Amos 3:3

“Can two walk together, except they be agreed?”

Table of Contents

• INTRODUCTION
• TRUE UNITY AND FALSE UNITY
• THE GREAT NEED OF TRUE UNITY
• TEST OF UNITY - WE MUST BE UNIFORM IN SUBJECTS OF MAJOR DOCTRINES
• DIFFERENCES MAY EXIST IN SUBJECTS OF MINOR IMPORTANCE
• NON-ESSENTIAL AND UNIMPORTANT SUBJECTS
• OF HARLOTS, FOOLS—AND THE FATHER OF LIES
• THE WORLD AND THE COUNTERFEIT REFORMATIONS IN FALSE UNITY
• THE IMAGE OF THE BEAST
• HOLINESS
• A SOLEMN COVENANT
• GOD’S HOLY LAW AND THE FOUNDATION OF TRUE UNITY
• GOD’S COMMAND AND FINAL CALL
• OUR COMMITMENT

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PART 1 - THE FOUNDATION: WALKING WITH GOD

INTRODUCTION

What does it mean to agree?

According to Webster’s, to agree is to be of one mind, to be in harmony in opinion, feeling and understanding. But the Bible presents a more important question than whether people agree with one another.

Are we in agreement with God?

Amos asked: "Can two walk together, except they be agreed?" Amos 3:3

This question establishes the foundation of the entire study. Before we can understand true Christian unity, we must first understand what it means to walk with God.

How Are We to Walk and Please God?

• 1 Thessalonians 4:1 says, "Furthermore then we beseech you, brethren, and exhort you by the Lord Jesus, that as ye have received of us how ye ought to walk and to please God, so ye would abound more and more."

The Christian life is not directed by human preference. God has revealed how His people are to walk.

Jeremiah recognized this truth:

• "O LORD, I know that the way of man is not in himself: it is not in man that walketh to direct his steps." Jeremiah 10:23

Therefore, the question is not, "What way do I prefer?", but the question is: "What saith the Lord?"

God promises:

• "And thine ears shall hear a word behind thee, saying, This is the way, walk ye in it..." Isaiah 30:21

The Danger of Choosing Our Own Way

“Whenever men choose their own way, they place themselves in controversy with God. They will have no place in the kingdom of heaven, for they are at war with the very principles of heaven. In disregarding the will of God, they are placing themselves on the side of Satan, the enemy of God and man.” Mount of Blessings, p 52

Choosing our own way eventually places our will in opposition to God’s will. So we must surrender our own will to God's will.

Two Great Parties

As the controversy between Christ and Satan approaches its close, there will be two opposing principles.

“Satanic agencies in human form will take part in this last great conflict to oppose the building up of the kingdom of God. And heavenly angels in human guise will be on the field of action. The two opposing parties will continue to exist till the closing up of the last great chapter in this world's history. Satanic agencies are in every city. We cannot afford to be off our guard for one moment. The true, stanch believers will pray more and more, and will talk less of matters of little consequence. More and more decided testimonies will come from their lips to encourage the weak and the needy. This is no time for the people of God to be weaklings, neither one thing nor the other. Let all be diligent students of the Word. We must be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might. We cannot live haphazard lives and be true Christians.” RH August 5, 1909, par. 8 (2SM 383)

We are warned not to be absorbed in matters of little consequence, but to become diligent students of God's Word and to stand firmly in the Lord.

This is an important principle for our study: Not every question deserves equal emphasis. Satan can use error, but he can also use disproportionate emphasis on minor questions to distract God's people from the great truths necessary for salvation and preparation.

Satan's Method

“Satan’s work is constantly to perplex, to mix up things, to confuse, to get things into a tangle that is hard to straighten out.” Manuscript 16, 1890 (also in 1888 Materials, p 486)

Therefore, God's people need spiritual discernment. We must distinguish:

• truth from error,
• principle from preference,
• essential doctrine from minor questions,
• conviction from speculation,
• genuine reform from fanaticism,
• true unity from false unity.

There Is No Neutral Ground in the Great Conflict

God declared in Eden:

• “And I will put enmity between thee and the woman, and between thy seed and her seed; it shall bruise thy head, and thou shalt bruise his heel.” Genesis 3:15

This enmity or conflict continues to the end.

We are warned against remaining neutral in important crises.

“On no account will one real believer of the truth remain in appearance neutral in an important crises, or in the questions that concern the salvation of the soul. We are not to voice the sentiments of the world." RH January 31, 1893, par. 12

“All the success and patronage that can be secured by policy plans will be a snare to every soul who works on this principle... In the great conflict between faith and unbelief the whole of the Christian world is involved. All will take sides. Some apparently may not engage in the conflict on either side. They may not appear to take sides against the truth, but they do not come out boldly for Christ, through fear of losing property or suffering reproach. All such are numbered with the enemies of God.” RH February 7, 1893, par. 1, 12

Jesus said, “He that is not with me is against me; and he that gathereth not with me scattereth abroad.” Matthew 12:30

The Christian cannot remain permanently neutral concerning the great issues of God's truth. But this does not mean that every minor question must become a test of fellowship. It means that when God's revealed truth and the principles of salvation are at stake, God's people must stand.

The Foundation of True Unity

True unity begins with agreement with God.

It is possible for people to unite around error, tradition, politics, personality, organization, or common opposition to someone else.

But that is not the unity Christ prayed for.

True unity begins when individuals surrender themselves to Christ and allow His Word to govern their lives.

Therefore: Before asking whether two people can walk together, we must first ask whether both are walking with God.

That is the foundation of Amos 3:3.

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PART 2 - TRUE UNITY AND FALSE UNITY

TRUE UNITY: CHRIST AT THE CENTER

The Bible calls God's people to genuine unity.

• “Now I beseech you, brethren, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that ye all speak the same thing, and that there be no divisions among you; but that ye be perfectly joined together in the same mind and in the same judgment.” 1 Corinthians 1:10

This is not a call to confusion or endless disagreement. Christ desires His people to be united in faith, truth, love, and purpose.

