Seal of God and the Mark of the Beast
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will not be accountable, will be judged guilty before God the same
as if they had heard and rejected. There will be no excuse for those
who choose to go in error when they might understand what is truth.
In His sufferings and death Jesus has made atonement for all sins of
ignorance, but there is no provision made for willful blindness.
We shall not be held accountable for the light that has not reached
our perception, but for that which we have resisted and refused. A
man could not apprehend the truth which had never been presented
to him, and therefore could not be condemned for light he had never
had.—
The S.D.A. Bible Commentary 5:1145
(1893).
The Importance of Practical Benevolence
The decisions of the last day turn upon our practical benevolence.
Christ acknowledges every act of beneficence as done to Himself.—
Testimonies to Ministers and Gospel Workers, 400
(1896).
When the nations are gathered before Him, there will be but two
classes, and their eternal destiny will be determined by what they have
done or have neglected to do for Him in the person of the poor and
suffering....
Among the heathen are those who worship God ignorantly, those
to whom the light is never brought by human instrumentality, yet they
will not perish. Though ignorant of the written law of God, they have
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heard His voice speaking to them in nature, and have done the things
that the law required. Their works are evidence that the Holy Spirit
has touched their hearts, and they are recognized as the children of
God.
How surprised and gladdened will be the lowly among the nations,
and among the heathen, to hear from the lips of the Saviour, “Inasmuch
as ye have done it unto one of the least of these My brethren, ye have
done it unto Me”! How glad will be the heart of Infinite Love as His
followers look up with surprise and joy at His words of approval!—
The
Desire of Ages, 637, 638
(1898).
Motive Gives Character to Actions
In the day of judgment some will plead this good deed and that
as a reason why they should receive consideration. They will say, “I
set up young men in business. I gave money to found hospitals. I