Two Sealing Reports

“And I looked, and, lo, a Lamb stood on the mount Sion, and with him an hundred forty and four thousand, having his Father’s name written in their foreheads… These were redeemed from among men, being the firstfruits unto God and to the Lamb.” Rev. 14:1, 4.

“After this” (after John was shown the sealing of the 144,000), “I beheld, and, lo, a great multitude, which no man could number, of all nations and kindreds, and people, and tongues, stood before the throne, and before the Lamb, clothed with white robes, and palms in their hands.” Rev. 7:9.

“The message of the renewing power of God’s grace will be carried to EVERY COUNTRY AND CLIME, until the truth shall belt the world. OF THE NUMBER OF THEM THAT SHALL BE SEALED WILL BE THOSE WHO HAVE COME FROM EVERY NATION AND KINDRED AND TONGUE AND PEOPLE. From every country will be gathered men and women who will stand before the throne of God and before the Lamb,… But before this work can be accomplished, WE MUST EXPERIENCE HERE IN OUR OWN COUNTRY THE WORK OF THE HOLY SPIRIT UPON OUR HEARTS.” Counsels to Parents, Teachers, and Students, p. 532.

“In a little while everyone who is a child of God will have His seal placed upon him. O that it may be placed upon our foreheads.” 7 Bible Commentary, p. 969, E.G. White.

“I then saw the third angel. Said my accompanying angel, ‘Fearful is his work. Awful is his mission. He is the angel that is to select the wheat from the tares, and seal, or bind, the wheat for the heavenly garner. These things should en­gross the whole mind, the whole attention.’” Early Writings, p. 118.

Why is the third angel’s mission so awful and his work so fearful? Inspiration gives us the answer: “This mightiest of angels has in his hand the seal of the living God, or of Him who alone can give life, who can inscribe upon the fore­heads the mark or inscription, to whom shall be granted im­mortality, eternal life. It is the voice of this highest angel that had authority to command the four angels to keep in check the four winds until this work was performed, and until he should give the summons to let them loose.” Testi­monies to Ministers, pp. 444, 445.

Thus, we see that the third angel’s work is to select or separate the wheat from the tares. He is the one who places the mark or seal upon the foreheads of God’s people. We are told: “These things should engross the whole mind, the whole attention.” We might ask the question, why should the truths concerning the separation of the wheat from the tares and the sealing of God’s people engross the whole mind, the whole attention?

Why is this so important to Seventh-day Adventists?

Inspiration again gives us the answer. “For the time is come that JUDGMENT MUST BEGIN AT THE HOUSE OF GOD…” 1 Peter 4:17. This is none other than the beginning of the Judgment for the Living which commences at the house of God.

“The time of judgment is a most solemn period, when the Lord gathers His own from among the tares. Those who have been members of the same family are separated. A mark is placed upon the righteous.” Testimonies to Ministers, p. 234.

“He who presides over His church and the destinies of nations is carrying forward the last work to be accomplished for this world. To His angels, He gives the commission to execute His judgments. Let the ministers awake, let them take in the situation. The work of judgment begins at the sanctuary. ‘And, behold, six men came from the way of the higher gate, which lieth toward the north, and every man a slaughter weapon in his hand; and one man among them was clothed with linen, with a writer’s inkhorn by his side: and they went in, and stood beside the brazen altar.’ Read Ezekiel 9:2-7.” Testimonies to Ministers, p. 431.

“The church may appear as about to fall, but it does not fall. It remains, while the sinners in Zion will be sifted out–the chaff separated from the precious wheat. THIS IS A TER­RIBLE ORDEAL, BUT NEVERTHELESS IT MUST TAKE PLACE.” 2 Selected Messages, p. 380.

This is why the selecting of the wheat from the tares is a terrible ordeal because there is to be a literal, visible separation among the living on earth, and it begins with God’s remnant church. Many believe that this separation does not take place until the second coming of Christ in the clouds of Heaven, but let us see what the Scriptures say: “Let both grow together until the harvest: and IN THE TIME OF HARVEST I will say to the reapers, Gather ye together first the tares, and bind them in bundles to burn them: but gather the wheat into my barn.” Matt. 13:30.

“The time of the harvest will fully determine the character of the two classes specified under the figure of the tares and the wheat. THE WORK OF SEPARATION IS GIVEN TO THE ANGELS OF GOD, and not committed into the hands of any man.” Testimonies to Ministers, p. 47.

Notice the words: “Time of Harvest.” The harvest covers a period of time. A harvest means the result of effort, toil, and the gathering of a crop. The reaping is the result of labor and filling up the barn with grain. So rather than the year’s toil being finished at the beginning of the harvest, the heaviest labor of the year just then begins.

The harvest time is the shortest of all the periods of the harvest year. The labor of reaping is not done in a moment; it takes time. The yield is not garnered by turning the field right into the barn; that would be a conglomerate mass instead of a harvest.

First, the sickle is put to the grain, and next, the grain is bound into sheaves and then threshed, after which it is put into the barn. After that, the chaff and the tares are destroyed.

This work being completed during the autumn shows that the harvest is a season of time after “the summer is past” and that it is followed by the fruitless winter period.

