EGW WritingsRevelation 11

Ellen G. White · Page 2 of 2

Revelation 11:18

The Ellen G. White Letters and Manuscripts: Volume 1

Ms 2, 1849

At the commencement of the holy Sabbath (Jan. 5) I was taken off in vision to the most holy place, where I saw Jesus still interceding for Israel.1

It should not be assumed that “Israel” is used here in the restricted sense of only Sabbatarian Adventists who had accepted the three angels’ messages. Almost two years earlier Ellen White had indicated that God’s “chosen” included those “who do not see and keep the Sabbath. They had not rejected the light on it,” and in the future “they came out and endured the persecution with us.”

The Ellen G. White Letters and Manuscripts: Volume 1

G

1EGWLM 958.41

judgments of, 194, see alsoWrath of God (Rev. 11:18)

The Ellen G. White Letters and Manuscripts: Volume 1

W

1EGWLM 986.47

Wrath of God (Rev. 11:18)

Homeward Bound

Secure at Last, December 5

HB 370.1

And that You should reward Your servants the prophets and the saints, and those who fear Your name, small and great.—Revelation 11:18.

Revelation 11:18-19

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 17 (1902)

Lt 47, 1902

17LtMs, Lt 47, 1902, par. 12

A few of the old standard-bearers are still living. I am intensely desirous that our brethren and sisters shall respect and honor these pioneers. We present them before you as men who know what trials are. I am instructed to say, Let every believer respect the men who acted a prominent part during the early days of the message, and who have borne trials and hardships and many privations. These men have grown gray in service. Not long hence, they will receive their reward. Writing of the last days, John says: “The nations were angry, and thy wrath is come, and the time of the dead, that they should be judged, and that thou shouldest give reward unto thy servants the prophets, and to the saints, and them that fear thy name, small and great: and shouldest destroy them which destroy the earth. And the temple of God was opened in heaven, and there was seen in his temple the ark of his testament: and there were lightnings, and voices, and thunderings, and an earthquake, and great hail.” [Revelation 11:18, 19.]

Revelation 11:19

Counsels for the Church

Chapter 64—Christ Our Great High Priest

CCh 347.3

Here the prophet was permitted to behold the first apartment of the sanctuary in heaven; and he saw there the “seven lamps of fire” and the “golden altar” represented by the golden candlestick and the altar of incense in the sanctuary on earth. Again, “the temple of God was opened,” Revelation 11:19, and he looked within the inner veil, upon the holy of holies. Here he beheld “the ark of His testament,” Revelation 11:19, represented by the sacred chest constructed by Moses to contain the law of God.

The Great Controversy

Chapter 23—What is the Sanctuary?

GC 414.3

The holy places of the sanctuary in heaven are represented by the two apartments in the sanctuary on earth. As in vision the apostle John was granted a view of the temple of God in heaven, he beheld there “seven lamps of fire burning before the throne.” Revelation 4:5. He saw an angel “having a golden censer; and there was given unto him much incense, that he should offer it with the prayers of all saints upon the golden altar which was before the throne.” Revelation 8:3. Here the prophet was permitted to behold the first apartment of the sanctuary in heaven; and he saw there the “seven lamps of fire” and “the golden altar,” represented by the golden candlestick and the altar of incense in the sanctuary on earth. Again, “the temple of God was opened” (Revelation 11:19), and he looked within the inner veil, upon the holy of holies. Here he beheld “the ark of His testament,” represented by the sacred chest constructed by Moses to contain the law of God.

The Great Controversy

Chapter 25—God’s Law Immutable

GC 433.1

The temple of God was opened in heaven, and there was seen in His temple the ark of His testament.” Revelation 11:19. The ark of God’s testament is in the holy of holies, the second apartment of the sanctuary. In the ministration of the earthly tabernacle, which served “unto the example and shadow of heavenly things,” this apartment was opened only upon the great Day of Atonement for the cleansing of the sanctuary. Therefore the announcement that the temple of God was opened in heaven and the ark of His testament was seen points to the opening of the most holy place of the heavenly sanctuary in 1844 as Christ entered there to perform the closing work of the atonement. Those who by faith followed their great High Priest as He entered upon His ministry in the most holy place, beheld the ark of His testament. As they had studied the subject of the sanctuary they had come to understand the Saviour’s change of ministration, and they saw that He was now officiating before the ark of God, pleading His blood in behalf of sinners.

