Shaking of the Church
by Ellen White
The work in Battle Creek is after the same order. The leaders in the sanitarium have
mingled with unbelievers, admitting them to their councils, more or less, but it is like
going to work with their eyes shut. They lack the discernment to see what is going to
break upon us at any time. There is a spirit of desperation, of war and bloodshed, and
that spirit will increase until the very close of time. Just as soon as the people of God
are sealed in their foreheads--it is not any seal or mark that can be seen, but a settling
into the truth, both intellectually and spiritually, so they cannot be moved--just as soon
as God's people are sealed and prepared for the shaking, it will come. Indeed, it has
begun already. The judgements of God are now upon the land, to give us warning, that we
may know what is coming.--Ms. 173, 1902, pp. 1-6. ("Medical Missionary Work in
Southern California," Interview held in Los Angeles, California, September 15, 1902.)
10MR 252
Our faith cannot be vested in any man. We need Christ's righteousness. We need Jesus
ever by our side. He is our Rock. It is by His might that we conquer, and by his
righteousness that we are saved. When I see men exalted and praised, extolled as almost
infallible, I know that there must come a terrible shaking. When God's lamp of life shines
into the heart with clear and steady ray, darkness will instantly be dispelled. Every idol
will be dethroned, and the peace of God which passeth all understanding will reign in the
heart. Truth, precious truth, will be seen, appreciated, and obeyed. The standard will
elevated, and many will rally round it.--Ms. 15, 1886. (Written at Basle, Switzerland.)
11MR 91
Medical missionaries must be sent into all parts of the world to carry relief to
suffering humanity. The president of our General Conference asks, Shall we build, or shall
we not build? Shall we provide a building to accommodate our students who are being
educated for medical missionary work? We answer, There will be no need of building in a
short time. If our people will heed the light that God has given them, and will move out
of Battle Creek, ample room will be provided for our students who are connected with the
Sanitarium. Too many responsibilities now centre in Battle Creek. A shaking will take
place there, and people will not crowd so constantly and so persistently into Battle Creek
as they have done in the past irrespective of the warnings of God. We have not the men to
fill positions of trust who will carry forward the work successfully; but let those who
remain in Battle Creek be faithful sentinels in carrying the light to other towns and
cities. They could do a work for the Master by letting their light shine forth. 13MR 70
You may point to some of our leading brethren who have not accepted and rejoiced in the
light given, but have intercepted themselves between the light and the people, that it
should not reach them; but they must answer to God for their position. They are certainly
working away from Christ, instead of working in harmony with Him; but will their attitude
and position excuse you for turning from the light which the Lord has thrown upon you
pathway? I am sorry that you are in such great blindness that you are unable to
distinguish the voice of God from that of the enemy. I have repeatedly presented before
you and others that there would come a shaking time, when everything that can be shaken
will be shaken, that those things which cannot be shaken may remain. We are now entering
upon that time. Your spirit is an offence to God, for you receive not the things that are
of God, but range yourself on the enemy's side to oppose God in the very work He is doing
for this time. Your discourses are dry and spiritless. Your strength is weakness, yet you
rely upon your own wisdom. Unless you fall upon the Rock and are broken, the mould of God
cannot be placed upon you. 1888 331
We expect fierce conflicts with the powers of darkness. We believe the shaking time has
come. My cry is, Stay not Thy hand, O God. Let everything be shaken that can be. Let us
know who is upon the sure foundation, who is on the Lord's side. 1BIO 441
We expect fierce conflicts with the powers of darkness. We believe the shaking time has
come. My cry is, Stay not Thy hand, O God. Let everything be shaken that can be. Let us
know who is upon the sure foundation, who is on the Lord's side.
