Participants:
Series Code: MAT
Program Code: MAT000017S
|
00:01 Music...
00:20 "Father in heaven, 00:21 it's with reverence that we come into Your presence 00:24 to study Your holy Book the Bible. 00:28 We ask for the guidance of Your Holy Spirit 00:31 as we work through its pages. 00:34 I ask, Lord, that You would give us clear minds... 00:37 open hearts... 00:39 remove any obstacle 00:42 that would keep us from hearing Your voice. 00:45 We thank You for the promise of Your presence 00:49 and we claim that promise. 00:51 In the powerful name of Jesus, amen. " 00:54 In a previous lecture we studied how the Romans 01:00 came with their legions to the city of Jerusalem... 01:04 put their standards in the ground... 01:07 and worshipped the standards as a sign 01:10 that the city was soon to fall. 01:11 We noticed that the standard contained an eagle 01:14 with outstretched wings and a golden wreath around it 01:19 representing the sun god Mithra. 01:21 So, the Roman legions were actually worshipping 01:24 the sun god, Mithra, as they kneeled before their standards. 01:29 Then, we also studied in another lesson 01:32 on how the United States of America... 01:34 the nation represented by an eagle... in the end time 01:38 is going to enact a National Sunday Law. 01:41 You see, the great seal of the United States 01:44 not only contains an eagle with outstretched wings 01:47 but it also contains two sun bursts 01:51 on either side of the seal. 01:54 So, the United States will enact a National Sunday Law 01:58 commanding everyone to worship on the day of the sun. 02:02 Though the prospect of a national Sunday Law 02:06 appears impossible today, 02:08 we already noticed that events at the end of the 19th century 02:13 show that it is very possible for this to happen 02:17 in these United States of America 02:18 in spite of the fact 02:20 that the first amendment to the Constitution tells us 02:22 that Congress can make no law respecting 02:25 an establishment of religion 02:27 or prohibiting the free exercise thereof. 02:30 Now, in this Study, we're going to look at a blueprint 02:35 of end-time events from the perspective 02:39 of someone who wrote over 130 years ago. 02:43 Ellen White... 02:45 whom the Seventh-day Adventist Church considers 02:48 a prophet for these times, 02:50 wrote the book: The Great Controversy. 02:53 This is the illustrated edition, 02:55 you can get it from Secrets Unsealed. 02:57 It's beautiful... it has color pictures... 03:00 it has large print... 03:01 we also have a simpler copy 03:04 but I would recommend that you get a copy of this book 03:07 from Secrets Unsealed 03:08 because it is the best commentary 03:11 that we can find on Matthew chapter 24 03:14 and end-time events from a prophetic perspective. 03:19 So, I would encourage you to get a copy 03:22 of this very important book. 03:25 In the future we're going to notice 03:28 that during the decades of the 80s and 90s, 03:32 a movement or several movements arose in the United States 03:36 using the same basic arguments that were used 03:40 at the end of the 19th century 03:42 which shows that in more contemporary times, 03:45 you could have a religious movement 03:48 wanting what was wanted by the religious leaders 03:53 back in the 1860s and 1870s and 1880s 03:58 and then, we're also going to have two Presentations 04:03 on what is happening now in our time... in the year 2020. 04:10 So, we still have a lot of material to study 04:13 in this Series. 04:15 So, now we're going to take a look at 04:17 Ellen White's perspective of end-time events... 04:20 her blueprint of end-time events. 04:22 And the first thing that we're going to do 04:26 is provide an outline of the main points 04:29 that Ellen White brings to view 04:31 when she speaks about end-time prophecy. 04:34 What is going to happen with the Papacy and the United States 04:37 in the end time. 04:39 So, I'm going to give an outline and then I'm going to read 04:42 many statements from Ellen White 04:44 where she speaks about what is going to take place... 04:48 we're going to amplify the main points 04:51 that we're going to just look at in outline form. 04:54 The first point that Ellen White brings to view 04:57 in her blueprint of end-time events 04:59 is that the United States of America 05:02 will embrace Roman Catholic principles 05:05 by uniting Church and State. 05:08 You see the word Papacy 05:10 does not referred to the Roman Catholic Church... 05:12 the Papacy means the union of Church and State... 05:17 a System that unites Church and State. 05:19 The deadly wound does not mean 05:22 that the Catholic Church disappeared. 05:23 What it means is that the Papacy lost its ability 05:27 to use the Civil Powers of the world 05:29 to accomplish its purpose. 05:31 So, now we're living in the "pause" 05:34 between what the Papacy did in the past 05:37 and what the Papacy will do in the future 05:40 and Ellen White underlines that the United States... 05:43 according to the prophecy of Revelation 13:11 to 18... 05:46 is going to provide an image of the Papacy 05:50 by uniting Church and State... 05:53 the principles upon which the Papacy is built. 05:56 The next point is that the Protestant churches 05:59 in the United States 06:00 will unite on common points of doctrine. 06:03 They will set aside their doctrinal differences 06:07 where they have discrepancies 06:09 and they will unite on what they have in common. 06:14 Next, the populace instigated by their ministers... 06:19 in other words, the church members 06:20 instigated by their ministers 06:22 will blame the social and natural upheavals 06:26 to those who are keeping 06:30 God's holy seventh-day Sabbath day of rest. 06:33 In other words, the wars and rumors of wars... 06:36 the pestilence... the famine... 06:38 the earthquakes are all going to be blamed on God's people 06:41 just as in the days of Elijah... 06:43 Elijah was blamed by Ahab... 06:46 just like Nero blamed the Christians 06:49 for the burning of Rome. 06:51 Ellen White also mentions that the legislators of this country, 06:56 in order to gain the favor of the people... 06:59 will support the Sunday Law 07:02 because of the pressure that is put upon them. 07:04 Revelation chapter 13 describes this 07:08 as the beast from the earth speaking... 07:11 the beast from the earth will speak like a dragon 07:15 and a nation speaks through its laws... 07:18 through its legislative powers. 07:21 Politicians will fear losing the support of their constituents 07:26 and therefore, they will go along 07:29 with a National Sunday Law. 07:32 Now, the political leaders of the Sunday movement in 1888 07:39 did not have any idea where this was really leading. 