Nature of God’s Salvation
By J. O. Corliss
GREAT and wonderful are the promises of our God. Great are they because their complete possession can be met only in the eternal continuance of a renewed life. They are wonderful, also, because they cover infinitely more than mortal mind can conceive. The climax can be reached only when one steps out from the bewildering disagreements of human sentiment, and lodges “under the shadow of the Almighty.” This “shadow” is not, however, a murky cloud by which one’s enjoyment is darkened, but a strong defense against possible dissatisfaction in the choice of one’s life walk. And it is this, too, because the Almighty’s “shadow” is but the subduing and purifying sway of Jehovah’s mind, to tinge and protect the inner man, in anticipation of adverse occurrences. In other words, it is both a “sun and shield,”—a “hiding-place from the wind” under the protecting covert of God’s “wings,” thus proving to be a refreshing “shadow of a great rock in a weary land.” This, and much more, is the promise to all who inhabit the “secret place of the Most High.” God’s “secret place” for the “hiding of His power” in behalf of His “chosen” is in His own tabernacle, or dwelling-place. There He actually hides men “in the secret of His presence, from the pride of man,” and quietly keeps them “in a pavilion from the strife of tongues.” Ps. 31:20. It was in this presence that Moses received the stamp of God’s countenance, so strongly marked that the men of his acquaintance could not look steadily in his face. 2 Cor. 3:13; Ex. 33:7-11. But these were only earthly diversions, typical of invariable conditions held in reserve for those who live with God in the place of His secret musings. Not only does He promise to all such His visible protection from open enemies and hidden pestilence, but to those who revere Him He unreservedly discloses His secret being, and reveals His wondrous covenant of peace. Nor is this all; for those who call upon Him, He answers, and comforts in time of trouble; He rescues and elevates them in the sight of men. Ps. 91:2-15. But even this does not cover the promise in full; for in due time the Lord comes to earth with a “recompense.” He then opens the blind eyes, and unstops deaf ears; He makes the lame leap as the stag, and the tongue of the dumb sing. Isa. 35:4-6. All tears are then dried, death has fled, sorrow and crying have ceased, and pain is unknown. Rev. 21:4. A highway is provided for these redeemed ones, over which no lion or ravenous beast can roam, but the ransomed walk there singing songs of everlasting joy. Isa. 35:9, 10. What an incomprehensible provision is this! And yet it is graciously included in the promise of Jehovah. To him who wills to reach this state, God adds the following stipulation: “With long life will I satisfy him, and show him My salvation.” Ps. 91:16. Who can measure this pledge? Stop and think. How long must one live under the conditions assured to be really satisfied? Would a thousand years do it? Would a million?—No, indeed; no limit can be set to such a proposition. The enjoyment of that state must therefore be a “far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory.” 2 Cor. 4:17. But what does this word “eternal” mean? Upon hearing sung the familiar words, “When we’ve been there ten thousand years,
Bright, shining as the sun,
We’ve no less days to sing God’s praise,
Than when we first begun,” an infidel scoffed, saying, “Upon the face of it that is but a delusion of Christian theology.” But is it? Suppose one subtracts from eternity ten thousand years, or even ten million, would not the result be eternity?—It certainly would. Then why may not one rest in the eternal promise of Heaven permitting him to bask in the sunshine of God’s eternal glory? And why may not the reader enjoy this unspeakable gift?