PREFACE ii

1.   The Shaking Time 4

2.  The Seventh-day Adventist Church in the Shaking Time 12

3.  The Sealing of the 144,000 19

4.  The Last Solemn Work, the Sunday Law and the Mark of the Beast 30

5.  The Living Saints in the Time of Trouble (Seven Last Plagues) 43

6.  The 144,000, the Death Decree and the Time of Jacob's Trouble 47

7.  The Deliverance of the Saints (144,000) and the Special Resurrection 51

POSTSCRIPT 54

From the beginning of the Advent movement, shortly after the Great Disappointment of 1844 until the present, Seventh-day Adventists have been keenly interested in the subject of the one hundred and forty four thousand. (Rev. 7:1-17; 14:1-5). Books, pamphlets and manuscript studies have been published on the subject of the 144,000. Many questions have been raised. Often the questions were listed as follows:

1.  Who are these special "first fruit" people of God?

2.  Why are they so very special to God?

3.  Are only 144,000 people going to be saved?

4.  What about the 11,000,000 Adventists now in the SDA Church?

5.  Are the 144,000 those only who will live through the seven last plagues?

6.  Are the 144,000 those only who will be translated without seeing death?

7.  Is the number 144,000 a literal number?

8.  Is it possible for you and I to be numbered "among" the 144,000?

On the subject of prophecies and their fulfillment, we have a tremendous advantage over pioneer Seventh-day Adventists. Why is this? It is not because we are wiser, more intelligent, or have higher degrees of worldly education. No, it is because we are now looking to the future with many years of Seventh-day Adventist history to guide us.

"We have nothing to fear for the future," Ellen White counseled, "except as we shall forget the way the Lord has led us, and his teaching in our past history." (Advent Review and Sabbath Herald, November 12, 1905, emphasis supplied).

There is not a great amount of Scripture references to the one hundred and forty four thousand. This special group is mentioned only in two chapters, Revelation 7:1-17 and chapter 14:1-5. Light on the subject of the 144,00 in the Spirit of Prophecy is also limited to a few references. There is light only on what is revealed. The Lord would be displeased if we speculate on details that are not revealed. Because our Lord has chosen not to give us great light on the subject of the one hundred and forty four thousand, our study will also be brief and concise. In our study we are not interested in contemporary Adventist scholars interpretation of the 144,000, for they have an agenda. (We will explain this later).

It is my prayer that this study will help those who are walking with Jesus on the narrow path that leads to the Heavenly City, promised to those who "keep the commandments of God" and who have "the faith of Jesus." (Revelation 14:12).

Neil C. LivingstonSeptember 11, 2000

When studying end-time events, or any prophecy past or future, it is wise to consider each past or future event in chronological order. Inspiration tells us that these events do not occur simultaneously, but take place "separate and distinct, one following the other."

"I saw that the anger of the nations, the wrath of God, and the time to judge the dead were separate and distinct, one following the other. . .." Ellen White wrote,. (Early Writings, page 36, emphasis supplied).

So with this premise in mind, we will consider last-day events in light of, (1) the shaking time and the sealing of the saints, (2) the corporate Church in the time of shaking and the sealing, (3) the latter rain (loud cry) and the finishing of the work, (4) the Sunday Law and the mark of the beast, (5) the 144,000 in the time of trouble (seven last plagues), (6) the death decree and the time of Jacob's trouble, (7) the deliverance of the saints and the special resurrection.

Again, we are only interested in Bible and Spirit of Prophecy descriptions of these final events. We will present first, Scripture, second, Spirit of Prophecy comment on that Scripture, and thirdly, our simple and non-dogmatic observations and comment.

"When thus it shall be in the midst of the land among the people," Isaiah prophesied, "there shall be as the shaking of an olive tree, and as the gleaning grapes when the vintage is done." (Isaiah 24:13, emphasis supplied).

"I asked the meaning of the shaking I had seen, and was shown that it would be caused by the straight testimony called forth by the counsel of the True Witness to the Laodiceans," Ellen White stated. "This will have its effect upon the heart of the receiver, and will lead him to exalt the standard and pour forth the straight truth. . .." (Testimonies for the Church, Vol. 1, page 181, (1857), emphasis supplied).

Here we see that the "straight testimony," the "counsel of the True Witness to the Laodiceans" (corporate SDA Church), is "the standard" and the "straight truth." This will not be a watered-down message but the straight truth! Exalting the standard of historic Adventism, thus pouring forth the straight truth "will have its effect upon the heart of the receiver." Then what will the honest "receiver" do with this straight truth? The straight truth will lead this individual "to exalt the standard and pour forth the straight truth" himself, and thus the Lord will finish the work.

"Some will not bear this straight testimony," Ellen White concluded. "They will rise up against it, and this will cause a shaking among God's people." (ibid., 1T, p. 181, emphasis supplied).

So that is it! The straight testimony, the straight truth and exalting the standard does not and will not cause the shaking. It is those in the Seventh-day Adventist Church who "will not bear this straight testimony." What will they do? "They will rise up against it, and this will cause a shaking among God's people."

One hundred and forty three years after this statement was penned by inspiration we can clearly see the fulfillment of this prophecy. The corporate Seventh-day Adventist Church is the Laodicean Church. The straight testimony is the "historic" Advent message that is now being given to the Laodicean Church by the "historic" Adventists of the independent ministries.

Today we see that those who "will not bear this straight testimony" are rising up "against it." And what is the result of those rising up against the standard and straight truth? "This will cause a shaking among God's people." Over fifteen years ago an outsider, Geoffery Paxton, an Anglican minister in Australia, wrote a book titled, The Shaking of Adventism. Why is it that even outsiders can see the shaking of Adventism and yet leadership remains blind to this fact?

"Because thou sayest, `I am rich, and increased with goods, and have need of nothing;' and knowest not that thou art wretched, and miserable, and poor, and blind, and naked," Jesus replies, "so then because thou art lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will spue thee out of my mouth." (Revelation 3:16, 17).

One major independent minister stated in a tape sermon that the "shaking" would continue "until the time when the saints hear the Voice of God announcing the day and hour of His coming." However, the Voice of God announcing the day and hour of His coming, here referred to, occurs toward the end of the seven last plagues.

These plagues enraged the wicked against the righteous; they thought that we had brought the judgments of God upon them, and that if they could rid the earth of us, the plagues would then be stayed. A decree went forth to slay the saints, which caused them to cry day and night for deliverance. This was the time of Jacob's trouble. Then all the saints cried out with anguish of spirit, and were delivered by the voice of God. . ..

Ellen G. White, Early Writings, pages 36, 37.

"Soon we heard the voice of God like many waters, which gave us the day and hour of Jesus' coming," Ellen White stated. "The living saints, 144,000 in number, knew and understood the voice, while the wicked thought it was thunder and an earthquake." (Early Writings, page 15, emphasis supplied).

