My
September 10, 2010 Vision on Laodicea
"Are we hoping to see the whole church revived? That
time will never come." {1SM 122.1}
About 3:15 a.m. this September 10, 2010, I was
entranced in a vision from the Lord on the subject of the Laodicean church.
Much of this vision was a confirmation of what I had been led by the Holy
Spirit to study out in depth beforehand. This is the methodology God used via
the pioneers. They had to do their homework in studying out issues to the
breadths and depths of the Word, and then God would confirm the truth of the
matter to Ellen White.
I was shown and/or had the following facts
confirmed to me:
·
The original church of Laodicea never repented as a corporate
body.
·
Laodicea will not be cleansed. Ezekiel 22:23. I was reminded
that any scripture references I provide herein are more applicable to us at the
end-time than they were to the Jews, because we have been privy to their
example. Their experience was given to us as an ensample.
·
Anyone who is saved must come out of the Laodicean condition to
one of the other states of the seven churches. Any member of Laodicea will thus
be saved as an individual only.
·
Were Laodicea ever revived as a corporate church, Ellen White
would be errant in saying “…that time will never come.” 1 Selected Messages, 122. Thus, those who are teaching that the bad
(foolish virgins) will be removed from Laodicea by the sifting, shaking
process, are entirely wrong in their conclusions about Laodicea.
·
Ellen White said that if the church became Laodicean, it would
be no better than Babylon in the eyes of God. Reference will be given in this
vision document.
·
All states of the seven churches of Revelation 3 will apply to
the end of time.
·
Laodicea will not go through as the noble ship that reaches port
heaven. All who remain in the Laodicean (foolish virgin) state will be spewed
out—eternally lost.
·
A true remnant will go out of Laodicea, Isaiah 37:31, 32.
· Daniel prophesied an end time scattering of God’s people
as did Ellen White. This final scattering is spoken of by the prophets, (Dan.12:7-9,
Eccl.3:5, 1Kings 22:17, Isa.5, and Ezek.34). Moses spoke of this scattering in
the Song of Moses.
· Deut. 4:23 "Take heed unto yourselves, lest ye forget the covenant
of the Lord your God, which he made with you, and make you a graven image, or
the likeness of any thing, which the Lord thy God hath forbidden thee. 24 For
the Lord thy God is a consuming fire, even a jealous God. 25 When thou shalt
beget children, and children's children, and ye shall have remained long in the
land, and shall corrupt yourselves, and make a graven image, or the likeness of
any thing, and shall do evil in the sight of the Lord thy God, to provoke him
to anger: 26 I call heaven and earth to witness against you this day, that ye
shall soon utterly perish from off the land whereunto ye go over Jordan to
possess it; ye shall not prolong your days upon it, but shall utterly be
destroyed. 27 And the Lord shall scatter you among the nations, and ye shall be
left few in number among the heathen, whither the Lord shall lead you. 28 And
there ye shall serve gods, the work of men's hands, wood and stone, which
neither see, nor hear, nor eat, nor smell. 29 But if from thence thou shalt seek the LORD thy God, thou shalt find him,
if thou seek him with all thy heart and with all thy soul. 30 When thou
art in tribulation, and all
these things are come upon thee, even in the latter days, if
thou turn to the Lord thy God, and shalt be obedient unto his voice; 31 For
the Lord thy God is a merciful God; He
will not forsake thee, neither destroy thee, nor forget the covenant of thy
fathers which he sware unto them." Deuteronomy, Chapter 4
(KJV)
· “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}
· 34 And I will
bring you out from the people, and will gather you out of the countries wherein ye are scattered, with a mighty
hand, and with a stretched out arm, and with fury poured out. 35 And
I will bring you into the wilderness of the people, and there will I plead with
you face to face. 36 Like as I pleaded with your fathers in the
wilderness of the land of Egypt, so will I plead with you, saith the Lord GOD. 37
And I will cause you to pass under the rod, and I will bring you into the bond
of the covenant: 38 And I will
purge out from among you the rebels, and them that transgress against me: I
will bring them forth out of the country where they sojourn, and they shall not
enter into the land of Israel: and ye shall know that I am the LORD. Ezekiel
20:34-38.
I was
shown we should take the following statements just as they read:
"The state of the Church represented by
the foolish virgins, is also spoken of as the Laodicean state." E. G.
