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    Chapter 30—1847

    Joseph Bates Maintained That the Gospel Message Ended in 1844.

    Luke shows clearly that after the door is shut, those that are outside will begin to knock, and when they are denied admittance, they will tell of the wonders which they have wrought, and still the reply will be “I know you not.” Matthew is as clear. He says, “afterwards came also the other virgins, saying, Lord, Lord, open to us. He answers, I know you not.” After when was this knocking? Why, after the door was shut. Now I ask if the door is not shut before the second advent, unless this knocking afterwards can be proved to be after the change to immortality. And that can be admitted only on the unscriptural ground that the wicked will be also immortal. But according to Paul’s order of the resurrection, a gulf will be between them immediately, and those outside cannot knock for admittance, but we are told that their cry will be for “rocks and mountains to fall on them.” Then the knocking will be in this present state as it has been, and now is, clamoring about the door, in favor of backsliders and sinners when they have hardly any faith respecting their own true position—changing like a ship beating to windward in a heavy head beat sea, losing ground on every tack. Some have attempted to show in Luke 13, that the 28th and 29th verses were a proof that this knocking would be after the advent. I think it shows the reverse. “Weeping and gnashing of teeth,” certainly is not knocking for an open door, but shows, as it is stated, that had already been done. What does the apostle Paul call an open door? He says to the Cor. “For a great door and effectual was open unto me;” xvi: 19. “How he (God) had opened a door of faith unto the Gentiles;” Acts 14:27. “Praying also for us that God would open us a door of utterance to speak the mystery of Christ;” Colossians 4:3. “When I came to Troas to preach Christ’s gospel, and a door was opened unto me of the Lord;” 2 Corinthians 2:12.SDD 19.3

    Paul’s open door, then, was the preaching the gospel with effect to the Gentiles. Now let this door be shut, and the preaching of this gospel will have no effect. This is just what we say is the fact. The gospel message ended at the appointed time with the closing of the 2,300 days; and almost every honest believer that is watching the signs of the times will admit it. I know it will be said “why you have, or would close the door of mercy!” There is no such language in the Bible. I have no desire nor wish in my soul to see my worst enemy lost. I think I have made it manifest for the last twenty years, and am still willing to do what I can to save those that will help themselves. But I am perfectly sensible that it cannot be done only in God’s appointed way; and all that will walk under the shadow of his wing will rejoice at the fulfillment of his word, although their hearts may be burdened and pained at seeing the opposite in their friends.SDD 19.4

    I think I have fully proved this eighth way mark and high heap in our pathway, that the Bridegroom has come, the marriage is past, and the door is shut.SDD 19.5

    “Come, my people, enter thou into thy chambers, and shut thy doors about thee for a little moment, until the indignation be over past;” Isaiah 31:20.—Joseph Bates, Second Advent Way Marks and High Heaps (1847), pp. 67-68.SDD 19.6

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