The Last

Generation
What God did in Christ,
He can do in every human being.

M. L. ANDREASEN
Copyright © 2019 All rights reserved. Preface
Philippians Two Five Publishing In every age there is a new development
Design and layout by Anthony Schmidt of truth, a message from God to the people
of that generation. The old truths are all
About the Author essential; new truth is never independent
of the old, but an unfolding of it. It is only
M. L. Andreasen (1876 - 1962), served as as the old truths are understood that we
president of the Greater New York Confer- can comprehend the new. He who rejects
ence (1909 - 1910), president of or neglects the new does not really possess
Hutchinson Theological Seminary (1910 the old.
-1918), dean of Atlantic Union College Do I possess the new? Do I possess
(1918 - 1922), dean of Washington the old?
Missionary (now Columbia Union)
The faith once delivered to the saints is
College (1922 - 1924), president of
more than a mere list of doctrines. Your
Minnesota Conference (1924-1931),
beliefs carry vast implications. Direc-
president of Union College (1931-1938),
tion of flight determines the runway you
and field secretary of the General
will land on. Not only do we need the
Conference (1941 -1950). He taught at the
close-up shot, but the wide-angle view.
Seventh-day Adventist Theological
This view is that given in the following
Seminary from 1937-1949, and was
text by Pastor Milian L. Andreasen (1876
recognized as a leading denominational
- 1962). First published in 1937, few since
scholar on the atonement and related
have outlined the “big picture” so well.
topics, authoring numerous books.
GCO Press is pleased to bring again to
4 The Last Generation 5

the front this seminal, classic Last Gener- In Every Human Being
ation Theology (LGT) document. Read it The final demonstration of what the
again and look up; our redemption draws gospel can do in and for humanity is still in
near! But what will this generation do with the future. Christ showed the way. He took
the insight? a human body, and in that body demon-
You decide. strated the power of God. Men are to follow
His example and prove that what God did
in Christ, He can do in every human being
who submits to Him. The world is awaiting
this demonstration (Romans 8:19). When it
has been accomplished, the end will come.
God will have fulfilled His plan. He will
have shown Himself true and Satan a liar.
His government will stand vindicated.
There is much spurious doctrine con-
cerning holiness taught in the world today.
On the one hand are those who deny the
power of God to save from sin. On the
other hand are those who flaunt their sanc-
tity before men and would have us believe
that they are without sin. Among the first
class are not only unbelievers and skep-
tics but church members whose vision
6 The Last Generation 7

does not include victory over sin, but who is translated “sanctify,” “holy,” “holiness,”
accept a kind of compromise with sin. In “sanctified,” “sanctification.” It is the same
the other class are such as have no just con- word which is used for the two apartments
ception either of sin or of God’s holiness, of the sanctuary, and means that which is
whose spiritual vision is so impaired that set apart for God. A sanctified person is one
they cannot see their own shortcomings, who is set apart for God, whose whole life is
and hence believe themselves perfect, and dedicated to Him.
whose conception of religion is such that
their own understanding of truth and righ- Forgiveness and Cleansing
teousness is superior to that revealed in the
The plan of salvation must of necessity
Word. It is not easy to decide which is the
include not only forgiveness of sin but com-
greater error.
plete restoration. Salvation from sin is more
That the Bible inculcates holiness is than forgiveness of sin. Forgiveness presup-
indisputable. “The very God of peace sanc- poses sin and is conditioned upon breaking
tify you wholly; and I pray God your whole with it; sanctification is separation from sin
spirit and soul and body be preserved blame- and indicates deliverance from its power
less unto the coming of our Lord Jesus and victory over it. The first is a means to
Christ” (1 Thessalonians 5:23). “Follow neutralize the effect of sin; the second is a
peace with all men, and holiness, without restoration of power for complete victory.
which no man shall see the Lord” (Hebrews
Sin, like some diseases, leaves man in
12:14). “For this is the will of God, even
a deplorable condition—weak, despon-
your sanctification” (1 Thessalonians 4:3).
dent, disheartened. He has little control of
The Greek word hagios in its various forms
his mind, his will fails him, and with the
8 The Last Generation 9

best of intentions he is unable to do what fully restored. This process of restoration is

