The Sifting and Shaking

The Sifting and Shaking

The vision of the shaking, by Ellen White

I saw some with strong faith and agonizing cries, pleading with God. Their countenances were pale, and marked with deep anxiety, which expressed their internal struggle. There were firmness and great earnestness expressed in their countenances, while large drops of perspiration rose upon their foreheads, and fell. Now and then their faces would light up with the marks of God's approbation, and again the same solemn, earnest, anxious look settled upon them. {1SG 183.1}
Evil angels crowded around them, pressing their darkness upon them, to shut out Jesus from their view, that their eyes might be drawn to the darkness that surrounded them, and they distrust God, and next murmur against him. Their only safety was in keeping their eyes directed upward. Angels were having the charge over the people of God, and as the poisonous atmosphere from these evil angels was pressed around these anxious ones, the angels, which had the charge over them, were continually wafting their wings over them to scatter the thick darkness that surrounded them. {1SG 183.2}
Some, I saw, did not participate in this work of agonizing and pleading. They seemed indifferent and careless. They were not resisting the darkness around them, and it shut them in like a thick cloud. The angels of God left them, and went to the aid of those earnest, praying ones. I saw the angels of God hasten to the assistance of all those who were struggling with all their energies to resist those evil angels, and trying to help themselves by calling upon God with perseverance. But the angels left those who made no effort to help themselves, and I lost sight of them. {1SG 184.1}
As these praying ones continued their earnest cries, at times a ray of light from Jesus came to them, and encouraged their hearts, and lighted up their countenances. {1SG 184.2}
I asked the meaning of the shaking I had seen. I was shown that it would be caused by the straight testimony called forth by the counsel of the true Witness to the Laodiceans. It will have its effect upon the heart of the receiver of the testimony, and it will lead to him to exalt the standard and pour forth the straight truth. This straight testimony some will not bear. They will rise up against it, and this will cause a shaking among God's people. {1SG 184.3}

The people that Mrs. White saw in the Vision represent God’s church in the last days. They possess the truth, and keep the commandments of God, as well as have the testimony of Jesus, but Satan and his angels are working to suffocate them in darkness, to cut out the light of God’s promises from them. The only safety that these people had was in looking upward, to God, to the author and finisher of their faith while they diligently and faithfully prayed for strength to maintain. Some among these, though, are not diligently calling upon God’s name for support, and these ones are overcome by the darkness and are become fallen from the truth. Now, all this is called the shaking, but what was causing the shaking? And Why? It was caused by the Straight testimony to the Laodiceans.


What is this Straight testimony that is mentioned here?


Notice back in the last paragraph it says, "The straight testimony called forth by the counsel of the true witness to the Laodiceans." 

What does that mean?
Let’s turn to Revelation 3, and read the message sent to Laodicea.

Revelation 3:14-22

14 And unto the angel of the church of the Laodiceans write; These things saith the Amen, the faithful and true witness, the beginning of the creation of God;

Who is speaking here?

Revelation 1:1 says,

Rev 1:1
The Revelation of Jesus Christ, which God gave unto him, to shew unto his servants things which must shortly come to pass; and he sent and signified it by his angel unto his servant John:

The words of this message are God’s words – His instructions to the people of this church, delivered to John by an Angel. Amen?

What is Laodicea?

Rev 1:20  “The mystery of the seven stars which thou sawest in my right hand, and the seven golden candlesticks. The seven stars are the angels of the seven churches: and the seven candlesticks which thou sawest are the seven churches.”

There is said to be one angel for each church representing each of the seven churches in the beginning of Revelation. Each of these churches, Ephesus, Smyrna, Pergamos, Thyatira, Sardis, Philadelphia, and Laodicea, represent a stage of God’s church throughout time from the Time of Christ.

So, each of these churches represents a church through the time indicated above, but Laodicea is the last of the seven churches, which means it is the church in the last phases of earth’s history. That means God’s church in our day, that is, us.

God continues to say concerning Laodicea, through John to us, he says,

15” I know thy works, that thou art neither cold nor hot: I would thou wert cold or hot.

16 So then because thou art lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will spue thee out of my mouth.

The Lords message is saying that we (the people of God in the last days), are neither hot nor Cold, but are just lukewarm, so that God would spue us out of His mouth because of it. Folks, even though we may be the people of God, if we are not sober and vigilant we will be as just Lukewarm Spiritually, become vomit unto God. How alarming is that? It should cause us to quicken ourselves and turn unto God in Repentance and contrition of heart, to be reconciled unto God.

17 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:

According to this, the people of God’s church today say that they are rich, and increased with goods, that we think we are in need of nothing. But to the contrary. In reality, we are wretched, and miserable, and poor, and blind, and naked when we are without God.

Is this true? Do many of the churches of our day, the Seventh day Adventist church, who have possession of the commandments of God, and have the testimony of Jesus, do they boast of their big church buildings, and massive numbers of converts and members? Do they boast of their establishment and influence all around the world, and how they are so rich to be able to build such big and showy church buildings? Sadly we do. That means that in God’s eyes we are not sober, we are not vigilant. That means we are not Looking up to Him and seeking him in earnest prayer and supplication for strength and guidance like those in Mrs. Whites vision. That means we, as a people professing the name of Christ, need to change and get right with the Lord. Amen? Definitely.

Thus saith the Lord,

18 I counsel thee to buy of me gold tried in the fire, that thou mayest be rich; and white raiment, that thou mayest be clothed, and that the shame of thy nakedness do not appear; and anoint thine eyes with eyesalve, that thou mayest see.

            With the warning that God has given us in His rebuke to us for those things, He continues to give us council, amen? He says, “Buy of me gold tried in the fire…” This Gold is our character and faith. AS gold is tried in the fire to purge out all the dross and make it pure, so our characters and faith should be tried in the flames of trials and afflictions to make it perfect and pure. If we would seek God for a change in heart, to have our Characters transformed into the likeness of His, and let it be tried in fire, then we would be able to become rich—truly rich in the eyes of God, and not by the things of the world.
               The White raiment represents the Righteousness of Christ, His Purity and Holiness. If we would ask for the cleansing from sin, and to have His robe of Righteous put on us, then our shame and nakedness would be covered, and we would be able to present ourselves faultless before God.
               The Eye salve represents understanding and knowledge. The Pure and true knowledge comes from the Holy Spirit. So if we would have the outpouring of the Holy Spirit poured onto us, then we would be able to understand God’s will for us.

