Based on the writings of Ellen White, betrayal within the church is considered a grave offense against God. It is described as treachery to Christ, who purchased humanity with His own blood. ### The Nature of Betrayal in the Church Ellen White identifies several forms of betrayal, ranging from overt actions to subtle attitudes: * **Treachery Against God:** "Any betrayal of the church is treachery to Him who has bought mankind with the blood of His only-begotten Son. From the beginning, faithful souls have constituted the church on earth" (AA 11.2). * **Deception and Unfaithfulness:** The story of Ananias and Sapphira is presented as a stark warning against deception. Their sin is described as a betrayal of sacred trust that has been repeated throughout the church's history. "Selfishness and fraud are practiced daily in the church, in withholding from God that which He claims, thus robbing Him" (4T 463.3). Those who are unfaithful in temporal matters are likely to be unfaithful in spiritual ones as well (4T 576.2). * **Breaking Brotherly Trust:** Betrayal occurs when confidence is broken and private conversations are misrepresented. "The things spoken in brotherly confidence are repeated and misrepresented; and every word, every action, however innocent and well-meaning, is scrutinized by the cold, jealous criticism of those who were thought too noble, too honorable, to take the least advantage of friendly association or brotherly trust" (GW92 444.1). * **Worldliness and Compromise:** The church is imperiled by "ambitious, selfish, time-serving members" who lead it toward worldly conformity. These individuals are called "traitors to their holy trust" who reject God's messages and lead others astray (LP 233.1). This compromise is compared to the historical apostasy that led to the formation of the Church of Rome (GC 298.2). * **Allowing Sin to Fester:** When the church fails to stand against sinful behavior, it becomes a partaker in the evil deeds and incurs God's disapproval (LS80 286.2). ### The Consequences of Betrayal The results of betrayal are damaging to both individuals and the church as a whole: * **Christ Departs:** When pride, pleasure-seeking, and sin are cherished, "Christ has departed. His Spirit has been quenched in the church" (2T 441.3). * **Satan Gains Influence:** Satan works alongside professed Christians who lack spiritual discernment, and they may do his work while believing they are serving Christ (5T 103.3). * **The Faithful Will Suffer:** Those who remain true to God will face betrayal even from their closest relations. "They will be 'betrayed both by parents, and brethren, and kinsfolks, and friends,' even unto death" (PK 588.1). Their only defense is prayer and the mercy of God.