END OF TIME SERIES 

 PART TWO

THE

THE NATIONAL SUNDAY LAW  

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IMPORTANCE OF THIS EVENT

1 - This is a subject that we need to understand.

"The fearful judgments denounced against the worship of the beast and his image, should lead all to a diligent study of the prophecies to learn what the mark of the beast is, and how they are to avoid receiving It." -Great Controversy, 594:2.

2 - The Sunday law is inevitable.

"Sooner or later Sunday laws will be passed." -Last Day Events, 128:4.

THE OBJECTIVE

1 - A national act.

"Our land is in jeopardy. The time is drawing on when its legislators shall so abjure the principles of Protestantism as to give countenance to Romish apostasy. The people for whom God has so marvelously wrought, strengthening them to throw off the galling yoke of popery, will by a national act give vigor to the corrupt faith of Rome, and thus arouse the tyranny which only waits for a touch to start again into cruelty and despotism." -4 Spirit of Prophecy, 410.

2 - A law.

"A more decided effort will be made to exalt the false sabbath, and to cast contempt upon God Himself by supplanting the day He has blessed and sanctified. This false sabbath is to be enforced by an oppressive law. "-7 Bible Commentary, 985.

3 - A decree.

"By the decree enforcing the institution of the papacy in violation of the law of God, our nation will disconnect herself fully from righteousness." -5 Testimonies, 451.

4 - An amendment to the Constitution.

"We see that efforts are being made to restrict our religious liberties. The Sunday question is now assuming large proportions. An amendment to our Constitution is being urged in Congress, and when it is obtained, oppression must follow." Review Extra, December 18, 1888.

5 - A religious amendment to the Constitution.

"If the people can be led to favor a Sunday law, then the clergy intend to exert their united influence to obtain a religious amendment to the Constitution, and compel the nation to keep Sunday." -Review Extra, December 24, 1889. 

IT WILL DESTROY RELIGIOUS FREEDOM

1 - It will bring religious liberty to an end.

"The law of God, through the agency of Satan, is to be made void. In our land of boasted freedom religious liberty will come to an end. The contest will be decided over the Sabbath question, which will agitate the whole world." Evangelism, 296:9.

2 - It will revive tyranny.

"Protestants will throw their whole Influence and strength on the side of the Papacy. By a national act enforcing the false sabbath they will give life and vigor to the corrupt faith of Rome, reviving her tyranny and oppression of conscience." -Maranatha, 179:2.

3 - Men will be compelled to obey.

"A great crisis awaits the people of God. Very soon our nation will attempt to enforce upon all the observance of the first day of the week as a sacred day. In doing this they will not scruple to compel men against the voice of their own conscience to observe the day the nation declares to be the Sabbath." -Last Day Events, 144.2. 

SABBATHKEEPERS WILL BE OPPOSED AND HATED

1 - The faithful will fight the battle against great national powers.

"Seventh-day Adventists will fight the battle over the seventh-day Sabbath. The authorities in the United States and in other countries will rise up in their pride and power and make laws to restrict religious liberty." -Last Day Events, 144.3.

2 - They will be hated for their position.

"Soon the Sunday laws will be enforced, and men In positions of trust will be embittered against the little handful of God's commandment-keeping people."-4 Manuscript Releases, 278. 

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THE TIMING OF THE NATIONAL SUNDAY LAW

It is not possible to set a date for the occurrence of this event, nor to determine time spans leading to or away from it. There will be no tracing of definite time after 1844 (7BC 971) for time-setting is not a test after 1844 (EW 75; 2SM 73; 1T 409). See our tract study, Its No Time for Time Excitement [PG-21}, for many quotations on this.

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LAMBLIKE BEAST INSTITUTES NATIONAL SUNDAY LAW

The Lamblike beast of Revelation 13 represents a persecuting power (TM 117). It symbolizes Protestant America (GC 445), and the United States of America (GC 440-44'1, 445; SR 381-2). This beast will make Sunday observance the test, and, in so doing, will enforce the worship of the papacy (GC 445). The symbol of the lamblike beast "which speaks as a dragon" will not apply to the U.S. until the national Sunday law is enacted.

1 - U.S. enactment of the Sunday law will produce (1) an image to the beast, (2) the worship of the papacy, and (3) begin the placement of the mark.

"The prophecy of Revelation 13 declares that the power represented by the beast with Iamblike horns shall cause 'the earth and them which dwell therein' to worship the papacy -there symbolized by the beast 'like unto a leopard.' The beast with two horns is also to say 'to them that dwell on the earth, that they should make an Image to the beast;' and, furthermore, it is to command all, 'both small and great, rich and poor, free and bond,' to receive 'the mark of the beast.' It has been shown that the United States Is the power represented by the beast with Iamblike horns, and that this prophecy will be fulfilled when the United States shall enforce Sunday observance, which Rome claims as the special acknowledgment of her supremacy. But in this homage to papacy the United States will not be alone. The influence of Rome in the countries that once acknowledged her dominion, is still far from being destroyed. And prophecy foretells a restoration of her power." -Great Controversy, 578:9579:0. 

