The Seven Last Plagues
And
The
Righteous
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Chap. 18. - The Seven Last Plagues and
the Righteous (The Great Time of Trouble,
Part 2) The Great Time of Trouble
Begins After Probation's Close When Christ shall cease His work as
mediator in man's behalf, then this
time of trouble will begin. Then the case of every soul will have been
decided, and there will be no atoning blood to cleanse from sin. When Jesus
leaves His position as man's intercessor before God the solemn announcement
is made, "He that is unjust, let him be unjust still: and he which is
filthy, let him be filthy still: and he that is righteous, let him be
righteous still: and he that is holy, let him be holy still" (Rev. 22:11).
Then the restraining Spirit of God is withdrawn from the earth.--PP 201
(1890). {LDE 253.1}
God's People Are Prepared
for the Trying Hour Before Them When the third angel's message closes,
mercy no longer pleads for the guilty inhabitants of the earth.
254 The people of God have
accomplished their work. They have received "the latter rain,"
"the refreshing from the presence of the Lord," and they are prepared for the trying hour
before them. {LDE 253.2} Angels are hastening to and fro in
heaven. An angel returning from the earth announces that his work is done; the final test has been brought upon the
world, and all who have proved themselves loyal to the divine precepts
have received "the seal of the living God." Then Jesus ceases His intercession in the sanctuary above. . . . Christ
has made the atonement for His people, and blotted out their sins. The number
of His subjects is made up; "the kingdom and dominion, and the greatness
of the kingdom under the whole heaven," is about to be given to the
heirs of salvation, and Jesus is to reign as King of kings, and Lord of
lords.--GC 613, 614 (1911). {LDE 254.1} Terrible Beyond Comprehension 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. . . . {LDE 254.2} 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.--GC
621, 622 (1911). {LDE 254.3} 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.--1T 204
(1859). {LDE 255.1} Note by Ron: It is at this time—after
the rule of the beast of Revelation 13, for 42 months, and after the whore is
burned, that Satan, represented by the dragon beast the woman sits upon (Rev.17), impersonates the second coming, ascends the
throne in the third Temple, and makes such laws by his direction, that unless
time should be very short, no flesh could be saved. Satan cannot impersonate
the coming of Christ until the 42 month stint of the Pope (Rev. 13) is ended.
But he certainly personaltes Christ in the person
of the antichrist who sits for 42 months. For all good purposes, the
antichrist is Satan, sitting as God, for the final 42 months. But after the hated
whore is burned, Satan makes on last desparate
attempt by impersonating Christ’s coming, in order to convince the saints that
he is Christ, in order to deceive them. End Ron’s comment.
Many Laid to Rest Before Time of Trouble It is not always safe to ask for
unconditional healing. . . . He knows whether or not those for whom petitions
are offered would be able to endure the trial and test that would come upon
them if they lived. He knows the end from the beginning. Many will be laid
away to sleep before the fiery ordeal of the time of trouble shall come upon
our world.--CH 375 (1897). {LDE 255.2} The Lord has often instructed me that
many little ones are to be laid away before the time of trouble. We shall see
our children again. We shall meet them and know them in the heavenly
courts.--2SM 259 (1899). {LDE
255.3}
Satan's Goal: Destroy All Sabbathkeepers Says
the great deceiver: . . . "Our principal concern is to silence this sect
of Sabbathkeepers. . . . We will finally have a law
to exterminate all who will not submit to our authority."--TM 472,
473 (1884). {LDE 255.4} It
is the purpose of Satan to cause them to be blotted from the earth in order
that his supremacy of the world may not be disputed.--TM 37 (1893). {LDE 255.5} The remnant church will be brought into
great trial and distress. Those who keep the commandments of God and the
faith of Jesus will feel the ire of the dragon and his hosts. Satan numbers
the world as his subjects. He has gained control of the apostate churches;
but here is a little company that are resisting his supremacy. If he could
blot them from the earth, his triumph would be complete. As he influenced the
heathen nations to destroy Israel, so in the near future he will stir up the
wicked powers of earth to destroy the people of God.--9T
231 (1909). {LDE 256.1}
Arguments Used Against God's People 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.--EW 36 (1851).