07:42 Likewise, at the end of time, 07:46 we find that the political leaders 07:48 are not going to be aware 07:50 of the motivations of the religious leaders 07:53 that are attempting to use them to accomplish their purposes. 07:56 I'm reminded of the story of King Ahasuerus 08:00 in the days of Queen Esther. 08:03 You know, he had a religious advisor, Haman 08:06 who said, "You need to destroy all the Jews 08:09 because their laws are different 08:11 than any other people's laws 08:12 and it's risky to keep anybody around 08:15 who has different laws. " 08:16 And so, he suggested to the king 08:19 to give a law to exterminate all of the Jews... 08:23 to commit genocide 08:25 and the king went along. 08:27 He didn't realize what the agenda was. 08:30 The same is going to happen 08:31 with the political leaders at the end. 08:33 They are not going to realize what the agenda 08:35 of the religious leaders is. 08:37 And, of course, when the king... 08:42 when King Ahasuerus realized the real motivations of Haman, 08:47 the Bible tells us that the king arose against Haman 08:53 and he hung on the gallows 08:55 that were supposed to be for Mordecai. 08:57 At the end of time, 08:59 prophecy tells us in Revelation chapter 17, 09:02 that the kings... when they wake up to the true agenda 09:06 of the religious leaders, 09:08 they will turn on the religious leaders of the nation 09:14 because they have been deceived 09:17 into enacting a National Sunday Law 09:19 and they didn't realize what the motivations 09:22 of the religious leaders were. 09:24 The next point is that the religious leaders 09:28 will press for an amendment 09:30 to the Constitution of the United States. 09:33 What is clearly unconstitutional 09:36 will be declared by the Supreme Court 09:39 as constitutional. 09:41 "Protestants... " she continues 09:44 "will unite with Roman Catholics 09:47 to lobby for the National Sunday Law. 09:51 In fact, Catholics will not only lobby 09:55 for a National Sunday Law, 09:58 Protestants will encourage Catholics 10:02 to help them enact a National Sunday Law. 10:06 The beast from the earth will make an image of the first beast 10:10 in honor of the first beast which represents the Papacy. " 10:15 The next point is that Sunday Laws 10:19 will eventually become anti-Sabbath laws. 10:23 In other words, not only will Sunday be imposed by law 10:28 as the day of worship, 10:30 but people will be forbidden from keeping the Sabbath. 10:34 Now, obviously, both of those will be unconstitutional 10:40 and they would be an infringement 10:43 of the first two clauses of the first amendment 10:46 to the Constitution of the United States. 10:48 The first clause of the first amendment tells us 10:52 that Congress can make no law 10:53 for the establishment of religion. 10:56 And the second phrase tells us 11:00 that it cannot also curtail the freedom to worship 11:05 according to the dictates of conscience. 11:07 It cannot establish religion 11:09 nor forbid the free exercise of religion. 11:12 So, a National Sunday Law and an anti-Sabbath Law 11:17 would clearly be unconstitutional 11:18 because establishing a National Sunday Law 11:21 is establishing religion 11:23 and forbidding Sabbath observance 11:25 would be forbidding the free exercise thereof. 11:27 Whenever these two clauses are violated, 11:32 the automatic result is persecution 11:34 as you can see from Daniel 3 and Daniel 6. 11:37 In Daniel chapter 3, 11:39 you find King Nebuchadnezzar the Civil Ruler 11:42 building a gigantic image 11:44 and commanding everyone to worship. 11:46 The king is establishing religion. 11:49 What was the result? 11:50 The three young men ended up in the fiery furnace 11:54 and if God had not come to deliver them, 11:56 they would have burnt up. 11:59 But in Daniel chapter 6, you have another story 12:02 that illustrates the second phrase 12:04 of the First Amendment to the Constitution 12:06 and that is that in Daniel chapter 6, 12:10 Daniel is forbidden from praying to his God. 12:13 See, that's not an establishment of religion... 12:15 that's a prohibition against him practicing his religion. 12:19 And what was the result? 12:20 The result is that Daniel ended up in the Lions' Den 12:23 but God once again came and protected Daniel. 12:26 Ellen White continues her blueprint of end-time events. 12:31 She stated that the clergy 12:33 will use underhanded and devious methods 12:36 to secure Sunday Law legislation. 12:39 They will not overtly show 12:41 what the true agenda behind it is. 12:44 Ellen White also mentions that the advocates of Sunday Laws 12:49 will link it with many good causes. 12:53 You know, back in 1888, 12:57 it was Prohibition that was linked with the Sunday Law. 13:02 The WCTU... the Women's Christian Temperance Union 13:05 and the third party prohibitionists 13:08 fought for a Sunday Law tooth and nail 13:10 but they also fought for temperance. 13:13 Now, perhaps the issues will be Family... Climate Change... 13:18 Gender Issues... 13:20 Marriage between a Man and a Woman 13:22 and the Sanctity of Life. 13:24 In other words, there might be different issues 13:27 but still the point is that Sunday Legislation 13:29 will be linked with other causes 13:32 that are not necessarily bad. 13:35 Ellen White continues saying that eventually the entire world 13:40 will follow in the footsteps of the United States 13:44 and eventually enforce a universal Sunday Law. 13:49 Revelation chapter 13 verse 3 tells us 13:51 that when the deadly wound is healed, 13:54 the entire world wondered after the beast. 13:58 Some people say, "Pastor Bohr, you're crazy... 14:03 how are the Muslims going to keep Sunday? 14:08 How are the Hindus and the Buddhists 14:10 going to keep Sunday as the day of rest?" 14:13 Listen Folks, when things get really bad... 14:17 when there's terrible riots and turmoil in society, 14:22 when there are many natural disasters 14:24 one right after another of different types 14:27 and when there are miraculous things that are happening 14:33 in the world, 14:34 strange things can happen. 14:38 In other words, this will be for global survival 14:43 and the Bible tells us that the Beast and the False Prophet 14:47 are going to perform signs and wonders. 14:49 So, people are going to say, "These signs and wonders 14:52 are evidence that God is with this Movement. 14:55 So, the natural disasters and social disasters 14:58 and the miracles that are taking place 15:00 will lead people to believe 15:02 that God is on the side of the entire world 15:07 in enacting a Sunday Law. 15:09 Ellen White further states that God's people 15:13 who refuse to keep the Sunday Law 15:15 and insist on keeping the Sabbath, 15:18 will lose their Civil Rights and suffer persecution. 