National/Universal
Apostasy Followed
by
National/Universal
Ruin
National Apostasy Will Be Followed by National Ruin
When our
nation, in its legislative councils, shall enact laws to bind the consciences
of men in regard to their religious privileges, enforcing Sunday observance,
and bringing oppressive power to bear against those who keep the seventh-day
Sabbath, the law of God will, to all intents and purposes, be made void in our
land, and national apostasy will be followed
by national ruin.—The S.D.A. Bible
Commentary 7:977 (1888). {LDE 133.5}
It is at
the time of the national apostasy when, acting on the policy of Satan, the
rulers of the land will rank themselves on the side of the man of sin. It is
then the measure of guilt is full. The
national apostasy is the signal for national ruin.—Selected Messages 2:373 (1891). {LDE 134.1}
Roman
Catholic principles will be taken under the care and protection of the state. This national apostasy will speedily be followed by
national ruin.—The Review and Herald, June
15, 1897. {LDE 134.2}
When
Protestant churches shall unite with the secular power to sustain a false
religion, for opposing which their ancestors endured the fiercest persecution, then will the papal sabbath be enforced by the combined
authority of church and state. There will be a national apostasy, which will
end only in national ruin.—Evangelism, 235 (1899). {LDE 134.3}
When the
state shall use its power to enforce the decrees and sustain the institutions
of the church—then will Protestant America have formed an image to the papacy,
and there will be a national apostasy which will end only in national ruin.—The S.D.A. Bible Commentary 7:976 (1910). {LDE 134.4}
Universal Sunday Legislation
History
will be repeated. False religion will be exalted. The first day of the week, a
common working day, possessing no sanctity whatever, will be set up as was the
image of Babylon. All nations and tongues
and peoples will be commanded to worship this spurious sabbath....
The decree enforcing the worship of this day is to go forth to all the world.—The S.D.A. Bible Commentary 7:976 (1897). {LDE 134.5}
As
America, the land of religious liberty, shall unite with the papacy in forcing
the conscience and compelling men to honor the false sabbath, the people of every country on the globe will be led to
follow her example.—Testimonies for the
Church 6:18 (1900). {LDE 135.1}
The Sabbath
question is to be the issue in the great final conflict in which all the world
will act a part.—Testimonies for the Church 6:352 (1900). {LDE 135.2}
Foreign
nations will follow the example of the United States. Though she leads out, yet the same
crisis will come upon our people in all parts of the world.—Testimonies for the
Church 6:395 (1900). {LDE 135.3}
The
substitution of the false for the true is the last act in the drama. When this substitution becomes universal God will reveal
Himself. When the laws of men are exalted
above the laws of God, when the powers of
this earth try to force men to keep the first day of the week, know that the
time has come for God to work.—The S.D.A.
Bible Commentary 7:980 (1901). {LDE
135.4}
The
substitution of the laws of men for the law of God, the exaltation, by merely
human authority, of Sunday in place of the Bible Sabbath, is the last act in
the drama. When this substitution becomes
universal God will reveal Himself. He will arise in His majesty to shake
terribly the earth.—Testimonies for the
Church 7:141 (1902). {LDE 135.5}
The Whole World Will Support Sunday Legislation
The wicked
... declared that they had the truth, that miracles were among them, that
angels from heaven talked with them and walked with them, that great power and
signs and wonders were performed among them, and that this was the temporal
millennium that they had been expecting so long. The whole world was converted and in harmony with the Sunday law.—Selected Messages 3:427, 428 (1884). {LDE 136.1}
The whole
world is to be stirred with enmity against [True] Seventh-day Adventists
because they will not yield homage to the papacy by honoring Sunday, the
institution of this antichristian power.—Testimonies
to Ministers and Gospel Workers, 37 (1893).
{LDE 136.2}
Note:
Though the SDA church will instruct its members to keep Sunday sacred, it will
not relinquish its church status to join the other churches. That will infuriate
Satan. The church is thus like a world class whore who will not go all the way!
End note.
Those who
trample upon God’s law make human laws which they will force the people to
accept. Men will devise and counsel and plan what they will do. The whole world
keeps Sunday, they say, and why should not this people, who are so few in
number, do according to the laws of the
land?—Ms 163, 1897. {LDE 136.3}
The Controversy Centers in Christendom
The
so-called Christian world is to be the theater of great and decisive actions.
Men in authority will enact laws controlling the conscience, after the example
of the papacy. Babylon will make all nations drink of the wine of the
wrath of her fornication. Every nation will be involved. Of this time John the Revelator
declares: [Revelation 18:3-7; 17:13, 14, quoted]. “These have one mind.” There will be a
universal bond of union, one great harmony, a confederacy of Satan’s forces. “And shall give their power and
strength unto the beast.” Thus is manifested the same arbitrary,
oppressive power against religious liberty—freedom to worship God according to
the dictates of conscience—as was manifested by the papacy, when in the past it
persecuted those who dared to refuse to conform with the religious rites and
ceremonies of Romanism.—Selected Messages 3:392 (1891). {LDE 136.4}
In the
great conflict between faith and unbelief the
whole Christian world will be involved.—The
Review and Herald, February 7, 1893.