As was shown above, the shaking is caused by those in the SDA Church rising up against the "straight testimony." There is no need for a straight testimony after the close of probation! There is no need for a shaking after the close of probation. Every case is then already decided! No, friend, the shaking ends with the close of human probation. Jesus arises from His place in the Most Holy and declares, "He that is unjust, let him be unjust still: and he which is filthy, let him be filthy still: and he that is righteous, let him be righteous still: and he that is holy, let him be holy still." (Revelation 22:11).

Then I was shown a company who were howling in agony. On their garments was written in large characters, "Thou art weighed in the balance, and found wanting." I asked who this company were. The angel said, "These are they who have once kept the Sabbath and have given it up." I heard them cry with a loud voice, "We have believed in Thy coming, and taught it with energy." And while they were speaking, their eyes would fall upon their garments and see the writing, and then they would wail aloud. I saw that they had drunk of the deep waters, and fouled the residue with their feet -- trodden the Sabbath underfoot -- and that was why they were weighed in the balance and found wanting.

Ellen G. White, Early Writings, page 37. (emphasis supplied).

Adventists who have given up the truth know at the close of probation that they are lost. Indeed, those who receive the mark of the beast (Sunday) will receive the plague of sores. Again, dear reader, not only does the shaking end at the close of probation, but probably ends when the true saints are sealed in their foreheads. At that time there are only two classes of Seventh-day Adventists; (1) Those who are sealed, and (2), those who are not sealed. After the sealing are not the unsealed already shaken out of God's true remnant? The sealed ones then finish the work, while those in Laodicean slumber sleep on until the close of probation.

The Lord led the children of Israel out of Egypt and into the wilderness by the hand of Moses. The Lord led the Advent Christians of William Miller's day out of Spiritual Babylon by the Spirit of Prophecy in the form of a seventeen year old girl, Ellen G. Harmon. The Scriptures and the Spirit of Prophecy make it clear that the wilderness experience of the children of Israel is a lesson for the Remnant Church in the last days. The children of Israel lingered in the wilderness forty years. The Seventh-day Adventist Church has lingered in the wilderness 160 years, four times longer than the children of Israel! The children of Israel lingered in the wilderness because of unbelief. (Hebrews 3:16-19; 4:1-11). The Seventh-day Adventists of the past century also lingered in this world because of unbelief.

"Ye have dwelt long enough in this mount," the Lord said to Moses. "Turn you, and take your journey, and go to the mount of the Amorites, and unto all the places nigh thereunto, in the plain, in the hills, and in the vale, and in the south, and by the sea side, to the land of the Canaanites, and unto Lebanon, unto the great river, the river Euphrates. Behold, I have set the land before you: go in and possess the land which the Lord sware unto your fathers, Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, to give unto them and to their seed after them." (Deuteronomy 1:6-8, emphasis supplied).

"And when we departed from Horeb," Moses wrote, "we went through all that great and terrible wilderness, which ye saw by the way of the mountain of the Amorites, as the Lord our God commanded us; and we came to Kadesh-barnea." (Deuteronomy 1:19).

After arriving at Kadesh-barnea the children of Israel decided to send twelve men (spies) to search out the land before they would make an attempt to enter. The names of the twelve men are listed in Numbers 13:4-15. The twelve returned and reported that, "We came unto the land whither thou sentest us, and surely it floweth with milk and honey; and this is the fruit of it." (Numbers 13:27). However, they also observed that the land was filled with giants and the people were strong.

"Nevertheless the people be strong that dwell in the land, and the cities are walled, and very great: and moreover we saw the children of Anak there," the twelve reported. "The Amalekites dwell in the land of the south: and the Hittites, and the Jebusites, and the Amorites, dwell in the mountains: and the Canaanites dwell by the sea, and by the coast of Jordan." (Numbers 13:28, 29).

How did the children of Israel respond to this negative report? They murmured. (Numbers 14:2). That very night they made plans, not only that they would disobey the Lord and not go in and posses the land, but made plans to choose a new leader and return to Egypt. Today modern Israel has chosen "new" theology captains, and has returned to spiritual Babylon in the form of Ecumenical ties with the Roman Catholic Church and World Council of (Protestant) Churches.

"Would God that we had died in the land of Egypt," the congregation cried, "or would God we had died in this wilderness! And wherefore hath the Lord brought us unto this land, to fall by the sword, that our wives and our children should be a prey? Were it not better for us to return into Egypt?" (Numbers 14:1-3).

Joshua and Caleb tried to calm the congregation and said, "The land, which we passed through to search it, is an exceeding good land. Let us go up at once and possess it; for we are well able to overcome it." (Numbers 14:7; 13:30).

Did the children of Israel respond to Joshua and Caleb? No. They were firm in their decision to return to Egypt.

"Let us make a captain," they cried, "and let us return into Egypt." (Numbers 14:4, emphasis supplied).

"After the number of the days in which ye searched the land, even forty days, each day for a year, shall ye bear your iniquities, even forty years," the Lord said, "and ye shall know my breach of promise, the altering of my purpose." (Numbers 14:34, margin, emphasis supplied).

God fulfilled His promise to His people. They went into the promised land, but God's plan for His people was altered. Those who had come out of Egypt wandered forty years and perished in the wilderness. Only two who had come out of Egypt, Joshua and Caleb entered the promised land. Is there a lesson in that fact for us today? How many who came out of the great disappointment of 1844 were translated into the heavenly Canaan? God's first plan was that Moses was to lead the children of Israel into the promised land at Kadesh-barnea. God's plan was altered because the people "murmured" and refused to believe. In God's altered plan Joshua led the people into the promised land forty years later -- not at Kadesh-barnea but at Jericho! (Joshua 4:19).

Is it possible that God has also altered His plan for His remnant people? Yes. Modern Israel, the Seventh-day Adventist Church, came to a modern-day Kadesh-barnea at the 1888 General Conference session. Modern Israel also "murmured" against the "most precious message" that they should go in and possess the heavenly Canaan. But modern Israel also turned back. However, unlike ancient Israel, modern Israel has done worse. Modern Israel did not turn back toward Egypt -- but all the way back toward Spiritual Babylon!

"I saw that many who profess to believe the truth for these last days think it strange that the children of Israel murmured as they journeyed; that after the wonderful dealings of God with them, they should be so ungrateful as to forget what He had done for them," Ellen White wrote. "Said the angel: `Ye have done worse than they.'" (Testimonies for the Church, Vol. 1, page 129, emphasis supplied).

Notice it was the angel that said, "Ye have done worse than they." Again, the Scriptures state, "Now all these things happened unto them for ensamples: and they are written for our admonition, upon whom the ends of the world are come." (1 Corinthians 10:11).

It was God's original plan that His remnant people would be ready for translation and that Jesus should return before the beginning of the 20th century. As far back as 1878 Ellen White began to state that Jesus was about to return -- that the end of all things was at hand. These testimonies of the imminent return of Jesus continued throughout the 1880's. (See, 4T, p. 306; 5T. pp. 16, 18).

"We are standing, as it were, on the borders of the eternal world," Ellen White stated in 1885. (ibid., 5T, p. 382, emphasis supplied).

