Investigative Judgment
403
the depositary of his holy Word; what have we done with the light and
truth given us to make men wise unto salvation? No value is attached
to a mere profession of faith in Christ; only the love which is shown
by works is counted genuine. Yet it is love alone which in the sight of
Heaven makes any act of value. Whatever is done from love, however
small it may appear in the estimation of men, is accepted and rewarded
of God.
The hidden selfishness of men stands revealed in the books of
Heaven. There is the record of unfulfilled duties to their fellow-men,
of forgetfulness of the Saviour’s claims. There they will see how often
were given to Satan the time, thought, and strength that belonged to
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Christ. Sad is the record which angels bear to Heaven. Intelligent
beings, professed followers of Christ, are absorbed in the acquirement
of worldly possessions, or the enjoyment of earthly pleasures. Money,
time, and strength are sacrificed for display and self-indulgence; but
few are the moments devoted to prayer, to the searching of the Scrip-
tures, to humiliation of soul and confession of sin.
Satan invents unnumbered schemes to occupy our minds that they
may not dwell upon the very work with which we ought to be best
acquainted. The arch-deceiver hates the great truths that bring to view
an atoning sacrifice and an all-powerful Mediator. He knows that with
him everything depends on his diverting minds from Jesus and his
truth.
Those who would share the benefits of the Saviour’s mediation
should permit nothing to interfere with their duty to perfect holiness
in the fear of God. The precious hours, instead of being given to
pleasure, to display, or to gain-seeking, should be devoted to an earnest,
prayerful study of the Word of truth. The subject of the sanctuary and
the investigative Judgment should be clearly understood by the people
of God. All need a knowledge for themselves of the position and work
of their great High Priest. Otherwise, it will be impossible for them
to exercise the faith which is essential at this time, or to occupy the
position which God designs them to fill. Every individual has a soul to
save or to lose. Each has a case pending at the bar of God. Each must
meet the great Judge face to face. How important, then, that every
mind contemplate often the solemn scene when the Judgment shall sit
and the books shall be opened, when, with Daniel, every individual
must stand in his lot, at the end of the days.