Category: Bible-studies

In part 1 and part 2 of this study, we have looked at the 2 tables of Habakkuk chapter 2 and also the 2 tables that were given at Mount Sanai. You can read part 1 here: Habakkuk Two Tables – The 1843 and 1850 Charts – Part 1 and you can read part 2 here: Habakkuk Two Tables – The 1843 and 1850 Charts – Part 2 to get a better understanding and then come back here.

As we have stated previously, this study entails the foundation of Adventism from its beginning. In this study about the foundations of SDA, we will be looking at some dates pinpointed by Ellen G. White in her testimony from God, so let us get started.

1840 to 1844

OTTOMAN SOLDIERS 1840. All Credits of this photo goes to the public domain of Wikipedia

Let us read (The Great Controversy, page 334, par.4 to page 335, par. 1) It says “In the year 1840 another remarkable fulfillment of prophecy excited widespread interest. Two years before, Josiah Litch, one of the leading ministers preaching the second advent, published an exposition of Revelation 9, predicting the fall of the Ottoman Empire. According to his calculations, this power was to be overthrown “in A.D. 1840, sometime in the month of August;” and only a few days previous to its accomplishment he wrote: “Allowing the first period, 150 years, to have been exactly fulfilled before Deacozes ascended the throne by permission of the Turks, and that the 391 years, fifteen days, commenced at the close of the first period, it will end on the 11th of August, 1840, when the Ottoman power in Constantinople may be expected to be broken. And this, I believe, will be found to be the case.”–Josiah Litch, in Signs of the Times, and Expositor of Prophecy, Aug. 1, 1840. {GC 334.4} At the very time specified, Turkey, through her ambassadors, accepted the protection of the allied powers of Europe, and thus placed herself under the control of Christian nations. The event exactly fulfilled the prediction. (See Appendix.) When it became known, multitudes were convinced of the correctness of the principles of prophetic interpretation adopted by Miller and his associates, and a wonderful impetus was given to the advent movement. Men of learning and position united with Miller, both in preaching and in publishing his views, and from 1840 to 1844 the work rapidly extended.” {GC 335.1}

Let us also read (Manuscript Releases, Volume 21, page 437, par.1) It says “All the messages given from 1840-1844 are to be made forcible now, for there are many people who have lost their bearings. The messages are to go to all the churches.” {21MR 437.1}

From what we have just read, we see clearly that before the year 1840 a prediction was made by a man named, Josiah Litch. He used the principles of prophetic interpretation adopted by Miller to conclude that the Ottoman Empire would tumble on August 11, 1840. The Ottoman Empire fell on the exact date predicted and as a result of this, many persons see the principles as correct, power was given to the movement and the work rapidly extended from 1840 to 1844.

We also see that All the messages from 1840 to 1844 must be made forcible now.

With that in mind, let’s move on.

1841 to 1844

All the credits of this photo go to lineagejourney.com

We are reading from (Miscellaneous Collections, page 85, par.7) It says “The truths that we received in 1841, ’42, ’43 and ’44 are now to be studied and proclaimed. The messages of the first, second, and third angels will in the future be proclaimed with a loud voice.” {LLM 85.7}

We will also read from (Pamphlets, page 12, par. 1) It says “He will be with us in 1906, as He was with us in 1841, 1842, 1843, and 1844 Oh, what wonderful evidences we had then of the presence of God with us. In the earlier stages of our work, we had many difficulties to meet, and we gained many victories.” {PH095 12.1}

Now, here we just read that the truths received in 1841, ’42, ’43 and ’44 are now to be studied and proclaimed and that God was with the people proclaiming the Truths.

Let us continue.

