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diff --git a/old/12868-8.txt b/old/12868-8.txt new file mode 100644 index 0000000..899624c --- /dev/null +++ b/old/12868-8.txt @@ -0,0 +1,13379 @@ +The Project Gutenberg EBook of The Harp of God, by J. F. Rutherford + +This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with +almost no restrictions whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or +re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included +with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.org + + +Title: The Harp of God + +Author: J. F. Rutherford + +Release Date: July 9, 2004 [EBook #12868] + +Language: English + +Character set encoding: ISO-8859-1 + +*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE HARP OF GOD *** + + + + +Produced by Juliet Sutherland, Keren Vergon, Anne Folland and PG +Distributed Proofreaders + + + + + + + +[Illustration] + + + + +The Harp of God + + +_Proof Conclusive that_ + +Millions now Living will never Die + + + +A text-book for Bible study specially +adapted for use of beginners; with numerous +questions and Scripture citations + + +510,000 Edition + + +By J.F. Rutherford, Author of +"_Can the Living Talk with the Dead_?" +"_Millions now Living will never Die!_" +_etc., etc._. + + +_Publishers_: +Watch Tower Bible and Tract Society and +International Bible Students Association +Brooklyn, New York, U.S.A. +_Also_: London, Toronto, Melbourne, Cape Town, Orebro, Barmen, +Berne, _etc._ + + + + + To the invisible King of Glory now present + + in the interests of + the generation now on earth who + will become his loyal subjects + + this book is dedicated + + +_"This generation shall not pass till all these things be fulfilled_." +--Matthew 24:34 + + + +1921 + + + + + + +Preface + +There is need of a textbook for beginners in Bible study. This book is +intended to meet that long-felt want. The subject matter is arranged +progressively and orderly. A list of questions follows each point +discussed, thus enabling the teacher to direct the mind of the student +to the subject under consideration. The numeral following each question +refers to the paragraph of the text where the answer may be found, each +paragraph being numbered to correspond. + +Jehovah had a great plan before the foundation of the world; but no one +knew about it. During the first four thousand years of man's history +God's plan was kept a secret. He began to reveal it to man nearly +nineteen hundred years ago, and then only to those who are consecrated +to do his will. Promise was made that greater light should come at the +end of the age, and this promise has been kept. We are at that time, as +is clearly proven by the contents herein. This book points out the +salient features of the divine plan, which plan is both orderly and +progressive. + +People generally have not been thoroughly instructed in the Bible. Even +those who have attended the Sunday schools have merely learned the text +and not the meaning of the text. Like the prophets of old, they have +heard but understood not. The real reason for these conditions is that +God's plan could not be understood until his due time to reveal it. His +due time is here. + +Because of the dispensational change taking place at this time, Bible +study was never so important as now. If important to educate the rising +generation in the things taught in our common schools, with stronger +reasoning is it important to educate them concerning that which is now +being revealed of the divine program for the uplifting and blessing of +mankind. + +There is no disposition, desire, nor attempt to induce any one reading +this book to become a member of any organization, sect, or denomination. +The sole purpose of the book is to aid honest seekers for truth in +their endeavors to understand the Bible, to learn the meaning of the +present-day events, and to prepare some at least to receive the +blessings that are soon due to mankind. + +If you knew that there was to be a radical change in the government for +the better, and that your children might have a part in the affairs of +the new government, you would be anxious for them to acquire all the +knowledge possible concerning the new order of things. The greatest +changes of the ages are now taking place. It is conceded by everybody +that these changes began with the World War and that they continue. But +what do they mean? The real answer is that the old world, or social and +political order, has ended and is passing away, and that a new and +better order is due and will shortly be established. Every parent owes +it to his child to instruct him insofar as possible concerning the +incoming new order or government. The contents of this book will start +you in the right way. + +The subject matter herein treated is not discussed at great length. The +interested reader is referred to the STUDIES IN THE SCRIPTURES and +kindred publications of the Watch Tower Bible and Tract Society, wherein +these matters are treated in greater detail. The King James Version of +the Bible is used in the quotations, except as otherwise indicated. The +reader should consider each point herein made with his Bible before him, +proving each proposition, that he may be thoroughly convinced in his own +mind. + +The harp is an instrument which, when used by a skilled performer, +brings happiness and cheer to those who listen. The harp of God, when +understood and skillfully used, brings peace of mind and gladness of +heart. The title of this book suggests the thought of good cheer and +happiness. The message herein contained, taken from the Word of God, is +sent forth with the prayer that it may be a blessing to many, that it +may cheer some who are sad, bind up some broken hearts, comfort some +that mourn, and give all who earnestly read a deeper appreciation of +Jehovah and the Savior of mankind. + +Brooklyn, N.Y., October 1, 1921. + + + + +CONTENTS + + +The Harp of God + +Creation + +Justice Manifest + +The Abrahamic Promise + +The Birth of Jesus + +The Ransom + +Resurrection + +Mystery Revealed + +Our Lord's Return + +Glorification of the Church + +Restoration + + + + +The Harp of God + + + + +CHAPTER I + +"_I will incline mine ear to a parable: I will open my dark sayings upon +the harp."--Psalm 49:4._ + + +The harp is a musical instrument invented many centuries ago. When +properly strung and played upon it yields sweet music, making glad the +heart. The first mention of the harp made in the Bible is in Genesis +4:21, and the inventor's name was Jubal. He was therefore called "the +father of all such as handle the harp and organ". + +[2]It was 1812 years before the coming of Jesus in the flesh that God +organized the twelve tribes of Israel, the descendants of Jacob, into a +nation, which nation thereafter was known as the nation of Israel. It +was the only nation with which God made a covenant, and he did not +recognize any other nation in the same way. (Amos 3:2) The nation of +Israel was used to make living pictures or types, foreshadowing better +things to come; and those who study the Scriptural account of Israel's +experiences are able to approximate closely future events which will be +good for mankind.--1 Corinthians 10:1-13; Hebrews 10:1. + +[3]With the nation of Israel the harp was an instrument consecrated to +joy and exaltation. David, who for forty years was king of Israel, was +an expert player on the harp, and it will be noted that in the Psalms +often the harp is used to symbolize or teach some great truth. The Jews +used this instrument on occasions of joy, such as jubilees and +festivals. + +[4]Josephus, a writer of Jewish history, is authority for the statement +that the harp usually had ten strings, but that at times it was smaller +and had only eight strings. The number _ten_ is used in the Scriptures +to symbolize that which is complete or perfect as pertaining to man. We +would understand, then, that the harp with ten strings pictures the great +fundamental truths concerning the divine plan. When two of these strings +were absent, there being only eight, the indication is apparently given +that there would be a time when two important features of the divine plan +would not be seen by men. God promised that greater light should come +upon his Word at the end of the age, or end of the world, which means the +social order of things. Since we have reached that time, we confidently +look for more light and thus we find it. + +[5]The Book of Revelation is written largely in symbols. In Revelation +14:2,3 and 15:2,3 we find a brief description of a class of glorious +beings who are playing upon their harps, and these are described as the +'harps of God'. The harp here is used as a sign or symbol of some great +truth, or feature of the divine program; in fact, a great deal of the +Bible is written in symbolic phrase. The Lord uses objects which we know +to illustrate great unseen things which we do not know; and the harp is +so used. + + +WHO IS GOD? + +[6]Before we can know God and understand his great plan it is first +necessary for us to believe that he exists and that he rewards all who +diligently seek him. (Hebrews 11:6) But how can we believe? We must +first have some knowledge. But how can we know that there is a great +God? Let us look at some of the simpler things about us and reason upon +the matter. + +[7]Look at the flowers in your garden. Out from the same soil grow the +many varieties of different hues and colors. Likewise from the same soil +spring the divers kinds of trees, bringing forth different fruits at +different seasons of the year. Some wisdom superior to man's must have +arranged these things. Observe the broad fields, the lofty mountains, +the mighty rivers, and then behold the ocean, exhibiting unlimited +power, upon the waves of which majestically ride the great ships. Are we +not compelled to conclude that there was a wise One, who created these +things, greater than anything we see? + +[8]Now gaze into the silent heavens above you, and there number, if you +can, the stars and planets which are noiselessly moving through space. +Many of these are far greater than the earth, and yet each one hangs in +its place and moves noiselessly about in its orbit. Surely they could +not have come there by chance, but the reasonable mind must say that a +Creator greater than the planets put them there. When King David looked +at these wonders of creation he was so impressed with the greatness of +their Creator that he wrote: "The heavens declare the glory of God; and +the firmament showeth his handiwork. Day unto day uttereth speech, and +night unto night showeth knowledge. There is no speech nor language, +where their voice is not heard. Their line is gone out through all the +earth, and their words to the end of the world."--Psalm 19:1-4. + +[9]Consider man. What a wonderful piece of mechanism is his body! The +framework is there; the muscles that hold each part in place; the +nerves, like a great electrical system by which messages are conveyed +from the brain to all parts of the body. He has power to reason and to +plan and carry out these plans. Truly no machine can be compared to man +for intricacy of construction and harmony of action. Who, then, is the +Creator of this wonderful thing? We must conclude that there was a +great First Cause who made and put into action all things visible in the +universe, as well as things to us invisible. And who is he? Jehovah is +his name; the great God of the universe.--Psalm 83:18; Genesis 17:1; +Exodus 6:3; 20:2-5. + +[10]The name Jehovah means self-existing one. He was without beginning +and without end, and of him Moses wrote: "From everlasting to +everlasting thou art God". (Psalm 90:2; Isaiah 26:4) He is the great +Almighty Jehovah God and there is none other besides him, and his honor +and dignity none other possesses. (Isaiah 42:8) He is the great all-wise +Creator of all things that are made. (Isaiah 40:28; Genesis 1:1) The +four great and eternal attributes of Jehovah are justice, power, love, +and wisdom. (Ezekiel 1:5,6) These attributes work together in exact +harmony at all times; and in various times and ways he makes manifest +these attributes. At certain times he has specially manifested such +attributes. + +[11]His justice was made manifest by inflicting punishment for the +violation of his law. Power was particularly manifested in the great +flood that destroyed all things on the earth. His love was especially +exhibited in the sacrifice of the dearest treasure of his heart, his +beloved Son, that mankind might have an opportunity for life. His wisdom +is particularly manifested in his great plan, which he gradually unfolds +and permits man to see. His attributes have no limitations. He is so +wise that he knew the end from the beginning and outlined all of his +great plan to the very minutest detail.--Acts 15:18. + + +HIS REVELATION + +[12]It is conceded by all that man is the very highest type of all +living creatures on the earth. His intelligence is far superior to that +of any other earthly being. Truly man is fearfully and wonderfully made. +Is it not reasonable for him to expect that the Almighty God would +reveal to man something of the divine greatness and plans and purposes? +Yes, and such revelation is found in that wonderful book, the holy +Bible. + +[13]Who wrote the Bible? What is known as the Old Testament was written +by holy men of old who were moved upon by the invisible power of Jehovah +to write it. (2 Peter 1:21; 2 Samuel 23:2; Luke 1:70) The New Testament +consists of the spoken words of Jesus, the Son of God, who spake as +never man spake, and whose words were recorded by those who heard him +and witnessed his acts; and in addition thereto, the written testimony +of his disciples, who wrote under inspiration from God. + +[14]The holy spirit means the invisible power or influence of Jehovah-- +holy because he is holy. This power of Jehovah operated upon the minds +of honest men who loved and who were devoted to righteousness, directing +them in the writing of the Bible. The spirit of God, i.e., his invisible +power and influence, moved upon the waters and thereby he created. +(Genesis 1:2) In like manner his invisible power and influence operated +upon the minds of men and directed them what to write. Thus did Moses +write the first five books of the Bible. The invisible power or influence +of God, which is the holy spirit, operating upon Moses' mind enabled him +to make a record of the chief events that had occurred and to write the +law of God, as given to his people through Moses. In no other way could +the true history of creation have been written. These facts and truths +were, therefore, written by inspiration of God. (2 Timothy 3:16; Job +32:8) There are twenty-four prophetic writers of the Old Testament, who +foretold the great events that were to transpire in the earth. Their +accounts were written at different times and under widely different +conditions, yet their testimonies agree. Their testimony foreshadowed +future events. + +[15]History, when written, is a recorded statement of facts and events, +arranged in a chronological order. + +[16]Prophecy, which is true, is a statement of facts and events foretold +to take place at some future time. Otherwise stated, prophecy is history +written before it transpires. + +[17]No human mind could actually foretell facts or events to happen in +the future. Only the divine mind could do that. If, then, we find that +the Bible foretold certain facts and events to happen and the record of +the same was made centuries before these facts and events did happen, +and these events and facts are now definitely established as having +taken place, such would be the strongest proof that the persons +recording such facts and events were directed in so doing by the divine +mind; hence that such writing was under divine inspiration. + +[18]As an illustration of this point: Wireless telegraphy and airships +are modern discoveries; yet since they have been discovered we find that +God, through his holy prophets, foretold centuries ago the use of such +inventions. (Job 38:35; Isaiah 60:8) The railway train has been in use +less than a hundred years; and yet the prophet of God many centuries ago +gave a clear and particular description of the railway train and the +manner of its operation, and prophesied that the same would be in vogue +at the time of the end, at the time the Lord is making preparation for +the establishment of his kingdom. (Nahum 2:3-6) And he also foretold +that at that time there would be a great running to and fro by other +means of transportation, such as automobiles, electric cars, etc. +(Daniel 12:4) There is no one living in modern times who is wiser than +Solomon; yet during the past 125 years there has been a great +development in invention and a marvelous increase of knowledge; because +it is due time, and because the prophets of God centuries ago foretold +that such would come to pass. + +[19]Through his holy prophets God foretold that at a time future there +would come into the world a mighty man; that he would be born a Jew +(Deuteronomy 18:15), specifying the place where he would be born (Micah +5:2); that he would come to his own people and they would not receive +him; that he would be despised and rejected of men, a man of sorrows and +acquainted with grief (Isaiah 53:1-3); that he would ride into Jerusalem +upon an ass, the foal of a like animal, and offer himself as king to the +Jews (Zechariah 9:9); that he would be rejected by the Jews (Isaiah +53:3); that he would be betrayed for thirty pieces of silver (Zechariah +11:12); that he would die, but not for himself (Daniel 9:26); that there +would be no just cause for his death (Isaiah 53:8,9,11); that +nevertheless he would be numbered among the transgressors (Isaiah +53:12); that he would die a violent death, yet not a bone of his body +should be broken (Psalm 34:20); that his flesh would not corrupt, and +that he would arise from the dead (Psalm 16:10)--all of which and many +more similar prophecies were completely fulfilled by Jesus of Nazareth, +the great Teacher who lived about and died at Jerusalem. Later we will +examine the Scriptures proving a further fulfillment of all these +prophecies. + +[20]All of the foregoing facts show that the Bible was written, as it is +claimed, by holy men of old, who were directed in writing it by the +power of Jehovah, and that it is a record which God caused to be kept +and has given to man for his guidance in righteousness, and which +foretells the course and final destiny of man. + +[21]The prophets who made record of the divine arrangement did not +understand what they wrote. They knew they were writing something that +would take place in the future, but just how and when they did not know. +They inquired and searched diligently all sources of information open to +them as to what these prophecies meant and when they would be fulfilled +and in what manner of time. Particularly with reference to the coming of +Jesus, his suffering, death and resurrection they prophesied and did not +understand, although they attempted to understand. (1 Peter 1:10,12) +Even the angels of heaven knew that the prophets were thus writing, but +they did not understand, although they desired to look into these +things. God revealed his great plan only in his own due time, and until +that time he kept it all to himself. + +[22]The divine plan means the arrangement made by Jehovah for the +creation of everything that has been created and for carrying out his +purposes with reference to his creatures. The first one to understand +the divine plan was Jesus, who prior to coming to earth was known as the +Logos, which means one who speaks and acts for Jehovah. In Revelation, +chapter 5, a wonderful picture is given in symbolic language. Jehovah is +pictured as seated upon his throne, holding in his right hand a record +or scroll of his great plan. The hand is a symbol of power and holding +it in his hand foreshadowed the fact that Jehovah held it exclusively in +his own power and keeping. The picture then shows a strong angel or +messenger speaking with a loud voice and asking the question: "Who is +worthy to open the book and to loose the seals thereof?" In heaven there +was a host of holy beings or angels. No one of them was able to open +the book or scroll, neither to look on it. No one in earth was able to +look upon it nor to open it. + +[23]One of the titles given to Jesus is "Lion of the tribe of Judah". +This great and mighty One, the beloved Son of God, afterward designated +Jesus, was granted the privilege of opening the book and of loosing the +seals that kept it secret, thus picturing how Jehovah made known his +plan to his beloved Son. The picture describes him thus: "And I beheld, +and, lo, in the midst of the throne ... stood a Lamb as it had been +slain, having seven horns and seven eyes, ... and he came and took the +book out of the right hand of him [Jehovah] that sat upon the throne". + +[24]_Seven_ is a symbol of perfection; horn a symbol of power; and eyes +a symbol of wisdom. Therefore this One is pictured as having perfect +power and perfect wisdom to perform this wonderful privilege and duty. +This is the first time that the great mystery of Jehovah, his great plan +or program, was made known to any one; and since then, from time to +time, he has been pleased to reveal portions of his plan to men who have +honestly and faithfully sought to understand it. He has promised to +reward those that diligently seek him and who seek a knowledge of him. +Therefore we can come to the study of his plan, confidently expecting +that he will grant us from time to time such a vision and understanding +of it as pleases him and as would be for our good and happiness. + +[25]The harp is used to symbolize the grandeur and beauty, the exquisite +harmony and majestic sweetness of the divine arrangement or plan. The +record of this great program or plan is found in the Old and the New +Testaments. This record reveals the purpose of God concerning man, gives +a record of his fall, a prophetic vision of his redemption and +deliverance, and ultimately the blessing of all obedient ones of mankind +with life everlasting. The great fundamental doctrines or truths stated +in the Bible and which constitute the fundamentals of his plan +concerning man would, therefore, constitute the strings upon the harp of +God. These fundamental truths were spoken by Jehovah through the +prophets, through Jesus, and through his disciples. God's law is his +expressed will. Law means a rule of action, directing that which is +right and prohibiting that which is wrong. The Bible contains the law of +Jehovah for the governing of mankind. + +[26]The name David means beloved one. The beloved One of Jehovah is his +Son, Jesus, the Christ. David was therefore used by Jehovah to picture +or to make a type of Christ, including Jesus and his faithful followers. +David used the harp of ten strings and was an expert performer upon it. +This would seem to picture how that the antitype of David, Jesus and the +members of his body, his faithful followers, would have an understanding +of this harp of God and that God would use them to make it plain to +others who would want to understand it. The ten strings of the harp, +therefore, very fitly represent the ten great fundamental truths or +doctrines of the divine plan. These ten fundamental doctrines appear in +the order named, as follows: + + (1) CREATION + (2) JUSTICE MANIFESTED + (3) ABRAHAMIC PROMISE + (4) BIRTH OF JESUS + (5) RANSOM + (6) RESURRECTION + (7) MYSTERY REVEALED + (8) THE LORD'S PRESENCE + (9) GLORIFICATION + (10) RESTORATION + +[27]When one understands these ten fundamental truths and can +appreciate the beauty and harmony by them expressed, he is thereby +enabled to use the harp of God, and the use of it brings joy to his +heart and fills his soul with sweet music. Without doubt the great plan +of God pictured by the harp was all made and arranged at one time, but +we will here consider each one of these fundamental truths, represented +by a string, separately and in the order above named. + + + + +What is the harp? and when was it invented? ¶ 1. + +Who invented the harp? and where is mention made of it in the Bible? +¶ 1. + +When did God organize the twelve tribes of Israel into a nation? ¶ 2. + +What arrangement did God make with the nation of Israel? ¶ 2. + +For what purpose was that nation used by Jehovah? ¶ 2. + +To what did the nation of Israel consecrate the harp? ¶ 3. + +What king of Israel was skilled in the use of the harp? ¶ 3. + +Where in the Scriptures is the harp used symbolically? ¶ 3. + +On what occasions did the Jews use the harp? ¶ 3. + +How many strings were there on Israel's harp? and what did these +symbolize? ¶ 4. + +Did the harp at any time have a less number of strings? and if so, what +did that picture? ¶ 4. + +In what phrase or language is the book of Revelation written? ¶ 5. + +Where in the book of Revelation is the harp mentioned? and what kind of +beings are pictured as using it? ¶ 5. + +What is the first essential to an understanding of God's plan? ¶ 6. + +Name some visible proof of the existence of a Supreme Being or Creator. +¶ 7. + +How was David impressed with what he observed of creation? ¶ 8. + +How does man's organism prove the existence of a Supreme Being? ¶ 9. + +Who is the Supreme Being or Creator? and what does his name signify? +¶ 10. + +Give some Scriptural proof of the existence of Jehovah. ¶ 10. + +Name the four primary divine attributes. ¶ 10. + +How was divine justice manifested? ¶ 11. + +How was divine power manifested? ¶ 11. + +How was divine love manifested? ¶ 11. + +How was divine wisdom manifested? ¶ 11. + +Is there proof that God foreknew the end from the beginning? ¶ 11. + +Why should man expect some revelation of the divine plan? ¶ 12. + +Has man found a revelation of God's plan? and if so, where? ¶ 12. + +By whom was the Bible written? and what are the two general divisions of +it? ¶ 13. + +What is meant by the holy spirit? ¶ 14. + +What relationship does the holy spirit bear to the Bible and its +preparation? ¶ 14. + +Who wrote the first five books of the Bible? and under what influence? +¶ 14. + +Was the Bible written under inspiration? ¶ 14. + +How many prophetic writers contributed to the Old Testament? and does +their testimony agree? ¶ 14. + +Define history. ¶ 15. + +Define prophecy. ¶ 16. + +Can a human mind accurately foretell future events? ¶ 17. + +What is one of the strongest proofs that the Bible was written under +inspiration? ¶ 17. + +What relationship do wireless telegraphy and airships bear to fulfilled +prophecy? ¶ 18. + +Were railway trains foretold by the prophets? and if so, where? ¶ 18. + +What other means of rapid transit did the prophets foretell? ¶ 18. + +Why did not Solomon give the world great inventions such as we now have? +¶ 18. + +Did the prophets point to the coming of any special one to earth? ¶ 19. + +What prophecy, if any, did the coming of Jesus of Nazareth tend to +fulfill? ¶ 19. + +How did the coming of Jesus tend to confirm the authenticity of the +Scriptures? ¶ 20. + +Did the prophets understand the meaning of what they wrote concerning +the happening of future events? ¶ 21. + +What effort did they make to understand? ¶ 21. + +Did the angels in heaven understand what the prophets were writing? +¶ 21. + +What is meant by the term "the divine plan"? ¶ 22. + +Who was the first one to understand the divine plan? ¶ 22. + +What was the name of Jesus before he became a man? and what is the +significance of his prehuman title? ¶ 22. + +What is pictured by the fifth chapter of Revelation? Give the details of +the picture. ¶ 22. + +Who is the "Lion of the tribe of Judah"? ¶ 23. + +What is the symbolic meaning of the words "seven", "horns," and "eyes"? +and what do these words signify as used in Revelation 5? ¶ 24. + +Is there reason to expect that God would grant certain ones from time to +time an increased understanding of his plan? and if so, why? ¶ 24. + +What does the harp symbolize? ¶ 25. + +Where is the record of the divine plan found? ¶ 25. + +What does this record reveal concerning man? ¶ 25. + +By whom has God spoken his fundamental truths? ¶ 25. + +What is the law of God? ¶ 25. + +Define law. ¶ 25. + +Where is the law of God found? ¶ 25. + +What is the meaning of the word David? ¶ 26. + +Whom did David picture or typify? ¶ 26. + +What did David's use of the harp typify or picture? ¶ 26. + +What is pictured or symbolized by the ten strings of David's harp? ¶ 26. + +Name the ten fundamental truths represented by the strings on the harp. +¶ 26. + +How can one learn to use the harp of God? ¶ 27. + +What effect is produced upon one who skillfully uses the harp? ¶ 27. + + + + +OMNIPOTENT GOD + + Harps of eternity! begin the song, + Redeemed, and angel harps! begin to God, + Begin the anthem ever sweet and new, + While I extol Him holy, just, and good. + Life, beauty, light, intelligence, and love! + Eternal, uncreated, infinite! + Unsearchable Jehovah! God of truth! + Maker, upholder, governor of all: + Thyself unmade, ungoverned, unupheld. + Omnipotent, unchangeable, Great God! + Exhaustless fullness! giving unimpaired! + Bounding immensity, unspread, unbound! + Highest and best! beginning, middle, end. + All-seeing Eye! all-seeing, and unseen! + Hearing, unheard! all knowing, and unknown! + Above all praise! above all height of thought! + Proprietor of immortality! + Glory ineffable! Bliss underived! + Of old Thou build'st Thy throne on righteousness, + Before the morning Stars their song began, + Or silence heard the voice of praise. Thou laid'st + Eternity's foundation stone, and saw'st + Life and existence out of Thee begin. + + --_Pollok_ + +[Illustration] + + + + +CHAPTER II + +String 1: _Creation_ + + +The subject of creation here treated relates particularly to the earth +and the creatures of the earth, the chief one of which is man. We will +not attempt to discuss at length the creation of other planets, nor of +the other creatures. Attention is merely called to the Scriptural +statement that the beginning of God's creation was the Logos, which term +is translated in our Bibles "the Word". The record reads: "In the +beginning was the Word, and the Word was with [the] God and the Word was +[a] god". (John 1:1) God is a name applied to Jehovah, the Almighty One. +It is sometimes applied to other mighty ones also; whereas the name +Jehovah applies exclusively to the great eternal God. The Logos, the +Word, was a god, a mighty one. "The same was in the beginning with God. +All things were made by him, and without him was not anything made that +was made." He was Jehovah's great active agent in the creation of all +things created. + +[29]Since the Bible was written for _man's_ benefit, the Genesis account +of creation has to do with man and his place of habitation. There we +read: "In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth". He +created the sun, for light by day; and the moon, for light by night, +upon the earth. God then created the birds and fowls that fly through +the air, and the fish of the sea. He created the cattle and the creeping +things, and all the beasts of the earth. All this was before the +creation of man. He had formed the earth many centuries before man's +creation, and he created it that man might have a place to live. He +caused his prophet to write: "I have made the earth and created man upon +it. For thus saith the Lord that created the heavens; God himself that +formed the earth and made it; he hath established it, he created it not +in vain, he formed it to be inhabited."--Isaiah 45:12,18. + +[30]God created the first man and woman out of the elements and gave +them power to produce and bring forth children, and all the human race +sprang from the first pair. God was the Father and the earth the mother +of Adam. The first man was named Adam; the first woman, Eve. "God +created man in his own image, in the image of God created he him; male +and female created he them. And God blessed them, and God said unto +them, Be fruitful, and multiply, and fill the earth, and subdue it; and +have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the fowl of the air, +and over every living thing that moveth upon the earth."--Genesis 1: +27,28. + +[31]We are all interested in knowing how Jehovah created the first man, +Adam. "And the Lord God formed man of the dust of the ground, and +breathed into his nostrils the breath of life; and man became a living +soul." (Genesis 2:7) God did not give man a soul separate and distinct +from the man. The word soul means being; living, breathing creature. +Every man _is_ a soul. No man _has_ a soul. Every living creature is a +soul. God called all moving creatures that have life souls. (See Genesis +1:20, _margin_) He designates various animals as souls.--Numbers 31:28. + +[32]Jehovah then made a beautiful home for man, which is designated in +the Bible as Eden--a garden, a beautiful park. Everything in Eden was +perfect, because all the works of Jehovah are perfect. (Deuteronomy +32:4) "And the Lord God planted a garden eastward in Eden; and there he +put the man whom he had formed. And out of the ground made the Lord God +to grow every tree that is pleasant to the sight, and good for food; the +tree of life also in the midst of the garden, and the tree of knowledge +of good and evil. And the Lord God took the man, and put him into the +garden of Eden to dress it and to keep it."--Genesis 2: 8,9,15. + +[33]God next gave to man a law to govern him. He told him what he might +do and what he might not do; and informed him that a violation of this +law would bring death upon him. "And the Lord God commanded the man, +saying, Of every tree of the garden thou mayest freely eat; but of the +tree of the knowledge of good and evil, thou shalt not eat of it: for in +the day that thou eatest thereof thou shalt surely die."--Genesis 2:16, +17. + +[34]God then created Eve to be a helpmate or companion to Adam. (Genesis +2:21-25) If Adam and Eve had been obedient to Jehovah at all times, +there would have been no sickness, sorrow, nor death amongst the human +race. + +[35]In the Scriptures Jesus, the Logos, is designated as "the bright and +morning star". (Revelation 22:16) He at all times was and is the joy and +delight of the heavenly Father, Jehovah. A star is used to symbolize a +heavenly creature. The morning star is the most honored one in all the +divine realm, Jehovah alone excepted. Other heavenly creatures are +designated as stars. + +[36]Many times you have heard the question asked, Who made the devil, +Satan, the evil one? The correct answer is, He was not always the devil +or Satan. He was created a perfect and beautiful creature. He was also +designated a star of heaven. His original name was Lucifer. The prophet +Ezekiel says of him that he was "the anointed cherub that covereth", +which seems to indicate that he had authority over some others. +Continuing, the prophet records: "Thou wast upon the holy mountain of +God; thou hast walked up and down in the midst of the stones of fire. +Thou wast perfect in thy ways from the day that thou wast created, till +iniquity was found in thee." (Ezekiel 28:14,15) He is described as a +beautiful creature. Thus the Prophet speaks of him: "Thou hast been in +Eden the garden of God; every precious stone was thy covering, the +sardius, topaz, and the diamond, the beryl, the onyx, and the jasper, +the sapphire, the emerald, and the carbuncle, and gold: the workmanship +of thy tabrets and of thy pipes was prepared in thee in the day that +thou wast created".--Ezekiel 28:13. + +[37]Other angelic hosts in heaven are designated the sons of God. When +God created the earth, laying its foundations as a habitation for man, +when he created these beautiful earthly creatures upon the earth, these +two great stars of heaven sang together a song of gladness, and the +angelic sons of God shouted for joy. (Job 38: 4-7) It appears that at +that time all the creatures of Jehovah were in harmony with him and +obedient to him, and of course they would watch the creation develop; +and when the highest earthly creatures were made, perfect man and +perfect woman, endowed with the attributes of wisdom, justice, love, and +power, made in the image and likeness of Jehovah, there was great joy in +heaven. Hence the occasion for the song and shouting by the heavenly +hosts. + +[38]In the unfolding of the divine plan, therefore, we see that creation +is the first part and is properly designated as the first string upon the +harp of God. "God is light, and in him is no darkness at all." (1 John +1:5) All the works of Jehovah are perfect. (Deuteronomy 32:4) Hence we +must conclude that all the creatures of Jehovah were in the light, were +creatures of light, all happy, all joyful. And when the perfect man and +perfect woman were placed in the beautiful garden of Eden, everything +there was joyful. + + + + +To what does the subject of creation herein briefly treated relate? +¶ 28. + +Who is designated in the Bible as the beginning of God's creation? ¶ 28. + +To what does the Genesis account of creation relate? ¶ 29. + +What earthly creatures did God create before making man? ¶ 29. + +For what purpose did God create the earth? ¶ 29. + +What human beings did God create? ¶ 30. + +Who was the father and who the mother of the human race? ¶ 30. + +Who was the father and who the mother of Adam? ¶ 30. + +What power and authority did God give to man at his creation? ¶ 30. + +How did God create man? ¶ 31. + +Define the soul. ¶ 31. + +Does the word soul apply to any creatures except man? Give Scriptural +proof. ¶ 31. + +Describe the original man's first home. ¶ 32. + +What is the meaning of the word Eden? ¶ 32. + +What law did God give to man by which he was to be governed while in +Eden? ¶ 33. + +Describe the creation of Eve. ¶ 34. + +By obeying God's law, how long could Adam and Eve have lived in Eden? +¶ 34. + +A star is used in the Scriptures to symbolize what? ¶ 35. + +What is the meaning of the Scriptural term "bright and morning star"? +¶ 35. + +Who is the most highly honored one in the divine realm? ¶ 35. + +Who is the devil or Satan? and who made him? ¶ 36. + +What was his original name? ¶ 36. + +How does the prophet Ezekiel describe Lucifer? ¶ 36. + +What other beings in heaven are called sons of God? ¶ 37. + +When God created man, what was the effect upon the host of heaven who +observed the creation? ¶ 37. + +What is the first string upon the divine harp? ¶ 38. + +Does the revelation of this string cause rejoicing? and if so, by whom? +¶ 38. + +Who is light and without darkness? ¶ 38. + +Has God ever created an imperfect creature? ¶ 38. + +What is the disposition of God's creatures while in harmony with him? +¶ 38. + +What was the condition in Eden when man was created? ¶ 38. + +[Illustration] + + + + +CHAPTER III + +String 2: _Justice Manifested_ + + +One of the divine attributes is justice. "Justice and judgment are the +habitation of thy throne." (Psalm 89:14) Divine wisdom devised the great +divine program or plan. Divine justice must perform its part in harmony +with the other divine attributes. God's law must be unchangeable. Being +unchangeable, his creatures can have absolute confidence and faith in +him, that he always does exactly as he says. A violation of Jehovah's +law must be followed by punishment in the exercise of justice. The +prerogative of justice is to see that the law is enforced. The +manifestation of justice magnifies the name and the dignity of Jehovah. +Without the manifestation of justice it would have been impossible for +Jehovah so fully to manifest his love toward man in providing for his +redemption and subsequent blessing. When one understands the office of +justice and why it was manifested, he rejoices. A failure to understand +and appreciate the divine attributes makes it impossible for one +properly to appreciate Jehovah's goodness and loving kindness to +mankind. Jehovah is too good to be unjust. He is too wise to make a +mistake; he is too loving to be unkind; and his power is always +exercised in such a way that ultimate good may result. + +[40]The manifestation of justice is one of the strings upon the harp of +God; but we must see and appreciate it in order to understand the beauty +and harmony it brings when used in connection with the other springs. + +[41]Good and evil are antagonistic principles or rules of action. Good +is the law or rule of action by which God is always governed. Evil +becomes active only when some creature of Jehovah violates his law. God +made man a free moral agent. He did not compel him to do or not to do +certain things. He told man that if he did certain things he would be +blessed; and that if he did other things contrary to divine law he would +suffer punishment; and the punishment prescribed was death. Mother Eve +was deceived by Satan, the devil, and thereby induced to violate the law +of God. Father Adam, seeing that his companion and helpmate had violated +the law and judging that she must die, preferred to join her in the +transgression and die with her. (1 Timothy 2:14) It will be of interest +here to examine the circumstances leading up to the violation of the law +of God and to see why his justice toward man was manifested in +sentencing him to death. + +[42]All dominion rightly belongs to Jehovah. He had given man dominion +over the things of earth. Lucifer observed Adam and Eve, the perfect +ones, in Eden; and knowing that they were endowed with authority from +Jehovah to multiply and fill the earth, he conceived the thought in his +own heart or mind that he should have a dominion of his own, and that he +could have this by separating man from God and by inducing him to come +under his (Satan's) dominion. The prophet Isaiah gives us some light +upon this subject when he says: "How art thou fallen from heaven, O +Lucifer, son of the morning! how art thou cut down to the ground, which +didst weaken the nations! For thou hast said in thine heart, I will +ascend into heaven, I will exalt my throne above the stars of God: I +will sit also upon the mount of the congregation, in the sides of the +north: I will ascend above the heights of the clouds; I will be like +the Most High. Yet thou shalt be brought down to hell, to the sides of +the pit"--Isaiah 14:12-15. + +[43]Thus we see that Satan had an ambitious desire to be like the Most +High. God manifested his justice toward Lucifer by expelling him from +his presence and has decreed that he shall be ultimately destroyed. +(Ezekiel 28:14-18; Hebrews 2:14) When Lucifer was expelled from the +presence of Jehovah because of his wickedness, he thereafter was and is +known by the names of dragon, that old serpent, the devil, and Satan. +(Revelation 12:9) In Genesis 3 he is spoken of as the serpent. The name +dragon means devourer; Satan means adversary; devil means slanderer; +while serpent means deceiver; and all these names indicate the +characteristics of Satan, the evil one. + +[44]According to the Genesis account, the old serpent, the devil, +deceived Eve in this manner: As we have heretofore observed, Jehovah had +told Adam and Eve that they must not eat of a certain tree in Eden, +known as the tree of knowledge of good and evil. Appearing to mother Eve +in the capacity of a serpent, a deceiver, the devil said to her in +effect: 'Hath God said that ye shall not eat of every tree in Eden?' To +this question Eve responded: "We may eat of the fruit of the trees of +the garden; but of the fruit of the tree which is in the midst of the +garden, God hath said, Ye shall not eat of it, neither shall ye touch +it, lest ye die". The old serpent, the devil, replied: "Ye shall not +surely die; for God doth know that in the day ye eat thereof, then your +eyes shall be opened, and ye shall be as gods, knowing good and evil". +In other words, he told Eve that Jehovah was trying to keep her and her +husband in ignorance and thus take advantage of them. Doubtless the +devil himself ate of the fruit in the presence of Eve and then +deliberately lied to her by saying: "Ye shall not surely die"--God +knows that you will not die. And by this means he induced mother Eve to +eat of the fruit--which was a violation of God's law. We know that Satan +is a liar, because Jesus said of him: "He was a murderer from the +beginning, and abode not in the truth, because there is no truth in him. +When he speaketh a lie, he speaketh of his own: for he is a liar, and +the father of it."--John 8:44. + +[45]The fact that Eve was deceived and thereby induced to violate the +law of God in no wise changed the law or affected its enforcement. Adam +deliberately ate of the fruit and he was also in the transgression. +--1 Timothy 2:14. + +[46]After they had violated Jehovah's law, Adam and Eve hid amongst the +trees in Eden. Jehovah spoke to Adam and asked: "Hast thou eaten of the +tree, whereof I commanded thee that thou shouldest not eat?" Adam +responded that Eve had given him the fruit to eat; and Eve said that the +serpent had deceived her. They both stood before Jehovah and confessed +their guilt. The majesty of the law of Jehovah must be upheld. His law +being unchangeable (Hebrews 6:18), there remained nothing to do but to +enforce that law. Then Jehovah pronounced his judgment against them, the +record of which reads: "Unto the woman he said, I will greatly multiply +thy sorrow and thy conception; in sorrow thou shalt bring forth +children; and thy desire shall be to thy husband, and he shall rule over +thee. And unto Adam he said, Because thou hast hearkened unto the voice +of thy wife, and hast eaten of the tree, of which I commanded thee, +saying, Thou shalt not eat of it: cursed is the ground for thy sake; in +sorrow shalt thou eat of it all the days of thy life; thorns also and +thistles shall it bring forth to thee; and thou shalt eat the herb of +the field; in the sweat of thy face shalt thou eat bread, till thou +return unto the ground; for out of it wast thou taken: for dust thou +art, and unto dust shalt thou return,"--Genesis 3:16-19. + +[47]Thus the perfect man forfeited his life. He had been endowed with +perfection of home, liberty, peace, happiness, and life everlasting on +earth. Now he must die and return to the dust from whence he was taken. +God did not put him to death immediately, but permitted him to have 930 +years of experience that he might learn the baneful effects of sin. Eden +contained perfect food that would have sustained the perfect man and he +would not have died had he remained in Eden, unless Jehovah had put him +to death in some direct manner. But God drove him out of Eden, took him +away from the perfect food, caused him to gather his food from among the +thorns and thistles and from other imperfect elements of the earth that +were found outside of Eden; and in this condition he continued to sicken +and to die until at the end of the period of 930 years he was dead. + +[48]A kind and loving parent sometimes inflicts punishment upon a child +because the child has violated a rule. The parent punishes the child not +because he loves to see the child suffer, but for the good of the child, +in order that it might be disciplined and might learn the proper +lessons. If the child always did good and never did evil it would not +merit nor receive any punishment from a loving parent. One of the chief +purposes of Jehovah in dealing with mankind in the manner he does deal +with them is that humankind might be disciplined and learn the lessons +of good and the effect of doing wrong, and thus learn to appreciate the +love of the heavenly Father. + +[49]When God sentenced our first parents to death and drove them out of +Eden, he had in mind and had already planned for their future blessing, +as we will see upon a further examination of his plan. Hence it was love +that prompted his action in sentencing Adam to die. Every act of Jehovah +is prompted by love; for God is love. He always acts that good may +result. The manifestation of his strict justice was essential that the +dignity and greatness of Jehovah might be maintained. At the same time, +in so doing, love was the motive that prompted his action. It must have +brought sorrow to the heart of Jehovah to be compelled thus to punish +his creatures, because God takes no pleasure in evil things; yet having +in mind the ultimate blessing and restoration of them, there would be +pleasure in thus manifesting justice that ultimate good might result. + +[50]We therefore might with propriety speak of the manifestation of +justice as the minor chord in the music of the harp of God. The minor +chord seems necessary in music to produce exact harmony. + +[51]Job in his suffering seems to picture the world of mankind under +condemnation; and when suffering he said: "My harp also is turned to +mourning". (Job 30: 31) The perfect man and his helpmate, deprived now +of their perfect home, toiling as they sought to gather their food from +the unfinished earth, suffering in body and in mind because of their +separation from God, truly would have said, and doubtless did say: 'Our +harp is turned into mourning'. Since that time the whole world has been +in a state of mourning; and mankind still suffers and groans in pain. +The world of mankind in general has not appreciated the manifestation of +the justice of Jehovah. The Christian, however, who has come to a +knowledge of Jehovah's plan, and sees and appreciates his purposes for +the blessing of mankind, can rejoice and does rejoice at the +manifestation of divine justice. + +[52]During the gospel age God has been developing a church, the members +of which are designated as the body of Christ. (Philippians 1:29; +Colossians 1:18) These are also designated members of the royal +priesthood. (1 Peter 2:9,10) During their earthly career they are +counted as members of the sacrificing priesthood, of which Aaron was a +type. Aaron and his sons were required to serve before the Lord in the +ceremonies in connection with the tabernacle in the wilderness. Two of +Aaron's sons were stricken dead because they offered strange fire before +the Lord. Aaron and his two remaining sons were forbidden by the Lord to +mourn the death of their kinsmen. Evidently this is a picture which +shows that those who have come to a knowledge of the divine plan do not +mourn because God sentenced our first parents to death, but rather that +they will rejoice at this manifestation of justice when they understand +that it was necessary in order that the great plan of redemption should +be carried out as outlined by Jehovah from the beginning. And when we +see and appreciate this divine plan we can truly exclaim: "Great and +marvelous are thy works, Lord God Almighty; just and true are thy ways, +thou King of saints".--Revelation 15:3. + + +MEN'S SOULS + +[53]Against what did God manifest his justice? Did he sentence the body +or the soul of man to death? Is it true that the soul of man is +immortal; and if so, how could God put it to death? + +[54]It is profitable to define terms before attempting to discuss them. +The definition given should be supported by proof from the Bible. This +we will attempt to do before answering the question here asked. + +[55]Immortal means that which cannot die; something that cannot be +destroyed in death. Soul means a moving, breathing, sentient creature, +or being; a creature or being that possesses faculties and uses them. To +understand whether or not a soul is immortal it is first essential that +we determine from the Bible what constitutes a soul. "The Lord God +formed man of the dust of the ground, and breathed into his nostrils the +breath of lives; and man became a living soul." (Genesis 2:7) The word +soul is synonymous with the words being, creature, and man. The dust out +of which Jehovah formed the body was not conscious. It had no life in +it. After God had used these elements to form the man, he breathed into +his nostrils the breath of lives, which animated the body, caused the +lungs to begin to work, sent the blood tingling through the arteries and +returning through the veins; therefore there resulted a moving, +breathing, sentient being, a man, which is a soul. The body aside from +the breath does not constitute the soul; but it requires the uniting of +the breath with the body to constitute the soul. And when we separate +the breath from the body the soul no longer exists. The Scriptures do +not say that God breathed into this body immortality, but merely that +the soul resulted by animating the body after it had been created; and +this resulted from the breath which he breathed into the nostrils. + +[56]A locomotive may be used as an illustration. It stands upon the +track with no fire in the box, no water in the boiler, hence no steam. +We speak of it as a dead engine. Then the steam is produced by heating +the water; it is forced into the cylinders, the throttle being open and +the machine moves. Withdraw the steam and it stops. + +[57]Just so with man. When the body is formed it would be inanimate and +inactive without breath. When the breath of life is breathed into the +nostrils and his organs begin to functionate, it is said that man then +is a breathing creature; hence a soul. When he ceases to breathe he is +dead. + +[58]Man is a soul. He does not possess a soul. Every creature that +breathes is a soul. God applied the words living soul to the lower order +of animals long before man's creation. (Genesis 1:20, _margin_) That +all breathing creatures are designated as souls by Jehovah is proven by +these words: "Levy a tribute unto the Lord of the men of war which went +out to battle: one soul of five hundred, both of the persons, and of the +beeves, and of the asses, and of the sheep". (Numbers 31:28) All souls +die alike. "For that which befalleth the sons of men befalleth beasts; +even one thing befalleth them: as one dieth, so dieth the other; yea, +they have all one breath; so that a man hath no preëminence above a +beast: for all is vanity. All go unto one place; all are of the dust, +and all turn to dust again,"--Ecclesiastes 3:19,20. + +[59]In the manifestation of divine justice God said to Adam: "Of the +tree of the knowledge of good and evil, thou shalt not eat; ... for in +the day that thou eatest thereof, dying thou shalt die". (Genesis 2:17, +_margin_) This sentence was pronounced against man, the being, the soul. +If there could be any doubt about this, it is definitely settled by +another statement in the Bible which reads: "The soul that sinneth it +shall die". (Ezekiel 18:4) "What man is he that liveth, and shall not +see death? shall he deliver his soul from the hand of the grave?"--Psalm +89:48. + +[60]The thought of immortal souls originated with Satan the devil. He +approached mother Eve and said: 'If you eat of this tree, you shall not +surely die'. Jesus denounced this statement as the first lie ever told, +and Satan as the father of lies. (John 8:44) Satan has been trying to +blind the people to the truth concerning God's great plan in order to +keep them away from God and from the blessings they would receive by +obeying him. The Apostle says of him that he is "the god [mighty one] of +this world", meaning the present evil social order; and that he has +blinded the minds of men to the truth, lest the glorious gospel of the +Lord Jesus Christ should shine into their hearts. (2 Corinthians 4:4) +From the day of Eden until now Satan has been blinding the minds of men +to the truth by getting into their minds a false conception of Jehovah's +arrangement; and the basis for this blindness is chiefly the lie first +told: "Ye shall not surely die". All false doctrines are based upon this +first lie. + +[61]If man possessed an immortal soul it could not be put to death. +Hence we see that God would be unable to enforce his judgment against a +sinner, and justice would fail. The Scriptures, however, plainly tell us +that the quality of immortality belongs originally only to Jehovah, "who +only hath immortality, dwelling in the light which no man can approach +unto; whom no man hath seen, nor can see". (1 Timothy 6:16) Immortality +will be given as a great reward to faithful Christians and to none other +of the human race. Such Christians who live and continue faithful until +death are promised the divine nature, immortality, the crown of life. +(2 Peter 1:4; 1 Peter 1:3,4; Romans 2:7; Revelation 2:10) We may be sure +that a man does not seek that which he already possesses; and the apostle +Paul plainly says: "Seek for ... immortality". And again he says to those +who will be faithful Christians: "This mortal must put on immortality". +(1 Corinthians 15:53) If a soul, a man, were already immortal, he could +not subsequently _put on_ immortality. No one of the human race will +ever be made immortal except the faithful Christians. God has a different +reward for others who are obedient to him. + + +DEAD UNCONSCIOUS + +[62]Another of Satan's deceptions by which he has blinded the people is +the teaching that the dead are still conscious after death. This is not +supported by the Bible, however. Those who die are never again conscious +unless they are resurrected by the Lord. The resurrection of the dead we +will discuss later on. If the soul were immortal it would be conscious +somewhere. Let us observe the Scriptures which show that the dead are +not conscious. + +[63]"In death there is no remembrance of thee: in the grave who shall +give thee thanks?" (Psalm 6:5) Thus is shown that they have no memory +while dead. "The dead praise not the Lord, neither any that go down into +silence." (Psalm 115:17) Hence they could not speak while dead. + +[64]The dead cannot breathe, think, or feel. "Thou takest away their +breath, they die, and return to their dust." (Psalm 104:29) "His breath +goeth forth, he returneth to his earth; in that very day his thoughts +perish." (Psalm 146:4) A person when unconscious does not feel. This is +illustrated by the fact that when a person is taken to a hospital for an +operation the surgeon puts the patient under an anesthetic, puts him to +sleep so that he cannot feel during the operation. + +[65]Again the Scriptures read: "The living know that they shall die, but +the dead know not anything. Also their love, and their hatred, and their +envy, is now perished." (Ecclesiastes 9:5,6) Being unconscious, they +know not anything when dead. "Whatsoever thy hand findeth to do, do it +with thy might; for there is no work, nor device, nor knowledge, nor +wisdom, in the grave, whither thou goest."--Ecclesiastes 9:10. + +[66]Again speaking of man, God says of him: "Nevertheless man being in +honor abideth not: he is like the beasts that perish". (Psalm 49:12) +Anything that perishes cannot be conscious, cannot be in existence and +of course cannot be immortal. + +[67]It was Jesus who said: "God so loved the world, that he gave his +only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, +but have everlasting life". (John 3:16) Here the proof is conclusive +that death means the perishing of all unless redemption is received +through Jesus Christ. This would absolutely disprove consciousness of +the dead and would disprove also the immortality of the soul. + +[68]Death is spoken of in the Bible as a sleep, for the reason that God +intends in his due time to awaken all of the dead and give them an +opportunity of life. The Bible abounds in the expressions referring to +the dead as asleep. A few of these expressions are: "David slept with +his fathers, and was buried in the city of David". (1 Kings 2:10) "The +fathers fell asleep." (2 Peter 3:4) '"The greater part remain until this +day, but some are fallen asleep." (1 Corinthians 15:6) "I would not have +you to be ignorant, brethren, concerning them that are asleep; ... them +also which sleep will God bring [forth] by Jesus [in the resurrection]." +--1 Thessalonians 4:13,14. + +[69]We must conclude from these Scriptures that the dead are wholly +unconscious from the moment of death until such future time as the Lord +may be pleased to awaken them out of death and give them an opportunity +of life, which he purposes to do, as set forth in his great plan. (John +5:28,29) Man was made of the dust. He was sentenced to return to the +dust; that is, the condition of the dead. And the Lord said: 'They that +sleep in the dust of the earth shall arise'.--Daniel 12:2. + + +DOES GOD TORMENT ANY ONE? + +[70]For a long time men have been taught that the punishment for the +wicked, those who disobey God, is everlasting torment or torture in a +hell burning with unquenchable fire and brimstone. Many have been +frightened away from studying the Bible because of this terrible +doctrine. Many have refused to believe in God and the Lord Jesus because +of it. It is another doctrine of Satan, used to blind the people. The +doctrine of eternal torment cannot be true for at least four separate +and distinct reasons: (1) because it is unreasonable; (2) because it is +repugnant to justice; (3) because it is contrary to the principle of +love; and (4) because it is entirely unscriptural. + +[71]It seems strange that men with reasoning faculties should ever reach +the conclusion that the all-wise Creator would eternally torment any of +his creatures. What could be the purpose of such torment? Could it +accomplish any good? Would it result to the glory of God? + +[72]There could be no eternal torment of any of God's creatures except +by God's will. A reasonable, loving God could not torment any of his +creatures. A Creator that would put in operation a system of endless +torment would be a fiend and not a reasonable God. Man is not perfect, +yet he has some love. God is perfect. He is love. A man or a child would +not torture his horse, his dog, or his cat. + +[73]Suppose we have a dog that becomes mad and tries to bite every one +in the neighborhood. He must be killed; but we would not torment the +poor brute by putting it into a slow fire. We would kill it in the +easiest way, so that it would not suffer much pain. Why would a person +do this? Because his sense of justice and love would deter him from +doing anything else. Man has not as much love as God. Every thing that +God does for man he does for man's good. + +[74]The doctrine is unreasonable because no one could be eternally +tormented unless that one were eternally conscious; and the Scriptures +above cited show that the dead are not conscious. Furthermore, there +could be no eternal torment of the soul unless that soul were immortal, +indestructible; and the Scriptures above cited and all other Scriptures +bearing upon the subject show that man is not immortal, that none are +granted immortality except those who receive it as a reward for +right-doing and who are made joint-heirs with Christ Jesus in his +glorious kingdom. Then it is easy to be seen that this is a doctrine of +Satan; and the two doctrines or teachings of inherent immortality and +eternal torture must stand or fall together. And since they are both +false, they must both fall. + +[75]The doctrine of eternal torture is _un_just, because God is _just_. +Justice is the foundation of his throne. God plainly told man that if he +sinned he would die. If thereafter he put him into eternal torment, then +he increased the penalty after man had violated the law, and this is +contrary to every principle of justice. All of Adam's children were born +imperfect. "There is none that doeth good, no, not one," (Psalm 14:3) +Every child is born imperfect. It would be very unjust for Jehovah to +permit such a one to be born under conditions over which he had no +control and then, because he could not obey perfectly, to put him into +eternal torture. Man's sense of justice is shocked at the thought of +torture of any creature. The justice that man possesses is a God-given +quality. The more Godlike a man is the more just he is. We must know, +then, that God deals justly with all of his creatures. + +[76]The doctrine of eternal torment is devoid of the attribute of love. +Every good father loves his children and children love their father. The +mother loves the children and the children love the mother. When the +children are disobedient, it becomes necessary for the father or the +mother to discipline them; and sometimes by using the rod. But no loving +parent would for a moment think of torturing his or her child. Just +punishment is always for the purpose of doing ultimate good, and where +the parents are compelled to punish or discipline their children they do +it because they love them. The apostle Paul, discussing the discipline +by earthly parents and by God said: "We have had fathers of our flesh +which corrected us, and we gave them reverence: shall we not much rather +be in subjection unto the Father of spirits, and live? For they verily +for a few days chastened us after their own pleasure; but he for our +profit, that we might be partakers of his holiness."--Hebrews 12:9,10. + +[77]Only a wicked fiend would want to torment anybody, such a one as +loves dark and wicked things. + +[78]Our great God is love. (1 John 4:16) "God is light and in him is no +darkness at all," (1 John 1:5) Everything that Jehovah does is good. God +created the first man Adam and gave him the power to transmit life to +his offspring. All the human race are the children of Adam. Only by +God's permission could these children have come into existence. Adam was +God's son and all the human race descend from Adam; and thus they bear +relationship to Jehovah. + +[79]None of Adam's children were born perfect. Some were born under +very depraved conditions. God's love, then, for the human race is so +great that he made provision for the redemption and ultimate blessing +of all, and it would be wholly inconsistent with his attribute of love +to arrange to torture any of them at any time. The doctrine of eternal +torment is a libel upon the great and loving name of God, and Satan is +responsible for it. But in God's due time he will make it clear to all +that he is love; and that all of his dealings with the human race are +for their good. + +[80]The eternal torment teaching is not supported by any Scripture text +in the Bible. There are some texts that are written in symbolic phrase, +parables and dark sayings, which were written to illustrate another +great truth, but with no reference to the eternal punishment of the +human race. These Scriptures must be considered elsewhere. Our space +does not permit us to consider them here. What we will examine are the +direct Scriptural statements. + +[81]All the Scriptures show that the wicked will be punished, but +punishment does not mean torment. There is a wide distinction between +everlasting punishment and everlasting torment. Everlasting punishment +is a punishment that lasts. Everlasting torment would be a torment that +never ends, but one would be consciously suffering all the time. The +laws of the land punish the wicked who violate the law, and the duration +of punishment is short or long in proportion to the enormity of the +crime committed. One who steals a loaf of bread violates the law and he +may be punished by confinement for a day or a month in prison. One who +destroys his neighbor's house by fire is punished, and his punishment +may be a number of years in prison. Another takes the life of his +neighbor, and his punishment is death. No law of any nation on earth +permits the violator of the law to be tormented. The stealer of bread is +punished for a short period; the one who destroys the home is punished +for a longer period; and the one who takes his neighbor's life +deliberately is punished by the full penalty of the law, and his +punishment is lasting. Death is the highest penalty inflicted by the +law. It is also the greatest punishment inflicted by Jehovah. Life is +the dearest thing to any creature, and to be deprived of life would be +the greatest punishment that could be inflicted. Therefore eternal or +everlasting death, with no hope of a resurrection, would be an +everlasting punishment. But it would not be an everlasting conscious +torture. God plainly declared: "The wages of sin is death" (Romans +6:23), and not eternal torture. + +[82]Having fixed this penalty, God could not change it afterward, +because God could not be inconsistent; he cannot deny himself. +(2 Timothy 2:13) It was by the disobedience of one man that sin came +into the world and death as the result of sin; so death has been the +penalty upon all mankind. (Romans 5:12) And this will continue until +God's due time to awaken them out of death and give all an opportunity +for life; and this we will discuss later. "The Lord preserveth them +that love him, but all the wicked will he destroy." (Psalm 145:20) The +Apostle plainly says that all the wicked shall be punished with an +everlasting destruction.--2 Thessalonians 1:9. + +[83]But do not the wicked go to hell? + +[84]It is true that all who have died from Adam until now have gone to +hell. But hell does not mean a place of conscious torture. Wherever the +word hell occurs in the Bible it means the condition of death. Hell is +not a place, but a condition. Those who go into the grave are not +conscious there; but they have gone into the death condition. Their +bodies decay and return to the dust. The word hell is translated from +the Hebrew word _sheol_, as used in the Old Testament. This same word +is a number of times translated grave and sometimes pit. In the New +Testament the same word hell is translated from the Greek word _hades_ +and likewise means grave, the condition of death, the tomb. + +[85]Some Scriptural illustrations of this prove that hell means a +condition of death. Job was a good and godly man, who tried to obey +Jehovah. He had suffered the loss of all his earthly possessions and +then his neighbors taunted him because of his suffering; and while he +was thus suffering, he prayed that God would permit him to go to hell, +saying: "O that thou wouldest hide me in hell [_sheol_, the grave] until +thy wrath be past". (Job 14:13) He desired to be hid in the grave until +the time of the resurrection, hoping in God's promise that some day the +dead would come again. Then Job says: "If I wait the grave is mine +house: I have made my bed in the darkness". "Our rest together is in the +dust." (Job 17:13,16) Thus he pictures the grave as a condition of +darkness, where there is no knowledge, no wisdom or device. Again he +said: "A man's sons come to honor, and he knoweth it not; and they are +brought low, but he perceiveth it not of them". (Job 14:21) Why? Because +those who are in hell, in the tomb, in the grave, in the condition of +death, have no knowledge of anything. They are out of existence, waiting +for the resurrection. + +[86]Jacob's beloved son Joseph was sold into Egypt by his brethren. +Joseph's coat was dipped in the blood of an animal and brought to Jacob, +and it was told Jacob the father that his son Joseph was dead. In his +grief he exclaimed: "I will go down into hell [_sheol_, the grave] unto +my son mourning". (Genesis 37:35) Jacob was a good man and approved of +the Lord; for the Apostle says he was. (Hebrews 11:9,39) Jacob meant +that he was going to the grave, to the death condition, mourning for +his beloved son. + +[87]Benjamin was Jacob's youngest son. After he lost Joseph his +affections were centered upon Benjamin. His elder sons came to him and +requested that their younger brother be permitted to go down with them +to Egypt. Their father Jacob objected to their taking him, saying, "My +son shall not go down with you; for his brother is dead, and he is left +alone: if mischief befall him by the way in which ye go, then shall ye +bring down my gray hairs with sorrow to hell [_sheol_, the grave]". +(Genesis 42:38) We know, then, that the hell here described could not be +a place of fire and brimstone, for the gray hairs of Jacob would not +last long in the fire. What he really meant was that as an old, +gray-headed man he would go down to the grave in sorrow if anything +befell his beloved son. + +[88]Jesus came to earth and lived and died and was buried; and it was +written of him that he went to hell. "Thou wilt not leave my soul in +hell." (Psalm 16:10) If hell is a place of endless torment and Jesus +went there he could not have been released. The fact that he did not +remain in hell is proof conclusive that hell is not a place of eternal +torment. + +[89]Jehovah established the true religion in the earth, which was and is +to worship him and glorify his name. Satan established a false religion +in his attempt to be like the Most High. God established his covenant +with the nation of Israel and commanded that they should keep themselves +separate and distinct from the heathen nations round about. Satan +established a false religion amongst the heathen nations and caused them +to worship images and other things aside from Jehovah. These heathen +idolaters built an altar in the valley of Hinnom for the purpose of +offering sacrifices to their gods. The Jews forsook their covenant with +Jehovah and became worshipers of Baal, one of Satan's deified ones. In +practising Baal worship they offered their children as sacrifices, and +upon this has been based the doctrine of torture by fire, concerning +which Jehovah says: "They have built also the high places of Baal, to +burn their sons with fire for burnt offerings unto Baal, which I +commanded not, nor spake it, neither came it into my mind". (Jeremiah +19:5) Again said the Lord: "They built the high places of Baal, which +are in the valley of the son of Hinnom, to cause their sons and their +daughters to pass through the fire unto Molech, which I commanded them +not, neither came it into my mind, that they should do this abomination, +to cause Judah to sin". (Jeremiah 32:35) The things which the heathen +sacrificed they sacrificed to devils and not to God. (1 Corinthians +10:20) This false or devil religion established amongst the deluded +people of the world was another means employed by Satan to blind the +minds of men to the true teachings of the divine plan. + +[90]In exercising divine justice, Jehovah at no time employs torture; +but he denounces such doctrine as an abomination in his sight. Divine +justice exercised destroys the evil doers; therefore that which is +destroyed eternally is everlastingly punished. Some Scriptures proving +this are: "Evil doers shall be cut off; but those that wait upon the +Lord, they shall inherit the earth. For yet a little while and the +wicked shall not be; yea, thou shalt diligently consider his place, and +it shall not be.... But the wicked shall perish, and the enemies of the +Lord shall be as the fat of lambs: they shall consume; into smoke shall +they consume away.... For such as be blessed of him shall inherit the +earth; and they that be cursed of him shall be cut off.... For the Lord +loveth judgment, and forsaketh not his saints; they are preserved +forever; but the seed of the wicked shall be cut off.... Wait on the +Lord, and keep his way, and he shall exalt thee to inherit the land: +when the wicked are cut off, thou shalt see it.... The transgressors +shall be destroyed together: the end of the wicked shall be cut +off."--Psalm 37:9,10,20,22,28,34,38. + +[91]The doctrine of eternal torment is a defamation of Jehovah's +character. It is a foul stain upon his lovable name. The chief purpose +of man is to glorify God. It is therefore his privilege and duty to +remove from the minds of others this misconception of Jehovah and enable +others to understand that God is indeed love. An understanding of his +plan shows that everything he does is prompted by love. No sooner had he +sentenced man to death than he began to reveal his plan for his +redemption and ultimate deliverance. The more clearly we see and +understand these great truths, the more do we rejoice in the divine +attribute of justice and the divine arrangement in making it manifest. + + + + +What divine attribute is mentioned as the habitation of God's throne? +¶ 39. + +What divine attribute devised the plan of God? ¶ 39. + +Is it necessary for the divine attributes to operate harmoniously? ¶ 39. + +Is God's law unchangeable? ¶ 39. + +What mental effect is produced upon God's creatures by the +unchangeableness of his law? ¶ 39. + +What must follow violation of the divine law? ¶ 39. + +What is the prerogative of divine Justice? ¶ 39. + +How does the manifestation of divine justice affect the name and dignity +of Jehovah? ¶ 39. + +Was it necessary for divine justice to be manifested in order for +divine love to be fully exercised? and if so, why? ¶ 39. + +What is essential to a proper appreciation of divine loving kindness? +¶ 39. + +Why is Jehovah never unjust nor unkind? ¶ 39. + +Does Jehovah make mistakes? ¶ 39. + +To what end does he use his power? ¶ 39. + +What is symbolized by the second string upon the harp of God? ¶ 40. + +Define good and evil. ¶ 41. + +When did evil become active? ¶ 41. + +Did God compel Adam to do or not to do certain things? ¶ 41. + +What punishment did God prescribe for a violation of his law? ¶ 41. + +Why and by whom was Eve induced to violate the law? ¶ 41. + +Why did Adam violate the law of God? ¶ 41. + +To whom does all dominion rightfully belong? ¶ 42. + +What dominion did God give to man? ¶ 42. + +Why did Lucifer induce Eve to sin? ¶ 42. + +What did Lucifer meditate in his heart? ¶ 42. + +What was the cause of Lucifer's fall? ¶ 43. + +How was divine justice manifested against Lucifer? ¶ 43. + +By what names is Lucifer known since his fall? Give the meaning of each +of the names. ¶ 43. + +Describe how the devil induced Eve to violate God's law. ¶ 44. + +What reply did Eve make to the devil's suggestion that she violate God's +law? ¶ 44. + +Who told the truth, God or Satan, relative to the result of Eve's act? +¶ 44. + +The fact that Eve was deceived by Satan, could that in any wise change +the penalty of the law? ¶ 45. + +What did Adam and Eve do after they had violated the divine law? ¶ 46. + +What action did Jehovah take toward them, and why? ¶ 46. + +Give the details of the judgment or sentence pronounced by Jehovah +against Adam and Eve. ¶ 46. + +What was the result of the judgment pronounced against man? ¶ 47. + +How long did Adam live after he was sentenced to die? ¶ 47. + +How did God enforce the sentence against man? ¶ 47. + +Would Adam have died if he had remained in Eden? ¶ 47. + +Why does a parent punish his child? ¶ 48. + +If the child always obeyed, would punishment he necessary? ¶ 48. + +What is one of the chief reasons for God permitting man to suffer the +effects of wrongdoing? ¶ 48. + +Why did God enforce his judgment against man? What was his purpose? +¶ 49. + +What motive prompts all the acts of Jehovah? ¶ 49. + +The manifestation of divine justice may be likened to what chord in +music? and why? ¶ 50. + +What did the suffering of Job picture relative to the harp? ¶ 51. + +How could Adam and Eve apply the sayings of Job to themselves? ¶ 51. + +Has the world of mankind ever appreciated the manifestation of divine +justice? and why not? ¶ 51. + +Why can a Christian appreciate the manifestation of divine justice as +one of the strings of God's harp? ¶ 51. + +As a sacrificing priest, what did Aaron typify? ¶ 52. + +How did the experiences of Aaron and his sons teach Christians not to +mourn because of the exercise of divine justice? ¶ 52. + +When a Christian appreciates the divine plan, what does he say? ¶ 52. + +What did God sentence to death, the soul or the body? ¶ 53. + +If the soul of man were immortal, how could it be put to death? ¶ 53. + +Is it important for us to define terms before freely using them in the +study of the Bible? ¶ 54. + +Define immortality. ¶ 55. + +Define the soul. ¶ 55. + +State fully the Scriptural account of how the soul was created. ¶ 55. + +Give some illustration of the soul. ¶ 56. + +Does man possess a soul? ¶ 58. + +What creatures beside man are souls? ¶ 58. + +Is there a difference in the manner of the death of souls? ¶ 58. + +Give some Scriptures to show that the soul is not immortal. ¶ 59. + +With whom did the term "immortal soul" originate? ¶ 60. + +When and by whom was the first lie told? ¶ 60. + +How has Satan blinded the people? and what has been his purpose in so +doing? ¶ 60. + +What is the basis for all false doctrines? ¶ 60. + +If all souls were immortal, could God destroy a willful sinner? ¶ 61. + +Who possesses the quality of immortality? ¶ 61. + +To whom has immortality been promised as a reward? ¶ 61. + +Give some Scriptural reason why men are not inherently immortal. ¶ 61. + +What other false doctrine has Satan employed in deceiving mankind? ¶ 62. + +Are the dead conscious at any time after death? ¶ 62. + +Do the dead remember anything? Do they praise the Lord? ¶ 63. + +Can the dead breathe, think, or feel? ¶ 64. + +Give an illustration showing that the dead do not feel. ¶ 64. + +Do the dead have knowledge or wisdom? Can they love or hate? ¶ 65. + +Give some Scriptural proof that death means to perish, and define +perish. ¶¶ 66, 67. + +Why is death sometimes spoken of as sleep? Give Scriptural proof. +¶¶ 68, 69. + +How has the doctrine of eternal torment affected many? ¶ 70. + +Who is responsible for the doctrine of eternal torment? ¶ 70. + +Give four reasons why eternal torment cannot be true. ¶ 70. + +Would eternal torment accomplish any good? Would it result to the glory +of God? ¶ 71. + +Could any creature be eternally tormented contrary to the will of God? +¶ 72. + +Could a reasonable God torture any creature? ¶ 72. + +Why would not a sane person torture his child or his dog? ¶ 73. + +Since the Scriptures declare that God is love, could he torment a +creature? ¶ 73. + +Why is the doctrine of eternal torture unreasonable? ¶ 74. + +Why is the doctrine of eternal torture unjust? ¶ 75. + +Why is the doctrine of eternal torment devoid of love? ¶¶ 76-79. + +What is the difference between everlasting torment and everlasting +punishment? ¶ 81. + +What is the severest punishment inflicted for the violation of human +laws? ¶ 81. + +What is the severest punishment God inflicts for the violation of his +laws? ¶ 81. + +Could God change the penalty for the violation of his law after the +penalty has been once fixed and the law violated? and if not, why not? +¶ 82. + +Do not the wicked go to hell? ¶ 84. + +What is the meaning of the English word hell? and from what words has it +been translated? ¶ 84. + +What did Job say about going to hell? ¶ 85. + +Is anyone conscious while in hell? ¶ 85. + +What did Jacob say about going to hell? and whom did he expect to meet +there? ¶ 86. + +If hell means a place of fiery torment, how could Jacob preserve his +gray hairs there? ¶ 87. + +Jesus went to hell, as the Scriptures declare. If hell is a place of +eternal torment, how could Jesus get out? ¶ 88. + +What religion did God establish on earth? ¶ 89. + +What religion did Satan establish on earth? ¶ 89. + +What does Jehovah's Word say about burning children in fires as +offerings to Baal? ¶ 89. + +To whom did the heathen sacrifice their children? ¶ 89. + +What has been Satan's purpose in teaching the false religion? ¶ 89. + +What punishment has God fixed for the willfully wicked? Give Scriptural +proof. ¶ 90. + +What is man's duty toward God and toward his fellow men in regard to +teaching the doctrine of eternal torment? ¶ 91. + +How are we affected by a proper understanding of the manifestation of +divine justice? ¶ 91. + + + + +WITHOUT THE GATES + +Alas! how changed from bowers of Paradise + That desolate region, overgrown with thorn + And thistle rank--a trackless waste forlorn, +Unblessed by God, o'erarched by sullen skies, +There stand that guilty pair, now sadly wise, + Their hearts with grief, their feet with briers torn, + Vainly their faded innocence they mourn, +And toward the gates of Eden turn their eyes. +No more to see the beauty and the bloom + Of that blest garden was to sinners given; +To weep and labor wearily their doom, + Out of God's holy, blissful presence driven, +Till through life's sorrows, and death's dust and gloom, + By woman's promised seed they're blest of heaven. + +--_Pollok_. + +[Illustration] + + + + +CHAPTER IV + +String 3: _The Abrahamic Promise_ + + +Some time after Adam and Eve were driven from Eden children were born to +them, who grew to the estate of manhood and womanhood and they in turn +had children. Cain obtained his wife by marrying his sister. Thus the +peoples of earth gradually increased. They all wandered about in the +earth, earning their bread in the sweat of their face. Some of these +children were bad and some were good. God showed his favor to the good, +as he always favors those who are good. Satan exercised his wicked +influence amongst the people and most of them turned to evil. + +[93]Noah was a good man and he and the members of his family served the +Lord Jehovah. Sixteen hundred years and more passed from the time of the +judgment in Eden (during which time the people became very wicked) and +there was great violence in the earth. God purposed to destroy all the +wicked of earth; so he directed Noah to build an ark and to take into +the ark the members of his family; and this done, a great flood of +waters came upon the earth and all living creatures were destroyed +except those in the ark. There were only eight persons left on the earth +after the flood. (Genesis 7:21-23; 1 Peter 3:20) Noah and his sons begat +children and the peoples of earth again increased. Amongst them were +some good and some bad. Amongst those who tried to do the will of God +was a man named Abram, which name was later changed to Abraham. He is +spoken of in the Scriptures as the friend of God. Abraham's wife was +named Sarah. + +[94]When Abraham was 75 years of age, Jehovah said to him: "Get thee out +of thy country, and from thy kindred, and from thy father's house, unto +a land that I will show thee: and I will make of thee a great nation, +and I will bless thee, and make thy name great; and thou shalt be a +blessing; and in thee shall all families of the earth be blessed". +(Genesis 12:1-3) Abraham with his wife and others left Haran for the +land of Canaan. When they had reached a point in that land known as +Sichem, the Lord appeared unto him and said: "Unto thy seed will I give +this land". Abraham builded an altar there, and the place has since been +known as Bethel, which means the house of God. Afterward Abraham dwelt +in the plains of Mamre, which is just above the present site of Hebron +in the southern part of Palestine. While there, God made a covenant with +him, saying: "Unto thy seed have I given this land, from the river of +Egypt unto the great river, the river Euphrates".--Genesis 15:18. + +[95]Thereafter, when Abraham was 99 years old, the Lord appeared unto +him and said: "I will make my covenant between me and thee, and will +multiply thee exceedingly, ... and thou shalt be a father of many +nations. And I will give unto thee, and to thy seed after thee, the land +wherein thou art a stranger, all the land of Canaan, for an everlasting +possession; and I will be their God." (Genesis 17:2,4,8) Some time +later, when Abraham was sitting at the door of his tent, which was +pitched in the plains of Mamre, there stood before him three men, +messengers from Jehovah. In the plains of Mamre, a short distance above +the town of Hebron, still stands a very ancient oak tree. It is about +thirty feet in circumference. It is claimed that this is Abraham's oak, +where he pitched his tent at the time these holy messengers appeared to +him. Of course we cannot believe this is true, because an oak would not +live that length of time. It is interesting, however, to note this +ancient tree standing approximately at the point where Abraham is +supposed to have resided in his tent. Here it was that Abraham prepared +refreshments for his distinguished visitors; and "he stood by them under +the tree, and they did eat". Here it was that the messenger of Jehovah +told Abraham that he and his wife Sarah would be given a son.--Genesis +18:1-14. + +[96]In due time a son was born unto Abraham and Sarah and his name was +called Isaac. (Genesis 21:1-3) Afterward, when the son Isaac had grown +up, Jehovah put Abraham to a great test, and in doing so he made a +picture which foreshadowed the redemption of the human race. This record +appears in the twenty-second chapter of Genesis. God said unto Abraham: +"Take now thy son, thine only son Isaac, whom thou lovest, and get thee +into the land of Moriah; and offer him there for a burnt-offering upon +one of the mountains which I will tell thee of". (Genesis 22:2) It is +interesting here to note that Mount Moriah is inside of the walls of the +present city of Jerusalem. It was the site of the temple of Solomon, and +supposed to be the very spot where Abraham was met by Melchizedek. It is +the place where Abraham was directed to offer and did offer up his son +Isaac. + +[97]Providing himself with wood to be used for the fire, Abraham and his +son and servants journeyed for three days from the plains of Mamre to +Moriah; and arriving there, he at once prepared for the burnt-offering. +Isaac was not aware of the purpose of his father to offer him; so he +said to his father: "Behold the fire and the wood: but where is the +lamb for a burnt offering? And Abraham said, My son, God will provide +himself a lamb for a burnt-offering." Abraham then informed his son that +he was to be the offering. Then he bound Isaac and laid him upon the +altar and stretched forth his hand and took the knife with which to slay +his son. This was a great test to Abraham's faith. Isaac was his only +son and he loved him dearly; but Jehovah had commanded him to offer him +up as a sacrifice, and because of his love for Jehovah he proceeded to +obey God's command. As he raised his hand to strike dead his only +beloved son, "the angel of the Lord called unto him out of heaven, and +said, Abraham, Lay not thine hand upon the lad, neither do thou any +thing unto him: for now I know that thou fearest God, seeing thou hast +not withheld thy son, thine only son, from me". When Abraham looked he +saw a ram caught in a thicket nearby and he took the ram and offered it +for a burnt-offering. + +[98]Then "the angel of the Lord called unto Abraham the second time, and +said, By myself have I sworn, saith the Lord, for because thou hast done +this thing, and hast not withheld thy son, thine only son: That in +blessing I will bless thee, and in multiplying I will multiply thy seed +as the stars of the heaven, and as the sand which is upon the sea shore; +and thy seed shall possess the gate of his enemies; and in thy seed +shall all the nations of the earth be blessed; because thou hast obeyed +my voice."--Genesis 22:15-18. + +[99]In this wonderful picture Abraham was a type of Jehovah, while Isaac +was a type of Jesus, the beloved Son of Jehovah. Abraham's offering his +beloved son on the altar, pictured how God in due time would offer his +only beloved Son as a great sacrifice that mankind might be redeemed +from death and have an opportunity to live. Abraham did not, as indeed +he could not, understand God's purposes, for the reason that Jehovah did +not reveal them to him; but he knew that God had here made a covenant +with him and bound it with his oath; and that by these two certain and +unchangeable things, his word and his oath, God would carry out his +covenant in due time, and that covenant would result in the blessing of +all the families and nations of earth. + +[100]The word covenant means contract; and it is the solemn form for +expressing a compact, agreement, or contract between parties, or +particularly on the part of one whereby he promises to do a certain +thing. With Jehovah a covenant or a contract is sacred and inviolate, +because Jehovah changes not. (Malachi 3:6) Having promised it, he will +fulfill it. (Hebrews 6:18) It is always necessary that there be two +parties to a contract. There may be more. Where one party only is bound +to do a certain thing that contract is called unilateral, or one-sided; +and where both parties are bound to perform certain things, the contract +is called bilateral, or two-sided. + +[101]It will be observed that this oathbound covenant that Jehovah made +with Abraham contained no conditions or limitations, but was merely a +promise of Jehovah bound by his oath, and is therefore properly called a +unilateral or one-sided covenant; for the reason that God's purpose was +and is to carry out his plan to bless the human race, regardless of what +any one may or may not do. There was no need for him to make any +conditions to the covenant. He merely announced his benevolent purpose +toward mankind. The covenant does not even say that the blessing of the +people will follow upon the condition that Abraham should do a certain +thing, or that the people should seek him. The covenant does not say +that every person will be blessed with life everlasting; but it does +say that all the families of the earth shall be blessed, which means +that every one must in God's due time have a full, fair opportunity for +life everlasting. It means, furthermore, that in God's due time +knowledge will be brought to all in order that every one may avail +himself of the opportunity thus provided for life. It means, +furthermore, that assistance will be given to every one, that he may +profit by this blessed opportunity; and all who prove their loyalty +under the test that will come by reason of the opportunity will be +granted life everlasting. + + + + +How was the earth originally peopled? ¶ 92. + +Where did Cain get his wife? ¶ 92. + +To whom does Jehovah show his favor? ¶ 92. + +What effect does Satan's influence have on the people? ¶ 92. + +What kind of man was Noah? and whom did he serve? ¶ 93. + +Why did Jehovah direct Noah to build the ark? ¶ 93. + +How many persons escaped destruction at the time of the flood? and who +were they? ¶ 93. + +How was the earth peopled after the flood? ¶ 93. + +What man is mentioned in the Scriptures as the friend of God? and what +was the name of his wife? ¶ 94. + +What was the age of Abraham when God spoke to him? and what did Jehovah +say? ¶ 94. + +What was Abraham's native land? and to what land did he go in obedience +to God's command? ¶ 94. + +At what places did Abraham stop in Canaan that are specially mentioned +in the Bible? ¶ 94. + +What promise did God make to Abraham at Bethel? and what promise did he +make while Abraham dwelt in the plains of Mamre? ¶ 94. + +Describe the place of Abraham's residence at the time Jehovah promised +him a son. Quote the Scriptural account. ¶ 95. + +How many sons did Abraham have by his wife Sarah? Give Scriptural proof. +¶ 96. + +To what special test did God put Abraham with reference to his son +Isaac? ¶ 96. + +Describe in detail the offering of Isaac. ¶ 97. + +Repeat God's promise to Abraham at the time of his offering of Isaac. +¶ 98. + +Whom did Abraham typify in this offering? and of whom was Isaac a type? +¶ 99. + +What did the offering of Isaac picture? ¶ 99. + +Did Abraham understand the full meaning of God's promise? ¶ 99. + +What is the meaning of the word "covenant"? ¶ 100. + +How does God regard his covenants? Give Scriptural proof. ¶ 100. + +How many parties are required to make a covenant? ¶ 100. + +Where only one party is bound, what kind of covenant is it? ¶ 100. + +Where both parties are bound to perform certain things, then what do we +call the covenant? ¶ 100. + +Why was God's covenant with Abraham a one-sided covenant? ¶ 101. + +What is the important statement of the Abrahamic covenant or promise? +¶ 101. + +Whom will the Abrahamic covenant ultimately affect? ¶ 101. + + + +"IS IT COME?" + + Poet and seer that question caught, + Above the din of life's fears and frets; + It marched with letters, it toiled with thought, + Through schools and creeds which the earth forgets. + And statesmen trifle, and priests deceive, + And traders barter our world away; + Yet hearts to that golden promise cleave, + And still, at times, "Is it come?" they say. + + The days of the nations bear no trace + Of all the sunshine so far foretold; + The cannon speaks in the teacher's place; + The age is weary with work and gold; + And high hopes wither, and memories wane; + On hearths and altars the fires are dead; + But that brave faith hath not lived in vain; + And this is all that our watcher said. + +--_Brown_. + +[Illustration] + + + + +CHAPTER V + +String 4: _The Birth of Jesus_ + + +It has pleased Jehovah to use men and women to picture or foreshadow +various parts of his plan. For instance, Abraham at times pictures or +represents God; while Sarah his wife was used to picture or typify God's +covenant with Abraham through which he promised to bring forth the seed +for the blessing of all the families of the earth. Sarah was the mother +of Isaac, her only son. Isaac was used to typify or foreshadow Jesus, +the son of God, the Redeemer of the world. Hagar had a son by Abraham, +and Hagar typified or foreshadowed the law covenant, which was made by +Jehovah with Moses as a mediator for the children of Israel at Mount +Sinai. As Hagar was a bondwoman, the servant of Sarah, so was the law +covenant one of bondage that brought forth no real blessings to the +Jews; but it was made for the purpose of teaching the Jews their +inability to lift themselves up to life and to show them the absolute +necessity for a redeemer. After the death of his wife Sarah, Abraham +married Keturah and by her had many children; and Keturah is used as a +type foreshadowing the new covenant that is to be made by Jehovah with +Christ as the Mediator for the world of mankind, through which all will +have an opportunity to gain life everlasting. + +[103]The apostle Paul speaks of these figures or pictures relating to +the covenants, as follows: "For it is written, that Abraham had two +sons, the one by a bondmaid, the other by a freewoman. But he who was +of the bondwoman was born after the flesh; but he of the freewoman was +by promise. Which things are an allegory: for these are the two +covenants; the one from the mount Sinai, which gendereth to bondage, +which is Agar. For this Agar is mount Sinai in Arabia, and answereth to +Jerusalem which now is, and is in bondage with her children. But +Jerusalem which is above is free, which is the mother of us all. For it +is written, Rejoice, thou barren that bearest not; break forth and cry, +thou that travailest not: for the desolate hath many more children than +she which hath an husband. Now we, brethren, as Isaac was, are the +children of promise." (Galatians 4:22-28) Isaac pictures the entire +Christ, head and body--Jesus the Head, the church the body members. + +[104]It is noted that God's covenant with Abraham stated that there +would be an offspring or seed which would bless all the families of the +earth. This seed is the Redeemer, Christ Jesus, the Savior of the world; +and by adoption into the family of God the true Christians, the church, +the members of Christ's body, become a part of that seed. "And the +scripture, foreseeing that God would justify the heathen through faith, +preached before the gospel unto Abraham, saying, In thee shall all +nations be blessed. Now to Abraham and his seed were the promises made. +He saith not, And to seeds, as of many; but as of one, And to thy seed, +which is Christ."--Galatians 3:8,16. + +[105]Before the blessing promised could come to the peoples of earth, +the seed which was promised must first come. The Israelites, otherwise +called Jews, therefore expected that one of the natural descendants of +Abraham would become their king and that through that king and his +kingdom all the nations of the earth would be blessed by receiving the +benefits first given to them. For this reason the faithful Jews looked +forward with great expectancy to the birth of the one who was to be +their king. They based their hopes upon the repeated promise made by +Jehovah. Without doubt it was thought by some that Isaac, the son of +Abraham, would be the one through whom the blessing would come. "After +the death of Abraham, God blessed his son Isaac; and Isaac dwelt by the +well Lahai-roi." (Genesis 25:11) When Isaac was about sixty years old +there were born to him and his wife Rebekah two sons, twins, who were +named by them Esau and Jacob.--Genesis 25:26. + +[106]Isaac then went to live in the land of the Philistines, and while +there, God said to him: "Sojourn in this land, and I will be with thee, +and will bless thee; for unto thee, and unto thy seed, I will give all +these countries, and I will perform the oath which I sware unto Abraham +thy father; and I will make thy seed to multiply as the stars of heaven, +and will give unto thy seed these countries; and in thy seed shall all +the nations of the earth be blessed". (Genesis 26:3,4) Thus the +Abrahamic promise was renewed to Isaac. Before the death of Isaac, he +pronounced his blessing upon his son Jacob, and Jacob thereby became the +successor of his father to the Abrahamic promise. + +[107]Under the rule of descent, the firstborn or eldest son was the heir +of the father's estate and any other rights or privileges that went with +that estate, unless for some cause there should be an exception to the +rule. Esau having been born a few moments before his brother Jacob, +under the operation of this rule would be the successor to the Abrahamic +promise and heir to his father. His birthright, therefore, would include +the promise made to Abraham. But the Lord clearly indicated that there +should be an exception to the rule in this case and that Jacob should +be the heir and not Esau. When it was known that the mother would bear +two sons, and just before the time of their birth, Rebekah the mother +inquired of the Lord concerning the expected children and the Lord said +unto her that two sons would be born to her and that the elder should +serve the younger. (Genesis 25:22,23) This definitely shows that it was +God's purpose that Jacob, who was born last, should be the heir and +successor to the Abrahamic promise. + +[108]These two sons grew to manhood's estate. Esau became a great +hunter and loved the outdoor sports; while Jacob was a plain man, +remaining quietly at home. Esau showed that he did not appreciate the +birthright, viz., the Abrahamic promise, even if it were his, which in +fact it was not, since God had foreordained that it should belong to +Jacob. Esau thought more of his own selfish, immediate comfort than +anything that might come to him by reason of this promise. On one +occasion he was in the field hunting. He returned hungry and faint. He +found that Jacob had prepared a pot of lentils. When Esau smelled this +appetizing food he said to Jacob: "Feed me, I pray thee, with that same +red pottage, for I am faint". And Jacob said: "Sell me this day thy +birthright". "And Esau said, Behold I am at the point to die: and what +profit shall this birthright do to me? And Jacob said, Swear to me this +day; and he sware unto him: and he sold his birthright unto Jacob. Then +Jacob gave Esau bread and pottage of lentils; and he did eat and drink, +and rose up, and went his way: thus Esau despised his birthright." +--Genesis 25:27-34. + +[109]Genuine, real right and title to the birthright was now Jacob's +for two good and sufficient reasons: (1) because it was so ordered by +the Lord before his birth, as above stated; and (2) because he had +bought it in an open and fair transaction with his brother Esau. These +two brothers were not mere children at this time. They were past forty +years of age (Genesis 26:34), both capable of entering into a contract; +and they made a contract which was binding upon both. + +[110]Notwithstanding these two good reasons why Jacob was justly +entitled to the birthright, Esau attempted to deprive him of it. The +birthright carried with it the privilege of the special blessing from +their father. Isaac was old and his eyes were dim, so that he could not +see; and he knew that the day of his death might be near. (Genesis +27:1,2) He directed his son Esau to go into the field and take some +venison and bring it to him that he might eat; and give Esau his +blessing. + +[111]The Bible does not clearly show that Isaac knew God had +foreordained that this birthright should belong to Jacob, nor that he +knew Esau had sold it to Jacob; therefore we can excuse the old father +for thinking it was his duty to bestow his blessing upon his son Esau. +Rebekah the mother, however, knowing of both these reasons why Jacob was +entitled to the birthright, knowing that Esau did not appreciate it, and +knowing of his wrongful intent to deprive his brother Jacob of the +privileges and blessings incident to the birthright, advised Jacob what +to do in order to protect his own rightful and proper interests. The +mother therefore was carrying out God's will in this respect. She was +doing what all honest persons should do--try to protect the rights and +privileges of those that are near and dear to them. She therefore +directed Jacob to slay two kids of the goats and bring them to her and +she prepared some savory meat; and then, in order that the blind father +might not obstinately refuse to aid them in carrying out the divine +purposes, and in order that he might think he was blessing Esau, the +mother Rebekah fastened upon the arms of her son Jacob the skins of the +kids and also put the skins about his neck that he would appear as a +hairy man like unto his brother Esau. + +[112]Jacob then came in before his father and presented the savory meat. +His father kissed him and laid his hand upon him and gave to Jacob his +blessing. The old father then spoke in prophetic phrase, evidently under +the direction of the Lord, saying unto his son Jacob: "Let people serve +thee, and nations bow down to thee: be lord over thy brethren, and let +thy mother's sons bow down to thee: cursed be every one that curseth +thee, and blessed be he that blesseth thee".--Genesis 27:29. + +[113]Almost immediately Esau returned from the field and found that +Jacob had received his father's blessing and that he (Esau) had been +unsuccessful in carrying out his purpose of defeating the open and fair +transaction which he had made with Jacob when he had sold his +birthright. He hated his brother Jacob and determined to kill him as +soon as his father Isaac was dead. + +[114]It seems rather strange that many Christian people have severely +criticized Jacob and his mother Rebekah in this transaction. It has +evidently been due to the fact that they were ignorant of the record. No +part of Jacob's action in connection with the birthright is +reprehensible. Everything with reference to Esau is reprehensible. God +subsequently showed that Esau pictured the peoples of earth who are +Christians in name only, but not in truth and in fact, who are +hypocritical, and who persecute the true Christians; while Jacob +pictured or foreshadowed the true followers of Christ who have been +misrepresented and persecuted by the merely nominal Christians. God +showed his approval of the conduct of Jacob and his mother Rebekah, and +showed that it was his purpose and intention that Jacob should receive +the blessing going with the birthright. Jacob had shown his great desire +for the birthright, which was merely a promise; while Esau had despised +it. Acting upon the advice of his mother, Jacob now fled from the wrath +of Esau; and as he went away, he lay down and slept at a place situated +north of the present site of Jerusalem and which afterward he named +Bethel, which means the house of God. There he had a dream, in which God +signified his approval of Jacob and pronounced a blessing upon him. + +[115]"And he lighted upon a certain place, and tarried there all night, +because the sun was set; and he took of the stones of that place, and +put them for his pillows, and lay down in that place to sleep. And he +dreamed, and behold a ladder set up on the earth, and the top of it +reached to heaven: and behold the angels of God ascending and descending +on it. And, behold, the Lord stood above it, and said, I am the Lord God +of Abraham, thy father, and the God of Isaac: the land whereon thou +liest, to thee will I give it, and to thy seed; and thy seed shall be as +the dust of the earth, and thou shalt spread abroad to the west, and to +the east, and to the north, and to the south: and in thee and in thy +seed shall all the families of the earth be blessed. And, behold, I am +with thee, and will keep thee in all places whither thou goest, and will +bring thee again into this land; for I will not leave thee, until I have +done that which I have spoken to thee of."--Genesis 28:11-15. + +[116]Whom God approves and blesses all others should approve. We may be +assured, then, that Jacob was blameless before Jehovah in this +transaction. It shows how carefully Jehovah was guarding his promise and +the seed which would spring from it ultimately and through which the +families of the earth should be blessed. + +[117]Some years later God showed his further favor to Jacob by changing +his name from Jacob to Israel. The name Israel means, _He will rule as +God_. "And God said unto him, Thy name is Jacob: thy name shall not be +called any more Jacob, but Israel shall be thy name: and he called his +name Israel. And God said unto him, I am God Almighty: be fruitful and +multiply; a nation and a company of nations shall be of thee, and kings +shall come out of thy loins; and the land which I gave Abraham and +Isaac, to thee I will give it, and to thy seed after thee will I give +the land." (Genesis 35:10-12) According to the promise given to Jacob at +this time, a nation should spring forth of him. + +[118]Jacob had twelve sons. There were born to him by his wife Leah the +sons Reuben, Simeon, Levi, Judah, Issachar, and Zebulun; and by his wife +Rachel, Joseph and Benjamin. His other sons were Dan, Naphtali, Gad, and +Asher. Jacob's wife Rachel was the most beloved by him, and she was the +mother of his beloved son Joseph. After Jacob had been deprived of +Joseph's presence and fellowship, he devoted his affections to Benjamin, +the other son by his beloved wife Rachel. The Scriptures show that these +two sons typified those who will be born on the spirit plane, Joseph +being a type of the royal family of heaven; while Benjamin typified the +great company or tribulation class born on a spirit plane lower than +those possessing the divine nature. + +[119]Jacob spent his last days with his family in Egypt. Just before +his death he called before him his sons, that he might bestow upon them +his last blessings. From this time forward dates the history of the +nation of Israel. While pronouncing the blessing upon his various sons, +he said concerning his son Judah: "Judah is a lion's whelp: from the +prey, my son, thou art gone up: he stooped down, he couched as a lion, +and as an old lion; who shall rouse him up? The sceptre shall not depart +from Judah, nor a lawgiver from between his feet, until Shiloh come; and +unto him shall the gathering of the people be." (Genesis 49:9,10) This +prophetic promise definitely shows that the mighty one to come through +whom the blessings of the people would flow must spring from the tribe +of Judah, the word Shiloh being one of the titles applied to the great +Prince of Peace, the Deliverer, the Savior of mankind. + +[120]After the death of Jacob his offspring were known as the children +of Israel, or Israelites. Joseph when a lad had been sold into Egypt, +had grown to manhood, had become a mighty man and ruler in Egypt under +the king, and was dwelling there in power and glory when his father +Jacob and the other members of his family moved into Egypt to live. +During the lifetime of Joseph the Israelites were well treated. After +his death, however, a new king came to the throne of Egypt, who began to +oppress and persecute the Israelites. God raised up Moses and used him +to deliver the Israelites from the land of Egypt and the oppressive hand +of Egypt's king. + +[121]We incidentally remark that here are some other pictures +foreshadowing portions of the divine plan. Egypt under the rule of a +wicked king pictures or represents the world of mankind in darkness +under the rule of the unrighteous one, Satan, who is the god of this +world. The Israelites in Egypt picture the people of God and those who +shall ultimately come into harmony with him; while Moses was a type +foreshadowing the great Messiah, who is to deliver all mankind from the +bondage of sin and death. + +[122]Moses was a prophet of God and God spoke through Moses, using him +as a mouthpiece or messenger. After the Lord had delivered the children +of Israel from Egypt by the hand of Moses, he spoke through Moses, who +prophesied unto Israel, saying: "The Lord thy God will raise up unto +thee a Prophet from the midst of thee, of thy brethren, like unto me; +unto him ye shall hearken". (Deuteronomy 18:15; Acts 3:22) From that +time forward the Israelites watched and waited for the coming of the +great prophet, priest, and king who should be like unto Moses and of +whom Moses was a picture or a type. They knew that such a one must come +from the house of Judah, because God had promised as much. David was a +direct descendant of Judah.--Luke 3:31-34. + +[123]From time to time God's prophets gave utterance to words that kept +alive in the minds of the Israelites the hope that God would send them a +mighty one, through whom the promise made to Abraham would be fulfilled. +In time this promise was specifically limited to the house of David, the +Lord causing his prophet to write thus: "The Lord hath sworn in truth +unto David; he will not turn from it; Of the fruit of thy body will I +set upon thy throne. If thy children will keep my covenant and my +testimony that I shall teach them, their children shall also sit upon +thy throne for evermore."--Psalm 132:11,12. + +[124]David himself was a prophet of Jehovah, and the Lord spoke through +him with reference to the heir of the Abrahamic promise who should be +king over Israel. "Then David the king stood upon his feet, and said, +Hear me, my brethren, and my people: As for me, I had in mine heart to +build an house of rest for the ark of the covenant of the Lord, and for +the footstool of our God, and had made ready for the building: but God +said unto me, Thou shalt not build an house for my name, because thou +hast been a man of war, and hast shed blood. Howbeit the Lord God of +Israel chose me before all the house of my father to be king over Israel +for ever: for he hath chosen Judah to be the ruler; and of the house of +Judah, the house of my father; and among the sons of my father he liked +me to make me king over all Israel: and of all my sons (for the Lord +hath given me many sons) he hath chosen Solomon my son to sit upon the +throne of the kingdom of the Lord over Israel. And he said unto me, +Solomon thy son, he shall build my house and my courts: for I have +chosen him to be my son, and I will be his father. Moreover I will +establish his kingdom for ever, if he be constant to do my commandments +and my judgments, as at this day,"--1 Chronicles 28:2-7. + +[125]Thus far the divine record definitely establishes the fact that +the great heir or king of Israel, the seed through which the blessings +of God would be bestowed, must come through David's line; and that also +it should come through Solomon, provided, of course, the conditions laid +upon Solomon were fulfilled. In any event, it must come through David's +line, and through his son Solomon provided Solomon met the requirements. +We repeat the words for emphasis: "Moreover I will establish his kingdom +for ever, _if he be constant to do my commandments and my judgments_, +as at this day". And then David said: "And thou, Solomon, my son, know +thou the God of thy father, and serve him with a perfect heart and with +a willing mind: for the Lord searcheth all hearts, and understandeth all +the imaginations of the thoughts: if thou seek him, he will be found of +thee; but if thou forsake him, he will cast thee off for ever". +--1 Chronicles 28:9. + +[126]The question is, Did Solomon receive the approval of the Lord? If +so, the great Messiah must come through his line. If not, then he could +not come through Solomon. This question is answered by the Scriptures, +as follows: "For it came to pass, when Solomon was old, that his wives +turned away his heart after other gods: and his heart was not perfect +with the Lord his God, as was the heart of David his father.... And the +Lord was angry with Solomon, because his heart was turned from the Lord +God of Israel, which had appeared unto him twice, and had commanded him +concerning this thing, that he should not go after other gods: but he kept +not that which the Lord commanded. Wherefore the Lord said unto Solomon, +Forasmuch as this is done of thee, and thou hast not kept my covenant and +my statutes, which I have commanded thee, I will surely rend the kingdom +from thee, and will give it to thy servant. Notwithstanding in thy days +I will not do it for David thy father's sake: but I will rend it out of +the hand of thy son. Howbeit I will not rend away all the kingdom; but +will give one tribe to thy son for David my servant's sake, and for +Jerusalem's sake which I have chosen,"--1 Kings 11:4,9-13. + +[127]After Solomon's death the nation of Israel was divided. The last +three kings of Solomon's line to rule over Israel were Jehoiakim, +Jehoiachin (also called Coniah) and Zedekiah. Zedekiah became a wicked +ruler and of him it is recorded: "And thou, profane and wicked prince of +Israel, whose day is come, when iniquity shall have an end, thus saith +the Lord God: Remove the diadem, and take off the crown; this shall not +be the same: exalt him that is low, and abase him that is high. I will +overturn, overturn, overturn it; and it shall be no more, until he come +whose right it is; and I will give it [to] him." (Ezekiel 21:25-27) This +shows a complete overthrowing of the line of Solomon and definitely +settles the proposition that Messiah could not be counted through the +line of Solomon, but must be some other way. Seemingly God's promise to +bring the mighty deliverer through the line of David had failed, because +of Solomon's failure. But not so. David had another son, whom the Lord +used. Solomon's line had been exalted. Now this line must be abased, and +the lower line must be exalted. + +[128]The obscure line of David was his son Nathan. Mary the mother of +Jesus was a direct descendant of Nathan of the house of David. + +[129]Jeremiah prophesied concerning the coming of Messiah, as follows: +"Behold the day is coming, saith the Lord, that I will raise unto David +a righteous branch and a king shall reign and prosper.... In his day +Judah shall be saved, and Israel shall dwell safely; and this is the +name that Jehovah proclaimeth him, Our Righteousness."--Jeremiah 23:5,6, +_Young_. + +[130]Mary, the mother-to-be of Jesus, was approached by the angel of the +Lord, who said to her: "Fear not, Mary; for thou hast found favor with +God. And, behold, thou shalt conceive in thy womb, and bring forth a son +and shalt call his name Jesus. He shall be great, and shall be called +the Son of the Highest; and the Lord God shall give unto him the throne +of his father David: and of his kingdom there shall be no end. Then said +Mary unto the angel, How shall this be, seeing I know not a man? And the +angel answered and said unto her: The holy spirit shall come upon thee, +and the power of the Highest shall overshadow thee; therefore also that +holy thing which shall be born of thee shall be called the Son of +God."--Luke 1:30-35. + +[131]Then Mary, seemingly directed by the power of Jehovah, said: "My +soul doth magnify the Lord and my spirit hath rejoiced in God my Savior. +For he hath regarded the low estate of his handmaiden; for behold, from +henceforth all generations shall call me blessed. For he that is mighty +hath done to me great things; and holy is his name. And his mercy is on +them that fear him from generation to generation. He hath showed +strength with his arm; he hath scattered the proud in the imagination of +their hearts. He hath put down the mighty from their seats, and exalted +them of low degree." (Luke 1:46-52) Her words draw the contrast between +the once favored family of Solomon and the humbler family of Nathan, +Solomon's family being abased and Nathan's now exalted. Thus the proof +is brought forth that the Lord did raise up unto David a righteous +branch. + + +IN EXPECTATION + +[132]The promise made to Abraham, which was subsequently repeated to +others, thoroughly impressed the minds of the devout Israelites with the +thought that at some future time there would be born of a woman of the +Jewish people a holy child, and that in some way to them not understood +this child would be the means of blessing all the families and nations +of the earth. They expected the Jewish nation to become the greatest +nation of earth, and looked for all other nations to flow unto it, be +subservient to it and receive their blessings through it. These +conclusions they based upon the words of the prophets, even though they +did not fully understand the meaning of those prophecies. To them the +prophet Isaiah had said: "And it shall come to pass in the last days, +that the mountain of the Lord's house shall be established in the top of +the mountains, and shall be exalted above the hills; and all nations +shall flow unto it. And many people shall go and say, Come ye, and let +us go up to the mountain of the Lord, to the house of the God of Jacob; +and he will teach us his ways, and we will walk in his paths: for out +of Zion shall go forth the law, and the word of the Lord from +Jerusalem." (Isaiah 2:2,3) And again: "For unto us a child is born, unto +us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and +his name shall be called Wonderful, Counselor, The mighty God, The +everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace. Of the increase of his +government and peace there shall be no end, upon the throne of David, +and upon his kingdom, to order it, and to establish it with judgment and +with justice from henceforth even for ever. The zeal of the Lord of +hosts will perform this."--Isaiah 9:6,7. + +[133]The prophet Zechariah said: "And it shall come to pass that every +one that is left of all the nations which came against Jerusalem shall +even go up from year to year to worship the King, the Lord of hosts, and +to keep the feast of tabernacles. And it shall be, that whoso will not +come up of all the families of the earth unto Jerusalem to worship the +King, the Lord of hosts, even upon them shall be no rain."--Zechariah +14:16,17. + +[134]These prophecies, while relating in a measure to the birth of +Jesus, had only a partial fulfillment at that time. Their far greater +fulfillment is yet future, as we shall see. + +[135]The birth of Jesus, the greatest event in the world's history, was +about to be enacted. Two thousand years had passed since God had made +the promise to Abraham of the coming of the mighty One through whom all +the families of the earth should be blessed. During that time Jehovah +was executing his preconceived plan, renewing his promise to keep it +fresh in the minds of the faithful, and shaping the course of those who +should participate in this great transaction. And now, as the day drew +near, the stage was being set. + +[136]The place selected was Bethlehem, situated on an elevation south +of Jerusalem. It was once the home of Boaz, whose fields the beautiful +Moabitish woman Ruth had gleaned whom Boaz redeemed and afterward took +as his wife. Here Jehovah had used Boaz as a type of Christ Jesus and +Ruth as a type of the church, his bride, foreshadowing things yet to +come. + +[137]Later Bethlehem was the home of Jesse and of David his son. The +name David implies 'beloved one'; and it was here that he was anointed +to be king over Israel, from which time he typified Jesus, the mighty +Son of God. Jehovah had selected this as the birthplace of Jesus; hence +here the birth must take place.--Matthew 2:5,6; Micah 5:2. + +[138]Away to the north in Galilee stood the humble and despised city of +Nazareth. It was the home of Joseph the carpenter, a meek, little-known, +yet honest, man. He was espoused to Mary. We should expect that Jehovah +would time everything exactly; and so he did. The scepter had departed +from Judah; the Romans were in control of Palestine, and the time for +the birth of the mighty One was due. Exercising his perfect wisdom and +power, Jehovah was overruling all things to the accomplishment of his +purpose. Augustus Caesar, then the emperor and ruler over all Palestine, +issued a decree that all the people should be taxed. Every one must go +to the city of his nativity, there to be numbered and taxed. Joseph the +carpenter, although a resident of Nazareth, was of the house of David, +and hence must go to the city of David to be numbered and taxed. +Naturally his espoused virgin would accompany him to that city. She +likewise was of the house of David through another line--another reason +why she should go there. But above all, the Lord directed them there +because it was a part of his arrangement. + +[139]At that time there were no means of easy and rapid transit. It was +a long journey, a tedious and tiresome one. Joseph, with his espoused +seated upon an ass, journeyed through the hills along the Jordan +probably for three days, and late in the evening reached the city of +Bethlehem. The city was crowded; the private homes were full; all the +hotels, inns, and other places were crowded out. Tired, worn, and weary +from their long journey, they were jostled by the crowd in the narrow +streets of the city. Applying to various places for lodging, at each +place they were turned away; until finally they found a location where +they could sleep in a stall with the cattle. And they retired for the +night's repose. + +[140]Over the brow of the hill, in the field once owned by Boaz and +gleaned by the beautiful Ruth, the faithful shepherds were watching +their sheep. According to custom, they had four watches during the +night. Some would watch while the others slept. + +[141]The earthly stage is now set. But behold that there was no great +earthly splendor or show! In truth the condition of poverty of Joseph +and his espoused, and the like poor condition of the shepherds who were +now shortly to be used of the Lord, was the only fitting way that we +should expect the Lord would have it. All the pomp and glory of earthly +preparation would have been but tawdry tinsel, detracting from the +glorious things that were shortly to follow. Each one of the earthly +players whom Jehovah had assigned to perform a part upon this stage was +humble, meek, and possessed of faith in the promises of God. In heaven +there was a host of angels that should participate in the great drama; +and all the hosts of heaven were witnesses to this unparalleled and +never-again-to-be-performed event. + +[142]On earth it was night, picturing the fact that the whole world was +lying in darkness and a great light was coming into the earth. The time +had now arrived for the birth of the mighty One, and all the heavenly +hosts were awake to the importance of the hour. Doubtless while others +slept, Mary was pondering in her heart the great events that had taken +place during the few months past; and while she thus meditated there in +the silence of that night, without pain and without suffering there was +born to her Jesus, the Savior of the world. And the shepherds watching +their sheep in the field were attracted by the angel of the Lord, who +came upon them, "and the glory of the Lord shone round about them; and +they were sore afraid. 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 Savior, +Which is Christ the Lord."--Luke 2:8-11. + +[143]When this heavenly messenger had finished his wonderful speech to +the astonished shepherds, then it was, as if waiting a given signal, the +multitudinous heavenly host stood forth and sang the good tidings of +great joy which ultimately shall be to all people. Their song was but +the reflex of what had been announced. There sweet singers told in words +of praise of God's beneficent purpose ultimately to bless all the +families of the earth. It was a song of glory from heaven, and the hills +of Judea echoed the message of peace and good will toward men. And +throughout the gospel age this sweet anthem has filled with joy the +heart of many a sad wanderer; and seemingly again and again these have +heard the song from heaven: "Glory to God in the highest, and on earth +peace, good will toward men". + +[144]The world is now entering its darkest period, and when mankind +reaches the point of extremity, then will be God's opportunity to reveal +to all sad hearts that the birth of Jesus was the greatest event in +history to that time; and that shortly this same great Jesus, now in +glory, will extend the blessings of life, liberty and happiness to the +whole groaning creation. + +[145]The place of Jesus' birth was truly according to and in fulfillment +of prophecy, thus showing that God had foreordained and prepared the +conditions for his birth. (Micah 5:2; Matthew 2:4-6) Jesus was not born +on December 25, as is generally supposed; but his birth occurred about +the first of October. Midwinter would have been a very inopportune time +for the shepherds to be watching their sheep in the fields and sleeping +in the open. In addition to this circumstantial evidence, all the facts +show that the birth of Jesus was in October, and that December 25, nine +months previous, was probably the date of the annunciation. (Luke 1:30,31) +For a full discussion of this subject see STUDIES IN THE SCRIPTURES, +Volume 2, page 54. + +[146]Much has been said and written concerning the three wise men who +journeyed from the East to pay their homage to the babe Jesus, born in +Bethlehem. Particularly at Christmas time is our attention called to +this by pictures on cards, etc., of the wise men journeying to the West, +supposedly being guided by the star sent by Jehovah. It has been +presumed that Jehovah by the star led these wise men to the place of +Jesus' birth. The Bible proof shows, however, that these three wise men +were not sent by the Lord God, but that they were directed by the great +adversary, the devil, in his attempt to destroy the babe. Whether they +knew it or not, these three wise men were parties to a great conspiracy, +originated and carried out by the master mind, Satan, the devil, in his +attempt to destroy the seed of promise, the great Savior of the world. + +[147]When Jehovah drove Adam and Eve from Eden he likewise pronounced a +condemnation upon Satan. He said concerning Satan and the woman: "I will +put enmity between thy seed and her seed; it shall bruise thy head, and +thou shalt bruise his heel". (Genesis 3:15) From that time forward, +Satan the great adversary has attempted to destroy every one whom God +has favored and who he thought might constitute the seed of promise. + +[148]Jehovah has given to Satan four separate and distinct names, all of +which have a deep significance. Besides the name _Satan_ he is +designated as the _dragon_, that old _serpent_ and the _devil_. Dragon +means devourer or destroyer; and Satan has at all times been seeking to +destroy or devour Jesus and his true followers, who constitute the seed +of promise. His name Satan indicates adversary; and he has opposed in +every way the development of the new creation, consisting of Jesus and +his bride. His name serpent means deceiver; and he has applied all of +his wily methods to deceive, and as Jesus has declared, he would +deceive, if possible, the very elect, but God will not permit him thus +to do. His title devil means slanderer; and he has constantly carried on +a campaign of slanderous propaganda against the people of God even unto +this day, and has never lost an opportunity to try in his various ways +to destroy them. + +[149]When it was announced to Mary by the angel that she should bring +forth a child whose name should be called Jesus and that he would be the +Savior of his people, Satan recognized this promised and unborn babe as +the one who would ultimately bruise his head. The apostle Paul plainly +states to us that God sent Jesus into the world, one of his missions +being ultimately to destroy the devil. (Hebrews 2:14) The enmity of +Satan toward the seed of promise has never abated. Learning of the +promised birth of the child, Satan at once began to lay his plans for +its destruction. He attempted to induce Mary's espoused husband Joseph +to put her away and cause her to be put to death under the terms of the +Mosaic law; but God prevented this by advising Joseph through his +messenger in a dream to fear not, but to take Mary for his wife. +--Matthew 1:18-24. + +[150]Stars do not move above the canopy of heaven in such a manner as to +lead men. It seems unreasonable that Jehovah would have made a star move +from the East and stand over Bethlehem. Satan and his emissaries, the +demons associated with him, have power to produce lights; and many +instances are cited in history of these lights appearing near the earth. +The "star" or light that guided the wise men was without doubt such a +light and not a star moved by the power of Jehovah. + +[151]The wise men residing in the East were sorcerers and magicians. +They were star-gazers. They were followers of the false religion. They +sacrificed to and worshiped the devil. (1 Corinthians 10:20) Pharaoh the +king of Egypt was a type of Satan the devil; and Pharaoh used wise men +like unto these sorcerers and magicians to oppose the Lord and his +messengers in the day that they were in Egyptian bondage. (Exodus 7:11) +These were devotees of astrology and demon worship. Doubtless many of +them were sincere, but they were the dupes of a false religion +inaugurated by Satan. The Biblical record definitely fixes the fact that +Herod, then ruler in Jerusalem, was a wicked man, under the influence of +Satan. + +[152]"Now when Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea in the days of Herod +the king, behold, there came wise men from the east to Jerusalem, +saying, Where is he that is born King of the Jews? for we have seen his +star in the east, and are come to worship him." (Matthew 2:1,2) Be it +noted that these wise men went directly to Herod, a representative of +Satan. If the star guiding them was sent by the Lord Jehovah, why would +he guide them to Herod, a representative of Satan, and a mortal enemy of +the babe Jesus? If the sole purpose of the star was to guide these men +to the place of Jesus' birth there was no need for them to go to Herod +at all. The reasonable answer, then, is that Satan had prepared a great +conspiracy with the object of destroying the babe. A conspiracy is a +design to commit a wrongful act in which two or more join in committing +the act or some part of it. Sometimes persons are involved in a +conspiracy and participate without knowing the real purpose of the one +who forms the conspiracy. Such may have been the case with these wise +men; but without doubt Satan had formed and directed it. + +[153]When these wise men came into the presence of Herod, he was +troubled, because he feared the new king would interfere with his reign; +and he "gathered all the chief priests and scribes of the people [the +seed of Satan and also his representatives--John 8:44] together and +demanded of them where Christ should be born"--in other words he +demanded to know where the babe Jesus could be found. Then Herod, in +furtherance of the conspiracy, privately consulted with these wise men. +We now see Herod manifesting one of the characteristics of Satan, viz., +deception, in this, that he pretended to desire himself to find the babe +Jesus, that he might go and worship him; whereas all the facts and +circumstances show that his real purpose was that he might find the babe +in order to destroy him. "Then Herod, when he had privily called the +wise men, inquired of them diligently what time the star appeared. And +he sent them to Bethlehem, and said, Go and search diligently for the +young child; and when ye have found him, bring me word again, that I may +come and worship him also. When they had heard the king, they departed; +and, lo, the star, which they saw in the east, went before them, till it +came and stood over where the young child was." + +[154]We cannot for a moment believe that the heavenly Father would use a +wicked one like Herod and aid him in carrying out his wicked purpose by +having a star to direct these three wise men to the place of Jesus' +birth, in view of the fact that the king had demanded that they should +return and report to him, and when it was King Herod's purpose to +destroy the babe. The fact is that the devil and his instruments, Herod +and others, would have succeeded in this wicked conspiracy and have +caused the death of the babe Jesus had not God intervened to save the +child. + +[155]The wise men reaching Bethlehem found the babe and brought their +presents and worshiped. Without a doubt it was their intention to return +and report to Herod. And the result of such a return would have been the +death of the child. But God here intervened and warned them in a dream. +These wise magicians relied upon dreams. "Being warned of God in a dream +that they should not return to Herod, they departed into their own +country another way." Satan again was thwarted in his wicked purpose. + +[156]The real intent of Herod in sending these wise men is disclosed by +what subsequently happened. "Then Herod, when he saw that he was mocked +of the wise men, was exceeding wroth, and sent forth, and slew all the +children that were in Bethlehem, and in all the coasts thereof, from two +years old and under, according to the time which he had diligently +inquired of the wise men." (Matthew 2:16) Determined not to be thwarted +in his purpose, Satan and his instrument Herod were willing to destroy +all the babes in and about Bethlehem, with the hope of destroying the +one that was to be the King and Savior of the world. Jehovah saved the +babe Jesus from this slaughter by directing his mother and Joseph to +take the young child and flee into Egypt, which they did.--Matthew 2:13. + +[157]We would not be justified, then, in presuming that God was using +these devil worshipers, the "wise men"--"Magians," Magicians--for the +purpose of being his witnesses to the birth of his beloved Son. But on +the contrary, the facts show that it pleased him to reveal this great +truth to the shepherds and to use them as his witnesses.--Luke 2:8-18. + +[158]There is nothing whatsoever in the account of this experience of +the wise men to indicate that their mission was in any wise beneficial +to mankind; but the most charitable view we can take of it is that they +were dupes of a deep-laid plot by Satan, the arch conspirator, to +destroy the seed of promise; and that Jehovah let the conspiracy proceed +to the point where it would fully demonstrate the wickedness on the part +of Satan and his instrument, and then demonstrated his great protecting +power. Without a doubt Satan has attempted to deceive and has deceived +multitudes of honest people into believing that these wise men were the +witnesses of the Lord, and hid from their minds the fact that they in +truth and in fact represented Satan. + +[159]All the wicked persecution that came upon the Lord Jesus afterward, +and upon his followers to this day, has been because of the influence of +Satan the devil. And yet at all times the Lord has protected his own at +the very critical moment, just as promised: "The angel of the Lord +encampeth round about them that fear [reverence] him, and delivereth +them".--Psalm 34:7. + + +HOW UNDEFILED? + +[160]St. Paul says: "As by one man sin entered into the world, and death +by sin; and so death passed upon all men, for that all have sinned". +(Romans 5:12) "There is none that doeth good, no, not one." (Psalm 14:3) +These Scriptures being true, and since Jesus was born of a woman, was he +not born like other children? And if so, was he not a sinner like others? + +[161]Jesus was not a sinner. He was born pure, holy, sinless, without +spot or blemish. He was not begotten and born like other children. While +he was born of the woman Mary, Joseph was not his father. Joseph was +espoused to Mary, Jesus' mother, and before they were married she was +found to be with child. (Matthew 1:18) Mary was a virgin, yet she was +about to give birth and did give birth to the babe Jesus. (Matthew +1:20,23) The holy child that was born of the virgin Mary was and is the +Son of God.--Luke 1:35. + +[162]The words translated in our Bibles _Holy Ghost_ should be properly +translated _holy spirit_. The holy spirit is the invisible power, energy +and influence of Jehovah. God is holy; therefore his power, energy, and +influence are holy. Father means life-giver. Jehovah is the Father of +Jesus because he gave life to Jesus; hence Jesus is called the Son of +God. The spirit, energy, or influence of Jehovah operating upon earthly +substance produced earthly creatures. (Genesis 2:7; 1 Corinthians 15:47) +The same holy power, energy, and influence begat the child Jesus, who +was born of his mother Mary. Therefore the life of Jesus was without sin +or imperfection. The germ of life of him who was born Jesus was +transferred from the spirit plane or nature to the human plane or +nature. + +[163]Jesus was our Lord's human name. It implied his humiliation and +lowly estate, in comparison with the glory which he had with the Father +before the world was. (John 17:5) He existed long before he became a +human being. His prehuman name was the _Logos_, which is translated in +our common version Bible "the Word". The word _Logos_ is therefore one +of the titles of Jesus and should not be translated at all. It means the +spokesman, active agent, or messenger, of Jehovah. St. John, writing +concerning the Logos, who later became Jesus, says: "In the beginning +[which means the beginning of God's creative activity] was the Logos, +and the Logos was with God [the God, Jehovah], and the Logos was a God +[a mighty one]. The same was in the beginning with God [the God, +Jehovah]. All things were made by him [the Logos]; and without him [the +Logos] was not anything made that was made"--he was the active agent of +Jehovah in making all things,--John 1:1-3. + +[164]The beginning here referred to could not mean the beginning of God +the Father, because he is from everlasting to everlasting and never had +a beginning. (Psalm 41:13; 90:2) The _work_ of Jehovah, however, had a +beginning, and his creative work is clearly what is here meant. The +Logos was the first and only direct creation of Jehovah; and thereafter +God's creation was performed through his Logos. This is the thought +expressed by the apostle Paul, who says of Jesus: "He is the image of +the invisible God, the firstborn of every creature; for by him were all +things created that are in heaven and that are in earth, visible and +invisible, whether they be thrones, or dominions, or principalities, or +powers; all things were created by him and for him, and he is before all +things and by him all things consist."--Colossians 1:15-17. + +[165]As further evidence of Jesus' prehuman existence, we have his own +words: "I came down from heaven, not to do mine own will, but the will +of him that sent me". (John 6:38) "I proceeded forth and came from God; +neither came I of myself, but he sent me." (John 8:42) Again: "Before +Abraham was, I am". (John 8:58) Again: "I came forth from the Father, +and am come into the world: again, I leave the world, and go to the +Father". (John 16:28) "And now, O Father, glorify thou me with thine own +self with the glory which I had with thee before the world was." (John +17:5) Again Jesus said: "I am the beginning of the creation of God". +(Revelation 3:14) Furthermore, the apostle Paul under inspiration +states: "God ... hath in these last days spoken unto us by his Son, whom +he hath appointed heir of all things, by whom also he made the worlds". +(Hebrews 1:1,2) And again he states: "For ye know the grace of our Lord +Jesus Christ, that, though he was rich, yet for your sakes he became +poor, that ye through his poverty might be rich". (2 Corinthians 8:9) He +was in the form of God before he became a man. "Who, though being in +God's form, yet did not meditate a usurpation to be like God, but +divested himself, taking a bondman's form, having been made in the +likeness of men."--Philippians 2:6,7, _Diaglott_. + +[166]Some have earnestly believed that Jesus was God himself. But such a +conclusion is not warranted by the Scriptures. John said: "The Father +loveth the Son, and hath given all things into his hand". (John 3:35) +Again Jesus said: "The Father judgeth no man, but hath committed all +judgment unto the Son: that all men should honor the Son, even as they +honor the Father. He that honoreth the Son honoreth the Father which +hath sent him.... For as the Father hath life in himself; so hath he +given to the Son to have life in himself." (John 5:22, 23, 26) Again +Jesus said: "It is also written in your law, that the testimony of two +men is true. I am one that bear witness of myself, and the Father that +sent me beareth witness of me." (John 8: 17, 18) Thus Jesus definitely +fixes the fact that he and the Father are separate and distinct beings. + +[167]Again Jesus said: "My Father, which gave them me, is greater than +all; and no man is able to pluck them out of my Father's hand. I and my +Father are one." (John 10:29,30) It may be asked, Does this not prove +that they were one being? Our answer is that it does not; but that it +does show, in connection with the other Scriptures quoted, that Jesus +and the Father, Jehovah, are one in spirit, one in purpose, one in +harmonious action; just as Jesus subsequently prayed to the Father that +the church, his followers, might be made one with him, when he said: +"Neither pray I for these alone, but for them also which shall believe +on me through their word; that they all may be one, as thou, Father, art +in me, and I in thee, that they also may be one in us: that the world +may believe that thou hast sent me. And the glory which thou gavest me I +have given them; that they may be one, even as we are one." (John +17:20-22) Thus Jesus definitely shows what is meant by being one with +the Father. + +[168]Again Jesus prayed to the Father, saying: "Father, save me from +this hour: but for this cause came I unto this hour. Father, glorify thy +name. Then came there a voice from heaven, saying, I have both glorified +it, and will glorify it again." (John 12:27,28) Jesus could not have +been praying to himself here, but he was praying to Jehovah God, from +whom he came. + +[169]That the Father is greater than the Son, Christ Jesus, he shows +when he says: "I go away, and come again unto you. If ye loved me, ye +would rejoice, because I said, I go unto the Father: for my Father is +greater than I."--John 14:28. + +[170]Many others have believed that Jesus, while on the earth, was still +a spirit being and that his flesh was merely a covering or house in +which that spirit being resided. Otherwise stated, that he was merely an +incarnated creature and not wholly a man. The incarnation theory is that +a spirit being inhabits for a time the human body, or a human body is +created for the express purpose of that spirit being's occupying it for +a time. The incarnation of Jesus is Scripturally erroneous. Indeed, if +he had been merely an incarnated being, he could never have redeemed +mankind. It is not disputed that he could have appeared as a human +being; and such is attested to in the instances given in Genesis 18:1,2 +and 19:1. + +[171]Some insist that Jesus when on earth was both God and man in +completeness. This theory is wrong, however. We should never formulate a +theory concerning God's plan in direct contradiction to his plain Word. +We should have faith in God and in his Word. Faith means to have a +knowledge of his Word and then to rely upon that Word confidently. The +Bible is the revealed Word of God, given to man for his instruction; and +where plain statements of the Bible are given, we should take them at +their face value. Following this course, we find that the plan of God +everywhere appears harmonious and beautiful. + +[172]The adversary takes advantage of an honest desire on the part of +some and leads them into error. Every conscientious and reverential mind +desires to honor God. For fear they might dishonor him, they are easily +led into failure to give proper consideration to plain statements of the +Bible. Some have been induced to believe that should they say that Jesus +when on earth was a man and not God, such would be a dishonor to God. +We should not permit ourselves to be beguiled or misled by sophistry or +theories, but should follow the plain teachings of the Bible and then +reach a conclusion in the light of that revealed Word after a full +examination. + +[173]The record concerning Jesus' prehuman existence, his being +begotten and his birth, entirely disproves the theory that he was +incarnated. The Scriptures above cited plainly show that he was begotten +in the womb of a woman, Mary, by the holy spirit, the power, energy or +influence of Jehovah; that thereafter he was born in the same general +manner that other children are born of a woman (Luke 2:9-11); that he +grew to manhood's estate and increased in wisdom and stature and in +favor with God and man. (Luke 2:40,52) None of these things would have +been necessary were he merely an incarnated being, a spirit being +inhabiting a body of flesh. He worked at the carpenter's trade until he +was thirty years of age, at which time he began his ministry. At that +time he went to John to be baptized in the Jordan. (Luke 3:21-23) +Immediately following that he spent forty days and nights in the +wilderness, fasting and studying Jehovah's plan. (Luke 4:1-14) If he +were God incarnate, this experience in the wilderness would seem wholly +unnecessary. + +[174]Jesus was not an angel or spirit being, because we have the +positive statement of the Apostle to the effect that, "We see Jesus, +who was made a little lower than the angels". (Hebrews 2:9) And again: +"Forasmuch then as the children are partakers of flesh and blood, he also +himself likewise partook of the same". (Hebrews 2:14) Furthermore, he was +at one time rich in heavenly power and glory and became poor for the sake +of mankind by taking upon himself the nature of man. (2 Corinthians 8:9) +He was made in the nature and likeness of man. (Philippians 2:8) The +Apostle, writing under inspiration, speaks of Jesus as the man: "For +since by man came death, by man came also the resurrection of the +dead.... The first man is of the earth, earthy; the second man is the +Lord from heaven."--1 Corinthians 15:21,47; see also 1 Timothy 2:5,6. + +[175]Had Jesus been merely an incarnated being it would not have been +necessary for him to be born as a babe and grow to manhood's estate. +While he was born of a woman, yet he was without sin, because from his +Father, Jehovah; for he was "holy, harmless, undefiled, separate from +sinners" (Hebrews 7:26); "and he was manifested to take away our sins, +and in him is no sin", (1 John 3:5) He was without spot or blemish; +therefore perfect and holy.--1 Peter 1:19; Hebrews 9:14. + +[176]God says to us: "Come now, and let us reason together, ... though +your sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they be +red like crimson, they shall be as wool". (Isaiah 1:18) We should reason +upon God's plan as revealed in the Bible, because he thus invites us to +do. When we see the reason why Jesus was made a man, why it was necessary +for him to be a perfect man while on earth, then we are glad and give +praise to God. Had he not become a man, there would have been no hope for +any of the human race to get life through Christ Jesus; and the Apostle +declares that there is no other name given under heaven whereby mankind +can live.--Acts 4:12. + + + + +In what peculiar manner has Jehovah used men and women in the Bible? +Give some examples. ¶ 102. + +What was typified by Hagar? ¶ 102. + +What was the purpose of the law covenant God made with Israel? ¶ 102. + +Give the name of Abraham's third wife; and what did she typify? ¶ 102. + +Give the apostle Paul's statement as to what the wives of Abraham +typified. ¶ 103. + +What did Isaac typify or picture? ¶ 103. + +What constitutes the seed of Abraham, according to the promise? ¶ 103. + +Quote the words of St. Paul concerning the seed of Abraham. ¶ 103. + +What is first necessary relative to the seed before the people can be +blessed? ¶ 104. + +What was the expectation of the Jews concerning this seed? ¶ 105. + +Give the names of Isaac's two sons; and what was Isaac's age when they +were born? ¶ 105. + +After the birth of his sons, where did Isaac go to reside? and while +there, what did God say to him? ¶ 106. + +Which of Isaac's sons became successor to the promise? and why? ¶ 106. + +What really determined who would be the successor to the father's +estate? ¶ 107. + +Did the Lord indicate that there should be any exception to this rule +relative to Jacob and Esau? ¶ 107. + +How did the Lord indicate this to Rebekah the mother? ¶ 107. + +How did Esau occupy his time generally? ¶ 108. + +What different disposition did Jacob possess? ¶ 108. + +Did Esau show an appreciation of the birthright, particularly the +Abrahamic promise? ¶ 108. + +Relate the circumstances of Esau's selling of his birthright. ¶ 108. + +Why did the birthright properly belong to Jacob? ¶ 109. + +About what was the age of Jacob and Esau at the time of this +transaction? ¶ 109. + +Was their contract binding on both? ¶ 109. + +What privileges did the birthright carry with it? ¶ 110. + +State the circumstances under which Esau attempted to deprive Jacob of +the birthright after he had sold it to him. ¶ 111. + +Was the mother of these men justified in her action in this matter? and +if so, why? ¶ 111. + +Relate the conditions under which Jacob obtained the blessing from his +father. ¶ 112. + +What blessing, as shown by the Scriptures, did Isaac bestow upon Jacob? +¶ 112. + +After Esau failed in his attempt to defeat his own contract with Jacob, +what did he do toward obtaining the blessing from his father? ¶ 113. + +Why have Christian people severely criticized Jacob and Rebekah because +of this transaction? ¶ 114. + +Who was the more reprehensible, Jacob or Esau? and why? ¶ 114. + +Whom did Esau picture or typify? ¶ 114. + +Whom did Jacob picture or foreshadow? ¶ 114. + +Did God approve or disapprove Rebekah's action? ¶ 114. + +Why did Jacob flee the country? and upon whose advice? ¶ 114. + +At what important Biblical place did Jacob spend the night? and what +occurred there? Give the Scriptural account. ¶¶ 114, 115. + +Why should we disapprove any one whom God approves? ¶ 116. + +How did God later show his favor to Jacob? ¶ 117. + +What is the meaning of the name Israel? ¶ 117. + +What promise did God make to Jacob after his name was changed to Israel? +¶ 117. + +How many sons did Jacob have? ¶ 118. + +Give the names of his wives, and the sons by these wives, respectively, +¶ 118. + +Which one of his wives did he love most? ¶ 118. + +Which was Jacob's beloved son? ¶ 118. + +Under what circumstances was Joseph taken away? and upon whom did Jacob +bestow his affection thereafter? ¶ 118. + +Whom did Joseph typify? and of whom was Benjamin a type? ¶ 118. + +Where did Jacob spend his last days? ¶ 119. + +What marks the beginning of the nation of Israel? ¶ 119. + +In pronouncing the blessings upon his sons, what special prophecy was +made by Jacob concerning Judah? ¶ 119. + +Who is foreshadowed by this prophecy? ¶ 119. + +After Jacob's death, by what name were his offspring known? ¶ 120. + +What position did Joseph now hold in Egypt? ¶ 120. + +How were the Israelites treated during Joseph's lifetime? ¶ 120. + +How were they after Joseph's death? ¶ 120. + +Whom did God raise up as a deliverer of the Israelites from Egypt? ¶ 120. + +What did Egypt typify or picture? and what was typified or pictured by +Egypt's ruler Pharaoh? ¶ 121. + +Whom did the Israelites in Egypt picture? and of whom was Moses a type? +¶ 121. Who was Moses? ¶ 122. + +What prophecy did Moses speak relative to a mighty one to follow him? +¶ 122. + +After hearing this prophecy, for whom were the Israelites looking? ¶ 122. + +From what tribe did David descend? ¶ 122. + +Through whom did God repeat the promises to Israel? ¶ 123. + +To what particular house or line was the promise finally limited? ¶ 123. + +What promise did the Lord make to David relative to the throne of +Israel? Quote the prophecy. ¶ 123. + +When David was king, what prophetic utterance did he make concerning the +building of a house unto Jehovah? ¶ 124. + +Why did God not permit David to build the temple? ¶ 124. + +Which one of David's sons was permitted to build the temple? ¶ 124. + +Upon what condition was Solomon's to be the line from which the great +Deliverer would descend? Give the Scriptural proof. ¶ 125. + +Did Solomon receive Jehovah's approval? ¶ 126. + +Why was the kingdom taken away from Solomon? ¶ 126. + +After Solomon's death, what happened to the nation of Israel? ¶ 127. + +Name the last three kings of Solomon's line to rule over Israel. ¶ 127. + +What did Jehovah pronounce through the Prophet concerning Zedekiah? Give +the Scriptural statement. ¶ 127. + +In view of this, was it possible for the Messiah to be counted through +the line of Solomon? ¶ 127. + +What other son did David have who was subsequently exalted? ¶ 128. + +From whom did Mary the mother of Jesus descend? ¶ 128. + +What did the prophet Jeremiah prophesy concerning the coming of Messiah +through David's lineage? ¶ 129. + +What message did the angel of the Lord bring to Mary relative to the +Messiah? ¶ 130. + +What did Mary say in response to the messenger? ¶ 130. + +Why did Mary say: "From henceforth all generations shall call me +blessed"? ¶ 131. + +What was meant by her prophetic statement: "He hath put down the mighty +from their seats and exalted them of low degree"? ¶ 131. + +Why were the Jews looking for some child to be born who would be a great +ruler? ¶ 132. + +Why did they expect their nation to become great? ¶ 132. + +What prophetic utterances led the Jews to believe that there should be +raised up amongst them a great king? Quote the prophecies. ¶¶ 132, 133. + +Did the prophecies of Isaiah and Zechariah relating to the coming king +have a complete fulfillment at the birth of Jesus? ¶ 134. + +Of what relative importance was the birth of Jesus? ¶ 135. + +How much time elapsed from the original promise made to Abraham until +the birth of Jesus? ¶ 135. + +During that time, what was Jehovah doing relative to the promise? ¶ 135. + +Where was Jesus born? ¶ 136. + +How was Bethlehem foreshadowed by the Prophet? ¶ 136. + +Give a brief statement of the important things which occurred in and +about Bethlehem. ¶ 137. + +Where was Nazareth situated? ¶ 138. + +State the relative importance of the city of Nazareth. ¶ 138. + +Who were in control of Palestine at the time of the birth of Jesus? ¶ 138. + +What important decree was issued by the ruler of Palestine that led +Joseph and Mary to Bethlehem? ¶ 138. + +Why must they go to Bethlehem and not to some other city? ¶ 138. + +How did Joseph and Mary journey from Nazareth to Bethlehem? and at what +time did they reach the latter city? ¶ 139. + +Where did they find lodging? ¶ 139. + +What important field lies near Bethlehem? and who were watching their +flocks there? ¶ 140. + +How many watches were kept in a night? ¶ 140. + +Was there great earthly splendor and show at the birth of Jesus? and if +not, why not? ¶ 141. + +What kind of people had God chosen to participate in the events of that +night? ¶ 141. + +Who in heaven were participating in this great event? ¶ 141. + +What did the night on the earth picture? ¶ 142. + +At what particular place was Jesus born? ¶ 142. + +What attracted the attention of the shepherds? and what message was +delivered to them? Repeat the message. ¶ 142. + +Repeat all the text of Luke 2:8-11. ¶ 142. + +What song did the shepherds hear from the heavenly hosts on this +occasion? ¶ 143. + +What effect has this heavenly message had upon the hearts of men for +centuries past? ¶ 143. + +Under what conditions will the peoples of earth learn of the importance +of the birth of Jesus? ¶ 144. + +What was the date of Jesus' birth? ¶ 145. + +Tell what you can concerning the three "wise men" that journeyed from +the East to Bethlehem at the birth of Jesus. ¶ 146. + +Who sent the "wise men" to Herod? ¶ 146. + +Why should we expect Satan to try to form a conspiracy to destroy the +babe Jesus? ¶ 147. + +Explain the significance of the names given Satan; and how do these +apply to his operations against Jesus and his followers? ¶ 148. + +When the promise was made to Mary that she should be the mother of +Jesus, how did Satan regard this promise? ¶ 149. + +What was one of the purposes of Jesus' coming to earth relative to +Satan? ¶ 149. + +What attempt did Satan make to destroy Mary and her babe before the +birth of Jesus? ¶ 149. + +What was the "star" or light that guided the "wise men" to Bethlehem? +¶ 150. + +Who were these "wise men" and whom did they worship? ¶ 151. + +Had Pharaoh the king of Egypt employed similar men? and for what +purpose? ¶ 151. + +What kind of man was Herod? and under whose influence was he? ¶ 151. + +Give the Scriptural account of the "wise men" going to Herod. ¶ 152. + +Why would they go to Herod, the enemy of Jesus? ¶ 152. + +Define a conspiracy. ¶ 152. + +Is it possible for one to be involved in a conspiracy without knowing +the real purpose? ¶ 152. + +What did Herod do when the "wise men" approached him? ¶ 153. + +What characteristics did Herod manifest in his consultation with the +"wise men"? ¶ 153. + +Would we expect God to help a wicked man like Herod carry out his +purpose to destroy God's beloved Son? ¶ 154. + +Where did the "wise men" find the babe? ¶ 155. + +Why did they not return to Herod? ¶ 155. + +How did God thwart Satan's purpose here to destroy the babe? ¶ 155. + +What wicked thing did Herod do when he found that the "wise men" had not +returned to him? ¶ 156. + +Who prompted Herod to do this wicked act of slaying children? ¶ 156. + +How was Jesus saved from this slaughter? and where did his parents take +him? ¶ 156. + +Could we presume under these circumstances that God would use the "wise +men" for his witnesses to the birth of Jesus? ¶ 157. + +What humble, honest creatures did he use as such witnesses? ¶ 157. + +Was there anything in the mission of the "wise men" that is beneficial +to mankind? ¶ 158. + +Why would God permit this conspiracy? ¶ 158. + +Does Satan deceive honest people? ¶ 158. + +Who has been responsible for all the persecution of Jesus and his +followers? ¶ 159. + +Who has protected them, and how? ¶ 159. + +Why are all the descendants of Adam sinners? Quote the Scripture. ¶ 160. + +Jesus being born of a woman, was he a sinner? and if not, why not? ¶ 161. + +What is meant by the words "holy ghost"? ¶ 162. + +What is the meaning of the word father? ¶ 162. + +Why is Jesus called the Son of God? ¶ 162. + +Why was our Lord named Jesus? and what does the name imply? ¶ 163. + +Did he exist before he became Jesus? and what was his prehuman name? +¶ 163. + +What is the meaning of the word Logos? and what relation has the Logos +to all of Jehovah's creation? ¶ 163. + +Did Jehovah have a beginning? ¶ 164. + +What is meant by the term "in the beginning" as used in John 1:1,2? ¶ 164. + +Give further Scriptural evidence of the prehuman existence of Jesus. +¶¶ 164, 165. + +Are Jesus and Jehovah one and the same being? Give the Scriptural proof. +¶ 166. + +In what sense are the Father and the Son one? Give Scriptural proof. +¶ 167. + +When Jesus prayed to the Father, did he pray to himself or to another? +¶ 168. + +Who is the greater, Jehovah or Jesus? Give Scriptural proof. ¶ 169. + +When Jesus was on earth, was he a spirit or a human being? ¶ 170. + +What is meant by the incarnation theory? ¶ 170. + +Do the Scriptures warrant the conclusion that Jesus was an incarnated +being? If not, why not? ¶ 170. + +When Jesus was on earth, was he both God and man? If not, why not? ¶ 171. + +By what must we determine these questions? ¶ 171. + +What is the meaning of faith? ¶ 171. + +How does Satan sometimes lead persons of honest heart into error? ¶ 172. + +Should we follow sophistry or the Bible in reaching a conclusion on +these questions? ¶ 172. + +Briefly review the argument of the begetting and birth of Jesus which +disproves that he was an incarnated being. ¶ 173. + +If Jesus was God incarnate, why should he have had the experience in the +wilderness? ¶ 173. + +Angels are spirit beings. What Scriptural proof have we that Jesus was +not an angel? Cite the Scriptural proof. ¶ 174. + +Give further Scriptures to show that he _was_ a man, made in the +likeness of men, and that he _is_ the Lord from heaven. ¶ 174. + +Had Jesus been an incarnate being, would it have been necessary for him +to be born as a child? ¶ 175. + +Why should we reason upon God's plan? ¶ 176. + +Could there have been any hope for the redemption of the human race except +by Jesus becoming a man and by his death providing the ransom-price? ¶ 176. + + + + +THE ANGELS' SONG + + It came upon the midnight clear, + That glorious song of old, + From angels bending near the earth + To touch their harps of gold: + "Peace to the earth, good-will to men + From heaven's all-gracious King!" + The world in solemn stillness lay + To hear the angels sing. + + * * * * * + + Yet with the woes of sin and strife + The world has suffered long; + Beneath the angel-strain have rolled + Two thousand years of wrong; + And men, at war with men, hear not + The love-song which they bring: + Oh! hush the noise, ye men of strife, + And hear the angels sing! + + And ye, beneath life's crushing load + Whose forms are bending low; + Who toil along the climbing way + With painful steps and slow,-- + Look now! for glad and golden hours + Come swiftly on the wing; + Oh! rest beside the weary road, + And hear the angels sing. + + For lo! the days are hastening on, + By prophet-bards foretold, + When with the ever-circling years + Comes round the age of gold; + When Peace shall over all the earth + Its ancient splendors fling, + And the whole world send back the song + Which now the angels sing. + + --_Sears_ + +[Illustration] + + + + +CHAPTER VI + +String 5: _The Ransom_ + + +The great ransom sacrifice is the most vital to man of the strings upon +the harp of God, because without it no real lasting joy could be had by +mankind. In due time its benefits shall result to the entire human race; +and all who appreciate it will sing aloud and rejoice with exceeding +joy. They will have melody in their hearts and upon their lips because +of this wonderful provision made by Jehovah for man's benefit. For +thousands of years divine wisdom has been working out his plan concerning +man; and the ransom sacrifice is the very pivotal part of that plan. Its +importance cannot be overstated. It is the gateway that leads to life +and happiness. It is the means of bringing back man into harmony with +God. To appreciate this great doctrine we must understand it. Therefore +let us reason together in the light of the divine Word, that we may +understand. + +[178]The most precious thing possessed by any creature is life, because +without life everything else would be useless and could not be enjoyed. +Even now we observe that a man with but a small spark of life clings to +that with desperation. It is only when a creature is perfect and +enjoying complete life and the right to it that he can properly glorify +Jehovah, his great Creator. God's great arrangement must ultimately +bring glory to his name. + +[179]Jehovah created Adam the first man in his own image and likeness. +He created him perfect; for all the works of Jehovah are perfect. +(Deuteronomy 32:4) He gave to man life and the right to life. Life means +any conscious existence. Right to life means the full authority to +maintain existence. Adam and Eve in Eden were perfect in their bodies, +without pain, without sorrow; and were beautiful creatures. They had not +a scar nor a mark upon them anywhere. They enjoyed life and all the +blessings incident to that life. Their home was perfect; and even all +the animals and birds of Eden were subject to them, and they had +absolute dominion and control. God gave them all these privileges to +enjoy eternally, upon one expressed condition, namely, that they be +obedient to his law and thereby honor him. He informed man that a +violation of this law would bring upon him loss of life, loss of the +right to life, loss of all the blessings incident to it. + +[180]Satan induced mother Eve to believe that God was keeping back +something from them and, therefore deceiving Eve, induced her to violate +the law. There was no real wrong in the fruit which Eve ate. The wrong +was in disobeying the Lord. When Adam found that she had violated God's +law, knowing that she must die he preferred to be with her in death +rather than to be separated from her; so he became a party to the +transgression also by voluntarily and willingly violating the law of +God. Jehovah in the exercise of his perfect justice, sentenced man to +death. This sentence deprived Adam and Eve of the right to life. They +were driven out of Eden and in due time they lost life itself. For 930 +years they were compelled to go about in the earth and earn their bread +by digging in the soil and partaking of such food as they produced, +which was imperfect and poisonous. In this manner they were put to +death. + +[181]This sentence of death passed upon Adam had an indirect effect +upon his offspring. Before he was driven from Eden he and Eve had not +exercised the authority given to them by Jehovah to beget and bring +forth children on the earth. This they did exercise after being driven +from Eden. Being now under the sentence of death and undergoing that +death penalty, it was impossible for their children, born under such +conditions, to come into existence perfect. It would follow, then, that +when the children were born, while they would have a measure of life and +the rights incident to that measure of life (and these we call "life +rights" as distinguished from right to live), they would have no right +to life, because Adam having no right to life could not bring children +into the world who would have greater right than he had. + +[182]Any human being that is living possesses the right to food, air, +light and certain privileges in society; and these are called life +rights; that is to say, they are incident to animation, privileges +belonging to creatures that live in any measure. The right to live, +then, means a just right of existence which cannot be properly taken +away. + +[183]Because the parents possessed no right to life, every child born +into the world from then until now has been born imperfect, unrighteous, +a sinner, disapproved in God's sight, under condemnation, and therefore +with no right to life. The life that any of us has lived has been merely +by permission; and all who have died have died justly; for nothing but a +perfect creature is entitled to life. For this reason the Prophet wrote: +"Behold, I was shapen in iniquity, and in sin did my mother conceive me". +(Psalm 51:5) St. Paul writing under inspiration, expressed the same thing, +saying: "Wherefore as by one man sin entered into the world, and death by +sin; and so death passed upon all men, for all have sinned".--Romans 5:12. + +[184]All the human race, then, from Adam until now having been born +imperfect, it follows that if any ever get full life and the right to +life he must get it through the loving Jehovah God. Unless God had made +some provision for the redemption of man from death and the lifting up +of him again to the condition of life, the time would come when there +would be no people on the earth. We remember that Adam lived 930 years; +and now a man scarcely lives to be half a century old. The race has been +degenerating for centuries, growing weaker and weaker, and ultimately +all would come to that condition in which they would be unable to +transmit even the spark of life, and the earth would be depopulated. +Hence we see our utter dependence upon God; and if we find the great +Jehovah has made a provision for us to live, that ought to fill our +hearts with gratitude; and as we further examine his great plan it +should fill our hearts with boundless love for him. And surely that +provision would bring joy to the heart and enable one to see that such +provision constitutes one of the strings upon the great harp of God. + + +REDEMPTION FORESHADOWED + +[185]At the time that Jehovah entered the judgment or sentence against +man he vaguely hinted at a time coming when man should be released from +that judgment. Satan, one of whose names is the old serpent, was the +first inducing cause of sin. And God at that time said to him: "I will +put enmity between thee and the woman, and between thy seed and her +seed; it shall bruise thy head". (Genesis 3:15) This foreshadowed the +fact that ultimately Satan should be destroyed and that the same would +result as a blessing to man. + +[186]But we must remember that the judgment of God entered against man +must stand forever. It could not be reversed or set aside or annulled, +for the reason that Jehovah cannot deny himself. Nor could any of his +creatures have faith in him if he changed his mind. While it is true +that this judgment must stand forever, it is equally true that God could +make a consistent provision for having the terms of the judgment met by +another, equal to Adam; and this is exactly what we find the Scriptures +to disclose that he did. + +[187]Jehovah desired that man should understand the necessity and +reason for providing redemption, that when man does understand it he +will rejoice in the loving-kindness manifested by God toward him. For +this reason God caused certain pictures or types to be made by his +people. + +[188]On the night that Jehovah led the children of Israel out of the +land of Egypt he caused a lamb to be slain and its blood sprinkled upon +the doorposts of the house and the people to eat that lamb, and arranged +that at midnight the death angel would pass through and smite the +firstborn of every house where the blood did not appear upon the +doorposts. The firstborn here pictured the church, about which we shall +see later, and which first must be saved before the blessing can come to +the world in general. The lamb pictured the one who should be the +ransomer or redeemer of mankind. The blood pictured the life poured out +to provide a redemptive price.--Exodus 12:3-17. + +[189]When Jesus appeared at the age of thirty years, John the Baptist +pointing to him said: "Behold the Lamb of God which taketh away the sin +of the world". (John 1:29) And we read in the Bible concerning Jesus, +that he is "the Lamb slain from the foundation of the world". +(Revelation 13:8) These Scriptures and others show that the sacrifice of +the lamb foreshadowed the sacrifice of the great One who should become +the redeemer of mankind and take away the sin of the world. + +[190]A few days after this passover in Egypt, the Israelites were all +delivered when God commanded Moses to smite the waters of the Red Sea +and they passed over on dry land; and when the Egyptians attempted to +follow they were swallowed up in the sea and drowned. The deliverance of +Israel here pictured the deliverance from the great enemy, Satan and +death, of all the human race that will ultimately be obedient to God's +holy will. + +[191]After the children of Israel were on the other side of the Red +Sea, they marched on in the desert; and when they came to Mount Sinai +God made with them a covenant, which is known in the Bible as the law +covenant. In connection with this covenant animals were sacrificed. This +covenant was instituted at the hands of Moses as a mediator. Moses here +was a type of Christ Jesus, who in due time will make a covenant on +behalf of all mankind for their deliverance. + +[192]In connection with the law given to the Israelites at this time, +God instructed Moses to erect in the wilderness a tabernacle, which was +to be used by the Israelites in connection with their ceremonies of +sacrifice. One day of each year was known as the atonement day, and what +was done on that day particularly foreshadowed the great sin-offering to +be made on behalf of mankind. + +[193]The tabernacle was constructed of two parts. It was 45 feet long, +15 feet wide, and 15 feet high, built of boards and then covered over +with a tent of three thicknesses of material. The first division of the +tabernacle was called the Holy. It was 15 feet wide and 30 feet long. +The second or rear apartment was known as the Most Holy, it being 15 +feet long, 15 feet wide, and 15 feet high--an exact cube. The tabernacle +was situated inside of a court or yard, which court was 75 feet wide +and 150 feet in length. The fence enclosing this court was made of linen +curtains, suspended from hooks which were fastened on wooden posts, the +posts being set in copper sockets at the base. + +[194]On the atonement day the high priest took a bullock, which must be +without spot or blemish. Inside of the court he killed the bullock, took +its blood in a vessel went from the court into the Holy and from there +into the Most Holy, and sprinkled the blood upon the mercy seat which +was in the Most Holy. Then he went back and slew a male goat, which +likewise must be without defect, and did the same thing with its blood. +This was known as the atonement sacrifice. (See Leviticus 16:1-34) It +was an offering for sin, made for the people of Israel, but in fact +foreshadowing the great sin-offering that is to take away the sin of the +world. + +[195]St. Paul plainly tells us that the things here done foreshadowed +better things to come. (Hebrews 10:1) God required in the law that the +Jews should keep this day of atonement and offer these sacrifices +through the high priest once each year. We remember that God had +promised to Abraham: "In thy seed shall all the families of the earth be +blessed". So St. Paul says that the law "was added because of +transgressions, till the seed should come to whom the promise was made; +and it was ordained by angels in the hand of a mediator"; and that the +law was a schoolmaster to bring the people unto Christ. (Galatians +3:19,24) In other words, Jehovah was teaching the children of Israel +concerning the great sin-offering that must be made on behalf of mankind +and he was using them to make living pictures; and the record of the +events concerning them has enabled all students of the Bible since to +see how Jehovah foreshadowed the redemption and deliverance of mankind +from the bondage of sin and death. To foreshadow means to foretell +something coming; and this shows how important the great ransom is to +mankind, that God would take so much time and go into so much detail to +teach the people by these pictures. Hence this should encourage us to +study the subject earnestly that we might see, understand, and +appreciate it. + + +RANSOM PROMISED + +[196]Adam was sentenced to death, and when he actually went into death +after 930 years, justice was satisfied. The law demanded the life of a +perfect human being. It had received it when Adam died. Between the time +of Adam's sentence and the time of his death he begat many children that +were born into the earth. These being born imperfect had no right to +life; hence the living of the children was only by permission of +Jehovah, and every one who died, died because of imperfection resulting +from the sin of father Adam. + +[197]The Scriptures clearly show that God planned long in advance for +the redemption and deliverance of the human race. Hence his wisdom led +him to embrace in the effects of this death sentence all of the human +family, all of the offspring of Adam, so that in due time he might +redeem them all through the sacrifice of one. (Galatians 3:22) The +sentence against Adam and the resulting effects upon all of his +offspring must stand. An earthly court may reverse its judgment because +imperfect, but God cannot reverse his, because it is perfect; and he +cannot deny himself. He could make provision, however, for another man +exactly equivalent to Adam to go into death voluntarily; and by thus +dying his life could be given as a corresponding price for Adam and his +offspring, that Adam and his offspring might be released from death and +given a trial for life. The Scriptures definitely show that it was +God's purpose and intention from the beginning to make just such a +provision. He made a specific promise to this effect when he said: "I +will ransom them from the power of the grave; I will redeem them from +death: O death, I will be thy plagues; O grave, I will be thy +destruction". (Hosea 13:14) This promise of Jehovah to ransom the human +race must be carried out, because God is unchangeable. Having made the +promise, he will perform it.--Malachi 3:6; James 1:17. + +[198]It is very important, then, that we understand the meaning of +ransom; hence we here define it. _Ransom_ means something to loosen +with; that is, a redemptive price. It is the means or price or value +which can be used in loosening or releasing something that is in bondage +or in restraint or imprisoned. Necessarily the ransom price must be +exactly equivalent to, or corresponding with, that which justice +requires of the thing or being that is in bondage or imprisonment. Hence +we say that ransom means an exact corresponding price. A perfect man +sinned and was sentenced to death; hence an exact corresponding price +would be the death of another perfect man and the value of that life +presented in place of the one who first sinned and was held in bondage. + +[199]_Sin-offering_ means the presentation and use of the ransom-price. +On the atonement day performed by the Jews in type, the blood of the +bullock represented the poured-out life; and therefore it stood for the +ransom-price or value of the life. The carrying of the blood into the +Most Holy and sprinkling it there pictured the sin-offering, that is, a +presentation in the Most Holy (which represented heaven itself) of the +value or merit of the perfect life. We will see, therefore, as we +examine this question that the ransom-price was provided on earth by the +death of Jesus; that preparation for the sin-offering was begun on earth, +but must be finished in heaven, where the value of the ransom-price is +presented. + +[200]Other Scriptures show that it was intended by Jehovah that the +great Redeemer should pour out his life in death and that this should +constitute the ransom-price, which should be made an offering for sin. +God foretold this--which is equivalent to a promise--through his prophet +when he wrote concerning the great coming Redeemer the following: + +[201]"Who hath believed our report? and to whom is the arm of the Lord +revealed? For he shall grow up before him as a tender plant, and as a +root out of a dry ground: he hath no form nor comeliness; and when we +shall see him, there is no beauty that we should desire him. He is +despised and rejected of men; a man of sorrows, and acquainted with +grief: and we hid as it were our faces from him; he was despised, and we +esteemed him not. Surely he hath borne our griefs and carried our +sorrows; yet we did esteem him stricken, smitten of God, and afflicted. +But he was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our +iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon him; and with his +stripes we are healed. All we like sheep have gone astray; we have +turned every one to his own way; and the Lord hath laid on him the +iniquity of us all. He was oppressed, and he was afflicted, yet he +opened not his mouth: he is brought as a lamb to the slaughter, and as a +sheep before her shearers is dumb, so he openeth not his mouth. He was +taken from prison and from judgment: and who shall declare his +generation? for he was cut off out of the land of the living: for the +transgression of my people was he stricken. And he made his grave with +the wicked, and with the rich in his death; because he had done no +violence, neither was any deceit in his mouth. Yet it pleased the Lord +to bruise him; he hath put him to grief: when thou shalt make his soul +an offering for sin, he shall see his seed, he shall prolong his days, +and the pleasure of the Lord shall prosper in his hand. He shall see of +the travail of his soul, and shall be satisfied: by his knowledge shall +my righteous servant justify many; for he shall bear their iniquities. +Therefore will I divide him a portion with the great, and he shall +divide the spoil with the strong; because he hath poured out his soul +unto death: and he was numbered with the transgressors; and he bare the +sin of many, and made intercession for the transgressors."--Isaiah 53. + +[202]Because of this death sentence standing against Adam, he was and +is held in restraint or imprisonment of death. He and his offspring who +have died are in the great prison-house of death, and the grave is thus +spoken of by the Prophet--Isaiah 42:6,7; 49:9 + + +QUALIFICATIONS REQUIRED + +[203]The dead could never again live, nor could those who are living +ever hope to have eternal happiness unless the disability resting upon +mankind because of sin be first removed; and the Scripture is quite +clear, as above noticed, that this can be removed only by means of the +great ransom sacrifice. Since ransom means an exact corresponding price, +the ransomer must be exactly like the perfect Adam in Eden. + +[204]A perfect man had sinned and lost everything; therefore none but a +perfect man could provide a price sufficient to buy and release Adam and +his race from this sentence of death and its effects. Divine justice +demanded the life of a perfect human being and this was received when +Adam went into death. It followed that divine justice would accept +nothing more or less, as a price for releasing Adam and his offspring, +than a perfect human life. In order to meet these divine requirements, +the ransomer must be a perfect human being. + +[205]When God gave the law to Israel at Mount Sinai he indicated by the +promise of that law that the only means by which the human race could be +redeemed or ransomed would be by the giving of a perfect human life in +the place of Adam's perfect human life, which he had forfeited by his +disobedience. We remember that St. Paul said that this law was a shadow +of better things to come. That law required an eye for an eye, a tooth +for a tooth, a foot for a foot, a life for a life; that is to say, a +price exactly corresponding to that which had been lost. As an +illustration: Under the law if one man knocked out another's tooth, he +must lose one of his own teeth. If he struck out a man's eye, he must +give up his own eye. If he took the life of his fellow creature, he must +give up his own life. Thus the law pictured that the great ransomer +would correspond exactly with the perfect man Adam when Adam was in +Eden.