And will be a Father unto you, and ye shall be my sons and daughters, saith the Lord Almighty.
The Lord Almighty pledges to receive those who leave unbelief and the world behind and live separate from what is unclean, and to be a Father to them as his own sons and daughters. That separation is inward and practical in affections, conduct, spirit and principle, drawing a sharp visible line from sin, idolatry and corrupting alliances while still living in the world to do others good. It is entered through Christ, who took humanity and bore the cross to cleanse sinners and make them one family with himself and God, by repentance, faith, new birth of the Spirit, surrender and baptism. Having this promise requires cleansing from all defilement of flesh and spirit, wholehearted obedience to God's law, and putting away sin, idols, selfishness and divided service in daily consecration. It brings the greatest honor given to mortals now in character, favor and power for good, and heirship hereafter to the kingdom, immortal life, and a home with Christ and the heavenly family.
Promise and Its Conditions
The Lord Almighty promises to receive people as his own, to stand to them as Father, and to take them as his sons and daughters. That reception is given when they separate from unbelief and refuse to be joined to its corrupting influence. It is given when they come out from among unbelievers and the world, remain separate, belong to him, and do not touch what is unclean. Turning away from impurity in order to receive this fatherhood calls for avoiding the excesses of the age and pursuing holiness in both body and spirit, since physical and moral purity are necessary preparation for the promised heavenly inheritance. The same promise bears on parents' care for their children, who are to be guarded from corrupting influences and taught to discern and escape them.
The promise is conditional and is fulfilled only on those terms of coming out, separation, and cleanness. Those who so come out and remain separate receive God's assurance that he will be their Father and they will be his sons and daughters. It belongs to the call to have no fellowship of righteousness with unrighteousness, no communion of light with darkness, no concord of Christ with Belial, no part of believer with infidel, and no agreement of the temple of God with idols. The reason is that believers are the temple of the living God, in whom God dwells and walks, whose God he is and whose people they are, who are bought with a price and are not their own and therefore are to glorify God in body and spirit kept holy for the Holy Spirit.
That separation is required not only in marriage of Christians with the ungodly but in all alliances bringing intimate association that needs harmony in spirit and action, including connection with Free Masons and other secret societies, on the same principle by which Israel was to keep distinct from idolaters, not intermarry with them nor form any confederacy with them. Every servant is thus to be under the sanctification of the Holy Spirit, keeping God's living temple free from idols, breaking concord with unbelief, and living as the one in whom God dwells and walks. Having this promise, believers are to cleanse themselves from all filthiness of flesh and spirit and perfect holiness in the fear of God, by diligent work of repentance, crucifixion of self so Christ takes possession of the soul, enlargement from narrow contracted spiritual life, humbling of heart, surrender of body, soul, and spirit to God, closing the heart against all sin and selfishness, and following Christ's example in obedience to the law. He who continues to transgress the law, even in one precept, will fail of welcome into the city of God and can have no place in the royal family.
The sixth chapter of Second Corinthians, from the first verse to the last, is of great importance and is to be read and studied for this instruction, and its conditions are principles in no case to be neglected. Its instruction is the higher education contained in God's Word, higher than anything in worldly education, given to the early disciples and given now through the Word, with light and instruction from God on what higher education is. It must be diligently studied to be comprehended, advanced in just as far as the Word takes, and worked out intelligently, with righteousness as the sign of understanding God's will made known through it, while the Holy Spirit impresses the mind with its truth, instead of getting in line with the world and studying what the world studies and becoming familiar with what the world becomes familiar with. Taking the name of Christian lays a binding obligation to answer with excellence of character in humanity, to reveal Christ's character in works as his chosen representatives to an apostate world, to work together with him and not receive the grace of God in vain, with immediate action because now is the accepted time and day of salvation, the now ever being the eternal now with no tomorrow owned by anyone. Becoming God's sons and daughters is taught by the Word and is gained through thorough study, belief, and obedience to the Word, which secures translation to heaven and association with pure and holy angels and satisfies the questionings of seeking minds and hearts, for students must be continually educated in the wisdom the Word reveals, the Bible being second to no other book and without a rival, knowledge and acceptance of its teachings imparting vigor and health of mind, and comprehending sonship requiring grasp of the knowledge of God's infinite will, whose principles are omnipotent like the power and nature of their Author and impart the highest education the mortal mind can attain.
Meaning of Separation
The promise belongs to those who come out from among unbelievers and the world, remain separate, and refuse to touch what is unclean in unbelief, sin, idolatry and every corrupting influence. It forbids being unequally yoked in marriage between Christians and the ungodly and in every other intimate alliance that demands harmony in spirit and action, including confederacy and close association with Freemasons and other secret societies. It carries forward the charge once given to Israel to keep distinct from idolaters, not to intermarry with them nor form any confederacy with them. No one can safely serve both God and the world, for God requires undivided allegiance and warns against imperiling the soul by affinity with the world, as even Solomon with wonderful wisdom was drawn away by the world when the cares and attractions of eternal things were absorbed by temporal things. Yet God is fully able to keep His people in the world but not of the world, watching over His children with certain, measureless and everlasting love, with character formed in this life deciding fitness to live through the eternal ages.
The separation required is inward and practical, in affection, conduct, spirit and principle, a lifelong consecration shaping every thought and action, not merely profession, outward religious observance or form of godliness. It is separation from the world in practice and affections, not following its practices nor conforming to it in any course of action, but being transformed by the renewing of the mind and remaining free from its contamination. Those who obey live in the world without belonging to it, refusing idolatry and service to wealth, separate from worldly friendship, renewed in holiness and living in Christ in meekness and doing good. Joining with corruption makes a person corrupt, and no one can mingle with worldlings and partake of their spirit and at the same time be a child of God, while communion with God forms holy principles and prepares the faithful to enter His kingdom.
The line drawn is sharp and visible, as distinct as midday and midnight, shown by higher laws, self-denial, unselfish purposes, modesty in dress, words, actions and a pilgrim spirit while living in the world without being of it. It requires not meeting the world's standard, not joining its dissipating amusements and pernicious ways, and coming out from among those who love and enjoy the pleasures of the world, even when the world despises for it and even at the cost of self-denial, reproach and standing apart from loved ones who reject the truth. That separation of the affections from relatives and associates in their worldly associations is a double crucifixion, painful both to the believer who must leave and to the pleasure-lovers left behind, a choice between Christ and heaven as the portion in this life and the world that crucified Jesus, between Jesus and Barabbas. The church is thus to keep a holy and peculiar character, detached, conspicuous and standing apart from the world, not confederating with it in confidence, spirit, precept or practice nor becoming assimilated to it, but united as branches in Christ and one with Christ as He is one with the Father. Kept as designed, this separation elevates the standard of reform by advance steps, sanctifies, refines and elevates those who receive the truth and fits them for the society of heaven, making them shine as lights amid moral darkness so the world inquires into the things of God for the conversion and regeneration of men.
