11:152 Corinthians 11:15

Therefore it is no great thing for Satan's ministers to appear as ministers of righteousness, just as Satan himself appears as an angel of light and false apostles appear as apostles of Christ.Lt 129, 1897, par. 13–14+2 The warning belongs to Paul's account of deceitful workers who preach another Jesus and another gospel to corrupt minds from simplicity in Christ, as the serpent beguiled Eve.Lt 129, 1897, par. 13–14 Outward religious appearance, display of holiness or power, beautiful sentiments, good words and even good deeds do not prove true character.Lt 96, 1900, par. 16–17+2 The counterfeit gains power by mingling truth with error, clothing error in angel robes, turning minds from obedience to God's law, and working through apparent miracles, lying wonders, spiritualism and agents even inside the church.Ms 142, 1897, par. 16+4 Satan has grown more artful since his fall, hiding his deformity under religious covering, so his power to deceive is far greater now than in the apostles' days and will increase as his time grows short, yet righteous appearance does not change the outcome, for the end shall be according to works.CH 669.4+3

The verse belongs to Paul's relation of his experience in 2 Corinthians 11, and it is to be studied and made to speak decidedly to a worker coming to Chicago.13MR 327.1–2 It warns him on no account to enter into controversies, not to seek to be original and bring in odd notions, but to obtain a deeper experience and to carry the work in a dignified, elevated, ennobling manner.13MR 327.1–2 It is no light thing that Satan's ministers are transformed as ministers of righteousness, just as Satan himself is transformed into an angel of light, and their end shall be according to their works.Lt 129, 1897, par. 13–14 It is a warning of the deceptions that will come in these last days through false apostles and deceitful workers who preach another Jesus, bring another spirit, and teach another gospel to corrupt minds from the simplicity that is in Christ, as the serpent beguiled Eve through subtlety.Lt 129, 1897, par. 13–14 They worked to destroy Paul's influence over those he had espoused as a chaste virgin to Christ, so believers must put on the armor of righteousness, look steadfastly to Jesus Christ, not be turned away from the gospel of Christ, and show an undivided life wholly on the Lord's side.Lt 129, 1897, par. 13–14

The words ministers of righteousness do not establish true character by outward appearance, and their end is according to their works.Lt 96, 1900, par. 16–17+4 Religious appearance does not prove that they serve God, and an outward display of holiness or power is no proof of truth, for Satan's servants can appear to be servants of righteousness while their true character is exposed by the darkness and deception they spread.Lt 96, 1900, par. 16–17+4 Evil powers may take familiar forms and appear as angels of light, and Satan's agents can appear in human form and present appealing promises, leading people to abandon penitence and defy God, so their outward appearance does not reveal their true allegiance.2RED 90.3–91.1+1 The same warning applies to counterfeit righteousness offered to hearts unchanged by grace: those who trust in it rest on a shifting foundation and will be overcome when tested, because appearance does not prove that righteousness is genuine.Ms 44, 1898, par. 42 God's servants must recognize this disguise, just as Satan appears as an angel of light, and remain firmly faithful to Him.Ms 69, 1903, par. 32–34

The phrase his ministers includes Satan's fallen angels who are transformed to appear as ministers of righteousness and teachers to instruct souls.Lt 42, 1910, par. 8–9 They work upon those separating from brethren who are striving for heaven, directing unwary feet into temptation and false paths, and the light they give brings spiritual death to the receiver.Lt 42, 1910, par. 8–9 The verse applies to ministers, physicians, men in office, and professed unconverted teachers whose defects of character have become strong and who are turned to commercialism, who are themselves deceived while leading others astray until their condition becomes almost hopeless.Lt 42, 1910, par. 8–9 Deliverance requires awakening, self-examination, humility and meekness before God, and patience, tenderness and reconversion presented line upon line under the sanctification of the Holy Spirit, following step by step in the way of the Lord to be prepared for the kingdom of heaven and to overcome.Lt 42, 1910, par. 8–9 Satan has not been stupid and careless since his fall but has been learning and has grown more artful, laying his plans deeper and hiding their deformity under a religious covering.SG2 277.1 His power to tempt and deceive is now ten times greater than in the days of the apostles, and it has increased and will keep increasing until it is taken away, while his wrath and hatred grow stronger as the time left for him to work draws near its close.SG2 277.1