--Exodus 21:23-25; Leviticus 24:17-21; Deuteronomy 19:21. + + +MAN'S EXTREMITY + +[206]But who in all the world was able to bear this burden or meet the +requirements of the divine law? Adam could not redeem himself. All of +his offspring were imperfect and God could not accept an imperfect human +being as a ransom. Was there nobody, then, on earth who could redeem the +human race from death according to God's promise? The Prophet of the +Lord answers: "None of them [no creature on earth] can by any means +redeem his brother, nor give to God a ransom for him". (Psalm 49:7) For +this reason, then, it seemed hopeless for man ever to expect to be +released from the condition of death. + +[207]Furthermore, this judgment and sentence against Adam was entered +in the divine court of heaven and it follows that the ransom-price, +namely, the value of a perfect human life, must not only be provided by +the death of a perfect human being, but the value of that life must be +presented to divine justice in heaven itself; and no human being has +access to heaven. + +[208]Hence there were two reasons why it was utterly impossible for any +of Adam's stock or offspring to redeem mankind: (1) Because all were +imperfect and could not provide the price; and (2) if the price were +provided, it could not be presented in heaven by any such. + +[209]Thus is presented to the human race a condition of absolute +helplessness. Thus we see that mankind was wholly without power to +release itself from the condition of death, and that there never could +be any hope of any one of the human family enjoying life everlasting in +a state of happiness unless God, in the exercise of his loving-kindness, +should make some provision. He had promised to make such provision. His +great plan provided for such. It is first necessary, however, for us to +see man's absolute extremity in order that we might appreciate God's +opportunity for blessing mankind, and the great debt which the human +race owes to Jehovah and his beloved Son for the provision made. + +[210]If a man found himself and his family in a dungeon and a million +dollars were required to release him, and he had not one penny, but a +friend of his appeared and provided the money and released him and his +family, that man would owe a great debt of gratitude to his deliverer. +He would feel much gratitude in his heart. He would surely love his +deliverer and would be anxious to do anything he could for him. Adam and +all of his family are either in the prison-house of death or under the +effects of death; and if we find that the great Jehovah God has made +provision for the release and deliverance of all such from the tomb, +the prison-house of death, with a view to granting them everlasting +life, liberty, and happiness, then such fact should bring joy to the +heart of every one who learns of it. + + +THE GREAT RANSOMER + +[211]The apostle Paul, having in mind these things, wrote: "We were +children in bondage under the elements of the world: but when the +fulness of time was come, God sent forth his Son, made of a woman, made +under the law". (Galatians 4:3,4) How did God send his Son? Since a +perfect man had sinned and the life of a perfect man must be given as a +sin-offering, it is now important to see if the Son of God whom he sent +was qualified to meet the requirements of the law and be the ransomer or +redeemer. + +[212]It is easy to be seen that Jesus when on earth could not have been +merely an incarnated spirit being, because that would constitute a +fraud, and God would not sanction anything wrong. He must be a man, +perfect in every respect, equal and corresponding to the perfect Adam +while in Eden. It is also easy to be seen that Jesus could not be part +God and part man, because that would be more than the law required; +hence divine justice could not accept such as a ransom. The divine law +definitely shows that the ransomer must be exactly corresponding to +Adam, a perfect human being. How, then, did God send his Son? And when +he sent him, was he part man and part God? + +[213]The Scriptures answer, as we have heretofore seen, that prior to +his coming to earth he was the Logos, a spirit being; that his life was +transferred to the human plane and he was born a human being. He was rich +and for our sakes became poor (2 Corinthians 8:9); that is to say, he was +rich in heavenly glory and power possessed by him as the great active +agent of Jehovah in the creation of all things, and he became poor by +becoming a man. It was absolutely necessary for him to be a perfect man; +hence he must be born holy, harmless, separate from sinners and without +sin; and he met this requirement. (Hebrews 7:26) Furthermore, he met the +requirements because he was made flesh and dwelt amongst men. (John 1:14) +He partook of flesh and blood, became a human being for the very purpose +of destroying him that has the power of death, that is the devil; and to +deliver mankind. (Hebrews 2:14,15) He took upon himself the form of a +servant or bondsman and was made in the likeness of men. (Philippians 2:7) +He was the only perfect man that has ever lived on earth, except Adam. He +was not part human and part spirit being, because "he was made a little +lower than the angels for the suffering of death". Angels are spirit +beings, and thus creatures that are lower than angels are human beings. +He was human. Had he been part God and part man he would have been higher +than the angels instead of lower, for the reason that angels are the +lowest order of spirit beings. + +[214]Being a perfect man, he had the power to produce a perfect race of +people and with these populate the earth; therefore in every respect +exactly corresponding to the perfect man Adam in the condition he was in +while in Eden. He was perfect in every respect, full of grace and truth. +(John 1:14) When he stood before Pilate, silent as a sheep is dumb +before its shearers, when the mob incited by the Jewish clergy of that +time were demanding his life blood, Pilate, in order that he might shame +the Jews for such action, cried out unto them: "Behold _the_ man". The +emphasis here is on the word _the_. We might paraphrase Pilate's words +thus: 'The man whom you are asking me to put to death is not only the +greatest man among you, but he is the man above all other men on earth'. +The people there had seen a perfect man. None of us have seen a perfect +man. He was the only One who has ever lived on earth qualified to become +the redeemer of mankind. He was sent to earth by Jehovah for that v +qualify as a priest. + +[215]We note that Jesus grew from boyhood's estate to manhood's estate +and when he was thirty years of age he presented himself to John at +Jordan to be baptized. At the age of thirty, then, he was perfect in +body, perfect in mind, perfect under the law, in every respect an +absolutely perfect human being; hence qualified to be the ransomer or +redeemer of Adam, the perfect man, and of all Adam's offspring. + +[216]Why did God send his beloved Son, this great Man, to earth? When a +great man of the world comes into prominence he expects others to +minister unto him, and they do minister unto him. But Jesus, the +greatest man who has ever lived on earth, and the only perfect One aside +from Adam, came to earth and became the servant of others, that he might +render the greatest good to mankind. True greatness consists in doing +good unto others. True greatness is magnified in Jesus. He was the +truest friend of the human race. He said: "The Son of man came not to be +ministered unto, but to minister, and to give his life a ransom for +many". (Matthew 20:28) And again he said: "Whosoever will be great among +you shall be your minister [servant]; and whosoever will be the +chiefest, shall be servant of all".--Mark 10:43,44. + +[217]The perfect man Jesus became the servant of all. The importance of +Jesus and his work is magnified when we consider that he in heaven and +in earth was the dearest treasure to Jehovah's heart. He was God's +dearly beloved Son. He was the most precious thing possessed by the +great Creator, Jehovah. It was the supreme sacrifice on behalf of +Jehovah to use him to redeem the human race. It was God's great love for +fallen humanity that prompted him to do this; hence we read: "God so +loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever +believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. For God +sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world +through him might be saved."--John 3:16,17. + +[218]It was this truly good and truly great Man who for three and a +half years went about in the earth and taught and ministered unto the +people and did good unto every one and evil unto none. All the time he +was thus ministering and doing good, the scribes, Pharisees, doctors of +the law and other dupes engaged in misrepresenting and persecuting the +Lord, sought to kill him. Why did they do this? Because they were +instruments of Satan, the devil.--John 8:44. + +[219]Jesus, the devil knew, was and is the great Seed of promise which +God had promised to Abraham should be the redeemer and blesser of +mankind. Jesus Christ is the Seed of the woman foreshadowed in God's +statement made to mother Eve and Satan. (Genesis 3:15) Satan sought, +therefore, in every way to destroy him. Jesus was teaching the Jews the +message of God to lead them in the right way, and to open unto them the +way of life. These scribes and Pharisees were opposing him and therefore +were the enemies of the people. Jesus said of them: "The scribes and the +Pharisees sit in Moses' seat" (Matthew 23:2); meaning that they had +assumed the position of leaders of the people. Because of their blinding +the people he said to them: 'You are hypocrites, blind guides, fools; +you shut up the kingdom of heaven against men; you devour widows' houses +and for a pretence make long prayers; you compass sea and land to make +one proselyte, and when he is made, you make him twofold more the child +of _gehenna_ than yourselves. You are guilty of fraud and deceit, and +you are like unto whited sepulchres, which are full of dead men's bones +and all uncleanness; you are serpents, a generation of vipers. You do +not understand my speech because you cannot hear and understand my word. +You are of your father the devil.'--Matthew 23:13-33; John 8:43,44. + +[220]Jesus knew that he was to be crucified and he told his disciples +of his coming death. The last night he was on earth with them he spent +teaching them great lessons and truths which were not only a blessing to +them, but have been a great blessing to every one from then until now +who has loved the Lord and sought to know and do his will. While he was +thus doing, the enemy was preparing to take his life. The Sanhedrin was +a high tribunal or court composed of seventy-three men, made up of +priests, elders, and doctors of the law, Pharisaical hypocrites, the +seed of the serpent, blinded to God's purposes. That body was the +highest court of Israel and it was the duty of this court to protect the +innocent as well as to punish the guilty. They beheld Jesus doing good +and the people flocking to him. + +[221]"Then gathered the chief priests and the Pharisees a council [a +court], and said, What do we? for this man doeth many miracles. If we +let him thus alone, all men will believe on him: and the Romans shall +come and take away both our place and nation. And one of them, named +Caiaphas, being the high priest that same year, said unto them, Ye know +nothing at all, nor consider that it is expedient for us, that one man +should die for the people, and that the whole nation perish not. And +this spake he not of himself: but being high priest that year, he +prophesied that Jesus should die for that nation.... Then from that day +forth they took counsel together for to put him to death."--John +11:47-51,53. + +[222]In other words, this supreme tribunal secretly met, indicted +Jesus, prejudged his case, and agreed to put him to death, only waiting +for an opportunity. They acted as grand jury, prosecutor, and trial +court. They entered into a wicked conspiracy, which was formulated by +Satan, their father, for the destruction of the Son of God. They +conspired with Judas and hired him, for the paltry sum of thirty pieces +of silver, to betray the Lord into their hands. Satan himself entered +into Judas as the latter executed the betrayal. Then they organized a +mob, sent it out after the Master, arrested him, and brought him before +this supreme court for trial at night, which was contrary to their own +laws. "They that had laid hold on Jesus led him away to Caiaphas the +high priest, where the scribes and the elders were assembled," in +furtherance of the wicked conspiracy.--Matthew 26:57. + +[223]The meek and defenseless Lamb of God was led into a den of +ravenous wolves, who were thirsting for his blood. They did not dignify +his case by even filing a formal charge against him. They sought, +contrary to the law, to make him testify against himself. They knew +nothing themselves against him; and notwithstanding they sat as the high +and dignified court of the nation of Israel, they resorted to +subornation of perjury. "Now the chief priests, and elders, and all the +council [the entire court], sought false witness against Jesus, to put +him to death; but found none; yea, though many false witnesses came, yet +found they none. At the last came two false witnesses." (Matthew 26:59,60) +This exalted tribunal, in violation of every law and every precedent +known to Jewish jurisprudence, demanded of Jesus that he testify against +himself. "The high priest arose and said unto him, ... I adjure thee by +the living God, that thou tell us whether thou be the Christ, the Son of +God." (Matthew 26:62,63) And when he told the truth, saying, "Ye say +that I am," they said, "What need we any further witness? for we +ourselves have heard of his own mouth". (Luke 22:66-71) They immediately +voted that he should die--also contrary to their law, which required +that each member of the court should consider the case and then vote +individually. Holding the session of court at night to convict him, they +knew they were proceeding contrary to law; so they convened the court +the following morning to ratify the sentence, which was likewise +contrary to law. + +[224]They condemned Jesus to death, but knew they had no legal power to +put him to death. Then they led him before the Roman governor, Pilate, +and placed against him the charge of sedition, saying, "We found this +fellow perverting the nation, and forbidding to give tribute to Caesar, +saying that he himself is Christ a King". (Luke 23:1,2) They knew the +Roman governor had power to put Jesus to death, and for this reason they +sought his judgment. + +[225]Pilate was not convinced of Jesus' guilt and was not willing that +he should die, but sought to release him. "Then said Pilate to the chief +priests and to the people, I find no fault in this man. And they were +the more fierce, saying, _He stirreth up the people_." (Luke 23:4,5) +When Pilate sought to release him, his accusers "cried out, saying, If +thou let this man go, thou art not Caesar's friend: whosoever maketh +himself a king speaketh against Caesar"--against the civil power, and +such is therefore guilty of sedition. (John 19:12) "And he [Pilate] said +unto them the _third time_, Why, what evil hath he done? I have found no +cause of death in him: I will therefore chastise him, and let him go. +And they were instant with loud voices, requiring that he might be +crucified. _And the voices of them and of the chief priests prevailed_. +And Pilate gave sentence that it should be as they required." (Luke +23:22-24) Thus the civil power yielded to the importunities of +ecclesiasticism, and Jesus was led away and crucified on Calvary's hill. +And Pilate, more righteous than the clerics, posted over his cross the +sign: "Jesus of Nazareth, the King of the Jews". + +[226]Thus died the Son of God, the great antitypical "Lamb ... which +taketh away the sin of the world". (John 1:29) In the eyes of those that +stood by he died as a sinner, crucified between two thieves, under the +charge of disloyalty to the constituted powers, yet wholly innocent, +harmless, and without sin. + +[227]Here he fulfilled that which the Prophet of God had foretold of +him long in advance, in that he "poured out his soul unto death, and he +was numbered with the transgressors, and he bare the sin of many". +--Isaiah 53:12. + + +WHY MUST HE DIE? + +[228]But why should the great, the good, the pure, the sinless Man die +in such an ignominious manner as this? Was there no other means whereby +man could live? The Scriptures answer that there is no other way whereby +man could get life. Divine justice demanded the life of the perfect man +Adam and took that life. Divine justice could receive nothing as a +substitute for Adam except the life of a perfect human being. Adam was +put to death because he was a sinner. The one who would redeem Adam +must die _as_ a sinner, yet without sin. And all this Jesus did. + +[229]It is important here for us to see why Jesus came to earth, grew +to manhood's estate and died. The Prophet speaking the words of Jesus +beforehand said: "Lo, I come: in the volume of the book it is written of +me, I delight to do thy will, O my God: yea, thy law is within my +heart". (Psalm 40:7,8; Hebrews 10:7-10) Thus we see that he had come to +do God's will. The apostle Paul expressed the will of God concerning +mankind when he said: "God ... will have all men to be saved [from +death], and brought to an accurate knowledge of the truth". (1 Timothy +2:3,4) This is in harmony with God's promise that he would redeem +mankind from death (Hosea 13:14); and since Jesus came to carry out the +Father's will to ransom the human race, he must do this. This is the +only means whereby man could live. Therefore Jesus said: "I am come that +they might have life and that they might have it more abundantly".--John +10:10. + +[230]Jesus likened his humanity to bread. He said: "I am the bread of +life.... This is the bread which cometh down from heaven, that a man may +eat thereof, and not die.... For my flesh is meat indeed, and my blood +is drink indeed.... As the living Father sent me, and I live by the +Father: so he that eateth me, even he shall live by me." (John +6:48,50,55,57) By this we understand that Jesus gave up his human life +in order that the value thereof might be presented to divine justice in +heaven as the great ransom-price. To eat means to appropriate to +oneself. Then it follows that any one who accepts or appropriates to +himself the value of Jesus' sacrifice by believing on the Lord Jesus +Christ and doing the Father's will, that one will have life everlasting +through Christ Jesus. The apostle Paul makes it clear that the death of +Jesus was for the benefit of the entire human race when he says: +'Jesus, ... by the grace of God, tasted death for every man'. "There is +one God, and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus; who +gave himself a ransom for all, to be testified in due time."--Hebrews 2;9; +1 Timothy 2:5,6. + +[231]"Sin is the transgression of the law." (1 John 3:4) "The wages of +sin is death." (Romans 6:23) Adam transgressed the divine law and for +this reason suffered the penalty of death, and this penalty came upon +all mankind by inheritance. Jesus the perfect man permitted his life to +be taken that it might be used for the purpose of releasing Adam and his +offspring from the great enemy death, and that they might have a full +opportunity for life. Hence his life was made an offering for sin, or a +sin-offering. + +[232]For many centuries Jehovah foreshadowed this great event in his +plan, and this adds to the importance of it; in fact, without the +sacrifice of Jesus it would have been impossible for any of the human +race ever to live at all. + +[233]Looking back, then, at the picture that Jehovah made by the use of +the Jewish people and their ceremonies, we see that the bullock slain on +the atonement day pictured Jesus the perfect man at the age of thirty +years. The court surrounding the tabernacle was a picture of perfect +humanity. Therefore the bullock slain in the court foreshadowed or +pictured the fact that the perfect man Jesus died in that condition on +earth as a perfect man. By his death he provided the ransom-price. He +did this to carry out the Father's plan. + +[234]In the picture, the slaying of the bullock was the beginning of the +sin-offering. After the bullock was slain its blood was put into a +vessel and the high priest carried it in this vessel, ultimately +reaching the Most Holy, where it was sprinkled, as above mentioned. The +high priest in the Holy pictured Jesus during the three and one-half +years of his sacrificial ministry; and the high priest's appearance in +the Most Holy pictures Jesus the high priest, resurrected to the divine +nature, appearing in heaven itself in the presence of God, there to +present the merit of his sacrifice as the sin-offering on behalf of +mankind.--Hebrews 9:24. + +[235]The Scriptures clearly show that Jesus was the antitypical bullock +and was made an offering for sin on behalf of mankind; first on behalf +of the church, subsequently on behalf of the whole world. "Christ died +for our sins according to the Scriptures" (1 Corinthians 15:3); "who +gave himself for our sins, that he might deliver us from this present +evil world, according to the will of God and our Father" (Galatians +1:4); "for he hath made him to be sin [an offering for sin] for us, who +[Jesus] knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in +him".--2 Corinthians 5:21. + +[236]The law that God gave to the Israelites merely foreshadowed what +great things Jesus would do. Because of the imperfections of +mankind--Moses and others--that law could not accomplish the deliverance +of mankind from death. "For what the law could not do, in that it was +weak through the flesh, God sending his own Son in the likeness of +sinful flesh, and for sin, condemned sin in the flesh."--Romans 8:3. + +[237]In the type, the slaying of the bullock and the carrying of its +blood into the Holy as a typical sin-offering foreshadowed the fact that +the redemption of man's sins could be accomplished only through the +blood of the perfect sacrifice. And for this reason says the apostle +Paul: "Without the shedding of blood is no remission. It was therefore +necessary that the patterns of things in the heavens should be purified +with these; but the heavenly things themselves with better sacrifices +than these." (Hebrews 9:22,23) The patterns here referred to are the +Holy and Most Holy in the tabernacle picture, which foreshadowed or +pictured the heavenly condition; and the entrance of the high priest +into the Most Holy of the tabernacle with the blood foreshadowed Christ +Jesus entering heaven. "For Christ is not entered into the holy places +made with hands, which are the figures of the true; but into heaven +itself, now to appear in the presence of God for us."--Hebrews 9:24. + +[238]When Jesus died upon the cross of Calvary he provided the +ransom-price, because his was the death of a perfect human being, +exactly corresponding with the perfect man Adam. Adam's death, however, +was the result of a forfeited right to live. Jesus' death was a +sacrifice. Adam was a sinner and died a sinner. Jesus was perfect, holy, +and without sin; and while he died in the same manner, yet by his death +he did not forfeit the right to live as a human being. By dying he +reduced his perfect human life to an asset that might thereafter be used +to release Adam and his offspring from death. + +[239]We here give an illustration to aid in understanding this point. +For convenience we will call a man John. John is languishing in prison +because he cannot pay a fine of one hundred dollars. He has a brother +named Charles who is willing to pay the fine for his brother John, but +who has no money with which to pay. Charles is strong and vigorous, has +time to work, is willing to work, and can earn money by working; but his +strength and time and willingness will not pay the debt for John. Mr. +Smith has some work to be done and is willing to pay money to have it +done. Charles engages himself to work for Mr. Smith and earns one +hundred dollars and receives that amount of money in cash. By his labor +Charles has here reduced his time and strength and vigor to a money +value and has received that money value, which money has purchasing +power and which can be used to pay John's obligation and thus release +him from prison. + +[240]Charles then appears before the court which has entered the +judgment against his brother John, and offers to pay the one hundred +dollars which the law demands of John. The money is accepted from +Charles and John is released. By this means John is judicially relieved +from the effects of the judgment and is set free, and his brother +Charles has become his ransomer or deliverer. + +[241]In this illustration John represents Adam. Because Adam violated +God's law, Jehovah judicially determined that Adam should forfeit his +life by dying. He enforced this judgment during a period of 930 years, +during which time Adam begat all of his children. The effect of +sentencing Adam to death was to render all of his children subject to +death. Adam went into death, and since then great numbers of his +children have likewise died. We can say, then, that Adam and all those +who have died and are in their graves are in the great prison-house of +death, and that is what the Prophet of the Lord calls it.--Isaiah 42:7. + +[242]In this picture Charles represents Jesus. It was God's will that +the perfect man Jesus should redeem Adam and his offspring from the +prison-house of death. Jesus was willing to pay Adam's debt and redeem +him, but the perfect, righteous, human being Jesus could not accomplish +that purpose while living in the flesh, for the same reason that Charles +could not use his strength, time, and energy to pay the debt of his +brother John, but must first reduce those things to a purchasing value. +Jesus must reduce his perfect humanity to a purchasing value, which we +may call merit, and which merit or purchasing value would be sufficient +for the payment of Adam's debt and release Adam and his offspring from +that judgment. In order to provide this price it was necessary for Jesus +to die. In his death upon Calvary, then, he produced the price. But the +value of that price must be presented before Jehovah in heaven itself +before Jehovah could release Adam or his descendents from the effect of +death. And this, we shall see from the Scriptures, is what was done. + +[243]The inspired writer in the divine Word tells us that it was the +will of God that all men should be saved from death by the ransom-price +and then brought to an accurate knowledge of the truth, in order that +they might accept the benefits of the ransom and live. In due time the +knowledge of these great truths will be given to every one of Adam's +race. (1 Timothy 2:3-6) The ransom-price was provided at the cross. The +cross of Christ is the great pivotal truth of the divine arrangement, +from which radiate the hopes of men. When all men come to a knowledge of +this fact and all the obedient ones have profited by the value of the +ransom sacrifice, there will be great rejoicing amongst the human race. +When the grand finale is sung and all the harpers of heaven and earth +unite in beautiful harmony, blending with the voices of all creatures +perfected and happy, the great ransom-sacrifice will be recognized by +all as one of the strings of the harp of God that will yield sweet music +to every ear. Then all can truly sing; + + "In the cross of Christ I glory, + Tow'ring o'er the wrecks of time; + All the light of sacred story + Gathers round its head sublime." + +[244]In order for the human race to receive the benefit of the +ransom-sacrifice, it was essential for Jesus to be raised from the dead. +His resurrection is therefore of vital importance, and this constitutes +another string of the harp, which we will treat separately. + + + + +Why is the ransom the most vital string upon the harp of God? ¶ 177. + +What effect will its appreciation have upon the human race? ¶ 177. + +What is the most precious thing possessed by any creature, and why? ¶ 178. + +When can a creature properly glorify his Creator? ¶ 178. + +In whose image was man created? ¶ 179. + +What did God give to man at the time of his creation? ¶ 179. + +What is the difference between life and the right to life? ¶ 179. + +Describe the condition and environment of Adam and Eve in Eden. ¶ 179. + +Were Adam and Eve informed as to what would be the result of the +violation of God's law? ¶ 179. + +Was there any real wrong in eating the fruit? and if not, wherein was +the wrong done by man? ¶ 180. + +What was the effect of the sentence pronounced against man? ¶ 180. + +What was the effect of the execution of that sentence? ¶ 180. + +In what manner was the sentence executed? ¶ 180. + +When did Adam and Eve first exercise the power of producing their +offspring? ¶ 181. + +Was it possible for them to have perfect children? and if not, why not? +¶ 181. + +Their children were born and lived, but did they have a right to life? +and if not, why not? ¶ 181. + +What is the difference between right to life and life rights? ¶ 182. + +What Scriptural proof is there that all were born imperfect? ¶ 183. + +Without divine provision for the redemption of man, would the earth +become depopulated? and if so, why? ¶ 184. + +Is mankind wholly dependent upon God's provision for life? ¶ 184. + +If God has made full and complete provision that man shall live in +happiness, what effect should that have upon men's minds and hearts? +¶ 184. + +At the time God sentenced man to death did he foreshadow a provision for +his release? and if so, how? Give the Scriptural proof. ¶ 185. + +Did he here foreshadow the ultimate fate of Satan? and if so, what is +that fate? ¶ 185. + +Could the judgment Jehovah entered against Adam be annulled or set +aside? and if not, why not? ¶ 186. + +If it could be changed, what effect would it have upon the faith of men? +¶ 186. + +Could God consistently provide for a substitute to meet the terms of +that judgment? ¶ 186. + +Is it Jehovah's desire that men should understand the necessity and +reason for redemption? ¶ 187. + +Why did God cause certain types and pictures to be made by his people? +¶ 187. + +Explain about the passover lamb slain by the Israelites on the night of +their leaving Egypt. Give the Scriptural account. ¶ 188. + +What was pictured there by the firstborn? ¶ 188. + +What was pictured by the lamb, and also by the blood? ¶ 188. + +Who was spoken of as the "Lamb slain from the foundation of the world"? +¶ 188. + +What was pictured by the deliverance of Israel from the Egyptians? ¶ 190. + +What arrangement did God make with Israel at Mount Sinai? ¶ 191. + +What was typified by the making of this law covenant at Mount Sinai? +¶ 191. + +Who erected the tabernacle in the wilderness? ¶ 192. + +The services performed by the priest on the atonement day in connection +with the tabernacle foreshadowed what? ¶ 192. + +Give a description of the construction of the tabernacle. ¶ 193. + +Describe what the high priest did with the bullock on the day of +atonement. ¶ 194. + +What did he do with its blood? ¶ 194. + +What did these ceremonies foreshadow? ¶ 194. + +How often were these services performed? ¶ 195. + +Why, then, was the law covenant made? ¶ 195. + +What was the purpose of having the Israelites to go through these +ceremonies once each year? ¶ 195. + +What did the law demand relative to Adam? and how was justice satisfied? +¶ 196. + +The fact that Adam's children were born after he was sentenced to death, +what effect did that have upon the children? ¶ 196. + +Why did God permit the sentence upon Adam to have a vital effect upon +all of Adam's children? ¶ 197. + +Did Jehovah promise to ransom man? and if so, give the Scriptural proof. +¶ 197. + +Must this promise be carried out? ¶ 197. + +Define ransom. ¶ 198. + +Define sin-offering. ¶ 199. + +Where and how was the ransom-price provided? ¶ 199. + +Where was the sin-offering begun? and where is it finished? ¶ 199. + +By what prophecy did God show that it was his purpose to redeem man by +his beloved Son suffering death? ¶ 201. + +In what sense are Adam and his offspring held in restraint or +imprisonment? Give the Scriptural proof. ¶ 202. + +What was the first qualification of the one who would provide the +ransom-price? ¶ 203. + +Could divine justice accept anything more or less than the value of a +perfect human life as a ransom for Adam and his race? ¶ 204. + +Was it necessary for the redeemer to be a perfect human being? and if +so, why? ¶ 204. + +In what way did the law given to Israel indicate that a perfect human +life would be required as a ransom-price? ¶ 205. + +Give an illustration under the law. ¶ 205. + +Did the law picture what should constitute the qualification of the +redeemer? and if so, where, and what, is it? ¶ 205. + +How is man's extremity and dependence upon Jehovah shown in connection +with the ransom provision? ¶ 206. + +Could Adam redeem himself? or could any of Adam's children redeem him +or their brethren? Give Scriptural proof. ¶ 206. + +Why was man's condition hopeless without a redeemer? ¶ 206. + +The ransom-price when provided, where must it be presented? ¶ 207. + +Could any human being present the value of that ransom-sacrifice in +heaven? ¶ 207. + +What two potent reasons, then, are there which make it impossible for +Adam's children to redeem their brethren? ¶ 208. + +Show how man's future happiness wholly depends upon the divine provision +for redemption, ¶ 209. + +Does man's complete extremity enable us to appreciate more highly the +value of the ransom-sacrifice? ¶ 209. + +What does this show with reference to the debt of gratitude man owes to +Jehovah? ¶ 209. + +Give an illustration of man's extremity; and what would cause him to +feel grateful to his benefactor? ¶ 210. + +If we find the proof to be conclusive that Jehovah has made provision +for the redemption and deliverance of all mankind, how should that +affect the mind and heart of every honest person? ¶ 210. + +Whom did God send into the earth to be the redeemer or ransomer of +mankind? ¶ 211. + +What did St. Paul say about this to the Galatians? Quote the Scripture. +¶ 211. + +Was it important that Jesus should be qualified to meet the requirements +of the divine law in order to ransom the race? ¶ 211. + +Since ransom means _exact corresponding price_, had Jesus been an +incarnated spirit being would he have been qualified to ransom mankind? +¶ 212. + +If Jesus had been part man and part God, would he have been qualified to +meet the requirements of the divine law? ¶ 212. + +What does the divine law definitely require as to the qualification of +the redeemer or ransomer? ¶ 212. + +How did God send his Son? and when he came, was he a man or was he God? +Give Scriptural proof. ¶ 213. + +Had any perfect man lived on the earth from Adam to Jesus? ¶ 213. + +Suppose Jesus had been greater than a man when he consecrated at the +Jordan, could he have met the divine requirements and become the +redeemer of mankind? ¶ 213. + +Did Jesus have power to produce a perfect race? and if so, did he in +this way correspond to the perfect Adam? ¶ 214. + +State what occurred before Pilate. Paraphrase the substance of Pilate's +statement to Jesus. ¶ 214. + +Under the Jewish law, what must be the age of a man in order to be +qualified as priest? ¶ 214. + +What was the age of Jesus when he presented himself to John for baptism? +¶ 215. + +Why was it necessary for Jesus to wait until he was thirty years of age +to begin his ministry? ¶ 215. + +What was the difference between Jesus and prominent men of the earth +with reference to receiving attention from others? ¶ 216. + +Of what does true greatness consist? ¶ 216. + +Why did Jesus say he came to the earth? Give Scriptural proof. ¶ 216. + +How did Jesus become the servant of all? ¶ 217. + +Why was it a sacrifice on the part of Jehovah to send Jesus to earth to +redeem man? ¶ 217. + +What prompted God to make this sacrifice for man? ¶ 217. + +Why did the Pharisees and doctors of the law misrepresent and persecute +Jesus? ¶ 218. + +Why was Satan so anxious to destroy Jesus? ¶ 219. + +Why did the scribes and Pharisees occupy a responsible position toward +the Jewish people? ¶ 219. + +What were some of the crimes Jesus properly charged against the +Pharisees? and why did he so charge them? ¶ 219. + +Did Jesus know that he was to be crucified? and how did he spend his +last night with the disciples? ¶ 220. + +What were his enemies doing at the same hour? ¶ 220. + +What is meant by the Sanhedrin? and who composed it? ¶ 220. + +What was the duty of this high court toward the people, including Jesus? +¶ 220. + +When this court secretly met, state what was said by it concerning +Jesus. ¶ 221. + +Who were the parties to the conspiracy to destroy Jesus? and whose was +the master mind directing them? ¶ 222. + +How was Judas brought into the conspiracy? and under what consideration? +¶ 222. + +Who was sent out to arrest the Master? ¶ 222. + +Did the court have any right to try him at night? ¶ 222. + +Did it have a right to cause him to testify against himself? ¶ 223. + +Was there any evidence against him? ¶ 223. + +What crime did the Sanhedrin commit in getting witnesses against Jesus? +¶ 223. + +Did that court violate the Jewish law in voting for his conviction? ¶ 223. + +Why did the court reconvene the morning following to ratify the +sentence? and was this proper? ¶ 223. + +Why did not the Jews put Jesus to death and not take him before Pilate? +¶ 224. + +Why did Pilate wish to release Jesus? ¶ 225. + +When Pilate attempted to release Jesus, what did the accusers do? ¶ 225. + +Who were the responsible men that incited the mob to cry against the +Master? ¶ 225. + +To what did the civil power yield in sentencing Jesus to death? ¶ 225. + +Which was more reprehensible, the civil or the ecclesiastical power, in +this case? ¶ 225. + +Who were put to death with Jesus? ¶ 226. + +In the eyes of the world, did Jesus die as a righteous man? ¶ 226. + +In the death of Jesus upon the cross, what particular prophecy was +fulfilled? ¶ 227. + +Why must Jesus die? ¶ 228. + +What was God's will concerning Jesus with reference to his becoming a +man and being put to death? ¶ 229. + +What did Jesus mean by saying that he was the bread which came down from +heaven, and those eating that bread should live? ¶ 230. + +Did Jesus die only for those who become members of some church +denomination? or for whom did he die? ¶ 230. + +Define sin; and what is the penalty for sin? ¶ 231. + +How was the life of Jesus made an offering for sin, or a sin-offering? +¶ 231. + +Would it have been possible for any of the human race to get life +everlasting, except for the ransom-sacrifice? ¶ 232. + +Of what value are the pictures made in the Old Testament to us in +studying the New? and what did the bullock slain on the atonement day +picture relative to Jesus? ¶ 233. + +What did the court surrounding the tabernacle picture or typify? ¶ 233. + +What was foreshadowed by the slaying of the bullock in the court? ¶ 233. + +How was the ransom-price provided? ¶ 233. + +What pictured the beginning of the sin-offering? ¶ 234. + +What was done with the blood of the bullock after it was slain? ¶ 234. + +What was pictured by the high priest in the Holy? and what by his +entering the Most Holy? ¶ 234. + +For whom did Jesus give himself as a sin-offering? ¶ 235. + +What was the purpose of the giving of the law covenant? and could it +operate to deliver man from death? ¶ 236. + +Was the shedding of Jesus' blood necessary for the remission of sin? +¶ 237. + +How was the entrance of Jesus into heaven foreshadowed in the tabernacle +service? Give Scriptural proof. ¶ 237. + +What is the distinction between the death of Adam and the death of +Jesus? ¶ 238. + +By dying as a man, what did Jesus provide for man's benefit? ¶ 238. + +Give an illustration showing how Jesus' death provided the price for the +release of the human race from bondage. ¶¶ 239-241. + +Could the perfect man Jesus deliver the human race from death and remain +alive as a man? ¶ 242. + +What must Jesus do in order to redeem mankind? ¶ 242. + +What did he produce upon Calvary? ¶ 242. + +Where must the value of that ransom-price be presented? ¶ 242. + +Why is it necessary for man to be brought to the knowledge of the truth +after the paying of the ransom-price? ¶ 243. + +Who shall have the knowledge of this truth? Give Scriptural proof. ¶ 243. + +What is the great pivotal truth of the divine plan? ¶ 243. + +When the human race comes to a knowledge of the value of the +ransom-sacrifice, what effect will it have upon the ones who appreciate +it? ¶ 243. + +[Illustration] + + + + +CHAPTER VII + +String 6: _Resurrection_ + + +Nisan was the beginning of months in the Jewish religious year; and the +fourteenth day of Nisan, A.D. 33, found Jesus of Nazareth dead and in +the tomb. The hopes of his followers were dashed to the ground. Looking +back to the promises made by Jehovah to faithful Abraham, his disciples +and other associates had believed Jesus to be the promised Messiah and +trusted that he would be the deliverer of Israel from Roman bondage and +would also be the instrument for the blessing, through Israel, of all the +nations of the earth. But now he who they had hoped would redeem Israel +(Luke 24:21) was dead. They were perplexed and overwhelmed. Seemingly +they did not expect him to rise again from the dead, nor did they know +at that time that Jehovah would not suffer the flesh of his Holy One to +corrupt. The conduct of the disciples at this time, as well as of those +who were in full sympathy with them, shows that they did not expect his +resurrection. The body was carefully wrapped and placed in the tomb with +myrrh, aloes, and spices, evidently to prevent decomposition. The +subsequent great sorrow of the women at the tomb and their belief that +the body of Jesus had been wrongfully removed and hid elsewhere, also +the perplexity of the disciples, all tends to show that they did not +have any hope or expectation of the resurrection of Jesus. Then we have +the positive statement: "For as yet they knew not the scripture, that he +must rise again from the dead".--John 20:9. + +[246]The disciples were Jews and it might be supposed that they were +somewhat acquainted with the Scriptures. We remember, however, that they +were not learned men; and even if they had been acquainted with the text +of the Scriptures they could not have had a very clear understanding of +them at that time; just as we now see there are many wonderful truths in +the Bible which have been there for centuries and which Christians never +understood until recently. Now as we look at the inspired Word of God we +can see some texts in the Old Testament which clearly refer to the +resurrection of Jesus, and which texts must have been familiar to many +Jews at the time Jesus was crucified. For information we note some of +these texts here. + +[247]The prophet Job pointed to the time of redemption and deliverance +when he said: "For I know that my redeemer liveth, and that he shall +stand at the latter day upon the earth". (Job 19:25) If the Redeemer was +to stand at the latter day upon the earth, then he must arise from the +dead after he had provided the redemptive price by his death; hence this +Scripture must foreshadow his resurrection. The psalmist David wrote +prophetically concerning Jesus' resurrection when he said: "For thou +wilt not leave my soul in hell; neither wilt thou suffer thine Holy One +to see corruption. Thou wilt show me the path of life: in thy presence +is fullness of joy; at thy right hand are pleasures for evermore." +(Psalm 16:10,11) We have the inspired testimony of the Apostle that the +Prophet did there refer to the resurrection of Jesus.--Acts 2:27-31; +13:35-37. + +[248]Again the prophet David wrote concerning Jesus, the Savior of the +world: "As for me, I will behold thy face in righteousness: I shall be +satisfied, when I awake, with thy likeness". (Psalm 17:15) The awakening +clearly means the awakening out of death. Jesus was awakened out of +death in the express image of the Father. (Hebrews 1:2) Again the +Psalmist wrote: "Thou hast ascended on high, thou hast led captivity +captive: thou hast received gifts for men". (Psalm 68:18) Clearly the +apostle Paul refers to this same Scripture in Ephesians 4:8, showing +that the Psalmist referred to the resurrection of Jesus. + +[249]The prophet Isaiah wrote: "For unto us a child is born, unto us a +son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his +name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The +everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace. Of the increase of his +government and peace there shall be no end, upon the throne of David, +and upon his kingdom, to order it, and to establish it with judgment and +with justice from henceforth for ever." (Isaiah 9:6,7) Here it is +clearly stated that the One who would hold this exalted position, the +Messiah, is to be the everlasting Father. Father means life-giver, and +it would be impossible for Jesus to be the great Life-giver to man +unless he was raised from the dead. + +[250]Again the prophet Isaiah described the sufferings of Jesus and his +death and subsequent resurrection when he wrote: "The Lord hath laid on +him the iniquity of us all.... He is brought as a lamb to the +slaughter.... He was taken from prison and from judgment: ... He was cut +off out of the land of the living: for the transgression of my people +was he stricken. And he made his grave with the wicked, and with the +rich in his death: ... when thou shalt make his soul an offering for sin, +he shall see his seed.... He shall see of the travail of his soul and +shall be satisfied: by his knowledge shall my righteous servant justify +many." (Isaiah 53:6-11) He could not have poured out his soul unto +death and afterward see the travail of his soul and be satisfied unless +he should be raised from the dead. + +[251]These Scriptures clearly foretell the resurrection of Jesus. +Besides this, Jesus had told his disciples while in Galilee that he +would be put to death and rise from the dead. (Luke 24:6,7) "And while +they abode in Galilee, Jesus said unto them, The Son of man shall be +betrayed into the hands of men: and they shall kill him, and the third +day he shall be raised again. And they were exceeding sorry." (Matthew +17:22,23) But it may not be expected of them that they should understand +the meaning of these Old Testament Scriptures as referring to the +resurrection of the Lord. They were not men of great learning. They were +poor and followed humble occupations. They had doubtless not had the +advantage of a great amount of education; but a stronger reason is that +the holy spirit had not then been given and their minds had not been +illuminated, and it is not to be expected that they would understand +then the deep things of God's Word. (1 Corinthians 2:14) Nor is it at +all surprising that they had forgotten some of the sayings of Jesus +concerning his betrayal, his death and resurrection. We must remember +that they loved Jesus very devotedly; and uppermost in their minds was +the hope that he would be the deliverer of Israel. Only five days before +his death they had joined him in his triumphal entry into Jerusalem, +when the common people hailed him with gladness and joy. (Matthew +21:1-11) His death was so very sudden, so cruel, the shock so terrible, +that the minds of these faithful disciples and others who loved him +dearly were stunned. They were truly overwhelmed with sorrow and grief. +He had been rudely snatched from them; unjustly tried, brutally +condemned, and then subjected to the most ignominious death known to +man, the death of the cross. + +[252]Clearly in fulfillment of the prophecy of Isaiah above noted, +Jesus was put to death as an evil one, thereby making his grave with the +wicked; and he was laid in the sepulchre of a rich man of Arimathea, +named Joseph.--Matthew 27:57. + +[253]Little is said as to the doings of the disciples and their +associates immediately following the crucifixion of Jesus when he was +laid away in the tomb. The good women went and "beheld where he was +laid". No doubt little else was done. After 6 o'clock p.m. of that day +was the beginning of the sabbath day, and under the law the Jews must +rest; hence we are not to expect that they did much of anything. Nor +could it have been a day of much rest to them. It was a day of great +sorrow. They could do no work to divert their minds from the terrible +shock caused by the crucifixion of the Lord. The rest must have been one +merely of cessation from labor. Surely they had little rest of body or +peace of mind. It was a day of sorrowful waiting for them, because +tomorrow they would go to the tomb. The sabbath ended at 6 o'clock p.m., +but the night followed, which prevented them from visiting the tomb +then. + +[254]The morning following was the first day of the week; and early +that morning, before it became very light, Mary Magdalene and other good +women who had followed Jesus from Galilee and ministered unto him, +hastened to the Savior's tomb. When they reached there the angel of the +Lord appeared unto them, saying: "Fear not ye: for I know that ye seek +Jesus, which was crucified. He is not here: for he is risen, as he said. +Come, see the place where the Lord lay. And go quickly, and tell his +disciples that he is risen from the dead; and, behold he goeth before +you into Galilee; there shall ye see him: lo, I have told you. And they +departed quickly from the sepulchre with fear and great joy; and did +run to bring his disciples word." (Matthew 28:5-8) This news to these +faithful women sounded too good to be true. They were dazed and +bewildered; yet with joy they hurried away to deliver the message to +others who loved the Lord. + +[255]Here we have the proof that the resurrection of Jesus is one of +the strings upon the harp of God, yielding great joy to those who hear +its blessed sound. The first human being who heard of the resurrection +rejoiced. How much more joy there must have been in heaven at that hour! + +[256]Angel means messenger; that is, one who is sent on a mission as +a representative or deputy, or messenger of God. These holy messengers +or angels always have access to the Father, Jehovah. (Matthew 18:10) We +should expect, of course, that these holy ones of the heavenly host would +sing praise and give utterance to joy before the Lord at every progressive +step of his plan. These angels inhabit the heavens, the high place. And so +the Psalmist writes of them: "Praise ye the Lord. Praise ye the Lord from +the heavens: praise him in the heights. Praise ye him, all his angels: +praise ye him, all his hosts". (Psalm 148:1,2) The Bible abounds with +many instances wherein God has used these holy angels as messengers. He +communicated with Abraham by his angels (Genesis 22:15); also with Jacob. +(Genesis 31:11) God appeared unto Moses by his angel. (Exodus 3:2) He also +delivered a message to Elijah by his angel. (1 Kings 19:5) These holy +messengers of God guarded the interests of Jesus at all times, from the +moment he left the heavenly courts to become the man Jesus for the purpose +of redeeming the world of mankind. (Zechariah 3:1-7) The angel of the Lord +announced to Mary that she was to be the mother of the babe Jesus. (Luke +1:31) When she gave birth to this wonderful child, the angel of the Lord +brought the message to the faithful shepherds, and the great multitude of +the heavenly hosts joined together with that angel in praising, God.--Luke +2:9-11. + +[257]We may be sure that these faithful, holy angels, as God's +instruments, were carefully watching every step of Jesus from the time +of his birth up to the moment of his resurrection. With eagerness they +would watch and wait to see if Jesus fully met all the requirements of +God's law. They evidently knew that his full compliance would meet with +the marvelous reward of a resurrection from the dead. It was one of +these faithful messengers that the Lord sent from heaven to roll back +the stone from the door of the tomb at the resurrection of the Master. +What great joy must have filled the heavenly courts now when they beheld +Jesus, by the power of God, triumphant over death and the grave! + +[258]Lucifer, who became Satan, who had once been associated with the +holy angels and who had seduced some of their fellow angels, had for +centuries opposed Jehovah and specially tried to destroy Jesus. Jesus +had been sent into the world that he might destroy the works of Satan; +and now, having been raised from the dead, he would ultimately "destroy +him that had the power of death, that is, the devil," which destruction +would guarantee the deliverance of the human race. (Hebrews 2:14) Now +Jesus had broken the bonds of death, being raised by Jehovah to power +and glory, demonstrating the fact that he was fully approved by Jehovah. +He now proved that he was worthy to be praised; and without question he +received the unlimited praise of all the heavenly host. The Revelator +says: "And I beheld, and I heard the voice of many angels round about +the throne and the beasts and the elders: and the number of them was ten +thousand times ten thousand, and thousands of thousands; saying with a +loud voice, Worthy is the Lamb that was slain to receive power, and +riches, and wisdom, and strength, and honor and glory, and blessing." +--Revelation 5:11,12. + + +SCRIPTURAL PROOF + +[259]It was not their previous knowledge of the Scriptures and their +faith in them that Christ Jesus would arise from the dead which induced +the disciples to believe that he was risen, but it was what they +actually saw and experienced that led them to this conclusion. The +knowledge gained by experience, coupled with the knowledge of the +Scriptures subsequently acquired by them, not only established beyond a +doubt in their own minds the resurrection of the Lord Jesus, but it +emboldened them to declare the message on every opportune occasion to +others and to emphasize this great doctrine of truth in their epistles +to the church. + +[260]It will profit us here to consider the Scriptural testimony given +by the Evangelist in proof that Jesus did arise from the dead three days +after his crucifixion. There have always been some that denied the +resurrection and hence it is always well to fortify ourselves against +such denial, as well as to strengthen our own faith. It must be +remembered that the writers of these gospels were not learned men; they +were not such men as would arrange a fraudulent scheme to deceive +anybody. There would be no occasion for them to do this. The fact that +they did not expect a resurrection and gave evidence of that by their +conduct and their speech at and just after the Lord's death is strong +circumstantial evidence that their testimony subsequently given is true. +Besides this, the testimony itself bears all the earmarks of truth. + +[261]At the time Jesus died there was an earthquake. The Roman +centurion who stood by exclaimed "Truly this was the son of God!" "When +the even was come, there came a rich man of Arimathea, named Joseph, who +also himself was Jesus' disciple: he went to Pilate, and begged the body +of Jesus. Then Pilate commanded the body to be delivered. And when +Joseph had taken the body, he wrapped it in a clean linen cloth, and +laid it in his own new tomb, which he had hewn out in the rock: and he +rolled a great stone to the door of the sepulchre, and departed and +there was Mary Magdalene, and the other Mary, sitting over against the +sepulchre."--Matthew 27:57-61. + +[262]The Pharisees believed in the resurrection of the dead, basing +their conclusion upon the words of the prophets. They feared that Jesus +might arise from the dead. They knew they were guilty of having him put +to death and they hoped that would be the end of him. "Now the next day, +that followed the day of the preparation, the chief priests and +Pharisees came together unto Pilate, saying, Sir, we remember that that +deceiver said, while he was yet alive, After three days I will rise +again. Command therefore that the sepulchre be made sure until the third +day, lest his disciples come by night, and steal him away, and say unto +the people, He is risen from the dead: so the last error shall be worse +than the first." (Matthew 27:62-64) When the Roman governor heard their +request he granted them a Roman guard, saying to them: "Ye have a watch: +go your way, make it as sure as ye can. So they went, and made the +sepulchre sure, sealing the stone, and setting a watch."--Matthew +27;65,66. + +[263]The Lord Jehovah must have held these Pharisees in derision, who +presumed by having the stone sealed and a Roman guard placed at the +entrance that they could prevent his bringing Jesus out of the tomb. +God could have easily resurrected the Lord without removing the stone. +He chose, however, to do the latter. And in addition to raising up Jesus +as a divine being, he also removed the body in his own good way and to +his own good place, that it might not see corruption, even as he had +promised.--Psalm 16:10. + +[264]This Roman guard kept a close vigil over the tomb during Friday +night, Saturday and Saturday night; and early Sunday morning the angel +of the Lord appeared and rolled back the stone. The keepers testified +that the countenance of the angel was like lightning and his raiment as +white as snow, and these watchmen did shake because of fear. + +[265]The sabbath day now ended, the dawn of the first day of the week +being here, the faithful women were the first ones to start for the +tomb. "In the end of the sabbath, as it began to dawn toward the first +day of the week, came Mary Magdalene and the other Mary to see the +sepulchre. And, behold, there was a great earthquake: for the angel of +the Lord descended from heaven, and came and rolled back the stone from +the door, and sat upon it. His countenance was like lightning, and his +raiment white as snow: and for fear of him the keepers did shake, and +became as dead men. And the angel answered and said unto the women, Fear +not ye: for I know that ye seek Jesus, which was crucified. He is not +here: for he is risen, as he said. Come, see the place where the Lord +lay. And go quickly, and tell his disciples that he is risen from the +dead; and, behold he goeth before you into Galilee; there shall ye see +him: lo, I have told you. And they departed quickly from the sepulchre +with fear and great joy; and did run to bring his disciples word. And as +they went to tell his disciples, behold, Jesus met them, saying, All +hail. And they came and held him by the feet, and worshipped him. Then +said Jesus unto them, Be not afraid: go tell my brethren that they go +into Galilee, and there shall they see me."--Matthew 28:1-10. + +[266]There must have been great excitement about that time among some +of the people of Jerusalem. These faithful women ran to tell the +disciples, while the Roman soldiers hurried into the city to notify +their employers of what had happened. "Now when they were going, behold, +some of the watch came into the city, and showed unto the chief priests +all the things that were done. And when they were assembled with the +elders, and had taken counsel, they gave large money unto the soldiers, +saying, Say ye, His disciples came by night, and stole him away while we +slept. And if this come to the governor's ears, we will persuade him, +and secure you. So they took the money, and did as they were taught: and +this saying is commonly reported among the Jews until this +day."--Matthew 28:11-15. + +[267]The account given by St. Luke is almost identical with that given +by St. Matthew. Likewise the testimony given by St. Mark. St. John also +gives an accurate account of the resurrection of the Lord. We insert +here the testimony of each of these witnesses for the purpose of showing +that the four testified substantially to the same facts and fully +corroborated each other. + +[268]"And when the sabbath was past, Mary Magdalene, and Mary the +mother of James, and Salome, had bought sweet spices, that they might +come and anoint him. And very early in the morning the first day of the +week, they came unto the sepulchre at the rising of the sun. And they +said among themselves, Who shall roll us away the stone from the door of +the sepulchre? And when they looked, they saw that the stone was rolled +away: for it was very great. And entering into the sepulchre, they saw +a young man sitting on the right side, clothed in a long white garment; +and they were affrighted. And he said unto them, Be not affrighted: Ye +seek Jesus of Nazareth, which was crucified: he is risen; he is not +here: behold the place where they laid him. But go your way, tell his +disciples and Peter that he goeth before you into Galilee: there shall +ye see him, as he said unto you."--Mark 16:1-7. + +[269]"Now upon the first day of the week, very early in the morning, +they came unto the sepulchre, bringing the spices which they had +prepared, and certain others with them. And they found the stone rolled +away from the sepulchre. And they entered in, and found not the body of +the Lord Jesus. And it came to pass, as they were much perplexed +thereabout, behold, two men stood by them in shining garments: and as +they were afraid, and bowed down their faces to the earth, they said +unto them, Why seek ye the living among the dead? He is not here, but is +risen: remember how he spake unto you when he was yet in Galilee, +saying, The Son of man must be delivered into the hands of sinful men, +and be crucified, and the third day rise again. And they remembered his +words, and returned from the sepulchre, and told all these things unto +the eleven, and to all the rest. It was Mary Magdalene, and Joanna, and +Mary the mother of James, and other women that were with them, which +told these things unto the apostles."--Luke 24:1-10. + +[270]"The first day of the week cometh Mary Magdalene early, when it was +yet dark, unto the sepulchre, and seeth the stone taken away from the +sepulchre. Then she runneth, and cometh to Simon Peter, and to the other +disciple, whom Jesus loved, and saith unto them, They have taken away +the Lord out of the sepulchre, and we know not where they have laid him. +Peter therefore went forth, and that other disciple, and came to the +sepulchre. So they ran both together: and the other disciple did outrun +Peter, and came first to the sepulchre. And he stooping down, and +looking in, saw the linen clothes lying; yet went he not in. Then cometh +Simon Peter following him, and went into the sepulchre, and seeth the +linen clothes lie, and the napkin, that was about his head, not lying +with the linen clothes, but wrapped together in a place by itself. Then +went in also that other disciple, which came first to the sepulchre, and +he saw, and believed."--John 20:1-8. + +[271]Added to the testimony of these four witnesses is that of St. Paul, +who had a miraculous vision of the Lord on his way to Damascus. +Concerning the resurrection of the dead the Apostle later testified: +"For I delivered unto you first of all that which I also received, how +that Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures; and that he +was buried, and that he rose again the third day according to the +scriptures; and that he was seen of Cephas, then of the twelve: after +that, he was seen of above five hundred brethren at once; of whom the +greater part remain unto this present, but some are fallen asleep. After +that he was seen of James; then of all the apostles. And last of all he +was seen of me also, as of one born out of due time."--1 Corinthians +15:3-8. + +[272]St. John, subsequently writing concerning the Lord, emphasizes the +fact that they saw with their own eyes, saying: "That which was from the +beginning, which we have heard, which we have seen with our eyes, which +we have looked upon, and our hands have handled, of the Word of life; +(for the life was manifested, and we have seen it, and bear witness, and +show unto you that eternal life, which was with the Father, and was +manifested unto us;) that which we have seen and heard declare we unto +you, that ye also may have fellowship with us: and truly our fellowship +is with the Father, and with his Son Jesus Christ. And these things +write we unto you, that your joy may be full."--1 John 1:1-4. + +[273]Thus we see there were more than five hundred witnesses who +testified to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus. This alone should +establish the fact beyond any question of a doubt; but when we see the +reason for the Lord's resurrection, the whole matter not only becomes +clear but brings great joy to the heart of one who does see it. We must +furthermore consider that these faithful witnesses of the Lord did not +go to some isolated place to give their testimony concerning his +resurrection, but they gave it openly before the tribunals, before Jews +and heathen philosophers, courtiers, lawyers, as well as the common +people. They did not wait until years afterward to begin to give their +testimony concerning his resurrection, but did so immediately after the +great event took place. They were so bold in declaring it that had there +been a possibility of refuting their testimony we may be sure that the +Pharisees would have attempted it. They did not give this testimony for +the purpose of gaining fame, glory, or riches. But, on the contrary, +they knew that they would bring upon themselves the indignation of the +Pharisees and rulers and would expose themselves to suffering and death. + +[274]At Pentecost, only fifty days after the resurrection of the Lord, +the apostle Peter stood forth before the multitude and proclaimed to the +men of Judea and all that dwelt in Jerusalem concerning the resurrection +of the Lord. In his eloquence he exclaimed: "Therefore let all the house +of Israel know assuredly, that God hath made that same Jesus, whom ye +have crucified, both Lord and Christ". (Acts 2:36) So persuasive and +convincing was the Apostle's argument that the Jews who had participated +in having the Lord put to death "were pricked in their heart, and said +unto Peter and to the rest of the apostles, Men and brethren, what shall +we do?" Some of them suffered death and martyrdom because they preached +Christ and his resurrection. (Acts 7:59) The apostles and early +Christians received much persecution because they testified boldly that +Jesus was raised from the dead. They would not have done this had they +been trying to carry out some fraudulent imposition. Their motive in +preaching these doctrines was to be witnesses for the Lord concerning +the fulfillment of his great plan for the redemption and deliverance of +mankind. + + +CHRIST THE LORD DIVINE + +[275]Jesus was put to death in the flesh and was resurrected a divine +being. (1 Peter 3:18) God had promised to grant unto him the divine +nature, giving him the power and authority to have inherent life. Only +divine beings have life within themselves and need nothing to sustain +life. Jesus said: "For as the Father hath life in himself; so hath he +given to the Son to have life in himself". (John 5:26) When on earth he +was a man. When he arose from the dead he was the express image of +Jehovah God. "Who being the brightness of his [Jehovah's] glory, and the +express image of his person, and upholding all things by the word of his +power, when he had by himself purged our sins, sat down on the right +hand of the majesty on high; being made so much better than the angels, +as he hath by inheritance obtained a more excellent name than they." +(Hebrews 1:3,4) He was begotten to the divine nature at the time of his +baptism in the Jordan. He was born on the divine plane to the divine +nature at his resurrection. When he arose from the dead he was both Lord +and Christ. (Acts 2:36) Lord means one who owns; one who has power and +authority, and one whom his followers acknowledge as Master and Lord. +Christ means the anointed one; the one appointed by Jehovah to carry out +his great plan. So now being raised from the dead he is both owner of +all things and endowed with power and authority to carry out Jehovah's +plan. The name Jesus means Savior of the people. That was his earthly +name. It is more particularly associated with him as the sin-bearer, or +one who made his soul an offering for sin, who suffered for us and who +bore our sins--the one whom the Prophet describes as "the man of +sorrows". + +[276]When he arose from the dead Jehovah highly exalted him and gave him +a name above all other names. He was once a man of sorrows, acquainted +with grief. Now, resurrected from the dead, he is the exalted one; hence +the Apostle declares: "Being found in fashion as a man, he humbled +himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross. +Wherefore God also hath highly exalted him, and given him a name which +is above every name; that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of +things in heaven, and things in earth and things under the earth and +that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory +of God the Father."--Philippians 2:8-11. + +[277]God has decreed that since the earth was the scene of Jesus' +suffering it shall be the scene of his glory, and all creatures shall +bow at the name of Jesus, and that every creature shall confess that +Jesus is Christ and is the Lord. + +[278]On the day Jesus arose from the dead and on several occasions +thereafter he appeared unto his disciples and others who specially +loved him. He did not appear to them in the same body which was +crucified; nor with the same clothing in which he was buried. The +Scriptural account is that the clothing and a napkin were folded up and +laid aside in the tomb. Had he appeared in the same body that was +crucified, those who were with him for three and a half years would have +readily recognized him. Surely Mary would have known him. He appeared to +her as a gardener on one occasion, and only when he spoke her name in +the tone so familiar to her did she recognize him. The Scriptural +account of his appearing to the disciples and other witnesses is briefly +noted as follows: + +[279]He appeared on Sunday morning, early in the day of his +resurrection, to Mary Magdalene near the sepulchre at Jerusalem.--John +20:11-18. + +[280]On the same Sunday morning, to the women returning from the +sepulchre.--Matthew 28:9, 10. + +[281]On the same Sunday morning to Simon Peter alone near Jerusalem. +--Luke 24:34. + +[282]On the same day to two disciples going to Emmaus, between Jerusalem +and Emmaus.--Luke 24:13-21. + +[283]On the same Sunday evening to the apostles (except Thomas) at +Jerusalem.--John 20:19-25. + +[284]Thereafter he appeared again one week later (Sunday evening) to the +apostles, Thomas this time being present, at Jerusalem.--John 20:26-29. + +[285]Some days thereafter he appeared on the shores of Galilee to seven +of his disciples who had gone back to fishing.--John 21:1-13. + +[286]A little later he appeared to the eleven disciples on a mountain +near Galilee.--Matthew 28:16-20. + +[287]A short time thereafter he again appeared to a company of more than +five hundred of his followers, gathered by appointment, in Galilee. +--1 Corinthians 15:6. + +[288]He again appeared to the apostle James only.--1 Corinthians 15:7. + +[289]Then he appeared for the last time on the side of the Mount of +Olives to his disciples at the time of his ascension.--Luke 24:50,51; +Acts 1:6-9. + +[290]The question will arise in the minds of many, Did he appear in a +spirit body or a human body, and how did he get the body if it was not +the one in which he was crucified? We may be sure that he did not arise +from the dead with a human body, because on one of these occasions he +appeared to the disciples when they were in a room with the doors +fastened. (John 20:19-26) The only answer is that now, as a divine +being, he had the power to create a body and clothing and appear at any +time and upon any occasion that he desired. Mary supposed him to be a +gardener; two of the disciples who walked with him thought he was a +stranger in the community. Again, none of the disciples recognized him +by his body on the sea of Galilee; likewise on other occasions when he +appeared unto them. On all these occasions he was recognized by his +actions, his words, and the familiar tone of his voice. It was hard to +convince Thomas, who declared he must have some more proof; therefore +the Lord created a body having in it the marks of the nails in order +that Thomas might be convinced. And when he was convinced, Jesus said to +him: "Thomas, because thou hast seen me, thou hast believed: blessed are +they that have not seen, and yet have believed".--John 20:27-29. + +[291]The purpose of Jesus' appearing to the disciples was that the fact +might be fully established that he was resurrected and alive. He had the +power to create a fleshly body and appear in it and dissolve it at any +time; and without doubt when he appeared to his disciples behind locked +doors he created the body immediately in their presence and dissolved +it when he disappeared. To prove to them that he was a real body of flesh +and bones he said to them: "Handle me, and see; for a spirit hath not +flesh and bones, as ye see me have". (Luke 24:39) This was not a spirit +body, but a body of flesh. The body with which he ascended on high and +which he has in heaven is a glorious body which no man can look upon and +live except by the miraculous power of Jehovah. The apostle Paul states: +"Flesh and blood cannot inherit the kingdom of God". (1 Corinthians +15:50,51) In addition to this, St. John says: "It doth not yet appear +what we shall be: but we know that, when he shall appear, we shall be +like him; for we shall see him as he is".--1 John 3:2. + +[292]St. Paul was given a miraculous view of the Lord in glory. As he +was journeying to Damascus suddenly there shone about him a light from +heaven. He did not see the body of Jesus but only the light from his +glorious body. He heard a voice saying unto him: "I am Jesus". So +brilliant was this light that for three days he was blind; and the Lord +performed a miracle by removing his blindness. "And immediately there +fell from his eyes as it had been scales: and he received sight +forthwith and arose, and was baptized." (Acts 9:1-19) The apostle Paul +afterward relating this incident said: "And last of all he [Jesus] was +seen of me also, as one born out of due time". (1 Corinthians 15:8) Here +we have a little glimpse of what the glorious body of the Lord is. These +facts show that the bodies in which Jesus appeared after his resurrection +were not the body that was crucified nor his glorious spiritual body, +but bodies created expressly for the purpose of appearing unto his +disciples. Our Lord's human body, the one crucified, was removed from +the tomb by the power of God. Had it remained there it would have been +an obstacle in the way of the faith of his disciples, who were not yet +instructed in spiritual things. They were not thus instructed until the +giving of the holy spirit at Pentecost. The Scriptures do not reveal +what became of that body, except that it did not decay or corrupt. (Acts +2:27,31) We can only surmise that the Lord may have preserved it +somewhere to exhibit to the people in the Millennial age. The Scriptures +tell us that God miraculously hid the body of Moses (Deuteronomy 34:6; +Jude 9); and Jehovah could just as easily have preserved and hid away +the body of Jesus. Jesus being resurrected a divine being, the express +image of the Father, we are sure that no man could look upon him and +live. (Exodus 33:20) Christ Jesus the Lord in heaven is a glorious +being, the fairest of ten thousand, and altogether lovely, and no human +eye has ever seen him since glorified, except the vision miraculously +given to St. Paul. + +[293]The purpose of the resurrection of the Lord Jesus when understood +is further proof that he was raised divine. As we have seen, the ransom +must be provided by a perfect human being going into death. This +ransom-price, namely, the value of a perfect human life, must be +presented in heaven itself as a sin-offering on behalf of mankind. +Unless this was done, the ransom would be of no avail and there would be +no purchase of the human race from death and its results. The apostle +Paul plainly states that Christ Jesus has entered into heaven itself, +now to appear in the presence of God for us. (Hebrews 9:24) He is now a +great high priest who passed into the heavens, becoming the high priest +on behalf of those who come to God through him during the gospel age. +(Hebrews 4:14-16) On the typical atonement day, as we have seen, God +caused Israel through the priesthood to make a picture of the +sin-offering. The high priest appearing in the Most Holy and sprinkling +the blood upon the mercy seat was a type of Jesus appearing in heaven +itself, presenting the merit of his sacrifice as a great sin-offering. +This would have been impossible had not Jesus been resurrected a divine +being. + +[294]Afterward Jesus Christ gave unto St. John a revelation by his +angel, which is recorded as the book of Revelation. In that he said: "I +am he that liveth, and was dead; and, behold, I am alive for evermore, +Amen; and have the keys of hell and of death". (Revelation 1:18) Hell +means the tomb, the grave, the condition of death into which the whole +human race has been going for so many centuries. Death is the great +enemy and in due time the Lord will abolish or destroy both death and +the grave, as we shall see later on. + +[295]As each person comes to a knowledge of the resurrection of Jesus +Christ and understands and appreciates the purpose, his heart is made +glad. Only those who are enlightened have yet appreciated the fact that +the resurrection of Jesus is one of the strings on God's wonderful harp. +In due time these benefits will be made known to all, and all shall +recognize this wonderful truth. After the Lord has finished the +selection of the members of his body, which is called the church +(Colossians 1:18), then his merit or ransom-sacrifice will be presented +on behalf of the world of mankind and all will reap the benefits of his +resurrection. The foregoing Scriptures conclusively establish the +resurrection of Christ Jesus from the dead. + +[296]In St. Paul's day there were some who denied the resurrection, even +as it has been ever since. To meet their argument St. Paul wrote: "Now if +Christ be preached that he rose from the dead, how say some among you that +there is no resurrection of the dead? But if there be no resurrection of +the dead, then is Christ not risen: and if Christ be not risen, then is +our preaching vain, and your faith is also vain. Yea, and we are found +false witnesses of God; because we have testified of God that he raised +up Christ; whom he raised not up, if so be that the dead rise not. For +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 firstfruits of them that slept. For since +by man came death, by man came also the resurrection of the dead. For as +in Adam all die, so in Christ shall all be made alive. But every man in +his own order: Christ the firstfruits; afterward they that are Christ's +at his coming. Then cometh the end when he shall have delivered up the +kingdom to God, even the Father; when he shall have put down all rule and +authority and power. For he must reign, till he hath put all enemies under +his feet. The last enemy that shall be destroyed is death."--1 Corinthians +15:12-26. + +[297]Because of the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ and his +ascension on high, all men are guaranteed one full, fair opportunity to +obtain everlasting life. God has made this provision and given this +guarantee, as St. Paul states. "Because he [God] hath appointed a day, +in the which he will judge the world in righteousness by that man whom +he hath ordained; whereof he hath given assurance unto all men, in that +he hath raised him from the dead." (Acts 17:31) We are now just coming +into that "appointed day", in which the world is beginning to know and +soon will know much more about the wonderful benefits resulting from the +resurrection of our Lord. In that great day the Lord shall reign in glory +and then will be fulfilled his words: "Marvel not at this: for the hour +is coming, in the which all that are in the graves shall hear his voice, +and shall come forth; they that have done good, unto the resurrection of +life; and they that have done evil, unto the resurrection of judgment". +(John 5:28,29, _R.V._) Of this we shall have more to say when we +discuss the string of God's great harp, restoration. + + + + +What is the first month of the Jewish religious year? ¶ 245. + +On the fourteenth day of that month, A.D. 33, where was Jesus? ¶ 245. + +What had his disciples expected him to do? ¶ 245. + +What was their condition of mind, and what their hopes, after his death? +¶ 245. + +What was the expectation of the disciples with reference to his +resurrection? ¶ 245. + +How had the body of Jesus been prepared for burial? and what was the +purpose? ¶ 245. + +Give further proof with reference to the expectation of the disciples +concerning Jesus' resurrection. ¶ 245. + +Did the disciples understand the Scriptures at that time with reference +to the resurrection of Jesus Christ? ¶ 246. + +Is the student now able to understand Scriptures in the Old Testament +relative to the resurrection of the Lord that have been heretofore +little understood? ¶ 246. + +Give some Scriptural texts of the Old Testament bearing upon the +resurrection of the Lord Jesus. ¶ 247. + +Did the Psalmist speak of Jesus going to hell? and if so, what was +meant? ¶ 247. + +Give the Apostle's interpretation of this statement. ¶ 247. + +What was meant by the statement of the Psalmist in Psalm 17:15? ¶ 248. + +In whose likeness was Jesus awakened? Give the Scriptural proof. ¶ 248. + +Did the Psalmist in Psalm 68:18 refer to Jesus' resurrection? and if so, +why? ¶ 248. + +Quote the words of the prophecy of Isaiah (9:6,7) concerning Jesus. ¶ 249. + +Did the Prophet here foreshadow the resurrection of Jesus Christ? ¶ 249. + +How did Jehovah refer to Christ's resurrection in the words of the +prophet Isaiah (53:6-11)? ¶ 250. + +Had Jesus told his disciples that he expected to arise from the dead? +and if so, where? ¶ 251. + +Why were the disciples sorry, as stated in Matthew 17:22,23? ¶ 251. + +Why could not the disciples of Jesus understand the prophecies +concerning his resurrection? Quote a Scripture from the New Testament in +support of this answer. ¶ 251. + +What was the hope uppermost in the minds of the disciples? ¶ 251. + +What had happened just five days before Jesus' death that increased such +hopes in the minds of the disciples? ¶ 251. + +What would be the probable effect upon the disciples of the sudden death +of the Master? ¶ 251. + +In being put to death as an evil one and buried in the sepulchre of a +rich man, what prophecy did Jesus fulfill? ¶ 252. + +On what day was Jesus crucified? and what was the day following? ¶ 253. + +What were Jews expected to do on that day of the sabbath? ¶ 253. + +When did the sabbath day end? ¶ 253. + +What was done by Mary and others on the morning of the first day of the +week after Jesus' crucifixion? ¶ 254. + +Who appeared unto them at the tomb? and what did the messenger say? ¶ 254. + +What effect did this message from the angel have upon these women? and +what did they do? ¶ 254. + +What proof have we here that the resurrection of Jesus is one of the +strings upon the harp of God? ¶ 255. + +What effect was produced upon the first human being who heard of the +resurrection of the Lord? ¶ 255. + +How must this news have been received in heaven? ¶ 255. + +What is the meaning of the word angel? ¶ 256. + +Do these angels have access to Jehovah? Give the Scriptural proof. ¶ 256. + +Is there Scriptural proof that these holy messengers sing praises in +heaven? ¶ 256. + +What Scriptural proof have we that God uses angels for messengers? Give +several instances. ¶ 256. + +Is there any Scriptural evidence that these holy angels guarded the +interests of Jesus while here on earth? ¶ 256. + +Cite Scriptural proof as to what else the angels did with reference to +Jesus the babe. ¶ 256. + +Is it reasonable to suppose that the angels watched the progressive +steps of Jesus' course from his birth to his resurrection? ¶ 257. + +Might we expect them to be looking for the resurrection of Jesus Christ? +¶ 257. + +Who was sent from heaven to roll back the stone from Jesus' tomb? ¶ 257. + +When the triumph of Jesus over death and the grave was marked, what +effect must that have produced in heaven? ¶ 257. + +Would the resurrection of Jesus demonstrate his approval by Jehovah? +¶ 258. + +Would his triumph over death and the grave be reason for his praise in +heaven? ¶ 258. + +Give Scriptural proof of the praise of Jesus Christ by the heavenly +hosts after his resurrection. ¶ 258. + +What was it that convinced the disciples of the resurrection of Jesus +Christ? ¶ 259. + +Being convinced of his resurrection, how did that affect Jesus' +disciples in regard to proclaiming the truth? ¶ 259. + +Why should we have Scriptural proof of the resurrection of Christ Jesus? +¶ 260. + +Is it reasonable to suppose that Jesus' disciples would concoct a scheme +indicating his resurrection, contrary to the facts? ¶ 260. + +What convulsion of nature occurred at the time of Jesus' death? ¶ 261. + +Give the Scriptural proof of the burial of Jesus' body. ¶ 261. + +Why did the Pharisees believe in the resurrection of the dead? ¶ 262. + +Did the Pharisees specially request of Pilate a special guard to be +placed over the tomb of Jesus? and if so, why? Give the Scriptural +proof. ¶ 262. + +What did Pilate reply to them? ¶ 262. + +Could God have resurrected Jesus Christ without removing the stone? ¶ 263. + +How would this indicate the derision in which he held the Pharisees? +¶ 263. + +Who rolled away the stone from the tomb? ¶ 264. + +What did the Roman guard testify concerning the appearance of the one +who rolled away the stone? ¶ 264. + +Who first appeared at the tomb on the morning of Christ's resurrection? +¶ 265. + +Relate what took place there between Mary Magdalene and the messenger +who appeared to her; and what was the message delivered to her? ¶ 265. + +What other wrongful thing did the priests do, when they heard of Jesus +Christ's resurrection? ¶ 266. + +Compare the testimony given by St. Matthew, St. Mark, St. Luke, and St. +John; and state whether there is any real difference. ¶¶ 267-270. + +What other Apostle's testimony is added to that of the ones just quoted? +and what did he say about the resurrection of Jesus? ¶ 271. + +What further testimony did St. John subsequently give concerning Jesus +Christ's resurrection? ¶ 272. + +How many witnesses testified to the resurrection of our Lord Jesus? +¶ 273. + +Where did these faithful witnesses give their testimony concerning the +resurrection of the Lord? ¶ 273. + +Did they endanger themselves by giving such testimony? ¶ 273. + +The fact that they gave it immediately and boldly, what weight does that +add to its truthfulness? ¶ 274. + +What was their motive in testifying of the Lord's resurrection? ¶ 274. + +Did anyone suffer martyrdom because of giving testimony to this effect? +Give the Scriptural proof. ¶ 274. + +To what nature was Jesus Christ resurrected? ¶ 275. + +What does it mean to have inherent life? ¶ 275. + +What did Jesus say about the Father giving him this favor? ¶ 275. + +When the Lord arose from the dead, was he made lower or higher than the +angels? ¶ 275. + +When was he begotten and when born to the divine nature? ¶ 275. + +What is the meaning of the terms Lord and Christ? ¶ 275. + +What power and authority has the Lord possessed since his resurrection? +¶ 275. + +What is the meaning of the name Jesus? ¶ 275. + +State what the Scriptures say of his exaltation at the resurrection. +¶ 276. + +Has God decreed how the creatures of earth shall ultimately honor the +Lord Jesus? ¶ 277. + +When was the first time Jesus appeared to his disciples after arising +from the dead? ¶ 278. + +With what body did he appear? ¶ 278. + +Give the reasons why he did not appear in the body that was crucified. +¶ 278. + +How did Mary recognize him? ¶ 278. + +State how many times Jesus appeared prior to his ascension on high, +giving the Scriptural proof. ¶¶ 279-289. + +Did he appear in a spirit or a human body? and how did he get the body +in which he appeared? ¶ 290. + +How could he appear in the room in the presence of the disciples when +the door was locked? ¶ 290. + +How did the disciples recognize him at the sea of Galilee and other +places? ¶ 290. + +What was Jesus' purpose in appearing to the disciples? ¶ 291. + +Describe the body in which Jesus appeared behind locked doors; and what +did he say to his disciples then? ¶ 291. + +Could the body in which Jesus was crucified ascend into heaven? and if +not, why not? Give Scriptural proof. ¶ 291. + +Describe his appearance to Saul on the way to Damascus. ¶ 292. + +Did Saul see the body of Jesus at that time? ¶ 292. + +What effect did the appearance of the Lord to St. Paul have upon him? +¶ 292. + +What did St. Paul later say about Jesus appearing unto him? ¶ 292. + +What does the appearance of the Lord to St. Paul prove with reference to +the bodies in which Jesus appeared shortly after his resurrection? ¶ 292. + +What became of the body of the Lord that was crucified? ¶ 292. + +Christ Jesus in glory possesses what kind of body? ¶ 292. + +What did the resurrection of the Lord and his appearance in heaven have +to do with the ransom and sin-offering? ¶ 293. + +Were his resurrection and ascension on high necessary to complete the +sin-offering? ¶ 293. + +On the typical atonement day, through what ceremonies did the high +priest pass in connection with the sin-offering? ¶ 293. + +What did this typify? ¶ 293. + +In the Revelation of Jesus to St. John, what did he say about being the +one who was once dead? and what power does he now possess? ¶ 294. + +What is meant by the terms hell and death as used in Revelation 1:18? +¶ 294. + +Up to this time who have appreciated the value of Jesus' resurrection as +a part of the divine plan? ¶ 295. + +Do the Scriptures herein cited prove the resurrection of Christ Jesus? +¶ 295. + +What argument did St. Paul produce against the contention that Christ +was not raised from the dead? ¶ 296. + +What does the resurrection of Jesus Christ guarantee to mankind? ¶ 297. + +Give the Scriptural proof of such guarantee. ¶ 297. + +Where are we now with reference to the 'day appointed', as referred to +in Acts 17:31? ¶ 297. + +[Illustration] + + + + +CHAPTER VIII + +String 7: _Mystery Revealed_ + + +A mystery is that which is kept a profound secret. It is something +unknown, except to certain ones, being kept carefully and continuously +concealed from all others. Jehovah being all powerful can hide or keep +secret from every creature, earthly or heavenly, any part or all of his +great plan and reveal or make it known at such time as might please him. +One feature of his great plan he did keep secret for ages and it is +still a secret to all except a few. + +[299]When Jesus was on earth he taught the people in parables or dark +sayings. His disciples came to him and asked: "Why speakest thou unto +them in parables? He answered and said unto them, Because it is given +unto you to know the mysteries of the kingdom of heaven, but to them it +is not given." (Matthew 13:10,11) It will be observed that he did not +say, 'You now know the mysteries of God'; but that it was given them to +know those mysteries. Not even his disciples understood him in many +things when they were with him. On the last night before his crucifixion +he was instructing them in various things that would be helpful to them +in the days to come. On that occasion he said: "When he, the spirit of +truth, is come, he will guide you into all truth: for he shall not speak +of himself; but whatsoever he shall hear, that shall he speak: and he +will show you things to come." (John 16:13) The spirit of truth here +mentioned is the holy spirit, the spirit of God, the invisible power +operating upon the minds of those who are in covenant relationship with +God. Jesus here used the masculine pronoun in speaking of the holy +spirit. + +[300]The holy spirit was given to the disciples at Pentecost, that is to +say, fifty days after the resurrection of Jesus. "And when the day of +Pentecost was fully come, they were all with one accord in one place. +And suddenly there came a sound from heaven as of a rushing mighty wind, +and it filled all the house where they were sitting. And there appeared +unto them cloven tongues like as of fire, and it sat upon each of them. +And they were all filled with the holy spirit, and began to speak with +other tongues, as the spirit gave them utterance." (Acts 2:1-4) The King +James Version of our Bibles, translates the word here holy "ghost", but +there is no warrant for such a translation. It comes from the word which +means spirit. + +[301]It was at Pentecost that for the first time God's great mystery +began to be understood by the disciples. The mystery of God has been a +stumbling block to both Jews and Christians so-called; but in God's due +time he will make known to all the secret of his mystery and then all +rightly exercised by this will rejoice with exceeding joy. + +[302]The mystery is _the Christ_, the great one through whom redemption, +deliverance and blessing will ultimately come to all mankind who receive +Christ and obey him. God foreshadowed his mystery for ages by the use of +various men. Yet all of that time he kept it secret. + +[303]Death has been and is the great enemy of man. Death is the very +opposite of life. The greatest desire of man is and always has been to +have life everlasting in happiness. From the time of his expulsion from +Eden man has been looking for something upon which to fasten a hope for +life and happiness. Satan was the cause of death, and when God +pronounced the sentence in Eden he said that the seed of the woman +should bruise the serpent's head. This statement was in the nature of a +promise, but it could not then be understood. Since Pentecost some have +understood the meaning of these words to be an assurance that in God's +due time the seed of promise, the seed of the woman, will destroy Satan, +who has the power of death. Nearly two thousand years rolled by after +this statement before anything further was promised. + +[304]Then unto Abraham Jehovah called and made him the promise: "In thy +seed shall all the families of the earth be blessed". This was another +reference to the mystery; but that promise was not understood in its +proper light. Abraham believed God would bless the human race, but he +did not understand just the manner in which it would be done. At the +time of this promise Abraham had no children. Several years more passed +and then Isaac, Abraham's first legitimate son, was born. Abraham +believed that his natural seed, his son, would be the ruler through whom +the blessing would come to the people; but his son Isaac was merely a +type of the mystery, God using him to foreshadow the greater one. This +promise was renewed to Isaac and to Jacob, and at the death of Jacob his +descendants, who of course were descendants of Abraham, were organized +into twelve tribes, forming the nation of Israel, and were thereafter +recognized as God's chosen nation. (Genesis 49:28; Deuteronomy 26:5) +Then it was that the faithful believed that God's promised blessings +would come through this nation, his chosen people. But in time they +became slaves to the Egyptians and their hopes were almost blasted. They +were sorely oppressed in Egypt when God sent Moses to be their +deliverer and to lead the people of Israel out of Egyptian bondage. +Moses was also a type foreshadowing the great One. (Acts 3:22) Moses +died and the promised blessing had not yet come. The prophetic statement +made by Moses that God would raise up unto Israel one like unto himself +led the prophets to understand that there would be a great one raised up +from the nation of Israel who would be the deliverer and blesser of +mankind. + +[305]Joshua followed next in line after Moses. His name signifies +savior or deliverer. But he also was only a type of the great Deliverer. + +[306]Then David became the king of Israel. His name means beloved one. +The Jews had hoped that he would be the great deliverer, but in his old +age he abdicated the throne in favor of Solomon, and yet the blessing +did not come. Solomon became the most famous man in the world for riches +and wisdom, and the hopes of Israel were centered in him, only to be +disappointed. David and Solomon were also but mere types foreshadowing +the coming of the great Deliverer. + +[307]The nation of Israel degenerated and under the reign of Zedekiah, +their last king, they fell into captivity to the Babylonians and they +continued subject to other nations until they were finally driven out of +Palestine. + +[308]Moved by the holy spirit of God operating upon their minds, the +holy prophets testified of the coming of this great Deliverer, both of +his sufferings and of his glory that would follow; but they did not +understand. The matter was a mystery to them. (1 Peter 1:11) Even the +angels of heaven sought to look into it, but they were not permitted. +God's purpose was to keep the matter secret until his own due time to +reveal the great truth. + +[309]Then came Jesus, whose coming was announced by John the Baptist; +and he was pointed out as the one who would take away the sin of the +world. He chose his disciples and they walked with him, and he taught +them for three and a half years; yet they did not understand the great +mystery. They expected Jesus to be made an earthly king and hoped that +they might be with him in the kingdom, probably in his cabinet, because +he was asked if one might sit on his left and the other on his right +hand in the kingdom. They expected him to make Israel a great nation and +believed that through that nation other nations would be blessed. When +he was put to death they were greatly disappointed, mystified, and in +great distress. (Luke 24:21) Even after his resurrection they did not +understand his mission, and this is shown by their words to him on the +day that he ascended into heaven. "When they were therefore come +together, they asked of him, saying, Lord, wilt thou at this time +restore again the kingdom to Israel? And he said unto them, It is not +for you to know the times or the seasons, which the Father hath put in +his own power. But ye shall receive power, after that the holy spirit is +come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and +in all Judea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost parts of the earth. +And when he had spoken these things, while they beheld, he was taken up; +and a cloud received him out of their sight."--Acts 1:6-9. + +[310]In obedience to the command of Jesus, these faithful disciples went +to Jerusalem to the place known as the upper room, and there waited. Ten +days passed and then it was that the holy spirit, the invisible power of +God, was visited upon them; and true to his promise, the disciples began +to understand. + +[311]Jesus had now ascended on high and presented the merit of his +sacrifice before Jehovah and the acceptance of this was manifested by +the giving of the holy spirit to his disciples who had been his +consecrated followers for three and a half years. Doubtless the angels +of heaven now began to know something about the great mystery. What joy +must have been in heaven when Jesus Christ appeared before the Father +and presented the merit of his sacrifice and was received by Jehovah! +Surely the heavenly host must have sung his praises. They had beheld him +triumphing over death and the grave and now exalted to a position in +heaven next to the Father. It must have been a great joy to the heavenly +host, even as contemplation of it was a great joy to Jesus himself. "For +the joy that was set before him [he] endured the cross, despising the +shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God." (Hebrews +12:2) What joy must have filled the hearts of his disciples when they +began to understand the mystery of God and to see how wonderfully he had +led them and their fathers before them, preparing them now for the +revelation of this great truth! + +[312]In due time Saul of Tarsus, who afterward was named St. Paul, was +illuminated and understood. And then he wrote: "Who now rejoice in my +sufferings for you, and fill up that which is behind of the afflictions +of Christ in my flesh for his body's sake, which is the church: whereof +I am made a minister, according to the dispensation of God which is +given to me for you, to fulfill the word of God; even the mystery which +hath been hid for ages and from generations, but now is made manifest to +his saints: to whom God would make known what is the riches of the glory +of this mystery among the gentiles; which [mystery] is Christ in you, +the hope of glory." (Colossians 1:24-27) The Apostle here emphasizes the +fact that this mystery of God is now made known only to the saints. +Saints means purified ones, which purification comes through receiving +the merit of Christ's sacrifice. + +[313]The word Christ signifies anointed. Anointing means designation to +official position in God's arrangement. The Christ is the instrument or +channel for the blessing of mankind. The Christ is composed of Jesus, +the great and mighty head, and 144,000 members. (Revelation 7:4) Christ +Jesus is the head and the church his body. We ofttimes hear the +expression, a body of men with a general at their head. Of the Christ +the Apostle says: "And he [Christ Jesus] is before all things, and by +him all things consist. And he is the head of the body, the church: who +is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead; that in all things he +might have the preëminence. For it pleased the Father that in him should +all fullness dwell."--Colossians 1:17-19. + +[314]The apostle Paul uses a human body to illustrate the Christ, the +great mystery class; the head representing Jesus, and the other members +of the body those who are of his church. "For as the body is one, and +hath many members, and all the members of that one body, being many, are +one body: so also is Christ.... Now ye are the body of Christ, and +members in particular."--1 Corinthians 12:12,27. + +[315]The Christ is also designated in the Scriptures as the seed of +Abraham according to the promise. "Now to Abraham and his seed were the +promises made. He saith not, And to seeds, as of many; but as of one, +And to thy seed, which is Christ." (Galatians 3:16) Addressing himself +to the church, the Christians, the followers of Jesus, the Apostle +further said: "For ye are all the children of God by faith in Christ +Jesus. For as many of you as have been baptized into Christ, have put on +Christ.... And if ye be Christ's then are ye Abraham's seed, and heirs +according to the promise." (Galatians 3:26,27,29) This is the seed, +then, through whom the blessings will come to all the families of the +earth. Church means a gathered out class; and so the gospel age, that is +to say, the period from Jesus' first coming until his second coming, is +employed by Jehovah for the selection of the church, the seed of +Abraham, through which blessings will come to all the remainder of +mankind in God's due time. + +[316]This same class is called the elect of God, according to his +foreknowledge.--1 Peter 1:2. + +[317]Again the Apostle likens the whole of the Christ to a living stone, +saying: "Ye also, as living stones, are built up a spiritual house, an +holy priesthood, to offer up sacrifices acceptable to God by Jesus +Christ.... Behold, I lay in Zion a chief corner stone, elect, precious: +and he that believeth on him shall not be confounded. Unto you therefore +which believe he is precious." (1 Peter 2:5-7) In earthly buildings +there is no chief cornerstone; but in this building of God there is a +chief cornerstone which is Christ Jesus. The topstone or chief +cornerstone of a pyramid is itself a perfect pyramid. The other members +of the body, then, must be built up into Christ to conform to that chief +cornerstone, which is illustrated by the Great Pyramid in Egypt.--See +Isaiah 19:19. + +[318]Again this anointed class, Jesus the head and the church his body, +is spoken of as a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a peculiar people. +This was foreshadowed by the nation of Israel, particularly by the +priesthood in connection with the house of Israel. The apostle Peter +speaking of this class says: "Ye are a chosen generation, a royal +priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should show forth +the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his +marvellous light: which in time past were not a people, but are now the +people of God: which had not obtained mercy, but now have obtained +mercy."--1 Peter 2:9,10. + +[319]The members of the body of Christ, the church, are also designated +as his footstep followers; and as such they are called to suffer with +him that they might also reign with him. "For even hereunto were ye +called: because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that +ye should follow his footsteps." (1 Peter 2:21) These are also +designated as Christians. It does not mean that because one is a member +of some earthly organization called a church he is a Christian or a +member of the true church. The true church is the body of Christ; and +any one to be of the true church must be a follower of Christ in the +truest sense of the word. To this class are given the exceeding great +and precious promises recorded in the Bible, the promises of being +associated with Christ Jesus in his kingdom. (2 Peter 1:4) Not to the +world, but to his followers Jesus said: "Be thou faithful unto death, +and I will give thee a crown of life".--Revelation 2:10. + +[320]No one has been able to understand these things and appreciate +them except those who have given their hearts to the Lord. The apostle +Paul says: "The natural man receiveth not the things of the spirit of +God: for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know them, +because they are spiritually discerned". (1 Corinthians 2:14). Jehovah +has so arranged that only those who have their minds illuminated by the +holy spirit, which follows their consecration, justification, and +acceptance by the Lord, can understand and appreciate the mystery of +God. These are the ones designated by the prophet Joel as the servants +and handmaidens of God; and in the gospel age God pours out his spirit +upon them; which means to give them his spirit. But in God's due time he +will pour out his spirit upon all mankind, so that all can understand +his wonderful plan.--Joel 2:28,29. + +[321]The hiding of this mystery was illustrated by Jehovah in the +construction of the tabernacle in the wilderness and its furnishings. +The inside walls of the tabernacle were covered with pure gold. Inside +the Holy were the golden candlestick, the table covered with gold for +the showbread, and the golden altar; and in the Most Holy, was the ark +of the covenant. The tabernacle inside, therefore, was beautiful, but it +was hidden from the people on the outside because it was covered with +three heavy layers of cloth and skins. The priest ministered inside the +tabernacle, and therefore was unseen by the people. As God thus hid +these things which were typical of greater things, so he has hidden the +glories and beauties of spiritual things, seen only by those who have +come into relationship with him through Christ. + +[322]The gospel age is the antitypical day of atonement. With the Jews +there was one day each year called the day of atonement. In that day the +priest alone was in the Holy and the Most Holy; and even so on the +antitypical day of atonement no one is in the Holy condition except +those who are in relationship with Christ, the great high priest. The +Lord has been pleased to permit these during the gospel age to have some +understanding of his Word, therefore receiving the sweet and refreshing +music from his harp; and the light has grown in brilliancy and the music +in harmony as the understanding has increased. To the world in general, +Christians have been despised because not understood. The Lord of glory, +when on earth, was despised because he was misunderstood. And so his +true followers seem to be a mean and despised people. The poet has truly +said: + + "Why do they, then, appear so mean? + And why so much despised? + Because, of their rich robes, unseen, + The world is not apprized." + +[323]Satan has tried to counterfeit every part of Jehovah's plan; so he +organized a religious system in the earth which is iniquitous and is +known as "the mystery of iniquity". (2 Thessalonians 2:7; Revelation +17:5) This mystery of iniquity God will destroy in his great day of +vengeance which is now on, and then the mystery of God will be more +clearly revealed to mankind. It is revealed to individuals now as they +come into Christ. It is important, therefore, for us to know how one +becomes a member of the Christ, the great mystery of God. + + +BODY MEMBERS SELECTED + +[324]The mystery of God involves an understanding and appreciation of +the fundamental truths of repentance, consecration, justification, +spirit-begetting, and sanctification. Let us now trace the steps of one +in the world as he comes to Jehovah that he might be a member of the +body of Christ. + +[325]Because of the disobedience of father Adam, all of his children are +born imperfect, all sinners. "There is none righteous, no, not one." +(Romans 3:10; 5:12) All such are out of harmony with God. They have no +right to life. It has pleased Jehovah, then, during the gospel age to +draw to Jesus, the great Redeemer and Deliverer, those who have the +desire to come into harmony with him. The Prophet says: 'The reverence +of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom'. (Psalm 111:10) The first thing +essential for one becoming a Christian is an honest desire to know the +Lord and to do his will. A man with this honest desire, then, realizes +that he is a sinner and born such; and he has an honest desire to come +to God. He learns that Jesus is his Redeemer and he wants to know more +about him and do his will. In his mind he does not approve the ways of +the world. He begins to think about the Lord and wants to know more +about him. He begins to turn his face in the right direction. When he +ceases to approve the course of the world, he is repentant to that +extent. Repentance means a change of mind respecting one's relationship +to evil. + +[326]Jesus said: "No man can come to me, except the Father which hath +sent me draw him". (John 6:44) The man now is drawn to Jesus by what he +learns of Jesus, what Jesus has done for him, and by his own desire to +follow a different course. When one ceases to approve the worldly course +and begins to seek after the Lord, he is in that condition mentioned by +the Apostle as seeking God, "if haply they might feel after him, and +find him". (Acts 17:27) When he is drawn to Jesus, seeking God, then he +is converted. He is now in the condition spoken of by the Apostle when +he said: "Repent ye therefore, and be converted, that your sins may be +blotted out". (Acts 3:19) Repentance means a change of mind respecting +one's relationship to evil; and conversion means a change of one's +course. But neither repentance nor conversion, nor both together, brings +the individual into relationship with God. Being drawn to Jesus, he must +exercise faith. Faith means _first_ to understand and believe that God +exists; that he is the great rewarder of them that diligently seek him; +that the Bible is his Word of truth; that Jesus is his beloved Son and +our Redeemer; and _then_ to rely confidently upon these things and prove +this reliance by his action.--Hebrews 11:1,6. + +[327]He now needs information to increase his faith, and the Prophet +has written: "The testimony of the Lord is sure, making wise the +simple". (Psalm 19:7) To such now, as are feeling after God, through +Christ Jesus this message comes: "Come unto me, all ye that labor and +are heavy laden, and I will give you rest". (Matthew 11:28) Heavy laden +means to be weary of the sinful course of the world and to have a desire +to be relieved of this burden. Such a one says: 'I am tired of the +wrongful course. I want to follow the right course, to know God, and to +do his will.' + +[328]Now being drawn to Jesus, he learns through the Word that he must +do something. To him Jesus says: 'I am the way, the truth, and the life: +no man cometh unto the Father, but by me'. (John 14:6) What can one who +is now repentant and changing his course, but still a sinner, do to come +into harmony with God? He is informed that it will cost him much. So +Jesus says to him: 'Sit down and count the cost'. (Luke 14:28) He learns +it will cost him all he has, namely, the surrender of himself to the +Lord. The next step for one, then, to become a Christian is to make a +consecration; that is to say, to commit himself to the Lord and his +arrangements. And this he may do by saying in substance: 'Blessed Lord, +I commit myself to thy arrangements; here I am. Do unto me according to +thy holy will. I desire to do thy will.' + +[329]Neither the Lord Jesus nor the heavenly Father coerces any one, +but we must come to the Lord voluntarily, seeking his aid. This is +clearly indicated as necessary to become the follower of Jesus by the +words the Master used: 'If you will be my disciple, you must deny +yourself, then take up your cross, and follow me'. (Matthew 16:24) +Self-denial means an agreement to abandon one's selfish course and to +agree to do the will of the Lord. It means a full and complete surrender +of oneself unto the Lord. And this is consecration, the setting aside +of oneself to do the Lord's will. + +[330]Those who are selected to be members of the body of Christ, which +selection is done during the gospel age, must be justified in order that +they might be accepted. They are justified only for the purpose of being +accepted as a part of the sacrifice of the Lord. On the typical day of +atonement when the high priest of Israel slew the animals, the Lord's +goat pictured this class who come to the Lord in consecration. That goat +must be perfect, without any blemish; thus foreshadowing how that all +who are presented unto the Lord to be accepted as a part of the +sacrifice of Jesus, and hence to become members of his body, must be +perfect; and since man is imperfect himself something must be done for +him in order to make him stand before the Lord Jehovah as perfect. He +must be justified. Justification means to be made right with God. This +must all be done in the acceptable time of the Lord. (Isaiah 49:8; 61:2) +Any one coming to the Lord Jesus with an honest desire to be presented +to the Father in the acceptable year or time may be assured that he +will not be cast out, because Jesus said: "Him that cometh to me I will +in no wise cast out". (John 6:37) He would not decline to present any +genuine consecration before the heavenly Father. Of course this +consecration must be made before the person can be presented. + +[331]Jehovah God is the great wise judge of the universe; and he sits +to determine whether or not one thus presented is right or not. "It is +God that justifieth."--Romans 8:33. + +[332]The steps essential now to justification, as shown by the +Scriptures, briefly stated, are these: (1) Faith in God and his +promises, which is exercised and proven by making a surrender of +ourselves to the Lord; (2) receiving the merit of Christ, and his +presentation to the Father; and (3) the determination by Jehovah God +that the one thus presented is right. The following Scriptures show +these points in the order named: By faith are we justified (Romans 5:1); +by the blood of Jesus are we justified (Romans 5:9); "It is God that +justifieth". (Romans 8:33) Christ Jesus is the great High Priest. When +we make a consecration of ourselves, then he presents us to the Father. +(John 6:37) But in order to make us acceptable or presentable to the +Father, the merit of Jesus' sacrifice must be imputed to us. When he +ascended on high, he deposited with Jehovah the ransom-price, the merit +of his sacrifice, as we have seen, pictured by the blood. The second +step, then, is taken when Jesus imputes to the one thus coming to the +Lord the merit of his sacrifice, which makes him presentable to the +Father, Jehovah; then Jehovah, upon the merit, determines, as the great +judge, that the one thus presented is right, is justified, and is +acceptable as a part of the sacrifice of his beloved Son. Thus Jehovah +has been receiving sacrifices throughout the gospel age; but that +acceptable year or time will soon pass, as indeed it is now passing. +--Hebrews 3:13. + + +SPIRIT-BEGETTING + +[333]The one that is justified before Jehovah is then counted right or +justified that he might be a part of the great sacrifice of God's +beloved Son Jesus, to the end that he might be a part of the mystery +class and ultimately reign with Christ. The next thing indicated by the +Scriptures is the begetting of such a one as a new creature. Begetting +means the beginning. The begetting of the new creature, then, means the +beginning of a newness of life. When justified by Jehovah, there results +to him the right to live as a human being on earth, and this is what he +immediately sacrifices. At the same time Jehovah begets him to a hope of +life upon the high or heavenly plane, because he is called to a "high +calling", a "heavenly calling". (Philippians 3:14; Hebrews 3:1) This +begetting is in the nature of a contract or an agreement. Covenant is +also a word used for contract. In order to make a contract there must be +two or more parties, and there must be a consideration passing from one +to the other. Where there are mutual promises, made on both sides, this +is sufficient consideration. We will name the one whom we have been +discussing as coming to justification Honest Heart. + +[334]Honest Heart presents himself to the Lord Jesus the high priest, +fully surrendering himself and agreeing to do the will of God. There is +the promise on his part, then, and he is one party to the contract +through his advocate, the Lord Jesus. And when Christ Jesus the high +priest presents him to the Father, Jehovah, the Lord Jehovah in +substance says to Honest Heart: 'In consideration of the fact that you +have turned away from the wrongful course, and have come to Jesus, and +have made a full surrender of yourself in consecration, thereby +exercising faith in his blood shed for you and your faith in my plan; +and in consideration of the further fact that my beloved Son has imputed +to you his merit to make you acceptable before me, I accept you and +determine that you are right or justified, and accepting you as a part +of his sacrifice, I give to you my exceeding great and precious promises +that by these you might become partaker of the divine nature'.--2 Peter +1:4. + +[335]This is in harmony with St. James' statement: "Of his own will +begat he us with the word of truth, that we should be a kind of +firstfruits of his creatures". (James 1:18) The Psalmist shows that this +begetting is in the nature of a contract when he says: "Gather my +saints together unto me; those who have made a covenant [contract] with +me by sacrifice". (Psalm 50:5) Honest Heart now being begotten has the +promise of life upon the highest plane, the divine nature. He is +begotten to a new hope of life. St. Peter thus writes: "Blessed be the +God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, which according to his abundant +mercy hath begotten us again unto a hope of life by the resurrection of +Jesus Christ from the dead, to an inheritance incorruptible, and +undefiled, and that fadeth not away, reserved in heaven for you, who are +kept by the power of God through faith unto salvation ready to be +revealed in the last time". (1 Peter 1:3-5) The inheritance to which +Honest Heart is now begotten is an incorruptible inheritance, which is +the divine nature. This means that if he is faithful unto death, +faithful to his part of the contract, he is certain to be born upon the +divine plane, for the reason that Jehovah is always faithful to his part +of the contract; and so Jesus says: "Be thou faithful unto death and I +will give thee a crown of life".--Revelation 2:10. + +[336]Any one thus presented by Jesus to the Father, Jehovah, justified, +accepted and begotten, is designated in the Scriptures as a new +creature. "If any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are +passed away; behold, all things are become new." (2 Corinthians 5:17) +There is now a newness of life, which does not result from being +transferred to another climate, but from being given a new dominating +factor in our lives, namely, the will of God. Honest Heart, or whoever +takes this step, now has new hopes, new aims, new ambitions, new +aspirations, and new ideas. He is not looking for earthly honor and +glory; but he is looking forward to the time when he might be forever +with the Lord in his kingdom and be a part of the seed of Abraham +according to the promise, through which the blessings of mankind will +come. + +[337]This one is now dead from the standpoint of a human being, as the +apostle Paul puts it: "Ye are dead, and your life is hid with Christ in +God". (Colossians 3:3) The new creature now must be renewed, refreshed +and invigorated and strengthened by knowledge, not by ordinary +knowledge; but by an acquaintance with God's will and a deep +appreciation of his plan. (Colossians 1:9) The world cannot know +anything about this; only those who are in the relationship with the +Lord. The whole world lies in the wicked one. (1 John 5:19) But now the +new creature in Christ is admonished to be not conformed to this world, +but to be transformed by the renewing of his mind, that he might prove +what is the good and acceptable and perfect will of God.--Romans 12:2. + +[338]The one begotten is begotten by the spirit of God, the holy +spirit. He is also anointed. This anointing is received by reason of +coming into the body of Christ. He is baptized into Christ's death; +therefore baptized into Christ's body. To be baptized means to be +immersed. To be baptized into Christ's death means to be immersed into +the death of Christ. And so the Apostle puts it: "Know ye not, that so +many of us as are baptized into Jesus Christ were baptized into his +death? Therefore we are buried with him by baptism into death: that like +as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even +so we also should walk in newness of life." (Romans 6:3,4) Baptism in +water is merely a symbol of the real baptism. It would do no one any +good to be baptized in water unless he had first undergone the real +baptism by being immersed into Christ. + +[339]All of those who are thus inducted into the body of Christ receive +the anointing through the head of the Christ, Jesus the beloved One. +This is illustrated or pictured by God's dealings with Israel. In the +type Aaron the high priest was anointed. "He [Moses] poured of the +anointing oil upon Aaron's head, and anointed him, to sanctify him." +(Leviticus 8:12) This anointing oil was poured upon Aaron's head and ran +down upon his garment. (Psalm 133:2) Aaron the high priest was a type of +the entire Christ, head and body. As the oil was poured upon his head +and ran down to the skirt of his garments, so in antitype, Jesus the +head, at the time of his baptism in the Jordan, received the anointing +of the holy spirit without measure (Matthew 3:16,17); and at Pentecost +his disciples received the anointing of the holy spirit. And thereafter +during the gospel age all who come into Christ receive this anointing +through Christ Jesus the head by virtue of being inducted into the body +of Christ. + +[340]Those who are thus anointed have the spirit of the Lord and by +virtue of his spirit are able to understand the mystery of God and to +appreciate the fact that they have the promise of being joint-heirs with +Christ Jesus in his kingdom. To be anointed means to be assigned to a +place in the body of Christ. "The spirit itself beareth witness with our +spirit, that we are the children of God: and if children, then heirs; +heirs of God, and joint-heirs with Christ; if so be that we suffer with +him, that we may be also glorified together."--Romans 8:16,17. + + +SANCTIFICATION + +[341]These new creatures in Christ, otherwise called members of his +body, must now be transformed and made into the image and likeness of +their Head. (Romans 8:29) They must be sanctified. Sanctification means +to be set apart for the use of Jehovah. It means the process of making +us meet to be partakers of the inheritance of the saints in light. +(Colossians 1:12) It is the process of perfecting the saints. (Ephesians +4:12) This process begins when Jehovah accepts our consecration and +begets us; and must continue until birth upon the spirit plane. + +[342]Sanctification, then, is to be made holy, in the likeness of our +Lord. Concerning such Jesus said: "Sanctify them through thy truth; thy +word is truth". (John 17:17) The Christian now must feed upon or study +the Word of God, learn its principles, learn of Jehovah's character and +that of the Lord Jesus, and strive to conform his own life thereto. He +now has set before him the hope of being made like the Lord in glory; +and "every man that hath this hope in him purifieth himself, even as he +is pure". (1 John 3:3) This process of sanctification is done by the +Lord through his Word. "Both he who sanctifies and those whom he is +sanctifying have all one Father, and for this reason he is not ashamed +to speak of them as brethren." (Hebrews 2:11, _Weymouth_) Here we see +the sanctifier is the Lord Jesus Christ, and those whom he is +sanctifying are the members of his body; and all of these have one +Father, Jehovah God; therefore all of the one body, constituting the +mystery of God. + +[343]All this work of sanctification is done in what we designate the +school of Christ; and it is only those who are in this school by being +in Christ Jesus that can be sanctified and ultimately be a part of that +glorious mystical body, the heavenly kingdom class that will constitute +the great prophet, priest, and king. + +[344]This mystery hid from ages and generations and made known only to +the saints is, says the apostle Paul, the Christ; and the Christ in you +is the hope of glory. Those who are in Christ and who have the spirit of +Christ in them have the glorious hope of being born on the divine plane +as members of the body of Christ. These are called to the obtaining of +the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ; and to them are given all the +exceeding great and precious promises contained in the Word of God. The +Prophet speaking of them and to them said: "The nations shall see thy +righteousness, and all the kings thy glory: and thou shalt be called by +a new name, which the mouth of the Lord shall name. Thou shalt also be a +crown of glory in the hand of the Lord, and a royal diadem in the hand +of thy God." (Isaiah 62:2,3) These have the promise: "When Christ, who +is our life, shall appear, then shall ye also appear with him in glory". +(Colossians 3:4) And "then shall the righteous shine forth as the sun in +the kingdom of their Father".--Matthew 13:43. + +[345]The apostle Paul declares that he was made a minister, according to +the gift of God, that he should preach to the nations the unsearchable +riches of Christ, "and to make all see what is the fellowship of the +mystery, which from the beginning of the world hath been hid in God, who +created all things by Jesus Christ: to the intent that now unto the +principalities and powers in heavenly places might be [made] known by +the church the manifold wisdom of God, according to the eternal purpose +which he purposed in Christ Jesus our Lord". (Ephesians 3:7-11) Thus we +see that this great mystery is the Christ, and that for six thousand +years Jehovah has been preparing for, developing and completing this +great mystery; and that when completed, he will use the Christ as his +prophet, priest, and king to minister unto the people, to rule over the +people, and to bless the people, according to his promise. + +[346]The Apostle declares that the whole creation is groaning and +travailing in pain, waiting for the manifestation of this great +mystery. (Romans 8:19-22) The people do not know for what they are +waiting. But when the great mystery is complete and Messiah's kingdom +set up, then God will bring his long-promised blessings to mankind, and +ultimately his will shall be done upon earth as it is done in heaven. + + + + +What is a mystery? ¶ 298. + +How could Jehovah hide or keep secret his plan from others? ¶ 298. + +Has he kept his plan secret? ¶ 298. + +When Jesus was on earth, why did he teach by parables? ¶ 299. + +Did the disciples always understand his meaning? ¶ 299. + +Did he instruct the disciples how they would be taught after his +departure? and if so, how? ¶ 299. + +What is meant by the spirit of truth? ¶ 299. + +When was the holy spirit given to the disciples? Give the Scriptural +proof. ¶ 300. + +What is the meaning of the term "holy ghost"? ¶ 300. + +When did God's mystery begin to be understood by the disciples? ¶ 301. + +What effect has the mystery had on Jews and so-called Christians? ¶ 301. + +Define the mystery of God. ¶ 302. + +How did God foreshadow the mystery? ¶ 302. + +What is man's great enemy? ¶ 302. + +What is and always has been man's greatest desire? and how long has man +been seeking for this thing desired? ¶ 303. + +Who was the cause of death? ¶ 303. + +At the time when God pronounced the sentence in Eden, was the statement, +'The seed of the woman shall bruise the serpent's head,' understood? +¶ 303. + +When did it begin to be understood? ¶ 303. + +What great promise was made nearly two thousand years after the +expulsion from Eden? Quote the promise. ¶ 304. + +Did that promise have reference to the mystery of God? and was it +understood then? ¶ 304. + +Did Abraham understand the promise? ¶ 304. + +Did Abraham have any children at that time? ¶ 304. + +Through whom did Abraham expect the blessing to come to the people? +¶ 304. + +If the promise was renewed, to whom was it renewed? ¶ 304. + +What was expected through the seed of Abraham? ¶ 304. + +What effect did the Israelites' enslavement have upon their hopes? ¶ 304. + +Whom did God send to deliver the Israelites from Egypt? and whom did he +typify? ¶ 304. + +What effect did Moses' prophetic statement have upon the people with +reference to the One of whom he was a type? ¶ 304. + +What is signified by the name Joshua? and of whom was Joshua a type? ¶ 305. + +Who was the beloved king of Israel? and what did the Jews hope would +come through him? ¶ 306. + +Who succeeded this king on the throne? ¶ 306. + +For what was Solomon famous? ¶ 306. + +What became the condition of Israel under the reign of Zedekiah? ¶ 307. + +Did the prophets who testified of the coming of Messiah understand their +testimony? ¶ 308. + +Were the angels of heaven permitted to understand? ¶ 308. + +Why did God keep this mystery a secret? ¶ 308. + +Who announced the coming of Jesus? and what was his particular message +or announcement? ¶ 309. + +How many disciples did Jesus choose? ¶ 309. + +How long did he teach them personally? ¶ 309. + +What were the expectations of the disciples relative to Jesus? ¶ 309. + +What effect did his death have upon them? ¶ 309. + +What was their expectation after his resurrection, and why? ¶ 309. + +What did Jesus say to them at the time of his ascension to heaven? ¶ 309. + +Where did the disciples tarry after Jesus' ascension? and how long +before they received any manifestation from the Lord? ¶ 310. + +How was God's power manifested toward them at Pentecost? ¶ 310. + +How was the acceptance of the merit of Jesus as the sin-offering +manifested to men by Jehovah? ¶ 311. + +May we believe that there was much joy in heaven when Jesus presented +the merit of his sacrifice? and if so, why? ¶ 311. + +What effect did the understanding of the mystery have upon the +disciples? ¶ 311. + +What did St. Paul say about the mystery of God? ¶ 312. + +What is the meaning of the word "saints"? ¶ 312. + +What does the word "Christ" signify? ¶ 313. + +What is the meaning of "anointing"? ¶ 313. + +Who compose the Christ? ¶ 313. + +Who is the head? and who the body? ¶ 313. + +Give Scriptural proof of who constitutes the Head and the body of +Christ. ¶ 313. + +How does St. Paul use the human body to illustrate the body of Christ? +¶ 314. + +What is meant by the seed of Abraham? Give Scriptural proof. ¶ 315. + +What is the meaning of the term "church"? ¶ 315. + +Who is meant by the "elect of God"? ¶ 316. + +Give Scriptural proof that the members of the Christ are called "living +stones". ¶ 317. + +Who is the chief corner-stone in the building of God? ¶ 317. + +What great building on earth pictures this building of God? ¶ 317. + +Who constitute the royal priesthood? Give Scriptural proof. ¶ 318. + +Why are the members of the church called footstep followers of Jesus? +¶ 319. + +What are these followers called upon to do? ¶ 319. + +Define the term "Christian". ¶ 319. + +Is every church member a Christian? and if not, why not? ¶ 319. + +What promises are given to the Christian? Give Scriptural proof. ¶ 319. + +What particular reward is promised to the ones who are faithful unto +death? ¶ 319. + +Can everybody understand these great truths? and if not, why not? ¶ 320. + +What is essential in order to understand the mystery of God? ¶ 320. + +What is meant by the prophet Joel's statement, 'the Servants and +handmaidens of God'? ¶ 320. + +How was the mystery illustrated in the tabernacle furnishings? ¶ 321. + +Could the priest be seen by the people while ministering in the +tabernacle? ¶ 321. + +What did this concealing of the priest in the holy illustrate relative +to the mystery? ¶ 321. + +What is the antitypical atonement day? ¶ 322. + +How often did the atonement day occur with the Jews? ¶ 322. + +On that day, who was in the holy and the most holy of the tabernacle? +¶ 322. + +What does this picture in the antitype? ¶ 322. + +Why have the followers of Jesus been despised by the world? ¶ 322. + +What counterfeit of the mystery of God has Satan organized? Give +Scriptural proof. ¶ 323. + +What will be the ultimate end of the mystery of iniquity? ¶ 323. + +Is it important to know how one becomes a member of the mystery class? +¶ 323. + +An understanding of the mystery involves what? ¶ 324. + +In what condition have all the human race been born? ¶ 325. + +Whom has Jehovah drawn to Jesus during the gospel age? ¶ 325. + +What constitutes the beginning of wisdom? Give Scriptural proof. ¶ 325. + +What is the first essential to one's becoming a Christian? ¶ 325. + +What constitutes repentance? ¶ 325. + +How is one drawn to Jesus? ¶ 326. + +When may it be said of one that he is converted? ¶ 326. + +Define the difference between repentance and conversion. ¶ 326. + +Do repentance and conversion bring one into relationship with God? and +if not, why not? ¶ 326. + +Define faith. ¶ 326. + +What is necessary to increase faith? ¶ 327. + +What does Jesus say to those who are seeking after God and who are +weary? ¶ 327. + +What is meant by being weary and heavy laden? ¶ 327. + +How can one come to the Father? Give Scriptural proof. ¶ 328. + +What does Jesus say to the truth-seeker concerning the cost? ¶ 328. + +What is the meaning of consecration? and how may one consecrate himself +to the Lord? ¶ 328. + +Is it proper to compel consecration to the Lord? ¶ 329. + +What does Jesus say in reference to becoming his follower? ¶ 329. + +Define the meaning of self-denial. ¶ 329. + +Why is any one justified during the gospel age? ¶ 330. + +In connection with the tabernacle, when the high priest slew the Lord's +goat, what did that picture? ¶ 330. + +The fact that the goat must be without blemish foreshadowed what? ¶ 330. + +What is the meaning-of the term "justification"? ¶ 330. + +When must justification for the purpose of sacrifice take place? Give +Scriptural proof. ¶ 330. + +What assurance has one that his consecration will be accepted? ¶ 330. + +Must the consecration be made before or after the consecrator is +presented to Jehovah? ¶ 330. + +Who is the great Judge of the universe? and who justifies? Give +Scriptural proof. ¶ 331. + +Give the steps essential to justification. ¶ 332. + +Quote the Scriptures proving the steps leading to justification--the +first, second, and third steps, in the order named. ¶ 332. + +For what purpose does God justify any one during the gospel age? ¶ 333. + +What is meant by begetting one as a new creature? ¶ 333. + +What results to the man who is justified by Jehovah? ¶ 333. + +What does such a one sacrifice? ¶ 333. + +To what does Jehovah beget this sacrificer? ¶ 333. + +State the nature of this begetting. ¶ 333. + +How many parties must there be to a contract? and what is the +consideration for begetting one as a new creature in Christ? ¶ 333. + +State the terms of the arrangement between Honest Heart, the one who +presents himself to the Lord, and Jehovah, who justifies and begets him. +¶ 334. + +In this arrangement, what office does the Lord Jesus perform? ¶ 334. + +What is meant by the word "advocate"? ¶ 334. + +Give Scriptural proof that the begetting is in the nature of a contract, +both from the Old and the New Testament. ¶ 335. + +To what is Honest Heart, or any sacrificer like him, begotten? ¶ 335. + +Quote the Scripture with reference to the nature to which he is +begotten. ¶ 335. + +Should the one thus begotten continue faithful unto death, what is his +certain reward? Give Scriptural proof. ¶ 335. + +One thus begotten is how designated in the Scriptures? Give Scriptural +proof. ¶ 336. + +What is the great hope now of the new creature in Christ? ¶ 336. + +Why is it said that he is now dead as a human being? ¶ 337. + +As a new creature, does he need renewing? and if so, how is this done? +¶ 337. + +Why does not the world know about the development of the new creature? +¶ 337. + +How is the new creature transformed? ¶ 337. + +What does it mean to be baptized into Christ? Give Scriptural proof. +¶ 338. + +What is the meaning of water baptism or immersion? ¶ 338. + +Is there any virtue in water baptism? ¶ 338. + +Who are the anointed ones in Christ? ¶ 339. + +How did Aaron the high priest illustrate this? Give Scriptural proof. +¶ 339. + +Whom did Aaron the high priest typify? ¶ 339. + +What does anointing mean? ¶ 339. + +Give Scriptural proof of how one may know he has been begotten and +anointed of the Lord. ¶ 340. + +What is the meaning of the term "sanctification"? Give Scriptural proof. +¶ 341. + +When does the process of sanctification begin? and how long must it +continue? ¶ 341. + +How is one sanctified? Give Scriptural proof. ¶ 342. + +What influence has the hope of glory upon his sanctification? ¶ 342. + +Why does Jesus call the members of his body brethren? ¶ 342. + +Who is the Father of both the Head and the body of the Christ? ¶ 342. + +In what school does this sanctification take place? ¶ 343. + +Can any one outside of the school of Christ be sanctified? ¶ 343. + +Those who are in Christ and have the spirit of Christ, what is the hope +set before them? ¶ 344. + +What promises are given to them? ¶ 344. + +Quote some of those precious promises as set forth in the Scriptures. +¶ 344. + +Give one of the reasons why St. Paul was made a minister. Quote his +words. ¶ 345. + +The mystery class is known by what other titles? and what will be the +office of the mystery class, the Christ, in the future? ¶ 345. + +How will God use this mystery class for the benefit of the people in the +future? ¶ 346. + +[Illustration] + + + + +CHAPTER IX + +String 8: _Our Lord's Return_ + + +Suppose your dearest friend and benefactor is away on a long journey and +you expect him to return, because when he went away he promised to come +again; suppose that since that time you have been looking, hoping and +praying for his return, and that you were informed he had arrived. Such +news would fill your very soul with joy and you could not keep from +singing. + +[348]A friend is one who loves you all the time; one who even without +your knowing it makes a great sacrifice in order that you might be the +recipient of some real good. The greatest friend that you have had, or +any one else has had, is the Lord Jesus, because he left all of his +riches and glory, became a man, and laid down his life in ignominious +death in order that all men might have one fair and full opportunity for +the blessings of life everlasting.--John 15:13. + +[349]The facts show that nineteen hundred years ago, Jesus went away on +a long journey, even into heaven itself; that when he went away he +promised his disciples that he would return and that, when returning, +those who loved his appearing would receive many precious gifts. If the +facts show that this precious friend has returned and we begin to see +that all the fond hopes of Christians are about to be realized and that +even the world is soon to be blessed, what unspeakable joy this brings! +Those who have watched and waited for his coming necessarily break forth +in singing the praises of the Lord. In this chapter we hope to prove +the fact of the Lord's return, how he will return, when, and for what +purpose, and that he has already come. + +[350]For centuries Jews have been hoping, looking, and praying for the +coming of a Messiah. For nineteen hundred years Christians have been +hoping, watching, and praying, and waiting for the coming of Christ Jesus +the Lord. Messiah and Christ mean the same. The term means The Anointed +One. The whole world of mankind, groping in darkness, laden with grievous +burdens, has been groaning and still groans in pain, waiting for some +relief, but not knowing how it will come. (Romans 8:19,22) The world in +fact is waiting for the Messiah, the Christ, and his kingdom of +righteousness. When the world comes to a knowledge of the fact that the +Lord, the great deliverer and benefactor of man, has returned, every +honest soul will be filled with joy and every grateful heart will +respond in songs of gladness. + +[351]To the Christian the Lord's return is one of the most wonderfully +precious strings upon the harp of God. It yields music of unsurpassed +sweetness. Blessed are the eyes of those who see and ears of those who +hear and learn that the Lord has come and is now present. + +[352]The suffering and groaning of the whole creation daily increases, +and this condition is putting the people in an attitude of mind to take +heed to the evidence of the meaning of these present events. The time +has come for all to awaken and diligently inquire concerning the +presence of the King of kings. + + +FACT OF HIS COMING + +[353]The reasons why we should expect the Lord's second coming are +numerous, but unless we call these to mind, even though we once knew +them, we overlook their importance. If we have never known them, then an +examination of these reasons is satisfying to the hungry soul. Reason +should always be employed in the examination of Scriptural questions. +Sound reasoning and the Scriptures are necessarily in accord. "Come now, +let us reason together, saith the Lord." (Isaiah 1:18) As our vision of +the divine plan enlarges, we can see a reason and a Scripture for every +step and every development in the divine arrangement. + +[354]The Scriptures thus far examined prove conclusively that Jesus +Christ died and rose from the dead that he might be the redeemer of +mankind; that he ascended on high and presented the value of his human +sacrifice in behalf of man, and that at some time all men must have an +opportunity to receive the benefit of his great sacrifice. (1 Timothy +2:5,6) If mankind in general is to be benefited by the Lord's sacrifice +after coming to a knowledge of that fact, then it follows that there +must be some relationship established between the world of mankind and +the Lord Jesus in order that the world might be brought to a knowledge +of the arrangement of Jehovah and brought back into harmony with God. +If, as the Scriptures declare, God formed the earth for man's +habitation, that he made it not in vain, and that the earth abideth +forever; and if, according to the promise to Abraham, through the seed, +the Christ, a blessing shall come to all mankind, it follows that the +Lord must establish an order of things in the earth that man might enjoy +the things which God intended for him to have, and that he must be +present to establish such a righteous order on earth. + +[355]But the student is not left to theory nor conjecture. The +Scriptural evidence is given in such abundance that all doubt is forever +removed. God's Prophet long ago foretold the coming of a mighty one and +said that this Mighty One should have a government of righteousness; +that "his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, +The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace; of the increase of his +government and peace there shall be no end". (Isaiah 9:6,7) An +'everlasting Father' presumes that there shall be some offspring who +will have everlasting life. Hence this promise indicated that a +government would be established wherein man would be granted the +privilege of life everlasting. + +[356]As we have heretofore observed, Jehovah made a covenant with the +nation of Israel, to the exclusion of all other nations. He gave them a +law to shield them from the influences and machinations of the adversary +and to lead them to Christ, their great Messiah. The Jews as a nation +did not keep this law, because they were imperfect; but some of their +rulers were especially wicked. The time came when God said concerning +Zedekiah, the last king of Israel: "And thou, profane wicked prince of +Israel, whose day is come, when iniquity shall have an end, thus saith +the Lord God: Remove the diadem, and take off the crown; this shall not +be the same: exalt him that is low, and abase him that is high. I will +overturn, overturn, overturn, it: and it shall be no more, until he come +whose right it is; and I will give it him,"--Ezekiel 21:25-27. + +[357]It follows that at some future time there would come a mighty one +who would establish a kingdom of righteousness, having full authority +and right thus to do. + +[358]At the overthrow of Zedekiah God permitted the gentiles to +establish a universal dominion in the earth. The Lord through the +prophet Daniel pictured the development of four world empires or +kingdoms, which would exist for a certain period of time, and which +would continue until he should come whose right it is and then he, the +Righteous One, should take possession of earth's affairs and rule. It is +to be expected, of course, that the unrighteous governments would hold +on to their power in earth as long as possible, and that they would +still be thus doing at the coming of the great King, and that he would +oust these earthly kingdoms of unrighteousness and establish a righteous +government. Thus says the Lord through the prophet Daniel: "In the days +of these kings shall the God of heaven set up a kingdom, which shall +never be destroyed: and the kingdom shall not be left to other people, +but it shall break in pieces and consume all these kingdoms, and it +shall stand for ever". (Daniel 2:44) It follows, then, that this +righteous King must be present before he breaks to pieces and consumes +the other kingdoms. The Scriptures speak of the righteous kingdom as the +kingdom of heaven, because it is in accord with the heavenly Father's +will and ruled by the invisible power of the great Messiah. + +[359]The term kingdom is used in a two-fold sense: (1) referring to the +king or ruler, the dominating or controlling factor; and (2) to the +dominion and subjects of that kingdom. Almost all the parables of Jesus +were concerning the kingdom of God, or kingdom of heaven. So great is +that kingdom in importance in the Lord's arrangement that Jesus taught +his disciples to pray: "Thy kingdom come; thy will be done on earth as +it is done in heaven". (Matthew 6:10) From that time until now +Christians have been praying this prayer and hoping for its fulfillment. +The foregoing Scriptures definitely establish the fact that such a +kingdom of righteousness is to be put into operation. Who, then, will be +the king of that great and glorious kingdom? The Scriptures answer, +Jesus Christ the Son of God.--Luke 22:30; Colossians 1:13; 2 Peter 1:11; +Matthew 28:18. + +[360]When Jesus stood before Pilate accused of sedition because he +taught concerning his kingdom coming, Pilate asked him: "Art thou the +King of the Jews?" And Jesus answered: "My kingdom is not of this +world". (John 18:33,36) By the word world here is meant a social and +political order. The Scriptures show that from the time of Zedekiah's +overthrow until he whose right it is sets up his kingdom, the gentiles +are in power and that these lie in the wicked one, Satan, who is the god +or invisible ruler of this world. (2 Corinthians 4:3,4) Jesus speaks of +him as the prince of this world. (John 12:31) Satan's rule has been +unrighteous, wicked, and devilish; and when he comes whose right it is, +he will establish a righteous kingdom in the place or stead of the +unrighteous order of Satan. By these words, then, addressed to Pilate we +would understand the Master to mean that his kingdom from that time is +future, yet definitely showing that in the future time he would have a +kingdom. + +[361]Jesus gave to his disciples a parable designated the parable of the +pounds, in which he pictured himself as a certain nobleman going into a +far country to receive a kingdom and to return; and he shows that this +nobleman does return. "He said therefore, A certain nobleman went into a +far country to receive for himself a kingdom, and to return. And he +called his ten servants, and delivered them ten pounds, and said unto +them, Occupy till I come.... And it came to pass, that when he was +returned, having received the kingdom, then he commanded these servants +to be called unto him, to whom he had given money." (Luke 19:12-15) A +similar picture and lesson is taught by the parable of the talents. +(Matthew 25:14) As further evidence of his return, Jesus said: "When the +Son of man shall come in his glory, and all the holy angels with him, +then shall he sit upon the throne of his glory; and before him shall be +gathered all nations."--Matthew 25:31,32. + +[362]Just a short time before his crucifixion he was teaching his +disciples. They understood, though imperfectly, that he was to be taken +from them. His disciples were troubled at this information. Then Jesus, +speaking plainly to them, said: "Let not your heart be troubled: ye +believe in God, believe also in me. In my Father's house are many +mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a +place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come +again and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be +also." (John 14:1-3) This is indisputable proof of his second coming. + +[363]After his resurrection he had stated that he would ascend unto God +the Father in heaven. (John 20:17) Forty days after his resurrection he +was with his disciples on the Mount of Olives, instructing them to go to +Jerusalem and there wait until they should receive the power of the holy +spirit, that they might thereafter be witnesses for him. "And when he +had spoken these things, while they beheld, he was taken up; and a cloud +received him out of their sight. And while they looked stedfastly toward +heaven as he went up, behold, two men stood by them in white apparel; +which also said, Ye men of Galilee, why stand ye gazing up into heaven? +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." (Acts 1:9-11) Without a +doubt these men who here stood by the disciples in white apparel were +angels or messengers sent of the Lord thus to witness to them, which +angels doubtless materialized in human form for that very purpose and +afterward dematerialized and disappeared. This additional testimony was +given, however, that the faith of the disciples might be complete that +the Lord would come again. + +[364]This fact was so definitely established in the minds of the +apostles that they often spoke and wrote of the second coming of the +Lord. In fact, it is the great event to which they and all other true +followers of the Master have looked forward. (1 Corinthians 1:7; 15:23; +1 Thessalonians 2:19; 2 Thessalonians 2:8; James 5:7,8; 2 Peter 1:16; +Acts 3:19-21; Philippians 3:20) Of his coming again and the blessings +his presence will bring to those that love him further testimony was +given by the apostle Paul when he wrote to Timothy: "I am now ready to +be offered, and the time of my departure is at hand. I have fought the +good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith: henceforth +there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the +righteous judge, shall give me at that day: and not to me only, but unto +all them also that love his appearing."--2 Timothy 4:6-8. + +[365]The book of Revelation in our Bible is the revelation of Jesus +Christ which he gave after his glorification. He concludes this +revelation by stating to St. John: "He which testifieth these things +saith, Surely I come quickly"; to which St. John replies, "Even so, +come, Lord Jesus".--Revelation 22:20. + +[366]That the Lord is to have a kingdom of righteousness, that Jesus +Christ is to be the great King of that kingdom, and that he is coming a +second time for the purpose of thus reigning, is so abundantly +established by the Scriptures that all possible doubt is removed. An +important question, therefore, for us to determine is + + +HOW HE COMES + +[367]We must make up our minds at once that the Bible testimony +concerning the manner of our Lord's coming is to be taken as conclusive. +A careful examination of this will disclose the fact that the Bible does +establish definitely and reasonably the manner of his appearing. Many +have supposed and yet suppose that the Lord will come again in his body +of humiliation, the very body in which he was crucified and which has +the marks upon it, and that such is to be visible to human eyes. The +words of Jesus disprove this conclusion. When instructing his disciples +just before his crucifixion, Jesus said: "Yet a little while, and the +world seeth me no more; but ye see me: because I live, ye shall live +also". (John 14:19) Thus he establishes the fact that his faithful +disciples will see him as he is, but that the world will see him no +more. And why is this true? We answer, Because Jesus was raised from the +dead not a human but a spirit being, with divine nature or organism. The +nature is determined by the organism or body. He now has a glorious +body, which no man hath seen nor can look upon and live. (1 Timothy +6:15,16) We have heretofore examined the Scriptural evidence showing +that no one of the different organisms or bodies in which Jesus appeared +to his disciples after his resurrection was his glorious body, but that +such bodies were created by him for the purpose at the time. + +[368]He was put to death a human being. He was raised from the dead a +spirit. (1 Peter 3:18; 1 Corinthians 15:45) St. John definitely shows +that the body in which Jesus will appear is not his human body because +he says: "It doth not yet appear what we shall be, but ... we shall be +like him". (1 John 3:2) Jesus is no longer human, but divine; therefore +we could not expect human eyes to see him. He is now the express image +of Jehovah. (Hebrews 1:3) Because he is no longer human and has not a +body of flesh, but a spirit body, the apostle Paul under inspiration +wrote: "Though we have known Christ after the flesh, yet now henceforth +know we him no more".--2 Corinthians 5:16. + +[369]After his resurrection Jesus was exalted and given a name above +every name (Philippians 2:9) and sat down at the right hand of the +Father in glory and in power. (Revelation 3:21) Of him the apostle Paul +writes: "Now the Lord is that spirit". (2 Corinthians 3:17) Jesus +explained to Nicodemus concerning a spirit, saying, "Except a man be +born of water and of the spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of +God. That which is born of the flesh is flesh; and that which is born of +the spirit is spirit.... The wind bloweth where it listeth, and thou +hearest the sound thereof, but canst not tell whence it cometh, and +whither it goeth: so is every one that is born of the spirit."--John +3:4-8. + +[370]Seeing, then, that Jesus Christ is a glorious spirit being with a +divine organism, and that as the wind cannot be seen, but comes and +goes, so a spirit can thus come and go without being discerned by human +eyes, could not our Lord be present and yet not observable by any +natural eyes? That is exactly according to the facts. Satan is a spirit +being. For many centuries Satan has been the god or invisible ruler of +the present evil world (2 Corinthians 4:3,4); yet no human eyes have +seen Satan, although men have felt his influence and still feel it. +Satan is not only the god of this world, but he is the chief one of his +wicked, invisible heaven; that is to say, the invisible ruling order of +things composed of Satan and the other fallen angels who exercise power +over human beings. The apostle Peter said: "We, according to his +promise, look for new heavens and a new earth, wherein dwelleth +righteousness". (2 Peter 3:13; Revelation 21:1-5) The coming kingdom of +the Lord is the new heavenly kingdom. This new ruling power, the +Messiah, is invisible, and will be invisible to human eyes, but will +establish in the earth visible agencies and representatives, namely, a +new social and political order of things. We should not, therefore, +expect the Lord's second coming to be in a body visible to human eyes, +but should expect that he would be present, exercising his power in his +own sovereign way. + +[371]In many places in our Bible referring to the second coming of the +Lord the word translated into the English as "coming" is properly +translated _presence_. The proper meaning is distinguished by the Greek +word used, from which the English is translated. The Greek word +_parousia_ (pronounced par-oo-seé-ah) means presence, and refers to the +invisible presence of the Lord and is used in the following Scriptural +texts. We here quote the texts as they appear in the King James Version, +putting in brackets the proper word immediately following the word +"coming". + +[372]"What shall be the sign of thy coming [presence]?"--Matthew 24:3. + +[373]"As the days of Noah were, so shall also the coming [presence] of +the Son of man be."--Matthew 24:37,39. + +[374]"They that are Christ's at his coming [presence]."--1 Corinthians +15:23. + +[375]"Are not even ye in the presence of our Lord Jesus Christ at his +coming [presence]?"--1 Thessalonians 2:19. + +[376]"To the end that he may establish your hearts unblameable in +holiness before God, even our Father, at the coming [presence] of our +Lord Jesus Christ."--1 Thessalonians 3:13. + +[377]"We which are alive and remain unto the coming [presence] of the +Lord shall not prevent them which are asleep."--1 Thessalonians 4:15. + +[378]"I pray God your whole spirit and soul and body be preserved +blameless unto the coming [presence] of our Lord Jesus Christ." +--1 Thessalonians 5:23. + +[379]"Now we beseech you, brethren, by the coming [presence] of our +Lord Jesus Christ."--2 Thessalonians 2:1. + +[380]"Be patient therefore, brethren, unto the coming [presence] of the +Lord."--James 5:7. + +[381]"For the coming [presence] of the Lord draweth nigh."--James 5:8. + +[382]"Where is the promise of his coming [presence]?"--2 Peter 3:4. + +[383]When Jesus was taken up into heaven, the angels standing by the +disciples said to them: "He shall come in like manner". The manner of +his going or being taken away was quiet, without observation, except by +a few. In a similar manner we should expect his return. Those watching +for his coming necessarily would be the first to observe his presence. +This is in exact harmony with the thought expressed by the apostle Paul +when he wrote: "For yourselves know perfectly that the day of the Lord +so cometh as a thief in the night", (1 Thessalonians 5:2) The same +thought the apostle Peter expressed: "The day of the Lord will come as a +thief in the night". (2 Peter 3:10) And of His coming Jesus said: +"Behold, I come as a thief", "If therefore thou shalt not watch, I will +come on thee as a thief, and thou shalt not know what hour I will come +upon thee." (Revelation 16:15; 3:3; Matthew 24:43) A thief comes usually +in the night time when all are asleep, and none see him except those who +are watching or those who may be awakened by his presence. Even so the +Lord comes in the night time of the close of the gospel age, just before +the dawn of the new day; and none discern his presence except those who +watch and who have the eye of faith. + +[384]The Lord spoke in symbolic phrase, and speaking concerning the +manner of his appearing he said: "Behold, I have told you before. +Wherefore if they shall say unto you, Behold, he is in the desert; go +not forth: behold, he is in the secret chambers; believe it not." +(Matthew 24:25,26) Here he is warning and safeguarding against the error +of believing that he will appear in the desert or that he will appear in +some secret chamber; as spiritists claim they have come in contact with +him. Then he says: "For as the lightning cometh out of the east; and +shineth even unto the west; so shall also the presence of the Son of man +be". (Matthew 24:27) The word lightning here is translated from the +Greek word _astrapee_ and means bright shining, or bright shiner. We +know that lightning does not come out of the east and shine even unto +the west, because flashes of lightning come from all directions, and +more often from the west than from the east. The bright shining or +bright shiner here really means the sun. The sun begins to shed forth +its light in the east before it is fully up; and when it comes over the +eastern horizon it shines everywhere from the east to the west. Just so +the presence of the Lord. He quietly appears and his presence begins to +shed light in all parts of the earth. + +[385]The Prophet of the Lord also used the sun to illustrate the Lord +Jesus, saying: "The Sun of righteousness shall arise with healing in his +wings". (Malachi 4:2) Again Jesus likened his faithful followers unto +the sun when he said: "Then shall the righteous shine forth as the sun +in the kingdom of their Father".--Matthew 13:43. + +[386]In examining the evidence, then, with reference to the Lord's +second appearing, if we will keep always in mind that his appearance is +not and will not be visible to human eyes, but that it will be gradually +discernible in the physical facts which will occur in fulfillment of +prophecy, we shall be better enabled to understand the various +Scriptural texts bearing upon the subject. + + +TIME OF HIS COMING + +[387]The time of the Lord's second appearing is of great importance to +all, and Christians, since the days of the apostles, have been watching +for some evidence of his presence and asking the question, When will the +Lord appear? While those who love the Lord discuss the important +question, some have answered saying, 'The Lord is liable to come any +moment. He may come tonight,' These expect the Lord's appearing in a +visible body. Others who have no real desire for his coming, because it +would interfere with their selfish plans, say: 'He will not come in my +time; he will not come for fifty-thousand years or more; hence there is +no reason for our concerning ourselves about his coming'. Still others +who fear his coming and who do not desire to see him say: 'No one can +possibly know the time. Why, therefore, should one spend his time in +discussing the question?' + +[388]The last-named class, in support of their contention, cite the +words of Jesus when he said: "But of that day and hour knoweth no man, +no, not the angels of heaven, but my Father only". (Matthew 24:36) It is +assumed because he used these words that no one would ever know except +Jehovah. We should remember that Jesus spoke those words while he was +yet a man on the earth. He had not been glorified then. He did not say +that no one would ever know of the hour or the day of his coming. If we +conclude from these words that no man would ever know, we might as well +conclude that Jesus would never know, because he said at that time that +only the Father knew. Paraphrasing his words we note he said this: 'The +day of my coming no one now knows except my Father. Neither man nor +angel knows anything about it; nor do I even know,' At the same time, +his words implied that conditions would change, so that others would +know, because he said: "Watch therefore: for ye know not the hour your +Lord doth come". (Matthew 24:42) Why watch unless they would know when +the time would arrive? When Jesus arose from the dead he said: "All +power is given unto me in heaven and in earth". (Matthew 28:18) He must +have known then the time of his coming, because now as the creature +divine everything was committed into his hands for the outworking of +God's plan. At the time of his appearing surely the angels of heaven +would know about it; and the day must come when the watchers would know. + +[389]His last message to the disciples just before his ascension on +high clearly indicated a time coming when the watchers would know. He +said unto them: "It is not for you to know the times or the seasons +which the Father hath put in his own power. But ye shall receive power, +after that the holy spirit is come upon you." (Acts 1:7,8) Those who are +begotten of the holy spirit have the promise that the Lord will reveal +to them his great truths when due to be understood. (1 Corinthians +2:9,10) These are they that walk in the light, and for them the light +shines with increasing brilliancy unto the perfect day. In harmony with +this, St. Paul wrote: "Of the times and the seasons, brethren, ye have +no need that I write unto you. For yourselves know perfectly that the +day of the Lord so cometh as a thief in the night. For when they shall +say, Peace and safety; then sudden destruction cometh upon them, as +travail upon a woman with child; and they shall not escape. But ye, +brethren, are not in darkness, that that day should overtake you as a +thief." (1 Thessalonians 5:1-4) Plainly the Apostle here tells the +followers of Jesus that if they are watching the things which the Lord +told them to watch, the day of the Lord will not come upon them +unawares, but they will mark the fulfillment of prophecy, and in the +light of its fulfillment they will discern the time of the presence of +the great King. Furthermore he says to them: "Ye are all the children of +light, and the children of the day; we are not of the night, nor of +darkness. Therefore let us not sleep, as do others; but let us watch and +be sober."--1 Thes. 5:5,6. + +[390]We shall find that Jesus gave much evidence which enables the +watcher to determine the Lord's presence. Jesus spoke in prophetic +language. Prophecy means a foretelling of future events before they take +place; and when they are taking place the watcher can ascertain that +they are thus fulfilling the prophetic words previously spoken. + +[391]Jesus gave us the positive evidence as to when to expect him. He +gave a parable of the wheat and the tares, saying, "The kingdom of +heaven is likened unto a man which sowed good seed in his field: But +while men slept, his enemy came and sowed tares among the wheat, and +went his way. But when the blade was sprung up, and brought forth fruit, +then appeared the tares also. So the servants of the householder came +and said unto him, Sir, didst not thou sow good seed in thy field? from +whence then hath it tares? He said unto them, An enemy hath done this. +The servants said unto him, Wilt thou then that we go and gather them +up? But he said, Nay; lest while ye gather up the tares, ye root up the +wheat with them. Let both grow together until the harvest: and in the +time of harvest I will say to the reapers, Gather ye together first the +tares and bind them in bundles to burn them; but gather the wheat into +my barn."--Matthew 13:24-30. + +[392]Interpreting his own parable, Jesus said that he was the man who +had gown the good seed; that the field is the world; and that the good +seed are the children of the kingdom, and that the tares are the +children of the wicked one; that the enemy who sowed them is the devil; +and that the harvest is the end of the world.--Matthew 13:37-39. + +[393]From this statement of the Master it is clearly shown that at the +end of the age or world there must be a harvest; that Jesus Christ must +be present as the Master of that harvest, and that the harvest will +consist of gathering together the true followers of Christ in one body +and of binding together the counterfeit or tare class for destruction. +Stated in other phrase, there will be a gathering of the true vine +class, true Christians, and the harvesting of the vine of the earth; +namely, the nominal Babylonish systems of the world. Since the Master +himself stated that he would come at this time to receive his own, the +truly consecrated Christians, to himself, and that he, as the Master of +the harvest, would direct what should be done, it follows that he must +be present before the beginning of the harvest and during the time of +the harvest. It would also follow that he would be present before the +end of the world or age. + +[394]Jehovah caused the prophet Daniel to write the salient features of +events that would come to pass during the rule of the world powers that +would be in existence from the time of the empire of Persia until "the +time of the end". That which Daniel wrote was prophecy; that is to say, +guided by the divine power, he recorded long in advance the happenings +of certain events, which of itself shows that this prophecy could not be +understood until the events had transpired. Daniel wrote concerning +these events, but did not understand them. They are set forth in his +prophetic utterances recorded in the book of Daniel, chapters 7 to 12, +inclusive. Daniel himself said: "I heard, but I understood not: then +said I, O my Lord, what shall be the end of these things? And he said, +Go thy way, Daniel; for the words are closed up and sealed till the time +of the end. Many shall be purified, and made white, and tried; but the +wicked shall do wickedly: and none of the wicked shall understand; but +the wise shall understand." (Daniel 12:8-10) The Lord had caused Daniel +to record specifically what would happen when the time of the end should +begin. The "time of the end" means a specific period at the end of +gentile dominion. "And at _the time of the end_ shall the king of the +south push at him; and the king of the north shall come against him like +a whirlwind, with chariots, and with horsemen, and with many ships; and +he shall enter into the countries, and shall overflow and pass over. He +shall enter also into the glorious land, and many countries shall be +overthrown."--Daniel 11:40,41. + +[395]The fulfillment of this prophecy fixes the beginning of the "time +of the end", because the prophecy definitely so states. The campaign of +the great warrior Napoleon Bonaparte is clearly a fulfillment of this +prophecy, as reference to the historical facts concerning his campaign +plainly show. The "king of the south" mentioned in the prophecy refers +to Egypt; the "king of the north" means Great Britain, which was then an +integral part of the Roman empire. Napoleon was in Egypt fighting the +Egyptian armies, which were led by Murat Bey, and which he defeated. His +victory not only struck terror to the Egyptians, but far into Africa and +Asia, and all the surrounding tribes submitted to the great conqueror. +While he was doing this, the British in the north, under the leadership +of Lord Nelson, were making an effective attack upon Napoleon's forces +at sea. Napoleon began this Egyptian campaign in 1798, finished it and +returned to France on October 1, 1799. The campaign is briefly, yet +graphically, described in the prophecy, verses 40 to 44; and being +completed in 1799, marks, according to the Prophet's own words, the +beginning of the "time of the end". + +[396]From the time of the overthrow of Zedekiah (606 B.C.) and the +establishment of the gentile universal empire under Nebuchadnezzar, the +organizations of the world powers or governments have been designated in +the Scriptures by God's Prophet as "beasts". The prophet Daniel (7:7,8) +describes "a fourth beast, dreadful and terrible". This terrible beast +was a form of government composed of three elements or component parts, +namely, professional politicians, great financiers, and ecclesiastical +leaders. This Satanic organization became dreadful and terrible from the +time that these three forces were united. Of this unholy trinity, we see +the Papacy, the ecclesiastical element, in the saddle, riding and +directing everything. The date of its beginning was at the overthrow of +the Ostrogothic monarchy, which occurred in A.D. 539. + +[397]The prophet Daniel was given a vision of the events following, yet +he did not understand them; and he says: "I looked, and, behold, there +stood other two, the one on this side of the bank of the river, and the +other on that side of the bank of the river. And one said to the man +clothed in linen, which was upon the waters of the river, How long shall +it be to the end of these wonders? And I heard the man clothed in linen, +which was upon the waters of the river, when he held up his right hand +and his left hand unto heaven, and sware by him that liveth for ever +that it shall be for a time, times, and an half." (Daniel 12:5-7) In +Biblical symbology a time means a year of twelve months of thirty days +each, or 360 days. Each day is considered for a year, as the Prophet +says: "I have appointed thee each day for a year". (Ezekiel 4:6) Here +are mentioned, then, three and a half times of 360 prophetic days each, +or a total of 1260 prophetic days, equal to 1260 years. The Prophet then +was shown that the 1260 years would mark the beginning of the time of +the end of this beastly order. Twelve-hundred sixty years from A.D. 539 +brings us to 1799--another proof that 1799 definitely marks the +beginning of "the time of the end". This also shows that it is from the +date 539 A.D. that the other prophetic days of Daniel must be counted. + +[398]The most important thing to which all the prophecies point and for +which the apostles looked forward has been the second coming of the Lord. +It is described by the Prophet as a blessed time. Daniel then says: +"Blessed is he that waiteth, and cometh to the thousand three hundred +and five and thirty [1335] days". (Daniel 12:12) The watchers here, +without question, are those who were instructed by the Lord to watch for +his return. This date, therefore, when understood, would certainly fix +the time when the Lord is due at his second appearing. Applying the same +rule, then, of a day for a year, 1335 days after 539 A.D. brings us to +A.D. 1874, at which time, according to Biblical chronology, the Lord's +second presence is due. If this calculation is correct, from that time +forward we ought to be able to find some evidences marking the Lord's +presence. + +[399]It Is not the purpose of this writing to enter into a detailed +statement of Biblical chronology. The searcher for truth can find an +extensive treatment of this question in Volumes 2 and 3 of STUDIES IN +THE SCRIPTURES. The purpose here is to call attention to certain +important dates and then see how much, if any, prophecy has been +fulfilled within these dates. Chronology, to some extent at least, +depends upon accurate calculations and there is always some possibility +of mistakes. Fulfilled prophecy is the record of physical facts which +are actually existent and definitely fixed. Physical facts do not +stultify themselves. They stand as silent witnesses whose testimony must +be taken as indisputable. + +[400]There are two important dates here that we must not confuse, but +clearly differentiate, namely, the beginning of "the time of the end" +and of "the presence of the Lord". "The time of the end" embraces a +period from A.D. 1799, as above indicated, to the time of the complete +overthrow of Satan's empire and the establishment of the kingdom of the +Messiah. The time of the Lord's second presence dates from 1874, as +above stated. The latter period is within the first named, of course, +and at the latter part of the period known as "the time of the end". + +[401]The understanding of the prophecies with reference to "the time of +the end" and the Lord's presence was purposely concealed by Jehovah +until the due time. Daniel desired to know what would be the end of +these things, but God said to him: "But thou, O Daniel, shut up the +words, and seal the book, even to the time of the end". (Daniel 12:4) +It is reasonable to expect that Jehovah would indicate something by +which "the time of the end" could be discerned when it arrived. He did +not say to Daniel to look for some words emblazoned across the sky that +the end had come, but told him to look for such evidences as could be +seen and understood by men familiar with the prophecies, and who in the +light of the prophecies should be watching for their fulfillment. He did +not expect Daniel to understand it in his day, because he said: "Go thy +way, Daniel: for the words are closed up and sealed till the time of the +end".--Daniel 12:9. + +[402]When that time should arrive, what was to be expected? Jehovah +answers: "Many shall run to and fro, and knowledge shall be increased". +(Daniel 12:4) From and shortly after 1799, the date of the beginning of +"the time of the end", we should expect to find an increase of knowledge, +particularly with reference to the Bible. Prior to that time the people +had been kept in ignorance of the Bible. It was the practice of the +Papacy to forbid any one aside from the clergy class to have access to +the Bible; in fact, it was made a crime under the Roman law, subjecting +the offender to heavy penalties for having in possession a copy of the +Bible. In 1799 the beastly power of Rome, predominated by the Papal +system, received a deadly wound. The people had been taught to believe +in the divine right of kings to rule and the divine right of the clergy +to dominate the conscience of the people. When Napoleon took the Pope a +prisoner and carried him away to France, and when later he refused to +permit the Pope to crown him as king, but put the crown on himself and +treated the Papal claimed authority with contempt, this began to open +the eyes of the peoples of earth, kings as well as people, to the fact +that Papacy did not possess the divine right it claimed. + +[403]A short time thereafter the first Bible societies that ever existed +were organized. The British and Foreign Bible Society was established in +1803; the New York Bible Society in 1804; the Berlin-Prussian Bible +Society in 1805; the Philadelphia Bible Society in 1808; and the +American Bible Society in 1817. The Bible was translated and published +in many different languages and sold at such low prices that the poor +could have access to it, and within a short time millions of Bibles were +in the hands of the people. The Papal system denounced these Bible +societies as "pestiferous Bible societies". The time had come, however, +for an increase of knowledge and the Lord was fulfilling his promise by +putting it within the reach of those who were hungry for truth. The +people began to learn that God is no respecter of persons; that kings +and popes, priests and the common people alike must all render their +account to the Lord and not to man. + +[404]From that time forward there has been a great corresponding +increase of knowledge in all the sciences; and in fact, in all lines of +learning. The common school, always opposed by the Papacy, has afforded +a means of general education and increase of knowledge for people in all +walks of life. Colleges and universities have sprung up throughout the +world. With the increase of knowledge on various lines have come the +numerous inventions that man now has, time-and labor-saving machines, +etc. + +[405]Before 1799 the means of transportation were such that a man could +travel only a short distance in a day. He must go either by a vehicle +drawn by horses or oxen, or afoot; and when he would cross the sea he +must go in a sailboat that made little progress. In 1831 the first +locomotive steam engine was invented. Such wonderful progress has been +made in this regard that now one can travel through almost any part of +the earth at a rapid rate upon a railway train. Later came the electric +engines and electric motor cars and gas engines; and now there is a +tremendous amount of travel in every part of the earth. It is no +uncommon thing for one to travel at the rate of 75 and 100 miles per +hour; and particularly is this true by means of a flying machine, which +is a very modern invention. + +[406]God's Prophet designates this same time as "the day of God's +preparation". In Nahum 2:1-6 the Prophet records his vision of a +railway train traveling at a high rate of speed, as another evidence of +the day of preparation for the establishment of Christ's kingdom. + +[407]In 1844 the telegraph was invented, and later the telephone. These +instruments were first used with wires and by electricity messages were +conveyed throughout the earth; but now by later invention wires are +dispensed with and messages are flashed through the air by the use of +instruments all over the earth. + +[408]This great increase of knowledge and the tremendous running to and +fro of the people in various parts of the earth without question is a +fulfillment of the prophecy testifying as to "the time of the end". +These physical facts cannot be disputed and are sufficient to convince +any reasonable mind that we have been in "the time of the end" since +1799. + +[409]The latter part of "the time of the end" Jesus designates as a +time of harvest, because he says: "The harvest is the end of the world +[age]". He stated that he would be present at that time. From 1874 +forward is the latter part of the period of "the time of the end". From +1874 is the time of the Lord's second presence, as above stated. The +apostle Paul enumerating many things done concerning Israel states that +"they are written for our admonition upon whom the ends of the world +[age] are come". (1 Corinthians 10:11) It must be presumed, then, that +these things would be understood at "the time of the end". + +[410]The Lord's illustration of the sun rising in the east and shining +across to the west, which would occur at the time of his presence, is +further proof of the increased light at the time of his presence; and +true to prophecy, this has taken place. The laboring classes have always +been down-trodden and kept in subjection to the financial, ecclesiastical, +and political princes. It was in the year 1874, the date of our Lord's +second presence, that the first labor organization was created in the +world. From that time forward there has been a marvelous increase of +light and the inventions and discoveries have been too numerous for us to +mention all of them here, but mention is made of some of those that have +come to light since 1874, as further evidence of the Lord's presence +since that date, as follows: Adding machines, aeroplanes, aluminum, +antiseptic surgery, artificial dyes, automatic couplers, automobiles, +barbed wire, bicycles, carborundum, cash registers, celluloid, +correspondence schools, cream separators, Darkest Africa, disk ploughs, +Divine Plan of the Ages, dynamite, electric railways, electric welding, +escalators, fireless cookers, gas engines, harvesting machines, +illuminating gas, induction motors, linotypes, match machines, +monotypes, motion pictures, North Pole, Panama Canal, Pasteurization, +railway signals, Roentgen rays, shoe sewing machines, smokeless powder, +South Pole, submarines, radium, sky scrapers, subways, talking machines, +telephones, typewriters, vacuum cleaners, and wireless telegraphy. + + +THE HARVEST + +[411]The Scriptures disclose a complete parallel concerning the Jewish +and gospel ages. The parallel exists with reference to time as well as +events. The Jewish age ended with a harvest, which harvest began with +the ascension of our Lord in the year A.D. 33. By the term "harvest" +here used is meant the gathering of the remnant of the Jews to Christ. +Jesus' statement plainly is that the gospel age will end with a harvest, +during which time he would be present, directing the work of that +harvest. In the earth three and a half years from the time of his +consecration and baptism, Jesus was preparing the Jews for the harvest +of that age. We should expect to find a parallel of this with reference +to the harvest of the gospel age, and we do find it. Counting three and +a half years from 1874, the time of his presence, brings us to 1878. +During the presence of the Lord from 1874 to 1878 he was making +preparation for the harvest of the gospel age. The Jewish harvest +covered a period of forty years, ending in A.D. 73. We should expect, +then, the general harvest of the gospel age to end in 1918. + +[412]The natural harvest was used by the Lord to illustrate his harvest +of Christians. In the Jewish natural harvest it was customary to glean +the field after the regular harvest was over. We should therefore expect +to find a harvest period from 1878 to 1918, and thereafter for a time a +gleaning work going on, in which a few Christians would be gathered in, +as well as another part of the harvest work to be done, which we will +indicate. The question now is, Do we find a period of harvest in the +gospel age after 1874 which serves as a fulfillment of the prophecy of +the Lord? + +[413]In addition to his words cited in Matthew 13:24-30, and in answer +to the specific question with reference to his presence, Jesus said: +"And he [the Lord] shall send his angels [messengers] with a great sound +of a trumpet, and they shall gather together his elect from the four +winds, from one end of heaven to the other". (Matthew 24:31) The +following facts bear unmistakable testimony of the great harvest period +of the gospel age in fulfillment of prophetic utterances, which +fulfillment is one of the strongest proofs of the Lord's presence. + +[414]In this text the words "sound of a" are not contained in the oldest +manuscripts and should be omitted. The text is written, as will be +observed, in symbolic language. + +[415]Under the terms of the law covenant the Jews were required to keep +the fiftieth year as a jubilee, and the jubilee year was announced by +the blowing of a trumpet. In the text here under consideration the +trumpet symbolizes the message announcing the presence of the Lord, +proclaiming the fact that the harvest is due, that the time has come +when the saints should be gathered together, because the kingdom of +Messiah is at hand. + +[416]"Angels" in this text means messengers or servants who make +announcement of the presence of the Lord and the incoming of the +kingdom. Such messengers are the truly consecrated Christians who make +the announcements to other Christians and to all who have a hearing ear. +It would be reasonable to expect the Lord to have some special +messenger, as distinguished from others or general messengers in +announcing his presence and the time of the harvest. And such is the +case. Jesus said that an office had been provided for such a special +messenger and that at the time of his second appearing he would appoint +some one to that office and give him the responsibility of dispensing +meat to the household of faith in due season. The Christian's meat in +due season is a proper explanation of the Scriptures as they become due +to be understood. We mark a wonderful fulfillment of this statement of +the Lord as further corroborative proof of the Lord's second presence +from 1874 forward. He had said, in answer to the question relative to +his second presence: "Who then is a faithful and wise servant, whom his +lord hath made ruler over his household, to give them meat in due +season? Blessed is that servant, whom his lord when he cometh shall find +so doing. Verily I say unto you, That he shall make him ruler over all +his goods."--Matthew 24:45-47. + +[417]About 1870 Charles Taze Russell, of Allegheny, Pennsylvania, then +a truly consecrated Christian and a careful student of God's Word, +learned from the Scriptures that God has a great and harmonious plan for +the salvation and blessing of mankind. Like other earnest watchers, he +was watching for the evidences of the Lord's coming. About 1875, while +carefully and prayerfully studying the Scriptures, he became convinced +of the Lord's second presence, resulting in his writing and publishing a +booklet entitled, "The Object and Manner of Our Lord's Return," which +had a phenomenal circulation amongst the Christian people of the world. +In 1879 he began the publication of a journal, _The Watch Tower and +Herald of Christ's Presence_, which has since been issued regularly +twice each month. This is the first and only publication that for more +than forty years has announced the second presence of the Lord. This +journal is devoted exclusively to discussion of Scriptural questions, +being the means of carrying the food to the household of faith in due +season. + +[418]Then followed the great work of gathering together the true +followers of Christ Jesus, regardless of denomination, sect, kindred, or +tongue. Charles Taze Russell, who afterwards became better known as +Pastor Russell, was the greatest preacher of modern times. He was +elected pastor of upwards of 1,200 congregations at one time. He +traveled all over the earth proclaiming the message of the divine plan +of the ages, particularly calling attention of Christians to the +presence of the Lord. Between the years 1881 and 1904 he wrote and +published in six volumes the STUDIES IN THE SCRIPTURES giving a full and +detailed explanation of the various features of the divine plan. These +books were translated into about thirty languages and their combined +circulation exceeded 11,000,000 copies. In 1917 the seventh volume of +the series of STUDIES IN THE SCRIPTURES was published, known as "The +Finished Mystery", which has had a very wide circulation. These books +are the first clear explanation of the divine plan ever published. In +addition to the above, he published and widely circulated various +booklets, "What Say the Scriptures About Hell?" "Spiritism," "The Bible +Versus Evolution," "Tabernacle Shadows," and many other tracts, +pamphlets, etc. He was the author of the Photo-Drama of Creation, as +well as the scenario used for this drama, which gives an outline of the +divine plan from the creation to the times of restitution. He organized +and conducted a lecture bureau which employed a large force of Bible +lecturers who traveled and who yet travel throughout the world, +proclaiming the message of the divine plan. For a period of time his +sermons were published weekly in more than 2,000 newspapers, with a +combined circulation of 15,000,000 readers; and in all about 4,000 +different newspapers published his sermons. Some idea of the scope of +his work can be understood from the words written in _The Continent_, a +publication not friendly to him: + +[419]"His writings are said to have a greater newspaper circulation +every week than those of any other living man; greater, doubtless, than +the combined circulation of the writings of all the priests and +preachers in North America; greater even than the work of Arthur +Brisbane, Norman Hapgood, George Horace Lorimer, Dr. Frank Crane, +Frederick Haskins, and a dozen other of the best known editors and +syndicate writers put together." + +[420]Without a doubt Pastor Russell filled the office for which the +Lord provided and about which he spoke, and was therefore that wise and +faithful servant, ministering to the household of faith meat in due +season. Pastor Russell finished his earthly course in 1916. + +[421]In 1884 he caused to be incorporated the Watch Tower Bible and +Tract Society, intended by him to continue the work of the harvest +after his earthly career was finished, and which is yet carrying it on. + +[422]This great work of gathering together Christian people can be +designated in no other way than as a harvest, and fully meets that which +was foretold by the Lord Jesus. This work, which has covered a period of +about forty-five years, has never had for its purpose the forming of any +arrangement by which Christians join anything. Its purpose and work has +been and is to enlighten men and women concerning the great divine plan, +and by this means of proclaiming the message of truth has gathered +together Catholics and Protestants, Christians from all denominations in +all parts of the earth. These Christians are not the followers of Pastor +Russell, but are followers of the Lord and rejoice to feed upon the food +that the Lord has provided for them through his wise and faithful +servant. + +[423]Furthermore, Jesus said with reference to his second presence: "For +wheresoever the carcass is, there will the eagles be gathered together". +(Matthew 24:28) And so it is. The carcass here refers to the spiritual +food provided for the household of faith. The eagles are those of keen +vision and sharp appetite, anxious to know of the Lord's Word, and +equally anxious to feed upon it. Hence we find gathering together many +earnest Christian people in groups in various parts of the earth, who +know no nationality, whose citizenship is in heaven, whose allegiance +and devotion is to the Lord and to his kingdom of righteousness. + +[424]Jesus defines the wheat class as the true followers of himself, +children of the kingdom, and the tares as the imitation Christians, who +are Christians in name only. He declared: "Let both grow together until +the harvest; and in the time of the harvest I will say to the reapers, +Gather ye together first the tares, and bind them in bundles to burn +them; but gather the wheat into my barn."--Matthew 13: 30. + +[425]It is a well-known fact that since 1878 there has been a tendency +on the part of all denominations to bind themselves into leagues and +combines, associations, Interchurch World Movement, etc., thus +fulfilling this prophetic statement of the Lord of binding together the +merely nominal Christians preparatory for the great fire, the great time +of trouble, which is now upon the earth. To the truly consecrated people +of God, who have been identified with these various sectarian or +denominational systems the Lord has been calling in this time of the +harvest, saying: "Come out of her, my people, that ye be not partakers +of her sins, and receive not her plagues". (Revelation 18:4) Concerning +his work with the others, the wheat class, Jehovah through his Prophet +long ago said: "Gather my saints together unto me, those who have made a +covenant with me by sacrifice". (Psalm 50:5) The great work of the +harvest, that is to say, the proclaiming of the second presence of the +Lord and the gathering together of those who truly love his appearing, +has been so remarkably fulfilled since 1874 that it is one of the most +striking and conclusive proofs of the Lord's second presence. + + +SCOFFERS + +[426]It might be reasonably expected that the clergy of various +denominations would be anxious to know and anxious to tell the people +about the presence of the Lord, and would therefore joyfully receive any +news concerning his presence. We find the facts to be just to the +contrary, however, and we again notice that this is one of the evidences +given by Jesus himself marking his second presence. He said: "But as the +days of Noah were, so shall also the coming [presence] of the Son of +man be. For as in the days that were before the flood they were eating +and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage, until the day that Noah +entered into the ark, and knew not until the flood came, and took them +all away; so shall also the coming [presence] of the Son of man be." +(Matthew 24:37-39) Instead of these clergymen as a class joining in the +proclamation, 'Behold the Bridegroom! the Lord has returned, the kingdom +is at hand,' they scoff and jeer, and if they say anything concerning +the Lord's second presence, even though they get all their information +from what Pastor Russell wrote, they discredit him and mock and scoff at +what he wrote or said. Of course the Lord foreknew this and therefore he +caused the Apostle under inspiration to write: "There shall come in the +last days scoffers, walking after their own lusts, and saying, Where is +the promise of his coming [presence]? for since the fathers fell asleep, +all things continue as they were from the beginning of the creation". +--2 Peter 3:3,4. + + +END OF THE WORLD + +[427]Jesus having taught his disciples concerning his second coming, +and having informed them that the world would end at or during that +time, they desired to know how they might be able to ascertain the fact +of his presence and what would be the indication or proof of it to them +or to any one. He was sitting on the side of the Mount of Olives when +his disciples came to him privately and propounded the question: "Tell +us, _when_ shall these things be? and _what_ shall be the sign [proof or +indication] of thy presence, and of the end of the world?" (Matthew 24:3) +The word world as here used does not mean the earth. The earth will never +end or pass away, because "God himself that formed the earth and made it, +he hath established it, he created it not in vain, he formed it to be +inhabited". (Isaiah 45:18) "The earth abideth forever."--Ecclesiastes 1:4. + +[428]The word world means the social and political order or rule +governing the people. From Adam to the time of the great deluge was the +first world or social order of government; which was under the +administration of angels (Hebrews 2:5), and which passed away in a +great flood, during which only Noah and his family, consisting in all of +eight persons, were carried over from the old to the other or newer +world, and were saved. (2 Peter 3:6; 1 Peter 3:20) There began with Noah +and his family a new order or world, which in the time of the Apostle's +day and before that time had grown evil, and which he designated as "the +present evil world". (Galatians 1:4) The Apostle clearly shows that that +world must pass away to make way for the new and righteous kingdom, +which will rule and govern and bless the people. + +[429]It was during the early part of this world that God made promise +to Abraham that through his seed all the families of the earth should be +blessed. Later, at the death of Jacob, God organized the nation of +Israel or the Jews into a nation and at Mount Sinai made a covenant with +them. Jehovah dealt with the nation of Israel exclusive of all other +nations for a number of years. They had many kings, some good and some +bad. Zedekiah was their last king, and because of his wickedness God +said concerning him: "Therefore thus saith the Lord God: Because ye have +made your iniquity to be remembered, in that your transgressions are +discovered, so that in all your doings your sins do appear; because, I +say, that ye are come to remembrance, ye shall be taken with the hand. +And thou, profane wicked prince of Israel, whose day is come, when +iniquity shall have an end, thus saith the Lord God: Remove the diadem, +and take off the crown: this shall not be the same; exalt him that is +low and abase him that is high. I will overturn, overturn, overturn, it: +and it shall be no more, until he come whose right it is; and I will +give it [to] him,"--Ezekiel 21:24-27. + +[430]In the year 606 B.C. Zedekiah was overthrown. He was taken a +prisoner, carried away to Babylon, and Nebuchadnezzar established in the +earth the first universal empire and the gentile times dated from that +time forward. The length of the gentile times is definitely fixed in the +Scriptures as a period of seven symbolic times of 360 years each, or a +total of 2,520 years. This period beginning with the year 606 B.C. +necessarily must end in 1914 A.D. God had declared that he would +overturn the right of the descendants of Abraham to rule, thereby +permitting the gentiles to have an uninterrupted sway until he should +come whose right it is. The one whose right it is is the great Messiah, +Christ Jesus the Lord. It would be reasonable to expect him to be +present some time before he would take unto himself his great power to +reign. His presence beginning in 1874, he has carried on his harvest +work from 1878 forward, but has not interrupted the gentile dominion +until that dominion should end. The end of the gentile rule, therefore, +would mark necessarily the end of the present order; therefore, the end +of the world. We should expect, then, to find 1914 as the beginning of +the end of the old world or order of government. And that this would +take place during the presence of the Lord he definitely stated. + +[431]When the gentile dominion legally ends, the order being a wicked one +under the supervision of Satan, the god of the evil world (2 Corinthians +4:3,4), and all these nations lying in the wicked one (1 John 5:19), it +would be expected that the gentile kingdoms and nations would strive to +hold on to their power. But when the proper time should come it would +also be expected that the Lord, whose right it is, would take over the +affairs into his own hands. And so he said: "We give thanks, O Lord God +Almighty, which art, and wast, and art to come; because thou hast taken +to thee thy great power, and hast reigned. And the nations were angry, +and thy wrath is come, and the time of the dead, that they should be +judged, and that thou shouldest give reward unto thy servants the +prophets, and to the saints, and them that fear thy name, small and +great; and shouldest destroy them which destroy the earth."--Revelation +11:17,18. + +[432]It will be observed that the Lord does not do all of his work in a +twenty-four-hour day, but that gradually he performs his sovereign will. +Specifically answering the question concerning the end of the world +during the time of his presence, Jesus said: "Nation shall rise against +nation, and kingdom against kingdom; and there shall be famines, and +pestilences, and earthquakes [literal and symbolic--revolutions] in +divers places. All these are the beginning of sorrows." (Matthew 24:7,8) +Exactly on time, at the end of the gentile dominion, at the beginning of +the end of the world, nation rose against nation and kingdom against +kingdom in the most devastating war that man ever dreamed would come to +the world. There followed in its wake a great pestilence, the Spanish +influenza, which swept the earth; and the famine is still raging amongst +many peoples and kindreds of the earth; and there have been revolutions, +as well as many literal earthquakes in various parts of the earth. And +these, said the Master, mark the beginning of the end of the world, +which takes place during the time of his presence. The evidence here is +overwhelming, proclaiming his presence and the end of the world. + +[433]These facts mark a corroboration and a clear fulfillment of the +words of Jehovah's Prophet announced centuries before, namely: "In the +days of these kings shall the God of heaven set up a kingdom, which +shall never be destroyed: and the kingdom shall not be left to other +people, but it shall break in pieces and consume all these kingdoms, and +it shall stand for ever". (Daniel 2:44) Literally the kingdoms of earth +are being broken in pieces, and any one who takes a map of Europe today +and looks it over can see how completely this prophecy is now in course +of fulfillment. Nearly all the kings of earth are gone and their +kingdoms are broken in pieces and are being consumed. This is being done +because the Lord is present, because the old world has ended and he is +clearing away the unrighteous things to make way for his new and +righteous government. + +[434]Furthermore Jesus said concerning the end of the world within the +time of his second presence: "Then shall they deliver you up to be +afflicted, and shall kill you: and ye shall be hated of all nations for +my name's sake". (Matthew 24:9) "But take heed to yourselves: for they +shall deliver you up to councils [courts]; and in the synagogues ye +shall be beaten: and ye shall be brought before rulers and kings for my +sake, for a testimony against them." (Mark 13:9) "But before all these, +they shall lay their hands on you, and persecute you, delivering you up +to the synagogues, and into prisons, being brought before kings and +rulers for my name's sake. And it shall turn to you for a testimony." +(Luke 21:12,13) Literally did these Scriptures have fulfillment in the +years 1917, 1918, and 1919. The World War furnished the excuse for the +world-wide persecution of humble and honest and faithful Christians. + +[435]The Christian truly consecrated to the Lord believes and follows +the Lord's teaching: "Thou shalt not kill". (Matthew 5:21) And again: +"Though we walk in the flesh, we do not war after the flesh; for the +weapons of our warfare are not carnal". (2 Corinthians 10:3,4) During +the World War many of the nations passed laws to govern conscientious +objectors, that is, those who object to taking human life. The officers +of the present evil order upon whom devolved the duty and obligation of +construing and enforcing this law, disregarded it; and at the instance +of an apostate and dishonest clergy, truly consecrated Christians, +particularly those known as Bible Students, were, in fulfillment of +Jesus' utterances, hated, beaten, persecuted, haled into the courts and +imprisoned, and some of them killed. But the Lord's protecting care has +been about them through it all. + +[436]In Germany they were persecuted, some put in the front ranks of the +assaulting army. One Christian man, for instance, who refused to take +human life because of his faith in the Lord, was placed in the front +line of attack during a battle. A soldier was placed on either side of +him with gun and bayonet and instructed to kill him if he attempted to +escape. He went through the battle. Most of his regiment was +annihilated, including the two guards by his side. When the battle was +over this Christian brother had not a scratch. Again he was put in a +similar position; and again he went through another battle without +injury. He was then charged with being insane because he would not fight +and placed in an insane asylum and kept there for a period of time, +until he was turned out; and then he proceeded with proclaiming the +message of the Lord's presence and his glorious incoming kingdom. + +[437]The persecution in Great Britain of the same class of Christians, +and in Canada, and in the United States--long boasted of as the land of +the free and the home of the brave--was so terrible that words are +inadequate to describe it. Number 27 of the GOLDEN AGE magazine, issued +September 29, 1920, gives a detailed description of many of these wicked +persecutions, which mark a clear fulfillment of these prophetic +utterances of the Lord. The ones who had the privilege of passing +through them and who had the many evidences of the Lord's blessings, +rejoice because accounted worthy to suffer as our Lord had suffered, +remembering his words: "The servant is not greater than his lord. If +they have persecuted me, they will also persecute you".--John 15:20. + +[438]Jesus furthermore said: "This gospel of the kingdom shall be +preached in all the world for a witness unto all nations; and then shall +the end come". (Matthew 24:14) In the year 1919 many of the Bible +Students in different parts of the earth, emerging from army camps and +prison dungeons, rejoicing in their privileges, again assembled together +and with united action went forth to proclaim the message of the +presence of the Lord; and particularly the message, "The World Has +Ended--Millions Now Living Will Never Die," clearly in fulfillment of +the words of the Master in the text last above quoted. Numbers of public +lectures delivered upon this subject throughout Christendom have +gladdened the hearts of hundreds of thousands of people, comforting +those that mourn. In 1920 this message was put into printed form in the +booklet entitled "Millions Now Living Will Never Die", and in the lands +where the greatest persecution prevailed against the people of the Lord, +greatest has been the witness. Within eight months 2,500,000 copies of +this booklet were placed in the hands of the people; and yet the message +goes on, giving a wider and wider witness, looking forward to the full +consummation of "the time of the end", the end of the old order and the +incoming of Messiah's kingdom. + + +REGATHERING OF ISRAEL + +[439]Jesus furthermore said that the regathering of Israel to Palestine +(Luke 21:24) would be one of the most conclusive proofs of his presence +and of the end of the world. A full discussion of this point, together +with many other points concerning the end of the world, is set forth in +detail in the above mentioned booklet, "Millions Now Living Will Never +Die". Therein is shown conclusively that the prophecies have been +fulfilled exactly on time; that Israel is now being regathered and is +rebuilding Palestine exactly as the Lord foretold. Jesus said: "And when +these things begin to come to pass, then look up, and lift up your +heads; for your redemption draweth nigh".--Luke 21:28. + +[440]Jesus, speaking further through his chosen vessel, refers to the +harvest of the tare class, saying, "The harvest of the earth is ripe. +And he that sat on the cloud thrust in his sickle on the earth; and the +earth was reaped." (Revelation 14:15,16) This gathering of the elements +of Christendom, the vine of the earth, and the reaping of it for +destruction, is now in progress. It is one feature of the Lord's work, +which proves his presence at this time. + +[441]There are many other corroborative evidences of the presence of the +Lord, but space will not permit the examination of all of them here. We +leave the reader to find a more detailed explanation of these great +corroborative truths set forth in Volumes 2 and 3 of STUDIES IN THE +SCRIPTURES. + +[442]Why should any one deceive himself by being induced to cease an +investigation of this subject because some self-constituted wise one +will say: 'You can never know when the Lord will come'? Jesus himself +said to his faithful followers: "Watch therefore: for ye know not what +hour your Lord doth come". (Matthew 24:42) "And what I say unto you I +say unto all, Watch." (Mark 13:37) The clear inference here is that the +watchers in due time would recognize the evidences of his presence, and +recognizing these, would rejoice. + +[443]Suppose we admit, for the sake of the argument, that no man knows +the day nor hour of the Lord's appearing. What difference does that make? +The hour and the day have already passed. He is here! And let all truly +consecrated Christians rejoice. "But of the times and the seasons, +brethren, ye have no need that I write unto you," says St. Paul. +(1 Thessalonians 5:1) The times and seasons are clearly established by the +overwhelming proof that the Lord is now present. Therefore, "ye, +brethren, are not in darkness, ... ye are all the children of light, and +the children of the day; we are not of the night, nor of darkness". Why +quibble now about dates, days or hours? The physical facts, the +fulfilled prophecy and prophecy further in course of fulfillment, prove +overwhelmingly and beyond the shadow of a doubt that the Lord is +present, that the world has ended, that the kingdom of heaven is at +hand! And the true watchers are joyfully exclaiming: "Behold the +Bridegroom!" As faithful members of his body, as the feet of him, they +are standing upon the mountains, that is, upon or above the kingdoms of +earth, singing out to the peoples of Zion: 'Thy God reigneth! The +kingdom of heaven is at hand!' The Prophet of the Lord describes them +thus: "How beautiful upon the mountains are the feet of him that +bringeth good tidings, that publisheth peace; that bringeth good tidings +of good, that publisheth salvation; that saith unto Zion, Thy God +reigneth! Thy watchmen shall lift up the voice; with the voice together +shall they sing: for they shall see eye to eye, when the Lord shall +bring again Zion."--Isaiah 52:7,8. + +[444]These are they who, having the harps of God, are singing the song +of Moses the servant of God and the song of the Lamb, harmonizing the +great truths of the Old and New Testaments, the Mosaic law and the +gospel of Christ Jesus, singing: "Great and marvelous are thy works, +Lord God Almighty; just and true are thy ways, thou King of saints. Who +shall not fear thee, O Lord, and glorify thy name? for thou only art +holy: for all nations shall come and worship before thee; for thy +judgments are made manifest."--Revelation 15:2-4. + + +WHY THE LORD COMES + +[445]There are three primary purposes or reasons why the Lord appears +the second time. These are: (1) To bind Satan and destroy his kingdom +and all the false systems inaugurated by his agencies; (2) to receive +unto himself his bride, the church, which includes the work of the +harvest of gathering them unto him; and (3) to set up his kingdom, for +which he taught his followers to pray. + +[446]The purpose of our Lord's second coming has been much misunderstood +and misrepresented. Some have said that he is coming to burn up the +earth. The Scriptures answer this charge: "The heaven, even the heavens, +are the Lord's; but the earth hath he given to the children of men". +(Psalm 115:16) How then can we harmonize this statement of the +Scriptures with St. Peter's words?--"But the day of the Lord will come +as a thief in the night; in the which the heavens shall pass away with a +great noise, and the elements shall melt with fervent heat, the earth +also and the works that are therein shall be burned up.... The heavens +being on fire shall be dissolved, and the elements shall melt with +fervent heat."--2 Peter 3:10,12. + +[447]It is manifest that the Apostle is here using symbolic language. He +states that the Lord comes as a thief, illustrating how quietly and +unobservedly his second coming or appearing takes place, as we have +already noted. Then we must conclude that the other main elements here +mentioned are symbolic. The heavens taken symbolically mean the +invisible power of control, consisting of Satan and his unseen agencies, +as well as his visible agencies in the earth. The earth symbolically +represents organized society under Satan's dominion. The elements here +meant are the various selfish elements of the earth, composed of +ecclesiasticism, political parties, lodge systems, etc., that go to make +up the various elements of human society; and we can see that these are +all discordant and warring amongst themselves. They shall all be +dissolved and shall melt with fervent heat; that is to say, during the +heated time of trouble. + +[448]But the Apostle states in the thirteenth verse of this chapter: +"Nevertheless we, according to his promise, look for new heavens and a +new earth, wherein dwelleth righteousness"; meaning thereby that we look +for a new invisible power of control, Messiah's kingdom, and a new +earth, society organized along new lines, to take the place of the old. +The words here have no reference to the mundane sphere or globe upon +which the human race resides. + +[449]The symbolic fire is now burning fiercely in the troublesome time +that we see amongst the peoples and nations of the earth; and it will +continue to burn until all the false systems of Satan's empire are +completely destroyed. This is a further evidence of the Lord's presence +at this time, as well as one of the purposes for which he comes. + +[450]In speaking of the proof of his presence, Jesus further stated that +at that time there would be "upon the earth distress of nations, with +perplexity; the sea [restless humanity] and the waves [various organized +parts of it] roaring; men's hearts failing them for fear, and for +looking after those things which are coming on the earth; for the powers +of heaven shall he shaken. And then shall they see [discern] the Son of +man coming in a cloud with power and great glory;" that is to say, they +will discern the Lord's presence through the clouds, symbolic of great +trouble, and glory, the manifestation of his justice and power. (Luke +21:25-27) No one will attempt to gainsay the fact that just now, in the +year 1921, all the nations are in distress and the people in all +branches of business--socially, politically and otherwise--are in +perplexity and know not what to do. And men of earth who are engaged in +business affairs are so fearful that their hearts are failing them, not +knowing which way to turn nor what to do. + +[451]On one hand we observe the employers who own the factories and the +mills and who employ the laboring element to do the work, striving to +curtail their expenses, reducing wages, discharging men, resulting in +millions being out of employment with no means of earning a livelihood +for themselves or families. On the other hand is the laboring class of +men, who have received their employment at the hands of the wealthier, +who are distressed in mind. And because of the injustices heaped upon +them they are becoming more restless each day and are threatening to +take complete possession and control of the factories and mills and +mines and operate these themselves. The political class, striving always +to do the will of the financial powers, are perplexed and frightened as +to what they shall do, yet constantly acting in a vain attempt to help +their allies in the great beastly order; while the apostate clergy, +which goes to make up the third element of the beastly order, is trying +to induce the order-loving people to unite themselves with church +systems and thereby support the employing class. + +[452]These various elements, selfishly exercising what power they have, +are going from bad to worse, leading on to a great disaster for the +unrighteous systems of earth. Jesus points this out as the final and +conclusive evidence of his presence and of the end of the world, saying: +"Then shall be great tribulation, such as was not since the beginning of +the world to this time, no, nor ever shall be. And except those days +should be shortened, there should no flesh be saved: but for the elect's +sake those days shall be shortened." (Matthew 24:21,22) The prophet +Daniel corroborates the words of the Master to the effect that in this +time of trouble the great Messiah will manifest himself and put into +operation his kingdom. He says: "And at that time shall Michael [God's +representative, the Messiah] stand up, the great prince which standeth +for the children of thy people; and there shall be a time of trouble, +such as never was since there was a nation even to that same time; and +at that time thy people shall be delivered, every one that shall be +found written in the book".--Daniel 12:1. + +[453]The world is madly rushing on now to this time of trouble. It is +the time spoken of by the prophet Haggai, who says: "And I will shake +all nations, and the desire of all nations shall come; and I will fill +this house with glory, saith the Lord of hosts". (Haggai 2:7) And when +this great shaking is over, then the desire of all nations and peoples +will come, namely, an honest, righteous government, administered in +behalf of mankind under the supervision of the great Messiah. The +apostle Paul refers to this time as a time of great shaking, which +immediately precedes the full establishment of the Messianic kingdom. +(Hebrews 12:18-28) The Lord by his presence is bringing to light every +hidden thing. The Apostle foretold it would be thus, saying: "Therefore +judge nothing before the time, until the Lord come, who both will bring +to light the hidden things of darkness, and will make manifest the +counsels of the hearts".--1 Corinthians 4:5. + +[454]Thus the Lord is letting the light of truth shine out, and by the +truth is binding Satan, which means the great adversary, the devil, and +his various agencies and influences in the earth. And this is further +evidence of the Lord's presence. Truly Satan's house is divided against +itself and cannot stand. It is going to pieces. Jesus in his revelation +to St. John caused to be written these words: "And I saw an angel come +down from heaven, having the key of the bottomless pit and a great chain +in his hand. And he laid hold on the dragon, that old serpent, which is +the devil, and Satan, and bound him a thousand years, and cast him into +the bottomless pit, and shut him up, and set a seal upon him, that he +should deceive the nations no more, till the thousand years should be +fulfilled; and after that he must be loosed a little season," +(Revelation 20:1-3) This is the time that Jesus foretold when the +nations shall be "as vessels of a potter, ... broken to shivers". +(Revelation 2:27) Satan soon shall be restrained and his empire +completely and forever destroyed. (Isaiah 34:1-4; 51:6) Thus shall the +Lord be revealed to the world, and they shall know of his presence by +the fiery time of trouble which shall take vengeance upon the +unrighteous systems and things of the earth. (2 Thessalonians 1:7,8) +This is the day of God's vengeance and his fire will continue to burn +until all parts of the Satanic order are destroyed. The Prophet wrote +concerning this first work of the Messiah: "Thou shalt break them with a +rod of iron; thou shalt dash them in pieces like a potter's vessel". +--Psalm 2: 9. + + +TO RECEIVE HIS BRIDE + +[455]Jesus is likened unto a bridegroom, while the church is likened +unto a bride. (John 3:29; Revelation 21:9; 2 Corinthians 11:2) Many +beautiful word pictures or types appear in the Old Testament, which God +caused to be made for the purpose of teaching his great plan to those +who would search for the truth. One of these pictures is that of Isaac +and Rebekah. Abraham the father of Isaac sent his servant Eliezer into a +distant land to find a wife for his son Isaac. The servant took ten +camels and went into Mesopotamia, unto the city of Nahor. There he found +Rebekah, the daughter of Bethuel, a virgin very fair to look upon. +Eliezer "took a golden earring of half a shekel weight, and two +bracelets for her hands of ten shekels weight of gold". Rebekah agreed +to accompany Eliezer to become the wife of Isaac. "And Rebekah arose, +and her damsels, and they rode upon the camels, and followed the man +[Eliezer]," who brought her unto Isaac. "And Isaac brought her into his +mother Sarah's, tent, and took Rebekah, and she became his wife," after +his mother Sarah's death.--See Genesis 24. + +[456]In this picture Abraham is a type of Jehovah; his wife Sarah, a +type of the Abrahamic covenant, from which the Messiah springs; Isaac, +the son, a type of Jesus Christ; while Rebekah is a type of the church, +the bride of Christ. Eliezer, Abraham's servant, is a type of the holy +spirit, whose mission it is to invite the church and to assist her, and +ultimately to bring her and her companions to the antitypical Isaac, the +Lord Jesus, the Bridegroom. Before Jesus departed from the earth he said +to his disciples: "I will pray the Father, and he shall give you another +Comforter, ... even the spirit of truth.... I will not leave you +comfortless: I will come to you. Yet a little while, and the world seeth +me no more; but ye see me: because I live, ye shall live also," (John +14:15-19) Eliezer here pictures the comforter, the holy spirit, which +was given at Pentecost, at which time the way was opened and the +invitation was given to men who love the Lord to become followers of the +Lord Jesus and be of the bride class. The ten camels which Eliezer took +with him represent the Word of God, the ten strings of the harp. The +golden earring presented to Rebekah represents the blessed and pleasing +effect of hearing the call to be the bride of Christ; while the two +bracelets picture the happy effect of responding to the divine call and +doing with our might what our hands find to do. + +[457]The call to become members of this glorious bride class is +beautifully pictured by the Psalmist thus: "Hearken, O daughter, and +consider, and incline thine ear; forget also thine own people, and thy +father's house; so shall the king greatly desire thy beauty: for he is +thy Lord; and worship thou him". (Psalm 45:10,11) Responding to that +call, one consecrates his all to the Lord, is begotten of the holy +spirit, and henceforth being borne up by the spirit of the Lord through +his Word grows in the likeness of his Master and prepares for the coming +of the beloved Bridegroom. The death of Sarah, Abraham's wife, pictures +the end of the Sarah-Abrahamic covenant, from which springs the bride of +Christ; and Isaac receiving Rebekah and taking her as his wife after his +mother's death foreshadowed the complete union of Christ Jesus the +bridegroom and the church his bride at the end of the world. + +[458]Throughout the entire gospel age from Pentecost until now the Lord +has been preparing his bride, the church. Many have been called, but few +have been chosen, and still fewer will be faithful; but only the +faithful ones will he receive. Just before his departure at the time of +his first advent he said: "In my Father's house are many mansions: if it +were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. And +if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you +unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also."--John 14:2,3. + +[459]Here, then, is one of the positive statements that one of the chief +purposes of the Lord's return is to receive unto himself his bride. +Since his appearance, therefore, he has been doing the harvest work, +namely, gathering unto himself those who will constitute the bride +class. + +[460]The Lord gives a picture in the twenty-fifth chapter of Matthew of +this kingdom class. (Matthew 25:1-13) Here he speaks of ten virgins who +took their lamps and went forth to meet the bridegroom. A virgin means a +pure one. Lovers of the Lord Jesus, the bridegroom, long for his return. +These took their lamps. The lamp represents the Word of God; as the +Psalmist says: "Thy word is a lamp unto my feet". (Psalm 119:105) Part +of these virgins were wise; therefore they took oil in their vessels. +The wise represent the bride class, the faithful ones; while the foolish +ones picture a class of greater numbers who will not be of the bride +class, but will be born on the spirit plane. While these have waited for +the coming of the Lord, the foolish ones have been indifferent. They +have had no oil, have not had the spirit of the truth, the loving zeal +for the Lord and his cause; hence they have been negligent. Whereas the +wise virgins have been watching and have kept their lamps trimmed and +burning; which means they have studied the Word of God and watched the +fulfillment of prophecies, striving to develop the fruits and graces of +the spirit and to be prepared for the coming of the Bridegroom. As +these, then, of the bride class come to a knowledge of the fact that the +bridegroom is present, they join in the cry: "Behold the Bridegroom!" +And they hasten to prepare to meet him. During the time of the harvest +of the gospel age, during the second presence of the Lord, members of +the wise virgin class coming to a knowledge of the truth of his presence +have rejoiced greatly because the Lord has returned; and the joy of the +bride class has increased as the members have marked the ever-increasing +evidence manifesting the Lord's presence and the preparation for his +kingdom. And as they have cried out, "Behold the Bridegroom!" they have +been zealous in presenting the message of truth to others, that their +hearts might be refreshed. The Lord has a special reward for those who +love his second appearing, as the Apostle plainly stated. (2 Timothy 4:8) +There will not be a great number of this bride class. On the contrary, +they are small in number. Jesus said there would be but a little flock. +(Luke 12:32) Through the Revelator he designates the number as +144,000.--Revelation 14:1. + +[461]Some of these dear saints, however, have been developed from time to +time throughout the gospel age, beginning with the apostles at Pentecost. +These have died and waited for the return of the Lord. Since the +Scriptures show that the dead know not anything until the resurrection, +it would be reasonable to expect the Lord to do something for these who +had died faithful to their covenant and to expect that he would do +something for them early in the time of his presence. St. Paul says: +"For this we say unto you by the word of the Lord, that we which are +alive and remain unto the coming of the Lord shall not prevent them +which are asleep. For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a +shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and +the dead in Christ shall rise first: then we which are alive and remain +shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in +the air; and so shall we ever be with the Lord."--1 Thessalonians 4:15-17. + +[462]Some have misconstrued this Scripture to mean that the Lord would +appear the second time and give a great shout and wake up the dead. The +word here translated shout means a message of encouragement. It implies +a public message designed for the ears not of a few, but for a great +number. The "shout", the "voice of the archangel" and the "trump of God" +are all symbols. Literally, it means that the appearing of the Lord will +be at the time of or during the shout of encouragement; and this is in +full harmony with the evidences heretofore examined that the presence of +the Lord has been at a time when the people have been encouraged +concerning their own rights. Christians have encouraged each other by +passing the message of the Lord's presence on to each other. The peoples +have encouraged one another with reference to their liberties, rights, +and privileges. The "voice of the archangel", as used in this passage, +means one with authority, the chief messenger, Christ Jesus himself. He +comes with light and truth, illuminating the minds of men, leading them +into greater light which has come upon the end of the age when the shout +of encouragement for the rights and liberties of the people and the +deliverance of Christians into the kingdom of the Lord has begun +throughout the earth. + +[463]During this time, then, we should expect the resurrection of those +saintly ones who died before the second coming of the Lord; and should +expect that these would be awakened out of death and gathered unto the +Lord, thus to be forever with him. And therefore those believers who +were alive at his coming, when the time came for their death, would +experience an instantaneous change from human to spirit beings. And +finally, when all the members of the bride class shall have finished +their course and all have passed from the human into the spiritual +condition, with glorious bodies, they will enjoy peace and happiness for +evermore. The Lord is taking unto himself his bride class, because the +promise is that these shall be heirs of God and joint-heirs with Christ +Jesus in his kingdom, and that they shall reign with him.--Romans 8:16,17; +Revelation 20:6. + + +ESTABLISHING HIS KINGDOM + +[464]Before the foundation of the world God foreordained that he would +have a kingdom and a royal family who would have charge of the kingdom. +The kingdom necessarily embraces the royal house or royal family, as +well as the dominion. Foreknowing the end of all things, God provided in +his great plan not only for the redemption of the human race, but the +selection from amongst men of a certain number whom he would transform +into the image and likeness of his beloved Son. God provided also that +these should constitute the royal family of heaven. The apostle Peter +says of this class: "But ye are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a +holy nation, a people for a purpose, that you may declare the +perfections of him who called you from darkness into his wonderful +light; who once were not a people, but now are God's people".--1 Peter +2:9,10. _Diaglott_. + +[465]To his disciples, and to those who should thereafter become such, +Jesus said: "I appoint unto you a kingdom, as my Father hath appointed +unto me". (Luke 22:29) And again: "To him that overcometh will I grant +to sit with me in my throne". (Revelation 3:21) From these Scriptures +it is to be seen that the church constitutes with Jesus the royal +family, the kingdom class, otherwise called the seed of Abraham, through +which the blessings shall flow out to mankind. This is the kingdom for +which he taught his disciples to pray. This is the kingdom which the +prophet Daniel declares shall be set up to have no successor, and which +shall be established during the last days of the kingdoms of the +unrighteous order.--Daniel 2:44; 7:14,27. + +[466]The truly consecrated followers of Jesus, obedient to his +admonition, have been watching and waiting; and those who were permitted +to live at the time of his second presence and since have experienced +that blessedness spoken of by Daniel the prophet at the end of the 1,335 +symbolic days or years. As the great divine plan has been revealed to +these they have learned that the Lord has returned and is here, +invisible to human eyes, yet exercising his great power in binding Satan +and dashing to pieces the present unrighteous order, gathering unto +himself his saints, and putting in order the affairs of his kingdom; +that he has taken unto himself his great power to reign, and that soon +all the saints shall participate with the Lord in glory in carrying out +the further divine arrangement. As this string upon the harp of God is +revealed to them, they sing with exultant joy: + + "Our lamps are trimmed and burning, + Our robes are white and clean; + We've tarried for the Bridegroom, + And now we'll enter in. + We know we've nothing worthy + That we can call our own-- + The light, the oil, the robes we wear, + Are all from him alone. + Behold, behold the Bridegroom! + And all may enter in, + Whose lamps are trimmed and burning, + Whose robes are white and clean." + +[467]And these saints while yet on earth, beholding with the eye of +faith the marvelous fulfillment of prophecy, are patiently waiting for +the time of their glorification, when they each shall be clothed upon +with a new and beautiful body like unto Jesus', the beloved Bridegroom, +and when they each shall see him as he is. + + + + +What effect is produced upon one by the return of a very dear friend +long absent? ¶ 347. + +Define the term "friend". ¶ 348. + +Who is mankind's dearest friend, and why? ¶ 348. + +How long since Jesus journeyed to a far country? and what did he say +about returning? ¶ 349. + +If the facts show that this dear friend has returned for the blessing of +mankind, what effect should this have upon those who have been expecting +his return? ¶ 349. + +Would his returning constitute one of the strings upon the harp of God? +¶ 349. + +For what have the Jews been long hoping and praying? ¶ 350. + +For what have Christians been looking and waiting for the past nineteen +centuries? ¶ 350. + +For what is the world of mankind groaning and waiting? ¶ 350. + +What effect will be produced upon mankind when they learn that their +benefactor is present to bestow blessings upon them? ¶ 350. + +Is the returning of the Lord to Christians a precious string upon the +harp of God? and if so, why? ¶ 351. + +What conditions in the earth are preparing the people for a knowledge of +our Lord's return? ¶ 352. + +Are the reasons for our Lord's return few or many? and should they be +kept in mind? ¶ 353. + +Should we reason upon the Scriptures? and if so, why? ¶ 353. + +In the advancement of the divine plan, do we find reason and the +Scriptures harmonizing? ¶ 353. + +What points are conclusively proven by the Scriptures thus far examined? +¶ 354. + +Why is it necessary for relationship to be established between the world +and the Lord Jesus? ¶ 354. + +What reason do we see for the Lord establishing in the earth a righteous +order of things? ¶ 354. + +Must he be present to establish that order? ¶ 354. + +Is there Scriptural evidence to support these reasonable conclusions? +¶ 355. + +What did the prophet Isaiah say about the coming of this mighty One? +¶ 355. + +What presumption follows the term "everlasting father"? ¶ 355. + +What blessing, then, should we expect man to receive through the +promised government? ¶ 355. + +What presumption must be indulged concerning the coming of the Lord from +the utterance of Jehovah to King Zedekiah through the prophet Ezekiel +when God overturned the government of Israel? ¶ 356. + +What is to be expected that the coming of this mighty One would do in +the earth? ¶ 357. + +When Zedekiah was overthrown, what did the gentiles do, by the Lord's +permission? ¶ 358. + +Through the prophet Daniel, what world empires did the Lord Jehovah +foretell? and how long would they last? Give Scriptural proof. ¶ 358. + +Would we expect the righteous King to be present when this breaking to +pieces of the old kingdoms occurs? ¶ 358. + +Why do the Scriptures speak of this righteous kingdom as the kingdom of +heaven? ¶ 358. + +In what two-fold sense is the term "kingdom" used? ¶ 359. + +To what did most of the parables of Jesus relate? ¶ 359. + +What did Jesus teach the disciples indicating the importance of the +Lord's coming kingdom? ¶ 359. + +Should Christians expect the fulfillment of their prayers? ¶ 359. + +Since this coming King must have a kingdom, do the Scriptures indicate +who is to be the king of this new order? Quote the Scriptural proof. +¶ 359. + +When Jesus stood before Pilate, of what crime was he accused? ¶ 360. + +What question did Pilate ask him? and what was the Lord's reply? ¶ 360. + +What is meant by the term "world" as used in this and other Scriptures? +¶ 360. + +What peoples were to have dominion in the earth from the time of +Zedekiah's overthrow until the second coming of the Lord? ¶ 360. + +Who is the invisible ruler of that social order of things? ¶ 360. + +By what other terms is Satan designated? ¶ 360. + +What has been the nature of Satan's rule through his earthly +representatives? ¶ 360. + +What do we understand, then, to be the meaning of the Master's words to +Pilate? ¶ 360. + +Did the parable of the pounds taught by our Lord to his disciples +indicate his return? ¶ 361. + +What is also indicated by the parable of the talents? ¶ 361. + +What did Jesus say to his disciples just before his crucifixion about +his second coming? Quote his words. ¶ 362. + +Where were Jesus and his disciples when Jesus ascended into heaven? ¶ 363. + +Give the Scriptural account of what occurred at the time of his +ascension, ¶ 363. + +Who were the men who stood by and spoke to the disciples at that time? +¶ 363. + +Why did these angels thus materialize and speak to the disciples? ¶ 363. + +Were the disciples thoroughly convinced of the second coming of the +Lord? and if so, how did it influence their teachings? Give Scriptural +proof. ¶ 364. + +What did St. Paul say to Timothy about the time of the end of his +earthly career concerning the second coming of the Lord? ¶ 364. + +What special promise is indicated for the benefit of those who would +love his appearing? ¶ 364. + +What is the book of Revelation? ¶ 365. + +What is stated in the latter part of that book concerning the Lord's +return? ¶ 365. + +Can there be any doubt about the Lord's second coming? and if not, why +not? ¶ 366. + +What, then, is one of the important questions to be first determined +concerning his coming? ¶ 367. + +From what should we expect to get the evidence concerning the manner of +the Lord's return? ¶ 367. + +Is it reasonable to suppose that he would return in the body in which he +was put to death? and if not, why not? Give Scriptural proof. ¶ 367. + +In what manner will the faithful followers of Jesus see him? ¶ 367. + +Has any human being seen the Lord Jesus' glorious body? Give Scriptural +proof. ¶ 367. + +Why shall the disciples see him as he is? ¶ 368. + +Why could not human eyes see him? ¶ 368. + +Is he like Jehovah? Give Scriptural proof. ¶ 368. + +In what manner did St. Paul say the Christian should henceforth know +Christ Jesus? ¶ 368. + +After the ascension of Jesus on high, what was his position with +reference to the Father? ¶ 369. + +Give Scriptural proof that he is a spirit being. ¶ 369. + +What did Jesus say to Nicodemus about a spirit being? and how does this +illustrate that human eyes cannot see the glorious Lord? ¶ 369. + +Should we expect, then, our Lord to be present, not seen by human eyes, +but discernible by those who are his true followers? ¶ 370. + +Satan is the god of this present evil world. Have human eyes seen him? +¶ 370. + +What will constitute the new heavens and new earth? ¶ 370. + +Will the ruler of those new heavens, the Messiah, be visible or +invisible? ¶ 370. + +Is there any reason for us to expect human beings to see the Lord? ¶ 370. + +Is it always proper to use the word "coming" with reference to our +Lord's second appearance? If not, what other word is properly used? ¶ 371. + +Quote a number of Scriptures in which the word "coming" is properly +translated "presence". ¶¶ 372-382. + +When Jesus ascended on high, what did the angels standing by advise his +disciples as to the manner of his return? Give Scriptural proof. ¶ 383. + +What does this suggest as to the manner of his return? ¶ 383. + +What is meant by coming as a thief in the night? and how does this +illustrate the second coming of the Lord? Give Scriptural proof. ¶ 383. + +What does the night illustrate? ¶ 383. + +What did the Lord say concerning those who would report his return in +the desert or in the secret chambers? ¶ 384. + +Explain the Lord's statement of his second appearing wherein he said, +"As the lightning cometh out of the east, and shineth even unto the +west, so shall the presence of the Son of man be". ¶ 384. + +What heavenly planet or body is used to picture the second appearing of +the Lord? ¶ 385. + +Why is it important to keep in mind that the Lord's second appearing +will be invisible to human eyes? ¶ 386. + +Is the time of his coming important to Christians? ¶ 387. + +State the various opinions expressed by some concerning the Lord's +second coming. ¶ 387. + +Why do some of these desire him not to come? ¶ 387. + +Are we justified in assuming that no one could ever know the time of his +second appearing? and if not, why not? ¶ 388. + +Is it reasonable to suppose that Jesus himself would know some time +before? ¶ 388. + +Why would he tell his disciples to watch if they would never know of his +coming? ¶ 388. + +When Jesus arose from the dead, what did he say about the power +committed to him? ¶ 388. + +Is it reasonable to conclude that he then knew of his second appearing +and when it would take place? ¶ 388. + +Should we expect the angels in heaven to know when that great event +takes place? ¶ 388. + +Did the Lord promise the disciples that after they received the holy +spirit they might know concerning his second coming? ¶ 389. + +What Scriptural promise is given the Christian that he shall have +revealed to him these things in due time? ¶ 389. + +What did St. Paul, after he had received the holy spirit, writing under +inspiration to the Thessalonians, say about the times and seasons and +the second coming of the Lord? ¶ 389. + +Should we expect the watching Christians to be in darkness as to the +time of the Lord's appearing? ¶ 389. + +How did Jesus speak concerning his second coming? ¶ 390. + +What is the meaning of prophecy as relating to the Lord's presence? ¶ 390. + +Does the fulfillment of prophecy enable the watcher to determine about +the Lord's presence? ¶ 390. + +In what way did Jesus use the natural harvest to illustrate his second +coming? ¶ 391. + +Repeat the parable of the wheat and the tares, and give the Scriptural +interpretation of it. ¶¶ 391, 392. + +What definite conclusion must be drawn from this statement of the Lord +relative to his second presence? ¶ 393. + +Would it be necessary for the Lord to be present before the harvest? +¶ 393. + +Would it be necessary for him to be present some time before the end of +the age or world? ¶ 393. + +What great historical facts were written prophetically by the prophet +Daniel? ¶ 394. + +Could these statements of the prophet Daniel leading up to the "time of +the end" be understood by him? ¶ 394. + +What did Daniel himself say about understanding his prophecy? ¶ 394. + +Who did he say would understand in due time? ¶ 394. + +What is meant by the term "time of the end"? ¶ 394. + +What did the prophet Daniel definitely state would take place at the +"time of the end"? Quote the Scripture. ¶ 394. + +State the fulfillment of Daniel's prophecy (11:40,41). ¶ 395. + +In connection with Napoleon's campaign, who was meant in this prophecy +by the "king of the south" and by the "king of the north"? ¶ 395. + +When did Napoleon's campaign end as in this prophecy described? ¶ 395. + +How is the "time of the end" definitely fixed and stated? ¶ 395. + +From what time in the world's history have governments been pictured by +beasts? ¶ 396. + +What did the prophet Daniel say about a fourth beast? ¶ 396. + +What constitutes the three principal component parts of the "beast"? +¶ 396. + +Give the historical date of the beginning of this great "beast". ¶ 396. + +Quote Daniel's words in Daniel 12:5-7. ¶ 397. + +In Biblical symbology, what is meant by a "time"? ¶ 397. + +How much time was indicated by the prophet Daniel in this prophecy as +elapsing from the beginning of this beastly order to the "time of the +end"? ¶ 397. + +How is the beginning of the "time of the end" definitely fixed at 1799 +A.D.? ¶ 397. + +What other periods of time does the prophet Daniel mention in the +twelfth chapter? ¶ 398. + +From what date must these prophetic days be counted, as shown by the +foregoing facts? ¶ 398. + +What was the most important thing to which the Prophet pointed? ¶ 398. + +Applying the above rule, a day for a year, when would the 1,335 days of +Daniel's prophecy end? ¶ 398. + +What should be expected at that date? ¶ 398. + +If we are correct in reaching this date of 1874, should we expect +corroborative evidence of the Lord's presence? ¶ 398. + +Why is fulfilled prophecy conclusive proof concerning the question at +issue? ¶ 399. + +What is the value of physical facts in examining any question? ¶ 399. + +Is there a difference between the date of the beginning of the "time of +the end" and the presence of the Lord? ¶ 400. + +What period of time is covered by the "time of the end"? ¶ 400. + +From what time does the Lord's second presence date? and during what +period of the "time of the end" does his presence occur? ¶ 400. + +Was there any reason why these important dates should be concealed for a +time? Give Scriptural reason. ¶ 401. + +Is it reasonable to expect that Jehovah would indicate something by +which the event could be determined in the future? ¶ 401. + +For what did he tell Daniel to look as evidence of the "time of the +end"? ¶ 402. + +If 1799 marks the beginning of the "time of the end", should we expect a +specific fulfillment of this prophecy of Daniel shortly thereafter? ¶ 402. + +Who had access to the Bible prior to 1799? ¶ 402. + +What penalties were attached to common people for having a Bible in +possession? ¶ 402. + +What happened in 1799 that caused a change of conditions? ¶ 402. + +Who had taught the doctrine of the divine right of kings and the divine +right of the clergy? ¶ 402. + +What historical event occurred to open the minds of the people to the +truth concerning these doctrines? ¶ 402. + +How did this mark a beginning of the fulfillment of Daniel's prophecy? +¶ 402. + +State when and how soon after 1799, the beginning of the "time of the +end", the great Bible societies were organized. ¶ 403. + +Give approximately the number of Bibles that were distributed amongst +the people thereafter. ¶ 403. + +Did the Papal system gladly participate in distributing the Bible +amongst the people? ¶ 403. + +When did the people begin to learn that God makes no distinction between +persons, whether they are priests or of the common herd? ¶ 403. + +Relate something concerning the increase of knowledge generally since +1800 A.D. ¶ 404. + +Prior to 1799, what was the means of travel through the countries? ¶ 405. + +Was there any increase of travel shortly after 1799 A.D.? ¶ 405. + +When was the steam locomotive put in operation? and how have means of +rapid transit increased since that time? ¶ 405. + +What is meant by the "day of God's preparation"? ¶ 406. + +What prophet describes a railway train? Quote the prophecy. ¶ 406. + +When was the telegraph invented? and what other means of communication +have followed since? ¶ 407. + +Can there be any doubt about these physical facts marking a fulfillment +of Daniel's prophecy concerning the "time of the end"? ¶ 408. + +What did Jesus say concerning the latter part of the "time of the end" +and in what way it would be indicated? ¶ 409. + +Did the apostle Paul indicate that greater light would come to the +people at the "time of the end"? ¶ 409. + +What other evidence have we of increasing light at that time? ¶ 410. + +What class of people have been trodden down for centuries? and when did +they begin to get their eyes opened as to their privileges? ¶ 410. + +When was the first labor organization formed in the world? ¶ 410. + +Enumerate some of the great inventions and discoveries since 1874, +marking the fulfillment of Daniel's prophecy, and the Lord's presence, +and the "time of the end". ¶ 410. + +What do the Scriptures disclose concerning a parallel between the gospel +and the Jewish ages? ¶ 411. + +When did the Jewish harvest begin? ¶ 411. + +What is meant by the term "harvest"? ¶ 411. + +Did Jesus state that there would be a harvest at the end of the world, +during his second presence? ¶ 411. + +Describe the parallel between the Jewish and the gospel-age harvests. +¶ 411. + +The natural harvest of the Jews was used to illustrate what? ¶ 412. + +What was the custom following the reaping of the grain by the Jews? ¶ 412. + +What would this indicate that we might expect from 1878 to 1918, and +following that period? ¶ 412. + +In answer to the disciples' question as to when he would be present, +what did Jesus say about the harvest and the sending of messengers? Give +the Scriptural proof. ¶ 413. + +In Jesus' statement of Matthew 24:31, what is meant by the word "trumpet"? +¶ 415. + +Explain the term "angels" as used in this text. ¶ 416. + +Would it be reasonable to expect some special messenger to be used of +the Lord during the time of this harvest? ¶ 416. + +What did Jesus promise about providing such a messenger? Quote Matthew +24:45-47. ¶ 416. + +From 1870 A.D. forward, what evidence do we have in fulfillment of this +prophetic statement of the Lord? ¶ 417. + +What publication has for some forty years consistently announced the +Lord's second presence? ¶ 417. + +From 1878 forward, what evidence has there been of a gathering of +Christians, regardless of denominations? ¶ 418. + +Describe some of the work done by the special messenger of the Lord. +¶ 418. + +Quote the words of the publication _The Continent_ concerning Pastor +Russell. ¶ 419. + +What society was incorporated in 1884? and what has been its work in +connection with the harvest of this age? ¶ 421. + +What has been and is the purpose of this society? ¶ 421. + +Are these Christians who are thus gathered together followers of any +man? ¶ 422. + +Quote Matthew 24:28, and give its meaning. ¶ 423. + +Jesus likened the true children of God to wheat. What did he use to +illustrate imitation Christians? Quote Matthew 13:30. ¶ 424. + +What has been the tendency of so-called Christian denominations since +1878? ¶ 425. + +Since that time, how has the Lord's message in Revelation 18:4 applied +to Christians? ¶ 425. + +What did the Lord through the Prophet say concerning the gathering of +his people at this time? Quote Psalm 50:5. ¶ 425. + +What does this prove concerning the Lord's second presence? ¶ 425. + +Do we find the clergy of various denominations anxious to tell of the +Lord's second presence? and if not, why not? ¶ 426. + +Why do these distinguished gentlemen scoff and jeer at those who teach +the Lord is now present? ¶ 426. + +Did the Lord foretell this? Quote the Apostle's language with reference +to it. ¶ 426. + +Why did the disciples want to know what would be the proof of the Lord's +presence and of the end of the world? ¶ 427. + +Repeat the question that they propounded to Jesus on the Mount of +Olives. ¶ 427. + +Will the physical earth ever be destroyed? Give Scriptural proof for +answer. ¶ 427. + +What is meant, then, by the end of the world? ¶ 428. + +What became of the first world? ¶ 428. + +How many persons were carried over from the first world to that +designated as the present evil world? ¶ 428. + +What period of time is designated in the Scriptures as the present evil +world? ¶ 428. + +What Scriptural proof is there as to how the present evil world shall +pass away? ¶ 428. + +In what world and what part of that world did God make the promise to +Abraham that in his seed all the families of the earth should be +blessed? ¶ 429. + +What was God's declaration to Zedekiah, the king of Israel? Repeat it. +¶ 429. + +When was Zedekiah overthrown? ¶ 430. + +Who established the universal gentile empire then? ¶ 430. + +When did the "gentile times" begin? and how long must that period last? +¶ 430. + +Who is the one spoken of by the Prophet here as "he whose right it is"? +¶ 430. + +Would it be reasonable, then, to expect the presence of this mighty One +before the overthrow of the old order or present evil world? ¶ 430. + +Why was the year 1914 A.D. an important date? ¶ 430. + +What would be reasonably expected to be the conduct of the gentile +nations after 1914 with reference to continuing in power? ¶ 431. + +What does the Revelator say would be the condition of these nations at +that time? Quote the Scripture. ¶ 431. + +What did Jesus say would mark the beginning of the end of the world? +Quote his answer to the question. ¶ 432. + +What fulfillment of this prophecy began in 1914? ¶ 432. + +How does the fulfillment of this prophecy also mark the fulfillment of +the prophecy of Daniel (2:44)? ¶ 433. + +Why are these kingdoms of earth being broken to pieces? ¶ 433. + +Quote the words of Jesus given by various evangelists concerning the +persecution of his followers at the end of the world. ¶ 434. + +What fulfillment of these prophetic utterances of the Master took place +in 1917, 1918, and 1919? ¶ 434. + +Give some instances of the Lord's protecting care of his followers +during this period of persecution. ¶ 435-437. + +Why should Christians not complain but rejoice because of these trying +experiences? ¶ 437. + +Quote the Master's words in Matthew 24:14, in answer to the question +propounded to him. ¶ 438. + +What evidence is there of a fulfillment of these prophetic words? ¶ 438. + +What did Jesus say relative to the regathering of Israel to Palestine as +evidence of his second presence? ¶ 439. + +What did Jesus tell his followers to do when they should see these +things coming to pass, and why? ¶ 439. + +How is the Lord's presence and the end of the world shown by the reaping +of the "vine of the earth"? ¶ 440. + +Why would Jesus admonish his followers to watch for his second coming? +¶ 442. + +Suppose it were true that 'no man knows the day nor the hour' of the +Lord's appearing, what difference would it now make? ¶ 443. + +Is there any reason why a Christian should be in darkness concerning the +times and seasons of the Lord's presence? ¶ 443. + +Should we waste our time to quibble about dates, or days, or hours? ¶ 443. + +What do fulfilled prophecy and the physical facts establish relative to +this question? ¶ 443. + +What words are upon the lips of the true watchers in view of this +overwhelming evidence? ¶ 443. + +How does the prophet Isaiah describe this class of faithful watchers? +Quote his words. ¶ 443. + +Describe those who now have the harp of God; and what are they singing? +¶ 444. + +Give the three primary purposes of the Lord's presence. ¶ 445. + +Some have thought that the Lord's second presence would be for the +purpose of destroying the earth. What proof have we that this is +erroneous? ¶ 446. + +What is the proper explanation of St. Peter's words in 2 Peter 3:10-12? +¶ 447. + +What did the Apostle mean when he said that 'we look for new heavens and +a new earth wherein dwelleth righteousness'? ¶ 448. + +What evidence is there that the fire is now burning? ¶ 449. + +How long will it continue to burn? ¶ 449. + +What bearing has this on the presence of the Lord? ¶ 449. + +What Scriptural explanation is given for the distress of nations and +perplexity of business men on earth at this time? Quote the Scripture +and analyze it. ¶ 450. + +Describe the actions of the employing and the laboring classes. ¶ 451. + +How are all these perplexed? ¶ 451. + +To what is this disturbed condition leading? ¶ 452. + +Is there greater trouble just ahead? and if so, what proof have we? +Quote the Scriptures. ¶ 453. + +What will follow this general shaking of the nations? ¶ 453. + +How is the Lord's presence revealing the hidden things? Quote the +Scriptural authority for your answer. ¶ 453. + +What effect is this light having upon Satan and his kingdom? ¶ 454. + +What effect is the Lord's presence having upon the nations of the earth? +¶ 454. + +Quote the prophecies of Isaiah 34:1-4 and 51:6, and explain. ¶ 454. + +How will this trouble bring to the minds of the people the presence of +the Lord? ¶ 454. + +What is meant by the "day of God's vengeance"? and what did the Lord say +he would do with the nations at this time? ¶ 454. + +What is meant by the Bridegroom and bride? Give the Scriptural proof. +¶ 455. + +Give the picture of Abraham, Isaac, and Rebekah, stating what each +typified, and what the whole picture shows. ¶ 455. + +In this picture, what did Eliezer represent? ¶ 456. + +Quote the words of the Master with reference to sending a comforter to +his followers. ¶ 456. + +What was pictured by the ten camels which Eliezer took with him? ¶ 456. + +What was pictured by the golden ornaments presented to Rebekah? ¶ 456. + +Quote the words of the Psalmist inviting the church to become the bride +of Christ. ¶ 457. + +What do the ones called do, in response to the call? ¶ 457. + +What did Sarah picture with respect to the covenants? and what did her +death represent? ¶ 457. + +What is pictured by Isaac receiving Rebekah and making her his wife +after the death of his mother Sarah? ¶ 457. + +During what period of time has the Lord been preparing the bride of +Christ? ¶ 458. + +What did Jesus say about preparing a special place for these, and his +return to receive his bride? Quote his words. ¶ 458. + +What do his words show with reference to one of the principal reasons +for his second coming? ¶ 459. + +Explain the parable of the virgins.--Matthew 25:1-13. ¶ 460. + +Explain the meaning of the lamp and the oil in the lamp. ¶ 460. + +Define virgin; and what does a virgin picture here? ¶ 460. + +What is meant by keeping their lamps trimmed and burning? ¶ 460. + +How has knowledge of the Lord's presence affected the wise virgin class? +¶ 460. + +What proof is this that his presence is one of the strings of the harp +of God? ¶ 460. + +Do the Scriptures indicate how many will be in the bride class? If so, +give the proof. ¶ 460. + +What do the Scriptures show the Lord does for the faithful saints who +died long ago when he first returns? Give the Scriptural proof. ¶ 461. + +What is meant in the Scriptures by a great shout? ¶ 462. + +State how this has been fulfilled. ¶ 462. + +What is meant by the voice of the archangel? ¶ 462. + +Should we expect the resurrection of the saints during this time? ¶ 463. + +How is he gathering unto himself the saints who are still on earth +during his presence? ¶ 463. + +Give some Scriptural promises concerning the church being forever with +the Lord. ¶ 463. + +What is meant by the kingdom of God? ¶ 464. + +Who constitute the royal family of heaven? Quote the apostle Peter's +words relating to this. ¶ 464. + +What promise did Jesus make to this class concerning a kingdom? ¶ 465. + +Where will these be associated with the Lord Jesus in his kingdom? ¶ 465. + +For what kingdom did the Lord teach his disciples to pray? and is it the +same spoken of by the prophets of old? ¶ 465. + +Who have enjoyed and are enjoying the blessedness spoken of by Daniel +the Prophet in Daniel 12:12? ¶ 466. + +As these appreciate this string of the harp, what song is appropriate to +them? ¶ 466. + +While the saints thus rejoice, for what do they patiently wait? and to +what do they look forward? ¶ 467. + +[Illustration] + + + + +CHAPTER X + +String 9: _Glorification of the Church_ + + +The church means a called out class, separate and distinct from all +others. The church of Christ consists of Jesus Christ the head and the +144,000 members of his body. (Colossians 1:18; Revelation 7:4) Those +composing this special class are otherwise designated saints. A saint is +one who is pure, holy, blameless. The followers of Christ Jesus are not +holy or blameless within themselves, but their holiness is by virtue of +his imputed merit. This same class of Christians is otherwise designated +in the Bible as "a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a +people for a purpose". (1 Peter 2:9) They are also designated new +creatures (2 Corinthians 5:17); therefore they constitute the new +creation. This new creation when completed will be of the divine nature. +(2 Peter 1:4) Nature is determined by organism. The nature of the +church, then, will be like unto Jehovah God. It pleased God that Jesus +Christ, his beloved Son, should have preeminence in his great plan; +hence he is made the head of the new creation.--Colossians 1:18. + +[469]This new creation had its beginning with Jesus Christ at the time +of his baptism in Jordan when he was begotten to the divine nature and +anointed with the holy spirit without limitation. As a man, he was pure, +blameless, holy. At the age of thirty years, he was qualified under the +law to be a priest, and there he consecrated himself and at that time +was baptized and begotten to the divine nature; hence became a new +creature there from the divine standpoint. As a new creature he was +made perfect by the things which he suffered.--Hebrews 5:8. + +[470]From the time of his baptism he was opposed by Satan the devil, who +sought to destroy him. The reason for this opposition lay in the fact that +when God sentenced Adam to death he had said unto Satan: "I will put +enmity between thee and the woman, and between thy seed and her seed; it +shall bruise thy head, and thou shalt bruise his heel". (Genesis 3:15) The +woman here symbolized or typified the Abrahamic-Sarah covenant, from which +the seed of promise springs. As Isaac was the son of promise, so the +church was typified by Isaac. (Galatians 4:25-29) The seed of promise is +therefore the new creation. The seed of the serpent consists of those +agencies visible and invisible which are his offspring, and which are used +by him for his wicked work. In Jesus' day the scribes and Pharisees and +doctors of the law were classed as the offspring of Satan, his seed (John +8:44); and it has been true at all times that many who have pretended to +be Christians are really the seed of Satan and engage in persecuting +others who love the Lord. + +[471]Immediately after the baptism of Jesus he went up into a mountain +in the wilderness to study God's plan and to meditate upon it, that he +might be instructed in the way that Jehovah would have him go; and when +this season of forty days was ended and he came forth, he was subjected +to a great temptation by the devil. Jesus resisted all of these efforts +of Satan. (Luke 4:1-13) Jesus, the head of the seed of promise, was the +target of Satan's instruments. For three and a half years he suffered +daily at the hands of Satan and those who represented him, namely, those +human beings who possessed the devilish spirit. During that period of +three and a half years he was indeed a man of sorrows and acquainted +with grief; but all this suffering was necessary for his perfection as a +new creature. (Hebrews 5:8,9) Because of his faithfulness, his fidelity +and loyalty to God even unto death, he won the great victory, became an +overcomer. Hence we read: "Wherefore God also hath highly exalted him, +and given him a name which is above every name; that at the name of +Jesus every knee should bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth, +and things under the earth; and that every tongue should confess that +Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father". (Philippians +2:9-11) The members of the body of Christ, the members of the church, +must follow in his footsteps.--1 Peter 3:21. + + +PREDESTINATED + +[472]While the selection of the new creation began with the baptism of +Jesus, God had foreordained long in advance that there should be a +church, of which Jesus Christ is the head. St. Paul wrote: "According as +he hath chosen us in him before the foundation of the world, that we +should be holy and without blame before him in love; having +predestinated us unto the adoption of children by Jesus Christ to +himself, according to the good pleasure of his will, to the praise of +the glory of his grace, wherein he hath made us accepted in the beloved. +In whom we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, +according to the riches of his grace; wherein he hath abounded towards +us in all wisdom and prudence; having made known unto us the mystery of +his will, according to his good pleasure which he hath purposed in +himself."--Ephesians 1:4-9. + +[473]The world referred to here means the social and political order +existing from the time of the flood until the coming of the Lord's +kingdom, and is designated in the Scriptures as the present evil world. +St. Paul therefore says that before the foundation of this world God +made provision for the choosing of the members of the church. He did not +choose the individuals, but he predestinated or foreordained that there +should be such a church or new creation, and that these should be +adopted as his children through his beloved Son Jesus Christ, and should +become the members of his household, and that these should be made in +the image and likeness of Christ Jesus the head. (Romans 8:29) As we +view the experiences through which Jesus passed, we may expect to find +that the body members would have similar experiences; and this we do +find. + +[474]Fifty days after the resurrection of Jesus was the day of +Pentecost. There went forth the call to the remnant of the Jews to come +unto the Lord, accept Jesus as their head and be transferred from Moses +into Christ and become the members of the 144,000, constituting the +church. A call means an announcement or an invitation. The call here +signified an announcement of God's purpose of electing the members of +the church and an invitation to those of the right heart condition to +accept that invitation. Many were called, but only a few responded to +that call and were chosen. (Matthew 22:14) For three and a half years +this call was confined to the Jews, at the end of which time Cornelius, +the first gentile, was granted the gospel. He heard, believed on the +Lord and fully consecrated himself to do God's will, and was accepted. +(Acts 10) From that time forward the call has been general to any one +who might desire to respond to the terms and follow in the Master's +footsteps. + +[475]For this purpose the gospel has been preached, that men might know +of the plan of God and understand that he is selecting the church. Men +of worldly wisdom have given no heed to the gospel. To them it has been +foolishness. And so St. Paul wrote: "For after that in the wisdom of God +the world by wisdom knew not God, it pleased God by the foolishness of +preaching to save them that believe. For the Jews require a sign, and +the Greeks seek after wisdom; but we preach Christ crucified, unto the +Jews a stumblingblock, and unto the Greeks foolishness; but unto them +which are called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God, and the +wisdom of God. Because the foolishness of God is wiser than men; and the +weakness of God is stronger than men,"--1 Corinthians 1:21-25. + +[476]This message of Christ Jesus, the crucified one, the selection of +the church and the setting up of his kingdom, was a stumblingblock to +the Jews; they could not understand; they would not believe. And to most +of the gentiles it seemed foolishness. It was not foolishness, however. +It was the greatest wisdom. A few have responded to this divine wisdom. +The man, however, who thought himself wise would not become a follower +of Jesus. It was not a popular thing. And so it has ever been throughout +the gospel age that those who have really come to the Lord, made a +consecration and followed in his footsteps, have been the meek and lowly +of heart who are anxious to know the Lord and his great plan. Hence St. +Paul writes: "For ye see your calling, brethren, how that not many wise +men after the flesh, not many mighty, not many noble, are called; but +God hath chosen the foolish things of the world to confound the wise; +and God hath chosen the weak things of the world to confound the things +which are mighty; and base things of the world, and things which are +despised, hath God chosen, yea, and things which are not, to bring to +nought things that are; that no flesh should glory in his presence".--1 +Corinthians 1:26-29. + +[477]The thought here is that ultimately no creature will ever be +standing in Jehovah's presence boasting of what he did. But all those +who compose the church will realize that all they have came to them as a +gracious gift from Jehovah. To those who have really had the desire to +know and serve the Lord the call has been and is beautiful indeed. Such +have been thrilled with the gracious words of Jehovah spoken through his +prophet, inviting them to become members of the royal family of heaven. +The Psalmist wrote: "Hearken, O daughter, and consider, and incline +thine ear; forget also thine own people, and thy father's house; so +shall the king greatly desire thy beauty; for he is thy Lord, and +worship thou him".--Psalm 45:10,11. + +[478]As Jesus is the Son of God, so the church, the bride of Christ, is +the daughter of God. Hence the Psalmist speaks to her here, inviting +those who are to become the daughter to forget their own people and +their earthly father's house and earnestly and willingly follow in the +Master's footsteps. These are invited to worship the Lord and grow in +his likeness and thereby become beautiful; and it is that beauty, the +character-likeness of the Lord, that he desires. + + +DEVELOPMENT + +[479]The development of the church is not an instantaneous matter. It is +a gradual process. Some have erroneously thought and taught that a man +might be wicked all his life and then on his deathbed confess his sins, +accept Christ, become a Christian and die and go immediately to heaven. +There is no Scripture that warrants such a conclusion. Time is required +for the development of the Christian. He must first repent; that is to +say, become displeased with the wrongful course of the world, change +his own course and seek the Lord. He must become converted, turn away +from a wrongful course and turn to the Lord. He must be drawn to the +Lord Jesus, make a full consecration, be accepted of the Lord, presented +to the Father, justified, and begotten of the holy spirit, before he +becomes a new creature; and from that time forward he must develop. He +must have the opportunity to pass through, and must pass through, many +experiences and by these experiences learn the lessons that God desires +the members of the new creation to learn. + +[480]A boy or a girl in school who is being trained for a special +purpose is required to have some hard mental exercise in order to +develop the mind. For this reason many mathematical problems are +required of the pupil; and other lessons are required to develop the +mental faculties. One who is training for a race or other physical +contest is required to have some strenuous experiences. With stronger +reasoning are these principles true relative to the members of the new +creation. These are being trained for the high and exalted position of +membership in the royal family of heaven. Hence we may not be surprised +to find often that their training is quite severe. The understanding of +this requirement enables one to appreciate why Christians have never +been popular and why they have suffered so much during the past nineteen +centuries. + +[481]The Psalmist wrote concerning the new creation; "I am become a +stranger unto my brethren, and an alien unto my mother's children. For +the zeal of thine house hath eaten me up; and the reproaches of them +that reproached thee are fallen upon me." (Psalm 69:8,9) Jesus became a +stranger to the Jews in this, that they despised and rejected him. +Because of his zeal for the heavenly Father's great plan, his earthly +life was consumed. Satan had reproached Jehovah from the time of Eden; +and now these reproaches fell upon Jesus. We should expect the body +members to have similar experiences. And so the Apostle quotes this text +and applies it to those who are the followers of Jesus, saying, "For +even Christ pleased not himself; but, as it written, The reproaches of +them that reproached thee fell on me".--Romans 15:3. + +[482]God is a great economist. He makes the wrath of men and other +creatures to result to his own praise. Satan and his seed have always +persecuted and buffeted the Christians, and Jehovah has caused this +persecution to result in the development of the members of the body of +Christ. He could have prevented the church from suffering at Satan's +hands had he desired so to do; but by being permitted to buffet them +with trying experiences, Satan has demonstrated his own depraved +character, and the resistance of the church has shown their love and +devotion to the Lord and thus developed characters that are pleasing +unto him. + +[483]When one first becomes a Christian he does not usually suffer so +much as later, when he is more developed. He is at first designated in +the Scriptures as a babe in Christ. As we deal with babes, so our +heavenly Father deals with his baby children. As earthly babies are fed +upon milk and other light diets, so is one when he first becomes a +Christian; and his experiences are in harmony therewith, as the apostle +Peter says: "As newborn babes, desire the sincere milk of the word, that +ye may grow thereby".--1 Peter 2:2. + +[484]The Apostle then illustrates the growth of a Christian by likening +the entire new creation to a building, with Jesus as the chief +corner-stone and the other members of the body as built up in harmony +with him. He says: "If so be ye have tasted that the Lord is gracious. +[Those who have been begotten of the holy spirit have tasted that the +Lord is gracious.] To whom coming, as unto a living stone, disallowed +indeed of men, but chosen of God, and precious, ye also, as living +stones, are built up a spiritual house, an holy priesthood, to offer up +sacrifices acceptable to God by Jesus Christ. Wherefore also it is +contained in the scripture, Behold, I lay in Zion a chief corner stone, +elect, precious: and he that believeth on him shall not be confounded. +Unto you therefore which believe he is precious; but unto them which be +disobedient, the stone which the builders disallowed, the same is made +the head of the corner, and a stone of stumbling, and a rock of offense, +even to them which stumble at the word, being disobedient."--1 Peter +2:3-8. + +[485]Paraphrasing these words, the Apostle states that Jesus is the +chief corner-stone. He is the Head of the elect; he is the precious One. +Those who believe on him, to such he is precious; and those who hold +fast to that belief shall not be confounded. To believe means to act by +fully consecrating oneself to do the Lord's will. This great One, the +Lord Jesus, has been and is a stumbling-stone and a rock of offense to +those who have not believed. Those who have not appreciated the fact +that he is the King of kings and Lord of lords, and that it is a +privilege to suffer with him, have been offended and turned away from +him. It is a great privilege to suffer with Christ. "For unto you it is +given in the behalf of Christ, not only to believe on him, but also to +suffer for his sake."--Philippians 1:29. + +[486]The course of the world is directly opposite to the course of the +Christian; hence the Christian finds that he must constantly put forth an +effort to develop. For this reason the apostle Peter wrote: "Giving all +diligence, add to your faith virtue [that is, fortitude, steadfastness, +being determined to stand for the truth and on the side of right]; and to +virtue knowledge [in order to do this one must study the Word of God, not +only occasionally, but regularly, systematically]; and to knowledge +temperance [which means self-control, learning to control oneself under +provocation, being calm, gentle, self-possessed, trusting in the Lord]; +and to temperance patience [which means cheerful endurance, no matter how +fiery the trials are; to endure cheerfully because it is pleasing to the +Lord and because it makes a strong character]; and to patience godliness +[which means to grow in the likeness of the Lord, with piety, purity]; +and to godliness brotherly kindness [which means that kind and loving +disposition that exists and should exist between those who are really +brothers]; and to brotherly kindness charity," or love which means an +unselfish desire to do good and doing good to others even at a sacrifice +to ourselves.--2 Peter 1:5-7. + +[487]When we recognize that the course of the world is exactly opposite +to this, we may know it requires a warfare, a constant vigilance, and +the subjection to persecution because of misunderstanding. But if we do +these things, we shall make our calling and election sure. The Apostle +puts it thus: "Wherefore the rather, brethren, give diligence to make +your calling and election sure: for if ye do these things, ye shall +never fall; for so an entrance shall be ministered unto you abundantly +into the everlasting kingdom of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ".--2 +Peter 1:10,11. + +[488]While thus undergoing development, the new creature finds that he +has to war against the downward tendencies of his own fleshly +disposition, against the spirit of the world, and against Satan's +machinations through various instruments. But this warfare is what makes +him strong. It is not a warfare with carnal weapons. It is the power of +God working in him to war against these enemies, and it is mighty to +the pulling down of the strongholds of wrong. (2 Corinthians 10:4) It is +the great hope of an entrance into the kingdom that enables him, by the +Lord's grace, to battle steadfastly for the right. St. John states: +"Every man that hath this hope in him purifieth himself, even as he is +pure". (1 John 3:3) These fiery trials through which the Christian +passes have the same effect upon him that a fire has upon metal. It +burns up the dross and refines the gold. It has a cleansing effect; and +also for this reason the Lord permits it. + +[489]God foreordained that all the members of the new creation should be +made in the likeness of his beloved Son. (Romans 8:29) This does not +take place by meditating upon wrongful things, but by resisting these +and keeping the mind upon heavenly things. The Christian now has his +face unveiled; that is, he is enabled by his mental vision to understand +the things of God's Word, and when he looks into the Word, the Bible, he +sees reflected from that Word the character-likeness of the Lord; and +having the Lord's spirit in him, he is being transformed from one degree +of glory to another. The apostle Paul puts it thus: "We all, with open +face beholding as in a glass the glory of the Lord, are changed into the +same image from glory to glory, even as by the spirit of the Lord". +(2 Corinthians 3:18) The pathway of the Christian is not strewn with +flowers or ease or comfort, but as Jesus said, it is a narrow way and +few there be that walk in it.--Matthew 7:14. + +[490]St. James says: "Take, my brethren, the prophets, who have spoken +in the name of the Lord, for an example of suffering affliction, and of +patience". (James 5:10) The prophets of old suffered much and they will +not be privileged to be a part of this heavenly kingdom class; but their +suffering was for a two-fold purpose: (1) to develop them, which will +result to their benefit when they are resurrected as perfect men; and +(2) to serve as examples for the church, the followers of Jesus. + +[491]Jesus said: "And from the days of John the Baptist until now the +kingdom of heaven suffereth violence, and the violent take it by force". +(Matthew 11:12) Here he showed that the kingdom-of-heaven class, meaning +the royal family, suffers violence at the hands of the adversary's +instruments, and the violent ones take these by force. It was so of him; +it has been so of his followers, as St. Paul writes: "Our hope of you is +steadfast, knowing, that as ye are partakers of the sufferings, so shall +ye be also of the consolation".--2 Corinthians 1:7. + +[492]But why should the Christian suffer? you may ask. And the Apostles +answer: "Beloved, think it not strange concerning the fiery trial which +is to try you, as though some strange thing happened unto you: but +rejoice, inasmuch as ye are partakers of Christ's sufferings; that, when +his glory shall be revealed, ye may be glad also with exceeding joy. If +ye be reproached for the name of Christ, happy are ye; for the spirit of +glory and of God resteth upon you: on their part he is evil spoken of, +but on your part he is glorified.... Yet if any man suffer as a +Christian, let him not be ashamed; but let him glorify God on this +behalf." (1 Peter 4:12-14,16) "It became him, for whom are all things, +and by whom are all things, in bringing many sons unto glory, to make +the captain of their salvation perfect through sufferings. For both he +that sanctifieth and they who are sanctified are all of one: for which +cause he is not ashamed to call them brethren."--Hebrews 2:10,11. + +[493]Again the apostle Paul shows that the Christian does not complain +because of persecution and suffering; neither does he murmur against +God. But the true sentiment of his heart is expressed in the words of +the Apostle: "We glory in tribulations also, knowing that tribulation +worketh patience; and patience, experience; and experience, hope; and +hope maketh not ashamed, because the love of God is shed abroad in our +hearts by the holy spirit which is given unto us". (Romans 6:3-5) Again +says the Apostle: "I reckon that the sufferings of this present time are +not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in +us".--Romans 8:18. + +[494]No true Christian would expect to be without suffering or +chastisements from the Lord, because these are evidences that he is a +follower of Jesus and a son of God. It is one of the ways in which the +spirit of the Lord testifies to us that we are his. (Hebrews 12:2-11; +Romans 8:16,17) These sufferings of the Christian come from various +agencies. The Christian suffers by being misunderstood. His motives are +presumed to be wrong. He is sometimes charged with sedition because he +does not desire to join with peoples of the world in engaging in war to +destroy human lives; sometimes persecuted by false brethren, and +sometimes by those who are ignorant. But all these afflictions he +patiently endures, gladly. + +[495]St. Paul probably suffered as much or more than any follower of +Christ. He suffered shipwreck, imprisonment, his back was flogged on +three occasions at least, he was stoned and dragged out by the wayside +and left for dead; and notwithstanding all these afflictions he wrote: +"For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, worketh for us a +far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory while we look not at +the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen". +(2 Corinthians 4:17,18) He was looking forward to the glory that shall +follow, as should all Christians--not only _some_ glory, but a far more +exceeding and eternal weight of glory. The Christian delights to +meditate upon the promises given in God's Word concerning this glory. + + +PROMISES + +[496]The great promise set before the church is that of eternal +life--being for ever with the Lord. Addressing these, St. Paul wrote: +"God will render to every man according to his deeds: to them who by +patient continuance in well doing seek for glory and honor and +immortality, eternal life". (Romans 2:6,7) It is to be noticed that +those who are looking for that great reward patiently continue in doing +well; that is to say, they cheerfully endure whatsoever experiences +come, while they continue to walk in the Master's footsteps. Let us, +then, examine some of the texts setting forth God's precious promises +relative to the glory and honor that shall be the portion of the church +in his great arrangement. + +[497]_Glory_ is the term used to describe Jehovah's presence. It +suggests the brightness of the divine person and character. Glory is +associated with God's holiness. (Isaiah 6:1-4) Our Lord Jesus is +mentioned as the 'brightness of God's glory'. He is also spoken of as +being 'the express image of the Father', and we are told that he is at +the right hand of the Father. (Hebrews 1:3) The 144,000 members of his +body are to be with him in his throne and in the Father's presence, thus +in glory. (Revelation 3:21) This glory that they shall enjoy will be so +transcendently more wonderful than all the things of earth that could be +glorious, that St. Paul describes it as a "far more exceeding and +eternal weight of glory". The members of the church while undergoing +development bear the image of the earthly. Imperfect human beings they +are, with imperfect bodies and minds. But the promise to them is: "As +we have borne the image of the earthly, we shall also bear the image of +the heavenly".--1 Corinthians 15:49. + +[498]From the time of Pentecost until the coming of the Lord, those +dear and faithful saints who died in Christ slept and waited for his +coming; but as the Apostle says, these would be the first to be honored +with an awakening from the dead. Hence we understand that shortly after +the second appearing of the Lord Jesus, during the time of the shout of +encouragement that was going on among the peoples of earth, these dead +saints in Christ were resurrected and caught up with the Lord Jesus in +the air, to be for ever with him, as stated by the Apostle. +--1 Thessalonians 4:16,17. + +[499]Those remaining, who had not died up to the time of the Lord's +appearing, but who since die as do other men, have their change +instantaneously. Their resurrection is instantaneous, as St. Paul +plainly says: "Behold, I show you a mystery: We shall not all sleep, but +we shall all be changed, in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the +last trump: for the trumpet shall sound, and the dead shall be raised +incorruptible, and we shall be changed". (1 Corinthians 15:51,52) These +are the blessed ones of the Lord because they participate in the first +or chief resurrection and thereafter reign with Christ. (Revelation 20:6) +These promises, then, are to the effect that they shall be forever with +the Lord Jesus in the presence of Jehovah: therefore in glory. Jehovah +for centuries has been preparing this class, the new creation, "that he +might make known the riches of his glory on the vessels of mercy, which +he had afore prepared unto glory, even us, whom he hath called".--Romans +9:23,24. + +[500]It is customary for the royal family of a nation to have the +choicest jewels of that nation in possession. These jewels are kept in +the presence of the king, that they might be admired by him. Concerning +those who shall constitute the new creation, the church, the Prophet of +God wrote: "They shall be mine, saith the Lord of hosts, in that day +when I make up my jewels; and I will spare them as a man spareth his own +son that serveth him". (Malachi 3:17) That these shall be admired by +the Lord Jehovah as the zenith of his glorious creation is indicated by +the Prophet who writes: "Thou shalt also be a crown of glory in the hand +of the Lord, and a royal diadem in the hand of thy God".--Isaiah 62:3. + +[501]Those who by patient continuance in well doing battle faithfully +unto the end have the precious promise of being made a part of the +temple of God; hence will be in his presence. "Him that overcometh will +I make a pillar in the temple of my God, and he shall go no more out: +and I will write upon him the name of my God, and the name of the city +of my God, which is new Jerusalem, which cometh down out of heaven from +my God; and I will write upon him my new name."--Revelation 3:12. + +[502]The brightness and glory of the earth is the sun, which +illuminates and gives life to the things of earth. Scientists declare +that this light is produced by explosive gas which ascends from the sun +to a height of from 5,000 to 300,000 miles. It is the brightness of the +firmament; and the glory in the presence of Jehovah is illustrated by +this brightness, as indicated by the Prophet: "They that be wise shall +shine as the brightness of the firmament". (Daniel 12:3) The wise ones +are those who devote themselves to understanding and doing Jehovah's +will. They are the righteous ones, who have been made so through the +merit of Christ Jesus, and whom he gathers in during his presence. When +these enter into the glorious presence of Jehovah, "then shall the +righteous shine forth as the sun in the kingdom of their Father". +--Matthew 13:43. + +[503]It was Jesus who said to his disciples: "In my Father's house are +many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare +a place for you, ... that where I am, there ye may be also". (John 14:2,3) +The promise here is, then, that a special habitation shall be prepared +for the church, which habitation will be in the glorious presence of the +Lord Jehovah. This holy or heavenly kingdom class, the royal family, is +spoken of as Zion, and of it the Prophet of the Lord wrote: "The Lord +hath chosen Zion; he hath desired it for his habitation". (Psalm 132:13) +Of its beauty and glory the Psalmist wrote: "Out of Zion, the perfection +of beauty, God hath shined". (Psalm 50:2) Jehovah will shine forth +through the new creation for the blessing of all the families of the +earth. The glory to be experienced by the church in the presence of +Jehovah will bring unspeakable joy; for 'in his presence is fullness of +joy; at his right hand there are pleasures for evermore'.--Psalm 16:11. + +[504]In the glorious presence of Jehovah, we may be sure that all will +be his friends; and as an inducement to strive for that place his +Prophet wrote: "He that loveth with a pure heart and hath grace upon his +lips will have the king as his friend" (Proverbs 22:11, _Leeser_), and +he will be sure of being loved for evermore.--Proverbs 17:17. + +[505]_Honor_ applies more to a recognized station or position in God's +arrangement. Always glorious, God is honored in the minds of his +creatures who worship him. The position of the glorified church will be +that of the bride of Christ, for ever with him; and he being at the +right hand of the Father, their position will be one of great honor. +The special honor, therefore, of the church is that of being the +glorious bride or associate of the Lord Jesus, the King of glory. His +recognition of her station as his own wife pictures the superlative +degree of her honor and glory. Jesus said: "Father, I will ... that they +be with me where I am".--John 17:24. + +[506]Of Jesus it is written that he is the 'express image of the Father' +(Hebrews 1:3); and that he is the beloved Bridegroom and Friend of the +body members of the church. (Canticles 5:16) Now it does not appear what +the church shall be, but, says St. John, "we know that, when he shall +appear, we shall be like him; for we shall see him as he is". (1 John 3:2) +God "hath appointed [him] heir of all things". (Hebrews 1:2) These +children of God, members of the body of Christ, are "heirs of God, and +joint-heirs with Christ" in all the glory and honor of his +position.--Romans 8:17. + +[507]When Jehovah took away from Israel the right to rule, he promised +to give it to him whose right it is, the great Messiah, when he should +come. (Ezekiel 21:27) Of him the Prophet of God wrote: "And there was +given him dominion, and glory, and a kingdom, that all people, nations, +and languages should serve him: his dominion is an everlasting dominion, +which shall not pass away, and his kingdom that which shall not be +destroyed.... And the kingdom and dominion, and the greatness of the +kingdom under the whole heaven, shall be given to the people of the +saints of the most High, whose kingdom is an everlasting kingdom, and +all dominions shall serve and obey him." (Daniel 7:14,27) To his +disciples Jesus promised that they should share his kingdom, saying, "I +appoint unto you a kingdom, as my Father hath appointed unto me; that ye +may eat and drink at my table in my kingdom, and sit on thrones judging +the twelve tribes of Israel".--Luke 22:29,30. + +[508]As Jesus the bridegroom will be the great King of glory to rule +over the nations, so the members of the body, the bride, the overcomers, +are promised that they with him shall have "power over the nations". +--Revelation 2:26. + +[509]Throughout the Millennial age not only will the position of the +bride be that of associate with Christ Jesus in the kingdom, but her +position in all the ages to come will be one of honor. St. Paul writes +that God "hath raised us up together, and made us sit together in +heavenly places in Christ Jesus; that in the ages to come he might show +the exceeding riches of his grace in his kindness toward us through +Christ Jesus".--Ephesians 2:6,7. + +[510]When Jesus was in the earth he was despised and rejected of men. He +was dishonored of men, and has since been dishonored of all except those +who have come to a knowledge of the truth. The time will come, however, +as the Apostle declares, when 'every knee shall bow, and every tongue +shall confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father'. +(Philippians 2:7-11) The members of his body, the truly consecrated +children of God, following in the footsteps of their Master have been +despised of men, have been counted as the offscourings of the earth, +have been persecuted and imprisoned, and many of them killed; and the +world has known them not, even as it knew him not. But in due time all +those born in the glorious kingdom of our Lord will be honored among +men, because mankind will know of their position, as it is written: "Of +Zion it shall be said, This and that man was born in her; and the +highest himself shall establish her. The Lord shall count, when he +writeth up the people, that this man was born there." (Psalm 87:5,6) +Then shall the people rejoice that it has pleased the heavenly Father +to select out from amongst poor, imperfect men the 144,000, and to make +them perfect through Christ Jesus. He will cause the peoples of earth to +honor them, as he has promised: "I will make thy name to be remembered +in all generations; therefore shall the people praise thee for ever and +ever".--Psalm 45:17. + +[511]The Apostle says also that these are seeking _immortality_. That +word here means incorruptibility; a condition not subject to death. The +Messianic class, head and body, will not be subject to decay, sickness, +or death. Even a perfect human being requires nourishment to sustain his +organism; but the exalted church, the Messiah, the Christ, will need +nothing in the way of food to replenish any powers, because their powers +will not be exhausted. These will have life in themselves in such an +abundant measure that they can give it out, and will give it out, and +still need no replenishing. Of himself Jesus declared: "As the Father +hath life in himself, so hath he given the Son to have life in himself". +--John 5:26; 4:14. + +[512]This same promise is made to those who participate in his +sacrificial death. (John 6:53,54) These have the promise that they shall +be partakers of the divine nature (2 Peter 1:4), and thus shall have +power to give life unto others. The great prize that is here to be given +is eternal life; and immortality is that quality of eternal life that is +indestructible. To those who have entered into relationship with the +Lord through Christ, he says: "Be thou faithful unto death, and I will +give thee a crown of life". (Revelation 2:10) And again says St. James: +"Blessed is the man that endureth temptation [trial]; for when he is +tried, he shall receive the crown of life, which the Lord hath promised +to them that love him".--James 1:12. + +[513]When one is begotten to membership in the body of Christ, he has +new hopes, new ambitions, and new aspirations. He looks forward, not to +the glorious things of the earth, but to the glory and honor of being +with the Lord and serving in the capacity in which the Lord places him. +He has in mind the words of St. Paul: "Your life is hid with Christ in +God. When Christ, who is our life, shall appear, then shall ye also +appear with him in glory."--Colossians 3:3,4 + +[514]David, being a type of the church, prophetically wrote concerning +the church, and his words apply in a broader sense to the church. He +expressed the heart's desire of the members of the body of Christ: "One +thing have I desired of the Lord, that will I seek after; that I may +dwell in the house of the Lord all the days of my life, to behold the +beauty of the Lord, and to inquire in his temple". (Psalm 27:4) Here he +has hope of the glory of dwelling in the house of the Lord, in his +presence, beholding his beauty and acquiring knowledge concerning his +great plan. + +[515]Again David represents the church as in the presence of Jehovah, +enjoying the glory and honor that will be granted to those who +participate in the first resurrection. Of this in beautiful poetic +phrase he writes: "The king shall joy in thy strength, O Lord; and in +thy salvation how greatly shall he rejoice! Thou hast given him his +heart's desire, and hast not withholden the request of his lips. Selah. +For thou preventest him with the blessings of goodness: thou settest a +crown of pure gold on his head. He asked life of thee, and thou gavest +it him, even length of days for ever and ever. His glory is great in thy +salvation; honor and majesty hast thou laid upon him. For thou hast made +him most blessed for ever; thou hast made him exceeding glad with thy +countenance."--Psalm 21:1-6. + +[516]What a contrast in the eyes of the people between the man Christ +Jesus who suffered ignominy at the hands of the Jews and the Christ +Jesus glorified, the brightness of whose glory shines above that of the +brightness at noonday! Great will be the honor and dignity in the minds +of the people of the position of Jesus Christ when all have come to know +the Lord. What a great contrast between the body of humiliation and the +body of glory! These members of the body, as the Prophet beautifully +expresses it, were 'digged from the pit and hewn from the rock'. (Isaiah +51:1) They have trudged along the narrow way, suffering at the hands of +Satan and his seed. But all the way they have had these precious +promises of what would be the result, amongst which is this promise: +"Behold my servant, whom I uphold; mine elect, in whom my soul +delighteth; I have put my spirit upon him: he shall bring forth judgment +to the gentiles".--Isaiah 42:1. + +[517]In the eyes of the world these die like ordinary men; yet they +really fall like Prince Jesus. (Psalm 82:7) St. Paul, discussing the +humiliation of the church this side the vail, and contrasting it with +the glory on the other side, said: "There is one glory of the sun, and +another glory of the moon, and another glory of the stars: for one star +differeth from another star in glory. So also is the resurrection of the +dead. It is sown in corruption; it is raised in incorruption. It is sown +in dishonor; it is raised in glory. It is sown in _weakness_; it is +raised in power. It is sown a natural body; it is raised a spiritual +body."--1 Corinthians 15:41-44. + +[518]We have now come to the time in which these members of the body +have their change instantaneously. One moment they are sown in +corruption; the next, raised in incorruption. One moment in dishonor; +the next in glory. One moment in weakness; the next in power. When the +church is finished and all of the 144,000 members are with the Lord, +"then shall be brought to pass the saying that is written, Death is +swallowed up in victory. O death, where is thy sting? O grave, where is +thy victory?" (1 Corinthians 15:54,55) Then it will be that all +composing that class will enjoy glory, honor, immortality, even eternal +life. + + +APPROACHING THE KINGDOM + +[519]It is certain that the time must come when all those composing the +body of Christ will have finished their course on this side the vail and +passed into heavenly glory; and since the Lord promised that his second +presence would be for the purpose of gathering unto himself those who +would compose his bride, we should expect the glorification of the +church to take place within a reasonably short time after the second +presence of the Lord. The apostle Paul's mind was illuminated by the +power of Jehovah, the holy spirit; and he wrote concerning the coming +kingdom of Messiah, describing conditions that would immediately precede +its inauguration. + +[520]At Mount Sinai Jehovah made a covenant with the nation of Israel, +and at the time of making this covenant God directed Moses to instruct +the people, to prepare them for what was about to take place. When Moses +came down out of the mountain to deliver God's message to Israel, it was +amidst a great convulsion of nature. There were thunders and lightnings, +and a thick cloud of smoke upon the mountain, and the voice of a trumpet +exceeding loud, so that the people in the camp trembled with fear, and +the whole earth quaked greatly. This was a picture foreshadowing the +time of trouble in the earth, the great shaking of the nations just +before the inauguration of Messiah's kingdom and the taking unto himself +of his bride for the setting up of his kingdom. St. Paul, referring to +that time, by way of comparison says: "Ye are not come unto the mount +that might be touched, and that burned with fire, nor unto blackness, +and darkness, and tempest, and the sound of a trumpet, and the voice of +words; which voice they that heard intreated that the word should not be +spoken to them any more (for they could not endure that which was +commanded, And if so much as a beast touch the mountain, it shall be +stoned, or thrust through with a dart; and so terrible was the sight, +that Moses said, I exceedingly fear and quake)".--Hebrews 12:18-21. + +[521]We should expect, then, an antitypical fulfillment of these +conditions. And so we do find it. The mountains (symbolically meaning +kingdoms of the world) are on fire, and there is a great tempest, and +trouble, and disturbance in the earth; and so terrible is the time that +men's hearts are failing them for fear of what they see coming on the +earth. Speaking of that time, and directing his words to the church, St. +Paul wrote: "Ye are come unto mount Zion, and unto the city of the +living God, the heavenly Jerusalem, and to an innumerable company of +angels, to the general assembly and church of the firstborn, which are +written in heaven, and to God the Judge of all, and to the spirits of +just men made perfect, and to Jesus the mediator of the new covenant, +and to the blood of sprinkling, that speaketh better things than that of +Abel".--Hebrews 12:22-24. + +[522]Thus St. Paul pictures the gathering together of those who compose +the spiritual phase of Messiah's kingdom, namely, the church, Head and +body. He describes this as the heavenly Jerusalem. + +[523]That the peoples of earth and the creatures of heaven might ever +have in remembrance the importance of this great day in which we are +now living God is manifesting his power and his justice through his +dealings with the nations, and in due time the people will learn to +appreciate the love of God. + +[524]What a marvelously wonderful time now to be on the earth! Four +thousand years ago holy men looked down to the time when God's kingdom +might come, but they could not understand it. The angels of heaven were +not permitted to know. Many of these faithful men were martyrs to the +cause of righteousness. Moved by the spirit of Jehovah, they wrote +concerning the kingdom. The Psalmist composed songs and sang of the +coming blessed day. For nineteen hundred years Christians have been +trudging along the narrow way. And now it can be truly said, The Lord is +present; the Lord reigneth! The kingdom of heaven is at hand! + +[525]Necessarily the members of the body this side the vail are looking +forward with anticipation to their change, when they may put off this +mortal and be clothed upon with immortality, and be caught up to be +forever with the Lord, and by him be presented to the great Jehovah. +When all the members of the body have passed beyond the vail, then in +God's due time they will be presented by the Lord Jesus before the +presence of Jehovah. Since we are so close to that time, let us now +assume in our minds that we are standing just beyond the vail and that +we are getting the first glimpse of the glories of the kingdom. + +[526]Whom would the true Christian first expect to meet in the kingdom? +Necessarily he would look for some one who had been a special friend to +him during the time of his humiliation. If a person who expected to be +presented to an earthly king or potentate had an acquaintance or friend +at that court, he would first desire to consult his friend and receive +some advice and suggestions before entering the presence of the noble +one. Entering heaven, the Christian expects to see the Lord Jesus, and +ultimately the heavenly Father, according to the promise. As the +Christian looks over the precious promises given to the church, he finds +many assurances that he has had an unseen friend during his earthly +pilgrimage, namely, his guardian angel. Of such the Psalmist wrote: "The +angel of the Lord encampeth round about them that fear him, and +delivereth them". (Psalm 34:7; Hebrews 1:14) These angels are doubtless +messengers for Jehovah, because of them Jesus said: 'In heaven they do +always behold the face of my Father'.--Matthew 18:10. + +[527]Describing the conditions and events in connection with the general +assembly of the church of the firstborn, St. Paul writes: "Ye are come +... to an innumerable company of angels". These must be pure, lovable, +and beautiful in form and character. These have been the ones who have +kept the record of each member of the body of Christ. (Malachi 3:16) It +will be a real joy to become acquainted with these precious and +beautiful creatures who have been helpers of the Christians along the +way. It would be expected that they would render assistance to the one +just appearing in the presence of the Lord Jesus. Therefore it is not +unreasonable to anticipate that the first one to be met beyond the vail +is the Christian's guardian angel. + +[528]Next in order the Apostle mentions "the church of the firstborn". +Jesus Christ is the head of this church, the great King of glory. +Certainly all the body members will be eager to see our wonderful Lord, +who redeemed us to God with his precious blood. He is not only our +Redeemer, Advocate, and Deliverer, but our dearest Friend; and now the +relationship of bride and bridegroom is about to be fully consummated. +How thrilling will be that time! By long and patient continuance in +well doing, their experiences, by the grace of the Lord and through his +ministration, have perfected every one of the body for this happy time, +making each member beautiful, "So shall the king greatly desire thy +beauty: for he is thy Lord; and worship thou him." Each member of the +bride then will be permitted to see Jesus as he is and will then be like +him. Happy will be that time. (1 John 3:2) Every one of these Christians +has had some dear fellow Christian friend on earth. He will be looking +for such a one, doubtless, when he arrives in heaven. Of course each one +will look for the faithful apostles whom the Lord used to furnish the +food to the household of faith. Then they will look for others whom the +Lord specially used as teachers, instructors, and servants of the +church, who were loving and kind and ministered to the wants of the +various members and did it joyfully. + +[529]We may be sure that of all those who are there every one will be +perfected in love, because the Apostle says they must thus be. +(Ephesians 4:16; Colossians 3:14) We may expect to see some there whom +we have loved and may be disappointed in not seeing them; but no +Christian will ever see any one of his fellow-Christians in heaven +except those who have loved their brethren with a pure heart, all of +whom have passed through the fiery trials and rejoiced in the +experiences that the Lord brought to them. Each one of the members of +the divine family will be beautiful, for all will be like the Lord. As +star differs from star in glory, so shall the various members differ in +that glorious realm. But what a marvelous gathering that will be: +144,000 glorious beings assembling with their glorious head Christ +Jesus! + +[530]All united together with the Lord Jesus, it seems, according to St. +Paul, that the next in order would be to grant unto the church the +glory that is promised, by presenting the bride class before the great +divine throne of Jehovah. St. Jude informs us not only that our Lord +keeps the members of the body from falling, but that he will present +them faultless before the presence of Jehovah's glory with exceeding +joy.--Jude 24. + +[531]The day approaches for the presentation of the bride. In vision we +behold an innumerable company of angels assembled before the throne of +God, forming a guard of honor. The heralds of heaven with golden +trumpets appear, announcing the approach of the Bridegroom with his +bride. Music of surpassing sweetness fills the heavenly courts. All eyes +are fixed upon the conquering Hero, the King of kings and Lord of lords, +the great Bridegroom, who now approaches with his bride of 144,000 +members. The hosts of heaven are singing, "Hallelujah: for the Lord God +omnipotent reigneth! Let us be glad and rejoice, and give honor to him; +for the marriage of the Lamb is come, and his wife hath made herself +ready."--Revelation 19:6,7. + +[532]It is well that we take note here of the apparel of the bride of +Christ now entering glory. "And to her was granted that she should be +arrayed in fine linen, clean and white." (Revelation 19:8) "The king's +daughter is all glorious within the palace; her clothing is of wrought +gold. She shall be brought unto the king in raiment of needlework." +(Psalm 45:13,14) Thus in symbolic phrase the Prophet describes her +inherent beauty when she is presented faultless before the glorious +presence of Jehovah. It will be impossible for human words to +approximate the grandeur and the majesty of that scene. Before the great +white throne of the heavenly Father, bride and Bridegroom will be made +one, and the glory of the church will be complete. There, in the +presence of Jehovah, she will have fullness of joy and pleasures for +evermore. + + "O that will be a union + Such as earth has never known. + When bride and Bridegroom are made one + Before the great white throne." + +[533]The members of the body of Christ in glory will be a monument of +the grace of God, because thus will be demonstrated the power, as well +as the love, of Jehovah in taking insignificant creatures from amongst +men and exalting them to the highest place in the universe, next to the +Lord Jesus. Then she will be held forth in the power of Jehovah, +exhibited as a crown of glory in his hand, and be used by him to +accomplish that which he purposed from the foundation of the world. As +the glorified bride of our heavenly Bridegroom, clothed with honor and +immortality, she will possess life everlasting, inherent life; and with +her Bridegroom she will minister life and blessing to others. + +[534]St. John had a vision of this wonderful royal family of heaven, and +in symbolic language he described it as "the holy city, the new Jerusalem, +coming down from God out of heaven". (Revelation 21:1-5) Thus he depicts +the approaching kingdom of Messiah. In vision he saw the faithful +followers of Jesus who are still on this side the vail, by faith +beholding the approach of this happy time; and he describes them as +those who had "gotten the victory over the beast [the devil's earthly +organization], and over his image, and over his mark, and over the +number of his name [whose allegiance is wholly to the Lord, and who] +stand on the sea of glass, having the harps of God. And they sing the +song of Moses the servant of God [the song taught by the law, which +foreshadowed the better things to come], and the song of the Lamb [the +song of the clear fulfillment of prophecy and the unfolding of God's +plan, as set forth in the New Testament; they are playing upon their +harps and praising Jehovah], saying, Great and marvelous are thy works, +Lord God Almighty; just and true are thy ways, thou King of saints." +--Revelation 15:2,3. + + + + +Define the word "church". ¶ 468. + +Of what does the church of Christ consist? ¶ 468. + +What other name is given to those composing the church? ¶ 468. + +What is a saint? ¶ 468. + +How are those composing the body of Christ purified? ¶ 468. + +What is meant by the terms "new creature" and "new creation"? ¶ 468. + +How is nature determined? ¶ 468. + +Who has preeminence in the divine plan? Give Scriptural proof. ¶ 468. + +When did the new creation have its beginning? ¶ 469. + +What occurred with reference to Jesus when he was thirty years of age? +¶ 469. + +How was he perfected as a new creature? ¶ 469. + +Who opposed Jesus from the time of his baptism? ¶ 470. + +Why this opposition? ¶ 470. + +In the sentence by Jehovah, as set forth in Genesis 3:15, what is +symbolized by the woman? ¶ 470. + +Whom did Isaac typify? ¶ 470. + +Of what does the seed of the serpent consist? Give some Scriptural +proof. ¶ 470. + +What is the disposition of the seed of the serpent? ¶ 470. + +Where did Jesus go immediately following his baptism, and for what +purpose? ¶ 471. + +To what temptation was he subjected shortly thereafter? Give the +Scriptural account. ¶ 471. + +How long did he suffer at the hands of Satan and his representatives? +¶ 471. + +How did he gain the victory? ¶ 471. + +How did Jehovah reward Jesus for his faithful devotion to the divine +arrangement even unto death? ¶ 471. + +What Scriptures indicate that the body members most follow in his +steps? ¶ 471. + +Did God predestinate or foreordain a new creation? Give Scriptural +proof. ¶ 472. + +What is meant by the word "world" as used in Ephesians 1:4-9? ¶ 473. + +Did God foreordain or choose the individuals who would compose the +church? Or what is meant by his foreknowledge? ¶ 473. + +Should we expect the body members to have experiences similar to those +of Jesus? ¶ 473. + +When was the day of Pentecost? ¶ 474. + +What call went forth to the Jews from that time? ¶ 474. + +What is meant by the call? ¶ 474. + +What did Jesus say about the number called and chosen? Give Scriptural +proof. ¶ 474. + +How long was this call confined to the Jews? ¶ 474. + +Who was the first gentile to receive the gospel? Give the Scriptural +account. ¶ 474. + +Thereafter to whom did the call extend? ¶ 474. + +Why has the gospel been preached? ¶ 475. + +How has the gospel appeared to worldly-wise men? ¶ 475. + +What did St. Paul say about the wisdom of this world and the wisdom of +God? ¶ 475. + +How did the Jews as a people receive the message of Christ and him +crucified? ¶ 476. + +How did the majority of the gentiles receive the gospel? ¶ 476. + +What proportion of the wise and mighty and noble are called and respond +to the call of the gospel? ¶ 476. + +Why have not many wise and noble accepted the truth? ¶ 476. + +How has the call impressed the humble-minded? ¶ 476. + +Give Scriptural proof of Jehovah's invitation to become members of the +bride class. ¶ 477. + +Why can the church be called the daughter of God? ¶ 478. + +What beauty is it that the Lord desires in the body members? ¶ 478. + +Is time required for the development of the church? ¶ 479. + +What can be said about deathbed confessions? ¶ 479. + +What is the first thing to do to become a Christian? ¶ 479. + +What is meant by repentance? ¶ 479. + +What is meant by being converted? ¶ 479. + +After conversion, what further things take place before one becomes a +new creature? ¶ 479. + +Why must the Christian thereafter pass through many varied experiences? +¶ 479. + +Why are children in school required to have hard mental exercises? ¶ 480. + +Is it necessary for one to train for a physical contest? ¶ 480. + +Why is it necessary for a new creature to be trained and to pass through +experiences? ¶ 480. + +What did the Psalmist say concerning the standing of the new creature +with his brethren and others? ¶ 481. + +To whom did Jesus become a stranger? and what reproaches fell upon him? +¶ 481. + +Give Scriptural proof that the body members have similar reproaches. +¶ 481. + +How has God overruled for good Satan's persecution of the church? ¶ 482. + +Is the Christian's suffering greater when he first knows the Lord or +later? ¶ 483. + +How is a Christian, when first begotten, designated in the Scriptures? +¶ 483. + +What kind of spiritual food does he need? ¶ 483. + +Give a figure of speech illustrating the development of the church, with +Scriptural proof of same. ¶ 484. + +Give a paraphrase of the Apostle's words in 1 Peter 2:3-8. ¶ 485. + +Give Scriptural proof that it is a privilege to suffer with Christ. ¶ 485. + +What course must a Christian take as compared to the world? ¶ 486. + +Explain the development of the Christian, as taught by St. Peter in +2 Peter 1:5-7. ¶ 486. + +What should a Christian do with reference to making his calling and +election sure? Give Scriptural proof. ¶ 487. + +Against what enemies does the new creature war? ¶ 488. + +With what weapons does he war? Give Scriptural proof. ¶ 488. + +What hope strengthens him in the battle? ¶ 488. + +What effect does this hope have upon his purifying himself? ¶ 488. + +To what likeness were the members of the church foreordained? ¶ 489. + +Why can the Christian understand things that the world cannot? Give +Scriptural proof, ¶ 489. + +How is the pathway of the Christian designated? and is it an easy one? +¶ 489. + +What does St. James say to the Christian about considering the suffering +of the prophets? ¶ 490. + +What was the purpose of the prophets' suffering? ¶ 490. + +What did Jesus say about the violent taking the kingdom? Give explanation. +¶ 491. + +Why should the Christian suffer? Give Scriptural proof. ¶ 492. + +Why is Jesus not ashamed to call the members of the church his brethren? +¶ 492. + +Does the true saint of God complain or murmur because of his persecution? +Give Scriptural reason. ¶ 493. + +Does the true Christian expect to be without suffering? ¶ 494. + +What does suffering testify to him? ¶ 494. + +From what source do these sufferings come? ¶ 494. + +Who was one of the greatest sufferers amongst Christ's followers? ¶ 495. + +Enumerate some of his experiences. ¶ 495. + +What did he say about such afflictions? ¶ 495. + +To what was St. Paul looking forward as his great hope? ¶ 495. + +Upon what does the Christian meditate with delight? ¶ 495. + +What is the great promise set before the church? Give Scriptural proof. +¶ 496. + +What does the word "glory" mean, as used in the Scriptures? Give +Scriptural proof. ¶ 497. + +How is Jesus mentioned with reference to God's glory? ¶ 497. + +How are the body members to be with him in glory? ¶ 497. + +How will this glory compare to things of earth? ¶ 497. + +What did St. Paul say about that glory? ¶ 497. + +What image will the church bear in glory? ¶ 497. + +What was the condition of faithful saints who died between Pentecost and +Christ's second coming? ¶ 498. + +What do the Scriptures say about their awakening at the second coming +of Christ? ¶ 498. + +What do the Scriptures say concerning the resurrection change of those +saints living on the earth after Christ's second appearing? ¶ 499. + +Why are they called blessed of the Lord? ¶ 499. + +Why has Jehovah been for centuries preparing the new creation? ¶ 499. + +What is the custom of royalty concerning jewels? ¶ 500. + +In what way do the Scriptures compare the saints to jewels? Give the +proof. ¶ 500. + +How are they to be regarded by Jehovah? and how illustrated by jewels? +Give Scriptural proof. ¶ 500. + +Give a Scriptural promise of glory to the overcomer. ¶ 501. + +How is the sun used to illustrate glory? Give Scriptural proof. ¶ 502. + +What Scriptural promise did the Lord give to his church concerning a +heavenly habitation? ¶ 503. + +What did the Psalmist say about the Lord's habitation? ¶ 503. + +What did the Prophet write concerning the beauty of Zion? ¶ 503. + +For what purpose will Jehovah shine through the new creation? ¶ 503. + +What joy will this bring to the new creation? Give Scriptural proof. ¶ 503. + +What is the Scriptural promise with reference to having the great King +as a friend? ¶ 504. + +How will this great friend love the members of the church? ¶ 504. + +What is meant by the Scriptural term "honor"? ¶ 505. + +How is God honored by his creatures? ¶ 505. + +How will the church occupy a position of honor? ¶ 505. + +What particular relationship with Jesus pictures the great honor that +the body members will have? ¶ 505. + +What does the Scripture say concerning the likeness of Jesus and his +relationship to the body members? ¶ 506. + +What does the Apostle say concerning the appearance and likeness of the +church? ¶ 506. + +Who has been appointed heir of all things? ¶ 506. + +Who shares with him in this honor? Give Scriptural proof. ¶ 506. + +To whom did Jehovah promise the rulership and dominion of the earth at +the time of Zedekiah's overthrow? ¶ 507. + +What does the prophet Daniel say with reference to granting this +dominion to Jesus? ¶ 507. + +What will be the extent of his dominion and kingdom? ¶ 507. + +How shall the nations regard it? ¶ 507. + +What promise of honor is given to the church in this connection? Give +Scriptural proof. ¶ 507. + +Who will be the great King of glory to rule the nations? ¶ 508. + +Is any promise of honor to the church given in this connection? ¶509. + +What Scriptural promise is there that the church shall enjoy a position +of honor in the coming ages? ¶ 509. + +To what extent has Jesus been honored by the world? ¶ 510. + +What Scriptural proof is there that the world will yet honor him? ¶ 510. + +How have the body members of the church been regarded by the world? ¶ 510. + +Will they be honored in the future? ¶ 510. + +Will the world know who is born a member of the glorified church? Give +Scriptural proof. ¶ 510. + +What effect will this knowledge have upon the world? ¶ 510. + +How will the people regard the church in the future ages? Give +Scriptural proof. ¶ 510. + +Besides glory and honor, what else is the church seeking? ¶ 511. + +Define immortality. ¶ 511. + +What will be the difference between a perfect human being and a member +of the new creation with reference to requiring nourishment to sustain +life? ¶ 511. + +What Scriptural proof is given that Jesus possesses inherent life? ¶ 511. + +What Scriptural promise is given to the body members that they will have +inherent life? ¶ 512. + +With what power will they be clothed with reference to giving life to +others? ¶ 512. + +Give some Scriptural proof of the degree of life to be possessed by the +church. ¶ 512. + +What is meant by the "crown of life"? ¶ 512. + +When one becomes a new creature in Christ, how does that affect his +hopes, ambitions and aspirations? ¶ 513. + +What did St. Paul say concerning the life of such? ¶ 513. + +Whom did David typify? and how do his words apply to the church? ¶ 514. + +How is the desire of the church expressed by the Psalmist? Quote the +Scripture. ¶ 514. + +What did the psalmist David say about the King and the new creation in +the presence of Jehovah? Quote the psalm. ¶ 515. + +Show the contrast in the minds of the people between the position of the +Christ during the period of humiliation and the period of glory. Give +Scriptural proof. ¶ 516. + +In the eyes of the world, how do members of the church die? ¶ 517. + +In the eyes of Jehovah, how do they die? Give the Scriptural proof. ¶ 517. + +How does St. Paul contrast the humiliation with the glory of the church? +Quote the Scripture. ¶ 517. + +When will all the members of the church enjoy glory, honor, and +immortality, eternal life? ¶ 518. + +When should we reasonably expect the church to be glorified? ¶ 519. + +Under what influence did St. Paul write concerning the approaching +kingdom? ¶ 519. + +Describe what took place at the time of the making of the law covenant +by Jehovah with Israel at Mount Sinai. ¶ 520. + +Give the Scriptural statement by St. Paul concerning that time. ¶ 520. + +What did such convulsions of nature foreshadow concerning the present +time? ¶ 520. + +What does a mountain symbolize? and in what sense can we say that +present conditions were foreshadowed by the disturbance at Mount Sinai? +¶ 521. + +Using this to illustrate the approaching kingdom, quote the apostle +Paul's words in Hebrews 12:22-24. ¶ 521. + +What do these words of St. Paul picture with reference to the kingdom? +¶ 522. + +Why is God now manifesting his power and justice in dealing with the +nations of earth? ¶ 523. + +How does the privilege of living on earth now compare with that in +centuries past? ¶ 524. + +Did the prophets understand what would happen at this time? ¶ 524. + +Did the angels understand? ¶ 524. + +Did these seek to find out? ¶ 524. + +What is the privilege of the Christian now compared with that of +Christians living in the early part of the gospel age? ¶ 525. + +To what are saints this side the vail looking forward? ¶ 525. + +Whom will the Christian first expect to meet in the heavenly kingdom? +¶ 526. + +Quote the Scriptures with reference to the Christian's guardian angel. +¶ 526. + +What records have these angels kept? Give the Scriptural proof. ¶ 527. + +Who would be the next whom the Christian would expect to meet in glory? +¶ 528. + +Why will the King of glory desire to greet the body members in the +kingdom? ¶ 528. + +Describe others in the church for whom the Christian will be looking in +the kingdom. ¶ 528. + +What grace of the holy spirit will be possessed by every one who is in +the kingdom? ¶ 529. + +What will be the appearance of each member of the body of Christ? ¶ 529. + +After all the bride class is united with the Bridegroom, then what is +next to be expected? ¶ 530. + +To whom is granted the honor of presenting the bride before Jehovah? ¶ 530. + +Give a picture based upon the Scriptures of the appearance of the bride +with the Bridegroom before the throne of Jehovah. ¶ 531. + +Describe the appearance of the bride class. ¶ 532. + +How will that marriage compare with earthly marriages or unions? ¶ 532. + +Why will the members of the body of Christ be a monument to the grace of +God? ¶ 533. + +In vision, how did St. John describe the church class this side the vail +using the harp of God? ¶ 534. + + + + + "THEE FOR EVER BLEST" + + Thy works all praise Thee: all Thy angels praise: + Thy saints adore, and on Thy altars burn + The fragrant incense of perpetual love. + They praise Thee now: their hearts, their voices praise, + And swell the rapture of the glorious song. + Harp! lift thy voice on high--shout, angels, shout! + And loudest, ye redeemed! glory to God, + And to the Lamb, who bought us with His blood, + From every kindred, nation, people, tongue; + And washed, and sanctified, and saved our souls; + And gave us robes of linen pure, and crowns + Of life, and made us kings, and priests to God. + Shout back to ancient Time! Sing loud, and wave + Your palms of triumph! sing, Where is thy sting, + O Death? where is thy victory, O Grave? + Thanks be to God, eternal thanks, who gave + Us victory through Jesus Christ our Lord. + Harp, lift thy voice on high! shout, angels, shout, + And loudest, ye redeemed! glory to God, + And to the Lamb--all glory and all praise; + All glory and all praise, at morn and even, + That come and go eternally; and find + Us happy still, and Thee for ever blest. + Glory to God, and to the Lamb. Amen. + For ever, and for evermore. Amen. + +--_Pollok_ + +[Illustration] + + + + +CHAPTER XI + +String 10: _Restoration_ + + +The restoration string of the harp of God is one that will fill the +earth with joyful song. Although every prophet from Samuel to John the +Baptist spoke of the coming days of restoration, this wonderful doctrine +represented by the tenth string of the harp was for a long time lost to +the vision of many who claimed to be Christians, as was also the +doctrine of the Abrahamic promise. Hence we see that the eight-string +harp sometimes used by the Jews represents the harp of God minus the +strings picturing the Abrahamic promise and restoration. Now these +strings or doctrines have been found and appreciated by God's people; +and the harp fully strung yields music of unspeakable sweetness. + +[536]Restoration means to restore that which was lost. The first man +Adam was made perfect, in the image and likeness of God, with power and +authority to fill the earth with a race of people and to rule the earth +as his dominion. By reason of his sin, he brought upon himself the +manifestation of divine justice; and being sentenced to death, he lost +the right to life, and this right was lost also for his offspring. The +first man, Adam, was created a human being, not a spirit being. "The +first man is of the earth, earthy." (1 Corinthians 15:47) God created +the earth for man. "God ... formed the earth and made it; he hath +established it, he created it not in vain, he formed it to be +inhabited." (Isaiah 45:12,18) The Scriptures conclusively prove that +God's original purpose was that man should have an everlasting home on +the earth as long as he obeyed the divine law. Man having disobeyed +forfeited his right to live on earth, and Jesus, the perfect man, having +by his great sacrifice purchased this right for man, the time must come +when man will be restored to that which was lost. + +[537]Some noted teachers of the Bible deny the doctrine of restoration. +Let us observe, then, what else must fail if this doctrine fails. If +there is to be no restoration of man to his original state, then it must +be admitted that the creation of man was and is a failure. Not only +would the creation of man result in a failure, but the very purpose for +which God created the earth must fail. This would mean, then, that his +word has not and will not accomplish what he said. But God being +all-wise, and having unlimited power, his purposes cannot fail. If we +believe the Bible, we will have to believe the doctrine of restoration. +Jehovah has said: "My word that goeth forth out of my mouth ... 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".--Isaiah 55:11. + +[538]If there is to be no restoration of man to his original state and +no opportunity for him to be so restored, then the manifestation of +divine justice against Adam amounts to nothing more than God's +destroying the work of his own hands and admitting he was and is unable +to people the earth with a perfect race. If we believe in his +omnipotence, we must believe that he will accomplish his design. Having +made the promise at the time of the sentence of man that the great enemy +should ultimately perish, we may take this as one truth upon which to +hang a hope that something better is to come in the future. + +[539]If there is to be no restoration of mankind to original +perfection, then God's promise made to Abraham is meaningless and must +fail, because the express purpose of that promise is the blessing of all +the families of the earth; and that blessing is life. (Genesis 12:3; +22:18; 28:14; Romans 6:23) Not only did Jehovah make this promise to +Abraham, but he bound the promise with his oath; and by these two things +(his word and his oath, both of which are unchangeable) it is impossible +for the promise to fail; but in due time it must be carried out.--Hebrews +6:17,18. + +[540]Beyond question, the Scriptures show that Jesus, who in his +prehuman existence was the Logos, left the heavenly courts, his life +being transferred from spirit to human plane, took upon him the nature +and form of man, and became Jesus for the very purpose of saving the +people from their sins. (Matthew 1:21) He came that man might have life. +(John 10:10) He came and gave his life as a ransom, that others might +live. (Matthew 20:28) He was rich and for our sakes became poor, that we +through his poverty might become rich. (2 Corinthians 8:9) When he was +born as a man, the angels of heaven announced glad tidings of great joy +which shall be unto all people, because the purpose of his birth was to +redeem mankind and to restore to them that which had been lost. (Luke +2:9-11) If there is to be no restoration of man to his original state, +then all these purposes of God in sending his beloved Son to earth must +fail. We know that God's word cannot fail. + +[541]It was the perfect man Adam who had sinned and by his sin lost the +right to life and the blessings incident to a perfect human life. The +only means provided for satisfying that judgment and releasing mankind +was by substituting another perfect human life. The substitution of +that one perfect human life for the other is called in the Scriptures +the ransom-sacrifice. God made the specific promise that he would ransom +man from the power of the grave, and that he would redeem him from +death. (Hosea 13:14) In keeping with this promise, his Word declares +that 'Jesus, by the grace of God, tasted death for every man'. (Hebrews +2:9) "There is one God, and one mediator between God and men, the man +Christ Jesus, who gave himself a ransom for all, to be testified in due +time."--1 Timothy 2:5,6. + +[542]Unless, therefore, mankind has a full and fair opportunity to be +restored to the perfect condition enjoyed by father Adam while in Eden, +then all of these promises of Jehovah are meaningless and must fail. If +they should fail, such would prove that God is not all-powerful. It +would also prove that his promises are not sure; whereas the Scriptures +declare: "All the promises of God, whatever their number, have their +confirmation in him; and for this reason through him also our 'Amen' +acknowledges their truth and promotes the glory of God through our +faith. But he who is making us as well as you stedfast through union +with the anointed one, and has anointed us, is God, and he has also set +his seal upon us, and has put his spirit into our hearts as a pledge and +foretaste of future blessing."--2 Corinthians 1:20-22, _Weymouth_. + +[543]Jesus arose from the dead and ascended on high. The fact of his +resurrection is a guarantee that all men shall have an opportunity for +life. If there is to be no restoration of the human race, then the +resurrection of Jesus and the awakening of others from the dead are +meaningless and for no purpose. If we believe the Scriptures, we must +believe in restoration, because God "hath appointed a day, in the which +he will judge the world in _righteousness_ by that man whom he hath +ordained; whereof he hath given assurance _unto all men_, in that he +hath raised him from the dead". (Acts 17:31) If we do not accept the +doctrine of restoration of the human race, then we must ignore the +positive words of the Apostle, who wrote: "Now is Christ risen from the +dead, and become the firstfruits of them that slept. For since by man +came death, by man came also the resurrection of the dead. For as in +Adam all die, even so in Christ shall all be made alive. But every man +in his own order: Christ the firstfruits; afterward they that are +Christ's at his coming. Then cometh the end, when he shall have +delivered up the kingdom to God, even the Father; when he shall have put +down all rule and authority and power. For he must reign, till he hath +put all enemies under his feet. The last enemy that shall be destroyed +is death."--1 Corinthians 15:20-26. + +[544]"The mystery" is the Christ, the anointed class--Jesus the head +and his body members--designated in the Scriptures as the seed of +Abraham, according to the promise. (Colossians 1:26,27) It is the +repeatedly announced purpose of Jehovah that through this seed all the +families of the earth shall be blessed. (Galatians 3:8,16,27,29) +Jehovah has devoted much time and effort to the development of the seed +of promise. If, therefore, there is to be no opportunity for full +restoration of mankind, then the time and effort spent in developing the +seed of Abraham has been wasted, and the promise of blessing through +this seed is meaningless and void. If we believe the Scriptures above +cited, that God's word cannot return unto him void, then we must know +that his purposes cannot fail. + +[545]The Lord Jesus went away to prepare a place for his bride, the +church, which is the seed of Abraham through which the promised blessing +of mankind must come. He promised to return and receive his bride unto +himself. He has come again, as the Scriptural evidence herein cited +clearly and conclusively shows. If there is to be no opportunity for the +restoration of man to the condition which Adam enjoyed before he sinned, +then the second coming of the Lord must fail in one of its primary +purposes. That one of the primary purposes of his second coming is the +restoration of the human race, is definitely stated by the inspired +witness: "God ... shall send Jesus Christ, which before was preached +unto you; whom the heaven must receive [retain, hold] until the times of +_restitution_ [restoration] of all things, which God hath spoken by the +mouth of all his holy prophets since the world began. For Moses truly +said unto the fathers, A prophet shall the Lord your God raise up unto +you of your brethren, like unto me; him shall ye hear in all things +whatsoever he shall say unto you. And it shall come to pass, that every +soul, which will not hear that prophet, shall be destroyed from among +the people. Yea, and all the prophets, from Samuel and those that follow +after, as many as have spoken, have likewise foretold of these days." +--Acts 3: 20-24. + +[546]Added to this positive statement of the inspired Apostle is the +testimony of all the prophets foretelling the time coming for the +restoration of the things that were lost through the disobedience of +Adam. + +[547]Enoch was the first of the holy prophets. (Jude 14,15) Then +followed Jacob (Genesis 49:10), Moses (Genesis 3:15; 12:3; 13:15; 18:18; +22:18; Deuteronomy 18:15,19; 30:15), Samuel (1 Samuel 2:6), Job +(14:13-15; 33:19-30), David (Psalm 22:27; 30:5; 37:11; 46:10; 67:1-7; +72:3,4,6,10; 86:9; 93:2; 96:11-13; 98:4-9; 104:5), Solomon (Proverbs +2:21; 11:31; Ecclesiastes 1:4), Isaiah (2:2-4; 9:7; 11:4-9; 14:7; +19:22; 25:6-12; 28:17,18; 29:17,18; 33:24), Jeremiah (3:17; 24:7; +31:16,29,34; 32:39,40; 33:8,9; 46:27; 50:4,5), Ezekiel (11:19; +16;55,61-63; 18:2,31,32; 28:26; 34:25-28; 36:26,27,29,30,35; 37:24; +39:29), Daniel (2:44; 7:27), Hosea (2:18,21; 3:5; 13:14), Joel (2:22,32), +Amos (9:11,12; Acts 15:14-18), Obadiah (verse 21), Jonah (chapter 4), +Micah (4:1-5,8), Nahum (1:15; 2:3-6), Habakkuk (2:14), Zephaniah (2:11; +3:9,13), Haggai (2:7), Zechariah (2:11; 3:10; 8:3,8,12,15,21,22; +9:10,17; 14:9,11,20), Malachi (1:11; 3:11; 4:2), and John the Baptist. +(John 1:29; Matthew 11:9,11) This entire array of holy witnesses, +without a single exception, unite in testifying to the coming days of +restoration of man.[A] + +[Footnote A: See discussion of this in "The Finished Mystery", pages +62-95.] + +[548]The reasonable mind cannot conceive that Jehovah would develop a +new creation and glorify that creation by committing to the head of it +all power in heaven and in earth without assigning the new creation some +work to do with reference to man. The very purpose of the glorification +of the new creation, the church, is that the members thereof, directed +by the head, the Lord Jesus, might judge and bless and restore the +families of the earth. There could be no judgment without a trial; and a +trial means an opportunity. Jesus plainly said: "In the regeneration +when the Son of man shall sit in the throne of his glory, ye also shall +sit upon twelve thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel". (Matthew +19:28) Here is the positive statement of regeneration. Regeneration +means the act of reproducing or giving life anew to a creature. + +[549]Again it is written concerning those who participate in the first +resurrection and thereby become members of the royal family of heaven: +"Blessed and holy is he that hath part in the first resurrection; on +such the second death hath no power, but they shall be priests of God +and of Christ, and shall reign with him a thousand years," which +thousand-year reign is for the purpose of restoring mankind.--Revelation +20:6; Acts 17:31. + +[550]Again says the Apostle: "Do ye not know that the saints shall +judge the world?" (1 Corinthians 6:2) Again Jesus plainly declared that +at his second coming he would sit upon his throne of glory, and before +him should be gathered all nations, and he would separate them and +reward them according to their obedience to his laws. (Matthew 25:31-46) +If the church, Jesus the head and his body members glorified, endowed +with power and authority, are not to act as the great deliverer and +uplifter of the human race, then why should they be clothed with such +power and authority? If there is to be no opportunity for the +restoration of mankind, then God's plan with reference to the new +creation and its work must fail. He has positively announced that one of +the very purposes for calling and developing the new creation is the +blessing of mankind.--Genesis 12:3; Galatians 3:16,27,29. + +[551]"I the Lord have called thee in righteousness, and will hold thine +hand, and will keep thee, and give thee for a covenant of the people, +for a light unto the gentiles; to open the blind eyes, to bring out the +prisoners from the prison [the grave, condition of death], and them that +sit in darkness out of the prison house." (Isaiah 42:6,7) "Thus saith +the Lord, In an acceptable time have I heard thee, and in a day of +salvation have I helped thee; and I will preserve thee, and give thee +for a covenant of the people, to establish the earth, to cause to +inherit the desolate heritages."--Isaiah 49:8. + +[552]Thus we see that every purpose of the divine plan points to the +restoration of mankind. Every vital doctrine speaks of that coming time +for man's blessing. Every other string of the harp of God harmoniously +blends with the music of the tenth string, the restoration of man. It +must be admitted by every honest student of the Bible that all the +fundamental doctrines point to God's purpose of offering restitution +blessings to the entire human race, and that the obedient ones will +enjoy the blessings upon the earth. And now let us examine some more +specific texts further corroborating the already strong proof that +restitution is the great object of the divine plan relative to the human +race. + +[553]God made a covenant with the nation of Israel, by which covenant he +promised to give life to all who would keep that covenant. (Leviticus +18:5) The Israelites, like others of Adam's offspring, having been born +sinners and imperfect, could not keep this covenant; therefore could not +get life through it. The specific reasons are: (1) Because the +ransom-sacrifice had not yet been given; (2) because of the +imperfections of the human race and the imperfections of Moses the +mediator of the covenant it yielded life to none of the nation of +Israel. (Romans 8:3) There was a two-fold purpose for this law covenant +being made. One was, that it might serve as a schoolmaster to lead +Israel to Christ (Galatians 3:24); and the other, to foreshadow a better +or new law covenant arrangement which God would make through his beloved +Son Christ Jesus. (Hebrews 10:1; 8:5) Christ is the great high priest; +and by his fulfilling the divine purposes, he is now the mediator of a +better covenant, the new covenant, which God purposes to make for man's +benefit. (Hebrews 8:6; 9:15) When the church is glorified and the +kingdom set up, then the blood (merit) of Christ will be applied for the +sealing of the new covenant, through which covenant promised blessings +are to be extended to the human race. + +[554]After these days, then--after the gathering out of the Christ class +or new creation--this covenant is to be made, as St. Paul states: +"Behold, the days come, saith the Lord, when I will make a new covenant +with the house of Israel and with the house of Judah; not according to +the covenant that I made with their fathers in the day when I took them +by the hand to lead them out of the land of Egypt; because they +continued not in my covenant, and I regarded them not, saith the Lord. +For this is the covenant that I will make with the house of Israel +_after those days_, saith the Lord; I will put my laws into their mind, +and write them in their hearts; and I will be to them a God, and they +shall be my people; and they shall not teach every man his neighbor, and +every man his brother, saying, Know the Lord: for all shall know me, +from the least to the greatest. For I will be merciful to their +unrighteousness, and their sins and their iniquities will I remember no +more."--Hebrews 8:8-12. + +[555]Under this new covenant the whole human race shall have the +opportunity to come back to God through Christ the mediator. Mark that +it is plainly stated that during the time of restoration 'God will put +his laws into their minds, and write them in their hearts, and will be +to them a God and they shall be to him a people; for he will be merciful +to them, and their sins and iniquities he will remember no more'. This +could mean nothing less than the taking away of the imperfections of the +obedient and restoring them to a righteous condition. + +[556]Following the glorification of the church and the making of the new +covenant, Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, David, Barak, Jepthae, and the prophets +(all of whom we term faithful worthies), the Lord has promised shall be +brought forth from the tomb, being given a better resurrection. +(Hebrews 11) These shall be princes, rulers, or legal representatives of +the Christ, in the earth; and through them the Lord will establish a +righteous government in the earth. (Psalm 45:16; Isaiah 32:1) And then +"out of Zion [the Christ, invisible to men] shall go forth the law, and +the word of the Lord from Jerusalem"--the headquarters of Christ's +visible representatives. + +[557]"It shall come to pass in the last days, that the mountain of the +Lord's house shall be established in the top of the mountains +[kingdoms], and shall be exalted above the hills; and all nations shall +flow unto it. And many people shall go and say, Come ye, and let us go +up to the mountain of the Lord, to the house of the God of Jacob; and he +will teach us of his ways, and we will walk in his paths: for out of +Zion shall go forth the law, and the word of the Lord from Jerusalem. +And he shall judge among the nations, and shall rebuke many people; and +they shall beat their swords into plowshares, and their spears into +pruninghooks; nation shall not lift up sword against nation, neither +shall they learn war any more."--Isaiah 2:2-4; Micah 4:1-4. + + +THE LIVING FIRST + +[558]St. Paul emphatically states that the Lord Jesus shall judge the +quick and the dead at his appearing and his kingdom. (2 Timothy 4:1) In +this he is corroborated by St. Peter (1 Peter 4:5) The word _quick_ here +means the living, those who have some measure of life; and the text is +so rendered in the Weymouth translation. When the new covenant is made +and the Lord begins to deal with the people, it will be with the living +first. It would be unreasonable to suppose that he would first awaken +the dead and deal with them, and then with the living later. Jesus, +speaking of the great time of trouble with which the present world +reaches a final conclusion, indicated that many human beings will pass +through the trouble. (Matthew 24:21,22) The prophet Zechariah informs us +that a portion of the people will be brought through the fiery trouble, +and refined, and then will call upon the name of the Lord and he will +hear them. (Zechariah 13:8,9) Those who learn of the Lord's kingdom and +readily put themselves under its direction and become obedient to the +laws and rules of his new kingdom will be the ones who will be blessed +and acknowledged of the Lord, and rapidly restored. + +[559]Further corroborative proof is given by the prophet Isaiah that +restoration will begin with those living on the earth at the beginning +of the Messianic reign. There are millions of persons now living who +have a sincere and honest desire for righteousness. Many of these love +the Lord to the extent of their knowledge of him; but their knowledge is +so limited because they have been taught so much error concerning his +character that they are filled with fear and dread. They have not +sufficient knowledge of him to have real faith. They have not gone on to +the point of consecration. They have heard of the Lord's second coming +and hope for something better. They realize that there is great trouble +in the world and see no human remedy for it. They long for a complete +and proper relief. + +[560]To such Jehovah says through his Prophet: "Be strong, fear not: +behold, your God will come with vengeance, even God with a recompence; +he will come and save you. Then the eyes of the blind shall be opened, +and the ears of the deaf shall be unstopped. Then shall the lame man leap +as an hart, and the tongue of the dumb sing." (Isaiah 35:4-6) These words +could have no application to persons who are in their graves, and must +exclusively apply to those who are living at the beginning of the +Messianic reign. Furthermore, when the dead are raised up, they will not +come forth from the graves minus arms, or legs, or other parts of the +body; but 'God will give to each a body as it pleaseth him' (1 Corinthians +15:38)--a reasonably sound body. And as a man renders himself in +obedience to righteousness, his body will develop toward perfection. +There are now on earth millions who are blind, or deaf, or lame, or +dumb, or cripples in some form; and these are the ones to whom the +Prophet refers. The kingdom being in operation, as these come to a +knowledge of God's great arrangements and obey the righteous laws under +the new covenant, they will develop new arms, legs, eyes; be given the +power of speech, and gradually develop a sound body. + +[561]When these great miracles begin to be performed in the earth, then +the most skeptical, it is to be hoped, will believe that the Lord Jesus +reigns. The miracles which he performed while on earth in opening the +eyes of the blind and healing the sick were merely examples of what he +will do in his glorified condition. Because it is both unreasonable and +unscriptural to expect that the dead will come forth from their graves +in a maimed, deaf, and dumb condition; but will come forth with +reasonably sound bodies, these words of the Prophet conclusively prove +that restoration will begin with those who are living on the earth at +the beginning of the Messianic reign. + +[562]Concerning the work of the Christ of restoring the peoples of +earth, and looking forward to that time, St. Paul writes; "The whole +creation groaneth and travaileth in pain together until now, waiting for +the manifestation of the sons of God"--the kingdom class. (Romans +8:19,22) Those who thus travail in pain, groan, wait, and hope for +something better, could not be the dead ones, but those who are living +at the inauguration of the new order. There are millions now on earth +who are looking and hoping for a better time, and groaning for that +relief. They understand not the mystery of God. They do not understand +how his sons constitute the seed of Abraham for their blessing; yet they +hope for something. + +[563]During the World War millions were maimed and disfigured in various +ways, and many deprived of one or both arms or legs. Because the Lord is +now present, putting his kingdom into operation, it is to be expected +that many of these crippled and maimed ones will be among the first to +receive the restoration blessings. As they come to a knowledge of the +fact that the Lord is giving these blessings, and render themselves in +obedience to his righteous rule, they will be thus blessed. Happy will +be their portion when they begin to be restored. Joyful will be their +friends and loved ones to see such restoration blessings being +ministered unto them. + +[564]While the trouble in the earth is ever increasing and the suffering +of the poor increases, some are manifesting a greater amount of sympathy +and consideration; while others are becoming more unreasonable and harsh +toward the poor. The Lord indicates what class he will favor in this +time of trouble, saying: "Blessed is he that considereth the poor: the +Lord will deliver him in the time of trouble. The Lord will preserve +him, and keep him alive; and he shall be blessed upon the earth." (Psalm +41:1,2) Surely this could apply to none other than those now living in +this time of trouble, because when restitution blessings begin the time +of trouble will be over. + +[565]Upon the earth there are now, according to the best statistics +obtainable, approximately 1,700,000,000 persons who have a measure of +life. The proof cited herein shows that the old world (social and +political order) ended and began to pass away in 1914, and that this +will be completed in a few years and righteousness fully established. +The Scriptural evidence further is that many will be brought through +this time of trouble, and these will be the ones with whom the Lord will +first begin the work of restoration. + +[566]The first world ended with a great flood, in which a few persons, +to wit, eight, were saved by being carried over in the ark from the old +to the new order of things that God established immediately after the +flood under Noah. This was an example or picture representing the +passing away of the present evil world and showing that many will be +carried over from the old to the new. When God had delivered Noah and +his family from the perils of the deluge and Noah builded an altar +before the Lord and offered a sacrifice, the Lord made promise to Noah, +saying: "I will not again curse the ground any more for man's sake; ... +neither will I again smite any more every thing living, as I have done. +While the earth remaineth, seedtime and harvest, and cold and heat, and +summer and winter, and day and night shall not cease." (Genesis 8:21,22) +The Scriptures show that "the earth abideth forever". (Ecclesiastes 1:4) +Therefore this statement to Noah is a positive promise that never again +will the earth witness the destruction of every living thing. Seeing, +then, that we are at the end of the old order and the opening of the +new, and that according to the Scriptures many must pass over to the +new, it can be confidently announced that MILLIONS OF PEOPLE NOW LIVING +WILL NEVER DIE, because these being offered restitution blessings the +presumption must be indulged that many of them will accept and be +obedient to the new order of things. + +[567]It was Jesus who said: "Whosoever liveth and believeth in me shall +never die". (John 11:26) The people of the world do not yet live, nor +have they had an opportunity of life; and this opportunity cannot come +to mankind in general until the times of restoration begin. Then the +living ones who believe on the Lord shall not die. We should keep in +mind, however, that to believe means to act upon that belief, in +accordance with it, and to be obedient to the new order that the Lord +will establish in the earth. Furthermore Jesus said: "If any man keep my +saying, he shall never see death". (John 8:51) Men cannot keep the +sayings of Jesus until they hear them; and the world cannot hear until +the Lord's due time. (1 Timothy 2:5,6) We are now entering that due time +and the message of the kingdom is being given out, by the Lord's grace, +that some may hear, and hearing, may profit and live. + +[568]The majority of mankind practise unrighteousness. This is due +largely to the fact of their imperfections. As the Prophet puts it, each +one was born and shapen in iniquity and conceived in sin. (Psalm 51:5) +They have been surrounded by conditions and influences that have induced +wrong-doing. A great many of these have not the power of resistance +against evil; but during the reign of Messiah evil will be punished and +righteousness rewarded, and evil influences restrained. Then even those +who are wicked and turn from unrighteousness to righteousness shall live +and shall not die. Of this God gives positive assurance through his +Prophet.--Ezekiel 18:27,28. + +[569]As further proof that restoration blessings will begin with those +living on the earth at the beginning of the Messianic reign, we cite the +words of the prophet Job. In poetic phrase he draws a picture of mankind +in a condition of suffering and sorrow, almost upon the brink of the +grave. This picture describes vividly the conditions now existing in the +earth. It depicts those who have a measure of life, all of whom must be +brought to a knowledge of the truth. Christ is the messenger of the new +covenant, through which mankind must receive the blessing. Job then +pictures the appearance of this messenger of the covenant and shows that +the message delivered turns many to righteousness. And those who hear, +appreciate and obey the message are represented as saying, 'I have found +my redeemer'; and then restitution blessings shall follow, and the old +shall be restored to a condition of manly youth. Man now is filled with +pride and pursues his own selfish purposes. The great time of trouble +will break this pride and bring the haughty low. Note Job's description: + +[570]"Then he openeth the ears of men, and sealeth their instruction, +that he may withdraw man from his purpose, and hide pride from man. He +[the Lord] keepeth back his [man's] soul from the pit, and his life from +perishing by the sword. He is chastened also with pain upon his bed, and +the multitude of his bones with strong pain; so that his life abhorreth +bread, and his soul dainty meat. His flesh is consumed away, that it +cannot be seen; and his bones that were not seen stick out. Yea, his +soul draweth nigh to the grave, and his life to the destroyers. [Thus +describing the miserable condition of humankind] If there be a messenger +[the Christ, the Messenger of the new covenant] with him, an +interpreter, one among a thousand, to show unto man his uprightness, +then he [the Lord] is gracious unto him [man], and saith, Deliver him +from going down to the grave [thus showing that not all are to be sent +into death. Then man is represented as saying]: I have found a ransom. +[The result then is pictured in the next phrase when the Prophet says +concerning man:] His flesh shall be fresher than a child's; he shall +return to the days of his youth."--Job 33:16-25. + + +PUNISHMENT OF THE WICKED + +[571]The Scriptures clearly indicate that some stubborn, proud, +disobedient ones will refuse to hear the word of the Lord and to obey +his righteous laws. The loving kindness of the Lord is manifested when +his long-suffering is shown in the fact that he does not immediately +destroy all such, but gives each one a full and fair opportunity, the +Prophet showing that each one shall have at least a hundred years of +trial; and if at the end of that time he is persistent in disobeying the +Lord, he shall be counted accursed and cut off in everlasting +destruction. (Isaiah 65:20) St. Peter corroborated this in his statement +concerning restoration times, saying: "It shall come to pass, that every +soul, which will not hear that prophet, shall be destroyed from among +the people".--Acts 3:23. + +[572]Again the testimony of Jesus is to the effect that at the beginning +of his reign the nations and peoples shall be gathered before him in the +sense that they will be instructed concerning his reign. In parabolic +phrase he pictures them being separated as sheep are separated from +goats. A goat is an animal that is unruly, disobedient. It refuses to +stay in the pasture where it is placed, but insists on getting outside +and destroying things where it has no business. The goat, therefore, +pictures an unruly or disobedient class. Sheep are docile, submissive, +and in Oriental countries they are led by the shepherd. They know his +voice and follow him. The Lord used this to illustrate the ones who are +obedient to him. The goats, therefore, picture the wicked class; and +concerning them the Lord said: "These shall go into everlasting +punishment"; whereas the sheep picture the obedient _class_, and of +them he says that they shall go into everlasting life.--Matthew +25:41-46. + +[573]Punishment does not mean torture. The laws of the land provide for +the punishment of wrongdoers, and the duration of that punishment is +according to the enormity of the crime. If a man steals his neighbor's +chickens, the duration of his punishment would probably be a few days in +prison. If he burns his neighbor's house, the duration of his punishment +would probably be a term of years in prison. If he takes his neighbor's +life, the duration of his punishment is death. There is no limitation to +that punishment. It is a lasting one--one that does not end. So those +who go into destruction suffer a punishment that is everlasting; +therefore everlasting punishment. + +[574]This punishment the Apostle plainly describes as destruction. +(2 Thessalonians 1:9) It is certain that they do not get life, because +the Lord plainly says in this statement that the righteous, the obedient +ones, go away into life eternal. The final fate of the wicked, +therefore, is an everlasting destruction; whereas the final state of the +obedient and righteous ones is life everlasting in peace and in joy. + + +ALL MUST HAVE A "CHANCE" + +[575]The great ransom-sacrifice presented in heaven by the Lord Jesus is +a guarantee that every man must have one full and fair opportunity for +life. Life is pictured as a gift. In order for a gift to be effective +there must be a giver or donor, and a receiver or donee. The giver must +be willing to give; the receiver must have knowledge that the thing is +offered and must be willing to accept. There must be two parties, the +giver and the receiver; and there must be knowledge on the part of both. +For this reason we read: "This is good and acceptable before God, our +Savior, who desires all men to be saved, and to come to an accurate +knowledge of the truth". (1 Timothy 2:3,4, _Diaglott_) The salvation +here mentioned is effected by the great ransom-price which constitutes +the price of deliverance. Then all must come to a knowledge of this fact +and either accept it or reject it, just as one who is offered a gift +must either receive or reject. Hence the Apostle writes: "Therefore as +by the offense of one judgment came upon all men to condemnation; even +so by the righteousness of one the free gift came upon all men unto +justification of life". (Romans 5:18) "The wages of sin is death; but +the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord."--Romans +6:23. + +[576]As further proof that all must have an opportunity, St. John wrote: +"He is the propitiation for our sins: and not for ours only, but also +for the sins of the whole world". (1 John 2:2) The word "our" as used in +this text means the class to which St. John belonged, namely, the +church, the Christ; whereas _the world_ includes all the race of +mankind. The statement, then, is that the ransom was provided for all. +Furthermore, when Jesus was born, it was announced by the angel of +heaven: "Behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be +to _all_ people". (Luke 2:10) Furthermore, God's promise to Abraham was +that in him and his seed _all_ the families and nations of the earth +should be blessed. (Genesis 12:3; Galatians 3:8) Hence all must have an +opportunity for such blessing. + +[577]That those who are to be saved are not confined to the ones who go +to heaven Jesus proved when he said: "Other sheep I have, which are not +of this fold: them also I must bring, and they shall hear my voice". +(John 10:16) "This fold" means the church; and after this class is +selected, then all must have an opportunity to come into the fold of +Christ. And this is true because he bought them all with his precious +blood. + +[578]God caused the prophet David to write: "All nations whom thou hast +made shall come find worship before thee, O Lord; and shall glorify thy +name". (Psalm 86:9) This is further corroborative proof that all must +have an opportunity. + +[579]A highway is a means of travel. For instance, we have built across +the United States what is known as the Lincoln Highway. A highway is +used to illustrate the way that the Lord will provide for the return of +the people to him through the terms of the new covenant. The prophet +Isaiah thus wrote: "A highway shall be there, and a way, and it shall be +called, The way of holiness; the unclean shall not pass over it, but it +shall be for those; the wayfaring men, though fools, shall not err +therein". (Isaiah 35:8) It will be noticed that there is a way to go +over this highway, and it shall be called "The way of holiness". In +other words, those who pass over it will be made holy. The highway +pictures the whole journey from the beginning to the end of the +Millennial reign of Christ. The unclean shall not pass over it, because +unless a man will be cleaned up before he progresses a great way, he +will be permitted to go no further. But as he strives to cleanse himself +and be obedient to the Lord, he will be helped. There shall be nothing +there to hinder him, because Satan's influence will be restrained. +(Revelation 20:1-4) The way shall be so plain and clear that any and all +may see it. The Lord, therefore, has graciously provided a way for the +oppressed and sin-sick to be led back over the highway of holiness into +a condition of perfection and happiness. + +[580]Because Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, and the other faithful prophets +described by the apostle Paul in Hebrews 11 are promised a better +resurrection; because of the statement of the Prophet that they shall be +princes or rulers in all the earth (Psalm 45:16), it is to be expected +that they will be the first ones raised under the terms of the new +covenant. Therefore it is reasonable to expect them to be back on earth +at the beginning of the restoration blessings. Hence these faithful men +may be expected on earth within the next few years. They will constitute +the legal representatives of the Christ in the earth. They will be the +visible representatives of the kingdom of heaven. These are the ones who +shall administer the affairs of earth under the direction of the Lord. + +[581]We therefore see that there are two phases of God's kingdom: the +heavenly, which is invisible; and the earthly, which is visible, the +faithful prophets of old, namely, the ancient worthies, representing the +Lord in this regard. + +[582]The Lord through his prophet Zechariah gives a wonderful picture of +the establishment of this kingdom and of the blessings that will come. +The prophecy is written in highly symbolic phrase. It reads: "His feet +shall stand in that day upon the mount of Olives, which is before +Jerusalem on the east, and the mount of Olives shall cleave in the midst +thereof toward the east and toward the west, and there shall be a very +great valley; and half of the mountain shall remove toward the north, +and half of it toward the south. And ye shall flee to the valley of the +mountains; for the valley of the mountains shall reach unto Azal: yea, +ye shall flee, like as ye fled from before the earthquake in the days of +Uzziah king of Judah; and the Lord my God shall come, and all the saints +with thee." (Zechariah 14:4,5) "His feet" in this prophecy represent +Jehovah's feet; while mountain symbolizes kingdom. The olive is a symbol +of light, peace, and divine blessing; hence the picture is that +Jehovah's authority, represented by his feet, will be established upon +earth, by a kingdom of light, peace, and blessing. The cleaving of this +mountain in the midst, showing a part on the north and a part on the +south, pictures the two phases, heavenly and earthly, of the Messianic +kingdom; and the valley between represents the valley of blessings. Into +this valley the sin-sick, sore, feeble, oppressed, yea all, shall flee +and there receive the blessings of the Lord, which will make them rich +in health and peace and happiness for ever. + +[583]Every one, then, who believes God's Word and who confidently +expects the kingdom to bring blessings to mankind and who sees it now +being established should watch for the return of Abraham and the other +faithful prophets and get into communication with them as soon as +possible after their return. And acting under their advice, all such +will doubtless find early many opportunities of service, which will +bring to them blessings and happiness. + +[584]The Psalmist gives us another picture of this kingdom of blessing, +saying: "The mighty God, even the Lord, hath spoken, and called the +earth from the rising of the sun unto the going down thereof". (Psalm +50:1) The earth here represents the new organized government. The rising +of the sun means the beginning of the Messianic reign; while its going +down pictures the completion of that reign. Therefore, throughout the +whole Millennial reign the Lord will be calling to the peoples of earth +to come into this valley of blessing and receive life, peace, and +happiness. "He shall call to the heavens [the spiritual, invisible part +of the kingdom] from above, and to the earth [the new organized +government], that he may judge his people." (Psalm 50:4) To judge means +to give opportunity for blessings by means of a trial; and this is in +harmony with the other statements of the Scriptures that every one must +have a fair trial for life. + + +THE DEAD TO RISE + +[585]The first few years of restitution blessings will find multitudes +of people diligently seeking to be restored to health and strength; and +as they grow strong themselves and prepare homes for themselves and +their families, they will be thinking of their beloved dead. Naturally +they will want to see them again, and they will pray to the Lord to +restore them. And the Lord will hear their prayers and answer them. "It +shall come to pass, that before they call, I will answer; and while they +are yet speaking, I will hear." (Isaiah 65:24) Jesus declared that "all +that are in the graves shall hear his voice, and shall come forth; they +that have done good, unto the resurrection of life; and they that have +done evil, unto the resurrection of judgment". (John 5:28,29) "They that +have done evil" here means the entire human race aside from the church. +They were born evil, born sinners. (Romans 5:12) They are coming forth +to judgment, to a trial; and this is the great trial time spoken of by +the Apostle, in which all men shall have an opportunity. (Acts 17:31) +"There shall be a resurrection of the dead, both of the just and +unjust."--Acts 24:15. + +[586]St. Paul then produces his wonderful and beautiful argument on the +resurrection, saying, "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 +firstfruits of them that slept. For since by man came death, by man +came also the resurrection of the dead. For as in Adam all die, even so +in Christ shall all be made alive." (1 Corinthians 15:16-22) Then the +Apostle shows that after the resurrection of the church in the beginning +of the kingdom every man must come forth in his own order. Jesus +declared: "Many that are first shall be last; and the last shall be +first". (Matthew 19:30) This principle may be properly applied to the +resurrection of the dead. Those who died last will be the first to be +awakened; while those who died centuries ago will be among the last to +be awakened. + +[587]In the World War millions of men died upon the battlefield. That +was indeed the land of the enemy, the land of death. The Lord gives us a +picture through the Prophet as to the coming days of blessing, saying to +the woman who wept for her children, and thus illustrating all who weep +for their dead: "Refrain thy voice from weeping, and thine eyes from +tears; for thy work shall be rewarded, saith the Lord; and they shall +come again from the land of the enemy. And there is hope in thine end, +saith the Lord, that thy children shall come again to their own border." +--Jeremiah 31:16,17. + +[588]As the dead come back from the tombs, provision will be made for +them by their friends who are living on the earth. Families long broken +up will be again united; and sadness will give way to joy. The whole +human race, ransomed by the Lord, will have this opportunity; and the +Prophet describes it thus: "The ransomed of the Lord shall return, and +come to Zion with songs and everlasting joy upon their heads; they shall +obtain joy and gladness, and sorrow and sighing shall flee away". +(Isaiah 35:10) Gradually, throughout the thousand years of Messiah's +reign, will the human race march up over the highway of holiness, until +all will have had a full and fair opportunity, the willfully wicked +destroyed and the obedient ones restored to perfection of body and mind +and heart. + +[589]The people of Sodom and Gomorrah were destroyed by fire. It does +not mean, however, that they went into an endless torture, as we have +heretofore been led to believe. On the contrary, the Lord plainly states +that they shall be brought back to their former estate; that is, as +human beings on the earth, for the purpose of being given a trial. "When +thy sisters, Sodom and her daughters, shall return to their former +estate, and Samaria and her daughters shall return to their former +estate, then thou and thy daughters shall return to your former estate." +(Ezekiel 16:55) While the Lord will rule with an iron hand, compelling +obedience, yet his rule will be a righteous one, and he will reprove +with justice. He is pictured by the Prophet as ruling in faithfulness +and righteousness, thus: "With righteousness shall he judge the poor, +and reprove with equity for the meek of the earth: and he shall smite +the earth with the rod of his mouth, and with the breath of his lips +shall he slay the wicked. And righteousness shall be the girdle of his +loins, and faithfulness the girdle of his reins."--Isaiah 11:4,5. + +[590]The beneficial effect of his righteous reign is also pictured by +the Prophet, in the passage which shows how that the wild beasts of the +earth will become subject to man, and how a little child shall direct +them. "The wolf also shall dwell with the lamb, and the leopard shall +lie down with the kid; and the calf and the young lion and the fatling +together; and a little child shall lead them. And the cow and the bear +shall feed; their young ones shall lie down together; and the lion shall +eat straw like the ox. And the sucking child shall play on the hole of +the asp, and the weaned child shall put his hand on the cockatrice' +den."--Isaiah 11:6-8. + +[591]All must come to a knowledge of the truth; and those obeying it +will have their sins and iniquities wiped out for ever. Thus says the +Prophet: "They shall teach no more every man his neighbor, and every man +his brother, saying, Know the Lord: for they shall all know me, from the +least to the greatest of them, saith the Lord: for I will forgive their +iniquity, and I will remember their sin no more." (Jeremiah 31:34) When +the Lord remembers their iniquities and sins no more, then it must be +that they are restored. When John the Baptist announced the approach of +Jesus, he exclaimed: "Behold the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin +of the world". When the sin of the world is gone, when there is a world +without sin, then it must be a world with perfect people. + +[592]That the people will be brought to a condition of health and be +cured of their sickness the Lord assures us through his Prophet. +"Behold, I will bring in health and cure, and I will cure them, and will +reveal unto them the abundance of peace and truth." (Jeremiah 33:6) "And +the inhabitant shall not say, I am sick; the people that dwell therein +shall be forgiven their iniquity."--Isaiah 33:24 + + +PARADISE RESTORED + +[593]The restoration means the bringing back to earth of the Edenic +condition for man's benefit. Some may think there will be not sufficient +room upon the earth for all the restored ones. According to the best +authority, there have lived and died about 20,000,000,000 people. There +are now on earth approximately 1,700,000,000 persons. This is a total of +21,700,000,000. In order to be liberal, let us suppose that all the +human race will total 50,000,000,000. As a suggestion that there will +be ample room for all on the earth, let one take his pencil and divide +the area of the state of Texas by 50,000,000,000; and he will find that +that number of people could be placed in the state of Texas alone, +giving each one about 146 square feet of land upon which to stand. Of +course it is not to be expected that the earth will be crowded thus; but +when we remember that only a small portion of the earth's surface is now +inhabited, that a great portion of it is desert, and when this desert +shall become productive and all parts of the earth habitable, then we +may see that 50,000,000,000 of people could comfortably be taken care of +in the earth and have plenty of room to spare. + +[594]But will the earth produce sufficiently to feed this multitude? The +Scriptures answer: "The wilderness and the solitary place shall be glad +for them; and the desert shall rejoice, and blossom as the rose. It +shall blossom abundantly, and rejoice even with joy and singing; the +glory of Lebanon shall be given unto it, the excellency of Carmel and +Sharon: they shall see the glory of the Lord, and the excellency of our +God.... And the parched ground shall become a pool, and the thirsty land +springs of water." (Isaiah 35:1,2,7) "The desolate land shall be tilled, +whereas it lay desolate in the sight of all that passed by. And they +shall say, This land that was desolate is become like the garden of +Eden; and the waste and desolate and ruined cities are become fenced, +and are inhabited." (Ezekiel 36:34,35) When the whole earth's surface is +brought up to a condition of high cultivation like unto the garden of +Eden, then indeed the earth will be a fit habitation for man. The +reclamation of desert land such as the Imperial Valley of California has +now begun. Only a few years ago that valley was a desolate wilderness in +which no animal or human being could live; and now it produces abundant +crops because it has been watered. When all the vast deserts of Sahara, +Arabia, and America are fully irrigated and blossom as the rose, they +will produce abundantly for man's needs. + +[595]The reign of Christ will result in the destruction of all man's +enemies. The weeds, the thistles, the thorns, the pests that destroy +crops, shall all be destroyed. Everything that produces sickness shall +be destroyed. The Apostle plainly says; "He [Christ] must reign, till he +hath put all enemies under his feet. The last enemy that shall be +destroyed is death."