IT is well that all should clearly understand that when the Lord has come (an event most imminent), and has taken His believing people to Himself, the door will be closed, there and then, on all who have refused the call of grace and disbelieved the gospel.
Let there be no mistake on this solemn and certain fact.
Only today did I meet a lady who had the strange and unwarranted idea, that after the church was taken away those who were left should still have “probationary dealings”; in other words, that there is a further opportunity of salvation at that time for those who have turned a deaf ear to the Spirit of God today. A fearful delusion! Strange to say, I had read but shortly before seeing her the chapter which, of all others, destroys any such hope. In 2 Thess. 1:7, 8 we read, “The Lord Jesus shall be revealed from heaven... taking vengeance on them that know not God, and that obey not the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ.” Now this refers to the coming again of our Lord—His revelation—after the Church has been “caught up.”
At that time she comes with Him. “When Christ, our life, shall appear [or be manifested], then shall ye also appear with Him in glory.” (Col. 3:4). He is revealed in order to take vengeance on those who believed not the gospel. Is vengeance the same as probation?
Those who have believed the gospel through sovereign grace have gone to be with Him, but they who have disbelieved it are the objects of His vengeance. The classes are distinct, and their respective portion how widely different! Nay, there is not the faintest hope then for any who have deliberately refused the gospel. “They shall be punished with everlasting destruction from the presence of the Lord, and from the glory of His power.” (2 Thess. 1:9). “That they all might be damned who believed not the truth, but had pleasure in unrighteousness.” (2 Thess. 2:12). When the five foolish virgins came to the door they found it closed, nor do we read of its ever being opened again for them. Their “probation” was over, and their doom fixed. When the master of the house rises up and shuts to the door, those without will begin to cry, “Lord, Lord, open to us.” But His reply is, “Depart from Me, ye workers of iniquity.” (Luke 13:25, 27). Their importunity was unavailing.
Ah, no! the Scriptures hold out no hope for the sinner at that time. It is not only folly, but it is to run in the teeth of God’s revealed purpose to count on His mercy then.
No, my reader, if you refuse when God calls, don’t be surprised if God refuses when you call. To trifle with grace today is to court wrath tomorrow. To assume that His written words do not mean exactly what they say only proves that the snare which deceived Eve, “Yea, hath God said,” is that which has thus far deceived you. The enemy is the same, and he seeks your damnation, as he sought and compassed the ruin of man at first. Friend, God hath said, and He means it, that now (and only now) is the accepted time, and now the day of salvation. Dream not otherwise. Do not allow yourself to be persuaded with the false idea that when the door is shut it will at the same time be open, or that the awful word “depart” means just the same as the precious word “Come,” or that God will show mercy when He plainly declares that they shall be punished with everlasting destruction. Do not turn things upside down, or put darkness for light, or bitter for sweet! The worst case of suicide is that of the soul.
Today mercy is calling, and today the door is flung wide open. The blood of Jesus is speaking, the Spirit of God is working. These are golden days; but they quickly pass. Soon their sun will set; soon the night-clouds will gather. Lingerer, haste thee home! “Come now!”
J. W. S.