The Foundation of Modern Cities and the
Renewing of the Divine Plan
1. What was the original purpose for the creation of mankind? Genesis 1:26-28,
2:19, 20
In the texts given above, two points are repeated. #1- Man was created after the
image and likeness of God. #2- God gave man dominion over all living things upon
the earth. He then brought the living creatures to Adam to give them names.
Therefore, the original purpose for the creation of mankind, was to reflect the
image and likeness, or “character” of the Creator, by “taking care of others”. He
was to represent the love of God, by practically caring for the earth and the
inhabitants thereof, for he was set over them. This is what it means when it says
he was to have “dominion” over them. God especially gave Adam the task of
naming the creatures of the earth, in order to create a bond between them.
When you own and name a creature such as a dog, it creates a mental
attachment between you and the animal. The animal, mentally and practically,
becomes apart of your family by you giving it a name. You will naturally want to
tend to the needs and happiness of the animal. This is also true in naming a child
when it is born, and the “nick names” that spouses give one another. Thus, God’s
character of love is revealed by man, to all. There is no room then, for selfishness.
2. What was the original environment and occupation for mankind? Genesis 2:8,
5, 15
The original environment for mankind was a garden. To live in a garden, is to live
in a country setting. This country environment is perfectly calculated to help
mankind attain to, and keep the self-less, or unselfish character of God, for which
purpose he was originally created. As a matter of fact, the whole earth was a
country setting, there were no cities, see Genesis 1:29-31, 2:4-6. Mankind’s
original occupation was to “dress” the garden, and to “keep” it. The word “dress”
in Hebrew, is the word “abad”. It means to work, to till, to be an husbandman.
Husbandman means a “farmer”. The word “keep” in the Hebrew, is the word
“shamar”. It means to preserve. After working and tilling a garden, preserving it
takes more of your time than anything else. Thus, most of Adam and Eve’s time
was spent in preserving food for the creatures within the garden, as well as for
themselves, than anything else. Therefore, their emphasis was not upon
themselves, but upon others. The emphasis of mankind was not to be on self, but
on the things of others, see Philippians 2:4, 5. This testifies to the unselfish
character of Christ in giving His life, for us.
3. After Adam and Eve sinned, brought about by Satan’s deception, what was the
curse, or ultimate fate of Satan’s course? Genesis 3:14, 15
In verse 14, Satan is likened to a serpent, of whom he possessed to deceive Eve.
The serpent itself is cursed, as a sign to Satan of his curse. In verse 15, the “seed”
of the woman bruises Satan’s head, and Satan bruises His heel. What does this
mean? In verse 14, the serpent now travels upon his belly on the earth. Practically
speaking, if you walk into an area where serpents (snakes) frequent, you may
come in contact with one. If you step on the serpents head to kill it, it may
manage to give you a deadly bite or sting of venom on the heel of your foot, see
Proverbs 23:32, Psalm 58:4. This bite or sting could kill you. Serpents (snakes)
strike with amazing speed. In crushing the head of the serpent and killing it, you
may take a bite, or sting that can kill you, upon your foot. The “seed” of the
woman is said to bruise the head of the serpent. Thus, God predicts in a practical
way, that Satan will ultimately die in a violent manner, by the “seed” of the
woman. However, the “seed” of the woman would take a deadly bite, or sting on
the heel. This depicts the death of the “seed” of the woman.
4. Read Genesis 3:13. Satan, through the serpent, beguiled or deceived Eve. The
“seed” of the woman would crush the head of Satan (killing him), which would
put an end to his deceptions upon the race of mankind. The punishment for
disobedience, or sin is death, which was explained by God to Adam and Eve in the
very beginning and repeated throughout human history, see Genesis 2:16, 17,
3:1-3, Romans 6:23, 1 John 3:3. Who is this “seed” of the woman who would
come, and free mankind from the beguiling deceptions of Satan, and who would
ultimately destroy Satan? Romans 16:20
God performs this bruising to Satan. Therefore, God is the “seed” of the woman.