1BIO 441
You will take passages in the Testimonies that speak of the close of probation, of the
shaking among God's people, and you will talk of a coming out from this people of a purer,
holier people that will arise. Now all this pleases the enemy. We should not needlessly
take a course that will make differences or create dissension. We should not give the
impression that if our particular ideas are not followed, it is because the ministers are
lacking in comprehension and in faith, and are walking in darkness. 1SM 179
There is a time of trouble coming to the people of God, but we are not to keep that
constantly before the people, and rein them up to have a time of trouble beforehand. There
is to be a shaking among God's people, but this is not the present truth to carry to the
churches.... 1SM 180
Just as long as God has a church, he will have those who will cry aloud and spare not,
who will be his instruments to reprove selfishness and sins, and will not shun to declare
the whole counsel of God, whether men will hear or forbear. I saw that individuals would
rise up against the plain testimonies. It does not suit their natural feelings. They would
choose to have smooth things spoken unto them, and have peace cried in their ears. I view
the church in a more dangerous condition than they ever have been. Experimental religion
is known but by a few. The shaking must soon take place to purify the church. 2SG 284
Just as long as God has a church, he will have those who will cry aloud and spare not,
who will be his instruments to reprove selfishness and sins, and will not shun to declare
the whole counsel of God, whether men will hear or forbear. I saw that individuals would
rise up against the plain testimonies. It does not suit their natural feelings. They would
choose to have smooth things spoken unto them, and have peace cried in their ears. I view
the church in a more dangerous condition than they ever have been. Experimental religion
is known but by a few. The shaking must soon take place to purify the church. 2SG 284
It is difficult to hold fast the beginning of our confidence firm unto the end; and the
difficulty increases when there are hidden influences constantly at work to bring in
another spirit, a counter-working element, on Satan's side of the question. In the absence
of persecution, there have drifted into our ranks some who appear sound, and their
Christianity unquestionable, but who, if persecution should arise, would go out from us.
In the crisis, they would see force in specious reasoning that has had an influence on
their minds. Satan has prepared various snares to meet varied minds. When the law of God
is made void the church will be sifted by fiery trials, and a larger proportion than we
now anticipate, will give heed to seducing spirits and doctrines of devils. Instead of
being strengthened when brought into strait places, many prove that they are not living
branches of the True Vine; they bore no fruit, and the husbandman taketh them away. 2SM
368
[ The Truly Obedient Will Not Fall ] But when the world makes void the law of God, what
will be the effect upon the truly obedient and righteous? Will they be carried away by the
strong current of evil? Because so many rank themselves under the banner of the prince of
darkness, will God's commandment-keeping people swerve from their allegiance? Never! Not
one who is abiding in Christ will fail or fall. His followers will bow in obedience to a
higher authority than that of any earthly potentate. While the contempt placed upon God's
commandments leads many to suppress the truth and show less reverence for it, the faithful
ones will with greater earnestness hold aloft its distinguishing truths. We are not left
to our own direction. In all our ways we should acknowledge God, and He will direct our
paths. We should consult His Word with humble hearts, ask His counsel, give up our will to
His. We can do nothing without God. 2SM 368
[ The Sunday-Law Crisis ] In the night season I seemed to be enumerating in my mind the
evidences we have to substantiate the faith we hold. We see that seducers are waxing worse
and worse. We see the world working to the point of establishing by law a false sabbath,
and making it a test for all. This question will soon be before us. God's Sabbath will be
trampled under foot, and a false sabbath will be exalted. In a Sunday law there is
possibility for great suffering to those who observe the seventh day. The working out of
Satan's plans will bring persecution to the people of God. But the faithful servants of
God need not fear the outcome of the conflict. If they will follow the pattern set for
them in the life of Christ, if they will be true to the requirements of God, their reward
will be eternal life, a life that measures with the life of God. 2SM 375
We should not needlessly take a course that will make differences or cause dissension.
We should not give the impression that if our particular ideas are not followed, it is
because the ministers are lacking in comprehension. There are in the lessons of Christ
subjects in abundance that you can speak upon; and mysteries which neither you nor your
hearers can understand or explain might better be left alone. Give the Lord Jesus Christ
Himself room to teach; let Him by the influence of His Spirit open to the understanding
the wonderful plan of salvation. There is a time of trouble coming to the people of God,
but we are not to keep that constantly before the people, and rein them up to have a time
of trouble beforehand. There is to be a shaking among God's people; but this is not the
present truth to carry to the churches; it will be the result of refusing the truth
presented. 3MR 33
[ A Spurious Sabbath the Issue. ] --A spurious sabbath is presented to be legislated
into power, compelling the observance of a sabbath which God has not enjoined upon man.