So it must be with the spiritual harvest, which otherwise could not be illustrated by the literal. Do not regard lightly the wisdom of God: His illustrations are perfect. Thus, we see that the final harvest must commence with the Loud Cry.

The Bible says the harvest covers a period of time: “He reserveth unto us the appointed weeks of the harvest.” Jeremiah 5:24.

“Every worker who follows the example of Christ will be pre­pared to receive and use the power that God has promised to His church for the ripening of earth’s harvest.” Acts of the Apostles, p. 56.

“And when the last great harvest is gathered in, the sheaves that they are enabled to bring to the Master will be the recompense of their unselfish use of the talents lent them.” Acts of the Apostles, p. 340.

“And whether we sow or reap, we are working for God. One scatters the seed; another gathers in the harvest; and both the sower and the reaper receive wages. They rejoice together in the reward of their labor.” The Desire of Ages, p. 192.

“At the day of judgment there comes to the lost a full realization of the meaning of the sacrifice made on Calvary. They see what they have lost by refusing to be loyal. They think of the high, pure association it was their privilege to gain. But it is too late. The last call has been made. The wail is heard: ‘THE HARVEST IS PAST, THE SUMMER IS EN­DED, and we are not saved.’ Jer. 8:20.” Testimonies for the Church, Vol. 7, p. 16.

This shows the harvest itself is not the second coming of Christ, as the wicked are still here after the harvest has been reaped. They say: “The harvest is past, the summer is ended, and we are not saved.” Jeremiah 8:20.

This same truth is borne out in the parable of the ten virgins. It would suggest that the Loud Cry is over, probation has closed, and they are not saved.

 “While they (foolish virgins) went to buy, the procession moved on, and left them behind. The five with lighted lamps joined the throng and entered the house with the bridal train, and the door was shut. When the foolish virgins reached the banqueting hall, they received an unexpected denial. The master of the feast declared, ‘I know you not.’ They were left standing without, in the empty street, in the blackness of the night. …The two classes of watchers represent the two classes who profess to be waiting for their Lord. They are called virgins because they profess a pure faith. By the lamps is represented the word of God. The psalmist says, ‘Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto may path.’ Psalm 119:105.” Christ’s Object Lessons, p. 406.

“It is in a crisis that character is revealed. When the ear­nest voice proclaimed at midnight, ‘Behold, the bridegroom cometh; go ye out to meet him,’ and the sleeping virgins were roused from their slumbers, it was seen who had made preparation for the event. Both parties were taken unawares; but one was prepared for the emergency, and the other was found without preparation. So now, a sudden and unlooked-for calamity, something that brings the soul face to face with death, will show whether there is any real faith in the prom­ises of God. It will show whether the soul is sustained by grace. The great final test comes at the close of human pro­bation, when it will be too late for the soul’s need to be supplied.” Christ’s Object Lessons, p. 412.

Thus, the five foolish virgins will realize too late, “the har­vest is past, the summer is ended,” and they are not saved.

In our studies from our previous five booklets, we learned that the final harvest is in two sections. The first section of the harvest is the firstfruits, 144,000 (Rev. 7:1-8; 14:1-5), which are harvested from God’s remnant church. The last section is gathered (harvested) from every nation, kindred, tongue, and people (Rev. 7:9; Rev. 18:4), the second fruits.

Since there are two harvests of the living, there naturally must be two sealing reports.

The Two Sealing Reports

The final harvest is in two sections, the 144,000 firstfruits, and the great multitude, the second fruits.

The Lord has no instrument to reap His firstfruit harvest, as the church is lukewarm, in a Laodicean condition (Rev. 3:14-19). The Lord Himself comes down to earth and directs the sealing and separating of the wheat from the tares in the remnant church (Ezek. 9:3; Mal. 3:1-3), which produces the firstfruit harvest, the 144,000. The church, then being purified, can give the Loud Cry by great power (Joel 2:28) and gather in the great multitude, the last section of the final harvest.

“For the day of vengeance is in mine heart, and the year of my redeemed is come. And I looked, and there was none to help; and I wondered that there was none to uphold: there­fore mine own arm brought salvation unto me; and my fury, it upheld me. And I will tread down the people in mine anger, and make them drunk in my fury, and I will bring down their strength to the earth.” Isaiah 63:4-6.

Ezekiel tells us how the Lord Himself will come down from heaven and direct the marking (sealing) and the slaying that commences at the house of God.

“And I looked, and, behold, a whirlwind came out of the north, a great cloud, and a fire infolding itself, and a brightness was about it, and out of the midst thereof as the colour of amber, out of the midst of the fire. Also out of the midst thereof came the likeness of four living creatures. And this was their appearance; they had the likeness of a man. And every one had four faces, and every one had four wings. And their feet were straight feet; and the sole of their feet was like the sole of a calf’s foot: and they sparkled like the colour of burnished brass. And they had the hands of a man under their wings on their four sides; and they four had their faces and their wings. Their wings were joined one to another; they turned not when they went; they went every one straight forward. As for the likeness of their faces, they four had the face of a man, and the face of a lion, on the right side: and they four had the face of an ox on the left side; they four also had the face of an eagle. (See illustration of cherubim)

“And there was a voice from the firmament that was over their heads, when they stood, and had let down their wings. And above the firmament that was over their heads was the likeness of a throne, as the appear­ance of a man above upon it. And I saw as the colour of amber, as the appearance of fire round about within it, from the appearance of his loins even upward, and from the appearance of his loins even downward, I saw as it were the appear­ance of fire, and it had brightness round about. As the ap­pearance of the bow that is in the cloud in the day of rain, so was the appearance of the likeness of the glory of the Lord. And when I saw it, I fell upon my face, and I heard a voice of one that spake.” Ezekiel 1:4-10, 25-28. (See illustration on p. 10)

Our undivided attention is now called to this marvelous scene that Ezekiel saw on the river bank in the land of the Chaldean. Being “the appearance of the likeness of the glory of the Lord,” obviously, it was the Lord on one of His thrones.

