EGW WritingsAmos 4

Ellen G. White

Amos 4:1

The Review and Herald

January 29, 1914

RH January 29, 1914, par. 15

Among all classes of society, shameless drunkenness prevailed. “In the day of our king,” declared Hosea, “the princes have made him sick with bottles of wine.” Hosea 7:5. “Wine and new wine take away the heart.” Hosea 4:11. Amos testified, “Ye gave the Nazarites wine to drink.” Among women as well as men there were those who invited others to unite with them in revelry, saying, “Bring, and let us drink.” Amos 4:1.

Amos 4:1-13

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 16 (1901)

Ms 117a, 1901

16LtMs, Ms 117a, 1901, par. 43

The Lord always rewards painstaking effort. He chooses His servants from all ranks of life. Amos, a herdsman of Tekoa, was chosen as a prophet of Israel.

Amos 4:4-13

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 14 (1899)

Ms 10, 1899

14LtMs, Ms 10, 1899, par. 1

As the children of Israel, God’s favored people, persisted in impenitent rebellion, notwithstanding the warnings and reproofs He had sent them, He challenged them to prepare to meet their God. By His appointed agents He had sent them message after message, which they had only despised and rejected, and now they must prepare to meet His retributive judgments. They would not prevail against Him; for “lo, he that formeth the mountains, and createth the wind, and declareth unto man what is his thought; that maketh the morning darkness, and treadeth down the high places of the earth, the God of hosts in his name.” [Amos 4:13.] As an offended judge, the Lord would execute His judgments upon His impenitent people. If they would escape His vengeance, they must humble their hearts and confess their sins.

14LtMs, Ms 10, 1899, par. 11

Indulgence in any wrong course blinds the understanding and hardens the heart against justice and mercy. How truly has this been revealed by the arbitrary exaction manifested, the desire to domineer and lord it over God’s heritage. The Lord addresses such in words of irony, fitted to them in their present state: “Come to Bethel, and transgress; at Gilgal multiply transgression; and bring your sacrifices every morning, and your tithes after three years; and offer a sacrifice of thanksgiving with leaven, and proclaim and publish the free offering: for this liketh you, O ye children of Israel, saith the Lord God.” [Amos 4:4, 5.] “Serve ye every one his idols, and hereafter also, if ye will not harken unto me: but pollute ye my holy name no more with your gifts, and with your idols.” [Ezekiel 20:39.]

Amos 4:11

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 18 (1903)

Ms 25, 1903

18LtMs, Ms 25, 1903, par. 7

As far as his relation to the present truth is concerned, Brother John Kellogg is not now standing correctly. “I have overthrown some of you as God overthrew Sodom and Gomorrah, and ye were as a firebrand plucked out of the burning; yet have ye not returned unto me, saith the Lord.” [Amos 4:11.]

Amos 4:12

Conflict and Courage

A Straight Message, September 23

CC 272.1

Prepare to meet thy God, O Israel. Amos 4:12, last part.

Selected Messages Book 2

The Three Angels’ Messages in their Larger Setting

2SM 116.3

Our work is to proclaim the commandments of God and the testimony of Jesus Christ. “Prepare to meet thy God” (Amos 4:12), is the warning to be given to the world. It is a warning to us individually. We are called upon to lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us. There is a work for you, my brother, to do, to yoke up with Christ. Make sure that your building is on the rock. Do not risk eternity on a probability. You may not live to participate in the perilous scenes on which we are now entering. The life of no one of us is assured for any given time. Should you not watch every moment? Should you not closely examine your own self, and inquire, What will eternity be to me?

Selected Messages Book 2

Chapter 15—Admonition Will Be Heard

2SM 150.5

The message preceding the public ministry of the Son of God was, Repent, publicans; repent, Pharisees and Sadducees, “for the kingdom of heaven is at hand” (Matthew 3:2). Our message is not to be one of “peace and safety” (1 Thessalonians 5:3). As a people who believe in Christ’s soon appearing, we have a work to do, a message to bear—“Prepare to meet thy God” (Amos 4:12). We are to lift up the standard, and bear the third angel’s message—the commandments of God, and the faith of Jesus.

