Signs of the Times, Vol. 30, No. 47. (11/30/1904)

Signs of the Times

Nov 30, 1904

Pacific Press Publishing Company · Mountain View, California · Nov 30, 1904

"THIS SAME JESUS."

THERE is a beautiful and comforting thought in the assurance given the disciples of Jesus at the time of His ascension, which is often lost sight of in the hurry and worry of life.

THE disciples had learned to know Jesus, and to love Him for what He was to them personally as a friend and teacher, as well as for what He had promised to do for them in the kingdom which He was going away to receive at the hands of His Father. They had seen Him at work among the afflicted, straightening and correcting bodily deformities; restoring the sick to health, no matter what the ailment from which they were suffering; comforting the hearts of the mourners, no matter how deep their grief; releasing those possessed of demons from the bondage in which they suffered; feeding the multitudes that hungered for food; and bringing back to life those who had passed under the power of death.

THIS was the Man now being received up in a cloud, and disappearing before their wondering eyes, as they continued to look “steadfastly into heaven.” Notwithstanding the promise of the Comforter, there is no doubt that a feeling of unutterable loneliness and sadness came over the disciples, while the One who had been so much to them was fading away in the blue dome of the sky. It meant to them that never again in this life would they see His face.

BUT right at this time, while their eyes are fixed upon the sky that seems to be swallowing up the object of their great love, two others “in white apparel” join their company.

NOW COMES the assurance which means so much to the bereaved disciples: “This same Jesus, which is taken up from you into heaven, shall so come in like manner as ye have seen Him go into heaven.” There was to them a world of meaning in the words, “this same Jesus.” It meant to them what it could not mean to those who had not known Him as they had. To them it meant that He was coming as the same object of love to fill the same place in their hearts that He had filled during the years they had been with Him. Of course He was coming as King, as Saviour; but He was coming, too, as “this same Jesus.”

OFTEN relatives or friends go away, and are gone for years, we remember them as they were when they went away; we love them with that memory of them in mind; but when they return, changed in looks, changed in disposition, changed in their likes and dislikes, with new ambitions and ideas at variance with what we had known of them, while we love them still, yet there seems to be something lost out of our life; and, while we are glad to see them, that gladness is mingled with a feeling of sadness and disappointment. It almost seems as if the past had entombed that subtle something which had been cherished through the years.

NOT so with the return of our blessed Lord. It is “this same Jesus.” Job, in declaring his belief that he would see God, says, “Whom I, even I, shall see, on my side, and mine eyes shall behold, and not as a stranger.” We will know Him by the very perfection of His character. He will not be a stranger there to them who have yielded their hearts to Him here, and have had His abiding presence with them through the varied experiences of life.

WHILE upon this earth, He healed the sick of all manner of diseases; but still were they subject to death. But when the redeemed of earth stand before the throne of God, they are also in the presence of that tree of life whose leaves are “for the healing of the nations.” Blessed healing, from which there is no return to the jurisdiction of disease! Blessed healing, that closes the healing work of Jesus begun on earth on behalf of His people! Thus do they know Him as “this same Jesus.”

ON earth, Jesus was the comforting and consoling Brother. In heaven, “the Lamb that is in the midst of the throne shall be their Shepherd, and shall guide them unto fountains

of waters of life; and God shall wipe away every tear from their eyes.” Rev. 7:17.

On earth Jesus broke the bands of the tomb on numerous occasions, and set free its captives. When He comes, it is to usher in the culmination of that work, send the thrill of life through bodies long held in the prison-house of death, and start the grand chorus from the throats of resurrected men and women and children: “O death, where is thy sting? O grave, where is thy victory?”

On earth, Jesus fed the hungry multitudes on the bread of physical sustenance, as well as upon the bread of life. When the reign of the tomb-king is passed, the tree of life in the garden of God holds out its twelve manner of fruits, and Jesus Himself comes forth, the great and beloved Host of the reunited family, and serves them with the fruits of Paradise. On earth, Jesus found many occasions to cast the emissaries of Satan out of the bodies of men and women who had been tormented by them. What a prophecy of the time when Satan and all his angels shall be cast into the lake of their final destruction, and the universe shall be forever rid of sin and all its dire consequences.

