Discovering the Spirit of Prophecy
Living Without an Intercessor
E
llen White makes a number of significant theological statements concerning the cessation of Christ’s mediation on behalf of sinners in the heavenly temple shortly before His return in glory.1 Some interpret them to mean that believers will live during the time of trouble without access to the all-sufficient grace of Christ. This interpretation creates fear and even anxiety by destroying the certainty of salvation. The gospel of salvation through faith in Jesus is almost set aside, and instead the emphasis is placed on human achievements. A detailed study of Ellen White’s statements2 indicates that during the time of trouble God’s people will be relying entirely on the atoning power of the cross of Jesus. CLARIFYING THE ISSUES
Perhaps we should begin by stating what Ellen White does not say about what will happen after Christ finishes His mediation in heaven. First, she does not state anywhere in her writings that God’s people will no longer battle against their sinful natures. On the contrary, she states, “We cannot say, ‘I am sinless,’ till this vile body is changed and fashioned like unto His glorious body.”3 Second, she does not say that when Christ ends His work in heaven, the mantle of His imputed righteousness is removed from the believer. Third, she does not state that at that moment Christ and the Holy Spirit will abandon God’s people or that we will have to survive on our own. Rather, she writes, “I saw a covering that God was drawing over His people to protect them in the time of trouble; and every soul that was decided on the truth and was pure in heart was to be covered with the covering of the Almighty.”4 Photo: Il Vano
