The Bride
of
Christ
by
Doug Mitchell
"Come hither, I will show thee the bride, the Lamb's wife. And he carried me away in the spirit to a great and high mountain, and shewed me that great city, the holy Jerusalem, descending out of heaven from God." Rev. 21:9,10.
"Clearly, then, the bride represents the holy city, and the virgins that go out to meet the bridegroom (Mat. 25) are a symbol of the church. In the Revelation the people of God are said to be guests at the marriage supper. If guests, they cannot also be represented as the bride." Great Controversy, p. 426,427.
Seeing that God's people (the church) are portrayed as guests at the supper, and as virgins waiting as part of the bridal procession, who then is the bride? When the apostle Paul, in 2 Cor. 11:2, speaks of his having "espoused" the believers to Christ "as a (not, as the) chaste virgin," he is using figurative language, and is not speaking literally. In the Revelation, though, the situation is not the same. The apostle John is writing in symbolical, not figurative, language, of the Bride, the Holy City. The City is a symbol of Someone, or something, literal. In Rev. 21:12-14, it is written that the wall of the city has twelve gates and twelve foundations which have written on them the names of the twelve tribes of Israel, and of the twelve apostles, respectively. The wall surrounds the City. Though the wall contains the city, it is not the City itself. You can take away the wall, with its foundations and gates, and the City, that is surrounded by the wall, still exists as a separate entity.
From the first chapters of Genesis, to the final chapters of the Revelation, God has used the male - female relationship known as marriage to show forth profound truths. That which was revealed in the creation of Adam and Eve, and their relationships with each other, was a revelation of the truth of the Godhead (Rom. 1:20), for, "GOD said, Let US make man in OUR IMAGE, after OUR LIKENESS... So GOD created man in his OWN IMAGE; in the IMAGE OF GOD created he him, MALE AND FEMALE created he them." Gen. 1:26,27. Even the word that is translated "God" in these verses, and in many other places throughout the Hebrew Scriptures, shows a "marriage" relationship; in that the word elohim (Gods), in Hebrew, is a feminine based word, eloah, with a masculine plural ending, im. If the Gods (if the word is plural in Hebrew, there is no reason to translate it as singular) had wanted to express the idea of an all male Godhead, the word to use would be elim; for el is the masculine singular word for "God," as eloah is the feminine singular form of the same word (which should be translated "Goddess"). But this word, elim, occurs only twice in the Bible, while elohim occurs hundreds of times. Hence, the writers of the holy Scriptures were inspired to use the family image as portrayed in the word elohim, with much greater frequency because God wanted to reveal that the male/female image, marriage, was Their true image and likeness.
The Scriptures, both the Old and the New Testaments, are replete with images of the Bride. The author, Lois Roden, in the following presentation, has, by the grace of God through the Holy Ghost (with the aid of the two Divine Guides in life, the Bible and
nature), been privileged to unravel for us this most mysterious truth of the Bride of Christ. The following studies first appeared as a series of monthly field letters in mid-to-late 1986, just prior to Mrs. Roden's falling asleep in the Lord in November of 1986. Due to some very trying circumstances at the time of their original publication, the studies were not properly proofread for spelling, punctuation, or sentence structure, as was the normal procedure for Mrs. Roden's works. It was her wish to combine all of the different parts of the Bride of Christ into one book. In this presentation of her studies, the original format has been retained, and the only changes that have been made are minor errors not affecting the thought presented.
The publishers are not currently aware of a PART FOUR of this series. We believe that PART FIVE was issued before PART FOUR was finished for publication. Time will tell (which was one of Mrs. Roden's favorite sayings). It may be noted that at the end of PART FIVE it reads, "to be continued." And so it remains.
The truth of this matter is simple, yet it's complex in its ramification. It can be seen in the very Name by which the Gods (ha elohim) chose to be known; that is the four consonant name YHWH. In this representation of four characters, Y, H, W, H, in number, by only three different characters, Y, H, and W, the story is told. This and other aspects relative to the presentation, will be presented in the Publisher's Review following the main presentation, along with a list of other free publications on this topic by the author. So, with humble and prayerful hearts may we proceed to behold...
The Bride of Christ
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Introduction. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1
PART ONE, NEW MOON - May 10, 1986 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
THE "BRIDE" OF CHRIST. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
THEIR CREATION - a Review. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
PART TWO, MATTHEW 25:1-13 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
"The Heavenly Council" . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .11
THE SYMBOLS OF THE ANTITYPICAL SECOND TEMPLE UNDER ANTITYPICAL
HAGGAI AND ZECHARIAH TWO PROPHETS, REVELATION 11:10, July 4, 1986. .12
PART THREE, THE SECOND ADAM AND EVE, 1 COR. 15:45-47-49 . . . . . . . .16
GOD'S ARMY . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .17
THE ANTITYPICAL PENTECOST. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .18
THE LAMB OF GOD. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .19
"THINK IT THROUGH" . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .22
PART FIVE, THE LAMB OF GOD AND THE RED HEIFER, NUMBERS 19,
NEW MOON - August 6, 1986. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .23
THE FATHER . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .23
THE MOTHER . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .25
THE BRIDE OF CHRIST, REVELATION 10 . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . 26
TIMELY GREETINGS, Vol. 2, p. 15:3,4. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .27
THE SYMBOL OF THE RED HEIFER . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .29
THE SON. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .33
Publisher's Review, THE REAL GHOST STORY. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .34
Index of References . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .46
Additional Publications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .49
NEW MOON
May 10, 1986
"As the worker studies the life of Christ, and the character of His Mission is dwelt upon, EACH FRESH SEARCH will reveal something more deeply interesting than has yet been unfolded. The subject is inexhaustible. The study of the incarnation of Christ, His atoning sacrifice, and mediatorial work will employ the mind AS LONG AS TIME SHALL LAST." Gospel Workers, p. 251.
"That God should thus be manifest in the flesh, is indeed a mystery; and WITHOUT THE HELP OF THE HOLY SPIRIT we cannot hope to comprehend the subject. The most humbling lesson that man has to learn is the nothingness of human wisdom, and the folly of trying, by his own UNAIDED EFFORTS, to find out God!!" Review and Herald, April 5, 1906. THE MESSAGE HERE IS THAT WITH THE AID OF THE HOLY SPIRIT, WE CAN UNDERSTAND THE INCARNATION OF CHRIST.
"This is a great mystery, a mystery that will not be fully, completely, understood in all its greatness UNTIL THE TRANSLATION of the REDEEMED (Wavesheaf) shall take place. Then the power and greatness and efficacy of the gift of God to man will be understood. But the enemy is determined that this GIFT shall be so MYSTIFIED that it will become AS NOTHINGNESS!" Seventh Day Adventist Bible Commentary, Vol. 5, p. 1113.
"The more we think about Christ becoming a babe here on earth, the more wonderful it appears. How can it be that the helpless babe in Bethlehem's manger is STILL THE DIVINE SON OF GOD? Though we cannot understand it, we can believe that He who made the worlds, for our sakes became a helpless babe. Though higher than any of the angels, though as great as the Father on the throne of heaven He became one with us. In Him, God and man BECAME ONE, and it is in this fact that we find the hope of our fallen race. Looking upon Christ IN THE FLESH, WE LOOK UPON GOD IN HUMANITY, (Adam and Eve) and see in Him the brightness of divine GLORY (Spirit – Fem.); the express image of God, the Father (male and female – Gen. 1:26,27; 5:1,2)." Youth Instructor, Nov. 21, 1895.
"There are LIGHT and GLORY in the TRUTH that Christ was ONE with the Father BEFORE the foundation of the world was laid. This is a light shining in a dark place (our world), making it resplendent with divine, original glory. This TRUTH, infinitely mysterious in itself, EXPLAINS OTHER mysterious and otherwise unexplainable TRUTHS, while it is enshrined in light, unapproachable and incomprehensible." Review and Herald, April 5, 1906 p. 8. Except it be understood in the light of Rom. 1:20.
"The King of the Universe (the ETERNAL Father) summoned the heavenly hosts before Him, that in their presence He might set forth the true POSITION of His SON, and show the relation He sustained to all created beings. The Son of God shared the
Father's throne, AND THE GLORY OF THE ETERNAL self-existent ONE (The Holy Spirit) ENCIRCLED BOTH." Patriarchs and Prophets, p. 36.
However much a Shepherd may love his sheep, he loves his SONS AND DAUGHTERS more. Jesus is not only our Shepherd; He is our "EVERLASTING FATHER"; Heb. 1; Isa. 9:6; Mic. 5:2. And He says, "I know Mine own, and Mine own know Me; even as the Father knoweth Me, and I know the Father." John 10:14,15 RV.
"WHAT A STATEMENT IS THIS! -- the only 'BEGOTTEN SON,' He who is in the BOSOM of the Father, He whom God hath declared to be 'the Man that is My fellow' (Zec. 13:7), -- the communion between Him (the Son) and the ETERNAL God (His Father) is taken to represent the communion between CHRIST (the Everlasting Father – Isa. 9:6) and His CHILDREN ON EARTH (born of the Holy Ghost)." Review and Herald, 1906.
Therefore, according to the Scriptures, we can see clearly, by the power of the Holy Ghost, in the story of the Creation of Adam and Eve, that God (Elohim, Heb. – plural) is Male and Female. Gen. 1:26,27; 5:1,2, TWO Adams – male and female made in the image of at least two Persons called "God."
"And God said, let us (Father and Holy Spirit, the Son and His Spirit (Holy Ghost), four, make MANKIND in OUR IMAGE, after OUR likeness; let THEM have complete authority over the fish of the sea... (Heb. 11:3; 1:2; Ps. 104:30).
"So God (Elohim) created man in his own IMAGE AND LIKENESS of God created He him; MALE and FEMALE created He THEM (an EARTHLY FATHER, Adam, and MOTHER, Eve, in Their Heavenly Image). And God blessed THEM and said unto THEM (both)...have dominion..." Gen. 1:26-28.
