The Great Controversy The Great Controversy | Page 483

Every man’s work passes in review before God and is registered
for faithfulness or unfaithfulness. Opposite each name in the books
of heaven is entered with terrible exactness every wrong word, every
selfish act, every unfulfilled duty, and every secret sin, with every
artful dissembling. Heaven-sent warnings or reproofs neglected, wasted
moments, unimproved opportunities, the influence exerted for good or
for evil, with its far-reaching results, all are chronicled by the recording
angel.
The law of God is the standard by which the characters and the lives
of men will be tested in the judgment. Says the wise man: “Fear God,
and keep His commandments: for this is the whole duty of man. For
God shall bring every work into judgment.” Ecclesiastes 12:13, 14. The
apostle James admonishes his brethren: “So speak ye, and so do, as they
that shall be judged by the law of liberty.” James 2:12
Those who in the judgment are “accounted worthy” will have a
part in the resurrection of the just. Jesus said: “They which shall be
accounted worthy to obtain that world, and the resurrection from the
dead, ... are equal unto the angels; and are the children of God, being
the children of the resurrection.” Luke 20:35, 36. And again He declares
that “they that have done good” shall come forth “unto the resurrection
of life.” John 5:29. The righteous dead will not be raised until after
the judgment at which they are accounted worthy of “the resurrection of
life.” Hence they will not be present in person at the tribunal when their
records are examined and their cases decided.
Jesus will appear as their advocate, to plead in their behalf before
God. “If any man sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ
the righteous.” 1 John 2:1. “For Christ is not entered into the holy places
made with hands, which are the figures of the true; but into heaven itself,
now to appear in the presence of God for us.” “Wherefore He is able also
to save them to the uttermost that come unto God by Him, seeing He ever
liveth to make intercession for them.” Hebrews 9:24; 7:25.

482