The Experience of the Saints During the Time of Jacob’s Trouble—

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Foreword by rwb: I have interspersed within the Standish’s article, some very serious knowledge to this end-time experience which the Standish brothers and all SDA leaders do not understand and/or choose to omit.

The Experience of the Saints During the Time of Jacob’s Trouble

 

By Colin and Russell Standish

 

 

What a fearful time it will be when the restraining influence of the Holy Spirit is removed from the human race! There will then be no promptings of the conscience to convict the minds of the wicked. Lost souls will demonstrate just how perverse the fallen nature of humanity is without the intervention of divine grace. All the attributes of Satan and his evil angels will be reflected in the thoughts, words, and actions of all those who have rejected the last message of mercy.

 

Had not God extended mercy to the human race after the sin of Adam and Eve, this terrible condition would have been constantly shared by all of humanity until God destroyed this rebellious race. Not even one member of the human race would have reflected the character of God. It is only as a result of God’s intervention that any humans now live the Christlike life.

 

Whereby are given unto us exceeding great and precious promises: that by these ye might be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust. (2 Peter 1:4)

 

Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus. (Philippians 2:5)

 

Without this intervention all humanity would have been comprehensively corrupt without help or hope in the world.

 

God declares: “I will put enmity.” This enmity is not naturally entertained. When man transgressed the divine law, his nature became evil, and he was in harmony, and not at variance, with Satan. There exists naturally no enmity between sinful man and the originator of sin. Both became evil through apostasy. The apostate is never at rest, except as he obtains sympathy and support by inducing others to follow his example. For this reason fallen angels and wicked men unite in desperate companionship. Had not God specially interposed, Satan and man would have entered into an alliance against Heaven; and instead of cherishing enmity against Satan, the whole human family would have been united in opposition to God. (The Great Controversy, p. 505)

 

During the time of Jacob’s trouble, the unrestrained fury of the wicked will be unleashed against God’s people. This fury will be so ferocious that it will be well nigh unbearable for the saints of God. Until this time transpires, there is no way that God’s people can imagine the situation, for it has no parallel in the history of the planet.

 

The season of distress and anguish before us will require a faith that can endure weariness, delay, and hunger— a faith that will not faint though severely tried. (Ibid., p. 621)

 

When Jesus leaves the most holy, His restraining Spirit is withdrawn from rulers and people. They are left to the control of evil angels. Then such laws will be made by the counsel and direction of Satan, that unless time should be very short, no flesh could be saved. (Testimonies for the Church, vol. 1, p. 204)

 

The “time of trouble, such as never was,” is soon to open upon us; and we shall need an experience which we do not now possess and which many are too indolent to obtain. It is often the case that trouble is greater in anticipation than in reality; but this is not true of the crisis before us. The most vivid presentation cannot reach the magnitude of the ordeal. (The Great Controversy, p. 622)

 

The faith of individual members of the church will be tested as though there were not another person in the world. (The Seventh-day Adventist Bible Commentary, vol. 7, p. 983)

 

God is good in that He has not given to us detailed descriptions of this time because we may be filled with constant apprehension and focus continuously upon this fearful time ahead. It could well cause our hearts to fail, and in despair and discouragement we would be in grave danger of losing our faith. It might well distract us from the mighty mission which God has called us to accomplish, to enlighten and warn the world of the imperiling events which lie ahead. We may not yet be single-mindedly focusing upon our spiritual preparation to receive the latter rain that we might be empowered to take the saving, everlasting gospel to the world. Surely now is not the time to postpone this preparation.

 

The manifestation of the seven last plagues leads to this universal Sunday law and the planet-wide death sentence against the 144,000.

 

I saw that the four angels would hold the four winds until Jesus’ work was done in the sanctuary, and then will come the seven last plagues. These plagues enraged the wicked against the righteous; they thought that we had brought the judgments of God upon them, and that if they could rid the earth of us, the plagues would then be stayed. A decree went forth to slay the saints, which caused them to cry day and night for deliverance. This was the time of Jacob’s trouble. (Early Writings, pp. 36–37)

 

Note by Ron: Ezekiel 9 as it pertains to God’s people occurs before the seven last plagues in the order of Matthew 22:1-10, because Ellen White says there will be no martyrs for the cause of truth after the plagues begin. This is exceedingly important to understand. Ellen White reapplies Matthew 22:1-10 to our time in Sermons and Talks, Vol. 1, pp. 4-9. Ezekiel chapter 5, as well, describes the church, spiritual Jerusalem, being made an example of while other nations look on. When no buy and sell death decree is enacted, that is when the other denominations will destroy the Adventists, because the Adventist leaders will have even before that time instructed it members to keep Sunday. This will enrage the Babylonian denominations because it will be yet another tool used by the apostate Adventist leaders by which to steal the sheep of other fallen denominations. Ezekiel 9 as it pertains to fallen Babylon will occur at the very end of time, The Great Controversy, pp. 653-656, for that is when Babylon receives judgment (last paragraph, p. 653). And remember that Babylon was also reckoned as “spiritual Jerusalem,” before 1844, for that is when she fell per Ellen G. White. So Ezekiel 9 applies to her as having ONCE been spiritual Jerusalem as well. The Standish brothers never discerned and/or accepted these truths and neither did they ever accept the truth about the Holy Spirit as defined by Ellen G. White. Russell was killed in a vehicle accident. It remains to be seen whether or not Colin will accept all the truth. Truth was to be continually unfolding but not one new TRUE teaching has come forth from the apostate Adventist church since Ellen White’s demise. Rather, apostate error has accrued just as she prophesied in Selected Messages, Bk. 1, pp. 204-205.

