-1“The Laodicean message must be proclaimed with power; for now it is especially applicable.

Now, more than ever before.”--

RH Sept. 25, 1900 “Take this message in all its phases and sound it forth to the people wherever Providence opens the way.”--
7BC 964 “The Laodicean message is full of encouragement.”--7BC 966

LAODICEA by David Dence

I love my church very much. Jesus also loves His church. But now Jesus weeps over His church because she has
been a great disappointment. Have you ever wondered about the future of the church? I have been told that the
church is going through. I have asked many members what that means and no one has a definitive answer! It is
time we formulated a better definition of this oft repeated cliché.

The church is going through.

Does this include:
The General Conference Headquarters?
All the General Conference workers?
All the Division Vice-Presidents, Union Presidents, Conference Presidents?
All the ordained Pastors?
Community Services, ADRA, Pathfinders, and Summer Camps?
What about our grade schools, colleges, universities and hospitals?
All 16 million members? Or just the vegan members?
Just who or what is going through?
I don’t think we as a denomination have a position on this.
We better get one real quick, don’t you think so?
This is not about defining what the church is. It makes no difference. The outcome is the same.
This is all about just how far you think the church is going.
Do you suppose there will be a suburb in the New Jerusalem called Silver Spring?
Will all the Conference Presidents be grandfathered into high positions in heaven?
No, you say, it doesn’t work like that.
Then please explain how it does work.
Oh, you say, there is a shaking coming and God will clean up His church.
Good point, I think you are on to something, but even if the church was spotless, will she go marching into Zion
en masse? I fear some have developed a false sense of security.

Well, you see the problem. We have just never put it all together. My study indicates that the church is headed for
trouble. Do you agree? Just how serious is the prognosis? Sr. White warned, “The outlook is not flattering.”--
9T227

Asking hard questions may be quite disturbing to some. I know how you feel. But please be patient and don’t
jump to conclusions. Don’t lay this down thinking that you already know where I am going. I do not believe the
church is Babylon. God is still blessing this church. Amen? Follow me closely. There is much more to this
subject than meets the eye.

Let’s consider Revelation 3 (New International Reader's Version)

14 Here is what I command you to write to the church in Laodicea. Here are the words of the One who is the
Amen. What he gives witness to is faithful and true. He rules over what God has created. He says,
15 'I know what you are doing. I know you aren't cold or hot. I wish you were either one or the other!
16 But you are lukewarm. You aren't hot or cold. So I am going to spit you out of my mouth.
17 'You say, "I am rich. I've become wealthy and don't need anything." But you don't realize how pitiful and
miserable you have become. You are poor, blind and naked.
Revelation 3 (The Message)
15-17"I know you inside and out, and find little to my liking. You're not cold, you're not hot—far better to be
either cold or hot! You're stale. You're stagnant. You make me want to vomit. You brag, 'I'm rich, I've got it made,
I need nothing from anyone,' oblivious that in fact you're a pitiful, blind beggar, threadbare and homeless.

THE CHURCH THAT DOSEN’T KNOW

“What greater deception can come upon human minds than a confidence that they are right, when they are all
wrong!”--Testimonies, Vol. 3, pp. 252, 253.

Notice the similarity between Laodicea and the antideluvians:

Revelation 3:16 and knowest not that thou art wretched, and miserable, and poor, and blind, and naked:
Matthew 24:37 But as the days of Noah were, so shall also the coming of the Son of man be.
38For as in the days that were before the flood they were eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage,
until the day that Noah entered into the ark,
39And knew not until the flood came, and took them all away; so shall also the coming of the Son of man be.

“The message of the True Witness finds the people of God in a sad deception, yet honest in that deception. They
know not that their condition is deplorable in the sight of God.”--Testimonies, Vol. 3, p. 253.

“I am often referred to the parable of the ten virgins, five of whom were wise, and five foolish. The state of the
Church represented by the foolish virgins, is also spoken of as the Laodicean state. This parable will be fulfilled
to the very letter, for it has a special application to this time.”--R&H, August 19, 1890

Laodicea is the last church. That’s us! I have heard pastors stand in the pulpit and with some pride take credit for
being the church of Laodicea. Oh, you say, there is going to be a great revival among Gods people. Yes, of
course, a few will respond to the Holy Spirit and wake out of sleep. But where does that leave the church.

Regarding the unfaithful in the midst of Philadelphia, we read in Revelation 3:9, "Behold, I will make them of
the synagogue of Satan, which say they are Jews, and are not, but do lie; behold, I will make them to come and
worship before thy feet, and to know that I have loved thee."

This text is explained in, "A Word to the Little Flock, " p. 12. "You think, that those who worship before the
saints feet, will at last be saved. Here I must differ with you, for God showed me that this class were professed
Adventists, who had fallen away and 'crucified to themselves the Son of God afresh, and put Him to an open
shame.' And in the 'hour of temptation,' which is yet to come, to show out every one's true character, they will
know that they are forever lost; and overwhelmed with anguish of spirit, they will bow at the saint's feet."

