The Condition of the Church
by Ellen White
When I study the Scriptures, I am alarmed for the Israel of God in these last days.
They are exhorted to flee from idolatry. I fear that they are asleep and so conformed to
the world that it would be difficult to discern between him that serveth God and him that
serveth Him not. The distance is widening between Christ and His people, and lessening
between them and the world. The marks of distinction between Christ's professed people and
the world have almost disappeared. Like ancient Israel, they follow after the abominations
of the nations around them. 1T 276
I was shown the greatness and importance of the work before us. But few realise the
true state of things. All who are asleep, and who cannot realise any necessity for
vigilance and alarm, will be overcome. Young men are arising to engage in the work of God,
some of whom have scarcely any sense of the sacredness and responsibility of the work.
They have but little experience in exercising faith and in earnest soul hunger for the
Spirit of God, which ever brings returns. Some men of good capabilities, who might fill
important positions, do not know what spirit they are of. They run in a jovial mood as
naturally as water flows downhill. They talk nonsense, and sport with young girls, while
almost daily listening to the most solemn, soul-stirring truths. These men have a religion
of the head, but their hearts are not sanctified by the truths they hear. Such can never
lead others to the Fountain of living waters until they have drunk of the stream
themselves. 3T 473
My brethren, God calls upon you as His followers to walk in the light. You need to be
alarmed. Sin is among us, and it is not seen to be exceedingly sinful. The senses of many
are benumbed by the indulgence of appetite and by familiarity with sin. We need to advance
nearer heaven. We may grow in grace and in the knowledge of the truth. Walking in the
light, running in the way of God's commandments, does not give the idea that we can stand
still and do nothing. We must be advancing. 3T 476
Satan is continually seeking to overcome the people of God by breaking down the
barriers which separate them from the world. Ancient Israel were enticed into sin when
they ventured into forbidden association with the heathen. In a similar manner are modern
Israel led astray. "The god of this world hath blinded the minds of them which
believe not, lest the light of the glorious gospel of Christ, who is the image of God,
should shine unto them."[1 2 COR. 4:4.] All who are not decided followers of Christ
are servants of Satan. In the unregenerate heart there is love of sin, and a disposition
to cherish and excuse it. In the renewed heart there is hatred of sin, and determined
resistance against it. When Christians choose the society of the ungodly and unbelieving,
they expose themselves to temptation. Satan conceals himself from view, and stealthily
draws his bandage across their eyes. They cannot see that such company is calculated to do
them harm, and while all the time assimilating to the world in character, words, and
actions, they are becoming more and more blinded. familiarity with sin inevitably causes
it to appear less repulsive. He who chooses to associate with the servants of Satan soon
ceases to fear their master. 4SP 327
If all of those who come together for meetings of edification and prayer could be
regarded as true worshipers, then might we hope, though much would still remain to be done
for us. But it is in vain to deceive ourselves. Things are far from being what the
appearance would indicate. From a distant view much may appear beautiful which, upon close
examination, will be found full of deformities. The prevailing spirit of our time is that
of infidelity and apostasy--a spirit of pretended illumination because of a knowledge of
the truth, but in reality of the blindest presumption. There is a spirit of opposition to
the plain word of God and to the testimony of His Spirit. There is a spirit of idolatrous
exaltation of mere human reason above the revealed wisdom of God. 5T 79
My heart aches day after day and night after night for our churches. Many are
progressing, but in the back track. "The path of the just . . . shineth more and more
unto the perfect day." Their march is onward and upward. They progress from strength
to strength, from grace to grace, and from glory to glory. This is the privilege of all
our churches. But, oh, how different has it been with them! They need divine illumination.
They must face square about. I know what I say. Unless they shall become Christians
indeed, they will go from weakness to weakness, divisions will increase, and many souls
will be led to perdition.
