Revelation 11 part 3

REVELATION 11 – PART 3The Bible & The French Revolution

Revelation 11:13“And the same hour was there a great earthquake, and the tenth part of the city fell, and in the earthquake were slain of men seven thousand: and the remnant were affrighted, and gave glory to the God of heaven.”

“…France was shaken as if by an earthquake. Religion, law, social order, the family, the State, and the Church,—all were smitten down by the impious hand that had been lifted against the law of God.” {GC88 285.5}

Ecclesiastes 3:15 “That which hath been is now; and that which is to be hath already been; and God requireth that which is past.”

Isaiah 46:10 “Declaring the end from the beginning, and from ancient times the things that are not yet done, saying, My counsel shall stand, and I will do all my pleasure”

“At the same time anarchy is seeking to sweep away all law, not only divine, but human. The centralizing of wealth and power; the vast combinations for the enriching of the few at the expense of the many; the combinations of the poorer classes for the defense of their interests and claims; the spirit of unrest, of riot and bloodshed; the world-wide dissemination of the same teachings that led to the French Revolution--all are tending to involve the whole world in a struggle similar to that which convulsed France.” {Ed 228.2}

AnarchyDefinition: Want of government; a state of society, when there is no law or supreme power, or when the laws are not efficient, and individuals do what they please with impunity; political confusion.

“…The same great laws that guide alike the star and the atom control human life. The laws that govern the heart's action, regulating the flow of the current of life to the body, are the laws of the mighty Intelligence that has the jurisdiction of the soul…To transgress His law--physical, mental, or moral--is to place one's self out of harmony with the universe, to introduce discord, anarchy, ruin.” (CG, p. 55)

“Already the doctrine that men are released from obedience to God's requirements has weakened the force of moral obligation, and opened the flood-gates of iniquity upon the world. Lawlessness, dissipation, and corruption are sweeping in upon us like an overwhelming tide. In the family, Satan is at work. His banner waves, even in professedly Christian households. There is envy, evil surmising, hypocrisy, estrangement, emulation, strife, betrayal of sacred trusts, indulgence of lust. The whole system of religious principles and

doctrines, which should form the foundation and frame-work of social life, seems to be a tottering mass, ready to fall to ruin. The vilest of criminals, when thrown into prison for their offenses, are often made the recipients of gifts and attentions as if they had attained an enviable distinction. Great publicity is given to their character and crimes. The press publishes the revolting details

of vice, thus initiating others into the practice of fraud, robbery, and murder; and Satan exults in the success of his hellish schemes. The infatuation of vice, the wanton taking of life, the terrible increase of intemperance and iniquity of every order and degree, should arouse all who fear God, to inquire what can be done to stay the tide of evil

Courts of justice are corrupt. Rulers are actuated by desire for gain and love of sensual pleasure. Intemperance has beclouded the faculties of many so that Satan has almost complete control of them. Jurists are perverted, bribed, deluded. Drunkenness and revelry, passion, envy, dishonesty of every sort, are represented among those

who administer the laws. ‘Justice standeth afar off: for truth is fallen in the street, and equity cannot enter.’ Isaiah 59:14.

The iniquity and spiritual darkness that prevailed under the supremacy of Rome were the inevitable result of her suppression of the Scriptures; but where is to be found the cause of the widespread infidelity, the rejection of the law of God, and the consequent corruption, under the full blaze of gospel light in an age of religious freedom?” (GC88, p. 586)

“Now that Satan can no longer keep the world under his control by withholding the Scriptures, he resorts to other means to accomplish the same object. To destroy faith in the Bible serves his purpose as well as to destroy the Bible itself. By introducing the belief that God's law is not binding, he as effectually leads men to transgress as if they were wholly ignorant of its precepts. And now, as in former ages, he has worked through the church to further his designs. The religious organizations of the day have refused to listen to unpopular truths plainly brought to view in the Scriptures, and in combating them they

have adopted interpretations and taken positions which have sown broadcast the seeds of skepticism. Clinging to the papal error of natural immortality and man's consciousness in death, they have rejected the only defense against the delusions of Spiritualism. The doctrine of eternal torment has led many to disbelieve the Bible. And as the claims of the fourth commandment are urged upon the people, it is found that the observance of the seventh-day Sabbath is enjoined; and as the only way to free themselves from a duty which they are unwilling to perform, popular teachers declare that the law of God is no longer binding.

