Joel 3: 13 Put you in the sickle, for the harvest is ripe: come, get you down; for the press is full, the fats overflow; for their wickedness is great. 14 Multitudes, multitudes in the valley of decision: for the day of the Lord is near in the valley of decision.
The “Sickle” is a reference to the harvests of earth that are just about to be reaped, and the “Decision” is a reference to loyalty to God or man, which every person living at that time must decide upon. Thus, when the sickle is finished doing its work, probation for planet earth will have been permanently closed. The original God-ordained Sabbath will then be the focal point of this decision-making, for it is the point specially controverted by satan, and the man of sin, working in tandem.
Thus, any decision on loyalty to God, must of necessity include a decision to worship God on His 7th day of rest. The claim to believe in Jesus will then be put to the test, for if one truly believes, he/she will take their resolute stand for God, by casting in their lot with His commandment-keeping people, and they will by so doing, acknowledge Christ as both Creator and Redeemer…. [The Great Controversy pp 605] The Sabbath will be the great test of loyalty, for it is the point of truth especially controverted.
“When the final test shall be brought to bear upon men, then the line of distinction will be drawn between those who serve God and those who serve Him not. While the observance of the false sabbath in compliance with the law of the state, contrary to the fourth commandment, will be an avowal of allegiance to a power that is in opposition to God, the keeping of the true Sabbath, in obedience to God's law, is an evidence of loyalty to the Creator. “
Revelation 13:18 Here is wisdom. Let him that hath understanding count the number of the beast: for it is the number of a man; and his number is Six hundred threescore and six.
May God add His blessing to the study of His word. “Good night” and God bless!