第01章 为最后的危机作准备
§1
第01章 为最后的危机作准备
§2
Preparation for the Final Crisis
§3
重大的危机正在我们面前。要应付其艰难与试探，并履行在此危机中的义务，非具有持久的信心不可。但我们可能获得光荣的胜利；因为凡警醒、祈祷，而且相信的，必无一人遭受仇敌的陷害。{3TT 11.1}[1]
§4
The great crisis is just before us. To meet its trials and temptations, and to perform its duties, will require persevering faith. But we may triumph gloriously; not one watching, praying, believing soul will be ensnared by the enemy.?{3TT 11.1}[1]
§5
在我们前面的患难时期中，上帝安全的保证就必实现在凡遵守衪忍耐之道的人身上。基督要向衪忠心的人说：“我的百姓啊，你们要来进入内室，关上门，隐藏片时，等到忿怒过去”（赛26:20）。犹大支派的狮子，对于一切拒绝衪恩典的人是极其可怕的，然而对于凡忠心顺服衪的人，却必成为上帝的羔羊。那向违背上帝律法之人表示烈怒和惊吓的云柱，对于那些遵守衪诫命的人，却表示光明、仁慈，和拯救。那击杀悖逆者的有力膀臂，必以大力拯救凡效忠的人。每一诚信忠实之人都必蒙召聚集。因“衪要差遣使者，用号筒的大声，将衪的选民从四方，从天这边到天那边，都招聚了来”（太24:31）。{3TT 11.2}[2]
§6
In the time of trial before us God’s pledge of security will be placed upon those who have kept the word of His patience. Christ will say to His faithful ones: “Come, My people, enter thou into thy chambers, and shut thy doors about thee: hide thyself as it were for a little moment, until the indignation be overpast.”?Isaiah 26:20. The Lion of Judah, so terrible to the rejecters of His grace, will be the Lamb of God to the obedient and faithful. The pillar of cloud which speaks wrath and terror of the transgressor of God’s law is light and mercy and deliverance to those who have kept His commandments. The arm to smite the rebellious will be strong to deliver the loyal. Every faithful one will surely be gathered. “He shall send His angels with a great sound of a trumpet, and they shall gather together His elect from the four winds, from one end of heaven to the other.”?Matthew 24:31.?{3TT 11.2}[2]
§7
弟兄们，上帝既将真理的道向你们显明，那么在这世界历史的结局中，你们将担任何种角色呢？你们是否觉悟到这些严重的事实？你们是否觉察到这种准备的大工，如今正在天上和地上进行着？凡已接受这光的人，有机会读过与听过这预言的人，都当留意其中所记载的那些事：“因为日期近了”（启1:3）。但愿现今再无人玩弄罪恶，因为罪恶乃是此世诸般患难的祸根。不要再滞留于怠惰和愚蠢的冷漠之中。切莫让你永恒的命运悬悬无定。当确知你是完全站在主的这一边。要从真实的心意与颤抖的嘴唇中发出这个问题：“谁能站得住呢”（启6:17）？试问你在这最后一段宝贵的宽容时期中，是否已用那上等的材料来建设你的品格？你曾否洁净你的心灵，使之毫无瑕疵？你是否已跟从那光？你的行为是否和你所自称的信心相称？{3TT 11.3}[3]
§8
Brethren, to whom the truths of God’s word have been opened, what part will you act in the closing scenes of this world’s history? Are you awake to these solemn realities? Do you realize the grand work of preparation that is going on in heaven and on earth? Let all who have received the light, who have had the opportunity of reading and hearing the prophecy, take heed to those things that are written therein; “for the time is at hand.” Let none now tamper with sin, the source of every misery in our world. No longer remain in?lethargy and stupid indifference. Let not the destiny of your soul hang upon an uncertainty. Know that you are fully on the Lord’s side. Let the inquiry go forth from sincere hearts and trembling lips, “Who shall be able to stand?” Have you, in these last precious hours of probation, been putting the very best material into your character building? Have you been purifying your souls from every stain? Have you followed the light? Have you works corresponding to your profession of faith??{3TT 11.3}[3]
§9
上帝恩典之软化、折服人心的感化力，是否在你身上运行着？你是否有心能感，有眼能看，有耳能听呢？那关系地上万国之永生真理的宣言，难道是徒然无效的吗？他们[地上万国]已被定罪，准备接受上帝的审判；在这与永恒大局攸关的时日中，蒙拣选而委托以重要真理的那班人，应当常住在基督里面。试问你是否在将你的光，照亮那正在自己的罪中灭亡的万民呢？你有否认识到你乃是要站在那班践踏上帝诫命的人面前，为上帝的诫命辩护呢？{3TT 12.1}[4]
§10
Is the softening, subduing influence of the grace of God working upon you? Have you hearts that can feel, eyes that can see, ears that can hear? Is it in vain that the declaration of eternal truth has been made concerning the nations of the earth? They are under condemnation, preparing for the judgments of God; and in this day which is big with eternal results, the people chosen to be the depositaries of momentous truth ought to be abiding in Christ. Are you letting your light shine to illumine the nations that are perishing in their sins? Do you realize that you are to stand in defense of God’s commandments before those who are treading them underfoot??{3TT 12.1}[4]