{LDE 256.2} When
the angel of mercy folds her wings and departs Satan will do the evil deeds
he has long wished to do. Storm and
tempest, war and bloodshed--in these things he delights, and thus he gathers
in his harvest. And so completely will men be
deceived by him that they will declare that these calamities are the result
of the desecration of the first day of the week. From the pulpits of the popular churches will be heard the
statement that the world is being punished because Sunday is not honored as
it should be.--RH Sept. 17, 1901. {LDE 256.3} Ron’s comments: We see clearly
from the above statement that it is after mercy and the time of probation is
ended, that Satan will do the evil deeds he has long wished to do. He cannot
occupy the third Temple in Jerusalem, until the 42 month tenure of the
Scarlet Beast (the Pope) has ended, Rev. 13. But the antichrist is Satan’s
vicar and functions in his stead until his final despotic attempt to deceive
the saints by impersonating the second coming. “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.
(Rev. 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} It is interesting to ponder just
how Satan will manifest himself in the earth during the time of trouble. The
antichrist (Pope) will be on his throne; Lord Maitreya
(The Mason’s god) will be pretending to be Christ in different parts of the
earth, and the Islamic Mahdi will be part of the culmination
of Satan’s arts. It will be interesting to see how these contestants to the 3rd
Temple throne in the Middle East compete with one another. Satan is the
dragon. He hates the scarlet whore who rides upon the 10 horned beast, Rev.
17. So the scarlet whore (Rome) must complete her stint of 42 weeks (Rev.
13:1-5 after the wound is healed) in order for Satan, as the dragon, to more
dramatically ascend the Temple throne himself for a very short period of
time. End Ron’s comments. 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." . . . This argument will appear conclusive.--GC 615 (1911).
{LDE 257.1} Death for All Who Do Not Honor Sunday A decree went forth to slay the saints,
which caused them to cry day and night for deliverance.--EW
36, 37 (1851). {LDE 257.2} Ron’s comments: This decree is
the second and final death decree of The
Great Controversy, p. 635, when Satan attempts to rid the earth of God’s
saints (the 144,000) in one night. These saints are delivered by the coming
of Christ. No faithful person dies after the close of probation and the
beginning of the seven last plagues. End Ron’s comments. As Nebuchadnezzar the king of Babylon
issued a decree that all who would not bow down and worship this image should
be killed, so a proclamation will be made that all who will not reverence the
Sunday institution will be punished with imprisonment and death. . . . Let
all read carefully the thirteenth chapter of
Revelation, for it concerns every human
agent, great and small.--14MR 91 (1896). {LDE 257.3} The time of trouble is about to come
upon the people of God. Then it is that the decree will go forth forbidding
those who keep the Sabbath of the Lord to buy or sell, and threatening them
with punishment, and even death, if they do not observe the first day of the
week as the Sabbath.--HP 344 (1908). {LDE 257.4} Ron’s comments: The “little” time
of trouble begins at the enforcement of the Sunday law. This is when many
faithful martyrs will occur—as seed for fruit. The no buy and sell time is
the little time of Jacob’s trouble. The Great Time of Jacob’s Trouble begins
with the final death decree, GC 635, when Satan avows to rid the earth of the
saints in one night. So let this be clear. There is a no buy and sell law,
the violation of which (probably after three violations) one will be put to
death. Also, this is the time Ezekiel 9 will be perpetrated against the SDA
church, Ezekiel 5 and 9. It is Rome
and her apostate daughters that inflict Ezekiel 9 on apostate spiritual
Jerusalem (apostate SDA’s) first, and then Ezekiel 9 is perpetrated against
them by the 10 horned beast who hates the whore and burns her—Revelation 17.