               All of these things are essential for our reconciliation unto God as his people, to be accepted unto him.

19 As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten: be zealous therefore, and repent.

20 Behold, I stand at the door, and knock: if any man hear my voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with me.

21 To him that overcometh will I grant to sit with me in my throne, even as I also overcame, and am set down with my Father in his throne.

22 He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches.

               Then, as God has rebuked the slothful and inattentive Christian, counseling Him to return unto Him, He gives the reason why He has given the Rebuke. As a Father Disciplines his children to keep them in obedience, so does God discipline His people to keep them in the Straight and Narrow path.  Christ is knocking upon the doors of our hearts, and if we would let Him in, He would abide in us and Help us to be overcomers of Sin so that we would be able to spend eternity with Him. Amen? That is the promise given to any and all who would hear the straight testimony and who would heed unto the pleading voice of Christ.

In the book titled Last day events, which is a compilation of Mrs. Whites writings, there is a sufficient and in depth explanation about the shaking and sifting time.

Last day events, ch. 12

Is Church Membership a Guarantee of Salvation?

It is a solemn statement that I make to the church, that not one in twenty whose names are registered upon the church books are prepared to close their earthly history, and would be as verily without God and without hope in the world as the common sinner.—Christian Service, 41 (1893). {LDE 172.1}

Those who have had opportunities to hear and receive of 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 the plagues of God just as verily as the churches who oppose the law of God.—Manuscript Releases 19:176 (1898). {LDE 172.2}

Mrs. White wrote these things to the Seventh day Adventist church back almost a hundred twenty years ago. Being so much closer to the end, should we not more carefully heed the warning that a servant of God has been inspired to give? Her words are just as important today as they were in that day, and we see clearly that many people and leaders among Adventism are gone astray separated from the foundation of truth, and from the faith and testimony of Jesus. Today there is just as great a need, if not then more so of a need for reform of God’s people than before. Oh Brothers and Sisters, would we heed the voice calling? I pray we do. If the people of God do not hearken to the straight testimony, they will fall into darkness with the rest of the world.

The Chaff must be separated from the Wheat

Divisions will come in the church. Two parties will be developed. The wheat and tares grow up together for the harvest.—Selected Messages 2:114 (1896). {LDE 172.3}

There will be a shaking of the sieve. The chaff must in time be separated from the wheat. Because iniquity abounds, the love of many waxes cold. It is the very time when the genuine will be the strongest.—Letter 46, 1887. {LDE 173.1}

The history of the rebellion of Dathan and Abiram is being repeated, and will be repeated till the close of time. Who will be on the Lord's side? Who will be deceived, and in their turn become deceivers?—Letter 15, 1892. {LDE 173.2}

The Lord is soon to come. There must be a refining, winnowing process in every church, for there are among us wicked men who do not love the truth or honor God.—The Review and Herald, March 19, 1895. {LDE 173.3}

We are in the shaking time, the time when everything that can be shaken will be shaken. The Lord will not excuse those who know the truth if they do not in word and deed obey His commands.—Testimonies for the Church 6:332 (1900). {LDE 173.4}

            Folks, our safety from falling away from God’s truth is not kept in a denomination or church, but it is kept by a diligent and constant faith in God. The shaking and sifting is necessary in order for God to separate out those who do not keep the straight testimony of Truth from the true and faithful of God. This does not mean that the People of God will be united together in one large group, but they will actually be scattered abroad upon the face of the earth. The faithful will be found in small groups here and there, clinging to the promises that God has established for our hope to be built on, but thus saith the Lord, “…where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them (Matthew 18:20).”  As the Chaff is separated from the wheat, let us not become as the chaff, but let us look unto God, and keep our allegiance to Him alone, who is author and finisher of our faith. Our faith must not be put in men, or in a structure, or in a people – it must be placed in Christ alone.

Will Persecution Cleanse the Church (God’s people)?

Prosperity multiplies a mass of professors. Adversity purges them out of the church.—Testimonies for the Church 4:89 (1876). {LDE 173.5}

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.—Testimonies for the Church 5:81 (1882). {LDE 173.6}
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, 360 (1890). {LDE 174.1}
When the law of God is made void the church will be sifted by fiery trials, and a larger proportion than we now anticipate will give heed to seducing spirits and doctrines of devils.—Selected Messages 2:368 (1891). {LDE 174.2}


            When the mark of the beast, the national Sunday law, is passed, the people of God will be put to a hard test. Will we go with the majority of men, some who professed godliness, and keep the laws of men forsaking the laws and Sabbath of God? Will we be swayed from the Firm foundation of truth to follow with many of our brothers and sisters who give in to the laws of men? Even if we are the last individual standing for the Sabbath, will we still stand firmly and unmoved for what we know is truth? Folks, if we are not willing and ready to stand for God’s truth in the face of affliction and death when all have forsaken us, then we will not stand at all when the occasion arises. We must realize that our full and total allegiance is to God, and though the heavens fall we must stand for Him.

Will Superficial Believers Renounce the Faith?