he knows to be right. He feels that there is called sanctification, and includes in its fin-
no hope. He knows that he has himself to ished product body, soul, and spirit. When
blame, and remorse fills his soul. To his the work is finished, the man is “holy,”
bodily ailments is added the torture of con- completely sanctified, and restored to the
science. He knows that he has sinned and is image of God. It is for this demonstration
to blame. Will no one take pity on him? of what the gospel can do for a man that the
Then comes the gospel. The good news world is looking.
is preached to him. Though his sins be In the Bible both the process and the
as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; finished work are spoken of as “sanctifi-
though they be red like crimson, they shall cation.” For this reason the “brethren” are
be as wool. All is forgiven. He is “saved.” spoken of as holy and sanctified, though
What a wonderful deliverance it is! His they have not attained to perfection (1 Cor-
mind is at rest. No longer does his con- inthians 1:2; 2 Corinthians 1:1; Hebrews
science torment him. He has been forgiven. 3:1). A glance through the Epistles to the
His sins are cast into the depths of the sea. Corinthians will soon convince one that
His heart wells with praise to God for His the saints there mentioned had their faults.
mercy and goodness to him. Despite this, they are said to be “sanctified”
As a disabled ship towed to port is safe and “called to be saints.” The reason is that
but not sound, so the man is “saved” but complete sanctification is not the work of a
not sound. Repairs need to be made on the day or of a year but of a lifetime.
ship before it is pronounced seaworthy, and It begins the moment a person is con-
the man needs reconstruction before he is verted, and continues through life. Every
10 The Last Generation 11

victory hastens the process. There are few Thus it shall be with the last generation
Christians who have not gained the mas- of men living on the earth. Through them
tery over some sin that formerly greatly God’s final demonstration of what He can
annoyed them and overcame them. Many do with humanity will be given. He will take
a man who has been a slave to the tobacco the weakest of the weak, those bearing the
habit has gained the victory over the habit sins of their forefathers, and in them show
and rejoices in his victory. Tobacco has the power of God. They will be subjected
ceased to be a temptation. It attracts him to every temptation, but they will not yield.
no more. He has the victory. On that point They will demonstrate that it is possible to
he is sanctified. As he has been victorious live without sin—the very demonstration
over one besetment, so he is to become vic- for which the world has been looking and
torious over every sin. When the work is for which God has been preparing. It will
completed, when he has gained the victory become evident to all that the gospel really
over pride, ambition, love of the world— can save to the uttermost. God is found true
over all evil—he is ready for translation. in His sayings.
He has been tried in all points. The evil one The last year of the conflict brings the
has come to him and found nothing. Satan final test; but this only proves to angels
has no more temptations for him. He has and to the world that nothing that the evil
overcome them all. He stands without fault one can do will shake God’s chosen ones.
before the throne of God. Christ places His The plagues fall, destruction is on every
seal upon him. He is safe, and he is sound. hand, death stares them in the face, but like
God has finished His work in him. The Job they hold fast their integrity. Nothing
demonstration of what God can do with can make them sin. They “keep the com-
humanity is complete.
12 The Last Generation 13

mandments of God, and the faith of Jesus” life on earth and His supreme sacrifice on
(Revelation 14:12). Calvary, will be, the most sweeping and
Throughout the history of the world conclusive demonstration of all the ages of
God has had His faithful ones. They have what God can do in men.
endured affliction and great tribulation. It is in the last generation of men living
But even in the midst of Satan’s buffetings on the earth that God’s power unto sanc-
they have, as the apostle Paul says, through tification will stand fully revealed. The
faith “wrought righteousness.” “They were demonstration of that power is God’s vindi-
stoned, they were sawn asunder, were cation. It clears Him of any and all charges
tempted, were slain with the sword: they which Satan has placed against Him. In
wandered about in sheepskins and goat- the last generation God is vindicated and
skins; being destitute, afflicted, tormented; Satan defeated. This may need some fur-
(of whom the world was not worthy:) they ther amplification.
wandered in deserts, and in mountains, and
in dens and caves of the earth” (Hebrews
11:37, 38).
And in addition to this galaxy of faithful
witnesses, many of whom were martyrs for
their faith, God will have in the last days
a remnant, a “little flock,” in and through
whom He will give to the universe a dem-
onstration of His love, His power, His
justice, which, if we exempt Christ’s godly
14 The Last Generation 15