All I can say to you is: Take up the light which God has given you and follow it at any
cost to yourselves. This is your only safety. You have a work to do to come into harmony,
and may the Lord help you to do it even if self is crucified. Gather up the rays of light
that have been slighted and rejected. Gather them up with meekness, with trembling, and
with fear. The sin of ancient Israel was in disregarding the expressed will of God and
following their own way according to the leadings of unsanctified hearts. Modern Israel
are fast following in their footsteps, and the displeasure of the Lord is as surely
resting upon them. 5T 93,4
The churches are fast being converted to the world. They have beautiful music and
splendid decorations. But they are fruitless trees, bearing nothing but leaves. As the
Lord unmasked the fig tree, so He will unmask these pretentious hypocrites.--Letter 45,
1891, p. 4. (To "My Brother," December 28, 1891.) 6MR 321
For forty years did unbelief, murmuring, and rebellion shut out ancient Israel from the
land of Canaan. The same sins have delayed the entrance of modern Israel into the heavenly
Canaan. In neither case were the promises of God at fault. It is the unbelief, the
worldliness, unconsecration, and strife among the Lord's professed people that have kept
us in this world of sin and sorrow so many years.-- Manuscript 4, 1883. EV 696
We may have to remain here in this world because of insubordination many more years, as
did the children of Israel; but for Christ's sake, His people should not add sin to sin by
charging God with the consequence of their own wrong course of action.--Letter 184, 1901.
EV 696
I feel a special interest in the movements and decisions that shall be made at this
Conference regarding the things that should have been done years ago, and especially ten
years ago, when we were assembled in Conference, and the Spirit and power of God came into
our meeting, testifying that God was ready to work for this people if they would come into
working order. The brethren assented to the light God had given, but there were those
connected with our institutions, especially with the Review and Herald Office and the
Conference, who brought in elements of unbelief, so that the light that was given was not
acted upon. It was assented to, but no special change was made to bring about such a
condition of things that the power of God could be revealed among his people.
Year after year the same acknowledgement was made, but the principles which exalt a
people were not woven into the work. God gave them clear light as to what they should do,
and what they should not do, but they departed from that light, and it is a marvel to me
that we stand in as much prosperity as we do to-day. It is because of the great mercy of
our God, not because of our righteousness, but that his name should not be dishonoured in
the world. GCB APR.03,1901
["Elmshaven," Sanitarium, Calif. Aug. 11, 1902 To the General Conference
Committee and the Medical Missionary Board:]
Dear Brethren:
A wonderful work could have been done for the vast company gathered in Battle Creek at
the General Conference of 1901, if the leaders of our work had taken themselves in hand.
Had thorough work been done at this conference; had there been, as God designed there
should be, a breaking up of the fallow ground of the heart by the men who had been bearing
responsibilities; had they, in humility of soul, led out in the work of confession and
consecration, giving evidence that they received the counsels and warnings sent by the
Lord to correct their mistakes, there would have been of the greatest revivals that there
has been since the day of Pentecost.
But the work that all heaven was waiting to do as soon as men prepared the way, was not
done; for the leaders in the work closed and bolted the door against the Spirit's
entrance. There was a stopping short of entire surrender to God. Hearts that might have
been purified from error were strengthened in wrong doing. The doors were barred against
the heavenly current that would have swept away all evil. Men left their sins unconfessed.
They built themselves up in their wrong doing, and said to the Spirit of God, "Go thy
way for this time; when I have a more convenient season, I will call for thee." KC
095
Now we see need of workers in the opening fields before us, but where are the men who
can be trusted, men who have been year by year growing into a better knowledge of God and
his ways, and the movings of his providence? I want to sound in the ears of these sleepy,
half paralysed souls the words spoken to Nicodemus, "Except a man be born again he
cannot see the kingdom of God." There is need to ask God with all the heart, to
elevate the standard. The commonness, the cheapness of conversation reveal the measure of
spirituality of the members of the church. Now, those who have lived years in this same
experience know not God nor Jesus Christ whom he hath sent; and should such go forth as
representatives of Jesus Christ? These men will never give the right mould to other minds.
They have not grown up to the full stature of men and women in Jesus Christ. They simply
live the name of Christian, but are not fitted for the work of God, and never will be
until they are born again, and learn their A.B.C.'s in the religion of Jesus Christ. There
is hope in one direction. Take the young men and women and place them where they will come
as little as possible in contact with our churches, that the low grade of piety which is
current in this day shall not leaven their ideas of what it means to be a Christian. The
worshippers of God are in need of transforming grace to subordinate the world to religion.
