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WHY IS JESUS NOW THE SABBATH FOR GOD'S PEOPLE?
Many argue that it is incorrect for Christians to claim that Jesus is our Sabbath, stating that this is not found in the Bible. Some even sa...
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Many argue that it is incorrect for Christians to claim that Jesus is our Sabbath, stating that this is not found in the Bible. Some even sa...
Friday, August 30, 2024
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SEVENTH-DAY ADVENTISTS ANSWERED VERSE-BY-VERSE ON REVELATION 7:2 - "WHY THE SABBATH IS NOT THE SEAL OF GOD?"
INTRODUCTION:
In our previous discussion, we explored three persuasive arguments that Sunday worship does not constitute the 'mark of the beast' as described in Revelation 13. To summarize, we presented the following points:
#1. Sunday Worship as the Mark of the Beast: Invention of Joseph Bates!
#2. Sunday as the Mark of the Beast: A Misinterpretation of Daniel 7:25 Prophecy!
#3. Sunday worship as the Mark of the Beast: 666 is not Vicarius Filii Dei!
Because "the time is near," indicating its imminence, a blessing is promised to those who read, listen to, and follow the teachings within the book. John gave another urgent reminder from Revelation 22:6:
Revelation 22:6 (ESV) "And he said to me, “These words are trustworthy and true. And the Lord, the God of the spirits of the prophets, has sent his angel to show his servants what must soon take place.”
The sense of urgency in the phrase is repeated in verse 10:
"And he said to me, 'Do not seal up the words of the prophecy of this book, for the time is near,'"
When Jesus instructed John, "Write therefore the things that you have seen, those that are and those that are to take place after this" (Rev. 1:19),
He was expressing His awareness, indicating that some of the events John witnessed were real occurrences. Events were happening in the present ("those that are") as well as events yet to unfold in the future. The seven churches of Asia Minor were accustomed to the practice of enforcing unity within a state or empire through the use of markings. As John's original audience, they understood the historical use of symbols to signify loyalty to the emperor and the state. For example, the Egyptian ruler Ptolemy IV Philopator required all Jews under his rule to register in a census and display the symbol of Dionysus, an ivy leaf (3 Macc. 2:27-30). The passage reads:
3 Maccabees 2:27-30 (RSVA):
"27 He proposed to inflict public disgrace upon the Jewish community, and he set up a stone on the tower in the courtyard with this inscription: "None of those who do not sacrifice shall enter their sanctuaries, and all Jews shall be subjected to a registration involving poll tax and to the status of slaves. Those who object to this are to be taken by force and put to death;
28 those who are registered are also to be branded on their bodies by fire with the ivy-leaf symbol of Dionysus, and they shall also be reduced to their former limited status."
29 In order that he might not appear to be an enemy to all, he inscribed below: "But if any of them prefer to join those who have been initiated into the mysteries, they shall have equal citizenship with the Alexandrians."
30 Now some, however, with an obvious abhorrence of the price to be exacted for maintaining the religion of their city, readily gave themselves up, since they expected to enhance their reputation by their future association with the king."
Ptolemy IV Philopator's decree sought to suppress Jewish religious practices and enforce assimilation into Hellenistic culture, reflecting a broader historical pattern in which Hellenistic rulers aimed to consolidate their power by imposing cultural and religious conformity. The branding of Jews with the Dionysian ivy-leaf symbol was a form of religious persecution, intended to publicly mark those who complied. This act of branding can be compared to the persecutions faced by the seven churches in Revelation and by other Christians across the Roman Empire. The connection of Nero, or another Roman emperor, to the Apocalyptic Beast, is affirmed by all the earliest Christian writers on the Apocalypse, from Irenaeus to Victorious of Pettau and Commodian in the fourth century, Andreas in the fifth, and St. Beatus in the eighth century. This identification is well established. John, writing to first-century Christians, warned them of events that would happen "soon." Under Nero, the first Roman persecution of the church began and lasted for 42 months (cf. Rev. 13:5). When Nero was accused of starting the great fire in Rome, he shifted the blame onto Christians. Tacitus describes the brutal persecution that followed, with Christians being covered in pitch and used as human torches at Nero's dinner parties. This persecution began in AD 64 and continued for 42 months, ending in AD 68 when Nero was forced to commit suicide.
It is widely believed that the name Nero corresponds to the number 666. This is accurate because, just as certain Roman letters have numerical values—such as "I" for 1, "V" for 5, "X" for 10, "L" for 50, "C" for 100, and "D" for 500—the letters of the Hebrew alphabet also have numerical values. For example, the Roman letters DCLXVI add up to 666, which is easily recognized by anyone familiar with Roman numerals. Similarly, for any literate Jew, it would not be difficult to interpret the number of Nero's name. The Hebrew spelling of "Nero Caesar" is NRWN QSR (pronounced Neron Kesar), and when calculated, the Hebrew equivalent of this name equals 666.
The numerical values of the Hebrew letters in Neron Kesar (Nero Caesar) are:
Just like the "Mark of the Beast," the Seal of God has nothing to do with the day of worship according to the Scriptures. However, as expected, the SDAs have an unbiblical concept regarding the "Seal of God." They associate the Sabbath with the "Seal of God" under the authority and teachings of their recognized prophet, Ellen G. White. This SDA teaching can be found in their book, SDA 28 Fundamental Beliefs, which states:
"The Sabbath commandment functions as the seal of God’s law. Generally, seals contain three elements: the name of the owner of the seal, his title, and jurisdiction. Official seals are used to validate documents of great import. The document takes on the authority of the official whose seal is placed upon it. The seal implies that the official himself approved of the legislation and that all the power of his office stands behind it. Among the Ten Commandments, it is the Sabbath command that contains the vital elements of a seal. It is the only one of the ten that identifies the true God by giving His name: “the Lord your God;” His title: the One who made—the Creator; and His territory: “the heavens and the earth” (Ex. 20:10, 11). Since only the fourth commandment shows by whose authority the Ten Commandments were given, it therefore “contains the seal of God,” attached to His law as evidence of its authenticity and binding force." [2]
Yes, I agree that the Sabbath is the seal or sign of the Old Mosaic law covenant and is not a universal sign, as the SDAs believe, including Christians living under the new covenant of grace. This is not possible because signs or seals related to covenants were unique to the specific parties involved. Specifically, the Old Covenant represented a relationship between God and the Israelites, with the weekly Sabbath serving as a covenant marker between them. This is very clear from Exodus 31:13, 17:
Exodus 31:13, 17 (ESV) “You are to speak to the people of Israel and say, ‘Above all you shall keep my Sabbaths, for this is a sign between me and you throughout your generations, that you may know that I, the LORD, sanctify you. It is a sign forever between me and the people of Israel that in six days the LORD made heaven and earth, and on the seventh day he rested and was refreshed."
This is the problem with the SDA's approach to interpreting the Scriptures. They impose their preconceived ideas onto the text (eisegesis) rather than drawing understanding from the text itself (exegesis). So whenever they read Exodus 31:13, 17, they blindly overlook phrases like "speak to the people of Israel" and "It is a sign between me and the people of Israel." Instead, they focus solely on statements like "You shall keep my sabbaths" and "It is a sign between me and you throughout your generations" which they think applies to them. It's difficult for them to accept that the Sabbath is a sign only between God and Israel.