White, Review and Herald Articles, Vol. 2, 420, 8/19/1890.
"The church is in the Laodicean state. The
presence of God is not in her midst." E.G. White, Notebook
Leaflets, p. 99, 1898.
"To the end of time, the presence of the
Spirit is to abide with the true church." E.G. White, Acts of the
Apostles, p.
55.
“The Testimony For The Church—The Laodicean
Church—What greater deception can come upon human minds than a confidence that
they are right when they are ALL WRONG?”
Testimonies, Vol. 3, pp. 253, 254.
“The Lord here
shows us that the message to be borne to His people by ministers whom He has
called to warn the people is not a peace-and-safety message. It is not merely
theoretical, but practical in every particular. The people of God are
represented in the message to the Laodiceans as in a position of carnal
security. They are at ease, believing themselves to be in an exalted condition
of spiritual attainments. "Because thou sayest, I am rich, and increased
with goods, and have need of nothing; and knowest not that thou art wretched,
and miserable, and poor, and blind, and naked.” {3T 252.3}
“If the church of God becomes LUKEWARM [LAODICEAN]
it does not stand in favor with God any more than do the churches that are
represented as having fallen and become the habitation of devils and the
hold of every foul spirit and the cage of every unclean and hateful bird.
Those who have had opportunities to hear and receive the truth, and who have
united with the Seventh-day Adventist church, calling themselves the
commandment keeping people of God, and yet possess no more vitality and
consecration to God than do the nominal churches, will receive of the plagues
of God just as verily as the churches who oppose the law of God.” E.G. White, Letter
35, 1898.
If Laodicea is not regarded with any more favor by
God than the fallen churches, and the call of Laodicea is to all churches, then
there is no difference between Laodicea and the fallen churches as far as being
in a fallen state is concerned, except that SDA Laodicean are worse because
they have been privy to advanced light of truth. Different churches believe
different aspects of Babylonian teachings, but Ellen White equates them all as
far as falling from the favor of God is concerned, and also as constituting the
habitation of devils and the hold of every foul spirit and the cage of every
unclean and hateful bird.
"We must as a people arouse and cleanse the
camp of Israel. Licentiousness, unlawful intimacy, and unholy practices are
coming in among us in a large degree...We are in danger of becoming a sister to
fallen Babylon, of allowing our churches to become corrupted and filled with
every foul spirit, a cage for every unclean and hateful bird, and will we be
clear unless we make decided movements to cure the existing evil? E. G. White, Manuscript
Releases No. 449, pp. 17, 18. (Letter 51, 1886 to Elder Butler) Testimonies
on Sexual Behavior, Adultery, and Divorce, p. 193.
"Now it is just EXACTLY as in the days of the
Jews. When a message came in, why all the power of the leaders [such some
leaders on this forum] WAS PUT AGAINST IT, THAT IT SHOULD NOT HAVE ACCESS TO
THE PEOPLE. Now, brethren, GO TO GOD FOR YOURSELVES, and on your knees plead
with God...If God sends us light, let it come to us, and let no man close the
door, or try to close it. Don't close it yourselves. Open the door of your
heart and let the brilliant rays of light shine into your heart and into your
mind. I pray you, let the Sun of Righteousness in." E.G. White,
Manuscript Release #900, Manuscript 9, 1890. 1888 Materials, p. 541.
Time place
circumstance—
"Regarding the Testimonies, nothing is ignored nothing is cast aside but
TIME AND PLACE MUST BE CONSIDERED...Every jot and tittle is essential and must
appear at the opportune time." E.G. White, Selected Messages, vol. 1, p. 57.
It should be obvious that if Laodicea is the
foolish virgin state of the church, the foolish virgins will not be saved and
thus neither will Laodicea be cleansed of those foolish virgins. The Lord showed
me that just as original Laodicea never repented, neither will foolish virgin
Laodicea repent at the end-time. Any faithful within her borders must come out
to be saved as individuals. I was also shown that the message to Laodicea
applies to all professing Christian churches and not just the professing
Seventh-day Adventist church.
"We ARE NOT saved as a sect; no
denominational name has any virtue to bring us into favor with God. We are saved
individually as believers in the Lord Jesus Christ." E.G. White, Review and
Herald Articles,
vol. 2, p. 464.
