Second Advent

This presentation highlights the importance of studying and obtaining a clear understanding of last-day events during these final stages of earth’s history. A proper biblical understanding of last-day events will not only protect sincere Christians from being deceived, but will also help prepare this generation for the soon coming of Christ. This presentation also intends to contribute to a unified understanding of Adventism’s doctrine of eschatology.

This presentation examines and discusses the existential dimension of the eschatological and apocalyptic revelation. How does, or should, the apocalyptic vision of the future impact, inform, and inspire present life? This presentation shows how wisdom, ethics, hope, worship, and joy of life are part of the eschatological message, and how a neglect of this connection could lead to fanaticism, mental imbalance, dangerous behavior, and distorted views of the eschatological message. The argument is supported and illustrated by apocalyptic-eschatological texts (notably Daniel, Revelation, and Ecclesiastes, with an incidental revisit of the three angels’ message), and the dramatic testimony of historical cases.

In Revelation 7:2–5, 8 and Revelation 9:4 the divine sealing of humans is mentioned. The first passage belongs to the section on the seven seals; the second belongs to the trumpets. Are these two passages talking about the same event or do they refer to different processes of sealing? This questi...

Last messages or last warnings are very important. If one does not take them seriously, one has to count on unpleasant consequences. On the other hand, if they are followed, one can enjoy wonderful benefits. The Bible presents a last message in Rev 14:6-12. I. The Context 1. The Larger Context Re...

Introduction The number 144,000 is one of several apparently cryptic numbers of Revelation that has caused much speculation. Generations of Christians including Adventists have studied this symbol. In the past, the Biblical Research Institute has already published an article on the 144,000 and th...

A visionary cycle of Revelation that has proven to be one of the most difficult to interpret is Revelation 8–11, the seven trumpets. The language and imagery are complex; and its application to specific historical events has resulted in a variety of views. This interpretational uncertainty could ...

This is my last editorial since at the end of January 2012 I enter the honorable and welcome state of retirement. Looking back over 40 years of ministry I praise the Lord for the way he has blessed His remnant church. When I began my ministry we had just over 2 million members; today we have more...

Dr. Ekkehardt Mueller, deputy director of the Biblical Research Institute, has written an in-depth study of the book of Revelation in German. Der Erste und der Letzte: Studien zum Buch der Offenbarung ( The First and the Last: Studies in the Book of Revelation ) was published in the series Adv...

Adventists have found in Rev 12:17 and 14:6-12 a description of their identity and mission as God’s end-time remnant people. The application of that biblical motif to themselves has led some to conclude that the Adventist understanding of the remnant is offensive, exclusivist, and triumphalist. T...

The lure of riches has apparently always been a stumbling block for people, even Christians. The New Testament frequently cautions us against the desire for wealth. Jesus said, “You can’t serve God and money” (Matt 6:24). And Paul warns that “the love of money is the root of all kinds of evil” (1...