To us today comes an ancient appeal, but in a most contemporary setting. The apostle Peter implores those living in that end-time day, when elements “melt with fervent heat“: “Since, then, all these things are to be melted away, what kind of persons ought you to be in holy behavior and godliness?” (see 2 Peter 3:11). GVEGW 130.5
“For this reason, loved ones, since you are looking for these things, be careful to be found by Him in peace, without spot and without blame” (see verse 14). GVEGW 130.6
Things will be so bad in the final days before Jesus returns that the primary question of even the wicked will be: “The great day of his wrath is come; and who shall be able to stand?” (Revelation 6:17). GVEGW 130.7
Ironically, their question is but the echo of an ancient psalm, sung antiphonally by the Israelites as they journeyed three times each year to the annual national feasts. As they climbed the steep ascent from the Jericho plain (800 feet below sea level) to Jerusalem, on Mount Zion (2,500 feet above sea level), one group would sing to the other: GVEGW 130.8
“Who shall ascend into the hill of the Lord? Or who shall stand in His holy place?” GVEGW 130.9
And the answer would come from the other group: GVEGW 131.1
“He that hath clean hands, and a pure heart; who hath not lifted up his soul unto vanity, nor sworn deceitfully. He shall receive the blessing from the Lord, and righteousness from the God of his salvation” (Psalm 24:3-5). GVEGW 131.2
“Then said Jesus ... Go and do thou likewise” (Luke 10:37). “What I say unto you I say unto all; Watch” (Mark 13:37). “He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches” (Revelation 2:7, 11, 17, 29; 6, 13, 22; 13:9). GVEGW 131.3