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Created: 09 May 2013 / Modified: 25 May 2013 As seen from the message to the angel of Laodiceans (Revelation 3:14-22), Gods remnant church is a very dangerous state: they think they are fine, when they are not. This situation is leading many within the church to look at various prophecies against Israel (as found in Hosea, Amos, Ezekiel, and elsewhere), and conclude that God will execute the same type of judgment against the church as He did against Israel in AD 70. While God will most certainly cleanse and purify His church so that it can effectively close the work He has appointed it to perform, the timeline given to us in Daniel and Revelation, supported by the even more detailed outline in The Great Controversy, suggest a different sequence of major events. In this document, we will take a look at some of the details associated with judgment in general, and with the judgment and purification of the remnant church in particular.
Table of Contents
The Four Phases of Judgment .............................................................................................. 2 Judgment Must Begin at the House of God ............................................................................ 3 Gods Judgment (Execution) is Not Always Instantaneous ....................................................... 4 Parallels between the Former and Latter Rain Experience ........................................................ 5 Final Events Timeline The Cleansing of Gods Church (Summary) .......................................... 6 Final Events Timeline The Cleansing of Gods Church (Detailed) ............................................ 6 Let Us Hear the Conclusion of the Whole Matter ................................................................... 10
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Even though God knows all things, the Bible still makes it clear that He always investigates before He acts and the more significant the intended action, the more substantial the investigation. In Genesis 18:20, for example, we see God coming down to personally assess the situation with Sodom and Gomorrah. For those cities, judgment actually begins in Genesis 18, rather than in Genesis 19 as many suppose. Every time we look at judgment, especially in the scriptures, we need to understand what phase is being discussed. In both the Bible and in secular society, it is common for the verdict to be rendered immediately following the investigation, but there can often be some delay before sentencing occurs, and there is almost always a delay before the full execution of punishment is implemented. There are even occasions where phases 1, 2 and 3 happen together, but phase 4 is left off for a time. One notable exception to the above would be the experience of King Belshazzar as recorded in Daniel 5. We cannot be sure how long the investigation into his activities took, but we know for certain that the verdict, sentencing and execution all happened on the same night. The judgment of Lucifer can be seen across the several texts as well. In Isaiah 14:12-15, we see the investigation along with a verdict. In Jude 1:6, we see the full sentencing parameters outlined. Finally, in Revelation 20:10, we see where and when the final execution of justice will occur. Please remember that this is just a sample of the texts that cover this particular case. Every time we find some sort of judgment being discussed in the Bible, we should endeavor to identify which phase is being described, as this will lead to a better understanding of the passage.
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Before God can send His church forth to proclaim the final message in the great conflict, He will separate the tares from the wheat and judgment begins with investigation.
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In each case mentioned above, there is a gap between the pronouncement of the sentence and its ultimate execution. We would be very unwise to conclude from any delay that God is not marking our course, or that He is not able to correct us (Micah 3:11 Malachi 2:17). This precedent is important because we know that Gods remnant church has issues that need to be straightened out there are tares among the wheat.
I was pointed to the providence of God among His people and was shown that every trial made by the refining, purifying process upon professed Christians proves some to be dross. The fine gold does not always appear. In every religious crisis some fall under temptation. The shaking of God blows away multitudes like dry leaves. Prosperity multiplies a mass of professors. Adversity purges them out of the church. As a class, their spirits are not steadfast with God. They go out from us because they are not of us for when tribulation or persecution arises because of the word, many are offended. {4T 89.2} Testimonies for the Church, Volume 4
Those who depart from us will be among our greatest adversaries, and will largely be left alive to experience the general punishment of the wicked at the Second Coming.