End Ron’s comments. The powers of earth, uniting to war
against the commandments of God, will decree that "all, both
258 small and great, rich and
poor, free and bond" (Rev. 13:16), shall conform to the customs of the
church by the observance of the false sabbath. All who refuse compliance will be visited with civil penalties, and
it will finally be declared that they are deserving of death.--GC 604
(1911). {LDE 257.5} 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.--PK 512
(c. 1914). {LDE 258.1} Note by Ron: The final universal
death decree will be per The Great
Controversy, p. 635. End note by Ron.
Death Decree Similar
to That Issued by Ahasuerus The decree that will finally go forth
against the remnant people of God will be very similar to that issued by Ahasuerus against the Jews. Today the enemies of the true
church see in the little company keeping the Sabbath commandment, a Mordecai
at the gate. The reverence of God's people for His law is a constant rebuke
to those who have cast off the fear of the Lord and are trampling on His
Sabbath.--PK 605 (c. 1914). {LDE
258.2} 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.--EW 282, 283 (1858). {LDE
258.3} If the people of God will put their
trust in Him and by faith rely upon His power, the devices of Satan will be
defeated in our time as signally as in the days of Mordecai.--ST Feb. 22,
1910. {LDE 259.1} The Remnant Make God Their Defense "And at that time shall Michael
stand up, the great Prince which standeth for the children of thy people: and
there shall be a time of trouble, such as never was since there was a nation
even to that same time: and at that time thy people shall be delivered, every
one that shall be found written in the book" [Dan. 12:1]. When this time of trouble comes, every
case is decided; there is no longer probation, no longer mercy for the
impenitent. The seal of the living God is upon His people. {LDE 259.2} Ron’s comments: The above
statement describes the Great Time of Jacob’s trouble, when the church
triumphant, the 144,000 appear as about to fall. They are surrounded by the
enemy, but they are delivered by the brightness of Christ’s coming. End Ron’s
comments. 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.
May God help His people now, for what can they then do in such a fearful
conflict without His assistance!--5T 212, 213
(1882). {LDE 259.3} God's People Flee
the Cities; Many Imprisoned As the decree issued by the various
rulers of Christendom against commandment keepers shall withdraw the
protection of government, and abandon
260 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. . . . 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.--GC 626 (1911). {LDE 259.4} Though a general decree has fixed the
time when commandment keepers may be put to death, their enemies
will in some cases anticipate the decree, and before the time specified, will
endeavor to take their lives. But none
can pass the mighty guardians stationed about every faithful soul. Some are
assailed in their flight from the cities and villages; but the swords raised
against them break and fall powerless as a straw. Others are defended by
angels in the form of men of war.--GC 631 (1911). {LDE
260.1} 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.--4BC
1143 (1908). {LDE 260.2} Ron’s Comments: The above
statements must of necessity refer to the 144,000, for they are protected.
But there will be many martyrs at this time. See addendum by Ron at the end
of this Ellen White section. End Ron’s Comments. The faith of individual members of the
church will be tested as though there were not another person in the world.--7BC 983 (1890). {LDE 260.3} Houses and Lands of
No Use Houses and lands will be of no use to
the saints in the time of trouble,
for they will then have to flee before
infuriated mobs, and at that time
their possessions cannot be disposed of to advance the cause of present
truth. . . . {LDE 261.1} Ron’s Comments: This is one
important reason why it is important to understand the time frames of the
final events, so one can sell at the proper time and use the proceeds to
advance the cause of present truth. End note by Ron. I saw that if any held on to their
property, and did not inquire of the Lord as
to their duty, He would not make duty
known, and they would be permitted to keep their property, and in the time of
trouble it would come up before them like a mountain to crush them, and they
would try to dispose of it, but would not be able. . . . But if they desired to be taught, He would teach them, in a time of
need, when to sell and how much to sell.--EW
56, 57 (1851). {LDE 261.2} It is too late now to cling to worldly
treasures. Soon unnecessary houses and lands will be of no benefit to anyone,
for the curse of God will rest more and more heavily upon the earth. The call
comes, "Sell that ye have, and give alms" [Luke 12:33]. This
message should be faithfully borne--urged home to the hearts of the
people--that God's own property may be returned to Him in offerings to
advance His work in the world.--16MR 348 (1901). {LDE 261.3} Like the Time of Jacob's Trouble A decree will finally be issued against
those who hallow the Sabbath of the fourth commandment,
262 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
people of God will then be plunged into those scenes of affliction and
distress described by the prophet as the time of Jacob's trouble.--GC
615, 616 (1911). {LDE 261.4} Note by Ron: The time of Jacob’s
trouble begin with the first death decree. The Great time of Jacob’s trouble
begins with the final death decree when Satan attempts to rid the earth of
God’s saints in one night. GC, 635. End note by Ron. 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. . . . Like Jacob, all are
wrestling with God. Their countenances express their internal struggle.
