THE PROMISE OF LIFE by E. GOODRICH.

Publishing Committee · Battle Creek, Mich. · Jun 5, 1860

THE PROMISE OF LIFE.

By E. GOODRICH.

IN the word of God are many rich and precious promises, among which that of eternal life stands out most prominently as the one upon which the fulfillment of all others must depend. Says the apostle [1 Cor. xv, 50], "Now this I say, brethren, that flesh and blood cannot inherit the kingdom of God; neither doth corruption inherit incorruption." This is what any one acquainted with the promises of God would call good reasoning; for as the kingdom of God is an everlasting kingdom, and the inheritance that he has promised is an incorruptible and undefiled inheritance, one that fadeth not away, and all the glories and honors that the faithful are to receive run parallel with the inheritance, unless man was placed in the possession of an undying nature, a nature that would comprehend and run parallel with the blessings promised, although the glories might be rich and continue forever, yet of what value would they be, seeing he could not live to enjoy them?

But it is replied by many, that man now is in the possession of an undying nature, a nature that is destined to continue as long as the ages of eternity shall roll. This is a very grave and important assumption, one that we need well to analyze before we endorse. It is an assumption that conflicts both with revelation and reason. Because that it is a truth evident at first sight that that which is a subject of actual possession can never be made the object of promise or of hope. Immortality and eternal life, as well as glory and honor, are specific objects of promise and hope [Rom. ii, 7; 1 Cor. xv, 51-53; Titus i, 2; Jno. ii, 25, v, 11, 12], constantly held up before the mind as incentives to virtuous conduct. The unavoidable conclusion therefore must be, that man is now mortal, that he cannot be in the possession of those things for which he is on probation. But if faithful to the favor of God proffered through his dear Son, he may reign in life through one, Jesus Christ, the second Adam, the Lord of life and glory.

This has ever been the hope of God's people. There are but two kinds of theology in the world, Christian and Heathen. Both claim a future existence for man. The former through a resurrection from the dead by virtue of a life-giving Saviour, the latter by virtue of innate immortality. Of the former we have ample confirmation in the miracles and resurrection of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. While the latter is illuminated only by the dim torch-light of nature, and such satanic demonstrations as are found in witchcraft, necromancy, mesmerism, and the like. We will do well, then, to walk in the light of divine revelation, and seek for that light which the King eternal and immortal only can bestow upon us. E. GOODRICH. Edinboro, Pa.