p. 3 | A Father's Love

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Washington, D. C. · Mar 23, 1905

A Father's Love

THERE is only one explanation of the provision made for rescuing helpless but rebellious sinners from the destroying power of our adversary the devil. It is the outworking of a Father's love. “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.” “Herein is love, not that we loved God, but that he loved us, and sent his Son to be the propitiation for our sins.” That mighty love which is inseparable from the being of God did not hesitate to pour out itself in that gift which caused heavenly intelligences to marvel, and gave to them a new revelation of what love is. This is the love “which passeth knowledge.” But it is not enough that this current of love should flow from the Father to his children; there ought to be a return flow from the children to the Father. And, incomprehensible as it may seem to finite minds, it is only this reciprocal love which can fully satisfy that infinite Being whose life is love. And so it is not simply for our salvation, but also for God's satisfaction that we should love him with all the heart, might, mind, and strength. Thus will the channel be kept open, and the current ever flowing in love's system of circulation. “We love, because he first loved us.”

“While we walk with God in light, God our hearts doth still unite; Dearest fellowship we prove, Fellowship in Jesus' love: Hence may all our actions flow, Love the proof that Christ we know; Mutual love the token be, Lord, that we belong to thee.”