How sad! These apostates that claim to be “Jews, and are not,” are brought to view in E.W. 37, "Then I was
shown a company who were howling in agony. On their garments was written in large characters, 'thou art
weighed in the balance and found wanting.' I asked who this company were. The angel said, 'These are they who
have once kept the Sabbath and have given it up.' I heard them cry with a loud voice,' we have believed in thy
coming, and taught it with energy.’ And while they were speaking, their eyes would fall upon their garments and
see the writing, and then they will wail aloud. I saw that they had drunk of the deep waters, and fouled the
residue with their feet, trodden the Sabbath under foot, and that was why they were weighed in the balance and
found wanting." These apostates will worship at the saint's feet at their deliverance. These are the tares, the
unfaithful that have "grown together" with the Philadelphians, the Laodiceans, the foolish virgins."

“The message to the Laodiceans is applicable to Seventh-day Adventists who have had great light and have not
walked in the light. It is those who have made great profession, but have not kept in step with their Leader, that
will be spewed out of His mouth unless they repent.”--1MR 360

“The church is in the Laodicean state. The presence of God is not in her midst.”--Last Day Events 49

“The church will be weighed in the balances of the sanctuary.”--5T83

“The church must be purged, and it will be.”--1T100

“The purging and cleansing will surely pass through every church in our land.”--TM414

“He will take His Holy Spirit from the church and will give it to others who will appreciate it.”--RH July 16,
1895

WHAT ARE THE CHANCES LAODICEA WILL REPENT?

“Are we hoping to see the whole church revived? That time will never come…We must enter upon the work
individually.”--RH Mar 22, 1887

“It has ever been true that a backslidden body, one that has turned from God’s word to men, from God’s power to
the state, was never reformed in itself.”--Sabbath School Lesson Quarterly, Jan Feb March, 1896

“While God has given ample evidence for faith, He will never remove all excuse for unbelief. All who look for
hooks to hang their doubts upon will find them. And those who refuse to accept and obey God's word until every
objection has been removed, , will never come to the light.”--GC527

“I would gladly help them if I could, but the experience of the past gives me little hope that they will ever come
to the light. No amount of evidence will convince men of the truth so long as they are unwilling to yield their
pride, subdue their carnal nature, and become learners in the school of Christ.”--1SM 72

“See if they cannot get out of the rut they are in, which I have no hope of their getting out of. Every conference
has woven after the same pattern,…and finally it will come to naught.”--GC Bulletin 1901

Revelation 3:16 is a prophecy that will surely be fulfilled. Are you prepared for that tragic event? Laodicea will
soon be spewed out physically. Maybe you are thinking that the spewing out is symbolic, figurative, just a
transaction or decision in the courts of heaven. Let me offer this analogy: You may be able to swallow something
without anyone noticing, but you surely cannot spit something out without being noticed. And even if a sick
persons goes in the bathroom and shuts the door, everyone in the house can hear him vomit. Last week the
Tenold family got together at the Olive Garden. The youngest member suddenly vomited onto the table.
Everyone in the restaurant was aware of what had just happened at the Tenold table. Staff members gathered
around to help clean up the mess. The Tenold family was so embarrassed they left without finishing their meal.
When God spits or vomits out the church every member will be painfully aware of it.

Let’s look at another common cliché: We are the remnant church.

Oh really? What gives us the right to this title? I find this label to be a bit premature. Do we understand what
remnant means? When you go to the fabric store you will sometimes see remnants for sale. A remnant is a piece
of cloth too small for a major project. A remnant is that which has been CUT OFF from the rest of the bolt. The
majority of the fabric is gone, no where to be seen. In fact “the remnant” was actually wound onto the bolt first!

Mat 20:16 So the last will be first, and the first last.

A TRANSITION IS COMING

It will be shown in this study that the remnant emerge largely from the Seventh-day Adventist Church. In fact the
Seventh-day Adventist Church was raised up for the express purpose of developing the remnant. But the remnant
church is a future church. The remnant church is what is left AFTER the shaking. Are you with me?

We are headed for a great transition. More than once God has found it necessary to wipe the slate clean and start
over again with a remnant.

We find the first transition mentioned in Genesis 6 (Amplified Bible)

3Then the Lord said, My Spirit shall not forever dwell and strive with man,
5The Lord saw that the wickedness of man was great in the earth, and that every imagination and intention of all
human thinking was only evil continually.
6And the Lord regretted that He had made man on the earth, and He was grieved at heart.
7So the Lord said, I will destroy, blot out, and wipe away mankind, whom I have created from the face of the
ground----for it grieves Me and makes Me regretful that I have made them.
8But Noah found grace (favor) in the eyes of the Lord.
Here we see that God started all over again with just eight souls.

