counterfeit

Shaken In or Shaken Out

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In These days, we hear shocking news about prisoner abuses, same-sex marriages, and homosexuals being ordained as ministers, to say nothing of the many other immoral acts that are going on in our society. What a sad mess! We are experiencing war, terrorism, and political fraud. It all adds up to one thing—this world is becoming an unfit place in which to live!

But praise God! He knew all these things would take place, and He has made provision for His faithful children. He knew how mixed up this world would be, that it would be difficult to tell truth from error. It is recorded by inspiration that, “As we near the end of time, falsehood will be so mingled with truth, that only those who have the guidance of the Holy Spirit will be able to distinguish truth from error. We need to make every effort to keep the way of the Lord. We must in no case turn from His guidance to put our trust in man.” God’s Amazing Grace, 201. And then, we read in Maranatha, 156,

“So closely will the counterfeit resemble the true that it will be impossible to distinguish between them except by the Holy Scriptures. By their testimony every statement and every miracle must be tested.”

The Greatest Event

We are living in an unfortunate age, but at the same time, we are highly privileged. Just think, if we are faithful, we will have the privilege of seeing Jesus come in the clouds of heaven, which will be the greatest event that has ever happened in the universe. No other generation has had such a privileged blessing. The closest thing to it was Christ’s first coming, but even when His people were able to see the character of God demonstrated in His daily life, they did not recognize Him as their God.

As we draw closer to the greatest event that will ever take place in the universe, astounding things are happening all around us. Human beings are being separated into two groups: those who are following the lovely Jesus and those who are following the hateful Satan. As each group follows its leader, the people become more and more like that leader.

God has given us the power of choice. But once we start on the path of our choosing and proceed farther and farther along with the leader of our choice, we will soon act out all our beliefs and intents. It will be easy to recognize the fruit that is being produced.

Hopefully, in this article, as we review some of the events that are taking place among our brethren, it will bring us to our knees to ask for wisdom to help us in always choosing the right leader. These events are not recorded for us to criticize or to make fun of, but to alert us as to the signs of the times that tell us of Jesus’ soon coming.

The distinguishing characteristics of each group are being acted out in reality. The wonderful thing is that we have the privilege of choosing whom we will serve. The Bible says, in Joshua 24:15, “Choose you this day whom ye will serve.” We are living in the time when we can choose, but the day is coming when our characters will be fixed and the choosing time will be over. We will live or die from the choices we have made.

What Is to Come

Before we begin looking at a few of the events that are taking place among our brethren in various locations at home and abroad, I think it would be beneficial for us to go over some of the texts in the Bible that may help us to understand what is really going to take place in the near future.

In Ezekiel 34:12 we read, “As a shepherd seeketh out his flock in the day that he is among his sheep [that are] scattered; so will I seek out my sheep, and will deliver them out of all places where they have been scattered in the cloudy and dark day.” Then, in Jeremiah 23:2, we read, “Therefore thus saith the Lord God of Israel against the pastors that feed my people; Ye have scattered my flock, and driven them away, and have not visited them: behold, I will visit upon you the evil of your doings, saith the Lord.” And Isaiah 18:7 says, “In that time shall the present be brought unto the Lord of hosts of a people scattered and peeled, and from a people terrible from their beginning hitherto; a nation meted out and trodden under foot, whose land the rivers have spoiled, to the place of the name of the Lord of hosts, the mount Zion.”

This is only a sampling of the many texts found in Ezekiel, Jeremiah, Isaiah, and in the Minor Prophets that mention a scattered and oppressed people. It would be profitable to make a study of the Lord’s Second Coming to see who will be His people and from where He will find His subjects who will make up His kingdom. We need to know whom the Lord is coming to redeem.

Scattered and Peeled

As the Lord gathers a scattered flock and people who have been peeled, where do you suppose He will find such people? Do you suppose they will be sitting on padded pews in a plush church building, or might it be that they will have been forced out of the church, becoming scattered and peeled?

There are several statements in the Spirit of Prophecy concerning the situation that now exists. Here is just one of them: “We have far more to fear from within than from without. The hindrances to strength and success are far greater from the church itself than from the world. Unbelievers have a right to expect that those who profess to be keeping the commandments of God and the faith of Jesus, will do more than any other class to promote and honor, by their consistent lives, by their godly example and their active influence, the cause which they represent. But how often have the professed advocates of the truth proved the greatest obstacle to its advancement! The unbelief indulged, the doubts expressed, the darkness cherished, encourage the presence of evil angels, and open the way for the accomplishment of Satan’s devices.” Selected Messages, Book 1, 122.

We have been repeatedly saddened by the number of faithful Seventh-day Adventist people being forced out of the churches and disfellowshipped because they firmly stood for principles that are founded on the Bible and Spirit of Prophecy. At first, there was only one here and one there, and we encouraged each one to remain faithful to their conscience. Today, it has become quite prevalent. We still say, “Stand fast for the faith that was once delivered to the saints.”

Now we have heard of one whole church being disbanded and the members being disfellowshipped. We have also learned of even one whole conference being disbanded. I ask myself the question, Who is on the Lord’s side—the ones on the inside or the ones on the outside?

Which Ship?

I am well aware that there are offshoots and that every wind of doctrine is blowing. I hear the oft repeated statement, “Stay with the ship; it is going through.” However, I also know of the statement that says that not one pin of the first, second, and third angel’s message is to be moved. “Woe to him who shall move a block or stir a pin of these messages. The true understanding of these messages is of vital importance. The destiny of souls hangs upon the manner in which they are received.” Early Writings, 258, 259.

I do have a question, though. Which ship is going through? Is it one with worm-eaten planks? “Men may have excellent gifts, good ability, splendid qualifications; but one defect, one secret sin indulged, will prove to the character what the worm-eaten plank does to the ship—utter disaster and ruin!” Testimonies, vol. 4, 90.

I think of the oft quoted statement that Ellen White wrote, which is recorded in the book Upward Look, 315: “God has a church. It is not the great cathedral, neither is it the national establishment, neither is it the various denominations; it is the people who love God and keep His commandments.” May I ask, Who are the people who are keeping the commandments—not just talking about them, but practicing them in their homes and in their churches and in their businesses?

Churches Destroyed

Recently, we have learned of more than one instance where the structured Seventh-day Adventist Church has taken it upon themselves to destroy church buildings. In one place, they employed a mob to club down the windows and destroy the roof of a church in which some independent Seventh-day Adventist people were worshiping. In another location, people entered the church building, knocked holes in its walls, and even took a jackhammer and tried to destroy the floor. I ask the question, Which leader do you suppose people are following who do such things as destroying churches?

Not only are they destroying churches, but they also are attempting to destroy the reputations of the people who attend these churches. It is strange; they will do many questionable things to keep peace with the Catholic Church, but they will tear down a church where people are keeping the Law of God.