The Great Controversy (1888 ed.)

Chapter 23—What is the Sanctuary?

GC88 414.1

The holy places of the sanctuary in Heaven are represented by the two apartments in the sanctuary on earth. As in vision the apostle John was granted a view of the temple of God in Heaven, he beheld there “seven lamps of fire burning before the throne.” [Revelation 4:5.] He saw an angel “having a golden censer; and there was given unto him much incense, that he should offer it with the prayers of all saints upon the golden altar which was before the throne.” [Revelation 8:3.] Here the prophet was permitted to behold the first apartment of the sanctuary in Heaven; and he saw there the “seven lamps of fire” and the “golden altar” represented by the golden candlestick and the altar of incense in the sanctuary on earth. Again, “the temple of God was opened,” [Revelation 11:19.] and he looked within the inner veil, upon the holy of holies. Here he beheld “the ark of His testament,” represented by the sacred chest constructed by Moses to contain the law of God.

The Great Controversy (1888 ed.)

Chapter 25—God’s Law Immutable

GC88 433.1

“The temple of God was opened in Heaven, and there was seen in his temple the ark of his testament.” [Revelation 11:19.] The ark of God’s testament is in the holy of holies, the second apartment of the sanctuary. In the ministration of the earthly tabernacle, which served “unto the example and shadow of heavenly things,” this apartment was opened only upon the great day of atonement, for the cleansing of the sanctuary. Therefore the announcement that the temple of God was opened in Heaven, and the ark of his testament was seen, points to the opening of the most holy place of the heavenly sanctuary, in 1844, as Christ entered there to perform the closing work of the atonement. Those who by faith followed their great High Priest, as he entered upon his ministry in the most holy place, beheld the ark of his testament. As they had studied the subject of the sanctuary, they had come to understand the Saviour’s change of ministration, and they saw that he was now officiating before the ark of God, pleading his blood in behalf of sinners.

The Spirit of Prophecy, vol. 4

Chapter 18—The Sanctuary

4SP 261.1

As the sanctuary on earth had two apartments, the holy and the most holy, so there are two holy places in the sanctuary in Heaven. And the ark containing the law of God, the altar of incense, and other instruments of service found in the sanctuary below, have also their counterpart in the sanctuary above. In holy vision the apostle John was permitted to enter Heaven, and he there beheld the candlestick and the altar of incense, and as “the temple of God was opened,” he beheld also “the ark of his testament.” [Revelation 4:5; 8:3; Revelation 11:19.]

The Spirit of Prophecy, vol. 4

Chapter 20—The Third Angel’s Message

4SP 273.2

As foretold in the Scriptures, the ministration of Christ in the most holy place began at the termination of the prophetic days in 1844. To this time apply the words of the Revelator, “The temple of God was opened in Heaven, and there was seen in his temple the ark of his testament.” [Revelation 11:19] The ark of God’s testament is in the second apartment of the sanctuary. As Christ entered there, to minister in the sinner’s behalf, the inner temple was opened, and the ark of God was brought to view. To those who by faith beheld the Saviour in his work of intercession, God’s majesty and power were revealed. As the train of his glory filled the temple, light from the holy of holies was shed upon his waiting people on the earth.

The Story of Redemption

The Earthly and Heavenly Sanctuaries

SR 377.1

The sanctuary in heaven, in which Jesus ministers in our behalf, is the great original, of which the sanctuary built by Moses was a copy. As the sanctuary on earth had two apartments, the holy and the most holy, so there are two holy places in the sanctuary in heaven. And the ark containing the law of God, the altar of incense, and other instruments of service found in the sanctuary below, have also their counterpart in the sanctuary above. In holy vision the apostle John was permitted to enter heaven, and he there beheld the candlestick and the altar of incense, and as “the temple of God was opened,” he beheld also “the ark of His testament.” Revelation 4:5; 8:3; Revelation 11:19.

