A. T. ROBINSON by A. T. Robinson

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Takoma Park Station, Washington, D. C. · Mar 30, 1916

A. T. ROBINSON

By A. T. Robinson

The Light of the World — No. 4

A. T. ROBINSON

The world is once more in perishing need of a rekindling of the light of life. In these days, when this old world is groping upon the very border of the land of the shadow of death and destruction, the prophet declares, “The people that walked in darkness have seen a great light: they that dwell in the land of the shadow of death, upon them hath the light shined.” Isa. 9:2.

Once more is there a voice to be heard, not in Judea, nor in Germany alone, but sounded forth to every nation, kindred, tongue, and people, summoning the people to a part in the closing conflict between the powers of light and darkness,—a conflict to end, not in the triumph of an Edict of Milan or a Declaration of Independence, but in eternal and everlasting victory.

In the great threefold message of the everlasting gospel, of Revelation 14, God is shedding the last beams of gospel light that are ever to illumine this old sin-cursed earth. The apostle Paul, identifying himself with the people concerning whom he writes, says of the remnant church, “I think that God hath set forth us the apostles last, as it were appointed to death: for we are made a theater unto the world, and to angels, and to men.” 1 Cor. 4:9, margin. The closing act in the great drama of human redemption is now being enacted. The last actors are upon the stage. God has been sending the light of this glorious message of salvation into the hearts of men and women because he wants to make them channels through which that light, undimmed, may be shed upon a lost world in full and final display. “God, who commanded the light to shine out of darkness, hath shined in our hearts, to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ.” 2 Cor. 4:6.

God has set his remnant church as his lighthouse upon the shore of time, to warn the storm-tossed mariner who is trying to make the harbor of eternal rest and safety, of the dangerous rocks and reefs of sin and destruction. How useless the lighthouse, even though costing many thousands of dollars, unless the light is kept burning to warn the mariner of dangers as he nears port. “That ye may be blameless and harmless, the sons of God, without rebuke, in the midst of a crooked and perverse nation, among whom ye shine as lights in the world; holding forth the word of life.” Phil. 2:15, 16.

The prophet, looking forward to the time when “the sinners in Zion are afraid,” and “fearfulness hath surprised the hypocrites,” asks this solemn question, “Who among us shall dwell with devouring fire? who among us shall dwell with everlasting burnings?” Then he answers the question in these words: “He that walketh righteously, and speaketh uprightly; he that despiseth the gain of oppressions, that shaketh his hands from holding of bribes, that stoppeth his ears from hearing of blood, and shutteth his eyes from seeing evil; he shall dwell on high: his place of defense shall be the munitions of rocks: bread shall be given him; his waters shall be sure. Thine eyes shall see the king in his beauty.” Isa. 33:14-17.

This closing message of the gospel is destined to prepare a people to live and rejoice amid the glories of the second advent, when all the wicked will “be destroyed by the brightness of his coming.” Jesus, when he comes, will present to himself “a glorious church, not having spot, or wrinkle, or any such thing; but . . . holy and without blemish.” Eph. 5:27. The blessed Lord is waiting for such a church, through which his glory can shine undimmed; and just as soon as such a church is developed, he will come. This truth is expressed by the psalmist: “Out of Zion, the perfection of beauty, God hath shined. Our God shall come.” Ps. 50:2, 3.

Speed on, O glorious message! Send thy blessed light into our hearts, until all sin and selfishness shall be consumed. Make us channels through which thy glorious light can shine into hearts darkened by sin. Hasten on to the dark corners of the earth, that every honest soul may quickly see thy light and the work be speedily finished.

Boulder, Colo.