But the Bible also describes a counterfeit unity:

FALSE UNITY

• "These have one mind, and shall give their power and strength unto the beast." Revelation 17:13

Therefore, unity by itself is not proof that something is of God.

There is true unity, and there is false unity.

Who is the Center of True Unity?

“The secret of unity is found in the equality of believers in Christ. The reason for all division, discord, and difference is found in separation from Christ. Christ is the center to which all should be attracted; for the nearer we approach the center, the closer we shall come together in feeling, in sympathy, in love, growing into the character and image of Jesus. With God there is no respect of persons.” RH December 22, 1891, par. 8 (1SM 259)

This is one of the most important principles in the entire study. Christ is the center. The closer we come to Christ, the closer we come to one another. But if Christ is removed from the center, our unity becomes weak and artificial.

We Are All Brethren

Jesus said, "But be not ye called Rabbi: for one is your Master, even Christ; and all ye are brethren." Matthew 23:8

Christ is the Master. No man is to take Christ's place as the supreme authority of conscience.

Christ's Prayer for Unity

Jesus prayed,“That they all may be one; as thou, Father, art in me, and I in thee, that they also may be one in us: that the world may believe that thou hast sent me.” John 17:21

Notice the foundation:"one in us." Christian unity is first, unity with God, and then, unity with one another.

Christ Is the Head of the Church

Ephesians 5:23 says, “For the husband is the head of the wife, even as Christ is the head of the church..."

Christ alone is the Head of His church. The church belongs to Him.

"For we are members of his body, of his flesh, and of his bones..." Ephesians 5:30

Therefore, the unity of God's people must never become a substitute for union with Christ.

Unity and Spiritual Marriage

The relationship between Christ and His church is compared with marriage.

Ephesians 5:32 says, "This is a great mystery: but I speak concerning Christ and the church."

"You are in spiritual wedlock with Jesus Christ." Testimonies, vol. 6, p. 462

If Christ is our spiritual Husband, then our highest loyalty belongs to Him.

• God said, "For thou shalt worship no other god: for the LORD, whose name is Jealous, is a jealous God." Exodus 34:14

And the first commandment declares:

• "Thou shalt have no other gods before me." Exodus 20:3

True unity therefore cannot require God's people to compromise their loyalty to Christ.

The Great Need Today

"Our great need is unity. We have not one soul that can be spared. The Lord calls upon us to unify in harmony with Bible truth." Letter 172, May 15, 1907 (UL 149)

Notice the qualification: "in harmony with Bible truth."

The goal is not unity at any cost. The goal is unity in truth.

Unity Does Not Mean Identical Personalities
The disciples had very different backgrounds and dispositions. Peter was impulsive. Thomas was hesitant. Matthew had been a publican. Simon had been a zealot. James and John were called "sons of thunder." Judas was ambitious and selfish. Yet Christ sought to transform them into one body. Through Christ they were to become: "one in faith, in doctrine, in spirit." The disciples did not need identical personalities. They needed the same Christ. This distinction is essential.

Christian unity does not require uniformity in every personal characteristic. It requires harmony with Christ and His revealed truth.

Unity Requires Humility

When God's people study Scripture, there must be humility.

We must be willing to say:
"I may be wrong."
"If the Word of God proves me wrong, I must surrender."
"I will not make my private opinion the standard for everyone else."

We are told:

"We should come into a position where every difference will be melted away. If I think I have light, I shall do my duty in presenting it." RH February 18, 1890, par. 15 (1SM 411-412)

The proper method is not to suppress discussion. It is to bring every question to Scripture and allow the Holy Spirit to guide sincere students of truth.

Little Differences Can Become Great Problems

We are warned:

"Little differences dwelt upon lead to actions that destroy Christian fellowship." Testimonies, vol. 8, p. 243.

Therefore, God's people must not magnify every difference. Some differences require correction. Others require patience. Still others are matters about which Scripture has not made a test. Wisdom is knowing the difference.

The Principle

True unity is: Christ-centered, Bible-based, Spirit-led, truth-loving, humble, and self-sacrificing.

False unity is: Christless, compromise-based, humanly controlled, or united against God's truth.

Therefore, we must seek neither division nor artificial uniformity. We must seek unity in Christ and in the truth He has revealed.

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THE GREAT NEED OF TRUE UNITY

UNITY IN FAITH, DOCTRINE, AND SPIRIT

True unity does not mean that every believer must have the same personality, occupation, background, or personal preference.

The disciples themselves differed greatly. Yet Christ brought them together and taught them to become one in faith, doctrine, and spirit.

This provides an important principle for the church today:

Differences may exist without destroying unity when Christ remains the center and God's revealed truth remains the standard.

Unity Must Not Become Authoritarianism

Sister White wrote:
"I have often been instructed by the Lord that no man's judgment should be surrendered to the judgment of any other one man." Testimonies, vol. 9, p. 260.

She continued that when the General Conference assembled and the brethren exercised collective judgment, individual independence should not be stubbornly maintained against the decision of the general body.

This must be understood correctly.

It does not teach that a human body is infallible. It teaches that God's work should not be destroyed by stubborn individualism. At the same time, no council can make error become truth.

The Bible remains the final standard.

Isaiah 8:20 says, "To the law and to the testimony: if they speak not according to this word, it is because there is no light in them."

Church Discipline and Christian Order

Church relationship should not be treated lightly. God's people need order, accountability, discipline, and mutual submission. But discipline must never become a substitute for truth. Nor should "unity" be used to silence faithful Scripture-based appeals.
The proper question is: Is this unity helping God's people obey Christ, or is it demanding loyalty to human authority above God's Word?

The Apostolic Model

Paul appealed: "that ye all speak the same thing, and that there be no divisions among you; but that ye be perfectly joined together in the same mind and in the same judgment." 1 Corinthians 1:10

This does not authorize every believer to become a dictator over another believer's conscience. Rather, it calls believers to surrender selfishness and come together under the authority of Christ.

