Final Events Leading up to the Close of Probation
(Presented by Pr. Ron Henderson)

Topic 4:

Seal of God/Close of probation and Mark of the beast.

Seal of God/Close of probation and Mark of the beast.

  1. There are those who pick out from the Word of God, and also from the Testimonies, detached paragraphs or sentences that may be interpreted to suit their ideas, and they dwell upon these, and build themselves up in their own positions when God is not leading them. Here is your danger. 1SM 179 (1890). {LDE 51.1}

The Lord has not given you a message to call the Seventh-day Adventists Babylon, and to call the people of God to come out of her. All the reasons you may present cannot have weight with me on this subject, because the Lord has given me decided light that is opposed to such a message. . . .LDE 51

There is no need to doubt, to be fearful that the work will not succeed. God is at the head of the work, and He will set everything in order. If matters need adjusting at the head of the work God will attend to that, and work to right every wrong. Let us have faith that God is going to carry the noble ship which bears the people of God safely into port.–2SM 390 (1892). {LDE 52.1}

Has God no living church? He has a church, but it is the church militant, not the church triumphant. We are sorry that there are defective members, that there are tares amid the wheat. . . .

Although there are evils existing in the church, and will be until the end of the world, the church in these last days is to be the light of the world that is polluted and demoralized by sin. The church, enfeebled and defective, needing to be reproved, warned, and counseled, is the only object upon earth upon which Christ bestows His supreme regard. TM 45, 49 (1893)

  1. Maranatha (1976) chap. 203 – The Seal of God and the Mark of the beast.

The living righteous will *receive the seal of God prior to the close of probation. It is revealed in the observance of the…Sabbath…The mark of the beast…is the …observance of the first day of the week.

When the decree enforcing the false sabbath goes forth, and the loud cry of the third angel shall warn men against worshipping the beast and his image those who continue to transgress the fourth commandment will then receive the mark of the beast.

  1. Maranatha 204: (3*)Before the work is closed up and the seal of God’s people is finished, we shall receive the outpouring of the Spirit of God.
  2. There is nothing in this that we do not still hold. Reference to our published works will show our belief that the (*4)living righteous will receive the seal of God prior to the close of probation; also that these will enjoy special honors in the kingdom of God. {1SM 66.2}
  3. The Sabbath question is to be the issue in the great final conflict in which all the world will act a part. Men have honored Satan’s principles above the principles that rule in the heavens. They have accepted the spurious sabbath, which Satan has exalted as the sign of his authority. But God has set His seal upon His royal requirement. CCh; chap:61 The Coming Crisis.
  4. Now is the time to prepare. The seal of God will never be placed upon the forehead of an impure man or woman. CCh; Chap. 61: The Coming Crisis.
  5. If the light of truth has been presented to you, revealing the Sabbath of the fourth commandment, and showing that there is no foundation in the Word of God for Sunday observance, and yet you still cling to the false sabbath, refusing to keep holy the Sabbath which God calls “My holy day,” you receive the mark of the beast.

When does this take place? When you obey the decree that commands you to cease from labor on Sunday and worship God, while you know that there is not a word in the Bible showing Sunday to be other than a common working day, you consent to receive the mark of the beast and refuse the seal of God.–Review and Herald, July 13, 1897. {Ev 235.2}

  1. There can be only two classes. Each party is distinctly stamped, either with the seal of the living God or with the mark of the beast or his image.–RH Jan. 30, 1900.
  2. Just as soon as the people of God are sealed in their foreheads–it is not any seal or mark that can be seen, but a settling into the truth, both intellectually and spiritually, so they cannot be moved–just as soon as God’s people are sealed and prepared for the shaking, it will come. Indeed, it has begun already.–4BC 1161 (1902).

