John

More than nineteen centuries have passed since the first advent of Christ. Indications are abundant and clear that His second coming is near. Between the two advents stretches a vast gulf through which the church has had to pass. At every step of the way Satan has placed snares to trap Christians. The way would have seemed too long, if not impossible, had it not been for the preparation the Lord made for the enlightenment and encouragement of His people. In the subtle combination of sweeping outline and precise detail characteristic of Bible writing, and so rare elsewhere, the story of the centuries was told so the true church might not be misguided or discouraged.APAY 161.1

On Patmos, the beloved disciple received “the Revelation of Jesus Christ,” which told of “things which must shortly come to pass.” Revelation 1:1. Seven phases in the experience of the church were pictured to the prophet. They span the period from his day to the promised time when he “that overcometh will I grant to sit with Me in My throne.” Revelation 3:21. The relation of the church and the world, as well as major events in secular history, were foretold. Satan’s attempts to deceive and coerce were unveiled in advance. The whole was brought to a climax with a portrayal of the destruction of all wickedness, and the creation of new heavens and a new earth.APAY 161.2

All this was revealed as a preparation for the succession of tests and crises God knew lay before His church. The prophet was the agent to convey to the believers a knowledge of these coming events: “He sent and signified it by His angel unto His servant John.... John to the seven churches.” Revelation 1:1-4.APAY 162.1

The remnant church is brought into prominent view, for on it are fixed Satan’s final hopes of victory in his warfare against the government of God. Because of the shortness of time, he redoubles his deceptions. As “the accuser of our brethren,” he attempts to persuade God that those who profess to be His people are not worthy of His attention and care, and he tries to persuade the church that its unworthiness has cut it off from God’s protection and communication. So there may be no misunderstanding about His plan to reveal Himself anew in the last days, the Lord, through the prophet, states that the gift of prophecy is to be found in that same remnant church against which Satan is warring with all his terrible energies.APAY 162.2

Faced with the commission to warn the whole world of the nearness of the second advent, and at the same time finding it necessary to wage constant war against the adversary, the remnant church needs the prophetic gift as much as any previous group in history, if not more. Prophecy clearly indicates that God has not forgotten or ignored this need. He has planned that all the gifts placed in the church shall continue as long as the need exists. Special guidance is needed to meet the problems of preparing the world for the end of all things earthly and to bring the people of God to that spiritual condition that they can endure the final conflict.APAY 162.3