What does EGW write about...
Adventistische Schriften über: "False Revivals"
Answer
False revivals are often characterized by strong emotional excitement and appeals to the imagination, while the clear truths of the Bible are neglected. Satan uses these movements as a counterpart to genuine piety, deceiving people through sensations and human cunning before the true outpouring of the Holy Spirit occurs. A genuine conversion, however, requires a heart change through the understanding of sin and God's law, rather than merely fleeting feelings.
Features of emotional excitement and deception
In many revivals that have taken place in the last half‑century, the same influences have been at work to a greater or lesser degree, which will appear in the broader movements of the future. There is an emotional excitement, a mixing of the true with the false, that is well suited to lead people astray. Yet no one must be deceived. In the light of God’s Word it is not difficult to determine the nature of these movements. Wherever people neglect the testimony of the Bible … there we can be sure that God’s blessing will not be granted.
Danger of superficial conversion
Popular revivals are too often carried by appeals to the imagination, by stirring emotions and by satisfying the love for the new and surprising. Those converted in this way have little desire to listen to biblical truth… If a religious service lacks a sensational character, it has no attraction for them. A message that appeals to dispassionate reason provokes no reaction.
Satan’s false revival as a counterpart
The enemy of souls wants to hinder this work; and before the time comes for such a movement [of true piety], he will try to prevent it by introducing a counterfeit. In those churches that he can bring under his deceptive power, he will make it appear as if God’s special blessing is being poured out… Under a religious guise Satan will try to extend his influence over the Christian world.
True reformation vs. excitement
A reformation in people is urgently needed, but a reformation that occurs under excitement will rarely outlast the excitement in which it originated. It is like early dew that passes away. Conversions that arise because feelings are moved by anecdotes and sensational songs do not bear the imprint of heaven, but the hand of man. Heart work is necessary.
Short‑lived results
The light that flares up for a time soon goes out again, leaving darkness denser than before.
- Religious fanaticism and emotions
- Characteristics of true conversion
- Satan’s deceptions in the end times
Original Sources (English)
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