GENERAL INTRODUCTION

L. L. Caviness

A few words of introduction to papers number eight and nine, the sending out of which has
been delayed until now.

It has been our privilege to attend not only the excellent Bible Conference held in Washington,
September 1-13* but also the Pall Council held also in Washington, September 17-27. An
action was taken in the Pall Council recommending n(l) that a committee be appointed by the
General Conference officers to encourage organized and coordinated Bible exegesis and
research and then to function as a body of council to give guidance to those who, in any part of
the world field, make what seems to them to be a significant discovery of truth, (2) that this
committee be known as a Committee for 3iblical Study and Research and its work be to receive
and examine such manuscripts as may be sent in from time to time.

In view of this plan, we shall be sending in to this committee, to be

appointed, the manuscrrots that you have sent us unless you write us that

you want them returned to you. The work of the Bible Research Fellowship lias been to
exchange papers sent in to this Fellowship, which was established by action of the Bible
teachers in conference assembled in Washington,

D, C., in 19U0, and this work has been conducted for a calendar year at a time. Number eight,
prepared by Dr. D. A. Augsburger of Emmanuel Missionary College and number nine, prepared
by Elder R. P. Cottrell, now connected with the Review and Herald, are now being sent out a bit
late, and number ten which has been prepared by Brother W. S. Ritchie of Loma Linda will be
sent out soon.

We feelthat we must prepare as soon as possible to send in the

papers that we have on hand to the new committee mentioned previously, which

is soon to be appointed. We are writing this introductory note that you may be aware of the
changes that will be soon taking place in the promotion of Biblical exegesis and research in
harmony with the action taken at the Pall Council. We might also point out that some papers
that have been sent in to us have been returned to the writers of the papers for editorial
changes. After these changes have been made, the papers may either be sent back to us or
may be submitted directly by the writer of the paper to the Committee for Bible Study and
Research, which will soon be appointed by the General Conference officers.

We wish you much blessing as the institutional and field study groups continue their work of
study and send to Washington any papers that they may work out in the future. I remain very
sincerely yours for a continuation of the Bible study that was emphasized so strongly in the
recently held Bible .Conference at Washington, D. C.

THE TIME 07 JACOB1S TROUBLE

Raymond P# Cottrell Number 9, 1952

For study use only. May not bfc

quoted for use in publication without permission from I he author of the paper, or Elder R. F.
Cottrell.
(Though presented to the Bible Research Fellowship, like all other papers, it represents no
pronouncement of the Fellowship.)

It is the purpose of this study to clarify the time location of the time of Jacob's trouble in
relation to events which mark its commencement and its close. The eleven propositions in Part
A sunmarize the inspired evidence given in Part 3. Index numbers following each of the eleven
propositions in Part A refer to the numbered sections in Part B upon which it is based. The
concluding paragraph in Part A summarizes the

eleven propositions which precede it.

***

PART A

1. These events follow the close of probations (l) the impersonation of Christ by Satan, (2)
proclamation of the universal Sabbath law and the death decree for Sabbath observance
(distinct from the Sunday law and death decree for Sunday violation preceding the close of
probation), (3) the mission of the three unclean spirits, (U) the gathering of the nations,

(5) the time of Jacob's trouble, (6) the effective hour for the death decree, and (7) the voice of
God which delivers His people. 2-U, H-13, 15-17*

2. The impersonation of Christ by Satan constitutes the climax of his work of deception
and brings to the people of God their great final test of faith. 1, k, 5, 13, lU.

The Time wf Jacob's Trouble — 2

3. The impersonation ef Christ hy Satan occurs at or immediately prior to the

commencement of the sixth plague — his "last remnant of time."

1, k, lU, 21.

4. Impersonating Christ, Satan brands the Sabbath-keeping remnant as responsible for

the seven last plagues and declares that the plagues will not cease until they are destroyed. 2,
4, lU.

5. To fix the nations of earth in Satan's masterpiece of deception, the three ■unclean spirits of
the sixth plague go forth to secure their cooperation with Satan in his last great struggle
against God—in the person of His people. 1, 5. 11. 21.

6. The nations of earth unite for "one hour" with Satan in his

final effort to destroy God's people. 3» 9-12, 20, 22.

