How Are the Mighty Fallen

The battle between the two armies has continued for 6000 years. As always in the battlefield there are casualties. Millions have fallen and become victims and prisoners of Satan. But when the mighty champions fall, it is a major setback for the army of Christ.

Lucifer was the mightiest being, created by God. Him the other angels admired and obeyed. When he fell, millions of other angels fell with him. Because of him the inhabitants of this world have also fallen.

It did not take much effort on the side of Satan to make Adam and Eve fall into sin, and in a short time the whole world separated themselves from God and joined with Satan and his army, that only one family remained faithful to God. Little later only Abraham and Lot and their families still served God when the rest of the world served idols.

King Saul was humble and faithful when he was chosen to his office. He said, “Am not I a Benjamite, of the smallest of the tribes of Israel? And my family the least of all the families of the tribe of Benjamin? Wherefore then speakest thou so to me? 1 Sam. 9:21 But when he was exalted and became a mighty king, he fell into the snares of Satan.

King Solomon was humble when chosen to be king; he said, “1 am but a little child 1 know not how to go out or come in.” 1 King 3:7 But while in his high office he became corrupted. “For it came to pass, when Solomon was old, that his wives turned away his heart after other gods.” 1 King 11:4 His great wisdom did not protect him from falling. Not only did the kings fall but also the prophets. “Therefore shalt thou fall in the day, and the prophet also shall fall with thee in the night.” Hosea 4:5

In the time of Christ mostly the uneducated and poor people followed Him. “Then answered them the Pharisees, Are ye also deceived? Have any of the rulers or of the Pharisees believed on Him? But this people who knoweth not the law are cursed.” John 7:47-49

Instead of trying to win some educated and wealthy people on His side Jesus said, “I thank Thee, 0 Father, Lord of heaven and earth, because Thou hast hid these things from the wise and prudent, and hast revealed them unto babes.” Matt. 11:25

When Reformation started out from the Adventist church did any of the leaders join in it? General Conference members and Union leaders became enemies to the Church of God. Again the history was repeated that the mighty were fallen and what was left? We read, “I will also leave in the midst of thee an afflicted and poor people, and they shall , trust in the name of the Lord.” Zeph.3:12

Paul writes, “For ye see your calling, brethren, how that not many wise men after the flesh, not many mighty, not many noble, are called.” 1 Cor. 1:26

The two young men, Jones and Waggoner brought a powerful message to the .1888 conference in Minneapolis. The Holy Spirit was upon them. But they both fell later and left the church.

Why is it that the great and mighty are fallen and humble, poor people remain? Is it not their human pride? Few great men remain humble as John the Baptist who said, “He must increase, but I must decrease.” John 3:30

The praise that leaders get from their congregations often make them feel important and exalted and the Lord cannot use them anymore.

“In the last solemn work few great men will be engaged. They are self-sufficient, independent of God, and He cannot use them.” Test, Vo.,5 p. 80″‘
“Labor not to become great men; but labor rather to become good and perfect men, showing forth the praises of Him who hath called you out of darkness into His marvelous light.” M.L.310

Our message is to proclaim the fall of Babylon. Babylon includes all the churches outside the church of God. Who are then fallen with them? Are there not educated people among them, theologians, intelligent great men besides the millions of common people? It is very easy to fall from the grace, but it is difficult to remain a humble servant of God; actually, in human strength it is impossible. Who are fallen furthest away from the truth? Often it is the ones who have been closest to it. No one hated Jesus so much as the leaders of the Jewish nation. Also, who has taken most of the members away from the church of God? Is it not the churches that are closest to the doctrines of the true church of God? Churches that are far from the truth have not been so much a threat to God’s people as churches that are closest to the truth yet having errors mixed in their teachings. A healthy looking food with poison mixed in it is more deceptive than pure poison.

A warning is given to us, “Wherefore let him that thinkest he standeth take heed lest he fall.” 1 Cor. 10:12

. . “Many a star that we have admired for Its brilliancy will then go out in darkness. Chaff like a cloud will be borne away on the wind, even from places where we see only floors of rich wheat.” Test. Vo l5 p. 81

This is a prophesy to us. Many among us are not pure wheat. There are tares among us and not all the great leaders will remain in the church to the end.

In the time of Sunday law, who will be our most bitter enemies? Is it not our former brethren? ”

“As the storm approaches, a large class who have professed faith in the third angel’s message, but have not been sanctified through obedience to the truth, abandon their position and joint the ranks of the opposition. By uniting with the world and partaking of its spirit, they have come to view matters in nearly the same light; and when the test is brought, they are prepared to choose the easy, popular side. Men of talent and pleasing address, who once rejoiced in the truth, employ their powers to deceive and mislead souls. They become the most bitter enemies of their former brethren. When Sabbath keepers are brought before the courts to answer for their faith, these apostates are the most efficient agents of Satan to misrepresent and accuse them, and by false reports and insinuations to stir up the rulers against them.” Great Controversy p. 608

Terrible and solemn are the warnings and prophecies that have been given to us. The question will arise, “But who may abide the day of His coming? And who shall stand when He appeareth?” Mal. 3:2

Apostle Paul recognized the fact that he himself who had preached to others could fall and be a castaway (1 Cor. 9:27) “How are the mighty fallen!” “How is the gold become dim!{ How is the most fine gold changed!” Lam. 4: 1

It will be well for us to examine ourselves carefully. Our foundation must be on the solid rock. The house built on the sand will fall.

May the Lord help each one to be rooted and grounded in the truth because the mighty shaking that is before us will do its terrible work very soon. “And this word. Yet once more, signifieth the removing of those things that are shaken, as of things that are made, that those things which cannot be shaken may remain.” Heb. 12:27 AMEN