Can two walk together, except they be agreed? (Amos 3:3, KJV)

ABSTRACT

This article teaches that as end-time events unfold, faith will both sift and unite God’s people, separating the wavering while empowering the faithful through the Holy Spirit to stand together, proclaim the three angels’ messages, and prepare for Christ’s return.

NAVIGATING THE END-TIME STORM: SEPARATION AND UNITY

The article explores the simultaneous themes of separation and unity among God’s people as the final events of Earth’s history unfold, illustrating how some depart from faith amid worldly allure while the faithful draw closer through intensifying persecution, culminating in a powerful unity empowered by the Holy Spirit to proclaim the three angels’ messages during the loud cry and latter rain, all as part of God’s loving plan to refine and prepare the community for Christ’s glorious return. Departures from faith highlight a deeper commitment required, evidenced by the prophetic warnings that divisions will emerge yet true followers remain steadfast. As trials thicken around us, both separation and unity will be seen in our ranks (Testimonies for the Church, Vol. 6, p. 400, 1900). The wheat and tares grow up together for the harvest, underscoring the sifting process ahead (Selected Messages, Vol. 2, p. 114, 1896). 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). Endeavouring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace (Ephesians 4:3, KJV). This preparation emphasizes the need for personal consecration amid prophetic fulfillment. What tensions await in these prophecies?

WHAT TENSIONS AWAIT IN PROPHECY?

Today, we’ll delve into a crucial aspect of these prophecies: the simultaneous experience of separation and unity among God’s people as we approach the final events of Earth’s history. The exploration reveals a profound spiritual dynamic at play. This exploration is for everyone. We are all searching for truth, and I believe these principles hold value for us all. Have you ever felt the tension between wanting to belong and the pull of individual conviction? This is a universal human experience, and it plays out on a grand scale in the context of end-time prophecy, where as trials thicken around us, both separation and unity will be seen in our ranks. Through inspired counsel we are told that the church may appear as about to fall, but it does not fall, remaining while the sinners in Zion will be sifted out—the chaff separated from the precious wheat (Selected Messages, Vol. 2, p. 380, 1886). In Patriarchs and Prophets we read that divisions will come in the church, with two parties developing as the wheat and tares grow up together for the harvest (Patriarchs and Prophets, p. 314, 1890). 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 (2 Timothy 4:3, KJV). And let us consider one another to provoke unto love and to good works (Hebrews 10:24, KJV). These truths call for vigilant self-examination in light of coming events. Who will face the painful departure?

WHO WILL FACE THE PAINFUL DEPARTURE?

The Bible and the writings foretell a painful separation within the ranks of those who profess faith. “Those who have had great light and precious privileges, but have not improved them… will go out from us” (Testimonies for the Church, Vol. 6, p. 400). This isn’t just about differing interpretations of scripture; it’s about a fundamental divergence in how we live out our faith. As I reflect on this, I can’t help but feel a pang of sadness. I’ve witnessed firsthand how individuals, once vibrant in their faith, can drift away, swayed by the allure of the world. It’s like watching a ship set sail without a proper anchor, vulnerable to the currents and storms. This separation serves as a stark reminder of the importance of daily consecration and a constant reliance on God’s grace, where some who are now ready to take up weapons of warfare will in times of real peril make it manifest that they have not built upon the solid rock; they will yield to temptation (Testimonies for the Church, Vol. 6, p. 400, 1900). The inspired pen reveals that those who have step by step yielded to worldly demands and conformed to worldly customs will not find it a hard matter to yield to the powers that be, rather than subject themselves to derision, insult, threatened imprisonment, and death (Testimonies for the Church, Vol. 5, p. 81, 1882). 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). Now we beseech you, brethren, by the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, and by our gathering together unto him (2 Thessalonians 2:1, KJV). How firm is our foundation? How does persecution refine the faithful?

HOW DOES PERSECUTION REFINE THE FAITHFUL?

Paradoxically, while some depart, others will be drawn closer together. As persecution intensifies, the faithful remnant will recognize the voice of their true Shepherd. “Hear the word of the Lord, ye that tremble at his word; Your brethren that hated you, that cast you out for my name’s sake, said, Let the Lord be glorified: but he shall appear to your joy, and they shall be ashamed” (Isaiah 66:5, KJV). This verse speaks volumes. It acknowledges the hatred and rejection the faithful will face, but it also promises ultimate vindication. Have you ever felt ostracized for your beliefs? I have. It’s a painful experience, but it can also be a catalyst for spiritual growth, driving us closer to God and to those who share our convictions. It’s in these moments of shared struggle that the bonds of unity are forged, for let opposition arise, let bigotry and intolerance again bear sway, let persecution be kindled, and the half-hearted and hypocritical will waver and yield the faith; but the true Christian will stand firm as a rock, his faith stronger, his hope brighter than in days of prosperity (The Great Controversy, p. 602, 1911). A prophetic voice once wrote that when the storm of persecution really breaks upon us, many who have strayed from the fold will come back to follow the great Shepherd (Testimonies for the Church, Vol. 6, p. 401, 1900). Yea, and all that will live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution (2 Timothy 3:12, KJV). Beloved, think it not strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened unto you (1 Peter 4:12, KJV). What power lies in this unity?

WHAT POWER LIES IN UNITY?

