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True and Counterfeit Revivals, November 28
And I heard another voice from heaven, saying, Come out of her, my
people, that ye be not partakers of her sins, and that ye receive not of
her plagues.
Revelation 18:4
.
Notwithstanding the widespread declension of faith and piety, there are
true followers of Christ in these churches. 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. 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.
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.—
The Great
Controversy, 464
.
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