Thus they cast away the law and the Sabbath together. As the work of Sabbath reform extends, this rejection of the divine law to avoid the claims of the fourth commandment will become well-nigh universal. The teachings of religious leaders have opened the door to infidelity, to Spiritualism, and to contempt for God's holy law, and upon these leaders rests a fearful responsibility for the iniquity that exists in the Christian world.” (GC88, p. 586)

1 Timothy 3:1-5 “This know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come. For men shall be lovers of their own selves, covetous, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, Without natural affection, trucebreakers, false accusers, incontinent, fierce, despisers of those that are good, Traitors, heady, highminded, lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God; Having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof: from such turn away.”

“Protestants now urge that the resurrection of Christ on Sunday made it the Christian Sabbath. But Scripture evidence is lacking. …The observance of Sunday as a Christian institution had its origin in that ‘mystery of lawlessness’ [2 Thessalonians 2:7, Revised Version.] which, even in Paul's day, had begun its work. Where and when did the Lord adopt this child of the papacy? What valid reason can be given for a change which the Scriptures do not sanction?” (GC88, p. 54)

“At the same time anarchy is seeking to sweep away all law, not only divine, but human. The centralizing of wealth and power; the vast combinations for the enriching of the few at the expense of the many; the combinations of the poorer classes for the defense of their interests and claims; the spirit of unrest, of riot and bloodshed; the world-wide dissemination of the same teachings that led to the French Revolution--all are tending to involve the whole world in a struggle similar to that which convulsed France.” {Ed 228.2}

CENTRALIZING OF WEALTH AND POWER; THE VAST COMBINATIONS FOR THE ENRICHING OF THE FEW AT THE EXPENSE OF THE MANY; ; THE COMBINATIONS OF THE POORER CLASSES FOR THE DEFENSE OF THEIR INTERESTS AND CLAIMS

“The French Revolution was absolutely a strike, and a very terrible and relentless one, against ages of bad pay, unjust division of wealth products, and the hoggish monopoly of a few, rolling in superfluity, against the vast bulk of the work-people, living in squalor” (Thomas, 2005, p.1063-1065)

James 5:1-4 “Go to now, ye rich men, weep and howl for your miseries that shall come upon you…Ye have heaped treasure together for the last days. Behold, the hire of the labourers who have reaped down your fields, which is of you kept back by fraud, crieth: and the cries of them which have reaped are entered into the ears of the Lord of sabaoth.”

“…The rich had found no rebuke for their oppression of the poor, the poor no help for their servitude and degradation. The selfishness of the wealthy and powerful grew more and more apparent and oppressive…The rich wronged the poor, and the poor hated the rich.” (GC88, p. 279)

“Great evils would result from the continued accumulation of wealth by one class, and the poverty and degradation of another. Without some restraint the power of the wealthy would become a monopoly, and the poor…would be regarded and treated as inferior to their more prosperous brethren. The sense of this oppression would arouse the passions of the poorer class. There would be a feeling of despair and desperation which would tend to demoralize society and open the door to crimes of every description.” (CSA, p. 61)

“The work of the people of God is to prepare for the events of the future, which will soon come upon them with blinding force. In the world gigantic monopolies will be formed. Men will bind themselves together in unions that will wrap them in the folds of the enemy. A few men will combine to grasp all the means to be obtained in certain lines of business. Trades unions will be formed, and those who refuse to join these unions will be marked men.”--Letter 26, 1903

“These unions are one of the signs of the last days…” {Mar 182.5}

“The health food work is not to be conducted as a selfish monopoly, in which a few shall gather to themselves large profits, while others…are excluded as those having no rights…”{HFM 74.2}

“…tremendous power (financial & other) resides in the hands of a few corporations.  This power and influences allows multinationals to meddle in the internal affairs of other nations.” (Eitzen et al. 2009:36)

Megamergers generate the following problems: They increase the centralization of capital which

reduces competition for consumers It increases the power of large corporations over

workers, unions, politicians, and governments They eliminate jobs  They increase corporate debt. (US corporations

spend about half their earnings on interest payments)

Merging is non-productive activity.  Mergers take over existing facilities and do not create new jobs or build new plants.  They do increase the wealth of CEO, bankers and lawyers who handle the transactions

(Eitzen et al. 2009:32).

