“As a people, we should be earnest students of prophecy; we should not rest until we become intelligent in regard to the subject of the sanctuary, which is brought out in the visions of Daniel and John. This subject sheds great light on our present position and work, and gives us unmistakable proof that God has led us in our past experience. It explains our disappointment in 1844, showing us that the sanctuary to be cleansed was not the earth, as we had supposed, but that Christ then entered into the most holy apartment of the heavenly sanctuary, and is there performing the closing work of his priestly office, in fulfillment of the words of the angel to the prophet Daniel, ‘Unto two thousand and three hundred days; then shall the sanctuary be cleansed’ (Daniel 8:14).” The Review and Herald, November 27, 1883.
“In history and prophecy the word of God portrays the long continued conflict between truth and error. That conflict is yet in progress. Those things which have been will be repeated. Old controversies will be revived, and new theories will be continually arising.” Manuscript Releases, vol. 1, 47.
Often we concentrate our attention on trying to understand from prophecy the meaning of events taking place in our world and that is all right to do. However, it is even more important to understand what is happening in heaven.
Concerning what is happening on earth, “we are to consider the dealings of God with the nations of the earth. We are to see in history the fulfillment of prophecy, to study the workings of Providence in the great reformatory movements, and to understand the progress of events in the marshaling of the nations for the final conflict of the great controversy.” Counsels to Parents, Teachers, and Students, 379, 380.
“Those who are living upon the earth when the intercession of Christ shall cease in the sanctuary above are to stand in the sight of a holy God without a mediator. Their robes must be spotless, their characters must be purified from sin by the blood of sprinkling. Through the grace of God and their own diligent effort, they must be conquerors in the battle with evil. …
“When this work shall have been accomplished, the followers of Christ will be ready for his appearing.” The Southern Watchman, January 24, 1905.
“The present activity of Satan in working upon hearts, and upon churches and nations, should startle every student of prophecy. The end is near.” Testimonies, vol. 5, 537.