"We are standing upon the very verge of the eternal world. . .," Ellen White stated in 1888. (ibid., 5T, p. 460, emphasis supplied).

"This is the message that God commanded to be given to the world," Ellen White stated about the 1888 message. "It is the third angel's message, which is to be proclaimed with a loud voice, and attended with the outpouring of His Spirit in a large measure." (ibid., TM, p. 92, emphasis supplied).

"The time of test is just upon us," Ellen White wrote in 1892, "for the loud cry of the third angel has already begun." R&H, 11/22/92.

Observe that in 1892 Ellen White stated that, "The time of test is just upon us," and that the Loud Cry had begun with the 1888 message of righteousness by faith.

"The time of test is just upon us" was caused by the national Sunday Law that was almost passed in 1889. This proposed Sunday law did not pass because of the courageous effort in the U. S. Congress by A. T. Jones. What other conclusion could there be? In 1892 the end of all things had come. The test of a Sunday Law had nearly passed three years before. The loud cry had begun in the message given by Waggoner and Jones four years before this statement by Ellen White in 1892..

In 1903 the 1901 Constitution was abolished and the principles of Romanism prior to the 1901 Constitution were reestablished. Arthur G. Daniells, the first chairman of the General Conference Committee elected in 1901 considered himself to be the President, rather than a mere "chairman." At the 1903 General Conference session Daniells presented still another Constitution reinstating the office of President of the General Conference Although this 1903 subversive Constitution was opposed by a minority committee, the Constitution was passed and adopted. Daniells continued as President for over twenty years. (See, Neil C. Livingston, Chapter 2, "The Birth of an Image," The Greatest Conspiracy).

Ten days after the new subversive 1903 Constitution was voted, reverting the policies of the SDA Church back "in the track of Romanism," a key testimony came from the pen of inspiration. In this testimony the Seventh-day Adventist Church was now to be judged in the balances of the heavenly sanctuary.

"In the balances of the sanctuary the Seventh-day Adventist church is to be weighed," Ellen White wrote. "She will be judged by the privileges and advantages that she has had." ("Shall We Be Found Wanting," April 21, 1903, Testimonies for the Church, Vol. 8, page 247, emphasis supplied).

After the turn of the century key testimonies began to appear from the pen of inspiration. In 1901, rather than stating that we were at the very end of time, the pen of inspiration stated that, "We may have to remain here in this world...many more years." Not only that, but "as did the children of Israel." Ellen White even told us why we would have to remain many more years -- "because of insubordination."

"We may have to remain here in this world because of insubordination many more years as did the children of Israel," Ellen White wrote in 1901, "but for Christ's sake, His people should not add sin to sin by charging God with the consequence of their own wrong course of action." (Letter to Percy T. Magan, December 7, 1901; Manuscript Release, no. 184, 1901).

God has altered His end-time plan for the finishing of the work because the Church rejected the loud cry and the latter rain in the 1888 message, and because an image to the Papacy was established in the Church at the turn of the century. Even the Ellen G. White Estate admits that God's end-time plan has been altered:

"Obviously, she [Ellen White] believed that the end of the world was imminent," the White Estate compilers noted. "But Christ's return has been delayed. In 1901 Ellen White wrote, `We may have to remain here in this world because of insubordination many more years.'" (Compiler's Note, Ellen G. White Estate, "Marriage," Testimonies on Sexual Behavior, Adultery, and Divorce, page 13, emphasis supplied).

The third angel's message has been going to all the world for over one hundred and twelve years since these "imminent return" testimonies were written. Why has there been a delay in the Lord's coming? How do we explain these testimonies, prophecies that did not come to pass? Was Ellen White a false prophet? No, she was not a false prophet. We just do not understand the Bible and the Spirit of Prophecy as we should. We simply do not understand that God alters His plans according to the response of His people to present truth!

Is it possible that Adventists in the past have been mistaken by "how" prophecy would be fulfilled? Is it possible that we today may still be mistaken by our perception of "how" all things will end? Yes, it is possible. We must study the Bible and Spirit of Prophecy as never before, using the method of line upon line, precept upon precept, casting nothing aside, and taking time and place into consideration. Also in our study we should always remember "how the Lord has led us, and His teaching, in our past history." (Life Sketches, page 196).

In 1902 Ellen White stated that the Sealing would come before the shaking. "Just as soon as God's people are sealed and prepared for the shaking, it will come." (Manuscript Releases, Vol. 1, page 249; also Ms 173, 1902, pp. 3-6). Again note the date, 1902. What happened one year later in 1903. The General Conference threw out what they had voted in 1901 and reestablished the office of President of the General Conference, thus establishing an image to the Papacy. Ten days later Ellen White wrote the following testimony:

Our position in the world is not what it should be. We are far from where we should have been had our Christian experience been in harmony with the light and the opportunities given us, had we from the beginning constantly pressed on ward and upward. Had we walked in the light that has been given us, had we followed on to know the Lord, our path would have grown brighter and brighter. But many of those who have had special light are so conformed to the world that they can scarcely be distinguished from worldlings. They do not stand forth as God's peculiar people, chosen and precious. It is difficult to discern between him that serveth God and him that serveth Him not.

In the balances of the sanctuary the Seventh-day Adventist church is to be weighed. She will be judged by the privileges and advantages that she has had. If her spiritual experience does not correspond to the advantages that Christ, at infinite cost, has bestowed on her, if the blessings conferred have not qualified her to do the work entrusted to her, on her will be pronounced the sentence: "Found wanting." By the light bestowed, the opportunities given, will she be judged.

Ellen G. White, "Shall We Be Found Wanting?" Testimonies for the Church, Vol. 8, page 247, St. Helena, California, April 21, 1903. (emphasis supplied).

In 1901 Ellen White had stated, "We may have to remain here in this world because of insubordination many more years, as did the children of Israel, but for Christ's sake, His people should not add sin to sin by charging God with the consequence of their own wrong course of action." (Evangelism, page 696; Letter 184, 1901, emphasis supplied).

Now, because of our insubordination, because of the altering of God's divine purpose, the shaking comes before the sealing. Why is this? Because only the sealed ones will receive the Holy Spirit in latter rain power.

Not one of us will ever receive the seal of God while our characters have one spot or stain upon them. It is left with us to remedy the defects in our characters, to cleanse the soul temple of every defilement. Then the latter rain will fall upon us as the early rain fell upon the disciples on the Day of Pentecost.

(Ellen G. White, Testimonies for the Church, Vol. 5, page 214. (emphasis supplied).

Here Ellen White is talking about the seal of God. And when, with the help of God, the soul temple is cleansed of every defilement we will receive the seal of God. "Then the latter rain will fall upon us as the early rain fell upon the disciples on the Day of Pentecost."

"I asked the meaning of the shaking I had seen and was shown that it would be caused by the straight testimony called forth by the counsel of the True Witness to the Laodiceans. . .," Ellen White wrote. (Early Writings, page 270, emphasis supplied).

Who are the Laodiceans? The Seventh-day Adventist Church of course! "The message to the Laodicean church is highly applicable to us as a people. . .."

