The Hated Sect

[Pastor_Chick]

"And I saw three unclean spirits like frogs come out of the mouth of the dragon, and out of the mouth of the beast, and out of the mouth of the false prophet." Rev 16:13.

"The first persecuting power is represented by the dragon itself; in heathenism there was open alliance with Satan, and defiance of God. In the second persecuting power, the dragon is masked; but the spirit of Satan actuates it, -- the dragon supplies the motive power. In the third persecuting power, all traces of the dragon are absent, and a lamb-like beast appears; but when it speaks, its dragon voice betrays the satanic power concealed under a fair exterior, and shows it to be of the same family as the two preceding powers. In all the opposition to Christ and His pure religion, 'that old serpent, called the Devil, and Satan,' --'the god of this world,' --is the moving power; earthly persecuting powers are simply instruments in his hands." (The Great Controversy, Appendix, p. 680 [1888 Edition])

The Dragon Persecuted the Hated Sect

"In common with his nation, Saul had cherished the hope of a Messiah who should reign as a temporal prince, to break from the neck of Israel the Roman yoke, and exalt her to the throne of universal empire....he eagerly joined with priests and rulers in the persecution of [Christ's] followers as a proscribed and hated sect." (Sketches from the Life of Paul, page 10)

"Thousands who claim to be religious are not Christians. Paul was very strict in carrying out his religion, but he was not a Christian until Christ revealed Himself to him and talked with him, showing him that he was persecuting his Master in the person of His saints. Then Paul was converted. He became one of the sect he had despised and hated; and for his love of Christ he received the same cruel treatment that he had once cooperated with others in giving." (Manuscript Releases Volume Twelve, page 51)

The Beast Persecuted the Hated Sect

"When Rome at one time determined to exterminate the hated sect, a bull was issued by the pope, condemning them as heretics, and delivering them to slaughter. They were not accused as idlers, or dishonest, or disorderly; but it was declared that they had an appearance of piety and sanctity that seduced 'the sheep of the true fold.'" (The Great Controversy, page 77)

The False Prophet Persecutes the Hated Sect

"When the protection of human laws shall be withdrawn from those who honor the law of God, there will be, in different lands, a simultaneous movement for their destruction. As the time appointed in the decree draws near, the people will conspire to root out the hated sect. It will be determined to strike in one night a decisive blow, which shall utterly silence the voice of dissent and reproof." (The Great Controversy, page 635)

The Hated Sect is an Obscure People

"I saw the nominal church and nominal Adventists, like Judas, would betray us to the Catholics to obtain their influence to come against the truth. The saints then will be an obscure people, little known to the Catholics; but the churches and nominal Adventists [Adventists by name only] who know of our faith and customs (for they hated us on account of the Sabbath, for they could not refute it) will betray the saints...." (Spalding and Magan Collection, page 1)

"A PERSECUTING POWER" Compare These Two Sources

"The vision that Christ presented to John, presenting the commandments of God and the faith of Jesus, is to be definitely proclaimed to all nations, people, and tongues. The churches, represented by Babylon, are represented as having fallen from their spiritual state to become A PERSECUTING POWER against those who keep the commandments of God and have the testimony of Jesus Christ. To John this persecuting power is represented as having horns like a lamb, but as speaking like a dragon." (Testimonies to Ministers, page 117, [1896])

"There will be more and still more external parade by worldly powers. Under different symbols, God presented to John the wicked character and seductive influence of those who have been distinguished for their persecution of His people. The eighteenth chapter of Revelation speaks of mystic Babylon, fallen from her high estate to become A PERSECUTING POWER. Those who keep the commandments of God and have the faith of Jesus are the object of the wrath of this power [Rev. 18:1-8 quoted]." (Manuscript 135, [1902])

Former Brethren Become Most Bitter Enemies

"As the storm approaches, a large class who have professed faith in the third angel's message [seventh-day Adventists], but have not been sanctified through obedience to the truth, abandon their position, and join the ranks of the opposition. By uniting with the world and partaking of its spirit, they have come to view matters in nearly the same light; and when the test is brought, they are prepared to choose the easy, popular side. Men of talent and pleasing address, who once rejoiced in the truth, employ their powers to deceive and mislead souls. They become the most bitter enemies of their former brethren. When Sabbathkeepers are brought before the courts to answer for their faith, these apostates are the most efficient agents of Satan to misrepresent and accuse them, and by false reports and insinuations to stir up the rulers against them." (The Great Controversy, page 608)