The Story of Redemption

Chapter 54—The Third Angel’s Message

SR 379.2

As foretold in the Scriptures, the ministration of Christ in the most holy place began at the termination of the prophetic days in 1844. To this time apply the words of the Revelator, “The temple of God was opened in heaven, and there was seen in His temple the ark of His testament.” Revelation 11:19. The ark of God’s testament is in the second apartment of the sanctuary. As Christ entered there, to minister in the sinner’s behalf, the inner temple was opened, and the ark of God was brought to view. To those who by faith beheld the Saviour in His work of intercession, God’s majesty and power were revealed. As the train of His glory filled the temple, light from the holy of holies was shed upon His waiting people on the earth.

Sermons and Talks, vol. 2

Manuscript 11, 1893

2SAT 102.5

But I tell you to build your holy faith on it, because it is the everlasting word of Jehovah. As John has a view of the people of God, he says “Here are they that keep the commandments of God.” “And the temple of God was opened in heaven, and there was seen in His temple the ark of His testament” [Revelation 11:19]. Everyone has his eye directed to the sanctuary where the commandments of God are. Right over the ark of His testament is the mercy seat. Written over the throne of God is His bow of promise. Why, the commandment keeping people, they shall not perish, but have everlasting life. Here is the bow of promise. God has covenanted and He will be with His people. How dare any give the trumpet an uncertain sound, as they do when they say Sunday is the Sabbath, when God has not given them one syllable to say so? But He says, “I will not alter nor change the thing that has gone out of My mouth.”—Ms. 11, 1893.

A Word to the Little Flock

Dear Brother Bates

WLF 18.4

And I saw that if God had changed the Sabbath, from the seventh to the first day, He would have changed the writing of the Sabbath commandment, written on the tables of stone, which are now in the ark, in the Most Holy Place of the Temple in heaven; [Revelation 11:19.] and it would read thus: the first day is the Sabbath of the Lord thy God. But I saw that it read the same as when written on the tables of stone by the finger of God, and delivered to Moses in Sinai, “But the seventh day is the Sabbath of the Lord thy God.” [Exodus 20:10.] I saw that the holy Sabbath is, and will be, the separating wall between the true Israel of God and unbelievers; and that the Sabbath is the great question, to unite the hearts of God’s dear waiting saints. And if one believed, and kept the Sabbath, and received the blessing attending it, and then gave it up, and broke the holy commandment, they would shut the gates of the Holy City against themselves, as sure as there was a God that rules in heaven above. I saw that God had children, who do not see and keep the Sabbath. They had not rejected the light on it. And at the commencement of the time of trouble, we were filled with the Holy Ghost as we went forth [Hosea 6:2, 3.] and proclaimed the Sabbath more fully. This enraged the church, and nominal Adventists, as they could not refute the Sabbath truth. And at this time, God’s chosen, all saw clearly that we had the truth, and they came out and endured the persecution with us. And I saw the sword, famine, pestilence, and great confusion in the land. [Ezekiel 7:10-19. 2 Esdras 15:5-27] The wicked thought that we had brought the judgments down on them. They rose up and took counsel to rid the earth of us, thinking that then the evil would be stayed. [2 Esdras 16:68-74.]

Faith and Works

Now, if There Was Ever a Time

FW 46.2

Christ died for them that they might have life. He opened before them the way whereby they might, through His merits, keep the law of God. Christ says, “I know thy works: behold, I have set before thee an open door, and no man can shut it” (Revelation 3:8). How hard men work to close that door; but they are not able. John’s testimony is, “And the temple of God was opened in heaven, and there was seen in His temple the ark of His testament” (Revelation 11:19). Beneath the mercy seat, within the ark, were the two tables of stone, containing the law of Jehovah. God’s faithful ones saw the light that shone forth to them from the law, to be given to the world. And now Satan’s intense activity is to close that door of light; but Jesus says that no man can shut it. Men will turn from the light, denounce it, and despise it, but it still shines forth in clear, distinct rays to cheer and bless all who will see it.

