BE AWARE, THE SHEPHERD'S ROD DOCTRINES ARE DECEPTIVE and FALSE!
compiled and written by Dionne Sabbay Thompson October 1st 2010
"Because thou hast kept the word of my patience, I also will keep thee from the hour of temptation, which shall come upon all the world, to try them that dwell upon the earth" (Revelation 3:10).
Why would God permit inspired penmen to write about a seventh church? Why has the Seventh-day Adventist Church remained lukewarm for so long, are Ministers in our church taught to teach laodicean messages, fearing persecution? It appears obvious that through foreknowledge God knew that His brotherly loving church would turn away to lukewarmness, hence the church of laodicea is where God's last day church stands, preventing His conditional return (2Peter 3:12-14, Revelation 3:14-22). Sadly, many church goers have been taught to listen to their Pastors, failing to study the scriptures for themselves as the Berean-Minded individuals did in the past, fearing the label of offshoots or fanatics, may God help us (Acts 17:10-11).
"A battle is continually going on between the forces for good and the forces for evil, between the angels of God and the fallen angels. We are beset before and behind, on the right hand and on the left. The conflict that we are passing through is the last we shall have in this world. We are now in the midst of it. Two parties are striving for the supremacy. In this conflict we can not be neutral. We must stand either on one side or on the other. If we take our position on the side of Christ, if we acknowledge him before the world in word and work, we are bearing a living testimony as to whom we have chosen to serve and honor. In this important period of earth’s history, we can not afford to leave any one in uncertainty as to whose side we are on"
(Review and Herald July 9th, 1908 paragraph 6).
"The True Witness declares: “Behold, I have set before thee an open door.” Let us thank God with heart and soul and voice; and let us learn to approach unto him as through an open door, believing that we may come freely with our petitions, and that he will hear and answer. It is by a living faith in his power to help, that we shall receive strength to fight the battles of the Lord with the confident assurance of victory" (Review and Herald July 9th, 1908 paragraph 7).
“Because thou hast kept the word of my patience, I also will keep thee from the hour of temptation, which shall come upon all the world, to try them that dwell upon the earth.” In this scripture is brought to view the hour of temptation that is to try them that dwell upon the earth. We are now living in this trying hour. There is no escape for any from this conflict. If in your life there are defective traits of character that you are not striving to overcome, you may be assured that the enemy will endeavor to take advantage of them; for he is watching vigilantly, seeking to spoil the faith of every one. In order to gain the victory over every besetment of the enemy, we must lay hold on a power that is out of and beyond ourselves. We must maintain a constant, living connection with Christ, who has power to give victory to every soul that will maintain an attitude of faith and humility. If we are self-sufficient, and think that we may go on just as we please, and yet hope to come out on the right side finally, we shall find that we have made a terrible mistake. As those who hope to receive the overcomer’s reward, we must press forward in the Christian warfare, though at every advance we meet with opposition"
(Review and Herald July 9th, 1908 paragraph 8).
"From Ephesus to Laodicea, the remnant church fell away from Truth, the Word, Jesus Christ—Ephesus, the purest church at its inception, experienced Christ’s resurrection and ascension in 31 Anno Domini. Sadly after Christ’s ascension, the church returned to its worldly lusts and appetites. Revelation 6:4 denotes a “red horse” exemplifying that persecution kept the church pure, until it began to compromise, causing the emergence of a “black horse” and balance [symbolizing compromise], later leading into the “pale horse” at which point the church became spiritually dead (Revelation 6:1-8). Because of compromise, the church symbolically died. Consequently, the church, the woman, fled into the “wilderness” (Revelation 6:5, Revelation 12:6). The 1260 years of spiritual darkness was as a result of the church separating from the Head, Christ. The forefather’s mismanagement of the truth and its preaching was caused by the rejection of the Lord’s pure teachings. God’s remnant must follow all of His principles, which are unchangeable (Proverbs 30:6, James1:17). Satan, when given leeway, will prevent the work of God from its completion. The body of Christ must learn God’s principles and character, as the Most High’s word will not return to Him void, and He will not be mocked (Exodus 20, Isaiah 55:11, Galatians 6:7, 8)" [A Soul Sealed at Character Perfection pages 80-81].