15:22 Eventually, they will not be able to buy or sell 15:26 and finally, they will be sentenced to death. 15:31 You say, "Pastor Bohr, that is impossible 15:35 in the Land of the Free and the Home of the Brave. " 15:38 Well Folks, prophecy tells us that this is going to happen 15:43 and we can know that prophecy is going to be fulfilled. 15:47 Jesus says, "I have told you these things beforehand 15:51 so that when they occur, you might believe. " 15:55 So, those of you who are thinking 15:58 that this is preposterous... 15:59 that this could never happen, 16:00 I want you to remember what we're studying today 16:04 and when you see it happening, 16:06 remember, "Oh! I heard this 16:09 in the Series on Matthew chapter 24, 16:12 and it's happening right before my eyes. 16:14 I'd better make sure 16:16 I'm on the right side of this issue. 16:18 So, now let's unpack what Ellen White had to say 16:22 by reading several statements from her writings. 16:26 You know, it's... it's not a lot of fun 16:30 to simply read statements 16:31 but I could explain it 16:33 but she wrote in a way in which she can explain it much better 16:37 than I can... so, I'm going to take the time 16:40 to read several statements from Ellen White 16:42 sustaining the bullet points that we've discussed so far 16:47 in our study. 16:48 First of all, what Ellen White speaks about 16:52 regarding the union of church and state 16:56 in the United States of America. 16:59 In Great Controversy page 442, 17:02 Ellen White wrote regarding a National Sunday Law, 17:06 "Such an action would be directly contrary 17:10 to the principles of this government, 17:13 to the genius of its free institutions, 17:16 to the direct and solemn avowals 17:19 of the Declaration of Independence, 17:21 and to the Constitution. 17:23 The founders of the nation 17:25 wisely sought to guard against the employment 17:28 of secular power on the part of the church, 17:31 with its inevitable result... 17:34 intolerance and persecution. 17:38 The Constitution provides that Congress shall make no law 17:43 respecting an establishment of religion, 17:45 or prohibiting the free exercise thereof, 17:48 and that no religious test shall ever be required 17:53 as a qualification to any office of public trust 17:57 under the United States. " 17:58 And then she comments this, 18:02 "Only in flagrant violation of these safeguards 18:07 to the nation's liberty, 18:09 can any religious observance be enforced by civil authority. 18:14 But the inconsistency of such action 18:17 is no greater than is represented in the symbol. 18:21 It is the beast with lamblike horns... 18:24 in profession pure, gentle, and harmless... 18:27 that speaks as a dragon. " 18:31 A few years ago, I wrote a book called: 18:34 Prophecy's Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde 18:36 where I unpacked this prophecy... 18:40 of Revelation 13 verses 11 to 18 18:42 where you have this beast that has two horns like a lamb 18:45 represented the United States. 18:47 You know, what is more inoffensive 18:49 and peaceful as a lamb 18:51 and yet it speaks like a dragon. 18:54 This shows what's going to happen in the United States. 18:57 It's going to profess to be in harmony with its Constitution, 19:02 it's not going to get rid of the First Amendment 19:05 to the Constitution, 19:06 but by making Sunday Laws and enforcing Sunday Laws, 19:10 it is going to contradict the First Amendment 19:12 to the Constitution of the United States. 19:15 It will profess one thing but in its actions 19:18 it will do something different. 19:20 In Great Controversy page 581, Ellen White wrote, 19:24 "Let the principle once be established in the United States 19:28 that the church may employ 19:31 or control the power of the state; 19:33 that religious observances may be enforced by secular laws; 19:38 in short, that the authority of church and state 19:42 is to dominate the conscience, 19:43 and the triumph of Rome in this country is assured. " 19:48 And when she speaks of Rome here, 19:50 she's speaking about Papal Rome. 19:53 So, she says: Join Church and State in the United States, 19:56 and the victory of Rome is absolutely assured 20:00 in these United States of America 20:03 because the main characteristic of the Papacy... 20:05 the meaning of the word Papacy is the union of Church and State 20:08 using the Church to influence the State 20:11 to implement the Church's agenda. 20:15 Notice Great Controversy page 615, 20:17 "As the Sabbath has become the special point of controversy 20:21 throughout Christendom, 20:23 and religious and secular authorities... " 20:25 listen carefully... 20:26 "have combined to enforce the observance of Sunday, 20:30 the persistent refusal of a small minority 20:34 to yield to the popular demand 20:38 will make them objects of universal execration. " 20:42 And I know you're thinking, "Pastor Bohr, 20:44 this is the United States... 20:46 this can never happen in the United States. " 20:48 Never say never... 20:50 In another statement in the book Evangelism page 235... 20:55 another book written by Ellen White, 20:56 we find these words, 20:58 "When Protestant churches 21:01 shall unite with the secular power 21:03 to sustain a false religion, 21:06 for opposing which their ancestors endured 21:10 the fiercest persecution, 21:12 then will the papal sabbath be enforced 21:15 by the combined authority of church and state. 21:20 There will be a national apostasy... " 21:23 that's what we might call, "the abomination" 21:27 "which will end only in national ruin. " 21:30 That is... desolation. 21:33 Once again, in volume 5 of the Testimonies, page 712, 21:38 Ellen White wrote concerning the National Reform Movement, 21:43 which was the Movement in the latter half of the 19th century 21:46 the following, 21:48 "The National Reform movement, 21:50 exercising the power of religious legislation, 21:54 will, when fully developed, manifest the same intolerance 22:00 and oppression that have prevailed in past ages. 22:03 Human councils then assumed the prerogatives of Deity, 22:09 crushing under their despotic power 22:13 liberty of conscience, 22:14 and imprisonment, exile, and death 22:18 followed for those who opposed their dictates. 22:20 If popery... " popery means the Papacy... 22:24 it's a word that was used back in the 19th century. 22:28 "If popery or its principles 22:31 shall again be legislated into power, 22:35 the fires of persecution will be rekindled 22:39 against those who will not sacrifice conscience 22:43 and the truth in deference to popular errors. 