Part 32 (LAST DAY EVENTS)
Now it is time to study the ROLE of SPIRITUALISM in the setting up of the Image of the beast in the United States of America and in all the world.
In the work of restoration of the Beast and his Image in these last days, the role of SPIRITUALISM is not to be overlooked, for it will play a major part in this return to power of ecclesiastical oppression.
"Satan has long been preparing for his final effort to deceive the world... little by little he has prepared the way for his masterpiece of deception in the development of SPIRITUALISM... Even in its present form, so far from being more worthy of toleration than formerly, it is really a more dangerous, because a more subtle, deception. While it formerly denounced Christ and the Bible, IT NOW PROFESSES TO ACCEPT BOTH. But the Bible is interpreted in a manner that is pleasing to the unrenewed heart, while its solemn and vital truths are made of no effect. LOVE IS DWELT UPON AS THE CHIEF ATTRIBUTE OF GOD, BUT IT IS DEGRADED TO A WEAK SENTIMENTALISM, making little distinction between good and evil." The Great Controversy,561, 558.
In Matthew 24:24, we are warned that in the last days "There shall arise false Christs and false prophets, and shall show great signs and wonders, insomuch that, if it were possible, they shall deceive the very elect."
The ones against whom we are warned, appearing in plural numbers in these last days are false Christs and false prophets. They come NOT AS OPENED ENEMIES OF THE TRUTH, but as COUNTERFEITS OF THE REAL.
Among those who are opposed to God's living truths are men so polite, courteous, helplful, calm and nice that you would ask yourself, How could such men ever be the enemies of God? Outwardly they bear all the marks of conversion. Surely from all I can see of these men they are true children of God!
But do not be deceived. That is not the test. The ministers of unrighteousness come among us as angels of light to deceive and draw back God's people. In these last days we will have miracles, genuine, undeniable miracles of apparent conversions, worked by Satan's ministers.
They will teach a message which appears to be the doctrine of Christ. It will look the same and sound the same, but God's true people will know by His Word that it is not the same because there are distinct differences.
"Genious, sympathy, even generous deeds, may become decoys of Satan to entice other souls over the precipice of ruin for this life and the life to come." MB 94,95.
"To a superficial observer, persons who are naturally amiable, who are educated and refine, may appear perfect in life," (F.W.32) but do not be deceived, for
"I saw that the mysterious signs and wonders, and false reformations would increase, and spread. THE REFORMATIONS THAT WERE SHOWN ME WERE NOT REFORMATIONS FROM ERROR TO TRUTH, BUT FROM BAD TO WORSE; for those who professed a change of heart, had only wrap about them a religious garb, which covered up the iniquity of a wicked heart. Some appeared to have been really converted, as to deceive God's people, but if their hearts could be seen, they would appear as black as ever." E.G.White, and Her Critics, by F.D. Nichol p.222.(Present Truth, Aug.1849, pp.21,22).