Refusing this separation forfeits the promise, for a person who does not come out and remain separate cannot be acknowledged as a child of God but remains joined to corruption and without peace in the heart. Silent association with evildoers and their schemes makes a person share in their guilt, and firm resistance and withdrawal from those who promote wrongdoing is required. Choosing conformity to God's will puts a person out of harmony with the world and brings dissension with neighbors and even family and separation of interests, which the carnal heart rejects because the separation is inconvenient and unpleasant and would break long-loved associations. Thousands upon thousands read these words but neither understand them nor obey them, coming short of the specified requirements of having no concord of Christ with Belial, no part of the believer with the infidel, and no agreement of the temple of the living God with idols, because consciences have become unimpressible through following inclination rather than duty. Such hearers resent the message as too particular and too critical and remain unmoved by the authority and claims of Jehovah, His righteous indignation, the solemn realities of eternity, the danger of losing the soul for disregarding His express injunction, and the terrors of the Lord.
Adoption into God's Family
Those who are received become adopted members of the royal family as children of the heavenly King, with citizenship in heaven and standing as His people, His temple, His jewels and peculiar treasure. The promise is made to those who separate from the world and its sinful attachments, come out from among unbelievers and what is unclean, reject idolatry and corrupting practices, and remain separate in affection and conduct and not merely in profession. That separation may require self-denial and standing apart even from loved ones who reject truth, yet it is not degrading, for truth sanctifies, refines, elevates, and fits for the society of heaven, and the relationship calls for seeking the salvation of others without choosing fellowship that joins to sin. Obedience to the command to come out and stay separate leads to heirship of an immortal inheritance, the kingdom of God and eternal life, and to living distinctly from sin and sinners while glorifying God rather than pleasing self.
Adoption comes through Christ, who left heaven and took humanity upon Himself, bore care, rejection, sorrow and grief in infinite sacrifice on the cross of Calvary, and lifts sinners from woe and degradation to exalt them to the throne of God with Himself. When sinners give themselves to God, hear His voice knocking at the door of the heart, open the door, welcome Jesus, renounce self, and come with imperfections without looking to self for recommendation but believing He is merciful, He receives them, saves rather than destroys them, removes stains of sin, blots out past mistakes and transgressions, pardons and justifies through His merits, imputes His own righteousness, and makes His life their life. By that atonement they are bought with a price, belong to God, are ennobled as children of the heavenly King, made one family with Christ and God, brought into sacred intimate relationship as His heritage, His children, members of His body, precious and honorable as His jewels and peculiar treasure though the world may not recognize their worth. That gift of great love draws by the charms of Christ, love for beauty of character, admiration for purity, and calls for purity, humility, lowliness and loveliness of character and the true religion that sanctifies the soul, not mere profession, even when taking a place with no worldly influence on the side of the Infinite One while the world hates.
The relationship is entered by repentance, confession, faith, conversion, new birth of the Spirit, surrender, loyalty and service rather than disregard for law, turning from sin and iniquity to be joined to Christ. Baptism is the pledge and public sign of that separation, in which believers renounce the world and Satan's service, promise to remain dead to the world and no longer follow its methods, ambitions, greed for advantage, intrigue, sharp practice or dealing, and covenant to serve God, entering the royal family as children of the heavenly King with His signature upon them. The pledge is made by the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit on condition of coming out, staying separate, touching nothing unclean, and turning aside from all that would pervert pure sacred principles of truth, with daily remembrance that a wrong done to a fellow being is transgression of the law to be met by letting the perfect law convert the soul from disobedience to obedience.
God in this promise reveals Himself as a personal, almighty yet affectionate Father who is pledged to protect, counsel, guide, befriend, keep, support and defend His adopted sons and daughters, whom He is able to keep in the world without their belonging to it. His fatherly care is measureless and everlasting, giving strength for service to the Maker, guarding from being diverted, from forgetting the constant Benefactor, and from entering temptation, which is especially necessary when surrounded with outward security, ease, earthly blessing, means and influence. His people should therefore consult Him and depend on Him rather than trust in their own ability and refuse the Holy Spirit. Parents' tenderness, justice and patience should reflect that fatherhood, and teaching children to love, trust and obey their parents teaches them to love, trust and obey their Father in heaven.
Sonship is held by simple childlike trust that believes His Word as a child believes his parents, knowing every promise is sure to him that believes, resting calmly in pardoning love and grace rather than measuring love by feelings, merit or theoretical knowledge. Satan accuses of sins and will always dispute the claim to sonship, so the soul must be educated and trained to trust implicitly with unwavering confidence, to cease doubting Christ's love, to let gratitude and thankfulness flow from the heart in view of most astounding evidence that He gave His own life so none would perish but have everlasting life, since doubting wounds His heart. Only those who themselves believe and rest in this way can lead others to full assurance and conversion. To have God as Father and become His sons and daughters by accepting Christ as Saviour and laying hold of what is offered in Him is the highest honor, never to be counted less even when sorely tempted, pressed, faint and discouraged.
Holiness and Obedience Required
Having this promise, those who would be received must cleanse themselves from all filthiness of the flesh and of the spirit and perfect holiness in the fear of God. Body and spirit are to be kept pure as the temple of God, for physical and moral purity belong together, clean habits supporting moral purity and purity of spirit leading to cleanliness of life, and only such purity prepares for the heavenly inheritance where nothing defiling can enter. The call is to a higher standard than the excesses of the age, to turn with full purpose of heart from impurity, to humble the heart, to surrender body, soul and spirit to God, to close the heart against all sin and selfishness, and to follow Christ's example in obedience. It is thorough heart-work and thorough transformation, not surface work, with a well-ordered life and godly conversation, earnestness, zeal, perseverance, watching unto prayer, humility and meekness, hiding in Jesus, sacrificing self-love and self-pride, and keeping hands unstained, heart unspotted and character unsullied by the corruptions of the world. The work of perfecting holiness rests upon the believer, and when all possible is done on the human part, God will help, angels will aid, and strength will come through Christ strengthening.
