“For, lo, I will command, and I will sift the house of Israel among all nations, like as corn is sifted in a sieve, yet shall not the least grain fall upon the earth” (Amos 9:9, KJV).

ABSTRACT

Faith survives the sift when trials expose false loyalty, purify true believers, and call the church to self-examination, steadfast obedience, and mutual support under God’s refining love.

A HOUSE DIVIDED: UNITY AND SEPARATION IN THE CHURCH

This article delves into the sobering reality of separation within the church, where trials reveal genuine faith amid superficial commitments, exploring historical examples of apostasy due to compromise, prophetic insights into two distinct separations that purify the community, and the paradoxical way God’s love manifests through discipline to foster spiritual growth, ultimately urging self-examination and mutual support to stand firm in adversity. “Now the Spirit speaketh expressly, that in the latter times some shall depart from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits, and doctrines of devils” (1 Timothy 4:1, KJV). “For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears; And they shall turn away their ears from the truth, and shall be turned unto fables” (2 Timothy 4:3-4, KJV). A prophetic voice once wrote, “We are living in these last days, when lukewarmness and apostasy abound. The apostle saw in prophetic vision what should exist near the close of time” (Manuscript Releases, vol. 7, p. 963, 1990). Through inspired counsel we are told, “One of the most powerful influences that led to Solomon’s apostasy, was the pride of prosperity” (The Review and Herald, p. 26286, 1881). The community faces these challenges as opportunities for deeper commitment, but what process reveals the true nature of our faith?

WHAT SIFTING UNCOVERS TRUE COMMITMENT?

1 John 2:19 tells us, “They went out from us, but they were not of us; for if they had been of us, they would no doubt have continued with us: but they went out, that they might be made manifest that they are not all of us.” This verse speaks to the sifting process that occurs within the church, a separation of those whose faith is genuine from those whose commitment is superficial. Like a farmer separating wheat from chaff, God allows trials to reveal the true nature of our faith. In Testimonies for the Church we read (Vol. 6, p. 400-401, 1901), warns that “Those who have had great light and precious privileges, but have not improved them, will…go out from us.” This isn’t a joyful thought, but a stark reality. It stirs within me a sense of urgency, a need to examine my own heart. Am I truly rooted in Christ, or am I merely a fair-weather follower? We must ask ourselves, are we willing to stand firm when the winds of adversity blow? God tests the community through such processes, as “For Demas hath forsaken me, having loved this present world, and is departed unto Thessalonica; Crescens to Galatia, Titus unto Dalmatia” (2 Timothy 4:10, KJV). Scripture reveals that “They went out from us, but they were not of us; for if they had been of us, they would no doubt have continued with us: but they went out, that they might be made manifest that they were not all of us” (1 John 2:19, KJV) – wait, unique, so another: “Let no man deceive you by any means: for that day shall not come, except there come a falling away first, and that man of sin be revealed, the son of perdition” (2 Thessalonians 2:3, KJV). The inspired pen notes, “In the days of Elijah there was great apostasy in Israel” (The Review and Herald, p. 11251, 1884). A passage from The Signs of the Times reminds us, “There was a time when Satan was in harmony with God, and it was his joy to execute the divine commands. His heart was filled with love and joyous harmony. But envy of Christ entered his heart, and he sowed the seeds of dissension” (The Signs of the Times, p. 11782, 1893). This process calls the community to vigilance, but what bitter fruits emerge from compromise in history?

CAN ZEAL WITHSTAND TEMPTATION’S PULL?

History is replete with examples of individuals who, despite initial zeal, succumbed to temptation and drifted away from the church. The case of Elder L.R. Conradi during World War I, as detailed in In Defense of the Law of God (p. 26), serves as a poignant illustration. Conradi’s decision to support bearing arms, contrary to the church’s non-combatant stance, led to his apostasy and separation. This reminds us that external pressures can be incredibly strong, like a powerful current pulling us away from our moorings. It makes me think about the compromises we face today. Do we prioritize fitting in with the world over adhering to God’s principles? We must be vigilant, lest we too fall prey to the allure of worldly acceptance. Revealing the danger 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). Christ warns through Scripture, “But he that shall endure unto the end, the same shall be saved” (Matthew 24:13, KJV). Ellen G. White wrote, “The men who have lately apostatized say that the Sabbath does not amount to much. It is a relic of Judaism, they say” (Manuscript Releases, vol. 1, p. 585, 1980). In Patriarchs and Prophets we read, “God had chosen Israel as His peculiar people, to preserve His truth in the earth” (Patriarchs and Prophets, p. 314, 1890). These examples urge the community to hold fast, but what vigilance do two distinct separations demand?

WHAT CALLS FOR WATCHFULNESS IN PROPHECY?

Within prophecy foretells two distinct separations. The first involves those who, lacking genuine sanctification through obedience to the truth, align themselves with worldly influences and ultimately abandon their faith. This first separation is a tragedy, a loss of souls who once walked among us. It should fill us with a deep sorrow, a yearning to reach out to those who are wavering. We must be a beacon of light, offering support and encouragement to those struggling to maintain their faith. In the Old Testament, God declares, “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) – wait, NT, so OT: “Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing; and I will receive you” same. Unique: “And I will purge out from among you the rebels, and them that transgress against me: I will bring them forth out of the country where they sojourn, and they shall not enter into the land of Israel: and ye shall know that I am the LORD” (Ezekiel 20:38, KJV). “Behold, I will send my messenger, and he shall prepare the way before me: and the Lord, whom ye seek, shall suddenly come to his temple, even the messenger of the covenant, whom ye delight in: behold, he shall come, saith the LORD of hosts” (Malachi 3:1, KJV). Sr. White explains, “The shaking must soon take place to purify the church” (Spiritual Gifts, vol. 2, p. 284, 1860). Through inspired counsel, “But the days of purification of the church are hastening on apace. God will have a people pure and true” (Testimonies for the Church, vol. 5, p. 400, 1889). Prophecy challenges us to compassion, but what purifying fire does the second separation ignite?

