Prepare For His Return

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, everyone that shall be found written in the book. Daniel 12:1.

Have you ever stopped to think what this world will be like when the Lord stops interceding for us? What condition it will be in?

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 long-suffering 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 The wicked have passed the boundary of their probation; the Spirit of God, persistently resisted, has been at last withdrawn. Unsheltered by divine grace, they have no protection from the wicked one. Satan will then plunge the inhabitants of the earth into one great, final trouble. As the angels of God cease to hold in check the fierce winds of human passion, all the elements of strife will be let loose. The whole world will be involved in ruin more terrible than that which came upon Jerusalem of old. *

In the series entitled "The Last Night", we saw what happened in Jerusalem when God withdrew His protection, allowing its complete destruction. But when probation closes the world will be in a much worse state. There will be no one to intercede for humans.

Although it will be a time of trial for His people, the Lord will not abandon us. First, He tell us when these events will take place. Second, He give us enough warning to get ready. But most importantly He gives us the opportunity, today, to accept and prepare for this moment.

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," 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." 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.*

There are many who do not want this time to come perhaps because they are fearful. The Lord however has delayed His promise not wanting any of us to perish but instead come to repentance. We should not ask for this event not to come, it is necessary so that Christ may return in the clouds of heaven. Our concern must only be, am I prepared and I'm preparing others to meet the King of kings and Lord of lords?

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," is about to be given to the heirs of salvation, and Jesus is to reign as King of kings and Lord of lords. *

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

* The Great Controversy, "39. The Time Of Trouble ", Ellen G. White