§11
要作一个不完全、虚有其表的信徒，原无不可，然而这样依旧会显出亏欠，丧失永生。你可能藉着遵行圣经的一些谕令，叫人认为你是基督徒。但终因你缺少基督徒品格的必要资格，仍必归于灭亡。你若忽略或轻视上帝所赐的警告，你若珍爱或推诿罪恶，你就是在判定你自己的永恒命运。你必被称在天平里，显出你的亏欠。恩惠，平安，和赦免，必永远收回；耶稣也必越过，而你的祈祷和恳求，再也达不到衪的面前了。故此我们当趁这恩典尚未断绝，救主仍在为世人代求之时，为永生做彻底的工作。{3TT 12.2}[5]
§12
It is possible to be a partial, formal believer, and yet be found wanting and lose eternal life. It is possible to practice some of the Bible injunctions, and be regarded as a Christian, and yet perish because you lack qualifications essential to Christian character. If you neglect or treat with indifference the warnings that God has given, if you cherish or excuse sin, you are sealing your soul’s destiny. You will be weighed in the balance and found wanting. Grace, peace, and pardon will be forever withdrawn; Jesus will have passed by, never again to come within reach of your prayers and entreaties. While mercy lingers, while the Saviour is making intercession, let us make thorough work for eternity.?{3TT 12.2}[5]
§13
基督复临今世的时间必不再长期延搁了。但愿我们以此作为每道信息的主旨。{3TT 12.3}[6]
§14
The return of Christ to our world will not be long delayed. Let this be the keynote of every message.?{3TT 12.3}[6]
§15
基督第二次显现的有福之望及其严肃的事实，都必须时常向人宣讲。我们若期待主不久就要显现，就必导使我们将一切属世的事物视为虚无了。?{3TT 13.1}[7]
§16
The blessed hope of the second appearing of Christ, with its solemn realities, needs to be often presented to the people. Looking for the soon appearing of our Lord will lead us to regard earthly things as emptiness and nothingness.?{3TT 13.1}[7]
§17
哈米吉多顿的战争即将发生。那位在衣服上有名写着说：“万王之王、万主之主”的，即将领导天军出现。{3TT 13.2}[8]
§18
The battle of Armageddon is soon to be fought. He on whose vesture is written the name, King of kings, and Lord of lords, is soon to lead forth the armies of heaven.?{3TT 13.2}[8]
§19
现今主的仆人不能再象先知但以理说，这“大争战”（但10:1）时间还长远，其实从现在直到上帝的见证人完成他们为主预备道路的工作，只有不多的时日了。{3TT 13.3}[9]
§20
It cannot now be said by the Lord’s servants, as it was by the prophet Daniel: “The time appointed was long.”?Daniel 10:1. It is now but a short time till the witnesses for God will have done their work in preparing the way of the Lord.?{3TT 13.3}[9]
§21
们当抛弃个人狭窄自私的计划，时常记得我们有一种最伟大而且最重要的工作。我们从事这工作，即是传扬第一，第二，和第三位天使的信息；而且这样行，也就是为那另一位从天降下，使地因衪的荣耀而发光的天使，预备道路。?{3TT 13.4}[10]
§22
We are to throw aside our narrow, selfish plans, remembering that we have a work of the largest magnitude and highest importance. In doing this work we are sounding the first, second, and third angels’ messages, and are thus being prepared for the coming of that other angel from heaven who is to lighten the earth with his glory.?{3TT 13.4}[10]
§23
耶和华的日子悄然临近；但一般所谓伟大而聪明的人们，却不明白基督降临或世界末日的预兆。不法的事增多，许多人的爱心已经渐渐冷淡了。{3TT 13.5}[11]
§24
The day of the Lord is approaching with stealthy tread; but the supposed great and wise men know not the signs of Christ’s coming or of the end of the world. Iniquity abounds, and the love of many has waxed cold.?{3TT 13.5}[11]
§25
千万的世人现今正在为永生或永死而自作决定。那在账房中全神贯注的人，那在赌台旁寻欢取乐的人，那沉湎酒色，放纵情欲，以及耽好娱乐，时常涉足戏院与游乐场所的人，莫不将永生置之度外。他们一生的主旨就是：吃什么？喝什么？和穿什么？他们不参加向天国迈进的行列；而是受那大叛徒的牵引，至终也必与他同归于尽。{3TT 13.6}[12]
§26
There are thousands upon thousands, millions upon millions, who are now making their decision for eternal life or eternal death. The man who is wholly absorbed in his counting room, the man who finds pleasure at the gaming table, the man who loves to indulge perverted appetite, the amusement lover, the frequenters of the theater and the ballroom, put eternity out of their reckoning. The whole burden of their life is: What shall we eat? what shall we drink? and?wherewithal shall we be clothed? They are not in the procession that is moving heavenward. They are led by the great apostate, and with him will be destroyed.?{3TT 13.6}[12]