The persecutions of Protestants by Romanism, by which the religion of Jesus Christ was
almost annihilated, will be more than rivalled, when Protestantism and popery are
combined. . . . 3SM 387
[ Persecution in the Battle Before the Last Closing Conflict. ] --The two armies will
stand distinct and separate, and this distinction will be so marked that many who shall be
convinced of the truth will come on the side of God's commandment-keeping people. When
this grand work is to take place in the battle, prior to the last closing conflict, many
will be imprisoned, many will flee for their lives from cities and towns, and many will be
martyrs for Christ's sake in standing in defence of the truth. . . . You will not be
tempted above what you are able to bear. Jesus bore all this and far more. . . . 3SM 397
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
We cannot expect that everything will move along smoothly; for everything is to be
shaken that can be shaken. God is testing and proving His people. Angels of God,
intelligences of heaven, are watching the development of character, and weighing the moral
worth of the professed followers of Christ. Look up, look above the whirl of daily
occurrences, and fix your eyes upon Him who never changes and you will endure as seeing
Him who is invisible. You may look forward with joy to the finishing of the mystery. 5MR
011
The days are fast approaching when there will be great perplexity and confusion. Satan,
clothed in angel robes, will deceive, if possible, the very elect. There will be gods many
and lords many. Every wind of doctrine will be blowing. Those who have rendered supreme
homage to "science falsely so called" will not be the leaders then. Those who
have trusted to intellect, genius, or talent will not then stand at the head of rank and
file. They did not keep pace with the light. Those who have proved themselves unfaithful
will not then be entrusted with the flock. In the last solemn work few great men will be
engaged. They are self-sufficient, independent of God, and He cannot use them. The Lord
has faithful servants, who in the shaking, testing time will be disclosed to view. There
are precious ones now hidden who have not bowed the knee to Baal. They have not had the
light which has been shining in a concentrated blaze upon you. But it may be under a rough
and uninviting exterior the pure brightness of a genuine Christian character will be
revealed. In the day time we look toward heaven but do not see the stars. They are there,
fixed in the firmament, but the eye cannot distinguish them. In the night we behold their
genuine lustre. 5T 080
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 Christ's righteousness, will
appear in the shame of their own nakedness. 5T 081
Already the judgements of God are abroad in the land, as seen in storms, in floods, in
tempests, in earthquakes, in peril by land and by sea. The great I AM is speaking to those
who make void His law. When God's wrath is poured out upon the earth, who will then be
able to stand? Now is the time for God's people to show themselves true to principle. 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 defence 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. The nation will be on the side of the great rebel leader. 5T 136
The days will come when the righteous will be stirred to zeal for God because of the
abounding iniquity. None but divine power can stay the arrogance of Satan united with evil
men; but in the hour of the church's greatest danger most fervent prayer will be offered
in her behalf by the faithful remnant, and God will hear and answer at the very time when
the guilt of the transgressor has reached its height. He will "avenge His own elect,
which cry day and night unto Him, though He bear long with them." They will be
jealous for the honour of God. They will be zealous in prayer, and their faith will grow
strong. 5T 524
The days are fast approaching when there will be great perplexity and confusion. Satan,
clothed in angel robes, will deceive, if possible, the very elect. There will be gods many
and lords many. Every wind of doctrine will be blowing. Those who have rendered supreme
homage to "science falsely so called" will not be the leaders then. Those who
have trusted to intellect, genius, or talent will not then stand at the head of rank and
file. They did not keep pace with the light. Those who have proved themselves unfaithful
will not then be entrusted with the flock. In the last solemn work few great men will be
engaged. They are self-sufficient, independent of God, and He cannot use them. The Lord
has faithful servants, who in the shaking, testing time will be disclosed to view. There
are precious ones now hidden who have not bowed the knee to Baal. They have not had the
light which has been shining in a concentrated blaze upon you. But it may be under a rough
and uninviting exterior the pure brightness of a genuine Christian character will be
revealed. In the day time we look toward heaven but do not see the stars. They are there,