{LDE 137.1}
All
Christendom will be divided into two great classes—those who keep the
commandments of God and the faith of Jesus, and those who worship the beast and
his image and receive his mark.—The Great
Controversy, 450 (1911). {LDE 137.2}
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.—The Great Controversy, 615
(1911). {LDE 137.3}
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.—The Great
Controversy, 626 (1911). {LDE 138.1}
Show No Defiance
Those who
compose our churches have traits of character that will lead them, if they are
not very careful, to feel indignant, because on account of misrepresentation
their liberty in regard to working on Sunday is taken away. Do not fly into a
passion over this matter but take everything in prayer to God. He alone can
restrain the power of rulers. Walk not rashly. Let none boast unwisely of their
liberty, using it for a cloak of maliciousness, but as the servants of God,
“Honor all men. Love the brotherhood. Fear God. Honor the king” [1 Peter 2:17].
{LDE 138.2}
This
advice is to be of real value to all who are to be brought into strait places. Nothing that shows defiance or that could be interpreted
as maliciousness must be shown.—Manuscript
Releases 2:193, 194 (1898). {LDE
138.3}
Refrain From Work on Sunday
In regard
to the Southern field, [Sunday-law enforcement was especially severe in the
southern states in the United States in the 1880s and 1890s. See American State
Papers (The Review and Herald, 1943, 517-562).] the
work there must be done as wisely and carefully as possible, and it must be
done in the manner in which Christ would work. The people will soon find out
what you believe about Sunday and the Sabbath for they will ask questions. Then you can tell them, but not in such a manner as to
attract attention to your work. You need not cut short your work by yourself laboring on
Sunday.... {LDE 138.4}
Refraining
from work on Sunday is not receiving the mark of the beast.... In places where the opposition is so strong as to arouse
persecution, if work is done on Sunday, let
our brethren make that day an occasion to do genuine missionary work.—The Southern Work, 70 (1895). {LDE 139.1}
If they
should come here and say “You must close up your work and your presses on
Sunday,” I would not say to you, ... “Keep your presses going,” because the
conflict does not come between you and your God.—Ms 163, 1898. {LDE 139.2}
We should
not feel it enjoined upon us to irritate our neighbors who idolize Sunday by
making determined efforts to bring labor on that day before them purposely to
exhibit an independence. Our sisters need not select Sunday as the day to exhibit their washing.—Selected
Messages 3:399 (1889). {LDE 139.3}
Engage in Spiritual Activities on Sunday
I will try
to answer your question as to what you should do in the case of Sunday laws
being enforced. {LDE 139.4}
The light
given me by the Lord at a time when we were expecting just such a crisis as you
seem to be approaching, was that when people were moved by a power from beneath
to enforce Sunday observance, Seventh-day Adventists were to show their wisdom
by refraining from their ordinary work on that day, devoting it to missionary
effort. {LDE 139.5}
To defy
the Sunday laws will but strengthen in their persecution the religious zealots
who are seeking to enforce them. Give them no occasion to call you
lawbreakers.... One does not receive the
mark of the beast because he shows that he realizes the wisdom of keeping the
peace by refraining from work that gives offense.... {LDE 140.1}
Sunday can
be used for carrying forward various lines of work that will accomplish much
for the Lord. On this day open-air meetings
and cottage meetings can be held. House-to-house work can be done. Those who write can devote this day to writing their
articles. Whenever it is possible, let religious services be held on Sunday.
Make these meetings intensely interesting. Sing genuine revival hymns, and
speak with power and assurance of the Saviour’s love.—Testimonies for the
Church 9:232, 233 (1909). {LDE 140.2}
Note:
Ellen White said we are never to keep Sunday sacred by holding the divine
service on that day, to wit:
"The law for the observance of the first
day of the week is the production of an apostate Christendom. Sunday
is a child of the Papacy, exalted by the Christian world above the sacred day
of God's rest. In no case are God's people to pay it homage. But I wish them to understand that they are not
doing God's will by braving opposition when he wishes them to avoid it. Thus
they create prejudice so bitter that it is impossible for the truth to be
proclaimed. Make no demonstration on Sunday in defiance of law. If this is done
in one place, and you are humiliated, the same thing will be done in another
place. We can use Sunday as a day on which to carry forward work that will tell
on the side of Christ. We are to do our best, working with all meekness and
lowliness. {RH, April 20, 1911 par. 17}
"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." Review and Herald,
Vol.1, p. 405.
“Keeping
the first day of the week” is holding it sacred and holding the divine service
on that day and thus paying it homage. But
holding general missionary meetings to instruct in the Word can be held on any
day. End note.
Take the
students out to hold meetings in different places, and to do medical missionary
work. They will find the people at home and will have a splendid opportunity to
present the truth. This way of spending Sunday is always acceptable to the
Lord.—Testimonies for the Church 9:238 (1909).
{LDE 140.3}
Beauty of Truth Made Apparent by Opposition
The zeal
of those who obey the Lord will be increased as the world and the church unite
in making void the law. Every objection raised against the commandments of God
will make way for the advancement of truth and enable its advocates to present
its value before men. There is a beauty and
force in the truth that nothing can make so apparent as opposition and
persecution.—Manuscript Releases 13:71, 72
(1896). {LDE 140.4}
This time,
when there is such an effort made to enforce the observance of Sunday, is the
very opportunity to present to the world the true Sabbath in contrast to the
false. The Lord in His providence is far ahead of us. He has permitted this Sunday question to be pressed to
the front that the Sabbath of the fourth commandment may be presented before
the legislative assemblies. Thus the leading
men of the nation may have their attention called to the testimony of God’s
Word in favor of the true Sabbath.—Manuscript Releases 2:197 (1890). {LDE 141.1}
We Ought to Obey God Rather Than Men
The
adherents of truth are now called upon to choose between disregarding a plain
requirement of God’s Word or forfeiting their liberty.
