大斗争异象
在异象中，我看见有两队大军在作惨烈的搏斗。这一队的旗帜是标着属世的徽号，另一队却由以马内利大君血染的旌旗引导着。我看见两军的旗帜，一面一面地被拖曳在尘埃之中;同时，也看见主的军兵一队一队地投入了敌阵;而从仇敌的阵营中也有军兵一支一支地与守上帝诫命的人联合起来。有一位天使飞在空中，将以马内利的军旗放在许多人的手中，同时，一位大有能力的将军也在大声喊叫说：“列队!凡是忠心守上帝诫命，为耶稣作见证的，现在要固守自己的岗位。你们务要从他们中间出来，与他们分别，不要沾不洁的物;我就收纳你们，我要作你们的父，你们要作我的儿女。人人都应当来帮助耶和华，帮助耶和华攻击勇士。”{PH109 1.1}
战争酣烈，双方互有胜负。有时十字架的军兵败退了，“好像拿军旗的昏过去一样”(赛10:18)。但他们显然是以退为进，取得了更有利的阵势。只听得传来阵阵欢呼之声。当基督的精兵将祂的旌旗竖立在那一向为仇敌固守的城堡上时，便扬起了一片赞美上帝的歌声，又有众天使的声音相和。我们救恩的元帅在指挥战争，并声援祂的军兵。祂大展神能，激励他们使战争迫近城门。祂逐步率领他们，胜而又胜，同时以威严秉公义教导他们。{PH109 2.1}
最后的胜利终于得到了。那跟从在军旗上题着：“守上帝诫命和耶稣真道”的一队大军，获得了光荣的胜利。基督的精兵行近了上帝之城的城门，这城也欢欢喜喜地迎接她的君王。和平快乐而且永远公义的国度，得以建立了。上帝的旨意行在了地上，如同行在天上。{PH109 2.2}
现今教会正在进行战斗。目前我们是对抗一个处在午夜幽暗，而几乎完全沉湎于拜偶像的世界，然而终有一日，仗要打完，胜利要获得。上帝的旨意要行在地上，如同行在天上。于是，万邦除了天国的律法以外，不再承认别的律法了。众人要联合成为一个快乐团圆的家族，以赞美感谢为衣——就是基督的义袍。整个自然要以其优越的美善，经常地向上帝献上颂赞和崇拜。全世界要同沐天上的恩光;欢度那无尽的岁月。那时月光必像日光，日光也要比现在的增加七倍(赛30:26)。看到这样的景象，晨星就一同歌唱，上帝的众子也一同欢呼，同时上帝和基督也联合宣告说：“不再有罪恶，也不再有死亡了。”{PH109 2.3}
这就是所指示给我的景象。然而教会必须而且一定要与那看得见和看不见的仇敌争战。那化成人形之撒但的爪牙，已经上阵了。世人已结盟要反抗万军之耶和华。这些联盟必延续下去，直到基督离开祂在施恩座前作中保的地位，披上复仇的外袍为止。撒但的爪牙现今正在各城市之中，忙于将那班反对上帝律法的人组成党派。不少自命为圣徒和公认是不信者，都列身于这些党派中。上帝的百姓再也不能示弱了。我们必须时时提防，一刻也不能懈怠。{PH109 2.4}
“你们要靠着主，倚赖祂的大能大力，作刚强的人。要穿戴上帝所赐的全副军装，就能抵挡魔鬼的诡计。因我们并不是与属血气的摔跤，乃是与那些执政的、掌权的、管辖这幽暗世界的，以及天空属灵气的恶魔摔跤。所以，要拿起上帝所赐的全副军装，好在磨难的日子抵挡仇敌，并且成就了一切，还能站立得住。所以要站稳了，用真理当作带子束腰，用公义当作护心镜遮胸，又用平安的福音当作预备走路的鞋穿在脚上。此外，又拿着信德当作藤牌，可以灭尽那恶者一切的火箭;并戴上救恩的头盔，拿着圣灵的宝剑，就是上帝的道”(弗6:10-17)。{PH109 3.1}
“我所祷告的，就是要你们的爱心在知识和各样见识上多而又多，使你们能喜爱那美好的事，作诚实无过的人，直到基督的日子;并靠着耶稣基督结满了仁义的果子，叫荣耀称赞归与上帝”(腓1:9-11)。{PH109 3.2}
“只要你们行事为人与基督的福音相称，……同有一个心志，站立得稳，为所信的福音齐心努力。凡事不怕敌人的惊吓，这是证明他们沉沦，你们得救都是出于上帝。因为你们蒙恩，不但得以信服基督，并要为祂受苦”(腓1:27-29)。{PH109 4.1}
际此末期，我们竟能看见未来荣耀的异象显出，这乃是上帝的手所描述的景象，也是祂教会所当珍视的。是什么力量在上帝的儿子被卖和受审时支持着祂呢? 祂因看到自己劳苦的功效，就心满意足了。祂展望永恒的岁月，看到那些因祂的屈辱而得到赦免和永生之人的快乐。祂曾为他们的过犯受害，为他们的罪孽压伤，因祂受的刑罚，他们得平安，因祂受的鞭伤，他们得医治。祂也听见了得赎之民欢呼歌唱摩西和羔羊之歌。{PH109 4.2}
我们必须展望到未来的远景和天国的幸福。要站在永恒世界的边缘上，静听那给予凡在今生与基督合作，并因能为祂受苦而感觉无上光荣之人的亲切欢迎辞。当他们与众天使会合时，他们要将头上的冠冕投在救赎主的脚前，惊叹说：“曾被杀的羔羊是配得权柄、丰富、智慧、能力、尊贵、荣耀、颂赞的。……但愿颂赞、尊贵、荣耀、权势，都归给坐宝座的和羔羊，直到永永远远”(启5:12,13)。{PH109 4.3}
在那里，赎民要迎见那些曾经指导他们去亲就那被举起来的救主的人。他们要同声赞美那位曾经舍命，为要使人类承受那与上帝生命相称之生命的主。斗争结束了。一切的患难和纷争也都止息了。当赎民聚集在上帝宝座四围的时候，胜利的歌声要洋溢天庭。人人都要唱那快乐的诗歌：“那曾被杀而复活得胜的羔羊，是配得荣耀的!”{PH109 5.1}
“我观看，见有许多的人，没有人能数过来，是从各国、各族、各民、各方来的;站在宝座和羔羊面前，身穿白衣，手拿棕树枝;大声喊着说，愿救恩归于坐在宝座上我们的上帝，也归与羔羊”(启7:9,10)。{PH109 5.2}
“这些人是从大患难中出来的，曾用羔羊的血，把衣裳洗白净了。所以他们在上帝宝座前，昼夜在祂殿中事奉祂;坐宝座的要用帐幕覆庇他们。他们不再饥，不再渴;日头和炎热也必不伤害他们;因为宝座中的羔羊必牧养他们，领他们到生命水的泉源;上帝也必擦去他们一切的眼泪。”“不再有死亡，也不再有悲哀、哭号、疼痛，因为以前的事都过去了”(启7:14-17;21:4)。{PH109 5.3}
你愿理解这异象的灵感启示吗?你愿凝思这个情景吗?你岂不愿真正回转，然后以一种与以往从事工作完全不同的精神前去作工，驱逐仇敌，拆毁每一阻挡福音前进的障碍，心中充满主的亮光、平安和喜乐吗?岂不要埋葬可怜的挑剔抱怨的精神，决不使之再复活吗?岂不要使赞美与感恩的馨香从已被基督的临格净化并圣化了的心中上升吗?我们岂不要以信心握住罪人的手，把他们带到十字架吗?{PH109 6.1}
而今谁愿奉献自己服务主呢?而今谁愿保证自己不与世人联合，而要从世界出来，与他们分别，不肯让心灵被世俗的计划和习惯玷污呢?这些属世的东西一直使教会处在仇敌的影响之下。{PH109 6.2}
我们在这世界是要高举髑髅地的十字架。当我们举起这个十字架时，我们就会发现它也举起了我们。但愿每一个基督徒都站在自己的位分上，理解基督在这世界时为人所做之工的灵感启示。我们需要基督教英雄的热诚，这样的人能恒心忍耐，看见那不能看见的主。我们的信心要复兴。十字架的精兵要发挥一种积极的为善的影响力。基督说：“不与我相合的，就是敌我的;不同我收聚的，就是分散的”(太12:30)。在基督徒的生活中，漠不关心乃是一种否认救主的表现。{PH109 7.1}
在今日的世界，我们岂不该看到医疗布道士们在其工作的一切特征上都与他们的名号相称吗?谁热望去做与基督的英勇精兵相称的事呢?我们是生活在大斗争接近结束的时候，要将许多人从罪的奴役中救出来。我们所生活的时代，是这个应许尤其属于基督信徒们的时代：“我就与你们同在，直到世界的末了”(太28:20)。那吩咐光从黑暗中照出来的主，那召我们出黑暗入祂奇妙光明的主，吩咐我们把我们的光照在人前，好使他们看见我们的好行为，便归荣耀于我们在天上的父。亮光已如此厚赐给上帝的子民，以致基督告诉他们说他们要作世上的光乃是有正当理由的。{PH109 7.2}