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ENACTMENT OF THE NATIONAL SUNDAY LAW BRINGS WORSHIP OF THE LEOPARD BEAST

The Leopard like beast of Revelation 13 represents the papacy (GC 443, 445). This beast is worshiped in the act of violating God's law by keeping Sunday sacred (TM 133). Efforts to tear down Sabbath observance distinguish the worship of the beast (GC 446). A decree will be made enforcing the worship of the beast (5T 525). Enforcement of Sunday observance will be equivalent to worshiping the beast (GC 448-9). This worship will be enforced on pain of persecution and death (5T 752).

1 - The decree will require the worship of the beast.

"The decree shall go forth requiring all to worship the beast and his image." -5 Testimonies, 525:2.

2 - That first beast is the papacy.

"In (Revelation] chapter 13 (verses 1-10) is described another beast, 'like unto a leopard, to which the dragon gave 'his power, and his seat, and great authority.' This symbol, as most Protestants have believed, represents the papacy, which succeeded to the power and seat and authority once held by the ancient Roman empire . . This prophecy, which is nearly Identical with the description of the little horn of Daniel 7, unquestionably points to the papacy." -Great Controversy, 439:1.

3 - The second beast will cause men to worship the first beast.

"The prophecy of Revelation 13 declares that the power represented by the beast with Iamblike horns shall cause 'the earth and them which dwell therein' to worship the papacy, there symbolized by the beast 'like unto a leopard.' "-Great Controversy, 578:3.

4 - The decree will require that men worship the beast and receive the mark. .

"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. May God help His people now, for what can they then do in such a fearful conflict without His assistance'" -5 Testimonies, 213:0.

5 - Characteristically, the beast breaks the commandments.

"The special characteristic of the beast, and therefore of his image, is the breaking of God's commandments. "-Great Controversy, 446:1.

In contrast to those who worship the beast, there will be those who will not worship the beast, for they will not be hallowing the first-day of the week. They will be keeping God's commandments.

"John was called to behold a people distinct from those who worship the beast or his Image by keeping the first day of the week. The observance of this day is the mark of the beast."-Testimonies to Ministers, 133:1.

7 - The worship of the beast, mentioned in the third angel's solemn warning, is the opposite of obedience to God's commandments.

"After the warning against the worship of the beast and his image, the prophecy declares, 'Here are they that keep the commandments of God, and the faith of Jesus.' Since those who keep God's commandments are thus placed In contrast with those that worship the beast and his image and receive his mark, it follows that the keeping of God's law, on the one hand, and Its violation, on the other, will make the distinction between the worshipers of God and the worshipers of the beast. "-Great Controversy, 445:9.

8 - It will be the enforcement of the false sabbath.

"A great crisis awaits the people of God. Very soon our nation will attempt to enforce upon all, the observance of the first day of the week as a sacred day. In doing this, they will not scruple to compel men against the voice of their own conscience to observe the day the nation declares to be the Sabbath." -Review Extra, December 11, 1888. 

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SUNDAY LAW DECREE IS THE WORSHIP OF THE BEAST AND HIS IMAGE AND BRINGS THE MARK OF THE BEAST

1 - The decree requires the worship of the beast and the receiving of his mark.

"This small remnant, unable to defend themselves in the deadly conflict with the powers of earth that are marshalled 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. "-5 Testimonies, 213:0.

2 - No one receives the mark, until he understands the issues and obeys the Sunday law.

 "With the Issue thus clearly brought before him, whoever shall trample upon God's law to obey a human enactment, receives the mark of the beast; he accepts the sign of allegiance to the power which he chooses to obey instead of God. The warning from heaven is 'If any man worship the beast and his image, and receive his mark in his forehead, or in his hand, the same shall drink of the wine of the wrath of God, which is poured out without mixture into the cup of His indignation.' "-Great Controversy, 604:3 - 605:0.

3 - The controversy over this basic issue will divide between those who receive the mark and those who receive the seal.

"While the observance of the false sabbath In compliance with the law of the state, contrary to the fourth commandment, will be an avowal of allegiance to a power that is in opposition to God, the keeping of the true Sabbath, In obedience to God's law, is an evidence of loyalty to the Creator. While one class, by accepting the sign of submission to earthly powers, receive the mark of the beast, the other, choosing the token of allegiance to divine authority, receive the seal of God." -Great Controversy, 605:2.

