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Human Probation Closes, September 12
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
.
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 Saviour, “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.
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