The Seventh-day Adventist Church is identified in Revelation 10 as the remnant God entrusts with the final message of warning to the world. Having been established out of all denominations, this final movement was to be grounded in no other creed but the Bible. The pillars of eternal truth were established through Bible study. The Spirit of Prophecy and these pillars were to stand until the end of time. Truth in the beginning would remain truth throughout eternity:

Let that therefore abide in you, which ye have heard from the beginning. If that which ye have heard from the beginning shall remain in you, ye also shall continue in the Son, and in the Father (1 John 2:24).

The twin pillars of faith in the Word of God and obedience to His precepts have always been distorted because Satan is determined to sell a half-Gospel whereby Christ can save us without the manifestation of obedience, or we can live an obedient life without the saving grace of Christ. Both these pillars are, however, inseparable, and those who acknowledge them will have to deal with the ire of the dragon:

And the dragon was wroth with the woman, and went to make war with the remnant of her seed, which keep the commandments of God, and have the testimony of Jesus Christ (Revelation 12:17).

The Bible warns that there will always be those who will attempt to detract from the whole truth and lead people to follow legends:

For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lists shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears; And they shall turn away their ears from the truth, and shall be turned unto fables (2 Timothy 4:3-4).

After the initial gathering of people to God prior to the Great Disappointment in 1844, there was a scattering. The people who remained, the remnant, studied the Scriptures upon which the pillars of faith were established. Once this had been achieved, another gathering could begin, based on the everlasting Gospel and the judgment-hour Three Angels’ Messages. Sadly, it has also been predicted that there would be a falling away followed by a shaking which would leave only a remnant of the remnant. The final remnant would be entrusted with the loud cry upon which a final gathering out of Babylon would take place.

The Everlasting Truths
The great truths of the Gospel, such as the sanctuary, law and grace, Creation, the Sabbath, the investigative judgment, the Second Coming and the millennium, and the great prophetic truths, particularly about Daniel and Revelation, would create the medium to define the parameters of the final conflict.

The Sabbath was to become the great cleaver to cleave a people out of the world and bring them into God’s workshop. These are the eternal truths upon which Seventh-day Adventism is established. The doctrines are to be jealously guarded:

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).

And they continued steadfastly in the apostles’ doctrine and fellowship, and in breaking of bread, and in prayers (Acts 2:42).

Wherefore I will not be negligent to put you always in remembrance of these things, though ye know them, and be established in the present truth (2 Peter 1:12).

Our Faith Founded on Truth

I long daily to be able to do double duty. I have been pleading with the Lord for strength and wisdom to reproduce the writings of the witnesses who were confirmed in the faith and in the early history of the message. After the passing of the time in 1844 they received the light and walked in the light, and when the men claiming to have new light would come in with their wonderful messages regarding various points of Scripture, we had, through the moving of the Holy Spirit, testimonies right to the point, which cut off the influence of such messages…When the power of God testifies as to what is truth, that truth is to stand forever as the truth. No after suppositions contrary to the light God has given are to be entertained. Men will arise with interpretations of Scripture which are to them truth, but which are not truth. The truth for this time God has given us as a foundation for our faith. He Himself has taught us what is truth. One will arise, and still another, with new light, which contradicts the light that God has given under the demonstration of His Holy Spirit…And the standard bearers who have fallen in death are to speak through the reprinting of their writings. I am instructed that thus their voices are to be heard. They are to bear their testimony as to what constitutes the truth for this time. We are not to receive the words of those who come with a message that contradicts the special points of our faith. They gather together a mass of Scripture, and pile it as proof around their asserted theories. This has been done over and over again during the past fifty years. And while the Scriptures are God’s word, and are to be respected, the application of them, if such application moves one pillar from the foundation that God has sustained these fifty years, is a great mistake. He who makes such an application knows not the wonderful demonstration of the Holy Spirit that gave power and force to the past messages that have come to the people of God (1 SM, 160-161 emphasis added).