There are many more very shocking instances that could be cited; however, if you throw a straw into the river, you can tell which way the water is flowing just as well as if you throw a log into the river. So I choose to only throw in a straw, so to speak. I would rather not list all of the atrocities that are being done.

The Shaking

With members being disfellow-shipped and churches being disbanded, I hear it said that we are in the time of the shaking. I truly agree with that, for I read, “Satan will work his miracles to deceive; he will set up his power as supreme. 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. None but those who have been overcoming by the blood of the Lamb and the word of their testimony will be found with the loyal and true, without spot or stain of sin, without guile in their mouths.” Upward Look, 356.

Will History Repeat?

Let us look at a few Spirit of Prophecy quotes that may help us as we think about what is happening. Is the church going to be purified as it was in the days of Jesus and the apostles? The Jewish church did fall, and Jerusalem was destroyed, but Christ’s church went right on through. It was the people who had been disfellowshipped who became the true church. Could it happen again?

“Write in a book the things which thou hast seen and heard, and let it go to all people; for the time is at hand when past history will be repeated.” Selected Messages, Book 3, 113.

“How did men treat Christ when He came? . . . ‘He came unto his own, and his own received him not’ (John 1:11). Thus it is today. This history is being repeated, and will be repeated again and again before the Lord shall come in the clouds of heaven. The deceptions of Satan will be upon those who dwell on the earth. . . .

“ ‘But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God. . . .’ After fitting up this world as the dwelling place of man, God looked upon it, and rejoiced in it, pronouncing it very good. So He will accept of and rejoice in the reformation wrought out by those who, receiving Christ as their Saviour, have obtained power to become the sons of God. . . .” That I May Know Him, 54.

“We are standing on the threshold of great and solemn events. Many of the prophecies are about to be fulfilled in quick succession. Every element of power is about to be set to work. Past history will be repeated; old controversies will arouse to new life, and peril will beset God’s people on every side. Intensity is taking possession of the human family. It is permeating everything upon the earth.” Review and Herald, August 31, 1897.

“There is a spirit of desperation, of war and bloodshed, and that spirit will increase until the very close of time. Just as soon as the people of God are sealed in their foreheads,—it is not any seal or mark that can be seen, but a settling into the truth, both intellectually and spiritually, so they cannot be moved,—just as soon as God’s people are sealed and prepared for the shaking, it will come. Indeed, it has begun already; the judgments of God are now upon the land, to give us warning, that we may know what is coming.” Manuscript Releases, vol. 1, 249, 250.

“In history and prophecy the Word of God portrays the long continued conflict between truth and error. That conflict is yet in progress. Those things which have been, will be repeated. Old controversies will be revived, and new theories will be continually arising. But God’s people, who in their belief and fulfillment of prophecy have acted a part in the proclamation of the first, second, and third angel’s messages, know where they stand. They have an experience that is more precious than fine gold. They are to stand firm as a rock, holding the beginning of their confidence steadfast unto the end.” Selected Messages, Book 2, 109.

Out or In

May I ask the question, Are people being shaken out of the church, or are they being shaken into the church?

When Jesus was here on earth, He healed a blind man. And when the Pharisees learned of this healing and of his acceptance of Jesus, the Pharisees cast him out of the temple. Afterwards, when Jesus saw the man again, Jesus spoke to him, and the man worshiped Jesus. Who was really cast out?

Ruth Grosboll is an employee of Steps to Life. A retired, registered nurse, she worked for many years with her husband in the mission field. She may be contacted by e-mail at: ruthgrosboll@stepstolife.org or by telephone at: 316-788-5559.

Bible Study Guides – The Pretense

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December 11, 2005 – December 17, 2005

Key Text

“And no marvel; for Satan himself is transformed into an angel of light.” 11 Corinthians 11:14.

Study Help: The Great Controversy, 518–523.

Introduction

“He [Satan] hopes to deceive the honest and lead them to think that God is still working for the churches. But the light will shine, and all who are honest will leave the fallen churches, and take their stand with the remnant.” Early Writings, 261.

1 What represented the foundation of Satan’s effort to deceive the world? Genesis 3:4, 5.

note: “Satan has long been preparing for his final effort to deceive the world. The foundation of his work was laid by the assurance given to Eve in Eden: ‘Ye shall not surely die.’ ‘In the day ye eat thereof, then your eyes shall be opened, and ye shall be as gods, knowing good and evil.’ Genesis 3:4, 5. Little by little he has prepared the way for his masterpiece of deception in the development of spiritualism. He has not yet reached the full accomplishment of his designs; but it will be reached in the last remnant of time.” The Great Controversy, 561.

2 What plain teaching of Scripture is contradicted in the theory underlying spiritualism? Ecclesiastes 9:5.

note: “None need be deceived by the lying claims of spiritualism. God has given the world sufficient light to enable them to discover the snare. . . . The theory which forms the very foundation of spiritualism is at war with the plainest statements of Scripture. The Bible declares that the dead know not anything, that their thoughts have perished; they have no part in anything that is done under the sun; they know nothing of the joys or sorrows of those who were dearest to them on earth.” The Great Controversy, 556.

3 Wherein lies the power of Satan to deceive? 11 Thessalonians 2:9–12.

note: “There are but two parties. Satan works with his crooked, deceiving power, and through strong delusions he catches all who do not abide in the truth, who have turned away their ears from the truth and have turned unto fables. Satan himself abode not in the truth; he is the mystery of iniquity. Through his subtlety he gives to his soul-destroying errors the appearance of truth. Herein is their power to deceive. It is because they are a counterfeit of the truth that spiritualism, theosophy, and the like deceptions gain such power over the minds of men. Herein is the masterly working of Satan. He pretends to be the savior of man, the benefactor of the human race, and thus he more readily lures his victims to destruction.” Testimonies to Ministers and Gospel Workers, 365.

4 How does Peter describe Satan and the way he works? 1 Peter 5:8.

note: “I have been shown that Satan has not been stupid and careless these many years, since his fall, but has been learning. He has grown more artful. His plans are laid deeper, and are more covered with a religious garment to hide their deformity. The power of Satan now to tempt and deceive is ten-fold greater than it was in the days of the apostles. His power has increased, and it will increase, until it is taken away. His wrath and hate grow stronger as his time to work draws near its close.” Spiritual Gifts, vol. 2, 277.

5 When does Satan introduce his counterfeit movement with respect to the latter rain? 11 Timothy 3:1–5.

note: “Before the final visitation of God’s judgments upon the earth there will be among the people of the Lord such a revival of primitive godliness as has not been witnessed since apostolic times. The Spirit and power of God will be poured out upon His children. . . . The enemy of souls desires to hinder this work; and before the time for such a movement shall come, he will endeavor to prevent it by introducing a counterfeit. In those churches which he can bring under his deceptive power he will make it appear that God’s special blessing is poured out; there will be manifest what is thought to be great religious interest. Multitudes will exult that God is working marvelously for them, when the work is that of another spirit.” The Great Controversy, 464.