1842 to 1844

1843 foundation chart created in 1842

Notice this quote from (Evangelism, page 284, par.2) It says “This is the manner in which it was proclaimed in 1842, 1843, and 1844. . . . No unnecessary words were uttered by the speaker, but the Scripture was clearly presented. Frequently a call would be made for those who believed the truths that were proved by the Word, to rise to their feet, and large numbers would respond. Prayers were offered in behalf of those who wished special help.–Manuscript 105, 1906.”{Ev 284.2}

Also, notice this quote from (The General Conference Bulletin, April 6, 1903 par. 35) which says “The warning has come: Nothing is to be allowed to come in that will disturb the foundation of the faith upon which we have been building ever since the message came in 1842, 1843, and 1844. I was in this message, and ever since I have been standing before the world, true to the light that God has given us. We do not propose to take our feet off the platform on which they were placed as day by day we sought the Lord with earnest prayer, seeking for light. Do you think that I could give up the light that God has given me? It is to be as the Rock of Ages. It has been guiding me ever since it was given. Brethren and sisters, God lives and reigns and works today. His hand is on the wheel, and in His providence He is turning the wheel in accordance with His own will. Let not men fasten themselves to documents, saying what they will do and what they will not do. Let them fasten themselves to the Lord God of heaven. Then the light of heaven will shine into the soul-temple, and we shall see the salvation of God.” {GCB, April 6, 1903 par. 35}
👆                 👆
From the quotes that we have just read, Ellen G. White clearly stated that nothing must disturb the foundation of the faith upon which they have been building ever since the message came in 1842, 1843, and 1844.

Which message came to them in 1842?

1843 foundation chart created in 1842

To answer this question, let us read (Spirit of Prophecy, Volume 4, page 241 par. 2) It says “As early as 1842, the Spirit of God had moved upon Charles Fitch to devise the prophetic chart, which was generally regarded by Adventists as a fulfillment of the command given by the prophet Habakkuk, “to write the vision and make it plain upon tables.”{4SP 241.2}

Let us read another quotation from (Early Writing, page 74, par.1) It says “I have seen that the 1843 chart was directed by the hand of the Lord, and that it should not be altered; that the figures were as He wanted them; that His hand was over and hid a mistake in some of the figures, so that none could see it, until His hand was removed.” {EW 74.1}

Answer: The Message of Habakkuk 2 that suggest to Charles Fitch to devise the 1843 prophetic chart

This leads us to our next question…

Which message came to them in 1843?

To answer this question, let’s read the last verse of (Habakkuk 2:2) It says “though it tarry, wait for it; because it will surely come, it will not tarry.”

Let us also read from (Testimonies For The Church, Volume 1, page 52, par.3) It says “It was not at first perceived that if the decree did not go forth at the beginning of the year 457 B.C., the 2300 years would not be completed at the close of 1843. But it was ascertained that the decree was given near the close of the year 457 B.C., and therefore the prophetic period must reach to the fall of the year 1844. Therefore the vision of time did not tarry, though it had seemed to do so. We learned to rest upon the language of the prophet. “For the vision is yet for an appointed time, but at the end it shall speak, and not lie: though it tarry, wait for it; because it will surely come, it will not tarry.”  {1T 52.3}

The message that came in 1843 was another portion of the same message of Habakkuk 2 which the brethren discovered early in 1844 that they were in the tarrying time. Of course, the year 1843 was already on the chart called the 1843 Chart that was created in 1842.

The message of Habakkuk 2 is to be combined with that of Matthew 25.

Foundation was finished Laid/Created in 1842 on the 1843 Chart

1843 foundation chart created in 1842

Earlier we read that there was a fulfillment of prophecy in 1840, and that they have received truths in 1841. Also, it was stated that All the messages from 1840 to 1844 must be made forcible now. But we have just read that nothing must disturb the foundation of the faith upon which they have been building ever since the message came in 1842.

We also learned that the message that came in 1842 has been identified as the Message of Habakkuk 2, to write the vision and make it plain upon tables.

We can now clearly see that the foundational messages from 1840 were all placed on the 1843 charts in the year 1842. Thus fulfilling part of the Command given by Habakkuk 2 to write the vision and make it plain upon tables.

