“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

This article delves into the complex and sometimes unsettling concept of a shaking within the church, as described in scripture and the writings of Ellen G. White, exploring this theme with sensitivity and clarity while acknowledging the diverse perspectives within the Christian community and beyond, ultimately reflecting how this process of spiritual refinement reveals God’s unwavering love through trials that test faith, expose character, call for repentance, and prepare the community for greater unity and hope.

THE GREAT SHAKING: A CRISIS OF FAITH!

This article delves into the complex and sometimes unsettling concept of a “shaking” within the church, as described in scripture and the writings of Ellen G. White. It’s a topic that can evoke a range of emotions, from anxiety and fear to hope and determination. My aim is to explore this theme with sensitivity and clarity while acknowledging the diverse perspectives within the Christian community and beyond. This is not about finger-pointing or judgment, but about understanding a process of spiritual refinement that, I believe, ultimately reflects God’s unwavering love. Unity depends on a vital connection with Christ. Christ emphasizes this bond when He declares, “Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, except it abide in the vine; no more can ye, except ye abide in me” (John 15:4, KJV), illustrating how separation from Him leads to spiritual barrenness. Scripture further reveals that “The Lord thy God in the midst of thee is mighty; he will save, he will rejoice over thee with joy; he will rest in his love, he will joy over thee with singing” (Zephaniah 3:17, KJV), showing God’s active presence in sustaining us. In The Great Controversy we read, “The history of God’s people during the ages of darkness that followed upon Rome’s supremacy is written in heaven, but they have little place in human records. Few traces of their existence can be found, except in the accusations of their persecutors. It was the policy of Rome to obliterate every trace of dissent from her doctrines or decrees” (p. 61, 1911), highlighting perseverance amid trials. A prophetic voice once wrote, “The church of Christ, enfeebled and defective as she may appear, is the one object upon which God bestows in a special sense His supreme regard. It is the theater of His grace, in which He delights to reveal His power to transform hearts” (The Acts of the Apostles, p. 12, 1911), underscoring divine care for the community. God’s commitment to refining us through challenges ensures our eternal good. But how does this shaking manifest in our midst?

WHAT LOOMS IN THE IMPENDING SHAKING?

The idea of a “shaking” or sifting within God’s people is not unique to Adventism. Throughout scripture, we see God testing and refining His followers. 1 Peter 4:17 (KJV) states, “For the time is come that judgment must begin at the house of God: and if it first begin at us, what shall the end be of them that obey not the gospel of God?” This verse resonates deeply with the understanding of a sifting time. Ellen G. White elaborates on this, warning that “many will stand in our pulpits with the torch of false prophecy in their hands, kindled from the hellish torch of Satan” (Testimonies to Ministers, pp. 409-410). This is a sobering thought, and it can be easy to feel overwhelmed by the implications. How can we discern truth from error? How can we remain faithful during such a time? These are questions we must grapple with individually and as a community. Faith endures through divine testing. God declares this purpose as He states, “Behold, I have refined thee, but not with silver; I have chosen thee in the furnace of affliction” (Isaiah 48:10, KJV), demonstrating how trials strengthen devotion. Scripture affirms that “For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the Lord, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end” (Jeremiah 29:11, KJV), revealing His plan for our ultimate victory. The inspired pen notes, “There must be a refining, winnowing process in every church, for there are among us wicked men who do not love the truth or honor God” (The Review and Herald, March 19, 1895), emphasizing the necessity of purification. Through inspired counsel we are told, “We are in the shaking time, the time when everything that can be shaken will be shaken” (The Review and Herald, March 19, 1895), warning of impending separation. This refinement calls us to unwavering trust in God’s guidance. Yet what reveals the true essence of this trial?

WHAT DEFINES THE NATURE OF THE CRISIS?

This shaking, this sifting, isn’t just about identifying false teachers. It’s about a deeper examination of our own hearts. “It is in a crisis that character is revealed” (Christ’s Object Lessons, p. 412). This quote from Sr. White offers a powerful insight. Crises, whether personal or collective, expose what truly lies within us. Are we rooted in faith, or are we swayed by the winds of popular opinion? Are we clinging to God’s promises, or are we relying on our own understanding? The “great test of loyalty” (The Great Controversy, p. 605) will come, and it will require us to make a clear choice. Will we choose obedience to God’s commandments, even if it means standing alone, or will we compromise our faith for the sake of acceptance? Character emerges in moments of trial. Trials build endurance as described, “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), showing how challenges foster resilience. Perseverance perfects us since “But let patience have her perfect work, that ye may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing” (James 1:4, KJV), illustrating growth through adversity. In Patriarchs and Prophets we read, “God has always tried His people in the furnace of affliction. It is in the heat of the furnace that the dross is separated from the true gold of the Christian character” (p. 129, 1890), depicting refinement amid hardship. A prophetic voice once wrote, “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. 80, 1882), urging readiness for testing. God’s process strengthens the faithful for eternal purposes. But what hope does the message to Laodicea offer amid this?

WHAT SPEAKS IN THE MESSAGE TO LAODICEA?