Rebellion in Heaven hatred found its fruition in the killing of the

The rebellion which took place in heaven Son of God on Calvary, we may believe that
and introduced sin into the universe of God Satan’s hatred was directed not only against
must have been a fearful experience both for God the Father, but also—and perhaps espe-
God and for the angels. Until this time all cially—against God the Son. In his rebellion
had been peace and harmony. Discord was Satan went further than a mere threat. He
unknown; only love prevailed. Then unholy actually did set up his throne, saying boast-
ambitions stirred the heart of Lucifer. He fully, “I am a God, I sit in the seat of God”
decided that he wanted to be like the Most (Ezekiel 28:2).
High. He would exalt his throne above the When Satan thus established his govern-
stars of God; he would sit “upon the mount ment in heaven, the issue was clear cut. The
of the congregation, in the sides of the north” angels understood clearly the issue. All must
(Isaiah 14:12-14). This declaration of intent take their stand for or against Satan.
was tantamount to an attempt to depose God In the case of rebellion there is always some
and usurp His place. It was a declaration of grievance, real or fancied, given as the cause.
war. Where God sat, Satan would sit. God Some become dissatisfied, and, failing to have
accepted the challenge. matters remedied, they resort to rebellion.
We have no direct biblical statement as to Those who sympathize with the rebel cause
the means used by Satan in winning over to join it. The others remain loyal to the govern-
his side a multitude of angels. That he lied is ment, and must, of course, take their chance
clear. That he was a murderer from the begin- on its survival.
ning is likewise indisputable (John 8:44). As It apparently came to just such a pass in
murder has its beginning in hatred, and as this heaven. The result was war. “There was war
16 The Last Generation 17

in heaven: Michael and His angels fought thousand years he has been giving the uni-
against the dragon; and the dragon fought and verse a demonstration of what he will do when
his angels” (Revelation 12:7). The outcome he has the opportunity.
could have been foreseen. Satan and his angels
“prevailed not; neither was their place found Satan’s Demonstration
any more in heaven. And the great dragon
This demonstration has been permitted
was cast out, that old serpent, called the Devil,
to continue until now. And what a dem-
and Satan, which deceiveth the whole world:
onstration it has been! From the time Cain
he was cast out into the earth, and his angels
killed Abel there have been hatred, blood-
were cast out with him” (Verses 8, 9).
shed, cruelty, and oppression in the earth.
Though Satan was defeated, he was not Virtue, goodness, and justice have suf-
destroyed. By his act of rebellion he had fered; vice, vileness, and corruption have
declared God’s government at fault, and by triumphed. The just man has been made a
the setting up of his own throne he had made prey; God’s messengers have been tortured
claim to greater wisdom or justice than God. and killed; God’s law has been trampled in
These claims are inherent in rebellion and in the dust. When God sent His Son, instead
the establishment of another government. God of honoring Him, evil men, under the insti-
could ill afford not to give Satan an opportu- gation of Satan, hanged Him on a tree.
nity to demonstrate his theories. To remove
Even then God did not destroy Satan.
every doubt in the minds of the angels—and
The demonstration must be completed.
later of man—God must let Satan go on with
Only when the last events are taking place,
his work. And so Satan was permitted to live
and men are on the point of exterminating
and set up his government. For the last six
one another, will God interfere to save His
18 The Last Generation 19