"The work which the church has failed to do in a time of peace and prosperity she will have to do in a terrible crisis under most discouraging, forbidding circumstances. The warnings that worldly conformity has silenced or withheld must be given under the fiercest opposition from enemies of the faith. And at that time the superficial, conservative class, whose influence has steadily retarded the progress of the work, will renounce the faith and take their stand with its avowed enemies, toward whom their sympathies have long been tending. These apostates will then manifest the most bitter enmity, doing all in their power to oppress and malign their former brethren and to excite indignation against them. This day is just before us. The members of the church will individually be tested and proved. They will be placed in circumstances where they will be forced to bear witness for the truth. Many will be called to speak before councils and in courts of justice, perhaps separately and alone. The experience which would have helped them in this emergency they have neglected to obtain, and their souls are burdened with remorse for wasted opportunities and neglected privileges." (Testimonies for the Church Volume Five, page 463)

If one takes the writings of Ellen White quoted above without any preconceived ideas or prejudices, who is "the hated sect?"

[Pastor_Chick]

While we are considering who "The Hated Sect" represents, let us consider another statement from the pen of inspiration.

This small remnant [the hated sect], unable to defend themselves in the deadly conflict with the powers of earth that are marshaled by the dragon host, make God their defense. The decree has been passed by the highest earthly authority that they shall worship the beast and receive his mark under pain of persecution and death. (LDE 259)

What entity will be "the highest earthly authority?"

[Pastor_Chick]

Does anyone have evidence to share that the Seventh-day Adventist Church will become "the hated sect?"

If so, please provide your evidence.

If there is no evidence to suggest the SDA Church fits, then what group of people do fit this category?

[fccool]

What entity will be "the highest earthly authority?"

Loaded question that seeks confirmation of what you believe? ... or perhaps you honestly want to hear "Roman Catholic Church" as answer?

[Pastor_Chick]

Originally Posted By: Pastor_Chick

What entity will be "the highest earthly authority?"

Loaded question that seeks confirmation of what you believe? ... or perhaps you honestly want to hear "Roman Catholic Church" as answer?

fc,

If you were not implying some level of judging my motives and simply wished to answer my direct question, that would be pleasant to me. Why would you give an answer based on what I "honestly want to hear?"

Now, is your answer "Roman Catholic Church?" AND, if so, please give your evidence/reasons. I cannot agree without some offer of persuasion.

Thank you in advance.

(Have you decided my case is not worth your help?)

[fccool]

On some level all of us judge motives. That's how human brain work, it's nothing personal. I simply would like to know if my suspicion is correct.

I'm answering based on the material you quote. You quote E.G. White. She did not have any other entity reserved for the "highest earthly authority", and I can say with certainty that she did not have GC in mind.

Now, whether she was right or wrong, that's a total different issue.

[Gail]

I am curious to know of what benefit this information could be. What difference would it make to someone to know this- make him fearful or suspicious, or perhaps critical of certain others?

[John317]

The Beast Persecuted the Hated Sect

"When Rome at one time determined to exterminate the hated sect, a bull was issued by the pope, condemning them as heretics, and delivering them to slaughter. They were not accused as idlers, or dishonest, or disorderly; but it was declared that they had an appearance of piety and sanctity that seduced 'the sheep of the true fold.'" (The Great Controversy, page 77)

....The Hated Sect is an Obscure People

"I saw the nominal church and nominal Adventists, like Judas, would betray us to the Catholics to obtain their influence to come against the truth. The saints then will be an obscure people, little known to the Catholics; but the churches and nominal Adventists [Adventists by name only] who know of our faith and customs (for they hated us on account of the Sabbath, for they could not refute it) will betray the saints...." (Spalding and Magan Collection, page 1)

....If one takes the writings of Ellen White quoted above without any preconceived ideas or prejudices, who is "the hated sect?"

The "hated sect" are the true followers of Christ, who will truly keep the commandments of God, including the Sabbath, and the faith of Jesus. The "hated sect" will also continue to have and hold to the Spirit of prophecy.

The hated sect is not synonymous with the Seventh-day Adventist Church, because the SDA church consists of nominal Adventists, or SDAs in name only. The hated sect, then, will be a small minority of the SDA church, a remanant of the Remnant. These will eventually be betrayed by the majority of SDAs who will go over to the side of God's enemies and persecute their former fellow-believers. This small group of SDAs will indeed be an obscure people, relatively few in number and still believing in and teaching what was thought to have ceased to be believed.

[Guest]

Yep...

[abelisle]

"This small group of SDAs will indeed by an obscure people, relatively few in number and still believing in and teaching what was thought to have ceased to be believed."

Hmm . . . 144,000 maybe? ? ?