The Third Angel’s Message is the warning to the people of God today. Those who are seeking to understand this message will not be led by God to undermine the pillars of faith that has made Seventh-day Adventists what they are today. The truths that have been unfolding, as we have advanced along the line of prophecy revealed in the Word of God, are sacred and eternal.

Those throughout history who saw this chain of truth in the prophecies were prepared to accept and obey every ray of light. They were praying, fasting, searching, and digging for the truth. The Holy Spirit was teaching and guiding. Every point of truth was established and the seal set upon it by the Holy Spirit of God.

Many semi-truthful theories were advanced, but, mingled with misinterpreted and misapplied Scriptures, they led to dangerous errors. All the time voices were heard, “Here is the truth,” “I have the truth; follow me.” But the warnings came, “Go not ye after them. I have not sent them, but they ran” (See Jeremiah 23:21).

Point after point was established by the Lord God of Heaven. That which was truth then, is truth today. But the voices do not cease to be heard - “This is truth. I have new light.” But these new lights in prophetic lines are manifest in misapplying the Word and setting the people of God adrift without an anchor to hold them. If the student of the Word would take the truths which God has revealed in the leadings of His people, and appropriate these truths, digest them, and bring them into their practical life, they would then be living channels of light. But those who have set themselves to study out new theories, have a mixture of truth and error combined, and after trying to make these things prominent, have demonstrated that they have not kindled their taper from the divine altar, and it has gone out in darkness – Manuscript 31, 1896 (2SM 103-104).

Doctrine is Crucial
You cannot have a church floating in a sea of uncertainty without doctrine to anchor it to the Word of God:

Holding fast the faithful word as he hath been taught, that he may be able by sound doctrine both to exhort and to convince the gainsayers (Titus 1:9).

But speak thou the things which become sound doctrine…In all things shewing thyself a pattern of good works: in doctrine shewing uncorruptness, gravity, sincerity, Sound speech, that cannot be condemned; that he that is of the contrary part may be ashamed, having no evil thing to say of you (Titus 2:1, 7-8).

As I besought thee to abide still at Ephesus, when I went into Macedonia, that though mightest charge some that they teach no other doctrine, Neither give heed to fables and endless genealogies, which minister questions, rather than godly edifying which is in faith: so do (1 Timothy 1:3-4).

If thou put the brethren in remembrance of these things, thou shalt be a good minister of Jesus Christ, nourished up in the words of faith and of good doctrine, whereunto thou hast attained (1 Timothy 4:6).

If any man teach otherwise, and consent not to wholesome words, even the words of our Lord Jesus Christ, and to the doctrine which is according to godliness; He is proud, knowing nothing, but doting about questions and strifes of words, whereof cometh envy, strife, railings, evil surmisings, Perverse disputings of men of corrupt minds, and destitute of the truth, supposing that gain is godliness: from such withdraw thyself. But godliness with contentment is great gain (1 Timothy 6:3-6)

Nevertheless the foundation of God standeth sure, having this seal, The Lord knoweth them that are his. And, Let every one that nameth the name of Christ depart from iniquity (2 Timothy 2:19).

2 Kings 1-9: The story of Elijah and Elisha
Ancient Elijah represents the end-time Elijah. His message was a message of separation from pagan influences to the wholehearted service of God. Elijah confronted the king of Israel and the prophets of Baal and exposed their religious forms for what they were. Elijah was the type of the end-time representatives of Christ who would call a people out of Babylon with the same message, “Choose ye this day whom ye will serve.”

Elijah performed eight miracles during his ministry:
1. He said it would not rain for three and a half years, and it did not rain
2. The widow’s flour and crucible of oil were not used up during the period
3. The widow’s son was raised from the dead
4. Fire consumed the offering of Elijah in response to his sincere prayer
5. Elijah’s prayer brought rain
6 and 7. Twice the captains of 50 were consumed by fire
8. The Jordan River parted

Elijah called Elisha from the plow and Elisha diligently served his master, being willing to perform menial tasks while he was being prepared for greater things. Three times Elisha was given the opportunity to leave Elijah, but three times he refused:

1. Elijah was visiting the school of the prophets, and Elijah said to Elisha: “Stay here please, for the LORD has sent me on to Bethel” (2 Kings 2:2). But Elisha said, “As the LORD lives, and as your soul lives, I will not leave you!”

