Review and Herald – November 19th
1908
The third
angel's message is to lighten the earth with its glory; but only those who have
withstood temptation in the strength of the Mighty One will be permitted to act
a part in proclaiming it when it shall have swelled into the loud cry.
As the intercession of Joshua was accepted,
the command was given to those that stood by, "Take away the filthy
garments from him." And unto Joshua the Angel said, "Behold, I have
caused thine iniquity to pass from thee, and I will clothe thee with change of
raiment. . . . So they set a fair miter upon his head, and clothed him with
garments." Even so will all those who come to Jesus in penitence and faith
receive the robe of Christ's righteousness.
As we approach the perils of the last days,
the temptations of the enemy become stronger and more determined. Satan has
come down in great power, knowing that his time is short; and he is working
"with all deceivableness of unrighteousness in them that perish." The
warning comes to us through God's Word that, if it were possible, he would
deceive the very elect. Wonderful events are soon to open before the world. The
end of all things is at hand. The time of trouble is about to come upon the
people of God. Then it is that the decree will go forth forbidding those who
keep the Sabbath of the Lord to buy or sell, and threatening them with
punishment, and even death, if they do not observe the first day of the week as
the Sabbath.
"And at that time shall Michael stand
up, the great prince which standeth
for the children of thy people: and there shall be a time of trouble, such as
never was since there was a nation even to that same time: and at that time thy
people shall be delivered, every one that shall be found written in the
book." By this we see the importance of having our names written in the
book of life. All whose names are registered there will be delivered from
Satan's power, and Christ will command that their filthy garments be removed,
and that they be clothed with his righteousness. "And they shall be mine, saith the Lord of hosts, in that day when I make up my
jewels; and I will spare them, as a man spareth his
own son that serveth him."