Activities of the 144,000 and the Close of Probation

The 144,000 are engaged in a deep work of spiritual preparation, proclaiming the Sabbath more fully, and enduring the initial stages of persecution during the commencement of the time of troubleLDE 143.1+1. While the winds of strife are held by four angels until they are sealed, this company seeks a full reflection of the image of Jesus to stand without an intercessorExV 58.2+2.

Proclaiming the Truth with Power

During the commencement of this period, the 144,000 are filled with the Holy Ghost to proclaim the Sabbath truth more extensivelyLDE 143.1. This message enrages the churches and nominal believers who cannot refute the truth, leading those who are honest-hearted to come out from the world and join the remnant in enduring persecutionLS 101.2. This work of mercy and benevolence is bound up with the gospel ministry and sealed with the seal of GodEv 516.4.

Spiritual Agony and Preparation

The 144,000 focus on the following vital spiritual activities:

• Washing Robes: They spend their time in earnest prayer, ensuring their garments of character are washed and made white in the blood of the LambRH December 11, 1888, par. 17.

• Sighing and Crying: They are distinguished as those who "sigh and cry" for the abominations committed in the land Ezekiel 9:45T 212.3+1.

• Purifying the Soul: They must be without spot, having no guile in their mouths and reflecting the character of Christ perfectly18MR 27.3+2.

• Afflicting the Soul: They afflict their souls before God, pleading for purity of heart so that their filthy garments may be replaced with Christ’s righteousness Leviticus 23:29-305T 475.2+1.

Enduring Early Persecution

As the decree for the mark of the beast is prepared, the 144,000 experience the initial pressure of the conflict5T 212.3+1.

• Economic Boycott: They are cut off from worldly resources, mocked for their small numbers, and told they must concede to the customs of the world or face death3SM 427.5.

• Fleeing Cities: Many are forced to flee from cities and towns, often seeking refuge in secluded places as they are pursued by the wickedLDE 150.1+1.

• Total Dependence: Having no earthly defense against the marshaled powers of the dragon, they make God their sole defense and trust in His promises3SM 427.5+1.

The Work of the Sealing Angel

While these trials intensify, the sealing angel moves among them to place the Father's name—the seal of the living God—on their foreheads Revelation 7:2-36MR 170.3+1. This seal is only placed upon those who have fully detached their minds from worldly things and have reached a state of perfection in Christ2TT 70.4+1. They must be prepared to live in the sight of a holy God without a High Priest in the sanctuary once probation closesExV 58.2+1.

No, the enforcement of a national Sunday law occurs prior to the close of probation, serving as the final test that leads up to the definitive end of human opportunityEVRR237+1. While the Sunday law is the catalyst for the final conflict, probation itself closes only when Jesus finishes His mediation in the sanctuary above and the sealing of God's servants is completedEVRR237+2.

The Relationship Between Sunday Laws and Probation

The timeline of end-time events shows a specific sequence where religious legislation precedes the final withdrawal of mercy:

• A Time for Preparation: The agitation for a national Sunday law is a signal that the close of probation is near, and it is a time when God's people must be awakened to their danger and the need for a fitness for the future lifeLDE 14.1+2.

• The Loud Cry: Before probation closes, the enforcement of Sunday laws and the reception of the latter rain empower the church to proclaim the final warning—the Loud Cry—with increasing power to the whole worldEVRR650+2.

• The Mark of the Beast: The exaltation of a sabbath bearing the signature of the "man of sin" creates the final test of character, separating the obedient from the disobedient before the final irrevocable decision is pronounced13MR 69.2+1.

• The Work of the Deceiver: Satan continues to perform miracle-working wonders and lying signs throughout this period right up until the close of probation to keep people in deception2SM 50.4+1.

The Finality of the Close of Probation

When probation truly closes, the following events occur as a result of the choices made during the Sunday law crisis:

• The Decree is Issued: Jesus throws down the censer in the heavenly sanctuary and makes the solemn declaration, "He that is unjust, let him be unjust still" Revelation 22:11EVRR237.

• Withdrawal of Mercy: The hour marking the final withdrawal of mercy's offer comes silently and unnoticed by the world, much like the closing of the door of Noah's arkGCB April 7, 1901, page 107.6.

• The Seven Last Plagues: It is only after probation has closed that the "fierce anger of the Lord"—the seven last plagues—is poured out upon those who rejected the truth Zephaniah 2:1-3EVRR650+1.

• End of Mediation: At this point, the saints are numbered and sealed, and they must stand in the sight of a holy God without a mediator Daniel 12:1EVRR237+1.

Spiritual Readiness

Because the exact time of the end of probation has not been revealed, the current duty is to watch and work while the day lastsLDE 227.1+1. Those who wait until the Sunday law is fully enforced to begin their preparation may find they have no understanding of the truths needed to stand in the time of troubleLDE 14.1+1. We must seek righteousness and humility now so that we may be hidden in the day of the Lord's anger Zephaniah 2:3EVRR145.