"But there went up a mist (a fog – vapor) from the land and watered the whole surface of the ground.
"THEN the Lord God (Elohim – plural, Mas. Fem.) FORMED man of the dust of the ground, (first) and (then) breathed into his nostrils the breath (or spirit of life); and man BECAME a LIVING SOUL.
The FIRST Adam's creation prefigured that of the Second Adam, the only begotten Son of God in the flesh (of Mary, also an earthen vessel), away from Paradise, the HEAVENLY Eden, OUTSIDE the Garden of God – in the earth; even as Adam was formed outside the EARTHLY Garden of Eden.
"And God planted a garden toward the east in Eden (meaning delight); and there he put the man whom He had formed (framed constituted).
"And the Lord God (Elohim) took the man and put him in the garden of Eden to tend
and guard and keep it.
"Now the Lord God said, it is not good (sufficient, satisfactory) that the man should be alone; I will make him a helpmeet (suitable, adapted, COMPLETING) for him." Gen. 2:6-8,15,18,21-24. By these verses it is clear that Eve was NOT created in the SAME PLACE or in the SAME MANNER as was Adam, though he was made in the image of God, Male and Female (his rib) as one person. Therefore, the lesson shows that the SECOND Adam was to be revealed FIRST as ONE PERSON in the flesh, in the image of God who is male and female, and that upon his return to Paradise, the HEAVENLY Eden, His helpmeet (Bride) would be revealed, as Eve (Adam's Spirit – feminine self) was brought forth from his side IN the EARTHLY Garden of Eden.
"And the Lord caused a deep sleep to fall upon Adam, and while he slept he took one of his ribs -- a part of his side -- and closed up the (place with) flesh instead of it." Gen. 2:21 Amplified Version. The FIRST Adam's sleep (he later died because of sin) was a TYPE of the SECOND Adam's death (sleep) that was to bring forth His Bride (Rib).
"And the rib or part of his side which the Lord God had taken from the man, He built up and made into a woman and brought her to the Man (as his equal).
"Then Adam said, This (creature) is now bone of my bones and flesh of my flesh. She shall be called WOMAN because she was taken OUT OF MAN." Gen. 2:23. NOTICE, Eve was made of LIVING flesh and bone in the Garden of Eden, the EARTHLY THRONE of God. The FIRST Adam symbolically died (slept), prefiguring the death of the second Adam; so that the Lord God could reveal His Bride, a part of Him – flesh (blood) and Spirit (water) – in the HEAVENLY Eden – throne of God in Paradise; "and SHE shall be called God, because she was taken OUT OF The Second ADAM, CHRIST."
"But one of the soldiers pierced His side with a spear and immediately BLOOD and WATER came (flowed) out. That the Scripture (Zec. 12:10) might be fulfilled..." John 19:34-36.
Two separate symbolic streams gushed forth from the Saviour's side, one of blood (flesh), and another of water (Spirit); signifying in the first instance, His human (flesh and blood) and His DIVINE nature (Spirit – water), and secondly, the division of Himself, like the FIRST Adam, to reveal His Spirit – self, The Holy Ghost, His Bride.
"And when Jesus had CRIED out with a LOUD VOICE..." Luke 23:46.
It was the appointed time that He should be crucified through weakness. (2 Cor. 13:4) But like the dying martyrs who had such visions of coming Glory before breathing their last, as to impart to them STRENGTH to UTTER a MESSAGE to wondering ONLOOKERS; just so, the MIGHTY VOICE of the dying Redeemer was another example of one Who received strength for the final exultant shout of victory, even in death as recorded by Luke, "FATHER, INTO THY HANDS I COMMEND MY SPIRIT." This was His MESSAGE to us who look upon His suffering – to bring forth THE TRUTH of the HOLY GHOST (John 14:16,26; 15:26; 16:7,13-16). His Soul, the Holy Ghost, emerged from Its
mysterious horrors. The Son of God yields up into His Father's hands His infinitely precious Spirit (Ps. 31:5). "This COMFORTER (John 14:26 – in His name) is the Holy (Ghost) Spirit, the SOUL of His (Christ's) LIFE." Review and Herald, Vol. 5, p. 42.
His cry, "It is finished," was his last, "and He bowed His head and gave up the (Holy) Ghost." John 19:20-30.
MATTHEW 25:1-13
The harvest in the End of the world (Matt. 13:39)
"Christ with His disciples is seated upon the Mt. of Olives. The sun has set behind the mountains and the heavens are curtained with the shades of evening. In FULL VIEW is a DWELLING HOUSE, lighted UP brilliantly, as if for some festive scene. The light streams from the openings, and an expectant COMPANY wait around indicating that a MARRIAGE PROCESSION IS SOON TO APPEAR. In many parts of the East, wedding festivities are held in the EVENING. The bridegroom GOES FORTH TO MEET his BRIDE, and bring her to HIS HOME. By torchlight the BRIDAL PARTY PROCEED from HER FATHER'S HOUSE to HIS OWN, where a feast is provided for the INVITED GUESTS. In the scene upon which Christ looks, a COMPANY (ten virgins) are awaiting the appearance of the BRIDAL PARTY, intending to JOIN THE PROCESSION.
"Lingering NEAR the BRIDE'S HOUSE are ten young women robed in white. ...All are anxiously watching for the appearance of the bridegroom. But there is a delay. ...the watchers (10 virgins) become weary and fall asleep. At midnight a cry is heard, 'Behold, the bridegroom cometh; go ye out to meet him.' The sleepers, suddenly awaking, spring to their feet. They see the PROCESSION MOVING ON, bright with torches, and glad with music. They HEAR the VOICE of the BRIDEGROOM AND the VOICE of the BRIDE. The ten maidens seize their lamps and begin to trim them, IN HASTE TO GO FORTH.
"As Christ sat looking upon the party that waited for the bridegroom, He told the disciples the story of the ten virgins, by THEIR experience, ILLUSTRATING the EXPERIENCE of the CHURCH that shall live JUST BEFORE His SECOND coming." Christ's Object Lessons, p. 405,406. At His first coming, the Saviour of the world told the disciples in the parable how the FIRST-FRUIT harvest was to be conducted in the END of the world. "The ten virgins are watching in the EVENING of this earth's history." Christ's Object Lessons, p. 412.
The interpretation given the parable by the messenger of THE THIRD ANGEL, 1844, IS THUS:
1. "The two classes of watchers (10 virgins, wise and foolish) represent two classes who profess to be waiting for their Lord."
2. "The LAMPS represent the WORD of God (Ps. 119:105)."
3. "The OIL is a symbol of the HOLY SPIRIT as brought forth in the prophecy of Zec. 4:1-14."
4. The message of Zec. 4 was: The Work will be FINISHED, "not by might, nor by power, but by my Spirit, saith the Lord of Hosts." (Christ's Object Lessons, p. 406-407).
"And I answered AGAIN and said unto him, What be these TWO olive BRANCHES which through the TWO golden pipes (prophets) empty the golden oil out of themselves? ...Then said he, These are the TWO ANOINTED ONES that stand BY the Lord of the whole earth." Zec. 4:12,14.
"The TWO Divine Guides of life, the WORD and NATURE, as we have already seen, are the BEST and ONLY TEACHERS that speak with AUTHORITY. Anyone, therefore, who neglects their counsel is unwittingly walking in darkness and heading for trouble..." Entering Wedge, p. 38.
Notice, that in Zec. 4:11, the identity of the TWO Olive Trees is in question, and, in Zec. 4:12, the identity of the two olive BRANCHES is likewise, in question.
In Zec. 4:14, the IDENTITY of the TWO olive BRANCHES is given prophetically.
"Then said he, these are the TWO anointed ONES that stand BY the God of the WHOLE earth."
Please note, there are TWO living trees. Each tree has His OWN BRANCH from which flows the golden oil through TWO golden pipes (Prophets: Moses and Christ) into the bowl (container, fem.) – a symbol of the office of the Spirit (Feminine) of Prophecy, the Writings of the prophets, as given by the Holy Ghost.
The two olive trees have been defined by the Spirit of prophecy, in times past, to be the Old and New Testament, TWO trees, "the WORD of God to Zerubbabel (Governor – or symbol of the Holy Ghost Who relates the Scripture to the prophets by direct Inspiration)" thus making the "two witnesses represent the SCRIPTURES (two Branches) of the Old and New Testament," the two olive trees. (Great Controversy, p. 267).
In the Old Testament (Tree) we see the revelation of the Father as ONE under the Mosaic dispensation, by a prophet, Moses, with the PROMISE of a Son.
In the New Testament (Tree) is the revelation of the "only begotten" Son as ONE, made in the Image of God, the Father. (Heb. 1:3,5,6,13).
Here we have TWO MALE figures revealed as two trees. But what of the Branches? "Knowest thou not what these be? Then said He, these are the two ANOINTED ONES that stand BY the Lord of the whole earth." Zec. 4:13,14.
In the primary application, one of the Divine guides of life, NATURE, in the light of Rom. 1:20 and Gen. 1:26,27; 5:1,2, only, can tell us who these two anointed ONES are. The key is found in Gen. 2:21. From the Tree, the FIRST Adam, a branch (rib) was brought forth. In the first step of creation, Adam was made in the Image of Christ, his Creator (John 1:3), one person. In the SECOND step, "God took one of his ribs (a Branch of him)...and...made he a woman, and brought her to the man ...bone of his bone and flesh of his flesh." Gen. 2:21-23.
Thus, Adam became two, Male and Female Persons, BOTH called Adam. Eve was made in the Image of God, her Creator in Heaven. Gen. 1:26,27 says, "and God said, Let US make man in OUR IMAGE, Male and FEMALE." Like the first earthly Adam, Christ his Creator (the heavenly Adam), by creating Adam and Eve in His Image, Male and Female, revealed His CO-CREATOR (a BRANCH of Himself) – the Holy Ghost, His helpmeet standing by Him (Zec. 4:14) in the creation of all things in Their Image, male and female.