I was shown the following statement by Pastor Jack
Sequeira is false and they it directly contradicts Ellen White’s statement that
we are saved as individuals.
"Saved into the church.--The world to which we
belong by birth is hostile to God and under condemnation. Therefore, in order
to save us, the cross must deliver us from the world and place us in the
church, the body of Christ. Every other aspect of salvation is based upon this
fact. The gospel delivers us not primarily from hell to heaven, nor from death
to life, but from the world to the church. As a subjective experience, this is
always the first step of our salvation. Christ will never take us to heaven as
individuals, but only as members of His church." Jack Sequeira, SDA
Pastor, Beyond
Belief, p.
115.
So the belief that Laodicea will be purged,
cleansed and purified of all foolish virgins to leave it as wise and pure
virgins only—as the church triumphant, is totally false. The only churches that
are not faulted amongst the seven churches of Revelation 2 and 3, are
Philadelphia and Smyrna (the martyrs) and a few names in Sardis who have not
bowed the knee to Baal knowingly.
8 And unto the angel of the church in Smyrna write; These
things saith the first and the last, which was dead, and is alive; 9
I know thy works, and tribulation, and poverty, (but thou art rich) and I know
the blasphemy of them which say they are Jews, and are not, but are the
synagogue of Satan. 10 Fear none of those things which thou shalt
suffer: behold, the devil shall cast some of you into prison, that ye may be
tried; and ye shall have tribulation ten days: be thou faithful unto death, and
I will give thee a crown of life. 11 He that hath an ear, let him
hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches; He that overcometh shall not be
hurt of the second death. Rev. 2:8-11.
4 Thou hast a few
names even in Sardis which have not defiled their garments; and they shall
walk with me in white: for they are worthy. 5 He that overcometh,
the same shall be clothed in white raiment; and I will not blot out his name
out of the book of life, but I will confess his name before my Father, and
before his angels. 6 He that hath an ear, let him hear what the
Spirit saith unto the churches. 7 And to the angel of the church in
Philadelphia write; These things saith he that is holy, he that is true, he
that hath the key of David, he that openeth, and no man shutteth; and shutteth,
and no man openeth; 8 I know thy works: behold, I have set before
thee an open door, and no man can shut it: for thou hast a little strength, and
hast kept my word, and hast not denied my name. 9 Behold, I will
make them of the synagogue of Satan, which say they are Jews, and are not, but
do lie; behold, I will make them to come and worship before thy feet, and to
know that I have loved thee. 10 Because thou hast kept the word of
my patience, I also will keep thee from the hour of temptation, which shall
come upon all the world, to try them that dwell upon the earth. 11
Behold, I come quickly: hold that fast which thou hast, that no man take thy
crown. 12 Him that overcometh will I make a pillar in the temple of
my God, and he shall go no more out: and I will write upon him the name of my
God, and the name of the city of my God, which is new Jerusalem, which cometh
down out of heaven from my God: and I will write upon him my new name. 13
He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches.
Revelation 3:4-12.
We
are to especially study and make application of the third chapter of
Revelation:
“In the message to the church at Sardis two parties
are presented--those who have a name to live, but are dead; and those who are
striving to overcome. Study this message, found in the third chapter of
Revelation. "These things saith He that hath the seven Spirits of God, and
the seven stars; I know thy works, that thou hast a name that thou livest, and
art dead. Be watchful, and strengthen the things which remain, that are ready
to die: for I have not found thy works perfect before God." Who are meant by
those that are ready to die? and what has made them thus? The explanation is
given, ‘I have not found thy works perfect before God.’ ‘Remember therefore how
thou hast received and heard, and hold fast, and repent. If therefore thou
shalt not watch, I will come on thee as a thief, and thou shalt not know what
hour I will come upon thee. Thou hast a few names even in Sardis which have not
defiled their garments; and they shall walk with Me in white: for they are
worthy. He that overcometh, the same shall be clothed in white raiment; and I
will not blot out his name out of the book of life, but I will confess his name
before My Father, and before His angels.’” {RH, August 20, 1903 par. 21}
“To the church of the present day this message is
sent. I call upon our church members to read the whole of the third chapter
of Revelation, and to make an application of it. The message to the church
of the Laodiceans applies especially to the people of God today. It is a
message to professing Christians who have become so much like the world that no
difference can be seen.” {RH, August 20, 1903 par. 22}
The Synagogue of
Satan Versus the Church of God
December 4, 1900 The Church of God.
