ll delve into the rise and fall of nations as foretold in Daniel and Revelation, unmask the subtle workings of apostate powers, and see how God’s eternal truth, centered in His heavenly sanctuary, provides the ultimate roadmap through the confusion of ages. We draw our insights from the unerring King James Version of the Holy Bible, and the profound writings of Ellen G. White. Together, we’ll navigate complex interpretations, connect ancient symbols to modern realities, and discover our place in the unfolding drama of salvation history. “Blessed is he that readeth, and they that hear the words of this prophecy, and keep those things which are written therein: for the time is at hand” (Revelation 1:3, KJV). “We have also a more sure word of prophecy; whereunto ye do well that ye take heed, as unto a light that shineth in a dark place, until the day dawn, and the day star arise in your hearts” (2 Peter 1:19, KJV). “The prophecies present a succession of events leading down to the opening of the judgment. This is especially true of the book of Daniel. But that part of his prophecy which relates to the last days, Daniel was bidden to close up and seal to the time of the end” (The Great Controversy, p. 356, 1911). “The book of Revelation opens with an injunction to us to understand the instruction that it contains. ‘Blessed is he that readeth, and they that hear the words of this prophecy,’ God declares, ‘and keep those things which are written therein: for the time is at hand.’ When we as a people understand what this book means to us, there will be seen among us a great revival” (Testimonies to Ministers and Gospel Workers, p. 113, 1923). So, ask yourselves: Are you ready to look behind the curtain of history and see the divine hand at work? Are you prepared to understand not just what is happening, but why, and what it means for us today? Then let us begin this sacred quest, understanding that “The sanctuary in heaven is the very center of Christ’s work in behalf of men. It concerns every soul living upon the earth. It opens to view the plan of redemption, bringing us down to the very close of time and revealing the triumphant issue of the contest between righteousness and sin” (Christ in His Sanctuary, p. 118). Let this be our guiding star. But what enigmatic terms launch our prophetic journey?

DAILY’S DARK MYSTERY!

Our prophetic journey often begins with enigmatic terms, and one such term is “the daily,” as mentioned in Daniel 8:11-13. What, you might ask, is this “daily” that was taken away? It represents the pervasive system of paganism, the religious practices of ancient heathen nations, which stood as an initial form of opposition to God’s truth. The scripture states, “Yea, he magnified himself even to the prince of the host, and by him the daily sacrifice was taken away, and the place of his sanctuary was cast down. And an host was given him against the daily sacrifice by reason of transgression, and it cast down the truth to the ground; and it practised, and prospered. Then I heard one saint speaking, and another saint said unto that certain saint which spake, How long shall be the vision concerning the daily sacrifice, and the transgression of desolation, to give both the sanctuary and the host to be trodden under foot?” (Daniel 8:11-13, KJV). This pagan system, with its myriad gods and human traditions, was a dominant force, yet prophecy foretold its displacement by another power. “Their idols are silver and gold, the work of men’s hands” (Psalm 115:4, KJV). “Wherefore, O harlot, hear the word of the Lord: Thus saith the Lord God; Because thy filthiness was poured out, and thy nakedness discovered through thy whoredoms with thy lovers, and with all the idols of thy abominations, and by the blood of thy children, which thou didst give unto them” (Ezekiel 16:35-36, KJV). “The daily sacrifice is the present given in the text. In this vision the daily sacrifice was not taken away or cast down by the little horn; its power being all in the future from the time of the vision. The daily sacrifice is therefore that of the paganism. The religion of paganism continued . . . until it was succeeded by the papacy, the little horn” (Daniel and the Revelation, p. 174, 1897). “The ‘daily’ is a term which covers paganism, the religion of the pagans. This was taken out of the way by the ‘transgression of desolation,’ the papacy, that the latter might be set up and occupy the field” (Daniel and the Revelation, p. 176, 1897). This transition wasn’t an eradication of error, but rather a transformation of it, a strategic shift by the forces of darkness. As we consider this, we see the stage being set for a more subtle and enduring form of spiritual deception. Thus, the removal of “the daily” (paganism) was not a victory for pure faith, but a calculated move to make way for the “transgression of desolation”—the Papacy, which would enforce false worship and persecution. This historical shift from overt paganism to a system that blended Christian terminology with pagan practices underscores a critical lesson about the adaptability of error and the need for constant vigilance. How does the overt opposition of paganism contrast with the insidious power that followed?

Now, let us contrast the overt opposition of paganism with the more insidious nature of the power that followed. While paganism openly defied God with a pantheon of deities and visible idols, the succeeding power would operate under a guise of religiosity, making its deceptions even more dangerous. This “transgression of desolation” didn’t just oppose God; it sought to usurp His authority from within a nominally Christian framework. The prophet Daniel speaks of a power that would “cast down the truth to the ground; and it practised, and prospered” (Daniel 8:12, KJV). Furthermore, the Apostle Paul warns of a deceptive spiritual force: “For the mystery of iniquity doth already work: only he who now letteth will let, until he be taken out of the way” (2 Thessalonians 2:7, KJV). “Ye shall not add unto the word which I command you, neither shall ye diminish ought from it, that ye may keep the commandments of the Lord your God which I command you” (Deuteronomy 4:2, KJV). “There shall not be found among you any one that maketh his son or his daughter to pass through the fire, or that useth divination, or an observer of times, or an enchanter, or a witch” (Deuteronomy 18:10, KJV). “Nor was it a very great change of character when Satan transformed his counterfeit worship from paganism to popery. The same temples, altars, incense, priests and worshipers were ready, with little change, to serve as the appendages of the papal abomination. The statue of Jupiter readily changed to that of Peter, the prince of the apostles; and the Pantheon, which had been the temple of all the gods, without difficulty became the sanctuary of all the saints” (Daniel and the Revelation, p. 176, 1897). “Satan can present a counterfeit so closely resembling the truth that it deceives those who are willing to be deceived, who desire to shun the self-denial and sacrifice demanded by the truth” (The Great Controversy, p. 591, 1911). The implication is stark: the enemy of souls found a more effective method of deception by cloaking pagan principles in Christian garb. We are thus reminded that the battle for truth is not always against overt evil, but often against corrupted forms of righteousness, a sobering thought for the community seeking to navigate the spiritual landscape. What terrifying power emerges in Daniel’s visions?