4 - Some will refuse to obey the decree to worship the beast and his image.

"If we are true servants of God, there should be no question in our minds as to whether we will obey His commandments or consult our own temporal interests. If the believers in the truth are not sustained by their faith in these comparatively peaceful days. what will uphold them when the grand test comes and the decree goes forth against all those who will not worship the Image of the beast and receive his mark in their foreheads or in their hands? This solemn period is not far off. Instead of becoming weak and irresolute, the people of God should be gathering strength and courage for the time of trouble."-4 Testimonies, 251:1.

5 - The faithful can -even now say no to the decree.

"Those who would not receive the mark of the beast and his Image when the decree goes I forth, must have decision now to say, Nay, we will I not regard the institution of the beast." -Early Writings, 67:2. 

WHY WE MUST EVER CALL OURSELVES "SEVENTH-DAY ADVENTISTS"

We have been told that, because Sundaykeeping will be the test, the faithful must ever retain the name "Seventh-day Adventist" We are told that the reasons why we must ever retain the name include this one:

.. The conflict is between the requirements of God and the requirements of the beast. The first day, a papal institution which directly contradicts the fourth commandment, is yet to be made a test by the two-horned beast. And then the fearful warning from God declares the penalty of bowing to the beast and his image. They shall drink the wine of the wrath of God, which is poured out without mixture into the cup of His indignation."1 Testimonies, 223:2.

While we are on this subject, we should consider a related question: What will the organized leadership of our church will do when the national Sunday law is enacted, and it is no longer legal for the Adventist denomination to exist - if, that is, its organizational structure and leadership continues to worship on the Bible Sabbath?

One possibility is that a controlling number of our leaders will stand true to our historic principles. Another possibility is that they will go into apostasy, leave the church and join the opposition. A third possibility is that they will they continue on as organizational leaders of the denomination-even though they have forsaken the Sabbath and are worshiping on Sunday.

One of those three possibilities will occur.

Yet we just read the statement, which urges the faithful to ever retain the name, "Seventh-day Adventist." Surely, our heavenly Father will enable the faithful to give a clear-cut message to the world. Why would we be urged to retain the name otherwise? It seems that God will protect that name - and only true Seventh-day Adventists will bear it after the national Sunday law crisis begins. If that be true, then the apostates will totally forsake Adventism, repudiate identification with the "Seventh-day Adventist" name, and join the ranks of the enemy.

(In a later study in this series, we will discuss whether there will be a Seventh-day Adventist organization after the Sunday law is enacted.) 

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THE NO-BUY-SELL PROVISO

What about the No-buy-sell penalty? Is it the same as the national Sunday law, or is it issued later as a separate decree or law? We are not told much about it, and it could be a follow-up piece of legislation to render even more stringent the provisions and penalties of the national Sunday law (cf. DA 121-122).

(1) The present writer knows of no conclusive instance in which the no-buy-sell stipulation is referred to as a separate piece of legislation (but see 5T 152, quoted below).

(2) The penalties in the original national Sunday law are so strong that all but the totally principled -in spite of learning the momentous issues involved -will yield, keep Sunday, and receive the mark.

(3) We are told that the "threat of imprisonment and death" will be included in the Sunday law itself, -and that would be far stronger than the no- buy-sell stipulation.

(4) Thus-whether or not the no-buy-sell proviso is a separate act -does not seem to be significant.

1 - Assets will then be worthless.

         "Hoarded wealth will soon be worthless. When the decree shall go forth that none shall buy or sell except they have the mark of the beast, very much means will be of no avail. God calls for us now to do all in our power to send forth the warning to the world." -Last Day Events, 148:2.

2 - The no-buy-sell restriction will apply to commandment-keepers.

"The work must not stop for want of means. More means must be invested in it. Brethren in America, in the name of my Master I bid you wake up! You that are placing your talents of means in a napkin, and hiding them in the earth, who are building houses and adding land to land, God calls upon you, 'Sell that ye have, and give alms.' There Is a time coming when commandment keepers can neither buy nor sell. Make haste to dig out your buried talents. If God has entrusted you with money, show yourselves faithful to your trust; unwrap you napkin, and send you talents to the exchangers, that when Christ shall come, He may receive His own with interest." -Counsels on Stewardship, 40:1,

3 - The faithful will be penalized for refusing to break God's law.

"When we learn the power of His word, we shall not follow the suggestions of Satan in order to obtain food or to save our lives. Our only questions will be, What is God's command? and what His promise? Knowing these, we shall obey the one, and trust the other.

