It is apparent that a shaking is going on and is a shaking into the truth. This is the purpose of God doing the shaking! Notice the statements, "I Saw." When "I Saw" is stated it is time to sit up and pay attention!
"The mighty shaking has commenced, and is going on, and all will be shaken out who are not willing to take a bold and unyielding stand, and sacrifice for God and His cause. The angel said, "Think ye He will compel any to sacrifice and give up their possessions? No! no! It must be a freewill offering. It will take all to buy the field." {16MR 32.2}
While viewing these things, the burden seemed too heavy to be borne. I felt that I could have given my life if it could be the means of helping any to see their awful situation. I saw that professed friends had wounded the cause. Again I was compelled to cry for God to spare His people, some of whom were fainting and dying. {16MR 32.3}
Then I saw [that] the judgments of Almighty God were speedily coming. I begged of the angel to speak in his language to the people. Said he, "All the thunders and lightnings of Mount Sinai cannot move those who will not be moved by the plain truths in the Word of God. Neither would an angel's message move or awake them." I saw that the rebels must and will be purged out. The angel said, "Get ready, get ready, get ready." {16MR 32.4}
I saw that the judgments were just upon us, and that the trouble would soon be to this land, and that blood would flow in streams. The angel said,"It will soon be even to the horses' bridles." That was an awful time. {16MR 33.1}
I saw that we must be willing to go alone, and that we must cut loose from everyone who will not walk godly in Christ Jesus. I saw that the unbelief of brother or sister, father or mother, husband, wife, or children, was no excuse for any, to hinder them from doing their duty; and that those will lose their souls if they seek to please their unbelieving friends more than God, and they will be counted unworthy to be partakers of Christ's glory. {16MR 33.2}
I saw that Jesus was rejected by His own nation, and if Jesus suffered we must be partakers of His sufferings. Said the angel, "Cut clear, cut clear, cut clear from everything or anyone that hinders thy progress." I saw that the ties of nature between man and wife, parents and children, need not be severed. Still, those who believe God and His truth must obey God even if it displeased their nearest and dearest friend. I saw that there would be no chance to get ready after Jesus leaves the most holy place, therefore we must get right now, while there is a chance. Very soon it will be too late. {16MR 33.3}
I saw that God's people must press together and not be too willing to see faults in each other, for where there is union there is strength. I saw that the people of God were generally too dull, too dormant and unbelieving. The angel said, "Watch, watch, watch." I saw a crown of glory laid up for those who make a covenant with God by sacrifice. I saw that a sacrifice would not increase but decrease and consume. I was then pointed to him who had defied the armies of Israel; that truth would overcome error; and that light would shine out of darkness. {16MR 34.1}
I was then pointed to the beauty and loveliness of Jesus. Upon His head were crowns, a crown within a crown. His robe was whiter than the whitest white. No language can describe His glory and His exalted loveliness. All, all who keep the commandments of God, will enter in through the gates into the city and have right to the tree of life and ever be in the presence of that lovely Jesus, whose countenance shines brighter than the sun at noonday. {16MR 34.2}
I then saw the Word of God, pure and unadulterated, and that we must answer for the way we received the truth proclaimed from that Word. I saw that it had been a hammer to break the flinty heart in pieces, and a fire to consume the dross and tin, that the heart might be pure and holy. I saw that the Apocrypha [SEE MR. NO. 1148, "ELLEN G. WHITE AND THE APOCRYPHA."] was the hidden book, and that the wise of these last days should understand it. I saw that the Bible was the standard Book, that will judge us at the last day. I saw that heaven would be cheap enough, and that nothing was too dear to sacrifice for Jesus, and that we must give all to enter the kingdom. I heard an angel say, "Think ye God will place His seal where there is an idol? No, no."
The question comes to us, "will we be shaken into the truth of His Word?" We are not to believe men but are to be guided by His Promised Spirit of Truth!
1Jo 4:4 ¶ Ye are of God, little children, and have overcome them: because greater is he that is in you, than he that is in the world.
shaking into the truth. This is the purpose of God doing the shaking! ...........then EGW quote follows that includes
"The mighty shaking has commenced, and is going on, and all will be shaken out ........
