CLOSER THAN YOU THINK
When you see all these things, know that it is near--at the door!--Matthew 24:33
The end of all things is at hand; the Lord is at the door. What influence has it had to solemnize our minds and arouse in us an earnestness to separate from us everything that is offensive to God?...He is nearer now than when we first believed. The day of the Lord is right at hand, and it is not safe for us to delay His coming.
Do you think that any of us, when He comes, will be brought before the great judge and will feel that we have devoted too much time to preparation? Will such thoughts come into our minds? Shall we think that we have been altogether too sympathetic, that we have devoted too much time in winning souls back to Christ and binding up the brokenhearted? No indeed, our thoughts will be these, as we look back to those who stand before the Judge: "Why didn't I help them at such a time when I ought to?" or "Oh, I am glad I did deny myself and help them to stand on the solid rock." These are the very thoughts that will come up to us in the judgment when everyone is judged according to the deeds done in the body.
And as many are weighed in the balance, they will be found wanting. Then they will proclaim their sins upon the housetop. They will not be afraid to have everybody know their sins, if they only make restitution for them and save one soul. (Manuscript 4, May 14, 1889)
REFLECTION: Most Christians understand that this world will end. God's Word tells us it is much sooner than we think. The question on every Christian's heart should be,
"Have I really surrendered all? Have I taken up the cross of Christ? Am I really ready?" There is a time soon to come when no more can be done. "The harvest is past, the summer is ended, and we are not saved!" (Jeremiah 8:20)
When you see all these things, know that it is near--at the door!--Matthew 24:33
The end of all things is at hand; the Lord is at the door. What influence has it had to solemnize our minds and arouse in us an earnestness to separate from us everything that is offensive to God?...He is nearer now than when we first believed. The day of the Lord is right at hand, and it is not safe for us to delay His coming.
Do you think that any of us, when He comes, will be brought before the great judge and will feel that we have devoted too much time to preparation? Will such thoughts come into our minds? Shall we think that we have been altogether too sympathetic, that we have devoted too much time in winning souls back to Christ and binding up the brokenhearted? No indeed, our thoughts will be these, as we look back to those who stand before the Judge: "Why didn't I help them at such a time when I ought to?" or "Oh, I am glad I did deny myself and help them to stand on the solid rock." These are the very thoughts that will come up to us in the judgment when everyone is judged according to the deeds done in the body.
And as many are weighed in the balance, they will be found wanting. Then they will proclaim their sins upon the housetop. They will not be afraid to have everybody know their sins, if they only make restitution for them and save one soul. (Manuscript 4, May 14, 1889)
REFLECTION: Most Christians understand that this world will end. God's Word tells us it is much sooner than we think. The question on every Christian's heart should be,
"Have I really surrendered all? Have I taken up the cross of Christ? Am I really ready?" There is a time soon to come when no more can be done. "The harvest is past, the summer is ended, and we are not saved!" (Jeremiah 8:20)
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