FOURTH BEAST’S IRON GRIP!

As we venture deeper into the prophetic visions of Daniel, particularly Daniel chapter 7, a terrifying and formidable power comes into view: the fourth beast, representing Pagan Rome. This empire, unlike any before it, was to be uniquely dreadful and destructive. Daniel describes his vision: “After this I saw in the night visions, and behold a fourth beast, dreadful and terrible, and strong exceedingly; and it had great iron teeth: it devoured and brake in pieces, and stamped the residue with the feet of it: and it was diverse from all the beasts that were before it; and it had ten horns” (Daniel 7:7, KJV). The prophet was so struck by this beast that he sought further clarification: “Then I would know the truth of the fourth beast, which was diverse from all the others, exceeding dreadful, whose teeth were of iron, and his nails of brass; which devoured, brake in pieces, and stamped the residue with his feet” (Daniel 7:19, KJV). This imagery of iron teeth and brazen claws speaks to Rome’s unmatched cruelty and military might, its ability to crush all opposition. “And the fourth kingdom shall be strong as iron: forasmuch as iron breaketh in pieces and subdueth all things: and as iron that breaketh all these, shall it break in pieces and bruise” (Daniel 2:40, KJV). “And they shall waste the land of Assyria with the sword, and the land of Nimrod in the entrances thereof: thus shall he deliver us from the Assyrian, when he cometh into our land, and when he treadeth within our borders” (Micah 5:6, KJV). “The fourth beast, which is the Roman Empire, is diverse from all others, exceeding dreadful, whose teeth are of iron, and its nails of brass; which devoured, brake in pieces, and stamped the residue with its feet” (Daniel and the Revelation, p. 121, 1897). “The Roman Empire, symbolized by the fourth beast, was dreadful, terrible, and strong exceedingly; it had great iron teeth: it devoured and brake in pieces, and stamped the residue with the feet of it” (Patriarchs and Prophets, p. 442, 1890). The writings of early Adventist pioneers confirm this identification, noting Rome’s unique governmental structure. That [the Roman kingdom] has been truly diverse from all kingdoms, especially in its forms of government, which were not less than seven—being, at different times, Republican, Consular, Tribune, Decemvirate, Dictatorial, Imperial, and Kingly. It was at length divided into the Eastern and Western empires; Rome proper being in the Western empire. This diversity in governance, coupled with its relentless expansion and persecution, marked Rome as a distinct and pivotal player in the prophetic timeline, a power that would “devour the whole earth, and shall tread it down, and break it in pieces” (Daniel 7:23, KJV). Contemplate, dear reader, the sheer force of this empire and how it shaped the world into which Christianity was born, a world where the followers of Jesus would soon feel its iron grip. How did Pagan Rome’s reign become an instrument in salvation history?

The reign of Pagan Rome, however, was not merely a display of military might; it became the very instrument used in the crucifixion of Christ, a pivotal moment in salvation history. The scriptures explicitly link Roman authorities to this event: “And when they had bound him, they led him away, and delivered him to Pontius Pilate the governor” (Matthew 27:2, KJV). Pilate, representing Roman authority, ultimately “delivered him to be crucified” (Matthew 27:26, KJV). Even Jesus acknowledged this authority when He told Pilate, “Thou couldest have no power at all against me, except it were given thee from above” (John 19:11, KJV). The early church also recognized this convergence of powers: “For of a truth against thy holy child Jesus, whom thou hast anointed, both Herod, and Pontius Pilate, with the Gentiles, and the people of Israel, were gathered together” (Acts 4:27, KJV). “And the Gentiles shall see thy righteousness, and all kings thy glory: and thou shalt be called by a new name, which the mouth of the Lord shall name” (Isaiah 62:2, KJV). “And he bearing his cross went forth into a place called the place of a skull, which is called in the Hebrew Golgotha” (John 19:17, KJV). “The Roman soldiers were not naturally cruel; but they had been hardened by their long service in the army, and they had been taught to despise the Jews. They joined in the mockery of Jesus, and they added to His sufferings by their insults and blows” (The Desire of Ages, p. 734, 1898). “They were the ones who divided His garments among them, and they were the ones who set up the inscription above His head” (The Desire of Ages, p. 741, 1898). Sr. White sheds light on the soldiers’ role: This brutal reality of Roman power directly impacting the Son of God places this empire at a critical juncture in the great controversy between good and evil. Thus, Pagan Rome, the fourth beast, was not just a political entity but an active agent in the cosmic struggle, unknowingly fulfilling prophetic roles even in its opposition to divine truth. What power emerges from the fourth beast?

LITTLE HORN’S BOLD RISE!

From the midst of the terrifying fourth beast, Daniel foresaw another power emerging—a “little horn” that would become a central figure in prophetic understanding, representing Papal Rome. This was not just another political shift, but the rise of a religio-political entity that would exert immense influence for centuries. Daniel observed, “I considered the horns, and, behold, there came up among them another little horn, before whom there were three of the first horns plucked up by the roots: and, behold, in this horn were eyes like the eyes of man, and a mouth speaking great things” (Daniel 7:8, KJV). This “little horn” was distinct: it had intelligence (“eyes like the eyes of man”) and arrogance (“a mouth speaking great things”), and its rise involved the subjugation of three of the ten kingdoms that emerged from the breakup of the Western Roman Empire. The prophecy further details its characteristics: “And he shall speak great words against the most High, and shall wear out the saints of the most High, and think to change times and laws: and they shall be given into his hand until a time and times and the dividing of time” (Daniel 7:25, KJV). This period, “a time and times and the dividing of time,” corresponds to 1260 prophetic days, or 1260 literal years (538 AD – 1798 AD), a time of intense persecution for God’s faithful people. “And I beheld another beast coming up out of the earth; and he had two horns like a lamb, and he spake as a dragon” (Revelation 13:11, KJV). “I beheld, and the same horn made war with the saints, and prevailed against them” (Daniel 7:21, KJV). “During a part of its history it should speak great words against the Most High, it should wear out the saints of God, and think to change even His laws” (The Story of Daniel the Prophet, p. 106, 1901). “The papacy has attempted to change the law of God. The second commandment, forbidding image worship, has been dropped from the law, and the fourth commandment has been so changed as to authorize the observance of the first instead of the seventh day as the Sabbath” (The Great Controversy, p. 446, 1911). Consider the audacity of a power that would not only persecute God’s people but also attempt to alter divine law, a claim that history shows Papal Rome made. This prophetic identification is a cornerstone of our understanding of how error systematically sought to undermine God’s authority on earth. How does Revelation expand on Daniel’s little horn?

