The Great Controversy The Great Controversy | Page 491

atonement for Israel, all were required to afflict their souls by repentance
of sin and humiliation before the Lord, lest they be cut off from among
the people. In like manner, all who would have their names retained in
the book of life should now, in the few remaining days of their probation,
afflict their souls before God by sorrow for sin and true repentance.
There must be deep, faithful searching of heart. The light, frivolous
spirit indulged by so many professed Christians must be put away. There
is earnest warfare before all who would subdue the evil tendencies that
strive for the mastery. The work of preparation is an individual work. We
are not saved in groups. The purity and devotion of one will not offset
the want of these qualities in another. Though all nations are to pass in
judgment before God, yet He will examine the case of each individual
with as close and searching scrutiny as if there were not another being
upon the earth. Everyone must be tested and found without spot or
wrinkle or any such thing.
Solemn are the scenes connected with the closing work of the
atonement. Momentous are the interests involved therein. The judgment
is now passing in the sanctuary above. For many years this work has
been in progress. Soon—none know how soon—it will pass to the cases
of the living. In the awful presence of God our lives are to come up in
review. At this time above all others it behooves every soul to heed the
Saviour’s admonition: “Watch and pray: for ye know not when the time
is.” Mark 13:33. “If therefore thou shalt not watch, I will come on thee
as a thief, and thou shalt not know what hour I will come upon thee.”
Revelation 3:3.
When the work of the investigative judgment closes, the destiny of
all will have been decided for life or death. Probation is ended a short
time before the appearing of the Lord in the clouds of heaven. Christ in
the Revelation, looking forward to that time, declares: “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

490