The Lord on His Movable Throne

“The wheels were so complicated in arrangement that at first sight they appeared to be in confusion; but they moved in perfect harmony. Heavenly beings, sustained and guided by the hand beneath the wings of the cherubim, were impelling these wheels; above them, upon the sapphire throne, was the Eternal One; and round about the throne a rainbow, the emblem of divine mercy.” Education, p. 178.

“The bright light going among the living creatures with the swiftness of lightning represents the speed with which this work will finally go forward to completion.” Testimonies for the Church, Vol. 5, p. 754.

Ezekiel chapter one is the second movable throne that transports Christ to the church on earth to cleanse it from the tares. But the first movable throne of Isaiah 6:1-4 transported the Father and then Christ from the dual throne of the Father and Son of Revelation 22:1 into the Most Holy apartment of the Sanctuary to the judgment throne of Daniel 7:9, 10, where God the Father sits as the Ancient of Days. The Bible describes these four thrones as two movable: Ezekiel chapter one and Isaiah 6:1-4. Two are stationary: Daniel 7:9, 10, Revelation chapters four and five, and Revelation 22:1.

This same chariot of Ezekiel chapter one also transports the saints to heaven at the Second Advent.

“The living saints are changed in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, and caught up with the risen ones, and together they meet their Lord in the air. Oh, what a glorious meeting! Friends whom death had separated were united, never more to part. On each side of the cloudy chariot were wings, and be­neath it were living wheels; and as the chariot rolled up­ward, the wheels  cried, ‘Holy,’ and the wings, as they moved, cried, ‘Holy,’ and the retinue of holy angels    a­round the cloud cried, ‘Holy, holy, holy, Lord God  Al­mighty!’ And the saints in the cloud cried, ‘Glory! Allelu­ia!; And the chariot rolled upward to the Holy City.” Early Writings, pp. 287, 288.

Isaiah’s Vision

Inspiration describes what takes place in Isaiah chapter six, when the Father and Christ entered the Holy of Holies to begin the investigative judgment. “I saw the Father rise from the throne, and in a flaming chariot go into the holy of holies within the veil, and sit down. Then Jesus rose up from the throne, and the most of those who were bowed down arose with Him. I did not see one ray of light pass from Jesus to the careless multitude after He arose, and they were left in perfect darkness. Those who arose when Jesus did, kept their eyes fixed on Him as He left the throne and led them out a little way. Then He raised His right arm, and we heard His lovely voice saying, ‘Wait here; I am going to My Father to receive the kingdom; keep your garments spotless, and in a little while I will return from the wedding and receive you to Myself.’ Then a cloudy chariot, with wheels like flaming fire, surrounded by angels, came to where Jesus was. He stepped into the chariot and was borne to the holiest, where the Father sat. There I beheld Jesus, a great High Priest, standing before the Father. On the hem of His garment was a bell and a pomegranate, a bell and a pomegranate. Those who rose up with Jesus would send up their faith to Him in the holiest, and pray, “My Father, give us Thy Spirit.” Then Jesus would breathe upon them the Holy Ghost. In that breath was light, power, and much love, joy, and peace.” Early Writings, p. 55.

Revelation 4: A Stationary Throne—The Judgment Throne

As the throne seen by Isaiah was a “train,” and as it entered the temple, “the posts of the door moved at the voice of him that cried, and the house was filled with smoke.” (Isa. 6:1, 4) This throne, therefore, is a traveling throne, whereas both the one of Revelation chapter 4, having the “sea of glass” before it, and the one of Revelation chapter 22, having the “river…of life” before it, are stationary thrones.

The throne that Ezekiel saw was similar to the one that Isaiah was shown. But they are different thrones for specific purposes. Isaiah’s throne was for carrying the Father and Christ into the Most Holy, while Ezekiel’s throne was to transport Christ to earth to oversee the sealing and purification of the church and to take all the saints to heaven at the Second Coming.

The “seraphims” of Isaiah’s vision have six wings, while each of the “cherubims” of Ezekiel’s vision has four. Moreover, the “cherubims” stood under the throne, whereas the “seraphims” stood above it. The Bible explains there are four thrones—TWO STATIONARY AND TWO TRAVELING.

Our most significant interest, however, at this point, is to know the location and the mission of the throne which Ezekiel saw and concerning which he says: “…I looked, and, behold, a whirlwind came out of the north.” Ezek. 1:4.

The fact that the “whirlwind” enveloping the throne “came,” says Ezekiel, shows that this throne, just as with the one of Isaiah six, is a moving throne and that it came to the banks of the river Cheba. “This is the living creature that I saw under the God of Israel by the river of Chebar; and I knew that they were the cherubims.” Ezekiel 10:20.