"As prophesied, the Seventh-day Adventist Church has reorganized, disregarding its initial, fundamental pillars, instead valuing intellectual philosophy and individual achievements over complete truth (1Selected Messages page 204). When truthseekers begin to study for themselves, worldly leaders label them as alarmists, fanatics and offshoots: however, be encouraged as God calls these “Berean-minded” individuals reformers and His children (Acts 17:10-11,Great Controversy page 605). “My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge: because thou hast rejected knowledge, I will also reject thee, that thou shalt be no priest to me: seeing thou hast forgotten the law of thy God, I will also forget thy children” (Hosea 4:6). Martin Luther, a great reformer, identified that the reformation would not end until the second coming of the Messiah. “The reformation did not, as many suppose, end with Luther”. “It is to be continued to the close of this world’s history” (Great Controversy page 148)" [A Soul Sealed at Character Perfection page 13].
Let us reflect on History in the time of the end of the 2300 Day Prophecy October 22, 1844, the time of the Philadelphian Church (Revelation 3:7-13, Great Controversy pages 401-403):
(Revelation 3:7-13):
"And to the angel of the church in Philadelphia write; These things saith he that is holy, he that is true, he that hath the key of David, he that openeth, and no man shutteth; and shutteth, and no man openeth; I know thy works: behold, I have set before thee an open door, and no man can shut it: for thou hast a little strength, and hast kept my word, and hast not denied my name. Behold, I will make them of the synagogue of Satan, which say they are Jews, and are not, but do lie; behold, I will make them to come and worship before thy feet, and to know that I have loved thee. Because thou hast kept the word of my patience, I also will keep thee from the hour of temptation, which shall come upon all the world, to try them that dwell upon the earth. Behold, I come quickly: hold that fast which thou hast, that no man take thy crown. Him that overcometh will I make a pillar in the temple of my God, and he shall go no more out: and I will write upon him the name of my God, and the name of the city of my God, which is new Jerusalem, which cometh down out of heaven from my God: and I will write upon him my new name. Rev 3:13 He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches".
(The Great Controversy pages 401-403):
"Of all the great religious movements since the days of the apostles, none have been more free from human imperfection and the wiles of Satan than was that of the autumn of 1844. Even now, after the lapse of many years, all who shared in that movement and who have stood firm upon the platform of truth still feel the holy influence of that blessed work and bear witness that it was of God.
At the call, "The Bridegroom cometh; go ye out to meet Him," the waiting ones "arose and trimmed their lamps;" they studied the word of God with an intensity of interest before unknown. Angels were sent from heaven to arouse those who had become discouraged and prepare them to receive the message. The work did not stand in the wisdom and learning of men, but in the power of God. It was not the most talented, but the most humble and devoted, who were the first to hear and obey the call. Farmers left their crops standing in the fields, mechanics laid down their tools, and with tears and rejoicing went out to give the warning. Those who had formerly led in the cause were among the last to join in this movement. The churches in general closed their doors against this message, and a large company of those who received it withdrew from their connection. In the providence of God this proclamation united with the second angel's message and gave power to that work.
The message, "Behold, the Bridegroom cometh!" was not so much a matter of argument, though the Scripture proof was clear and conclusive. There went with it an impelling power that moved the soul. There was no doubt, no questioning. Upon the occasion of Christ's triumphal entry into Jerusalem the people who were assembled from all parts of the land to keep the feast flocked to the Mount of Olives, and as they joined the throng that were escorting Jesus they caught the inspiration of the hour and helped to swell the shout: "Blessed is He that cometh in the name of the Lord!" Matthew 21:9. In like manner did unbelievers who flocked to the Adventist meetings--some from curiosity, some merely to ridicule--feel the convincing power attending the message: "Behold, the Bridegroom cometh!"
At that time there was faith that brought answers to prayer--faith that had respect to the recompense of reward. Like showers of rain upon the thirsty earth, the Spirit of grace descended upon the earnest seekers. Those who expected soon to stand face to face with their Redeemer felt a solemn joy that was unutterable. The softening, subduing power of the Holy Spirit melted the heart as His blessing was bestowed in rich measure upon the faithful, believing ones.
Carefully and solemnly those who received the message came up to the time when they hoped to meet their Lord. Every morning they felt that it was their first duty to secure the evidence of their acceptance with God. Their hearts were closely united, and they prayed much with and for one another. They often met together in secluded places to commune with God, and the voice of intercession ascended to heaven from the fields and groves. The assurance of the Saviour's approval was more necessary to them than their daily food; and if a cloud darkened their minds, they did not rest until it was swept away. As they felt the witness of pardoning grace, they longed to behold Him whom their souls loved.