The work which the church has failed to do in a time of peace and prosperity she will have to do in a terrible crisis under most discouraging, forbidding circumstances. The warnings that worldly conformity has silenced or withheld must be given under the fiercest opposition from enemies of the faith. And at that time the superficial, conservative [Ellen White is not here distinguishing theological conservatives from their liberal counterparts; she is describing those who put “worldly conformity” first and God's cause second.] class, whose influence has steadily retarded the progress of the work, will renounce the faith.—Testimonies for the Church 5:463 (1885). {LDE 174.3}
If Satan sees that the Lord is blessing His people and preparing them to discern his delusions, he will work with his master power to bring in fanaticism on the one hand and cold formalism on the other, that he may gather in a harvest of souls.—Selected Messages 2:19 (1890). {LDE 174.4}
Those who have had privileges and opportunities to become intelligent in regard to the truth and yet who continue to counterwork the work God would have accomplished will be purged out, for God accepts the service of no man whose interest is divided.—Manuscript 64, 1898. {LDE 175.1}
As trials thicken around us, both separation and unity will be seen in our ranks. Some who are now ready to take up weapons of warfare will in times of real peril make it manifest that they have not built upon the solid rock; they will yield to temptation. Those who have had great light and precious privileges but have not improved them will, under one pretext or another, go out from us.—Testimonies for the Church 6:400 (1900). {LDE 175.2}

            Yes, the afflictions and errors and fanaticisms will be caused and created by those among God’s people. Beware that, though it may even come from the high ranks of the church, if it is not the straight truth of God, then it is the Spirit of Satan. In order for us to maintain through the shaking and sifting we have to test the Spirits and doctrines (1 John 4:1) so as not to become deceived, and we must “Prove all things” and “hold fast that that which is good” (1 Thess 5:21). In order to make it through we must not allow ourselves to be deceived or we will be in danger of being purged out of God’s people. Even when we place ourselves in a place that we know is delivering error, we place ourselves in danger of being purged out from God’s people. “Be sober, be vigilant;” the Devil is “going about as a roaring lion seeking whom he may devour (1 Peter 5:8).”
What is the Straight testimony that causes the shaking?
There are those among us who will make confessions, as did Achan, too late to save themselves. ... They are not in harmony with right. They despise the straight testimony that reaches the heart, and would rejoice to see everyone silenced who gives reproof.—Testimonies for the Church 3:272 (1873). {LDE 175.4}

The Lord calls for a renewal of the straight testimony borne in years past. He calls for a renewal of spiritual life. The spiritual energies of His people have long been torpid, but there is to be a resurrection from apparent death. By prayer and confession of sin we must clear the King's highway.—Testimonies for the Church 8:297 (1904). {LDE 176.1}

Again, by allowing ourselves to become inattentive and lacks we place ourselves in danger of being sifted out from God’s seal of Approval. If we despise the voice of wisdom and truth, or even deny it, we are in grave danger. Again, study out what is said to be truth, and understand what is truth by diligent prayer and study.

Will False Doctrines Draw Some Away from God’s Church?

Science, so-called, and religion will be placed in opposition to each other because finite men do not comprehend the power and greatness of God. These words of Holy Writ were presented to me, “Of your own selves shall men arise, speaking perverse things, to draw away disciples after them” [Acts 20:30]. This will surely be seen among the people of God.—Evangelism, 593 (1890). {LDE 176.3}
When the shaking comes, by the introduction of false theories, these surface readers, anchored nowhere, are like shifting sand. They slide into any position to suit the tenor of their feelings of bitterness.—Testimonies to Ministers and Gospel Workers, 112 (1897). {LDE 177.1}
Not having received the love of the truth, they will be taken in the delusions of the enemy; they will give heed to seducing spirits and doctrines of devils and will depart from the faith.—Testimonies for the Church 6:401 (1900). {LDE 177.2}
The enemy will bring in false theories, such as the doctrine that there is no sanctuary. This is one of the points on which there will be a departing from the faith.—Evangelism, 224 (1905). {LDE 177.3}

Folks, I don’t know if you have noticed, but the teaching of the Sanctuary is rarely mentioned or taught in Adventism today. The Sanctuary message reveals the plan of Salvation Christ made with the Heavenly Father to save us from sin, and of the Priestly work that Christ is administering to in the Heavenly Sanctuary now on our behalf. If we cut out the teaching of the Sanctuary from our message and teaching, then we are cutting away at the very foundation that God’s church is built upon. One of the pillars of the Seventh day Adventist Faith is the Sanctuary, and if we remove it from our learning and knowledge, the structure cannot stand. We must keep the foundation of our faith, the pillars of truth that we are established on. By letting some of it go we are making a compromise. The complete and total loss of truth, and by it salvation, is done away with one compromise at a time. Brothers and sisters, Do Not Compromise your establishment in truth. Lay hold on the truth and Keep the foundation that God has laid for us. Any compromise is the path to destruction.

Do Rejection of the Testimonies Results in Apostasy?

One thing is certain: Those Seventh-day Adventists who take their stand under Satan's banner will first give up their faith in the warnings and reproofs contained in the Testimonies of God's Spirit.—Selected Messages 3:84 (1903). {LDE 177.4}
The very last deception of Satan will be to make of none effect the testimony of the Spirit of God. “Where there is no vision, the people perish” (Proverbs 29:18). Satan will work ingeniously, in different ways and through different agencies, to unsettle the confidence of God's remnant people in the true testimony.—Selected Messages 1:48 (1890). {LDE 177.5}
The enemy has made his masterly efforts to unsettle the faith of our own people in the Testimonies.... This is just as Satan designed it should be, and those who have been preparing the way for the people to pay no heed to the warnings and reproofs of the Testimonies of the Spirit of God will see that a tide of errors of all kinds will spring into life.—Selected Messages 3:83 (1890). {LDE 178.1}
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}

Revelation 12:17 says that the remnant of God’s church are they which “keep the commandments of God, and have the testimony of Jesus.” If we, as God’s people do not have the testimony, then how are we God’s church? We cannot reject the true and straight testimony of Jesus—His message of warning, reproof, and complete truth. Again, folks, beware of those among us who do reject this testimony, for the devil may use them to cause you and me to be shaken, and if we do not hang on tightly to the testimony we will fall with them and be sifted out.

Will there be Defections among Leaders of God’s people?

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}
Men whom He has greatly honored will, in the closing scenes of this earth's history, pattern after ancient Israel.... A departure from the great principles Christ has laid down in His teachings, a working out of human projects, using the Scriptures to justify a wrong course of action under the perverse working of Lucifer, will confirm men in misunderstanding, and the truth that they need to keep them from wrong practices will leak out of the soul like water from a leaky vessel.—Manuscript Releases 13:379, 381 (1904). {LDE 178.4}
Many will show that they are not one with Christ, that they are not dead to the world, that they may live with Him; and frequent will be the apostasies of men who have occupied responsible positions.—The Review and Herald, September 11, 1888. {LDE 179.1}


            Can we be sealed with God’s seal of approval if we keep any form of worldliness? Certainly not. God has called us to separate from the world, and from worldliness; we’ve been called to forsake sin and all likeness of it. Additionally, we are to avoid the appearance of evil. Does the character of Christ partake in worldliness? Certainly not, so in order for our characters to be made ready for heaven we have to have it transformed into one like Christ’s. That cannot happen if we keep worldliness in the heart.

