The book begins with a historical overview which begins with the destruction of Jerusalem in 70 AD, covers the Reformation and Advent movement in detail, and culminates with a lengthy description of the end times. It also outlines several key Seventh-day Adventist (SDA) doctrines, including the heavenly sanctuary, investigative judgement and state of the dead.
Much of the book's first half is devoted to the historical conflict between Protestantism and Roman Catholicism. White writes that the Papacy propagated a corrupt form of Christianity from the time of Constantine I onwards, and during the Middle Ages was opposed by just the Waldensians and other small groups, who preserved an authentic form of Christianity.
Beginning with John Wycliffe and Jan Huss and continuing with Martin Luther, Huldrych Zwingli and others the Reformation led to a partial recovery of Biblical truth. In the early 19th century William Miller began to preach that Jesus was about to return to earth; his movement eventually resulted in the formation of the Adventist Church.
The book's second half is prophetic, looking to a resurgence in papal supremacy. The civil government of the USA will form a union with the Roman Catholic Church and apostate Protestantism, leading to a universal Sunday law's enforcement, and a great persecution of Sabbath keepers immediately prior to the second coming of Jesus. And these shall be part of the end time remnant of believers who are faithful to God, which shall be sealed and manifested just prior to the second coming of Jesus.
THIS BOOK CONTAINS EXAMPLES OF:
- Butt-Monkey: Most of the Protestant reformers, for the Papacy tried to kill them. Also applicable for those with the Seal of God.
- Jerkass: Satan, for deceiving the whole world. His angels and human followers as well as the Pope count too. Likewise the Jews are this in the book because they tried to kill and imprison Christ's followers.
- Jerk with a Heart of Gold: Luther did try to kill anyone who asked for a baptism by full immersion, yet he did call out the Catholic Church because of corruption.
- Bully Hunter: Martin Luther arguably when he questioned the Pope who was furious with Dr Martin and tried to kill him.
- What the Hell, Hero?: Anyone would think God might've saved his true followers from tribulation instead of through it, but according to White there shall be no Pre-Tribulation rapture, nor will there be a mid-Tribulation rapture.
- The Rapture: White insisted this and the second coming of Christ are the same event.
- Cessation of Existence: Ellen White thought death was like a dreamless sleep. Somewhat averted due to the Second Coming of Christ.
- Laser-Guided Karma: If you get the seal of God, you shall go to Heaven once the melodrama is over. If instead you get the Mark of the Beast, you're in trouble with God and arguably deserve to burn in hell.