But again they were destined to disappointment. The time of expectation passed, and their Saviour did not appear. With unwavering confidence they had looked forward to His coming, and now they felt as did Mary when, coming to the Saviour's tomb and finding it empty, she exclaimed with weeping: "They have taken away my Lord, and I know not where they have laid Him." John 20:13.
A feeling of awe, a fear that the message might be true, had for a time served as a restraint upon the unbelieving world. After the passing of the time this did not at once disappear; at first they dared not triumph over the disappointed ones; but as no tokens of God's wrath were seen, they recovered from their fears and resumed their reproach and ridicule. A large class who had professed to believe in the Lord's soon coming, renounced their faith. Some who had been very confident were so deeply wounded in their pride that they felt like fleeing from the world. Like Jonah, they complained of God, and chose death rather than life. Those who had based their faith upon the opinions of others, and not upon the word of God, were now as ready again to change their views. The scoffers won the weak and cowardly to their ranks, and all these united in declaring that there could be no more fears or expectations now. The time had passed, the Lord had not come, and the world might remain the same for thousands of years".
(The Great Controversy page 421):
"As anciently the sins of the people were by faith placed upon the sin offering and through its blood transferred, in figure, to the earthly sanctuary, so in the new covenant the sins of the repentant are by faith placed upon Christ and transferred, in fact, to the heavenly sanctuary. And as the typical cleansing of the earthly was accomplished by the removal of the sins by which it had been polluted, so the actual cleansing of the heavenly is to be accomplished by the removal, or blotting out, of the sins which are there recorded. But before this can be accomplished, there must be an examination of the books of record to determine who, through repentance of sin and faith in Christ, are entitled to the benefits of His atonement. The cleansing of the sanctuary therefore involves a work of investigation--a work of judgment. This work must be performed prior to the coming of Christ to redeem His people; for when He comes, His reward is with Him to give to every man according to his works. Revelation 22:12.
Thus those who followed in the light of the prophetic word saw that, instead of coming to the earth at the termination of the 2300 days in 1844, Christ then entered the most holy place of the heavenly sanctuary to perform the closing work of atonement preparatory to His coming".
(The Great Controversy page 423):
"The subject of the sanctuary was the key which unlocked the mystery of the disappointment of 1844. It opened to view a complete system of truth, connected and harmonious, showing that God's hand had directed the great advent movement and revealing present duty as it brought to light the position and work of His people"
(The Great Controversy pages 424-425):
" This coming is foretold also by the prophet Malachi: "The Lord, whom ye seek, shall suddenly come to His temple, even the Messenger of the covenant, whom ye delight in: behold, He shall come, saith the Lord of hosts." Malachi 3:1. The coming of the Lord to His temple was sudden, unexpected, to His people. They were not looking for Him there. They expected Him to come to earth, "in flaming fire taking vengeance on them that know not God, and that obey not the gospel." 2 Thessalonians 1:8.
But the people were not yet ready to meet their Lord. There was still a work of preparation to be accomplished for them. Light was to be given, directing their minds to the temple of God in heaven; and as they should by faith follow their High Priest in His ministration there, new duties would be revealed. Another message of warning and instruction was to be given to the church.
Says the prophet: "Who may abide the day of His coming? and who shall stand when He appeareth? for He is like a refiner's fire, and like fullers' soap: and He shall sit as a refiner and purifier of silver: and He shall purify the sons of Levi, and purge them as gold and silver, that they may offer unto the Lord an offering in righteousness." Malachi 3:2, 3. Those who are living upon the earth when the intercession of Christ shall cease in the sanctuary above are to stand in the sight of a holy God without a mediator. Their robes must be spotless, their characters must be purified from sin by the blood of sprinkling. Through the grace of God and their own diligent effort they must be conquerors in the battle with evil. While the investigative judgment is going forward in heaven, while the sins of penitent believers are being removed from the sanctuary, there is to be a special work of purification, of putting away of sin, among God's people upon earth. This work is more clearly presented in the messages of Revelation 14.
When this work shall have been accomplished, the followers of Christ will be ready for His appearing. "Then shall the offering of Judah and Jerusalem be pleasant unto the Lord, as in the days of old, and as in former years.' Malachi 3:4. Then the church which our Lord at His coming is to receive to Himself will be a "glorious church, not having spot, or wrinkle, or any such thing." Ephesians 5:27. Then she will look "forth as the morning, fair as the moon, clear as the sun, and terrible as an army with banners.' Song of Solomon 6:10".