It is no great thing for Satan's ministers to be transformed as ministers of righteousness, just as Satan himself is transformed into an angel of light and false apostles are transformed into apostles of Christ.Lt 129, 1897, par. 13–14+4 This disguise is no light matter but a warning of last-day deception through deceitful workers who preach another Jesus, bring another spirit and teach another gospel to corrupt minds from the simplicity that is in Christ as the serpent beguiled Eve through subtlety, working to destroy Paul's influence over those he had espoused as a chaste virgin to Christ.Lt 129, 1897, par. 13–14+1 His servants assail the faith of the church by means of corrupt teachers who can outwardly appear holy and powerful, yet outward display of holiness or power is no proof of truth and religious appearance does not prove service to God.5T 297.2+2 Their righteous appearance does not change their outcome, for their end shall be according to their works, with true character exposed by the darkness and deception they spread when they make sin appear righteous and lead many astray.Lt 129, 1897, par. 13–14+3

The counterfeit may claim to come from heaven and to do good for humanity while deceiving people and working their eternal ruin.2SP 90.2 In spiritualism fallen angels appear as messengers from the spirit world and claim to bring divine light, while Satan uses them to deceive the living.2SP 90.2+1 Error requires disguise and concealment and clothes itself in angel robes as ministers of righteousness, while truth needs no covering and appears more excellent from every viewpoint, so that every manifestation of error's real character lessens its chance of success and efforts to retard truth serve to extend it.5T 453.1–4

Satan seeks to clothe his work with what resembles garments of truth and righteousness, bringing his power to bear upon the carnal mind to produce fanaticism as works of the flesh.LS 96.1–3 His ministers brought under his influence come infinitely short of counterfeiting the work of God, and the work of high heaven he cannot imitate, though he may succeed in blinding men's eyes so they cannot discern the difference between the work of God and his imperfect mimicry.LS 96.1–3 When that fanatical work is carried out and its terrible fruit ripened into bitterness, its contrast with the fruit of God's work and Spirit is as wide as Beelzebub with Christ and perdition with all its terror and blackness of despair with the matchless glories of God's kingdom, because the road to life and the road to death do not lie side by side but in opposite directions.LS 96.1–3 Satan was educated and disciplined in the heavenly courts and knows both good and evil, so he steals heaven's appearance to keep influence in his stolen dominion.CE 99.1 His agents are educated in his methods, inspired by his spirit and fitted for his work, presenting themselves in heavenly guise while serving his work.CE 99.1+1 They show remarkable wisdom and apparently bright ideas because they mingle precious truth with vile error and mix what is good with what is vile, and that mixture gives power to deceive, yet bright ideas and wisdom do not make them genuine nor their pagan and infidel writings valuable or essential for education.CE 99.1+1

The verse exposes a central mark of the counterfeit ministry, that while appearing holy and self-sacrificing it turns minds away from humble obedience and seeks to make the law of God void.FE 471.3+3 It does this by declaring the law no longer in force, easing consciences over image worship and blasphemy of the divine name, and influencing even prominent church teachers to lead others to swerve from the commandments.FE 471.3+2 No one can excuse his own disobedience by pleading another's disobedience, no one can pardon another's sins or hang his soul on another's words and actions, and each person stands individually accountable to serve God from principle and to ask how to keep His commandments.RH Jun 22, 1911 The end of such ministers is determined by their works and not by their claims of holiness.CH 669.4+2

