SDA Sabbath School Lesson 12--2nd Quarter 2018--Babylon and Armageddon

[Wally]

Lesson 12 June 16-22

Babylon and Armageddon

Commentary in Navy                  Inspiration in Maroon

[Richard Myers]

Sabbath Afternoon

Read for This Week’s Study: Rev. 14:8; 16:19; Isa. 52:9; Rev. 18:1-10; 16:12-16; 1 Kings 18:1-40; 1 Cor. 15:1, 2.

Memory verse: “And upon her forehead [was] a name written, MYSTERY, BABYLON THE GREAT, THE MOTHER OF HARLOTS AND ABOMINATIONS OF THE EARTH.” Revelation 17:5

The book of Revelation, as we already have noted, comes filled with images and language taken directly from the Old Testament. For instance, the name Babylon appears six times in Revelation. But it is not talking about the ancient kingdom of Nebuchadnezzar, which had passed from world history hundreds of years earlier. Instead, John was using Old Testament imagery to express a truth. In this case, Babylon — a massive political and religious power that had oppressed God’s people — now describes the massive religious and political powers that will seek to do the same in the end times.

Something similar occurs with the word Armageddon, which occurs only in Revelation but is based on a Hebrew phrase that seems to mean “Mount of Megiddo”, a reference to a location in ancient Israel. A great deal of speculation exists about Armageddon, with many people looking for a massive military battle to take place there, in Megiddo, near the end of the world.

This week, we will look at Babylon and Armageddon, and seek to learn what the Bible is telling us with these images.

Study this week’s lesson to prepare for Sabbath, June 23.

[Richard Myers]

Sunday •  June 17

“The Wine of Her Wrath”

Read Revelation 14:8; 16:19; 17:5; 18:2, 10, 21, the six references to Babylon in the book of Revelation. Keeping in mind the story of Babylon as it appeared in the Old Testament, what do these texts teach us about Babylon as it appears in the context of last-day events?

It has been said that the Bible is a tale of two cities, Jerusalem and Babylon. While Jerusalem stood for the city of God and His covenant people all through the Bible (Ps. 102:21, Isa. 52:9, 65:19, Rev. 3:12), Babylon has stood for oppression, violence, false religion, and outright rebellion against God.

Think, for instance, of the tower of Babel (Gen. 11:9). The Hebrew word for “Babel” is the same word for the kingdom of “Babylon”. In 1 Peter 5:13, Peter sends greetings from the church in “Babylon”, which is generally understood to mean, not from the ruins of the old kingdom located in today’s Iraq, but from Rome itself, soon to be the church’s oppressor. This is an interesting appellation in light of the book of Revelation and the role of Rome as presented in it.

Read Revelation 14:8 and 18:3. What do these texts reveal about the malevolent influence of Babylon on the world and on God’s people?

There is no question that the power that Babylon represents, as depicted in the book of Revelation, is greatly corrupt with this corruptive influence extending across the whole world, to some degree or another. The phrase “the wine of the wrath of her fornication” (Rev. 14:8 ) is clearly a reference to false doctrine, false teaching, and corrupt practices and the end results that come from them. Babylon is a force for evil that has spread to “all nations” (Rev. 18:3). Hence, everyone needs to take heed lest they be corrupted, as well.

Look around at the world today: the corruption, the confusion, the oppression. What should this teach us about our need to be anchored in Jesus and in His Word?

Amen! But, which is more dangerous, the false teaching in the world, or the false teaching in the church? Who was it that put Christ on the cross? How did that come about? The Roman said "I find no fault." But, the leaders in Jerusalem said, "Crucify Him, crucify Him!" "We have no king but Caesar." There is greater danger coming from within than from without. The leadership generally has no desire to admit their wrongs in the church, and often not even the wrongs in the past. If we do not learn the lessons from the past, we are doomed to repeat them. "Now all these things happened unto them for ensamples: and they are written for our admonition, upon whom the ends of the world are come." 1 Cor. 10:11.

Not all will learn the lessons from the past, but God will have a people who will and will not repeat the sins of Israel of Old.

[Richard Myers]

Monday •  June 18

Babylon Is Fallen

However corrupt and far-reaching the influence of Babylon has been in the world, the book of Revelation teaches that one day it will all end.

Read Revelation 18:1-10. What do these verses tell us about “Babylon the great”?