Shaking into the truth by your statement and shaken out of ........ by EGW's statements ......... do not harmonize.
The sifting winnowing shaking in Scripture's illustration shows first a separation of chaff , husks, wheat, then the gathering of the now usable un-admixed wheat into the garner or barn, then destruction of the chaff.
Matthew 3:12 Whose fan is in his hand, and he will throughly purge his floor, and gather his wheat into the garner; but he will burn up the chaff with unquenchable fire.
Luke 3:17 Whose fan is in his hand, and he will throughly purge his floor, and will gather the wheat into his garner; but the chaff he will burn with fire unquenchable.
Shaken out of the lies of the denominational structures into the true one and only Church, that only He can build. Man cannot build God His Church. He can only do that upon Himself and the Truth of which He is.
Men build up structures they call church but are far from it because He is not Present in the midst of the worshippers because of error being entertained in the service.
There never was but one true Church and it never fell to the gates of hell, we have His guarantee, His Word, that it would never be prevailed against.
The reason is, He alone is it's Head, He alone is it's Organizer and He Alone does the Ordaining of the preachers or teachers. This man cannot do as man cannot know who has His Spirit of Truth and does not preach or entertain error!
Men send them through their corrupt schools and then ordain them and they preach the errors taught them and hold as truth.
One ordained of God preaches the Word as the Spirit of Truth reveals it to Him and all who hear who have His Spirit of Truth see that this one is Ordained of Him!
This is the one and only True Church,! - -- Mt 16:18And I say also unto thee, That thou art Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church;and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it.
The only reformation needed was to get up and get in in the one the first Apostate fell from and is all that is needed today!
We need to get hold of this shaking that has commenced and will get very strong in the near time we are heading into.. Sister White gives us much more here from EW.
" I asked the meaning of the shaking I had seen and was shown that it would be caused by the straight testimony called forth by the counsel of the True Witness to the Laodiceans. This will have its effect upon the heart of the receiver, and will lead him to exalt the standard and pour forth the straight truth. Some will not bear this straight testimony. They will rise up against it, and this is what will cause a shaking among God's people. {EW 270.2}
I saw that the testimony of the True Witness has not been half heeded. The solemn testimony upon which the destiny of the church hangs has been lightly esteemed, if not entirely disregarded. This testimony must work deep repentance; all who truly receive it will obey it and be purified. {EW 270.3}
Said the angel, "List ye!" Soon I heard a voice like many musical instruments all sounding in perfect strains, sweet and harmonious. It surpassed any music I had ever heard, seeming to be full of mercy, compassion, and elevating, holy joy. It thrilled through my whole being. Said the angel, "Look ye!" My attention was then turned to the company I had seen, who were mightily shaken. I was shown those whom I had before seen weeping and praying in agony of spirit. The company of guardian angels around them had been doubled, and they were clothed with an armor from their head to their feet. They moved in exact order, like a company of soldiers. Their countenances expressed the severe conflict which they had endured, the agonizing struggle they had passed through. Yet their features, marked with severe internal anguish, now shone with the light and glory of heaven. They had obtained the victory, and it called forth from them the deepest gratitude and holy, sacred joy. {EW 270.4}
The numbers of this company had lessened. Some had been shaken out and left by the way. The careless and indifferent, who did not join with those who prized victory and salvation enough to perseveringly plead and agonize for it, did not obtain it, and they were left behind in darkness, and their places were immediately filled by others taking hold of the truth and coming into the ranks. Evil angels still pressed around them, but could have no power over them. {EW 271.1}
I heard those clothed with the armor speak forth the truth with great power. It had effect. Many had been bound; some wives by their husbands, and some children by their parents. The honest who had been prevented from hearing the truth now eagerly laid hold upon it. All fear of their relatives was gone, and the truth alone was exalted to them. They had been hungering and thirsting for truth; it was dearer and more precious than life. I asked what had made this great change. An angel answered, "It is the latter rain, the refreshing from the presence of the Lord, the loud cry of the third angel."{EW 271.2}