While the “little horn” of Daniel 7 symbolized the blasphemous and persecuting nature of Papal Rome on the political landscape of Europe, the book of Revelation provides a parallel and expanded vision of this power, depicting it as a “beast rising up out of the sea”. This beast shares striking similarities with Daniel’s little horn, confirming its identity. John records, “And I stood upon the sand of the sea, and saw a beast rise up out of the sea, having seven heads and ten horns, and upon his horns ten crowns, and upon his heads the name of blasphemy” (Revelation 13:1, KJV). This beast also “was given unto him a mouth speaking great things and blasphemies; and power was given unto him to continue forty and two months” (Revelation 13:5, KJV) —the same 1260-year period. It would “make war with the saints, and to overcome them” (Revelation 13:7, KJV). The description of this sea beast is a composite, resembling a leopard, bear, and lion, with power derived from the dragon (Satan), symbolizing its inheritance of characteristics from previous empires and its satanic origin. (Note: This sequence is in reverse of what Daniel saw. That’s because Daniel saw the future, where John is seeing the past) “And the beast which I saw was like unto a leopard, and his feet were as the feet of a bear, and his mouth as the mouth of a lion: and the dragon gave him his power, and his seat, and great authority” (Revelation 13:2, KJV). “And they worshipped the dragon which gave power unto the beast: and they worshipped the beast, saying, Who is like unto the beast? who is able to make war with him?” (Revelation 13:4, KJV). “The Bible was proscribed as heretical, and the people were forbidden to read it or to have it in their houses. Vast numbers of copies were burned. The faithful witnesses were slain. Rome had trampled upon God’s Word while exalting her own traditions” (The Great Controversy, p. 65, 1911). “The people were taught to look to man for absolution of their sins, instead of looking to Christ for pardon and salvation. Hence they ceased to walk with God” (The Great Controversy, p. 55, 1911). This prophetic alignment between Daniel’s little horn and Revelation’s sea beast provides a dual testimony to the character and duration of Papal Rome’s dominance, urging us to recognize the historical fulfillment and the spiritual lessons therein. What new beast emerges in the prophetic timeline?

EARTH BEAST’S LAMB DECEIT!

As the prophetic timeline progresses, John beholds another beast, distinct from the sea beast, emerging “out of the earth” (Revelation 13:11, KJV). This beast, with “two horns like a lamb” but speaking “as a dragon,” represents a new major power that arises around the time the first beast receives its deadly wound (1798 AD). This power is widely understood to be the United States of America. John describes its characteristics: “And I beheld another beast coming up out of the earth; and he had two horns like a lamb, and he spake as a dragon. And he exerciseth all the power of the first beast before him, and causeth the earth and them which dwell therein to worship the first beast, whose deadly wound was healed” (Revelation 13:11-12, KJV). The lamb-like horns suggest a nation founded on principles of gentleness, republicanism, and Protestantism (civil and religious liberty), yet its dragon-like voice reveals a future departure from these founding ideals, leading to coercion in matters of worship. This beast will perform “great wonders, so that he maketh fire come down from heaven on the earth in the sight of men, And deceiveth them that dwell on the earth by the means of those miracles which he had power to do in the sight of the beast; saying to them that dwell on the earth, that they should make an image to the beast, which had the wound by a sword, and did live” (Revelation 13:13-14, KJV). “And he had power to give life unto the image of the beast, that the image of the beast should both speak, and cause that as many as would not worship the image of the beast should be killed” (Revelation 13:15, KJV). “And he causeth all, both small and great, rich and poor, free and bond, to receive a mark in their right hand, or in their foreheads” (Revelation 13:16, KJV). “What power has ever arisen in the past history of the world that could answer the description of this lamb-dragon, or false prophet? If Satan has been permitted to make use of paganism… and also of papacy, which is Christianity in a corrupt form, why may he not make use of Protestantism also, when it becomes corrupt, as, if possible, a more efficient means of deception than either of the former?” (Three Messages of Revelation XIV, p. 96, 1855). This is a profound consideration: a nation born on ideals of freedom eventually becomes a force compelling false worship, creating an “image to the beast” and enforcing the “mark of the beast” (Revelation 13:15-17, KJV). How does a nation with such noble beginnings transform in such a way? This prophecy calls us to observe world events with discernment. What warning does the contrast in the lamb-like beast offer?

