Ellen G White on Daniel and Revelation...
james.wa...@elf.mcgill.ca
here are a few quotes from Ellen G. White that I found pertainnant
interesting for our study...
Brethren, the Lord calls for copartnership in his work. He desires us
to enlist our interests in his cause, as Daniel did. We should receive
great benefits from a study of the book of Daniel in connection with
the Revelation. Daniel studied the prophecies. He earnestly sought to
know their meaning. He prayed and fasted for heavenly light. And the
glory of God was revealed to him in even greater measure than he could
endure. We are in equal need of divine illumination. God has called us
to give the last message of warning to the world. There will be voices
heard on every side to divert the attention of God's people with new
theories. We need to give the trumpet a certain sound. We do not half
realize what is before us. If the books of Daniel and the Revelation
were studied with earnest prayer, we should have a better knowledge of
the perils of the last days, and would be better prepared for the work
before us--we should be prepared to unite with Christ and to work in
his lines. [Review and Herald, February 9, 1897 par. 13]
God has chosen a people who are to proclaim the third angel's message
to the world. They are to be a separate and peculiar people in this
world of churches who are transgressing his commandments. We have a
special work to do to prepare the people for the greatest event the
world has ever seen. The books of Daniel and Revelation are of great
consequence to us, and should be studied with great earnestness.
[Review and Herald, June 21, 1898 par. 38]
The solemn messages that have been given in their order in the
Revelation are to occupy the first place in the minds of God's people.
Nothing else is to be allowed to engross our attention. [Testimonies
vol. 8, 302.1]
In the Revelation all the books of the Bible meet and end. Here is the
complement of the book of Daniel. One is a prophecy; the other a
revelation. [The Acts of the Apostles, 585.]
The book of Revelation, in connection with the book of Daniel, demands
close study. Let every God-fearing teacher consider how most clearly to
comprehend and present the Gospel that our Saviour came in person to
make known to His servant John,--"The revelation of Jesus Christ, which
God gave unto Him, to show unto His servants things which must shortly
come to pass." None should become discouraged in their study of
Revelation because of its apparently mystical symbols. "If any of you
lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and
upbraideth not." "Blessed is he that readeth, and they that hear the
words of this prophecy, and keep those things which are written
therein; for the time is at hand." We are to proclaim to the world the
great and solemn truths contained in the book of Revelation. Into the
very designs and principles of the church of God these truths are to
enter. There should be a closer and more diligent study of this book, a
more earnest presentation of the truths it contains, truths which
concern all who are living in these last days. All who are preparing to
meet their Lord should make this book the subject of earnest study and
prayer. It is just what its name signifies,--a revelation of the most
important events that are to take place in the last days of this
earth's history. John, because of his faithful trust in the word of
God, and the testimony of Christ, was banished to the Isle of Patmos.
But his banishment did not separate him from Christ. The Lord visited
His faithful servant in his banishment, and gave him instruction
regarding what was to come upon the world. [Signs of the Time, July 4,
1906 par. 2]
As a people and as individuals we need to have a deeper sense of our
duty to God and our responsibility to the world. There should be more
earnest study of the Scriptures. I have been deeply impressed with the
importance of studying the book of Daniel in connection with the
smaller prophets, especially Malachi. And we need to give careful
attention also to the lessons taught in the building of the tabernacle
and the temple, and in the temple service. Through the prophets God has
given a delineation of what will come to pass in the last days of this
earth's history, and the Jewish economy is full of instruction for us.
[Review and Herald, November 10, 1896 par. 11]
When the books of Daniel and Revelation are better understood,
believers will have an entirely different religious experience. They
will be given such glimpses of the open gates of heaven that heart and
mind will be impressed with the character that all must develop in
order to realize the blessedness which is to be the reward of the pure
in heart. The Lord will bless all who will seek humbly and meekly to
understand that which is revealed in the Revelation. This book contains
so much that is large with immortality and full of glory that all who
read and search it earnestly receive the blessing to those "that hear
the words of this prophecy, and keep those things which are written
therein." One thing will certainly be understood from the study of
Revelation--that the connection between God and His people is close and
decided. [The Faith I Live By 345.3]
Hundreds of commentaries have been written upon the gospel by men who
are called great, and as we near the closing scenes of this earth's
history still more wonderful representations will be made. We need to
study the scriptures with humble, contrite hearts. Those who will
devote their powers to the study of God's word, and especially the
prophecies referring to these last days, will be rewarded by the
discovery of important truths. The last book of the New Testament
scriptures is full of truths that need to be understood. Satan has
blinded the eyes of men, and they have been glad of any excuse for not
making a study of this book. Here Christ has declared through His
servant John what shall be in the last days. [Bible Training School,
January 1, 1913 par. 2]
God designs that the message of redemption shall come to His people as
the latter rain; for they are fast losing their connection with God.
They are trusting in men, and glorifying men, and their strength is
proportionate to the strength of their dependence. We are to know more
than we know at the present time. We are to comprehend the deep things
of God. There are themes to be dwelt upon which are worthy of more than
a passing notice. Angels have desired to look into the truths which are
revealed to those who are searching God's Word with contrite hearts.
Those who will devote their powers to the study of God's Word, and
especially to the prophecies referring to these last days, will be
rewarded by the discovery of important truths. The last book of the New
Testament Scriptures is full of truths that need to be understood.
Satan has blinded the eyes of men, and they have been glad of any
excuse for not studying this book. But here Christ has declared through
His servant John what shall be in the last days. [Signs of the Times,
April 18, 1900 par. 9]
I hope these quotes will be a blessing to all and will encourage us to
continually strive to understand God's Word, especially in the area of
prophecy, even more.
God bless and keep you sisters and brothers...
In Christ,
James