The Time of Testing by J. W. Watt

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Washington, D.C. · Apr 28, 1904

The Time of Testing

By J. W. Watt

J. W. WATT

“For, lo, I will command, and I will sift the house of Israel among all nations, like as corn is sifted in a sieve, yet shall not the least grain fall upon the earth.” Amos 9:9.

A world-wide message of truth is here brought to view,—a message that is searching in character and will purify those who receive it. When we are preparing grain for food, it is first ground fine, then it is passed through the sifter until all the chaff is gone, only the pure grain remaining. Thus the Lord will cause his people to be tested by his Word until in all parts of the earth there shall be a people who will correctly represent God and his righteousness.

“Not the least grain shall fall upon the earth.” Not an honest soul will be lost. All God’s pure grain will be gathered into the heavenly garner. But the sifting time is now here, and every one must bear the test that God himself will permit to come upon us. How very important it is that we know daily where we stand.

“Examine yourselves whether ye be in the faith; prove your own selves.” 2 Cor. 13:5. Self-examination in times of crisis is God’s plan of revealing to us where we stand. The Lord does not say that we should examine another to see whether or not he is in the faith, but examine yourself.

The Lord has for years been calling our attention to the fact that we as a people would pass through a sifting time that would test every soul. In “Testimony,” No. 31, page 76, it is written:—

“But the days of purification of the church are hastening on apace. God will have a people pure and true. In the mighty sifting soon to take place, we shall be better able to measure the strength of Israel. The signs reveal that the time is near when the Lord will manifest that his fan is in his hand, and he will thoroughly purge his floor. The days are fast approaching when there will be great perplexity and confusion. Satan, clothed in angel robes, will deceive if possible the very elect. There will be gods many and lords many. Every wind of doctrine will be blowing. Those who have rendered supreme homage to science falsely so-called will not be the leaders then.”

Again, on page 77, we are told:—

“In this time, the gold will be separated from the dross in the church. True godliness will be clearly distinguished from the appearance and tinsel of it. 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. All who assume the ornaments of the sanctuary, but are not clothed with Christ’s righteousness, will appear in the shame of their own nakedness. When trees without fruit are cut down as cumbers of the ground, when multitudes of false brethren are distinguished from the true, then the hidden ones will be revealed to view, and with hosannas range under the banner of Christ.”

For years we have been expecting this sifting time would come. Are we now in it? If we are not, when shall we be in it? Some of the preceding statements bring sadness to the soul. It is sad to know that multitudes will prove false. The question should come home to every one of us with great force, Shall I be among the multitude of false ones? Thank the Lord, we need not be, for he stands ready to help us by his divine grace, and to keep us from falling, if we only humble our hearts, study his Word, and trust in his power.

In “Testimony,” No. 31, page 132, this statement is made with reference to the persecutions through which God’s people are to pass:—

“Soon God’s people will be tested by fiery trials, and the great proportion of those who now appear to be genuine and true will prove to be base metal. Instead of being strengthened and confirmed by opposition, threats, and abuse, they will cowardly take the side of the opposers.”

Again, page 133: “Now is the time when we should closely connect with God, that we may be hid when the fierceness of his wrath is poured upon the sons of men. We have wandered away from the old landmarks. Let us return. If the Lord be God, serve him; if Baal, serve him. Which side will you be on?”

Thus we see that by wrong influences in the church, and by the persecutions from the civil power, the test will come to every soul.

If there ever was a time when those who know the truth should be rooted and grounded in the faith, that time is now. Deep heart searching must take place. No one is safe only as he is kept by the power of God.

“O, for a closer walk with God! A calm and heavenly frame.”