The Close of Probation

When Adam and Eve sinned, they did not immediately die. That’s because God decided to offer mankind a second chance, a period of probation during which each member of the human race could make their decision for or against God’s kingdom.

The wedding parable in Matthew 25 indicates that salvation is offered for a limited time only. In the parable, those who were prepared for the bridegroom “went in with him to the marriage: and the door was shut.” After the door was shut, no one else who sought entrance was allowed in. They were too late.

Jesus compared His coming to the days of Noah. For 120 years people had opportunity to respond to Noah’s invitation. But once the door was shut, no one else could enter.

Jesus is now inviting all who will respond, to allow Him to cleanse them from sin. He is now pleading the merits of His own sacrifice on behalf of all who will choose it. But when His ministry in the heavenly sanctuary is finished and everyone on earth has either cooperated with or rejected His atoning work, He will then leave the sanctuary. His work of intercession ceases. Those who have made an entire consecration of their lives to Him are at that time sealed from the power of Satan. They will sin no more. But those who spurn God’s grace while Jesus still pleads, will find no mediator when probation ends. They chose to retain their sins, and their decision cannot be reversed.

Revelation 15:5-8 describes the scene after Jesus leaves the temple. The sanctuary is empty; its activities have ended. The wrath of God is now poured out upon the unrepentant. The plagues that then fall on the world are described in Revelation 16.

But those who have made the Lord their refuge will have His protection during that time of trouble. See Isaiah 4:4-6; 26:20; and 33:16. The beautiful ninety-first Psalm also describes the protection to be enjoyed by the righteous during that time. Take time to read and memorize those passages, so they will be in your heart to strengthen and encourage you in the days ahead.