Man Was Created in God's Image for This Purpose — Sin Will Not Triumph Over the Divine Plan — The New Jerusalem, the New Earth, the Tree of Life, the River of Life, and an Unsullied Eternity — God to Be With Men
GOD has ever designed to associate in blessed intercourse with men. To this end He created man in His own image, that the creature might be fitted to enjoy fellowship with his Creator. One thing only is now needed to carry into effect the original plan, and that is for man to walk in the light of life freely provided through the offering of Jesus Christ. Then mutual fellowship between God and man is fully assured. 1 John 1:3-7.
GOD SEEKS TO LIVE WITH MEN
But even after man fell from this wonderful grace, and chose to walk after the desires of his own heart, God attempted to live with him. Indeed, every inducement was presented by which to win his affection. His offspring were followed to Egypt, where they had been subjected to the most abject slavery, and He kept them while there "as the apple of His eye." They were at last miraculously released from their merciless masters, and led toward a land set apart for them generations before, where He might be with them as their daily Guide and Counselor. Deut. 32:8-10.
In this effort He began early to manifest the symbol of His presence among them. So by a pillar of cloud by day, and one of fire by night, their long, tedious march was directed. Ex. 13:21. When the proper resting-places were reached, the fact was indicated by a halting of the cloudy or fiery column; and when the camp was pitched, the cloud assumed position just above the tabernacle, in which reposed Heaven's law, the ten pillars of divine government. From that vantage-point the voice of infinite Leadership was heard in daily regulation of every movement for the people's good. Ex. 33:9-11; Num. 12:5, 6.
Then, too, on the day appointed for the high priest to go in before the tented ark containing the tables of the law, there to atone for the sins of Israel, he was sure to face the bright Shekinah, which stood for the presence of God above the mercy-seat. Lev. 16:29, 30; Ex. 25:22. Also when the Hebrew service was transferred from its tabernacle home to the temple erected by Solomon, God reserved there a place whence His name might indicate His presence. 2 Chron. 6:18, 41. This permanent "house of God" was built in Jerusalem, "possession of peace," the "city of God," to which place all Israel must repair three times each year, in token of loyalty to its indwelling King. Deut. 16:16.
SYMBOLIC OF SOMETHING IN ADVANCE
All this took place under an ancient system, which was highly significant, being symbolical of an infinitely advanced order of things. It was, in fact, a regime of education in miniature, designed to instruct in future fundamentals. Its deeper meaning was forcefully stated when the prophet, as God's mouthpiece, declared that in the new earth state it will be the stipulated order for all flesh to come before God for worship every Sabbath, and every new month, throughout eternity. Isa. 66:22, 23.
With this emphasized thought in mind, the question naturally arises as to what particular point in the new earth must such a gathering-place be. Jerusalem of old was the place where the tribes of Israel assembled at established periods. The union of the tribes at this point, at stated times, for the cooperate recognition of God as their sovereign Ruler, was to them the possession of peace. But as those occasions were only figurative of a better and enduring substance, so the new earth must have the possession of peace in fact; for it is discovered that in the latest inspired prophetic view of last things is one of a scene embracing the "New" Jerusalem. We read: "I saw a new heaven and a new earth: for the first heaven and the first earth were passed away. . . . And I John saw the holy city, New Jerusalem, coming down from God out of heaven." Rev. 21:1, 2. Referring to chapter 20:9, it is learned that this "beloved city" came down upon the earth.
THE THRONE OF THE UNIVERSE MOVED
Interest must center first of all on the internal grouping of the place. Without doubt it becomes the capital of the new earth, since it is transferred from heaven to the newly created world. This removal must have been prompted by some direct motive, which is communicated in the fact that the thrones of both Jehovah and the Lamb are located in that city. Not only does its removal to the new earth indicate that God intends to dwell permanently with His people there, but the location of His throne within its precincts tells that it is destined to be the capital city of the King of kings. And a blessing is connected with the outlook under consideration, not usually accorded to subjects of this earth's empires. The promise is that His people "shall see His face." Rev. 22:4. This will not be to look upon something representing God's countenance, but an actual view of His glory-shining visage, and all because His loving dependents bear His exalted name in their own open faces.
Infinitely rich though that city is, with its jasper-garnished walls, its golden streets, and gates of pearl, nothing requires the closing of its portals against intruders; for sin, man's last enemy, has been destroyed. The city is therefore curseless, having no sign of degeneration in any form; but the light of God's glory, which outshines the sun, is to be its eternal light. Rev. 21:21-27. In this humanly unknown glory will walk and bask the nations of the saved, as they meditate upon the exceeding riches of God's grace that could bestow so great honors upon a sin-depleted race. Eph. 2:7.