For God to be a seed of a woman, He would have to become a man. So there in
the Garden of Eden, it is pronounced that God would come as a man to redeem
mankind from the sting of death which is sin, see 1 Corinthians 15:55, 56, by
taking the “sting or bite of death” by Satan, of which man deserves. The identity
of which member of the Godhead that would come and do this is given in Romans
16:20, the “Lord Jesus Christ”. Thus, Jesus Christ, is the Redeemer, the Messiah, is
God. By Christ taking the “sting of death, which is sin”, shows that He would take
upon Himself the sins of mankind, and the ultimate death that man deserves.
5. After this, what should have been the main focus of mankind? Genesis 3:21
By God sacrificing an animal and clothing Adam and Eve with its skins, the main
focus of their lives is taught. The animal sacrificed so that Adam and Eve may have
sufficient clothing, shows that Christ would die for their sins, see John 1:29. Christ
being represented as the coats of skins shows that they needed to be clothed
with His righteousness, and not their own (Romans 13:14, Ephesians 4:24), which
is represented through clothing themselves with fig leaves. Our righteousness or
“clothing” is sinful (See Isaiah 64:6). We need to be clothed with the
righteousness of the character of Christ. The resurrection of Christ was also
taught to them in that the coats of skins of the dead animal, was worn on living
people. Since the coats of skins represented the righteousness or character of
Christ, His character must be alive in order to have an effect on the living people
who wear it. This depicts His resurrection from the dead, “I [am] he that liveth,
and was dead; and, behold, I am alive for evermore, Amen; and have the keys of
hell and of death.” Revelation 1:18. Therefore, the main focus of mankind was to
be the advent, or coming of Christ.
6. Adam and Eve then had two sons. What was the main focus of their lives?
Genesis 4:1-5
The first born was named “Cain”, the Hebrew word is “Qayin”, which has an
affinity to the Hebrew word “qanah”. This word means, redeem. Attached to a
person, it would mean “redeemer”. The second born was “Abel”. In Hebrew the
word is “Habel”, it means “unsatisfactory”. By God giving the occupation of these
sons, He gives us a glance into their characters, and the main focus of their lives.
Cain was the first born, but God gives us the occupation of Abel the second born,
first. Abel was a “keeper of sheep”. The only purpose for keeping sheep in that
time, was for sacrifice. They completely understood that the sacrifice of the
sheep, represented the coming sacrifice of the Messiah, for their sins. This
revealed that the main focus of Abel’s life was the first advent of Christ. The Bible
then says, “but” Cain was a tiller of the ground. There is nothing wrong in being a
tiller of the ground, for this is the original occupation of mankind, and by this food
is necessarily produced. Even though man still had to till the ground after sin
occurred (Genesis 3:23), the main focus of mankind was to be the advent or
coming of Christ. The “but” indicates that tilling the ground was Cain’s main focus.
Therefore, Cain’s main focus was upon self, his own sustenance, and not the
coming, or advent of Christ. The character of Cain is revealed in that he offered to
God something he knew would not be accepted, and became angry when it was
not, and killed his brother who offered to God correctly, see 1 John 3:10-12. With
all this evidence of his character being selfish, coupled with Eve naming him
“Cain-meaning redeemer”, proves that she thought he was the Christ, the
Redeemer, and raised him as a spoiled brat.
7. After Cain killed his brother Abel, what does his response to God tell us about
his character? Genesis 4:8, 9
In verse 9, God questioned Cain on the location of his brother. Cain’s first
response was “I know not”. This was a bold lie to the Creator. This shows that
since God “had not respect” of Cain’s purposed erroneous offering, Cain did not
respect God. His lack of respect for God, is even more evident in his second
response, which was “Am I my brother’s keeper?”. This was a sarcastic remark to
the Lord God. Remember, the original emphasis of mankind was not to be on self,
but on the things of others. However, Cain’s remark reveals that he did not want
to be a “keeper” of others, but implies that his emphasis was on himself. Thus,
the character of Cain is based on “self”.