6 Whom, in particular, will Satan target? Matthew 24:24.

note: “The days are fast approaching when there will be great perplexity and confusion. Satan, clothed in angel robes, will deceive, if possible, the very elect. There will be gods many and lords many. Every wind of doctrine will be blowing. Those who have rendered supreme homage to ‘science falsely so called’ will not be the leaders then. Those who have trusted to intellect, genius, or talent will not then stand at the head of rank and file. They did not keep pace with the light. Those who have proved themselves unfaithful will not then be entrusted with the flock. In the last solemn work few great men will be engaged. They are self-sufficient, independent of God, and He cannot use them.” Testimonies, vol. 5, 80.

7 What will be Satan’s biggest, grandest effort to ensnare the world and the elect? Matthew 24:23–26.

note: “As the crowning act in the great drama of deception, Satan himself will personate Christ. The church has long professed to look to the Saviour’s advent as the consummation of her hopes. Now the great deceiver will make it appear that Christ has come. In different parts of the earth, Satan will manifest himself among men as a majestic being of dazzling brightness, resembling the description of the Son of God given by John in the Revelation. Revelation 1:13–15. The glory that surrounds him is unsurpassed by anything that mortal eyes have yet beheld. The shout of triumph rings out upon the air: ‘Christ has come! Christ has come!’ The people prostrate themselves in adoration before him, while he lifts up his hands and pronounces a blessing upon them, as Christ blessed His disciples when He was upon the earth.” The Great Controversy, 624.

8 Who else will appear in human form? 11 Corinthians 11:13–15. Compare Revelation 12:7–9.

note: “Satan will use every opportunity to seduce men from their allegiance to God. He and the angels who fell with him will appear on the earth as men, seeking to deceive. God’s angels also will appear as men, and will use every means in their power to defeat the purposes of the enemy.” Manuscript Releases, vol. 8, 399.

“Evil angels in the form of men will talk with those who know the truth. They will misinterpret and misconstrue the statements of the messengers of God. . . . Have Seventh-day Adventists forgotten the warning given in the sixth chapter of Ephesians? We are engaged in a warfare against the hosts of darkness. Unless we follow our Leader closely, Satan will obtain the victory over us.” Selected Messages, Book 3, 411.

9 What will open the way for people to accept Satan’s counterfeit miracles? 11 Thessalonians 2:9–12.

note: “Rapidly are men ranging themselves under the banner they have chosen, restlessly waiting and watching the movements of their leaders. There are those who are watching and waiting and working for our Lord’s appearing; while the other party are rapidly falling into line under the generalship of the first great apostate. They look for a god in humanity, and Satan personifies the one they seek. Multitudes will be so deluded through their rejection of truth that they will accept the counterfeit.” Testimonies to Ministers and Gospel Workers, 364, 365.

10 Why will men be deceived? John 3:18–20.

note: “Those who choose Satan as their ruler will reveal the spirit of their chosen master, who caused the fall of our first parents. By rejecting the divine Son of God, the personification of the only true God, who possessed goodness, mercy, and untiring love, whose heart was ever touched with human woe, and accepting a murderer in His place, the people showed what human nature can and will do, when the restraining Spirit of God is removed, and men are under the great apostate. Just to that degree that light is refused and rejected will there be misconception and misunderstanding. Those who reject Christ and choose Barabbas will work under a ruinous deception. Misrepresentation, the bearing of false witness, will grow under open rebellion.” Selected Messages, Book 3, 416.

11 What essential quality of truth will be lacking in the counterfeit? Luke 9:23; Matthew 16:24.

note: “Satan can present a counterfeit so closely resembling the truth that it deceives those who are willing to be deceived, who desire to shun the self-denial and sacrifice demanded by the truth; but it is impossible for him to hold under his power one soul who honestly desires, at whatever cost, to know the truth. Christ is the truth and the ‘Light, which lighteth every man that cometh into the world.’ John 1:9. The Spirit of truth has been sent to guide men into all truth. And upon the authority of the Son of God it is declared: ‘Seek, and ye shall find.’ ‘If any man will do His will, he shall know of the doctrine.’ Matthew 7:7; John 7:17.” The Great Controversy, 528.

12 By what means will true believers be able to unmask Satan’s deceptions? Isaiah 8:20.

note: “The people of God are directed to the Scriptures as their safeguard against the influence of false teachers and the delusive power of spirits of darkness. Satan employs every possible device to prevent men from obtaining a knowledge of the Bible; for its plain utterances reveal his deceptions. . . . So closely will the counterfeit resemble the true that it will be impossible to distinguish between them except by the Holy Scriptures. By their testimony every statement and every miracle must be tested.” The Great Controversy, 593.

13 How will those who receive the latter rain be preserved from the delusion that overtakes the world? Revelation 12:17; 19:10.

note: “This world is our school—a school of discipline and training. We are placed here to form characters like the character of Christ, and to acquire the habits and the language of the higher life. Influences opposed to good, abound on every side. The developments of sin are becoming so full, so deep, so abhorrent to God, that soon He will arise in majesty to shake terribly the earth. So artful are the plans of the enemy, so specious the complications that he brings about, that those who are weak in the faith cannot discern his deceptions. They fall into the snares prepared by Satan, who works through human instrumentalities to deceive if possible the very elect. Only those who are closely connected with God will be able to discern the falsehoods, the intrigues, of the enemy.” This Day With God, 96.

Faith

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It was the late Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. who chronicled, for the benefit of mankind, the following: “There is so much frustration in the world because we have relied on gods rather than God. We have genuflected before the god of science only to find that it has given us the atomic bomb, producing fears and anxieties that science can never mitigate. We have worshiped the god of pleasure only to discover that thrills play out and sensations are short-lived. We have bowed before the god of money only to learn that there are such things as love and friendship that money cannot buy and that in a world of possible depressions, stock market crashes, and bad business investments, money is a rather uncertain deity. These transitory gods are not able to save or bring happiness to the human heart. Only God is able. It is faith in Him that we must rediscover.” Martin Luther King, The Words Of Martin Luther King, Jr., Second Edition, Newmarket Press, New York, October 28, 2008, 63.

It is evident that indeed there is a great lack of true faith abiding in our world. People are fearful of the future, rather insecure, hopeless and bewildered and rightfully so. In the words of a song writer, “People need the Lord … .” Faith is one of the graces of the Holy Spirit as listed in Paul’s epistle to the Galatians: “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness …” Galatians 5:22, 23.