Paleness sits upon every face. Yet they cease not their earnest
intercession.--GC 630 (1911). {LDE 262.1} Jacob's experience during that night of
wrestling and anguish represents the trial through which the people of God
must pass just before Christ's second
coming. The prophet Jeremiah, in holy vision looking down to this time,
said, "We have heard a voice of trembling, of fear, and not of peace. .
. . 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" (Jer. 30:5-7).--PP 201 (1890). {LDE
262.2} The Righteous Have No Concealed Wrongs to
Reveal In the time of trouble, if the people of
God had unconfessed sins to appear before them while tortured with fear and
anguish, they would be overwhelmed; despair would cut off their faith, and
they could not have confidence to plead with God for deliverance. But while
they have a deep sense of their unworthiness, they have no concealed wrongs
to reveal. Their sins have gone
beforehand to judgment, and have been blotted out; and they cannot bring them
to remembrance.--GC 620 (1911). {LDE 263.1} God's people . . . will have a deep
sense of their shortcomings, and
as they review their lives their hopes will sink. But remembering the
greatness of God's mercy, and their own sincere
repentance, they will plead His promises made through Christ to helpless,
repenting sinners. Their faith will
not fail because their prayers are not immediately answered. They will
lay hold of the strength of God, as Jacob laid hold of the Angel, and the
language of their souls will be, "I will not let Thee go, except Thou
bless me."--PP 202 (1890). {LDE 263.2} The Saints Will Not Lose Their Lives 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
264 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.--EW 284 (1858). {LDE
263.3} 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.--GC 629 (1911).
{LDE 264.1} If
the blood of Christ's faithful witnesses were shed at this time, it would
not, like the blood of the martyrs, be as seed sown to yield a harvest for
God.--GC 634 (1911). {LDE 264.2} Ron’s comments: The above
statement refers to the time after the close of probation. No more martyrdom
of the faithful at that time. End Ron’s note. God Will Provide The Lord has shown me repeatedly that it
is contrary to the Bible to make any provision for our temporal wants in the
time of trouble. I saw that if the saints had food laid up by them or in the
field in the time of trouble, when sword, famine, and pestilence are in the
land, it would be taken from them by violent hands, and strangers would reap
their fields. {LDE 264.3} Then will be the time for us to trust
wholly in God, and He will sustain us. I saw that our bread and water will be
sure at that time, and that we shall not lack or suffer hunger, for God is
able to spread a table for us in the wilderness. If necessary He would send ravens
265 to feed us, as He did to feed Elijah, or rain manna
from heaven, as He did for the Israelites.--EW 56 (1851). {LDE 264.4} I saw
that a time of trouble was before us, when stern necessity will compel the
people of God to live on bread and water. . . . In the time of trouble none will labor with their hands. Their sufferings will be mental, and God
will provide food for them.--Ms 2, 1858. {LDE
265.1} The time of trouble is just before us,
and then stern necessity will require the people of God to deny self and to eat merely enough to sustain life, but God will
prepare us for that time. In that fearful hour our necessity will be
God's opportunity to impart His strengthening power and to sustain His
people.--1T 206 (1859). {LDE
265.2} Bread and
water is all that is promised to the remnant in the time of trouble.--SR 129 (1870). {LDE 265.3} In the time of trouble, just before the
coming of Christ, the righteous will be preserved through the ministration of
heavenly angels.--PP 256 (1890). {LDE 265.4} No Intercessor, but Constant Communion
With Christ Christ has made the atonement for His
people and blotted out their sins. The number of His subjects is made up. . .