22:47 This evil is on the point of realization. " 22:52 Ellen White also wrote that the political leaders 22:57 will be oblivious to the real agenda 23:02 and the results of Sunday Legislation. 23:05 They will think that Sunday legislation is a great idea 23:08 because we will return to God. 23:11 People will go back to church 23:13 and in this way, the calamities in nature 23:16 and the calamities in society will be turned aside 23:19 and God will bless His people again. 23:22 But the opposite is going to happen 23:24 because this is a return to church by obligation 23:29 and it is contrary to what God teaches in His holy Word. 23:33 If they said: everybody should observe the Sabbath, 23:37 not by law but voluntarily, 23:40 that would be fine 23:42 but telling people that they have to violate God's holy law 23:46 and keep a day 23:48 that the fourth commandment does not tell us to keep 23:50 is apostasy and they don't see the results. 23:54 In 5 Testimonies page 711, Ellen White wrote, 23:58 "There are many, 23:59 even those engaged in this movement for Sunday enforcement 24:04 who are blinded to the results which will follow this action. 24:09 They do not see 24:11 that they are striking directly against religious liberty. " 24:16 In the Review and Herald, January 1, 1889, 24:20 Ellen White spoke about what was behind these laws. 24:24 She wrote, "There is a satanic force 24:28 propelling the Sunday movement, 24:30 but it is concealed. " 24:33 In other words... that looks good, but it's not. 24:36 She continues, 24:38 "Even the men who are engaged in this work... " 24:40 see... even those who are pressuring for a Sunday Law, 24:44 "Even the men who are engaged in the work, 24:47 are themselves blinded to the results 24:49 which will follow their movement. " 24:52 In other words, it will lead to national ruin 24:55 because that's an abomination in the sight of God. 24:59 Ezekiel chapter 8 tells us... 25:01 the greatest abomination that was being committed 25:04 among those who profess to serve God 25:05 was that their leaders had their backs to the temple of God 25:09 and they were worshipping the sun toward the east. 25:11 That was the greatest abomination 25:12 and it will be the greatest abomination at the end of time. 25:15 Changing God's holy law by human legislation. 25:20 In volume 4 of the Testimonies page 452, 25:24 Ellen White wrote, 25:26 "The Sunday movement is now making its way in darkness. 25:29 The leaders are concealing the true issue, 25:32 and many who unite in the movement 25:36 do not themselves see 25:38 whither the undercurrent is tending. 25:42 Its professions are mild and apparently Christian, 25:47 but when it shall speak 25:49 it will reveal the spirit of the dragon. " 25:53 Ellen White also... as we noticed 25:56 when we studied the bullet points, 25:59 told us that Protestants will stretch their hand 26:02 to grasp the hand of the Roman Catholic Papacy. 26:06 In the book Maranatha, page 179, 26:10 Ellen White wrote, 26:11 "Protestants will throw their whole influence and strength 26:16 on the side of the Papacy. 26:18 By a national act... " 26:20 what is a national act? 26:22 It's an act of Congress, Folks, 26:24 "By a national act... " she says, 26:27 "enforcing the false sabbath 26:31 they will give life and vigor to the corrupt faith of Rome, 26:36 reviving her tyranny and oppression of conscience. " 26:39 You know... notice the words, "give life... 26:42 give vigor... 26:43 revive again... " 26:44 you can't revive something that hasn't died. 26:47 The Papacy received the deadly wound 26:48 but we're told here that Protestants will help the Papacy 26:53 revive... they will help the wound resurrect... 26:56 the Papacy resurrect from the wound. 26:59 Great Controversy page 566, 27:02 "Protestants have tampered with and patronized popery; 27:08 they have made compromises and concessions 27:11 which papists themselves are surprised to see 27:15 and fail to understand. " 27:17 We're going to have a couple of lectures 27:19 where we're going to talk about what's happening 27:20 with Protestantism and Catholicism today. 27:23 She continues, "Men are closing their eyes 27:26 to the real character of Romanism 27:28 and the dangers to be apprehended from her supremacy. 27:33 The people need to be aroused to resist the advances 27:37 of this most dangerous foe to civil and religious liberty. " 27:43 Ellen White states that the Papacy 27:47 will not take the initiative in the Sunday Law... 27:51 Protestants will 27:52 and then they will request the aid of the Papacy. 27:56 In this rather long statement from a collection 27:59 of Ellen White's writings called "Spaulding/Magan, pages 1 and 2, 28:04 Ellen White wrote the following, 28:07 "I saw that the two-horned beast... " 28:09 that is the beast that rises from the earth, 28:11 "had a dragon's mouth, 28:12 and that his power was in his head, 28:15 and that the decree would go out of his mouth... " 28:18 remember, a nation speaks through its legislative power 28:22 so, the mouth of this beast 28:23 is the legislature of the nation represented. 28:26 She continues, 28:27 "Then I saw the mother of Harlots... " 28:29 that's the Papacy... 28:31 "that the mother was not the daughters... " 28:32 see, the mother is the Papacy... 28:34 the daughters are the Protestant denominations. 28:36 So... "Then I saw the mother of Harlots; 28:39 that the mother was not the daughters, 28:41 but separate and distinct from her. 28:43 She has had her day, 28:45 and it is past... " 28:48 this is the 1260 years that she's talking about. 28:51 "And her daughters... " this is Protestantism... 28:54 "and her daughters, the Protestant sects, 28:57 were the next to come on the stage... " 29:00 that's Revelation 13:11-18, 29:03 Revelation 13... the first half of the chapter deals 29:06 with the Papacy during the 1260 years. 29:09 The second half of the chapter 29:10 deals with what Protestants will do 29:12 to restore power to the Papacy again. 29:15 So, once again, she has had her day 29:17 and it is past. 29:19 And her daughters... the Protestant sects... 29:21 were the next to come on the stage 29:23 and act out... listen carefully... 29:25 "act out the same mind that the mother had 29:28 when she persecuted the saints. " 29:30 In other words, she'll make an image 29:32 of the first beast. 29:34 "I saw that as the mother has been declining in power, 29:37 the daughters had been growing, 29:40 and soon they will exercise the power 29:43 once exercised by the mother. " 29:45 In other words, they will do it to support the mother. 