The hardest person to reach is one who thinks they have no need. This can affect people on many different levels of experience, from the "once saved it doesn't matter what I do" concept, to the strict conservative who looks to all his religious based accomplishments for security.

The Laodicean Message is not a picture of God disgusted and ready to spit out His people, but rather it is a loud wake-up call. People NEED a Savior or they will loose out on eternal life! The message is an urgent call to church members to realize their great need of a Savior. Not just a theoretical Savior, but a personal Savior Who can give them everything they need for salvation if they just let Him fully into their lives.

John 16:8-14 tells us that Jesus sends the Holy Spirit, to convict people of sin, lead them into truth, and to Jesus.

Are people listening and responding?
That is a question for each individual to answer in their hearts before God.

gordonb1 --"So it would appear that although Christ found a harlot, miserable, blind and naked, He has pity and compassion upon her."

That is true to a certain extent. However when we read the verse (3:16) we see His solemn promise. So while He has compassion , He has limits set. Those warnings, we see, are not to the world, but to the Laodiceans, for being "lukewarm."

gordonb1- "As Son of the Living God, He cannot present to His Father a miserable bride, one lacking discernment (blind) or dressed as a harlot, dissolute & unfaithful. No never! Christ's entire life mission has been to find, redeem and marry a virtuous woman. Anything else is failure and a victory for Satan."

Excellent. Very well said. Thanks.

The message to the Laodiceans offered hope to those who heed the message and a stern warning to those who do not.

The lesser light did not mix words when giving the Laodicean message. She applied it to Seventh-day Adventists long before there was a SR:

One couldn't ask for a simpler explanation.

This debunks the 'once saved, always saved' theology.
(At denominational level: 'Once favoured, always favoured.')

All that remains to be known:

What is great light, and how does one walk in that light?
________________________

"What is great light, and how does one walk in that light?"

We know that "angels" bring messages.Light is certainly the truth in those messages. Spirit of prophecy declares a future message to the church--

"Several have written to me, inquiring if the message of justification by faith is the third angel’s message, and I have answered, “It is the third angel’s message in verity.” The prophet declares, “And after these things I saw another angel come down from heaven, having great power; and the earth was lightened with his glory.”

Brightness, glory, and power are to be connected with the third angel’s message, and conviction will follow wherever it is preached in demonstration of the Spirit. How will any of our brethren know when this light shall come to the people of God? As yet, we certainly have not seen the light that answers to this description.

God has light for his people, and all who will accept it will see the sinfulness of remaining in a lukewarm condition; they will heed the counsel of the True Witness when he says, “Be zealous therefore, and repent. Behold, I stand at the door, and knock: if any man hear my voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with me.” (Review and Herald, April 1, 1890)

"We are to throw aside our narrow, selfish plans, remembering that we have a work of the largest magnitude and highest importance. In doing this work we are sounding the first, second, and third angel's messages, and are thus being prepared for the coming of that other angel from heaven who is to lighten the earth with his glory." (Test. for the Church, vol. 6, p.406)

There is a message that will be almost "entirely dis-regarded", from the True Witness to the Laodiceans

"I asked the meaning of the shaking I had seen. I was shown that it would be caused by the straight testimony called forth by the counsel of the true Witness to the Laodiceans. It will have its effect upon the heart of the receiver of the testimony, and it will lead him to exalt the standard and pour forth the straight truth. This straight testimony some will not bear. They will rise up against it, and this will cause a shaking among God's people.

I saw that the testimony of the true Witness has not been half heeded. The solemn testimony upon which the destiny of the church hangs, has been lightly esteemed, if not entirely disregarded. This testimony must work deep repentance, and all that truly receive it, will obey it, and be purified. (Early Writings, p.270)

"Those who cannot impartially examine the evidences of a position that differs from theirs, are not fit to teach in any department of God's work." (RH, Feb.18, 1890)


"We need never expect that when the Lord has light for His people, Satan will stand calmly by and make no
effort to prevent them from receiving it. He will work upon minds to excite distrust and jealousy and
unbelief. Let us beware that we do not refuse the light God sends, because it does not come in a way to
please us. Let not God's blessing be turned away from us because we know not the time of our
visitation.