--1 Corinthians 15:25,26. + +[596]We can well imagine great multitudes of people assembling in +different parts of the earth to celebrate their deliverance from Satan +and his wicked organizations; and as the people witness the passing away +of ignorance, crime, superstition; and see knowledge, goodness, loving +kindness taking their place, they will fill the earth with joyful song. +The Prophet describes some of the effects of these restitution blessings +thus: "In this mountain [kingdom] shall the Lord of hosts make unto all +people a feast of fat things, a feast of wines on the lees, of fat +things full of marrow, of wines on the lees well refined. And he will +destroy in this mountain the face of the covering cast over all people, +and the vail that is spread over all nations [taking away ignorance, +etc,]. He will swallow up death in victory; and the Lord God will wipe +away all tears from off all faces; and the rebuke of his people shall he +take away from off the earth; for the Lord hath spoken it."--Isaiah +25:6-8. + +[597]St. John on the Isle of Patmos had a vision of the great Messianic +kingdom and described it in symbolic phrase. The word "heaven" +symbolically means the invisible ruling power; while the "earth" means +organized society. The old heaven has been wicked, because Satan, the +wicked one, has been ruling. The old earth has been wicked, because the +organizations of men have been under the dominion of Satan. St. John, +observing the Messianic kingdom and the blessings that would follow, +wrote: "I saw a new heaven and a new earth; for the first heaven and the +first earth were passed away; and there was no more sea". Thus he shows +the new heaven (the Messianic kingdom) and the new earth (society +organized on a righteous basis in the earth). _Sea_ is symbolic of +restless humanity, thus picturing the fact that there will be no more +strikes, lock-outs, revolutions, or anarchy. Continuing, he describes +the kingdom as a holy city, the new Jerusalem, in this beautiful phrase: +"And I John saw the holy city, new Jerusalem, coming down from God out +of heaven, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband. And I heard a +great voice out of heaven saying, Behold, the tabernacle of God is with +men, and he will dwell with them, and they shall be his people, and God +himself shall be with them, and be their God"--picturing here the +dwelling place of the Lord. The place of meeting between Jehovah and +mankind is through the Christ. The results will be the destruction of +the enemy death, and the full restoration of the obedient ones; and thus +he describes it: "And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and +there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall +there be any more pain; for the former things are passed away. And he +that sat upon the throne said, Behold, I make all things new. And he +said unto me, Write: for these words are true and faithful."--Revelation +21:1-5. + +[598]Let the reasonable person ask himself these questions: + +[599]Why would God outline such a marvelous plan as this? + +[600]Why would he establish a new heaven and a new earth? + +[601]Why would he awaken the dead out of their graves unless he intended +to give them an opportunity to be restored to the perfection enjoyed by +Adam before he sinned? + +[602]God has invited us to use our reasoning faculties (Isaiah 1:18); +and if we believe these great truths taught in the Bible, we can reach +no other reasonable conclusion than that restitution is the great +objective of God's plan relative to the human race, and that restitution +blessings are near because the kingdom of heaven is at hand, even at the +door. Let those who are cast down look up now; let the sorrowful be +glad; let the sad hearts be comforted, and the broken hearts be bound +up. Lift up your heads and rejoice in the fact that the day of +deliverance for mankind is at the door! + +[603]Call to mind for a moment the great amount of suffering in the +densely populated cities. Old men and old women, young men and young +women, children, infants in arms, all crowded into foul tenements, with +not sufficient food, impure air, and improper clothing; and everything +tending to degrade their morals. Call to mind the countries devastated +by the war, the homes destroyed, families broken up, the crippled, +blind, deaf, dumb, and insane. Imagine for a moment the intense +suffering of the millions of people throughout the earth; and then know +that this dark vail of suffering and death will shortly be lifted and +the sunlight of God's love will shine in upon all. Like the sun, the +great Messianic kingdom, shining forth with healing beams, shall dispel +the darkness, drive away the sickness, clean up the bodies and clean up +the minds and morals, point the people to proper food--what to eat and +how to eat it, what to think upon and how to conduct themselves; and +above all, to give them a full knowledge of the loving kindness of our +great God and of the Lord Jesus Christ, the dearest Friend of all. And +know, then, that these blessings will bring eternal happiness in the +earth. Men and women will not only grow strong, but they will reach that +state in which they will not even fear, think, or expect, to be sick. + +[604]With the establishment of the new order under the Messiah wars and +revolutions shall cease, because he has promised that then "they shall +beat their swords into plowshares and their spears into pruninghooks; +nation shall not lift up sword against nation, neither shall they learn +war any more"; and thus there shall be no more restless humanity, +symbolically called _sea_.--Isaiah 2:4; Micah 4:3; Revelation 21:1. + +[605]The profiteers will no longer be permitted to prey upon the people, +because God's promise is that under the righteous reign none shall be +permitted to injure another nor defraud his neighbor.--Isaiah 11:9; +65:25. + +[606]Then shall famines vanish away and no more shall be hungering for +food nor vainly striving for sustenance of life, because then the earth +shall yield her increase and there shall be plenty for all.--Psalm 67:6. + +[607]Then shall disease and sickness be destroyed, because God has +promised under this new order to bring in health and strength and to +bless the people with all favors incident thereto. "The inhabitant shall +not say, I am sick."--Isaiah 33:24; Revelation 21:4. + +[608]Funerals now are the order of the day, and the family and loved +ones left behind assemble in sorrow to pay the last tribute to their +beloved dead. But under the new order of things funerals will cease, +undertakers will seek a more pleasing employment, and the hearses will +be changed from vehicles of sorrow to equipages of pleasure. "There +shall be no more death."--Rev. 21:4. + +[609]Families have been torn asunder and each member has borne his or her +sorrow until claimed by the grave; but under the new order families will +be reunited, parents will be brought back to the children, and children +to the parents, and they shall dwell together in happiness.--1 Corinthians +15:22,23. + +[610]No more will the poor be vainly hunting for a habitation or fleeing +from greedy landlords, because then, as God has promised, the people +shall 'build houses and live in them; they shall not build for another +to live in but then every man shall have his own habitation and every +man shall sit under his own vine and fig tree and none shall make them +afraid'.--Isaiah 65:21-23; Micah 4:4. + +[611]At that time there will be full liberty to do right, because right +will always be encouraged. Every one will have the liberty to do all the +good he can. There will be no secret service men nor espionage laws +under the reign of Messiah. This will result in the development and +exhibition of the beauty of character. Justice will prevail amongst men; +they will become wise concerning the things pertaining to their welfare +and happiness. Love will be the motive directing their actions and their +every power shall be exercised for good.--Revelation 21:24-27. + +[612]Life, that which has been the desire of men in all ages, will be +completely realized--life in fullness, when men and women will be strong +and vigorous, and there shall be no more pain, no suffering, no sorrow, +no death; when all obedient ones shall return to the days of their youth +and enjoy life as perfect human beings through endless ages.--Job 33:25; +Romans 6:23; Revelation 21:4. + +[613]Praise then shall take the place of sorrow. No longer will the +people assemble in cemeteries on Decoration Day to pay tribute to their +hero dead, because then their dead will be restored to them; and the one +who shall be the greatest hero in their minds and hearts will be the +great Messiah, who has brought the people the unspeakable blessings. +Then will the people assemble, not to discuss politics, nor to wrangle +over who shall hold the offices, but to improve their minds and to study +the beauties and wonders of God's creation and to sing songs of gladness +to his praise.--Isaiah 35:10; 51:11; Philippians 2:10,11. + + +CONSOLATION TO CHRISTIANS + +[614]Death is a cruel enemy of the human race. Its sting has been felt +for ages. It takes away beloved ones and leaves a burning dagger in the +heart of the surviving friend. It has filled the earth with sadness, and +the people with grief. But the sweet music from the harp of God has +cheered some sad hearts who have learned of the divine arrangement to +restore their dear ones whom they have loved and lost awhile. By faith +the Christian sees that in his own good time and way God will bring back +their beloved dead and give them an opportunity for endless life and +happiness, because he has promised thus to do. The Christian knows that +God's promises are certain of fulfillment and that his power to perform +is unlimited. Such faith, based upon the precious promises, helps now in +a measure to allay the sting of death. + +[615]Beside the tossing billows of the mighty ocean one walks in silent +meditation. Her mind turns to a beloved one who during the World War was +taken away to serve in the navy. For a time he sailed the seas and +returned, only to sicken and die, leaving behind a bleeding heart, which +only time and the Lord can heal. As her feet silently tread the soft +sands recently caressed by the waves, her mind is filled with thoughts +of happy days spent with her beloved brother, whose laughter is now +hushed in death and who sleeps in Jesus, waiting for the time of +resurrection. The former joyful days were turned into sorrow because of +Death's wicked hand. But the great Burden-Bearer lightens her load and +helps her to bear her sorrow as there come to her mind the words spoken +through his messenger: "Sorrow not as others, who have no hope; for if +we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so them also which sleep +in Jesus will God bring by him.... Comfort one another with these +words."--1 Thessalonians 4:13,14,18. + +[616]Gazing far out to sea, she observes a mighty ship being tossed by +the power of the waves as though it were an empty shell. What marvelous +power is thus displayed by those waves! Yet it is but a semblance of the +power of God. He who made the great ocean and caused the moon to kiss +its bosom at nightfall; he who hung the stars in the heavens, which +serve to guide the weary and wave-tossed mariner in his stormy course, +and who holds back the winds until he has reached his desired haven--he +it is who is clothed with all power and authority in heaven and in +earth, and has promised to bring back the beloved dead from the grave. +His promise he will faithfully keep. + +[617]Her meditations for a time sad, are now turned into silent joy +because of the hope planted in that once troubled bosom by the precious +promises of God. By faith she sees the blessed day, not far distant, +when back to life shall come that beloved brother. By faith she sees him +hurrying over the highway of holiness, until he is made strong, +vigorous, and returns to the days of his youth, and shall dwell in peace +and happiness for ever. + +[618]Oh! what sweet and consoling music the restoration string of God's +harp brings to the heart of the Christian now! What great joy will fill +that heart when, as a member of the glorified body of Christ, the +blessed privilege will be had of awakening out of death that beloved one +and marking his gradual restoration to perfect manhood! Then both the +blesser and the blessed will praise God for his boundless love. Until +that happy day, blessed is the one who claims the promise: "Thou wilt +keep him in perfect peace whose mind [meditation] is stayed on thee, +because he trusteth in thee".--Isaiah 26:3. + +[619]For centuries Christians lost sight of the beautiful doctrine of +the restoration pictured by the tenth string of the harp of God. This +was due to the fact that the consecrated were in captivity to the +religious systems formed by man and into which Satan injected false +doctrines, thereby blinding the understanding of even the honest-hearted. +But with the second presence of the Lord his people have been released +from such Babylonian captivity. The eyes of their understanding opening +because of the brightness of his presence, they have learned of the +restoration string of the harp of God; and its sweet melody has cheered +their hearts so much that they could not keep back the singing. God +foreknew this, of course; and for the further encouragement of such +caused his Prophet to write these appropriate words relative to the +restoration blessings coming to the nations and peoples and kindreds of +earth: "When the Lord turned again the captivity of Zion, we were like +them that dream. Then was our mouth filled with laughter, and our tongue +with singing: then said they among the heathen, The Lord hath done great +things for them."--Psalm 126:1,2. + +[620]Truly, as God's Prophet said: "I will incline mine ear to a +parable: I will open my dark saying upon the harp". (Psalm 49:4) All of +God's plan has been stated in parabolic language, and is appreciated +only by the consecrated follower of Jesus; but when understood, it is +indeed a harp that yields the most entrancing music that ever fell upon +human ears. Strike now the chord of restitution and hear how beautifully +it responds and harmonises with all the other strings upon the divine +harp! Know, then, that as the people come to learn of God's wonderful +arrangement, all whose hearts are right will praise him. The Psalmist +thus appropriately says: + + "O worship the Lord in the beauty of holiness: + Fear before him, all the earth. + Say among the heathen that the Lord reigneth; + The world also shall he established that it shall not be moved; + He shall judge the people righteously. + Let the heavens rejoice, and let the earth be glad; + Let the sea roar, and the fullness thereof. + Let the field be joyful, and all that is therein; + Then shall all the trees of the wood rejoice before the Lord; + For he cometh, for he cometh to judge the earth: + He shall judge the world with righteousness, + And the people with his truth."--Psalm 96:9-13. + +[621]Finally, at the end of the Millennial reign of the Messianic +kingdom, all the obedient ones of the human race will have been restored +to perfect conditions. The harp of God, the great doctrinal truths, will +be magnified in the hearts of all the people. But even now the fully +consecrated Christian is pictured as standing above the kingdoms of this +world, having the harp of God, and singing the song of Moses and the +Lamb, saying: "Great and marvelous are thy works, Lord God Almighty; +just and true are thy ways, thou King of saints. Who shall not fear +thee, O Lord, and glorify thy name?" And with the close of the thousand +years "all nations shall come and worship before thee; for thy judgments +are made manifest". (Revelation 15:3,4) These are looking to the +finished work of Christ. + + +HALLELUJAH CHORUS + +[622]By faith looking up through the corridor of the Millennial age now +opening, we see standing at the further end thereof a perfect race of +human beings. Every vestige of wickedness, selfishness, and wrong has +been eliminated. During the thousand-year reign of Christ that old +serpent, the devil and Satan, has been restrained, that he might not +deceive the nations and peoples during the Messianic reign. (Revelation +20:1-3) Being released for a little season at the end of that period, he +has put forth his efforts again to deceive; but now these have ended and +Satan is destroyed, because God has decreed it thus. (Revelation +20:7-10; Hebrews 2:14) Abraham, the father of the faithful, and his +colleagues of like faithfulness, who have, under the supervision of the +Christ, directed the people through their Millennial trial, have +finished their earthly career and have been raised to a higher plane as +spirit beings. Having during that reign turned many to righteousness, +they shine forth as the stars for ever and ever. (Daniel 12:3) The earth +has been brought to a condition of Edenic Paradise. In it there are no +weeds, thistles, or wicked thorns. It is a fit habitation for perfect +man, pleasing to the eye. All men and women have been perfected in +organism, mind, and character; and gracious words are upon their lips. +Each one, granted a perfect voice, possesses the ability to sing +perfectly; and a song of joy is upon all lips. All the creation of earth +is now subjected to man; and the chief joy of every one is and will be +to contribute to the happiness of his fellow men and to glorify God and +Christ. + +[623]By faith behold this happy picture for a moment, and then turn +your vision to the things heavenly. There angels, who for ages have +faithfully performed service as messengers to the Lord, are assembled; +line upon line, tier upon tier of these glorious beings. In their +respective positions of honor stand forth the cherubim and seraphim; and +in the midst of all stands the Christ. Jesus Christ the blessed and +faithful one, as the great victor now looks back over his work and 'sees +the travail of his soul and is satisfied' with the happy results. +Standing by his side is his glorious bride, who for a thousand years has +been the recipient of the exceeding riches of the grace of God through +her beloved Head, and who will now enjoy these favors to endless ages. +Her bridesmaids, 'the virgins her companions who follow' and serve her, +are there, performing their divinely assigned functions. Above all +stands the great Jehovah God, whose wisdom planned it all and whose +loving kindness has been showered upon the multitude of his creatures. +Joy fills his blessed heart. His plan, as he foreknew it would be, is a +grand success. + +[624]It is an entrancing scene! It is the appropriate time for the +Hallelujah chorus. The stage is set. The trumpeters with their trumpets +take their places, and the psaltery and the harp are brought forth. The +timbrel, the stringed instruments, the organ, the cymbals, and every +conceivable instrument of praise is in the hands of the heavenly host. +There is a breathless silence. Then the trumpeters peal forth their +paeans of praise, and all the other players and singers of the heavenly +hosts join in. This entrancing music is caught up by the multitudes of +earth and wafted back to heaven again (because communication has been +established between the perfect men and the perfect heavenly creatures), +until every creature which is in heaven and on earth and under the +earth, and such as are in the sea, and all that are in them, are +praising God, saying: "Blessing, and honor, and glory, and power, be +unto him that sitteth upon the throne, and unto the Lamb for ever and +ever". (Revelation 5:13) Every knee is bowing and every tongue is +confessing that Jesus is the Christ, to the glory of God the Father. +Every creature that has breath is now joining in the song. It is the +Hallelujah chorus, and this is what they sing: + + "Praise ye the Lord! + Praise God in his sanctuary; praise him in the firmament of his power. + Praise him for his mighty acts; praise him according to his excellent + greatness. + Praise him with the sound of the trumpet; + Praise him with the psaltery and harp. + Praise him with the timbrel and dance; + Praise him with stringed instruments and organs. + Praise him upon the loud cymbals; praise him upon the high sounding + cymbals. + Let every thing that hath breath praise the Lord. + Praise ye the Lord!"--Psalm 150. + + + + +How will the restoration string of the harp affect the world? ¶ 535. + +What does the tenth string of the harp represent? ¶ 535. + +What two great doctrines were lost sight of for a long time by +Christians? ¶ 535. + +What did the harp with eight strings, sometimes used by the Jews, +represent? ¶ 535. + +Define restoration. ¶ 536. + +What did Adam lose for himself and his offspring? ¶ 536. + +Give the Scriptural proof as to the nature of the first man. ¶ 536. + +What was God's purpose in creating the earth and putting man upon it? +¶ 536. + +Is any one warranted in denying the doctrine of the restoration of +mankind? ¶ 537. + +If there is to be no restoration of man, what effect would that have +upon the purpose, for which God created man and the earth? ¶ 537. + +Can the purposes of God fail? Give Scriptural reason for answer. ¶ 537. + +If there is to be no restoration of man, then the manifestation of +divine justice meant what? ¶ 538. + +What is the meaning of God's promise to Abraham to bless all the +families of the earth if there is to be no restoration? ¶ 539. + +How did Jehovah bind this promise? and what assurance does that give +concerning its fulfillment? ¶ 539. + +Why did Jesus come to earth? ¶ 540. + +Would his coming, death, and resurrection accomplish anything if there +is no such thing as restoration of the human race? Give Scriptural +reason for answer. ¶¶ 541, 542. + +Does the ransom-sacrifice guarantee an opportunity for restoration to +all? Give Scriptural reasons for answer. ¶ 543. + +What guarantee is given to man by the resurrection of Jesus? Give +Scriptural proof. ¶ 543. + +If the doctrine of restoration is not true, then what shall we say about +the words of the Apostle as recorded in 1 Corinthians 15:20-26? ¶ 543. + +The mystery being the seed of promise, what, then, is the work of the +mystery class when glorified? ¶ 544. + +If there be no restoration of the human race, why would Jehovah devote +so much time to the development of the mystery class? ¶ 544. + +What relationship has the second coming of Christ to restoration? Give +Scriptural statement relating to this point. ¶ 545. + +Did the prophets foretell the days of restoration? Give Scriptural +proof. ¶¶ 546, 547. + +Would it be reasonable to suppose that God would provide a new creation +and not give it some specific work to do relative to man? ¶ 548. + +What do the Scriptures say about the judging and blessing of the +families of the earth? ¶ 548. + +Could there be a judgment without a trial? ¶ 548. + +What did Jesus say about the regeneration of the human race, and those +who would participate in this work? Give Scriptural proof. ¶ 548. + +Define regeneration. ¶ 548. + +What promise is given to the church with reference to reigning with +Christ? ¶ 549. + +What is the purpose of the thousand-year reign with Christ Jesus? ¶ 549. + +What did St. Paul say about the saints judging the world? ¶ 550. + +What did Jesus say about the gathering the nations before him at his +second appearing? ¶ 550. + +Would not the purpose of God concerning the new creation fail if there +is no restoration of mankind? ¶ 550. + +What did God's Prophet say concerning the bringing out of the dead from +the prison-house of death? ¶ 551. + +What did the prophet Isaiah state with reference to the church +establishing the earth and causing the people to inherit it? ¶ 551. + +To what does every vital doctrine of the divine plan point? ¶ 552. + +With what do all the other strings of the harp harmonize? ¶ 552. + +Why could not the Jews get life under the law covenant? ¶ 553. + +For what purpose was the law covenant made? ¶ 553. + +Is there to be a new covenant made for the benefit of man? Give +Scriptural proof. ¶ 553. + +When will the new covenant be sealed? ¶ 554. + +State the terms of the new covenant as set forth by St. Paul. ¶ 554. + +What opportunity will be granted to the human race under the terms of +the new covenant? ¶ 555. + +What do the Scriptures say that God will put into their minds and hearts +under the terms of this covenant? ¶ 555. + +What prominent characters will be resurrected immediately following the +making of the new covenant? ¶ 556. + +What official positions will these prominent characters occupy in the +Messianic kingdom? ¶ 556. + +What will the Lord do for the people in the way of instructing them and +leading them under the terms of the new covenant, as indicated by the +prophets? Give Scriptural proof. ¶ 557. + +What does the Apostle say about whom the Lord will judge when he comes? +¶ 558. + +What is meant by the word "quick" as used in the Scriptures above +referred to? ¶ 558. + +With whom will the Lord deal, first when the new covenant is made? ¶ 558. + +Would we expect that he would first awaken the dead and judge them +before dealing with the living? ¶ 558. + +Will any people be brought through the great time of trouble now on the +earth and have an opportunity for restoration blessings? Give the +Scriptural reason for this answer. ¶ 558. + +Are there many people now living on the earth who sincerely desire a +righteous government? ¶ 559. + +What is the extent of their knowledge of the Lord and his arrangement? +and what effect has this lack of knowledge had upon them? ¶ 559. + +What message has the Lord given to such through his Prophet? Give the +Scriptural proof. ¶ 560. + +Why do the words of Isaiah 35:4-6 apply to these who are living and not +to those in the graves? ¶ 560. + +Will the dead be resurrected minus arms or legs? ¶ 560. + +What do the Scriptures say about the body they will have when raised +from the dead? ¶ 560. + +Having in mind the great number of cripples, deaf, dumb, and lame on the +earth now, what will restoration blessings do for them? ¶ 560. + +What effect may the beginning of restoration be expected to have on +those who observe it? ¶ 561. + +For what is the whole creation waiting while it groans in pain? Give the +Scriptural reason. ¶ 562. + +For what do these hope and long? ¶ 562. + +What effect will the restoration blessings have on those who were +crippled during the war? ¶ 563. + +Does the Lord indicate the kind of people that will be carried through +the time of trouble? Give Scriptural proof. ¶ 564. + +How many people, approximately, are now living on the earth? ¶ 565. + +How soon may we expect the present evil order to pass away? ¶ 565. + +What catastrophe caused the first world to end? ¶ 566. + +How many persons were saved or carried over from that first world to +the new order? ¶ 566. + +What did Noah and his family represent? ¶ 566. + +What promise did God make to Noah immediately following the flood? Quote +the promise. ¶ 566. + +What assurance do we gather from this divine promise with reference to +those now living on the earth? ¶ 566. + +Why can it now be said that millions now living will never die? ¶ 566. + +Quote Jesus' words in John 11:26. ¶ 567. + +When will this opportunity of life come to mankind? ¶ 567. + +What will be the results to those then living who believe and obey the +Lord? ¶ 567. + +What is meant by believing? ¶ 567. + +Quote the words of Jesus in John 8:51. ¶ 567. + +Do the Scriptures show that all men must hear and gain a knowledge of +the truth? ¶ 567. + +Is it possible for any one to keep the sayings of Jesus before he knows +them? ¶ 567. + +What is the condition of the majority of mankind? ¶ 568. + +What promise has God made that will be beneficial to those now +unrighteous? ¶ 568. + +Shall the unrighteous ones in the earth have an opportunity to live? +Give the Scriptural proof. ¶ 568. + +What picture does Job give with reference to restoration in his +prophecy, chapter 33, verses 16 to 25? ¶ 569. + +Quote these verses of Scripture and explain them. ¶ 570. + +Do the Scriptures indicate that some will refuse to obey the righteous +rule of the Lord? ¶ 571. + +What will be the punishment of those who disobey? ¶ 571. + +How long will the Lord permit them to have a trial? ¶ 571. + +When the Lord speaks of dividing the people as a shepherd divides his +goats and sheep, what is meant? ¶ 572. + +What class do the goats represent? ¶ 572. + +What class is pictured by the sheep? ¶ 572. + +What is meant by everlasting punishment? ¶ 573. + +What is meant by everlasting life? ¶ 573. + +Does the Apostle define everlasting punishment? If so, how? ¶ 574. + +Who is guaranteed a full opportunity for life? ¶ 575. + +What is meant by a gift? ¶ 575. + +What things are necessary to make a gift effective? ¶ 575. + +Quote the Apostle's words in 1 Timothy 2:3,4. ¶ 575. + +What is meant in this passage by being saved? and what is meant by being +brought to a knowledge of the truth? ¶ 575. + +Quote two Scriptures showing that life is a gift. ¶ 575. + +To whom is this free gift offered? ¶ 576. + +Quote 1 John 2:2. ¶ 576. + +What is meant by the word "our", and also by the word "world"? ¶ 576. + +What does this Scripture prove with reference to the ransom-sacrifice +and its benefits to mankind? ¶ 576. + +What message was delivered by the angel to the shepherds at Jesus' +birth? ¶ 576. + +Does this guarantee that anything shall be given to all the people? and +if so, what? ¶ 576. + +What does the promise made to Abraham prove as to an opportunity for +life everlasting? and to whom will this opportunity be given? ¶ 576. + +What did Jesus say about other sheep, indicating that not all would be +saved in heaven? ¶ 577. + +What did he mean by "this fold"? ¶ 577. + +Why will he have another fold? ¶ 577. + +Quote Psalm 86:9, and state what proof this is relative to restoration +blessings. ¶ 578. + +What is meant by the word "highway"? Describe a highway. ¶ 579. + +A highway is used in the Scriptures to illustrate what? ¶ 579. + +Quote Isaiah 35:8. ¶ 579. + +What is the way over that highway called? ¶ 579. + +The entire highway pictures what? ¶ 579. + +Will the unclean go up on the highway? and will they pass over it? ¶ 579. + +If one upon the highway refuses to do right, what will be the result? +¶ 579. + +What favor will be granted to those who strive to be obedient while on +the highway of holiness? ¶ 579. + +Shall any wicked influence be brought to bear against one on the highway +of holiness? Give the Scriptural reason for the answer. ¶ 579. + +How will that way compare with the narrow way that is journeyed by the +church? ¶ 579. + +Why should we expect Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob to be among the first +ones resurrected under the new covenant? ¶ 580. + +When should we expect them back on the earth? ¶ 580. + +What will be their positions of honor and responsibility in the earth? +¶ 580. + +What will be their administrative duties in the earth? ¶ 580. + +How many phases are there of the kingdom of God? ¶ 581. + +Describe the picture of the Messianic kingdom as given in Zechariah +14:4,5. Quote the Scripture. ¶ 582. + +What is meant in this prophecy by the words "his feet"? ¶ 582. + +What is symbolized by the mountain and by the olive? ¶ 582. + +What is represented by the cleaving or dividing of the mountain into two +parts? ¶ 582. + +What is pictured by the valley between? ¶ 582. + +What will the people do with reference to this symbolic valley? ¶ 582. + +Why should those on earth get in communication with Abraham and the +other faithful ones as soon as possible after their resurrection? ¶ 583. + +Quote Psalm 50:1. ¶ 584. + +In this text what is represented by the earth? ¶ 584. + +What is pictured by the sun? ¶ 584. + +What is pictured by the rising of the sun and the going down thereof? +¶ 584. + +Quote Psalm 50:4. ¶ 584. + +What is meant by judging the people? ¶ 584. + +When the peoples living on earth begin to be restored to health and +strength, of whom will they then think? ¶ 585. + +What will they do toward having their beloved dead restored to them? +¶ 585. + +What Scriptural proof have we that the Lord will hear their prayers? ¶ 585. + +What Scriptural proof have we that the dead will arise from their +graves? ¶ 585. + +Quote and analyze St. Paul's argument concerning the resurrection in +1 Corinthians 15:16-22. ¶ 586. + +In what order will the dead be resurrected? that is, will those who +have died last or those who have died centuries ago be the first to come +forth? ¶ 586. + +Quote Jeremiah 31:16,17. ¶ 587. + +What is meant in this text by the "land of the enemy"? ¶ 587. + +As the dead return from the grave, what will the living do for them? +¶ 588. + +What effect will the resurrection have in uniting families? ¶ 588. + +Quote Isaiah 35:10. ¶ 588. + +Who is there meant by the "ransomed of the Lord"? ¶ 588. + +How were the people of Sodom and Gomorrah destroyed? ¶ 589. + +What will be their final end? ¶ 589. + +Quote a Scripture showing that they will return to their former estates +as human beings on the earth. ¶ 589. + +In what manner will the Messiah rule? Give Scriptural proof. ¶ 589. + +What will be the beneficent effects of this righteous rule, both upon +animals and human beings? Give Scriptural proof. ¶ 590. + +Quote Jeremiah 31:34. ¶ 591. + +When the Lord remembers their iniquities and sins no more, what will be +the condition of the people? ¶ 591. + +Quote John 1:29. ¶ 591. + +When the sin of the world is gone, what effect will that have upon +mankind? ¶ 591. + +What Scriptural proof have we that the people will be brought to a +condition of health and be cured of sickness? ¶ 592. + +Will the peoples of the earth then have ailments and complaints as they +do now? ¶ 592. + +What effect upon the earth itself will the times of restoration have? +¶ 593. + +Will there be room for all the people that are restored to life? ¶ 593. + +How many people have lived on the earth and died and gone into their +grave? ¶ 593. + +How many are now living? ¶ 593. + +Give an illustration showing that the earth's surface will be ample to +accommodate all of these. ¶ 593. + +What Scriptural evidence have we that the earth will produce sufficient +food to sustain the restored ones? ¶ 594. + +What Scriptural proof is there that the desolate land of the earth will +become like the garden of Eden? ¶ 594. + +When will the earth be a fit habitation for man? ¶ 594. + +Is any part of earth's surface being reclaimed now that illustrates the +restoration of the earth? If so, give an instance. ¶ 594. + +What will be the effect when all the desert land is made habitable? ¶ 594. + +In the times of restoration, what will become of the weeds, thistles, +and thorns, and pests that destroy crops? ¶ 595. + +What will become of the poisonous things that produce sickness? ¶ 595. + +How will the reign of Christ affect man's enemies? ¶ 595. + +When, the people witness the disappearance of ignorance, crime, and +superstition, and the establishment of goodness, loving kindness, etc., +what effect will this have upon them? ¶ 596. + +What Scriptures indicate that the people will have a joyful time in the +days of restoration? ¶ 596. + +What effect will the restoration have upon tears and sorrow? ¶ 596. + +Describe St. John's vision upon the Isle of Patmos relative to a new +heaven and a new earth. ¶ 597. + +In that picture what is symbolized by heaven, earth, and sea? ¶ 597. + +What effect will restoration have upon strikes, revolutions, and +anarchy? ¶ 597. + +How is the meeting place between God and man described in this prophetic +utterance of St. John? ¶ 597. + +What does St. John say about the effect of the kingdom blessings upon +mankind? ¶ 597. + +Unless God intends to give opportunity for man to be restored, why +provide such an intricate and marvelous plan, create a new heaven and a +new earth, and bring the dead out of their graves? ¶¶ 598-601. + +Has God invited us to use our reasoning faculties? ¶ 602. + +If we believe the Bible testimony, then to what inevitable conclusion +are we forced with reference to restoration? ¶ 602. + +What should be the attitude of mind of those who now believe the Bible? +¶ 602. + +Compare present conditions of suffering with the conditions the +Messianic kingdom will bring. ¶ 603. + +Will man come to the state where he will no longer fear sickness? ¶ 603. + +What will be the results of Messiah's reign as far as wars are +concerned? Give Scriptural proof. ¶ 604. + +How will the Messianic reign affect profiteers? ¶ 605. + +What will be the effect as far as famines are concerned during the +Messianic reign? ¶ 606. + +What shall be the effect of Messiah's reign upon disease and sickness? +¶ 607. + +Will there be any undertakers and hearses used when man is restored? and +if not, why not? ¶ 608. + +What will the effect of Messiah's reign be concerning the union of +families? Give Scriptural proof. ¶ 609. + +Will the people have trouble with landlords and difficulty in finding a +place to live under Messiah's reign? and if not, why not? Give the +Scriptural proof. ¶ 610. + +What effect will the Messiah's kingdom have upon liberty? ¶ 611. + +Under Messiah's kingdom will there be any espionage laws? ¶ 611. + +Will there be any secret service men under Messiah's reign? ¶ 611. + +What will be the motive directing the actions of men? ¶ 611. + +Will the people have Decoration Day services during the Millennial reign +of Christ? ¶ 613. + +Will they assemble to discuss politics and fight over who shall hold the +offices? or what will be the condition? Give Scriptural reasons. ¶ 613. + +What is the great enemy of the human race? and how long has its sting +been felt? ¶ 614. + +Describe its effect upon human beings who survive. ¶ 614. + +What has been the one consoling thing that has cheered the hearts of +some? ¶ 614. + +What hope has the Christian concerning his beloved dead? ¶ 614. + +Relate an experience showing why the Christian sorrows not as those who +have no hope. ¶ 615. + +What does the power of the ocean illustrate to the Christian? ¶ 616. + +How does this compare with the One who created the moon and the stars +and the sun? ¶ 616. + +How will this power be used in behalf of the dead? ¶ 616. + +By faith the Christians see what in the near future for their beloved +dead? and what effect does this have upon the mind of such? ¶ 617. + +Is the restoration string of the harp of God a consolation to the +Christian? and if so, why? ¶ 618. + +Why does the Lord keep such in perfect peace, notwithstanding the +turmoil in the earth? ¶ 618. + +What two great doctrines of the divine plan were obscured for many +years? and by what strings of the harp are they represented? ¶ 619. (See +back reference) + +Why have these doctrines been obscured? ¶ 619. + +If they have been revived or discovered in recent years, what has been +the cause? ¶ 619. + +What effect upon Christians does the knowledge of restitution have? ¶ 619. + +What Psalm pictures this joyful effect? ¶ 619. + +In what kind of phrase has the plan of God been stated? ¶ 620. + +Who have been able to understand God's plan? ¶ 620. + +What did the Psalmist mean when he said: "I will incline mine ear to a +parable; I will open my dark sayings upon the harp"? ¶ 620. + +What kind of music does this harp yield when understood? ¶ 620. + +How does the chord of restitution respond to the other strings of the +harp? ¶ 620. + +How did the Psalmist picture the effect of Messiah's reign upon the +people? Quote the Psalm. ¶ 620. + +What will be the condition of the obedient ones at the end of the +Millennial reign? ¶ 621. + +How will the harp of God appear to them? ¶ 621. + +How is the consecrated Christian pictured at this time relative to the +kingdoms and the harp of God? Give Scriptural reason for the answer. +¶ 621. + +To what are these Christians looking? ¶ 621. + +What is meant by the Hallelujah chorus? ¶ 622. + +By faith looking to the end of the Millennial reign, describe the +conditions that will then prevail. ¶ 622. + +What will be the condition of Satan at that time? ¶ 622. + +What will be the condition of Abraham and the other faithful prophets? +¶ 622. + +Describe the condition of the earth at that period. ¶ 622. + +What will be particularly pleasing about men and women then? ¶ 622. + +What will be their ability to sing? ¶ 622. + +What will be their chief joy of every creature at that time? ¶ 622. + +What mental vision do the Scriptures give of the heavenly kingdom at +that time? ¶ 623. + +Describe the angels, the cherubim, and seraphim, and their positions. +¶ 623. + +What will be the position of the Christ? ¶ 623. + +Who will be there as the servants of the Christ? ¶ 623. + +Who will stand above all? ¶ 623. + +When will Christ Jesus see the travail of his soul and be satisfied? and +why? ¶ 623. + +What particular song will be appropriate at that particular time? ¶ 624. + +Name the musical instruments represented in the prophetic picture. ¶ 624. + +Describe the beginning of the Hallelujah chorus. ¶ 624. + +What will the creatures of heaven and earth be doing then with reference +to Christ Jesus? ¶ 624. + +Repeat the Hallelujah chorus. ¶ 624. + + + + +EARTH'S HAPPY SMILE + +Creation, which had groan'd in travail-pangs +Together with her children until now, +Ceased from her groaning. Long-forgotten smiles, +The smiles of her sweet childhood's innocence, +Stole o'er her happy face. The wilderness +Rejoiced, and blossom'd as the rose. The curse, +Which for six thousand years had sear'd the heart +Of nature, was repeal'd. And where the thorn +Perplex'd the glens, and prickly briers the hills, +Now, for the Word so spake and it was done, +The fir-tree rear'd its stately obelisk, +The cedar waved its arms of peaceful shade, +The vine embraced the elm, and myrtles flower'd +Among the fragrant orange-groves. No storms +Vex'd the serene of heaven: but genial mists, +Such as in Eden drench'd the willing soil, +Nurtured all lands with richer dews than balm. +Earth breathed her thanks. Rivers of living waters +Broke from a thousand unsuspected springs; +And gushing cataracts, like that call'd forth +On Horeb by the rod of Amram's son, +Gladden'd the mountain slopes, and coursed adown +The startled defiles, till the crystal wealth, +Gathered in what was once an arid vale, +A lake of azure and of silver shone, +A mirror for the sun and moon and stars. + +--_Bickersteth_ + + + +INDEX OF SCRIPTURE CITATIONS USED IN THE FOREGOING PAGES + + +Figures on left side of columns indicate Bible chapters and verses; +figures to right, paragraph numbers. + + + +GENESIS +1:1 ............................ 10 +1:2 ............................ 14 +1:20 ....................... 31, 58 +1:27,28 ........................ 30 +2:7 ....................31, 55, 162 +2:8,9,15 ....................... 32 +2:16,17 ........................ 33 +2:17 ........................... 59 +2:21-25 ........................ 34 +3:15 ...... 147, 185, 219, 470, 547 +3:16-19 ........................ 46 +4:21 ............................ 1 +7:21-23 ........................ 93 +8:21,22 ....................... 566 +12:1-3 ......................... 94 +12:3 ........... 539, 547, 550, 576 +13:15 ......................... 547 +15:18 .......................... 94 +17:1 ............................ 9 +17:2,4,8 ....................... 95 +18:1,2 ........................ 170 +18:1-14 ........................ 95 +18:18 ......................... 547 +19:1 .......................... 170 +21:1-3 ......................... 96 +22:2 ........................... 96 +22:15 ......................... 256 +22:15-18 ....................... 98 +24 ............................ 455 +25:11 ......................... 105 +25:22,23 ...................... 107 +25:26 ......................... 105 +25:27-34 ...................... 108 +26:3,4 ........................ 106 +26:34 ......................... 109 +27:1,2 ........................ 110 +27:29 ......................... 112 +28:11-15 ...................... 115 +28:14 ......................... 539 +31:11 ......................... 256 +35:10-12 ...................... 117 +37:35 .......................... 86 +42:38 .......................... 87 +49:9,10 ....................... 119 +49:10 ......................... 547 +49:28 ......................... 304 + +EXODUS +3:2 ........................... 256 +6:3 ............................. 9 +7:11 .......................... 151 +12:3-17 ....................... 188 +20:2-5 .......................... 9 +21:23-25 ...................... 205 +33:20 ......................... 292 + +LEVITICUS +8:12 .......................... 339 +16:1-34 ....................... 194 +18:5 .......................... 553 +24:17-21 ...................... 205 + +NUMBERS +31:28 ...................... 31, 58 + +DEUTERONOMY +18:15 ..................... 19, 122 +18:15,19 ...................... 547 +19:21 ......................... 205 +26:5 .......................... 304 +30:15 ......................... 547 +32:4 .................. 32, 38, 179 +34:6 .......................... 292 + +1 SAMUEL +2:6 ........................... 547 + +2 SAMUEL +23:2 ........................... 13 + +1 KINGS +2:10 ........................... 63 +11:4,9-13 ..................... 126 +19:5 .......................... 256 + +1 CHRONICLES +28:2-7 ........................ 124 +28:9 .......................... 125 + +JOB +14:13 .......................... 85 +14:13-15 ...................... 547 +14:21 .......................... 85 +17:13,16 ....................... 85 +19:25 ......................... 247 +30:31 .......................... 51 +32:8 ........................... 14 +33:16-25 ...................... 570 +33:19-30 ...................... 547 +33:25 ......................... 612 +38:4-7 ......................... 37 +38:35 .......................... 18 + +PSALMS +2:9 ........................... 454 +6:5 ............................ 63 +14:3 ...................... 75, 160 +16:10 ................. 19, 88, 263 +16:10,11 ...................... 247 +16:11 ......................... 503 +17:15 ......................... 248 +19:1-4 .......................... 8 +19:7 .......................... 327 +21:1-6 ........................ 515 +22:27 ......................... 547 +27:4 .......................... 514 +30:5 .......................... 547 +34:7 ..................... 159, 526 +34:20 .......................... 19 +37:9,10,20,22,28,34,38 ......... 90 +37:11 ......................... 547 +40:7,8 ........................ 229 +41:1,2 ........................ 564 +41:13 ......................... 164 +45:10,11 ................. 457, 477 +45:13,14 ...................... 532 +45:16 .................... 556, 580 +45:17 ......................... 510 +46:10 ......................... 547 +49:4 .......................... 620 +49:7 .......................... 206 +49:12 .......................... 66 +50:1 .......................... 534 +50:2 .......................... 503 +50:4 .......................... 584 +50:5 ..................... 335, 425 +51:5 ..................... 183, 568 +67:1-7 ........................ 547 +67:6 .......................... 606 +68:18 ......................... 248 +69:8,9 ........................ 481 +72:3,4,6,10 ................... 547 +82:7 .......................... 517 +86:9 ..................... 547, 578 +87:5,6 ........................ 510 +89:14 .......................... 39 +89:48 .......................... 69 +90:2 ...................... 10, 164 +93:2 .......................... 547 +96:9-13 ....................... 620 +96:11-13 ...................... 547 +98:4-9 ........................ 547 +104:5 ......................... 547 +104:29 ......................... 64 +111:10 ........................ 325 +115:16 ........................ 446 +115:17 ......................... 63 +119:105 ....................... 460 +126:1,2 ....................... 619 +132:11,12 ..................... 123 +132:13 ........................ 503 +145:20 ......................... 82 +146:4 .......................... 64 +148:1,2 ....................... 256 +150 ........................... 624 + +PROVERBS +2:21 .......................... 547 +11:31 ......................... 547 +17:17 ......................... 504 +22:11 Leeser .................. 504 + +ECCLESIASTES +1:4 ................. 427, 547, 566 +3:19,20 ........................ 58 +9:5,6 .......................... 65 +9:10 ........................... 65 + +CANTICLES +5:16 .......................... 506 + +ISAIAH +1:18 ................ 176, 353, 602 +2:2,3 ......................... 132 +2:2-4 .................... 547, 557 +2:4 ........................... 604 +6:1-4 ......................... 497 +9:6,7 ............... 132, 249, 355 +9:7 ........................... 547 +11:4,5 ........................ 589 +11:4-9 ........................ 547 +11:6-8 ........................ 590 +11:9 .......................... 605 +14:7 .......................... 547 +14:12-15 ....................... 42 +19:19 ......................... 317 +19:22 ......................... 547 +25:6-8 ........................ 596 +25:6-12 ....................... 547 +26:3 .......................... 618 +26:4 ........................... 10 +28:17,18 ...................... 547 +29:17,18 ...................... 547 +32:1 .......................... 556 +33:24 ............... 547, 592, 607 +34:1-4 ........................ 454 +35:1,2,7 ...................... 594 +35:4-6 ........................ 560 +35:8 .......................... 579 +35:10 .................... 588, 613 +40:28 .......................... 10 +42:6,7 ........................ 202 +42:1 .......................... 516 +42:6,7 ........................ 551 +42:7 .......................... 241 +42:8 ........................... 10 +45:12,18 ...................... 427 +49:8 ..................... 330, 551 +49:9 .......................... 202 +51:1 .......................... 516 +51:6 .......................... 454 +51:11 ......................... 613 +52:7,8 ........................ 443 +53 ............................ 201 +53:1-3 ......................... 19 +53:6-11 ....................... 250 +53:8,9,11 ...................... 19 +53:12 ..................... 19, 227 +55:11 ......................... 537 +60:8 ........................... 18 +61:2 .......................... 330 +62:2,3 ........................ 344 +62:3 .......................... 500 +65:20 ......................... 571 +65:21-23 ...................... 610 +65:24 ......................... 585 +65-25 ......................... 605 + +JEREMIAH +3:17 .......................... 547 +19:5 ........................... 89 +23:5,6 ........................ 129 +24:7 .......................... 547 +31:16,17 ...................... 587 +31:16,29,34 ................... 547 +31:34 ......................... 591 +32:35 .......................... 89 +32:39,40 ...................... 547 +33:6 .......................... 592 +33:8,9 ........................ 547 +46:27 ......................... 547 +50:4,5 ........................ 547 + +EZEKIEL +1:5,6 .......................... 10 +4:6 ........................... 397 +11:19 ......................... 547 +16:55 ......................... 589 +16:55,61-63 ................... 547 +18:2,31,32 .................... 547 +18:4 ........................... 59 +18:27,28 ...................... 568 +21:24-27 ...................... 429 +21:25-27 ................. 127, 356 +21:27 ......................... 507 +28:13 .......................... 36 +28:14,15 ....................... 36 +28:14-18 ....................... 43 +28:26 ......................... 547 +34:25-28 ...................... 547 +36:26,27,29,30,35 ............. 547 +36:34,35 ...................... 594 +37:24 ......................... 547 +39:29 ......................... 547 + +DANIEL +2:44 ........... 358, 433, 465, 547 +7:7,8 ......................... 396 +7:14,27 .................. 465, 507 +7:27 .......................... 547 +9:26 ........................... 19 +11:40,41 ...................... 394 +12:1 .......................... 452 +12:2 ....................... 69, 70 +12:3 ..................... 502, 622 +12:4 ................. 18, 401, 402 +12:5-7 ........................ 397 +12:8-10 ....................... 394 +12:9 .......................... 401 +12:12 ......................... 398 + +HOSEA +2:18,21 ....................... 547 +3:5 ........................... 547 +13:14 .......... 197, 229, 541, 547 + +JOEL +2:22,32 ....................... 547 +2:28,29 ....................... 320 + +AMOS +3:2 ............................. 2 +9:11,12 ....................... 547 + +OBADIAH +Verse 21 ...................... 547 + +JONAH +4 ............................. 547 + +MICAH +4:1-4 ......................... 557 +4:1-5,8 ....................... 547 +4:3 ........................... 604 +4:4 ........................... 610 +5:2 .................. 19, 137, 145 + +NAHUM +1:15 .......................... 547 +2:1-6 ......................... 406 +2:3-6 ..................... 18, 547 + +HABAKKUK +2:14 .......................... 547 + +ZEPHANIAH +2:11 .......................... 547 +3:9,13 ........................ 547 + +HAGGAI +2:7 ...................... 453, 547 + +ZECHARIAH +2:11 .......................... 547 +3:1-7 ......................... 256 +3:10. ......................... 547 +8:3,8,12,15,21,22 ............. 547 +9:9 ............................ 19 +9:10,17 ....................... 547 +11:12 .......................... 19 +13:8,9 ........................ 558 +14:4,5 ........................ 582 +14:9,11,20 .................... 547 +14:16,17 ...................... 133 + +MALACHI +1:11 .......................... 547 +3:6 ...................... 100, 197 +3:11 .......................... 547 +3:16 .......................... 527 +3:17 .......................... 500 +4:2 ...................... 385, 547 + +MATTHEW +1:18 .......................... 161 +1:18-24 ....................... 149 +1:20,23 ....................... 161 +1:21 .......................... 540 +2:1,2 ......................... 152 +2:4-6 ......................... 145 +2:5,6 ......................... 137 +2:13 .......................... 156 +2:16 .......................... 156 +3:16,17 ....................... 339 +5:21 .......................... 435 +6:10 .......................... 359 +7:14 .......................... 489 +11:9,11 ....................... 547 +11:12 ......................... 491 +11:28 ......................... 327 +13:10,11 ...................... 299 +13:24-30 ................. 391, 413 +13:30 ......................... 424 +13:37-39 ...................... 392 +13:43 ............... 344, 385, 502 +16:24 ......................... 329 +17:22,23 ...................... 251 +18:10 .................... 256, 526 +19:28 ......................... 548 +19:30 ......................... 586 +20:28 .................... 215, 540 +21:1-11 ....................... 251 +22:14 ......................... 474 +23:2 .......................... 219 +23:13-33 ...................... 219 +24:3 ..................... 372, 427 +24:7,8 ........................ 432 +24:9 .......................... 434 +24:14 ......................... 438 +24:21,22 ................. 452, 558 +24:25,26 ...................... 384 +24:27 ......................... 384 +24:28 ......................... 423 +24:31 ......................... 413 +24:36 ......................... 388 +24:37-39 ................. 373, 426 +24:42 .................... 388, 442 +24:43 ......................... 388 +24:45-47 ...................... 416 +25:1-13 ....................... 460 +25:14 ......................... 361 +25:31,32 ...................... 361 +25:31-46 ...................... 550 +25:41-46 ...................... 572 +26:57 ......................... 222 +26:59,60 ...................... 223 +26:62,63 ...................... 223 +27:57 ......................... 252 +27:57-61 ...................... 261 +27:62-64 ...................... 262 +27:65,66 ...................... 262 +28:1-10 ....................... 265 +28:5-8 ........................ 254 +28:9,10 ....................... 280 +28:11-15 ...................... 266 +28:16-28 ...................... 286 +28:18 .................... 359, 388 + +MARK +10:43,44 ...................... 216 +13:9 .......................... 434 +13:37 ......................... 442 +16:1-7 ........................ 268 + +LUKE +1:30,31 ....................... 145 +1:30,35 ....................... 130 +1:31 .......................... 256 +1:35 .......................... 161 +1:46-52 ....................... 131 +1:70 ........................... 13 +2:8-11 ........................ 142 +2:8-18 ........................ 157 +2:9-11 .............. 173, 256, 540 +2:10 .......................... 576 +2:40,52 ....................... 173 +3:21-23 ....................... 173 +3:31-34 ....................... 122 +4:1-18 ........................ 471 +4:1-14 ........................ 178 +12:32 ......................... 460 +14:28 ......................... 328 +19:12-15 ...................... 381 +20:50,51....................... 289 +21:12,13 ...................... 434 +21:24 .................... 281, 439 +21:25-27 ...................... 450 +21:28 ......................... 439 +22:29 ......................... 465 +22:29,30 ...................... 507 +22:30 ......................... 359 +22:66-71 ...................... 223 +23:1,2 ........................ 224 +23:4,5 ........................ 225 +23:22-24 ...................... 225 +24:1-10 ....................... 269 +24:6,7 ........................ 251 +24:13-21 ...................... 282 +24:21 .................... 245, 309 +24:34 ......................... 281 +24:39 ......................... 291 + +JOHN +1:1 ............................ 28 +1:1,3 ......................... 163 +1:14 ..................... 213, 214 +1:29 ................ 189, 226, 547 +3:3 ........................... 342 +3:4-8 ......................... 369 +3:15 ........................... 67 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......................... 300 +2:27-31 .................. 247, 292 +2:36 ..................... 274, 275 +3:19 .......................... 326 +3:19-21 ....................... 364 +3:20-24 ....................... 545 +3:22 ..................... 122, 304 +3:23 .......................... 571 +4:12 .......................... 176 +7:59 .......................... 274 +9:1-19 ........................ 292 +10 ............................ 474 +13:35-37 ...................... 247 +15:14-18 ...................... 547 +15:18 .......................... 11 +17:27 ......................... 326 +17:31 .......... 297, 543, 549, 585 +24:15 ......................... 585 + +ROMANS +2:6,7 ......................... 496 +2:7 ............................ 61 +3:10 .......................... 325 +5:1 ........................... 332 +5:3-5 ......................... 493 +5:9 ........................... 332 +5:12 ....... 82, 160, 183, 325, 585 +5:18 .......................... 575 +3:3,4 ......................... 338 +6:23 ....... 81, 231, 539, 575, 612 +8:3 ...................... 236, 553 +8:16,17 ............. 340, 463, 494 +8:17 .......................... 506 +8:18 .......................... 493 +8:19-22 ............. 346, 350, 526 +8:29 ................ 341, 473, 489 +8:33 ..................... 331, 332 +9:23,24 ....................... 499 +12:2 .......................... 337 +15:3 .......................... 481 + +1 CORINTHIANS +1:7 ........................... 364 +1:21-25 ....................... 475 +1:26-29 ....................... 476 +2:9,10 ........................ 389 +2:14 ..................... 251, 320 +4:5 ........................... 453 +6:2 ........................... 550 +10:1-13 ......................... 2 +10:11 ......................... 409 +10:20 ..................... 89, 151 +12:12,27 ...................... 314 +15-3 .......................... 235 +15:3-8 ........................ 271 +15:6 ...................... 68, 287 +15:7 .......................... 288 +15:8 .......................... 292 +15:12-26 ...................... 296 +15:16-22 ...................... 586 +15:20-26 ...................... 543 +15:21,47 ...................... 174 +15:22,23 ...................... 609 +15:23 .................... 364, 374 +15:25,26 ...................... 595 +15:38 ......................... 560 +15:41-44 ...................... 517 +15:45 ......................... 368 +15:47 .................... 162, 536 +15:49 ......................... 497 +15:50,51 ...................... 291 +15:51,52 ...................... 499 +15:53 .......................... 61 +15:54,55 ...................... 518 + +2 CORINTHIANS +1:7 ........................... 491 +1:20-22 Weymouth .............. 542 +3:17 .......................... 369 +3:18 .......................... 489 +4:3,4 ............... 360, 370, 431 +4:4 ............................ 60 +4:17,18 ....................... 495 +5:16 .......................... 368 +5:17 ..................... 336, 468 +5:21 .......................... 235 +8:9 ............ 165, 174, 213, 540 +10:3,4 ........................ 435 +10:4 .......................... 488 +11:2 .......................... 455 + +GALATIANS +1:4 ...................... 235, 428 +3:8 ........................... 576 +3:8,16 ........................ 104 +3:8,16,27,29 .................. 544 +3:16 .......................... 315 +3:16,27,29 .................... 550 +3:19,24 ....................... 195 +3:22 .......................... 197 +3:24 .......................... 533 +3:26,27,29 .................... 315 +4:3,4 ......................... 211 +4:22-28 ....................... 103 +4:25-29 ....................... 470 + +EPHESIANS +1:4-9 ......................... 472 +2:6,7 ......................... 509 +3:7-11 ........................ 345 +4:8 ........................... 248 +4:12 .......................... 341 +4:16 .......................... 529 + +PHILIPPIANS + +1:29 ...................... 52, 485 +2:6,7 ......................... 165 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................. 368, 497, 506 +1:3,4 ......................... 275 +1:14 .......................... 526 +2:5 ........................... 428 +2:9 ................. 174, 230, 541 +2:10,11 ....................... 492 +2:11 Wey ...................... 342 +2:14 ....... 43, 149, 174, 258, 622 +2:14,15 ....................... 213 +3:1 ........................... 338 +3:13 .......................... 332 +4:14-16 ....................... 293 +5:8 ........................... 469 +5:8,9 ......................... 471 +6:17,18 ....................... 539 +6:18 ...................... 46, 100 +7:26 ..................... 175, 213 +8:5 ........................... 553 +8:6 ........................... 553 +8:8-12 ........................ 554 +9:14 .......................... 175 +9:15 .......................... 558 +9:22,23 ....................... 237 +9:24 ................ 234, 237, 293 +10:1 .................. 2, 195, 553 +10:7-10 ....................... 229 +11 ............................ 556 +11:1-6 ........................ 326 +11:6 ............................ 6 +11:9,39 ........................ 86 +12:2 .......................... 311 +12:2-11 ....................... 494 +12:9,10 ........................ 16 +12:18-21 ...................... 520 +12:18-28 ...................... 453 +12:22-24 ...................... 521 + +JAMES +1:12 .......................... 512 +1:17 .......................... 187 +1:18 .......................... 335 +5:7 ........................... 380 +5:7,8 ......................... 364 +5:8 ........................... 381 +5:10 .......................... 490 + +1 PETER +1:2 ........................... 316 +1:3,4 .......................... 61 +1:3-5 ......................... 335 +1:10,12 ........................ 21 +1:11 .......................... 308 +1:19 .......................... 175 +2:2 ........................... 483 +2:3-8 ......................... 484 +2:5-7 ......................... 317 +2:9 ........................... 468 +2:9,10 .................... 52, 318 + ............... Diaglott 464 +2:21 ..................... 319, 471 +3:18 ..................... 275, 368 +3:20 ...................... 93, 428 +4:5 ........................... 558 +4:12-14,16 .................... 492 + +2 PETER +1:4 ........ 61, 319, 334, 468, 512 +1:5-7 ......................... 488 +1:10,11 ....................... 487 +1:11 .......................... 359 +1:16 .......................... 364 +1:21 ........................... 13 +3:4 ....................... 68, 382 +3:3,4 ......................... 426 +3:6 ........................... 428 +3:10 .......................... 383 +3:10,12 ....................... 446 +3:13 .......................... 370 + +1 JOHN +1:1-4 ......................... 272 +1:5 ........................ 38, 78 +2:2 ........................... 676 +3:2 ............ 291, 365, 506, 528 +3:3 ........................... 489 +3:4 ........................... 231 +3:5 ........................... 175 +4:16 ........................... 78 +5:19 ..................... 337, 431 + +JUDE +9 ............................. 222 +14,15 ......................... 547 +24 ............................ 530 + +REVELATION +1:18 .......................... 294 +2:10 ............ 61, 319, 335, 512 +2:26 .......................... 308 +2:27 .......................... 454 +3:3 ........................... 383 +3:12 .......................... 501 +3:14 .......................... 185 +3:21 ................ 389, 455, 487 +5:11,12 ....................... 258 +5:13 .......................... 624 +7:4 ...................... 313, 468 +11:17,18 ...................... 431 +12:9 ........................... 43 +13:8 .......................... 189 +14:1 .......................... 460 +14:2,3 .......................... 5 +14:15,16 ...................... 440 +15:2,3 ..................... 5, 534 +15:2-4 ........................ 444 +15:3 ........................... 52 +15:3,4 ........................ 621 +15:6 .......................... 454 +16:15 ......................... 383 +17:5 .......................... 323 +18:4 .......................... 425 +19:6,7 ........................ 531 +19:8 .......................... 532 +20:1-3 ................... 454, 622 +20:1-4 ........................ 579 +20:6 ................ 463, 499, 549 +20:7-10 ....................... 622 +21:1 .......................... 604 +21:1-5 .............. 370, 534, 597 +21:4 ................ 607, 608, 612 +21:9 .......................... 455 +21:24-27 ...................... 611 +22:16 .......................... 35 +22:20 ......................... 365 + + + + + +End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of The Harp of God, by J. 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F. Rutherford + +This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with +almost no restrictions whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or +re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included +with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.org + + +Title: The Harp of God + +Author: J. F. Rutherford + +Release Date: July 9, 2004 [EBook #12868] + +Language: English + +Character set encoding: ISO-8859-1 + +*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE HARP OF GOD *** + + + + +Produced by Juliet Sutherland, Keren Vergon, Anne Folland and PG +Distributed Proofreaders + + + + + + +</pre> + +<br /> + +<center> +<img src="images/001.png" width="350" height="500" alt="" title=""> +</center> +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<center> +<img src="images/002.png" width="350" height="500" alt="" title=""> +</center> +<hr style="width: 95%;" /> + +<h1><big>The Harp of God</big></h1> +<br /> + +<h2><i>Proof Conclusive that</i><br /> + +Millions now Living will never Die</h2> +<br /> + +<h3>A text-book for Bible study specially<br /> +adapted for use of beginners; with numerous<br /> +questions and Scripture citations</h3><br /> +<br /> + +<h4>510,000 Edition<br /><br /><br /> + + +By J.F. Rutherford, Author of<br /> +"<i>Can the Living Talk with the Dead</i>?"<br /> +"<i>Millions now Living will never Die!</i>"<br /> +<i>etc., etc.</i>.<br /><br /><br /> + + +<i>Publishers</i>:<br /> +Watch Tower Bible and Tract Society and<br /> +International Bible Students Association<br /> +Brooklyn, New York, U.S.A.<br /> +<i>Also</i>: London, Toronto, Melbourne, Cape Town, Orebro, Barmen, Berne, <i>etc.</i><br /></h4> + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<h2>To the invisible King of Glory now present<br /> + +in the interests of<br /> +the generation now on earth who<br /> +will become his loyal subjects<br /> + +this book is dedicated<br /><br /><br /> + +<i>"This generation shall not pass till all these things be fulfilled</i>." +—Matthew 24:34</h2> +<br /><br /><br /> + +<h4>1921</h4> + + + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<a name="Preface"></a><h2>Preface</h2> + +<p>There is need of a textbook for beginners in Bible study. This book is +intended to meet that long-felt want. The subject matter is arranged +progressively and orderly. A list of questions follows each point +discussed, thus enabling the teacher to direct the mind of the student +to the subject under consideration. The numeral following each question +refers to the paragraph of the text where the answer may be found, each +paragraph being numbered to correspond.</p> + +<p>Jehovah had a great plan before the foundation of the world; but no one +knew about it. During the first four thousand years of man's history +God's plan was kept a secret. He began to reveal it to man nearly +nineteen hundred years ago, and then only to those who are consecrated +to do his will. Promise was made that greater light should come at the +end of the age, and this promise has been kept. We are at that time, as +is clearly proven by the contents herein. This book points out the +salient features of the divine plan, which plan is both orderly and +progressive.</p> + +<p>People generally have not been thoroughly instructed in the Bible. Even +those who have attended the Sunday schools have merely learned the text +and not the meaning of the text. Like the prophets of old, they have +heard but understood not. The real reason for these conditions is that +God's plan could not be understood until his due time to reveal it. His +due time is here.</p> + +<p>Because of the dispensational change taking place at this time, Bible +study was never so important as now. If important to educate the rising +generation in the things taught in our common schools, with stronger +reasoning is it important to educate them concerning that which is now +being revealed of the divine program for the uplifting and blessing of +mankind.</p> + +<p>There is no disposition, desire, nor attempt to induce any one reading +this book to become a member of any organization, sect, or denomination. +The sole purpose of the book is to aid honest seekers for truth in +their endeavors to understand the Bible, to learn the meaning of the +present-day events, and to prepare some at least to receive the +blessings that are soon due to mankind.</p> + +<p>If you knew that there was to be a radical change in the government for +the better, and that your children might have a part in the affairs of +the new government, you would be anxious for them to acquire all the +knowledge possible concerning the new order of things. The greatest +changes of the ages are now taking place. It is conceded by everybody +that these changes began with the World War and that they continue. But +what do they mean? The real answer is that the old world, or social and +political order, has ended and is passing away, and that a new and +better order is due and will shortly be established. Every parent owes +it to his child to instruct him insofar as possible concerning the +incoming new order or government. The contents of this book will start +you in the right way.</p> + +<p>The subject matter herein treated is not discussed at great length. The +interested reader is referred to the STUDIES IN THE SCRIPTURES and +kindred publications of the Watch Tower Bible and Tract Society, wherein +these matters are treated in greater detail. The King James Version of +the Bible is used in the quotations, except as otherwise indicated. The +reader should consider each point herein made with his Bible before him, +proving each proposition, that he may be thoroughly convinced in his own +mind.</p> + +<p>The harp is an instrument which, when used by a skilled performer, +brings happiness and cheer to those who listen. The harp of God, when +understood and skillfully used, brings peace of mind and gladness of +heart. The title of this book suggests the thought of good cheer and +happiness. The message herein contained, taken from the Word of God, is +sent forth with the prayer that it may be a blessing to many, that it +may cheer some who are sad, bind up some broken hearts, comfort some +that mourn, and give all who earnestly read a deeper appreciation of +Jehovah and the Savior of mankind.</p> + +<p>Brooklyn, N.Y., October 1, 1921.</p> + + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<a name="CONTENTS"></a><h2>CONTENTS</h2> +<br /> + +<center><h2><a href="#CHAPTER_I">The Harp of God</a><br /><br /> + +<a href="#CHAPTER_II">Creation</a><br /><br /> + +<a href="#CHAPTER_III">Justice Manifest</a><br /><br /> + +<a href="#CHAPTER_IV">The Abrahamic Promise</a><br /><br /> + +<a href="#CHAPTER_V">The Birth of Jesus</a><br /><br /> + +<a href="#CHAPTER_VI">The Ransom</a><br /><br /> + +<a href="#CHAPTER_VII">Resurrection</a><br /><br /> + +<a href="#CHAPTER_VIII">Mystery Revealed</a><br /><br /> + +<a href="#CHAPTER_IX">Our Lord's Return</a><br /><br /> + +<a href="#CHAPTER_X">Glorification of the Church</a><br /><br /> + +<a href="#CHAPTER_XI">Restoration</a></h2><br /><br /> +</center> + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<a name="The_Harp_of_God"></a><h1><big>The Harp of God</big></h1> + + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<a name="CHAPTER_I"></a><h2>CHAPTER I</h2> + +<p>"<i>I will incline mine ear to a parable: I will open my dark sayings upon +the harp."—Psalm 49:4.</i></p> +<br /> + +<p><a name="1"></a>[1]The harp is a musical instrument invented many centuries ago. When +properly strung and played upon it yields sweet music, making glad the +heart. The first mention of the harp made in the Bible is in Genesis +4:21, and the inventor's name was Jubal. He was therefore called "the +father of all such as handle the harp and organ".</p> + +<p><a name="2"></a>[2]It was 1812 years before the coming of Jesus in the flesh that God +organized the twelve tribes of Israel, the descendants of Jacob, into a +nation, which nation thereafter was known as the nation of Israel. It +was the only nation with which God made a covenant, and he did not +recognize any other nation in the same way. (Amos 3:2) The nation of +Israel was used to make living pictures or types, foreshadowing better +things to come; and those who study the Scriptural account of Israel's +experiences are able to approximate closely future events which will be +good for mankind.—1 Corinthians 10:1-13; Hebrews 10:1.</p> + +<p><a name="3"></a>[3]With the nation of Israel the harp was an instrument consecrated to +joy and exaltation. David, who for forty years was king of Israel, was +an expert player on the harp, and it will be noted that in the Psalms +often the harp is used to symbolize or teach some great truth. The Jews +used this instrument on occasions of joy, such as jubilees and +festivals.</p> + +<p>[<a name="4"></a>4]Josephus, a writer of Jewish history, is authority for the statement +that the harp usually had ten strings, but that at times it was smaller +and had only eight strings. The number <i>ten</i> is used in the Scriptures +to symbolize that which is complete or perfect as pertaining to man. We +would understand, then, that the harp with ten strings pictures the great +fundamental truths concerning the divine plan. When two of these strings +were absent, there being only eight, the indication is apparently given +that there would be a time when two important features of the divine plan +would not be seen by men. God promised that greater light should come +upon his Word at the end of the age, or end of the world, which means the +social order of things. Since we have reached that time, we confidently +look for more light and thus we find it.</p> + +<p><a name="5"></a>[5]The Book of Revelation is written largely in symbols. In Revelation +14:2,3 and 15:2,3 we find a brief description of a class of glorious +beings who are playing upon their harps, and these are described as the +'harps of God'. The harp here is used as a sign or symbol of some great +truth, or feature of the divine program; in fact, a great deal of the +Bible is written in symbolic phrase. The Lord uses objects which we know +to illustrate great unseen things which we do not know; and the harp is +so used.</p> +<br /> +<br /> +<h4>WHO IS GOD?</h4> + +<p><a name="6"></a>[6]Before we can know God and understand his great plan it is first +necessary for us to believe that he exists and that he rewards all who +diligently seek him. (Hebrews 11:6) But how can we believe? We must +first have some knowledge. But how can we know that there is a great +God? Let us look at some of the simpler things about us and reason upon +the matter.</p> + +<p><a name="7"></a>[7]Look at the flowers in your garden. Out from the same soil grow the +many varieties of different hues and colors. Likewise from the same soil +spring the divers kinds of trees, bringing forth different fruits at +different seasons of the year. Some wisdom superior to man's must have +arranged these things. Observe the broad fields, the lofty mountains, +the mighty rivers, and then behold the ocean, exhibiting unlimited +power, upon the waves of which majestically ride the great ships. Are we +not compelled to conclude that there was a wise One, who created these +things, greater than anything we see?</p> + +<p><a name="8"></a>[8]Now gaze into the silent heavens above you, and there number, if you +can, the stars and planets which are noiselessly moving through space. +Many of these are far greater than the earth, and yet each one hangs in +its place and moves noiselessly about in its orbit. Surely they could +not have come there by chance, but the reasonable mind must say that a +Creator greater than the planets put them there. When King David looked +at these wonders of creation he was so impressed with the greatness of +their Creator that he wrote: "The heavens declare the glory of God; and +the firmament showeth his handiwork. Day unto day uttereth speech, and +night unto night showeth knowledge. There is no speech nor language, +where their voice is not heard. Their line is gone out through all the +earth, and their words to the end of the world."—Psalm 19:1-4.</p> + +<p><a name="9"></a>[9]Consider man. What a wonderful piece of mechanism is his body! The +framework is there; the muscles that hold each part in place; the +nerves, like a great electrical system by which messages are conveyed +from the brain to all parts of the body. He has power to reason and to +plan and carry out these plans. Truly no machine can be compared to man +for intricacy of construction and harmony of action. Who, then, is the +Creator of this wonderful thing? We must conclude that there was a +great First Cause who made and put into action all things visible in the +universe, as well as things to us invisible. And who is he? Jehovah is +his name; the great God of the universe.—Psalm 83:18; Genesis 17:1; +Exodus 6:3; 20:2-5.</p> + +<p><a name="10"></a>[10]The name Jehovah means self-existing one. He was without beginning +and without end, and of him Moses wrote: "From everlasting to +everlasting thou art God". (Psalm 90:2; Isaiah 26:4) He is the great +Almighty Jehovah God and there is none other besides him, and his honor +and dignity none other possesses. (Isaiah 42:8) He is the great all-wise +Creator of all things that are made. (Isaiah 40:28; Genesis 1:1) The +four great and eternal attributes of Jehovah are justice, power, love, +and wisdom. (Ezekiel 1:5,6) These attributes work together in exact +harmony at all times; and in various times and ways he makes manifest +these attributes. At certain times he has specially manifested such +attributes.</p> + +<p><a name="11"></a>[11]His justice was made manifest by inflicting punishment for the +violation of his law. Power was particularly manifested in the great +flood that destroyed all things on the earth. His love was especially +exhibited in the sacrifice of the dearest treasure of his heart, his +beloved Son, that mankind might have an opportunity for life. His wisdom +is particularly manifested in his great plan, which he gradually unfolds +and permits man to see. His attributes have no limitations. He is so +wise that he knew the end from the beginning and outlined all of his +great plan to the very minutest detail.—Acts 15:18.</p> +<br /> +<br /> +<h4>HIS REVELATION</h4> + +<p><a name="12"></a>[12]It is conceded by all that man is the very highest type of all +living creatures on the earth. His intelligence is far superior to that +of any other earthly being. Truly man is fearfully and wonderfully made. +Is it not reasonable for him to expect that the Almighty God would +reveal to man something of the divine greatness and plans and purposes? +Yes, and such revelation is found in that wonderful book, the holy +Bible.</p> + +<p><a name="13"></a>[13]Who wrote the Bible? What is known as the Old Testament was written +by holy men of old who were moved upon by the invisible power of Jehovah +to write it. (2 Peter 1:21; 2 Samuel 23:2; Luke 1:70) The New Testament +consists of the spoken words of Jesus, the Son of God, who spake as +never man spake, and whose words were recorded by those who heard him +and witnessed his acts; and in addition thereto, the written testimony +of his disciples, who wrote under inspiration from God.</p> + +<p><a name="14"></a>[14]The holy spirit means the invisible power or influence of Jehovah— +holy because he is holy. This power of Jehovah operated upon the minds +of honest men who loved and who were devoted to righteousness, directing +them in the writing of the Bible. The spirit of God, i.e., his invisible +power and influence, moved upon the waters and thereby he created. +(Genesis 1:2) In like manner his invisible power and influence operated +upon the minds of men and directed them what to write. Thus did Moses +write the first five books of the Bible. The invisible power or influence +of God, which is the holy spirit, operating upon Moses' mind enabled him +to make a record of the chief events that had occurred and to write the +law of God, as given to his people through Moses. In no other way could +the true history of creation have been written. These facts and truths +were, therefore, written by inspiration of God. (2 Timothy 3:16; Job +32:8) There are twenty-four prophetic writers of the Old Testament, who +foretold the great events that were to transpire in the earth. Their +accounts were written at different times and under widely different +conditions, yet their testimonies agree. Their testimony foreshadowed +future events.</p> + +<p><a name="15"></a>[15]History, when written, is a recorded statement of facts and events, +arranged in a chronological order.</p> + +<p><a name="16"></a>[16]Prophecy, which is true, is a statement of facts and events foretold +to take place at some future time. Otherwise stated, prophecy is history +written before it transpires.</p> + +<p><a name="17"></a>[17]No human mind could actually foretell facts or events to happen in +the future. Only the divine mind could do that. If, then, we find that +the Bible foretold certain facts and events to happen and the record of +the same was made centuries before these facts and events did happen, +and these events and facts are now definitely established as having +taken place, such would be the strongest proof that the persons +recording such facts and events were directed in so doing by the divine +mind; hence that such writing was under divine inspiration.</p> + +<p><a name="18"></a>[18]As an illustration of this point: Wireless telegraphy and airships +are modern discoveries; yet since they have been discovered we find that +God, through his holy prophets, foretold centuries ago the use of such +inventions. (Job 38:35; Isaiah 60:8) The railway train has been in use +less than a hundred years; and yet the prophet of God many centuries ago +gave a clear and particular description of the railway train and the +manner of its operation, and prophesied that the same would be in vogue +at the time of the end, at the time the Lord is making preparation for +the establishment of his kingdom. (Nahum 2:3-6) And he also foretold +that at that time there would be a great running to and fro by other +means of transportation, such as automobiles, electric cars, etc. +(Daniel 12:4) There is no one living in modern times who is wiser than +Solomon; yet during the past 125 years there has been a great +development in invention and a marvelous increase of knowledge; because +it is due time, and because the prophets of God centuries ago foretold +that such would come to pass.</p> + +<p><a name="19"></a>[19]Through his holy prophets God foretold that at a time future there +would come into the world a mighty man; that he would be born a Jew +(Deuteronomy 18:15), specifying the place where he would be born (Micah +5:2); that he would come to his own people and they would not receive +him; that he would be despised and rejected of men, a man of sorrows and +acquainted with grief (Isaiah 53:1-3); that he would ride into Jerusalem +upon an ass, the foal of a like animal, and offer himself as king to the +Jews (Zechariah 9:9); that he would be rejected by the Jews (Isaiah +53:3); that he would be betrayed for thirty pieces of silver (Zechariah +11:12); that he would die, but not for himself (Daniel 9:26); that there +would be no just cause for his death (Isaiah 53:8,9,11); that +nevertheless he would be numbered among the transgressors (Isaiah +53:12); that he would die a violent death, yet not a bone of his body +should be broken (Psalm 34:20); that his flesh would not corrupt, and +that he would arise from the dead (Psalm 16:10)—all of which and many +more similar prophecies were completely fulfilled by Jesus of Nazareth, +the great Teacher who lived about and died at Jerusalem. Later we will +examine the Scriptures proving a further fulfillment of all these +prophecies.</p> + +<p><a name="20"></a>[20]All of the foregoing facts show that the Bible was written, as it is +claimed, by holy men of old, who were directed in writing it by the +power of Jehovah, and that it is a record which God caused to be kept +and has given to man for his guidance in righteousness, and which +foretells the course and final destiny of man.</p> + +<p><a name="21"></a>[21]The prophets who made record of the divine arrangement did not +understand what they wrote. They knew they were writing something that +would take place in the future, but just how and when they did not know. +They inquired and searched diligently all sources of information open to +them as to what these prophecies meant and when they would be fulfilled +and in what manner of time. Particularly with reference to the coming of +Jesus, his suffering, death and resurrection they prophesied and did not +understand, although they attempted to understand. (1 Peter 1:10,12) +Even the angels of heaven knew that the prophets were thus writing, but +they did not understand, although they desired to look into these +things. God revealed his great plan only in his own due time, and until +that time he kept it all to himself.</p> + +<p><a name="22"></a>[22]The divine plan means the arrangement made by Jehovah for the +creation of everything that has been created and for carrying out his +purposes with reference to his creatures. The first one to understand +the divine plan was Jesus, who prior to coming to earth was known as the +Logos, which means one who speaks and acts for Jehovah. In Revelation, +chapter 5, a wonderful picture is given in symbolic language. Jehovah is +pictured as seated upon his throne, holding in his right hand a record +or scroll of his great plan. The hand is a symbol of power and holding +it in his hand foreshadowed the fact that Jehovah held it exclusively in +his own power and keeping. The picture then shows a strong angel or +messenger speaking with a loud voice and asking the question: "Who is +worthy to open the book and to loose the seals thereof?" In heaven there +was a host of holy beings or angels. No one of them was able to open +the book or scroll, neither to look on it. No one in earth was able to +look upon it nor to open it.</p> + +<p><a name="23"></a>[23]One of the titles given to Jesus is "Lion of the tribe of Judah". +This great and mighty One, the beloved Son of God, afterward designated +Jesus, was granted the privilege of opening the book and of loosing the +seals that kept it secret, thus picturing how Jehovah made known his +plan to his beloved Son. The picture describes him thus: "And I beheld, +and, lo, in the midst of the throne ... stood a Lamb as it had been +slain, having seven horns and seven eyes, ... and he came and took the +book out of the right hand of him [Jehovah] that sat upon the throne".</p> + +<p><a name="24"></a>[24]<i>Seven</i> is a symbol of perfection; horn a symbol of power; and eyes +a symbol of wisdom. Therefore this One is pictured as having perfect +power and perfect wisdom to perform this wonderful privilege and duty. +This is the first time that the great mystery of Jehovah, his great plan +or program, was made known to any one; and since then, from time to +time, he has been pleased to reveal portions of his plan to men who have +honestly and faithfully sought to understand it. He has promised to +reward those that diligently seek him and who seek a knowledge of him. +Therefore we can come to the study of his plan, confidently expecting +that he will grant us from time to time such a vision and understanding +of it as pleases him and as would be for our good and happiness.</p> + +<p><a name="25"></a>[25]The harp is used to symbolize the grandeur and beauty, the exquisite +harmony and majestic sweetness of the divine arrangement or plan. The +record of this great program or plan is found in the Old and the New +Testaments. This record reveals the purpose of God concerning man, gives +a record of his fall, a prophetic vision of his redemption and +deliverance, and ultimately the blessing of all obedient ones of mankind +with life everlasting. The great fundamental doctrines or truths stated +in the Bible and which constitute the fundamentals of his plan +concerning man would, therefore, constitute the strings upon the harp of +God. These fundamental truths were spoken by Jehovah through the +prophets, through Jesus, and through his disciples. God's law is his +expressed will. Law means a rule of action, directing that which is +right and prohibiting that which is wrong. The Bible contains the law of +Jehovah for the governing of mankind.</p> + +<p><a name="26"></a>[26]The name David means beloved one. The beloved One of Jehovah is his +Son, Jesus, the Christ. David was therefore used by Jehovah to picture +or to make a type of Christ, including Jesus and his faithful followers. +David used the harp of ten strings and was an expert performer upon it. +This would seem to picture how that the antitype of David, Jesus and the +members of his body, his faithful followers, would have an understanding +of this harp of God and that God would use them to make it plain to +others who would want to understand it. The ten strings of the harp, +therefore, very fitly represent the ten great fundamental truths or +doctrines of the divine plan. These ten fundamental doctrines appear in +the order named, as follows:</p> + +<span style="margin-left: 1.5em;">(1) CREATION</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1.5em;">(2) JUSTICE MANIFESTED</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1.5em;">(3) ABRAHAMIC PROMISE</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1.5em;">(4) BIRTH OF JESUS</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1.5em;">(5) RANSOM</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1.5em;">(6) RESURRECTION</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1.5em;">(7) MYSTERY REVEALED</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1.5em;">(8) THE LORD'S PRESENCE</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1.5em;">(9) GLORIFICATION</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;">(10) RESTORATION</span><br /> + +<p><a name="27"></a>[27]When one understands these ten fundamental truths and can +appreciate the beauty and harmony by them expressed, he is thereby +enabled to use the harp of God, and the use of it brings joy to his +heart and fills his soul with sweet music. Without doubt the great plan +of God pictured by the harp was all made and arranged at one time, but +we will here consider each one of these fundamental truths, represented +by a string, separately and in the order above named.</p> + + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<p>What is the harp? and when was it invented? <a href="#1">¶ 1</a>.</p> + +<p>Who invented the harp? and where is mention made of it in the Bible? +<a href="#1">¶ 1</a></p> + +<p>When did God organize the twelve tribes of Israel into a nation? <a href="#2">¶ 2</a>.</p> + +<p>What arrangement did God make with the nation of Israel? <a href="#2">¶ 2</a>.</p> + +<p>For what purpose was that nation used by Jehovah? <a href="#2">¶ 2</a>.</p> + +<p>To what did the nation of Israel consecrate the harp? <a href="#3">¶ 3</a>.</p> + +<p>What king of Israel was skilled in the use of the harp? <a href="#3">¶ 3</a>.</p> + +<p>Where in the Scriptures is the harp used symbolically? <a href="#3">¶ 3</a>.</p> + +<p>On what occasions did the Jews use the harp? <a href="#3">¶ 3</a>.</p> + +<p>How many strings were there on Israel's harp? and what did these +symbolize? <a href="#4">¶ 4</a>.</p> + +<p>Did the harp at any time have a less number of strings? and if so, what +did that picture? <a href="#4">¶ 4</a>.</p> + +<p>In what phrase or language is the book of Revelation written? <a href="#5">¶ 5</a>.</p> + +<p>Where in the book of Revelation is the harp mentioned? and what kind of +beings are pictured as using it? <a href="#5">¶ 5</a>.</p> + +<p>What is the first essential to an understanding of God's plan? <a href="#6">¶ 6</a>.</p> + +<p>Name some visible proof of the existence of a Supreme Being or Creator. +<a href="#7">¶ 7</a>.</p> + +<p>How was David impressed with what he observed of creation? <a href="#8">¶ 8</a>.</p> + +<p>How does man's organism prove the existence of a Supreme Being? <a href="#9">¶ 9</a>.</p> + +<p>Who is the Supreme Being or Creator? and what does his name signify? +<a href="#10">¶ 10</a>.</p> + +<p>Give some Scriptural proof of the existence of Jehovah. <a href="#10">¶ 10</a>.</p> + +<p>Name the four primary divine attributes. <a href="#10">¶ 10</a>.</p> + +<p>How was divine justice manifested? <a href="#11">¶ 11</a>.</p> + +<p>How was divine power manifested? <a href="#11">¶ 11</a>.</p> + +<p>How was divine love manifested? <a href="#11">¶ 11</a>.</p> + +<p>How was divine wisdom manifested? <a href="#11">¶ 11</a>.</p> + +<p>Is there proof that God foreknew the end from the beginning? <a href="#11">¶ 11</a>.</p> + +<p>Why should man expect some revelation of the divine plan? <a href="#12">¶ 12</a>.</p> + +<p>Has man found a revelation of God's plan? and if so, where? <a href="#12">¶ 12</a>.</p> + +<p>By whom was the Bible written? and what are the two general divisions of +it? <a href="#13">¶ 13</a>.</p> + +<p>What is meant by the holy spirit? <a href="#14">¶ 14</a>.</p> + +<p>What relationship does the holy spirit bear to the Bible and its +preparation? <a href="#14">¶ 14</a>.</p> + +<p>Who wrote the first five books of the Bible? and under what influence? +<a href="#14">¶ 14</a>.</p> + +<p>Was the Bible written under inspiration? <a href="#14">¶ 14</a>.</p> + +<p>How many prophetic writers contributed to the Old Testament? and does +their testimony agree? <a href="#14">¶ 14</a>.</p> + +<p>Define history. <a href="#15">¶ 15</a>.</p> + +<p>Define prophecy. <a href="#16">¶ 16</a>.</p> + +<p>Can a human mind accurately foretell future events? <a href="#17">¶ 17</a>.</p> + +<p>What is one of the strongest proofs that the Bible was written under +inspiration? <a href="#17">¶ 17</a>.</p> + +<p>What relationship do wireless telegraphy and airships bear to fulfilled +prophecy? <a href="#18">¶ 18</a>.</p> + +<p>Were railway trains foretold by the prophets? and if so, where? <a href="#18">¶ 18</a>.</p> + +<p>What other means of rapid transit did the prophets foretell? <a href="#18">¶ 18</a>.</p> + +<p>Why did not Solomon give the world great inventions such as we now have? +<a href="#18">¶ 18</a>.</p> + +<p>Did the prophets point to the coming of any special one to earth? <a href="#19">¶ 19</a>.</p> + +<p>What prophecy, if any, did the coming of Jesus of Nazareth tend to +fulfill? <a href="#19">¶ 19</a>.</p> + +<p>How did the coming of Jesus tend to confirm the authenticity of the +Scriptures? <a href="#20">¶ 20</a>.</p> + +<p>Did the prophets understand the meaning of what they wrote concerning +the happening of future events? <a href="#21">¶ 21</a>.</p> + +<p>What effort did they make to understand? <a href="#21">¶ 21</a>.</p> + +<p>Did the angels in heaven understand what the prophets were writing? +<a href="#21">¶ 21</a>.</p> + +<p>What is meant by the term "the divine plan"? <a href="#22">¶ 22</a>.</p> + +<p>Who was the first one to understand the divine plan? <a href="#22">¶ 22</a>.</p> + +<p>What was the name of Jesus before he became a man? and what is the +significance of his prehuman title? <a href="#22">¶ 22</a>.</p> + +<p>What is pictured by the fifth chapter of Revelation? Give the details of +the picture. <a href="#22">¶ 22</a>.</p> + +<p>Who is the "Lion of the tribe of Judah"? <a href="#23">¶ 23</a>.</p> + +<p>What is the symbolic meaning of the words "seven", "horns," and "eyes"? +and what do these words signify as used in Revelation 5? <a href="#24">¶ 24</a>.</p> + +<p>Is there reason to expect that God would grant certain ones from time to +time an increased understanding of his plan? and if so, why? <a href="#24">¶ 24</a>.</p> + +<p>What does the harp symbolize? <a href="#25">¶ 25</a>.</p> + +<p>Where is the record of the divine plan found? <a href="#25">¶ 25</a>.</p> + +<p>What does this record reveal concerning man? <a href="#25">¶ 25</a>.</p> + +<p>By whom has God spoken his fundamental truths? <a href="#25">¶ 25</a>.</p> + +<p>What is the law of God? <a href="#25">¶ 25</a>.</p> + +<p>Define law. <a href="#25">¶ 25</a>.</p> + +<p>Where is the law of God found? <a href="#25">¶ 25</a>.</p> + +<p>What is the meaning of the word David? <a href="#26">¶ 26</a>.</p> + +<p>Whom did David picture or typify? <a href="#26">¶ 26</a>.</p> + +<p>What did David's use of the harp typify or picture? <a href="#26">¶ 26</a>.</p> + +<p>What is pictured or symbolized by the ten strings of David's harp? <a href="#26">¶ 26</a>.</p> + +<p>Name the ten fundamental truths represented by the strings on the harp. +<a href="#26">¶ 26</a>.</p> + +<p>How can one learn to use the harp of God? <a href="#27">¶ 27</a>.</p> + +<p>What effect is produced upon one who skillfully uses the harp? <a href="#27">¶ 27</a>.</p> + + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<br /> + +<span style="margin-left: 5em;"><big>OMNIPOTENT GOD</big></span><br /> +<br /> +<span style="margin-left: 3em;"> Harps of eternity! begin the song,</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">Redeemed, and angel harps! begin to God</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">Begin the anthem ever sweet and new,</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">While I extol Him holy, just, and good.</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">Life, beauty, light, intelligence, and love!</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">Eternal, uncreated, infinite!</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">Unsearchable Jehovah! God of truth!</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">Maker, upholder, governor of all:</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">Thyself unmade, ungoverned, unupheld.</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">Omnipotent, unchangeable, Great God!</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">Exhaustless fullness! giving unimpaired!</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">Bounding immensity, unspread, unbound!</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">Highest and best! beginning, middle, end.</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">All-seeing Eye! all-seeing, and unseen!</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">Hearing, unheard! all knowing, and unknown!</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">Above all praise! above all height of thought!</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">Proprietor of immortality!</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">Glory ineffable! Bliss underived!</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">Of old Thou build'st Thy throne on righteousness,</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">Before the morning Stars their song began,</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">Or silence heard the voice of praise. Thou laid'st</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">Eternity's foundation stone, and saw'st</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">Life and existence out of Thee begin.</span><br /> +<br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;"><i>--Pollok</i></span><br /> + + +<br /> +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<center> +<img src="images/021.png" width="350" height="500" alt="" title=""> +</center> + + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<a name="CHAPTER_II"></a><h2>CHAPTER II</h2> + +<h3>String 1: <i>Creation</i></h3> +<br /> + +<p><a name="28"></a>[28]The subject of creation here treated relates particularly to the earth +and the creatures of the earth, the chief one of which is man. We will +not attempt to discuss at length the creation of other planets, nor of +the other creatures. Attention is merely called to the Scriptural +statement that the beginning of God's creation was the Logos, which term +is translated in our Bibles "the Word". The record reads: "In the +beginning was the Word, and the Word was with [the] God and the Word was +[a] god". (John 1:1) God is a name applied to Jehovah, the Almighty One. +It is sometimes applied to other mighty ones also; whereas the name +Jehovah applies exclusively to the great eternal God. The Logos, the +Word, was a god, a mighty one. "The same was in the beginning with God. +All things were made by him, and without him was not anything made that +was made." He was Jehovah's great active agent in the creation of all +things created.</p> + +<p><a name="29"></a>[29]Since the Bible was written for <i>man's</i> benefit, the Genesis account +of creation has to do with man and his place of habitation. There we +read: "In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth". He +created the sun, for light by day; and the moon, for light by night, +upon the earth. God then created the birds and fowls that fly through +the air, and the fish of the sea. He created the cattle and the creeping +things, and all the beasts of the earth. All this was before the +creation of man. He had formed the earth many centuries before man's +creation, and he created it that man might have a place to live. He +caused his prophet to write: "I have made the earth and created man upon +it. For thus saith the Lord that created the heavens; God himself that +formed the earth and made it; he hath established it, he created it not +in vain, he formed it to be inhabited."—Isaiah 45:12,18.</p> + +<p><a name="30"></a>[30]God created the first man and woman out of the elements and gave +them power to produce and bring forth children, and all the human race +sprang from the first pair. God was the Father and the earth the mother +of Adam. The first man was named Adam; the first woman, Eve. "God +created man in his own image, in the image of God created he him; male +and female created he them. And God blessed them, and God said unto +them, Be fruitful, and multiply, and fill the earth, and subdue it; and +have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the fowl of the air, +and over every living thing that moveth upon the earth."—Genesis 1: +27,28.</p> + +<p><a name="31"></a>[31]We are all interested in knowing how Jehovah created the first man, +Adam. "And the Lord God formed man of the dust of the ground, and +breathed into his nostrils the breath of life; and man became a living +soul." (Genesis 2:7) God did not give man a soul separate and distinct +from the man. The word soul means being; living, breathing creature. +Every man <i>is</i> a soul. No man <i>has</i> a soul. Every living creature is a +soul. God called all moving creatures that have life souls. (See Genesis +1:20, <i>margin</i>) He designates various animals as souls.—Numbers 31:28.</p> + +<p><a name="32"></a>[32]Jehovah then made a beautiful home for man, which is designated in +the Bible as Eden—a garden, a beautiful park. Everything in Eden was +perfect, because all the works of Jehovah are perfect. (Deuteronomy +32:4) "And the Lord God planted a garden eastward in Eden; and there he put +the man whom he had formed. And out of the ground made the Lord God to +grow every tree that is pleasant to the sight, and good for food; the +tree of life also in the midst of the garden, and the tree of knowledge +of good and evil. And the Lord God took the man, and put him into the +garden of Eden to dress it and to keep it."—Genesis 2: 8,9,15.</p> + +<p><a name="33"></a>[33]God next gave to man a law to govern him. He told him what he might +do and what he might not do; and informed him that a violation of this +law would bring death upon him. "And the Lord God commanded the man, +saying, Of every tree of the garden thou mayest freely eat; but of the +tree of the knowledge of good and evil, thou shalt not eat of it: for in +the day that thou eatest thereof thou shalt surely die."—Genesis 2:16, +17.</p> + +<p><a name="34"></a>[34]God then created Eve to be a helpmate or companion to Adam. (Genesis +2:21-25) If Adam and Eve had been obedient to Jehovah at all times, +there would have been no sickness, sorrow, nor death amongst the human +race.</p> + +<p><a name="35"></a>[35]In the Scriptures Jesus, the Logos, is designated as "the bright and +morning star". (Revelation 22:16) He at all times was and is the joy and +delight of the heavenly Father, Jehovah. A star is used to symbolize a +heavenly creature. The morning star is the most honored one in all the +divine realm, Jehovah alone excepted. Other heavenly creatures are +designated as stars.</p> + +<p><a name="36"></a>[36]Many times you have heard the question asked, Who made the devil, +Satan, the evil one? The correct answer is, He was not always the devil +or Satan. He was created a perfect and beautiful creature. He was also +designated a star of heaven. His original name was Lucifer. The prophet +Ezekiel says of him that he was "the anointed cherub that covereth", +which seems to indicate that he had authority over some others. +Continuing, the prophet records: "Thou wast upon the holy mountain of +God; thou hast walked up and down in the midst of the stones of fire. +Thou wast perfect in thy ways from the day that thou wast created, till +iniquity was found in thee." (Ezekiel 28:14,15) He is described as a +beautiful creature. Thus the Prophet speaks of him: "Thou hast been in +Eden the garden of God; every precious stone was thy covering, the +sardius, topaz, and the diamond, the beryl, the onyx, and the jasper, +the sapphire, the emerald, and the carbuncle, and gold: the workmanship +of thy tabrets and of thy pipes was prepared in thee in the day that +thou wast created".—Ezekiel 28:13.</p> + +<p><a name="37"></a>[37]Other angelic hosts in heaven are designated the sons of God. When +God created the earth, laying its foundations as a habitation for man, +when he created these beautiful earthly creatures upon the earth, these +two great stars of heaven sang together a song of gladness, and the +angelic sons of God shouted for joy. (Job 38: 4-7) It appears that at +that time all the creatures of Jehovah were in harmony with him and +obedient to him, and of course they would watch the creation develop; +and when the highest earthly creatures were made, perfect man and +perfect woman, endowed with the attributes of wisdom, justice, love, and +power, made in the image and likeness of Jehovah, there was great joy in +heaven. Hence the occasion for the song and shouting by the heavenly +hosts.</p> + +<p><a name="38"></a>[38]In the unfolding of the divine plan, therefore, we see that creation +is the first part and is properly designated as the first string upon the +harp of God. "God is light, and in him is no darkness at all." (1 John +1:5) All the works of Jehovah are perfect. (Deuteronomy 32:4) Hence we +must conclude that all the creatures of Jehovah were in the light, were +creatures of light, all happy, all joyful. And when the perfect man and +perfect woman were placed in the beautiful garden of Eden, everything +there was joyful.</p> + + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /><br /> + +<p>To what does the subject of creation herein briefly treated relate? +<a href="#28">¶ 28</a>.</p> + +<p>Who is designated in the Bible as the beginning of God's creation? <a href="#28">¶ 28</a>.</p> + +<p>To what does the Genesis account of creation relate? <a href="#29">¶ 29</a>.</p> + +<p>What earthly creatures did God create before making man? <a href="#29">¶ 29</a>.</p> + +<p>For what purpose did God create the earth? <a href="#29">¶ 29</a>.</p> + +<p>What human beings did God create? <a href="#30">¶ 30</a>.</p> + +<p>Who was the father and who the mother of the human race? <a href="#30">¶ 30</a>.</p> + +<p>Who was the father and who the mother of Adam? <a href="#30">¶ 30</a>.</p> + +<p>What power and authority did God give to man at his creation? <a href="#30">¶ 30</a>.</p> + +<p>How did God create man? <a href="#31">¶ 31</a>.</p> + +<p>Define the soul. ¶ 31.</p> + +<p>Does the word soul apply to any creatures except man? Give Scriptural +proof. <a href="#31">¶ 31</a>.</p> + +<p>Describe the original man's first home. <a href="#32">¶ 32</a>.</p> + +<p>What is the meaning of the word Eden? <a href="#32">¶ 32</a>.</p> + +<p>What law did God give to man by which he was to be governed while in +Eden? <a href="#33">¶ 33</a>.</p> + +<p>Describe the creation of Eve. <a href="#34">¶ 34</a>.</p> + +<p>By obeying God's law, how long could Adam and Eve have lived in Eden? +<a href="#34">¶ 34</a>.</p> + +<p>A star is used in the Scriptures to symbolize what? <a href="#35">¶ 35</a>.</p> + +<p>What is the meaning of the Scriptural term "bright and morning star"? +<a href="#35">¶ 35</a>.</p> + +<p>Who is the most highly honored one in the divine realm? <a href="#35">¶ 35</a>.</p> + +<p>Who is the devil or Satan? and who made him? <a href="#36">¶ 36</a>.</p> + +<p>What was his original name? <a href="#36">¶ 36</a>.</p> + +<p>How does the prophet Ezekiel describe Lucifer? <a href="#36">¶ 36</a>.</p> + +<p>What other beings in heaven are called sons of God? <a href="#37">¶ 37</a>.</p> + +<p>When God created man, what was the effect upon the host of heaven who +observed the creation? <a href="#37">¶ 37</a>.</p> + +<p>What is the first string upon the divine harp? <a href="#38">¶ 38</a>.</p> + +<p>Does the revelation of this string cause rejoicing? and if so, by whom? +<a href="#38">¶ 38</a>.</p> + +<p>Who is light and without darkness? <a href="#38">¶ 38</a>.</p> + +<p>Has God ever created an imperfect creature? <a href="#38">¶ 38</a>.</p> + +<p>What is the disposition of God's creatures while in harmony with him? +<a href="#38">¶ 38</a>.</p> + +<p>What was the condition in Eden when man was created? <a href="#38">¶ 38</a>.</p> + +<hr style="width: 95%;" /><br /> +<center> +<img src="images/028.png" width="350" height="500" alt="" title=""> +</center> + + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<a name="CHAPTER_III"></a><h2>CHAPTER III</h2> + +<h3>String 2: <i>Justice Manifested</i></h3> +<br /> + +<p><a name="39"></a>[39]One of the divine attributes is justice. "Justice and judgment are the +habitation of thy throne." (Psalm 89:14) Divine wisdom devised the great +divine program or plan. Divine justice must perform its part in harmony +with the other divine attributes. God's law must be unchangeable. Being +unchangeable, his creatures can have absolute confidence and faith in +him, that he always does exactly as he says. A violation of Jehovah's +law must be followed by punishment in the exercise of justice. The +prerogative of justice is to see that the law is enforced. The +manifestation of justice magnifies the name and the dignity of Jehovah. +Without the manifestation of justice it would have been impossible for +Jehovah so fully to manifest his love toward man in providing for his +redemption and subsequent blessing. When one understands the office of +justice and why it was manifested, he rejoices. A failure to understand +and appreciate the divine attributes makes it impossible for one +properly to appreciate Jehovah's goodness and loving kindness to +mankind. Jehovah is too good to be unjust. He is too wise to make a +mistake; he is too loving to be unkind; and his power is always +exercised in such a way that ultimate good may result.</p> + +<p><a name="40"></a>[40]The manifestation of justice is one of the strings upon the harp of +God; but we must see and appreciate it in order to understand the beauty +and harmony it brings when used in connection with the other springs.</p> + +<p><a name="41"></a>[41]Good and evil are antagonistic principles or rules of action. Good +is the law or rule of action by which God is always governed. Evil +becomes active only when some creature of Jehovah violates his law. God +made man a free moral agent. He did not compel him to do or not to do +certain things. He told man that if he did certain things he would be +blessed; and that if he did other things contrary to divine law he would +suffer punishment; and the punishment prescribed was death. Mother Eve +was deceived by Satan, the devil, and thereby induced to violate the law +of God. Father Adam, seeing that his companion and helpmate had violated +the law and judging that she must die, preferred to join her in the +transgression and die with her. (1 Timothy 2:14) It will be of interest +here to examine the circumstances leading up to the violation of the law +of God and to see why his justice toward man was manifested in +sentencing him to death.</p> + +<p><a name="42"></a>[42]All dominion rightly belongs to Jehovah. He had given man dominion +over the things of earth. Lucifer observed Adam and Eve, the perfect +ones, in Eden; and knowing that they were endowed with authority from +Jehovah to multiply and fill the earth, he conceived the thought in his +own heart or mind that he should have a dominion of his own, and that he +could have this by separating man from God and by inducing him to come +under his (Satan's) dominion. The prophet Isaiah gives us some light +upon this subject when he says: "How art thou fallen from heaven, O +Lucifer, son of the morning! how art thou cut down to the ground, which +didst weaken the nations! For thou hast said in thine heart, I will +ascend into heaven, I will exalt my throne above the stars of God: I +will sit also upon the mount of the congregation, in the sides of the +north: I will ascend above the heights of the clouds; I will be like +the Most High. Yet thou shalt be brought down to hell, to the sides of +the pit"—Isaiah 14:12-15.</p> + +<p><a name="43"></a>[43]Thus we see that Satan had an ambitious desire to be like the Most +High. God manifested his justice toward Lucifer by expelling him from +his presence and has decreed that he shall be ultimately destroyed. +(Ezekiel 28:14-18; Hebrews 2:14) When Lucifer was expelled from the +presence of Jehovah because of his wickedness, he thereafter was and is +known by the names of dragon, that old serpent, the devil, and Satan. +(Revelation 12:9) In Genesis 3 he is spoken of as the serpent. The name +dragon means devourer; Satan means adversary; devil means slanderer; +while serpent means deceiver; and all these names indicate the +characteristics of Satan, the evil one.</p> + +<p><a name="44"></a>[44]According to the Genesis account, the old serpent, the devil, +deceived Eve in this manner: As we have heretofore observed, Jehovah had +told Adam and Eve that they must not eat of a certain tree in Eden, +known as the tree of knowledge of good and evil. Appearing to mother Eve +in the capacity of a serpent, a deceiver, the devil said to her in +effect: 'Hath God said that ye shall not eat of every tree in Eden?' To +this question Eve responded: "We may eat of the fruit of the trees of +the garden; but of the fruit of the tree which is in the midst of the +garden, God hath said, Ye shall not eat of it, neither shall ye touch +it, lest ye die". The old serpent, the devil, replied: "Ye shall not +surely die; for God doth know that in the day ye eat thereof, then your +eyes shall be opened, and ye shall be as gods, knowing good and evil". +In other words, he told Eve that Jehovah was trying to keep her and her +husband in ignorance and thus take advantage of them. Doubtless the +devil himself ate of the fruit in the presence of Eve and then +deliberately lied to her by saying: "Ye shall not surely die"—God +knows that you will not die. And by this means he induced mother Eve to +eat of the fruit—which was a violation of God's law. We know that Satan +is a liar, because Jesus said of him: "He was a murderer from the +beginning, and abode not in the truth, because there is no truth in him. +When he speaketh a lie, he speaketh of his own: for he is a liar, and +the father of it."—John 8:44.</p> + +<p><a name="45"></a>[45]The fact that Eve was deceived and thereby induced to violate the +law of God in no wise changed the law or affected its enforcement. Adam +deliberately ate of the fruit and he was also in the transgression. +—1 Timothy 2:14.</p> + +<p><a name="46"></a>[46]After they had violated Jehovah's law, Adam and Eve hid amongst the +trees in Eden. Jehovah spoke to Adam and asked: "Hast thou eaten of the +tree, whereof I commanded thee that thou shouldest not eat?" Adam +responded that Eve had given him the fruit to eat; and Eve said that the +serpent had deceived her. They both stood before Jehovah and confessed +their guilt. The majesty of the law of Jehovah must be upheld. His law +being unchangeable (Hebrews 6:18), there remained nothing to do but to +enforce that law. Then Jehovah pronounced his judgment against them, the +record of which reads: "Unto the woman he said, I will greatly multiply +thy sorrow and thy conception; in sorrow thou shalt bring forth +children; and thy desire shall be to thy husband, and he shall rule over +thee. And unto Adam he said, Because thou hast hearkened unto the voice +of thy wife, and hast eaten of the tree, of which I commanded thee, +saying, Thou shalt not eat of it: cursed is the ground for thy sake; in +sorrow shalt thou eat of it all the days of thy life; thorns also and +thistles shall it bring forth to thee; and thou shalt eat the herb of +the field; in the sweat of thy face shalt thou eat bread, till thou +return unto the ground; for out of it wast thou taken: for dust thou +art, and unto dust shalt thou return,"—Genesis 3:16-19.</p> + +<p><a name="47"></a>[47]Thus the perfect man forfeited his life. He had been endowed with +perfection of home, liberty, peace, happiness, and life everlasting on +earth. Now he must die and return to the dust from whence he was taken. +God did not put him to death immediately, but permitted him to have 930 +years of experience that he might learn the baneful effects of sin. Eden +contained perfect food that would have sustained the perfect man and he +would not have died had he remained in Eden, unless Jehovah had put him +to death in some direct manner. But God drove him out of Eden, took him +away from the perfect food, caused him to gather his food from among the +thorns and thistles and from other imperfect elements of the earth that +were found outside of Eden; and in this condition he continued to sicken +and to die until at the end of the period of 930 years he was dead.</p> + +<p><a name="48"></a>[48]A kind and loving parent sometimes inflicts punishment upon a child +because the child has violated a rule. The parent punishes the child not +because he loves to see the child suffer, but for the good of the child, +in order that it might be disciplined and might learn the proper +lessons. If the child always did good and never did evil it would not +merit nor receive any punishment from a loving parent. One of the chief +purposes of Jehovah in dealing with mankind in the manner he does deal +with them is that humankind might be disciplined and learn the lessons +of good and the effect of doing wrong, and thus learn to appreciate the +love of the heavenly Father.</p> + +<p><a name="49"></a>[49]When God sentenced our first parents to death and drove them out of +Eden, he had in mind and had already planned for their future blessing, +as we will see upon a further examination of his plan. Hence it was love +that prompted his action in sentencing Adam to die. Every act of Jehovah +is prompted by love; for God is love. He always acts that good may +result. The manifestation of his strict justice was essential that the +dignity and greatness of Jehovah might be maintained. At the same time, +in so doing, love was the motive that prompted his action. It must have +brought sorrow to the heart of Jehovah to be compelled thus to punish +his creatures, because God takes no pleasure in evil things; yet having +in mind the ultimate blessing and restoration of them, there would be +pleasure in thus manifesting justice that ultimate good might result.</p> + +<p><a name="50"></a>[50]We therefore might with propriety speak of the manifestation of +justice as the minor chord in the music of the harp of God. The minor +chord seems necessary in music to produce exact harmony.</p> + +<p><a name="51"></a>[51]Job in his suffering seems to picture the world of mankind under +condemnation; and when suffering he said: "My harp also is turned to +mourning". (Job 30: 31) The perfect man and his helpmate, deprived now +of their perfect home, toiling as they sought to gather their food from +the unfinished earth, suffering in body and in mind because of their +separation from God, truly would have said, and doubtless did say: 'Our +harp is turned into mourning'. Since that time the whole world has been +in a state of mourning; and mankind still suffers and groans in pain. +The world of mankind in general has not appreciated the manifestation of +the justice of Jehovah. The Christian, however, who has come to a +knowledge of Jehovah's plan, and sees and appreciates his purposes for +the blessing of mankind, can rejoice and does rejoice at the +manifestation of divine justice.</p> + +<p><a name="52"></a>[52]During the gospel age God has been developing a church, the members +of which are designated as the body of Christ. (Philippians 1:29; +Colossians 1:18) These are also designated members of the royal +priesthood. (1 Peter 2:9,10) During their earthly career they are +counted as members of the sacrificing priesthood, of which Aaron was a +type. Aaron and his sons were required to serve before the Lord in the +ceremonies in connection with the tabernacle in the wilderness. Two of +Aaron's sons were stricken dead because they offered strange fire before +the Lord. Aaron and his two remaining sons were forbidden by the Lord to +mourn the death of their kinsmen. Evidently this is a picture which +shows that those who have come to a knowledge of the divine plan do not +mourn because God sentenced our first parents to death, but rather that +they will rejoice at this manifestation of justice when they understand +that it was necessary in order that the great plan of redemption should +be carried out as outlined by Jehovah from the beginning. And when we +see and appreciate this divine plan we can truly exclaim: "Great and +marvelous are thy works, Lord God Almighty; just and true are thy ways, +thou King of saints".—Revelation 15:3.</p> +<br /> +<br /> +<h4>MEN'S SOULS</h4> + +<p><a name="53"></a>[53]Against what did God manifest his justice? Did he sentence the body +or the soul of man to death? Is it true that the soul of man is +immortal; and if so, how could God put it to death?</p> + +<p><a name="54"></a>[54]It is profitable to define terms before attempting to discuss them. +The definition given should be supported by proof from the Bible. This +we will attempt to do before answering the question here asked.</p> + +<p><a name="55"></a>[55]Immortal means that which cannot die; something that cannot be +destroyed in death. Soul means a moving, breathing, sentient creature, +or being; a creature or being that possesses faculties and uses them. To +understand whether or not a soul is immortal it is first essential that +we determine from the Bible what constitutes a soul. "The Lord God +formed man of the dust of the ground, and breathed into his nostrils the +breath of lives; and man became a living soul." (Genesis 2:7) The word +soul is synonymous with the words being, creature, and man. The dust out +of which Jehovah formed the body was not conscious. It had no life in +it. After God had used these elements to form the man, he breathed into +his nostrils the breath of lives, which animated the body, caused the +lungs to begin to work, sent the blood tingling through the arteries and +returning through the veins; therefore there resulted a moving, +breathing, sentient being, a man, which is a soul. The body aside from +the breath does not constitute the soul; but it requires the uniting of +the breath with the body to constitute the soul. And when we separate +the breath from the body the soul no longer exists. The Scriptures do +not say that God breathed into this body immortality, but merely that +the soul resulted by animating the body after it had been created; and +this resulted from the breath which he breathed into the nostrils.</p> + +<p><a name="56"></a>[56]A locomotive may be used as an illustration. It stands upon the +track with no fire in the box, no water in the boiler, hence no steam. +We speak of it as a dead engine. Then the steam is produced by heating +the water; it is forced into the cylinders, the throttle being open and +the machine moves. Withdraw the steam and it stops.</p> + +<p><a name="57"></a>[57]Just so with man. When the body is formed it would be inanimate and +inactive without breath. When the breath of life is breathed into the +nostrils and his organs begin to functionate, it is said that man then +is a breathing creature; hence a soul. When he ceases to breathe he is +dead.</p> + +<p><a name="58"></a>[58]Man is a soul. He does not possess a soul. Every creature that +breathes is a soul. God applied the words living soul to the lower order +of animals long before man's creation. (Genesis 1:20, <i>margin</i>) That +all breathing creatures are designated as souls by Jehovah is proven by +these words: "Levy a tribute unto the Lord of the men of war which went +out to battle: one soul of five hundred, both of the persons, and of the +beeves, and of the asses, and of the sheep". (Numbers 31:28) All souls +die alike. "For that which befalleth the sons of men befalleth beasts; +even one thing befalleth them: as one dieth, so dieth the other; yea, +they have all one breath; so that a man hath no preëminence above a +beast: for all is vanity. All go unto one place; all are of the dust, +and all turn to dust again,"—Ecclesiastes 3:19,20.</p> + +<p><a name="59"></a>[59]In the manifestation of divine justice God said to Adam: "Of the +tree of the knowledge of good and evil, thou shalt not eat; ... for in +the day that thou eatest thereof, dying thou shalt die". (Genesis 2:17, +<i>margin</i>) This sentence was pronounced against man, the being, the soul. +If there could be any doubt about this, it is definitely settled by +another statement in the Bible which reads: "The soul that sinneth it +shall die". (Ezekiel 18:4) "What man is he that liveth, and shall not +see death? shall he deliver his soul from the hand of the grave?"—Psalm +89:48.</p> + +<p><a name="60"></a>[60]The thought of immortal souls originated with Satan the devil. He +approached mother Eve and said: 'If you eat of this tree, you shall not +surely die'. Jesus denounced this statement as the first lie ever told, +and Satan as the father of lies. (John 8:44) Satan has been trying to +blind the people to the truth concerning God's great plan in order to +keep them away from God and from the blessings they would receive by +obeying him. The Apostle says of him that he is "the god [mighty one] of +this world", meaning the present evil social order; and that he has +blinded the minds of men to the truth, lest the glorious gospel of the +Lord Jesus Christ should shine into their hearts. (2 Corinthians 4:4) +From the day of Eden until now Satan has been blinding the minds of men +to the truth by getting into their minds a false conception of Jehovah's +arrangement; and the basis for this blindness is chiefly the lie first +told: "Ye shall not surely die". All false doctrines are based upon this +first lie.</p> + +<p><a name="61"></a>[61]If man possessed an immortal soul it could not be put to death. +Hence we see that God would be unable to enforce his judgment against a +sinner, and justice would fail. The Scriptures, however, plainly tell us +that the quality of immortality belongs originally only to Jehovah, "who +only hath immortality, dwelling in the light which no man can approach +unto; whom no man hath seen, nor can see". (1 Timothy 6:16) Immortality +will be given as a great reward to faithful Christians and to none other +of the human race. Such Christians who live and continue faithful until +death are promised the divine nature, immortality, the crown of life. +(2 Peter 1:4; 1 Peter 1:3,4; Romans 2:7; Revelation 2:10) We may be sure +that a man does not seek that which he already possesses; and the apostle +Paul plainly says: "Seek for ... immortality". And again he says to those +who will be faithful Christians: "This mortal must put on immortality". +(1 Corinthians 15:53) If a soul, a man, were already immortal, he could +not subsequently <i>put on</i> immortality. No one of the human race will +ever be made immortal except the faithful Christians. God has a different +reward for others who are obedient to him.</p> +<br /> +<br /> +<h4>DEAD UNCONSCIOUS</h4> + +<p><a name="62"></a>[62]Another of Satan's deceptions by which he has blinded the people is +the teaching that the dead are still conscious after death. This is not +supported by the Bible, however. Those who die are never again conscious +unless they are resurrected by the Lord. The resurrection of the dead we +will discuss later on. If the soul were immortal it would be conscious +somewhere. Let us observe the Scriptures which show that the dead are +not conscious.</p> + +<p><a name="63"></a>[63]"In death there is no remembrance of thee: in the grave who shall +give thee thanks?" (Psalm 6:5) Thus is shown that they have no memory +while dead. "The dead praise not the Lord, neither any that go down into +silence." (Psalm 115:17) Hence they could not speak while dead.</p> + +<p><a name="64"></a>[64]The dead cannot breathe, think, or feel. "Thou takest away their +breath, they die, and return to their dust." (Psalm 104:29) "His breath +goeth forth, he returneth to his earth; in that very day his thoughts +perish." (Psalm 146:4) A person when unconscious does not feel. This is +illustrated by the fact that when a person is taken to a hospital for an +operation the surgeon puts the patient under an anesthetic, puts him to +sleep so that he cannot feel during the operation.</p> + +<p><a name="65"></a>[65]Again the Scriptures read: "The living know that they shall die, but +the dead know not anything. Also their love, and their hatred, and their +envy, is now perished." (Ecclesiastes 9:5,6) Being unconscious, they +know not anything when dead. "Whatsoever thy hand findeth to do, do it +with thy might; for there is no work, nor device, nor knowledge, nor +wisdom, in the grave, whither thou goest."—Ecclesiastes 9:10.</p> + +<p><a name="66"></a>[66]Again speaking of man, God says of him: "Nevertheless man being in +honor abideth not: he is like the beasts that perish". (Psalm 49:12) +Anything that perishes cannot be conscious, cannot be in existence and +of course cannot be immortal.</p> + +<p><a name="67"></a>[67]It was Jesus who said: "God so loved the world, that he gave his +only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, +but have everlasting life". (John 3:16) Here the proof is conclusive +that death means the perishing of all unless redemption is received +through Jesus Christ. This would absolutely disprove consciousness of +the dead and would disprove also the immortality of the soul.</p> + +<p><a name="68"></a>[68]Death is spoken of in the Bible as a sleep, for the reason that God +intends in his due time to awaken all of the dead and give them an +opportunity of life. The Bible abounds in the expressions referring to +the dead as asleep. A few of these expressions are: "David slept with +his fathers, and was buried in the city of David". (1 Kings 2:10) "The +fathers fell asleep." (2 Peter 3:4) '"The greater part remain until this +day, but some are fallen asleep." (1 Corinthians 15:6) "I would not have +you to be ignorant, brethren, concerning them that are asleep; ... them +also which sleep will God bring [forth] by Jesus [in the resurrection]." +—1 Thessalonians 4:13,14.</p> + +<p><a name="69"></a>[69]We must conclude from these Scriptures that the dead are wholly +unconscious from the moment of death until such future time as the Lord +may be pleased to awaken them out of death and give them an opportunity +of life, which he purposes to do, as set forth in his great plan. (John +5:28,29) Man was made of the dust. He was sentenced to return to the +dust; that is, the condition of the dead. And the Lord said: 'They that +sleep in the dust of the earth shall arise'.—Daniel 12:2.</p> +<br /> +<br /> +<h4>DOES GOD TORMENT ANY ONE?</h4> + +<p><a name="70"></a>[70]For a long time men have been taught that the punishment for the +wicked, those who disobey God, is everlasting torment or torture in a +hell burning with unquenchable fire and brimstone. Many have been +frightened away from studying the Bible because of this terrible +doctrine. Many have refused to believe in God and the Lord Jesus because +of it. It is another doctrine of Satan, used to blind the people. The +doctrine of eternal torment cannot be true for at least four separate +and distinct reasons: (1) because it is unreasonable; (2) because it is +repugnant to justice; (3) because it is contrary to the principle of +love; and (4) because it is entirely unscriptural.</p> + +<p><a name="71"></a>[71]It seems strange that men with reasoning faculties should ever reach +the conclusion that the all-wise Creator would eternally torment any of +his creatures. What could be the purpose of such torment? Could it +accomplish any good? Would it result to the glory of God?</p> + +<p>[<a name="72"></a>72]There could be no eternal torment of any of God's creatures except +by God's will. A reasonable, loving God could not torment any of his +creatures. A Creator that would put in operation a system of endless +torment would be a fiend and not a reasonable God. Man is not perfect, +yet he has some love. God is perfect. He is love. A man or a child would +not torture his horse, his dog, or his cat.</p> + +<p><a name="73"></a>[73]Suppose we have a dog that becomes mad and tries to bite every one +in the neighborhood. He must be killed; but we would not torment the +poor brute by putting it into a slow fire. We would kill it in the +easiest way, so that it would not suffer much pain. Why would a person +do this? Because his sense of justice and love would deter him from +doing anything else. Man has not as much love as God. Every thing that +God does for man he does for man's good.</p> + +<p>[<a name="74"></a>74]The doctrine is unreasonable because no one could be eternally +tormented unless that one were eternally conscious; and the Scriptures +above cited show that the dead are not conscious. Furthermore, there +could be no eternal torment of the soul unless that soul were immortal, +indestructible; and the Scriptures above cited and all other Scriptures +bearing upon the subject show that man is not immortal, that none are +granted immortality except those who receive it as a reward for +right-doing and who are made joint-heirs with Christ Jesus in his +glorious kingdom. Then it is easy to be seen that this is a doctrine of +Satan; and the two doctrines or teachings of inherent immortality and +eternal torture must stand or fall together. And since they are both +false, they must both fall.</p> + +<p><a name="75"></a>[75]The doctrine of eternal torture is <i>un</i>just, because God is <i>just</i>. +Justice is the foundation of his throne. God plainly told man that if he +sinned he would die. If thereafter he put him into eternal torment, then +he increased the penalty after man had violated the law, and this is +contrary to every principle of justice. All of Adam's children were born +imperfect. "There is none that doeth good, no, not one," (Psalm 14:3) +Every child is born imperfect. It would be very unjust for Jehovah to +permit such a one to be born under conditions over which he had no +control and then, because he could not obey perfectly, to put him into +eternal torture. Man's sense of justice is shocked at the thought of +torture of any creature. The justice that man possesses is a God-given +quality. The more Godlike a man is the more just he is. We must know, +then, that God deals justly with all of his creatures.</p> + +<p><a name="76"></a>[76]The doctrine of eternal torment is devoid of the attribute of love. +Every good father loves his children and children love their father. The +mother loves the children and the children love the mother. When the +children are disobedient, it becomes necessary for the father or the +mother to discipline them; and sometimes by using the rod. But no loving +parent would for a moment think of torturing his or her child. Just +punishment is always for the purpose of doing ultimate good, and where +the parents are compelled to punish or discipline their children they do +it because they love them. The apostle Paul, discussing the discipline +by earthly parents and by God said: "We have had fathers of our flesh +which corrected us, and we gave them reverence: shall we not much rather +be in subjection unto the Father of spirits, and live? For they verily +for a few days chastened us after their own pleasure; but he for our +profit, that we might be partakers of his holiness."—Hebrews 12:9,10.</p> + +<p><a name="77"></a>[77]Only a wicked fiend would want to torment anybody, such a one as +loves dark and wicked things.</p> + +<p><a name="78"></a>[78]Our great God is love. (1 John 4:16) "God is light and in him is no +darkness at all," (1 John 1:5) Everything that Jehovah does is good. God +created the first man Adam and gave him the power to transmit life to +his offspring. All the human race are the children of Adam. Only by +God's permission could these children have come into existence. Adam was +God's son and all the human race descend from Adam; and thus they bear +relationship to Jehovah.</p> + +<p><a name="79"></a>[79]None of Adam's children were born perfect. Some were born under +very depraved conditions. God's love, then, for the human race is so +great that he made provision for the redemption and ultimate blessing +of all, and it would be wholly inconsistent with his attribute of love +to arrange to torture any of them at any time. The doctrine of eternal +torment is a libel upon the great and loving name of God, and Satan is +responsible for it. But in God's due time he will make it clear to all +that he is love; and that all of his dealings with the human race are +for their good.</p> + +<p><a name="80"></a>[80]The eternal torment teaching is not supported by any Scripture text +in the Bible. There are some texts that are written in symbolic phrase, +parables and dark sayings, which were written to illustrate another +great truth, but with no reference to the eternal punishment of the +human race. These Scriptures must be considered elsewhere. Our space +does not permit us to consider them here. What we will examine are the +direct Scriptural statements.</p> + +<p><a name="81"></a>[81]All the Scriptures show that the wicked will be punished, but +punishment does not mean torment. There is a wide distinction between +everlasting punishment and everlasting torment. Everlasting punishment +is a punishment that lasts. Everlasting torment would be a torment that +never ends, but one would be consciously suffering all the time. The +laws of the land punish the wicked who violate the law, and the duration +of punishment is short or long in proportion to the enormity of the +crime committed. One who steals a loaf of bread violates the law and he +may be punished by confinement for a day or a month in prison. One who +destroys his neighbor's house by fire is punished, and his punishment +may be a number of years in prison. Another takes the life of his +neighbor, and his punishment is death. No law of any nation on earth +permits the violator of the law to be tormented. The stealer of bread is +punished for a short period; the one who destroys the home is punished +for a longer period; and the one who takes his neighbor's life +deliberately is punished by the full penalty of the law, and his +punishment is lasting. Death is the highest penalty inflicted by the +law. It is also the greatest punishment inflicted by Jehovah. Life is +the dearest thing to any creature, and to be deprived of life would be +the greatest punishment that could be inflicted. Therefore eternal or +everlasting death, with no hope of a resurrection, would be an +everlasting punishment. But it would not be an everlasting conscious +torture. God plainly declared: "The wages of sin is death" (Romans +6:23), and not eternal torture.</p> + +<p><a name="82"></a>[82]Having fixed this penalty, God could not change it afterward, +because God could not be inconsistent; he cannot deny himself. +(2 Timothy 2:13) It was by the disobedience of one man that sin came +into the world and death as the result of sin; so death has been the +penalty upon all mankind. (Romans 5:12) And this will continue until +God's due time to awaken them out of death and give all an opportunity +for life; and this we will discuss later. "The Lord preserveth them +that love him, but all the wicked will he destroy." (Psalm 145:20) The +Apostle plainly says that all the wicked shall be punished with an +everlasting destruction.—2 Thessalonians 1:9.</p> + +<p><a name="83"></a>[83]But do not the wicked go to hell?</p> + +<p><a name="84"></a>[84]It is true that all who have died from Adam until now have gone to +hell. But hell does not mean a place of conscious torture. Wherever the +word hell occurs in the Bible it means the condition of death. Hell is +not a place, but a condition. Those who go into the grave are not +conscious there; but they have gone into the death condition. Their +bodies decay and return to the dust. The word hell is translated from +the Hebrew word <i>sheol</i>, as used in the Old Testament. This same word +is a number of times translated grave and sometimes pit. In the New +Testament the same word hell is translated from the Greek word <i>hades</i> +and likewise means grave, the condition of death, the tomb.</p> + +<p><a name="85"></a>[85]Some Scriptural illustrations of this prove that hell means a +condition of death. Job was a good and godly man, who tried to obey +Jehovah. He had suffered the loss of all his earthly possessions and +then his neighbors taunted him because of his suffering; and while he +was thus suffering, he prayed that God would permit him to go to hell, +saying: "O that thou wouldest hide me in hell [<i>sheol</i>, the grave] until +thy wrath be past". (Job 14:13) He desired to be hid in the grave until +the time of the resurrection, hoping in God's promise that some day the +dead would come again. Then Job says: "If I wait the grave is mine +house: I have made my bed in the darkness". "Our rest together is in the +dust." (Job 17:13,16) Thus he pictures the grave as a condition of +darkness, where there is no knowledge, no wisdom or device. Again he +said: "A man's sons come to honor, and he knoweth it not; and they are +brought low, but he perceiveth it not of them". (Job 14:21) Why? Because +those who are in hell, in the tomb, in the grave, in the condition of +death, have no knowledge of anything. They are out of existence, waiting +for the resurrection.</p> + +<p><a name="86"></a>[86]Jacob's beloved son Joseph was sold into Egypt by his brethren. +Joseph's coat was dipped in the blood of an animal and brought to Jacob, +and it was told Jacob the father that his son Joseph was dead. In his +grief he exclaimed: "I will go down into hell [<i>sheol</i>, the grave] unto +my son mourning". (Genesis 37:35) Jacob was a good man and approved of +the Lord; for the Apostle says he was. (Hebrews 11:9,39) Jacob meant +that he was going to the grave, to the death condition, mourning for +his beloved son.</p> + +<p><a name="87"></a>[87]Benjamin was Jacob's youngest son. After he lost Joseph his +affections were centered upon Benjamin. His elder sons came to him and +requested that their younger brother be permitted to go down with them +to Egypt. Their father Jacob objected to their taking him, saying, "My +son shall not go down with you; for his brother is dead, and he is left +alone: if mischief befall him by the way in which ye go, then shall ye +bring down my gray hairs with sorrow to hell [<i>sheol</i>, the grave]". +(Genesis 42:38) We know, then, that the hell here described could not be +a place of fire and brimstone, for the gray hairs of Jacob would not +last long in the fire. What he really meant was that as an old, +gray-headed man he would go down to the grave in sorrow if anything +befell his beloved son.</p> + +<p><a name="88"></a>[88]Jesus came to earth and lived and died and was buried; and it was +written of him that he went to hell. "Thou wilt not leave my soul in +hell." (Psalm 16:10) If hell is a place of endless torment and Jesus +went there he could not have been released. The fact that he did not +remain in hell is proof conclusive that hell is not a place of eternal +torment.</p> + +<p><a name="89"></a>[89]Jehovah established the true religion in the earth, which was and is +to worship him and glorify his name. Satan established a false religion +in his attempt to be like the Most High. God established his covenant +with the nation of Israel and commanded that they should keep themselves +separate and distinct from the heathen nations round about. Satan +established a false religion amongst the heathen nations and caused them +to worship images and other things aside from Jehovah. These heathen +idolaters built an altar in the valley of Hinnom for the purpose of +offering sacrifices to their gods. The Jews forsook their covenant with +Jehovah and became worshipers of Baal, one of Satan's deified ones. In +practising Baal worship they offered their children as sacrifices, and +upon this has been based the doctrine of torture by fire, concerning +which Jehovah says: "They have built also the high places of Baal, to +burn their sons with fire for burnt offerings unto Baal, which I +commanded not, nor spake it, neither came it into my mind". (Jeremiah +19:5) Again said the Lord: "They built the high places of Baal, which +are in the valley of the son of Hinnom, to cause their sons and their +daughters to pass through the fire unto Molech, which I commanded them +not, neither came it into my mind, that they should do this abomination, +to cause Judah to sin". (Jeremiah 32:35) The things which the heathen +sacrificed they sacrificed to devils and not to God. (1 Corinthians +10:20) This false or devil religion established amongst the deluded +people of the world was another means employed by Satan to blind the +minds of men to the true teachings of the divine plan.</p> + +<p><a name="90"></a>[90]In exercising divine justice, Jehovah at no time employs torture; +but he denounces such doctrine as an abomination in his sight. Divine +justice exercised destroys the evil doers; therefore that which is +destroyed eternally is everlastingly punished. Some Scriptures proving +this are: "Evil doers shall be cut off; but those that wait upon the +Lord, they shall inherit the earth. For yet a little while and the +wicked shall not be; yea, thou shalt diligently consider his place, and +it shall not be.... But the wicked shall perish, and the enemies of the +Lord shall be as the fat of lambs: they shall consume; into smoke shall +they consume away.... For such as be blessed of him shall inherit the +earth; and they that be cursed of him shall be cut off.... For the Lord +loveth judgment, and forsaketh not his saints; they are preserved +forever; but the seed of the wicked shall be cut off.... Wait on the +Lord, and keep his way, and he shall exalt thee to inherit the land: +when the wicked are cut off, thou shalt see it.... The transgressors +shall be destroyed together: the end of the wicked shall be cut +off."—Psalm 37:9,10,20,22,28,34,38.</p> + +<p><a name="91"></a>[91]The doctrine of eternal torment is a defamation of Jehovah's +character. It is a foul stain upon his lovable name. The chief purpose +of man is to glorify God. It is therefore his privilege and duty to +remove from the minds of others this misconception of Jehovah and enable +others to understand that God is indeed love. An understanding of his +plan shows that everything he does is prompted by love. No sooner had he +sentenced man to death than he began to reveal his plan for his +redemption and ultimate deliverance. The more clearly we see and +understand these great truths, the more do we rejoice in the divine +attribute of justice and the divine arrangement in making it manifest.</p> + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> + +<p>What divine attribute is mentioned as the habitation of God's throne? +<a href="#39">¶ 39</a>.</p> + +<p>What divine attribute devised the plan of God? <a href="#39">¶ 39</a>.</p> + +<p>Is it necessary for the divine attributes to operate harmoniously? <a href="#39">¶ 39</a>.</p> + +<p>Is God's law unchangeable? <a href="#39">¶ 39</a>.</p> + +<p>What mental effect is produced upon God's creatures by the +unchangeableness of his law? <a href="#39">¶ 39</a>.</p> + +<p>What must follow violation of the divine law? <a href="#39">¶ 39</a>.</p> + +<p>What is the prerogative of divine Justice? <a href="#39">¶ 39</a>.</p> + +<p>How does the manifestation of divine justice affect the name and dignity +of Jehovah? <a href="#39">¶ 39</a>.</p> + +<p>Was it necessary for divine justice to be manifested in order for +divine love to be fully exercised? and if so, why? <a href="#39">¶ 39</a>.</p> + +<p>What is essential to a proper appreciation of divine loving kindness? +<a href="#39">¶ 39</a>.</p> + +<p>Why is Jehovah never unjust nor unkind? <a href="#39">¶ 3</a>9.</p> + +<p>Does Jehovah make mistakes? <a href="#39">¶ 39</a>.</p> + +<p>To what end does he use his power? <a href="#39">¶ 39</a>.</p> + +<p>What is symbolized by the second string upon the harp of God? <a href="#40">¶ 40</a>.</p> + +<p>Define good and evil. <a href="#41">¶ 41</a>.</p> + +<p>When did evil become active? <a href="#41">¶ 41</a>.</p> + +<p>Did God compel Adam to do or not to do certain things? <a href="#41">¶ 41</a>.</p> + +<p>What punishment did God prescribe for a violation of his law? <a href="#41">¶ 41</a>.</p> + +<p>Why and by whom was Eve induced to violate the law? <a href="#41">¶ 41</a>.</p> + +<p>Why did Adam violate the law of God? <a href="#41">¶ 41</a>.</p> + +<p>To whom does all dominion rightfully belong? <a href="#42">¶ 42</a>.</p> + +<p>What dominion did God give to man? <a href="#42">¶ 42</a>.</p> + +<p>Why did Lucifer induce Eve to sin? <a href="#42">¶ 42</a>.</p> + +<p>What did Lucifer meditate in his heart? <a href="#42">¶ 42</a>.</p> + +<p>What was the cause of Lucifer's fall? <a href="#43">¶ 43</a>.</p> + +<p>How was divine justice manifested against Lucifer? <a href="#43">¶ 43</a>.</p> + +<p>By what names is Lucifer known since his fall? Give the meaning of each +of the names. <a href="#43">¶ 43</a>.</p> + +<p>Describe how the devil induced Eve to violate God's law. <a href="#44">¶ 44</a>.</p> + +<p>What reply did Eve make to the devil's suggestion that she violate God's +law? <a href="#44">¶ 44</a>.</p> + +<p>Who told the truth, God or Satan, relative to the result of Eve's act? +<a href="#44">¶ 44</a>.</p> + +<p>The fact that Eve was deceived by Satan, could that in any wise change +the penalty of the law? <a href="#45">¶ 45</a>.</p> + +<p>What did Adam and Eve do after they had violated the divine law? <a href="#46">¶ 46</a>.</p> + +<p>What action did Jehovah take toward them, and why? <a href="#46">¶ 46</a>.</p> + +<p>Give the details of the judgment or sentence pronounced by Jehovah +against Adam and Eve. <a href="#46">¶ 46</a>.</p> + +<p>What was the result of the judgment pronounced against man? <a href="#47">¶ 47</a>.</p> + +<p>How long did Adam live after he was sentenced to die? <a href="#47">¶ 47</a>.</p> + +<p>How did God enforce the sentence against man? <a href="#47">¶ 47</a>.</p> + +<p>Would Adam have died if he had remained in Eden? <a href="#47">¶ 47</a>.</p> + +<p>Why does a parent punish his child? <a href="#48">¶ 48</a>.</p> + +<p>If the child always obeyed, would punishment he necessary? <a href="#48">¶ 48</a>.</p> + +<p>What is one of the chief reasons for God permitting man to suffer the +effects of wrongdoing? <a href="#48">¶ 48</a>.</p> + +<p>Why did God enforce his judgment against man? What was his purpose? +<a href="#49">¶ 49</a>.</p> + +<p>What motive prompts all the acts of Jehovah? <a href="#49">¶ 49</a>.</p> + +<p>The manifestation of divine justice may be likened to what chord in +music? and why? <a href="#50">¶ 50</a>.</p> + +<p>What did the suffering of Job picture relative to the harp? <a href="#51">¶ 51</a>.</p> + +<p>How could Adam and Eve apply the sayings of Job to themselves? <a href="#51">¶ 51</a>.</p> + +<p>Has the world of mankind ever appreciated the manifestation of divine +justice? and why not? <a href="#51">¶ 51</a>.</p> + +<p>Why can a Christian appreciate the manifestation of divine justice as +one of the strings of God's harp? <a href="#51">¶ 51</a>.</p> + +<p>As a sacrificing priest, what did Aaron typify? <a href="#52">¶ 52</a>.</p> + +<p>How did the experiences of Aaron and his sons teach Christians not to +mourn because of the exercise of divine justice? <a href="#52">¶ 52</a>.</p> + +<p>When a Christian appreciates the divine plan, what does he say? <a href="#52">¶ 52</a>.</p> + +<p>What did God sentence to death, the soul or the body? <a href="#53">¶ 53</a>.</p> + +<p>If the soul of man were immortal, how could it be put to death? <a href="#53">¶ 53</a>.</p> + +<p>Is it important for us to define terms before freely using them in the +study of the Bible? <a href="#54">¶ 54</a>.</p> + +<p>Define immortality. <a href="#55">¶ 55</a>.</p> + +<p>Define the soul. <a href="#55">¶ 55</a>.</p> + +<p>State fully the Scriptural account of how the soul was created. <a href="#55">¶ 55</a>.</p> + +<p>Give some illustration of the soul. <a href="#56">¶ 56</a>.</p> + +<p>Does man possess a soul? <a href="#58">¶ 58</a>.</p> + +<p>What creatures beside man are souls? <a href="#58">¶ 58</a>.</p> + +<p>Is there a difference in the manner of the death of souls? <a href="#58">¶ 58</a>.</p> + +<p>Give some Scriptures to show that the soul is not immortal. <a href="#59">¶ 59</a>.</p> + +<p>With whom did the term "immortal soul" originate? <a href="#60">¶ 60</a>.</p> + +<p>When and by whom was the first lie told? <a href="#60">¶ 60</a>.</p> + +<p>How has Satan blinded the people? and what has been his purpose in so +doing? <a href="#60">¶ 60</a>.</p> + +<p>What is the basis for all false doctrines? <a href="#60">¶ 60</a>.</p> + +<p>If all souls were immortal, could God destroy a willful sinner? <a href="#61">¶ 61</a>.</p> + +<p>Who possesses the quality of immortality? <a href="#61">¶ 61</a>.</p> + +<p>To whom has immortality been promised as a reward? <a href="#61">¶ 61</a>.</p> + +<p>Give some Scriptural reason why men are not inherently immortal. <a href="#61">¶ 61</a>.</p> + +<p>What other false doctrine has Satan employed in deceiving mankind? <a href="#62">¶ 62</a>.</p> + +<p>Are the dead conscious at any time after death? <a href="#62">¶ 62</a>.</p> + +<p>Do the dead remember anything? Do they praise the Lord? <a href="#63">¶ 63</a>.</p> + +<p>Can the dead breathe, think, or feel? <a href="#64">¶ 64</a>.</p> + +<p>Give an illustration showing that the dead do not feel. <a href="#64">¶ 64</a>.</p> + +<p>Do the dead have knowledge or wisdom? Can they love or hate? <a href="#65">¶ 65</a>.</p> + +<p>Give some Scriptural proof that death means to perish, and define +perish. <a href="#66">¶¶ 66, 67</a>.</p> + +<p>Why is death sometimes spoken of as sleep? Give Scriptural proof. +<a href="#68">¶¶ 68, 69</a>.</p> + +<p>How has the doctrine of eternal torment affected many? <a href="#70">¶ 70</a>.</p> + +<p>Who is responsible for the doctrine of eternal torment? <a href="#70">¶ 70</a>.</p> + +<p>Give four reasons why eternal torment cannot be true. <a href="#70">¶ 70</a>.</p> + +<p>Would eternal torment accomplish any good? Would it result to the glory +of God? <a href="#71">¶ 71</a>.</p> + +<p>Could any creature be eternally tormented contrary to the will of God? +<a href="#72">¶ 72</a>.</p> + +<p>Could a reasonable God torture any creature? <a href="#72">¶ 72</a>.</p> + +<p>Why would not a sane person torture his child or his dog? <a href="#73">¶ 73</a>.</p> + +<p>Since the Scriptures declare that God is love, could he torment a +creature? <a href="#73">¶ 73</a>.</p> + +<p>Why is the doctrine of eternal torture unreasonable? <a href="#74">¶ 74</a>.</p> + +<p>Why is the doctrine of eternal torture unjust? <a href="#75">¶ 75</a>.</p> + +<p>Why is the doctrine of eternal torment devoid of love? <a href="#76">¶¶ 76-79</a>.</p> + +<p>What is the difference between everlasting torment and everlasting +punishment? <a href="#81">¶ 81</a>.</p> + +<p>What is the severest punishment inflicted for the violation of human +laws? <a href="#81">¶ 81</a>.</p> + +<p>What is the severest punishment God inflicts for the violation of his +laws? <a href="#81">¶ 81</a>.</p> + +<p>Could God change the penalty for the violation of his law after the +penalty has been once fixed and the law violated? and if not, why not? +<a href="#82">¶ 82</a>.</p> + +<p>Do not the wicked go to hell? <a href="#84">¶ 84</a>.</p> + +<p>What is the meaning of the English word hell? and from what words has it +been translated? <a href="#84">¶ 84</a>.</p> + +<p>What did Job say about going to hell? <a href="#85">¶ 85</a>.</p> + +<p>Is anyone conscious while in hell? <a href="#85">¶ 85</a>.</p> + +<p>What did Jacob say about going to hell? and whom did he expect to meet +there? <a href="#86">¶ 86</a>.</p> + +<p>If hell means a place of fiery torment, how could Jacob preserve his +gray hairs there? <a href="#87">¶ 87</a>.</p> + +<p>Jesus went to hell, as the Scriptures declare. If hell is a place of +eternal torment, how could Jesus get out? <a href="#88">¶ 88</a>.</p> + +<p>What religion did God establish on earth? <a href="#89">¶ 89</a>.</p> + +<p>What religion did Satan establish on earth? <a href="#89">¶ 89</a>.</p> + +<p>What does Jehovah's Word say about burning children in fires as +offerings to Baal? <a href="#89">¶ 89</a>.</p> + +<p>To whom did the heathen sacrifice their children? <a href="#89">¶ 89</a>.</p> + +<p>What has been Satan's purpose in teaching the false religion? <a href="#89">¶ 89</a>.</p> + +<p>What punishment has God fixed for the willfully wicked? Give Scriptural +proof. <a href="#90">¶ 90</a>.</p> + +<p>What is man's duty toward God and toward his fellow men in regard to +teaching the doctrine of eternal torment? <a href="#91">¶ 91</a>.</p> + +<p>How are we affected by a proper understanding of the manifestation of +divine justice? <a href="#91">¶ 91</a>.</p> + + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /><br /> + +<span style="margin-left: 6em;"><big>WITHOUT THE GATES</big></span><br /> +<br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">Alas! how changed from bowers of Paradise</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 3em;">That desolate region, overgrown with thorn</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 3em;">And thistle rank—a trackless waste forlorn,</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">Unblessed by God, o'erarched by sullen skies,</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">There stand that guilty pair, now sadly wise,</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 3em;">Their hearts with grief, their feet with briers torn,</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 3em;">Vainly their faded innocence they mourn,</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">And toward the gates of Eden turn their eyes.</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">No more to see the beauty and the bloom</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 3em;">Of that blest garden was to sinners given;</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">To weep and labor wearily their doom,</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 3em;">Out of God's holy, blissful presence driven,</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">Till through life's sorrows, and death's dust and gloom,</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 3em;">By woman's promised seed they're blest of heaven.</span><br /> +<br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">—<i>Pollok</i>.</span><br /> + +<hr style="width: 95%;" /> +<center> +<img src="images/055.png" width="350" height="500" alt="" title=""> +</center> + + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<a name="CHAPTER_IV"></a><h2>CHAPTER IV</h2> + +<h3>String 3: <i>The Abrahamic Promise</i></h3> +<br /> + +<p><a name="92"></a>[92]Some time after Adam and Eve were driven from Eden children were born to +them, who grew to the estate of manhood and womanhood and they in turn +had children. Cain obtained his wife by marrying his sister. Thus the +peoples of earth gradually increased. They all wandered about in the +earth, earning their bread in the sweat of their face. Some of these +children were bad and some were good. God showed his favor to the good, +as he always favors those who are good. Satan exercised his wicked +influence amongst the people and most of them turned to evil.</p> + +<p><a name="93"></a>[93]Noah was a good man and he and the members of his family served the +Lord Jehovah. Sixteen hundred years and more passed from the time of the +judgment in Eden (during which time the people became very wicked) and +there was great violence in the earth. God purposed to destroy all the +wicked of earth; so he directed Noah to build an ark and to take into +the ark the members of his family; and this done, a great flood of +waters came upon the earth and all living creatures were destroyed +except those in the ark. There were only eight persons left on the earth +after the flood. (Genesis 7:21-23; 1 Peter 3:20) Noah and his sons begat +children and the peoples of earth again increased. Amongst them were +some good and some bad. Amongst those who tried to do the will of God +was a man named Abram, which name was later changed to Abraham. He is +spoken of in the Scriptures as the friend of God. Abraham's wife was +named Sarah.</p> + +<p><a name="94"></a>[94]When Abraham was 75 years of age, Jehovah said to him: "Get thee out +of thy country, and from thy kindred, and from thy father's house, unto +a land that I will show thee: and I will make of thee a great nation, +and I will bless thee, and make thy name great; and thou shalt be a +blessing; and in thee shall all families of the earth be blessed". +(Genesis 12:1-3) Abraham with his wife and others left Haran for the +land of Canaan. When they had reached a point in that land known as +Sichem, the Lord appeared unto him and said: "Unto thy seed will I give +this land". Abraham builded an altar there, and the place has since been +known as Bethel, which means the house of God. Afterward Abraham dwelt +in the plains of Mamre, which is just above the present site of Hebron +in the southern part of Palestine. While there, God made a covenant with +him, saying: "Unto thy seed have I given this land, from the river of +Egypt unto the great river, the river Euphrates".—Genesis 15:18.</p> + +<p><a name="95"></a>[95]Thereafter, when Abraham was 99 years old, the Lord appeared unto +him and said: "I will make my covenant between me and thee, and will +multiply thee exceedingly, ... and thou shalt be a father of many +nations. And I will give unto thee, and to thy seed after thee, the land +wherein thou art a stranger, all the land of Canaan, for an everlasting +possession; and I will be their God." (Genesis 17:2,4,8) Some time +later, when Abraham was sitting at the door of his tent, which was +pitched in the plains of Mamre, there stood before him three men, +messengers from Jehovah. In the plains of Mamre, a short distance above +the town of Hebron, still stands a very ancient oak tree. It is about +thirty feet in circumference. It is claimed that this is Abraham's oak, +where he pitched his tent at the time these holy messengers appeared to +him. Of course we cannot believe this is true, because an oak would not +live that length of time. It is interesting, however, to note this +ancient tree standing approximately at the point where Abraham is +supposed to have resided in his tent. Here it was that Abraham prepared +refreshments for his distinguished visitors; and "he stood by them under +the tree, and they did eat". Here it was that the messenger of Jehovah +told Abraham that he and his wife Sarah would be given a son.—Genesis +18:1-14.</p> + +<p><a name="96"></a>[96]In due time a son was born unto Abraham and Sarah and his name was +called Isaac. (Genesis 21:1-3) Afterward, when the son Isaac had grown +up, Jehovah put Abraham to a great test, and in doing so he made a +picture which foreshadowed the redemption of the human race. This record +appears in the twenty-second chapter of Genesis. God said unto Abraham: +"Take now thy son, thine only son Isaac, whom thou lovest, and get thee +into the land of Moriah; and offer him there for a burnt-offering upon +one of the mountains which I will tell thee of". (Genesis 22:2) It is +interesting here to note that Mount Moriah is inside of the walls of the +present city of Jerusalem. It was the site of the temple of Solomon, and +supposed to be the very spot where Abraham was met by Melchizedek. It is +the place where Abraham was directed to offer and did offer up his son +Isaac.</p> + +<p><a name="97"></a>[97]Providing himself with wood to be used for the fire, Abraham and his +son and servants journeyed for three days from the plains of Mamre to +Moriah; and arriving there, he at once prepared for the burnt-offering. +Isaac was not aware of the purpose of his father to offer him; so he +said to his father: "Behold the fire and the wood: but where is the +lamb for a burnt offering? And Abraham said, My son, God will provide +himself a lamb for a burnt-offering." Abraham then informed his son that +he was to be the offering. Then he bound Isaac and laid him upon the +altar and stretched forth his hand and took the knife with which to slay +his son. This was a great test to Abraham's faith. Isaac was his only +son and he loved him dearly; but Jehovah had commanded him to offer him +up as a sacrifice, and because of his love for Jehovah he proceeded to +obey God's command. As he raised his hand to strike dead his only +beloved son, "the angel of the Lord called unto him out of heaven, and +said, Abraham, Lay not thine hand upon the lad, neither do thou any +thing unto him: for now I know that thou fearest God, seeing thou hast +not withheld thy son, thine only son, from me". When Abraham looked he +saw a ram caught in a thicket nearby and he took the ram and offered it +for a burnt-offering.</p> + +<p><a name="98"></a>[98]Then "the angel of the Lord called unto Abraham the second time, and +said, By myself have I sworn, saith the Lord, for because thou hast done +this thing, and hast not withheld thy son, thine only son: That in +blessing I will bless thee, and in multiplying I will multiply thy seed +as the stars of the heaven, and as the sand which is upon the sea shore; +and thy seed shall possess the gate of his enemies; and in thy seed +shall all the nations of the earth be blessed; because thou hast obeyed +my voice."—Genesis 22:15-18.</p> + +<p><a name="99"></a>[99]In this wonderful picture Abraham was a type of Jehovah, while Isaac +was a type of Jesus, the beloved Son of Jehovah. Abraham's offering his +beloved son on the altar, pictured how God in due time would offer his +only beloved Son as a great sacrifice that mankind might be redeemed +from death and have an opportunity to live. Abraham did not, as indeed +he could not, understand God's purposes, for the reason that Jehovah did +not reveal them to him; but he knew that God had here made a covenant +with him and bound it with his oath; and that by these two certain and +unchangeable things, his word and his oath, God would carry out his +covenant in due time, and that covenant would result in the blessing of +all the families and nations of earth.</p> + +<p><a name="100"></a>[100]The word covenant means contract; and it is the solemn form for +expressing a compact, agreement, or contract between parties, or +particularly on the part of one whereby he promises to do a certain +thing. With Jehovah a covenant or a contract is sacred and inviolate, +because Jehovah changes not. (Malachi 3:6) Having promised it, he will +fulfill it. (Hebrews 6:18) It is always necessary that there be two +parties to a contract. There may be more. Where one party only is bound +to do a certain thing that contract is called unilateral, or one-sided; +and where both parties are bound to perform certain things, the contract +is called bilateral, or two-sided.</p> + +<p><a name="101"></a>[101]It will be observed that this oathbound covenant that Jehovah made +with Abraham contained no conditions or limitations, but was merely a +promise of Jehovah bound by his oath, and is therefore properly called a +unilateral or one-sided covenant; for the reason that God's purpose was +and is to carry out his plan to bless the human race, regardless of what +any one may or may not do. There was no need for him to make any +conditions to the covenant. He merely announced his benevolent purpose +toward mankind. The covenant does not even say that the blessing of the +people will follow upon the condition that Abraham should do a certain +thing, or that the people should seek him. The covenant does not say +that every person will be blessed with life everlasting; but it does +say that all the families of the earth shall be blessed, which means +that every one must in God's due time have a full, fair opportunity for +life everlasting. It means, furthermore, that in God's due time +knowledge will be brought to all in order that every one may avail +himself of the opportunity thus provided for life. It means, +furthermore, that assistance will be given to every one, that he may +profit by this blessed opportunity; and all who prove their loyalty +under the test that will come by reason of the opportunity will be +granted life everlasting.</p> + + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> + +How was the earth originally peopled? <a href="#92">¶ 92</a>. + +<p>Where did Cain get his wife? <a href="#92">¶ 92</a>.</p> + +<p>To whom does Jehovah show his favor? <a href="#92">¶ 92</a>.</p> + +<p>What effect does Satan's influence have on the people? <a href="#92">¶ 92</a>.</p> + +<p>What kind of man was Noah? and whom did he serve? <a href="#93">¶ 93</a>.</p> + +<p>Why did Jehovah direct Noah to build the ark? <a href="#93">¶ 93</a>.</p> + +<p>How many persons escaped destruction at the time of the flood? and who +were they? <a href="#93">¶ 93</a>.</p> + +<p>How was the earth peopled after the flood? <a href="#93">¶ 93</a>.</p> + +<p>What man is mentioned in the Scriptures as the friend of God? and what +was the name of his wife? <a href="#94">¶ 94</a>.</p> + +<p>What was the age of Abraham when God spoke to him? and what did Jehovah +say? <a href="#94">¶ 94</a>.</p> + +<p>What was Abraham's native land? and to what land did he go in obedience +to God's command? ¶ 94<a href="#94"></a>.</p> + +<p>At what places did Abraham stop in Canaan that are specially mentioned +in the Bible? <a href="#94">¶ 94</a>.</p> + +<p>What promise did God make to Abraham at Bethel? and what promise did he +make while Abraham dwelt in the plains of Mamre? <a href="#94">¶ 94</a>.</p> + +<p>Describe the place of Abraham's residence at the time Jehovah promised +him a son. Quote the Scriptural account. <a href="#95">¶ 95</a>.</p> + +<p>How many sons did Abraham have by his wife Sarah? Give Scriptural proof. +<a href="#96">¶ 96</a>.</p> + +<p>To what special test did God put Abraham with reference to his son +Isaac? <a href="#96">¶ 96</a>.</p> + +<p>Describe in detail the offering of Isaac. <a href="#97">¶ 97</a>.</p> + +<p>Repeat God's promise to Abraham at the time of his offering of Isaac. +<a href="#98">¶ 98</a>.</p> + +<p>Whom did Abraham typify in this offering? and of whom was Isaac a type? +<a href="#99">¶ 99</a>.</p> + +<p>What did the offering of Isaac picture? <a href="#99">¶ 99</a>.</p> + +<p>Did Abraham understand the full meaning of God's promise? <a href="#99">¶ 99</a>.</p> + +<p>What is the meaning of the word "covenant"? <a href="#100">¶ 100</a>.</p> + +<p>How does God regard his covenants? Give Scriptural proof. <a href="#100">¶ 100</a>.</p> + +<p>How many parties are required to make a covenant? <a href="#100">¶ 100</a>.</p> + +<p>Where only one party is bound, what kind of covenant is it? <a href="#100">¶ 100</a>.</p> + +<p>Where both parties are bound to perform certain things, then what do we +call the covenant? <a href="#100">¶ 100</a>.</p> + +<p>Why was God's covenant with Abraham a one-sided covenant? <a href="#101">¶ 101</a>.</p> + +<p>What is the important statement of the Abrahamic covenant or promise? +<a href="#101">¶ 101</a>.</p> + +<p>Whom will the Abrahamic covenant ultimately affect? <a href="#101">¶ 101</a>.</p> + +<br /> + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /><br /> + + +<span style="margin-left: 7em;"><big>"IS IT COME?"</big>;</span><br /> +<br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">Poet and seer that question caught,</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 3em;">Above the din of life's fears and frets;</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">It marched with letters, it toiled with thought,</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 3em;">Through schools and creeds which the earth forgets.</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">And statesmen trifle, and priests deceive,</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 3em;">And traders barter our world away;</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">Yet hearts to that golden promise cleave,</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 3em;">And still, at times, "Is it come?" they say.</span><br /> + +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">The days of the nations bear no trace</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 3em;">Of all the sunshine so far foretold;</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">The cannon speaks in the teacher's place;</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 3em;">The age is weary with work and gold;</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">And high hopes wither, and memories wane;</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 3em;">On hearths and altars the fires are dead;</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">But that brave faith hath not lived in vain;</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 3em;">And this is all that our watcher said.</span><br /> +<br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">—<i>Brown</i>.</span><br /> + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /><br /> + + +<center> +<img src="images/064.png" width="525" height="350" alt="" title=""> +</center> +<br /> + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<a name="CHAPTER_V"></a><h2>CHAPTER V</h2> + +<h3>String 4: <i>The Birth of Jesus</i></h3> +<br /> + +<p><a name="102"></a>[102]It has pleased Jehovah to use men and women to picture or foreshadow +various parts of his plan. For instance, Abraham at times pictures or +represents God; while Sarah his wife was used to picture or typify God's +covenant with Abraham through which he promised to bring forth the seed +for the blessing of all the families of the earth. Sarah was the mother +of Isaac, her only son. Isaac was used to typify or foreshadow Jesus, +the son of God, the Redeemer of the world. Hagar had a son by Abraham, +and Hagar typified or foreshadowed the law covenant, which was made by +Jehovah with Moses as a mediator for the children of Israel at Mount +Sinai. As Hagar was a bondwoman, the servant of Sarah, so was the law +covenant one of bondage that brought forth no real blessings to the +Jews; but it was made for the purpose of teaching the Jews their +inability to lift themselves up to life and to show them the absolute +necessity for a redeemer. After the death of his wife Sarah, Abraham +married Keturah and by her had many children; and Keturah is used as a +type foreshadowing the new covenant that is to be made by Jehovah with +Christ as the Mediator for the world of mankind, through which all will +have an opportunity to gain life everlasting.</p> + +<p><a name="103"></a>[103]The apostle Paul speaks of these figures or pictures relating to +the covenants, as follows: "For it is written, that Abraham had two +sons, the one by a bondmaid, the other by a freewoman. But he who was +of the bondwoman was born after the flesh; but he of the freewoman was +by promise. Which things are an allegory: for these are the two +covenants; the one from the mount Sinai, which gendereth to bondage, +which is Agar. For this Agar is mount Sinai in Arabia, and answereth to +Jerusalem which now is, and is in bondage with her children. But +Jerusalem which is above is free, which is the mother of us all. For it +is written, Rejoice, thou barren that bearest not; break forth and cry, +thou that travailest not: for the desolate hath many more children than +she which hath an husband. Now we, brethren, as Isaac was, are the +children of promise." (Galatians 4:22-28) Isaac pictures the entire +Christ, head and body—Jesus the Head, the church the body members.</p> + +<p><a name="104"></a>[104]It is noted that God's covenant with Abraham stated that there +would be an offspring or seed which would bless all the families of the +earth. This seed is the Redeemer, Christ Jesus, the Savior of the world; +and by adoption into the family of God the true Christians, the church, +the members of Christ's body, become a part of that seed. "And the +scripture, foreseeing that God would justify the heathen through faith, +preached before the gospel unto Abraham, saying, In thee shall all +nations be blessed. Now to Abraham and his seed were the promises made. +He saith not, And to seeds, as of many; but as of one, And to thy seed, +which is Christ."—Galatians 3:8,16.</p> + +<p><a name="105"></a>[105]Before the blessing promised could come to the peoples of earth, +the seed which was promised must first come. The Israelites, otherwise +called Jews, therefore expected that one of the natural descendants of +Abraham would become their king and that through that king and his +kingdom all the nations of the earth would be blessed by receiving the +benefits first given to them. For this reason the faithful Jews looked +forward with great expectancy to the birth of the one who was to be +their king. They based their hopes upon the repeated promise made by +Jehovah. Without doubt it was thought by some that Isaac, the son of +Abraham, would be the one through whom the blessing would come. "After +the death of Abraham, God blessed his son Isaac; and Isaac dwelt by the +well Lahai-roi." (Genesis 25:11) When Isaac was about sixty years old +there were born to him and his wife Rebekah two sons, twins, who were +named by them Esau and Jacob.—Genesis 25:26.</p> + +<p><a name="106"></a>[106]Isaac then went to live in the land of the Philistines, and while +there, God said to him: "Sojourn in this land, and I will be with thee, +and will bless thee; for unto thee, and unto thy seed, I will give all +these countries, and I will perform the oath which I sware unto Abraham +thy father; and I will make thy seed to multiply as the stars of heaven, +and will give unto thy seed these countries; and in thy seed shall all +the nations of the earth be blessed". (Genesis 26:3,4) Thus the +Abrahamic promise was renewed to Isaac. Before the death of Isaac, he +pronounced his blessing upon his son Jacob, and Jacob thereby became the +successor of his father to the Abrahamic promise.</p> + +<p><a name="107"></a>[107]Under the rule of descent, the firstborn or eldest son was the heir +of the father's estate and any other rights or privileges that went with +that estate, unless for some cause there should be an exception to the +rule. Esau having been born a few moments before his brother Jacob, +under the operation of this rule would be the successor to the Abrahamic +promise and heir to his father. His birthright, therefore, would include +the promise made to Abraham. But the Lord clearly indicated that there +should be an exception to the rule in this case and that Jacob should +be the heir and not Esau. When it was known that the mother would bear +two sons, and just before the time of their birth, Rebekah the mother +inquired of the Lord concerning the expected children and the Lord said +unto her that two sons would be born to her and that the elder should +serve the younger. (Genesis 25:22,23) This definitely shows that it was +God's purpose that Jacob, who was born last, should be the heir and +successor to the Abrahamic promise.</p> + +<p><a name="108"></a>[108]These two sons grew to manhood's estate. Esau became a great +hunter and loved the outdoor sports; while Jacob was a plain man, +remaining quietly at home. Esau showed that he did not appreciate the +birthright, viz., the Abrahamic promise, even if it were his, which in +fact it was not, since God had foreordained that it should belong to +Jacob. Esau thought more of his own selfish, immediate comfort than +anything that might come to him by reason of this promise. On one +occasion he was in the field hunting. He returned hungry and faint. He +found that Jacob had prepared a pot of lentils. When Esau smelled this +appetizing food he said to Jacob: "Feed me, I pray thee, with that same +red pottage, for I am faint". And Jacob said: "Sell me this day thy +birthright". "And Esau said, Behold I am at the point to die: and what +profit shall this birthright do to me? And Jacob said, Swear to me this +day; and he sware unto him: and he sold his birthright unto Jacob. Then +Jacob gave Esau bread and pottage of lentils; and he did eat and drink, +and rose up, and went his way: thus Esau despised his birthright." +—Genesis 25:27-34.</p> + +<p><a name="109"></a>[109]Genuine, real right and title to the birthright was now Jacob's +for two good and sufficient reasons: (1) because it was so ordered by +the Lord before his birth, as above stated; and (2) because he had +bought it in an open and fair transaction with his brother Esau. These +two brothers were not mere children at this time. They were past forty +years of age (Genesis 26:34), both capable of entering into a contract; +and they made a contract which was binding upon both.</p> + +<p><a name="110"></a>[110]Notwithstanding these two good reasons why Jacob was justly +entitled to the birthright, Esau attempted to deprive him of it. The +birthright carried with it the privilege of the special blessing from +their father. Isaac was old and his eyes were dim, so that he could not +see; and he knew that the day of his death might be near. (Genesis +27:1,2) He directed his son Esau to go into the field and take some +venison and bring it to him that he might eat; and give Esau his +blessing.</p> + +<p><a name="111"></a>[111]The Bible does not clearly show that Isaac knew God had +foreordained that this birthright should belong to Jacob, nor that he +knew Esau had sold it to Jacob; therefore we can excuse the old father +for thinking it was his duty to bestow his blessing upon his son Esau. +Rebekah the mother, however, knowing of both these reasons why Jacob was +entitled to the birthright, knowing that Esau did not appreciate it, and +knowing of his wrongful intent to deprive his brother Jacob of the +privileges and blessings incident to the birthright, advised Jacob what +to do in order to protect his own rightful and proper interests. The +mother therefore was carrying out God's will in this respect. She was +doing what all honest persons should do—try to protect the rights and +privileges of those that are near and dear to them. She therefore +directed Jacob to slay two kids of the goats and bring them to her and +she prepared some savory meat; and then, in order that the blind father +might not obstinately refuse to aid them in carrying out the divine +purposes, and in order that he might think he was blessing Esau, the +mother Rebekah fastened upon the arms of her son Jacob the skins of the +kids and also put the skins about his neck that he would appear as a +hairy man like unto his brother Esau.</p> + +<p><a name="112"></a>[112]Jacob then came in before his father and presented the savory meat. +His father kissed him and laid his hand upon him and gave to Jacob his +blessing. The old father then spoke in prophetic phrase, evidently under +the direction of the Lord, saying unto his son Jacob: "Let people serve +thee, and nations bow down to thee: be lord over thy brethren, and let +thy mother's sons bow down to thee: cursed be every one that curseth +thee, and blessed be he that blesseth thee".—Genesis 27:29.</p> + +<p><a name="113"></a>[113]Almost immediately Esau returned from the field and found that +Jacob had received his father's blessing and that he (Esau) had been +unsuccessful in carrying out his purpose of defeating the open and fair +transaction which he had made with Jacob when he had sold his +birthright. He hated his brother Jacob and determined to kill him as +soon as his father Isaac was dead.</p> + +<p><a name="114"></a>[114]It seems rather strange that many Christian people have severely +criticized Jacob and his mother Rebekah in this transaction. It has +evidently been due to the fact that they were ignorant of the record. No +part of Jacob's action in connection with the birthright is +reprehensible. Everything with reference to Esau is reprehensible. God +subsequently showed that Esau pictured the peoples of earth who are +Christians in name only, but not in truth and in fact, who are +hypocritical, and who persecute the true Christians; while Jacob +pictured or foreshadowed the true followers of Christ who have been +misrepresented and persecuted by the merely nominal Christians. God +showed his approval of the conduct of Jacob and his mother Rebekah, and +showed that it was his purpose and intention that Jacob should receive +the blessing going with the birthright. Jacob had shown his great desire +for the birthright, which was merely a promise; while Esau had despised +it. Acting upon the advice of his mother, Jacob now fled from the wrath +of Esau; and as he went away, he lay down and slept at a place situated +north of the present site of Jerusalem and which afterward he named +Bethel, which means the house of God. There he had a dream, in which God +signified his approval of Jacob and pronounced a blessing upon him.