SONS OF GOD by J. E. Evans

Pacific Press Publishing Company · Oakland, California · May 28, 1896

FromSigns of the Times, Vol. 22, No. 22.

SONS OF GOD.

By J. E. Evans

BY J. E. EVANS.

(Concluded.)*

Perfect through Suffering.

To LEAD us to trust his wisdom is so great a work that God gave his Son “in the likeness of sinful flesh,” and permitted him to be “tempted in all points like as we are, yet without sin.” “Forasmuch then as the children are partakers of flesh and blood, he also himself likewise took part of the same. . . . That he might be a merciful and faithful High Priest in things pertaining to God. . . . For in that he himself hath suffered being tempted, he is able to succor them that are tempted.” “For it became Him, for whom are all things, and by whom are all things, in bringing many sons unto glory, to make the Captain of their salvation perfect through sufferings.” Heb. 2:14–18, 10.

“Tho he were a son, yet learned he obedience by the things which he suffered.” Chapter 5, verse 8. He was made perfect through suffering. Shall we not gladly accept the conditions? He learned obedience by the things which he suffered. Must we have an easier way?

The Son of God was sent. He was given that those who did not know his Father’s love might be brought to know its power—sent with a message to a dying world—given a sacrifice for mankind. No less is required of us upon our being adopted into the heavenly family. He was an Ambassador; so is each son and daughter of adoption to show “that the Father sent the Son to be the Saviour of the world.” 1 John 4:14. He was the light of the world; so are we.

In refining silver a great and prolonged heat is necessary to bring the liquid metal to the point where it will reflect the image of the refiner fully. That which is used to reflect must be bright, and this state is not secured without patient labor on the part of the workman, and a passive attitude on the part of that which is to be thus used. The “Son” became the “Sun.” “But unto you that fear My name shall the Sun of Righteousness arise with healing in his wings.” Mal. 4:2. The character of God is given us in Christ, and we, by beholding his face, “are changed into the same image”—“the image of his Son.” 2 Cor. 3:18; Rom. 8:29. “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.” Phil. 2:15.

Are we his children? He knows what is best for us, and will ask us to bear only that which is for our good. Like a true earthly parent he delights to bear our burdens, and become responsible for us, and would gladly give us all the comforts of this life, and the joys of the world to come, without calling us to suffer for his name, if it could be done.

The question is often asked, Why are the children of God called upon to endure trials and affliction, when those who seem to have no thought of him go free? This thought troubled the mind of David for a time; but as soon as he went into the sanctuary, and saw their end, he was satisfied. He was there led to see the principles which govern the family of earth and the family of heaven. Wherever self is permitted to rule, there Satan is the head. Where love prevails, there Christ rules. Truly, then, we can say: “Blessed is the man whom thou chastenest, O Lord.” Ps. 94:12. “Before I was afflicted I went astray.” “It is good for me that I have been afflicted; that I might learn thy statutes.” Ps. 119:67, 71. “For he doth not afflict willingly, nor grieve the children of men.” Lam. 3:33. “For unto you it is given in the behalf of Christ, not only to believe on him, but also to suffer for his sake.” Phil. 1:29. “If we suffer, we shall also reign with him.” 2 Tim. 2:12. “Beloved, think it not strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as tho some strange thing happened unto you; but rejoice, inasmuch as ye are partakers of Christ’s sufferings; that, when his glory shall be revealed, ye may be glad also with exceeding joy.” 1 Peter 4:12, 13. God has also promised to “make you perfect, stablish, strengthen, settle you,” “after that ye have suffered awhile.” 1 Peter 5:10. Therefore the exhortation is given: “My son, despise not thou the chastening of the Lord, nor faint when thou art rebuked of him; for whom the Lord loveth he chasteneth, and scourgeth every son whom he receiveth. If ye endure chastening, God dealeth with you as with sons; for what son is he whom the Father chasteneth not? But if ye be without chastisement, whereof all are partakers, then are ye bastards, and not sons.” Heb. 12:5–8.

This lesson is also taught in the second chapter of Hosea, where the Lord through the prophet speaks of his dealings with ancient Israel. After reproving them for a wrong use of the blessings given them in Canaan, he says, “Therefore, behold, I will allure her, and bring her into the wilderness, and speak comfortably [friendly, or to the heart] unto her; and I will give her her vineyards from thence, and the valley of Achor for a door of hope.” By referring to the margin of Josh. 7:26 the force of this expression will be seen. The word “Achor” means trouble, and the valley of trouble was to be given them for a door of hope; that is, trouble would bring about what temporal prosperity failed to produce. “And it shall be at that day, saith the Lord, that thou shalt call me Ishi [my husband]; and shalt call me no more Baali [my lord].” Hosea 2:14–16. “God is love.” He does not, as the lords of earth, utter arbitrary commands, but seeks continually the good of his creatures; yet some consider the cords of divine love as the restraint of arbitrary will.

The above scripture tells why we are chosen “in the furnace of affliction”—why “we must through much tribulation enter the kingdom of God.” This kingdom will be enjoyed by all who are prepared for it, but can be earned by none. The servant works for wages, and it is expected that he will give the value of his money in time; but the faithful son thinks not of the wages, but of the inheritance to which he is heir. “Wherefore thou art no more a servant, but a son; and if a son, then an heir of God through Christ.” Gal. 4:7. In this family there is manifested that love and confidence which are characteristic of any kind and well-regulated family on earth. The Master says, “Henceforth I call you not servants; for the servant knoweth not what his lord doeth; but I have called you friends; for all things that I have heard of my Father I have made known unto you.” John 15:15. Being joint-heirs, the children of God have no fears concerning what they are to receive, but enter cheerfully upon doing the Father’s will, and yield willingly to the necessary discipline, knowing that “the servant abideth not in the house forever; but the son abideth ever.” John 8:35. God has given us his only Son, and “how shall he not with him also freely give us all things?” Rom. 8:32. “No good thing will he withhold from them that walk uprightly.” Ps. 84:11.

New Orleans, La.