Pattern of Reformatory Movements

The Prophetic Pattern of Great Reformatory Movements​

Again and again I have been shown that the past experiences of God's people are not to be counted as dead facts. We are not to treat the record of these experiences as we would treat a last year's almanac. The record is to be kept in mind, for history will repeat itself.
Publishing Ministry, p. 175

"The work of God in the earth presents, from age to age, a striking similarity in every great reformation or religious movement. The principles of God's dealing with men are ever the same. The important movements of the present have their parallel in those of the past, and the experience of the church in former ages has lessons of great value for our own time."
The Great Controversy, p. 343

The Great Reformatory Movements of the past (Noah, Moses, Elijah, Cyrus, John the Baptist)
parallel the Great Reformation of our day, William Miller and Seventh-day Adventism.

There are seven "Waymarks" clearly evident and always in the same order in every great reform movement in Bible history, each with its own "Characteristics". You will notice that the Characteristics within a Waymark are not always in the same order, and that not all of the Characteristics appear in every "Waymark", but the "striking similarity" is clearly evident in every Great Reformatory Movement.


WAYMARKS

1. A Time of the End
2. First Message
3. Second Message
4. Third Message
5. A Work
6. Backsliding
7. Fourth Message

CHARACTERISTICS within the Waymarks: the Great Reformatory Movements Pattern​

1. A Time of the End
A Prophecy is fulfilled
Men understand the fulfillment by running to and fro in God's Word
Unsealing of a prophetic message
The prophetic message relates to the message or the work of the upcoming period
The unsealed truth begins an escalating process of separation

2. First Message
Worldwide impact in the prophetic geographical setting
Spiritual Darkness or a "scattering" precedes reformation
A "gathering" is initiated
Associated with a Reformer or reform Message
Conviction of sin
Foundation is established
God "empowers" the message
A "life-or-death" Testing Process begins

3. Second Message
Local in the prophetic geographical setting
Enemies oppose the work or message (often a 3-fold enemy as a singular-singular-plural)
A call out of "Babylon"
God manifests His power to surge the message over the opponents
A glorification
The Temple is finished and cleansed
A Sealing
Life or Death decisions are made

4. Third Message
A "Door" closes, the "gathering" is completed, two groups are separated
A "Covenant" is established
The message culminates in a Judgment event
Followed by Disappointment
Often the number "7" shows

5. A work or duty is given to God's tested and faithful people

6. God's people backslide and stop doing the work

7. Fourth Message (Repeats aspects of the Second Message)
Troublous times
New call out of "Babylon"
New Repentance
New Restoration of God's power & Return to the "old paths"
New Judgment (this time on the "church")
Work finished
Jesus Comes

Noah & Tower of Babel

1. A Time of the End
A Prophecy is fulfilled: 120 years. Gen. 6:3
Darkness or "scattering": Man's thoughts were "only evil continually." Gen. 6:5
Unsealing of a prophetic message
Increase of knowledge re. near future: Methuselah, "when he dies, it shall come." Gen. 5:27
The unsealed truth begins an escalating process of separation

2. First Message
Worldwide impact in the prophetic geographical setting
Reformer or reform Message: Noah. Gen. 6:13
Conviction of sin
A "gathering" begins
Foundation is established
God "empowers" the message: Ark plans given to Noah. Gen. 6:14
Life-or-Death Testing Process begins: Noah builds & preaches. (PP 94)

3. Second Message
Local in the prophetic geographical setting
Enemies oppose: "worldly, honored, and wise men." (PP 95)
A call out of Babylon
God manifests His power to surge the message: Animals enter the Ark. Gen. 7:9
A glorification
The Temple is finished and cleansed
A Sealing
Life-or-Death decisions are made

4. Third Message
Ark Door closes, the "gathering" is complete, two groups are separated
Judgment event (7days waiting): Flood. Gen. 7:17
Covenant established: Rainbow. Gen. 9:9
Disappointment: Re. condition of the "new" earth. (PP 108)

5. Work given to God's people "Replenish" the earth. Gen. 9:1

6. Backsliding Tower of Babel. Gen. 11:4

7. Fourth Message (Repeats aspects of the Second Message)
Troublous times
New call out of Babylon
New Repentance & return to old paths: "Those that feared the Lord cried unto Him" (PP 123)
New restoration of God's power: Confusion of languages. Gen. 11:9
Work finished: Groups disperse according to their new languages.
New Judgment (on the "Church"): Lightning destroys Tower. (PP 119)
Jesus (the Prince of Peace) Comes: "Companies" live in relative peace. (PP 123)

