Editorial

Editorial – The Voice of God, part 1

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Since the fall of man in Eden, the tempter has been most successful in reaching men when he is able to deceive them into thinking that his voice is the voice of God. “Men must be in close connection with God, or the enemy will interpose himself between them and God, that they will take his suggestions as the voice of God.” 1888 Messages, 939

In order to avoid being shaken out of with any device of our adversary who is much wiser than we are, we must know with certainty the voice of God and then obey it.

Many times in the book of Genesis God spoke to individuals but in Exodus, He speaks not only to individuals but to the entire world from Mount Sinai in giving His Law. “The earth shook, the heavens also dropped at the presence of God: even Sinai itself was moved at the presence of God, the God of Israel. Psalm 68:8. Amid the most terrific convulsions of nature the voice of God, like a trumpet, was heard from the cloud. The mountain was shaken from base to summit and the hosts of Israel, pale and trembling with terror, lay upon their faces upon the earth. He whose voice then shook the earth has declared, ‘Yet once more I shake not the earth only, but also heaven.’ ” Patriarchs and Prophets, 340. Concerning what He spoke, He declares “My covenant I will not break, nor alter the word that has gone out of My lips.” (The Ten Commandments are called is covenant. See Deuteronomy 4:13; 5:22.)

Any voice with any message can be compared to the Law of God. God’s voice will never contradict His Law and any voice that does contradict His Law is not His voice no matter what claim may be made. It is this stabilizing knowledge that will be one of the main factors that will keep the elect from being deceived in the times of trouble just ahead. (See The Great Controversy, 622-626.) There are mysteries in the Bible that the wisest minds cannot fathom, but this is not true concerning the law of God. “There is no mystery in the law of God. The feeblest intellect can grasp these rules to regulate after the Divine Mode.” Review and Herald, September 14, 1886

But God’s voice is heard not only in the Ten Commandments. “Do we receive the testimony of the Scriptures as the voice of God? Through the Scriptures, the voice of God comes to us as veritably as it came to Israel when He spoke on Sinai in the audience of all the people. How many of us regard it in this light? If we did regard it thus, what a change would be seen in our daily words and actions. With what reverence and awe would we search the Word of God to know the truth, the medium through which the souls sanctification is accomplished.” Signs of the Times, April 6, 1891. If we could fully realize the truth of this statements, how the Holy Bible would be prized. It would be considered the greatest of any material possession that could be acquired in this world. It would be realized that this Book allows us to have an audience with our Maker Who holds the destiny of every living thing in His hands and has in this Book graciously shown to us how to live so as to obtain life’s best results.

“The Lord has uttered His voice in His Holy Word. Those blessed pages are full of instruction and life, harmonious with truth. They are a perfect rule of conduct. Instructions are given, principles are laid down, which apply to every circumstance in life, even though some particular case may not be stated. Nothing is left unrevealed which is essential to a complete system of faith and a correct line of practice. Every duty that God requires at our hands is made plain…None will err from the right path who meekly and honestly take the Bible as their guide, making it the man of their counsel.” Our High Calling, 36

There are other ways in which the Lord speaks to the children of men, but it is basic to understand that the voice of God will never contradict the Scriptures, especially the Ten Commandments. If the voice of any person, organization, or group of persons, no matter how many miracles are performed or how many signs and wonders, are worked proclaims a message contrary to the established and certain vice which has stood the test of many centuries of criticism and abuse and has given unmistakable evidence of its source, the we may know that, however pleasing, this voice is neither the voice of God nor speaking for God. (See Matthew 7:21-23.)

Editorial – The Crisis Issue at the End of the World

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When Jesus came to our world to become our Savior and Redeemer, the second table of the law of God—the last six commandments—were often ignored, while God’s professed people exalted in their keeping of the first four commandments and avoiding idolatry, which had been the plague of God’s professed people up until the time of the Babylonian captivity. This can be seen over and over in the gospels (see for example Mark 3:1–6).

