Chapter 5—Two Descriptions of Future Exhibitions

Elsewhere in her writings Ellen White describes two occasions when the tables of stone will be exhibited. However, she does not specify which of the two sets of tables of the law are brought to view, and it is possible for one to interpret either occasion as fulfilling the prediction of the revealing of the hidden tables of stone.ACWF 5.2

1. Just Before the Second Advent. In describing what takes place immediately after the first six of the seven last plagues have fallen, and just before the falling of the seventh and the second coming of Christ, Ellen White says:ACWF 5.3

“While these words of holy trust ascend to God, the clouds sweep back, and the starry heavens are seen, unspeakably glorious in contrast with the black and angry firmament on either side. The glory of heaven is beaming from the gates ajar. Then there appears against the sky a hand holding two tables of stone folded together. The hand opens the tables and there are revealed the precepts of the Decalogue, traced as with a pen of fire. The words are so plain that all can read them. Memory is aroused, the darkness of superstition and heresy is swept from every mind, and God’s ten words, brief, comprehensive, and authoritative, presented to the view of all the inhabitants of the earth. Wonderful code! Wonderful occasion!”—The Spirit of Prophecy 4:456, 457.

“While these words of holy trust ascend to God, the clouds sweep back, and the starry heavens are seen, unspeakably glorious in contrast with the black and angry firmament on either side. The glory of the celestial city streams from the gates ajar. Then there appears against the sky a hand holding two tables of stone folded together. Says the prophet: ‘The heavens shall declare His righteousness: for God is judge Himself’ (Psalm 50:6). That holy law, God’s righteousness, that amid thunder and flame was proclaimed from Sinai as the guide of life, is now revealed to men as the rule of judgment. The hand opens the tables, and there are seen the precepts of the Decalogue, traced as with a pen of fire. The words are so plain that all can read them.”—The Great Controversy, 639.

Here, again, it is clear that God, and not man, is the one who will bring the tables to view. The tables of the law will then be exhibited “as the rule of judgment.” This will be done after probation has closed for all men.ACWF 6.1

2. At the Final Coronation of Christ. In describing the final coronation of Christ and the final judgment of men at the close of the millennium, Ellen White says:ACWF 6.2

“As if entranced, the wicked have looked upon the coronation of the Son of God. They see in His hands the tables of the divine law, the statutes which they have despised and transgressed. They witness the outburst of wonder, rapture, and adoration from the saved; and as the wave of melody sweeps over the multitudes without the city, all with one voice exclaim, ‘Marvelous are Thy works, Lord God Almighty; just and true are Thy ways, Thou King of saints (Revelation 15:3);’ and falling prostrate, they worship the Prince of life.”—The Spirit of Prophecy 4:484; The Great Controversy, 668, 669.

Ellen G. White Estate

Washington, D. C.

Updated May, 1989