“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

In the final moments of earth’s history, a profound separation unfolds within the community as persecution escalates, causing many professed members to abandon their faith and align with opposition, while trials like the approaching storm and the Sunday law serve as refining fires that distinguish true commitment from compromise, ultimately forging a faithful remnant who, through reliance on divine strength, embody God’s refining love and prepare for eternal triumph.

THE GREAT DIVIDE: A STORM IS COMING

The first separation occurs when persecution intensifies. A large class of professed members of our community will abandon their faith, joining the ranks of the opposition. The inspired messenger explains, “Many who have professed to believe the third angel’s message have not been sanctified through obedience to the truth” (The Great Controversy, p. 608, 1911). They may have outwardly appeared faithful, but their hearts weren’t truly transformed. Like a house built on sand, their foundation crumbles when the storm hits. They’ve compromised with the world, seeking comfort and acceptance rather than standing firm for truth. This compromise, this clinging to worldly things, becomes a snare, leading to betrayal and bitter opposition against those who remain true to God. Scripture further illustrates this truth as Christ warns, “Then shall they deliver you up to be afflicted, and shall kill you: and ye shall be hated of all nations for my name’s sake” (Matthew 24:9, KJV). Paul emphasizes, “Yea, and all that will live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution” (2 Timothy 3:12, KJV). Through inspired counsel we learn, “The shaking of God blows away multitudes like dry leaves” (Testimonies for the Church, vol. 4, p. 89, 1876). A prophetic voice declares, “The mighty shaking has commenced and will go on, and all will be shaken out who are not willing to take a bold and unyielding stand for the truth and to sacrifice for God and His cause” (Early Writings, p. 50, 1882). We face a critical choice in this divide. Have we, like them, allowed the world to creep into our hearts, diluting our commitment to God, and if so, how does the storm test our faith?

HOW DOES THE STORM TEST OUR FAITH?

Sr. White uses the powerful imagery of an approaching storm to signify the increasing persecution and opposition facing God’s people. This storm represents the trials and hardships we will endure in the final crisis. “In this time of persecution,” She warns, “the faith of the Lord’s servants will be tried” (The Great Controversy, p. 609, 1911). Our faith, like gold, must be tested by fire to prove its genuineness (1 Peter 1:7). This trial will not only come from external forces but also from the heart-wrenching betrayal of those who once walked beside us. Think of Luther and Huss, facing immense opposition yet boldly proclaiming God’s truth. We, too, will need that same courage, that same unwavering faith. Peter reveals that the trial of your faith, being much more precious than of gold that perisheth, though it be tried with fire, might be found unto praise and honour and glory at the appearing of Jesus Christ (1 Peter 1:7, KJV). James instructs us, “My brethren, count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations; Knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience” (James 1:2-3, KJV). In Testimonies for the Church we read, “Prosperity multiplies a mass of professors. Adversity purges them out of the church” (Testimonies for the Church, vol. 4, p. 89, 1876). The inspired pen notes, “We are in the shaking time, the time when everything that can be shaken will be shaken” (Testimonies for the Church, vol. 6, p. 332, 1901). This testing reveals our true foundation. Are we prepared to stand alone, if necessary, for what we believe, and can we resist the final decree?

CAN YOU RESIST THE FINAL DECREE?

The separation intensifies with the enforcement of the Sunday law. “The mark of the beast will be urged upon us,” Sr. White cautions, and those who have yielded to worldly customs will find it far easier to comply than to face persecution (Testimonies for the Church, Vol. 5, p. 81, 1885). This decree, elevating human tradition above God’s holy Sabbath, becomes the ultimate test, the point of division. It’s the moment when “the gold will be separated from the dross in the church” (Testimonies for the Church, Vol. 5, p. 81, 1885). Those who have truly embraced the truth, who have allowed it to transform their lives, will stand firm, even in the face of death. John declares in vision, “And that no man might buy or sell, save he that had the mark, or the name of the beast, or the number of his name” (Revelation 13:17, KJV). The angel proclaims, “Here is the patience of the saints: here are they that keep the commandments of God, and the faith of Jesus” (Revelation 14:12, KJV). A passage from Evangelism reminds us, “Refraining from work on Sunday is not receiving the mark of the beast” (Evangelism, p. 234, 1946). Through inspired counsel we are told, “The time is coming when we cannot sell at any price. The decree will soon go forth prohibiting men to buy or sell of any man save him that hath the mark of the beast” (Testimonies for the Church, vol. 5, p. 152, 1885). This line draws clear allegiance. Will we choose the easy path, or will we choose God, and who stands firm amid chaos?

