“The time of test is just upon us, for the loud cry of the third angel has already begun in the revelation of the righteousness of Christ, the sin-pardoning Redeemer.” –Selected Messages, vol. 1, p. 363

Most of us have gone through school and done some study at some point in our lives. Often after a course of study there comes the test, or examination, at the end. If a student has prepared earnestly and done some pru-dent studying, they will likely pass. Some aim for 100%, others hope to barely pass with a 50%, and some do not care. There will always be some who fail. Those who do not pass will have to repeat the course and hope that next time they will do better. During the course of study, there are little tests and quizzes along the way. If one fails on one, they can redeem them-selves on the next. It is the final examination that is key to passing or failing the course. It requires much study to pass this exam.

Does God have a course of study? Yes, He does, and we are currently taking that course. What will the end result be? Will we pass or fail? When we first sinned, we failed. Now we have been given a second chance to pass. If we fail at the end of this course, there is no third chance to restudy and try again. In our spiritual life, we go through little tests and trials. We hope to pass them all, but occasionally, when we take our eyes off Christ, we make missteps and fail. We pick ourselves up and go on, with the intention of passing the next one. “For a just man falleth seven times, and riseth up again.” Proverbs 24:16. We must start passing theselittle tests all the time if we want to be ready for the final exam.

Adam and Eve had a test in the Garden of Eden. They failed the test and opened the floodgates of woe on this earth. They were given a second chance and we hope they passed in the end after a lifetime of trials and struggles.

Christ passed the test where Adam failed (Romans 5:14).

DAILY TESTS

Daily we are facing tests and there are a few things that we are tested on which we may not think of as tests.

“We claim to be Christians, waiting for the second appearing of our Lord in the clouds of heaven. Then what shall we do with our time, our understanding, our possessions, which are not ours, but are entrusted to us to test our honesty? Let us bring them to Jesus. Let us use our treasures for the advancement of His cause.” – Re-view and Herald, April 9, 1901 (emphasis mine)

The three points mentioned – time, understanding, possessions – are three areas which we will all be test-ed on. How do we use our time? What do we do with our understanding of the truths for this time? Do we hide the light under a bushel or share it with everyone we meet? And finally, how do we use our possessions? Keep them for ourselves or share with those in need?

“We shall be brought into straight places in our work. Trials will come. God will test the strength of our faith. He will prove us to see if we will trust Him under difficulties.” –Review and Herald, October 12, 1886 (emphasis mine)

DO YOUR OWN STUDY

When you study for an exam, it will not benefit you if your friend or relative studies for you. You must study for yourself.

“We must study the truth for ourselves. No man should be relied upon to think for us. No matter who he is, or in what position he may be placed, we are not to look upon any man as a criterion for us. We are to counsel together, and to be subject one to another; but at the same time we are to exercise the ability God has given us, in order to learn what is truth. Each one of us must look to God for divine enlightenment. We must individually develop a character that will stand the test in the day of God. We must not become set in our ideas, and think that no one should interfere with our opinions.” –Testimonies to Ministers, p. 109–110

“The people of God are not at this time all in one place. They are in different companies, and in all parts of the earth; and they will be tried singly, not in groups. Every one must stand the test for himself.” – Last Day Events, p. 260

TWO GROUPS

In the classroom there will always be two groups – those who pass, and those who fail. It is the same in God’s church. There are members who will pass the final exam and receive salvation. There are those in the church who are not earnestly studying today, and they will fail the final exam.

In the church two parties will develop. A separation will take place. It is prophesied to happen. “A new life is coming from heaven and taking possession of all God’s people. But divisions will come in the church. Two par-ties will be developed. The wheat and tares grow up together for the harvest.” –Selected Messages, vol. 2, p. 114

We read more identifying characteristics of the two groups in the following verse: “Therefore be ye also ready: for in such an hour as ye think not the Son of man cometh. Who then is a faithful and wise servant, whom his Lord hath made ruler over his household, to give them meat in due season? Blessed is that servant, whom his Lord when he cometh shall find so doing. Verily I say unto you, That he shall make him ruler over all his goods. But and if that evil servant shall say in his heart, My Lord delayeth his coming; And shall begin to smite his fellow servants, and to eat and drink with the drunken.” Matthew 24:44–49

There are two servants here – both in the same church. One is faithful and the other is mingling with the drunk-en and joining with the world. There is the faithful servant that gives meat in due season and the evil servant that says in his heart, the Lord delays His coming. Then he begins to smite his fellow servant.

