“And the counsel of the Lord shall stand.” (Proverbs 19:21, KJV)

ABSTRACT

God’s unstoppable plan calls each person to choose active, faithful cooperation with His final work, joining the small but dedicated people who will carry His light, expose deception, and stand united with Christ in the closing victory.

GOD’S UNSTOPPABLE PLAN

God’s saving plan will succeed no matter what people choose, yet we are called to take part in it. Scripture shows that God works through sincere, faithful believers rather than large numbers, and the final message of Revelation 18 will expose spiritual error and call people out of darkness. God’s steady grace and mercy toward humanity invite us to stay united, stay committed, and work together in today’s challenges. His plan cannot be stopped, as His word stands forever (Isaiah 40:8, KJV) and no one can overturn His purpose (Isaiah 14:27, KJV). We are assured that God has unlimited resources to fulfill His promises, and the stories of Joseph and Daniel show what He will do for those who fully surrender to Him. With this confidence, we must each decide what part we will take in God’s final victory.A prophetic voice once wrote: “God is able to fulfill his promises. His resources are infinite, and he employs them all in accomplishing his will” (The Review and Herald, February 9, 1886). In Education we read: “The history of Joseph and Daniel is an illustration of what He will do for those who yield themselves to Him and with the whole heart seek to accomplish His purpose” (Education, 57, 1903). Thus, the community can rest secure in the knowledge that divine sovereignty ensures ultimate success, but what role will each of us play in this divine narrative?

WHAT TRUTH CALLS TO US?

This explores the powerful truth that God’s work will be completed, regardless of individual participation. We will delve into biblical principles, Ellen G. White’s insights, and apply these truths to our lives and the world around us. This message is for everyone seeking truth and purpose, from every walk of life. God’s plan advances unhindered by human reluctance, as demonstrated in the assurance that divine intentions prevail over all opposition. Evidence lies in the scriptural promise that His purposes cannot fail, prompting the community to embrace this reality with renewed vigor. “For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, saith the Lord” (Isaiah 55:8, KJV), and “The Lord of hosts hath sworn, saying, Surely as I have thought, so shall it come to pass; and as I have purposed, so shall it stand” (Isaiah 14:24, KJV). Through inspired counsel we are told: “But when we give ourselves wholly to God and in our work follow His directions, He makes Himself responsible for its accomplishment” (Christ’s Object Lessons, 363, 1900). A passage from The Publishing Ministry reminds us: “We are to cooperate with One who knows no failure” (The Publishing Ministry, 292, 1902). Therefore, the community finds encouragement in this unchanging truth, but how does this certainty shape our daily choices?

DOES GOD’S WORD ALWAYS WIN?

God’s word possesses inherent power and will inevitably accomplish its intended purpose. The prophet Isaiah declares, “So shall my word be that goeth forth out of my mouth: it shall not return unto me void, but it shall accomplish that which I please, and it shall prosper in the thing whereto I sent it” (Isaiah 55:11, KJV). This verse asserts the absolute certainty of God’s word fulfilling its divine mission. Like a seed planted in fertile ground, God’s word takes root and produces fruit. It is not dependent on human effort for its ultimate success but operates with divine power. “For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways, and my thoughts than your thoughts” (Isaiah 55:9, KJV), and “For the vision is yet for an appointed time, but at the end it shall speak, and not lie: though it tarry, wait for it; because it will surely come, it will not tarry” (Habakkuk 2:3, KJV). The inspired pen declares: “None of us liveth to himself. Every individual has his station of duty in the accomplishment of God’s great plan” (The Review and Herald, February 9, 1886). In Education we read: “What a lifework was that of these noble Hebrews! As they bade farewell to their childhood home, how little did they dream of their high destiny! Faithful and steadfast, they yielded themselves to the divine guiding, so that through them God could fulfill His purpose” (Education, 57, 1903). Therefore, we can have unwavering confidence that God’s plan of salvation will be accomplished, but what part does each person hold in this unfolding plan?

WILL YOU ANSWER GOD’S SUMMONS?