Unsanctified Ministers Will Be Weeded Out  

The great issue so near at hand [enforcement of Sunday laws] will weed out those whom God has not appointed and He will have a pure, true, sanctified ministry prepared for the latter rain.—Selected Messages 3:385 (1886). {LDE 179.2}
Many will stand in our pulpits with the torch of false prophecy in their hands, kindled from the hellish torch of Satan.... {LDE 179.3}
Some will go out from among us who will bear the ark no longer. But these cannot make walls to obstruct the truth; for it will go onward and upward to the end.—Testimonies to Ministers and Gospel Workers, 409, 411 (1898).

Ministers and doctors may depart from the faith, as the Word declares they will, and as the messages that God has given His servant declare they will.—Manuscript Releases 7:192 (1906). {LDE 179.5}

            Here again is reason for us to consider the things that are spoken from the pulpit. We are not to live to solely focus on looking for the errors being taught, or we will miss the truth, but we must also be sober and vigilant and be watchful unto prayer lest we fall into temptation (Mark 14:38), and not allow for error to be taught and deceive many. With every opposition we should meet it with a “Thus saith the Lord….”

God’s Church May Appear as About to Fall

When you have many brothers and sisters of the faith falling away from the truth, and falling from their faith by the shaking, and when pastors and ministers are also misleading from the truth, and themselves falling away from the God’s truth, it will seem overwhelmingly that the people of God will not be able to hold true through the time of great testing and trials.

The shaking of God blows away multitudes like dry leaves.—Testimonies for the Church 4:89 (1876). {LDE 180.1}

Chaff like a cloud will be borne away on the wind, even from places where we see only floors of rich wheat.—Testimonies for the Church 5:81 (1882). {LDE 180.2}
Soon God's people will be tested by fiery trials, and the great proportion of those who now appear to be genuine and true will prove to be base metal.... {LDE 180.3}
The church may appear as about to fall, but it does not fall. It remains, while the sinners in Zion will be sifted out—the chaff separated from the precious wheat. This is a terrible ordeal, but nevertheless it must take place.—Selected Messages 2:380 (1886). {LDE 180.5}

As the storm approaches, a large class who have professed faith in the third angel's message, but have not been sanctified through obedience to the truth, abandon their position and join the ranks of the opposition.—The Great Controversy, 608 (1911). {LDE 180.6}

When the religion of Christ is most held in contempt, when His law is most despised, then should our zeal be the warmest and our courage and firmness the most unflinching. To stand in defense of truth and righteousness when the majority forsake us, to fight the battles of the Lord when champions are few—this will be our test. At this time we must gather warmth from the coldness of others, courage from their cowardice, and loyalty from their treason.—Testimonies for the Church 5:136 (1882). {LDE 180.4}

The people of God will possess the truth. If we possess the truth than we have a responsibility to keep and preserve it through to the end, which means we have to remain faithful in our endeavor. Though the heavens and earth seem to be falling, and those around us falling, do not be moved, that is the great test of faith, that is the defining time where we will learn whether we are ready for heaven or not. Oh Brothers and sisters, hold fast to the truth, hold fast to your faith and confidence in God because you will need them to make it through the great trials and afflictions ahead. Though, the work is hard, it seems full of trial and suffering, it is nothing compared to the eternal reward that has been promised in God’s covenant. There is a crown awaiting all who stand true. Though the time may seem to tarry, hold fast anyway for the time of deliverance shall surely come.

35 Cast not away therefore your confidence, which hath great recompence of reward.

36 For ye have need of patience, that, after ye have done the will of God, ye might receive the promise.

37 For yet a little while, and he that shall come will come, and will not tarry.

38 Now the just shall live by faith: but if any man draw back, my soul shall have no pleasure in him.

            ~ Hebrews 10:35-38

Conclusion

God's Faithful Will Be Revealed  

The Lord has faithful servants who in the shaking, testing time will be disclosed to view. There are precious ones now hidden who have not bowed the knee to Baal. They have not had the light which has been shining in a concentrated blaze upon you. But it may be under a rough and uninviting exterior the pure brightness of a genuine Christian character will be revealed. In the daytime we look toward heaven but do not see the stars. They are there, fixed in the firmament, but the eye cannot distinguish them. In the night we behold their genuine luster.—Testimonies for the Church 5:80, 81 (1882). {LDE 181.1}
On every occasion that persecution takes place, the witnesses make decisions, either for Christ or against Him. Those who show sympathy for the men wrongly condemned, who are not bitter against them, show their attachment for Christ.—The Signs of the Times, February 20, 1901. {LDE 181.2}
Let opposition arise, let bigotry and intolerance again bear sway, let persecution be kindled, and the half-hearted and hypocritical will waver and yield the faith; but the true Christian will stand firm as a rock, his faith stronger, his hope brighter than in days of prosperity.—The Great Controversy, 602 (1911). {LDE 181.3}

            As has been said before, though it seem as you might be the only one remaining standing for the truth, there will still be some still holding to the faith as well. Don’t give up the hope of what is true.