Moses & Golden Calf

1. A Time of the End
Prophecy fulfilled: 430 years. Gen. 15:13, Ex. 12:41
Darkness or "scattering": Egyptian bondage. Ex. 1:13
Unsealing of a prophetic message
Increase of knowledge re. near future: Burning Bush. Ex. 3
Begin process of separation

2. First Message
Worldwide impact in the prophetic geographical setting
Reformer or reform Message: Moses. Ex. 3
Conviction of sin
A "gathering" begins
Foundation is established
God "empowers" the message: Serpent-Rod. Ex. 4
Life-or-Death Testing Process begins: Circumcision. Ex. 4:25

3. Second Message
Local in the prophetic geographical setting
Enemies oppose: (3) Pharaoh, Magicians, Israelite officers. Ex. 5
A call out of "Babylon"
God manifests His power to surge the message: Plagues. Ex. 7-12
A glorification
The Temple is finished and cleansed
Life-or-Death decisions are made. God's people are sealed.

4. Third Message
A "Door" closes, the "gathering" is complete, two groups are separated
Covenant established: Blood on doorposts. Ex. 12:7
Judgment event: Passover or Death of firstborn. Ex. 12:29
7 days of unleavened bread: Ex. 13:6-7
Disappointment: Red Sea blocks escape. Ex. 14

5. Work given to God's people: Preparation to receive God's Law. Ex. 19:10-11

6. Backsliding: Golden Calf. Ex. 32:1-8

7. Fourth Message (Repeats aspects of the Second Message)
Troublous times
New call out of "Babylon"
New Repentance, return to "old paths": Levites side with Moses. Ex. 32:26
New restoration of God's power
New Judgment (on the "Church"): Levites execute apostates. Ex. 32:29
Work finished
Jesus Comes: Moses' atonement a type of Christ's. Ex. 32:30

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Moses & Joshua (the long view)

1. A Time of the End
Prophecy fulfilled: 430 years. Gen. 15:13, Ex. 12:41
Darkness or "scattering": Egyptian bondage. Ex. 1:13
Unsealing of a prophetic message
Increase of knowledge re. near future: Burning Bush. Ex. 3
Begin process of separation

2. First Message
Worldwide impact in the prophetic geographical setting
Reformer or reform Message: Moses. Ex. 3
Conviction of sin
A "gathering" begins
Foundation is established
God "empowers" the message: Serpent-Rod. Ex. 4
Life-or-Death Testing Process begins: Circumcision. Ex. 4:25

3. Second Message
Local in the prophetic geographical setting
Enemies oppose (3): Pharaoh, Magicians, Israelite officers. Ex. 5
A call out of "Babylon": "Let My people go". Ex. 5:1
God manifests His power to surge the message: Aaron's rod swallows magician's rods. Ex. 7:12
A glorification: "I have made thee a god to Pharaoh" Ex. 7:1
The Temple is finished and cleansed
A Sealing (Life-or-Death decisions are made)

4. Third Message
A "Door" closes, the "gathering" is complete, two groups are separated
Covenant established: Passover. Ex. 12:29
Judgment event: Death of firstborn. Ex. 12:23
7 days of unleavened bread: Ex. 12:15
Disappointment: Red Sea blocks escape. Ex. 14

5. Work given to God's people Get out! (Go to Caanan.) Ex. 12:31

6. Backsliding 40 years of wandering. Num. 14:34

7. Fourth Message (Repeats aspects of the Second Message)
Troublous times
Enemies oppose (3, s-s-pl): Midian, Moab, Balaam (of children) Num. 22:4-5
New restoration of God's power: Balaam's 3+1 blessings Num. 23-24
New Judgment (on the "Church"): Baalpeor. Num. 25:5
New Repentance, return to "old paths": Circumcision & Passover. Josh. 5
Repeats Second Message's call out of "Babylon": "put away the gods...in Egypt". Josh. 24:14
Work finished: "And Israel served the LORD all the days of Joshua", Josh. 24:31
Jesus Comes: "The grace of Christ wrought in their hearts." 2BC 1001