What is a foundation?

Meriam-Webster Definition of foundation: a basis (such as a tenet, principle, or axiom) upon which something stands or is supported

So in reality, the foundation actually began in 1840 where the Principles were first confirmed to be correct when the prediction came to pass on the exact date and all the messages and truths that the Millerites were proclaiming from 1840 to early 1844 were summed up and placed on a Prophetic Chart Created in 1842, called the 1843 Chart.

Thus is it concluded that the foundation was laid in 1842.

Let’s continue a bit more…

A while back, we read from (The General Conference Bulletin, April 6, 1903 par. 35) that “We do not propose to take our feet off the platform“

This leads to the next question…

What is a Platform

Meriam-Webster Definition of platform: 1 : PLAN, DESIGN 2 : a declaration of the principles on which a group of persons stands.

Now let us read a quotation from (Early Writings, page 258, par. 3) It says “I was again brought down through these messages, and saw how dearly the people of God had purchased their experience. It had been obtained through much suffering and severe conflict. God had led them along step by step, until He had placed them upon a solid, immovable platform. I saw individuals approach the platform and examine the foundation. Some with rejoicing immediately stepped upon it. Others commenced to find fault with the foundation. They wished improvements made, and then the platform would be more perfect, and the people much happier. Some stepped off the platform to examine it and declared it to be laid wrong. But I saw that nearly all stood firm upon the platform and exhorted those who had stepped off to cease their complaints; for God was the Master Builder, and they were fighting against Him. They recounted the wonderful work of God, which had led them to the firm platform, and in union raised their eyes to heaven and with a loud voice glorified God. This affected some of those who had complained and left the platform, and they with humble look again stepped upon it.  {EW 258.3}

So here we have just read that persons approach the platform and examine the foundation.

It is therefore evident that the Platform was Built upon the foundation.

The Platform 1850 Chart Created in 1850

Notice this quote again from (The General Conference Bulletin, April 6, 1903 par. 35) which says “The warning has come: Nothing is to be allowed to come in that will disturb the foundation of the faith upon which we have been building ever since the message came in 1842, 1843, and 1844. I was in this message, and ever since I have been standing before the world, true to the light that God has given us. We do not propose to take our feet off the platform.“

It is clearly stated that they have been building upon the foundation ever since the message came. We can now more firmly say that it was the platform that was being built upon the foundation.

You may have read this quote in our previous studies, but let us read it again ( Manuscripts Releases volume 13, page 359, par.1) It says “I saw that God was in the publishment of the chart by Brother Nichols. I saw that there was a prophecy of this chart in the Bible, and if this chart is designed for God’s people, if it [is] sufficient for one it is for another, and if one needed a new chart painted on a larger scale, all need it just as much.” {13MR 359.1}

Let us also read this quote again from (Manuscripts Releases volume 15, page 210 par.4) Which says “Monday we returned to Dorchester where our dear Brother Nichols and family live. There in the night God gave me a very interesting vision, the most of which you will see in the paper. God shewed me the necessity of getting out a chart. I saw it was needed and that the truth made plain upon tables would effect much and would cause souls to come to the knowledge of the truth.”  {15MR 210.4}

Now this next quote that we are going to read is taken from a book published in the year 1977 by Pieter Gerard Damsteegt, called (Foundations of the Seventh-day Adventist Message and Mission, page 193, par.1) It says “In 1850 Nichols published a Pictorial Illustration of the Visions of Daniel and John designed by Samuel W. Rhodes.  On this chart the third angel was indicated by the motto “The Commandments of God and the Faith of Jesus.” {1977 PGD, FSDA 193.1}

This other quote is taken from a book written by LEROY EDWIN FROOM called (The Conditionalist Faith of Our Fathers, Volume 4, page1071, par.2) It says “Then OTIS NICHOLS, engraver of Dorchester Massachusetts, a Boston suburb, published this first pictorial chart to be brought out after the Disappointment. Lithographed at Boston in December, 1850, it differs but little in general outline from the positions of the Millerites taught during the seventh month movement except in the expanded treatment of the sanctuary and the flight of the third angel. About 30 by 40 inches, it is arranged in four vertical columns. The second column, which is rather narrow, is confined to chronological data, while the three larger ones dial systamatically with the symbols.” {1954 LEF, PFF4 1071.2}

Here are a few questions from the quotes we have just read:

What are some of the words used to describe this Chart?