Testimonies for the Church, vol. 8

Experience of John the Baptist

8T 332.3

In this age, just prior to the second coming of Christ in the clouds of heaven, such a work as that of John is to be done. God calls for men who will prepare a people to stand in the great day of the Lord. The message preceding the public ministry of Christ was: “Repent, publicans and sinners; repent, Pharisees and Sadducees; ‘repent ye: for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.’” As a people who believe in Christ’s soon appearing, we have a message to bear—“Prepare to meet thy God.” Amos 4:12. Our message must be as direct as was the message of John. He rebuked Kings for their iniquity. Notwithstanding that his life was imperiled, he did not hesitate to declare God’s word. And our work in this age must be done as faithfully.

The Faith I Live By

Prepare to Meet Thy God, November 27

FLB 337.1

Therefore thus will I do unto thee, O Israel: and because I will do this unto thee, prepare to meet thy God, O Israel. Amos 4:12.

The Colporteur Evangelist

Preach by Books and Periodicals

CEv 101.1

We have been asleep, as it were, regarding the work that may be accomplished by the circulation of well-prepared literature. Let us now, by the wise use of periodicals and books, preach the word with determined energy, that the world may understand the message that Christ gave to John on the Isle of Patmos. Let every human intelligence who professes the name of Christ testify: “The end of all things is at hand; prepare to meet thy God.” Amos 4:12.

The Review and Herald

February 5, 1914

RH February 5, 1914, par. 23

“Because I will do this unto thee, prepare to meet thy God, O Israel.” Amos 4:12.

From Splendor to Shadow

Hosea’s Gracious Appeals

SS 153.4

“The houses of ivory shall perish, and the great houses shall have an end.” “Israel shall surely go into captivity forth of his land.” “Because I will do this unto thee, prepare to meet thy God, O Israel.” Amos 3:15; 7:17; 4:12.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 7 (1891-1892)

Ms 35, 1891

7LtMs, Ms 35, 1891, par. 33

I beg of you to institute the inquiry, How many of you have the Holy Spirit of God represented as oil in the vessel with the lamp? Here is the light; you have the truth, the precious gems of truth offered to you—the glorious unfolding of the truth from the Word of God. The coming of the Lord is presented before you, “Prepare to meet thy God.” [Amos 4:12.] This subject is not dwelt upon half as much as it should be; the preparation is essential. God has not given us any time to stop. Some will say, It is no use now for us to raise money to send missionaries into foreign countries, because the time is so short it would not accomplish anything. Yes it will. You had better use your money in that way than have it left for the great day of conflagration to consume it.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 11 (1896)

Ms 32, 1896

11LtMs, Ms 32, 1896, par. 50

Our work is to proclaim the commandments of God and the testimony of Jesus Christ. “Prepare to meet thy God” is the warning to be given to the world. [Amos 4:12.] It is a warning to us individually. We are called upon to lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us. There is a work for you, my brother, to do, to yoke up with Christ. Make sure that your building is on the rock. Do not risk eternity on a probability. You may not live to participate in the perilous scenes on which we are now entering. The life of no one of us is assured for any given time. Should you not watch every moment? Should you not closely examine your own self, and inquire, What will eternity be to me?

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 12 (1897)

Lt 19a, 1897

12LtMs, Lt 19a, 1897, par. 13

The message preceding the public ministry of the Son of God was, Repent, publicans; repent, Pharisees and Sadducees, “for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.” [Matthew 3:2.] Our message is not to be one of “peace and safety.” [1 Thessalonians 5:3.] As a people who believe in Christ’s soon appearing, we have a work to do, a message to bear—“Prepare to meet thy God.” [Amos 4:12.] We are to lift up the standard, and bear the third angel’s message—the commandments of God, and the faith of Jesus.

Gospel Workers (1915 ed.)

