February 20, 2025 | Silver Spring, Maryland, United States | Ted N.C. Wilson, President, General Conference of Seventh-day Adventists
Greetings, friends! The Bible tells us that when Jesus comes it will not be quiet. In 2 Peter 3:10 we read, “But the day of the Lord will come as a thief in the night. . .” This does not mean it will be quiet—it simply means it will be unexpected. Reading on in the verse we see how noisy it will be! “…the heavens will pass away with a great noise, and the elements will melt with fervent heat; both the earth and the works that are in it will be burned up.”
This is what The Great Controversy is describing in detail in chapter 40. Amidst the earth reeling with thunder, lightning, earthquakes and more, God’s people are at perfect peace. They know Jesus is coming and their voices ring out triumphantly, “God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear, even though the earth be removed, and the mountains be carried into the midst of the sea; though its waters roar and be troubled, though the mountains shake with its swelling” (Ps. 46:1-3, NKJV).
On the other hand, the wicked are terrified. While the redeemed are singing songs of triumph, “the clouds sweep back, and the starry heavens are seen, unspeakably glorious in contrast with the black and angry firmament on either side.”
The inspired author continues: “Then there appears against the sky a hand holding two tables of stone folded together. . . .The hand opens the tables, and there are seen the precepts of the Decalogue, traced as with a pen of fire. The words are so plain that all can read them. Memory is aroused, the darkness of superstition and heresy is swept from every mind, and God’s ten words, brief, comprehensive, and authoritative, are presented to the view of all the inhabitants of the earth. It is impossible to describe the horror and despair of those who have trampled upon God’s holy requirements” (The Great Controversy, p. 639).
My brothers and sisters, let me be very clear—there is nothing we can do to earn our salvation. We are saved by the grace and blood of Jesus Christ, but this does not mean we are free to ignore God’s law.
The Apostle Paul explains: “What shall we say then? Shall we continue in sin that grace may abound? Certainly not! How shall we who died to sin live any longer in it?” (Romans 6:1,2, NKJV). And Jesus Himself said, “If you love Me, keep My commandments” (John 14:15, NKJV).
As the wicked realize they chose to obey human beings rather than God and tried to force God’s people to profane His Sabbath, “they are condemned by that law which they have despised” (The Great Controversy, p. 640).
It is at this time that “the voice of God is heard from heaven, declaring the day and hour of Jesus’ coming…Like peals of loudest thunder His words roll through the earth” (The Great Controversy, p. 640).
The faces of God’s people light up with His glory, and when “the blessing is pronounced on those who have honored God by keeping His Sabbath holy, there is a mighty shout of victory” (The Great Controversy, p. 640).
Oh, my dear friends, don’t you want to be among the redeemed? Don’t you want to experience that closeness with God where nothing can come between you and the Savior? You can be, when you commit your life, totally, unreservedly, to Him.
Let’s pray together just now.
Father in heaven, we come to you in a very special way, thanking you for the understanding of the very last days of Earth’s history and the coming of Jesus. We want this close relationship with you now so that we will be prepared for those days which are coming and leaning completely upon you. We can truly be the people who keep the commandments of God and have the faith of Jesus Christ. Now, Lord, we ask that you will guide each of us in our decision to follow you completely and allow you to fill our lives with the Holy Spirit in preparation for Jesus soon return. In Christ’s name, we ask it. Amen.