Why Do Corporations Move Overseas? The rate of profit is higher Resources need for production are

cheaper Production shifts from high-wage to

low wage countries Safety laws and environment

regulations are more lax than they are in the United States

(Eitzen et al. 2009:35)

How long will the Lord suffer oppression of the poor that rich men may hoard wealth? …Their money is placed where it does no one any good. To add to their millions, they rob the poor, and the cries of the starving are no more to them than the barking of a dog…Those who today are scheming to obtain more and more money, putting in operation plans that mean to the poor starvation…”(4MR, p. 78)

“In India, China, Russia, and the cities of America, thousands of men and women are dying of starvation. The monied men, because they have the power, control the market. They purchase at low rates all they can obtain, and then sell at greatly increased prices. This means starvation to the poorer classes, and will result in a civil war. There will be a time of trouble such as never was since there was a nation…"--Ms 114, 1899. (General manuscript, untitled, typed August 13, 1899.) {5MR 305.4}

“At the same time anarchy is seeking to sweep away all law, not only divine, but human. The centralizing of wealth and power; the vast combinations for the enriching of the few at the expense of the many; the combinations of the poorer classes for the defense of their interests and claims; the spirit of unrest, of riot and bloodshed; the world-wide dissemination of the same teachings that led to the French Revolution--all are tending to involve the whole world in a struggle similar to that which convulsed France.” {Ed 228.2}

“…Every year the swellings of wrath, tumults, and fierce riots are increasing in Europe. The signs of the times tell us we are surely in the last days. This know also, that in the last days, perilous times shall come. We can see these perils more distinctly here in Europe. Things are rapidly developing. All are ranging under their respective banners; all are preparing for some great event; all are watching for the morning.”--Letter 102, 1886, p. 3. (To ‘My Very Dear Children,’ July 25, 1886.) (8MR, p. 104-5)

“The time of trouble has already begun. We hear continually of riots and accidents, of murders and robberies. Human life is no longer safe unless under the protection of God…” (21MR, p. 101)

Matthew 24:7, 8 “For nation shall rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom: and there shall be famines, and pestilences, and earthquakes, in divers places. All these are the beginning of sorrows.”

Isaiah 22:5 “For it is a day of trouble, and of treading down, and of perplexity by the Lord GOD of hosts in the valley of vision, breaking down the walls, and of crying to the mountains.”Luke 21:25 “And there shall be signs in the sun, and in the moon, and in the stars; and upon the earth distress of nations, with perplexity; the sea and the waves roaring”

“The scene that next passed before me was an alarm of fire. Men looked at the lofty and supposedly fire-proof buildings and said: ‘They are perfectly safe.’ But these buildings were consumed as if made of pitch… …There are not many, even among educators and statesmen, who comprehend the causes that underlie the present state of society. Those who hold the reins of government are not able to solve the problem of moral corruption, poverty, pauperism, and increasing crime. They are struggling in vain to place business operations on a more secure basis. If men would give more heed to the teaching of God's word, they would find a solution of the problems that perplex them.” (9T, p. 13)

“At the same time anarchy is seeking to sweep away all law, not only divine, but human. The centralizing of wealth and power; the vast combinations for the enriching of the few at the expense of the many; the combinations of the poorer classes for the defense of their interests and claims; the spirit of unrest, of riot and bloodshed; the world-wide dissemination of the same teachings that led to the French Revolution—all are tending to involve the whole world in a struggle similar to that which convulsed France.” {Ed 228.2}

…the world-wide dissemination of the SAME TEACHINGS that led to the French Revolution

Colossians 2:8 “Beware lest any man spoil you through philosophy and vain deceit, after the tradition of men, after the rudiments of the world, and not after Christ.”

“…the opinion has widely prevailed that everything that happened in the course of the Revolution could be traced directly or indirectly to the writings of the eighteenth century.” (p. 1) http://books.google.com/books?id=XyY4AAAAYAAJ&pg=PA1&dq=Philosophy+and+the+french+revolution&hl=en&sa=X&ei=AWBHT9q4FMGutwfZycWtDg&ved=0CD0Q6AEwAA#v=onepage&q=Philosophy%20and%20the%20french%20revolution&f=false

“Voltaire and his associates cast aside God's Word altogether, and spread everywhere the poison of infidelity. Rome had ground down the people under her iron heel; and now the masses…cast off all restraint. Enraged at the glittering cheat to which they had so long paid homage, they rejected truth and falsehood together; and mistaking license for liberty, the slaves of vice exulted in their imagined freedom.” (GC88, p. 281)