“And the cherubims lifted up their wings, and mounted up from the earth in my sight: when they went out, the wheels also were beside them, and every one stood at the door of the east gate of the LORD’S house; and the glory of the God of Israel was over them above.” Ezek. 10:19.

The chariot’s mounting “up from the earth” shows that Christ visits the earth and returns to heaven when His mission is accomplished on this throne of Ezekiel chapter one. Naturally, our primary interest is to know when this vision will be fulfilled.

“And, behold, six men came from the way of the higher gate, which lieth toward the north, and every man a slaughter weapon in his hand; and one man among them was clothed with linen, with a writer’s inkhorn by his side: and they went in, and stood beside the brazen altar. And the glory of the God of Israel was gone up from the cherub, where­upon he was, to the threshold of the house. And he called to the man clothed with linen, which had the writer’s   ink­horn by his side; And the Lord said unto him, Go through the midst of the city, through the midst of Jerusalem, and set a mark upon the foreheads of the men that sigh and that cry for all the abominations that be done in the midst there­of. And to the others he said in mine hearing, Go ye after him through the city, and smite: let not your eye spare, neither have ye pity: Slay utterly old and young, both maids, and little children, and women: but come not near any man upon whom is the mark; and begin at my sanctuary. Then they began at the ancient men which were before the house. And, behold, the man clothed with linen, which had the inkhorn by his side, reported the matter, saying, I HAVE DONE AS THOU HAST COMMANDED ME.” Ezek. 9:2-6, 11.

Here, we see the man clothed in linen (the third angel, Early Writings, p. 118) giving the first sealing report at the close of the sealing of the first fruit harvest. Chapter Nine holds the shocking scene of Ezekiel’s vision. It describes the awful work that the Lord is to do when He visits the earth on this traveling throne. It shows the dreadful consequences to those who do not receive the seal.

“Our own course of action will determine whether we shall receive the seal of the living God or be cut down by the destroying weapons.” Testimonies for the Church, Vol. 5, p. 212.

“This sealing of the servants of God is the same that was shown to Ezekiel in vision. John also had been a witness of this most startling revelation.” Testimonies to Ministers, p. 445.

“What is the seal of the living God, which is placed in the foreheads of His people? It is a mark which angels, but not human eyes, can read; for the destroying angel must see this mark of redemption (Letter 126, 1898). The angel with the writer’s ink horn is to place a mark upon the foreheads of all who are separated from sin and sinners, and the destroying angel follows this angel (Letter 12, 1886).” 4 Bible Commentary, p. 1161, E.G. White.

The prophet Ezekiel saw the LORD HIMSELF, COME TO THE THRESHOLD OF THE HOUSE (church) and direct the marking and the slaying of those who have not the seal of God from this traveling throne (Ezek. 9:3-6).

The man in linen reported to the Lord WHILE THE CHARIOT WAS STILL HERE ON EARTH (Ezek. 9:3-6, 11) that he had marked or sealed the 144,000 as the Lord had commanded him to do. After the church’s purification, the tares separated from the wheat. Another command was given to the man clothed in linen.

“Then I looked and behold, in the firmament that was above the head of the cherubims there appeared over them as it were a sapphire stone, as the appearance of the likeness of a throne. And he spoke unto the man clothed with linen, and said, GO IN BETWEEN THE WHEELS, EVEN UNDER THE CHERUB, AND FILL THINE HAND WITH COALS OF FIRE FROM BETWEEN THE CHERUBIMS, AND SCATTER THEM OVER THE CITY. And they went in in my sight. Now the cherubims stood on the right side of the house, when the man went in; and the cloud filled the inner court. Then the glory of the Lord went up from the cherub, and stood over the threshold of the house: and the house was filled with the cloud, and the court was full of the bright­ness of the Lord’s glory.” Ezek. 10:1-4.

Here, we see the Lord’s chariot is at the threshold of the house (church) after the 144,000 have been sealed and the church has been purified. The same chariot mentioned in Ezekiel portrays the Lord on one of His traveling thrones (Ezek. 1:26-28). (See illustration of chariot below)

The man in linen is told to scatter coals of fire over the city (church) after the first fruits (144,000) have been sealed. What do the coals of fire represent? Isaiah gives us the answer.

“Then said I, Woe is me! for I am undone; because I am a man of unclean lips, and I dwell in the midst of a people of unclean lips: for mine eyes have seen the King, the Lord of hosts. Then flew one of the seraphims unto me, having a live coal in his hand, which he had taken with the tongs from off the altar: And he laid it upon my mouth, and said, Lo, this hath touched thy lips; and thine iniquity is taken away, and thy sin purged.” Isaiah 6:5-7.

“The live coal is symbolical of purification, and it also represents the potency of the efforts of God’s true servants. To those who make so full a consecration that the Lord can place His touch upon their lips, the word is spoken, Go forth into the harvest-field. I will co-operate with you.” Gospel Workers, p. 23.