</p> + +<p><a name="115"></a>[115]"And he lighted upon a certain place, and tarried there all night, +because the sun was set; and he took of the stones of that place, and +put them for his pillows, and lay down in that place to sleep. And he +dreamed, and behold a ladder set up on the earth, and the top of it +reached to heaven: and behold the angels of God ascending and descending +on it. And, behold, the Lord stood above it, and said, I am the Lord God +of Abraham, thy father, and the God of Isaac: the land whereon thou +liest, to thee will I give it, and to thy seed; and thy seed shall be as +the dust of the earth, and thou shalt spread abroad to the west, and to +the east, and to the north, and to the south: and in thee and in thy +seed shall all the families of the earth be blessed. And, behold, I am +with thee, and will keep thee in all places whither thou goest, and will +bring thee again into this land; for I will not leave thee, until I have +done that which I have spoken to thee of."—Genesis 28:11-15.</p> + +<p><a name="116"></a>[116]Whom God approves and blesses all others should approve. We may be +assured, then, that Jacob was blameless before Jehovah in this +transaction. It shows how carefully Jehovah was guarding his promise and +the seed which would spring from it ultimately and through which the +families of the earth should be blessed.</p> + +<p><a name="117"></a>[117]Some years later God showed his further favor to Jacob by changing +his name from Jacob to Israel. The name Israel means, <i>He will rule as +God</i>. "And God said unto him, Thy name is Jacob: thy name shall not be +called any more Jacob, but Israel shall be thy name: and he called his +name Israel. And God said unto him, I am God Almighty: be fruitful and +multiply; a nation and a company of nations shall be of thee, and kings +shall come out of thy loins; and the land which I gave Abraham and +Isaac, to thee I will give it, and to thy seed after thee will I give +the land." (Genesis 35:10-12) According to the promise given to Jacob at +this time, a nation should spring forth of him.</p> + +<p><a name="118"></a>[118]Jacob had twelve sons. There were born to him by his wife Leah the +sons Reuben, Simeon, Levi, Judah, Issachar, and Zebulun; and by his wife +Rachel, Joseph and Benjamin. His other sons were Dan, Naphtali, Gad, and +Asher. Jacob's wife Rachel was the most beloved by him, and she was the +mother of his beloved son Joseph. After Jacob had been deprived of +Joseph's presence and fellowship, he devoted his affections to Benjamin, +the other son by his beloved wife Rachel. The Scriptures show that these +two sons typified those who will be born on the spirit plane, Joseph +being a type of the royal family of heaven; while Benjamin typified the +great company or tribulation class born on a spirit plane lower than +those possessing the divine nature.</p> + +<p><a name="119"></a>[119]Jacob spent his last days with his family in Egypt. Just before +his death he called before him his sons, that he might bestow upon them +his last blessings. From this time forward dates the history of the +nation of Israel. While pronouncing the blessing upon his various sons, +he said concerning his son Judah: "Judah is a lion's whelp: from the +prey, my son, thou art gone up: he stooped down, he couched as a lion, +and as an old lion; who shall rouse him up? The sceptre shall not depart +from Judah, nor a lawgiver from between his feet, until Shiloh come; and +unto him shall the gathering of the people be." (Genesis 49:9,10) This +prophetic promise definitely shows that the mighty one to come through +whom the blessings of the people would flow must spring from the tribe +of Judah, the word Shiloh being one of the titles applied to the great +Prince of Peace, the Deliverer, the Savior of mankind.</p> + +<p><a name="120"></a>[120]After the death of Jacob his offspring were known as the children +of Israel, or Israelites. Joseph when a lad had been sold into Egypt, +had grown to manhood, had become a mighty man and ruler in Egypt under +the king, and was dwelling there in power and glory when his father +Jacob and the other members of his family moved into Egypt to live. +During the lifetime of Joseph the Israelites were well treated. After +his death, however, a new king came to the throne of Egypt, who began to +oppress and persecute the Israelites. God raised up Moses and used him +to deliver the Israelites from the land of Egypt and the oppressive hand +of Egypt's king.</p> + +<p><a name="121"></a>[121]We incidentally remark that here are some other pictures +foreshadowing portions of the divine plan. Egypt under the rule of a +wicked king pictures or represents the world of mankind in darkness +under the rule of the unrighteous one, Satan, who is the god of this +world. The Israelites in Egypt picture the people of God and those who +shall ultimately come into harmony with him; while Moses was a type +foreshadowing the great Messiah, who is to deliver all mankind from the +bondage of sin and death.</p> + +<p><a name="122"></a>[122]Moses was a prophet of God and God spoke through Moses, using him +as a mouthpiece or messenger. After the Lord had delivered the children +of Israel from Egypt by the hand of Moses, he spoke through Moses, who +prophesied unto Israel, saying: "The Lord thy God will raise up unto +thee a Prophet from the midst of thee, of thy brethren, like unto me; +unto him ye shall hearken". (Deuteronomy 18:15; Acts 3:22) From that +time forward the Israelites watched and waited for the coming of the +great prophet, priest, and king who should be like unto Moses and of +whom Moses was a picture or a type. They knew that such a one must come +from the house of Judah, because God had promised as much. David was a +direct descendant of Judah.—Luke 3:31-34.</p> + +<p><a name="123"></a>[123]From time to time God's prophets gave utterance to words that kept +alive in the minds of the Israelites the hope that God would send them a +mighty one, through whom the promise made to Abraham would be fulfilled. +In time this promise was specifically limited to the house of David, the +Lord causing his prophet to write thus: "The Lord hath sworn in truth +unto David; he will not turn from it; Of the fruit of thy body will I +set upon thy throne. If thy children will keep my covenant and my +testimony that I shall teach them, their children shall also sit upon +thy throne for evermore."—Psalm 132:11,12.</p> + +<p><a name="124"></a>[124]David himself was a prophet of Jehovah, and the Lord spoke through +him with reference to the heir of the Abrahamic promise who should be +king over Israel. "Then David the king stood upon his feet, and said, +Hear me, my brethren, and my people: As for me, I had in mine heart to +build an house of rest for the ark of the covenant of the Lord, and for +the footstool of our God, and had made ready for the building: but God +said unto me, Thou shalt not build an house for my name, because thou +hast been a man of war, and hast shed blood. Howbeit the Lord God of +Israel chose me before all the house of my father to be king over Israel +for ever: for he hath chosen Judah to be the ruler; and of the house of +Judah, the house of my father; and among the sons of my father he liked +me to make me king over all Israel: and of all my sons (for the Lord +hath given me many sons) he hath chosen Solomon my son to sit upon the +throne of the kingdom of the Lord over Israel. And he said unto me, +Solomon thy son, he shall build my house and my courts: for I have +chosen him to be my son, and I will be his father. Moreover I will +establish his kingdom for ever, if he be constant to do my commandments +and my judgments, as at this day,"—1 Chronicles 28:2-7.</p> + +<p><a name="125"></a>[125]Thus far the divine record definitely establishes the fact that +the great heir or king of Israel, the seed through which the blessings +of God would be bestowed, must come through David's line; and that also +it should come through Solomon, provided, of course, the conditions laid +upon Solomon were fulfilled. In any event, it must come through David's +line, and through his son Solomon provided Solomon met the requirements. +We repeat the words for emphasis: "Moreover I will establish his kingdom +for ever, <i>if he be constant to do my commandments and my judgments</i>, +as at this day". And then David said: "And thou, Solomon, my son, know +thou the God of thy father, and serve him with a perfect heart and with +a willing mind: for the Lord searcheth all hearts, and understandeth all +the imaginations of the thoughts: if thou seek him, he will be found of +thee; but if thou forsake him, he will cast thee off for ever". +—1 Chronicles 28:9.</p> + +<p><a name="126"></a>[126]The question is, Did Solomon receive the approval of the Lord? If +so, the great Messiah must come through his line. If not, then he could +not come through Solomon. This question is answered by the Scriptures, +as follows: "For it came to pass, when Solomon was old, that his wives +turned away his heart after other gods: and his heart was not perfect +with the Lord his God, as was the heart of David his father.... And the +Lord was angry with Solomon, because his heart was turned from the Lord +God of Israel, which had appeared unto him twice, and had commanded him +concerning this thing, that he should not go after other gods: but he kept +not that which the Lord commanded. Wherefore the Lord said unto Solomon, +Forasmuch as this is done of thee, and thou hast not kept my covenant and +my statutes, which I have commanded thee, I will surely rend the kingdom +from thee, and will give it to thy servant. Notwithstanding in thy days +I will not do it for David thy father's sake: but I will rend it out of +the hand of thy son. Howbeit I will not rend away all the kingdom; but +will give one tribe to thy son for David my servant's sake, and for +Jerusalem's sake which I have chosen,"—1 Kings 11:4,9-13.</p> + +<p><a name="127"></a>[127]After Solomon's death the nation of Israel was divided. The last +three kings of Solomon's line to rule over Israel were Jehoiakim, +Jehoiachin (also called Coniah) and Zedekiah. Zedekiah became a wicked +ruler and of him it is recorded: "And thou, profane and wicked prince of +Israel, whose day is come, when iniquity shall have an end, thus saith +the Lord God: Remove the diadem, and take off the crown; this shall not +be the same: exalt him that is low, and abase him that is high. I will +overturn, overturn, overturn it; and it shall be no more, until he come +whose right it is; and I will give it [to] him." (Ezekiel 21:25-27) This +shows a complete overthrowing of the line of Solomon and definitely +settles the proposition that Messiah could not be counted through the +line of Solomon, but must be some other way. Seemingly God's promise to +bring the mighty deliverer through the line of David had failed, because +of Solomon's failure. But not so. David had another son, whom the Lord +used. Solomon's line had been exalted. Now this line must be abased, and +the lower line must be exalted.</p> + +<p><a name="128"></a>[128]The obscure line of David was his son Nathan. Mary the mother of +Jesus was a direct descendant of Nathan of the house of David.</p> + +<p><a name="129"></a>[129]Jeremiah prophesied concerning the coming of Messiah, as follows: +"Behold the day is coming, saith the Lord, that I will raise unto David +a righteous branch and a king shall reign and prosper.... In his day +Judah shall be saved, and Israel shall dwell safely; and this is the +name that Jehovah proclaimeth him, Our Righteousness."—Jeremiah 23:5,6, +<i>Young</i>.</p> + +<p><a name="130"></a>[130]Mary, the mother-to-be of Jesus, was approached by the angel of the +Lord, who said to her: "Fear not, Mary; for thou hast found favor with +God. And, behold, thou shalt conceive in thy womb, and bring forth a son +and shalt call his name Jesus. He shall be great, and shall be called +the Son of the Highest; and the Lord God shall give unto him the throne +of his father David: and of his kingdom there shall be no end. Then said +Mary unto the angel, How shall this be, seeing I know not a man? And the +angel answered and said unto her: The holy spirit shall come upon thee, +and the power of the Highest shall overshadow thee; therefore also that +holy thing which shall be born of thee shall be called the Son of +God."—Luke 1:30-35.</p> + +<p><a name="131"></a>[131]Then Mary, seemingly directed by the power of Jehovah, said: "My +soul doth magnify the Lord and my spirit hath rejoiced in God my Savior. +For he hath regarded the low estate of his handmaiden; for behold, from +henceforth all generations shall call me blessed. For he that is mighty +hath done to me great things; and holy is his name. And his mercy is on +them that fear him from generation to generation. He hath showed +strength with his arm; he hath scattered the proud in the imagination of +their hearts. He hath put down the mighty from their seats, and exalted +them of low degree." (Luke 1:46-52) Her words draw the contrast between +the once favored family of Solomon and the humbler family of Nathan, +Solomon's family being abased and Nathan's now exalted. Thus the proof +is brought forth that the Lord did raise up unto David a righteous +branch.</p> +<br /> +<br /> +<h4>IN EXPECTATION</h4> + +<p><a name="132"></a>[132]The promise made to Abraham, which was subsequently repeated to +others, thoroughly impressed the minds of the devout Israelites with the +thought that at some future time there would be born of a woman of the +Jewish people a holy child, and that in some way to them not understood +this child would be the means of blessing all the families and nations +of the earth. They expected the Jewish nation to become the greatest +nation of earth, and looked for all other nations to flow unto it, be +subservient to it and receive their blessings through it. These +conclusions they based upon the words of the prophets, even though they +did not fully understand the meaning of those prophecies. To them the +prophet Isaiah had said: "And it shall come to pass in the last days, +that the mountain of the Lord's house shall be established in the top of +the mountains, and shall be exalted above the hills; and all nations +shall flow unto it. And many people shall go and say, Come ye, and let +us go up to the mountain of the Lord, to the house of the God of Jacob; +and he will teach us his ways, and we will walk in his paths: for out +of Zion shall go forth the law, and the word of the Lord from +Jerusalem." (Isaiah 2:2,3) And again: "For unto us a child is born, unto +us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and +his name shall be called Wonderful, Counselor, The mighty God, The +everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace. Of the increase of his +government and peace there shall be no end, upon the throne of David, +and upon his kingdom, to order it, and to establish it with judgment and +with justice from henceforth even for ever. The zeal of the Lord of +hosts will perform this."—Isaiah 9:6,7.</p> + +<p><a name="133"></a>[133]The prophet Zechariah said: "And it shall come to pass that every +one that is left of all the nations which came against Jerusalem shall +even go up from year to year to worship the King, the Lord of hosts, and +to keep the feast of tabernacles. And it shall be, that whoso will not +come up of all the families of the earth unto Jerusalem to worship the +King, the Lord of hosts, even upon them shall be no rain."—Zechariah +14:16,17.</p> + +<p><a name="134"></a>[134]These prophecies, while relating in a measure to the birth of +Jesus, had only a partial fulfillment at that time. Their far greater +fulfillment is yet future, as we shall see.</p> + +<p><a name="135"></a>[135]The birth of Jesus, the greatest event in the world's history, was +about to be enacted. Two thousand years had passed since God had made +the promise to Abraham of the coming of the mighty One through whom all +the families of the earth should be blessed. During that time Jehovah +was executing his preconceived plan, renewing his promise to keep it +fresh in the minds of the faithful, and shaping the course of those who +should participate in this great transaction. And now, as the day drew +near, the stage was being set.</p> + +<p><a name="136"></a>[136]The place selected was Bethlehem, situated on an elevation south +of Jerusalem. It was once the home of Boaz, whose fields the beautiful +Moabitish woman Ruth had gleaned whom Boaz redeemed and afterward took +as his wife. Here Jehovah had used Boaz as a type of Christ Jesus and +Ruth as a type of the church, his bride, foreshadowing things yet to +come.</p> + +<p><a name="137"></a>[137]Later Bethlehem was the home of Jesse and of David his son. The +name David implies 'beloved one'; and it was here that he was anointed +to be king over Israel, from which time he typified Jesus, the mighty +Son of God. Jehovah had selected this as the birthplace of Jesus; hence +here the birth must take place.—Matthew 2:5,6; Micah 5:2.</p> + +<p><a name="138"></a>[138]Away to the north in Galilee stood the humble and despised city of +Nazareth. It was the home of Joseph the carpenter, a meek, little-known, +yet honest, man. He was espoused to Mary. We should expect that Jehovah +would time everything exactly; and so he did. The scepter had departed +from Judah; the Romans were in control of Palestine, and the time for +the birth of the mighty One was due. Exercising his perfect wisdom and +power, Jehovah was overruling all things to the accomplishment of his +purpose. Augustus Caesar, then the emperor and ruler over all Palestine, +issued a decree that all the people should be taxed. Every one must go +to the city of his nativity, there to be numbered and taxed. Joseph the +carpenter, although a resident of Nazareth, was of the house of David, +and hence must go to the city of David to be numbered and taxed. +Naturally his espoused virgin would accompany him to that city. She +likewise was of the house of David through another line—another reason +why she should go there. But above all, the Lord directed them there +because it was a part of his arrangement.</p> + +<p><a name="139"></a>[139]At that time there were no means of easy and rapid transit. It was +a long journey, a tedious and tiresome one. Joseph, with his espoused +seated upon an ass, journeyed through the hills along the Jordan +probably for three days, and late in the evening reached the city of +Bethlehem. The city was crowded; the private homes were full; all the +hotels, inns, and other places were crowded out. Tired, worn, and weary +from their long journey, they were jostled by the crowd in the narrow +streets of the city. Applying to various places for lodging, at each +place they were turned away; until finally they found a location where +they could sleep in a stall with the cattle. And they retired for the +night's repose.</p> + +<p><a name="140"></a>[140]Over the brow of the hill, in the field once owned by Boaz and +gleaned by the beautiful Ruth, the faithful shepherds were watching +their sheep. According to custom, they had four watches during the +night. Some would watch while the others slept.</p> + +<p><a name="141"></a>[141]The earthly stage is now set. But behold that there was no great +earthly splendor or show! In truth the condition of poverty of Joseph +and his espoused, and the like poor condition of the shepherds who were +now shortly to be used of the Lord, was the only fitting way that we +should expect the Lord would have it. All the pomp and glory of earthly +preparation would have been but tawdry tinsel, detracting from the +glorious things that were shortly to follow. Each one of the earthly +players whom Jehovah had assigned to perform a part upon this stage was +humble, meek, and possessed of faith in the promises of God. In heaven +there was a host of angels that should participate in the great drama; +and all the hosts of heaven were witnesses to this unparalleled and +never-again-to-be-performed event.</p> + +<p><a name="142"></a>[142]On earth it was night, picturing the fact that the whole world was +lying in darkness and a great light was coming into the earth. The time +had now arrived for the birth of the mighty One, and all the heavenly +hosts were awake to the importance of the hour. Doubtless while others +slept, Mary was pondering in her heart the great events that had taken +place during the few months past; and while she thus meditated there in +the silence of that night, without pain and without suffering there was +born to her Jesus, the Savior of the world. And the shepherds watching +their sheep in the field were attracted by the angel of the Lord, who +came upon them, "and the glory of the Lord shone round about them; and +they were sore afraid. 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 Savior, +Which is Christ the Lord."—Luke 2:8-11.</p> + +<p><a name="143"></a>[143]When this heavenly messenger had finished his wonderful speech to +the astonished shepherds, then it was, as if waiting a given signal, the +multitudinous heavenly host stood forth and sang the good tidings of +great joy which ultimately shall be to all people. Their song was but +the reflex of what had been announced. There sweet singers told in words +of praise of God's beneficent purpose ultimately to bless all the +families of the earth. It was a song of glory from heaven, and the hills +of Judea echoed the message of peace and good will toward men. And +throughout the gospel age this sweet anthem has filled with joy the +heart of many a sad wanderer; and seemingly again and again these have +heard the song from heaven: "Glory to God in the highest, and on earth +peace, good will toward men".</p> + +<p><a name="144"></a>[144]The world is now entering its darkest period, and when mankind +reaches the point of extremity, then will be God's opportunity to reveal +to all sad hearts that the birth of Jesus was the greatest event in +history to that time; and that shortly this same great Jesus, now in +glory, will extend the blessings of life, liberty and happiness to the +whole groaning creation.</p> + +<p><a name="145"></a>[145]The place of Jesus' birth was truly according to and in fulfillment +of prophecy, thus showing that God had foreordained and prepared the +conditions for his birth. (Micah 5:2; Matthew 2:4-6) Jesus was not born +on December 25, as is generally supposed; but his birth occurred about +the first of October. Midwinter would have been a very inopportune time +for the shepherds to be watching their sheep in the fields and sleeping +in the open. In addition to this circumstantial evidence, all the facts +show that the birth of Jesus was in October, and that December 25, nine +months previous, was probably the date of the annunciation. (Luke 1:30,31) +For a full discussion of this subject see STUDIES IN THE SCRIPTURES, +Volume 2, page 54.</p> + +<p><a name="146"></a>[146]Much has been said and written concerning the three wise men who +journeyed from the East to pay their homage to the babe Jesus, born in +Bethlehem. Particularly at Christmas time is our attention called to +this by pictures on cards, etc., of the wise men journeying to the West, +supposedly being guided by the star sent by Jehovah. It has been +presumed that Jehovah by the star led these wise men to the place of +Jesus' birth. The Bible proof shows, however, that these three wise men +were not sent by the Lord God, but that they were directed by the great +adversary, the devil, in his attempt to destroy the babe. Whether they +knew it or not, these three wise men were parties to a great conspiracy, +originated and carried out by the master mind, Satan, the devil, in his +attempt to destroy the seed of promise, the great Savior of the world.</p> + +<p><a name="147"></a>[147]When Jehovah drove Adam and Eve from Eden he likewise pronounced a +condemnation upon Satan. He said concerning Satan and the woman: "I will +put enmity between thy seed and her seed; it shall bruise thy head, and +thou shalt bruise his heel". (Genesis 3:15) From that time forward, +Satan the great adversary has attempted to destroy every one whom God +has favored and who he thought might constitute the seed of promise.</p> + +<p><a name="148"></a>[148]Jehovah has given to Satan four separate and distinct names, all of +which have a deep significance. Besides the name <i>Satan</i> he is +designated as the <i>dragon</i>, that old <i>serpent</i> and the <i>devil</i>. Dragon +means devourer or destroyer; and Satan has at all times been seeking to +destroy or devour Jesus and his true followers, who constitute the seed +of promise. His name Satan indicates adversary; and he has opposed in +every way the development of the new creation, consisting of Jesus and +his bride. His name serpent means deceiver; and he has applied all of +his wily methods to deceive, and as Jesus has declared, he would +deceive, if possible, the very elect, but God will not permit him thus +to do. His title devil means slanderer; and he has constantly carried on +a campaign of slanderous propaganda against the people of God even unto +this day, and has never lost an opportunity to try in his various ways +to destroy them.</p> + +<p><a name="149"></a>[149]When it was announced to Mary by the angel that she should bring +forth a child whose name should be called Jesus and that he would be the +Savior of his people, Satan recognized this promised and unborn babe as +the one who would ultimately bruise his head. The apostle Paul plainly +states to us that God sent Jesus into the world, one of his missions +being ultimately to destroy the devil. (Hebrews 2:14) The enmity of +Satan toward the seed of promise has never abated. Learning of the +promised birth of the child, Satan at once began to lay his plans for +its destruction. He attempted to induce Mary's espoused husband Joseph +to put her away and cause her to be put to death under the terms of the +Mosaic law; but God prevented this by advising Joseph through his +messenger in a dream to fear not, but to take Mary for his wife. +—Matthew 1:18-24.</p> + +<p><a name="150"></a>[150]Stars do not move above the canopy of heaven in such a manner as to +lead men. It seems unreasonable that Jehovah would have made a star move +from the East and stand over Bethlehem. Satan and his emissaries, the +demons associated with him, have power to produce lights; and many +instances are cited in history of these lights appearing near the earth. +The "star" or light that guided the wise men was without doubt such a +light and not a star moved by the power of Jehovah.</p> + +<p><a name="151"></a>[151]The wise men residing in the East were sorcerers and magicians. +They were star-gazers. They were followers of the false religion. They +sacrificed to and worshiped the devil. (1 Corinthians 10:20) Pharaoh the +king of Egypt was a type of Satan the devil; and Pharaoh used wise men +like unto these sorcerers and magicians to oppose the Lord and his +messengers in the day that they were in Egyptian bondage. (Exodus 7:11) +These were devotees of astrology and demon worship. Doubtless many of +them were sincere, but they were the dupes of a false religion +inaugurated by Satan. The Biblical record definitely fixes the fact that +Herod, then ruler in Jerusalem, was a wicked man, under the influence of +Satan.</p> + +<p><a name="152"></a>[152]"Now when Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea in the days of Herod +the king, behold, there came wise men from the east to Jerusalem, +saying, Where is he that is born King of the Jews? for we have seen his +star in the east, and are come to worship him." (Matthew 2:1,2) Be it +noted that these wise men went directly to Herod, a representative of +Satan. If the star guiding them was sent by the Lord Jehovah, why would +he guide them to Herod, a representative of Satan, and a mortal enemy of +the babe Jesus? If the sole purpose of the star was to guide these men +to the place of Jesus' birth there was no need for them to go to Herod +at all. The reasonable answer, then, is that Satan had prepared a great +conspiracy with the object of destroying the babe. A conspiracy is a +design to commit a wrongful act in which two or more join in committing +the act or some part of it. Sometimes persons are involved in a +conspiracy and participate without knowing the real purpose of the one +who forms the conspiracy. Such may have been the case with these wise +men; but without doubt Satan had formed and directed it.</p> + +<p><a name="153"></a>[153]When these wise men came into the presence of Herod, he was +troubled, because he feared the new king would interfere with his reign; +and he "gathered all the chief priests and scribes of the people [the +seed of Satan and also his representatives—John 8:44] together and +demanded of them where Christ should be born"—in other words he +demanded to know where the babe Jesus could be found. Then Herod, in +furtherance of the conspiracy, privately consulted with these wise men. +We now see Herod manifesting one of the characteristics of Satan, viz., +deception, in this, that he pretended to desire himself to find the babe +Jesus, that he might go and worship him; whereas all the facts and +circumstances show that his real purpose was that he might find the babe +in order to destroy him. "Then Herod, when he had privily called the +wise men, inquired of them diligently what time the star appeared. And +he sent them to Bethlehem, and said, Go and search diligently for the +young child; and when ye have found him, bring me word again, that I may +come and worship him also. When they had heard the king, they departed; +and, lo, the star, which they saw in the east, went before them, till it +came and stood over where the young child was."</p> + +<p><a name="154"></a>[154]We cannot for a moment believe that the heavenly Father would use a +wicked one like Herod and aid him in carrying out his wicked purpose by +having a star to direct these three wise men to the place of Jesus' +birth, in view of the fact that the king had demanded that they should +return and report to him, and when it was King Herod's purpose to +destroy the babe. The fact is that the devil and his instruments, Herod +and others, would have succeeded in this wicked conspiracy and have +caused the death of the babe Jesus had not God intervened to save the +child.</p> + +<p><a name="155"></a>[155]The wise men reaching Bethlehem found the babe and brought their +presents and worshiped. Without a doubt it was their intention to return +and report to Herod. And the result of such a return would have been the +death of the child. But God here intervened and warned them in a dream. +These wise magicians relied upon dreams. "Being warned of God in a dream +that they should not return to Herod, they departed into their own +country another way." Satan again was thwarted in his wicked purpose.</p> + +<p><a name="156"></a>[156]The real intent of Herod in sending these wise men is disclosed by +what subsequently happened. "Then Herod, when he saw that he was mocked +of the wise men, was exceeding wroth, and sent forth, and slew all the +children that were in Bethlehem, and in all the coasts thereof, from two +years old and under, according to the time which he had diligently +inquired of the wise men." (Matthew 2:16) Determined not to be thwarted +in his purpose, Satan and his instrument Herod were willing to destroy +all the babes in and about Bethlehem, with the hope of destroying the +one that was to be the King and Savior of the world. Jehovah saved the +babe Jesus from this slaughter by directing his mother and Joseph to +take the young child and flee into Egypt, which they did.—Matthew 2:13.</p> + +<p><a name="157"></a>[157]We would not be justified, then, in presuming that God was using +these devil worshipers, the "wise men"—"Magians," Magicians—for the +purpose of being his witnesses to the birth of his beloved Son. But on +the contrary, the facts show that it pleased him to reveal this great +truth to the shepherds and to use them as his witnesses.—Luke 2:8-18.</p> + +<p><a name="158"></a>[158]There is nothing whatsoever in the account of this experience of +the wise men to indicate that their mission was in any wise beneficial +to mankind; but the most charitable view we can take of it is that they +were dupes of a deep-laid plot by Satan, the arch conspirator, to +destroy the seed of promise; and that Jehovah let the conspiracy proceed +to the point where it would fully demonstrate the wickedness on the part +of Satan and his instrument, and then demonstrated his great protecting +power. Without a doubt Satan has attempted to deceive and has deceived +multitudes of honest people into believing that these wise men were the +witnesses of the Lord, and hid from their minds the fact that they in +truth and in fact represented Satan.</p> + +<p><a name="159"></a>[159]All the wicked persecution that came upon the Lord Jesus afterward, +and upon his followers to this day, has been because of the influence of +Satan the devil. And yet at all times the Lord has protected his own at +the very critical moment, just as promised: "The angel of the Lord +encampeth round about them that fear [reverence] him, and delivereth +them".—Psalm 34:7.</p> +<br /> +<br /> +<h4>HOW UNDEFILED?</h4> + +<p><a name="160"></a>[160]St. Paul says: "As by one man sin entered into the world, and death +by sin; and so death passed upon all men, for that all have sinned". +(Romans 5:12) "There is none that doeth good, no, not one." (Psalm 14:3) +These Scriptures being true, and since Jesus was born of a woman, was he +not born like other children? And if so, was he not a sinner like others?</p> + +<p><a name="161"></a>[161]Jesus was not a sinner. He was born pure, holy, sinless, without +spot or blemish. He was not begotten and born like other children. While +he was born of the woman Mary, Joseph was not his father. Joseph was +espoused to Mary, Jesus' mother, and before they were married she was +found to be with child. (Matthew 1:18) Mary was a virgin, yet she was +about to give birth and did give birth to the babe Jesus. (Matthew +1:20,23) The holy child that was born of the virgin Mary was and is the +Son of God.—Luke 1:35.</p> + +<p><a name="162"></a>[162]The words translated in our Bibles <i>Holy Ghost</i> should be properly +translated <i>holy spirit</i>. The holy spirit is the invisible power, energy +and influence of Jehovah. God is holy; therefore his power, energy, and +influence are holy. Father means life-giver. Jehovah is the Father of +Jesus because he gave life to Jesus; hence Jesus is called the Son of +God. The spirit, energy, or influence of Jehovah operating upon earthly +substance produced earthly creatures. (Genesis 2:7; 1 Corinthians 15:47) +The same holy power, energy, and influence begat the child Jesus, who +was born of his mother Mary. Therefore the life of Jesus was without sin +or imperfection. The germ of life of him who was born Jesus was +transferred from the spirit plane or nature to the human plane or +nature.</p> + +<p><a name="163"></a>[163]Jesus was our Lord's human name. It implied his humiliation and +lowly estate, in comparison with the glory which he had with the Father +before the world was. (John 17:5) He existed long before he became a +human being. His prehuman name was the <i>Logos</i>, which is translated in +our common version Bible "the Word". The word <i>Logos</i> is therefore one +of the titles of Jesus and should not be translated at all. It means the +spokesman, active agent, or messenger, of Jehovah. St. John, writing +concerning the Logos, who later became Jesus, says: "In the beginning +[which means the beginning of God's creative activity] was the Logos, +and the Logos was with God [the God, Jehovah], and the Logos was a God +[a mighty one]. The same was in the beginning with God [the God, +Jehovah]. All things were made by him [the Logos]; and without him [the +Logos] was not anything made that was made"—he was the active agent of +Jehovah in making all things,—John 1:1-3.</p> + +<p><a name="164"></a>[164]The beginning here referred to could not mean the beginning of God +the Father, because he is from everlasting to everlasting and never had +a beginning. (Psalm 41:13; 90:2) The <i>work</i> of Jehovah, however, had a +beginning, and his creative work is clearly what is here meant. The +Logos was the first and only direct creation of Jehovah; and thereafter +God's creation was performed through his Logos. This is the thought +expressed by the apostle Paul, who says of Jesus: "He is the image of +the invisible God, the firstborn of every creature; for by him were all +things created that are in heaven and that are in earth, visible and +invisible, whether they be thrones, or dominions, or principalities, or +powers; all things were created by him and for him, and he is before all +things and by him all things consist."—Colossians 1:15-17.</p> + +<p><a name="165"></a>[165]As further evidence of Jesus' prehuman existence, we have his own +words: "I came down from heaven, not to do mine own will, but the will +of him that sent me". (John 6:38) "I proceeded forth and came from God; +neither came I of myself, but he sent me." (John 8:42) Again: "Before +Abraham was, I am". (John 8:58) Again: "I came forth from the Father, +and am come into the world: again, I leave the world, and go to the +Father". (John 16:28) "And now, O Father, glorify thou me with thine own +self with the glory which I had with thee before the world was." (John +17:5) Again Jesus said: "I am the beginning of the creation of God". +(Revelation 3:14) Furthermore, the apostle Paul under inspiration +states: "God ... hath in these last days spoken unto us by his Son, whom +he hath appointed heir of all things, by whom also he made the worlds". +(Hebrews 1:1,2) And again he states: "For ye know the grace of our Lord +Jesus Christ, that, though he was rich, yet for your sakes he became +poor, that ye through his poverty might be rich". (2 Corinthians 8:9) He +was in the form of God before he became a man. "Who, though being in +God's form, yet did not meditate a usurpation to be like God, but +divested himself, taking a bondman's form, having been made in the +likeness of men."—Philippians 2:6,7, <i>Diaglott</i>.</p> + +<p><a name="166"></a>[166]Some have earnestly believed that Jesus was God himself. But such a +conclusion is not warranted by the Scriptures. John said: "The Father +loveth the Son, and hath given all things into his hand". (John 3:35) +Again Jesus said: "The Father judgeth no man, but hath committed all +judgment unto the Son: that all men should honor the Son, even as they +honor the Father. He that honoreth the Son honoreth the Father which +hath sent him.... For as the Father hath life in himself; so hath he +given to the Son to have life in himself." (John 5:22, 23, 26) Again +Jesus said: "It is also written in your law, that the testimony of two +men is true. I am one that bear witness of myself, and the Father that +sent me beareth witness of me." (John 8: 17, 18) Thus Jesus definitely +fixes the fact that he and the Father are separate and distinct beings.</p> + +<p><a name="167"></a>[167]Again Jesus said: "My Father, which gave them me, is greater than +all; and no man is able to pluck them out of my Father's hand. I and my +Father are one." (John 10:29,30) It may be asked, Does this not prove +that they were one being? Our answer is that it does not; but that it +does show, in connection with the other Scriptures quoted, that Jesus +and the Father, Jehovah, are one in spirit, one in purpose, one in +harmonious action; just as Jesus subsequently prayed to the Father that +the church, his followers, might be made one with him, when he said: +"Neither pray I for these alone, but for them also which shall believe +on me through their word; that they all may be one, as thou, Father, art +in me, and I in thee, that they also may be one in us: that the world +may believe that thou hast sent me. And the glory which thou gavest me I +have given them; that they may be one, even as we are one." (John +17:20-22) Thus Jesus definitely shows what is meant by being one with +the Father.</p> + +<p><a name="168"></a>[168]Again Jesus prayed to the Father, saying: "Father, save me from +this hour: but for this cause came I unto this hour. Father, glorify thy +name. Then came there a voice from heaven, saying, I have both glorified +it, and will glorify it again." (John 12:27,28) Jesus could not have +been praying to himself here, but he was praying to Jehovah God, from +whom he came.</p> + +<p><a name="169"></a>[169]That the Father is greater than the Son, Christ Jesus, he shows +when he says: "I go away, and come again unto you. If ye loved me, ye +would rejoice, because I said, I go unto the Father: for my Father is +greater than I."—John 14:28.</p> + +<p><a name="170"></a>[170]Many others have believed that Jesus, while on the earth, was still +a spirit being and that his flesh was merely a covering or house in +which that spirit being resided. Otherwise stated, that he was merely an +incarnated creature and not wholly a man. The incarnation theory is that +a spirit being inhabits for a time the human body, or a human body is +created for the express purpose of that spirit being's occupying it for +a time. The incarnation of Jesus is Scripturally erroneous. Indeed, if +he had been merely an incarnated being, he could never have redeemed +mankind. It is not disputed that he could have appeared as a human +being; and such is attested to in the instances given in Genesis 18:1,2 +and 19:1.</p> + +<p><a name="171"></a>[171]Some insist that Jesus when on earth was both God and man in +completeness. This theory is wrong, however. We should never formulate a +theory concerning God's plan in direct contradiction to his plain Word. +We should have faith in God and in his Word. Faith means to have a +knowledge of his Word and then to rely upon that Word confidently. The +Bible is the revealed Word of God, given to man for his instruction; and +where plain statements of the Bible are given, we should take them at +their face value. Following this course, we find that the plan of God +everywhere appears harmonious and beautiful.</p> + +<p><a name="172"></a>[172]The adversary takes advantage of an honest desire on the part of +some and leads them into error. Every conscientious and reverential mind +desires to honor God. For fear they might dishonor him, they are easily +led into failure to give proper consideration to plain statements of the +Bible. Some have been induced to believe that should they say that Jesus +when on earth was a man and not God, such would be a dishonor to God. +We should not permit ourselves to be beguiled or misled by sophistry or +theories, but should follow the plain teachings of the Bible and then +reach a conclusion in the light of that revealed Word after a full +examination.</p> + +<p><a name="173"></a>[173]The record concerning Jesus' prehuman existence, his being +begotten and his birth, entirely disproves the theory that he was +incarnated. The Scriptures above cited plainly show that he was begotten +in the womb of a woman, Mary, by the holy spirit, the power, energy or +influence of Jehovah; that thereafter he was born in the same general +manner that other children are born of a woman (Luke 2:9-11); that he +grew to manhood's estate and increased in wisdom and stature and in +favor with God and man. (Luke 2:40,52) None of these things would have +been necessary were he merely an incarnated being, a spirit being +inhabiting a body of flesh. He worked at the carpenter's trade until he +was thirty years of age, at which time he began his ministry. At that +time he went to John to be baptized in the Jordan. (Luke 3:21-23) +Immediately following that he spent forty days and nights in the +wilderness, fasting and studying Jehovah's plan. (Luke 4:1-14) If he +were God incarnate, this experience in the wilderness would seem wholly +unnecessary.</p> + +<p><a name="174"></a>[174]Jesus was not an angel or spirit being, because we have the +positive statement of the Apostle to the effect that, "We see Jesus, +who was made a little lower than the angels". (Hebrews 2:9) And again: +"Forasmuch then as the children are partakers of flesh and blood, he also +himself likewise partook of the same". (Hebrews 2:14) Furthermore, he was +at one time rich in heavenly power and glory and became poor for the sake +of mankind by taking upon himself the nature of man. (2 Corinthians 8:9) +He was made in the nature and likeness of man. (Philippians 2:8) The +Apostle, writing under inspiration, speaks of Jesus as the man: "For +since by man came death, by man came also the resurrection of the +dead.... The first man is of the earth, earthy; the second man is the +Lord from heaven."—1 Corinthians 15:21,47; see also 1 Timothy 2:5,6.</p> + +<p><a name="175"></a>[175]Had Jesus been merely an incarnated being it would not have been +necessary for him to be born as a babe and grow to manhood's estate. +While he was born of a woman, yet he was without sin, because from his +Father, Jehovah; for he was "holy, harmless, undefiled, separate from +sinners" (Hebrews 7:26); "and he was manifested to take away our sins, +and in him is no sin", (1 John 3:5) He was without spot or blemish; +therefore perfect and holy.—1 Peter 1:19; Hebrews 9:14.</p> + +<p><a name="176"></a>[176]God says to us: "Come now, and let us reason together, ... though +your sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they be +red like crimson, they shall be as wool". (Isaiah 1:18) We should reason +upon God's plan as revealed in the Bible, because he thus invites us to +do. When we see the reason why Jesus was made a man, why it was necessary +for him to be a perfect man while on earth, then we are glad and give +praise to God. Had he not become a man, there would have been no hope for +any of the human race to get life through Christ Jesus; and the Apostle +declares that there is no other name given under heaven whereby mankind +can live.—Acts 4:12.</p> + + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<p>In what peculiar manner has Jehovah used men and women in the Bible? +Give some examples. <a href="#102">¶ 102</a>.</p> + +<p>What was typified by Hagar? <a href="#102">¶ 102</a>.</p> + +<p>What was the purpose of the law covenant God made with Israel? <a href="#102">¶ 102</a>.</p> + +<p>Give the name of Abraham's third wife; and what did she typify? <a href="#102">¶ 102</a>.</p> + +<p>Give the apostle Paul's statement as to what the wives of Abraham +typified. <a href="#103">¶ 103</a>.</p> + +<p>What did Isaac typify or picture? <a href="#103">¶ 103</a>.</p> + +<p>What constitutes the seed of Abraham, according to the promise? <a href="#103">¶ 103</a>.</p> + +<p>Quote the words of St. Paul concerning the seed of Abraham. <a href="#103">¶ 103</a>.</p> + +<p>What is first necessary relative to the seed before the people can be +blessed? <a href="#104">¶ 104</a>.</p> + +<p>What was the expectation of the Jews concerning this seed? <a href="#105">¶ 105</a>.</p> + +<p>Give the names of Isaac's two sons; and what was Isaac's age when they +were born? <a href="#105">¶ 105</a>.</p> + +<p>After the birth of his sons, where did Isaac go to reside? and while +there, what did God say to him? <a href="#106">¶ 106</a>.</p> + +<p>Which of Isaac's sons became successor to the promise? and why? <a href="#106">¶ 106</a>.</p> + +<p>What really determined who would be the successor to the father's +estate? <a href="#107">¶ 107</a>.</p> + +<p>Did the Lord indicate that there should be any exception to this rule +relative to Jacob and Esau? <a href="#107">¶ 107</a>.</p> + +<p>How did the Lord indicate this to Rebekah the mother? <a href="#107">¶ 107</a>.</p> + +<p>How did Esau occupy his time generally? <a href="#108">¶ 108</a>.</p> + +<p>What different disposition did Jacob possess? <a href="#108">¶ 108</a>.</p> + +<p>Did Esau show an appreciation of the birthright, particularly the +Abrahamic promise? <a href="#108">¶ 108</a>.</p> + +<p>Relate the circumstances of Esau's selling of his birthright. <a href="#108">¶ 108</a>.</p> + +<p>Why did the birthright properly belong to Jacob? <a href="#109">¶ 109</a>.</p> + +<p>About what was the age of Jacob and Esau at the time of this +transaction? <a href="#109">¶ 109</a>.</p> + +<p>Was their contract binding on both? <a href="#109">¶ 109</a>.</p> + +<p>What privileges did the birthright carry with it? <a href="#110">¶ 110</a>.</p> + +<p>State the circumstances under which Esau attempted to deprive Jacob of +the birthright after he had sold it to him. <a href="#111">¶ 111</a>.</p> + +<p>Was the mother of these men justified in her action in this matter? and +if so, why? <a href="#111">¶ 111</a>.</p> + +<p>Relate the conditions under which Jacob obtained the blessing from his +father. <a href="#112">¶ 112</a>.</p> + +<p>What blessing, as shown by the Scriptures, did Isaac bestow upon Jacob? +<a href="#112">¶ 112</a>.</p> + +<p>After Esau failed in his attempt to defeat his own contract with Jacob, +what did he do toward obtaining the blessing from his father? <a href="#113">¶ 113</a>.</p> + +<p>Why have Christian people severely criticized Jacob and Rebekah because +of this transaction? <a href="#114">¶ 114</a>.</p> + +<p>Who was the more reprehensible, Jacob or Esau? and why? <a href="#114">¶ 114</a>.</p> + +<p>Whom did Esau picture or typify? <a href="#114">¶ 114</a>.</p> + +<p>Whom did Jacob picture or foreshadow? <a href="#114">¶ 114</a>.</p> + +<p>Did God approve or disapprove Rebekah's action? <a href="#114">¶ 114</a>.</p> + +<p>Why did Jacob flee the country? and upon whose advice? <a href="#114">¶ 114</a>.</p> + +<p>At what important Biblical place did Jacob spend the night? and what +occurred there? Give the Scriptural account. <a href="#114">¶¶ 114, 115</a>.</p> + +<p>Why should we disapprove any one whom God approves? <a href="#116">¶ 116</a>.</p> + +<p>How did God later show his favor to Jacob? <a href="#117">¶ 117</a>.</p> + +<p>What is the meaning of the name Israel? <a href="#117">¶ 117</a>.</p> + +<p>What promise did God make to Jacob after his name was changed to Israel? +<a href="#117">¶ 117</a>.</p> + +<p>How many sons did Jacob have? <a href="#118">¶ 118</a>.</p> + +<p>Give the names of his wives, and the sons by these wives, respectively, +<a href="#118">¶ 118</a>.</p> + +<p>Which one of his wives did he love most? <a href="#118">¶ 118</a>.</p> + +<p>Which was Jacob's beloved son? <a href="#118">¶ 118</a>.</p> + +<p>Under what circumstances was Joseph taken away? and upon whom did Jacob +bestow his affection thereafter? <a href="#118">¶ 118</a>.</p> + +<p>Whom did Joseph typify? and of whom was Benjamin a type? <a href="#118">¶ 118</a>.</p> + +<p>Where did Jacob spend his last days? <a href="#119">¶ 119</a>.</p> + +<p>What marks the beginning of the nation of Israel? <a href="#119">¶ 119</a>.</p> + +<p>In pronouncing the blessings upon his sons, what special prophecy was +made by Jacob concerning Judah? <a href="#119">¶ 119</a>.</p> + +<p>Who is foreshadowed by this prophecy? <a href="#119">¶ 119</a>.</p> + +<p>After Jacob's death, by what name were his offspring known? <a href="#120">¶ 120</a>.</p> + +<p>What position did Joseph now hold in Egypt? <a href="#120">¶ 120</a>.</p> + +<p>How were the Israelites treated during Joseph's lifetime? <a href="#120">¶ 120</a>.</p> + +<p>How were they after Joseph's death? <a href="#120">¶ 120</a>.</p> + +<p>Whom did God raise up as a deliverer of the Israelites from Egypt? <a href="#120">¶ 120</a>.</p> + +<p>What did Egypt typify or picture? and what was typified or pictured by +Egypt's ruler Pharaoh? <a href="#121">¶ 121</a>.</p> + +<p>Whom did the Israelites in Egypt picture? and of whom was Moses a type? +¶ 121. Who was Moses? <a href="#122">¶ 122</a>.</p> + +<p>What prophecy did Moses speak relative to a mighty one to follow him? +<a href="#122">¶ 122</a>.</p> + +<p>After hearing this prophecy, for whom were the Israelites looking? <a href="#122">¶ 122</a>.</p> + +<p>From what tribe did David descend? <a href="#122">¶ 122</a>.</p> + +<p>Through whom did God repeat the promises to Israel? <a href="#123">¶ 123</a>.</p> + +<p>To what particular house or line was the promise finally limited? <a href="#123">¶ 123</a>.</p> + +<p>What promise did the Lord make to David relative to the throne of +Israel? Quote the prophecy. <a href="#123">¶ 123</a>.</p> + +<p>When David was king, what prophetic utterance did he make concerning the +building of a house unto Jehovah? <a href="#124">¶ 124</a>.</p> + +<p>Why did God not permit David to build the temple? ¶ 124.</p> + +<p>Which one of David's sons was permitted to build the temple? <a href="#124">¶ 124</a>.</p> + +<p>Upon what condition was Solomon's to be the line from which the great +Deliverer would descend? Give the Scriptural proof. <a href="#125">¶ 125</a>.</p> + +<p>Did Solomon receive Jehovah's approval? <a href="#126">¶ 126</a>.</p> + +<p>Why was the kingdom taken away from Solomon? <a href="#126">¶ 126</a>.</p> + +<p>After Solomon's death, what happened to the nation of Israel? <a href="#127">¶ 127</a>.</p> + +<p>Name the last three kings of Solomon's line to rule over Israel. <a href="#127">¶ 127</a>.</p> + +<p>What did Jehovah pronounce through the Prophet concerning Zedekiah? Give +the Scriptural statement. <a href="#127">¶ 127</a>.</p> + +<p>In view of this, was it possible for the Messiah to be counted through +the line of Solomon? <a href="#127">¶ 127</a>.</p> + +<p>What other son did David have who was subsequently exalted? <a href="#128">¶ 128</a>.</p> + +<p>From whom did Mary the mother of Jesus descend? <a href="#128">¶ 128</a>.</p> + +<p>What did the prophet Jeremiah prophesy concerning the coming of Messiah +through David's lineage? <a href="#129">¶ 129</a>.</p> + +<p>What message did the angel of the Lord bring to Mary relative to the +Messiah? <a href="#130">¶ 130</a>.</p> + +<p>What did Mary say in response to the messenger? <a href="#130">¶ 130</a>.</p> + +<p>Why did Mary say: "From henceforth all generations shall call me +blessed"? <a href="#131">¶ 131</a>.</p> + +<p>What was meant by her prophetic statement: "He hath put down the mighty +from their seats and exalted them of low degree"? <a href="#131">¶ 131</a>.</p> + +<p>Why were the Jews looking for some child to be born who would be a great +ruler? <a href="#132">¶ 132</a>.</p> + +<p>Why did they expect their nation to become great? <a href="#132">¶ 132</a>.</p> + +<p>What prophetic utterances led the Jews to believe that there should be +raised up amongst them a great king? Quote the prophecies. <a href="#132">¶¶ 132, 133</a>.</p> + +<p>Did the prophecies of Isaiah and Zechariah relating to the coming king +have a complete fulfillment at the birth of Jesus? <a href="#134">¶ 134</a>.</p> + +<p>Of what relative importance was the birth of Jesus? <a href="#135">¶ 135</a>.</p> + +<p>How much time elapsed from the original promise made to Abraham until +the birth of Jesus? <a href="#135">¶ 135</a>.</p> + +<p>During that time, what was Jehovah doing relative to the promise? <a href="#135">¶ 135</a>.</p> + +<p>Where was Jesus born? <a href="#136">¶ 136</a>.</p> + +<p>How was Bethlehem foreshadowed by the Prophet? <a href="#136">¶ 136</a>.</p> + +<p>Give a brief statement of the important things which occurred in and +about Bethlehem. <a href="#137">¶ 137</a>.</p> + +<p>Where was Nazareth situated? <a href="#138">¶ 138</a>.</p> + +<p>State the relative importance of the city of Nazareth. <a href="#138">¶ 138</a>.</p> + +<p>Who were in control of Palestine at the time of the birth of Jesus? <a href="#138">¶ 138</a>.</p> + +<p>What important decree was issued by the ruler of Palestine that led +Joseph and Mary to Bethlehem? <a href="#138">¶ 138</a>.</p> + +<p>Why must they go to Bethlehemand not to some other city? <a href="#138">¶ 138</a>.</p> + +<p>How did Joseph and Mary journey from Nazareth to Bethlehem? and at what +time did they reach the latter city? <a href="#139">¶ 139</a>.</p> + +<p>Where did they find lodging? <a href="#139">¶ 139</a>.</p> + +<p>What important field lies near Bethlehem? and who were watching their +flocks there? <a href="#140">¶ 140</a>.</p> + +<p>How many watches were kept in a night? <a href="#140">¶ 140.</a></p> + +<p>Was there great earthly splendor and show at the birth of Jesus? and if +not, why not? <a href="#141">¶ 141</a>.</p> + +<p>What kind of people had God chosen to participate in the events of that +night? <a href="#141">¶ 141</a>.</p> + +<p>Who in heaven were participating in this great event? <a href="#141">¶ 141</a>.</p> + +<p>What did the night on the earth picture? <a href="#142">¶ 142</a>.</p> + +<p>At what particular place was Jesus born? <a href="#142">¶ 142</a>.</p> + +<p>What attracted the attention of the shepherds? and what message was +delivered to them? Repeat the message. <a href="#142">¶ 142</a>.</p> + +<p>Repeat all the text of Luke 2:8-11. <a href="#142">¶ 142</a>.</p> + +<p>What song did the shepherds hear from the heavenly hosts on this +occasion? <a href="#143">¶ 143</a>.</p> + +<p>What effect has this heavenly message had upon the hearts of men for +centuries past? <a href="#143">¶ 143</a>.</p> + +<p>Under what conditions will the peoples of earth learn of the importance +of the birth of Jesus? <a href="#144">¶ 144</a>.</p> + +<p>What was the date of Jesus' birth? <a href="#145">¶ 145</a>.</p> + +<p>Tell what you can concerning the three "wise men" that journeyed from +the East to Bethlehem at the birth of Jesus. <a href="#146">¶ 146</a>.</p> + +<p>Who sent the "wise men" to Herod? <a href="#146">¶ 146</a>.</p> + +<p>Why should we expect Satan to try to form a conspiracy to destroy the +babe Jesus? <a href="#147">¶ 147</a>.</p> + +<p>Explain the significance of the names given Satan; and how do these +apply to his operations against Jesus and his followers? <a href="#148">¶ 148</a>.</p> + +<p>When the promise was made to Mary that she should be the mother of +Jesus, how did Satan regard this promise? <a href="#149">¶ 149</a>.</p> + +<p>What was one of the purposes of Jesus' coming to earth relative to +Satan? <a href="#149">¶ 149</a>.</p> + +<p>What attempt did Satan make to destroy Mary and her babe before the +birth of Jesus? <a href="#149">¶ 149</a>.</p> + +<p>What was the "star" or light that guided the "wise men" to Bethlehem? +<a href="#150">¶ 150</a>.</p> + +<p>Who were these "wise men" and whom did they worship? <a href="#151">¶ 151</a>.</p> + +<p>Had Pharaoh the king of Egypt employed similar men? and for what +purpose? <a href="#151">¶ 151</a>.</p> + +<p>What kind of man was Herod? and under whose influence was he? <a href="#151">¶ 151</a>.</p> + +<p>Give the Scriptural account of the "wise men" going to Herod. <a href="#152">¶ 152</a>.</p> + +<p>Why would they go to Herod, the enemy of Jesus? <a href="#152">¶ 152</a>.</p> + +<p>Define a conspiracy. <a href="#152">¶ 152</a>.</p> + +<p>Is it possible for one to be involved in a conspiracy without knowing +the real purpose? <a href="#152">¶ 152</a>.</p> + +<p>What did Herod do when the "wise men" approached him? <a href="#153">¶ 153</a>.</p> + +<p>What characteristics did Herod manifest in his consultation with the +"wise men"? <a href="#153">¶ 153</a>.</p> + +<p>Would we expect God to help a wicked man like Herod carry out his +purpose to destroy God's beloved Son? <a href="#154">¶ 154</a>.</p> + +<p>Where did the "wise men" find the babe? <a href="#155">¶ 155</a>.</p> + +<p>Why did they not return to Herod? <a href="#155">¶ 155</a>.</p> + +<p>How did God thwart Satan's purpose here to destroy the babe? <a href="#155">¶ 155</a>.</p> + +<p>What wicked thing did Herod do when he found that the "wise men" had not +returned to him? <a href="#156">¶ 156</a>.</p> + +<p>Who prompted Herod to do this wicked act of slaying children? <a href="#156">¶ 156</a>.</p> + +<p>How was Jesus saved from this slaughter? and where did his parents take +him? <a href="#156">¶ 156</a>.</p> + +<p>Could we presume under these circumstances that God would use the "wise +men" for his witnesses to the birth of Jesus? <a href="#157">¶ 157</a>.</p> + +<p>What humble, honest creatures did he use as such witnesses? <a href="#157">¶ 157</a>.</p> + +<p>Was there anything in the mission of the "wise men" that is beneficial +to mankind? <a href="#158">¶ 158</a>.</p> + +<p>Why would God permit this conspiracy? <a href="#158">¶ 158</a>.</p> + +<p>Does Satan deceive honest people? <a href="#158">¶ 158</a>.</p> + +<p>Who has been responsible for all the persecution of Jesus and his +followers? <a href="#159">¶ 159</a>.</p> + +<p>Who has protected them, and how? <a href="#159">¶ 159</a>.</p> + +<p>Why are all the descendants of Adam sinners? Quote the Scripture. <a href="#160">¶ 160</a>.</p> + +<p>Jesus being born of a woman, was he a sinner? and if not, why not? <a href="#161">¶ 161</a>.</p> + +<p>What is meant by the words "holy ghost"? <a href="#162">¶ 162</a>.</p> + +<p>What is the meaning of the word father? <a href="#162">¶ 162</a>.</p> + +<p>Why is Jesus called the Son of God? <a href="#162">¶ 162</a>.</p> + +<p>Why was our Lord named Jesus? and what does the name imply? <a href="#163">¶ 163</a>.</p> + +<p>Did he exist before he became Jesus? and what was his prehuman name? +<a href="#163">¶ 163</a>.</p> + +<p>What is the meaning of the word Logos? and what relation has the Logos +to all of Jehovah's creation? <a href="#163">¶ 163</a>.</p> + +<p>Did Jehovah have a beginning? <a href="#164">¶ 164</a>.</p> + +<p>What is meant by the term "in the beginning" as used in John 1:1,2? <a href="#164">¶ 164</a>.</p> + +<p>Give further Scriptural evidence of the prehuman existence of Jesus. +<a href="#164">¶¶ 164, 165</a>.</p> + +<p>Are Jesus and Jehovah one and the same being? Give the Scriptural proof. +<a href="#166">¶ 166</a>.</p> + +<p>In what sense are the Father and the Son one? Give Scriptural proof. +<a href="#167">¶ 167</a>.</p> + +<p>When Jesus prayed to the Father, did he pray to himself or to another? +<a href="#168">¶ 168</a>.</p> + +<p>Who is the greater, Jehovah or Jesus? Give Scriptural proof. <a href="#169">¶ 169</a>.</p> + +<p>When Jesus was on earth, was he a spirit or a human being? <a href="#170">¶ 170</a>.</p> + +<p>What is meant by the incarnation theory? <a href="#170">¶ 170</a>.</p> + +<p>Do the Scriptures warrant the conclusion that Jesus was an incarnated +being? If not, why not? <a href="#170">¶ 170</a>.</p> + +<p>When Jesus was on earth, was he both God and man? If not, why not? <a href="#171">¶ 171</a>.</p> + +<p>By what must we determine these questions? <a href="#171">¶ 171</a>.</p> + +<p>What is the meaning of faith? <a href="#171">¶ 171</a>.</p> + +<p>How does Satan sometimes lead persons of honest heart into error? <a href="#172">¶ 172</a>.</p> + +<p>Should we follow sophistry or the Bible in reaching a conclusion on +these questions? <a href="#172">¶ 172</a>.</p> + +<p>Briefly review the argument of the begetting and birth of Jesus which +disproves that he was an incarnated being. <a href="#173">¶ 173</a>.</p> + +<p>If Jesus was God incarnate, why should he have had the experience in the +wilderness? <a href="#173">¶ 173</a>.</p> + +<p>Angels are spirit beings. What Scriptural proof have we that Jesus was +not an angel? Cite the Scriptural proof. <a href="#174">¶ 174</a>.</p> + +<p>Give further Scriptures to show that he <i>was</i> a man, made in the +likeness of men, and that he <i>is</i> the Lord from heaven. <a href="#174">¶ 174</a>.</p> + +<p>Had Jesus been an incarnate being, would it have been necessary for him +to be born as a child? <a href="#175">¶ 175</a>.</p> + +<p>Why should we reason upon God's plan? <a href="#176">¶ 176</a>.</p> + +<p>Could there have been any hope for the redemption of the human race except +by Jesus becoming a man and by his death providing the ransom-price? <a href="#176">¶ 176</a>.</p> + + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<span style="margin-left: 3.5em;"><big>THE ANGELS' SONG</big></span><br /> +<br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">It came upon the midnight clear,</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 3em;">That glorious song of old,</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">From angels bending near the earth</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 3em;">To touch their harps of gold:</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">"Peace to the earth, good-will to men</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 3em;">From heaven's all-gracious King!"</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">The world in solemn stillness lay</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 3em;">To hear the angels sing.</span><br /> +<br /> +<span style="margin-left: 6em;"><code> * * * * *</code></span><br /> +<br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">Yet with the woes of sin and strife</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 3em;">The world has suffered long;</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">Beneath the angel-strain have rolled</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">Two thousand years of wrong;</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">And men, at war with men, hear not</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 3em;">The love-song which they bring:</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">Oh! hush the noise, ye men of strife,</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 3em;">And hear the angels sing!</span><br /> +<br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">And ye, beneath life's crushing load</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 3em;">Whose forms are bending low;</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">Who toil along the climbing way</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 3em;">With painful steps and slow,—</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">Look now! for glad and golden hours</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 3em;">Come swiftly on the wing;</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">Oh! rest beside the weary road,</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 3em;">And hear the angels sing.</span><br /> +<br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">For lo! the days are hastening on,</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 3em;">By prophet-bards foretold,</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">When with the ever-circling years</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 3em;">Comes round the age of gold;</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">When Peace shall over all the earth</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 3em;">Its ancient splendors fling,</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">And the whole world send back the song</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 3em;">Which now the angels sing.</span><br /> +<br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">—<i>Sears</i></span><br /> + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> + +<center> +<img src="images/105.png" width="350" height="500" alt="" title=""> +</center> + + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<a name="CHAPTER_VI"></a><h2>CHAPTER VI</h2> + +<h3>String 5: <i>The Ransom</i></h3> +<br /> + +<p><a name="177"></a>[177]The great ransom sacrifice is the most vital to man of the strings upon +the harp of God, because without it no real lasting joy could be had by +mankind. In due time its benefits shall result to the entire human race; +and all who appreciate it will sing aloud and rejoice with exceeding +joy. They will have melody in their hearts and upon their lips because +of this wonderful provision made by Jehovah for man's benefit. For +thousands of years divine wisdom has been working out his plan concerning +man; and the ransom sacrifice is the very pivotal part of that plan. Its +importance cannot be overstated. It is the gateway that leads to life +and happiness. It is the means of bringing back man into harmony with +God. To appreciate this great doctrine we must understand it. Therefore +let us reason together in the light of the divine Word, that we may +understand.</p> + +<p><a name="178"></a>[178]The most precious thing possessed by any creature is life, because +without life everything else would be useless and could not be enjoyed. +Even now we observe that a man with but a small spark of life clings to +that with desperation. It is only when a creature is perfect and +enjoying complete life and the right to it that he can properly glorify +Jehovah, his great Creator. God's great arrangement must ultimately +bring glory to his name.</p> + +<p><a name="179"></a>[179]Jehovah created Adam the first man in his own image and likeness. +He created him perfect; for all the works of Jehovah are perfect. +(Deuteronomy 32:4) He gave to man life and the right to life. Life means +any conscious existence. Right to life means the full authority to +maintain existence. Adam and Eve in Eden were perfect in their bodies, +without pain, without sorrow; and were beautiful creatures. They had not +a scar nor a mark upon them anywhere. They enjoyed life and all the +blessings incident to that life. Their home was perfect; and even all +the animals and birds of Eden were subject to them, and they had +absolute dominion and control. God gave them all these privileges to +enjoy eternally, upon one expressed condition, namely, that they be +obedient to his law and thereby honor him. He informed man that a +violation of this law would bring upon him loss of life, loss of the +right to life, loss of all the blessings incident to it.</p> + +<p><a name="180"></a>[180]Satan induced mother Eve to believe that God was keeping back +something from them and, therefore deceiving Eve, induced her to violate +the law. There was no real wrong in the fruit which Eve ate. The wrong +was in disobeying the Lord. When Adam found that she had violated God's +law, knowing that she must die he preferred to be with her in death +rather than to be separated from her; so he became a party to the +transgression also by voluntarily and willingly violating the law of +God. Jehovah in the exercise of his perfect justice, sentenced man to +death. This sentence deprived Adam and Eve of the right to life. They +were driven out of Eden and in due time they lost life itself. For 930 +years they were compelled to go about in the earth and earn their bread +by digging in the soil and partaking of such food as they produced, +which was imperfect and poisonous. In this manner they were put to +death.</p> + +<p><a name="181"></a>[181]This sentence of death passed upon Adam had an indirect effect +upon his offspring. Before he was driven from Eden he and Eve had not +exercised the authority given to them by Jehovah to beget and bring +forth children on the earth. This they did exercise after being driven +from Eden. Being now under the sentence of death and undergoing that +death penalty, it was impossible for their children, born under such +conditions, to come into existence perfect. It would follow, then, that +when the children were born, while they would have a measure of life and +the rights incident to that measure of life (and these we call "life +rights" as distinguished from right to live), they would have no right +to life, because Adam having no right to life could not bring children +into the world who would have greater right than he had.</p> + +<p><a name="182"></a>[182]Any human being that is living possesses the right to food, air, +light and certain privileges in society; and these are called life +rights; that is to say, they are incident to animation, privileges +belonging to creatures that live in any measure. The right to live, +then, means a just right of existence which cannot be properly taken +away.</p> + +<p><a name="183"></a>[183]Because the parents possessed no right to life, every child born +into the world from then until now has been born imperfect, unrighteous, +a sinner, disapproved in God's sight, under condemnation, and therefore +with no right to life. The life that any of us has lived has been merely +by permission; and all who have died have died justly; for nothing but a +perfect creature is entitled to life. For this reason the Prophet wrote: +"Behold, I was shapen in iniquity, and in sin did my mother conceive me". +(Psalm 51:5) St. Paul writing under inspiration, expressed the same thing, +saying: "Wherefore as by one man sin entered into the world, and death by +sin; and so death passed upon all men, for all have sinned".—Romans 5:12.</p> + +<p><a name="184"></a>[184]All the human race, then, from Adam until now having been born +imperfect, it follows that if any ever get full life and the right to +life he must get it through the loving Jehovah God. Unless God had made +some provision for the redemption of man from death and the lifting up +of him again to the condition of life, the time would come when there +would be no people on the earth. We remember that Adam lived 930 years; +and now a man scarcely lives to be half a century old. The race has been +degenerating for centuries, growing weaker and weaker, and ultimately +all would come to that condition in which they would be unable to +transmit even the spark of life, and the earth would be depopulated. +Hence we see our utter dependence upon God; and if we find the great +Jehovah has made a provision for us to live, that ought to fill our +hearts with gratitude; and as we further examine his great plan it +should fill our hearts with boundless love for him. And surely that +provision would bring joy to the heart and enable one to see that such +provision constitutes one of the strings upon the great harp of God.</p> +<br /> +<br /> +<h4>REDEMPTION FORESHADOWED</h4> + +<p><a name="185"></a>[185]At the time that Jehovah entered the judgment or sentence against +man he vaguely hinted at a time coming when man should be released from +that judgment. Satan, one of whose names is the old serpent, was the +first inducing cause of sin. And God at that time said to him: "I will +put enmity between thee and the woman, and between thy seed and her +seed; it shall bruise thy head". (Genesis 3:15) This foreshadowed the +fact that ultimately Satan should be destroyed and that the same would +result as a blessing to man.</p> + +<p><a name="186"></a>[186]But we must remember that the judgment of God entered against man +must stand forever. It could not be reversed or set aside or annulled, +for the reason that Jehovah cannot deny himself. Nor could any of his +creatures have faith in him if he changed his mind. While it is true +that this judgment must stand forever, it is equally true that God could +make a consistent provision for having the terms of the judgment met by +another, equal to Adam; and this is exactly what we find the Scriptures +to disclose that he did.</p> + +<p><a name="187"></a>[187]Jehovah desired that man should understand the necessity and +reason for providing redemption, that when man does understand it he +will rejoice in the loving-kindness manifested by God toward him. For +this reason God caused certain pictures or types to be made by his +people.</p> + +<p><a name="188"></a>[188]On the night that Jehovah led the children of Israel out of the +land of Egypt he caused a lamb to be slain and its blood sprinkled upon +the doorposts of the house and the people to eat that lamb, and arranged +that at midnight the death angel would pass through and smite the +firstborn of every house where the blood did not appear upon the +doorposts. The firstborn here pictured the church, about which we shall +see later, and which first must be saved before the blessing can come to +the world in general. The lamb pictured the one who should be the +ransomer or redeemer of mankind. The blood pictured the life poured out +to provide a redemptive price.—Exodus 12:3-17.</p> + +<p><a name="189"></a>[189]When Jesus appeared at the age of thirty years, John the Baptist +pointing to him said: "Behold the Lamb of God which taketh away the sin +of the world". (John 1:29) And we read in the Bible concerning Jesus, +that he is "the Lamb slain from the foundation of the world". +(Revelation 13:8) These Scriptures and others show that the sacrifice of +the lamb foreshadowed the sacrifice of the great One who should become +the redeemer of mankind and take away the sin of the world.</p> + +<p><a name="190"></a>[190]A few days after this passover in Egypt, the Israelites were all +delivered when God commanded Moses to smite the waters of the Red Sea +and they passed over on dry land; and when the Egyptians attempted to +follow they were swallowed up in the sea and drowned. The deliverance of +Israel here pictured the deliverance from the great enemy, Satan and +death, of all the human race that will ultimately be obedient to God's +holy will.</p> + +<p><a name="191"></a>[191]After the children of Israel were on the other side of the Red +Sea, they marched on in the desert; and when they came to Mount Sinai +God made with them a covenant, which is known in the Bible as the law +covenant. In connection with this covenant animals were sacrificed. This +covenant was instituted at the hands of Moses as a mediator. Moses here +was a type of Christ Jesus, who in due time will make a covenant on +behalf of all mankind for their deliverance.</p> + +<p><a name="192"></a>[192]In connection with the law given to the Israelites at this time, +God instructed Moses to erect in the wilderness a tabernacle, which was +to be used by the Israelites in connection with their ceremonies of +sacrifice. One day of each year was known as the atonement day, and what +was done on that day particularly foreshadowed the great sin-offering to +be made on behalf of mankind.</p> + +<p><a name="193"></a>[193]The tabernacle was constructed of two parts. It was 45 feet long, +15 feet wide, and 15 feet high, built of boards and then covered over +with a tent of three thicknesses of material. The first division of the +tabernacle was called the Holy. It was 15 feet wide and 30 feet long. +The second or rear apartment was known as the Most Holy, it being 15 +feet long, 15 feet wide, and 15 feet high—an exact cube. The tabernacle +was situated inside of a court or yard, which court was 75 feet wide +and 150 feet in length. The fence enclosing this court was made of linen +curtains, suspended from hooks which were fastened on wooden posts, the +posts being set in copper sockets at the base.</p> + +<p><a name="194"></a>[194]On the atonement day the high priest took a bullock, which must be +without spot or blemish. Inside of the court he killed the bullock, took +its blood in a vessel went from the court into the Holy and from there +into the Most Holy, and sprinkled the blood upon the mercy seat which +was in the Most Holy. Then he went back and slew a male goat, which +likewise must be without defect, and did the same thing with its blood. +This was known as the atonement sacrifice. (See Leviticus 16:1-34) It +was an offering for sin, made for the people of Israel, but in fact +foreshadowing the great sin-offering that is to take away the sin of the +world.</p> + +<p><a name="195"></a>[195]St. Paul plainly tells us that the things here done foreshadowed +better things to come. (Hebrews 10:1) God required in the law that the +Jews should keep this day of atonement and offer these sacrifices +through the high priest once each year. We remember that God had +promised to Abraham: "In thy seed shall all the families of the earth be +blessed". So St. Paul says that the law "was added because of +transgressions, till the seed should come to whom the promise was made; +and it was ordained by angels in the hand of a mediator"; and that the +law was a schoolmaster to bring the people unto Christ. (Galatians +3:19,24) In other words, Jehovah was teaching the children of Israel +concerning the great sin-offering that must be made on behalf of mankind +and he was using them to make living pictures; and the record of the +events concerning them has enabled all students of the Bible since to +see how Jehovah foreshadowed the redemption and deliverance of mankind +from the bondage of sin and death. To foreshadow means to foretell +something coming; and this shows how important the great ransom is to +mankind, that God would take so much time and go into so much detail to +teach the people by these pictures. Hence this should encourage us to +study the subject earnestly that we might see, understand, and +appreciate it.</p> +<br /> +<br /> +<h4>RANSOM PROMISED</h4> + +<p><a name="196"></a>[196]Adam was sentenced to death, and when he actually went into death +after 930 years, justice was satisfied. The law demanded the life of a +perfect human being. It had received it when Adam died. Between the time +of Adam's sentence and the time of his death he begat many children that +were born into the earth. These being born imperfect had no right to +life; hence the living of the children was only by permission of +Jehovah, and every one who died, died because of imperfection resulting +from the sin of father Adam.</p> + +<p><a name="197"></a>[197]The Scriptures clearly show that God planned long in advance for +the redemption and deliverance of the human race. Hence his wisdom led +him to embrace in the effects of this death sentence all of the human +family, all of the offspring of Adam, so that in due time he might +redeem them all through the sacrifice of one. (Galatians 3:22) The +sentence against Adam and the resulting effects upon all of his +offspring must stand. An earthly court may reverse its judgment because +imperfect, but God cannot reverse his, because it is perfect; and he +cannot deny himself. He could make provision, however, for another man +exactly equivalent to Adam to go into death voluntarily; and by thus +dying his life could be given as a corresponding price for Adam and his +offspring, that Adam and his offspring might be released from death and +given a trial for life. The Scriptures definitely show that it was +God's purpose and intention from the beginning to make just such a +provision. He made a specific promise to this effect when he said: "I +will ransom them from the power of the grave; I will redeem them from +death: O death, I will be thy plagues; O grave, I will be thy +destruction". (Hosea 13:14) This promise of Jehovah to ransom the human +race must be carried out, because God is unchangeable. Having made the +promise, he will perform it.—Malachi 3:6; James 1:17.</p> + +<p><a name="198"></a>[198]It is very important, then, that we understand the meaning of +ransom; hence we here define it. <i>Ransom</i> means something to loosen +with; that is, a redemptive price. It is the means or price or value +which can be used in loosening or releasing something that is in bondage +or in restraint or imprisoned. Necessarily the ransom price must be +exactly equivalent to, or corresponding with, that which justice +requires of the thing or being that is in bondage or imprisonment. Hence +we say that ransom means an exact corresponding price. A perfect man +sinned and was sentenced to death; hence an exact corresponding price +would be the death of another perfect man and the value of that life +presented in place of the one who first sinned and was held in bondage.</p> + +<p><a name="199"></a>[199]<i>Sin-offering</i> means the presentation and use of the ransom-price. +On the atonement day performed by the Jews in type, the blood of the +bullock represented the poured-out life; and therefore it stood for the +ransom-price or value of the life. The carrying of the blood into the +Most Holy and sprinkling it there pictured the sin-offering, that is, a +presentation in the Most Holy (which represented heaven itself) of the +value or merit of the perfect life. We will see, therefore, as we +examine this question that the ransom-price was provided on earth by the +death of Jesus; that preparation for the sin-offering was begun on earth, +but must be finished in heaven, where the value of the ransom-price is +presented.</p> + +<p><a name="200"></a>[200]Other Scriptures show that it was intended by Jehovah that the +great Redeemer should pour out his life in death and that this should +constitute the ransom-price, which should be made an offering for sin. +God foretold this—which is equivalent to a promise—through his prophet +when he wrote concerning the great coming Redeemer the following:</p> + +<p><a name="201"></a>[201]"Who hath believed our report? and to whom is the arm of the Lord +revealed? For he shall grow up before him as a tender plant, and as a +root out of a dry ground: he hath no form nor comeliness; and when we +shall see him, there is no beauty that we should desire him. He is +despised and rejected of men; a man of sorrows, and acquainted with +grief: and we hid as it were our faces from him; he was despised, and we +esteemed him not. Surely he hath borne our griefs and carried our +sorrows; yet we did esteem him stricken, smitten of God, and afflicted. +But he was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our +iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon him; and with his +stripes we are healed. All we like sheep have gone astray; we have +turned every one to his own way; and the Lord hath laid on him the +iniquity of us all. He was oppressed, and he was afflicted, yet he +opened not his mouth: he is brought as a lamb to the slaughter, and as a +sheep before her shearers is dumb, so he openeth not his mouth. He was +taken from prison and from judgment: and who shall declare his +generation? for he was cut off out of the land of the living: for the +transgression of my people was he stricken. And he made his grave with +the wicked, and with the rich in his death; because he had done no +violence, neither was any deceit in his mouth. Yet it pleased the Lord +to bruise him; he hath put him to grief: when thou shalt make his soul +an offering for sin, he shall see his seed, he shall prolong his days, +and the pleasure of the Lord shall prosper in his hand. He shall see of +the travail of his soul, and shall be satisfied: by his knowledge shall +my righteous servant justify many; for he shall bear their iniquities. +Therefore will I divide him a portion with the great, and he shall +divide the spoil with the strong; because he hath poured out his soul +unto death: and he was numbered with the transgressors; and he bare the +sin of many, and made intercession for the transgressors."—Isaiah 53.</p> + +<p><a name="202"></a>[202]Because of this death sentence standing against Adam, he was and +is held in restraint or imprisonment of death. He and his offspring who +have died are in the great prison-house of death, and the grave is thus +spoken of by the Prophet—Isaiah 42:6,7; 49:9</p> +<br /> +<br /> +<h4>QUALIFICATIONS REQUIRED</h4> + +<p><a name="203"></a>[203]The dead could never again live, nor could those who are living +ever hope to have eternal happiness unless the disability resting upon +mankind because of sin be first removed; and the Scripture is quite +clear, as above noticed, that this can be removed only by means of the +great ransom sacrifice. Since ransom means an exact corresponding price, +the ransomer must be exactly like the perfect Adam in Eden.</p> + +<p><a name="204"></a>[204]A perfect man had sinned and lost everything; therefore none but a +perfect man could provide a price sufficient to buy and release Adam and +his race from this sentence of death and its effects. Divine justice +demanded the life of a perfect human being and this was received when +Adam went into death. It followed that divine justice would accept +nothing more or less, as a price for releasing Adam and his offspring, +than a perfect human life. In order to meet these divine requirements, +the ransomer must be a perfect human being.</p> + +<p><a name="205"></a>[205]When God gave the law to Israel at Mount Sinai he indicated by the +promise of that law that the only means by which the human race could be +redeemed or ransomed would be by the giving of a perfect human life in +the place of Adam's perfect human life, which he had forfeited by his +disobedience. We remember that St. Paul said that this law was a shadow +of better things to come. That law required an eye for an eye, a tooth +for a tooth, a foot for a foot, a life for a life; that is to say, a +price exactly corresponding to that which had been lost. As an +illustration: Under the law if one man knocked out another's tooth, he +must lose one of his own teeth. If he struck out a man's eye, he must +give up his own eye. If he took the life of his fellow creature, he must +give up his own life. Thus the law pictured that the great ransomer +would correspond exactly with the perfect man Adam when Adam was in +Eden.—Exodus 21:23-25; Leviticus 24:17-21; Deuteronomy 19:21.</p> +<br /> +<br /> +<h4>MAN'S EXTREMITY</h4> + +<p><a name="206"></a>[206]But who in all the world was able to bear this burden or meet the +requirements of the divine law? Adam could not redeem himself. All of +his offspring were imperfect and God could not accept an imperfect human +being as a ransom. Was there nobody, then, on earth who could redeem the +human race from death according to God's promise? The Prophet of the +Lord answers: "None of them [no creature on earth] can by any means +redeem his brother, nor give to God a ransom for him". (Psalm 49:7) For +this reason, then, it seemed hopeless for man ever to expect to be +released from the condition of death.</p> + +<p><a name="207"></a>[207]Furthermore, this judgment and sentence against Adam was entered +in the divine court of heaven and it follows that the ransom-price, +namely, the value of a perfect human life, must not only be provided by +the death of a perfect human being, but the value of that life must be +presented to divine justice in heaven itself; and no human being has +access to heaven.</p> + +<p><a name="208"></a>[208]Hence there were two reasons why it was utterly impossible for any +of Adam's stock or offspring to redeem mankind: (1) Because all were +imperfect and could not provide the price; and (2) if the price were +provided, it could not be presented in heaven by any such.</p> + +<p><a name="209"></a>[209]Thus is presented to the human race a condition of absolute +helplessness. Thus we see that mankind was wholly without power to +release itself from the condition of death, and that there never could +be any hope of any one of the human family enjoying life everlasting in +a state of happiness unless God, in the exercise of his loving-kindness, +should make some provision. He had promised to make such provision. His +great plan provided for such. It is first necessary, however, for us to +see man's absolute extremity in order that we might appreciate God's +opportunity for blessing mankind, and the great debt which the human +race owes to Jehovah and his beloved Son for the provision made.</p> + +<p><a name="210"></a>[210]If a man found himself and his family in a dungeon and a million +dollars were required to release him, and he had not one penny, but a +friend of his appeared and provided the money and released him and his +family, that man would owe a great debt of gratitude to his deliverer. +He would feel much gratitude in his heart. He would surely love his +deliverer and would be anxious to do anything he could for him. Adam and +all of his family are either in the prison-house of death or under the +effects of death; and if we find that the great Jehovah God has made +provision for the release and deliverance of all such from the tomb, +the prison-house of death, with a view to granting them everlasting +life, liberty, and happiness, then such fact should bring joy to the +heart of every one who learns of it.</p> +<br /> +<br /> +<h4>THE GREAT RANSOMER</h4> + +<p><a name="211"></a>[211]The apostle Paul, having in mind these things, wrote: "We were +children in bondage under the elements of the world: but when the +fulness of time was come, God sent forth his Son, made of a woman, made +under the law". (Galatians 4:3,4) How did God send his Son? Since a +perfect man had sinned and the life of a perfect man must be given as a +sin-offering, it is now important to see if the Son of God whom he sent +was qualified to meet the requirements of the law and be the ransomer or +redeemer.</p> + +<p><a name="212"></a>[212]It is easy to be seen that Jesus when on earth could not have been +merely an incarnated spirit being, because that would constitute a +fraud, and God would not sanction anything wrong. He must be a man, +perfect in every respect, equal and corresponding to the perfect Adam +while in Eden. It is also easy to be seen that Jesus could not be part +God and part man, because that would be more than the law required; +hence divine justice could not accept such as a ransom. The divine law +definitely shows that the ransomer must be exactly corresponding to +Adam, a perfect human being. How, then, did God send his Son? And when +he sent him, was he part man and part God?</p> + +<p><a name="213"></a>[213]The Scriptures answer, as we have heretofore seen, that prior to +his coming to earth he was the Logos, a spirit being; that his life was +transferred to the human plane and he was born a human being. He was rich +and for our sakes became poor (2 Corinthians 8:9); that is to say, he was +rich in heavenly glory and power possessed by him as the great active +agent of Jehovah in the creation of all things, and he became poor by +becoming a man. It was absolutely necessary for him to be a perfect man; +hence he must be born holy, harmless, separate from sinners and without +sin; and he met this requirement. (Hebrews 7:26) Furthermore, he met the +requirements because he was made flesh and dwelt amongst men. (John 1:14) +He partook of flesh and blood, became a human being for the very purpose +of destroying him that has the power of death, that is the devil; and to +deliver mankind. (Hebrews 2:14,15) He took upon himself the form of a +servant or bondsman and was made in the likeness of men. (Philippians 2:7) +He was the only perfect man that has ever lived on earth, except Adam. He +was not part human and part spirit being, because "he was made a little +lower than the angels for the suffering of death". Angels are spirit +beings, and thus creatures that are lower than angels are human beings. +He was human. Had he been part God and part man he would have been higher +than the angels instead of lower, for the reason that angels are the +lowest order of spirit beings.</p> + +<p><a name="214"></a>[214]Being a perfect man, he had the power to produce a perfect race of +people and with these populate the earth; therefore in every respect +exactly corresponding to the perfect man Adam in the condition he was in +while in Eden. He was perfect in every respect, full of grace and truth. +(John 1:14) When he stood before Pilate, silent as a sheep is dumb +before its shearers, when the mob incited by the Jewish clergy of that +time were demanding his life blood, Pilate, in order that he might shame +the Jews for such action, cried out unto them: "Behold <i>the</i> man". The +emphasis here is on the word <i>the</i>. We might paraphrase Pilate's words +thus: 'The man whom you are asking me to put to death is not only the +greatest man among you, but he is the man above all other men on earth'. +The people there had seen a perfect man. None of us have seen a perfect +man. He was the only One who has ever lived on earth qualified to become +the redeemer of mankind. He was sent to earth by Jehovah for that v +qualify as a priest.</p> + +<p><a name="215"></a>[215]We note that Jesus grew from boyhood's estate to manhood's estate +and when he was thirty years of age he presented himself to John at +Jordan to be baptized. At the age of thirty, then, he was perfect in +body, perfect in mind, perfect under the law, in every respect an +absolutely perfect human being; hence qualified to be the ransomer or +redeemer of Adam, the perfect man, and of all Adam's offspring.</p> + +<p><a name="216"></a>[216]Why did God send his beloved Son, this great Man, to earth? When a +great man of the world comes into prominence he expects others to +minister unto him, and they do minister unto him. But Jesus, the +greatest man who has ever lived on earth, and the only perfect One aside +from Adam, came to earth and became the servant of others, that he might +render the greatest good to mankind. True greatness consists in doing +good unto others. True greatness is magnified in Jesus. He was the +truest friend of the human race. He said: "The Son of man came not to be +ministered unto, but to minister, and to give his life a ransom for +many". (Matthew 20:28) And again he said: "Whosoever will be great among +you shall be your minister [servant]; and whosoever will be the +chiefest, shall be servant of all".—Mark 10:43,44.</p> + +<p><a name="217"></a>[217]The perfect man Jesus became the servant of all. The importance of +Jesus and his work is magnified when we consider that he in heaven and +in earth was the dearest treasure to Jehovah's heart. He was God's +dearly beloved Son. He was the most precious thing possessed by the +great Creator, Jehovah. It was the supreme sacrifice on behalf of +Jehovah to use him to redeem the human race. It was God's great love for +fallen humanity that prompted him to do this; hence we read: "God so +loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever +believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. For God +sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world +through him might be saved."—John 3:16,17.</p> + +<p><a name="218"></a>[218]It was this truly good and truly great Man who for three and a +half years went about in the earth and taught and ministered unto the +people and did good unto every one and evil unto none. All the time he +was thus ministering and doing good, the scribes, Pharisees, doctors of +the law and other dupes engaged in misrepresenting and persecuting the +Lord, sought to kill him. Why did they do this? Because they were +instruments of Satan, the devil.—John 8:44.</p> + +<p><a name="219"></a>[219]Jesus, the devil knew, was and is the great Seed of promise which +God had promised to Abraham should be the redeemer and blesser of +mankind. Jesus Christ is the Seed of the woman foreshadowed in God's +statement made to mother Eve and Satan. (Genesis 3:15) Satan sought, +therefore, in every way to destroy him. Jesus was teaching the Jews the +message of God to lead them in the right way, and to open unto them the +way of life. These scribes and Pharisees were opposing him and therefore +were the enemies of the people. Jesus said of them: "The scribes and the +Pharisees sit in Moses' seat" (Matthew 23:2); meaning that they had +assumed the position of leaders of the people. Because of their blinding +the people he said to them: 'You are hypocrites, blind guides, fools; +you shut up the kingdom of heaven against men; you devour widows' houses +and for a pretence make long prayers; you compass sea and land to make +one proselyte, and when he is made, you make him twofold more the child +of <i>gehenna</i> than yourselves. You are guilty of fraud and deceit, and +you are like unto whited sepulchres, which are full of dead men's bones +and all uncleanness; you are serpents, a generation of vipers. You do +not understand my speech because you cannot hear and understand my word. +You are of your father the devil.'—Matthew 23:13-33; John 8:43,44.</p> + +<p><a name="220"></a>[220]Jesus knew that he was to be crucified and he told his disciples +of his coming death. The last night he was on earth with them he spent +teaching them great lessons and truths which were not only a blessing to +them, but have been a great blessing to every one from then until now +who has loved the Lord and sought to know and do his will. While he was +thus doing, the enemy was preparing to take his life. The Sanhedrin was +a high tribunal or court composed of seventy-three men, made up of +priests, elders, and doctors of the law, Pharisaical hypocrites, the +seed of the serpent, blinded to God's purposes. That body was the +highest court of Israel and it was the duty of this court to protect the +innocent as well as to punish the guilty. They beheld Jesus doing good +and the people flocking to him.</p> + +<p><a name="221"></a>[221]"Then gathered the chief priests and the Pharisees a council [a +court], and said, What do we? for this man doeth many miracles. If we +let him thus alone, all men will believe on him: and the Romans shall +come and take away both our place and nation. And one of them, named +Caiaphas, being the high priest that same year, said unto them, Ye know +nothing at all, nor consider that it is expedient for us, that one man +should die for the people, and that the whole nation perish not. And +this spake he not of himself: but being high priest that year, he +prophesied that Jesus should die for that nation.... Then from that day +forth they took counsel together for to put him to death."—John +11:47-51,53.</p> + +<p><a name="222"></a>[222]In other words, this supreme tribunal secretly met, indicted +Jesus, prejudged his case, and agreed to put him to death, only waiting +for an opportunity. They acted as grand jury, prosecutor, and trial +court. They entered into a wicked conspiracy, which was formulated by +Satan, their father, for the destruction of the Son of God. They +conspired with Judas and hired him, for the paltry sum of thirty pieces +of silver, to betray the Lord into their hands. Satan himself entered +into Judas as the latter executed the betrayal. Then they organized a +mob, sent it out after the Master, arrested him, and brought him before +this supreme court for trial at night, which was contrary to their own +laws. "They that had laid hold on Jesus led him away to Caiaphas the +high priest, where the scribes and the elders were assembled," in +furtherance of the wicked conspiracy.—Matthew 26:57.</p> + +<p><a name="223"></a>[223]The meek and defenseless Lamb of God was led into a den of +ravenous wolves, who were thirsting for his blood. They did not dignify +his case by even filing a formal charge against him. They sought, +contrary to the law, to make him testify against himself. They knew +nothing themselves against him; and notwithstanding they sat as the high +and dignified court of the nation of Israel, they resorted to +subornation of perjury. "Now the chief priests, and elders, and all the +council [the entire court], sought false witness against Jesus, to put +him to death; but found none; yea, though many false witnesses came, yet +found they none. At the last came two false witnesses." (Matthew 26:59,60) +This exalted tribunal, in violation of every law and every precedent +known to Jewish jurisprudence, demanded of Jesus that he testify against +himself. "The high priest arose and said unto him, ... I adjure thee by +the living God, that thou tell us whether thou be the Christ, the Son of +God." (Matthew 26:62,63) And when he told the truth, saying, "Ye say +that I am," they said, "What need we any further witness? for we +ourselves have heard of his own mouth". (Luke 22:66-71) They immediately +voted that he should die—also contrary to their law, which required +that each member of the court should consider the case and then vote +individually. Holding the session of court at night to convict him, they +knew they were proceeding contrary to law; so they convened the court +the following morning to ratify the sentence, which was likewise +contrary to law.</p> + +<p><a name="224"></a>[224]They condemned Jesus to death, but knew they had no legal power to +put him to death. Then they led him before the Roman governor, Pilate, +and placed against him the charge of sedition, saying, "We found this +fellow perverting the nation, and forbidding to give tribute to Caesar, +saying that he himself is Christ a King". (Luke 23:1,2) They knew the +Roman governor had power to put Jesus to death, and for this reason they +sought his judgment.</p> + +<p><a name="225"></a>[225]Pilate was not convinced of Jesus' guilt and was not willing that +he should die, but sought to release him. "Then said Pilate to the chief +priests and to the people, I find no fault in this man. And they were +the more fierce, saying, <i>He stirreth up the people</i>." (Luke 23:4,5) +When Pilate sought to release him, his accusers "cried out, saying, If +thou let this man go, thou art not Caesar's friend: whosoever maketh +himself a king speaketh against Caesar"—against the civil power, and +such is therefore guilty of sedition. (John 19:12) "And he [Pilate] said +unto them the <i>third time</i>, Why, what evil hath he done? I have found no +cause of death in him: I will therefore chastise him, and let him go. +And they were instant with loud voices, requiring that he might be +crucified. <i>And the voices of them and of the chief priests prevailed</i>. +And Pilate gave sentence that it should be as they required." (Luke +23:22-24) Thus the civil power yielded to the importunities of +ecclesiasticism, and Jesus was led away and crucified on Calvary's hill. +And Pilate, more righteous than the clerics, posted over his cross the +sign: "Jesus of Nazareth, the King of the Jews".</p> + +<p><a name="226"></a>[226]Thus died the Son of God, the great antitypical "Lamb ... which +taketh away the sin of the world". (John 1:29) In the eyes of those that +stood by he died as a sinner, crucified between two thieves, under the +charge of disloyalty to the constituted powers, yet wholly innocent, +harmless, and without sin.</p> + +<p><a name="227"></a>[227]Here he fulfilled that which the Prophet of God had foretold of +him long in advance, in that he "poured out his soul unto death, and he +was numbered with the transgressors, and he bare the sin of many". +—Isaiah 53:12.</p> +<br /> +<br /> +<h4>WHY MUST HE DIE?</h4> + +<p><a name="228"></a>[228]But why should the great, the good, the pure, the sinless Man die +in such an ignominious manner as this? Was there no other means whereby +man could live? The Scriptures answer that there is no other way whereby +man could get life. Divine justice demanded the life of the perfect man +Adam and took that life. Divine justice could receive nothing as a +substitute for Adam except the life of a perfect human being. Adam was +put to death because he was a sinner. The one who would redeem Adam +must die <i>as</i> a sinner, yet without sin. And all this Jesus did.</p> + +<p><a name="229"></a>[229]It is important here for us to see why Jesus came to earth, grew +to manhood's estate and died. The Prophet speaking the words of Jesus +beforehand said: "Lo, I come: in the volume of the book it is written of +me, I delight to do thy will, O my God: yea, thy law is within my +heart". (Psalm 40:7,8; Hebrews 10:7-10) Thus we see that he had come to +do God's will. The apostle Paul expressed the will of God concerning +mankind when he said: "God ... will have all men to be saved [from +death], and brought to an accurate knowledge of the truth". (1 Timothy +2:3,4) This is in harmony with God's promise that he would redeem +mankind from death (Hosea 13:14); and since Jesus came to carry out the +Father's will to ransom the human race, he must do this. This is the +only means whereby man could live. Therefore Jesus said: "I am come that +they might have life and that they might have it more abundantly".—John +10:10.</p> + +<p><a name="230"></a>[230]Jesus likened his humanity to bread. He said: "I am the bread of +life.... This is the bread which cometh down from heaven, that a man may +eat thereof, and not die.... For my flesh is meat indeed, and my blood +is drink indeed.... As the living Father sent me, and I live by the +Father: so he that eateth me, even he shall live by me." (John +6:48,50,55,57) By this we understand that Jesus gave up his human life +in order that the value thereof might be presented to divine justice in +heaven as the great ransom-price. To eat means to appropriate to +oneself. Then it follows that any one who accepts or appropriates to +himself the value of Jesus' sacrifice by believing on the Lord Jesus +Christ and doing the Father's will, that one will have life everlasting +through Christ Jesus. The apostle Paul makes it clear that the death of +Jesus was for the benefit of the entire human race when he says: +'Jesus, ... by the grace of God, tasted death for every man'. "There is +one God, and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus; who +gave himself a ransom for all, to be testified in due time."—Hebrews 2;9; +1 Timothy 2:5,6.</p> + +<p><a name="231"></a>[231]"Sin is the transgression of the law." (1 John 3:4) "The wages of +sin is death." (Romans 6:23) Adam transgressed the divine law and for +this reason suffered the penalty of death, and this penalty came upon +all mankind by inheritance. Jesus the perfect man permitted his life to +be taken that it might be used for the purpose of releasing Adam and his +offspring from the great enemy death, and that they might have a full +opportunity for life. Hence his life was made an offering for sin, or a +sin-offering.</p> + +<p><a name="232"></a>[232]For many centuries Jehovah foreshadowed this great event in his +plan, and this adds to the importance of it; in fact, without the +sacrifice of Jesus it would have been impossible for any of the human +race ever to live at all.</p> + +<p><a name="233"></a>[233]Looking back, then, at the picture that Jehovah made by the use of +the Jewish people and their ceremonies, we see that the bullock slain on +the atonement day pictured Jesus the perfect man at the age of thirty +years. The court surrounding the tabernacle was a picture of perfect +humanity. Therefore the bullock slain in the court foreshadowed or +pictured the fact that the perfect man Jesus died in that condition on +earth as a perfect man. By his death he provided the ransom-price. He +did this to carry out the Father's plan.</p> + +<p><a name="234"></a>[234]In the picture, the slaying of the bullock was the beginning of the +sin-offering. After the bullock was slain its blood was put into a +vessel and the high priest carried it in this vessel, ultimately +reaching the Most Holy, where it was sprinkled, as above mentioned. The +high priest in the Holy pictured Jesus during the three and one-half +years of his sacrificial ministry; and the high priest's appearance in +the Most Holy pictures Jesus the high priest, resurrected to the divine +nature, appearing in heaven itself in the presence of God, there to +present the merit of his sacrifice as the sin-offering on behalf of +mankind.—Hebrews 9:24.</p> + +<p><a name="235"></a>[235]The Scriptures clearly show that Jesus was the antitypical bullock +and was made an offering for sin on behalf of mankind; first on behalf +of the church, subsequently on behalf of the whole world. "Christ died +for our sins according to the Scriptures" (1 Corinthians 15:3); "who +gave himself for our sins, that he might deliver us from this present +evil world, according to the will of God and our Father" (Galatians +1:4); "for he hath made him to be sin [an offering for sin] for us, who +[Jesus] knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in +him".—2 Corinthians 5:21.</p> + +<p><a name="236"></a>[236]The law that God gave to the Israelites merely foreshadowed what +great things Jesus would do. Because of the imperfections of +mankind—Moses and others—that law could not accomplish the deliverance +of mankind from death. "For what the law could not do, in that it was +weak through the flesh, God sending his own Son in the likeness of +sinful flesh, and for sin, condemned sin in the flesh."—Romans 8:3.</p> + +<p><a name="237"></a>[237]In the type, the slaying of the bullock and the carrying of its +blood into the Holy as a typical sin-offering foreshadowed the fact that +the redemption of man's sins could be accomplished only through the +blood of the perfect sacrifice. And for this reason says the apostle +Paul: "Without the shedding of blood is no remission. It was therefore +necessary that the patterns of things in the heavens should be purified +with these; but the heavenly things themselves with better sacrifices +than these." (Hebrews 9:22,23) The patterns here referred to are the +Holy and Most Holy in the tabernacle picture, which foreshadowed or +pictured the heavenly condition; and the entrance of the high priest +into the Most Holy of the tabernacle with the blood foreshadowed Christ +Jesus entering heaven. "For Christ is not entered into the holy places +made with hands, which are the figures of the true; but into heaven +itself, now to appear in the presence of God for us."—Hebrews 9:24.</p> + +<p><a name="238"></a>[238]When Jesus died upon the cross of Calvary he provided the +ransom-price, because his was the death of a perfect human being, +exactly corresponding with the perfect man Adam. Adam's death, however, +was the result of a forfeited right to live. Jesus' death was a +sacrifice. Adam was a sinner and died a sinner. Jesus was perfect, holy, +and without sin; and while he died in the same manner, yet by his death +he did not forfeit the right to live as a human being. By dying he +reduced his perfect human life to an asset that might thereafter be used +to release Adam and his offspring from death.</p> + +<p><a name="239"></a>[239]We here give an illustration to aid in understanding this point. +For convenience we will call a man John. John is languishing in prison +because he cannot pay a fine of one hundred dollars. He has a brother +named Charles who is willing to pay the fine for his brother John, but +who has no money with which to pay. Charles is strong and vigorous, has +time to work, is willing to work, and can earn money by working; but his +strength and time and willingness will not pay the debt for John. Mr. +Smith has some work to be done and is willing to pay money to have it +done. Charles engages himself to work for Mr. Smith and earns one +hundred dollars and receives that amount of money in cash. By his labor +Charles has here reduced his time and strength and vigor to a money +value and has received that money value, which money has purchasing +power and which can be used to pay John's obligation and thus release +him from prison.</p> + +<p><a name="240"></a>[240]Charles then appears before the court which has entered the +judgment against his brother John, and offers to pay the one hundred +dollars which the law demands of John. The money is accepted from +Charles and John is released. By this means John is judicially relieved +from the effects of the judgment and is set free, and his brother +Charles has become his ransomer or deliverer.</p> + +<p><a name="241"></a>[241]In this illustration John represents Adam. Because Adam violated +God's law, Jehovah judicially determined that Adam should forfeit his +life by dying. He enforced this judgment during a period of 930 years, +during which time Adam begat all of his children. The effect of +sentencing Adam to death was to render all of his children subject to +death. Adam went into death, and since then great numbers of his +children have likewise died. We can say, then, that Adam and all those +who have died and are in their graves are in the great prison-house of +death, and that is what the Prophet of the Lord calls it.—Isaiah 42:7.</p> + +<p><a name="242"></a>[242]In this picture Charles represents Jesus. It was God's will that +the perfect man Jesus should redeem Adam and his offspring from the +prison-house of death. Jesus was willing to pay Adam's debt and redeem +him, but the perfect, righteous, human being Jesus could not accomplish +that purpose while living in the flesh, for the same reason that Charles +could not use his strength, time, and energy to pay the debt of his +brother John, but must first reduce those things to a purchasing value. +Jesus must reduce his perfect humanity to a purchasing value, which we +may call merit, and which merit or purchasing value would be sufficient +for the payment of Adam's debt and release Adam and his offspring from +that judgment. In order to provide this price it was necessary for Jesus +to die. In his death upon Calvary, then, he produced the price. But the +value of that price must be presented before Jehovah in heaven itself +before Jehovah could release Adam or his descendents from the effect of +death. And this, we shall see from the Scriptures, is what was done.</p> + +<p><a name="243"></a>[243]The inspired writer in the divine Word tells us that it was the +will of God that all men should be saved from death by the ransom-price +and then brought to an accurate knowledge of the truth, in order that +they might accept the benefits of the ransom and live. In due time the +knowledge of these great truths will be given to every one of Adam's +race. (1 Timothy 2:3-6) The ransom-price was provided at the cross. The +cross of Christ is the great pivotal truth of the divine arrangement, +from which radiate the hopes of men. When all men come to a knowledge of +this fact and all the obedient ones have profited by the value of the +ransom sacrifice, there will be great rejoicing amongst the human race. +When the grand finale is sung and all the harpers of heaven and earth +unite in beautiful harmony, blending with the voices of all creatures +perfected and happy, the great ransom-sacrifice will be recognized by +all as one of the strings of the harp of God that will yield sweet music +to every ear. Then all can truly sing;</p> + +<span style="margin-left: 1em;">"In the cross of Christ I glory,</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">Tow'ring o'er the wrecks of time;</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;">All the light of sacred story</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">Gathers round its head sublime."</span><br /> + +<p><a name="244"></a>[244]In order for the human race to receive the benefit of the +ransom-sacrifice, it was essential for Jesus to be raised from the dead. +His resurrection is therefore of vital importance, and this constitutes +another string of the harp, which we will treat separately.</p> + + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> + +Why is the ransom the most vital string upon the harp of God? <a href="#177">¶ 177</a>. + +<p>What effect will its appreciation have upon the human race? <a href="#177">¶ 177</a>.</p> + +<p>What is the most precious thing possessed by any creature, and why? <a href="#178">¶ 178</a>.</p> + +<p>When can a creature properly glorify his Creator? <a href="#178">¶ 178</a>.</p> + +<p>In whose image was man created? <a href="#179">¶ 179</a>.</p> + +<p>What did God give to man at the time of his creation? <a href="#179">¶ 179</a>.</p> + +<p>What is the difference between life and the right to life? <a href="#179">¶ 179</a>.</p> + +<p>Describe the condition and environment of Adam and Eve in Eden. <a href="#179">¶ 179</a>.</p> + +<p>Were Adam and Eve informed as to what would be the result of the +violation of God's law? <a href="#179">¶ 179</a>.</p> + +<p>Was there any real wrong in eating the fruit? and if not, wherein was +the wrong done by man? <a href="#180">¶ 180</a>.</p> + +<p>What was the effect of the sentence pronounced against man? <a href="#180">¶ 180</a>.</p> + +<p>What was the effect of the execution of that sentence? <a href="#180">¶ 180</a>.</p> + +<p>In what manner was the sentence executed? <a href="#180">¶ 180</a>.</p> + +<p>When did Adam and Eve first exercise the power of producing their +offspring? <a href="#181">¶ 181</a>.</p> + +<p>Was it possible for them to have perfect children? and if not, why not? +<a href="#181">¶ 181</a>.</p> + +<p>Their children were born and lived, but did they have a right to life? +and if not, why not? <a href="#181">¶ 181</a>.</p> + +<p>What is the difference between right to life and life rights? <a href="#182">¶ 182</a>.</p> + +<p>What Scriptural proof is there that all were born imperfect? <a href="#183">¶ 183</a>.</p> + +<p>Without divine provision for the redemption of man, would the earth +become depopulated? and if so, why? <a href="#184">¶ 184</a>.</p> + +<p>Is mankind wholly dependent upon God's provision for life? <a href="#184">¶ 184</a>.</p> + +<p>If God has made full and complete provision that man shall live in +happiness, what effect should that have upon men's minds and hearts? +<a href="#184">¶ 184</a>.</p> + +<p>At the time God sentenced man to death did he foreshadow a provision for +his release? and if so, how? Give the Scriptural proof. <a href="#185">¶ 185</a>.</p> + +<p>Did he here foreshadow the ultimate fate of Satan? and if so, what is +that fate? <a href="#185">¶ 185</a>.</p> + +<p>Could the judgment Jehovah entered against Adam be annulled or set +aside? and if not, why not? <a href="#186">¶ 186</a>.</p> + +<p>If it could be changed, what effect would it have upon the faith of men? +<a href="#186">¶ 186</a>.</p> + +<p>Could God consistently provide for a substitute to meet the terms of +that judgment? <a href="#186">¶ 186</a>.</p> + +<p>Is it Jehovah's desire that men should understand the necessity and +reason for redemption? <a href="#187">¶ 187</a>.</p> + +<p>Why did God cause certain types and pictures to be made by his people? +<a href="#187">¶ 187</a>.</p> + +<p>Explain about the passover lamb slain by the Israelites on the night of +their leaving Egypt. Give the Scriptural account. <a href="#188">¶ 188</a>.</p> + +<p>What was pictured there by the firstborn? <a href="#188">¶ 188</a>.</p> + +<p>What was pictured by the lamb, and also by the blood? <a href="#188">¶ 188</a>.</p> + +<p>Who was spoken of as the "Lamb slain from the foundation of the world"? +<a href="#188">¶ 188</a>.</p> + +<p>What was pictured by the deliverance of Israel from the Egyptians? <a href="#190">¶ 190</a>.</p> + +<p>What arrangement did God make with Israel at Mount Sinai? <a href="#191">¶ 191</a>.</p> + +<p>What was typified by the making of this law covenant at Mount Sinai? +<a href="#191">¶ 191</a>.</p> + +<p>Who erected the tabernacle in the wilderness? <a href="#192">¶ 192</a>.</p> + +<p>The services performed by the priest on the atonement day in connection +with the tabernacle foreshadowed what? <a href="#192">¶ 192</a>.</p> + +<p>Give a description of the construction of the tabernacle. <a href="#193">¶ 193</a>.</p> + +<p>Describe what the high priest did with the bullock on the day of +atonement. <a href="#194">¶ 194</a>.</p> + +<p>What did he do with its blood? <a href="#194">¶ 194</a>.</p> + +<p>What did these ceremonies foreshadow? <a href="#194">¶ 194</a>.</p> + +<p>How often were these services performed? <a href="#195">¶ 195</a>.</p> + +<p>Why, then, was the law covenant made? <a href="#195">¶ 195</a>.</p> + +<p>What was the purpose of having the Israelites to go through these +ceremonies once each year? <a href="#195">¶ 195</a>.</p> + +<p>What did the law demand relative to Adam? and how was justice satisfied? +<a href="#196">¶ 196</a>.</p> + +<p>The fact that Adam's children were born after he was sentenced to death, +what effect did that have upon the children? <a href="#196">¶ 196</a>.</p> + +<p>Why did God permit the sentence upon Adam to have a vital effect upon +all of Adam's children? <a href="#197">¶ 197</a>.</p> + +<p>Did Jehovah promise to ransom man? and if so, give the Scriptural proof. +<a href="#197">¶ 197</a>.</p> + +<p>Must this promise be carried out? <a href="#197">¶ 197</a>.</p> + +<p>Define ransom. <a href="#198">¶ 198</a>.</p> + +<p>Define sin-offering. <a href="#199">¶ 199</a>.</p> + +<p>Where and how was the ransom-price provided? <a href="#199">¶ 199</a>.</p> + +<p>Where was the sin-offering begun? and where is it finished? <a href="#199">¶ 199</a>.</p> + +<p>By what prophecy did God show that it was his purpose to redeem man by +his beloved Son suffering death? <a href="#201">¶ 201</a>.</p> + +<p>In what sense are Adam and his offspring held in restraint or +imprisonment? Give the Scriptural proof. <a href="#202">¶ 202</a>.</p> + +<p>What was the first qualification of the one who would provide the +ransom-price? <a href="#203">¶ 203</a>.</p> + +<p>Could divine justice accept anything more or less than the value of a +perfect human life as a ransom for Adam and his race? <a href="#204">¶ 204</a>.</p> + +<p>Was it necessary for the redeemer to be a perfect human being? and if +so, why? <a href="#204">¶ 204</a>.</p> + +<p>In what way did the law given to Israel indicate that a perfect human +life would be required as a ransom-price? <a href="#205">¶ 205</a>.</p> + +<p>Give an illustration under the law. <a href="#205">¶ 205</a>.</p> + +<p>Did the law picture what should constitute the qualification of the +redeemer? and if so, where, and what, is it? <a href="#205">¶ 205</a>.</p> + +<p>How is man's extremity and dependence upon Jehovah shown in connection +with the ransom provision? <a href="#206">¶ 206</a>.</p> + +<p>Could Adam redeem himself? or could any of Adam's children redeem him +or their brethren? Give Scriptural proof. <a href="#206">¶ 206</a>.</p> + +<p>Why was man's condition hopeless without a redeemer? <a href="#206">¶ 206</a>.</p> + +<p>The ransom-price when provided, where must it be presented? <a href="#207">¶ 207</a>.</p> + +<p>Could any human being present the value of that ransom-sacrifice in +heaven? <a href="#207">¶ 207</a>.</p> + +<p>What two potent reasons, then, are there which make it impossible for +Adam's children to redeem their brethren? <a href="#208">¶ 208</a>.</p> + +<p>Show how man's future happiness wholly depends upon the divine provision +for redemption, <a href="#209">¶ 209</a>.</p> + +<p>Does man's complete extremity enable us to appreciate more highly the +value of the ransom-sacrifice? <a href="#209">¶ 209</a>.</p> + +<p>What does this show with reference to the debt of gratitude man owes to +Jehovah? <a href="#209">¶ 209</a>.</p> + +<p>Give an illustration of man's extremity; and what would cause him to +feel grateful to his benefactor? <a href="#210">¶ 210</a>.</p> + +<p>If we find the proof to be conclusive that Jehovah has made provision +for the redemption and deliverance of all mankind, how should that +affect the mind and heart of every honest person? <a href="#210">¶ 210</a>.</p> + +<p>Whom did God send into the earth to be the redeemer or ransomer of +mankind? <a href="#211">¶ 211</a>.</p> + +<p>What did St. Paul say about this to the Galatians? Quote the Scripture. +<a href="#211">¶ 211</a>.</p> + +<p>Was it important that Jesus should be qualified to meet the requirements +of the divine law in order to ransom the race? <a href="#211">¶ 211</a>.</p> + +<p>Since ransom means <i>exact corresponding price</i>, had Jesus been an +incarnated spirit being would he have been qualified to ransom mankind? +<a href="#212">¶ 212</a>.</p> + +<p>If Jesus had been part man and part God, would he have been qualified to +meet the requirements of the divine law? <a href="#212">¶ 212</a>.</p> + +<p>What does the divine law definitely require as to the qualification of +the redeemer or ransomer? <a href="#212">¶ 212</a>.</p> + +<p>How did God send his Son? and when he came, was he a man or was he God? +Give Scriptural proof. <a href="#213">¶ 213</a>.</p> + +<p>Had any perfect man lived on the earth from Adam to Jesus? <a href="#213">¶ 213</a>.</p> + +<p>Suppose Jesus had been greater than a man when he consecrated at the +Jordan, could he have met the divine requirements and become the +redeemer of mankind? <a href="#213">¶ 213</a>.</p> + +<p>Did Jesus have power to produce a perfect race? and if so, did he in +this way correspond to the perfect Adam? <a href="#214">¶ 214</a>.</p> + +<p>State what occurred before Pilate. Paraphrase the substance of Pilate's +statement to Jesus. <a href="#214">¶ 214</a>.</p> + +<p>Under the Jewish law, what must be the age of a man in order to be +qualified as priest? <a href="#214">¶ 214</a>.</p> + +<p>What was the age of Jesus when he presented himself to John for baptism? +<a href="#215">¶ 215</a>.</p> + +<p>Why was it necessary for Jesus to wait until he was thirty years of age +to begin his ministry? <a href="#215">¶ 215</a>.</p> + +<p>What was the difference between Jesus and prominent men of the earth +with reference to receiving attention from others? <a href="#216">¶ 216</a>.</p> + +<p>Of what does true greatness consist? <a href="#216">¶ 216</a>.</p> + +<p>Why did Jesus say he came to the earth? Give Scriptural proof. <a href="#216">¶ 216</a>.</p> + +<p>How did Jesus become the servant of all? <a href="#217">¶ 217</a>.</p> + +<p>Why was it a sacrifice on the part of Jehovah to send Jesus to earth to +redeem man? <a href="#217">¶ 217</a>.</p> + +<p>What prompted God to make this sacrifice for man? <a href="#217">¶ 217</a>.</p> + +<p>Why did the Pharisees and doctors of the law misrepresent and persecute +Jesus? <a href="#218">¶ 218</a>.</p> + +<p>Why was Satan so anxious to destroy Jesus? <a href="#219">¶ 219</a>.</p> + +<p>Why did the scribes and Pharisees occupy a responsible position toward +the Jewish people? <a href="#219">¶ 219</a>.</p> + +<p>What were some of the crimes Jesus properly charged against the +Pharisees? and why did he so charge them? <a href="#219">¶ 219</a>.</p> + +<p>Did Jesus know that he was to be crucified? and how did he spend his +last night with the disciples? <a href="#220">¶ 220</a>.</p> + +<p>What were his enemies doing at the same hour? <a href="#220">¶ 220</a>.</p> + +<p>What is meant by the Sanhedrin? and who composed it? <a href="#220">¶ 220</a>.</p> + +<p>What was the duty of this high court toward the people, including Jesus? +<a href="#220">¶ 220</a>.</p> + +<p>When this court secretly met, state what was said by it concerning +Jesus. <a href="#221">¶ 221</a>.</p> + +<p>Who were the parties to the conspiracy to destroy Jesus? and whose was +the master mind directing them? <a href="#222">¶ 222</a>.</p> + +<p>How was Judas brought into the conspiracy? and under what consideration? +<a href="#222">¶ 222</a>.</p> + +<p>Who was sent out to arrest the Master? <a href="#222">¶ 222</a>.</p> + +<p>Did the court have any right to try him at night? <a href="#222">¶ 222</a>.</p> + +<p>Did it have a right to cause him to testify against himself? <a href="#223">¶ 223</a>.</p> + +<p>Was there any evidence against him? <a href="#223">¶ 223</a>.</p> + +<p>What crime did the Sanhedrin commit in getting witnesses against Jesus? +<a href="#223">¶ 223</a>.</p> + +<p>Did that court violate the Jewish law in voting for his conviction? <a href="#223">¶ 223</a>.</p> + +<p>Why did the court reconvene the morning following to ratify the +sentence? and was this proper? <a href="#223">¶ 223</a>.</p> + +<p>Why did not the Jews put Jesus to death and not take him before Pilate? +<a href="#224">¶ 224</a>.</p> + +<p>Why did Pilate wish to release Jesus? <a href="#225">¶ 225</a>.</p> + +<p>When Pilate attempted to release Jesus, what did the accusers do? <a href="#225">¶ 225</a>.</p> + +<p>Who were the responsible men that incited the mob to cry against the +Master? <a href="#225">¶ 225</a>.</p> + +<p>To what did the civil power yield in sentencing Jesus to death? <a href="#225">¶ 225</a>.</p> + +<p>Which was more reprehensible, the civil or the ecclesiastical power, in +this case? <a href="#225">¶ 225</a>.</p> + +<p>Who were put to death with Jesus? <a href="#226">¶ 226</a>.</p> + +<p>In the eyes of the world, did Jesus die as a righteous man? <a href="#226">¶ 226</a>.</p> + +<p>In the death of Jesus upon the cross, what particular prophecy was +fulfilled? <a href="#227">¶ 227</a>.</p> + +<p>Why must Jesus die? <a href="#228">¶ 228</a>.</p> + +<p>What was God's will concerning Jesus with reference to his becoming a +man and being put to death? <a href="#229">¶ 229</a>.</p> + +<p>What did Jesus mean by saying that he was the bread which came down from +heaven, and those eating that bread should live? <a href="#230">¶ 230</a>.</p> + +<p>Did Jesus die only for those who become members of some church +denomination? or for whom did he die? <a href="#230">¶ 230</a>.</p> + +<p>Define sin; and what is the penalty for sin? <a href="#231">¶ 231</a>.</p> + +<p>How was the life of Jesus made an offering for sin, or a sin-offering? +<a href="#231">¶ 231</a>.</p> + +<p>Would it have been possible for any of the human race to get life +everlasting, except for the ransom-sacrifice? <a href="#232">¶ 232</a>.</p> + +<p>Of what value are the pictures made in the Old Testament to us in +studying the New? and what did the bullock slain on the atonement day +picture relative to Jesus? <a href="#233">¶ 233</a>.</p> + +<p>What did the court surrounding the tabernacle picture or typify? <a href="#233">¶ 233</a>.</p> + +<p>What was foreshadowed by the slaying of the bullock in the court? ¶ 233.</p> + +<p>How was the ransom-price provided? <a href="#233">¶ 233</a>.</p> + +<p>What pictured the beginning of the sin-offering? <a href="#234">¶ 234</a>.</p> + +<p>What was done with the blood of the bullock after it was slain? <a href="#234">¶ 234</a>.</p> + +<p>What was pictured by the high priest in the Holy? and what by his +entering the Most Holy? <a href="#234">¶ 234</a>.</p> + +<p>For whom did Jesus give himself as a sin-offering? <a href="#235">¶ 235</a>.</p> + +<p>What was the purpose of the giving of the law covenant? and could it +operate to deliver man from death? <a href="#236">¶ 236</a>.</p> + +<p>Was the shedding of Jesus' blood necessary for the remission of sin? +<a href="#237">¶ 237</a>.</p> + +<p>How was the entrance of Jesus into heaven foreshadowed in the tabernacle +service? Give Scriptural proof. <a href="#237">¶ 237</a>.</p> + +<p>What is the distinction between the death of Adam and the death of +Jesus? <a href="#238">¶ 238</a>.</p> + +<p>By dying as a man, what did Jesus provide for man's benefit? <a href="#238">¶ 238</a>.</p> + +<p>Give an illustration showing how Jesus' death provided the price for the +release of the human race from bondage. <a href="#239">¶¶ 239-241</a>.</p> + +<p>Could the perfect man Jesus deliver the human race from death and remain +alive as a man? <a href="#242">¶ 242</a>.</p> + +<p>What must Jesus do in order to redeem mankind? <a href="#242">¶ 242</a>.</p> + +<p>What did he produce upon Calvary? <a href="#242">¶ 242</a>.</p> + +<p>Where must the value of that ransom-price be presented? <a href="#242">¶ 242</a>.</p> + +<p>Why is it necessary for man to be brought to the knowledge of the truth +after the paying of the ransom-price? <a href="#243">¶ 243</a>.</p> + +<p>Who shall have the knowledge of this truth? Give Scriptural proof. <a href="#243">¶ 243</a>.</p> + +<p>What is the great pivotal truth of the divine plan? <a href="#243">¶ 243</a>.</p> + +<p>When the human race comes to a knowledge of the value of the +ransom-sacrifice, what effect will it have upon the ones who appreciate +it? <a href="#243">¶ 243</a>.</p> + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<center> +<img src="images/140.png" width="525" height="350" alt="" title=""> +</center> + + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<a name="CHAPTER_VII"></a><h2>CHAPTER VII</h2> + +<h3>String 6: <i>Resurrection</i></h3> +<br /> + +<p><a name="245"></a>[245]>Nisan was the beginning of months in the Jewish religious year; and the +fourteenth day of Nisan, A.D. 33, found Jesus of Nazareth dead and in +the tomb. The hopes of his followers were dashed to the ground. Looking +back to the promises made by Jehovah to faithful Abraham, his disciples +and other associates had believed Jesus to be the promised Messiah and +trusted that he would be the deliverer of Israel from Roman bondage and +would also be the instrument for the blessing, through Israel, of all the +nations of the earth. But now he who they had hoped would redeem Israel +(Luke 24:21) was dead. They were perplexed and overwhelmed. Seemingly +they did not expect him to rise again from the dead, nor did they know +at that time that Jehovah would not suffer the flesh of his Holy One to +corrupt. The conduct of the disciples at this time, as well as of those +who were in full sympathy with them, shows that they did not expect his +resurrection. The body was carefully wrapped and placed in the tomb with +myrrh, aloes, and spices, evidently to prevent decomposition. The +subsequent great sorrow of the women at the tomb and their belief that +the body of Jesus had been wrongfully removed and hid elsewhere, also +the perplexity of the disciples, all tends to show that they did not +have any hope or expectation of the resurrection of Jesus. Then we have +the positive statement: "For as yet they knew not the scripture, that he +must rise again from the dead".—John 20:9.</p> + +<p><a name="246"></a>[246]The disciples were Jews and it might be supposed that they were +somewhat acquainted with the Scriptures. We remember, however, that they +were not learned men; and even if they had been acquainted with the text +of the Scriptures they could not have had a very clear understanding of +them at that time; just as we now see there are many wonderful truths in +the Bible which have been there for centuries and which Christians never +understood until recently. Now as we look at the inspired Word of God we +can see some texts in the Old Testament which clearly refer to the +resurrection of Jesus, and which texts must have been familiar to many +Jews at the time Jesus was crucified. For information we note some of +these texts here.</p> + +<p><a name="247"></a>[247]The prophet Job pointed to the time of redemption and deliverance +when he said: "For I know that my redeemer liveth, and that he shall +stand at the latter day upon the earth". (Job 19:25) If the Redeemer was +to stand at the latter day upon the earth, then he must arise from the +dead after he had provided the redemptive price by his death; hence this +Scripture must foreshadow his resurrection. The psalmist David wrote +prophetically concerning Jesus' resurrection when he said: "For thou +wilt not leave my soul in hell; neither wilt thou suffer thine Holy One +to see corruption. Thou wilt show me the path of life: in thy presence +is fullness of joy; at thy right hand are pleasures for evermore." +(Psalm 16:10,11) We have the inspired testimony of the Apostle that the +Prophet did there refer to the resurrection of Jesus.—Acts 2:27-31; +13:35-37.</p> + +<p><a name="248"></a>[248]Again the prophet David wrote concerning Jesus, the Savior of the +world: "As for me, I will behold thy face in righteousness: I shall be +satisfied, when I awake, with thy likeness". (Psalm 17:15) The awakening +clearly means the awakening out of death. Jesus was awakened out of +death in the express image of the Father. (Hebrews 1:2) Again the +Psalmist wrote: "Thou hast ascended on high, thou hast led captivity +captive: thou hast received gifts for men". (Psalm 68:18) Clearly the +apostle Paul refers to this same Scripture in Ephesians 4:8, showing +that the Psalmist referred to the resurrection of Jesus.</p> + +<p><a name="249"></a>[249]The prophet Isaiah wrote: "For unto us a child is born, unto us a +son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his +name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The +everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace. Of the increase of his +government and peace there shall be no end, upon the throne of David, +and upon his kingdom, to order it, and to establish it with judgment and +with justice from henceforth for ever." (Isaiah 9:6,7) Here it is +clearly stated that the One who would hold this exalted position, the +Messiah, is to be the everlasting Father. Father means life-giver, and +it would be impossible for Jesus to be the great Life-giver to man +unless he was raised from the dead.</p> + +<p><a name="250"></a>[250]Again the prophet Isaiah described the sufferings of Jesus and his +death and subsequent resurrection when he wrote: "The Lord hath laid on +him the iniquity of us all.... He is brought as a lamb to the +slaughter.... He was taken from prison and from judgment: ... He was cut +off out of the land of the living: for the transgression of my people +was he stricken. And he made his grave with the wicked, and with the +rich in his death: ... when thou shalt make his soul an offering for sin, +he shall see his seed.... He shall see of the travail of his soul and +shall be satisfied: by his knowledge shall my righteous servant justify +many." (Isaiah 53:6-11) He could not have poured out his soul unto +death and afterward see the travail of his soul and be satisfied unless +he should be raised from the dead.</p> + +<p><a name="251"></a>[251]These Scriptures clearly foretell the resurrection of Jesus. +Besides this, Jesus had told his disciples while in Galilee that he +would be put to death and rise from the dead. (Luke 24:6,7) "And while +they abode in Galilee, Jesus said unto them, The Son of man shall be +betrayed into the hands of men: and they shall kill him, and the third +day he shall be raised again. And they were exceeding sorry." (Matthew +17:22,23) But it may not be expected of them that they should understand +the meaning of these Old Testament Scriptures as referring to the +resurrection of the Lord. They were not men of great learning. They were +poor and followed humble occupations. They had doubtless not had the +advantage of a great amount of education; but a stronger reason is that +the holy spirit had not then been given and their minds had not been +illuminated, and it is not to be expected that they would understand +then the deep things of God's Word. (1 Corinthians 2:14) Nor is it at +all surprising that they had forgotten some of the sayings of Jesus +concerning his betrayal, his death and resurrection. We must remember +that they loved Jesus very devotedly; and uppermost in their minds was +the hope that he would be the deliverer of Israel. Only five days before +his death they had joined him in his triumphal entry into Jerusalem, +when the common people hailed him with gladness and joy. (Matthew +21:1-11) His death was so very sudden, so cruel, the shock so terrible, +that the minds of these faithful disciples and others who loved him +dearly were stunned. They were truly overwhelmed with sorrow and grief. +He had been rudely snatched from them; unjustly tried, brutally +condemned, and then subjected to the most ignominious death known to +man, the death of the cross.</p> + +<p><a name="252"></a>[252]Clearly in fulfillment of the prophecy of Isaiah above noted, +Jesus was put to death as an evil one, thereby making his grave with the +wicked; and he was laid in the sepulchre of a rich man of Arimathea, +named Joseph.—Matthew 27:57.</p> + +<p><a name="253"></a>[253]Little is said as to the doings of the disciples and their +associates immediately following the crucifixion of Jesus when he was +laid away in the tomb. The good women went and "beheld where he was +laid". No doubt little else was done. After 6 o'clock p.m. of that day +was the beginning of the sabbath day, and under the law the Jews must +rest; hence we are not to expect that they did much of anything. Nor +could it have been a day of much rest to them. It was a day of great +sorrow. They could do no work to divert their minds from the terrible +shock caused by the crucifixion of the Lord. The rest must have been one +merely of cessation from labor. Surely they had little rest of body or +peace of mind. It was a day of sorrowful waiting for them, because +tomorrow they would go to the tomb. The sabbath ended at 6 o'clock p.m., +but the night followed, which prevented them from visiting the tomb +then.</p> + +<p><a name="254"></a>[254]The morning following was the first day of the week; and early +that morning, before it became very light, Mary Magdalene and other good +women who had followed Jesus from Galilee and ministered unto him, +hastened to the Savior's tomb. When they reached there the angel of the +Lord appeared unto them, saying: "Fear not ye: for I know that ye seek +Jesus, which was crucified. He is not here: for he is risen, as he said. +Come, see the place where the Lord lay. And go quickly, and tell his +disciples that he is risen from the dead; and, behold he goeth before +you into Galilee; there shall ye see him: lo, I have told you. And they +departed quickly from the sepulchre with fear and great joy; and did +run to bring his disciples word." (Matthew 28:5-8) This news to these +faithful women sounded too good to be true. They were dazed and +bewildered; yet with joy they hurried away to deliver the message to +others who loved the Lord.</p> + +<p><a name="255"></a>[255]Here we have the proof that the resurrection of Jesus is one of +the strings upon the harp of God, yielding great joy to those who hear +its blessed sound. The first human being who heard of the resurrection +rejoiced. How much more joy there must have been in heaven at that hour!</p> + +<p><a name="256"></a>[256]Angel means messenger; that is, one who is sent on a mission as +a representative or deputy, or messenger of God. These holy messengers +or angels always have access to the Father, Jehovah. (Matthew 18:10) We +should expect, of course, that these holy ones of the heavenly host would +sing praise and give utterance to joy before the Lord at every progressive +step of his plan. These angels inhabit the heavens, the high place. And so +the Psalmist writes of them: "Praise ye the Lord. Praise ye the Lord from +the heavens: praise him in the heights. Praise ye him, all his angels: +praise ye him, all his hosts". (Psalm 148:1,2) The Bible abounds with +many instances wherein God has used these holy angels as messengers. He +communicated with Abraham by his angels (Genesis 22:15); also with Jacob. +(Genesis 31:11) God appeared unto Moses by his angel. (Exodus 3:2) He also +delivered a message to Elijah by his angel. (1 Kings 19:5) These holy +messengers of God guarded the interests of Jesus at all times, from the +moment he left the heavenly courts to become the man Jesus for the purpose +of redeeming the world of mankind. (Zechariah 3:1-7) The angel of the Lord +announced to Mary that she was to be the mother of the babe Jesus. (Luke +1:31) When she gave birth to this wonderful child, the angel of the Lord +brought the message to the faithful shepherds, and the great multitude of +the heavenly hosts joined together with that angel in praising, God.—Luke +2:9-11.</p> + +<p><a name="257"></a>[257]We may be sure that these faithful, holy angels, as God's +instruments, were carefully watching every step of Jesus from the time +of his birth up to the moment of his resurrection. With eagerness they +would watch and wait to see if Jesus fully met all the requirements of +God's law. They evidently knew that his full compliance would meet with +the marvelous reward of a resurrection from the dead. It was one of +these faithful messengers that the Lord sent from heaven to roll back +the stone from the door of the tomb at the resurrection of the Master. +What great joy must have filled the heavenly courts now when they beheld +Jesus, by the power of God, triumphant over death and the grave!</p> + +<p><a name="258"></a>[258]Lucifer, who became Satan, who had once been associated with the +holy angels and who had seduced some of their fellow angels, had for +centuries opposed Jehovah and specially tried to destroy Jesus. Jesus +had been sent into the world that he might destroy the works of Satan; +and now, having been raised from the dead, he would ultimately "destroy +him that had the power of death, that is, the devil," which destruction +would guarantee the deliverance of the human race. (Hebrews 2:14) Now +Jesus had broken the bonds of death, being raised by Jehovah to power +and glory, demonstrating the fact that he was fully approved by Jehovah. +He now proved that he was worthy to be praised; and without question he +received the unlimited praise of all the heavenly host. The Revelator +says: "And I beheld, and I heard the voice of many angels round about +the throne and the beasts and the elders: and the number of them was ten +thousand times ten thousand, and thousands of thousands; saying with a +loud voice, Worthy is the Lamb that was slain to receive power, and +riches, and wisdom, and strength, and honor and glory, and blessing." +—Revelation 5:11,12.</p> +<br /> +<br /> +<h4>SCRIPTURAL PROOF</h4> + +<p><a name="259"></a>[259]It was not their previous knowledge of the Scriptures and their +faith in them that Christ Jesus would arise from the dead which induced +the disciples to believe that he was risen, but it was what they +actually saw and experienced that led them to this conclusion. The +knowledge gained by experience, coupled with the knowledge of the +Scriptures subsequently acquired by them, not only established beyond a +doubt in their own minds the resurrection of the Lord Jesus, but it +emboldened them to declare the message on every opportune occasion to +others and to emphasize this great doctrine of truth in their epistles +to the church.</p> + +<p><a name="260"></a>[260]It will profit us here to consider the Scriptural testimony given +by the Evangelist in proof that Jesus did arise from the dead three days +after his crucifixion. There have always been some that denied the +resurrection and hence it is always well to fortify ourselves against +such denial, as well as to strengthen our own faith. It must be +remembered that the writers of these gospels were not learned men; they +were not such men as would arrange a fraudulent scheme to deceive +anybody. There would be no occasion for them to do this. The fact that +they did not expect a resurrection and gave evidence of that by their +conduct and their speech at and just after the Lord's death is strong +circumstantial evidence that their testimony subsequently given is true. +Besides this, the testimony itself bears all the earmarks of truth.</p> + +<p><a name="261"></a>[261]At the time Jesus died there was an earthquake. The Roman +centurion who stood by exclaimed "Truly this was the son of God!" "When +the even was come, there came a rich man of Arimathea, named Joseph, who +also himself was Jesus' disciple: he went to Pilate, and begged the body +of Jesus. Then Pilate commanded the body to be delivered. And when +Joseph had taken the body, he wrapped it in a clean linen cloth, and +laid it in his own new tomb, which he had hewn out in the rock: and he +rolled a great stone to the door of the sepulchre, and departed and +there was Mary Magdalene, and the other Mary, sitting over against the +sepulchre."—Matthew 27:57-61.</p> + +<p><a name="262"></a>[262]The Pharisees believed in the resurrection of the dead, basing +their conclusion upon the words of the prophets. They feared that Jesus +might arise from the dead. They knew they were guilty of having him put +to death and they hoped that would be the end of him. "Now the next day, +that followed the day of the preparation, the chief priests and +Pharisees came together unto Pilate, saying, Sir, we remember that that +deceiver said, while he was yet alive, After three days I will rise +again. Command therefore that the sepulchre be made sure until the third +day, lest his disciples come by night, and steal him away, and say unto +the people, He is risen from the dead: so the last error shall be worse +than the first." (Matthew 27:62-64) When the Roman governor heard their +request he granted them a Roman guard, saying to them: "Ye have a watch: +go your way, make it as sure as ye can. So they went, and made the +sepulchre sure, sealing the stone, and setting a watch."—Matthew +27;65,66.</p> + +<p><a name="263"></a>[263]The Lord Jehovah must have held these Pharisees in derision, who +presumed by having the stone sealed and a Roman guard placed at the +entrance that they could prevent his bringing Jesus out of the tomb. +God could have easily resurrected the Lord without removing the stone. +He chose, however, to do the latter. And in addition to raising up Jesus +as a divine being, he also removed the body in his own good way and to +his own good place, that it might not see corruption, even as he had +promised.—Psalm 16:10.</p> + +<p><a name="264"></a>[264]This Roman guard kept a close vigil over the tomb during Friday +night, Saturday and Saturday night; and early Sunday morning the angel +of the Lord appeared and rolled back the stone. The keepers testified +that the countenance of the angel was like lightning and his raiment as +white as snow, and these watchmen did shake because of fear.</p> + +<p><a name="265"></a>[265]The sabbath day now ended, the dawn of the first day of the week +being here, the faithful women were the first ones to start for the +tomb. "In the end of the sabbath, as it began to dawn toward the first +day of the week, came Mary Magdalene and the other Mary to see the +sepulchre. And, behold, there was a great earthquake: for the angel of +the Lord descended from heaven, and came and rolled back the stone from +the door, and sat upon it. His countenance was like lightning, and his +raiment white as snow: and for fear of him the keepers did shake, and +became as dead men. And the angel answered and said unto the women, Fear +not ye: for I know that ye seek Jesus, which was crucified. He is not +here: for he is risen, as he said. Come, see the place where the Lord +lay. And go quickly, and tell his disciples that he is risen from the +dead; and, behold he goeth before you into Galilee; there shall ye see +him: lo, I have told you. And they departed quickly from the sepulchre +with fear and great joy; and did run to bring his disciples word. And as +they went to tell his disciples, behold, Jesus met them, saying, All +hail. And they came and held him by the feet, and worshipped him. Then +said Jesus unto them, Be not afraid: go tell my brethren that they go +into Galilee, and there shall they see me."—Matthew 28:1-10.</p> + +<p><a name="266"></a>[266]There must have been great excitement about that time among some +of the people of Jerusalem. These faithful women ran to tell the +disciples, while the Roman soldiers hurried into the city to notify +their employers of what had happened. "Now when they were going, behold, +some of the watch came into the city, and showed unto the chief priests +all the things that were done. And when they were assembled with the +elders, and had taken counsel, they gave large money unto the soldiers, +saying, Say ye, His disciples came by night, and stole him away while we +slept. And if this come to the governor's ears, we will persuade him, +and secure you. So they took the money, and did as they were taught: and +this saying is commonly reported among the Jews until this +day."—Matthew 28:11-15.</p> + +<p><a name="267"></a>[267]The account given by St. Luke is almost identical with that given +by St. Matthew. Likewise the testimony given by St. Mark. St. John also +gives an accurate account of the resurrection of the Lord. We insert +here the testimony of each of these witnesses for the purpose of showing +that the four testified substantially to the same facts and fully +corroborated each other.</p> + +<p><a name="268"></a>[268]"And when the sabbath was past, Mary Magdalene, and Mary the +mother of James, and Salome, had bought sweet spices, that they might +come and anoint him. And very early in the morning the first day of the +week, they came unto the sepulchre at the rising of the sun. And they +said among themselves, Who shall roll us away the stone from the door of +the sepulchre? And when they looked, they saw that the stone was rolled +away: for it was very great. And entering into the sepulchre, they saw +a young man sitting on the right side, clothed in a long white garment; +and they were affrighted. And he said unto them, Be not affrighted: Ye +seek Jesus of Nazareth, which was crucified: he is risen; he is not +here: behold the place where they laid him. But go your way, tell his +disciples and Peter that he goeth before you into Galilee: there shall +ye see him, as he said unto you."—Mark 16:1-7.</p> + +<p><a name="269"></a>[269]"Now upon the first day of the week, very early in the morning, +they came unto the sepulchre, bringing the spices which they had +prepared, and certain others with them. And they found the stone rolled +away from the sepulchre. And they entered in, and found not the body of +the Lord Jesus. And it came to pass, as they were much perplexed +thereabout, behold, two men stood by them in shining garments: and as +they were afraid, and bowed down their faces to the earth, they said +unto them, Why seek ye the living among the dead? He is not here, but is +risen: remember how he spake unto you when he was yet in Galilee, +saying, The Son of man must be delivered into the hands of sinful men, +and be crucified, and the third day rise again. And they remembered his +words, and returned from the sepulchre, and told all these things unto +the eleven, and to all the rest. It was Mary Magdalene, and Joanna, and +Mary the mother of James, and other women that were with them, which +told these things unto the apostles."—Luke 24:1-10.</p> + +<p><a name="270"></a>[270]"The first day of the week cometh Mary Magdalene early, when it was +yet dark, unto the sepulchre, and seeth the stone taken away from the +sepulchre. Then she runneth, and cometh to Simon Peter, and to the other +disciple, whom Jesus loved, and saith unto them, They have taken away +the Lord out of the sepulchre, and we know not where they have laid him. +Peter therefore went forth, and that other disciple, and came to the +sepulchre. So they ran both together: and the other disciple did outrun +Peter, and came first to the sepulchre. And he stooping down, and +looking in, saw the linen clothes lying; yet went he not in. Then cometh +Simon Peter following him, and went into the sepulchre, and seeth the +linen clothes lie, and the napkin, that was about his head, not lying +with the linen clothes, but wrapped together in a place by itself. Then +went in also that other disciple, which came first to the sepulchre, and +he saw, and believed."—John 20:1-8.</p> + +<p><a name="271"></a>[271]Added to the testimony of these four witnesses is that of St. Paul, +who had a miraculous vision of the Lord on his way to Damascus. +Concerning the resurrection of the dead the Apostle later testified: +"For I delivered unto you first of all that which I also received, how +that Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures; and that he +was buried, and that he rose again the third day according to the +scriptures; and that he was seen of Cephas, then of the twelve: after +that, he was seen of above five hundred brethren at once; of whom the +greater part remain unto this present, but some are fallen asleep. After +that he was seen of James; then of all the apostles. And last of all he +was seen of me also, as of one born out of due time."—1 Corinthians +15:3-8.</p> + +<p><a name="272"></a>[272]St. John, subsequently writing concerning the Lord, emphasizes the +fact that they saw with their own eyes, saying: "That which was from the +beginning, which we have heard, which we have seen with our eyes, which +we have looked upon, and our hands have handled, of the Word of life; +(for the life was manifested, and we have seen it, and bear witness, and +show unto you that eternal life, which was with the Father, and was +manifested unto us;) that which we have seen and heard declare we unto +you, that ye also may have fellowship with us: and truly our fellowship +is with the Father, and with his Son Jesus Christ. And these things +write we unto you, that your joy may be full."—1 John 1:1-4.</p> + +<p><a name="273"></a>[273]Thus we see there were more than five hundred witnesses who +testified to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus. This alone should +establish the fact beyond any question of a doubt; but when we see the +reason for the Lord's resurrection, the whole matter not only becomes +clear but brings great joy to the heart of one who does see it. We must +furthermore consider that these faithful witnesses of the Lord did not +go to some isolated place to give their testimony concerning his +resurrection, but they gave it openly before the tribunals, before Jews +and heathen philosophers, courtiers, lawyers, as well as the common +people. They did not wait until years afterward to begin to give their +testimony concerning his resurrection, but did so immediately after the +great event took place. They were so bold in declaring it that had there +been a possibility of refuting their testimony we may be sure that the +Pharisees would have attempted it. They did not give this testimony for +the purpose of gaining fame, glory, or riches. But, on the contrary, +they knew that they would bring upon themselves the indignation of the +Pharisees and rulers and would expose themselves to suffering and death.</p> + +<p><a name="274"></a>[274]At Pentecost, only fifty days after the resurrection of the Lord, +the apostle Peter stood forth before the multitude and proclaimed to the +men of Judea and all that dwelt in Jerusalem concerning the resurrection +of the Lord. In his eloquence he exclaimed: "Therefore let all the house +of Israel know assuredly, that God hath made that same Jesus, whom ye +have crucified, both Lord and Christ". (Acts 2:36) So persuasive and +convincing was the Apostle's argument that the Jews who had participated +in having the Lord put to death "were pricked in their heart, and said +unto Peter and to the rest of the apostles, Men and brethren, what shall +we do?" Some of them suffered death and martyrdom because they preached +Christ and his resurrection. (Acts 7:59) The apostles and early +Christians received much persecution because they testified boldly that +Jesus was raised from the dead. They would not have done this had they +been trying to carry out some fraudulent imposition. Their motive in +preaching these doctrines was to be witnesses for the Lord concerning +the fulfillment of his great plan for the redemption and deliverance of +mankind.</p> +<br /> +<br /> +<h4>CHRIST THE LORD DIVINE</h4> + +<p><a name="275"></a>[275]Jesus was put to death in the flesh and was resurrected a divine +being. (1 Peter 3:18) God had promised to grant unto him the divine +nature, giving him the power and authority to have inherent life. Only +divine beings have life within themselves and need nothing to sustain +life. Jesus said: "For as the Father hath life in himself; so hath he +given to the Son to have life in himself". (John 5:26) When on earth he +was a man. When he arose from the dead he was the express image of +Jehovah God. "Who being the brightness of his [Jehovah's] glory, and the +express image of his person, and upholding all things by the word of his +power, when he had by himself purged our sins, sat down on the right +hand of the majesty on high; being made so much better than the angels, +as he hath by inheritance obtained a more excellent name than they." +(Hebrews 1:3,4) He was begotten to the divine nature at the time of his +baptism in the Jordan. He was born on the divine plane to the divine +nature at his resurrection. When he arose from the dead he was both Lord +and Christ. (Acts 2:36) Lord means one who owns; one who has power and +authority, and one whom his followers acknowledge as Master and Lord. +Christ means the anointed one; the one appointed by Jehovah to carry out +his great plan. So now being raised from the dead he is both owner of +all things and endowed with power and authority to carry out Jehovah's +plan. The name Jesus means Savior of the people. That was his earthly +name. It is more particularly associated with him as the sin-bearer, or +one who made his soul an offering for sin, who suffered for us and who +bore our sins—the one whom the Prophet describes as "the man of +sorrows".</p> + +<p><a name="276"></a>[276]When he arose from the dead Jehovah highly exalted him and gave him +a name above all other names. He was once a man of sorrows, acquainted +with grief. Now, resurrected from the dead, he is the exalted one; hence +the Apostle declares: "Being found in fashion as a man, he humbled +himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross. +Wherefore God also hath highly exalted him, and given him a name which +is above every name; that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of +things in heaven, and things in earth and things under the earth and +that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory +of God the Father."—Philippians 2:8-11.</p> + +<p><a name="277"></a>[277]God has decreed that since the earth was the scene of Jesus' +suffering it shall be the scene of his glory, and all creatures shall +bow at the name of Jesus, and that every creature shall confess that +Jesus is Christ and is the Lord.</p> + +<p><a name="278"></a>[278]On the day Jesus arose from the dead and on several occasions +thereafter he appeared unto his disciples and others who specially +loved him. He did not appear to them in the same body which was +crucified; nor with the same clothing in which he was buried. The +Scriptural account is that the clothing and a napkin were folded up and +laid aside in the tomb. Had he appeared in the same body that was +crucified, those who were with him for three and a half years would have +readily recognized him. Surely Mary would have known him. He appeared to +her as a gardener on one occasion, and only when he spoke her name in +the tone so familiar to her did she recognize him. The Scriptural +account of his appearing to the disciples and other witnesses is briefly +noted as follows:</p> + +<p><a name="279"></a>[279]He appeared on Sunday morning, early in the day of his +resurrection, to Mary Magdalene near the sepulchre at Jerusalem.—John +20:11-18.</p> + +<p><a name="280"></a>[280]On the same Sunday morning, to the women returning from the +sepulchre.—Matthew 28:9, 10.</p> + +<p><a name="281"></a>[281]On the same Sunday morning to Simon Peter alone near Jerusalem. +—Luke 24:34.</p> + +<p><a name="282"></a>[282]On the same day to two disciples going to Emmaus, between Jerusalem +and Emmaus.—Luke 24:13-21.</p> + +<p><a name="283"></a>[283]On the same Sunday evening to the apostles (except Thomas) at +Jerusalem.—John 20:19-25.</p> + +<p><a name="284"></a>[284]Thereafter he appeared again one week later (Sunday evening) to the +apostles, Thomas this time being present, at Jerusalem.—John 20:26-29.</p> + +<p><a name="285"></a>[285]Some days thereafter he appeared on the shores of Galilee to seven +of his disciples who had gone back to fishing.—John 21:1-13.</p> + +<p><a name="286"></a>[286]A little later he appeared to the eleven disciples on a mountain +near Galilee.—Matthew 28:16-20.</p> + +<p><a name="287"></a>[287]A short time thereafter he again appeared to a company of more than +five hundred of his followers, gathered by appointment, in Galilee. +—1 Corinthians 15:6.</p> + +<p><a name="288"></a>[288]He again appeared to the apostle James only.—1 Corinthians 15:7.</p> + +<p><a name="289"></a>[289]Then he appeared for the last time on the side of the Mount of +Olives to his disciples at the time of his ascension.—Luke 24:50,51; +Acts 1:6-9.</p> + +<p><a name="290"></a>[290]The question will arise in the minds of many, Did he appear in a +spirit body or a human body, and how did he get the body if it was not +the one in which he was crucified? We may be sure that he did not arise +from the dead with a human body, because on one of these occasions he +appeared to the disciples when they were in a room with the doors +fastened. (John 20:19-26) The only answer is that now, as a divine +being, he had the power to create a body and clothing and appear at any +time and upon any occasion that he desired. Mary supposed him to be a +gardener; two of the disciples who walked with him thought he was a +stranger in the community. Again, none of the disciples recognized him +by his body on the sea of Galilee; likewise on other occasions when he +appeared unto them. On all these occasions he was recognized by his +actions, his words, and the familiar tone of his voice. It was hard to +convince Thomas, who declared he must have some more proof; therefore +the Lord created a body having in it the marks of the nails in order +that Thomas might be convinced. And when he was convinced, Jesus said to +him: "Thomas, because thou hast seen me, thou hast believed: blessed are +they that have not seen, and yet have believed".—John 20:27-29.</p> + +<p><a name="291"></a>[291]The purpose of Jesus' appearing to the disciples was that the fact +might be fully established that he was resurrected and alive. He had the +power to create a fleshly body and appear in it and dissolve it at any +time; and without doubt when he appeared to his disciples behind locked +doors he created the body immediately in their presence and dissolved +it when he disappeared. To prove to them that he was a real body of flesh +and bones he said to them: "Handle me, and see; for a spirit hath not +flesh and bones, as ye see me have". (Luke 24:39) This was not a spirit +body, but a body of flesh. The body with which he ascended on high and +which he has in heaven is a glorious body which no man can look upon and +live except by the miraculous power of Jehovah. The apostle Paul states: +"Flesh and blood cannot inherit the kingdom of God". (1 Corinthians +15:50,51) In addition to this, St. John says: "It doth not yet appear +what we shall be: but we know that, when he shall appear, we shall be +like him; for we shall see him as he is".—1 John 3:2.</p> + +<p><a name="292"></a>[292]St. Paul was given a miraculous view of the Lord in glory. As he +was journeying to Damascus suddenly there shone about him a light from +heaven. He did not see the body of Jesus but only the light from his +glorious body. He heard a voice saying unto him: "I am Jesus". So +brilliant was this light that for three days he was blind; and the Lord +performed a miracle by removing his blindness. "And immediately there +fell from his eyes as it had been scales: and he received sight +forthwith and arose, and was baptized." (Acts 9:1-19) The apostle Paul +afterward relating this incident said: "And last of all he [Jesus] was +seen of me also, as one born out of due time". (1 Corinthians 15:8) Here +we have a little glimpse of what the glorious body of the Lord is. These +facts show that the bodies in which Jesus appeared after his resurrection +were not the body that was crucified nor his glorious spiritual body, +but bodies created expressly for the purpose of appearing unto his +disciples. Our Lord's human body, the one crucified, was removed from +the tomb by the power of God. Had it remained there it would have been +an obstacle in the way of the faith of his disciples, who were not yet +instructed in spiritual things. They were not thus instructed until the +giving of the holy spirit at Pentecost. The Scriptures do not reveal +what became of that body, except that it did not decay or corrupt. (Acts +2:27,31) We can only surmise that the Lord may have preserved it +somewhere to exhibit to the people in the Millennial age. The Scriptures +tell us that God miraculously hid the body of Moses (Deuteronomy 34:6; +Jude 9); and Jehovah could just as easily have preserved and hid away +the body of Jesus. Jesus being resurrected a divine being, the express +image of the Father, we are sure that no man could look upon him and +live. (Exodus 33:20) Christ Jesus the Lord in heaven is a glorious +being, the fairest of ten thousand, and altogether lovely, and no human +eye has ever seen him since glorified, except the vision miraculously +given to St. Paul.</p> + +<p><a name="293"></a>[293]The purpose of the resurrection of the Lord Jesus when understood +is further proof that he was raised divine. As we have seen, the ransom +must be provided by a perfect human being going into death. This +ransom-price, namely, the value of a perfect human life, must be +presented in heaven itself as a sin-offering on behalf of mankind. +Unless this was done, the ransom would be of no avail and there would be +no purchase of the human race from death and its results. The apostle +Paul plainly states that Christ Jesus has entered into heaven itself, +now to appear in the presence of God for us. (Hebrews 9:24) He is now a +great high priest who passed into the heavens, becoming the high priest +on behalf of those who come to God through him during the gospel age. +(Hebrews 4:14-16) On the typical atonement day, as we have seen, God +caused Israel through the priesthood to make a picture of the +sin-offering. The high priest appearing in the Most Holy and sprinkling +the blood upon the mercy seat was a type of Jesus appearing in heaven +itself, presenting the merit of his sacrifice as a great sin-offering. +This would have been impossible had not Jesus been resurrected a divine +being.</p> + +<p><a name="294"></a>[294]Afterward Jesus Christ gave unto St. John a revelation by his +angel, which is recorded as the book of Revelation. In that he said: "I +am he that liveth, and was dead; and, behold, I am alive for evermore, +Amen; and have the keys of hell and of death". (Revelation 1:18) Hell +means the tomb, the grave, the condition of death into which the whole +human race has been going for so many centuries. Death is the great +enemy and in due time the Lord will abolish or destroy both death and +the grave, as we shall see later on.</p> + +<p><a name="295"></a>[295]As each person comes to a knowledge of the resurrection of Jesus +Christ and understands and appreciates the purpose, his heart is made +glad. Only those who are enlightened have yet appreciated the fact that +the resurrection of Jesus is one of the strings on God's wonderful harp. +In due time these benefits will be made known to all, and all shall +recognize this wonderful truth. After the Lord has finished the +selection of the members of his body, which is called the church +(Colossians 1:18), then his merit or ransom-sacrifice will be presented +on behalf of the world of mankind and all will reap the benefits of his +resurrection. The foregoing Scriptures conclusively establish the +resurrection of Christ Jesus from the dead.</p> + +<p><a name="296"></a>[296]In St. Paul's day there were some who denied the resurrection, even +as it has been ever since. To meet their argument St. Paul wrote: "Now if +Christ be preached that he rose from the dead, how say some among you that +there is no resurrection of the dead? But if there be no resurrection of +the dead, then is Christ not risen: and if Christ be not risen, then is +our preaching vain, and your faith is also vain. Yea, and we are found +false witnesses of God; because we have testified of God that he raised +up Christ; whom he raised not up, if so be that the dead rise not. For +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 firstfruits of them that slept. For since +by man came death, by man came also the resurrection of the dead. For as +in Adam all die, so in Christ shall all be made alive. But every man in +his own order: Christ the firstfruits; afterward they that are Christ's +at his coming. Then cometh the end when he shall have delivered up the +kingdom to God, even the Father; when he shall have put down all rule and +authority and power. For he must reign, till he hath put all enemies under +his feet. The last enemy that shall be destroyed is death."—1 Corinthians +15:12-26.</p> + +<p><a name="297"></a>[297]Because of the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ and his +ascension on high, all men are guaranteed one full, fair opportunity to +obtain everlasting life. God has made this provision and given this +guarantee, as St. Paul states. "Because he [God] hath appointed a day, +in the which he will judge the world in righteousness by that man whom +he hath ordained; whereof he hath given assurance unto all men, in that +he hath raised him from the dead." (Acts 17:31) We are now just coming +into that "appointed day", in which the world is beginning to know and +soon will know much more about the wonderful benefits resulting from the +resurrection of our Lord. In that great day the Lord shall reign in glory +and then will be fulfilled his words: "Marvel not at this: for the hour +is coming, in the which all that are in the graves shall hear his voice, +and shall come forth; they that have done good, unto the resurrection of +life; and they that have done evil, unto the resurrection of judgment". +(John 5:28,29, <i>R.V.</i>) Of this we shall have more to say when we +discuss the string of God's great harp, restoration.</p> + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> + +<p>What is the first month of the Jewish religious year? <a href="#245">¶ 245</a>.</p> + +<p>On the fourteenth day of that month, A.D. 33, where was Jesus? <a href="#245">¶ 245</a>.</p> + +<p>What had his disciples expected him to do? <a href="#245">¶ 245</a>.</p> + +<p>What was their condition of mind, and what their hopes, after his death? +<a href="#245">¶ 245</a>.</p> + +<p>What was the expectation of the disciples with reference to his +resurrection? <a href="#245">¶ 245</a>.</p> + +<p>How had the body of Jesus been prepared for burial? and what was the +purpose? <a href="#245">¶ 245</a>.</p> + +<p>Give further proof with reference to the expectation of the disciples +concerning Jesus' resurrection. <a href="#245">¶ 245</a>.</p> + +<p>Did the disciples understand the Scriptures at that time with reference +to the resurrection of Jesus Christ? <a href="#246">¶ 246</a>.</p> + +<p>Is the student now able to understand Scriptures in the Old Testament +relative to the resurrection of the Lord that have been heretofore +little understood? <a href="#246">¶ 246</a>.</p> + +<p>Give some Scriptural texts of the Old Testament bearing upon the +resurrection of the Lord Jesus. <a href="#247">¶ 247</a>.</p> + +<p>Did the Psalmist speak of Jesus going to hell? and if so, what was +meant? <a href="#247">¶ 247</a>.</p> + +<p>Give the Apostle's interpretation of this statement. <a href="#247">¶ 247</a>.</p> + +<p>What was meant by the statement of the Psalmist in Psalm 17:15? <a href="#248">¶ 248</a>.</p> + +<p>In whose likeness was Jesus awakened? Give the Scriptural proof. <a href="#248">¶ 248</a>.</p> + +<p>Did the Psalmist in Psalm 68:18 refer to Jesus' resurrection? and if so, +why? <a href="#248">¶ 248</a>.</p> + +<p>Quote the words of the prophecy of Isaiah (9:6,7) concerning Jesus. <a href="#249">¶ 249</a>.</p> + +<p>Did the Prophet here foreshadow the resurrection of Jesus Christ? <a href="#249">¶ 249</a>.</p> + +<p>How did Jehovah refer to Christ's resurrection in the words of the +prophet Isaiah (53:6-11)? <a href="#250">¶ 250</a>.</p> + +<p>Had Jesus told his disciples that he expected to arise from the dead? +and if so, where? <a href="#251">¶ 251</a>.</p> + +<p>Why were the disciples sorry, as stated in Matthew 17:22,23? <a href="#251">¶ 251</a>.</p> + +<p>Why could not the disciples of Jesus understand the prophecies +concerning his resurrection? Quote a Scripture from the New Testament in +support of this answer. <a href="#251">¶ 251</a>.</p> + +<p>What was the hope uppermost in the minds of the disciples? <a href="#251">¶ 251</a>.</p> + +<p>What had happened just five days before Jesus' death that increased such +hopes in the minds of the disciples? <a href="#251">¶ 251</a>.</p> + +<p>What would be the probable effect upon the disciples of the sudden death +of the Master? <a href="#251">¶ 251</a>.</p> + +<p>In being put to death as an evil one and buried in the sepulchre of a +rich man, what prophecy did Jesus fulfill? <a href="#252">¶ 252</a>.</p> + +<p>On what day was Jesus crucified? and what was the day following? <a href="#253">¶ 253</a>.</p> + +<p>What were Jews expected to do on that day of the sabbath? <a href="#253">¶ 253</a>.</p> + +<p>When did the sabbath day end? <a href="#253">¶ 253</a>.</p> + +<p>What was done by Mary and others on the morning of the first day of the +week after Jesus' crucifixion? <a href="#254">¶ 254</a>.</p> + +<p>Who appeared unto them at the tomb? and what did the messenger say? <a href="#254">¶ 254</a>.</p> + +<p>What effect did this message from the angel have upon these women? and +what did they do? <a href="#254">¶ 254</a>.</p> + +<p>What proof have we here that the resurrection of Jesus is one of the +strings upon the harp of God? <a href="#255">¶ 255</a>.</p> + +<p>What effect was produced upon the first human being who heard of the +resurrection of the Lord? <a href="#255">¶ 255</a>.</p> + +<p>How must this news have been received in heaven? <a href="#255">¶ 255</a>.</p> + +<p>What is the meaning of the word angel? <a href="#256">¶ 256</a>.</p> + +<p>Do these angels have access to Jehovah? Give the Scriptural proof. <a href="#256">¶ 256</a>.</p> + +<p>Is there Scriptural proof that these holy messengers sing praises in +heaven? <a href="#256">¶ 256</a>.</p> + +<p>What Scriptural proof have we that God uses angels for messengers? Give +several instances. <a href="#256">¶ 256</a>.</p> + +<p>Is there any Scriptural evidence that these holy angels guarded the +interests of Jesus while here on earth? <a href="#256">¶ 256</a>.</p> + +<p>Cite Scriptural proof as to what else the angels did with reference to +Jesus the babe. <a href="#256">¶ 256</a>.</p> + +<p>Is it reasonable to suppose that the angels watched the progressive +steps of Jesus' course from his birth to his resurrection? <a href="#257">¶ 257</a>.</p> + +<p>Might we expect them to be looking for the resurrection of Jesus Christ? +<a href="#257">¶ 257</a>.</p> + +<p>Who was sent from heaven to roll back the stone from Jesus' tomb? <a href="#257">¶ 257</a>.</p> + +<p>When the triumph of Jesus over death and the grave was marked, what +effect must that have produced in heaven? <a href="#257">¶ 257</a>.</p> + +<p>Would the resurrection of Jesus demonstrate his approval by Jehovah? +<a href="#258">¶ 258</a>.</p> + +<p>Would his triumph over death and the grave be reason for his praise in +heaven? <a href="#258">¶ 258</a>.</p> + +<p>Give Scriptural proof of the praise of Jesus Christ by the heavenly +hosts after his resurrection. <a href="#258">¶ 258</a>.</p> + +<p>What was it that convinced the disciples of the resurrection of Jesus +Christ? <a href="#259">¶ 259</a>.</p> + +<p>Being convinced of his resurrection, how did that affect Jesus' +disciples in regard to proclaiming the truth? <a href="#259">¶ 259</a>.</p> + +<p>Why should we have Scriptural proof of the resurrection of Christ Jesus? +<a href="#260">¶ 260</a>.</p> + +<p>Is it reasonable to suppose that Jesus' disciples would concoct a scheme +indicating his resurrection, contrary to the facts? <a href="#260">¶ 260</a>.</p> + +<p>What convulsion of nature occurred at the time of Jesus' death? <a href="#261">¶ 261</a>.</p> + +<p>Give the Scriptural proof of the burial of Jesus' body. <a href="#261">¶ 261</a>.</p> + +<p>Why did the Pharisees believe in the resurrection of the dead? <a href="#262">¶ 262</a>.</p> + +<p>Did the Pharisees specially request of Pilate a special guard to be +placed over the tomb of Jesus? and if so, why? Give the Scriptural +proof. <a href="#262">¶ 262</a>.</p> + +<p>What did Pilate reply to them? <a href="#262">¶ 262</a>.</p> + +<p>Could God have resurrected Jesus Christ without removing the stone? <a href="#263">¶ 263</a>.</p> + +<p>How would this indicate the derision in which he held the Pharisees? +<a href="#263">¶ 263</a>.</p> + +<p>Who rolled away the stone from the tomb? <a href="#264">¶ 264</a>.</p> + +<p>What did the Roman guard testify concerning the appearance of the one +who rolled away the stone? <a href="#264">¶ 264</a>.</p> + +<p>Who first appeared at the tomb on the morning of Christ's resurrection? +<a href="#265">¶ 265</a>.</p> + +<p>Relate what took place there between Mary Magdalene and the messenger +who appeared to her; and what was the message delivered to her? <a href="#265">¶ 265</a>.</p> + +<p>What other wrongful thing did the priests do, when they heard of Jesus +Christ's resurrection? <a href="#266">¶ 266</a>.</p> + +<p>Compare the testimony given by St. Matthew, St. Mark, St. Luke, and St. +John; and state whether there is any real difference. <a href="#266">¶¶ 267-270</a>.</p> + +<p>What other Apostle's testimony is added to that of the ones just quoted? +and what did he say about the resurrection of Jesus? <a href="#271">¶ 271</a>.</p> + +<p>What further testimony did St. John subsequently give concerning Jesus +Christ's resurrection? <a href="#272">¶ 272</a>.</p> + +<p>How many witnesses testified to the resurrection of our Lord Jesus? +<a href="#273">¶ 273</a>.</p> + +<p>Where did these faithful witnesses give their testimony concerning the +resurrection of the Lord? <a href="#273">¶ 273</a>.</p> + +<p>Did they endanger themselves by giving such testimony? <a href="#273">¶ 273</a>.</p> + +<p>The fact that they gave it immediately and boldly, what weight does that +add to its truthfulness? <a href="#274">¶ 274</a>.</p> + +<p>What was their motive in testifying of the Lord's resurrection? <a href="#274">¶ 274</a>.</p> + +<p>Did anyone suffer martyrdom because of giving testimony to this effect? +Give the Scriptural proof. <a href="#274">¶ 274</a>.</p> + +<p>To what nature was Jesus Christ resurrected? <a href="#275">¶ 275</a>.</p> + +<p>What does it mean to have inherent life? <a href="#275">¶ 275</a>.</p> + +<p>What did Jesus say about the Father giving him this favor? <a href="#275">¶ 275</a>.</p> + +<p>When the Lord arose from the dead, was he made lower or higher than the +angels? <a href="#275">¶ 275</a>.</p> + +<p>When was he begotten and when born to the divine nature? <a href="#275">¶ 275</a>.</p> + +<p>What is the meaning of the terms Lord and Christ? <a href="#275">¶ 275</a>.</p> + +<p>What power and authority has the Lord possessed since his resurrection? +<a href="#275">¶ 275</a>.</p> + +<p>What is the meaning of the name Jesus? <a href="#275">¶ 275</a>.</p> + +<p>State what the Scriptures say of his exaltation at the resurrection. +<a href="#276">¶ 276</a>.</p> + +<p>Has God decreed how the creatures of earth shall ultimately honor the +Lord Jesus? <a href="#277">¶ 277</a>.</p> + +<p>When was the first time Jesus appeared to his disciples after arising +from the dead? <a href="#278">¶ 278</a>.</p> + +<p>With what body did he appear? <a href="#278">¶ 278</a>.</p> + +<p>Give the reasons why he did not appear in the body that was crucified. +<a href="#278">¶ 278</a>.</p> + +<p>How did Mary recognize him? <a href="#278">¶ 278</a>.</p> + +<p>State how many times Jesus appeared prior to his ascension on high, +giving the Scriptural proof. <a href="#279">¶¶ 279-289</a>.</p> + +<p>Did he appear in a spirit or a human body? and how did he get the body +in which he appeared? <a href="#290">¶ 290</a>.</p> + +<p>How could he appear in the room in the presence of the disciples when +the door was locked? <a href="#290">¶ 290</a>.</p> + +<p>How did the disciples recognize him at the sea of Galilee and other +places? <a href="#290">¶ 290</a>.</p> + +<p>What was Jesus' purpose in appearing to the disciples? <a href="#291">¶ 291</a>.</p> + +<p>Describe the body in which Jesus appeared behind locked doors; and what +did he say to his disciples then? <a href="#291">¶ 291</a>.</p> + +<p>Could the body in which Jesus was crucified ascend into heaven? and if +not, why not? Give Scriptural proof. <a href="#291">¶ 291</a>.</p> + +<p>Describe his appearance to Saul on the way to Damascus. <a href="#292">¶ 292</a>.</p> + +<p>Did Saul see the body of Jesus at that time? <a href="#292">¶ 292</a>.</p> + +<p>What effect did the appearance of the Lord to St. Paul have upon him? +<a href="#292">¶ 292</a>.</p> + +<p>What did St. Paul later say about Jesus appearing unto him? <a href="#292">¶ 292</a>.</p> + +<p>What does the appearance of the Lord to St. Paul prove with reference to +the bodies in which Jesus appeared shortly after his resurrection? <a href="#292">¶ 292</a>.</p> + +<p>What became of the body of the Lord that was crucified? <a href="#292">¶ 292</a>.</p> + +<p>Christ Jesus in glory possesses what kind of body? <a href="#292">¶ 292</a>.</p> + +<p>What did the resurrection of the Lord and his appearance in heaven have +to do with the ransom and sin-offering? <a href="#293">¶ 293</a>.</p> + +<p>Were his resurrection and ascension on high necessary to complete the +sin-offering? <a href="#293">¶ 293</a>.</p> + +<p>On the typical atonement day, through what ceremonies did the high +priest pass in connection with the sin-offering? <a href="#293">¶ 293</a>.</p> + +<p>What did this typify? <a href="#293">¶ 293</a>.</p> + +<p>In the Revelation of Jesus to St. John, what did he say about being the +one who was once dead? and what power does he now possess? <a href="#294">¶ 294</a>.</p> + +<p>What is meant by the terms hell and death as used in Revelation 1:18? +<a href="#294">¶ 294</a>.</p> + +<p>Up to this time who have appreciated the value of Jesus' resurrection as +a part of the divine plan? <a href="#295">¶ 295</a>.</p> + +<p>Do the Scriptures herein cited prove the resurrection of Christ Jesus? +<a href="#295">¶ 295</a>.</p> + +<p>What argument did St. Paul produce against the contention that Christ +was not raised from the dead? <a href="#296">¶ 296</a>.</p> + +<p>What does the resurrection of Jesus Christ guarantee to mankind? <a href="#297">¶ 297</a>.