§27
除非我们明了这瞬即永逝的片刻光阴的重要性，而准备妥当，以便在上帝的大日站立得住，我们就必显为不忠心的管家。守望者必须知道夜里的时间。目前所有的事物无不包含严重的意义，这是凡相信现代真理之人所当认识到的。他们行事为人，应当念念于上帝的大日。因为上帝的审判即将临到世人，我们各人都必须为那大日早作准备。{3TT 14.1}[13]
§28
Unless we understand the importance of the moments that are swiftly passing into eternity, and make ready to stand in the great day of God, we shall be unfaithful stewards. The watchman is to know the time of night. Everything is now clothed with a solemnity that all who believe the truth for this time should realize. They should act in reference to the day of God. The judgments of God are about to fall upon the world, and we need to be preparing for that great day.?{3TT 14.1}[13]
§29
我们的光阴是宝贵的。因为我们只有少数——极少数宽容的日子，为那未来的不朽生命作准备。再没有时间可虚掷在轻妄之事上。我们当小心翼翼，惟恐对于上帝的话浅尝辄止。{3TT 14.2}[14]
§30
Our time is precious. We have but few, very few days of probation in which to make ready for the future, immortal life. We have no time to spend in haphazard movements. We should fear to skim the surface of the word of God.?{3TT 14.2}[14]
§31
现今一如基督在世之时，每逢福音传入仇敌境内，总要遭遇其大军强烈的抵抗。那即将临到我们的争战，其惨怖之状为前所未见。不过撒但纵然被描绘为如壮士披挂整齐，亦终必全然崩溃；凡宁愿舍弃忠顺而与他联合背叛的人，也必与他一同灭亡。{3TT 14.3}[15]
§32
It is as true now as when Christ was upon the earth, that every inroad made by the gospel upon the enemy’s dominion is met by fierce opposition from his vast armies. The conflict that is right upon us will be the most terrible ever witnessed. But though Satan is represented as being as strong as the strong man armed, his overthrow will be complete, and every one who unites with him in choosing apostasy rather than loyalty will perish with him.?{3TT 14.3}[15]
§33
上帝约束之灵现今正从地上渐渐收回，飓风，暴雨，暴风雪，火灾，水灾，以及海上陆地各种灾难，接踵而来。科学欲探求这一切事的解答。其实这一切在我们四周增厚的兆头，无一不是说明上帝的儿子即将来临，但人却归之于其它原因。世人不能看出那守望的天使在执掌四方的风，叫风不吹，直等到上帝的众仆人都受了印记；可是一旦上帝吩咐衪的使者放开这风，则战争之惨烈，将非笔墨所能形容的了。?{3TT 14.4}[16]
§34
The restraining Spirit of God is even now being withdrawn from the world. Hurricanes, storms, tempests, fire and flood, disasters by sea and land, follow each other in quick succession. Science seeks to explain all these. The signs thickening around us, telling of the near approach of the Son of God, are attributed to any other than the true cause. Men cannot discern the sentinel angels restraining the four winds that they shall not blow until the servants of God?are sealed; but when God shall bid His angels loose the winds, there will be such a scene of strife as no pen can picture.?{3TT 14.4}[16]
§35
对于现在那些漠不关心的人，基督的警告乃是：“你既如温水，也不冷也不热，所以我必从我口中把你吐出去”（启3:16）。这里所形容的从衪口中吐出去，意思就是衪不能将你的祷告或你口头上的爱，献与上帝。你对于衪圣道的讲解或你属灵方面的工作，无论如何不能蒙衪认可。祂也不能在上帝面前提述你的宗教活动，而为你求恩。{3TT 15.1}[17]
§36
To those who are indifferent at this time Christ’s warning is: “Because thou art lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will spew thee out of My mouth.”?Revelation 3:16. The figure of spewing out of His mouth means that He cannot offer up your prayers or your expressions of love to God. He cannot endorse your teaching of His word or your spiritual work in anywise. He cannot present your religious exercises with the request that grace be given you.?{3TT 15.1}[17]
§37
如果幔子能掀开，使你能辨识上帝的旨意，认明审判即将临到这已注定沦亡的世界，如果你能看到你自己所抱持的态度，那你就必为你个人和你同胞的灵命，感到恐惧战兢了。恳切的祈祷和撕裂心肠的痛悔，就必上达于天。你就会在廊子和祭坛中间哭泣，承认你属灵的盲目和背道的行为。（6T404-408.1900）{3TT 15.2}[18]
§38
Could the curtain be rolled back, could you discern the purposes of God and the judgments that are about to fall upon a doomed world, could you see your own attitude, you would fear and tremble for your own souls and for the souls of your fellow men. Earnest prayers of heart-rending anguish would go up to heaven. You would weep between the porch and the altar, confessing your spiritual blindness and backsliding.?{3TT 15.2}[18]