“John says, ‘I saw another angel come down from heaven, having great power; and the earth was lightened with his glory.’ [Revelation 18:1.] Then, as at the Pentecostal season, the people will hear the truth spoken to them, every man in his own tongue. God can breathe new life into every soul that sincerely desires to serve him, and can touch the lips with a live coal from off the altar, and cause them to become eloquent with his praise. Thousands of voices will be imbued with the power to speak forth the wonderful truths of God’s word. The stammering tongue will be loosed, and the timid will be made strong to bear courageous testimony to the truth. May the Lord help his people to cleanse the soul-temple from every defilement, and to maintain so close a connection with him that they may be partakers of the latter rain when it shall be poured out.” Gospel Workers, p. 383.

After the 144,000 are sealed and the church is purified, the Lord has an instrument upon whom He can pour out His Holy Spirit, enabling them to bring in the last section of the final harvest from every nation, kindred, tongue, and people (Rev. 7:9).

“Not one of us will ever receive the seal of God while our characters have one spot or stain upon them. It is left with us to remedy the defects in our characters, to CLEANSE THE SOUL TEMPLE OF EVERY DEFILEMENT. THEN THE LAT­TER RAIN WILL FALL UPON US as the early rain fell upon the disciples on the Day of Pentecost.” Testimonies for the Church, Vol. 5, p. 214.

“And it shall come to pass that he THAT IS LEFT IN ZION, and he that remaineth in Jerusalem, SHALL BE CALLED HOLY, even every one that is written among the LIVING in Jerusalem: When the Lord shall have washed away the FILTH of the daughters of ZION, and shall have PURGED the blood of Jerusalem from the midst thereof by the spirit of JUDGMENT, and by the spirit of BURNING.” Isa. 4: 3, 4.

The First Sealing Report is when the angel with the writer’s inkhorn reported to Christ that the sealing of the 144,000 was complete while Christ was at the threshold of the church on earth. “And, behold, the man clothed with linen, which had the inkhorn by his side, reported the matter, saying, I have done as thou hast commanded me.” Ezekiel 9:11.

The Second Sealing Report

After John saw the sealing of the 144,000 (Rev. 7:1-8), he saw another group harvested.

“After this I beheld, and, lo, a GREAT MULTITUDE, which no man could number, of all nations, and kindreds, and people, and tongues, stood before the throne, and before the Lamb, clothed with white robes, and palms in their hands; And one of the elders answered, saying unto me, What are these which are arrayed in white robes? and whence came they? And I said unto him Sir, thou knowest. And he said to me, These are they which came out of great tribulation, and have washed their robes, and made them white in the blood of the Lamb.” Rev. 7:9, 13, 14.

Inspiration says this is a second group of living saints that are sealed and translated.  

“Very precious to God is His work in the earth. Christ and heavenly angels are watching it every moment. As we draw near to the coming of Christ, more and still more of missionary work will engage our efforts. The message of the renewing power of God’s grace will be carried to every country and clime, until the truth shall belt the world. Of the number of them that shall be sealed will be those who have come from every nation and kindred and tongue and people. From every country will be gathered men and women who will stand before the throne of God and before the Lamb, crying, ‘Salvation to our God which sitteth upon the throne, and unto the Lamb.’ Revelation 7:10. But before this work can be accomplished, we must experience here in our own country the work of the Holy Spirit upon our hearts.” Counsels to Parents, Teachers, and Students, p. 532.

Notice that this group of sealed saints comes from all over the world, not from the twelve tribes of Israel. Thus, we see that not only 144,000 are sealed but also a great multitude. The 144,000 firstfruits (Rev. 14:4) are sealed before the blowing of the four winds (the time of trouble, see Testimonies for the Church, Vol. 5, p. 152 and 7 Bible Commentary, p. 968, E.G. White), while the great multitude are sealed during the time of trouble as they “came out of great tribulation.” (Rev. 7:14)

The pen of Inspiration says that both groups are sealed. Therefore,  there are two sealing reports.

Report No. 1

“And behold,” says Ezekiel, “the man clothed with linen, which had the inkhorn by his side, reported the matter” (while on earth), “saying, I have done as Thou hast commanded me.” Ezek. 9:11. Here is the FIRST REPORT, at the completion of the sealing in the church—the sealing of the firstfruits, the 144,000.

Report No. 2

“I saw,” says the servant of the Lord, “…an angel with a writer’s inkhorn by his side returned from the earth, and reported to Jesus that his work was done, and the saints were numbered and sealed.” Early Writings, p. 279. Here is his second report, made at the completion of the sealing in the world—the sealing of the second fruits, the great multitude.

When you compare both reports, they are given to Jesus in two different locations and at the finishing of two different events—the sealing of the 144,000 and the sealing of the great multitude. At the first report, the Lord was at “the threshold of the house” on earth (Ezekiel 9:3).

At the second report, He was in the heavenly sanctuary. After the angel made his first report, the Lord commanded him to “Go in between the wheels, even under the cherub, and fill thine hand with coals of fire from between the cherubims, and scatter them over the city. And he went in in my sight.” Ezek. 10:2. This is the outpouring of the Holy Spirit to give the Loud Cry.

The angel with the writer’s inkhorn returned from earth to heaven to give the second report, then “…all the angelic host laid off their crowns as Jesus made the solemn declaration, ‘He that is unjust, let him be unjust still; and he which is filthy, let him be filthy still; and he that is righteous, let him be righteous still: and he that is holy, let him be holy still.” Early Writings, pp. 279, 280. Jesus leaves the sanctuary, no longer mediates, and the seven last plagues are poured out.

