Visions of Heavenly Fruit and Prophetic Warnings

Dr. John Harvey Kellogg was indeed followed and influenced by satanic agencies in a masterly effort to cause his feet to slide11MR 306.1+1. Night after night, it was revealed that Satan, clothed in an attractive disguise, was pressing close to the doctor's side and talking with him2MR 191.1. This influence led him into deceptive scientific theories and pantheistic teachings that were similar to the deceptions presented to the holy pair in EdenSpM 335.1+1. Because his mind was being controlled by the enemy, he was at risk of becoming a decoy to seduce other souls away from the truth18LtMs, Lt 271b, 1903, par. 5+1. Despite these threatening dangers, there was constant hope and prayer that he would take hold of God's strength and make peace with Him Isaiah 27:5SpTB02 30.1.

...oon after the Oakland Conference, in the night season the Lord portrayed before me a scene in which Satan, clothed in a most attractive disguise, was earnestly pressing close to the side of Dr. Kellogg. I saw and heard much. Night after night I was bowed down in agony of soul, as I saw this personage...— 2MR 191.1 (1987)

...y mother-heart goes out toward you with weeping, for by symbols I am warned that you are in danger. Satan is making masterly efforts to cause your feet to slide, but God's eye is upon you. Fight these last battles manfully. Stand equipped with the whole a...— 11MR 306.1 (1990)

...I told Elder A. T. Jones that which the Lord has presented to me in regard to the source from which the Doctor was receiving his education in these seductive theories. I told him that our brother was under the influence of Satanic agencies, and that for so long a time had he been working away from the principles of truth and righteousnes...— SpM 335.1 (1985)

The Lord still have thoughts of mercy toward John Kellogg, but the fallen angels are close by his side, communicating with him— 18LtMs, Lt 220, 1903, par. 22

...uld not be by myself, I would not open my lips. I kept still. And I know just how these things are. I knew the devil was linking with him, and I told you, <A. T. Jones,> not to put that message in his hands alone, but to take and r...— 18LtMs, Ms 195, 1903, par. 36

...k silently. I am bidden by the Lord not to converse with Dr. Kellogg or to write to him direct; for his mind, controlled as it is by Satan, is in such a condition that he is liable to put a wrong construction on my words. To you, Brother ...— 18LtMs, Lt 271b, 1903, par. 5

...n the pleased, interested countenances of those who were listening, one by my side told me that the evil angels had taken captive the mind of the speaker. He said that we were to stand as guardians of the churches, but that we were on no account to ente...— BCL 108.3 (1928)

The rebuilding of the sanitarium was made much more expensive than Dr. Kellogg had any authority from his ministering brethren to make it. He has become financially in...— 22LtMs, Ms 168, 1907, par. 3

Elizabeth Harmon, the twin sister of Ellen White, was born on November 26, 1827, but she did not share her sister's commitment to the faith following the Great DisappointmentLASW 7.1+1. While Ellen Harmon was chosen as a spokesperson for God and received her first vision in December 1844, Elizabeth is not listed among those who held fast to the movement's prophetic leadingsGP 117.1+1.

The Spiritual Divide Between the Twins 👯‍♀️

Following the disappointment of October 22, 1844, the Advent believers faced a period of intense confusion and trial1EGWLM 14.1+1. While many abandoned their faith, Ellen remained steadfast, but Elizabeth did not choose the path of the "little flock" that eventually became Sabbatarian AdventistsGP 63.4+1.

• A Contrasting Experience: Ellen’s life was defined by seventy years of relating visions to the church, while Elizabeth's experience moved in a different directionGP 117.1.

• Family Influences: The Harmon family was generally active in the Advent movement, but individuals had to decide for themselves whether to continue in the light of the third angel's messageEW 303.2+1.

• The Fruit of Faith: The scripture reminds us that a tree is known by its fruits, and while Ellen's life was a pattern of piety and zeal, Elizabeth did not join her in this specialized ministry Matthew 7:20GP 63.4.

Spiritual Dangers of the Period ⚠️

After 1844, many believers were exposed to various errors, including "spiritualizing" views and fanaticism1EGWLM 934.3+1.

• Spiritual Paralysis: Many suffered from spiritual lethargy or paralysis after the disappointmentST May 17, 1883, Art. A, par. 15+1.

• The Sifting Process: Every child of God was sifted as wheat during this time, and many cherished pleasures or associations diverted minds from the truth Luke 22:31RH May 14, 1901, par. 1.