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Former Rain Some reject the straight testimony Many who depart also oppose the truth Gods people are opposed and betrayed The church goes through great distress and seems as though it is about to fall Gods people experience true repentance The little band that remains is in full harmony with God and one another Those who remain are sealed and experience the outpouring of the Holy Spirit The gospel is preached with power John 6:60-66 John 16:1-3; John 13:27-30 Matthew 26:47 Mark 14:43; Luke 22:47-48; John 18:2-3 Matthew 24:9-12; Luke 21:12-17 John 20:19; Luke 24:13-21 Matthew 26:75; Luke 22:62; Acts 2:1 Acts 1:13-15; Acts 2:1 Joel 2:28-29; Acts 2:1-4 Acts 2:14-40; Acts 3:12-26; Acts 4:8-21; Acts 7:2-56 Acts 2:41,47; Acts 4:4; Acts 17:6 Acts 4:1-3; Acts 7:57-58; Acts 8:1-4
Latter Rain Counsels for the Church, p338.5 Great Controversy p608.2; Testimonies Volume 4, p89.2 Testimonies Volume 5, p463.2 Counsels for the Church, p338.3; Counsels for the Church, p339.2 Manuscript Releases #12, p324.3 Counsels for the Church, p338.3; Testimonies Volume 4, p89.2 Testimonies Volume 6, p400.3 Great Controversy p611.3; Great Controversy p612.1 Great Controversy p612.1; Counsels for the Church, p338.4 Last Day Events, p182.2; Testimonies Volume 8, p41.1 Great Controversy p626.1
Please Note: In many cases, there were more references that could be supplied for both the Former and the Latter Rain. More may be added in a subsequent update of this document.
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God Sifts and Shakes His Church through the Straight Testimony to Laodicea Revelation 3:18-22 Matthew 13:24-43 John 6:60-66 Ezekiel 9
I asked the meaning of the shaking I had seen, and was shown that it would be caused by the straight testimony called forth by the counsel of the True Witness to the Laodiceans. This will have its effect upon the heart of the receiver, and will lead him to exalt the standard and pour forth the straight truth. Some will not bear this straight testimony. They will rise up against it, and this will cause a shaking among Gods people. The testimony of the True Witness has not been half heeded. The solemn testimony upon which the destiny of the church hangs has been lightly esteemed, if not entirely disregarded. This testimony must work deep repentance, and all that truly receive it will obey it and be purified. {CCh 338.5} The work which the church has failed to do in a time of peace and prosperity she will have to do in a terrible crisis under most discouraging, forbidding circumstances. The warnings that worldly conformity has silenced or withheld must be given under the fiercest opposition from enemies of the faith. And at that time the superficial, conservative class, whose influence has steadily retarded the progress of the work, will renounce the faith and take their stand with its avowed enemies, toward whom their sympathies have long been tending. These apostates will then manifest the most bitter enmity, doing all in their power to oppress and malign their former brethren and to excite indignation against them. This day is just before us. The members of the church will individually be tested and proved. They will be placed in circumstances where they will be forced to bear witness for the truth. Many will be called to speak before councils and in courts of justice, perhaps separately and alone. The experience which would have helped them in this emergency they have neglected to obtain, and their souls are burdened with remorse for wasted opportunities and neglected privileges. {5T 463.2} Testimonies for the Church, Volume 5
The probation of those shaken out is closed they will greatly oppose us Revelation 3:16 Matthew 24:9-12 Matthew 13:40 Luke 14:24 John 6:60-66 1 John 2:19
The time is not far distant when the test will come to every soul. The mark of the beast will be urged upon us. 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. The contest is between the commandments of God and the commandments of men. In this time the gold will be separated from the dross in the church. True godliness will be clearly distinguished from the appearance and tinsel of it. Many a star that we have admired for its brilliancy will then go out in darkness. Chaff like a cloud will be borne away on the wind, even from places where we see only floors of rich wheat. All who assume the ornaments of the sanctuary, but are not clothed with Christs righteousness, will appear in the shame of their own nakedness. {5T 81.1} Testimonies for the Church, Volume 5 As the storm approaches, a large class who have professed faith in the third angels message, but have not been sanctified through obedience to the truth, abandon their position and join the ranks of the opposition. By uniting with the world and partaking of its spirit, they have come to view matters in nearly the same light and when the test is brought, they are prepared to choose the easy, popular side. Men of talent and pleasing address, who once rejoiced in the truth, employ their powers to deceive and mislead souls. They become the most bitter enemies of their former