The Great Center

Sister White beautifully states:
"Christ is the great center, and they would approach one another just in proportion as they approached the center." RH January 11, 1912, par. 8

This is the key to Christian unity. The answer to division is not merely:
"Come closer to each other."
It is:
"Come closer to Christ."

When everyone moves toward Christ, they necessarily move toward one another.

The Danger of Narrowness

We are counseled:
"Talk the simple truths wherein you can agree. Talk of unity; do not become narrow and conceited; let your mind broaden." Manuscript 82, 1894, par. 31 (1SM 181)

This does not mean ignoring truth. It means refusing to make every difference into a battlefield.

A Christian should be:

• firm in principle,
• humble in spirit,
• teachable in attitude,
• patient with others,
• courageous when truth is at stake.

The Principle of True Unity

True unity is not produced by forcing everyone to think alike. True unity is produced by bringing everyone under the lordship of Christ. Therefore: We must defend truth without becoming quarrelsome, and we must seek unity without compromising truth.

That balance is essential to understanding Amos 3:3.

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PART 4 - WHAT SHOULD BE THE TEST OF UNITY?

A. WE MUST BE UNIFORM IN SUBJECTS OF MAJOR DOCTRINES

Not every subject carries the same weight. The Bible contains matters that are fundamental to the faith and matters that are secondary. God's people must therefore learn to distinguish between them.

1. PRESENT TRUTH

We are warned against leaving the important points of present truth to dwell upon subjects that would not unite and sanctify the flock.

And these are specifically identified:

“But such subjects as the sanctuary, in connection with the 2300 days, the commandments of God and the faith of Jesus, are perfectly calculated to explain the past Advent movement and show what our present position is, establish the faith of the doubting, and give certainty to the glorious future. These, I have frequently seen, were the principal subjects on which the messengers should dwell.” Early Writings, p 63

These truths explain the prophetic movement and God's present work. They must not be displaced by controversies over secondary matters.

2. OLD LANDMARKS

The Spirit of Prophecy identified among the old landmarks:

“The passing of the time in 1844 was a period of great events, opening to our astonished eyes the cleansing of the sanctuary transpiring in heaven, and having decided relation to God's people upon the earth, also the first and second angels' messages and the third, unfurling the banner on which was inscribed, "The commandments of God and the faith of Jesus." One of the landmarks under this message was the temple of God, seen by His truth-loving people in heaven, and the ark containing the law of God. The light of the Sabbath of the fourth commandment flashed its strong rays in the pathway of the transgressors of God's law. The nonimmortality of the wicked is an old landmark. I can call to mind nothing more that can come under the head of the old landmarks. All this cry about changing the old landmarks is all imaginary.” Manuscript 13, 1889 (CW 30)

These truths are not disposable. They form part of the prophetic foundation upon which God's people have been called to stand.

THE THIRD ANGEL'S MESSAGE

The third angel's message is not a minor subject. It is a solemn warning concerning worship, obedience, allegiance, and the commandments of God.

Revelation 14:12 declares, "Here is the patience of the saints: here are they that keep the commandments of God, and the faith of Jesus."

The message therefore calls God's people to:

• faith in Christ,
• obedience to God,
• endurance,
• separation from false worship.

We are told:
“Our message is a life-and-death message, and we must let it appear as it is, the great power of God. We are to present it in all its telling force. Then the Lord will make it effectual. It is our privilege to expect large things, even the demonstration of the Spirit of God. This is the power that will convict and convert the soul.”Testimonies, vol. 6, p. 61

Therefore, the great pillars of present truth must not be treated as optional.

“Every feature of the third angel's message is to be proclaimed in all parts of the world. This is a much greater work than many realize. Our missionary enterprises are the one great object demanding our undivided attention at this time. "Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature." In this work we are to study simplicity.
“This message is a testing message. Received into honest hearts, it will prove an antidote for all the world's sins and sorrows. No conditions of climate, of poverty, of ignorance, or of prejudice can hinder its efficiency, or lessen its adaptability to the needs of mankind…
“All are to hear the last message of warning. The prophecies in the book of Revelation, chapters 12 to 18, are being fulfilled. In the eighteenth chapter is recorded the very last call to the churches. This call is now to be given.” Manuscript 75, September 20, 1906 (UL 277)

B. DIFFERENCES MAY EXIST IN SUBJECTS OF MINOR IMPORTANCE

This heading is important because it establishes balance. Not every doctrinal or practical question should become a test of fellowship.

Sister White wrote concerning the "daily" of Daniel 8:

"The true meaning of "the daily" is not to be made a test question... The enemy of our work is pleased when a subject of minor importance can be used to divert the minds of our brethren from the great questions that should be the burden of our message. As this is not a test question, I entreat of my brethren that they shall not allow the enemy to triumph by having it treated as such." Manuscript 11, 1910, par. 2 (1SM 164)

She warned that the enemy is pleased when a minor subject diverts God's people from the great questions that should constitute the burden of the message.

The principle is broader than the particular question she addressed:

A subject may be worthy of study without being a test of fellowship.

1. HEALTH REFORM

Health reform is important. It teaches God's people to care for the body, which is the temple of the Holy Ghost.

• 1 Corinthians 6:19 says, "What? know ye not that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost which is in you..."

But health reform must not eclipse the gospel and the three angels' messages.

We are told:
"The time has come when health reform will be received in its importance by many in high places and in low places. But we are to allow nothing to eclipse the message we have to bear, the third angel's message, connected with the messages of the first and second angel. We must not allow minor things to bind us in a small circle, where we cannot obtain access to the people at large." Letter 29, 1901, (CD 209)

The correct conclusion is not: "Health reform is unimportant." Rather:
Health reform is important, but it must not be elevated into a test that eclipses the central message of the gospel.

2. DRESS REFORM

The Spirit of Prophecy stated:
"The dress reform was among the minor things that were to make up the great reform in health, and never should have been urged as a testing truth necessary to salvation." RH October 8, 1867, par. 16

Again, the principle is balance. Christian modesty, simplicity, and separation from worldly fashion are important. But specific matters of dress must not be elevated into a universal test of salvation or fellowship where Scripture has not made them such.

