Ellen Chat Conversation

The concept of a "season" in relation to the enemy's influence often appears in the context of spiritual cycles and the deceptive nature of probation. While the specific phrasing of "parting ways" for a season is frequently associated with the enemy's strategy to delude individuals into a false sense of security, the writings emphasize that Satan uses the idea of a future "season for repentance" to lead souls into carnal indifference (2SG 276.1). This deception suggests that one can delay their commitment to God, walking stumblingly through their current hours of probation while looking toward a light that is actually total darkness (LS88 341.2). Furthermore, the experience of the church shows that periods of intense spiritual revival and the outpouring of the Holy Spirit are almost invariably followed by a "time of great darkness" (TR 72).

This occurs because the enemy works with intense energy to neutralize the progress made during a season of grace (1SM 129). In these instances, the "season" is not a voluntary parting of ways by the believer, but a strategic counter-attack by satanic agencies to make the previous heavenly light appear as mere excitement or fanaticism. Ultimately, the counsel given is that there is no middle ground or temporary truce in the conflict between Christ and the adversary. Individuals are urged to be true to their baptismal vows and recognize that they cannot serve two masters (13MR 219.2). The danger lies in the "specious temptations" that win the soul step by step away from duty, often under the guise of an angel of light (4T 623.1).

Rather than seeking a temporary separation, the goal for the believer is to maintain a permanent union with divine principles that mold the character into the divine similitude.

You might also want to explore:What did Ellen White teach about the dangers of procrastinating repentance?How does Satan transform himself into an angel of light to deceive the youth?What practical counsel did she give regarding how to maintain the blessings received during a spiritual revival?

📚 thousands of passages found containing these search terms — Explore in Full-Text Search

The concept of a temporary separation from the influence of the enemy is often discussed in the context of spiritual revivals and the necessity of a permanent, resolute change of character. While an individual may experience a period of relief or a "season" where the immediate pressure of temptation seems to lift, this is not a permanent victory unless it is followed by a deep, internal transformation. Without a decided action to form new habits and a complete subjection of the will to Christ, the natural tendencies toward evil will eventually reassert themselves (1SM 129), (17MR 143.1). The writings emphasize that while a person can be "resolute" in their desire for change, this resolution must be supported by divine help to be effective. If a person takes a step toward Christ but fails to maintain a persistent effort and a living connection with God, the enemy will use every ingenious method to regain control (YI January 25, 1910, par. 8). Good resolutions made in human strength alone are described as powerless to break the grip of evil habits; true reformation requires the grace of Christ to reshape the character (MH 180.1).

Furthermore, the danger of a temporary "parting of ways" without a total heart change is that it can lead to a false sense of security. A person may place themselves in the power of the adversary by a momentary act of will, but breaking those fetters requires far more than a momentary impulse (1NL 74.4), (2SM 165.3). If the soul does not die to self and allow the transforming power of God to work continually, the individual remains in a neutral position that ultimately leaves them vulnerable to returning to their former state (16MR 272.1).

You might also want to explore:What did Ellen White teach about the danger of making resolutions in human strength?How does she describe the process of breaking long-standing evil habits?What is the relationship between the outpouring of the Holy Spirit and subsequent spiritual darkness?

📚 thousands of passages found containing these search terms — Explore in Full-Text Search