对我们的医生和传道人，我传的信息是：要持住主的工作，好像你们坚信现代真理一样。医疗布道的工人和福音传道的工人要以不能分割的纽带团结在一起。他们的工作要用清新与能力作成。我们各教会都要重新归正，重新建造以从事服务。在我们的工作中在将来以及在我们聚集的时候，我们岂不要同心合意吗?我们岂不要在祈祷中与上帝较力，求圣灵进入每个人的心里吗?基督的临格若彰显在我们中间，就会治愈不信的大麻风，这病已使我们的服务如此软弱无能。我们需要吸入神圣生命的气息。我们要成为主能藉以向世界输送亮光与恩典的管道。离道退后的人要予以挽回。我们应当藉着在上帝面前认罪悔改，降卑自己骄傲的心而放弃我们的罪孽。属灵的能力将要倾降在那些预备好接受的人身上。{PH109 7.3}
让我们献身宣扬信息：“当预备耶和华的路，在沙漠地修平我们上帝的道”(赛40:3)。神与人要合作成就一个伟大的宗旨。“圣灵和新妇都说：‘来。’听见的人也该说：‘来。’口渴的人也当来。愿意的，都可以白白取生命的水喝”(启22:17)。{PH109 7.4}
“智慧人必发光如同天上的光。那使多人归义的，必发光如星，直到永永远远”(但12:3)。{PH109 7.5}
PH109 - A View of the Conflict
In vision I saw two armies in terrible conflict. One army was led by banners bearing the world’s insignia; the other was led by the blood-stained banner of Prince Emmanuel. Standard after standard was left to trail in the dust as company after company from the Lord’s army joined the foe; and tribe after tribe from the ranks of the enemy united with the commandment-keeping people of God. An angel flying in the midst of heaven put the standards of Emmanuel into many hands, while a mighty general cried with a loud voice: “Come into line. Let those who are loyal to the commandments of God and the testimony of Christ now take their position. Come out from among them, and be ye separate, and touch not the unclean, and I will receive you, and will be a Father unto you, and ye shall be My sons and daughters. Let all who will come up to the help of the Lord, to the help of the Lord against the mighty.”?{PH109 1.1}[1]
The battle raged. Victory alternated from side to side. Now the soldiers of the cross gave way, “as when a standard-bearer fainteth.” But their apparent retreat was but an effort to gain a more advantageous position. Shouts of joy were heard. A song of praise to God went up, and angel voices united in the song, as Christ’s soldiers planted His banner on the walls of fortresses till then held by the enemy. The Captain of our salvation was ordering the battle and sending support to His soldiers. His power was mightily displayed, encouraging them to press the battle to the gates. He taught them terrible things in righteousness as He led them on step by step, conquering and to conquer.?{PH109 2.1}[2]
At last the victory was gained. The army following the banner with the inscription, “The commandments of God, and the faith of Jesus,” was gloriously triumphant. The soldiers of Christ were close beside the gates of the city of God, and with joy the city received her King. The kingdom of peace and joy and everlasting righteousness was established. God’s will was done on earth, as it is done in heaven.?{PH109 2.2}[3]
Now the church is militant. Now we are confronted with a world in midnight darkness, almost wholly given over to idolatry. But the day is coming when the battle will have been fought, the victory won. The will of God is to be done on earth, as it is done in heaven. Then the nations will own no other law than the law of heaven. All will be a happy, united family, clothed with the garments of praise and thanksgiving,—the robe of Christ’s righteousness. All nature, in its surpassing