WHO STANDS FIRM AMID CHAOS?

As the storm rages, a faithful remnant emerges. These are the ones who, through agonizing prayer and unwavering commitment, remain loyal to God’s commandments. They experience immense pressure, feeling “their utter helplessness,” yet they “flee to the Mighty One for strength” (The Great Controversy, p. 609, 1911). They are like a rock in a turbulent sea, unmovable, steadfast. This remnant, purified and refined through trial, completes the work of proclaiming the final message to the world. Their faithfulness becomes a beacon of hope, a testament to the power of God’s grace. Paul affirms, “Even so then at this present time also there is a remnant according to the election of grace” (Romans 11:5, KJV). Isaiah prophesies, “The remnant shall return, even the remnant of Jacob, unto the mighty God” (Isaiah 10:21, KJV). In Selected Messages we read, “The remnant church will be brought into great trial and distress. Those who keep the commandments of God and the faith of Jesus will feel the ire of the dragon and his hosts” (Selected Messages, book 2, p. 373, 1958). The inspired pen states, “The remnant are to overcome by the blood of the Lamb and the word of their testimony” (Early Writings, p. 115, 1882). This group endures through divine power. Do we see ourselves as part of this faithful remnant, willing to endure anything for Christ, and does love shine through trials?

DOES LOVE SHINE THROUGH TRIALS?

How do these concepts reflect God’s love? God’s love is not a passive sentiment; it’s an active force, a refining fire. The trials and separations we’ve discussed, while painful, are ultimately acts of love. As Ellen G. White states, “God does not afflict willingly the children of men; but He knows what is best to bring them to Himself” (The Ministry of Healing, p. 471, 1905). This quote reveals God’s compassionate heart. He doesn’t delight in our suffering, but He allows it to purify us, to draw us closer to Him. Just as a goldsmith refines precious metal by fire, God refines our faith through trials. This process, though difficult, is essential for our spiritual growth and preparation for His kingdom. The separations, while heartbreaking, ultimately reveal who truly belongs to Him. God’s love is a love that seeks our ultimate good, even if it means allowing us to face hardship. Paul questions, “Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword?” (Romans 8:35, KJV). The writer of Hebrews explains, “For whom the Lord loveth he chasteneth, and scourgeth every son whom he receiveth” (Hebrews 12:6, KJV). A prophetic voice once wrote, “The very trials that test our faith most severely and make it seem that God has forsaken us, are designed to lead us more closely to Christ” (Our High Calling, p. 327, 1961). In Patriarchs and Prophets we read, “God in His providence brings men to the test of trial that their faith may be proved, and character developed” (Patriarchs and Prophets, p. 129, 1890). This love sustains us eternally. Are we truly ready?

ARE YOU READY FOR WHAT’S COMING?

We live in perilous times. The storm clouds are gathering. The events described by Sr. White are not distant possibilities; they are looming realities. As we see the signs of the times, we must ask ourselves: Are we truly ready? Have we allowed God’s truth to transform our lives? Have we surrendered our will to His? Let us, each one of us, examine our hearts, confess our weaknesses, and seek God’s strength. Let us cling to Him, the Rock of Ages, so that when the storm breaks, we may stand firm, a testament to His grace and love. Let us, together, as a church, prepare for what lies ahead, so that we may be found faithful in the day of the Lord. Jesus urges, “Be ye therefore ready also: for the Son of man cometh at an hour when ye think not” (Luke 12:40, KJV). Paul advises, “Therefore let us not sleep, as do others; but let us watch and be sober” (1 Thessalonians 5:6, KJV). The inspired pen asks, “Do we believe with all the heart that Christ is soon coming and that we are now having the last message of mercy that is ever to be given to a guilty world?” (Early Writings, p. 107, 1882). Through inspired counsel we are told, “We must let Christ into our hearts and homes. We must cultivate love, sympathy, and true courtesy one toward another” (Faith I Live By, p. 279, 1958). This preparation secures our eternal hope.

For more articles, please go to http://www.faithfundamentals.blog or our podcast at: https://rss.com/podcasts/the-lamb.

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, in my personal devotional life, delve deeper into these prophetic truths, allowing them to shape my character and priorities?

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

What are the most common misconceptions about these topics 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 Christ’s soon return and God’s ultimate victory over evil?