The sum of all this nature story is:
As the Heavenly Adam, the Son of God, and the earthly son of God, Adam, were made in the Image of the Eternal Father in Heaven; then, the evidence is conclusive:
The Eternal Father has a FEMALE counterpart, a Branch of Himself, a co-creator standing BY Him, The Holy Spirit, the Eternal Mother (Zec. 4:14).
All these symbols denote TWO SETS of Witnesses in Heaven: (1) The Eternal Father and Eternal Mother. (2) The Everlasting Father (Christ) Isa. 9:6, and the Everlasting Mother (the Holy Ghost – John 14:26).
(3) In the earth, two SETS of WITNESSES -- The first Adam and Eve and the Second Adam (Christ) and Eve (Holy Ghost), to be further revealed in PART 3.
In the parable, notice the SETTING. "Then shall the KINGDOM of HEAVEN be LIKENED to ten virgins..." This earthly scene before which Christ and the apostles sat was to teach them FIRST about the KINGDOM OF HEAVEN, how the harvest was conducted there, so they could understand how it would be in the earthly harvest in the end of the world. (To be fully explained in the PART 3).
Under the FINAL phase of the Third Angel's message in the Judgment of the Living, March – April 1986, the messenger of the Holy Spirit, of 1977, gives additional light on the Parable concerning its present truth application to the Harvest of the FIRST fruits – the Wave-sheaf, and the Wave loaves.
The TEN virgins are seen as the church, universal, who are the invited GUESTS (five of whom were wise and five foolish) at the wedding of Christ and the Holy Ghost, His BRIDE – a DIVINE PERSONAGE (Isa. 6: Rev. 10). In the bridal party are the Bridegroom and the Bride with THEIR ATTENDANTS who represent the wave-sheaf, MALE and
FEMALE.
In the first instance, Christ was the wave-sheaf (Desire of Ages, p. 785), and those resurrected with Him, were, like Him, martyrs for their faith. FIRST we see the wave-sheaf (barley) as ONE DIVINE PERSON, Christ, representing the DEAD wave-sheaf, the Bridegroom. Secondly, we see the wave-sheaf as a multitude of ATTENDANTS to the Bridegroom and certainly the Bride who is also ONE divine person (representing the LIVING Wave-sheaf). The Holy Ghost, has her attendants – the female wavesheaf – her maids of honor.
The DWELLING HOUSE, brilliantly lighted as for a festive scene equates with the Heavenly Jerusalem – Temple – woman – and her counterpart on Earth, the church, the dwelling place of the Holy Ghost, the Bride's house – temple.
The "company" waiting around is the church membership universal (ten); virgins professing a pure doctrine and "awaiting the appearance of the BRIDAL PARTY, the Groom's attendants plus the Bride's attendants intending to join the procession.
"Clearly, then, the Bride represents the Holy City (in heaven Heb. 12:22,23) and the (ten) virgins that go out to meet the Bridegroom (and the Bride) are a symbol of the church (members). In the Revelation the PEOPLE of God are said to be GUESTS at the Marriage Supper. Rev. 19:9. If GUESTS they CANNOT be represented ALSO as the BRIDE." Great Controversy, p. 426-7.
Let it be remembered that the Scriptures confirm the fact that an individual, ONE person, not a multitude, represented the Holy City, New Jerusalem, THE BRIDE. An earthly woman, Sarah, a MOTHER and the legal wife of Abraham, represented the HEAVENLY JERUSALEM.
"But Jerusalem which is ABOVE is free which is the MOTHER of US ALL." Read Gal. 4:22-31 and Heb. 12:22,23.
Therefore, the Bride is ONE as the Bridegroom is ONE. In the parable, Christ, the Heavenly Bridegroom, and His Bride are members of the Godhead (Rom. 1:20) the only begotten Son and His Spirit, the Holy Ghost.
"Lingering NEAR the BRIDE'S HOUSE (the church) are ten young women robed in white. They are NOT a part of the BRIDAL PROCESSION, but are waiting for its appearance. They go to sleep and are awakened by the cry, 'Behold the Bridegroom cometh.' They awaken and see the procession MOVING ON. THEY HEAR THE VOICE OF THE BRIDEGROOM AND THE VOICE OF THE BRIDE (TWO INSPIRED VOICES)." Christ's Object Lessons, p. 405,406 (See also Great Controversy, p. 426). They trim their lamps and go forth. The BRIDAL PARTY is composed of the Bride's attendants, FEMALE, her father and mother, and the Bridegroom's male attendants (wave-sheaf).
When Jesus was resurrected by the LIFE that WAS within Himself, a multitude (of martyrs - Desire of Ages, p. 786) were raised with him, Male and Female and were
representative of the BRIDAL PARTY, ATTENDANTS, of the Bridegroom AND the BRIDE. They were taken to His Father's house above, preparatory for the Betrothal in the first apartment of the Heavenly Sanctuary where Christ and the Holy Ghost were inaugurated into Their MEDIATORIAL Kingdom on the Day of Pentecost as signalized by the outpouring of POWER as (2) tongues of fire (VOICE of the BRIDEGROOM and VOICE of the BRIDE) upon the heads of the 120 disciples on earth GUESTS at the Inauguration.
"There is the throne, and around it the rainbow of Promise. There are cherubim and seraphim. The COMMANDERS of the angel hosts, the SONS of God, the REPRESENTATIVES of the UNFALLEN WORLDS, are assembled. The heavenly council before which Lucifer had accused God and His Son, the REPRESENTATIVES of those SINLESS realms over which Satan had thought to establish his dominion -- all are there to welcome the Redeemer. They are eager to celebrate His triumph and to glorify their King.
"The Sons of God are the Heavenly Apostles, REPRESENTATIVES of the UNFALLEN Worlds, twelve Adams in our solar system of twelve planets. (Gen. 37:9; Gen. 1:16, Isa. 34:4).
"Since along with our heaven and earth, therefore, our WHOLE solar system is to pass away (Rev. 21:1) not only the saints from the earth then, but WITH THEM also THE SONS of God from the whole system (12 planets) shall live and reign with Christ a thousand years. O What a Privilege!" Behold, I Make All Things New, p. 25,26.
This event occurred at the end of their forty days ministry to gather the first fruits, the 120 disciples, and to prepare them to receive the power of the Holy Ghost on the day of Pentecost.
The first ascension of Jesus, the Wavesheaf (Desire of Ages, p. 786), was on Sunday, the 18th day of the first month, at Passover (John 20:17,19,22; Desire of Ages, p. 785).
The next event to take place in the Harvest of Souls in the end of the World, Matt. 13:39, is the coming of the Bridegroom (Christ) and His Betrothed Bride (Holy Ghost) for the living wavesheaf from the Remnant church, who will be joined by the resurrected wavesheaf since 1844, for their inauguration into their Kingdom of Glory, with Christ and His Bride in the Kingdom of Glory in the Most Holy Apartment of the Heavenly Sanctuary – the Bridal Chamber. Then the Latter Rain, Holy Ghost in power, will be poured out upon the waiting GUESTS – the 144,000 living saints on Mount Zion in Earthly Jerusalem.
I AM,
Yours, to be a True Witness of the Glorious Kingdom of Christ and the Holy Ghost on earth, (Rev. 18 and 10).

Lois Irene Scott Roden
ANTITYPICAL SECOND TEMPLE
UNDER ANTITYPICAL
HAGGAI AND ZECHARIAH
TWO PROPHETS
REVELATION 11:10
July 4, 1986
"'This is the WORD of the Lord unto Zerubbabel, saying, not by might, nor by power, but by my SPIRIT, saith the LORD of HOSTS. ...And...What be these TWO OLIVE BRANCHES which...empty the GOLDEN OIL out of THEMSELVES?' (They are TWO parts (Branches) of TWO olive Trees.)...
"Then said he, These are the two ANOINTED ONES, that stand BY (with) the Lord (Elohim, plural) of the whole earth. Zec. 4:1-6; 12-14.
"Thus the WORD (Son) of God (the Father) is represented by these symbols. (two Olive trees, each with His own branch.)...
"The revelation of the (TWO) olive TREES is found in the eleventh chapter and the fourth verse: 'These are the two olive trees and the two candlesticks standing BEFORE the Lord God of the earth.' The olive trees and the two candlesticks are the TWO WITNESSES (Father and Son – Two Rams – Fathers of Lambs)...These two olive trees and the two candlesticks are inseparable." Shepherd's Rod, Vol. 2, p. 283,284.
The CANDLESTICKS represent the earthly, Old Testament church whose husband was the Father, and the earthly New Testament Church whose husband is the Messiah. Here we have a mixture of heavenly and earthly symbols. Two members of the Godhead; The Father and the Son, each with His Earthly wife of which Hagar, Sarah, and Mary (one woman, representing BOTH the Old and New Testament Churches), were symbols – Old and New Testament Churches.
But now, we must consider the HEAVENLY Beings who are represented ON EARTH by Hagar and Sarah as wives of the Father and the Son. Since the two Olive BRANCHES of Zec. 4 are "TWO ANOINTED ONES" and Branches of the two olive trees (male), one can readily see by the creation story of Adam and Eve, that Adam was an image of a male tree, and Eve was actually a branch of that tree, Adam. Therefore, it is quite simple to see that the TWO BRANCHES of the TWO TREES (the Father and the Son) in Heaven would represent two FEMININE PERSONS of the Godhead. As Eve was
a Branch of Adam, and as Adam and Eve were divided into male and female IMAGES of God as revealed in Genesis, then, their Creator would, of necessity, be both male and female. As with the Father and Holy Spirit, likewise, with the Son and Holy Ghost, four members of the Godhead, male and female.
