Preparing for the Judgment
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Already a few drops of God’s wrath have fallen upon the earth; but
when the seven last plagues shall be poured out without mixture into
the cup of His indignation, then it will be forever too late to repent,
and find shelter. No atoning blood will then wash away the stains of
sin.
“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, everyone that
shall be found written in the book.”
Daniel 12:1
. When this time of
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trouble comes, every case is decided; there is no longer probation, no
longer mercy for the impenitent. The seal of the living God is upon
His people.
This small remnant, unable to defend themselves in the deadly
conflict with the powers of earth that are marshaled by the dragon host,
make God their defense. The decree has been passed by the highest
earthly authority that they shall worship the beast and receive his
mark under pain of persecution and death. May God help His people
now, for what can they then do in such a fearful conflict without His
assistance!
Courage, fortitude, faith, and implicit trust in God’s power to save,
do not come in a moment. These heavenly graces are acquired by the
experience of years. By a life of holy endeavor and firm adherence to
the right, the children of God were sealing their destiny. Beset with
temptations without number, they knew they must resist firmly or be
conquered. They felt that they had a great work to do, and at any hour
they might be called to lay off their armor; and should they come to
the close of life with their work undone, it would be an eternal loss.
They eagerly accepted the light from Heaven, as did the first disciples
from the lips of Jesus. When those early Christians were exiled to
mountains and deserts, when left in dungeons to die with hunger, cold,
and torture, when martyrdom seemed the only way out of their distress,
they rejoiced that they were counted worthy to suffer for Christ, who
was crucified for them. Their worthy example will be a comfort and
encouragement to the people of God who will be brought into the time
of trouble such as never was.
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Not all who profess to keep the Sabbath will be sealed. There
are many even among those who teach the truth to others who will