"And he had in his hand a little book open: and he set his right foot upon the sea, and his left foot on the earth" (Revelation 10:2).

"The book that was sealed is not the Revelation, but that portion of the prophecy of Daniel relating to the last days."–The Acts of the Apostles, p. 585.

Suggested Readings: Selected Messages, bk. 1, pp. 185—192.
The Great Controversy, pp. 455—460.

Sunday July 29

1. THE BOOK OF DANIEL

a. When the vision about the final events was given to the prophet Daniel, what did the angel say to him? Daniel 8:26; 12:4.

"The book that was sealed was not the book of Revelation, but that portion of the prophecy of Daniel which related to the last days."–Selected Messages, bk. 2, p. 105.

"[Daniel’s] wonderful prophecies, as recorded by him in chapters 7 to 12 of the book bearing his name, were not fully understood even by the prophet himself; but before his life labors closed, he was given the blessed assurance that ‘at the end of the days’–in the closing period of this world’s history–he would again be permitted to stand in his lot and place."–Prophets and Kings, p. 547.

b. Although the prophecies of Daniel were not understood in his time, what was predicted? Daniel 12:10.

"As we near the close of this world’s history, the prophecies recorded by Daniel demand our special attention, as they relate to the very time in which we are living." –The Acts of the Apostles, p. 547.

Monday July 30

2. DANIEL IN THE REVELATION

a. What did John see after he had described the events connected with the sixth trumpet? Revelation 10:1, 2.

"The mighty Angel who instructed John was no less a personage than Jesus Christ. Setting His right foot on the sea, and His left upon the dry land, shows the part which He is acting in the closing scenes of the great controversy with Satan. This position denotes His supreme power and authority over the whole earth."–The SDA Bible Commentary [E. G. White Comments], vol. 7, p. 971.

b. Why is the study of the book of Revelation so important? Revelation 22:10.

"The Lord Himself revealed to His servant John the mysteries of the book of Revelation, and He designs that they shall be open to the study of all. In this book are depicted scenes that are now in the past, and some of eternal interest that are taking place around us; other of its prophecies will not receive their complete fulfillment until the close of time, when the last great conflict between the powers of darkness and the Prince of heaven will take place."–The SDA Bible Commentary [E. G. White Comments], vol. 7, p. 954.

"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."–The Signs of the Times, July 4, 1906.

"When we as a people understand what this book means to us, there will be seen among us a great revival. We do not understand fully the lessons that it teaches, notwithstanding the injunction given us to search and study it."–Testimonies to Ministers, p. 113.

Tuesday July 31

3. THE SEVEN THUNDERS

a. As John saw the open book in the hands of the Angel, what did he hear? What was he told to do and why? Revelation 10:3, 4.

"After these seven thunders uttered their voices, the injunction comes to John as to Daniel in regard to the little book: ‘Seal up those things which the seven thunders uttered.’ These relate to future events which will be disclosed in their order. . . .

"The special light given to John which was expressed in the seven thunders was a delineation of events which would transpire under the first and second angels’ messages. It was not best for the people to know these things, for their faith must necessarily be tested. In the order of God most wonderful and advanced truths would be proclaimed. The first and second angels’ messages were to be proclaimed, but no further light was to be revealed before these messages had done their specific work. This is represented by the angel standing with one foot on the sea, proclaiming with a most solemn oath that time should be no longer."–The SDA Bible Commentary [E. G. White Commentary], vol. 7, p. 971.

b. Although the utterance of the seven thunders was a mystery at that time, what assurance is given us about God’s purpose? Amos 3:7; Philippians 3:15.

"The Word of the Lord reveals the fact that the end of all things is at hand, and its testimony is most decided that it is necessary for every soul to have the truth planted in the heart so that it will control the life and sanctify the character."–The SDA Bible Commentary [E. G. White Comments], vol. 7, p. 989.

"Jesus said to His disciples, ‘It is given to you to know the mysteries of the kingdom of heaven.’ He did not mean by mysteries the things that could not be understood; but those things that could be comprehended by the human mind when enlightened by the Spirit of God. To those who were humble of heart, who trusted not in their own wisdom or righteousness, the mysteries of the kingdom of heaven could be revealed."–The Signs of the Times, October 24, 1892.

Wednesday August 1

4. TIME SHALL BE NO LONGER

a. What did the Angel say to John about prophetic time? Revelation 10:5, 6. (Compare Daniel 12:7.)

"When the book was opened, the proclamation was made, ‘Time shall be no longer.’ (See Revelation 10:6.) The book of Daniel is now unsealed, and the revelation made by Christ to John is to come to all the inhabitants of the earth. By the increase of knowledge a people is to be prepared to stand in the latter days."–Selected Messages, bk. 2, p. 105.

"[Revelation 10:5, 6 quoted.] This message announces the end of the prophetic periods. The disappointment of those who expected to see our Lord in 1844 was indeed bitter to those who had so ardently looked for His appearing. It was in the Lord’s order that this disappointment should come, and that hearts should be revealed."–Ibid., 108.

"This time, which the angel declares with a solemn oath, is not the end of this world’s history, neither of probationary time, but of prophetic time, which should precede the advent of our Lord. That is, the people will not have another message upon definite time."–The SDA Bible Commentary [E. G. White Comments], vol. 7, p. 971.

b. How did Christ warn the disciples against time-setting? Acts 1:6, 7. Has time been a test since 1844?

"The times and seasons God has put in His own power. And why has not God given us this knowledge?–Because we would not make a right use of it if He did. . . . We are not to be engrossed with speculations in regard to the times and the seasons which God has not revealed."–Evangelism, p. 221.

"Time has not been a test since 1844, and it will never again be a test."–Early Writings, p. 75.

"The First-day Adventists have set time after time, and notwithstanding the repeated failures, they have gathered courage to set new times. God has not led them in this. Many of them have rejected the true prophetic time, and ignored the fulfillment of prophecy, because the time passed in 1844, and did not bring the expected event. They rejected the truth, and the enemy has had power to bring strong delusions upon them that they should believe a lie."–Testimonies, vol. 1, p. 73.

Thursday August 2

5. TIME SETTING

a. What warning of Jesus should be heeded in these last days? Matthew 24:36; Mark 13:29—32. What does the Spirit of Prophecy say about the setting of time for the fulfillment of prophecies?

"Again and again have I been warned in regard to time setting. There will never again be a message for the people of God that will be based on time. We are not to know the definite time either for the outpouring of the Holy Spirit or for the coming of Christ."–Selected Messages, bk. 1, p. 188.

"God gives no man a message that it will be five years or ten years or twenty years before this earth’s history shall close. He would not give any living being an excuse for delaying the preparation for His appearing. He would have no one say, as did the unfaithful servant, ‘My lord delayeth his coming,’ for this leads to reckless neglect of the opportunities and privileges given to prepare us for that great day."–The Review and Herald, November 27, 1900.

b. Because we do not know the exact time of the coming of Jesus, what should we always do? Mark 13:33—37.

"We know not the precise time when our Lord shall be revealed in the clouds of heaven, but He has told us that our only safety is in a constant readiness–a position of watching and waiting. Whether we have one year before us, or five, or ten, we are to be faithful to out trust to-day. We are to perform each day’s duties as faithfully as though that day were to be our last."–The Review and Herald, October 25, 1881.

Friday August 3

1. What book was "sealed" for many centuries, and why?
2. How do we know that God wants us to study Revelation?
3. By what means and to whom does God reveal mysteries?
4. What is meant by the phrase "time shall be no longer"?
5. Why does God refrain from time prophecies in the end?

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