The second angel’s message (Rev. 14:8 ) about the fall of Babylon is repeated here, in Revelation 18:2. It is an expression of just how corrupt this entity has become.

“The Bible declares that before the coming of the Lord, Satan will work ‘with all power and signs and lying wonders, and with all deceivableness of unrighteousness;’ and they that ‘received not the love of the truth, that they might be saved’, will be left to receive ‘strong delusion, that they should believe a lie.’ 2 Thessalonians 2:9-11. Not until this condition shall be reached, and the union of the church with the world shall be fully accomplished throughout Christendom, will the fall of Babylon be complete. The change is a progressive one, and the perfect fulfillment of Revelation 14:8 is yet future”. — Ellen G. White, The Great Controversy , pp. 389, 390.

Whether that “perfect fulfillment” has now come, only God knows. But what we do know is that, according to these texts, spiritual Babylon will one day face the judgment of God because of her great evil. “For her sins have reached unto heaven, and God hath remembered her iniquities” (Rev. 18:5) . This expression reflects language from the Old Testament about ancient Babylon as well (see Jer. 51:9), and means that a time of judgment is sure to come.

This coming judgment, of course, shouldn’t be surprising. After all, Babylon of old faced judgment (see Daniel 5). Scripture in numerous places is very clear that one day everyone will have to answer for their deeds, including Babylon. How comforting to know that as Christians, we have an Intercessor in that judgment who will stand for us (1 John 2:1; Dan. 7:22). Otherwise, our fate might not be much better than that of Babylon’s.

Interesting thought. Without and Intercessor, what would happen in the Investigative Judgment? And without and Intercessor what would it be like for you in the final judgment when punishment is received?  Think about it. What is an Intercessor? Will the 144,000 have an Intercessor when they go through the "time of trouble such as never was"? No, they will not. Then they do not have an Intercessor and they will not face judgment as will Babylon. What is wrong here? It is too late in the day to not understand what is wrong.

How can you take comfort in the promise that all the injustice and iniquity that seem to go unpunished now will one day face final retribution by God?

We leave that with God. He is perfectly fair and tells us to let Him take care of the injustice. We know His way are good, so we are happy to know things will work out the very best way they can, even with the judgment of the wicked. "Dearly beloved, avenge not yourselves, but [rather] give place unto wrath: for it is written, Vengeance [is] mine; I will repay, saith the Lord. Therefore if thine enemy hunger, feed him; if he thirst, give him drink: for in so doing thou shalt heap coals of fire on his head.  Be not overcome of evil, but overcome evil with good." Romans 12:19-21.

[Richard Myers]

Tuesday •  June 19

Armageddon

Though most people, including many Christians, don’t know much about the book of Revelation, one image or word from it has reached popular culture: Armageddon (see Rev. 16:16). Even in secular culture the word has come to stand for a final struggle in which the fate of the earth hangs in the balance. Hollywood produced a movie called Armageddon about a giant asteroid poised to destroy the planet. To some degree, the idea of the world’s end is in the minds of secular people, as well.

Many Christians who are familiar with the book of Revelation and believe in it see the battle of Armageddon as a literal military conflict in the Middle East near the end of the world. One version has a 200 million-man army from Asia sweeping into Northern Israel. Others are fixated on the various military and political conflicts in that part of the world that will, in their understanding, set the stage for the final military battle of Armageddon in the area of Megiddo.

However, the Bible gives a totally different picture. Scripture presents Armageddon as the ultimate climax, not between squabbling nations, but between the two sides of the cosmic controversy. It’s a religious struggle, not economic or political, however much economic and political factors might come into play.

Not so sure about this. Nations are not going to war? They only reason we do not see the Muslims and Israel in a final conflagration is that God is holding back the winds of strife. There is no other explanation. Turkey is rearing to go, as is Iran.

"Four mighty angels hold back the powers of this earth till the servants of God are sealed in their foreheads. The nations of the world are eager for conflict, but they are held in check by the angels. When this restraining power is removed there will come a time of trouble and anguish. Deadly instruments of warfare will be invented. Vessels with their living cargo will be entombed in the great deep. All who have not the spirit of truth will unite under the leadership of Satanic agencies, but they are to be kept under control till the time shall come for the great battle of Armageddon.—The S.D.A. Bible Commentary 7:967 (1900)."

It is true that there will be a great spiritual battle at the same time, but it appears there will be nations as war when God releases the winds of strife.