"In the last great conflict of the controversy with Satan those who are loyal to God will see every earthly support cut off. Because they refuse to break His law In obedience to earthly powers, they will be forbidden to buy or sell. It will finally be decreed that they shall be put to death. See Revelation 13:11-17. But to the obedient is given the promise, 'He shall dwell on high: his place of defense shall be the munitions of rocks: bread shall be given him; his waters shall be sure.' Isaiah 33:16, By this promise the children of God will live. When the earth shall be wasted with famine, they shall be fed. 'They shall not be ashamed in the evil time: and in the days of famine they shall be satisfied.' Psalm 37:19."Desire of Ages, 121:2-122:0.

4 - Only those with the mark will be permitted to buy and sell.

"It is now that our brethren should be cutting down their possessions instead of increasing them. We are about to move to a better country, even a heavenly. Then let us not be dwellers upon the earth, but be getting things into as compact a compass as possible.

"The time Is coming when we cannot sell at any price. The decree will soon go forth prohibiting men to buy or sell of any man save him that hath the mark of the beast. We came near having this realized in California a short time since; but this was only the threatening of the blowing of the four winds. As yet they are held by the four angels. We are not just ready. There is a work yet to be done, and then the angels will be bidden to go, that the four winds may blow upon the earth. That will be a decisive time for God's children, a time of trouble such as never was since there was a nation. Now is our opportunity to work,"-5 Testimonies, 152:3-2.

"Satan says. . 'For fear of wanting food and clothing they will join with the world in transgressing God's law. The earth will be wholly under my dominion.' "-Prophet and Kings, 183:3, 184.:2.

5 - In addition to no-buy-sell, there will be the threat of punishment and death.

"The time is not far distant when the test will come to every soul. The mark of the beast will be urged upon us. Those who have step by step yielded to worldly demands and conformed to worldly customs will not find it a hard matter to yield to the powers that be, rather than subject themselves to derision, Insult, threatened Imprisonment, and death. The contest is between the commandments of God and the commandments of men."-5 Testimonies, 81:1.

"Wonderful events are soon to open before the world. The end of all things is at hand. The time of trouble is about to come upon the people of God. Then it is that the decree will go forth forbidding those who keep the Sabbath of the Lord to buy or sell, and threatening them with punishment, and even death, if they do not observe the first day of the week as the Sabbath." Lift Him Up, 947:9.

"As Nebuchadnezzar the king of Babylon issued a decree that all who would not bow down and worship this image should be killed, so a proclamation will be made that all who will not reverence the Sunday Institution will be punished with Imprisonment and death. . Let all read carefully the thirteenth chapter of Revelation, for it concerns every human agent, great and small."-14 Manuscript Releases, 91 (1896).

 "The time is not far distant when the test will come to every soul. The mark of the beast will be urged upon us. Those who have step by step yielded to worldly demands and conformed to worldly customs will not find it a hard matter to yield to the powers that be, rather than subject themselves to derision, insult, threatened imprisonment, and death. The contest is between the commandments of God and the commandments of men."-5 Testimonies, 81:1. 

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THE SUNDAY LAW IS THE SIGN TO LEAVE THE LARGE CITIES PREPARATORY TO LEAVING THE SMALL ONES

1 - Move out of the cities before you can no longer do so.

"The trades unions and confederacies of the world are a snare. Keep out of them, and away from them, brethren. Have nothing to do with them. Because of these unions and confederacies, it will soon be very difficult for our institutions to carry on their work in the cities. My warning is: Keep out of the cities. Build no sanitariums in the cities. Educate our people to get out of the cities into the country, where they can obtain a small piece of land, and make a home for themselves and their children. .

"Our restaurants must be in the cities; for otherwise the workers in these restaurants could not reach the people and teach them the principles of right living. And for the present we shall have to occupy meetinghouses in the cities. But erelong there will be such strife and confusion In the cities, that those who wish to leave them will not be able. We must be preparing for these Issues. "-2 Selected Messages, 142:3-4.

"He wants us to live where we can have elbow room. His people are not to crowd into the cities. He wants them to take their families out of the cities, that they may better prepare for eternal life. In a little while they will have to leave the cities . . Get out of the cities as soon as possible. "2 Selected Message, 356:3, 5.

2 - The Sunday law decree will be a special sign to leave the large cities.

"It is no time now for God's people to be fixing their affections or laying up their treasure in the world. The time is not far distant, when, like the early disciples, we shall be forced to seek a refuge in desolate and solitary places. As the siege of Jerusalem by the Roman armies was the signal for flight to the Judean Christians, so the assumption of power on the part of our nation in the decree enforcing the papal sabbath will be a warning to us. It will then be time to leave the large cities, preparatory to leaving the smaller ones for retired homes in secluded places among the mountains." -5 Testimonies, 464:3-465:0 (Country Living, 32).

