Andre Reis raises a good point, when he asks" Why are we failing to convince many bright minds in our midst of the strength of our prophetic interpretations? " Letâs consider the three basic SDA interpretations regarding the little horn of Daniel 8:9-11 below, in the light of George Knightâs statement: âIf Adventismâs apocalyptic big picture isnât valid, the most sensible thing is to shut up shop, go home and do something meaningful with our livesâ ( The Apocalyptic Vision and the Neutering of Adventism , 54).
1844-1980. SDAâs generally accepted Daniel 8:9-11 applied to Rome, the crucifixion of Christ, and the destruction of the earthly temple. The identity of the daily remained for a better day for a final answer.
1980-2002. SDAâs generally accepted Dan. 8:9 applied to pagan Rome, while verse 11, or verses 10 and 11, applied to papal Rome. The daily of Daniel is applied to Christâs ministry.
2002-2018. The current SDA church position is that Daniel 8:9-11 applies to the Papacy only. Consequently it is considered a Papal host has not only overthrown the heavenly host, this host also controls the ministry in the MHP of the heavenly temple. The 2,300 days apply to the persecuting rule of the Papacy.
As neither the President nor anyone else is prepared to confirm which of the above interpretations, applies to FB 24 today; is it possible that none of our scholars evangelists or pastors are aware that none of these positions fulfil a strict application of the generally accepted principles of interpreting prophecy below. Or are they, (with a few exceptions), simply " slaves of the organization that employs them. " Henry Newman?
History confirms fulfilled prophecy.
When the plain Word of Scripture makes sense we should seek no other explanation.
When a latter Prophet provides an explanation of an earlier prophecy, we should accept the explanation provided by the latter Prophet.
Consequently, unless and until, there is general agreement regarding the principles of prophetic interpretation, and these principles are strictly applied, it appears men will continue to present their fanciful theories, irrespective of counsels such as the following.
When the books of Daniel and Revelation are better understood, believers will have an entirely different religious experience. â .FLB 346
Our people need to understand the oracles of God; they need to have a systematic knowledge of the principles of revealed truth, which will fit them for what is coming upon the earth and prevent them from being carried about by every wind of doctrine.â5T 273 (1885). {LDE 66.5}
Put away all fanciful theories. Let the truth stand out in its original power. {21MR 177.4}
His church is to be taught. Enfeebled and defective though it is, it is the object of His supreme regard. {21MR 177.5}
My brethren, the Lord will help you mightily if you will be guided by Him, and I am confident that you will be. May He help you now, just now, to receive and believe the testimony that comes to you.âLetter 279, 1904.
So What
The Seventh-day Adventist Church was founded largely, if not entirely, in accordance with the prophecies of Daniel 8:9-14 and the associated messages of Revelation 13 and 14. Messages that must go to the whole world " again " when the deadly wound, inflicted in 1798, is fully healed, cf. Rev. 13:3, 12. â All the world marvelled and followed the beast ,â who " opened his mouth in blasphemy against God, to blaspheme His name, and His tabernacle, and them that dwell in heaven ." vs.6, when he is "allowed" to " make war with the saints and overcome them: and power was given him over all kindreds, and tongues, and nations ." vs. 7; Dan. 7:21. John is very clear verse 7 of verses 6-10 applies to all " the saints ," (The SDA saints, as well as the saints in the fallen churches).
What is more important : Power and control associated with the endless discussion regarding the Ordination of Women, a non Fundamental Belief that has caused division in the church for decades. Or to be earnestly seeking to fortify the mind with the Fundamental truths of the Bible in order to stand through the last great conflict, and not be carried away by every wind of doctrine that is blowing in the church today? Time is short, but the Lord, in His mercy, continues to hold back the winds of strife in order that His people may heed His warnings and counsels to be ready to "prophesy again before many peoples, and nations, and tongues, and kings." Rev. 10:11.
When this gospel of the kingdom has been preached in all the world for a witness unto all nations a second time; then shall the end come. cf. Matthew 24:14.
The word of God was carried to the people; and all classes, high and low, rich and poor, learned and ignorant, eagerly studied it for themselves. Are we, in this last conflict of the great controversy, as faithful to our trust as the early Reformers were to theirs? cf. PK 625-627.