own. There will then remain no doubt in the at least sure that he would be satisfied if he
mind of anyone that, had he the power, Satan had the highest position possible. But would
would destroy every vestige of goodness, hurl he? Lucifer was not. He had the highest posi-
God from the throne, murder the Son of God, tion possible. But he was not satisfied. He
and establish a kingdom of violence founded wanted one still higher. He wanted to be
in self-seeking and cruel ambition. God Himself.
What Satan has been demonstrating is In this respect the contrast between Christ
really his character and the lengths to which and Satan is pronounced. Satan wanted to
selfish ambition will lead. In the beginning be God. He wanted it so much that he was
he wanted to be like God. He was dissatis- willing to do anything to attain his goal.
fied with his position as the highest of created Christ, on the other hand, did not consider it a
beings. He wanted to be God. And the demon- thing to be grasped to be like God. He volun-
stration has shown that when he set his mind tarily humbled Himself and became obedient
upon this goal he would stop short of nothing unto death, even the death of the cross. He
to attain it. Whoever stands in the way must was God, and He became man. And that this
be put out of the way. If it be God Himself, He was not a temporary arrangement only for the
must be removed. purpose of showing His willingness, is evi-
The demonstration shows that high position denced by the fact that He will ever remain
is not satisfactory to the ambitious individual. man. Satan exalted himself; Christ humbled
He must have the highest, and even then he is Himself. Satan wanted to become God; Christ
not satisfied. Often a person in a lowly posi- became man. Satan wanted to sit as God on a
tion is tempted to believe that he would be throne; Christ, as a servant, knelt to wash the
satisfied if his position were improved. He is disciples’ feet. The contrast is complete.
20 The Last Generation 21

Lucifer As in an earthly government a document

In heaven Lucifer had been one of the or law must have the seal attached to it in
covering cherubs (Ezekiel 28:14). This order to be valid, so in God’s government
refers to the two angels who in the most a seal is used. God seems to have appor-
holy apartment of the sanctuary stood on tioned to the angels their work, the same as
the ark, covering the mercy seat. This was He has given to man his work. One angel
doubtless the highest office an angel could is in charge of the fire (Revelation 14:18).
occupy, for the ark and the mercy seat Another angel has charge of the waters
were in the immediate presence of God. (Revelation 16:5). Another has charge of
These angels were the special guardians of “the seal of the living God” (Revelation
the law. They watched over it, as it were. 7:2). Although, as stated above, the reading
Lucifer was one of them. of Ezekiel 28:12 is not entirely clear, some
feel justified in translating it, “Thou atta-
Ezekiel 28:12 contains an interesting
cheth the seal to the ordinance.” If this
statement concerning Lucifer: “Thou sealed
position is tenable, if Lucifer were prime
up the sum, full of wisdom, and perfect in
minister and keeper of the seal, it gives an
beauty.” The meaning of the expression,
additional reason why he should wish to
“Thou sealed up the sum,” is not entirely
substitute his own mark for that of God’s
clear. The reading is capable of varied inter-
seal when he left his first abode.
pretations. It seems evident, however, that
the intent is to show the high position and That Satan has been very active against
exalted privilege that were Satan’s before the law is evident. If God’s law is a tran-
he fell. He was a kind of prime minister, a script of His character, and if this character
keeper of the seal. is the very opposite of Satan’s, Satan stands
22 The Last Generation 23

condemned by it. Christ and the law are one. if Christ would willingly give Himself
Christ is the law lived out, the law become rather than abrogate the law; if it is easier
flesh. For this reason His life constitutes a for heaven and earth to pass away than for
condemnation. When Satan warred against one jot or tittle of the law to fail, how very
Christ, he warred also against the law. sacred and honorable the law must be!
When he hated the law he also hated Christ. When Christ died on the cross He had
Christ and the law are inseparable. demonstrated in His life the possibility of
An interesting statement is found in the keeping the law. Satan had not succeeded
fortieth psalm. Christ speaking, says, “I in leading Christ into sin. Possibly he did
delight to do Thy will, O My God: yea, Thy not expect to be able to do that. But if he
law is within My heart” (Verse 8). Though could have induced Christ to use His divine
this is doubtless a poetic expression and power to save Himself, He would have
should not be pressed too far, it is inter- accomplished much. Had Christ done so,
esting, nevertheless, as an indication of Satan could have claimed that this inval-
the exalted position of the law. “Thy law is idated the demonstration God intended
within My heart.” A stab at the law is a stab to make, namely, that it was possible for
at the heart of Christ. A stab at the heart men to keep the law. As it was, Satan was
of Christ is a stab at the law. At the cross defeated. But till the very last he continued
Satan so intended. But God meant the out- the same tactics. Judas hoped Christ would
come to be otherwise. The death of Christ free Himself, thus using His divine power
was a tribute to the law. It immeasurably to save Himself. On the cross Christ was
magnified the law and made it honorable. taunted: “He saved others; Himself He
It gave men a new vision of its sacredness cannot save.” But Christ did not falter. He
and worth. If God would let His Son die;
24 The Last Generation 25