NOTE. Inspiration provides ns clue as to whether this "one hour" may be prophetic time (two
weeks) or may simply denote a brief period of time. The Greek numeral "one" seems to
indicate a definite, limited period of time and thus might be understood to imply prophetic
time. However, the "one hour" seems to be used synonymously with "one day" and "one
moment" — apparently eliminating or at least minimizing any specific idea of prophetic time. It
would seem from Revelation 17:12 that the "one hour" is defined as being the time which
elapses between the issuing of the death decree, which seems to assure Babylon's triumph,
and the hour when the decree would become effective were it not for God intervening to
deliver His people — rather than the period of time during which Babylon receives her
judgment. Rev. 17:12, l4, cf. 18:8, 10, 17, 19 and Isa. kj: 9, 11, 15.
7. The leaders of earth concur in a universal decree requiring Sabbath labor on penalty of
death. 2, 4, 9~H.

8. The proclamation of the universal death decree precipitates and marks the
commencement of the time of Jacob's trouble. 2, 5> 8, 9. 15“17«

9. During the time of Jacob's trouble, the final crisis when all the powers of earth a.re
arrayed against God's people, they endure their great final test of faith, 5. 9”11* 13. 15.

The Time of Jacob1 s Trouble — 3

10. As "midni^it," the hour appointed in the decree, arrives and the wicked rush forward
in triumph, the voice of God is heard declaring, "It is done," delivering His people, terminating
the time of Jacob's trouble, and ushering in the seventh plague. 6-10, lH, 15, l6, 17, 22.

11. The living saints, lhh.000 in number — having passed through the time of Jacob's
trouble — recognize and understand the voice of God. 18, 19.

12. The three-fold religious union collapses, and the nations of earth turn first 'upon
Babylon, the universal religious leaders, and then upon one another. 6, 7. 10, 20, 21.

CONCLUSION. All of the events here discussed occur at the commencement of, during, or soon
after the close of the sixth plague. Satan as Christ guides the religious leaders of earth in
securing the cooperation of the political leaders of earth in a universal death decree for
Sabbath observance. The proclamation of this decree initiates the time of Jacob's trouble,
which is concurrent with the sixth plague. At the time appointed in the decree God intervenes,
so bringing the time of Jacob's trouble and the sixth plague simultaneously to a close.

PART B

1. "Satan has long been preparing for his final effort to deceive the world. ... He has not
yet reached the full accomplishment of his designs; but it will be reached in the last remnant of
time. Says the prophet; 'I saw three unclean spirits like frogs; . . . they are the spirits of devils,
working miracles, which go forth unto the kings of the earth and of the whole world, to gather
them to the battle of that great day of God Almighty' . . . the whole world will be swept into
the ranks of this delusion." GC-561.9 to 562.2.

The Time of Jacob's Trouble — 1+

2, "'At that time shall Michael stand up' . . . mercy no longer pleads , . . Every case has been
decided for life or death. , . . The wicked have passed the bound of their probation . . , Those
who honor the law of God have been accused of bringing judgnents upon the world, and they
will be regarded as the cause of the fearful convulsions of nature and the strife and bloodshed
among men that are filling the earth with woe. . . . the irrevocable decision of the sanctuary
has been pronounced, and the destiny of the world has been forever fixed. ... As the Sabbath
has become the special point of controversy throughout Christendom, and religious and
secular authorities have combined to enforce the observance of Sunday, the persistent refusal
of a small minority to yield to the popular demand, will make them objects of universal
execration. It will be urged that the few who stand in opposition to an institution of the church
and a law of

the land, ought not to be tolerated; that it is better for them to suffer than for whole nations
to be thrown into confusion and lawlessness. . . .
This argument will appear conclusive; and a decree will finally be issued against those who
hallow the Sabbath of the fourth commandment, denouncing them as deserving of the
severest punishment, and giving the people liberty, after a certain time, to put them to death. .
. . The people of God will then be plunged into those scenes of affliction and distress described
by the prophet as the time of Jacob's trouble." GC-6l3.4 to 6l6.2, passim.

3. "As Satan influenced Esau to march against Jacob. so he will stir 15) the wicked to
destroy God*s people in the time of trouble. . . .