From Eternity Past

The True Heavenly Sanctuary

EP 248.3

The apostle John was granted a view of the temple of God in heaven. He beheld there “seven lamps of fire burning before the throne.” He saw an angel “having a golden censer; and there was given unto him much incense, that he should offer it with the prayers of all saints upon the golden altar which was before the throne.” Revelation 4:5; 8:3. Here the prophet was permitted to behold the first apartment of the sanctuary in heaven. Again, “the temple of God was opened,” and he looked within the inner veil upon the holy of holies. Here he beheld “the ark of his testament” (Revelation 11:19), represented by the sacred chest constructed by Moses to contain the law of God.

From Here to Forever

The Two Apartments

HF 255.2

Again, “The temple of God was opened,” and he looked within the inner veil upon the holy of holies. Here he beheld “the ark of his testament,” represented by the chest constructed by Moses to contain the law of God. Revelation 11:19.

From Here to Forever

Chapter 25—God’s Law Immutable

HF 268.1

“The temple of God was opened in heaven, and there was seen in his temple the ark of his testament.” Revelation 11:19. The ark of God’s testament is in the holy of holies, the second apartment of the sanctuary. In the ministration of the earthly tabernacle, which served “unto the example and shadow of heavenly things,” this apartment was opened only upon the great Day of Atonement for the cleansing of the sanctuary. Therefore the announcement that the temple of God was opened in heaven and the ark of His testament was seen points to the opening of the most holy place of the heavenly sanctuary in 1844 as Christ entered there to perform the closing work of the atonement. Those who by faith followed their great High Priest as He entered upon His ministry in the most holy place, beheld the ark of His testament. As they had studied the subject of the sanctuary they had come to understand the Saviour’s change of ministration, and they saw that He was now officiating before the ark of God.

Christ in His Sanctuary

The Reality of the Heavenly Sanctuary Affirmed

CIHS 22.1

“As the sanctuary on earth had two apartments, the holy and the most holy, so there are two holy places in the sanctuary in heaven. And the ark containing the law of God, the altar of incense, and other instruments of service found in the sanctuary below, have also their counterpart in the sanctuary above. In holy vision the apostle John was permitted to enter heaven, and he there beheld the candlestick and the altar of incense, and as ‘the temple of God was opened,’ he beheld also ‘the ark of His testament.’ [Revelation 4:5; 8:3; 11:19.]

Christ in His Sanctuary

A Figure of Things in the Heavens

CIHS 54.1

As has been stated, the earthly sanctuary was built by Moses according to the pattern shown him in the mount. It was “a figure for the time then present, in which were offered both gifts and sacrifices;” its two holy places were “patterns of things in the heavens;” Christ, our great High Priest, is “a minister of the sanctuary, and of the true tabernacle, which the Lord pitched, and not man.” Hebrews 9:9, 23; 8:2. As in vision the apostle John was granted a view of the temple of God in heaven, he beheld there “seven lamps of fire burning before the throne.” He saw an angel “having a golden censer; and there was given unto him much incense, that he should offer it with the prayers of all saints upon the golden altar which was before the throne.” Revelation 4:5; 8:3. Here the prophet was permitted to behold the first apartment of the sanctuary in heaven; and he saw there the “seven lamps of fire” and the “golden altar” represented by the golden candlestick and the altar of incense in the sanctuary on earth. Again, “the temple of God was opened” (Revelation 11:19), and he looked within the inner veil, upon the holy of holies. Here he beheld “the ark of His testament” (Revelation 11:19), represented by the sacred chest constructed by Moses to contain the law of God.

Christ in His Sanctuary

The Glories of the Earthly Sanctuary and the Heavenly Temple

CIHS 136.1

Christ in His Sanctuary

The Sanctuary and the Sabbath

CIHS 163.2

“The temple of God was opened in heaven, and there was seen in His temple the ark of His testament.” Revelation 11:19. The ark of God’s testament is in the holy of holies, the second apartment of the sanctuary. In the ministration of the earthly tabernacle, which served “unto the example and shadow of heavenly things,” this apartment was opened only upon the great Day of Atonement for the cleansing of the sanctuary. Therefore the announcement that the temple of God was opened in heaven and the ark of His testament was seen points to the opening of the most holy place of the heavenly sanctuary in 1844 as Christ entered there to perform the closing work of the atonement. Those who by faith followed their great High Priest as He entered upon His ministry in the most holy place, beheld the ark of His testament. As they had studied the subject of the sanctuary they had come to understand the Saviour’s change of ministration, and they saw that He was now officiating before the ark of God, pleading His blood in behalf of sinners.

