As Christians, we believe that Jesus will return soon to take His faithful followers to live with Him forever in heaven. This is an event we look forward to with great anticipation, but it also means that the close of probation is coming soon. The close of probation is a time when everyone’s fate is sealed and there will be no more opportunity for repentance or salvation. It is a sobering thought, but it should motivate us to take practical steps in our daily lives to prepare for that momentous event.
Here are some practical steps that we can take to prepare for the close of probation:
- Surrender to God daily: Surrendering to God means making Him the Lord of our lives and seeking to do His will in all things. We can surrender to God by spending time with Him daily in prayer, Bible study, and meditation. As we seek to know God more intimately, we will learn to trust Him and His plans for our lives.
- Develop a personal relationship with Jesus: Our relationship with Jesus is the foundation of our faith. We can develop a personal relationship with Him by studying His life and teachings, and by spending time in prayer and worship. We should also strive to imitate His character in our daily lives.
- Share the Gospel with others: Jesus has commissioned us to go and make disciples of all nations. We can share the Gospel with others by living out our faith in our daily lives and by being intentional about sharing the love of Christ with those around us. We can also support missionary work through our prayers and financial contributions.
- Cultivate a spirit of forgiveness: Forgiveness is a crucial aspect of our faith. We must learn to forgive others as Christ has forgiven us. This means letting go of grudges, bitterness, and resentment, and choosing to extend grace and mercy to those who have wronged us.
- Serve others: Jesus taught us that the greatest among us is the one who serves others. We can serve others by volunteering in our church, community, or other organizations that help those in need. By serving others, we reflect the love and compassion of Christ to those around us.
- Guard our hearts and minds: In a world that is filled with temptation and distraction, we must be intentional about guarding our hearts and minds. We can do this by staying focused on God’s Word, avoiding media that is harmful or ungodly, and seeking the support and accountability of fellow believers.
- Live a life of holiness: God has called us to be holy, as He is holy. We can live a life of holiness by seeking to avoid sin and by allowing the Holy Spirit to work in our lives to transform us into the image of Christ.
As we strive to take these practical steps to prepare for the end of times, we can be assured that God will be with us every step of the way. We can find comfort in the promises of Scripture, such as Psalm 23:4 which says, “Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me.“
Ellen G. White also provides insights and encouragement in regard to preparing for the end of times. In the book Christ’s Object Lessons, she writes, “We are to maintain a constant sense of the ennobling power of His grace. The love of Christ, cherished in the soul, sweetens the life and sheds a refining influence on all around. This love is our only safeguard against the chill of hatred and unbelief.“
In addition, Ellen G. White also highlights the importance of cultivating a character that is prepared for the end of times. She encouraged believers to live every day as if it were their last and to cultivate a character that is prepared for the close of probation.
According to White, a prepared character is one that is in harmony with God’s will and is fully surrendered to Him. This requires a daily commitment to prayer, Bible study, and obedience to God’s commands. White also emphasized the importance of developing the fruits of the Spirit, such as love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control (Galatians 5:22-23). These qualities are essential for a prepared character because they reflect the character of Christ and enable us to live in harmony with God and others.
Furthermore, White encouraged believers to develop a sense of urgency in their spiritual lives. She urged them to take seriously the message of salvation and to share it with others, knowing that time is running out. She also reminded them that their lives should be a living testimony to the power of the Gospel, so that others may be drawn to Christ through their example.
Cultivating a character that is prepared for the end of times requires a daily commitment to prayer, Bible study, and obedience to God’s commands. It also requires developing the fruits of the Spirit and a sense of urgency in sharing the Gospel message with others.
In conclusion, the end of times is a topic that can be unsettling and even fearful for many people. However, as Seventh-day Adventists, we believe in a God who is merciful, just, and loving. He has given us ample warning and instruction in His Word and through the Spirit of Prophecy. By preparing ourselves spiritually and practically, we can be confident that we will be ready for the end of times whenever it may come.
Let us heed the counsel of Ellen G. White: “We have no time to lose. The end is near. The passage from place to place to spread the truth will soon be hedged with dangers on the right hand and on the left. Everything will be placed to obstruct the way of the Lord’s messengers so that they will not be able to do that which it is possible for them to do now.” (Testimonies, vol. 6, p. 22)