(7BC, p. 961; MS 33. 1894).

"The Laodicean message is applicable to the church at this time," Ellen White wrote. "Do you believe this message?" (Selected Messages, Bk. 1, page 92).

Yes, we believe this message. How will the Church respond to the straight testimony to the Laodiceans -- to the Seventh-day Adventist Church?

"Some will not bear this straight testimony," Ellen White concluded. "They will rise up against it, and this is what will cause a shaking among God's people." (ibid., EW, p. 270).

"They will rise up against it!" Why will the leadership rise up against the straight testimony? Because in the past fifty years an image of the Papacy has been established in the Seventh-day Adventist Church, and leadership has reached across the gulf to clasp hands with the harlot daughters of Babylon in the great Ecumenical Movement.. (See, Neil C. Livingston, Chapter 12, "The Ultimate Betrayal," also, Chapter 18, "The Invaders," The Greatest Conspiracy). The leadership of the SDA Church cannot "bear this straight testimony" because it would interfere with the relationship and doctrines held So Much In Common, "Between the Seventh-day Adventist Church and the World Council of Churches." (B. B. Beach and Lukas Vischur, World Council of Churches, Geneva, 1973; See adventist4truth.com).

Over one hundred years ago a clear picture of the apostasy that would develop in the Seventh-day Adventist Church in the time of shaking was given Ellen White. Carefully note each detail of the ten (10) points of apostasy and how these ten points correspond perfectly to the condition of the corporate SDA Church today:

The enemy of souls [Satan] has sought to bring in the supposition that a great [Ecumenism] reformation was to take place among Seventh-day Adventists, and that this [Ecumenism] reformation would consist in (1) giving up the doctrines which stand as the pillars of our faith, and engaging in a process of reorganization [Ecumenism]. Were this reformation [Ecumenism] to take place, what would result? (2) The principles of truth that God in His wisdom has given to the remnant church, would be discarded. Our religion would be changed. (3) The fundamental principles that have sustained the work for the last fifty years [historic Adventism] would be accounted as error. (4) A new [theology] organization would be established. (5) Books of a new [theology] order would be written. (5) A system of intellectual [higher education] philosophy would be introduced. (6) The founders of this [apostate] system would go into the cities, and do a wonderful work [1000 Days of Reaping]. (7) The Sabbath of course, would be lightly regarded, as also the God who created it. (8) Nothing would be allowed to stand in the way of the new [theology] movement [dissenters will be disfellowshipped]. (9) The leaders would teach that virtue is better than vice, but God being removed, they would place their dependence on human power [leadership], which, without God, is worthless. (10) Their foundation would be built on the sand, and storm and tempest would sweep away the structure.

Ellen G. White, Selected Messages, Bk. 1, pages 204, 205. (emphasis supplied).

Point #1:  "This reformation would consist in giving up the doctrines which stand as the pillars of our faith. . .."

This "reformation" by Seventh-day Adventist leadership came in the form of ecumenism. The first step toward this goal was taken in 1926 when the General Conference established their first official policy on ecumenism.

"In the desire to avoid occasion for misunderstanding or friction in the matter of relationship to the work of other societies, the following statement of principles are set forth as a guidance to our workers in mission fields in their contacts with other religious organizations," the General Conference voted in 1926. (General Conference Executive Committee, 1926).

#1. We recognize every agency that lifts up Christ before man as a part of the divine plan for the evangelization of the world, and we hold in high esteem the Christian men and women in other communions who are engaged in winning souls to Christ.

"Relationship To Other Societies," General Conference Executive Committee, 1926. (emphasis supplied).

Notice that the leadership of the Seventh-day Adventist Church "recognize every agency that lifts up Christ." This would include the Roman Catholic and apostate Protestant churches, evil spirit-filled Pentecostal churches. SDA leadership also recognizes these fallen churches of Babylon as "part of the divine plan for the evangelization of the world." Not what my Bible says! Neither can this premise be found in the Spirit of Prophecy. Indeed, the opposite is true:

"There is as great a difference in our faith and that of nominal professors, as the heavens are higher than the earth," Ellen White stated. (Spiritual Gifts, vol. 2, page 300, emphasis supplied). (See, Chapter 12, "The Ultimate Betrayal," The Greatest Conspiracy; adventist4truth.com).

Point #2:  "The principles of truth that God in His wisdom has given to the remnant church, would be discarded. Our religion would be changed."

"The principles of truth" have indeed been discarded. The truth on the human nature of Jesus Christ has been changed. The truth on the "final atonement" in the Heavenly Sanctuary has been changed. (See, Chapters 11 and 12, The Greatest Conspiracy). The truth on the "man of sin" in the original Fundamental Principles written by James White and Uriah Smith 1872-74, has been discarded in the new 27 Statements of Belief! (See, Chapter 7, "A Creed and a Church Manual," The Greatest Conspiracy). Our religion is now changed. Wedding rings are now permitted, and even permitted in the wedding ceremony! Pentecostal music is now performed in many worship services. A religion of "free grace" is now preached from nearly all denominational pulpits.

Point #3:  "The fundamental principles that have sustained the work for the last fifty years would be accounted as error."

Historic Adventism that "sustained the work for the last fifty years" (1844-1900) is now considered to be error. Many independent ministries, even some approved by the denomination (Amazing Facts and others), are now in existence because the denomination has given up the "straight testimony" in evangelism.

Point #4:  "A new organization would be established."

A new organization emphasizing Church authority is now established. An image of the Papacy has now been established in the Seventh-day Adventist Church. (See, Chapter 18, "The Invaders," The Greatest Conspiracy).

Point #5:  "A system of intellectual philosophy would be introduced."

A system of "intellectual philosophy" has been introduced. Note carefully the following article published in the Los Angeles Times:

Contrary to evolutionary theory, a literal reading of the Creation in the Bible makes animals and humans unrelated. But the creationist tradition seemed to present no religious basis for objection, and in fact, Adventist scholars who were interviewed said that evolutionary theory today is winning more adherents among church members-- particularly scientists and intellectuals." (Los Angeles Times, November 10, 1984. (emphasis supplied).

Higher education and intellectualism is now worshiped by the denomination. One need only to attend a few classes at any Seventh-day Adventist College or University to see that this statement is true.

Point #6:  "The founders of this system would go into the cities, and do a wonderful work."

"One Thousand Days of Reaping" and other contemporary methods of large city evangelism are now used. But with a false doctrine the evangelism is worthless.

"Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites!" Jesus said, "for ye compass sea and land to make one proselyte, and when he is made, ye make him twofold more the child of hell than yourselves." (Matthew 23:15).

Point #7:  "The Sabbath of course, would be lightly regarded, as also the God who created it."

"The Lord has a controversy with his professed people. . .. They [SDA leadership] will not only ignore and despise the Sabbath themselves, but they [SDA leadership] will try to keep it from others by burying it beneath the rubbish of custom and tradition." Ellen White stated. "In churches and in large gatherings in the open air, [SDA] ministers will urge upon the people the necessity of keeping the first day of the week." (ibid., Review and Herald, March 18, 1884, emphasis supplied).