3. COUNTRY LIVING

Country living may provide important advantages for Christian families. It may help with:

• simplicity,
• self-sufficiency,
• education,
• health,
• reduced worldly influence.

Scripture also gives God's people principles of separation from corrupt influences. But location itself does not make a person holy.

Christ lived for nearly thirty years in Nazareth. The place did not make Him holy. His character was holy.

"The example of Christ would rebuke the idea that his followers are dependent upon place, fortune, or prosperity, in order to live blameless lives. Christ would teach them that their faithfulness would make any place, or position, where the providence of God called them, honorable, however humble." YI March 1, 1872, par. 4

The Christian's first responsibility is to live in harmony with God wherever Providence places him.

The final crisis will eventually force God's people to flee from cities, as represented in inspired writings, but we must not turn every present circumstance or personal application into a universal test of fellowship.

“In the time of trouble we all fled from the cities and villages, but were pursued by the wicked, who entered the houses of the saints with a sword. They raised the sword to kill us, but it broke, and fell as powerless as a straw.” Early Writings, p 34

THE PRINCIPLE

Therefore:
Major doctrines require unity. Secondary matters may allow legitimate differences. This is not compromise. It is biblical proportion.

“This talking about divisions because all do not have the same ideas as present themselves to your mind, is not the work of God, but of the enemy. Talk the simple truths wherein you can agree. Talk of unity; do not become narrow and conceited; let your mind broaden.” Letter 15a, 1890, par. 24 (1SM 181)

C. NON-ESSENTIAL AND UNIMPORTANT SUBJECTS

Some subjects should never be permitted to become the center of God's people's message.

1. MATTERS OF LITTLE IMPORTANCE MADE INTO TEST OF FELLOWSHIP

A matter may be interesting without being essential. A matter may be worthy of discussion without being worthy of division. We must not allow secondary questions to become barriers between believers who are united in the great truths of Scripture.

“There were some who had capabilities to help the church, but who needed first to set their own hearts in order. Some had been bringing in false tests, and had made their own ideas and notions a criterion, magnifying matters of little importance into tests of Christian fellowship, and binding heavy burdens upon others. Thus a spirit of criticism, faultfinding, and dissension had come in, which had been a great injury to the church. And the impression was given to unbelievers that Sabbathkeeping Adventists were a set of fanatics and extremists, and that their peculiar faith rendered them unkind, uncourteous, and really unchristian in character. Thus the course of a few extremists prevented the influence of the truth from reaching the people." Historical Sketches, p. 211 (2SM 318-319)

2. QUESTIONS OF NO VITAL IMPORTANCE

When Scripture has not spoken clearly, humility is required.

We are told:
"Matters of vital importance have been plainly revealed in the Word of God. These subjects are worthy of our deepest thought. But we are not to search into matters concerning which God has been silent. May God help His people to think rationally. When questions arise upon which we are uncertain, we should ask, “What saith the Scriptures?” West Indian Messenger July 1, 1912, par. 3 (Also see GW 314)

This is a powerful rule:
Where God has been silent, we should not speak with God's authority.

3. FANCIFUL AND SPECULATIVE TEACHINGS

Christ has revealed everything necessary for salvation. He has not revealed everything we may desire to know.

Therefore:

"We are not to allow our imagination to frame doctrines concerning things not revealed." Manuscript 28, 1904, par. 11 (Also see 1SM 169-175)

The Christian must distinguish revelation from imagination.

Questions concerning the future life, the 144,000, or other unrevealed matters must not become grounds for controversy when Scripture has not given the answer.

4. SPECULATION REGARDING GOD’S NATURE

• Deuteronomy 29:29 says, "The secret things belong unto the LORD our God: but those things which are revealed belong unto us and to our children for ever..."

We are told:
"The revelation of Himself that God has given in His word is for our study. This we may seek to understand. But beyond this we are not to penetrate. The highest intellect may tax itself until it is wearied out in conjectures regarding the nature of God; but the effort will be fruitless. This problem has not been given us to solve. No human mind can comprehend God. Let not finite man attempt to interpret Him. Let none indulge in speculation regarding His nature. Here silence is eloquence. The Omniscient One is above discussion." Testimonies, vol. 8, p. 279

We should study what God has revealed. We should not claim certainty where God has not given revelation.

5. TRUTH MINGLED WITH SUPPOSITIONS

A person can possess much truth while also introducing dangerous suppositions.

We are warned:
"You have much truth, precious truth, but mingled with suppositions." Letter 15a, 1890, par. 15 (1SM 179-180).

This is especially dangerous because truth gives credibility to the error that is mixed with it.

Therefore:
Every teaching must be tested by Scripture, not merely by how much truth surrounds it.

6. TIME-SETTING

Time-setting deserves special attention because Scripture explicitly warns against it.

The Spirit of Prophecy repeatedly stated:
"There will never again be a message for the people of God that will be based on time." RH March 22, 1892, par. 7 (1SM 188-189)

Christ said:
"It is not for you to know the times or the seasons, which the Father hath put in his own power." Acts 1:7

The duty of God's people is not to calculate a date for Christ's return. It is to:

• watch,
• pray,
• work,
• prepare,
• proclaim the gospel,
• remain faithful.

THE PRINCIPLE OF PART 4

God's people must be united on the great truths that constitute present truth. At the same time, they must refuse to make minor matters, speculation, personal applications, or unrevealed questions tests of salvation or fellowship.

Firmness in truth and charity in secondary matters are not opposites. They are both necessary.

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PART 5 - OF HARLOTS, FOOLS—AND THE FATHER OF LIES

THE FATHER OF LIES

Jesus identified Satan clearly:

• "He is a liar, and the father of it." John 8:44

Satan's work is not simply to teach obvious falsehood. He also mixes truth with error. He creates confusion. He promotes false unity. He encourages people to accept tradition over Scripture.

Therefore, God's people must constantly ask:
What saith the Word of God?