8. What was the curse of being a fugitive and a vagabond pronounced upon Cain
and his responses, reflective of? Genesis 4:10-14
According to Webster’s 1828 dictionary, a fugitive is “One who has fled or
deserted and taken refuge under another power, or one who has fled from
punishment.” A vagabond denotes that he is unstable “Wandering; floating about
without any certain direction; driven to and fro.”- Webster’s 1828 dictionary. This
curse upon Cain was more like a prophecy of how he would react to God’s
displeasure. This is evident in Cain’s response in verse 14 “Behold, thou hast
driven me out this day from the face of the earth; and from thy face shall I be hid;
and I shall be a fugitive and a vagabond in the earth; and it shall come to pass,
[that] every one that findeth me shall slay me.” This reveals his self guilt, and his
paranoid state by thinking people will seek to slay him for his crime to Abel,
propelling him to run away, and to be a “fugitive and a vagabond”. Cain also tells
God that he is unfair and unjust, according to verse 13, “And Cain said unto the
LORD, My punishment [is] greater than I can bear.” Notice also that Cain left the
presence of the Lord, but blamed God for driving him out, “And Cain went out
from the presence of the LORD, and dwelt in the land of Nod, on the east of
Eden.”Genesis 4:16. “Behold, thou hast driven me out this day from the face of
the earth; and from thy face shall I be hid;…” Genesis 4:14. Cain’s responses
reflected his selfish and unrepented character.
9. What was the response of God reflective of, and what was the mark placed
upon Cain? Genesis 4:15
God’s response to Cain shows that even though Cain killed his brother, God would
not approve of anyone killing Cain. By God saying “Therefore whosoever slayeth
Cain, vengeance shall be taken on him sevenfold…”. He was telling Cain that He
would protect him, and accept him if he only “doest well”, see Genesis 4:6, 7.
Furthermore, God was not going to permit man to take vengeance for murder,
because the killing might never stop. This is why the strict punishment of
“sevenfold” is given. “..And the LORD set a mark upon Cain, lest any finding him
should kill him.” Let us discover what the mark of Cain was. The Bible speaks of
the mark of the beast in Revelation 13:16, 17. The beast is the papacy. The mark
of the papacy or “beast” is Sunday observance. Read these statements from
Catholic sources:
“Sunday is our mark of authority… The church is above the Bible, and this
transference of Sabbath observance is proof of that fact.-Catholic Record,
September 1, 1923 (Ontario).
“Of course the Catholic Church claims that the change was her act. And the act is
a mark of her ecclesiastical power and authority in religious matters.”- C.F.
Thomas, Chancellor of Cardinal Gibbons.
Sunday observance is directly against Sabbath observance, noted in the Ten
Commandments by God, see Exodus 20:8-11. Thus, the papacy’s attitude toward
obedience to God and His Word is revealed. Notice in the first quote above, they
say “The church is above the Bible…” The papacy also claims to be an authority,
and to have power. “Sunday is our mark of authority… And the act is a mark of
her ecclesiastical power and authority in religious matters.” Thus, the “character”
of the papacy is unveiled in her mark. Sunday represents the character of
defiance against God. And her character or mark, is full of “self” glorification.
The 144,000 is said to have the “seal” (which is another name for mark) of God in
their foreheads, see Revelation 7:2, 3. Isaiah 8:16 tells us what the seal is “Bind up
the testimony, seal the law among my disciples.” Therefore, the law is the seal.
More specifically, the Sabbath commandment is the sign, or mark (seal) of
authority of the Lawgiver, because He is the Creator. “For [in] six days the LORD
made heaven and earth, the sea, and all that in them [is], and rested the seventh
day: wherefore the LORD blessed the sabbath day, and hallowed it…” “Moreover
also I gave them my sabbaths, to be a sign between me and them, that they might
know that I [am] the LORD that sanctify them…” “And hallow my sabbaths; and
they shall be a sign between me and you, that ye may know that I [am] the LORD
your God.” Exodus 20:8-11, Ezekiel 20:12, 20.
