The Final Event of Earth's Probation

The final event of earth's probation is the decisive moment when Jesus Christ completes His work as Mediator in the heavenly sanctuary, an act symbolized by Him throwing down His censer and pronouncing the irrevocable decree: "He that is unjust, let him be unjust still" Revelation 22:11EVRR237+1. This solemn hour marks the permanent fixing of every person's destiny and the total withdrawal of mercy's offer to the worldGCB April 7, 1901, page 107.6.

The Closing Scenes of Probation

As the investigative judgment concludes, several significant developments characterize the final moments of probationary time:

• The Investigative Judgment: The work of the heavenly sanctuary closes with the examination of the cases of the living saints, following the judgment of the righteous deadMBC90 11.2+1.

• The Sealing: Before probation ends, the living righteous receive the seal of God—specifically the seal of redemption and the seal of the law—settling them in the truth and preparing them for the coming trialsEVRR230+1.

• The Loud Cry: The final message of warning, known as the "loud cry" of Revelation 18 is proclaimed with great power until the very moment probation closes Revelation 18:1-2RCASDA 89.2+1.

• Satanic Delusions: Near the close of probation, Satan works with increased power through spiritualism and lying wonders to keep people in a state of deception until it is too late2SM 50.4+1.

The Irrevocable Decision

When the work of intercession is finished, the following occurs in the heavenly sanctuary:

• The Final Decree: Jesus raises His hands and declares, "It is done," signaling that the number of the saints is completed Revelation 16:17EVRR237.

• Withdrawal of the Spirit: The Holy Spirit is withdrawn from the world, leaving the wicked under the full control of satanic agenciesEVRR370+1.

• The End of Mediation: Christ leaves the mercy seat and puts on "garments of vengeance," as there is no longer a need for a mediator once every case is decided for eternityEVRR237+1.

The Condition of the World

The transition from probationary time to the time of trouble will be largely unnoticed by the massesGCB April 7, 1901, page 107.6.

• Business as Usual: People will be planting, building, eating, drinking, and marrying, wholly unconscious that their final doom has been fixed Matthew 24:37-39GCB April 7, 1901, page 107.6+1.

• The Unready Multitudes: Just as in the days of Noah when the door of the ark was shut, many will continue their careless, pleasure-loving lives until the seven last plagues begin to fall Matthew 24:38-39LDE 232.4+1.

• A Brief Interval: A short space of time intervenes between the close of probation and the second advent, during which the saints must live without a mediatorGCDB February 20, 1899, page 39.17.

May we all be diligent in our preparation so that we are not found sleeping when that decisive hour arrives Mark 13:35-37GCB April 7, 1901, page 107.6.