New Converts Will Take the Places of Those Who Leave  

Some had been shaken out and left by the way. The careless and indifferent, who did not join with those who prized victory and salvation enough to perseveringly plead and agonize for it, did not obtain it, and they were left behind in darkness, and their places were immediately filled by others taking hold of the truth and coming into the ranks.—Early Writings, 271 (1858). {LDE 182.1}
The broken ranks will be filled up by those represented by Christ as coming in at the eleventh hour. There are many with whom the Spirit of God is striving. The time of God's destructive judgments is the time of mercy for those who [now] have no opportunity to learn what is truth. Tenderly will the Lord look upon them. His heart of mercy is touched, His hand is still stretched out to save, while the door is closed to those who would not enter. Large numbers will be admitted who in these last days hear the truth for the first time.—Letter 103, 1903. {LDE 182.2}

Standard after standard was left to trail in the dust as company after company from the Lord's army joined the foe and tribe after tribe from the ranks of the enemy united with the commandment-keeping people of God.—Testimonies for the Church 8:41 (1904). {LDE 182.3}

            Our examples of perseverance and steadfastness have an impact on those who behold. Actions speak louder than words and thus the refined and tried Character of Christ, if carefully exercised and practiced, will serve as a convincing illustration of God’s mercy and truth. Remember that we have a higher calling, that these things of earth shall pass, but in the meantime remember the faith and keep your attention unceasingly upon Christ. With those that fall the Lord set’s up men and women to take their place. Hold the standard high, wave the blood stained banner until the king comes. Remember that when God is with us, no man can be against us (Romans 8:31).

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Who and What is the Church of God

Who and what is the “Church”

Church defined from Greek:

“An assembly, congregation; the Church, the whole body of Christian believers.”

And we also know that the word church can refer to denominations and a place of worship, but what does the word church in scripture actually mean?

During His ministry on earth, Jesus referenced the church in multiple ways. Sometimes He said the church, other times he said peoples. Through history we see that the church began as a people (e.g., Adam and Eve, Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, etc), and progressed into a nation that has had many dark times as well as that of good.

What defined the church in Abraham’s time?

Galatians 3:6-9

6 Even as Abraham believed God, and it was accounted to him for righteousness.

7 Know ye therefore that they which are of faith, the same are the children of Abraham.

8 And the scripture, foreseeing that God would justify the heathen through faith, preached before the gospel unto Abraham, saying, In thee shall all nations be blessed.

9 So then they which be of faith are blessed with faithful Abraham.

The believer’s in Abraham’s day were defined by their faith, correct? And because of Abraham’s faith in God, God promised that his seed would be heirs to righteousness in Faith. So, here Abrahams family who feared the Lord were defined as God’s people by their faith, and thus the Children of Israel also were defined as the people of God because of their faith and lineage, and again today those who are of faith in God (which is the same God of Abraham and Israel) are called the people of God, and by their faith are heirs to Salvation in Through Christ.

In the time of Christ, what was considered the “Church?” (Or thought to be)

Again, looking back through history, we find that the Israel nation in the time of Christ considered themselves the heirs of Salvation because of their lineage from Abraham. So, the Jews were thought to be considered the Church of God, but were the Jews actually the true church of God?

Matthew 10:5, 6

5 These twelve Jesus sent forth, and commanded them, saying, Go not into the way of the Gentiles, and into any city of the Samaritans enter ye not:

6 But go rather to the lost sheep of the house of Israel.

What does this verse show about the Israel nation? “the lost sheep of Israel.” Does this show that there were some in Israel who were erring and not in the truth? Certainly. So, as a nation, Israel could not be considered the church because if the nation was taken to heaven, there would be vile sinners in it.
How about the denominational church of the Jews? Was that the true Church of God? They did keep the ordinances of the Sanctuary and of the laws, but how did many of the members and leaders of that church treat Jesus? The chief priests and Pharisees certainly did not approve of Christ and the ministry work that He worked among them, and many times those religious leaders sought to Kill Jesus. Does that sound like God’s church? God forbid.
However, with all the corruptions of the Jewish religion, did Jesus turn His back upon them? Did He not worship on the Sabbath day in their synagogues? Of course He did. It says in Mark 1:21 that Jesus went into the Synagogue on the Sabbath day and taught. Why? Because He went to seek after “the lost sheep of Israel. (Mat 10:6)”

This is the example for us in this: We can see that a denomination cannot be God’s defined church, for their can be leaders and members in a denomination that do err. It is by the condition of our heart and the condition of our faith that will define whether or not we are a member of God’s Church. I would rather have my name written in the book of Life in heaven and go to spend eternity with My Lord, rather than to have my faith put in an earthly denomination (instead of God) and have my name written in the that earthly book. Our Salvation is in Christ alone, and we must work out or Salvation with Him in fear and trembling (Philippians 2:12), and prove our steadfast faithfulness in Him to be counted among the faithful. This is my prayer for each, that we would each lift our eyes upon High, and trust in the Lord rather than in man.
Let us also not turn our back upon those whose eyes are upon men, but be like Jesus who sought to reach the “lost sheep of Israel.”

(Ended last week)

In the time that Christ ministered, the Jews believed themselves to be the heirs of Righteousness, and because of it they felt themselves as superior above all other nations of the world, and any person who was not a part of their “Church” of Israel was considered a Gentile (the Gentiles were treated like dogs by the Jews and downtrodden upon). Is this the character that was described as that of God’s church? Certainly not so. The so-thought church of that time was not actually the real church of God because that organization had separated from God. The Jews were early Seventh day Adventist, for they professed in the Advent of Christ and kept the Seventh day Holy, but as Jesus said, the Jews were the “lost sheep of Israel” and were in need of being shown the gospel, for they had certainly gone away from God. Through the time of Christ’s ministry, Jesus focused upon reaching the people who were once the chosen people of God, but as was shown when Christ was crucified, the largely established “Church” of that time rejected the Messiah and actually condemned Him to death on the cross. It was shortly after which when the door was opened for the gospel to be spread to the whole world and was no longer secluded to one nation and one people. The advent message of the redemption that Christ bought for us was able to be accepted by any and all who could hear it, and in being brought to faith in God, all could become heirs of righteousness.

            Now, let’s quickly follow the church of God up to our time.

Matthew 28:19 and 20

19 Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost:

20 Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen.

At Jesus’ last conversation with His disciples before He was taken up to Heaven, He charged the disciples to now take the gospel to all the world teaching and baptizing in the name of the Father, the Son, and Holy Ghost. To teach all to observe what Christ had taught the disciples leaving them with the Promise that He would be with them always (this promise still applies to us today if we heed the calling to go and teach all the truth of Salvation).