Read Revelation 16:12-16. From these texts alone, what can we learn about Armageddon?

First, notice just how symbolic the language is here. Spirits like frogs coming out of the mouth of the dragon, the mouth of the false prophet, and the mouth of the beast (references to the powers of Revelation 13; the “false prophet” here must be a reference to the land beast of Revelation 13:11). The great controversy is seen here, too, as the “spirits of devils” (Rev. 16:14) go out to battle on the “great day of God Almighty” (Rev. 16:14). In whatever manner Armageddon will unfold, it’s a worldwide conflict between the forces of Christ and Satan. It is not a local battle in the area of Megiddo any more than Babylon in Revelation is talking about events in a corner of modern-day Iraq.

Read Revelation 16:15. How fascinating that in the midst of these events, Jesus encourages us with the gospel message, both with the promise of His coming and the need to be covered in His righteousness. How does this help us understand the spiritual nature of the battle that we are in?

How are we covered with His righteousness? Does He put it on us over our filthy clothes, or are we changed first? Does He cleanse the heart from sin then give us His righteousness? Is their a change in character when we receive His righteousness? If so, our people need to be taught it. Many think that His righteousness will cover our unforsaken and unrepented sins.

[Richard Myers]

Wednesday •  June 20

Armageddon and Mount Carmel: Part 1

What, though, is this great battle of Armageddon? First, the name seems to mean “Mountain of Megiddo”. However, there is no mountain in the area known as Megiddo, but Mount Carmel was located in the vicinity, and scholars have seen the phrase Mountain of Megiddo as a reference to Mount Carmel.

More to the point, Bible students have seen the story of Elijah and false prophets of Baal at Mount Carmel as a symbol, a type to what is going to unfold in Revelation 13.

As seen yesterday, Revelation 16:13, with its reference to the dragon, the beast, and the false prophet, points back to events in Revelation 13, the counterfeit trinity that we saw in week nine.

Issues in Revelation 13 start to come to a climax in verses 13 and 14, when the second beast performs supernatural acts, even making “fire come down from heaven on the earth in the sight of men” (Rev. 13:13) . These events then lead to the direct confrontation between God and Satan, between those worshiping the true God and those worshiping the “image to the beast” (Rev. 13:14).

Read 1 Kings 18:1-18. What is happening in this story that reflects some of the issues that will unfold in the final events, as seen in the book of Revelation?

In many ways, what we see here is a stark portrayal of the great controversy. Elijah states the issue very plainly in verse 18: people have forsaken God’s law and are worshiping and following false gods. Has not this always been the issue, regardless of the endless forms and ways in which this evil has been manifested throughout history? We are either worshiping “Him who made heaven and earth, the sea and springs of water” (Rev. 14:7, NKJV), or we are worshiping someone or something else. In the case of Revelation 13 and the events that unfold there, instead of worshiping the Lord, people are worshiping the beast and his image. There is no middle ground. We are either on the side of God or on the side of Satan. That’s how important the issues at stake are, now and especially in the battle of Armageddon, where, as we will see in the story on Mount Carmel, the distinction becomes very clear.

Most of Israel thought they were on the right side, but they put to death the Son of God. How can we tell whose side we are on?

[Richard Myers]

Thursday •  June 21

Armageddon and Mount Carmel: Part 2

Read 1 Kings 18:18-40. What happens, how does the story end, and (without pushing the parallels too far) how does this story reflect what will happen — but on a grand scale — as the great controversy climaxes at the end of time?

The battle on Mount Carmel was between Elijah, prophet of God, and the hundreds of priests of Baal. (Notice how the evil outnumbered the good.) It was a test to demonstrate who is the true God, the God who created the heavens and the earth, or Baal, just another manifestation of “the dragon” and another means by which he seeks to deceive the world (Rev. 12:9) .

The priests prayed to Baal to send fire to burn up their bull sacrifice. They shouted from morning to noon. &ldquoCry aloud” taunted Elijah. “Perhaps he is sleeping” (1 Kings 18:27, NKJV) . The priests worked themselves up into a frenzy. They slashed themselves with swords until the blood flowed freely. Weary and worn they gave up at the time of the evening sacrifice.

Elijah’s sacrifice was soaked three times, and water overflowed the trenches. Elijah prayed a simple prayer to God. God instantly burned up everything, including the stone altar and soil beneath. The power of the true God in contrast to Baal was now unmistakable.