But in the last days, the situation is reversed. We know this from studying Revelation 13. There will be great emphasis on loving your fellow man but there will be a rebellion against the first table of the law, which commands us to love God with all our heart and mind. If I do love God with all my heart, I will never commit idolatry. However, according to Revelation 13 we will be commanded to worship an image.

Does the Bible emphasize the fact that law-keeping versus law-breaking will be the issue in the last days and that the special issue will involve the first four commandments? It does. Here is a little of the evidence:

  1. The difference which distinguishes God’s children from the rest of the world in the last days is that God’s children in the last days will be commandment keepers in contrast with those who worship the beast and the image to the beast and who receive the mark of the beast (Revelation 14:9–12; 13:14–17). Worshiping any image is a violation of the second commandment.
  2. The saved from the last generation will be those who do not worship the beast, the image, and receive the mark of the beast (Revelation 15:2; 20:4).
  3. Nobody can be saved who is a violator of the second commandment unless he repents and is converted and forsakes that sin. Notice the warnings about this in 1 Corinthians 6:9; Revelation 21:8; 22:15.
  4. A deliberate attempt to change God’s times and His law is a special identifying mark of the apostasy of the latter days according to Daniel 7:25. The only times in God’s law are the times mentioned in the fourth commandment, the longest commandment of the ten and the one that has been almost universally broken since ancient times. And yet this commandment for thousands of years has been the sign that distinguishes God’s true people from all others. (See Exodus 31:12–17. Compare Ezekiel 20.)

Editorial – What God Has Joined, part 3

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Instead of trying to find a way to be able to violate God’s counsel and still be saved, the converted Christian will be seeking to bring every aspect of his life into harmony with the divine standard. If Jesus truly has our heart, we will be willing to suffer inconvenience, and even hardship, rather than dishonor our Redeemer by disregarding His revealed will. All of the universe is watching to see who we deem worthy of the greatest honor and whether or not we are trustworthy and faithful servants. The one who is saved is one who swears to his own hurt (as many have done in their marriage vows) and changes not. (See Psalm 15.)

“I have received a letter from your husband. I would say that there is only one thing for which a husband may lawfully separate from his wife or a wife from her husband, and that is adultery.

“If your dispositions are not congenial, would it not be for the glory of God for you to change these dispositions? . . .

“My sister, you cannot please God by maintaining your present attitude. Forgive your husband. He is your husband, and you will be blessed in striving to be a dutiful, affectionate wife. Let the law of kindles be on your lips. You can and must change your attitude.” Manuscript Releases, vol. 1, 161.

Following an editorial like this one, we will no doubt receive many letters and calls. However, please let me tell you in advance, as we have told many others, we do not believe that any church, or any human being, has the prerogative to determine morality—a determination as to what is right and what is wrong. God has revealed the standard of morality in His Law and in the explanations of that Law given us in the inspired writings. While we can share with you these messages, we dare not venture to advise you as to the course that you must follow.

“Oh,” somebody might say, “mine is a special case.” No matter now singular it is, all that a Protestant pastor can do is read what the Word of God says that is applicable. While we fully believe in the grace of God over people in complicated situations, let us be careful that we do not abuse the grace of God and outrage the Holy Spirit (see Hebrews 10:26), thereby losing our soul. Over and over again the apostle Paul urged upon Christians not to deceive themselves. If the record book in heaven reveals that the divorce you are contemplating was made from selfishness, all of the reasons in the world will be of no avail in excusing you from following God’s revealed will. What will you say in the day when the Lord asks you why you were not afraid to put asunder that which He had joined together? How will you escape a verdict that you are a traitor against the divine government and not subject to the Lord of heaven?