The Great Controversy page 457:
"
The history of ancient Israel is a striking illustration of the past experience of the Adventist body. God led His people in the advent movement, even as He led the children of Israel from Egypt. In the great disappointment their faith was tested as was that of the Hebrews at the Red Sea. Had they still trusted to the guiding hand that had been with them in
their past experience, they would have seen the salvation of God. If all who had labored unitedly in the work in 1844, had received the third angel's message and proclaimed it in the power of the Holy Spirit, the Lord would have wrought mightily with their efforts. A flood of light would have been shed upon the world. Years ago the inhabitants of the earth would have been warned, the closing work completed, and Christ would have come for the redemption of His people".
What went wrong? The Laodicean Church beginning in or about 1859 is precisely where the Seventh-day Adventist Corporate church is now (and why Christ has not returned): this present truth fact is where things went wrong, with the Seventh-day Adventist church acting similar to the World, paralleling the Ancient Israelites who lacked faith (Hebrews 3:16-19). Here is the rebuke:
"Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world. If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him. For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world. And the world passeth away, and the lust thereof: but he that doeth the will of God abideth for ever" (1John 2:15-17).
Fact: Christ will not return for a Church that is "unsealed" and "lukewarm", as His blood will be wasted and His church obviously must be CHARACTER RIPE for the reaper Christ and His Administration, as God presently is seeking to purify His people (Mark 26-29, Revelation 14:14-16, Testimonies for the Church Volume 1 page 186, Early Writings page 36-38):
(Mark 4:26-29):
"And he said, So is the kingdom of God, as if a man should cast seed into the ground; And should sleep, and rise night and day, and the seed should spring and grow up, he knoweth not how. For the earth bringeth forth fruit of herself; first the blade, then the ear, after that the full corn in the ear. Mar 4:29 But when the fruit is brought forth, immediately he putteth in the sickle, because the harvest is come".
(Revelation 14:14-16):
"And I looked, and behold a white cloud, and upon the cloud one sat like unto the Son of man, having on his head a golden crown, and in his hand a sharp sickle. Rev 14:15 And another angel came out of the temple, crying with a loud voice to him that sat on the cloud, Thrust in thy sickle, and reap: for the time is come for thee to reap; for the harvest of the earth is ripe. Rev 14:16 And he that sat on the cloud thrust in his sickle on the earth; and the earth was reaped".
The following is a reference from Manuscript Releases Volume 7 page 125 where Sister White compares the Church of Philadelphia to a TRUE CONVERSION, being similar to Christ in loving care taking off His Divinity to put on Humanity:
"And to the angel of the church in Philadelphia write: these things saith He that is holy, He that is true, He that hath the key of David, He that openeth, and no man shutteth; and shutteth, and no man openeth."--Rev. 3:7, 8.
"Notwithstanding the opposition of the strongest powers of darkness, there is One able to open the door. This is the same door that was opened at the baptism of Christ. After the Saviour had taken the steps in conversion requisite for every sinner to take in order to be saved,--repentance, faith, and baptism,--thus entering into covenant relation with God, He kneeled on the bank of the Jordan and prayed. And the heavens were opened, and the Holy Ghost, in the form of a dove of burnished gold, hovered over the Son of Man, enshrouding Him in light, while a voice from the highest heaven declared, "This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased."
Christ laid aside His crown and royal robe, stepped down from His high command, clothed His divinity with humanity, and for our sake became poor, that we through His poverty might inherit the heavenly treasure. He placed Himself at the head of humanity. If we walk in His footsteps, we are accepted by God. By His sacrifice we are "accepted in the Beloved." As the prayers of Christ ascended to His Father, notwithstanding the dark shadow of the powers of darkness through which they passed, so will our prayers cleave through the hellish shadow of Satan and enter the sanctuary above. The same glory which flashed from the threshold of heaven at the time of Christ's baptism, is revealed to every earnest seeker of Christ.--Ms 92, 1901, pp. 5, 6. ("Lessons From the Third of Revelation," Talk, September 5, 1901.)"
Released September 2, 1975.