2. The sons of the prophets had been informed that the Lord would take Elijah away. Elisha clung to Elijah’s side. In verse 4, a further opportunity was given, but again Elisha answered, “As the Lord lives, and as your soul lives, I will not leave you.”

3. The same thing happens a third time (verse 6). After his final visitation to the school of the prophets, Elijah was about to depart to be translated to heaven. In verse 9, he asks Elisha “What can I do for you before I am taken away from you?” Elisha said, “Please let a double portion of your spirit be upon me.” Elijah replied, “You have asked a hard thing. Nevertheless, if you see me when I am taken from you, it shall be so for you.”

Elisha saw how Elijah was taken up to heaven, and then became God’s representative who would nurture and establish Israel. Those who live at the end of times are types of Elisha, bound to Elijah and refusing to leave that which was entrusted to them. “Surely as the Lord lives, I will cling to the Elijah message–the pillars of the Advent message.”

When Elisha put on the mantle of Elijah, as we have to put on the mantle of the Elijah message, the Lord honored his request for a double portion. And in order to stand at the end of time, we will need a double portion of the Spirit of Elijah. Elisha’s miracles were more than double those recorded for Elijah:
1. He struck the water and it was divided. In the same way, those who trust in the Lord and have the Spirit of Elisha will overcome insurmountable obstacles (2 Kings 2:14).
2. He cleansed the waters with salt and the bitter water became sweet. In the same way, we are to be the salt of the earth and turn the bitter waters of compromise and lies into the sweet waters of a life and doctrine in harmony with Christ (2 Kings 2:20-21).
3. In response to his curse on those who mocked him, bears mauled the mockers. God’s people at the end of time will speak with unquestionable authority (2 Kings 2:23-24).
4. Water filled the valley of Edom to supply the needs of the army of Israel. Even in the absence of rain, God is able to supply our needs.
5. Elisha also is credited with the miracle of the jar of oil that did not run dry until all the vessels that could be filled were filled. In the same way, God’s people at the end of time will not run out of the spirit of God until all the vessels that can be filled are filled to the brim (2 Kings 4:2-6).
6. He promised the Shunammite woman that she would bear a son, and she did (2 Kings 4:14-17).
7. That son died, but God honored Elisha’s request and raised the boy to life again (2 Kings 4:34-35).
8. When there was famine in the land and the men from the school of the prophets had added poisonous gourds to their stew, Elisha ordered them to add flour to cleanse the meal. This same power is available to God’s people at the end of time (2 Kings 4:38-41).
9. He multiplied loaves of barley to feed the men (2 Kings 4:42-44).
10. He commanded Namaan to immerse himself in the Jordan seven times to be cured of his leprosy and he was cured (2 Kings 5:1-14).
11. His servant Gehazi became leprous as a consequence of his greed (2 Kings 5:20-27).
12. He made the axe float when the students of the school of the prophets were expanding their dwellings (2 Kings 6:5).
13. Many times, he confronted the enemies of Israel by revealing their most secret plans (2 Kings 6:9).
14. When surrounded by the enemy, he prayed that his servant’s eyes might be opened so that he may realize that “they that be with us are more than they that be with them.” This is vital to those who stand in the gap at the end of time (2 Kings 6:16-17).
15. He prayed for blindness upon his enemies (Kings 6:18).
16. He prayed for the removal of blindness of his enemies (2 Kings 6:20).
17. He caused the army of the Syrians to hear the noise of chariots and horses so that they fled before their attackers (2 Kings 7:6-7).
18. He pronounced a seven-year famine—a double portion (2 Kings 8:1). Elijah’s famine lasted only three and a half years.