While God’s work is assured, we are individually called to participate in it. Ellen G. White warns, “If I will not reveal Christ in my life, God will use someone else” (Testimonies for the Church, Vol. 6, p. 19). This statement emphasizes the vital role of personal commitment in God’s plan. God desires to work through us, but He is not limited by our choices. If we choose not to cooperate, He will find others to carry His light. This is a sobering thought, a call to examine our hearts. “And he said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature” (Mark 16:15, KJV), and “Therefore, my beloved brethren, be ye stedfast, unmoveable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, forasmuch as ye know that your labour is not in vain in the Lord” (1 Corinthians 15:58, KJV). A prophetic voice once wrote: “Every individual has his station of duty in the accomplishment of God’s great plan. And every one who receives and obeys the light which God has given, will be a living witness for Christ and the truth” (The Review and Herald, February 9, 1886). Through inspired counsel we are told: “Individual responsibility, individual effort, personal sacrifice, is the requirement of the gospel” (The Ministry of Healing, 147, 1905). Therefore, it is crucial that we actively choose to align ourselves with God’s purpose, but does true strength lie in numbers or in heartfelt dedication?

DOES DEDICATION TRUMP NUMBERS?

God values quality of faith and dedication over sheer numbers. The story of Gideon’s army illustrates this principle. God reduced Gideon’s vast army to just 300 men, through whom He brought about a great victory (Patriarchs and Prophets, p. 550). This narrative demonstrates that God’s power is not dependent on large numbers. He can accomplish great things through a small, dedicated group. Like Gideon’s 300, the movement of Revelation 18 will depend on individuals who fully give themselves to God, not on the size of their ranks. “And the Lord said unto Gideon, The people that are with thee are too many for me to give the Midianites into their hands, lest Israel vaunt themselves against me, saying, Mine own hand hath saved me” (Judges 7:2, KJV), and “And when Gideon was come, behold, there was a man that told a dream unto his fellow, and said, Behold, I dreamed a dream, and, lo, a cake of barley bread tumbled into the host of Midian, and came unto a tent, and smote it that it fell, and overturned it, that the tent lay along” (Judges 7:13, KJV). In The Review and Herald we read: “It was not in their number, but he believed that the Lord could deliver them by few as well as by many” (The Review and Herald, June 23, 1885). A passage from Education reminds us: “A noble character is the result of self-discipline, of the subjection of the lower to the higher nature—the surrender of self for the service of love to God and man” (Education, 57, 1903). Thus, our focus should be on cultivating a deep, personal relationship with God rather than relying on outward appearances, but what light pierces the gloom of the final days?

CAN YOU ILLUMINE THE END?

The movement of Revelation 18 plays a crucial role in giving the final warning to the world. This movement is tasked with unmasking the sins of Babylon and calling people out of spiritual darkness. This is a solemn and urgent work, requiring unwavering commitment and a clear understanding of present truth. It calls us to shine as lights in a world shrouded in darkness, reflecting the character of Christ. “And after these things I saw another angel come down from heaven, having great power; and the earth was lightened with his glory” (Revelation 18:1, KJV), and “And he cried mightily with a strong voice, saying, Babylon the great is fallen, is fallen, and is become the habitation of devils, and the hold of every foul spirit, and a cage of every unclean and hateful bird” (Revelation 18:2, KJV). The inspired pen declares: “In a large degree through our publishing is to be accomplished the work of that other angel [of Revelation 18] who comes down from heaven with great power and who lightens the earth with his glory” (Testimonies for the Church, Vol. 7, 140, 1902). Through inspired counsel we are told: “The prophecies in the eighteenth of Revelation will soon be fulfilled. During the proclamation of the third angel’s message, ‘another angel’ is to ‘come down from heaven, having great power,’ and the earth is to be ‘lightened with his glory’” (The SDA Bible Commentary, Vol. 7, 984, 1900). Are we among those who will carry this light, or will we allow it to pass us by, but how does this reflect the harmony of divine grace?

HOW DOES GOD’S LOVE PLAY OUT?

