The Victory

The Destiny of All Decided

Probation closes a short time before the Lord appears in the clouds of heaven. Looking forward to that time, Christ declares: “‘He who is unjust, let him be unjust still; he who is filthy, let him be filthy still; he who is righteous, let him be righteous still; he who is holy, let him be holy still.’ ‘And behold, I am coming quickly, and My reward is with Me, to give to every one according to his work’” (Revelation 22:11, 12). 5TC 286.2

People will be planting and building, eating and drinking, all unaware that God has pronounced the final decision in the sanctuary above. Before the Flood, after Noah entered the ark, God shut him in and shut the ungodly out; but for seven days the people continued their pleasure-loving life and mocked the warnings of judgment. The Savior says, “So also will the coming of the Son of Man be.” Silently, as unnoticed as the midnight thief, the hour will come that marks the settling of everyone's destiny. “Watch therefore, ... lest, coming suddenly, he find you sleeping” (Matthew 24:39; Mark 13:35, 36). 5TC 286.3

Those who grow weary of watching and turn to the attractions of the world are in a dangerous condition. While the businessman is absorbed in pursuing profit, while the pleasure-lover is seeking indulgence, while the daughter of fashion is arranging her adornments—it may be in that hour the Judge of all the earth will pronounce the sentence, “You have been weighed in the balances, and found wanting” (Daniel 5:27). 5TC 286.4