loveliness, will offer to God a constant tribute of praise and adoration. The world will be bathed in the light of heaven. The years will move on in gladness. The light of the moon will be as the light of the sun, and the light of the sun will be sevenfold greater than it is now. Over the scene the morning stars will sing together, and the sons of God will shout for joy, and God and Christ will unite in proclaiming, “There shall be no more sin, neither shall there be any more death.”?{PH109 2.3}[4]
This is the scene that is presented to me. But the church must still fight against seen and unseen foes. Satanic agencies in human form are on the ground. Men have confederated to oppose the Lord of hosts. These confederacies will continue until Christ shall leave His place of intercession before the mercy-seat, and shall put on the garments of vengeance. Satanic agencies are in every city, busily organizing into parties those opposed to the law of God. Professed saints and avowed unbelievers take their stand with these parties. This is no time for the people of God to be weaklings. We can not afford to be off our guard for one moment.?{PH109 2.4}[5]
“Be strong in the Lord, and in the power of His might. Put on the whole armor of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places. Wherefore take unto you the whole armor of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand. Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness; and your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace; above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the enemy. And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the Word of God.”?{PH109 3.1}[6]
“This I pray, that your love may abound yet more and more in knowledge and in all judgment; that ye may approve things that are excellent; that ye may be sincere and without offense till the day of Christ; being filled with the fruits of righteousness which are by Jesus Christ, unto the glory and praise of God.?{PH109 3.2}[7]
“Let your conversation be as becometh the gospel of Christ; ...stand fast in one spirit, with one mind striving together for the faith of the gospel; and in nothing terrified by your adversaries; which is to them an evident token of perdition, but to you of salvation, and that of God. For unto you it is given in behalf of Christ, not only to believe on Him, but also to suffer for His sake.”?{PH109 4.1}[8]
There are revealed in these last days, visions of future glory, scenes pictured by the hand of God, and these should be dear to His church. What sustained the Son of God in His betrayal and trial?—He saw of the travail of His soul, and was satisfied. He caught a view of the expanse of eternity, and saw the happiness of those who through His humiliation should receive pardon and everlasting life. He was wounded for their transgressions, bruised for their iniquities. The chastisement of their peace was upon Him, and with His stripes they were healed. His ear caught the shout of the redeemed. He heard the ransomed ones singing the song of Moses and the Lamb.?{PH109 4.2}[9]