Sonship requires wholehearted obedience to God's law and moral standard, putting away all sin, idols of the heart, selfishness, self-love and divided service, and letting Christ rule in the heart. The distinction is plain between the obedient who serve heaven's Prince and the disobedient who serve the prince of darkness, and the relationship calls for repentance, confession, loyalty to God and service rather than disregard for His law. He who continues to transgress the law, even in one precept, will fail of welcome into the city of God and can have no place in the royal family. Only through that obedience is eternal life obtained, a life without anguish and sorrow, and Jesus, who knows human weakness, assists those who believe the truth, taking them into the workshop to fit them in this life to join the heavenly family and the heavenly choir, to have heaven below and thus be fitted for heaven above. For this precious boon earnest effort to enter heaven is required.
The promise exposes merely nominal Christians who are Christians in name only, with no root, filled with pride, impurity, unholy ambition, self-importance and love of supremacy. Such hold an intelligent theoretical knowledge and sound scriptural proof of doctrine while holding the truth in unrighteousness, denying the faith by action, unsanctified in heart, unholy and unchristlike in deportment, without the truth as it is in Jesus, and keeping friendship with the world which is enmity with God. Christian profession alone does not fulfill the conditions, for obedient recipients of grace are distinguished by a holy character separate from worldly affections and desires, renewed in knowledge and true holiness, crucified to the world and made alive in Christ, walking in love and following Christ as dear children. The promised relationship is given only where the Spirit and principles of Christ's life are planted in the heart to control the life, the soul temple is cleansed from defilement, the law of God is written in the heart, the truth illuminates the soul, and holiness, mercy, truth and love are brought into the life. Without this none are purified, none are fitted to be companions of the pure and holy, and none wear the white linen which is the righteousness of the saints; self-love, desire for approval and thirst for popularity blind professed servants and make them elements of darkness rather than light unless there is separation from the world and renunciation of those things which delude and fascinate and ensnare.
Keeping the conditions is personal, individual work for which each must render a personal account and secure his own salvation. No one is to form character to please neighbors who dishonor God, and each person must individually consecrate heart, mind and spirit to God and work in harmony with God in saving his own soul, building up God's kingdom and bringing souls to the knowledge of the truth as the first and highest duty. The piety and obedience of others cannot save anyone or be credited to another's name, the crown of life is received only as conquerors, and every man, woman and child will be rewarded according as their works have been. Choosing conformity to God's will puts a person out of harmony with the world and brings dissension with neighbors and even family and separation of interests, which the carnal heart rejects as inconvenient and unpleasant because it would break long-loved associations. Meeting the promise requires submission, humbling of self before God, and a decided determined effort, come what may, to be a follower of Christ and a soldier of the cross, since a person is powerless to save himself and cannot dwell in heaven with an unrenewed nature conformed to the world, but must be transformed by the renewing of the mind, walk humbly with God with a contrite spirit, thankfully appreciate the great gift of Christ, wrestle for the crown of immortality, and get ready to meet the Lord in peace at His very soon coming.
Obedience includes keeping the body, which is the temple of the living God, free from defilement, especially licentiousness that destroys physical and mental powers, and cleansing from all filthiness of flesh and spirit to perfect holiness. Those who understand the promise make decided reforms, cast off the works of darkness, make no provision for the flesh, love God with all heart and mind and soul and strength, are doers of the word as laborers together with God, and present themselves to God holy and blameless without spot or wrinkle. It means repairing the breach in His law by upholding the fourth commandment, keeping the commandments and keeping the Sabbath even when former friends call them foolish for being singular and different from the world, separating from close ties with those who disregard God's Sabbath and from what draws away from God. This assurance is enough to satisfy believers, so they need not fear being known as Sabbathkeepers or feel demeaned by connection with the God of heaven, but can openly declare they are not ashamed to obey Him and to be His children, joined with a people in harmony with God who believe His Word, serve Him with undivided affection, and keep His commandments and live, keeping the seventh day as God's memorial of creation rather than another day. The promise is spoken to those contending with the power of habit over appetite and passion, that if they come out, are separate, touch not the unclean, and do not join the world's intemperance, appetite and corruption as in Noah's time, He will receive them into His family as His own children and join them to heaven as children of the heavenly King, with higher honor and greater exaltation and riches from God, the privilege of walking the streets of the holy city paved with gold, partaking of the tree of life, and at last standing as victors in the city of God wearing crowns of immortal glory.
Specific Separations Commanded
The promise of divine fatherhood and sonship belongs only to those who refuse marriage with the ungodly, for a Christian must not be unequally yoked but must come out, be separate, and touch not the unclean in order to be received. The same separation governs every alliance requiring intimate harmony in spirit and action, applying the ancient charge to Israel to remain distinct from idolaters without intermarriage or confederacy. God's claims stand above every earthly relationship, and purity and goodness are to govern the choice of companions by those who bear the standing of sons and daughters.
Confederacy with Freemasons and other secret societies is forbidden by the same condition, since intimate association demands unity that believers cannot give to unbelief. Leaving organizations that conflict with loyalty to Christ is part of coming out from uncleanness in order to be received as God's own. Separation means having nothing to do with worldly trusts, unions, and confederacies, refusing to link up with the world, to judge matters from a worldly standpoint, or to let worldly policy and ideas govern transactions, lest believers become like the world and lose their stand on the high and holy platform of eternal truth. It requires withdrawal from secret gatherings, councils, feasts, ceremonies, oaths, and riotous mirth, because fellowship with unbelieving men assimilates thought, custom, spirit, and practice, weakens faith, brings in unbelief and infidelity, and unfits for Scripture study, devotion, and service, while Christ is truly present as witness seeing every action and hearing every dishonoring sentiment, and God measures character and weighs moral worth. Secret vows and ties bind people with the tares even when they think themselves pure grain, and only those who separate to stand in the light can claim the sacred relationship now so that the Father may acknowledge them as His children at His coming.