Great power was with these chosen ones. Said the angel, "Look ye!" My attention was turned to the wicked, or unbelievers. They were all astir. The zeal and power with the people of God had aroused and enraged them. Confusion, confusion, was on every side. I saw measures taken against the company who had the light and power of God. Darkness thickened around them; yet they stood firm, approved of God, and trusting in Him. I saw them perplexed; next I heard them crying unto God earnestly. Day and night their cry ceased not: "Thy will, O God, be done! If it can glorify Thy name, make a way of escape for Thy people! Deliver us from the heathen around about us. They have appointed us unto death; but Thine arm can bring salvation." These are all the words which I can bring to mind. All seemed to have a deep sense of their unworthiness and manifested entire submission to the will of God; yet, like Jacob, every one, without an exception, was earnestly pleading and wrestling for deliverance. {EW 272.1}
Soon after they had commenced their earnest cry, the angels, in sympathy, desired to go to their deliverance. But a tall, commanding angel suffered them not. He said, "The will of God is not yet fulfilled. They must drink of the cup. They must be baptized with the baptism." {EW 272.2}
Soon I heard the voice of God, which shook the heavens and the earth. There was a mighty earthquake. Buildings were shaken down on every side. I then heard a triumphant shout of victory, loud, musical, and clear. I looked upon the company, who, a short time before, were in such distress and bondage. Their captivity was turned. A glorious light shone upon them. How beautiful they then looked! All marks of care and weariness were gone, and health and beauty were seen in every countenance. Their enemies, the heathen around them, fell like dead men; they could not endure the light that shone upon the delivered, holy ones. This light and glory remained upon them, until Jesus was seen in the clouds of heaven, and the faithful, tried company were changed in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, from glory to glory. And the graves were opened, and the saints came forth, clothed with immortality, crying, "Victory over death and the grave"; and together with the living saints they were caught up to meet their Lord in the air, while rich, musical shouts of glory and victory were upon every immortal tongue. {EW 272.3}
The first post on this thread is from Ellen White's very first book: "A Sketch of the Christian Experience and Views of Ellen G. White" (1851). It is hard for me understand the phrase: "The mighty shaking has commenced".
In 1858, in the book titled "The Great Controversy Between Christ and His Angels, and Satan and His Angels", there is a full chapter on "The Shaking". One paragraph is here quoted in full:
I asked the meaning of the shaking I had seen. I was shown that it would be caused by the straight testimony called forth by the counsel of the true Witness to the Laodiceans. It will have its effect upon the heart of the receiver of the testimony, and it will lead to him to exalt the standard and pour forth the straight truth. This straight testimony some will not bear. They will rise up against it, and this will cause a shaking among God's people.
Prophecy given by Yah is in the "NOW" and is the case in most. There is usually a timing element and in this case it would be when the "straight testimony" is given to the Laodiceans of which they do not want to receive. Now it is clear that it has come to "rich and in need of nothing" for some time when much needs weeded out!
So it causes a shaking, some rising up against it and a few with it. What is the straight testimony, is the truth of the Word given out so plain and straight it cannot be controverted.
This is what we all must be about giving out and all error weeded out. Yes the "NOW" has been for some time now
The first post on this thread is from Ellen White's very first book: "A Sketch of the Christian Experience and Views of Ellen G. White" (1851). It is hard for me understand the phrase: "The mighty shaking has commenced".
In 1858, in the book titled "The Great Controversy Between Christ and His Angels, and Satan and His Angels", there is a full chapter on "The Shaking". One paragraph is here quoted in full:
I asked the meaning of the shaking I had seen. I was shown that it would be caused by the straight testimony called forth by the counsel of the true Witness to the Laodiceans. It will have its effect upon the heart of the receiver of the testimony, and it will lead to him to exalt the standard and pour forth the straight truth. This straight testimony some will not bear. They will rise up against it, and this will cause a shaking among God's people.
How to reconcile the two?
Not completely sure but this is my take on it anyway...1844-1851
back then 2/3 of the people fell away and did not stay with the movement and it went to only 1/3. That could be considered a shaking. William Miller was one that fell away in that 2/3 but God took him so that he would be saved. Our God is so good to us.