The contrast between this lamb-like beast’s profession and its ultimate actions forms a crucial part of end-time prophecy, serving as a warning against deceptive appearances. While its initial emergence is gentle and its principles seemingly Christ-like (“two horns like a lamb”), its future conduct aligns with the dragon, the age-old symbol of Satan. This power will “cause that as many as would not worship the image of the beast should be killed. And he causeth all, both small and great, rich and poor, free and bond, to receive a mark in their right hand, or in their foreheads: And that no man might buy or sell, save he that had the mark, or the name of the beast, or the number of his name” (Revelation 13:15-17, KJV). The prophet Isaiah warns against those who “call evil good, and good evil; that put darkness for light, and light for darkness; that put bitter for sweet, and sweet for bitter!” (Isaiah 5:20, KJV). This earth beast, by promoting the worship of the first beast (the Papacy, whose deadly wound was healed), essentially re-establishes the principles of papal authority on a global scale, using its influence and deceptive miracles. “For such are false apostles, deceitful workers, transforming themselves into the apostles of Christ. And no marvel; for Satan himself is transformed into an angel of light” (2 Corinthians 11:13-14, KJV). “Beware of false prophets, which come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ravening wolves” (Matthew 7:15, KJV). “[Daniel/Revelation] discloses the positions and work of the powers of darkness that are working in human agencies to enthrone the apostate power, who through all time has sought to obtain control of the world. This is the mystery of iniquity. The apostle Paul in his letter to the Thessalonians speaks of the mystery of iniquity. This is the false and corrupt religion that has been working in secret through deception and hypocrisy” (Manuscript Releases, Vol. 13, p. 394, 1990). “To these and many other questions of a similar character, we can only answer, that the lamb is such only in pretension. He is dragon in character. His ostensible appearance is that of a lamb; but the power of which he speaks is that of the dragon” (Three Messages of Revelation XIV, p. 98, 1855). Therefore, the prophecy of the beast from the earth compels us to look beyond outward professions of liberty and righteousness, and to test all powers by the unchanging Word of God and their adherence to His commandments. What startling vision does John see in Revelation 17?

SCARLET BEAST’S HARLOT RIDE!

In Revelation 17, the prophet John is shown another startling vision: a woman arrayed in splendor, riding a scarlet-colored beast, symbolizing the final great apostate religious system, “MYSTERY, BABYLON THE GREAT, THE MOTHER OF HARLOTS AND ABOMINATIONS OF THE EARTH” (Revelation 17:5, KJV). This imagery is rich with meaning, pointing to a corrupt, powerful, and persecuting entity that holds sway in the last days. John describes her: “So he carried me away in the spirit into the wilderness: and I saw a woman sit upon a scarlet coloured beast, full of names of blasphemy, having seven heads and ten horns. And the woman was arrayed in purple and scarlet colour, and decked with gold and precious stones and pearls, having a golden cup in her hand full of abominations and filthiness of her fornication” (Revelation 17:3-4, KJV). This woman, representing a fallen church or an amalgamation of apostate churches, is “drunken with the blood of the saints, and with the blood of the martyrs of Jesus” (Revelation 17:6, KJV), linking her directly to the persecuting powers of the past, particularly Papal Rome. The beast she rides, with seven heads and ten horns, is closely related to the beast from the sea in Revelation 13 and the fourth beast of Daniel 7, showing a continuity of satanic opposition to God’s people and His law. “And the woman which thou sawest is that great city, which reigneth over the kings of the earth” (Revelation 17:18, KJV). “And the ten horns which thou sawest are ten kings, which have received no kingdom as yet; but receive power as kings one hour with the beast” (Revelation 17:12, KJV). “It is one of the leading doctrines of Romanism that the pope is the visible head of the universal church of Christ, invested with supreme authority over bishops and pastors in all parts of the world… More than this, the pope has been styled ‘Lord God the Pope’ and has been declared infallible” (The Great Controversy, p. 50, 1911). This prophetic vision of Babylon the Great serves as a solemn warning about the dangers of spiritual compromise, the union of corrupt religious power with secular authority, and the final manifestation of rebellion against God before Christ’s return. How does the depiction of Babylon highlight distinctions from God’s true church?

The depiction of this woman, Babylon, sitting on the scarlet beast, highlights a critical distinction from God’s true church, which is often symbolized as a pure woman or bride. While the true church looks to Christ as her only head, this apostate system forms illicit connections with earthly powers to achieve its aims. The prophet Jeremiah speaks of such spiritual unfaithfulness: “How is the faithful city become an harlot! it was full of judgment; righteousness lodged in it; but now murderers” (Isaiah 1:21, KJV). And again, “For of old time I have broken thy yoke, and burst thy bands; and thou saidst, I will not transgress; when upon every high hill and under every green tree thou wanderest, playing the harlot” (Jeremiah 2:20, KJV). This imagery of fornication in Revelation 17 signifies an unholy alliance between the church and the world, leading to corruption and persecution. “And I saw three unclean spirits like frogs come out of the mouth of the dragon, and out of the mouth of the beast, and out of the mouth of the false prophet” (Revelation 16:13, KJV). “For all nations have drunk of the wine of the wrath of her fornication, and the kings of the earth have committed fornication with her, and the merchants of the earth are waxed rich through the abundance of her delicacies” (Revelation 18:3, KJV). “In place of the Bible, the standard of righteousness, is substituted human tradition… the man of sin sets himself up as God, dispensing with His commands and assuming to change the law of the Most High” (The Great Controversy, p. 51, 1911). “Rome presumed to erect her infallible throne upon the ruins of the sanctuary of God” (The Great Controversy, p. 49, 1911). The woman on the scarlet beast thus represents the culmination of centuries of apostasy, where human traditions and authority usurp the place of God’s Word and His direct leadership. We are called to discern this system, to heed the call to “Come out of her, my people, that ye be not partakers of her sins, and that ye receive not of her plagues” (Revelation 18:4, KJV). What profound map does the earthly sanctuary provide?

SANCTUARY’S SACRED JOURNEY!

