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Study 06 of 16

Chapter 4—The Shaking

The final sifting of the church where every member is tested by trial, persecution, and the straight testimony of the truth.

Hands-free narration of this study — good for the car.

Synopsis

The shaking is a solemn and inevitable process within the church, described by Jesus as a winnowing where the grain is separated from the chaff. As we approach the final crisis, every member will be tested to the core. This 'sifting' is not caused by God wishing to discard His people, but by the pressure of events and the demands of the truth which reveal the true condition of the heart. The causes of the shaking are manifold: some are shaken out due to carelessness and spiritual indifference; others yield up their faith under the intense pressure of Sunday law enforcement and persecution. A significant cause is the rejection of the 'straight testimony' of the Laodicean message, which requires a level of repentance and consecration that many are unwilling to grant. Furthermore, superficial knowledge leaves many vulnerable to the subtle deceptions of spiritualism and false doctrines. The only way to avoid falling is to have a living, personal connection with Jesus Christ, built upon a foundation of prayer and diligent Bible study. We must allow the cross to break our pride now, so that we may stand firm when the storm breaks. Though the shaking is painful and many will depart, the church itself will not fall; rather, it will be purified, emerging as a holy and united people ready for the latter rain and the final triumph.

Key points

  • The shaking is a necessary sifting process that separates the 'chaff' (insincere members) from the 'wheat' (loyal believers).
  • Causes of the shaking include spiritual indifference, persecution from Sunday laws, and rejection of the Laodicean message.
  • Subtle deceptions and a superficial knowledge of the truth will cause many to be led astray during this time.
  • The church will survive the shaking, but it will be purified of those who have not truly surrendered to Christ.

Key texts

  • Luke 22:31-32
  • 1 Corinthians 10:12
  • Amos 9:9

From the book

Outline 6 · Chapter 4 — The Shaking · Read this chapter

  • “The shaking of God will have a broad influence. It is a winnowing process to separate the chaff from the wheat.” (book p. 66)
  • “Those who have been timid and self-distrustful will declare themselves openly for Christ and His truth.” (book p. 68)
  • “The church may appear as about to fall, but it does not fall. It remains, while the sinners in Zion will be sifted out.” (book p. 73)

Put it into practice

  • Deepen your study of the Bible so your faith is not based on the opinions of others.
  • Pray for the courage to stand for principle even in the small tests of daily life.
  • Accept the 'straight testimony' of God's Word, allowing it to correct and refine your character.
  1. Comprehension

    1. What is the purpose of the 'shaking' in the church?

  2. Scripture

    2. According to the outline, how does the Sunday law contribute to the shaking?

  3. Doctrinal Clarity

    3. What role does the Laodicean message play in the shaking process?

  4. Contrast

    4. Why is 'superficial knowledge' so dangerous in the shaking time?

  5. Comprehension

    5. What did Jesus mean when He told Peter that Satan desired to 'sift you as wheat'?

  6. Scripture

    6. How can a believer avoid falling during the shaking?

  7. Doctrinal Clarity

    7. Will the Seventh-day Adventist Church as an organization fall during this time?

  8. Application

    8. In what ways do you feel 'timid' in your witness, and how can Christ's strength change that?