Read Revelation 16:13; 19:20, 21, and compare these texts with the fate of the false prophets of Baal. What do we see here?

Whatever remains unknown about Armageddon, at least for now, we know the outcome: destruction of the enemies of God and vindication for God and His saints.

Read 1 Corinthians 15:1, 2.

 15:1   Moreover, brethren, I declare unto you the gospel which I preached unto you, which also ye have received, and wherein ye stand; 
 15:2   By which also ye are saved, if ye keep in memory what I preached unto you, unless ye have believed in vain. 

Though the immediate context is different from Armageddon, what is the point that Paul is making, and why is that so relevant for us to remember, especially in light of what the future holds? See also Revelation 16:15, in which the context is definitely Armageddon.

 16:15   Behold, I come as a thief. Blessed [is] he that watcheth, and keepeth his garments, lest he walk naked, and they see his shame. 

What, together, do these texts tell us?

It is the gospel of grace that has power to save us continually. There is no resting place except in Christ. We must not forget to cling to Christ all through the day,,,,,every day!

[Richard Myers]

Friday •  June 22

The following thoughts being quoted are human wisdom, not inspired counsel.

Further Thought: “In several places in the battle of Armageddon narrative the hideous creatures and the ugly events take the back stage for a moment and a glimpse of more personal truth appears. As we have seen, one of them is Revelation 16:15: ‘Behold, I come like a thief! Blessed is he who stays awake and keeps his clothes with him, so that he may not go naked and be shamefully exposed’ (NIV). This text, coming right in the middle of the one place in the Bible that actually names Armageddon, echoes many New Testament passages about personal preparation for the return of Jesus and the events of the end.

“Another such text is Revelation 17:14: ‘These will make war with the Lamb, but the Lamb will overcome them, because he is Lord of lords and King of kings — and those with him are called and chosen and faithful’ (author’s translation). Here the great war at the end engages an army of people whose primary purpose is not to destroy others with weapons, but to be faithful to their divine calling and election. This is a very different kind of battle from the ones that nations and insurgent operations still fight today. As I have said repeatedly, the battle of Armageddon is a struggle for the mind. It is also a battle for the heart — a call to heartfelt allegiance to the Lamb that was slain (Rev. 5:9, 10, 12; 13:8 )”. — Jon Paulien, Armageddon at the Door (Hagerstown, Md.: Autumn House Publishing, a division of Review and Herald Publishing Association, 2008), p. 193.

Discussion Questions:

    How could you help someone who believes that many of the events depicted in the book of Revelation will take place in the literal places mentioned? What approaches could help them see why this is a wrong way of interpreting the texts?

    As we have seen, the influence of Babylon extends all over the world. What are some of the teachings of Babylon, and how can we learn to discern what those teachings are and how to avoid them?

One of the great deceptions is that a sinner is saved when he sins a known sin, unless it is murder of homosexuality. But, even then some in Babyon will teach one does not lose his justification when he sins no matter how great the sin.

    In the Ellen G. White reference on Monday she said, “Not until . . . the union of the church with the world shall be fully accomplished throughout Christendom, will the fall of Babylon be complete”. Think about the phrase “the union of the church with the world”. What powerful warning is here for us?

Satan is very clever. But how clever is he? In Israel's day, he not only deceived the world and false religions, he deceived the chosen people of God, the ones entrusted with His sacred oracles! How is it today? Anyone deceived in His church? Are there multiple "gospels" being taught in the church from our pulpits and on our presses?

[Glen]

What is wrong here? It is too late in the day to not understand what is wrong.

Revelation 18:
5 For her sins have reached unto heaven, and God hath remembered her iniquities.
6 Reward her even as she rewarded you, and double unto her double according to her works: in the cup which she hath filled fill to her double.
7 How much she hath glorified herself, and lived deliciously, so much torment and sorrow give her: for she saith in her heart, I sit a queen, and am no widow, and shall see no sorrow.
8 Therefore shall her plagues come in one day, death, and mourning, and famine; and she shall be utterly burned with fire: for strong is the Lord God who judgeth her.

I perceive that the "judgment" described in Rev. 18:5-8 is the executive judgment, or the carrying out of God's divine justice defined in:

Revelation 14:10 The same shall drink of the wine of the wrath of God, which is poured out without mixture into the cup of his indignation...