In Revelation 14:1, the seal or mark of God is called the “Father’s name” in the
foreheads of the 144, 000. The “Father’s name” is revealed in Exodus 33:19, 34:6,
7. Notice that His name is “characteristics” of Himself. Also, Moses is told to stand
before God with the Ten Commandments in his hands, while God makes His
proclamation of His character, see Exodus 34:1-5. This shows that “God's law is
the transcript of His character.” Christ’s Object Lessons, Ellen G. White, p. 305. So
once again, the mark denotes “character”.
Therefore, the mark of Cain was his character. When the Bible reads, “And the
LORD set a mark upon Cain, lest any finding him should kill him.” It is saying that
when people see Cain, they would know who he is based on his character. From
Cain’s selfish ways in his behavior, demeanor, conduct, facial expressions, and
manner of speaking, they would be able to discern that this is verily that Cain,
who slew his brother Abel.
10. What did Cain do after this? Genesis 4:16, 17
“Upon receiving the curse of God, Cain had withdrawn from his father's
household. He had first chosen his occupation as a tiller of the soil, and he now
founded a city, calling it after the name of his eldest son. He had gone out from
the presence of the Lord, cast away the promise of the restored Eden, to seek his
possessions and enjoyment in the earth under the curse of sin, thus standing at
the head of that great class of men who worship the god of this world.” Patriarchs
and Prophets, p. 81, Ellen G. White.
Cain built the first city on the earth. He named the city after the name of his son,
Enoch. Enoch means “dedicated”. So he dedicated the city after his son. Psalm
49:10-13, gives us a look into Cain’s thinking. “For he seeth [that] wise men die,
likewise the fool and the brutish person perish, and leave their wealth to others.
Their inward thought [is, that] their houses [shall continue] for ever, [and] their
dwelling places to all generations; they call [their] lands after their own names.
Nevertheless man [being] in honour abideth not: he is like the beasts [that]
perish. This their way [is] their folly: yet their posterity approve their sayings.
Selah.” So the first city built on the earth, was truly dedicated to honoring man, or
self aggrandizement. This is the foundation of which modern cities are built upon.
And verily, we shall see as the scripture has said, his posterity shall approve his
sayings. Another one of Cain’s purposes in building a city was for protection. He
did not believe that God would protect him. He trusted only in himself, to protect
himself. Remember he made himself a “fugitive”, so his city was a “refuge” of
protection, or safety. Many people today like Cain, believe that modern cities are
refuges. They are afraid to go out into quiet country environments, but they feel
protected in the modern cities where crime is frequent. How ironic it is to feel
more comfortable where the sins, and hand of man prevails, than the creative
power and peace of God is more evident? These characteristics of Cain’s city, are
the foundation of modern cities.
11. What was the main focus of the posterity of Cain? Genesis 4:18-22
Enoch named his son Irad which means “fugitive”. This was no doubt a sign of
bitterness Enoch had toward God, because his father Cain, was called a “fugitive”
by God. This shows that Cain taught Enoch that God was unfair to him. Irad
named his son Mehujael. Mehujael means “smitten of God”. This shows that the
bitterness for God is carried on, and that God continues to be blamed for their
condition. Mehujael named his son Methusael. Methusael means “man of God”.
This shows that Cain’s descendants began to believe that God accepted them,
even in their apostate condition. This is evident in that later, these antediluvian
people did not hearken to the preaching of Noah, and did not get on the ark.
Some of them believed that God was accepting of their ways, and would not
punish them. Many Christians today, believe the same error. “The sins that
destroyed the antediluvians and the cities of the plain exist today--not merely in
heathen lands, not only among popular professors of Christianity, but with some
who profess to be looking for the coming of the Son of man. If God should present
these sins before you as they appear in His sight, you would be filled with shame
and terror.” The Adventist Home, p. 522, Ellen G. White.