3 - In view of that, we are now to have no centers in any city.

"For years I have been given special light that we are not to center our work in the cities. The turmoil and confusion that fill these cities, the conditions brought about by the labor unions and the strikes, would prove a great hindrance to our work. Men are seeking to bring those engaged in the different trades under bondage to certain unions. This is not God's planning, but the planning of a power that we should in no wise acknowledge. God's word is fulfilling; the wicked are binding themselves up in bundles ready to be burned." -7 Testimonies, 84:2.

4 - Live where you can keep the Sabbath unhindered.

"We are not to locate ourselves where we will be forced into close relations with those who do not honor God . . A crisis is soon to come In regard to the observance of Sunday. .

"The Sunday party is strengthening itself in its false claims, and this will mean oppression to those who determine to keep the Sabbath of the Lord. We are to place ourselves where we can carry out the Sabbath commandment in its fullness. 'Six days shalt thou labor,' the Lord declares, 'and do all thy work; but the seventh day is the Sabbath of the Lord thy God: in it thou shalt not do any work.' And we are to be careful not to place ourselves where it will be hard for ourselves and our children to keep the Sabbath. "If in the providence of God we can secure places away from the cities, the Lord would have us do this. There are troublous times before us . . I see the necessity of making haste to get all things ready for the crisis." -2 Selected Messages, 359:2-5

5 - God will help you find a secluded place.

 "I was pleading with some families to avail themselves of God's appointed means, and get away from the cities to save their children. Some were loitering, making no determined efforts.

"The angels of mercy hurried Lot and his wife and daughters by taking hold of their hands. Had Lot hastened as the Lord desired him to, his wife would not have become a pillar of salt. Lot had too much of a lingering spirit. Let us not be like him. The same voice that warned Lot to leave Sodom bids us, 'Come out from among them, and be ye separate, . . and touch not the unclean.' Those who obey this warning will find a refuge. Let every man be wide awake for himself, and try to save his family. Let him gird himself for the work. God will reveal from point to point what to do next."-Country Living, 6:6-7:0. 

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THE TRADES, PROFESSIONS, AND OTHER UNIONS WILL PLAY A PART IN THIS FINAL CONFLICT

1 - Beware of organizations opposed to the law of God.

"Men have confederated to oppose the Lord of hosts. These confederacies will continue until Christ shall leave His place of intercession before the mercy seat and shall put on the garments of vengeance. Satanic agencies are in every city, busily organizing into parties those opposed to the law of God. Professed saints and avowed unbelievers take their stand with these parties. This is no time for the people of God to be weaklings. We cannot afford to be off our guard for one moment. "-8 Testimonies, 42:2.

"The trades unions will be one of the agencies that will bring upon this earth a time of trouble such as has not been since the world began."-2 Selected Messages, 142:1.

"Because of these unions and confederacies, it will soon be very difficult for our institutions to carry on their work in the cities. My warning is: Keep out of the cities. Build no sanitariums in the cities." -2 Selected Messages, 142:3.

2 - Men are binding into bundles of disobedient ones.

"These unions are one of the signs of the last days. Men are binding up in bundles ready to be burned. They may be church members, but while they belong to these unions, they cannot possibly keep the commandments of God; for to belong to these unions means to disregard the entire Decalogue." -2 Selected Messages, 143:3. 

WE ARE TO HAVE NOTHING TO DO WITH THEM

1 - We must not unite with them.

"Those who claim to be the children of God are in no case to bind up with the labor unions that are formed or that shall be formed. This the Lord forbids. Cannot those who study the prophecies see and understand what is before us? "-2 Selected Messages, 144:1.

2 - We are to stand free in God.

"We are now to use all our entrusted capabilities in giving the last warning message to the world. In this work we are to preserve our Individuality. We are not to unite with secret societies or with trade-unions. We are to stand free In God, looking constantly to Christ for instruction. All our movements are to be made with a realization of the importance of the work to be accomplished for God."-7 Testimonies, 84:3.

3- Membership in the unions will wrap you in the fold of the enemy.

"The work of the people of God is to prepare for the events of the future, which will soon come upon them with blinding force. In the world gigantic monopolies will be formed. Men will bind themselves together in unions that will wrap them in the folds of the enemy. A few men will combine to grasp all the means to be obtained in certain lines of business. Trade unions will be formed, and those who refuse to join these unions will be marked men. "-2 Selected Messages, 142:2. 

LABOR UNIONS WILL BECOME OPPRESSIVE AGENCIES OF SATAN

1 - The power of labor unions will be oppressive. "The time is fast coming when the controlling power of the labor unions will be very oppressive. Again and again the lord has instructed that our people are to take their families away from the cities into the country, where they can raise their own provisions; for in the future the problem of buying and selling will be a very serious one. We should now begin to heed the instruction given us over and over again: Get out of the cities into rural districts, where the houses are not crowded closely together, and where you will be free from the interference of enemies." -2 Selected Messages, 141:1.