Business ties with unbelievers are to be avoided as part of genuine piety and separation from uncleanness. Dishonest practices to secure a livelihood are forbidden, for those claimed as sons and daughters must keep faith with God and act with integrity in Christian life and institutions, trusting Him. Making worldly lawyers a dependence, accepting deceiving theories that war against God, His ministers, and His truth, and carrying out instigated schemes of evil forsake the true God, break separation from worldly alliances and defilement, and forfeit fatherhood, leadership, and prospering care. Citizenship is above with title to an immortal inheritance and eternal substance, and membership in the royal family as children of the heavenly King and heirs of God and joint heirs with Christ to receive the unfading crown means believers are not called to political strife or office-seeking but to represent Christ with joy and a faith working by love that purifies from spiritual defilement.
Those who would be received must come out from among the pleasure-loving and worldly who have no love for truth and must not place themselves in that society, since such association paralyzes spiritual perception and Satan ensnares those who forget they are the Lord's property, and inexperienced youth especially must not be encouraged to choose the society of the impenitent not worked by the Spirit. Waiting for Christ's return requires remaining distinct rather than joining gatherings merely for amusement. True followers make sacrifices to shun places of worldly amusement because Jesus is not found there and no influence there makes them heavenly minded or increases growth in grace. Standing under the blood-stained banner of Prince Emmanuel rather than serving Baal under the black banner of darkness means fearing and trembling before the watching angels, refusing to leave their restraining influence for communion with evil angels, and refusing the theater, the billiard hall, and all such places that lead from God's path and fasten lifelong impressions on the mind, with obedience bringing the special power of the Spirit, light from heaven, and walking in the light in response to Christ's fast in the wilderness and agony of the cross. Union of Christians and worldlings in church festivities, festal gatherings, lotteries, and pleasures to raise money under beneficence has no fellowship of righteousness with unrighteousness, light with darkness, Christ with Belial, believer with infidel, or temple of God with idols, since believers are the temple in whom God dwells and walks, and clothing sin with garments of light to hide deformity and make it attractive is a union with the world the Word does not justify. Keeping far from corrupted and corrupting elements also forbids setting young men and women to work among abandoned classes in contact with impurity, especially visiting houses of prostitution, which is dangerous temptation to ruin through lust where more is lost in the workers' purity than is saved, so medical missionary workers must instead be cleansed, refined, purified, elevated, and stand on eternal truth distinguishing sacred from common.
Parents are to guard children from corrupting influences and teach them to discern and escape them in order to belong to Him. Belonging to the royal family as children of the heavenly King is linked to glorifying God rather than pleasing self, after Christ's example of serving rather than pleasing Himself, a call laid especially on mothers. Purity of life and readiness for the Lord's coming includes care for the body through clean, practical habits. Separation applies to those employed in treating the sick, requiring the true religious element as educator, weeding out where leavening evil begins those not rooted in truth whatever their position and education, and keeping experienced Christians guarded, watchful, and circumspect where an unconverted element is present.
Blessings and Future Inheritance
To be received as sons and daughters of the Lord Almighty is the greatest honor that can be given to mortal man, higher than notice by any earthly monarch and no degradation to those who accept it. It belongs to those who separate from the world's contaminating influences, reject idolatry and sinful attachments, choose God above every earthly treasure, and follow Jesus in meek and lowly obedience, even at the cost of self-denial and standing apart from loved ones who reject truth. God's truth in this relationship sanctifies, refines and elevates, fitting believers in this life for the society of heaven, and they know the comfort of His grace now and live as citizens of heaven and members of the royal family, children of the heavenly King. His fatherhood imparts favor and power to His children, and earnest effort is required to enter heaven through the workshop that fits them to join the heavenly family and choir, having heaven below in order to be fitted for heaven above.
Obedient children who come out and remain separate receive favor, power, special blessings, light, and influence for good, with a share in Christ's life and character. Connection with a pure and holy God refines taste, sanctifies judgment, and enables them to reflect His glory to all around them, so that the Christian life is not a low position to apologize for but constant forward progress on a high and elevated plane. They wear Christ's robe of righteousness rather than following natural traits or human precepts, bear His seal as distinct from the world, and represent Him in every transaction by a right example before unbelievers. This high standing and destiny as God's sons and daughters calls them to genuine self-respect, to remember their worth as redeemed at infinite price, and to develop and preserve their powers to serve God as co-workers with Christ in saving others.
The promise makes the separated heirs of God and joint heirs with Christ to an immortal inheritance received on condition of obedience in affection and conduct, not merely in profession. In place of the world God gives for a life of obedience the kingdom under the whole heavens, an eternal weight of glory, and a life as enduring as eternity, measuring with the life of God. They belong to the royal family as children of the heavenly King, with a place in the city of God, the unfading crown of life, and the tree of life. No one can mingle with worldlings and partake of their spirit and at the same time be a child of God, but the Creator speaks as an affectionate Father who adopts those who escape the corruption in the world through lust.
The promise looks to the morning of the resurrection, when those sleeping in Jesus will come forth to immortal life and meet their loved ones again in that royal family. Then the redeemed, with all stains of sin washed away, will dwell with Jesus around His throne, join the heavenly family and the heavenly choir, and be taken by Him into His everlasting habitations. This includes the hope of reaching Canaan where the wickedness of the wicked will have ended, and when Christ returns in power and glory He will gather His loved ones to Himself and welcome them into His presence. The place is gained only through obedience to God's moral standard, putting away all sin, letting Christ rule in the heart, growing step by step like Him apart from strife and contention, and preparing to meet the King of kings with greater care than men use to appear before a worldly emperor.
The promise is a battle call in the terrible final conflict between the army of the world and the army of Prince Emmanuel. It summons those loyal to the commandments of God and the testimony of Christ to leave the side of the enemy and the foe, come out from among the unclean, be separate, touch not the unclean, come into line, take their position with God, and unite with the commandment-keeping people of God under the blood-stained banner of Prince Emmanuel. Those who come up to the help of the Lord against the mighty press the battle to the gates until victory and the kingdom of peace and joy and everlasting righteousness is established.
However degraded, loathed, abandoned, or oppressed by sin and generations of oppression, restored sinners may through faith, pardon, grace, and persevering missionary work rise to the dignity of God-given manhood and womanhood as sons and daughters of the Most High. Though they may lack earthly treasure, they are lifted above the world and sit in heavenly places in Christ, made members of the royal family and heirs of the heavenly kingdom, a priceless privilege worth more than worldly possessions and the highest ambition, calling for cleansing and holiness. God chooses them not only for their own privilege but to carry His saving grace to others like salt purifying polluted water, bringing life and blessing to the world as Abraham was made a means of blessing to the nations, and those who are truly His sons and daughters recognize the need for decided effort to reach those who have not received the gospel and bring many children to God.
