p. 5 | The Overcomer's Reward by J. A. Holton

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Takoma Park Station, Washington, D. C. · May 12, 1910

The Overcomer's Reward

By J. A. Holton

J. A. HOLTON

How many and varied are the promises held out to the saint that overcomes! Yea, in God's Word there are many scriptures which are as strong search-lights throwing their luminous light far across this sea of turmoil and strife, to the borders of eternity. How they make the mansions of the ransomed sparkle! How near the land looks! As one stops to admire the beauty of those celestial shores, he can imagine that he hears the music. But no, we are not permitted to hear a single strain from those golden harps as the skilled hands of angels sweep over them, fairly making heaven ring. The Testimonies tell us that we would be unfitted for life should we hear one of those melodies.

As one travels in this world, he sees sights which seem unmarred by the traits of sin. But grander than any sight to be seen to-day will be the earth in its new Edenic state. Then the most humble child will be infinitely wiser than earth's wisest men of to-day. We may not be able to mingle in the high society of earth, but then we shall be among the noblest and highest. We shall be with Moses, Abraham, and Isaac, with Paul and with John, even with Jesus, the great King of kings and Lord of lords. Glorious thought that such lowly ones as we should be permitted to enjoy such bliss!

Then through the ceaseless ages of eternity the loved of earth from every age and clime will come to Zion with songs and everlasting joys upon their heads. Our joy will not be lessened by the thought of having to leave it soon. No, for after being there ten thousand years, we shall have no shorter time to stay.

Ought we not to be content, then, whether in sickness or health, whether in tribulation or prosperity? Our trials can not last long, for life is short at its best. Then, too, we have the glorious promise that all things work together for good to them that love God. The sufferings of this present world are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us. Rom. 8:18. Think of it, not worthy of comparison!

The most inventive mind can not picture upon the canvas of imagination the glories of that celestial abode. The most versatile mind fails when trying to depict its grandeur. The curtains were drawn apart, as it were, so that John caught a glimpse of the New Jerusalem, and he, in turn, wrote for us what he saw, as recorded in Revelation 22.

Then as letters of diamond in a setting of gold, we read, “Blessed are they that do his commandments, that they may have right to the tree of life, and may enter in through the gates into the city.” “Behold, I come quickly.” God help us to be ready.

McIntosh, Minn.