Ellen Gould White über: "Understanding of the prophetic signs shortly before the Second Coming"

The prophetic signs shortly before the Second Coming of Christ include both global crises and astronomical events that announce the advent of the Kingdom of Glory. The mentioned forerunners include wars, famines, natural disasters such as earthquakes, as well as increasing societal instability and moral darkness. Believers are called to watch these signs vigilantly and to see them as proof that salvation is near.

The Announcement of the Kingdom of Glory

»The message of Christ’s first coming proclaimed the kingdom of His grace. Likewise, the message of His return proclaims the kingdom of His glory. And the second message, like the first, is founded on the prophecies. The Savior Himself has given signs of His coming and says: “But guard yourselves that your hearts are not burdened with eating and drinking and daily cares, and that this day may come upon you unexpectedly.” “Watch always and pray that you may be considered worthy to escape all that is to happen, and to stand before the Son of Man.”«

1 - Ellen Gould White, Humble Hero (HH 101.2)

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Global Turmoil and Natural Events as Signs

»Today the signs of the times proclaim that we stand on the threshold of great and solemn events. Everything in our world is in upheaval. Before our eyes the Savior’s prophecy is being fulfilled concerning the events that precede His coming: “You will hear of wars and the clamor of wars... A nation will rise against another, and a kingdom against another; and there will be famines, pestilence, and earthquakes here and there.”«

2 - Ellen Gould White, Education (Ed 179.4)

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Celestial Appearances as the First Signs

»The prophecy not only predicts the nature and purpose of Christ’s coming, but also presents signs by which people are to recognize when it is near. Jesus said: “Signs will occur in the sun, moon, and stars.” [...] “The sun will be darkened and the moon will not give its light, and the stars will fall from heaven, and the powers of the heavens will be shaken. And then they will see the Son of Man coming in the clouds with great power and glory.” [...] The Revelator thus describes the first of the signs that precede the Second Coming: “There was a great earthquake, and the sun became black like a sack of charcoal, and the moon turned like blood.”«

3 - Ellen Gould White, The Great Controversy (1888 ed.) (GC88 304.1)

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Societal Decline and Conflicts

»The fulfillment of the signs of the times bears witness that the Day of the Lord is near. Daily newspapers are full of indications of a dreadful conflict in the future. Brazen robberies occur frequently. Strikes are commonplace. Thefts and murders are committed everywhere. People possessed by demons take the lives of men, women, and small children. All these things testify that the coming of Christ is near.«

4 - Ellen Gould White, In Heavenly Places (HP 342.2)

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The Parable of the Budding Tree

»Christ had instructed His people to watch for the signs of His return and to rejoice when they saw the forerunners of their coming King. “But when this begins to happen,” He said, “look up and lift up your heads, for your salvation is near.” He pointed His followers to the budding trees in spring and said: “When they now bud, you see it in them and know that summer is near. Likewise you: When you see that all this is happening, know that the Kingdom of God is near.”«

5 - Ellen Gould White, The Great Controversy (1888 ed.) (GC88 308.4)

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