brethren. When Sabbathkeepers are brought before the courts to answer for their faith, these apostates are the most efficient agents of Satan to misrepresent and accuse them, and by false reports and insinuations to stir up the rulers against them. {GC 608.2} Great Controversy Who are standing in the counsel of God at this time? Is it those who virtually excuse wrongs among the professed people of God and who murmur in their hearts, if not openly, against those who would reprove sin? Is it those who take their stand against them and sympathize with those who commit wrong? No, indeed! Unless they repent, and leave the work of Satan in oppressing those who have the burden of the work and in holding up the hands of sinners in Zion, they will never receive the mark of Gods sealing approval. They will fall in the general destruction of the wicked, represented by the work of the five men bearing slaughter weapons. Mark this point with care: Those who receive the pure mark of truth, wrought in them by the power of the Holy Ghost, represented by a mark by the man in linen, are those that sigh and that cry for all the abominations that be done in the church. Their love for purity and the honor and glory of God is such, and they have so clear a view of the exceeding sinfulness of sin, that they are represented as being in agony, even sighing and crying. Read the ninth chapter of Ezekiel. {1TT 335.3} Testimony Treasures Volume 1
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Those who are not shaken out receive Gods seal Revelation 7:2-8 Ezekiel 9 Matthew 13:30 Acts 2:1-4
The numbers of this company had lessened. Some had been shaken out, and left by the way. [See Revelation 3:15-17.] The careless and indifferent, who did not join with those who prized victory and salvation enough to perseveringly plead and agonize for it, did not obtain it, and they were left behind in darkness, but their numbers were immediately made up by others taking hold of the truth and coming into the ranks. Still the evil angels pressed around them, but they could have no power over them. [See Ephesians 6:12-18.] {CCh 339.2} Counsels for the Church This is the test that the people of God must have before they are sealed. All who prove their loyalty to God by observing His law, and refusing to accept a spurious sabbath, will rank under the banner of the Lord God Jehovah, and will receive the seal of the living God. Those who yield the truth of heavenly origin, and accept the Sunday sabbath, will receive the mark of the beast. What need will there be of the solemn warning not to receive the mark of the beast, when all the saints of God are sealed and ticketed for the New Jerusalem? O consistency, thou art a jewel! {15MR 15.3} Manuscript Releases Volume 15
Gods power falls mightily upon those who are sealed (Latter Rain) Joel 2:23,28-29 Zechariah 10:1 James 5:7 Revelation 18:1-3
Great power was with these chosen ones. Said the angel: Look ye! My attention was turned to the wicked, or unbelievers. They were all astir. The zeal and power with the people of God had aroused and enraged them. Confusion, confusion was on every side. I saw measures taken against this company, who had the power and light of God. {CCh 339.4} Counsels for the Church The time has come when the law of God is to be proclaimed with strong, decided utterance. The world is to be warned, and I beseech those who know the truth to do all in their power to sound the warning, Prepare to meet thy God. The temple of God was opened in heaven in answer to the prayers of His people, and by terrible things in righteousness will He reveal His power. {18MR 187.3} Manuscript Releases Volume 18 The great work of the gospel is not to close with less manifestation of the power of God than marked its opening. The prophecies which were fulfilled in the outpouring of the former rain at the opening of the gospel are again to be fulfilled in the latter rain at its close. Here are the times of refreshing to which the apostle Peter looked forward when he said: Repent ye therefore, and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out, when the times of refreshing shall come from the presence of the Lord and He shall send Jesus. Acts 3:19, 20. {GC 611.3} Great Controversy Servants of God, with their faces lighted up and shining with holy consecration, will hasten from place to place to proclaim the message from heaven. By thousands of voices, all over the earth, the warning will be given. Miracles will be wrought, the sick will be healed, and signs and wonders will follow the believers. Satan also works, with lying wonders, even bringing down fire from heaven in the sight of men. Revelation 13:13. Thus the inhabitants of the earth will be brought to take their stand. {GC 612.1} Great Controversy This view was given in 1847 when there were but very few of the Advent brethren observing the Sabbath, and of these but few supposed that its observance was of sufficient importance to draw a line between the people of God and unbelievers. Now the fulfillment of that view is beginning to be seen. The commencement of that time of trouble, here mentioned does not refer to the time when the plagues shall begin to be poured out, but to a short period just before they are poured out, while Christ is in the sanctuary. At that time, while the work of salvation is closing, trouble will be coming on the earth, and the nations will be angry, yet held in check so as not to prevent the work of the third angel. 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. {EW 85.3} Early Writings
