The First Disappointment/The Three Tests

Jeff,

In the April 2006 Future News, you referred to the “first disappointment in March of 1844” (page 23) yet we know the Millerites were predicting—and expecting—Christ’s return in 1843, also (not sure which month). When Christ did not come in 1843, would that not have been the “first disappointment,” followed by a second one in March 1844, and then ultimately by the Great Disappointment? And if that is the case, were there not 2 tarrying times? Were there not 2 times when Christ revealed additional truth so the message could proceed? (Missing year in 1843 calculation; Artaxerxes decree in fall, not spring) I cannot figure this out; please explain.

And where might one find the 3 final tests of Adventism identified as final tests (so it’s not just “my” words to others).

1. Acceptance or rejection of SOP
2. Acceptance or rejection of church-state alliance (ecumenical movement, tolerance, silence and inaction in face of danger, etc.)
3. Sunday law

Thanks for taking time for one more question. I pray often that those of you who discern and share understanding of present truth be prospered, protected, and strengthened. God bless you.

Response

Greetings, I have been overseas, and now will attempt to answer a few emails. 1843 was the year that the Millerites predicted that Daniel 8:14 was to be fulfilled. On the 1843 chart we see their reasoning in figure. The reality of their understanding though was that there is two Jewish reckonings of time. Miller chose the Karaite reckoning of time. (I am not sure on the spelling of Karaite). But in any case the Millerites predicted 1843, but they believed that 1843 began on March 21 and continued until March 21, 1844. In reality the Millerites held out hope that the Lord would return until March 22, 1844, though we correctly identify that they had predicted 1843. 1843 for the Millerites ended March 21, 1844, and on the next day the first disappointment arrived.

Concerning the three tests, we must remember that there is only one group of people that will understand end-time Bible prophecy. The wise will understand, but the foolish or wicked will not. I say this because there is no specific inspired statement that pinpoints the three tests as you asked. The three tests are very easy to see, if we are willing, but they will only be recognized by those who are willing to allow prophetic guidance to identify the tests. A good starting point for this understanding is a study we do called The Prophetic Pattern. To identify this truth is beyond the scope of an email, so I hope this helps. Jeff.