“The last great day is right upon us. Let all consider that Satan is now striving for the mastery over souls. He is playing the game of life for your souls. Will there be sins committed by you on the very borders of the heavenly Canaan? Oh what revealings! The husband will know for the first time the deception and falsehood that have been practiced by the wife whom he thought innocent and pure. The wife for the first time will know the case of her husband, and the relatives and friends will see how error and falsehood and corruption have been clustering about them; for the secrets of all hearts will stand revealed. The hour of Judgment is almost here,—long delayed by the goodness and mercy of God. But the trump of God will sound to the consternation of the unprepared who are living, and awaken the pale nations of the dead.” Review and Herald, May 24, 1887.

The root of the apostasy that led to the Dark Ages was the idea that something could be added or taken away from the Word of God by the church or the clergy. This concept was the very fountain from which flowed the errors of Babylon. (See The Great Controversy, 289, 290.) If we ever condone that which God has not condoned, we will be in serious trouble indeed.

“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; and ministers who are handling sacred things are guilty of sin in this respect. They are coveting their neighbors’ wives, and the seventh commandment is broken. 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?” Sexual Behavior, Adultery, and Divorce, 188.

Editorial – What God Has Joined, part 2

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Although, in extreme cases, separation is at times necessary, we note that this course was something that even the prophet of God left to the judgment of those who were in these trying situations—she did not advocate the separation of that which God had joined together and she gave serious warnings to anyone who would do this even when there was question as to whether the persons involved had a biblical right to marry in the first place.

Example 1: “Your letter has been received and read. I have had acquaintance with several such cases and have found those who felt conscientious to do something in similar cases to the one you mention. After having stirred things up generally, and torn to pieces, they had not wisdom to put things together to make matters better. I found that those who were so zealous to tear things down did nothing to build them up in right order. They had the faculty to confuse, distress, and create a most deplorable condition of things, but not the faculty to make them better.

“You have asked my counsel in regard to this case; I would say that unless those who are burdened in reference to the matter have carefully studied a better arrangement, and can find places for these where they can be comfortable, they better not carry out their ideas of a separation. I hope to learn that this matter is not pressed and that sympathy will not be withdrawn from the two whose interests have been united. I write this because I have seen so many cases of the kind, and persons would have great burden till everything was unsettled and uprooted and then their interest and burden went no further. We should individually know that we have a zeal that is according to knowledge. We should not move hastily in such matters, but look on every side of the question; we should move very cautiously and with pitying tenderness, because we do no know all the circumstances which led to this course of action.

“I advise that these unfortunate ones be left to God and their own consciences, and that the church shall not treat them as sinners until they have evidence that they are such in the sight of the Holy God. He reads hearts as an open book. He will not judge as man judgeth.” Manuscript Releases, vol. 1, 164, 165

Example 2: “I have just read your letter concerning Will E. I regard the matter in the same light that you do, and think it a cruel, wicked thing that the father of Will E. Should take the course that he is taking; but I have not dared to answer his letters. If anything can come from me through you to him, I would say that his case cannot be improved by leaving the present wife. It would not better the case to go to the other woman in the question….

“I have not written to Will E., but know that if the father would repent before God and do his first works, and cease to consider himself as one that can help his son, he would ask himself the question, ‘Is my name written there, on the page white and fair?’ He might well begin to humble himself before God, and leave Will Wales with God.

“Let the father and brother make diligent work for themselves. They both need the converting power of God. May the Lord help these poor souls to remove spot and stain from their own characters, and repent of their wrongs, and leave Will E. with the Lord.

“I am so sorry for the man, for his course is in such a shape that it will not answer to be meddled with, for there are difficulties upon difficulties. I would say that the Lord understands the situation, and if Will E. will seek Him with all his heart, He will be found of him. If he will do his best, God will pardon and receive him.

“’Oh, how precious it is to know that we have One who does know and understand, and will help the ones who are most helpless. But the rebuke of God is upon the father and the brother who would drive to destruction and perdition one who stands in the sight of God under no worse condemnation than themselves, and yet they will so use their gifts of speech as to dishearten, discourage, and drive Will E. to despair.