The Lord Almighty pledges to receive those who leave unbelief and the world behind and live separate from what is unclean, and to be a Father to them as his own sons and daughters. That separation is inward and practical in affections, conduct, spirit and principle, drawing a sharp visible line from sin, idolatry and corrupting alliances while still living in the world to do others good. It is entered through Christ, who took humanity and bore the cross to cleanse sinners and make them one family with himself and God, by repentance, faith, new birth of the Spirit, surrender and baptism. Having this promise requires cleansing from all defilement of flesh and spirit, wholehearted obedience to God's law, and putting away sin, idols, selfishness and divided service in daily consecration. It brings the greatest honor given to mortals now in character, favor and power for good, and heirship hereafter to the kingdom, immortal life, and a home with Christ and the heavenly family.
Promise and Its Conditions
The Lord Almighty promises to receive people as his own, to stand to them as Father, and to take them as his sons and daughters. That reception is given when they separate from unbelief and refuse to be joined to its corrupting influence. It is given when they come out from among unbelievers and the world, remain separate, belong to him, and do not touch what is unclean. Turning away from impurity in order to receive this fatherhood calls for avoiding the excesses of the age and pursuing holiness in both body and spirit, since physical and moral purity are necessary preparation for the promised heavenly inheritance. The same promise bears on parents' care for their children, who are to be guarded from corrupting influences and taught to discern and escape them.
The promise is conditional and is fulfilled only on those terms of coming out, separation, and cleanness. Those who so come out and remain separate receive God's assurance that he will be their Father and they will be his sons and daughters. It belongs to the call to have no fellowship of righteousness with unrighteousness, no communion of light with darkness, no concord of Christ with Belial, no part of believer with infidel, and no agreement of the temple of God with idols. The reason is that believers are the temple of the living God, in whom God dwells and walks, whose God he is and whose people they are, who are bought with a price and are not their own and therefore are to glorify God in body and spirit kept holy for the Holy Spirit.
That separation is required not only in marriage of Christians with the ungodly but in all alliances bringing intimate association that needs harmony in spirit and action, including connection with Free Masons and other secret societies, on the same principle by which Israel was to keep distinct from idolaters, not intermarry with them nor form any confederacy with them. Every servant is thus to be under the sanctification of the Holy Spirit, keeping God's living temple free from idols, breaking concord with unbelief, and living as the one in whom God dwells and walks. Having this promise, believers are to cleanse themselves from all filthiness of flesh and spirit and perfect holiness in the fear of God, by diligent work of repentance, crucifixion of self so Christ takes possession of the soul, enlargement from narrow contracted spiritual life, humbling of heart, surrender of body, soul, and spirit to God, closing the heart against all sin and selfishness, and following Christ's example in obedience to the law. He who continues to transgress the law, even in one precept, will fail of welcome into the city of God and can have no place in the royal family.
The sixth chapter of Second Corinthians, from the first verse to the last, is of great importance and is to be read and studied for this instruction, and its conditions are principles in no case to be neglected. Its instruction is the higher education contained in God's Word, higher than anything in worldly education, given to the early disciples and given now through the Word, with light and instruction from God on what higher education is. It must be diligently studied to be comprehended, advanced in just as far as the Word takes, and worked out intelligently, with righteousness as the sign of understanding God's will made known through it, while the Holy Spirit impresses the mind with its truth, instead of getting in line with the world and studying what the world studies and becoming familiar with what the world becomes familiar with. Taking the name of Christian lays a binding obligation to answer with excellence of character in humanity, to reveal Christ's character in works as his chosen representatives to an apostate world, to work together with him and not receive the grace of God in vain, with immediate action because now is the accepted time and day of salvation, the now ever being the eternal now with no tomorrow owned by anyone. Becoming God's sons and daughters is taught by the Word and is gained through thorough study, belief, and obedience to the Word, which secures translation to heaven and association with pure and holy angels and satisfies the questionings of seeking minds and hearts, for students must be continually educated in the wisdom the Word reveals, the Bible being second to no other book and without a rival, knowledge and acceptance of its teachings imparting vigor and health of mind, and comprehending sonship requiring grasp of the knowledge of God's infinite will, whose principles are omnipotent like the power and nature of their Author and impart the highest education the mortal mind can attain.
Meaning of Separation
The promise belongs to those who come out from among unbelievers and the world, remain separate, and refuse to touch what is unclean in unbelief, sin, idolatry and every corrupting influence. It forbids being unequally yoked in marriage between Christians and the ungodly and in every other intimate alliance that demands harmony in spirit and action, including confederacy and close association with Freemasons and other secret societies. It carries forward the charge once given to Israel to keep distinct from idolaters, not to intermarry with them nor form any confederacy with them. No one can safely serve both God and the world, for God requires undivided allegiance and warns against imperiling the soul by affinity with the world, as even Solomon with wonderful wisdom was drawn away by the world when the cares and attractions of eternal things were absorbed by temporal things. Yet God is fully able to keep His people in the world but not of the world, watching over His children with certain, measureless and everlasting love, with character formed in this life deciding fitness to live through the eternal ages.
The separation required is inward and practical, in affection, conduct, spirit and principle, a lifelong consecration shaping every thought and action, not merely profession, outward religious observance or form of godliness. It is separation from the world in practice and affections, not following its practices nor conforming to it in any course of action, but being transformed by the renewing of the mind and remaining free from its contamination. Those who obey live in the world without belonging to it, refusing idolatry and service to wealth, separate from worldly friendship, renewed in holiness and living in Christ in meekness and doing good. Joining with corruption makes a person corrupt, and no one can mingle with worldlings and partake of their spirit and at the same time be a child of God, while communion with God forms holy principles and prepares the faithful to enter His kingdom.
The line drawn is sharp and visible, as distinct as midday and midnight, shown by higher laws, self-denial, unselfish purposes, modesty in dress, words, actions and a pilgrim spirit while living in the world without being of it. It requires not meeting the world's standard, not joining its dissipating amusements and pernicious ways, and coming out from among those who love and enjoy the pleasures of the world, even when the world despises for it and even at the cost of self-denial, reproach and standing apart from loved ones who reject the truth. That separation of the affections from relatives and associates in their worldly associations is a double crucifixion, painful both to the believer who must leave and to the pleasure-lovers left behind, a choice between Christ and heaven as the portion in this life and the world that crucified Jesus, between Jesus and Barabbas. The church is thus to keep a holy and peculiar character, detached, conspicuous and standing apart from the world, not confederating with it in confidence, spirit, precept or practice nor becoming assimilated to it, but united as branches in Christ and one with Christ as He is one with the Father. Kept as designed, this separation elevates the standard of reform by advance steps, sanctifies, refines and elevates those who receive the truth and fits them for the society of heaven, making them shine as lights amid moral darkness so the world inquires into the things of God for the conversion and regeneration of men.
