ARE WE LOOKING FOR THE SAVIOUR?
By C. O. Cushman
“So CHRIST was once offered to bear the sins of many; and unto them that look for him shall he appear the second time without sin unto salvation.” Heb. 9:28. There is no mistaking the way to look for him, for Paul tells us, “For the grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared to all men, teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world; looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ.” Titus 2:11–13. Our lives determine whether we are looking for him. Those who do not have the necessary things (faith and love) will not be looking for him. To them he will come as a thief in the night. 1 Thess. 5:1–9.6 Paul’s last words to Timothy were: “I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith; henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, shall give me at that day; and not to me only, but unto all them also that love his appearing.” 2 Tim. 4:7, 8. Do we love his appearing? Do we long for it as we would for the return of a dear friend who has been absent? There are wonderful things to be given to those who are loving his appearing when he comes. “Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love him.” 1 Cor. 2:9. Eternal life is the blessing in which all others are included. In that life will be no sorrow, pain, nor death. What a change from the present! Who would not desire it? Instead of the mourner’s tear will be the song of joy (Isa. 35:10); and where Satan has furled his black banner of death, those who love Christ will wave palms of victory over death and the grave; over every valley and plain where Satan has gone about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he might devour, the saints will roam over plains of bliss and joy forever; and in every nation where Satan has held his empire undisturbed, the King of Righteousness will reign supreme. Is not this sufficient to make an effort to secure an entrance into that better land, where nothing will mar the happiness forever? We need not speculate as to just how it will be in every particular, for it is not revealed; we know nothing of his plans outside of what is revealed. “Great is our Lord, and of great power; his understanding is infinite.” Ps. 147:5. Again David says, “Such knowledge is too wonderful for me: it is high, I can not attain unto it” (Ps. 139:6); but those who are looking for him when he appears, will have all eternity to learn of his plans. C. O. CUSHMAN.