The Final Atonement and the Judgment of the Living

The final phase of Christ's atonement, the judgment of the living, is mentioned in several scriptures, including Revelation 14:6 which is heaven's announcement that the "hour of His judgment" has arrived. The attention of the world was first drawn to that message in the great revival of the early 1840's called the Second Great Awakening. Before the return of Christ this message will be proclaimed again in the power of the latter rain at the judgment of the living. Daniel 7 and Revelation 4 and 5 describe what takes place at that time. In both of these parallel descriptions the heavenly court convenes and at that time the Son of Man is glorified and given universal authority to complete the atonement, to establish everlasting righteousness and to bring human history to its consummation. This final phase of human history is described in Revelation 6, where, shortly after the Divine court session begins, the Lion/Lamb opens the seven seals one by one which end with the return of Christ. In Daniel 12, Michael, who is Christ, stands up at or near the start of this final judgment hour. The sounding of the trumpets and the outpouring of the plagues also begin during this time and all three - the seals, trumpets and plagues - run together to the second coming of Christ. Until now, most Seventh-day Adventists have believed that probation closes for everyone at the start of the seven last plagues and I respect that. But I also think it's a mistake that will result in a rude awakening for those who hold that view. So I spend quite a bit of time on that issue in this book quoting scripture and statements by Ellen White on the battle of Armageddon and others that show that the time of God's destructive judgments is a time of mercy for those who haven't had the opportunity to hear the truth but it will be too late for many. Probation will indeed have closed for some - the five unwise virgins.Most Adventists also believe the latter rain occurs before the plagues. However, the main part of the latter rain falls during the plagues. Revelation 16 teaches that probation remains open for many until the close of the battle of Armageddon. In addition to the quotes by Ellen White on Armageddon that are cited in the book, one indication probation hasn't closed during the plagues and during this final battle is that Christ Himself warns: "Behold, I come as a thief. Blessed is he that watcheth, and keepeth his garments, lest he walk naked, and they see his shame." Rev 16:15. If it's possible to lose your wedding garment and be found naked, probation hasn't closed yet. This is also confirmed two verses later when the voice from the throne says "It is done". Rev. 16:17. That Divine pronouncement is the final close for everyone, but notice, it occurs at the end of the battle of Armageddon at the seventh plague.And so, this book is a warning of the swift coming judgments of the seals, trumpets and plagues that will confront humanity as an overwhelming surprise at the judgment of the living. It points to the prophecies that identify the start of that process and follows them through to the return of Christ.