Out of 32,000 soldiers only 300 proved themselves worthy to go into battle against the Midianites with Gideon.

The next major transition occurred when Jesus came to dwell among His people and, to His great disappointment
was rejected. Oh how different things could have been. What a glorious future awaited the Jews if only they had
acknowledged Jesus as the Messiah. But alas, the whole Jewish economy had to be set aside. To that people,
Jesus had to finally say, "Your house is left unto you desolate." (Matt. 23:38). Jesus was obliged to start
all over again with 12 apostles.

You can see where this is going. History is being repeated. Soon Jesus will have to set aside the current structure
and finish the work with 12 times 12 times 1000 servants/prophets.

But I am getting ahead of the story.

In 1844 there were well over 50,000 New Englanders wistfully looking toward heaven for Jesus’ second coming.
On the morning of October 23 less than 50 faithful souls maintained their allegiance to the prophecies of Daniel
and Revelation. This painful transition was called the great disappointment. But it was no accident. God used this
simple method to develop the founders and pioneers of the Seventh-day Adventist Church. And still today this is
the only church which enjoys God’s supreme regard. God is still blessing our church. It is still the true church.
This is where we belong.

But unfortunately the Seventh-day Adventist Church has dropped the ball. She has not lived up to God’s
expectations. God cannot use her in the closing days of the gospel. God is now “searching Jerusalem with
candles,” looking for the few faithful members who He can trust with His Spirit without measure. Please don’t
cry. Look on the bright side. This means we are almost home.

Did you know that throughout the wanderings of Israel in the wilderness fresh water would bubble up from the
ground or nearby rocks wherever they set up camp? Whenever they moved to a new location, a new spring
would miraculously appear. This was yet another representation of Jesus - The Water of Life. The Israelites got
used to it. They expected it. But after 38 years of weary traveling in the dessert they again came close to the
boarders of Canaan. See Numbers 20. They were about to cross over. Mysteriously the water dried up. Instead of
recognizing this as a sure sign of their eminent entrance into the promised land, they bitterly complained.

With this Old Testament story in mind, please follow this parable closely:

Johnny had no father. But he had a good mother. He also had wonderful grandparents who loved him dearly. His
grandparents lived about 3 hours away. Johnny loved his grandparents and would often beg to go see them. One
afternoon after work mother loaded up Johnny and took off to see Grandma and Grandpa.

It was a hot afternoon, but the A/C kept them comfortable. Soon it got dark and mother turned on the headlights.
Johnny was a good traveler and did not complain about the long ride. From his car seat he recognized some
familiar road signs and knew they were getting close. And then with a swerve and a bump mother drove into the
driveway and into Grandma’s front yard. Grandma had seen the car approaching and was drying her hands on
her apron as she hurried down the front steps.

Now mother did some strange things. She turned off the headlights! Johnny did not protest. She switched off the
A/C. Johnny did not complain. She unbuckled Johnny’s seat belt. And as shocking as it may seem, she unlocked
the doors and helped Johnny out of the car! Johnny ran across the yard into Grandma’s open arms and was
welcomed by the most wonderful Grandma in the world. What a happy reunion that was. The fragrant aroma
from Grandma’s kitchen beckoned them inside where Grandpa greeted the travelers with hugs and kisses.
Explanation:
The church is the car in which our trusted leaders are driving us to the gates of heaven. The cry, “Stay with the
church. Do not disembark,” has served us well for 150 years. Keeping the doors locked and seat belts buckled
has been the right thing to do. The headlights of prophecy have faithfully shown us the way marks. Our drivers
have a firm grip on the wheel and may be loathe to yield control. Does the cry, “The church is going through,”
mean the car will crash right through the walls into Grandma’s living room? I think not. The car must come to
rest in Grandma’s front yard. The car can go only so far. We must individually walk the short distance to me et
Grandma.

After safely arriving in Grandma’s front yard will the drivers forbid us to open the doors? And will the
passengers be afraid to venture out to meet Grandma? Will they expect the driver to carry them? Was Johnny
afraid to cross the yard by himself? Of course not. This was the joyous moment he had been waiting for.

Is this just a cute story or can we support it with some historic presidents and some Biblical documentation? We
are looking for a transition. What Scripture points to a future transition or terminus? Have you considered
Revelation 8:5? “Then the angel took the golden censer and filled it with fire from the altar of incense and cast it
upon the earth. There followed loud voices, peals of thunder, flashes of lightning and an earthquake.” It appears
that the ministry which had been going on at the altar of incense just ceased! And what ministry might that be? It
is Jesus’ continual or daily intercession. The only thing that is holding back the wrath of God against the whole
world is the corporate intercession Jesus executes at the golden Altar of Incense.