“‘Will E. may hope in God and do the best he can to serve God in all humility of mind, casting his helpless soul upon the great Sin Bearer. I have not written a word to either father or son. I would gladly do something to help poor Will E. to make things right, but this cannot be done as matters are now situated, without someone’s being wronged.

“I understand perfectly the situation between Will E. and his first wife….and I knew how the case would terminate; for Will E. cannot endure to be a slave, his identity lost in a wife who made herself his judge in conscience, in his duty, and in his work generally.” Testimonies on Sexual Behavior, Adultery, and Divorce, 225-227

Editorial – What God Has Joined, part 1

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Jesus said, regarding marriage, “What God has joined together, let not man put asunder.” (See Matthew 19:6.) There are many areas of life where God has left us free to choose. In the Garden of Eden, man was able to choose his diet from any tree in the garden; but there was a limit to this choice. God reserved one tree as off limits. In regard to this one tree, a divine command was given not to eat of it. “God might have created them without the power to transgress His requirements, but in that case there could have been no development of character; their service would not have been voluntary, but forced. Therefore He gave them the power of choice—the power to yield or to withhold obedience.” Education, 23

This restriction was not arbitrary but came from the infinite wisdom and knowledge of God as to what was for the happiness of His creatures. “God, in His great love for man gave him that law by which to order his conduct, that he should be restricted to doing those things which would tend to increase his real happiness, and that of his fellow creatures even in this life. The principles of the commandments, carried out in the daily life, ennoble and sanctify the heart and mind and give one a moral fitness through Jesus Christ for the society of holy angels. Our all wise heavenly Father knew what rules were required to guard man from sin and to regulate his life, leading him to practice such virtues as would make him a fit subject for heaven.” Signs of the Times, July 18, 1878

While we should be cautious, in much prayer and seeking for counsel before marriage, and we are forbidden by an express command of God to unite in marriage with unbelievers (see 2 Corinthians 6:14–18), human beings are forbidden to put asunder what God has joined together. Only one reason is sufficient cause for divorce in the New Testament. (See Matthew 19:9.)

Many times Adventist pastors are asked by this one or that one for permission to obtain a divorce for other than this biblical reason. This is permission that no human being has a right to give—Jesus, the mighty God and everlasting Father, has already made that decision; and His decision is, “What God has joined together let not Man put asunder.” “It has ever proved a dangerous thing for men to carry out their own will in opposition to the requirements of God. Yet it is a hard lesson for men to learn that God means what He says.” Ibid., May 19, 1881

“The instruction given to Abraham touching the sacredness of the marriage relation was to be a lesson for all ages. It declares that the rights and happiness of this relation are to be carefully guarded, even at a great sacrifice. Sarah was the only true wife of Abraham. Her rights as a wife and mother no other person was entitled to share.” Patriarchs and Prophets, 147

Any minister or person helping the public comes in contact with cases which are so serious that sometimes a separation is necessary, at least temporarily, because of physical danger or serious mental trauma. Ellen White had to deal with these, too, but notice that she did not advise divorce, even when separation was necessary.

Example 1: “I cannot see what more can be done in this case, and I think that the only thing that you [Walter C] can do is to give up your wife. If she is thus determined not to live with you, both she and you would be most miserable to attempt it. And as she has fully and determinedly set her stakes, you can only shoulder your cross and show yourself a man.” Testimonies on Sexual Behavior, Adultery, and Divorce, 57

Example 2: “I have received your letter; and in reply to it I would say, I cannot advise you to return to _____ unless you see decided changes in him. The Lord is not pleased with the ideas he has had in the past of what is due to a wife. . . .

“I feel very sad about this matter. I feel indeed sorry for _____, but I cannot advise you to go to him against your judgment. I speak to you as candidly as I spoke to him; it would be perilous for you to again place yourself under his dictation. I had hoped that he would change. . . .

