By now, most of us have heard — or even witnessed — the shocking tragedy surrounding Charlie Kirk’s death. Across the internet, debate has erupted about who Charlie Kirk really was. Some remember his most controversial statements, while others highlight his accomplishments and Christian faith. Unfortunately, Seventh-day Adventists are not immune to politics, which has forced many of our people to instinctively take sides along their preferred party lines. Left-leaning Adventists tend to emphasize Charlie Kirk’s most incendiary remarks. Right-leaning Adventists tend to focus on his most admirable or Christian statements. Whatever side of the "isle" we find ourselves on, we must remember that Scripture calls us to rise above partisan responses.

Since Charlie Kirk's assassination, people have asked me what I think about the political activist. Please understand that it doesn't matter what I think about Charlie Kirk. It doesn't matter what you think about Charlie Kirk. What matters is what God thinks about Charlie Kirk. Jesus said in John 15:12, “This is my commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you.”

Whether we admired Charlie Kirk or strongly disagreed with him, one truth remains: God loved Charlie Kirk. If God loved him, then we — as followers of Christ — are also called to love him. Love does not mean approving every statement or excusing wrong; it means treating others as Christ treated us while we were still sinners.

There are also reports that many online have ridiculed or cheered Kirk’s death. While I believe this is a sign that the love of many has waxed cold (Matt 24:12), as Christians, we must resist hatred toward them as well. Remember that Scripture challenges us to love not only those we disagree with but also those who disgustingly mocked or celebrated tragedy. Jesus demonstrated this radical love on the cross when He prayed, “Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do” (Luke 23:34). If we cannot love people who offend us now, how will we love those who may one day persecute us?

However, as Seventh-day Adventists and students of prophecy, the more urgent question is not who Charlie Kirk was — but what his death, and the national response to it, means for us spiritually and prophetically.

A Nation Searching for Enemies

While most people are responding to the assassination with "fleshly" eyes, Charlie Kirk’s assassination has political and cultural implications worth watching through the lens of prophecy.

Currently, whenever violence or tragedy occurs, America quickly asks: Which political group does the perpetrator belong to? Over recent decades, each administration has placed a particular group in the national crosshairs:

• After 9/11, Muslims faced suspicion and fear under George W. Bush.
• During Obama’s presidency, police brutality became a central national focus.
• Under Trump’s first term, movements like Black Lives Matter were spotlighted and criticized.
• Biden’s presidency emphasized the threat of white supremacy.
• Now, in Trump’s second term, the focus has shifted to illegal immigration and a broader “radical left.”

This shifting pattern reveals something bigger: in every political era, a new group emerges as “the problem.” History and prophecy both warn us that this cycle will set the stage for certain religious minorities — including Sabbath-keeping Christians — to be targeted. Notice how Ellen White paints this future picture:

Those who honor the Bible Sabbath will be denounced as enemies of law and order, as breaking down the moral restraints of society, causing anarchy and corruption, and calling down the judgments of God upon the earth. Their conscientious scruples will be pronounced obstinacy, stubbornness, and contempt of authority. They will be accused of disaffection toward the government.—The Great Controversy, p. 592.

There will come a time when, because of our advocacy of Bible truth, we shall be treated as traitors.—Testimonies for the Church, vol 6, p. 394.

Some may wonder how America will get to the point where it persecutes Christians. The answer is that this nation will one day become a Theocracy.

From Republic to Autocracy to Theocracy?

Students of history recognize the parallels between Rome and America. Rome began as a republic governed by representatives. But growing internal conflict, civil unrest, and the struggle for power eventually transformed it into an autocracy ruled by a single leader — and later into a religious theocracy, known as Papal Rome.

America will follow the same trajectory as both of our political parties have contributed to this shift. Recent censorship debates, increasing government surveillance, and efforts to control speech all hint at a slow erosion of religious liberty.

Seventh-day Adventist pioneer Ellen G. White warned:

"The law of God, through the agency of Satan, is to be made void. In our land of boasted freedom religious liberty will come to an end." — Evangelism, p. 236

Freedom of Conscience Is Being Tested

Each crisis — whether terrorism, crime, or political violence — often becomes an excuse to tighten control over speech and belief. Today, government leaders openly discuss expanding hate speech laws and restricting platforms deemed dangerous. While currently aimed at extremist rhetoric, I believe such laws will one day label biblical messages — including Adventist teachings about prophecy, the papacy, or the Sabbath — as “hate speech.”

Remember, the Great Controversy, along with other Adventist publications, clearly identifies America’s prophetic role in end-time events, and also exposes the Papacy as the voice behind that role. If speaking these truths becomes classified as dangerous or hateful, faithful Adventists may face social, financial, and legal penalties in the near future. We must always bear in mind that Revelation 13:16–17 warns of a time when those who refuse false worship won't be able to “buy or sell.”

However, before that moment arrives, the foundation must be built. Digital currency, government surveillance, and speech regulation are not the mark of the beast — but they may be part of the infrastructure that makes such control possible. Thus, we are already hearing reports that America is allegedly contemplating a transition from the American dollar to a Crypto-like currency.

Conclusion: Focus on Christ, Not the Crisis

The tragedy of Charlie Kirk’s death should move Adventists beyond political reaction toward spiritual reflection. Our calling is not to echo party talking points but to embody Christ’s love — even for those who oppose us. At the same time, we must stay awake to the prophetic moment: freedoms are eroding, speech is tightening, and the stage is slowly being set for the final conflict over worship and conscience.

Now is the time to draw close to Christ, study His Word, and prepare hearts for whatever lies ahead. Our mission is not to win culture wars but to proclaim the everlasting gospel — faithfully, lovingly, and fearlessly — while we still can.