Let us examine Lamech and his two wives. Many times in the bible people named
their children according to their expectations. Cain and his descendents were self
centered and motivated by attaining to earthly treasure.
Adah was a daughter of Cain and her name in the Hebrew means adornment and
to deck one’s self. There is no doubt that this was how she was raised. This
molded her character and was manifested in her outward appearance through
her artificial adornments such as jewelry and makeup.
Zillah was also a daughter of Cain. In Hebrew her name means shadowy, an idol,
image, vain show. There is no doubt that she was raised to be vain which
manifested in her lack of modest dress. This is why Lamech took them both as
wives. He was enticed by their sinful dress and adornment.
Zillah had a daughter named Naamah which means in the Hebrew pleasantness
and pleasure. This denotes the carnal attributes which Zillah imparted to her
daughter. The names of these women were mentioned in the Bible for us to
recognize their impact on early society, and for us not to become a victim to
Satan’s traps. In Genesis 6:2, the sons of God were enticed by worldly women
adorning themselves after the manner of Adah, Zillah, and Naamah. There is no
doubt that the daughters of God were beautiful. However, the daughters of men
enticed the sons of God by their artificial adornment and immodest dress. It made
them look different from the natural beauty and modesty of the daughters of
God. Thus, when they saw them, they thought they were “fair”.
Cain’s descendants began to build up industry in their city. “In that which pertains
to mere earthly and material progress, his descendants became distinguished. But
they were regardless of God, and in opposition to His purposes for man.”
Patriarchs and Prophets, p. 81, Ellen G. White.
Jabal was “the father of such as dwell in tents, and [of such as have] cattle.” The
indication is that he had much cattle, because he dwelt in tents. He dwelt in tents
because he had to continue to move from place to place to find pasture for the
cattle. The only reason to have this much cattle, is for mass production of flesh as
food. He supplied the city with flesh as food, and no doubt new cities may have
been built. This is the first indication of people using flesh as food, and as a
business. “They delighted in destroying the life of animals; and the use of flesh for
food rendered them still more cruel and bloodthirsty, until they came to regard
human life with astonishing indifference.” Patriarchs and Prophets, p. 91, Ellen G.
White
Other industries of music by Jubal and metal working of all kinds by Tubal-Cain,
used to glorify self, were abundant. There is nothing wrong with industry, we are
counseled by God to have industries. However, the mind set behind the industries
in this city, was to propagate “self”, which was the focus of the creation of these
industries, and the formation of this city. These industries were not started for
the propagation of the advent of Christ, neither was the city built, based on that
premise. The industries in this city created jobs, and many sought to dwell in
them because of it. It is the same today. Many are afraid to obey God and dwell in
the country, because of a job in the city. They do not have sufficient faith that if
they are seeking God and His righteousness first, and being diligent in seeking
employment, God will make a way to supply their needs, even in the country. He
can even teach them to start their own businesses, or industries. “There is not
one family in a hundred who will be improved physically, mentally, or spiritually,
by residing in the city.” Country Living, p. 13, Ellen G. White.
12. What does Lamech’s proclamation tell us about character traits, passed on in
Cain’s descendants? Genesis 4:23, 24
Lamech feared that someone might seek to avenge the people he killed, by killing
him, when he said, “for I have slain a man to my wounding, and a young man to
my hurt.” If Cain were killed, God said He would avenge his death “seven fold”.
But God said nothing to Lamech. When Lamech said, “Cain shall be avenged
sevenfold, truly Lamech seventy and sevenfold.” He was saying that God had
better protect him, even more than He pronounced to Cain. In other words, ‘God
better obey Lamech’s word.’ The character traits passed on in Cain’s line were,
arrogancy, bitterness toward God, and a sense that they deserved to be accepted
by God. In other words, “self”.
13. After seeing the results of Cain’s character in his descendants, how did Eve
react? Genesis 4:25, 26
Eve saw the evil of Cain and his descendants. Her heart was pricked. She was
grateful that God would allow her to have another son, because of how she raised
Cain. This is evident in her remark “For God, [said she], hath appointed me
another seed instead of Abel, whom Cain slew.” This shows that she purposed to
raise Seth, correctly. And that, she did, "To Seth, to him also there was born a son;
and he called his name Enos: then began men to call upon the name of Jehovah."