The Platform 1850 Chart Created in 1850

Answer: It was also a fulfillment of Habakkuk 2, it was painted on a larger scale, the third angel was indicated by the motto “The Commandments of God and the Faith of Jesus.”, it differs but little in general outline from the positions of the Millerites, It is an expansion of the 1843 chart with the added sanctuary message and the flight of the third angel.

😮Clearly, This 1850 Chart Was built upon the foundational 1843 Chart. It is, therefore, the Platform😮

Another question from the quotes that we have read…

When was this Chart created?

Answer: It was published in 1850, after the disappointment of October 22, 1844.

Let us look at October 22, 1844

The Platform 1850 Chart Created in 1850

Let’s read from (Maranatha, page 93, par.2) It says “In 1844 our great High Priest entered the most holy place of the heavenly sanctuary, to begin the work of the investigative judgment.”  {Mar 93.2}

Let us also read from (Manuscript Releases, Volume 16, page 177, par.3) It says “I have been shown that our disappointment in 1844 was not because of failure in the reckoning of prophetic periods, but in the events to take place. The earth was believed to be the sanctuary. But the sanctuary which was to be cleansed at the end of the prophetic periods was the heavenly sanctuary and not the earth as we all supposed. The Saviour did enter the most holy place in 1844 to cleanse the sanctuary, and the investigative judgment had commenced for the dead.”  {16MR 177.3}

Also reading from (The Story of Redemption) It says “Since 1844, in fulfillment of the prophecy of the third angel’s message, the attention of the world has been called to the true Sabbath, and a constantly increasing number are returning to the observance of God’s holy day.” {SR 383.4}

Let us also consider this quote from (Spiritual Gifts, Volume 1, page 207, par.1) It says “After Jesus opened the door of the Most Holy the light of the Sabbath was seen, and the people of God were to be tested and proved, as God proved the children of Israel anciently, to see if they would keep his law. I saw the third angel pointing upward, showing the disappointed ones the way to the Holiest of the heavenly Sanctuary. They followed Jesus by faith into the Most Holy. Again they have found Jesus, and joy and hope spring up anew. I saw them looking back reviewing the past, from the proclamation of the second advent of Jesus, down through their travels to the passing of the time in 1844.”  {1SG 163.1}

From all these quotes that we have just read, we can clearly see that all the messages that were built upon the foundational 1843 Chart, came when Jesus Enter the Most Holy Place in 1844 and this led to the Creation of the platform, the 1850 Chart.

Christ is the foundation of our Faith

One may now argue that Christ is the foundation of our faith. We would reply by saying that you are correct because Christ is in the Middle of Both the 1843 and 1850 Chart. Also, Christ is the Word and the 1843 and 1850 Charts were Created from the Word.

The Sanctuary Message is the Foundation of our Faith

Another may argue that the sanctuary message is the foundation of our faith. We would reply by saying that you are also correct because the Sanctuary Message, The Sabbath and the Third Angel’s Message were all Added to the 1850 Chart.

Do we need these Charts?