could have saved Himself, but He did not. is considered, the problem assumes large
Satan was baffled. He could not under- proportions. God’s law is exceedingly
stand. But he knew that when Christ died broad; it takes cognizance of the thoughts
without his having been able to make Him and intents of the heart. It judges motives
sin, his own doom was sealed. In His death as well as acts, thoughts as well as words.
Christ was victor. Commandment keeping means entire sanc-
But Satan did not give up. He had failed tification, a holy life, unswerving allegiance
in his conflict with Christ, but he might yet to right, entire separation from sin, and vic-
succeed with men. So he went to “make tory over it. Well may mortal man cry out,
war with the remnant of her seed, which Who is sufficient for these things!
keep the commandments of God, and have Yet, to produce a people that will keep
the testimony of Jesus Christ” (Revelation the law is the task which God has set Him-
12:17). If he could overcome them he might self and which He expects to accomplish.
not be defeated. When the statement and challenge are
issued by Satan: “No one can keep the law.
God’s Demonstration It is impossible. If there be any that can do
it or that have done it, show them to me.
The demonstration which God intends
Where are they that keep the command-
to make with the last generation on earth
ments?” God will quietly answer, Here
means much, both to the people and to
they are. “Here are they that keep the com-
God. Can God’s law really be kept? That
mandments of God, and the faith of Jesus”
is a vital question. Many deny that it can
(Revelation 14:12).
be done; others glibly say it can. When the
whole question of commandment keeping
26 The Last Generation 27

Let us say it reverently: God must meet not because they had to. They deliberately
Satan’s challenge. It is not God’s plan, or a transgressed. There was no excuse. God
part of His purpose, to subject men to tests could not have devised an easier test.
that only a chosen few can survive. In the When God commands men to keep His
Garden of Eden, God subjected Adam and law, it does not serve the purpose He has
Eve to the lightest test conceivable. No one in mind to have only a few men keep it,
can say that our first parents fell because just enough to show it can be done. It is not
the test was too hard for them. If they fell, it in line with God’s character to pick out-
was not because the test was hard or because standing men of strong purpose and superb
they had not been provided with strength to training, and demonstrate through them
resist. The temptation was not held before what He can do. It is much more in harmony
them constantly. Satan was not permitted to with His plan to make His requirements
molest them everywhere. He had access to such that even the weakest need not fail, so
them at only one place, namely, at the tree that none can ever say that God demands
of knowledge. That place they knew. They that which can be done by only a few. It is
could stay away from it if they wanted to. for this reason that God has reserved His
Satan could not follow them everywhere. If greatest demonstration for the last gener-
they went where Satan was, it was because ation. This generation bears the results of
they wanted to. But even if they went there accumulated sins. If any are weak, they
to examine the tree, they need not have are. If any suffer from inherited tendencies,
remained there. They could walk away. they do. If any have an excuse because of
And even if Satan offered them the fruit, weakness of any kind, they have. If, there-
they need not take it. But they took it and fore, these can keep the commandments,
ate. And they ate it because they wanted to,
28 The Last Generation 29

there is no excuse for anyone in any other Job’s Test

generation not doing so also. Job was a good man. God trusted him.
But this is not enough. God intends in Day by day he offered sacrifices for his
His demonstration to show, not merely that sons. “It may be that my sons have sinned,”
ordinary men of the last generation can he said (Job 1:5). He was prosperous and
successfully pass a test such as He gave to enjoyed the blessing of God.
Adam and Eve, but that they can survive a Then came “a day when the sons of God
test much harder than such as falls to the came to present themselves before the Lord,
lot of common men. It will be a test com- and Satan came also among them” (Verse
parable to the one Job passed through, and 6). A conversation is recorded between the
approaching that which the Master under- Lord and Satan that concerned Job. The
went. It will test them to the utmost. Lord says that Job is a good man, which
“You have heard of the patience of Job, Satan does not deny, but urges that Job is
and have seen the end of the Lord; that the God-fearing merely because it pays him to
Lord is very pitiful, and of tender mercy” be so. He states that if God will take away
(James 5:11). Job passed through some His mercies, Job will curse God. The state-
experiences that will be repeated in the ment is in the form of a challenge, and God
lives of the chosen ones of the last genera- accepts it. Satan is given permission to take
tion. It may be well to consider them. away Job’s property and otherwise to cause
him sorrow, but not to touch Job himself.
Satan immediately proceeds to do what
he is permitted to do. Job’s property is all
swept away, and his children are killed.
30 The Last Generation 31

