The parable of the ten virgins of Matthew 25 also illustrates the experience of the Adventist people. In Matthew 24, in answer to the question of His disciples concerning the sign of His coming and of the end of the world, Christ had pointed out some of the most important events in the history of the world and of the church from His first to His second advent; namely, the destruction of Jerusalem, the great tribulation of the church under the pagan and papal persecutions, the darkening of the sun and moon, and the falling of the stars. After this He spoke of His coming in His kingdom, and related the parable describing the two classes of servants who look for His appearing. Chapter 25 opens with the words: “Then shall the kingdom of heaven be likened to ten virgins.” Here is brought to view the church living in the last days, the same that is pointed out in the close of chapter 24. In this parable their experience is illustrated by the incidents of an Eastern marriage. (GC 393.2)
Reading Plan, Week 48
The Acts of the Apostles
Chapters: 21–24
Monday: 375.1–386.2
Tuesday: 387.1–397.1
Wednesday: 398.1–408.1
Thursday: 409.1–419.3
Friday: 420.1–431.3
All page/paragraph numbers are the original page numbers and can be used with any edition of Conflict of the Ages (shown in gray on the inside margin within The Conflict Beautiful).
The following is an overview of this week’s reading. Each chapter is introduced with a short paragraph, followed by a couple of thoughts/questions for you to consider.
Chapter 21: A Warning Rejected
As William Miller spreads his message about Jesus’ imminent return, many Protestant churches turn away and even force Advent believers out of their congregations. God calls on His people to follow all the light they have, and then He gives them more, gradually leading them into truth and unity. When people and organizations reject His leading light, they fall into empty forms of godliness but lack real power. Despite the way many church organizations hold their traditions higher than God’s truth for the present time, most of God’s faithful believers will remain members of these churches until the last, great final test.
What light has God revealed to you lately? How can you put it into practice?
How can you support others in your faith community or circle of influence as they follow God’s leading according to their own conscience?
Chapter 22: Prophecies Fulfilled
After the spring of 1844 passes without Jesus’ return, Bible study among the Advent believers intensifies. A distinction emerges between those who have a solid, personal relationship with Jesus and those who have relied on the knowledge and experiences of others. Fanaticism and extremism begin to creep in until the discovery of evidence pointing to the autumn of 1844 as the date of prophetic fulfillment. God’s leading is felt powerfully. Although October 22, 1844 passes without His return, the believers cling to Jesus in their disappointment and continue to search the Scriptures for understanding.
Has God’s leading ever brought you into a place where you experienced disappointment? How did His presence bring you through?
How can you personally connect with Jesus today?
Chapter 23: What is the Sanctuary?
The cleansing of the sanctuary in Daniel 8:14 is the key verse used to predict Christ’s return in 1844. The original Millerite and common Christian understanding was that the sanctuary referred to the earth, but further investigation after the Great Disappointment reveals that it more likely refers to a heavenly Sanctuary, the dwelling place of God. Its cleansing is revealed to be the final removal of believers’ sins from the record books of heaven, as foreshadowed by the earthly Day of Atonement. Thus, although the Millerite understanding of Daniel’s timelines was correct, the event predicted was misunderstood at first.
What comfort do you find in the understanding that Jesus is permanently expunging all records of our sins and that Satan ultimately will bear responsibility for them?
What other insights into God’s plan of salvation have you gleaned from examining rituals associated with the earthly sanctuary? How do they give you hope and confidence?
Chapter 24: In the Holy of Holies
After grasping the newly-understood significance of October 22, 1844, the Advent believers find themselves in much the same situation as Jesus’ disciples in the first century. Having proclaimed God’s message without fully grasping its significance, they have nonetheless fulfilled His purpose and now find themselves led into new light after their early hopes are dashed. Though some fall away, others set out with renewed joy to proclaim the good news of reconciliation with a soon-coming Savior.
How does the understanding that Jesus is preparing for His soon return affect the way you view others around you?
How does this end-times mix-up make you think differently about being dogmatic in your beliefs, attitudes, and predictions?