Ezekiel 9:5 And to the others he said in mine hearing, Go ye after him through the city, and smite. 6 …But come not near any man upon whom is the mark; and begin at my sanctuary. Then they began at the ancient men which were before the house.
The “Ancient men” referenced in the previous verse are those who had a knowledge of God’s will, such as the elders, deacons, bishops, preachers and the teachers. Next in line came the congregation who had been instructed in the laws and principles of God’s kingdom, and who knew God’s will.
Those of us who have been playing church for many years, could find ourselves destitute of The Holy Ghost, who alone is able to enable us to survive the time of the latte rain. Elijah survived on Mt Carmel because he was loaded, and those who will survive spiritual Mt Camel in our day must of necessity also be fully loaded.
[L.D.E. pp 182] The broken ranks will be filled up by those represented by Christ as coming in at the eleventh hour. The time of God's destructive judgments is the time of mercy for those who now have no opportunity to learn what is truth. Tenderly will the Lord look upon them. His heart of mercy is touched, and His hand is still stretched out to save, while the door is closed to those who would not enter. Large numbers will be admitted who in these last days hear the truth for the first time.
Matthew 8:11 And I say unto you, That many shall come from the east and west, and shall sit down with Abraham, and Isaac, and Jacob, in the kingdom of heaven. 12 But the children of the kingdom shall be cast out into outer darkness: there shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth.
May The Lord add His blessing to the study of His word. God bless!