THE CENTER OF FALSE UNITY

We are told:
"Those who will not practice the lessons of Christ, but keep themselves in hand to mold themselves, find in antichrist the center of their union. While the two parties stand in collision, the Lord will appear, and shine before his ancients gloriously. He will set up a kingdom that shall stand forever." Special Testimonies for Ministers and Workers, No. 9, p. 55-56 (SpTA09)

This presents an important contrast. Christ is the center of true unity. Antichrist becomes the center of false unity.
The decisive question is therefore not: "Are they united?"
but: "Around whom are they united, and upon what foundation?"

BABYLON AND THE HARLOT

• Revelation 17:5 says,:
  "MYSTERY, BABYLON THE GREAT, THE MOTHER OF HARLOTS AND ABOMINATIONS OF THE EARTH."

Scripture uses a woman as a symbol of a church. A faithful woman represents a pure church, while an unfaithful woman represents an apostate church. Spiritual adultery occurs when God's professed people depart from Him and unite with worldly powers and principles.

The lesson is solemn:
God's people must never exchange covenant loyalty for worldly influence.

ISRAEL'S APOSTASY

Jeremiah described Israel's apostasy as harlotry:

• "Backsliding Israel... hath played the harlot." Jeremiah 3:6

The problem was not merely outward association. It was unfaithfulness to God. This principle applies to every professed people of God. Privilege does not guarantee faithfulness. A church may possess great light and yet depart from that light.

THE WARNING TO THE CHURCH

Sister White warned the Seventh-day Adventist people that they would be judged by the privileges and advantages entrusted to them.

She wrote:
"In the balances of the sanctuary the Seventh-day Adventist church is to be weighed." Testimonies, vol. 8, p. 247-250 (1903)

This should not lead us to a sense of supremacy. It should lead us to repentance.
The warning is not: "Look how bad they are."
The warning is: "Are we faithful to the light God has given us?"

(For further study, please read “ICHABOD”—the Glory has Departed, a study on the rise and fall of the Seventh-Day Adventist Church)

WHO IS A FOOL?

Scripture uses the word "fool" in a moral and spiritual sense.

• Proverbs 13:20 warns, "He that walketh with wise men shall be wise: but a companion of fools shall be destroyed."

Therefore our associations matter. But Christian separation must never become an excuse for contempt. The purpose of separation is preservation of character and loyalty to Christ.

FANATICISM IS NOT TRUE REFORM

Sister White described a class of professed Adventists whose religion was characterized by:

• impulse,
• noise,
• confusion,
• eccentricity,
• disorder,
• self-confidence,
• boastfulness,
• lack of humility.

She said:
"They were a curse to the cause of God and brought the name of Seventh-day Adventists into disrepute." Testimonies, vol. 2, p. 553-554

This warning belongs in a study on unity because fanaticism often produces division while claiming to defend truth.

True reform produces:

• humility,
• obedience,
• order,
• holiness,
• love,
• self-control.

False reform produces:

• agitation,
• accusation,
• suspicion,
• division,
• speculation,
• spiritual pride.

Therefore, God's people must reject both compromise and fanaticism.

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PART 6 - THE WORLD AND THE COUNTERFEIT REFORMATIONS IN FALSE UNITY

FALSE UNITY WILL INCREASE

“Confederacies will increase in number and power as we draw nearer to the end of time. These confederacies will create opposing influences to the truth, forming new parties of professed believers who will act out their own delusive theories. The apostasy will increase. "Some shall depart from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits, and doctrines of devils" (1 Tim. 4:1). Men and women have confederated to oppose the Lord God of heaven, and the church is only half awake to the situation. There needs to be much more of prayer, much more of earnest effort, among professed believers.” RH August 5, 1909, par. 7 (2SM 383)

These confederacies can create new parties based upon human theories and opposing influences. The lesson is not that every cooperative effort is automatically wrong. The lesson is that God's people must examine the foundation and purpose of every alliance.

WAIVING IMPORTANT TRUTH FOR THE SAKE OF UNITY

The final conflict will involve attempts to achieve unity by setting aside subjects on which people disagree.

The danger is obvious:
If truth is silenced so that everyone can agree, the resulting unity is not Christian unity.

The Great Controversy describes how religious union may be sought by avoiding the discussion of important doctrinal differences.
The principle is:
Unity purchased by surrendering truth is false unity.

GOOD REFORMS CAN BE MIXED WITH ERROR

The Spirit of Prophecy gave the example of the temperance movement being combined with the Sunday movement.

It says:

“This claim is especially urged in America, where the doctrine of the true Sabbath has been most widely preached. Here the temperance work, one of the most prominent and important of moral reforms, is often combined with the Sunday movement, and the advocates of the latter represent themselves as laboring to promote the highest interest of society; and those who refuse to unite with them are denounced as the enemies of temperance and reform. But the fact that a movement to establish error is connected with a work which is in itself good, is not an argument in favor of the error. We may disguise poison by mingling it with wholesome food, but we do not change its nature. On the contrary, it is rendered more dangerous, as it is more likely to be taken unawares. It is one of Satan's devices to combine with falsehood just enough truth to give it plausibility. The leaders of the Sunday movement may advocate reforms which the people need, principles which are in harmony with the Bible; yet while there is with these a requirement which is contrary to God's law, His servants cannot unite with them. Nothing can justify them in setting aside the commandments of God for the precepts of men.” Spirit of Prophecy, vol. 4, p. 404.

The principle is extremely important: A good cause does not make every doctrine associated with it correct. Truth mixed with error does not become truth. Therefore God's people must examine the whole principle rather than accepting a movement simply because it contains some good objectives.

SATAN'S METHOD

Notice the statement:
"We may disguise poison by mingling it with wholesome food, but we do not change its nature."

This principle applies far beyond any single movement. Error may be accompanied by:

• health reform,
• temperance,
• humanitarian work,
• religious expression,
• moral reform,
• social improvement.

The presence of something good does not sanctify what is contrary to God's Word.