The message of the third angel is the last to the little flock, to prepare them for the time of trouble. When this message is finished, the four winds will be loosed. {ADRE September 1850, p. 10.10}

The four winds are being held in check until the servants of God are sealed in their foreheads. seven angels are waiting to pour out the seven vials of the wrath of God. {ARSH May 23, 1854, p. 141.12}

the four winds are about to be loosed; and nothing but God’s token, mark or seal, will cause the destroyer to pass over us. See Exodus 12:18; Ezekiel 9; Revelation 7:1-4. Already has the angel ascended from the east, having the seal of the living God. The sealing message-that of the third angel-is being proclaimed. The time has come for the fulfilment of the prophetic message of Isaiah 8:16. “Bind up the testimony, seal the law among my disciples.”

The beast, the changer of times and laws, has broken God’s testimony, and it must be bound up; he has torn the seal (the Sabbath) from the law, and it must be restored; and while the angel with the seal of the living God passes through, the servants of God are sealed in their foreheads, while at the same time the seal is restored to the law among those servants or disciples. {ARSH July 28, 1859, p. 79.30}

  1. Those who would have the seal of God in their foreheads must keep the Sabbath of the fourth commandment.–7BC 970 (1899). {LDE 220.2}
  2. True observance of the Sabbath is the sign of loyalty to God.–7BC 981 (1899). {LDE 220.3}
  3. The fourth commandment alone of all the ten contains the seal of the great Lawgiver, the Creator of the heavens and the earth.–6T 350 (1900).
  4. Love is expressed in obedience, and perfect love casteth out all fear. Those who love God, have the seal of God in their foreheads, and work the works of God.–SD 51 (1894).
  5. The sign, or seal, of God is revealed in the observance of the seventh-day Sabbath, the Lord’s memorial of creation. . . . The mark of the beast is the opposite of this–the observance of the first day of the week. {Mar 211.3}

Sundaykeeping is not yet the mark of the beast, and will not be until the decree goes forth causing men to worship this idol sabbath. The time will come when this day will be the test, but that time has not come yet.

  1. When you obey the decree that commands you to cease from labor on Sunday and worship God, while you know that there is not a word in the Bible showing Sunday to be other than a common working day, you consent to receive the mark of the beast, and refuse the seal of God. Mar. (1971), chap. 203.
  2. Before the work is closed up and the sealing of God’s people is finished, we shall receive the outpouring of the Spirit of God. Mar. chap. 204.
  3. While one class, by accepting the sign of submission to earthly powers, receive the mark of the beast, the other, choosing the token of allegiance to divine authority, receive the seal of God. {Mar 215.4}
  4. When Jesus leaves the sanctuary, then they who are holy and righteous will be holy and righteous still; for all their sins will then be blotted out,** and they will be sealed with the seal of the living God. Mar. chap. 234. Read chapters 232-234 for more insight. ** When will sins be blotted Out? Folks, think of the Sanctuary service in the OT. GC 88 (Final Warning): “In the last days, saith God, I will pour out of my Spirit upon all flesh.” “And it shall come to pass, that whosoever shall call on the name of the Lord shall be saved.” [Acts 2:17, 21.] The great work of the gospel is not to close with less manifestation of the power of God than marked its opening. The prophecies which were fulfilled in the outpouring of the former rain at the opening of the gospel, are again to be fulfilled in the latter rain at its close. Here are “the times of refreshing” to which the apostle Peter looked forward when he said, “Repent ye therefore, and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out [in the investigative Judgment], when the times of refreshing shall come from the presence of the Lord; and he shall send Jesus.” [Acts 3:19, 20.] 
  5. the final test has been brought upon the world, and all who have proved themselves loyal to the divine precepts have received “the seal of the living God.” OFC. p333.

Reference to our published works will show our belief that the living righteous will receive the seal of God prior to the Close of probation; 1SM chapt. 5. An Explanation of Early Statements.