In the Old Testament the Hebrew word that is generally used for faith is emunah which more fittingly means faithfulness. It also means certainty. The second and last word that appears in the Hebrew Old Testament for faith or faithfulness is aman and carries the meaning such as “to be certain, enduring; to trust, believe.” It is from this word that we get our English word amen.

Two words are used throughout the New Testament for faith; the one I wish to focus on is pistis.

“The different meaning of pistis. The word pistis has two meanings in classical Greek. It denotes: (a) a conviction based on confidence in a person and in his testimony, which as such is distinguished from knowledge resting on personal investigation; and (b) the confidence itself on which such a conviction rests. This is more than a mere intellectual conviction that a person is reliable; it presupposes a personal relation to the object of confidence, a going out of one’s self, to rest in another.” Louis Berkh, Systematic Theology, Wm. B. Eerdmans Publishing Co., Grand Rapids, Michigan, September 24, 1996, 493, 494.

“True saving faith is a faith that has its seat in the heart and is rooted in the regenerate life. … Saving faith may be defined as a certain conviction, wrought in the heart by the Holy Spirit, as to the truth of the gospel, and a hearty reliance (trust) on the promises of God in Christ.” Ibid., 503.

“Faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen. With its justifying, sanctifying power, it is above what men call science. It is the science of eternal realities. Human science is often deceptive and misleading, but this heavenly science never misleads. It is so simple that a child can understand it, and yet the most learned men cannot explain it. It is inexplainable and immeasurable, beyond all human expression.” Our High Calling, 117.

We read the words of the great apostle Paul on faith in Christ as recorded in Romans 10:6–10: “But the righteousness which is of faith speaketh on this wise, Say not in thine heart, Who shall ascend into heaven? (that is, to bring Christ down from above:) Or, Who shall descend into the deep? (that is, to bring up Christ again from the dead.) But what saith it? The word is nigh thee, even in thy mouth, and in thy heart: that is, the word of faith, which we preach; That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved. For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation.”

In Book 1 of Selected Messages, 391, 392, a most beautiful definition of faith is listed; it reads as follows: “The faith that is unto salvation is not a casual faith, it is not the mere consent of the intellect, it is belief rooted in the heart, that embraces Christ as a personal Saviour, assured that He can save unto the uttermost all that come unto God by Him. To believe that He will save others, but will not save you is not genuine faith; but when the soul lays hold upon Christ as the only hope of salvation, then genuine faith is manifested. This faith leads its possessor to place all the affections of the soul upon Christ; his understanding is under the control of the Holy Spirit, and his character is molded after the divine likeness. His faith is not a dead faith, but a faith that works by love, and leads him to behold the beauty of Christ, and to become assimilated to the divine character.” And in Testimonies, vol. 1, 620, a simple and easily understood definition is recorded which is, “Faith is simply to take God at His word.”

In the book Education, 253, we read these words: “Faith is trusting God—believing that He loves us and knows best what is for our good. Thus, instead of our own, it leads us to choose His way. In place of our ignorance, it accepts His wisdom; in place of our weakness, His strength; in place of our sinfulness, His righteousness. Our lives, ourselves, are already His; faith acknowledges His ownership and accepts its blessing. Truth, uprightness, purity, have been pointed out as secrets of life’s success. It is faith that puts us in possession of these principles.”

Webster’s Dictionary, 1828 Edition, defines faith as “belief—the assent of the mind to the truth of what is declared by another, resting on his authority and veracity, without other evidence; the judgment that what another states or testifies is the truth.” It is the assent of the mind or understanding to the truth of what God has revealed. Simple belief of the scriptures, of the being and perfections of God, and of the existence, character and doctrines of Christ, founded on the testimony of the sacred writers.

One writer states that faith is a firm, cordial belief in the veracity of God, in all the declarations of His word; or a full and affectionate confidence in the certainty of those things which God has declared, and because He has declared them.

FALSE CONCEPTS OF FAITH OR COUNTERFEIT FAITH

  • “True faith is not presumption.” –

Life Sketches of Ellen G. White (1915), 218. What is presumption – “True faith is in no sense allied to presumption. Only he who has true faith is secure against presumption, for presumption is Satan’s counterfeit of faith.”

“Faith claims God’s promises and brings forth fruit in obedience. Presumption also claims the promises, but uses them as Satan did, to excuse transgression. Faith would have led our first parents to trust the love of God and to obey His commands. Presumption led them to transgress His law, believing that His great love would save them from the consequences of their sin. It is not faith that claims the favor of Heaven without complying with the conditions on which mercy is to be granted. Genuine faith has its foundation in the promises and provisions of the Scriptures.” Gospel Workers, 260. (Emphasis supplied.)

  • Faith is not believe, believe –

“A mere profession of discipleship is of no value. The faith in Christ which saves the soul is not what it is represented to be by many. ‘Believe, believe,’ they say, ‘and you need not keep the law.’ But a belief that does not lead to obedience is presumption. The apostle John says, ‘He that saith, I know Him, and keepeth not His commandments, is a liar, and the truth is not in him.’ I John 2:4.” Thoughts from the Mount of Blessings, 146.

“Obedience is the test of discipleship. It is the keeping of the commandments that proves the sincerity of our professions of love.” Ibid.

  • Faith is not in feelings –

“Our faith is not in feeling, but in truth.” Testimonies to Ministers and Gospel Workers, 387. “Faith is not feeling. Faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen. There is a form of religion which is nothing more than selfishness. It takes pleasure in worldly enjoyment. It is satisfied with contemplating the religion of Christ, and knows nothing of its saving power. Those who possess this religion regard sin lightly because they do not know Jesus.” Messages to Young People, 106. “A feeling of assurance is not to be despised; we should praise God for it; but when your feelings are depressed, do not think that God has changed. Praise Him just as much, because you trust in His word, and not in feelings. You have covenanted to walk by faith, not to be controlled by feelings. Feelings vary with circumstances.” Our High Calling, 124. “Faith and feeling are as distinct as the east is from the west. Faith is not dependent on feeling. We must earnestly cry to God in faith, feeling or no feeling, and then live our prayers. Our assurance and evidence is God’s word, and after we have asked we must believe without doubting.” “Ellen G. White Comments,” The Seventh-day Adventist Bible Commentary, vol. 6, 1073.

  • The Roman Catholic concept of faith. –

The Church of Rome teaches that faith consists in a mere assent to the doctrines of the church. This faith is one of the seven preparations for justification in baptism, and therefore necessarily precedes this; but as a purely intellectual activity it naturally does not lead to salvation. The Roman Catholic Church has also virtually removed the element of knowledge from faith. One may be considered a true believer, if one is but ready to believe what the church teaches without really knowing what this is.

WHO OR WHAT IS THE AGENT OF FAITH?

