THE "LARGER HOPE."

International Tract and Missionary Society · Oakland, California · Jan 20, 1887

THE "LARGER HOPE."

THE "larger hope" is being much talked about now. This "larger hope" is that if men do not accept Christ in this life, they will have a chance to repent after death. It is no new thing. Satan set before Eve a "larger hope" than the Lord did. He persuaded her to believe that she would be much better off if she went outside of God's command. She soon found out her mistake. The antediluvians cherished a "larger hope" than Noah did. He, poor credulous soul, thought that if he didn't get into the ark he would be drowned. Their hope was not so circumscribed. Their free minds took a much wider range, and they thought that they would be safe enough if they ignored the ark. But "the flood came, and destroyed them all." The men of Sodom were not so narrow in their beliefs as Lot was. He believed that his only hope lay in flight from the city. They had a "larger hope," and therefore would not put themselves to the trouble to flee. "But the same day that Lot went out of Sodom it rained fire and brimstone from heaven, and destroyed them all." "Even thus shall it be in the day when the Son of man is revealed." Those who cherish this "larger hope" will then find out their mistake. "Other foundation can no man lay than that is laid, which is Jesus Christ." This hope is large enough to take in the whole creation; "for God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life." This hope is limited to this life, for when Christ comes the second time it is "without sin, unto salvation." Nevertheless, the Spirit and the bride say, Come; and whosoever will may take the water of life as a gift. Who could ask any larger hope than this? Well might the apostle exclaim: "O the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and knowledge of God!"

"How firm a foundation, ye saints of the Lord, Is laid for your hope in his excellent word! What more could he say than to you he hath said, Who unto the Saviour for refuge have fled?"