Protestants’ Opportunity

“I have set before thee an open door, and no man can shut it” (Revelation 3:8).

The French Revolution (1789‑1799) sorely damaged the Papacy, which then had dramatic effects on Christianity worldwide. A new era of Christian tolerance began. Notable events are tabulated below.

Many Protestants now noticed that from the beginning of Papal civil power to its end (albeit temporary) was exactly 1260 years, the number of “days” given in Revelation 11:3 and 12:6 that the two witnesses prophesy in sackcloth, and the woman (suggests Promise Covenant) flees into the wilderness. Association was also made to the forty‑two months (Revelation 11:2, 13:5) that the Antichrist was to speak blasphemies and the time the “holy city” was to be trodden under foot. The 32 “times” of Revelation 12:14 describes the flight of the woman, and the reign of the Antichrist (Daniel 7:25, 12:7).

With opposition reduced, the Christian Connection was formed in America, which recognized as Christian those whose only standard of faith and truth is the Bible, and who recognize for fellowship those who also live within Christian principles. The Bible societies began forming to make Bibles widely available in many languages. This was a time of brotherly love such as had not been seen before.

Deducing from 1260 Days/Years

Serious students of the Bible considered that if 1260 years had been marked, what about the 1290 days and 1335 days of Daniel 12:11, 12? Many Adventists considered that the 1260 and 1290 days should end at the same time, 1798 or 1799 (though nothing notable began in 508‑509); so the promised blessing of 1335 days would be in 1843 or 1844. The blessing was understood to be Christ’s return. Yet nothing visible happened in either year, so many were disappointed, while the world laughed.

Others reconsidered. Should not all three periods begin at the same time? If so, one should look for an increase of understanding of the times at the end of 1290 years (1828 or 1829), and look to see if 1335 years would end in 1873 or 1874, meaning Christ’s return.

In America, some Adventists looked to find when their movement started, but William Miller apparently began preaching the imminent return of Christ in 1831 or slightly thereafter. However, the British Adventist movement began in 1826 with the Albury Prophetic Conferences, and their publications began in 1828‑1829. They agreed on seven prophetic events. (1) Destruction before the Millennial reign, (2) Jews will be restored to their land, (3) Judgments will fall principally upon Christendom, (4) That will be followed by a time of blessedness for all humankind, (5) Messiah’s Second Advent commences at or before the Millennium begins, (6) The 1260 years began with Justinian’s reign and ended in the French Revolution, and (7) Our Lord’s return is imminent — so it is our duty to make these prophetic events known.¹

(1) See “The Wise Shall Understand,” July / August 2025 Herald.

One may distinguish two opposing views respecting Christ’s return: Either the Jews will return to Israel, and all mankind will be blessed in the Millennium; or, the surface of the earth will be burned for the entire Millennium. The former was more common among British Adventists, and the latter among American Adventists. Joseph Wolff preached the former.

Missionary to the World

Joseph Wolff (1782‑1862) was born a Jew, self‑converted to Christianity, to Catholicism and then to Advent Christianity outside both Catholicism and Anglicanism. With admirable zeal, he took the message to many nations in Europe; Egypt (in Africa); Palestine, Uzbekistan and India (in Asia); and even to America.

In December 1836, former President, John Quincy Adams, then back in Congress, arranged for him to speak to a joint session of the U.S. Congress. He spoke also to some eastern states’ legislatures. Thus, much of the world was to hear the Adventist message, which included the return of Israel. (Within half a century Israel’s return began.)

The Shut‑Door Controversy

American Adventists became divided over soul sleep, Jewish return to Israel, Sabath keeping, and also over the parable of the Wise and Foolish Virgins (Matthew 25:1-13). Some thought “the door was shut” in 1844, as might be inferred from Revelation 3:7‑8. If it was closed, public witnessing was useless; the Church’s work for the world was all done. (Thus this part of the movement died out.)

Closed‑door beliefs re‑emerged in the 20th century. The Standfast movement, largely in the Pacific Northwest and North Central, accepted The Finished Mystery as a divinely inspired 7th Volume. They believed the door to the heavenly calling closed in 1914 or 1918.² Public witnessing was not only unnecessary but was morally wrong! (This group also died out.) The Laymen’s Home Missionary Movement rejects The Finished Mystery, but also teaches that the heavenly calling ended in 1914, yet favors witnessing to Christ’s earthly Kingdom.

(2) When in 1919 one couple finally found someone willing to immerse them, it began splits in the movement until 120 Standfasts in Seattle were divided into eleven different ecclesias.

There is a lesson for us. The Wise and Foolish Virgins parable does not suggest a date or a catastrophic event. Therefore, it is better for us to speak kindly and respectfully of others, but to continue public and personal witnessing until terminated by the battle of Armageddon.

Remember. Your life may be the only Bible your neighbor ever reads.