Those living at the end of time will be present when the Lord puts an end to the harlot. Jezebel was destroyed in the time of Elisha. It is Elisha who serves as the type of the remnant of the remnant. But he is inseparably linked to Elijah and will not leave nor forsake the ancient landmarks. It is for this reason that we read in the Spirit of Prophecy that the ancient landmarks of the founding fathers are faithfully recorded and will stand until the end of time. There is no separation from the Elijah message. To meet the crisis at the end of time, God will pour out more than a double portion of the Spirit of Elijah upon those who faithfully follow the Lamb wherever He goes.

Both Elijah and Elisha were diligent in communicating the message of hope not only to the outside world, but also to the schools of the prophets. At these schools, students were taught the law of God and the natural sciences in such a way that they would harmonize with the Word of God. They studied the Scriptures, sacred history, sacred music, poetry, agriculture, and horticulture.

Further provision was made for the instruction of the young, by the establishment of the “school of the prophets.” If a youth was eager to obtain a better knowledge of the Scriptures, to search deeper into the mysteries of the kingdom of God, and to seek wisdom from above, that he might become a teacher in Israel, this school was open to him.

By Samuel the schools of the prophets were established to serve as a barrier against the widespread corruption resulting from the iniquitous course of Eli’s sons, and to promote the moral and spiritual welfare of the people. These schools proved a great blessing to Israel, promoting that righteousness which exalteth a nation, and furnishing it with men qualified to act, in the fear of God, as leaders and counselors. In the accomplishment of this object, Samuel gathered companies of young men who were pious, intelligent and studious. These were called the sons of the prophets. The instructors were men not only versed in divine truth, but those who had themselves enjoyed communion with God, and had received the special endowment of His Spirit. They enjoyed the respect and confidence of the people, both for learning and piety.

The pupils of these schools sustained themselves by their own labor as husbandmen and mechanics. In Israel this was not considered strange or degrading; it was regarded a crime to allow children to grow up in ignorance of useful labor. In obedience to the command of God, every child was taught some trade, even though he was to be educated for holy office. Many of the religious teachers supported themselves by manual labor. Even so late as the time of Christ, it was not considered anything degrading that Paul and Aquila earned a livelihood by their labor as tentmakers.

The chief subjects of study were the law of God with the instructions given to Moses, sacred history, sacred music, and poetry. It was the grand object of all study to learn the will of God and the duties of His people. In the records of sacred history were traced the footsteps of Jehovah. From the events of the past were drawn lessons of instruction for the future. The great truths set forth by the types and shadows of the Mosaic law were brought to view, and faith grasped the central object of all that system, the Lamb of God that was to take away the sins of the world.

The Hebrew language was cultivated as the most sacred tongue in the world. A spirit of devotion was cherished. Not only were students taught the duty of prayer, but they were taught how to pray, how to approach their Creator, how to exercise faith in Him, and how to understand and obey the teachings of His Spirit. Sanctified intellects brought forth from the treasure house of God things new and old.

The art of sacred melody was diligently cultivated. No frivolous waltz was heard, nor flippant song that should extol man and divert attention from God; but sacred, solemn psalms of praise to the Creator, exalting His name and recounting His wondrous works. Thus music was made to serve a holy purpose, to lift the thoughts to that which was pure and noble and elevating, and to awaken in the soul devotion and gratitude to God (FE 96-97).

Misuse of the school of the prophets and compromise with the world reached a point where God could not work through these institutions any longer. By the time of John the Baptist, the Lord did not send this servant of His to the school of the prophets. Neither were the disciples educated in the school of the prophets.