The earthly sanctuary, with its distinct apartments and articles of furniture, provides a profound typological map to understand God’s plan of salvation and, intriguingly, the operations of opposing world powers as they counterfeit His truth. “Thy way, O God, is in the sanctuary” (Psalm 77:13, KJV) is not just a statement of worship but a key to unlocking prophecy. The Outer Court, with the Altar of Burnt Offering and the Laver, represents the initial phases of interaction with God’s plan, and also depicts how Pagan Rome played its part. The Altar signifies sacrifice; tragically, it was under Pagan Rome that Jesus, the ultimate sacrifice, was crucified. The Laver, for cleansing, can be linked to the early church eras like Ephesus and Smyrna, which underwent fiery trials and purification under Roman persecution. For Ephesus, though commended for labor and doctrinal faithfulness, there was a warning against losing their first love, reflecting a need for continual cleansing. Smyrna, the persecuted church, was told, “Be thou faithful unto death, and I will give thee a crown of life” (Revelation 2:10, KJV), paralleling the life-or-death importance of the priests washing at the laver (Exodus 30:20-21). “And the altar that was at Bethel, and the high place which Jeroboam the son of Nebat, who made Israel to sin, had made, both that altar and the high place he brake down, and burned the high place, and stamped it small to powder, and burned the grove” (2 Kings 23:15, KJV). “And he shall bring the bullock unto the door of the tabernacle of the congregation before the Lord; and shall lay his hand upon the bullock’s head, and kill the bullock before the Lord” (Leviticus 4:4, KJV). “Persecution was a means of purification. The fires of affliction served to cleanse the church from corruption. The faithful were drawn closer to Christ, and their spiritual life deepened” (Acts of the Apostles, pp. 575–576, 1911). As priests approached God through the Outer Court rituals, so humanity encountered God’s redemptive plan amidst the historical realities of Pagan Rome, a power that both persecuted the saints and unwittingly fulfilled prophecy concerning the Messiah’s death. What symbols fill the Holy Place of the Sanctuary?

Moving from the Outer Court into the Holy Place of the Sanctuary, we encounter furniture that symbolizes ongoing spiritual sustenance, illumination, and intercession—elements that were systematically counterfeited by Papal Rome during its long ascendancy (538 AD – 1798 AD). The Table of Shewbread, holding the “bread of presence,” represented Christ as the Bread of Life and the importance of God’s Word. Papal tradition, however, substituted God’s Word with human traditions and papal decrees, changing God’s law (like the Sabbath) and thereby offering false spiritual food. The Golden Candlestick, providing continuous light, symbolized Christ as the Light of the World and the illuminating power of the Holy Spirit through the Scriptures. During the Dark Ages, however, the Papacy systematically withheld the Bible from the laity, burned Bibles and the community, and replaced Scripture with tradition, effectively dimming this divine light. “Thy righteousness is an everlasting righteousness, and thy law is the truth” (Psalm 119:142, KJV). “Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path” (Psalm 119:105, KJV). “The man of sin… thought to change times and laws that only God has a right to make and to change. This change has not been attempted by any power but the Papacy” (SDA Bible Commentary, Vol. 7, p. 976, 1957). The Altar of Incense represented the prayers of the saints ascending with the merits of Christ’s righteousness, our sole Intercessor. Yet, the Papacy introduced a counterfeit system of mediation through saints, Mary, and priests, along with formalistic prayers and rituals like rosaries, diverting worship from direct communion with God through Christ. “The people were taught to look to man for absolution of their sins, instead of looking to Christ for pardon and salvation,” Sr. White observes (The Great Controversy, p. 55, 1911). Thus, the Holy Place, designed to draw God’s people closer to Him, became a battleground where truth was obscured by pervasive counterfeits. What ultimate revelation does the Most Holy Place hold?

The journey culminates at the Veil and the Most Holy Place, symbolizing the ultimate revelation of God’s character, His law, and the final judgment—themes directly confronted by the powers described in Revelation 13 and 17. The Veil, which separated the Holy from the Most Holy Place and was torn at Christ’s death, signifying direct access to God, is contrasted with the work of the lamb-like beast (Revelation 13:11-18), which seeks to rebuild a barrier through deception, false worship, and coercion, veiling the dragon’s voice in a Christian appearance. This power enforces the worship of an “image,” effectively denying true access to God. Inside, the Ark of the Covenant, containing the Ten Commandments and overshadowed by the Mercy Seat, represented God’s throne, His unchanging law, and His mercy available through atonement. The apostate power, symbolized by the woman on the scarlet beast (Revelation 17), establishes a false throne of authority, claiming power over nations, changing God’s law through tradition (Daniel 7:25), and becoming “drunken with the blood of the saints” instead of being sprinkled with Christ’s atoning blood. “And thou shalt make a mercy seat of pure gold: two cubits and a half shall be the length thereof, and a cubit and a half the breadth thereof” (Exodus 25:17, KJV). “And over it the cherubims of glory shadowing the mercyseat; of which we cannot now speak particularly” (Hebrews 9:5, KJV). “Rome presumed to erect her infallible throne upon the ruins of the sanctuary of God” (The Great Controversy, p. 49, 1911). “In place of the divine requirements, were substituted human laws and traditions. The man of sin set himself up as God, dispensing with His commands and assuming to change the law of the Most High” (The Great Controversy, p. 51, 1911). Even the contents of the Ark—the Ten Commandments (God’s law preserved), Manna (Sabbath trust), and Aaron’s rod (divine leadership)—are counterfeited by the false system with changed laws, Sunday elevation, and the Pope claiming divine authority. This allegorical journey through the sanctuary powerfully reveals how every aspect of God’s truth and worship has been systematically attacked and counterfeited, urging us to understand true worship as centered in Christ and His heavenly ministry. What consistent strategy of Satan emerges in this narrative?

SATAN’S MASTER DECEPTION!

