Heavenly Visions

WHEN THE HOUR STRUCK

We see it in the opening of this advent movement and in its progress. When the hour for it struck, the people of the prophecy came; and the very message of the prophecy began to sound. HEVI 80.3

To the prophet John, on the Isle of Patmos, the Lord in vision revealed the scenes of the gospel work in the closing days of history. The prophet saw Christ coming in the clouds of heaven, sickle in hand, to reap the harvest of the earth. (Revelation 14:14.) But just before this appearing of Christ in glory, he saw a special missionary movement rise and spread to every nation, and tongue, and people, bearing to mankind this message of the everlasting gospel: HEVI 80.4

“Fear God, and give glory to Him; for the hour of His judgment is come: and worship Him that made heaven, and earth, and the sea, and the fountains of waters.” Verse 7. HEVI 80.5

The angel who explained these visions to John on Patmos described the people carrying this message as follows: HEVI 80.6

“Here is the patience of the saints: here are they that keep the commandments of God, and the faith of Jesus.” Verse 12. HEVI 80.7

We who watch these things today know that there has not been a shadow of variation in the fulfillment of this prophecy. HEVI 80.8

Two thousand five hundred years ago, in the days of Belshazzar of Babylon, the prophet Daniel saw in a vision of latter-day times the wondrous scene of the the opening of the judgment hour in the sanctuary in heaven. He saw the flaming chariot of the Ancient of days enter the most holy place. “Thousand thousands ministered unto Him, and ten thousand times ten thousand stood before Him: the judgment was set, and the books were opened.” Daniel 7:10. Into this scene the prophet saw “one like the Son of man” come, escorted by clouds of angels. Thank God, Jesus, the great High Priest of the heavenly sanctuary, is our advocate. He pleads there the sacrifice of His own life to cover the life of every sinner who confesses his sins to Him. HEVI 80.9