Another Bible verse they often use to justify their seventh-day Sabbath observance as a sign between them and God is Ezekiel 20:12, 20. It reads:
Ezekiel 20:12, 20 (ESV) "Moreover, I gave them my Sabbaths, as a sign between me and them, that they might know that I am the LORD who sanctifies them. And keep my Sabbaths holy that they may be a sign between me and you, that you may know that I am the LORD your God."
This is the passage they most frequently use to defend their Sabbath observance, rather than Exodus 31:13, 17 because the term "Israel" is never mentioned in this text. This allows them some leeway in debates, as the statements are simply "I gave them my Sabbaths, as a sign between me and them" and "keep my Sabbaths holy that they may be a sign between me and you." Since neither of these statements mentions "Israel," the SDAs feel justified in applying this text to themselves. Did the SDAs really get away with this? Absolutely not! When the full context is considered, it clearly shows that the Sabbath is a sign solely between God and Israel, excluding Christians who are under the New Covenant of grace and truth.
If you're discussing with an SDA using their own Bible, have them read the immediate context of Ezekiel 20:12 and 20. Start from verses 10 and 11, which state the following, refuting their incorrect interpretation:
Ezekiel 20:10-11 (ESV) "So I led them out of the land of Egypt and brought them into the wilderness. I gave them my statutes and made known to them my rules, by which, if a person does them, he shall live."
Therefore, for whom is the Sabbath a sign? The Sabbath is for those whom God freed from slavery in Egypt, and only they were truly saved by God, not including Filipino Gentiles and other nations. Indeed, what Apostle Paul said is fulfilled in them because many SDAs are not yet with the Lord. Thus, whenever they read the Old Testament, they do not clearly see the truths it teaches because there is a veil over their eyes, preventing them from understanding its reading. In 2 Corinthians 3:14-16 Paul states:
2 Corinthians 3:14-16 (ESV) "But their minds were hardened. For to this day, when they read the old covenant, that same veil remains unlifted, because only through Christ is it taken away. Yes, to this day whenever Moses is read a veil lies over their hearts. But when one turns to the Lord, the veil is removed."
The only hope for our Seventh-day Adventist friends is our sincere and fervent prayers that the veil covering their eyes be removed by accepting Jesus Christ as their personal Lord and Savior. As long as the veil covering their eyes and hearts is not removed, they will continue to be enchanted by the false interpretations of Ellen G. White and the Seventh-day Adventist false church. Therefore, their final authoritative source of truth and interpretation is not the Scriptures but the teachings of Ellen G. White.
Each major biblical covenant has its own distinct set of signs. The symbol of one covenant did not automatically apply to future covenants, and covenant signs were never inherently transferable across different covenants. The Mosaic covenant was symbolized by the Sabbath (Exodus 31:12–17; Ezekiel 20:12–20). Although some have subtly attempted to claim otherwise, Adventists do not see the Sabbath as a covenant symbol of the New Covenant. It does not instantly become its symbol when transferred to the New Covenant. The New Covenant is symbolized by the Lord's Supper (Luke 22:19–20; 1 Corinthians 11:23–26). This is a fundamental biblical lesson. However, Adventists persist in presenting these erroneous claims that the Sabbath is the sign of God and the means of redemption for Christians—not because Scripture dictates it, but due to Ellen White's strong teachings on the subject.
Sabbath as the Seal of God Promotes work-based salvation
Because Ellen G. White holds more authority for SDAs than the Bible, they have been led to believe the incorrect teaching that the Sabbath is the seal of God. This is one of the SDA teachings that has caused headaches for their leaders regarding their doctrine of salvation. Many SDAs have come to understand the true doctrine of salvation—that a sinner is saved only by God's grace and not by good works. However, due to Ellen G. White's teaching that the Sabbath is the seal of God, they revert to salvation by works. They do not realize that by making the Sabbath the seal of God, they fall from God's grace because the belief that the Sabbath is the seal of God promotes a work-based salvation!
Let's hear it from Ellen G. White herself:
"The Lord has shown me clearly that the image of the beast will be formed before probation closes; for it is to be the great test for the people of God, by which their eternal destiny will be decided. This is the test that the people of God must have before they are sealed. All who prove their loyalty to God by observing His law, and refusing to accept a spurious Sabbath, will rank under the banner of the Lord God Jehovah and will receive the seal of the living God. Those who yield the truth of heavenly origin, and accept the Sunday Sabbath, will receive the mark of the beast." [Ellen G. White, Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 6 (1889-1890), Lt 11, 1890, par. 10 and 11]
In Adventist eschatology, probation will end once the anticipated Sunday Laws are enacted. Before receiving the seal of God, Adventists must pass "the test," which involves facing these Sunday Laws. To attain salvation and be sealed by God, they must observe the Sabbath and show their faith through their actions. Their Sabbath observance will be what qualifies them for God's end-time seal and ultimate redemption. Therefore, their frequent claims on social media programs and evangelistic crusades that the SDA does not believe in salvation by works are merely pretenses and deceptions aimed at making them appear as Christians rather than a cult. When asked about the central issue in the end times, they have only one answer, which is what they learned from their false prophet, Ellen G. White: only Sabbath keepers will be saved and receive the seal of God because they did not accept the false Sabbath of Sunday. Thus, they are still fallen from grace as their salvation ultimately boils down to salvation by works. The major problem facing Seventh-day Adventists today is whether they are perfectly observing the Sabbath. Dear Adventist friends, be honest with yourselves. Even if it's just in front of a mirror, ask yourself: Am I truly perfect in observing the Sabbath or not? It's crucial to answer that question while you are still alive to ensure whether you will receive the seal of God when Ellen G. White's Sunday law comes, which will be the test of your salvation.