 

Men like the Standish brothers, though well versed in the apostasies of the church, have fulfilled God’s Word in Isaiah 56:10-12, by remaining “dumb-dogs” who cannot understand. They are duped by the false notion that the bad will leave the SDA denomination to leave it the church triumphant. That is not the case whatsoever. Ezekiel 22:17-31 tells exactly where the bad are gathered for destruction and if the bad left the church, there would be no need for a literal fulfillment of Ezekiel 9, beginning at His sanctuary, the professing new movement Seventh-day Adventist church, Testimonies, Vol. 5, 211, whose leaders are dumb dogs who will NEVER AGAIN show the House of Jacob, those who have been privy to advanced truths, its sins. That is why Ellen White prophesied the following outcome of what was once the SDA church militant:

 

The E.G.W. Prophesied End of the SDA Omega of Apostasy Synagogue of Satan

 

"Jesus sends HIS PEOPLE a message of warning to prepare them for his coming. To the prophet John was made known the closing work in the great plan of man's redemption. He beheld an angel flying 'in the midst of heaven, having the everlasting gospel to preach unto them that dwell on the earth [commissioned to SDA’s] and to every nation, and kindred, and tongue, and people, saying with a loud voice, Fear God, and give glory to him for the hour of his Judgment is come and worship him that made heaven, and earth, and the sea, and the fountains of waters [Rev. 14:6, 7.].

The angel represented in prophecy as delivering this message, symbolizes a class of faithful men, who, obedient to the promptings of God's Spirit and the teachings of his word, proclaim this warning to the inhabitants of earth. This message was not to be committed to the religious leaders of the people. They had failed to preserve their connection with God, and had REFUSED THE LIGHT FROM HEAVEN therefore they WERE NOT of the number described by the apostle Paul: 'But ye, brethren, are not in darkness, that that day should overtake you as a thief. Ye are all the children of light, and the children of the day we are not of the night nor of darkness' [1 Thess. 5:4, 5].

 

The watchmen upon the walls of Zion should be the first to catch the tidings of the Saviour's advent, the first to lift their voices to proclaim him near, the first to warn the people to prepare for his coming. But they were at ease, dreaming of peace and safety, while the people were asleep in their sins. Jesus saw HIS CHURCH, like the barren fig-tree, covered with pretentious leaves, yet destitute of precious fruit. There was a boastful observance of the forms of religion, while the spirit of true humility, penitence and faith--which alone could render the service acceptable to God--was lacking. Instead of the graces of the Spirit, there were manifested pride, formalism, vainglory, selfishness, oppression. A BACKSLIDING CHURCH closed their eyes to the signs of the times. God did nor forsake them, or suffer his faithfulness to fail but they departed from him, and SEPARATED THEMSELVES from his love. As they  REFUSED TO COMPLY WITH THE CONDITIONS, his promises were NOT FULFILLED to them."  E.G. White, The Spirit of Prophecy, Vol. 4, pp. 199, 200—the original edition of the 1884 Great Controversy, and NOT Vol. 4 of the Testimonies.

 

This is an astounding prophecy that has been nearly entirely overlooked and/or ignored by bigoted Seventh-day Adventists who believe they have it all and are not searching as for hidden treasure for all the truth. Adventists are all as bigoted as were the ancients Jews in Christ’s time on earth. The first sentence of the following paragraph by Colin Standish, applies to apostate professing Adventists as well and Ellen White said they are following exactly in the footsteps of the Jews. They still regard themselves as the chosen of God and that God is stuck with them regardless of all manner of apostasy they have committed. Contrary to popular belief amongst Adventists, neglect of Sabbath keeping is not the only unpardonable sin at the end-time. Ecumenical liaison with Babylon (God’s enemies) after knowing the truth is unpardonable sin met with one option—breaking in pieces, Isaiah 8:9-12 and Jeremiah 11:9-15. It is impossible to call folk out of Babylon while being allied to them in any way. We were to come out and be separate. Any liaison with them is regarded as a departure from the Midnight Cry and second angel’s message, and Ellen White says in Word to the Little Flock, p. 14, that all who so do will find it impossible to get back on the pathway to heaven—which implies unpardonable sin. The professing SDA church has already instructed parents in Russia to send their children to school on Sabbath-- https://omega77.tripod.com/russianschoolonsabbath.htm so please don’t be duped into believing that the professing denomination of Seventh-day Adventists are to be considered as God’s commandment-keeping people, for it just is not so! End of note by rwb.