29:47 She continues, "I saw the nominal church 29:51 and nominal Adventists, like Judas, 29:53 would betray us... " Seventh-day Adventists... 29:56 "to the Catholics to obtain their influence... " 29:59 that is... the influence of the Catholics 30:01 to come against the truth. 30:02 "The saints will then be an obscure people, 30:05 little known to the Catholics; 30:07 but the churches and nominal Adventists 30:11 who know of our faith and customs... 30:13 will betray the saints 30:15 and report them to the Catholics 30:17 as those who disregard the institutions of the people; 30:20 that is, that they keep Sabbath and disregard Sunday. 30:25 Then... " she states... 30:28 "the Catholics bid the Protestants to go forward... " 30:31 so, the Protestants first ask the Papacy for help... 30:34 then the Papacy says, "Go for it... " 30:36 "Then the Catholics bid the Protestants to go forward 30:39 and issue a decree 30:41 that all who will not observe the first day of the week, 30:44 instead of the seventh day, 30:45 shall be slain. 30:47 And the Catholics whose numbers are large, 30:50 will stand by the Protestants. 30:52 The Catholics will give their power to the image of the beast 30:56 and the Protestants will work as their mother worked before them 31:00 to destroy the saints. 31:02 But before their decree bring or bear fruit, 31:08 the saints will be delivered by the Voice of God. " 31:13 You say, "Pastor, that is an amazing statement, 31:17 that's never going to happen. " 31:18 Never say never, Folks. 31:20 In volume 5 of Testimonies page 711 and 712, 31:25 Ellen White wrote, 31:26 "Any movement in favor of religious legislation 31:29 is really an act of concession to the papacy, 31:32 which for so many ages has steadily warred 31:36 against the liberty of conscience. 31:38 Sunday observance owes its existence 31:41 as a so-called Christian institution 31:44 to 'the mystery of iniquity;' 31:45 and its enforcement will be a virtual recognition 31:49 of the principles 31:50 which are the very cornerstone of Romanism. " 31:53 That is the union of Church and State. 31:55 Then she states, "When our nation shall so abjure 31:59 the principles of its government 32:01 as to enact a Sunday law, 32:02 Protestantism will in this act join hands with popery; 32:07 it will be nothing else than giving life to the tyranny 32:11 which has long been eagerly watching its opportunity 32:16 to spring again into active despotism. " 32:19 Did you notice the terminology she uses? 32:22 She says, "It will be nothing else than giving life... " 32:26 that's because the Papacy has a deadly wound... 32:29 "giving life to the tyranny 32:32 which has long been eagerly watching its opportunity 32:36 to spring again... " 32:38 because the Papacy ruled in the past 32:39 "to spring again into active despotism. " 32:43 So, the Papacy is inactive. 32:45 Now, we are in the "pause" period 32:48 between the two phases of the tribulation... 32:52 the past phase... 538 to 1798 32:55 and the future phase 32:57 which is right before the close of probation. 33:01 Ellen White also states 33:04 that there will be among Protestants 33:07 a desire to unite with Catholics 33:10 on the basis of doctrines that they hold in common 33:14 as well as uniting denominations 33:17 among the Protestants... 33:19 uniting on common points of doctrine 33:21 and setting aside the issues on which they don't agree. 33:25 In the book Great Controversy page 445 Ellen White wrote, 33:29 "When the leading churches of the United States, 33:32 uniting upon such points of doctrines 33:35 as are held by them in common, 33:38 shall influence the state 33:41 to enforce their decrees 33:43 and to sustain their institutions, 33:45 then Protestant America 33:48 will have formed an image of the Roman hierarchy, 33:52 and the infliction of civil penalties upon dissenters 33:57 will inevitably result. " 34:00 So, they're going to unite on common points of doctrine 34:03 and then they're going to influence the State 34:06 to do what the church wants 34:08 which is a National Sunday Law. 34:10 In Great Controversy page 444, Ellen White wrote, 34:14 "The wide diversity of belief in the Protestant churches 34:17 is regarded by many as decisive proof 34:20 that no effort to secure a forced uniformity 34:24 can ever be made. 34:25 But there has been for years, 34:27 in churches of the Protestant faith, 34:30 a strong and growing sentiment 34:33 in favor of a union 34:35 based upon common points of doctrine. 34:38 To secure such a union, 34:41 the discussion of subjects upon which all were not agreed... 34:46 however important they might be 34:48 from a Bible standpoint... 34:49 must necessarily be waived. " 34:53 So, they're going to waive the issues that divide Protestants 34:57 and they're going to unite on common doctrines 34:59 and two of those doctrines will be 35:02 the sanctity of Sunday 35:03 and the immortality of the soul 35:06 which Catholics and Protestants... 35:08 virtually all Protestants share in common. 35:11 In another statement, Great Controversy, page 563, 35:15 we find these words, 35:17 "There is an increasing indifference 35:19 concerning the doctrines that separate the reformed churches 35:23 from the papal hierarchy; 35:25 the opinion is gaining ground that, 35:29 after all, we do not differ so widely upon vital points 35:33 as has been supposed, 35:36 and that a little concession on our part 35:38 will bring us into a better understanding with Rome. " 35:43 Ellen White also wrote about the role of the clergy 35:48 in securing a National Sunday Law. 35:51 In Review and Herald, December 24, 1889, 35:55 Ellen White wrote these powerful words, 35:58 "Plans of serious import to the people of God 36:02 are advancing in an underhand manner 36:06 among the clergymen of various denominations, 36:10 and the object of this secret maneuvering 36:13 is to win popular favor 36:17 for the enforcement of Sunday sacredness. " 36:19 So, notice, "Secret maneuvering 36:23 to win popular favor 36:25 for the enforcement of Sunday sacredness. " 36:27 Now, listen carefully, 36:29 "If the people can be led to favor a Sunday Law, 36:33 then the clergy intend to exert their united influence 36:37 to obtain a religious amendment to the Constitution, 36:41 and compel the nation to keep Sunday. " 36:43 This reminds us of the times of Christ. 36:45 You know, it was not the populous 36:48 that came up with the idea of crucifying Christ. 36:51 It was actually the religious leaders of that day and age 36:54 that instigated the people 36:57 to clamor for the death of Jesus. 