The plan of salvation operates on two levels: the corporate level and the individual level. Are you familiar with
the differences between corporate intercession and personal/individual intercession? The sanctuary provided
services for both. We find this spelled out in

Leviticus 4 (Amplified Bible)

13If the whole congregation of Israel sins unintentionally, and it be hidden from the eyes of the assembly, and
they have done what the Lord has commanded not to be done and are guilty,
14When the sin which they have committed becomes known, then the congregation shall offer a young bull for a
sin offering and bring it before the Tent of Meeting.
15The elders of the congregation shall lay their hands upon the head of the bull before the Lord, and the bull
shall be killed before the Lord.
16The anointed priest shall bring some of the bull's blood to the Tent of Meeting,
17And shall dip his finger in the blood, and sprinkle it seven times before the Lord, before the veil [which
screens the ark of the covenant].
18He shall put some of the blood on the horns of the altar [of incense] which is before the Lord in the Tent of
Meeting,

This is an atonement for corporate sin. You will notice that the altar of incense is involved. Now lets look at
personal/individual atonement:

Leviticus 4 (Amplified Bible)

27If any one of the common people sins unwittingly in doing anything the Lord has commanded not to be done,
and is guilty,
28When the sin which he has committed is made known to him, he shall bring for his offering a goat, a female
without blemish, for his sin which he has committed.
29The offender shall lay his hand on the head of the sin offering and kill [it] at the place of the burnt offering.
30And the priest shall take some of its blood with his finger and put it on the horns of the altar of burnt offering.

You will notice that the altar of incense is not involved. The priests did not place offerings for an individual’s
personal sins on the Altar of Incense. The bronze Altar of Burnt Offering out in the court yard was for the
personal sins of individuals. The value of these two altars is seen in their metallic construction. Gold is of much
greater value than bronze, so the service at the Altar of Incense is of utmost importance! Both altar s were designed
as object lessons or teaching aids. (Galatians 3:24) The sacrifices placed on the bronze Altar of Burnt Offering pointed
forward to the death of Jesus for individuals. The daily offering of incense and occasional blood on the golden Altar of
Incense in the Holy Place pointed backward to the day when Jesus became Intercessor for the whole world – before the first
sinful child was born.

Revelation 11
1 Then I was given a measuring tape and was told to go and measure the sanctuary of God and the altar [of
incense], and count the people who worship there. (Amplified Bible)
2 But don’t measure the people who are still in the courtyard and who don’t know what’s happening in the
heavenly Sanctuary. (Clear Word) They will walk in the holy city for forty-two months. (Worldwide English)
3And I will grant the power of prophecy to My two witnesses, and they shall preach for three and a half years.
(Contemporary English Version) They will wear clothes like people wear to show they are sad. (Worldwide
English)

Would you like to guess how many people were found worshiping at the altar of incense? That’s exactly how
many I would guess: “144,000 in number.” And do you perceive the great mercy of God who grants those in the
courtyard a little more time. And what altar is found in the courtyard? That’s right, the Altar of Burnt Offering.
See how this ties in with Leviticus chapter 4? This is Bible evidence that corporate intercession ends first. So
what is the result of corporate intercession coming to an end? When the great earthquake comes on the grand
opening of the tribulation, God’s Church, upon which He has bestowed His special regard will no longer enjoy
divine approbation.

We have a clear historic precedent when in 34 A.D. probation closed corporately for the nation of Israel, but
remained open for individuals.

The New Testament also portrays both types of intercession:

John 3:16 (King James Version)
For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not
perish, but have everlasting life.
Jesus reconciled the world to the Father through His death. (1 John 2:2)
These are corporate statements which includes everyone in general.
And speaking of Adam’s fall Ellen White notes, “Transgression placed the whole world under the death-
sentence.” 1BC1084
Now let’s look at a personal/individual invitation to a one-soul audience:
John 3:3,7 (King James Version)
Jesus answered and said unto him, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Ye must be born again.

But Jesus’ corporate intercession neither began nor ended in the wilderness. That was simply a sand box
illustration of what has been going on in heaven since Eden, and continues to this day. In the next chapter
entitled THE DAILY we will develop this exciting truth.

You just might be thinking about Early Writings pages 279 and 280 and conclude that probation is closed when
the censer is thrown down. But let me point out that what Ellen White saw in vision was not Revelation 8:5.
Ellen saw Jesus at some later point standing before the ark of the covenant. And yes, when He throws down that
censer it is finished. But Revelation 8:5 shows an angel standing before the altar of incense. When that censer is
thrown down corporate intercession ceases, but personal intercession continues for a time. During the seven
trumpets salvation will be extended to the people of Earth, but corporately speaking, Earth itself will be doomed
for destruction.