If there are any who do not see and accept the light themselves, let them not stand in the way
of others. Let it not be said of this highly favoured people, as of the Jews when the good news of the
kingdom was preached to them: "Ye entered not in yourselves, and them that were entering in ye
hindered." {5 Test. p.728}

This unwanted and lightly "esteemed" message (Light) is what causes the "shaking" among God's people. This light will be unbearable for many.

Remember as Laodiceans, we "know not" that we are deceived.Our only remedy is to fall on the rock of Jesus and be "broken". Admit we need more truth. Admit that we have a message that is truth and is the "lightly esteemed" message.

One great clue about the last message is that we know it will be for revival and reformation.

"The message of the fall of Babylon, as given by the second angel, is repeated, with the additional mention of the corruptions which have been entering the churches since 1844. The work of this angel comes in at the right time to join in the last great work of the third angel's message as it swells to a loud cry. And the people of God are thus prepared to stand in the hour of temptation, which they are soon to meet. I saw a great light resting upon them, and they united to fearlessly proclaim the third angel's message." (EW, p.277)

Is Laodicea to give the third angel's message?

How can a church that is poor, wretched, miserable, blind, and naked do that? (at least Christ does not say they are deaf on top of all their problems)

What are the sins that have crept into the church since 1844?

What does that have to do with the peculiar people who have taken their church mainstream protestant?

When is the "right time" for the last angel (messenger) to come? Are we there yet? What does the last angel's message have to do with the other three?

Hello brother,

on your questions--

"Is Laodicea to give the third angel's message?"

Certainly not. The Loud Cry is coming very shortly and Inspiration tells us the following.

"Only those who have withstood temptation in the strength of the mighty one will be permitted to act a part in proclaiming it (3rd angel message) when it shall have swelled into the Loud Cry." (R & H, Nov. 19, 1908)

Laodiceans are very shortly to be "sprued out".

"Those who have rendered supreme homage to "science falsely so called" will not be the leaders then. Those who have trusted to intellect, genius, or talent will not then
stand at the head of rank and file. They did not keep pace with the light. Those who have proved themselves unfaithful will not then be entrusted with the flock.

In the last solemn work few great men will be engaged. They are self-sufficient, independent of God, and He cannot use them. The Lord has faithful servants, who in the shaking, testing time will be disclosed to view. There are precious ones now hidden who have not bowed the knee to Baal." (Test. for the Church vol. 5, p.81-82)

"How can a church that is poor, wretched, miserable, blind, and naked do that?"

Right, there is No way.

"What are the sins that have crept into the church since 1844?"

Many. Here's just a partial list.

1. Lack of reverence in the house of God: Isa. 56:7; Volume 5, pages 492-500.
2. Following the fashions of the world: Isa. 3:16; Volume 1, pages 269, 270; Volume 4, page 632; Volume 3, page 379; Volume 5, page 78; Volume 1, pages 189-191; Volume 1, pages 135, 136; Volume 4, page 631.

3. Spending money for that which is not bread (health reform): Isa. 55:2; Volume 5, page 197; Isa. 56:12. (Many references can be given from the testimonies on this subject, but space will not permit them here.)

4. Use of tithe--school teachers (those who teach the Scriptures)are not paid by the tithe as they should have been): Volume 6, page 215.

5. The house of God is made into a house of merchandise by buying and selling denominational publications of all sorts: Isa. 58:3; Isa. 56:7; Volume 1, pages 471, 472; Volume 8, page 250.

