Churches are not wholly composed of pure, sincere Christians. Not all the names that stand registered upon the church books are worthy to be there. The life and character of some as compared with others is as gold with worthless dross. It need not be so. Those who are valuable in life and influence have felt the importance of following Jesus closely, of making the life of Christ their study and example. This will require effort, meditation, and earnest prayer. It requires exertion to obtain the victory over selfishness and to make the interest of God’s cause primary. Some have made the effort and practiced close discipline of self, and they have gained precious victories. Those who consider their own interest primary, live for self. Their character in the sight of God is as worthless dross. {2T 637.1}

Mange hylder den anskuelse, at der vil blive en prøvetid, efter at Jesus afslutter sin gerning som mellemmand i den allerhelligste afdeling. Dette er Satans bestikkende påfund. Gud prøver og forsøger verden ved det lys, som det behager ham at give den forud for Kristi komme. Karakteren er da udviklet til liv eller død. Men prøvetiden for dem, der vælger at leve et liv i synd og ikke bryder sig om den store frelse, der tilbydes, vil ophøre, når Kristi tjeneste afsluttes, umiddelbart før hans tilsynekomst i himmelens skyer.