The European Union in Prophecy The EU in Prophecy I | Page 370

The European Union in Prophecy
consecration to God? The converts do not renounce their pride and love of the world.
They are no more willing to deny self, to take up the cross, and follow the meek and
lowly Jesus, than before their conversion. Religion has become the sport of infidels
and skeptics because so many who bear its name are ignorant of its principles. The
power of godliness has well-nigh departed from many of the churches. Picnics, church
theatricals, church fairs, fine houses, personal display, have banished thoughts of God.
Lands and goods and worldly occupations engross the mind, and things of eternal
interest receive hardly a passing notice.
Notwithstanding the widespread declension of faith and piety, there are true
followers of Christ in these churches. Before the final visitation of God's judgments
upon the earth there will be among the people of the Lord such a revival of primitive
godliness as has not been witnessed since apostolic times. The Spirit and power of
God will be poured out upon His children. At that time many will separate themselves
from those churches in which the love of this world has supplanted love for God and
His word. Many, both of ministers and people, will gladly accept those great truths
which God has caused to be proclaimed at this time to prepare a people for the Lord's
second coming. The enemy of souls desires to hinder this work; and before the time
for such a movement shall come, he will endeavour to prevent it by introducing a
counterfeit. In those churches which he can bring under his deceptive power he will
make it appear that God's special blessing is poured out; there will be manifest what
is thought to be great religious interest. Multitudes will exult that God is working
marvellously for them, when the work is that of another spirit. Under a religious guise,
Satan will seek to extend his influence over the Christian world.
In many of the revivals which have occurred during the last half century, the
same influences have been at work, to a greater or less degree, that will be manifest
in the more extensive movements of the future. There is an emotional excitement, a
mingling of the true with the false, that is well adapted to mislead. Yet none need be
deceived. In the light of God's word it is not difficult to determine the nature of these
movements. Wherever men neglect the testimony of the Bible, turning away from
those plain, soul-testing truths which require self-denial and renunciation of the
world, there we may be sure that God's blessing is not bestowed.
369