Throughout this prophetic narrative, a consistent strategy of Satan emerges: to counterfeit every aspect of God’s truth and plan of salvation, thereby deceiving humanity and usurping worship. From the overt defiance of paganism to the subtle infiltration within Christianity by the Papacy, and culminating in the deceptive lamb-like beast and the apostate union of Babylon, the arch-deceiver has relentlessly worked to obscure God’s character and law. The prophet Daniel speaks of a power that would “cast down the truth to the ground” (Daniel 8:12, KJV) and “think to change times and laws” (Daniel 7:25, KJV). The Apostle Paul described this as the “mystery of iniquity” (2 Thessalonians 2:7, KJV), a deceptive religious system working secretly. Consider the “Summary Table: Four Elements of the Abomination of Desolation”: the blue of God’s law and obedience is met with changed laws and Sabbath; the red of Christ’s sacrifice is replaced by mass and indulgences; the purple of Christ’s royalty and priesthood is usurped by an exalted pope; and the white of righteousness by faith is substituted with salvation by works and rituals. Each sacred truth finds its demonic parody. “And no marvel; for Satan himself is transformed into an angel of light” (2 Corinthians 11:14, KJV). “Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour” (1 Peter 5:8, KJV). “[Daniel/Revelation] discloses the positions and work of the powers of darkness that are working in human agencies to enthrone the apostate power, who through all time has sought to obtain control of the world. This is the mystery of iniquity. The apostle Paul in his letter to the Thessalonians speaks of the mystery of iniquity. This is the false and corrupt religion that has been working in secret through deception and hypocrisy” (Manuscript Releases, Vol. 13, p. 394, 1990). This understanding isn’t just academic; it’s a vital shield. Recognizing the enemy’s playbook—counterfeiting truth, persecuting dissent, and seeking global control through religious-political alliances—is the first step to resisting his deceptions. We must ask ourselves, where do we see these strategies at play today, perhaps even in subtle forms within our own spheres of influence? What escalating strategy does the progression of symbolic beasts reveal?

The progression of these symbolic beasts, from Babylon to the final confederacy of Revelation 17, reveals an escalating and refining strategy of deception. Babylon, the lion, was a more overt, conquering political force. Medo-Persia, the bear, established laws that could be turned against God’s people, yet also showed instances of divine overruling for their liberty. Greece, the leopard, brought intellectual and philosophical challenges, attempting to capture minds with human wisdom rather than divine revelation. Pagan Rome, the dreadful beast, was unparalleled in its brutal force and its direct role in Christ’s crucifixion and the persecution of the early church. Papal Rome, the little horn and the sea beast, represented a more insidious phase, corrupting Christianity from within, changing God’s laws, and persecuting saints for over a millennium under a religious guise. The beast from the earth, the United States in prophecy, initially lamb-like, eventually speaks as a dragon, forming an image to the Papacy and enforcing its mark—a deceptive use of Protestant principles to achieve papal aims. Finally, the woman Babylon riding the scarlet beast signifies a global, apostate religious-political union, the culmination of Satan’s efforts to unite the world in false worship. “And four great beasts came up from the sea, diverse one from another” (Daniel 7:3, KJV). “These great beasts, which are four, are four kings, which shall arise out of the earth” (Daniel 7:17, KJV). “God has given in His Word abundant evidence that He sees the end from the beginning. In the history of nations He has traced the rise and fall of the world’s great empires—Babylon, Medo-Persia, Greece, and Rome. With each of these, as with nations of less power, history has repeated itself. Each has had its period of test, each has failed, its glory faded, its power departed” (Education, p. 177, 1903). This historical progression is not just a list of empires; it’s a revelation of the great controversy, showing how God’s principles of righteousness ultimately endure despite the rise and fall of nations that reject them. Our understanding of this timeline and these strategies is crucial for navigating the final deceptions. How do intricate prophecies reflect God’s love?

DIVINE LOVE’S THREAD!

How do these intricate prophecies, these terrifying beasts, and warnings of apostasy reflect God’s love? It might seem paradoxical, yet embedded within these very unveilings of evil is a profound demonstration of divine affection and care for humanity. God’s love is manifested in His desire to inform and protect His children from deception, providing a clear “thus saith the Lord” to navigate treacherous spiritual terrain. The scripture assures, “Surely the Lord GOD will do nothing, but he revealeth his secret unto his servants the prophets” (Amos 3:7, KJV). By forewarning us about the rise of persecuting powers like Pagan Rome, which would deliver Christ to be crucified, and the subtle deceptions of Papal Rome, which would “wear out the saints of the most High” (Daniel 7:25, KJV) and attempt to change His sacred law, God equips His people with foreknowledge, enabling them to stand firm in truth rather than be swept away by error. He doesn’t leave us in the dark to stumble; He illuminates the path, showing the enemy’s strategies so we can consciously choose allegiance to Him. “The Lord hath done great things for us; whereof we are glad” (Psalm 126:3, KJV). “The Lord is good, a strong hold in the day of trouble; and he knoweth them that trust in him” (Nahum 1:7, KJV). Sr. White beautifully encapsulates this protective aspect of God’s foresight: “The sanctuary in heaven is the very center of Christ’s work in behalf of men. It concerns every soul living upon the earth. It opens to view the plan of redemption, bringing us down to the very close of time and revealing the triumphant issue of the contest between righteousness and sin” (Christ in His Sanctuary, p. 118, 1969). This opening of the plan, this revelation of the contest, is an act of profound love, giving us hope and assurance of the ultimate victory of righteousness. His love is not a passive sentiment but an active, revealing, and guiding force that desires every soul to understand the stakes and choose life. What evidence of God’s love appears in calls to repentance?

Furthermore, God’s love is evident in the persistent calls to repentance and the promise of ultimate justice and restoration woven throughout these prophecies. Even as He details the “transgression of desolation” or the deceptions of the “false prophet”, the underlying purpose is not to condemn individuals caught in these systems, but to expose the systems themselves and call people out of them. The call, “Come out of her, my people, that ye be not partakers of her sins, and that ye receive not of her plagues” (Revelation 18:4, KJV), directed towards those in Babylon, is a call of love, an invitation to escape impending doom and find refuge in God’s truth. The prophecy of Daniel assures that though the little horn would persecute, “the judgment shall sit, and they shall take away his dominion, to consume and to destroy it unto the end. And the kingdom and dominion, and the greatness of the kingdom under the whole heaven, shall be given to the people of the saints of the most High, whose kingdom is an everlasting kingdom, and all dominions shall serve and obey him” (Daniel 7:26-27, KJV). This promise of an everlasting kingdom for the saints is the ultimate expression of God’s love—a love that endures through suffering and guarantees a triumphant future for those who remain faithful. “I will heal their backsliding, I will love them freely: for mine anger is turned away from him” (Hosea 14:4, KJV). “Therefore say thou unto them, Thus saith the Lord of hosts; Turn ye unto me, saith the Lord of hosts, and I will turn unto you, saith the Lord of hosts” (Zechariah 1:3, KJV). Sr. White affirms this redemptive purpose: “While nations have rejected God’s principles, and in this have brought upon themselves ruin, it has been shown that the principles of righteousness are the only principles that can endure. It is this that gives the surety of our hope. In the word of God only is this clearly set forth. Here it is shown that strength, greatness, and glory are to be found in obedience to God’s law” (Education, p. 177, 1903). Thus, God’s prophetic warnings are not born of anger, but of a deep, abiding love that seeks our understanding, our repentance, and our eternal salvation. What personal responsibility does the great controversy place toward God?