It is “this same Jesus,” the carpenter of Nazareth, the victor of the wilderness, the teacher in the temple, the healer of the sick, the stiller of the storm, the feeder of the multitude, the silent prisoner of the railing mob, the thorn-crowned “King of the Jews,” the nail-pierced sacrifice upon the cross, the death-bound occupant of Joseph’s new tomb, the risen and ascended Christ, the anointed of God—this is He for whom we look, soon to appear in the opening heavens. They who have known and loved Him here will still know Him and still love Him, and will not fear to meet Him. Blessed assurance; blessed comfort; thrice blessed hope! We can then say, “Lo, this is our God; we have waited for Him, and He will save us; this is the Lord; we have waited for Him, we will be glad and rejoice in His salvation.”

THE WAY TO UNDERSTAND PROPHECY.

By J. L. Shuler

BY J. L. SHULER.

THAT which is most essential to an understanding of prophecy is the reception of the Spirit, by which the prophecies were dictated. Of that Spirit which is promised to all who seek for it, Christ said, “Howbeit when He, the Spirit of truth, is come, He will guide you into all truth.” But no one unaided, and relying on his own judgment, can understand the prophetic Word, for “no prophecy of the Scripture is of any private interpretation.” We have to compare “spiritual things with spiritual.”

The Lord has not so hidden His truth from the search of the lowly seeker. “Seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you.” The Lord declares that He is more willing to give the Holy Spirit to them that ask Him, than earthly parents are to give good gifts to their children. Those who earnestly desire the counsel of the great Teacher will not be left alone. The psalmist says, “The meek will He guide in judgment; and the meek will He teach His way.” “The secret of the Lord is with them that fear Him; and He will show them His covenant.” Christ says to His disciples, “Lo: I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world.” We should make our prayer like that of the psalmist, “For Thy name’s sake lead me, and guide me.”

By a careful and prayerful study we can understand the prophecies; for “God hath revealed them unto us by His Spirit; for the Spirit searcheth all things, yea, the deep things of God.” We can say like Daniel, that “there is a God in heaven that revealeth secrets.” Paul says that we “are not in darkness,” and that we are “children of light.” Christ said to those who seek for truth, “There is nothing covered, that shall not be revealed; and hid, that shall not be known.”

Then let us so take heed unto the sure Word of prophecy, that we may be “wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus.”

OBEDIENCE THE CONDITION OF SALVATION.

By Ellen G. White

BY MRS. E. G. WHITE.

Thus saith the Lord: Execute ye judgment and righteousness, and deliver the spoiled out of the hand of the oppressor; and do no wrong, do no violence to the stranger, the fatherless, nor the widow, neither shed innocent blood in this place. For if ye do this thing indeed, then there shall enter in by the gates of this house kings sitting upon the throne of David, riding in chariots and on horses, he, and his servants, and his people. But if ye will not hear these words, I swear by Myself, saith the Lord, that this house shall become a desolation.”

These words show plainly that obedience to God’s commands is the condition upon which His promises are fulfilled. These commands are not grievous. God has given them for the good of His people. His law is the hedge which He has built around His vineyard for its protection. The Lord has plainly declared that He will abundantly bless His people if they will obey the laws of His kingdom. It is their life to obey. In keeping God’s commandments there is great reward.

God desires men and women to awake to a sense of His great mercy and loving-kindness. Every blessing we receive comes from Him. The Governor of the universe, He takes cognizance of the words and actions of human beings. He knows whether His children are deserving of praise or of condemnation. Each human being will be rewarded or punished according to his works. Retribution must come upon those who disregard the laws which God has made. Those who are loyal and obedient will be rewarded with the richest blessings. Those who are disloyal and presumptuous, who dishonor the laws of God’s kingdom, refusing to repent, will surely be punished with death.

