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The Great Controversy
and the books shall be opened, when, with Daniel, every individual
must stand in his lot, at the end of the days.
All who have received the light upon these subjects are to bear
testimony of the great truths which God has committed to them. The
sanctuary in heaven is the very center of Christ’s work in behalf of
men. It concerns every soul living upon the earth. It opens to view the
plan of redemption, bringing us down to the very close of time and
revealing the triumphant issue of the contest between righteousness
and sin. It is of the utmost importance that all should thoroughly
investigate these subjects and be able to give an answer to everyone
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that asketh them a reason of the hope that is in them.
The intercession of Christ in man’s behalf in the sanctuary above
is as essential to the plan of salvation as was His death upon the cross.
By His death He began that work which after His resurrection He
ascended to complete in heaven. We must by faith enter within the
veil, “whither the forerunner is for us entered.”
Hebrews 6:20
. There
the light from the cross of Calvary is reflected. There we may gain a
clearer insight into the mysteries of redemption. The salvation of man
is accomplished at an infinite expense to heaven; the sacrifice made
is equal to the broadest demands of the broken law of God. Jesus has
opened the way to the Father’s throne, and through His mediation the
sincere desire of all who come to Him in faith may be presented before
God.
“He that covereth his sins shall not prosper: but whoso confesseth
and forsaketh them shall have mercy.”
Proverbs 28:13
. If those who
hide and excuse their faults could see how Satan exults over them, how
he taunts Christ and holy angels with their course, they would make
haste to confess their sins and to put them away. Through defects in
the character, Satan works to gain control of the whole mind, and he
knows that if these defects are cherished, he will succeed. Therefore
he is constantly seeking to deceive the followers of Christ with his
fatal sophistry that it is impossible for them to overcome. But Jesus
pleads in their behalf His wounded hands, His bruised body; and He
declares to all who would follow Him: “My grace is sufficient for
thee.”
2 Corinthians 12:9
. “Take My yoke upon you, and learn of Me;
for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls.
For My yoke is easy, and My burden is light.”
Matthew 11:29, 30
. Let