“Behold, the eyes of the Lord GOD are upon the sinful kingdom, and I will destroy it from off the face of the earth; saving that I will not utterly destroy the house of Jacob, saith the LORD. For, lo, I will command, and I will sift the house of Israel among all nations, like as corn is sifted in a sieve, yet shall not the least grain fall upon the earth.” Amos 9:8–9

This prophecy is talking about the shaking when the house of Israel shall be split into two. The promise is that not one genuine grain will fall upon the earth.

WHO WILL PASS THE TEST?

When you have written a test or exam, often you can likely predict the outcome. If you have studied well and were confident with the answers you wrote, you have a fairly good idea that you passed. If you did not study and you did not know many answers, but just guessed at the answer or left some blank, it is likely that you did not pass.

In the spiritual life it is sometimes the opposite. We have the example of the Pharisee and the Publican (Luke 18:10–14). Those that will be lost seem to have the most confidence in their abilities. The Pharisee prided himself that he fasted twice a week and paid his tithes. We read: “Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in Thy name? and in Thy name have cast out devils? and in Thy name done many wonderful works? And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from Me, ye that work iniquity.” Matthew 7:22–23

The wicked will always reflect on their work, focusing on the good things they have done. Their religion is based on works. A person whose religion is focusing on works will be overzealous about the small details of the truth. While it is good to be particular about the details, by themselves, these do not earn us salvation. A works-religion can even be doing missionary work. Preaching the gospel can be works if you perceive that your actions alone give you credit before God.

What is it that distinguishes the two classes? From the example of the Publican, we see that he had no confidence in his works. They were all tainted with sin, as far as he could see. Jesus said that faith is thinking that anything you do is unprofitable. Although true faith does work, the works that faith works does not take credit to itself but to God. “Their confidence in God, their faith and firmness, will be severely tested. As they review the past, their hopes sink; for in their whole lives they can see little good.” –The Great Controversy, pp. 618–619

Those who will fail are those who are focused on their works and commend themselves to God. They see only the good that they have done in their lives. They see nothing wrong. They say “Lord, haven’t we done all these good things?” And those who pass are the people of God who look at their lives and do not see anything good. The wicked look at their lives and see how much good they’ve done. The righteous feel more lost than the people that are actually lost. “They are fully conscious of their weakness and unworthiness.” –The Great Controversy, p. 619

Although the faithful perform good works, they still view themselves as unprofitable. The wicked say, we have done all these good deeds, let us in. In contrast, faith is to do something and think nothing of it. To do God’s work with all your heart and think in your mind, you’re an unprofitable servant and that God owes you nothing. Because He doesn’t. That is the faith you need.

HOW MANY PASS THE TEST?

The test is not difficult if the study has been done, how-ever, only a few want to make the earnest efforts necessary to pass the exam. “Though the number of the children of Israel be as the sand of the sea, a remnant shall be saved.” Romans 9:27. Many, however, will go into the broad road. “Enter ye in at the strait gate: for wide is the gate, and broad is the way, that leadeth to destruction, and many there be which go in thereat: Because strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it.” Matthew 7:13–14

Few only find the narrow gate (God’s church) and of these few there are also two classes – those that find the gate, and those that enter in. Even fewer will enter in. There are those who seek to enter in but cannot. “Then said one unto him, Lord, are there few that be saved? And he said unto them, Strive to enter in at the strait gate: for many, I say unto you, will seek to enter in, and shall not be able.” Luke 13:23–24

Many wanted to enter in but the Bible says that they could not enter in. Many of the professors of religion tried to enter in but they could not.

Then will arrive the time when it is too late, “When once the master of the house is risen up, and hath shut to the door.” Luke 13:25. The shut door is the close of probation. At that time, many of the professors of religion can no longer get in.

THE MEANS OF FAITH AND PRAYER

 

In order to be prepared for the great exam there are two important means provided for us to use.