Point #8:  "Nothing would be allowed to stand in the way of the new movement."

Nothing would be allowed to stand in the way of the new theology. Dissenters have been disfellowshipped (excommunicated). When the "new movement" began in earnest in 1955-56 M. L. Andreasen protested and his ministerial credentials were revoked. (See, M. L. Andreasen, Letters to the Churches, adventist4truth.com; also, Virginia Steinweg, "Clouds on the Evening Horizon," Without Fear or Favor). In the forty years since Andreasen stood alone, many ministerial credentials have been revoked for the same protest against the new theology.

Point #9:  "The leaders would teach that virtue is better than vice, but God being removed, they would place their dependence on human power, which, without God, is worthless."

"Now it has been Satan's determined purpose to eclipse the view of Jesus, and lead men to look to man, and trust to man, and be educated to expect help from man," Ellen White stated. (Letter 57, 1895; also, Testimonies to Ministers, pages 93, 94, emphasis supplied).

"For years the church has been looking to man and expecting much from man, but not looking to Jesus, in whom our hopes of eternal life are centered," Ellen White concluded. "Therefore [for that reason] God gave to His servants [Jones and Waggoner--1888] a testimony that presented the truth as it is in Jesus, which is the third angel's message, in clear, distinct lines." (ibid., TM, pp. 93, 94, emphasis supplied).

In this time of shaking the contemporary Seventh-day Adventist Church, like the Roman Catholic Church, places their total "dependence on human power." Ellen White observed that this policy is "without God" and "is worthless."

Point #10: "Their foundation would be built on the sand, and storm and tempest would sweep away the structure."

With this policy of looking to man and human power, the SDA Church is now built on a "foundation of sand." Will "storm and tempest" sweep away the structure?

"Soon God's people will be tested by fiery trials, and the great proportion of those who now appear to be genuine and true will prove to be base metal," Ellen White continued. "Instead of being strengthened and confirmed by opposition, threats, and abuse, they will cowardly take the side of the opposers." (ibid., 5T, p. 136).

Notice that a "great proportion of those who now appear to be genuine and true will prove to be base metal." Will leadership actually "take the side of the opposers?"

"No superiority of rank, dignity, or worldly wisdom, no position in sacred office, will preserve men from sacrificing principle when left to their own deceitful hearts," Ellen White replies. "Those who have been regarded as worthy and righteous prove to be ring-leaders in apostasy and examples in indifference and in the abuse of God's mercies." ("The Seal of God," Testimonies for the Church, Vol. 5, page 212, emphasis supplied).

The true people of God, who have the spirit of the work of the Lord and the salvation of souls at heart, will ever view sin in its real, sinful character. They will always be on the side of faithful and plain dealing with sins which easily beset the people of God. Especially in the closing work for the church, in the sealing time of the one hundred and forty-four thousand, who are to stand without fault before the throne of God, will they feel most deeply the wrongs of God's professed people. This is forcibly set forth by the prophet's illustration of the last work under the figure of the men, each having a slaughter weapon in his hand. One man among them was clothed with linen, with a writer's inkhorn by his side. "And the Lord said unto him, Go through the midst of the city [Church], through the midst of Jerusalem [Church], and set a mark upon the foreheads of the men that sigh and that cry for the abominations that be done in the midst thereof."

Ellen G. White, Second Advent Review and Sabbath Herald, September 23, 1873; also June 8, 1886. (emphasis supplied).

Only those who stand for truth and give a straight testimony will be sealed. Only those who "sigh and cry" over the abominations in the Church will be sealed

"These sighing, crying ones had been holding forth the words of life; they had reproved, counseled, and entreated," Ellen White commented. "Some who had been dishonoring God repented and humbled their hearts before Him. But the glory of the Lord had departed from Israel [SDA Church]; although many still continued the forms of religion, His power and presence were lacking." (Testimonies for the Church, Vol. 5, page 210, emphasis supplied).

1.  What was the result of the witness of the "sighing and crying ones" to the world-loving Seventh-day Adventists?

Answer

"Some who had been dishonoring God repented and humbled their hearts before Him," Ellen White replies. (ibid., emphasis supplied).

2.  What does the Lord say about the Seventh-day Adventist denomination at this time "just prior to the close of probation?"

Answer

"But the glory of the Lord had departed from Israel [Church]," Ellen White replies again, "although many still continued the forms of religion, His power and presence were lacking." (ibid., "The Seal of God," Testimonies for the Church, Vol. 5, page 210, emphasis supplied)..

Notice that there are two classes of people in the Seventh-day Adventist Church near the close of probation. There are the "few" and the "many."

1.  "Some who had been dishonoring God repented and humbled their hearts before Him."

2.  "...although many still continued the forms of religion. . .."

Here we see a sad picture of the end-time corporate Church. The "some" who repented, and the "many" who still continued the "forms of religion" But while the "many" in the SDA Church continued in a form of godliness "the glory of the Lord had departed from Israel [Church]" and "His power and presence were lacking." (ibid., 5T, p. 210).

1.  What did the apostle Paul predict about the end-time Church?

Answer

"Having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof." (2 Timothy 3:5).

2.  What was Paul's advice?

Answer

"From such turn away." (ibid.).

Of course, Seventh-day Adventists have always applied these texts to the Sunday-keeping Churches of Babylon. However, the Spirit of Prophecy applies these Scriptures to the Seventh-day Adventist Church.

"`My Father's house is made a house of merchandise, a place whence the divine presence and glory have departed!'" the Heavenly Being said to Ellen White. "`For this cause there is weakness, and strength is lacking.'" (Testimonies for the Church, Vol. 8, page 250, emphasis supplied).

Then the Heavenly Being asks an astounding question regarding the Seventh-day Adventist Church:

"`How is the faithful city [SDA Church] become an harlot?'" (ibid., 8T, p. 250).

It is not only possible but has come to pass, dear reader, that leadership has apostatized. Leadership and "Those who have been regarded as worthy and righteous prove to be ring-leaders in apostasy " What then is our duty in this time of shaking?

"To stand in defense of truth and righteousness when the majority forsake us, to fight the battles of the Lord when champions are few -- this will be our test," Ellen White counseled. "At this time we must gather warmth from the coldness of others, courage from their cowardice, and loyalty from their treason." (ibid., 5T, p. 136, emphasis supplied).

"And after these things I saw four angels standing on the four corners of the earth," the apostle John wrote, "holding the four winds of the earth, that the wind should not blow on the earth, nor on the sea, nor on any tree.". (Revelation 7:1, emphasis supplied).

"And I saw another angel ascending from the east, having the seal of the living God: and he cried with a loud voice to the four angels, to whom it was given to hurt the earth and the sea," John continued, then quoted the words of the angel, "Saying, `Hurt not the earth, neither the sea, nor the trees, till we have sealed the servants of our God in their foreheads.'" (Revelation 7:2, 3, emphasis supplied).