Refusing this separation forfeits the promise, for a person who does not come out and remain separate cannot be acknowledged as a child of God but remains joined to corruption and without peace in the heart. Silent association with evildoers and their schemes makes a person share in their guilt, and firm resistance and withdrawal from those who promote wrongdoing is required. Choosing conformity to God's will puts a person out of harmony with the world and brings dissension with neighbors and even family and separation of interests, which the carnal heart rejects because the separation is inconvenient and unpleasant and would break long-loved associations. Thousands upon thousands read these words but neither understand them nor obey them, coming short of the specified requirements of having no concord of Christ with Belial, no part of the believer with the infidel, and no agreement of the temple of the living God with idols, because consciences have become unimpressible through following inclination rather than duty. Such hearers resent the message as too particular and too critical and remain unmoved by the authority and claims of Jehovah, His righteous indignation, the solemn realities of eternity, the danger of losing the soul for disregarding His express injunction, and the terrors of the Lord.
Adoption into God's Family
Those who are received become adopted members of the royal family as children of the heavenly King, with citizenship in heaven and standing as His people, His temple, His jewels and peculiar treasure. The promise is made to those who separate from the world and its sinful attachments, come out from among unbelievers and what is unclean, reject idolatry and corrupting practices, and remain separate in affection and conduct and not merely in profession. That separation may require self-denial and standing apart even from loved ones who reject truth, yet it is not degrading, for truth sanctifies, refines, elevates, and fits for the society of heaven, and the relationship calls for seeking the salvation of others without choosing fellowship that joins to sin. Obedience to the command to come out and stay separate leads to heirship of an immortal inheritance, the kingdom of God and eternal life, and to living distinctly from sin and sinners while glorifying God rather than pleasing self.
Adoption comes through Christ, who left heaven and took humanity upon Himself, bore care, rejection, sorrow and grief in infinite sacrifice on the cross of Calvary, and lifts sinners from woe and degradation to exalt them to the throne of God with Himself. When sinners give themselves to God, hear His voice knocking at the door of the heart, open the door, welcome Jesus, renounce self, and come with imperfections without looking to self for recommendation but believing He is merciful, He receives them, saves rather than destroys them, removes stains of sin, blots out past mistakes and transgressions, pardons and justifies through His merits, imputes His own righteousness, and makes His life their life. By that atonement they are bought with a price, belong to God, are ennobled as children of the heavenly King, made one family with Christ and God, brought into sacred intimate relationship as His heritage, His children, members of His body, precious and honorable as His jewels and peculiar treasure though the world may not recognize their worth. That gift of great love draws by the charms of Christ, love for beauty of character, admiration for purity, and calls for purity, humility, lowliness and loveliness of character and the true religion that sanctifies the soul, not mere profession, even when taking a place with no worldly influence on the side of the Infinite One while the world hates.
The relationship is entered by repentance, confession, faith, conversion, new birth of the Spirit, surrender, loyalty and service rather than disregard for law, turning from sin and iniquity to be joined to Christ. Baptism is the pledge and public sign of that separation, in which believers renounce the world and Satan's service, promise to remain dead to the world and no longer follow its methods, ambitions, greed for advantage, intrigue, sharp practice or dealing, and covenant to serve God, entering the royal family as children of the heavenly King with His signature upon them. The pledge is made by the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit on condition of coming out, staying separate, touching nothing unclean, and turning aside from all that would pervert pure sacred principles of truth, with daily remembrance that a wrong done to a fellow being is transgression of the law to be met by letting the perfect law convert the soul from disobedience to obedience.
God in this promise reveals Himself as a personal, almighty yet affectionate Father who is pledged to protect, counsel, guide, befriend, keep, support and defend His adopted sons and daughters, whom He is able to keep in the world without their belonging to it. His fatherly care is measureless and everlasting, giving strength for service to the Maker, guarding from being diverted, from forgetting the constant Benefactor, and from entering temptation, which is especially necessary when surrounded with outward security, ease, earthly blessing, means and influence. His people should therefore consult Him and depend on Him rather than trust in their own ability and refuse the Holy Spirit. Parents' tenderness, justice and patience should reflect that fatherhood, and teaching children to love, trust and obey their parents teaches them to love, trust and obey their Father in heaven.
Sonship is held by simple childlike trust that believes His Word as a child believes his parents, knowing every promise is sure to him that believes, resting calmly in pardoning love and grace rather than measuring love by feelings, merit or theoretical knowledge. Satan accuses of sins and will always dispute the claim to sonship, so the soul must be educated and trained to trust implicitly with unwavering confidence, to cease doubting Christ's love, to let gratitude and thankfulness flow from the heart in view of most astounding evidence that He gave His own life so none would perish but have everlasting life, since doubting wounds His heart. Only those who themselves believe and rest in this way can lead others to full assurance and conversion. To have God as Father and become His sons and daughters by accepting Christ as Saviour and laying hold of what is offered in Him is the highest honor, never to be counted less even when sorely tempted, pressed, faint and discouraged.
Holiness and Obedience Required
Having this promise, those who would be received must cleanse themselves from all filthiness of the flesh and of the spirit and perfect holiness in the fear of God. Body and spirit are to be kept pure as the temple of God, for physical and moral purity belong together, clean habits supporting moral purity and purity of spirit leading to cleanliness of life, and only such purity prepares for the heavenly inheritance where nothing defiling can enter. The call is to a higher standard than the excesses of the age, to turn with full purpose of heart from impurity, to humble the heart, to surrender body, soul and spirit to God, to close the heart against all sin and selfishness, and to follow Christ's example in obedience. It is thorough heart-work and thorough transformation, not surface work, with a well-ordered life and godly conversation, earnestness, zeal, perseverance, watching unto prayer, humility and meekness, hiding in Jesus, sacrificing self-love and self-pride, and keeping hands unstained, heart unspotted and character unsullied by the corruptions of the world. The work of perfecting holiness rests upon the believer, and when all possible is done on the human part, God will help, angels will aid, and strength will come through Christ strengthening.