THE TREE OF LIFE AND THE RIVER OF LIFE
This ecstatic bliss is to be absolutely age-lasting; for the tree of life, from which the first Adam was excluded, has been transplanted into God's new garden of delights, and all His subjects will partake of its delicate, life-giving fruit. Rev. 22:1, 2. They will also drink of the water of life, a river having its source directly beneath the throne of God. In this privilege, all the saved quaff from the actual fountain of life's invigorating stream. Rev. 21:6.
Thus the tabernacle of God will again be with men, as their very own "possession of peace." He will then have wiped away the last trace of tears from every eye, by the removal of sorrow, pain, and death. Indeed, every former cause of regret will have passed away, and all things will have been made new, as when the Edenic creation had its birth. It will truly be a desirable restoration, one to drive from mind the last trace of former impediments to happiness.
Human language can not possibly portray its attractiveness as set forth by inspiration, but the grace-hungering soul can long for it beyond expression, and live in anticipation of it. Best of all, no one is excluded from the race to that goal. Why, then, should not all make the trial, and press on to the gates of that beautiful city, and so win a home there in the name of Him who has loved us and who gave Himself for us? J. O. C.
MAKE MANIFEST GOD'S IDEAL
By L. A. R.
THE Panama-Pacific International Exposition to be held in San Francisco in 1915 is now rapidly going forward in construction. Before there could be any wonderful buildings, splendid gardens, adequate walks and driveways, it was necessary for the whole plan to be grasped or conceived mentally. To this end painters, artists, architects, and others put their thought upon the problem. The mental pictures gave way to drawings, diagrams, paintings. These made plain the mental vision. Later the whole world will be invited to come and see the concrete results of that which once existed only in the mind as an idea. It is but a sample of all great things to be accomplished.
But for spiritual things the mind of man alone is not left to plan, or conceive; for "eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man," until the great ideal of God by means of the Holy Spirit is taught to man. Then the ideas of God, the plans of God, His ideal for His creatures, the mental conception,43if you please, through the operation of the Holy Spirit upon human instrumentality, are brought into actuality. This is the import of the admonition, "See that thou make all things according to the pattern showed to thee in the mount." The tabernacle was not man's idea. It was God's. It was revealed by vision to the servant of the Lord, and through him instruction was given to faithful workers, until at last that which was God's idea became the reality.
O that every one of us might realize that God has a plan for the life! He has an ideal for every human being. He pledges Himself to reveal it if any man is willing to know it. And then the ideal carried out and realized in human life becomes in fact the divine revealed by the human. Marvelous privilege, glorious opportunity, to make visible the unseen ideals of God!
L. A. R.
4252 — WORKING OF MIRACLES
By Editor
Did others besides Christ and the twelve apostles perform such miracles as healing the sick and raising the dead? When did the practise cease?
We have the clear promise of Christ that “these signs shall follow them that believe; In My name shall they cast out devils; they shall speak with new tongues; they shall take up serpents; and if they drink any deadly thing, it shall not hurt them; they shall lay hands on the sick, and they shall recover.” Mark 16: 17, 18. The twelfth chapter of 1 Corinthians places healing and the working of miracles as among the gifts of the Spirit. James 5: 14, 15 gives instruction in regard to praying for the sick, and presents a promise for their recovery when the divine specifications are complied with. The Lord is able to do the same to-day, through the consecrated work of His followers, that He did when He was here upon earth in person; and in certain cases where the occasion demands, He does work miraculous cures through faith. But in the gospel message, God has revealed, for the curing of diseases, means that are to be ministered to us by skilful physicians and those called to that line of work. Sometimes our illness is occasioned by our own disregard of the laws of our physical being, and in such cases the Lord may allow us to suffer the effects in order to teach us not to transgress the laws of nature. Sometimes also we are permitted to suffer to refine us and purge our characters from dross.
Not all the sick were healed in the time of Christ. And during Paul's labors, he said, “Trophimus have I left at Miletum sick.” 2 Tim. 4: 20. Yet we are told, concerning this same Paul, that by the exercise of the miraculous gift bestowed upon him by divine power, Eutychus was raised to life. Acts 20: 9-12.
God's power manifested in healing the sick has never ceased from His church. There are well-authenticated instances of His mighty working in this respect all through the gospel age. In our issue of January 13 we told of a case where without question God interposed in a miraculous way to heal. But it should be understood that the individual is not called upon by the Lord to exercise the gift of healing, but rather God Himself is the power that acts through the individual, and in His wisdom He bestows this power where it will do good rather than harm.