In the place of making the temporal interest first, exhausting soul, body, and spirit to
secure temporal advantages, Jesus points us to the heavenly treasure, and tells us not to
lay up our treasure in earth which will perish, but to lay up for ourselves treasure in
heaven which will not perish, for where our treasure is there will our heart be also.
Jesus would have all that profess to believe in him deal in the currency of heaven,
handling those things upon which God has stamped his image and superscription. These he
presents before us of infinite value. We see the need of a deep and thorough work in our
churches; but the Lord alone can by his Holy Spirit make the hearts that are as steel,
soft and sympathetic, and true to the service of Christ. We are far behind because the
churches have folded their hands in a peace and safety attitude, and are at ease in Zion,
doing almost nothing when the living zeal should be in their hearts as never before. Satan
is stirring the powers from beneath to make one last desperate effort to convert the world
to his own principles. He has his plans laid with Satanic subtlety, and destruction cometh
suddenly while these that have the light, the warnings that such a crisis is before us are
almost unmoved. . . PC 344
There is need of a higher grade of spirituality in the church. There is need of heart
purification. God calls his people to their posts of duty. He calls upon them to purge
themselves from that which has been revealed as the bane of the churches--an exalting of
the men placed in positions of trust. There is earnest work to be done. Upon their knees
men are to seek God in faith, and then go forth to speak the word with power sent down
from on high. Such men come before the people direct from the audience-chamber of the Most
High, and their words and works promote spirituality. When they come in contact with wrong
principles, they plant their feet firmly upon the words, "It is written." RH
DEC.04,1900
Remember that an example of lukewarmness, carelessness, and indifference, is
contagious. It is reproduced in a multitude of ways, and iniquity abounds. Many are bound
about with worldliness, and apostasy is congealing the very life-blood of the soul,
because of the coldness of ministers professing to be watchmen upon the walls of Zion.
Earnest spirituality, and the quickening influence of the Spirit of God, will set men to
work, not lazily, but most earnestly, to warm men to escape the perils which threaten to
destroy them. RH DEC.18,1883
From this record we may learn how little dependence can be placed in men who trust in
men, and do not make God their reliance. Those who are living in these last days are in
the greatest danger of placing their confidence in men rather than in the true and living
God. The Lord has given instruction that the history of the apostasy of Israel is now to
be presented, because men who in the past have had great light have become
self-sufficient, and are looking to men, trusting in human leaders, who are themselves
practising evil. Men who ought to stand as firm as a rock to principle are treading in the
same path that the Israelites followed. "Some shall depart from the faith, giving
heed to seducing spirits, and doctrines of devils." This is the snare that has come
into our ranks. There are wrong sentiments that have to be met. There are men who are
acting the part of Aaron at the very time when every soul should be working to seal the
law among God's disciples. They are building up the very things that God has specified
should not be built up. RH FEB.04,1909
I am instructed to say that these words are applicable to Seventh-day Adventist
churches in their present condition. The love of God has been lost, and this means the
absence of love for one another. Self, self, self, is cherished, and is striving for the
supremacy. How long is this to continue? Unless there is a reconversion, there will soon
be such a lack of godliness that the Church will be represented by the barren fig tree.
Great light has been given to her. She has had abundant opportunity for bearing much
fruit. But selfishness has come in, and God says, "I will remove thy candlestick out
of his place, except thou repent."
Jesus looked upon the pretentious, fruitless fig tree, and with mournful reluctance
pronounced the words of doom. And under the curse of an offended God, the fig tree
withered away. God help His people to make an application of this lesson while there is
still time.
God brings against ministers and people the heavy charge of spiritual feebleness,
saying, "I know thy works, that thou art neither cold nor hot: I would thou wert cold
or hot. So then because thou art lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will spew thee out
of my mouth. Because thou sayest, I am rich, and increased with goods, and have need of
nothing; and knowest not that thou art wretched, and miserable, and poor, and blind, and
naked: I counsel thee to buy of me gold tried in the fire, that thou mayest be rich; and
white raiment, that thou mayest be clothed, and that the shame of thy nakedness do not
appear; and anoint thine eyes with eyesalve, that thou mayest see." God calls for a
spiritual revival and a spiritual reformation. Unless this takes place, those who are
lukewarm will continue to grow more abhorrent to the Lord, until He will refuse to
acknowledge them as His children.
