Immortality Through Christ
For he saith, I have heard thee in a time accepted, and in the day of salvation have I succoured thee: behold, now is the accepted time; behold, now is the day of salvation. 2 Corinthians 6:2.
God has ordained laws for the government, not only of living beings, but of all the operations of nature. Everything is under fixed laws, which cannot be disregarded....
Like the angels, the dwellers in Eden had been placed upon probation; their happy estate could be retained only on condition of fidelity to the Creator's law. They could obey and live, or disobey and perish. God had made them the recipients of rich blessings; but should they disregard His will, He who spared not the angels that sinned, could not spare them; transgression would forfeit His gifts, and bring upon them misery and ruin.56Patriarchs and Prophets, 52, 53.
Adam and Eve transgressed the law of God. This made it necessary for them to be driven from Eden and be separated from the tree of life, to eat of which after their transgression would perpetuate sin....
Death entered the world because of transgression. But Christ gave His life that man should have another trial. He did not die on the cross to abolish the law of God, but to secure for man a second probation. He did not die to make sin an immortal attribute; He died to secure the right to destroy him that had the power of death, that is, the devil.57Testimonies to Ministers and Gospel Workers, 133, 134.
It is impossible for men to secure the salvation of the soul after death.... This life is the only time given to man in which to prepare for eternity.58Christ's Object Lessons, 263.
Probation is granted to all, that all may form characters for eternal life. An opportunity will be given to all to decide for life or death....
The probation of those who choose to live a life of sin, and neglect the great salvation offered, closes when Christ's ministration ceases just previous to His appearing in the clouds of heaven.59Testimonies for the Church 2:691.
Now is the hour of probation. Now is the day of salvation. Now, now, is God's time.60Testimonies for the Church 2:102.
From The Faith I Live By - Page 179
The Faith I Live By