Our Father by W. B. Kinney

Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · Oct 22, 1872

Our Father.

By W. B. Kinney

“Our Father!” Sweet, precious words; faith’s expression. It is not indigenous to the human heart; it is an exotic. It comes to the Christian from Heaven. Christ transplants it from the fields above, and puts it into the trustful soul of the “stranger and pilgrim,” whose feet are in the way toward the kingdom not yet enjoyed. It is a gift to all those who submit to the Holy Spirit and “learn of him who is meek and lowly.” It has not any place in the “mind at enmity against God.” It is a choice treasure of Heaven not intrusted to the world; but it is in possession of those who are not of the world. How like an aperture it seems, through which are seen wonderful sights and heard heavenly strains. As we continue to look, we discover an ever widening field, whose beauty reveals beauty, and glory unveils glory, the throne of the God of love, mercy, and grace.

“Our Father!” Jesus, the Redeemer of men, the Mediator between God and man, the expected King of kings and Lord of lords.

“Maker of all things, everlasting God, He opens Eden’s gate,— Monarch of ages!”

We see a company of saints, which no man can number, coming from every clime, receiving from the hand of the Deliverer palms and crowns, indicative of everlasting victory; an inheritance incorruptible, undefiled, and that fadeth not away. As we stop to listen, giving all attention, we hear the swelling music of harpers before the throne, about the saints; but sweeter and louder than this is the song of the countless multitudes of the saved, the justified followers of David’s greater Son. Faith sees it all, through that gift brought by the precious blood of Christ.

“Our Father!” Truly, these two words were originated in Heaven; they arose not from the earth. They are an invaluable treasure to the Christian; for they open the door to glory, immortality, and eternal peace with God.

Children are alone able to say, “Our Father.” Jesus came to redeem them that were under the law, that they might receive the adoption of sons; and if a son, then an heir of God through Christ. “And if ye be Christ’s, then are ye Abraham’s seed, and heirs according to the promise.”

Are we able to say, “Our Father”? If so, we may be filled with the largest hope, for Jesus said of such, “It is your Father’s good pleasure to give you the kingdom.”—W. B. Kinney.