In an effort to answer this question I would begin by looking at Paul’s first letter to the Corinthians 13:13: “And now abideth faith, hope, charity, these three; but the greatest of these is charity.” Also Galatians 5:14: “For all the law is fulfilled in one word, even in this; Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself.” Thus we see that love is the fundamental element of the law and it is the greatest. But love does not exist by itself for the source of love is the Holy Spirit. “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith …” Galatians 5:22.

God’s servant states of the Holy Spirit that, “It is the work of the Holy Spirit from age to age to impart love to human hearts, for love is the living principle of brotherhood.” Testimonies, vol. 8, 139.

Now going a step further we see that faith is rooted in love. “For we through the Spirit wait for the hope of righteousness by faith. For in Jesus Christ neither circumcision availeth any thing, nor uncircumcision; but faith which worketh by love.” Galatians 5:5, 6. We have seen that love is given by the Holy Spirit.

In Testimonies, vol. 5, 219, a seeming contradiction appears. It reads, “Genuine faith is followed by love, and love by obedience.” From this statement it appears that love is the product of faith or is that so? Selected Messages, Book 2, 20, says, “Now genuine faith always works by love.” Then it states further, “The labor of love springs from the work of faith. Bible religion means constant work.” The apostle James states, “Even so faith, if it hath not works, is dead, being alone.” James 2:17. “Few have that genuine faith which works by love and purifies the soul.” Testimonies, vol. 1, 705.

Our answer to this seeming contradiction as to the position of faith in relation to love is given: “The gold mentioned by Christ, the True Witness, which all must have, has been shown me to be faith and love combined, and love takes the precedence of faith. Satan is constantly at work to remove these precious gifts from the hearts of God’s people. All are engaged in playing the game of life. Satan is well aware that if he can remove love and faith, and supply their place with selfishness and unbelief, all the remaining precious traits will soon be skillfully removed by his deceitful hand, and the game will be lost.” Ibid., vol. 2, 36, 37.

So, what we have discovered is, it’s not that faith proceeds love or is superior to love, for love is the parent of faith, but it must be understood that genuine faith is also accompanied by labors of love.

In the book Our High Calling on page 117 we read, “Faith in Christ is not the work of nature, but the work of God on human minds, wrought in the very soul by the Holy Spirit, who reveals Christ, as Christ revealed the Father.” “No man can create faith. The Spirit operating upon and enlightening the human mind, creates faith in God.” “Ellen G. White Comments,” The Seventh-day Adventist Bible Commentary, vol. 7, 940.

FAITH, WORKS, AND LOVE WORKING TOGETHER

The apostle James declares, “For as the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without works is dead also.” James 2:26. Or faith without obedience, which is prompted by love or faith that is born out of love will produce obedience or good works. So, “It is a counterfeit faith that does not produce the ‘fruit of the Spirit’ in the life. … It is a counterfeit faith that leads a man to think himself released from obedience to the will of God as expressed in the Decalogue, which is simply a brief outline of how love toward God and man will find expression. …. Without obedience a profession of love is sheer hypocrisy. Obedience to known duty is an inevitable result of the righteousness that comes by faith, and is the supreme test of its genuineness. …. Paul emphatically declares that God’s purpose in giving His Son to save sinners … was to make it possible for the principles of His holy law to be worked out in the lives of men.” “Ellen G. White Comments,” The Seventh-day Adventist Bible Commentary, vol. 6, 978.

Reading Romans, chapter 10:17: “So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.”

“Hearing. Gr. akoē, appears twice in this verse. In v. 16 akoē is rendered ‘report,’ there, meaning literally, ‘what is heard.’ If the same meaning is assigned to akoē here, the following translation is possible: ‘Who has believed what he has heard from us? So faith comes from what is heard, and what is heard comes by the word of God.’ This translation makes more apparent the connection between vs. 16 and 17.

“The word of God. Textual evidence favors … the reading ‘the word of Christ.’ This could mean ‘the message about Christ,’ as ‘the word of faith’ … means ‘the message of faith.’ … This verse is an important statement of the nature and source of true faith. Genuine faith is not blind confidence to be exercised in the absence of adequate evidence. Faith is our conviction about things that we cannot see, … and this conviction must be founded upon knowledge, a knowledge based upon the Word of God, the message about Christ. As a means of developing a transforming and enduring faith, there is no substitute for the regular and earnest study of the Bible.” Ibid., 600.

It is the Holy Spirit’s job to glorify Christ or to reveal Christ to the sinner (John 16:13, 14). As He does this, the sinner surrenders to Christ and accepts Him as his Saviour, his Righteousness. Thus Christ’s love is shed abroad in the life of the born again person by the Holy Spirit. “And hope maketh not ashamed; because the love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Ghost which is given unto us.” Romans 5:5. As a consequence of the Holy Spirit communicating the word of Christ or the knowledge of Christ, faith cometh by hearing as a product of the fruit of the Holy Spirit which is love, which was shed abroad in the born again person’s life in response to the manifested love of Jesus.

This faith which is born out of this experience is what produces good—faith which works by love. “The Redeemer raises the sinner from the dust, and places him under the guidance of the Holy Spirit. As the sinner looks upon the Redeemer, he finds hope, assurance, and joy.” Selected Messages, Book 1, 349. It is in response to what Christ has done for fallen man, taking upon Himself the nature of man, living a righteous life, dying for sinful man, thus becoming man’s sin bearer, man’s surety, man’s righteousness. And having been resurrected and ascended, to become man’s advocate. It is in response to all this that, “Faith takes hold of Christ in love. Faith works by love, and purifies the soul.” Ibid.

It is on this basis that both Paul and James agree that faith without good works is dead; there can be no genuine faith without the love of Christ in the heart, and there is no genuine faith without obedience to God.

Firstly, the fruit of the Holy Spirit—love; secondly, faith; thirdly, obedience. Love, therefore, is the key element, for without it there can be no faith. That’s why the prophet Habakkuk states, “The just shall live by faith.” Habakuk 2:4.

The righteous one who is enjoying and experiencing the love of Jesus lives by faith, for faith becomes an automatic product or element, which develops in his life because he is governed by the fruit of the Holy Spirit. Paul, the apostle, also mentions in Hebrews 11:6, “But without faith it is impossible to please Him: for he that cometh to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of them that diligently seek Him.” In the book Gospel Workers, 261, God’s servant points out that, “Faith takes God at His word, not asking to understand the meaning of the trying experiences that come.”

The apostle Paul states that whoever professes allegiance to God must believe that He is; that God really exists. The sad fact is that unbelief has become a major component in the lives of the greater number of earth’s population today including many professed Christians. In I John 5:10 we read the following: “He that believeth on the Son of God hath the witness in himself: he that believeth not God hath made Him a liar; because he believeth not the record that God gave of His Son.”

