The Abiding Gift of Prophecy

Nineteenth Century Begins New Era

So profound have been the changes in our world since that time, that students of history almost universally recognize it as marking the beginning of a new era. Not alone in the political, economical, and social realms, but in the religious world as well, have been seen tremendous revolutions and far-reaching changes. To the student of prophecy, all these trends of modern times are peculiarly significant, for they characterize a period of time incomparable in human history and divine provision, and all are foretold by numerous Bible writers. AGP 230.3

The prophet Daniel has given us a remarkable series of outlines of secular and religious history through the centuries, all foreknown and foretold, in the providence of God, and each culminating with the approaching close of human history and the beginning of the eternal reign of Christ. In the last chapter of his book are found the words of an angel from heaven who reveals to the prophet certain outstanding events closely connected with, and immediately preceding, the return of Christ. He says: AGP 230.4

“At that time shall Michael stand up, the great Prince which standeth for the children of thy people: and there shall be a time of trouble, such as never was since there was a nation even to that same time: and at that time thy people shall be delivered, every one that shall be found written in the book.

“And many of them that sleep in the dust of the earth shall awake, some to everlasting life, and some to shame and everlasting contempt. AGP 231.1

“And they that be wise shall shine as the brightness of the firmament; and they that turn many to righteousness as the stars forever and ever. AGP 231.2

“But thou, O Daniel, shut up the words, and seal the book, even to the time of the end: many shall run to and fro, and knowledge shall be increased.” AGP 231.3

“And he said, Go thy way, Daniel: for the words are closed up and sealed till the time of the end.” AGP 231.4

“But go thou thy way till the end be: for thou shalt rest, and stand in thy lot at the end of the days.” Daniel 12:1-4, 9, 13. AGP 231.5