Joshua

1. A Time of the End
(4th Message characteristic = Troublous Times) Invading Canaan. Josh. 1-6
A Prophecy is fulfilled 40 years. Num. 14:34
Unsealing of a prophetic message Captain of the Lord's Host appears. Josh. 5:13
(The prophetic message relates to the message or the work of the upcoming period)
Escalating process of separation Canaanites aware of Israel's approach

2. First Message
Worldwide impact in the prophetic geographical setting All Canaanite nations
Spiritual Darkness or a "scattering" precedes reformation Wilderness wandering
Associated with a Reformer or reform Message Joshua
A "gathering" is initiated Spies contact Rahab
Conviction of sin Known as harlot
Foundation is established Book of the Law. Josh. 1:8
God "empowers" the message Circumcision & Passover reinstated. Josh. 5:2, 9-10
A "life-or-death" Testing Process begins

3. Second Message
Local in the prophetic geographical setting City of Jericho. Josh. 2
Enemies oppose the work or message King & guards
God manifests His power to surge the message over the opponents Spies hidden
A call out of "Babylon" Rahab asks for safety
A Sealing Rahab's family. 2:14
Life or Death decisions are made Stay indoors or die. 2:19
The Temple is finished and cleansed 3 days preparation to cross the Jordan. 3:2
Visual Test Israel crosses Jordan at flood stage. 3:15
A glorification Israel respects Joshua. 3:7, 4:14

4. Third Message
A "Door" closes, the "gathering" is completed, two groups are separated Rahab's family
A "Covenant" is established Red cord. 2:17
Often the number "7" shows 7 circles in 7 days. 6:14-15
The message culminates in a Judgment event Walls fall down. 6:20
Followed by Disappointment Ai. 7:4

5. A work or duty is given to God's people All the goods are God's. 6:19

6. God's people backslide and stop doing the work Achan. Josh. 7

7. Fourth Message (Repeats aspects of the Second Message)
Troublous times
New Restoration of God's power & Return to the "old paths"
New Judgment (this time on the "church") Achan. Josh. 7:25
Work finished Ai destroyed. Josh. 8
Jesus Comes Altar constructed, Law read and recorded. Josh. 8:30-35

Elijah & Elisha

1. A Time of the End
Darkness or "scattering": Jezebel's idolatry. 1 Ki. 16:31
Prophecy fulfilled
Unsealing of a prophetic message
Increase of knowledge re. near future
Begin process of separation

2. First Message
Reformer or reform Message: Elijah. (PK 120-121)
Conviction of sin: Ahab. 1 Ki. 18:18
A "gathering" begins: Prophets hidden. 1Ki. 18:4
Foundation is established
God "empowers" the message
Life-or-Death Testing Process begins: No rain. 1 Ki. 17:1
Worldwide in the prophetic geographical setting: Non-Israelite cities involved. 1 Ki. 17:9

3. Second Message
Local in the prophetic geographical setting: Only Israel involved. 1 Ki. 18:19
Enemies oppose: (3, s-s-pl) Ahab, Jezebel, Priests of Baal. 1 Ki. 17-19
A call out of "Babylon": "If the Lord be God, follow Him." 1 Ki. 18:21
God manifests His power to surge the message: Fire on Mt. Carmel. 1 Ki. 18:38
A glorification
The Temple is finished and cleansed
Life-or-Death decisions are made. God's people are sealed.

4. Third Message
A "Door" closes, the "gathering" is complete, two groups are separated
Covenant established
Judgment event: Execute False Prophets. 1 Ki. 18:40
7 prayers of Elijah: 1 Ki. 18:43
Disappointment: Elijah flees from Jezebel. 1 Ki. 19:1-4

5. Work given to God's people: Elijah anoints next generation of players. 1 Ki. 19:15-16

6. Backsliding: Ahab saves enemy Ben-Hadad but allows death of neighbor Naboth. 1 Ki. 20-21

7. Fourth Message (Repeats aspects of the Second Message)
Troublous Times: Ongoing wars with Syria. 1 Ki. 22:3
New call out of "Babylon": Micaiah 1 Ki. 22:28
New Repentance & Return to the "old paths"
New restoration of God's power: Elisha's ministry. 2 Ki. 2-13
New Judgment (on the "Church"): (7 x 6 = 42) youths torn by she-bears. 2 Ki. 2:24
Work finished
Jesus Comes: Elisha's ministry a type of Christ (PK240); Elijah's of the 144,000 (PK227)

