“Enter ye in at the strait gate: for wide [is] the gate, and broad [is] the way, that leadeth to destruction, and many there be which go in thereat: Because strait [is] the gate, and narrow [is] the way, which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it.” Matthew 7:13, 14
Why does the Bible reveal the final statistics of the lost of which is also reiterated throughout pages from Inspiration; through the pen of Ellen White?
It is difficult to hold fast the beginning of our confidence firm unto the end; and the difficulty increases when there are hidden influences constantly at work to bring in another spirit, a counter working element, on Satan’s side of the question. In the absence of persecution, there have drifted into our ranks some who appear sound, and their Christianity unquestionable, but who, if persecution should arise, would go out from us. In the crisis, they would see force in specious reasoning that has had an influence on their minds. Satan has prepared various snares to meet varied minds. When the law of God is made void, the church will be sifted by fiery trials, and a larger proportion than we now anticipate, will give heed to seducing spirits and doctrines of devils. Instead of being strengthened when brought into strait places, many prove that they are not living branches of the True Vine; they bore no fruit, and the husbandman taketh them away. {GCDB April 13, 1891, par. 11} {Selected Messages 2:368 (1891), LDE 174.2}
The answer is given in this paragraph:
As the storm approaches, a large class who have professed faith in the third angel’s message, but have not been sanctified through obedience to the truth, abandon their position and join the ranks of the opposition. By uniting with the world and partaking of its spirit, they have come to view matters in nearly the same light; and when the test is brought, they are prepared to choose the easy, popular side. Men of talent and pleasing address, who once rejoiced in the truth, employ their powers to deceive and mislead souls. They become the most bitter enemies of their former brethren. When Sabbathkeepers are brought before the courts to answer for their faith, these apostates are the most efficient agents of Satan to misrepresent and accuse them, and by false reports and insinuations to stir up the rulers against them. {GC 608.2}
Please note the adjectives describing the numbers…
“And because iniquity shall abound, the love of many (“Professed followers of Christ”- 2T 346.1) shall wax cold.” The very atmosphere is polluted with sin. 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. The promise is: “Them that honor Me I will honor.” Shall we be less firmly attached to God’s law because the world at large have attempted to make it void? {5T 136.1}
Already the judgments of God are abroad in the land, as seen in storms, in floods, in tempests, in earthquakes, in peril by land and by sea. The great I AM is speaking to those who make void His law. When God’s wrath is poured out upon the earth, who will then be able to stand? Now is the time for God’s people to show themselves true to principle. When the religion of Christ is most held in contempt, when His law is most despised, then should our zeal be the warmest and our courage and firmness the most unflinching. To stand in defense of truth and righteousness when the majority forsake us, to fight the battles of the Lord when champions are few–this will be our test. At this time we must gather warmth from the coldness of others, courage from their cowardice, and loyalty from their treason. The nation will be on the side of the great rebel leader. {5T 136.2}
The test will surely come. Thirty-six years ago I was shown that what is now (1889- Sunday Law Bill was being discussed in congress and was finally passed in 1892 by President Harrison) transpiring would take place, that the observance of an institution of the papacy would be enforced upon the people by a Sunday law, while the sanctified rest day of Jehovah would be trampled underfoot. {5T 137.1}
The Captain of our salvation will strengthen His people for the conflict in which they must engage. How often when Satan has brought all his forces to bear against the followers of Christ, and death stares them in the face, have earnest prayers put up in faith brought the Captain of the Lord’s host upon the field of action and turned the tide of battle and delivered the oppressed. {5T 137.2}
Majority as stated above is not 50/50, so we know that more than 50% will be lost.