The true members of God’s church following the Stoning of Steven were a peculiar people of faithfulness, accepting the truth and following in faith after righteousness, but they were persecuted for their faith. Who were the people who stoned Steven? Were they not Jews too? Even those claiming to be the church of God (falsely of course) continued to reject the truth and persecuted the real Christians of that time. Because of the Pride of the nation, the Jews lost sight of the covenant that God made with Abraham and its conditions that they were required to keep. They rejected the gospel, they rejected the righteousness, and rejected everlasting life.

            These things of history show very important lessons for us today, amen? We are given a proper example to follow in order to be heirs of righteousness, and also are given examples of what disobedience to God can do to those who were once the true people of God.

            What does a woman represent in Scripture when spoken as a symbol?

Jeremiah 6:2
I have likened the daughter of Zion to a comely and delicate woman.

What is Zion?

2 Kings 19: 30 and 31

30 And the remnant that is escaped of the house of Judah shall yet again take root downward, and bear fruit upward.

31 For out of Jerusalem shall go forth a remnant, and they that escape out of mount Zion: the zeal of the Lord of hosts shall do this.

So, Zion, or the mount of Zion is reference to Jerusalem which was the capitol of the Israelite nation. Therefore, the daughters of Zion represent the people of God, for Israel was the chosen people of God. Jeremiah 6:2 says that the “daughters of Zion” are likened “to a comely and delicate woman.” Often in scripture, when speaking of prophecy, the people of God are symbolized as a woman then, correct?

Now, let’s turn to Revelation and read about the church in the last days.

Revelation 12: 7-17

7 And there was war in heaven: Michael and his angels fought against the dragon; and the dragon fought and his angels,

8 And prevailed not; neither was their place found any more in heaven.

9 And the great dragon was cast out, that old serpent, called the Devil, and Satan, which deceiveth the whole world: he was cast out into the earth, and his angels were cast out with him.

10 And I heard a loud voice saying in heaven, Now is come salvation, and strength, and the kingdom of our God, and the power of his Christ: for the accuser of our brethren is cast down, which accused them before our God day and night.

11 And they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb, and by the word of their testimony; and they loved not their lives unto the death.

12 Therefore rejoice, ye heavens, and ye that dwell in them. Woe to the inhabiters of the earth and of the sea! For the devil is come down unto you, having great wrath, because he knoweth that he hath but a short time.

13 And when the dragon saw that he was cast unto the earth, he persecuted the woman which brought forth the man child.

14 And to the woman were given two wings of a great eagle, that she might fly into the wilderness, into her place, where she is nourished for a time, and times, and half a time, from the face of the serpent.

15 And the serpent cast out of his mouth water as a flood after the woman, that he might cause her to be carried away of the flood.

16 And the earth helped the woman, and the earth opened her mouth, and swallowed up the flood which the dragon cast out of his mouth.

17 And the dragon was wroth with the woman, and went to make war with the remnant of her seed, which keep the commandments of God, and have the testimony of Jesus Christ.

Here, the dragon represent Satan who was cast out of heaven with 1/3 of the angles for rebelling against God and making war in heaven. Satan sees that he has but a short time and then he will be utterly defeated, so he turned to the bride of Christ to persecute her and to try and destroy her. We know from our previous two bible studies that the woman, who is the people of God, was nourished in faithfulness for 1260 years (time, times, and a half) through the time of trouble.
Now, notice verse 17 that says, “And the dragon was wroth with the woman, and went to make war with the remnant of her seed, which keep the commandments of God, and have the testimony of Jesus Christ.”

This portrays the character of God’s church in the last days; they are those who keep the commandments of God, and have the testimony of Jesus.
Also notice how the verse says that the devil went to make war with the remnant or her seed. Also note that in 2 Kings 19, verse 30 and 31 says, “And the remnant that is escaped of the house of Judah shall yet again take root downward, and bear fruit upward. For out of Jerusalem shall go forth a remnant, and they that escape out of mount Zion: the zeal of the Lord of hosts shall do this.

This remnant mentioned in Revelation 12:17, and in 2 Kings 19 are the remaining people of God’s church in these last days. They will be scattered throughout the earth, and afflicted, and tried and tested for their faith; they will be those who keep the commandments of God, and the faith of Jesus though the heavens fall. This remnant I want to be among: which are the people of God, and the inheritors of righteousness through faith. Amen?

Conclusion

The sum of the matter is simple. The Church represents the woman who is the people of God, of whom Christ died for to present to Himself as a bride clean and spotless (Ephesians 5:25-27). The remnant represents the remnant of God’s people in the last days.
            In the world today, we all hear many peoples and nations and denominations as well as individuals claiming to be the church of God. But are they truly the People of God? How do we know what is the true church of God? How do we know who is working by the Spirit of God, and who is working by the Spirit of Satan? Matthew 7:20 says, “By their fruits, ye shall know them.” By this and study of the word of God we will be able to discern who are the true people of God, and who are false teachers.
The True Church of God are a people –not a denomination, a structure, building, or a nation, but are a people; a people who keep the commandments of God, who are not afraid to call sin by its right name, who keep the faith and testimony of Jesus, who are as true to duty as the needle to the pole though the heavens fall. This is who I want to be numbered with in the day that Christ comes to gather us with Him to take home with Him.
            We have to realize that the people of God put their full trust and attention on God, and not in any man. We cannot put our trust in a denomination, or a modern theology, but instead we must look unto Christ (who is author and finisher of our faith) for truth and discernment, Amen?
We must be sober and vigilant, because no matter where we are, or with whom we worship with, the devil strives to continually deceive the people of God away from the truth.

I pray that we each would recognize the duty of God’s church (us) for these last days. I pray that we would study diligently to shew ourselves approved unto God (2 Tim 2:15), and that we would pray for discernment from the holy Spirit to rightly know our teachers, ministers, pastors, and fellow believer’s by their fruits. Keep your eyes upon Jesus, and don’t look away. Remember to keep the commandments in faithfulness, and to keep the testimony of Jesus to be among the saints of God (Rev 14:12).

Is freedom free?

  Is Freedom Free?