"The great day of God is hasting greatly," Ellen White commented on Revelation 7:1-3. "But although the nations are mustering their forces for war and bloodshed, the command to the angels is still in force, that they hold the four winds until the servants of God are sealed in their foreheads." (Review and Herald, January 28, 1909, emphasis supplied).

Notice that this testimony was written (1909) just five years prior to the beginning of World War I, which began in 1914. At that hour in 1909 it was true that "the nations are mustering their forces for war and bloodshed." World War II would soon follow. Then the Korean and Vietnam wars. Yet the angels are still holding "the four winds until the servants of God are sealed in their foreheads."

"I saw that the anger of the nations, the wrath of God, and the time to judge the dead were separate and distinct, one following the other," Ellen White wrote, "also that Michael had not stood up, and that the time of trouble, such as never was, had not yet commenced." (Early Writings, page 36, emphasis supplied).

We are living, dear reader, in the time of the sealing, just prior to the close of human probation. (Dan. 12:1).. The shaking time has already begun in the straight testimony of the message. From the clear statements in Scripture and the Spirit of Prophecy, and observing the signs in the world and in the Church, beyond question, we are now living in the time of the sealing.

"Jesus is about to leave the mercy seat of the heavenly sanctuary," Ellen White commented, "to put on garments of vengeance and pour out His wrath [seven last plagues] in judgments upon those who have not responded to the light God has given them." ("The Seal of God," Testimonies for the Church, Vol. 5, pages 207, 208, emphasis supplied).

First note that the above quotation is taken from a Testimony titled, "The Seal of God." After quoting Ezekiel 9:1, 3b-6, Ellen White identified the time for the fulfillment of the sealing. Notice that the time-frame of this prophecy is just prior to the close of human probation, after which the "wrath of God," the seven last plagues are poured out. Jesus will then "put on garments of vengeance and pour out His wrath in judgments upon those who have not responded to the light God has given them." The seven last plagues are the wrath of God.

"And I saw another sign in heaven, great and marvellous," the apostle John wrote, "seven angels having the seven last plagues; for in them is filled up the wrath of God." (Revelation 15:1, emphasis supplied).

"Those who would have the seal of God in their foreheads must keep the Sabbath of the fourth commandment," Ellen White stated. "This is what distinguishes them from the disloyal, who have accepted a man-made institution in the place of the true Sabbath." (Manuscript 27, 1899, emphasis supplied).

"Oh, that is easy," you say. "We have always faithfully kept the Sabbath by attending Sabbath School and Church services." But will you keep the Sabbath, dear reader, when it is forbidden? When you can no longer "buy or sell" if you do not accept Sunday? (Rev. 13:17). If faithful, you will lose all your toys, dear Adventist friend! You will lose your motor homes, boats, motor bikes, wave-runners, snowmobiles, and other devices of pleasure. You will undoubtedly lose your fine job, and you will even lose your beautiful home with all its modern conveniences. You must be sealed, dear reader, so that you will be faithful to the Sabbath, even under the threat of death! (Rev. 13:15).

"The observance of God's rest day," Ellen White concluded, "is the mark of distinction between him that serveth God and him that serveth Him not." (ibid. Manuscript 27, 1899, emphasis supplied).

Undoubtedly, all Seventh-day Adventists want the Seal of God placed in their forehead. We have learned that the Sabbath is the Seal of God. Further, the sealed ones are identified as those who "keep the commandments of God, and have the faith of Jesus." (Rev. 14:12).

"And he (the angel] said to me, `These [144,000] are they which came out of great tribulation,'" John quoted the angel, "`and have washed their robes, and made them white in the blood of the Lamb.'" (Revelation 7:14, emphasis supplied).

The benediction pronounced upon those who keep God's law is, "Blessed are they that do his commandments, that they may have right to the tree of life, and may enter in through the gates into the city." (Rev.22:14). "And I looked, and, lo, a Lamb stood on the Mount Zion, and with him an hundred forty and four thousand, having his Father's name written in their foreheads." (Rev. 14:1). "Here is the patience of the saints: here are they that keep the commandments of God, and the faith of Jesus." (Rev. 14:12).

Ellen G. White, Advent Review and Sabbath Herald, August 31, 1897.

There are many Bible and Spirit of Prophecy descriptions of the character required to be numbered among the 144,000. The above Scriptures state that they (1) "keep the commandments of God," (2) they have "the faith of Jesus, (3) they "have washed their robes, and made them white in the blood of the Lamb," (4) they will be those who have "gotten the victory over the beast, and over his image, and over his mark, and over the number of his name." (Rev. 15:2). To get the victory over the beast and over his mark they must be living at the time the mark of the beast is enforced!

Ellen White stated about the sealing "of the one hundred and forty-four thousand," that they would be those "who are to stand without fault before the throne of God." (R&H, 9/23/1873; also, R&H, 6/8/1886). "The hundred and forty and four thousand. . .were redeemed from among men." (GC, p. 648).

"They have passed through the time of trouble such as never was since there was a nation;" Ellen White stated, "they have endured the anguish of the time of Jacob's trouble; they have stood without an intercessor through the final outpouring of God's judgments." (ibid., The Great Controversy, page 649,.emphasis supplied).

"They [144,000] have seen the earth wasted with famine and pestilence, the sun having power to scorch men with great heat, and they themselves have endured suffering, hunger, and thirst," Ellen White continued. "But "they shall hunger no more, neither thirst any more; neither shall the sun light on them, nor any heat. Revelation 7:14-17." (ibid., GC, p. 649, emphasis supplied).

"In the midst of a world by its iniquity doomed to destruction, Enoch lived a life of such close communion with God that he was not permitted to fall under the power of death," Ellen White wrote.. "The godly character of this prophet represents the state of holiness which must be attained by those who shall be `redeemed from the earth' (Revelation 14:3) at the time of Christ's second advent." (Patriarchs and Prophets, pages 88, 89).

"Then, as in the world before the Flood, iniquity will prevail," Ellen White continued. "Following the promptings of their corrupt hearts and the teachings of a deceptive philosophy, men will rebel against the authority of Heaven." (ibid., Patriarchs and Prophets, pages 88, 89, emphasis supplied).

"But like Enoch, God's people will seek for purity of heart and conformity to His will, until they shall reflect the likeness of Christ," Ellen White stated. "Like Enoch, they will warn the world of the Lord's second coming and of the judgments to be visited upon transgression, and by their holy conversation and example they will condemn the sins of the ungodly." ((ibid., Patriarchs and Prophets, pages 88, 89, emphasis supplied).

"As Enoch was translated to heaven before the destruction of the world by water," Ellen White stated, "so the living righteous will be translated from the earth before its destruction by fire. . .." (ibid., Patriarchs and Prophets, pages 88, 89, emphasis supplied).

The 144,000 who "having been translated from the earth, from among the living, are counted as `the first fruits unto God and to the Lamb.' Revelation 15:2, 3; 14:1-5." (ibid., GC, p. 648, emphasis supplied).

