“Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing; and I will receive you” (2 Corinthians 6:17, KJV).

ABSTRACT

This article warns believers about the dangers of unions, monopolies, and worldly alliances that oppose God’s law and compromise spiritual integrity. Drawing from Scripture and Ellen G. White’s counsel, it shows how such confederacies promote deception, restrict freedom, and lead to disobedience of the Ten Commandments. Instead, God calls His people to separation, obedience, and steadfast faith, offering protection, peace, and strength to stand amid end-time crises.

DANGERS OF TRADE UNIONS AND CONFEDERACIES

In a world increasingly intertwined by alliances, unions, and monopolies, the Bible offers a timeless warning against aligning with systems that oppose God’s law and threaten spiritual integrity. This guidance protects the community from harm by urging separation from deceptive worldly influences that prioritize gain and power over divine principles. Scripture reveals that such alliances create spiritual conflicts, drawing individuals into practices that compromise God’s commandments, as seen in the rapid spread of deception and the role these entities play in impending crises. Through inspired counsel, Ellen G. White echoes these truths, warning that gigantic monopolies will be formed where men bind themselves together in unions that wrap them in the folds of the enemy, with a few men combining to grasp all the means in certain lines of business (Letter 26, p. 1, 1903). A prophetic voice further declares that the work of the people of God is to prepare for the events of the future, which will soon come upon them with blinding force, as in the world gigantic monopolies will be formed and men will bind themselves together in unions that will wrap them in the folds of the enemy (Country Living, p. 9, 1946). Clearly, we find reinforcement in verses like “Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world. If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him” (1 John 2:15, KJV) and “Ye adulterers and adulteresses, know ye not that the friendship of the world is enmity with God? whosoever therefore will be a friend of the world is the enemy of God” (James 4:4, KJV). This perspective calls the community to uphold God’s law amid societal pressures, fostering obedience that safeguards faith and serves as a beacon of hope.

WORLD’S WICKED WARNINGS!

In a world increasingly intertwined by alliances, unions, and monopolies, the Bible offers a timeless warning: “Say ye not, A confederacy, to all them to whom this people shall say, A confederacy; neither fear ye their fear, nor be afraid” (Isaiah 8:12, KJV). This call reminds us that aligning with worldly systems that oppose God’s law threatens spiritual integrity. In her writings, Ellen G. White echoes this caution, urging us to avoid “confederacy with the wicked” (Testimonies for the Church, vol. 8, p. 41). A passage from Selected Messages reminds us that the trades unions and confederacies of the world are a snare, so keep out of them, and away from them, brethren, having nothing to do with them (Selected Messages, vol. 2, p. 144, 1958). Through inspired counsel we are told that confederacies will increase in number and power as we draw nearer to the end of time, creating opposing influences to the truth and forming new parties of professed believers who will act out their own delusive theories, with the apostasy increasing (Review and Herald, p. 1, 1909). Scripture supports this with “And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God” (Romans 12:2, KJV) and “Blessed is the man that walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor standeth in the way of sinners, nor sitteth in the seat of the scornful” (Psalm 1:1, KJV). But how do these concepts reflect God’s love for the community?

UNION’S UNHOLY CLASH!

Trade unions and monopolies often prioritize worldly gain and power, creating a spiritual conflict for us. The apostle Paul commands, “Be ye not unequally yoked together with unbelievers” (2 Corinthians 6:14). When we join such unions, we risk being drawn into practices that compromise God’s commandments. The inspired pen warns, “Satan is using these [unions] to bind tares into bundles” (Testimonies for the Church, vol. 5, pp. 383-384). These bundles symbolize the growing collective of those misled by worldly priorities, illustrating the subtle but powerful nature of these dangers. In Country Living we read that those who claim to be the children of God are in no case to bind up with the labor unions that are formed or that shall be formed, for this the Lord forbids, and cannot those who study the prophecies see and understand what is before us (Country Living, p. 12, 1946). A prophetic voice once wrote that the principles governing the forming of these unions seem innocent, but men have to pledge themselves to serve the interests of these unions, or else they may have to pay the penalty of refusal with their lives (Counsels from the Spirit of Prophecy on Labor Unions and Confederacies, p. 6, 1904). Revealing the risks clearly, “Can two walk together, except they be agreed?” (Amos 3:3, KJV) and “I have given them thy word; and the world hath hated them, because they are not of the world, even as I am not of the world” (John 17:14, KJV). But how do these concepts reflect God’s love?

