Chapter 39—The Time of Trouble
“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 the third angel’s message closes, mercy no longer pleads for
the guilty inhabitants of the earth. The people of God have accom-
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. He lifts
His hands and with a loud voice says, “It is done;” and all the angelic
host lay off their crowns as He makes the solemn announcement: “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
. Every case has
been decided for life or death. Christ has made the atonement for His
people and blotted out their sins. The number of His subjects is made
[614]
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.
When He leaves the sanctuary, darkness covers the inhabitants of
the earth. In that fearful time the righteous must live in the sight of a
holy God without an intercessor. The restraint which has been upon
the wicked is removed, and Satan has entire control of the finally im-
penitent. God’s long-suffering has ended. The world has rejected His
mercy, despised His love, and trampled upon His law. The wicked have
passed the boundary of their probation; the Spirit of God, persistently
resisted, has been at last withdrawn. Unsheltered by divine grace, they
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