It is Satan’s studied plan to keep God out of men’s thoughts, and in carrying out this plan, he has great success. He is constantly bringing forward plans that keep their minds absorbed in pleasure and money-making. The minds of the great majority of men are so taken up with the things of time, with worldly interests, that the things of eternity find no place in their lives. Irrespective of the warnings in the Word of God, they show a most surprising indifference to the laws of His kingdom.

Selfishness, covetousness, and fraud bear sway in the world. There are thousands and millions of people who know nothing of their true relations to God, nothing of the laws that He has made, nothing of the consequence of disobedience. Many are not ignorant of the facts, but they do not apply these facts to their own case. All know that they must die, but they do not ask themselves the question, “What shall be the future of my soul?” They know that there is a judgment to come, but their minds are so darkened that they are utterly unconcerned regarding what this judgment will bring to them. They have no realization of the sinfulness of sin. They follow a course which the Lord of heaven has declared must end in eternal death.

God’s character is revealed in the precepts of His law. This is the reason why Satan wishes this law to be made of none effect. But notwithstanding all his efforts, the law stands forth holy and unchanged. It is a transcript of God’s character. It can not be impeached or altered.

Wonderful inducements are held out to us to lead us to strive to attain to the standard held up before us in God’s Word. Every encouragement is offered. Every provision has been made that we may be so conformed to the divine character that Christ can take us to live with Him in heaven. Exceeding great and precious promises have been made to us, but they are fulfilled to us only as we gain a knowledge of God. This knowledge is given to those who become partakers of the divine nature. Those who are saved must in this life gain a fitness to dwell with the royal family in the courts of heaven.

If we have that faith that works by love and purifies the soul, we shall gain an experience more valuable than gold or silver or precious stones. The Holy Spirit works in the children of obedience. He who is a partaker of the divine nature will think the thoughts of God. His perceptions will be sanctified by the grace of Christ. He will work in Christ’s lines, manifesting His kindness, thoughtfulness, mercy, and love, helping and encouraging those around him.

“Be ye therefore perfect, even as your Father which is in heaven is perfect.” Wonderful are the possibilities placed before us, and to these possibilities we may attain by studying and practising the truths of the Word of God. But if we do not lay hold of Christ, if we do not daily gain an experimental knowledge of Him as our sufficiency, we are on losing ground.

There are many professing Christians who have not yet reached the height and breadth of Christlikeness. We are to behold Christ by

faith as the One whose perfection of character we are to gain. With an intense, prayerful desire to be like Him, we are to behold Him, full of tenderness and love. Then, as we behold, we shall be changed into His likeness. He is the Author and Finisher of our faith.

A LIVING FOUNT.

By Llewellyn A. Morrison

The Twenty-third Psalm.

BY LLEWELLYN A. MORRISON.

As ONE, who, by some limpid pool, (All crystal in its clearness, Kept in shadow, calm and cool, By the great mountain’s nearness) All baffled in life’s baneful way, Crush’d, comfortless, forsaken, Bows by the brink at death of day His desert thirst to slaken,—

So kneel I, from the moil and strife Where pain and peril grieve me, By this pure fount of perfect life Till fear and famine leave me. Here, falling prone, ’tis very sweet To quench the fever burning, And, lip to lip, my spirit meet, From the white wave returning.

Safe all night long, I lie secure, While restful balms restore me— My Shepherd’s watchful solace sure, Because He bendeth o’er me. I wake, new-born, with morning beams His winsomeness translating, And pass with Him by purling streams Unto the fold, awaiting.

Toronto, Can.

THE WORD OF GOD.

By L. D. Santee

BY L. D. SANTEE.

“So shall My Word be that goeth forth out of My mouth; it shall not return unto Me void, but it shall accomplish that which I please, and it shall prosper in the thing whereto I sent it.” Isa. 55:11.

ALL human words, whether of power or affection, are bounded within brief periods. The mandate of authority may cause their subjects to tremble, but soon they are hushed in death. The words of father and mother charmed their children for a short time, but soon the matured offspring, scattered in the distance, only treasure those words in memory.