“The time of God's destructive judgments is the time of mercy for those who [now] have no opportunity to learn
what is truth. Tenderly will the Lord look upon them. His heart of mercy is touched, His hand is still stretched
out to save, while the door is closed to those who would not enter. Large numbers will be admitted who in these
last days hear the truth for the first time.”--Last Day Events 182

You see now how this fits with the story about Johnny. When the car comes to rest in Grandma’s yard, corporate
intercession ceases. The car is no longer needed. From the car to the front door it is every man for himself. This
is the judgment of the living, the great testing time.

SINGLE FILE

“The "time of trouble, such as never was," is soon to open upon us; and we shall need an experience which we
do not now possess and which many are too indolent to obtain. It is often the case that trouble is greater in
anticipation than in reality; but this is not true of the crisis before us. The most vivid presentation cannot reach
the magnitude of the ordeal. In that time of trial, every soul must stand for himself before God. "Though Noah,
Daniel, and Job" were in the land, "as I live, saith the Lord God, they shall deliver neither son nor daughter; they
shall but deliver their own souls by their righteousness." Ezekiel 14:20.--Mar 161

“We must individually know for ourselves what is truth. We are nearing the time when we shall stand
individually alone to answer for our belief. We shall be attacked on every point; we shall be tried to the utmost.
We do not want to hold our faith simply because it was handed down to us by our fathers. Such a faith will
not stand the terrible test that is before us.”--Maranatha 217

“There are many in the church who take it for granted that they understand what they believe; but, until
controversy arises, they do not know their own weakness. When separated from those of like faith and compelled
to stand singly and alone to explain their belief, they will be surprised to see how confused are their ideas of
what they had accepted as truth. The Lord calls upon all who believe His word to awake out of sleep. Precious
light has come, appropriate for this time. It is Bible truth, showing the perils that are right upon us. This light
should lead us to a diligent study of the Scriptures and a most critical examination of the positions which we
hold. Believers are not to rest in suppositions and ill-defined ideas of what constitutes truth. Their faith must be
firmly founded upon the word of God so that when the testing time shall come and they are brought before
councils to answer for their faith they may be able to give a reason for the hope that is in them, with meekness
and fear.”--God’s Amazing Grace 30

Have you ever flown to a foreign country? Did the jet take you all the way to your destination? No. That would
have destroyed both the plane and your destination. That would also have bypassed customs. Intellectually we
understand that we must all stand before the judgment bar of God (customs), not fly over it. God does not bypass
individual accountability. We are not saved in groups, or families, or churches. A wife cannot save her husband.
Neither can a church save its members. Only Christ can save. By definition a corporation is anything more than
one. We will not enter heaven’s narrow gate two by two, or family by family, or church by church. It is single
file. We must not rest in the hope that “the church is going through.” In a computer program we would call this a
piece of bad code. It simply does not compute. There is no place in the plan of salvation for saving churches,
only individuals.

“Let church members bear in mind that the fact that their names are registered on the church books will not save
them.”--9T48

“Each of us has a case pending in the court of heaven. We are individually to be judged according to the deeds
done in the body.”--1SM125

“Each individual should seek to obtain new victory every day. We must learn to stand alone, and depend wholly
upon God. The sooner we learn this the better.”--Experience and Views 54

“My brethren, do you realize that your own salvation, as well as the destiny of other souls, depends upon the
preparation you now make for the trial before us? Have you that intensity of zeal, that piety and devotion, which
will enable you to stand when opposition shall be brought against you? If God has ever spoken by me, the time
will come when you will be brought before councils, and every position of truth which you hold will be severely
criticized. The time that so many are now allowing to go to waste should be devoted to the charge that God has
given us of preparing for the approaching crisis.”--5T 716

“It does not seem possible to us now that any should have to stand alone, but if God has ever spoken by me, the
time will come when we shall be brought before councils and before thousands for His name's sake, and each
one will have to give the reason of his faith. Then will come the severest criticism upon every position that has
been taken for the truth. We need, then, to study the Word of God, that we may know why we believe the
doctrines we advocate.”--RH Dec. 18, 1888

EARTHQUAKE = SPEWING OUT

Let’s take a closer look at just how the impenitent church will be dealt with:
Revelation 3:16 (New King James Version)
“So then, because you are lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will vomit you out of My mouth.”
This indicates something rather violent.
Now let’s go back to Revelation 8:5 Did you notice that the time of trouble opens with an earthquake? This
momentous event marks the beginning of the great time of trouble. (Neither Ellen White nor Scripture speak of a
little time of trouble. Surprised? The term is only found in headings supplied by the editors!) This earthquake
will come suddenly and unexpectedly, “in an hour when ye think not.” There will be no warning. Millions will
die. The Seventh-day Adventist Church will lie in shambles. The General Conference headquarters and Union
offices and perhaps some local Conference offices and churches will be severely damaged. Who then will write
the checks for Pastor’s payroll? The church will be out of business. The extent of the damage will be beyond
calculation. But God is never caught by surprise. He knows the whole story, for He is the One who wrote the
script. After the dust settles those who have developed characters like Christ will stand up wherever they find
themselves and reach up to God for divine help. It will be seen that these brave volunteers number exactly
144,000. God will honor their commitment by pouring upon them the latter rain. They then go forth to proclaim
the Three Angel’s Messages. The work will finish with power and great glory. What is left of the structure may
try to pick herself up from the dust and assert her lost authority. Unfortunately she will be in opposition to the
144,000.