fixed in the firmament, but the eye cannot distinguish them. In the night we behold their
genuine lustre. 5T 80
[ (see EGW on Isa. 8:12). The Sifting Instrument. ] --The world is the instrument that
sifts the church and tests the genuineness of its members. The world holds out inducements
that, when accepted, place the believer where his life is not in harmony with his
profession. . . . 6BC 1102
If you go forward toward heaven, the world will rub hard against you. At every step you
will have to urge your way against Satan and his evil angels, and against all who
transgress God's law. Earthly authorities will interpose. You will meet tribulations,
bruising of the spirit, hard speeches, ridicule, persecutions. Men will require your
conformity to laws and customs that would render you disloyal to God. Here is where God's
people find the cross in the way to life (MS 3, 1885). 6BC 1102
Satan will work his miracles to deceive; he will set up his power as supreme. 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. None but those who have been overcoming by
the blood of the Lamb and the word of their testimony will be found with the loyal and
true, without spot or stain of sin, without guile in their mouths. . . . The remnant that
purify their souls by obeying the truth gather strength from the trying process,
exhibiting the beauty of holiness amid the surrounding apostasy (Letter 55, 1886). 7BC 911
There are many ways in which we can work to reach those not of our faith. If the work
of temperance were carried forward by us as it was commenced thirty years ago, if we at
our camp meetings held up before the hundreds and thousands who assemble on the ground the
evils of intemperance in eating and drinking, and especially the evil of liquor-drinking,
if these truths were presented in connection with the evidences of Christ's soon coming,
there would be a shaking among the people. If we showed a zeal proportionate to the
importance of the truths we are handling we would reach hundreds. We need to trim our
lamps and receive in them the holy oil from the two olive branches. When the power of the
Spirit of God rests upon us, there will be an altogether different showing for our labours
from that now seen. 7MR 169
I saw he took away the first and established the second, that is, those who were in the
faith would become rebellious and be purged out and others who had not heard the Advent
doctrine and rejected it would embrace the truth and take their places.--Ms 5, 1850, pp.
1-4. ("A Vision the Lord Gave Me at Oswego [N.Y.], July 29, 1850.) 8MR 220
Evil angels crowded around, pressing darkness upon them to shut out Jesus from their
view, that their eyes might be drawn to the darkness that surrounded them, and thus they
be led to distrust God and murmur against Him. Their only safety was in keeping their eyes
directed upward. Angels of God had charge over His people, and as the poisonous atmosphere
of evil angels was pressed around these anxious ones, the heavenly angels were continually
wafting their wings over them to scatter the thick darkness.
As the praying ones continued their earnest cries, at times a ray of light from Jesus
came to them, to encourage their hearts and light up their countenances. Some, I saw, did
not participate in this work of agonising and pleading. They seemed indifferent and
careless. They were not resisting the darkness around them, and it shut them in like a
thick cloud. The angels of God left these and went to the aid of the earnest, praying
ones. I saw angels of God hasten to the assistance of all who were struggling with all
their power to resist the evil angels and trying to help themselves by calling upon God
with perseverance. But His angels left those who made no effort to help themselves, and I
lost sight of them.
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 is what will cause a shaking among God's people.
I saw that 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; all who truly receive it
will obey it and be purified.
Said the angel, "List ye!" Soon I heard a voice like many musical instruments
all sounding in perfect strains, sweet and harmonious. It surpassed any music I had ever
heard, seeming to be full of mercy, compassion, and elevating, holy joy. It thrilled
through my whole being. Said the angel, "Look ye!" My attention was then turned
to the company I had seen, who were mightily shaken. I was shown those whom I had before
seen weeping and praying in agony of spirit. The company of guardian angels around them
had been doubled, and they were clothed with an armour from their head to their feet. They
moved in exact order, like a company of soldiers. Their countenances expressed the severe
conflict which they had endured, the agonising struggle they had passed through. Yet their
features, marked with severe internal anguish, now shone with the light and glory of
heaven. They had obtained the victory, and it called forth from them the deepest gratitude
and holy, sacred joy.
The numbers of this company had lessened. Some had been shaken out and left by the way.