If we yield the Word of God and accept human customs and traditions, we may
still be permitted to live among men, to buy and sell, and have our rights
respected. But if we maintain our loyalty to God it must be at the sacrifice of
our rights among men, for the enemies of God’s law have leagued together to
crush out independent judgment in matters of religious faith and control the
consciences of men.... {LDE 141.2}
The people
of God will recognize human government as an ordinance of divine appointment
and will by precept and example teach obedience to it as a sacred duty so long
as its authority is exercised within its legitimate sphere. But when its claims
conflict with the claims of God we must choose to obey God rather than men. The
Word of God must be recognized and obeyed as an authority above that of all
human legislation. “Thus saith the Lord” is not to be set aside for a “Thus
saith the church or the state.” The crown of Christ is to be uplifted above all
the diadems of earthly potentates.—The Home Missionary, November 1, 1893. {LDE 142.1}
Satan
offers to men the kingdoms of the world if they will yield to him the
supremacy. Many do this and sacrifice heaven. It is better to die than to sin;
better to want than to defraud; better to hunger than to lie.—Testimonies for
the Church 4:495 (1880). {LDE
142.2}
Chapter 10—The Little Time of
Trouble
A Time of Trouble Before Probation Closes
On page 33
[of Early Writings] is given the following: “...
At the commencement of the time of trouble, we were filled with the Holy Ghost
as we went forth and proclaimed the Sabbath more fully.” {LDE 143.1}
This view
was given in 1847 when there were but very few of the Advent brethren observing
the Sabbath, and of these but few supposed that its observance was of
sufficient importance to draw a line between the people of God and unbelievers.
Now the fulfillment of that view is beginning to be seen. “The
commencement of that time of trouble,” here mentioned, does not refer to the
time when the plagues shall begin to be poured out, but to a short period just
before they are poured out, while Christ is in the sanctuary. At that time, while the work of salvation is closing,
trouble will be coming on the earth, and the nations will be angry, yet held in
check so as not to prevent the work of the third angel.—Early Writings, 85, 86
(1854). {LDE 143.2}
The End of Religious Liberty in the United States
The law of
God, through the agency of Satan, is to be made void. In our land of boasted
freedom religious liberty will come to an end. The contest will be decided over
the Sabbath question, which will agitate the whole world.—Evangelism, 236
(1875). {LDE 144.1}
A great
crisis awaits the people of God. Very soon our nation will attempt to enforce
upon all the observance of the first day of the week as a sacred day. In doing
this they will not scruple to compel men against the voice of their own
conscience to observe the day the nation declares to be the Sabbath.—The Review
and Herald Extra, December 11, 1888.
{LDE 144.2}
Seventh-day
Adventists will fight the battle over the seventh-day Sabbath. The authorities
in the United States and in other countries will rise up in their pride and
power and make laws to restrict religious liberty.—Ms 78, 1897. {LDE 144.3}
The
Protestants of the United States will be foremost in stretching their hands
across the gulf to grasp the hand of spiritualism; they will reach over the
abyss to clasp hands with the Roman power; and under the influence of this
threefold union, this country will follow in the steps of Rome in trampling on
the rights of conscience.—The Great
Controversy, 588 (1911). {LDE
144.4}
Church and State Oppose God’s People
All who
will not bow to the decree of the national councils and obey the national laws to exalt the
sabbath instituted by the man of sin, to
the disregard of God’s holy day, will feel, not the oppressive power of popery
alone, but of the Protestant world, the image of the beast.—Selected Messages
2:380 (1886). {LDE 145.1}
Those
religious bodies who refuse to hear God’s messages of
warning will be under strong deception and will unite with the civil power to
persecute the saints. The Protestant churches will unite with the papal power
in persecuting the commandment-keeping people of God.... {LDE 145.2}
This
lamb-like power unites with the dragon in making war upon those who keep the
commandments of God and have the testimony of Jesus Christ.—Manuscript Releases
14:162 (1899). {LDE 145.3}
The church
appeals to the strong arm of civil power, and in this work papists and
Protestants unite.—The Great Controversy, 607 (1911). {LDE 145.4}
Before the Courts
Those who
live during the last days of this earth’s history will know what it means to be
persecuted for the truth’s sake. In the courts injustice will prevail. The judges will refuse to listen to the reasons of those
who are loyal to the commandments of God because they know the arguments in
favor of the fourth commandment are unanswerable. They will say, “We have a law, and by our law he ought to die.” God’s law is nothing to them. “Our law” with them is
supreme. Those who respect this human law will be favored, but those who will
not bow to the idol sabbath have no favors shown
them.—The Signs of the Times, May 26, 1898. {LDE 145.5}
In cases
where we are brought before the courts, we are to give up our rights, unless it
brings us in collision with God. It is not our rights we are pleading for, but
God’s right to our service.—Manuscript Releases 5:69 (1895). {LDE 146.1}
Adventists Will Be Treated With Contempt
The same
masterful mind that plotted against the faithful in ages past is still seeking
to rid the earth of those who fear God and obey His law.... {LDE 146.2}
Wealth,
genius, education, will combine to cover them with contempt. Persecuting
rulers, ministers, and church members will conspire against them. With voice
and pen, by boasts, threats, and ridicule, they will seek to overthrow their
faith.—Testimonies for the Church 5:450 (1885).
{LDE 146.3}
There will
come a time when, because of our advocacy of Bible truth, we shall be treated as traitors.—Testimonies for the Church 6:394 (1900). {LDE 146.4}
Those who
honor the Bible Sabbath will be denounced as enemies of law and order, as
breaking down the moral restraints of society, causing anarchy and corruption,
and calling down the judgments of God upon the earth. Their conscientious
scruples will be pronounced obstinacy, stubbornness, and contempt of authority.