The faithful had worshiped God before; but as men increased, the distinction
between the two classes became more marked. There was an open profession of
loyalty to God on the part of one, as there was of contempt and disobedience on
the part of the other.” Patriarchs and Prophets, p. 80, Ellen G. White.
14. Did Seth’s descendants live in the country? Genesis 5:28, 29
The text indicates that they were farmers. This can only be done in the country.
“Abel had led a pastoral life, dwelling in tents or booths, and the descendants of
Seth followed the same course, counting themselves "strangers and pilgrims on
the earth," seeking "a better country, that is, an heavenly." Hebrews 11:13, 16.
For some time the two classes remained separate. The race of Cain, spreading
from the place of their first settlement, dispersed over the plains and valleys
where the children of Seth had dwelt; and the latter, in order to escape from their
contaminating influence, withdrew to the mountains, and there made their
home.” Patriarchs and Prophets, p. 81, Ellen G. White.
15. What were the results of Seth’s descendants dwelling in the country, as
compared with Cain’s city dwelling descendants, as we have already seen?
Genesis 5:1-24
It is evident that in Seth’s line, they continued to raise their children to be so
committed to God, to the point where they produced a man who walked so
closely with Him, that God took him. Enoch “walked with God” to the point that
he was translated without seeing death, see Hebrews 11:5. There is a strong
connection between farming the land, and close communion with God. The
person who does this, realizes his dependency upon God for the bounty from the
earth. The Lord teaches him spiritual lessons from this practical work, thus
developing the character, see Isaiah 28:24-26, 29. There is no doubt that Enoch’s
country location, helped him in his effort, to keep the commandments of God. “As
God's commandment-keeping people, we must leave the cities. As did Enoch, we
must work in the cities but not dwell in them.” Evangelism, p.77, Ellen G. White.
“Enoch was an Adventist. He directed the minds of men forward to the great day
of God, when Christ will come the second time, to judge every man's work.” Signs
of the Times, October 12, 1904, Ellen G. White.
Enoch’s experience, even in country living, should be ours, who live so closely to
the second advent of Christ.
16. What was the main focus of life, of Seth’s descendants? Genesis 5:28, 29
Based on Lamech’s statement of the birth of his son Noah, it shows that they
were longing for relief from a deliverer. The Bible says that Noah also “walked
with God” Genesis 6:9. This means that Lamech raised him so, just as his fathers
before him raised their children. Therefore, the main focus of Seth’s descendants
was the advent of the true deliverer, Christ Jesus. Their country living experience
was vital in maintaining this main focus.
“Notwithstanding the prevailing iniquity, there was a line of holy men and women
who, elevated and ennobled by communion with God, lived as in the
companionship of heaven. They were people of massive intellect, of wonderful
attainments. They had a great and holy mission—to develop a character of
righteousness, to teach a lesson of godliness not only to the people of their time
but for future generations. Only a few of the most prominent are mentioned in
the Scriptures, but all through the ages God had faithful witnesses, truehearted
worshipers.” Patriarchs and Prophets, pp. 82-84, Ellen G. White.
17. What was Seth’s descendants, known as? Genesis 6:1, 2
They were known as the “sons of God”.
18. Does God want us in the last days to be classified with Seth’s descendants
before they mixed with the world (Cain’s descendants)? 1 John 3:1, 2
Yes! The first place in the scriptures where the “sons of God” are mentioned is
Genesis 6:1, 2, referring to Seth descendants. We are to be likened to the “sons of
God”, Seth’s descendants, that holy line, who produced Enoch who was
translated without seeing death, as the 144,000 will be translated without seeing
death. “Enoch formed a righteous character, and the result was that he was
translated to heaven without seeing death. When the Lord shall come the second
time, there will be some who will be translated without seeing death, and we
want to know if we will be among that number. We want to know if we are wholly
on the Lord’s side—partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption
that is in the world through lust—not by trying to make a clear path for our feet
where we shall have no trials or difficulties to meet, but by placing ourselves in
right relation to God and letting Him take care of the consequences.—Manuscript
83, 1886. Ellen G. White, Christ Triumphant, p. 42.