The Experience of John the Baptist

GW 55.2

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 13 (1898)

Ms 173, 1898

13LtMs, Ms 173, 1898, par. 5

Our work of heralding the second coming of Christ is similar to that of John the Baptist, the forerunner of Christ at His first advent. We are to proclaim to the world the message, “The great day of the Lord is near. Prepare to meet thy God.” [Zephaniah 1:14; Amos 4:12.] We are to do much more than we have yet done.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 13 (1898)

Ms 121c, 1898

13LtMs, Ms 121c, 1898, par. 13

In this age, just prior to the second coming of Christ in the clouds of heaven, God calls for men who will prepare a people to stand in the great day of the Lord. Just such a work as that of John is to be carried on in these last days. The Lord has given messages to His people through the instruments He has chosen, and He would have all take heed to the admonitions and warnings He sends. The message preceding the public ministry of Christ was, Repent, publicans and sinners; repent, Pharisees and Sadducees; “Repent; for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.” [Matthew 3:2.] Our message is not to be one of peace and safety. As a people who believe in Christ’s soon appearing, we have a message to bear—“Prepare to meet thy God.” [Amos 4:12.] We are to lift up the standard of the third angel’s message. Our message must be as direct as was the message of John. He rebuked kings for their iniquity. Notwithstanding that his life was in peril, the truth did not languish upon his lips. And our work in this age must be as faithfully done.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 14 (1899)

Ms 178, 1899

14LtMs, Ms 178, 1899, par. 4

Wherever the light of truth has penetrated from America to other countries, and souls have been converted to the truth, the same results have been seen. The evidence will follow the entrance of truth into new territories. The truth makes its way against human prejudice and the hostility of the clergy and rulers whose course of action needs to be regulated, purified, cleansed, as when Christ cleansed the temple at His first advent. Those only who improve the light which they have already received are prepared to receive with unprejudiced mind the message from heaven, “Prepare to meet thy God.” [Amos 4:12.] In every place where the truth is introduced there will be men raised up who will be converted and will advance the truth.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 14 (1899)

Ms 145, 1899

14LtMs, Ms 145, 1899, par. 23

How will those men and women meet God in peace who read appeals for help in fields where the truth has never been presented, and yet close the door of the heart, making no special effort to lift the standard and proclaim the warning, “Prepare to meet thy God”? [Amos 4:12.] Ruin is soon to come upon all who refuse to obey God. The Minister of our salvation declares, “Whosoever heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth them, I will liken him unto a wise man, which built his house upon a rock. And the rain descended, and the floods came, and the winds blew, and beat upon that house; and it fell not; for it was founded upon a rock. And everyone that heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth them not, shall be likened unto a foolish man, which built his house upon the sand. And the rain descended, and the floods came, and the winds blew, and beat upon that house; and it fell; and great was the fall of it.” [Matthew 7:24-27.]

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 17 (1902)

Lt 43, 1902

17LtMs, Lt 43, 1902, par. 7

“Prepare to meet thy God” is the message we are everywhere to proclaim. [Amos 4:12.] The trumpet is to give a certain sound. Clearly and distinctly the warning is to ring out, “Babylon the great is fallen, is fallen. ... Come out of her, my people, that ye be not partakers of her sins, and that ye receive not of her plagues.” [Revelation 18:2, 4.]

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 17 (1902)

Ms 166, 1902

17LtMs, Ms 166, 1902, par. 9

Influences are to be set in motion that will proclaim to the world the first, second, and third angels’ messages. The time has come of which John writes, “The temple of God was opened in heaven, and there was seen in His temple the ark of His testament, and there were lightnings, and voices, and thunderings, and an earthquake, and great hail.” [Revelation 11:19.] “The ark of His testament”—the two tables of stone, upon which are written, with the finger of God, the ten commandments. The ark is a symbol of the presence of God. In clear, steady rays the light shines from it to the world. The time has come when the law of God is to be proclaimed with strong, decided utterance. The world is to be warned, and I beseech those who know the truth to do all in their power to sound the warning, “Prepare to meet thy God.” [Amos 4:12.] The temple of God was opened in heaven in answer to the prayers of His people, and by terrible things in righteousness will He reveal His power.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 18 (1903)

Lt 126, 1903

18LtMs, Lt 126, 1903, par. 3

Washington, D. C., the capital of our nation, has repeatedly been presented to me as a place in which there should be memorials for the Lord. Many years ago I was shown that in this city the third angel’s message was to be proclaimed. With clearness and power the word was to sound forth, “The kingdom of God is at hand. Prepare to meet thy God.” [Mark 1:15; Amos 4:12.] If there is any place in the world that should have the full rays of present truth, it is Washington, the city that is the very heart of this nation. Those who act a prominent part in framing laws for the nation should understand what is written in the law of God, which lies at the foundation of all right laws.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 18 (1903)