 

When God’s presence was finally withdrawn from the Jewish nation, priests and people knew it not. Though under the control of Satan, and swayed by the most horrible and malignant passions, they still regarded themselves as the chosen of God. The ministration in the temple continued; sacrifices were offered upon its polluted altars, and daily the divine blessing was invoked upon a people guilty of the blood of God’s dear Son and seeking to slay His ministers and apostles. So when the irrevocable decision of the sanctuary has been pronounced and the destiny of the world has been forever fixed, the inhabitants of the earth will know it not. The forms of religion will be continued by a people from whom the Spirit of God has been finally withdrawn; and the satanic zeal with which the prince of evil will inspire them for the accomplishment of his malignant designs, will bear the semblance of zeal for God.

 

As the Sabbath has become the special point of controversy throughout Christendom, and religious and secular authorities have combined to enforce the observance of the Sunday, the persistent refusal of a small minority to yield to the popular demand will make them objects of universal execration. It will be urged that the few who stand in opposition to an institution of the church and a law of the state ought not to be tolerated; that it is better for them to suffer than for whole nations to be thrown into confusion and lawlessness. The same argument eighteen hundred years ago was brought against Christ by the “rulers of the people.” “It is expedient for us,” said the wily Caiaphas, “that one man should die for the people, and that the whole nation perish not.” John 11:50. This argument will appear conclusive; and a decree will finally be issued against those who hallow the Sabbath of the fourth commandment, denouncing them as deserving of the severest punishment and giving the people liberty, after a certain time, to put them to death. Romanism in the Old World and apostate Protestantism in the New will pursue a similar course toward those who honor all the divine precepts. (The Great Controversy, pp. 615–616)

 

For thus saith the Lord; We have heard a voice of trembling, of fear, and not of peace. Ask ye now, and see whether a man doth travail with child? wherefore do I see every man with his hands on his loins, as a woman in travail, and all faces are turned into paleness? Alas! for that day is great, so that none is like it: it is even the time of Jacob’s trouble; but he shall be saved out of it. (Jeremiah 30:5–7)

 

Especially will the wrath of man be aroused against those who hallow the Sabbath of the fourth commandment; and at last a universal decree will denounce these as deserving of death. (Prophets and Kings, p. 512)

 

Then I saw the leading men of the earth consulting together, and Satan and his angels busy around them. I saw a writing, copies of which were scattered in different parts of the land, giving orders that unless the saints should yield their peculiar faith, give up the Sabbath, and observe the first day of the week, the people were at liberty after a certain time to put them to death. (Early Writings, pp. 282–283)

 

Yet not one of the 144,000 loses his or her life. When probation closes, there are 144,000 saints, and when Jesus returns all 144,000 are still alive. When this planet-wide fateful death decree is passed, the 144,000 make God their defense and refuge.

 

This small remnant, unable to defend themselves in the deadly conflict with the powers of earth that are marshaled by the dragon host, make God their defense. The decree has been passed by the highest earthly authority that they shall worship the beast and receive his mark under pain of persecution and death. (Testimonies for the Church, vol. 5, p. 213)

 

When the universal death decree goes forth, some of God’s faithful people are in cities and towns, and now they flee to the remote regions of the earth. Sadly, some will be apprehended by the wicked and will be forced into the vilest prisons. Their whereabouts will be known to none of their family and friends, but God’s unfailing care is over them. In this day, when even Western nations pursue the policy known as rendition (where they send prisoners to far-away nations which possess laws which do not prohibit torture), this fearful penalty will be enforced upon God’s saints. Their loved ones will know nothing of their whereabouts, nor will they know if they have remained faithful to their Lord.

 

Added by Ron: “The time is soon coming when God's people, because of persecution, will be scattered in many countries. Those who have received an all-round education will have the advantage where they are.”--5MR 280 (1908). {LDE 152.1}

 

As the decree issued by the various rulers of Christendom against commandment keepers shall withdraw the protection of government and abandon them to those who desire their destruction, the people of God will flee from the cities and villages and associate together in companies, dwelling in the most desolate and solitary places. Many will find refuge in the strongholds of the mountains. Like the Christians of the Piedmont valleys, they will make the high places of the earth their sanctuaries and will thank God for “the munitions of rocks.” Isaiah 33:16. But many of all nations and of all classes, high and low, rich and poor, black and white, will be cast into the most unjust and cruel bondage. The beloved of God pass weary days, bound in chains, shut in by prison bars, sentenced to be slain, some apparently left to die of starvation in dark and loathsome dungeons. No human ear is open to hear their moans; no human hand is ready to lend them help. (The Great Controversy, p. 626)

 

The universal death decree provides a period of time to encourage and coerce Sabbath-keepers to recant their Sabbath-keeping. Thus a date is set by governments after which, if the saints do not recant, the people are at liberty to slay them. Emphatically we can assure our readers that none of these 144,000 will surrender their loyalty to Christ, and they will not abandon their faithful Sabbath-keeping though they be greatly threatened.

