5. Why does God permit this time of trouble to come upon the earth? Isaiah 24:1, 5-6.
NOTE: ‘God would have His people clearly understand that they will be visited according to their obedience or transgression. Wickedness and disease have increased with every successive generation. The land has laboured under the curse which man has brought upon it because of continued disobedience. “The earth mourneth and fadeth away, the world languisheth and fadeth away, the haughty people of the earth do languish. The earth also is defiled under the inhabitants thereof; because they have transgressed the laws, changed the ordinance, broken the everlasting covenant. Therefore hath the curse devoured the earth, and they that dwell therein are desolate.” Many marvel that the human race have so degenerated, physically, mentally, and morally. They do not understand that it is the violation of God’s constitution and laws, and the violation of the laws of health, that has produced this sad degeneracy. The transgression of God’s commandments has caused His prospering hand to be removed.’ Spiritual Gifts, volume 4a, page 123.
6. How are God’s people distinguished from those who have transgressed God’s laws? Revelation 22:14.
NOTE: ‘God has blessed His commandment-keeping people and all the opposition and falsehoods that may be brought against them will only strengthen those who stand firm in defence of the faith once delivered to the saints. But if those who profess to be the depositaries of God’s law become transgressors of that law, His protecting care will be withdrawn, and many will fall through perverseness and licentiousness. Then we shall indeed be unable to stand before our enemies. But if His people remain separate and distinct from the world, as a nation that do righteousness, God will be their defence, and no weapons formed against them shall prosper.’ Testimonies, volume 5, page 601.