GOD’S GUARDING GRACE!

At their heart, these warnings reveal a profound truth: God desires to protect us from harm. His commandments are not burdens but safeguards against moral and spiritual compromise. Sr. White explains, “The Lord has given us warnings that we may escape the delusions of the enemy” (Early Writings, p. 88). Just as a loving parent shields a child from harm, God’s guidance reflects His enduring love and care. In The Review and Herald we read that the wicked are being bound up in bundles, bound up in trusts, in unions, in confederacies, so let us have nothing to do with these organizations, for God is our Ruler, our Governor, and He calls us to come out from the world and be separate (Review and Herald, p. 1, 1903). Through inspired counsel we are told that these unions are one of the signs of the last days, with men binding up in bundles ready to be burned, and they may be church members, but while they belong to these unions, they cannot possibly keep the commandments of God, for to belong to these unions means to disregard the entire decalogue (Counsels from the Spirit of Prophecy on Labor Unions and Confederacies, p. 7, 1904). Scripture reveals that “Beware lest any man spoil you through philosophy and vain deceit, after the tradition of men, after the rudiments of the world, and not after Christ” (Colossians 2:8, KJV) and “And have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather reprove them” (Ephesians 5:11, KJV). But how quickly does deception spread in these end times?

DECEPTION’S DASHING DANGER!

Sr. White’s vision of a “train of cars going with the speed of lightning” (Early Writings, p. 88) offers a stark image of the world’s current trajectory. She describes the whole world aboard this train, deceived by Satan’s delusions. This metaphor captures how quickly destructive ideologies spread, pulling people further from God’s truth. Meanwhile, those who stand firm in their faith travel a narrow path, bound together by truth and preparing for salvation. This narrative prompts introspection. Are we aboard the metaphorical train, swayed by worldly promises, or are we walking the narrow path? We must continually examine our actions and alliances to ensure alignment with God’s will. A passage from Manuscript Releases reminds us that can they not see in the rapid growth of trades unions, the fulfilling of the signs of the time, for those forming the labor unions are determined to have their own way, and violence and death mean nothing to them if their unions are opposed (Manuscript Releases, vol. 7, p. 183, 1990). Sr. White wrote that the union men who have struck for higher wages, by their destruction of property, and their attempts to destroy life (Testimonies for the Church, vol. 7, p. 84, 1902). Clearly, “Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour” (1 Peter 5:8, KJV) and “Thou therefore endure hardness, as a good soldier of Jesus Christ” (2 Timothy 2:3, KJV). But why are trade unions and monopolies so dangerous to our freedom?

DECALOGUE’S DEFiant DEFENSE!

Trade unions and monopolies are dangerous because they often disregard the moral compass provided by the Ten Commandments. Sr. White asserts, “Those who join these unions are guilty of violating the Decalogue” (Selected Messages, vol. 2, pp. 143-144). This stark assertion reminds us that such alliances may demand loyalty that conflicts with our higher commitment to God. In doing so, they limit personal freedom and moral accountability. This perspective challenges us as a community to uphold the principles of God’s law, even when societal trends pressure us otherwise. Together, we must resist these influences, supporting one another in faith and commitment. In Patriarchs and Prophets we read that great evils would result from the continued accumulation of wealth by one class, and the poverty and degradation of another, for without some restraint the power of the wealthy would become a monopoly, and the poor, though in every respect fully as worthy in God’s sight, would be regarded and treated as inferior to their more prosperous brethren (Patriarchs and Prophets, p. 534, 1890). A prophetic voice once wrote that and how can men obey these words, and form combinations that rob the poorer classes of the advantages which justly belong to them, preventing them from buying or selling, except under certain conditions, for how plainly the words of God have predicted this condition of things (Counsels from the Spirit of Prophecy on Labor Unions and Confederacies, p. 8, 1904). Start with the action, “Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you” (James 4:7, KJV) and “Abstain from all appearance of evil” (1 Thessalonians 5:22, KJV). But how should we prepare for the coming crisis?

