"In concluding this narrative, I would say that we are living in a most solemn time. In the last vision given me, I was shown the startling fact that but a small portion of those who now profess the truth will be sanctified by it and be saved. Many will get above the simplicity of the work. They will conform to the world, cherish idols, and become spiritually dead. The humble, self-sacrificing followers of Jesus will pass on to perfection, leaving behind the indifferent and lovers of the world. I was pointed back to ancient Israel. But two of the adults of the vast army that left Egypt entered the land of Canaan. Their dead bodies were strewn in the wilderness because of their transgressions.
Modern Israel are in greater danger of forgetting God and being led into idolatry than were His ancient people. Many idols are worshiped, even by professed Sabbathkeepers. God especially charged His ancient people to guard against idolatry, for if they should be led away from serving the living God, His curse would rest upon them, while if they would love Him with all their heart, with all their soul, and with all their might, He would abundantly bless them in basket and in store, and would remove sickness from the midst of them. A blessing or a curse is now before the people of God - a blessing if they come out from the world and are separate, and walk in the path of humble obedience; and a curse if they unite with the idolatrous, who trample upon the high claims of heaven.
The sins and iniquities of rebellious Israel are recorded and the picture presented before us as a warning that if we imitate their example of transgression and depart from God we shall fall as surely as did they. Now all these things happened unto them for ensamples: and they are written for our admonition, upon whom the ends of the world are come." (E.White, Testimonies, Vol.1, p.608)
Do you feel comfortable "knowing" the truth about the mark of the beast? Do you think that keeping the sabbath will save you in the time of trouble that is to come upon the whole world? If so, then I plead with you to get down on your knees and ask the Almighty to help you. Ezekiel 9:4-10 says that it is only those who sigh and cry for the abominations committed around them that will be sealed.
"Study the 9th chapter of Ezekiel. These words will be literally fulfilled; yet the time is passing, and the people are asleep. They refuse to humble their souls and to be converted. Not a great while longer will the Lord bear with the people who have such great and important truths revealed to them, but who refuse to bring these truths into their individual experience. The time is short. God is calling; will YOU hear? Will YOU receive His message? Will YOU be converted before it is too late? Soon, very soon, every case will be decided for eternity." (E.G. White, Letter 106, 1909, pp. 2, 3, 5, 7. (To "The churches in Oakland and Berkeley", September 26, 1909.) E. G. White Manuscript Releases Volume One, p. 260)
"I have been shown that the spirit of the world is fast leavening the church. You are following the same path as did ancient Israel. There is the same falling away from your holy calling as God's peculiar people. You are having fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness. Your concord with unbelievers has provoked the Lord’s displeasure. You know not the things that belong to your peace, and they are fast being hid from your eyes. Your neglect to follow the light will place you in a more unfavorable position than the Jews upon whom Christ pronounced a woe." (E.G.White, Testimonies for the Church, Volume 5, p.75)
"Many of our people are lukewarm. They occupy the position of Meroz, neither for nor against, neither cold nor hot. They hear the words of Christ, but do them not. If they remain in this state, He will reject them with abhorrence. Many of those who have had great light, great opportunities, and every spiritual advantage praise Christ and the world with the same breath. They bow themselves before God and mammon. They make merry with the children of the world, and yet claim to be blessed with the children of God. They wish to have Christ as their Saviour, but will not bear the cross and wear His yoke. May the Lord have mercy upon you; for if you go on in this way, nothing but evil can be prophesied concerning you." (E.G.White, Testimonies for the Church, Volume 5, P.76-77)
In Revelation 12:11 it says that the saints are the ones who overcame Satan by the blood of the Lamb AND by the word of their testimony. In other words, they didn't just "KNOW" the truth, they LIVED it! And by the word of their testimony, they SHOWED that their lives were totally devoted to Christ Jesus.
Is this you reader? Are you humbling yourself before your Creator and Saviour? Are you turning away from all sin? Are you living and sharing the precious truths that God has given you? Are you making every effort to put on the perfect character of Christ Jesus? Are you praying and studying everyday? Time is running out and probation is soon to close! BE READY! That is what Christ said ... BE READY!
"The storm is coming, the storm that will try every man's faith, of what sort it is. Believers must now be firmly rooted in Christ, or else they will be led astray by some phase of error." (Evangelism, P.361)
"And there are many in the church who take it for granted that they understand what they believe; but, until controversy arises, they do not know their own weakness. When separated from those of like faith and compelled to stand singly and alone to explain their belief, they will be surprised to see how confused are their ideas of what they had accepted as truth. Certain it is that there has been among us a departure from the living God and a turning to men, putting human in place of divine wisdom." (Testimonies Vol.5, P.707)
"We should watch and work and pray as though this were the last day that would be granted us." (Testimonies, Vol.5, P.200)