“The Lord understands all about your experiences, Sister _____. Be of good courage in the Lord; He will not leave you nor forsake you. My heart goes out in tenderest sympathy for you.” Letter 148, 1907(Next month we will look at more examples and consider counsel given, relative to dealing with difficult marriage situations.)

The End

Editorial – Our Need of Superior Wisdom, part 2

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We saw last month that an important part of that superior wisdom which is of a divine origin is meekness, lowliness, and the ability to be silent and not always speak one’s whole mind. This month I would like to share with you some more inspired comments that touch on this subject.

“He [Jesus] would have men appointed to deal with the erring who will be kind and considerate, and whose characters reveal the similitude of the divine,—men who will show the wisdom of Christ in dealing with matters that should be kept private, and who, when a work of correction and reproof must be done, will know how to keep silence before those whom it does not concern.” Review and Herald, November 14, 1907.

“You will have many perplexities to meet in your Christian life in connection with the church, but do not try too hard to mold your brethren. If you see that they do not meet the requirements of God’s Word, do not condemn; if they provoke, do not retaliate. When things are said that would exasperate, quietly keep your soul from fretting. . . . do what you can in humility and meekness, and put the tangled work, the complicated matters, into the hands of God. Follow the directions in His Word, and leave he outcome of the matter to His wisdom. Having done all you can to save your brother, cease worrying, and go calmly about other pressing duties. It is no longer your matter, but God’s” Testimonies, vol. 5, 347, 348.

“Many who profess to gather with Christ are scattering from Him. This is why the church is so weak. Many indulge freely in criticism and accusing. By giving expression to suspicion, jealousy, and discontent, they yield themselves as instruments to Satan. Before they realize what they are doing, the adversary has through them accomplished his purpose. The impression of evil has been made, the shadow has been cast, the arrows of Satan have found their mark. Distrust, unbelief, and downright infidelity have fastened upon those who otherwise might have accepted Christ.” Christ’s Object Lessons, 340, 341.

“It has too often been the case that criticizing and denunciatory discourses have been given before a congregation. These do not encourage a spirit of love in the brethren. They do not tend to make them spiritually minded and lead them to holiness and heaven, but a spirit of bitterness is aroused in hearts. These very strong sermons that cut a man all to pieces are sometimes positively necessary to arouse, alarm, and convict. But unless they bear the especial marks of being dictated by the Spirit of God, they do far more injury than they can do good.” Testimonies, vol. 3, 508.

“It is wise to seek humility and meekness, and to carefully avoid raising a combative spirit, thus closing ears and hearts to the truth. Hold your mouth as with a bridle when the wicked are before you. When tempted to say sarcastic things, refrain. Censure no one; condemn no one. Let the life argue for Jesus, and the lips be opened with wisdom to defend the truth. The consistent life, the long forbearance, the spirit unruffled under provocation, is always the most conclusive argument and the most solemn appeal. We are often brought into positions that are trying, where human nature longs to break forth; but in such cases, be still, do not retaliate.” Review and Herald, July 22, 1884.

There are constant dangers besetting the pathway of God’s servants, and these dangers we may learn to avoid. At times, Elder Prescott, [Vice-President of the General Conference and editor of the Review and Herald in 1908.] you have come very near making shipwreck of your faith. Only the grace of God and the confidence you have had in the messages He has sent through the Spirit of Prophecy have held you back. I was shown that although you have had many years of experience in the cause of God, you are still in danger of making grave mistakes. You will be inclined to catch hold of some minor matter which you consider to be important, and place great weight upon it. At such times Satan is waiting and watching for an opportunity to influence your mind and through you to work upon many other minds, leading them to questioning and doubt. The Lord has not called you to such a work as this. Upon some questions silence will reveal a spirit of wisdom and discretion.” Manuscript Releases, vol. 10, 361.

