p. 104 | The Books Were Opened by L. A. C.

Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · Mar 12, 1872

“The Books Were Opened.”

By L. A. C.

Could we now gaze on the Judgment scene, how intense would be our feelings. All our listlessness and apathy gone. No indifferent spectators there, for the opened books reveal a faithful history of all lives. Nothing omitted, nothing forgotten. This very day the recording angel notes our every word and act. All our opportunities, all our duties, done or undone, all our influence, with its consequences, are plainly written there. Well may we tremble at our accountability, and shudder lest the blood of souls be found upon us. What horror to think that we may not only destroy ourselves, but also drag our dearest friends to perdition. Sinners may stumble over our unholy lives or perish through our neglect.

We cannot undo the past, but the blood of Christ is able to cleanse us from all sin, and to blot out the terrible evidence of our guilt. Now space is given us for repentance, and the Redeemer calls, “Look unto me all ye ends of the earth and be ye saved.” And besides him there is no Saviour. Sin has ruined us, and, if we neglect so great salvation, there is no escape. Soon our probation will be over, soon the “great white throne” appear, and the books be opened before the Judge of all; and whosesoever name is not found written in the book of life shall be cast into the lake of fire. “He which testifieth these things saith, Behold I come quickly; and my reward is with me, to give every man according as his work shall be.”

Obedience to God is the test of our fitness for eternal life, and the evidence of our love to the Saviour. When we are tempted to sin, may we think of these things, keep back the dreadful deed, and crush each wrong desire, ever remembering the opened books, and the Judgment of the great day. L. A. C.