John was called to do a special work; he was to prepare the way of the Lord, to make straight His paths. The Lord did not send him to the school of the prophets and rabbis. He took him away from the assemblies of men to the desert, that he might learn of nature and nature’s God. God did not desire him to have the mold of the priests and rulers. He was called to do a special work. The Lord gave him his message. Did he go to the priests and rulers and ask if he might proclaim this message? – No, God put him away from them that he might not be influenced by their spirit and teaching. He was the voice of one crying in the wilderness, “Prepare ye the way of the Lord, make straight in the desert a highway for our God. Every valley shall be exalted, and every mountain and hill shall be made low: and the crooked shall be made straight, and the rough places plain; and the glory of the Lord shall be revealed, and all flesh shall see it together: for the mouth of the Lord hath spoken it” (Isa. 40:3-5). This is the very message that must be given to our people; we are near the end of time, and the message is, Clear the King’s highway; gather out the stones; raise up a standard for the people. The people must be awakened. It is no time now to cry peace and safety. We are exhorted to “cry aloud, spare not, lift up thy voice like a trumpet, and shew my people their transgressions, and the house of Jacob their sins.” (Isa. 5:1) (1SM 410.1).

As soon as the Passover was finished, the brethren left Jerusalem, and went to Galilee as they had been directed. Seven of the disciples were in company; they were clad in the humble garb of fishermen; they were poor in worldly goods, but rich in the knowledge and practice of the truth, which have them, in the sight of Heaven, the highest rank as teachers. They had not been students in the school of the prophets, but for three years they had taken lessons from the greatest educator the world has ever known. Under his tuition they had become elevated, intelligent, and refined, fit mediums through which the souls of men might be led to a knowledge of the truth (3SP 226.1).

Sadly, many of our institutes have followed the same route and have compromised their practices and teachings to be in line with what is taught in the world. Evolution is taught as an acceptable theory of origins, and worldly theologians are preferred above a “thus saith the Lord.” Those who hold up standards are often ridiculed, but even here there is need of caution, as some would separate from Elijah and claim some form of superiority. Moses did not separate from the children of Israel when the Lord told him that he would make a new nation out of him. But he pleaded that he should be blotted from the Book of Life rather than them. This should be our attitude.

Nevertheless, we need to train men and women to stand in the time we are living, and to present this message to the world. We need to establish institutes even if on a small scale, where men and women can learn to win souls and to learn the things as taught in the school of the prophets. We need to separate from worldly practices. We need to introduce reverence and godly music into the minds of men and learn afresh how to worship God in the beauty of holiness.

Let every one now do his duty, laboring actively with Jesus Christ. Represent Jesus by your example of a Christian piety, that the grace of Christ may appear as it is, -beautiful, attractive, harmonious, and always consistent. A life beautified with holiness is not a life of idle contemplation; but a life filled up with earnest work for the Master, whose light shineth more and more unto the perfect day. As Seventh-day Adventists, we have a work to do in witnessing for Christ. If indeed the Lord is coming, it is time to sell what you have and give alms. It is time to put out your money to the “exchangers”, time to place every dollar you can spare, into the treasury of the Lord, that institutions may be erected for the education of workers, who shall be instructed as were those who attended the school of the prophets. If the Lord comes and finds you doing this kind of work, he will say, “Well done, good and faithful servant…enter thou into the joy of thy Lord.” The spell that enthralls minds, and makes them the bond-servants of Satan, must be broken. Christ’s lessons must be enforced, they must be impressed upon the mind and heart. On young and old should come a realization of the great love wherewith He hath loved us. We have none too many institutions. Let your means be used to create, rather than have your influence used to diminish these agencies for good. Let no one yield to the suggestions of the enemy of all righteousness, and think that because we are near the end of all things, we can have faith, and have all our infirmities removed, and that there is no need for institutions for the recovery of health. Faith and works are not dissevered. If the Lord is soon to come, begin to act decidedly and determinedly, and with intense interest to increase the facilities, that a great work may be done in a short time (GCB October 1, 1896 par. 7).

Those who have been allied to the world should heed the invitation of the Lord. He says: “Come out from among them, and be separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing; and I will receive you, and will be a Father unto you, and ye shall be my sons and daughters, saith the Lord Almighty.” For “though ye have lien among the pots, yet ye be as the wings of a dove covered with silver, and her feathers with yellow gold.” The bright beams of the Sun of Righteousness are to shine upon you, that you may be beautified with holiness (GCB, October 1, 1896 par. 8).