They will be accused of disaffection toward the government.—The Great Controversy, 592 (1911). {LDE 146.5}
All who in
that evil day would fearlessly serve God according to the dictates of conscience,
will need courage, firmness, and a knowledge of God and His Word, for those who
are true to God will be persecuted, their motives will be impugned, their best
efforts misinterpreted, and their names cast out as evil.—The Acts of the
Apostles, 431, 432 (1911). {LDE
147.1}
All Kinds of Persecution
The
persecutions of Protestants by Romanism, by which the religion of Jesus Christ
was almost annihilated, will be more than rivaled when Protestantism and popery
are combined.—Selected Messages 3:387 (1889).
{LDE 147.2}
Satan has
a thousand masked batteries which will be opened upon the loyal,
commandment-keeping people of God to compel them to violate conscience.—Letter
30a, 1892. {LDE 147.3}
We need
not be surprised at anything that may take place now. We need not marvel at any
developments of horror. Those who trample under their unholy feet the law of
God have the same spirit as had the men who insulted and betrayed Jesus.
Without any compunctions of conscience they will do the deeds of their father the
devil.—Selected Messages 3:416 (1897).
{LDE 147.4}
Let those
who desire to be refreshed in mind and instructed in the truth study the
history of the early church during and immediately following the Day of
Pentecost. Study carefully in the book of Acts the experiences of Paul and the
other apostles, for God’s people in our day
must pass through similar experiences.—The
Paulson Collection of Ellen G. White Letters, 118 (1907). {LDE 148.1}
Every Earthly Support Will Be Cut Off
Hoarded
wealth will soon be worthless. When the decree shall go forth that none shall
buy or sell except they have the mark of the beast, very much means will be of
no avail. God calls for us now to do all in our power to send forth the warning
to the world.—The Review and Herald, March 21, 1878. {LDE 148.2}
The time
is coming when we cannot sell at any price. The decree will soon go forth
prohibiting men to buy or sell of any man save him that hath the mark of the
beast. We came near having this realized in California a short time since, but
this was only the threatening of the blowing of the four winds. As yet they are
held by the four angels. We are not just ready. There is a work yet to be done,
and then the angels will be bidden to let go, that the four winds may blow upon
the earth.—Testimonies for the Church 5:152 (1882). {LDE 148.3}
In the
last great conflict in the controversy with Satan those who are loyal to God
will see every earthly support cut off. Because they refuse to break His law in
obedience to earthly powers they will be forbidden to buy or sell.—The Desire
of Ages, 121, 122 (1898). {LDE 148.4}
Satan says
... “For fear of wanting food and clothing they will join with the world in
transgressing God’s law. The earth will be
wholly under my dominion.”—Prophets and Kings, 183, 184 (c. 1914). {LDE 149.1}
Some Are Imprisoned for Their Faith
Some will
be imprisoned because they refuse to desecrate the Sabbath of the Lord.—The Paulson Collection of Ellen G. White Letters, 118
(1907). {LDE 149.2}
As the
defenders of truth refuse to honor the Sunday-sabbath some of them will be
thrust into prison, some will be exiled, some will be
treated as slaves. To human wisdom all this now seems impossible, but as the
restraining Spirit of God shall be withdrawn from men and they shall be under
the control of Satan, who hates the divine precepts, there will be strange
developments. The heart can be very cruel when God’s fear and love are
removed.—The Great Controversy, 608 (1911).
{LDE 149.3}
If we are
called to suffer for Christ’s sake, we shall be able to go to prison trusting
in Him as a little child trusts in its parents.
Now is the time to cultivate faith in God.—Our High Calling, 357 (1892). {LDE 149.4}
Many Will Be Put to Death
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.—Selected Messages 3:420 (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.—Selected Messages 3:397 (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.—Testimonies for the Church
5:712 (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.—Prophets
and Kings, 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.—Our High Calling, 125 (1889). {LDE 150.4}
The disciples were not endowed with the courage and
fortitude of the martyrs until such grace was needed.—The Desire of Ages, 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.—Maranatha,
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.—General Conference Daily Bulletin, January 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.—The Signs of the Times, 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.—Manuscript Releases 5:280 (1908). {LDE 152.1}
Persecution Leads to Unity Among
God’s People
When the
storm of persecution really breaks upon us, the true sheep will hear the true
Shepherd’s voice. Self-denying efforts will be put forth to save the lost, and
many who have strayed from the fold will come back to follow the great
Shepherd. The people of God will draw together and present to the enemy a
united front. In view of the common peril strife for supremacy will cease,
there will be no disputing as to who shall be accounted greatest.—Testimonies
for the Church 6:401 (1900). {LDE 152.2}
A Crisis Makes God’s Interference More Marked
From time
to time the Lord has made known His manner of working. He is mindful of what is
passing upon the earth. And when a crisis has come, He has revealed Himself and
has interposed to hinder the working of Satan’s plans. He has often permitted matters with nations, with
families, and with individuals to come to a crisis that His interference might
become marked. Then He has let the fact be
known that there was a God in Israel who would sustain and vindicate His
people. {LDE 152.3}
When the
defiance of the law of Jehovah shall be almost
universal, when His people shall be pressed in affliction by their fellow
men, God will interpose. The fervent prayers
of His people will be answered, for He loves to have His people seek Him with
all their heart and depend upon Him as their Deliverer.—The Review and Herald,
June 15, 1897. {LDE 153.1}
For a time
the oppressors will be permitted to triumph over those who know God’s holy
commandments.... To the last, God permits Satan to reveal his character as a
liar, an accuser, and a murderer. Thus the final triumph of His people is made
more marked, more glorious, more full and complete.—Selected Messages 3:414
(1904). {LDE 153.2}
Affliction Purifies God’s People
Soon there
is to be trouble all over the world. It becomes everyone to seek to know God. We have no time
to delay.... {LDE 153.3}
God’s love
for His church is infinite. His care over His heritage is unceasing. He suffers
no affliction to come upon the church but such as is essential for her
purification, her present and eternal good. He will purify His church even as
He purified the temple at the beginning and close of His ministry on earth. All
that He brings upon the church in test and trial comes that His people may gain
deeper piety and more strength to carry the triumphs of the cross to all parts
of the world.—Testimonies for the Church 9:228 (1909). {LDE 153.4}
Note: The
above statement is instructive to those who will see. How did Christ purify His
church in the prefigure type of the Jews? He gathered out the faithful from the
apostate Temple. That is how He purified His church. This is how He will purify
it at the end-time. The following statement is proof of this:
"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].
