Ephesians 4:14 That we henceforth be no more children, tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men, and cunning craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive; 15 But speaking the truth in love, may grow up into him in all things, which is the head, even Christ.
As the storm approaches, a large class who have professed faith in the third angel's message, but have not been sanctified through obedience to the truth, abandon their position and join the ranks of the opposition. 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. This is a terrible ordeal, but nevertheless it must take place.
The Bible gives us several examples of how unbelief can spread like a plague, even in those who are not fully convinced one way or another. One device the devil uses, and often with great success, is to corral multitudes into some course of action, by bringing the sheer numbers of people, or popular sentiment to bear against the truth. When such devices are implemented, he doesn’t really care if persons do not understand the facts or truth in the matter.
The primary concern is to get persons to go with the general flow, suggesting that if everybody is doing it, then it must be right. That diabolical reasoning should raise red flags, for the very fact that everyone is subscribing to a belief means that something is most likely wrong with it in the overwhelming majority of cases. Therefore, the fact that something is popular is no grounds for it to be endorsed, or practiced by the peculiar people of God.
Matthew 7:13 Enter ye in at the strait gate: for wide is the gate, and broad is the way, that leads to destruction and many there be which go in there at. 14 Because strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leads unto life, and few there be that find it.
May God add His blessing to the study of His word. “Good night” and God bless!