 

Note by Ron: Ellen White says that the above mentioned date will be anticipated and that government officials will turn their heads on killings before the date arrives. This is the time at which Ezekiel 9 slaughter will come upon apostate SDA’s who try to keep the church going by instructing its members to keep Sunday. This will enrage the Babylonians because SDA’s will thus show their colors when the going gets tough, by their willingness to obviate the Sabbath in order keep their church business machine going. It is all big business you know because Ellen White indicts the leaders with unbelief, Testimonies, Vol. 5, 211. Babylonian leaders will then hate the Adventists with a fervor unprecedented for their willingness to violate a commandment they have “used” for over a century as a pretext to steal Babylon’s sheep. If you think this is preposterous, recall that SDA leaders have already long ago advised Adventists in Russia to send their children to school on the Sabbath. It is a wonder Babylonians don’t make hay of this fact! But Ellen White prophesied this fact as well:

 

"The Lord has a controversy with his professed people in these last days. In this controversy men in responsible positions will take a course directly opposite to that pursued by Nehemiah. They will not only ignore and despise the Sabbath themselves, but they will try to keep it from others by burying it beneath the rubbish of custom and tradition. In churches and in large gatherings in the open air, ministers, will urge upon the people the necessity of keeping the first day of the week." E.G. White, Review and Herald, Vol. 1, p. 405, col. 3.

 

Ezekiel 8 prophesies this eventuality as well by the “about 25 men” who turn their backs to the temple to worship the SUN! It is amazing that the SDA General Conference has an executive committee of about 25 men! God’s Word never fails! Ezekiel 8 gives the reasons for Ezekiel 9, so if you don’t believe me, you don’t believe God as well. Ellen White said that Ezekiel 9 would again be literally fulfilled and that it would begin with those who had been privileged with great light—the House of Jacob, 5T 211, and that does not mean Babylon, for it is spiritual Jews Jerusalem where it all BEGINS. The 5T 211 chapter begins on p. 209, quoting Ezekiel 9. The Standish brothers have dealt in a lot of important truth, but they never barked to show God’s people these serious facts:

 

“The time will soon come when the prophecy of Ezekiel 9 will be fulfilled; that prophecy should be carefully studied, for it will be fulfilled to the very letter.”— Ellen G. White 1888 Materials, p. 1303.

 

The Signs of the Times, February 12, 1880:  “The desolation of Jerusalem stands as a solemn warning before the eyes of modern Israel.” 

 

“The desolation of Jerusalem in the days of Jeremiah is a solemn warning to modern Israel, that the counsels and admonitions given them through chosen instrumentalities cannot be disregarded with impunity.”  Prophets and Kings, 416.  

  

Who is modern Israel (below) in your estimation? BABYLON? Or the professing SDA church, OR ULTIMATELY BOTH?!

 

“The time will soon come when the prophecy of Ezekiel 9 will be fulfilled; that prophecy should be carefully studied, for it will be fulfilled to the very letter.”— Ellen G. White 1888 Materials, p. 1303.

 

The Signs of the Times, February 12, 1880:  “The desolation of Jerusalem stands as a solemn warning before the eyes of modern Israel.” 

“The desolation of Jerusalem in the days of Jeremiah is a solemn warning to modern Israel, that the counsels and admonitions given them through chosen instrumentalities cannot be disregarded with impunity.”  Prophets and Kings, 416.   

“I was confirmed in all I had stated in Minneapolis, that a reformation must go through the churches. Reforms must be made, for spiritual weakness and blindness were upon the people who had been blessed with great light and precious opportunities and privileges. As reformers they had come out of the denominational churches, but they now act a part similar to that which the churches acted. We hoped that there would not be the necessity for another coming out. [THIS IS THE ONLY KNOWN STATEMENT FROM THE PEN OF ELLEN WHITE INDICATING THAT SHE MIGHT HAVE LOST CONFIDENCE IN THE SEVENTH-DAY ADVENTIST CHURCH ORGANIZATION. THE DOUBT WHICH SHE EXPRESSED HERE WAS NEVER REPEATED DURING THE REMAINING TWENTY-SIX YEARS OF HER LIFE.] While we will endeavor to keep the "unity of the Spirit" in the bonds of peace, we will not with pen or voice cease to protest against bigotry.--EGW '88 356, 357 (1889). {LDE 48.1}