If you truly do not wish to leave the SDA church and want to remain there until the end of your life, you are required to follow the instructions of Ellen G. White to supposedly receive the seal of God and be saved from the seven last plagues:
"God requires that His holy day be as sacredly observed now as in the time of Israel. The command given to the Hebrews should be regarded by all Christians as an injunction from Jehovah to them. The day before the Sabbath should be made a day of preparation, that everything may be in readiness for its sacred hours. In no case should our own business be allowed to encroach upon holy time." [Ellen Gould White, Patriarchs and Prophets, 296]
Sleeping in the During the Sabbath
"None should feel at liberty to spend sanctified time in an unprofitable manner. It is displeasing to God for Sabbathkeepers to sleep during much of the Sabbath. They dishonor their Creator in so doing, and, by their example, say that the six days are too precious for them to spend in resting. They then excuse themselves by saying: “The Sabbath was given for a day of rest. I will not deprive myself of rest to attend meeting, for I need rest.” Such make a wrong use of the sanctified day." [ Ellen G. White, Counsels for the Church p. 270]
"Let none come to the place of worship to take a nap. There should be no sleeping in the house of God." [Ellen G. White, Testimonies for the Church, vol. 6, 361]
"Let not the precious hours of the Sabbath be wasted in bed. On Sabbath morning the family should be astir early. If they rise late, there is confusion and bustle in preparing for breakfast and Sabbath school. There is hurrying, jostling, and impatience. Thus unholy feelings come into the home. The Sabbath, thus desecrated, becomes a weariness, and its coming is dreaded rather than loved."[Ellen G. White, Testimonies for the Church, vol. 6, 357]
Common clothes worn on the Sabbath
"Many need instruction as to how they should appear in the assembly for worship on the Sabbath. They are not to enter the presence of God in the common clothing worn during the week. All should have a special Sabbath suit, to be worn when attending service in God's house." [Ellen G. White, Testimonies for the Church, vol. 6, 355]
"If we desire the blessing promised to the obedient, we must observe the Sabbath more strictly. I fear that we often travel on this day when it might be avoided. In harmony with the light which the Lord has given in regard to the observance of the Sabbath, we should be more careful about traveling on the boats or cars on this day. In these matters we should set a right example before our children and youth. In order to reach the churches that need our help, and to give them the message that God desires them to hear, it may be necessary for us to travel on the Sabbath; but so far as possible we should secure our tickets and make all necessary arrangements on some other day. When starting on a journey we should make every possible effort to plan so as to avoid reaching our destination on the Sabbath."[Ellen G. White, Testimonies for the Church, vol. 6, 359]
Cooking on the Sabbath
"On Friday let the preparation for the Sabbath be completed. See that all the clothing is in readiness, and that all the cooking is done. Let the boots be blacked, and the baths be taken. It is possible to do this. If you make it a rule, you can do it. The Sabbath is not to be given to the repairing of garments, to the cooking of food, to pleasure seeking, or to any other worldly employment. Before the setting of the sun, let all secular work be laid aside, and all secular papers be put out of sight."[Ellen G. White, Child Guidance, 528]
SDA Children are forbidden to play on the Sabbath
"God will accept nothing but purity and holiness; one spot, one wrinkle, one defect in the character, will forever debar them from heaven, with all its glories and treasures." [Ellen G. White, Testimonies for the Church, vol. 2, 453]
The Seal of God is the Holy Spirit not the Sabbath
According to Ellen G. White, being a faithful Adventist does not guarantee salvation, my friend. However, it is not too late, my dear Adventist friend, to receive the gift of salvation. You can receive the free gift of salvation right now, away from your work-based method of Sabbath keeping, which you cannot perfect. All you need to do is have faith in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ, repent of your sins, and accept the truth that Christ died on the cross to pay for your sins as your personal Lord and Savior. When you do this, you will immediately receive the true seal of God, the Holy Spirit, as a sign that you have been forgiven of your sins. You will then be a born-again child of God with eternal life. The seal of God, the Holy Spirit, is given to you because you have faith in the name of the Lord Jesus. This is the promise of the Lord to you in His Word:
Ephesians 1:13-14 (ESV) "In him you also, when you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation, and believed in him, were sealed with the promised Holy Spirit, who is the guarantee of our inheritance until we acquire possession of it, to the praise of his glory.
The seal of God, the Holy Spirit, received by every believer through faith in Jesus, is described as the "guarantee of our inheritance until we acquire possession of it." This means that right now, at this very moment, you have the assurance of salvation because you have the seal of the Holy Spirit. It is impossible to receive this seal through Sabbath-keeping alone, as even if you are a Sabbath keeper, it does not guarantee that you can perfectly keep the Sabbath. Therefore, you remain under God's judgment. However, the true seal, the Holy Spirit, gives you the certainty that you will receive your inheritance because of your faith in the free salvation offered by Jesus.
Additionally, the seal of the Holy Spirit is not a work-based salvation like Sabbath keeping, where you must perfectly follow the rules of Ellen G. White to be saved. In contrast, the seal of God, the Holy Spirit, is a gift from the Lord given to you freely, as stated in 2 Corinthians 1:21-22.
2 Corinthians 1:21-22 (ESV) "And it is God who establishes us with you in Christ, and has anointed us, and who has also put his seal on us and given us his Spirit in our hearts as a guarantee."
Wednesday, August 14, 2024
Tuesday, August 13, 2024
Saturday, August 10, 2024
SEVENTH-DAY ADVENTISTS ANSWERED VERSE-BY-VERSE ON REVELATION 13:18: "WHY SUNDAY WORSHIP IS NOT THE MARK OF THE BEAST?"
Introduction:
To instill fear and encourage church membership, Seventh-day Adventist (SDA) pastors, evangelists, and members disseminate Ellen G. White's "Mark of the Beast" doctrine through seminars, books, Bible studies, and online platforms. Consequently, no one wishes to receive the dreaded mark. The SDA interpretation of the mark of the beast in Revelation 13:18 emphasizes the importance of the Sabbath and the cosmic conflict between good and evil. SDAs believe the mark of the beast symbolizes allegiance to earthly powers that oppose God's commandments, specifically through a global decree mandating Sunday worship, which they see as a counterfeit Sabbath. But how did they arrive at this conclusion? What was their strong basis for linking the mark of the beast to the Sabbath vs. Sunday controversy? How did their theory originate? This is how their publication, The Ellen White Encyclopedia, presents it:
“From the very beginning, Adventists applied the mark of the beast to the historic tampering with the Law of God, and the change of the seventh-day Sabbath to the first day of the week. Joseph Bates was the first among the Sabbatarian Adventists to equate the “mark of the beast” with the observance of Sunday (The Seventh-day Sabbath, a Perpetual Sign [1847], p. 59). This view was soon endorsed by Ellen White. . . “she identified the receiving of the mark of the beast as the act of giving up “God’s Sabbath” and keeping “the Pope’s” sabbath. This soon became the accepted position among Sabbatarian Adventists. . . all held that the mark of the beast constituted the observance of Sunday as a papal institution, over against the observance of the biblical seventh-day Sabbath ” [1]
Joseph Bates, a co-founder of the Seventh-day Adventist Church, concluded—based on a mix of theological reasoning and his weird interpretation—that Sunday worship is tied to the mark of the beast. Bates first proposed the idea in 1847. He argued that Sunday observance, which he saw as a human-made tradition, was a mark of allegiance to the beast. Later on, Ellen G. White then confirmed and approved this interpretation in a vision. Bates was instrumental in convincing Ellen G. White and James White of the validity of the seventh-day Sabbath.