6. High prices in our institutions while they should be below current expenses: Volume 8, page 142; Isa. 56:12; Isa. 58.

7. Disbelief in the Spirit of Prophecy: If not acknowledged by words, it is admitted by works.

8. Failed to inform church members of Elijah's message: Mal. 4:5; Testimonies to Ministers, page 475; Volume 4, pages 402, 403.

9. Abraham obeyed God in all that He commanded, and was very careful even to the smallest particulars; thus it was counted to him for righteousness, but we have not done so. See Gen. 26:5; Gen. 15:6.

10. The promise of the land (heavenly Canaan) is to Abraham's seed. Jesus said, "If ye were Abraham's children, ye would do the works of Abraham. [If ye are not the children of Abraham] Ye are of your father the devil, and the lusts of your father ye will do." See John 8:39-44. (By doing the works of Abraham), "Then are ye Abraham's seed, and heirs according to the promise." Gal. 3:29

11. Insisting that we have all the truth and have need of nothing.

12. Turning down Scriptural claims without investigation as to its light.

Volume 5 page 211: "The abominations for which the faithful ones were sighing and crying were all that could be discerned by finite eyes, but by far the worst sins, those which provoked the jealousy of the pure and holy God, were unrevealed."

"What does that have to do with the peculiar people who have taken their church mainstream protestant?"

Please reword this question.

"When is the "right time" for the last angel (messenger) to come? Are we there yet? What does the last angel's message have to do with the other three?"

Th right time is when the church is free from sinners in the midst. There are tremendous Scriptures and Inspired statements pointing to a church purification (which we have posted time and again).

One of the reasons we "know" that we are not proclaiming the Loud cry right now is because of the "Achans" in our midst.

"If the presence of one Achan was sufficient to weaken the whole camp of Israel, can we be surprised at the little success which attends our efforts when every church and almost every family has its Achan?" (Testimonies, vol. 5, p. 157)

We are not there yet for sure. How can we be when everyone is still permitted to speak their so-called message from the Lord, to the world, yet still be non-overcomers?(smokers, drinkers, careless Sabbath keeping,etc) ONLY overcomers will be permitted. And who permits them ? The Lord through the "closing working for the church" the sealing of the servants (144,000)(Testimonies, vol. 3, p.266). These are those who will be found overcoming.

One question we as honest seeking "truth seekers" have to ask ourselves -- How can the Lord use the current SDA leadership when they openly back things like abortions upon demand, gay churches, and other abominations? He MUST take the reins into His own hands if there is ever to be a faithful true powerful church to finish the work. And His word says there will be--

"Clad in the armor of Christ's righteousness, the church is to enter upon her final conflict. "Fair as the moon, clear as the sun, and terrible as an army with banners," she is to go forth into all the world, conquering and to conquer." (Prophets and Kings, p.725)

In speaking of the time when Ezekiel 9 and Rev. 7 sealings shall intersect we read-- "This sealing of the servants of God is the same that was shown to Ezekiel in vision. John also had been a witness of this most startling revelation" (Test. to Ministers, p.445)

This is why Inspiration told us to strive with "ALL power God has given us" to be part of ONE GROUP --144,000 (R & H, March 9, 1905)

Ex 21:22 "If men strive, and hurt a woman with child, so that her fruit depart from her, and yet no mischief follow: he shall be surely punished, according as the woman’s husband will lay upon him; and he shall pay as the judges determine."

That is not an eye for an eye or a life for a life.

Does God view everything as we do?

"Does God view everything as we do?"

As we should know, He points out something that shows us the difference--

"For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, saith the LORD. For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways, and my thoughts than your thoughts." (Isaiah 55:9)

That being said, all those who "know" Him (ie. truly keep His Commandments 1 John 2:3-4) are frequently "supping" with Him and as such can see things as He sees them. Because we see that "Sup" occurs as He "comes into us"(Rev. 3:20).

Further, we also know that we shall "know of the doctrine" if we --do His will. (John 7:17) This shows we have the Truth detector in our midst and can view things properly.