The Gospel is Preached with Great Power (Loud Cry) Matthew 24:14 Luke 14:21-24 Acts 1:8 Acts 4:33 Revelation 10:11 Revelation 18 See previous entry for Spirit of Prophecy references
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Many people accept the message and replace those who were lost Matthew 22:1-10 Luke 14:16-24 John 10:16 Revelation 18
The broken ranks will be filled up by those represented by Christ as coming in at the eleventh hour. There are many with whom the Spirit of God is striving. The time of Gods destructive judgments is the time of mercy for those who [now] have no opportunity to learn what is truth. Tenderly will the Lord look upon them. His heart of mercy is touched, His hand is still stretched out to save, while the door is closed to those who would not enter. Large numbers will be admitted who in these last days hear the truth for the first time.Letter 103, 1903. {LDE 182.2} Last Day Events Standard after standard was left to trail in the dust as company after company from the Lords army joined the foe and tribe after tribe from the ranks of the enemy united with the commandment-keeping people of God.Testimonies for the Church 8:41 (1904). {LDE 182.3} Last Day Events
The Final Test to Worship God or Worship the Beast is Given Revelation 13 (Historical Precedence: Daniel 3 & 6)
None are condemned until they have had the light and have seen the obligation of the fourth commandment. But when the decree shall go forth enforcing the counterfeit sabbath, and the loud cry of the third angel shall warn men against the worship of the beast and his image, the line will be clearly drawn between the false and the true. Then those who still continue in transgression will receive the mark of the beast.Evangelism, 234, 235 (1899). {LDE 225.4} Last Day Events
Probation Closes for the World Revelation 7 & 13 (Historical Precedence: Genesis 7:14) The final time of trouble ensues Revelation 12:17 Revelation 13:15 Daniel 12:1-4 Job 38:22-23 John 15:20 The Seven Last Plagues Begin to Fall (but God's people are protected) Revelation 16 & 18 (Historical Precedence: Genesis 7-14 Psalms 91:5-8) After the Sixth Plague Falls, the Death Decree is Given for Gods People Revelation 13:15-17 (Historical Precedence: Daniel 3:4-6 Daniel 6:5-9 Esther 3:8-15) Jesus Comes Again in the Clouds (the righteous dead are resurrected and the wicked are slain by the brightness of His coming) Revelation 1:7 Revelation 20 Mark 14:62 1 Thess 4:16-17 2 Thess 2:8-9 2 Peter 3 The Righteous are taken to Heaven for 1000 years (while Satan is confined to earth with no one to tempt because the wicked are all dead) Revelation 20 John 14:1-3 Matthew 5:3-10 Jeremiah 4:23-27 The Righteous reign in Heaven with Christ during the 1000 years (the saints judge the wicked, including Satan and his angels) Revelation 20 1 Thessalonians 4:17-18 1 Corinthians 6:3 Daniel 7:9-10, 26-27 Jesus returns to the Earth a 3rd time (with the New Jerusalem and all the righteous) Revelation 20-22
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The wicked are resurrected in the "Second Resurrection" Revelation 20 & 21 Satan convinces the wicked to try and take the Holy City Revelation 20 Zechariah 14:3-5 Fire Comes down from God out of Heaven and destroys them all (Sin is permanently destroyed) Revelation 20 Malachi 4 Matthew 13:37-50 Nahum 1:7-9 Zechariah 14:3-5 The Earth is recreated Revelation 21 & 22 Isaiah 66:22-23
The probation of those who are shaken out will be closed. Yet, they will be left for a short season and used vigorously as Satans agents. Though they will harass and attempt to undermine Gods people, the righteous will ultimately prevail and the wicked will be destroyed with the brightness of Jesus coming. In John 6:60-66, we see that some of the early followers of Jesus were not able to accept the straight testimony that He bore concerning His mission and what was expected of His followers. These disciples were shaken out, and thus were unprepared to receive the promise of the Holy Spirit in the Former Rain of Pentecost, as recorded in Acts 2. Likewise, many who now count themselves a part of the remnant will find that the message of the True Witness is too hard to bear, and they will depart from us just when they should be ready to receive the seal of God! Let us endeavor to prepare ourselves as ancient Israel did in the Day of Atonement that we might be found ready for the outpouring of the Holy Spirit in the Latter Rain. The events associated with the Latter Rain will be very similar to those associated with the Former Rain, and we need to understand these events that we can be found ready, rather than sleeping in this antitypical Day of Atonement.
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