How does Joseph Bates justify his claim that observance of Sunday relates to the mark of the beast? Renowned SDA church historian George Knight clarifies:
"Bates set forth what would become the Sabbatarian understanding of the mark of the beast. Building upon Revelation 12:17 with its idea that God would have a last-day remnant that would 'keep the commandments of God,' he noted that 'there will yet be a mighty struggle about the restoring and keeping [of] the seventh day Sabbath, that will test every living soul that enters the gates of the city' (SDS [1847], 60). God's people would be 'persecuted for keeping the commandments' by those who had the mark of the beast. 'Is it not clear,' Bates asked in examining Revelation 14:9-12, 'that the first day of the week for the Sabbath or holy day is a mark of the beast[?]' Thus at the end of time, only two groups would live on earth—those having the mark of the beast and those keeping God's commandments, including the seventh-day Sabbath (ibid. 59)."[2]
Bates interpreted Revelation 12:17 and 14:9-12 to mean that in the last days, there would be a clear division between those who keep God’s commandments, including the Sabbath, and those who follow the beast who will receive its mark. In a letter to Bates that same year, Ellen G. White described receiving the mark of the beast as abandoning "God's Sabbath" in favor of keeping "the Pope's" sabbath. This followed her vision of Christ beside the ark of the covenant in the Most Holy Place of the heavenly sanctuary, with a halo of light surrounding the fourth commandment. Furthermore, Ellen G. White's vision indicated that the Pope's decision to change the day of worship to Sunday fulfilled the prophecy in Daniel 7:25 about the "little horn" who would "change times and laws." She remarked:
"I saw that God had not changed the Sabbath, for He never changes. But the pope had changed it from the seventh to the first day of the week; for he was to change times and laws."[3]
This interpretation quickly became the accepted position within the Sabbatarian Adventist community. But the question is: Can we trust Joseph Bates’s interpretation of the Scriptures? How reliable is he as an interpreter of the prophetic book of Revelation? This is yet another test of Ellen G. White’s authority in her claim as a messenger of God or a true prophet.
Bates has often been deemed unreliable because of his numerous unconventional theories, which contemporary SDAs do not accept. For instance, his seven-year theory of the Day of Atonement is one such example. He read in Leviticus 16:19 that to "cleanse" and "hallow" the children of Israel on the Day of Atonement, the High Priest dipped his finger in blood seven times (Leviticus 16:19). Unaware that the Hebrew word for "times" refers to events rather than duration, Bates interpreted the text as referring to time, using it as the foundation for his shut door theory. By utilizing the biblical prophecy of the year-day principle about the "seven times," Bates determined that the Adventists were in a seven-year window of opportunity to be purified and hallowed—but only if they accepted the Sabbath teaching. He concluded that the door of redemption would remain closed from 1844 until 1851, a period of seven years. At the end of those seven years, in October 1851, Christ would return to collect those Adventists who had observed the Sabbath, which he referred to as the Seal of God. In his work, he explains this idea as follows:
"The seven spots of blood on the Golden Altar and before the mercy seat, I fully believe, represent the duration of the judicial proceedings on the living saints in the Most Holy, all of which time they will be in their affliction, even seven years; God by his voice will deliver them, 'for it is the blood that maketh the atonement for the soul' (Lev. 17:11). Then the number seven will finish the day of atonement (not redemption)."[4]
Christ was prophesied to return to Earth in 1851, concluding seven years. Those who observed the Sabbath and received the "Seal of God" would be redeemed. Conversely, all non-Christians, including Adventists who did not keep the Sabbath, would perish. These individuals would join Sunday-keeping churches and receive the "Mark of the Beast." Subsequently, the Seventh-day Adventist eschatology would be influenced by Bates' teachings on the Seal of God and the Mark of the Beast.
After October 22, 1844, Bates held the mistaken belief that non-adventists were beyond salvation and that efforts to save lost souls should end. Unlike other "shut door" brethren, he did not personally attempt to save lost souls. In 1847, he expressed this view:
"Here then of course ended the 2300 days of the vision, because there is to be a tarrying after. Don't forget this, neither. 'For at the time appointed the end shall be.' Here too ended our last work in warning the world, and our labor ceased. Why? Because the messages ceased and left us entirely destitute of labor. And there was silence in heaven for the space of half an hour, a whole week or seven and a half days. Here we say our glorious High Priest began the cleansing of the sanctuary, and 'received his kingdom, dominion, and glory,' the 'New Jerusalem.'" [5]
Given Joseph Bates’ two false teachings and many others, can we trust his interpretation that Revelation 13:18 refers to the Mark of the Beast as Sunday observance? It’s doubtful, isn’t it? More importantly, Ellen G. White, the supposed prophet of the SDA church, was convinced by Joseph Bates to the point that she supported his view with her alleged vision. Adventist friends, do you believe a true prophet of God would support a false preacher? Have you seen such an example in the Bible? If your answer is no, then you should leave Ellen G. White because she was confused and truly a false prophet.
Joseph Bates' Arrogance Against the Protestant Reformation
For those not very familiar with church history, Joseph Bates's interpretation represents a significant departure from the conventional Protestant doctrines of the 1800s. During that period, Protestants believed that loyalty to the pope signified the Mark of the Beast. Devotion to the pope also entailed adherence to the various myths and fallacies propagated by him, including:
- Veneration of the pope as God on earth, capable of forgiving sins
- Adoration and worship of the Virgin Mary
- Transubstantiation (the belief that bread becomes the actual body of Christ)
- Purgatory (a place of temporary torment for sinners)
- The practice of confession
- An unmarried, celibate priesthood
- Prayers to apostles and saints, prayers for those in purgatory, and repetitive prayers (rosaries)
- Adoration of relics and idols of saints
- Salvation by works
Conclusion:
My Concluding Questions for SDAs to think about:
1. Where is the text that tells us the mark of the beast is the observance of Sunday?
2. Where does the Bible state that the "mark of the beast is the papal Sabbath"? Where is the historical proof that any Pope changed the seventh-day Sabbath to Sunday from 538 AD to 1798 AD?
3. Without proof that a Pope changed the Sabbath to Sunday, how can Sunday be a “Papal Sabbath”?
4. Does the Catholic Church's claim that they changed the Sabbath to Sunday make it true?
- Do SDAs believe the Catholic Church when they claim that Peter was the first Pope?
- Or that priests have the power to forgive sins?
- Or that it is biblical to pray to dead saints or that in transubstantiation, the bread and wine in the mass actually turn into the body and blood of Christ?
Saturday, August 3, 2024
SEVENTH-DAY ADVENTISTS ANSWERED VERSE-BY-VERSE ON REVELATION 13:15-17: "NATIONAL SUNDAY LAW: ANOTHER FALSE PROPHECY OF ELLEN G. WHITE!
Revelation 13:15-17 (ESV)
"And it was allowed to give breath to the image of the beast so that the image of the beast might even speak and might cause those who would not worship the image of the beast to be slain. Also, it causes all, both small and great, both rich and poor, both free and slave, to be marked on the right hand or the forehead, so that no one can buy or sell unless he has the mark, that is, the name of the beast or the number of its name."
Introduction:
Based on these statements from Ellen G. White, the Sunday Law involves:
1) refusing to observe the Sabbath,
2) adhering to Sunday worship,
3) following the decree that mandates the cessation of work on Sunday
4) complying with the decree that mandates worship on Sunday.
5) the penalty of death for those who do not comply with the regulations concerning the observance of the Sunday Law.