OPPOSITION TO GOD'S AUTHORITY

Satan's forces can disagree among themselves while uniting against God. Even the fallen angels were united in their opposition to Christ. Likewise, Scripture describes a final confederacy:

• "These have one mind, and shall give their power and strength unto the beast." Revelation 17:13

The point is significant:
False unity may exist among people who disagree on many things when they share opposition to God's truth.

CHARACTERISTICS OF FALSE UNITY

A. Deceptive Harmony

There can be outward harmony while hatred exists underneath.

“With the ungodly there will be a deceptive harmony that but partially conceals a perpetual discord. In their opposition to the will and the truth of God they are united, while on every other point they are rent with hatred, emulation, jealousy, and deadly strife.” Testimonies, vol. 5, p 101

B. Corrupt Harmony

The church and world can become united in principles that oppose God's law.

“The Word of God plainly declares that His law is to be scorned, trampled upon, by the world; there will be an extraordinary prevalence of iniquity. The professed Protestant world will form a confederacy with the man of sin, and the church and the world will be in corrupt harmony.” GCDB April 13, 1891 (7BC 975)

C. A Dragonic Bond

Different groups may unite through opposition to God's faithful people.

“Union Through a Dragonic Bond.--A spirit of hatred and opposition to the Hebrews formed the bond of union, and created the mutual sympathy among different bodies of men, who otherwise might have warred against each other. This will illustrate what we frequently witness in our day in the existing union of men of different denominations to oppose the present truth, whose only bond seems to be that which is dragonic in its nature, manifesting hatred and bitterness against the remnant who keep the commandments of God. "Nevertheless, we made our prayer unto our God, and set a watch against them day and night, because of them." RH July 6, 1886, (3BC 1137)

D. A Confederacy Against God's People

Revelation 17 describes powers uniting in opposition to the Lamb.

“(Quoted Rev. 17:13, 14). "These have one mind." There will be a universal bond of union, one great harmony, a confederacy of Satan's forces. "And shall give their power and strength unto the beast." Thus is manifested the same arbitrary, oppressive power against religious liberty, freedom to worship God according to the dictates of conscience, as was manifested by the papacy, when in the past it persecuted those who dared to refuse to conform with the religious rites and ceremonies of Romanists.
In the warfare to be waged in the last days there will be united, in opposition to God's people, all the corrupt powers that have apostatized from allegiance to the law of Jehovah. In this warfare the Sabbath of the fourth commandment will be the great point at issue, for in the Sabbath commandment the great Lawgiver identifies Himself as the Creator of the heavens and the earth…” Manuscript 24, 1891, (3SM 392)

The final conflict centers upon allegiance. Revelation 14:12 identifies God's people as those who: "keep the commandments of God, and the faith of Jesus." Therefore, the final issue is not simply denominational unity. It is worship and obedience .

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PART 7 - THE IMAGE OF THE BEAST

The image of the beast represents a religious-political union patterned after the principles of the papacy.

“By this first beast is represented the Roman Church, an ecclesiastical body clothed with civil power, having authority to punish all dissenters. The image to the beast represents another religious body clothed with similar power. The formation of this image is the work of that beast whose peaceful rise and mild professions render it so striking a symbol of the United States. Here is to be found an image of the papacy. When the churches of our land, uniting upon such points of faith as are held by them in common, shall influence the State to enforce their decrees and sustain their institutions, then will Protestant America have formed an image of the Roman hierarchy. Then the true church will be assailed by persecution, as were God's ancient people.” Spirit of Prophecy, vol. 4, 278

The important principle is:
When religious authority uses civil power to enforce religious observance, liberty of conscience is threatened.

APOSTASY PREPARES THE WAY

The great controversy describes apostasy as preparing the way for the image of the beast. The danger begins when the church seeks worldly power rather than depending upon God. This is why God's people must carefully distinguish:

• spiritual authority,
• civil authority,
• gospel persuasion,
• coercion.

Christ never forced conscience. His kingdom is spiritual.

THE FINAL TEST

The Spirit of Prophecy wrote that the image of the beast would become a great test for God's people.

The Lord has shown me clearly that the image of the beast will be formed before probation closes; for it is to be the great test for the people of God, by which their eternal destiny will be decided…[Rev. 13:11-17 quoted.]... This is the test that the people of God must have before they are sealed. All who proved their loyalty to God by observing His law, and refusing to accept a spurious sabbath, will rank under the banner of the Lord God Jehovah, and will receive the seal of the living God. Those who yield the truth of heavenly origin and accept the Sunday sabbath, will receive the mark of the beast.” Letter 11, 1890, (7BC 976)

Those who remain loyal to God's commandments will stand under the banner of Jehovah.

The central issue is worship.

• Revelation 14:7 says, "Fear God, and give glory to him; for the hour of his judgment is come: and worship him that made heaven, and earth, and the sea, and the fountains of waters."

The Sabbath is inseparably connected with the Creator.

• Exodus 20:11 says, "For in six days the LORD made heaven and earth..."

Therefore the Sabbath becomes a sign of allegiance to the Creator.

APOSTASY UNDER PRESSURE

We are warned that when the storm approaches, some who have professed the third angel's message will abandon their position and join the opposition. The reason: They were never truly sanctified by obedience to truth. The final crisis will reveal character. It will not create character. It will reveal it.

THE LITTLE COMPANY

Sister White saw a little company traveling a narrow pathway who were: "firmly united by the truth."

"I asked the angel if there were none left. He bade me look in the opposite direction, and I saw a little company traveling a narrow pathway. All seemed to be firmly united by the truth. This little company looked careworn, as if they had passed through severe trials and conflicts. And it appeared as if the sun had just arisen from behind a cloud and shone upon their countenances, causing them to look triumphant as if their victories were nearly won." Early Writings, p. 263.

Notice the basis of their unity: Truth.

They were not united merely because they belonged to the same organization. They were united because they were walking the same narrow path with Christ.

(For further study, please read Image of the Beast - Now Alive in America)

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HOLINESS

What is holiness?