2 - Trades unions will help bring the time of trouble.

"The trades unions will be one of the agencies that will bring upon this earth a time of trouble such as has not been since the world began."-2 Selected Messages, 142:1.

3 - They will bring most terrible violence.

"There is a great work before us. The enemy has succeeded in occupying the minds of those who believe the truth for this time, and hindrance after hindrance has been placed in the way of the advancement of God's work. . It will be more difficult in the future than it is today. Satanic agencies are becoming more determined in their rebellion against God. The trade unions will be the cause of the most terrible violence that has ever been seen among human beings." Letter 99, 1904, p. 3. (To J. E. White and wife, February 23, 1904.) - 4 Manuscript Releases, 23:3.

4 - These are agencies which God will not much longer tolerate.

"Cast out of heaven, Satan set up his kingdom in this world, and ever since he has been untiringly striving to seduce human beings from their allegiance to God. He uses the same power that he used in heaven -the influence of mind on mind. Men become tempters of their fellowmen. The strong, corrupting sentiments of Satan are cherished, and they exert a masterly, compelling power. Under the Influence of these sentiments, men bind up with one another In confederacies, In trade unions, and In secret societies. There are at work in the world agencies that God will not much longer tolerate. "1 Mind, Character, and Personality, 28:3. 

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THE UNIVERSAL SUNDAY LAW

Under the influence of the United States of America, the apostasy will spread throughout the world as other nations enact their own national Sunday laws. The result will be a world-wide, or universal, Sunday law. The pattern shown in the quotations is this:

(1) The National Sunday Law is first enacted in the United States.

(2) The other nations of the "Christian" world (Europe, Canada, Australia, Central and South America, and the Philippines) more rapidly follow.

(3) All nations will be cajoled or coerced into passing and enforcing similar enactments.

In an earlier section on the False Latter Rain, we noted three things that will greatly impact both on the nations of Christendom and non-Christian nations:

(1) The marvelous working of Satan through miracles and healings by his agents;

(2) his appearances as Christ in various parts of the world;

(3) the appearance of foreign deities (such as Mohammed and Buddha). All of these will be used to turn the people to Sundaykeeping, as the answer to the world's problems.

But it will all lead to worship of the antichrist by the world. And Satan will be behind it all.

"In this age antlchrlst will appear as the true Christ, and then the law of God will be fully made void In the nations of our world. Rebellion against God's holy law will be fully ripe. But the true leader of all this rebellion is Satan clothed as an angel of light. Men will be deceived and will exalt him to the place of God, and deify him. But Omnipotence will interpose, and to the apostate churches that unite in the exaltation of Satan, the sentence will go forth, 'Therefore shall her plagues come in one day, death, and mourning, and famine; and she shall be utterly burned with fire: for strong is the Lord God who judgeth her."-Testimonies to Ministers, 62:1. 

PROTESTANT, THEN CATHOLIC NATIONS

1 - Rome is influential in many countries.

"In homage to the Papacy the United States will not be alone. The Influence of Rome In the countries that once acknowledge her dominion, Is still far from being destroyed." Maranatha, 188:1.

2 - Romanism in Europe and Protestantism in North America will enact the law.

"In the last conflict the Sabbath will be the special point of controversy throughout all Christendom. Secular rulers and religious leaders will unite to enforce the observance of the Sunday; and as milder measures fail, the most oppressive laws will be enacted. It will be urged that the few who stand in opposition to an institution of the church and a law of the land ought not to be tolerated; and a decree will finally be issued denouncing them as deserving of the severest punishment, and giving the people liberty, after a certain time, to put them to death. Romanism In the Old World, and apostate Protestantism In the New, will pursue a similar course toward those who honor the divine precepts." -4 Spirit of Prophecy, 444:2- 445:0 [1884 Great Controversy.

"Romanism In the Old World, and apostate Protestantism In the New, will pursue a similar course toward those who honor all the divine precepts."-Great Controversy, 616:0 (1911).

Note: According to above four statements, it appears that, while Protestantism will lead in causing enactment of the National Sunday law in Protestant America, Roman Catholicism will lead in coercing the Catholic nations of Europe to follow suit. 

ALL NATIONS OF CHRISTENDOM WILL ADOPT IT

1 - The whole Christian world will be involved. "In the great conflict between faith and unbelief the whole Christian world will be involved." Last Day Events, 137:1.

2 - All Christendom will enact it, and the attention of the entire world will be upon it.

