Provided Answer to Many Questions

Should they give up their faith in God’s guidance in the past experience of expectation and disappointment? No; there was light in the message that had been proclaimed,—light that would illuminate their entire future pathway.AGP 261.3

Should they go back into the world? No; those who were on their way to the city were traveling on a path high above the world.AGP 261.4

Should they, because of their disappointment, cast away their confidence? By no means; Jesus had led them, would continue to lead them, and they would be safe while they kept their eyes fixed on Him.AGP 261.5

Were they to look for the Saviour immediately, or would He tarry? They were told that there was some distance to travel before they would reach the end of the way. Those who grew weary because they expected to have entered the city sooner, and declared that it was “a great way off,” were to find courage and an incentive to persevere as Jesus beckoned them forward with His glorious right arm.AGP 261.6

In the rest of the vision, there were other features of great interest. The saints would be persecuted, but God would deliver them from the wrath of those who sought to destroy them. The glorious appearing of the coming Christ was pictured. In graphic words was set forth the terror of the wicked as they should behold the Saviour descending from heaven in great glory, accompanied by the holy angels; also the anxiety of the saints, as they cried out, “Who shall be able to stand? Is my robe spotless?” After a time of “awful silence,” Jesus spoke, saying, “Those who have clean hands and pure hearts shall be able to stand; My grace is sufficient for you.”AGP 261.7

The resurrection of the sleeping saints; the joy of the glad reunion with loved ones from whom death had separated them; the ascension to the sea of glass; the glad welcome into the city where were the throne, the river, and the tree of life—all this was calculated to cheer and gladden the hearts of those who were to remain longer in this world than they had expected, and to encourage them to remain steadfast in their faith and service. It was in harmony with the words of the apostle:AGP 262.1

“Cast not away therefore your confidence, which hath great recompense of reward. For ye have need of patience, that, after ye have done the will of God, ye might receive the promise. For yet a little while, and he that shall come will come, and will not tarry. Now the just shall live by faith: but if any man draw back, my soul shall have no pleasure in him. But we are not of them who draw back unto perdition; but of them that believe to the saving of the soul.” Hebrews 10:35-39.