Gospel Truth #8
A higher motivation becomes realized in the close of time than has prevailed in the church in past ages—a concern for Christ that He receive His reward and find His "rest" in the final eradication of sin. All egocentric motivation based merely on fear of hell or hope of reward is less effective. The higher motivation is symbolized in the climax of Scripture—the Bride of Christ making herself "ready."
Ellen White's View
"'When the fruit is brought forth, immediately he [the farmer] putteth in the sickle, because the harvest is come' (Mark 4:29). Christ is waiting with longing desire for the manifestation of Himself in His church. When the character of Christ shall be perfectly reproduced in His people, then He will come to claim them as His own. "It is the privilege of every Christian not only to look for but to hasten the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ" (Christ's Object Lessons, p. 69).
"[Jesus] raised His right arm, and we heard His lovely voice saying, 'Wait here; I am going to My Father to receive the kingdom; keep your garments spotless, and in a little while I will return from the wedding and receive you to Myself'" (Early Writings, p. 55).
"I saw that while Jesus was in the most holy place, He would be married to the New Jerusalem; and after His work should be accomplished in the holiest, He would descend to the earth in kingly power, and take to Himself the precious ones who had patiently waited His return" (ibid., p. 251).
"While Jesus had been ministering in the sanctuary [most holy place], the judgment had been going on for the righteous dead, and then for the righteous living. Christ had received His kingdom, having made the atonement for His people, and blotted out their sins. The subjects of the kingdom were made up. The marriage of the Lamb was consummated. And the kingdom, and the greatness of the kingdom under the whole heaven, was given to Jesus and the heirs of salvation, and Jesus was to reign as King of kings, and Lord of lords" (ibid., p. 280).