Mrs. E. G. White.
The
church on earth is God's temple, and it is to assume divine proportions before
the world. This building is to be the light of the world. It is to be composed
of living stones laid close together, stone fitting to stone, making a solid
building. All these stones are not of the same shape or dimension. Some are
large, and some are small, but each one has its own place to fill. In the whole
building there is not to be one misshapen stone. Each one is perfect. And each
stone is a living stone, a stone that emits light. The value of the stones is
determined by the light they reflect to the world. {RH, December 4, 1900 par.
1}
Now is the time for the stones to be taken
from the quarry of the world and brought into God's workshop, to be hewed,
squared, and polished, that they may shine. This is God's plan, and he desires
all who profess to believe the truth to fill their respective places in the
great, grand work for this time. He desires each worker to stand forth as did
Daniel, every phase of the character under divine ministration, that day by day
he may be prepared to fill his place in the temple of God. {RH, December 4, 1900
par. 2}
It
is God's design that his church shall ever advance in purity and knowledge,
from light to light, from glory to glory. "Whereunto," asks he who is
the first and the last, "shall we liken the kingdom of God? or with what
comparison shall we compare it?" He could not employ any of the kingdoms
of the world as a similitude. In society he found nothing with which to compare
it. Earthly kingdoms rule by the ascendency of physical power. But in Christ's
kingdom every carnal weapon, every instrument of coercion, is to be abolished.
This kingdom is to be established to uplift and ennoble fallen humanity. Christ
makes his church a beautiful temple for God. "Where two or three are
gathered together in my name," he declared, "there am I in the midst
of them." His church is the court of holy life, filled with varied gifts
and endowed with the Holy Spirit. Appropriate duties are assigned by Heaven to
the church on earth, and the members are to find their happiness in the
happiness of those whom they help and bless. {RH, December 4, 1900 par. 3}
Through the ages of moral darkness, through centuries of strife and
persecution, the church of Christ has been as a city set on a hill. From age to
age, through successive generations, to the present time, the pure doctrines of
the Bible have been unfolding within her borders. The church of Christ,
enfeebled and defective as she may appear, is the one object on earth on which
he bestows in a special sense his love and regard. The church is the theater of
his grace, in which he delights to make experiments of mercy on human hearts.
{RH, December 4, 1900 par. 4}
The
church is God's fortress, his city of refuge, which he holds in a revolted
world. Any betrayal of her sacred trust is treachery to him who has bought her with
the precious blood of his only begotten Son. In the past, faithful souls have
constituted the church on earth, and God has taken them into covenant relation
with himself, uniting the church on earth with the church in heaven. He has
sent forth his holy angels to minister to his church, and the gates of hell
have not been able to prevail against it. {RH, December 4, 1900 par. 5}
Christ speaks of the church over which Satan presides as the synagogue of Satan. Its members are the children of disobedience.
They are those who choose to sin, who labor to make void the holy law of God. It is Satan's work to mingle evil with
good, and to remove the distinction between good and evil. Christ would have a church that labors to separate
the evil from the good, whose members will not willingly tolerate
wrong-doing, but will expel it from the heart and life. {RH, December
4, 1900 par. 6}
Note by Ron: When a church mixes evil with
good, truth with error, it becomes the Synagogue of Satan. This is how Jesus
branded the apostate Jewish church when it mixed truth with error. Remember how
God always separated open sin from the church in the Old Testament via Moses
for example? That principle has never
changed!
"Christ has plainly taught that those who
persist in open sin must be separated from the church..." Christ's Object
Lessons, 71.
When the church won’t separate open sinners and sin
from its borders, the faithful must separate from such a church. It then becomes
the Synagogue of Satan. This is irrefutably based on Scripture and the words
and actions of Jesus Himself. This is one of God’s lines in the sand as to
when to separate. Another is when leaders will not tolerate light, Desire of
Ages, 232. Another is when God’s people conspire with His enemies and
confederate with them. Jeremiah 11:9-15. It is then the presence of the Almighty
departs nevermore to return. So He instructs not to pray for those who imbibe
this grave apostasy.
