Who are the Eleventh-Hour Workers?

The term "eleventh hour" laborers specifically refers to those who come into the truth and the work of God at the very end of time, often from the ranks of the world and other churches, rather than to those who have long held positions within the established ranks of the cause16MR 238.2+1. While all who work in the final generation are laboring as the darkness of the night hastens on, there is a clear distinction made between those who have borne the burden and heat of the day and those called at the last moment Matthew 20:12GCDB March 1, 1899, page 113.1.

The Identity of Eleventh-Hour Laborers

• New Converts from the World: Many souls will come out of the world and various religious organizations—including the Catholic Church—during the final crisis to take their stand for the truth16MR 238.2+1.

• Those with Limited Previous Opportunity: These laborers are often individuals who previously walked in error because they knew no better way, but who respond with zeal when they finally receive the lightRH December 21, 1897, par. 8.

• Rapid Conversions: At this late hour, conversions will occur with a rapidity that will surprise the established church, as the Spirit of God moves upon those who have not previously rejected His voiceLDE 212.1+1.

• Filling Broken Ranks: As some who have long been standard-bearers fail to stand the last test and pass over to the enemy's ranks, these eleventh-hour workers will come in to fill the vacancies and take their crownsPC 336.3+1.

Comparison with Long-Time Believers

The distinction between these groups is central to the lessons of the Master's vineyard Matthew 20:1-16.

• Spirit and Motivation: Those called at the eleventh hour are characterized by deep gratitude and a humble, trusting spirit, feeling themselves unworthy of the reward they receiveCOL 397.3+1.

• The Reward of Faithfulness: Though they labor for a very short time—represented as one hour—they receive the same "penny" or reward as those who labored all day because God values the spirit and faithfulness of the work over the mere amount of labor performed Matthew 20:93SM 390.3+1.

• Warning to Long-Time Workers: There is a danger that those who have had great light and long-standing privileges may become self-important, lose their first love, or even turn away from the requirements of GodGCB January 1, 1900, par. 4+1.

• The First and the Last: In the final shaking, many who were "first" in position and opportunity will be "last," while the new converts who have been true to principle will come to the front Matthew 20:161888 710.3+1.

The Call to Earnest Labor

Regardless of when one was called, the present time is a solemn period that demands total consecrationTM 147.1.

• The Approaching Night: We are living in the eleventh hour of this earth's history, and every soul should be working intelligently for the salvation of others while the day lastsGCDB March 1, 1899, page 113.1+1.

• A Unified Army: When the final crisis and season of calamity come, these eleventh-hour laborers will gird themselves with the whole armor of God and stand firm as a rock through the last test Ephesians 6:1216MR 238.2+1.

• The Work of the Church: Long-time members have a special duty to provide nursing, help, and encouragement to these new converts so that their "first love" does not diePaM 205.2+1.

The Lord delights to honor the humble, penitent soul who, like the thief on the cross, recognizes their need and casts themselves upon His mercy at the last momentCOL 397.3+2. Even now, in this late period, the invitation remains: "Go ye also into the vineyard" Matthew 20:7GCB April 25, 1901, Art. A, par. 10.