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Revivals True and Counterfeit, November 16
Ye shall know them by their fruits. Do men gather grapes of
thorns, or figs of thistles? Even so every good tree bringeth forth
good fruit; but a corrupt tree bringeth forth evil fruit.
Matthew 7:16, 17
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Before the final visitation of God’s judgments upon the earth, there
will be, among the people of the Lord, such a revival of primitive
godliness as has not been witnessed since apostolic times. The Spirit
and power of God will be poured out upon His children. At that time
many will separate themselves from those churches in which the love of
this world has supplanted love for God and His Word. Many, both of
ministers and people, will gladly accept those great truths which God
has caused to be proclaimed at this time, to prepare a people for the
Lord’s second coming. The enemy of souls desires to hinder this work;
and before the time for such a movement shall come, he will endeavor
to prevent it, by introducing a counterfeit. In those churches which he
can bring under his deceptive power, he will make it appear that God’s
special blessing is poured out; there will be manifest what is thought to
be great religious interest....
Wherever men neglect the testimony of the Bible, turning away from
those plain, soul-testing truths which require self-denial and renunci-
ation of the world, there we may be sure that God’s blessing is not
bestowed....
A wrong conception of the character, the perpetuity, and the obli-
gation of the divine law, has led to errors in relation to conversion and
sanctification, and has resulted in lowering the standard of piety in the
church. Here is to be found the secret of the lack of the Spirit and power
of God in the revivals of our time....
It is only as the law of God is restored to its rightful position that
there can be a revival of primitive faith and godliness among His pro-
fessed people. “Thus saith the Lord, Stand ye in the ways, and see, and
ask for the old paths, where is the good way, and walk therein, and ye
shall find rest for your souls.”
Jeremiah 6:16
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