“The apostle John says that he who does not believe God makes Him a liar because he doesn’t believe what God says. And what can you make worse of God than a liar? To deny God’s wisdom and to account Him as foolish, to deny His power and to think Him weak, would be so heinous as to deny His truth and make Him a liar. This is to make a devil of Him. The devil is a liar and the father of lies.” Jonathan Edwards, Unless You Repent, Soli Deo Gloria Publications, 2005, 49. In John 8:44 we see that the devil is a liar and not just a liar but the father of lies: “Ye are of your father the devil, and the lusts of your father ye will do. He was a murderer from the beginning, and abode not in the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he speaketh a lie, he speaketh of his own: for he is a liar, and the father of it.”

“But there is yet one thing worse than to make God merely a liar, and that is to suppose Him to be perjured, to esteem Him as perjured; and that you do in not believing what He has so solemnly sworn. So you make God a liar of the highest kind, for perjury is without comparison worse than mere lying.” Ibid. It is a lack of the love of Jesus in the life that produces unbelief—making God out to be a liar, another Devil! The scripture states, “Abraham believed God, and it was counted unto him for righteousness.” Romans 4:3.

“It was Abraham’s faith in God that was accounted as righteousness. Such faith is a relation, an attitude, a disposition of man toward God. It implies a readiness to receive with joy whatever God may direct. Abraham loved and trusted and obeyed God because he knew Him and was His friend. His faith was a genuine relationship of love, confidence and submission.” The Seventh-day Adventist Bible Commentary, vol. 6, 512.

“Faith is the condition upon which God has seen fit to promise pardon to sinners; not that there is any virtue in faith whereby salvation is merited, but because faith can lay hold of the merits of Christ, the remedy provided for sin. Faith can present Christ’s perfect obedience instead of the sinner’s transgression and defection. When the sinner believes that Christ is his personal Saviour, then according to His unfailing promises, God pardons his sin and justifies him freely.” Ibid., 1073.

“Righteousness is obedience to the law. The law demands righteousness, and this the sinner owes to the law; but he is incapable of rendering it. The only way in which he can attain to righteousness is through faith. By faith he can bring to God the merits of Christ, and the Lord places the obedience of His Son to the sinner’s account. Christ’s righteousness is accepted in place of man’s failure, and God receives, pardons, justifies, the repentant, believing soul, treats him as though he were righteous, and loves him as He loves His Son. This is how faith is accounted righteousness.” Ibid.

This is justifying faith! “Justifying faith is a sense and conviction of the reality and excellency of Christ as a Savior that entirely inclines and unites the heart to Him. This is the act of the whole soul, of every faculty, entirely embracing and acquiescing in the gospel that reveals Jesus Christ as our Saviour. The soul that truly believes in Christ asserts, accords, and symphonizes with the revelation of Christ as our Redeemer. There is an entire yielding of the mind and heart to it, a closing with it with the belief, with the inclination, and with the affection. It being the complex act of the whole soul, and of each faculty together, it is difficult to perfectly describe it in few words.” Jonathan Edwards, A Just and Righteous God, Soli Deo Gloria Publications, 54, 55.

“Believing the truth of the gospel is a great and a main thing that constitutes justifying faith, as is evident by many passages of Scripture. One in particular is John 20:31: ‘These things are written that ye might believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that believing ye might have life through His name.’ John 8:24: ‘I said therefore unto you that ye should die in your sins; for if ye believe not that I am He, ye shall die in your sins.’ II Thessalonians 2:13: ‘God hath chosen you to salvation through sanctification of the Spirit and belief of the truth.’ [II Thessalonians 2:13].” Ibid.

“It is evident by the word of God that justifying faith is not only an act of the understanding, but also of the heart and inclination: there is consent as well as assent. Matthew 23:37: ‘How often I would have gathered you to Myself, but ye would not.’ It is gladly receiving the gospel (Acts 2:41). ’Tis often called ‘obeying the gospel’ or ‘obeying from the heart the form of doctrine,’ which signifies something more than the assent of the understanding. It implies a yielding of the whole soul. ’Tis receiving the love of the truth (II Thessalonians 2:10). It is the opposite of disallowing or rejecting Christ, as is evident by I Peter 2:7: ‘Unto you which believe, He is precious; but to them which are disobedient, the stone which the builders disallowed.’ It is a true conviction of the reality and excellency of Christ; it causes an adherence of the soul to Him. It brings the soul that before was remote to close with Him; and therefore ’tis expressed by coming to Christ, by looking to Him, by opening the door to let Him in, by hearing His voice and following Him.” Ibid., 57, 58.

Jesus asked a question recorded in Luke’s gospel chapter 18:8 that makes me ponder ever so often! “Nevertheless when the Son of man cometh, shall He find faith on the earth?” It was right after asking this question that Luke records our Saviour telling the parable of the two men going to church to pray, one a Pharisee—self-righteous Christian, and the other a publican—acknowledged sinner who senses his need. This question Jesus asked addresses the fact of man sensing his need of faith in the righteousness of Christ toward the end of this earth as opposed to man’s unbelief and confidence in His own righteousness which he will hold to as sufficient. As a consequence of this overwhelming reality towards the close of this earth’s history Jesus asked, “Shall He find faith on the earth?”

SATANS’ SPECIAL WEAPON TO UNDERMINE FAITH

“The spirit of gossip and talebearing is one of Satan’s special agencies to sow discord and strife, to separate friends, and to undermine the faith of many in the truthfulness of our positions. Brethren and sisters are too ready to talk of the faults and errors that they think exist in others, and especially in those who have borne unflinchingly the messages of reproof and warning given them of God.” Testimonies, vol. 4, 195.

THE MAIN REASON WHY FAITH IS DESTROYED

“It is true that we are exposed to great moral peril; it is true that we are in danger of being corrupted. But this danger threatens us only as we trust in self and look no higher than our own human efforts. In doing this we shall make shipwreck of faith.” That I May Know Him, 79.

“So we see that they could not enter in because of unbelief.” Hebrews 3:19. The Israelites of old had a fundamental and fatal character defect. Their lack of faith, demonstrated by their disobedience, made it impossible for them to enter. Their unbelief stands out in sharp contrast with the faithfulness of Moses.

Are we any different today as we stand on the brink/boarders of our eternal home?

Paul says to us, “Let us therefore fear” [Hebrews 4:1]. Let us heed the warning for so it happened to the Israelites, it most surely will happen to us.

Remember that in our dealings with God we must walk by faith and not by sight—the just shall live by faith. (I Corinthians 5:7; Romans 1:17).

Pastor Ivan Plummer ministers through the Emmanuel Seventh Day Church Ministries in Bronx, New York. He may be contacted by telephone at: 718-882-3900.

Counterfeits

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An Adventist is somebody who believes in the imminent return of Christ to this world. We are Adventists because of Bible prophecy, which opens to us things that are going to happen in the future.