These concepts powerfully reflect God’s boundless love for humanity. The fact that God’s work will continue even if we choose not to participate demonstrates His unwavering commitment to saving humanity. Sr. White states, “if I will not reveal Christ in my life, God will use someone else” (Testimonies for the Church, Vol. 6, p. 19). This shows that God’s love is not contingent on our cooperation, but His plan of salvation will move forward, offering redemption to all who will accept it. This is not a harsh or uncaring approach, but rather a testament to His infinite patience and mercy. God’s love is so great that He will not abandon His plan of salvation even if we reject Him. He will continue to extend His hand of grace, offering us the opportunity to be part of His glorious work. “Herein is love, not that we loved God, but that he loved us, and sent his Son to be the propitiation for our sins” (1 John 4:10, KJV), and “But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us” (Romans 5:8, KJV). A prophetic voice once wrote: “Yet despite the insult which man has offered Him, God’s love is still extended to the race; and He permits light to shine, enabling man to see that in order to live a perfect life he must obey the natural laws which govern his being” (Counsels on Diet and Foods, 18, 1938). In Steps to Christ we read: “He wept over Jerusalem, the city He loved, which refused to receive Him, the way, the truth, and the life. They had rejected Him, the Saviour, but He regarded them with pitying tenderness” (Steps to Christ, 12, 1892). This unwavering pursuit of humanity showcases the depth and breadth of God’s love, but what does this mean for our shared journey?

WILL WE BAND TOGETHER NOW?

These principles have profound implications for both our personal lives and the church as a whole. In today’s world, we see divisions and apathy creeping in, much like the Laodicean condition described in Revelation 3:14-22. We must ask ourselves: Are we truly committed to revealing Christ in our lives? Are we willing to put aside our differences and work together to spread the gospel? Or are we content to let others carry the burden? I recognize my own shortcomings in this area. I often find myself caught up in the cares of this world, neglecting my spiritual growth and my responsibility to share the light with others. We must strive for unity and dedication, emulating the early church. “That they all may be one; as thou, Father, art in me, and I in thee, that they also may be one in us: that the world may believe that thou hast sent me” (John 17:21, KJV), and “Behold, how good and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity!” (Psalm 133:1, KJV). Through inspired counsel we are told: “Union is strength; division is weakness. When those who believe present truth are united, they exert a telling influence” (Testimonies for the Church, Vol. 5, 236, 1885). A passage from Christian Service reminds us: “Those who have united with the Lord in the covenant of service are under bonds to unite with Him in the great, grand work of soul saving” (Christian Service, 147, 1925). Therefore, we must strive for a deeper commitment to God and to one another. We must put aside our differences and work together to fulfill the great commission, but will we heed the final summons?

CHOOSE GOD’S PATH TODAY?

The question remains: Will we be among those who actively participate in God’s work? The message of Revelation 18 is a call to action, a call to come out of Babylon and shine as lights in a dark world. This is not a passive invitation but an urgent appeal to align ourselves with God’s purpose. It is a call to self-examination, to repentance, and to a renewed commitment to Christ. “And if it seem evil unto you to serve the Lord, choose you this day whom ye will serve; whether the gods which your fathers served that were on the other side of the flood, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land ye dwell: but as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord” (Joshua 24:15, KJV), and “I call heaven and earth to record this day against you, that I have set before you life and death, blessing and cursing: therefore choose life, that both thou and thy seed may live” (Deuteronomy 30:19, KJV). The inspired pen declares: “Young men and young women, if you are true disciples of Christ, you will consecrate every talent, and be able to reach out for the unconverted, by ways and methods, that will be effective. You will be active working agencies for Christ” (Messages to Young People, 204, 1930). A prophetic voice once wrote: “God expects personal service from everyone to whom He has intrusted a knowledge of the truth for this time” (Testimonies for the Church, Vol. 9, 30, 1909). May we each answer this call with a resounding “Yes!” and dedicate our lives to the finishing of God’s work.

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SELF-REFLECTION

How can I, in my daily quiet time, explore these eternal truths more deeply, letting them transform my priorities and character?

How can we present these profound ideas in ways that resonate with varied listeners, from longtime members to newcomers of different backgrounds, while upholding doctrinal integrity?

What misunderstandings about God’s plan and our role persist in the community, and how can I address them compassionately with biblical and Sr. White insights?

In what tangible steps can the community and each member embody this triumphant truth, becoming lively examples of hope and readiness for Christ’s return?