The Lord showed me in no uncertain terms that
tares are not openly corrupt doers of evil, but insincere believers whose
motives we would have to judge in order to uproot them. He showed this is not
the case with open sinners who are doing evil in the church. He showed me that
the new movement SDA church is mingling evil with good, truth with grave error,
and that His true reformers will labor to separate the faithful from the prevailing
evil, open sinning professing SDA church and that it is now the Synagogue of
Satan and led entirely by him. I was prompted to remind God’s people of the
following counsel by God and Ellen White:
"The world must not be introduced into the
church, and married to the church, forming a bond of unity. Through this means
the church will become indeed corrupt, and as stated in Revelation, 'a cage of
every unclean and hateful bird.'" (Testimonies to Ministers, p.
265.)
I was shown the world has indeed been introduced
into the church making it the cage of every unclean and hateful bird.
If Ellen White saw the church going through with an
unconditional blanket approval, as some are wont to teach, such warnings as
stated above would be superfluous, foolish, and self-contradictory.
"It is IMPOSSIBLE for you to unite with those
who are corrupt, and still remain pure. (II Corinthians 6:14-15 quoted). God
and Christ and the heavenly host would have men know that if he unites with the
corrupt he will become corrupt." E. G. White, Review and Herald,
Vol. 4, p. 137.
I was shown that those who claim to remain in the
apostate SDA church for the purpose of warning the people are not any more able
to do that than it is possible to join the fallen Babylonian churches in order
to warn them. In other words, if that process works, then we would be expected
to join the other fallen churches in order to warn them, and that is not God’s
order. I was reminded of the first representative of the SDA church to the
World Council of Churches, Dr. Earle Hilgert, who then left the SDA church to
become a Presbyterian minister. This demonstrates who converts whom when we
wilfully go on Satan’s ground. I was also prompted to remind you that I asked
Dr. B. B. Beach over the phone in the latter 1980’s, how many converts to Adventism
he knew of that could be attributed to SDA ecumenical involvement. He could not
name ONE PERSON! Violation of Isaiah 8:9-12 is unpardonable sin, and God does
not condone unpardonable sin as a means of converting Babylonians. All who so
imbibe will be broken in pieces, stated thrice to connote the graveness of that
commandment of God, (Isaiah 8:9-12).
This statement is also foolish, superfluous and
redundant, if we cannot judge what God and Ellen White brand as corrupt. If
judging corruptness is only idle and ill conceived criticism, based on focusing
on mere flaws, defects and weaknesses, then we should have remained with Rome
and/or the fallen Protestants as the wheat dwelling with tares until the
harvest.
"Any connection with infidels and UNBELIEVERS
which would identify us with them is FORBIDDEN by the word. We are to come out
from them and be separate. In no case are we to link ourselves with them in
their plans or work." E. G. White, Fundamentals of Christian Education,
482.
The world is classified as “unbelievers,” and Ellen
White said that the fallen churches cannot be distinguished from the world, Early
Writings, p. 272, 273. God showed me that the SDA new movement church is united
to the world by being joined to Babylon’s associations (Ministerial
Associations), counsels/councils, girdings and confederacies since the latter
1950’s by accepting the counsel of Dr. Walter Martin and Donald Grey Barnhouse
to alter serious doctrines on the human nature of Christ, the Atonement, the
Sanctuary Service and the Godhead—via the Trinity Doctrine. When properly
understood in its grave implications, the Trinity Doctrine sweeps away the
entire Christian economy. You may study “Godhead” issues on my Website to
discern how this accrues.
"I saw that since the second angel proclaimed
the fall of the churches, they have been growing more and more corrupt. They
bear the name of being Christ's followers yet it is IMPOSSIBLE to distinguish
them from the world…Satan has taken FULL POSSESSION of the churches as a
body." E.G. White, Early Writings, 273.
"The world must not be introduced into the
church, and married to the church, forming a bond of unity. Through this means
the church will become indeed corrupt, and as stated in Revelation, 'a cage of
every unclean and hateful bird.'" (Testimonies to Ministers, p.
265.)
If Ellen White saw the church going through with a
blanket approval, such warnings as stated above are superfluous, foolish, and
self-contradictory.
"It is IMPOSSIBLE for you to unite with those
who are corrupt, and still remain pure. (II Corinthians 6:14-15 quoted). God
and Christ and the heavenly host would have men know that if he unites with the
corrupt he will become corrupt." E. G. White, Review and Herald,
Vol. 4, p. 137.