The first one: “The season of distress and anguish be-fore us will require a faith that can endure weariness, delay, and hunger.” –The Great Controversy, p. 621

You will need a faith that can endure weariness. The world teaches that faith is the power of positive thinking, but no power of positive thinking is ever going to help you in the time of Jacob’s trouble. Literally every-thing is against you. There will not even be a glimmer of hope. In the Christian world, some teach that faith is some clever exercise of the mind to believe the impossible. True faith is “a faith that will not faint though severely tried. The period of probation is granted to all to prepare for that time.” –The Great Controversy, p. 621

The second means we use is what Jesus used. “His victory is an evidence of the power of importunate prayer. All who will lay hold of God’s promises, as He did, and be as earnest and persevering as He was, will succeed as He succeeded.” –The Great Controversy, p. 621

We need to have persevering prayer in order to succeed.

IMPORTANCE OF PASSING THE DAILY TESTS

The smaller, daily, tests and quizzes in class have al-ways served the purpose of preparing for the larger exam in education or school. This is true also in our spiritual life. “The very trials that test our faith most severely, and make it seem that God has forsaken us, are designed to lead us nearer to Christ, that we may lay all our bur-dens at His feet, and receive the peace He will give us in exchange.” –Gospel Workers, p. 372

God will test our faith to see if it is genuine. “These experiences that test faith are for our benefit. By them it is made manifest whether our faith is true and sincere, resting on the word of God alone, or whether depending on circumstances, it is uncertain and changeable. Faith is strengthened by exercise.” –The Ministry of Healing, p. 231 (emphasis mine)

“When we are placed in trying positions, and find things about us that we do not like, that try our patience, and test our faith, we are not to sink down in despondency, but to take a firmer hold upon God, and prove that we are not setting our affection on things on the earth, but on things above; that we are looking un-to Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith. Jesus is to be the beginning and the end, the first and the last. He is to be our strength in every time of trial.” –Our High Calling, p.339

WHEN IS THE FINAL EXAM?

It is important to have an idea as to when the final exam is so that we can make earnest preparation. This exam is soon. Although we don’t know the exact date, we know it is soon and we must be ready.

“The time is not far distant when the test will come to every soul. The mark of the beast will be urged upon us. Those who have step by step yielded to worldly demands and conformed to worldly customs will not find it a hard matter to yield to the powers that be, rather than subject themselves to derision, insult, threatened imprisonment, and death. The contest is between the commandments of God and the commandments of men. In this time the gold will be separated from the dross in the church.” –Testimonies for the Church, vol. 5, p. 81

NOW IS THE TIME TO PREPARE

We know that the time for the exam is very near. Therefore we need to prepare now. “Already the judgments of God are abroad in the land, as seen in storms, in floods, in tempests, in earthquakes, in peril by land and by sea. The great I AM is speaking to those who make void His law. When God’s wrath is poured out upon the earth, who will then be able to stand? Now is the time for God’s people to show themselves true to principle. When the religion of Christ is most held in contempt, when His law is most despised, then should our zeal be the warmest and our courage and firmness the most unflinching.” –Sons and Daughters of God, p. 201 (emphasis mine)

“Now is your time to seek a preparation and readiness for the fearful test which is before us – that holiness without which no man shall see God. Let none say, My way is hid from the Lord; God taketh no knowledge of my ways. Now it may be it is not too late. Now it may be you can repent.” –Testimonies to Ministers, p. 447

THE FINAL TRIAL: JACOB’S TROUBLE

Jacob’s trouble is the final test for God’s people; the final exam. Who of you would ever go to a test unprepared? If you were un-prepared, you would fail. This test we cannot afford to fail. “The faithful discharge of today’s duties is the best preparation for tomorrow’s trials.” –Ministry of Healing, p. 481

“Jacob’s experience during that night of wrestling and anguish represents the trial through which the people of God must pass just before Christ’s second coming.” –Patriarchs and Prophets, p. 201

Jacob wrestled with Jesus. He initially thought Jesus was an enemy who was coming to destroy him.