Note:
The above statement depicts why Ellen White says that Ezekiel 9 slaughter will
literally begin at His Sanctuary, the House of Jacob, those who have been
privileged with great light. 5T 211. End note.
Afflictions,
crosses, temptations, adversity, and our varied trials are God’s workmen to
refine us, sanctify us, and fit us for the heavenly garner.—Testimonies for the Church 3:115 (1872). {LDE 154.1}
Chapter 11—Satan’s Last Day Deceptions
Under the Garb of Christianity
We are
approaching the end of this earth’s history, and Satan is working as never
before. He is striving to act as director of the Christian world. With an
intensity that is marvelous he is working with his lying wonders. Satan is
represented as walking about as a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour. He
desires to embrace the whole world in his confederacy. Hiding his deformity
under the garb of Christianity, he assumes the attributes of a Christian, and
claims to be Christ Himself.—Manuscript Releases 8:346 (1901). {LDE 155.1}
The Word
of God declares that when it suits the enemy’s purpose, he will through his
agencies manifest so great a power under a pretense of Christianity that, “if
it were possible, they shall deceive the very elect” [Matthew 24:24].—Ms 125,
1901. {LDE 155.2}
As the
spirits will profess faith in the Bible and manifest respect for the
institutions of the church, their work will be accepted as a manifestation of
divine power.—The Great Controversy, 588 (1911). {LDE 155.3}
The
strongest bulwark of vice in our world is not the iniquitous life of the
abandoned sinner or the degraded outcast; it is that life which otherwise
appears virtuous, honorable, and noble, but in which one sin is fostered, one
vice indulged.... Genius, talent, sympathy, even generous and kindly deeds, may
thus become decoys of Satan to entice souls over the precipice of
ruin.—Education, 150 (1903). {LDE 156.1}
Even in the Adventist Church
We have
far more to fear from within than from without.
The hindrances to strength and success are
far greater from the church itself than from the world. Unbelievers have a
right to expect that those who profess to be keeping the commandments of God
and the faith of Jesus, will do more than any other
class to promote and honor, by their consistent lives, by their godly example
and their active influence, the cause which they represent. But how often have
the professed advocates of the truth proved the greatest obstacle to its
advancement! The unbelief indulged, the doubts expressed, the darkness
cherished, encourage the presence of evil angels, and open the way for the
accomplishment of Satan’s devices.—Selected
Messages 1:122 (1887). {LDE 156.2}
Lying Spirits Contradict the Scriptures
The saints
must get a thorough understanding of present truth, which they will be obliged
to maintain from the Scriptures. They must understand the state of the dead,
for the spirits of devils will yet appear to them, professing to be beloved
friends and relatives, who will declare to them that the Sabbath has been
changed, also other unscriptural doctrines.—Early Writings, 87 (1854). {LDE
156.3}
The
apostles, as personated by these lying spirits, are made to contradict what
they wrote at the dictation of the Holy Spirit when on earth. They deny the
divine origin of the Bible.—The Great Controversy, 557 (1911). {LDE 157.1}
Through
the two great errors, the immortality of the soul and Sunday sacredness, Satan
will bring the people under his deceptions. While the former lays the
foundation of spiritualism, the latter creates a bond of sympathy with
Rome.—The Great Controversy, 588 (1911).
{LDE 157.2}
Persons
will arise pretending to be Christ Himself, and claiming the title and worship
which belong to the world’s Redeemer. They will perform wonderful miracles of
healing, and will profess to have revelations from heaven contradicting the
testimony of the Scriptures.... {LDE
157.3}
But the
people of God will not be misled. The teachings of this false christ are not in accordance with
the Scriptures. His blessing is pronounced upon the worshipers of the beast and
his image, the very class upon whom the Bible declares that God’s unmingled
wrath shall be poured out.—The Great Controversy, 624, 625 (1911). {LDE 157.4}
False Revivals
I saw that
God has honest children among the nominal Adventists and the fallen churches,
and before the plagues shall be poured out, ministers and people will be called
out from these churches and will gladly receive the truth. Satan knows this;
and before the loud cry of the third angel is given, he raises an excitement in
these religious bodies, that those who have rejected the truth may think that
God is with them.—Early Writings, 261 (1858).