The deception comes as wonder-working power personating Christ, presenting lofty sentiments in beautiful language with good words and good deeds so skillfully counterfeited as to nearly deceive the very elect, even to drawing crowned heads, presidents and rulers to bow to false theories.FE 471.3 It includes apparent miracles joined with misuse of Scripture, which human judgment alone cannot reliably discern, so that faith in Christ is required to resist while reliance on human strength leaves one vulnerable.FE 471.3+1 In stormy times ahead this satanic work will open in lying wonders, stealing along like a thief and bursting suddenly with startling surprise upon all who are asleep, unready and not kept by the grace of Christ, making preparation through that grace essential.Ms 11, 1892, par. 4

The same disguise operates through spiritualism, where evil powers take familiar forms and fallen angels appear as messengers from the spirit world and as angels of light claiming to bring divine light to deceive the living.2RED 90.3–91.1+1 This includes appearing in the form of dead friends and leading the deceived away from truth and obedience, with calamities presented as punishment for failing to honor Sunday.RH Sep 17, 1901 Ministers who preach as Bible doctrine that the dead remain conscious and communicate with the living prepare people to be deceived by agencies impersonating the dead, and their outward religious appearance does not make the teaching true.Ms 92, 1894, par. 4 Outward display of holiness or power is therefore no proof of truth, and mysterious knockings and similar wonders, increasingly common and clothed in religious garb to lull the deceived to security and draw minds to doubt the Holy Spirit, belong to this power of Satan.2RED 90.3–91.1+1

Satan seeks most earnestly to ensnare those who have had the most light, even teachers of the word, and as an angel of light he walks in every assembly of Christian workers and in every church to win members to his side.7MR 344.1–4+1 He links arms with them and talks earnestly about needed changes in the church, and they repeat his words, delighted by what seems clearer perception and better methods of working.7MR 344.1–4 Under his control they clothe sin with garments of righteousness and lead many astray, working as transformed ministers of righteousness while serving his cause.7MR 344.1–4+1 Safety lies in linking closely with Christ and drawing near to God to lift a standard the enemy cannot overcome, with redoubled effort to recover from the snare and to save others exposed to deception.7MR 344.1–4+1

He also works on those who should give light to the world by intercepting every ray of light God sends to prepare people for what is before them.Ms 31, 1890, par. 16 He presents plans that appear to be for spreading truth but in reality hinder the work, and the plans look so plausible that they are accepted, by which acceptance he accomplishes his object and keeps needed light from receiving due attention.Ms 31, 1890, par. 16

Inside the church the work is carried on through professed followers who borrow heaven's livery to better serve Satan, appearing godly and seeking place in order to breathe impure suggestions and draw minds into defiling channels.CH 671.3–672.1 Such a professed seducer to impurity is Satan in the form of man and must be promptly resisted and fled without giving place even for a moment, since even a covert impure suggestion stains the soul.CH 671.3–672.1 It is carried on also by taking up the condemned work of climbing upon the judgment seat to criticize, surmise evil, speak evil, bear false witness, hate and accuse brethren, instead of watchfully examining one's own heart and removing the beam of one's own defects; ministers of righteousness are not to act with a spirit of sharp criticism.Ms 142, 1897, par. 16+1 Fallen men and fallen angels join in one confederacy, with evil angels forming alliance with professedly pious men to leaven the church, filling them under the name of godliness with an accusing spirit to act as trained detectives who create feuds, bring charges producing discord and bitterness, put tongues into active service for Satan, watch for evil and sow dissension.Ms 57, 1896, par. 25 The same wrong course appears as harsh, denunciatory, overbearing, self-confident, inconsistent and fanatical action from natural temperament, bringing great reproach on the cause, extending evils into other places, causing suffering, putting souls in danger, letting Satan triumph, causing unbelievers to hate those bearing the Advent name and increasing hatred against the preaching of Christ's coming, so that the innocent suffer with the guilty.8MR 231.2–232.1

