Chapter 18—The Seven Last Plagues and the
Righteous (The Great Time of Trouble, Part 2)
The Great Time of Trouble Begins After Probation’s Close
When Christ shall cease His work as mediator in man’s behalf,
then this time of trouble will begin. Then the case of every soul will
have been decided, and there will be no atoning blood to cleanse
from sin. When Jesus leaves His position as man’s intercessor before
God the solemn announcement is made, “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” (
Revelation 22:11
). Then the restraining Spirit of God is
withdrawn from the earth.—
Patriarchs and Prophets, 201
(1890).
God’s People Are Prepared for the Trying Hour Before Them
When the third angel’s message closes, mercy no longer pleads
for the guilty inhabitants of the earth. The people of God have accom-
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plished their work. They have received “the latter rain,” “the refreshing
from the presence of the Lord,” and they are prepared for the trying
hour before them.
Angels are hastening to and fro in heaven. An angel returning
from the earth announces that his work is done; the final test has been
brought upon the world, and all who have proved themselves loyal to
the divine precepts have received “the seal of the living God.” Then
Jesus ceases His intercession in the sanctuary above.... Christ has
made the atonement for His people, and blotted out their sins. The
number of His subjects is made up; “the kingdom and dominion, and
the greatness of the kingdom under the whole heaven,” is about to be
given to the heirs of salvation, and Jesus is to reign as King of kings,
and Lord of lords.—
The Great Controversy, 613, 614
(1911).
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