The Ellen G. White Letters and Manuscripts: Volume 1

I. Shut-Door Views From 1844 to 1852

1EGWLM 45.2

After the collapse of spiritualizing Bridegroom Adventism toward the middle of 1846, the only remaining Adventists who still held to the prophetic significance of 1844 were the literalist Bridegroom Adventists. Very quickly, under the influence of Joseph Bates, most adopted the seventh-day Sabbath, so they might more appropriately be named Sabbatarian Adventists. Beginning in January 1847 Bates linked the Sabbath to the heavenly sanctuary and particularly to the Most Holy Place, where the ark of the covenant contains the law of God, of which the Sabbath is central.18Joseph Bates, The Seventh Day Sabbath, 2nd ed., pp. iii, iv. The open door to the Most Holy Place of Revelation 11:19 revealed the ark of the covenant and the Ten Commandments. The Sabbath, therefore, became “present truth” with eschatological significance.

The Ellen G. White Letters and Manuscripts: Volume 1

Lt 1, 1847

In the Holiest I saw an ark; on the top and sides of it was purest gold. On each end of the ark was a lovely Cherub, with their wings spread out over it. Their faces were turned towards each other, and they looked downwards. Between the angels was a golden censor. Above the ark, where the angels stood, was an exceeding bright glory, that appeared like a throne where God dwelt. Jesus stood by the ark. And as the saints’ prayers came up to Jesus, the incense in the censor would smoke, and He offered up the prayers of the saints with the smoke of the incense to His Father. In the ark, was the golden pot of manna, Aaron’s rod that budded and the tables of stone which folded together like a book. Jesus opened them, and I saw the ten commandments4

The connection made here between the Ten Commandments, including the fourth, and the Most Holy Place of the heavenly sanctuary affirms Joseph Bates’s studies of Revelation 11:19, first published some months earlier in January 1847.

Homeward Bound

The Correct Understanding of the Heavenly Sanctuary, October 2

HB 303.3

The earthly sanctuary was built by Moses according to the pattern shown him in the mount. It was “a figure for the time then present, in which were offered both gifts and sacrifices;” its two holy places were “patterns of things in the heavens;” Christ, our great High Priest, is “a minister of the sanctuary, and of the true tabernacle, which the Lord pitched, and not man.” (Hebrews 9:9, 23; 8:2.) As in vision the apostle John was granted a view of the temple of God in heaven, he beheld there “seven lamps of fire burning before the throne.”. . . Here the prophet was permitted to behold the first apartment of the sanctuary in heaven; and he saw there the “seven lamps of fire” and the “golden altar” represented by the golden candlestick and the altar of incense in the sanctuary on earth. Again, “the temple of God was opened” (Revelation 11:19), and he looked within the inner veil, upon the holy of holies. Here he beheld “the ark of His testament” (Revelation 11:19), represented by the sacred chest constructed by Moses to contain the law of God. . . .

Lift Him Up

God’s Law Stands for Ever, May 2

LHU 136.2

“The temple of God was opened in heaven, and there was seen in His temple the ark of his testament” (Revelation 11:19). The ark of God’s testament is in the Holy of Holies, the second apartment of the sanctuary. In the ministration of the earthly tabernacle, which served “unto the example and shadow of heavenly things,” this apartment was opened only upon the great Day of Atonement for the cleansing of the sanctuary. Therefore the announcement that the temple of God was opened in heaven and the ark of His testament was seen points to the opening of the Most Holy Place of the heavenly sanctuary in 1844 as Christ entered there to perform the closing work of the atonement.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 2 (1869 - 1875)