CRISIS COMING CLASH!

Sr. White’s writings predict that trade unions will play a role in bringing about a “time of trouble such as has not been since the world began” (Selected Messages, vol. 2, p. 142). This prophecy underscores the urgency for preparation. Ephesians 6:10-12 exhorts us to “put on the whole armour of God,” recognizing that our struggle is not merely against earthly powers but against spiritual forces of darkness. As I reflect on these warnings, I am reminded of my responsibility to strengthen my faith and assist others in preparing for Christ’s return. By standing firm against worldly alliances, we fulfill our role as God’s witnesses in a troubled world. Through inspired counsel we are told that the forming of these unions is one of Satan’s last efforts, so God calls upon His people to get out of the cities, isolating themselves from the world, for the time will come when they will have to do this, and God will care for those who love Him and keep His commandments (Letter 26, p. 2, 1903). In Education we read that the greatest want of the world is the want of men—men who will not be bought or sold, men who in their inmost souls are true and honest, men who do not fear to call sin by its right name, men whose conscience is as true to duty as the needle to the pole, men who will stand for the right though the heavens fall (Education, p. 57, 1903). Scripture reveals that “For our conversation is in heaven; from whence also we look for the Saviour, the Lord Jesus Christ” (Philippians 3:20, KJV) and “Teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world” (Titus 2:12, KJV). But how do we stay steadfast in God’s love amid these challenges?

STEADFAST SACRED STAND!

These lessons point to a central truth: separation from worldly confederacies is an act of love—God’s love for us and our love for Him. God’s law is a gift, designed to protect us from harm and guide us to salvation. Sr. White writes, “In obedience to God’s law, there is great peace and safety” (Selected Messages, vol. 1, p. 96). This obedience not only safeguards our faith but also serves as a beacon of hope to those seeking truth. The call to separate from trade unions, monopolies, and secret societies is not about isolation but about preserving our relationship with God. We are bound by a higher purpose, called to stand firm in faith and love, and to be witnesses of God’s enduring truth in a world increasingly at odds with His commandments. By walking this narrow path, we demonstrate our trust in God’s plan and our commitment to His law, ensuring that we remain steadfast as His return draws near. In Thoughts from the Mount of Blessing we read that it is not earthly rank, nor birth, nor nationality, nor religious privilege, which proves that we are members of the family of God; it is love, a love that embraces all humanity (Thoughts from the Mount of Blessing, p. 75, 1896). A passage from The Desire of Ages reminds us that our heavenly Father has a thousand ways to provide for us, of which we know nothing (The Desire of Ages, p. 330, 1898). Clearly, “For if after they have escaped the pollutions of the world through the knowledge of the Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, they are again entangled therein, and overcome, the latter end is worse with them than the beginning” (2 Peter 2:20, KJV) and “If ye were of the world, the world would love his own: but because ye are not of the world, but I have chosen you out of the world, therefore the world hateth you” (John 15:19, KJV).

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SELF-REFLECTION

How can I, in my personal devotional life, delve deeper into these warnings against worldly alliances, allowing them to shape my character and priorities?

How can we adapt these themes of separation from deceptive unions to be understandable and relevant to diverse audiences, from seasoned community members to new seekers or those from different faith traditions, without compromising theological accuracy?

What are the most common misconceptions about trade unions and spiritual integrity in my community, and how can I gently but effectively correct them using Scripture and the writings of Sr. White?

In what practical ways can our local congregations and individual members become more vibrant beacons of truth and hope, living out the reality of separation from worldly confederacies and God’s ultimate victory over evil?