Words of Hope…
Satan consults with these mighty men. They declare that the army within the city is small in comparison with theirs and can be
overcome. Skillful craftsmen construct weapons of war. Military
leaders marshal warlike men into companies and divisions.
At last the order to advance is given, and the countless horde
moves on, an army that the combined forces of all ages could never
equal. Satan leads the procession, kings and warriors following.
With military precision the densely-packed ranks advance over the
earth’s broken surface to the City of God. By command of Jesus,
the gates of the New Jerusalem are closed, and the armies of Satan
prepare for the attack.
Now Christ appears in view of His enemies. Far above the city,
on a foundation of burnished gold, is a throne. The Son of God sits
on this throne, and around Him are the subjects of His kingdom. [51]
The glory of the Eternal Father enfolds His Son. The brightness of
His presence flows out beyond the gates, flooding the earth with
radiance.
Nearest the throne are those who were once zealous in Satan’s
cause, but who, plucked like brands from the fire, have followed
their Savior with intense devotion. Next are those who perfected
character while surrounded by falsehood and unbelief, who honored
the law of God when the world declared it void, and the millions
from all ages who were martyred for their faith. Beyond is the “great
multitude which no one could number, of all nations, tribes, peoples,
and tongues, … clothed with white robes, with palm branches in their hands” (Revelation 7:9). Their warfare is over, their victory
won. The palm branch is a symbol of triumph, the white robe an
emblem of the righteousness of Christ, which is now theirs.
In all that vast crowd there are none who credit salvation to
themselves by their own goodness. Nothing is said of what they
have suffered. The keynote of every anthem is, Salvation to our God
and to the Lamb.
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Source: Ellen G. White, The Great Hope, pp. 83, 84.