But the healing of the sick, or the raising of the dead, great though these miracles may be, is not so important as that far greater miracle of grace acting upon the human heart, so that the individual is completely renovated under the power of the gospel, and transformed into a new creature. The transformations that bring eternal salvation are the great objective of the gospel, and not such incidental things as the healing of the sick, and other miracles of that class.
Systematic Bible Reading
By Editor
Systematic Bible Study
It has already been suggested that systematic Bible study is dependent upon persistent, systematic Bible reading. When Christ was here in person He taught the Scriptures. After His resurrection, we read, when He was conversing with the two disciples on the way to Emmaus, "He said unto them, O fools, and slow of heart to believe all that the prophets have spoken: ought not Christ to have suffered these things, and to enter into His glory? And beginning at Moses and all the prophets, He expounded unto them in all the Scriptures the things concerning Himself." Luke 24: 25-27. And on the same evening He said to the disciples who were gathered in Jerusalem: "These are the words which I spake unto you, while I was yet with you, that all things must be fulfilled, which were written in the law of Moses, and in the prophets, and in the Psalms, concerning Me. Then opened He their understanding, that they might understand the Scriptures, and said unto them, Thus it is written, and thus it behooved Christ to suffer, and to rise from the dead the third day: and that repentance and remission of sins should be preached in His name among all nations, beginning at Jerusalem. And ye are witnesses of these things." Luke 24: 44-48.
These texts show with unmistakable clearness that Christ Himself emphasized the necessity of becoming familiar with the entire Bible; and it is only through a constant reading of the sacred Book, that the Lord is able to open the understanding to the Scriptures.
The plan as suggested for the year is to read three chapters each day during the week and five chapters on the Sabbath, so that we may finish the entire Bible during 1914. The schedule suggested for the week ending January 31 is Genesis, chapters 29 to 36, Psalms 25 to 31, and Mark 1 to 8.
We have recommended the reading of "Patriarchs and Prophets" as one of the best helps in the study of the Old Testament, and "Desire of Ages" for the New Testament. If these two books can be read through during the year, in connection with your regular Bible reading, you will find that you have acquired an immense fund of helpful Bible knowledge.
Science and the Wonders of Nature
Modern science passes over the great wonders of nature, because it is obsessed with the idea that the world was produced and is maintained some way mechanically of itself. But when we stop to think of vegetable life for instance, here is dirt, and by the alchemy of life, there is produced grass and fruit and food of all kinds. It is a marvel. The word of God explains it. It tells us that "He [God] causeth the grass to grow for the cattle, and herb for the service of man." And then we are given the object of it all,—in order "that He [God] may bring forth food out of the earth." Now that is real science, for it is real truth, and accords with the facts. But much of modern science is too atheistic to acknowledge it. All should be very suspicious of any declaration of scientific men when it is in contradiction of the plain sayings of the Book.
WE can not answer repeatedly in the same volume questions upon the same scripture. The name and address must accompany question. It is well always to enclose stamp for reply.
4251 — BAPTIZED FOR THE DEAD
By Editor
Please explain 1 Cor. 15: 29. This text puzzles me. E. R. M.
Vincent, in his “Word Studies in the New Testament,” has the following suggestions, which may be helpful to you: “Greek expositors regarded the words ‘the dead’ as equivalent to the resurrection of the dead, and the baptism as a manifestation of belief in the doctrine of the resurrection. Godet adopts the explanation which refers baptism to martyrdom—the baptism of blood—and cites Luke 12: 50 and Mark 10: 38.”
There is this further thought in the text, however, which some of the very best Bible students consider the correct interpretation, and that is, we are baptized into the death of Christ. “Know ye not, that so many of us as were baptized into Jesus Christ were baptized into His death?” Rom. 6: 3. Then since we were baptized into His death, “if the dead rise not, then is not Christ raised: and if Christ be not raised, your faith is vain; ye are yet in your sins. Then they also which are fallen asleep in Christ are perished. If in this life only we have hope in Christ, we are of all men most miserable. But now is Christ risen from the dead, and become the first-fruits of them that slept.” 1 Cor. 15: 16-20.
A careful study of this whole chapter, as well as the tenor of the entire New Testament teaching upon the subject of baptism, proves to us that baptism is to show faith in the death of Christ. It also shows faith in His burial and resurrection as well, and therefore the whole foundation of the doctrine rests upon the great truth of the cross and the victory over the tomb.
There is no warrant whatever for the belief which some have attempted to teach, and which was particularly prevalent in the Dark Ages, that a living person may be baptized for another person who has died.
