Ellen G. White and Her Critics

Final Closing of Door of Mercy

The climax to this series of texts just given is the declaration in the last chapter of the Bible that marks the close of probation for all mankind, without exception. EGWC 209.1

“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 holy, let him be holy still. And, behold, I come quickly; and my reward is with me, to give every man according as his work shall be.” Revelation 22:11, 12. EGWC 209.2

It is the belief of Christians in general, and most certainly the belief of Seventh-day Adventists, that this declaration has not yet been uttered, and that when it is uttered the case of every human being will be settled for eternity. Furthermore, that until this edict does go forth, any sinner, unless he has sinned away his day of grace by some kind of willful rebellion such as is described in the foregoing texts, may secure forgiveness and salvation. EGWC 209.3

One cannot read the Scriptures, and particularly such passages as have been quoted, without exclaiming, as did Christ’s apostles: “Are there few that be saved?” We know how our Saviour answered them. Various Bible writers have borne the same testimony. They present a picture vastly different from what is commonly painted by the Christian ministry in modern times. By the opening of the nineteenth century ministers had rather generally come to believe the pleasing doctrine that the whole world is to be converted, and that thus a golden millennial era will be set up on earth. This doctrine goes squarely against the most explicit scriptures. EGWC 209.4