A revival and a reformation must take place, under the ministration of the Holy Spirit.
Revival and reformation are two different things. Revival signifies a renewal of spiritual
life, a quickening of the powers of mind and heart, a resurrection from spiritual death.
Reformation signifies a reorganisation, a change in ideas and theories, habits and
practices. Reformation will not bring forth the good fruit of righteousness unless it is
connected with the revival of the Spirit. Revival and reformation are to do their
appointed work, and in doing this work they must blend. RH FEB.25,1902
That which Satan has led men to do in the past, he will if possible lead them to do
again. The early church was deceived by the enemy of God and man, and apostasy was brought
into the ranks of those who professed to love God; and to-day, unless the people of God
awake out of sleep, they will be taken unawares by the devices of Satan. Among those who
claim to believe in the near coming of the Saviour, how many are back-slidden, how many
have lost their first love, and come under the description written of the Laodicean
church, denominating them as neither cold nor hot. Satan will do his utmost to keep them
in a state of indifference and stupor. May the Lord reveal to the people the perils that
are before them, that they may arouse from their spiritual slumber, and trim their lamps,
and be found watching for the Bridegroom when he shall return from the wedding. RH
NOV.22,1892
That which Satan has led men to do in the past, he will if possible lead them to do
again. The early church was deceived by the enemy of God and man, and apostasy was brought
into the ranks of those who professed to love God; and to-day, unless the people of God
awake out of sleep, they will be taken unawares by the devices of Satan. Among those who
claim to believe in the near coming of the Saviour, how many are back-slidden, how many
have lost their first love, and come under the description written of the Laodicean
church, denominating them as neither cold nor hot. Satan will do his utmost to keep them
in a state of indifference and stupor. May the Lord reveal to the people the perils that
are before them, that they may arouse from their spiritual slumber, and trim their lamps,
and be found watching for the Bridegroom when he shall return from the wedding. RH
NOV.22,1892
Many will never, never have eternal life unless they see the sinfulness of their course
of action, and realise how greatly it has dishonoured God. They are not servants of
Christ, because they do not do His works. The Lord says, Proclaim My message; say to those
who have professed to be followers of Jesus, but have dishonoured their profession by
making false paths for their feet and the feet of others, Repent; for your souls' sake,
repent and be converted. You have been going on and on for years against light, against
knowledge, until the Laodicean message applies to your case. Many have become corrupted in
faith, corrupted in principle. Many have dishonoured God, and sold themselves to sin, and
in word and deed have helped others on in the strange paths they have chosen, until they
do not know what pure religion is. They have sacrificed faith for worldly favour, and are
leavened with that which is opposed to righteousness. At first they felt some compunction
of conscience, but they refused to turn back, and now hardness of heart is preparing them
for hopeless apostasy, and the judgements of God. The appeals of their Saviour have been
resisted, His mercy abused, His provisions of redeeming love, made by infinite sacrifice,
rejected. His heart yearns over them, His hand has been outstretched to save, but they
turned away, slighting His invitations of mercy. And yet His hand is stretched out still,
for our Saviour made provision that all who receive Him shall be given power to become the
sons of God. SPTB07 13
The servants of God to-day encounter difficulties very similar to those against which
Nehemiah contended. Human nature is still the same. And Satan is as active, earnest, and
persevering now as at any period in the past. Nay, rather, the word of God declares that
his power and enmity increase as we near the close of time. The greatest danger of God's
ancient people arose from their inclination to disregard his direct requirements and to
follow, instead, their own desires. Such is the sin and danger of his people at the
present time. The indolence, backsliding, and degeneracy in our churches may be traced, in
a great degree, to the lax sentiments which have been coming in as a result of conformity
to the world. The Sabbath is not as sacredly regarded as it should be. Improper marriages,
with their train of evils, have dragged down some of the most useful men to apostasy and
ruin. ST JAN.24,1884
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