We must have a vision of the future and of the blessedness of heaven. Stand on the threshold of eternity, and hear the gracious welcome given to those who in this life have co-operated with Christ, regarding it as a privilege and an honor to suffer for His sake. As they unite with the angels, they cast their crowns at the feet of the Redeemer, exclaiming: “Worthy is the Lamb that was slain to receive power, and riches, and wisdom, and strength, and honor, and glory, and blessing.... Honor and glory and power be unto Him that sitteth upon the throne, and unto the Lamb forever and ever.”?{PH109 4.3}[10]
There the redeemed ones greet those who directed them to the uplifted Saviour. They unite in praising Him who died that human beings might have the life that measures with the life of God. The conflict is over. All tribulation and strife are at an end. Songs of victory fill all heaven as the redeemed stand around the throne of God. All take up the joyful strain, “Worthy, worthy is the Lamb that was slain, and lives again, a triumphant conqueror.”?{PH109 5.1}[11]
“I beheld, and, lo, a great multitude, which no man could number, of all nations, and kindreds, and people, and tongues, stood before the throne, and before the Lamb, clothed with white robes, and palms in their hands; and cried with a loud voice, saying, Salvation to our God which sitteth upon the throne, and unto the Lamb.”?{PH109 5.2}[12]
“These are they which came out of much tribulation, and have washed their robes, and made them white in the blood of the Lamb. Therefore are they before the throne of God, and serve Him day and night in His temple; and He that sitteth on the throne shall dwell among them. They shall hunger no more; neither thirst any more; neither shall the sun light on them, nor any heat. For the Lamb which is in the midst of the throne shall feed them, and shall lead them unto living fountains of waters; and God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes.” “And there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain; for the former things are passed away.”?{PH109 5.3}[13]
Will you catch the inspiration of the vision? Will you let your mind dwell upon the picture? Will you not be truly converted, and then go forth to labor in a spirit entirely different from the spirit in which you have labored in the past, displacing the enemy, breaking down every barrier to the advancement of the gospel, filling hearts with the light and peace and joy of the Lord? Shall not this miserable spirit of fault-finding and murmuring be buried, never to have a resurrection? Shall not the incense of praise and thanksgiving ascend from hearts purified and sanctified and glorified by the presence of Christ? Shall we not in faith lay hold of sinners, and bring them to the cross??{PH109 6.1}[14]
Who will this day consecrate themselves to the service of the Lord? Who will now pledge themselves not to affiliate with the world, but to come out from the world, and be separate, refusing to pollute the soul with the worldly schemes and worldly practises that have been keeping the church under the enemy’s influence??{PH109 6.2}[15]
