Why Probation was Given?

2 Peter 3:9              The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance.  

2 Peter 3:10            But the day of the Lord will come as a thief in the night; in the which the heavens shall pass away with a great noise, and the elements shall melt with fervent heat, the earth also and the works that are therein shall be burned up.  

The time of probation is given us that we may perfect a character fit for eternity. {1SM 318.4}  

Probation is granted to all, that all may form characters for eternal life. An opportunity will be given to all to decide for life or death. . . .  {FLB 179.7}  

God has given His word for all to investigate, that they may learn the way to life. None need err if they will submit to the conditions of salvation laid down in the word of God … The probation of all closes when the pleading for sinners is ended and the garments of vengeance are put on.  {2T 691.1}  

They do not realize their danger, and do not see and understand the mercy of our God in lengthening their probation that they may have time to form characters for the future, immortal life. Every moment is of the highest value. Time is granted them, not to be employed is studying their own ease and becoming dwellers on the earth, but to be used in the work of overcoming every defect in their own characters, and in helping others to see the beauty of holiness by their example and personal effort. {RH, October 20, 1885 par. 1}  

We are not to settle down, expecting that a change of character will come to us by some miraculous work, when Jesus shall appear in the clouds of heaven with power and great glory. No, my young friends, we are judgment-bound, and probation is granted to us here in this life, in order that we may form characters for the future, immortal life. If the truth of God is abiding in our hearts, it will work by love, and sanctify the soul from every defilement. "And every man that hath this hope in him, purifieth himself, even as he is pure." There is no chance to plead for the retention of one idol, for the cherishing of one wrong hereditary or cultivated habit. We are called upon to have complete government over our bodies, as God's special habitation. The body is not to be treated carelessly. There is to be no reckless action, no needless imperiling of any organ of the body or faculty of the mind. We are not to indulge in any habit that will weaken physical or mental strength, or abuse our powers in any way. We are to do all in our power to keep ourselves in health, in order that we may have sweetness of disposition, a clear mind, and be able to distinguish between the sacred and the common, and honor God in our bodies and in our spirits, which are his.  {YI, August 24, 1893 par. 2}  

The precious hours of probation are granted that you may remove every defect from your character, and this you should seek to do, not only that you may obtain the future life, but that you may be useful in this life. {MYP 415.3} {CT 225.3}  Note: Chap. 9 – THE Influence of Association Counsels to parents, Teachers, and Students (1913)

You now have precious hours of probation granted you to form a right character even at your advanced age. You now have a period allotted you in which to redeem the time. {2T 88.1}  

Only those will enter heaven who in probationary time have formed a character that breathes a heavenly influence. The saint in heaven must first be a saint upon earth. {ML 273.5}

Precious, probationary time is given to be improved in washing our robes of character and making them white in the blood of the Lamb. To remove the stains of sin requires the work of a lifetime. Every day renewed efforts in restraining and denying self are needed. Every day there are new battles to fight and victories to be gained. Every day the soul should be called out in earnest pleading with God for the mighty victories of the cross. {4T 429.2}  

This earth is the fitting-up place. You have not one moment to lose. {1T 705.3} 

 The long night of gloom is trying, but the morning is deferred in mercy, because if the Master should come, so many would be found unready. God's unwillingness to have His people perish, has been the reason of so long delay.-- Testimonies, vol. 2, p. 194. (1868)  {Ev 694.2}  

“There is a limit beyond which the judgment of Jehovah can no longer be delayed.” {COR 416}

God cannot forbear much longer. Already His judgments are beginning to fall on some places, and soon His signal displeasure will be felt in other places.  {9T 96.1}  

Everything in our world is in agitation. There are wars and rumors of wars. The nations are angry, and the time of the dead has come, that they should be judged. Events are changing to bring about the day of God, which hasteth greatly. Only a moment of time, as it were, yet remains. {6T 14.1}  

You have not a moment to lose in neglect of the great salvation that has been provided for you. The time of the probation of souls is coming to an end. {RH, March 22, 1892 par. 11}