In the solemn moments of Earth's closing history, God is calling His people to see clearly. The enemy of souls has cast a veil over the eyes of many, leading them into complacency, deception, and apostasy. Yet, through the power of His Spirit, God teaches us to see our need for Him, our personal weaknesses, the corruption in the church and the world, and the urgency of separating ourselves from sin. It is time to awake from slumber and prepare for Christ’s soon return.
Seeing Our Need for God
The Laodicean message given in Revelation 3:17-18 warns us:
"Because thou sayest, I am rich, and increased with goods, and have need of nothing; and knowest not that thou art wretched, and miserable, and poor, and blind, and naked: I counsel thee to buy of me gold tried in the fire, that thou mayest be rich; and white raiment, that thou mayest be clothed, and that the shame of thy nakedness do not appear; and anoint thine eyes with eyesalve, that thou mayest see."
Many today profess faith but fail to recognize their spiritual poverty. They rely on self-sufficiency rather than the righteousness of Christ. Ellen G. White writes:
"The message to the Laodicean Church is applicable to our condition. How plainly is pictured the position of those who think they have all that is necessary, and know not that they are ‘wretched, and miserable, and poor, and blind, and naked.’" (Testimonies for the Church, Vol. 3, p. 253)
God is calling us to acknowledge our condition, to humble ourselves before Him, and to receive His refining grace. Only when we see our true need will we seek Him earnestly in prayer, surrender, and repentance.
Seeing the Apostasy in the Church and the Workplace
The Scriptures foretell a great falling away in the last days:
"Let no man deceive you by any means: for that day shall not come, except there come a falling away first, and that man of sin be revealed, the son of perdition." (2 Thessalonians 2:3)
Apostasy is not just in the world but within the professed church of God. Many pulpits today proclaim a gospel of convenience rather than of repentance and obedience. False doctrines, worldliness, and compromise with Babylon have crept into the sanctuary. Many church leaders refuse to rebuke sin, choosing instead to align with worldly policies that contradict God's Word.
Ellen G. White warns:
"The world must not be introduced into the church, and married to the church, forming a bond of unity. Through this means the church will become indeed corrupt, and as stated in Revelation, 'a cage of every unclean and hateful bird.'" (Testimonies to Ministers, p. 265)
Likewise, the workplaces of this world are filled with deception, oppression, and moral decay. Many believers find themselves in environments that stifle their faith, forcing them to compromise their convictions for financial gain or social acceptance. The question must be asked: Do we need to come out from among them?
Coming Out and Being Separate
God gives a clear command in 2 Corinthians 6:17:
"Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing; and I will receive you."
If our church or workplace compels us to transgress God’s law, we must prayerfully consider our exit. Many have remained in corrupt systems out of fear, but God has promised to provide for those who trust Him. Ellen G. White counsels:
"As God's commandment-keeping people we must leave the cities. As did Enoch, we must work in them but not dwell in them." (Country Living, p. 31)
If God has revealed to you the need to separate from apostasy and worldliness, do not delay. Trust in His leading, and He will guide you to a place where you can serve Him in holiness.
Seeing How Close We Are to the End
The signs of Christ’s return are rapidly fulfilling:
Moral Decay: "But as the days of Noah were, so shall also the coming of the Son of man be." (Matthew 24:37)
Economic Unrest: "Ye have heaped treasure together for the last days." (James 5:3)
Religious Compromise: "And all the world wondered after the beast." (Revelation 13:3)
Natural Disasters and Wars: "And ye shall hear of wars and rumours of wars...there shall be famines, and pestilences, and earthquakes, in divers places." (Matthew 24:6-7)
Ellen G. White states:
"The agencies of evil are combining their forces and consolidating. They are strengthening for the last great crisis. Great changes are soon to take place in our world, and the final movements will be rapid ones." (Testimonies for the Church, Vol. 9, p. 11)
These are not just warnings but urgent calls to repentance and preparation.
Our Way Out: God’s Grace and Power
Despite the darkness, there is hope! Jesus invites us to find refuge in Him:
"Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest." (Matthew 11:28)
Through Christ’s righteousness, we can be transformed, and through faith, we can endure the trials ahead. The Holy Spirit is ready to guide, strengthen, and prepare us.
Ellen G. White gives encouragement:
"It is a law both of the intellectual and the spiritual nature that by beholding we become changed. The mind gradually adapts itself to the subjects upon which it is allowed to dwell." (The Great Controversy, p. 555)
If we fix our eyes upon Jesus, we will be changed into His image. Through prayer, Bible study, and obedience, we will walk in His light, and He will lead us safely home.
Conclusion: Open Our Eyes, Lord
The time for spiritual blindness is over. Let us pray, "Teach me to see, Lord!"—to see our need, to recognize sin, to discern apostasy, and to understand the urgency of these last days. The Lord is calling His people to stand firm, come out of Babylon, and prepare for His coming.
May we be found faithful, watching and waiting, with lamps trimmed and burning, ready to meet our Lord and Savior when He appears in the clouds of glory.
"And when these things begin to come to pass, then look up, and lift up your heads; for your redemption draweth nigh." (Luke 21:28)
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