The Two Witnesses (en) v2

The Old and New Testaments have faced many attacks throughout history, but the Bible has miraculously survived. The two witnesses in Revelation 11 represent the conflict between Christ and Satan, with God's kingdom ultimately triumphing. During the 1260 years of papal supremacy, the truth of God's Word was hidden under human traditions. The Roman Church persecuted those who embraced the Bible. The French Revolution led to the Bible being banned and burned, but it eventually regained influence. The testimony of the two witnesses is crucial as the everlasting Gospel must be shared worldwide. In the final crisis, the remnant Church will adhere to God's commandments and the faith of Jesus. We must anchor ourselves in God's Word to withstand deception. The French Revolution warns of the consequences of rejecting God. Revelation 11 shows the vindication of God's truth and the cleansing of evil. As Seventh-day Adventists, we must cling to the Bible and share its truth with the world. The Word The testimony of God's two witnesses, the Old and New Testaments, has endured relentless assaults throughout history. Yet despite the most vicious attacks from the enemy, bent on suppressing and destroying the Scriptures, the Bible has miraculously survived. The story of the two witnesses in Revelation 11 is a dramatic portrayal of the great controversy between Christ and Satan, climaxing in the certain triumph of God's kingdom over the powers of darkness. During the 1260 years of papal supremacy, extending from 538 to 1798 AD, according to the day-year principle in biblical prophecy, the truth of God's Word was shrouded in sackcloth. The two witnesses still prophesied, but their light was largely hidden under the traditions and decrees of men that supplanted Scripture. The Roman Church, uniting with secular powers, ruthlessly persecuted those who dared to embrace the Bible as their supreme authority. Yet even in this period of spiritual oppression, God preserved His Word. Courageous reformers like the Waldenses, Wycliffe, Huss, Jerome, Luther, Zwingli, Calvin, and the Wesleys held high the torch of truth. Though a minority compared to the multitudes ensnared by Romanism, these faithful witnesses cherished the Scriptures and lived by their precepts, reflecting heaven's light amid the darkness. Then came the French Revolution in 1789, unleashing an unprecedented onslaught against the Christian faith. With atheism blasphemously enthroned, France openly defied the God of Heaven. The two witnesses were effectively put to death as the Bible was publicly burned and banned for three and a half prophetic days or literal years extending from November 1793 to June 1797. The Scriptures were silenced while immorality and bloodshed engulfed the nation. It was a chilling glimpse of a world without God. Yet the two witnesses could not stay dead. In the aftermath of the Revolution, the Bible was raised up again, its influence gradually restored. Significantly, the worldwide Bible Society movement took hold in this era, leading to an exponential increase in Scripture distribution that continues to our day. No power, whether secular or religious, can keep God's life-giving Word from those who desperately need it. Now, as we stand on the threshold of eternity, the testimony of the two witnesses takes on supreme importance. The everlasting Gospel, with its call to worship the Creator, must go to every nation, kindred, tongue, and people before the end comes. Revelation 14, 6-7. Amid the final crisis, the remnant Church will be distinguished by its adherence to all of God's commandments and the faith of Jesus. Revelation 12, 17, 14, 12. In this decisive hour, God's Word must be our anchor. As deceptions intensify and the love of many grows cold, our safety lies in cherishing the Scriptures and obeying their precepts. The Law and the Gospel, enshrined in the Ark of the Covenant, remain the unchanging standard in the heavenly judgment. Revelation 11, 19. Only by building on the sure foundation of God's Word can we withstand the coming storm. The French Revolution stands as a stark warning of the horrors that ensue when God is rejected and human philosophy deified. By contrast, the glorious climax of Revelation 11 points to the ultimate vindication of God's truth as Christ's kingdom is established forever. The mystery of God will be finished, and the universe will be cleansed of evil. Revelation 10, 7. Nahum 1, 9. As Seventh-day Adventists living in Earth's final hours, let us cling to the Bible as never before. Let us earnestly share its saving truth, living out its principles before a confused and dying world. Though the two witnesses be clothed in sackcloth once more, they will testify again with unmatched power before Jesus returns. Hosea 6, 2-3. So let us hold fast, knowing that the grass withers, the flower fades, but the Word of our God stands forever. Isaiah 40. In the end, God's truth will surely triumph.