Three Manifestations of Christ by H. A. ST. JOHN

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Takoma Park Station, Washington, D. C. · Aug 15, 1912

Three Manifestations of Christ

By H. A. ST. JOHN

H. A. ST. JOHN

LET us briefly consider three of the most conspicuous and all-absorbing objects to be attained by the manifestation of Christ to this world. None of these objects is yet fully attained.

First, Christ “was manifested to take away our sins.” 1 John 3:5. Jesus is now occupied in the closing work of this character. He first pardons the sins of all his children; and the last he will have to do with their sins will be to blot them out, and remember them no more forever. Glorious work now approaching completion! Are our sins of the number that will soon be taken away forever? If so, then a crown of righteousness and glory awaits us in the near future.

Second, “The Son of God was manifested, that he might destroy the works of the devil.” 1 John 3:8. Who can measure the extent of the devil's works in this world? They are heaven-high, ocean-deep, and world-wide. Go where we will, in every direction, we behold all around us, and even in us, the scar of sin, the effects of the curse, all the works of the devil. When we stop to consider, we may well be surprised that sin has tainted every living thing.

None of us can now conceive how the new heavens, the new earth, and the saints themselves will look when Christ has destroyed the works of the devil. Everywhere will be seen only harmony, purity, beauty, and loveliness, all to abide evermore. Let us be strangers and pilgrims while we sojourn here amid the works of the devil, ever pressing forward toward that heavenly country, where will be seen only the works of God.

Third, “Forasmuch then as the children are partakers of flesh and blood, he also himself likewise partook of the same; that through death he might destroy him that had the power of death, that is, the devil.” Heb. 2:14. So, then, when Christ has finished his work in behalf of this world, not only sin and the works of sin will be destroyed, but the originator of sin also.

To Christ has been committed all power, both in heaven and in earth, and he will surely accomplish all of the stupendous work he has undertaken, and will triumph gloriously.

Are our souls ravished with the purpose and thought of beholding the new creation, and seeing and feeling in ourselves the power of endless life? If not, let us come while it is called to-day, while there is yet room.

Sanitarium, Cal.