It is widely believed in the Christian world today that a person is saved by making a profession of faith. This profession of faith is either confirmed or denied by a change in lifestyle.
How is it with you? Over and over Jesus emphasized in His parables the truth that character determines destiny. Read about the Good Samaritan, the parables about the talents and the unjust steward.
“In the time of harvest ye shall ‘return, and discern between the righteous and the wicked, between him that serveth God and him that serveth Him not’ (Malachi 3:18). Christ Himself will decide who are worthy to dwell with the family of heaven. He will judge every man according to his words and his works. Profession is as nothing in the scale. It is character that decides destiny.” Christ’s Object Lessons, 74.
“Christ lifts the veil from the future and bids all to behold that it is character, not position, which decides man’s destiny.” Ibid.,123.
“Actions repeated form habits, habits form character, and by the character our destiny for time and for eternity is decided.” Ibid., 356.
“Angels from the heavenly courts stand by all who do God’s service in ministering to their fellow men. And you have the co-operation of Christ Himself. He is the Restorer, and as you work under His supervision, you will see great results.
“Upon your faithfulness in this work not only the well-being of others but your own eternal destiny depends. Christ is seeking to uplift all who will be lifted to companionship with Himself, that we may be one with Him as He is one with the Father. He permits us to come in contact with suffering and calamity in order to call us out of our selfishness; He seeks to develop in us the attributes of His character–compassion, tenderness, and love. By accepting this work of ministry we place ourselves in His school, to be fitted for the courts of God. By rejecting it, we reject His instruction, and choose eternal separation from His presence.” Ibid., 388, 389.
One of these days, we will all meet up with the consequences of the character we have developed. “Silently, unnoticed as the midnight thief, will come the decisive hour which marks the fixing of every man’s destiny, the final withdrawal of mercy’s offer to guilty men.” The Great Controversy, 491.