If he could blot them from the earth, his triumph would be complete. He sees that holy angels
are guarding them, and he infers that their cases have been decided in the sanctuary
above. . . . God's people will be surrounded by enemies who are bent upon their destruction,
yet the anguish which they suffer is not a dread of persecution for the truth's sake; they fear
that every sin has not been repented of. . . . Their sins have gone beforehand to judgment, and
have been blotted out; and they cannot bring them to remembrance." GC-618.5 to ^20.4,
passim.

"The wrath of Satan increases as his time grows short, and his work of deceit and destruction
will reach its culmination in the time of trouble. . . . The spirits of devils will go forth to the
kings of the earth and to the whole world, to fasten them in deception, and urge them on to
unite with Satan in his last struggle against the government of heaven .... As the crowning act
in the great drama of deception. Satan himself will personate Christ ... he claims to have
changed the Sabbath to Sunday, and commands all to hallow the day which he has blessed. He
declares that those who persist in keeping holy the seventh day are blaspheming his name by
refusing to listen to his angels sent to them with light and truth.

This is the strong, almost overmastering delusion." GC-623.9 to 62^.9, passim.

5. "The eye of God, looking down the ages, was fixed upon the crisis

which His people are to meet, when earthly powers shall be arrayed against them.
»~GcS>3UT2.-----------------------------------------------

6. "As the time appointed in the decree draws near, the people will conspire to root out
the hated sect. It will be determined to strike in one night a decisive blow ... It is now, in the
hour of utmost extremity, that the God of Israel will interpose for the deliverance of His
chosen. , . .

The Time of Jacob’s Trouble — 5

cause His glorious voice to be heard. . . . With shouts of triumph, jeering, and imprecation,
throngs of evil men are about to rush upon their prey . . . The angry multitudes are suddenly
arrested. ... It is at midnight that God manifests His power for the deliverance of His people. ...
In the midst of the angry heavens is one clear space of indescribable glory, whence comes the
voice of God like the sound of many waters, saying, *IJt is done.111 GC-635.5 to 63679.
passim.

7. ’’When the voice of God turns the captivity of His people, there is a terrible a,wakening
of those who have lost all in the great conflict for life. . . . They see that they have rebelled
against the Author of all just and righteous law. . . . The people see that they have been
deluded.
They accuse one another of having led them to destruction; but all unite in heaping their
bitterest condemnation upon the ministers. . . . Now, in their despair, these false teachers
confess before the world their work of deception. The multitudes are filled with fury . . . and
they turn upon the false shepherds. . . . The swords which were to slay God's people,

are now employed to destroy their enemies. Everywhere there is strife and bloodshed. ... In
the mad strife of their own fierce passions, and by the awful outpouring of God's unrningled
wrath, fall the wicked inhabitants of the earth.'' GC-fc>54.1 to 657.4, passim.

8. "A decree went forth to slay the saints, which caused them to cry day and night for
deliverance. This was the time of Jacob * s trouble.

Then all the saints cried out with anguish of spirit, and were delivered by the voice of God. The
144,000 triumphed," EW-36.9 to 37.2.

9. "Then I saw the leading men of the earth consulting together, and Satan and his angels
busy around them. I saw a writing, copies of which were scattered in different parts of the
land, giving orders that unless the saints would yield their peculiar faith, give up the Sabbath,
and observe the first day of the week, the people were at liberty after a certain time, to put
them to death. . . . Soon I saw the saints suffering great mental anguish. They seemed to be
surrounded by the wicked inhabitants of the earth. ... It was an hour of fearful, terrible agony
to the saints.

. . , Like Jacob. they were wrestling with God. ... As they cried day and night for deliverance,
their cry came up before the Lord. ... It was at midnight that God chose to deliver His people."
EW-282,8 to 285.3. uassim.