</p> + +<p>Give the Scriptural proof of such guarantee. <a href="#297">¶ 297</a>.</p> + +<p>Where are we now with reference to the 'day appointed', as referred to +in Acts 17:31? <a href="#297">¶ 297</a>.</p> + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<center> +<img src="images/169.png" width="350" height="500" alt="" title=""> +</center> + + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<a name="CHAPTER_VIII"></a><h2>CHAPTER VIII</h2> + +<h3>String 7: <i>Mystery Revealed</i></h3> +<br /> + +<p><a name="298"></a>[298]A mystery is that which is kept a profound secret. It is something +unknown, except to certain ones, being kept carefully and continuously +concealed from all others. Jehovah being all powerful can hide or keep +secret from every creature, earthly or heavenly, any part or all of his +great plan and reveal or make it known at such time as might please him. +One feature of his great plan he did keep secret for ages and it is +still a secret to all except a few.</p> + +<p><a name="299"></a>[299]When Jesus was on earth he taught the people in parables or dark +sayings. His disciples came to him and asked: "Why speakest thou unto +them in parables? He answered and said unto them, Because it is given +unto you to know the mysteries of the kingdom of heaven, but to them it +is not given." (Matthew 13:10,11) It will be observed that he did not +say, 'You now know the mysteries of God'; but that it was given them to +know those mysteries. Not even his disciples understood him in many +things when they were with him. On the last night before his crucifixion +he was instructing them in various things that would be helpful to them +in the days to come. On that occasion he said: "When he, the spirit of +truth, is come, he will guide you into all truth: for he shall not speak +of himself; but whatsoever he shall hear, that shall he speak: and he +will show you things to come." (John 16:13) The spirit of truth here +mentioned is the holy spirit, the spirit of God, the invisible power +operating upon the minds of those who are in covenant relationship with +God. Jesus here used the masculine pronoun in speaking of the holy +spirit.</p> + +<p><a name="300"></a>[300]The holy spirit was given to the disciples at Pentecost, that is to +say, fifty days after the resurrection of Jesus. "And when the day of +Pentecost was fully come, they were all with one accord in one place. +And suddenly there came a sound from heaven as of a rushing mighty wind, +and it filled all the house where they were sitting. And there appeared +unto them cloven tongues like as of fire, and it sat upon each of them. +And they were all filled with the holy spirit, and began to speak with +other tongues, as the spirit gave them utterance." (Acts 2:1-4) The King +James Version of our Bibles, translates the word here holy "ghost", but +there is no warrant for such a translation. It comes from the word which +means spirit.</p> + +<p><a name="301"></a>[301]It was at Pentecost that for the first time God's great mystery +began to be understood by the disciples. The mystery of God has been a +stumbling block to both Jews and Christians so-called; but in God's due +time he will make known to all the secret of his mystery and then all +rightly exercised by this will rejoice with exceeding joy.</p> + +<p><a name="302"></a>[302]The mystery is <i>the Christ</i>, the great one through whom redemption, +deliverance and blessing will ultimately come to all mankind who receive +Christ and obey him. God foreshadowed his mystery for ages by the use of +various men. Yet all of that time he kept it secret.</p> + +<p><a name="303"></a>[303]Death has been and is the great enemy of man. Death is the very +opposite of life. The greatest desire of man is and always has been to +have life everlasting in happiness. From the time of his expulsion from +Eden man has been looking for something upon which to fasten a hope for +life and happiness. Satan was the cause of death, and when God +pronounced the sentence in Eden he said that the seed of the woman +should bruise the serpent's head. This statement was in the nature of a +promise, but it could not then be understood. Since Pentecost some have +understood the meaning of these words to be an assurance that in God's +due time the seed of promise, the seed of the woman, will destroy Satan, +who has the power of death. Nearly two thousand years rolled by after +this statement before anything further was promised.</p> + +<p><a name="304"></a>[304]Then unto Abraham Jehovah called and made him the promise: "In thy +seed shall all the families of the earth be blessed". This was another +reference to the mystery; but that promise was not understood in its +proper light. Abraham believed God would bless the human race, but he +did not understand just the manner in which it would be done. At the +time of this promise Abraham had no children. Several years more passed +and then Isaac, Abraham's first legitimate son, was born. Abraham +believed that his natural seed, his son, would be the ruler through whom +the blessing would come to the people; but his son Isaac was merely a +type of the mystery, God using him to foreshadow the greater one. This +promise was renewed to Isaac and to Jacob, and at the death of Jacob his +descendants, who of course were descendants of Abraham, were organized +into twelve tribes, forming the nation of Israel, and were thereafter +recognized as God's chosen nation. (Genesis 49:28; Deuteronomy 26:5) +Then it was that the faithful believed that God's promised blessings +would come through this nation, his chosen people. But in time they +became slaves to the Egyptians and their hopes were almost blasted. They +were sorely oppressed in Egypt when God sent Moses to be their +deliverer and to lead the people of Israel out of Egyptian bondage. +Moses was also a type foreshadowing the great One. (Acts 3:22) Moses +died and the promised blessing had not yet come. The prophetic statement +made by Moses that God would raise up unto Israel one like unto himself +led the prophets to understand that there would be a great one raised up +from the nation of Israel who would be the deliverer and blesser of +mankind.</p> + +<p><a name="305"></a>[305]Joshua followed next in line after Moses. His name signifies +savior or deliverer. But he also was only a type of the great Deliverer.</p> + +<p><a name="306"></a>[306]Then David became the king of Israel. His name means beloved one. +The Jews had hoped that he would be the great deliverer, but in his old +age he abdicated the throne in favor of Solomon, and yet the blessing +did not come. Solomon became the most famous man in the world for riches +and wisdom, and the hopes of Israel were centered in him, only to be +disappointed. David and Solomon were also but mere types foreshadowing +the coming of the great Deliverer.</p> + +<p><a name="307"></a>[307]The nation of Israel degenerated and under the reign of Zedekiah, +their last king, they fell into captivity to the Babylonians and they +continued subject to other nations until they were finally driven out of +Palestine.</p> + +<p><a name="308"></a>[308]Moved by the holy spirit of God operating upon their minds, the +holy prophets testified of the coming of this great Deliverer, both of +his sufferings and of his glory that would follow; but they did not +understand. The matter was a mystery to them. (1 Peter 1:11) Even the +angels of heaven sought to look into it, but they were not permitted. +God's purpose was to keep the matter secret until his own due time to +reveal the great truth.</p> + +<p><a name="309"></a>[309]Then came Jesus, whose coming was announced by John the Baptist; +and he was pointed out as the one who would take away the sin of the +world. He chose his disciples and they walked with him, and he taught +them for three and a half years; yet they did not understand the great +mystery. They expected Jesus to be made an earthly king and hoped that +they might be with him in the kingdom, probably in his cabinet, because +he was asked if one might sit on his left and the other on his right +hand in the kingdom. They expected him to make Israel a great nation and +believed that through that nation other nations would be blessed. When +he was put to death they were greatly disappointed, mystified, and in +great distress. (Luke 24:21) Even after his resurrection they did not +understand his mission, and this is shown by their words to him on the +day that he ascended into heaven. "When they were therefore come +together, they asked of him, saying, Lord, wilt thou at this time +restore again the kingdom to Israel? And he said unto them, It is not +for you to know the times or the seasons, which the Father hath put in +his own power. But ye shall receive power, after that the holy spirit is +come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and +in all Judea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost parts of the earth. +And when he had spoken these things, while they beheld, he was taken up; +and a cloud received him out of their sight."—Acts 1:6-9.</p> + +<p><a name="310"></a>[310]In obedience to the command of Jesus, these faithful disciples went +to Jerusalem to the place known as the upper room, and there waited. Ten +days passed and then it was that the holy spirit, the invisible power of +God, was visited upon them; and true to his promise, the disciples began +to understand.</p> + +<p><a name="311"></a>[311]Jesus had now ascended on high and presented the merit of his +sacrifice before Jehovah and the acceptance of this was manifested by +the giving of the holy spirit to his disciples who had been his +consecrated followers for three and a half years. Doubtless the angels +of heaven now began to know something about the great mystery. What joy +must have been in heaven when Jesus Christ appeared before the Father +and presented the merit of his sacrifice and was received by Jehovah! +Surely the heavenly host must have sung his praises. They had beheld him +triumphing over death and the grave and now exalted to a position in +heaven next to the Father. It must have been a great joy to the heavenly +host, even as contemplation of it was a great joy to Jesus himself. "For +the joy that was set before him [he] endured the cross, despising the +shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God." (Hebrews +12:2) What joy must have filled the hearts of his disciples when they +began to understand the mystery of God and to see how wonderfully he had +led them and their fathers before them, preparing them now for the +revelation of this great truth!</p> + +<p><a name="312"></a>[312]In due time Saul of Tarsus, who afterward was named St. Paul, was +illuminated and understood. And then he wrote: "Who now rejoice in my +sufferings for you, and fill up that which is behind of the afflictions +of Christ in my flesh for his body's sake, which is the church: whereof +I am made a minister, according to the dispensation of God which is +given to me for you, to fulfill the word of God; even the mystery which +hath been hid for ages and from generations, but now is made manifest to +his saints: to whom God would make known what is the riches of the glory +of this mystery among the gentiles; which [mystery] is Christ in you, +the hope of glory." (Colossians 1:24-27) The Apostle here emphasizes the +fact that this mystery of God is now made known only to the saints. +Saints means purified ones, which purification comes through receiving +the merit of Christ's sacrifice.</p> + +<p><a name="313"></a>[313]The word Christ signifies anointed. Anointing means designation to +official position in God's arrangement. The Christ is the instrument or +channel for the blessing of mankind. The Christ is composed of Jesus, +the great and mighty head, and 144,000 members. (Revelation 7:4) Christ +Jesus is the head and the church his body. We ofttimes hear the +expression, a body of men with a general at their head. Of the Christ +the Apostle says: "And he [Christ Jesus] is before all things, and by +him all things consist. And he is the head of the body, the church: who +is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead; that in all things he +might have the preëminence. For it pleased the Father that in him should +all fullness dwell."—Colossians 1:17-19.</p> + +<p><a name="314"></a>[314]The apostle Paul uses a human body to illustrate the Christ, the +great mystery class; the head representing Jesus, and the other members +of the body those who are of his church. "For as the body is one, and +hath many members, and all the members of that one body, being many, are +one body: so also is Christ.... Now ye are the body of Christ, and +members in particular."—1 Corinthians 12:12,27.</p> + +<p><a name="315"></a>[315]The Christ is also designated in the Scriptures as the seed of +Abraham according to the promise. "Now to Abraham and his seed were the +promises made. He saith not, And to seeds, as of many; but as of one, +And to thy seed, which is Christ." (Galatians 3:16) Addressing himself +to the church, the Christians, the followers of Jesus, the Apostle +further said: "For ye are all the children of God by faith in Christ +Jesus. For as many of you as have been baptized into Christ, have put on +Christ.... And if ye be Christ's then are ye Abraham's seed, and heirs +according to the promise." (Galatians 3:26,27,29) This is the seed, +then, through whom the blessings will come to all the families of the +earth. Church means a gathered out class; and so the gospel age, that is +to say, the period from Jesus' first coming until his second coming, is +employed by Jehovah for the selection of the church, the seed of +Abraham, through which blessings will come to all the remainder of +mankind in God's due time.</p> + +<p><a name="316"></a>[316]This same class is called the elect of God, according to his +foreknowledge.—1 Peter 1:2.</p> + +<p><a name="317"></a>[317]Again the Apostle likens the whole of the Christ to a living stone, +saying: "Ye also, as living stones, are built up a spiritual house, an +holy priesthood, to offer up sacrifices acceptable to God by Jesus +Christ.... Behold, I lay in Zion a chief corner stone, elect, precious: +and he that believeth on him shall not be confounded. Unto you therefore +which believe he is precious." (1 Peter 2:5-7) In earthly buildings +there is no chief cornerstone; but in this building of God there is a +chief cornerstone which is Christ Jesus. The topstone or chief +cornerstone of a pyramid is itself a perfect pyramid. The other members +of the body, then, must be built up into Christ to conform to that chief +cornerstone, which is illustrated by the Great Pyramid in Egypt.—See +Isaiah 19:19.</p> + +<p><a name="318"></a>[318]Again this anointed class, Jesus the head and the church his body, +is spoken of as a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a peculiar people. +This was foreshadowed by the nation of Israel, particularly by the +priesthood in connection with the house of Israel. The apostle Peter +speaking of this class says: "Ye are a chosen generation, a royal +priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should show forth +the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his +marvellous light: which in time past were not a people, but are now the +people of God: which had not obtained mercy, but now have obtained +mercy."—1 Peter 2:9,10.</p> + +<p><a name="319"></a>[319]The members of the body of Christ, the church, are also designated +as his footstep followers; and as such they are called to suffer with +him that they might also reign with him. "For even hereunto were ye +called: because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that +ye should follow his footsteps." (1 Peter 2:21) These are also +designated as Christians. It does not mean that because one is a member +of some earthly organization called a church he is a Christian or a +member of the true church. The true church is the body of Christ; and +any one to be of the true church must be a follower of Christ in the +truest sense of the word. To this class are given the exceeding great +and precious promises recorded in the Bible, the promises of being +associated with Christ Jesus in his kingdom. (2 Peter 1:4) Not to the +world, but to his followers Jesus said: "Be thou faithful unto death, +and I will give thee a crown of life".—Revelation 2:10.</p> + +<p><a name="320"></a>[320]No one has been able to understand these things and appreciate +them except those who have given their hearts to the Lord. The apostle +Paul says: "The natural man receiveth not the things of the spirit of +God: for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know them, +because they are spiritually discerned". (1 Corinthians 2:14). Jehovah +has so arranged that only those who have their minds illuminated by the +holy spirit, which follows their consecration, justification, and +acceptance by the Lord, can understand and appreciate the mystery of +God. These are the ones designated by the prophet Joel as the servants +and handmaidens of God; and in the gospel age God pours out his spirit +upon them; which means to give them his spirit. But in God's due time he +will pour out his spirit upon all mankind, so that all can understand +his wonderful plan.—Joel 2:28,29.</p> + +<p><a name="321"></a>[321]The hiding of this mystery was illustrated by Jehovah in the +construction of the tabernacle in the wilderness and its furnishings. +The inside walls of the tabernacle were covered with pure gold. Inside +the Holy were the golden candlestick, the table covered with gold for +the showbread, and the golden altar; and in the Most Holy, was the ark +of the covenant. The tabernacle inside, therefore, was beautiful, but it +was hidden from the people on the outside because it was covered with +three heavy layers of cloth and skins. The priest ministered inside the +tabernacle, and therefore was unseen by the people. As God thus hid +these things which were typical of greater things, so he has hidden the +glories and beauties of spiritual things, seen only by those who have +come into relationship with him through Christ.</p> + +<p><a name="322"></a>[322]The gospel age is the antitypical day of atonement. With the Jews +there was one day each year called the day of atonement. In that day the +priest alone was in the Holy and the Most Holy; and even so on the +antitypical day of atonement no one is in the Holy condition except +those who are in relationship with Christ, the great high priest. The +Lord has been pleased to permit these during the gospel age to have some +understanding of his Word, therefore receiving the sweet and refreshing +music from his harp; and the light has grown in brilliancy and the music +in harmony as the understanding has increased. To the world in general, +Christians have been despised because not understood. The Lord of glory, +when on earth, was despised because he was misunderstood. And so his +true followers seem to be a mean and despised people. The poet has truly +said:</p> + +<span style="margin-left: 1em;">"Why do they, then, appear so mean?</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">And why so much despised?</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;">Because, of their rich robes, unseen,</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">The world is not apprized."</span><br /> + +<p><a name="323"></a>[323]Satan has tried to counterfeit every part of Jehovah's plan; so he +organized a religious system in the earth which is iniquitous and is +known as "the mystery of iniquity". (2 Thessalonians 2:7; Revelation +17:5) This mystery of iniquity God will destroy in his great day of +vengeance which is now on, and then the mystery of God will be more +clearly revealed to mankind. It is revealed to individuals now as they +come into Christ. It is important, therefore, for us to know how one +becomes a member of the Christ, the great mystery of God.</p> +<br /> +<br /> +<h4>BODY MEMBERS SELECTED</h4> + +<p><a name="324"></a>[324]The mystery of God involves an understanding and appreciation of +the fundamental truths of repentance, consecration, justification, +spirit-begetting, and sanctification. Let us now trace the steps of one +in the world as he comes to Jehovah that he might be a member of the +body of Christ.</p> + +<p><a name="325"></a>[325]Because of the disobedience of father Adam, all of his children are +born imperfect, all sinners. "There is none righteous, no, not one." +(Romans 3:10; 5:12) All such are out of harmony with God. They have no +right to life. It has pleased Jehovah, then, during the gospel age to +draw to Jesus, the great Redeemer and Deliverer, those who have the +desire to come into harmony with him. The Prophet says: 'The reverence +of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom'. (Psalm 111:10) The first thing +essential for one becoming a Christian is an honest desire to know the +Lord and to do his will. A man with this honest desire, then, realizes +that he is a sinner and born such; and he has an honest desire to come +to God. He learns that Jesus is his Redeemer and he wants to know more +about him and do his will. In his mind he does not approve the ways of +the world. He begins to think about the Lord and wants to know more +about him. He begins to turn his face in the right direction. When he +ceases to approve the course of the world, he is repentant to that +extent. Repentance means a change of mind respecting one's relationship +to evil.</p> + +<p><a name="326"></a>[326]Jesus said: "No man can come to me, except the Father which hath +sent me draw him". (John 6:44) The man now is drawn to Jesus by what he +learns of Jesus, what Jesus has done for him, and by his own desire to +follow a different course. When one ceases to approve the worldly course +and begins to seek after the Lord, he is in that condition mentioned by +the Apostle as seeking God, "if haply they might feel after him, and +find him". (Acts 17:27) When he is drawn to Jesus, seeking God, then he +is converted. He is now in the condition spoken of by the Apostle when +he said: "Repent ye therefore, and be converted, that your sins may be +blotted out". (Acts 3:19) Repentance means a change of mind respecting +one's relationship to evil; and conversion means a change of one's +course. But neither repentance nor conversion, nor both together, brings +the individual into relationship with God. Being drawn to Jesus, he must +exercise faith. Faith means <i>first</i> to understand and believe that God +exists; that he is the great rewarder of them that diligently seek him; +that the Bible is his Word of truth; that Jesus is his beloved Son and +our Redeemer; and <i>then</i> to rely confidently upon these things and prove +this reliance by his action.—Hebrews 11:1,6.</p> + +<p><a name="327"></a>[327]He now needs information to increase his faith, and the Prophet +has written: "The testimony of the Lord is sure, making wise the +simple". (Psalm 19:7) To such now, as are feeling after God, through +Christ Jesus this message comes: "Come unto me, all ye that labor and +are heavy laden, and I will give you rest". (Matthew 11:28) Heavy laden +means to be weary of the sinful course of the world and to have a desire +to be relieved of this burden. Such a one says: 'I am tired of the +wrongful course. I want to follow the right course, to know God, and to +do his will.'</p> + +<p><a name="328"></a>[328]Now being drawn to Jesus, he learns through the Word that he must +do something. To him Jesus says: 'I am the way, the truth, and the life: +no man cometh unto the Father, but by me'. (John 14:6) What can one who +is now repentant and changing his course, but still a sinner, do to come +into harmony with God? He is informed that it will cost him much. So +Jesus says to him: 'Sit down and count the cost'. (Luke 14:28) He learns +it will cost him all he has, namely, the surrender of himself to the +Lord. The next step for one, then, to become a Christian is to make a +consecration; that is to say, to commit himself to the Lord and his +arrangements. And this he may do by saying in substance: 'Blessed Lord, +I commit myself to thy arrangements; here I am. Do unto me according to +thy holy will. I desire to do thy will.'</p> + +<p><a name="329"></a>[329]Neither the Lord Jesus nor the heavenly Father coerces any one, +but we must come to the Lord voluntarily, seeking his aid. This is +clearly indicated as necessary to become the follower of Jesus by the +words the Master used: 'If you will be my disciple, you must deny +yourself, then take up your cross, and follow me'. (Matthew 16:24) +Self-denial means an agreement to abandon one's selfish course and to +agree to do the will of the Lord. It means a full and complete surrender +of oneself unto the Lord. And this is consecration, the setting aside +of oneself to do the Lord's will.</p> + +<p><a name="330"></a>[330]Those who are selected to be members of the body of Christ, which +selection is done during the gospel age, must be justified in order that +they might be accepted. They are justified only for the purpose of being +accepted as a part of the sacrifice of the Lord. On the typical day of +atonement when the high priest of Israel slew the animals, the Lord's +goat pictured this class who come to the Lord in consecration. That goat +must be perfect, without any blemish; thus foreshadowing how that all +who are presented unto the Lord to be accepted as a part of the +sacrifice of Jesus, and hence to become members of his body, must be +perfect; and since man is imperfect himself something must be done for +him in order to make him stand before the Lord Jehovah as perfect. He +must be justified. Justification means to be made right with God. This +must all be done in the acceptable time of the Lord. (Isaiah 49:8; 61:2) +Any one coming to the Lord Jesus with an honest desire to be presented +to the Father in the acceptable year or time may be assured that he +will not be cast out, because Jesus said: "Him that cometh to me I will +in no wise cast out". (John 6:37) He would not decline to present any +genuine consecration before the heavenly Father. Of course this +consecration must be made before the person can be presented.</p> + +<p><a name="331"></a>[331]Jehovah God is the great wise judge of the universe; and he sits +to determine whether or not one thus presented is right or not. "It is +God that justifieth."—Romans 8:33.</p> + +<p><a name="332"></a>[332]The steps essential now to justification, as shown by the +Scriptures, briefly stated, are these: (1) Faith in God and his +promises, which is exercised and proven by making a surrender of +ourselves to the Lord; (2) receiving the merit of Christ, and his +presentation to the Father; and (3) the determination by Jehovah God +that the one thus presented is right. The following Scriptures show +these points in the order named: By faith are we justified (Romans 5:1); +by the blood of Jesus are we justified (Romans 5:9); "It is God that +justifieth". (Romans 8:33) Christ Jesus is the great High Priest. When +we make a consecration of ourselves, then he presents us to the Father. +(John 6:37) But in order to make us acceptable or presentable to the +Father, the merit of Jesus' sacrifice must be imputed to us. When he +ascended on high, he deposited with Jehovah the ransom-price, the merit +of his sacrifice, as we have seen, pictured by the blood. The second +step, then, is taken when Jesus imputes to the one thus coming to the +Lord the merit of his sacrifice, which makes him presentable to the +Father, Jehovah; then Jehovah, upon the merit, determines, as the great +judge, that the one thus presented is right, is justified, and is +acceptable as a part of the sacrifice of his beloved Son. Thus Jehovah +has been receiving sacrifices throughout the gospel age; but that +acceptable year or time will soon pass, as indeed it is now passing. +—Hebrews 3:13.</p> +<br /> +<br /> +<h4>SPIRIT-BEGETTING</h4> + +<p><a name="333"></a>[333]The one that is justified before Jehovah is then counted right or +justified that he might be a part of the great sacrifice of God's +beloved Son Jesus, to the end that he might be a part of the mystery +class and ultimately reign with Christ. The next thing indicated by the +Scriptures is the begetting of such a one as a new creature. Begetting +means the beginning. The begetting of the new creature, then, means the +beginning of a newness of life. When justified by Jehovah, there results +to him the right to live as a human being on earth, and this is what he +immediately sacrifices. At the same time Jehovah begets him to a hope of +life upon the high or heavenly plane, because he is called to a "high +calling", a "heavenly calling". (Philippians 3:14; Hebrews 3:1) This +begetting is in the nature of a contract or an agreement. Covenant is +also a word used for contract. In order to make a contract there must be +two or more parties, and there must be a consideration passing from one +to the other. Where there are mutual promises, made on both sides, this +is sufficient consideration. We will name the one whom we have been +discussing as coming to justification Honest Heart.</p> + +<p><a name="334"></a>[334]Honest Heart presents himself to the Lord Jesus the high priest, +fully surrendering himself and agreeing to do the will of God. There is +the promise on his part, then, and he is one party to the contract +through his advocate, the Lord Jesus. And when Christ Jesus the high +priest presents him to the Father, Jehovah, the Lord Jehovah in +substance says to Honest Heart: 'In consideration of the fact that you +have turned away from the wrongful course, and have come to Jesus, and +have made a full surrender of yourself in consecration, thereby +exercising faith in his blood shed for you and your faith in my plan; +and in consideration of the further fact that my beloved Son has imputed +to you his merit to make you acceptable before me, I accept you and +determine that you are right or justified, and accepting you as a part +of his sacrifice, I give to you my exceeding great and precious promises +that by these you might become partaker of the divine nature'.—2 Peter +1:4.</p> + +<p><a name="335"></a>[335]This is in harmony with St. James' statement: "Of his own will +begat he us with the word of truth, that we should be a kind of +firstfruits of his creatures". (James 1:18) The Psalmist shows that this +begetting is in the nature of a contract when he says: "Gather my +saints together unto me; those who have made a covenant [contract] with +me by sacrifice". (Psalm 50:5) Honest Heart now being begotten has the +promise of life upon the highest plane, the divine nature. He is +begotten to a new hope of life. St. Peter thus writes: "Blessed be the +God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, which according to his abundant +mercy hath begotten us again unto a hope of life by the resurrection of +Jesus Christ from the dead, to an inheritance incorruptible, and +undefiled, and that fadeth not away, reserved in heaven for you, who are +kept by the power of God through faith unto salvation ready to be +revealed in the last time". (1 Peter 1:3-5) The inheritance to which +Honest Heart is now begotten is an incorruptible inheritance, which is +the divine nature. This means that if he is faithful unto death, +faithful to his part of the contract, he is certain to be born upon the +divine plane, for the reason that Jehovah is always faithful to his part +of the contract; and so Jesus says: "Be thou faithful unto death and I +will give thee a crown of life".—Revelation 2:10.</p> + +<p><a name="336"></a>[336]Any one thus presented by Jesus to the Father, Jehovah, justified, +accepted and begotten, is designated in the Scriptures as a new +creature. "If any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are +passed away; behold, all things are become new." (2 Corinthians 5:17) +There is now a newness of life, which does not result from being +transferred to another climate, but from being given a new dominating +factor in our lives, namely, the will of God. Honest Heart, or whoever +takes this step, now has new hopes, new aims, new ambitions, new +aspirations, and new ideas. He is not looking for earthly honor and +glory; but he is looking forward to the time when he might be forever +with the Lord in his kingdom and be a part of the seed of Abraham +according to the promise, through which the blessings of mankind will +come.</p> + +<p><a name="337"></a>[337]This one is now dead from the standpoint of a human being, as the +apostle Paul puts it: "Ye are dead, and your life is hid with Christ in +God". (Colossians 3:3) The new creature now must be renewed, refreshed +and invigorated and strengthened by knowledge, not by ordinary +knowledge; but by an acquaintance with God's will and a deep +appreciation of his plan. (Colossians 1:9) The world cannot know +anything about this; only those who are in the relationship with the +Lord. The whole world lies in the wicked one. (1 John 5:19) But now the +new creature in Christ is admonished to be not conformed to this world, +but to be transformed by the renewing of his mind, that he might prove +what is the good and acceptable and perfect will of God.—Romans 12:2.</p> + +<p><a name="338"></a>[338]The one begotten is begotten by the spirit of God, the holy +spirit. He is also anointed. This anointing is received by reason of +coming into the body of Christ. He is baptized into Christ's death; +therefore baptized into Christ's body. To be baptized means to be +immersed. To be baptized into Christ's death means to be immersed into +the death of Christ. And so the Apostle puts it: "Know ye not, that so +many of us as are baptized into Jesus Christ were baptized into his +death? Therefore we are buried with him by baptism into death: that like +as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even +so we also should walk in newness of life." (Romans 6:3,4) Baptism in +water is merely a symbol of the real baptism. It would do no one any +good to be baptized in water unless he had first undergone the real +baptism by being immersed into Christ.</p> + +<p><a name="339"></a>[339]All of those who are thus inducted into the body of Christ receive +the anointing through the head of the Christ, Jesus the beloved One. +This is illustrated or pictured by God's dealings with Israel. In the +type Aaron the high priest was anointed. "He [Moses] poured of the +anointing oil upon Aaron's head, and anointed him, to sanctify him." +(Leviticus 8:12) This anointing oil was poured upon Aaron's head and ran +down upon his garment. (Psalm 133:2) Aaron the high priest was a type of +the entire Christ, head and body. As the oil was poured upon his head +and ran down to the skirt of his garments, so in antitype, Jesus the +head, at the time of his baptism in the Jordan, received the anointing +of the holy spirit without measure (Matthew 3:16,17); and at Pentecost +his disciples received the anointing of the holy spirit. And thereafter +during the gospel age all who come into Christ receive this anointing +through Christ Jesus the head by virtue of being inducted into the body +of Christ.</p> + +<p><a name="340"></a>[340]Those who are thus anointed have the spirit of the Lord and by +virtue of his spirit are able to understand the mystery of God and to +appreciate the fact that they have the promise of being joint-heirs with +Christ Jesus in his kingdom. To be anointed means to be assigned to a +place in the body of Christ. "The spirit itself beareth witness with our +spirit, that we are the children of God: and if children, then heirs; +heirs of God, and joint-heirs with Christ; if so be that we suffer with +him, that we may be also glorified together."—Romans 8:16,17.</p> +<br /> +<br /> +<h4>SANCTIFICATION</h4> + +<p><a name="341"></a>[341]These new creatures in Christ, otherwise called members of his +body, must now be transformed and made into the image and likeness of +their Head. (Romans 8:29) They must be sanctified. Sanctification means +to be set apart for the use of Jehovah. It means the process of making +us meet to be partakers of the inheritance of the saints in light. +(Colossians 1:12) It is the process of perfecting the saints. (Ephesians +4:12) This process begins when Jehovah accepts our consecration and +begets us; and must continue until birth upon the spirit plane.</p> + +<p><a name="342"></a>[342]Sanctification, then, is to be made holy, in the likeness of our +Lord. Concerning such Jesus said: "Sanctify them through thy truth; thy +word is truth". (John 17:17) The Christian now must feed upon or study +the Word of God, learn its principles, learn of Jehovah's character and +that of the Lord Jesus, and strive to conform his own life thereto. He +now has set before him the hope of being made like the Lord in glory; +and "every man that hath this hope in him purifieth himself, even as he +is pure". (1 John 3:3) This process of sanctification is done by the +Lord through his Word. "Both he who sanctifies and those whom he is +sanctifying have all one Father, and for this reason he is not ashamed +to speak of them as brethren." (Hebrews 2:11, <i>Weymouth</i>) Here we see +the sanctifier is the Lord Jesus Christ, and those whom he is +sanctifying are the members of his body; and all of these have one +Father, Jehovah God; therefore all of the one body, constituting the +mystery of God.</p> + +<p><a name="343"></a>[343]All this work of sanctification is done in what we designate the +school of Christ; and it is only those who are in this school by being +in Christ Jesus that can be sanctified and ultimately be a part of that +glorious mystical body, the heavenly kingdom class that will constitute +the great prophet, priest, and king.</p> + +<p><a name="344"></a>[344]This mystery hid from ages and generations and made known only to +the saints is, says the apostle Paul, the Christ; and the Christ in you +is the hope of glory. Those who are in Christ and who have the spirit of +Christ in them have the glorious hope of being born on the divine plane +as members of the body of Christ. These are called to the obtaining of +the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ; and to them are given all the +exceeding great and precious promises contained in the Word of God. The +Prophet speaking of them and to them said: "The nations shall see thy +righteousness, and all the kings thy glory: and thou shalt be called by +a new name, which the mouth of the Lord shall name. Thou shalt also be a +crown of glory in the hand of the Lord, and a royal diadem in the hand +of thy God." (Isaiah 62:2,3) These have the promise: "When Christ, who +is our life, shall appear, then shall ye also appear with him in glory". +(Colossians 3:4) And "then shall the righteous shine forth as the sun in +the kingdom of their Father".—Matthew 13:43.</p> + +<p><a name="345"></a>[345]The apostle Paul declares that he was made a minister, according to +the gift of God, that he should preach to the nations the unsearchable +riches of Christ, "and to make all see what is the fellowship of the +mystery, which from the beginning of the world hath been hid in God, who +created all things by Jesus Christ: to the intent that now unto the +principalities and powers in heavenly places might be [made] known by +the church the manifold wisdom of God, according to the eternal purpose +which he purposed in Christ Jesus our Lord". (Ephesians 3:7-11) Thus we +see that this great mystery is the Christ, and that for six thousand +years Jehovah has been preparing for, developing and completing this +great mystery; and that when completed, he will use the Christ as his +prophet, priest, and king to minister unto the people, to rule over the +people, and to bless the people, according to his promise.</p> + +<p>[<a name="346"></a>346]The Apostle declares that the whole creation is groaning and +travailing in pain, waiting for the manifestation of this great +mystery. (Romans 8:19-22) The people do not know for what they are +waiting. But when the great mystery is complete and Messiah's kingdom +set up, then God will bring his long-promised blessings to mankind, and +ultimately his will shall be done upon earth as it is done in heaven.</p> + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> + +<p>What is a mystery? <a href="#298">¶ 298</a>.</p> + +<p>How could Jehovah hide or keep secret his plan from others? <a href="#298">¶ 298</a>.</p> + +<p>Has he kept his plan secret? <a href="#298">¶ 298</a>.</p> + +<p>When Jesus was on earth, why did he teach by parables? <a href="#299">¶ 299</a>.</p> + +<p>Did the disciples always understand his meaning? <a href="#299">¶ 299</a>.</p> + +<p>Did he instruct the disciples how they would be taught after his +departure? and if so, how? <a href="#299">¶ 299</a>.</p> + +<p>What is meant by the spirit of truth? <a href="#299">¶ 299</a>.</p> + +<p>When was the holy spirit given to the disciples? Give the Scriptural +proof. <a href="#300">¶ 300</a>.</p> + +<p>What is the meaning of the term "holy ghost"? <a href="#300">¶ 300</a>.</p> + +<p>When did God's mystery begin to be understood by the disciples? <a href="#301">¶ 301</a>.</p> + +<p>What effect has the mystery had on Jews and so-called Christians? <a href="#301">¶ 301</a>.</p> + +<p>Define the mystery of God. <a href="#302">¶ 302</a>.</p> + +<p>How did God foreshadow the mystery? <a href="#302">¶ 302</a>.</p> + +<p>What is man's great enemy? <a href="#302">¶ 302</a>.</p> + +<p>What is and always has been man's greatest desire? and how long has man +been seeking for this thing desired? <a href="#303">¶ 303</a>.</p> + +<p>Who was the cause of death? <a href="#303">¶ 303</a>.</p> + +<p>At the time when God pronounced the sentence in Eden, was the statement, +'The seed of the woman shall bruise the serpent's head,' understood? +<a href="#303">¶ 303</a>.</p> + +<p>When did it begin to be understood? <a href="#303">¶ 303</a>.</p> + +<p>What great promise was made nearly two thousand years after the +expulsion from Eden? Quote the promise. <a href="#304">¶ 304</a>.</p> + +<p>Did that promise have reference to the mystery of God? and was it +understood then? <a href="#304">¶ 304</a>.</p> + +<p>Did Abraham understand the promise? <a href="#304">¶ 304</a>.</p> + +<p>Did Abraham have any children at that time? <a href="#304">¶ 304</a>.</p> + +<p>Through whom did Abraham expect the blessing to come to the people? +<a href="#304">¶ 304</a>.</p> + +<p>If the promise was renewed, to whom was it renewed? <a href="#304">¶ 304</a>.</p> + +<p>What was expected through the seed of Abraham? <a href="#304">¶ 304</a>.</p> + +<p>What effect did the Israelites' enslavement have upon their hopes? <a href="#304">¶ 304</a>.</p> + +<p>Whom did God send to deliver the Israelites from Egypt? and whom did he +typify? <a href="#304">¶ 304</a>.</p> + +<p>What effect did Moses' prophetic statement have upon the people with +reference to the One of whom he was a type? <a href="#304">¶ 304</a>.</p> + +<p>What is signified by the name Joshua? and of whom was Joshua a type? <a href="#305">¶ 305</a>.</p> + +<p>Who was the beloved king of Israel? and what did the Jews hope would +come through him? <a href="#306">¶ 306</a>.</p> + +<p>Who succeeded this king on the throne? <a href="#306">¶ 306</a>.</p> + +<p>For what was Solomon famous? <a href="#306">¶ 306</a>.</p> + +<p>What became the condition of Israel under the reign of Zedekiah? <a href="#307">¶ 307</a>.</p> + +<p>Did the prophets who testified of the coming of Messiah understand their +testimony? <a href="#308">¶ 308</a>.</p> + +<p>Were the angels of heaven permitted to understand? <a href="#308">¶ 308</a>.</p> + +<p>Why did God keep this mystery a secret? <a href="#308">¶ 308</a>.</p> + +<p>Who announced the coming of Jesus? and what was his particular message +or announcement? <a href="#309">¶ 309</a>.</p> + +<p>How many disciples did Jesus choose? <a href="#309">¶ 309</a>.</p> + +<p>How long did he teach them personally? <a href="#309">¶ 309</a>.</p> + +<p>What were the expectations of the disciples relative to Jesus? <a href="#309">¶ 309</a>.</p> + +<p>What effect did his death have upon them? <a href="#309">¶ 309</a>.</p> + +<p>What was their expectation after his resurrection, and why? <a href="#309">¶ 309</a>.</p> + +<p>What did Jesus say to them at the time of his ascension to heaven? <a href="#309">¶ 309</a>.</p> + +<p>Where did the disciples tarry after Jesus' ascension? and how long +before they received any manifestation from the Lord? <a href="#310">¶ 310</a>.</p> + +<p>How was God's power manifested toward them at Pentecost? <a href="#310">¶ 310</a>.</p> + +<p>How was the acceptance of the merit of Jesus as the sin-offering +manifested to men by Jehovah? <a href="#311">¶ 311</a>.</p> + +<p>May we believe that there was much joy in heaven when Jesus presented +the merit of his sacrifice? and if so, why? <a href="#311">¶ 311</a>.</p> + +<p>What effect did the understanding of the mystery have upon the +disciples? <a href="#311">¶ 311</a>.</p> + +<p>What did St. Paul say about the mystery of God? <a href="#312">¶ 312</a>.</p> + +<p>What is the meaning of the word "saints"? <a href="#312">¶ 312</a>.</p> + +<p>What does the word "Christ" signify? <a href="#313">¶ 313</a>.</p> + +<p>What is the meaning of "anointing"? <a href="#313">¶ 313</a>.</p> + +<p>Who compose the Christ? <a href="#313">¶ 313</a>.</p> + +<p>Who is the head? and who the body? <a href="#313">¶ 313</a>.</p> + +<p>Give Scriptural proof of who constitutes the Head and the body of +Christ. <a href="#313">¶ 313</a>.</p> + +<p>How does St. Paul use the human body to illustrate the body of Christ? +<a href="#314">¶ 314</a>.</p> + +<p>What is meant by the seed of Abraham? Give Scriptural proof. <a href="#315">¶ 315</a>.</p> + +<p>What is the meaning of the term "church"? <a href="#315">¶ 315</a>.</p> + +<p>Who is meant by the "elect of God"? <a href="#316">¶ 316</a>.</p> + +<p>Give Scriptural proof that the members of the Christ are called "living +stones". <a href="#317">¶ 317</a>.</p> + +<p>Who is the chief corner-stone in the building of God? <a href="#317">¶ 317</a>.</p> + +<p>What great building on earth pictures this building of God? <a href="#317">¶ 317</a>.</p> + +<p>Who constitute the royal priesthood? Give Scriptural proof. <a href="#318">¶ 318</a>.</p> + +<p>Why are the members of the church called footstep followers of Jesus? +<a href="#319">¶ 319</a>.</p> + +<p>What are these followers called upon to do? <a href="#319">¶ 319</a>.</p> + +<p>Define the term "Christian". <a href="#319">¶ 319</a>.</p> + +<p>Is every church member a Christian? and if not, why not? <a href="#319">¶ 319</a>.</p> + +<p>What promises are given to the Christian? Give Scriptural proof. <a href="#319">¶ 319</a>.</p> + +<p>What particular reward is promised to the ones who are faithful unto +death? <a href="#319">¶ 319</a>.</p> + +<p>Can everybody understand these great truths? and if not, why not? <a href="#320">¶ 320</a>.</p> + +<p>What is essential in order to understand the mystery of God? <a href="#320">¶ 320</a>.</p> + +<p>What is meant by the prophet Joel's statement, 'the Servants and +handmaidens of God'? <a href="#320">¶ 320</a>.</p> + +<p>How was the mystery illustrated in the tabernacle furnishings? <a href="#321">¶ 321</a>.</p> + +<p>Could the priest be seen by the people while ministering in the +tabernacle? <a href="#321">¶ 321</a>.</p> + +<p>What did this concealing of the priest in the holy illustrate relative +to the mystery? <a href="#321">¶ 321</a>.</p> + +<p>What is the antitypical atonement day? <a href="#322">¶ 322</a>.</p> + +<p>How often did the atonement day occur with the Jews? <a href="#322">¶ 322</a>.</p> + +<p>On that day, who was in the holy and the most holy of the tabernacle? +<a href="#322">¶ 322</a>.</p> + +<p>What does this picture in the antitype? <a href="#322">¶ 322</a>.</p> + +<p>Why have the followers of Jesus been despised by the world? <a href="#322">¶ 322</a>.</p> + +<p>What counterfeit of the mystery of God has Satan organized? Give +Scriptural proof. <a href="#323">¶ 323</a>.</p> + +<p>What will be the ultimate end of the mystery of iniquity? <a href="#323">¶ 323</a>.</p> + +<p>Is it important to know how one becomes a member of the mystery class? +<a href="#323">¶ 323</a>.</p> + +<p>An understanding of the mystery involves what? <a href="#324">¶ 324</a>.</p> + +<p>In what condition have all the human race been born? <a href="#325">¶ 325</a>.</p> + +<p>Whom has Jehovah drawn to Jesus during the gospel age? <a href="#325">¶ 325</a>.</p> + +<p>What constitutes the beginning of wisdom? Give Scriptural proof. <a href="#325">¶ 325</a>.</p> + +<p>What is the first essential to one's becoming a Christian? <a href="#325">¶ 325</a>.</p> + +<p>What constitutes repentance? <a href="#325">¶ 325</a>.</p> + +<p>How is one drawn to Jesus? <a href="#326">¶ 326</a>.</p> + +<p>When may it be said of one that he is converted? <a href="#326">¶ 326</a>.</p> + +<p>Define the difference between repentance and conversion. <a href="#326">¶ 326</a>.</p> + +<p>Do repentance and conversion bring one into relationship with God? and +if not, why not? <a href="#326">¶ 326</a>.</p> + +<p>Define faith. <a href="#326">¶ 326</a>.</p> + +<p>What is necessary to increase faith? <a href="#327">¶ 327</a>.</p> + +<p>What does Jesus say to those who are seeking after God and who are +weary? <a href="#327">¶ 327</a>.</p> + +<p>What is meant by being weary and heavy laden? <a href="#327">¶ 327</a>.</p> + +<p>How can one come to the Father? Give Scriptural proof. <a href="#328">¶ 328</a>.</p> + +<p>What does Jesus say to the truth-seeker concerning the cost? <a href="#328">¶ 328</a>.</p> + +<p>What is the meaning of consecration? and how may one consecrate himself +to the Lord? <a href="#328">¶ 328</a>.</p> + +<p>Is it proper to compel consecration to the Lord? <a href="#329">¶ 329</a>.</p> + +<p>What does Jesus say in reference to becoming his follower? <a href="#329">¶ 329</a>.</p> + +<p>Define the meaning of self-denial. <a href="#329">¶ 329</a>.</p> + +<p>Why is any one justified during the gospel age? <a href="#330">¶ 330</a>.</p> + +<p>In connection with the tabernacle, when the high priest slew the Lord's +goat, what did that picture? <a href="#330">¶ 330</a>.</p> + +<p>The fact that the goat must be without blemish foreshadowed what? <a href="#330">¶ 330</a>.</p> + +<p>What is the meaning-of the term "justification"? <a href="#330">¶ 330</a>.</p> + +<p>When must justification for the purpose of sacrifice take place? Give +Scriptural proof. <a href="#330">¶ 330</a>.</p> + +<p>What assurance has one that his consecration will be accepted? <a href="#330">¶ 330</a>.</p> + +<p>Must the consecration be made before or after the consecrator is +presented to Jehovah? <a href="#330">¶ 330</a>.</p> + +<p>Who is the great Judge of the universe? and who justifies? Give +Scriptural proof. <a href="#331">¶ 331</a>.</p> + +<p>Give the steps essential to justification. <a href="#332">¶ 332</a>.</p> + +<p>Quote the Scriptures proving the steps leading to justification—the +first, second, and third steps, in the order named. <a href="#332">¶ 332</a>.</p> + +<p>For what purpose does God justify any one during the gospel age? <a href="#333">¶ 333</a>.</p> + +<p>What is meant by begetting one as a new creature? <a href="#333">¶ 333</a>.</p> + +<p>What results to the man who is justified by Jehovah? <a href="#333">¶ 333</a>.</p> + +<p>What does such a one sacrifice? <a href="#333">¶ 333</a>.</p> + +<p>To what does Jehovah beget this sacrificer? <a href="#333">¶ 333</a>.</p> + +<p>State the nature of this begetting. <a href="#333">¶ 333</a>.</p> + +<p>How many parties must there be to a contract? and what is the +consideration for begetting one as a new creature in Christ? <a href="#333">¶ 333</a>.</p> + +<p>State the terms of the arrangement between Honest Heart, the one who +presents himself to the Lord, and Jehovah, who justifies and begets him. +<a href="#334">¶ 334</a>.</p> + +<p>In this arrangement, what office does the Lord Jesus perform? <a href="#334">¶ 334</a>.</p> + +<p>What is meant by the word "advocate"? <a href="#334">¶ 334</a>.</p> + +<p>Give Scriptural proof that the begetting is in the nature of a contract, +both from the Old and the New Testament. <a href="#335">¶ 335</a>.</p> + +<p>To what is Honest Heart, or any sacrificer like him, begotten? <a href="#335">¶ 335</a>.</p> + +<p>Quote the Scripture with reference to the nature to which he is +begotten. <a href="#335">¶ 335</a>.</p> + +<p>Should the one thus begotten continue faithful unto death, what is his +certain reward? Give Scriptural proof. <a href="#335">¶ 335</a>.</p> + +<p>One thus begotten is how designated in the Scriptures? Give Scriptural +proof. <a href="#336">¶ 336.</a></p> + +<p>What is the great hope now of the new creature in Christ? <a href="#336">¶ 336</a>.</p> + +<p>Why is it said that he is now dead as a human being? <a href="#337">¶ 337</a>.</p> + +<p>As a new creature, does he need renewing? and if so, how is this done? +<a href="#337">¶ 337</a>.</p> + +<p>Why does not the world know about the development of the new creature? +<a href="#337">¶ 337</a>.</p> + +<p>How is the new creature transformed? <a href="#337">¶ 337</a>.</p> + +<p>What does it mean to be baptized into Christ? Give Scriptural proof. +<a href="#338">¶ 338</a>.</p> + +<p>What is the meaning of water baptism or immersion? <a href="#338">¶ 338</a>.</p> + +<p>Is there any virtue in water baptism? <a href="#338">¶ 338</a>.</p> + +<p>Who are the anointed ones in Christ? <a href="#339">¶ 339</a>.</p> + +<p>How did Aaron the high priest illustrate this? Give Scriptural proof. +<a href="#339">¶ 339</a>.</p> + +<p>Whom did Aaron the high priest typify? <a href="#339">¶ 339</a>.</p> + +<p>What does anointing mean? <a href="#339">¶ 339</a>.</p> + +<p>Give Scriptural proof of how one may know he has been begotten and +anointed of the Lord. <a href="#340">¶ 340</a>.</p> + +<p>What is the meaning of the term "sanctification"? Give Scriptural proof. +<a href="#341">¶ 341</a>.</p> + +<p>When does the process of sanctification begin? and how long must it +continue? <a href="#341">¶ 341</a>.</p> + +<p>How is one sanctified? Give Scriptural proof. <a href="#342">¶ 342</a>.</p> + +<p>What influence has the hope of glory upon his sanctification? <a href="#342">¶ 342</a>.</p> + +<p>Why does Jesus call the members of his body brethren? <a href="#342">¶ 342</a>.</p> + +<p>Who is the Father of both the Head and the body of the Christ? <a href="#342">¶ 342</a>.</p> + +<p>In what school does this sanctification take place? <a href="#343">¶ 343</a>.</p> + +<p>Can any one outside of the school of Christ be sanctified? <a href="#343">¶ 343</a>.</p> + +<p>Those who are in Christ and have the spirit of Christ, what is the hope +set before them? <a href="#344">¶ 344</a>.</p> + +<p>What promises are given to them? <a href="#344">¶ 344</a>.</p> + +<p>Quote some of those precious promises as set forth in the Scriptures. +<a href="#344">¶ 344</a>.</p> + +<p>Give one of the reasons why St. Paul was made a minister. Quote his +words. <a href="#345">¶ 345</a>.</p> + +<p>The mystery class is known by what other titles? and what will be the +office of the mystery class, the Christ, in the future? <a href="#345">¶ 345</a>.</p> + +<p>How will God use this mystery class for the benefit of the people in the +future? <a href="#346">¶ 346</a>.</p> + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> + +<center> +<img src="images/198.png" width="350" height="500" alt="" title=""> +</center> + + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<a name="CHAPTER_IX"></a><h2>CHAPTER IX</h2> + +<h3>String 8: <i>Our Lord's Return</i></h3> +<br /> + +<p><a name="347"></a>[347]Suppose your dearest friend and benefactor is away on a long journey and +you expect him to return, because when he went away he promised to come +again; suppose that since that time you have been looking, hoping and +praying for his return, and that you were informed he had arrived. Such +news would fill your very soul with joy and you could not keep from +singing.</p> + +<p><a name="348"></a>[348]A friend is one who loves you all the time; one who even without +your knowing it makes a great sacrifice in order that you might be the +recipient of some real good. The greatest friend that you have had, or +any one else has had, is the Lord Jesus, because he left all of his +riches and glory, became a man, and laid down his life in ignominious +death in order that all men might have one fair and full opportunity for +the blessings of life everlasting.—John 15:13.</p> + +<p><a name="349"></a>[349]The facts show that nineteen hundred years ago, Jesus went away on +a long journey, even into heaven itself; that when he went away he +promised his disciples that he would return and that, when returning, +those who loved his appearing would receive many precious gifts. If the +facts show that this precious friend has returned and we begin to see +that all the fond hopes of Christians are about to be realized and that +even the world is soon to be blessed, what unspeakable joy this brings! +Those who have watched and waited for his coming necessarily break forth +in singing the praises of the Lord. In this chapter we hope to prove +the fact of the Lord's return, how he will return, when, and for what +purpose, and that he has already come.</p> + +<p><a name="350"></a>[350]For centuries Jews have been hoping, looking, and praying for the +coming of a Messiah. For nineteen hundred years Christians have been +hoping, watching, and praying, and waiting for the coming of Christ Jesus +the Lord. Messiah and Christ mean the same. The term means The Anointed +One. The whole world of mankind, groping in darkness, laden with grievous +burdens, has been groaning and still groans in pain, waiting for some +relief, but not knowing how it will come. (Romans 8:19,22) The world in +fact is waiting for the Messiah, the Christ, and his kingdom of +righteousness. When the world comes to a knowledge of the fact that the +Lord, the great deliverer and benefactor of man, has returned, every +honest soul will be filled with joy and every grateful heart will +respond in songs of gladness.</p> + +<p><a name="351"></a>[351]To the Christian the Lord's return is one of the most wonderfully +precious strings upon the harp of God. It yields music of unsurpassed +sweetness. Blessed are the eyes of those who see and ears of those who +hear and learn that the Lord has come and is now present.</p> + +<p><a name="352"></a>[352]The suffering and groaning of the whole creation daily increases, +and this condition is putting the people in an attitude of mind to take +heed to the evidence of the meaning of these present events. The time +has come for all to awaken and diligently inquire concerning the +presence of the King of kings.</p> +<br /> +<br /> +<h4>FACT OF HIS COMING</h4> + +<p><a name="353"></a>[353]The reasons why we should expect the Lord's second coming are +numerous, but unless we call these to mind, even though we once knew +them, we overlook their importance. If we have never known them, then an +examination of these reasons is satisfying to the hungry soul. Reason +should always be employed in the examination of Scriptural questions. +Sound reasoning and the Scriptures are necessarily in accord. "Come now, +let us reason together, saith the Lord." (Isaiah 1:18) As our vision of +the divine plan enlarges, we can see a reason and a Scripture for every +step and every development in the divine arrangement.</p> + +<p><a name="354"></a>[354]The Scriptures thus far examined prove conclusively that Jesus +Christ died and rose from the dead that he might be the redeemer of +mankind; that he ascended on high and presented the value of his human +sacrifice in behalf of man, and that at some time all men must have an +opportunity to receive the benefit of his great sacrifice. (1 Timothy +2:5,6) If mankind in general is to be benefited by the Lord's sacrifice +after coming to a knowledge of that fact, then it follows that there +must be some relationship established between the world of mankind and +the Lord Jesus in order that the world might be brought to a knowledge +of the arrangement of Jehovah and brought back into harmony with God. +If, as the Scriptures declare, God formed the earth for man's +habitation, that he made it not in vain, and that the earth abideth +forever; and if, according to the promise to Abraham, through the seed, +the Christ, a blessing shall come to all mankind, it follows that the +Lord must establish an order of things in the earth that man might enjoy +the things which God intended for him to have, and that he must be +present to establish such a righteous order on earth.</p> + +<p><a name="355"></a>[355]But the student is not left to theory nor conjecture. The +Scriptural evidence is given in such abundance that all doubt is forever +removed. God's Prophet long ago foretold the coming of a mighty one and +said that this Mighty One should have a government of righteousness; +that "his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, +The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace; of the increase of his +government and peace there shall be no end". (Isaiah 9:6,7) An +'everlasting Father' presumes that there shall be some offspring who +will have everlasting life. Hence this promise indicated that a +government would be established wherein man would be granted the +privilege of life everlasting.</p> + +<p><a name="356"></a>[356]As we have heretofore observed, Jehovah made a covenant with the +nation of Israel, to the exclusion of all other nations. He gave them a +law to shield them from the influences and machinations of the adversary +and to lead them to Christ, their great Messiah. The Jews as a nation +did not keep this law, because they were imperfect; but some of their +rulers were especially wicked. The time came when God said concerning +Zedekiah, the last king of Israel: "And thou, profane wicked prince of +Israel, whose day is come, when iniquity shall have an end, thus saith +the Lord God: Remove the diadem, and take off the crown; this shall not +be the same: exalt him that is low, and abase him that is high. I will +overturn, overturn, overturn, it: and it shall be no more, until he come +whose right it is; and I will give it him,"—Ezekiel 21:25-27.</p> + +<p><a name="357"></a>[357]It follows that at some future time there would come a mighty one +who would establish a kingdom of righteousness, having full authority +and right thus to do.</p> + +<p><a name="358"></a>[358]At the overthrow of Zedekiah God permitted the gentiles to +establish a universal dominion in the earth. The Lord through the +prophet Daniel pictured the development of four world empires or +kingdoms, which would exist for a certain period of time, and which +would continue until he should come whose right it is and then he, the +Righteous One, should take possession of earth's affairs and rule. It is +to be expected, of course, that the unrighteous governments would hold +on to their power in earth as long as possible, and that they would +still be thus doing at the coming of the great King, and that he would +oust these earthly kingdoms of unrighteousness and establish a righteous +government. Thus says the Lord through the prophet Daniel: "In the days +of these kings shall the God of heaven set up a kingdom, which shall +never be destroyed: and the kingdom shall not be left to other people, +but it shall break in pieces and consume all these kingdoms, and it +shall stand for ever". (Daniel 2:44) It follows, then, that this +righteous King must be present before he breaks to pieces and consumes +the other kingdoms. The Scriptures speak of the righteous kingdom as the +kingdom of heaven, because it is in accord with the heavenly Father's +will and ruled by the invisible power of the great Messiah.</p> + +<p><a name="359"></a>[359]The term kingdom is used in a two-fold sense: (1) referring to the +king or ruler, the dominating or controlling factor; and (2) to the +dominion and subjects of that kingdom. Almost all the parables of Jesus +were concerning the kingdom of God, or kingdom of heaven. So great is +that kingdom in importance in the Lord's arrangement that Jesus taught +his disciples to pray: "Thy kingdom come; thy will be done on earth as +it is done in heaven". (Matthew 6:10) From that time until now +Christians have been praying this prayer and hoping for its fulfillment. +The foregoing Scriptures definitely establish the fact that such a +kingdom of righteousness is to be put into operation. Who, then, will be +the king of that great and glorious kingdom? The Scriptures answer, +Jesus Christ the Son of God.—Luke 22:30; Colossians 1:13; 2 Peter 1:11; +Matthew 28:18.</p> + +<p><a name="360"></a>[360]When Jesus stood before Pilate accused of sedition because he +taught concerning his kingdom coming, Pilate asked him: "Art thou the +King of the Jews?" And Jesus answered: "My kingdom is not of this +world". (John 18:33,36) By the word world here is meant a social and +political order. The Scriptures show that from the time of Zedekiah's +overthrow until he whose right it is sets up his kingdom, the gentiles +are in power and that these lie in the wicked one, Satan, who is the god +or invisible ruler of this world. (2 Corinthians 4:3,4) Jesus speaks of +him as the prince of this world. (John 12:31) Satan's rule has been +unrighteous, wicked, and devilish; and when he comes whose right it is, +he will establish a righteous kingdom in the place or stead of the +unrighteous order of Satan. By these words, then, addressed to Pilate we +would understand the Master to mean that his kingdom from that time is +future, yet definitely showing that in the future time he would have a +kingdom.</p> + +<p><a name="361"></a>[361]Jesus gave to his disciples a parable designated the parable of the +pounds, in which he pictured himself as a certain nobleman going into a +far country to receive a kingdom and to return; and he shows that this +nobleman does return. "He said therefore, A certain nobleman went into a +far country to receive for himself a kingdom, and to return. And he +called his ten servants, and delivered them ten pounds, and said unto +them, Occupy till I come.... And it came to pass, that when he was +returned, having received the kingdom, then he commanded these servants +to be called unto him, to whom he had given money." (Luke 19:12-15) A +similar picture and lesson is taught by the parable of the talents. +(Matthew 25:14) As further evidence of his return, Jesus said: "When the +Son of man shall come in his glory, and all the holy angels with him, +then shall he sit upon the throne of his glory; and before him shall be +gathered all nations."—Matthew 25:31,32.</p> + +<p><a name="362"></a>[362]Just a short time before his crucifixion he was teaching his +disciples. They understood, though imperfectly, that he was to be taken +from them. His disciples were troubled at this information. Then Jesus, +speaking plainly to them, said: "Let not your heart be troubled: ye +believe in God, believe also in me. In my Father's house are many +mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a +place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come +again and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be +also." (John 14:1-3) This is indisputable proof of his second coming.</p> + +<p><a name="363"></a>[363]After his resurrection he had stated that he would ascend unto God +the Father in heaven. (John 20:17) Forty days after his resurrection he +was with his disciples on the Mount of Olives, instructing them to go to +Jerusalem and there wait until they should receive the power of the holy +spirit, that they might thereafter be witnesses for him. "And when he +had spoken these things, while they beheld, he was taken up; and a cloud +received him out of their sight. And while they looked stedfastly toward +heaven as he went up, behold, two men stood by them in white apparel; +which also said, Ye men of Galilee, why stand ye gazing up into heaven? +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." (Acts 1:9-11) Without a +doubt these men who here stood by the disciples in white apparel were +angels or messengers sent of the Lord thus to witness to them, which +angels doubtless materialized in human form for that very purpose and +afterward dematerialized and disappeared. This additional testimony was +given, however, that the faith of the disciples might be complete that +the Lord would come again.</p> + +<p><a name="364"></a>[364]This fact was so definitely established in the minds of the +apostles that they often spoke and wrote of the second coming of the +Lord. In fact, it is the great event to which they and all other true +followers of the Master have looked forward. (1 Corinthians 1:7; 15:23; +1 Thessalonians 2:19; 2 Thessalonians 2:8; James 5:7,8; 2 Peter 1:16; +Acts 3:19-21; Philippians 3:20) Of his coming again and the blessings +his presence will bring to those that love him further testimony was +given by the apostle Paul when he wrote to Timothy: "I am now ready to +be offered, and the time of my departure is at hand. I have fought the +good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith: henceforth +there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the +righteous judge, shall give me at that day: and not to me only, but unto +all them also that love his appearing."—2 Timothy 4:6-8.</p> + +<p><a name="365"></a>[365]The book of Revelation in our Bible is the revelation of Jesus +Christ which he gave after his glorification. He concludes this +revelation by stating to St. John: "He which testifieth these things +saith, Surely I come quickly"; to which St. John replies, "Even so, +come, Lord Jesus".—Revelation 22:20.</p> + +<p><a name="366"></a>[366]That the Lord is to have a kingdom of righteousness, that Jesus +Christ is to be the great King of that kingdom, and that he is coming a +second time for the purpose of thus reigning, is so abundantly +established by the Scriptures that all possible doubt is removed. An +important question, therefore, for us to determine is</p> +<br /> +<br /> +<h4>HOW HE COMES</h4> + +<p><a name="367"></a>[367]We must make up our minds at once that the Bible testimony +concerning the manner of our Lord's coming is to be taken as conclusive. +A careful examination of this will disclose the fact that the Bible does +establish definitely and reasonably the manner of his appearing. Many +have supposed and yet suppose that the Lord will come again in his body +of humiliation, the very body in which he was crucified and which has +the marks upon it, and that such is to be visible to human eyes. The +words of Jesus disprove this conclusion. When instructing his disciples +just before his crucifixion, Jesus said: "Yet a little while, and the +world seeth me no more; but ye see me: because I live, ye shall live +also". (John 14:19) Thus he establishes the fact that his faithful +disciples will see him as he is, but that the world will see him no +more. And why is this true? We answer, Because Jesus was raised from the +dead not a human but a spirit being, with divine nature or organism. The +nature is determined by the organism or body. He now has a glorious +body, which no man hath seen nor can look upon and live. (1 Timothy +6:15,16) We have heretofore examined the Scriptural evidence showing +that no one of the different organisms or bodies in which Jesus appeared +to his disciples after his resurrection was his glorious body, but that +such bodies were created by him for the purpose at the time.</p> + +<p><a name="368"></a>[368]He was put to death a human being. He was raised from the dead a +spirit. (1 Peter 3:18; 1 Corinthians 15:45) St. John definitely shows +that the body in which Jesus will appear is not his human body because +he says: "It doth not yet appear what we shall be, but ... we shall be +like him". (1 John 3:2) Jesus is no longer human, but divine; therefore +we could not expect human eyes to see him. He is now the express image +of Jehovah. (Hebrews 1:3) Because he is no longer human and has not a +body of flesh, but a spirit body, the apostle Paul under inspiration +wrote: "Though we have known Christ after the flesh, yet now henceforth +know we him no more".—2 Corinthians 5:16.</p> + +<p><a name="369"></a>[369]After his resurrection Jesus was exalted and given a name above +every name (Philippians 2:9) and sat down at the right hand of the +Father in glory and in power. (Revelation 3:21) Of him the apostle Paul +writes: "Now the Lord is that spirit". (2 Corinthians 3:17) Jesus +explained to Nicodemus concerning a spirit, saying, "Except a man be +born of water and of the spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of +God. That which is born of the flesh is flesh; and that which is born of +the spirit is spirit.... The wind bloweth where it listeth, and thou +hearest the sound thereof, but canst not tell whence it cometh, and +whither it goeth: so is every one that is born of the spirit."—John +3:4-8.</p> + +<p><a name="370"></a>[370]Seeing, then, that Jesus Christ is a glorious spirit being with a +divine organism, and that as the wind cannot be seen, but comes and +goes, so a spirit can thus come and go without being discerned by human +eyes, could not our Lord be present and yet not observable by any +natural eyes? That is exactly according to the facts. Satan is a spirit +being. For many centuries Satan has been the god or invisible ruler of +the present evil world (2 Corinthians 4:3,4); yet no human eyes have +seen Satan, although men have felt his influence and still feel it. +Satan is not only the god of this world, but he is the chief one of his +wicked, invisible heaven; that is to say, the invisible ruling order of +things composed of Satan and the other fallen angels who exercise power +over human beings. The apostle Peter said: "We, according to his +promise, look for new heavens and a new earth, wherein dwelleth +righteousness". (2 Peter 3:13; Revelation 21:1-5) The coming kingdom of +the Lord is the new heavenly kingdom. This new ruling power, the +Messiah, is invisible, and will be invisible to human eyes, but will +establish in the earth visible agencies and representatives, namely, a +new social and political order of things. We should not, therefore, +expect the Lord's second coming to be in a body visible to human eyes, +but should expect that he would be present, exercising his power in his +own sovereign way.</p> + +<p><a name="371"></a>[371]In many places in our Bible referring to the second coming of the +Lord the word translated into the English as "coming" is properly +translated <i>presence</i>. The proper meaning is distinguished by the Greek +word used, from which the English is translated. The Greek word +<i>parousia</i> (pronounced par-oo-seé-ah) means presence, and refers to the +invisible presence of the Lord and is used in the following Scriptural +texts. We here quote the texts as they appear in the King James Version, +putting in brackets the proper word immediately following the word +"coming".</p> + +<p><a name="372"></a>[372]"What shall be the sign of thy coming [presence]?"—Matthew 24:3.</p> + +<p><a name="373"></a>[373]"As the days of Noah were, so shall also the coming [presence] of +the Son of man be."—Matthew 24:37,39.</p> + +<p><a name="374"></a>[374]"They that are Christ's at his coming [presence]."—1 Corinthians +15:23.</p> + +<p><a name="375"></a>[375]"Are not even ye in the presence of our Lord Jesus Christ at his +coming [presence]?"—1 Thessalonians 2:19.</p> + +<p><a name="376"></a>[376]"To the end that he may establish your hearts unblameable in +holiness before God, even our Father, at the coming [presence] of our +Lord Jesus Christ."—1 Thessalonians 3:13.</p> + +<p><a name="377"></a>[377]"We which are alive and remain unto the coming [presence] of the +Lord shall not prevent them which are asleep."—1 Thessalonians 4:15.</p> + +<p><a name="378"></a>[378]"I pray God your whole spirit and soul and body be preserved +blameless unto the coming [presence] of our Lord Jesus Christ." +—1 Thessalonians 5:23.</p> + +<p><a name="379"></a>[379]"Now we beseech you, brethren, by the coming [presence] of our +Lord Jesus Christ."—2 Thessalonians 2:1.</p> + +<p><a name="380"></a>[380]"Be patient therefore, brethren, unto the coming [presence] of the +Lord."—James 5:7.</p> + +<p><a name="381"></a>[381]"For the coming [presence] of the Lord draweth nigh."—James 5:8.</p> + +<p><a name="382"></a>[382]"Where is the promise of his coming [presence]?"—2 Peter 3:4.</p> + +<p><a name="383"></a>[383]When Jesus was taken up into heaven, the angels standing by the +disciples said to them: "He shall come in like manner". The manner of +his going or being taken away was quiet, without observation, except by +a few. In a similar manner we should expect his return. Those watching +for his coming necessarily would be the first to observe his presence. +This is in exact harmony with the thought expressed by the apostle Paul +when he wrote: "For yourselves know perfectly that the day of the Lord +so cometh as a thief in the night", (1 Thessalonians 5:2) The same +thought the apostle Peter expressed: "The day of the Lord will come as a +thief in the night". (2 Peter 3:10) And of His coming Jesus said: +"Behold, I come as a thief", "If therefore thou shalt not watch, I will +come on thee as a thief, and thou shalt not know what hour I will come +upon thee." (Revelation 16:15; 3:3; Matthew 24:43) A thief comes usually +in the night time when all are asleep, and none see him except those who +are watching or those who may be awakened by his presence. Even so the +Lord comes in the night time of the close of the gospel age, just before +the dawn of the new day; and none discern his presence except those who +watch and who have the eye of faith.</p> + +<p><a name="384"></a>[384]The Lord spoke in symbolic phrase, and speaking concerning the +manner of his appearing he said: "Behold, I have told you before. +Wherefore if they shall say unto you, Behold, he is in the desert; go +not forth: behold, he is in the secret chambers; believe it not." +(Matthew 24:25,26) Here he is warning and safeguarding against the error +of believing that he will appear in the desert or that he will appear in +some secret chamber; as spiritists claim they have come in contact with +him. Then he says: "For as the lightning cometh out of the east; and +shineth even unto the west; so shall also the presence of the Son of man +be". (Matthew 24:27) The word lightning here is translated from the +Greek word <i>astrapee</i> and means bright shining, or bright shiner. We +know that lightning does not come out of the east and shine even unto +the west, because flashes of lightning come from all directions, and +more often from the west than from the east. The bright shining or +bright shiner here really means the sun. The sun begins to shed forth +its light in the east before it is fully up; and when it comes over the +eastern horizon it shines everywhere from the east to the west. Just so +the presence of the Lord. He quietly appears and his presence begins to +shed light in all parts of the earth.</p> + +<p><a name="385"></a>[385]The Prophet of the Lord also used the sun to illustrate the Lord +Jesus, saying: "The Sun of righteousness shall arise with healing in his +wings". (Malachi 4:2) Again Jesus likened his faithful followers unto +the sun when he said: "Then shall the righteous shine forth as the sun +in the kingdom of their Father".—Matthew 13:43.</p> + +<p><a name="386"></a>[386]In examining the evidence, then, with reference to the Lord's +second appearing, if we will keep always in mind that his appearance is +not and will not be visible to human eyes, but that it will be gradually +discernible in the physical facts which will occur in fulfillment of +prophecy, we shall be better enabled to understand the various +Scriptural texts bearing upon the subject.</p> +<br /> +<br /> +<h4>TIME OF HIS COMING</h4> + +<p><a name="387"></a>[387]The time of the Lord's second appearing is of great importance to +all, and Christians, since the days of the apostles, have been watching +for some evidence of his presence and asking the question, When will the +Lord appear? While those who love the Lord discuss the important +question, some have answered saying, 'The Lord is liable to come any +moment. He may come tonight,' These expect the Lord's appearing in a +visible body. Others who have no real desire for his coming, because it +would interfere with their selfish plans, say: 'He will not come in my +time; he will not come for fifty-thousand years or more; hence there is +no reason for our concerning ourselves about his coming'. Still others +who fear his coming and who do not desire to see him say: 'No one can +possibly know the time. Why, therefore, should one spend his time in +discussing the question?'</p> + +<p><a name="388"></a>[388]The last-named class, in support of their contention, cite the +words of Jesus when he said: "But of that day and hour knoweth no man, +no, not the angels of heaven, but my Father only". (Matthew 24:36) It is +assumed because he used these words that no one would ever know except +Jehovah. We should remember that Jesus spoke those words while he was +yet a man on the earth. He had not been glorified then. He did not say +that no one would ever know of the hour or the day of his coming. If we +conclude from these words that no man would ever know, we might as well +conclude that Jesus would never know, because he said at that time that +only the Father knew. Paraphrasing his words we note he said this: 'The +day of my coming no one now knows except my Father. Neither man nor +angel knows anything about it; nor do I even know,' At the same time, +his words implied that conditions would change, so that others would +know, because he said: "Watch therefore: for ye know not the hour your +Lord doth come". (Matthew 24:42) Why watch unless they would know when +the time would arrive? When Jesus arose from the dead he said: "All +power is given unto me in heaven and in earth". (Matthew 28:18) He must +have known then the time of his coming, because now as the creature +divine everything was committed into his hands for the outworking of +God's plan. At the time of his appearing surely the angels of heaven +would know about it; and the day must come when the watchers would know.</p> + +<p><a name="389"></a>[389]His last message to the disciples just before his ascension on +high clearly indicated a time coming when the watchers would know. He +said unto them: "It is not for you to know the times or the seasons +which the Father hath put in his own power. But ye shall receive power, +after that the holy spirit is come upon you." (Acts 1:7,8) Those who are +begotten of the holy spirit have the promise that the Lord will reveal +to them his great truths when due to be understood. (1 Corinthians +2:9,10) These are they that walk in the light, and for them the light +shines with increasing brilliancy unto the perfect day. In harmony with +this, St. Paul wrote: "Of the times and the seasons, brethren, ye have +no need that I write unto you. For yourselves know perfectly that the +day of the Lord so cometh as a thief in the night. For when they shall +say, Peace and safety; then sudden destruction cometh upon them, as +travail upon a woman with child; and they shall not escape. But ye, +brethren, are not in darkness, that that day should overtake you as a +thief." (1 Thessalonians 5:1-4) Plainly the Apostle here tells the +followers of Jesus that if they are watching the things which the Lord +told them to watch, the day of the Lord will not come upon them +unawares, but they will mark the fulfillment of prophecy, and in the +light of its fulfillment they will discern the time of the presence of +the great King. Furthermore he says to them: "Ye are all the children of +light, and the children of the day; we are not of the night, nor of +darkness. Therefore let us not sleep, as do others; but let us watch and +be sober."—1 Thes. 5:5,6.</p> + +<p><a name="390"></a>[390]We shall find that Jesus gave much evidence which enables the +watcher to determine the Lord's presence. Jesus spoke in prophetic +language. Prophecy means a foretelling of future events before they take +place; and when they are taking place the watcher can ascertain that +they are thus fulfilling the prophetic words previously spoken.</p> + +<p><a name="391"></a>[391]Jesus gave us the positive evidence as to when to expect him. He +gave a parable of the wheat and the tares, saying, "The kingdom of +heaven is likened unto a man which sowed good seed in his field: But +while men slept, his enemy came and sowed tares among the wheat, and +went his way. But when the blade was sprung up, and brought forth fruit, +then appeared the tares also. So the servants of the householder came +and said unto him, Sir, didst not thou sow good seed in thy field? from +whence then hath it tares? He said unto them, An enemy hath done this. +The servants said unto him, Wilt thou then that we go and gather them +up? But he said, Nay; lest while ye gather up the tares, ye root up the +wheat with them. Let both grow together until the harvest: and in the +time of harvest I will say to the reapers, Gather ye together first the +tares and bind them in bundles to burn them; but gather the wheat into +my barn."—Matthew 13:24-30.</p> + +<p><a name="392"></a>[392]Interpreting his own parable, Jesus said that he was the man who +had gown the good seed; that the field is the world; and that the good +seed are the children of the kingdom, and that the tares are the +children of the wicked one; that the enemy who sowed them is the devil; +and that the harvest is the end of the world.—Matthew 13:37-39.</p> + +<p>[<a name="393"></a>393]From this statement of the Master it is clearly shown that at the +end of the age or world there must be a harvest; that Jesus Christ must +be present as the Master of that harvest, and that the harvest will +consist of gathering together the true followers of Christ in one body +and of binding together the counterfeit or tare class for destruction. +Stated in other phrase, there will be a gathering of the true vine +class, true Christians, and the harvesting of the vine of the earth; +namely, the nominal Babylonish systems of the world. Since the Master +himself stated that he would come at this time to receive his own, the +truly consecrated Christians, to himself, and that he, as the Master of +the harvest, would direct what should be done, it follows that he must +be present before the beginning of the harvest and during the time of +the harvest. It would also follow that he would be present before the +end of the world or age.</p> + +<p><a name="394"></a>[394]Jehovah caused the prophet Daniel to write the salient features of +events that would come to pass during the rule of the world powers that +would be in existence from the time of the empire of Persia until "the +time of the end". That which Daniel wrote was prophecy; that is to say, +guided by the divine power, he recorded long in advance the happenings +of certain events, which of itself shows that this prophecy could not be +understood until the events had transpired. Daniel wrote concerning +these events, but did not understand them. They are set forth in his +prophetic utterances recorded in the book of Daniel, chapters 7 to 12, +inclusive. Daniel himself said: "I heard, but I understood not: then +said I, O my Lord, what shall be the end of these things? And he said, +Go thy way, Daniel; for the words are closed up and sealed till the time +of the end. Many shall be purified, and made white, and tried; but the +wicked shall do wickedly: and none of the wicked shall understand; but +the wise shall understand." (Daniel 12:8-10) The Lord had caused Daniel +to record specifically what would happen when the time of the end should +begin. The "time of the end" means a specific period at the end of +gentile dominion. "And at <i>the time of the end</i> shall the king of the +south push at him; and the king of the north shall come against him like +a whirlwind, with chariots, and with horsemen, and with many ships; and +he shall enter into the countries, and shall overflow and pass over. He +shall enter also into the glorious land, and many countries shall be +overthrown."—Daniel 11:40,41.</p> + +<p><a name="395"></a>[395]The fulfillment of this prophecy fixes the beginning of the "time +of the end", because the prophecy definitely so states. The campaign of +the great warrior Napoleon Bonaparte is clearly a fulfillment of this +prophecy, as reference to the historical facts concerning his campaign +plainly show. The "king of the south" mentioned in the prophecy refers +to Egypt; the "king of the north" means Great Britain, which was then an +integral part of the Roman empire. Napoleon was in Egypt fighting the +Egyptian armies, which were led by Murat Bey, and which he defeated. His +victory not only struck terror to the Egyptians, but far into Africa and +Asia, and all the surrounding tribes submitted to the great conqueror. +While he was doing this, the British in the north, under the leadership +of Lord Nelson, were making an effective attack upon Napoleon's forces +at sea. Napoleon began this Egyptian campaign in 1798, finished it and +returned to France on October 1, 1799. The campaign is briefly, yet +graphically, described in the prophecy, verses 40 to 44; and being +completed in 1799, marks, according to the Prophet's own words, the +beginning of the "time of the end".</p> + +<p><a name="396"></a>[396]From the time of the overthrow of Zedekiah (606 B.C.) and the +establishment of the gentile universal empire under Nebuchadnezzar, the +organizations of the world powers or governments have been designated in +the Scriptures by God's Prophet as "beasts". The prophet Daniel (7:7,8) +describes "a fourth beast, dreadful and terrible". This terrible beast +was a form of government composed of three elements or component parts, +namely, professional politicians, great financiers, and ecclesiastical +leaders. This Satanic organization became dreadful and terrible from the +time that these three forces were united. Of this unholy trinity, we see +the Papacy, the ecclesiastical element, in the saddle, riding and +directing everything. The date of its beginning was at the overthrow of +the Ostrogothic monarchy, which occurred in A.D. 539.</p> + +<p><a name="397"></a>[397]The prophet Daniel was given a vision of the events following, yet +he did not understand them; and he says: "I looked, and, behold, there +stood other two, the one on this side of the bank of the river, and the +other on that side of the bank of the river. And one said to the man +clothed in linen, which was upon the waters of the river, How long shall +it be to the end of these wonders? And I heard the man clothed in linen, +which was upon the waters of the river, when he held up his right hand +and his left hand unto heaven, and sware by him that liveth for ever +that it shall be for a time, times, and an half." (Daniel 12:5-7) In +Biblical symbology a time means a year of twelve months of thirty days +each, or 360 days. Each day is considered for a year, as the Prophet +says: "I have appointed thee each day for a year". (Ezekiel 4:6) Here +are mentioned, then, three and a half times of 360 prophetic days each, +or a total of 1260 prophetic days, equal to 1260 years. The Prophet then +was shown that the 1260 years would mark the beginning of the time of +the end of this beastly order. Twelve-hundred sixty years from A.D. 539 +brings us to 1799—another proof that 1799 definitely marks the +beginning of "the time of the end". This also shows that it is from the +date 539 A.D. that the other prophetic days of Daniel must be counted.</p> + +<p><a name="398"></a>[398]The most important thing to which all the prophecies point and for +which the apostles looked forward has been the second coming of the Lord. +It is described by the Prophet as a blessed time. Daniel then says: +"Blessed is he that waiteth, and cometh to the thousand three hundred +and five and thirty [1335] days". (Daniel 12:12) The watchers here, +without question, are those who were instructed by the Lord to watch for +his return. This date, therefore, when understood, would certainly fix +the time when the Lord is due at his second appearing. Applying the same +rule, then, of a day for a year, 1335 days after 539 A.D. brings us to +A.D. 1874, at which time, according to Biblical chronology, the Lord's +second presence is due. If this calculation is correct, from that time +forward we ought to be able to find some evidences marking the Lord's +presence.</p> + +<p><a name="399"></a>[399]It Is not the purpose of this writing to enter into a detailed +statement of Biblical chronology. The searcher for truth can find an +extensive treatment of this question in Volumes 2 and 3 of STUDIES IN +THE SCRIPTURES. The purpose here is to call attention to certain +important dates and then see how much, if any, prophecy has been +fulfilled within these dates. Chronology, to some extent at least, +depends upon accurate calculations and there is always some possibility +of mistakes. Fulfilled prophecy is the record of physical facts which +are actually existent and definitely fixed. Physical facts do not +stultify themselves. They stand as silent witnesses whose testimony must +be taken as indisputable.</p> + +<p><a name="400"></a>[400]There are two important dates here that we must not confuse, but +clearly differentiate, namely, the beginning of "the time of the end" +and of "the presence of the Lord". "The time of the end" embraces a +period from A.D. 1799, as above indicated, to the time of the complete +overthrow of Satan's empire and the establishment of the kingdom of the +Messiah. The time of the Lord's second presence dates from 1874, as +above stated. The latter period is within the first named, of course, +and at the latter part of the period known as "the time of the end".</p> + +<p><a name="401"></a>[401]The understanding of the prophecies with reference to "the time of +the end" and the Lord's presence was purposely concealed by Jehovah +until the due time. Daniel desired to know what would be the end of +these things, but God said to him: "But thou, O Daniel, shut up the +words, and seal the book, even to the time of the end". (Daniel 12:4) +It is reasonable to expect that Jehovah would indicate something by +which "the time of the end" could be discerned when it arrived. He did +not say to Daniel to look for some words emblazoned across the sky that +the end had come, but told him to look for such evidences as could be +seen and understood by men familiar with the prophecies, and who in the +light of the prophecies should be watching for their fulfillment. He did +not expect Daniel to understand it in his day, because he said: "Go thy +way, Daniel: for the words are closed up and sealed till the time of the +end".—Daniel 12:9.</p> + +<p><a name="402"></a>[402]When that time should arrive, what was to be expected? Jehovah +answers: "Many shall run to and fro, and knowledge shall be increased". +(Daniel 12:4) From and shortly after 1799, the date of the beginning of +"the time of the end", we should expect to find an increase of knowledge, +particularly with reference to the Bible. Prior to that time the people +had been kept in ignorance of the Bible. It was the practice of the +Papacy to forbid any one aside from the clergy class to have access to +the Bible; in fact, it was made a crime under the Roman law, subjecting +the offender to heavy penalties for having in possession a copy of the +Bible. In 1799 the beastly power of Rome, predominated by the Papal +system, received a deadly wound. The people had been taught to believe +in the divine right of kings to rule and the divine right of the clergy +to dominate the conscience of the people. When Napoleon took the Pope a +prisoner and carried him away to France, and when later he refused to +permit the Pope to crown him as king, but put the crown on himself and +treated the Papal claimed authority with contempt, this began to open +the eyes of the peoples of earth, kings as well as people, to the fact +that Papacy did not possess the divine right it claimed.</p> + +<p><a name="403"></a>[403]A short time thereafter the first Bible societies that ever existed +were organized. The British and Foreign Bible Society was established in +1803; the New York Bible Society in 1804; the Berlin-Prussian Bible +Society in 1805; the Philadelphia Bible Society in 1808; and the +American Bible Society in 1817. The Bible was translated and published +in many different languages and sold at such low prices that the poor +could have access to it, and within a short time millions of Bibles were +in the hands of the people. The Papal system denounced these Bible +societies as "pestiferous Bible societies". The time had come, however, +for an increase of knowledge and the Lord was fulfilling his promise by +putting it within the reach of those who were hungry for truth. The +people began to learn that God is no respecter of persons; that kings +and popes, priests and the common people alike must all render their +account to the Lord and not to man.</p> + +<p><a name="404"></a>[404]From that time forward there has been a great corresponding +increase of knowledge in all the sciences; and in fact, in all lines of +learning. The common school, always opposed by the Papacy, has afforded +a means of general education and increase of knowledge for people in all +walks of life. Colleges and universities have sprung up throughout the +world. With the increase of knowledge on various lines have come the +numerous inventions that man now has, time-and labor-saving machines, +etc.</p> + +<p><a name="405"></a>[405]Before 1799 the means of transportation were such that a man could +travel only a short distance in a day. He must go either by a vehicle +drawn by horses or oxen, or afoot; and when he would cross the sea he +must go in a sailboat that made little progress. In 1831 the first +locomotive steam engine was invented. Such wonderful progress has been +made in this regard that now one can travel through almost any part of +the earth at a rapid rate upon a railway train. Later came the electric +engines and electric motor cars and gas engines; and now there is a +tremendous amount of travel in every part of the earth. It is no +uncommon thing for one to travel at the rate of 75 and 100 miles per +hour; and particularly is this true by means of a flying machine, which +is a very modern invention.</p> + +<p><a name="406"></a>[406]God's Prophet designates this same time as "the day of God's +preparation". In Nahum 2:1-6 the Prophet records his vision of a +railway train traveling at a high rate of speed, as another evidence of +the day of preparation for the establishment of Christ's kingdom.</p> + +<p><a name="407"></a>[407]In 1844 the telegraph was invented, and later the telephone. These +instruments were first used with wires and by electricity messages were +conveyed throughout the earth; but now by later invention wires are +dispensed with and messages are flashed through the air by the use of +instruments all over the earth.</p> + +<p><a name="408"></a>[408]This great increase of knowledge and the tremendous running to and +fro of the people in various parts of the earth without question is a +fulfillment of the prophecy testifying as to "the time of the end". +These physical facts cannot be disputed and are sufficient to convince +any reasonable mind that we have been in "the time of the end" since +1799.</p> + +<p><a name="409"></a>[409]The latter part of "the time of the end" Jesus designates as a +time of harvest, because he says: "The harvest is the end of the world +[age]". He stated that he would be present at that time. From 1874 +forward is the latter part of the period of "the time of the end". From +1874 is the time of the Lord's second presence, as above stated. The +apostle Paul enumerating many things done concerning Israel states that +"they are written for our admonition upon whom the ends of the world +[age] are come". (1 Corinthians 10:11) It must be presumed, then, that +these things would be understood at "the time of the end".</p> + +<p><a name="410"></a>[410]The Lord's illustration of the sun rising in the east and shining +across to the west, which would occur at the time of his presence, is +further proof of the increased light at the time of his presence; and +true to prophecy, this has taken place. The laboring classes have always +been down-trodden and kept in subjection to the financial, ecclesiastical, +and political princes. It was in the year 1874, the date of our Lord's +second presence, that the first labor organization was created in the +world. From that time forward there has been a marvelous increase of +light and the inventions and discoveries have been too numerous for us to +mention all of them here, but mention is made of some of those that have +come to light since 1874, as further evidence of the Lord's presence +since that date, as follows: Adding machines, aeroplanes, aluminum, +antiseptic surgery, artificial dyes, automatic couplers, automobiles, +barbed wire, bicycles, carborundum, cash registers, celluloid, +correspondence schools, cream separators, Darkest Africa, disk ploughs, +Divine Plan of the Ages, dynamite, electric railways, electric welding, +escalators, fireless cookers, gas engines, harvesting machines, +illuminating gas, induction motors, linotypes, match machines, +monotypes, motion pictures, North Pole, Panama Canal, Pasteurization, +railway signals, Roentgen rays, shoe sewing machines, smokeless powder, +South Pole, submarines, radium, sky scrapers, subways, talking machines, +telephones, typewriters, vacuum cleaners, and wireless telegraphy.</p> +<br /> +<br /> +<h4>THE HARVEST</h4> + +<p><a name="411"></a>[411]The Scriptures disclose a complete parallel concerning the Jewish +and gospel ages. The parallel exists with reference to time as well as +events. The Jewish age ended with a harvest, which harvest began with +the ascension of our Lord in the year A.D. 33. By the term "harvest" +here used is meant the gathering of the remnant of the Jews to Christ. +Jesus' statement plainly is that the gospel age will end with a harvest, +during which time he would be present, directing the work of that +harvest. In the earth three and a half years from the time of his +consecration and baptism, Jesus was preparing the Jews for the harvest +of that age. We should expect to find a parallel of this with reference +to the harvest of the gospel age, and we do find it. Counting three and +a half years from 1874, the time of his presence, brings us to 1878. +During the presence of the Lord from 1874 to 1878 he was making +preparation for the harvest of the gospel age. The Jewish harvest +covered a period of forty years, ending in A.D. 73. We should expect, +then, the general harvest of the gospel age to end in 1918.</p> + +<p><a name="412"></a>[412]The natural harvest was used by the Lord to illustrate his harvest +of Christians. In the Jewish natural harvest it was customary to glean +the field after the regular harvest was over. We should therefore expect +to find a harvest period from 1878 to 1918, and thereafter for a time a +gleaning work going on, in which a few Christians would be gathered in, +as well as another part of the harvest work to be done, which we will +indicate. The question now is, Do we find a period of harvest in the +gospel age after 1874 which serves as a fulfillment of the prophecy of +the Lord?</p> + +<p><a name="413"></a>[413]In addition to his words cited in Matthew 13:24-30, and in answer +to the specific question with reference to his presence, Jesus said: +"And he [the Lord] shall send his angels [messengers] with a great sound +of a trumpet, and they shall gather together his elect from the four +winds, from one end of heaven to the other". (Matthew 24:31) The +following facts bear unmistakable testimony of the great harvest period +of the gospel age in fulfillment of prophetic utterances, which +fulfillment is one of the strongest proofs of the Lord's presence.</p> + +<p><a name="414"></a>[414]In this text the words "sound of a" are not contained in the oldest +manuscripts and should be omitted. The text is written, as will be +observed, in symbolic language.</p> + +<p><a name="415"></a>[415]Under the terms of the law covenant the Jews were required to keep +the fiftieth year as a jubilee, and the jubilee year was announced by +the blowing of a trumpet. In the text here under consideration the +trumpet symbolizes the message announcing the presence of the Lord, +proclaiming the fact that the harvest is due, that the time has come +when the saints should be gathered together, because the kingdom of +Messiah is at hand.</p> + +<p><a name="416"></a>[416]"Angels" in this text means messengers or servants who make +announcement of the presence of the Lord and the incoming of the +kingdom. Such messengers are the truly consecrated Christians who make +the announcements to other Christians and to all who have a hearing ear. +It would be reasonable to expect the Lord to have some special +messenger, as distinguished from others or general messengers in +announcing his presence and the time of the harvest. And such is the +case. Jesus said that an office had been provided for such a special +messenger and that at the time of his second appearing he would appoint +some one to that office and give him the responsibility of dispensing +meat to the household of faith in due season. The Christian's meat in +due season is a proper explanation of the Scriptures as they become due +to be understood. We mark a wonderful fulfillment of this statement of +the Lord as further corroborative proof of the Lord's second presence +from 1874 forward. He had said, in answer to the question relative to +his second presence: "Who then is a faithful and wise servant, whom his +lord hath made ruler over his household, to give them meat in due +season? Blessed is that servant, whom his lord when he cometh shall find +so doing. Verily I say unto you, That he shall make him ruler over all +his goods."—Matthew 24:45-47.</p> + +<p><a name="417"></a>[417]About 1870 Charles Taze Russell, of Allegheny, Pennsylvania, then +a truly consecrated Christian and a careful student of God's Word, +learned from the Scriptures that God has a great and harmonious plan for +the salvation and blessing of mankind. Like other earnest watchers, he +was watching for the evidences of the Lord's coming. About 1875, while +carefully and prayerfully studying the Scriptures, he became convinced +of the Lord's second presence, resulting in his writing and publishing a +booklet entitled, "The Object and Manner of Our Lord's Return," which +had a phenomenal circulation amongst the Christian people of the world. +In 1879 he began the publication of a journal, <i>The Watch Tower and +Herald of Christ's Presence</i>, which has since been issued regularly +twice each month. This is the first and only publication that for more +than forty years has announced the second presence of the Lord. This +journal is devoted exclusively to discussion of Scriptural questions, +being the means of carrying the food to the household of faith in due +season.</p> + +<p><a name="418"></a>[418]Then followed the great work of gathering together the true +followers of Christ Jesus, regardless of denomination, sect, kindred, or +tongue. Charles Taze Russell, who afterwards became better known as +Pastor Russell, was the greatest preacher of modern times. He was +elected pastor of upwards of 1,200 congregations at one time. He +traveled all over the earth proclaiming the message of the divine plan +of the ages, particularly calling attention of Christians to the +presence of the Lord. Between the years 1881 and 1904 he wrote and +published in six volumes the STUDIES IN THE SCRIPTURES giving a full and +detailed explanation of the various features of the divine plan. These +books were translated into about thirty languages and their combined +circulation exceeded 11,000,000 copies. In 1917 the seventh volume of +the series of STUDIES IN THE SCRIPTURES was published, known as "The +Finished Mystery", which has had a very wide circulation. These books +are the first clear explanation of the divine plan ever published. In +addition to the above, he published and widely circulated various +booklets, "What Say the Scriptures About Hell?" "Spiritism," "The Bible +Versus Evolution," "Tabernacle Shadows," and many other tracts, +pamphlets, etc. He was the author of the Photo-Drama of Creation, as +well as the scenario used for this drama, which gives an outline of the +divine plan from the creation to the times of restitution. He organized +and conducted a lecture bureau which employed a large force of Bible +lecturers who traveled and who yet travel throughout the world, +proclaiming the message of the divine plan. For a period of time his +sermons were published weekly in more than 2,000 newspapers, with a +combined circulation of 15,000,000 readers; and in all about 4,000 +different newspapers published his sermons. Some idea of the scope of +his work can be understood from the words written in <i>The Continent</i>, a +publication not friendly to him:</p> + +<p><a name="419"></a>[419]"His writings are said to have a greater newspaper circulation +every week than those of any other living man; greater, doubtless, than +the combined circulation of the writings of all the priests and +preachers in North America; greater even than the work of Arthur +Brisbane, Norman Hapgood, George Horace Lorimer, Dr. Frank Crane, +Frederick Haskins, and a dozen other of the best known editors and +syndicate writers put together."</p> + +<p><a name="420"></a>[420]Without a doubt Pastor Russell filled the office for which the +Lord provided and about which he spoke, and was therefore that wise and +faithful servant, ministering to the household of faith meat in due +season. Pastor Russell finished his earthly course in 1916.</p> + +<p><a name="421"></a>[421]In 1884 he caused to be incorporated the Watch Tower Bible and +Tract Society, intended by him to continue the work of the harvest +after his earthly career was finished, and which is yet carrying it on.</p> + +<p><a name="422"></a>[422]This great work of gathering together Christian people can be +designated in no other way than as a harvest, and fully meets that which +was foretold by the Lord Jesus. This work, which has covered a period of +about forty-five years, has never had for its purpose the forming of any +arrangement by which Christians join anything. Its purpose and work has +been and is to enlighten men and women concerning the great divine plan, +and by this means of proclaiming the message of truth has gathered +together Catholics and Protestants, Christians from all denominations in +all parts of the earth. These Christians are not the followers of Pastor +Russell, but are followers of the Lord and rejoice to feed upon the food +that the Lord has provided for them through his wise and faithful +servant.</p> + +<p><a name="423"></a>[423]Furthermore, Jesus said with reference to his second presence: "For +wheresoever the carcass is, there will the eagles be gathered together". +(Matthew 24:28) And so it is. The carcass here refers to the spiritual +food provided for the household of faith. The eagles are those of keen +vision and sharp appetite, anxious to know of the Lord's Word, and +equally anxious to feed upon it. Hence we find gathering together many +earnest Christian people in groups in various parts of the earth, who +know no nationality, whose citizenship is in heaven, whose allegiance +and devotion is to the Lord and to his kingdom of righteousness.</p> + +<p><a name="424"></a>[424]Jesus defines the wheat class as the true followers of himself, +children of the kingdom, and the tares as the imitation Christians, who +are Christians in name only. He declared: "Let both grow together until +the harvest; and in the time of the harvest I will say to the reapers, +Gather ye together first the tares, and bind them in bundles to burn +them; but gather the wheat into my barn."—Matthew 13: 30.</p> + +<p><a name="425"></a>[425]It is a well-known fact that since 1878 there has been a tendency +on the part of all denominations to bind themselves into leagues and +combines, associations, Interchurch World Movement, etc., thus +fulfilling this prophetic statement of the Lord of binding together the +merely nominal Christians preparatory for the great fire, the great time +of trouble, which is now upon the earth. To the truly consecrated people +of God, who have been identified with these various sectarian or +denominational systems the Lord has been calling in this time of the +harvest, saying: "Come out of her, my people, that ye be not partakers +of her sins, and receive not her plagues". (Revelation 18:4) Concerning +his work with the others, the wheat class, Jehovah through his Prophet +long ago said: "Gather my saints together unto me, those who have made a +covenant with me by sacrifice". (Psalm 50:5) The great work of the +harvest, that is to say, the proclaiming of the second presence of the +Lord and the gathering together of those who truly love his appearing, +has been so remarkably fulfilled since 1874 that it is one of the most +striking and conclusive proofs of the Lord's second presence.</p> +<br /> +<br /> +<h4>SCOFFERS</h4> + +<p><a name="426"></a>[426]It might be reasonably expected that the clergy of various +denominations would be anxious to know and anxious to tell the people +about the presence of the Lord, and would therefore joyfully receive any +news concerning his presence. We find the facts to be just to the +contrary, however, and we again notice that this is one of the evidences +given by Jesus himself marking his second presence. He said: "But as the +days of Noah were, so shall also the coming [presence] of the Son of +man be. For as in the days that were before the flood they were eating +and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage, until the day that Noah +entered into the ark, and knew not until the flood came, and took them +all away; so shall also the coming [presence] of the Son of man be." +(Matthew 24:37-39) Instead of these clergymen as a class joining in the +proclamation, 'Behold the Bridegroom! the Lord has returned, the kingdom +is at hand,' they scoff and jeer, and if they say anything concerning +the Lord's second presence, even though they get all their information +from what Pastor Russell wrote, they discredit him and mock and scoff at +what he wrote or said. Of course the Lord foreknew this and therefore he +caused the Apostle under inspiration to write: "There shall come in the +last days scoffers, walking after their own lusts, and saying, Where is +the promise of his coming [presence]? for since the fathers fell asleep, +all things continue as they were from the beginning of the creation". +—2 Peter 3:3,4.</p> +<br /> +<br /> +<h4>END OF THE WORLD</h4> + +<p><a name="427"></a>[427]Jesus having taught his disciples concerning his second coming, +and having informed them that the world would end at or during that +time, they desired to know how they might be able to ascertain the fact +of his presence and what would be the indication or proof of it to them +or to any one. He was sitting on the side of the Mount of Olives when +his disciples came to him privately and propounded the question: "Tell +us, <i>when</i> shall these things be? and <i>what</i> shall be the sign [proof or +indication] of thy presence, and of the end of the world?" (Matthew 24:3) +The word world as here used does not mean the earth. The earth will never +end or pass away, because "God himself that formed the earth and made it, +he hath established it, he created it not in vain, he formed it to be +inhabited". (Isaiah 45:18) "The earth abideth forever."—Ecclesiastes 1:4.</p> + +<p><a name="428"></a>[428]The word world means the social and political order or rule +governing the people. From Adam to the time of the great deluge was the +first world or social order of government; which was under the +administration of angels (Hebrews 2:5), and which passed away in a +great flood, during which only Noah and his family, consisting in all of +eight persons, were carried over from the old to the other or newer +world, and were saved. (2 Peter 3:6; 1 Peter 3:20) There began with Noah +and his family a new order or world, which in the time of the Apostle's +day and before that time had grown evil, and which he designated as "the +present evil world". (Galatians 1:4) The Apostle clearly shows that that +world must pass away to make way for the new and righteous kingdom, +which will rule and govern and bless the people.</p> + +<p><a name="429"></a>[429]It was during the early part of this world that God made promise +to Abraham that through his seed all the families of the earth should be +blessed. Later, at the death of Jacob, God organized the nation of +Israel or the Jews into a nation and at Mount Sinai made a covenant with +them. Jehovah dealt with the nation of Israel exclusive of all other +nations for a number of years. They had many kings, some good and some +bad. Zedekiah was their last king, and because of his wickedness God +said concerning him: "Therefore thus saith the Lord God: Because ye have +made your iniquity to be remembered, in that your transgressions are +discovered, so that in all your doings your sins do appear; because, I +say, that ye are come to remembrance, ye shall be taken with the hand. +And thou, profane wicked prince of Israel, whose day is come, when +iniquity shall have an end, thus saith the Lord God: Remove the diadem, +and take off the crown: this shall not be the same; exalt him that is +low and abase him that is high. I will overturn, overturn, overturn, it: +and it shall be no more, until he come whose right it is; and I will +give it [to] him,"—Ezekiel 21:24-27.</p> + +<p><a name="430"></a>[430]In the year 606 B.C. Zedekiah was overthrown. He was taken a +prisoner, carried away to Babylon, and Nebuchadnezzar established in the +earth the first universal empire and the gentile times dated from that +time forward. The length of the gentile times is definitely fixed in the +Scriptures as a period of seven symbolic times of 360 years each, or a +total of 2,520 years. This period beginning with the year 606 B.C. +necessarily must end in 1914 A.D. God had declared that he would +overturn the right of the descendants of Abraham to rule, thereby +permitting the gentiles to have an uninterrupted sway until he should +come whose right it is. The one whose right it is is the great Messiah, +Christ Jesus the Lord. It would be reasonable to expect him to be +present some time before he would take unto himself his great power to +reign. His presence beginning in 1874, he has carried on his harvest +work from 1878 forward, but has not interrupted the gentile dominion +until that dominion should end. The end of the gentile rule, therefore, +would mark necessarily the end of the present order; therefore, the end +of the world. We should expect, then, to find 1914 as the beginning of +the end of the old world or order of government. And that this would +take place during the presence of the Lord he definitely stated.</p> + +<p><a name="431"></a>[431]When the gentile dominion legally ends, the order being a wicked one +under the supervision of Satan, the god of the evil world (2 Corinthians +4:3,4), and all these nations lying in the wicked one (1 John 5:19), it +would be expected that the gentile kingdoms and nations would strive to +hold on to their power. But when the proper time should come it would +also be expected that the Lord, whose right it is, would take over the +affairs into his own hands. And so he said: "We give thanks, O Lord God +Almighty, which art, and wast, and art to come; because thou hast taken +to thee thy great power, and hast reigned. And the nations were angry, +and thy wrath is come, and the time of the dead, that they should be +judged, and that thou shouldest give reward unto thy servants the +prophets, and to the saints, and them that fear thy name, small and +great; and shouldest destroy them which destroy the earth."—Revelation +11:17,18.</p> + +<p><a name="432"></a>[432]It will be observed that the Lord does not do all of his work in a +twenty-four-hour day, but that gradually he performs his sovereign will. +Specifically answering the question concerning the end of the world +during the time of his presence, Jesus said: "Nation shall rise against +nation, and kingdom against kingdom; and there shall be famines, and +pestilences, and earthquakes [literal and symbolic—revolutions] in +divers places. All these are the beginning of sorrows." (Matthew 24:7,8) +Exactly on time, at the end of the gentile dominion, at the beginning of +the end of the world, nation rose against nation and kingdom against +kingdom in the most devastating war that man ever dreamed would come to +the world. There followed in its wake a great pestilence, the Spanish +influenza, which swept the earth; and the famine is still raging amongst +many peoples and kindreds of the earth; and there have been revolutions, +as well as many literal earthquakes in various parts of the earth. And +these, said the Master, mark the beginning of the end of the world, +which takes place during the time of his presence. The evidence here is +overwhelming, proclaiming his presence and the end of the world.</p> + +<p><a name="433"></a>[433]These facts mark a corroboration and a clear fulfillment of the +words of Jehovah's Prophet announced centuries before, namely: "In the +days of these kings shall the God of heaven set up a kingdom, which +shall never be destroyed: and the kingdom shall not be left to other +people, but it shall break in pieces and consume all these kingdoms, and +it shall stand for ever". (Daniel 2:44) Literally the kingdoms of earth +are being broken in pieces, and any one who takes a map of Europe today +and looks it over can see how completely this prophecy is now in course +of fulfillment. Nearly all the kings of earth are gone and their +kingdoms are broken in pieces and are being consumed. This is being done +because the Lord is present, because the old world has ended and he is +clearing away the unrighteous things to make way for his new and +righteous government.</p> + +<p><a name="434"></a>[434]Furthermore Jesus said concerning the end of the world within the +time of his second presence: "Then shall they deliver you up to be +afflicted, and shall kill you: and ye shall be hated of all nations for +my name's sake". (Matthew 24:9) "But take heed to yourselves: for they +shall deliver you up to councils [courts]; and in the synagogues ye +shall be beaten: and ye shall be brought before rulers and kings for my +sake, for a testimony against them." (Mark 13:9) "But before all these, +they shall lay their hands on you, and persecute you, delivering you up +to the synagogues, and into prisons, being brought before kings and +rulers for my name's sake. And it shall turn to you for a testimony." +(Luke 21:12,13) Literally did these Scriptures have fulfillment in the +years 1917, 1918, and 1919. The World War furnished the excuse for the +world-wide persecution of humble and honest and faithful Christians.</p> + +<p><a name="435"></a>[435]The Christian truly consecrated to the Lord believes and follows +the Lord's teaching: "Thou shalt not kill". (Matthew 5:21) And again: +"Though we walk in the flesh, we do not war after the flesh; for the +weapons of our warfare are not carnal". (2 Corinthians 10:3,4) During +the World War many of the nations passed laws to govern conscientious +objectors, that is, those who object to taking human life. The officers +of the present evil order upon whom devolved the duty and obligation of +construing and enforcing this law, disregarded it; and at the instance +of an apostate and dishonest clergy, truly consecrated Christians, +particularly those known as Bible Students, were, in fulfillment of +Jesus' utterances, hated, beaten, persecuted, haled into the courts and +imprisoned, and some of them killed. But the Lord's protecting care has +been about them through it all.</p> + +<p><a name="436"></a>[436]In Germany they were persecuted, some put in the front ranks of the +assaulting army. One Christian man, for instance, who refused to take +human life because of his faith in the Lord, was placed in the front +line of attack during a battle. A soldier was placed on either side of +him with gun and bayonet and instructed to kill him if he attempted to +escape. He went through the battle. Most of his regiment was +annihilated, including the two guards by his side. When the battle was +over this Christian brother had not a scratch. Again he was put in a +similar position; and again he went through another battle without +injury. He was then charged with being insane because he would not fight +and placed in an insane asylum and kept there for a period of time, +until he was turned out; and then he proceeded with proclaiming the +message of the Lord's presence and his glorious incoming kingdom.</p> + +<p><a name="437"></a>[437]The persecution in Great Britain of the same class of Christians, +and in Canada, and in the United States—long boasted of as the land of +the free and the home of the brave—was so terrible that words are +inadequate to describe it. Number 27 of the GOLDEN AGE magazine, issued +September 29, 1920, gives a detailed description of many of these wicked +persecutions, which mark a clear fulfillment of these prophetic +utterances of the Lord. The ones who had the privilege of passing +through them and who had the many evidences of the Lord's blessings, +rejoice because accounted worthy to suffer as our Lord had suffered, +remembering his words: "The servant is not greater than his lord. If +they have persecuted me, they will also persecute you".—John 15:20.</p> + +<p><a name="438"></a>[438]Jesus furthermore said: "This gospel of the kingdom shall be +preached in all the world for a witness unto all nations; and then shall +the end come". (Matthew 24:14) In the year 1919 many of the Bible +Students in different parts of the earth, emerging from army camps and +prison dungeons, rejoicing in their privileges, again assembled together +and with united action went forth to proclaim the message of the +presence of the Lord; and particularly the message, "The World Has +Ended—Millions Now Living Will Never Die," clearly in fulfillment of +the words of the Master in the text last above quoted. Numbers of public +lectures delivered upon this subject throughout Christendom have +gladdened the hearts of hundreds of thousands of people, comforting +those that mourn. In 1920 this message was put into printed form in the +booklet entitled "Millions Now Living Will Never Die", and in the lands +where the greatest persecution prevailed against the people of the Lord, +greatest has been the witness. Within eight months 2,500,000 copies of +this booklet were placed in the hands of the people; and yet the message +goes on, giving a wider and wider witness, looking forward to the full +consummation of "the time of the end", the end of the old order and the +incoming of Messiah's kingdom.</p> +<br /> +<br /> +<h4>REGATHERING OF ISRAEL</h4> + +<p><a name="439"></a>[439]Jesus furthermore said that the regathering of Israel to Palestine +(Luke 21:24) would be one of the most conclusive proofs of his presence +and of the end of the world. A full discussion of this point, together +with many other points concerning the end of the world, is set forth in +detail in the above mentioned booklet, "Millions Now Living Will Never +Die". Therein is shown conclusively that the prophecies have been +fulfilled exactly on time; that Israel is now being regathered and is +rebuilding Palestine exactly as the Lord foretold. Jesus said: "And when +these things begin to come to pass, then look up, and lift up your +heads; for your redemption draweth nigh".—Luke 21:28.</p> + +<p><a name="440"></a>[440]Jesus, speaking further through his chosen vessel, refers to the +harvest of the tare class, saying, "The harvest of the earth is ripe. +And he that sat on the cloud thrust in his sickle on the earth; and the +earth was reaped." (Revelation 14:15,16) This gathering of the elements +of Christendom, the vine of the earth, and the reaping of it for +destruction, is now in progress. It is one feature of the Lord's work, +which proves his presence at this time.</p> + +<p><a name="441"></a>[441]There are many other corroborative evidences of the presence of the +Lord, but space will not permit the examination of all of them here. We +leave the reader to find a more detailed explanation of these great +corroborative truths set forth in Volumes 2 and 3 of STUDIES IN THE +SCRIPTURES.</p> + +<p><a name="442"></a>[442]Why should any one deceive himself by being induced to cease an +investigation of this subject because some self-constituted wise one +will say: 'You can never know when the Lord will come'? Jesus himself +said to his faithful followers: "Watch therefore: for ye know not what +hour your Lord doth come". (Matthew 24:42) "And what I say unto you I +say unto all, Watch." (Mark 13:37) The clear inference here is that the +watchers in due time would recognize the evidences of his presence, and +recognizing these, would rejoice.</p> + +<p><a name="443"></a>[443]Suppose we admit, for the sake of the argument, that no man knows +the day nor hour of the Lord's appearing. What difference does that make? +The hour and the day have already passed. He is here! And let all truly +consecrated Christians rejoice. "But of the times and the seasons, +brethren, ye have no need that I write unto you," says St. Paul. +(1 Thessalonians 5:1) The times and seasons are clearly established by the +overwhelming proof that the Lord is now present. Therefore, "ye, +brethren, are not in darkness, ... ye are all the children of light, and +the children of the day; we are not of the night, nor of darkness". Why +quibble now about dates, days or hours? The physical facts, the +fulfilled prophecy and prophecy further in course of fulfillment, prove +overwhelmingly and beyond the shadow of a doubt that the Lord is +present, that the world has ended, that the kingdom of heaven is at +hand! And the true watchers are joyfully exclaiming: "Behold the +Bridegroom!" As faithful members of his body, as the feet of him, they +are standing upon the mountains, that is, upon or above the kingdoms of +earth, singing out to the peoples of Zion: 'Thy God reigneth! The +kingdom of heaven is at hand!' The Prophet of the Lord describes them +thus: "How beautiful upon the mountains are the feet of him that +bringeth good tidings, that publisheth peace; that bringeth good tidings +of good, that publisheth salvation; that saith unto Zion, Thy God +reigneth! Thy watchmen shall lift up the voice; with the voice together +shall they sing: for they shall see eye to eye, when the Lord shall +bring again Zion."—Isaiah 52:7,8.</p> + +<p><a name="444"></a>[444]These are they who, having the harps of God, are singing the song +of Moses the servant of God and the song of the Lamb, harmonizing the +great truths of the Old and New Testaments, the Mosaic law and the +gospel of Christ Jesus, singing: "Great and marvelous are thy works, +Lord God Almighty; just and true are thy ways, thou King of saints. Who +shall not fear thee, O Lord, and glorify thy name? for thou only art +holy: for all nations shall come and worship before thee; for thy +judgments are made manifest."—Revelation 15:2-4.</p> +<br /> +<br /> +<h4>WHY THE LORD COMES</h4> + +<p><a name="445"></a>[445]There are three primary purposes or reasons why the Lord appears +the second time. These are: (1) To bind Satan and destroy his kingdom +and all the false systems inaugurated by his agencies; (2) to receive +unto himself his bride, the church, which includes the work of the +harvest of gathering them unto him; and (3) to set up his kingdom, for +which he taught his followers to pray.</p> + +<p><a name="446"></a>[446]The purpose of our Lord's second coming has been much misunderstood +and misrepresented. Some have said that he is coming to burn up the +earth. The Scriptures answer this charge: "The heaven, even the heavens, +are the Lord's; but the earth hath he given to the children of men". +(Psalm 115:16) How then can we harmonize this statement of the +Scriptures with St. Peter's words?—"But the day of the Lord will come +as a thief in the night; in the which the heavens shall pass away with a +great noise, and the elements shall melt with fervent heat, the earth +also and the works that are therein shall be burned up.... The heavens +being on fire shall be dissolved, and the elements shall melt with +fervent heat."—2 Peter 3:10,12.</p> + +<p><a name="447"></a>[447]It is manifest that the Apostle is here using symbolic language. He +states that the Lord comes as a thief, illustrating how quietly and +unobservedly his second coming or appearing takes place, as we have +already noted. Then we must conclude that the other main elements here +mentioned are symbolic. The heavens taken symbolically mean the +invisible power of control, consisting of Satan and his unseen agencies, +as well as his visible agencies in the earth. The earth symbolically +represents organized society under Satan's dominion. The elements here +meant are the various selfish elements of the earth, composed of +ecclesiasticism, political parties, lodge systems, etc., that go to make +up the various elements of human society; and we can see that these are +all discordant and warring amongst themselves. They shall all be +dissolved and shall melt with fervent heat; that is to say, during the +heated time of trouble.</p> + +<p><a name="448"></a>[448]But the Apostle states in the thirteenth verse of this chapter: +"Nevertheless we, according to his promise, look for new heavens and a +new earth, wherein dwelleth righteousness"; meaning thereby that we look +for a new invisible power of control, Messiah's kingdom, and a new +earth, society organized along new lines, to take the place of the old. +The words here have no reference to the mundane sphere or globe upon +which the human race resides.</p> + +<p><a name="449"></a>[449]The symbolic fire is now burning fiercely in the troublesome time +that we see amongst the peoples and nations of the earth; and it will +continue to burn until all the false systems of Satan's empire are +completely destroyed. This is a further evidence of the Lord's presence +at this time, as well as one of the purposes for which he comes.</p> + +<p><a name="450"></a>[450]In speaking of the proof of his presence, Jesus further stated that +at that time there would be "upon the earth distress of nations, with +perplexity; the sea [restless humanity] and the waves [various organized +parts of it] roaring; men's hearts failing them for fear, and for +looking after those things which are coming on the earth; for the powers +of heaven shall he shaken. And then shall they see [discern] the Son of +man coming in a cloud with power and great glory;" that is to say, they +will discern the Lord's presence through the clouds, symbolic of great +trouble, and glory, the manifestation of his justice and power. (Luke +21:25-27) No one will attempt to gainsay the fact that just now, in the +year 1921, all the nations are in distress and the people in all +branches of business—socially, politically and otherwise—are in +perplexity and know not what to do. And men of earth who are engaged in +business affairs are so fearful that their hearts are failing them, not +knowing which way to turn nor what to do.</p> + +<p><a name="451"></a>[451]On one hand we observe the employers who own the factories and the +mills and who employ the laboring element to do the work, striving to +curtail their expenses, reducing wages, discharging men, resulting in +millions being out of employment with no means of earning a livelihood +for themselves or families. On the other hand is the laboring class of +men, who have received their employment at the hands of the wealthier, +who are distressed in mind. And because of the injustices heaped upon +them they are becoming more restless each day and are threatening to +take complete possession and control of the factories and mills and +mines and operate these themselves. The political class, striving always +to do the will of the financial powers, are perplexed and frightened as +to what they shall do, yet constantly acting in a vain attempt to help +their allies in the great beastly order; while the apostate clergy, +which goes to make up the third element of the beastly order, is trying +to induce the order-loving people to unite themselves with church +systems and thereby support the employing class.</p> + +<p><a name="452"></a>[452]These various elements, selfishly exercising what power they have, +are going from bad to worse, leading on to a great disaster for the +unrighteous systems of earth. Jesus points this out as the final and +conclusive evidence of his presence and of the end of the world, saying: +"Then shall be great tribulation, such as was not since the beginning of +the world to this time, no, nor ever shall be. And except those days +should be shortened, there should no flesh be saved: but for the elect's +sake those days shall be shortened." (Matthew 24:21,22) The prophet +Daniel corroborates the words of the Master to the effect that in this +time of trouble the great Messiah will manifest himself and put into +operation his kingdom. He says: "And at that time shall Michael [God's +representative, the Messiah] stand up, the great prince which standeth +for the children of thy people; and there shall be a time of trouble, +such as never was since there was a nation even to that same time; and +at that time thy people shall be delivered, every one that shall be +found written in the book".—Daniel 12:1.</p> + +<p><a name="453"></a>[453]The world is madly rushing on now to this time of trouble. It is +the time spoken of by the prophet Haggai, who says: "And I will shake +all nations, and the desire of all nations shall come; and I will fill +this house with glory, saith the Lord of hosts". (Haggai 2:7) And when +this great shaking is over, then the desire of all nations and peoples +will come, namely, an honest, righteous government, administered in +behalf of mankind under the supervision of the great Messiah. The +apostle Paul refers to this time as a time of great shaking, which +immediately precedes the full establishment of the Messianic kingdom. +(Hebrews 12:18-28) The Lord by his presence is bringing to light every +hidden thing. The Apostle foretold it would be thus, saying: "Therefore +judge nothing before the time, until the Lord come, who both will bring +to light the hidden things of darkness, and will make manifest the +counsels of the hearts".—1 Corinthians 4:5.</p> + +<p><a name="454"></a>[454]Thus the Lord is letting the light of truth shine out, and by the +truth is binding Satan, which means the great adversary, the devil, and +his various agencies and influences in the earth. And this is further +evidence of the Lord's presence. Truly Satan's house is divided against +itself and cannot stand. It is going to pieces. Jesus in his revelation +to St. John caused to be written these words: "And I saw an angel come +down from heaven, having the key of the bottomless pit and a great chain +in his hand. And he laid hold on the dragon, that old serpent, which is +the devil, and Satan, and bound him a thousand years, and cast him into +the bottomless pit, and shut him up, and set a seal upon him, that he +should deceive the nations no more, till the thousand years should be +fulfilled; and after that he must be loosed a little season," +(Revelation 20:1-3) This is the time that Jesus foretold when the +nations shall be "as vessels of a potter, ... broken to shivers". +(Revelation 2:27) Satan soon shall be restrained and his empire +completely and forever destroyed. (Isaiah 34:1-4; 51:6) Thus shall the +Lord be revealed to the world, and they shall know of his presence by +the fiery time of trouble which shall take vengeance upon the +unrighteous systems and things of the earth. (2 Thessalonians 1:7,8) +This is the day of God's vengeance and his fire will continue to burn +until all parts of the Satanic order are destroyed. The Prophet wrote +concerning this first work of the Messiah: "Thou shalt break them with a +rod of iron; thou shalt dash them in pieces like a potter's vessel". +—Psalm 2: 9.</p> +<br /> +<br /> +<h4>TO RECEIVE HIS BRIDE</h4> + +<p><a name="455"></a>[455]Jesus is likened unto a bridegroom, while the church is likened +unto a bride. (John 3:29; Revelation 21:9; 2 Corinthians 11:2) Many +beautiful word pictures or types appear in the Old Testament, which God +caused to be made for the purpose of teaching his great plan to those +who would search for the truth. One of these pictures is that of Isaac +and Rebekah. Abraham the father of Isaac sent his servant Eliezer into a +distant land to find a wife for his son Isaac. The servant took ten +camels and went into Mesopotamia, unto the city of Nahor. There he found +Rebekah, the daughter of Bethuel, a virgin very fair to look upon. +Eliezer "took a golden earring of half a shekel weight, and two +bracelets for her hands of ten shekels weight of gold". Rebekah agreed +to accompany Eliezer to become the wife of Isaac. "And Rebekah arose, +and her damsels, and they rode upon the camels, and followed the man +[Eliezer]," who brought her unto Isaac. "And Isaac brought her into his +mother Sarah's, tent, and took Rebekah, and she became his wife," after +his mother Sarah's death.—See Genesis 24.</p> + +<p><a name="456"></a>[456]In this picture Abraham is a type of Jehovah; his wife Sarah, a +type of the Abrahamic covenant, from which the Messiah springs; Isaac, +the son, a type of Jesus Christ; while Rebekah is a type of the church, +the bride of Christ. Eliezer, Abraham's servant, is a type of the holy +spirit, whose mission it is to invite the church and to assist her, and +ultimately to bring her and her companions to the antitypical Isaac, the +Lord Jesus, the Bridegroom. Before Jesus departed from the earth he said +to his disciples: "I will pray the Father, and he shall give you another +Comforter, ... even the spirit of truth.... I will not leave you +comfortless: I will come to you. Yet a little while, and the world seeth +me no more; but ye see me: because I live, ye shall live also," (John +14:15-19) Eliezer here pictures the comforter, the holy spirit, which +was given at Pentecost, at which time the way was opened and the +invitation was given to men who love the Lord to become followers of the +Lord Jesus and be of the bride class. The ten camels which Eliezer took +with him represent the Word of God, the ten strings of the harp. The +golden earring presented to Rebekah represents the blessed and pleasing +effect of hearing the call to be the bride of Christ; while the two +bracelets picture the happy effect of responding to the divine call and +doing with our might what our hands find to do.</p> + +<p><a name="457"></a>[457]The call to become members of this glorious bride class is +beautifully pictured by the Psalmist thus: "Hearken, O daughter, and +consider, and incline thine ear; forget also thine own people, and thy +father's house; so shall the king greatly desire thy beauty: for he is +thy Lord; and worship thou him". (Psalm 45:10,11) Responding to that +call, one consecrates his all to the Lord, is begotten of the holy +spirit, and henceforth being borne up by the spirit of the Lord through +his Word grows in the likeness of his Master and prepares for the coming +of the beloved Bridegroom. The death of Sarah, Abraham's wife, pictures +the end of the Sarah-Abrahamic covenant, from which springs the bride of +Christ; and Isaac receiving Rebekah and taking her as his wife after his +mother's death foreshadowed the complete union of Christ Jesus the +bridegroom and the church his bride at the end of the world.</p> + +<p><a name="458"></a>[458]Throughout the entire gospel age from Pentecost until now the Lord +has been preparing his bride, the church. Many have been called, but few +have been chosen, and still fewer will be faithful; but only the +faithful ones will he receive. Just before his departure at the time of +his first advent he said: "In my Father's house are many mansions: if it +were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. And +if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you +unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also."—John 14:2,3.</p> + +<p><a name="459"></a>[459]Here, then, is one of the positive statements that one of the chief +purposes of the Lord's return is to receive unto himself his bride. +Since his appearance, therefore, he has been doing the harvest work, +namely, gathering unto himself those who will constitute the bride +class.</p> + +<p><a name="460"></a>[460]The Lord gives a picture in the twenty-fifth chapter of Matthew of +this kingdom class. (Matthew 25:1-13) Here he speaks of ten virgins who +took their lamps and went forth to meet the bridegroom. A virgin means a +pure one. Lovers of the Lord Jesus, the bridegroom, long for his return. +These took their lamps. The lamp represents the Word of God; as the +Psalmist says: "Thy word is a lamp unto my feet". (Psalm 119:105) Part +of these virgins were wise; therefore they took oil in their vessels. +The wise represent the bride class, the faithful ones; while the foolish +ones picture a class of greater numbers who will not be of the bride +class, but will be born on the spirit plane. While these have waited for +the coming of the Lord, the foolish ones have been indifferent. They +have had no oil, have not had the spirit of the truth, the loving zeal +for the Lord and his cause; hence they have been negligent. Whereas the +wise virgins have been watching and have kept their lamps trimmed and +burning; which means they have studied the Word of God and watched the +fulfillment of prophecies, striving to develop the fruits and graces of +the spirit and to be prepared for the coming of the Bridegroom. As +these, then, of the bride class come to a knowledge of the fact that the +bridegroom is present, they join in the cry: "Behold the Bridegroom!" +And they hasten to prepare to meet him. During the time of the harvest +of the gospel age, during the second presence of the Lord, members of +the wise virgin class coming to a knowledge of the truth of his presence +have rejoiced greatly because the Lord has returned; and the joy of the +bride class has increased as the members have marked the ever-increasing +evidence manifesting the Lord's presence and the preparation for his +kingdom. And as they have cried out, "Behold the Bridegroom!" they have +been zealous in presenting the message of truth to others, that their +hearts might be refreshed. The Lord has a special reward for those who +love his second appearing, as the Apostle plainly stated. (2 Timothy 4:8) +There will not be a great number of this bride class. On the contrary, +they are small in number. Jesus said there would be but a little flock. +(Luke 12:32) Through the Revelator he designates the number as +144,000.—Revelation 14:1.</p> + +<p><a name="461"></a>[461]Some of these dear saints, however, have been developed from time to +time throughout the gospel age, beginning with the apostles at Pentecost. +These have died and waited for the return of the Lord. Since the +Scriptures show that the dead know not anything until the resurrection, +it would be reasonable to expect the Lord to do something for these who +had died faithful to their covenant and to expect that he would do +something for them early in the time of his presence. St. Paul says: +"For this we say unto you by the word of the Lord, that we which are +alive and remain unto the coming of the Lord shall not prevent them +which are asleep. For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a +shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and +the dead in Christ shall rise first: then we which are alive and remain +shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in +the air; and so shall we ever be with the Lord."—1 Thessalonians 4:15-17.</p> + +<p><a name="462"></a>[462]Some have misconstrued this Scripture to mean that the Lord would +appear the second time and give a great shout and wake up the dead. The +word here translated shout means a message of encouragement. It implies +a public message designed for the ears not of a few, but for a great +number. The "shout", the "voice of the archangel" and the "trump of God" +are all symbols. Literally, it means that the appearing of the Lord will +be at the time of or during the shout of encouragement; and this is in +full harmony with the evidences heretofore examined that the presence of +the Lord has been at a time when the people have been encouraged +concerning their own rights. Christians have encouraged each other by +passing the message of the Lord's presence on to each other. The peoples +have encouraged one another with reference to their liberties, rights, +and privileges. The "voice of the archangel", as used in this passage, +means one with authority, the chief messenger, Christ Jesus himself. He +comes with light and truth, illuminating the minds of men, leading them +into greater light which has come upon the end of the age when the shout +of encouragement for the rights and liberties of the people and the +deliverance of Christians into the kingdom of the Lord has begun +throughout the earth.</p> + +<p><a name="463"></a>[463]During this time, then, we should expect the resurrection of those +saintly ones who died before the second coming of the Lord; and should +expect that these would be awakened out of death and gathered unto the +Lord, thus to be forever with him. And therefore those believers who +were alive at his coming, when the time came for their death, would +experience an instantaneous change from human to spirit beings. And +finally, when all the members of the bride class shall have finished +their course and all have passed from the human into the spiritual +condition, with glorious bodies, they will enjoy peace and happiness for +evermore. The Lord is taking unto himself his bride class, because the +promise is that these shall be heirs of God and joint-heirs with Christ +Jesus in his kingdom, and that they shall reign with him.—Romans 8:16,17; +Revelation 20:6.</p> +<br /> +<br /> +<h4>ESTABLISHING HIS KINGDOM</h4> + +<p><a name="464"></a>[464]Before the foundation of the world God foreordained that he would +have a kingdom and a royal family who would have charge of the kingdom. +The kingdom necessarily embraces the royal house or royal family, as +well as the dominion. Foreknowing the end of all things, God provided in +his great plan not only for the redemption of the human race, but the +selection from amongst men of a certain number whom he would transform +into the image and likeness of his beloved Son. God provided also that +these should constitute the royal family of heaven. The apostle Peter +says of this class: "But ye are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a +holy nation, a people for a purpose, that you may declare the +perfections of him who called you from darkness into his wonderful +light; who once were not a people, but now are God's people".—1 Peter +2:9,10. <i>Diaglott</i>.</p> + +<p><a name="465"></a>[465]To his disciples, and to those who should thereafter become such, +Jesus said: "I appoint unto you a kingdom, as my Father hath appointed +unto me". (Luke 22:29) And again: "To him that overcometh will I grant +to sit with me in my throne". (Revelation 3:21) From these Scriptures +it is to be seen that the church constitutes with Jesus the royal +family, the kingdom class, otherwise called the seed of Abraham, through +which the blessings shall flow out to mankind. This is the kingdom for +which he taught his disciples to pray. This is the kingdom which the +prophet Daniel declares shall be set up to have no successor, and which +shall be established during the last days of the kingdoms of the +unrighteous order.—Daniel 2:44; 7:14,27.</p> + +<p><a name="466"></a>[466]The truly consecrated followers of Jesus, obedient to his +admonition, have been watching and waiting; and those who were permitted +to live at the time of his second presence and since have experienced +that blessedness spoken of by Daniel the prophet at the end of the 1,335 +symbolic days or years. As the great divine plan has been revealed to +these they have learned that the Lord has returned and is here, +invisible to human eyes, yet exercising his great power in binding Satan +and dashing to pieces the present unrighteous order, gathering unto +himself his saints, and putting in order the affairs of his kingdom; +that he has taken unto himself his great power to reign, and that soon +all the saints shall participate with the Lord in glory in carrying out +the further divine arrangement. As this string upon the harp of God is +revealed to them, they sing with exultant joy:</p> + +<span style="margin-left: 1em;">"Our lamps are trimmed and burning,</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">Our robes are white and clean;</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;">We've tarried for the Bridegroom,</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">And now we'll enter in.</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;">We know we've nothing worthy</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">That we can call our own—</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;">The light, the oil, the robes we wear,</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">Are all from him alone.</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;">Behold, behold the Bridegroom!</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">And all may enter in,</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;">Whose lamps are trimmed and burning,</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">Whose robes are white and clean."</span><br /> + +<p><a name="467"></a>[467]And these saints while yet on earth, beholding with the eye of +faith the marvelous fulfillment of prophecy, are patiently waiting for +the time of their glorification, when they each shall be clothed upon +with a new and beautiful body like unto Jesus', the beloved Bridegroom, +and when they each shall see him as he is.</p> + + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<p>What effect is produced upon one by the return of a very dear friend +long absent? <a href="#347">¶ 347</a>.</p> + +<p>Define the term "friend". <a href="#348">¶ 348</a>.</p> + +<p>Who is mankind's dearest friend, and why? <a href="#348">¶ 348</a>.</p> + +<p>How long since Jesus journeyed to a far country? and what did he say +about returning? <a href="#349">¶ 349</a>.</p> + +<p>If the facts show that this dear friend has returned for the blessing of +mankind, what effect should this have upon those who have been expecting +his return? <a href="#349">¶ 349</a>.</p> + +<p>Would his returning constitute one of the strings upon the harp of God? +<a href="#349">¶ 349</a>.</p> + +<p>For what have the Jews been long hoping and praying? <a href="#350">¶ 350</a>.</p> + +<p>For what have Christians been looking and waiting for the past nineteen +centuries? <a href="#350">¶ 350</a>.</p> + +<p>For what is the world of mankind groaning and waiting? <a href="#350">¶ 350</a>.</p> + +<p>What effect will be produced upon mankind when they learn that their +benefactor is present to bestow blessings upon them? <a href="#350">¶ 350</a>.</p> + +<p>Is the returning of the Lord to Christians a precious string upon the +harp of God? and if so, why? <a href="#351">¶ 351</a>.</p> + +<p>What conditions in the earth are preparing the people for a knowledge of +our Lord's return? <a href="#352">¶ 352</a>.</p> + +<p>Are the reasons for our Lord's return few or many? and should they be +kept in mind? <a href="#353">¶ 353</a>.</p> + +<p>Should we reason upon the Scriptures? and if so, why? <a href="#353">¶ 353</a>.</p> + +<p>In the advancement of the divine plan, do we find reason and the +Scriptures harmonizing? <a href="#353">¶ 353</a>.</p> + +<p>What points are conclusively proven by the Scriptures thus far examined? +<a href="#354">¶ 354</a>.</p> + +<p>Why is it necessary for relationship to be established between the world +and the Lord Jesus? <a href="#354">¶ 354</a>.</p> + +<p>What reason do we see for the Lord establishing in the earth a righteous +order of things? <a href="#354">¶ 354</a>.</p> + +<p>Must he be present to establish that order? <a href="#354">¶ 354</a>.</p> + +<p>Is there Scriptural evidence to support these reasonable conclusions? +<a href="#355">¶ 355</a>.</p> + +<p>What did the prophet Isaiah say about the coming of this mighty One? +<a href="#355">¶ 355</a>.</p> + +<p>What presumption follows the term "everlasting father"? <a href="#355">¶ 355</a>.</p> + +<p>What blessing, then, should we expect man to receive through the +promised government? <a href="#355">¶ 355</a>.</p> + +<p>What presumption must be indulged concerning the coming of the Lord from +the utterance of Jehovah to King Zedekiah through the prophet Ezekiel +when God overturned the government of Israel? <a href="#356">¶ 356</a>.</p> + +<p>What is to be expected that the coming of this mighty One would do in +the earth? <a href="#357">¶ 357</a>.</p> + +<p>When Zedekiah was overthrown, what did the gentiles do, by the Lord's +permission? <a href="#358">¶ 358</a>.</p> + +<p>Through the prophet Daniel, what world empires did the Lord Jehovah +foretell? and how long would they last? Give Scriptural proof. <a href="#358">¶ 358</a>.</p> + +<p>Would we expect the righteous King to be present when this breaking to +pieces of the old kingdoms occurs? <a href="#358">¶ 358</a>.</p> + +<p>Why do the Scriptures speak of this righteous kingdom as the kingdom of +heaven? <a href="#358">¶ 358</a>.</p> + +<p>In what two-fold sense is the term "kingdom" used? <a href="#359">¶ 359</a>.</p> + +<p>To what did most of the parables of Jesus relate? <a href="#359">¶ 359</a>.</p> + +<p>What did Jesus teach the disciples indicating the importance of the +Lord's coming kingdom? <a href="#359">¶ 359</a>.</p> + +<p>Should Christians expect the fulfillment of their prayers? <a href="#359">¶ 359</a>.</p> + +<p>Since this coming King must have a kingdom, do the Scriptures indicate +who is to be the king of this new order? Quote the Scriptural proof. +<a href="#359">¶ 359</a>.</p> + +<p>When Jesus stood before Pilate, of what crime was he accused? <a href="#360">¶ 360</a>.</p> + +<p>What question did Pilate ask him? and what was the Lord's reply? <a href="#360">¶ 360</a>.</p> + +<p>What is meant by the term "world" as used in this and other Scriptures? +<a href="#360">¶ 360</a>.</p> + +<p>What peoples were to have dominion in the earth from the time of +Zedekiah's overthrow until the second coming of the Lord? <a href="#360">¶ 360</a>.</p> + +<p>Who is the invisible ruler of that social order of things? <a href="#360">¶ 360</a>.</p> + +<p>By what other terms is Satan designated? <a href="#360">¶ 360</a>.</p> + +<p>What has been the nature of Satan's rule through his earthly +representatives? <a href="#360">¶ 360</a>.</p> + +<p>What do we understand, then, to be the meaning of the Master's words to +Pilate? <a href="#360">¶ 360</a>.</p> + +<p>Did the parable of the pounds taught by our Lord to his disciples +indicate his return? <a href="#361">¶ 361</a>.</p> + +<p>What is also indicated by the parable of the talents? <a href="#361">¶ 361</a>.</p> + +<p>What did Jesus say to his disciples just before his crucifixion about +his second coming? Quote his words. <a href="#362">¶ 362</a>.</p> + +<p>Where were Jesus and his disciples when Jesus ascended into heaven? <a href="#363">¶ 363</a>.</p> + +<p>Give the Scriptural account of what occurred at the time of his +ascension. <a href="#363">¶ 363</a>.</p> + +<p>Who were the men who stood by and spoke to the disciples at that time? +<a href="#363">¶ 363</a>.</p> + +<p>Why did these angels thus materialize and speak to the disciples? <a href="#363">¶ 363</a>.</p> + +<p>Were the disciples thoroughly convinced of the second coming of the +Lord? and if so, how did it influence their teachings? Give Scriptural +proof. <a href="#364">¶ 364</a>.</p> + +<p>What did St. Paul say to Timothy about the time of the end of his +earthly career concerning the second coming of the Lord? <a href="#364">¶ 364</a>.</p> + +<p>What special promise is indicated for the benefit of those who would +love his appearing? <a href="#364">¶ 364</a>.</p> + +<p>What is the book of Revelation? <a href="#365">¶ 365</a>.</p> + +<p>What is stated in the latter part of that book concerning the Lord's +return? <a href="#365">¶ 365</a>.</p> + +<p>Can there be any doubt about the Lord's second coming? and if not, why +not? <a href="#366">¶ 366</a>.</p> + +<p>What, then, is one of the important questions to be first determined +concerning his coming? <a href="#367">¶ 367</a>.</p> + +<p>From what should we expect to get the evidence concerning the manner of +the Lord's return? <a href="#367">¶ 367</a>.</p> + +<p>Is it reasonable to suppose that he would return in the body in which he +was put to death? and if not, why not? Give Scriptural proof. <a href="#367">¶ 367</a>.</p> + +<p>In what manner will the faithful followers of Jesus see him? <a href="#367">¶ 367</a>.</p> + +<p>Has any human being seen the Lord Jesus' glorious body? Give Scriptural +proof. <a href="#367">¶ 367</a>.</p> + +<p>Why shall the disciples see him as he is? <a href="#368">¶ 368</a>.</p> + +<p>Why could not human eyes see him? <a href="#368">¶ 368</a>.</p> + +<p>Is he like Jehovah? Give Scriptural proof. <a href="#368">¶ 368</a>.</p> + +<p>In what manner did St. Paul say the Christian should henceforth know +Christ Jesus? <a href="#368">¶ 368</a>.</p> + +<p>After the ascension of Jesus on high, what was his position with +reference to the Father? <a href="#369">¶ 369</a>.</p> + +<p>Give Scriptural proof that he is a spirit being. <a href="#369">¶ 369</a>.</p> + +<p>What did Jesus say to Nicodemus about a spirit being? and how does this +illustrate that human eyes cannot see the glorious Lord? <a href="#369">¶ 369</a>.</p> + +<p>Should we expect, then, our Lord to be present, not seen by human eyes, +but discernible by those who are his true followers? <a href="#370">¶ 370</a>.</p> + +<p>Satan is the god of this present evil world. Have human eyes seen him? +<a href="#370">¶ 370</a>.</p> + +<p>What will constitute the new heavens and new earth? <a href="#370">¶ 370</a>.</p> + +<p>Will the ruler of those new heavens, the Messiah, be visible or +invisible? <a href="#370">¶ 370</a>.</p> + +<p>Is there any reason for us to expect human beings to see the Lord? <a href="#370">¶ 370</a>.</p> + +<p>Is it always proper to use the word "coming" with reference to our +Lord's second appearance? If not, what other word is properly used? <a href="#371">¶ 371</a>.</p> + +<p>Quote a number of Scriptures in which the word "coming" is properly +translated "presence". <a href="#372">¶¶ 372-382</a>.</p> + +<p>When Jesus ascended on high, what did the angels standing by advise his +disciples as to the manner of his return? Give Scriptural proof. <a href="#383">¶ 383</a>.</p> + +<p>What does this suggest as to the manner of his return? <a href="#383">¶ 383</a>.</p> + +<p>What is meant by coming as a thief in the night? and how does this +illustrate the second coming of the Lord? Give Scriptural proof. <a href="#383">¶ 383</a>.</p> + +<p>What does the night illustrate? <a href="#383">¶ 383</a>.</p> + +<p>What did the Lord say concerning those who would report his return in +the desert or in the secret chambers? <a href="#384">¶ 384</a>.</p> + +<p>Explain the Lord's statement of his second appearing wherein he said, +"As the lightning cometh out of the east, and shineth even unto the +west, so shall the presence of the Son of man be". <a href="#384">¶ 384</a>.</p> + +<p>What heavenly planet or body is used to picture the second appearing of +the Lord? <a href="#385">¶ 385</a>.</p> + +<p>Why is it important to keep in mind that the Lord's second appearing +will be invisible to human eyes? <a href="#386">¶ 386</a>.</p> + +<p>Is the time of his coming important to Christians? <a href="#387">¶ 387</a>.</p> + +<p>State the various opinions expressed by some concerning the Lord's +second coming. <a href="#387">¶ 387</a>.</p> + +<p>Why do some of these desire him not to come? <a href="#387">¶ 387</a>.</p> + +<p>Are we justified in assuming that no one could ever know the time of his +second appearing? and if not, why not? <a href="#388">¶ 388</a>.</p> + +<p>Is it reasonable to suppose that Jesus himself would know some time +before? <a href="#388">¶ 388</a>.</p> + +<p>Why would he tell his disciples to watch if they would never know of his +coming? <a href="#388">¶ 388</a>.</p> + +<p>When Jesus arose from the dead, what did he say about the power +committed to him? <a href="#388">¶ 388</a>.</p> + +<p>Is it reasonable to conclude that he then knew of his second appearing +and when it would take place? <a href="#388">¶ 388</a>.</p> + +<p>Should we expect the angels in heaven to know when that great event +takes place? <a href="#388">¶ 388</a>.</p> + +<p>Did the Lord promise the disciples that after they received the holy +spirit they might know concerning his second coming? <a href="#389">¶ 389</a>.</p> + +<p>What Scriptural promise is given the Christian that he shall have +revealed to him these things in due time? <a href="#389">¶ 389</a>.</p> + +<p>What did St. Paul, after he had received the holy spirit, writing under +inspiration to the Thessalonians, say about the times and seasons and +the second coming of the Lord? <a href="#389">¶ 389</a>.</p> + +<p>Should we expect the watching Christians to be in darkness as to the +time of the Lord's appearing? <a href="#389">¶ 389</a>.</p> + +<p>How did Jesus speak concerning his second coming? <a href="#390">¶ 390</a>.</p> + +<p>What is the meaning of prophecy as relating to the Lord's presence? <a href="#390">¶ 390</a>.</p> + +<p>Does the fulfillment of prophecy enable the watcher to determine about +the Lord's presence? <a href="#390">¶ 390</a>.</p> + +<p>In what way did Jesus use the natural harvest to illustrate his second +coming? <a href="#391">¶ 391</a>.</p> + +<p>Repeat the parable of the wheat and the tares, and give the Scriptural +interpretation of it. <a href="#391">¶¶ 391, 392</a>.</p> + +<p>What definite conclusion must be drawn from this statement of the Lord +relative to his second presence? <a href="#393">¶ 393</a>.</p> + +<p>Would it be necessary for the Lord to be present before the harvest? +<a href="#393">¶ 393</a>.</p> + +<p>Would it be necessary for him to be present some time before the end of +the age or world? <a href="#393">¶ 393</a>.</p> + +<p>What great historical facts were written prophetically by the prophet +Daniel? <a href="#394">¶ 394</a>.</p> + +<p>Could these statements of the prophet Daniel leading up to the "time of +the end" be understood by him? <a href="#394">¶ 394</a>.</p> + +<p>What did Daniel himself say about understanding his prophecy? <a href="#394">¶ 394</a>.</p> + +<p>Who did he say would understand in due time? <a href="#394">¶ 394</a>.</p> + +<p>What is meant by the term "time of the end"? <a href="#394">¶ 394</a>.</p> + +<p>What did the prophet Daniel definitely state would take place at the +"time of the end"? Quote the Scripture. <a href="#394">¶ 394</a>.</p> + +<p>State the fulfillment of Daniel's prophecy (11:40,41). <a href="#395">¶ 395</a>.</p> + +<p>In connection with Napoleon's campaign, who was meant in this prophecy +by the "king of the south" and by the "king of the north"? <a href="#395">¶ 395</a>.</p> + +<p>When did Napoleon's campaign end as in this prophecy described? <a href="#395">¶ 395</a>.</p> + +<p>How is the "time of the end" definitely fixed and stated? <a href="#395">¶ 395</a>.</p> + +<p>From what time in the world's history have governments been pictured by +beasts? <a href="#396">¶ 396</a>.</p> + +<p>What did the prophet Daniel say about a fourth beast? <a href="#396">¶ 396</a>.</p> + +<p>What constitutes the three principal component parts of the "beast"? +<a href="#396">¶ 396</a>.</p> + +<p>Give the historical date of the beginning of this great "beast". <a href="#396">¶ 396</a>.</p> + +<p>Quote Daniel's words in Daniel 12:5-7. <a href="#397">¶ 397</a>.</p> + +<p>In Biblical symbology, what is meant by a "time"? <a href="#397">¶ 397</a>.</p> + +<p>How much time was indicated by the prophet Daniel in this prophecy as +elapsing from the beginning of this beastly order to the "time of the +end"? <a href="#397">¶ 397</a>.</p> + +<p>How is the beginning of the "time of the end" definitely fixed at 1799 +A.D.? <a href="#397">¶ 397</a>.</p> + +<p>What other periods of time does the prophet Daniel mention in the +twelfth chapter? <a href="#398">¶ 398</a>.</p> + +<p>From what date must these prophetic days be counted, as shown by the +foregoing facts? <a href="#398">¶ 398</a>.</p> + +<p>What was the most important thing to which the Prophet pointed? <a href="#398">¶ 398</a>.</p> + +<p>Applying the above rule, a day for a year, when would the 1,335 days of +Daniel's prophecy end? <a href="#398">¶ 398</a>.</p> + +<p>What should be expected at that date? <a href="#398">¶ 398</a>.</p> + +<p>If we are correct in reaching this date of 1874, should we expect +corroborative evidence of the Lord's presence? <a href="#398">¶ 398</a>.</p> + +<p>Why is fulfilled prophecy conclusive proof concerning the question at +issue? <a href="#399">¶ 399</a>.</p> + +<p>What is the value of physical facts in examining any question? <a href="#399">¶ 399</a>.</p> + +<p>Is there a difference between the date of the beginning of the "time of +the end" and the presence of the Lord? <a href="#400">¶ 400</a>.</p> + +<p>What period of time is covered by the "time of the end"? <a href="#400">¶ 400</a>.</p> + +<p>From what time does the Lord's second presence date? and during what +period of the "time of the end" does his presence occur? <a href="#400">¶ 400</a>.</p> + +<p>Was there any reason why these important dates should be concealed for a +time? Give Scriptural reason. <a href="#401">¶ 401</a>.</p> + +<p>Is it reasonable to expect that Jehovah would indicate something by +which the event could be determined in the future? <a href="#401">¶ 401</a>.</p> + +<p>For what did he tell Daniel to look as evidence of the "time of the +end"? <a href="#402">¶ 402</a>.</p> + +<p>If 1799 marks the beginning of the "time of the end", should we expect a +specific fulfillment of this prophecy of Daniel shortly thereafter? <a href="#402">¶ 402</a>.</p> + +<p>Who had access to the Bible prior to 1799? <a href="#402">¶ 402</a>.</p> + +<p>What penalties were attached to common people for having a Bible in +possession? <a href="#402">¶ 402</a>.</p> + +<p>What happened in 1799 that caused a change of conditions? <a href="#402">¶ 402</a>.</p> + +<p>Who had taught the doctrine of the divine right of kings and the divine +right of the clergy? <a href="#402">¶ 402</a>.</p> + +<p>What historical event occurred to open the minds of the people to the +truth concerning these doctrines? <a href="#402">¶ 402</a>.</p> + +<p>How did this mark a beginning of the fulfillment of Daniel's prophecy? +<a href="#402">¶ 402</a>.</p> + +<p>State when and how soon after 1799, the beginning of the "time of the +end", the great Bible societies were organized. <a href="#403">¶ 403</a>.</p> + +<p>Give approximately the number of Bibles that were distributed amongst +the people thereafter. <a href="#403">¶ 403</a>.</p> + +<p>Did the Papal system gladly participate in distributing the Bible +amongst the people? <a href="#403">¶ 403</a>.</p> + +<p>When did the people begin to learn that God makes no distinction between +persons, whether they are priests or of the common herd? <a href="#403">¶ 403</a>.</p> + +<p>Relate something concerning the increase of knowledge generally since +1800 A.D. <a href="#404">¶ 404</a>.</p> + +<p>Prior to 1799, what was the means of travel through the countries? <a href="#405">¶ 405</a>.</p> + +<p>Was there any increase of travel shortly after 1799 A.D.? <a href="#405">¶ 405</a>.</p> + +<p>When was the steam locomotive put in operation? and how have means of +rapid transit increased since that time? <a href="#405">¶ 405</a>.</p> + +<p>What is meant by the "day of God's preparation"? <a href="#406">¶ 406</a>.</p> + +<p>What prophet describes a railway train? Quote the prophecy. <a href="#406">¶ 406</a>.</p> + +<p>When was the telegraph invented? and what other means of communication +have followed since? <a href="#407">¶ 407</a>.</p> + +<p>Can there be any doubt about these physical facts marking a fulfillment +of Daniel's prophecy concerning the "time of the end"? <a href="#408">¶ 408</a>.</p> + +<p>What did Jesus say concerning the latter part of the "time of the end" +and in what way it would be indicated? <a href="#409">¶ 409</a>.</p> + +<p>Did the apostle Paul indicate that greater light would come to the +people at the "time of the end"? <a href="#409">¶ 409</a>.</p> + +<p>What other evidence have we of increasing light at that time? <a href="#410">¶ 410</a>.</p> + +<p>What class of people have been trodden down for centuries? and when did +they begin to get their eyes opened as to their privileges? <a href="#410">¶ 410</a>.</p> + +<p>When was the first labor organization formed in the world? <a href="#410">¶ 410</a>.</p> + +<p>Enumerate some of the great inventions and discoveries since 1874, +marking the fulfillment of Daniel's prophecy, and the Lord's presence, +and the "time of the end". <a href="#410">¶ 410</a>.</p> + +<p>What do the Scriptures disclose concerning a parallel between the gospel +and the Jewish ages? <a href="#411">¶ 411</a>.</p> + +<p>When did the Jewish harvest begin? <a href="#411">¶ 411</a>.</p> + +<p>What is meant by the term "harvest"? <a href="#411">¶ 411</a>.</p> + +<p>Did Jesus state that there would be a harvest at the end of the world, +during his second presence? <a href="#411">¶ 411</a>.</p> + +<p>Describe the parallel between the Jewish and the gospel-age harvests. +<a href="#411">¶ 411</a>.</p> + +<p>The natural harvest of the Jews was used to illustrate what? <a href="#412">¶ 412</a>.</p> + +<p>What was the custom following the reaping of the grain by the Jews? <a href="#412">¶ 412</a>.</p> + +<p>What would this indicate that we might expect from 1878 to 1918, and +following that period? <a href="#412">¶ 412</a>.</p> + +<p>In answer to the disciples' question as to when he would be present, +what did Jesus say about the harvest and the sending of messengers? Give +the Scriptural proof. <a href="#413">¶ 413</a>.</p> + +<p>In Jesus' statement of Matthew 24:31, what is meant by the word "trumpet"? +<a href="#415">¶ 415</a>.</p> + +<p>Explain the term "angels" as used in this text. <a href="#416">¶ 416</a>.</p> + +<p>Would it be reasonable to expect some special messenger to be used of +the Lord during the time of this harvest? <a href="#416">¶ 416</a>.</p> + +<p>What did Jesus promise about providing such a messenger? Quote Matthew +24:45-47. <a href="#416">¶ 416</a>.</p> + +<p>From 1870 A.D. forward, what evidence do we have in fulfillment of this +prophetic statement of the Lord? <a href="#417">¶ 417</a>.</p> + +<p>What publication has for some forty years consistently announced the +Lord's second presence? <a href="#417">¶ 417</a>.</p> + +<p>From 1878 forward, what evidence has there been of a gathering of +Christians, regardless of denominations? <a href="#418">¶ 418</a>.</p> + +<p>Describe some of the work done by the special messenger of the Lord. +<a href="#418">¶ 418</a>.</p> + +<p>Quote the words of the publication <i>The Continent</i> concerning Pastor +Russell. <a href="#419">¶ 419</a>.</p> + +<p>What society was incorporated in 1884? and what has been its work in +connection with the harvest of this age? <a href="#421">¶ 421</a>.</p> + +<p>What has been and is the purpose of this society? <a href="#421">¶ 421</a>.</p> + +<p>Are these Christians who are thus gathered together followers of any +man? <a href="#422">¶ 422</a>.</p> + +<p>Quote Matthew 24:28, and give its meaning. <a href="#423">¶ 423</a>.</p> + +<p>Jesus likened the true children of God to wheat. What did he use to +illustrate imitation Christians? Quote Matthew 13:30. <a href="#424">¶ 424</a>.</p> + +<p>What has been the tendency of so-called Christian denominations since +1878? <a href="#425">¶ 425</a>.</p> + +<p>Since that time, how has the Lord's message in Revelation 18:4 applied +to Christians? <a href="#425">¶ 425</a>.</p> + +<p>What did the Lord through the Prophet say concerning the gathering of +his people at this time? Quote Psalm 50:5. <a href="#425">¶ 425</a>.</p> + +<p>What does this prove concerning the Lord's second presence? <a href="#425">¶ 425</a>.</p> + +<p>Do we find the clergy of various denominations anxious to tell of the +Lord's second presence? and if not, why not? <a href="#426">¶ 426</a>.</p> + +<p>Why do these distinguished gentlemen scoff and jeer at those who teach +the Lord is now present? <a href="#426">¶ 426</a>.</p> + +<p>Did the Lord foretell this? Quote the Apostle's language with reference +to it. <a href="#426">¶ 426</a>.</p> + +<p>Why did the disciples want to know what would be the proof of the Lord's +presence and of the end of the world? <a href="#427">¶ 427</a>.</p> + +<p>Repeat the question that they propounded to Jesus on the Mount of +Olives. <a href="#427">¶ 427</a>.</p> + +<p>Will the physical earth ever be destroyed? Give Scriptural proof for +answer. <a href="#427">¶ 427</a>.</p> + +<p>What is meant, then, by the end of the world? <a href="#428">¶ 428</a>.</p> + +<p>What became of the first world? <a href="#428">¶ 428</a>.</p> + +<p>How many persons were carried over from the first world to that +designated as the present evil world? <a href="#428">¶ 428</a>.</p> + +<p>What period of time is designated in the Scriptures as the present evil +world? <a href="#428">¶ 428</a>.</p> + +<p>What Scriptural proof is there as to how the present evil world shall +pass away? <a href="#428">¶ 428</a>.</p> + +<p>In what world and what part of that world did God make the promise to +Abraham that in his seed all the families of the earth should be +blessed? <a href="#429">¶ 429</a>.</p> + +<p>What was God's declaration to Zedekiah, the king of Israel? Repeat it. +<a href="#429">¶ 429</a>.</p> + +<p>When was Zedekiah overthrown? <a href="#430">¶ 430</a>.</p> + +<p>Who established the universal gentile empire then? <a href="#430">¶ 430</a>.</p> + +<p>When did the "gentile times" begin? and how long must that period last? +<a href="#430">¶ 430</a>.</p> + +<p>Who is the one spoken of by the Prophet here as "he whose right it is"? +<a href="#430">¶ 430</a>.</p> + +<p>Would it be reasonable, then, to expect the presence of this mighty One +before the overthrow of the old order or present evil world? <a href="#430">¶ 430</a>.</p> + +<p>Why was the year 1914 A.D. an important date? <a href="#430">¶ 430</a>.</p> + +<p>What would be reasonably expected to be the conduct of the gentile +nations after 1914 with reference to continuing in power? <a href="#431">¶ 431</a>.</p> + +<p>What does the Revelator say would be the condition of these nations at +that time? Quote the Scripture. <a href="#431">¶ 431</a>.</p> + +<p>What did Jesus say would mark the beginning of the end of the world? +Quote his answer to the question. <a href="#432">¶ 432</a>.</p> + +<p>What fulfillment of this prophecy began in 1914? <a href="#432">¶ 432</a>.</p> + +<p>How does the fulfillment of this prophecy also mark the fulfillment of +the prophecy of Daniel (2:44)? <a href="#433">¶ 433</a>.</p> + +<p>Why are these kingdoms of earth being broken to pieces? <a href="#433">¶ 433</a>.</p> + +<p>Quote the words of Jesus given by various evangelists concerning the +persecution of his followers at the end of the world. <a href="#434">¶ 434</a>.</p> + +<p>What fulfillment of these prophetic utterances of the Master took place +in 1917, 1918, and 1919? <a href="#434">¶ 434</a>.</p> + +<p>Give some instances of the Lord's protecting care of his followers +during this period of persecution. <a href="#435">¶¶ 435-437</a>.</p> + +<p>Why should Christians not complain but rejoice because of these trying +experiences? <a href="#437">¶ 437</a>.</p> + +<p>Quote the Master's words in Matthew 24:14, in answer to the question +propounded to him. <a href="#438">¶ 438</a>.</p> + +<p>What evidence is there of a fulfillment of these prophetic words? <a href="#438">¶ 438</a>.</p> + +<p>What did Jesus say relative to the regathering of Israel to Palestine as +evidence of his second presence? <a href="#439">¶ 439</a>.</p> + +<p>What did Jesus tell his followers to do when they should see these +things coming to pass, and why? <a href="#439">¶ 439</a>.</p> + +<p>How is the Lord's presence and the end of the world shown by the reaping +of the "vine of the earth"? <a href="#440">¶ 440</a>.</p> + +<p>Why would Jesus admonish his followers to watch for his second coming? +<a href="#442">¶ 442</a>.</p> + +<p>Suppose it were true that 'no man knows the day nor the hour' of the +Lord's appearing, what difference would it now make? <a href="#443">¶ 443</a>.</p> + +<p>Is there any reason why a Christian should be in darkness concerning the +times and seasons of the Lord's presence? <a href="#443">¶ 443</a>.</p> + +<p>Should we waste our time to quibble about dates, or days, or hours? <a href="#443">¶ 443</a>.</p> + +<p>What do fulfilled prophecy and the physical facts establish relative to +this question? <a href="#443">¶ 443</a>.</p> + +<p>What words are upon the lips of the true watchers in view of this +overwhelming evidence? <a href="#443">¶ 443</a>.</p> + +<p>How does the prophet Isaiah describe this class of faithful watchers? +Quote his words. <a href="#443">¶ 443</a>.</p> + +<p>Describe those who now have the harp of God; and what are they singing? +<a href="#444">¶ 444</a>.</p> + +<p>Give the three primary purposes of the Lord's presence. <a href="#445">¶ 445</a>.</p> + +<p>Some have thought that the Lord's second presence would be for the +purpose of destroying the earth. What proof have we that this is +erroneous? <a href="#446">¶ 446</a>.</p> + +<p>What is the proper explanation of St. Peter's words in 2 Peter 3:10-12? +<a href="#447">¶ 447</a>.</p> + +<p>What did the Apostle mean when he said that 'we look for new heavens and +a new earth wherein dwelleth righteousness'? <a href="#448">¶ 448</a>.</p> + +<p>What evidence is there that the fire is now burning? <a href="#449">¶ 449</a>.</p> + +<p>How long will it continue to burn? <a href="#449">¶ 449</a>.</p> + +<p>What bearing has this on the presence of the Lord? <a href="#449">¶ 449</a>.</p> + +<p>What Scriptural explanation is given for the distress of nations and +perplexity of business men on earth at this time? Quote the Scripture +and analyze it. <a href="#450">¶ 450</a>.</p> + +<p>Describe the actions of the employing and the laboring classes. <a href="#451">¶ 451</a>.</p> + +<p>How are all these perplexed? <a href="#451">¶ 451</a>.</p> + +<p>To what is this disturbed condition leading? <a href="#452">¶ 452</a>.</p> + +<p>Is there greater trouble just ahead? and if so, what proof have we? +Quote the Scriptures. <a href="#453">¶ 453</a>.</p> + +<p>What will follow this general shaking of the nations? <a href="#453">¶ 453</a>.</p> + +<p>How is the Lord's presence revealing the hidden things? Quote the +Scriptural authority for your answer. <a href="#453">¶ 453</a>.</p> + +<p>What effect is this light having upon Satan and his kingdom? <a href="#454">¶ 454</a>.</p> + +<p>What effect is the Lord's presence having upon the nations of the earth? +<a href="#454">¶ 454</a>.</p> + +<p>Quote the prophecies of Isaiah 34:1-4 and 51:6, and explain. <a href="#454">¶ 454</a>.</p> + +<p>How will this trouble bring to the minds of the people the presence of +the Lord? <a href="#454">¶ 454</a>.</p> + +<p>What is meant by the "day of God's vengeance"? and what did the Lord say +he would do with the nations at this time? <a href="#454">¶ 454</a>.</p> + +<p>What is meant by the Bridegroom and bride? Give the Scriptural proof. +<a href="#454">¶ 455</a>.</p> + +<p>Give the picture of Abraham, Isaac, and Rebekah, stating what each +typified, and what the whole picture shows. <a href="#455">¶ 455</a>.</p> + +<p>In this picture, what did Eliezer represent? <a href="#456">¶ 456</a>.</p> + +<p>Quote the words of the Master with reference to sending a comforter to +his followers. <a href="#456">¶ 456</a>.</p> + +<p>What was pictured by the ten camels which Eliezer took with him? <a href="#456">¶ 456</a>.</p> + +<p>What was pictured by the golden ornaments presented to Rebekah? <a href="#456">¶ 456</a>.</p> + +<p>Quote the words of the Psalmist inviting the church to become the bride +of Christ. <a href="#457">¶ 457</a>.</p> + +<p>What do the ones called do, in response to the call? <a href="#457">¶ 457</a>.</p> + +<p>What did Sarah picture with respect to the covenants? and what did her +death represent? <a href="#457">¶ 457</a>.</p> + +<p>What is pictured by Isaac receiving Rebekah and making her his wife +after the death of his mother Sarah? <a href="#457">¶ 457</a>.</p> + +<p>During what period of time has the Lord been preparing the bride of +Christ? <a href="#458">¶ 458</a>.</p> + +<p>What did Jesus say about preparing a special place for these, and his +return to receive his bride? Quote his words. <a href="#458">¶ 458</a>.</p> + +<p>What do his words show with reference to one of the principal reasons +for his second coming? <a href="#459">¶ 459</a>.</p> + +<p>Explain the parable of the virgins.—Matthew 25:1-13. <a href="#460">¶ 460</a>.</p> + +<p>Explain the meaning of the lamp and the oil in the lamp. <a href="#460">¶ 460</a>.</p> + +<p>Define virgin; and what does a virgin picture here? <a href="#460">¶ 460</a>.</p> + +<p>What is meant by keeping their lamps trimmed and burning? <a href="#460">¶ 460</a>.</p> + +<p>How has knowledge of the Lord's presence affected the wise virgin class? +<a href="#460">¶ 460</a>.</p> + +<p>What proof is this that his presence is one of the strings of the harp +of God? <a href="#460">¶ 460</a>.</p> + +<p>Do the Scriptures indicate how many will be in the bride class? If so, +give the proof. <a href="#460">¶ 460</a>.</p> + +<p>What do the Scriptures show the Lord does for the faithful saints who +died long ago when he first returns? Give the Scriptural proof. <a href="#461">¶ 461</a>.</p> + +<p>What is meant in the Scriptures by a great shout? <a href="#462">¶ 462</a>.</p> + +<p>State how this has been fulfilled. <a href="#462">¶ 462</a>.</p> + +<p>What is meant by the voice of the archangel? <a href="#462">¶ 462</a>.</p> + +<p>Should we expect the resurrection of the saints during this time? <a href="#463">¶ 463</a>.</p> + +<p>How is he gathering unto himself the saints who are still on earth +during his presence? <a href="#463">¶ 463</a>.</p> + +<p>Give some Scriptural promises concerning the church being forever with +the Lord. <a href="#463">¶ 463</a>.</p> + +<p>What is meant by the kingdom of God? <a href="#464">¶ 464</a>.</p> + +<p>Who constitute the royal family of heaven? Quote the apostle Peter's +words relating to this. <a href="#464">¶ 464</a>.</p> + +<p>What promise did Jesus make to this class concerning a kingdom? <a href="#465">¶ 465</a>.</p> + +<p>Where will these be associated with the Lord Jesus in his kingdom? <a href="#465">¶ 465</a>.</p> + +<p>For what kingdom did the Lord teach his disciples to pray? and is it the +same spoken of by the prophets of old? <a href="#465">¶ 465</a>.</p> + +<p>Who have enjoyed and are enjoying the blessedness spoken of by Daniel +the Prophet in Daniel 12:12? <a href="#466">¶ 466</a>.</p> + +<p>As these appreciate this string of the harp, what song is appropriate to +them? <a href="#466">¶ 466</a>.</p> + +<p>While the saints thus rejoice, for what do they patiently wait? and to +what do they look forward? <a href="#467">¶ 467</a>.</p> + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<center> + +<img src="images/265.png" width="350" height="500" alt="" title=""> +</center> + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<a name="CHAPTER_X"></a><h2>CHAPTER X</h2> + +<h3>String 9: <i>Glorification of the Church</i></h3> +<br /> + +<p><a name="468"></a>[468]The church means a called out class, separate and distinct from all +others. The church of Christ consists of Jesus Christ the head and the +144,000 members of his body. (Colossians 1:18; Revelation 7:4) Those +composing this special class are otherwise designated saints. A saint is +one who is pure, holy, blameless. The followers of Christ Jesus are not +holy or blameless within themselves, but their holiness is by virtue of +his imputed merit. This same class of Christians is otherwise designated +in the Bible as "a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a +people for a purpose". (1 Peter 2:9) They are also designated new +creatures (2 Corinthians 5:17); therefore they constitute the new +creation. This new creation when completed will be of the divine nature. +(2 Peter 1:4) Nature is determined by organism. The nature of the +church, then, will be like unto Jehovah God. It pleased God that Jesus +Christ, his beloved Son, should have preeminence in his great plan; +hence he is made the head of the new creation.