"The warning of the third angel. . is represented in the prophecy as being proclaimed with a loud voice, by an angel flying in the midst of heaven; and it will command the attention of the world.

"In the issue of the contest all Christendom will be divided into two great classes - those who keep the commandments of God and the faith of Jesus, and those who worship the beast and his image and receive his mark. Although church and state will unite their power to compel all, both small and great, rich and poor, free and bond' (Revelation 13:16), to receive 'the mark of the beast,' yet the people of God will not receive it" Great Controversy, 450:0-1.

3 - The Protestant world will adopt it, and the nations will be stirred.

"Nations will be stirred to their very center. Support will be withdrawn from those who proclaim God's only standard of righteousness, the only sure test of character. And all who will not bow to the decree of the national councils and obey the national laws to exalt the sabbath instituted by the man of sin, to the disregard of God's holy day, will feel, not the oppressive power of popery alone, but of the Protestant world, the image of the beast" -2 Selected Messages, 380:1. 

THEN TO THE NON-CHRISTIAN NATIONS

First, the Christian world; and then every nation will become involved - and worship the beast and his image.

"The so-called Christian world is to be the theater of great decisive actions. Men in authority will enact laws controlling the conscience, after the example of the Papacy. Babylon will make all nations drink of the wine of the wrath of her fornication. Every nation will be involved [Rev 18:3-7 quoted]."- Maranatha, 188:3. 

EVERY NATION ON EARTH WILL REQUIRE IT

1 - It will go to all the world.

"The decree enforcing the worship of this day is to go forth to all the world. "-7 Bible Commentary, 976/2:3.

2 - All the world will act a part.

"The Sabbath question is to be the issue in the great final conflict in which all the world will act a part,"- 6 Testimonies, 352:1.

3 - Foreign nations will accept it.

"Foreign nations will follow the example of the United States, Though she leads out, yet the same crisis will come upon our people in all parts of the world."- 6 Testimonies, 395:1.

4 - The powers of earth will decree it. "Fearful is the issue to which the world is to be brought. The powers of earth, uniting to war against the commandments of God, will decree that all, 'both small and great, rich and poor, free and bond,' shall conform to the customs of the church by the observance of the false sabbath."- Great Controversy, 604:2.

5 - Every nation will join the universal bond of union.

"The so-called Christian world is to be the theater of great and decisive actions. Men in authority will enact laws controlling the conscience, after the example of the papacy. Babylon will make all nations drink of the wine of the wrath of her fornication. Every nation will be involved. Of this time John the Revelator declares: . . [Revelation 18:3-7; 17:13-14, quoted]. 'These have one mind.' There will be a universal bond of union, one great harmony, a confederacy of Satan's forces. 'And shall give their power and strength unto the beast.' Thus is manifested the same arbitrary, oppressive power against religious liberty-freedom to worship God according to the dictates of conscience -as was manifested by the papacy, when in the past it persecuted those who dared to refuse to conform with the religious rites and ceremonies of Romanists."-3 Selected Messages, 392:1, 3-4.

6 - All nations, tongues, and peoples will be commanded to practice it.

"History will be repeated. False religion will be exalted. The first day of the week, a common working day, possessing no sanctity whatever, will be set up as was the image at Babylon, All nations and tongues and peoples will be commanded to worship this spurious sabbath. This is Satan's plan to make of no account the day instituted by God, and given to the world as a memorial of Creation. . The decree enforcing the worship of this day is to go forth to all the world." - Maranatha, 214:1 / 7 Bible Commentary, 976/2:3.

7 - Every country on the globe will follow America's example.

"As America, the land of religious liberty, shall unite with the papacy in forcing the conscience and compelling men to honor the false sabbath, the people of every country on the globe will be led to follow her example."- 6 Testimonies, 18:2.

8 - The substitution will become universal.

"The substitution of the false for the true is the last act in the drama. When this substitution becomes universal God will reveal Himself, When the laws of men are exalted above the laws of God, when the powers of this earth try to force men to keep the first day of the week, know that the time has come for God to work. "-7 Bible Commentary, 980/2:4.

"The substitution of the laws of men for the law of God, the exaltation, by merely human authority, of Sunday in place of the Bible Sabbath, is the last act in the drama. When this substitution becomes universal God will reveal Himself. He will arise in His majesty to shake terribly the earth. " 7 Testimonies, 141:1.

9 - All will take sides; no one will remain neutral.

"In the great conflict between faith and unbelief the whole Christian world will be involved. All will take sides. Some apparently may not engage in the conflict on either side. They may not appear to take sides against the truth, but they will not come out boldly for Christ through fear of losing property or suffering reproach. All such are numbered with the enemies of Christ." -Last Day Events, 215:2. 