“Let us strive with all the power that God has given us to be among the hundred
and forty-four thousand.” Ellen G. White, Maranatha, p. 241.
Seth’s descendants were focused on the first advent of Christ. Our focus should
be likened unto them, as we await the second advent of Christ. “In the midst of a
world by its iniquity doomed to destruction, Enoch lived a life of such close
communion with God that he was not permitted to fall under the power of death.
The godly character of this prophet represents the state of holiness which must
be attained by those who shall be "redeemed from the earth" (Revelation 14:3) at
the time of Christ's second advent.” Patriarchs and Prophets, p. 88, Ellen G.
White.
19. Will God eventually destroy the cities of the world? Isaiah 6:11, 12, Ezekiel
7:15, 16
Yes! “The time is near when large cities will be swept away, and all should be
warned of these coming judgments.” Evangelism, p. 29, Ellen G. White.
“The time is near when the large cities will be visited by the judgments of God. In
a little while these cities will be terribly shaken. No matter how large or how
strong their buildings, no matter how many safeguards against fire may have
been provided, let God touch these buildings, and in a few minutes or a few hours
they are in ruins.
The ungodly cities of our world are to be swept away by the besom of
destruction. In the calamities that are now befalling immense buildings and large
portions of cities, God is showing us what will come upon the whole earth. He has
told us, "Now learn a parable of the fig tree; When his branch is yet tender, and
putteth forth leaves, ye know that summer is nigh: so likewise ye, when ye shall
see all these things, know that it [the coming of the Son of man] is near, even at
the doors." Matthew 24:32, 33.”Counsels on Health, p. 268, Ellen G. White.
20. Based on stories in the Bible of a coming crisis, will we be saved from the
coming crisis in the end, if we still reside in the city? Genesis 19:15, Joshua 6:17,
23, 24, Luke 21:20, 21
The answer is no. We must obey the Lord and leave the cities. Some may wonder,
how can we spread the gospel to people in the cities, if we do not live there? We
are to labor for people in the cities, without living there. This means we must
sacrifice our time, and travel to the cities to spread the gospel there, but live in
the country.”The cities are to be worked from outposts. Said the messenger of
God, "Shall not the cities be warned? Yes; not by God's people living in them, but
by their visiting them, to warn them of what is coming upon the earth."--Letter
182, 1902. Ellen G. White, Country Living, p. 30.
21. At the very end, when God saves His people, will we dwell in a city? Revelation
3:11, 12, 22:1, 2
The New Jerusalem is called a “city”, because people have begun to understand
that word as being a “refuge”, place of safety, or protection. This is why it has a
wall, Revelation 21:18. However, if we look carefully, it really is a country setting,
“And he showed me a pure river of water of life, clear as crystal, proceeding out
of the throne of God and of the Lamb. In the midst of the street of it, and on
either side of the river, [was there] the tree of life, which bare twelve [manner of]
fruits, [and] yielded her fruit every month: and the leaves of the tree [were] for
the healing of the nations.” Also it says in Isaiah 65:21, 22 “And they shall build
houses, and inhabit [them]; and they shall plant vineyards, and eat the fruit of
them. They shall not build, and another inhabit; they shall not plant, and another
eat: for as the days of a tree [are] the days of my people, and mine elect shall long
enjoy the work of their hands.”
Mankind was created in a country setting, and those who will be redeemed, will
return to a country setting. All doctrine that God has given to the Advent people,
is designed to prepare us for holiness that existed in the world before sin was.
From the Sabbath, to health reform, to dress reform, to country living. Therefore,
country living is apart of the plan of redemption.