10. "The decree will go forth that they must disregard the Sabbath of the fourth
commandment, and honor the first day, or lose their lives; but they will not yield. . . . Satan's
host and wicked men will surround them, and exult over them, because there will seem to be
no way of escape for them. But in the midst of their revelry and triumph, there is heard peal
upon peal of the loudest thunder ... as God utters his voice from his holy habitation. . . . The
captivity of the righteous is turned, and with sweet and solemn whisperings they say to one
another, 'We are delivered. It is the voice of God.' . . . Those who were so eager to destroy the
saints cannot endure the glory resting upon the delivered ones, and they fall like dead men. to
the earth. Satan and evil angels flee from the presence of the saints glorified. Their power to
annoy them is gone forever." 1T-353.9 to 35^.7. uassim.

The Time of Jacob's Trouble — 6

11. "When this time of trouble comes, every case is decided: there is no longer probation,
no longer mercy for the impenitent. The seal of the living God is upon his people. This small
remnant, unable to defend themselves in the deadly conflict with the powers of earth that are
marshaled by the dragon host, make God their defense. The decree has been passed by the
highest earthly authority that they shall worship the beast and receive his mark under pain of
persecution and death." 5^-213.3*

12. "As yet the four winds are held until the servants of God shall be sealed in their
foreheads. Then the powers of earth will marshal their forces for the last great battle." (>T-
14,5.

13. "It is in a crisis that character is revealed. ... a sudden

and unlooked-for calamity ... brings the soul face to face with death.
.

. . The great final test comes at the close ofhuman probation, when it

will be too late for the soul's need to be supplied." C0L-hl2.hf.

lH. "Antichrist will appear as the true Christ, and then the law of God will be fully made void . . .
the true leader of all this rebellion is Satan clothed as an angel of light. Men will be deceived
and will exalt him to the place of God, and deify him. But Omnipotence will interpose." TM-
62.Uf.

15. "When Christ shall cease his work as mediator in man's behalf, then this time of
trouble will begin. . . . Then . . . the people of God will be in peril from the wicked who are
seeking to destroy them ..." PP-201 Af.

16. "I saw . . . the seven last plagues. ... A decree went forth

to slay the saints. , . . This was the time of Jacob* s trouble. Then all

the saints . . . were delivered by the voice ofGod.11 LS-117.5*

17. "Michael's standing up (Dan. I2;l) to deliver his people, is in the future. . . . Then Jesus
will have the sharp sickle in his hand,

(Rev. lU;lU) and then the saints will cry day and night to Jesus on the cloud, to thrust in his
sharp sickle and reap. This, will be the time of Jacob's trouble. (Jer. 30:5~8) out of which, the
saints will be delivered by the voice of God." WLF-12.5*

IS. "The living saints, lUU.000 in number, knew and understood the voice11 of God,
announcing the day and hour of Jesus' coming"!] EW-15.^-.

19. "None but the hundred and forty-four thousand can learn that song; for it is the song
of their experience,—an experience such as no other company have ever had. . . . These,
having been translated from the earth, from among the living, are counted as 'the first-fruits
unto God and to the Lamb.! 'These are they which came out of great tribulation;' they have
passed through the time of trouble such as never was since there was a nation; they have
endured the anguish of the time of Jacob* s trouble. . . . but they have been delivered," GC-
6^9.Uf.

20. "And the Jben horns . . . are to receive authority as kings for one hour.- together with
the beast. These are of one mind and give over their power and authority to the beast; they
will make war on the Lamb, and

The Time of Jacob's Trouble — 7

the Lamb will conquer them, . . . and those with him are called and chosen and faithful, . . !
And the ten horns . . . will hate the harlot . . . and burn her up with fire, for God has put it into
their hearts to carry out his purpose by being of one mind and giving over their royal power to
the beast, until the words of God shall be fulfilled," Rev. 17:12-lU, l6, 17, RSV.

21, "And I saw . . . three . . . devil spirits, performing signs, who go abroad to the kings of
the whole world, to assemble them for battle on the great day of God the Almighty. . . . The
seventh angel poured his bowl into the air, and a great voice came out of the temple, from the
throne, saying, '.It is done." . . . The great city was split into three parts.
and the cities of the nations fell." Rev. 1^:13-19. RSV.

22. "From his mouth Issues a sharp sword with which to smite the nations. . . . And I saw
the beast and the kings of the earth with their armies gathered to make war against him who
sits upon the horse and against his army." Rev. 19:15. 19. RSV.

NOTE. All emphasis added, to facilitate location of points to which attention is particularly
called.