If probation closed for all humanity at the time of the first report (Ezek. 9:11), the Lord must, according to the foregoing statement (Early Writings, pp. 279, 280), be in heaven, then descend to earth to receive His saints, instead of being already on earth, then mounting up in His throne, as He actually does without His saints (Ezek. 10:19).

In other words, chapters nine and ten of Ezekiel say Christ was on earth. In chapter ten, He then departs from the earth without the saints. “Then the glory of the LORD departed from off the threshold of the house, and stood over the cherubims. (19) And the cherubims lifted up their wings, and mounted up from the earth in my sight: when they went out, the wheels also were beside them, and every one stood at the door of the east gate of the LORD’S house; and the glory of the God of Israel was over them above. Ezekiel 10:18, 19.

Moreover, the prophet’s being left behind when the Lord went up figuratively shows that at this particular descent and ascent, the saints are not to be taken to heaven, but only to be set free from sin and sinners–fitted for the final work.

At the angel’s second report, however, Jesus, being in heaven, “moved out of the most holy place” (Early Writings, p. 280) to descend to earth.

This brief comparison brings into primary focus the twofold fact that at the time of the FIRST REPORT, Jesus went into the temple on earth. Whereas at the time of the SECOND REPORT, He went out of the Sanctuary in Heaven.

Two Reapings

Revelation fourteen shows us that two harvests are reaped after the three angels’ messages were first given.

“And I looked, and behold a white cloud, and upon the cloud one sat like unto the Son of man, having on His head A GOLDEN CROWN, and in His hand a SHARP SICKLE. And another angel came out of the temple, crying with a loud voice to him that sat on the cloud, Thrust in thy SICKLE, and reap: for the time is come for thee to reap; for the HARVEST of the earth is ripe.

And he that sat on the cloud thrust in his SICKLE on the earth; and the earth was reaped.” Rev. 14:14-16.

Is this coming of Christ of Revelation 14, His second advent? Let us compare the text in these verses with other Scriptures of His second advent.

Description of Christ’s Second Advent

“And I saw heaven opened, and behold a white horse; and he that sat upon him was called Faithful and True, and in righteousness he doth judge and make war. His eyes were as a flame of fire, and on His head were MANY CROWNS; and He had a name written, that no man knew, but He Himself. And He was clothed with a vesture dipped in blood: and His name is called the Word of God. And the armies which were in heaven followed Him upon WHITE HORSES, clothed in fine linen, white and clean. And out of His mouth goeth a sharp sword, that with it He should smite the nations: and he shall rule them with a rod of iron: and he treadeth the winepress of the fierceness and wrath of Almighty God. And he hath on his vesture and on his thigh a name written, King of Kings, and Lord of Lords.” Rev. 19:11-16.

The following reference from the Spirit of Prophecy comments on the second coming of Christ as referred to in Rev. 19:12-16.

“Then I saw Jesus lay off His priestly attire and clothe Himself with His most kingly robes. Upon His head were MANY CROWNS, a crown within a crown. Surrounded by the an­gelic host, He left heaven.” Early Writings, p. 281.

“Soon appeared the great white cloud, upon which sat the Son of man. When it first appeared in the distance, this cloud looked very small. The angel said that it was the sign of the Son of man. As it drew nearer the earth, we could behold the excellent glory and majesty of Jesus as He rode forth to conquer. A retinue of holy angels, with bright glit­tering crowns upon their heads, escorted Him on His way. No language can describe the glory of the scene. The living cloud of majesty and unsurpassed glory came still nearer, and we could clearly behold the lovely person of Jesus. He did not wear a crown of thorns, but a crown of glory rested upon His holy brow. Upon His vesture and thigh was a name writ­ten, King of Kings, and Lord of Lords. His countenance was as bright as the noonday sun, His eyes were as a flame of fire, and His feet had the appearance of fine brass. His voice sounded like many musical instruments. The earth trembled before Him, the heavens departed as a scroll when it is rolled together, and every mountain and island were moved out of their places….the living saints are changed in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, and caught up with the risen ones, and together they meet their Lord in the air. Oh, what a glorious meeting! Friends whom death had separated were united, never more to part.” Early Writings, pp. 286, 287.

Not the Second Coming of Christ in Revelation Fourteen

The apparel of Christ in Revelation 14 and 19 are entirely different. Christ’s coming in Rev. 14:14-16 is not the same as in Rev. 19:11-16. Rev. 14, Christ wears only ONE CROWN on His head, and ONE angel tells the Son of man to thrust in His sharp sickle and reap, for the harvest is ripe. (Rev. 14:15)

In Revelation 19 and Early Writings, pages 281, 286, 287, it says Christ wears MANY CROWNS, A RETINUE of angels accompanies Him, and a sharp sword goeth out of His mouth to smite the nations and on His vesture and thigh is a name written “King of Kings and Lord of Lords.”

These two comings are not the same; Christ’s coming in Revelation 19 is His second coming. But the coming in Revelation 14 is to reap the first harvest when He comes to His church in judgment. He comes to the threshold of the house, the church, Ezek. 9:3 to direct the sealing and slaying from His traveling throne of Ezekiel chapter one to oversee reaping the firstfruit harvest, the 144,000. Malachi 3:1-5 says Christ “suddenly comes to his temple,” which is Christ’s invisible coming that His people are unaware of, and many will lose their eternal life.