• Rejecting the Light: Some who once walked in the light of the 1844 movement later refused to humble their hearts, losing the spiritual power that once attended their experience13MR 122.2+1.

True religion must extend to all thoughts and motives, and one must choose to follow Jesus in self-denial and self-sacrifice to maintain a living connection with HimLYL 69.3+1. The word of God urges the youth to remember their Creator in the days of their youth before the evil days come Ecclesiastes 12:1. It is a solemn reality that each individual must decide whether they will be a vessel unto honor, sanctified and meet for the Master's use 2 Timothy 2:21YI July 11, 1895, par. 3.

The exact timing for the enactment of a national Sunday law is not foretold in scripture, but the movement toward such legislation is active and serves as a sign of the impending final conflictEVRR323+3. While many might speculate about specific years like 2026, it is vital to remember that after the close of the 2300-day prophetic period in 1844, there is no more definite tracing of prophetic time or specific date setting in Bible prophecyEVRR323+2.

The Impending Conflict and Its Signs ⏳

The movement for a national Sunday law is a reality that has already seen various attempts in history and remains a primary objective for religious-political alliancesAMS September 1888, page 66.1+3.

• The Current Stirring: Although past legislative efforts like the Blair bill expired, the movement itself is not dead; proponents continue to gather strength and wait for an opportune time to renew their efforts backed by greater influenceARSH March 19, 1889, page 183.1+1.

• The Nature of the Law: These laws are fundamentally religious, acting as a "connecting link" between Church and State, regardless of claims that they are merely "civil" or "police" regulationsAMS March 14, 1895, page 83.2+3.

• A Subtle Approach: Advocates often suggest that Sunday laws are necessary for the interests of labor and morality, or to make existing state laws efficient, yet their true intent is to enforce religious observanceAMS February 20, 1889, page 36.5+2.

A Divine Delay and the Call to Work 🕊️

God in His mercy provides periods of relative peace to allow His people to spread the truth before the night comes when no man can workARSH March 19, 1889, page 183.1.

• The Purpose of the Delay: Any "assured peace" is a signal for more active work in circulating the truth and warnings regarding religious legislationARSH March 19, 1889, page 183.1+1.

• The Role of Literature: Books like The Great Controversy and Daniel and the Revelation are specifically needed now to open eyes to the importance of the Sunday-law movement and Satan's apostasyCM 123.1.

• Preparation is Key: Instead of focusing on a specific year, the focus must be on preparing for the "seal of God" by humbling oneself and obeying the truth before the decree goes forth7BC 977.8+2.

The Final Test 🛡️

When the decree finally goes forth to enforce the counterfeit sabbath, it will serve as the great test of loyalty to the CreatorGC 605.2+1.

• The Mark of the Beast: The mark of the beast is received only when the law of the state requires Sunday observance in direct opposition to the fourth commandment, and the individual chooses to obey the earthly power over GodLDE 224.2+2.

• The Distinction Made: Until people are convicted of the truth and see the obligation of the seventh-day Sabbath, the Lord does not withdraw His grace; but eventually, the line will be clearly drawn19MR 103.2+2.

• Faithfulness to the Commandment: The Lord requires every person to heed the warnings of the three angels' messages and to worship Him who made heaven, earth, and the sea Revelation 14:6-122SM 104.3+1.

The Word of God reminds us to "watch therefore: for you know not what hour your Lord does come" Matthew 24:42. While the exact date remains unknown, we are instructed to be ready at all times, as the Son of man comes in an hour you think not Matthew 24:44.

I don't know the specific details regarding a miles-long table or a vision where she was prohibited from eating a particular fruit, as the primary accounts of being forbidden to eat fruit relate to the original test of loyalty given to Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden Genesis 2:17ST June 22, 1891, par. 1+1.

The Original Test of Loyalty 🌳

While the specific scenario you mentioned is not present in these records, the theme of being forbidden to eat fruit is a central part of the history of our first parents, serving as a test of their obedience and faith Genesis 2:17ST July 23, 1902, par. 8.

• A Simple Prohibition: God placed man under law as an indispensable condition of his existence, and the tree of knowledge was the test of that obedienceST July 23, 1902, par. 8.

• The Consequence of Disobedience: Taking the forbidden fruit—a seemingly small act—resulted in opening the floodgates of woe and sorrow upon the entire world1888 1786.1+1.

• The Purpose of the Test: The tree was placed in the garden to allow Adam and Eve to pledge their love and obedience to God; they were fully informed of the danger of listening to the tempterSH 15.2.