The following are two more VERY IMPORTANT citations, describing the Church of Philadelphia in its Historic beauty, emerging with truth given by God, as quoted "in full harmony with the scriptures" (Biographical Books Volume 1):
" Inseparably linked with the position held by the pioneers that something of significance had transpired on October 22, 1844, was the understanding that a "door" was shut in connection with the fulfilling of prophecy. The expression is found in the message to the church in Philadelphia as set forth in Revelation 3:7, 8. There is described One who held the "key of David," "he that openeth, and no man shutteth, and shutteth, and no man openeth," the One who declared, "I have set before thee an open door, and no man can shut it." This message to the Philadelphia church had laid the foundation for rightfully advocating a "shut door" [SEE CHAPTER 16, "THE SHUT AND THE OPEN DOORS."] on October 22, 1844. The full significance of the expression was not immediately understood, but the term early became synonymous with confidence in the fulfillment of prophecy on October 22, and it was so used for about seven years after the 1844 disappointment. It was usually understood to be linked with a close of probation, but for whom?" (Biographical Books Volume 1 page 95 paragraph 6).
"Thus early in the experience of the emerging church, light new to herself and others, yet in full harmony with the Scriptures, was given by the Lord through His chosen messenger. The pioneers were conscious of this; a decade and a half later, when organizing the church, they refrained from the adoption of a creed, which could stand in the way of God giving new light through the visions" (Biographical Books Volume 1 page 100 paragraph 5).
(Early Writings pages 36-38)
"At the commencement of the holy Sabbath, January 5, 1849, we engaged in prayer with Brother Belden's family at Rocky Hill, Connecticut, and the Holy Ghost fell upon us. I was taken off in vision to the most holy place, where I saw Jesus still interceding for Israel. On the bottom of His garment was a bell and a pomegranate. Then I saw that Jesus would not leave the most holy place until every case was decided either for salvation or destruction, and that the wrath of God could not come until Jesus had finished His work in the most holy place, laid off His priestly attire, and clothed Himself with the garments of vengeance. Then Jesus will step out from between the Father and man, and God will keep silence no longer, but pour out His wrath on those who have rejected His truth. I saw that the anger of the nations, the wrath of God, and the time to judge the dead were separate and distinct, one following the other, also that Michael had not stood up, and that the time of trouble, such as never was, had not yet commenced. The nations are now getting angry, but when our High Priest has finished His work in the sanctuary, He will stand up, put on the garments of vengeance, and then the seven last plagues will be poured out.
I saw that the four angels would hold the four winds until Jesus' work was done in the sanctuary, and then will come the seven last plagues. These plagues enraged the wicked against the righteous; they thought that we had brought the judgments of God upon them, and that if they could rid the earth of us, the plagues would then be stayed. A decree went forth to slay the saints, which caused them to cry day and night for deliverance. This was the time of Jacob's trouble. Then all the saints cried out with anguish of spirit, and were delivered by the voice of God. The 144,000 triumphed. Their faces were lighted up with the glory of God. Then I was shown a company who were howling in agony. On their garments was written in large characters, "Thou art weighed in the balance, and found wanting." I asked who this company were. The angel said, "These are they who have once kept the Sabbath and have given it up." I heard them cry with a loud voice, "We have believed in Thy coming, and taught it with energy." And while they were speaking, their eyes would fall upon their garments and see the writing, and then they would wail aloud. I saw that they had drunk of the deep waters, and fouled the residue with their feet--trodden the Sabbath underfoot-- and that was why they were weighed in the balance and found wanting.
Then my attending angel directed me to the city again, where I saw four angels winging their way to the gate of the city. They were just presenting the golden card to the angel at the gate when I saw another angel flying swiftly from the direction of the most excellent glory, and crying with a loud voice to the other angels, and waving something up and down in his hand. I asked my attending angel for an explanation of what I saw. He told me that I could see no more then, but he would shortly show me what those things that I then saw meant.
Sabbath afternoon one of our number was sick, and requested prayers that he might be healed. We all united in applying to the Physician who never lost a case, and while healing power came down, and the sick was healed, the Spirit fell upon me, and I was taken off in vision.
I saw four angels who had a work to do on the earth, and were on their way to accomplish it. Jesus was clothed with priestly garments. He gazed in pity on the remnant, then raised His hands, and with a voice of deep pity cried, "My blood, Father, My blood, My blood, My blood!" Then I saw an exceeding bright light come from God, who sat upon the great white throne, and was shed all about Jesus. Then I saw an angel with a commission from Jesus, swiftly flying to the four angels who had a work to do on the earth, and waving something up and down in his hand, and crying with a loud voice, "Hold! Hold! Hold! Hold! until the servants of God are sealed in their foreheads."