Notice, in the heavenly picture, these two Olive Branches, "TWO ANOINTED ONES" empty...oil out of THEMSELVES and stand BY, (Zec. 4:14) the Lord (Elohim) of the whole earth – in the work of creation. But in Revelation 11, is shown God's earthly agencies, those who represent the Godhead, who stand BEFORE the God of the whole earth. Rev. 11:4. "Thus we have a candlestick [church – temple, woman] for each of the TWO sections of God's church while the Scriptures were being written. One candlestick [female] and one olive tree [male] to the Jewish church, and one candlestick and one olive tree for the apostle's [both inseparable], and SEVEN for the remaining history of the church TO THE TIME OF THE SEPARATION OF THE TARES FROM THE WHEAT, or to the COMMENCEMENT of HARVEST. Thus, the candlestick ([woman,] church) in Zechariah's vision is the TENTH, denoting a UNIVERSAL church; depicting the LIVING CHURCH [temple] that shall unite with all the saints since the world began – which will JOIN with the church of the entire universe of God!" Shepherd's Rod, Vol. 2, p. 284; (Heb. 12:22-24,25). This candlestick, second antitypical Temple, has TWO prophets (Rev. 11:10).
"This candlestick in Zechariah's vision is a glorious one, which in comparison, all others stand in perfect harmony with the second temple, 'as nothing.'" ibid. Why? Because the DIVINE PRESENCE (cloud by day – fire by night) dwells within THIS LAST SECTION OF THE CHRISTIAN CHURCH "which in comparison to the FIRST stood as 'nothing'" as was true in, the FIRST section of the ANTITYPICAL Temple (Solomon's), represented by Jesus, who was the temple filled with the Holy Ghost. This tenth candlestick represents the temple, church, WOMAN, the Holy Ghost, the BRIDE of Christ, most glorious Who appears in cloud by day and fire by night and Who is revealed by her earthly representative, a prophet, an antitypical Sarah. Gal. 4:4,6,22-31; Heb. 12:18-29. Read carefully Shepherd's Rod, Vol. 1, p. 226:3; 227:0,1. In other words, this church has the TESTIMONY of JESUS, which is the SPIRIT of PROPHECY as brought by the Holy Ghost, through her PERSONAL, EARTHLY REPRESENTATIVE.
"This golden candlestick is the most REMARKABLE SYMBOL in the Bible pertaining to the church (woman) of God. Its arrangement...reveals that the LAST SECTION of God's church, is to be the most glorious church in all ages. This 'CONTINUED communication' by the HOLY SPIRIT to the church, represented by the (TWO) olive BRANCHES emptying the 'GOLDEN OIL out of THEMSELVES' (The Shekinah in the Old Testament and the Holy Ghost in the New Testament) into the (her) Golden Bowl, and its complete set of supply tubes from the bowl to all its lamps, is to bring EVERY part of the entire body in perfect harmony; a church without guile. Shepherd's Rod, Vol. 2, p. 286. These TWO "Olive Branches" symbolize TWO manifestations of the SPIRIT OF GOD in a MESSAGE ABOUT The HOLY SPIRIT WHO creates Her IMAGE, a message of a "likeness of herself" – the HOLY GHOST.
NOTE--- "Yes, the great army; the 144,000, will receive the PENTECOSTAL POWER
-- which will designate that they are 'Kings' and 'Priests' of the Lord. AS WAS (emphasis ours) Christ's '...ENTHRONEMENT in His mediatorial kingdom ... SIGNALIZED by the outpouring of the HOLY SPIRIT (AD 31):' Christ's Object Lessons, p. 120, so the MODERN-DAY (emphasis ours) PENTECOST will SIGNALIZE THE ENTHRONEMENT OF HIS BRIDE -- Saviours, Mediators, Obadiah 21." – Crowned in the Wilderness, p. 2, by Ben L. Roden. TWO mediators, Saviours, Christ and the Holy Ghost (Rom. 8:26,34), come down upon Mt. Zion with the 144,000, twelve thousand from the twelve tribes of Israel, in a "cloud by day and a fire by night" as THEY came down on Mt. Sinai in the days of Moses.
"NOTE---The BRIDE, the Lamb's (Branch's) wife is evidently the church (represented by ONE woman – Eve, Sarah, Mary) whose righteousness the Gentiles see and all nations HER glory; the church that goes by her husband's 'new name,' the BRANCH, which the mouth (mouthpiece) of the Lord (Jer. 33:15,16) names." Branch Sabbath School Lessons, Vol. 6:1-3, p. 55, by Ben L. Roden.
"Before offering himself, as the sacrificial victim, Christ sought for the MOST ESSENTIAL and COMPLETE GIFT to bestow upon His followers, a gift that would bring within their reach the BOUNDLESS RESOURCES of GRACE (Holy Ghost). I will pray the Father he said, and He shall give you ANOTHER COMFORTER, that he (she) may abide with you forever. Desire of Ages, p. 663,668,669." ibid, p. 5.
"It is the HOLY SPIRIT, the COMFORTER, which Jesus said he would send into the world, that changes our character into the IMAGE OF CHRIST, and when this is accomplished, we reflect as in a mirror the GLORY (Spirit) of the Lord." Review and Herald, Dec. 5, 1912.
"The HOLY SPIRIT is Christ's REPRESENTATIVE ...arms the weakest with might to press forward to" Review and Herald, Mar. 24, 1910. Read Acts of the Apostles, p. 30-32.
"This prophetic SYMBOL [candlestick] unmistakably points FORWARD to a HEAVENLY agency absorbing human weakness and imperfection into EVERLASTING GLORY. 'A GLORIOUS CHURCH [woman], not having spot or wrinkle, or any such thing; but that it should be holy and without blemish.' (Eph. 5:27). A church that keeps 'the commandments of God and HAVE the TESTIMONY OF JESUS CHRIST.'
" 'Clad in the armor of Christ's righteousness, the CHURCH [woman] is to enter upon her FINAL conflict. "Fair as the moon, clear as the sun, terrible as an army with banners, SHE is to go forth into all the world conquering and to conquer." ' Prophets and Kings, p. 725 (Song 6:10) To THIS 'CANDLESTICK' is the PROMISE: 'Behold, I will make THEE a new SHARP THRESHING INSTRUMENT having teeth [Rev. 14:17]: THOU shalt THRESH the mountains, and beat them small, and shall make the hills chaff." (Isa. 41:15). 'The ONE STONE' – the CHURCH [She the Lord our Righteousness Jer. 33:15,16] – shall have complete vision of HEAVENLY GLORY: 'For behold THE STONE that I have laid before Joshua [JESUS, in the messenger whom the Lord sends]; upon ONE STONE shall be SEVEN eyes [complete Spirit of God]: behold I will engrave the
GRAVING thereof, saith the LORD of HOSTS [Holy Ghost] and I will remove the iniquity of that land in one day...
"To the servants of God (the church) is granted to possess the earth, and restore the land to the saints, to whom it originally belonged." Read (Zec. 12:3,8; 13:8,9; Ps. 87:3; Isa. 12:6; Zec. 2:10) Shepherd's Rod, Vol. 2, p. 286-287.
It is very evident from the Scriptures that Christ came to earth, in the flesh, as the SECOND ADAM (1 Cor. 15:45). Therefore, as he was the EXPRESS IMAGES of God, His Father's Person, He represented male and female in ONE person as did the first Adam from whose rib Eve was built, by God.
It is also quite evident that it was through Christ and His rib (the Holy Ghost) that all things were created. Therefore, CHRIST is called the Everlasting FATHER, the Prince of peace. Father, through creation of all things before Adam and Eve on the sixth day; consequently, CHRIST and HIS SPIRIT (Rib – Holy Ghost) created together all things, for without a UNION of the positive and negative forces nothing can come forth.
THEY, said "Let US make man in OUR Image MALE and FEMALE" (Gen. 1:26,27; 5:1,2). Adam came forth one person, his RIB representing Eve. God caused a deep sleep to come upon Adam, so that Eve might come forth in all her perfection of beauty. He was divided even as the Father and His Spirit were divided (positive and negative forces) to bring forth their first BEGOTTEN SON, our Saviour, WHO became the Father of all mankind through the creation. Heb. 1; John 1:1-18.
The GOSPEL in Genesis, Creation week, was a TYPE which prefigured the SECOND Adam's coming in the flesh, as ONE PERSON; then going to sleep (died) that the SECOND Eve might be revealed to humanity – a FEMININE Messiah – the BRANCH SHE, the Lord His Righteousness (and ours) (Jer. 33:15,16).
With what matchless simplicity is the Gospel of Christ preached-through the Word of God! In Genesis, Christ, the Everlasting Father said to SOMEONE, let US make mankind in our image, Male and Female. We have known Adam was made in the IMAGE of the Creator, but have thought little of in whose IMAGE Eve was made.
If Christ became the FATHER of all creation (Isa. 9:6); then, one would be constrained to believe that, since a wife is a necessary vessel to bring forth children, it was SHE to whom Christ said, let us make our IMAGE. Thus there were TWO CREATIVE FORCES, both God's, male and female, who interacted to bring forth the two Adams, a male and a female (Gen. 5:1,2). The old adage, Prophecy, "Like Father, Like Son," had its origin in the "beginning"; for as the Father was known as "One" first; then two, when the HOLY SPIRIT MOTHER was revealed as a separate Person of the Godhead; so the Son was FIRST revealed as ONE PERSON in the flesh; then two, since the Holy Ghost has been revealed, (Jan., Feb., 1986) as the SECOND Eve. Christ was the Second Adam who went to sleep that SHE might be brought forth! (1 Cor. 15:45).
THE SECOND ADAM AND EVE
1 COR. 15:45-47-49
"And so it is written, The FIRST man Adam was made a LIVING soul; the LAST Adam was made a quickening (live) spirit.
"The FIRST man is of the earth, earthy: the SECOND man is the LORD FROM HEAVEN.
"And as we have borne the IMAGE of the EARTHY, we SHALL also bear the IMAGE of the heavenly. 1 Cor. 15:45,47,49.
"There is a NATURAL body, and there is a SPIRITUAL BODY." (verse 44). The Spirit (Soul) of Christ, THE HOLY GHOST, is knocking at each heart's door, awaiting an entrance, pleading through infinite love, the reclamation of the soul.
