The European Union in Prophecy The EU in Prophecy I | Page 340

The European Union in Prophecy
Priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points
tempted like as we are, yet without sin. 16 Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of
grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need (Hebrews 4:14-16)
Says the prophet: "Who may abide the day of His coming? and who shall stand
when He appeareth? for He is like a refiner's fire, and like fullers' soap: and He shall
sit as a refiner and purifier of silver: and He shall purify the sons of Levi, and purge
them as gold and silver, that they may offer unto the Lord an offering in
righteousness." Malachi 3:2, 3. Those who are living upon the earth when the
intercession of Christ shall cease in the sanctuary above are to stand in the sight of a
holy God without a mediator. Their robes must be spotless, their characters must be
purified from sin by the blood of sprinkling. Through the grace of God and their own
diligent effort they must be conquerors in the battle with evil. While the investigative
judgment is going forward in heaven, while the sins of penitent believers are being
removed from the sanctuary, there is to be a special work of purification, of putting
away of sin, among God's people upon earth. This work is more clearly presented in
the messages of Revelation 14.
When this work shall have been accomplished, the followers of Christ will be
ready for His appearing. "Then shall the offering of Judah and Jerusalem be pleasant
unto the Lord, as in the days of old, and as in former years." Malachi 3:4. Then the
church which our Lord at His coming is to receive to Himself will be a "glorious church,
not having spot, or wrinkle, or any such thing." Ephesians 5:27. Then she will look
"forth as the morning, fair as the moon, clear as the sun, and terrible as an army with
banners." Song of Solomon 6:10.
Besides the coming of the Lord to His temple, Malachi also foretells His second
advent, His coming for the execution of the judgment, in these words: "And I will come
near to you to judgment; and I will be a swift witness against the sorcerers, and
against the adulterers, and against false swearers, and against those that oppress the
hireling in his wages, the widow, and the fatherless, and that turn aside the stranger
from his right, and fear not Me, saith the Lord of hosts." Malachi 3:5. Jude refers to
the same scene when he says, "Behold, the Lord cometh with ten thousands of His
saints, to execute judgment upon all, and to convince all that are ungodly among them
of all their ungodly deeds." Jude 14, 15. This coming, and the coming of the Lord to
His temple, are distinct and separate events. The coming of Christ as our high priest
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