The careless and indifferent, who did not join with those who prized victory and salvation
enough to perseveringly plead and agonise for it, did not obtain it, and they were left
behind in darkness, and their places were immediately filled by others taking hold of the
truth and coming into the ranks. Evil angels still pressed around them, but could have no
power over them. (continues...) EW 269-273 (1)
I heard those clothed with the armour speak forth the truth with great power. It had
effect. Many had been bound; some wives by their husbands, and some children by their
parents. The honest who had been prevented from hearing the truth now eagerly laid hold
upon it. All fear of their relatives was gone, and the truth alone was exalted to them.
They had been hungering and thirsting for truth; it was dearer and more precious than
life. I asked what had made this great change. An angel answered, "It is the latter
rain, the refreshing from the presence of the Lord, the loud cry of the third angel."
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 the company who had the light and power of God.
Darkness thickened around them; yet they stood firm, approved of God, and trusting in Him.
I saw them perplexed; next I heard them crying unto God earnestly. Day and night their cry
ceased not: "Thy will, O God, be done! If it can glorify Thy name, make a way of
escape for Thy people! Deliver us from the heathen around about us. They have appointed us
unto death; but Thine arm can bring salvation." These are all the words which I can
bring to mind. All seemed to have a deep sense of their unworthiness and manifested entire
submission to the will of God; yet, like Jacob, every one, without an exception, was
earnestly pleading and wrestling for deliverance.
Soon after they had commenced their earnest cry, the angels, in sympathy, desired to go
to their deliverance. But a tall, commanding angel suffered them not. He said, "The
will of God is not yet fulfilled. They must drink of the cup. They must be baptised with
the baptism."
Soon I heard the voice of God, which shook the heavens and the earth. There was a
mighty earthquake. Buildings were shaken down on every side. I then heard a triumphant
shout of victory, loud, musical, and clear. I looked upon the company, who, a short time
before, were in such distress and bondage. Their captivity was turned. A glorious light
shone upon them. How beautiful they then looked! All marks of care and weariness were
gone, and health and beauty were seen in every countenance. Their enemies, the heathen
around them, fell like dead men; they could not endure the light that shone upon the
delivered, holy ones. This light and glory remained upon them, until Jesus was seen in the
clouds of heaven, and the faithful, tried company were changed in a moment, in the
twinkling of an eye, from glory to glory. And the graves were opened, and the saints came
forth, clothed with immortality, crying, "Victory over death and the grave"; and
together with the living saints they were caught up to meet their Lord in the air, while
rich, musical shouts of glory and victory were upon every immortal tongue. EW 269-273 (2)
The mighty shaking has commenced and will go on, and all will be shaken out who are not
willing to take a bold and unyielding stand for the truth and to sacrifice for God and His
cause. The angel said, "Think ye that any will be compelled to sacrifice? No, no. It
must be a freewill offering. It will take all to buy the field." I cried to God to
spare His people, some of whom were fainting and dying. Then I saw that the judgements of
the Almighty were speedily coming, and I begged of the angel to speak in his language to
the people. Said he, "All the thunders and lightnings of Mount Sinai would not move
those who will not be moved by the plain truths of the Word of God, neither would an
angel's message awake them." EW 50
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. 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. GC11 608
Only those who have been diligent students of the Scriptures and who have received the
love of the truth will be shielded from the powerful delusion that takes the world
captive. By the Bible testimony these will detect the deceiver in his disguise. To all the
testing time will come. By the sifting of temptation the genuine Christian will be
revealed. Are the people of God now so firmly established upon His word that they would
not yield to the evidence of their senses? Would they, in such a crisis, cling to the
Bible and the Bible only? Satan will, if possible, prevent them from obtaining a
preparation to stand in that day. He will so arrange affairs as to hedge up their way,
entangle them with earthly treasures, cause them to carry a heavy, wearisome burden, that
their hearts may be overcharged with the cares of this life and the day of trial may come
upon them as a thief. GC11 625
"And now saith the Lord that formed thee from the womb to be his servant, to bring
Jacob again to him, though Israel be not gathered, (who is Israel? the church members of
today.) yet will I be glorious in the eyes of the Lord, and my God shall be my
strength." The message must go from east to west, and from west to east again. A
great shaking up must come. The professed believers in the truth for this time are asleep.