THE ENTIRE WORLD WILL BE OPPOSED TO THE FAITHFUL WHO WILL REMAIN FAITHFUL TO GOD 

1 - The small group loyal to God will be the subject of universal execration.

"As the Sabbath has become the special point of controversy throughout Christendom and religious and secular authorities have combined to enforce the observance of the Sunday, the persistent refusal of a small minority to yield to the popular demand will make them objects of universal execration. "-Great Controversy, 615:2.

2 - Amid all that happens, the faithful will stand true.

"The season of distress before God's people will call for a faith that will not falter. His children must make it manifest that He is the only object of their worship, and that no consideration, not even that of life itself, can Induce them to make the least concession to false worship. To the loyal heart the commands of sinful, finite men will sink into insignificance beside the word of the eternal God. Truth will be obeyed though the result be imprisonment or exile or death."-Prophets and Kings, 512:2-513:0.

3 - All the corrupt powers of earth will be in opposition to God's people.

"In the warfare to be waged in the last days there will be united, In opposition to God's people, all the corrupt powers that have apostatized from allegiance to the law of Jehovah. In this warfare the Sabbath of the fourth commandment will be the great point at issue, for in the Sabbath commandment the great Lawgiver identifies Himself as the Creator of the heavens and the earth."-3 Selected Messages, 392:5-393:0.

4 - The whole wicked world will be converted, keep Sunday, and oppose God's faithful ones.

"The wicked. . declared that they had the truth, that miracles were among them, that angels from heaven talked with them and walked with them, that great power and signs and wonders were performed among them, and that this was the temporal millennium that they had been expecting so long. The whole world was converted and in harmony with the Sunday law." -3 Selected Messages, 427:5, 428:1.

"The whole world is to be stirred with enmity against Seventh-day Adventists because they will not yield homage to the papacy by honoring Sunday, the institution of this antichristian power. Testimonies to Ministers, 37:0.

"Those who trample upon God's law make human laws which they will force the people to accept. Men will devise and counsel and plan what they will do. The whole world keeps Sunday, they say, and why should not this people, who are so few in number, do according to the laws of the land?" -Last Day Events, 136:3.

Note: We will learn in the chapter on the False Latter Rain that Satan will personally appear (as Christ) to induce other nations to enact the national Sunday laws. We will there learn that he will also use apparent reincarnations of heathen gods to aid in deceiving them. 

UNIVERSAL SUNDAY LAW COMES BEFORE GENERAL CLOSE OF PROBATION

The enactment of a national Sunday law by the United States will hurl the people of our land into the events of the Final Crisis. But when similar legislation spreads to every other nation-thus becoming a universal Sunday law-mankind will be on the edge of the general close of probation. Enactment of that law In a nation brings the mark-seal-loud cry cluster of events. But when the very last nation has adopted It, nearly all the other nations will have made their decision. Thus, probation for humanity will close soon after the law becomes worldwide.

"God gives nations a certain time of probation." -4 Bible Commentary, 1143.

"With unerring accuracy the Infinite One still keeps an account with all nations. While His mercy is tendered, with calls to repentance, this account will remain open; but when the figures reach a certain amount, which God has fixed, the ministry of His wrath commences. The account is closed. Divine patience ceases. There is no more pleading of mercy in their behalf."-5 Testimonies, 208.

"God keeps a record with the nations: the figures are swelling against them in the books of heaven; and when It shall have become a law that the transgression of the first day of the week shall be met with punishment, then their cup will be full."- 7 Bible Commentary, 910.

"When the accumulated figures in heaven's record books shall mark the sum of transgression complete, wrath will come, unmixed with mercy, and then it will be seen what a tremendous thing it is to have worn out the divine patience. This crisis will be reached when the nations shall unite In making void God's law." -5 Testimonies, 524.

"This earth has almost reached the place where God will permit the destroyer to work his will upon it. The substitution of the laws of men for the law of God, the exaltation, by merely human authority, of Sunday in place of the Bible Sabbath, is the last act in the drama. When this substitution becomes universal, God will reveal Himself. He will arise in His majesty to shake terrible the earth. He will come out of His place to punish the inhabitants of the world for their iniquity, and the earth shall disclose her blood and shall no more cover her slain."- 7 Testimonies, 141.

"The substitution of the false for the true is the last act in the drama. When this substitution becomes universal, God will reveal Himself. When the laws of men are exalted above the laws of God, when the powers of this earth try to force men to keep the first day of the week, know that the time has come for God to work. He will arise in His majesty, and will shake terrible the earth. He will come out of His place to punish the inhabitants of the world for their iniquity." -7 Bible Commentary, 980. 

Continue Part 2

THE IMAGE OF THE BEAST
TOC