  1. The Lord would teach man the lesson that, though united in church capacity, he is not saved until the seal of God is placed upon him. . . .7BC ‘Revelation.’
  2. In the issue of the great contest two parties are developed, those who “worship the beast and his image,” and receive his mark, and those who receive “the seal of the living God,” who have the “Father’s name written in their foreheads.” This is not a visible mark (ST Nov. 1, 1899). 7BC ‘Revelation.’
  3. The sanctification of the Spirit signalizes the difference between those who have the seal of God and those who keep a spurious rest day. 7BC, Revelation.
  4. The law of God, which is perfect holiness, is the only true standard of character. Love is expressed in obedience, and perfect love casteth out all fear. Those who love God, have the seal of God in their foreheads, and work the works of God. Would that all who profess Christianity knew what it means to love God practically. Sons and Daughters of God (1955); Chap. 2.
  5. We are brought out of the darkness of the world into God’s marvellous light. If we receive the image of God, if our souls are cleansed from every moral defilement, the seal of God will be placed upon our foreheads, and we shall be prepared for the closing scenes of this earth’s history. But we have no time to lose. The more we study the life of Christ with a heart to learn, the more Christlike we become. {SD 342.4}

The sealing time is very short, and will soon be over. Now is the time, while the four angels are holding the four winds, to make our calling and election sure.

26.When the third message closes, mercy no longer pleads for the guilty inhabitants of the earth. The people of God have accomplished their work; they have received the latter rain, or the refreshing from the presence of the Lord, and they are prepared for the trying hour before them. Angels are hurrying to and fro in Heaven.

An angel returning from the earth announces that his work is done, that the seal of God [SEE APPENDIX, NOTE 9.] has been placed upon his people. Then Jesus ceases his intercession in the sanctuary above.

4SP Chap. 34-The Time of Trouble.

So should the followers of Christ, as they approach the time of trouble, make every exertion to place themselves in a proper light before the people, to disarm prejudice, and to avert the danger which threatens liberty of conscience. {4SP 432.3}

  1. And he called to the man clothed with linen, which had the writer’s inkhorn by his side; and the Lord said unto him, Go through the midst of the city, through the midst of Jerusalem, and set a mark upon the foreheads of the men that sigh and that cry for all the abominations that be done in the midst thereof.

And to the others he said in mine hearing, Go ye after him through the city, and smite: let not your eye spare, neither have ye pity: slay utterly old and young, both maids, and little children, and women: but come not near any man upon whom is the mark; and begin at My sanctuary. Then they began at the ancient men which were before the house.” {5T 207.3}

Jesus is about to leave the mercy seat of the heavenly sanctuary to put on garments of vengeance and pour out His wrath in judgments upon those who have not responded to the light God has given them.

5T 208. Chap. 24: The Seal of God.

  1. Chap. 24: The Seal of God.

“And at that time shall Michael stand up, the great prince which standeth for the children of thy people: and there shall be a time of trouble, such as never was since there was a nation even to that same time: and at that time thy people shall be delivered, everyone that shall be found written in the book.”

When this time of trouble comes, every case is decided; there is no longer probation, no longer mercy for the impenitent. The seal of the living God is upon His people. This small remnant, unable to defend themselves in the deadly conflict with the powers of earth that are marshalled by the dragon host, make God their defense. 5T. 213. Chap. 24: The Seal of God.

  1. Those who are distrustful of self, who are humbling themselves before God and purifying their souls by obeying the truth these are receiving the heavenly mold and preparing for the seal of God in their foreheads. When the decree goes forth and the stamp is impressed, their character will remain pure and spotless for eternity. {5T 216.1}

Now is the time to prepare. The seal of God will never be placed upon the forehead of an impure man or woman. 5T chap. 24.

  1. The sign, or seal, of God is revealed in the observance of the seventh-day Sabbath, the Lord’s memorial of creation…The mark of the beast is the opposite of this–the observance of the first day of the week. This mark distinguishes those who acknowledge the supremacy of the papal authority from those who acknowledge the authority of God. 8T Section Two-Counsels Often Repeated. P. 118.
  2. The class who do not feel grieved over their own spiritual declension, nor mourn over the sins of others, will be left without the seal of God.
  3. I saw that those who of late have embraced the truth would have to know what it is to suffer for Christ’s sake, that they would have trials to pass through that would be keen and cutting, in order that they may be purified and fitted through suffering to receive the seal of the living God, pass through the time of trouble, see the King in His beauty, and dwell in the presence of God and of pure, holy angels.
  4. But multitudes have no more understanding of these important truths than if they had never been revealed. Satan watches to catch away every impression that would make them wise unto salvation, and the time of trouble will find them unready. {DD 36.4}

This distinctive banner . . . [Revelation 14:12 quoted] is to be borne through the world to the close of probation. {FLB 307.6}

This is not a time to haul down our colors, to be ashamed of our faith. {FLB 307.7}

Every man is to stand in his lot and place, thinking, speaking, and acting in harmony with the Spirit of God. FLB 308.

