“For whom he did foreknow, he also did pre-designate to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brothers.” Romans 8:29.

There will be no second probation in which to prepare for eternity. It is in this life that we are to put on the robe of Christ’s righteousness. This is our only opportunity to form characters for the home which Christ has made ready for those who obey His commandments.

The days of our probation are fast closing. The end is near. Solemnly there come down to us through the centuries the warning words of our Lord from the Mount of Olives, “Take heed to yourselves, lest … that day come upon you unawares.” … “Watch ye therefore, and pray always, that ye may be accounted worthy to escape all these things that shall come to pass, and to stand before the Son of man.” –From the Heart, p. 313.

We have but one probation in which to form character, and our destiny depends upon the manner of character we form. Those who on earth have formed characters that through the grace of Christ bear the heavenly mold will be ripened through the gracious influence of the Holy Spirit for the eternal reward. They become partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust. It is a realization of the fact that our characters are Christlike that calls forth the song of praise and thanksgiving to God and to the Lamb. Those who appreciate the goodness, mercy, and love of Christ, and by beholding Him become changed into His image, will be partakers of eternal life. The attributes of their character are like those of Christ, and they cannot fail of the rest that remains for the people of God…. –From the Heart, p. 377.

Question to think about:

Is there second probation to prepare ourselves for eternity?

Do we need to watch and pray always, that we may be accounted worthy to escape all these things that shall come to pass, and to stand before the Son of man?

Do we want to become partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust?