The Sin of Loyalty to Man. Part [14] 01/30/2025 (Morning thought)

Revelation 14: 12 Here is the patience of the saints: here are they that keep the commandments of God, and the faith of Jesus.

[The Great Controversy pp 605>606] While the observance of the false sabbath in compliance with the law of the state, contrary to the fourth commandment, will be an avowal of allegiance to a power that is in opposition to God, the keeping of the true Sabbath, in obedience to God's law, is an evidence of loyalty to the Creator. While one class, by accepting the sign of submission to earthly powers, receive the mark of the beast, the other, choosing the token of allegiance to divine authority, receive the seal of God.

Heretofore those who presented the truths of the third angel's message have often been regarded as mere alarmists. Their predictions that religious intolerance would gain control in the United States, that church and state would unite to persecute those who keep the commandments of God, have been pronounced groundless and absurd. It has been confidently declared that this land could never become other than what it has been—the defender of religious freedom.

But as the question of enforcing Sunday observance is widely agitated, the event so long doubted and disbelieved is seen to be approaching, and the third message will produce an effect which it could not have had before. In every generation God has sent His servants to rebuke sin, both in the world and in the church. But the people desire smooth things spoken to them, and the pure, unvarnished truth is not acceptable.

Revelation 14:6 And I saw another angel fly in the midst of heaven, having the everlasting gospel to preach unto them that dwell on the earth, and to every nation, and kindred, and tongue, and people, Saying with a loud voice, Fear God, and give glory to him; for the hour of his judgment is come: and worship him that made heaven, and earth, and the sea, and the fountains of waters.

May The Lord add His blessing to the study of His word. God bless!

The Sin of Loyalty to Man. Part [13] 01/30/2025 (Evening thought)

Joel 3: 13 Put you in the sickle, for the harvest is ripe: come, get you down; for the press is full, the fats overflow; for their wickedness is great. 14 Multitudes, multitudes in the valley of decision: for the day of the Lord is near in the valley of decision.

The “Sickle” is a reference to the harvests of earth that are just about to be reaped, and the “Decision” is a reference to loyalty to God or man, which every person living at that time must decide upon. Thus, when the sickle is finished doing its work, probation for planet earth will have been permanently closed. The original God-ordained Sabbath will then be the focal point of this decision-making, for it is the point specially controverted by satan, and the man of sin, working in tandem.

Thus, any decision on loyalty to God, must of necessity include a decision to worship God on His 7th day of rest. The claim to believe in Jesus will then be put to the test, for if one truly believes, he/she will take their resolute stand for God, by casting in their lot with His commandment-keeping people, and they will by so doing, acknowledge Christ as both Creator and Redeemer…. [The Great Controversy pp 605] The Sabbath will be the great test of loyalty, for it is the point of truth especially controverted.

“When the final test shall be brought to bear upon men, then the line of distinction will be drawn between those who serve God and those who serve Him not. While the observance of the false sabbath in compliance with the law of the state, contrary to the fourth commandment, will be an avowal of allegiance to a power that is in opposition to God, the keeping of the true Sabbath, in obedience to God's law, is an evidence of loyalty to the Creator. “

Revelation 13:18 Here is wisdom. Let him that hath understanding count the number of the beast: for it is the number of a man; and his number is Six hundred threescore and six.

May God add His blessing to the study of His word. “Good night” and God bless!