The Great Controversy The Great Controversy | Page 342
important part of the Sacred Word—and that the part which brings to
view truths specially applicable to our time—could not be understood.
Ministers and people declared that the prophecies of Daniel and the
Revelation were incomprehensible mysteries. But Christ directed His
disciples to the words of the prophet Daniel concerning events to take
place in their time, and said: “Whoso readeth, let him understand.”
Matthew 24:15. And the assertion that the Revelation is a mystery, not
to be understood, is contradicted by the very title of the book: “The
Revelation of Jesus Christ, which God gave unto Him, to show unto His
servants things which must shortly come to pass.... Blessed is he that
readeth, and they that hear the words of this prophecy, and keep those
things which are written therein: for the time is at hand.” Revelation
1:1-3.
Says the prophet: “Blessed is he that readeth”—there are those who
will not read; the blessing is not for them. “And they that hear”—there
are some, also, who refuse to hear anything concerning the prophecies;
the blessing is not for this class. “And keep those things which are
written therein”—many refuse to heed the warnings and instructions
contained in the Revelation; none of these can claim the blessing
promised. All who ridicule the subjects of the prophecy and mock at
the symbols here solemnly given, all who refuse to reform their lives
and to prepare for the coming of the Son of man, will be unblessed.
In view of the testimony of Inspiration, how dare men teach that the
Revelation is a mystery beyond the reach of human understanding? It is
a mystery revealed, a book opened. The study of the Revelation directs
the mind to the prophecies of Daniel, and both present most important
instruction, given of God to men, concerning events to take place at the
close of this world’s history.
To John were opened scenes of deep and thrilling interest in the
experience of the church. He saw the position, dangers, conflicts, and
final deliverance of the people of God. He
341