The red print portion in brackets is a notation in the book Last Day Events, within the statement just as it appears above. Only "dumb-dog" watchmen (Isa. 56:10-12 and 5T 211) would place the following statement immediately after the above one ON THE SAME PAGE, after saying that the above statement was the only one wherein Ellen White expressed a lack of confidence in the church. That is an absolute lie. Here is a listing of some of the many statements expressing Ellen White’s lack of confidence in the professing church militant:

https://omega77.tripod.com/leavestate.htm

 

“Of those who boast of their light and yet fail to walk in it Christ says, "But I say unto you, It shall be more tolerable for Tyre and Sidon at the day of judgment than for you. And thou, Capernaum [Seventh-day Adventists, who have had great light], which art exalted unto heaven [in point of privilege], shalt be brought down to hell: for if the mighty works which have been done in thee had been done in Sodom, it would have remained until this day." Ellen G. White, Review and Herald Articles, Aug. 1, 1893. [THE BRACKETED COMMENTS ARE BY ELLEN WHITE.] {LDE 48.2}

“Let us bear in mind the words that Christ spoke to the people who were honored above others in being privileged to have the Lord Jesus Christ to labor among them, and yet who did not appreciate this privilege, and did not diffuse the light of Heaven to others. He said: "Woe unto thee, Chorazin! woe unto thee, Bethsaida! for if the mighty works, which were done in you, had been done in Tyre and Sidon, they would have repeated long ago in sackcloth and ashes. But I say unto you, It shall be more tolerable for Tyre and Sidon at the day of judgment, than for you. And thou, Capernaum, which art exalted unto heaven, shalt be brought down to hell; for if the mighty works, which have been done in thee, had been done in Sodom, it would have remained until this day. But I say unto you, That it shall be more tolerable for the land of Sodom in the day of judgment, than for thee." {RH, December 3, 1895 par. 6}

Statements Wherein Ellen White Called the Church a Harlot of Babylon in 1882, 1893, 1898, and Again in 1903 https://omega77.tripod.com/harlotstat1.htm

A harlot is a harlot is a harlot! A harlot is part of Babylon’s brothel any which way you look at it. But the SDA church is far worse because they had the truth. 

The Prophesied Fall of The Professing Seventh-day Adventist Church:

                       

"Jesus sends HIS PEOPLE a message of warning to prepare them for his coming. To the prophet John was made known the closing work in the great plan of man's redemption. He beheld an angel flying 'in the midst of heaven, having the everlasting gospel to preach unto them that dwell on the earth, and to every nation, and kindred, and tongue, and people, saying with a loud voice, Fear God, and give glory to him for the hour of his Judgment is come and worship him that made heaven, and earth, and the sea, and the fountains of waters [Rev. 14:6, 7.].

The angel represented in prophecy as delivering this message,  symbolizes a class of faithful men, who, obedient to the promptings of God's Spirit and the teachings of his word, proclaim this warning to the inhabitants of earth. This message was not to be committed to the religious leaders of the people. They had failed to preserve their connection with God, and had REFUSED THE LIGHT FROM HEAVEN therefore they WERE NOT of the number described by the apostle Paul: 'But ye, brethren, are not in darkness, that that day should overtake you as a thief. Ye are all the children of light, and the children of the day we are not of the night nor of darkness' [1 Thess. 5:4, 5]. 

The watchmen upon the walls of Zion should be the first to catch the tidings of the Saviour's advent, the first to lift their voices to proclaim him near, the first to warn the people to prepare for his coming. But they were at ease, dreaming of peace and safety, while the people were asleep in their sins. Jesus saw HIS CHURCH, like the barren fig-tree, covered with pretentious leaves, yet destitute of precious fruit. There was a boastful observance of the forms of religion, while the spirit of true humility, penitence and faith--which alone could render the service acceptable to God--was lacking. Instead of the graces of the Spirit, there were manifested pride, formalism, vainglory, selfishness, oppression. A BACKSLIDING CHURCH closed their eyes to the signs of the times. God did nor forsake them, or suffer his faithfulness to fail but they departed from him, and SEPARATED THEMSELVES from his love. As they REFUSED TO COMPLY WITH THE CONDITIONS, his promises were NOT FULFILLED to them."  E.G. White, The Spirit of Prophecy,  vol. 4, pp. 199-200 [The 1884 edition of The Great Controversy, 199, 200]. End note by Ron.

 

The people of God are not at this time all in one place. They are in different companies, and in all parts of the earth; and they will be tried singly, not in groups. Every one must stand the test for himself. (The Seventh-day Adventist Bible Commentary, vol. 4, p. 1143)

 

So calamitous is the situation of the 144,000 that they are sorely tempted to lose faith in their Lord, but none do. Nevertheless, their anguish of soul is manifested in their pitiful cries for God to deliver them.

 

Yet to human sight it will appear that the people of God must soon seal their testimony with their blood as did the martyrs before them. They themselves begin to fear that the Lord has left them to fall by the hand of their enemies. It is a time of fearful agony. Day and night they cry unto God for deliverance. (The Great Controversy, p. 630)

 

As emphasized before, no saint, after the close of probationary time, will lose his or her life. No witness will be served by martyrdom; thus the lives of God’s people will be protected from every threat.