Responses to the Sunday law vary among Seventh-day Adventists (SDAs). Many fear the potential severe persecution and violence that may arise from their observance of the Sabbath. Some are also anxious about their unfulfilled aspirations. From what I've gathered, numerous Adventists express that they are not prepared to confront the anticipated distressing events. This fear is worsened by the sensational sermons delivered by their pastors and evangelists via TV or the Internet. When I was part of the Adventist community, I often spoke about the Sunday law in SDA churches that invited me, particularly during evangelistic gatherings titled "End-Time Messages from Jesus," where I elaborated on the significance of 666 and the potential harm to SDAs and their loved ones. My preferred sermon when invited to speak in SDA churches was Matthew 24:15, where Jesus warns about the "Abomination of Desolation." According to Ellen G. White, this prophecy has a dual fulfillment: the first occurred in AD 70 with the destruction of Jerusalem by the Roman armies, and the second is believed to be about the future National Sunday law. This future fulfillment involves the Papacy and Protestant America joining forces to decree Sunday worship for everyone, banning any work on Sunday as it becomes a mandated day of rest and worship. [3]
In our study today, I will present two arguments against believing and fearing that Ellen G. White's teaching about the National Sunday Law will come to pass. First, it is based solely on Ellen G. White's wild imagination. Second, it relies on her incorrect interpretation of Revelation 13:15-18.
1.) National Sunday Law: Based on the wild imagination of Ellen G. White
Now that I am a Christian, I realize that my sermon was quite lengthy, stretching to 95 PowerPoint slides. Additionally, I included more readings from Ellen G. White's writings than explanations from the Bible. Despite this, my SDA audience was very attentive because the topic was truly frightening for them, especially since I explained that Pope Francis, who is still the current Pope of the Roman Catholic Church, would fulfill this prophecy. First, because he is the only Jesuit Pope in the entire history of the Roman Catholic Church. Mentioning the word "Jesuits" to SDAs immediately convinces them that the Jesuits' mission is to infiltrate and destroy the SDA Church. Second, because of what Pope Francis said in "Laudato Si," which states, "
“Sunday, like the Jewish Sabbath is meant to be a day which heals our relationships with God, with ourselves, with others, and with the world.”[4]
The encyclical's suggestion of a weekly day of rest to reduce environmental impact has raised concerns among SDAs. While "Laudato Si" does not explicitly mandate Sunday worship, some Adventists interpret this call as potentially paving the way for future legislation enforcing Sunday as a day of rest. This interpretation is influenced by the SDA's historical emphasis on the seventh-day Sabbath (Saturday) and their eschatological beliefs. Many SDA theologians appreciate the encyclical's emphasis on environmental stewardship and the urgent need to address climate change. They connect this with Ellen G. White's statement that such issues will trigger the Pope to decree a Sunday law. This is also the quotation I often use:
"It will be declared that men are offending God by the violation of the Sunday sabbath; that this sin has brought calamities which will not cease until Sunday observance shall be strictly enforced." [5]
Why did I feel compelled to preach this message to the Seventh-day Adventists (SDAs)? I was well aware that many SDAs didn't regard the Sunday law with the seriousness it warranted and were ill-prepared for the alarming events that would transpire if the Sunday law were to be enforced as a legal requirement in America.
However, my perspective changed when I left the SDA church in September 2019. I now feel remorse for spreading falsehoods and misconceptions about the erroneous notion of the Sunday law. It gradually dawned on me that this was not aligned with the original teachings of the Bible. I came to recognize that Ellen G. White's interpretation of Revelation 13:15-18 was wrong. It became evident to me that my reliance on quotes from Ellen G. White's writings outweighed references from the Bible. I came to the realization that the concept of the Sunday law was a product of Ellen G. White's delusion, shaped by the prevailing local Sunday laws and the environmental context of her era.
I'm not alone in this view; even Adventist Today, a magazine known for its progressive and sometimes critical perspective on traditional SDA teachings and practices, acknowledges issues with the SDA concept of the Sunday law. The magazine frequently tackles topics related to church policy, theology, and the broader socio-political context affecting the SDA Church. It has featured contributions from various prominent figures, including theologians, former pastors, and scholars who offer in-depth analysis and commentary. Adventist Today seeks to foster discussion and provide a platform for diverse viewpoints within the SDA community. According to the magazine, the root of the problem lies with Ellen G. White, who developed a sense of paranoia about her circumstances. It states that:
"Ellen White wrote her book The Great Controversy in the late nineteenth century, against the background of circumstances that prevailed in the United States. Her world was divided between Roman Catholics and Protestants. She belonged to a tiny Adventist sect that was not welcome. She lived in a time when politicians at the state level and the national level were doing all they could to enforce Sunday observance. She experienced how in some states Sabbath keepers were actually put in prison! However, her world no longer exists."[6]
The Blue Sunday laws, which emerged in the late 19th century, were part of a larger movement focused on upholding Sunday as a day of rest and imposing restrictions on commercial activities. These laws were influenced by religious organizations striving to establish Sunday as a day for worship and rest, reflecting the legacy of "blue laws" from colonial times. The main goal of the Blue Sunday laws was to govern and restrict commercial undertakings on Sundays, including shopping and working, to encourage a day of rest and religious observance. Violations of these laws could lead to fines or legal consequences, and their enforcement varied from state to state and within local jurisdictions. During the 1880s, Seventh-day Adventists encountered significant persecution due to these Sunday laws. The Adventist community faced social and religious bias because of their observance of Saturday as the Sabbath, resulting in conflicts with local authorities and businesses, impacting their social standing and livelihoods. This put Adventists in legal disputes and led to social isolation due to their non-conformity to Sunday worship practices. W. C. White, son of Ellen White, along with many other Adventists, faced arrests, fines, and imprisonment for engaging in Sunday labor. During the 1880s and 1890s, Ellen White and several other authors contributing to Adventist publications viewed the Sunday law movement as a manifestation of the perilous and persecutory aspect of American Christianity rooted in apocalyptic beliefs.
By the late 19th century, the stringent enforcement of Blue Sunday laws started to wane due to shifting social attitudes and economic demands. The increasing consumerism and the necessity for businesses to function on weekends played a role in diminishing the impact of these laws. This change mirrored a broader movement towards a more pronounced distinction between religious practices and secular pursuits. Even today, this trend has continued to develop, confirming what Reinder Bruinsma wrote in his article for Adventist Today: the world situation described by Ellen G. White no longer exists. Bruinsma continues:
"However the expectation that in the end of time a universal Sunday law will be enforced by the civil authorities, upon the insistence of the public and at the demand of the “apostate” churches, seems to be more and more unrealistic. Admittedly, there are a few groups and organizations that continue to urge legislation to enforce strict Sunday observance, but in reality, the overall trend is towards less, rather than more, strict Sunday keeping. In the Western world, the Sunday of church worship is rapidly being replaced by a Sunday of amusement and shopping, and by a day when people also want to see their packages with their online orders delivered."[7]
The world has drastically changed from the late 1800s to the 21st century, especially in the United States. Back in the late 1880s, the U.S. was predominantly a nation of churchgoing Protestants. However, today the country is much more diverse. Recent statistics from the 2020 Census show that only 70% of Americans identify as Christians, and this number has been consistently declining over the years. Unlike the 19th century, many other religions have substantial followings in the United States. Considering this diversity, it's important to assess the influence and impact of these various religions, secular organizations, and countries before determining the feasibility of a National Sunday Law in the United States:
Sabbath keepers
The Sabbath-keeping community, particularly the Seventh-day Adventist church, has significantly increased its political influence and global membership, now exceeding 21 million members worldwide. In the United States, the community includes approximately a million members and has become deeply integrated into the nation's power structure. Despite their unique beliefs, Seventh-day Adventists are widely accepted and politically conservative. Additionally, there has been a substantial increase in the number of citizens worshiping on Saturday across over 500 different denominations and groups in the US, leading to strong opposition to any potential Sunday legislation from these groups.