Editorial – Our Need of Superior Wisdom

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In writing to some Seventh-day Adventist leaders, Ellen White once said, “They thought they were too wise to be taught, and too secure to need caution, and if no one makes shipwreck of faith and a good conscience, I shall be surprised. Mistakes I saw would be made, and the men who are handling sacred things were not inclined to be controlled. Were they confidently relying upon the wisdom from above? No, but on their own supposed superior wisdom and prudence. O how sad to see men of little experience put on airs of importance, and act as though their own judgment of men and things were infallible. I know that things are not right now in the office.” 1888 Materials, 1186.

Today, we are in as great, and perhaps greater danger of making shipwreck of our faith. If we are to avoid eternal disaster, we must obtain a superior wisdom from God. There are several aspects to this superior wisdom that God wants to give us. The first and most important is the lessons of meekness and of silence. Notice how Jesus illustrated this in His own life.

“The Great Teacher held in His hand the entire map of truth, but He did not disclose it all to His disciples. He opened to them those subjects only, which were essential for their advancement in the path to heaven. There were many things in regard to which His wisdom kept Him silent. As Christ withheld many things from His first disciples, knowing that then it would be impossible for them to comprehend them, so today He withholds many things from us, knowing the capacity of our understanding.” Review and Herald, April 23, 1908.

“When the priests heard Pilate’s words, they broke out into a torrent of accusation. Standing behind Pilate, in view of all in the court, Christ heard the abuse, but to all the false charges against Him He answered not a word. His whole bearing gave evidence of conscious innocence. He stood unmoved by the fury of the waves that beat about Him. It was if the heavy surges of wrath, rising higher and higher, like the waves of the boisterous ocean, broke about Him, but id not touch Him. He stood silent, but His silence was eloquence. It was as a light shining from the inner to the outer man. Thus He gave evidence of His superior wisdom.” Signs of the Times, January 24, 1900.

Moses learned this lesson which resulted in making him one of the greatest men that has ever lived. Of him we are told, “Moses ‘was very meek, above all the men which were upon the face of the earth,’ and this is why he was granted divine wisdom and guidance above all others. Says the Scripture, ‘The meek will He guide in judgment: and the meek will He teach His way.’ Psalm 25:9. The meek are guided by the Lord, because they are teachable, willing to be instructed. . . . God does not force the will of any; hence He cannot lead those who are too proud to be taught, who are bent upon having their own way.” Patriarchs and Prophets, 384.

Counseling the pioneer self-supporting workers, the Lord instructed, “Be as wise as serpents and as harmless as doves. Some will depart from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits and doctrines of devils. It will not be well for you to open to everybody all things concerning the work in Nashville and in Madison. There are those who are associated with us, and who occupy positions of trust, who may not stand the test. It will not be safe to try to make all understand everything. Those things that are of a private character, you should not make public. Let them be kept within the knowledge of your special few.” Spaulding-Magan, 393.

We must learn the same lesson of superior wisdom today or we will become entangled in insuperable problems which unnecessarily hinder God’s work.

“In the advancement of His cause in the earth, He would have men appointed to deal with the erring who will be kind and considerate, and whose characters reveal the similitude of the divine,— men who will show the wisdom of Christ in dealing with matters that should be kept private, and who, when a work of correction and reproof must be done, will know how to keep silence before those whom it does not concern. Unbelievers should not be given opportunity to make God’s people, be they ministers or laymen, the objects of their suspicion and unrighteous judgment.” Review and Herald, November 14, 1907.

Editorial – Apocalyptic Times, part 2

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The closing chapters of Revelation outline significant world developments that will bring about the end of world history. A number of these developments can be seen in their embryo form already. Let us consider just a few of these developments.

During the time of the seventh trumpet, the nations will be angry (see Revelation 11:18); and as a result of the worldwide dissemination of the teachings of spiritualism, the world will enter the most general and deadly war of all time—Armageddon. (See Revelation 16:13, 14.) The Word of God explicitly states that the whole world will be involved (see Revelation 16:14), and that more people will die in this struggle than in any battle in recorded history. (See Revelation 19.)