“Satan endeavored to force upon him a sense of his guilt, in order to discourage him, and break his hold upon God. When in his distress Jacob laid hold of the Angel, and made supplication with tears, the heavenly Messenger, in order to try his faith, also reminded him of his sin, and endeavored to escape from him.” –Patriarchs and Prophets, p. 201

As if Jacob did not feel condemned already in his mind, here we read that Jesus also reminded him of his sin. It appeared that not only his brother and the devil, but it also appeared that even God reminded him of his sin. Is this what we will go through in the time of Jacob’s trouble? The world, the devil, our family remind us of our sins and it appears that even Jesus reminds us. How will you survive in such a time? What a black day. “Who shall be able to stand?” Revelation 6:17

Jacob did not give up, “But Jacob would not be turned away. He had learned that God is merciful.” –Patriarchsand Prophets, p. 201

We read that Jesus not only reminded him of his sin but He also appeared to leave as the day was breaking. “He said, Let me go, for the day breaketh.” Genesis 32:26. If you were wrestling with God and He said, let me go away, what would you do? It would be shattering.

“Such will be the experience of God’s people in their final struggle with the powers of evil. God will test their faith, their perseverance, their confidence in His power to deliver them.” –Patriarchs and Prophets, p. 202

Only “he that hath clean hands, and a pure heart” (Psalm 24:4) will be able to stand.

Those that do not stand the test, and fail the exam will hear the sad words, “The harvest is past, the summer is ended, and we are not saved.” Jeremiah 8:20

CONCLUSION

The time of test is almost here. Who will pass? “To him that overcometh will I grant to sit with Me in My throne, even as I also overcame, and am set down with My Father in His throne.” Revelation 3:21. To pass, you will have had to reach this point in your Christian experience, “Everyone who by faith obeys God’s commandments will reach the condition of sinlessness in which Adam lived before his transgression.” –In Heavenly Places, p. 146 (emphasis mine)

This is only possible by looking to Jesus. “Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God. For consider Him that endured such contradiction of sinners against Himself, lest ye be wearied and faint in your minds.” Hebrews 12:2–3

If we do not look to Jesus, we will faint in our minds. We will not attain that perfection mentioned. The pow-er of positive thinking does not work without Jesus, for it is only a small part of the work. Our part is to stay our minds upon the promises of God when we are severely tested. We know the story of Jesus in Gethsemane where He said, “if it be possible, let this cup pass from Me: nevertheless not as I will, but as Thou wilt.” Matthew 26:39. Here is the time of Jacob’s trouble that Jesus experienced. He has been through it.

We read of His experience at Calvary, “And about the ninth hour Jesus cried with a loud voice, saying, Eli, Eli, lama sabachthani? that is to say, My God, My God, why hast Thou forsaken Me?” Matthew 27:46

Although Jesus felt separated from the Father, He com-mitted His spirit and soul to His Father. He had implicit trust in His Father. “Into thine hand I commit my spirit: thou hast redeemed me, O LORD God of truth.” Psalm 31:5. This is the prayer of Jesus. “Though He slay me, yet will I trust Him.” Job 13:15. Jesus, while on the cross, commits Himself to God because He had good thoughts about God. He “committed Himself to Him that judgeth righteously.” 1 Peter 2:23

“Blessed be the LORD: for He hath shewed me His marvellous kindness in a strong city. For I said in my haste, I am cut off from before Thine eyes: nevertheless Thou heardest the voice of my supplications when I cried unto Thee.” Psalm 31:21–22. Although we may at times say in our haste that the Lord is not there, we can take heart because He is.

“When you surrender yourself entirely to God, when you fall all broken upon Jesus, you will be rewarded by a victory the joy of which you have never yet realized. As you review the past with a clear vision, you will see that at the very time when life seemed to you only a perplexity and a burden, Jesus Himself was near you, seeking to lead you into the light. Your Father was by your side, bending over you with unutterable love, afflicting you for your good, as the refiner purifies the precious ore. When you have thought yourself forsaken, He has been near you to comfort and sustain. We seldom view Jesus as He is, and are never so ready to receive His help as He is to help us.” –Testimonies for the Church, vol. 4, pp. 220–221. “Be of good courage, and he shall strengthen your heart, all ye that hope in the LORD.” Psalms 31:24

Let us love God whether we feel His love or not. Faith is not a feeling. He that endures to the end, the same shall be saved.

May God help us to make the earnest preparations to-day so that we will be prepared for the great time of test that is in the not too distant future. This is a test we must not fail.

Amen

Wendy Eaton