The Jews
In the last century, the Jewish community in the United States has experienced significant growth, reaching 7.8 million in 2021. Many Jewish individuals either observe the Sabbath or show support for those who do. With influential Jewish leaders holding prominent positions in politics and substantial control over media, entertainment, and finance, the likelihood of passing a Sunday law appears highly improbable. Israel, a strong ally of the United States, would likely resist and sever ties if the U.S. attempted to impose a Sunday Law with severe penalties and anti-Sabbath provisions. It is highly unlikely that the United States could persuade Israel to abandon the Sabbath, enforce Sunday laws, mandate Sunday church services, or execute individuals for violating such laws.
The Muslims
The Muslim community, the world's second-largest religion with about 1.9 billion followers and 3.5 million in the U.S., would strongly resist any attempt to enforce Sunday as a day of worship. With four Muslim congressmen and significant political influence, they would use their resources to oppose such measures, as Friday is their holy day. Countries such as Iran, Iraq, Yemen, Egypt, Turkey, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE, with a combined population of over 350 million and significant global influence, including nuclear capabilities and oil supplies, would strongly oppose any U.S. attempts to impose Sunday laws or Christian worship. Such actions could provoke severe global conflict, including bloodshed, terrorism, and widespread destruction.
Secularism
The secular community, which has grown significantly, comprises 29% of Americans according to the Pew Research Center. This influential group has successfully removed religious elements from the public sphere and is unlikely to permit the re-introduction of religious practices into public life, including Sunday laws.
Rev. E.J. Lauriston painted a picture of the potential future implications of the Sunday law scenario for the United States of America, expressing the following viewpoint:
"Were the U.S. to pass a national Sunday Law with immediate effect, the United States would be changed forever. To enforce this Sunday Law, every military and law enforcement personnel would be needed. So, the government will have to close all of its military bases all over the globe, abandon every military operation, and its military home to help local law enforcement officers enforce the Sunday Law. This would already be a major disaster for the U.S., as its foreign enemies would seize the military bases it had abandoned. Every institution, business, enterprise, organization, company, embassy, etc., on American soil, at home and abroad, must be closed. Absolutely no work on Sundays. This will cause instantaneous catastrophe and almost total collapse. Electricity, water, internet, telecommunications, traffic, the stock market, etc., would all go into immediate crisis and might crash. Especially for hospitals, if they are not exempted from this law, untold thousands of patients needing critical care would die, all across the country. The Zombie apocalypse for the United States has begun. Some foods that need constant refrigeration will begin to spoil en mass. In addition to this, a sanitary crisis will ensue because of the lack of running, piped water. Local and international telecommunications will be cut off. People will be panicking, desperate, and untold fear and trepidation will cripple them. Every citizen and person in the U.S., at this time, must attend church to worship God, despite the crisis and mayhem all around them."[8]
In summary:
a.) Military and Security Collapse:
If the Sunday Law were to be enforced, all military and law enforcement personnel would be required to adhere to it. This would lead to the closure of U.S. military bases worldwide and the cessation of military operations. Consequently, there is a risk of foreign adversaries seizing these bases, potentially leading to a significant security crisis for the U.S.
b.) Economic and Infrastructure Breakdown:
If all institutions, businesses, and services were mandated to close on Sundays, it would trigger an urgent crisis. Key services including electricity, water, internet, telecommunications, and the stock market would be at risk of collapse. Without exemptions, hospitals could potentially see a significant number of critical patients perishing due to a lack of care.
c.) Public Panic and Sanitary Crisis:
The discontinuation of work on Sundays would result in food spoilage, water shortages, and a sanitation crisis. Interruptions in telecommunications would cause widespread panic and fear among the population. Despite the ensuing chaos, every citizen would be obligated to attend church.
Suppose Adventists are correct in predicting that the U.S. government will abandon the principles of the U.S. Constitution and that Satan will unite various religious and secular groups to enforce Sunday Law legislation. We have shown the consequences above. Would the U.S. really risk chaos and destruction just to enforce Sunday observance and persecute SDAs for worshiping on Saturday? This is the fate of the United States of America according to Ellen G. White's imagination. It would be a suicidal move for the U.S., and I believe that its leaders are still rational, unlike the mentally unstable and sickly Ellen G. White. It’s puzzling why so many SDAs, including many professional members, have been deceived or hypnotized into believing this madness from Ellen G. White.
Rev. E.J. Lauriston described the scenario of a National Sunday law in America as being comparable to "a zombie apocalypse." Here's what he added:
"The sinister thing about this hypothetical scenario is that Adventists strongly believe that the U.S. government will gleefully do all of this, just to get everyone within its bounds to stop working on Sundays, to attend church services, and to persecute SDAs for going to church on Saturday. According to the Adventist Sunday Law eschatology, this is what America will happily reduce itself to. This is sadistic and sheer insanity. This is beyond reason and absurd, but this is what they believe and anticipate to happen very soon."[9]
The belief that the world is continuously deteriorating and on the brink of catastrophe is central to the SDA futurist perspective. Such notions are prevalent in futurist teachings, driven by the conviction that the world is worsening and nearing collapse. However, according to the Bible, Christ established his kingdom as a spiritual reality within the Church in the first century. Through the spread of the gospel, Christianity will grow and become the dominant force in the world, leading to increased righteousness, peace, and prosperity.
The National Sunday Law proposed by Ellen G. White is truly contrary to the teachings of the Lord. Even the magazine Adventist Today disagrees with the concept of the National Sunday Law mentioned in her book *The Great Controversy*, which Adventist Today itself describes as an "invention of Ellen White." Let's see what they have to say:
"The Bible records that early Christians did suffer persecution because the Roman Empire looked unfavorably on foreign religious movements. The Bible also correctly warned that future Christians would meet opposition for their beliefs just as did Jesus himself—and of course, many have and still do. But the notion that the Seventh-day Adventists will be singled out for persecution for keeping the Sabbath because Sunday laws will have made it illegal to go to church on Saturday is an invention of Ellen White—in particular, her book The Great Controversy."[10]
What else can we expect as an outcome when a teaching like the future National Sunday law originates solely from the imagination and invention of Ellen G. White? It leads to nothing but destruction. Proverbs 14:12 warns us of this:
Proverbs 14:12 (ESV) "There is a way that seems right to a man, but its end is the way to death."
Jeremiah 17:5 (ESV) "Thus says the LORD: “Cursed is the man who trusts in man and makes flesh his strength, whose heart turns away from the LORD.
Jeremiah 17:5 teaches that placing greater trust in man-made understanding than in God leads to a curse. It emphasizes the importance of relying on God rather than solely on our own insights. This verse also warns against depending on human perspectives that lead one away from God. I still believe that many SDAs genuinely love the truth and are determined not to fall victim to deception, especially in matters of religion. They remain open-minded about the light that the Lord continues to provide them.
