21. What is the condition of the nations, and what other events are due or impending at this time?
“And the nations were angry, and Thy wrath is come, and the time of the dead, that they should be judged, and that Thou shouldest give reward unto Thy servants the prophets, and to the saints, and them that fear Thy name, small and great; and shouldest destroy them which destroy the earth.” Verse 18.
Notes.—The closing scenes of this world's history and the judgment are clearly brought to view here. Ever since the loss of independence by the Ottoman Empire in 1840, the nations have been preparing for war as never before, in view of international complications and a world war which all fear is inevitable upon the dissolution of Turkey and the final disposition of its territory. Towering above all others, the Eastern question has been the one of paramount concern to them.
The investigative judgment began in heaven in 1844, at the close of the prophetic period of 2300 days. See readings on pages [230-253]. When this is finished, the time of reward will have arrived, the end will have come, and the saints will themselves sit in judgment. See Rev. 20:4; 1 Cor. 6:1-3.
22. What scene in heaven was presented to the prophet as the seventh trumpet was about to sound?
“And the temple of God was opened in heaven, and there was seen in His temple the ark of His testament: and there were lightnings, and voices, and thunderings, and an earthquake, and great hail.” Rev. 11:19.
Notes.—This forcibly calls attention to the closing work of Christ in the second apartment, or most holy place, of the sanctuary in heaven, which began in 1844. See readings referred to in preceding note. The reference to the ark of God's testament is a forcible reminder also of that which is to be the standard in the judgment,—the law of God, or ten commandments. See Eccl. 12:13, 14; Rom. 2:12, 13; James 2:8-12.
From its closing words—the reference to “great hail”—the seventh trumpet evidently embraces the seven last plagues (see Rev. 16:17, 18); and from its opening words—“the kingdoms of this world are become the kingdoms of our Lord”—it marks the setting up of God's everlasting kingdom.