A teacher who professes truth yet yields to Satan harms God's work more effectively than the openly wicked, becoming weaker and less able to resist further attacks and being used to mislead and injure others.Lt 11, 1870, par. 7 No physician or minister can remain neutral in influence without losing ground spiritually, for unless reflecting the character of Christ he will begin to reflect the character of the man of sin and become an agent of Satan to deceive others.16MR 9.2–10.2 Once Satan gains place in the mind he strives to retain it and obtain full possession, using the controlled person to influence others, so that such a man cannot be used to communicate grace and Christ cannot cooperate with him.16MR 9.2–10.2 The deceived one becomes inflated with thoughts of his own importance and filled with zeal for some work he regards as great, led on by Satan and his angels through pleasing and flattering suggestions and uniting in counsel with worldly associates not wise unto salvation while thinking God is directing his mind, and God-given powers must never be used to hurt one of His children.16MR 9.2–10.2

The verse also exposes claims to new revelation as part of bringing the spurious and counterfeit into the field, as in the claims made for Anna Phillips.14MR 200.1–3 If such matters are encouraged by ministers without the most thorough evidence of divine choice of the instrument and without divine credentials, they give Satan room to supply false doctrines.14MR 200.1–3 Minds must remain under constant control of the Spirit of God in order to detect the counterfeit from the genuine.14MR 200.1–3

The verse reaches to the last days, when false apostles and deceitful workers preach another Jesus, bring another spirit and teach another gospel to corrupt minds from simplicity in Christ as the serpent beguiled Eve through subtlety, working to destroy apostolic influence over those espoused as a chaste virgin to Christ, so that it is no light thing that Satan's ministers are transformed as ministers of righteousness as Satan himself is transformed into an angel of light, and their end shall be according to their works.Lt 129, 1897, par. 13–14 In that time Satan lays his plans under pretense of godliness to take the world captive by numerous agents who hide true character and appear as servants of right, subtle and persevering and untiring, resisting every restraint and using every means with marvelous promptness and energy.Lt 15, 1889, par. 9–10 That work is now consolidating with combined forces of evil in vigorous resistance to God and truth, while the Spirit of God is gradually withdrawn from earth, plagues and judgments fall on despisers of grace, disasters by sea and land and by fire and flood foreshadow greater events, the man of sin in popery increases in power, infidelity spreads, sectarianism and formalism and sin abound, God is dishonored and Christ rejected, and soul-destroying doctrines and specious errors intrude everywhere.Lt 15, 1889, par. 9–10 The church therefore never needed daily divine enlightenment more than in this solemn and fearful time, yet worldly men rush into every opening and act more wisely and energetically than the children of light who contemplate moderately as if blindfolded, and believers must put on the armor of righteousness, look steadfastly to Jesus Christ, not be turned from the gospel of Christ, and show an undivided life wholly on the Lord's side.Lt 129, 1897, par. 13–14+1

An apparently religious work may be counterfeit rather than God's work, for Satan's ministers can appear as ministers of righteousness, but disguise does not change the outcome and they will meet the end their works deserve.GC88 464.1 This applies to deceptive religious movements that claim special divine blessing and display great interest, yet work through another spirit to hinder true revival and preparation for Christ's second coming.GC88 464.1 The same deception presents calamities as punishment for failing to honor Sunday and appears in the form of dead friends, leading those deceived away from truth and obedience to God's law while appearing as agents of light and righteousness.RH Sep 17, 1901

Popes and priests are Satan's ministers transformed as ministers of righteousness, claiming to be Christ's representatives and demanding every word from them be received as from the mouth of God, holding over the mind the power that God alone should hold, while withholding the Bible lest the people become enlightened and expose the sins of their leaders.EW 178.3 Those who bow to them worship Satan, and anyone daring to follow personal conviction against them meets the same hate Satan and the Jews exercised toward Jesus, with those in authority thirsting for their blood.EW 178.3 The papal leaders opposed by Luther are likewise ministers of Satan seeking his condemnation and death and resisting the word of God, presenting themselves as ministers of righteousness but with an end according to their works.GC88 150.5+1