But the Word spoken of in our text, is that of Jehovah. Since the morning stars sang together, it has rolled down through all the ages, expressing infinite wisdom, almighty power, and eternal love for His works and creatures. It has enthroned kings, and hurled potentates from their seats of power. The earth, and all its elements, and beings, exist, and continue in existence, solely at the behest of God’s word. It is the word of Infinite wisdom, distinguishing between truth and error, offering light for darkness, peace for war, and life for death. It contains a sweet promise to the “pure in heart” and all the loyal of our race, offering them, through Christ, joy that has no sorrow, and life that has no end. It is a transcript of the divine Mind, the utterances of Deity. It is the grand prophetic announcement of earth’s future history.

Among the beautiful trees and flowers of Eden the word of God warned against disobedience. Down through the dark and tragic scenes of the Antediluvian age, it communed with the faithful, and laid upon Noah the responsibility of warning the world of strange and unheard of judgments. Philosophy scoffed, and science ignored it, but, when “the windows of heaven were opened,” and the ark rode upon a shoreless ocean, it was demonstrated that, “Thy word is truth.” That Word promised Israel that the bands of their servitude should be broken, and that the Almighty, with a resistless hand, should lead them triumphantly to a land flowing with milk and honey, the ancient home of their fathers. After the object-lesson, teaching Christ, there came the foretold emancipation. According to appointment, the cloud appeared and moved, the tribes marched, the sea retired, and the song of victory sounded beyond the waves, all showing as the text reads, “It shall accomplish that which I please, and it shall prosper in the thing whereto I sent it.”

This word, from the world untrodden by mortal feet, sounded upon the listening ear of the holy prophets. It came to Daniel through the agency of an angel, and his inspired pen told us of earth’s four universal monarchies. Beyond that, he opens to our vision a redeemed earth where, “under the whole heavens,” a loyal race should obey God.

Not only this, but it outlines moral perfection: “The law of the Lord is perfect, converting the soul.” Ps. 19:7. This law was spoken by the Word from the summit of the flaming mount. At the Creation that Word had crowned all the phalanx of coming weeks with a Sabbath at its close. In the center of that perfect law the Word repeated, “Remember the Sabbath day, to keep it holy. Six days shalt thou labor, and do all thy work; but the seventh day is the Sabbath of the Lord thy God;” and through this world and the world to come, each week is crowned with a diadem by the hand and word of her God.

Through the Holy Spirit that Word outlines the future. As time has rolled its ever varying tide of human experiences down through the centuries, the angel of history has stood upon his mountain, and shouted across the vale of the silent generations, to the angel of prophecy, saying, “Thy word has been clothed with almighty power commanding the earth, its elements, and creatures, wheeling nations into line, for fame or infamy.” He says, “I have duplicated on my historic scroll every word that thou hast uttered in the sanctuary relating to the future. Thy word is that of a God in whose hand lies the destiny of the world, and of our race.”

The thunders of that Word will send the forces of life to the ashes of the dead, scattered over the great cemetery of the world, thrilling them with the vital powers of a new life. Soon will come the final consummation of all things. The four empires can say, “We have filled our measure; our days are ended.” The great harlot will say, “I mourn as a widow, and weep the loss of my children.” The nations will say, “Peace and safety;” and the Word, which has been heard through all the centuries, will say, “It is finished.” Human destiny is forever fixed. O my friend, my brother, where will that day find you?

Dixon, Ill.

A WONDERFUL MANIFESTATION.

By Ellet Joseph Waggoner

BY E. J. WAGGONER.

“Now we know that what things soever the law saith, it saith to them who are under the law; that every mouth may be stopped, and all the world may become guilty before God. Therefore by the deeds of the law there shall no flesh be justified in His sight; for by the law is the knowledge of sin. But now the righteousness of God without the law is manifested, being witnessed by the law and the prophets; even the righteousness of God which is by faith of Jesus Christ unto all and upon all them that believe.” Rom. 3:19–22.

Within the Law.