36:59 People need to learn to think for themselves, Folks, 37:04 don't just believe everything that you hear. 37:06 Compare what you hear with what God says 37:09 in His holy Word. 37:11 Ellen White also states that politicians will accede 37:16 to the popular demand. 37:18 In other words, they'll give in to the popular demand. 37:20 Many of them might not believe that it's a good idea. 37:23 Many might believe that it's unconstitutional 37:25 and yet they will go along with the Sunday Law 37:28 that the religious leaders want. 37:30 In Great Controversy page 592, 37:33 Ellen White gave us the reason why. 37:35 "The dignitaries of church and State will unite to bribe, 37:40 persuade, or compel all classes to honor the Sunday. 37:45 The lack of divine authority 37:47 will be supplied by oppressive enactments. 37:51 Political corruption is destroying love of justice 37:55 and regard for truth; 37:56 and even in free America, rulers and legislators... " 38:01 listen carefully now, 38:02 "rulers and legislators, 38:04 in order to secure public favor... " 38:07 we call them "votes" Folks, 38:10 "In order to secure public favor, 38:14 will yield to the popular demand 38:17 for a law enforcing Sunday observance. 38:20 Liberty of conscience, 38:22 which has cost so great a sacrifice, 38:24 will no longer be respected. " 38:27 In another statement that we find in the book: 38:31 Fundamentals of Christian Education, page 475, 38:35 Ellen White wrote, "We cannot labor to please men 38:39 who will use their influence to repress religious liberty, 38:43 and to set in operation oppressive measures 38:46 to lead or compel their fellow men 38:49 to keep Sunday as the Sabbath. 38:51 The first day of the week is not a day to be reverenced. 38:55 It is a spurious sabbath, 38:57 and the members of the Lord's family 39:00 cannot participate with the men who exalt this day, 39:03 and violate the law of God by trampling upon His Sabbath. 39:07 The people of God are not to vote 39:10 to place such men in office; 39:12 for when they do this... " 39:14 that is... those who vote... 39:15 "they are partakers with them 39:17 of the sins which they commit while in office. " 39:21 You know, also Ellen White discussed the issue 39:26 of introducing religious curriculum into public schools. 39:32 Now, I want you to remember all these details 39:35 because when I present the lecture 39:37 on the events that took place in the 1980s... 1990s... 39:42 and in the early 2000s, 39:43 you're going to find a movement in relatively recent times 39:46 that were clamoring for the same 39:48 that we're talking about now. 39:49 So, you say, "This is pie in the sky... 39:51 this is not going to happen. " 39:53 It's not going to happen... 39:54 it happened in the 80s... 90s and the 2000s 39:57 and it is happening today as we'll see in a future lecture. 40:00 Ellen White wrote in the Watchman, May 1906, 40:04 "The present effort of the church 40:08 to get the state to introduce the teaching of Christianity 40:12 into state schools, 40:13 is but a revival of the doctrine of force in religious things, 40:18 and as such it is antichristian. " 40:21 Wow! Ellen White also wrote in Letter 44, 1893, 40:26 you see, people say, 40:27 "Well, you know God was kicked out of public school 40:30 when... when students were told 40:32 that they couldn't actually bring the Bible to school. " 40:36 That's not true. 40:38 The school cannot legislate the reading of the Bible 40:41 because that would be unconstitutional, 40:43 but students are free to come to school with their Bible... 40:47 they can even form voluntarily Study Groups to study the Bible, 40:51 they can get groups of students together to pray 40:54 as long as it's not mandated by the government. 40:57 Ellen White wrote about introducing the Bible 41:01 to be read in public schools... 41:03 this is by official decree of the government. 41:06 Letter 44, 1893, 41:09 "I do not see the justice nor right 41:12 in enforcing by law the bringing of the Bible 41:16 to be read in the public schools. " 41:18 And I bring this to view 41:20 because this is what was being pushed for 41:23 in the 1980s... 1990s and early 2000s. 41:27 Ellen White also mentioned that good causes will be linked 41:32 with the idea of a National Sunday Law. 41:35 In Great Controversy, 587 and 588, Ellen White wrote, 41:39 "Here the temperance work, 41:42 one of the most prominent and important of moral reforms, 41:46 is often combined with the Sunday movement... " 41:49 she's talking about what happened in 1888... 41:52 "and the advocates of the latter 41:54 represent themselves as laboring to promote 41:58 the highest interest of society; 42:00 and those who refuse to unite with them 42:03 are denounced as enemies of temperance and reform. " 42:05 In other words, if you don't join the Sunday Movement 42:09 they says, "Oh, then you're in favor of liquor... " 42:14 they were saying back then. 42:16 Now, in this time, you know, 42:19 if you don't keep Sunday as the day of rest... 42:22 if you're not in harmony with the Sunday legislation, 42:25 they'll say, "Oh, this person is against the family... 42:27 this person is against the idea of climate change... 42:30 this person is... is against this and against that. " 42:34 They're going to link good causes 42:36 with a bad cause which is a National Sunday Law. 42:39 She continues writing, 42:41 "However, the fact that a movement to establish error 42:45 is connected with a work which is in itself good, 42:50 is not an argument in favor of the error. 42:52 We may disguise poison... " now she uses an illustration, 42:56 "We may disguise poison 42:58 by mingling it with wholesome food, 43:00 but we do not change its nature. 43:03 On the contrary, it is rendered more dangerous, 43:06 as it is more likely to be taken unawares. 43:10 It is one of Satan's devices 43:13 to combine with falsehood just enough truth 43:16 to give it plausibility. 43:18 The leaders of the Sunday movement 43:20 may advocate reforms which the people need, 43:24 principles which are in harmony with the Bible; 43:27 yet while there is with these a requirement 43:31 which is contrary to God's law. 43:33 His servants cannot unite with them. 43:36 Nothing can justify them 43:39 in setting aside the commandments of God 43:41 for the precepts of men. " 43:43 Another point that Ellen White mentions 43:47 is that God's people will be blamed 43:50 for what's happening in the world 43:52 for the turmoil... the natural disasters... etc. 43:56 Great Controversy, page 592, 44:00 "Those who honor the Bible Sabbath 44:02 will be denounced as enemies of law and order, 44:06 as breaking down the moral restraints of society, 44:10 causing anarchy and corruption, 44:13 and calling down the judgments of God upon the earth. 