True Israel: The Spiritual Nation and the Gift of Prophecy

The restoration of Israel as a literal nation on earth is not supported by the divine plan; rather, the true gathering and establishment of Israel occur at the second coming of Christ when He establishes His eternal theocracyEP 551.3+1. While earthly kingdoms have risen and fallen, including the literal kingdom of Israel that was overturned due to iniquity, the final and perfect fulfillment of the promises to Israel belongs to a spiritual and immortal state Ezekiel 21:25-27ARSH September 8, 1853, page 68.19+1.

The Nature of True Israel

• A Spiritual People: The identity of "Israel" is not determined by literal descent from Abraham but by faith and obedience to GodPTUK July 19, 1894, page 453.8. Those who are Christ's are considered Abraham's seed and heirs according to the promise Galatians 3:29SC3 211.1.

• A Holy Nation: God views His church, composed of those who keep His commandments and have the faith of Jesus, as the "holy nation" and the true house of Israel today 1 Peter 2:9ARSH October 20, 1863, page 161.25+1.

• No Earthly Theocracy: Since the days of the ancient kings, God has not delegated His authority to any earthly government; the separation of church and state remains until Christ returns to establish His kingdom Matthew 22:17-22EP 551.3.

The Final Gathering

• The Second Coming: The "fullness of the Gentiles" must come in before the blindness of literal Israel ceases, indicating that their ultimate offer of salvation coincides with the second advent of Christ Romans 11:25-26ARSH November 13, 1856, page 11.17.

• A Nation Born at Once: The prophecy regarding a nation being born in a day refers to the resurrection of the righteous at the last trump Isaiah 66:8ARSH March 23, 1852, page 110.47+1. At this time, the "outcasts of Israel" and the "dispersed of Judah" are gathered from the four corners of the earth to inhabit the New Jerusalem Isaiah 11:11-12ARSH January 3, 1856, page 106.18+1.

• The Everlasting Kingdom: This future kingdom will be one nation under one King—Christ, the antitypical David—and they shall never be divided or defiled again Ezekiel 37:22-24EVCO 518.3.

Lessons from History

The history of ancient Israel serves as an example for us today 1 Corinthians 10:11GSAM 8.1. Their desire for an earthly king led to a rejection of God’s direct leadership, ultimately resulting in monarchy and ruin 1 Samuel 8:7GCB April 7, 1901, page 102.4. We are encouraged to trust in the "Strength of Israel" rather than human organization or worldly power1T 622.1. While literal Israel was scattered among the nations as a result of their transgressions, God continues to use the record of His dealings with them to guide His people toward the final, heavenly homeSDP 86.4+1.

A holy throng refers to the vast, unified company of the redeemed and sinless angels who will gather at the second coming of Christ and dwell eternally in the New JerusalemDD 49.4+1. This gathering represents the final triumph of God's grace, where those who have washed their robes in the blood of the Lamb are united with the heavenly host in a state of perfect harmony and joyLDE 282.4+1.

The Composition of the Holy Throng

The holy throng is composed of diverse groups from all ages who have remained faithful to God:

• The Redeemed from Earth: This includes the 144,000 who are sealed with God's name, the resurrected "sleeping saints," and the living righteous who are changed in a moment at the last trumpExV 11.1+1.

• The Heavenly Host: An unnumbered company of holy angels—described as ten thousand times ten thousand and thousands of thousands—attend Christ and rejoice with the redeemed Revelation 5:11LDE 274.2.

• A Unified Family: The throng consists of the "nations that have kept the truth," including martyrs, prophets, and the humble of all generations, now forming one great family of holy onesHvn 48.1+2.

Characteristics of the Holy Throng

Those who form this assembly are defined by their character and their experience with Christ:

• Purity and Holiness: They are described as having clean hands and pure hearts, having divested themselves of the errors of the world through a diligent searching of the ScripturesExV 11.1+1.

• Perfect Unity: Under the influence of the Holy Spirit, the multitude of believers are of one heart and one soul, reflecting the same spirit that pervaded the early apostolic church Acts 4:327MR 162.3.

• Reflecting the Divine Image: They have sought for conformity to God's will until they reflect the likeness of Christ, being prepared for the society of pure and holy angelsPP 88.3+1.