{LDE 158.1}
Before the
final visitation of God’s judgments upon the earth there will be among the people of
the Lord such a revival of primitive
godliness as has not been witnessed since apostolic times.... The enemy of
souls desires to hinder this work, and before the time for such a movement
shall come, he will endeavor to prevent it by introducing a counterfeit. In those churches which he can bring under his deceptive
power, he will make it appear that God’s special blessing is poured out; there
will be manifest what is thought to be great religious interest.... {LDE 158.2}
Note:
Better know the true definition of the people of the Lord. End note.
There is
an emotional excitement, a mingling of the true with the false,
that is well adapted to mislead. Yet none need be deceived. In the light
of God’s Word it is not difficult to determine the nature of these movements.
Wherever men neglect the testimony of the Bible, turning away from those plain,
soul-testing truths which require self-denial and renunciation of the world,
there we may be sure that God’s blessing is not bestowed.—The Great
Controversy, 464 (1911). {LDE 158.3}
Music Is Made a Snare
The things
you have described as taking place in Indiana, the Lord has shown me would take
place just
before the close of probation. Every uncouth thing will be demonstrated. There will be shouting, with drums, music, and dancing.
The senses of rational beings will become so confused that they cannot be
trusted to make right decisions....
{LDE 159.1}
A bedlam
of noise shocks the senses and perverts that which if conducted aright might be
a blessing. The powers of satanic agencies blend with the din and noise to have
a carnival, and this is termed the Holy Spirit’s working.... Those things
which have been in the past will be in the future. Satan will make music a snare by the way in which it is
conducted.—Selected Messages 2:36, 38 (1900). {LDE 159.2}
Let us
give no place to strange exercisings, which really
take the mind away from the deep movings of the Holy
Spirit. God’s work is ever characterized by calmness and dignity.—Selected
Messages 2:42 (1908). {LDE 159.3}
False Speaking in Tongues
Fanaticism, false excitement, false talking in tongues,
and noisy exercises have been
considered gifts which God has placed in the church. Some have been deceived
here. The fruits of all this have not been good. “Ye shall know them by their
fruits.” Fanaticism and noise have been considered special evidences of faith.
Some are not satisfied with a meeting unless they have a powerful and happy
time. They work for this and get up an excitement of feeling. But the influence
of such meetings is not beneficial. When the happy flight of feeling is gone
they sink lower than before the meeting because their happiness did not come
from the right source. {LDE 159.4}
The most
profitable meetings for spiritual advancement are those which are characterized
with solemnity and deep searching of heart, each seeking to know himself and,
earnestly and in deep humility, seeking to learn of Christ.—Testimonies For The
Church 1:412 (1864). {LDE 160.1}
Evil Angels Appear as Human Beings
Satan will
use every opportunity to seduce men from their allegiance to God. He and the angels who fell with him will appear on the
earth as men, seeking to deceive. God’s angels also will appear as men, and will use every
means in their power to defeat the purposes of the enemy.—Manuscript Releases
8:399 (1903). {LDE 160.2}
Evil
angels in the form of men will talk with those who know the truth. They will misinterpret and misconstrue the statements of
the messengers of God.... Have Seventh-day
Adventists forgotten the warning given in the sixth chapter of Ephesians? We
are engaged in a warfare against the hosts of
darkness. Unless we follow our Leader closely, Satan will obtain the victory
over us.—Selected Messages 3:411 (1903).
{LDE 160.3}
Evil
angels in the form of believers will work in our ranks to bring in a strong
spirit of unbelief. Let not even this discourage you,
but bring a true heart to the help of the Lord against the powers of satanic
agencies. These powers of evil will assemble in our meetings, not to receive a
blessing, but to counterwork the influences of the Spirit of God.—Mind,
Character, and Personality 2:504, 505 (1909).
{LDE 161.1}
Personation of the Dead
It is not
difficult for the evil angels to represent both saints and sinners who have
died, and make these representations visible to human eyes. These
manifestations will be more frequent, and developments of a more startling
character will appear as we near the close of time.—Evangelism, 604 (1875).
{LDE 161.2}
It is Satan’s
most successful and fascinating delusion—one calculated to take hold of the
sympathies of those who have laid their loved ones in the grave. Evil angels come in the form of those loved ones and
relate incidents connected with their lives, and perform acts which they
performed while living. In this way they
lead persons to believe that their dead friends are angels, hovering over them
and communicating with them. These evil
angels, who assume to be the deceased friends, are regarded with a certain
idolatry, and with many their word has greater weight than the Word of God.—The Signs of the Times, August 26, 1889. {LDE 161.3}
He [Satan]
has power to bring before men the appearance of their departed friends. The counterfeit is
perfect; the familiar look, the words, the tone, are
reproduced with marvelous distinctness....