This statement is also foolish, superfluous and
redundant, if we cannot judge what Ellen White brands as corrupt. If judging
corruptness is only idle and ill conceived criticism, based on focusing on mere
flaws, defects and weaknesses, then we should have remained with Rome!
"Any connection with infidels and UNBELIEVERS
which would identify us with them is FORBIDDEN by the word. We are to come out
from them and be separate. in no case are we to link ourselves with them in
their plans or work." E. G. White, Fundamentals of Christian Education,
482.
"I saw that since the second angel proclaimed
the fall of the churches, they have been growing more and more corrupt. They
bear the name of being Christ's followers yet it is IMPOSSIBLE to distinguish
them from ...Satan has taken FULL POSSESSION of the churches as a body."
E.G. White, Early Writings, 273.
The
Sins of Babylon
I
saw that since the second angel proclaimed the fall of the churches, they have
been growing more and more corrupt. They bear the name of being Christ's
followers; yet it is impossible to distinguish them from the world. Ministers take
their texts from the Word of God, but preach smooth things. To this the natural
heart feels no objection. It is only the spirit and power of the truth and the
salvation of Christ that are hateful to the carnal heart. There is nothing in
the popular ministry that stirs the wrath of Satan, makes the sinner tremble,
or applies to the heart and conscience the fearful realities of a judgment soon
to come. Wicked men are generally pleased
with a form of piety without true godliness, and they will aid and support such
a religion. {EW 273.1}
Said the angel, "Nothing less
than the whole armor of righteousness can enable man to overcome the powers of
darkness and retain the victory over them. Satan
has taken full possession of the churches as a body.
274
The
sayings and doings of men are dwelt upon instead of the plain, cutting truths
of the Word of God. The spirit and
friendship of the world are at enmity with God. When the truth
in its simplicity and strength, as it is in Jesus, is brought to bear against
the spirit of the world, it at once awakens the spirit of persecution. Very
many who profess to be Christians have not known God. The natural heart has not
been changed, and the carnal mind remains at enmity with God. They are
Satan's faithful servants, notwithstanding they have assumed another
name." {EW 273.2}
I saw that
since Jesus left the holy place of the heavenly sanctuary and entered within
the second veil, the churches have been filling up with every unclean and
hateful bird. I saw great iniquity and vileness in the churches; yet their
members profess to be Christians. Their profession, their prayers, and their
exhortations are an abomination in the sight of God. Said the angel, "God
will not smell in their assemblies. Selfishness, fraud, and deceit are
practiced by them without the reprovings of conscience. And over all these evil
traits they throw the cloak of religion." I was shown the pride [Satanic Narcissism]of the nominal
churches. God is not in their thoughts; their carnal minds dwell upon
themselves; they decorate their poor mortal bodies, and then look upon themselves
with satisfaction and pleasure. Jesus and the angels look upon them in anger.
Said the angel, "Their sins and pride have reached unto heaven. Their
portion is prepared. Justice and judgment have slumbered long, but will soon
awake. Vengeance is Mine, I will repay, saith the Lord." The fearful
threatenings of the third angel are to be realized, and all the wicked are to
drink of the wrath of God. An innumerable host of evil angels are spreading
over the whole land and crowding the churches. These agents of Satan look upon
the religious bodies
275
with exultation, for the cloak of religion
covers the greatest crime and iniquity.” {EW 274.1}
Today, as in the past, all heaven is watching to see the church develop
in the true science of salvation. Christ has bought the church with his blood,
and he longs to clothe her with salvation. He has made her the depositary of
sacred truth, and he wishes her to partake of his glory. But in order that the church may be an educating power in the
world, she must co-operate with the church in heaven. [Heb. 12:22, 23
represented on earth by True Reformers]. Her members must represent Christ. Their
hearts must be open to receive every ray of light that God may see fit to
impart. As they receive this light, they will be enabled to receive and impart
more and more of the rays of the Sun of Righteousness. {RH, December 4, 1900
par. 7}
There is need of a higher grade of spirituality in the church. There is
need of heart purification. God calls his people to their posts of duty. He
calls upon them to purge themselves from that which has been revealed as the
bane of the churches--an exalting of the men placed in positions of trust.
There is earnest work to be done. Upon their knees men are to seek God in
faith, and then go forth to speak the word with power sent down from on high.
