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From Here to Forever
accepted and accounted worthy of a share in God’s kingdom and a
seat upon His throne. This work of examination of character is the
investigative judgment, the closing work in the sanctuary above.
When the cases of those who in all ages have professed Christ
have been examined and decided, then probation will close and the
door of mercy will be shut. Thus in one short sentence, “They that
were ready went in with him to the marriage: and the door was shut,”
we are carried down to the time when the great work for man’s
salvation shall be completed.
In the earthly sanctuary, when the high priest on the Day of
Atonement entered the most holy place, the ministration in the first
apartment ceased. So when Christ entered the holy of holies to
perform the closing work of the atonement, He ceased His ministry
in the first apartment. Then the ministry in the second apartment
began. Christ had completed only one part of His work as our
intercessor, to enter upon another portion of the work. He still
pleaded His blood before the Father in behalf of sinners.
While it is true that that door of hope and mercy by which men
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had for 1800 years found access to God was closed, another door
was opened. Forgiveness of sins was offered through the intercession
of Christ in the most holy. There was still an “open door” to the
heavenly sanctuary, where Christ was ministering in the sinner’s
behalf.
Now was seen the application of those words of Christ in the
Revelation, addressed to this very time: “These things saith he
that is holy, he that is true, he that hath the key of David, he that
openeth, and no man shutteth; and shutteth, and no man openeth; ...
behold, I have set before thee an open door, and no man can shut it.”
Revelation 3:7, 8
.
Those who by faith follow Jesus in the great work of the atone-
ment receive the benefits of His mediation, while those who reject
the light are not benefited thereby. The Jews who refused to believe
on Christ as Saviour could not receive pardon through Him. When
Jesus at His ascension entered the heavenly sanctuary to shed upon
His disciples the blessings of His mediation, the Jews were left in
total darkness to continue their useless sacrifices and offerings. The
door by which men had formerly found access to God was no longer