. {LDE 265.5} When He leaves the sanctuary, darkness
covers the inhabitants of the earth. In that fearful time the
266 righteous must live in the
sight of a holy God without an intercessor.--GC 613, 614 (1911). {LDE 265.6} Will the Lord forget His people in this
trying hour? . . . Though enemies may thrust them into prison, yet dungeon
walls cannot cut off the communication between their souls and Christ. One
who sees their every weakness, who is acquainted with every trial, is above
all earthly powers, and angels will come to them in lonely cells, bringing
light and peace from heaven. The
prison will be as a palace, for the rich in faith dwell there, and the gloomy
walls will be lighted up with heavenly light as when Paul and Silas prayed
and sang praises at midnight in the Philippian
dungeon.--GC 626, 627 (1911). {LDE 266.1} Could men see with heavenly vision, they
would behold companies of angels that excel in strength stationed about those
who have kept the word of Christ's patience. With sympathizing tenderness,
angels have witnessed their distress and have heard their prayers. They are
waiting the word of their Commander to snatch them from their peril. . . . The
precious Saviour will send help just when we need it.--GC 630, 633 (1911). {LDE 266.2} It is impossible to give any idea of the
experience of the people of God who shall be alive upon the earth when
celestial glory and a repetition of the persecutions of the past are blended.
They will walk in the light proceeding from the throne of God. By means of
the angels there will be constant communication between heaven and earth. . .
. {LDE 266.3} In the midst of the time of trouble that
is
coming--a time of trouble such as has not
been since there was a nation--God's
chosen people will stand unmoved. Satan and his host cannot destroy them, for
angels that excel in strength will protect them.--9T
16, 17 (1909). {LDE 267.1}
God's People Cherish No Sinful Desires Now, while
our great High Priest is making the atonement for us, we should seek to
become perfect in Christ. Not even by
a thought could our Saviour be brought to yield to the power of temptation.
Satan finds in human hearts some point where he can gain a foothold; some
sinful desire is cherished, by means of which his temptations assert their
power. But Christ declared of Himself: "The prince of this world cometh,
and hath nothing in Me." (John 14:30). Satan could find nothing in the
Son of God that would enable him to gain the victory. He had kept His
Father's commandments, and there was no sin in Him that Satan could use to
his advantage. This is the condition
in which those must be found who shall stand in the time of trouble.--GC
623 (1911). {LDE 267.2}
The Battle Against Self Continues So long as Satan reigns, we shall have self to subdue, besetting sins to
overcome; so long as life shall last, there will be no stopping place, no
point which we can reach and say, I have fully attained. Sanctification is the result of lifelong obedience.--AA 560, 561
(1911). {LDE 267.3} Constant war
against the carnal mind must be maintained; and we must be aided by the refining influence of the
grace of God [the Holy Spirit], which will attract the mind upward and habituate it to meditate upon pure and
holy things.--2T 479 (1870). {LDE 268.1} We may create an unreal world in our own
mind or picture an ideal church, where the temptations of Satan no longer
prompt to evil; but perfection exists only in our imagination.--RH Aug. 8,
1893. {LDE 268.2} When human beings receive holy flesh,
they will not remain on the earth, but will be taken to heaven. While sin is
forgiven in this life, its results are not now wholly removed. It is at His
coming that Christ is to "change our vile body, that it may be fashioned
like unto His glorious body."--2SM 33 (1901).
