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Second Angel’s Message
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the popular churches of our time. “Having a form of godliness, but
denying the power thereof,” “lovers of pleasures more than lovers
of God,” “lovers of their own selves, covetous, boasters, proud,”
[
2 Timothy 3:2-7
.]—such are a few specifications from the dark
catalogue which he has given. And in view of the frequent and
startling revelations of crime, even among those that minister in
holy things, who dare affirm that there is one sin enumerated by the
apostle which is not concealed under a profession of Christianity?
“But what fellowship hath righteousness with unrighteousness?”
“And what concord hath Christ with Belial?” “And what agreement
hath the temple of God with idols? For ye are the temple of the
living God; as God hath said, I will dwell in them, and walk in them;
and I will be their God, and they shall be my people. Wherefore
come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and
touch not the unclean, and I will receive you, and will be a Father
unto you, and ye shall be my sons and daughters, saith the Lord
Almighty.” [
2 Corinthians 6:14-18
.]
At the proclamation of the first angel’s message, the people of
God were in Babylon; and many true Christians are still to be found
in her communion. Not a few who have never seen the special
truths for this time are dissatisfied with their present position, and
are longing for clearer light. They look in vain for the image of
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Christ in the church. As the churches depart more and more widely
from the truth, and ally themselves more closely with the world, the
time will come when those who fear and honor God can no longer
remain in connection with them. Those that “believed not the truth,
but had pleasure in unrighteousness,” will be left to receive “strong
delusion,” and to “believe a lie.” [
2 Thessalonians 2:11, 12
.] Then
the spirit of persecution will again be revealed. But the light of truth
will shine upon all whose hearts are open to receive it, and all the
children of the Lord still in Babylon, will heed the call, “Come out
of her, my people.”
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