Human Probation Closes

[devotional at egwlists.whiteestate.org]

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Ellen G. White Estate, Devotional for September 12
Visit us at http://www.whiteestate.org
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Human Probation Closes

He that is unjust, let him be unjust still: and he which is filthy, let
him be filthy still: and he that is righteous, let him be righteous
still: and he that is holy, let him be holy still. Rev. 22:11. 


When the work of the investigative judgment closes, the destiny of all
will have been decided for life or death. Probation is ended a short
time before the appearing of the Lord in the clouds of heaven. 

Scoffers pointed to the things of nature--to the unvarying succession of
the seasons, to the blue skies that had never poured out rain, to the
green fields refreshed by the soft dews of night--and they cried out:
"Doth he not speak parables?" In contempt they declared the preacher of
righteousness to be a wild enthusiast; and they went on, more eager in
their pursuit of pleasure, more intent upon their evil ways, than
before. But their unbelief did not hinder the predicted event. God bore
long with their wickedness, giving them ample opportunity for
repentance; but at the appointed time His judgments were visited upon
the rejecters of His mercy. 

Christ declares that there will exist similar unbelief concerning His
second coming. As the people of Noah's day "knew not until the flood
came, and took them all away; so," in the words of our Savior, "shall
also the coming of the Son of man be." Matthew 24:39. When the professed
people of God are uniting with the world, living as they live, and
joining with them in forbidden pleasures; when the luxury of the world
becomes the luxury of the church; when the marriage bells are chiming,
and all are looking forward to many years of worldly prosperity--then,
suddenly as the lightning flashes from the heavens, will come the end of
their bright visions and delusive hopes. 

The events connected with the close of probation and the work of
preparation for the time of trouble, are clearly presented. But
multitudes have no more understanding of these important truths than if
they had never been revealed. Satan watches to catch away every
impression that would make them wise unto salvation, and the time of
trouble will find them unready.

>From Maranatha - Page 263