“The forms of religion will be continued by a people from whom the Spirit of God has been finally withdrawn;
they still regard themselves as the chosen of God. The satanic zeal with which the prince of evil will inspire them
for the accomplishment of his malignant designs, will bear the semblance of zeal for God.”--GC615

How sad. But none of our precious pastors or conference workers need be offended. They have equal opportunity
to be numbered with the 144,000.

“Sister White told us that a terrible storm…was coming, just like a windstorm that blew down every object that
was standing. There was not a Seventh-day Adventist to be seen. They, like the disciples forsook Christ and fled.
After the storm there was a calm. Then the Adventists arose like a great flock of sheep without a shepherd. They
all united in earnest prayer for help and wisdom, and the Lord answered them by helping them choose leaders
among them, who had never sought positions before. They prayed earnestly for the aid of the Holy Spirit which
was poured out upon them, making them fully ready for service. They then went forth fair as the moon, clear as
the sun and terrible as an army with banners to give the message to all the world.”--1908 Statement by Ellen
White to Sister McInterfer, Elder D. E. Robinson (her literary assistant and her grand-daughter’s husband) and
Will Ross at the Loma Linda Station while waiting for the train. Even though this is an unpublished statement, I
have no reason to question the integrity of those who have so carefully preserved this impromptu observation. It
is easy to see why Sister White was not inclined to publish this remark. But surely you will agree that this insight
clarifies an otherwise cloudy area of the apocalyptic puzzle.
When the dust settles will you stand up and be counted with the 144,000? Or will you just give up? The choice is
yours! Remember, the division between the wise and foolish virgins was not arbitrary. The wise virgins rose up
and followed the bride groom on their own accord.

Coming to the conclusion that Laodicea will be spewed out by means of an earthquake took many years of
careful examination of the Bible and the Spirit of Prophecy. Can you imagine my surprise and excitement when I
recently found an historic precedent for this position? In both the SDA Bible Dictionary and Young’s Analytical
Concordance I discovered that the ancient city of Laodicea was destroyed by an earthquake!

“Some will not recognize the work of God when the loud cry of the third angel shall be heard. When light goes
forth to lighten the earth, instead of coming up to the help of the Lord, they will want to bind about His work to
meet their narrow ideas. Let me tell you that the Lord will work in this last work in a manner very much out of
the common order of things, and in a way that will be contrary to any human planning. There will be those
among us who will always want to control the work of God, to dictate even what movements shall be made when
the work goes forward under the direction of the angel who joins the third angel in the message to be given to the
world. God will use ways and means by which it will be seen that He is taking the reins in His own hands. The
workers will be surprised by the simple means that He will use to bring about and perfect His work of
righteousness.”--TM300.

“God will work a work in our day that but few anticipate. The days of purification of the church are hastening on
apace. God will have a people pure and true. A mighty sifting is soon to take place. His fan is in His hand, and
He will thoroughly purge His floor. Chaff like a cloud will be borne away on the wind, even from places where
we see only floors of rich wheat. 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. 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. 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. . In
this time the gold will be separated from the dross in the church. True godliness will be clearly distinguished
from the appearance and tinsel of it. He will raise up and exalt among us those who are taught rather by the
unction of His Spirit than by the outward training of scientific institutions. . God will manifest that He is not
dependent on learned, self-important mortals. In the last solemn work few great men will be engaged. They are
self-sufficient, independent of God, and He cannot use them. Many a star that we have admired for its brilliancy
will then go out in darkness. When trees without fruit are cut down as cumberers of the ground, when multitudes
of false brethren are distinguished from the true, then the hidden ones will be revealed to view, and with
hosannas range under the banner of Christ. . Then will the church of Christ appear ‘fair as the moon, clear as the
sun, and terrible as an army with banners.’”--5T79-82

Revelation 3:16 is just as valid as John 3:16. It is not a rumor, it is a prophecy. The chances of it happening is
100%. In fact, Revelation 8:5 fulfills Revelation 3:16! What could be simpler than a big earthquake? In just one
day, or one night Laodicea, wherever it is found will be spewed out. The Bible does not teach that Laodiceanism
occurs only in the Seventh-day Adventist Church. Laodiceanism in other churches will be dealt with, too.
According to the following quote the time of trouble commences with the spewing out of Laodicea.

