Human Probation Closes

He who is unrighteous (unjust, wicked), let him be unrighteous still; and he who is filthy (vile, impure), let him be filthy still; and he who is righteous (just, upright, in right standing with God), let him do right still; and he who is holy, let him be holy still.

Revelation 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 appearance 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: "Does 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, "And they did not know or understand until the flood came and swept them all away--so will be the coming of the Son of Man." 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.

Source: Maranatha: Compiled from the Writings of Ellen White, Review and Herald Publishing Association (1976) Washington, D.C., USA 20012   Bookstore Online: http://www.AdventistBookCenter.com/

Maranatha The Lord Is Coming, page 263, by Ellen White, Review and Herald Publishing Association, Washington, DC, USA 20012  The Amplified Bible Source: BibleGateway.com