“Now we know that what things soever the law saith, it saith to them who are under the law.” This is not the place to consider the force of the term “under the law,” since it does not really occur here. It should be “in the law,” as in Rom. 2:12, for the Greek words are the same in both places. The words for “under the law” are entirely different. Why the translators have given us “under the law” in this place, and also in 1 Cor. 9:21, where the term is also “in the law,” as noted in Young’s Concordance, it is impossible to determine. There certainly is no reason for it. The rendering is purely arbitrary. What the verse before us really says is this: “Now we know that what things soever the law saith, it saith to them who are in the law,” or, “within the sphere or jurisdiction of the law.” This is an obvious fact, and in view of what immediately follows it is a very important fact to keep in mind.

The voice of the law is the voice of God. This is the truth, because it was spoken with God’s own voice. In the covenant which God made with the Jews concerning the Ten Commandments, He said of the law, “Now therefore, if ye will obey My voice,” etc. Ex. 19:5. The commandments were spoken “in the mount out of the midst of the fire, of the cloud, and of the thick darkness, with a great voice.” Deut. 5:22. Therefore, when the law of God speaks to a man, it is God Himself speaking to that man. Satan has invented a proverb, which he has induced many people to believe, to the effect that “the voice of the people is the voice of God.” This is a part of his great lie by which he causes many people to think themselves above the law of God. Let every one who loves the truth, substitute for that invention of Satan the truth that the voice of the law of God is the voice of God.

Every Mouth Stopped.

The law speaks that “every mouth may be stopped.” And so every mouth would be, if men would only consider that it is God that is speaking. If men realized that God Himself speaks in the law, they would not be so ready to answer back when it speaks to them, and they would not frame so many excuses for not obeying it. When some servant of the Lord reads the law to people, they often seem to think that it is only man’s word to which they are listening, and so they feel themselves privileged to parley, and debate, and object, and to say that, altho the words are all right, they do not feel under obligation to obey, or that it is not convenient. They would not think of doing this if they heard the voice of God speaking to them. But when the law is read, it is the voice of God now, just as much as it was to the Israelites who stood at the base of Sinai. People often open their mouths against it now, but the time will come when every mouth will be stopped, because “our God shall come, and shall not keep silence.” Ps. 50:3.

The Law’s Jurisdiction.

What things soever the law saith, it saith to them who are within its sphere, or jurisdiction. What for?—“That every mouth may be stopped, and all the world may become guilty before God.” How extensive, then, is the jurisdiction of the law?—It includes every soul in the world. There is no one who is exempt from obedience to it. There is not a soul whom it does not declare to be guilty. The law is the standard of righteousness, and “there is none righteous, no, not one.”

“Therefore by the deeds of the law there shall no flesh be justified in His sight; for by the law is the knowledge of sin.” One of two things must be the case whenever a man is justified by the law, namely, either the man is not guilty, or else the law is a bad law. But neither of these things is true in this case. God’s law is perfectly righteous, and all men are sinners. “By the law is the knowledge of sin.” It is obvious that a man can not be declared righteous by the same law that declares him to be a sinner. Therefore it is a self-evident truth that “by the deeds of the law there shall no flesh be justified.”

There is a double reason why no one can be justified by the law. The first is that all have sinned. Therefore the law must continue to declare them guilty, no matter what their future life might be. No man can ever do more than his duty to God, and no possible amount of good deeds can undo one wrong act. But more than this, men have not only sinned, but they are sinful. “The carnal mind is enmity against God; for it is not subject to the law of God, neither indeed can be.” Rom. 8:7. “For the flesh lusteth against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh; and these are contrary the one to the other; so that ye can not do the things that ye would.” Gal. 5:17. Therefore no matter how much a man may try to do the righteousness of the law, he will fail to find justification by it.

Self-Justification.

If a man were justified by the deeds of the law, it would be because he always did all that

the law requires. Note well that it would be he that did it, and not the law. It is not that the law itself does something to justify the man, but that the man himself does the good deeds required. Therefore if a man were justified by the law, it would be because he has in him by nature all the righteousness that the law requires. He who imagines that he can do the righteousness of the law, imagines that he himself is as good as God is, because the law requires and is a statement of the righteousness of God. Therefore for a man to think that he can be justified by the law, is to think that he is so good that he needs no Saviour. Every self-righteous man, no matter what his profession, exalts himself above the law of God, and therefore identifies himself with the Papacy.