DOES FIRE REVEAL PURE GOLD OF FAITH?

The second separation involves the purging of those within the church who, while outwardly appearing faithful, harbor secret sins and refuse to be cleansed. This separation, though painful, is ultimately a purifying process. It’s like a refiner’s fire, burning away the impurities to reveal the pure gold of true faith. This concept, while challenging, brings me a sense of hope. It reminds me that God is working to purify His church, to make it a glorious church, without spot or wrinkle (Ephesians 5:27, KJV). We must examine ourselves, asking God to reveal any hidden sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. God purifies through trials, as “But who may abide the day of his coming? and who shall stand when he appeareth? for he is like a refiner’s fire, and like fullers’ soap: And he shall sit as a refiner and purifier of silver: and he shall purify the sons of Levi, and purge them as gold and silver, that they may offer unto the LORD an offering in righteousness” (Malachi 3:2-3, KJV). Scripture affirms, “Many shall be purified, and made white, and tried; but the wicked shall do wickedly: and none of the wicked shall understand; but the wise shall understand” (Daniel 12:10, KJV). A prophetic voice shares, “When purification shall take place in our ranks, we shall no longer rest at ease, boasting of being rich and increased with goods, in need of nothing” (Testimonies for the Church, vol. 8, p. 1422, 1904). In The Great Controversy we read, “The message which God had sent for the testing and purification of the church revealed all too surely how great was the number who had set their affections on this world rather than upon Christ” (The Great Controversy, p. 1704, 1911). Purification inspires hope in the community, but how does separation reflect God’s grace?

HOW DOES GRACE SHINE IN STERN REBUKE?

God’s love is not always expressed in gentle whispers; sometimes, it takes the form of a stern rebuke. The separations within the church, while painful, are ultimately acts of love. As Hebrews 12:6 (KJV) states, “For whom the Lord loveth he chasteneth, and scourgeth every son whom he receiveth.” God shows love through discipline. Sr. White, in The Great Controversy (p. 496, 1911), explains that “The Lord permits trials to come to His people in order that they may develop strength of character.” Trials refine rather than destroy us. Difficult times offer opportunities for growth and spiritual maturity. Therefore, the separations, though difficult, are a testament to God’s love, a love that desires our ultimate sanctification and eternal salvation. God emphasizes this care, “As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten: be zealous therefore, and repent” (Revelation 3:19, KJV). Revealing His role, “My son, despise not thou the chastening of the Lord, nor faint when thou art rebuked of him” (Proverbs 3:11, KJV). The inspired pen affirms, “The fact that we are called upon to endure trial, proves that the Lord sees something in us very precious, which He desires to develop” (The Signs of the Times, p. 20754, 1897). A passage from Steps to Christ reminds us, “It is transgression of God’s law—the law of love—that has brought woe and death. Yet even amid the suffering that results from sin, God’s love is revealed” (Steps to Christ, p. 21, 1892). God’s methods lead to salvation, but what action do these concepts demand personally and communally?

WHAT ACTION DEMANDS UNITY AND LOVE?

For me, these concepts are a call to self-examination. I must constantly evaluate my own motives and ensure that my faith is genuine and unwavering. For us as a church, it’s a call to unity and love. We must support one another, encouraging those who are struggling and gently admonishing those who are straying. We must be a community of grace, reflecting the love of Christ to a world in need. Like a family, we should support each other in times of trouble. We must also be a church that upholds truth and righteousness, even when it’s difficult. This means addressing sin within our ranks, not with a spirit of condemnation, but with a spirit of love and restoration. We must remember that we are all on a journey, and we need each other to reach the ultimate destination. In Scripture, God urges, “Examine yourselves, whether ye be in the faith; prove your own selves. Know ye not your own selves, how that Jesus Christ is in you, except ye be reprobates?” (2 Corinthians 13:5, KJV). “Let a man examine himself, and so let him eat of that bread, and drink of that cup” (1 Corinthians 11:28, KJV). Through inspired counsel we are told, “There is a necessity for close self-examination, and to closely investigate in the light of God’s Word, Am I sound, or am I rotten, at heart?” (Messages to Young People, p. 382, 1930). Sr. White wrote, “Self-examination, with us, may be defined as follows: A strict investigation of our spiritual state, to know whether we are in the faith, to know our defects and our dangers, to discover our sins and weaknesses” (Sanctification, p. 439, 1881). The community thrives through mutual support.

For more articles, please go to http://www.faithfundamentals.blog.

If you have a prayer request, please leave it in the comments below. Prayer meetings are held on Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday, and Saturday. To join, enter your email address in the comments section.

Search

Search

SELF-REFLECTION

How can I deepen my understanding of separation and purification in my daily devotions, letting these truths transform my character and focus?

In what ways can we present these prophetic separations accessibly to varied groups, from long-time members to newcomers, while upholding doctrinal integrity?

What misunderstandings about apostasy and church purification prevail in our circles, and how can I address them kindly with biblical and Sr. White insights?

How might our groups and individuals embody these truths more vividly, becoming sources of light and assurance amid trials, anticipating Christ’s return and triumph over evil?