"UNTO ALL THEM ALSO THAT LOVE HIS APPEARING."
By G. D. Ballou
THIS is the crucial test of character for the last generation of men. The great apostle says that the crown of righteousness awaits not only himself, but "all them also that love his appearing." 2 Tim. 4:8. None others will receive it. Those who love the appearing of Jesus will do so because they have loved his word and longed to be stamped with his own divine character; and they will have been stamped with that divine character before they can welcome the divine glory of his presence. Those who have the hope of being like him and seeing him as he is when he comes will have purified their souls through obedience to the truth until Jesus' own purity rests upon them. 1 Peter 1:22; 1 John 3:2, 3. It is to those who love him and keep his word that Jesus and the Father manifest their love by coming to the heart and abiding there. John 14:23. It was this divine power and presence working within that caused Paul to live the life he here lived by faith of the Son of God. Gal. 2:20. And the same divine Presence will work in the hearts of Paul's brethren now to prepare them for the reward615that awaits all "who love his appearing." Who to-day loves the appearing of Jesus? Some will hail him with hearts overflowing with joy. If Paul and Peter and John were here what would be the response of their hearts to the message, "Surely I come quickly"? What else could it be but, "Even so, come, Lord Jesus." Rev. 22: 20. It is along this line that the division is to be drawn "between him that serveth God and him that serveth him not." In this we shall be able to discern between the righteous and the wicked. As the struggling overcomer sees more of his own weakness, sees how helpless and hopeless his case is, in his own efforts, his soul will cry out with unutterable longings for more of Jesus; oh to have Christ formed within the hope of glory! And the Spirit of Jesus reigning in the hearts of his followers will welcome, yea, long, for his personal presence. Oh, to behold that Saviour who has died for us; so tenderly dealt with his erring creatures; so graciously forgiven their sins; so mightily strengthened us to overcome! Yea, hasten that glad day, dear Saviour, when we shall behold thy face in righteousness.