When this happened, “Job arose, and recorded that Job stood the test. “In all this
rent his mantle, and shaved his head, and did not Job sin with his lips” (Job 2:10).
fell down upon the ground, and worshiped, Satan is defeated and does not appear any
and said, Naked came I out of my mother’s more in the book.
womb, and naked shall I return thither. The In the succeeding chapters in the book
Lord gave, and the Lord hath taken away; of Job we are given a little insight into
blessed be the name of the Lord. In all this the struggle going on in Job’s mind. He
Job sinned not, nor charged God foolishly” is greatly perplexed. Why has all this
(Job 1:20-22). calamity come upon Him? He is not con-
Satan is defeated, but he makes another scious of any sin. Why, then, should God
attempt. At the next meeting with the Lord, afflict him? He, of course, does not know
without admitting defeat, he claims that he of the challenge of Satan. Neither does he
had not been permitted to touch Job him- know that God is depending upon him in
self. If he had, he claims, Job would have the crisis through which he is passing. All
sinned. The statement is again a challenge, he knows is that out of a clear sky disaster
and God accepts it. Satan is given permis- has come upon him till he is left without
sion to torment Job but not to take his life. family or property, and with a loathsome
He immediately departs on his mission. disease that nearly overwhelms him. He
All that the evil one can do, Satan does does not understand, but he retains his
to Job. But Job stands fast. His wife coun- integrity and faith in God. This God knew
sels him to give up, but he does not waver. he would do. This Satan said he would not
Under intense physical pain and mental do. In the challenge God won.
anguish he remains steadfast. Again it is
32 The Last Generation 33

Humanly speaking, Job had not deserved and the protection of earthly governments
the punishment that came to him. God removed. God’s people will be left alone to
Himself says it was without cause. “Thou battle with the powers of darkness. They
movedst Me against him, to destroy him will be perplexed, as was Job. But they, as
without cause” (Job 2:3). The whole exper- did he, will hold fast their integrity.
iment can therefore be justified only by In the last generation God will stand vin-
considering it as a specific test devised for dicated. In the remnant Satan will meet
a specific purpose. God wanted to silence his defeat. The charge that the law cannot
Satan’s charge that Job served God only for be kept will be met and fully refuted. God
profit. He wanted to demonstrate that there will produce not only one or two who keep
was at least one man whom Satan could not His commandments, but a whole group,
control. Job suffered as a result of it, but spoken of as the 144,000. They will reflect
there seemed to be no other way. A reward the image of God fully. They will have
was afterward given him. disproved Satan’s accusation against the
Job’s case is recorded for a purpose. While government of heaven.
we grant its historicity, we believe that it
has also a wider meaning. God’s people in
the last days will pass through an experi-
ence similar to Job’s. They will be tested as
he was; they will have every earthly stay
removed; Satan will be given permission to
torment them. In addition to this the Spirit
of God will be withdrawn from the earth,
34 The Last Generation 35

God’s Government on Trial The picture, then, is that of a court scene.

