It is Satan's plan to weaken the faith of God's people in
the Testimonies. Next follows skepticism in regard to the vital points of our
faith, the pillars of our position, then doubt as to the Holy Scriptures, and
then the downward march to perdition. When the Testimonies, which were once
believed, are doubted and given up, Satan knows the deceived ones will not stop
at this; and he redoubles his efforts till he launches them into open
rebellion, which becomes incurable and ends in destruction.--4T 211. {LDE
178.2}
Men professing to be representatives of Christ will take a
course similar to that taken by priests and rulers in their treatment of Paul.
All who would fearlessly serve God according to the dictates of their own
conscience, will need moral courage, firmness, and a knowledge of God and his
word, to stand in that evil day. Persecution will again be kindled against
those who are true to God; their motives will be impugned, their best efforts
misinterpreted, their names cast out as evil. Then will it come to pass, as
foretold by Christ, that whoever shall seek to destroy the faithful, will think
that he is doing God service. Then Satan will work with all his fascinating
power, to influence the heart and becloud the understanding, to make evil
appear good, and good evil. Then it is that he is through his agents to
"show great signs and wonders, insomuch that, if it were possible, they
shall deceive the very elect." {LP 251.1}
“Satan will excite indignation against the humble minority who conscientiously refuse to accept popular customs and traditions. Men of position and reputation will join with the lawless and the vile to take counsel against the people of God. Wealth, genius, education, will combine to cover them with contempt. Persecuting rulers, ministers, and church members will conspire against them. With voice and pen, by boasts, threats, and ridicule, they will seek to overthrow their faith. By false representations and angry appeals they will stir up the passions of the people. Not having a ‘Thus saith the Scriptures’ to bring against the advocates of the Bible Sabbath, they will resort to oppressive enactments to supply the lack. To secure popularity and patronage, legislators will yield to the demand for a Sunday law.”—5 Testimonies, 450:2-451
Kings, governors, and great men will hear of you through the reports of those who are at enmity with you, and your faith and character will be misrepresented before them. But those who are falsely accused will have an opportunity to appear in the presence of their accusers to answer for themselves. They will have the privilege of bringing the light before those who are called the great men of the earth, and if you have studied the Bible, if you are ready to give an answer to every man that asketh you of the hope that is in you with meekness and fear, your enemies will not be able to gainsay your wisdom. {Mar 253.2}
“Satan will excite indignation against the humble minority who conscientiously refuse to accept popular customs and traditions. Men of position and reputation will join with the lawless and the vile to take counsel against the people of God. Wealth, genius, education, will combine to cover them with contempt. Persecuting rulers, ministers, and church members will conspire against them. With voice and pen, by boasts, threats, and ridicule, they will seek to overthrow their faith. By false representations and angry appeals they will stir up the passions of the people. Not having a ‘Thus saith the Scriptures’ to bring against the advocates of the Bible Sabbath, they will resort to oppressive enactments to supply the lack. To secure popularity and patronage, legislators will yield to the demand for a Sunday law.”—5 Testimonies, 450:2-451
Kings, governors, and great men will hear of you through the reports of those who are at enmity with you, and your faith and character will be misrepresented before them. But those who are falsely accused will have an opportunity to appear in the presence of their accusers to answer for themselves. They will have the privilege of bringing the light before those who are called the great men of the earth, and if you have studied the Bible, if you are ready to give an answer to every man that asketh you of the hope that is in you with meekness and fear, your enemies will not be able to gainsay your wisdom. {Mar 253.2}
When the religion of Christ is most held in contempt, when
His law is most despised, then should our zeal be the warmest and our courage
and firmness the most unflinching. To stand in defense of truth and
righteousness when the majority forsake us, to fight the battles of the Lord
when champions are few--this will be our test. At this time we must gather
warmth from the coldness of others, courage from their cowardice, and loyalty
from their treason.--5T 136 (1882). {LDE 180.4}
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