Conversions—Fake or Real
11
reason awakens no response. The plain warnings of God’s word,
relating directly to their eternal interests, are unheeded.
With every truly converted soul the relation to God and to eternal
things will be the great topic of life.... 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
[9]
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. Multitudes will exult that God is working
marvelously for them, when the work is that of another spirit. Under
a religious guise, Satan will seek to extend his influence over the
Christian world.
Why Be Deceived?
In many of the revivals which have occurred during the last half
century, the same influences have been at work, to a greater or less
degree, that will be manifest in the more extensive movements of the
future. There is an emotional excitement, a mingling of the true with
the false, that is well adapted to mislead. Yet none need be deceived.
In the light of God’s word it is not difficult to determine the nature
of these movements. Wherever men neglect the testimony of the
Bible, turning away from those plain, soul-testing truths which require
self-denial and renunciation of the world, there we may be sure that
God’s blessing is not bestowed. And by the rule which Christ Himself
has given, “Ye shall know them by their fruits” (
Matthew 7:16
), it is
evident that these movements are not the work of the Spirit of God.
In the truths of His word, God has given to men a revelation of
Himself; and to all who accept them they are a shield against the