As Elisha asked for a double portion, we will need this faith:

Shall we now say there is no need of facilities – that faith is all we need? Genuine faith is a working principle, and works will appear as a proof of this agent in the soul. You should redouble your efforts, redouble your working forces (GCV, October 1, 1896 par. 9).

Young men and women are crying out for solid food and if only we could re-organize the forces of the Lord so that the workers can receive faithful instruction. These institutions are to be established in rural areas with land for cultivation and should not be elaborate or be left to one man to dominate the teaching.

True missionary workers will not colonize. God’s people are to be pilgrims and strangers on the earth. The investment of large sums of money in the building up of the work in one place is not in the order of God. Plants are to be made in many places. Schools and sanitariums are to be established in places where there is now nothing to represent the truth. These interests are not to be established for the purpose of making money, but for the purpose of spreading the truth. Land should be secured at a distance from the cities, on which schools can be built up, and where the youth can be instructed in agricultural and mechanical lines of work (11 MR 155.3).

What can I say to our people that will lead them to follow the course that will be for the present and future good? Will not those in Battle Creek heed the light given them by God? Will they not deny self, lift the cross, and follow Jesus? Will they not obey the call of their Leader to leave Battle Creek and build up interests in other places? Will the not go to the dark places of the earth to tell the story of the love of Christ, trusting in God to give them success (11 MR 156.1)?

Establish Schools Like the Schools of the Prophets

There are schools that may be established, not in the elaborate way of Union College or Battle Creek College, but after a more simple style, with humble buildings, and then there should be teachers who will conduct them after God’s plan as nearly as they can understand, after the school of the prophets.” –Ms. 14a, 1897, p. 2 “Work for the Fallen.” Feb. 14 1897 (11 MR 156.3).

In our schools the work of opening the Scriptures to the students is not to be left to only one teacher. This would not be wisdom. Other minds should be brought in. One man may seem well able to present the truth, and yet this is not evidence that he should teach the students from the word of God term after term. Others should aid in this work, for it is a great work. –Ms. 158, 1898, pp. 3, 4 (“The Gift of the Holy Spirit,” Dec. 7 1898).

The Benefits of Schools in the Country

It seems strange to everybody that we should be located in the woods. But we do not want our students to be near the city. We know that even though we bring them into the country we cannot escape from all evil. We have a public house [saloon] here, and not long ago a man left this public house drunk. As he was crossing a bridge he fell from his horse and was killed. But in the country the youth are away from the sights and the sounds of the city. We desire to take the students away from the foul atmosphere of the city. Not that Satan is not here. He is here, but we are trying to do all we can to place he students in the very best circumstance in order that they may fasten their eyes on Christ…Those who present the truth should be men of solid minds, who will not lead their hearers into a field of thistles, as it were, and there leave them. What is the chaff to the wheat? Ms. 70, 1901. 8- 9. “What Is the Chaff to the Wheat?” July 20, 1901 (11 MR 159.2).

We should concentrate on useful labor and not substitute the games of the world for such activities, and the diet must be in accordance with healthful principles.

All who are engaged in teaching the youth in our schools must have as the foundation of their knowledge the fear of God, for this is the beginning of wisdom. They may have had years of training, and yet [may] not have touched the very beginning, the ABC of spirituality, the ABC of devotion, the ABC of self-sacrifice. The science of education is to love God, and to keep His commandments. Study the Word of God intelligently. It is the foundation of all education. –Ms. 84, 1901, 1- 2, “Teachers to Have a Living Experience,” August 20, 1901 (11 MR 159.3).

In many places we have established our educational institutions. Our schools and our sanitariums are to reach a high standard. The Bible is to be made the great educational book. It is the Book of books, that gives us a knowledge of Him whom to know aright is life eternal. It is to be made the foundation of all true education. –MS. 49, 1908, 6, “Lessons From the Experiences of Pentecost,” May 9, 1908 (11 MR 160.1).