The Spirit of Prophecy says that the condition of the church is “wretched, miserable, poor, blind, and naked” (Rev. 3: 14-18), feasting at their “unholy feast,” only to be “spued out.”

“They will question and criticize everything that arises in the UNFOLDING OF TRUTH, criticize the work and position of others, criticize every branch of the work in which they have not themselves a part. They will feed upon the errors and mistakes and faults of others, ‘until,’ said the angel, ‘THE LORD JESUS SHALL RISE UP FROM HIS MEDIATORIAL WORK IN THE HEAVENLY SANC­TUARY, AND SHALL CLOTHE HIMSELF WITH THE GAR­MENTS OF VENGEANCE, AND SURPRISE THEM AT THEIR UNHOLY FEAST; and they will find themselves unprepared for the marriage supper of the Lamb.” Testimonies for the Church, Vol. 5, p. 690.

Note carefully what the Spirit of Prophecy said! Let all lay well to their heart these solemn words, and may none let the enemy entice them “with good words and fair speeches” on this life-and-death matter.

What does Inspiration say?

Christ will “rise up from His mediatorial work” and will “surprise” His people at their “unholy feast” “in the unfolding of truth.”

Let each take heed that he fall not to criticizing the message or the messengers, but rather that he “sigh and cry,” as the Lord bids, “for all the abominations that be done in the midst (the church),” lest he be found on the wrong side, ranked with the evildoers, and thus doomed to fall under the angels’ slaughter weapons.

Let us continue our study of Revelation fourteen and see if another harvest or reaping is brought to view.

“And another angel came out of the temple which is in heav­en, he also having a sharp sickle. And another angel came out from the altar, WHICH HAD POWER OVER FIRE; and cried with a loud cry to him that had the sharp sickle, saying, Thrust in thy sharp sickle, and gather the CLUSTERS of the vine of the earth; for her GRAPES ARE FULLY RIPE.” Rev. 14:17, 18.

After John saw the Lord Himself reap the firstfruit harvest, he was shown another harvest. However, this second harvest is not reaped by the Lord but by someone else, represented by an angel. This angel has a sharp sickle in his hand, prepared to reap a second harvest symbolized by CLUSTERS OF GRAPES. (The Great Multitude of Rev. 7:9).

“The fruits of the Spirit will be borne by the man who loves God and keeps the way of the Lord, as the rich clusters of grapes grow on the living vine. Christ is his stronghold. Christ lived the law of God in humanity, and so may man do if he will by faith take hold on the strong and mighty One for strength. If he realizes that he cannot do anything without Christ by his side, God will give him wisdom. But he must cherish the love of Christ in his heart, and practice His lessons; for is he not to love Christ as Christ loved God? Is he not to demonstrate to all with whom he associates that he has the abiding presence of Jesus Christ more than he has ever had it before? Because of his increased responsibilities, he must have an increased knowledge of God, and must reveal that living faith that works by love and purifies the soul.” Testimonies to Ministers, p. 282.

“Let Israel hope in God. The Master of the vineyard is even now gathering from among men of all nations and peoples the precious fruits for which He has long been waiting.” Prophets and Kings p. 22.

Also, in the parable of Matthew twenty, laborers are sent into the vineyard to reap a harvest.

Who is this angel of Revelation 14:17 that reaps the second fruit harvest?

The Bible shows that the Lord symbolizes His ministry by an angel as He does in Revelation 3:14-16, the Laodicean angel. However, the Laodicean angel is not heavenly, for he is lukewarm. Revelation 1:20 says, “the seven stars are the angels of the seven churches.” The seven stars and the seven angels represent the same thing. Inspiration says these stars are the ministers. “God’s ministers are symbolized by the seven stars….” Gospel Workers, p. 13.

The angel in Rev. 14:17, 18 that reaps this second fruit har­vest represents the 144,000 who will be God’s new ministry during the Loud Cry. They will finish the last section of the final harvest to bring the great multitude out from Babylon.

The pen of Inspiration says this about the Loud Cry ministry,  “The great issue so near at hand will weed out those whom God has not appointed and He will have A PURE, TRUE, SANCTIFIED MINISTRY PREPARED FOR THE LATTER RAIN.” Letter 55, 1886.

Isaiah calls this ministry the Lord’s new sharp threshing instrument. “Behold, I will make thee a NEW SHARP THRESH­ING INSTRUMENT HAVING TEETH: thou shalt thresh the mountains, and beat them small, and shalt make the hills as chaff.” Isa. 41:15.

Jeremiah calls them God’s “battle ax.” “Thou art my battle ax and weapons of war: for with thee will I break in pieces the nations, and with thee will I destroy kingdoms;” Jer. 51:20.

Isaiah 4:2 says that on the day the Lord purifies His church (Isa. 4:3, 4), “the fruit of the earth (the harvest) shall be excellent and comely for them that are escaped of Israel.” The escaped, those left after the purification of God’s church, are the 144,000.