Lt 266, 1903

18LtMs, Lt 266, 1903, par. 17

I heard the voice of a mighty general crying in trumpet tones, “Prepare to meet thy God. Prepare for the great conflict before you. Quit yourselves as brave soldiers of the Lord’s army. Put on the whole armor of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the enemy. 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 wicked. And take the helmet of salvation, [and the sword of the Spirit,] which is the word of God.” [See Amos 4:12; 1 Corinthians 16:13; Ephesians 6:11-17.]

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 18 (1903)

Ms 132, 1903

18LtMs, Ms 132, 1903, par. 44

Wake up, my brethren, wake up and lift the danger signal. Sound the warning. Let no man persuade you to accept theories that are opposed to the truths of God’s Word. The servants of God have a solemn message to bear to this fallen, sin-cursed world. They are to hold aloft the banner on which is inscribed the words, “The commandments of God and the faith of Jesus.” [Revelation 14:12.] Those who are working in harmony with God will be of one heart and one mind. With unflagging zeal they will proclaim the message, “Prepare to meet thy God.” [Amos 4:12.] They will not unite with worldlings, but will take their stand firmly in defense of the principles of truth.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 18 (1903)

Lt 272, 1903

18LtMs, Lt 272, 1903, par. 3

In the family the spirit of criticizing and faultfinding should have no place. The peace of the home is too sacred to be marred by this spirit. But how often, when seated at the meal table, the members of the family pass round a dish of criticism, faultfinding, and scandal. Should Christ come today, would He not find many of the families who profess to be Christians cherishing the spirit of criticism and unkindness? The members of such families are unready to unite with the family above. I am instructed to say to them, “Prepare to meet thy God.” [Amos 4:12.] Discord in families leads to discord in the church. The unruly tongue creates mischief of all kinds.

Manuscript Releases, vol. 17 [Nos. 1236-1300]

MR No. 1237—Testimony Concerning the Views of Prophecy Held by John Bell—Part II

17MR 23.2

Our work is to proclaim the commandments of God and the testimony of Jesus Christ. “Prepare to meet thy God” [Amos 4:12], is the warning given to the world. It is a warning to us individually. We are called upon to lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us. There is a work for you, my brother, to do, to yoke up with Christ. Make sure that your building is on the rock. Do not risk eternity on a probability. You may not live to participate in the perilous scenes on which we are now entering. The life of no one of us is assured for any given time. Should you not watch every moment? Should you not closely examine your own self, and inquire, What will eternity be to me?

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 21 (1906)

Lt 140, 1906

21LtMs, Lt 140, 1906, par. 26

Many are now perishing for want of knowledge. Shall we not give mind and soul and voice to proclaiming the truth as it is in Christ Jesus? To every worker I would say, Show to unbelievers that there is strength in God. Communicate your ideas in regard to what is required, by the words of warning, “Prepare to meet thy God!” [Amos 4:12.] Sow the seeds of truth by all waters. Wake up the watchmen, and, with them, bear the message in words of power. “Cry aloud, spare not, lift up thy voice like a trumpet, and show My people their transgression, and the house of Jacob their sins.” [Isaiah 58:1.] The increase of your own experience will be proportionate to your individual trust and confidence in God.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 22 (1907)

Ms 113, 1907

22LtMs, Ms 113, 1907, par. 21

In this age, just prior to the second coming of Christ in the clouds of heaven, such a work as that of John the Baptist is to be done. God calls for men who will prepare a people to stand in the great day of the Lord. The message preceding the public ministry of Christ was, “Repent, publicans and sinners; repent, Pharisees and Sadducees; ‘repent ye, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.’” [Matthew 3:2.] As a people who believe in Christ’s soon appearing, we have a message to bear, “Prepare to meet thy God.” [Amos 4:12.] Our message is to be as direct as was the message of John. He rebuked kings for their iniquity. Notwithstanding that his life was imperiled, he did not hesitate to declare God’s word. And our work in this age must be done as faithfully.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 22 (1907)

Ms 178, 1907

22LtMs, Ms 178, 1907, par. 9

Well, now we are striving for heaven. We are calling all the means possible to invest in the work and in the cause of God, not merely in this place, but in various cities, that the note of warning shall be given: “Prepare to meet thy God.” [Amos 4:12.]