   Freedom was bought by the blood of Christ so that we would be able to be free from sin, so the price has been paid for those who would accept His life as payment for the sinners debt; it was certainly not a cheep price. Those who reject the blood of Christ and choose to stay in sin will have made Christ's sacrifice for them of no success, but He died for them just as much as for me. The only price for freedom on our part is the forsaking and surrendering of sin in our lives to walk therein no more.

Christ Conquered death and rose from the grave again to live, so that we, in Him, would be able to be conquerors of the flesh.

And sin entered

And Sin Entered

A major question that sits in the minds of many is the question of how sin entered the world.  Some entertain the belief that God created sin, but God is love, His throne is the habitation of Justice and judgement, and mercy go before His face (Psalm 89:14).

            What is sin?

1 John 3:4
 Whosoever committeth sin transgresseth also the law: for sin is the transgression of the law.

So, sin is the transgression of God’s law, or initially disobedience, correct? Does God cause men to sin? Does He cause men to disobey Him? Why would He? God is Just and merciful, He would not make any to commit disobedience. God created all beings with the gift of choice. They were created to make a freewill choice to serve Him, and all living beings did serve God with all joy and satisfaction. But, if God did not create sin, how did sin come about?

Let’s turn to Isaiah 14:
Isaiah 14:12-15
12 How art thou fallen from heaven, O Lucifer, son of the morning! How art thou cut down to the ground, which didst weaken the nations!

13 For thou hast said in thine heart, I will ascend into heaven, I will exalt my throne above the stars of God: I will sit also upon the mount of the congregation, in the sides of the north:

14 I will ascend above the heights of the clouds; I will be like the most High.

15 Yet thou shalt be brought down to hell, to the sides of the pit.

“So long as all created beings acknowledged the allegiance of love, there was perfect harmony throughout the universe of God. It was the joy of the heavenly host to fulfill the purpose of their Creator. They delighted in reflecting His glory and showing forth His praise. And while love to God was supreme, love for one another was confiding and unselfish. There was no note of discord to mar the celestial harmonies. But a change came over this happy state. There was one who perverted the freedom that God had granted to His creatures. Sin originated with him who, second to Christ, had been most honored of God and was highest in power and glory among the inhabitants of heaven. Lucifer, “son of the morning,” was first of the covering cherubs, holy and undefiled. He stood in the presence of the great Creator, and the ceaseless beams of glory enshrouding the eternal God rested upon him. “Thus saith the Lord God; Thou sealest up the sum, full of wisdom, and perfect in beauty. Thou hast been in Eden the garden of God; every precious stone was thy covering.... Thou art the anointed cherub that covereth; and I have set thee so: thou wast upon the holy mountain of God; thou hast walked up and down in the midst of the stones of fire. Thou wast perfect in thy ways from the day that thou wast created, till iniquity was found in thee.” Ezekiel 28:12-15. {PP 35.1}”

“Little by little Lucifer came to indulge the desire for self-exaltation. The Scripture says, “Thine heart was lifted up because of thy beauty, thou hast corrupted thy wisdom by reason of thy brightness.” Ezekiel 28:17. “Thou hast said in thine heart, ...I will exalt my throne above the stars of God.... I will be like the Most High.” Isaiah 14:13, 14. Though all his glory was from God, this mighty angel came to regard it as pertaining to himself. Not content with his position, though honored above the heavenly host, he ventured to covet homage due alone to the Creator. Instead of seeking to make God supreme in the affections and allegiance of all created beings, it was his endeavor to secure their service and loyalty to himself. And coveting the glory with which the infinite Father had invested His Son, this prince of angels aspired to power that was the prerogative of Christ alone. {PP 35.2}”

Now the perfect harmony of heaven was broken. Lucifer began to harbor feelings of pride, jealousy, and selfishness. As time progressed, his feelings became greater and greater and he boasted to himself that He would become higher than God. Instead of looking continually to God, he began looking unto self, and sin entered.

Sin is like a disease, an awful terrible consuming disease. The more sin is allowed to dwell in the heart and mind, the more destruction it causes. The more a person indulges in gratifying self, the more the curse of sin can grasp upon the person. Lucifer was in a very great position in Heaven, he was a commander of the Angels. What God commanded, Lucifer would deliver to the angels to carry out. But, Lucifer began to doubt and question the nature of God’s perfect laws. He began to defy them in his heart, and let self reign instead. Even with all such overwhelming evidence to how good, and merciful and worthy God is, Lucifer still turned blindly away, and sin entered.

We established earlier what sin was in 1 John 3:4, that it is the transgression of God’s law, or disobedience to God. Lucifer committed transgression against God’s law and rebelled against Him, and convinced one third of the Angels to rebel with him (Lucifer was very much loved in heaven by all the Angels, and it was a very tragic thing when he fell into rebellion). One third of the angels chose to follow Lucifer, but the rest chose to remain faithful unto God. Note: Even the faithfulness of all the angels has been tested.

Since we know how sin began, how did sin enter our world?

Genesis 2:17, 18:

17 But of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, thou shalt not eat of it: for in the day that thou eatest thereof thou shalt surely die.

18 And the Lord God said, It is not good that the man should be alone; I will make him an help meet for him.

After God have created all of creation and given all for Adam to partake in, He gave Adam Specific instructions of all that he may do in Eden, and what Adam was responsible for. However, there was one thing in Eden that God had put forth their as a test of Adam’s faithfulness. God gave one specific instruction to Adam that He should not eat of tree that was in the midst of the Garden. The purpose of the Tree of knowledge of good and evil is as a test. God knew that Satan would try and tempt his Creation into falling under his rebellious tyranny, and He needed a way to make Adam’s faith grow and increase and be proved. Thus, the tree was a test to Adam’s faithful obedience to God.
 Also, God saw that Adam was in need of a help meet--a person to stay with Adam and be the meet for his help. Thus, God created Eve for Adam out of Adam’s rib, signifying that she was not from his head to rule over, nor from his feet to be trampled upon, but from his side to be under his arm and by him through all things.  This was one of the best gifts that God gave Adam.

Now turn to Genesis 3, and we will read the history of the fall.

Genesis 3:

1 Now the serpent was more subtil than any beast of the field which the Lord God had made. And he said unto the woman, Yea, hath God said, Ye shall not eat of every tree of the garden?