This unity isn’t just a matter of shared hardship; it’s a unity of purpose, a shared love for Christ that transcends all differences. Ellen G. White emphasizes the importance of this unity: “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, quoted in Testimonies for the Church, Vol. 6, p. 401). This echoes Jesus’ prayer for his followers. When we are united in Christ, our love for one another becomes a powerful testimony to the world. It’s like a beacon shining in the darkness, drawing others to the light. I believe that this kind of unity is essential for the final proclamation of the gospel, where union and confidence are essential to the prosperity of the church, depending upon the prompt, united action and mutual confidence of its members (Testimonies for the Church, Vol. 3, p. 434, 1873). In The Desire of Ages we read that in proportion to our unity with Christ will be our power to save souls (The Desire of Ages, p. 347, 1898). Behold, how good and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity! (Psalm 133:1, KJV). That there should be no schism in the body; but that the members should have the same care one for another (1 Corinthians 12:25, KJV). When will the loud cry and latter rain empower this mission?

WHEN WILL THE LOUD CRY EMPOWER?

As the church approaches its final mission, the message of the third angel will swell to a loud cry, filling the earth with God’s glory. This will be preceded by the outpouring of the Latter Rain, a spiritual empowerment that will equip God’s people for the work ahead. “And it shall come to pass afterward, that I will pour out my spirit upon all flesh; and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, your old men shall dream dreams, your young men shall see visions:” (Joel 2:28, KJV). This outpouring is not just for a select few; it is for all who have opened their hearts to God. I yearn for this experience, for the power of the Holy Spirit to transform me and equip me for service. We, as a church, need to be preparing ourselves for this outpouring, laying aside our differences and uniting in prayer and consecration, for at that time the latter rain, or refreshing from the presence of the Lord, will come, to give power to the loud voice of the third angel, and prepare the saints to stand in the period when the seven last plagues shall be poured out (Early Writings, p. 86, 1854). Through inspired counsel we are told that near the close of earth’s harvest, a special bestowal of spiritual grace is promised to prepare the church for the coming of the Son of man (The Acts of the Apostles, p. 55, 1911). Ask ye of the Lord rain in the time of the latter rain; so the Lord shall make bright clouds, and give them showers of rain, to every one grass in the field (Zechariah 10:1, KJV). Be patient therefore, brethren, unto the coming of the Lord. Behold, the husbandman waiteth for the precious fruit of the earth, and hath long patience for it, until he receive the early and latter rain (James 5:7, KJV). How does God’s love shine in trials?

HOW DOES GOD’S LOVE SHINE IN TRIALS?

God’s love is evident in His desire to purify and refine His people. “For whom the Lord loveth he chasteneth, and scourgeth every son whom he receiveth” (Hebrews 12:6, KJV). This chastening, though painful, is an act of love. It’s like a gardener pruning a vine to make it more fruitful. As Sr. White writes, “The Lord often brings His people into straits to test their faith” (Testimonies for the Church, Vol. 4, p. 86). This testing, though difficult, ultimately strengthens our faith and prepares us for the challenges ahead. God’s love is also seen in His promise to be with us through it all. “Fear thou not; for I am with thee: be not dismayed; for I am thy God: I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee; yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness” (Isaiah 41:10, KJV). This promise gives me comfort and hope. We can face the future with confidence, knowing that God is on our side. Ultimately, the separation and the unity are both part of God’s loving plan to prepare His church for the glorious appearing of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, for God’s love is evident in His desire to purify and refine His people, as the Lord often brings His people into straits to test their faith (Testimonies for the Church, Vol. 4, p. 86, 1875). A passage from Patriarchs and Prophets reminds us that the love of God still yearns over the one who has chosen to separate from Him, and He sets in operation influences to bring him back to the Father’s house (Patriarchs and Prophets, p. 27, 1890). My son, despise not thou the chastening of the Lord, nor faint when thou art rebuked of him (Hebrews 12:5, KJV). As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten: be zealous therefore, and repent (Revelation 3:19, KJV). How do we apply this personally and communally?

HOW DO WE APPLY THIS PERSONALLY?

Personally, I am striving to cultivate a deeper connection with Christ, recognizing my own weaknesses and dependence on His grace. I feel a deep need to examine my heart, to ensure that I am not clinging to anything that would hinder my readiness for the end times. As a church, we need to foster an atmosphere of love and acceptance, where differences of opinion are handled with grace and respect. We must be a community where iron sharpens iron, where we can encourage and support one another on our spiritual journeys. We must also be actively involved in sharing the three angels’ messages with the world, recognizing the urgency of the hour. It is like a rescue mission, and we must work together to bring as many souls to Christ as possible before it is too late. The Sunday law crisis, a concrete example of the trials to come, demands that we stand united in our faith, ready to uphold God’s truth regardless of the consequences. Let us, therefore, “hold fast the profession of our faith without wavering; (for he is faithful that promised;)” (Hebrews 10:23, KJV) and be ready for whatever the future holds, where when Christ’s prayer is fully believed, when its instruction is brought into the daily life of God’s people, unity of action will be seen in our ranks (Testimonies for the Church, Vol. 8, p. 243, 1904). A prophetic voice once wrote that union brings strength; disunion, weakness (Testimonies for the Church, Vol. 5, p. 535, 1889). And let us consider one another to provoke unto love and to good works: Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching (Hebrews 10:24-25, KJV). Finally, brethren, farewell. Be perfect, be of good comfort, be of one mind, live in peace; and the God of love and peace shall be with you (2 Corinthians 13:11, KJV).

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SELF-REFLECTION

How can I deepen my understanding of these end-time prophecies in my daily devotions, allowing them to transform my character and align my priorities with God’s eternal plan?

How can we present these profound prophetic themes in ways that resonate with varied audiences, from long-time members to newcomers from diverse backgrounds, while upholding scriptural integrity?

What prevalent misunderstandings about end-time events exist in my community, and how can I address them compassionately yet firmly using the Bible and Sr. White’s insights?

In what tangible ways can our congregations and individuals embody the unity and hope of Christ’s imminent return, becoming living testimonies of God’s triumph over evil in everyday life?