Rev. 15: 8 indicates that probation has closed, and this is just before the falling of the plagues. The fact that the sanctuary is filled with smoke shows that services can no longer be held there. Jesus is no longer officiating there. Compare 1 Kings 8: 10-11; Ex. 40: 34-35.

I think you're right on, Ron.

By the way, the SDA BC, which I just checked, agrees that Rev. 15: 8 shows the intercession of Christ is over. So does Ranko Stefanovic's commentary, Revelation of Jesus Christ.

Both of those texts indicate the intense presence of God, not His absence. No mere human could enter, but we have a better High Priest.

close of probation is one thing, mediation is another.

Rev 14:10 is a reference to the lake of fire -- not just the seven last plagues.



I think it is more correct to say that about Rev 15:8

in Christ,

Bob

Could you explain more exactly what you mean by "mediation." Do you have quotes from either the Bible or from the Spirit of Prophecy showing that Christ's mediation continues after the close of probation?

The point of Rev. 15: 8 is that the work of Christ as our High Priest in the Most Holy Place is finished before the pouring out of the seven last plagues. All sins are blotted out and no more sins are being brought into the Most Holy Place for forgiveness. That process is forever completed. Rev. 22: 11 applies to that period of time.

Remember that Christ comes as King, not as High Priest. Jesus will not forever be a High Priest. He wasn't a High Priest before He died, and He won't be a High Priest after He leaves the Most Holy Place in preparation for returning the second time. See Hebrews 9: 28; Rev. 19: 11-16.

See the following quote:

Well, yes, and no.

The first two episodes of this manifestation of God's glory came at the inauguration of the Tabernacle, and the inauguration of the Temple.

This text portrays the other end of the process. For the temple is mentioned only twice more, at the beginning and ending of the plagues. So the temple is in the process of being "decommissioned."

Rev 21 tells us there is NO temple in the New Jerusalem, for "the tabernacle of God is with men."

God and the Lamb are the temple. No building or tent, no barriers are any longer required. The saved have been glorified, and can come into the presence of God.

Good points, Ichabod. I agree with you there.

The problem I have with this book is the premise. His research, his candor, his arguments are very good. But his premise is that were are loosing the youth because we are not preaching the apocalyptic message. This is what I so strongly disagree with. Many church leaders love this book because it validates their Daniel an Revelation seminars.

1) We need to look at perspective. We are only losing the youth in NAD and Europe. Now I know there are people think the church is NAD. But its not. Its a big church.

2) Within NAD we need to look at other denominations. Its not just us. The Amish, Mennonites, Bible Baptist, Apostolic Lutherans, and all bible reformed churches are loosing or in reality we have lost the youth.
Why?
a) Because we are foolish people. We live in the most sinful selfish parts of the world and yet we think we can be in the world and not be a part of it. We have underestimated the lure of sin on our youth just as Lot did. We made the same mistakes he made. He wrestled with his family all night and saved just two.
b) In NAD we want to control everything. This is offensive, demeaning and demoralizing to our young people. In the developing world the youth run the Children's Sabbath School and the Sabbath afternoon Service. This autonomy, independence, responsibility empowers the young.

3) If Mr Knights premise were true, we would find evidence. But the evidence is the opposite. In the areas where the Apocalyptic message is preached there are less young. In the west coast were it is a back seat there are more youth. In the developing world it is not the focus. The focus is on obedience, Grace and the distinctiveness of the Sabbath. The Sabbath is paramount.

4) But the real reason, we have lost the youth is because we are a bunch on hypocrites. We preach that Jesus is coming soon, we are in the time of the toes, the dark day has already happened, we are in the judgment. But, we live like Jesus will not be here for a while. We are buying things for the home, fixing up the church to be pretty, buying so many personal electronics, taking vacations.

One in a hundred is living like Jesus will return soon.
Hypocrisy kills every denomination.

One thing about young people. They can smell hypocrisy a mile away. That's why are young people are gone.




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I agree, Joe, and would add that, what is it - oh yeah - "majoring in minors" is a big part of what has caused the loss of our youth. Apocalyptic preaching is NOT minor stuff, but pushing the apocalypse in order to win back our youth is not likely to meet that goal. It is a scary topic to them, one many don't like to hear about, especially for those who do not know whether or not they'll "make it," - and I think that, sadly, most of them do not understand how truly God loves them and has done and will do everything to save them.

LynnDel

With this ... I agree. And that will not change until we see His face at the Resurrection.

What we need to do is to teach our young ones to look to God and not to men (or women). For we will always fail.

This would be a valuable lesson for our youth. It is one that many of the adults have not learned yet.

Look unto Jesus.