The European Union in Prophecy The EU in Prophecy I | Page 485

The European Union in Prophecy
As the people go to their former teachers with the eager inquiry, Are these things
so? the ministers present fables, prophesy smooth things, to soothe their fears and
quiet the awakened conscience. But since many refuse to be satisfied with the mere
authority of men and demand a plain "Thus saith the Lord," the popular ministry,
like the Pharisees of old, filled with anger as their authority is questioned, will
denounce the message as of Satan and stir up the sin-loving multitudes to revile and
persecute those who proclaim it. As the controversy extends into new fields and the
minds of the people are called to God's downtrodden law, Satan is astir. The power
attending the message will only madden those who oppose it. The clergy will put forth
almost superhuman efforts to shut away the light lest it should shine upon their flocks.
By every means at their command they will endeavour to suppress the discussion of
these vital questions.
The church appeals to the strong arm of civil power, and, in this work, papists
and Protestants unite. As the movement for Sunday enforcement becomes more bold
and decided, the law will be invoked against commandment keepers. They will be
threatened with fines and imprisonment, and some will be offered positions of
influence, and other rewards and advantages, as inducements to renounce their faith.
But their steadfast answer is: "Show us from the word of God our error"--the same
plea that was made by Luther under similar circumstances. Those who are arraigned
before the courts make a strong vindication of the truth, and some who hear them are
led to take their stand to keep all the commandments of God. Thus light will be
brought before thousands who otherwise would know nothing of these truths.
Conscientious obedience to the word of God will be treated as rebellion. Blinded
by Satan, the parent will exercise harshness and severity toward the believing child;
the master or mistress will oppress the commandment-keeping servant. Affection will
be alienated; children will be disinherited and driven from home. The words of Paul
will be literally fulfilled: "All that will live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer
persecution." 2 Timothy 3:12. As the defenders of truth refuse to honour the Sunday-
sabbath, some of them will be thrust into prison, some will be exiled, some will be
treated as slaves. To human wisdom all this now seems impossible; but as the
restraining Spirit of God shall be withdrawn from men, and they shall be under the
control of Satan, who hates the divine precepts, there will be strange developments.
The heart can be very cruel when God's fear and love are removed.
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