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Cyrus & Ezra-Nehemiah

1. A Time of the End
Darkness or "scattering": Babylonian Captivity. 2 Chron. 36:20
Prophecy fulfilled: End of 70 years. Jer. 25:12
Unsealing of a prophetic message
Increase of knowledge re. near future: Daniel understands the time by "books" Dan. 9:2
Begin process of separation: Daniel prays for the restoration of Israel. Dan. 9:3

2. First Message
Reformer or reform Message: Cyrus' 1st Decree (538 BC) Ezra 1:2; 2 Chron. 36:23
Worldwide in prophetic geographical setting: "all the kingdoms of the earth" Ezra 1:3
God "empowers" the message: Christ as Michael influences Cyrus. Dan. 10:1,13
Conviction of sin
A "gathering" begins: "them whose spirit God had raised" Ezra 1:5
Foundation is established: Temple foundation laid. Ezra 3:11
Life-or-Death Testing Process begins

3. Second Message
Local in the prophetic geographical setting: Darius' 2nd Decree re. Temple (519 BC) Ezra 5, 6
Enemies oppose: (3, s-s-pl) Tatnai, Shetharboznai & Apharsachites (520 BC). Ezra 5:6
A call out of Babylon
God manifests His power to surge the message: Esther
A glorification
The Temple is finished and cleansed. God's people are sealed: Ezra 6:15
Life-or-Death decisions are made: Jews who didn't go faced death decree. (PK 600)

4. Third Message
A "Door" closes, the "gathering" is complete, two groups are separated
Covenant established
Judgment event: Artaxerxes' 3rd Decree, national sovereignty returned to Jews. Ezra 7:13,21
7th year of the king: (457 BC) Ezra 7:8 (2300 years begin)
Disappointment: Few Jews return. (PK 612)

5. Work given to God's people: Finish rebuilding Jerusalem. Ezra 7

6. Backsliding: Artaxerxes' 20th year (445 BC) work still not done. Neh. 1:1-3 (PK 669)

7. Fourth Message (Repeats aspects of the Second Message)
Troublous times: Samaritans oppose (448 BC) Ezra 4:23
New call out of "Babylon"
New Repentance: Nehemiah, 1:4ff; Leaders, 9:1, 10:1ff (PK 675)
Enemies oppose: (3, s-s-pl) Sanballat, Tobiah, Geshem the Arabian. Neh. 2:19
New restoration of God's power: Artaxerxes' 4th Decree (444 BC) Neh. 2:8-9; Enemies defeated. 6:16
New Judgment: Temple cleansed again. Neh. 13:8
Return to "old paths" & Work finished: 7th day Sabbath & marriage reforms enforced. Neh. 13
Jesus Comes: Malachi predicts coming of John the Baptist & Christ. Mal. 3:1

John the Baptist & Christ

1. A Time of the End
Darkness: "superstitions and traditions of professed interpreters" (FCE 238-9)
Prophecy fulfilled: 490 years. Dan. 9:24-25, Mk. 1:14-15
Unsealing of a prophetic message
Increase of knowledge re. near future: Shepherds, Simeon, Anna, Herod, Magi, boy Jesus
Begin process of separation

2. First Message
Worldwide in the prophetic geographical setting: "all the country about Jordan" Lk. 3:3
Reformer or reform Message: John the Baptist. Mt. 3:1-4
A "gathering" is initiated: "Then went out to him..." Mt. 3:5
Conviction of sin: "...and were baptized of him in Jordan, confessing their sins." Mt. 3:6
Foundation is established
God "empowers" the message: Dove & Voice at Jesus' baptism. Mt. 3:16-17
Life-or-Death Testing Process begins: Jesus in the wilderness. Mt. 4:1

3. Second Message
Local in the prophetic geographical setting: Pharisees and Sadducees. Mt. 3:7
A call out of "Babylon": "who hath warned you to flee...?" Mt. 3:7
Enemies oppose: (3) Herod, Herodias, Salome. Lk. 3:19, Mt. 14:6-11
A glorification: The Transfiguration. Mt. 17
God manifests His power to surge the message: Triumphal Entry. Mt. 21:9
Temple cleansed: [Jesus] "cast out all them that sold and bought in the temple" Mt. 21:12
A Sealing
Life or Death decisions are made

4. Third Message
A "Door" closes, the "gathering" is complete, two groups are separated
Covenant established: Last Supper: Footwashing-Communion.
Judgment event: The Cross.
Disappointment: Disciples.
Jesus "rests" on the 7th day: Sabbath.