A serious situation arose in heaven when God’s government is at stake. Satan is the
Satan made his charges against God. The accu- accuser; God Himself is the accused and is
sations in reality constituted an impeachment. on trial. He has been charged with injustice,
Many of the angels believed the charges. They with requiring His creatures to do that which
ranged themselves on the side of the accuser. they cannot do, and yet punishing them for
One third of the angels—and that must have not doing it. The law is the specific point of
been millions—faced God with their leader, attack, but the law being merely a transcript
the highest among the angels, Lucifer. It was of God’s character, it is God and His character
no small crisis. It threatened the very exis- that are the points at issue.
tence of God’s government. How should God In order for God to sustain His contention,
deal with it? it is necessary for Him to show that He has
The only way the matter could be satisfac- not been arbitrary, that the law is not harsh
torily settled so that no question would ever and cruel in its requirement, but contrariwise,
arise again, was for God to submit His case that it is holy, just, and good, and that men can
to the ordinary rules of evidence. Was, or was keep it. It is necessary for God to produce at
not, God’s government just? God said it was; least one man who has kept the law. In the
Satan said it was not. God could have destroyed absence of such a man, God loses and Satan
Satan. That would not prove His cause just but wins. The outcome therefore hinges on the
would, in fact, count against Him. There was production of one or more who keep the com-
no other way than for each side to present its mandments of God. On this God has staked
evidence, produce its witnesses, and rest its His government.
case on the weight of testimony adduced.
36 The Last Generation 37

While it is true that many from time has not had free access to them. If he were
to time have dedicated their lives to God given full permission to press his case, they
and lived without sin for periods of time, also would be won over. But he charges that
Satan claims that these are special cases, God is afraid to let him do this. “Give me a
as was Job’s case, and do not come under fair chance,” Satan says, “and I will win out.”
the ordinary rules. He demands a clear- And so, to silence forever Satan’s charges;
cut case where there can be no doubt, and to make it evident that His people are
where God has not interfered. Can such an serving Him from motives of loyalty and
instance be produced? right without reference to reward; to clear
His own name and character of the charges
The Last Generation of injustice and arbitrariness; and to show to
God is ready for the challenge. He has angels and men that His law can be kept by
bided His time. The supreme exhibition has the weakest of men under the most discour-
been reserved until the final contest. Out aging and most untoward circumstances,
of the last generation God will select His God permits Satan in the last generation to
chosen ones. Not the strong or the mighty, try His people to the utmost. They will be
not the honored or the rich, not the wise or threatened, tortured, persecuted. They will
the learned, but common, ordinary people stand face to face with death in the issu-
will God take, and through and by them ance of the decree to worship the beast and
make His demonstration. Satan has claimed his image (Revelation 13:15). But they will
that those who in the past have served God not yield. They are willing to die rather than
have done so from mercenary motives, that to sin.
God has pampered them, and that he, Satan,
38 The Last Generation 39

God removes His Spirit from the earth. them from destruction, and supplies grace
Satan will have a greater measure of control and power for holy living (See Psalm 91).
than he has ever had before. True, he may Yet they are still in the world, still tempted,
not kill God’s people, but that seems to be afflicted, tormented.
the only limitation. And he uses every per- Will they stand the test? To human eyes it
mission he has. He knows what is at stake. It seems impossible. If only God would come
is now or never. to their rescue, all would be well. They are
God, to make the demonstration complete, determined to resist the evil one. If need be
does one more thing. He hides Himself. The they will die, but they will not sin. Satan has
sanctuary in heaven is closed. The saints cry no power—and never has had—to make
to God day and night for deliverance, but any man sin. He can tempt, he can seduce,
He appears not to hear. God’s chosen ones he can threaten; but he cannot compel. And
are passing through Gethsemane. They are now God demonstrates through the weakest
having a little taste of Christ’s experience of the weak that there is no excuse, and never
those three hours on the cross. Seemingly has been any, for sinning. If men in the last
they must fight their battles alone. They generation can successfully repel Satan’s
must live in the sight of a holy God without attack; if they can do this with all the odds
an intercessor. against them and the sanctuary closed, what
But though Christ has finished His inter- excuse is there for men’s ever sinning?
cession, the saints are still the object of God’s
love and care. Holy angels watch over them.
God provides them shelter from their ene-
mies; He provides them with food, shields
40 The Last Generation 41