4253 — MARRIAGE AND DIVORCE
By Editor
From Rom. 7: 2, 3, would you understand that nothing but death would allow remarriage to persons divorced for any cause whatsoever? The illustration speaks particularly of the woman. Does not the same law also apply to man in the government of God?
Matt. 19: 9 is generally considered to teach that the individual, either man or woman, who violates the marriage contract becomes dead to the other party; and it rests with the innocent person to decide whether or not it would be wisdom to continue in marriage relation with the offender, or whether such a course would be warranted. When a contract so sacred as the vows of matrimony is violated by either party, there is no ground for believing that the innocent person is bound by that which has been broken. But in these days of laxity in the marriage relation, the conscientious Christian will be very careful in any steps that are taken, because the prevailing sentiments of the time, coupled with personal inclination, may easily pervert the judgment, and drive any one in a wrong direction.
Most assuredly, there is nothing in the Bible anywhere to show that the law of morality governing the woman is any different from the law governing the man.
Missions
“This gospel of the kingdom shall be preached in all the world.”—Jesus
Activities of Our Workers in Various Lands and Climes
By Editor
Brief Notes of Progress in Spreading the World-Wide Message—What Devoted Hearts and Hands Have Done During Recent Weeks
GONE TO THE FRONT FROM EUROPEAN DIVISION
WORD comes from Elder Guy Dail, secretary of the European Division, of the following new workers who have recently left Europe for mission fields: In August, Paul Bridde, of the Hamburg publishing house, to Constantinople, Turkey, to act as manager of the Levant Union publishing office; in September, L. Abèrlé, of Germany, to the Victoria Nyanza Mission, Central Africa; D. E. Delhove, of Belgium, to British East Africa; Elder H. and Mrs. Erzberger, of Switzerland, to Beirut, Syria; and Elder Otto and Mrs. Stanbert, for Persia. On December 16, Elder D. N. Wall and family sailed from San Francisco for Australia, to engage in evangelistic work among the Germans of South Australia.
MISSION RECRUITS FROM THE HOME LAND
BROTHER D. P. BOERSMA, of New Jersey, sailed early in November for Rotterdam, to engage in work in Holland. Brother R. P. Robinson, of southern California, sailed the first of December for South Africa, where he will probably join Elder W. H. Anderson in the Barotseland mission field; also Brother J. I. and Mrs. Robison, of southern California, for South Africa, in answer to an urgent call for teachers to assist in the Claremont Union College, near Cape Town. Brother W. F. Mayers, of Texas, sailed the latter part of December from New Orleans, for Porto Rico, West Indies, to engage in the Spanish colporteur work.
VARIED ITEMS OF PROGRESS
AT the last meeting of the Levant Union Mission, held at Ovajuk, Turkey, seven received baptism. This is undoubtedly one of the most difficult fields of the world to work, on account of the large Mohammedan population, and because of the lack of unity between the nominally Christian nationalities themselves.
A NEW conference has been organized in Europe, in the Rumanian field, comprising thirteen churches, with a membership of 415. At one of the Sabbath services of the conference session, thirty-six individuals took their stand for the Lord and the message of His soon coming.
A REPORT from Brother Russell Hall, Jamaica, tells of the conversion of fourteen persons, who are now preparing for baptism.
A NEW periodical has been started by our workers in Russia, called the Blagaja Veste, or Message of Mercy. We trust that it may indeed come as a message of mercy to many darkened souls in that land of religious oppression and tyranny.
BROTHER F. A. DETAMORE tells of the hungering of heathen hearts in Battakland, in Sumatra, for the message of salvation. He says that some fifteen or more in this region are already obeying the message, and when he visited them, nearly the whole village went out to see him, asking eager questions about the truth.
BROTHER A. G. STUART sends an account of the annual meeting at Colo, in the Fiji Islands, at the close of which seven candidates presented themselves for baptism, which was administered to five of them at that time.
IN Nassau, Bahamas, four have avowed their purpose to obey the truth.
ON account of the way the work has been advancing in the Russian field, this territory was divided, at the recent council held at Budapest, into two unions, to be called the East Russian Union and the West Russian Union. As the work is fast developing on the Pacific coast, it was decided that the Amur and coast provinces be separated from the East Siberian Mission, as a separate organization. It was at this meeting, also, that the Rumanian Conference organization was effected. The first three quarters of 1913 showed the number of additions in this union to be 4,000.
ANOTHER baptismal service has been held at Cosmopolis, Brazil, at which four persons participated in this ordinance.
EIGHT Chinese were recently baptized at Singapore, Straits Settlements.