Notice in Rev. 14:18 that the angel with power over FIRE commissions the other angel (God’s purified ministry) to reap the final harvest. The fire represents the Holy Spirit poured out upon the 144,000, the Lord’s Loud Cry ministry. They gather the last section of the final harvest, the great multitude. In like manner, the man clothed with linenof Ezekiel 10:1-4 scatters the coals of fire, the outpouring of the Holy Spirit, over the city (church) after the tares are removed from the church.

What happens with the vine after the clusters of grapes have been harvested?

“And the angel thrust in his sickle into the earth, and gath­ered the vine of the earth, and cast it into the great wine­press of the wrath of God.” Rev. 14:19.

“When the storm of God’s wrath breaks upon the world, it will be a terrible revelation for souls to find that their house is being swept away because it is built upon the sand. Let the warning be given them before it is too late. We should now feel the responsibility of laboring with intense earnestness to impart to others the truths that God has given for this time. We cannot be too much in earnest. (par.1) The heart of God is moved. Souls are very precious in His sight. It was for this world that Christ wept in agony; for this world He was crucified. God gave His only-begotten Son to save sinners, and He desires us to love others as He has loved us. He desires to see those who have a knowledge of the truth imparting this knowledge to their fellow men. (par. 2) Now is the time for the last warning to be given. There is a special power in the presentation of the truth at the present time; but how long will it continue? Only a little while. If there was ever a crisis, it is now. (par. 3) All are now deciding their eternal destiny. Men need to be aroused to realize the solemnity of the time, the nearness of the day when human probation shall be ended. Decided efforts should be made to bring the message for this time prominently before the people. The third angel is to go forth with great power. Let none ignore this work or treat it as of little importance. (par. 4) ” Testimonies for the Church, p. 16.

Inspiration says, “And one of the four beasts gave unto the seven angels seven golden vials full of THE WRATH OF GOD, who liveth for ever and ever. And the temple was filled with smoke from the glory of God, and from his power; and no man was able to enter into the temple, till the SEVEN PLAGUES of the seven angels were fulfilled.”

Consequently, the empty vine (the wicked) is destroyed by the wrath of God; after all the saints, the “clusters of…grapes are fully ripe” (Rev. 14:18) have been harvested.

SUMMARY

At the beginning of our study, we found why the third angel’s work is so fearful and his mission so awful. He is the one who is to select the wheat from the tares. The judgment commences for the living, which begins at the house of God, Laodicea—Seventh-day Adventist Church.

The Spirit of Prophecy and the Bible say Revelation 14:14-16 is not the second coming of Christ. It is the commencement of the harvest that covers a period of time. It is the time it takes to gather the clusters of grapes in the final harvest of saints.

We found four different thrones of God. Two traveling (Isa. 6:1-4; Ezek.1), and two stationary thrones (Rev. 4:2-6, 9, 10; 22:1). The Lord comes down to earth on one of His traveling thrones (Ezek.1) to the threshold of the house (church, Ezek. 9:3) where He directs the marking and slaying as recorded in Ezekiel nine THIS IS AN INVISIBLE COMING (Mal. 3:1-6).

Just as there are two harvests, there are two sealing reports. The first sealing report is given in Ezekiel 9:11 after the 144,000 are sealed. The second sealing report is at the final close of probation (Early Writings, p. 279) after the great multitude (Rev. 7:9) is harvested.

In Rev. 14:14-18, two harvests are brought to view. Christ Himself reaps the first fruit harvest, and His Loud Cry ministry (144,000) reaps the great multitude in the final harvest.

How marvelous it is that centuries ago, the Lord had us in mind when His Holy Spirit moved upon the hearts of the prophets to write these wonderful promises for those who are to have a part in the final work of harvesting in earth’s final harvest. What a terrible tragedy it would be for any to lose out at this late hour.

“We are standing on the threshold of great and solemn events. Prophecy is fast fulfilling. The Lord is at the door. There is soon to open before us a period of overwhelming interest to all living.” Testimonies for the Church, Vol. 5, p. 753.

“Thus saith the Lord of hosts; if it be marvellous in the eyes of the remnant of this people in these days, should it also be marvellous in mine eyes? saith the Lord of hosts.” Zech. 8:6.

“There are many who cannot distinguish between the work of God and that of man. I shall tell the truth as God gives it to me, and I say now, If you continue to find fault, to have a spirit of variance, you will never know the truth, Jesus said to His disciples, ‘I have yet many things to say unto you, but ye cannot bear them now’ (John 16:12). They were not in a condition to appreciate sacred and eternal things; but Jesus promised to send the Comforter, who would teach them all things, and bring all things to their remembrance, whatsoever He had said unto them. Brethren, we must not put our dependence in man. ‘Cease ye from man, whose breath is in his nostrils: for wherein is he to be accounted of?’ (Isaiah 2:22). You must hang your helpless souls upon Jesus. It does not become us to drink from the fountain of the valley, when there is a fountain in the mountain. Let us leave the lower streams; let us come to the higher springs. If there is a point of truth that you do not understand, upon which you do not agree, investigate, compare scripture with scripture, sink the shaft of truth down deep into the mine of God’s Word. You must lay yourselves and your opinions on the altar of God, put away your preconceived ideas, and let the Spirit of Heaven guide you into all truth.” 1 Selected Messages, p. 413.

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