Such men come before the people direct from the audience-chamber of the Most
High, and their words and works promote spirituality. When they come in contact
with wrong principles, they plant their feet firmly upon the words, "It is
written." {RH, December 4, 1900 par. 8}
This age is one of peculiar temptation, especially to the
self-sufficient ones, who feel no special need of guarding the avenues of the
soul. Unless they heed the warnings God has given, they will most surely be
drawn away from the principles of the truth. They will stand among those who
dishonor the faith by giving heed to seducing spirits. They plead for the
indulgence of appetite. They take no delight in contemplating the character of
the Saviour. The rebuke of Christ is upon them, because in thought and action
they are corrupt. {RH, December 4, 1900 par. 9}
There are those in the church who, unless thoroughly converted, will
crucify to themselves the Son of God afresh, and put him to an open shame. I
appeal to every church-member to inquire, Am I doing all I can to honor my
Redeemer? Truth held in unrighteousness is the greatest curse that can come to
our world. But the truth as it is in Jesus is a savor of life unto life. It is
worth possessing, worth living, worth defending. Christ calls upon us to enter
the narrow pathway, where every step means a denial of self. He calls upon us
to stand upon the platform of eternal truth, and contend, yes, contend
earnestly, for the faith once delivered to the saints. Paul wrote to Timothy: "Fight
the good fight of faith, lay hold on eternal life, whereunto thou art also
called, and hast professed a good profession before many witnesses."
"Hold fast the form of sound words, . . . in faith and love which is in
Christ Jesus." {RH, December 4, 1900 par. 10}
As
we near the time when principalities and powers and spiritual wickedness in
high places will be fully brought into the warfare against the truth, when
Satan's deceptive power will be so great that, if it were possible, he would
deceive the very elect, our discernment must be sharpened by divine
enlightenment, that we may not be ignorant of Satan's devices. The whole
treasure of heaven is at our command in the work of preparing the way of the
Lord. By giving us the co-operation of the holy angels, God has made it
possible for our work to be a wonderful, yes, a glorious, success. But success
will seldom result from scattered effort. The united influence of all the
members of the church is required. {RH, December 4, 1900 par. 11}
The
church today needs men who, like Enoch, walk with God, revealing Christ to the
world.
Church-members need to reach a higher standard. Heavenly messengers are waiting
to communicate with those who have sunk self out of sight, whose lives are a
fulfilling of the words, "I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and
the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God,
who loved me, and gave himself for me." Of such men and women must the
church be composed before her light can shine forth to the world in clear,
distinct rays. Our views of the Sun of Righteousness are clouded by
self-seeking. Christ is crucified afresh by many who through self-indulgence
allow Satan to gain control over them. The church needs men of devotion to bear
to the world the message of salvation, pointing sinners to the Lamb of
God,--men who, by their works of righteousness and their pure, true words, can
lift their fellow men out of the pit of degradation. {RH, December 4, 1900 par.
12}
With pity and compassion, with tender yearning and love, the Lord is
looking upon his tempted and tried people. For a time the oppressors will be
permitted to triumph over those who keep God's holy commandments. All are given
the same opportunity that was granted to the first great rebel to reveal the
spirit that moves them to action. It is God's purpose that all shall be tested
and tried, that he may see whether they are loyal or disloyal to the laws that
govern the kingdom of heaven. To the last, God permits Satan to reveal himself
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. The words of the
prophet will then be fulfilled, "The day of vengeance is in mine heart,
and the year of my redeemed is come." The song of the Lord's people will
then be: "The Lord reigneth; let the people tremble: he sitteth between
the cherubims; let the earth be moved. The Lord is great in Zion; and he is
high above the people." {RH, December 4, 1900 par. 13}
True Reformers—"Characteristics of True Reformers.--Here are
given the characteristics of those who shall be reformers, who will bear the
banner of the third angel's message, those who avow themselves God's commandment-keeping
people, and who honor God, and are earnestly engaged, in the sight of all the
universe, in building up the old waste places. Who is it that calls them, The
repairers of the breach, The restorers of paths to dwell in? It is God. Their
names are registered [written--Heb.
12:22, 23] in
heaven as reformers, restorers, as raising the foundations of many
generations." E. G. White, SDA Bible Commentary, Vol. 4, 1151.
In the name of the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob,
—Ronald W. Beaulieu