"The BRIDE, the lamb's (Branch's) wife is evidently the church (represented by ONE woman Sarah) Gal. 4:26). WHOSE RIGHTEOUSNESS THE GENTILES SEE AND ALL NATIONS HER GLORY: the church that goes by her husband's 'new name,' BRANCH which the mouth (mouthpiece) of the Lord names...did you ever hear of a...lady going by her own name after she was legally married to her husband?" Branch Sabbath School Lessons, Vol. 6:1-3, p. 55, by Ben L. Roden.
"But ye, beloved, building up yourselves on your most holy faith, praying in the HOLY GHOST" (Rom. 8:26; 2 Pet. 1:1,2,17,19,21).
Verse 21. "Keep yourselves in the love of God (Elohim) looking for MERCY (the angel of mercy – Desire of Ages, p. 578) of our Lord Jesus Christ unto eternal life.
Verse 24. "Now unto him (Christ) that is able to keep you from falling and to PRESENT you FAULTLESS BEFORE the PRESENCE of his EXCELLENT GLORY (the Holy Ghost) with exceeding joy.
Verse 25. "To the only WISE God our Saviour (Wisdom), be GLORY and MAJESTY, DOMINION, and POWER, both NOW and forever. Jude 21-25.
In the light of the NEW revelation of Jesus Christ and His GLORY, WHO is the Holy Ghost, we see in the above verses that Jude is presenting TWO Persons of the Godhead, CHRIST and the HOLY GHOST, SAVIOURS (Oba. 21) who shall come upon Mt. Zion to JUDGE the Mount of Esau (S.D.A.), and to reveal the 144,000 saviours that stand on Mt. Zion in Jerusalem with the Lamb (Male and Female).
Adam was created first, in the MORNING of the sixth day of earth's history, and Eve came forth from his side SECOND, last, in the EVENING of the sixth day pointing to the 6,000th (day) year of the earth's history. Thus, TWO Adams became ONE – male and female – representing ONE DAY, the sixth (Morning and Evening).
From the MORNING Star (Venus) came forth the EVENING star (Hesprus), TWO manifestations of ONE day, STAR. The logical conclusion is, that, as God called THEIR name Adam (Gen. 5:1,2), there were two Adams, a male and a female Adam. As a result, the conclusion is inevitable that the Day Star is, likewise, depicted by NATURE (Entering Wedge, p. 38), through the gospel in the Stars, to be TWO manifestations of ONE star, Venus; which is BOTH the morning and evening star depicting the male and femaleness of the number one (Echad – Heb.) TWO in ONE. Two persons of the Godhead, if you please, to rule in the Kingdom of Glory on earth – Eden restored – with a recreated Adam and Eve; EARTHLY representatives of CHRIST and the HOLY GHOST who intercede for humanity BEFORE the Eternal Throne in Heaven in the Heavenly Sanctuary. Rom. 8:26,34.
"And Saviours shall come upon Mt. Zion..." Oba. 21.
"For the GRACE (Holy Ghost) of God that bringeth salvation (to all men) hath APPEARED to all men.
"Teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world;
"Looking for the blessed hope, AND the GLORIOUS APPEARING of the (1) GREAT GOD and (2) our Saviour Jesus Christ;
"These things speak, and exhort and rebuke with all AUTHORITY. Let no MAN despise THEE." Titus 2:11-15.
"...The 'army' of 'horses' is figurative of the WORKERS who proclaim the FINAL MESSAGE. ...These 200,000,000 horses, we have learned, symbolize a great ARMY OF GOSPEL WORKERS, from whose lips go a MESSAGE which means LIFE or DEATH. That, therefore, must be the POWER in their MOUTH. Consequently, the 'fire,' 'smoke,' and 'brimstone,' which issue 'out of their mouths,' are figurative of the MESSAGE which they proclaim: the POWER of the HOLY SPIRIT (the 'fire'), the sacrifice of Christ ('the smoke'), and the destructive judgments of God ('the brimstone'). ...And now, as to the swelled number of PREACHERS FROM 144,000 to 200,000,000..." OF THE 3,000 ON the DAY of Pentecost... Final Warning, p. 90,91,93.
"If Christians (Branches) were to act in concert, moving forward as one, under the direction of ONE POWER, the Holy Ghost, for the accomplishment of ONE purpose, they would MOVE THE WORLD." Behold, I Make All Things New, p. 221.
"My brethren and sisters, PLEAD for the HOLY SPIRIT. God stands back of every promise He has made. With your Bible in your hands say, I have done as Thou hast said. I present thy promise, ASK, and it shall be given you, SEEK and ye shall FIND, KNOCK, and IT SHALL BE OPENED unto you. (Matt. 7:7)" Testimonies for the Church, Vol. 8, p. 23.
"Thus saith the Lord God: Now will I bring AGAIN the captivity of Jacob, and have mercy on the WHOLE house of Israel and will be jealous for my holy name... Neither will I hide my FACE (Shekinah) from them: for I HAVE POURED OUT MY SPIRIT UPON THE HOUSE OF ISRAEL, SAITH THE LORD GOD." Eze. 39:25,29.
"Being TWO in number...and made from wheat, the wave-loaves are figurative of JUDAH and ISRAEL... Being baken with LEAVEN, shows they are leavened with the TRUTH [of the Holy Ghost]. Waving them on the day of Pentecost shows that His people WILL BE FILLED WITH THE HOLY SPIRIT. ...The Passover lamb...was symbolic of the LAMB OF GOD, Christ. ...Therefore, the seven lambs without blemish that are offered with the bread are figurative of God's people. See John 21:15. "The number SEVEN indicates completeness." (Acts of the Apostles, p. 585). Obviously the seven lambs are figurative of the seven thousand of Israel who had not bowed the knee to Baal in ancient Elijah's day... Since seven thousands indicate a complete number of thousands, they are therefore a type of the 144,000...who have not bowed the knee to Baal in ANTITYPICAL Elijah's day.
"Plainly then, the seven unblemished lambs are figurative of the 144,000 guileless servants of God. Rev. 14:1-5. The TWO RAMS of Lev. 23:18, being the FATHERS of the SEVEN unblemished lambs and the RAM'S bodies, being offered for A MEAT OFFERING MADE BY FIRE, a symbol of the HOLY SPIRIT, and the meat being a symbol of God's WORD (Heb. 5:14) we conclude that the BODIES of the TWO RAMS are figurative of the OLD and NEW TESTAMENT SCRIPTURES – the Bible [Zec. 4:11], that which BEGAT the Bible people, the Old and New Testament churches. Now...the lambs are symbolic of God's elect and the TWO RAMS are figurative of the Bible [Old and New Testament]" – FATHERS (trees Zec. 4:11). God the FATHER, and CHRIST the EVERLASTING FATHER (Isa 9:6). The Law of Moses in the Light of Rev. 14, p. 3 by Ben L. Roden.
"Pentecost fell on Sunday as an evidence of God's method of working. He began with the FIRST DAY." Shepherd's Rod, Vol. 2, p. 22.
"Inspiration records that the same SPIRIT Who raised Christ, preached to the antediluvians... there are three PENTECOSTS to be considered, -- two in the past and one in the future [yea, FIVE (1) Noah's (2) Moses' (3) Christ's–the ceremonial Pentecost fifty days after His baptism on the Feast of Tabernacles, at the wedding in Cana, after calling His disciples. (4) The Apostles' (5) the Latter-day Pentecost for the 144,000] – brackets ours. ...the symbolical number of the two Pentecosts in one, is 240 ...to get the actual number of saints in the Third and last Pentecost, and the only one directly prophesied in the Bible, we must multiply the symbolical number of Bible time and the saints (600) with the number of the two Pentecosts. Thus, 600 x 240 = 144,000. Therefore, the Pentecost that is just ahead of us will be made up of the 144,000 saints who are to be translated without tasting death." The Judgment and The Harvest, 1934 Ed. p. 71,72, (also Tract 3 Supplement, p. 13). "Yes, the great 'army,' the 144,000 will receive the Pentecostal power -- which will designate that they are 'kings' and 'priests' of
the Lord(s). As was Christ's '...ENTHRONEMENT IN HIS MEDIATORIAL KINGDOM ...signalized by the outpouring of the Holy Spirit.' Christ's Object Lessons, p. 120, so the MODERN DAY PENTECOST (emphasis ours) will SIGNALIZE THE ENTHRONEMENT of His BRIDE -- Saviours, Mediators. Obadiah 21. Crowned in the Wilderness, p. 2, by Ben L. Roden.
This statement by the Lord's Servant, Ben L. Roden, is telling us now, who have NEW light on the identity of the BRIDE of Christ, that HER enthronement as His Queen is going to be on the LATTER DAY PENTECOST IN HEAVEN, just like Christ's enthronement was IN HEAVEN on the day of Pentecost in AD 31 – in the first apartment of the sanctuary where he became engaged with the HOLY GHOST in His Mediatorial Kingdom. THE NEXT EVENT will be the MARRIAGE of the BRIDE and BRIDEGROOM in the MOST HOLY PLACE of the Sanctuary in Heaven while the 144,000 stand on Mt. Zion under the FULL manifestation of the HOLY GHOST in a "cloud by day and a fire by night" which signalizes the MARRIAGE OF THE SECOND ADAM and EVE and Their coronation in THEIR Kingdom of Glory.
In 31 AD on the day of Pentecost what happened? Actually, TWO important events took place: (1) In Heaven Christ and those resurrected with Him, the WAVESHEAF, were inaugurated into their mediatorial Kingdom, and the POWER of the HOLY GHOST, present at the ceremony, was sent down to earth upon the heads of the FIRST-FRUITS, the 120, and the 3,000 also, as TONGUES of fire, investing the disciples with the power of speech, languages, to preach the gospel of the RESURRECTION OF JESUS to the Jews present from every nation under heaven. (2) Note: the 120 and those with them DID NOT ASCEND TO HEAVEN but were to REMAIN on EARTH as the Government of God to preach the gospel, first, to the lost sheep of the house of Israel; then, to the Gentiles. So there were TWO CEREMONIES, ONE in HEAVEN for the WAVESHEAF, and ONE on EARTH for the WAVELOAVES, the FIRST FRUITS, being inaugurated into their mediatorial work on EARTH. In other words, heaven and earth were in complete unity. Read Desire of Ages, p. 113:1,2.