The 144,000 heat. For the Lamb which is in the midst of

In the last generation God gives the final the throne shall feed them, and shall lead
demonstration that men can keep the law them unto living fountains of waters: and
of God and that they can live without sin- God shall wipe away all tears from their
ning. God leaves nothing undone to make eyes” (Revelation 7:16, 17).
the demonstration complete. The only limi- They “follow the Lamb whither so ever
tation put upon Satan is that he may not kill He goes” (Revelation 14:4). When at last the
the saints of God. He may tempt them, he doors of the temple shall swing open, a voice
may harass and threaten them; and he does will sound forth: “Only the 144,000 enter
his best. But he fails. He cannot make them this place” (Early Writings, p. 19). By faith
sin. They stand the test, and God puts His they have followed the Lamb here. They
seal upon them. have gone with Him into the holy place; they
Through the last generation of saints God have followed Him into the most holy. And
stands finally vindicated. Through them in the hereafter only those who have thus
He defeats Satan and wins His case. They followed Him here will follow Him there.
form a vital part of the plan of God. They go They will be kings and priests. They will
through terrific struggles; they battle with follow Him into the most holy, where only
unseen powers in high places. But they have the High Priest can ever enter. They will stand
put their trust in the Most High, and they in the unveiled presence of God. They shall
will not be ashamed. They have suffered follow Him “whithersoever He goeth.” They
hunger and thirst, but now “they shall will not only be “before the throne of God”
hunger no more, neither thirst any more; and “serve Him day and night in His temple,”
neither shall the sun light on them, nor any but they will sit with Him in His throne, even
42 The Last Generation 43

as He also overcame, and is set down with His tract. Our life is the light. As we live, we give
Father in His throne (Revelation 7:15; 3:21). light to others. Without life, without our living
The matter of greatest importance in the the light, our words abide alone. But as our life
universe is not the salvation of men, impor- becomes light, our words become effective. It
tant as that may seem. The most important is our life that must testify for God.
thing is the clearing of God’s name from the May the church of God appreciate the
false accusations made by Satan. The contro- exalted privilege given her! “Ye are My wit-
versy is drawing to a close. God is preparing nesses, said the Lord” (Isaiah 43:10). There
His people for the last great conflict. Satan is must be “no strange god among you: There-
also getting ready. The issue is before us and fore ye are My witnesses, said the Lord, that
will be decided in the lives of God’s people. I am God” (Verse 12). May we be witnesses
God is depending upon us as He did upon Job. indeed, testifying what God has done for us!
Is His confidence well placed? All this is closely connected with the work
It is a wonderful privilege vouchsafed this of the Day of Atonement. On that day the
people to help clear God’s name by our testi- people of Israel, having confessed their sins,
mony. It is wonderful that we are permitted were completely cleansed. They had already
to testify for Him. It must never be forgotten, been forgiven; now sin was separated from
however, that this testimony is a testimony them. They were holy and without blame.
of life, not merely of words. “In Him was The camp of Israel was clean.
life; and the life was the light of men” (John We are now living in the great antitypical
1:4). “The life was the light.” It was so with day of the cleansing of the sanctuary. Every
Christ, it must also be so with us. Our life sin must be confessed and by faith be sent
should be a light, as His life was. To give beforehand to judgment. As the high priest
people the light is more than to hand them a
44 The Last Generation 45

enters into the most holy, so God’s people bread shall be given him; his waters shall
now are to stand face to face with God. They be sure” (Isaiah 33:13-16).
must know that every sin is confessed, that From M. L. Andreasen, The Sanctuary
no stain of evil remains. The cleansing of Service, Second Edition Revised, Review
the sanctuary in heaven is dependent upon and Herald Publishing Association, Wash-
the cleansing of God’s people on earth. How ington, D.C., 1947, pp. 299-321).
important, then, that God’s people be holy
and without blame! In them every sin must
be burned out, so that they will be able to
stand in the sight of a holy God and live with
the devouring fire. “Hear, ye that are far
off, what I have done; and, ye that are near,
acknowledge My might. The sinners in Zion
are afraid; fearfulness hath surprised the
hypocrites. Who among us shall dwell with Philippians Two Five Publishing
the devouring fire? Who among us shall recommends that readers purchase the
dwell with everlasting burnings? He that entire book from which this material
walketh righteously, and speaketh uprightly. originates. M. L. Andreasen’s
He that despises the gain of oppressions, The Sanctuary Service, is available
that shaketh his hands from holding of from Review and Herald Publishing.
bribes, that stoppeth his ears from hearing
of blood, and shutteth his eyes from seeing
evil; he shall dwell on high: His place of
defence shall be the munitions of rocks:
46 The Last Generation 47

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