What does Ellen White write about...
Adventistische Schriften über: "The significance of Jesus' coming like a thief for believers"
Answer
The provided quotations make clear that Jesus' coming "like a thief" specifically refers to the unbelieving and unprepared, not to watchful Christians. For believers who trust God's Word and are awake, this day will not be a surprising catastrophe. Scripture makes a clear distinction between the righteous and the wicked regarding the suddenness of this day.
A distinction between the righteous and the wicked
»But for whom will it come like a thief in the night? For the wicked, for those who speak of peace and security; not for Christians who believe God's Word and are found watching. “But you, brothers, are not in darkness so that this day should overtake you like a thief.” Who cannot perceive that a great distinction is made between the righteous and the wicked concerning the suddenness of that day's coming?«
Believers are children of the light
»“But you, brothers, are not in darkness so that this day should overtake you like a thief. You are all children of the light and children of the day; we are not of the night nor of darkness.” While we should not know the hour of our Lord's return, we can know when it is near. “Therefore let us not sleep like the others, but be watchful and sober.”«
Warning and signs for the watchful
»Jesus explains: “There will be signs in the sun, moon, and stars; and on earth the nations will be in fear.” Those who watch these forerunners of His coming should “know that it is near, even at the doors.” “Watch now,” are His words of admonition. Those who heed the warning should not be left in darkness so that this day overtakes them unprepared. But for those who do not wish to watch, “the day of the Lord will come like a thief in the night.”«
Watching means knowledge of the hour
»Those who do not watch will not know the hour. Those who watch will know the hour.«
Scriptural references about the suddenness of the coming
»A comparison of the various scriptures that give us knowledge of that day and the manner in which it will come upon the world will convince all sincere readers that it will come only suddenly upon the wicked.«
- Understanding the signs of Christ's coming
- Watching and praying in the last days
- Difference between wise and foolish virgins
Original Sources (English)
Stephan Krol
Founder of EGW Vision
Why I built EGW Vision
Hello, I am Stephan Krol. I started this Ellen White website to make the writings of Ellen G. White and the Adventist pioneers easier to access for everyone.
EGW Vision helps you find topics, statements, and quotes faster, especially when many original sources are not yet fully available in your language. The tool searches semantically, groups relevant content by topic, and presents matching results as clearly as possible in your language.
My hope is that this tool supports personal Bible study, strengthens trust in the original sources, and helps more people discover the message of these writings with clarity, depth, and joy.