"Holiness is not rapture: it is an entire surrender of the will to God; it is living by every word that proceeds from the mouth of God..." Mount of Blessings, p. 149.

Holiness is not merely an emotional experience. It is surrender. It is obedience. It is faith. It is trust. It is walking with God.

• Hebrews 11:1 says, "Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen."

HOLINESS IS AGREEMENT WITH GOD

"God has commanded us, “Be ye holy; for I am holy;” and an inspired apostle declares that without holiness “no man shall see the Lord.” Holiness is agreement with God. By sin the image of God in man has been marred and well-nigh obliterated; it is the work of the gospel to restore that which has been lost; and we are to cooperate with the divine agency in this work. And how can we come into harmony with God, how shall we receive His likeness, unless we obtain a knowledge of Him? It is this knowledge that Christ came into the world to reveal unto us." Testimonies, vol. 5, p. 743.

This brings us directly back to Amos 3:3. "Can two walk together, except they be agreed?" To walk with God means to come into harmony with God's character and will.

ENOCH WALKED WITH GOD

• Genesis 5:24 says: "And Enoch walked with God: and he was not; for God took him."

Enoch did not become a hermit. His walk with God was demonstrated in everyday life.

"Enoch’s walk with God was not in a trance or a vision, but in all the duties of his daily life. He did not become a hermit, shutting himself entirely from the world; for he had, in the world, a work to do for God. In the family and in his intercourse with men, as a husband and father, a friend, a citizen, he was the steadfast, unwavering servant of God." Testimonies, vol.8, p 329.

He was faithful:

• in his family,
• in his relationships,
• in society,
• in his responsibilities.

His holiness was practical.

AMOS 3:3 AND ENOCH

The Spirit of Prophecy directly connected Enoch with Amos 3:3:

"His heart was in harmony with God's will; for 'can two walk together, except they be agreed?'" RH April 15, 1909, par. 1

This gives us the proper meaning of Amos 3:3. The verse is not merely about human compatibility. It points us to harmony with God.

OUR AMBITION

• 2 Corinthians 5:9 says, "Wherefore we labour, that, whether present or absent, we may be accepted of him."

We are told:

"Be ambitious, for the Master's glory, to cultivate every grace of character. In every phase of your character building you are to please God. This you may do; for Enoch pleased Him though living in a degenerate age. And there are Enochs in this our day." Christ's Object Lessons, p. 332

The greatest unity begins with personal holiness. Before asking: "Why won't others agree with me?" we should ask: "Am I walking in agreement with God?"

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A SOLEMN COVENANT

A covenant is an agreement in which parties bind themselves to certain conditions. God has entered into a covenant relationship with His people. He says: "I will be their God." His people are called to be: "His and His alone."

The relationship between Christ and His church is compared with marriage.

• Hosea 2:19 "And I will betroth thee unto me for ever..."
• Jeremiah 3:14 "Turn, O backsliding children, saith the LORD; for I am married unto you..."
• 2 Corinthians 11:2 "I have espoused you to one husband, that I may present you as a chaste virgin to Christ."

COVENANT LOYALTY

The covenant requires loyalty. God's people cannot give their highest allegiance to Christ while deliberately embracing principles that contradict His Word. The command is:

• 2 Corinthians 6:17 "Come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord."

But biblical separation must be correctly understood. It does not mean abandoning our mission to the world.

• Jesus prayed, "I pray not that thou shouldest take them out of the world, but that thou shouldest keep them from the evil." John 17:15

We are to be separate from the world's sins while remaining witnesses to the world.

THE UNEQUAL YOKE

• Paul asks, "For what fellowship hath righteousness with unrighteousness? and what communion hath light with darkness?" 2 Corinthians 6:14

The issue is not merely association. It is spiritual participation and compromise. Christians may interact with unbelievers. They may work among them. They may serve them. They may witness to them. But they must not surrender their principles in order to maintain fellowship.

COVENANT FAITHFULNESS AND RELIGIOUS ASSOCIATIONS

Whenever God's people enter into religious or institutional relationships, the question should be:

Does this relationship preserve loyalty to God's Word, or does it require compromise?

The biblical principle always remains:

• 2 Corinthians 6:16 "What agreement hath the temple of God with idols?"

No alliance should become more important than obedience to Christ.

THE GLORY OF GOD'S PRESENCE

• God says, "I will dwell in them, and walk in them; and I will be their God, and they shall be my people." 2 Corinthians 6:16

This is the heart of covenant relationship. God does not merely want His people to belong to an organization. He wants to dwell in them. The ultimate question is therefore: Is Christ dwelling in us?

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PART 10 - GOD’S HOLY LAW AND HIS CALL FOR UNITY

We are told:
"The only correct standard of character is the holy law of God." RH August 25, 1910, par. 1

God's law establishes the standard of righteousness.

• Psalm 119:142 "Thy righteousness is an everlasting righteousness, and thy law is the truth."

Those who love God's law cannot unite in spiritual fellowship with principles that deliberately reject God's authority.

TWO CLASSES ARE DEVELOPING

Humanity is moving toward two great harvests. Christ described them as wheat and tares. One class is being prepared for God's kingdom. The other is being prepared for destruction. The issue is character. The issue is allegiance. The issue is whether Christ or self reigns in the heart.

DIFFERENCES MUST BE YIELDED TO CHRIST

We read:
"Christ is leading out a people, and bringing them into the unity of the faith..." Testimonies, vol. 1, p. 324

This means selfish opinions must be surrendered. But surrendering selfish opinion is not the same as surrendering conscience to human authority. Every teaching must remain subject to Scripture.

• Acts 5:29 says, "We ought to obey God rather than men."

CAN TWO WALK TOGETHER?

The inspired writings applied Amos 3:3 to relationships in which one person is following Christ while another is walking in an opposite spiritual direction.

The principle is straightforward: Two people cannot maintain spiritual unity while deliberately traveling in opposite directions. One seeks eternal life. The other chooses the broad road. There is no genuine spiritual agreement between those two paths.

