Mystery of God
But in the days of the voice of the seventh angel, when he shall begin to sound, the mystery of God should be finished, as he hath declared to his servants the prophets.
The Great Controversy between Christ and Satan has two mysteries - the mystery of iniquity and mystery of Godliness.
The books of Daniel and the Revelation are one. One is a prophecy, the other a revelation; one a book sealed, the other a book opened.
The prophecies of Daniel present a succession of events leading down to the opening of the judgment when thrones would be set up and the Ancient of Days would sit as thousands upon ten thousands of heavenly beings would witness as the books were opened and the work of the grand heavenly court began.
However, that part of his prophecy which related to the last days, Daniel was asked to SEAL, to close up until the time of the end. Not until this time was reached could a mighty message concerning the judgment be proclaimed, based on the fulfillment of these prophecies. At that time, "many shall run to and fro, and knowledge shall be increased." (Daniel 12:4)
Revelation 10 is connected with the second half of Daniel (chs 7-12). The description of the strong angel of Revelation is identical to the man clothed in linen in Daniel 10. Both raise their right hand to heaven and take an oath (Rev 10:6; Dan 12:7). However, while the man clothed in linen declares a prophecy of time, the mighty angel declares that "there shall be no more delay [in Greek, chronos means 'time'." Thus, Revelation 10 points to a time when Daniel's prophecies would be studied and understood.
In the vision, John eats the little book, which is sweet in the mouth and bitter in the stomach. This prophetic experience pointed to the disappointment of the people of God when Jesus did not return in 1844. The chapter closes with the angel telling John that, despite the bitterness experienced, he should continue to prophesy (Rev 10:11). In the same way, despite bitter experience, the servants of God should continue to preach the message of salvation.
It is during the seventh trumpet that the mystery of God (10:7) is to be finished. What is this “mystery of God?” It encompasses the entire Plan of Salvation by the Godhead for saving us and Jesus being received into glory (1 Tim. 3:16). This “mystery of God,” with the Investigative Judgment and the final phase of atonement, will be completed by Jesus during the sounding of the seventh trumpet, ending with the Close of Probation.
This Sabbath we will reveal what the “mystery of God” is and how it applies to us today!