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The Spirit Finally Withdrawn, May 31
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
.
When the third angel’s message closes, mercy no longer pleads for the
guilty inhabitants of the earth. The people of God have accomplished their
work. They have received “the latter rain,” “the refreshing from the presence
of the Lord” (
Acts 3:19
), 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” (
Revelation 7:2
).
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 up; “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.
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 impenitent. God’s longsuffering 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Spirit of God, persistently resisted, has been at last withdrawn.—
The Great
Controversy, 613, 614
.
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