Compilation of writings of Ellen G. White on the topic . . .
Pages 172 to 182 -- See LINKEDin discussion (you can post comment here)
a d d i t i o n a l m a t e r i a l |
In Session # 3 we discussed four quotations about 'Persecution Cleanses the Church' including this one . . .
The time is not far distant when the test will come to every soul. The mark of the beast will be urged upon us. Those who have step by step yielded to worldly demands and conformed to worldly customs will not find it a hard matter to yield to the powers that be, rather than subject themselves to derision, insult, threatened imprisonment, and death. The contest is between the commandments of God and the commandments of men. In this time the gold will be separated from the dross in the church.—Testimonies for the Church, Vol. 5, page 81 (1882). { LDE 173.6}
Original Quotation in Volume 5: The time is not far distant when the test will come to every soul. The mark of the beast will be urged upon us. Those who have step by step yielded to worldly demands and conformed to worldly customs will not find it a hard matter to yield to the powers that be, rather than subject themselves to derision, insult, threatened imprisonment, and death. The contest is between the commandments of God and the commandments of men. In this time the gold will be separated from the dross in the church. True godliness will be clearly distinguished from the appearance and tinsel of it. Many a star that we have admired for its brilliancy will then go out in darkness. [ Chaff like a cloud will be borne away on the wind, even from places where we see only floors of rich wheat. ] All who assume the ornaments of the sanctuary, but are not clothed with Christ’s righteousness, will appear in the shame of their own nakedness. { 5T 81.1} |
Our study in the last five months lead us to realize that the book 'Last Day Events' was organized to present concepts and topics that the author wanted to focus on, and the part of the paragraph that proved the topic was printed and the rest of the paragraph was removed. We found in Testimonies, Vol. 5, page 81.1 "Many a star that we have admired for its brillance will then go out in darkness." this was not pertinent information about persecution, but it is when the topic is about 'Defections Among Church Leaders' which is the topic on page 178. However, the author of 'Last Day Events' did not reintroduce the quote from 5T, 81.1 and print this part of the quote that did not get printed on page 173.6 - instead another quote which said the same thing in Prophets and Kings was quoted.
Many a star that we have admired for its brilliance will then go out in darkness.— Prophets and Kings, 188 (c. 1914). { LDE 178.3}
We find this quote on page 178.3 and studied it further in Session # 9 on Feb. 25th in the section titled, 'Defections Among Church Leaders' - which quotes only the part of PK 188.1 that relates to the topic and proves the thought concept the author wants to prove.
However, let's take a closer look and both quotations - both start with the exact same words, "The time is not far distant when the test will come to every soul. Do both quotations refer to the same time period?
In Testimonies, Vol. 5, EGW says, The mark of the beast will be urged upon us." Now compare it to PK 188.1 which talks about the observance of the false sabbath will be urged on us. we have two quotes to compare in our study on Feb. 25th and can ask if both quotations refer to the same test? . . . not only the same time period.
If so, then the 'Mark of the Beast" is about the observance of the false sabbath. If you learn anything from the book, Last Day Events, this is the one thing you need to remember.
Original Quotation in PK: The time is not far distant when the test will come to every soul. The observance of the false sabbath will be urged upon us. The contest will be between the commandments of God and the commandments of men. Those who have yielded step by step to worldly demands and conformed to worldly customs will then yield to the powers that be, rather than subject themselves to derision, insult, threatened imprisonment, and death. At that time the gold will be separated from the dross. True godliness will be clearly distinguished from the appearance and tinsel of it. Many a star that we have admired for its brilliance will then go out in darkness. Those who have assumed the ornaments of the sanctuary, but are not clothed with Christ’s righteousness, will then appear in the shame of their own nakedness. { PK 188.1} Read entire Chapter 14 |
Let's now look at the warning to those that have step by step yielded to worldly demands and conformed to worldly customs. This is found in both quotations but in Session # 9 we find a new quotation in the section titled, "Rejection of the Testimonies Result in Apostasy"
It is Satan’s plan to weaken the faith of God’s people in the Testimonies. Next follows skepticism in regard to the vital points of our faith, the pillars of our position, then doubt as to the Holy Scriptures, and then the downward march to perdition. When the Testimonies, which were once believed, are doubted and given up, Satan knows the deceived ones will not stop at this; and he redoubles his efforts till he launches them into open rebellion, which becomes incurable and ends in destruction.—Testimonies for the Church 4:211. { LDE 178.2}
Could this describe the step by step downward spiral that ends in death? The March to death in PK 188. Here is the original quotation . . .
Original Quotation: It is Satan’s plan to weaken the faith of God’s people in the Testimonies. Next follows skepticism in regard to the vital points of our faith, the pillars of our position, then doubt as to the Holy Scriptures, and then the downward march to perdition. When the Testimonies, which were once believed, are doubted and given up, Satan knows the deceived ones will not stop at this; and he redoubles his efforts till he launches them into open rebellion, which becomes incurable and ends in destruction. { 4T 211.1}
Next paragraph is worth reading: Satan has gained marked advantage in-----because the people of God have not guarded the outposts. The very men whose labors God has signified that He would accept if they were fully consecrated have been the ones to be deceived, to fail in their duties, and to prove a terrible burden and discouragement, instead of the help and blessing that they should have been. These men who have been trusted to keep the fort have well-nigh betrayed it into the hands of the enemy. They have opened the gates to a wily foe, who has sought to destroy them. { 4T 211.2} |
Related Scripture: 1 Peter 1: 19 "the prophetic word confirmed which you do well to heed . . ."
Those who do not yield to worldly demands and conform to the worldly customs are protected by the power of God and will not be skeptical of the vital points of our faith, or question the pillars of our position and doubt the inspired writings - which is a precious gift from God to His people.
In Session # 3 we also studied a quote from Evangelism, page 360 and on March 2nd we will read a similar quotation on page 179.1 taken from Review & Herald, Sept. 11, 1888 par. 5 ( I remember it as the 911 quote ) -
Here is another quote in Session # 3 that helps us to understand the quote on page 179.1 . . .
In the absence of the persecution there have drifted into our ranks men who appear sound and their Christianity unquestionable, but who, if persecution should arise, would go out from us.—Evangelism, page 360 (1890). { LDE 174.1} { similar to LDE 179.1 }
Original Quotation: In the absence of the persecution there have drifted into our ranks men who appear sound and their Christianity unquestionable, but who, if persecution should arise, would go out from us. In the crisis they would see force in specious reasons that have had an influence on their minds. Satan has prepared various snares to meet varied minds. { Evangelism, page 360.4} |
Rather than argue if the leaders of the church are the ones who will defect and leave the church, let us consecrate ourselves to follow Jesus wherever He goes and be one of the 144,000 described in Revelation 14: 1 - 5.
Precept upon precept, here a little and there a little is how the Scriptures say we can understand the Bible, this method also applies to the writings of EGW . . . I invite the reader to join us on March 2nd for the 911 quote about church leaders who go out from us.
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Additional Material: Article about the Shaking
Vision of the Shaking - Nov. 1857
Return to Chapter 12 -- The Shaking