{LDE 268.3} The 144,000 They sing "a new song" before
the throne, a song which no man can learn save the hundred and forty and four
thousand. It is the song of Moses and
the Lamb--a song of deliverance. None but the hundred and forty-four
thousand can learn that song, for it is the song of their experience--an
experience such as no other company
have ever had. "These are they which follow the Lamb whithersoever
He goeth." These, having been translated from the earth, from among the
living, are counted as "the first fruits unto God and to the Lamb"
(Rev. 15:2, 3; 14:1-5.) "These are they which came out of great
tribulation"; they have 269 passed through the time of trouble such as never was
since there was a nation; they have
endured the anguish of the time of
Jacob's trouble; they have stood
without an intercessor through the final outpouring of God's judgments.--GC
648, 649 (1911). {LDE 268.4} It is not His will that they shall get
into controversy over questions
which will not help them spiritually, such as, Who is to compose the hundred
and forty-four thousand? This those who are the elect of God will in a short
time know without question.--1SM 174 (1901). {LDE 269.1} God's People Delivered Satan's host and wicked men will
surround them and exult over them because
there will seem to be no way of escape for them. But in the midst of
their revelry and triumph there is heard peal upon peal of the loudest
thunder. The heavens have gathered blackness, and are only illuminated by the
blazing light and terrible glory from heaven, as God utters His voice from His
holy habitation. {LDE 269.2} The foundations of the earth shake,
buildings totter and fall with a terrible crash. The sea boils like a pot and
the whole earth is in terrible commotion. The captivity of the righteous is
turned, and with sweet and solemn whisperings they say to one another:
"We are delivered. It is the voice of God."--1T
353, 354 (1862). {LDE 269.3} When the
protection of human laws shall be withdrawn from those who honor the law of
God, there will be, in different lands, a simultaneous movement for
270 their destruction. As the time appointed in the decree
draws near, the people will conspire to root out the hated sect. It will be
determined to strike in one night a decisive blow, which shall
utterly silence the voice of dissent and reproof. {LDE
269.4} The people of God--some in prison cells,
some hidden in solitary retreats in the forests and the mountains--still
plead for divine protection, while in every quarter companies of armed men,
urged on by hosts of evil angels, are preparing for the work of death. . . .
With shouts of triumph, jeering, and imprecation, throngs of evil men are
about to rush upon their prey when, lo, a dense blackness, deeper than the
darkness of the night, falls upon the earth. . . . {LDE
270.1} It
is at midnight that God manifests His power for the deliverance of His
people. . . . In the midst of the angry heavens is one clear space of
indescribable glory, whence comes the voice of God like the sound of many
waters, saying, "It is done" (Rev. 16:17). That voice shakes the
heavens and the earth. . . . {LDE 270.2} The proudest cities of the earth are
laid low. The lordly palaces, upon which the world's great men have lavished
their wealth in order to glorify themselves, are crumbling to ruin before
their eyes. Prison walls are rent
asunder, and God's people, who have been held in bondage for their faith, are
set free.--GC 635-637 (1911). {LDE 270.3} Addendum added by Ron: 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.--RH 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.--5T 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.--DA 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."--PK 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.--PC 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.--GC 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.--OHC 357 (1892). {LDE 149.4} “many
will be martyrs for Christ’s sake in standing in defense of the truth.” Selected Messages, Book 3, p. 397. Full
statement: “Persecution in the Battle
Before the Last Closing Conflict.--The two armies will stand distinct
and separate, and this distinction
will be so marked that many who shall
be convinced of the truth will come on the side of God's commandment-keeping
people. When this grand work is to
take place in the battle, prior to the last closing conflict, 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. . . . You will not be tempted above what you are able
to bear. Jesus bore all this and far more. . . . {3SM
397.4} 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} Chap. 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.--8MR
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" [Matt.
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,
156 their work will be accepted as
a manifestation of divine power.--GC 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.--Ed 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.--1SM 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
157 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.--EW 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.--GC 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.--GC 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.--GC 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.--EW 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} 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.--GC 464 (1911). {LDE
158.3} Music Is Made a
Snare The things you have described as taking
place in Indiana, [THESE COMMENTS WERE MADE IN CONNECTION WITH THE "HOLY
FLESH" MOVEMENT AT THE INDIANA CAMP MEETING OF 1890. FOR FURTHER
DETAILS, SEE SELECTED MESSAGES, BOOK 2, PP. 31-39.] 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.--2SM 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.--2SM 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
160 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.--1T 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.--8MR 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.--3SM
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.--2MCP 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.--Ev 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.--ST Aug. 26, 1889. {LDE
161.3} He [Satan] has power to bring before men
the appearance of their departed friends. The counterfeit
162 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.--GC 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.--2SM 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?--2SM 394 (1897). {LDE 162.2} Satan will take the field and personate
Christ. He will misrepresent, misapply, and pervert everything he possibly
can.--TM 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.--8T 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.--5T 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. (Rev. 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
164 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.--GC 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
165 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.--GC 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.--6BC 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.--FE 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?--1T 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.--2SM 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.