44:16 Their conscientious scruples will be pronounced obstinacy, 44:20 stubbornness, and contempt of authority. 44:23 They will be accused of disaffection 44:26 toward the government. " Why? 44:28 Because they're not going along with the Sunday Law. 44:30 But you must obey God rather than man. 44:32 Even when it comes to civil legislation, 44:35 you must be in harmony with your own conscience. 44:39 She continues this statement in the following way, 44:42 "They will be accused 44:44 of disaffection toward the government. 44:45 Ministers who deny the obligation of the divine law 44:50 will present from the pulpit 44:52 the duty of yielding obedience to the civil authorities 44:56 as ordained of God. 44:57 In legislative halls and courts of justice, 45:01 commandment keepers will be misrepresented 45:04 and condemned. " 45:06 Ellen White also mentioned that the Constitution 45:09 will be amended. 45:11 Regarding the crisis as existed in her day 45:15 in the 1880s... 45:16 she wrote in 5 Testimonies, page 711, 45:19 "A great crisis awaits the people of God. 45:22 A crisis awaits the world. 45:25 The most momentous struggle of all the ages is just before us. 45:29 Events which for more than forty years 45:33 we have upon the authority of the prophetic word 45:36 declared to be impending 45:37 are now taking place before our eyes. " 45:40 She's talking about what's taking place in 1888. 45:42 She had been saying 45:44 that there was going to be a National Sunday Law. 45:45 Well, it didn't happen and she realized that it didn't 45:48 but that doesn't mean that the idea has died. 45:51 She continues, "Already the question... " 45:54 she's speaking about the 1880s, 45:56 "Already the question of an amendment to the Constitution 45:59 restricting liberty of conscience 46:02 has been urged upon the legislators of the nation. 46:06 The question of enforcing Sunday observance 46:09 has become one of national interest and importance. " 46:13 Which was true at that particular time. 46:17 In Review and Herald, December 11, 1888, 46:20 Ellen White wrote, 46:21 "They do not see that if a Protestant government 46:25 sacrifices the principles 46:27 that have made them a free, independent nation, 46:29 and through legislation 46:31 brings into the Constitution, 46:33 principles that will propagate 46:35 papal falsehood and papal delusion, 46:38 they are plunging into the Roman horrors 46:41 of the Dark Ages. " 46:43 You say, "Well, she's speaking hyperbolically... 46:46 in hyperbole... 46:48 bringing legislation into the Constitution 46:52 will take us to the Roman horrors of the Dark Ages. " 46:54 Yes, you just wait and see. 46:57 In 5 Testimonies page 713, Ellen White realized that 47:02 this movement at that particular moment 47:05 might not be the final one. 47:06 She wrote, "It may be that a respite may yet be granted 47:12 for God's people to awake and let their light shine. 47:15 If the presence of ten righteous persons 47:18 would have saved the wicked cities of the plain, 47:21 is it not possible that God will yet, 47:24 in answer to the prayers of His people, 47:26 hold in check 47:28 the workings of those who are making void His law? 47:31 Shall we not humble our hearts greatly before God, 47:34 flee to the mercy seat, 47:36 and plead with Him to reveal His almighty power?" 47:40 So, Ellen White realized that in the 1880s, 47:44 the National Sunday Law might not happen 47:46 but she said, "It will sooner or later. " 47:50 In Review and Herald, February 16, 1905, 47:54 Ellen White wrote, 47:55 "Sooner or later Sunday laws will be passed. " 48:00 So, sooner or later, there's going to be Sunday Laws. 48:04 "However, there is much for God's servants to do 48:08 to warn the people. 48:09 This work has been greatly retarded 48:11 by their having to wait and stand 48:14 against the devising's of Satan 48:15 which have been striving to find a place in our work. 48:18 We are years behind. " Ellen White wrote. 48:22 Ellen White also stated 48:25 that not only will pro-Sunday Laws be established 48:28 but also anti-Sabbath laws. 48:29 In the Little Work... the Southern Work, page 69, 48:34 Ellen White wrote, 48:36 "The time will come 48:37 when men will not only forbid Sunday work, 48:40 but they will try to force men to labor on Sabbath 48:45 and men will be asked to renounce the Sabbath 48:48 and to subscribe to Sunday observance 48:51 or forfeit their freedom and their lives. 48:54 But the time for this has not yet come, 48:58 for the truth must be presented more fully before the people 49:03 as a witness. " 49:04 And then she states that the whole world 49:07 will join the United States 49:09 in the idea of a universal Sunday Law. 49:12 I'm going to read several statements now quickly, 49:14 Maranatha, page 217, 49:16 "The whole world is to be stirred 49:19 with enmity against Seventh-day Adventists 49:21 because they will not yield homage to the papacy, 49:24 by honoring Sunday, 49:26 the institution of this antichristian power. 49:29 It is the purpose of Satan to cause them... " 49:31 that is... the remnant... 49:33 "to be blotted from the earth, 49:34 in order that his supremacy of the world 49:37 may not be disputed. " 49:39 Volume 6 of the Testimonies, page 18, 49:42 "As America, the land of religious liberty 49:45 shall unite with the papacy in forcing the conscience 49:49 and compelling men to honor the false sabbath... " 49:52 that is Sunday... 49:53 "the people of every country on the globe 49:57 will be led to follow her example. " 49:59 Folks, every country on the globe will follow the example 50:04 of the United States. 50:06 Volume 3 of Selected Messages, page 392, 50:10 Ellen White wrote, 50:11 "The so-called Christian world 50:13 is to be the theater of great and decisive actions. 50:17 Men in authority will enact laws controlling the conscience, 50:22 after the example of the papacy. 50:25 Babylon will make all nations 50:27 drink of the wine of the wrath of her fornication. 50:30 Every nation will be involved. " 50:34 Because there will be a global emergency 50:37 not a national emergency really but a global emergency 50:40 because of all of the things that are taking place. 50:43 Volume 6 of the Testimonies page 394, Ellen White wrote, 50:47 "Foreign nations will follow the example of the United States. 50:50 Though she leads out... " 50:51 see... the United States is going to lead out. 50:54 "Yet the same crisis will come upon our people 50:57 in all parts of the world. " 51:01 One other statement... 