They need to awake, and shine anew because the light of truth has not only flashed upon
them, but rightly done its work. God will have representatives in every place in all parts
of the world. KC 124
[ A man's foes shall be they of his own household. Matt. 11:36. ] When the law of God
is made void, and the church is sifted by the fiery trials that are to try all that live
upon the earth, a great proportion of those who are supposed to be genuine will give heed
to seducing spirits, and will turn traitors and betray sacred trusts. They will prove our
very worst persecutors. "Of your own selves shall men arise, speaking perverse
things, to draw away disciples after them;" and many will give heed to seducing
spirits. MAR 197
Those who apostatise in time of trial will bear false witness and betray their
brethren, to secure their own safety. They will tell where their brethren are concealed,
putting the wolves on their track. Christ has warned us of this, that we may not be
surprised at the cruel, unnatural course pursued by friends and relatives. MAR 197
We shall find that we must let loose of all hands except the hand of Jesus Christ.
Friends will prove treacherous, and will betray us. Relatives, deceived by the enemy, will
think they do God service in opposing us and putting forth the utmost efforts to bring us
into hard places, hoping we will deny our faith. But we may trust our hand in the hand of
Christ amid darkness and peril. MAR 197
[ For in my jealousy and in the fire of my wrath have I spoken, Surely in that day
there shall be a great shaking in the land of Israel. Eze. 38:19.]
I saw some, with strong faith and agonising cries, pleading with God. Their
countenances were pale and marked with deep anxiety, expressive of their internal
struggle. Firmness and great earnestness was expressed in their countenances; large drops
of perspiration fell from their foreheads.... MAR 201
An apostate church will unite with the powers of earth and hell to place upon the
forehead or in the hand, the mark of the beast, and prevail upon the children of God to
worship the beast and his image. They will seek to compel them to renounce their
allegiance to God's law, and yield homage to the papacy. Then will come the times which
will try men's souls; for the confederacy of apostasy will demand that the loyal subjects
of God shall renounce the law of Jehovah, and repudiate the truth of His word. Then will
the gold be separated from the dross, and it will be made apparent who are the godly, who
are the loyal and true, and who are the disloyal, the dross and the tinsel. What clouds of
chaff will then be borne away by the fan of God! Where now our eyes can discover only rich
floors of wheat, will be chaff blown away with the fan of God. Every one who is not
centred in Christ will fail to stand the test and ordeal of that day. While those who are
clothed with Christ's righteousness will stand firm to truth and duty, those who have
trusted in their own righteousness will be ranged under the black banner of the prince of
darkness. Then it will be seen whether the choice is for Christ or Belial. MAR 204
It is dangerous to be simply hearers of the word and not doers. He that hears and obeys
every word that proceeds from the lips of God, is building upon the rock. He that hears
but does not bring the words of God into his life practice, builds on the sand, and will
surely fall. Everything is to be shaken that can be shaken. We shall realise this in our
experience. PH096 043
We are coming to a crisis, and I am in terror for our souls. Why is it that we find men
leaving the faith? Are we in a position where we shall know what we believe, and shall not
be shaken out? That souls leave the truth should not discourage us in the least, but only
make us seek more earnestly for the blessing of God. It is not the education, or the
talents, or the position of men, that is to save them. We are to be kept by the power of
God through faith unto salvation. How do you stand before God to-day? The question is not,
How will you stand in the day of trouble, or at some future time? but how is it with your
soul to-day? Will you go to work to-day? We want a personal, individual experience to-day.