167 These works of apparent
healing will bring Seventh-day Adventists to the test.--2SM
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.--2SM 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?--2SM 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.--2SM
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.--MM 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,
168 and they will seemingly work
miracles, even to the bringing down of fire out of heaven in the sight of
men.--2SM 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" (Rev. 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.--GC 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"
[Rev. 18:8].--TM 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
169 has rejected the truth will receive
him as the Lord of lords and King of kings.--5BC
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.--3SM
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.--2SM 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.--9T 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
170 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.--2SM 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.--2SM
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.--GC 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
171 who can ever withstand him,
and even these he is trying to overcome.--3SM 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.--UL 317 (1905). {LDE 171.2} Addendum added by rb Armageddon—Is it a Literal Battle as Well as a
Spiritual One? Civil War in the Time of Trouble Civil War in time of
trouble “In India, China, Russia, and the cities of
America, thousands of men and women are dying of starvation. The monied men, because they have the power, control the
market. They purchase at low rates all they can obtain, and then sell at
greatly increased prices. This means starvation to the poorer classes, and will result in a civil war. There
will be a time of trouble such as never was since there was a nation.
"And at that time shall Michael stand up, the great prince which
standeth for the children of thy people: and there shall be a time of trouble
such as never was since there was a nation, even to that same time; and at that
time thy people shall be delivered, everyone that shall be found written in
the book. . . . Many shall be purified, and made white, and tried; but the
wicked shall do wickedly, and none of the wicked shall understand, but the
wise shall understand."--Ms 114, 1899. (General manuscript, untitled,
typed August 13, 1899.) {5MR 305.4} “I was shown the inhabitants
of the earth in the utmost confusion. War, bloodshed, privation, want,
famine, and pestilence were abroad in the land. As these things surrounded God's
people, they began to press together, and to cast aside their little
difficulties. Self-dignity no longer controlled them; deep humility took its
place. Suffering, perplexity, and privation caused reason to resume its
throne, and the passionate and unreasonable man became sane, and acted with
discretion and wisdom.” {Mar 259.2} “The battle of Armageddon is soon to be fought. He on whose vesture
is written the name, King of kings and Lord of lords, leads forth the armies
of heaven on white horses, clothed in fine linen, clean and white. Every form of evil is to spring into intense activity. Evil angels
unite their powers with evil men, and as they have been in constant conflict
and attained an experience in the best modes of deception and battle, and
have been strengthening for centuries, they will not yield the last great
final contest without a desperate struggle. All the world will be on one side
or the other of the question. The battle of Armageddon will be fought, and
that day must find none of us sleeping. Wide awake we must be, as wise
virgins having oil in our vessels with our lamps . . Scenes of stupendous
interest are right upon us.”—7 Bible Commentary, 982. Battle of Armageddon occurs at
fulfillment of Revelation 18 “But Providence has a part to
act in the battle of Armageddon. When
the earth is lighted with the glory of the angel of Revelation eighteen,
the religious elements, good and evil, will awake from slumber, and the
armies of the living God will take the field.” (MS 175, 1899). {7BC 983.2} Seal of God and Ezekiel 9
Those who have been members of the same family are separated. A mark is
placed upon the righteous. "They shall be Mine, saith the Lord of hosts,
in that day when I make up My jewels; and I will spare them, as a man spareth
his own son that serveth him" [Mal. 3:17]. Those who have been obedient
to God's commandments will unite with the company of the saints in light.
They shall enter in through the gates into the city, and have right to the
tree of life. {LDE 216.1} |