True Believers have experienced the work of their divine Intercessor and Advocate, but during THIS judgment there is no Advocate; no Intercessor, for the sinner, who may well at that time cry out, The harvest is past, the summer is ended, and we are not saved. Jeremiah 8:20 . True Believers, made worthy by becoming one through Christ with the Godhead in righteousness, have no sin to be "covered" by an Intercessor; that work is past. It is their privilege now to stand on the walls of the New Jerusalem as God's trophy's, His witnesses, observe both the justice and the mercy of God in the final and total destruction of the wicked by the lake of fire. Though His judgment is poured out without mixture, destroying the finally impenitent, His justice AND mercy stand fully vindicated. Mercy toward the impenitent that they not live for eternity as sinners in the presence of God, who is consuming fire. They could not stand His pure righteousness, as it would be the worst and purest torture.

Those who took full advantage of their Advocate and Intercessor during their time of earthly probation in maintaining their justification by the blood of Christ administered in their behalf, His divine life has been wrought out in their lives [ The Signs of the Times June 17, 1903 paragraph 12 ]; thus, they stand in their lot at the close of The Great Controversy:

The great controversy is ended. Sin and sinners are no more. The entire universe is clean. One pulse of harmony and gladness beats through the vast creation. From Him who created all, flow life and light and gladness, throughout the realms of illimitable space. From the minutest atom to the greatest world, all things, animate and inanimate, in their unshadowed beauty and perfect joy, declare that God is love.

It is by continual surrender of the will, by continual obedience, that the blessing of justification is retained. True Revival 36

Nahum 1:
6 Who can stand before his indignation? and who can abide in the fierceness of his anger? his fury is poured out like fire, and the rocks are thrown down by him.
7 The LORD is good, a strong hold in the day of trouble; and he knoweth them that trust in him.
8 But with an overrunning flood he will make an utter end of the place thereof, and darkness shall pursue his enemies.
9 What do ye imagine against the LORD? he will make an utter end: affliction shall not rise up the second time.

The true people of God, who have the spirit of the work of the Lord and the salvation of souls at heart, will ever view sin in its real, sinful character. They will always be on the side of faithful and plain dealing with sins which easily beset the people of God. Especially in the closing work for the church, in the sealing time of the one hundred and forty-four thousand, who are to stand without fault before the throne of God, will they feel most deeply the wrongs of God's professed people. This is forcibly set forth by the prophet's illustration of the last work under the figure of the men, each having a slaughter weapon in his hand. One man among them was clothed with linen, with a writer's inkhorn by his side. “And the Lord said unto him, Go through the midst of the city, through the midst of Jerusalem, and set a mark upon the foreheads of the men that sigh and that cry for the abominations that be done in the midst thereof.”
The Review and Herald September 23, 1873 paragraph 4

Who are standing in the counsel of God at this time? Is it those who virtually excuse wrongs among the professed people of God, and murmur in their hearts, if not openly, against those who would reprove sin? Is it those who take their stand against them, and sympathize with those who commit wrong? No, indeed! These, unless they repent, and leave the work of Satan in oppressing those who have the burden of the work, and holding up the hands of sinners in Zion, will never receive the mark of God's sealing approval. They will fall in the general destruction of all the wicked, represented by the five men bearing slaughter weapons. Mark this point with care: Those who receive the pure mark of truth, wrought in them by the power of the Holy Ghost, represented by a mark by the man in linen, are those “that sigh and cry for all the abominations that are done” in the church. Their love for purity and the honor and glory of God is such, and they have so clear a view of the exceeding sinfulness of sin, that they are represented as being in an agony, even sighing and crying. 
The Review and Herald September 23, 1873 paragraph 5

[Glen]

How are we covered with His righteousness? Does He put it on us over our filthy clothes, or are we changed first? Does He cleanse the heart from sin then give us His righteousness? Is their a change in character when we receive His righteousness? If so, our people need to be taught it. Many think that His righteousness will cover our unforsaken and unrepented sins.

Romans 13:14 But put ye on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make not provision for the flesh, to fulfil the lusts thereof.

[Richard Myers]

Amen, Brother Glen. Jesus does not leave our filthy garments on. Filthy garments represent a filthy heart and sin. When we truly repent of our sins and forsake them, then He places His garments upon us. He fills us with the Holy Spirit and we manifest each one of the fruits of the Spirit.

[Richard Myers]

What is wrong here? It is too late in the day to not understand what is wrong.