The Danger of Curiosity and Self-Will ⚠️

The desire to explore areas God has designed for us to remain ignorant of leads to spiritual ruin2Red 11.2+1.

• Unlawful Indulgence: Satan led man to transgress through the unlawful indulgence of appetite, a strategy he continues to use todayTe 273.2+1.

• A Lesson for Today: The nature of the intervention by Christ should make every person afraid to perform even the smallest action in disobedience to God’s requirements1888 1725.4.

• Simplicity of Work: We are called to be co-workers with Jesus, not scorning the simplicity of the work He gives us, but looking toward the blessed results of faithfulnessGW92 399.1.

May we always seek to be found in harmony with the divine will, choosing obedience over our own wayward fancies3MR 86.2+1.

...istence. He was a subject of the divine government, and there can be no government without law. The tree of knowledge, which stood near the tree of life in the midst of the garden of Eden, was to be a test of the obedience, faith and love of our first parents. While permitted to eat freely of every other tree, they were ...— ST July 23, 1902, par. 8 (1874)

Adam and Eve let themselves believe that eating the forbidden fruit was so small a matter that it could not cause the terrible results that God had said w...— STJ 28.5 (1981)

...ve the sad history of Satan’s rebellion and fall. They then distinctly informed them that the tree of knowledge was placed in the garden as a way for them to pledge their obedience and love to God. The holy angels could only keep their high and happy state on condition of obedien...— SH 15.2 (2016)

During your travels to the heavenly courts in vision, you were shown a table of pure silver that was many miles in lengthLS80 217.2. Upon this table was a bounty of heavenly fruit, including manna, almonds, figs, pomegranates, grapes, and the fruit of the tree of lifeLS80 217.2. When you asked the Lord Jesus to let you eat of this fruit, He gently told you, "Not now," because those who eat of the fruit of that land go back to the earth no moreLS80 217.2. However, He gave you the encouraging promise that if you remained faithful, you would in a little while both eat of the fruit of the tree of life and drink of the water of the fountainLS80 217.2. You were then instructed to return to this dark world to relate to others the wonderful things that had been revealed to youLS80 217.2.

...of the tree of life, the manna, almonds, figs, pomegranates, grapes, and many other kinds of fruit. I asked Jesus to let me eat of the fruit. He said, Not now. Those who eat of the fruit of this land, go back to earth no more. But in a little while, if faithful, you shall both eat of the fruit of the tree of life, and drink ...— LS80 217.2 (1880)

The Nature of the Heavenly Fruit 🍎

The fruit provided for the redeemed is beyond any earthly description in its beauty and life-giving power1SG 210.1.

• A Variety of Fruits: The table holds many kinds of fruit, such as manna and pomegranates, which represent the rich provisions of the better worldLS80 217.2.

• The Tree of Life: This tree, which grows on either side of the river of life, bears twelve manner of fruits and yields its fruit every monthEW 31.6+1.

• A Perpetuator of Life: The fruit of the tree of life possesses supernatural virtue; to eat of it is to live forever and serves as the antidote to death7BC 988.9+1.

The Condition for Partaking 🛡️

While the invitation to heaven is broad, the right to partake of its fruits is based on our loyalty to the King of kings.

• Right to the Tree: Only those who wash their robes in the blood of the Lamb and do His commandments have a right to the tree of life and may enter through the gates of the city Revelation 22:14ExV 18.1+1.

• Restoring What Was Lost: Because of disobedience, Adam and Eve were driven from the garden to prevent them from eating of the tree and becoming immortal sinners Genesis 3:22-241EGWLM 195.3+1.

• A Future Reward: In the earth made new, the redeemed will sit at the marriage supper of the Lamb, where Jesus Himself will gird Himself and serve themRH March 7, 1893, par. 7+1.

Eating the Leaves Today 🍃

While we cannot yet eat the literal fruit of heaven, we are invited to partake of its spiritual equivalent right now.

• The Word of God: The scriptures are as the leaves of the tree of life; as we eat and digest this "bread of life," we develop a symmetrical and Christlike character5BC 1135.6+2.

• Healing Power: We are encouraged to "pluck and eat" these leaves today, for they bring healing to the soul and peace to the mind7BC 989.5+2.

• A Living Experience: By partaking of the divine nature through faith, we receive a taste of the healing brought by the grace of God18LtMs, Lt 54, 1903, par. 2.

"To him that overcometh will I give to eat of the tree of life, which is in the midst of the paradise of God" Revelation 2:7. Be of good courage, for the city of God will soon open its golden gates to receive those who have learned to lean on HimMB 99.4.