 

God would not suffer the wicked to destroy those who were expecting translation and who would not bow to the decree of the beast or receive his mark. I saw that if the wicked were permitted to slay the saints, Satan and all his evil host, and all who hate God, would be gratified. And oh, what a triumph it would be for his satanic majesty to have power, in the last closing struggle, over those who had so long waited to behold Him whom they loved! Those who have mocked at the idea of the saints’ going up will witness the care of God for His people and behold their glorious deliverance. (Early Writings, p. 284)

 

It is at this time of the saints’ greatest distress that Satan employs his last deception in one final effort to deceive the one group scattered around the planet who stands between him and the takeover of the human race—the 144,000.

 

Satan sees that he is about to lose his case. He cannot sweep in the whole world. He makes one last desperate effort to overcome the faithful by deception. He does this in personating Christ. He clothes himself with the garments of royalty which have been accurately described in the vision of John. . . .

 

One effort more, and then Satan’s last device is employed. He hears the unceasing cry for Christ to come, for Christ to deliver them. This last strategy is to personate Christ, and make them think their prayers are answered. (Last Day Events, pp. 164–165)

 

Satan’s final effort fails dismally. Not one of the 144,000 is deceived, for they possess the mind of Christ.

 

During the bewildering times of the plagues, the 144,000 are not completely encapsulated by God from experiencing the effects of the plagues. They will not experience the first plague, for only those who have received the mark of the beast experience it. Neither do they experience the plague of darkness. However, they do suffer intensely. God permits them to be tested to their limit.

 

The people of God will not be free from suffering; but while persecuted and distressed, while they endure privation and suffer for want of food they will not be left to perish. (The Great Controversy, p. 629)

 

In the time of trouble none will labor with their hands. Their sufferings will be mental, and God will provide food for them. (Last Day Events, p. 265)

 

They have seen the earth wasted with famine and pestilence, the sun having power to scorch men with great heat, and they themselves have endured suffering, hunger, and thirst. (The Great Controversy, p. 649)

 

God’s sealing of His children has been perfect. All the 144,000 have not only survived the physical pain and privation, their faith also has not faltered during the emotional torment which they have endured with nobility of character. Their immovable trust in their Lord has demonstrated to men and to angels that they are fitted for translation and to enter the courts of paradise.

 

Oh, that readers of this book as well as the authors will be together in companies, dwelling in the most desolate and solitary places. Many will find refuge in the strongholds of the mountains. Like the Christians of the Piedmont valleys, they will make the high places of the earth their sanctuaries and will thank God for “the munitions of rocks.” Isaiah 33:16. But many of all nations and of all classes, high and low, rich and poor, black and white, will be cast into the most unjust and cruel bondage. The beloved of God pass weary days, bound in chains, shut in by prison bars, sentenced to be slain, some apparently left to die of starvation in dark and loathsome dungeons. No human ear is open to hear their moans; no human hand is ready to lend them help. (The Great Controversy, p. 626)

 

The universal death decree provides a period of time to encourage and coerce Sabbath-keepers to recant their Sabbath-keeping. Thus a date is set by governments after which, if the saints do not recant, the people are at liberty to slay them. Emphatically we can assure our readers that none of these 144,000 will surrender their loyalty to Christ, and they will not abandon their faithful Sabbath-keeping though they be greatly threatened.

 

The people of God are not at this time all in one place. They are in different companies, and in all parts of the earth; and they will be tried singly, not in groups. Every one must stand the test for himself. (The Seventh-day Adventist Bible Commentary, vol. 4, p. 1143)

 

So calamitous is the situation of the 144,000 that they are sorely tempted to lose faith in their Lord, but none do. Nevertheless, their anguish of soul is manifested in their pitiful cries for God to deliver them.

 

Yet to human sight it will appear that the people of God must soon seal their testimony with their blood as did the martyrs before them. They themselves begin to fear that the Lord has left them to fall by the hand of their enemies. It is a time of fearful agony. Day and night they cry unto God for deliverance. (The Great Controversy, p. 630)

 

As emphasized before, no saint, after the close of probationary time, will lose his or her life. No witness will be served by martyrdom; thus the lives of God’s people will be protected from every threat.

 

Note by Ron: However, before the close of progbation there will be many faithful martyrs. SDA leaders don’t want the people to know this fact. They think it would deter their “numbers racket” in proselytizing new converts. It is important to know that there will be many faithful martyrs as well.

 

The SDA church teaches that all faithful SDA’s are the 144,000—that it is not a literal number. That foolish virgin teaching is rife with problems such as:

 

·       Ellen White says that only the 144,000 enter the Temple on Mt. Zion. Early Writings, p. 19. In this reference, a group of them is stopped and told that only the 144,000 enter the temple. If all faithful  SDA’s were of the 144,000, THEY ALL WOULD BE PERMITTED TO ENTER THE TEMPLE and not just some of them.

