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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, every one that
shall be found written in the book.”
Daniel 12:1
.
When the third angel’s message closes, the people of God have
accomplished their work. They have received “the latter rain” and
are prepared for the trying hour before them. The final test has
been brought upon the world, and all who have proved loyal to the
divine precepts have received “the seal of the living God.” Then
Jesus ceases His intercession in the sanctuary above and with a loud
voice says, “It is done.” “He that is unjust, let him be unjust still:
and he which is filthy, let him by 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
. Christ has made the atonement for His people
and blotted out their sins. “The kingdom and dominion, and the
greatness of the kingdom under the whole heaven” (
Daniel 7:27
) 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. The righteous must live in the sight of a holy God without
an intercessor. The restraint upon the wicked is removed, and Satan
has entire control of the impenitent. The Spirit of God has been at
last withdrawn. Satan will then plunge the inhabitants of the earth
into one great, final trouble. Angels of God cease to hold in check
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the fierce winds of human passion. The whole world will be involved
in ruin more terrible than that which came upon Jerusalem of old.
There are forces now ready, only waiting the divine permission, to
spread desolation everywhere.
Those who honor the law of God will be regarded as the cause
of the fearful strife and bloodshed that fill the earth with woe. The
power attending the last warning has enraged the wicked, and Satan
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