2. Mightiest Angel Caused Earthquake—Before anyone had reached the sepulcher, there was a great earthquake. The mightiest angel from heaven, he who held the position from which Satan fell, received his commission from the Father, and clothed with the panoply of heaven, he parted the darkness from his track. His face was like the lightning, and his garments white as snow. As soon as his feet touched the ground it quaked beneath his tread. The Roman guard were keeping their weary watch when this wonderful scene took place, and they were enabled to endure the sight, for they had a message to bear as witnesses of the resurrection of Christ. The angel approached the grave, rolled away the stone as though it had been a pebble, and sat upon it. The light of heaven encircled the tomb, and the whole heaven was lighted by the glory of the angels. Then his voice was heard, “Thy Father calls Thee; come forth” (Manuscript 115, 1897).5BC 1110.2

2-4 (chs. 24:30; 27:52, 53; Isaiah 24:20; John 5:28, 29; 1 Thessalonians 4:16; Revelation 6:14-17). A Lively Image of Glory—In this scene of the resurrection of the Son of God is given a lively image of the glory that will be revealed at the general resurrection of the just at the second appearing of Christ in the clouds of heaven. Then the dead that are in their graves shall hear His voice and come forth to life; and not only the earth, but the heavens themselves, shall be shaken. A few graves were opened at the resurrection of Christ; but at His second coming all the precious dead, from righteous Abel to the last saint that dies, shall awake to glorious, immortal life.5BC 1110.3

If the soldiers at the sepulcher were so filled with terror at the appearance of one angel clothed with heavenly light and strength, that they fell as dead men to the ground, how will His enemies stand before the Son of God, when He comes in power and great glory, accompanied by ten thousand times ten thousand and thousands of thousands of angels from the courts of heaven? Then the earth shall reel to and fro like a drunkard, and be removed as a cottage. The elements shall be in flames, and the heavens shall be rolled together as a scroll (The Signs of the Times, April 22, 1913, reprinted from The Spirit of Prophecy 3:193, 194).5BC 1110.4

5, 6. See EGW on Mark 16:6.5BC 1110.5

17. Doubt Closes Door to Blessings—But some doubted. So it will ever be. There are those who find it hard to exercise faith, and they place themselves on the doubting side. These lose much because of their unbelief. If they would control their feelings, and refuse to allow doubt to bring a shadow over their own minds and the minds of others, how much happier and more helpful they would be. They close the door to many blessings that they might enjoy if they would refuse to place themselves on the doubting side, and would, instead, talk hope and courage (Letter 115, 1904).5BC 1110.6

18 (Romans 8:34; 1 John 2:1; see EGW on John 20:16, 17). A Friend at Court—What a Friend we have at court. After His resurrection Christ spoke to His disciples, saying, “All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth.” These words were spoken to all who will receive them as a living assurance (Manuscript 13, 1899).5BC 1110.7

19 (Romans 6:4). Facilities of Heaven Pledged—The Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, the three holy dignitaries of heaven, have declared that they will strengthen men to overcome the powers of darkness. All the facilities of heaven are pledged to those who by their baptismal vows have entered into a covenant with God (Manuscript 92, 1901).5BC 1110.8

19, 20. See EGW on Romans 1:14.5BC 1110.9

20. See EGW on Acts 1:11.5BC 1110.10

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Chapter 27

Chapter 1