ELDER JEAN VUILLEUMIER, who is working among the French people of Montreal, Quebec, recently baptized two young men who had formerly been Catholics. A French church has also been organized in that city.
ELDER W. L. SIMS gives an interesting account of an effort which has been carried on at Safford, Arizona. He says that in June, when they commenced their meetings, there was not a believer in the town, but they now have a company of about forty who are obeying the truth, and a number of others who are interested.
ELDER G. E. LANGDON, of Chicago, writes that five tent efforts have been conducted in that city during the past season, and about one hundred in all have embraced the faith.
IN November, Elder O. K. Butler baptized twelve young persons at Bonnievale, South Africa. At Grahamstown three more received this rite, and three others have embraced the message. Five souls at Johannesburg, and thirty-one on the Gold Coast, West Africa, have also taken their stand to keep the commandments of God.
ELDER R. C. PORTER reports that at a general meeting held at Chang-Sha, Hunan, China, baptism was administered to sixteen, making a total of 232 that were baptized during the year in the Central China field. At the last general meeting of the Swatow Mission seventeen were baptized. Brother W. F. Hills writes of a trip that he recently made into inland China. He says they have opened three new stations during the year, and there are over one hundred persons now preparing for baptism. The missionaries are unable to answer half the calls for help. At the Anhui general meeting, which was held at Ying Shang Hsien, East China, thirty were baptized, one of whom had formerly been a Taoist priest. In South China one new station has been opened. At Hankow, Hupeh, a new chapel has recently been completed.
AT Napier, New Zealand, four souls recently followed their Master in baptism.
ON November 23, seven souls were baptized at Melbourne, Australia; and the following Sabbath, two others in the North Fitzroy church. Thirteen candidates recently went forward in this ordinance in the Stanmore church.
SEVENTEEN persons at Broken Hill, New South Wales, have received baptism.
H. E. CARR and his wife have lately commenced work on the island of Atchin, in the New Hebrides.
ON a Sabbath late in October eleven new converts were baptized at Aitutaki, in the Cook Islands, and a church was organized.
DURING the year, 250 members were added to the churches in Ohio by baptism.
FOUR persons were recently baptized at Rangun, Burma, and two others will be baptized soon.
BESIDES these items from foreign fields, what we have been able to glean from reports in our exchanges shows the following increases in this country during the past six or eight weeks: baptisms, 474; conversions (not reported as baptized, but doubtless most of them have already received baptism), 389; additions to church-membership, aside from baptism, 56. We note the organization of five churches and eight Sabbath-schools, the erection of three church buildings, and the dedication of nine others which were lately erected.
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Notice
By C. W. Flaiz
The biennial meeting of the North Pacific Union Conference Association of Seventh-day Adventists will convene at College Place, Washington, March 2, at 11 A.M. This meeting is held for the election of officers and the transaction of such other business as may properly come before it.
C. W. Flaiz, President.
"WHO'S WHO IN AMERICA"
FOR 1912-1913
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Notice
By C. W. Flaiz
THE fourth biennial session of the North Pacific Union Conference and ministerial institute will be held at College Place, Washington, February 25 to March 8. Elders Daniells, Evans, Thompson, and other laborers are expected to be with us. It is earnestly hoped that all the laborers in this union will make an earnest effort to attend this meeting.
C. W. Flaiz, President.
For Sale
By C. F. Marvin
I have two new cottages of the Swiss chalet style in a rapidly growing part of Los Angeles, which should bring, in the regular way, $3,500 and $4,000. They rent continually for $26 and $28 a month. I will cut the price heavily to obtain what I have in them to use in the message. If you are interested, write for particulars. C. F. Marvin, care Sanitarium, Glendale, California.
Cooperation Corner
By Editor
Helping Together
THERE are constantly coming to this office requests for this paper for (1) those who are poor and unable to take the paper; (2) for mission work among prisoners and others otherwise confined or secluded; (3) for public reading-rooms; (4) for general missionary work in foreign fields by our missionaries; (5) for general missionary work in various phases. Sometimes there are calls for tracts in foreign languages as well as English. It is not possible for the publishing house to meet all these requests. Publications are sometimes published at a loss to the house. We feel sure that many more of our readers would be glad to help us in this work. Thus may we bring together those who have no time or opportunity to do missionary work, but who are able to help others who have the time and opportunity, but not the means. Who will contribute to our Cooperation Fund?
The Great Controversy
This volume presents in a most wonderful and interesting way the great struggle in which we are all engaged. It brings out the principles involved, and makes clear to the reader the path which leads to Him who is able to conquer in every conflict.
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Patriarchs and Prophets
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