In Early Writings, Ellen White recounts a striking vision that serves as a solemn warning to the world. She describes a train moving with lightning speed, carrying what appears to be the entire world. The conductor, a stately figure revered by the passengers, is revealed to be Satan, who has taken the world captive with strong delusions. This vivid portrayal highlights the deception that is leading people on a rapid journey to destruction. Let us explore the symbolic elements of this vision and their biblical foundation.
Binding in Bundles Ready to Burn
The angel in the vision declares that the passengers on the train are being "bound in bundles ready to burn." In a deception Leading Rapidly to Destruction. This imagery directly connects to Jesus’ parable of the wheat and the tares in Matthew 13:24-30. In the parable, Jesus explains that at the end of the age, the wicked (tares) will be gathered and burned, while the righteous (wheat) will be brought into His barn:
"Let both grow together until the harvest: and in the time of harvest I will say to the reapers, Gather ye together first the tares, and bind them in bundles to burn them: but gather the wheat into my barn" (Matthew 13:30, KJV).
This parallels the train’s passengers being prepared for judgment, symbolising how Satan’s deceptions ultimately lead the unrepentant to destruction.
Satan as an "Angel of Light"
The conductor, described as a stately, fair person, is Satan in disguise. This reflects Paul’s warning in 2 Corinthians 11:14-15:
"And no marvel; for Satan himself is transformed into an angel of light. Therefore it is no great thing if his ministers also be transformed as the ministers of righteousness; whose end shall be according to their works."
Satan’s deceptive nature is evident throughout Scripture. He does not present himself as evil but masquerades as a figure of goodness and truth, leading people to trust him and his agents. This aligns with the vision’s depiction of Satan’s role as the train’s conductor, steering humanity toward destruction under the guise of light and authority.
"Given Over to Strong Delusions" A Deception Leading Rapidly to Destruction
The vision also mentions that the passengers are under "strong delusions, to believe a lie." This reflects the prophecy in 2 Thessalonians 2:10-12:
"And with all deceivableness of unrighteousness in them that perish; because they received not the love of the truth, that they might be saved. And for this cause God shall send them strong delusion, that they should believe a lie: That they all might be damned who believed not the truth, but had pleasure in unrighteousness."
These verses underscore the spiritual peril of rejecting God’s truth. When people turn away from the Word of God, they become susceptible to Satan’s lies, which can seem so convincing that they are accepted as truth. The train’s unstoppable speed mirrors the rapid journey toward destruction caused by these delusions in the last days.
The Urgency of Truth
The vision’s portrayal of the train moving "with the speed of lightning" is a powerful metaphor for the urgency of the situation. In Matthew 24:24, Jesus warns:
"For there shall arise false Christs, and false prophets, and shall shew great signs and wonders; insomuch that, if it were possible, they shall deceive the very elect."
The rapidity of the train emphasises the inevitable and perilous journey toward destruction for those entrapped by deception. This highlights the need for vigilance and a firm grounding in Scripture. Only by knowing and living God’s truth can we discern and resist the lies of the enemy.
Our Response
Time is short, and the enemy is working tirelessly to lead as many as possible to destruction. However, we are not left without hope. God has given us His Word as a safeguard against deception. Psalm 119:105 declares:
"Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path."
By studying the Scriptures diligently and relying on the Holy Spirit for discernment, we can remain on the path of truth and avoid the destruction symbolised by the train.
Conclusion
Ellen White’s vision of the train is a sobering reminder of the spiritual battle we face. The world is speeding toward judgment, and Satan, as the conductor of deception, is working relentlessly to lead people astray. But we have the assurance of God’s Word, which equips us to stand firm against the enemy’s lies. Let us commit to loving the truth, following Christ, and sharing the gospel so that others may also escape the snares of deception and find eternal life in Him.
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