2 And the woman said unto the serpent, We may eat of the fruit of the trees of the garden:

3 But of the fruit of the tree which is in the midst of the garden, God hath said, Ye shall not eat of it, neither shall ye touch it, lest ye die.

Let’s stop for a moment. What do we have happening here?

Where is Adam? So, Eve is walking through the garden without her faithful and wise husband with her to help protect and shield her from any wrong doings (Man was created with the same gift of choice as the Heavenly beings were, and thus were capable of deciding to turn away from God).

“Our first parents were not left without a warning of the danger that threatened them. Heavenly messengers opened to them the history of Satan’s fall and his plots for their destruction, unfolding more fully the nature of the divine government, which the prince of evil was trying to overthrow. It was by disobedience to the just commands of God that Satan and his host had fallen. How important, then, that Adam and Eve should honor that law by which alone it was possible for order and equity to be maintained. {PP 52.2}”

4 And the serpent said unto the woman, Ye shall not surely die:

5 For God doth know that in the day ye eat thereof, then your eyes shall be opened, and ye shall be as gods, knowing good and evil.

(The first lies ever uttered in this world)

6 And when the woman saw that the tree was good for food, and that it was pleasant to the eyes, and a tree to be desired to make one wise, she took of the fruit thereof, and did eat, and gave also unto her husband with her; and he did eat.

7 And the eyes of them both were opened, and they knew that they were naked; and they sewed fig leaves together, and made themselves aprons.

 The first mistake that Eve made was to wander away from Adam’s side, something of which the angels had warned her against in their communion with each other.
 Eve’s second mistake was to go near the tree which they were not to partake of, putting herself in the enemy’s territory to be tempted.
When Eve had already fallen into the temptation, she further made mistake by adding to that which God had commanded them. Eve showed her ignorance when she said that God commanded them to not touch of the fruit. God commanded them to not go near the tree, let alone touch or eat it. In this way Eve opened herself up all the more to the deceptions of the serpent (at that point, Eve was near to point of no return). In this way Satan, in the form a serpent, which was the wisest creature in Eden and a very beautiful creature in the garden, used Eve’s ignorance to her destruction. When Eve touched the fruit, she did not die, and thus she then took to eat for the serpent deceived her. And sin entered into Eden.
Adam, when Eve took fruit to him to eat, he was troubled and sad that Eve had sinned when he recognized what she came bearing to him, but against his own conscience, Adam became blinded by his passion for Eve, and disregarded the Instructions from God. Adam hastily took to eat so he would not become separated from Eve, and sin again manifested.
            Right after having committed the disobedience to God’s command, the guilt and impact of their deed began to set in. Surely, such a small sin as that could not have such a strict penalty of death and destruction? But sin is sin, no matter its condition, it is still a curse and rebellion unto God and thus the only consequence of sin is death. “For the wages of sin is death… (Romans 6:23).”

Conclusion

The lessons in this story are numerous, but one that I want to point to is the state and actions leading up to the actions of sin. With Lucifer, whilst he was yet a noble angel in the presence of God, he turned to feelings of pride and jealousy allowing self to become present. He began to question the perfect and holy laws of God and gradually in his heart set his mind to rebel against them. He desired to rise above the throne of God, a position that only the creator is worthy of. Slowly the feelings of pride and arrogance crept into his heart and he committed sin by rebelling against the Almighty God.
Eve also made decisions that led her to the fall. She and Adam had been forewarned of the history of the fall of Lucifer in heaven, and the conflict that had begun from it. Adam and Eve had been instructed to remain with one another lest the enemy should come to temp them separately. Yet, even after all the warnings and instructions, Adam permitted Eve to wander from him, and Eve chose to leave Adam which compromised both of their faithfulness. By this first action, both Adam and Eve put them in jeopardy of being tempted. Eve continued farther down the path of treading upon dangerous ground when she went near to the tree which they were instructed to stay away from. At the tree she was further digging herself deeper into danger by lingering and speaking with the serpent, which should have been enough to cause alarm, but Eve tarried until she fell.

Similarly today, we can often time put ourselves in the way of temptation. When Christ calls us, beckons us to leave off from sin and follow Him, He makes it very clear that we must surrender all to follow Him. Sin, being like a curse, clings onto the spiritual garments, and cannot be removed except by the cleansing blood and forgiveness of Christ. By repentance to Christ, we can have our sinful and stained garments replaced by the pure and clean covering of Christ. Yet, we cannot become clean if we continue to remain in Sin. We have to turn from our sins to be able to remain clean in Christ. With every temptation we must resist the urge and desire to turn to self-indulgence. But, we cannot do that upon our own efforts, we have to have the strength and enabling that Christ gives us. However, we can put ourselves in the way of danger by walking upon the ground that leads to temptation like that of Adam and Eve in Eden. There is a song known as Little feet be careful where you take me to; anywhere for Jesus, only let me do. Let us not walk in the way that is near to temptation, or that opens us up to the temptations of evil, because how can the angels deliver us strength if we go where they cannot. Trust in the Lord, and walk steadfastly in Him; be sober and vigilant, pray without ceasing, so as to not fall into temptation. Let us remember these things continually as we strive to walk with the Lord. Amen?
 

Notes:

Satan represented to the holy pair that they would be gainers by breaking the law of God. Do we not today hear similar reasoning? Many talk of the narrowness of those who obey God’s commandments, while they themselves claim to have broader ideas and to enjoy greater liberty. What is this but an echo of the voice from Eden, “In the day ye eat thereof”—transgress the divine requirement—“ye shall be as gods”? Satan claimed to have received great good by eating of the forbidden fruit, but he did not let it appear that by transgression he had become an outcast from heaven. Though he had found sin to result in infinite loss, he concealed his own misery in order to draw others into the same position. So now the transgressor seeks to disguise his true character; he may claim to be holy; but his exalted profession only makes him the more dangerous as a deceiver. He is on the side of Satan, trampling upon the law of God, and leading others to do the same, to their eternal ruin. {PP 55.1}

"If Satan was cast out of Heaven because of sin, what makes man think they can get to heaven in Sin?"