#447 - 🇬🇧 The Image and the Death Decree

My notes:Two stories and how they relate to the final events: the worship of the golden image (Daniel 3) and Peter’s arrest and deliverance (Acts 12:1-17).Both stories remind us that we don’t need to fear all the threats, tribulations, or even death that we may face at the very end. God is in complete control of all that is happening. Presented at the General Conference Office Worship on June 17, 2025.Questions to consider: Should they not have been more flexible? Wouldn't that lack of flexibility be a sign of radicalism, fanaticism, or extremism? They could have pretended to worship the image while praying to God in their hearts… But they knew that genuine internal acquiescence would always be revealed externally.What is fanaticism? The book of Deuteronomy (6:2) teaches us that to fear the Lord implies keeping ALL His statutes and His commandments, even those that may be considered minor ones, whose disregard may be considered as socially acceptable today.Rev 13:15 -  What is THE IMAGE of the beast (1st beast): When will the image of the beast be formed? When the church and state will be united, and religious observances will be enforced by civil and political power.The social and religious background:Social and spiritual values are extremely eroded, and many Christians are tired of how politics have supported and even promoted wicked values. Therefore, they will support a government that is perceived as promoting a return to ancient moral and spiritual values to protect the family and society.There will be miracles and revivals as a result of this movement. They will resemble, in almost all aspects, the true revivals, except in one detail. They will not lead to complete obedience to God’s law, namely, the day of worship.What does worshipping the image of the beast mean?Then another question is crucial:But is that detail about which day should be kept pertinent if all are seeking the restoration of spiritual and social values? Will dissenters not be found working against a common good? When will the Image of the Beast be formed?“When the leading churches of the United States, uniting upon such points of doctrine as are held by them in common, shall influence the state to enforce their decrees and to sustain their institutions. Protestant America will have formed an image of the Roman hierarchy, and the infliction of civil penalties upon dissenters will inevitably result.” GC379 (446).THE IMAGE:If you worship itIf you don’t worship it, Acts 12:1-17 (James’ death and Peter’s arrest) - There was in force a death penalty against Christians.Peter was delivered, but James (John’s brother) was killed. Why were some believers spared while others were not?Revelation 2:10-11Should we expect death or deliverance? Modern Babylon seduces its worshipers by offering them material prosperity with one hand. Tithes and offerings now are a much-needed preparation for this moment. It removes some money from us, making us more vulnerable and leading us to pray more and learn how to trust God and live by faith.Those who love money now and have not learned to live by faith will be easily trapped by Babylon. When will people receive “the mark of the beast?”See - The Great Controversy, p. 449. What is this mark?THE MARKHow to trust God more, how to increase our faith, and be prepared for the final events?