"And I saw as it were a sea of glass mingled with fire: and them that had gotten the victory over the beast, and over his image, and over his mark, and over the number of his name, stand on the sea of glass, having the harps of God." (Revelation 15:2, emphasis supplied).

"Here on the sea of glass the 144,000 stood in a perfect square," Ellen White stated. (Early Writings, page 16).

Upon the crystal sea before the throne, that sea of glass as it were mingled with fire, -- so resplendent is it with the glory of God, -- are gathered the company that have "gotten the victory over the beast, and over his image, and over his mark, and over the number of his name." With the Lamb upon Mount Zion, "having the harps of God," they stand, the hundred and forty and four thousand that were redeemed from among men; and there is heard, as the sound of many waters, and as the sound of a great thunder, "the voice of harpers harping with their harps."

ibid., Ellen G. White, "God's People Delivered," The Great Controversy, pages 648, 649. (emphasis supplied).

You ask, "Do you mean there will only be 144,000 people saved?" No, indeed. John saw a great multitude that no man could number standing before the throne. The 144,000 are those who are "translated" from among the living without seeing death.

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

Notice that this Scripture says nothing about the great multitude standing on the sea of glass. The great multitude stand before the throne, but only the 144,000 stand on the sea of glass. "Upon the crystal sea before the throne, that sea of glass as it were mingled with fire. . .they stand, the hundred and forty and four thousand that were redeemed from among men. . .." (ibid., GC, pp. 648, 649).

"And they sing the song of Moses the servant of God, and the song of the Lamb, saying, Great and marvellous are thy works, Lord God Almighty; just and true are thy ways, thou King of saints." (Revelation 15:3).

And they sing "a new song" before the throne, a song which no man can learn save the hundred and forty and four thousand," Ellen White wrote. "It is the song of Moses and the Lamb -- a song of deliverance. None but the hundred and forty-four thousand can learn that song; for it is the song of their experience -- an experience such as no other company have ever had.

ibid., Ellen G. White, "God's People Delivered," The Great Controversy, pages 648, 649. (emphasis supplied).

"I have no light on the subject [as to just who would constitute the 144,000]," Ellen White stated. "Please tell my brethren that I have nothing presented before me regarding the circumstances concerning which they write, and I can set before them only that which has been presented to me." (Quoted in a letter by C. C. Crisler to E. E. Andross, Dec. 8, 1914. (In White Estate Document File, Number 164; See, Selected Messages, Bk. 3, page 51, emphasis supplied).

Notice that Ellen White states "I can set before them only that which has been presented to me." Thus she was faithful to the gift of prophecy. We also cannot comment or speculate on that which is not revealed in Scripture or the Spirit of Prophecy. The question, Who, what individuals, will be numbered among the 144,000, is not revealed. Such questions as this is a side issue. Ellen White gave good counsel on this subject in relation to "Who is to compose the hundred and forty-four thousand":

Christ says that there will be those in the church who will present fables and suppositions, when God has given grand, elevating, ennobling truths, which should ever be kept in the treasure house of the mind. When men pick up this theory and that theory, when they are curious to know something it is not necessary for them to know, God is not leading them. It is not His plan that His people shall present something which they have to suppose, which is not taught in the Word. It is not His will that they shall get into controversy over questions which will not help them spiritually, such as, Who is to compose the hundred and forty-four thousand. This those who are the elect of God will in a short time know without question.

Ellen G. White, Selected Messages, Bk. 1, page 174; See also, Seventh-day Adventist Bible Commentary, Vol. 7, page 978.

Notice the sage advice "This those who are the elect of God will in a short time know without question." We would do well to heed this sound advice, not only on the question of, Who will be numbered among the 144,000?, but also other obscura questions that do not involve our preparation for the final crisis. This does not mean, however, that we cannot study that which is revealed.

"The secret things belong unto the Lord our God: but those things which are revealed belong unto us and to our children for ever, that we may do all the words of this law." (Deuteronomy 29:29, emphasis supplied).

"One brother held that the one thousand years of the twentieth chapter of Revelation were in the past," Ellen White wrote, "and that the one hundred and forty-four thousand mentioned in the seventh and fourteenth chapters of Revelation, were those raised at Christ's resurrection." (Life Sketches, page 110, emphasis supplied).

There have been many theories presented on the subject of the 144,000. However, as stated before, we are only interested in Bible and Spirit of Prophecy interpretation of these last day events.

Some pioneer Adventist presented the concept that those who died under the third angel's message would be counted "among" the 144,000. (Uriah Smith, R&H, 8/10/97). Today we can understand how pioneer Adventists could believe this erroneous concept because one hundred and fifty years ago there were only 3, 500 Adventists. At that time the pioneers wondered, "Where would the Lord find 144,000?"

"From the light given her in 1844 in her first vision, there were 144,000 `living saints' who would greet their Lord at His second coming (EW, p. 15)," Arthur L. White wrote. "The records indicate only 50,000 to 100,000 were awaiting His coming in 1844." (EGW: The Early Years, page 261).

Although there were fifty to one hundred thousand who were awaiting the Lord's coming in 1844, almost all left the movement after the Great Disappointment of October 22, 1844. Nineteen years later (1863) there were only 3,500 Adventists worldwide.

"Expansion into the Midwest swelled church membership to 3,500 by 1863." (Seventh-day Adventist Dictionary, Art. SDA Church "History"). "Where would the Lord find 144,000 to be sealed unless it included those who had fallen asleep under the third angel's message?" Pioneer Adventists reasoned. Not only that, but seven years before the turn of the century Ellen White made the "solemn" observation that "Not one in twenty" were ready to meet the Lord -- that one in twenty of those who were registered upon the church books in 1893 were "without God and without hope in the world as the common sinner."

"It is a solemn statement that I make to the church," Ellen White stated in 1893, "that not one in twenty whose names are registered upon the church books are prepared to close their earthly history, and would be as verily without God and without hope in the world as the common sinner." (General Conference Daily Bulletin, February 4, 1893, page 133; Christian Service, page 41, emphasis supplied).

If the 1893 North America membership of 803,015 members were divided by "not one in twenty," the number left for sealing would be only around forty (40) thousand souls! Again, where would the Lord find 144,000?

Ellen White WITH Not AMONG 144,000

I begged of my attending angel to let me remain in that place. I could not bear the thought of coming back to this dark world again. Then the angel said, "You must go back, and if you are faithful, you, with the 144,000, shall have the privilege of visiting all the worlds and viewing the handiwork of God."

Ellen G. White, Early Writings, page 40. (emphasis supplied).

"The wording is `You with the 144,000,' not `You as one of the 144,000,'" Arthur L. White noted. (Ellen G. White -- The Early Years, Vol.1, 1827-1862, page 157).

In a subtitle, "Death Invades the Camp," Arthur White related the story of a faithful Seventh-day Adventist woman who had died suddenly. Ellen White stated that the Lord had shown her that this faithful woman would be raised in the special resurrection and be numbered "with" not "among" the 144,000.