2.) Based on EGWs wrong interpretation of Revelation 13
First, let's examine how Ellen G. White interpreted Revelation 13:15–18. Here's how she explained it:
"At this point, another symbol is introduced. Says the prophet: “I beheld another beast coming up out of the earth, and he had two horns like a lamb.” Verse 11. Both the appearance of this beast and the manner of its rise indicate that the nation which it represents is unlike those presented under the preceding symbols. . . But the beast with lamblike horns was seen “coming up out of the earth.” Instead of overthrowing other powers to establish itself, the nation thus represented must arise in territory previously unoccupied and grow up gradually and peacefully. It could not, then, arise among the crowded and struggling nationalities of the Old World—that turbulent sea of “peoples, and multitudes, and nations, and tongues.” It must be sought in the Western Continent. . .What nation of the New World was in 1798 rising into power, giving promise of strength and greatness, and attracting the attention of the world? The application of the symbol admits no question. One nation, and only one, meets the specifications of this prophecy; it points unmistakably to the United States of America." [11]
In their current Revelation seminars, SDA evangelists explain it this way:
The lamb-like beast described in Revelation 13 is identified by Seventh-day Adventists as the United States of America. This beast is depicted as rising from the "earth," which signifies the New World. This new nation will emerge in a region that was largely uninhabited before the late 1700s. The horns of the Beast represent the United States government, as horns in Daniel 7:24 and 8:21 symbolize governments, kings, and kingdoms. In this context, the horns stand for America's two guiding principles: civil and religious liberty. These principles are also known as "Protestantism," a church without a pope, and "republicanism," a government without a monarch.
According to Revelation 13, the entire world will be governed by two end-time superpowers: the United States and the Pope. This interpretation suggests that the United States of America and the Catholic Church will become the dominant forces in the end times. Similar to papal Rome, America will turn into a persecuting force, compelling individuals to act against their moral convictions. The United States will lead the world in enforcing devotion and loyalty to the papal Antichrist.
In the end times, Protestant America is referred to by Jesus as a "false prophet" (Revelation 19:20; 20:10) because, despite its evil actions, it will appear to be a spiritual and trustworthy nation. The United States will legitimize religious practice, thereby emulating the beast. It will enact laws mandating worship, forcing people to comply or face death. America's union of civil government and renegade Protestantism will advance the interests of the pope, influencing every nation to follow her example. Consequently, global support for the pope will increase. As the leader of this worldwide movement, the United States will then urge all other countries to execute anyone who refuses to worship the beast or his image.
Seventh-day Adventists view a significant portion of the book of Revelation as a revelation concerning their own church, often depicted as the innocent victim of the malevolent beast powers. Consequently, it is not surprising that the innocent Adventists who observe the seventh-day Sabbath are subject to the "universal death sentence."
Problems with Ellen G. White's Interpretation
In contrast to the other beast in Revelation 13, which emerges from the sea, the lamb-like beast is described as rising from the earth in Revelation 13:11. Adventists argue that if the sea represents peoples and nations, then the earth must signify a place where such entities do not exist. However, the context of the passage contradicts this interpretation. There is undoubtedly no hint that the term "earth" refers to an empty continent when one reads through all 25 verses that contain the phrase in issue. The "earth" is actually mentioned 13 times in the 50 verses that surround Rev. 13:11, and the following is said about it:
- It is where the fallen angels reside (Rev. 12:4).
- It is where the Devil resides (Rev. 12:9).
- It is the home of both the evil (those who follow the beast) and the righteous (the 144,000) (Rev. 14:3, 6).
As a result, the first distinguishing feature of the United States—the lamb-like beast—proves to be incorrect. If Adventists were right in interpreting "earth" as an "empty continent," then North America was far from empty. According to recent scholarship, up to 18 million Native Americans may have lived in every state north of the Rio Grande at the time of Columbus. The University of Houston reports:
"No one knows for sure how many Indians lived in the Western Hemisphere in 1492, but the number was in the millions. In no sense were the Americas empty lands."[12]
It’s surprising to consider the SDA belief that North America was once mostly uninhabited and home to only a few isolated tribes. Recent research reveals that Native Americans have been in North America for at least 15,000 years, with numerous, densely populated civilizations thriving coast to coast by the time Columbus arrived. The idea that America could influence the entire world to worship the beast is also questionable. The beast described in Revelation has lamb-like traits, symbolizing a submissive force rather than a powerful superpower. Unlike the aggressive beasts of Daniel and Revelation, this one is depicted as weak and non-threatening, which does not align with the concept of a dominant global power.
Communist China, with its advanced military and hypersonic nuclear missiles, is highly unlikely to enact Sunday worship legislation. As a rapidly expanding superpower that opposes U.S. demands, it seems improbable that this secular nation would adopt such laws.
Europe is moving away from the death penalty, viewing it as cruel and outdated. With many European countries being post-Christian and not following papal decrees, and with economies and nuclear capabilities comparable to the U.S., the United States will struggle to persuade European nations to adopt death penalty legislation.
Pakistan, another nuclear-armed nation, is unlikely to adopt Christian laws or be coerced into doing so. Similarly, Muslim-majority countries, representing over a billion people, are also unlikely to pass such legislation.
Finally, the Catholic Church is in decline globally, making it difficult to view Catholicism as a "superpower." Europe is becoming increasingly post-Christian, with Muslim populations expected to surpass Christian populations in many countries. Additionally, Evangelical and Pentecostal churches are rapidly growing in Central and South America, regions once predominantly Catholic.
How to correctly understand Revelation 13?
It seems improbable that John was referring to events and nations hundreds of years ahead, given that the book of Revelation was written about things "shortly" to come (Rev. 1:3. John likely alluded to two familiar entities to first-century readers: Judaism and the Roman Empire. Scholars and theologians of the SDA church also believe that the seven churches mentioned in Revelation 2-3, which existed in Asia Minor (modern-day Turkey), were the initial recipients of the book of Revelation. We can be certain that the seven churches receiving the book of Revelation in the 1st century had no knowledge of Ellen G. White's interpretation or the SDA church's view that the seven-headed beast of Revelation 13:1 represents the Roman Catholic Papacy and the lamb-like beast of Revelation 13:11 represents the United States of America.
Therefore, it is crucial to understand the original interpretation of these symbols for the seven churches that John wrote to. Indeed, the seven churches addressed in Revelation would not have considered the two beasts in Revelation 13 as representing the Papacy, as the Roman Catholic system had not yet existed in their time. Likewise, they could not have viewed the lamb-like beast as the United States of America, as the nation did not yet exist. The combination of religion and state that the seven churches were familiar with, as mentioned in Revelation 13, was the Roman Empire (Revelation 13:1, "beast from the sea") and the religion of Judaism (Revelation 13:11, "lamb-like beast from the land of Israel"). SDA members, including Ellen G. White, have no right to erase or alter the original message of John to the seven churches, changing the meaning of its symbols to something not understood by the original recipients, including the Apostle John himself, who was inspired by the Holy Spirit and aware of the intended meaning of the beasts in Revelation 13. The problem for the SDAs seems to be their focus on the alleged change from Sabbath to Sunday by the Roman Catholic Church. At the same time, they fail to acknowledge their own significant error: altering the meaning of the beasts in Revelation 13. This meaning, inspired by the Holy Spirit when John wrote the book around 64-68 AD, is being misinterpreted.