In the sealing time Satan uses every device to keep minds from present truth and to cause wavering, knowing God is drawing a covering over His people to protect them in trouble, and every soul decided on the truth and pure in heart will be covered with the covering of the Almighty.ExVEGW 25.4–5 The mysterious knocking in New York and other places is the power of Satan, and such things will become more common, clothed in religious garb to lull the deceived to greater security and to draw the minds of God's people to those things if possible and cause them to doubt the teachings and power of the Holy Spirit.ExVEGW 25.4–5 Satan has ministers under his special controlling influence who serve as his swift messengers with feet taking hold of hell, and family relationship or any connection with them, even with a mother or other relatives fastened in an evil course, is corrupting, so one desiring to be a Christian must separate from them now in this golden opportunity.Lt 24a, 1890, par. 3 Rejecting the light God gives leads away from God into darkness and deception even when accompanied by self-righteousness and self-sufficiency, for Satan works through human agents who deceive and may appear to do good, including by presenting apparent miracles and misusing Scripture, which human judgment alone cannot reliably discern, while faith in Christ enables resistance and reliance on own strength leaves souls vulnerable.Ms 71, 1902, par. 1–2+1

True ministers of righteousness are those sanctified by the truth of God's word, fitted for service by individual consecration and sanctification to His will, experiencing daily an unfailing flow of His goodness and love in the soul and then ministering righteousness and goodness to men.Lt 32, 1909, par. 8–9+1 They do a sacred work for believers and unbelievers whose results tell for time and for eternity, caring for the sick as ministers of Christ, teaching the truths of the Word and pointing to the love of God, living in constant watchfulness and prayer with self-denial and self-sacrifice, keeping selfish principles out of the work, bringing religion into daily life so that the sacredness of truth is revealed in joy and peace and righteousness, with righteous acts as the unmistakable proofs of faith and no selfish thread woven into the life prepared for time and eternity.Lt 32, 1909, par. 8–9 Becoming such a minister requires the Scriptural method of ministerial training, entering heartily into the work, studying in schools while learning the meekness and humility of Christ from the Great Teacher as learners in His school, and receiving in answer to prayer the promised outpouring of the Spirit from a covenant-keeping God.5T 390.2+1 That becoming also requires God's transforming power, with godliness, wisdom and experience to win souls, without which moral strength weakens rather than grows and past failures remain unredeemed.Lt 29, 1872, par. 39

To be a minister of righteousness means having a truly changed heart and not a mere semblance of religion but the genuine article.CH 679.2 Those who claim conversion, especially ministers and physicians, must have felt a deep sense of spiritual need in accepting Christ, must watch unto prayer and keep a thoughtful consistent course of action, and must accept the heavenly gift of light and love and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit.CH 679.2 Being imbued with love for Christ means yielding Him the whole affections and surrendering the life to Him who gave His life, being constrained to perform acts of unselfish service until such acts become the life-practice, with daily growth into the life of Christ creating in the soul a heaven of peace and continual fruit-bearing.CH 679.2 Such ministers work with self-control, self-examination, secret prayer and the wisdom God promises to those who ask, and not with hasty words that stir up strife, sharp criticism, a rebellious and combative spirit, regulating others' consciences by one's own rule, or outward zeal without inward preparation, because such premature moves follow the feelings of the natural heart, do Satan's work and harm the cause of truth.TCBMP 147.1 They cooperate with God in work that makes Jesus glad by seeing souls purified and made white through faith in the cleansing blood of Christ, cultivating faith so they talk faith and act faith whatever the appearance or circumstances, with faith growing stronger not weaker, keeping self hidden in the cleft of the Rock to gain a correct view of God our Saviour, giving themselves to God who works in them both to will and to do of His good pleasure.Lt 113a, 1897, par. 8

