Counsel #10 — God’s Spirit Withdrawn

Picture: Counsel #10 — God’s Spirit WithdrawnCSI 92.1

Our world seems to be really troubled and in agitation. Many people are fearful about calamities such as hurricanes, earthquakes, wildfires, floods, and violence. As we approach the second coming of Jesus, these catastrophes and natural disasters will increase. The Spirit of God is being withdrawn from the earth because of humanity’s rebellion against God’s laws.^{[136]https://www.adventistpublishing.org/mission-365/glow-tracts/natural-disasters/}CSI 92.2

Societies are polarizing spiritually. People seem to be picking sides—either becoming more aware of Jesus’ soon coming and asking for God’s Spirit to prepare their hearts and lives for that event, or they are becoming increasingly preoccupied with power, prosperity, and pleasure.^{[137]Luke 21:34}CSI 92.3

“And the Lord said, ‘My Spirit shall not strive with man forever.” Genesis 6:3 NKJVCSI 92.4

“The Spirit of God is gradually but surely being withdrawn from the earth. Plagues and judgments are already falling upon the despisers of the grace of God. The calamities by land and sea, the unsettled state of society, the alarms of war, are portentous. They forecast approaching events of the greatest magnitude.” Ellen White in Testimonies for the Church, vol. 9, p. 11CSI 92.5

Reflect: Where do you see yourself on the spectrum of spiritual polarization? Are you actively preparing for Jesus' return or more focused on worldly concerns?CSI 92.6