Sonship requires wholehearted obedience to God's law and moral standard, putting away all sin, idols of the heart, selfishness, self-love and divided service, and letting Christ rule in the heart. The distinction is plain between the obedient who serve heaven's Prince and the disobedient who serve the prince of darkness, and the relationship calls for repentance, confession, loyalty to God and service rather than disregard for His law. He who continues to transgress the law, even in one precept, will fail of welcome into the city of God and can have no place in the royal family. Only through that obedience is eternal life obtained, a life without anguish and sorrow, and Jesus, who knows human weakness, assists those who believe the truth, taking them into the workshop to fit them in this life to join the heavenly family and the heavenly choir, to have heaven below and thus be fitted for heaven above. For this precious boon earnest effort to enter heaven is required.
The promise exposes merely nominal Christians who are Christians in name only, with no root, filled with pride, impurity, unholy ambition, self-importance and love of supremacy. Such hold an intelligent theoretical knowledge and sound scriptural proof of doctrine while holding the truth in unrighteousness, denying the faith by action, unsanctified in heart, unholy and unchristlike in deportment, without the truth as it is in Jesus, and keeping friendship with the world which is enmity with God. Christian profession alone does not fulfill the conditions, for obedient recipients of grace are distinguished by a holy character separate from worldly affections and desires, renewed in knowledge and true holiness, crucified to the world and made alive in Christ, walking in love and following Christ as dear children. The promised relationship is given only where the Spirit and principles of Christ's life are planted in the heart to control the life, the soul temple is cleansed from defilement, the law of God is written in the heart, the truth illuminates the soul, and holiness, mercy, truth and love are brought into the life. Without this none are purified, none are fitted to be companions of the pure and holy, and none wear the white linen which is the righteousness of the saints; self-love, desire for approval and thirst for popularity blind professed servants and make them elements of darkness rather than light unless there is separation from the world and renunciation of those things which delude and fascinate and ensnare.
Keeping the conditions is personal, individual work for which each must render a personal account and secure his own salvation. No one is to form character to please neighbors who dishonor God, and each person must individually consecrate heart, mind and spirit to God and work in harmony with God in saving his own soul, building up God's kingdom and bringing souls to the knowledge of the truth as the first and highest duty. The piety and obedience of others cannot save anyone or be credited to another's name, the crown of life is received only as conquerors, and every man, woman and child will be rewarded according as their works have been. Choosing conformity to God's will puts a person out of harmony with the world and brings dissension with neighbors and even family and separation of interests, which the carnal heart rejects as inconvenient and unpleasant because it would break long-loved associations. Meeting the promise requires submission, humbling of self before God, and a decided determined effort, come what may, to be a follower of Christ and a soldier of the cross, since a person is powerless to save himself and cannot dwell in heaven with an unrenewed nature conformed to the world, but must be transformed by the renewing of the mind, walk humbly with God with a contrite spirit, thankfully appreciate the great gift of Christ, wrestle for the crown of immortality, and get ready to meet the Lord in peace at His very soon coming.
Obedience includes keeping the body, which is the temple of the living God, free from defilement, especially licentiousness that destroys physical and mental powers, and cleansing from all filthiness of flesh and spirit to perfect holiness. Those who understand the promise make decided reforms, cast off the works of darkness, make no provision for the flesh, love God with all heart and mind and soul and strength, are doers of the word as laborers together with God, and present themselves to God holy and blameless without spot or wrinkle. It means repairing the breach in His law by upholding the fourth commandment, keeping the commandments and keeping the Sabbath even when former friends call them foolish for being singular and different from the world, separating from close ties with those who disregard God's Sabbath and from what draws away from God. This assurance is enough to satisfy believers, so they need not fear being known as Sabbathkeepers or feel demeaned by connection with the God of heaven, but can openly declare they are not ashamed to obey Him and to be His children, joined with a people in harmony with God who believe His Word, serve Him with undivided affection, and keep His commandments and live, keeping the seventh day as God's memorial of creation rather than another day. The promise is spoken to those contending with the power of habit over appetite and passion, that if they come out, are separate, touch not the unclean, and do not join the world's intemperance, appetite and corruption as in Noah's time, He will receive them into His family as His own children and join them to heaven as children of the heavenly King, with higher honor and greater exaltation and riches from God, the privilege of walking the streets of the holy city paved with gold, partaking of the tree of life, and at last standing as victors in the city of God wearing crowns of immortal glory.
Specific Separations Commanded
The promise of divine fatherhood and sonship belongs only to those who refuse marriage with the ungodly, for a Christian must not be unequally yoked but must come out, be separate, and touch not the unclean in order to be received. The same separation governs every alliance requiring intimate harmony in spirit and action, applying the ancient charge to Israel to remain distinct from idolaters without intermarriage or confederacy. God's claims stand above every earthly relationship, and purity and goodness are to govern the choice of companions by those who bear the standing of sons and daughters.
Confederacy with Freemasons and other secret societies is forbidden by the same condition, since intimate association demands unity that believers cannot give to unbelief. Leaving organizations that conflict with loyalty to Christ is part of coming out from uncleanness in order to be received as God's own. Separation means having nothing to do with worldly trusts, unions, and confederacies, refusing to link up with the world, to judge matters from a worldly standpoint, or to let worldly policy and ideas govern transactions, lest believers become like the world and lose their stand on the high and holy platform of eternal truth. It requires withdrawal from secret gatherings, councils, feasts, ceremonies, oaths, and riotous mirth, because fellowship with unbelieving men assimilates thought, custom, spirit, and practice, weakens faith, brings in unbelief and infidelity, and unfits for Scripture study, devotion, and service, while Christ is truly present as witness seeing every action and hearing every dishonoring sentiment, and God measures character and weighs moral worth. Secret vows and ties bind people with the tares even when they think themselves pure grain, and only those who separate to stand in the light can claim the sacred relationship now so that the Father may acknowledge them as His children at His coming.
Business ties with unbelievers are to be avoided as part of genuine piety and separation from uncleanness. Dishonest practices to secure a livelihood are forbidden, for those claimed as sons and daughters must keep faith with God and act with integrity in Christian life and institutions, trusting Him. Making worldly lawyers a dependence, accepting deceiving theories that war against God, His ministers, and His truth, and carrying out instigated schemes of evil forsake the true God, break separation from worldly alliances and defilement, and forfeit fatherhood, leadership, and prospering care. Citizenship is above with title to an immortal inheritance and eternal substance, and membership in the royal family as children of the heavenly King and heirs of God and joint heirs with Christ to receive the unfading crown means believers are not called to political strife or office-seeking but to represent Christ with joy and a faith working by love that purifies from spiritual defilement.