"While residing at Oswego, James and Ellen White received word of the sudden death of Mrs. Elvira Hastings, wife of Leonard Hastings, of New Ipswich, New Hampshire, on February 28," Arthur White wrote. "She was 42, the mother of four children, and a very devoted believer in the Sabbath and the Second Advent." (ibid., EGW, The Early Years, Vol. 1 -- 1827-1862, page 173).

"Her death, caused by a ruptured appendix, called from James and Ellen letters of sympathy, written on March 18," Arthur White continued. "Ellen opened her letter to the bereaved husband and father [second paragraph]:" (ibid., EGW, The Early Years, Vol. 1 -- 1827-1862, page 173).

I saw that she was sealed and would come up at the voice of God and stand upon the earth, and would be with the 144,000. I saw we need not mourn for her; she would rest in the time of trouble, and all that we could mourn for was our loss in being deprived of her company. I saw her death would result in good.--Letter 10, 1850.

Ellen G. White, The Faith I Live By, page 173. (emphasis supplied).

"The wording was similar to that spoken by the angel to Ellen White in the vision in which she seemed to be visiting another planet," Arthur White again noted. "She was reluctant to return to the earth and the angel said to her, `You must go back, and if you are faithful, you, with the 144,000, shall have the privilege of visiting all the worlds.' Early Writings, page 40." (ibid., EGW, The Early Years, Vol. 1 -- 1827-1862, page 173).

Uriah Smith and other pioneer Seventh-day Adventists who believed that, those who died under the third angel's message will be numbered "among" the 144,000, drew their conclusion from two observations. (1) The statement in Revelation 14:13b; "Blessed are the dead which die in the Lord from henceforth: Yea, saith the Spirit, that they may rest from their labours; and their works do follow them." (2) The fact that the total number of Seventh-day Adventists alive at that time was far less than 144,000.

However, from these Spirit of Prophecy statements is seems clear that those faithful who rest in the grave under the third angel's message, i.e., "from henceforth," along, "with the 144,000, shall have the privilege of visiting all the worlds and viewing the handiwork of God." (Early Writings, page 40). What a wonderful reward the Lord has planned for those faithful Seventh-day Adventists who have labored to present the straight testimony of the thee angel's messages to a perishing world. Think of it, dear reader, to travel throughout the vast universe with Jesus, either as one of the 144,000, or as one of the faithful who sleep under the blessing of the three angel's messages!

"There is no tension between this and Ellen White's clear statement in the Great Controversy," Arthur White concluded, "that this special company [144,000] were those translated without seeing death (See GC, PP. 648, 649)." (ibid., EGW, The Early Years, Vol. 1 -- 1827-1862, page 173).

"And I heard the number of them which were sealed:" John wrote, "and there were sealed an hundred and forty and four thousand of all the tribes of the children of [Spiritual] Israel." (Revelation 7:4, emphasis supplied).

"The 144,000 were all sealed and perfectly united," Ellen White wrote. "On their foreheads was written, God, New Jerusalem, and a glorious star containing Jesus' new name." (Early Writings, page 15, emphasis supplied).

"The living saints, 144,000 in number, knew and understood the voice," Ellen White wrote, "while the wicked thought it was thunder and an earthquake." (Early Writings, pages 15, emphasis supplied).

. "The 144,000 triumphed," Ellen White stated. "Their faces were lighted up with the glory of God." (Early Writings, page 36, emphasis supplied).

"The 144,000 shouted, `Alleluia!' as they recognized their friends who had been torn from them by death. . .." (Early Writings, page 16), emphasis supplied.

"Here on the sea of glass the 144,000 stood in a perfect square. . .." (Early Writings, page 16, emphasis supplied).

"And as we were about to enter the holy temple, Jesus raised His lovely voice and said, `Only the 144,000 enter this place,' and we shouted, `Alleluia.'" (Early Writings, page 19, emphasis supplied).

"I saw there tables of stone in which the names of the 144,000 were engraved in letters of gold." (Early Writings, pages 19; see also, Testimonies for the Church, Vol. 1, page 69, emphasis supplied).

According to these Bible and Spirit of Prophecy statements, the number sealed is 144,000. Is this a literal number? Evidently so, for there is other testimony to substantiate this conclusion. (See below, Chapter 5, "The Living Saints in the Time of Trouble"). This statement by Ellen White refers to the "living saints" during the seven last plagues, or time of trouble. The other Spirit of Prophecy statements on the literal number 144,000 also refer to the time of the seven last plagues and the triumph and reward of the saints. We will quote these clear statements again when we comment on those end-time events.

The true people of God, who have the spirit of the work of the Lord and the salvation of souls at heart, will ever view sin in its real, sinful character. They will always be on the side of faithful and plain dealing with sins which easily beset the people of God. Especially in the closing work for the church, in the sealing time of the one hundred and forty-four thousand, who are to stand without fault before the throne of God, will they feel most deeply the wrongs of God's professed people. This is forcibly set forth by the prophet's illustration of the last work under the figure of the men, each having a slaughter weapon in his hand. One man among them was clothed with linen, with a writer's inkhorn by his side. "And the Lord said unto him, Go through the midst of the city, through the midst of Jerusalem, and set a mark upon the foreheads of the men that sigh and that cry for the abominations that be done in the midst thereof."

Ellen G. White, Second Advent Review and Sabbath Herald, September 23, 1873; also June 8, 1886. (emphasis supplied).

What is the time-frame of this prophecy? "Especially in the closing work for the church, in the sealing time of the one hundred and forty-four thousand, who are to stand without fault before the throne of God." Notice that Ellen White called this "the last work." What will God's true people feel at this time? They will "feel most deeply the wrongs of God's professed people." The sealing angel will then "set a mark upon the foreheads of the men [and women] that sigh and that cry for the abominations that be done in the midst thereof."

Again, only those, dear reader, who stand for truth and give a straight testimony will be sealed. Only those who "sigh and cry" over the abominations in the Church will be sealed

"At the time when the danger and depression of the church are greatest, the little company who are standing in the light will be sighing and crying for the abominations that are done in the land," Ellen White prophesied. "But more especially will their prayers arise in behalf of the church because its members are doing after the manner of the world." (Testimonies for the Church, Vol. 5, pages 209, 210, emphasis supplied).

"When the danger and depression of the church are greatest." Without doubt this is the hour in which we now live. Notice that God's true people at this time are referred to as "the little company." And what is the little company doing at this time when the danger and depression of the church are greatest? The little company are "standing in the light. . .sighing and crying for the abominations that are done in the land." Only the little company who are sighing and crying over the abominations done in the Church will receive the seal of God.

"The seal of God will be placed upon the foreheads of those only who sigh and cry for the abominations done in the land [Church]. . .," Ellen White stated. "The class who do not feel grieved over their own spiritual declension, nor mourn over the sins of others, will be left without the seal of God. . .." (ibid., Testimonies for the Church, Vol. 5, pages 212, 211, emphasis supplied).

Those left without the seal of God will not then be trusted with the work. Those without the seal of God will not receive the latter rain.

"Repent ye therefore, and be converted," the apostle Peter prophesi