·       Ellen White says that the 144,000 are the last generation that is translated without seeing death. Will SDA’s only of the last generation be of the 144,000?

·       We will see below that there will be faithful martyrs at the end-time. If all SDA’s at the end-time are one of the 144,000, why are there faithful martyrs?

·       Some SDA’s might be tempted to renege on the truth because they will erroneously believe (as taught by their leaders) that all SDA’s are the 144,000 and will not be killed. This is a serious problem with teaching that all faithful SDA’s are one of the 144,000, and will thus be translated without seeing death.

·       In Great Controversy, there are three groups in heaven: [1] "Nearest the throne are those who were once zealous in the cause of Satan, but who, plucked as brands from the burning, have followed their Saviour with deep, intense devotion. [2] Next are those who perfected Christian characters in the midst of falsehood and infidelity, those who honored the law of God when the Christian world declared it void, and the millions, of all ages, who were martyred for their faith. [3] And beyond is the "great multitude, which no man could number, of all nations, and kindreds, and people, and tongues, . . . before the throne, and before the Lamb, clothed with white robes, and palms in their hands." Revelation 7:9. Their warfare is ended, their victory won. They have run the race and reached the prize. The palm branch in their hands is a symbol of their triumph, the white robe an emblem of the spotless righteousness of Christ which now is theirs." E.G. White, The Great Controversy, p. 665.

·       In Desire of Ages, 179, the disciples are referred to as the bride of Christ. Are we to conclude that the disciples will not sit nearest the throne with Christ because they were not born in the “right” (final) generation?

·       Are we to conclude from Revelation 3:10-12 that the first generation of Philadelphians will not be kept through the greatest time of trouble ever to come upon the world? And that they will not be made pillars (leaders) in the Temple—that they will not enter the Temple on Mt. Zion? There is a remedy for this apparent debacle. I relate the remedy in this document which some satanic persons misinterpret as reincarnation: https://omega77.tripod.com/regenerationvisionapril12.htm

·       "The woman is a symbol of the church, and the remnant of the church represents the Christians of the last generation of men, living just prior to the second advent. The dragon makes war on these for keeping the commandments of God, Sabbath and all, and having the testimony of Jesus Christ, which, according to the inspired definition of chap. xix, 10, 'is the spirit of prophecy.' Here, then, are the causes of the dragon's warfare upon the remnant. They teach the observance of the ten commandments, and the revival of the gifts, and acknowledge the gift of prophecy among them. When the Devil got one foot upon the fourth commandment, and the other upon the gifts planted in the Christian church by Jesus Christ, then his satanic majesty was filled with revengeful delight. But when the remnant, whom God designs to fit for translation to Heaven without seeing death, 'ask for the old paths, where is the good way, and walk therein,' then the dragon is wroth, and makes war on them.

The true spirit of the dragonic host, which is already being somewhat developed, is vividly described in Isa. xxx, 8-13, as being manifested just prior to the sudden destruction of those who hate the pure testimony, and love smooth and deceitful things." E. G. White, Spiritual Gifts, Vol. III, 26, 27.

 

Many Will Be Put to Death [Many Martyrs]

 

     The best thing for us is to come into close connection with God and, if He would have us be martyrs for the truth's sake, it may be the means of bringing many more into the truth.--3SM 420 (1886). {LDE 149.5}

 

      Many will be imprisoned, many will flee for their lives from cities and towns, and many will be martyrs for Christ's sake in standing in defense of the truth.--3SM 397 (1889). {LDE 150.1}

 

     There is a prospect before us of a continued struggle, at the risk of imprisonment, loss of property and even of life itself, to defend the law of God.--5T 712 (1889). {LDE 150.2}

 

     Men will be required to render obedience to human edicts in violation of the divine law. Those who are true to God will be menaced, denounced, proscribed. They will be "betrayed both by parents, and brethren, and kinsfolks, and friends," even unto death.--PK 588 (c. 1914). {LDE 150.3}

 

     We are not to have the courage and fortitude of martyrs of old until brought into the position they were in. . . . Should there be a return of persecution there would be grace given to arouse every energy of the soul to show a true heroism.--OHC 125 (1889). {LDE 150.4}

 

     The disciples were not endowed with the courage and fortitude of the martyrs until such grace was needed.--DA 354 (1898). {LDE 150.5}

 

                 How to Stand Firm Under Persecution

 

     We shall find that we must let loose of all hands except the hand of Jesus Christ. Friends will prove treacherous and will betray us. Relatives, deceived by the enemy, will think they do God service in opposing us and putting forth the utmost efforts to bring us into hard places, hoping we will deny our faith. But we may trust our hand in the hand of Christ amid darkness and peril.--Mar 197 (1889). {LDE 150.6}