To-day, we want Christ abiding with us. As Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness,
so the Son of man has been lifted up, that we might look and live. There is but one plan
of salvation. There is but one process by which the soul may be healed of its wounds. Look
to the Man of Calvary. RH APR.09,1889
Dec. 16, 1848, the Lord gave me a view of the shaking of the powers of the heavens. I
saw that when the Lord said "heaven" (in giving the signs recorded by Matt.,
Mark and Luke,) he meant heaven, and when he said "earth" he meant earth. The
powers of heaven, are the Sun, Moon and Stars: they rule in the heavens. The powers of
earth are those who bear rule on the earth. The powers of heaven will be shaken at the
voice of God. Then the Sun, Moon, and Stars will be moved out of their places. They will
not pass away, but be shaken by the voice of God. RH AUG.01,1849 (EW 41)
It is now too late in the day for men to please and glorify themselves. Ministers of
God, it is too late to be contending for the supremacy. The solemn time has come when
ministers should be weeping between the porch and the altar, crying, "Spare thy
people, O Lord, and give not thine heritage to reproach." It is a day when instead of
lifting up their souls in self-sufficiency, ministers and people should be confessing
their sins before God and one another. The law of God is made void, and even among those
who advocate its binding claims, are some who break its sacred precepts. The Bible will be
opened from house to house, and men and women will find access to these homes, and minds
will be opened to receive the word of God; and when the crisis comes, many will be
prepared to make right decisions even in the face of the formidable difficulties that will
be brought about through the deceptive miracles of Satan. Although these will confess the
truth and become workers with Christ at the eleventh hour, they will receive equal wages
with those who have wrought through the whole day. There will be an army of steadfast
believers who will stands as firm as a rock through the last test. But where in that army
are those who have been standard-bearers? Where are those whose voices have sounded in
proclaiming the truth to the sinning? Some of them are not there. We look for them, but in
the time of shaking they have been unable to stand, and have passed over to the enemy's
ranks. RH DEC.24,1889
I asked the meaning of the shaking I had seen. I was shown that it would be caused by
the straight testimony called forth by the counsel of the True Witness to the Laodiceans.
It will have its effect upon the heart of the receiver of the testimony, and it will lead
him to exalt the standard and pour forth the straight truth. This straight testimony, some
will not bear. They will rise up against it, and this will cause a shaking among God's
people. RH DEC.31,1857 (EW 270)
[ The Two Houses ] Christ declares that those who do His words are like a man who built
his house upon a rock. This house the tempest and flood could not sweep away. Those who do
not do Christ's words are like the man who built his house upon the sand. Storm and
tempest beat upon that house, and it fell, and great was the fall of it. It was an entire
wreck. The result of professing to keep the law of God, yet walking contrary to the
principles of that law, is seen in the wrecked house. Those who make a profession while
failing to obey cannot stand the storm of temptation. One act of disobedience weakens the
power to see the sinfulness of the second act. One little disregard of a "Thus saith
the Lord" is sufficient to stop the promised blessing of the Holy Spirit. By
disobedience the light once so precious becomes obscure. Satan takes charge of the mind
and soul, and God is greatly dishonoured. RH FEB.07,1857
The days of purification of the church are hastening on space. God will have a people
pure and true. In the mighty sifting soon to take place, we shall be better able to
measure the strength of Israel. The signs reveal that the time is near when the Lord will
manifest that his fan is in his hand, and that he soon will thoroughly purge his floor. RH
JAN.11,1887
I saw that we are now in the shaking time. Satan is working with all his power to wrest
souls from the hand of Christ, and cause them to trample under foot the Son of God. An
angel repeated slowly and emphatically these words: `Of how much sorer punishment, suppose
ye, shall he be thought worthy who has trodden under foot the Son of God, and hath counted
the blood of the covenant wherewith he was sanctified an unholy thing, and hath done
despite unto the spirit of grace?' Character is being developed. Angels of God are
weighing moral worth. God is testing and proving his people. These words were presented to
me by the angel: `Take heed, brethren, lest there be in any of you an evil heart of
unbelief in departing from the living God; but exhort one another daily while it is called
to-day, lest any of you be hardened through the deceitfulness of sin. For we are made
partakers of Christ, if we hold the beginning of our confidence steadfast unto the end.'
God is displeased that any of his people who have known the power of his grace, should
talk their doubts, and by thus doing make themselves a channel for Satan to transmit his
suggestions to other minds. A seed of unbelief and evil sown, is not readily rooted up.
Satan nourishes it every hour, and it grows strong and flourishes. A good seed sown, needs
to be nourished, watered, and tenderly cared for; because every poisonous influence is
thrown about it to hinder its growth, and cause it to die. RH JAN.19,1864 (1T 429)
If we only knew what is before us we would not be so dilatory in the work of the Lord.