Revelation 18:
5 For her sins have reached unto heaven, and God hath remembered her iniquities.
6 Reward her even as she rewarded you, and double unto her double according to her works: in the cup which she hath filled fill to her double.
7 How much she hath glorified herself, and lived deliciously, so much torment and sorrow give her: for she saith in her heart, I sit a queen, and am no widow, and shall see no sorrow.
8 Therefore shall her plagues come in one day, death, and mourning, and famine; and she shall be utterly burned with fire: for strong is the Lord God who judgeth her.

I perceive that the "judgment" described in Rev. 18:5-8 is the executive judgment, or the carrying out of God's divine justice defined in:

Revelation 14:10 The same shall drink of the wine of the wrath of God, which is poured out without mixture into the cup of his indignation...

True Believers have experienced the work of their divine Intercessor and Advocate, but during THIS judgment there is no Advocate; no Intercessor, for the sinner, who may well at that time cry out, The harvest is past, the summer is ended, and we are not saved. Jeremiah 8:20 . True Believers, made worthy by becoming one through Christ with the Godhead in righteousness, have no sin to be "covered" by an Intercessor; that work is past. It is their privilege now to stand on the walls of the New Jerusalem as God's trophy's, His witnesses, observe both the justice and the mercy of God in the final and total destruction of the wicked by the lake of fire. Though His judgment is poured out without mixture, destroying the finally impenitent, His justice AND mercy stand fully vindicated. Mercy toward the impenitent that they not live for eternity as sinners in the presence of God, who is consuming fire. They could not stand His pure righteousness, as it would be the worst and purest torture.

Those who took full advantage of their Advocate and Intercessor during their time of earthly probation in maintaining their justification by the blood of Christ administered in their behalf, His divine life has been wrought out in their lives [ The Signs of the Times June 17, 1903 paragraph 12 ]; thus, they stand in their lot at the close of The Great Controversy:

The great controversy is ended. Sin and sinners are no more. The entire universe is clean. One pulse of harmony and gladness beats through the vast creation. From Him who created all, flow life and light and gladness, throughout the realms of illimitable space. From the minutest atom to the greatest world, all things, animate and inanimate, in their unshadowed beauty and perfect joy, declare that God is love.

It is by continual surrender of the will, by continual obedience, that the blessing of justification is retained. True Revival 36

Nahum 1:
6 Who can stand before his indignation? and who can abide in the fierceness of his anger? his fury is poured out like fire, and the rocks are thrown down by him.
7 The LORD is good, a strong hold in the day of trouble; and he knoweth them that trust in him.
8 But with an overrunning flood he will make an utter end of the place thereof, and darkness shall pursue his enemies.
9 What do ye imagine against the LORD? he will make an utter end: affliction shall not rise up the second time.

The true people of God, who have the spirit of the work of the Lord and the salvation of souls at heart, will ever view sin in its real, sinful character. They will always be on the side of faithful and plain dealing with sins which easily beset the people of God. Especially in the closing work for the church, in the sealing time of the one hundred and forty-four thousand, who are to stand without fault before the throne of God, will they feel most deeply the wrongs of God's professed people. This is forcibly set forth by the prophet's illustration of the last work under the figure of the men, each having a slaughter weapon in his hand. One man among them was clothed with linen, with a writer's inkhorn by his side. “And the Lord said unto him, Go through the midst of the city, through the midst of Jerusalem, and set a mark upon the foreheads of the men that sigh and that cry for the abominations that be done in the midst thereof.”
The Review and Herald September 23, 1873 paragraph 4

Who are standing in the counsel of God at this time? Is it those who virtually excuse wrongs among the professed people of God, and murmur in their hearts, if not openly, against those who would reprove sin? Is it those who take their stand against them, and sympathize with those who commit wrong? No, indeed! These, unless they repent, and leave the work of Satan in oppressing those who have the burden of the work, and holding up the hands of sinners in Zion, will never receive the mark of God's sealing approval. They will fall in the general destruction of all the wicked, represented by the five men bearing slaughter weapons. Mark this point with care: Those who receive the pure mark of truth, wrought in them by the power of the Holy Ghost, represented by a mark by the man in linen, are those “that sigh and cry for all the abominations that are done” in the church. Their love for purity and the honor and glory of God is such, and they have so clear a view of the exceeding sinfulness of sin, that they are represented as being in an agony, even sighing and crying. 
The Review and Herald September 23, 1873 paragraph 5

Amen!!