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 22 (1907)

Ms 168, 1907

22LtMs, Ms 168, 1907, par. 15

On the Isle of Patmos, Christ revealed Himself to John, enabling His servant to endure the seeing of things of eternal interest. No mortal being can endure the revelation of God. His presence has always been shrouded by a guard of angels. But to John was given the privilege of seeing Christ, not in the burning bush, but amidst the indescribable glory of the holy sanctuary. Never was there a grander meeting than the meeting between John and Christ on the Isle of Patmos. The wonderful vision was accompanied by the words, “Prepare to meet thy God, O Israel.” [Amos 4:12.] It was no sophistry, but the presence of the divine Being who at the time of His ascension has taken into the heavenly courts a glorified humanity. He announced Himself as the Alpha and the Omega, the beginning and the end, the first and the last, and He came to give John a message for the churches.

Manuscript Releases, vol. 13 [Nos. 1000-1080]

MR No. 1078—“Go Forward”

13MR 396.1

Our work of heralding the second coming of Christ is similar to that of John the Baptist, the forerunner of Christ at His first advent. We are to proclaim to the world the message, “The great day of the Lord is near” [Zephaniah 1:14]. “Prepare to meet thy God” [Amos 4:12]. We are to do much more than we have yet done.

Maranatha

“Get Ready, Get Ready, Get Ready,” March 31

Mar 98.1

Prepare to meet thy God, O Israel. Amos 4:12.

Maranatha

Preaching With Power, April 18

Mar 116.5

In this age, just prior to the second coming of Christ in the clouds of heaven, such a work as that of John is to be done. God calls for men who will prepare a people to stand in the great day of the Lord.... As a people who believe in Christ’s soon appearing, we have a message to bear—“Prepare to meet thy God.” Amos 4:12. Our message must be as direct as was the message of John. He rebuked kings for their iniquity. Notwithstanding that his life was imperiled, he did not hesitate to declare God’s word. And our work in this age must be done as faithfully.

Maranatha

Prepare to Meet Thy God, September 3

Mar 254.1

Therefore thus will I do unto thee, O Israel: and because I will do this unto thee, prepare to meet thy God, O Israel. Amos 4:12.

Prophets and Kings

Chapter 23—The Assyrian Captivity

PK 286.1

“The houses of ivory shall perish, and the great houses shall have an end, saith the Lord.” “The Lord God of hosts is He that toucheth the land, and it shall melt, and all that dwell therein shall mourn.” “Thy sons and thy daughters shall fall by the sword, and thy land shall be divided by line; and thou shalt die in a polluted land: and Israel shall surely go into captivity forth of his land.” “Because I will do this unto thee, prepare to meet thy God, O Israel.” Amos 9:8-10; 3:15; 9:5; 7:17; 4:12.

Reflecting Christ

John Calls for Repentance, November 21

RC 339.6

In this age, just prior to the second coming of Christ in the clouds of heaven, such a work as that of John is to be done. God calls for men who will prepare a people to stand in the great day of the Lord.... As a people ... we have a message to bear—“Prepare to meet thy God” (Amos 4:12). Our message must be as direct as was the message of John. He rebuked kings for their iniquity. Notwithstanding that his life was imperiled, he did not hesitate to declare God’s Word. And our work in this age must be done as faithfully.

Amos 4:13

The Ministry of Healing

Nature Is Not God

MH 414.1

“Seek Him that maketh the Pleiades and Orion,
And turneth the shadow of death into the morning,
And maketh the day dark with night;”
“He that formeth the mountains, and createth the wind,
And declareth unto man what is His thought;”
“He that buildeth His spheres in the heaven,
And hath founded His arch [Noyes’s translation]
in the earth;”
“He that calleth for the waters of the sea,
And poureth them out upon the face of the earth;
Jehovah is His name.” Amos 5:8, A.R.V.; Amos 4:13, A.R.V.; Amos 9:6, margin; Amos 9:6, A.R.V.