The Healdsburg College has been presented to me as being demoralized by disgraceful games. Games have been allowed such as God disapproves. It was to prevent this kind of thing that the Lord gave counsel to the effect that students should learn useful trades…

Where were these watchmen when these unseemly games and athletic sports, these trials of animal strength and exhibition of physical skill were in progress? Labor should be connected with study, and through following a course of this kind an all-sided, well-balanced education will be the result. This is the rational method through which souls may be barricaded against evil influences. In this way the mind may be preserved in its soundness, and the nervous energies may be regulated. Combining manual labor with the study of the sciences will preserve the living machinery in excellent condition, and by taking proper exercise, the mind may be taxed and yet not sustain injury in any degree. {11 MR 161.2} But do not substitute play, pugilistic boxing, football, matched games, and animal exercises, for manual training. All of this stripe and type should be vigilantly prohibited from the school grounds. –Letter 27, 1895, 1-3 To F. Howe, May 21, 1895 (11 MR 161.1, 3).

I believe that the time has come to restore the Elijah message to its original position. There is a work to be done in equipping God’s people and to guide Israel in safe paths. As apostasy increases and Jezebel (the type of the harlot) redoubles her efforts to seduce us and everyone around us, we need to be more determined than ever to set the record straight. As the schools of the prophets established by Samuel had fallen into decay and apostasy, so the ancient simplicity needs to be restored.

For several years after the call of Elisha, Elijah and Elisha labored together, the younger man daily gaining greater preparedness for his work. Elijah had been God’s instrument for the overthrow of gigantic evils. The idolatry which, supported by Ahab and the heathen Jezebel, had seduced the nation, had been given a decided check. Baal’s prophets had been slain. The whole people of Israel had been deeply stirred, and many were returning to the worship of God. As Elijah’s successor, Elisha, by careful, patient instruction, must endeavor to guide Israel in safe paths. His association with Elijah, the greatest prophet since the days of Moses, prepared him for the work that he was soon to take up alone.

During these years of united ministry, Elijah from time to time was called upon to meet flagrant evils with stern rebuke. When wicked Ahab seized Naboth’s vineyard, it was the voice of Elijah that prophesied his doom and the doom of all his house. And when Ahaziah, after the death of his father Ahab, turned from the living God to Baal-zebub, the god of Efron, it was Elijah’s voice that was heard once more in earnest protest.

The schools of the prophets, established by Samuel, had fallen into decay during the years of Israel’s apostasy. Elijah re-established these schools, making provision for young men to gain an education that would lead them to magnify the law and make it honorable. Three of these schools, one at Gilgal, one at Bethel, and one at Jericho, are mentioned in the record. Just before Elijah was taken to heaven, he and Elisha visited these centers of training. The lessons that the prophet of God had given them on former visits, he now repeated. Especially did he instruct them concerning their high privilege of loyally maintaining their allegiance to the God of heaven. He also impressed upon their minds the importance of letting simplicity mark every feature of their education. Only in this way could they receive the mold of heaven and go forth to work in the ways of the Lord (PK 224.3).

The heart of Elijah was cheered as he saw what was being accomplished by means of these schools. The work of reformation was not complete, but he could see throughout the kingdom a verification of the word of the Lord, “Yet I have left Me sever thousand in Israel, all the knees which have not bowed unto Baal.” 1 Kings 19:18 (PK 224, 225).

In whom ye also trusted, after that ye heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation: in whom also after that ye believed, ye were sealed with that holy Spirit of promise (Ephesians 1:13).

If we are faithful in this work, God will pour out his Spirit, and the latter rain will fall. The Elijah message will be preached with a double portion and there will be a repetition of Pentecost.

It is with an earnest longing that I look forward to the time when the events of the Day of Pentecost shall be repeated with even greater power than on that occasion. John says, “I saw another angel come down from heaven, having great power; and the earth was lightened with his glory” [Rev. 18:1]. Then as the Pentecostal season, the people will hear the truth spoken to them, every man in his own tongue (6BC 1055, 1886).

In visions of the night, representations passed before me of a great reformatory movement among God’s people. Many were praising God. The sick were healed, and other miracles were wrought. A spirit of intercession was seen, even as it was manifested before the great Day of Pentecost (9T 126, 1909).