SEPARATION FROM THE WORLD

• Romans 12:2 says "And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind..."

Christian separation is separation from the world's principles, not hatred of people. Jesus came to save sinners. We must therefore maintain both: separation from sin and love for sinners.

THE MARRIAGE FEAST

Matthew 22 presents a powerful picture of the final gospel invitation. The King prepares the feast. The invitation goes out. Some reject it because of earthly interests. Others oppose the messengers. Still others accept the invitation but refuse the wedding garment. The last group is particularly significant. They want the invitation without the transformation. They want Christ's benefits without Christ's righteousness.

THE WEDDING GARMENT

• Revelation 19:8 says "And to her was granted that she should be arrayed in fine linen, clean and white: for the fine linen is the righteousness of saints."

The final issue is not merely whether we have heard the truth. It is whether the truth has transformed our character. Many are called. But those who remain faithful to Christ demonstrate that they have accepted His righteousness and surrendered their lives to Him. Therefore: True unity requires true conversion.

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PART 11 - GOD’S COMMAND AND CALL

WITHDRAW FROM DISORDERLY WALKING

• 2 Thessalonians 3:6 “Now we command you, brethren, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that ye withdraw yourselves from every brother that walketh disorderly, and not after the tradition which he received of us.”

This does not mean separating from every imperfect Christian. Every believer has weaknesses. The Bible commands restoration:

• "Brethren, if a man be overtaken in a fault, ye which are spiritual, restore such an one in the spirit of meekness." Galatians 6:1

The distinction is between weakness that needs restoration and persistent disorderly conduct that refuses correction.

CHOOSE ASSOCIATES WISELY

"The Christian should withdraw himself from the company of those who are as a snare to his soul." YI September 29, 1892

Our associates influence our character.

• Proverbs 13:20 says, "He that walketh with wise men shall be wise: but a companion of fools shall be destroyed."

Therefore, friendship should be chosen carefully.

COMPLETE LOYALTY TO CHRIST

Nothing should take the place of Christ. We are warned concerning secret societies that Christians must sever ties that compromise loyalty to God. (See Ms 53, 1894. par.35; 2SM 132)

Why?

“Those who stand under the bloodstained banner of Prince Immanuel cannot be united with the Free Masons or with any secret organization. The seal of the living God will not be placed upon anyone who maintains such a connection after the light of truth has shone upon his pathway." Letter 21, 1893 (2SM 140)

The principle is broader than any one organization: No association should become more important than our covenant relationship with Christ.

• Matthew 6:24 says, "No man can serve two masters..."

THE FINAL CALL FROM BABYLON

NOTE: If you are connected with Babylonian churches, like the Jewish, Roman, Protestant churches (including the current nominal SDA church), what is the ultimate call?

• Revelation 18:4 gives God's final call: "Come out of her, my people..."

Notice the tenderness of God's call: "My people." God recognizes that sincere people may still be within systems affected by error. The call is therefore not merely a denunciation. It is an invitation to God's people to separate themselves from sin and false worship.

Why?

• Revelation 18:4 "That ye be not partakers of her sins, and that ye receive not of her plagues."

God calls His people out because He desires to save them.

MERCY BEFORE JUDGMENT

God's warnings are evidence of His mercy.

• Ezekiel 33:11 "I have no pleasure in the death of the wicked; but that the wicked turn from his way and live..."

The final warning is therefore an expression of divine compassion. Before judgment falls, God sends a message. Before destruction comes, God gives an invitation. Before the end, God calls: Come out. Come home. Come to Christ.

“The last message of mercy is now going forth. It is a token of the long-suffering and compassion of God. Come, is the invitation now given. Come, for all things are now ready. This is mercy's last call. Next will come the vengeance of an offended God.” Testimonies, vol. 2, p 225

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OUR COMMITMENT

The Christian life requires courage.

"Our work is an aggressive one, and as faithful soldiers of Jesus, we must bear the blood-stained banner into the very strongholds of the enemy." RH May 8, 1888, par. 9

But our warfare is not against people.

• Ephesians 6:12 says, "For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world..."

Therefore our weapons are not hatred, intimidation, or force. Our weapons are:

• the Word of God,
• prayer,
• faith,
• righteousness,
• truth,
• love,
• the testimony of Christ.

We must never purchase peace through apostasy. But neither should we create unnecessary conflict over matters God has not made tests.
The Christian must therefore stand:
firm without being harsh,
separate without being isolated,
zealous without being fanatical,
united without compromising truth,
humble without surrendering conviction,
loving without approving sin.

THE FINAL QUESTION

• Amos 3:3 asks, "Can two walk together, except they be agreed?"

The deepest answer is not merely about whether two human beings agree. It is about whether we are walking in agreement with God. Before asking: "Who agrees with me?" we must ask: "Am I walking with God?"

Before demanding unity from others, we must surrender ourselves to Christ

Before exposing the errors of others, we must allow the Holy Spirit to search our own hearts.

Before separating from error, we must make certain that we are standing upon the Word of God.

And before seeking unity with men, we must first seek unity with Christ.

• Jesus prayed, "That they all may be one; as thou, Father, art in me, and I in thee, that they also may be one in us..." John 17:21

This is true unity.

Not unity at the expense of truth. Not uniformity enforced by human authority. Not fellowship built upon compromise. Not separation motivated by pride.

But a people who are united because they have surrendered themselves to Christ and are walking together in harmony with His Word. The closer we come to Christ, the closer we come to one another.

Therefore, let our first agreement be with God. Let our first loyalty be to Christ. Let our standard be His Word. Let our character be transformed by His righteousness. Let our unity be founded upon truth. And let our final testimony be:

• "As for me and my house, we will serve the LORD." Joshua 24:15

CAN TWO WALK TOGETHER, EXCEPT THEY BE AGREED?

Yes—but only when their agreement is first with God.

TRUE UNITY IS FOUND IN WALKING WITH CHRIST, IN HARMONY WITH HIS WORD, HIS LAW, HIS TRUTH, AND HIS MISSION.

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