Some may say that we don’t need these charts, but let those who say such thing consider the following quotations:

The book (Lift Him Up, page 130, par.4) Says “The Bible is a chart, showing us the waymarks of truth. Those who are acquainted with this chart will be enabled to tread with certainty in the path of duty, wherever they may be called to go.”  {LHU 130.4}

The book (Evangelism, page 203, par.2) Says “Instruction has been given me clearly and distinctly that charts should be used in the presentation of truth. And these illustrations should be made still more impressive by words showing the importance of obedience. –Letter 51, 1902.  {Ev 203.2}

The book (Evangelism, page 203, par.3) also Says “The use of charts is most effective in explaining the prophecies relating to the past, the present, and the future. But we are to make our work as simple and inexpensive as possible. The truth is to be explained in simplicity. In no case are we to follow the example of outward display set by the world.–Manuscript 42, 1905.”  {Ev 203.3}

We already know that the 1843 and 1850 charts were directed by God’s hands and not a pin should be removed from any of them. Furthermore; if we don’t like charts and see them as useless, then we can throw away the Bible because it is clearly stated that the Bible is a Chart.

Using the 1843 and 1850 Charts will, as the word of God says will grab the attention of your audience in explaining prophecies.

In Closing

My beloved brothers and sisters, the word of God says in (The General Conference Bulletin, April 6, 1903 par. 35) “We do not propose to take our feet off the platform” {GCB, April 6, 1903 par. 35}

Brethren, once we stand upon the platform, the 1850 Chart, we are also standing upon the foundation, the 1843 Chart because the platform is built upon the foundation.

Not only that, but as long as we stand firm on these Charts, we are surely standing firm upon all the messages that Seventh-Day Adventism was founded upon, we are standing upon the messages that uphold Adventism: The Sabbath, The Sanctuary, Christ, The First, Second and Third Angel and all the other messages that are on the 1843 and 1850 Charts.

We hope you were blessed by this study and May God bless you.

In this study, we will be looking at the two tables mentioned in the book of Habakkuk 2 in the Bible. The foundation of the faith of Adventism will be highlighted from its beginning.

It is important to note that it is in the Millerites’ historical time period that we have the formation of the foundation and pillars of the faith of Adventism.

On these two tables or charts mentioned in Habakkuk 2, the historical waymarks of the Faith of Adventism are pinpointed and we will see from inspiration that this is how God wanted it to be and that these are the waymarks Adventism should follow without altering them.

So let us begin by Reading (Habakkuk 2:1-4) It says “ 1  I will stand upon my watch, and set me upon the tower, and will watch to see what he will say unto me, and what I shall answer when I am reproved. 2  And the LORD answered me, and said, Write the vision, and make it plain upon tables, that he may run that readeth it. 3  For the vision is yet for an appointed time, but at the end it shall speak, and not lie: though it tarry, wait for it; because it will surely come, it will not tarry. 4  Behold, his soul which is lifted up is not upright in him: but the just shall live by his faith.”

Here we just read from Habakkuk 2 that the vision should be written, and be made plain upon tables. Here we can see that this is a prophecy that must come to pass…

So when did this Prophecy to Write the vision, and make it plain upon tables came to pass?

Let us hear what the Word of God has to say. Reading from (Spirit of Prophecy, Volume 4, page 241 par. 2) It says “As early as 1842, the Spirit of God had moved upon Charles Fitch to devise the prophetic chart, which was generally regarded by Adventists as a fulfillment of the command given by the prophet Habakkuk, “to write the vision and make it plain upon tables.”{4SP 241.2}

So from what we have just read, we see that the prophecy of Habakkuk 2, had a fulfillment in the year 1842 “to write the vision and make it plain upon tables.

Also, from the quote we have just read, it stated that it was Charles Fitch who the Spirit of God moved upon to create the prophetic chart.