We must recognize that for the whole world to be gathered together, there would have to be some unifying forces that would unite the nations in the interest of obtaining common objectives. This would require that treaties or international agreements be in place that would outline the plans for cooperation. We believe that we see this taking place today.

The Scriptures reveal that this unity among the nations will result from the uniting of three major forces. One uniting force, according to Revelation 16:13, 14, will be spiritualism. Spiritualism is the basis for the Eastern religions that are experiencing world-wide resurgence today. Within western society, spiritualistic teachings invaded the educational system decades ago and are now found throughout the business world and even within the professed churches of Jesus Christ. Over one hundred years ago Ellen White predicted that in the last great crisis, Satan would appear as an angel of light, work many undeniable wonders and miracles, and even profess faith in and respect for the Bible and the institutions of the church. (See The Great Controversy, 588.) In modern refined forms of spiritualism, one person’s mind seeks to gain control over another person’s mind. In this spiritualistic practice, the devil is actually able to take control of both minds. (See Medical Ministry, 114.) Sadly, many Seventh-day Adventists do not recognize this demonstration of spiritualism, even when it occurs in their own church. This is a most startling evidence that we are getting ready for Armageddon whether we realize it or not.

“We would lose faith and courage in the conflict if we were not sustained by the power of God. Every form of evil is to spring into intense activity. Evil angels unite their powers with evil men, and as they have been in constant conflict and attained an experience in the best modes of deception and battle, and have been strengthening for centuries, they will not yield the last great final contest without a desperate struggle. All the world will be on one side or the other of the question. The battle of Armageddon will be fought, and that day must find none of us sleeping. Wide-awake we must be, as wise virgins having oil in our vessels with our lamps.” 1888 Materials, 761, 762.

A second uniting force will be a great international religious peace movement. (See Isaiah 2; Micah 4: I Thessalonians 5:1–3.) This peace movement will include a campaign against intemperance, but will also be of a religious nature, supporting Sunday laws. (See The Great Controversy, 587.) In the midst of the bloody conflicts of the twentieth century, the human heart naturally longs for peace. The devil will take advantage of this desire, and men will feel that they are entering a time of world-wide universal peace as they enter the time of Armageddon. The element that will appear to ensure this peace is a world-wide religious revival and a “returning to God.” In a desperate bid to meet the problems facing the world, men will demand that governments enact religious laws so that morality might again prevail. “Even in free America, rulers and legislators, in order to secure public favor, will yield to the popular demand for a law enforcing Sunday observance.” The Great Controversy, 592.

Spiritualism is not the only unifying force. The beast and the false prophet also have a part to play. In the developments taking place in the religious world today, this cooperative effort is very apparent.

“Four mighty angels hold back the powers of this earth till the servants of God are sealed in their foreheads. The nations of the world are eager for conflict, but they are held in check by the angels. When this restraining power is removed, there will come a time of trouble and anguish. Deadly instruments of warfare will be invented. Vessels, with their living cargo, will be entombed in the great deep. All who have not the spirit of truth will unite under the leadership of satanic agencies. But they are to be kept under control till the time shall come for the great battle of Armageddon.” Maranatha, 257.

But a little time remains. May God help us all to be making the necessary preparations while the four mighty angels continue to hold.

Editorial – Apocalyptic Times, part 1

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For more than a thousand years, Bible students have recognized that the latter part of the book of Revelation contains prophecies which primarily apply to the end of all things earthly, as we know them, and the ushering in of a new age. Seventh-day Adventists know that the beginning of this new age will occur at the Second Coming of Christ, when He will raise all of the righteous dead and grant to all of His followers immortality.

This closing chapter of earth’s history, the utter end of all things, and the ushering in of the new age of righteousness and peace is often referred to as the apocalypse, a Greek word which translates revelation.