Hume and Voltaire. “It is said that Hume, the skeptic, was in early life a conscientious believer in the Word of God. Being connected with a debating society, he was appointed to present the arguments in favor of infidelity. He studied with earnestness and perseverance, and his keen and active mind became imbued with the sophistry of skepticism. Erelong he came to believe its delusive teachings, and his whole afterlife bore the dark impress of infidelity. When Voltaire was five years old, he committed to memory an infidel poem, and the pernicious influence was never effaced from his mind. He became one of Satan's most successful agents to lead men away from God. Thousands will rise up in the judgment and charge the ruin of their souls upon the infidel Voltaire.” (CG, p. 196)

I. Food scarcity in the years immediately before the revolution

II. An unmanageable national debt, (caused and made worse by an inequitable system of taxation)

Other Causes of the Revolution

Retrieved June 3, 2011 from http://web.worldbank.org/WBSITE/EXTERNAL/NEWS/0,,contentMDK:22888645~pagePK:64257043~piPK:437376~theSitePK:4607,00.html

I. Food scarcity in the years immediately before the revolution

II. An unmanageable national debt, (caused and made worse by an inequitable system of taxation)

Other Causes of the Revolution

“The immense costs of France’s intervention in the American Revolutionary War, in turn, were crucial in bringing about the final collapse of the French monarchy and the French Revolution” Source: http://www.soc.jhu.edu/people/silver/silver_labor_war_worldpolitics.pdf

“How to raise money was the urgent and anxious question with the government. France was on the verge of bankruptcy. The king called to this side …his ministers of finance; but their policies and remedies availed little or nothing…The traditions of the court, the rigidity of long-established customs, and the heartless selfishness of the privileged classes made reform in taxation…impossible. The national debt grew constantly larger….’” (Myers, 1903, p. 350-1)

Republicans Blast Obama After National Debt Surpasses Economic Output "Every American

(would have) to give up a year of income to pay it off," he said of the debt.

Read more: http://www.foxnews.com/politics/2012/01/09/republican-blasts-obama-after-national-debt-surpasses-economic-output/#ixzz1mgfoo5Ue

Published January 09, 2012

European Debt Crisis Still Threatens Global Recovery

February 27, 2012

…The European debt and banking crisis is still the biggest threat to the global economy, and this week, more money will go to try and ease the pain.On Wednesday, the European Central Bank, for the second time, will offer banks an unlimited volume of three-year loans at low interest rates. The last time Europe's central bank did this, at the end of last year, banks borrowed more than $650 billion. That loan program helped stabilize markets and bought some time for Greece and its creditors to try and work things out.http://www.npr.org/2012/02/27/147485871/business-news

Mark 13Vs. 7 And when ye shall hear of wars and rumours of wars, be ye not troubled: for [such things] must needs be; but the end [shall] not [be] yet. Vs. 8 For nation shall rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom: and there shall be earthquakes in divers places, and there shall be famines and troubles: these are the beginnings of sorrows. Vs. 9 But take heed to yourselves: for they shall deliver you up to councils; and in the synagogues ye shall be beaten: and ye shall be brought before rulers and kings for my sake, for a testimony against them.

Luke 21:25, 26 “And there shall be signs in the sun, and in the moon, and in the stars; and upon the earth distress of nations, with perplexity; the sea and the waves roaring; Men's hearts failing them for fear, and for looking after those things which are coming on the earth: for the powers of heaven shall be shaken.

Deuteronomy 28:65, 66 “And among these nations shalt thou find no ease, neither shall the sole of thy foot have rest: but the LORD shall give thee there a trembling heart, and failing of eyes, and sorrow of mind: And thy life shall hang in doubt before thee; and thou shalt fear day and night, and shalt have none assurance of thy life”

“I was shown the inhabitants of the earth in the utmost confusion. War, bloodshed, privation, want, famine, and pestilence were abroad in the land. As these things surrounded God's people, they began to press together, and to cast aside their little difficulties… My attention was then called from the scene. There seemed to be a little time of peace. Once more the inhabitants of the earth were presented before me; and again everything was in the utmost confusion. Strife, war, and bloodshed, with famine and pestilence, raged everywhere. Other nations were engaged in this war and confusion. War caused famine. Want and bloodshed caused pestilence. And then men's hearts failed them for fear, ‘and for looking after those things which are coming on the earth.’” (1T, p. 268)

“Everything in our world is in agitation. Coming events cast their shadows before. The signs of the times are ominous, indeed. There is assurance in nothing that is human or earthly. The winds are held by the four angels; a moment of respite has been graciously given us of God. Every power lent us of God, whether physical, mental, or moral, is to be sacredly cherished to do the work assigned us for our fellowmen who are perishing in their ignorance. The warning is to go forth to all parts of the world. There must be no delay.” (TM, p. 364)