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That Last Night, February 16
Genesis 19:12-29
And turning the cities of Sodom and Gomorrha into ashes condemned
them with an overthrow, making them an ensample unto those that after
should live ungodly.
2 Peter 2:6
.
The flames that consumed the cities of the plain shed their warning light
down even to our time. We are taught the fearful and solemn lesson that while
God’s mercy bears long with the transgressor, there is a limit beyond which men
may not go on in sin. When that limit is reached, then the offers of mercy are
withdrawn, and the ministration of judgment begins.
The Redeemer of the world declares that there are greater sins than that
for which Sodom and Gomorrah were destroyed. Those who hear the gospel
invitation calling sinners to repentance, and heed it not, are more guilty before
God than were the dwellers in the vale of Siddim. And still greater sin is theirs
who profess to know God and to keep His commandments, yet who deny Christ
in their character and their daily life. In the light of the Saviour’s warning, the
fate of Sodom is a solemn admonition ... to all who are trifling with Heaven-sent
light and privileges
The judgments of God are soon to be poured out upon the earth. “Escape for
thy life” is the warning from the angels of God. Other voices are heard saying:
“Do not become excited; there is no cause for special alarm.” Those who are at
ease in Zion cry “Peace and safety,” while heaven declares that swift destruction
is about to come upon the transgressor. The young, the frivolous, the pleasure
loving, consider these warnings as idle tales and turn from them with a jest.
Parents are inclined to think their children about right in the matter, and all sleep
on at ease. Thus it was at the destruction of the old world and when Sodom and
Gomorrah were consumed by fire. On the night prior to their destruction the
cities of the plain rioted in pleasure. Lot was derided for his fears and warnings.
But it was these scoffers that perished in the flames. That very night the door of
mercy was forever closed to the wicked, careless inhabitants of Sodom
The same voice that warned Lot to leave Sodom bids us, “Come out from
among them, and be ye separate, ...and touch not the unclean” (
2 Corinthi-
ans 6:17
). Those who obey this warning will find a refuge
[54]
34
Ibid., 162-165
.
35
Testimonies for the Church 5:233, 234
.
36
Selected Messages 2:354
.
53