The Close Of Probation

The loud cry is the last chance given to mankind to hear the third angel's message and accept God's invitation. The Lord will allow a time of peace, so that the message can reach all corners of the earth. But it will be temporary, remember that when the world says

... “Peace and safety!” then sudden destruction comes upon them...*1

the inspired pen tells us that perhaps probation closes first for Adventists. We may not fully understand this concept but let's consider a few points.

If anyone worships the beast and his image, and receives his mark on his forehead or on his hand, he himself shall also drink of the wine of the wrath of God, which is poured out full strength into the cup of His indignation. He shall be tormented with fire and brimstone in the presence of the holy angels and in the presence of the Lamb. And the smoke of their torment ascends forever and ever; and they have no rest day or night, who worship the beast and his image, and whoever receives the mark of his name.” * 2

Note that this message speaks of the consequences of worshiping the beast and his image. However, while its emphasis is on the consequences its foundation remains salvation by grace. God’s last warning is given because of His desire that we all be saved. We should already be preaching this message because God's people need to be sealed now.

But when the third angel’s message reaches its full force it is not just specifically directed to God's people but to all those who had not until then had the opportunity to hear this message. I am not saying that those Adventists (or God’s people for that matter) who ignored the message now have lost their chance or won’t be saved. But when the Holy Spirit is ignored, he redirects his attention toward those who hear God’s call and those who have not yet had the opportunity.

Recall that in the parable of the 10 virgins all of them were waiting for the bridegroom and all had oil at some point, but the foolish ones did not make the necessary provisions.* 3

Furthermore, the time in which God will shake his people has begun and when it reaches its climax those Adventists who are not fully converted will be thrown out. That is why we now need to cry out for the Holy Spirit and receive the seal of God.

I pray that we do not become part of the group that ignores His call, for if we do there will be nothing that anyone can do for us. We will be eternally lost! Dear reader, knowing what will happen it is time for you to make the necessary preparations to meet the bridegroom. What more can the Lord do for you? How else can you heed the call and accept his mercy?

The Servant of the Lord says;

But I speak not my own words when I say that God's Spirit will pass by those who have had their day of test and opportunity, but who have not distinguished the voice of God or appreciated the movings of His Spirit. Then thousands in the eleventh hour will see and acknowledge the truth…Behold, the days come, saith the Lord, that the plowman shall overtake the reaper, and the treader of grapes him that soweth seed" (Amos 9:13)…These conversions to truth will be made with a rapidity that will surprise the church, and God's name alone will be glorified. *4

We may be followed with testimony after testimony of reproof; but if we do not overcome the disposition in us to do evil, if we do not respond to the light, we shall be in a state of condemnation before God. If, on the other hand, we live up to all the light that shines upon us, that light will continue to increase, and we shall have a clean record in heaven. The third angel's message is to lighten the earth with its glory; but only those who have withstood temptation in the strength of the Mighty One will be permitted to act a part in proclaiming it when it shall have swelled into the loud cry. *5

There are many even among those who teach the truth to others who will not receive the seal of God in their foreheads. They had the light of truth, they knew their Master's will, they understood every point of our faith, but they had not corresponding works. These who were so familiar with prophecy and the treasures of divine wisdom should have acted their faith. They should have commanded their households after them, that by a well-ordered family they might present to the world the influence of the truth upon the human heart. *6

Let opposition arise, let bigotry and intolerance again bear sway, let persecution be kindled, and the halfhearted and hypocritical will waver and yield the faith; but the true Christian will stand firm as a rock, his faith stronger, his hope brighter, than in days of prosperity .*7

The worst of all is that they will not only leave the church but will become our worst enemies.

As the storm approaches, a large class who have professed faith in the third angel's message, but have not been sanctified through obedience to the truth, abandon their position and join the ranks of the opposition. By uniting with the world and partaking of its spirit, they have come to view matters in nearly the same light; and when the test is brought, they are prepared to choose the easy, popular side. Men of talent and pleasing address, who once rejoiced in the truth, employ their powers to deceive and mislead souls. They become the most bitter enemies of their former brethren. When Sabbathkeepers are brought before the courts to answer for their faith, these apostates are the most efficient agents of Satan to misrepresent and accuse them, and by false reports and insinuations to stir up the rulers against them. *8

The Trial
The apostle Peter tells us that the trial begins at the house of God.

For the time has come for judgment to begin at the house of God; and if it begins with us first, what will be the end of those who do not obey the gospel of God? Now “If the righteous one is scarcely saved, where will the ungodly and the sinner appear?”* 9

Accordingly, we find that if the trial starts with us, it will first finish with us. That is, our cases are first determined so that we may receive the seal of God and then the trial focuses on those who heard the warning of the third angel and ignored it (on the wicked). When probations closes it will be because the loud cry is complete and the four angels are told to release the winds. By then the Lord tells us:

He who is unjust, let him be unjust still; he who is filthy, let him be filthy still; he who is righteous, let him be righteous still; he who is holy, let him be holy still.” *10

JESUS IS COMING, AMEN, YES, COME LORD JESUS!

1 * 1 Thessalonians 5:3
2 * Revelation 14:9-11
3 * Matthew 25
4 * Selected Messages vol. 2, pg.16, Ellen White
5 * Historical Sketches, “Practical Addresses”, pg. 155, Ellen White
6 * Testimonies for the Church, vol. 5, “24. The Seal Of God”, pp. 213-214, Ellen White
7 * The Great Controversy, "The Scriptures a Safeguard", Ellen White
8 * The Great Controversy, "The Final Warning", Ellen White
9 * 1 Peter 4:17, 18
10* Revelation 22:11