Because of the delay, I believe that once again these things will repeat... and 2/3 will fall away. Of the one third that stays strong, many will be martyrs until God has his 144K. Then probation for the world will close and those dear ones will go through until the great deliverance.
Oh what terrible times are before us... may we all begin to realize the terrible cost our redemption!! Do we really comprehend what Jesus did for us?
NB, I must disagree that far more than 2/3'rd's will fall away and have. It is rapidly coming down to only the number of the Saints by the coming of Jesus to end this hellish reign of sin.
That number is but 144,000 and scripture tells us the coming of the Son of man will be as in the days of Noah, ugh, 8 made it that time!
So I ask what is the rampant theology that is destroying so many down here at the end? You all should know, it teaches the opposite of this,
"We have no hesitancy in telling you that in order to obtain the immortal inheritance and the eternal substance, you must be overcomers in this probationary life. Everything that blots and stains the soul must be removed, must be cleansed from the heart. We must know what it means to be a partaker of the divine nature, having escaped the corruptions that are in the world through lust. Are you willing to wage war against the lusts of the flesh? Are you ready to battle against the enemy of God and man? Satan is determined to enslave every soul if he can; for he is playing a desperate game to win the souls of men from Christ and eternal life. Will you permit him to steal from you the graces of the Spirit of God, and plant in you his own corrupt nature? or will you accept the great provision of salvation, and through the merits of the Infinite Sacrifice made in your behalf, become a partaker of the divine nature? God has given His only-begotten Son, that through His shame, suffering, and death, you might have glory, honor, and immortality.--Signs of the Times, June 15, 1891. {TDG 175.2}
Or this,
Re 2:11He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches; He that overcometh shall not be hurt of the second death
Is not this a deep seated teaching in the SDA church structures today?
NB, I'm very inclined to think you may be right about the 1/3 - 2/3 thing. That precedent is seen so often in the Bible, that it must have a meaning for the end time.
You wrote: "back then 2/3 of the people fell away and did not stay with the movement and it went to only 1/3." I've never heard that before. Do you have any historical quotes or anything to back that up? It is my understanding that roughly 50,000 people believed in the 1843 message, but the vast majority fell out after the Great Disappointment on October 22, 1844, and the result was around 3 groups, and the smallest - those who would later become the SDA church, totalled around only 50 people.
Your take on it that a "Shaking" had commenced then, but will be much more widespread and serious at the end, sounds exactly right to me. I also agree whole-heartedly that there will be many martyrs before the Close of Probation, and that there will only be 144,000 living saints to go to heaven.
One thing that drives me crazy about end-time events tho, is to pin down if the great Shaking and Sealing are before, at, or after the Sunday Law. Whatever it is, we can be assured that Seventh-day Adventists will be the first to be judged, as judgment starts with the House of God. I believe that Ezekiel 9 will be literally fulfilled too, but that's one hot potato that basically no SDA preacher wants to touch.
I am sorely afraid that 1/3'rd will not be saved from the rapidly falling away of Christianity today.
You will need to dig up scripture and EGW statements that it would be many times more than the 144,000 Saints EGW sees at the end.
Christianity is degrading rapidly and we can know Jesus will save down to the uttermost and truly that would be down to the last soul born that will come to His Salvation. He is not going to quit the harvest until it is completed.
We are now getting down to that rapidly. Yes there is a lot of presumptuous faith based on the lie that none can overcome as Jesus did. This false theology has taken over the SDA structure by storm too.
Hardly a Truth Teacher is left in Christendom truly ordained of Him but only sent forth of men because they have gone through their corrupt schools. Very, very few have gone through His schools and are sent forth ordained of Him
Man cannot see to ordain any as he cannot see if the one being looked at has His Spirit of truth. It can be detected by any that know the Word and compare the teaching to the Law and Testimony
Isa 8:20Tothe law andtothetestimony: if they speak not according to this word, it is because there is no light in them.
1Jo 4:4 ¶ Ye are of God, little children, and have overcome them: because greater is he that is in you, than he that is in the world.