Many will be confronted by the spirits of devils personating beloved relatives
or friends and declaring the most dangerous heresies. These visitants will appeal to our tenderest
sympathies and will work miracles to sustain their pretensions.—The Great Controversy, 552, 560 (1911). {LDE 161.4}
Satan Personates Christ
The enemy
is preparing to deceive the whole world by his miracle-working power. He will assume to personate the angels of light, to
personate Jesus Christ.—Selected Messages
2:96 (1894). {LDE 162.1}
If men are
so easily misled now, how will they stand when Satan shall personate Christ,
and work miracles? Who will be unmoved by his misrepresentations
then—professing to be Christ when it is only Satan assuming the person of
Christ, and apparently working the works of Christ?—Selected Messages 2:394
(1897). {LDE 162.2}
Satan will
take the field and personate Christ. He will misrepresent, misapply, and
pervert everything he possibly can.—Testimonies to Ministers and Gospel
Workers, 411 (1898). {LDE 162.3}
A power
from beneath is working to bring about the last great scenes in the drama—Satan coming as Christ, and working with all
deceivableness of unrighteousness in those who are binding themselves together
in secret societies.—Testimonies for the
Church 8:28 (1904). {LDE 162.4}
Satan Resembles Christ in Every Particular
There is a
limit beyond which Satan cannot go, and here he calls deception to his aid and
counterfeits the work which he has not power actually to perform. In the last
days he will appear in such a manner as to make men believe him to be Christ
come the second time into the world. He will indeed transform himself into an
angel of light. But while he will bear the appearance of Christ in every
particular, so far as mere appearance goes, it will deceive none but those who,
like Pharaoh, are seeking to resist the truth.—Testimonies for the Church 5:698
(1889). {LDE 163.1}
As the
crowning act in the great drama of deception, Satan himself will personate
Christ. The church has long professed to look to the Saviour’s advent as the
consummation of her hopes. Now the great
deceiver will make it appear that Christ has come. In different parts of
the earth, Satan will manifest himself among men as a majestic being of
dazzling brightness, resembling the description of the Son of God given by John
in the Revelation. (Revelation 1:13-15). The
glory that surrounds him is unsurpassed by anything that mortal eyes have yet
beheld. The shout of triumph rings out upon the air: “Christ has come! Christ
has come!” {LDE 163.2}
The people
prostrate themselves in adoration before him, while he lifts up his hands and
pronounces a blessing upon them, as Christ blessed His disciples when He was
upon the earth. His voice is soft and subdued, yet full of melody. In gentle,
compassionate tones he presents some of the same gracious, heavenly truths
which the Saviour uttered; he heals the diseases of the people, and then, in
his assumed character of Christ, he claims to have changed the Sabbath to
Sunday, and commands all to hallow the day which he has blessed.—The Great
Controversy, 624 (1911). {LDE 163.3}
Satan Pretends to Answer the Saints’ Prayers
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. He has power to do this.
He will appear to his deluded followers, the Christian world who received not
the love of the truth but had pleasure in unrighteousness (transgression of the
law), as Christ coming the second time.
{LDE 164.1}
He
proclaims himself Christ, and he is believed to be Christ, a beautiful,
majestic being clothed with majesty and, with soft voice and pleasant words,
with glory unsurpassed by anything their mortal eyes had yet beheld. Then his
deceived, deluded followers set up a shout of victory, “Christ has come the
second time! Christ has come! He has lifted up His hands just as He did when He
was upon the earth, and blessed us.”...
{LDE 164.2}
The saints
look on with amazement. Will they also be deceived? Will they worship Satan?
Angels of God are about them. A clear, firm, musical voice is heard, “Look up.” {LDE 164.3}
There was
one object before the praying ones—the final and eternal salvation of their
souls. This object was before them constantly—that immortal life was promised
to those who endure unto the end. Oh, how earnest and fervent had been their
desires. The judgment and eternity were in view. Their eyes by faith were fixed
on the blazing throne, before which the white-robed ones were to stand. This
restrained them from the indulgence of sin.... {LDE 164.4}
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.—Ms 16, 1884. {LDE 165.1}
How the Counterfeit Differs From the Genuine
Satan is
not permitted to counterfeit the manner of Christ’s advent.—The Great Controversy, 625 (1911). {LDE 165.2}
Satan ...
will come personating Jesus Christ, working mighty miracles; and men will fall
down and worship him as Jesus Christ. We shall be commanded to worship this
being, whom the world will glorify as Christ. What shall we do? Tell them that Christ has warned us against just such a
foe, who is man’s worst enemy, yet who claims to be God, and that when
Christ shall make His appearance it will be with power and great glory,
accompanied by ten thousand times ten thousand angels and thousands of
thousands, and that when He shall come we shall know His voice.—The S.D.A. Bible Commentary 6:1106 (1888). {LDE 165.3}
Satan is
striving to gain every advantage.... Disguised as an angel of light, he will
walk the earth as a wonder-worker. In beautiful language he will present lofty
sentiments; good words will be spoken by him and good deeds performed. Christ
will be personified. But on one point there will be a marked distinction—Satan
will turn the people from the law of God. Notwithstanding this, so well will he
counterfeit righteousness that, if it were possible, he would deceive the very elect. Crowned heads, presidents, rulers in high places,
will bow to his false theories.—Fundamentals of Christian Education, 471, 472
(1897). {LDE 166.1}
Miracles Will Be Performed
The sick
will be healed before us. Miracles will be performed in our sight. Are we prepared for the trial which awaits us when the
lying wonders of Satan shall be more fully exhibited?—Testimonies For The Church 1:302 (1862).