Righteousness without the Law.

Since, because of man’s weak and fallen condition, no one can get righteousness out of the law, it is evident that if any man ever has righteousness he must get it from some other source than the law. If left to themselves and the law, men would truly be in a deplorable condition. But there is hope. The righteousness of God “without the law,” or, as the Revised Version has it, “apart from the law,” is manifested. This reveals to man a way of salvation.

Righteousness “manifested” where?—Why, of course where it most needs to be manifested, in men, that is, in a certain class of men described in the next verse. But it does not originate in men. The Scriptures have already shown us that no righteousness can come from man. The righteousness of God is manifested in Jesus Christ. He Himself said, through the prophet David: “I delight to do Thy will, O my God; yea, Thy law is within my heart. I have preached righteousness in the great congregation; lo, I have not refrained my lips, O Lord, Thou knowest.” Ps. 40:8, 9.

Witnessed by the Law and the Prophets.

Let no one imagine that in the Gospel he can ignore the law of God. The righteousness of God which is manifested apart from the law is witnessed by the law. It is such righteousness as the law witnesses to, and commends. It must be so, because it is the righteousness which Christ revealed, and that came from the law, which was in His heart. So, altho the law of God has no righteousness to impart to any man, it does not cease to be the standard of righteousness. There can be no righteousness that does not stand the test of the law. The law of God must put its seal of approval upon every man who enters heaven.

When Peter preached Christ to Cornelius and his family, he said, “To Him give all the prophets witness, that through His name whosoever believeth in Him shall receive remission of sins.” Acts 10:43. The prophets preached the same Gospel that the apostles did. See 1 Peter 1:12. There is but one foundation, and that is “the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ Himself being the chief corner stone.” Eph. 2:20.

This also suggests another thought about “witnessed by the law.” It is not simply that the righteousness which is manifested in Christ is approved by the law, but it is proclaimed in the law. In the portion of Scripture specifically known as “the law,” the portion written by Moses, Christ is preached. Moses was a prophet, and therefore he testified of Christ, the same as the other prophets. “Had ye believed Moses, ye would have believed Me; for he wrote of Me.” John 5:46. More than this, the very giving of the law itself was a promise and an assurance of Christ. This will appear when we come to the fifth chapter of Romans.

The Righteousness of God.

While there is no chance for the despiser of God’s law to evade its claims under cover of the expression, “the righteousness of God apart from the law,” there is no need for the lover of that law to fear that the preaching of righteousness by faith will tend to bring in a spurious righteousness. That is guarded by the statement that the righteousness must be witnessed by the law, and further by the statement that the righteousness which is manifested apart from the law is the righteousness of God. No one need fear that he will be wrong if he has that righteousness. To seek the kingdom of God and His righteousness is the one thing required of men in this life. Matt. 6:33.

“By Faith of Jesus Christ.”

“Even the righteousness of God which is by faith of Jesus Christ.” Notice the wonderful expression, “faith of Jesus Christ.” In another place Paul expresses his desire to be found when the Lord comes, “not having mine own righteousness, which is of the law, but that which is through the faith of Christ, the righteousness which is of God by faith.” Phil. 3:9. Here again we have the “faith of Christ.” Still further, it is said of the saints, “Here are they that keep the commandments of God, and the faith of Jesus.” Rev. 14:12. God is faithful. 1 Cor. 1:9. Christ is faithful, and “He abideth faithful.” 2 Tim. 2:13. God deals to every man a measure of faith. Rom. 12:3; Eph. 2:8. He imparts to us His own faithfulness. This He does by giving us Himself; so that we do not have to get righteousness by faith which we ourselves manufacture, but, to make the matter doubly sure, the Lord imparts to us in Himself the faith by which we appropriate the righteousness. Thus the faith of Christ must bring the righteousness of God, because the possession of that faith is the possession of the Lord Himself. This faith is dealt to every man, even as Christ gave Himself to every man. Do you ask what then can prevent every man from being saved? The answer is, Nothing, except the fact that all men will not keep the faith. If all would keep all that God gives them, all would be saved.