The Experience of the Throng at Christ's Coming

The gathering of this throng is marked by scenes of unsurpassed glory and victory:

• The Resurrection and Transformation: At the sound of the silver trumpet, the dead in Christ arise clothed with immortality, and together with the living righteous, they are caught up to meet the Lord in the air 1 Thessalonians 4:16-17ExV 11.1.

• The Ascent to the City: The throng ascends in a cloudy chariot to the sea of glass, where Jesus personally places crowns of glory on their heads and gives them palms of victoryLDE 282.4+1.

• Entering the New Jerusalem: With shouts of triumph and the music of golden harps, the gates of the Holy City are swung back, and the throng enters to inhabit the mansions prepared for themLDE 282.4+1.

The Eternal State of the Holy Throng

In the earth made new, the holy throng enjoys an endless life of felicity:

• Universal Worship: From one Sabbath to another, all flesh shall come to worship before the Lord in Edenic purity Isaiah 66:22-23ARSH August 5, 1851, page 5.18.

• Communion with God: They dwell in the immediate presence of God and the Lamb, where no sin, pain, or death can ever enterHF 391.1+1.

• Endless Exploration: The saints will travel from sphere to sphere, introduced by Christ to sinless beings throughout the universe as those who came out of great tribulation and were redeemed by His bloodGCB October 1, 1901, page 578.6.

To be part of this holy throng, one must daily cast the love of the world out of the heart and seek that state of holiness required to stand in the presence of divine gloryCET 233.2+1. 🕊️

1 Corinthians 14:39

39 Wherefore, brethren, covet to prophesy, and forbid not to speak with tongues.

The instruction to "covet to prophesy" emphasizes that the exercise of the gift of prophecy is a vital and desirable blessing for the edification of the church 1 Corinthians 14:39. This spiritual gift, also known as the "testimony of Jesus," is an inspired manifestation designed to guide believers through the perils of the last days and prepare them for the second coming of Christ Revelation 19:10CET 243.6+2.

The Importance of Prophesyings

• Desirable Above Other Gifts: While believers are encouraged to desire spiritual gifts in general, the word of God places a special emphasis on the gift of prophecy because it serves to build up and instruct the body of Christ 1 Corinthians 14:1+1SGL 17.1.

• A Command to Value the Gift: We are specifically admonished not to despise "prophesyings," which refers to the actual exercise of the gift of speaking through divine inspiration 1 Thessalonians 5:20PGGC 33.3+1.

• Protection Against Apostasy: It is often because people despise or disregard the light of prophecy that they lose their way and fall into darkness or skepticismPTUK July 2, 1891, page 206.15.

The Function of the Prophetic Gift

The spirit of prophecy serves several essential purposes within the remnant church:

• A Spokesman for God: To prophesy in its broadest sense is to act as a mouthpiece for the Lord, delivering His specific words to His people for their instruction and correction Deuteronomy 18:18GCB May 31, 1909, page 227.11+1.

• Establishing the Church: Just as the spirit of prophecy was confirmed in the early church so they would "come behind in no gift," its revival in the last days is intended to bring the people of God into perfect unity and spiritual maturity 1 Corinthians 1:6-7TBI 286.3+2.

• A Guide Through Crisis: The gift acts as a "corrector of error" and a "confirmer of truth," helping the church navigate difficult doctrinal questions and protecting it from the delusions of the enemy1888 802.3+2.

• Identifying the Remnant: Having the "testimony of Jesus," which is defined as the "spirit of prophecy," is one of the two prominent characteristics of God's final people who keep His commandments Revelation 12:17+11SP 10.2+2.

Testing the Gift

While we are told to covet the gift, we are also warned to be vigilant against counterfeits:

• Prove All Things: Believers must test every manifestation by the Bible, holding fast only to that which is good and bears the "fruits" of the Holy Spirit 1 Thessalonians 5:21CET 244.2+1.

• The Biblical Standard: A genuine prophetic gift will always speak according to the law and the testimony; if a message contradicts the established Word of God, there is no light in it Isaiah 8:20SGL 30.1.

• Distinguishing True from False: The presence of false prophets makes it even more necessary for the church to be intimately acquainted with the voice of the True Shepherd through the genuine spirit of prophecy Matthew 23:34HOMI November 1893, page 7.7+1.

Ultimately, the gift of prophecy was made a necessity by the fall of man and will continue to be a light for the church until the "perfect day" when the redeemed see God face to face1SP 12.1+2. 🙏