Those who would be received must come out from among the pleasure-loving and worldly who have no love for truth and must not place themselves in that society, since such association paralyzes spiritual perception and Satan ensnares those who forget they are the Lord's property, and inexperienced youth especially must not be encouraged to choose the society of the impenitent not worked by the Spirit. Waiting for Christ's return requires remaining distinct rather than joining gatherings merely for amusement. True followers make sacrifices to shun places of worldly amusement because Jesus is not found there and no influence there makes them heavenly minded or increases growth in grace. Standing under the blood-stained banner of Prince Emmanuel rather than serving Baal under the black banner of darkness means fearing and trembling before the watching angels, refusing to leave their restraining influence for communion with evil angels, and refusing the theater, the billiard hall, and all such places that lead from God's path and fasten lifelong impressions on the mind, with obedience bringing the special power of the Spirit, light from heaven, and walking in the light in response to Christ's fast in the wilderness and agony of the cross. Union of Christians and worldlings in church festivities, festal gatherings, lotteries, and pleasures to raise money under beneficence has no fellowship of righteousness with unrighteousness, light with darkness, Christ with Belial, believer with infidel, or temple of God with idols, since believers are the temple in whom God dwells and walks, and clothing sin with garments of light to hide deformity and make it attractive is a union with the world the Word does not justify. Keeping far from corrupted and corrupting elements also forbids setting young men and women to work among abandoned classes in contact with impurity, especially visiting houses of prostitution, which is dangerous temptation to ruin through lust where more is lost in the workers' purity than is saved, so medical missionary workers must instead be cleansed, refined, purified, elevated, and stand on eternal truth distinguishing sacred from common.
Parents are to guard children from corrupting influences and teach them to discern and escape them in order to belong to Him. Belonging to the royal family as children of the heavenly King is linked to glorifying God rather than pleasing self, after Christ's example of serving rather than pleasing Himself, a call laid especially on mothers. Purity of life and readiness for the Lord's coming includes care for the body through clean, practical habits. Separation applies to those employed in treating the sick, requiring the true religious element as educator, weeding out where leavening evil begins those not rooted in truth whatever their position and education, and keeping experienced Christians guarded, watchful, and circumspect where an unconverted element is present.
Blessings and Future Inheritance
To be received as sons and daughters of the Lord Almighty is the greatest honor that can be given to mortal man, higher than notice by any earthly monarch and no degradation to those who accept it. It belongs to those who separate from the world's contaminating influences, reject idolatry and sinful attachments, choose God above every earthly treasure, and follow Jesus in meek and lowly obedience, even at the cost of self-denial and standing apart from loved ones who reject truth. God's truth in this relationship sanctifies, refines and elevates, fitting believers in this life for the society of heaven, and they know the comfort of His grace now and live as citizens of heaven and members of the royal family, children of the heavenly King. His fatherhood imparts favor and power to His children, and earnest effort is required to enter heaven through the workshop that fits them to join the heavenly family and choir, having heaven below in order to be fitted for heaven above.
Obedient children who come out and remain separate receive favor, power, special blessings, light, and influence for good, with a share in Christ's life and character. Connection with a pure and holy God refines taste, sanctifies judgment, and enables them to reflect His glory to all around them, so that the Christian life is not a low position to apologize for but constant forward progress on a high and elevated plane. They wear Christ's robe of righteousness rather than following natural traits or human precepts, bear His seal as distinct from the world, and represent Him in every transaction by a right example before unbelievers. This high standing and destiny as God's sons and daughters calls them to genuine self-respect, to remember their worth as redeemed at infinite price, and to develop and preserve their powers to serve God as co-workers with Christ in saving others.
The promise makes the separated heirs of God and joint heirs with Christ to an immortal inheritance received on condition of obedience in affection and conduct, not merely in profession. In place of the world God gives for a life of obedience the kingdom under the whole heavens, an eternal weight of glory, and a life as enduring as eternity, measuring with the life of God. They belong to the royal family as children of the heavenly King, with a place in the city of God, the unfading crown of life, and the tree of life. No one can mingle with worldlings and partake of their spirit and at the same time be a child of God, but the Creator speaks as an affectionate Father who adopts those who escape the corruption in the world through lust.
The promise looks to the morning of the resurrection, when those sleeping in Jesus will come forth to immortal life and meet their loved ones again in that royal family. Then the redeemed, with all stains of sin washed away, will dwell with Jesus around His throne, join the heavenly family and the heavenly choir, and be taken by Him into His everlasting habitations. This includes the hope of reaching Canaan where the wickedness of the wicked will have ended, and when Christ returns in power and glory He will gather His loved ones to Himself and welcome them into His presence. The place is gained only through obedience to God's moral standard, putting away all sin, letting Christ rule in the heart, growing step by step like Him apart from strife and contention, and preparing to meet the King of kings with greater care than men use to appear before a worldly emperor.
The promise is a battle call in the terrible final conflict between the army of the world and the army of Prince Emmanuel. It summons those loyal to the commandments of God and the testimony of Christ to leave the side of the enemy and the foe, come out from among the unclean, be separate, touch not the unclean, come into line, take their position with God, and unite with the commandment-keeping people of God under the blood-stained banner of Prince Emmanuel. Those who come up to the help of the Lord against the mighty press the battle to the gates until victory and the kingdom of peace and joy and everlasting righteousness is established.
However degraded, loathed, abandoned, or oppressed by sin and generations of oppression, restored sinners may through faith, pardon, grace, and persevering missionary work rise to the dignity of God-given manhood and womanhood as sons and daughters of the Most High. Though they may lack earthly treasure, they are lifted above the world and sit in heavenly places in Christ, made members of the royal family and heirs of the heavenly kingdom, a priceless privilege worth more than worldly possessions and the highest ambition, calling for cleansing and holiness. God chooses them not only for their own privilege but to carry His saving grace to others like salt purifying polluted water, bringing life and blessing to the world as Abraham was made a means of blessing to the nations, and those who are truly His sons and daughters recognize the need for decided effort to reach those who have not received the gospel and bring many children to God.