Prepare to Meet Thy God by E. H. M. Sell

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Takoma Park Station, Washington, D. C. · May 25, 1916

“Prepare to Meet Thy God”

By E. H. M. Sell

E. H. M. SELL, M. D.

ONLY a few years ago those in attendance at The Hague Peace Congress declared in almost the identical words of the prophet Isaiah, “Nation shall not lift up sword against nation, neither shall they learn war any more.” But scarcely was the ink dry on this proclamation, when the fulfilment of God’s word through the prophet Joel began, and the greatest, most terrible war of history began. Even though nation after nation has become involved in the struggle, the peace advocates still sanguinely predict that the close of this war will usher in the millennium. They urge this in the face of the prophecy of a world war leading up to the battle of Armageddon and the second coming of Christ.

At the present moment, however, by the national Congress, from the lecture platform, and even from the pulpits of the Christian church, we are exhorted to preparedness against invasion by a foreign foe. How much more this means to Seventh-day Adventists than to the world at large! We are called to enlist under the banner of the King of kings; invited to serve in the army of Prince Immanuel in the struggle now going on against the archenemy of mankind. From this service there is no discharge so long as time shall last. Eternity alone will bring release. This service is constant, for our enemy neither slumbers nor sleeps. Coming in the garb of an angel of light, he will if possible deceive “the very elect.”

We have reached a time of crisis not only in the political world, but in the religious world as well. People generally have lost faith in the Bible as the inspired word of God; they do not read it, and so are not prepared to meet the temptations of the enemy. Religious shepherds are lulling their flocks to sleep with the refrain, “The Lord delayeth his coming.” Seventh-day Adventists have a special work to do in the world today. We must preach “preparedness” for the second coming of the Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ.

Our message to the world is, “Prepare to meet thy God.” All who would enter the kingdom of peace, and partake of the marriage supper of the Lamb, must be ready and waiting, for “at such an hour as ye think not,” “the Bridegroom cometh.” Then only will war cease, for sin and sinners will have been destroyed; then only will the millennium be ushered in, and “nation shall not lift up sword against nation, neither shall they learn war any more.” May we all be prepared for a place in that coming kingdom.

New York City.