The Manifestation of the Sons of God
By Editor
The citizenship of the Christian is not here. Here he is but a "pilgrim" and a "stranger." Says the apostle: "For our conversation ["citizenship," R. V.] is in heaven; from whence also we look for the Saviour, the Lord Jesus Christ." Phil. 3:20. He is our King; His kingdom our commonwealth. One evil principle cherished in the heart of man will pervert every principle of good; it will prove a traitor which will admit into the heart's citadel troops of evil. Pride cherished by Peter led to the denial of his Lord. Covetousness cherished by Judas led to the betrayal of his Master. What is considered "harmless" indulgence in appetite is the first step in the career of many a young man which leads to disgrace, dishonor, a drunkard's grave and a drunkard's hope. Shun all evil. Compromise with no evil principle whatsoever. The spirit of the world is compromise, sometimes a small matter if no principle is involved, if it be a mere matter of dollars and cents. But no one can afford to compromise morality, righteousness, integrity. The least compromise of integrity is the yielding of righteousness. The standard is perverted. No longer has the soul a correct rule to measure conduct. He is left a prey, a sport, to the enemy of all evil. Or the enemy leaves him, as a hunter leaves a wounded, helpless bird, to be devoured or destroyed at will. The Manifestation of the Sons of God.—The children of God are not now revealed in the fulness of their relationship. As was Christ in this world, so are they. When here He was a man of sorrows and acquainted with grief. There was no beauty of splendor about Him that men desired; "He was despised and rejected of men." When He walked the earth, to all, except to those of faith, He was but a man—a very remarkable man, perhaps, but of earth, earthy. So His earth life is to men now, even to some who profess His name. And such also are His followers; foolish, deluded, fanatical, have they been called in every age and every land. Many have died as did the Master. But when Christ comes the second time, revealed in the glory of heaven, it will be the revelation of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ. It will be the brightness of His coming, the shining forth of His presence, the glory of which will slay the wicked. 2 Thess. 2:8. But that glory which has been brought to the saints by faith now, will then be revealed. Rom. 8:18. The sons of God will then be manifested in their full relationship, a relationship and glory which all the world will acknowledge. "Beloved, now are we the sons of God, and it doth not yet appear what we shall be; but we know that, when He shall appear, we shall be like Him; for we shall see Him as He is." 1 John 3:2. The sinful, hopeless heart is never at rest. "The wicked are like the troubled sea, when it can not rest." The two-minded man is unstable like water. To all such Jesus gives the invitation: "Come unto Me, all ye that labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest." Blessed rest, the rest of peace, the rest of the heart. "Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ." Sinner, come to Christ. Lay down your arms, submit to His righteous will, trust Him, and all is peace and rest.