Chapter 4 – The Close of Probationary Time
We mentioned in the last chapter the closing of the door to Noah’s ark. Just what did this signify? It is important that we define terms such as “probationary” and how they are used in Scripture so there are no misunderstandings. So just what is “probationary time”? Let’s consider three aspects defining this term. First, the time from conception to death for any individual is their own probationary time, but the idea of probation also signifies a time of judgment when our lives are under review. This more legal definition is one that is utilized in our court system. Also, in a general sense, this is allotted time for the Plan of Salvation to run its coarse.
In our modern culture someone under probation typically has been convicted of a crime. Instead of serving out their sentence confined in a jail cell, which is costly to society, they are allowed a certain measure of freedom; an opportunity to prove themselves that they are capable of making positive choices and are willing to be a benefit to society, thus providing insight to the authorities and the community at large, that keeping them out of jail was the correct decision. To be on probation is an aspect of our lives when our time is monitored.
We can see from a Biblical perspective applications of these same concepts with humanity as a whole. Scripture states that all have sinned and fallen short of God’s Glory; humanity has rebelled against the principles of God’s character (Rom. 3:23). So, in this sense we are all criminals deserving of prison; that prison is defined as death (for the wages of sin is death Rom. 6:23), but we are provided a period of time (probationary time), an opportunity to hopefully repent and make a choice for God; for life and His kingdom. Making this choice is termed a “born-again experience”, thus setting us temporally free from the death penalty, through the merits of Christ.
So probationary time is that time when we are confronted with this opportunity, Scripture reveals it is the role of the Holy Spirit to confront the world.
“And when he is come, he will reprove (literally convince) the world of sin, and of righteousness, and of judgment” (John 16:8).
This life that we live, that has been provided as a gift, is our opportunity to make a choice for or against God’s kingdom, for or against His revealed will, however:
“Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven.” (Matt. 7:21).
When a person’s life ends, this opportunity or probationary period ends, no longer are they making decisions and choices;
“Whatsoever thy hand findeth to do, do it with thy might; for there is no work, nor device, nor knowledge, nor wisdom, in the grave, whither thou goest” (Eccl. 9:10)
We must take advantage of life, making the right choices and decisions now;
“For he saith, I have heard thee in a time accepted, and in the day of salvation have I succoured thee: behold, now is the accepted time; behold, now is the day of salvation.” (2 Cor. 6:2) While breath is in us let us make the right decisions!
Not only can probation end for any individual through death, but it can also be declared closed, which is only God’s prerogative. An example of this was during the time of the great flood with Noah. God had proclaimed to Noah that probation for the entire world was going to close;
“And God said unto Noah, The end of all flesh is come before me; for the earth is filled with violence through them; and, behold, I will destroy them with the earth”. (Gen. 6:3)
One of the interesting facts (already mentioned), regarding God’s pronouncement here, is the specified time provided to Noah; “And the LORD said, My spirit shall not always strive with man, for that he also is flesh: yet his days shall be an hundred and twenty years” (Gen. 6:3).
God puts the entire world on notice that unless they repent, an end to life as they know it will occur one-hundred and twenty years from the day of the declaration, at which time an unrepentant world will be destroyed by a global flood. Noah was called of God to make preparations for such an event and warn the world specifically of the danger.
We find a similar declaration in the last book of the Bible, the book of Revelation. The entire book (all 22 chapters), is a focus on the ultimate fulfillments of predictions made from the Old Testament Scriptures, such as Jeremiah, Isaiah, and Daniel. One of those ultimate fulfillments concerns the close of probationary time.
In the 1st chapter verse three the context is established;
“Blessed is he that readeth, and they that hear the words of this prophecy, and keep those things which are written therein: for the time is at hand.” (Rev. 1:3) Just what time is being referred to here?
The word “the” used in the phrase just before the word “time”, is a definitive article and specifies a particular time. So what particular time is being highlighted? It would be easy to speculate or offer up guesses as many have done; however, this is unnecessary since the Scriptures themselves reveal the time referred too.
The very last chapter defines the particular period referred too when using nearly the same phrase in verse 10 of chapter 22,
“And he said unto me, Do not seal the words of this prophecy of this book (the book of Revelation) for the time is at hand” (Rev. 22:10).
The word “this” is also a definitive article and suggests a collective perspective, supporting the claim that the whole of Revelation is focused primarily on the period of time just before and after probation’s close. How do we know “the time” is the closing of probationary time?
Chapter 22 of Revelation has brought the reader full circle from its starting point. The question is; just when does this occur? Since the book was written by John in the 1st century, authored by the Holy Spirit and Christ Himself, some would be inclined to place the starting of events at that time (first century). It is true that many applications, such as the messages to the 7 churches around Asia-minor can be made and are legitimate, plus these events were literal to the 1st century believers. However, what is demanded in this very last book of the Scriptures is the implementation of the Hebrew exegesis; multiple applications pointing to the ultimate fulfillment.
There are many historical applications that can be made from Revelation’s commentary, but the ultimate fulfillments are structured around events at the very end of earth’s history near the time of the close of probationary time.
The angel Gabriel’s comments in the book of Daniel confirm this suspicion, “Understand, O son of man: for at the time of the end shall be the vision”. “And he said, Behold, I will make thee know what shall be in the last end of the indignation: for at the time appointed the end shall be”. (Dan.8:17, 19) John the revelator under inspiration provides greater detail of Daniel’s prophecies.
It is the next verse in chapter 22 of revelation that verifies this, “He that is unjust, let him be unjust still: and he which is filthy, let him be filthy still: and he that is righteous, let him be righteous still: and he that is holy, let him be holy still”. (Rev. 22:11) This verse is a declaration of the closing of human probationary time, similar to the closing of the door of Noah’s Ark, every choice for or against God will have been determined.
When God makes this determination, every living person’s destiny has been fixed. This is the TIME referred to from the preceding verse (the time is at hand). Just like those standing outside the door of the Ark in Noah’s day, even if they changed their minds and wanted entrance, this was prohibited since the door had already been closed. So, it is important to every individual living to make that decision now!
The book of Joel also suggests the very same; “Alas for the day! For the day of the Lord is at hand; It shall come as destruction from the Almighty.” (Joel 1:15)
God had instructed Noah and his family to enter the ship seven days before the flood occurred, closing the door shortly after. You can bet that once it started to rain the folks who had decided to remain outside were than clamoring to get on board, they had never seen rain fall from the sky. But their time for making that decision had passed, their probation had ended, their fate was fixed. This is what will occur at the end of time. The last book of the Bible places its main focus on this critical event of prophecy.
Also, the book of Matthew makes this declaration, “But as the days of Noah were, so shall the coming of the Son of Man be. For as in the days that were before the flood they were eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage, until the day that Noah entered into the Ark. And knew not until the flood came, and took them all away; so shall the coming of the Son of man be.” (Matt. 24:37-39) Just what didn’t they know? That their probation had closed!
When Scripture uses that phrase, “for the time is at hand” then the very next verse is that declaration of the closing of human probationary time, we can be assured that this particular time is referring to events connected with the time of trouble and the close of human probation. The very next verse is, “and behold I come quickly and My reward is with me to give every man according as his work shall be” (Rev.22:12), this is Christ’s second coming.
The use of this phrase, “for the time is at hand,” in the 1st chapter 3rd verse and the 10th verse in the last chapter are an irrefutable argument that the entire context of the book revolves around the ultimate end-time events and particularly the ultimate fulfillments. This helps us also to understand the proper framing of the book of Revelation.
The Door is currently still open!! But will be closing in the near future!!