Their work includes kindly helping and protecting young people from worldly temptations and finding ennobling employment for them, and this genuine ministry in word and deed raises a standard against Satan whose wiles cannot overcome those who serve in this way.Ms 102, 1904, par. 25 In medical institutions it means men and women cooperating with God with all powers consecrated to Him to stand as a blessing to fellow beings, with advanced spirituality, truly converted mental and physical powers, sanctified tongues speaking only words that bless, and daily lives emitting the light of truth, with God's glory and the advancement of His kingdom as the first consideration in every department, so that the glory of God is clearly revealed through the institution and souls are drawn to Christ instead of being lost through unconsecrated lives.Ms 91, 1909, par. 26–28 Fathers and mothers are to be faithful ministers of righteousness in the home, fathers uniting with mothers with full interest and not presenting truth indifferently, sharing united responsibility to aid one another and earnestly give positive instruction and education to children, because neglect of home duty brings discouragement.Ms 65, 1911, par. 6 Physicians are appointed to this ministry by using timely opportunities to serve souls rather than leaving the work undone.CH 365.3 That appointment is fulfilled by speaking a word in season and watching for the golden privilege to do good, for if that privilege is not watched for it will pass, talent that ought to produce a thousandfold is left unused, and the most precious opportunities are lost when anything is allowed to prevent the work.Ms 168, 1899, par. 18

One accepted in the Beloved who stands before the people to proclaim the truth and hold forth the word of life is a true minister of righteousness.Lt 127, 1895, par. 12 Such ministry requires being guided by the Lord and given the Holy Spirit in large measure, working carefully and prayerfully before God while listening to His voice, and not letting the enemy divert the mind from the light given.Lt 127, 1895, par. 12 Satan works with all his power to keep the called worker from this very work, but faithful labor brings many souls as the result.Lt 127, 1895, par. 12 Christ Himself may appear as a minister of righteousness, and looking to Jesus and holding fast to Him brings courage and deliverance when tempted.Lt 116, 1903, par. 20

The end of those who masquerade as righteous ministers will correspond to their works, and no holy appearance, self-sacrificing profession, display of holiness or power, or claim of special divine blessing and great religious interest changes that outcome.CH 669.4+4 Outward religiosity does not prove service to God, for the true character is exposed by the darkness, deception, leading away from right conduct and from humble obedience, making void the law, and hindering true revival and preparation for the second coming, and it is works that reveal whether the end is life or perdition.CH 669.4+4 Claims of divine authority or special revelation therefore require discernment, since an apparently religious work may be a counterfeit wrought through another spirit rather than the work of God.2RED 90.3–91.1+2 Sin in those called to the ministry is exceedingly sinful because of the office itself, for by sinning they make themselves ministers of sin and successful agents through whom evil can work with success to perpetuate sin, and they must not be made idols or regarded with superstitious reverence that excuses their sin.Ms 92, 1897, par. 1 Those trusted as loving the truth yet pursuing a wrong course bring great reproach upon the cause, extending evils into other places, causing suffering, putting souls in danger, letting the adversary triumph, and covering truth with reproach through harsh, denunciatory, overbearing, self-confident, inconsistent and fanatical conduct that acts out natural temperament, causes unbelievers to hate them, brings the professed name into disrepute, makes the innocent suffer with the guilty, and increases hatred against the preaching of the time of coming.8MR 231.2–232.1