We are in this world to lift the cross of Calvary. As we lift this cross, we shall find that it lifts us. Let every Christian stand in his lot and place, catching the inspiration of the work that Christ did for souls while in this world. We need the ardor of the Christian hero, who can endure the seeing of Him that is invisible. Our faith is to have a resurrection. The soldiers of the cross are to exert a positive influence for good. Christ says, “He that is not for Me is against Me, and he that gathereth not with Me scattereth abroad.” Indifference in the Christian life is a manifest denial of Christ.?{PH109 7.1}[16]
Should we not see in the world today medical missionaries who in all the features of their work are worthy of the name they bear, who aspire to the doing of deeds worthy of valiant soldiers of Christ? We are living near the close of the great conflict, when many souls are to be rescued from the slavery of sin. We are living in a time when to Christ’s followers the promise specially belongs, “Lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world.” He who commanded the light to shine out of darkness, He who has called us out of darkness into His marvelous light, bids us let our light shine brightly before men, that they may see our good works, and glorify our Father who is in heaven. In such rich measure has light been given to God’s people that Christ is justified in telling them that they are to be the light of the world.?{PH109 7.2}[17]
To our physicians and ministers I send the message: “Lay hold of the Lord’s work as if you believed the truth for this time. Medical missionary workers and workers in the gospel ministry are to be bound together by indissoluble ties. Their work is to be done with freshness and power. Throughout our churches there is to be a reconversion and a reconsecration to service. Shall we not, in our work in the future, and in the gatherings that we hold, be of?one accord? Shall we not wrestle with God in prayer, asking for the Holy Spirit to come into every heart? The presence of Christ, manifest among us, would cure the leprosy of unbelief that has made our service so weak and inefficient. We need the breath of the divine life breathed into us. We are to be channels through which the Lord can send light and grace to the world. Backsliders are to be reclaimed. We are to put away our sins, by confession and repentance, humbling our proud hearts before God. Floods of spiritual power are now to be poured forth upon those prepared to receive it.?{PH109 7.3}[18]
Let us now consecrate ourselves to the proclamation of the message: “Prepare ye the way of the Lord. Make straight in the desert a highway for our God.” Divine and human instrumentalities are to unite for the accomplishment of one great object. “The Spirit and the bride say, Come. And let him that heareth say, Come. And let him that is athirst come. And whosoever will, let him take the water of life freely.”?{PH109 7.4}[19]
“They that be wise shall shine as the brightness of the firmament; and they that turn many to righteousness as the stars forever and ever.”?{PH109 7.5}[20]
---Ellen G. White[21]
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