Within and Without.

This righteousness of God, which is by the faith of Jesus Christ, is unto, literally into, and upon all them that believe. Man’s own righteousness, which is of the law, is only on the outside. Matt. 23:27, 28. But God desires truth in the inward parts. Ps. 51:6. “These words, which I command thee this day, shall be in thine heart.” Deut. 6:6. And so the promise of the new covenant is, “I will put My law in their inward parts, and write it in their hearts.” Jer. 31:33. He does it, because it is impossible for man to do it. The most that men can do is to make a fair show in the flesh, to gain the applause of their fellow-men. God puts His glorious righteousness in the heart. But He does more than that—He covers men with it. “I will greatly rejoice in the Lord, my soul shall be joyful in my God; for he hath clothed me with the garments of salvation, He hath covered me with the robe of righteousness.” Isa. 61:10. “He will beautify the meek with salvation.” Ps. 149:4. Clothed with this glorious dress, which is not merely an outward covering, but the manifestation of that which is within, God’s people may go forth, “fair as the moon, clear as the sun, and terrible as an army with banners.”

ALL FOR US.

By H. A. St. John

BY H. A. ST. JOHN.

FOR unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given.” Isa. 9:6. Our loving heavenly Father has given to us Christ Jesus the Lord; the best, brightest, and most beautiful Gift at His command. How precious the words of the prophet above quoted, and how thrilling the following record of fulfilment, made by the angel to the shepherds of Bethlehem: “And the angel said unto them, Fear not; for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord.” Luke 2:10, 11.

Christ is the invaluable, unspeakable Gift of God to the whole world, both for time and eternity,—a Gift that will never be taken back. Gracious for time, and glorious for eternity, will it be with us if we accept this inestimable Gift. By acceptance we at once become heirs of God, and joint-heirs with Jesus Christ, whom the loving Father hath made heir of all things. By accepting Christ we receive and share with Him in all things that the Father has given, or shall hereafter give Him. Let us briefly consider some of the all things given to Jesus, that He will share, and share alike, with all His children.

1. The kingdom. “And I appoint unto you a kingdom, as My Father hath appointed unto Me.” Luke 22:29. The little flock of the Good Shepherd will be given a kingdom. He will say to them each and all, “Come, ye blessed of My Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you.” They were heirs before; then they will inherit. They will take the kingdom and possess it, from one end of heaven to the other, and that, too, forever and ever.

2. The crown. The saints have suffered with Christ, hence they will reign with Him. To each will be given a crown of life, of glory, of immortality. Hence, like Jesus they will ever be kings, reigning conjointly with Christ in the kingdom of glory. Glorious reign! Wonderful exaltation! Who does not want to sit with Jesus on His throne? Then hold fast to Him who is the life, the truth, and the way, and let no man take thy crown.

3. The paradise. To Jesus will be given the restored paradise, enlarged, and re-beautified. So greatly increased in size will it be, that it will easily accommodate all the glorified children of the second Adam, the Lord Jesus. So beautiful will it be that it is designated by the Lord Himself, as “the perfection of beauty.” The followers of Jesus will share with Him in the possession of this incorruptible, undefiled, and unfading paradise.

4. The throne. The highest place of honor and exaltation in any kingdom is the throne. When Jesus, the King of kings, the King of glory, the King in His beauty, shall receive His own kingdom, and sit upon the throne of His glory, the redeemed of the Lord shall sit with Him in His throne. This honor and exaltation awaits all who are joint-heirs with Him of all things embraced in the inheritance of the saints in light.

“He that spared not His own Son, but delivered Him up for us all, how shall He not with Him also freely give us all things?” Rom. 8:32. And truly the sufferings of the present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory that shall be revealed in us, and which will ever surround us, when we shall receive all that He is preparing for us.

Breaking Up the Soil for New Truths

“ROOTING up old errors breaks up the soil for new truths.”

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