Consequently, the Jewish people are symbolized by the gentle two-horned beast. This lamb-like beast with dual horns represents the united status of Israel and Judah, similar to how the two-horned ram in Daniel 7 symbolizes the dual-nation aspect of the Medo-Persian empire. Just as a lamb is not a predator, Judaism is not a superpower. Instead, it appears under the guise of kindness and religiosity. Despite its lack of power, this beast can still speak like a dragon, as demonstrated during Christ's trial when the voice of the dragon was evident through the Jewish priests and rulers, who demanded, "Crucify Him! Crucify Him!" The term "false prophet" is used to describe the beast, echoing Jesus' warning in Matthew 24:5,11 about "false prophets" who "will arise and deceive many." The Jewish nation exemplified this type of false prophet, as its religious leaders rejected the truth, opposed Jesus Christ, and sought to undermine the kingdom He established on earth. In Matthew 7:15, Jesus also cautioned against "false prophets who come to you in sheep's clothing."
This Lamb-like beast differs significantly from the other beasts described in the Bible. Unlike the lion, leopard, and dragon, which are known for their power and predatory nature, the lamb is recognized for its gentleness and humility. This suggests a more civilized society that rejects conquest in favor of peaceful coexistence. Around the same time as the rise of the seven-headed, ten-horned beast in Revelation 13, another beast is depicted. Our research identifies the seven-headed beast as symbolizing the pagan Roman Empire. Rome, founded in 753 BC, was ruled by seven kings until it became a republic in 509 BC, and then by ten Caesars until the fall of Jerusalem. Notably, in 537 BC, after Cyrus permitted their return, the Jews began rebuilding their empire and slowly returned from their dispersion throughout the Roman Empire.
This is the correct interpretation of the lamb-like beast in Revelation 13:11. It never refers to the United States of America, as the Word of God cannot be in error. The meaning of Revelation 13 cannot be changed, as the understanding of the seven churches addressed in Revelation was acceptable to the Lord and carried blessings when they believed and lived by the warnings written there. This promise is found in Revelation 1:3:
Revelation 1:3 (ESV) "Blessed is the one who reads aloud the words of this prophecy, and blessed are those who hear, and who keep what is written in it, for the time is near."
How can God bless the seven churches of Revelation for reading, hearing, and living by the message that the two beasts John refers to represent the Roman Empire and Judaism—entities that would oppress them for their faith in Christ—if the beasts were actually meant to symbolize the Roman Catholic Papacy and the United States, events that were to occur more than 2,000 years later? Ellen G. White and the SDAs are essentially implying that the seven churches and John himself would face a "Great Disappointment," akin to the repeated disappointments of the SDAs, by misinterpreting prophecies that were not meant for their time. The Word of God endures forever, and God does not change, as the SDAs affirm (Isa. 40:8; Heb. 13:8; 1 Pet. 1:23; Jas. 1:17). In contrast, Ellen G. White’s teachings and those of her SDA followers often shift and lack stability, as they are not firmly based on Scripture.
The Beast of Rome and the Jewish authorities, symbolized by the Beast from the Land, conspired to destroy the Church (Acts 4:24–28; 12:1-3; 13:8; 14:5; 17:5-8; 18:12–13; 21:11; 24:1–9; 25:2-3,9,24). Consequently, the Land Beast wields the full power of the First Beast. Apostate Judaism fully aligned itself with the Roman State. John's assertion that the False Prophet exercised the Beast's power during his time underscores this alignment. The role of the true prophet, who stood "before the Lord," in God's presence, under His authority and favor, is quite different from this. The False Prophet sits before the Beast, serving as both the Beast's interpreter and servant, while the real Prophet resides in God's presence, obeying His commands and carrying out His will. Additionally, the False Prophet performed remarkable miracles for the Empire. In Matthew 24:24, Jesus warned that "false prophets and false Christs will arise and perform great signs and wonders, to deceive, if possible, even the elect." This warning was consistently realized as Israel's "last days" neared its end. The book of Acts records numerous instances of Jewish false prophets performing miracles and opposing both the Church (Acts 8:9–24) and Roman authorities (Acts 13:6–11). Israel has rejected Christ and is marked by Rome’s total dominion; it has pledged loyalty to Caesar and adheres to his decrees. Israel persecuted those seeking redemption in Christ, choosing instead to be saved by the pagan state. The New Testament provides abundant evidence of this. The Jewish authorities engaged in a widespread, coordinated effort to persecute and deceive to destroy the Church. They conspired with Roman authorities to undermine Christianity and achieve their malicious goals. The leaders of Israel sought to enforce worship not of the true God as in Christian churches, but of the Synagogue itself, which they considered the "Image of the Beast." [14]
This interpretation is more credible and historically grounded compared to the incorrect and fabricated stories of Ellen G. White and the SDA Church. White's interpretations are based on her alleged visions, which are actually delusions stemming from her questionable experiences. The SDA interpretations are highly subjective, leading to persistent failures and inaccuracies to this day. It’s truly unfortunate how the Adventists have been deceived by Ellen G. White and misled by her falsehoods.
Let’s revisit the admission from their magazine, Adventist Today, in the hope that it will help open the eyes of the deceived members of the SDA church:
"Adventists must ask themselves: Does the Bible clearly predict a time when merciless Sunday laws will be enforced? We should realize that this Sunday-law scenario is mainly based on the interpretation of the prophecies of the Revelation by Ellen White in her book The Great Controversy. For some this means that, against all present appearances, the Sunday laws are coming, because “she says so!” For others it means that Ellen White was wrong and that she is thereby disqualified as a prophetic beacon for the Adventist believers."[15]
Ellen White was indeed wrong, disqualifying her as a prophetic guide for Adventist believers. How many more false prophecies and erroneous teachings do SDAs need to see before realizing that Ellen G. White is a false prophet? Only by the grace of the Lord can SDAs change, and that will only happen for those who are truly willing to do so.
Even Adventist Today acknowledges that the traditional SDA interpretation of Daniel and Revelation is no longer realistic or credible as evidence for the impending National Sunday Law. Here is their statement:
"The actual biblical “proofs” for this are insubstantial. Daniel 7:25 refers to a figure who “will speak against the Most High and oppress his holy people and try to change the set times and the laws,” which Adventist apologists say is about changing Sabbath to Sunday. That passage is then connected with Revelation 13:16-17 where, say interpreters, the Mark of the Beast is the pope persecuting Adventists for not worshiping on Sunday. But the Sabbath isn’t identified as the problem in either text. And in fact we see today so little opposition to Sabbath keeping in the real world that a single instance of it is noteworthy."[16]
Maybe the Adventists' early encounters with religious intolerance within their own churches—which included "Millerites" being shunned, mocked, and even persecuted—shaped their distinct perspective on America's much-lauded system of religious freedom. Clearly, they are using eisegesis in their interpretation, allowing personal experiences to guide their perception. Instead of conducting an unbiased study of God's Word with proper exegesis, they forced Revelation 13 to fit their experiences, leading to an incorrect interpretation.