In the book of Revelation, we are told that in the last days there will be counterfeits. Generally, counterfeits precede the genuine. Jesus also predicted counterfeits in Matthew 24 and history proves that the devil has continually used counterfeits to further his evil ends.

In Egypt, Aaron was told to cast his rod down and it became a serpent. The devil, attempting to demonstrate his power, enabled the magicians to cast their rods down and they also became serpents. There was just one little difference – the devil is unable to create life, so Aaron’s live serpent devoured the counterfeits. Aaron grabbed the tail of the serpent and it became a rod again. However, the rods of the magicians had been eaten.

The devil knew that at the time of the judgment, God was going to send a special Elijah prophet message. Therefore, he set in motion many counterfeits. Around the 1830s to 1840s there were other people claiming to have the gift of prophecy. Joseph Smith, the founder of Mormanism and Mary Baker Eddy, the founder of Christian Science are just two of them.

To cause confusion is a very successful tool of the devil. There were also counterfeits during the first advent of Jesus. One significant counterfeit was Barabbas. According to at least some of the New Testament manuscripts his first name was Jesus. Bar is the Aramaic word that means son. Abba means father. So, Jesus Barabbas would be translated, Jesus, Saviour, the son of the father.

Pilate asked the Jews whom to release according to the custom of the feast, Jesus Barabbas, the Saviour, the son of the father, or Jesus of Nazareth, the Saviour from Nazareth. Barabbas was a counterfeit. Both had a name that claimed to be the son of the father. The only way to tell the difference was by the actions of each life. Jesus claimed to be the Son of God and had said, “If I do not do the works of My Father, do not believe Me; but if I do, though you do not believe Me, believe the works, that you may know and believe that the Father is in Me, and I in Him” (John 10:37, 38).

Jesus said if you do not believe Me, look at what I have done. From that you should be able to believe. The sum of a person’s works is his character and the way to tell the difference between the true and the counterfeit is by the character.

The Bible records a marked difference between the character of Jesus Christ and Barabbas. Their names were the only similarity. Though Barabbas also claimed to be a savior, the Bible records that he was a thief and a murderer. A person who is a thief and a murderer cannot be the Messiah. Yet it was he who was set free and the true Saviour was crucified.

Before the second coming of Jesus there are going to be many counterfeits. The crowning act will be Satan’s impersonation of Christ but let’s consider some of the others.

There are some things that people have speculated would be counterfeited, like Armageddon and the seven last plagues. However, there is no solid evidence to substantiate that. We do know that in addition to the second coming there is one other counterfeit mentioned often in the Spirit of Prophecy that we need to remember.

Ellen White wrote, “I saw that God has honest children among the nominal Adventists and the fallen churches, and before the plagues shall be poured out, ministers and people will be called out from these churches and will gladly receive the truth. Satan knows this; and before the loud cry of the third angel is given, he raises an excitement in these religious bodies, that those who have rejected the truth may think that God is with them. He hopes to deceive the honest and lead them to think that God is still working for the churches. But the light will shine and all who are honest will leave the fallen churches, and take their stand with the remnant.” Early Writings, 261.

Today there seems to be more nominal Christians than honest people in both the Adventist as well as in the Sunday keeping churches. These will be the targets of Satan, who will raise a religious excitement among them to cause in them a false sense of security.

In the book, The Great Controversy, 464, the same event is described. “Before the final visitation of God’s judgments upon the earth there will be among the people of the Lord such a revival of primitive godliness as has not been witnessed since apostolic times. … At that time many will separate themselves from those churches in which the love of this world has supplanted love for God and His word. Many, both of ministers and people, will gladly accept those great truths which God has caused to be proclaimed, at this time, to prepare a people for the Lord’s second coming. The enemy of souls desires to hinder this work; and before the time for such a movement shall come, he will endeavor to prevent it by introducing a counterfeit. In those churches which he can bring under his deceptive power he will make it appear that God’s special blessing is poured out; there will be manifest what is thought to be great religious interest. Multitudes will exult that God is working marvelously for them, when the work is that of another spirit. Under a religious guise, Satan will seek to extend his influence over the Christian world.”

This counterfeit will occur first. Satan knows that this is his last chance and will go to battle to prevent the people from accepting the final invitation to come out from the churches that are described as Babylon. During this time, something is going to happen in the world, and especially in the United States, that is going to make it possible for the counterfeit to be accepted by the majority of the population.

“By the decree enforcing the institution of the papacy, in violation of the law of God, our nation will disconnect herself fully from righteousness. When Protestantism shall stretch her hand across the gulf to grasp the hand of the Roman power, when she shall reach over the abyss to clasp hands with spiritualism, when, under the influence of this threefold union, our country shall repudiate every principle of its Constitution as a Protestant and republican government, and shall make provision for the propagation of papal falsehoods and delusions, then we may know that the time has come for the marvelous working of Satan and that the end is near.” Testimonies, vol. 5, 451.

We are told that at the time of the passing of a national Sunday law, there will already be excitement among the religious bodies, but when the national Sunday law is implemented, we can look for the marvelous working of Satan. This is something that most Adventists cannot imagine right now. Suddenly, this false revival is going to explode and the devil will attempt to take in the entire world. For a little while it will look as if he is going to succeed.

To understand how this deception is going to be so persuasive, look at Revelation 13:3, which says, “… I saw one of his heads as if it had been mortally wounded, and his deadly wound was healed. And all the world marveled and followed the beast.”

“Then another beast came up out of the earth, and he had two horns like a lamb and spoke like a dragon. And he exercises all the authority of the first beast in his presence, and causes the earth and those who dwell in it to worship the first beast, whose deadly wound was healed. He performs great signs, so that he even makes fire come down from heaven on the earth in the sight of men. And he deceives those who dwell on the earth by those signs which he was granted to do in the sight of the beast, telling those who dwell on the earth to make an image to the beast who was wounded by the sword and lived” (verses 11–14).

Notice that he is going to deceive the earth by “signs which he was granted to do.” The Greek word used here for signs or miracles is semeion. Signs is the most literal translation. However, when a supernatural being is going to give a sign, he gives it by doing something supernatural. In other words, by working what people would call a miracle.

There are going to be real miracles. Some people believe that all the devil’s miracles are counterfeit. The Bible does call the devil a liar and a deceiver and there is no question that he works miracles that are counterfeit, but a careful examination of this text shows that there are going to be genuine signs and wonders performed by devils that you will not be able to deny or explain away as simply a sleight of hand. There are going to be real miracles. Just how far the Lord will allow the devil to go we do not know, but we do know that he cannot create life.

Many years ago, a Pentecostal lady told me about the wonderful things that were happening in her church. She shared how a person had died somewhere in the South Pacific and when the mourners prayed, the dead person began to wiggle his toes. A short time later he could wiggle his feet, and then his whole body could move. Finally, he sat up and was alive again. She was convinced that the Lord had raised this person back to life. We can be sure that the devil cannot raise people back to life, but he can deceive you into thinking that he can.