"He was numbered with the transgressors." Mark 15:28. "...He made INTERCESSION for the transgressors." Isa. 53:12.
"And they crucified Him" Luke 23:33. "Now from the SIXTH hour there was darkness over all the land unto the NINTH hour and the SUN was darkened and the VEIL OF THE TEMPLE WAS RENT IN THE MIDST." Luke 23:44,45.
"And about the NINTH HOUR Jesus cried with a loud voice, saying, ...My God, (Father) My God (Mother) why hast thou forsaken me." Matt. 27:46.
The SIXTH hour (Dan. 6:10) was the SECOND of the Jewish hours of prayer, the THIRD HOUR being the FIRST, and the ninth hour the THIRD.
"And when Jesus had cried with a loud voice, He said, Father, into thy hands I
commend my Spirit: and having said thus, (he bowed His head – John 19:30) and gave up the Ghost." Luke 23:46.
This VEIL, a mystic representation of the veiling of the BRIDE of Christ, which was between the holy and the most holy apartment of the earthly sanctuary, veiling HER PRESENCE in the MOST HOLY and shutting out ALL ACCESS to the DIVINE PRESENCE of God manifested above the mercy seat and between the two cherubim upon the mercy seat; "the Holy Ghost this signifying, that the WAY INTO THE HOLIEST OF ALL was NOT YET made manifest (known), while as the first tabernacle was yet standing.
"Which was a FIGURE for the time THEN present...The rending of the VEIL at the NINTH hour was a SYMBOL of the SEPARATION of DIVINITY from sinful humanity in the SPIRITUAL TEMPLE, JESUS CHRIST, on the cross of Calvary, when He gave up the Ghost, to open to humanity a NEW and LIVING way (Heb. 10:19,20) without sin unto salvation, through ANOTHER COMFORTER as he had promised, Even the HOLY GHOST! (John 14:26; 16:7-15).
Into the holiest of all, none could enter, even the high Priest (a symbol of Christ), except ONCE a year, on the great day of Atonement, and then, only with the blood of atonement, sprinkled by hand, upon and before the mercy seat, seven TIMES." (Lev 16:14). This was to SIGNIFY COMPLETE ACCESS for sinners to this Holy God, the SHEKINAH. It was, and STILL is, only through the atoning blood. Thus, until the death of Christ (shedding His precious blood) the veil over the "FACE of God," the SHEKINAH, remained.
Now, ACCESS to the Holiness of God, the SHEKINAH, can no longer be denied, for at the time of its rending, the veil between the holy and the most holy, that is to say, his flesh (Heb. 10:20)," symbolized the SEPARATION of the SECOND ADAM AND EVE (1 Cor. 15:45) as TWO DISTINCT HEAVENLY BEINGS; and again, their union, "as one," in the sanctuary service, which was to become ONE – open for all to SEE the "GLORY APARTMENT" of God, and the HOLY GHOST.
A partial demonstration was given on the day of PENTECOST–TWO tongues (sword of truth) – a double edged sword of fire (Acts 2:3). "The SWORD of the SPIRIT, NEWLY EDGED with POWER and bathed in the LIGHTNINGS OF HEAVEN, cut its way through unbelief." Acts of the Apostles, p. 38:1.
The veil had ever symbolized the separation between sinful humanity and this HOLY GOD. The middle partition was taken out of the way on the cross that mankind might have FREE ACCESS to the DOUBLE INTERCESSION (Rom. 8:26,34) in the sanctuary above, as revealed in Heb. 10:1,9,15,16,20,22,29.
The VEIL IS GONE: The mercy seat NOW stands open, our TWO INTERCESSORS, CHRIST and the HOLY GHOST, minister before the Eternal God and His Spirit. The new and LIVING way is sprinkled by the blood of Him "WHO THROUGH THE ETERNAL SPIRIT offered HIMSELF without spot unto God." Heb. 9:14.
In Isa. 6 is shown The BRIDAL CHARIOT coming TO EARTH – The Lord AND His Train – BRIDE – to minister to the heirs of salvation in the JUDGMENT OF THE LIVING!
Under the Old Covenant it was DEATH to go in. Now, there is NO LIFE unless we accept this GLORIOUS TRUTH and enter into the MOST HOLY, the Bridal Chamber, the Glory of God, for the Marriage of the King's Son. The BRIDEGROOM AND HIS BRIDE. "They HEAR (both) the VOICE of the Bridegroom AND the VOICE of the BRIDE." Christ's Object Lessons, p. 406:0.
"Let us be glad and rejoice, and give honor to him (them); for the marriage of the Lamb is come, and his wife hath MADE HERSELF ready.
"And to HER was granted that she should be arrayed in fine linen, clean and white: for the FINE LINEN is the RIGHTEOUSNESS OF SAINTS. [Notice, the fine linen (righteousness) is on the Bride (Jer. 33:15,16).]
"And he saith to me, write, BLESSED are they which are called to the MARRIAGE SUPPER OF THE LAMB. And he saith unto me, these are the TRUE SAYINGS OF GOD." Rev. 19:7-9.
"And the Spirit (Holy Spirit) and the Bride (Holy Ghost) say, come. And let him that heareth say, come. And let him that is ATHIRST (for the water of life) come. And whosoever will, let him take the WATER of LIFE freely. Rev. 22:17.
I Am,
Yours, in the name of the BRIDE WHO has come out of HER CLOSET, most Holy Apartment of the Sanctuary, now thrown open for all to SEE Her Glory!

Lois Irene Scott Roden
"'Let the wicked forsake his way, and the unrighteous man his thoughts: and let him RETURN UNTO THE [1] LORD, and he will have mercy upon him; and TO OUR [2] GOD, for he will abundantly pardon.' We must forsake our WAYS and our thoughts [that are evil], and in exchange, TAKE GOD'S THOUGHTS AND FOLLOW HIS WAYS. Isa. 55:8: 'For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, saith the Lord.' NOT UNTIL AFTER THIS TRANSACTION IS MADE, CAN ONE PLEASE, SERVE, OR UNDERSTAND GOD, NOR CAN HE ENTER HEAVEN. When this TRANSACTION IS MADE, the THOUGHTS, WAYS, DESIRES, ACTIONS, AND THE WHOLE HUMAN BEING IS CHANGED. HOW DO WE GET GOD'S THOUGHTS? ...and ways are found
in His Word (the Bible). The man who will follow the COMPLETE INSTRUCTIONS by the SPIRIT OF GOD is in a heavenly atmosphere, and walks with God as Enoch of old." Shepherd's Rod, Vol. 1, p. 141,142.
"It is the DARKNESS OF MISAPPREHENSION of GOD that is enshrouding the world. Men are losing their KNOWLEDGE OF HIS CHARACTER [Rom. 1:20]. It has been MISUNDERSTOOD and MISINTERPRETED.
"AT THIS TIME A MESSAGE FROM GOD IS TO BE proclaimed, a MESSAGE ILLUMINATING in its influence and SAVING IN ITS POWER. His character is to be made known. Into the darkness of the world IS TO BE SHED THE LIGHT of His GLORY, THE LIGHT OF HIS GOODNESS, MERCY, AND TRUTH.
"This is the work outlined by the prophet Isaiah in the words, 'O JERUSALEM [Heb. 12:22,23] that bringest good tidings, LIFT UP THY VOICE [Holy Ghost] with STRENGTH; LIFT IT UP, be not afraid; say unto the cities of Judah, BEHOLD YOUR GOD! Behold, the LORD GOD will come with a strong hand, and His ARM shall rule for him; behold, His REWARD is with Him, and His work before Him!' " Isa. 40:9,10.
"What man knoweth the things of a man, save the SPIRIT of man which is in him? Even so, the things of God KNOWETH NO MAN, BUT THE SPIRIT of GOD." 1 Cor. 2:11.
"Saddest of all words that ever fell on mortal ear are those words of doom, 'I KNOW YOU NOT.' The FELLOWSHIP OF THE SPIRIT, which YOU have SLIGHTED, could alone MAKE YOU ONE with the joyous throng AT THE MARRIAGE FEAST. In that scene you cannot participate. ITS LIGHT would fall on blinded eyes, its melody upon deaf ears. Its love and joy could awake no chord of gladness in the world-benumbed heart. YOU ARE SHUT OUT OF HEAVEN BY YOUR OWN UNFITNESS FOR ITS COMPANIONSHIP.
"So the followers of Christ are to SHED LIGHT into the darkness of the world. THROUGH THE HOLY SPIRIT, God's WORD is a LIGHT as it BECOMES a transforming power in the LIFE of THE RECEIVER. By implanting in their hearts the PRINCIPLES of His WORD, the HOLY SPIRIT develops in men the ATTRIBUTES of GOD. THE LIGHT OF HIS GLORY – His CHARACTER – is to shine forth IN His FOLLOWERS. Thus they are to glorify God, TO LIGHTEN THE PATH TO the BRIDEGROOMS HOME, to the city of God, TO THE MARRIAGE SUPPER of THE LAMB. Christ's Object Lessons, p. 415,413,414, and onward.
THE LAMB OF GOD
AND
THE RED HEIFER
NUMBERS 19
NEW MOON – August 6, 1986
"The Godhead (Rom. 1:20) was stirred with pity for the race, and the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit GAVE THEMSELVES to the working out of the plan of redemption." Counsels on Health, p. 222.
"Those who proclaim the third angel's message must put on the whole armor of God... 'It is written.' Keep yourselves where the three powers of heaven, the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, can be your efficiency. These powers work with the one who gives himself unreservedly to God... The strength of heaven is at the command of God's believing ones." Southern Watchman, Feb. 23, 1904, p. 122.
