The Witness of William Miller

Christ Triumphant - A Devotional by E.G. White

The Witness of William Miller Today's Text: We are troubled on every side, yet not distressed; we are perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not forsaken; cast down, but not destroyed. 2 Corinthians 4:8, 9 The Message:      William Miller was disturbing Satan's kingdom, and the archenemy sought not only to counteract the effect of the message, but to destroy the messenger himself. As Father Miller made a practical application of Scripture truth to the hearts of his hearers, the rage of professed Christians was kindled against him, even as the anger of the Jews was excited against Christ and His apostles. Church members stirred up the baser classes, and upon several occasions enemies plotted to take his life as he should leave the place of meeting. But holy angels were in the throng, and one of these, in the form of a man, took the arm of this servant of the Lord and led him to safety from the angry mob. His work was not yet done, and Satan and his emissaries were disappointed in their purpose.      Comparing his own expectations as to the effect of his preaching with the manner in which it had been received by the religious world, William Miller said: "It is true, but not wonderful, when we become acquainted with the state and corruption of the present age, ... that I have met with great opposition from the pulpit and professed religious press; and I have been instrumental, through the preaching of the Advent doctrine, of making it quite manifest that not a few of our theological teachers are infidels in disguise. I cannot for a moment believe that denying the resurrection of the body, or the return of Christ to this earth, or a judgment day yet future, is any the less infidelity now than it was in the days of infidel France; and yet who does not know that these things are as common as pulpits and presses are? And which of these questions are not publicly denied in our pulpits, and by the writers and editors of the public papers?      "Surely, we have fallen on strange times. I expected, of course, that the doctrine of Christ's speedy coming would be opposed by infidels, blasphemers, drunkards, gamblers, and the like; but I did not expect that ministers of the gospel and professors of religion would unite with characters of the above description, at stores and public places, in ridiculing the solemn doctrine of the Second Advent." Many who were not professors of religion have affirmed to me these facts, and say they have seen them and have felt their blood chilled at the sight.      "These are some of the effects which are produced by preaching this solemn and soul-stirring doctrine among our Pharisees of the present day. Is it possible that such ministers and members are obeying God, and watching and praying for his glorious appearing, while they join these scoffers in their unholy and ungodly remarks? If Christ does come, where must they appear? and what a dreadful account they will meet in that tremendous hour!"      It is the lot of God's servants to suffer opposition and reproach from their contemporaries. Now, as in the time of our Saviour, people build the sepulchers and sound the praises of the dead prophets, while they persecute the living messengers of the Most High. William Miller was despised and hated by the ungodly and unbelieving; but his influence and his labors were a blessing to the world. Under his preaching, thousands of sinners were converted, backsliders were reclaimed, and multitudes were led to study the Scriptures and to find in them a beauty and glory before unknown.-The Spirit of Prophecy 4:220, 221. *Note: I have added in the parts that were left out by the compilers for what ever reason, that the true sentiment of the author may be seen. Commentary: My friend, as the message that William Miller was unpopular with the Christian world in his day, so too is the message of the truth about God unpopular today.  As we approach the time of trouble just before us, the reaction of this message upon the remnant church will produce the same results.  Even today those who preach it are ridiculed, derided, and sent from the church.  But the message of the One true God is just beginning.  When it is attended by the outpouring of the Holy Spirit in the Latter Rain, the shaking of the church will be clearly seen. The message to the Church of Laodicea is a straight message given by the Faithful and True Witness of God through those who are filled with His Spirit.  It is given straight that it may have an effect upon the hearers.  The message that they are "wretched, and miserable, and poor, and blind, and naked" (Revelation 3:17) because they have forsaken the One true God will shake the church, separating the wheat from the tares and thus purifying it.  Those who accept this message of rebuke and are zealous in their repentance will be filled with the Spirit of Christ and join the movement to proclaim this message to the world.  Those who resist the message will grieve away the Spirit of Christ, never to return, for judgment begins at the house of God. During this time of shaking, the persecution that was seen in the time of William Miller, and in the time of Christ will be seen once again.  The words of Jesus speaking about the persecution after His ascension will be fulfilled in our time as well.  "And the brother shall deliver up the brother to death, and the father the child: and the children shall rise up against their parents, and cause them to be put to death. And ye shall be hated of all men for my name's sake: but he that endureth to the end shall be saved." (Matthew 10:21, 22). The message of the One true God is not popular in our church today because it strikes at the very heart of the corruption that is filling the church today.  The trinity is the source of all of the abominations coming into the church.  To preach that the trinity is the false god of Babylon strikes at the very heart of the church; at the very root of the problem, and as such is met with decided opposition. My friend, there are many in the church today that have been deceived as to the truth about God.  They have not studied the Scriptures as they should and have been led to believe a lie.  To these Christ says "As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten: 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." (Revelation 3:19, 20). Will you not open the doors of your heart to the Spirit of Christ today? God bless, Video of the Week David Clayton - The Godhead and the Gospel God is not a Trinity. Understanding the truth about God's identity and character are critical to having a true understanding of the gospel.