 

     The only way in which men will be able to stand firm in the conflict is to be rooted and grounded in Christ. They must receive the truth as it is in Jesus. And it is only as the truth is presented thus that it can meet the wants of the soul. The preaching of Christ crucified, Christ our righteousness, is what satisfies the soul's hunger. When we secure the interest of the people in this great central truth, faith and hope and courage come to the heart.--GCDB Jan. 28, 1893. {LDE 151.1}

 

     Many, because of their faith, will be cut off from house and heritage here, but if they will give their hearts to Christ, receiving the message of His grace, and resting upon their Substitute and Surety, even the Son of God, they may still be filled with joy.--ST June 2, 1898. {LDE 151.2}

 

 

                      Persecution Scatters God's People

 

     As enmity is aroused in various places against those who observe the Sabbath of the Lord, it may become necessary for God's people to move from those places to places where they will not be so bitterly opposed. {LDE 151.3}

 

     God does not require His children to remain where, by the course of wicked men, their influence is made of no effect and their lives endangered. When liberty and life are imperiled it is not merely our privilege, it is our positive duty to go to places where the people are willing to hear the Word of life and where the opportunities for preaching the Word will be more favorable.--Ms 26, 1904. {LDE 151.4}

      

      The time is soon coming when God's people, because of persecution, will be scattered in many countries. Those who have received an all-round education will have the advantage where they are.--5MR 280 (1908). {LDE 152.1}

 

It is a satanic lie to teach that all faithful Adventists are one of the 144,000.

 

God would not suffer the wicked to destroy those who were expecting translation and who would not bow to the decree of the beast or receive his mark. I saw that if the wicked were permitted to slay the saints, Satan and all his evil host, and all who hate God, would be gratified. And oh, what a triumph it would be for his satanic majesty to have power, in the last closing struggle, over those who had so long waited to behold Him whom they loved! Those who have mocked at the idea of the saints’ going up will witness the care of God for His people and behold their glorious deliverance. (Early Writings, p. 284)

 

It is at this time of the saints’ greatest distress that Satan employs his last deception in one final effort to deceive the one group scattered around the planet who stands between him and the takeover of the human race—the 144,000.

 

Satan sees that he is about to lose his case. He cannot sweep in the whole world. He makes one last desperate effort to overcome the faithful by deception. He does this in personating Christ. He clothes himself with the garments of royalty which have been accurately described in the vision of John. . . .

 

One effort more, and then Satan’s last device is employed. He hears the unceasing cry for Christ to come, for Christ to deliver them. This last strategy is to personate Christ, and make them think their prayers are answered. (Last Day Events, pp. 164–165)

 

Satan’s final effort fails dismally. Not one of the 144,000 is deceived, for they possess the mind of Christ.

 

During the bewildering times of the plagues, the 144,000 are not completely encapsulated by God from experiencing the effects of the plagues. They will not experience the first plague, for only those who have received the mark of the beast experience it. Neither do they experience the plague of darkness. However, they do suffer intensely. God permits them to be tested to their limit.

 

The people of God will not be free from suffering; but while persecuted and distressed, while they endure privation and suffer for want of food they will not be left to perish. (The Great Controversy, p. 629)

 

In the time of trouble none will labor with their hands. Their sufferings will be mental, and God will provide food for them. (Last Day Events, p. 265)

 

They have seen the earth wasted with famine and pestilence, the sun having power to scorch men with great heat, and they themselves have endured suffering, hunger, and thirst. (The Great Controversy, p. 649)

 

God’s sealing of His children has been perfect. All the 144,000 have not only survived the physical pain and privation, their faith also has not faltered during the emotional torment which they have endured with nobility of character. Their immovable trust in their Lord has demonstrated to men and to angels that they are fitted for translation and to enter the courts of paradise.

 

Oh, that readers of this book as well as the authors will be together in that great gathering day! Now is the era to prepare, for probationary time is perilously short.

 

In our next e-Magazine we will continue our series with a study called “The Special Resurrections”.

 

The current series is taken from the book The 144,000, The Great Multitude, And The Return of Jesus, by Colin and Russell Standish. To order a copy of the entire book visit http://www.hartlandpublications.org

 

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Note by rwb: Colin and Russell Standish (Russell now deceased) were apparently sincere on the surface, but they are no exception to Isaiah 56:10-12, where God uses the word ALL, three times. Those who choose to believe them over God’s Word will be victims rather than victors. This is a very serious issue. It is amazing that the Standish brothers wrote a thick book on the apostasies of the SDA church denomination, yet they believe that the apostates will be shaken out rather than gathered into apostate “Jerusalem,” for the Ezekiel 9 slaughter. If the bad left the church, there would be no apostates so that Ezekiel 9 would BEGIN AT HIS SANCTUARY, the church, Testimonies, Vol. 5, p. 211 and Ezekiel 22:17-31. They choose to believe men rather than God’s Word.—rwb