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Those Written in the Book of Life, November 29
There shall be a time of trouble, such as never was since there was a nation
even to that same time: and at that time thy people shall be delivered, every
one that shall be found written in the book.
Daniel 12:1
.
As we approach the perils of the last days, the temptations of the enemy become
stronger and more determined. Satan has come down in great power, knowing that
his time is short; and he is working “with all deceivableness of unrighteousness in
them that perish.” The warning comes to us through God’s Word, that, if it were
possible, he would deceive the very elect.
Wonderful events are soon to open before the world. The end of all things is
at hand. The time of trouble is about to come upon the people of God. Then it is
that the decree will go forth forbidding those who keep the Sabbath of the Lord to
buy or sell, and threatening them with punishment, and even death, if they do not
observe the first day of the week as the Sabbath.
“And at that time shall Michael stand up, the great prince which standeth for
the children of thy people: and there shall be a time of trouble, such as never was
since there was a nation even to that same time: and at that time thy people shall
be delivered, every one that shall be found written in the book.” By this we see the
importance of having our names written in the book of life. All whose names are
registered there will be delivered from Satan’s power, and Christ will command that
their filthy garments be removed, and that they be clothed with His righteousness.
“And they shall be mine, saith the Lord of hosts, in that day when I make up my
jewels; and I will spare them, as a man spareth his own son that serveth him.”
In the time of trouble, Satan stirs up the wicked, and they encircle the people of
God to destroy them. But he does not know that “pardon” has been written opposite
their names in the books of heaven. He does not know that the command has been
given, “Take away the filthy garments” from them, clothe them with “change of
raiment,” and set “a fair mitre” upon their heads.
The promise made to Joshua is made to all the remnant people of God: “if thou
wilt walk in my ways [not in your own ways], and if thou wilt keep my charge, then
thou shalt also judge my house, and shalt also keep my courts, and I will give thee
places to walk among these that stand by.” Who are these that stand by? They are
the angels of God. Could our eyes be opened, as were those of the servant of Elisha
at Dothan, we should see evil angels all around us, urging their presence upon us,
and watching for an opportunity to tempt and overthrow us; we should also see holy
angels guarding us, and with their light and power pressing back the evil angels
(
Historical Sketches, 155, 156
).
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