"Our sanctification is the work of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. It is the FULFILLMENT of the COVENANT that God has made with those who bind themselves up with Him, to stand with His Spirit in holy fellowship. HAVE YOU BEEN BORN AGAIN? Have you become a new being in Christ Jesus? THEN COOPERATE WITH THE THREE GREAT POWERS OF HEAVEN WHO ARE WORKING IN YOUR BEHALF. Doing this you will REVEAL to the world the principles of righteousness." Signs of the Times, June 19, 1901.
Here we are told by the Lord's servant that the WHOLE GODHEAD is to be regarded as engaged in a work TOGETHER to bring about the salvation of Their lost creation – restored to their original possession in the earth, "as the garden of Eden." (Eze. 36).
Therefore, it is necessary for us to learn HOW this work is to be accomplished by seeing how and where it is pictured in the Word of God – the Bible.
It is written that we are transformed by the "renewing of our mind"; therefore, "let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus."
"And I looked, and lo, a LAMB stood on Mt. Zion, and with Him a hundred and forty and four thousand, HAVING HIS FATHER'S NAME WRITTEN in THEIR FOREHEADS." Rev. 14:1.
Most Bibles, except the King James Version, say "Who had HIS NAME, and His FATHER'S NAME inscribed (written) in their foreheads" – meaning, a MESSAGE of GOD (head) was written in their minds and on their hearts. Thus, we must understand the meaning of the Lamb's FATHER'S name.
Most understand that the Father of a Lamb is called a RAM. In the light of this fact, let us consider the sacrifice of the FATHER for our redemption, knowing already from our past study of the Bible that in the types and symbols of the sacrificial services of the Sanctuary system are bound up all the truths of the Gospel.
It is in this light that we recount the story of Abraham, a TYPE of God, the Father,
and Isaac, a type of the promised Son.
As Abraham lifted the knife to slay His Son, the ANGEL of the Lord called to Him, and turning, he saw behind him, a RAM caught in the thicket by his HORNS, (representing TWO powers "as one"). "Thus, Abraham offered up the RAM instead of his son. When Isaac had inquired of his father about the sacrifice, Abraham said, God will PROVIDE HIMSELF, (as) a lamb for the burnt offering." However, Abraham did not offer a LAMB; but rather, a RAM, FATHER OF THE LAMB. God provided HIMSELF AS A SACRIFICE in this symbolism. "God was in Christ reconciling the world unto Himself." That is, the Father's name in this text means "Jehovah will provide." This offering was made on Mount Moriah, the temple site (sight). "In the mount of the Lord it will be SEEN." The MIND is renewed and sealed. When renewed, to "SEE AS GOD SEES" and is given full spiritual SIGHT, mental powers, and understanding. The Truth is evident that Isaac typified a Messiah WHO would not die, but live, saved from death in trespasses and sin.
Who suffered most when the command of God came to Abraham to sacrifice His only Son upon the Mount of God? It was not Isaac who inquired about the sacrifice, but THE FATHER, "who built the altar there, and laid the wood in order, and bound Isaac, his Son, AND LAID HIM ON THE ALTAR UPON THE WOOD." Gen. 22:9.
"And the ANGEL of the Lord said, Lay not thine hand upon the lad..." (Gen. 22:11,12) "...and Abraham looked and behold A RAM...and offered HIM up for a burnt offering IN THE STEAD of his son." Gen. 22:13.
"And Abraham called the name of that place (Moriah) Jehovah Jireh: As it is said to this day, IN THE MOUNT OF THE LORD it shall BE SEEN." Gen. 22:14.
Jehovah Jireh – "The Lord will SEE, or provide": "by faith Abraham, when he was tried, offered up Isaac: and he that had received the promises offered up his only begotten son." Heb. 11:17.
"Accounting that God was able to raise him up, even from the dead: from whence also he received him IN A FIGURE." Gen. 22:19.
"But Jerusalem which is above is the MOTHER of us all" Gal. 4:26; Rev. 12:1.
"But ye are come to Mount Sion, and unto the city of the LIVING GOD, the HEAVENLY JERUSALEM, and to an innumerable company of angels." Heb. 12:22.
"He that overcometh will I make a pillar in the TEMPLE of MY GOD,...and I will write upon him the name of my God, and the NAME of the CITY of MY GOD, which is NEW JERUSALEM, which COMETH DOWN OUT OF HEAVEN from God (Rev. 18:1)..." Rev. 3:12.
This CITY OF GOD is "the general assembly of the FIRST BORN (Jesus Christ in heaven) which are WRITTEN in HEAVEN, and to God the Judge of all, and to the Spirits of just men made perfect." Gal. 4:23.
"The SPIRIT saith, To him that overcometh will I (the Spirit) give to eat of the HIDDEN MANNA (hidden truth), and will give him a white stone, and in the stone (Fem. Shepherd's Rod, Vol. 2, p. 286:5) a NEW NAME written (a message) which no man knoweth saving (except) he that receiveth it (the message of the name)." Rev. 2:17.
This Heavenly Jerusalem takes upon HERSELF a distinct PERSONALITY as symbolized in the Allegory of the two covenants represented by EARTHLY Jerusalem and HEAVENLY Jerusalem, one, a symbol of the other, the EARTHLY of the HEAVENLY (Gal. 4). Consequently Hagar, EARTHLY Jerusalem, represented the HEAVENLY WOMAN (Rev. 12:1) four thousand years AFTER sin occurred in heaven, when she (the heavenly woman) travailed in the birth of her Son in the flesh of Mary, or of the INCARNATION OF CHRIST IN THE FLESH. Whereas, SARAH represented the HEAVENLY JERUSALEM (Heb. 12:22) AFTER HIS RESURRECTION and ascension to heaven (Heb. 12:23) as pictured in Rev. 12:5. "HE WAS caught up to God," to the "general assembly and church of the FIRST BORN" of the HOLY SPIRIT, recreated in the image of God – A glorious SPIRITUAL BODY with the Spirits of just men (the wavesheaf) made perfect, at the end of forty days ministry after His resurrection in 31 A.D.
The servant of the Lord shows in Shepherd's Rod, Vol. 1, p. 224-234 that Sarah represents the entire church history in heaven and earth AFTER THE CROSS in TWO sections, under sin, and finally, PERFECTION without sin, as those born "after the Spirit" by the power of HOLY GHOST WHO has no EARTHLY LINEAGE – Sarah, Mother, an antitypical Melchizedek, PRIEST of the most High God (feminine).
"Melchizedek is NOT Christ, but he (she) was the VOICE OF GOD in the World, the REPRESENTATIVE of the Father." "It was Christ who spoke THROUGH Melchizedek, the PRIEST of the most high God." Selected Messages, Vol. 1, p. 409.
"I will tell you who Melchizedek was. He was the Holy Spirit (feminine) the third PERSON of the Godhead, WHO took the form of humanity and REPRESENTED THE LORD JESUS to that generation. Heb. 7:3 – 'LIKE unto the SON' (a priest, but not Christ) of God abideth a (High) Priest continually." Comment by E.G. White on Melchizedek, as printed in Liberator, Vol. 17, No. 7.
Shepherd's Rod, Vol. 1, p. 233:2 "...the '7' letters of Abraham and the '5' of Hagar make twelve in all, – a symbol of the twelve tribes of Israel AFTER THE FLESH. Sarah and Abraham also number '12,' meaning the twelve tribes AFTER THE SPIRIT (144,000)."
REVELATION 10
"And I saw ANOTHER mighty Angel (John 14:26) come down from heaven clothed with a cloud and a rainbow was upon his head and his face was 'AS' IT WERE (not was) the Sun, and his feet AS pillars of fire. And he had in his hand a LITTLE BOOK OPEN..." Rev. 10:1,2.
"In this vision we are dealing with the sixth and seventh trumpet; while Rev. 5 has to do with an event between the sixth and seventh seals and with a more voluminous BOOK (Rev. 5:1,2). Neither the Book, nor the ANGEL are the same as in Rev. 10:1,2; BOTH ARE 'MIGHTY ANGELS.' "
This angel of Rev. 10:1, as distinguished from the one in Chapter 5:2, refers to the description in Rev. 21:9,11; 19:12 of the BRIDE (Angel) WHO as a REPRESENTATIVE of Christ (Zec. 2:3,4; 6:12,13), reflects His glory and is identified by the SAME LANGUAGE, DESCRIPTIVE of Christ, as found in Chapter 1:15,16 and 4:3 "TWO AS ONE." The "CLOUD by day (ruled by the sun) and of FIRE by night" (ruled by the Moon) was the "special" symbol of God's Divine PRESENCE, THE SHEKINAH, and Messiah "As One."
Verse one (Rev. 10) says, the "face" of this angel was "as" the SUN. The rainbow was upon his head. In analyzing this description, one can readily see TWO Entities represented. The SUN, male representation (Gen. 37:9,10), shining through WATER (symbol of the Spirit, feminine) (the moon controls the waters) is what makes the RAINBOW; therefore, the WATER* is the MEDIUM of reflecting the Sun, even as the Moon (fem. representation) reflects the light of the Sun (male representation) depicting a glorious union of TWO mighty angels – MESSAGES that stops the TIME clock (Rev. 10:6). * Publishers note: "RAINBOW" in first printing.
The "small book" in the hand of the angel contains the account of the revelation (in the "new" Testament time) of the admonition to John contained in the seven Thunders which have NEVER been written down in the Bible.
TIMELY GREETINGS, Vol. 2, p. 15:3,4
"THIS ANGEL HAS ALL THE CHARACTERISTICS OF A POWER THAT SENDS DOWN 'THE LATTER RAIN,' and that causes the spiritual grain FULLY TO DEVELOP, for that is what cloud, sunshine, and rainbow, indicate. As a rainbow never appears without rain, the angel is therefore the angel that brings the rain and the sunshine for the development of the FINAL HARVEST.
"...And since the first thing which the angel did was TO OPEN THE BOOK, the analysis proves that he actually appears on the scene AT THE COMMENCEMENT OF THE TIME OF THE END, the time the book was to be opened. (Rev. 10:2).