This quote reveals that much closer to 99% will be lost than 50%- “nearly all”:
In the vision given me in Rochester, New York, December 25, 1865, I was shown that a most solemn work is before us. Its importance and magnitude are not realized. As I marked the indifference which was everywhere apparent, I was alarmed for ministers and people. There seemed to be a paralysis upon the cause of present truth. The work of God seemed stayed. Ministers and people are unprepared for the time in which they live, and nearly all who profess to believe present truth are unprepared to understand the work of preparation for this time. In their present state of worldly ambition, with their lack of consecration to God, their devotion to self, they are wholly unfitted to receive the latter rain and, having done all, to stand against the wrath of Satan, who by his inventions would cause them to make shipwreck of faith, fastening upon them some pleasing self-deception. They think they are all right when they are all wrong. {1T 466.1}
Again, “a small portion”, the “startling fact”, shows that closer to 99% will NOT be saved:
In concluding this narrative, I would say that we are living in a most solemn time. In the last vision given me, I was shown the startling fact that but a small portion of those who now profess the truth will be sanctified by it and be saved. Many will get above the simplicity of the work. They will conform to the world, cherish idols, and become spiritually dead. The humble, self-sacrificing followers of Jesus will pass on to perfection, leaving behind the indifferent and lovers of the world. {1T 608.3}
Here we begin to see the ratio of numbers (not 5%!!):
It is a solemn statement that I make to the church, that NOT one in twenty whose names are registered upon the church books are prepared to close their earthly history, and would be as verily without God and without hope in the world as the common sinner.—Christian Service, 41 (1893). {LDE 172.1}
1 in 10 = 10%
1 in 20 = 5% 95% in the church would be unprepared and lost. (95% is closer to 99% than 50%)
NOT one in 20; so that means less than 5%
We know we will be repeating the history of Israel. So what information do we find in comparison to ancient Israel? Startling fact: only 2 adults of the vast army entered into Canaan (Johsua and Caleb). Modern Israel is in greater danger than ancient Israel.
I was pointed back to ancient Israel. But two of the adults of the vast army that left Egypt entered the land of Canaan. Their dead bodies were strewn in the wilderness because of their transgressions. Modern Israel are in greater danger of forgetting God and being led into idolatry than were His ancient people. Many idols are worshiped, even by professed Sabbathkeepers. God especially charged His ancient people to guard against idolatry, for if they should be led away from serving the living God, His curse would rest upon them, while if they would love Him with all their heart, with all their soul, and with all their might, He would abundantly bless them in basket and in store, and would remove sickness from the midst of them. {1T 609.1} A blessing or a curse is now before the people of God–a blessing if they come out from the world and are separate, and walk in the path of humble obedience; and a curse if they unite with the idolatrous, who trample upon the high claims of heaven. The sins and iniquities of rebellious Israel are recorded and the picture presented before us as a warning that if we imitate their example of transgression and depart from God we shall fall as surely as did they. “Now all these things happened unto them for ensamples: and they are written for our admonition, upon whom the ends of the world are come.” {1T 609.2}
What does the Bible record show regarding this “vast army” that left Egypt? Answer: 600,000. Please note, this number is NOT counting women or children, so in reality the number would be more than double!
Exodus 12:37 And the children of Israel journeyed from Rameses to Succoth, about six hundred thousand on foot [that were] men, beside children. (not counting women or children)
Since we are repeating the history of ancient Israel, let’s do the math on 600,000.
10% 600,000 = 60,000
1% of 600,000 = 6,000
.01% of 600,000 = 600
.001 of 600,000 = 60
.0001% of 600,000 = 6 people (this is close to what was on the ark!)
Less than 1% made it into Canaan and we are told in advance from the Bible and Spirit of Prophecy the final statistics. Again, we ask why? Why are these statistics revealed to us?
God wants us to understand the solemnity (seriousness) of His message of love and mercy given through blessings and curses/warnings (Lev 26- curses & blessings). He desires that we choose the blessings; to be doers of the word and not hearers only (James 1:22), so that we can be sanctified (Christ in us) through obedience (God’s way, NOT our selfish way) to the truth- John 17:17 (God’s truth as outlined in Scripture, NOT man’s theological ways and traditions).
God allowed the statistics to be revealed so we could realize the seriousness of His requirements of obedience to Him in all things.
“Now these things were our examples, to the intent we should not lust after evil things, as they also lusted. Neither be ye idolaters, as [were] some of them; as it is written, The people sat down to eat and drink, and rose up to play. Neither let us commit fornication, as some of them committed, and fell in one day three and twenty thousand. Neither let us tempt Christ, as some of them also tempted, and were destroyed of serpents. Neither murmur ye, as some of them also murmured, and were destroyed of the destroyer. Now all these things happened unto them for ensamples (type): and they are written for our admonition, upon whom the ends of the world are come.” 1 Cor 10:6-11
Now is the time when we should closely connect with God, that we may be hid when the fierceness of His wrath (7 last plagues) 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? {5T 136.2}
May the Lord Bless You and Keep You Always