5. Work given to God's people: "...so send I you" Jn. 20:21

6. Backsliding: "Gone Fishing" Jn. 21:3

7. Fourth Message (Repeats aspects of the Second Message)
Troublous times
New Repentance: Peter, Jn. 20:15ff; Disciples unify. Acts 2
New call out of "Babylon": "Save yourselves from this untoward generation." Acts 2:40
New Restoration of God's power & Return to the "old paths": Pentecost.
New Judgment (on the "Church"): Ananias & Sapphira & Destruction of Jerusalem, 70 AD.
Work finished: Gospel "preached to every creature ... under heaven" Col. 1:23
Jesus Comes: Patmos. (19MR 40-41)

Adventism : Millerites & 144,000

1. A Time of the End
Spiritual Darkness or a "scattering" precedes reformation: Papal "Dark Ages"
Prophecy fulfilled: End of the 1260 years in 1798. (Dan. 7:24, 12:7; Rev. 11:2,3,9,11; 12:6)
Men understand the fulfillment by running to and fro in God's Word
Unsealing of a prophetic message: Dan. 8:14 (GC 324)
Increase of knowledge re. near future: End of 2300 years in 1844. (GC 327)
Begin process of separation

2. First Message (1st Angel's time) Rev. 14:6
Reformer or reform Message: William Miller. (GC 317)
Worldwide in the prophetic geographical setting: "missionaries ...in all the world" (GC 368)
A "gathering" is initiated: "His preaching was calculated to arouse the public mind" (GC 331)
Conviction of sin: "His work tended to arouse the conscience" (GC 331)
Foundation is established: 3 Angel's Messages of Rev. 14
God "empowers" the message: Rev.10: "book" open re. Islam's fall, 8/11/40. (GC 335)
Life/Death Testing Process begins: 7 Thunders = Millerite time, sweet/bitter. Rev. 10:9-10

3. Second Message (2nd Angel's time) Rev. 14:8
Local in the prophetic geographical setting: "...the churches of the United States" (GC 389)
Enemies oppose: "The churches in general closed their doors" (GC 376, 402)
A call out of "Babylon": "Babylon is fallen, is fallen..." Rev. 14:8
God manifests His power to surge the message: 1843 chart. (GC 392)
A glorification: the "Midnight Cry" (GC 398)
The Temple is finished and cleansed. God's people are sealed.
Life-or-Death decisions are made

4. Third Message (3rd Angel's time) Rev. 14:9
"Door" closed in the Holy Place. The "gathering" is completed, two groups are separated.
Judgment event: Oct. 22, 1844
Disappointment: Oct. 23, 1844
A "Covenant" is established: "And hallow my sabbaths; and they shall be a sign" Eze. 20:20
7th day Sabbath restoration begins.

5. Work given to God's people: "Thou must prophesy again [to the world]" Rev. 10:11

6. Backsliding: Laodicea. Rev. 3

7. Fourth Message (150+ years later. 4th Angel's time) Repeats Second Message) Rev. 18
Troublous times: End Time "anger of the nations" Rev. 11:18 (EW 36)
Enemies oppose: (3, s-s-pl) Beast (Papacy), False Prophet (USA), Dragon (U.N.), Rev. 16:13
New call out of "Babylon": "Come out of her, My people." Rev. 18:4
New Repentance & Return to the "old paths": Rev. 3:19 Before "Image" is formed. (7BC 976)
New Restoration of God's power & Work finished: 4th Angel "Latter Rain / Loud Cry" Rev. 18
New Judgment (on the "Global Church" Modern Rome): 7 Last Plagues.
Jesus Comes: Jesus Comes!

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E.T.Elijah said:

Do you happen to have any other information regarding this topic. I find it very interesting and would like to dig into it further.

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