COUNTERACTING FORCES by W. C. Mathewson

Pacific Press Publishing Company · OAKLAND, CALIFORNIA · Sep 24, 1902

FromSigns of the Times, Vol. 28, No. 39.

COUNTERACTING FORCES.

By W. C. Mathewson

EVERY particle of matter in the universe has an attraction for every other particle. This attractive force is called gravitation. Thus this earth attracts other planets with a certain force, and vice versa. The most familiar illustration of gravitation is the attraction that this earth has for bodies upon or near its surface. This particular kind of attraction is called gravity.

The terms gravitation and gravity are purely scientific. The Scriptures mention these powers, but under a different name: "Who [Christ] being the brightness of His glory, and the express image of His person, and upholding all things by the Word of His power." Heb. 1:3. The term "all things" includes the planets, upheld in space by gravitation, which is an exercise of "the Word of His power." You could measure this power if you could weigh the universe; but such an accomplishment is beyond the limit of human possibility. "But with God all things are possible," who has "weighed the mountains in scales, and the hills in a balance."

The force of gravitation is a constant force. Should it cease to act in any locality, the whole universe would become disorganized, and destruction of life and property would ensue.

Were this earth suddenly to cease its attraction, how quickly we should be irresistibly drawn to some other heavenly body, and instantly killed. Thus the laws of gravity are good laws in preserving the lives and homes of men.

Since every particle of matter in the universe has an attraction for every other particle, heaven itself must be a factor in producing the equilibrium of the universe. The attraction of heaven doubtless exerts an influence upon the earth. Suppose that it exerts a greater influence than any other heavenly body, that the power of gravity for a short time ceases, and we are drawn to the central heaven, landed there with all safety. Would not such an experience be extremely pleasing? Who would care to resist that drawing power? While we are not drawn to heaven in just that identical way, we are certainly drawn there in a manner no less real. There is a power even stronger than gravitation, that is drawing all men there who are willing to be drawn.

How do we know this? The Saviour said so: "I, if I be lifted up from the earth, will draw all men unto Me." John 12:32. The Creator and Preserver of the universe was lifted up, but is He drawing all men to Him? Are there not thousands of individuals who are being drawn farther away from Him every day? Then, has not His promise failed?—No; being free moral agents, we may resist

this drawing power if we so choose, by allowing ourselves to be drawn by a power from an opposite source.

An illustration may enable some to see this fact more clearly. A stone rests upon the surface of the earth, held there by the drawing power of gravity. A strong man lifts the stone, slowly raising it above the ground. Does gravity cease its work while the stone is being raised? A change has taken place; but the force of gravity has not diminished the least iota. The application of an upward force greater than the downward causes a change of motion to an opposite direction.

Similarly, the respective drawing powers of Christ and Satan are operating on every human soul, whose choice will determine the direction of motion. While the power of Satan is drawing men away from heaven with the greatest possible speed, the power of Christ is still acting with undiminished energy. If individuals would alter their choice, the power of Christ would take immediate effect, and draw their thoughts and affections heavenward. Christ's power is absolutely worthless to all who choose the power of Satan; while Satan's power is entirely harmless to those choosing the power of Christ.

There are many things in this sinful world that are attractive to candidates for immortality. Both the pleasures and the cares of life exert a bewitching, drawing influence. The more we behold, the more we become fascinated and captivated, powerless to resist, if not unwilling. While the serpent is charming the bird, the bird is intently gazing at him. While the bird remains in this attitude, the serpent's charm can not be broken. While the serpent-bitten Israelites were looking at the serpents, their wounds were increasing, their vitality diminishing. A look is powerful for harm or good. The apostle Paul, understanding this, said, "We look not at the things which are seen." Why?—Because "the things which are seen are temporal," and therefore combustible materials for the day of God's wrath. 2 Cor. 4:18; 2 Peter 3:10, 11. If we look—center our minds—on worldly things until probation closes, we shall be identified with them, and likewise perish. In view of this, Christ says, "Look unto Me, and be ye saved, all the ends of the earth." Isa. 45:22.

Turning from the temporal things of life to view the "invisible," the "eternal," we again become fascinated, captivated, drawn, but by a counteracting force. 2 Cor. 10:5. Yielding to this mighty current of life, the words of the psalmist become personally ours: "O bless our God, . . . which holdeth our soul in life." Ps. 66:8, 9. We become not only drawn toward Him, but unwaveringly held in that current of divine power.

If we choose the power of Christ constantly, altho there will be an antagonistic force, there will be absolutely no retrogradation.

Advancing from faith to faith, from strength to strength, from victory to victory, we find ourselves at last on the "sea of glass," "more than conquerors through Him that loved us." W. C. MATHEWSON.