What are you going to do when miracles are worked right in front of your eyes? You cannot deny it. Most people immediately assume that it is performed by the power of God. However, we just read in the Bible that in the last days it will be evil spirits that are working these miracles. These same people who are deceived by the miracles will refuse to believe when they are shown truths from God’s word. A person like that is preparing himself or herself to be deceived.

The Bible predicts that the whole world is going to be deceived. This will not take very long once the miracles begin. One of the most common miracles that will be performed is the healing of the sick. Whether it is a counterfeit or real, you will not be able to tell the difference.

For deception to be successful, it must be as close as possible to the real. Evil spirits are going to claim to be Christians with respect and reverence for the ordinances of the church. These spirits will claim to be Christians and to have reverence for the churches and its institutions. You will see miracles of healings and tongues, among other things, that you will be unable to deny.

“It is true that spiritualism is now changing its form and, veiling some of its more objectionable features, is assuming a Christian guise. But its utterances from the platform and the press have been before the public for many years, and in these its real character stands revealed. …

“As Spiritualism more closely imitates the nominal Christianity of the day, it has greater power to deceive and ensnare. Satan himself is converted, after the modern order of things. He will appear in the character of an angel of light. Through the agency of Spiritualism, miracles will be wrought, the sick will be healed, and many undeniable wonders will be performed. And as the spirits will profess faith in the Bible, and manifest respect for the institutions of the church, their work will be accepted as a manifestation of divine power.” The Great Controversy, 557, 588.

These spirits will say that you need to respect the government. Seventh-day Adventists should always respect and obey the laws of the land in whatever country they live, unless these laws conflict with God’s law.

Most Christians keep Sunday instead of the seventh-day Sabbath. When the government enacts a national Sunday law and the explosion of miracles begin, Adventists will be accused of disaffection of the government by not going along with the law and of disrespecting the community of faith. The Catholic church often uses this terminology that you should respect, and that conscience should be in subjection to the community of faith.

We are Protestants. We believe in the community of faith, but we do not believe that our conscience should be in subjection to a false community of faith. Adventists are going to be accused of being lawbreakers and of disaffection toward the government.

“Communications from the spirits will declare that God has sent them to convince the rejecters of Sunday of their error, affirming that the laws of the land should be obeyed as the law of God. They will lament the great wickedness in the world, and second the testimony of religious teachers, that the degraded state of morals is caused by the desecration of Sunday. Great will be the indignation excited against all who refuse to accept their testimony.” Ibid., 591.

Romans 13 and 1 Peter 2 will be quoted. “They will lament the great wickedness in the world, and second the testimony of religious teachers that the degraded state of morals is caused by the desecration of Sunday. Great will be the indignation excited against all who refuse to accept their testimony. …

“Under the rule of Rome, those who suffered death for their fidelity to the gospel were denounced as evil-doers; they were declared to be in league with Satan; and every possible means was employed to cover them with reproach, to cause them to appear in the eyes of the people, and even to themselves as the vilest of criminals. So, it will be now. While Satan seeks to destroy those who honor God’s law, he will cause them to be accused as law-breakers, as men who are dishonoring God, and bringing judgments upon the world. …

“Those who honor the Bible Sabbath will be denounced as enemies of law and order, as breaking down the moral restraints of society, causing anarchy and corruption, and calling down the judgments of God upon the earth.” Ibid., 591, 592.

During this time, God’s judgments will be in the land. When the United States passes a national Sunday law “… the limit of God’s forbearance is reached, that the measure of our nation’s iniquity is full, and that the angel of mercy is about to take her flight, never to return.” Testimonies, vol. 5, 451.

Those who continue to regard God’s commandments will be accused of disaffection against the government of being lawbreakers, the cause of anarchy, and bringing on the judgments of God on the land. For this reason, it is so important now to live in an honest way so that nobody should ever be able to accuse us of breaking the law. We must dare to be a Daniel, that as it was with him, there will be nothing in our lives that could be used to accuse us of breaking the law. Jesus also was accused with false accusations.

Among Christians during this time, every wind of doctrine will be blowing and there will be fanaticism. Satan, clothed in angel robes, will try to deceive the very elect. He will use human beings as teachers to try and take control of the church by bringing in false teachings. Unless you know what the Bible says, you will be deceived without realizing it.

“None but those who have fortified the mind with the truths of the Bible will stand through the last great conflict.” The Great Controversy (1888), 593. “God will have a people upon the earth to maintain the Bible, and the Bible only, as the standard of all doctrines, and the basis of all reforms. The opinions of learned men, the deductions of science, the creeds or decisions of ecclesiastical councils, as numerous and discordant as are the churches which they represent, the voice of the majority—not one, nor all of these should be regarded as evidence for or against any point of religious faith. Before accepting any doctrine or precept, we should demand a plain ‘Thus saith the Lord’ in its support.” Ibid., 595.

Without this we will be deceived. If we are alive during this period, we will probably have a number of meetings with the devil and evil spirits in human form, even as believers. “He (the devil) and the angels who fell with him, will appear on the earth as men … .” Manuscript Releases, vol. 8, 399.

“Evil angels in the form of believers will work in our ranks … . These powers of evil will assemble in our meetings … .” Mind, Character, and Personality, vol. 2, 504.

The devil knows how to preach better than most. He can quote Scripture and knows how to persuade. He attempted to deceive Jesus in the wilderness with his perverted Scripture. The Spirit of Prophecy teaches that the time is coming when the path of truth and the path of error will be so close together that without the Holy Spirit, you will not be able to tell the difference. We need to study our Bibles and know what is in it and pray for the Holy Spirit to protect us from all deceptions.

“All who dwell on the earth will worship him, whose names have not been written in the Book of Life of the Lamb slain from the foundation of the world” (Revelation 13:8).

For further study …
Five Crucial Bible Truths to Know

1. The Ten Commandment Law – This is a single law written on two stones. It was written by the finger of God and cannot be changed. What happened to the commandments at the cross and what did the apostles say about the law decades later?
2. The Difference Between the Two Laws – Which law was nailed to the cross and abolished?
3. The State of the Dead – What does the Bible teach about what happens when you die?
4. Obedience to Civil Authority – When is it appropriate and in fact required that Christians disobey civil authorities? Although we should be impeccable law keepers, is there a time when it is right to disobey authority of both the church and the state?
5. Second Coming – What instruction does the Bible contain regarding exactly how and what is going to happen when Jesus comes again in the clouds of heaven? Cannot the devil counterfeit the Second Coming?

Study and pray for the Holy Spirit to avoid being taken in by the worldwide deceptions that are coming.

(Unless appearing in quoted references or otherwise identified, Bible texts are from the New King James Version.)