[CoAspen]

Quote:

The hated sect is not synonymous with the Seventh-day Adventist Church, because the SDA church consists of nominal Adventists, or SDAs in name only. The hated sect, then, will be a small minority of the SDA church, a remanant of the Remnant. These will eventually be betrayed by the majority of SDAs who will go over to the side of God's enemies and persecute their former fellow-believers. This small group of SDAs will indeed be an obscure people, relatively few in number and still believing in and teaching what was thought to have ceased to be believed.

A rather BIG pronouncement against the church based on what?

And what group do you believe you are part of?

[John317]

A rather BIG pronouncement against the church based on what?

And what group do you believe you are part of?

It's not my idea. I'm going by what Ellen White says in her writings.

She says that a majority of the church, who have refused to be sacntified by the truth they've known for years, will fianlly go out of the church and their place will be taken by people who hear the message for the first time and gladly accept it.

As for what group I believe I am a part of, we can't make that judgment. It is up to God to judge. God has shown us what we must do in order to be among the saved, so we can know if we are meeting God's conditions, but we can't know whether other people are meeting the conditions. We have to leave that decision up to God. It's determined in the Investigative Judgment that's going on now in the heavenly sanctuary.

[Woody]

I find that those who say we can't judge people are the very ones who enjoy doing so. I have to wonder the psychology in this. I suppose it just speaks to our sinful condition.

[Pastor_Chick]

"This small group of SDAs will indeed by an obscure people, relatively few in number and still believing in and teaching what was thought to have ceased to be believed."

Hmm . . . 144,000 maybe? ? ?

[Pastor_Chick]

I am curious to know of what benefit this information could be. What difference would it make to someone to know this- make him fearful or suspicious, or perhaps critical of certain others?

Dear Gail,

Thank you for sharing your heart.

You were exposed to this thread for some divine reason. It is all about sanctification, and when we are completely resting in the Sabbath of the LORD, we shall just be at peace. Of course, we shall continue to have a hunger and thirst for righteousness.

Blessings to you...

[Gail]

Originally Posted By: Gail

I am curious to know of what benefit this information could be. What difference would it make to someone to know this- make him fearful or suspicious, or perhaps critical of certain others?

Dear Gail,

Thank you for sharing your heart.

You were exposed to this thread for some divine reason. It is all about sanctification, and when we are completely resting in the Sabbath of the LORD, we shall just be at peace. Of course, we shall continue to have a hunger and thirst for righteousness.

Blessings to you...

LOL Well I'm glad you included it now!

My point is that I suspect that the legalistic end-time fear our people had a generation ago might be connected to a focus on this type of presentation.

We as Christians can expect that Satan will wage war on those who give their lives up to do God's will. But doesn't Ellen White warn against creating a time of trouble before the actual time of trouble? Should not our eyes be on Christ? He is the one who will prepare us for "come-what-may"

[Pastor_Chick]

Gail,

Thanks for your clarification.

Have you read much on the RFRA thread? There is a current lawsuit in process (I am the Defendant) that is very troublesome. My conscience is being threatened and restricted by my "former brethren" in connection with the United States civil power.

Now, whether you agree with my position or not, IF you are truly Adventist, you must plead for my freedom of religion and expression. This is basic "Seventh-day Adventism."

If you take time and energy to test the principles involved, you might conclude my church is currently "the hated sect."

[John317]

...My point is that I suspect that the legalistic end-time fear our people had a generation ago might be connected to a focus on this type of presentation.

We as Christians can expect that Satan will wage war on those who give their lives up to do God's will. But doesn't Ellen White warn against creating a time of trouble before the actual time of trouble? Should not our eyes be on Christ? He is the one who will prepare us for "come-what-may"

Yes, that's true, but we should study and be aware of everything that God revealed to us through prophecy, including those in Ellen White's writings. She never intended for people to say that we shouldn't be aware of what she wrote concerning the "hated sect." We need to realize that only a relative few will be ready for Christ's return and why this will be the case.

It's true that those things shouldn't be what our minds are focussed on. Our focus should always be Christ while we study the end-time events but we do need to study them. One of the best books I know of on this subject is one I picked up recently at the ABC, titled, The Time of the End, A Study of the Last Days From the Word of God and the Spirit of Prophecy, compiled by James L. Hayward, Dr.

[Gail]

Thank for the info. I think that our people should be more aware than they are, because unfortunately not many people read their Bibles or EGW or the history of the Christian church like they used to.

Brother Chick, I have not been following your story, but if you are called to raise warnings concerning the last time who am I to stop you? If we are Christ's children, then we should ALL have a ministry. May you be blessed!