In light of these profound prophetic truths and the unfolding drama of the great controversy, what then, is my personal responsibility toward God? My foremost responsibility is to diligently study His Word, to seek understanding of these prophecies not as mere intellectual exercises, but as divine communications that demand a response of faith and obedience. When God reveals “the daily” being taken away by the “transgression of desolation”, or the characteristics of the beasts of Daniel and Revelation, it is an invitation for me to discern truth from error and to align my life wholly with His revealed will. The Bereans were commended because “they received the word with all readiness of mind, and searched the scriptures daily, whether those things were so” (Acts 17:11, KJV). This must be my attitude. Furthermore, recognizing that powers would “think to change times and laws” (Daniel 7:25, KJV) places upon me the responsibility to uphold God’s original, unchanged law, including the Sabbath, as a mark of loyalty to my Creator. “Thy word have I hid in mine heart, that I might not sin against thee” (Psalm 119:11, KJV). “Thy testimonies also are my delight and my counsellors” (Psalm 119:24, KJV). Sr. White emphasizes the importance of personal engagement with truth: “The Bible was proscribed as heretical, and the people were forbidden to read it or to have it in their houses… Rome had trampled upon God’s Word while exalting her own traditions” (The Great Controversy, p. 65, 1911). My responsibility, therefore, is to ensure God’s Word is enthroned in my heart and home, becoming the supreme authority in my life, not allowing any human tradition or power to usurp its place. This involves not just knowing, but doing; not just understanding, but obeying. What unwavering faithfulness does my responsibility toward God encompass?

My responsibility toward God also encompasses unwavering faithfulness amidst deception and pressure to compromise. As these prophecies predict a time when many will be deceived by “great wonders” (Revelation 13:13, KJV) and when immense pressure will be brought to bear upon God’s people to receive a “mark” (Revelation 13:16, KJV), my commitment must be to stand firm for truth, even if it means standing alone or facing persecution. The saints are described as those “that keep the commandments of God, and the faith of Jesus” (Revelation 14:12, KJV). This highlights a dual responsibility: obedience to God’s law and a deep, abiding faith in Jesus Christ, His merits, and His power to save. The call to “be thou faithful unto death” (Revelation 2:10, KJV) is not just for the church in Smyrna but resonates with us facing end-time trials. “But the Lord is faithful, who shall stablish you, and keep you from evil” (2 Thessalonians 3:3, KJV). “Fear none of those things which thou shalt suffer: behold, the devil shall cast some of you into prison, that ye may be tried; and ye shall have tribulation ten days: be thou faithful unto death, and I will give thee a crown of life” (Revelation 2:10, KJV). Sr. White encourages such steadfastness: “The fires of affliction served to cleanse the church from corruption. The faithful were drawn closer to Christ, and their spiritual life deepened” (Acts of the Apostles, pp. 575–576, 1911). Therefore, my responsibility is to cultivate a deep, personal relationship with Christ through prayer and study, allowing trials to purify rather than discourage me, so that I may reflect His character and be a faithful witness, regardless of the cost. It means choosing daily whom I will serve and living a life that declares my allegiance to the King of kings. What profound responsibility does understanding these prophecies carry toward my neighbor?

Understanding these critical prophecies is not a treasure to be hoarded for myself alone; it inherently carries a profound responsibility toward my neighbor, toward every soul living upon this earth who is affected by these same spiritual battles. If God has graciously unveiled these truths about the deceptive powers and His plan of salvation through the sanctuary, then my responsibility is to share this light with clarity, urgency, and Christ-like compassion. When Jesus commissioned His disciples, He said, “Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature” (Mark 16:15, KJV). This gospel, in its end-time fullness, includes the warnings and messages found in these prophecies, designed to prepare people for Christ’s soon return and to help them avoid the deceptions of Babylon and the mark of the beast. This means I must endeavor to communicate these sometimes complex truths in a way that is understandable and relevant, meeting people where they are, whether they be Jew or Gentile, Christian of another denomination, or from a completely different faith background. “But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts: and be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you with meekness and fear” (1 Peter 3:15, KJV). “And the things that thou hast heard of me among many witnesses, the same commit thou to faithful men, who shall be able to teach others also” (2 Timothy 2:2, KJV). Sr. White outlines the divine mandate: “The sanctuary in heaven is the very center of Christ’s work in behalf of men. It concerns every soul living upon the earth. It opens to view the plan of redemption, bringing us down to the very close of time and revealing the triumphant issue of the contest between righteousness and sin” (Christ in His Sanctuary, p. 118, 1969). My responsibility is to help my neighbor see this plan, to understand this contest, and to recognize the loving, protective intent behind God’s warnings. What transformative power does living out God’s principles demonstrate?