"...And when the seven thunders had UTTERED THEIR VOICES, I was about to
write: and I heard a voice from heaven saying unto me, SEAL UP THOSE THINGS WHICH THE SEVEN THUNDERS UTTERED, AND WRITE THEM NOT.
"Here we see that there was another truth WHICH COULD HAVE BEEN RECORDED, but John was told NOT to write it. We do not know how extensive a truth the Seven Thunders contain, but possibly as much as or more than the SEVEN TRUMPETS. Regardless, however, one thing stands out boldly, and that is that the omission of the Seven Thunders leaves A GAP in the chain of Truth. And since the Seven Thunders are not recorded, the Truth of them cannot be revealed by interpretation, for there is nothing written of them, and therefore nothing to interpret from. If, then, we are ever to know the truth of the Seven Thunders, it is to be shown to us perhaps by the same means as The Revelation was shown to John.
"...'there shall be time no longer'? -- The answer is found in Rev. 10:6, which in actuality proves that there shall be time no longer for the Mystery of God to be finished; that the REMAINING DAYS OF THE SIXTH TRUMPET, the time TO the sounding of the seventh trumpet, IS THE TIME FOR THE MYSTERY OF GOD, the Gospel of Christ, to be finished." Timely Greetings, Vol. 2, p. 15:3-5.
Thus the book is now open (for all to see) in the hands of the ANGEL of HIS PRESENCE (the Holy Ghost) to show the way into the most Holy, to those who will see: There is TIME no longer as he lifts up his right hand while holding the book in his left and designates God as CREATOR which has to do with the contents of the little book (Rom. 1:20) to finish revealing the mystery about God WHO ONLY CAN UNSEAL IT. (Col. 2:2).
"Here is seen that Inspiration does not at once lighten our path clear to the end, but that it does so step by step; that God's Truth is progressive; that we can never really say we have all the Truth to carry us clear through to the Pearly Gates." Timely Greetings, Vol. 1, p. 11:10.
Notice, there are two parts to this angel's work. Preaching the revelation of God, the Holy Spirit and God, the Holy Ghost, to the CHURCH and "to every nation, kindred, tongue, and people."
It is certain that no one gave the interpretation of the three angels of Rev. 14 as being the three members of the Godhead, until AFTER the messenger of the Holy Spirit MOTHER came on the scene in 1977 and even more certain it is that none since then have applied Rev. 14:17 to HER image, the Holy Ghost.
Therefore, if the contents of the seven thunders are to be made known, it would be in the same manner in which John received the whole Book of Revelation – by DIRECT inspiration, for Verse 7 plainly says, "There shall be no further delay, but in the days of the seventh angel's TRUMPET BLAST, when he is at the point of blowing it, the mystery of God SHALL REACH COMPLETION, IN AGREEMENT WITH THE GOOD NEWS HE GAVE HIS SERVANTS THE PROPHETS." Modern Language Translation.
Rev. 10:7 – "but that when the seventh angel blew his trumpet, THEN God's VEILED
PLAN – MYSTERIOUS THROUGH the ages (to the prophets) ever since it was ANNOUNCED to his servants the prophets would be fulfilled." Living Bible.
Rev. 10:7 – "but in the days of the trumpet call to be sounded by the seventh angel, the mystery of God (The Godhead) AS HE ANNOUNCED to his servants the prophets, SHOULD BE FINISHED." Revised Standard Edition.
Rev. 10:7 – "But that when the days come that the trumpet call of the seventh angel is about to be sounded, then GOD'S MYSTERY – His SECRET DESIGN, His HIDDEN purpose AS He HAD ANNOUNCED the GLAD TIDINGS to His servants the prophets should be fulfilled (accomplished, COMPLETED)." Amplified Version.
These different translations help to clarify exactly what is meant by the King James Version of verses six and seven in Rev. 10.
It simply means that the mystery of God is to be finished at a certain point in prophecy, which is the WRITINGS of the Bible, but does not have to do with the prophets writing, the seven thunders – for the WORD says they were NEVER WRITTEN, though the TIME of the revelation of the mystery of the Godhead was ANNOUNCED to each prophet, but never written down.
So the mystery of the seven thunders bursts upon the church first and then the world like a bolt out of heaven – thunders and lightning by the VOICE of God, the Holy Ghost!
The angel cries with a loud voice "AS (like) a lion (Christ, the Lion of the Tribe of Judah) roareth," WHOM this angel represents (His Angel).
THUNDERINGS marked the opening of the seventh seal; likewise, the seventh vial (Rev. 16:17,18) and the final revelation marked by the (1) seventh seal (2) the seventh trumpet (3) and the seventh VIAL will reveal their FULL meaning as GIVEN BY THE SEVEN ANGELS OF THE SEVEN THUNDERS. Conclusively then, Rev. 10:7 is only ANNOUNCING to the prophets that the mystery of God IS TO BE FINISHED when the seventh angel sounds, not that the prophets had anything to do with teaching about the seven thunders, for they were never written down, not even by John who heard them.
Therefore, they would of necessity have to be written some time AFTER the Bible was PRINTED and that, in a more Voluminous FORM than the Bible itself.
The only conclusion is that there were prophetic writings given to the church after the Apostolic times, to nourish and preserve the people of God unto the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ and HIS Spirit, the Holy Ghost; at which time, they would take charge of the flock THEMSELVES (through Their earthly representatives) and then take them to the mansions prepared for them after THEIR ascension to heaven in 31 A.D.
Though, at the time of the end, when the things sealed in Daniel's time were to be revealed; we do not have the same, with the seven thunders, revealed to John and sealed in the book of Revelation. The seven thunders were definitely not given to Daniel
and sealed up until the time of the end, for they were ONLY revealed to John in the New Testament time: Thus showing these truths were specifically revealed for the time of the consummation of all things in the END OF THE WORLD.
"And it shall be a PERPETUAL statute unto them, that he that sprinkleth the water of separation shall wash his clothes; and he that toucheth the water of separation shall be unclean until the even." Num. 19:21. Read verses 12,17,19.
"This is the ordinance of the law which the Lord hath commanded, saying, speak unto the children of Israel, that they bring thee a RED HEIFER without spot, wherein is no blemish, and upon which never came yoke:
"And ye shall give her unto Eleazer the priest, that he may bring her forth without the camp, and one (who became unclean) shall slay her before his face:
"And Eleazer, the priest shall take of her blood with his finger, and sprinkle of her BLOOD DIRECTLY BEFORE the TABERNACLE of the CONGREGATION SEVEN times:
"And one shall burn the heifer in his sight: her skin and her flesh, and her blood, with her dung, shall he burn: And the priest shall take cedar wood, and hyssop, and scarlet, and cast it into the midst of the burning of the heifer." Num. 19:2-6.
"And he that gathereth the ashes of the heifer shall wash his clothes, and be unclean until the even and it shall be UNTO THE CHILDREN OF ISRAEL, and to THE STRANGER, that sojourneth among them, FOR A STATUTE FOREVER." Num. 19:10.
"He that toucheth a dead body of any man shall be unclean seven days." Num. 19:11.
"He shall purify himself with it on the THIRD DAY, and on the SEVENTH day he shall be clean: but IF he purify NOT himself on the THIRD DAY then the seventh day he shall NOT be clean (cleansed)." Num. 19:12.
"And for an unclean person they shall take the ashes of the burnt heifer of PURIFICATION FOR SIN, AND running water shall be put thereto in a vessel." Num. 19:17.
"Whosoever toucheth the dead body of any man that is dead, and purifieth not himself, DEFILETH THE TABERNACLE OF THE LORD; AND THAT SOUL SHALL BE CUT OFF FROM ISRAEL: BECAUSE the WATER of SEPARATION was NOT SPRINKLED UPON HIM." Num. 19:13 (Read Lev. 19:5-8).
The ashes of the red heifer mixed with running water became a cleansing agent for the unclean. The uncleanness pointed to one thing – death! not sin in particular. Chapter nineteen of numbers deals with UNCLEANNESS (a Fountain is opened for SIN and
UNCLEANNESS, (Zec. 13:1) that comes from touching anything dead. In this respect, as indicated by the THIRD DAY, we are to come face to face with the issues involved in conquering death as Jesus did. The last enemy to be conquered and destroyed IS death. When this occurs, then we are face to face with the reality of immortality – Eternal Life.
The symbolism of the red heifer depicts another aspect of victory over death.
We have become acquainted with the symbolism of the "LAMB of God which taketh away the SIN of the world" through the resurrection from death; but now we learn of the instrument used to take away the UNCLEANNESS.
"And ALMOST all things are by the law purged with blood: (some by fire) and without the shedding of blood is no remission." Heb. 9:22.
"For when Moses had spoken every precept to all the people according to the law, he took the blood of calves and goats, WITH WATER, and scarlet wool, and hyssop, sprinkled both the book and all the people saying, THIS (Blood & Water) is the BLOOD of the testament which God hath enjoined unto you." Heb. 9:19,20.
"The Holy Ghost this signifying, that the way into the holiest of all was NOT made manifest, while as the tabernacle was yet standing. Heb. 9:8.
"For if the blood of bulls and of goats, and THE ASHES OF AN HEIFER SPRINKLING THE UNCLEAN, sanctifieth to the purifying of the flesh;
"How much more shall the blood of Christ, who through the ETERNAL SPIRIT (fem.) offered himself, without spot to God, PURGE your conscience from dead works TO serve the living God?" Heb. 9:13,14.
The offering of the RED HEIFER, being the only sacrifice in which its color was specified, and the customs of the Egyptians, where they sojourned, who required the offering of a RED BULL yearly to their God, Typhon, was undoubtedly the reason God instituted the offering of the Red Heifer to wean the Israelites from this custom. Also the Egyptians kept the mummified remains of their dead ancestors in their homes and were continually unclean.
All, EXCEPT THE BLOOD OF THE RED HEIFER SPRINKLED BEFORE THE TABERNACLE, was burned to ashes, the BLOOD indicating an EXPIATORY SACRIFICE. The ingredient