October 22, 2017, marks 173 years since Christ entered upon the second and final phase of His ministry in the most holy place—the investigative judgment. Are you familiar with the significance of this event?
It means we are ever nearing the end of probation when your case and mine will have been decided. Are we ready?
"We are now living in the great day of atonement. In the typical service, while the high priest was making the 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."—The Great Controversy, pp. 489-490.
"The subject of the sanctuary and the investigative judgment should be clearly understood by the people of God. All need a knowledge for themselves of the position and work of their great High Priest. Otherwise, it will be impossible for them to exercise the faith which is essential at this time, or to occupy the position which God designs them to fill. Every individual has a soul to save or to lose. Each has a case pending at the bar of God."—The Great Controversy, p. 488.
Brethren, it has been 173 years since the Great Disappointment suffered by the pioneers of the Adventist faith. Let us study diligently daily so that we may be spared even greater disappointment in the near future. Do not allow for excuses or procrastination. The time is now. Begin your studies with earnest prayer and faith in the Lord's promise to guide and reveal His truths (Isaiah 30:21; Jeremiah 29:13; Matthew 7:7). Ask your Bible worker or pastor for help, meet with others who are also seeking, and/or use some of the resources linked below.
"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.
Start studying now:
Christ in His Sanctuary - book
The Sanctuary - beliefs
The Sanctuary - study
Heaven's High Court - study
170 Years - Letter From the President