p. 3 | Of What Sort It Is

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Washington, D. C. · Apr 20, 1905

“Of What Sort It Is”

As we draw nearer to the close of this hour of God’s judgment, we may expect to see the true character of every professed believer in the truth made manifest to us and to the world. That which is hidden will be revealed. There will be combinations of circumstances which will test the genuineness of each one’s experience. Those whose profession of religion is a mere cloak for evil practises; those who have refused to heed warning and instruction; those who have more confidence in themselves than in God or his Word; those who have gradually become entangled in Satan’s snares by refusing to break away from unhallowed influences and unholy alliances,—all these will, in the court of God’s providence, be placed on trial, and they will seal their own destiny either by a genuine conversion to God or by a complete surrender to the rule of Satan. Even now we may see indications that we have entered upon the time of test, and we may experience some sad surprises as we find what we had supposed to be good wheat to be only chaff. When we consider the meaning of these things, we ought not to lose heart, even though there are betrayals of trust and departures from the faith. We have looked forward to this shaking time, and as we see evidences that we have entered upon it, we may count it as one more token that the end is near. “To stand in defence of truth and righteousness when the majority forsake us, to fight the battles of the Lord when champions are few,—this will be our test. At this time we must gather warmth from the coldness of others, courage from their cowardice, and loyalty from their treason.” “He that endureth to the end, the same shall be saved.” What may sometimes seem to us like confusion and failure in God’s work is simply the process of purification, a necessary preparation for the outpouring of the Holy Spirit and the closing work of great power. This is the time when every man’s work will be revealed, “of what sort it is.” Character is being tested, and choices are being made for eternity.