1917_The_Finished_Mystery_Text

So that he maketh fire come down fromheaven.— Fire from heaven was the test bywhich Elijah proved that Jehovah is the trueGod, and was the method by which Jehovahaccepted the offerings made to Him on the Dayof Atonement. (1 Kings 18:38; Lev. 9:24.) In thetest at hand the second beast will be able toprove to all except the Elect that his claims toDivine approval are correct. "Our Lord warns usof danger from false Christs ‘then'— that is now.Had it been foretold precisely what form thesedeceptions would take, this would havesomewhat hindered their deceptive power. Godpermits these deceptions for the very purpose ofseparating the ‘overcomers' from all others, andmerely guarantees us that the ‘Elect' will be keptfrom falling. And yet it is quite possible thatsome of these trials, siftings and delusions, maycome closest upon those possessing the largestdegree of the light of Present Truth." (D581;Rev. 7:3.)"The Lord allows the storms to press us moreand more so that we will cry unto Him. Then Hewill hear us and give us the necessarydeliverance. These storms may be right inside, inour own person. Whether, therefore, stormsfinancial, political, religious or demoniacal,come his way, the child of God may rest secureand be of good courage. The Lord is both ableand willing to care for his interests and bring himoff victor." (Z.'13-158.) As soon as the beast hasapparently made out a clear case, perhaps byFM206outward, visible evidences, but surely byevidences from the Scriptures (distorted) of itsstanding with God, we may expect a very promptand practical use of the "fire" (Luke 9:54) thusobtained."The Image, as soon as vitalized, will verypromptly use its influence, prestige, power, inevery way to punish in the name of the Lordthose who in any sense of the word it shallconsider to be its opponents. Speedily none willbe allowed to buy or sell, in the spiritual marts[or perhaps in any marts], except those who have