A Triumphant Change by H. A. ST. JOHN

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Takoma Park Station, Washington, D. C. · Sep 23, 1915

A Triumphant Change

By H. A. ST. JOHN

Seven Great Triumphs — No. 4

A Triumphant Change

H. A. ST. JOHN

SURELY the great change, the miraculous uplift that is given to every resurrected saint, is a triumph so grand and glorious that it cannot be fully described. Methinks that even the realization will be constantly unfolding in blessedness throughout all the endless years of eternity. Jesus had a triumphant resurrection, a glorious and eternal victory over him who is the power of death. He came forth a mighty conqueror over death and the grave. His body, although still bearing the marks of the human, was nevertheless, greatly changed.

By many infallible proofs, for a period of forty days, he showed himself alive after his resurrection. But in the suddenness of his appearances and disappearances his disciples encountered a mystery that was beyond their comprehension. His last disappearance, at the end of the memorable forty days, differed greatly from all his disappearances before. On the day of ascension, on the Mount of Olives, standing among his disciples, teaching them as only he could teach, he suddenly departed. But unlike former occasions, they saw him go this time.

By some unseen power, he was lifted up from them, while in the very act, with hands uplifted, of pronouncing upon them his parting benediction. They gazed upon him as he ascended, until a cloud of glorious angels met him. Just as the cloud received him, he dropped this sweet message into their ears, “Lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen.”

So will it be with all victorious saints. After a triumphant life, a triumphant death, and a triumphant resurrection, they will have a triumphant change. This mortal will put on immortality, this corruption will put on incorruption. This vile body will be changed, and fashioned like Christ’s glorious body. O, what a glorious change! And it will abide forever.

Then we may bid an eternal adieu to all the ills of corruptibility and mortality. No more sorrow, disease, sin, or pain! Every nerve will forever thrill with the music of perfect health. No

more will be heard the sad note, “I am sick.” O, the ecstatic joy of every heart as Jesus is seen in his glory, and is recognized as the One who has wrought this great and glorious change. Truly it is a triumphant change.