  1. God has not revealed to us the time when this message will close or when probation will have an end. Those things that are revealed we shall accept for ourselves and for our children, but let us not seek to know that which has been kept secret in the councils of the Almighty. . . . {LDE 227.1}
  2. Letters have come to me asking me if I have any special light as to the time when probation will close, and I answer that I have only this message to bear, that it is now time to work while the day lasts, for the night cometh in which no man can work.–1SM 191 (1894).

An angel returning from the earth announces that his work is done; the final test has been brought upon the world, and all who have proved themselves loyal to the divine precepts have received “the seal of the living God.” Then Jesus ceases His intercession in the sanctuary above. He lifts His hands, and with a loud voice says, “It is done.”–GC 613 (1911).

  1. When Jesus ceases to plead for man, the cases of all are forever decided. . . . Probation closes; Christ’s intercessions cease in heaven. This time finally comes suddenly upon all, and those who have neglected to purify their souls by obeying the truth are found sleeping.–2T 191 (1868). {LDE 229.4}

When probation ends, it will come suddenly, unexpectedly–at a time when we are least expecting it. But we can have a clean record in heaven today, and know that God accepts us.–7BC 989 (1906). {LDE 230.1}

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. . . .

  1. But as he looked with intense interest he beheld the company of God’s commandment-keeping people. They had upon their foreheads the seal of the living God, and he said: “Here is the patience of the saints: here are they that keep the commandments of God, and the faith of Jesus.” {FLB 307.5}
  2. You will take passages in the Testimonies that speak of the close of probation, of the shaking among God’s people, and you will talk of a coming out from this people of a purer, holier people that will arise. Now all this pleases the enemy. Last Day Events 4:52. (1SM 179).
  3. God has not revealed to us the time when this message will close or when probation will have an end. Those things that are revealed we shall accept for ourselves and for our children, but let us not seek to know that which has been kept secret in the councils of the Almighty. . . . {LDE 227.1}
  4. The Lord has shown me clearly that the image of the beast will be formed before probation closes, for it is to be the great test for the people of God, by which their eternal destiny will be decided.–2SM 81 (1890)LDE 288
  5. Probation Closes When the Sealing is Finished.

Just before we entered it [the time of trouble], we all received the seal of the living God. Then I saw the four angels cease to hold the four winds. And I saw famine, pestilence and sword, nation rose against nation, and the whole world was in confusion.–7BC 968 (1846). LDE 229

  1. In response to letters of enquiry asking if she had received special light as to the date for probation to close, “I answer that I have only this message to bear, that it is now time to work while the day lasts, for the night cometh in which no man can

work . . . . But there is no command for anyone to search the Scripture in order to ascertain, if possible, when probation will close. God has no such message for any mortal lips. He would have no mortal tongue declare that which He has hidden in His secret councils.” (1SM 191-92)

The crisis is stealing gradually upon us. The sun shines in the heavens, passing over its usual round, and the heavens still declare the glory of God.

Men are still eating and drinking, planting and building, marrying and giving in marriage. Merchants are still buying and selling. . . . Pleasure lovers are still crowding to theaters, horse races, gambling hells. The highest excitement prevails, yet probation’s hour is fast closing, and every case is about to be eternally decided. Satan sees that his time is short.

He has set all his agents to work, that men may be deceived, deluded, occupied, and entranced, until the day of probation shall be ended and the door of mercy be forever shut. The time is right upon us when there will be sorrow that no human balm can heal.

Sentinel angels are now restraining the four winds, that they shall not blow till the servants of God are sealed in their foreheads; but when God shall bid His angels loose the winds, there will be a scene of strife such as no pen can picture. . . . {HP 342.4}

 

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