A Revival For Our Times - 2

Then the serpent said to the woman, "You will not surely die. For God knows that in the day you eat of it your eyes will be opened, and you will be like God, knowing good and evil." So when the woman saw that the tree was good for food, that it was pleasant to the eyes, and a tree desirable to make one wise, she took of its fruit and ate. She also gave to her husband with her, and he ate. Genesis 3:4-6.

It may seem strange to present these verses when talking about the false revival, but this deception is what fuels it, it is the basis of it all.

The deceptions of Satan do not change. His techniques, his tools, his strategies may be different but his deception remains the same.

The desire to be equal with God, the exaltation of self is what grew in his heart and it is what he tries to implant in our hearts.

But know this, that in the last days perilous times will come: For men will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, unloving, unforgiving, slanderers, without self-control, brutal, despisers of good, traitors, headstrong, haughty, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God, having a form of godliness but denying its power. And from such people turn away! 2 Timothy 3:1-5.

These words not only describe non-converts. It also includes many who claim to be religious and even ministers.

Consider the messages presented in these large churches and popular ministries. When combined with the books that are published the focus always ends up being the same. The psychology behind points towards how to improve as a person. Although the Bible is added to it, this gospel is focused more on man than it is on Jesus.

With every truly converted soul the relation to God and to eternal things will be the great topic of life. But where, in the popular churches of today, is the spirit of consecration to God? The converts do not renounce their pride and love of the world. They are no more willing to deny self, to take up the cross, and follow the meek and lowly Jesus, than before their conversion…Picnics, church theatricals, church fairs, fine houses, personal display, have banished thoughts of God. Lands and goods and worldly occupations engross the mind, and things of eternal interest receive hardly a passing notice. *1

The aim of this “gospel” seems to be self-help and the obtaining of comfort in this world. It obscures and sometimes eliminates the fact that we are engaged in a cosmic conflict, struggling to reach heaven through Christ Jesus.

The desire for an easy religion that requires no striving, no self-denial, no divorce from the follies of the world, has made the doctrine of faith, and faith only, a popular doctrine; but what saith the word of God? (James 2:14-24) *1

In reality, the psychology behind such teachings is that we are called to be great people (your eyes will be opened, and you will be like God, knowing good and evil). God wants you to consider yourself a great and important person. You must value yourself and recognize that your life has great purpose in this world.

Now, we are considered as being of great value as an infinite price was paid for our salvation. But the honor is not ours for it belongs to Jesus who died for us. Our lives have no purpose without God. Moreover, we are simply pilgrims in this world.

Young men and women will be lifted up, and will regard themselves as wonderfully favored, called to do some great thing. There will be conversions many, after a peculiar order, but they will not bear the divine signature. Immorality will come in, and extravagance, and many will make shipwreck of faith. *2

The servant of the Lord in setting forth the current religious perils, quotes Professor Edwards A.Park,

"One source of danger is the neglect of the pulpit to enforce the divine law. In former days the pulpit was an echo of the voice of conscience…Our most illustrious preachers gave a wonderful majesty to their discourses by following the example of the Master, and giving prominence to the law, its precepts, and its threatenings. They repeated the two great maxims, that the law is a transcript of the divine perfections, and that a man who does not love the law does not love the gospel; for the law, as well as the gospel, is a mirror reflecting the true character of God. This peril leads to another, that of underrating the evil of sin, the extent of it, the demerit of it. In proportion to the rightfulness of the commandment is the wrongfulness of disobeying it…*1

I conclude by clarifying one point. Humility, reverence and that fear God demands is a product of love. Understanding the gravity of sin we approach God with confidence as He is the only true source of freedom and happiness.

While the Christian's life will be characterized by humility, it should not be marked with sadness and self-depreciation. It is the privilege of everyone so to live that God will approve and bless him. It is not the will of our heavenly Father that we should be ever under condemnation and darkness. There is no evidence of true humility in going with the head bowed down and the heart filled with thoughts of self. We may go to Jesus and be cleansed, and stand before the law without shame and remorse. *1

There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit. Romans 8:1.

Best of all is that we are prepared to soon be presented before the Father in the kingdom of heaven to live for all eternity. Through Jesus we begin a process of sanctification in which we can live in harmony with the divine principles and attain the glory of heaven not because we deserve it but because the Lord has redeemed us.

JESUS IS COMING SOON, AMEN, YES, COME LORD JESUS!

1 * The Great Controversy, "Modern Revivals," Ellen G. White
2 * Maranatha, "160. The False Revival", Ellen G. White