“The crisis is fast approaching. The rapidly swelling figures show that the time for God's visitation has about
come. Although loath to punish, nevertheless He will punish, and that speedily. Here we see that the church--the
Lord's sanctuary--was the first to feel the stroke of the wrath of God. "Peace and safety" is the cry from men
who will never again lift up their voice like a trumpet to show God's people their transgressions and the house of
Jacob their sins. These dumb dogs that would not bark are the ones who feel the just vengeance of an offended
God. Men, maidens, and little children all perish together. Their wicked course He will tolerate no longer, and in
His wrath He deals with them without mercy. It is with reluctance that the Lord withdraws His presence from
those who have been blessed with great light and who have felt the power of the word in ministering to others.
They were once His faithful servants, favored with His presence and guidance; but they departed from Him and
led others into error, and therefore are brought under the divine displeasure. The day of God's vengeance is just
upon us. "And at that time shall Michael stand up, the great prince which standeth for the children of thy people:
and there shall be a time of trouble, such as never was since there was a nation even to that same time.”’--5T211-
212

Please notice that the above verse is an announcement. Announcements are made at the beginning of an event not
at the end. Notice that Michael stands up at the beginning of the time of trouble. Sister White included this verse
purposely to show that the church feels the vengeance of God at the beginning of the tribulation. The spewing
out of the church is the first item on the agenda. That’s right, there will be no Sunday law until after Laodacia is
dealt with! And do not make the mistake of thinking that the general probation closes when Michael stands up.
No, no. You will agree that the greatest time of evangelism occurs after Michael stands up.

“The enemy of souls has sought to bring in the supposition that a great reformation was to take place among
Seventh-day Adventists, and that this reformation would consist in… a process of reorganization. Were this
reformation to take place, what would result?… Our religion would be changed. A new organization would be
established. A system of intellectual philosophy would be introduced. The founders of this system would go into
the cities and do a wonderful work. The Sabbath, of course, would be lightly regarded, as also the God who
created it. Nothing would be allowed to stand in the way of the new movement. The leaders would teach that
virtue is better than vice, but God being removed, they would place their dependence on human power, which,
without God is worthless. Their foundation would be built on the sand, and storm and tempest would sweep
away the structure.”--Series B Number 7 page 40

“Last night a scene was presented before me. I may never feel free to reveal all of it, but I will reveal a little.
From place to place rose the cry, "The Lord has come! The Lord has come!" Many were unprepared to meet
Him, but a few were saying, "Praise the Lord!" "Why are you praising the Lord?" inquired those upon whom was
coming sudden destruction. "Because we now see what we have been looking for." "If you believed that these
things were coming, why did you not tell us?" was the terrible response. "We did not know about these things.
Why did you leave us in ignorance? Again and again you have seen us; why did you not become acquainted with
us, and tell us of the judgment to come, and that we must serve God, lest we perish? Now we are lost!"--
Reflecting Christ243

Corporate probation has come to an end. Only the wise will recognize the significance of the earthquake. Most
folks will not understand. They will think it is just another natural disaster. Please notice that events in heaven
are signified by events on earth. The spewing out is both judicial and literal. Some feel that the church was
spewed out in 1888 when she rejected the message of Righteousness by Faith. Others teach that the church was
spewed out in 1914 when she disfellowshiped a large number of German Adventists over the war issue. But I do
not recall any earthquake in 1888 or 1914.

One dear brother, when asked how he thought Laodicea would be spewed out answered, “Oh they will spew
themselves out.”

That answer is contrary to logic and the clear declaration of Revelation 3:16 stating that Jesus is the One who
will do the spewing.

“The advent of Christ will surprise the false teachers. They are saying, ‘Peace and safety.’ Like the priests and
teachers before the fall of Jerusalem, they look for the church to enjoy earthly prosperity and glory. But what
saith the Word of Inspiration? ‘Sudden destruction cometh upon them.’”--DA 635

That’s right, the spewing out of Laodadia involves sudden destruction! Destruction of what? The structure. And
what is the structure? The structure is composed of the corporation and the buildings.

