The book of Revelation is filled with symbols, and as we saw earlier, Babylon represents a confused and fallen system of worship that tramples on the law of God. The warning given by the angel of Revelation 18 brings into focus the life and death decision that everyone will face at the end of time—the choice to follow God and be true to His Word, or to follow human devised legislation that goes against God’s law.

We read in The Great Controversy that “the Sabbath will be the great test of loyalty, for it is the point of truth especially controverted. When the final test shall be brought to bear upon men, then the line of distinction will be drawn between those who serve God and those who serve Him not” (The Great Controversy, p. 605).

For you see, friends, although it does not seem possible now, there will come a time when “The powers of earth, uniting to war against the commandments of God, will decree that ‘all, both small and great, rich and poor, free and bond’ (Rev. 13:16), shall conform to the customs of the church by the observance of the false sabbath. All who refuse compliance will be visited with civil penalties, and it will finally be declared that they are deserving of death” (The Great Controversy, p. 604).

Before this happens, however, everyone will clearly understand what the issues are and will have the opportunity to choose for themselves whether to follow God’s law or human-devised legislation that goes against the law of God. Those who accept “the sign of submission to earthly powers will receive the mark of the beast,” while the others, “choosing the token of allegiance to divine authority, receive the seal of God” (The Great Controversy, p. 605).

We are told that “thousands upon thousands will listen who have never heard words like these. In amazement they hear the testimony that Babylon is the church, fallen because of her errors and sins, because of her rejection of the truth sent to her from heaven” (The Great Controversy, pp. 606, 607). And as the eyes of the people are opened, despite opposition from the established church leaders, many will take their stand for God and His Truth.

On the other hand, there will be those who have known God’s Truth, but in the end will decide to take their stand with the world. Nevertheless, despite opposition and persecution, God’s vvv people will continue to move forward, facing similar trials to the Reformers of the past— Wycliffe, Huss, Luther, Tyndale, Wesley, and others who urged that all doctrines must be tested by the Bible and the Bible alone.

My brothers and sisters, amazing times are just ahead of us. Jesus is coming soon. He longs to pour out His Spirit upon His people in latter rain vvv power so we can finish the work He has given us to do. Now is the time to draw close to Him in full confidence, trusting in His Word and following Him wherever He leads.

Ted N.C. Wilson, President, General Conference of Seventh-day Adventists