Is It Time to Leave the Cities?
The question "Is it time to leave the cities?" weighs heavily on the hearts of many believers today. As the world moves rapidly into moral decline, and as prophetic signs become more frequent and visible, God’s people are prompted to seek divine direction on this very matter.
A Clear Prophetic Signal
Ellen G. White offers a foundational guide for understanding the timing and purpose of country living:
"As the siege of Jerusalem by the Roman armies was the signal for flight to the Judean Christians, so the assumption of power on the part of our nation, in the decree enforcing the papal Sabbath, will be a warning to us. It will then be time to leave the large cities, preparatory to leaving the smaller ones for retired homes in secluded places among the mountains."—Testimonies for the Church, vol. 5, pp. 464–465
The national enforcement of Sunday observance in the United States—identified in prophecy as the earth beast of Revelation 13—will be a decisive signal. God's faithful will be prompted to leave first the large cities, and later the smaller towns, ultimately relocating to rural and secluded areas.
Is It Wise to Wait?
While some have pointed to the 1888 Blair Bill as the beginning of this warning, later prophetic instruction makes it clear that the call to leave the cities is a progressive one:
"More and more, as time advances, our people will have to leave the cities... families with children should plan to leave the cities as the way opens before them."—Review and Herald, Sept. 27, 1906
This emphasizes wise preparation rather than panic. It also affirms that many will leave before any formal Sunday law is passed. Other statements strengthen this point:
"The cities are to be worked from outposts... not by God’s people living in them, but by their visiting them."—Country Living, p. 30
"Get out of the cities as soon as possible and purchase a little piece of land..."—Selected Messages, vol. 2, p. 356
"Out of the cities is my message at this time."—Manuscript Release 1518, May 10, 1906
The cities are described as spiritually perilous, especially for children. Remaining without a divine reason is considered dangerous.
A Call to Thoughtful Action
This message is not a call to fear or frenzy but to thoughtful, Spirit-led action. God calls His people to be deliberate, praying for guidance, trusting in His providence, and moving forward as the way opens.
Country life promotes spiritual clarity, physical health, and a closer walk with God. The simplicity and quietness of rural living prepare hearts to hear the Spirit’s voice and cultivate families in the fear of the Lord.
Prophetic Warnings and Practical Dangers
There are not only spiritual reasons but practical ones:
- Cities are densely populated and structurally vulnerable.
- Many cities have limited exit routes and will be difficult to flee in times of emergency.
- Natural disasters, pandemics, and civil unrest expose the fragility of urban systems.
"The cities are increasing in wickedness... those who remain in them unnecessarily do so at the peril of their souls."—Country Living, p. 9
Cities to Be Visited by God's Judgments
Ellen White warns repeatedly of divine judgments to come:
"In a little while, these cities will be terribly shaken... Let God touch these buildings, and in a few minutes or a few hours they are in ruins..."
—Testimonies for the Church, vol. 7, pp. 82–83 (1902)
"Cities full of transgression... will be destroyed by earthquakes, by fire, by flood... Calamities will come—calamities most awful, most unexpected; and these destructions will follow one after another..."
—Evangelism, p. 27 (1906)
God’s judgments are not arbitrary. They are warnings, expressions of mercy designed to awaken the conscience before total destruction falls.
Conclusion: A Time for Personal Obedience
The question is no longer whether the time will come to leave the cities—it has already begun for many. The Lord is calling His people to relocate in stages, according to their means and His timing.
Not everyone can leave today. But everyone can pray, plan, and prepare. The goal is not isolation from the mission field, but positioning God’s people where they can minister effectively while protecting their spiritual and physical wellbeing.
Urban life is increasingly incompatible with godly living. The time is now to ask the Lord: “What would You have me do?” And when He opens the way, to walk in it without delay.
"Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it."—Proverbs 4:23