It was concerning this wonderful prospect that Paul said that in the ages to come, God would show to us the exceeding riches of His grace in kindness toward us in Christ Jesus. (See Ephesians 2:7.) Paul also referred to the end of this age and the ushering in of the age to come as the blessed hope. (Titus 2:11–14.)

Adventists have recognized for well over one hundred years that since 1798 we are living in the last epochal time period of earth’s history, called by Daniel the “time of the end” and by many other Bible writers as the “last days.” We have been looking for and expecting events to take place that would indicate when we would be, not just in the last days, not just in the time of the end, but in the end of time.

When on the Mount of Olives the apostles asked Jesus when these things would be and what would be the sign of His coming (see Matthew 24:3), He responded by cautioning us to be ready at all times because we do not know when the time is. (See Mark 13:33.) He also warned that the final events would happen in an hour that we do not expect. (See Matthew 24:44.) Ellen White has plainly warned us of our great danger of being taken by surprise.

“I lay down my pen and lift up my soul in prayer, that the Lord would breathe upon His backsliding people, which are as dry bones, and they shall live. The end is near, stealing upon us stealthily, so imperceptibly, so noiselessly, like the muffled tread of the thief in the night to surprise the sleepers off guard and unready. May the Lord grant to bring His Holy Spirit to bear upon the hearts of all who are now at ease, that they may no longer sleep as others but watch and be sober.” Paulson Collection, 348.

And again she writes: “When Jesus ceases to plead for man, the cases of all are forever decided. This is the time of reckoning with His servants. To those who have neglected the preparation of purity and holiness, which fits them to be waiting ones to welcome their Lord, the sun sets in gloom and darkness, and rises not again. Probation closes; Christ’s intercessions cease in heaven. This time finally comes suddenly upon all, and those who have neglected to purify their souls by obeying the truth are found sleeping. They became weary of waiting and watching; they became indifferent in regard to the coming of their Master. They longed not for His appearing, and thought there was no need of such continued, persevering watching. They had been disappointed in their expectations and might be again. They concluded that there was time enough yet to arouse. They would be sure not to lose the opportunity of securing an earthly treasure. It would be safe to get all of this world they could. And in securing this object, they lost all anxiety and interest in the appearing of the Master. They became indifferent and careless, as though His coming were yet in the distance. But while their interest was buried up in their worldly gains, the work closed in the heavenly sanctuary, and they were unprepared.” Testimonies, vol. 2, 191.

Wherever one looks, there are straws in the wind which indicate very plainly that we are entering apocalyptic times. We hope to outline some of these in next month’s editorial.

Editorial – “We shall be like Him” I John 3:2

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Are you like Jesus? If you are to become like Jesus you must know what He is like. This is one reason that we should study the life of Jesus every day. In a letter to her son and daughter-in-law, Edson and Emma White, in 1874, Ellen White gave a detailed description of Jesus’ character. She said:

  • He was patient, meek and had lowliness of mind.
  • He was at variance and at war with the whole ungodly world, yet He did not give way to passion and violence manifested in words and actions, although receiving shameful abuse in return for good works.
  • He was rejected and despitefully treated, yet He retaliated not.
  • He possessed self-control, dignity, and majesty.
  • He suffered with calmness and when abused returned only compassion, pity, and love.
  • Christ never murmured, never uttered discontent, displeasure, or resentment.
  • He was never disheartened, discouraged, ruffled, or fretted.
  • He was patient, calm, and self-possessed under the most exciting and trying circumstances.
  • All His works were performed with a quiet dignity and ease, whatever commotion was around Him.
  • Applause did not elate Him. He feared not the threats of His enemies.
  • He moved amid the world of excitement, of violence and crime, as the sun moves above the clouds.
  • Human passions and commotions and trials were beneath Him. He sailed like the sun above them all.
  • Yet He was not indifferent to the woes of men. His heart was ever touched with the sufferings and necessities of His brethren, as though He Himself was the one afflicted.
  • He had a calm inward joy, a peace which was serene. His will was ever swallowed up in the will of His Father.