Counsel #7 — Soon Return

Picture: Counsel #7 — Soon ReturnCCW 159.1

Throughout her lifetime, Ellen White often talked about the soon return of Jesus. In one case, she had a vision showing her that some people who were present that day would be alive when Jesus returned. It is now over 170 years since that revelation and obviously everyone who was alive then has long since died. Isn’t this proof that Ellen White was a false prophet? The reality is that God has consistently presented the second coming as happening very soon. The book of Revelation quotes Jesus as saying, “Behold, I come quickly.”^{[234]Revelation 22:12} Ellen White later explained that the reason Jesus has not yet returned is because the church has not yet carried out its purpose.^{[235]https://whiteestate.org/about/issues1/unusual/unfulfilled-predictions/some-1856-alive-when-jesus-returns/}CCW 159.2

“Then we who are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And thus we shall always be with the Lord.” 1 Thessalonians 4:17 NKJVCCW 159.3

“Had the purpose of God been carried out by His people in giving the message of mercy to the world, Christ would have come to the earth, and the saints would ere this have received their welcome into the City of God.” Ellen White in Letters and Manuscripts, vol. 13, Manuscript 139, 1898, par. 17 CCW 159.4

Reflect: According to Ellen White, how do the actions of God’s church impact the timing of Jesus’ return?CCW 159.5