Editorial – The Bitterest Disappointment

The Bitterest Disappointment

When Jesus comes, many people who expect to go to heaven will be told that they are disallowed from entering there. In fact, this will happen to the great majority of professed Christians:

“The great mass of professing Christians will meet with bitter disappointment in the day of God. They have not upon their foreheads the seal of the living God. Lukewarm and halfhearted, they dishonor God far more than the avowed unbeliever. They grope in darkness, when they might be walking in the noonday light of the Word, under the guidance of One who never errs.” “Ellen G. White Comments,” The Seventh-day Adventist Bible Commentary, vol. 7, 970.

Jesus said that many who would call Him Lord would not be allowed into the kingdom of heaven even though they claimed that they had been filled with the Holy Spirit and had worked miracles and cast out demons. (See Matthew 7:21–23.)

This will be a more bitter disappointment than any previously experienced. “Saddest of all words that ever fell on mortal ear are those words of doom, ‘I know you not.’ ” Christ’s Object Lessons, 413.

“Among those to whom bitter disappointment will come at the day of final reckoning will be some who have been outwardly religious, and who apparently have lived Christian lives.” The Review and Herald, October 29, 1908.

How is it with you, friend? The Bible says we are to make our calling and election sure. How can we do this? Notice especially the emphasized words:

“Inquire every day: Am I sound to the core, or am I false-hearted? Entreat the Lord to save you from all deception on this point. Eternal interests are involved. While so many are panting after honor and greedy of gain, do you, my beloved brethren, be eagerly seeking the assurance of the love of God and crying: Who will show me how to make my calling and election sure?

“Satan carefully studies the constitutional sins of men, and then he begins his work of alluring and ensnaring them. We are in the thickest of temptations, but there is victory for us if we fight manfully the battles of the Lord. All are in danger. But if you walk humbly and prayerfully you will come forth from the proving process more precious than fine gold, even than the golden wedge of Ophir. If careless and prayerless, you will be as sounding brass and a tinkling cymbal.” [Emphasis added.] Testimonies, vol. 5, 97, 98.