Millerites facts for kids
The Millerites were a group of people who followed the ideas of a preacher named William Miller. In the 1830s, William Miller studied the Bible and believed he had figured out when Jesus Christ would return to Earth. He predicted this event, called the Second Coming, would happen around 1843.
When Jesus did not return as predicted, many of Miller's followers felt a deep sadness and disappointment. This event is now known as the "Great Disappointment." Miller had shared how he interpreted the Bible, so others could understand his methods. After this disappointment, several new religious groups formed. These groups generally became known as Adventists.
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Who Was William Miller?
William Miller was an American farmer and Baptist preacher. He lived in the early 1800s. Miller spent many years studying the Bible, especially the books of Daniel and Revelation. He believed these books contained clues about the future.
Miller's Bible Studies
Miller focused on a specific Bible verse from the book of Daniel (Daniel 8:14). This verse mentions "2,300 days." Miller interpreted each "day" in this prophecy as one year. He believed this period would end around 1843. He thought this date marked the return of Jesus Christ.
The Great Expectation
As the year 1843 approached, Miller shared his predictions with more people. His followers, the Millerites, grew in number. They were very excited and believed Jesus would return soon. Many sold their belongings or stopped farming. They wanted to be ready for this important event.
The Great Disappointment
When 1843 passed and Jesus did not return, the Millerites were very sad. This was a difficult time for them. They had put all their hope into Miller's prediction. This event became known as the "Great Disappointment."
What Happened After?
After the disappointment, many Millerites left the movement. However, some continued to study the Bible. They tried to understand why the prediction did not come true. They believed Miller's calculations were mostly right, but his interpretation of the event was wrong.
New Adventist Groups Form
From the Millerite movement, several new religious groups emerged. These groups continued to believe in the Second Coming of Jesus. They are generally called Adventist churches today. The most well-known of these is the Seventh-day Adventist Church. They believe the 2,300-day prophecy was about a different event in heaven, not Jesus' return to Earth.
Images for kids
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The beginning of the 2,300 Days: The decree of Artaxerses in the 7th year of his reign (457 BC) as recorded in Ezra marks beginning of the 2300 days. King's reigns were counted from New Year to New Year following an Accession Year. The Persian New Year began in Nisan (March–April). The Jewish civil New Year began in Tishri (September–October).
See also
In Spanish: Movimiento Millerita para niños
