Triumph in Unity

The end of true Christian history is a united church. “God is leading a people out from the world upon the exalted platform of eternal truth, the commandments of God and the faith of Jesus.”—Testimonies for the Church 3:446. A few negative critics may leave, as small groups have in the past, and have come to nothing, though Adventists have seen less of this than have other denominations. But both the Scriptures and Testimonies make plain that the advent people will hold together as a united body till the Savior comes again.FSG 445.4

Of this unity the servant of the Lord wrote:FSG 446.1

“I saw a company who stood well guarded and firm, giving no countenance to those who would unsettle the established faith of the body.... God had led them along step by step, until He had placed them upon a solid, immovable platform.... They recounted the wonderful work of God which had led them to the firm platform, and in union raised their eyes to heaven, and with a loud voice glorified God.”—Early Writings, 258, 259.FSG 446.2

The Lord gave His servant of this last generation many messages, not only in visions, but also in dreams. Some of these divine revelations have become an integral part of Adventist thinking, but one dream is so well known that it stands out above the others. Given in the early years, it is told in Testimonies for the Church 2:394. In this dream the servant of the Lord saw the journeying of the advent people from the time of the great awakening in 1844 to their entrance into the city of God. This dream will no doubt have its most literal fulfillment at the close of probationary time and afterward. She tells us that she saw some of those on the heavenly path give up and fall out by the way, but the rest clung together and persevered till the end. Of these we read:FSG 446.3

“As the members of the body of Christ approach the period of their last conflict, ‘the time of Jacob’s trouble,’ they will grow up into Christ, and will partake largely of His spirit.”—Testimonies for the Church 1:353.FSG 446.4

The prayer of Christ in John 17:21 will be completely answered in the remnant church, and all mankind will wonder at the spiritual solidarity of the advent brotherhood. We feel greatly cheered as we notice an ever-deepening love among us for the Spirit of prophecy books. If our ministers and teachers study anew this divine light and if our people follow it, we shall hold together, finish the work, and be prepared to meet the Lord.FSG 446.5