The warning means putting on the armor of righteousness, looking steadfastly to Jesus, refusing to be turned from the gospel and from simplicity in Christ, and living an undivided life wholly on the Lord's side in view of last-day deceptions through false apostles preaching another Jesus, another spirit and another gospel to corrupt minds as the serpent beguiled Eve and to destroy apostolic influence over those espoused as a chaste virgin to Christ.Lt 129, 1897, par. 13–14 Resisting the arch-deceiver, who walks the earth as a wonder-worker personating Christ with lofty sentiments in beautiful language, good words and good deeds so nearly counterfeiting righteousness that if possible even the elect and rulers in high places would bow to false theories, requires oneness in Christ and giving no place to criticism, division, jealousy and rivalry, with the marked exposure of the counterfeit that on one point it differs from Christ by turning people from the law of God.FE 471.3 Linking closely with Christ and drawing near to God lifts up a standard against the enemy so that he has no power to overcome, even when as an angel of light he walks in every assembly of workers and every church to win members, seeking most earnestly to ensnare those with most light and even teachers of the word by linking arms with them, talking of needed changes, leading them to repeat his words as clearer perception and better methods, and through them clothing sin with garments of righteousness to lead many astray.7MR 344.1–4 No one can hang the soul upon the words and actions of another, for every person is held to individual accountability to serve God from principle and choose Him for oneself, asking how to keep the commandments, while disobedience by one who professes love does not justify neglect in others and one whose words and example lead others into sin must bear alone the responsibility for actions and influence, since in judgment no one can excuse disobedience by pleading another's disobedience nor can anyone pardon another's sins.RH Jun 22, 1911 Human beings must not be trusted blindly, for agents may come in human form with glowing promises that turn penitence into defiance while appearing as servants of righteousness and leading toward evil, so discernment must be by the divine rule of righteousness, especially when false teachers occupy prominent positions and influence others to swerve from humble obedience.RH Jun 22, 1911+1

Watchful self-examination is required instead of taking up the unappointed and condemned work of criticizing, climbing upon the judgment seat, pronouncing sentence, faultfinding, evil surmising and speaking, bearing false witness, hatred and accusation, for spiritual advancement comes by removing the beam of one's own shortcomings and defects of character.Ms 142, 1897, par. 16 Cooperation must be refused to those educated in the adversary's methods, inspired by his spirit and fitted for his work, who steal heaven's appearance because educated in knowledge of good and evil and who gain power to deceive by mingling precious truth with vile error, so that those come out of darkness into light must not recommend pagan and infidel writings as valuable or essential for education.CE 99.1 Professed followers who borrow heaven's livery to gain place inside the church in order to seduce to impurity by breathing impure suggestions and drawing minds into defiling channels are the adversary in human form and must be promptly resisted, fled from, and given no place even for a moment, because even a covert impure suggestion stains the soul.CH 671.3–672.1 A difference must be made between the pure work of God and miserable mimicry, for the counterfeit power brought to bear on the carnal mind produces fanaticism as works of the flesh and comes infinitely short of the work of high heaven which cannot be imitated, though eyes may be blinded so the difference is not discerned until its terrible fruit ripens into bitterness in contrast as wide as perdition with its terror and blackness of despair against the matchless glories of the kingdom, the road to life and the road to death lying in opposite directions and not side by side.LS 96.1–3 Neither must fanaticism mixed with God's work be affirmed as all from heaven, making God the author of confusion, nor must the whole movement be denounced as human or satanic because fanaticism appears in some, attributing to satanic power the work of God which evil tried to mar.LS 96.1–3 Appearance does not reveal true character, so servants of God must recognize the disguise and remain firmly faithful, and those separating from brethren striving for heaven, including ministers, physicians, men in office and professed unconverted teachers turned to commercialism and strong in defects of character, who are directed by fallen teachers into temptation and false paths with light that brings spiritual death while themselves deceived and leading others astray until almost hopeless, need awakening, self-examination, humility and meekness, patience and tenderness, and reconversion line upon line under sanctification to walk step by step in the Lord's way prepared for the kingdom.Ms 69, 1903, par. 32–34+2 The many enemies who claim righteousness without Christ's righteousness and disguise themselves as angels of light while being ministers of sin should stir every soul to faithful stewardship, unfolding truth to those in error, holding forth the words of life, calling every soul with intelligent knowledge into active service, guarding the outposts, inculcating truth instead of echoing error, and sounding the third angel's message of the commandments of God and the testimony of Jesus.Lt 64a, 1895, par. 17–20