But even amidst this shaking, there is hope. The message to the Laodiceans, found in Revelation 3, is not a message of despair, but a call to repentance. Sr. White explains that this message is designed to “arouse the people of God, to discover to them their backslidings, and to lead to zealous repentance” (Testimonies for the Church, Vol. 1, p. 186). This is a message of love, a call for us to turn back to God with all our hearts. It’s a reminder that God’s patience is not exhausted, that He is giving us time to prepare for the challenges ahead. “God is patient, allowing time for individuals to recognize their errors and seek transformation. He gives His people time to develop their character and prepare for the loud cry of the third angel’s message” (Testimonies for the Church, Vol. 1, pp. 186-187). Repentance restores our relationship with God. Humility invites healing as promised, “If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land” (2 Chronicles 7:14, KJV), offering renewal through contrition. Mercy awaits the seeker since “Let the wicked forsake his way, and the unrighteous man his thoughts: and let him return unto the Lord, and he will have mercy upon him; and to our God, for he will abundantly pardon” (Isaiah 55:7, KJV), emphasizing divine forgiveness. In Testimonies for the Church we read, “The message to the church of the Laodiceans is a startling denunciation, and is applicable to the people of God at the present time” (vol. 3, p. 252, 1875), applying timeless truth to our condition. Through inspired counsel we are told, “But we are very much wanting in Bible humility, patience, faith, love, self-denial, watchfulness, and the spirit of sacrifice. We need to cultivate Bible holiness. Sin prevails among the people of God. The plain message of rebuke to the Laodiceans is not received” (Testimonies for the Church, vol. 3, p. 252, 1875), calling for self-examination. God’s invitation leads to spiritual revival and strength. Yet who bears responsibility for the ensuing division?

WHO SPARKS THE DIVISION?

As we consider this sifting process, it’s natural to ask: who is responsible for the division? The answer, I believe, lies not in pointing fingers at others, but in examining our own hearts. “Like the Romanists of old,” some may depart “from the faith which was once delivered unto the saints” (The Great Controversy, p. 51). This is a sobering thought. It’s a reminder that we must be vigilant, always testing our beliefs against the Word of God. We must be willing to humbly accept correction and allow the Holy Spirit to mold us into the image of Christ. Self-examination prevents spiritual downfall. Vigilance guards faith as warned, “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), urging alertness against deception. Steadfastness preserves us since “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), encouraging firm resolve. The inspired pen notes, “God is sifting His people. He will have a clean and holy church” (Testimonies for the Church, vol. 1, p. 99, 1885), focusing on internal purity. A prophetic voice once wrote, “The church may appear as about to fall, but it does not fall. It remains, while the sinners in Zion will be sifted out—the chaff separated from the precious wheat” (Selected Messages, book 2, p. 380, 1958), assuring endurance of the true. Humility and obedience secure our place in God’s kingdom. But how does love underpin this shaking?

HOW DOES GOD’S LOVE SHINE IN THE SHAKING?

It may seem paradoxical, but the shaking, the sifting, the separation, are all acts of love. God’s love is the driving force behind the purification of His church. God’s desire is not to condemn, but to save. Sr. White states, “God’s love for His church ensures that this purification is for its present and eternal good” (Testimonies for the Church, Vol. 9, p. 228). This quote underscores the benevolent nature of God’s actions. He is not a vindictive God, seeking to punish His people. Instead, He is a loving Father, seeking to purify and refine them so that they can be vessels fit for His use. Just as a refiner purifies precious metal by removing the impurities, God purifies His church through trials and testing, ultimately preparing them for His glorious return. This is a love that seeks our best, a love that desires our eternal salvation. Purification flows from divine compassion. God expresses this care as He promises, “For I the Lord thy God will hold thy right hand, saying unto thee, Fear not; I will help thee” (Isaiah 41:13, KJV), offering support in refinement. Love motivates correction since “As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten: be zealous therefore, and repent” (Revelation 3:19, KJV), linking discipline to affection. In Patriarchs and Prophets we read, “The history of the great conflict between good and evil, from the time it first began in heaven to the final overthrow of rebellion and the total eradication of sin, is also a demonstration of God’s unchanging love” (p. 33, 1890), framing trials in eternal context. Through inspired counsel we are told, “Truth comes from Heaven to purify and cleanse the human agent from every moral defilement. It leads to benevolent action, to kind, tender, thoughtful love toward the needy, the distressed, the suffering” (Manuscript 34, 1894), highlighting transformation through grace. God’s refining prepares us for everlasting joy. And how should we respond personally and as a community?

HOW DO WE APPLY THIS PERSONALLY AND COMMUNALLY?

For me, this concept of a shaking is a call to introspection. It challenges me to examine my own motives, my own beliefs, my own commitment to God. Am I truly rooted in Christ, or am I clinging to traditions and customs? Am I willing to stand for truth, even if it means facing opposition? For us as a community, this is a call to unity and humility. We must support one another during this time of testing, showing grace and compassion to those who are struggling. We must remember that we are all on a journey, and that we all need God’s grace. The shaking within the Church, like the challenges faced by us throughout history, is a call to deeper faith, a call to greater reliance on God, and a call to a more profound understanding of His unwavering love. Introspection fosters spiritual growth. Self-reflection yields wisdom as advised, “Examine yourselves, whether ye be in the faith; prove your own selves” (2 Corinthians 13:5, KJV), promoting personal accountability. Unity strengthens the body since “Behold, how good and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity!” (Psalm 133:1, KJV), celebrating communal harmony. The inspired pen notes, “I was shown the people of God, and saw them mightily shaken. Some, with strong faith and agonizing cries, were pleading with God” (Early Writings, p. 269, 1882), depicting collective endurance. A prophetic voice once wrote, “It is a solemn statement that I make to the church, that not one in twenty whose names are registered upon the church books are prepared to close their earthly history, and would be as verily without God and without hope in the world as the common sinner” (Christian Service, p. 41, 1893), urging readiness. Commitment to Christ unites and empowers us eternally.

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SELF-REFLECTION

How can I deepen my grasp of this shaking process in my daily devotions, letting it transform my priorities and character?

How can we present the theme of spiritual sifting accessibly to varied groups, from long-time members to newcomers, while upholding biblical truth?

What misunderstandings about church refinement exist in our circles, and how can I address them compassionately with Scripture and Sr. White’s guidance?

How can we as individuals and congregations embody hope and purity, reflecting Christ’s imminent return and triumph over evil in everyday actions?