Now, here are a few questions from the quotations that we have just read from Ellen G. White:

A) Who created the prophetic chart?
Answer: Charles Fitch

B) In what year was it created?
Answer: 1842

Nice. Let’s move on…

So let us read another quotation from (Early Writing, page 74, par.1) It says “I have seen that the 1843 chart was directed by the hand of the Lord, and that it should not be altered; that the figures were as He wanted them; that His hand was over and hid a mistake in some of the figures, so that none could see it, until His hand was removed.” {EW 74.1}

Here are a few more questions from the quote that we have just read:

A) What was the first table/chart called?
Answer: 1843 chart

B) Whose hand directed the creation of this chart/table?
Answer: God

C) Should we alter or change what is on the chart/table?
Answer: No

D) Is this the way God wanted the figures to be on the chart/table?
Answer: Yes

D) Why was it called the 1843 Chart?
Answer: Because they were expecting God to come in 1843

We are doing great so far in this study. Let us continue…

We have read about “tables” in Habakkuk 2 and we know that “tables” is plural, which means more than one.

So here is the problem, we saw that it was only one chart/table created in 1842 while we read about more than one. So now we need to trace down and see where in history the second table/chart of Habakkuk 2 had its next fulfillment.

We would like to begin by reading from ( Manuscripts Releases volume 13, page 359, par.1) It says “I saw that God was in the publishment of the chart by Brother Nichols. I saw that there was a prophecy of this chart in the Bible, and if this chart is designed for God’s people, if it [is] sufficient for one it is for another, and if one needed a new chart painted on a larger scale, all need it just as much.” {13MR 359.1}

Let us also read this quote from (Manuscripts Releases volume 15, page 210 par.4) Which says “Monday we returned to Dorchester where our dear Brother Nichols and family live. There in the night God gave me a very interesting vision, the most of which you will see in the paper. God shewed me the necessity of getting out a chart. I saw it was needed and that the truth made plain upon tables would effect much and would cause souls to come to the knowledge of the truth.”  {15MR 210.4}

Here we can now clearly see that Ellen G. White has gotten a vision from God about the chart that was published by Brother Nichols. She vividly stated that God was in the publishment and that there was a prophecy of this chart in the Bible and further, she stated that this chart serves to make the truth plain upon tables.

So this second chart published by Brother Nichols was also a fulfillment of Habakkuk Chapter 2

Now this next quote that we are going to read is taken from a book published in the year 1977 by Pieter Gerard Damsteegt, called (Foundations of the Seventh-day Adventist Message and Mission, page 193, par.1) It says “In 1850 Nichols published a Pictorial Illustration of the Visions of Daniel & John designed by Samuel W. Rhodes.  On this chart the third angel was indicated by the motto “The Commandments of God and the Faith of Jesus.” {1977 PGD, FSDA 193.1}

This other quote is taken from a book written by LEROY EDWIN FROOM called (The Conditionalist Faith of Our Fathers, Volume 4, page1071, par.2) It says “Then OTIS NICHOLS, engraver of Dorchester Massachusetts, a Boston suburb, published this first pictorial chart to be brought out after the Disappointment. Lithographed at Boston in December, 1850, it differs but little in general outline from the positions of the Millerites taught during the seventh month movement except in the expanded treatment of the sanctuary and the flight of the third angel. About 30 by 40 inches, it is arranged in four vertical columns. The second column, which is rather narrow, is confined to chronological data, while the three larger ones dial systamatically with the symbols.” {1954 LEF, PFF4 1071.2}

Let us answer some questions below from the quote we have just read

A) Who created this next prophetic chart?
Answer: It was designed by Samuel W. Rhodes and published by Otis Nichols

B) In what year was this chart created?

B) What was this second chart/table called?
Answer: 1850 Chart

C) Why was it called the 1850 chart?
Answer: Because it was created in 1850

We have reached the conclusion of this study and from what we have understood or learned so far, it is clear from the Word of God that the tables of Habakkuk 2 had their prophetic fulfillment, one in the year 1842 and the other in the year 1850.

Inspiration tells us that God directions were given in the creation of these charts and the one created in 1850 has the expanded treatment of the sanctuary and the flight of the third angel on it.

We hope this study was a blessing to you and you should look out for part 2. God Bless.