When Jesus ceases to plead for man, the cases of all are forever decided. This is the time of reckoning with His servants. To those who have neglected the preparation of purity and holiness, which fits them to be waiting ones to welcome their Lord, the sun sets in gloom and darkness, and rises not again. Probation closes; Christ’s intercessions cease in heaven. This time finally comes suddenly upon all, and those who have neglected to purify their souls by obeying the truth are found sleeping. They became weary of waiting and watching; they became indifferent in regard to the coming of their Master. They longed not for His appearing, and thought there was no need of such continued, persevering watching. They had been disappointed in their expectations and might be again. They concluded that there was time enough yet to arouse. They would be sure not to lose the opportunity of securing an earthly treasure. It would be safe to get all of this world they could. And in securing this object, they lost all anxiety and interest in the appearing of the Master. They became indifferent and careless, as though His coming were yet in the distance. But while their interest was buried up in their worldly gains, the work closed in the heavenly sanctuary, and they were unprepared. {2T 191.1}

Når Jesus ophører med at gå i forbøn for mennesker, er alles sager for evigt afgjorte. Dette er opgørets time for hans tjenere. Solen går ned i mørket for dem som har forsømt at berede sig til renhed og hellighed, hvilket gør dem egnede til at afvente deres Herres velkomst og kommer ikke op igen. Nådedøren lukker; Kristi mellemkomst ophører i himlen. Til sidst kommer dette tidspunkt pludseligt over alle og dem som ikke har renset deres sjæle ved at adlyde sandheden findes sovende. De blev trætte af at vente og våge; de blev ligegyldige med hensyn til deres Mesters komme. De længtes ikke efter hans tilsynekomst og tænkte at der ikke var brug for at våge længere og være udholdne. De blev skuffede i deres forventninger og måtte blive tilbage. De drog den slutning at der var nok tid til at vågne op i. De ville være sikre på ikke at miste chancen til at sikre sig en jordisk rigdom. Det ville være sikkert for dem at få alt fra denne verden de kunne. Og medens de sikrede sig dette, miste de al bekymring og interesse for deres Mesters tilsynekomst. De blev ligegyldige og ubekymrede, som om der var langt igen før han kom. Men medens deres interesser var fordybet i verdslig vinding, afsluttede arbejdet i den himmelske helligdom og de var uforberedte.