Lt 31, 1875

2LtMs, Lt 31, 1875, par. 7

The light is shining forth upon the fourth commandment; God is opening the understanding of many to see that they have been breaking the Lord’s Sabbath. “And the temple of God was opened in heaven, and there was seen in his temple the ark of his testament” (Revelation 11:19), calling, as it were, the attention of the people to the law of God covered by the mercy seat. The angels are represented as all looking reverentially into the law. God has made us the repositories of His law. What a responsibility is ours to form characters in harmony with the law of God! We are drawing nearer and still nearer the solemn event of our Lord’s appearing, “And every man that hath this hope in him purifieth himself, even as he is pure.” 1 John 3:3.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 4 (1883 - 1886)

Ms 41, 1886

4LtMs, Ms 41, 1886, par. 9

John, in looking down through time, saw a remnant that would be gathered from the world, who would be in harmony with the precepts of Jehovah; and he exclaims: “Here are they that keep the commandments of God, and the faith of Jesus.” Revelation 14:12. “And the temple of God was opened in heaven, and there was seen in His temple the ark of His testament.” Revelation 11:19. What was it that the ark contained? It was the law of God that points out our duty. John saw the people’s attention called to those ten precepts; and as the light is seen, we shall be held responsible if we reject it.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 4 (1883 - 1886)

Ms 5, 1885

4LtMs, Ms 5, 1885, par. 17

John saw the temple of God opened in heaven, and in that temple he saw the ark of His testimony. [Revelation 11:19.] And says John, Here are they that keep the commandments of God and the faith of Jesus. [Revelation 14:12.] The path of true obedience is found in the commandments of God. But Satan is going about as a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour. He does not always appear like a lion; he has the power of clothing himself like a lamb, and he has a soft and a tender voice. And how shall we meet him? Shall we let him come in and take the control of our hearts? We cannot afford it.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 8 (1893)

Lt 19, 1893

8LtMs, Lt 19, 1893, par. 25

John beholds the remnant people in these last days looking into the Sanctuary above, and he exclaims, “And the temple of God was opened in heaven, and there was seen in his temple the ark of his testament: and there were lightnings, and voices, and thunderings and an earthquake and great hail!” [Revelation 11:19.] The cover of the ark was the mercy seat. What was in that ark? Beneath the mercy seat in the ark were the ten commandments written with the finger of God. This people were presented to John looking reverently upon the ark and the tables of stone within the ark upon which were engraven with the finger of God the ten commandments. As John beholds this scene he exclaims, here are they “which keep the commandments of God, and have the testimony of Jesus Christ.” [Revelation 12:17.]

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 8 (1893)

Ms 11, 1893

8LtMs, Ms 11, 1893, par. 15

But I tell you to build your holy faith on it, because it is the everlasting Word of Jehovah. As John has a view of the people of God, he says, “Here are they that keep the commandments of God.” “And the temple of God was opened in heaven, and there was seen in his temple the ark of his testament.” [Revelation 14:12; 11:19.] Every one has his eye directed to the sanctuary where the commandments of God are. Right over the ark of His testament is the mercy seat. Written over the throne of God is His bow of promise. Why, the commandment-keeping people, they shall not perish, but have everlasting life. Here is the bow of promise. God has covenanted, and He will be with His people. How dare any give the trumpet an uncertain sound, as they do when they say Sunday is the Sabbath, when God has not given them one syllable to say so? But He says, “I will not alter nor change the thing that has gone out of my mouth.” [See Psalm 89:34.]

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 15 (1900)

Lt 28, 1900

15LtMs, Lt 28, 1900, par. 12

“And the temple of God was opened in heaven, and there was seen in his temple the ark of his testament: and there were lightnings, and voices, and thunderings, and an earthquake, and great hail.” [Revelation 11:19.]

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 15 (1900)

Lt 20, 1900

15LtMs, Lt 20, 1900, par. 17

God is to stand out in the message for these last days as glorified by His believing people, who must have less perplexing anxiety and more faith. “The temple of God was opened in heaven, and there was seen in his temple the ark of his testament.” This ark is a symbol of God’s presence. It contains His holy law, given in Eden at the creation of the world, proclaimed on Mount Sinai, and written with the finger of God on two tables of stone. “And there were lightnings and voices and thunderings and an earthquake.” [Revelation 11:19.] This symbolizes the judgments that will fall upon those who have worked as transgressors of the laws of God’s kingdom.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 15 (1900)

Ms 48, 1900

15LtMs, Ms 48, 1900, par. 13

In the Revelation, John says, “The temple of God was opened in heaven, and there was seen in his temple the ark of his testament.” Revelation 11:19. John saw in vision the Lord’s people looking for His coming and searching for truth. As the temple of God was opened unto His people, the light of the law of God, which was in the ark, shone forth. Those who receive this light are brought to view in the proclamation of the third angel’s message.