Furthermore, my responsibility to my neighbor involves living out the principles of God’s kingdom in my interactions, demonstrating the transformative power of the truths I profess. It’s not enough to merely speak of the “abomination of desolation” or the evils of persecution; my life must be a testament to the opposite—to God’s love, His justice, His mercy, and His law. As the prophecies warn against powers that “change times and laws” and enforce false worship, my life should reflect a joyful obedience to God’s true commandments, including showing love and respect to all, even those who may currently be ensnared in systems of error. The Apostle Peter admonishes, “But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts: and be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you with meekness and fear” (1 Peter 3:15, KJV). This meekness and fear (reverence) are crucial. We are to expose error, yes, but always with the aim of winning souls, not arguments. “Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven” (Matthew 5:16, KJV). “By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another” (John 13:35, KJV). Sr. White further illustrates the character of those who uphold God’s truth: “While nations have rejected God’s principles, and in this have brought upon themselves ruin, it has been shown that the principles of righteousness are the only principles that can endure” (Education, p. 177, 1903). My responsibility, therefore, is to embody these principles of righteousness, showing my neighbor through both word and deed the beauty of God’s character and the security found in obedience to Him, offering them a tangible example of the peace and hope found in Christ. What enduring lessons emerge from our prophetic journey?

PROPHECY’S LIGHT UNVEILED!

As we stand at this vantage point, having journeyed through the prophetic landscape from ancient Babylon to the anticipated climax of earth’s history, what are the enduring lessons for us, the church, and indeed, for every individual soul? The primary reflection is one of profound awe at God’s omniscience and His unwavering control over human affairs. “God has given in His Word abundant evidence that He sees the end from the beginning,” Sr. White reminds us (Education, p. 177, 1903). This isn’t to foster fatalism, but faith. The rise and fall of empires—Babylon, Medo-Persia, Greece, Rome in its pagan and papal phases, and the emergence of the United States in prophecy —all testify to a divine script being played out, where human choices have consequences but God’s ultimate purposes will prevail. For us, this means we can face the future without fear, knowing that the “triumphant issue of the contest between righteousness and sin” has already been revealed. “For the prophecy came not in old time by the will of man: but holy men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost” (2 Peter 1:21, KJV). “We have also a more sure word of prophecy; whereunto ye do well that ye take heed, as unto a light that shineth in a dark place, until the day dawn, and the day star arise in your hearts” (2 Peter 1:19, KJV). “God has given in His word decisive evidence that He will punish the transgressors of His law. Those who flatter themselves that He is too merciful to execute justice against the sinner, have only to look to the cross of Calvary” (The Great Controversy, p. 539, 1911). “The history thus far given of the apostasy of Israel is but a repetition of the history of all apostasy since. God’s dealings with rebellious Israel should be studied by every soul who is honored with a place among God’s people” (The Review and Herald, November 19, 1903). How does this understanding affect the way you view current world events? Does it give you a framework to discern the movements of nations and ideologies not as random chaos, but as part of a larger, prophetically outlined narrative? This is a customization point for your own spiritual walk: allow these truths to deepen your trust in God’s overarching plan. What necessity does a second reflection highlight?

A second crucial reflection centers on the insidious nature of counterfeits and the absolute necessity of grounding our faith solely on the Word of God. We’ve seen how “the daily” paganism gave way to the Papal “transgression of desolation,” which subtly integrated pagan practices into a Christian framework. The changing of God’s law, the institution of false mediation, the suppression of Scripture —all were satanic masterstrokes designed to divert worship from the true God. The lamb-like beast continues this strategy with deceptive miracles and by creating an “image” that mimics yet opposes true worship. “All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness” (2 Timothy 3:16, KJV). “Thy word have I hid in mine heart, that I might not sin against thee” (Psalm 119:11, KJV). Sr. White’s words are stark: “In place of the Bible, the standard of righteousness, is substituted human tradition” (The Great Controversy, p. 51, 1911). Therefore, our personal and communal application must be a relentless commitment to “Sola Scriptura.” “Search the scriptures; for in them ye think ye have eternal life: and they are they which testify of me” (John 5:39, KJV). “Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path” (Psalm 119:105, KJV). “The Bible, and the Bible alone, is to be our creed, the sole bond of union; all who bow to this Holy Word will be in harmony. Our own views and ideas must not control our efforts. Man is fallible, but God’s Word is infallible” (Selected Messages, book 1, p. 416, 1958). We must constantly ask: Is this belief, this practice, this tradition rooted firmly in the Bible, or is it a human invention that subtly undermines divine authority? Consider your church community: are there areas where tradition might be overshadowing clear scriptural teaching? This critical self-examination, guided by the Holy Spirit, is vital for remaining true to God in these last days. We, as individuals and as a collective body, must cherish and uphold the unadulterated truth of God’s Word above all else. What key takeaway emerges from our expedition through prophecies?

FIRM TILL DAY’S END!

Our expedition through the grand prophecies of Daniel and Revelation, viewed through the illuminating lens of the Sanctuary, has brought us face-to-face with the age-long conflict between Christ and Satan. We’ve seen the rise and fall of mighty empires, the subtle workings of the “mystery of iniquity”, and the unwavering faithfulness of God in revealing these truths to His people. From the iron teeth of Pagan Rome to the blasphemous claims of Papal Rome and the deceptive maneuvers of the lamb-like beast, a clear pattern of opposition to God’s law and His people has been unveiled. Yet, in every prophecy, there shines the counter-narrative of God’s ultimate sovereignty, His protective love, and His promise of a triumphant end for those who remain loyal. The key takeaway, fellow pilgrims, is that God has not left us adrift in a sea of confusion. He has provided a sure prophetic word, “Thy way, O God, is in the sanctuary” (Psalm 77:13, KJV), guiding us through the complexities of history and the deceptions of our age. Our response must be one of diligent study, unwavering obedience to His commandments, and a fervent commitment to sharing this life-saving message with a world desperately in need of truth and hope. As Sr. White so powerfully stated, “The sanctuary in heaven is the very center of Christ’s work in behalf of men… It opens to view the plan of redemption, bringing us down to the very close of time and revealing the triumphant issue of the contest between righteousness and sin” (Christ in His Sanctuary, p. 118, 1969). Let us hold fast to this plan, embrace our responsibilities, and look with joyful anticipation for the soon return of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Excelsior!

“Thy way, O God, is in the sanctuary: who is so great a God as our God?” (Psalm 77:13, KJV)

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