Beginning of the End - Ellen G. White

the destruction of Jerusalem: "When you see Jerusalem surrounded
by armies, then know that its destruction is near. Then let those who
are in Judea flee to the mountains" (Luke 21:20, 21). Rather than
delay, they must quickly take the opportunity to escape.
There was a coming out, a decided separation from the wicked,
an escape for life. So it was in the days of Noah, Lot, and with the
disciples before the destruction of Jerusalem, and so it will be in the
last days. Again the voice of God is heard, calling His people to
separate from the widespread wickedness.
The corruption and apostasy of the last days were presented to
the prophet John in the vision of Babylon, "that great city which
reigns over the kings of the earth" (Revelation 17:18). Before its
destruction the call from heaven is to be given, "Come out of her,
My people, lest you share in her sins, and lest you receive of her
plagues" (Revelation 18:4). Just as in the days of Noah and Lot,
there must be no compromise between God and the world, no
turning back to get earthly treasures (see Matthew 6:24).
People are dreaming of prosperity and peace. Many people
exclaim, "Peace and safety," while Heaven declares that swift
destruction is about to come on the transgressor. On the night before
their destruction, the cities of the plain rioted in pleasure and
laughed at the warnings of the messenger of God, but that very night
the door of mercy was forever closed to the careless inhabitants of
Sodom. God will not always be mocked.
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