51:03 this is found in the same 3 Selected Messages, 427 and 428, 51:07 "The wicked declared that they had the truth, 51:10 that miracles were among them, 51:13 that angels from heaven talked with them and walked with them, 51:16 that great power and signs and wonders 51:19 were performed among them... " 51:21 so, you're going to see a lot of signs and wonders 51:23 in the Christian world. 51:25 She says, "and that this was the temporal millennium 51:27 that they had been expecting so long. 51:29 The whole world was converted and in harmony 51:33 with the Sunday law. " 51:34 So, what is to be the Seventh-day Adventist response 51:39 to all of this? 51:41 Ellen White gave counsel to the ministers 51:44 of the Seventh-day Adventist Church 51:45 because I hear very little being said about this 51:48 in this time of crisis in the world. 51:51 This is present truth. 51:52 We're seeing events that could very well lead quickly 51:57 to what we're discussing here 51:58 from the writings of Ellen White. 52:00 Ellen White wrote in 5 Testimonies, page 715, 52:04 "Not all our ministers who are giving the third angel's message 52:08 really understand what constitutes that message. 52:10 The National Reform movement has been regarded by some 52:14 as of so little importance 52:16 that they have not thought it necessary 52:18 to give much attention to it 52:20 and have even felt that in so doing 52:23 they would be giving time to questions 52:25 distinct from the third angel's message. 52:28 May the Lord forgive our brethren 52:30 for thus interpreting the very message for this time. 52:34 The people need to be aroused 52:36 in regard to the dangers of the present time. 52:39 The watchman are asleep. 52:41 We are years behind. " 52:43 So, let me ask you... 52:45 What is it that could actually bring a change to society? 52:53 Is it more laws... 52:55 more police... 52:57 more surveillance... 52:58 that will lead to peace and harmony in society? 53:01 Why is it wrong for church and state to be joined together? 53:05 I want to end by reading a rather lengthy statement 53:09 from the book: Desire of Ages, 509 and 510. 53:12 Powerful statement. 53:13 Ellen White wrote, 53:15 "But today in the religious world 53:16 there are multitudes who as they believe, 53:20 are working for the establishment 53:22 of the kingdom of Christ 53:24 as an earthly and temporal dominion. 53:26 They desire to make our Lord 53:29 the ruler of the kingdoms of this world, 53:30 the ruler in its courts and camps, 53:33 its legislative halls, 53:35 its palaces and market places. 53:37 They expect Him to rule through... " 53:39 Jesus to rule "through legal enactments, 53:42 enforced by human authority. 53:44 Since Christ is not here in person, 53:47 they themselves will undertake to act in His stead, 53:52 to execute the laws of His kingdom. 53:54 The establishment of such a kingdom 53:57 is what the Jews desired in the days of Christ. 53:59 They would have received Jesus, 54:02 had He been willing to establish a temporal dominion, 54:05 to enforce what they regarded as the laws of God, 54:09 and to make them the expositors of His will 54:12 and the agents of His authority. 54:14 However He... Jesus said... 54:17 'My kingdom is not of this world. ' 54:20 He would not accept the earthly throne." 54:23 And then, comes this very important section 54:26 of this statement, 54:28 "The government under which Jesus lived 54:31 was corrupt and oppressive; 54:33 on every hand were crying abuses, 54:36 extortion, intolerance, and grinding cruelty. " 54:41 Did you ever see Jesus picketing 54:44 or demonstrating 54:46 or rioting to get society to change? 54:48 No... so what was the solution? 54:51 Ellen White continues, 54:53 "Yet the Savior attempted no civil reforms. 54:56 He attacked no national abuses, 54:59 nor condemned the national enemies. 55:01 He did not interfere with the authority 55:05 or administration of those in power. 55:07 He who was our example 55:10 kept aloof from earthly governments. " 55:13 So, Jesus didn't care, right? 55:16 Of course He cared 55:17 but He knew the solution was not in legal enactments. 55:20 She continues, 55:22 "Not because He was indifferent to the woes of men, 55:24 but because the remedy did not lie 55:27 in merely human and external measures. 55:30 To be efficient, the cure must reach men individually, 55:34 and must regenerate the heart. " 55:35 You know, there's this big debate now 55:37 about race in the United States, racism... 55:40 you know, you can't... 55:42 cannot make someone who is a racist 55:44 not a racist by legislation. 55:47 Yeah, you can make laws 55:49 so that externally society can function better... 55:54 nothing wrong with that... 55:55 but really, you cannot change a person's heart 55:58 from being racist to not being racist by laws. 56:02 The heart has to be changed. 56:04 Ellen White continues, 56:06 "Not because He was indifferent to the woes of men, 56:10 but because the remedy did not lie 56:12 in merely human and external measures. 56:14 To be efficient, the cure must reach men individually, 56:17 and must regenerate the heart. " 56:19 And then comes this, 56:20 "Not by the decisions of courts 56:23 or councils or legislative assemblies, 56:26 not by the patronage of worldly great men, 56:30 is the kingdom of Christ established, 56:32 but by the implanting of Christ's nature in humanity 56:36 through the work of the Holy Spirit. 56:38 As many as received Him, 56:41 to them gave He power to become the sons of God, 56:44 even to them that believe on His name: 56:46 which were born, not of blood, 56:48 nor of the will of the flesh, 56:49 nor of the will of man, but of God. " 56:52 And then she states, 56:53 "Here is the only power 56:55 that can work the uplifting of mankind 56:58 and the human agency 57:00 for the accomplishment of this work 57:02 is the teaching and practicing of the word of God. " 57:06 People are not changed by what happens on Capitol Hill 57:10 but rather by what happens in the home... in the schools 57:14 and in the church. 57:16 Legislation does not change the heart. 57:19 It might improve society externally 57:22 so that there's more peace and tranquility 57:24 but legislation does not change the heart... 57:27 the Holy Spirit changes the heart. 57:29 When the early church lost the spirit and power of God, 57:35 society fell apart 57:37 and that's when the church became apostate 57:40 and said, "Let's appeal to the strong arm of the state 57:44 to bring order in society. " 57:46 And when church and state join together, 57:49 the automatic result was persecution against dissenters. 57:55 So, this is only one Presentation in many 57:59 that we will have in the next several lectures 58:01 on what is happening and what will soon take place. |
Revised 2021-11-30