(Testimonies for the Church volume 1 page 186):
"I was shown that the testimony to the Laodiceans applies to God's people at the present time, and the reason it has not accomplished a greater work is because of the hardness of their hearts. But God has given the message time to do its work. The heart must be purified from sins which have so long shut out Jesus. This fearful message will do its work. When it was first presented, it led to close examination of heart. Sins were confessed, and the people of God were stirred everywhere. Nearly all believed that this message would end in the loud cry of the third angel. But as they failed to see the powerful work accomplished in a short time, many lost the effect of the message. I saw that this message would not accomplish its work in a few short months. It is designed to arouse the people of God, to discover to them their backslidings, and to lead to zealous repentance, that they may be favored with the presence of Jesus, and be fitted for the loud cry of the third angel. As this message affected the heart, it led to deep humility before God. Angels were sent in every direction to prepare unbelieving hearts for the truth. The cause of God began to rise, and His people were acquainted with their position. If the counsel of the True Witness had been fully heeded, God would have wrought for His people in greater power. Yet the efforts made since the message has been given, have been blessed of God, and many souls have been brought from error and darkness to rejoice in the truth.
God will prove His people. Jesus bears patiently with them, and does not spew them out of His mouth in a moment. Said the angel: "God is weighing His people." If the message had been of as short duration as many of us supposed, there would have been no time for them to develop character. Many moved from feeling, not from principle and faith, and this solemn, fearful message stirred them. It wrought upon their feelings, and excited their fears, but did not accomplish the work which God designed that it should. God reads the heart. Lest His people should be deceived in regard to themselves, He gives them time for the excitement to wear off, and then proves them to see if they will obey the counsel of the True Witness".
"All of God’s work requires His Eternal Power. Overcomers must receive and possess the Gospel of Christ. In 1859, Seventh-day Adventism lost possession of God’s full power, becoming Lukewarm (Testimonies for the Church Volume 1 page 186).Thankfully, God’s divine empowered latter rain was provided in1888 by way of Elders Jones and Waggoner’s Justification by Faith message, the loud cry of the third angel’s message (Review and Herald November 22, 1892, April 1st 1890; Testimonies to Ministers and Gospel Workers pages 91-92). More recently, the Gospel of Christ was brought to the people of God, assisting with the completion of God’s final chore, the vindication of the character of God, exposing Satan as a liar, deceiver and murderer(John 8:44, 1John 3:8, Revelation 12:9). John 15:1 edifies that one must maintain an abiding relationship with Christ, our Redeemer; as it provides a connection to our adorable Godhead, containing eternal power, love, wisdom, righteousness, sanctification and redemption, (Deuteronomy 6:4, Proverbs 8:22-36, John1:1-3,14, Romans 1:20, 5:5, 1Corinthians 1:24, 30, 31)" (A Soul Sealed at Character Perfection page 42).
"The work, a responsibility of God’s people, emphasizes the importance of teaching the Gospel message, requiring the full cooperation of His last day brotherly, loving Church, “Philadelphia” or “True Adventism” (Ephesians 4:12-13, Revelation3:7-13). True Adventism is the Church of Philadelphia, repentant in nature, preparing for redemption and translation from present earth (1Corinthians 15:50-53, 1Thessalonians 4:16-18). Thus mankind must appreciate the calling of God, as they are called to experience, live and remain in full submission to the will of God unto complete sealing, bringing this great controversy to an end (Ephesians 4:30).Without the remnant’s cooperation, God can not finish this work. Thus, God’s remnant, 144,000 in number, must respond to His calling, appreciating and completing this final chore" (A Soul Sealed at Character Perfection page 76).
Overcomers in these end times will be fueled by the Holy Spirit’s early and latter rain, bringing God’s harvest to the “measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ”, “the full corn in the ear” (Jeremiah 5:24, Zechariah 10:1, Mark 4:28, Ephesians4:13, James 5:7). The focus must remain on the manifestation of the fruit of the Holy Spirit, as God’s chosen “take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the Word of God" (Galatians 5:22-23, Ephesians 6:17).
The church of Philadelphia is true Adventism. (Revelation 3:7-13). As Overcomers prepare for the latter rain, embracing the return of Christ, they additionally must focus on becoming harvest ripe; and perfecting characters.
Harvest ripe by biblical definition entails a process of establishing... "first the blade, then the ear, after that that the full corn in the ear" (Mark 4:26-29). "Repent ye therefore, and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out, when the times of refreshing shall come from the presence of the Lord (Acts 3:19). Once the remnant's characters have become completely converted and faultless, they have reached the stage of "the ear" of corn, poised for the showers of the spiritually enriching latter rain (Hosea 6:3, Joel 2:23, Zechariah 10:1, James 5:7) [A Soul Sealed at Character Perfection pages 80-90].