Manuscript Releases, vol. 18 [Nos. 1301-1359]

MR No. 1330—The Need of Earnest Effort; Work the Cities; Heed the Message to Laodicea

18MR 187.2

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 17 (1902)

Ms 166, 1902

17LtMs, Ms 166, 1902, par. 9

Influences are to be set in motion that will proclaim to the world the first, second, and third angels’ messages. The time has come of which John writes, “The temple of God was opened in heaven, and there was seen in His temple the ark of His testament, and there were lightnings, and voices, and thunderings, and an earthquake, and great hail.” [Revelation 11:19.] “The ark of His testament”—the two tables of stone, upon which are written, with the finger of God, the ten commandments. The ark is a symbol of the presence of God. In clear, steady rays the light shines from it to the world. The time has come when the law of God is to be proclaimed with strong, decided utterance. The world is to be warned, and I beseech those who know the truth to do all in their power to sound the warning, “Prepare to meet thy God.” [Amos 4:12.] The temple of God was opened in heaven in answer to the prayers of His people, and by terrible things in righteousness will He reveal His power.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 18 (1903)

Lt 16, 1903

18LtMs, Lt 16, 1903, par. 14

Christ sent His angel from heaven to teach John the Revelator in regard to the message that must be understood by us—a message of warning that concerns all who live in the last days of this earth’s history. We are to study the testing message given for this time. John declares: “The temple of God was opened in heaven, and there was seen in His temple the ark of His testament.” [Revelation 11:19.] This ark contains God’s law, the ten commandments. A knowledge of this law is of great consequence to all who have light and to all who minister in word and doctrine.

Manuscript Releases, vol. 14 [Nos. 1081-1135]

MR No. 1104—True Medical Missionary Work, Not Work For Outcasts, to be Emphasized; Value of Camp Meetings

14MR 161.2

“And the temple of God was opened in heaven, and there was seen in His temple the ark of His testament: and there were lightnings, and voices, and thunderings, and an earthquake, and great hail” [Revelation 11:19].

Manuscript Releases, vol. 3 [Nos. 162-209]

Walk in the Light

3MR 77.4

John, in looking down through time, saw a remnant that would be gathered from the world, who would be in harmony with the precepts of Jehovah; and he exclaims: “Here are they that keep the commandments of God, and the faith of Jesus.” Revelation 14:12. “And the temple of God was opened in heaven, and there was seen in His temple the ark of His testament.” Revelation 11:19. What was it that the ark contained? It was the law of God that points out our duty. John saw the people’s attention called to those ten precepts, and as the light is seen we shall be held responsible if we reject it.

Our High Calling

A Complete Rule of Life, May 12

OHC 138.1

And the temple of God was opened in heaven, and there was seen in his temple the ark of his testament. Revelation 11:19.

Patriarchs and Prophets

Chapter 30—The Tabernacle and Its Services

PP 356.1

The Faith I Live By

The Very Center of His Work, July 15

FLB 202.3

The holy places of the sanctuary in heaven are represented by the two apartments in the sanctuary on earth. As in vision the apostle John was granted a view of the temple of God in heaven, he beheld there “seven lamps of fire burning before the throne.” Revelation 4:5. He saw an angel “having a golden censer; and there was given unto him much incense, that he should offer it with the prayers of all saints upon the golden altar which was before the throne.” Revelation 8:3. Here the prophet was permitted to behold the first apartment of the sanctuary in heaven; and he saw there the “seven lamps of fire” and the “golden altar,” represented by the golden candlestick and the altar of incense in the sanctuary on earth. Again, “the temple of God was opened” (Revelation 11:19), and he looked within the inner veil, upon the holy of holies. Here he beheld “the ark of his testament,” represented by the sacred chest constructed by Moses to contain the law of God....