We are in the shaking time, the time when everything that can be shaken will be shaken.
The Lord will not excuse those who know the truth if they do not in word and deed obey His
commands. If we make no effort to win souls to Christ we shall be held responsible for the
work we might have done, but did not do because of our spiritual indolence. Those who
belong to the Lord's kingdom must work earnestly for the saving of souls. They must do
their part to bind up the law and seal it among the disciples. RH JAN.22,1901 (6T 331)
The time has come when everything that can be shaken will be shaken. We are in the
shaking time. Be assured that only those who live the prayer of Christ for unity among His
disciples, working it out in practical life, will stand the test. RH JUN.18,1901
God's people will be tested and proved. The plain and pointed testimony must act a
prominent part in this work. In these days of darkness and peril who is able to stand and
speak the whole truth? Multitudes of teachers prophesy smooth things. They see no special
cause of alarm in the present condition of the professed people of God. The people are
asleep, and the teachers are asleep. They cry, Peace, peace, and the multitude that hear
believe their report and are at ease. This makes the necessity greater for faithful
teachers to bear the pointed, faithful testimony. The present is a time of scouring and
purifying, a time of warfare and trial. The house of Israel is being sifted, even as corn
is sifted in a sieve. The chaff must be removed, and it will require close work to
separate the chaff from the kernels of grain. God's discerning eye will detect the
smallest particle of chaff, and yet he will not cause to fall upon the ground the least
kernel of grain. RH NOV.26,1861
God's Spirit has illuminated every page of Holy Writ, but there are those upon whom it
makes little impression, because it is imperfectly understood. When the shaking comes, by
the introduction of false theories, these surface readers, anchored nowhere, are like
shifting sand. They slide into any position to suit the tenor of their feelings of
bitterness.... Daniel and Revelation must be studied, as well as the other prophecies of
the Old and New Testaments. Let there be light, yes, light, in your dwellings. For this we
need to pray. The Holy Spirit, shining upon the sacred page, will open our understanding,
that we may know what is truth... TM 112
Satan will not sift the chaff, because he gains nothing in this. He sifts the wheat.
The devil will not try and tempt and persecute those whom he is sure of, because [they
are] living in known transgression of the law of God. Those who have enlisted in the army
of the Lord standing under the bloodstained banner of Prince Emmanuel, Satan will seek to
harass and destroy. Christians will meet and have many and severe conflicts with the wily
foe, who is merciless. He will bring them into the most difficult places and then exult in
their distress. But, thank God, Jesus lives to make intercession for every one of us. Our
safety is in committing ourselves to God and resting by faith in His merits who has said,
"I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee" (Heb. 13:5). UL 222
They that will be doers of the word are building securely, and the tempest and storm of
persecution will not shake their foundation, because their souls are rooted to the eternal
Rock.--Letter 108, Oct. 28, 1886. UL 315
The Bible is what we all need; for it is the science of salvation. Turn not away from
the holy word of God; for it will make you wise unto salvation. The psalmist says,
"The entrance of thy words giveth light; it giveth understanding unto the
simple." The apostle says, "For whatsoever things were written aforetime were
written for our learning, that we through patience and comfort of the Scriptures might
have hope." David declares, "Thy word have I hid in my heart, that I might not
sin against thee." How many are betrayed into sin, because they have not, through
prayerful study of the word of God, realised the sinfulness of sin, and found out how they
may steadfastly resist it. When temptation comes upon them, they seem to be off guard, and
ignorant of the devices of the enemy. We are living in perilous times, and as we draw near
the close of earth's history, there will be no safety for those who do not become familiar
with the word of God. I would warn the disciples of Christ of the impending days of peril,
and beseech you to prepare for the time of test and trial; for everything that can be
shaken, will be shaken. Do we now obey the word of God, and live by every word that
proceedeth out of the mouth of God? Are we established and settled in the present truth?
There is need of closely examining yourselves whether you are in the love of God; for
except Christ be in you, you are reprobates. Self-deception is dangerous, and no one of us
can afford to go on in delusion. YI MAY 18,1893
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