{LDE 166.2}
Men under
the influence of evil spirits will work miracles. They will make people sick by
casting their spell upon them, and will then remove the spell, leading others
to say that those who were sick have been miraculously healed. This Satan has
done again and again.—Selected Messages 2:53
(1903). {LDE 166.3}
Wonderful
scenes, with which Satan will be closely connected, will soon take place. God’s
Word declares that Satan will work miracles. He will make people sick, and then
will suddenly remove from them his satanic power. They will then be regarded as
healed. These works of apparent healing will bring Seventh-day Adventists to
the test.—Selected Messages 2:53 (1904). {LDE 166.4}
Satan can,
through a species of deceptions, perform wonders that will appear to be genuine
miracles. It was this he hoped to make a test question with the Israelites at
the time of their deliverance from Egypt.—Selected Messages 2:52 (1907). {LDE 167.1}
Fire From Heaven
We must
not trust the claims of men. They may, as Christ represents, profess to work
miracles in healing the sick. Is this marvelous, when just behind them stands the great deceiver, the miracle worker
who will yet bring down fire from heaven in the sight of men?—Selected Messages 2:49 (1887). {LDE 167.2}
It is the
lying wonders of the devil that will take the world captive, and he will cause fire to come down from heaven in the sight
of men. He is to work miracles, and this
wonderful, miracle-working power is to sweep in the whole world.—Selected
Messages 2:51 (1890). {LDE 167.3}
Satan will
come in to deceive if possible the very elect. He claims to be Christ, and he
is coming in, pretending to be the great medical missionary. He will cause fire
to come down from heaven in the sight of men to prove that he is God.—Medical
Ministry, 87, 88 (1903). {LDE 167.4}
It is
stated in the Word that the enemy will work through his agents who have
departed from the faith, and they will seemingly work miracles, even to the
bringing down of fire out of heaven in the sight of men.—Selected Messages 2:54
(1907). {LDE 167.5}
“He doeth
great wonders, so that he maketh fire come down from heaven on the earth in the
sight of men, and deceiveth them that dwell on the
earth by the means of those miracles which he had power to do” (Revelation
13:13, 14). No mere impostures are here foretold. Men are deceived by the
miracles which Satan’s agents have power to do, not which they pretend to
do.—The Great Controversy, 553 (1911).
{LDE 168.1}
Satan Will Be Deified
In this
age antichrist will appear as the true Christ, and then the law of God will be
fully made void in the nations of our world. Rebellion against God’s holy law
will be fully ripe. But the true leader of all this rebellion is Satan clothed
as an angel of light. Men will be deceived and will exalt him to the place of God,
and deify him. But Omnipotence will interpose, and to the apostate churches
that unite in the exaltation of Satan, the sentence will go forth, “Therefore
shall her plagues come in one day, death, and mourning, and famine; and she
shall be utterly burned with fire: for strong is the Lord God who judgeth her” [Revelation 18:8].—Testimonies to Ministers
and Gospel Workers, 62 (1893). {LDE
168.2}
As the
second appearing of our Lord Jesus Christ draws near, satanic agencies are
moved from beneath. Satan will not only appear as a human being, but he will
personate Jesus Christ, and the world that has rejected the truth will receive
him as the Lord of lords and King of kings.—The S.D.A. Bible Commentary 5:1105,
1106 (1900). {LDE 168.3}
Miracles Prove Nothing
Go to God
for yourselves, pray for divine enlightenment, that you may know that you do
know what is truth, that when the wonderful miracle-working power shall be
displayed, and the enemy shall come as an angel of light, you may distinguish
between the genuine work of God and the imitative work of the powers of
darkness.—Selected Messages 3:389 (1888).
{LDE 169.1}
The way in
which Christ worked was to preach the Word, and to relieve suffering by
miraculous works of healing. But I am instructed that we cannot now work in
this way, [Miracles will accompany the ministry of God’s people under the loud
cry (see Chapter 14), but they will not have the significance they did in
Christ’s day. The performing of miracles
will no longer be a proof of divine endorsement.] for
Satan will exercise his power by working miracles. God’s servants today could
not work by means of miracles, because spurious works of healing, claiming to
be divine, will be wrought.—Selected
Messages 2:54 (1904). {LDE 169.2}
God’s
people will not find their safety in working miracles, for Satan will
counterfeit the miracles that will be wrought.—Testimonies
for the Church 9:16 (1909). {LDE 169.3}
Miracles Cannot Supersede the Bible
If those
through whom cures are performed are disposed, on account of these
manifestations, to excuse their neglect of the law of God and continue in
disobedience, though they have power to any and every extent, it does not
follow that they have the great power of God. On the contrary, it is the miracle-working
power of the great deceiver.—Selected Messages 2:50, 51 (1885). {LDE 169.4}
The Bible
will never be superseded by miraculous manifestations. The truth must be studied, it
must be searched for as hidden treasure.
Wonderful illuminations will not be given aside from the Word or to take the
place of it. Cling to the Word, receive the engrafted Word which will make men
wise unto salvation.—Selected Messages 2:48 (1894). {LDE 170.1}
The last
great delusion is soon to open before us. Antichrist is to perform his
marvelous works in our sight. So closely
will the counterfeit resemble the true that it will be impossible to
distinguish between them except by the Holy Scriptures. By their testimony every statement and every miracle
must be tested.—The Great Controversy, 593 (1911). {LDE 170.2}
The Deception Is Almost Universal
There is
now need of earnest, working men and women who will seek for the salvation of
souls, for Satan as a powerful general has taken the field, and in this last
remnant of time he is working through all conceivable methods to close the door
against light that God would have come to His people. He is sweeping the whole
world into his ranks, and the few who are faithful to God’s requirements are
the only ones who can ever withstand him, and even these he is trying to
overcome.—Selected Messages 3:389 (1889). {LDE 170.3}
The forms
of the dead will appear, through the cunning device of Satan, and many will
link up with the one who loveth and maketh a lie. I warn our people that right among us some will turn
away from the faith and give heed to seducing spirits and doctrines of devils,
and by them the truth will be evil spoken of.
{LDE 171.1}
A
marvelous work shall take place. Ministers, lawyers, doctors, who have
permitted these falsehoods to overmaster their spirit of discernment, will be
themselves deceivers, united with the deceived. A spiritual drunkenness will
take possession of them.—The Upward Look, 317 (1905). {LDE 171.2}