The great work of the gospel is not to close with less manifestation of the power of God than marked its opening. The prophecies which were fulfilled in the outpouring of the former rain at the opening of the gospel, are again to be fulfilled in the latter rain at its close…Servants of God, with their faces lighted up and shining with holy consecration, will hasten from place to place to proclaim the message from heaven. By thousands of voices, all over the earth, the warming will be given. Miracles will be wrought, the sick will be healed, and signs and wonders will follow the believers (GC 611, 612, 1911).

God Works in Surprising Ways

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 on 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 (TM 300 1885).

Do not imagine that it will be possible to lay out plans for the future. Let God be acknowledged as standing at the helm at all times and under every circumstance. He will work by means that will be suitable, and will maintain, increase, and build up His own people (CW 71, 1895).

The comforter is to reveal Himself, not in any specified, precise way that man may mark out, but in the order of God- in unexpected times and ways that will honor His own name (EGW’88 1478, 1896).

He will raise up from among the common people men and women to do His work, even as of old He called fishermen to be His disciples. There will soon be an awakening that will surprise many. Those who do not realize the necessity of what is to be done will be passed by, and the heavenly messengers will work with those who are called the common people, fitting them to carry the truth to many places (15 MR 312, 1905).

The body of Christ is to remain united. The aim is not the separate from Israel but to nurture Israel. We are not to call God’s people Babylon and isolate ourselves, but we are to faithfully guard the ancient waymarks and labor with our brothers and sisters. We are our brother’s keepers.

The Lord holds the church responsible for the souls whom they might save. If his people were to see themselves as God sees them, they could not endure to look their responsibilities and delinquencies in the face. Self-reproach would overwhelm them. Brethren and sisters in the faith, does the question arise in your hearts, “Am I my brother’s keeper?” If you claim to be the children of God, you are your brother’s keeper. God has entrusted you to sacred truths. Christ abiding in the individual members of the church is a well of water, springing up into everlasting life. You are guilty before God if you do not make every effort possible to dispense this living water to others. Men are perishing close by your own doors, while they hew out to themselves broken cisterns that hold no water. Heaven is indignant at the ease of men and women in Zion, while souls are going down to ruin in their ignorance and sins. Have we the truth for these last days? If we have, it must be carried to every nation, kindred, tongue, and people. Ere long, the living and the dead will have been judged according to the deeds done in the body, and the law of God is the standard by which they are to be tested. Of this they must now be warned. God’s holy law must be vindicated, and held up before them as a mirror (RH, October 12, 1886 par. 11, emphasis added).

It is time that we labor together on these issues and put our money into the Lord’s treasury to support this type of work.

But this work requires means. It is true that times are hard, that money is not plenty; but the truth must be spread, and money to spread it must be placed in the treasury. Many are trembling with fear because the work moves faster than their slow faith, and means is expended more rapidly than it comes into the treasury; and yet we have taken only the first few steps in advance. Our message is world-wide; yet many are doing nothing, and many more, so very little, and with so great a want of faith, that it is next to nothing. Shall we abandon the field that has already been opened in foreign countries? Shall we drop part of the work in our home missions? Shall we be disheartened at a debt of a few thousand dollars? Shall we falter and become laggards in the very last scenes of this world’s history? My heart says, No, no! I cannot contemplate this question without a burning zeal in my souls to see this work go. We would not deny our faith, we would deny Christ; yet we shall commit this fearful sin unless we move forward, as the providence of God opens the way. The work must not stop for want of means. More money must be invested. “Sell that ye have and give alms.” There is a time coming when commandment-keepers can neither buy nor sell. In the last extremity, before this work shall close, thousands of dollars will be cheerfully laid upon the altar. Men and women will feel it a blessed privilege to share in the great work of preparing souls to stand in the great day of God, and they will give hundreds as readily as five dollars are given now. But let us not dishonor God by thinking that the church has not the means to do all the work that devolves upon her just now (RH, October 12, 1886 par. 12).