One fine pastor asked in astonishment, “Will the whole church be spewed out or just the lukewarm ones?” That
is a good question. Remember we just read “we will be surprised by the simple means that He will use to bring
about and perfect His work…” Please understand that God is not vengeful. He is simply trying to make a
statement. When our churches and Conference Office buildings are shaken down will some folks parish? Yes,
perhaps. So will it be safer to be at home when the earthquake comes? It depends on whether it comes during the
day or during the night. But whether I personally am spewed out on that dreadful day depends on my reaction to
the earthquake. God is not arbitrary. Today you and I are preparing ourselves to either stand or fall when that day
comes. “Soon everything that can be shaken will be shaken, that those things that cannot be shaken may
remain.”--Testimonies, vol. 9, pp. 15

“In the rejecting of Jerusalem, it was because great privileges were abused. Privileges do not commend us to
God, but they commend God to us. No people are saved because they have great light and special advantages, for
these high and heavenly favors only increase their responsibility. The more and increased light God has given
make the receiver more responsible. It does not place the receiver in any safer position unless the privileges are
wisely improved, prized and used to advance God's glory. When Jerusalem was divorced from God, it was
because of her sins. She fell from an exalted height. And when an angel falls he becomes a fiend. The depths of
our ruin is measured by the exalted light to which God has raised us in His great goodness and unspeakable
mercy. Oh, what privileges are granted to us as a people! And if God spared not His people that He loved
because they refused to walk in the light, how can He spare the people whom H e has blessed with the light of
Heaven in having opened to them the most exalted truth ever entrusted to mortal man to give to the world?”--Selected
Messages, Book 2, page 377

Brethren, we cannot, dare not rip Revelation 3 out of our Bibles. We must deal with it. Please remember that the
spewing out of Laodicea is not the general close of probation. God is desperately trying to save everyone. Yes,
the structure may crumble during the earthquake, but the precious people still have a little time to repent. It will
be very interesting to see which buildings collapse and which ones, by God’s amazing grace survive. Also
remember that by this time the 144,000 servant/prophets have already been made up. The earthquake/spewing-
out cannot occur until the 144,000 are ready. The dear Adventist folks who did not enlist in the ranks of the
144,000 will be granted an opportunity to join the great multitude and signify their sincerity by facing
martyrdom.

The spewing out is still a future event. At that time God will be in direct control of His workers. Perhaps now
you can see that the phrase, the church is going through, needs to be qualified. After the earthquake the 144,000
will be the stewards of the gospel. Salvation will be by, of, and through the 144,000. Remember what Jesus told
the woman at the well, “Salvation is of the Jews”. The 144,000 will constitute the remnant church. The reason
the earthquake has not come yet is because God cannot find 144,000 righteous souls whom He can trust with His
Holy Spirit without measure. Are we delaying His program? What will it take to get us ready?

“Let us strive with all the power that God has given us to be among the hundred and forty-four thousand.”--
Maranatha 241

The reason we may be loath to accept the truth about the future of God’s true church, is pride. Yes, pride. We
have invested a great deal of time, energy and money in the church. “Is this not the great church which I have
built?” Like Nebuchadnezzar we wish it would last forever. “World without end.” Why did Nebuchadnezzar
change his mind about the multi-metal image and set up one of solid gold? He could not accept the fact that
someday his kingdom would be superseded.

And why did Abraham, who when confronted with the news that his first-born son would not be accepted by
God, cry out in disappointment, “Oh that Ishmael might live before Thee.”

And why did the disciples try to cheer up Jesus as He sat sobbing over doomed Jerusalem, “Behold the beautiful
structure?”

And why is Wal¶Mart’s registered slogan, Always®? (An example of an entity that does not want to be
superseded.)

Did you ever get a parcel from Fed-Ex or UPS? What did you do with the empty box? Did you throw it away?
Why? Well, the box had successfully completed its assignment and was no longer needed.

I like to drive heavy trucks. Big trucks can go fast down hill, but going up hill can be very slow. So as not to
interfere with normal traffic flow, highways often provide a third lane for slower vehicles called the climbing
lane. After laboring up a long hill I will see a yellow sign saying, LANE ENDS MERGE LEFT. I could get upset
that my lane is ending. Instead I rejoice because this sign indicates that the summit is near, and this extra lane is
no longer needed.

Beloved, The great Advent Movement has been laboring up hill for a long time. Up ahead do you see that sign
warning, LANE ENDS MERGE LEFT? Will you be gripped with paralyzing fear, or will you grip the wheel and shift
lanes? Will you hit the guard rail, or will you hit the gas and merge left? Are you ready to enter the fast lane? Remember, the
final movements will be rapid ones.

The spewing out of Laodicea is not something to cry about. But let’s be sure we are not spewed out with her.
Remember, God never takes anything away but what He replaces it with something better. Yes, a major transition
is coming, but it is a transition for the better. The little flock will be under the direct control of the Shepherd.
May we learn to hear His voice and follow Him now, that we may be in step with Him then. This is my earnest
prayer.

Please start from the top and read this chapter again. Please use discretion in the use of this sensitive
information. Be careful who you share it with. Let’s not do more damage than good. Do not discard. When the
earthquake comes you will want to review this, if you can find it. This is a work in progress. Corrections and
comments are eagerly accepted. Perhaps God has entrusted to you a piece of the puzzle that He has not shown
me yet. Let’s learn together.
summerhx@hotmail.com
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