—Colossians 1:18.</p> + +<p><a name="469"></a>[469]This new creation had its beginning with Jesus Christ at the time +of his baptism in Jordan when he was begotten to the divine nature and +anointed with the holy spirit without limitation. As a man, he was pure, +blameless, holy. At the age of thirty years, he was qualified under the +law to be a priest, and there he consecrated himself and at that time +was baptized and begotten to the divine nature; hence became a new +creature there from the divine standpoint. As a new creature he was +made perfect by the things which he suffered.—Hebrews 5:8.</p> + +<p><a name="470"></a>[470]From the time of his baptism he was opposed by Satan the devil, who +sought to destroy him. The reason for this opposition lay in the fact that +when God sentenced Adam to death he had said unto Satan: "I will put +enmity between thee and the woman, and between thy seed and her seed; it +shall bruise thy head, and thou shalt bruise his heel". (Genesis 3:15) The +woman here symbolized or typified the Abrahamic-Sarah covenant, from which +the seed of promise springs. As Isaac was the son of promise, so the +church was typified by Isaac. (Galatians 4:25-29) The seed of promise is +therefore the new creation. The seed of the serpent consists of those +agencies visible and invisible which are his offspring, and which are used +by him for his wicked work. In Jesus' day the scribes and Pharisees and +doctors of the law were classed as the offspring of Satan, his seed (John +8:44); and it has been true at all times that many who have pretended to +be Christians are really the seed of Satan and engage in persecuting +others who love the Lord.</p> + +<p><a name="471"></a>[471]Immediately after the baptism of Jesus he went up into a mountain +in the wilderness to study God's plan and to meditate upon it, that he +might be instructed in the way that Jehovah would have him go; and when +this season of forty days was ended and he came forth, he was subjected +to a great temptation by the devil. Jesus resisted all of these efforts +of Satan. (Luke 4:1-13) Jesus, the head of the seed of promise, was the +target of Satan's instruments. For three and a half years he suffered +daily at the hands of Satan and those who represented him, namely, those +human beings who possessed the devilish spirit. During that period of +three and a half years he was indeed a man of sorrows and acquainted +with grief; but all this suffering was necessary for his perfection as a +new creature. (Hebrews 5:8,9) Because of his faithfulness, his fidelity +and loyalty to God even unto death, he won the great victory, became an +overcomer. Hence we read: "Wherefore God also hath highly exalted him, +and given him a name which is above every name; that at the name of +Jesus every knee should bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth, +and things under the earth; and that every tongue should confess that +Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father". (Philippians +2:9-11) The members of the body of Christ, the members of the church, +must follow in his footsteps.—1 Peter 3:21.</p> +<br /> +<br /> +<h4>PREDESTINATED</h4> + +<p><a name="472"></a>[472]While the selection of the new creation began with the baptism of +Jesus, God had foreordained long in advance that there should be a +church, of which Jesus Christ is the head. St. Paul wrote: "According as +he hath chosen us in him before the foundation of the world, that we +should be holy and without blame before him in love; having +predestinated us unto the adoption of children by Jesus Christ to +himself, according to the good pleasure of his will, to the praise of +the glory of his grace, wherein he hath made us accepted in the beloved. +In whom we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, +according to the riches of his grace; wherein he hath abounded towards +us in all wisdom and prudence; having made known unto us the mystery of +his will, according to his good pleasure which he hath purposed in +himself."—Ephesians 1:4-9.</p> + +<p><a name="473"></a>[473]The world referred to here means the social and political order +existing from the time of the flood until the coming of the Lord's +kingdom, and is designated in the Scriptures as the present evil world. +St. Paul therefore says that before the foundation of this world God +made provision for the choosing of the members of the church. He did not +choose the individuals, but he predestinated or foreordained that there +should be such a church or new creation, and that these should be +adopted as his children through his beloved Son Jesus Christ, and should +become the members of his household, and that these should be made in +the image and likeness of Christ Jesus the head. (Romans 8:29) As we +view the experiences through which Jesus passed, we may expect to find +that the body members would have similar experiences; and this we do +find.</p> + +<p><a name="474"></a>[474]Fifty days after the resurrection of Jesus was the day of +Pentecost. There went forth the call to the remnant of the Jews to come +unto the Lord, accept Jesus as their head and be transferred from Moses +into Christ and become the members of the 144,000, constituting the +church. A call means an announcement or an invitation. The call here +signified an announcement of God's purpose of electing the members of +the church and an invitation to those of the right heart condition to +accept that invitation. Many were called, but only a few responded to +that call and were chosen. (Matthew 22:14) For three and a half years +this call was confined to the Jews, at the end of which time Cornelius, +the first gentile, was granted the gospel. He heard, believed on the +Lord and fully consecrated himself to do God's will, and was accepted. +(Acts 10) From that time forward the call has been general to any one +who might desire to respond to the terms and follow in the Master's +footsteps.</p> + +<p><a name="475"></a>[475]For this purpose the gospel has been preached, that men might know +of the plan of God and understand that he is selecting the church. Men +of worldly wisdom have given no heed to the gospel. To them it has been +foolishness. And so St. Paul wrote: "For after that in the wisdom of God +the world by wisdom knew not God, it pleased God by the foolishness of +preaching to save them that believe. For the Jews require a sign, and +the Greeks seek after wisdom; but we preach Christ crucified, unto the +Jews a stumblingblock, and unto the Greeks foolishness; but unto them +which are called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God, and the +wisdom of God. Because the foolishness of God is wiser than men; and the +weakness of God is stronger than men,"—1 Corinthians 1:21-25.</p> + +<p><a name="476"></a>[476]This message of Christ Jesus, the crucified one, the selection of +the church and the setting up of his kingdom, was a stumblingblock to +the Jews; they could not understand; they would not believe. And to most +of the gentiles it seemed foolishness. It was not foolishness, however. +It was the greatest wisdom. A few have responded to this divine wisdom. +The man, however, who thought himself wise would not become a follower +of Jesus. It was not a popular thing. And so it has ever been throughout +the gospel age that those who have really come to the Lord, made a +consecration and followed in his footsteps, have been the meek and lowly +of heart who are anxious to know the Lord and his great plan. Hence St. +Paul writes: "For ye see your calling, brethren, how that not many wise +men after the flesh, not many mighty, not many noble, are called; but +God hath chosen the foolish things of the world to confound the wise; +and God hath chosen the weak things of the world to confound the things +which are mighty; and base things of the world, and things which are +despised, hath God chosen, yea, and things which are not, to bring to +nought things that are; that no flesh should glory in his presence".—1 +Corinthians 1:26-29.</p> + +<p><a name="477"></a>[477]The thought here is that ultimately no creature will ever be +standing in Jehovah's presence boasting of what he did. But all those +who compose the church will realize that all they have came to them as a +gracious gift from Jehovah. To those who have really had the desire to +know and serve the Lord the call has been and is beautiful indeed. Such +have been thrilled with the gracious words of Jehovah spoken through his +prophet, inviting them to become members of the royal family of heaven. +The Psalmist wrote: "Hearken, O daughter, and consider, and incline +thine ear; forget also thine own people, and thy father's house; so +shall the king greatly desire thy beauty; for he is thy Lord, and +worship thou him".—Psalm 45:10,11.</p> + +<p><a name="478"></a>[478]As Jesus is the Son of God, so the church, the bride of Christ, is +the daughter of God. Hence the Psalmist speaks to her here, inviting +those who are to become the daughter to forget their own people and +their earthly father's house and earnestly and willingly follow in the +Master's footsteps. These are invited to worship the Lord and grow in +his likeness and thereby become beautiful; and it is that beauty, the +character-likeness of the Lord, that he desires.</p> +<br /> +<br /> +<h4>DEVELOPMENT</h4> + +<p><a name="479"></a>[479]The development of the church is not an instantaneous matter. It is +a gradual process. Some have erroneously thought and taught that a man +might be wicked all his life and then on his deathbed confess his sins, +accept Christ, become a Christian and die and go immediately to heaven. +There is no Scripture that warrants such a conclusion. Time is required +for the development of the Christian. He must first repent; that is to +say, become displeased with the wrongful course of the world, change +his own course and seek the Lord. He must become converted, turn away +from a wrongful course and turn to the Lord. He must be drawn to the +Lord Jesus, make a full consecration, be accepted of the Lord, presented +to the Father, justified, and begotten of the holy spirit, before he +becomes a new creature; and from that time forward he must develop. He +must have the opportunity to pass through, and must pass through, many +experiences and by these experiences learn the lessons that God desires +the members of the new creation to learn.</p> + +<p><a name="480"></a>[480]A boy or a girl in school who is being trained for a special +purpose is required to have some hard mental exercise in order to +develop the mind. For this reason many mathematical problems are +required of the pupil; and other lessons are required to develop the +mental faculties. One who is training for a race or other physical +contest is required to have some strenuous experiences. With stronger +reasoning are these principles true relative to the members of the new +creation. These are being trained for the high and exalted position of +membership in the royal family of heaven. Hence we may not be surprised +to find often that their training is quite severe. The understanding of +this requirement enables one to appreciate why Christians have never +been popular and why they have suffered so much during the past nineteen +centuries.</p> + +<p><a name="481"></a>[481]The Psalmist wrote concerning the new creation; "I am become a +stranger unto my brethren, and an alien unto my mother's children. For +the zeal of thine house hath eaten me up; and the reproaches of them +that reproached thee are fallen upon me." (Psalm 69:8,9) Jesus became a +stranger to the Jews in this, that they despised and rejected him. +Because of his zeal for the heavenly Father's great plan, his earthly +life was consumed. Satan had reproached Jehovah from the time of Eden; +and now these reproaches fell upon Jesus. We should expect the body +members to have similar experiences. And so the Apostle quotes this text +and applies it to those who are the followers of Jesus, saying, "For +even Christ pleased not himself; but, as it written, The reproaches of +them that reproached thee fell on me".—Romans 15:3.</p> + +<p><a name="482"></a>[482]God is a great economist. He makes the wrath of men and other +creatures to result to his own praise. Satan and his seed have always +persecuted and buffeted the Christians, and Jehovah has caused this +persecution to result in the development of the members of the body of +Christ. He could have prevented the church from suffering at Satan's +hands had he desired so to do; but by being permitted to buffet them +with trying experiences, Satan has demonstrated his own depraved +character, and the resistance of the church has shown their love and +devotion to the Lord and thus developed characters that are pleasing +unto him.</p> + +<p><a name="483"></a>[483]When one first becomes a Christian he does not usually suffer so +much as later, when he is more developed. He is at first designated in +the Scriptures as a babe in Christ. As we deal with babes, so our +heavenly Father deals with his baby children. As earthly babies are fed +upon milk and other light diets, so is one when he first becomes a +Christian; and his experiences are in harmony therewith, as the apostle +Peter says: "As newborn babes, desire the sincere milk of the word, that +ye may grow thereby".—1 Peter 2:2.</p> + +<p><a name="484"></a>[484]The Apostle then illustrates the growth of a Christian by likening +the entire new creation to a building, with Jesus as the chief +corner-stone and the other members of the body as built up in harmony +with him. He says: "If so be ye have tasted that the Lord is gracious. +[Those who have been begotten of the holy spirit have tasted that the +Lord is gracious.] To whom coming, as unto a living stone, disallowed +indeed of men, but chosen of God, and precious, ye also, as living +stones, are built up a spiritual house, an holy priesthood, to offer up +sacrifices acceptable to God by Jesus Christ. Wherefore also it is +contained in the scripture, Behold, I lay in Zion a chief corner stone, +elect, precious: and he that believeth on him shall not be confounded. +Unto you therefore which believe he is precious; but unto them which be +disobedient, the stone which the builders disallowed, the same is made +the head of the corner, and a stone of stumbling, and a rock of offense, +even to them which stumble at the word, being disobedient."—1 Peter +2:3-8.</p> + +<p><a name="485"></a>[485]Paraphrasing these words, the Apostle states that Jesus is the +chief corner-stone. He is the Head of the elect; he is the precious One. +Those who believe on him, to such he is precious; and those who hold +fast to that belief shall not be confounded. To believe means to act by +fully consecrating oneself to do the Lord's will. This great One, the +Lord Jesus, has been and is a stumbling-stone and a rock of offense to +those who have not believed. Those who have not appreciated the fact +that he is the King of kings and Lord of lords, and that it is a +privilege to suffer with him, have been offended and turned away from +him. It is a great privilege to suffer with Christ. "For unto you it is +given in the behalf of Christ, not only to believe on him, but also to +suffer for his sake."—Philippians 1:29.</p> + +<p><a name="486"></a>[486]The course of the world is directly opposite to the course of the +Christian; hence the Christian finds that he must constantly put forth an +effort to develop. For this reason the apostle Peter wrote: "Giving all +diligence, add to your faith virtue [that is, fortitude, steadfastness, +being determined to stand for the truth and on the side of right]; and to +virtue knowledge [in order to do this one must study the Word of God, not +only occasionally, but regularly, systematically]; and to knowledge +temperance [which means self-control, learning to control oneself under +provocation, being calm, gentle, self-possessed, trusting in the Lord]; +and to temperance patience [which means cheerful endurance, no matter how +fiery the trials are; to endure cheerfully because it is pleasing to the +Lord and because it makes a strong character]; and to patience godliness +[which means to grow in the likeness of the Lord, with piety, purity]; +and to godliness brotherly kindness [which means that kind and loving +disposition that exists and should exist between those who are really +brothers]; and to brotherly kindness charity," or love which means an +unselfish desire to do good and doing good to others even at a sacrifice +to ourselves.—2 Peter 1:5-7.</p> + +<p><a name="487"></a>[487]When we recognize that the course of the world is exactly opposite +to this, we may know it requires a warfare, a constant vigilance, and +the subjection to persecution because of misunderstanding. But if we do +these things, we shall make our calling and election sure. The Apostle +puts it thus: "Wherefore the rather, brethren, give diligence to make +your calling and election sure: for if ye do these things, ye shall +never fall; for so an entrance shall be ministered unto you abundantly +into the everlasting kingdom of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ".—2 +Peter 1:10,11.</p> + +<p><a name="488"></a>[488]While thus undergoing development, the new creature finds that he +has to war against the downward tendencies of his own fleshly +disposition, against the spirit of the world, and against Satan's +machinations through various instruments. But this warfare is what makes +him strong. It is not a warfare with carnal weapons. It is the power of +God working in him to war against these enemies, and it is mighty to +the pulling down of the strongholds of wrong. (2 Corinthians 10:4) It is +the great hope of an entrance into the kingdom that enables him, by the +Lord's grace, to battle steadfastly for the right. St. John states: +"Every man that hath this hope in him purifieth himself, even as he is +pure". (1 John 3:3) These fiery trials through which the Christian +passes have the same effect upon him that a fire has upon metal. It +burns up the dross and refines the gold. It has a cleansing effect; and +also for this reason the Lord permits it.</p> + +<p><a name="489"></a>[489]God foreordained that all the members of the new creation should be +made in the likeness of his beloved Son. (Romans 8:29) This does not +take place by meditating upon wrongful things, but by resisting these +and keeping the mind upon heavenly things. The Christian now has his +face unveiled; that is, he is enabled by his mental vision to understand +the things of God's Word, and when he looks into the Word, the Bible, he +sees reflected from that Word the character-likeness of the Lord; and +having the Lord's spirit in him, he is being transformed from one degree +of glory to another. The apostle Paul puts it thus: "We all, with open +face beholding as in a glass the glory of the Lord, are changed into the +same image from glory to glory, even as by the spirit of the Lord". +(2 Corinthians 3:18) The pathway of the Christian is not strewn with +flowers or ease or comfort, but as Jesus said, it is a narrow way and +few there be that walk in it.—Matthew 7:14.</p> + +<p><a name="490"></a>[490]St. James says: "Take, my brethren, the prophets, who have spoken +in the name of the Lord, for an example of suffering affliction, and of +patience". (James 5:10) The prophets of old suffered much and they will +not be privileged to be a part of this heavenly kingdom class; but their +suffering was for a two-fold purpose: (1) to develop them, which will +result to their benefit when they are resurrected as perfect men; and +(2) to serve as examples for the church, the followers of Jesus.</p> + +<p><a name="491"></a>[491]Jesus said: "And from the days of John the Baptist until now the +kingdom of heaven suffereth violence, and the violent take it by force". +(Matthew 11:12) Here he showed that the kingdom-of-heaven class, meaning +the royal family, suffers violence at the hands of the adversary's +instruments, and the violent ones take these by force. It was so of him; +it has been so of his followers, as St. Paul writes: "Our hope of you is +steadfast, knowing, that as ye are partakers of the sufferings, so shall +ye be also of the consolation".—2 Corinthians 1:7.</p> + +<p><a name="492"></a>[492]But why should the Christian suffer? you may ask. And the Apostles +answer: "Beloved, think it not strange concerning the fiery trial which +is to try you, as though some strange thing happened unto you: but +rejoice, inasmuch as ye are partakers of Christ's sufferings; that, when +his glory shall be revealed, ye may be glad also with exceeding joy. If +ye be reproached for the name of Christ, happy are ye; for the spirit of +glory and of God resteth upon you: on their part he is evil spoken of, +but on your part he is glorified.... Yet if any man suffer as a +Christian, let him not be ashamed; but let him glorify God on this +behalf." (1 Peter 4:12-14,16) "It became him, for whom are all things, +and by whom are all things, in bringing many sons unto glory, to make +the captain of their salvation perfect through sufferings. For both he +that sanctifieth and they who are sanctified are all of one: for which +cause he is not ashamed to call them brethren."—Hebrews 2:10,11.</p> + +<p><a name="493"></a>[493]Again the apostle Paul shows that the Christian does not complain +because of persecution and suffering; neither does he murmur against +God. But the true sentiment of his heart is expressed in the words of +the Apostle: "We glory in tribulations also, knowing that tribulation +worketh patience; and patience, experience; and experience, hope; and +hope maketh not ashamed, because the love of God is shed abroad in our +hearts by the holy spirit which is given unto us". (Romans 6:3-5) Again +says the Apostle: "I reckon that the sufferings of this present time are +not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in +us".—Romans 8:18.</p> + +<p><a name="494"></a>[494]No true Christian would expect to be without suffering or +chastisements from the Lord, because these are evidences that he is a +follower of Jesus and a son of God. It is one of the ways in which the +spirit of the Lord testifies to us that we are his. (Hebrews 12:2-11; +Romans 8:16,17) These sufferings of the Christian come from various +agencies. The Christian suffers by being misunderstood. His motives are +presumed to be wrong. He is sometimes charged with sedition because he +does not desire to join with peoples of the world in engaging in war to +destroy human lives; sometimes persecuted by false brethren, and +sometimes by those who are ignorant. But all these afflictions he +patiently endures, gladly.</p> + +<p><a name="495"></a>[495]St. Paul probably suffered as much or more than any follower of +Christ. He suffered shipwreck, imprisonment, his back was flogged on +three occasions at least, he was stoned and dragged out by the wayside +and left for dead; and notwithstanding all these afflictions he wrote: +"For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, worketh for us a +far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory while we look not at +the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen". +(2 Corinthians 4:17,18) He was looking forward to the glory that shall +follow, as should all Christians—not only <i>some</i> glory, but a far more +exceeding and eternal weight of glory. The Christian delights to +meditate upon the promises given in God's Word concerning this glory.</p> +<br /> +<br /> +<h4>PROMISES</h4> + +<p><a name="496"></a>[496]The great promise set before the church is that of eternal +life—being for ever with the Lord. Addressing these, St. Paul wrote: +"God will render to every man according to his deeds: to them who by +patient continuance in well doing seek for glory and honor and +immortality, eternal life". (Romans 2:6,7) It is to be noticed that +those who are looking for that great reward patiently continue in doing +well; that is to say, they cheerfully endure whatsoever experiences +come, while they continue to walk in the Master's footsteps. Let us, +then, examine some of the texts setting forth God's precious promises +relative to the glory and honor that shall be the portion of the church +in his great arrangement.</p> + +<p><a name="497"></a>[497]<i>Glory</i> is the term used to describe Jehovah's presence. It +suggests the brightness of the divine person and character. Glory is +associated with God's holiness. (Isaiah 6:1-4) Our Lord Jesus is +mentioned as the 'brightness of God's glory'. He is also spoken of as +being 'the express image of the Father', and we are told that he is at +the right hand of the Father. (Hebrews 1:3) The 144,000 members of his +body are to be with him in his throne and in the Father's presence, thus +in glory. (Revelation 3:21) This glory that they shall enjoy will be so +transcendently more wonderful than all the things of earth that could be +glorious, that St. Paul describes it as a "far more exceeding and +eternal weight of glory". The members of the church while undergoing +development bear the image of the earthly. Imperfect human beings they +are, with imperfect bodies and minds. But the promise to them is: "As +we have borne the image of the earthly, we shall also bear the image of +the heavenly".—1 Corinthians 15:49.</p> + +<p><a name="498"></a>[498]From the time of Pentecost until the coming of the Lord, those +dear and faithful saints who died in Christ slept and waited for his +coming; but as the Apostle says, these would be the first to be honored +with an awakening from the dead. Hence we understand that shortly after +the second appearing of the Lord Jesus, during the time of the shout of +encouragement that was going on among the peoples of earth, these dead +saints in Christ were resurrected and caught up with the Lord Jesus in +the air, to be for ever with him, as stated by the Apostle. +—1 Thessalonians 4:16,17.</p> + +<p><a name="499"></a>[499]Those remaining, who had not died up to the time of the Lord's +appearing, but who since die as do other men, have their change +instantaneously. Their resurrection is instantaneous, as St. Paul +plainly says: "Behold, I show you a mystery: We shall not all sleep, but +we shall all be changed, in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the +last trump: for the trumpet shall sound, and the dead shall be raised +incorruptible, and we shall be changed". (1 Corinthians 15:51,52) These +are the blessed ones of the Lord because they participate in the first +or chief resurrection and thereafter reign with Christ. (Revelation 20:6) +These promises, then, are to the effect that they shall be forever with +the Lord Jesus in the presence of Jehovah: therefore in glory. Jehovah +for centuries has been preparing this class, the new creation, "that he +might make known the riches of his glory on the vessels of mercy, which +he had afore prepared unto glory, even us, whom he hath called".—Romans +9:23,24.</p> + +<p><a name="500"></a>[500]It is customary for the royal family of a nation to have the +choicest jewels of that nation in possession. These jewels are kept in +the presence of the king, that they might be admired by him. Concerning +those who shall constitute the new creation, the church, the Prophet of +God wrote: "They shall be mine, saith the Lord of hosts, in that day +when I make up my jewels; and I will spare them as a man spareth his own +son that serveth him". (Malachi 3:17) That these shall be admired by +the Lord Jehovah as the zenith of his glorious creation is indicated by +the Prophet who writes: "Thou shalt also be a crown of glory in the hand +of the Lord, and a royal diadem in the hand of thy God".—Isaiah 62:3.</p> + +<p><a name="501"></a>[501]Those who by patient continuance in well doing battle faithfully +unto the end have the precious promise of being made a part of the +temple of God; hence will be in his presence. "Him that overcometh will +I make a pillar in the temple of my God, and he shall go no more out: +and I will write upon him the name of my God, and the name of the city +of my God, which is new Jerusalem, which cometh down out of heaven from +my God; and I will write upon him my new name."—Revelation 3:12.</p> + +<p><a name="502"></a>[502]The brightness and glory of the earth is the sun, which +illuminates and gives life to the things of earth. Scientists declare +that this light is produced by explosive gas which ascends from the sun +to a height of from 5,000 to 300,000 miles. It is the brightness of the +firmament; and the glory in the presence of Jehovah is illustrated by +this brightness, as indicated by the Prophet: "They that be wise shall +shine as the brightness of the firmament". (Daniel 12:3) The wise ones +are those who devote themselves to understanding and doing Jehovah's +will. They are the righteous ones, who have been made so through the +merit of Christ Jesus, and whom he gathers in during his presence. When +these enter into the glorious presence of Jehovah, "then shall the +righteous shine forth as the sun in the kingdom of their Father". +—Matthew 13:43.</p> + +<p><a name="503"></a>[503]It was Jesus who said to his disciples: "In my Father's house are +many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare +a place for you, ... that where I am, there ye may be also". (John 14:2,3) +The promise here is, then, that a special habitation shall be prepared +for the church, which habitation will be in the glorious presence of the +Lord Jehovah. This holy or heavenly kingdom class, the royal family, is +spoken of as Zion, and of it the Prophet of the Lord wrote: "The Lord +hath chosen Zion; he hath desired it for his habitation". (Psalm 132:13) +Of its beauty and glory the Psalmist wrote: "Out of Zion, the perfection +of beauty, God hath shined". (Psalm 50:2) Jehovah will shine forth +through the new creation for the blessing of all the families of the +earth. The glory to be experienced by the church in the presence of +Jehovah will bring unspeakable joy; for 'in his presence is fullness of +joy; at his right hand there are pleasures for evermore'.—Psalm 16:11.</p> + +<p><a name="504"></a>[504]In the glorious presence of Jehovah, we may be sure that all will +be his friends; and as an inducement to strive for that place his +Prophet wrote: "He that loveth with a pure heart and hath grace upon his +lips will have the king as his friend" (Proverbs 22:11, <i>Leeser</i>), and +he will be sure of being loved for evermore.—Proverbs 17:17.</p> + +<p><a name="505"></a>[505]<i>Honor</i> applies more to a recognized station or position in God's +arrangement. Always glorious, God is honored in the minds of his +creatures who worship him. The position of the glorified church will be +that of the bride of Christ, for ever with him; and he being at the +right hand of the Father, their position will be one of great honor. +The special honor, therefore, of the church is that of being the +glorious bride or associate of the Lord Jesus, the King of glory. His +recognition of her station as his own wife pictures the superlative +degree of her honor and glory. Jesus said: "Father, I will ... that they +be with me where I am".—John 17:24.</p> + +<p><a name="506"></a>[506]Of Jesus it is written that he is the 'express image of the Father' +(Hebrews 1:3); and that he is the beloved Bridegroom and Friend of the +body members of the church. (Canticles 5:16) Now it does not appear what +the church shall be, but, says St. John, "we know that, when he shall +appear, we shall be like him; for we shall see him as he is". (1 John 3:2) +God "hath appointed [him] heir of all things". (Hebrews 1:2) These +children of God, members of the body of Christ, are "heirs of God, and +joint-heirs with Christ" in all the glory and honor of his +position.—Romans 8:17.</p> + +<p><a name="507"></a>[507]When Jehovah took away from Israel the right to rule, he promised +to give it to him whose right it is, the great Messiah, when he should +come. (Ezekiel 21:27) Of him the Prophet of God wrote: "And there was +given him dominion, and glory, and a kingdom, that all people, nations, +and languages should serve him: his dominion is an everlasting dominion, +which shall not pass away, and his kingdom that which shall not be +destroyed.... And the kingdom and dominion, and the greatness of the +kingdom under the whole heaven, shall be given to the people of the +saints of the most High, whose kingdom is an everlasting kingdom, and +all dominions shall serve and obey him." (Daniel 7:14,27) To his +disciples Jesus promised that they should share his kingdom, saying, "I +appoint unto you a kingdom, as my Father hath appointed unto me; that ye +may eat and drink at my table in my kingdom, and sit on thrones judging +the twelve tribes of Israel".—Luke 22:29,30.</p> + +<p><a name="508"></a>[508]As Jesus the bridegroom will be the great King of glory to rule +over the nations, so the members of the body, the bride, the overcomers, +are promised that they with him shall have "power over the nations". +—Revelation 2:26.</p> + +<p><a name="509"></a>[509]Throughout the Millennial age not only will the position of the +bride be that of associate with Christ Jesus in the kingdom, but her +position in all the ages to come will be one of honor. St. Paul writes +that God "hath raised us up together, and made us sit together in +heavenly places in Christ Jesus; that in the ages to come he might show +the exceeding riches of his grace in his kindness toward us through +Christ Jesus".—Ephesians 2:6,7.</p> + +<p><a name="510"></a>[510]When Jesus was in the earth he was despised and rejected of men. He +was dishonored of men, and has since been dishonored of all except those +who have come to a knowledge of the truth. The time will come, however, +as the Apostle declares, when 'every knee shall bow, and every tongue +shall confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father'. +(Philippians 2:7-11) The members of his body, the truly consecrated +children of God, following in the footsteps of their Master have been +despised of men, have been counted as the offscourings of the earth, +have been persecuted and imprisoned, and many of them killed; and the +world has known them not, even as it knew him not. But in due time all +those born in the glorious kingdom of our Lord will be honored among +men, because mankind will know of their position, as it is written: "Of +Zion it shall be said, This and that man was born in her; and the +highest himself shall establish her. The Lord shall count, when he +writeth up the people, that this man was born there." (Psalm 87:5,6) +Then shall the people rejoice that it has pleased the heavenly Father +to select out from amongst poor, imperfect men the 144,000, and to make +them perfect through Christ Jesus. He will cause the peoples of earth to +honor them, as he has promised: "I will make thy name to be remembered +in all generations; therefore shall the people praise thee for ever and +ever".—Psalm 45:17.</p> + +<p><a name="511"></a>[511]The Apostle says also that these are seeking <i>immortality</i>. That +word here means incorruptibility; a condition not subject to death. The +Messianic class, head and body, will not be subject to decay, sickness, +or death. Even a perfect human being requires nourishment to sustain his +organism; but the exalted church, the Messiah, the Christ, will need +nothing in the way of food to replenish any powers, because their powers +will not be exhausted. These will have life in themselves in such an +abundant measure that they can give it out, and will give it out, and +still need no replenishing. Of himself Jesus declared: "As the Father +hath life in himself, so hath he given the Son to have life in himself". +—John 5:26; 4:14.</p> + +<p><a name="512"></a>[512]This same promise is made to those who participate in his +sacrificial death. (John 6:53,54) These have the promise that they shall +be partakers of the divine nature (2 Peter 1:4), and thus shall have +power to give life unto others. The great prize that is here to be given +is eternal life; and immortality is that quality of eternal life that is +indestructible. To those who have entered into relationship with the +Lord through Christ, he says: "Be thou faithful unto death, and I will +give thee a crown of life". (Revelation 2:10) And again says St. James: +"Blessed is the man that endureth temptation [trial]; for when he is +tried, he shall receive the crown of life, which the Lord hath promised +to them that love him".—James 1:12.</p> + +<p><a name="513"></a>[513]When one is begotten to membership in the body of Christ, he has +new hopes, new ambitions, and new aspirations. He looks forward, not to +the glorious things of the earth, but to the glory and honor of being +with the Lord and serving in the capacity in which the Lord places him. +He has in mind the words of St. Paul: "Your life is hid with Christ in +God. When Christ, who is our life, shall appear, then shall ye also +appear with him in glory."—Colossians 3:3,4</p> + +<p><a name="514"></a>[514]David, being a type of the church, prophetically wrote concerning +the church, and his words apply in a broader sense to the church. He +expressed the heart's desire of the members of the body of Christ: "One +thing have I desired of the Lord, that will I seek after; that I may +dwell in the house of the Lord all the days of my life, to behold the +beauty of the Lord, and to inquire in his temple". (Psalm 27:4) Here he +has hope of the glory of dwelling in the house of the Lord, in his +presence, beholding his beauty and acquiring knowledge concerning his +great plan.</p> + +<p><a name="515"></a>[515]Again David represents the church as in the presence of Jehovah, +enjoying the glory and honor that will be granted to those who +participate in the first resurrection. Of this in beautiful poetic +phrase he writes: "The king shall joy in thy strength, O Lord; and in +thy salvation how greatly shall he rejoice! Thou hast given him his +heart's desire, and hast not withholden the request of his lips. Selah. +For thou preventest him with the blessings of goodness: thou settest a +crown of pure gold on his head. He asked life of thee, and thou gavest +it him, even length of days for ever and ever. His glory is great in thy +salvation; honor and majesty hast thou laid upon him. For thou hast made +him most blessed for ever; thou hast made him exceeding glad with thy +countenance."—Psalm 21:1-6.</p> + +<p><a name="516"></a>[516]What a contrast in the eyes of the people between the man Christ +Jesus who suffered ignominy at the hands of the Jews and the Christ +Jesus glorified, the brightness of whose glory shines above that of the +brightness at noonday! Great will be the honor and dignity in the minds +of the people of the position of Jesus Christ when all have come to know +the Lord. What a great contrast between the body of humiliation and the +body of glory! These members of the body, as the Prophet beautifully +expresses it, were 'digged from the pit and hewn from the rock'. (Isaiah +51:1) They have trudged along the narrow way, suffering at the hands of +Satan and his seed. But all the way they have had these precious +promises of what would be the result, amongst which is this promise: +"Behold my servant, whom I uphold; mine elect, in whom my soul +delighteth; I have put my spirit upon him: he shall bring forth judgment +to the gentiles".—Isaiah 42:1.</p> + +<p><a name="517"></a>[517]In the eyes of the world these die like ordinary men; yet they +really fall like Prince Jesus. (Psalm 82:7) St. Paul, discussing the +humiliation of the church this side the vail, and contrasting it with +the glory on the other side, said: "There is one glory of the sun, and +another glory of the moon, and another glory of the stars: for one star +differeth from another star in glory. So also is the resurrection of the +dead. It is sown in corruption; it is raised in incorruption. It is sown +in dishonor; it is raised in glory. It is sown in <i>weakness</i>; it is +raised in power. It is sown a natural body; it is raised a spiritual +body."—1 Corinthians 15:41-44.</p> + +<p><a name="518"></a>[518]We have now come to the time in which these members of the body +have their change instantaneously. One moment they are sown in +corruption; the next, raised in incorruption. One moment in dishonor; +the next in glory. One moment in weakness; the next in power. When the +church is finished and all of the 144,000 members are with the Lord, +"then shall be brought to pass the saying that is written, Death is +swallowed up in victory. O death, where is thy sting? O grave, where is +thy victory?" (1 Corinthians 15:54,55) Then it will be that all +composing that class will enjoy glory, honor, immortality, even eternal +life.</p> +<br /> +<br /> +<h4>APPROACHING THE KINGDOM</h4> + +<p><a name="519"></a>[519]It is certain that the time must come when all those composing the +body of Christ will have finished their course on this side the vail and +passed into heavenly glory; and since the Lord promised that his second +presence would be for the purpose of gathering unto himself those who +would compose his bride, we should expect the glorification of the +church to take place within a reasonably short time after the second +presence of the Lord. The apostle Paul's mind was illuminated by the +power of Jehovah, the holy spirit; and he wrote concerning the coming +kingdom of Messiah, describing conditions that would immediately precede +its inauguration.</p> + +<p><a name="520"></a>[520]At Mount Sinai Jehovah made a covenant with the nation of Israel, +and at the time of making this covenant God directed Moses to instruct +the people, to prepare them for what was about to take place. When Moses +came down out of the mountain to deliver God's message to Israel, it was +amidst a great convulsion of nature. There were thunders and lightnings, +and a thick cloud of smoke upon the mountain, and the voice of a trumpet +exceeding loud, so that the people in the camp trembled with fear, and +the whole earth quaked greatly. This was a picture foreshadowing the +time of trouble in the earth, the great shaking of the nations just +before the inauguration of Messiah's kingdom and the taking unto himself +of his bride for the setting up of his kingdom. St. Paul, referring to +that time, by way of comparison says: "Ye are not come unto the mount +that might be touched, and that burned with fire, nor unto blackness, +and darkness, and tempest, and the sound of a trumpet, and the voice of +words; which voice they that heard intreated that the word should not be +spoken to them any more (for they could not endure that which was +commanded, And if so much as a beast touch the mountain, it shall be +stoned, or thrust through with a dart; and so terrible was the sight, +that Moses said, I exceedingly fear and quake)".—Hebrews 12:18-21.</p> + +<p><a name="521"></a>[521]We should expect, then, an antitypical fulfillment of these +conditions. And so we do find it. The mountains (symbolically meaning +kingdoms of the world) are on fire, and there is a great tempest, and +trouble, and disturbance in the earth; and so terrible is the time that +men's hearts are failing them for fear of what they see coming on the +earth. Speaking of that time, and directing his words to the church, St. +Paul wrote: "Ye are come unto mount Zion, and unto the city of the +living God, the heavenly Jerusalem, and to an innumerable company of +angels, to the general assembly and church of the firstborn, which are +written in heaven, and to God the Judge of all, and to the spirits of +just men made perfect, and to Jesus the mediator of the new covenant, +and to the blood of sprinkling, that speaketh better things than that of +Abel".—Hebrews 12:22-24.</p> + +<p><a name="522"></a>[522]Thus St. Paul pictures the gathering together of those who compose +the spiritual phase of Messiah's kingdom, namely, the church, Head and +body. He describes this as the heavenly Jerusalem.</p> + +<p><a name="523"></a>[523]That the peoples of earth and the creatures of heaven might ever +have in remembrance the importance of this great day in which we are +now living God is manifesting his power and his justice through his +dealings with the nations, and in due time the people will learn to +appreciate the love of God.</p> + +<p><a name="524"></a>[524]What a marvelously wonderful time now to be on the earth! Four +thousand years ago holy men looked down to the time when God's kingdom +might come, but they could not understand it. The angels of heaven were +not permitted to know. Many of these faithful men were martyrs to the +cause of righteousness. Moved by the spirit of Jehovah, they wrote +concerning the kingdom. The Psalmist composed songs and sang of the +coming blessed day. For nineteen hundred years Christians have been +trudging along the narrow way. And now it can be truly said, The Lord is +present; the Lord reigneth! The kingdom of heaven is at hand!</p> + +<p><a name="525"></a>[525]Necessarily the members of the body this side the vail are looking +forward with anticipation to their change, when they may put off this +mortal and be clothed upon with immortality, and be caught up to be +forever with the Lord, and by him be presented to the great Jehovah. +When all the members of the body have passed beyond the vail, then in +God's due time they will be presented by the Lord Jesus before the +presence of Jehovah. Since we are so close to that time, let us now +assume in our minds that we are standing just beyond the vail and that +we are getting the first glimpse of the glories of the kingdom.</p> + +<p><a name="526"></a>[526]Whom would the true Christian first expect to meet in the kingdom? +Necessarily he would look for some one who had been a special friend to +him during the time of his humiliation. If a person who expected to be +presented to an earthly king or potentate had an acquaintance or friend +at that court, he would first desire to consult his friend and receive +some advice and suggestions before entering the presence of the noble +one. Entering heaven, the Christian expects to see the Lord Jesus, and +ultimately the heavenly Father, according to the promise. As the +Christian looks over the precious promises given to the church, he finds +many assurances that he has had an unseen friend during his earthly +pilgrimage, namely, his guardian angel. Of such the Psalmist wrote: "The +angel of the Lord encampeth round about them that fear him, and +delivereth them". (Psalm 34:7; Hebrews 1:14) These angels are doubtless +messengers for Jehovah, because of them Jesus said: 'In heaven they do +always behold the face of my Father'.—Matthew 18:10.</p> + +<p><a name="527"></a>[527]Describing the conditions and events in connection with the general +assembly of the church of the firstborn, St. Paul writes: "Ye are come +... to an innumerable company of angels". These must be pure, lovable, +and beautiful in form and character. These have been the ones who have +kept the record of each member of the body of Christ. (Malachi 3:16) It +will be a real joy to become acquainted with these precious and +beautiful creatures who have been helpers of the Christians along the +way. It would be expected that they would render assistance to the one +just appearing in the presence of the Lord Jesus. Therefore it is not +unreasonable to anticipate that the first one to be met beyond the vail +is the Christian's guardian angel.</p> + +<p><a name="528"></a>[528]Next in order the Apostle mentions "the church of the firstborn". +Jesus Christ is the head of this church, the great King of glory. +Certainly all the body members will be eager to see our wonderful Lord, +who redeemed us to God with his precious blood. He is not only our +Redeemer, Advocate, and Deliverer, but our dearest Friend; and now the +relationship of bride and bridegroom is about to be fully consummated. +How thrilling will be that time! By long and patient continuance in +well doing, their experiences, by the grace of the Lord and through his +ministration, have perfected every one of the body for this happy time, +making each member beautiful, "So shall the king greatly desire thy +beauty: for he is thy Lord; and worship thou him." Each member of the +bride then will be permitted to see Jesus as he is and will then be like +him. Happy will be that time. (1 John 3:2) Every one of these Christians +has had some dear fellow Christian friend on earth. He will be looking +for such a one, doubtless, when he arrives in heaven. Of course each one +will look for the faithful apostles whom the Lord used to furnish the +food to the household of faith. Then they will look for others whom the +Lord specially used as teachers, instructors, and servants of the +church, who were loving and kind and ministered to the wants of the +various members and did it joyfully.</p> + +<p><a name="529"></a>[529]We may be sure that of all those who are there every one will be +perfected in love, because the Apostle says they must thus be. +(Ephesians 4:16; Colossians 3:14) We may expect to see some there whom +we have loved and may be disappointed in not seeing them; but no +Christian will ever see any one of his fellow-Christians in heaven +except those who have loved their brethren with a pure heart, all of +whom have passed through the fiery trials and rejoiced in the +experiences that the Lord brought to them. Each one of the members of +the divine family will be beautiful, for all will be like the Lord. As +star differs from star in glory, so shall the various members differ in +that glorious realm. But what a marvelous gathering that will be: +144,000 glorious beings assembling with their glorious head Christ +Jesus!</p> + +<p><a name="530"></a>[530]All united together with the Lord Jesus, it seems, according to St. +Paul, that the next in order would be to grant unto the church the +glory that is promised, by presenting the bride class before the great +divine throne of Jehovah. St. Jude informs us not only that our Lord +keeps the members of the body from falling, but that he will present +them faultless before the presence of Jehovah's glory with exceeding +joy.—Jude 24.</p> + +<p><a name="531"></a>[531]The day approaches for the presentation of the bride. In vision we +behold an innumerable company of angels assembled before the throne of +God, forming a guard of honor. The heralds of heaven with golden +trumpets appear, announcing the approach of the Bridegroom with his +bride. Music of surpassing sweetness fills the heavenly courts. All eyes +are fixed upon the conquering Hero, the King of kings and Lord of lords, +the great Bridegroom, who now approaches with his bride of 144,000 +members. The hosts of heaven are singing, "Hallelujah: for the Lord God +omnipotent reigneth! Let us be glad and rejoice, and give honor to him; +for the marriage of the Lamb is come, and his wife hath made herself +ready."—Revelation 19:6,7.</p> + +<p><a name="532"></a>[532]It is well that we take note here of the apparel of the bride of +Christ now entering glory. "And to her was granted that she should be +arrayed in fine linen, clean and white." (Revelation 19:8) "The king's +daughter is all glorious within the palace; her clothing is of wrought +gold. She shall be brought unto the king in raiment of needlework." +(Psalm 45:13,14) Thus in symbolic phrase the Prophet describes her +inherent beauty when she is presented faultless before the glorious +presence of Jehovah. It will be impossible for human words to +approximate the grandeur and the majesty of that scene. Before the great +white throne of the heavenly Father, bride and Bridegroom will be made +one, and the glory of the church will be complete. There, in the +presence of Jehovah, she will have fullness of joy and pleasures for +evermore.</p> + +<span style="margin-left: 1em;">"O that will be a union</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">Such as earth has never known.</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;">When bride and Bridegroom are made one</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">Before the great white throne."</span><br /> + +<p><a name="533"></a>[533]The members of the body of Christ in glory will be a monument of +the grace of God, because thus will be demonstrated the power, as well +as the love, of Jehovah in taking insignificant creatures from amongst +men and exalting them to the highest place in the universe, next to the +Lord Jesus. Then she will be held forth in the power of Jehovah, +exhibited as a crown of glory in his hand, and be used by him to +accomplish that which he purposed from the foundation of the world. As +the glorified bride of our heavenly Bridegroom, clothed with honor and +immortality, she will possess life everlasting, inherent life; and with +her Bridegroom she will minister life and blessing to others.</p> + +<p><a name="534"></a>[534]St. John had a vision of this wonderful royal family of heaven, and +in symbolic language he described it as "the holy city, the new Jerusalem, +coming down from God out of heaven". (Revelation 21:1-5) Thus he depicts +the approaching kingdom of Messiah. In vision he saw the faithful +followers of Jesus who are still on this side the vail, by faith +beholding the approach of this happy time; and he describes them as +those who had "gotten the victory over the beast [the devil's earthly +organization], and over his image, and over his mark, and over the +number of his name [whose allegiance is wholly to the Lord, and who] +stand on the sea of glass, having the harps of God. And they sing the +song of Moses the servant of God [the song taught by the law, which +foreshadowed the better things to come], and the song of the Lamb [the +song of the clear fulfillment of prophecy and the unfolding of God's +plan, as set forth in the New Testament; they are playing upon their +harps and praising Jehovah], saying, Great and marvelous are thy works, +Lord God Almighty; just and true are thy ways, thou King of saints." +—Revelation 15:2,3.</p> + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<p>Define the word "church". <a href="#468">¶ 468</a>.</p> + +<p>Of what does the church of Christ consist? <a href="#468">¶ 468</a>.</p> + +<p>What other name is given to those composing the church? <a href="#468">¶ 468</a>.</p> + +<p>What is a saint? <a href="#468">¶ 468</a>.</p> + +<p>How are those composing the body of Christ purified? <a href="#468">¶ 468</a>.</p> + +<p>What is meant by the terms "new creature" and "new creation"? <a href="#468">¶ 468</a>.</p> + +<p>How is nature determined? <a href="#468">¶ 468</a>.</p> + +<p>Who has preeminence in the divine plan? Give Scriptural proof. <a href="#468">¶ 468</a>.</p> + +<p>When did the new creation have its beginning? <a href="#469">¶ 469</a>.</p> + +<p>What occurred with reference to Jesus when he was thirty years of age? +<a href="#469">¶ 469</a>.</p> + +<p>How was he perfected as a new creature? <a href="#469">¶ 469</a>.</p> + +<p>Who opposed Jesus from the time of his baptism? <a href="#470">¶ 470</a>.</p> + +<p>Why this opposition? <a href="#470">¶ 470</a>.</p> + +<p>In the sentence by Jehovah, as set forth in Genesis 3:15, what is +symbolized by the woman? <a href="#470">¶ 470</a>.</p> + +<p>Whom did Isaac typify? <a href="#470">¶ 470</a>.</p> + +<p>Of what does the seed of the serpent consist? Give some Scriptural +proof. <a href="#470">¶ 470</a>.</p> + +<p>What is the disposition of the seed of the serpent? <a href="#470">¶ 470</a>.</p> + +<p>Where did Jesus go immediately following his baptism, and for what +purpose? <a href="#471">¶ 471</a>.</p> + +<p>To what temptation was he subjected shortly thereafter? Give the +Scriptural account. <a href="#471">¶ 471</a>.</p> + +<p>How long did he suffer at the hands of Satan and his representatives? +<a href="#471">¶ 471</a>.</p> + +<p>How did he gain the victory? <a href="#471">¶ 471</a>.</p> + +<p>How did Jehovah reward Jesus for his faithful devotion to the divine +arrangement even unto death? <a href="#471">¶ 471</a>.</p> + +<p>What Scriptures indicate that the body members most follow in his +steps? <a href="#471">¶ 471</a>.</p> + +<p>Did God predestinate or foreordain a new creation? Give Scriptural +proof. <a href="#472">¶ 472</a>.</p> + +<p>What is meant by the word "world" as used in Ephesians 1:4-9? <a href="#471">¶ 473</a>.</p> + +<p>Did God foreordain or choose the individuals who would compose the +church? Or what is meant by his foreknowledge? <a href="#473">¶ 473</a>.</p> + +<p>Should we expect the body members to have experiences similar to those +of Jesus? <a href="#473">¶ 473</a>.</p> + +<p>When was the day of Pentecost? <a href="#474">¶ 474</a>.</p> + +<p>What call went forth to the Jews from that time? <a href="#474">¶ 474</a>.</p> + +<p>What is meant by the call? <a href="#474">¶ 474</a>.</p> + +<p>What did Jesus say about the number called and chosen? Give Scriptural +proof. <a href="#474">¶ 474</a>.</p> + +<p>How long was this call confined to the Jews? <a href="#474">¶ 474</a>.</p> + +<p>Who was the first gentile to receive the gospel? Give the Scriptural +account. <a href="#474">¶ 474</a>.</p> + +<p>Thereafter to whom did the call extend? <a href="#474">¶ 474</a>.</p> + +<p>Why has the gospel been preached? <a href="#475">¶ 475</a>.</p> + +<p>How has the gospel appeared to worldly-wise men? <a href="#475">¶ 475</a>.</p> + +<p>What did St. Paul say about the wisdom of this world and the wisdom of +God? <a href="#475">¶ 475</a>.</p> + +<p>How did the Jews as a people receive the message of Christ and him +crucified? <a href="#476">¶ 476</a>.</p> + +<p>How did the majority of the gentiles receive the gospel? <a href="#476">¶ 476</a>.</p> + +<p>What proportion of the wise and mighty and noble are called and respond +to the call of the gospel? <a href="#476">¶ 476</a>.</p> + +<p>Why have not many wise and noble accepted the truth? <a href="#476">¶ 476</a>.</p> + +<p>How has the call impressed the humble-minded? <a href="#476">¶ 476</a>.</p> + +<p>Give Scriptural proof of Jehovah's invitation to become members of the +bride class. <a href="#477">¶ 477</a>.</p> + +<p>Why can the church be called the daughter of God? <a href="#478">¶ 478</a>.</p> + +<p>What beauty is it that the Lord desires in the body members? <a href="#478">¶ 478</a>.</p> + +<p>Is time required for the development of the church? <a href="#479">¶ 479</a>.</p> + +<p>What can be said about deathbed confessions? <a href="#479">¶ 479</a>.</p> + +<p>What is the first thing to do to become a Christian? <a href="#479">¶ 479</a>.</p> + +<p>What is meant by repentance? <a href="#479">¶ 479</a>.</p> + +<p>What is meant by being converted? <a href="#479">¶ 479</a>.</p> + +<p>After conversion, what further things take place before one becomes a +new creature? <a href="#479">¶ 479</a>.</p> + +<p>Why must the Christian thereafter pass through many varied experiences? +<a href="#479">¶ 479</a>.</p> + +<p>Why are children in school required to have hard mental exercises? <a href="#480">¶ 480</a>.</p> + +<p>Is it necessary for one to train for a physical contest? <a href="#480">¶ 480</a>.</p> + +<p>Why is it necessary for a new creature to be trained and to pass through +experiences? <a href="#480">¶ 480</a>.</p> + +<p>What did the Psalmist say concerning the standing of the new creature +with his brethren and others? <a href="#481">¶ 481</a>.</p> + +<p>To whom did Jesus become a stranger? and what reproaches fell upon him? +<a href="#481">¶ 481</a>.</p> + +<p>Give Scriptural proof that the body members have similar reproaches. +<a href="#481">¶ 481</a>.</p> + +<p>How has God overruled for good Satan's persecution of the church? <a href="#482">¶ 482</a>.</p> + +<p>Is the Christian's suffering greater when he first knows the Lord or +later? <a href="#483">¶ 483</a>.</p> + +<p>How is a Christian, when first begotten, designated in the Scriptures? +<a href="#483">¶ 483</a>.</p> + +<p>What kind of spiritual food does he need? <a href="#483">¶ 483</a>.</p> + +<p>Give a figure of speech illustrating the development of the church, with +Scriptural proof of same. <a href="#484">¶ 484</a>.</p> + +<p>Give a paraphrase of the Apostle's words in 1 Peter 2:3-8. <a href="#485">¶ 485</a>.</p> + +<p>Give Scriptural proof that it is a privilege to suffer with Christ. <a href="#485">¶ 485</a>.</p> + +<p>What course must a Christian take as compared to the world? <a href="#486">¶ 486</a>.</p> + +<p>Explain the development of the Christian, as taught by St. Peter in +2 Peter 1:5-7. <a href="#486">¶ 486</a>.</p> + +<p>What should a Christian do with reference to making his calling and +election sure? Give Scriptural proof. <a href="#487">¶ 487</a>.</p> + +<p>Against what enemies does the new creature war? <a href="#488">¶ 488</a>.</p> + +<p>With what weapons does he war? Give Scriptural proof. <a href="#488">¶ 488</a>.</p> + +<p>What hope strengthens him in the battle? <a href="#488">¶ 488</a>.</p> + +<p>What effect does this hope have upon his purifying himself? <a href="#488">¶ 488</a>.</p> + +<p>To what likeness were the members of the church foreordained? <a href="#489">¶ 489</a>.</p> + +<p>Why can the Christian understand things that the world cannot? Give +Scriptural proof. <a href="#489">¶ 489</a>.</p> + +<p>How is the pathway of the Christian designated? and is it an easy one? +<a href="#489">¶ 489</a>.</p> + +<p>What does St. James say to the Christian about considering the suffering +of the prophets? <a href="#490">¶ 490</a>.</p> + +<p>What was the purpose of the prophets' suffering? <a href="#490">¶ 490</a>.</p> + +<p>What did Jesus say about the violent taking the kingdom? Give explanation. +<a href="#491">¶ 491</a>.</p> + +<p>Why should the Christian suffer? Give Scriptural proof. <a href="#492">¶ 492</a>.</p> + +<p>Why is Jesus not ashamed to call the members of the church his brethren? +<a href="#492">¶ 492</a>.</p> + +<p>Does the true saint of God complain or murmur because of his persecution? +Give Scriptural reason. <a href="#493">¶ 493</a>.</p> + +<p>Does the true Christian expect to be without suffering? <a href="#494">¶ 494</a>.</p> + +<p>What does suffering testify to him? <a href="#494">¶ 494</a>.</p> + +<p>From what source do these sufferings come? <a href="#494">¶ 494</a>.</p> + +<p>Who was one of the greatest sufferers amongst Christ's followers? <a href="#495">¶ 495</a>.</p> + +<p>Enumerate some of his experiences. <a href="#495">¶ 495</a>.</p> + +<p>What did he say about such afflictions? <a href="#495">¶ 495</a>.</p> + +<p>To what was St. Paul looking forward as his great hope? <a href="#495">¶ 495</a>.</p> + +<p>Upon what does the Christian meditate with delight? <a href="#495">¶ 495</a>.</p> + +<p>What is the great promise set before the church? Give Scriptural proof. +<a href="#496">¶ 496</a>.</p> + +<p>What does the word "glory" mean, as used in the Scriptures? Give +Scriptural proof. <a href="#497">¶ 497</a>.</p> + +<p>How is Jesus mentioned with reference to God's glory? <a href="#497">¶ 497</a>.</p> + +<p>How are the body members to be with him in glory? <a href="#497">¶ 497</a>.</p> + +<p>How will this glory compare to things of earth? <a href="#497">¶ 497</a>.</p> + +<p>What did St. Paul say about that glory? <a href="#497">¶ 497</a>.</p> + +<p>What image will the church bear in glory? <a href="#497">¶ 497</a>.</p> + +<p>What was the condition of faithful saints who died between Pentecost and +Christ's second coming? <a href="#498">¶ 498</a>.</p> + +<p>What do the Scriptures say about their awakening at the second coming +of Christ? <a href="#498">¶ 498</a>.</p> + +<p>What do the Scriptures say concerning the resurrection change of those +saints living on the earth after Christ's second appearing? <a href="#499">¶ 499</a>.</p> + +<p>Why are they called blessed of the Lord? <a href="#499">¶ 499</a>.</p> + +<p>Why has Jehovah been for centuries preparing the new creation? <a href="#499">¶ 499</a>.</p> + +<p>What is the custom of royalty concerning jewels? <a href="#500">¶ 500</a>.</p> + +<p>In what way do the Scriptures compare the saints to jewels? Give the +proof. <a href="#500">¶ 500</a>.</p> + +<p>How are they to be regarded by Jehovah? and how illustrated by jewels? +Give Scriptural proof. <a href="#500">¶ 500</a>.</p> + +<p>Give a Scriptural promise of glory to the overcomer. <a href="#501">¶ 501</a>.</p> + +<p>How is the sun used to illustrate glory? Give Scriptural proof. <a href="#502">¶ 502</a>.</p> + +<p>What Scriptural promise did the Lord give to his church concerning a +heavenly habitation? <a href="#503">¶ 503</a>.</p> + +<p>What did the Psalmist say about the Lord's habitation? <a href="#503">¶ 503</a>.</p> + +<p>What did the Prophet write concerning the beauty of Zion? <a href="#503">¶ 503</a>.</p> + +<p>For what purpose will Jehovah shine through the new creation? <a href="#503">¶ 503</a>.</p> + +<p>What joy will this bring to the new creation? Give Scriptural proof. <a href="#503">¶ 503</a>.</p> + +<p>What is the Scriptural promise with reference to having the great King +as a friend? <a href="#504">¶ 504</a>.</p> + +<p>How will this great friend love the members of the church? <a href="#504">¶ 504</a>.</p> + +<p>What is meant by the Scriptural term "honor"? <a href="#505">¶ 505</a>.</p> + +<p>How is God honored by his creatures? <a href="#505">¶ 505</a>.</p> + +<p>How will the church occupy a position of honor? <a href="#505">¶ 505</a>.</p> + +<p>What particular relationship with Jesus pictures the great honor that +the body members will have? <a href="#505">¶ 505</a>.</p> + +<p>What does the Scripture say concerning the likeness of Jesus and his +relationship to the body members? <a href="#506">¶ 506</a>.</p> + +<p>What does the Apostle say concerning the appearance and likeness of the +church? <a href="#506">¶ 506</a>.</p> + +<p>Who has been appointed heir of all things? <a href="#506">¶ 506</a>.</p> + +<p>Who shares with him in this honor? Give Scriptural proof. <a href="#506">¶ 506</a>.</p> + +<p>To whom did Jehovah promise the rulership and dominion of the earth at +the time of Zedekiah's overthrow? <a href="#507">¶ 507</a>.</p> + +<p>What does the prophet Daniel say with reference to granting this +dominion to Jesus? <a href="#507">¶ 507</a>.</p> + +<p>What will be the extent of his dominion and kingdom? <a href="#507">¶ 507</a>.</p> + +<p>How shall the nations regard it? <a href="#507">¶ 507</a>.</p> + +<p>What promise of honor is given to the church in this connection? Give +Scriptural proof. <a href="#507">¶ 507</a>.</p> + +<p>Who will be the great King of glory to rule the nations? <a href="#508">¶ 508</a>.</p> + +<p>Is any promise of honor to the church given in this connection? <a href="#509">¶ 509</a>.</p> + +<p>What Scriptural promise is there that the church shall enjoy a position +of honor in the coming ages? <a href="#509">¶ 509</a>.</p> + +<p>To what extent has Jesus been honored by the world? <a href="#510">¶ 510</a>.</p> + +<p>What Scriptural proof is there that the world will yet honor him? <a href="#510">¶ 510</a>.</p> + +<p>How have the body members of the church been regarded by the world? <a href="#510">¶ 510</a>.</p> + +<p>Will they be honored in the future? <a href="#510">¶ 510</a>.</p> + +<p>Will the world know who is born a member of the glorified church? Give +Scriptural proof. <a href="#510">¶ 510</a>.</p> + +<p>What effect will this knowledge have upon the world? <a href="#510">¶ 510</a>.</p> + +<p>How will the people regard the church in the future ages? Give +Scriptural proof. <a href="#510">¶ 510</a>.</p> + +<p>Besides glory and honor, what else is the church seeking? <a href="#511">¶ 511</a>.</p> + +<p>Define immortality. <a href="#511">¶ 511</a>.</p> + +<p>What will be the difference between a perfect human being and a member +of the new creation with reference to requiring nourishment to sustain +life? <a href="#511">¶ 511</a>.</p> + +<p>What Scriptural proof is given that Jesus possesses inherent life? <a href="#511">¶ 511</a>.</p> + +<p>What Scriptural promise is given to the body members that they will have +inherent life? <a href="#512">¶ 512</a>.</p> + +<p>With what power will they be clothed with reference to giving life to +others? <a href="#512">¶ 512</a>.</p> + +<p>Give some Scriptural proof of the degree of life to be possessed by the +church. <a href="#512">¶ 512</a>.</p> + +<p>What is meant by the "crown of life"? <a href="#512">¶ 512</a>.</p> + +<p>When one becomes a new creature in Christ, how does that affect his +hopes, ambitions and aspirations? <a href="#513">¶ 513</a>.</p> + +<p>What did St. Paul say concerning the life of such? <a href="#513">¶ 513</a>.</p> + +<p>Whom did David typify? and how do his words apply to the church? <a href="#514">¶ 514</a>.</p> + +<p>How is the desire of the church expressed by the Psalmist? Quote the +Scripture. <a href="#514">¶ 514</a>.</p> + +<p>What did the psalmist David say about the King and the new creation in +the presence of Jehovah? Quote the psalm. <a href="#515">¶ 515</a>.</p> + +<p>Show the contrast in the minds of the people between the position of the +Christ during the period of humiliation and the period of glory. Give +Scriptural proof. <a href="#516">¶ 516</a>.</p> + +<p>In the eyes of the world, how do members of the church die? <a href="#517">¶ 517</a>.</p> + +<p>In the eyes of Jehovah, how do they die? Give the Scriptural proof. <a href="#517">¶ 517</a>.</p> + +<p>How does St. Paul contrast the humiliation with the glory of the church? +Quote the Scripture. <a href="#517">¶ 517</a>.</p> + +<p>When will all the members of the church enjoy glory, honor, and +immortality, eternal life? <a href="#518">¶ 518</a>.</p> + +<p>When should we reasonably expect the church to be glorified? <a href="#519">¶ 519</a>.</p> + +<p>Under what influence did St. Paul write concerning the approaching +kingdom? <a href="#519">¶ 519</a>.</p> + +<p>Describe what took place at the time of the making of the law covenant +by Jehovah with Israel at Mount Sinai. <a href="#520">¶ 520</a>.</p> + +<p>Give the Scriptural statement by St. Paul concerning that time. <a href="#520">¶ 520</a>.</p> + +<p>What did such convulsions of nature foreshadow concerning the present +time? <a href="#520">¶ 520</a>.</p> + +<p>What does a mountain symbolize? and in what sense can we say that +present conditions were foreshadowed by the disturbance at Mount Sinai? +<a href="#521">¶ 521</a>.</p> + +<p>Using this to illustrate the approaching kingdom, quote the apostle +Paul's words in Hebrews 12:22-24. <a href="#521">¶ 521</a>.</p> + +<p>What do these words of St. Paul picture with reference to the kingdom? +<a href="#522">¶ 522</a>.</p> + +<p>Why is God now manifesting his power and justice in dealing with the +nations of earth? <a href="#523">¶ 523</a>.</p> + +<p>How does the privilege of living on earth now compare with that in +centuries past? <a href="#524">¶ 524</a>.</p> + +<p>Did the prophets understand what would happen at this time? <a href="#524">¶ 524</a>.</p> + +<p>Did the angels understand? <a href="#524">¶ 524</a>.</p> + +<p>Did these seek to find out? <a href="#524">¶ 524</a>.</p> + +<p>What is the privilege of the Christian now compared with that of +Christians living in the early part of the gospel age? <a href="#525">¶ 525</a>.</p> + +<p>To what are saints this side the vail looking forward? <a href="#525">¶ 525</a>.</p> + +<p>Whom will the Christian first expect to meet in the heavenly kingdom? +<a href="#526">¶ 526</a>.</p> + +<p>Quote the Scriptures with reference to the Christian's guardian angel. +<a href="#526">¶ 526</a>.</p> + +<p>What records have these angels kept? Give the Scriptural proof. <a href="#527">¶ 527</a>.</p> + +<p>Who would be the next whom the Christian would expect to meet in glory? +<a href="#528">¶ 528</a>.</p> + +<p>Why will the King of glory desire to greet the body members in the +kingdom? <a href="#528">¶ 528</a>.</p> + +<p>Describe others in the church for whom the Christian will be looking in +the kingdom. <a href="#528">¶ 528</a>.</p> + +<p>What grace of the holy spirit will be possessed by every one who is in +the kingdom? <a href="#529">¶ 529</a>.</p> + +<p>What will be the appearance of each member of the body of Christ? <a href="#529">¶ 529</a>.</p> + +<p>After all the bride class is united with the Bridegroom, then what is +next to be expected? <a href="#530">¶ 530</a>.</p> + +<p>To whom is granted the honor of presenting the bride before Jehovah? <a href="#530">¶ 530</a>.</p> + +<p>Give a picture based upon the Scriptures of the appearance of the bride +with the Bridegroom before the throne of Jehovah. <a href="#531">¶ 531</a>.</p> + +<p>Describe the appearance of the bride class. <a href="#532">¶ 532</a>.</p> + +<p>How will that marriage compare with earthly marriages or unions? <a href="#532">¶ 532</a>.</p> + +<p>Why will the members of the body of Christ be a monument to the grace of +God? <a href="#533">¶ 533</a>.</p> + +<p>In vision, how did St. John describe the church class this side the vail +using the harp of God? <a href="#534">¶ 534</a>.</p> + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> + + +<span style="margin-left: 5.5em;">"THEE FOR EVER BLEST"</span><br /> +<br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">Thy works all praise Thee: all Thy angels praise:</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">Thy saints adore, and on Thy altars burn</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">The fragrant incense of perpetual love.</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">They praise Thee now: their hearts, their voices praise,</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">And swell the rapture of the glorious song.</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">Harp! lift thy voice on high—shout, angels, shout!</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">And loudest, ye redeemed! glory to God,</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">And to the Lamb, who bought us with His blood,</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">From every kindred, nation, people, tongue;</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">And washed, and sanctified, and saved our souls;</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">And gave us robes of linen pure, and crowns</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">Of life, and made us kings, and priests to God.</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">Shout back to ancient Time! Sing loud, and wave</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">Your palms of triumph! sing, Where is thy sting,</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">O Death? where is thy victory, O Grave?</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">Thanks be to God, eternal thanks, who gave</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">Us victory through Jesus Christ our Lord.</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">Harp, lift thy voice on high! shout, angels, shout,</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">And loudest, ye redeemed! glory to God,</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">And to the Lamb—all glory and all praise;</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">All glory and all praise, at morn and even,</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">That come and go eternally; and find</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">Us happy still, and Thee for ever blest.</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">Glory to God, and to the Lamb. Amen.</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">For ever, and for evermore. Amen.</span><br /> +<br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">—<i>Pollok</i></span> + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> + +<center> +<img src="images/304.png" width="350" height="500" alt="" title=""> +</center> + + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<a name="CHAPTER_XI"></a><h2>CHAPTER XI</h2> + +<h3>String 10: <i>Restoration</i></h3> +<br /> + +<p><a name="535"></a>[535]The restoration string of the harp of God is one that will fill the +earth with joyful song. Although every prophet from Samuel to John the +Baptist spoke of the coming days of restoration, this wonderful doctrine +represented by the tenth string of the harp was for a long time lost to +the vision of many who claimed to be Christians, as was also the +doctrine of the Abrahamic promise. Hence we see that the eight-string +harp sometimes used by the Jews represents the harp of God minus the +strings picturing the Abrahamic promise and restoration. Now these +strings or doctrines have been found and appreciated by God's people; +and the harp fully strung yields music of unspeakable sweetness.</p> + +<p><a name="536"></a>[536]Restoration means to restore that which was lost. The first man +Adam was made perfect, in the image and likeness of God, with power and +authority to fill the earth with a race of people and to rule the earth +as his dominion. By reason of his sin, he brought upon himself the +manifestation of divine justice; and being sentenced to death, he lost +the right to life, and this right was lost also for his offspring. The +first man, Adam, was created a human being, not a spirit being. "The +first man is of the earth, earthy." (1 Corinthians 15:47) God created +the earth for man. "God ... formed the earth and made it; he hath +established it, he created it not in vain, he formed it to be +inhabited." (Isaiah 45:12,18) The Scriptures conclusively prove that +God's original purpose was that man should have an everlasting home on +the earth as long as he obeyed the divine law. Man having disobeyed +forfeited his right to live on earth, and Jesus, the perfect man, having +by his great sacrifice purchased this right for man, the time must come +when man will be restored to that which was lost.</p> + +<p>[<a name="537"></a>537]Some noted teachers of the Bible deny the doctrine of restoration. +Let us observe, then, what else must fail if this doctrine fails. If +there is to be no restoration of man to his original state, then it must +be admitted that the creation of man was and is a failure. Not only +would the creation of man result in a failure, but the very purpose for +which God created the earth must fail. This would mean, then, that his +word has not and will not accomplish what he said. But God being +all-wise, and having unlimited power, his purposes cannot fail. If we +believe the Bible, we will have to believe the doctrine of restoration. +Jehovah has said: "My word that goeth forth out of my mouth ... 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".—Isaiah 55:11.</p> + +<p><a name="538"></a>[538]If there is to be no restoration of man to his original state and +no opportunity for him to be so restored, then the manifestation of +divine justice against Adam amounts to nothing more than God's +destroying the work of his own hands and admitting he was and is unable +to people the earth with a perfect race. If we believe in his +omnipotence, we must believe that he will accomplish his design. Having +made the promise at the time of the sentence of man that the great enemy +should ultimately perish, we may take this as one truth upon which to +hang a hope that something better is to come in the future.</p> + +<p><a name="539"></a>[539]If there is to be no restoration of mankind to original +perfection, then God's promise made to Abraham is meaningless and must +fail, because the express purpose of that promise is the blessing of all +the families of the earth; and that blessing is life. (Genesis 12:3; +22:18; 28:14; Romans 6:23) Not only did Jehovah make this promise to +Abraham, but he bound the promise with his oath; and by these two things +(his word and his oath, both of which are unchangeable) it is impossible +for the promise to fail; but in due time it must be carried out.—Hebrews +6:17,18.</p> + +<p><a name="540"></a>[540]Beyond question, the Scriptures show that Jesus, who in his +prehuman existence was the Logos, left the heavenly courts, his life +being transferred from spirit to human plane, took upon him the nature +and form of man, and became Jesus for the very purpose of saving the +people from their sins. (Matthew 1:21) He came that man might have life. +(John 10:10) He came and gave his life as a ransom, that others might +live. (Matthew 20:28) He was rich and for our sakes became poor, that we +through his poverty might become rich. (2 Corinthians 8:9) When he was +born as a man, the angels of heaven announced glad tidings of great joy +which shall be unto all people, because the purpose of his birth was to +redeem mankind and to restore to them that which had been lost. (Luke +2:9-11) If there is to be no restoration of man to his original state, +then all these purposes of God in sending his beloved Son to earth must +fail. We know that God's word cannot fail.</p> + +<p><a name="541"></a>[541]It was the perfect man Adam who had sinned and by his sin lost the +right to life and the blessings incident to a perfect human life. The +only means provided for satisfying that judgment and releasing mankind +was by substituting another perfect human life. The substitution of +that one perfect human life for the other is called in the Scriptures +the ransom-sacrifice. God made the specific promise that he would ransom +man from the power of the grave, and that he would redeem him from +death. (Hosea 13:14) In keeping with this promise, his Word declares +that 'Jesus, by the grace of God, tasted death for every man'. (Hebrews +2:9) "There is one God, and one mediator between God and men, the man +Christ Jesus, who gave himself a ransom for all, to be testified in due +time."—1 Timothy 2:5,6.</p> + +<p><a name="542"></a>[542]Unless, therefore, mankind has a full and fair opportunity to be +restored to the perfect condition enjoyed by father Adam while in Eden, +then all of these promises of Jehovah are meaningless and must fail. If +they should fail, such would prove that God is not all-powerful. It +would also prove that his promises are not sure; whereas the Scriptures +declare: "All the promises of God, whatever their number, have their +confirmation in him; and for this reason through him also our 'Amen' +acknowledges their truth and promotes the glory of God through our +faith. But he who is making us as well as you stedfast through union +with the anointed one, and has anointed us, is God, and he has also set +his seal upon us, and has put his spirit into our hearts as a pledge and +foretaste of future blessing."—2 Corinthians 1:20-22, <i>Weymouth</i>.</p> + +<p><a name="543"></a>[543]Jesus arose from the dead and ascended on high. The fact of his +resurrection is a guarantee that all men shall have an opportunity for +life. If there is to be no restoration of the human race, then the +resurrection of Jesus and the awakening of others from the dead are +meaningless and for no purpose. If we believe the Scriptures, we must +believe in restoration, because God "hath appointed a day, in the which +he will judge the world in <i>righteousness</i> by that man whom he hath +ordained; whereof he hath given assurance <i>unto all men</i>, in that he +hath raised him from the dead". (Acts 17:31) If we do not accept the +doctrine of restoration of the human race, then we must ignore the +positive words of the Apostle, who wrote: "Now is Christ risen from the +dead, and become the firstfruits of them that slept. For since by man +came death, by man came also the resurrection of the dead. For as in +Adam all die, even so in Christ shall all be made alive. But every man +in his own order: Christ the firstfruits; afterward they that are +Christ's at his coming. Then cometh the end, when he shall have +delivered up the kingdom to God, even the Father; when he shall have put +down all rule and authority and power. For he must reign, till he hath +put all enemies under his feet. The last enemy that shall be destroyed +is death."—1 Corinthians 15:20-26.</p> + +<p><a name="544"></a>[544]"The mystery" is the Christ, the anointed class—Jesus the head +and his body members—designated in the Scriptures as the seed of +Abraham, according to the promise. (Colossians 1:26,27) It is the +repeatedly announced purpose of Jehovah that through this seed all the +families of the earth shall be blessed. (Galatians 3:8,16,27,29) +Jehovah has devoted much time and effort to the development of the seed +of promise. If, therefore, there is to be no opportunity for full +restoration of mankind, then the time and effort spent in developing the +seed of Abraham has been wasted, and the promise of blessing through +this seed is meaningless and void. If we believe the Scriptures above +cited, that God's word cannot return unto him void, then we must know +that his purposes cannot fail.</p> + +<p><a name="545"></a>[545]The Lord Jesus went away to prepare a place for his bride, the +church, which is the seed of Abraham through which the promised blessing +of mankind must come. He promised to return and receive his bride unto +himself. He has come again, as the Scriptural evidence herein cited +clearly and conclusively shows. If there is to be no opportunity for the +restoration of man to the condition which Adam enjoyed before he sinned, +then the second coming of the Lord must fail in one of its primary +purposes. That one of the primary purposes of his second coming is the +restoration of the human race, is definitely stated by the inspired +witness: "God ... shall send Jesus Christ, which before was preached +unto you; whom the heaven must receive [retain, hold] until the times of +<i>restitution</i> [restoration] of all things, which God hath spoken by the +mouth of all his holy prophets since the world began. For Moses truly +said unto the fathers, A prophet shall the Lord your God raise up unto +you of your brethren, like unto me; him shall ye hear in all things +whatsoever he shall say unto you. And it shall come to pass, that every +soul, which will not hear that prophet, shall be destroyed from among +the people. Yea, and all the prophets, from Samuel and those that follow +after, as many as have spoken, have likewise foretold of these days." +—Acts 3: 20-24.</p> + +<p><a name="546"></a>[546]Added to this positive statement of the inspired Apostle is the +testimony of all the prophets foretelling the time coming for the +restoration of the things that were lost through the disobedience of +Adam.</p> + +<p><a name="547"></a>[547]Enoch was the first of the holy prophets. (Jude 14,15) Then +followed Jacob (Genesis 49:10), Moses (Genesis 3:15; 12:3; 13:15; 18:18; +22:18; Deuteronomy 18:15,19; 30:15), Samuel (1 Samuel 2:6), Job +(14:13-15; 33:19-30), David (Psalm 22:27; 30:5; 37:11; 46:10; 67:1-7; +72:3,4,6,10; 86:9; 93:2; 96:11-13; 98:4-9; 104:5), Solomon (Proverbs +2:21; 11:31; Ecclesiastes 1:4), Isaiah (2:2-4; 9:7; 11:4-9; 14:7; +19:22; 25:6-12; 28:17,18; 29:17,18; 33:24), Jeremiah (3:17; 24:7; +31:16,29,34; 32:39,40; 33:8,9; 46:27; 50:4,5), Ezekiel (11:19; +16;55,61-63; 18:2,31,32; 28:26; 34:25-28; 36:26,27,29,30,35; 37:24; +39:29), Daniel (2:44; 7:27), Hosea (2:18,21; 3:5; 13:14), Joel (2:22,32), +Amos (9:11,12; Acts 15:14-18), Obadiah (verse 21), Jonah (chapter 4), +Micah (4:1-5,8), Nahum (1:15; 2:3-6), Habakkuk (2:14), Zephaniah (2:11; +3:9,13), Haggai (2:7), Zechariah (2:11; 3:10; 8:3,8,12,15,21,22; +9:10,17; 14:9,11,20), Malachi (1:11; 3:11; 4:2), and John the Baptist. +(John 1:29; Matthew 11:9,11) This entire array of holy witnesses, +without a single exception, unite in testifying to the coming days of +restoration of man.<a name="FNanchor_A_1"></a><a href="#Footnote_A_1"><sup>[A]</sup></a></p> + +<a name="Footnote_A_1"></a><a href="#FNanchor_A_1">[A]</a> See discussion of this in "The Finished +Mystery", pages 62-95. + +<p><a name="548"></a>[548]The reasonable mind cannot conceive that Jehovah would develop a +new creation and glorify that creation by committing to the head of it +all power in heaven and in earth without assigning the new creation some +work to do with reference to man. The very purpose of the glorification +of the new creation, the church, is that the members thereof, directed +by the head, the Lord Jesus, might judge and bless and restore the +families of the earth. There could be no judgment without a trial; and a +trial means an opportunity. Jesus plainly said: "In the regeneration +when the Son of man shall sit in the throne of his glory, ye also shall +sit upon twelve thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel". (Matthew +19:28) Here is the positive statement of regeneration. Regeneration +means the act of reproducing or giving life anew to a creature.</p> + +<p><a name="549"></a>[549]Again it is written concerning those who participate in the first +resurrection and thereby become members of the royal family of heaven: +"Blessed and holy is he that hath part in the first resurrection; on +such the second death hath no power, but they shall be priests of God +and of Christ, and shall reign with him a thousand years," which +thousand-year reign is for the purpose of restoring mankind.—Revelation +20:6; Acts 17:31.</p> + +<p><a name="550"></a>[550]Again says the Apostle: "Do ye not know that the saints shall +judge the world?" (1 Corinthians 6:2) Again Jesus plainly declared that +at his second coming he would sit upon his throne of glory, and before +him should be gathered all nations, and he would separate them and +reward them according to their obedience to his laws. (Matthew 25:31-46) +If the church, Jesus the head and his body members glorified, endowed +with power and authority, are not to act as the great deliverer and +uplifter of the human race, then why should they be clothed with such +power and authority? If there is to be no opportunity for the +restoration of mankind, then God's plan with reference to the new +creation and its work must fail. He has positively announced that one of +the very purposes for calling and developing the new creation is the +blessing of mankind.—Genesis 12:3; Galatians 3:16,27,29.</p> + +<p><a name="551"></a>[551]"I the Lord have called thee in righteousness, and will hold thine +hand, and will keep thee, and give thee for a covenant of the people, +for a light unto the gentiles; to open the blind eyes, to bring out the +prisoners from the prison [the grave, condition of death], and them that +sit in darkness out of the prison house." (Isaiah 42:6,7) "Thus saith +the Lord, In an acceptable time have I heard thee, and in a day of +salvation have I helped thee; and I will preserve thee, and give thee +for a covenant of the people, to establish the earth, to cause to +inherit the desolate heritages."—Isaiah 49:8.</p> + +<p><a name="552"></a>[552]Thus we see that every purpose of the divine plan points to the +restoration of mankind. Every vital doctrine speaks of that coming time +for man's blessing. Every other string of the harp of God harmoniously +blends with the music of the tenth string, the restoration of man. It +must be admitted by every honest student of the Bible that all the +fundamental doctrines point to God's purpose of offering restitution +blessings to the entire human race, and that the obedient ones will +enjoy the blessings upon the earth. And now let us examine some more +specific texts further corroborating the already strong proof that +restitution is the great object of the divine plan relative to the human +race.</p> + +<p><a name="553"></a>[553]God made a covenant with the nation of Israel, by which covenant he +promised to give life to all who would keep that covenant. (Leviticus +18:5) The Israelites, like others of Adam's offspring, having been born +sinners and imperfect, could not keep this covenant; therefore could not +get life through it. The specific reasons are: (1) Because the +ransom-sacrifice had not yet been given; (2) because of the +imperfections of the human race and the imperfections of Moses the +mediator of the covenant it yielded life to none of the nation of +Israel. (Romans 8:3) There was a two-fold purpose for this law covenant +being made. One was, that it might serve as a schoolmaster to lead +Israel to Christ (Galatians 3:24); and the other, to foreshadow a better +or new law covenant arrangement which God would make through his beloved +Son Christ Jesus. (Hebrews 10:1; 8:5) Christ is the great high priest; +and by his fulfilling the divine purposes, he is now the mediator of a +better covenant, the new covenant, which God purposes to make for man's +benefit. (Hebrews 8:6; 9:15) When the church is glorified and the +kingdom set up, then the blood (merit) of Christ will be applied for the +sealing of the new covenant, through which covenant promised blessings +are to be extended to the human race.</p> + +<p><a name="554"></a>[554]After these days, then—after the gathering out of the Christ class +or new creation—this covenant is to be made, as St. Paul states: +"Behold, the days come, saith the Lord, when I will make a new covenant +with the house of Israel and with the house of Judah; not according to +the covenant that I made with their fathers in the day when I took them +by the hand to lead them out of the land of Egypt; because they +continued not in my covenant, and I regarded them not, saith the Lord. +For this is the covenant that I will make with the house of Israel +<i>after those days</i>, saith the Lord; I will put my laws into their mind, +and write them in their hearts; and I will be to them a God, and they +shall be my people; and they shall not teach every man his neighbor, and +every man his brother, saying, Know the Lord: for all shall know me, +from the least to the greatest. For I will be merciful to their +unrighteousness, and their sins and their iniquities will I remember no +more."—Hebrews 8:8-12.</p> + +<p><a name="555"></a>[555]Under this new covenant the whole human race shall have the +opportunity to come back to God through Christ the mediator. Mark that +it is plainly stated that during the time of restoration 'God will put +his laws into their minds, and write them in their hearts, and will be +to them a God and they shall be to him a people; for he will be merciful +to them, and their sins and iniquities he will remember no more'. This +could mean nothing less than the taking away of the imperfections of the +obedient and restoring them to a righteous condition.</p> + +<p><a name="556"></a>[556]Following the glorification of the church and the making of the new +covenant, Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, David, Barak, Jepthae, and the prophets +(all of whom we term faithful worthies), the Lord has promised shall be +brought forth from the tomb, being given a better resurrection. +(Hebrews 11) These shall be princes, rulers, or legal representatives of +the Christ, in the earth; and through them the Lord will establish a +righteous government in the earth. (Psalm 45:16; Isaiah 32:1) And then +"out of Zion [the Christ, invisible to men] shall go forth the law, and +the word of the Lord from Jerusalem"—the headquarters of Christ's +visible representatives.</p> + +<p><a name="557"></a>[557]"It shall come to pass in the last days, that the mountain of the +Lord's house shall be established in the top of the mountains +[kingdoms], and shall be exalted above the hills; and all nations shall +flow unto it. And many people shall go and say, Come ye, and let us go +up to the mountain of the Lord, to the house of the God of Jacob; and he +will teach us of his ways, and we will walk in his paths: for out of +Zion shall go forth the law, and the word of the Lord from Jerusalem. +And he shall judge among the nations, and shall rebuke many people; and +they shall beat their swords into plowshares, and their spears into +pruninghooks; nation shall not lift up sword against nation, neither +shall they learn war any more."—Isaiah 2:2-4; Micah 4:1-4.</p> +<br /> +<br /> +<h4>THE LIVING FIRST</h4> + +<p><a name="558"></a>[558]St. Paul emphatically states that the Lord Jesus shall judge the +quick and the dead at his appearing and his kingdom. (2 Timothy 4:1) In +this he is corroborated by St. Peter (1 Peter 4:5) The word <i>quick</i> here +means the living, those who have some measure of life; and the text is +so rendered in the Weymouth translation. When the new covenant is made +and the Lord begins to deal with the people, it will be with the living +first. It would be unreasonable to suppose that he would first awaken +the dead and deal with them, and then with the living later. Jesus, +speaking of the great time of trouble with which the present world +reaches a final conclusion, indicated that many human beings will pass +through the trouble. (Matthew 24:21,22) The prophet Zechariah informs us +that a portion of the people will be brought through the fiery trouble, +and refined, and then will call upon the name of the Lord and he will +hear them. (Zechariah 13:8,9) Those who learn of the Lord's kingdom and +readily put themselves under its direction and become obedient to the +laws and rules of his new kingdom will be the ones who will be blessed +and acknowledged of the Lord, and rapidly restored.</p> + +<p><a name="559"></a>[559]Further corroborative proof is given by the prophet Isaiah that +restoration will begin with those living on the earth at the beginning +of the Messianic reign. There are millions of persons now living who +have a sincere and honest desire for righteousness. Many of these love +the Lord to the extent of their knowledge of him; but their knowledge is +so limited because they have been taught so much error concerning his +character that they are filled with fear and dread. They have not +sufficient knowledge of him to have real faith. They have not gone on to +the point of consecration. They have heard of the Lord's second coming +and hope for something better. They realize that there is great trouble +in the world and see no human remedy for it. They long for a complete +and proper relief.</p> + +<p><a name="560"></a>[560]To such Jehovah says through his Prophet: "Be strong, fear not: +behold, your God will come with vengeance, even God with a recompence; +he will come and save you. Then the eyes of the blind shall be opened, +and the ears of the deaf shall be unstopped. Then shall the lame man leap +as an hart, and the tongue of the dumb sing." (Isaiah 35:4-6) These words +could have no application to persons who are in their graves, and must +exclusively apply to those who are living at the beginning of the +Messianic reign. Furthermore, when the dead are raised up, they will not +come forth from the graves minus arms, or legs, or other parts of the +body; but 'God will give to each a body as it pleaseth him' (1 Corinthians +15:38)—a reasonably sound body. And as a man renders himself in +obedience to righteousness, his body will develop toward perfection. +There are now on earth millions who are blind, or deaf, or lame, or +dumb, or cripples in some form; and these are the ones to whom the +Prophet refers. The kingdom being in operation, as these come to a +knowledge of God's great arrangements and obey the righteous laws under +the new covenant, they will develop new arms, legs, eyes; be given the +power of speech, and gradually develop a sound body.</p> + +<p><a name="561"></a>[561]When these great miracles begin to be performed in the earth, then +the most skeptical, it is to be hoped, will believe that the Lord Jesus +reigns. The miracles which he performed while on earth in opening the +eyes of the blind and healing the sick were merely examples of what he +will do in his glorified condition. Because it is both unreasonable and +unscriptural to expect that the dead will come forth from their graves +in a maimed, deaf, and dumb condition; but will come forth with +reasonably sound bodies, these words of the Prophet conclusively prove +that restoration will begin with those who are living on the earth at +the beginning of the Messianic reign.</p> + +<p><a name="562"></a>[562]Concerning the work of the Christ of restoring the peoples of +earth, and looking forward to that time, St. Paul writes; "The whole +creation groaneth and travaileth in pain together until now, waiting for +the manifestation of the sons of God"—the kingdom class. (Romans +8:19,22) Those who thus travail in pain, groan, wait, and hope for +something better, could not be the dead ones, but those who are living +at the inauguration of the new order. There are millions now on earth +who are looking and hoping for a better time, and groaning for that +relief. They understand not the mystery of God. They do not understand +how his sons constitute the seed of Abraham for their blessing; yet they +hope for something.</p> + +<p><a name="563"></a>[563]During the World War millions were maimed and disfigured in various +ways, and many deprived of one or both arms or legs. Because the Lord is +now present, putting his kingdom into operation, it is to be expected +that many of these crippled and maimed ones will be among the first to +receive the restoration blessings. As they come to a knowledge of the +fact that the Lord is giving these blessings, and render themselves in +obedience to his righteous rule, they will be thus blessed. Happy will +be their portion when they begin to be restored. Joyful will be their +friends and loved ones to see such restoration blessings being +ministered unto them.</p> + +<p><a name="564"></a>[564]While the trouble in the earth is ever increasing and the suffering +of the poor increases, some are manifesting a greater amount of sympathy +and consideration; while others are becoming more unreasonable and harsh +toward the poor. The Lord indicates what class he will favor in this +time of trouble, saying: "Blessed is he that considereth the poor: the +Lord will deliver him in the time of trouble. The Lord will preserve +him, and keep him alive; and he shall be blessed upon the earth." (Psalm +41:1,2) Surely this could apply to none other than those now living in +this time of trouble, because when restitution blessings begin the time +of trouble will be over.</p> + +<p><a name="565"></a>[565]Upon the earth there are now, according to the best statistics +obtainable, approximately 1,700,000,000 persons who have a measure of +life. The proof cited herein shows that the old world (social and +political order) ended and began to pass away in 1914, and that this +will be completed in a few years and righteousness fully established. +The Scriptural evidence further is that many will be brought through +this time of trouble, and these will be the ones with whom the Lord will +first begin the work of restoration.</p> + +<p><a name="566"></a>[566]The first world ended with a great flood, in which a few persons, +to wit, eight, were saved by being carried over in the ark from the old +to the new order of things that God established immediately after the +flood under Noah. This was an example or picture representing the +passing away of the present evil world and showing that many will be +carried over from the old to the new. When God had delivered Noah and +his family from the perils of the deluge and Noah builded an altar +before the Lord and offered a sacrifice, the Lord made promise to Noah, +saying: "I will not again curse the ground any more for man's sake; ... +neither will I again smite any more every thing living, as I have done. +While the earth remaineth, seedtime and harvest, and cold and heat, and +summer and winter, and day and night shall not cease." (Genesis 8:21,22) +The Scriptures show that "the earth abideth forever". (Ecclesiastes 1:4) +Therefore this statement to Noah is a positive promise that never again +will the earth witness the destruction of every living thing. Seeing, +then, that we are at the end of the old order and the opening of the +new, and that according to the Scriptures many must pass over to the +new, it can be confidently announced that MILLIONS OF PEOPLE NOW LIVING +WILL NEVER DIE, because these being offered restitution blessings the +presumption must be indulged that many of them will accept and be +obedient to the new order of things.</p> + +<p><a name="567"></a>[567]It was Jesus who said: "Whosoever liveth and believeth in me shall +never die". (John 11:26) The people of the world do not yet live, nor +have they had an opportunity of life; and this opportunity cannot come +to mankind in general until the times of restoration begin. Then the +living ones who believe on the Lord shall not die. We should keep in +mind, however, that to believe means to act upon that belief, in +accordance with it, and to be obedient to the new order that the Lord +will establish in the earth. Furthermore Jesus said: "If any man keep my +saying, he shall never see death". (John 8:51) Men cannot keep the +sayings of Jesus until they hear them; and the world cannot hear until +the Lord's due time. (1 Timothy 2:5,6) We are now entering that due time +and the message of the kingdom is being given out, by the Lord's grace, +that some may hear, and hearing, may profit and live.</p> + +<p><a name="568"></a>[568]The majority of mankind practise unrighteousness. This is due +largely to the fact of their imperfections. As the Prophet puts it, each +one was born and shapen in iniquity and conceived in sin. (Psalm 51:5) +They have been surrounded by conditions and influences that have induced +wrong-doing. A great many of these have not the power of resistance +against evil; but during the reign of Messiah evil will be punished and +righteousness rewarded, and evil influences restrained. Then even those +who are wicked and turn from unrighteousness to righteousness shall live +and shall not die. Of this God gives positive assurance through his +Prophet.—Ezekiel 18:27,28.</p> + +<p><a name="569"></a>[569]As further proof that restoration blessings will begin with those +living on the earth at the beginning of the Messianic reign, we cite the +words of the prophet Job. In poetic phrase he draws a picture of mankind +in a condition of suffering and sorrow, almost upon the brink of the +grave. This picture describes vividly the conditions now existing in the +earth. It depicts those who have a measure of life, all of whom must be +brought to a knowledge of the truth. Christ is the messenger of the new +covenant, through which mankind must receive the blessing. Job then +pictures the appearance of this messenger of the covenant and shows that +the message delivered turns many to righteousness. And those who hear, +appreciate and obey the message are represented as saying, 'I have found +my redeemer'; and then restitution blessings shall follow, and the old +shall be restored to a condition of manly youth. Man now is filled with +pride and pursues his own selfish purposes. The great time of trouble +will break this pride and bring the haughty low. Note Job's description:</p> + +<p><a name="570"></a>[570]"Then he openeth the ears of men, and sealeth their instruction, +that he may withdraw man from his purpose, and hide pride from man. He +[the Lord] keepeth back his [man's] soul from the pit, and his life from +perishing by the sword. He is chastened also with pain upon his bed, and +the multitude of his bones with strong pain; so that his life abhorreth +bread, and his soul dainty meat. His flesh is consumed away, that it +cannot be seen; and his bones that were not seen stick out. Yea, his +soul draweth nigh to the grave, and his life to the destroyers. [Thus +describing the miserable condition of humankind] If there be a messenger +[the Christ, the Messenger of the new covenant] with him, an +interpreter, one among a thousand, to show unto man his uprightness, +then he [the Lord] is gracious unto him [man], and saith, Deliver him +from going down to the grave [thus showing that not all are to be sent +into death. Then man is represented as saying]: I have found a ransom. +[The result then is pictured in the next phrase when the Prophet says +concerning man:] His flesh shall be fresher than a child's; he shall +return to the days of his youth."—Job 33:16-25.</p> +<br /> +<br /> +<h4>PUNISHMENT OF THE WICKED</h4> + +<p><a name="571"></a>[571]The Scriptures clearly indicate that some stubborn, proud, +disobedient ones will refuse to hear the word of the Lord and to obey +his righteous laws. The loving kindness of the Lord is manifested when +his long-suffering is shown in the fact that he does not immediately +destroy all such, but gives each one a full and fair opportunity, the +Prophet showing that each one shall have at least a hundred years of +trial; and if at the end of that time he is persistent in disobeying the +Lord, he shall be counted accursed and cut off in everlasting +destruction. (Isaiah 65:20) St. Peter corroborated this in his statement +concerning restoration times, saying: "It shall come to pass, that every +soul, which will not hear that prophet, shall be destroyed from among +the people".—Acts 3:23.</p> + +<p><a name="572"></a>[572]Again the testimony of Jesus is to the effect that at the beginning +of his reign the nations and peoples shall be gathered before him in the +sense that they will be instructed concerning his reign. In parabolic +phrase he pictures them being separated as sheep are separated from +goats. A goat is an animal that is unruly, disobedient. It refuses to +stay in the pasture where it is placed, but insists on getting outside +and destroying things where it has no business. The goat, therefore, +pictures an unruly or disobedient class. Sheep are docile, submissive, +and in Oriental countries they are led by the shepherd. They know his +voice and follow him. The Lord used this to illustrate the ones who are +obedient to him. The goats, therefore, picture the wicked class; and +concerning them the Lord said: "These shall go into everlasting +punishment"; whereas the sheep picture the obedient <i>class</i>, and of +them he says that they shall go into everlasting life.—Matthew +25:41-46.</p> + +<p><a name="573"></a>[573]Punishment does not mean torture. The laws of the land provide for +the punishment of wrongdoers, and the duration of that punishment is +according to the enormity of the crime. If a man steals his neighbor's +chickens, the duration of his punishment would probably be a few days in +prison. If he burns his neighbor's house, the duration of his punishment +would probably be a term of years in prison. If he takes his neighbor's +life, the duration of his punishment is death. There is no limitation to +that punishment. It is a lasting one—one that does not end. So those +who go into destruction suffer a punishment that is everlasting; +therefore everlasting punishment.</p> + +<p><a name="574"></a>[574]This punishment the Apostle plainly describes as destruction. +(2 Thessalonians 1:9) It is certain that they do not get life, because +the Lord plainly says in this statement that the righteous, the obedient +ones, go away into life eternal. The final fate of the wicked, +therefore, is an everlasting destruction; whereas the final state of the +obedient and righteous ones is life everlasting in peace and in joy.</p> +<br /> +<br /> +<h4>ALL MUST HAVE A "CHANCE"</h4> + +<p><a name="575"></a>[575]The great ransom-sacrifice presented in heaven by the Lord Jesus is +a guarantee that every man must have one full and fair opportunity for +life. Life is pictured as a gift. In order for a gift to be effective +there must be a giver or donor, and a receiver or donee. The giver must +be willing to give; the receiver must have knowledge that the thing is +offered and must be willing to accept. There must be two parties, the +giver and the receiver; and there must be knowledge on the part of both. +For this reason we read: "This is good and acceptable before God, our +Savior, who desires all men to be saved, and to come to an accurate +knowledge of the truth". (1 Timothy 2:3,4, <i>Diaglott</i>) The salvation +here mentioned is effected by the great ransom-price which constitutes +the price of deliverance. Then all must come to a knowledge of this fact +and either accept it or reject it, just as one who is offered a gift +must either receive or reject. Hence the Apostle writes: "Therefore as +by the offense of one judgment came upon all men to condemnation; even +so by the righteousness of one the free gift came upon all men unto +justification of life". (Romans 5:18) "The wages of sin is death; but +the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord."—Romans +6:23.</p> + +<p><a name="576"></a>[576]As further proof that all must have an opportunity, St. John wrote: +"He is the propitiation for our sins: and not for ours only, but also +for the sins of the whole world". (1 John 2:2) The word "our" as used in +this text means the class to which St. John belonged, namely, the +church, the Christ; whereas <i>the world</i> includes all the race of +mankind. The statement, then, is that the ransom was provided for all. +Furthermore, when Jesus was born, it was announced by the angel of +heaven: "Behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be +to <i>all</i> people". (Luke 2:10) Furthermore, God's promise to Abraham was +that in him and his seed <i>all</i> the families and nations of the earth +should be blessed. (Genesis 12:3; Galatians 3:8) Hence all must have an +opportunity for such blessing.</p> + +<p><a name="577"></a>[577]That those who are to be saved are not confined to the ones who go +to heaven Jesus proved when he said: "Other sheep I have, which are not +of this fold: them also I must bring, and they shall hear my voice". +(John 10:16) "This fold" means the church; and after this class is +selected, then all must have an opportunity to come into the fold of +Christ. And this is true because he bought them all with his precious +blood.</p> + +<p><a name="578"></a>[578]God caused the prophet David to write: "All nations whom thou hast +made shall come find worship before thee, O Lord; and shall glorify thy +name". (Psalm 86:9) This is further corroborative proof that all must +have an opportunity.</p> + +<p><a name="579"></a>[579]A highway is a means of travel. For instance, we have built across +the United States what is known as the Lincoln Highway. A highway is +used to illustrate the way that the Lord will provide for the return of +the people to him through the terms of the new covenant. The prophet +Isaiah thus wrote: "A highway shall be there, and a way, and it shall be +called, The way of holiness; the unclean shall not pass over it, but it +shall be for those; the wayfaring men, though fools, shall not err +therein". (Isaiah 35:8) It will be noticed that there is a way to go +over this highway, and it shall be called "The way of holiness". In +other words, those who pass over it will be made holy. The highway +pictures the whole journey from the beginning to the end of the +Millennial reign of Christ. The unclean shall not pass over it, because +unless a man will be cleaned up before he progresses a great way, he +will be permitted to go no further. But as he strives to cleanse himself +and be obedient to the Lord, he will be helped. There shall be nothing +there to hinder him, because Satan's influence will be restrained. +(Revelation 20:1-4) The way shall be so plain and clear that any and all +may see it. The Lord, therefore, has graciously provided a way for the +oppressed and sin-sick to be led back over the highway of holiness into +a condition of perfection and happiness.</p> + +<p><a name="580"></a>[580]Because Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, and the other faithful prophets +described by the apostle Paul in Hebrews 11 are promised a better +resurrection; because of the statement of the Prophet that they shall be +princes or rulers in all the earth (Psalm 45:16), it is to be expected +that they will be the first ones raised under the terms of the new +covenant. Therefore it is reasonable to expect them to be back on earth +at the beginning of the restoration blessings. Hence these faithful men +may be expected on earth within the next few years. They will constitute +the legal representatives of the Christ in the earth. They will be the +visible representatives of the kingdom of heaven. These are the ones who +shall administer the affairs of earth under the direction of the Lord.</p> + +<p><a name="581"></a>[581]We therefore see that there are two phases of God's kingdom: the +heavenly, which is invisible; and the earthly, which is visible, the +faithful prophets of old, namely, the ancient worthies, representing the +Lord in this regard.</p> + +<p><a name="582"></a>[582]The Lord through his prophet Zechariah gives a wonderful picture of +the establishment of this kingdom and of the blessings that will come. +The prophecy is written in highly symbolic phrase. It reads: "His feet +shall stand in that day upon the mount of Olives, which is before +Jerusalem on the east, and the mount of Olives shall cleave in the midst +thereof toward the east and toward the west, and there shall be a very +great valley; and half of the mountain shall remove toward the north, +and half of it toward the south. And ye shall flee to the valley of the +mountains; for the valley of the mountains shall reach unto Azal: yea, +ye shall flee, like as ye fled from before the earthquake in the days of +Uzziah king of Judah; and the Lord my God shall come, and all the saints +with thee." (Zechariah 14:4,5) "His feet" in this prophecy represent +Jehovah's feet; while mountain symbolizes kingdom. The olive is a symbol +of light, peace, and divine blessing; hence the picture is that +Jehovah's authority, represented by his feet, will be established upon +earth, by a kingdom of light, peace, and blessing. The cleaving of this +mountain in the midst, showing a part on the north and a part on the +south, pictures the two phases, heavenly and earthly, of the Messianic +kingdom; and the valley between represents the valley of blessings. Into +this valley the sin-sick, sore, feeble, oppressed, yea all, shall flee +and there receive the blessings of the Lord, which will make them rich +in health and peace and happiness for ever.</p> + +<p><a name="583"></a>[583]Every one, then, who believes God's Word and who confidently +expects the kingdom to bring blessings to mankind and who sees it now +being established should watch for the return of Abraham and the other +faithful prophets and get into communication with them as soon as +possible after their return. And acting under their advice, all such +will doubtless find early many opportunities of service, which will +bring to them blessings and happiness.</p> + +<p><a name="584"></a>[584]The Psalmist gives us another picture of this kingdom of blessing, +saying: "The mighty God, even the Lord, hath spoken, and called the +earth from the rising of the sun unto the going down thereof". (Psalm +50:1) The earth here represents the new organized government. The rising +of the sun means the beginning of the Messianic reign; while its going +down pictures the completion of that reign. Therefore, throughout the +whole Millennial reign the Lord will be calling to the peoples of earth +to come into this valley of blessing and receive life, peace, and +happiness. "He shall call to the heavens [the spiritual, invisible part +of the kingdom] from above, and to the earth [the new organized +government], that he may judge his people." (Psalm 50:4) To judge means +to give opportunity for blessings by means of a trial; and this is in +harmony with the other statements of the Scriptures that every one must +have a fair trial for life.</p> +<br /> +<br /> +<h4>THE DEAD TO RISE</h4> + +<p><a name="585"></a>[585]The first few years of restitution blessings will find multitudes +of people diligently seeking to be restored to health and strength; and +as they grow strong themselves and prepare homes for themselves and +their families, they will be thinking of their beloved dead. Naturally +they will want to see them again, and they will pray to the Lord to +restore them. And the Lord will hear their prayers and answer them. "It +shall come to pass, that before they call, I will answer; and while they +are yet speaking, I will hear." (Isaiah 65:24) Jesus declared that "all +that are in the graves shall hear his voice, and shall come forth; they +that have done good, unto the resurrection of life; and they that have +done evil, unto the resurrection of judgment". (John 5:28,29) "They that +have done evil" here means the entire human race aside from the church. +They were born evil, born sinners. (Romans 5:12) They are coming forth +to judgment, to a trial; and this is the great trial time spoken of by +the Apostle, in which all men shall have an opportunity. (Acts 17:31) +"There shall be a resurrection of the dead, both of the just and +unjust."—Acts 24:15.</p> + +<p><a name="586"></a>[586]St. Paul then produces his wonderful and beautiful argument on the +resurrection, saying, "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 +firstfruits of them that slept. For since by man came death, by man +came also the resurrection of the dead. For as in Adam all die, even so +in Christ shall all be made alive." (1 Corinthians 15:16-22) Then the +Apostle shows that after the resurrection of the church in the beginning +of the kingdom every man must come forth in his own order. Jesus +declared: "Many that are first shall be last; and the last shall be +first". (Matthew 19:30) This principle may be properly applied to the +resurrection of the dead. Those who died last will be the first to be +awakened; while those who died centuries ago will be among the last to +be awakened.</p> + +<p><a name="587"></a>[587]In the World War millions of men died upon the battlefield. That +was indeed the land of the enemy, the land of death. The Lord gives us a +picture through the Prophet as to the coming days of blessing, saying to +the woman who wept for her children, and thus illustrating all who weep +for their dead: "Refrain thy voice from weeping, and thine eyes from +tears; for thy work shall be rewarded, saith the Lord; and they shall +come again from the land of the enemy. And there is hope in thine end, +saith the Lord, that thy children shall come again to their own border." +—Jeremiah 31:16,17.</p> + +<p><a name="588"></a>[588]As the dead come back from the tombs, provision will be made for +them by their friends who are living on the earth. Families long broken +up will be again united; and sadness will give way to joy. The whole +human race, ransomed by the Lord, will have this opportunity; and the +Prophet describes it thus: "The ransomed of the Lord shall return, and +come to Zion with songs and everlasting joy upon their heads; they shall +obtain joy and gladness, and sorrow and sighing shall flee away". +(Isaiah 35:10) Gradually, throughout the thousand years of Messiah's +reign, will the human race march up over the highway of holiness, until +all will have had a full and fair opportunity, the willfully wicked +destroyed and the obedient ones restored to perfection of body and mind +and heart.</p> + +<p><a name="589"></a>[589]The people of Sodom and Gomorrah were destroyed by fire. It does +not mean, however, that they went into an endless torture, as we have +heretofore been led to believe. On the contrary, the Lord plainly states +that they shall be brought back to their former estate; that is, as +human beings on the earth, for the purpose of being given a trial. "When +thy sisters, Sodom and her daughters, shall return to their former +estate, and Samaria and her daughters shall return to their former +estate, then thou and thy daughters shall return to your former estate." +(Ezekiel 16:55) While the Lord will rule with an iron hand, compelling +obedience, yet his rule will be a righteous one, and he will reprove +with justice. He is pictured by the Prophet as ruling in faithfulness +and righteousness, thus: "With righteousness shall he judge the poor, +and reprove with equity for the meek of the earth: and he shall smite +the earth with the rod of his mouth, and with the breath of his lips +shall he slay the wicked. And righteousness shall be the girdle of his +loins, and faithfulness the girdle of his reins."—Isaiah 11:4,5.</p> + +<p><a name="590"></a>[590]The beneficial effect of his righteous reign is also pictured by +the Prophet, in the passage which shows how that the wild beasts of the +earth will become subject to man, and how a little child shall direct +them. "The wolf also shall dwell with the lamb, and the leopard shall +lie down with the kid; and the calf and the young lion and the fatling +together; and a little child shall lead them. And the cow and the bear +shall feed; their young ones shall lie down together; and the lion shall +eat straw like the ox. And the sucking child shall play on the hole of +the asp, and the weaned child shall put his hand on the cockatrice' +den."—Isaiah 11:6-8.</p> + +<p><a name="591"></a>[591]All must come to a knowledge of the truth; and those obeying it +will have their sins and iniquities wiped out for ever. Thus says the +Prophet: "They shall teach no more every man his neighbor, and every man +his brother, saying, Know the Lord: for they shall all know me, from the +least to the greatest of them, saith the Lord: for I will forgive their +iniquity, and I will remember their sin no more." (Jeremiah 31:34) When +the Lord remembers their iniquities and sins no more, then it must be +that they are restored. When John the Baptist announced the approach of +Jesus, he exclaimed: "Behold the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin +of the world". When the sin of the world is gone, when there is a world +without sin, then it must be a world with perfect people.</p> + +<p><a name="592"></a>[592]That the people will be brought to a condition of health and be +cured of their sickness the Lord assures us through his Prophet. +"Behold, I will bring in health and cure, and I will cure them, and will +reveal unto them the abundance of peace and truth." (Jeremiah 33:6) "And +the inhabitant shall not say, I am sick; the people that dwell therein +shall be forgiven their iniquity."—Isaiah 33:24</p> +<br /> +<br /> +<h4>PARADISE RESTORED</h4> + +<p><a name="593"></a>[593]The restoration means the bringing back to earth of the Edenic +condition for man's benefit. Some may think there will be not sufficient +room upon the earth for all the restored ones. According to the best +authority, there have lived and died about 20,000,000,000 people. There +are now on earth approximately 1,700,000,000 persons. This is a total of +21,700,000,000. In order to be liberal, let us suppose that all the +human race will total 50,000,000,000. As a suggestion that there will +be ample room for all on the earth, let one take his pencil and divide +the area of the state of Texas by 50,000,000,000; and he will find that +that number of people could be placed in the state of Texas alone, +giving each one about 146 square feet of land upon which to stand. Of +course it is not to be expected that the earth will be crowded thus; but +when we remember that only a small portion of the earth's surface is now +inhabited, that a great portion of it is desert, and when this desert +shall become productive and all parts of the earth habitable, then we +may see that 50,000,000,000 of people could comfortably be taken care of +in the earth and have plenty of room to spare.</p> + +<p><a name="594"></a>[594]But will the earth produce sufficiently to feed this multitude? The +Scriptures answer: "The wilderness and the solitary place shall be glad +for them; and the desert shall rejoice, and blossom as the rose. It +shall blossom abundantly, and rejoice even with joy and singing; the +glory of Lebanon shall be given unto it, the excellency of Carmel and +Sharon: they shall see the glory of the Lord, and the excellency of our +God.... And the parched ground shall become a pool, and the thirsty land +springs of water." (Isaiah 35:1,2,7) "The desolate land shall be tilled, +whereas it lay desolate in the sight of all that passed by. And they +shall say, This land that was desolate is become like the garden of +Eden; and the waste and desolate and ruined cities are become fenced, +and are inhabited." (Ezekiel 36:34,35) When the whole earth's surface is +brought up to a condition of high cultivation like unto the garden of +Eden, then indeed the earth will be a fit habitation for man. The +reclamation of desert land such as the Imperial Valley of California has +now begun. Only a few years ago that valley was a desolate wilderness in +which no animal or human being could live; and now it produces abundant +crops because it has been watered. When all the vast deserts of Sahara, +Arabia, and America are fully irrigated and blossom as the rose, they +will produce abundantly for man's needs.</p> + +<p><a name="595"></a>[595]The reign of Christ will result in the destruction of all man's +enemies. The weeds, the thistles, the thorns, the pests that destroy +crops, shall all be destroyed. Everything that produces sickness shall +be destroyed. The Apostle plainly says; "He [Christ] must reign, till he +hath put all enemies under his feet. The last enemy that shall be +destroyed is death."—1 Corinthians 15:25,26.</p> + +<p><a name="596"></a>[596]We can well imagine great multitudes of people assembling in +different parts of the earth to celebrate their deliverance from Satan +and his wicked organizations; and as the people witness the passing away +of ignorance, crime, superstition; and see knowledge, goodness, loving +kindness taking their place, they will fill the earth with joyful song. +The Prophet describes some of the effects of these restitution blessings +thus: "In this mountain [kingdom] shall the Lord of hosts make unto all +people a feast of fat things, a feast of wines on the lees, of fat +things full of marrow, of wines on the lees well refined. And he will +destroy in this mountain the face of the covering cast over all people, +and the vail that is spread over all nations [taking away ignorance, +etc,]. He will swallow up death in victory; and the Lord God will wipe +away all tears from off all faces; and the rebuke of his people shall he +take away from off the earth; for the Lord hath spoken it."—Isaiah +25:6-8.</p> + +<p><a name="597"></a>[597]St. John on the Isle of Patmos had a vision of the great Messianic +kingdom and described it in symbolic phrase. The word "heaven" +symbolically means the invisible ruling power; while the "earth" means +organized society. The old heaven has been wicked, because Satan, the +wicked one, has been ruling. The old earth has been wicked, because the +organizations of men have been under the dominion of Satan. St. John, +observing the Messianic kingdom and the blessings that would follow, +wrote: "I saw a new heaven and a new earth; for the first heaven and the +first earth were passed away; and there was no more sea". Thus he shows +the new heaven (the Messianic kingdom) and the new earth (society +organized on a righteous basis in the earth). <i>Sea</i> is symbolic of +restless humanity, thus picturing the fact that there will be no more +strikes, lock-outs, revolutions, or anarchy. Continuing, he describes +the kingdom as a holy city, the new Jerusalem, in this beautiful phrase: +"And I John saw the holy city, new Jerusalem, coming down from God out +of heaven, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband. And I heard a +great voice out of heaven saying, Behold, the tabernacle of God is with +men, and he will dwell with them, and they shall be his people, and God +himself shall be with them, and be their God"—picturing here the +dwelling place of the Lord. The place of meeting between Jehovah and +mankind is through the Christ. The results will be the destruction of +the enemy death, and the full restoration of the obedient ones; and thus +he describes it: "And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and +there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall +there be any more pain; for the former things are passed away. And he +that sat upon the throne said, Behold, I make all things new. And he +said unto me, Write: for these words are true and faithful."—Revelation +21:1-5.</p> + +<p><a name="598"></a>[598]Let the reasonable person ask himself these questions:</p> + +<p><a name="599"></a>[599]Why would God outline such a marvelous plan as this?</p> + +<p><a name="600"></a>[600]Why would he establish a new heaven and a new earth?</p> + +<p><a name="601"></a>[601]Why would he awaken the dead out of their graves unless he intended +to give them an opportunity to be restored to the perfection enjoyed by +Adam before he sinned?</p> + +<p><a name="602"></a>[602]God has invited us to use our reasoning faculties (Isaiah 1:18); +and if we believe these great truths taught in the Bible, we can reach +no other reasonable conclusion than that restitution is the great +objective of God's plan relative to the human race, and that restitution +blessings are near because the kingdom of heaven is at hand, even at the +door. Let those who are cast down look up now; let the sorrowful be +glad; let the sad hearts be comforted, and the broken hearts be bound +up. Lift up your heads and rejoice in the fact that the day of +deliverance for mankind is at the door!</p> + +<p><a name="603"></a>[603]Call to mind for a moment the great amount of suffering in the +densely populated cities. Old men and old women, young men and young +women, children, infants in arms, all crowded into foul tenements, with +not sufficient food, impure air, and improper clothing; and everything +tending to degrade their morals. Call to mind the countries devastated +by the war, the homes destroyed, families broken up, the crippled, +blind, deaf, dumb, and insane. Imagine for a moment the intense +suffering of the millions of people throughout the earth; and then know +that this dark vail of suffering and death will shortly be lifted and +the sunlight of God's love will shine in upon all. Like the sun, the +great Messianic kingdom, shining forth with healing beams, shall dispel +the darkness, drive away the sickness, clean up the bodies and clean up +the minds and morals, point the people to proper food—what to eat and +how to eat it, what to think upon and how to conduct themselves; and +above all, to give them a full knowledge of the loving kindness of our +great God and of the Lord Jesus Christ, the dearest Friend of all. And +know, then, that these blessings will bring eternal happiness in the +earth. Men and women will not only grow strong, but they will reach that +state in which they will not even fear, think, or expect, to be sick.</p> + +<p><a name="604"></a>[604]With the establishment of the new order under the Messiah wars and +revolutions shall cease, because he has promised that then "they shall +beat their swords into plowshares and their spears into pruninghooks; +nation shall not lift up sword against nation, neither shall they learn +war any more"; and thus there shall be no more restless humanity, +symbolically called <i>sea</i>.—Isaiah 2:4; Micah 4:3; Revelation 21:1.</p> + +<p><a name="605"></a>[605]The profiteers will no longer be permitted to prey upon the people, +because God's promise is that under the righteous reign none shall be +permitted to injure another nor defraud his neighbor.—Isaiah 11:9; +65:25.</p> + +<p><a name="606"></a>[606]Then shall famines vanish away and no more shall be hungering for +food nor vainly striving for sustenance of life, because then the earth +shall yield her increase and there shall be plenty for all.—Psalm 67:6.</p> + +<p><a name="607"></a>[607]Then shall disease and sickness be destroyed, because God has +promised under this new order to bring in health and strength and to +bless the people with all favors incident thereto. "The inhabitant shall +not say, I am sick."—Isaiah 33:24; Revelation 21:4.</p> + +<p><a name="608"></a>[608]Funerals now are the order of the day, and the family and loved +ones left behind assemble in sorrow to pay the last tribute to their +beloved dead. But under the new order of things funerals will cease, +undertakers will seek a more pleasing employment, and the hearses will +be changed from vehicles of sorrow to equipages of pleasure. "There +shall be no more death."—Rev. 21:4.</p> + +<p><a name="609"></a>[609]Families have been torn asunder and each member has borne his or her +sorrow until claimed by the grave; but under the new order families will +be reunited, parents will be brought back to the children, and children +to the parents, and they shall dwell together in happiness.—1 Corinthians +15:22,23.</p> + +<p><a name="610"></a>[610]No more will the poor be vainly hunting for a habitation or fleeing +from greedy landlords, because then, as God has promised, the people +shall 'build houses and live in them; they shall not build for another +to live in but then every man shall have his own habitation and every +man shall sit under his own vine and fig tree and none shall make them +afraid'.—Isaiah 65:21-23; Micah 4:4.</p> + +<p><a name="611"></a>[611]At that time there will be full liberty to do right, because right +will always be encouraged. Every one will have the liberty to do all the +good he can. There will be no secret service men nor espionage laws +under the reign of Messiah. This will result in the development and +exhibition of the beauty of character. Justice will prevail amongst men; +they will become wise concerning the things pertaining to their welfare +and happiness. Love will be the motive directing their actions and their +every power shall be exercised for good.—Revelation 21:24-27.</p> + +<p><a name="612"></a>[612]Life, that which has been the desire of men in all ages, will be +completely realized—life in fullness, when men and women will be strong +and vigorous, and there shall be no more pain, no suffering, no sorrow, +no death; when all obedient ones shall return to the days of their youth +and enjoy life as perfect human beings through endless ages.—Job 33:25; +Romans 6:23; Revelation 21:4.</p> + +<p><a name="613"></a>[613]Praise then shall take the place of sorrow. No longer will the +people assemble in cemeteries on Decoration Day to pay tribute to their +hero dead, because then their dead will be restored to them; and the one +who shall be the greatest hero in their minds and hearts will be the +great Messiah, who has brought the people the unspeakable blessings. +Then will the people assemble, not to discuss politics, nor to wrangle +over who shall hold the offices, but to improve their minds and to study +the beauties and wonders of God's creation and to sing songs of gladness +to his praise.—Isaiah 35:10; 51:11; Philippians 2:10,11.</p> +<br /> +<br /> +<h4>CONSOLATION TO CHRISTIANS</h4> + +<p><a name="614"></a>[614]Death is a cruel enemy of the human race. Its sting has been felt +for ages. It takes away beloved ones and leaves a burning dagger in the +heart of the surviving friend. It has filled the earth with sadness, and +the people with grief. But the sweet music from the harp of God has +cheered some sad hearts who have learned of the divine arrangement to +restore their dear ones whom they have loved and lost awhile. By faith +the Christian sees that in his own good time and way God will bring back +their beloved dead and give them an opportunity for endless life and +happiness, because he has promised thus to do. The Christian knows that +God's promises are certain of fulfillment and that his power to perform +is unlimited. Such faith, based upon the precious promises, helps now in +a measure to allay the sting of death.</p> + +<p><a name="615"></a>[615]Beside the tossing billows of the mighty ocean one walks in silent +meditation. Her mind turns to a beloved one who during the World War was +taken away to serve in the navy. For a time he sailed the seas and +returned, only to sicken and die, leaving behind a bleeding heart, which +only time and the Lord can heal. As her feet silently tread the soft +sands recently caressed by the waves, her mind is filled with thoughts +of happy days spent with her beloved brother, whose laughter is now +hushed in death and who sleeps in Jesus, waiting for the time of +resurrection. The former joyful days were turned into sorrow because of +Death's wicked hand. But the great Burden-Bearer lightens her load and +helps her to bear her sorrow as there come to her mind the words spoken +through his messenger: "Sorrow not as others, who have no hope; for if +we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so them also which sleep +in Jesus will God bring by him.... Comfort one another with these +words."—1 Thessalonians 4:13,14,18.</p> + +<p><a name="616"></a>[616]Gazing far out to sea, she observes a mighty ship being tossed by +the power of the waves as though it were an empty shell. What marvelous +power is thus displayed by those waves! Yet it is but a semblance of the +power of God. He who made the great ocean and caused the moon to kiss +its bosom at nightfall; he who hung the stars in the heavens, which +serve to guide the weary and wave-tossed mariner in his stormy course, +and who holds back the winds until he has reached his desired haven—he +it is who is clothed with all power and authority in heaven and in +earth, and has promised to bring back the beloved dead from the grave. +His promise he will faithfully keep.</p> + +<p><a name="617"></a>[617]Her meditations for a time sad, are now turned into silent joy +because of the hope planted in that once troubled bosom by the precious +promises of God. By faith she sees the blessed day, not far distant, +when back to life shall come that beloved brother. By faith she sees him +hurrying over the highway of holiness, until he is made strong, +vigorous, and returns to the days of his youth, and shall dwell in peace +and happiness for ever.</p> + +<p><a name="618"></a>[618]Oh! what sweet and consoling music the restoration string of God's +harp brings to the heart of the Christian now! What great joy will fill +that heart when, as a member of the glorified body of Christ, the +blessed privilege will be had of awakening out of death that beloved one +and marking his gradual restoration to perfect manhood! Then both the +blesser and the blessed will praise God for his boundless love. Until +that happy day, blessed is the one who claims the promise: "Thou wilt +keep him in perfect peace whose mind [meditation] is stayed on thee, +because he trusteth in thee".—Isaiah 26:3.</p> + +<p><a name="619"></a>[619]For centuries Christians lost sight of the beautiful doctrine of +the restoration pictured by the tenth string of the harp of God. This +was due to the fact that the consecrated were in captivity to the +religious systems formed by man and into which Satan injected false +doctrines, thereby blinding the understanding of even the honest-hearted. +But with the second presence of the Lord his people have been released +from such Babylonian captivity. The eyes of their understanding opening +because of the brightness of his presence, they have learned of the +restoration string of the harp of God; and its sweet melody has cheered +their hearts so much that they could not keep back the singing. God +foreknew this, of course; and for the further encouragement of such +caused his Prophet to write these appropriate words relative to the +restoration blessings coming to the nations and peoples and kindreds of +earth: "When the Lord turned again the captivity of Zion, we were like +them that dream. Then was our mouth filled with laughter, and our tongue +with singing: then said they among the heathen, The Lord hath done great +things for them."—Psalm 126:1,2.</p> + +<p><a name="620"></a>[620]Truly, as God's Prophet said: "I will incline mine ear to a +parable: I will open my dark saying upon the harp". (Psalm 49:4) All of +God's plan has been stated in parabolic language, and is appreciated +only by the consecrated follower of Jesus; but when understood, it is +indeed a harp that yields the most entrancing music that ever fell upon +human ears. Strike now the chord of restitution and hear how beautifully +it responds and harmonises with all the other strings upon the divine +harp! Know, then, that as the people come to learn of God's wonderful +arrangement, all whose hearts are right will praise him. The Psalmist +thus appropriately says:</p> + +<span style="margin-left: 1em;">"O worship the Lord in the beauty of holiness:</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;">Fear before him, all the earth.</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;">Say among the heathen that the Lord reigneth;</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;">The world also shall he established that it shall not be moved;</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;">He shall judge the people righteously.</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;">Let the heavens rejoice, and let the earth be glad;</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;">Let the sea roar, and the fullness thereof.</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;">Let the field be joyful, and all that is therein;</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;">Then shall all the trees of the wood rejoice before the Lord;</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;">For he cometh, for he cometh to judge the earth:</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;">He shall judge the world with righteousness,</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;">And the people with his truth."—Psalm 96:9-13.</span><br /> + +<p><a name="621"></a>[621]Finally, at the end of the Millennial reign of the Messianic +kingdom, all the obedient ones of the human race will have been restored +to perfect conditions. The harp of God, the great doctrinal truths, will +be magnified in the hearts of all the people. But even now the fully +consecrated Christian is pictured as standing above the kingdoms of this +world, having the harp of God, and singing the song of Moses and the +Lamb, saying: "Great and marvelous are thy works, Lord God Almighty; +just and true are thy ways, thou King of saints. Who shall not fear +thee, O Lord, and glorify thy name?" And with the close of the thousand +years "all nations shall come and worship before thee; for thy judgments +are made manifest". (Revelation 15:3,4) These are looking to the +finished work of Christ.</p> +<br /> +<br /> +<h4>HALLELUJAH CHORUS</h4> + +<p><a name="622"></a>[622]By faith looking up through the corridor of the Millennial age now +opening, we see standing at the further end thereof a perfect race of +human beings. Every vestige of wickedness, selfishness, and wrong has +been eliminated. During the thousand-year reign of Christ that old +serpent, the devil and Satan, has been restrained, that he might not +deceive the nations and peoples during the Messianic reign. (Revelation +20:1-3) Being released for a little season at the end of that period, he +has put forth his efforts again to deceive; but now these have ended and +Satan is destroyed, because God has decreed it thus. (Revelation +20:7-10; Hebrews 2:14) Abraham, the father of the faithful, and his +colleagues of like faithfulness, who have, under the supervision of the +Christ, directed the people through their Millennial trial, have +finished their earthly career and have been raised to a higher plane as +spirit beings. Having during that reign turned many to righteousness, +they shine forth as the stars for ever and ever. (Daniel 12:3) The earth +has been brought to a condition of Edenic Paradise. In it there are no +weeds, thistles, or wicked thorns. It is a fit habitation for perfect +man, pleasing to the eye. All men and women have been perfected in +organism, mind, and character; and gracious words are upon their lips. +Each one, granted a perfect voice, possesses the ability to sing +perfectly; and a song of joy is upon all lips. All the creation of earth +is now subjected to man; and the chief joy of every one is and will be +to contribute to the happiness of his fellow men and to glorify God and +Christ.</p> + +<p><a name="623"></a>[623]By faith behold this happy picture for a moment, and then turn +your vision to the things heavenly. There angels, who for ages have +faithfully performed service as messengers to the Lord, are assembled; +line upon line, tier upon tier of these glorious beings. In their +respective positions of honor stand forth the cherubim and seraphim; and +in the midst of all stands the Christ. Jesus Christ the blessed and +faithful one, as the great victor now looks back over his work and 'sees +the travail of his soul and is satisfied' with the happy results. +Standing by his side is his glorious bride, who for a thousand years has +been the recipient of the exceeding riches of the grace of God through +her beloved Head, and who will now enjoy these favors to endless ages. +Her bridesmaids, 'the virgins her companions who follow' and serve her, +are there, performing their divinely assigned functions. Above all +stands the great Jehovah God, whose wisdom planned it all and whose +loving kindness has been showered upon the multitude of his creatures. +Joy fills his blessed heart. His plan, as he foreknew it would be, is a +grand success.</p> + +<p><a name="624"></a>[624]It is an entrancing scene! It is the appropriate time for the +Hallelujah chorus. The stage is set. The trumpeters with their trumpets +take their places, and the psaltery and the harp are brought forth. The +timbrel, the stringed instruments, the organ, the cymbals, and every +conceivable instrument of praise is in the hands of the heavenly host. +There is a breathless silence. Then the trumpeters peal forth their +paeans of praise, and all the other players and singers of the heavenly +hosts join in. This entrancing music is caught up by the multitudes of +earth and wafted back to heaven again (because communication has been +established between the perfect men and the perfect heavenly creatures), +until every creature which is in heaven and on earth and under the +earth, and such as are in the sea, and all that are in them, are +praising God, saying: "Blessing, and honor, and glory, and power, be +unto him that sitteth upon the throne, and unto the Lamb for ever and +ever". (Revelation 5:13) Every knee is bowing and every tongue is +confessing that Jesus is the Christ, to the glory of God the Father. +Every creature that has breath is now joining in the song. It is the +Hallelujah chorus, and this is what they sing:</p> + +<span style="margin-left: 1em;">"Praise ye the Lord!</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;">Praise God in his sanctuary; praise him in the firmament of his power.</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;">Praise him for his mighty acts; praise him according to his excellent</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 5em;">greatness.</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;">Praise him with the sound of the trumpet;</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;">Praise him with the psaltery and harp.</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;">Praise him with the timbrel and dance;</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;">Praise him with stringed instruments and organs.</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;">Praise him upon the loud cymbals; praise him upon the high sounding</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 5em;">cymbals.</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;">Let every thing that hath breath praise the Lord.</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;">Praise ye the Lord!"—Psalm 150.</span><br /> + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> + +<p>How will the restoration string of the harp affect the world? <a href="#535">¶ 535</a>.</p> + +<p>What does the tenth string of the harp represent? <a href="#535">¶ 535</a>.</p> + +<p>What two great doctrines were lost sight of for a long time by +Christians? <a href="#535">¶ 535</a>.</p> + +<p>What did the harp with eight strings, sometimes used by the Jews, +represent? <a href="#535">¶ 535</a>.</p> + +<p>Define restoration. <a href="#536">¶ 536</a>.</p> + +<p>What did Adam lose for himself and his offspring? <a href="#536">¶ 536</a>.</p> + +<p>Give the Scriptural proof as to the nature of the first man. <a href="#536">¶ 536</a>.</p> + +<p>What was God's purpose in creating the earth and putting man upon it? +<a href="#536">¶ 536</a>.</p> + +<p>Is any one warranted in denying the doctrine of the restoration of +mankind? <a href="#537">¶ 537</a>.</p> + +<p>If there is to be no restoration of man, what effect would that have +upon the purpose, for which God created man and the earth? <a href="#537">¶ 537</a>.</p> + +<p>Can the purposes of God fail? Give Scriptural reason for answer. <a href="#537">¶ 537</a>.</p> + +<p>If there is to be no restoration of man, then the manifestation of +divine justice meant what? <a href="#538">¶ 538</a>.</p> + +<p>What is the meaning of God's promise to Abraham to bless all the +families of the earth if there is to be no restoration? <a href="#539">¶ 539</a>.</p> + +<p>How did Jehovah bind this promise? and what assurance does that give +concerning its fulfillment? <a href="#539">¶ 539</a>.</p> + +<p>Why did Jesus come to earth? <a href="#540">¶ 540</a>.</p> + +<p>Would his coming, death, and resurrection accomplish anything if there +is no such thing as restoration of the human race? Give Scriptural +reason for answer. <a href="#541">¶¶ 541, 542</a>.</p> + +<p>Does the ransom-sacrifice guarantee an opportunity for restoration to +all? Give Scriptural reasons for answer. <a href="#543">¶ 543</a>.</p> + +<p>What guarantee is given to man by the resurrection of Jesus? Give +Scriptural proof. <a href="#543">¶ 543</a>.</p> + +<p>If the doctrine of restoration is not true, then what shall we say about +the words of the Apostle as recorded in 1 Corinthians 15:20-26? <a href="#543">¶ 543</a>.</p> + +<p>The mystery being the seed of promise, what, then, is the work of the +mystery class when glorified? <a href="#544">¶ 544</a>.</p> + +<p>If there be no restoration of the human race, why would Jehovah devote +so much time to the development of the mystery class? <a href="#544">¶ 544</a>.</p> + +<p>What relationship has the second coming of Christ to restoration? Give +Scriptural statement relating to this point. <a href="#545">¶ 545</a>.</p> + +<p>Did the prophets foretell the days of restoration? Give Scriptural +proof. <a href="#546">¶¶ 546, 547</a>.</p> + +<p>Would it be reasonable to suppose that God would provide a new creation +and not give it some specific work to do relative to man? <a href="#548">¶ 548</a>.</p> + +<p>What do the Scriptures say about the judging and blessing of the +families of the earth? <a href="#548">¶ 548</a>.</p> + +<p>Could there be a judgment without a trial? <a href="#548">¶ 548</a>.</p> + +<p>What did Jesus say about the regeneration of the human race, and those +who would participate in this work? Give Scriptural proof. <a href="#548">¶ 548</a>.</p> + +<p>Define regeneration. <a href="#548">¶ 548</a>.</p> + +<p>What promise is given to the church with reference to reigning with +Christ? <a href="#549">¶ 549</a>.</p> + +<p>What is the purpose of the thousand-year reign with Christ Jesus? <a href="#549">¶ 549</a>.</p> + +<p>What did St. Paul say about the saints judging the world? <a href="#550">¶ 550</a>.</p> + +<p>What did Jesus say about the gathering the nations before him at his +second appearing? <a href="#550">¶ 550</a>.</p> + +<p>Would not the purpose of God concerning the new creation fail if there +is no restoration of mankind? <a href="#550">¶ 550</a>.</p> + +<p>What did God's Prophet say concerning the bringing out of the dead from +the prison-house of death? <a href="#551">¶ 551</a>.</p> + +<p>What did the prophet Isaiah state with reference to the church +establishing the earth and causing the people to inherit it? <a href="#551">¶ 551</a>.</p> + +<p>To what does every vital doctrine of the divine plan point? <a href="#552">¶ 552</a>.</p> + +<p>With what do all the other strings of the harp harmonize? <a href="#552">¶ 552</a>.</p> + +<p>Why could not the Jews get life under the law covenant? <a href="#553">¶ 553</a>.</p> + +<p>For what purpose was the law covenant made? <a href="#553">¶ 553</a>.</p> + +<p>Is there to be a new covenant made for the benefit of man? Give +Scriptural proof. <a href="#553">¶ 553</a>.</p> + +<p>When will the new covenant be sealed? <a href="#554">¶ 554</a>.</p> + +<p>State the terms of the new covenant as set forth by St. Paul. <a href="#554">¶ 554</a>.</p> + +<p>What opportunity will be granted to the human race under the terms of +the new covenant? <a href="#555">¶ 555</a>.</p> + +<p>What do the Scriptures say that God will put into their minds and hearts +under the terms of this covenant? <a href="#555">¶ 555</a>.</p> + +<p>What prominent characters will be resurrected immediately following the +making of the new covenant? <a href="#556">¶ 556</a>.</p> + +<p>What official positions will these prominent characters occupy in the +Messianic kingdom? <a href="#556">¶ 556</a>.</p> + +<p>What will the Lord do for the people in the way of instructing them and +leading them under the terms of the new covenant, as indicated by the +prophets? Give Scriptural proof. <a href="#557">¶ 557</a>.</p> + +<p>What does the Apostle say about whom the Lord will judge when he comes? +<a href="#558">¶ 558</a>.</p> + +<p>What is meant by the word "quick" as used in the Scriptures above +referred to? <a href="#558">¶ 558</a>.</p> + +<p>With whom will the Lord deal, first when the new covenant is made? <a href="#558">¶ 558</a>.</p> + +<p>Would we expect that he would first awaken the dead and judge them +before dealing with the living? <a href="#558">¶ 558</a>.</p> + +<p>Will any people be brought through the great time of trouble now on the +earth and have an opportunity for restoration blessings? Give the +Scriptural reason for this answer. <a href="#558">¶ 558</a>.</p> + +<p>Are there many people now living on the earth who sincerely desire a +righteous government? <a href="#559">¶ 559</a>.</p> + +<p>What is the extent of their knowledge of the Lord and his arrangement? +and what effect has this lack of knowledge had upon them? <a href="#559">¶ 559</a>.</p> + +<p>What message has the Lord given to such through his Prophet? Give the +Scriptural proof. <a href="#560">¶ 560</a>.</p> + +<p>Why do the words of Isaiah 35:4-6 apply to these who are living and not +to those in the graves? <a href="#560">¶ 560</a>.</p> + +<p>Will the dead be resurrected minus arms or legs? <a href="#560">¶ 560</a>.</p> + +<p>What do the Scriptures say about the body they will have when raised +from the dead? <a href="#560">¶ 560</a>.</p> + +<p>Having in mind the great number of cripples, deaf, dumb, and lame on the +earth now, what will restoration blessings do for them? <a href="#560">¶ 560</a>.</p> + +<p>What effect may the beginning of restoration be expected to have on +those who observe it? <a href="#561">¶ 561</a>.</p> + +<p>For what is the whole creation waiting while it groans in pain? Give the +Scriptural reason. <a href="#562">¶ 562</a>.</p> + +<p>For what do these hope and long? <a href="#562">¶ 562</a>.</p> + +<p>What effect will the restoration blessings have on those who were +crippled during the war? <a href="#563">¶ 563</a>.</p> + +<p>Does the Lord indicate the kind of people that will be carried through +the time of trouble? Give Scriptural proof. <a href="#564">¶ 564</a>.</p> + +<p>How many people, approximately, are now living on the earth? <a href="#565">¶ 565</a>.</p> + +<p>How soon may we expect the present evil order to pass away? <a href="#565">¶ 565</a>.</p> + +<p>What catastrophe caused the first world to end? <a href="#566">¶ 566</a>.</p> + +<p>How many persons were saved or carried over from that first world to +the new order? <a href="#566">¶ 566</a>.</p> + +<p>What did Noah and his family represent? <a href="#566">¶ 566</a>.</p> + +<p>What promise did God make to Noah immediately following the flood? Quote +the promise. <a href="#566">¶ 566</a>.</p> + +<p>What assurance do we gather from this divine promise with reference to +those now living on the earth? <a href="#566">¶ 566</a>.</p> + +<p>Why can it now be said that millions now living will never die? <a href="#566">¶ 566</a>.</p> + +<p>Quote Jesus' words in John 11:26. <a href="#567">¶ 567</a>.</p> + +<p>When will this opportunity of life come to mankind? <a href="#567">¶ 567</a>.</p> + +<p>What will be the results to those then living who believe and obey the +Lord? <a href="#567">¶ 567</a>.</p> + +<p>What is meant by believing? <a href="#567">¶ 567</a>.</p> + +<p>Quote the words of Jesus in John 8:51. <a href="#567">¶ 567</a>.</p> + +<p>Do the Scriptures show that all men must hear and gain a knowledge of +the truth? <a href="#567">¶ 567</a>.</p> + +<p>Is it possible for any one to keep the sayings of Jesus before he knows +them? <a href="#567">¶ 567</a>.</p> + +<p>What is the condition of the majority of mankind? <a href="#568">¶ 568</a>.</p> + +<p>What promise has God made that will be beneficial to those now +unrighteous? <a href="#568">¶ 568</a>.</p> + +<p>Shall the unrighteous ones in the earth have an opportunity to live? +Give the Scriptural proof. <a href="#568">¶ 568</a>.</p> + +<p>What picture does Job give with reference to restoration in his +prophecy, chapter 33, verses 16 to 25? <a href="#569">¶ 569</a>.</p> + +<p>Quote these verses of Scripture and explain them. <a href="#570">¶ 570</a>.</p> + +<p>Do the Scriptures indicate that some will refuse to obey the righteous +rule of the Lord? <a href="#571">¶ 571</a>.</p> + +<p>What will be the punishment of those who disobey? <a href="#571">¶ 571</a>.</p> + +<p>How long will the Lord permit them to have a trial? <a href="#571">¶ 571</a>.</p> + +<p>When the Lord speaks of dividing the people as a shepherd divides his +goats and sheep, what is meant? <a href="#572">¶ 572</a>.</p> + +<p>What class do the goats represent? <a href="#572">¶ 572</a>.</p> + +<p>What class is pictured by the sheep? <a href="#572">¶ 572</a>.</p> + +<p>What is meant by everlasting punishment? <a href="#573">¶ 573</a>.</p> + +<p>What is meant by everlasting life? <a href="#573">¶ 573</a>.</p> + +<p>Does the Apostle define everlasting punishment? If so, how? <a href="#574">¶ 574</a>.</p> + +<p>Who is guaranteed a full opportunity for life? <a href="#575">¶ 575</a>.</p> + +<p>What is meant by a gift? <a href="#575">¶ 575</a>.</p> + +<p>What things are necessary to make a gift effective? <a href="#575">¶ 575</a>.</p> + +<p>Quote the Apostle's words in 1 Timothy 2:3,4. <a href="#575">¶ 575</a>.</p> + +<p>What is meant in this passage by being saved? and what is meant by being +brought to a knowledge of the truth? <a href="#575">¶ 575</a>.</p> + +<p>Quote two Scriptures showing that life is a gift. <a href="#575">¶ 575</a>.</p> + +<p>To whom is this free gift offered? <a href="#576">¶ 576</a>.</p> + +<p>Quote 1 John 2:2. <a href="#576">¶ 576</a>.</p> + +<p>What is meant by the word "our", and also by the word "world"? <a href="#576">¶ 576</a>.</p> + +<p>What does this Scripture prove with reference to the ransom-sacrifice +and its benefits to mankind? <a href="#576">¶ 576</a>.</p> + +<p>What message was delivered by the angel to the shepherds at Jesus' +birth? <a href="#576">¶ 576</a>.</p> + +<p>Does this guarantee that anything shall be given to all the people? and +if so, what? <a href="#576">¶ 576</a>.</p> + +<p>What does the promise made to Abraham prove as to an opportunity for +life everlasting? and to whom will this opportunity be given? <a href="#576">¶ 576</a>.</p> + +<p>What did Jesus say about other sheep, indicating that not all would be +saved in heaven? <a href="#577">¶ 577</a>.</p> + +<p>What did he mean by "this fold"? <a href="#577">¶ 577</a>.</p> + +<p>Why will he have another fold? <a href="#577">¶ 577</a>.</p> + +<p>Quote Psalm 86:9, and state what proof this is relative to restoration +blessings. <a href="#578">¶ 578</a>.</p> + +<p>What is meant by the word "highway"? Describe a highway. <a href="#579">¶ 579</a>.</p> + +<p>A highway is used in the Scriptures to illustrate what? <a href="#579">¶ 579</a>.</p> + +<p>Quote Isaiah 35:8. <a href="#579">¶ 579</a>.</p> + +<p>What is the way over that highway called? <a href="#579">¶ 579</a>.</p> + +<p>The entire highway pictures what? <a href="#579">¶ 579</a>.</p> + +<p>Will the unclean go up on the highway? and will they pass over it? <a href="#579">¶ 579</a>.</p> + +<p>If one upon the highway refuses to do right, what will be the result? +<a href="#579">¶ 579</a>.</p> + +<p>What favor will be granted to those who strive to be obedient while on +the highway of holiness? <a href="#579">¶ 579</a>.</p> + +<p>Shall any wicked influence be brought to bear against one on the highway +of holiness? Give the Scriptural reason for the answer. <a href="#579">¶ 579</a>.</p> + +<p>How will that way compare with the narrow way that is journeyed by the +church? <a href="#579">¶ 579</a>.</p> + +<p>Why should we expect Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob to be among the first +ones resurrected under the new covenant? <a href="#580">¶ 580</a>.</p> + +<p>When should we expect them back on the earth? <a href="#580">¶ 580</a>.</p> + +<p>What will be their positions of honor and responsibility in the earth? +<a href="#580">¶ 580</a>.</p> + +<p>What will be their administrative duties in the earth? <a href="#580">¶ 580</a>.</p> + +<p>How many phases are there of the kingdom of God? <a href="#581">¶ 581</a>.</p> + +<p>Describe the picture of the Messianic kingdom as given in Zechariah +14:4,5. Quote the Scripture. <a href="#582">¶ 582</a>.</p> + +<p>What is meant in this prophecy by the words "his feet"? <a href="#582">¶ 582</a>.</p> + +<p>What is symbolized by the mountain and by the olive? <a href="#582">¶ 582</a>.</p> + +<p>What is represented by the cleaving or dividing of the mountain into two +parts? <a href="#582">¶ 582</a>.</p> + +<p>What is pictured by the valley between? <a href="#582">¶ 582</a>.</p> + +<p>What will the people do with reference to this symbolic valley? <a href="#582">¶ 582</a>.</p> + +<p>Why should those on earth get in communication with Abraham and the +other faithful ones as soon as possible after their resurrection? <a href="#583">¶ 583</a>.</p> + +<p>Quote Psalm 50:1. <a href="#584">¶ 584</a>.</p> + +<p>In this text what is represented by the earth? <a href="#584">¶ 584</a>.</p> + +<p>What is pictured by the sun? <a href="#584">¶ 584</a>.</p> + +<p>What is pictured by the rising of the sun and the going down thereof? +<a href="#584">¶ 584</a>.</p> + +<p>Quote Psalm 50:4. <a href="#584">¶ 584</a>.</p> + +<p>What is meant by judging the people? <a href="#584">¶ 584</a>.</p> + +<p>When the peoples living on earth begin to be restored to health and +strength, of whom will they then think? <a href="#585">¶ 585</a>.</p> + +<p>What will they do toward having their beloved dead restored to them? +<a href="#585">¶ 585</a>.</p> + +<p>What Scriptural proof have we that the Lord will hear their prayers? <a href="#585">¶ 585</a>.</p> + +<p>What Scriptural proof have we that the dead will arise from their +graves? <a href="#585">¶ 585</a>.</p> + +<p>Quote and analyze St. Paul's argument concerning the resurrection in +1 Corinthians 15:16-22. <a href="#586">¶ 586</a>.</p> + +<p>In what order will the dead be resurrected? that is, will those who +have died last or those who have died centuries ago be the first to come +forth? <a href="#586">¶ 586</a>.</p> + +<p>Quote Jeremiah 31:16,17. <a href="#587">¶ 587</a>.</p> + +<p>What is meant in this text by the "land of the enemy"? <a href="#587">¶ 587</a>.</p> + +<p>As the dead return from the grave, what will the living do for them? +<a href="#588">¶ 588</a>.</p> + +<p>What effect will the resurrection have in uniting families? <a href="#588">¶ 588</a>.</p> + +<p>Quote Isaiah 35:10. <a href="#588">¶ 588</a>.</p> + +<p>Who is there meant by the "ransomed of the Lord"? <a href="#588">¶ 588</a>.</p> + +<p>How were the people of Sodom and Gomorrah destroyed? <a href="#589">¶ 589</a>.</p> + +<p>What will be their final end? <a href="#589">¶ 589</a>.</p> + +<p>Quote a Scripture showing that they will return to their former estates +as human beings on the earth. <a href="#589">¶ 589</a>.</p> + +<p>In what manner will the Messiah rule? Give Scriptural proof. <a href="#589">¶ 589</a>.</p> + +<p>What will be the beneficent effects of this righteous rule, both upon +animals and human beings? Give Scriptural proof. <a href="#590">¶ 590</a>.</p> + +<p>Quote Jeremiah 31:34. <a href="#591">¶ 591</a>.</p> + +<p>When the Lord remembers their iniquities and sins no more, what will be +the condition of the people? <a href="#591">¶ 591</a>.</p> + +<p>Quote John 1:29. <a href="#591">¶ 591</a>.</p> + +<p>When the sin of the world is gone, what effect will that have upon +mankind? <a href="#591">¶ 591</a>.</p> + +<p>What Scriptural proof have we that the people will be brought to a +condition of health and be cured of sickness? <a href="#592">¶ 592</a>.</p> + +<p>Will the peoples of the earth then have ailments and complaints as they +do now? <a href="#592">¶ 592</a>.</p> + +<p>What effect upon the earth itself will the times of restoration have? +<a href="#593">¶ 593</a>.</p> + +<p>Will there be room for all the people that are restored to life? <a href="#593">¶ 593</a>.</p> + +<p>How many people have lived on the earth and died and gone into their +grave? <a href="#593">¶ 593</a>.</p> + +<p>How many are now living? <a href="#593">¶ 593</a>.</p> + +<p>Give an illustration showing that the earth's surface will be ample to +accommodate all of these. <a href="#593">¶ 593</a>.</p> + +<p>What Scriptural evidence have we that the earth will produce sufficient +food to sustain the restored ones? <a href="#594">¶ 594</a>.</p> + +<p>What Scriptural proof is there that the desolate land of the earth will +become like the garden of Eden? <a href="#594">¶ 594</a>.</p> + +<p>When will the earth be a fit habitation for man? <a href="#594">¶ 594</a>.</p> + +<p>Is any part of earth's surface being reclaimed now that illustrates the +restoration of the earth? If so, give an instance. <a href="#594">¶ 594</a>.</p> + +<p>What will be the effect when all the desert land is made habitable? <a href="#594">¶ 594</a>.</p> + +<p>In the times of restoration, what will become of the weeds, thistles, +and thorns, and pests that destroy crops? <a href="#595">¶ 595</a>.</p> + +<p>What will become of the poisonous things that produce sickness? <a href="#595">¶ 595</a>.</p> + +<p>How will the reign of Christ affect man's enemies? <a href="#595">¶ 595</a>.</p> + +<p>When, the people witness the disappearance of ignorance, crime, and +superstition, and the establishment of goodness, loving kindness, etc., +what effect will this have upon them? <a href="#596">¶ 596</a>.</p> + +<p>What Scriptures indicate that the people will have a joyful time in the +days of restoration? <a href="#596">¶ 596</a>.</p> + +<p>What effect will the restoration have upon tears and sorrow? <a href="#596">¶ 596</a>.</p> + +<p>Describe St. John's vision upon the Isle of Patmos relative to a new +heaven and a new earth. <a href="#597">¶ 597</a>.</p> + +<p>In that picture what is symbolized by heaven, earth, and sea? <a href="#597">¶ 597</a>.</p> + +<p>What effect will restoration have upon strikes, revolutions, and +anarchy? <a href="#597">¶ 597</a>.</p> + +<p>How is the meeting place between God and man described in this prophetic +utterance of St. John? <a href="#597">¶ 597</a>.</p> + +<p>What does St. John say about the effect of the kingdom blessings upon +mankind? <a href="#597">¶ 597</a>.</p> + +<p>Unless God intends to give opportunity for man to be restored, why +provide such an intricate and marvelous plan, create a new heaven and a +new earth, and bring the dead out of their graves? <a href="#598">¶¶ 598-601</a>.</p> + +<p>Has God invited us to use our reasoning faculties? <a href="#602">¶ 602</a>.</p> + +<p>If we believe the Bible testimony, then to what inevitable conclusion +are we forced with reference to restoration? <a href="#602">¶ 602</a>.</p> + +<p>What should be the attitude of mind of those who now believe the Bible? +<a href="#602">¶ 602</a>.</p> + +<p>Compare present conditions of suffering with the conditions the +Messianic kingdom will bring. <a href="#603">¶ 603</a>.</p> + +<p>Will man come to the state where he will no longer fear sickness? <a href="#603">¶ 603</a>.</p> + +<p>What will be the results of Messiah's reign as far as wars are +concerned? Give Scriptural proof. <a href="#604">¶ 604</a>.</p> + +<p>How will the Messianic reign affect profiteers? <a href="#605">¶ 605</a>.</p> + +<p>What will be the effect as far as famines are concerned during the +Messianic reign? <a href="#606">¶ 606</a>.</p> + +<p>What shall be the effect of Messiah's reign upon disease and sickness? +<a href="#607">¶ 607</a>.</p> + +<p>Will there be any undertakers and hearses used when man is restored? and +if not, why not? <a href="#608">¶ 608</a>.</p> + +<p>What will the effect of Messiah's reign be concerning the union of +families? Give Scriptural proof. <a href="#609">¶ 609</a>.</p> + +<p>Will the people have trouble with landlords and difficulty in finding a +place to live under Messiah's reign? and if not, why not? Give the +Scriptural proof. <a href="#610">¶ 610</a>.</p> + +<p>What effect will the Messiah's kingdom have upon liberty? <a href="#611">¶ 611</a>.</p> + +<p>Under Messiah's kingdom will there be any espionage laws? <a href="#611">¶ 611</a>.</p> + +<p>Will there be any secret service men under Messiah's reign? <a href="#611">¶ 611</a>.</p> + +<p>What will be the motive directing the actions of men? <a href="#611">¶ 611</a>.</p> + +<p>Will the people have Decoration Day services during the Millennial reign +of Christ? <a href="#613">¶ 613</a>.</p> + +<p>Will they assemble to discuss politics and fight over who shall hold the +offices? or what will be the condition? Give Scriptural reasons. <a href="#613">¶ 613</a>.</p> + +<p>What is the great enemy of the human race? and how long has its sting +been felt? <a href="#614">¶ 614</a>.</p> + +<p>Describe its effect upon human beings who survive. <a href="#614">¶ 614</a>.</p> + +<p>What has been the one consoling thing that has cheered the hearts of +some? <a href="#614">¶ 614</a>.</p> + +<p>What hope has the Christian concerning his beloved dead? <a href="#614">¶ 614</a>.</p> + +<p>Relate an experience showing why the Christian sorrows not as those who +have no hope. <a href="#615">¶ 615</a>.</p> + +<p>What does the power of the ocean illustrate to the Christian? <a href="#616">¶ 616</a>.</p> + +<p>How does this compare with the One who created the moon and the stars +and the sun? <a href="#616">¶ 616</a>.</p> + +<p>How will this power be used in behalf of the dead? <a href="#616">¶ 616</a>.</p> + +<p>By faith the Christians see what in the near future for their beloved +dead? and what effect does this have upon the mind of such? <a href="#617">¶ 617</a>.</p> + +<p>Is the restoration string of the harp of God a consolation to the +Christian? and if so, why? <a href="#618">¶ 618</a>.</p> + +<p>Why does the Lord keep such in perfect peace, notwithstanding the +turmoil in the earth? <a href="#618">¶ 618</a>.</p> + +<p>What two great doctrines of the divine plan were obscured for many +years? and by what strings of the harp are they represented? <a href="#619">¶ 619</a>. (See +back reference)</p> + +<p>Why have these doctrines been obscured? <a href="#619">¶ 619</a>.</p> + +<p>If they have been revived or discovered in recent years, what has been +the cause? <a href="#619">¶ 619</a>.</p> + +<p>What effect upon Christians does the knowledge of restitution have? <a href="#619">¶ 619</a>.</p> + +<p>What Psalm pictures this joyful effect? <a href="#619">¶ 619</a>.</p> + +<p>In what kind of phrase has the plan of God been stated? <a href="#620">¶ 620</a>.</p> + +<p>Who have been able to understand God's plan? <a href="#620">¶ 620</a>.</p> + +<p>What did the Psalmist mean when he said: "I will incline mine ear to a +parable; I will open my dark sayings upon the harp"? <a href="#620">¶ 620</a>.</p> + +<p>What kind of music does this harp yield when understood? <a href="#620">¶ 620</a>.</p> + +<p>How does the chord of restitution respond to the other strings of the +harp? <a href="#620">¶ 620</a>.</p> + +<p>How did the Psalmist picture the effect of Messiah's reign upon the +people? Quote the Psalm. <a href="#620">¶ 620</a>.</p> + +<p>What will be the condition of the obedient ones at the end of the +Millennial reign? <a href="#621">¶ 621</a>.</p> + +<p>How will the harp of God appear to them? <a href="#621">¶ 621</a>.</p> + +<p>How is the consecrated Christian pictured at this time relative to the +kingdoms and the harp of God? Give Scriptural reason for the answer. +<a href="#621">¶ 621</a>.</p> + +<p>To what are these Christians looking? <a href="#621">¶ 621</a>.</p> + +<p>What is meant by the Hallelujah chorus? ¶ <a href="#622">622</a>.</p> + +<p>By faith looking to the end of the Millennial reign, describe the +conditions that will then prevail. <a href="#622">¶ 622</a>.</p> + +<p>What will be the condition of Satan at that time? <a href="#622">¶ 622</a>.</p> + +<p>What will be the condition of Abraham and the other faithful prophets? +<a href="#622">¶ 622</a>.</p> + +<p>Describe the condition of the earth at that period. <a href="#622">¶ 622</a>.</p> + +<p>What will be particularly pleasing about men and women then? <a href="#622">¶ 622</a>.</p> + +<p>What will be their ability to sing? <a href="#622">¶ 622</a>.</p> + +<p>What will be their chief joy of every creature at that time? <a href="#622">¶ 622</a>.</p> + +<p>What mental vision do the Scriptures give of the heavenly kingdom at +that time? <a href="#623">¶ 623</a>.</p> + +<p>Describe the angels, the cherubim, and seraphim, and their positions. +<a href="#623">¶ 623</a>.</p> + +<p>What will be the position of the Christ? <a href="#623">¶ 623</a>.</p> + +<p>Who will be there as the servants of the Christ? <a href="#623">¶ 623</a>.</p> + +<p>Who will stand above all? <a href="#623">¶ 623</a>.</p> + +<p>When will Christ Jesus see the travail of his soul and be satisfied? and +why? <a href="#623">¶ 623</a>.</p> + +<p>What particular song will be appropriate at that particular time? <a href="#624">¶ 624</a>.</p> + +<p>Name the musical instruments represented in the prophetic picture. <a href="#624">¶ 624</a>.</p> + +<p>Describe the beginning of the Hallelujah chorus. <a href="#624">¶ 624</a>.</p> + +<p>What will the creatures of heaven and earth be doing then with reference +to Christ Jesus? <a href="#624">¶ 624</a>.</p> + +<p>Repeat the Hallelujah chorus. <a href="#624">¶ 624</a>.</p> + + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<span style="margin-left: 5em;"><big>EARTH'S HAPPY SMILE</big></span><br /> +<br /> +<span style="margin-left: 3em;">Creation, which had groan'd in travail-pangs</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">Together with her children until now,</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">Ceased from her groaning. Long-forgotten smiles,</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">The smiles of her sweet childhood's innocence,</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">Stole o'er her happy face. The wilderness</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">Rejoiced, and blossom'd as the rose. The curse,</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">Which for six thousand years had sear'd the heart</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">Of nature, was repeal'd. And where the thorn</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">Perplex'd the glens, and prickly briers the hills,</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">Now, for the Word so spake and it was done,</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">The fir-tree rear'd its stately obelisk,</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">The cedar waved its arms of peaceful shade,</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">The vine embraced the elm, and myrtles flower'd</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">Among the fragrant orange-groves. No storms</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">Vex'd the serene of heaven: but genial mists,</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">Such as in Eden drench'd the willing soil,</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">Nurtured all lands with richer dews than balm.</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">Earth breathed her thanks. Rivers of living waters</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">Broke from a thousand unsuspected springs;</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">And gushing cataracts, like that call'd forth</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">On Horeb by the rod of Amram's son,</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">Gladden'd the mountain slopes, and coursed adown</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">The startled defiles, till the crystal wealth,</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">Gathered in what was once an arid vale,</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">A lake of azure and of silver shone,</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">A mirror for the sun and moon and stars.</span> + +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">—<i>Bickersteth</i></span><br /> + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<br /> + +<a name="INDEX_OF_SCRIPTURE_CITATIONS_USED_IN_THE_FOREGOING_PAGES"></a><h2>INDEX OF SCRIPTURE CITATIONS USED IN THE FOREGOING PAGES</h2> +<br /> + +<h4>Figures on left side of columns indicate Bible chapters and verses; +figures to right, paragraph numbers.</h4> +<br /> + +<pre> + +<b>GENESIS</b> +1:1 ............................ <a href="#10">10</a> +1:2 ............................ <a href="#14">14</a> +1:20 ....................... <a href="#31">31</a>, <a href="#58">58</a> +1:27,28 ........................ <a href="#30">30</a> +2:7 ................... <a href="#31">31</a>, <a href="#55">55</a>, <a href="#162">162</a> +2:8,9,15 ....................... <a href="#32">32</a> +2:16,17 ........................ <a href="#33">33</a> +2:17 ........................... <a href="#59">59</a> +2:21-25 ........................ <a href="#34">34</a> +3:15 ...... <a href="#147">147</a>, <a href="#185">185</a>, <a href="#219">219</a>, <a href="#470">470</a>, <a href="#547">547</a> +3:16-19 ........................ <a href="#46">46</a> +4:21 ............................ <a href="#1">1</a> +7:21-23 ........................ <a href="#93">93</a> +8:21,22 ....................... <a href="#566">566</a> +12:1-3 ......................... <a href="#94">94</a> +12:3 ........... <a href="#539">539</a>, <a href="#547">547</a>, <a href="#550">550</a>, <a href="#576">576</a> +13:15 ......................... <a href="#547">547</a> +15:18 .......................... <a href="#94">94</a> +17:1 ............................ <a href="#9">9</a> +17:2,4,8 ....................... <a href="#95">95</a> +18:1,2 ........................ <a href="#170">170</a> +18:1-14 ........................ <a href="#95">95</a> +18:18 ......................... <a href="#547">547</a> +19:1 .......................... <a href="#170">170</a> +21:1-3 ......................... <a href="#96">96</a> +22:2 ........................... <a href="#96">96</a> +22:15 ......................... <a href="#256">256</a> +22:15-18 ....................... <a href="#98">98</a> +24 ............................ <a href="#455">455</a> +25:11 ......................... <a href="#105">105</a> +25:22,23 ...................... <a href="#107">107</a> +25:26 ......................... <a href="#105">105</a> +25:27-34 ...................... <a href="#108">108</a> +26:3,4 ........................ <a href="#106">106</a> +26:34 ......................... <a href="#109">109</a> +27:1,2 ........................ <a href="#110">110</a> +27:29 ......................... <a href="#112">112</a> +28:11-15 ...................... <a href="#115">115</a> +28:14 ......................... <a href="#539">539</a> +31:11 ......................... <a href="#256">256</a> +35:10-12 ...................... <a href="#117">117</a> +37:35 .......................... <a href="#86">86</a> +42:38 .......................... <a href="#87">87</a> +49:9,10 ....................... <a href="#119">119</a> +49:10 ......................... <a href="#547">547</a> +49:28 ......................... <a href="#304">304</a> + + +<b>EXODUS</b> +3:2 ........................... <a href="#256">256</a> +6:3 ............................. <a href="#9">9</a> +7:11 .......................... <a href="#151">151</a> +12:3-17 ....................... <a href="#188">188</a> +20:2-5 .......................... <a href="#9">9</a> +21:23-25 ...................... <a href="#205">205</a> +33:20 ......................... <a href="#292">292</a> + + +<b>LEVITICUS</b> +8:12 .......................... <a href="#339">339</a> +16:1-34 ....................... <a href="#194">194</a> +18:5 .......................... <a href="#553">553</a> +24:17-21 ...................... <a href="#205">205</a> + + +<b>NUMBERS</b> +31:28 ...................... <a href="#31">31</a>, <a href="#58">58</a> + + +<b>DEUTERONOMY</b> +18:15 ..................... <a href="#19">19</a>, <a href="#122">122</a> +18:15,19 ...................... <a href="#547">547</a> +19:21 ......................... <a href="#205">205</a> +26:5 .......................... <a href="#304">304</a> +30:15 ......................... <a href="#547">547</a> +32:4 .................. <a href="#32">32</a>, <a href="#38">38</a>, <a href="#179">179</a> +34:6 .......................... <a href="#292">292</a> + + +<b>1 SAMUEL</b> +2:6 ........................... <a href="#547">547</a> + + +<b>2 SAMUEL</b> +23:2 ........................... <a href="#13">13</a> + + +<b>1 KINGS</b> +2:10 ........................... <a href="#63">63</a> +11:4,9-13 ..................... <a href="#126">126</a> +19:5 .......................... <a href="#256">256</a> + + +<b>1 CHRONICLES</b> +28:2-7 ........................ <a href="#124">124</a> +28:9 .......................... <a href="#125">125</a> + + +<b>JOB</b> +14:13 .......................... <a href="#85">85</a> +14:13-15 ...................... <a href="#547">547</a> +14:21 .......................... <a href="#85">85</a> +17:13,16 ....................... <a href="#85">85</a> +19:25 ......................... <a href="#247">247</a> +30:31 .......................... <a href="#51">51</a> +32:8 ........................... <a href="#14">14</a> +33:16-25 ...................... <a href="#570">570</a> +33:19-30 ...................... <a href="#547">547</a> +33:25 ......................... <a href="#612">612</a> +38:4-7 ......................... <a href="#37">37</a> +38:35 .......................... <a href="#18">18</a> + + +<b>PSALMS</b> +2:9 ........................... <a href="#454">454</a> +6:5 ............................ <a href="#63">63</a> +14:3 ...................... <a href="#75">75</a>, <a href="#160">160</a> +16:10 ................. <a href="#19">19</a>, <a href="#88">88</a>, <a href="#263">263</a> +16:10,11 ...................... <a href="#247">247</a> +16:11 ......................... <a href="#503">503</a> +17:15 ......................... <a href="#248">248</a> +19:1-4 .......................... <a href="#8">8</a> +19:7 .......................... <a href="#327">327</a> +21:1-6 ........................ <a href="#515">515</a> +22:27 ......................... <a href="#547">547</a> +27:4 .......................... <a href="#514">514</a> +30:5 .......................... <a href="#547">547</a> +34:7 ..................... <a href="#159">159</a>, <a href="#526">526</a> +34:20 .......................... <a href="#19">19</a> +37:9,10,20,22,28,34,38 ......... <a href="#90">90</a> +37:11 ......................... <a href="#547">547</a> +40:7,8 ........................ <a href="#229">229</a> +41:1,2 ........................ <a href="#564">564</a> +41:13 ......................... <a href="#164">164</a> +45:10,11 ................. <a href="#457">457</a>, <a href="#477">477</a> +45:13,14 ...................... <a href="#532">532</a> +45:16 .................... <a href="#556">556</a>, <a href="#580">580</a> +45:17 ......................... <a href="#510">510</a> +46:10 ......................... <a href="#547">547</a> +49:4 .......................... <a href="#620">620</a> +49:7 .......................... <a href="#206">206</a> +49:12 .......................... <a href="#66">66</a> +50:1 .......................... <a href="#534">534</a> +50:2 .......................... <a href="#503">503</a> +50:4 .......................... <a href="#584">584</a> +50:5 ..................... <a href="#335">335</a>, <a href="#425">425</a> +51:5 ..................... 183, <a href="#568">568</a> +67:1-7 ........................ <a href="#547">547</a> +67:6 .......................... <a href="#606">606</a> +68:18 ......................... <a href="#248">248</a> +69:8,9 ........................ <a href="#481">481</a> +72:3,4,6,10 ................... <a href="#547">547</a> +82:7 .......................... <a href="#517">517</a> +86:9 ..................... <a href="#547">547</a>, <a href="#578">578</a> +87:5,6 ........................ <a href="#510">510</a> +89:14 .......................... <a href="#39">39</a> +89:48 .......................... <a href="#69">69</a> +90:2 ...................... <a href="#10">10</a>, <a href="#164">164</a> +93:2 .......................... <a href="#547">547</a> +96:9-13 ....................... <a href="#620">620</a> +96:11-13 ...................... <a href="#547">547</a> +98:4-9 ........................ <a href="#547">547</a> +104:5 ......................... <a href="#547">547</a> +104:29 ......................... <a href="#64">64</a> +111:10 ........................ <a href="#325">325</a> +115:16 ........................ <a href="#446">446</a> +115:17 ......................... <a href="#63">63</a> +119:105 ....................... <a href="#460">460</a> +126:1,2 ....................... <a href="#619">619</a> +132:11,12 ..................... <a href="#123">123</a> +132:13 ........................ <a href="#503">503</a> +145:20 ......................... <a href="#82">82</a> +146:4 .......................... <a href="#64">64</a> +148:1,2 ....................... <a href="#256">256</a> +150 ........................... <a href="#624">624</a> + + +<b>PROVERBS</b> +2:21 .......................... <a href="#547">547</a> +11:31 ......................... <a href="#547">547</a> +17:17 ......................... <a href="#504">504</a> +22:11 Leeser .................. <a href="#504">504</a> + + +<b>ECCLESIASTES</b> +1:4 ................. <a href="#427">427</a>, <a href="#547">547</a>, <a href="#566">566</a> +3:19,20 ........................ <a href="#58">58</a> +9:5,6 .......................... <a href="#65">65</a> +9:10 ........................... <a href="#65">65</a> + + +<b>CANTICLES</b> +5:16 .......................... <a href="#506">506</a> + + +<b>ISAIAH</b> +1:18 ................ <a href="#176">176</a>, <a href="#353">353</a>, <a href="#602">602</a> +2:2,3 ......................... <a href="#132">132</a> +2:2-4 .................... <a href="#547">547</a>, <a href="#557">557</a> +2:4 ........................... <a href="#604">604</a> +6:1-4 ......................... <a href="#497">497</a> +9:6,7 ............... <a href="#132">132</a>, <a href="#249">249</a>, <a href="#355">355</a> +9:7 ........................... <a href="#547">547</a> +11:4,5 ........................ <a href="#589">589</a> +11:4-9 ........................ <a href="#547">547</a> +11:6-8 ........................ <a href="#590">590</a> +11:9 .......................... <a href="#605">605</a> +14:7 .......................... <a href="#547">547</a> +14:12-15 ....................... <a href="#42">42</a> +19:19 ......................... <a href="#317">317</a> +19:22 ......................... <a href="#547">547</a> +25:6-8 ........................ <a href="#596">596</a> +25:6-12 ....................... <a href="#547">547</a> +26:3 .......................... <a href="#618">618</a> +26:4 ........................... <a href="#10">10</a> +28:17,18 ...................... <a href="#547">547</a> +29:17,18 ...................... <a href="#547">547</a> +32:1 .......................... <a href="#556">556</a> +33:24 ............... <a href="#547">547</a>, <a href="#592">592</a>, <a href="#607">607</a> +34:1-4 ........................ <a href="#454">454</a> +35:1,2,7 ...................... <a href="#594">594</a> +35:4-6 ........................ <a href="#560">560</a> +35:8 .......................... <a href="#579">579</a> +35:10 .................... <a href="#588">588</a>, <a href="#613">613</a> +40:28 .......................... <a href="#10">10</a> +42:6,7 ........................ <a href="#202">202</a> +42:1 .......................... <a href="#516">516</a> +42:6,7 ........................ <a href="#551">551</a> +42:7 .......................... <a href="#241">241</a> +42:8 ........................... <a href="#10">10</a> +45:12,18 ...................... <a href="#427">427</a> +49:8 ..................... <a href="#330">330</a>, <a href="#551">551</a> +49:9 .......................... <a href="#202">202</a> +51:1 .......................... <a href="#516">516</a> +51:6 .......................... <a href="#454">454</a> +51:11 ......................... <a href="#613">613</a> +52:7,8 ........................ <a href="#443">443</a> +53 ............................ <a href="#201">201</a> +53:1-3 ......................... <a href="#19">19</a> +53:6-11 ....................... <a href="#250">250</a> +53:8,9,11 ...................... <a href="#19">19</a> +53:12 ..................... <a href="#19">19</a>, <a href="#227">227</a> +55:11 ......................... <a href="#537">537</a> +60:8 ........................... <a href="#18">18</a> +61:2 .......................... <a href="#330">330</a> +62:2,3 ........................ <a href="#344">344</a> +62:3 .......................... <a href="#500">500</a> +65:20 ......................... <a href="#571">571</a> +65:21-23 ...................... <a href="#610">610</a> +65:24 ......................... <a href="#585">585</a> +65-25 ......................... <a href="#605">605</a> + + +<b>JEREMIAH</b> +3:17 .......................... <a href="#547">547</a> +19:5 ........................... <a href="#89">89</a> +23:5,6 ........................ <a href="#129">129</a> +24:7 .......................... <a href="#547">547</a> +31:16,17 ...................... <a href="#587">587</a> +31:16,29,34 ................... <a href="#547">547</a> +31:34 ......................... <a href="#591">591</a> +32:35 .......................... <a href="#89">89</a> +32:39,40 ...................... <a href="#547">547</a> +33:6 .......................... <a href="#592">592</a> +33:8,9 ........................ <a href="#547">547</a> +46:27 ......................... <a href="#547">547</a> +50:4,5 ........................ <a href="#547">547</a> + + +<b>EZEKIEL</b> +1:5,6 .......................... <a href="#10">10</a> +4:6 ........................... <a href="#397">397</a> +11:19 ......................... <a href="#547">547</a> +16:55 ......................... <a href="#589">589</a> +16:55,61-63 ................... <a href="#547">547</a> +18:2,31,32 .................... <a href="#547">547</a> +18:4 ........................... <a href="#59">59</a> +18:27,28 ...................... <a href="#568">568</a> +21:24-27 ...................... <a href="#429">429</a> +21:25-27 ................. <a href="#127">127</a>, <a href="#356">356</a> +21:27 ......................... <a href="#507">507</a> +28:13 .......................... <a href="#36">36</a> +28:14,15 ....................... <a href="#36">36</a> +28:14-18 ....................... <a href="#43">43</a> +28:26 ......................... <a href="#547">547</a> +34:25-28 ...................... <a href="#547">547</a> +36:26,27,29,30,35 ............. <a href="#547">547</a> +36:34,35 ...................... <a href="#594">594</a> +37:24 ......................... <a href="#547">547</a> +39:29 ......................... <a href="#547">547</a> + +<b>DANIEL</b> +2:44 ........... <a href="#358">358</a>, <a href="#433">433</a>, <a href="#465">465</a>, <a href="#547">547</a> +7:7,8 ......................... <a href="#396">396</a> +7:14,27 .................. <a href="#465">465</a>, <a href="#507">507</a> +7:27 .......................... <a href="#547">547</a> +9:26 ........................... <a href="#19">19</a> +11:40,41 ...................... <a href="#394">394</a> +12:1 .......................... <a href="#452">452</a> +12:2 ....................... <a href="#69">69</a>, <a href="#70">70</a> +12:3 ..................... <a href="#502">502</a>, <a href="#622">622</a> +12:4 ................. <a href="#18">18</a>, <a href="#401">401</a>, <a href="#402">402</a> +12:5-7 ........................ <a href="#397">397</a> +12:8-10 ....................... <a href="#394">394</a> +12:9 .......................... <a href="#401">401</a> +12:12 ......................... <a href="#398">398</a> + + +<b>HOSEA</b> +2:18,21 ....................... <a href="#547">547</a> +3:5 ........................... <a href="#547">547</a> +13:14 .......... <a href="#197">197</a>, <a href="#229">229</a>, <a href="#541">541</a>, <a href="#547">547</a> + + +<b>JOEL</b> +2:22,32 ....................... <a href="#547">547</a> +2:28,29 ....................... <a href="#320">320</a> + + +<b>AMOS</b> +3:2 ............................. <a href="#2">2</a> +9:11,12 ....................... <a href="#547">547</a> + + +<b>OBADIAH</b> +Verse 21 ...................... <a href="#547">547</a> + + +<b>JONAH</b> +4 ............................. <a href="#547">547</a> + + +<b>MICAH</b> +4:1-4 ......................... <a href="#557">557</a> +4:1-5,8 ....................... <a href="#547">547</a> +4:3 ........................... <a href="#604">604</a> +4:4 ........................... <a href="#610">610</a> +5:2 .................. <a href="#19">19</a>, <a href="#137">137</a>, <a href="#145">145</a> + + +<b>NAHUM</b> +1:15 .......................... <a href="#547">547</a> +2:1-6 ......................... <a href="#406">406</a> +2:3-6 ..................... <a href="#18">18</a>, <a href="#547">547</a> + + +<b>HABAKKUK</b> +2:14 .......................... <a href="#547">547</a> + + +<b>ZEPHANIAH</b> +2:11 .......................... <a href="#547">547</a> +3:9,13 ........................ <a href="#547">547</a> + + +<b>HAGGAI</b> +2:7 ...................... <a href="#453">453</a>, <a href="#547">547</a> + + +<b>ZECHARIAH</b> +2:11 .......................... <a href="#547">547</a> +3:1-7 ......................... <a href="#256">256</a> +3:10. ......................... <a href="#547">547</a> +8:3,8,12,15,21,22 ............. <a href="#547">547</a> +9:9 ............................ <a href="#19">19</a> +9:10,17 ....................... <a href="#547">547</a> +11:12 .......................... <a href="#19">19</a> +13:8,9 ........................ <a href="#558">558</a> +14:4,5 ........................ <a href="#582">582</a> +14:9,11,20 .................... <a href="#547">547</a> +14:16,17 ...................... <a href="#133">133</a> + + +<b>MALACHI</b> +1:11 .......................... <a href="#547">547</a> +3:6 ...................... <a href="#100">100</a>, <a href="#197">197</a> +3:11 .......................... <a href="#547">547</a> +3:16 .......................... <a href="#527">527</a> +3:17 .......................... <a href="#500">500</a> +4:2 ...................... <a href="#385">385</a>, <a href="#547">547</a> + + +<b>MATTHEW</b> +1:18 .......................... <a href="#161">161</a> +1:18-24 ....................... <a href="#149">149</a> +1:20,23 ....................... <a href="#161">161</a> +1:21 .......................... <a href="#540">540</a> +2:1,2 ......................... <a href="#152">152</a> +2:4-6 ......................... <a href="#145">145</a> +2:5,6 ......................... <a href="#137">137</a> +2:13 .......................... <a href="#156">156</a> +2:16 .......................... <a href="#156">156</a> +3:16,17 ....................... <a href="#339">339</a> +5:21 .......................... <a href="#435">435</a> +6:10 .......................... <a href="#359">359</a> +7:14 .......................... <a href="#489">489</a> +11:9,11 ....................... <a href="#547">547</a> +11:12 ......................... <a href="#491">491</a> +11:28 ......................... <a href="#327">327</a> +13:10,11 ...................... <a href="#299">299</a> +13:24-30 ................. <a href="#391">391</a>, <a href="#413">413</a> +13:30 ......................... <a href="#424">424</a> +13:37-39 ...................... <a href="#392">392</a> +13:43 ............... <a href="#344">344</a>, <a href="#385">385</a>, <a href="#502">502</a> +16:24 ......................... <a href="#329">329</a> +17:22,23 ...................... <a href="#251">251</a> +18:10 .................... <a href="#256">256</a>, <a href="#526">526</a> +19:28 ......................... <a href="#548">548</a> +19:30 ......................... <a href="#586">586</a> +20:28 .................... <a href="#215">215</a>, <a href="#540">540</a> +21:1-11 ....................... <a href="#251">251</a> +22:14 ......................... <a href="#474">474</a> +23:2 .......................... <a href="#219">219</a> +23:13-33 ...................... <a href="#219">219</a> +24:3 ..................... <a href="#372">372</a>, <a href="#427">427</a> +24:7,8 ........................ <a href="#432">432</a> +24:9 .......................... <a href="#434">434</a> +24:14 ......................... <a href="#438">438</a> +24:21,22 ................. <a href="#452">452</a>, <a href="#558">558</a> +24:25,26 ...................... <a href="#384">384</a> +24:27 ......................... <a href="#384">384</a> +24:28 ......................... <a href="#423">423</a> +24:31 ......................... <a href="#413">413</a> +24:36 ......................... <a href="#388">388</a> +24:37-39 ................. <a href="#373">373</a>, <a href="#426">426</a> +24:42 .................... <a href="#388">388</a>, <a href="#442">442</a> +24:43 ......................... <a href="#388">388</a> +24:45-47 ...................... <a href="#416">416</a> +25:1-13 ....................... <a href="#460">460</a> +25:14 ......................... <a href="#361">361</a> +25:31,32 ...................... <a href="#361">361</a> +25:31-46 ...................... <a href="#550">550</a> +25:41-46 ...................... <a href="#572">572</a> +26:57 ......................... <a href="#222">222</a> +26:59,60 ...................... <a href="#223">223</a> +26:62,63 ...................... <a href="#223">223</a> +27:57 ......................... <a href="#252">252</a> +27:57-61 ...................... <a href="#261">261</a> +27:62-64 ...................... <a href="#262">262</a> +27:65,66 ...................... <a href="#262">262</a> +28:1-10 ....................... <a href="#265">265</a> +28:5-8 ........................ <a href="#254">254</a> +28:9,10 ....................... <a href="#280">280</a> +28:11-15 ...................... <a href="#266">266</a> +28:16-28 ...................... <a href="#286">286</a> +28:18 .................... <a href="#359">359</a>, <a href="#388">388</a> + + +<b>MARK</b> +10:43,44 ...................... <a href="#216">216</a> +13:9 .......................... <a href="#434">434</a> +13:37 ......................... <a href="#442">442</a> +16:1-7 ........................ <a href="#268">268</a> + + +<b>LUKE</b> +1:30,31 ....................... <a href="#145">145</a> +1:30,35 ....................... <a href="#130">130</a> +1:31 .......................... <a href="#256">256</a> +1:35 .......................... <a href="#161">161</a> +1:46-52 ....................... <a href="#131">131</a> +1:70 ........................... <a href="#13">13</a> +2:8-11 ........................ <a href="#142">142</a> +2:8-18 ........................ <a href="#157">157</a> +2:9-11 .............. <a href="#173">173</a>, <a href="#256">256</a>, <a href="#540">540</a> +2:10 .......................... <a href="#576">576</a> +2:40,52 ....................... <a href="#173">173</a> +3:21-23 ....................... <a href="#173">173</a> +3:31-34 ....................... <a href="#122">122</a> +4:1-18 ........................ <a href="#471">471</a> +4:1-14 ........................ <a href="#178">178</a> +12:32 ......................... <a href="#460">460</a> +14:28 ......................... <a href="#328">328</a> +19:12-15 ...................... <a href="#381">381</a> +20:50,51....................... <a href="#289">289</a> +21:12,13 ...................... <a href="#434">434</a> +21:24 .................... <a href="#281">281</a>, <a href="#439">439</a> +21:25-27 ...................... <a href="#450">450</a> +21:28 ......................... <a href="#439">439</a> +22:29 ......................... <a href="#465">465</a> +22:29,30 ...................... <a href="#507">507</a> +22:30 ......................... <a href="#359">359</a> +22:66-71 ...................... <a href="#223">223</a> +23:1,2 ........................ <a href="#224">224</a> +23:4,5 ........................ <a href="#225">225</a> +23:22-24 ...................... <a href="#225">225</a> +24:1-10 ....................... <a href="#269">269</a> +24:6,7 ........................ <a href="#251">251</a> +24:13-21 ...................... <a href="#282">282</a> +24:21 .................... <a href="#245">245</a>, <a href="#309">309</a> +24:34 ......................... <a href="#281">281</a> +24:39 ......................... <a href="#291">291</a> + + +<b>JOHN</b> +1:1 ............................ <a href="#28">28</a> +1:1,3 ......................... <a href="#163">163</a> +1:14 ..................... <a href="#213">213</a>, <a href="#214">214</a> +1:29 ................ <a href="#189">189</a>, <a href="#226">226</a>, <a href="#547">547</a> +3:3 ........................... <a href="#342">342</a> +3:4-8 ......................... <a href="#369">369</a> +3:15 ........................... <a href="#67">67</a> +3:16,17 ....................... <a href="#217">217</a> +3:29 .......................... <a href="#455">455</a> +3:35 .......................... <a href="#166">166</a> +4:14 .......................... <a href="#511">511</a> +6:22,23,26 .................... <a href="#166">166</a> +5:26 ..................... <a href="#275">275</a>, <a href="#511">511</a> +5:28,29 .............. <a href="#69">69</a>, <a href="#297">297</a>, <a href="#585">585</a> +6:35 .......................... <a href="#165">165</a> +6:37 ..................... <a href="#330">330</a>, <a href="#332">332</a> +6:44 .......................... <a href="#326">326</a> +6:48,50,55,57 ................. <a href="#230">230</a> +6:53,54 ....................... <a href="#512">512</a> +8:17,18 ....................... <a href="#166">166</a> +8:42 .......................... <a href="#165">165</a> +8:43,44 ....................... <a href="#219">219</a> +8:44 ........ <a href="#44">44</a>, <a href="#60">60</a>, <a href="#153">153</a>, <a href="#218">218</a>, <a href="#470">470</a> +8:51 .......................... <a href="#567">567</a> +8:58 .......................... <a href="#165">165</a> +10:10 .................... <a href="#229">229</a>, <a href="#540">540</a> +10:16 ......................... <a href="#577">577</a> +10:29,30 ...................... <a href="#167">167</a> +11:26 ......................... <a href="#567">567</a> +11:47-51,53 ................... <a href="#221">221</a> +12:27,28 ...................... <a href="#168">168</a> +12:31 ......................... <a href="#360">360</a> +14:1-3 ........................ <a href="#362">362</a> +14:2,3 ................... <a href="#458">458</a>, <a href="#503">503</a> +14:6 .......................... <a href="#328">328</a> +14:15-19 ...................... <a href="#456">456</a> +14:19 ......................... <a href="#367">367</a> +14:28 ......................... <a href="#169">169</a> +15:13 ......................... <a href="#348">348</a> +15:20 ......................... <a href="#437">437</a> +16:13 ......................... <a href="#299">299</a> +16:28 ......................... <a href="#185">185</a> +17:5 ..................... <a href="#183">183</a>, <a href="#165">165</a> +17:17 ......................... <a href="#342">342</a> +17:20-22 ...................... <a href="#167">167</a> +17:24 ......................... <a href="#505">505</a> +18:33,36 ...................... <a href="#360">360</a> +19:12 ......................... <a href="#225">225</a> +20:1-8 ........................ <a href="#270">270</a> +20:9 .......................... <a href="#245">245</a> +20:11-18 ...................... <a href="#279">279</a> +20:17 ......................... <a href="#363">363</a> +20:19-25 ...................... <a href="#283">283</a> +20:19-26 ...................... <a href="#290">290</a> +20:26-29 ...................... <a href="#284">284</a> +20:27-29 ...................... <a href="#290">290</a> +21:1-13 ....................... <a href="#285">285</a> + + +<b>ACTS</b> +1:6-9 .................... <a href="#289">289</a>, <a href="#309">309</a> +1:7,8 ......................... <a href="#389">389</a> +1:9-11 ........................ <a href="#363">363</a> +2:1-4 ......................... <a href="#300">300</a> +2:27-31 .................. <a href="#247">247</a>, <a href="#292">292</a> +2:36 ..................... <a href="#274">274</a>, <a href="#275">275</a> +3:19 .......................... <a href="#326">326</a> +3:19-21 ....................... <a href="#364">364</a> +3:20-24 ....................... <a href="#545">545</a> +3:22 ..................... <a href="#122">122</a>, <a href="#304">304</a> +3:23 .......................... <a href="#571">571</a> +4:12 .......................... <a href="#176">176</a> +7:59 .......................... <a href="#274">274</a> +9:1-19 ........................ <a href="#292">292</a> +10 ............................ <a href="#474">474</a> +13:35-37 ...................... <a href="#247">247</a> +15:14-18 ...................... <a href="#547">547</a> +15:18 .......................... <a href="#11">11</a> +17:27 ......................... <a href="#326">326</a> +17:31 .......... <a href="#297">297</a>, <a href="#543">543</a>, <a href="#549">549</a>, <a href="#585">585</a> +24:15 ......................... <a href="#585">585</a> + + +<b>ROMANS</b> +2:6,7 ......................... <a href="#496">496</a> +2:7 ............................ <a href="#61">61</a> +3:10 .......................... <a href="#325">325</a> +5:1 ........................... <a href="#332">332</a> +5:3-5 ......................... <a href="#493">493</a> +5:9 ........................... <a href="#332">332</a> +5:12 ....... <a href="#82">82</a>, <a href="#160">160</a>, <a href="#183">183</a>, <a href="#325">325</a>, <a href="#585">585</a> +5:18 .......................... <a href="#575">575</a> +3:3,4 ......................... <a href="#338">338</a> +6:23 ....... <a href="#81">81</a>, <a href="#231">231</a>, <a href="#539">539</a>, <a href="#575">575</a>, <a href="#612">612</a> +8:3 ...................... <a href="#236">236</a>, <a href="#553">553</a> +8:16,17 ............. <a href="#340">340</a>, <a href="#463">463</a>, <a href="#494">494</a> +8:17 .......................... <a href="#506">506</a> +8:18 .......................... <a href="#493">493</a> +8:19-22 ............. <a href="#346">346</a>, <a href="#350">350</a>, <a href="#526">526</a> +8:29 ................ <a href="#341">341</a>, <a href="#473">473</a>, <a href="#489">489</a> +8:33 ..................... <a href="#331">331</a>, <a href="#332">332</a> +9:23,24 ....................... <a href="#499">499</a> +12:2 .......................... <a href="#337">337</a> +15:3 .......................... <a href="#481">481</a> + + +<b>1 CORINTHIANS</b> +1:7 ........................... <a href="#364">364</a> +1:21-25 ....................... <a href="#475">475</a> +1:26-29 ....................... <a href="#476">476</a> +2:9,10 ........................ <a href="#389">389</a> +2:14 ..................... <a href="#251">251</a>, <a href="#320">320</a> +4:5 ........................... <a href="#453">453</a> +6:2 ........................... <a href="#550">550</a> +10:1-13 ......................... <a href="#2">2</a> +10:11 ......................... <a href="#409">409</a> +10:20 ..................... <a href="#89">89</a>, <a href="#151">151</a> +12:12,27 ...................... <a href="#314">314</a> +15-3 .......................... <a href="#235">235</a> +15:3-8 ........................ <a href="#271">271</a> +15:6 ...................... <a href="#68">68</a>, <a href="#287">287</a> +15:7 .......................... <a href="#288">288</a> +15:8 .......................... <a href="#292">292</a> +15:12-26 ...................... <a href="#296">296</a> +15:16-22 ...................... <a href="#586">586</a> +15:20-26 ...................... <a href="#543">543</a> +15:21,47 ...................... <a href="#174">174</a> +15:22,23 ...................... <a href="#609">609</a> +15:23 .................... <a href="#364">364</a>, <a href="#374">374</a> +15:25,26 ...................... <a href="#595">595</a> +15:38 ......................... <a href="#560">560</a> +15:41-44 ...................... <a href="#517">517</a> +15:45 ......................... <a href="#368">368</a> +15:47 .................... <a href="#162">162</a>, <a href="#536">536</a> +15:49 ......................... <a href="#497">497</a> +15:50,51 ...................... <a href="#291">291</a> +15:51,52 ...................... <a href="#499">499</a> +15:53 .......................... <a href="#61">61</a> +15:54,55 ...................... <a href="#518">518</a> + + +<b>2 CORINTHIANS</b> +1:7 ........................... <a href="#491">491</a> +1:20-22 Weymouth .............. <a href="#542">542</a> +3:17 .......................... <a href="#369">369</a> +3:18 .......................... <a href="#489">489</a> +4:3,4 ............... <a href="#360">360</a>, <a href="#370">370</a>, <a href="#431">431</a> +4:4 ............................ <a href="#60">60</a> +4:17,18 ....................... <a href="#495">495</a> +5:16 .......................... <a href="#368">368</a> +5:17 ..................... <a href="#336">336</a>, <a href="#468">468</a> +5:21 .......................... <a href="#235">235</a> +8:9 ............ <a href="#165">165</a>, <a href="#174">174</a>, <a href="#213">213</a>, <a href="#540">540</a> +10:3,4 ........................ <a href="#435">435</a> +10:4 .......................... <a href="#488">488</a> +11:2 .......................... <a href="#455">455</a> + + +<b>GALATIANS</b> +1:4 ...................... <a href="#235">235</a>, <a href="#428">428</a> +3:8 ........................... <a href="#576">576</a> +3:8,16 ........................ <a href="#104">104</a> +3:8,16,27,29 .................. <a href="#544">544</a> +3:16 .......................... <a href="#315">315</a> +3:16,27,29 .................... <a href="#550">550</a> +3:19,24 ....................... <a href="#195">195</a> +3:22 .......................... <a href="#197">197</a> +3:24 .......................... <a href="#533">533</a> +3:26,27,29 .................... <a href="#315">315</a> +4:3,4 ......................... <a href="#211">211</a> +4:22-28 ....................... <a href="#103">103</a> +4:25-29 ....................... <a href="#470">470</a> + + +<b>EPHESIANS</b> +1:4-9 ......................... <a href="#472">472</a> +2:6,7 ......................... <a href="#509">509</a> +3:7-11 ........................ <a href="#345">345</a> +4:8 ........................... <a href="#248">248</a> +4:12 .......................... <a href="#341">341</a> +4:16 .......................... <a href="#529">529</a> + + +<b>PHILIPPIANS</b> +1:29 ...................... <a href="#52">52</a>, <a href="#485">485</a> +2:6,7 ......................... <a href="#165">165</a> +2:7 ........................... <a href="#213">213</a> +2:7-11 ........................ <a href="#510">510</a> +2:8 ........................... <a href="#174">174</a> +2:8-11 ........................ <a href="#276">276</a> +2:9 ........................... <a href="#369">369</a> +2:9-11 ........................ <a href="#471">471</a> +2:10,11 ....................... <a href="#613">613</a> +3:14 .......................... <a href="#333">333</a> +3:20 .......................... <a href="#364">364</a> + + +<b>COLOSSIANS</b> +1:9 ........................... <a href="#337">337</a> +1:12 .......................... <a href="#341">341</a> +1:13 .......................... <a href="#359">359</a> +1:15-17 ....................... <a href="#164">164</a> +1:17-19 ....................... <a href="#313">313</a> +1:18 ................. <a href="#52">52</a>, <a href="#295">295</a>, <a href="#468">468</a> +1:24-27 ....................... <a href="#312">312</a> +1:26,27 ....................... <a href="#544">544</a> +3:3 ........................... <a href="#337">337</a> +3:3,4 ......................... <a href="#513">513</a> +3:4 ........................... <a href="#341">341</a> +3:14 .......................... <a href="#529">529</a> + + +<b>1 THESSALONIANS</b> +2:19 ..................... <a href="#364">364</a>, <a href="#375">375</a> +3:13 .......................... <a href="#376">376</a> +4:13,14 ........................ <a href="#68">68</a> +4:13,14,18 .................... <a href="#615">615</a> +4:15 .......................... <a href="#377">377</a> +4:15-17 ....................... <a href="#461">461</a> +4:16,17 ....................... <a href="#498">498</a> +5:1 ........................... <a href="#443">443</a> +5:1-4 ......................... <a href="#389">389</a> +5:2 ........................... <a href="#383">383</a> +5:5,6 ......................... <a href="#389">389</a> +5:23 .......................... <a href="#378">378</a> + + +<b>2 THESSALONIANS</b> +1:7,8 ......................... <a href="#454">454</a> +1:9 ....................... <a href="#82">82</a>, <a href="#574">574</a> +2;1 ........................... <a href="#379">379</a> +2:2 ........................... <a href="#364">364</a> +2:7 ........................... <a href="#323">323</a> + + +<b>1 TIMOTHY</b> +2:3,4 Diaglott............ <a href="#229">229</a>, <a href="#575">575</a> +2:3-6 ......................... <a href="#245">245</a> +2:5,6 ..... <a href="#174">174</a>, <a href="#290">290</a>, <a href="#354">354</a>, <a href="#541">541</a>, <a href="#567">567</a> +2:14 ....................... <a href="#41">41</a>, <a href="#45">45</a> +6:15,16 ....................... <a href="#367">367</a> +6:16 ........................... <a href="#51">51</a> + + +<b>2 TIMOTHY</b> +2:18 ........................... <a href="#32">32</a> +3:16 ........................... <a href="#14">14</a> +4:1 ........................... <a href="#558">558</a> +4:6-8 ......................... <a href="#364">364</a> +4:8 ........................... <a href="#460">460</a> + + +<b>HEBREWS</b> +1:1,2 ......................... <a href="#165">165</a> +1:2 ...................... <a href="#248">248</a>, <a href="#506">506</a> +1:3 ................. <a href="#368">368</a>, <a href="#497">497</a>, <a href="#506">506</a> +1:3,4 ......................... <a href="#275">275</a> +1:14 .......................... <a href="#526">526</a> +2:5 ........................... <a href="#428">428</a> +2:9 ................. <a href="#174">174</a>, <a href="#230">230</a>, <a href="#541">541</a> +2:10,11 ....................... <a href="#492">492</a> +2:11 Wey ...................... <a href="#342">342</a> +2:14 ....... <a href="#43">43</a>, <a href="#149">149</a>, <a href="#174">174</a>, <a href="#258">258</a>, <a href="#622">622</a> +2:14,15 ....................... <a href="#213">213</a> +3:1 ........................... <a href="#338">338</a> +3:13 .......................... <a href="#332">332</a> +4:14-16 ....................... <a href="#293">293</a> +5:8 ........................... <a href="#469">469</a> +5:8,9 ......................... <a href="#471">471</a> +6:17,18 ....................... <a href="#539">539</a> +6:18 ...................... <a href="#46">46</a>, <a href="#100">100</a> +7:26 ..................... <a href="#175">175</a>, <a href="#213">213</a> +8:5 ........................... <a href="#553">553</a> +8:6 ........................... <a href="#553">553</a> +8:8-12 ........................ <a href="#554">554</a> +9:14 .......................... <a href="#175">175</a> +9:15 .......................... <a href="#558">558</a> +9:22,23 ....................... <a href="#237">237</a> +9:24 ................ <a href="#234">234</a>, <a href="#237">237</a>, <a href="#293">293</a> +10:1 .................. <a href="#2">2</a>, <a href="#195">195</a>, <a href="#553">553</a> +10:7-10 ....................... <a href="#229">229</a> +11 ............................ <a href="#556">556</a> +11:1-6 ........................ <a href="#326">326</a> +11:6 ............................ <a href="#6">6</a> +11:9,39 ........................ <a href="#86">86</a> +12:2 .......................... <a href="#311">311</a> +12:2-11 ....................... <a href="#494">494</a> +12:9,10 ........................ <a href="#16">16</a> +12:18-21 ...................... <a href="#520">520</a> +12:18-28 ...................... <a href="#453">453</a> +12:22-24 ...................... <a href="#521">521</a> + + +<b>JAMES</b> +1:12 .......................... <a href="#512">512</a> +1:17 .......................... <a href="#187">187</a> +1:18 .......................... <a href="#335">335</a> +5:7 ........................... <a href="#380">380</a> +5:7,8 ......................... <a href="#364">364</a> +5:8 ........................... <a href="#381">381</a> +5:10 .......................... <a href="#490">490</a> + + +<b>1 PETER</b> +1:2 ........................... <a href="#316">316</a> +1:3,4 .......................... <a href="#61">61</a> +1:3-5 ......................... <a href="#335">335</a> +1:10,12 ........................ <a href="#21">21</a> +1:11 .......................... <a href="#308">308</a> +1:19 .......................... <a href="#175">175</a> +2:2 ........................... <a href="#483">483</a> +2:3-8 ......................... <a href="#484">484</a> +2:5-7 ......................... <a href="#317">317</a> +2:9 ........................... <a href="#468">468</a> +2:9,10 .................... <a href="#52">52</a>, <a href="#318">318</a> + ............... Diaglott <a href="#464">464</a> +2:21 ..................... <a href="#319">319</a>, <a href="#471">471</a> +3:18 ..................... <a href="#275">275</a>, <a href="#368">368</a> +3:20 ...................... <a href="#93">93</a>, <a href="#428">428</a> +4:5 ........................... <a href="#558">558</a> +4:12-14,16 .................... <a href="#492">492</a> + + +<b>2 PETER</b> +1:4 ........ <a href="#61">61</a>, <a href="#319">319</a>, <a href="#334">334</a>, <a href="#468">468</a>, <a href="#512">512</a> +1:5-7 ......................... <a href="#488">488</a> +1:10,11 ....................... <a href="#487">487</a> +1:11 .......................... <a href="#359">359</a> +1:16 .......................... <a href="#364">364</a> +1:21 ........................... <a href="#13">13</a> +3:4 ....................... <a href="#68">68</a>, <a href="#382">382</a> +3:3,4 ......................... <a href="#426">426</a> +3:6 ........................... <a href="#428">428</a> +3:10 .......................... <a href="#383">383</a> +3:10,12 ....................... <a href="#446">446</a> +3:13 .......................... <a href="#370">370</a> + + +<b>1 JOHN</b> +1:1-4 ......................... <a href="#272">272</a> +1:5 ........................ <a href="#38">38</a>, <a href="#78">78</a> +2:2 ........................... <a href="#576">576</a> +3:2 ............ <a href="#291">291</a>, <a href="#365">365</a>, <a href="#506">506</a>, <a href="#528">528</a> +3:3 ........................... <a href="#489">489</a> +3:4 ........................... <a href="#231">231</a> +3:5 ........................... <a href="#175">175</a> +4:16 ........................... <a href="#78">78</a> +5:19 ..................... <a href="#337">337</a>, <a href="#431">431</a> + + +<b>JUDE</b> +9 ............................. <a href="#222">222</a> +14,15 ......................... <a href="#547">547</a> +24 ............................ <a href="#530">530</a> + + +<b>REVELATION</b> +1:18 .......................... <a href="#294">294</a> +2:10 ............ <a href="#61">61</a>, <a href="#319">319</a>, <a href="#335">335</a>, <a href="#512">512</a> +2:26 .......................... <a href="#308">308</a> +2:27 .......................... <a href="#454">454</a> +3:3 ........................... <a href="#383">383</a> +3:12 .......................... <a href="#501">501</a> +3:14 .......................... <a href="#185">185</a> +3:21 ................ <a href="#389">389</a>, <a href="#455">455</a>, <a href="#487">487</a> +5:11,12 ....................... <a href="#258">258</a> +5:13 .......................... <a href="#624">624</a> +7:4 ...................... <a href="#313">313</a>, <a href="#468">468</a> +11:17,18 ...................... <a href="#431">431</a> +12:9 ........................... <a href="#43">43</a> +13:8 .......................... <a href="#189">189</a> +14:1 .......................... <a href="#460">460</a> +14:2,3 .......................... <a href="#5">5</a> +14:15,16 ...................... <a href="#440">440</a> +15:2,3 ..................... <a href="#5">5</a>, <a href="#534">534</a> +15:2-4 ........................ <a href="#444">444</a> +15:3 ........................... <a href="#52">52</a> +15:3,4 ........................ <a href="#621">621</a> +15:6 .......................... <a href="#454">454</a> +16:15 ......................... <a href="#383">383</a> +17:5 .......................... <a href="#323">323</a> +18:4 .......................... <a href="#425">425</a> +19:6,7 ........................ <a href="#531">531</a> +19:8 .......................... <a href="#532">532</a> +20:1-3 ................... <a href="#454">454</a>, <a href="#622">622</a> +20:1-4 ........................ <a href="#579">579</a> +20:6 ................ <a href="#463">463</a>, <a href="#499">499</a>, <a href="#549">549</a> +20:7-10 ....................... <a href="#622">622</a> +21:1 .......................... <a href="#604">604</a> +21:1-5 .............. <a href="#370">370</a>, <a href="#534">534</a>, <a href="#597">597</a> +21:4 ................ <a href="#607">607</a>, <a href="#608">608</a>, <a href="#612">612</a> +21:9 .......................... <a href="#455">455</a> +21:24-27 ...................... <a href="#611">611</a> +22:16 .......................... <a href="#35">35</a> +22:20 ......................... <a href="#365">365</a> + +</pre> + + + + + + + + +<pre> + + + + + +End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of The Harp of God, by J. 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F. Rutherford + +This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with +almost no restrictions whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or +re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included +with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.org + + +Title: The Harp of God + +Author: J. F. Rutherford + +Release Date: July 9, 2004 [EBook #12868] + +Language: English + +Character set encoding: ASCII + +*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE HARP OF GOD *** + + + + +Produced by Juliet Sutherland, Keren Vergon, Anne Folland and PG +Distributed Proofreaders + + + + + + + +[Illustration] + + + + +The Harp of God + + +_Proof Conclusive that_ + +Millions now Living will never Die + + + +A text-book for Bible study specially +adapted for use of beginners; with numerous +questions and Scripture citations + + +510,000 Edition + + +By J.F. Rutherford, Author of +"_Can the Living Talk with the Dead_?" +"_Millions now Living will never Die!_" +_etc., etc._. + + +_Publishers_: +Watch Tower Bible and Tract Society and +International Bible Students Association +Brooklyn, New York, U.S.A. +_Also_: London, Toronto, Melbourne, Cape Town, Orebro, Barmen, +Berne, _etc._ + + + + + To the invisible King of Glory now present + + in the interests of + the generation now on earth who + will become his loyal subjects + + this book is dedicated + + +_"This generation shall not pass till all these things be fulfilled_." +--Matthew 24:34 + + + +1921 + + + + + + +Preface + +There is need of a textbook for beginners in Bible study. This book is +intended to meet that long-felt want. The subject matter is arranged +progressively and orderly. A list of questions follows each point +discussed, thus enabling the teacher to direct the mind of the student +to the subject under consideration. The numeral following each question +refers to the paragraph of the text where the answer may be found, each +paragraph being numbered to correspond. + +Jehovah had a great plan before the foundation of the world; but no one +knew about it. During the first four thousand years of man's history +God's plan was kept a secret. He began to reveal it to man nearly +nineteen hundred years ago, and then only to those who are consecrated +to do his will. Promise was made that greater light should come at the +end of the age, and this promise has been kept. We are at that time, as +is clearly proven by the contents herein. This book points out the +salient features of the divine plan, which plan is both orderly and +progressive. + +People generally have not been thoroughly instructed in the Bible. Even +those who have attended the Sunday schools have merely learned the text +and not the meaning of the text. Like the prophets of old, they have +heard but understood not. The real reason for these conditions is that +God's plan could not be understood until his due time to reveal it. His +due time is here. + +Because of the dispensational change taking place at this time, Bible +study was never so important as now. If important to educate the rising +generation in the things taught in our common schools, with stronger +reasoning is it important to educate them concerning that which is now +being revealed of the divine program for the uplifting and blessing of +mankind. + +There is no disposition, desire, nor attempt to induce any one reading +this book to become a member of any organization, sect, or denomination. +The sole purpose of the book is to aid honest seekers for truth in +their endeavors to understand the Bible, to learn the meaning of the +present-day events, and to prepare some at least to receive the +blessings that are soon due to mankind. + +If you knew that there was to be a radical change in the government for +the better, and that your children might have a part in the affairs of +the new government, you would be anxious for them to acquire all the +knowledge possible concerning the new order of things. The greatest +changes of the ages are now taking place. It is conceded by everybody +that these changes began with the World War and that they continue. But +what do they mean? The real answer is that the old world, or social and +political order, has ended and is passing away, and that a new and +better order is due and will shortly be established. Every parent owes +it to his child to instruct him insofar as possible concerning the +incoming new order or government. The contents of this book will start +you in the right way. + +The subject matter herein treated is not discussed at great length. The +interested reader is referred to the STUDIES IN THE SCRIPTURES and +kindred publications of the Watch Tower Bible and Tract Society, wherein +these matters are treated in greater detail. The King James Version of +the Bible is used in the quotations, except as otherwise indicated. The +reader should consider each point herein made with his Bible before him, +proving each proposition, that he may be thoroughly convinced in his own +mind. + +The harp is an instrument which, when used by a skilled performer, +brings happiness and cheer to those who listen. The harp of God, when +understood and skillfully used, brings peace of mind and gladness of +heart. The title of this book suggests the thought of good cheer and +happiness. The message herein contained, taken from the Word of God, is +sent forth with the prayer that it may be a blessing to many, that it +may cheer some who are sad, bind up some broken hearts, comfort some +that mourn, and give all who earnestly read a deeper appreciation of +Jehovah and the Savior of mankind. + +Brooklyn, N.Y., October 1, 1921. + + + + +CONTENTS + + +The Harp of God + +Creation + +Justice Manifest + +The Abrahamic Promise + +The Birth of Jesus + +The Ransom + +Resurrection + +Mystery Revealed + +Our Lord's Return + +Glorification of the Church + +Restoration + + + + +The Harp of God + + + + +CHAPTER I + +"_I will incline mine ear to a parable: I will open my dark sayings upon +the harp."--Psalm 49:4._ + + +The harp is a musical instrument invented many centuries ago. When +properly strung and played upon it yields sweet music, making glad the +heart. The first mention of the harp made in the Bible is in Genesis +4:21, and the inventor's name was Jubal. He was therefore called "the +father of all such as handle the harp and organ". + +[2]It was 1812 years before the coming of Jesus in the flesh that God +organized the twelve tribes of Israel, the descendants of Jacob, into a +nation, which nation thereafter was known as the nation of Israel. It +was the only nation with which God made a covenant, and he did not +recognize any other nation in the same way. (Amos 3:2) The nation of +Israel was used to make living pictures or types, foreshadowing better +things to come; and those who study the Scriptural account of Israel's +experiences are able to approximate closely future events which will be +good for mankind.--1 Corinthians 10:1-13; Hebrews 10:1. + +[3]With the nation of Israel the harp was an instrument consecrated to +joy and exaltation. David, who for forty years was king of Israel, was +an expert player on the harp, and it will be noted that in the Psalms +often the harp is used to symbolize or teach some great truth. The Jews +used this instrument on occasions of joy, such as jubilees and +festivals. + +[4]Josephus, a writer of Jewish history, is authority for the statement +that the harp usually had ten strings, but that at times it was smaller +and had only eight strings. The number _ten_ is used in the Scriptures +to symbolize that which is complete or perfect as pertaining to man. We +would understand, then, that the harp with ten strings pictures the great +fundamental truths concerning the divine plan. When two of these strings +were absent, there being only eight, the indication is apparently given +that there would be a time when two important features of the divine plan +would not be seen by men. God promised that greater light should come +upon his Word at the end of the age, or end of the world, which means the +social order of things. Since we have reached that time, we confidently +look for more light and thus we find it. + +[5]The Book of Revelation is written largely in symbols. In Revelation +14:2,3 and 15:2,3 we find a brief description of a class of glorious +beings who are playing upon their harps, and these are described as the +'harps of God'. The harp here is used as a sign or symbol of some great +truth, or feature of the divine program; in fact, a great deal of the +Bible is written in symbolic phrase. The Lord uses objects which we know +to illustrate great unseen things which we do not know; and the harp is +so used. + + +WHO IS GOD? + +[6]Before we can know God and understand his great plan it is first +necessary for us to believe that he exists and that he rewards all who +diligently seek him. (Hebrews 11:6) But how can we believe? We must +first have some knowledge. But how can we know that there is a great +God? Let us look at some of the simpler things about us and reason upon +the matter. + +[7]Look at the flowers in your garden. Out from the same soil grow the +many varieties of different hues and colors. Likewise from the same soil +spring the divers kinds of trees, bringing forth different fruits at +different seasons of the year. Some wisdom superior to man's must have +arranged these things. Observe the broad fields, the lofty mountains, +the mighty rivers, and then behold the ocean, exhibiting unlimited +power, upon the waves of which majestically ride the great ships. Are we +not compelled to conclude that there was a wise One, who created these +things, greater than anything we see? + +[8]Now gaze into the silent heavens above you, and there number, if you +can, the stars and planets which are noiselessly moving through space. +Many of these are far greater than the earth, and yet each one hangs in +its place and moves noiselessly about in its orbit. Surely they could +not have come there by chance, but the reasonable mind must say that a +Creator greater than the planets put them there. When King David looked +at these wonders of creation he was so impressed with the greatness of +their Creator that he wrote: "The heavens declare the glory of God; and +the firmament showeth his handiwork. Day unto day uttereth speech, and +night unto night showeth knowledge. There is no speech nor language, +where their voice is not heard. Their line is gone out through all the +earth, and their words to the end of the world."--Psalm 19:1-4. + +[9]Consider man. What a wonderful piece of mechanism is his body! The +framework is there; the muscles that hold each part in place; the +nerves, like a great electrical system by which messages are conveyed +from the brain to all parts of the body. He has power to reason and to +plan and carry out these plans. Truly no machine can be compared to man +for intricacy of construction and harmony of action. Who, then, is the +Creator of this wonderful thing? We must conclude that there was a +great First Cause who made and put into action all things visible in the +universe, as well as things to us invisible. And who is he? Jehovah is +his name; the great God of the universe.--Psalm 83:18; Genesis 17:1; +Exodus 6:3; 20:2-5. + +[10]The name Jehovah means self-existing one. He was without beginning +and without end, and of him Moses wrote: "From everlasting to +everlasting thou art God". (Psalm 90:2; Isaiah 26:4) He is the great +Almighty Jehovah God and there is none other besides him, and his honor +and dignity none other possesses. (Isaiah 42:8) He is the great all-wise +Creator of all things that are made. (Isaiah 40:28; Genesis 1:1) The +four great and eternal attributes of Jehovah are justice, power, love, +and wisdom. (Ezekiel 1:5,6) These attributes work together in exact +harmony at all times; and in various times and ways he makes manifest +these attributes. At certain times he has specially manifested such +attributes. + +[11]His justice was made manifest by inflicting punishment for the +violation of his law. Power was particularly manifested in the great +flood that destroyed all things on the earth. His love was especially +exhibited in the sacrifice of the dearest treasure of his heart, his +beloved Son, that mankind might have an opportunity for life. His wisdom +is particularly manifested in his great plan, which he gradually unfolds +and permits man to see. His attributes have no limitations. He is so +wise that he knew the end from the beginning and outlined all of his +great plan to the very minutest detail.--Acts 15:18. + + +HIS REVELATION + +[12]It is conceded by all that man is the very highest type of all +living creatures on the earth. His intelligence is far superior to that +of any other earthly being. Truly man is fearfully and wonderfully made. +Is it not reasonable for him to expect that the Almighty God would +reveal to man something of the divine greatness and plans and purposes? +Yes, and such revelation is found in that wonderful book, the holy +Bible. + +[13]Who wrote the Bible? What is known as the Old Testament was written +by holy men of old who were moved upon by the invisible power of Jehovah +to write it. (2 Peter 1:21; 2 Samuel 23:2; Luke 1:70) The New Testament +consists of the spoken words of Jesus, the Son of God, who spake as +never man spake, and whose words were recorded by those who heard him +and witnessed his acts; and in addition thereto, the written testimony +of his disciples, who wrote under inspiration from God. + +[14]The holy spirit means the invisible power or influence of Jehovah-- +holy because he is holy. This power of Jehovah operated upon the minds +of honest men who loved and who were devoted to righteousness, directing +them in the writing of the Bible. The spirit of God, i.e., his invisible +power and influence, moved upon the waters and thereby he created. +(Genesis 1:2) In like manner his invisible power and influence operated +upon the minds of men and directed them what to write. Thus did Moses +write the first five books of the Bible. The invisible power or influence +of God, which is the holy spirit, operating upon Moses' mind enabled him +to make a record of the chief events that had occurred and to write the +law of God, as given to his people through Moses. In no other way could +the true history of creation have been written. These facts and truths +were, therefore, written by inspiration of God. (2 Timothy 3:16; Job +32:8) There are twenty-four prophetic writers of the Old Testament, who +foretold the great events that were to transpire in the earth. Their +accounts were written at different times and under widely different +conditions, yet their testimonies agree. Their testimony foreshadowed +future events. + +[15]History, when written, is a recorded statement of facts and events, +arranged in a chronological order. + +[16]Prophecy, which is true, is a statement of facts and events foretold +to take place at some future time. Otherwise stated, prophecy is history +written before it transpires. + +[17]No human mind could actually foretell facts or events to happen in +the future. Only the divine mind could do that. If, then, we find that +the Bible foretold certain facts and events to happen and the record of +the same was made centuries before these facts and events did happen, +and these events and facts are now definitely established as having +taken place, such would be the strongest proof that the persons +recording such facts and events were directed in so doing by the divine +mind; hence that such writing was under divine inspiration. + +[18]As an illustration of this point: Wireless telegraphy and airships +are modern discoveries; yet since they have been discovered we find that +God, through his holy prophets, foretold centuries ago the use of such +inventions. (Job 38:35; Isaiah 60:8) The railway train has been in use +less than a hundred years; and yet the prophet of God many centuries ago +gave a clear and particular description of the railway train and the +manner of its operation, and prophesied that the same would be in vogue +at the time of the end, at the time the Lord is making preparation for +the establishment of his kingdom. (Nahum 2:3-6) And he also foretold +that at that time there would be a great running to and fro by other +means of transportation, such as automobiles, electric cars, etc. +(Daniel 12:4) There is no one living in modern times who is wiser than +Solomon; yet during the past 125 years there has been a great +development in invention and a marvelous increase of knowledge; because +it is due time, and because the prophets of God centuries ago foretold +that such would come to pass. + +[19]Through his holy prophets God foretold that at a time future there +would come into the world a mighty man; that he would be born a Jew +(Deuteronomy 18:15), specifying the place where he would be born (Micah +5:2); that he would come to his own people and they would not receive +him; that he would be despised and rejected of men, a man of sorrows and +acquainted with grief (Isaiah 53:1-3); that he would ride into Jerusalem +upon an ass, the foal of a like animal, and offer himself as king to the +Jews (Zechariah 9:9); that he would be rejected by the Jews (Isaiah +53:3); that he would be betrayed for thirty pieces of silver (Zechariah +11:12); that he would die, but not for himself (Daniel 9:26); that there +would be no just cause for his death (Isaiah 53:8,9,11); that +nevertheless he would be numbered among the transgressors (Isaiah +53:12); that he would die a violent death, yet not a bone of his body +should be broken (Psalm 34:20); that his flesh would not corrupt, and +that he would arise from the dead (Psalm 16:10)--all of which and many +more similar prophecies were completely fulfilled by Jesus of Nazareth, +the great Teacher who lived about and died at Jerusalem. Later we will +examine the Scriptures proving a further fulfillment of all these +prophecies. + +[20]All of the foregoing facts show that the Bible was written, as it is +claimed, by holy men of old, who were directed in writing it by the +power of Jehovah, and that it is a record which God caused to be kept +and has given to man for his guidance in righteousness, and which +foretells the course and final destiny of man. + +[21]The prophets who made record of the divine arrangement did not +understand what they wrote. They knew they were writing something that +would take place in the future, but just how and when they did not know. +They inquired and searched diligently all sources of information open to +them as to what these prophecies meant and when they would be fulfilled +and in what manner of time. Particularly with reference to the coming of +Jesus, his suffering, death and resurrection they prophesied and did not +understand, although they attempted to understand. (1 Peter 1:10,12) +Even the angels of heaven knew that the prophets were thus writing, but +they did not understand, although they desired to look into these +things. God revealed his great plan only in his own due time, and until +that time he kept it all to himself. + +[22]The divine plan means the arrangement made by Jehovah for the +creation of everything that has been created and for carrying out his +purposes with reference to his creatures. The first one to understand +the divine plan was Jesus, who prior to coming to earth was known as the +Logos, which means one who speaks and acts for Jehovah. In Revelation, +chapter 5, a wonderful picture is given in symbolic language. Jehovah is +pictured as seated upon his throne, holding in his right hand a record +or scroll of his great plan. The hand is a symbol of power and holding +it in his hand foreshadowed the fact that Jehovah held it exclusively in +his own power and keeping. The picture then shows a strong angel or +messenger speaking with a loud voice and asking the question: "Who is +worthy to open the book and to loose the seals thereof?" In heaven there +was a host of holy beings or angels. No one of them was able to open +the book or scroll, neither to look on it. No one in earth was able to +look upon it nor to open it. + +[23]One of the titles given to Jesus is "Lion of the tribe of Judah". +This great and mighty One, the beloved Son of God, afterward designated +Jesus, was granted the privilege of opening the book and of loosing the +seals that kept it secret, thus picturing how Jehovah made known his +plan to his beloved Son. The picture describes him thus: "And I beheld, +and, lo, in the midst of the throne ... stood a Lamb as it had been +slain, having seven horns and seven eyes, ... and he came and took the +book out of the right hand of him [Jehovah] that sat upon the throne". + +[24]_Seven_ is a symbol of perfection; horn a symbol of power; and eyes +a symbol of wisdom. Therefore this One is pictured as having perfect +power and perfect wisdom to perform this wonderful privilege and duty. +This is the first time that the great mystery of Jehovah, his great plan +or program, was made known to any one; and since then, from time to +time, he has been pleased to reveal portions of his plan to men who have +honestly and faithfully sought to understand it. He has promised to +reward those that diligently seek him and who seek a knowledge of him. +Therefore we can come to the study of his plan, confidently expecting +that he will grant us from time to time such a vision and understanding +of it as pleases him and as would be for our good and happiness. + +[25]The harp is used to symbolize the grandeur and beauty, the exquisite +harmony and majestic sweetness of the divine arrangement or plan. The +record of this great program or plan is found in the Old and the New +Testaments. This record reveals the purpose of God concerning man, gives +a record of his fall, a prophetic vision of his redemption and +deliverance, and ultimately the blessing of all obedient ones of mankind +with life everlasting. The great fundamental doctrines or truths stated +in the Bible and which constitute the fundamentals of his plan +concerning man would, therefore, constitute the strings upon the harp of +God. These fundamental truths were spoken by Jehovah through the +prophets, through Jesus, and through his disciples. God's law is his +expressed will. Law means a rule of action, directing that which is +right and prohibiting that which is wrong. The Bible contains the law of +Jehovah for the governing of mankind. + +[26]The name David means beloved one. The beloved One of Jehovah is his +Son, Jesus, the Christ. David was therefore used by Jehovah to picture +or to make a type of Christ, including Jesus and his faithful followers. +David used the harp of ten strings and was an expert performer upon it. +This would seem to picture how that the antitype of David, Jesus and the +members of his body, his faithful followers, would have an understanding +of this harp of God and that God would use them to make it plain to +others who would want to understand it. The ten strings of the harp, +therefore, very fitly represent the ten great fundamental truths or +doctrines of the divine plan. These ten fundamental doctrines appear in +the order named, as follows: + + (1) CREATION + (2) JUSTICE MANIFESTED + (3) ABRAHAMIC PROMISE + (4) BIRTH OF JESUS + (5) RANSOM + (6) RESURRECTION + (7) MYSTERY REVEALED + (8) THE LORD'S PRESENCE + (9) GLORIFICATION + (10) RESTORATION + +[27]When one understands these ten fundamental truths and can +appreciate the beauty and harmony by them expressed, he is thereby +enabled to use the harp of God, and the use of it brings joy to his +heart and fills his soul with sweet music. Without doubt the great plan +of God pictured by the harp was all made and arranged at one time, but +we will here consider each one of these fundamental truths, represented +by a string, separately and in the order above named. + + + + +What is the harp? and when was it invented? ¶ 1. + +Who invented the harp? and where is mention made of it in the Bible? +¶ 1. + +When did God organize the twelve tribes of Israel into a nation? ¶ 2. + +What arrangement did God make with the nation of Israel? ¶ 2. + +For what purpose was that nation used by Jehovah? ¶ 2. + +To what did the nation of Israel consecrate the harp? ¶ 3. + +What king of Israel was skilled in the use of the harp? ¶ 3. + +Where in the Scriptures is the harp used symbolically? ¶ 3. + +On what occasions did the Jews use the harp? ¶ 3. + +How many strings were there on Israel's harp? and what did these +symbolize? ¶ 4. + +Did the harp at any time have a less number of strings? and if so, what +did that picture? ¶ 4. + +In what phrase or language is the book of Revelation written? ¶ 5. + +Where in the book of Revelation is the harp mentioned? and what kind of +beings are pictured as using it? ¶ 5. + +What is the first essential to an understanding of God's plan? ¶ 6. + +Name some visible proof of the existence of a Supreme Being or Creator. +¶ 7. + +How was David impressed with what he observed of creation? ¶ 8. + +How does man's organism prove the existence of a Supreme Being? ¶ 9. + +Who is the Supreme Being or Creator? and what does his name signify? +¶ 10. + +Give some Scriptural proof of the existence of Jehovah. ¶ 10. + +Name the four primary divine attributes. ¶ 10. + +How was divine justice manifested? ¶ 11. + +How was divine power manifested? ¶ 11. + +How was divine love manifested? ¶ 11. + +How was divine wisdom manifested? ¶ 11. + +Is there proof that God foreknew the end from the beginning? ¶ 11. + +Why should man expect some revelation of the divine plan? ¶ 12. + +Has man found a revelation of God's plan? and if so, where? ¶ 12. + +By whom was the Bible written? and what are the two general divisions of +it? ¶ 13. + +What is meant by the holy spirit? ¶ 14. + +What relationship does the holy spirit bear to the Bible and its +preparation? ¶ 14. + +Who wrote the first five books of the Bible? and under what influence? +¶ 14. + +Was the Bible written under inspiration? ¶ 14. + +How many prophetic writers contributed to the Old Testament? and does +their testimony agree? ¶ 14. + +Define history. ¶ 15. + +Define prophecy. ¶ 16. + +Can a human mind accurately foretell future events? ¶ 17. + +What is one of the strongest proofs that the Bible was written under +inspiration? ¶ 17. + +What relationship do wireless telegraphy and airships bear to fulfilled +prophecy? ¶ 18. + +Were railway trains foretold by the prophets? and if so, where? ¶ 18. + +What other means of rapid transit did the prophets foretell? ¶ 18. + +Why did not Solomon give the world great inventions such as we now have? +¶ 18. + +Did the prophets point to the coming of any special one to earth? ¶ 19. + +What prophecy, if any, did the coming of Jesus of Nazareth tend to +fulfill? ¶ 19. + +How did the coming of Jesus tend to confirm the authenticity of the +Scriptures? ¶ 20. + +Did the prophets understand the meaning of what they wrote concerning +the happening of future events? ¶ 21. + +What effort did they make to understand? ¶ 21. + +Did the angels in heaven understand what the prophets were writing? +¶ 21. + +What is meant by the term "the divine plan"? ¶ 22. + +Who was the first one to understand the divine plan? ¶ 22. + +What was the name of Jesus before he became a man? and what is the +significance of his prehuman title? ¶ 22. + +What is pictured by the fifth chapter of Revelation? Give the details of +the picture. ¶ 22. + +Who is the "Lion of the tribe of Judah"? ¶ 23. + +What is the symbolic meaning of the words "seven", "horns," and "eyes"? +and what do these words signify as used in Revelation 5? ¶ 24. + +Is there reason to expect that God would grant certain ones from time to +time an increased understanding of his plan? and if so, why? ¶ 24. + +What does the harp symbolize? ¶ 25. + +Where is the record of the divine plan found? ¶ 25. + +What does this record reveal concerning man? ¶ 25. + +By whom has God spoken his fundamental truths? ¶ 25. + +What is the law of God? ¶ 25. + +Define law. ¶ 25. + +Where is the law of God found? ¶ 25. + +What is the meaning of the word David? ¶ 26. + +Whom did David picture or typify? ¶ 26. + +What did David's use of the harp typify or picture? ¶ 26. + +What is pictured or symbolized by the ten strings of David's harp? ¶ 26. + +Name the ten fundamental truths represented by the strings on the harp. +¶ 26. + +How can one learn to use the harp of God? ¶ 27. + +What effect is produced upon one who skillfully uses the harp? ¶ 27. + + + + +OMNIPOTENT GOD + + Harps of eternity! begin the song, + Redeemed, and angel harps! begin to God, + Begin the anthem ever sweet and new, + While I extol Him holy, just, and good. + Life, beauty, light, intelligence, and love! + Eternal, uncreated, infinite! + Unsearchable Jehovah! God of truth! + Maker, upholder, governor of all: + Thyself unmade, ungoverned, unupheld. + Omnipotent, unchangeable, Great God! + Exhaustless fullness! giving unimpaired! + Bounding immensity, unspread, unbound! + Highest and best! beginning, middle, end. + All-seeing Eye! all-seeing, and unseen! + Hearing, unheard! all knowing, and unknown! + Above all praise! above all height of thought! + Proprietor of immortality! + Glory ineffable! Bliss underived! + Of old Thou build'st Thy throne on righteousness, + Before the morning Stars their song began, + Or silence heard the voice of praise. Thou laid'st + Eternity's foundation stone, and saw'st + Life and existence out of Thee begin. + + --_Pollok_ + +[Illustration] + + + + +CHAPTER II + +String 1: _Creation_ + + +The subject of creation here treated relates particularly to the earth +and the creatures of the earth, the chief one of which is man. We will +not attempt to discuss at length the creation of other planets, nor of +the other creatures. Attention is merely called to the Scriptural +statement that the beginning of God's creation was the Logos, which term +is translated in our Bibles "the Word". The record reads: "In the +beginning was the Word, and the Word was with [the] God and the Word was +[a] god". (John 1:1) God is a name applied to Jehovah, the Almighty One. +It is sometimes applied to other mighty ones also; whereas the name +Jehovah applies exclusively to the great eternal God. The Logos, the +Word, was a god, a mighty one. "The same was in the beginning with God. +All things were made by him, and without him was not anything made that +was made." He was Jehovah's great active agent in the creation of all +things created. + +[29]Since the Bible was written for _man's_ benefit, the Genesis account +of creation has to do with man and his place of habitation. There we +read: "In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth". He +created the sun, for light by day; and the moon, for light by night, +upon the earth. God then created the birds and fowls that fly through +the air, and the fish of the sea. He created the cattle and the creeping +things, and all the beasts of the earth. All this was before the +creation of man. He had formed the earth many centuries before man's +creation, and he created it that man might have a place to live. He +caused his prophet to write: "I have made the earth and created man upon +it. For thus saith the Lord that created the heavens; God himself that +formed the earth and made it; he hath established it, he created it not +in vain, he formed it to be inhabited."--Isaiah 45:12,18. + +[30]God created the first man and woman out of the elements and gave +them power to produce and bring forth children, and all the human race +sprang from the first pair. God was the Father and the earth the mother +of Adam. The first man was named Adam; the first woman, Eve. "God +created man in his own image, in the image of God created he him; male +and female created he them. And God blessed them, and God said unto +them, Be fruitful, and multiply, and fill the earth, and subdue it; and +have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the fowl of the air, +and over every living thing that moveth upon the earth."--Genesis 1: +27,28. + +[31]We are all interested in knowing how Jehovah created the first man, +Adam. "And the Lord God formed man of the dust of the ground, and +breathed into his nostrils the breath of life; and man became a living +soul." (Genesis 2:7) God did not give man a soul separate and distinct +from the man. The word soul means being; living, breathing creature. +Every man _is_ a soul. No man _has_ a soul. Every living creature is a +soul. God called all moving creatures that have life souls. (See Genesis +1:20, _margin_) He designates various animals as souls.--Numbers 31:28. + +[32]Jehovah then made a beautiful home for man, which is designated in +the Bible as Eden--a garden, a beautiful park. Everything in Eden was +perfect, because all the works of Jehovah are perfect. (Deuteronomy +32:4) "And the Lord God planted a garden eastward in Eden; and there he +put the man whom he had formed. And out of the ground made the Lord God +to grow every tree that is pleasant to the sight, and good for food; the +tree of life also in the midst of the garden, and the tree of knowledge +of good and evil. And the Lord God took the man, and put him into the +garden of Eden to dress it and to keep it."--Genesis 2: 8,9,15. + +[33]God next gave to man a law to govern him. He told him what he might +do and what he might not do; and informed him that a violation of this +law would bring death upon him. "And the Lord God commanded the man, +saying, Of every tree of the garden thou mayest freely eat; but of the +tree of the knowledge of good and evil, thou shalt not eat of it: for in +the day that thou eatest thereof thou shalt surely die."--Genesis 2:16, +17. + +[34]God then created Eve to be a helpmate or companion to Adam. (Genesis +2:21-25) If Adam and Eve had been obedient to Jehovah at all times, +there would have been no sickness, sorrow, nor death amongst the human +race. + +[35]In the Scriptures Jesus, the Logos, is designated as "the bright and +morning star". (Revelation 22:16) He at all times was and is the joy and +delight of the heavenly Father, Jehovah. A star is used to symbolize a +heavenly creature. The morning star is the most honored one in all the +divine realm, Jehovah alone excepted. Other heavenly creatures are +designated as stars. + +[36]Many times you have heard the question asked, Who made the devil, +Satan, the evil one? The correct answer is, He was not always the devil +or Satan. He was created a perfect and beautiful creature. He was also +designated a star of heaven. His original name was Lucifer. The prophet +Ezekiel says of him that he was "the anointed cherub that covereth", +which seems to indicate that he had authority over some others. +Continuing, the prophet records: "Thou wast upon the holy mountain of +God; thou hast walked up and down in the midst of the stones of fire. +Thou wast perfect in thy ways from the day that thou wast created, till +iniquity was found in thee." (Ezekiel 28:14,15) He is described as a +beautiful creature. Thus the Prophet speaks of him: "Thou hast been in +Eden the garden of God; every precious stone was thy covering, the +sardius, topaz, and the diamond, the beryl, the onyx, and the jasper, +the sapphire, the emerald, and the carbuncle, and gold: the workmanship +of thy tabrets and of thy pipes was prepared in thee in the day that +thou wast created".--Ezekiel 28:13. + +[37]Other angelic hosts in heaven are designated the sons of God. When +God created the earth, laying its foundations as a habitation for man, +when he created these beautiful earthly creatures upon the earth, these +two great stars of heaven sang together a song of gladness, and the +angelic sons of God shouted for joy. (Job 38: 4-7) It appears that at +that time all the creatures of Jehovah were in harmony with him and +obedient to him, and of course they would watch the creation develop; +and when the highest earthly creatures were made, perfect man and +perfect woman, endowed with the attributes of wisdom, justice, love, and +power, made in the image and likeness of Jehovah, there was great joy in +heaven. Hence the occasion for the song and shouting by the heavenly +hosts. + +[38]In the unfolding of the divine plan, therefore, we see that creation +is the first part and is properly designated as the first string upon the +harp of God. "God is light, and in him is no darkness at all." (1 John +1:5) All the works of Jehovah are perfect. (Deuteronomy 32:4) Hence we +must conclude that all the creatures of Jehovah were in the light, were +creatures of light, all happy, all joyful. And when the perfect man and +perfect woman were placed in the beautiful garden of Eden, everything +there was joyful. + + + + +To what does the subject of creation herein briefly treated relate? +¶ 28. + +Who is designated in the Bible as the beginning of God's creation? ¶ 28. + +To what does the Genesis account of creation relate? ¶ 29. + +What earthly creatures did God create before making man? ¶ 29. + +For what purpose did God create the earth? ¶ 29. + +What human beings did God create? ¶ 30. + +Who was the father and who the mother of the human race? ¶ 30. + +Who was the father and who the mother of Adam? ¶ 30. + +What power and authority did God give to man at his creation? ¶ 30. + +How did God create man? ¶ 31. + +Define the soul. ¶ 31. + +Does the word soul apply to any creatures except man? Give Scriptural +proof. ¶ 31. + +Describe the original man's first home. ¶ 32. + +What is the meaning of the word Eden? ¶ 32. + +What law did God give to man by which he was to be governed while in +Eden? ¶ 33. + +Describe the creation of Eve. ¶ 34. + +By obeying God's law, how long could Adam and Eve have lived in Eden? +¶ 34. + +A star is used in the Scriptures to symbolize what? ¶ 35. + +What is the meaning of the Scriptural term "bright and morning star"? +¶ 35. + +Who is the most highly honored one in the divine realm? ¶ 35. + +Who is the devil or Satan? and who made him? ¶ 36. + +What was his original name? ¶ 36. + +How does the prophet Ezekiel describe Lucifer? ¶ 36. + +What other beings in heaven are called sons of God? ¶ 37. + +When God created man, what was the effect upon the host of heaven who +observed the creation? ¶ 37. + +What is the first string upon the divine harp? ¶ 38. + +Does the revelation of this string cause rejoicing? and if so, by whom? +¶ 38. + +Who is light and without darkness? ¶ 38. + +Has God ever created an imperfect creature? ¶ 38. + +What is the disposition of God's creatures while in harmony with him? +¶ 38. + +What was the condition in Eden when man was created? ¶ 38. + +[Illustration] + + + + +CHAPTER III + +String 2: _Justice Manifested_ + + +One of the divine attributes is justice. "Justice and judgment are the +habitation of thy throne." (Psalm 89:14) Divine wisdom devised the great +divine program or plan. Divine justice must perform its part in harmony +with the other divine attributes. God's law must be unchangeable. Being +unchangeable, his creatures can have absolute confidence and faith in +him, that he always does exactly as he says. A violation of Jehovah's +law must be followed by punishment in the exercise of justice. The +prerogative of justice is to see that the law is enforced. The +manifestation of justice magnifies the name and the dignity of Jehovah. +Without the manifestation of justice it would have been impossible for +Jehovah so fully to manifest his love toward man in providing for his +redemption and subsequent blessing. When one understands the office of +justice and why it was manifested, he rejoices. A failure to understand +and appreciate the divine attributes makes it impossible for one +properly to appreciate Jehovah's goodness and loving kindness to +mankind. Jehovah is too good to be unjust. He is too wise to make a +mistake; he is too loving to be unkind; and his power is always +exercised in such a way that ultimate good may result. + +[40]The manifestation of justice is one of the strings upon the harp of +God; but we must see and appreciate it in order to understand the beauty +and harmony it brings when used in connection with the other springs. + +[41]Good and evil are antagonistic principles or rules of action. Good +is the law or rule of action by which God is always governed. Evil +becomes active only when some creature of Jehovah violates his law. God +made man a free moral agent. He did not compel him to do or not to do +certain things. He told man that if he did certain things he would be +blessed; and that if he did other things contrary to divine law he would +suffer punishment; and the punishment prescribed was death. Mother Eve +was deceived by Satan, the devil, and thereby induced to violate the law +of God. Father Adam, seeing that his companion and helpmate had violated +the law and judging that she must die, preferred to join her in the +transgression and die with her. (1 Timothy 2:14) It will be of interest +here to examine the circumstances leading up to the violation of the law +of God and to see why his justice toward man was manifested in +sentencing him to death. + +[42]All dominion rightly belongs to Jehovah. He had given man dominion +over the things of earth. Lucifer observed Adam and Eve, the perfect +ones, in Eden; and knowing that they were endowed with authority from +Jehovah to multiply and fill the earth, he conceived the thought in his +own heart or mind that he should have a dominion of his own, and that he +could have this by separating man from God and by inducing him to come +under his (Satan's) dominion. The prophet Isaiah gives us some light +upon this subject when he says: "How art thou fallen from heaven, O +Lucifer, son of the morning! how art thou cut down to the ground, which +didst weaken the nations! For thou hast said in thine heart, I will +ascend into heaven, I will exalt my throne above the stars of God: I +will sit also upon the mount of the congregation, in the sides of the +north: I will ascend above the heights of the clouds; I will be like +the Most High. Yet thou shalt be brought down to hell, to the sides of +the pit"--Isaiah 14:12-15. + +[43]Thus we see that Satan had an ambitious desire to be like the Most +High. God manifested his justice toward Lucifer by expelling him from +his presence and has decreed that he shall be ultimately destroyed. +(Ezekiel 28:14-18; Hebrews 2:14) When Lucifer was expelled from the +presence of Jehovah because of his wickedness, he thereafter was and is +known by the names of dragon, that old serpent, the devil, and Satan. +(Revelation 12:9) In Genesis 3 he is spoken of as the serpent. The name +dragon means devourer; Satan means adversary; devil means slanderer; +while serpent means deceiver; and all these names indicate the +characteristics of Satan, the evil one. + +[44]According to the Genesis account, the old serpent, the devil, +deceived Eve in this manner: As we have heretofore observed, Jehovah had +told Adam and Eve that they must not eat of a certain tree in Eden, +known as the tree of knowledge of good and evil. Appearing to mother Eve +in the capacity of a serpent, a deceiver, the devil said to her in +effect: 'Hath God said that ye shall not eat of every tree in Eden?' To +this question Eve responded: "We may eat of the fruit of the trees of +the garden; but of the fruit of the tree which is in the midst of the +garden, God hath said, Ye shall not eat of it, neither shall ye touch +it, lest ye die". The old serpent, the devil, replied: "Ye shall not +surely die; for God doth know that in the day ye eat thereof, then your +eyes shall be opened, and ye shall be as gods, knowing good and evil". +In other words, he told Eve that Jehovah was trying to keep her and her +husband in ignorance and thus take advantage of them. Doubtless the +devil himself ate of the fruit in the presence of Eve and then +deliberately lied to her by saying: "Ye shall not surely die"--God +knows that you will not die. And by this means he induced mother Eve to +eat of the fruit--which was a violation of God's law. We know that Satan +is a liar, because Jesus said of him: "He was a murderer from the +beginning, and abode not in the truth, because there is no truth in him. +When he speaketh a lie, he speaketh of his own: for he is a liar, and +the father of it."--John 8:44. + +[45]The fact that Eve was deceived and thereby induced to violate the +law of God in no wise changed the law or affected its enforcement. Adam +deliberately ate of the fruit and he was also in the transgression. +--1 Timothy 2:14. + +[46]After they had violated Jehovah's law, Adam and Eve hid amongst the +trees in Eden. Jehovah spoke to Adam and asked: "Hast thou eaten of the +tree, whereof I commanded thee that thou shouldest not eat?" Adam +responded that Eve had given him the fruit to eat; and Eve said that the +serpent had deceived her. They both stood before Jehovah and confessed +their guilt. The majesty of the law of Jehovah must be upheld. His law +being unchangeable (Hebrews 6:18), there remained nothing to do but to +enforce that law. Then Jehovah pronounced his judgment against them, the +record of which reads: "Unto the woman he said, I will greatly multiply +thy sorrow and thy conception; in sorrow thou shalt bring forth +children; and thy desire shall be to thy husband, and he shall rule over +thee. And unto Adam he said, Because thou hast hearkened unto the voice +of thy wife, and hast eaten of the tree, of which I commanded thee, +saying, Thou shalt not eat of it: cursed is the ground for thy sake; in +sorrow shalt thou eat of it all the days of thy life; thorns also and +thistles shall it bring forth to thee; and thou shalt eat the herb of +the field; in the sweat of thy face shalt thou eat bread, till thou +return unto the ground; for out of it wast thou taken: for dust thou +art, and unto dust shalt thou return,"--Genesis 3:16-19. + +[47]Thus the perfect man forfeited his life. He had been endowed with +perfection of home, liberty, peace, happiness, and life everlasting on +earth. Now he must die and return to the dust from whence he was taken. +God did not put him to death immediately, but permitted him to have 930 +years of experience that he might learn the baneful effects of sin. Eden +contained perfect food that would have sustained the perfect man and he +would not have died had he remained in Eden, unless Jehovah had put him +to death in some direct manner. But God drove him out of Eden, took him +away from the perfect food, caused him to gather his food from among the +thorns and thistles and from other imperfect elements of the earth that +were found outside of Eden; and in this condition he continued to sicken +and to die until at the end of the period of 930 years he was dead. + +[48]A kind and loving parent sometimes inflicts punishment upon a child +because the child has violated a rule. The parent punishes the child not +because he loves to see the child suffer, but for the good of the child, +in order that it might be disciplined and might learn the proper +lessons. If the child always did good and never did evil it would not +merit nor receive any punishment from a loving parent. One of the chief +purposes of Jehovah in dealing with mankind in the manner he does deal +with them is that humankind might be disciplined and learn the lessons +of good and the effect of doing wrong, and thus learn to appreciate the +love of the heavenly Father. + +[49]When God sentenced our first parents to death and drove them out of +Eden, he had in mind and had already planned for their future blessing, +as we will see upon a further examination of his plan. Hence it was love +that prompted his action in sentencing Adam to die. Every act of Jehovah +is prompted by love; for God is love. He always acts that good may +result. The manifestation of his strict justice was essential that the +dignity and greatness of Jehovah might be maintained. At the same time, +in so doing, love was the motive that prompted his action. It must have +brought sorrow to the heart of Jehovah to be compelled thus to punish +his creatures, because God takes no pleasure in evil things; yet having +in mind the ultimate blessing and restoration of them, there would be +pleasure in thus manifesting justice that ultimate good might result. + +[50]We therefore might with propriety speak of the manifestation of +justice as the minor chord in the music of the harp of God. The minor +chord seems necessary in music to produce exact harmony. + +[51]Job in his suffering seems to picture the world of mankind under +condemnation; and when suffering he said: "My harp also is turned to +mourning". (Job 30: 31) The perfect man and his helpmate, deprived now +of their perfect home, toiling as they sought to gather their food from +the unfinished earth, suffering in body and in mind because of their +separation from God, truly would have said, and doubtless did say: 'Our +harp is turned into mourning'. Since that time the whole world has been +in a state of mourning; and mankind still suffers and groans in pain. +The world of mankind in general has not appreciated the manifestation of +the justice of Jehovah. The Christian, however, who has come to a +knowledge of Jehovah's plan, and sees and appreciates his purposes for +the blessing of mankind, can rejoice and does rejoice at the +manifestation of divine justice. + +[52]During the gospel age God has been developing a church, the members +of which are designated as the body of Christ. (Philippians 1:29; +Colossians 1:18) These are also designated members of the royal +priesthood. (1 Peter 2:9,10) During their earthly career they are +counted as members of the sacrificing priesthood, of which Aaron was a +type. Aaron and his sons were required to serve before the Lord in the +ceremonies in connection with the tabernacle in the wilderness. Two of +Aaron's sons were stricken dead because they offered strange fire before +the Lord. Aaron and his two remaining sons were forbidden by the Lord to +mourn the death of their kinsmen. Evidently this is a picture which +shows that those who have come to a knowledge of the divine plan do not +mourn because God sentenced our first parents to death, but rather that +they will rejoice at this manifestation of justice when they understand +that it was necessary in order that the great plan of redemption should +be carried out as outlined by Jehovah from the beginning. And when we +see and appreciate this divine plan we can truly exclaim: "Great and +marvelous are thy works, Lord God Almighty; just and true are thy ways, +thou King of saints".--Revelation 15:3. + + +MEN'S SOULS + +[53]Against what did God manifest his justice? Did he sentence the body +or the soul of man to death? Is it true that the soul of man is +immortal; and if so, how could God put it to death? + +[54]It is profitable to define terms before attempting to discuss them. +The definition given should be supported by proof from the Bible. This +we will attempt to do before answering the question here asked. + +[55]Immortal means that which cannot die; something that cannot be +destroyed in death. Soul means a moving, breathing, sentient creature, +or being; a creature or being that possesses faculties and uses them. To +understand whether or not a soul is immortal it is first essential that +we determine from the Bible what constitutes a soul. "The Lord God +formed man of the dust of the ground, and breathed into his nostrils the +breath of lives; and man became a living soul." (Genesis 2:7) The word +soul is synonymous with the words being, creature, and man. The dust out +of which Jehovah formed the body was not conscious. It had no life in +it. After God had used these elements to form the man, he breathed into +his nostrils the breath of lives, which animated the body, caused the +lungs to begin to work, sent the blood tingling through the arteries and +returning through the veins; therefore there resulted a moving, +breathing, sentient being, a man, which is a soul. The body aside from +the breath does not constitute the soul; but it requires the uniting of +the breath with the body to constitute the soul. And when we separate +the breath from the body the soul no longer exists. The Scriptures do +not say that God breathed into this body immortality, but merely that +the soul resulted by animating the body after it had been created; and +this resulted from the breath which he breathed into the nostrils. + +[56]A locomotive may be used as an illustration. It stands upon the +track with no fire in the box, no water in the boiler, hence no steam. +We speak of it as a dead engine. Then the steam is produced by heating +the water; it is forced into the cylinders, the throttle being open and +the machine moves. Withdraw the steam and it stops. + +[57]Just so with man. When the body is formed it would be inanimate and +inactive without breath. When the breath of life is breathed into the +nostrils and his organs begin to functionate, it is said that man then +is a breathing creature; hence a soul. When he ceases to breathe he is +dead. + +[58]Man is a soul. He does not possess a soul. Every creature that +breathes is a soul. God applied the words living soul to the lower order +of animals long before man's creation. (Genesis 1:20, _margin_) That +all breathing creatures are designated as souls by Jehovah is proven by +these words: "Levy a tribute unto the Lord of the men of war which went +out to battle: one soul of five hundred, both of the persons, and of the +beeves, and of the asses, and of the sheep". (Numbers 31:28) All souls +die alike. "For that which befalleth the sons of men befalleth beasts; +even one thing befalleth them: as one dieth, so dieth the other; yea, +they have all one breath; so that a man hath no preeminence above a +beast: for all is vanity. All go unto one place; all are of the dust, +and all turn to dust again,"--Ecclesiastes 3:19,20. + +[59]In the manifestation of divine justice God said to Adam: "Of the +tree of the knowledge of good and evil, thou shalt not eat; ... for in +the day that thou eatest thereof, dying thou shalt die". (Genesis 2:17, +_margin_) This sentence was pronounced against man, the being, the soul. +If there could be any doubt about this, it is definitely settled by +another statement in the Bible which reads: "The soul that sinneth it +shall die". (Ezekiel 18:4) "What man is he that liveth, and shall not +see death? shall he deliver his soul from the hand of the grave?"--Psalm +89:48. + +[60]The thought of immortal souls originated with Satan the devil. He +approached mother Eve and said: 'If you eat of this tree, you shall not +surely die'. Jesus denounced this statement as the first lie ever told, +and Satan as the father of lies. (John 8:44) Satan has been trying to +blind the people to the truth concerning God's great plan in order to +keep them away from God and from the blessings they would receive by +obeying him. The Apostle says of him that he is "the god [mighty one] of +this world", meaning the present evil social order; and that he has +blinded the minds of men to the truth, lest the glorious gospel of the +Lord Jesus Christ should shine into their hearts. (2 Corinthians 4:4) +From the day of Eden until now Satan has been blinding the minds of men +to the truth by getting into their minds a false conception of Jehovah's +arrangement; and the basis for this blindness is chiefly the lie first +told: "Ye shall not surely die". All false doctrines are based upon this +first lie. + +[61]If man possessed an immortal soul it could not be put to death. +Hence we see that God would be unable to enforce his judgment against a +sinner, and justice would fail. The Scriptures, however, plainly tell us +that the quality of immortality belongs originally only to Jehovah, "who +only hath immortality, dwelling in the light which no man can approach +unto; whom no man hath seen, nor can see". (1 Timothy 6:16) Immortality +will be given as a great reward to faithful Christians and to none other +of the human race. Such Christians who live and continue faithful until +death are promised the divine nature, immortality, the crown of life. +(2 Peter 1:4; 1 Peter 1:3,4; Romans 2:7; Revelation 2:10) We may be sure +that a man does not seek that which he already possesses; and the apostle +Paul plainly says: "Seek for ... immortality". And again he says to those +who will be faithful Christians: "This mortal must put on immortality". +(1 Corinthians 15:53) If a soul, a man, were already immortal, he could +not subsequently _put on_ immortality. No one of the human race will +ever be made immortal except the faithful Christians. God has a different +reward for others who are obedient to him. + + +DEAD UNCONSCIOUS + +[62]Another of Satan's deceptions by which he has blinded the people is +the teaching that the dead are still conscious after death. This is not +supported by the Bible, however. Those who die are never again conscious +unless they are resurrected by the Lord. The resurrection of the dead we +will discuss later on. If the soul were immortal it would be conscious +somewhere. Let us observe the Scriptures which show that the dead are +not conscious. + +[63]"In death there is no remembrance of thee: in the grave who shall +give thee thanks?" (Psalm 6:5) Thus is shown that they have no memory +while dead. "The dead praise not the Lord, neither any that go down into +silence." (Psalm 115:17) Hence they could not speak while dead. + +[64]The dead cannot breathe, think, or feel. "Thou takest away their +breath, they die, and return to their dust." (Psalm 104:29) "His breath +goeth forth, he returneth to his earth; in that very day his thoughts +perish." (Psalm 146:4) A person when unconscious does not feel. This is +illustrated by the fact that when a person is taken to a hospital for an +operation the surgeon puts the patient under an anesthetic, puts him to +sleep so that he cannot feel during the operation. + +[65]Again the Scriptures read: "The living know that they shall die, but +the dead know not anything. Also their love, and their hatred, and their +envy, is now perished." (Ecclesiastes 9:5,6) Being unconscious, they +know not anything when dead. "Whatsoever thy hand findeth to do, do it +with thy might; for there is no work, nor device, nor knowledge, nor +wisdom, in the grave, whither thou goest."--Ecclesiastes 9:10. + +[66]Again speaking of man, God says of him: "Nevertheless man being in +honor abideth not: he is like the beasts that perish". (Psalm 49:12) +Anything that perishes cannot be conscious, cannot be in existence and +of course cannot be immortal. + +[67]It was Jesus who said: "God so loved the world, that he gave his +only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, +but have everlasting life". (John 3:16) Here the proof is conclusive +that death means the perishing of all unless redemption is received +through Jesus Christ. This would absolutely disprove consciousness of +the dead and would disprove also the immortality of the soul. + +[68]Death is spoken of in the Bible as a sleep, for the reason that God +intends in his due time to awaken all of the dead and give them an +opportunity of life. The Bible abounds in the expressions referring to +the dead as asleep. A few of these expressions are: "David slept with +his fathers, and was buried in the city of David". (1 Kings 2:10) "The +fathers fell asleep." (2 Peter 3:4) '"The greater part remain until this +day, but some are fallen asleep." (1 Corinthians 15:6) "I would not have +you to be ignorant, brethren, concerning them that are asleep; ... them +also which sleep will God bring [forth] by Jesus [in the resurrection]." +--1 Thessalonians 4:13,14. + +[69]We must conclude from these Scriptures that the dead are wholly +unconscious from the moment of death until such future time as the Lord +may be pleased to awaken them out of death and give them an opportunity +of life, which he purposes to do, as set forth in his great plan. (John +5:28,29) Man was made of the dust. He was sentenced to return to the +dust; that is, the condition of the dead. And the Lord said: 'They that +sleep in the dust of the earth shall arise'.--Daniel 12:2. + + +DOES GOD TORMENT ANY ONE? + +[70]For a long time men have been taught that the punishment for the +wicked, those who disobey God, is everlasting torment or torture in a +hell burning with unquenchable fire and brimstone. Many have been +frightened away from studying the Bible because of this terrible +doctrine. Many have refused to believe in God and the Lord Jesus because +of it. It is another doctrine of Satan, used to blind the people. The +doctrine of eternal torment cannot be true for at least four separate +and distinct reasons: (1) because it is unreasonable; (2) because it is +repugnant to justice; (3) because it is contrary to the principle of +love; and (4) because it is entirely unscriptural. + +[71]It seems strange that men with reasoning faculties should ever reach +the conclusion that the all-wise Creator would eternally torment any of +his creatures. What could be the purpose of such torment? Could it +accomplish any good? Would it result to the glory of God? + +[72]There could be no eternal torment of any of God's creatures except +by God's will. A reasonable, loving God could not torment any of his +creatures. A Creator that would put in operation a system of endless +torment would be a fiend and not a reasonable God. Man is not perfect, +yet he has some love. God is perfect. He is love. A man or a child would +not torture his horse, his dog, or his cat. + +[73]Suppose we have a dog that becomes mad and tries to bite every one +in the neighborhood. He must be killed; but we would not torment the +poor brute by putting it into a slow fire. We would kill it in the +easiest way, so that it would not suffer much pain. Why would a person +do this? Because his sense of justice and love would deter him from +doing anything else. Man has not as much love as God. Every thing that +God does for man he does for man's good. + +[74]The doctrine is unreasonable because no one could be eternally +tormented unless that one were eternally conscious; and the Scriptures +above cited show that the dead are not conscious. Furthermore, there +could be no eternal torment of the soul unless that soul were immortal, +indestructible; and the Scriptures above cited and all other Scriptures +bearing upon the subject show that man is not immortal, that none are +granted immortality except those who receive it as a reward for +right-doing and who are made joint-heirs with Christ Jesus in his +glorious kingdom. Then it is easy to be seen that this is a doctrine of +Satan; and the two doctrines or teachings of inherent immortality and +eternal torture must stand or fall together. And since they are both +false, they must both fall. + +[75]The doctrine of eternal torture is _un_just, because God is _just_. +Justice is the foundation of his throne. God plainly told man that if he +sinned he would die. If thereafter he put him into eternal torment, then +he increased the penalty after man had violated the law, and this is +contrary to every principle of justice. All of Adam's children were born +imperfect. "There is none that doeth good, no, not one," (Psalm 14:3) +Every child is born imperfect. It would be very unjust for Jehovah to +permit such a one to be born under conditions over which he had no +control and then, because he could not obey perfectly, to put him into +eternal torture. Man's sense of justice is shocked at the thought of +torture of any creature. The justice that man possesses is a God-given +quality. The more Godlike a man is the more just he is. We must know, +then, that God deals justly with all of his creatures. + +[76]The doctrine of eternal torment is devoid of the attribute of love. +Every good father loves his children and children love their father. The +mother loves the children and the children love the mother. When the +children are disobedient, it becomes necessary for the father or the +mother to discipline them; and sometimes by using the rod. But no loving +parent would for a moment think of torturing his or her child. Just +punishment is always for the purpose of doing ultimate good, and where +the parents are compelled to punish or discipline their children they do +it because they love them. The apostle Paul, discussing the discipline +by earthly parents and by God said: "We have had fathers of our flesh +which corrected us, and we gave them reverence: shall we not much rather +be in subjection unto the Father of spirits, and live? For they verily +for a few days chastened us after their own pleasure; but he for our +profit, that we might be partakers of his holiness."--Hebrews 12:9,10. + +[77]Only a wicked fiend would want to torment anybody, such a one as +loves dark and wicked things. + +[78]Our great God is love. (1 John 4:16) "God is light and in him is no +darkness at all," (1 John 1:5) Everything that Jehovah does is good. God +created the first man Adam and gave him the power to transmit life to +his offspring. All the human race are the children of Adam. Only by +God's permission could these children have come into existence. Adam was +God's son and all the human race descend from Adam; and thus they bear +relationship to Jehovah. + +[79]None of Adam's children were born perfect. Some were born under +very depraved conditions. God's love, then, for the human race is so +great that he made provision for the redemption and ultimate blessing +of all, and it would be wholly inconsistent with his attribute of love +to arrange to torture any of them at any time. The doctrine of eternal +torment is a libel upon the great and loving name of God, and Satan is +responsible for it. But in God's due time he will make it clear to all +that he is love; and that all of his dealings with the human race are +for their good. + +[80]The eternal torment teaching is not supported by any Scripture text +in the Bible. There are some texts that are written in symbolic phrase, +parables and dark sayings, which were written to illustrate another +great truth, but with no reference to the eternal punishment of the +human race. These Scriptures must be considered elsewhere. Our space +does not permit us to consider them here. What we will examine are the +direct Scriptural statements. + +[81]All the Scriptures show that the wicked will be punished, but +punishment does not mean torment. There is a wide distinction between +everlasting punishment and everlasting torment. Everlasting punishment +is a punishment that lasts. Everlasting torment would be a torment that +never ends, but one would be consciously suffering all the time. The +laws of the land punish the wicked who violate the law, and the duration +of punishment is short or long in proportion to the enormity of the +crime committed. One who steals a loaf of bread violates the law and he +may be punished by confinement for a day or a month in prison. One who +destroys his neighbor's house by fire is punished, and his punishment +may be a number of years in prison. Another takes the life of his +neighbor, and his punishment is death. No law of any nation on earth +permits the violator of the law to be tormented. The stealer of bread is +punished for a short period; the one who destroys the home is punished +for a longer period; and the one who takes his neighbor's life +deliberately is punished by the full penalty of the law, and his +punishment is lasting. Death is the highest penalty inflicted by the +law. It is also the greatest punishment inflicted by Jehovah. Life is +the dearest thing to any creature, and to be deprived of life would be +the greatest punishment that could be inflicted. Therefore eternal or +everlasting death, with no hope of a resurrection, would be an +everlasting punishment. But it would not be an everlasting conscious +torture. God plainly declared: "The wages of sin is death" (Romans +6:23), and not eternal torture. + +[82]Having fixed this penalty, God could not change it afterward, +because God could not be inconsistent; he cannot deny himself. +(2 Timothy 2:13) It was by the disobedience of one man that sin came +into the world and death as the result of sin; so death has been the +penalty upon all mankind. (Romans 5:12) And this will continue until +God's due time to awaken them out of death and give all an opportunity +for life; and this we will discuss later. "The Lord preserveth them +that love him, but all the wicked will he destroy." (Psalm 145:20) The +Apostle plainly says that all the wicked shall be punished with an +everlasting destruction.--2 Thessalonians 1:9. + +[83]But do not the wicked go to hell? + +[84]It is true that all who have died from Adam until now have gone to +hell. But hell does not mean a place of conscious torture. Wherever the +word hell occurs in the Bible it means the condition of death. Hell is +not a place, but a condition. Those who go into the grave are not +conscious there; but they have gone into the death condition. Their +bodies decay and return to the dust. The word hell is translated from +the Hebrew word _sheol_, as used in the Old Testament. This same word +is a number of times translated grave and sometimes pit. In the New +Testament the same word hell is translated from the Greek word _hades_ +and likewise means grave, the condition of death, the tomb. + +[85]Some Scriptural illustrations of this prove that hell means a +condition of death. Job was a good and godly man, who tried to obey +Jehovah. He had suffered the loss of all his earthly possessions and +then his neighbors taunted him because of his suffering; and while he +was thus suffering, he prayed that God would permit him to go to hell, +saying: "O that thou wouldest hide me in hell [_sheol_, the grave] until +thy wrath be past". (Job 14:13) He desired to be hid in the grave until +the time of the resurrection, hoping in God's promise that some day the +dead would come again. Then Job says: "If I wait the grave is mine +house: I have made my bed in the darkness". "Our rest together is in the +dust." (Job 17:13,16) Thus he pictures the grave as a condition of +darkness, where there is no knowledge, no wisdom or device. Again he +said: "A man's sons come to honor, and he knoweth it not; and they are +brought low, but he perceiveth it not of them". (Job 14:21) Why? Because +those who are in hell, in the tomb, in the grave, in the condition of +death, have no knowledge of anything. They are out of existence, waiting +for the resurrection. + +[86]Jacob's beloved son Joseph was sold into Egypt by his brethren. +Joseph's coat was dipped in the blood of an animal and brought to Jacob, +and it was told Jacob the father that his son Joseph was dead. In his +grief he exclaimed: "I will go down into hell [_sheol_, the grave] unto +my son mourning". (Genesis 37:35) Jacob was a good man and approved of +the Lord; for the Apostle says he was. (Hebrews 11:9,39) Jacob meant +that he was going to the grave, to the death condition, mourning for +his beloved son. + +[87]Benjamin was Jacob's youngest son. After he lost Joseph his +affections were centered upon Benjamin. His elder sons came to him and +requested that their younger brother be permitted to go down with them +to Egypt. Their father Jacob objected to their taking him, saying, "My +son shall not go down with you; for his brother is dead, and he is left +alone: if mischief befall him by the way in which ye go, then shall ye +bring down my gray hairs with sorrow to hell [_sheol_, the grave]". +(Genesis 42:38) We know, then, that the hell here described could not be +a place of fire and brimstone, for the gray hairs of Jacob would not +last long in the fire. What he really meant was that as an old, +gray-headed man he would go down to the grave in sorrow if anything +befell his beloved son. + +[88]Jesus came to earth and lived and died and was buried; and it was +written of him that he went to hell. "Thou wilt not leave my soul in +hell." (Psalm 16:10) If hell is a place of endless torment and Jesus +went there he could not have been released. The fact that he did not +remain in hell is proof conclusive that hell is not a place of eternal +torment. + +[89]Jehovah established the true religion in the earth, which was and is +to worship him and glorify his name. Satan established a false religion +in his attempt to be like the Most High. God established his covenant +with the nation of Israel and commanded that they should keep themselves +separate and distinct from the heathen nations round about. Satan +established a false religion amongst the heathen nations and caused them +to worship images and other things aside from Jehovah. These heathen +idolaters built an altar in the valley of Hinnom for the purpose of +offering sacrifices to their gods. The Jews forsook their covenant with +Jehovah and became worshipers of Baal, one of Satan's deified ones. In +practising Baal worship they offered their children as sacrifices, and +upon this has been based the doctrine of torture by fire, concerning +which Jehovah says: "They have built also the high places of Baal, to +burn their sons with fire for burnt offerings unto Baal, which I +commanded not, nor spake it, neither came it into my mind". (Jeremiah +19:5) Again said the Lord: "They built the high places of Baal, which +are in the valley of the son of Hinnom, to cause their sons and their +daughters to pass through the fire unto Molech, which I commanded them +not, neither came it into my mind, that they should do this abomination, +to cause Judah to sin". (Jeremiah 32:35) The things which the heathen +sacrificed they sacrificed to devils and not to God. (1 Corinthians +10:20) This false or devil religion established amongst the deluded +people of the world was another means employed by Satan to blind the +minds of men to the true teachings of the divine plan. + +[90]In exercising divine justice, Jehovah at no time employs torture; +but he denounces such doctrine as an abomination in his sight. Divine +justice exercised destroys the evil doers; therefore that which is +destroyed eternally is everlastingly punished. Some Scriptures proving +this are: "Evil doers shall be cut off; but those that wait upon the +Lord, they shall inherit the earth. For yet a little while and the +wicked shall not be; yea, thou shalt diligently consider his place, and +it shall not be.... But the wicked shall perish, and the enemies of the +Lord shall be as the fat of lambs: they shall consume; into smoke shall +they consume away.... For such as be blessed of him shall inherit the +earth; and they that be cursed of him shall be cut off.... For the Lord +loveth judgment, and forsaketh not his saints; they are preserved +forever; but the seed of the wicked shall be cut off.... Wait on the +Lord, and keep his way, and he shall exalt thee to inherit the land: +when the wicked are cut off, thou shalt see it.... The transgressors +shall be destroyed together: the end of the wicked shall be cut +off."--Psalm 37:9,10,20,22,28,34,38. + +[91]The doctrine of eternal torment is a defamation of Jehovah's +character. It is a foul stain upon his lovable name. The chief purpose +of man is to glorify God. It is therefore his privilege and duty to +remove from the minds of others this misconception of Jehovah and enable +others to understand that God is indeed love. An understanding of his +plan shows that everything he does is prompted by love. No sooner had he +sentenced man to death than he began to reveal his plan for his +redemption and ultimate deliverance. The more clearly we see and +understand these great truths, the more do we rejoice in the divine +attribute of justice and the divine arrangement in making it manifest. + + + + +What divine attribute is mentioned as the habitation of God's throne? +¶ 39. + +What divine attribute devised the plan of God? ¶ 39. + +Is it necessary for the divine attributes to operate harmoniously? ¶ 39. + +Is God's law unchangeable? ¶ 39. + +What mental effect is produced upon God's creatures by the +unchangeableness of his law? ¶ 39. + +What must follow violation of the divine law? ¶ 39. + +What is the prerogative of divine Justice? ¶ 39. + +How does the manifestation of divine justice affect the name and dignity +of Jehovah? ¶ 39. + +Was it necessary for divine justice to be manifested in order for +divine love to be fully exercised? and if so, why? ¶ 39. + +What is essential to a proper appreciation of divine loving kindness? +¶ 39. + +Why is Jehovah never unjust nor unkind? ¶ 39. + +Does Jehovah make mistakes? ¶ 39. + +To what end does he use his power? ¶ 39. + +What is symbolized by the second string upon the harp of God? ¶ 40. + +Define good and evil. ¶ 41. + +When did evil become active? ¶ 41. + +Did God compel Adam to do or not to do certain things? ¶ 41. + +What punishment did God prescribe for a violation of his law? ¶ 41. + +Why and by whom was Eve induced to violate the law? ¶ 41. + +Why did Adam violate the law of God? ¶ 41. + +To whom does all dominion rightfully belong? ¶ 42. + +What dominion did God give to man? ¶ 42. + +Why did Lucifer induce Eve to sin? ¶ 42. + +What did Lucifer meditate in his heart? ¶ 42. + +What was the cause of Lucifer's fall? ¶ 43. + +How was divine justice manifested against Lucifer? ¶ 43. + +By what names is Lucifer known since his fall? Give the meaning of each +of the names. ¶ 43. + +Describe how the devil induced Eve to violate God's law. ¶ 44. + +What reply did Eve make to the devil's suggestion that she violate God's +law? ¶ 44. + +Who told the truth, God or Satan, relative to the result of Eve's act? +¶ 44. + +The fact that Eve was deceived by Satan, could that in any wise change +the penalty of the law? ¶ 45. + +What did Adam and Eve do after they had violated the divine law? ¶ 46. + +What action did Jehovah take toward them, and why? ¶ 46. + +Give the details of the judgment or sentence pronounced by Jehovah +against Adam and Eve. ¶ 46. + +What was the result of the judgment pronounced against man? ¶ 47. + +How long did Adam live after he was sentenced to die? ¶ 47. + +How did God enforce the sentence against man? ¶ 47. + +Would Adam have died if he had remained in Eden? ¶ 47. + +Why does a parent punish his child? ¶ 48. + +If the child always obeyed, would punishment he necessary? ¶ 48. + +What is one of the chief reasons for God permitting man to suffer the +effects of wrongdoing? ¶ 48. + +Why did God enforce his judgment against man? What was his purpose? +¶ 49. + +What motive prompts all the acts of Jehovah? ¶ 49. + +The manifestation of divine justice may be likened to what chord in +music? and why? ¶ 50. + +What did the suffering of Job picture relative to the harp? ¶ 51. + +How could Adam and Eve apply the sayings of Job to themselves? ¶ 51. + +Has the world of mankind ever appreciated the manifestation of divine +justice? and why not? ¶ 51. + +Why can a Christian appreciate the manifestation of divine justice as +one of the strings of God's harp? ¶ 51. + +As a sacrificing priest, what did Aaron typify? ¶ 52. + +How did the experiences of Aaron and his sons teach Christians not to +mourn because of the exercise of divine justice? ¶ 52. + +When a Christian appreciates the divine plan, what does he say? ¶ 52. + +What did God sentence to death, the soul or the body? ¶ 53. + +If the soul of man were immortal, how could it be put to death? ¶ 53. + +Is it important for us to define terms before freely using them in the +study of the Bible? ¶ 54. + +Define immortality. ¶ 55. + +Define the soul. ¶ 55. + +State fully the Scriptural account of how the soul was created. ¶ 55. + +Give some illustration of the soul. ¶ 56. + +Does man possess a soul? ¶ 58. + +What creatures beside man are souls? ¶ 58. + +Is there a difference in the manner of the death of souls? ¶ 58. + +Give some Scriptures to show that the soul is not immortal. ¶ 59. + +With whom did the term "immortal soul" originate? ¶ 60. + +When and by whom was the first lie told? ¶ 60. + +How has Satan blinded the people? and what has been his purpose in so +doing? ¶ 60. + +What is the basis for all false doctrines? ¶ 60. + +If all souls were immortal, could God destroy a willful sinner? ¶ 61. + +Who possesses the quality of immortality? ¶ 61. + +To whom has immortality been promised as a reward? ¶ 61. + +Give some Scriptural reason why men are not inherently immortal. ¶ 61. + +What other false doctrine has Satan employed in deceiving mankind? ¶ 62. + +Are the dead conscious at any time after death? ¶ 62. + +Do the dead remember anything? Do they praise the Lord? ¶ 63. + +Can the dead breathe, think, or feel? ¶ 64. + +Give an illustration showing that the dead do not feel. ¶ 64. + +Do the dead have knowledge or wisdom? Can they love or hate? ¶ 65. + +Give some Scriptural proof that death means to perish, and define +perish. ¶¶ 66, 67. + +Why is death sometimes spoken of as sleep? Give Scriptural proof. +¶¶ 68, 69. + +How has the doctrine of eternal torment affected many? ¶ 70. + +Who is responsible for the doctrine of eternal torment? ¶ 70. + +Give four reasons why eternal torment cannot be true. ¶ 70. + +Would eternal torment accomplish any good? Would it result to the glory +of God? ¶ 71. + +Could any creature be eternally tormented contrary to the will of God? +¶ 72. + +Could a reasonable God torture any creature? ¶ 72. + +Why would not a sane person torture his child or his dog? ¶ 73. + +Since the Scriptures declare that God is love, could he torment a +creature? ¶ 73. + +Why is the doctrine of eternal torture unreasonable? ¶ 74. + +Why is the doctrine of eternal torture unjust? ¶ 75. + +Why is the doctrine of eternal torment devoid of love? ¶¶ 76-79. + +What is the difference between everlasting torment and everlasting +punishment? ¶ 81. + +What is the severest punishment inflicted for the violation of human +laws? ¶ 81. + +What is the severest punishment God inflicts for the violation of his +laws? ¶ 81. + +Could God change the penalty for the violation of his law after the +penalty has been once fixed and the law violated? and if not, why not? +¶ 82. + +Do not the wicked go to hell? ¶ 84. + +What is the meaning of the English word hell? and from what words has it +been translated? ¶ 84. + +What did Job say about going to hell? ¶ 85. + +Is anyone conscious while in hell? ¶ 85. + +What did Jacob say about going to hell? and whom did he expect to meet +there? ¶ 86. + +If hell means a place of fiery torment, how could Jacob preserve his +gray hairs there? ¶ 87. + +Jesus went to hell, as the Scriptures declare. If hell is a place of +eternal torment, how could Jesus get out? ¶ 88. + +What religion did God establish on earth? ¶ 89. + +What religion did Satan establish on earth? ¶ 89. + +What does Jehovah's Word say about burning children in fires as +offerings to Baal? ¶ 89. + +To whom did the heathen sacrifice their children? ¶ 89. + +What has been Satan's purpose in teaching the false religion? ¶ 89. + +What punishment has God fixed for the willfully wicked? Give Scriptural +proof. ¶ 90. + +What is man's duty toward God and toward his fellow men in regard to +teaching the doctrine of eternal torment? ¶ 91. + +How are we affected by a proper understanding of the manifestation of +divine justice? ¶ 91. + + + + +WITHOUT THE GATES + +Alas! how changed from bowers of Paradise + That desolate region, overgrown with thorn + And thistle rank--a trackless waste forlorn, +Unblessed by God, o'erarched by sullen skies, +There stand that guilty pair, now sadly wise, + Their hearts with grief, their feet with briers torn, + Vainly their faded innocence they mourn, +And toward the gates of Eden turn their eyes. +No more to see the beauty and the bloom + Of that blest garden was to sinners given; +To weep and labor wearily their doom, + Out of God's holy, blissful presence driven, +Till through life's sorrows, and death's dust and gloom, + By woman's promised seed they're blest of heaven. + +--_Pollok_. + +[Illustration] + + + + +CHAPTER IV + +String 3: _The Abrahamic Promise_ + + +Some time after Adam and Eve were driven from Eden children were born to +them, who grew to the estate of manhood and womanhood and they in turn +had children. Cain obtained his wife by marrying his sister. Thus the +peoples of earth gradually increased. They all wandered about in the +earth, earning their bread in the sweat of their face. Some of these +children were bad and some were good. God showed his favor to the good, +as he always favors those who are good. Satan exercised his wicked +influence amongst the people and most of them turned to evil. + +[93]Noah was a good man and he and the members of his family served the +Lord Jehovah. Sixteen hundred years and more passed from the time of the +judgment in Eden (during which time the people became very wicked) and +there was great violence in the earth. God purposed to destroy all the +wicked of earth; so he directed Noah to build an ark and to take into +the ark the members of his family; and this done, a great flood of +waters came upon the earth and all living creatures were destroyed +except those in the ark. There were only eight persons left on the earth +after the flood. (Genesis 7:21-23; 1 Peter 3:20) Noah and his sons begat +children and the peoples of earth again increased. Amongst them were +some good and some bad. Amongst those who tried to do the will of God +was a man named Abram, which name was later changed to Abraham. He is +spoken of in the Scriptures as the friend of God. Abraham's wife was +named Sarah. + +[94]When Abraham was 75 years of age, Jehovah said to him: "Get thee out +of thy country, and from thy kindred, and from thy father's house, unto +a land that I will show thee: and I will make of thee a great nation, +and I will bless thee, and make thy name great; and thou shalt be a +blessing; and in thee shall all families of the earth be blessed". +(Genesis 12:1-3) Abraham with his wife and others left Haran for the +land of Canaan. When they had reached a point in that land known as +Sichem, the Lord appeared unto him and said: "Unto thy seed will I give +this land". Abraham builded an altar there, and the place has since been +known as Bethel, which means the house of God. Afterward Abraham dwelt +in the plains of Mamre, which is just above the present site of Hebron +in the southern part of Palestine. While there, God made a covenant with +him, saying: "Unto thy seed have I given this land, from the river of +Egypt unto the great river, the river Euphrates".--Genesis 15:18. + +[95]Thereafter, when Abraham was 99 years old, the Lord appeared unto +him and said: "I will make my covenant between me and thee, and will +multiply thee exceedingly, ... and thou shalt be a father of many +nations. And I will give unto thee, and to thy seed after thee, the land +wherein thou art a stranger, all the land of Canaan, for an everlasting +possession; and I will be their God." (Genesis 17:2,4,8) Some time +later, when Abraham was sitting at the door of his tent, which was +pitched in the plains of Mamre, there stood before him three men, +messengers from Jehovah. In the plains of Mamre, a short distance above +the town of Hebron, still stands a very ancient oak tree. It is about +thirty feet in circumference. It is claimed that this is Abraham's oak, +where he pitched his tent at the time these holy messengers appeared to +him. Of course we cannot believe this is true, because an oak would not +live that length of time. It is interesting, however, to note this +ancient tree standing approximately at the point where Abraham is +supposed to have resided in his tent. Here it was that Abraham prepared +refreshments for his distinguished visitors; and "he stood by them under +the tree, and they did eat". Here it was that the messenger of Jehovah +told Abraham that he and his wife Sarah would be given a son.--Genesis +18:1-14. + +[96]In due time a son was born unto Abraham and Sarah and his name was +called Isaac. (Genesis 21:1-3) Afterward, when the son Isaac had grown +up, Jehovah put Abraham to a great test, and in doing so he made a +picture which foreshadowed the redemption of the human race. This record +appears in the twenty-second chapter of Genesis. God said unto Abraham: +"Take now thy son, thine only son Isaac, whom thou lovest, and get thee +into the land of Moriah; and offer him there for a burnt-offering upon +one of the mountains which I will tell thee of". (Genesis 22:2) It is +interesting here to note that Mount Moriah is inside of the walls of the +present city of Jerusalem. It was the site of the temple of Solomon, and +supposed to be the very spot where Abraham was met by Melchizedek. It is +the place where Abraham was directed to offer and did offer up his son +Isaac. + +[97]Providing himself with wood to be used for the fire, Abraham and his +son and servants journeyed for three days from the plains of Mamre to +Moriah; and arriving there, he at once prepared for the burnt-offering. +Isaac was not aware of the purpose of his father to offer him; so he +said to his father: "Behold the fire and the wood: but where is the +lamb for a burnt offering? And Abraham said, My son, God will provide +himself a lamb for a burnt-offering." Abraham then informed his son that +he was to be the offering. Then he bound Isaac and laid him upon the +altar and stretched forth his hand and took the knife with which to slay +his son. This was a great test to Abraham's faith. Isaac was his only +son and he loved him dearly; but Jehovah had commanded him to offer him +up as a sacrifice, and because of his love for Jehovah he proceeded to +obey God's command. As he raised his hand to strike dead his only +beloved son, "the angel of the Lord called unto him out of heaven, and +said, Abraham, Lay not thine hand upon the lad, neither do thou any +thing unto him: for now I know that thou fearest God, seeing thou hast +not withheld thy son, thine only son, from me". When Abraham looked he +saw a ram caught in a thicket nearby and he took the ram and offered it +for a burnt-offering. + +[98]Then "the angel of the Lord called unto Abraham the second time, and +said, By myself have I sworn, saith the Lord, for because thou hast done +this thing, and hast not withheld thy son, thine only son: That in +blessing I will bless thee, and in multiplying I will multiply thy seed +as the stars of the heaven, and as the sand which is upon the sea shore; +and thy seed shall possess the gate of his enemies; and in thy seed +shall all the nations of the earth be blessed; because thou hast obeyed +my voice."--Genesis 22:15-18. + +[99]In this wonderful picture Abraham was a type of Jehovah, while Isaac +was a type of Jesus, the beloved Son of Jehovah. Abraham's offering his +beloved son on the altar, pictured how God in due time would offer his +only beloved Son as a great sacrifice that mankind might be redeemed +from death and have an opportunity to live. Abraham did not, as indeed +he could not, understand God's purposes, for the reason that Jehovah did +not reveal them to him; but he knew that God had here made a covenant +with him and bound it with his oath; and that by these two certain and +unchangeable things, his word and his oath, God would carry out his +covenant in due time, and that covenant would result in the blessing of +all the families and nations of earth. + +[100]The word covenant means contract; and it is the solemn form for +expressing a compact, agreement, or contract between parties, or +particularly on the part of one whereby he promises to do a certain +thing. With Jehovah a covenant or a contract is sacred and inviolate, +because Jehovah changes not. (Malachi 3:6) Having promised it, he will +fulfill it. (Hebrews 6:18) It is always necessary that there be two +parties to a contract. There may be more. Where one party only is bound +to do a certain thing that contract is called unilateral, or one-sided; +and where both parties are bound to perform certain things, the contract +is called bilateral, or two-sided. + +[101]It will be observed that this oathbound covenant that Jehovah made +with Abraham contained no conditions or limitations, but was merely a +promise of Jehovah bound by his oath, and is therefore properly called a +unilateral or one-sided covenant; for the reason that God's purpose was +and is to carry out his plan to bless the human race, regardless of what +any one may or may not do. There was no need for him to make any +conditions to the covenant. He merely announced his benevolent purpose +toward mankind. The covenant does not even say that the blessing of the +people will follow upon the condition that Abraham should do a certain +thing, or that the people should seek him. The covenant does not say +that every person will be blessed with life everlasting; but it does +say that all the families of the earth shall be blessed, which means +that every one must in God's due time have a full, fair opportunity for +life everlasting. It means, furthermore, that in God's due time +knowledge will be brought to all in order that every one may avail +himself of the opportunity thus provided for life. It means, +furthermore, that assistance will be given to every one, that he may +profit by this blessed opportunity; and all who prove their loyalty +under the test that will come by reason of the opportunity will be +granted life everlasting. + + + + +How was the earth originally peopled? ¶ 92. + +Where did Cain get his wife? ¶ 92. + +To whom does Jehovah show his favor? ¶ 92. + +What effect does Satan's influence have on the people? ¶ 92. + +What kind of man was Noah? and whom did he serve? ¶ 93. + +Why did Jehovah direct Noah to build the ark? ¶ 93. + +How many persons escaped destruction at the time of the flood? and who +were they? ¶ 93. + +How was the earth peopled after the flood? ¶ 93. + +What man is mentioned in the Scriptures as the friend of God? and what +was the name of his wife? ¶ 94. + +What was the age of Abraham when God spoke to him? and what did Jehovah +say? ¶ 94. + +What was Abraham's native land? and to what land did he go in obedience +to God's command? ¶ 94. + +At what places did Abraham stop in Canaan that are specially mentioned +in the Bible? ¶ 94. + +What promise did God make to Abraham at Bethel? and what promise did he +make while Abraham dwelt in the plains of Mamre? ¶ 94. + +Describe the place of Abraham's residence at the time Jehovah promised +him a son. Quote the Scriptural account. ¶ 95. + +How many sons did Abraham have by his wife Sarah? Give Scriptural proof. +¶ 96. + +To what special test did God put Abraham with reference to his son +Isaac? ¶ 96. + +Describe in detail the offering of Isaac. ¶ 97. + +Repeat God's promise to Abraham at the time of his offering of Isaac. +¶ 98. + +Whom did Abraham typify in this offering? and of whom was Isaac a type? +¶ 99. + +What did the offering of Isaac picture? ¶ 99. + +Did Abraham understand the full meaning of God's promise? ¶ 99. + +What is the meaning of the word "covenant"? ¶ 100. + +How does God regard his covenants? Give Scriptural proof. ¶ 100. + +How many parties are required to make a covenant? ¶ 100. + +Where only one party is bound, what kind of covenant is it? ¶ 100. + +Where both parties are bound to perform certain things, then what do we +call the covenant? ¶ 100. + +Why was God's covenant with Abraham a one-sided covenant? ¶ 101. + +What is the important statement of the Abrahamic covenant or promise? +¶ 101. + +Whom will the Abrahamic covenant ultimately affect? ¶ 101. + + + +"IS IT COME?" + + Poet and seer that question caught, + Above the din of life's fears and frets; + It marched with letters, it toiled with thought, + Through schools and creeds which the earth forgets. + And statesmen trifle, and priests deceive, + And traders barter our world away; + Yet hearts to that golden promise cleave, + And still, at times, "Is it come?" they say. + + The days of the nations bear no trace + Of all the sunshine so far foretold; + The cannon speaks in the teacher's place; + The age is weary with work and gold; + And high hopes wither, and memories wane; + On hearths and altars the fires are dead; + But that brave faith hath not lived in vain; + And this is all that our watcher said. + +--_Brown_. + +[Illustration] + + + + +CHAPTER V + +String 4: _The Birth of Jesus_ + + +It has pleased Jehovah to use men and women to picture or foreshadow +various parts of his plan. For instance, Abraham at times pictures or +represents God; while Sarah his wife was used to picture or typify God's +covenant with Abraham through which he promised to bring forth the seed +for the blessing of all the families of the earth. Sarah was the mother +of Isaac, her only son. Isaac was used to typify or foreshadow Jesus, +the son of God, the Redeemer of the world. Hagar had a son by Abraham, +and Hagar typified or foreshadowed the law covenant, which was made by +Jehovah with Moses as a mediator for the children of Israel at Mount +Sinai. As Hagar was a bondwoman, the servant of Sarah, so was the law +covenant one of bondage that brought forth no real blessings to the +Jews; but it was made for the purpose of teaching the Jews their +inability to lift themselves up to life and to show them the absolute +necessity for a redeemer. After the death of his wife Sarah, Abraham +married Keturah and by her had many children; and Keturah is used as a +type foreshadowing the new covenant that is to be made by Jehovah with +Christ as the Mediator for the world of mankind, through which all will +have an opportunity to gain life everlasting. + +[103]The apostle Paul speaks of these figures or pictures relating to +the covenants, as follows: "For it is written, that Abraham had two +sons, the one by a bondmaid, the other by a freewoman. But he who was +of the bondwoman was born after the flesh; but he of the freewoman was +by promise. Which things are an allegory: for these are the two +covenants; the one from the mount Sinai, which gendereth to bondage, +which is Agar. For this Agar is mount Sinai in Arabia, and answereth to +Jerusalem which now is, and is in bondage with her children. But +Jerusalem which is above is free, which is the mother of us all. For it +is written, Rejoice, thou barren that bearest not; break forth and cry, +thou that travailest not: for the desolate hath many more children than +she which hath an husband. Now we, brethren, as Isaac was, are the +children of promise." (Galatians 4:22-28) Isaac pictures the entire +Christ, head and body--Jesus the Head, the church the body members. + +[104]It is noted that God's covenant with Abraham stated that there +would be an offspring or seed which would bless all the families of the +earth. This seed is the Redeemer, Christ Jesus, the Savior of the world; +and by adoption into the family of God the true Christians, the church, +the members of Christ's body, become a part of that seed. "And the +scripture, foreseeing that God would justify the heathen through faith, +preached before the gospel unto Abraham, saying, In thee shall all +nations be blessed. Now to Abraham and his seed were the promises made. +He saith not, And to seeds, as of many; but as of one, And to thy seed, +which is Christ."--Galatians 3:8,16. + +[105]Before the blessing promised could come to the peoples of earth, +the seed which was promised must first come. The Israelites, otherwise +called Jews, therefore expected that one of the natural descendants of +Abraham would become their king and that through that king and his +kingdom all the nations of the earth would be blessed by receiving the +benefits first given to them. For this reason the faithful Jews looked +forward with great expectancy to the birth of the one who was to be +their king. They based their hopes upon the repeated promise made by +Jehovah. Without doubt it was thought by some that Isaac, the son of +Abraham, would be the one through whom the blessing would come. "After +the death of Abraham, God blessed his son Isaac; and Isaac dwelt by the +well Lahai-roi." (Genesis 25:11) When Isaac was about sixty years old +there were born to him and his wife Rebekah two sons, twins, who were +named by them Esau and Jacob.--Genesis 25:26. + +[106]Isaac then went to live in the land of the Philistines, and while +there, God said to him: "Sojourn in this land, and I will be with thee, +and will bless thee; for unto thee, and unto thy seed, I will give all +these countries, and I will perform the oath which I sware unto Abraham +thy father; and I will make thy seed to multiply as the stars of heaven, +and will give unto thy seed these countries; and in thy seed shall all +the nations of the earth be blessed". (Genesis 26:3,4) Thus the +Abrahamic promise was renewed to Isaac. Before the death of Isaac, he +pronounced his blessing upon his son Jacob, and Jacob thereby became the +successor of his father to the Abrahamic promise. + +[107]Under the rule of descent, the firstborn or eldest son was the heir +of the father's estate and any other rights or privileges that went with +that estate, unless for some cause there should be an exception to the +rule. Esau having been born a few moments before his brother Jacob, +under the operation of this rule would be the successor to the Abrahamic +promise and heir to his father. His birthright, therefore, would include +the promise made to Abraham. But the Lord clearly indicated that there +should be an exception to the rule in this case and that Jacob should +be the heir and not Esau. When it was known that the mother would bear +two sons, and just before the time of their birth, Rebekah the mother +inquired of the Lord concerning the expected children and the Lord said +unto her that two sons would be born to her and that the elder should +serve the younger. (Genesis 25:22,23) This definitely shows that it was +God's purpose that Jacob, who was born last, should be the heir and +successor to the Abrahamic promise. + +[108]These two sons grew to manhood's estate. Esau became a great +hunter and loved the outdoor sports; while Jacob was a plain man, +remaining quietly at home. Esau showed that he did not appreciate the +birthright, viz., the Abrahamic promise, even if it were his, which in +fact it was not, since God had foreordained that it should belong to +Jacob. Esau thought more of his own selfish, immediate comfort than +anything that might come to him by reason of this promise. On one +occasion he was in the field hunting. He returned hungry and faint. He +found that Jacob had prepared a pot of lentils. When Esau smelled this +appetizing food he said to Jacob: "Feed me, I pray thee, with that same +red pottage, for I am faint". And Jacob said: "Sell me this day thy +birthright". "And Esau said, Behold I am at the point to die: and what +profit shall this birthright do to me? And Jacob said, Swear to me this +day; and he sware unto him: and he sold his birthright unto Jacob. Then +Jacob gave Esau bread and pottage of lentils; and he did eat and drink, +and rose up, and went his way: thus Esau despised his birthright." +--Genesis 25:27-34. + +[109]Genuine, real right and title to the birthright was now Jacob's +for two good and sufficient reasons: (1) because it was so ordered by +the Lord before his birth, as above stated; and (2) because he had +bought it in an open and fair transaction with his brother Esau. These +two brothers were not mere children at this time. They were past forty +years of age (Genesis 26:34), both capable of entering into a contract; +and they made a contract which was binding upon both. + +[110]Notwithstanding these two good reasons why Jacob was justly +entitled to the birthright, Esau attempted to deprive him of it. The +birthright carried with it the privilege of the special blessing from +their father. Isaac was old and his eyes were dim, so that he could not +see; and he knew that the day of his death might be near. (Genesis +27:1,2) He directed his son Esau to go into the field and take some +venison and bring it to him that he might eat; and give Esau his +blessing. + +[111]The Bible does not clearly show that Isaac knew God had +foreordained that this birthright should belong to Jacob, nor that he +knew Esau had sold it to Jacob; therefore we can excuse the old father +for thinking it was his duty to bestow his blessing upon his son Esau. +Rebekah the mother, however, knowing of both these reasons why Jacob was +entitled to the birthright, knowing that Esau did not appreciate it, and +knowing of his wrongful intent to deprive his brother Jacob of the +privileges and blessings incident to the birthright, advised Jacob what +to do in order to protect his own rightful and proper interests. The +mother therefore was carrying out God's will in this respect. She was +doing what all honest persons should do--try to protect the rights and +privileges of those that are near and dear to them. She therefore +directed Jacob to slay two kids of the goats and bring them to her and +she prepared some savory meat; and then, in order that the blind father +might not obstinately refuse to aid them in carrying out the divine +purposes, and in order that he might think he was blessing Esau, the +mother Rebekah fastened upon the arms of her son Jacob the skins of the +kids and also put the skins about his neck that he would appear as a +hairy man like unto his brother Esau. + +[112]Jacob then came in before his father and presented the savory meat. +His father kissed him and laid his hand upon him and gave to Jacob his +blessing. The old father then spoke in prophetic phrase, evidently under +the direction of the Lord, saying unto his son Jacob: "Let people serve +thee, and nations bow down to thee: be lord over thy brethren, and let +thy mother's sons bow down to thee: cursed be every one that curseth +thee, and blessed be he that blesseth thee".--Genesis 27:29. + +[113]Almost immediately Esau returned from the field and found that +Jacob had received his father's blessing and that he (Esau) had been +unsuccessful in carrying out his purpose of defeating the open and fair +transaction which he had made with Jacob when he had sold his +birthright. He hated his brother Jacob and determined to kill him as +soon as his father Isaac was dead. + +[114]It seems rather strange that many Christian people have severely +criticized Jacob and his mother Rebekah in this transaction. It has +evidently been due to the fact that they were ignorant of the record. No +part of Jacob's action in connection with the birthright is +reprehensible. Everything with reference to Esau is reprehensible. God +subsequently showed that Esau pictured the peoples of earth who are +Christians in name only, but not in truth and in fact, who are +hypocritical, and who persecute the true Christians; while Jacob +pictured or foreshadowed the true followers of Christ who have been +misrepresented and persecuted by the merely nominal Christians. God +showed his approval of the conduct of Jacob and his mother Rebekah, and +showed that it was his purpose and intention that Jacob should receive +the blessing going with the birthright. Jacob had shown his great desire +for the birthright, which was merely a promise; while Esau had despised +it. Acting upon the advice of his mother, Jacob now fled from the wrath +of Esau; and as he went away, he lay down and slept at a place situated +north of the present site of Jerusalem and which afterward he named +Bethel, which means the house of God. There he had a dream, in which God +signified his approval of Jacob and pronounced a blessing upon him. + +[115]"And he lighted upon a certain place, and tarried there all night, +because the sun was set; and he took of the stones of that place, and +put them for his pillows, and lay down in that place to sleep. And he +dreamed, and behold a ladder set up on the earth, and the top of it +reached to heaven: and behold the angels of God ascending and descending +on it. And, behold, the Lord stood above it, and said, I am the Lord God +of Abraham, thy father, and the God of Isaac: the land whereon thou +liest, to thee will I give it, and to thy seed; and thy seed shall be as +the dust of the earth, and thou shalt spread abroad to the west, and to +the east, and to the north, and to the south: and in thee and in thy +seed shall all the families of the earth be blessed. And, behold, I am +with thee, and will keep thee in all places whither thou goest, and will +bring thee again into this land; for I will not leave thee, until I have +done that which I have spoken to thee of."--Genesis 28:11-15. + +[116]Whom God approves and blesses all others should approve. We may be +assured, then, that Jacob was blameless before Jehovah in this +transaction. It shows how carefully Jehovah was guarding his promise and +the seed which would spring from it ultimately and through which the +families of the earth should be blessed. + +[117]Some years later God showed his further favor to Jacob by changing +his name from Jacob to Israel. The name Israel means, _He will rule as +God_. "And God said unto him, Thy name is Jacob: thy name shall not be +called any more Jacob, but Israel shall be thy name: and he called his +name Israel. And God said unto him, I am God Almighty: be fruitful and +multiply; a nation and a company of nations shall be of thee, and kings +shall come out of thy loins; and the land which I gave Abraham and +Isaac, to thee I will give it, and to thy seed after thee will I give +the land." (Genesis 35:10-12) According to the promise given to Jacob at +this time, a nation should spring forth of him. + +[118]Jacob had twelve sons. There were born to him by his wife Leah the +sons Reuben, Simeon, Levi, Judah, Issachar, and Zebulun; and by his wife +Rachel, Joseph and Benjamin. His other sons were Dan, Naphtali, Gad, and +Asher. Jacob's wife Rachel was the most beloved by him, and she was the +mother of his beloved son Joseph. After Jacob had been deprived of +Joseph's presence and fellowship, he devoted his affections to Benjamin, +the other son by his beloved wife Rachel. The Scriptures show that these +two sons typified those who will be born on the spirit plane, Joseph +being a type of the royal family of heaven; while Benjamin typified the +great company or tribulation class born on a spirit plane lower than +those possessing the divine nature. + +[119]Jacob spent his last days with his family in Egypt. Just before +his death he called before him his sons, that he might bestow upon them +his last blessings. From this time forward dates the history of the +nation of Israel. While pronouncing the blessing upon his various sons, +he said concerning his son Judah: "Judah is a lion's whelp: from the +prey, my son, thou art gone up: he stooped down, he couched as a lion, +and as an old lion; who shall rouse him up? The sceptre shall not depart +from Judah, nor a lawgiver from between his feet, until Shiloh come; and +unto him shall the gathering of the people be." (Genesis 49:9,10) This +prophetic promise definitely shows that the mighty one to come through +whom the blessings of the people would flow must spring from the tribe +of Judah, the word Shiloh being one of the titles applied to the great +Prince of Peace, the Deliverer, the Savior of mankind. + +[120]After the death of Jacob his offspring were known as the children +of Israel, or Israelites. Joseph when a lad had been sold into Egypt, +had grown to manhood, had become a mighty man and ruler in Egypt under +the king, and was dwelling there in power and glory when his father +Jacob and the other members of his family moved into Egypt to live. +During the lifetime of Joseph the Israelites were well treated. After +his death, however, a new king came to the throne of Egypt, who began to +oppress and persecute the Israelites. God raised up Moses and used him +to deliver the Israelites from the land of Egypt and the oppressive hand +of Egypt's king. + +[121]We incidentally remark that here are some other pictures +foreshadowing portions of the divine plan. Egypt under the rule of a +wicked king pictures or represents the world of mankind in darkness +under the rule of the unrighteous one, Satan, who is the god of this +world. The Israelites in Egypt picture the people of God and those who +shall ultimately come into harmony with him; while Moses was a type +foreshadowing the great Messiah, who is to deliver all mankind from the +bondage of sin and death. + +[122]Moses was a prophet of God and God spoke through Moses, using him +as a mouthpiece or messenger. After the Lord had delivered the children +of Israel from Egypt by the hand of Moses, he spoke through Moses, who +prophesied unto Israel, saying: "The Lord thy God will raise up unto +thee a Prophet from the midst of thee, of thy brethren, like unto me; +unto him ye shall hearken". (Deuteronomy 18:15; Acts 3:22) From that +time forward the Israelites watched and waited for the coming of the +great prophet, priest, and king who should be like unto Moses and of +whom Moses was a picture or a type. They knew that such a one must come +from the house of Judah, because God had promised as much. David was a +direct descendant of Judah.--Luke 3:31-34. + +[123]From time to time God's prophets gave utterance to words that kept +alive in the minds of the Israelites the hope that God would send them a +mighty one, through whom the promise made to Abraham would be fulfilled. +In time this promise was specifically limited to the house of David, the +Lord causing his prophet to write thus: "The Lord hath sworn in truth +unto David; he will not turn from it; Of the fruit of thy body will I +set upon thy throne. If thy children will keep my covenant and my +testimony that I shall teach them, their children shall also sit upon +thy throne for evermore."--Psalm 132:11,12. + +[124]David himself was a prophet of Jehovah, and the Lord spoke through +him with reference to the heir of the Abrahamic promise who should be +king over Israel. "Then David the king stood upon his feet, and said, +Hear me, my brethren, and my people: As for me, I had in mine heart to +build an house of rest for the ark of the covenant of the Lord, and for +the footstool of our God, and had made ready for the building: but God +said unto me, Thou shalt not build an house for my name, because thou +hast been a man of war, and hast shed blood. Howbeit the Lord God of +Israel chose me before all the house of my father to be king over Israel +for ever: for he hath chosen Judah to be the ruler; and of the house of +Judah, the house of my father; and among the sons of my father he liked +me to make me king over all Israel: and of all my sons (for the Lord +hath given me many sons) he hath chosen Solomon my son to sit upon the +throne of the kingdom of the Lord over Israel. And he said unto me, +Solomon thy son, he shall build my house and my courts: for I have +chosen him to be my son, and I will be his father. Moreover I will +establish his kingdom for ever, if he be constant to do my commandments +and my judgments, as at this day,"--1 Chronicles 28:2-7. + +[125]Thus far the divine record definitely establishes the fact that +the great heir or king of Israel, the seed through which the blessings +of God would be bestowed, must come through David's line; and that also +it should come through Solomon, provided, of course, the conditions laid +upon Solomon were fulfilled. In any event, it must come through David's +line, and through his son Solomon provided Solomon met the requirements. +We repeat the words for emphasis: "Moreover I will establish his kingdom +for ever, _if he be constant to do my commandments and my judgments_, +as at this day". And then David said: "And thou, Solomon, my son, know +thou the God of thy father, and serve him with a perfect heart and with +a willing mind: for the Lord searcheth all hearts, and understandeth all +the imaginations of the thoughts: if thou seek him, he will be found of +thee; but if thou forsake him, he will cast thee off for ever". +--1 Chronicles 28:9. + +[126]The question is, Did Solomon receive the approval of the Lord? If +so, the great Messiah must come through his line. If not, then he could +not come through Solomon. This question is answered by the Scriptures, +as follows: "For it came to pass, when Solomon was old, that his wives +turned away his heart after other gods: and his heart was not perfect +with the Lord his God, as was the heart of David his father.... And the +Lord was angry with Solomon, because his heart was turned from the Lord +God of Israel, which had appeared unto him twice, and had commanded him +concerning this thing, that he should not go after other gods: but he kept +not that which the Lord commanded. Wherefore the Lord said unto Solomon, +Forasmuch as this is done of thee, and thou hast not kept my covenant and +my statutes, which I have commanded thee, I will surely rend the kingdom +from thee, and will give it to thy servant. Notwithstanding in thy days +I will not do it for David thy father's sake: but I will rend it out of +the hand of thy son. Howbeit I will not rend away all the kingdom; but +will give one tribe to thy son for David my servant's sake, and for +Jerusalem's sake which I have chosen,"--1 Kings 11:4,9-13. + +[127]After Solomon's death the nation of Israel was divided. The last +three kings of Solomon's line to rule over Israel were Jehoiakim, +Jehoiachin (also called Coniah) and Zedekiah. Zedekiah became a wicked +ruler and of him it is recorded: "And thou, profane and wicked prince of +Israel, whose day is come, when iniquity shall have an end, thus saith +the Lord God: Remove the diadem, and take off the crown; this shall not +be the same: exalt him that is low, and abase him that is high. I will +overturn, overturn, overturn it; and it shall be no more, until he come +whose right it is; and I will give it [to] him." (Ezekiel 21:25-27) This +shows a complete overthrowing of the line of Solomon and definitely +settles the proposition that Messiah could not be counted through the +line of Solomon, but must be some other way. Seemingly God's promise to +bring the mighty deliverer through the line of David had failed, because +of Solomon's failure. But not so. David had another son, whom the Lord +used. Solomon's line had been exalted. Now this line must be abased, and +the lower line must be exalted. + +[128]The obscure line of David was his son Nathan. Mary the mother of +Jesus was a direct descendant of Nathan of the house of David. + +[129]Jeremiah prophesied concerning the coming of Messiah, as follows: +"Behold the day is coming, saith the Lord, that I will raise unto David +a righteous branch and a king shall reign and prosper.... In his day +Judah shall be saved, and Israel shall dwell safely; and this is the +name that Jehovah proclaimeth him, Our Righteousness."--Jeremiah 23:5,6, +_Young_. + +[130]Mary, the mother-to-be of Jesus, was approached by the angel of the +Lord, who said to her: "Fear not, Mary; for thou hast found favor with +God. And, behold, thou shalt conceive in thy womb, and bring forth a son +and shalt call his name Jesus. He shall be great, and shall be called +the Son of the Highest; and the Lord God shall give unto him the throne +of his father David: and of his kingdom there shall be no end. Then said +Mary unto the angel, How shall this be, seeing I know not a man? And the +angel answered and said unto her: The holy spirit shall come upon thee, +and the power of the Highest shall overshadow thee; therefore also that +holy thing which shall be born of thee shall be called the Son of +God."--Luke 1:30-35. + +[131]Then Mary, seemingly directed by the power of Jehovah, said: "My +soul doth magnify the Lord and my spirit hath rejoiced in God my Savior. +For he hath regarded the low estate of his handmaiden; for behold, from +henceforth all generations shall call me blessed. For he that is mighty +hath done to me great things; and holy is his name. And his mercy is on +them that fear him from generation to generation. He hath showed +strength with his arm; he hath scattered the proud in the imagination of +their hearts. He hath put down the mighty from their seats, and exalted +them of low degree." (Luke 1:46-52) Her words draw the contrast between +the once favored family of Solomon and the humbler family of Nathan, +Solomon's family being abased and Nathan's now exalted. Thus the proof +is brought forth that the Lord did raise up unto David a righteous +branch. + + +IN EXPECTATION + +[132]The promise made to Abraham, which was subsequently repeated to +others, thoroughly impressed the minds of the devout Israelites with the +thought that at some future time there would be born of a woman of the +Jewish people a holy child, and that in some way to them not understood +this child would be the means of blessing all the families and nations +of the earth. They expected the Jewish nation to become the greatest +nation of earth, and looked for all other nations to flow unto it, be +subservient to it and receive their blessings through it. These +conclusions they based upon the words of the prophets, even though they +did not fully understand the meaning of those prophecies. To them the +prophet Isaiah had said: "And it shall come to pass in the last days, +that the mountain of the Lord's house shall be established in the top of +the mountains, and shall be exalted above the hills; and all nations +shall flow unto it. And many people shall go and say, Come ye, and let +us go up to the mountain of the Lord, to the house of the God of Jacob; +and he will teach us his ways, and we will walk in his paths: for out +of Zion shall go forth the law, and the word of the Lord from +Jerusalem." (Isaiah 2:2,3) And again: "For unto us a child is born, unto +us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and +his name shall be called Wonderful, Counselor, The mighty God, The +everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace. Of the increase of his +government and peace there shall be no end, upon the throne of David, +and upon his kingdom, to order it, and to establish it with judgment and +with justice from henceforth even for ever. The zeal of the Lord of +hosts will perform this."--Isaiah 9:6,7. + +[133]The prophet Zechariah said: "And it shall come to pass that every +one that is left of all the nations which came against Jerusalem shall +even go up from year to year to worship the King, the Lord of hosts, and +to keep the feast of tabernacles. And it shall be, that whoso will not +come up of all the families of the earth unto Jerusalem to worship the +King, the Lord of hosts, even upon them shall be no rain."--Zechariah +14:16,17. + +[134]These prophecies, while relating in a measure to the birth of +Jesus, had only a partial fulfillment at that time. Their far greater +fulfillment is yet future, as we shall see. + +[135]The birth of Jesus, the greatest event in the world's history, was +about to be enacted. Two thousand years had passed since God had made +the promise to Abraham of the coming of the mighty One through whom all +the families of the earth should be blessed. During that time Jehovah +was executing his preconceived plan, renewing his promise to keep it +fresh in the minds of the faithful, and shaping the course of those who +should participate in this great transaction. And now, as the day drew +near, the stage was being set. + +[136]The place selected was Bethlehem, situated on an elevation south +of Jerusalem. It was once the home of Boaz, whose fields the beautiful +Moabitish woman Ruth had gleaned whom Boaz redeemed and afterward took +as his wife. Here Jehovah had used Boaz as a type of Christ Jesus and +Ruth as a type of the church, his bride, foreshadowing things yet to +come. + +[137]Later Bethlehem was the home of Jesse and of David his son. The +name David implies 'beloved one'; and it was here that he was anointed +to be king over Israel, from which time he typified Jesus, the mighty +Son of God. Jehovah had selected this as the birthplace of Jesus; hence +here the birth must take place.--Matthew 2:5,6; Micah 5:2. + +[138]Away to the north in Galilee stood the humble and despised city of +Nazareth. It was the home of Joseph the carpenter, a meek, little-known, +yet honest, man. He was espoused to Mary. We should expect that Jehovah +would time everything exactly; and so he did. The scepter had departed +from Judah; the Romans were in control of Palestine, and the time for +the birth of the mighty One was due. Exercising his perfect wisdom and +power, Jehovah was overruling all things to the accomplishment of his +purpose. Augustus Caesar, then the emperor and ruler over all Palestine, +issued a decree that all the people should be taxed. Every one must go +to the city of his nativity, there to be numbered and taxed. Joseph the +carpenter, although a resident of Nazareth, was of the house of David, +and hence must go to the city of David to be numbered and taxed. +Naturally his espoused virgin would accompany him to that city. She +likewise was of the house of David through another line--another reason +why she should go there. But above all, the Lord directed them there +because it was a part of his arrangement. + +[139]At that time there were no means of easy and rapid transit. It was +a long journey, a tedious and tiresome one. Joseph, with his espoused +seated upon an ass, journeyed through the hills along the Jordan +probably for three days, and late in the evening reached the city of +Bethlehem. The city was crowded; the private homes were full; all the +hotels, inns, and other places were crowded out. Tired, worn, and weary +from their long journey, they were jostled by the crowd in the narrow +streets of the city. Applying to various places for lodging, at each +place they were turned away; until finally they found a location where +they could sleep in a stall with the cattle. And they retired for the +night's repose. + +[140]Over the brow of the hill, in the field once owned by Boaz and +gleaned by the beautiful Ruth, the faithful shepherds were watching +their sheep. According to custom, they had four watches during the +night. Some would watch while the others slept. + +[141]The earthly stage is now set. But behold that there was no great +earthly splendor or show! In truth the condition of poverty of Joseph +and his espoused, and the like poor condition of the shepherds who were +now shortly to be used of the Lord, was the only fitting way that we +should expect the Lord would have it. All the pomp and glory of earthly +preparation would have been but tawdry tinsel, detracting from the +glorious things that were shortly to follow. Each one of the earthly +players whom Jehovah had assigned to perform a part upon this stage was +humble, meek, and possessed of faith in the promises of God. In heaven +there was a host of angels that should participate in the great drama; +and all the hosts of heaven were witnesses to this unparalleled and +never-again-to-be-performed event. + +[142]On earth it was night, picturing the fact that the whole world was +lying in darkness and a great light was coming into the earth. The time +had now arrived for the birth of the mighty One, and all the heavenly +hosts were awake to the importance of the hour. Doubtless while others +slept, Mary was pondering in her heart the great events that had taken +place during the few months past; and while she thus meditated there in +the silence of that night, without pain and without suffering there was +born to her Jesus, the Savior of the world. And the shepherds watching +their sheep in the field were attracted by the angel of the Lord, who +came upon them, "and the glory of the Lord shone round about them; and +they were sore afraid. 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 Savior, +Which is Christ the Lord."--Luke 2:8-11. + +[143]When this heavenly messenger had finished his wonderful speech to +the astonished shepherds, then it was, as if waiting a given signal, the +multitudinous heavenly host stood forth and sang the good tidings of +great joy which ultimately shall be to all people. Their song was but +the reflex of what had been announced. There sweet singers told in words +of praise of God's beneficent purpose ultimately to bless all the +families of the earth. It was a song of glory from heaven, and the hills +of Judea echoed the message of peace and good will toward men. And +throughout the gospel age this sweet anthem has filled with joy the +heart of many a sad wanderer; and seemingly again and again these have +heard the song from heaven: "Glory to God in the highest, and on earth +peace, good will toward men". + +[144]The world is now entering its darkest period, and when mankind +reaches the point of extremity, then will be God's opportunity to reveal +to all sad hearts that the birth of Jesus was the greatest event in +history to that time; and that shortly this same great Jesus, now in +glory, will extend the blessings of life, liberty and happiness to the +whole groaning creation. + +[145]The place of Jesus' birth was truly according to and in fulfillment +of prophecy, thus showing that God had foreordained and prepared the +conditions for his birth. (Micah 5:2; Matthew 2:4-6) Jesus was not born +on December 25, as is generally supposed; but his birth occurred about +the first of October. Midwinter would have been a very inopportune time +for the shepherds to be watching their sheep in the fields and sleeping +in the open. In addition to this circumstantial evidence, all the facts +show that the birth of Jesus was in October, and that December 25, nine +months previous, was probably the date of the annunciation. (Luke 1:30,31) +For a full discussion of this subject see STUDIES IN THE SCRIPTURES, +Volume 2, page 54. + +[146]Much has been said and written concerning the three wise men who +journeyed from the East to pay their homage to the babe Jesus, born in +Bethlehem. Particularly at Christmas time is our attention called to +this by pictures on cards, etc., of the wise men journeying to the West, +supposedly being guided by the star sent by Jehovah. It has been +presumed that Jehovah by the star led these wise men to the place of +Jesus' birth. The Bible proof shows, however, that these three wise men +were not sent by the Lord God, but that they were directed by the great +adversary, the devil, in his attempt to destroy the babe. Whether they +knew it or not, these three wise men were parties to a great conspiracy, +originated and carried out by the master mind, Satan, the devil, in his +attempt to destroy the seed of promise, the great Savior of the world. + +[147]When Jehovah drove Adam and Eve from Eden he likewise pronounced a +condemnation upon Satan. He said concerning Satan and the woman: "I will +put enmity between thy seed and her seed; it shall bruise thy head, and +thou shalt bruise his heel". (Genesis 3:15) From that time forward, +Satan the great adversary has attempted to destroy every one whom God +has favored and who he thought might constitute the seed of promise. + +[148]Jehovah has given to Satan four separate and distinct names, all of +which have a deep significance. Besides the name _Satan_ he is +designated as the _dragon_, that old _serpent_ and the _devil_. Dragon +means devourer or destroyer; and Satan has at all times been seeking to +destroy or devour Jesus and his true followers, who constitute the seed +of promise. His name Satan indicates adversary; and he has opposed in +every way the development of the new creation, consisting of Jesus and +his bride. His name serpent means deceiver; and he has applied all of +his wily methods to deceive, and as Jesus has declared, he would +deceive, if possible, the very elect, but God will not permit him thus +to do. His title devil means slanderer; and he has constantly carried on +a campaign of slanderous propaganda against the people of God even unto +this day, and has never lost an opportunity to try in his various ways +to destroy them. + +[149]When it was announced to Mary by the angel that she should bring +forth a child whose name should be called Jesus and that he would be the +Savior of his people, Satan recognized this promised and unborn babe as +the one who would ultimately bruise his head. The apostle Paul plainly +states to us that God sent Jesus into the world, one of his missions +being ultimately to destroy the devil. (Hebrews 2:14) The enmity of +Satan toward the seed of promise has never abated. Learning of the +promised birth of the child, Satan at once began to lay his plans for +its destruction. He attempted to induce Mary's espoused husband Joseph +to put her away and cause her to be put to death under the terms of the +Mosaic law; but God prevented this by advising Joseph through his +messenger in a dream to fear not, but to take Mary for his wife. +--Matthew 1:18-24. + +[150]Stars do not move above the canopy of heaven in such a manner as to +lead men. It seems unreasonable that Jehovah would have made a star move +from the East and stand over Bethlehem. Satan and his emissaries, the +demons associated with him, have power to produce lights; and many +instances are cited in history of these lights appearing near the earth. +The "star" or light that guided the wise men was without doubt such a +light and not a star moved by the power of Jehovah. + +[151]The wise men residing in the East were sorcerers and magicians. +They were star-gazers. They were followers of the false religion. They +sacrificed to and worshiped the devil. (1 Corinthians 10:20) Pharaoh the +king of Egypt was a type of Satan the devil; and Pharaoh used wise men +like unto these sorcerers and magicians to oppose the Lord and his +messengers in the day that they were in Egyptian bondage. (Exodus 7:11) +These were devotees of astrology and demon worship. Doubtless many of +them were sincere, but they were the dupes of a false religion +inaugurated by Satan. The Biblical record definitely fixes the fact that +Herod, then ruler in Jerusalem, was a wicked man, under the influence of +Satan. + +[152]"Now when Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea in the days of Herod +the king, behold, there came wise men from the east to Jerusalem, +saying, Where is he that is born King of the Jews? for we have seen his +star in the east, and are come to worship him." (Matthew 2:1,2) Be it +noted that these wise men went directly to Herod, a representative of +Satan. If the star guiding them was sent by the Lord Jehovah, why would +he guide them to Herod, a representative of Satan, and a mortal enemy of +the babe Jesus? If the sole purpose of the star was to guide these men +to the place of Jesus' birth there was no need for them to go to Herod +at all. The reasonable answer, then, is that Satan had prepared a great +conspiracy with the object of destroying the babe. A conspiracy is a +design to commit a wrongful act in which two or more join in committing +the act or some part of it. Sometimes persons are involved in a +conspiracy and participate without knowing the real purpose of the one +who forms the conspiracy. Such may have been the case with these wise +men; but without doubt Satan had formed and directed it. + +[153]When these wise men came into the presence of Herod, he was +troubled, because he feared the new king would interfere with his reign; +and he "gathered all the chief priests and scribes of the people [the +seed of Satan and also his representatives--John 8:44] together and +demanded of them where Christ should be born"--in other words he +demanded to know where the babe Jesus could be found. Then Herod, in +furtherance of the conspiracy, privately consulted with these wise men. +We now see Herod manifesting one of the characteristics of Satan, viz., +deception, in this, that he pretended to desire himself to find the babe +Jesus, that he might go and worship him; whereas all the facts and +circumstances show that his real purpose was that he might find the babe +in order to destroy him. "Then Herod, when he had privily called the +wise men, inquired of them diligently what time the star appeared. And +he sent them to Bethlehem, and said, Go and search diligently for the +young child; and when ye have found him, bring me word again, that I may +come and worship him also. When they had heard the king, they departed; +and, lo, the star, which they saw in the east, went before them, till it +came and stood over where the young child was." + +[154]We cannot for a moment believe that the heavenly Father would use a +wicked one like Herod and aid him in carrying out his wicked purpose by +having a star to direct these three wise men to the place of Jesus' +birth, in view of the fact that the king had demanded that they should +return and report to him, and when it was King Herod's purpose to +destroy the babe. The fact is that the devil and his instruments, Herod +and others, would have succeeded in this wicked conspiracy and have +caused the death of the babe Jesus had not God intervened to save the +child. + +[155]The wise men reaching Bethlehem found the babe and brought their +presents and worshiped. Without a doubt it was their intention to return +and report to Herod. And the result of such a return would have been the +death of the child. But God here intervened and warned them in a dream. +These wise magicians relied upon dreams. "Being warned of God in a dream +that they should not return to Herod, they departed into their own +country another way." Satan again was thwarted in his wicked purpose. + +[156]The real intent of Herod in sending these wise men is disclosed by +what subsequently happened. "Then Herod, when he saw that he was mocked +of the wise men, was exceeding wroth, and sent forth, and slew all the +children that were in Bethlehem, and in all the coasts thereof, from two +years old and under, according to the time which he had diligently +inquired of the wise men." (Matthew 2:16) Determined not to be thwarted +in his purpose, Satan and his instrument Herod were willing to destroy +all the babes in and about Bethlehem, with the hope of destroying the +one that was to be the King and Savior of the world. Jehovah saved the +babe Jesus from this slaughter by directing his mother and Joseph to +take the young child and flee into Egypt, which they did.--Matthew 2:13. + +[157]We would not be justified, then, in presuming that God was using +these devil worshipers, the "wise men"--"Magians," Magicians--for the +purpose of being his witnesses to the birth of his beloved Son. But on +the contrary, the facts show that it pleased him to reveal this great +truth to the shepherds and to use them as his witnesses.--Luke 2:8-18. + +[158]There is nothing whatsoever in the account of this experience of +the wise men to indicate that their mission was in any wise beneficial +to mankind; but the most charitable view we can take of it is that they +were dupes of a deep-laid plot by Satan, the arch conspirator, to +destroy the seed of promise; and that Jehovah let the conspiracy proceed +to the point where it would fully demonstrate the wickedness on the part +of Satan and his instrument, and then demonstrated his great protecting +power. Without a doubt Satan has attempted to deceive and has deceived +multitudes of honest people into believing that these wise men were the +witnesses of the Lord, and hid from their minds the fact that they in +truth and in fact represented Satan. + +[159]All the wicked persecution that came upon the Lord Jesus afterward, +and upon his followers to this day, has been because of the influence of +Satan the devil. And yet at all times the Lord has protected his own at +the very critical moment, just as promised: "The angel of the Lord +encampeth round about them that fear [reverence] him, and delivereth +them".--Psalm 34:7. + + +HOW UNDEFILED? + +[160]St. Paul says: "As by one man sin entered into the world, and death +by sin; and so death passed upon all men, for that all have sinned". +(Romans 5:12) "There is none that doeth good, no, not one." (Psalm 14:3) +These Scriptures being true, and since Jesus was born of a woman, was he +not born like other children? And if so, was he not a sinner like others? + +[161]Jesus was not a sinner. He was born pure, holy, sinless, without +spot or blemish. He was not begotten and born like other children. While +he was born of the woman Mary, Joseph was not his father. Joseph was +espoused to Mary, Jesus' mother, and before they were married she was +found to be with child. (Matthew 1:18) Mary was a virgin, yet she was +about to give birth and did give birth to the babe Jesus. (Matthew +1:20,23) The holy child that was born of the virgin Mary was and is the +Son of God.--Luke 1:35. + +[162]The words translated in our Bibles _Holy Ghost_ should be properly +translated _holy spirit_. The holy spirit is the invisible power, energy +and influence of Jehovah. God is holy; therefore his power, energy, and +influence are holy. Father means life-giver. Jehovah is the Father of +Jesus because he gave life to Jesus; hence Jesus is called the Son of +God. The spirit, energy, or influence of Jehovah operating upon earthly +substance produced earthly creatures. (Genesis 2:7; 1 Corinthians 15:47) +The same holy power, energy, and influence begat the child Jesus, who +was born of his mother Mary. Therefore the life of Jesus was without sin +or imperfection. The germ of life of him who was born Jesus was +transferred from the spirit plane or nature to the human plane or +nature. + +[163]Jesus was our Lord's human name. It implied his humiliation and +lowly estate, in comparison with the glory which he had with the Father +before the world was. (John 17:5) He existed long before he became a +human being. His prehuman name was the _Logos_, which is translated in +our common version Bible "the Word". The word _Logos_ is therefore one +of the titles of Jesus and should not be translated at all. It means the +spokesman, active agent, or messenger, of Jehovah. St. John, writing +concerning the Logos, who later became Jesus, says: "In the beginning +[which means the beginning of God's creative activity] was the Logos, +and the Logos was with God [the God, Jehovah], and the Logos was a God +[a mighty one]. The same was in the beginning with God [the God, +Jehovah]. All things were made by him [the Logos]; and without him [the +Logos] was not anything made that was made"--he was the active agent of +Jehovah in making all things,--John 1:1-3. + +[164]The beginning here referred to could not mean the beginning of God +the Father, because he is from everlasting to everlasting and never had +a beginning. (Psalm 41:13; 90:2) The _work_ of Jehovah, however, had a +beginning, and his creative work is clearly what is here meant. The +Logos was the first and only direct creation of Jehovah; and thereafter +God's creation was performed through his Logos. This is the thought +expressed by the apostle Paul, who says of Jesus: "He is the image of +the invisible God, the firstborn of every creature; for by him were all +things created that are in heaven and that are in earth, visible and +invisible, whether they be thrones, or dominions, or principalities, or +powers; all things were created by him and for him, and he is before all +things and by him all things consist."--Colossians 1:15-17. + +[165]As further evidence of Jesus' prehuman existence, we have his own +words: "I came down from heaven, not to do mine own will, but the will +of him that sent me". (John 6:38) "I proceeded forth and came from God; +neither came I of myself, but he sent me." (John 8:42) Again: "Before +Abraham was, I am". (John 8:58) Again: "I came forth from the Father, +and am come into the world: again, I leave the world, and go to the +Father". (John 16:28) "And now, O Father, glorify thou me with thine own +self with the glory which I had with thee before the world was." (John +17:5) Again Jesus said: "I am the beginning of the creation of God". +(Revelation 3:14) Furthermore, the apostle Paul under inspiration +states: "God ... hath in these last days spoken unto us by his Son, whom +he hath appointed heir of all things, by whom also he made the worlds". +(Hebrews 1:1,2) And again he states: "For ye know the grace of our Lord +Jesus Christ, that, though he was rich, yet for your sakes he became +poor, that ye through his poverty might be rich". (2 Corinthians 8:9) He +was in the form of God before he became a man. "Who, though being in +God's form, yet did not meditate a usurpation to be like God, but +divested himself, taking a bondman's form, having been made in the +likeness of men."--Philippians 2:6,7, _Diaglott_. + +[166]Some have earnestly believed that Jesus was God himself. But such a +conclusion is not warranted by the Scriptures. John said: "The Father +loveth the Son, and hath given all things into his hand". (John 3:35) +Again Jesus said: "The Father judgeth no man, but hath committed all +judgment unto the Son: that all men should honor the Son, even as they +honor the Father. He that honoreth the Son honoreth the Father which +hath sent him.... For as the Father hath life in himself; so hath he +given to the Son to have life in himself." (John 5:22, 23, 26) Again +Jesus said: "It is also written in your law, that the testimony of two +men is true. I am one that bear witness of myself, and the Father that +sent me beareth witness of me." (John 8: 17, 18) Thus Jesus definitely +fixes the fact that he and the Father are separate and distinct beings. + +[167]Again Jesus said: "My Father, which gave them me, is greater than +all; and no man is able to pluck them out of my Father's hand. I and my +Father are one." (John 10:29,30) It may be asked, Does this not prove +that they were one being? Our answer is that it does not; but that it +does show, in connection with the other Scriptures quoted, that Jesus +and the Father, Jehovah, are one in spirit, one in purpose, one in +harmonious action; just as Jesus subsequently prayed to the Father that +the church, his followers, might be made one with him, when he said: +"Neither pray I for these alone, but for them also which shall believe +on me through their word; that they all may be one, as thou, Father, art +in me, and I in thee, that they also may be one in us: that the world +may believe that thou hast sent me. And the glory which thou gavest me I +have given them; that they may be one, even as we are one." (John +17:20-22) Thus Jesus definitely shows what is meant by being one with +the Father. + +[168]Again Jesus prayed to the Father, saying: "Father, save me from +this hour: but for this cause came I unto this hour. Father, glorify thy +name. Then came there a voice from heaven, saying, I have both glorified +it, and will glorify it again." (John 12:27,28) Jesus could not have +been praying to himself here, but he was praying to Jehovah God, from +whom he came. + +[169]That the Father is greater than the Son, Christ Jesus, he shows +when he says: "I go away, and come again unto you. If ye loved me, ye +would rejoice, because I said, I go unto the Father: for my Father is +greater than I."--John 14:28. + +[170]Many others have believed that Jesus, while on the earth, was still +a spirit being and that his flesh was merely a covering or house in +which that spirit being resided. Otherwise stated, that he was merely an +incarnated creature and not wholly a man. The incarnation theory is that +a spirit being inhabits for a time the human body, or a human body is +created for the express purpose of that spirit being's occupying it for +a time. The incarnation of Jesus is Scripturally erroneous. Indeed, if +he had been merely an incarnated being, he could never have redeemed +mankind. It is not disputed that he could have appeared as a human +being; and such is attested to in the instances given in Genesis 18:1,2 +and 19:1. + +[171]Some insist that Jesus when on earth was both God and man in +completeness. This theory is wrong, however. We should never formulate a +theory concerning God's plan in direct contradiction to his plain Word. +We should have faith in God and in his Word. Faith means to have a +knowledge of his Word and then to rely upon that Word confidently. The +Bible is the revealed Word of God, given to man for his instruction; and +where plain statements of the Bible are given, we should take them at +their face value. Following this course, we find that the plan of God +everywhere appears harmonious and beautiful. + +[172]The adversary takes advantage of an honest desire on the part of +some and leads them into error. Every conscientious and reverential mind +desires to honor God. For fear they might dishonor him, they are easily +led into failure to give proper consideration to plain statements of the +Bible. Some have been induced to believe that should they say that Jesus +when on earth was a man and not God, such would be a dishonor to God. +We should not permit ourselves to be beguiled or misled by sophistry or +theories, but should follow the plain teachings of the Bible and then +reach a conclusion in the light of that revealed Word after a full +examination. + +[173]The record concerning Jesus' prehuman existence, his being +begotten and his birth, entirely disproves the theory that he was +incarnated. The Scriptures above cited plainly show that he was begotten +in the womb of a woman, Mary, by the holy spirit, the power, energy or +influence of Jehovah; that thereafter he was born in the same general +manner that other children are born of a woman (Luke 2:9-11); that he +grew to manhood's estate and increased in wisdom and stature and in +favor with God and man. (Luke 2:40,52) None of these things would have +been necessary were he merely an incarnated being, a spirit being +inhabiting a body of flesh. He worked at the carpenter's trade until he +was thirty years of age, at which time he began his ministry. At that +time he went to John to be baptized in the Jordan. (Luke 3:21-23) +Immediately following that he spent forty days and nights in the +wilderness, fasting and studying Jehovah's plan. (Luke 4:1-14) If he +were God incarnate, this experience in the wilderness would seem wholly +unnecessary. + +[174]Jesus was not an angel or spirit being, because we have the +positive statement of the Apostle to the effect that, "We see Jesus, +who was made a little lower than the angels". (Hebrews 2:9) And again: +"Forasmuch then as the children are partakers of flesh and blood, he also +himself likewise partook of the same". (Hebrews 2:14) Furthermore, he was +at one time rich in heavenly power and glory and became poor for the sake +of mankind by taking upon himself the nature of man. (2 Corinthians 8:9) +He was made in the nature and likeness of man. (Philippians 2:8) The +Apostle, writing under inspiration, speaks of Jesus as the man: "For +since by man came death, by man came also the resurrection of the +dead.... The first man is of the earth, earthy; the second man is the +Lord from heaven."--1 Corinthians 15:21,47; see also 1 Timothy 2:5,6. + +[175]Had Jesus been merely an incarnated being it would not have been +necessary for him to be born as a babe and grow to manhood's estate. +While he was born of a woman, yet he was without sin, because from his +Father, Jehovah; for he was "holy, harmless, undefiled, separate from +sinners" (Hebrews 7:26); "and he was manifested to take away our sins, +and in him is no sin", (1 John 3:5) He was without spot or blemish; +therefore perfect and holy.--1 Peter 1:19; Hebrews 9:14. + +[176]God says to us: "Come now, and let us reason together, ... though +your sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they be +red like crimson, they shall be as wool". (Isaiah 1:18) We should reason +upon God's plan as revealed in the Bible, because he thus invites us to +do. When we see the reason why Jesus was made a man, why it was necessary +for him to be a perfect man while on earth, then we are glad and give +praise to God. Had he not become a man, there would have been no hope for +any of the human race to get life through Christ Jesus; and the Apostle +declares that there is no other name given under heaven whereby mankind +can live.--Acts 4:12. + + + + +In what peculiar manner has Jehovah used men and women in the Bible? +Give some examples. ¶ 102. + +What was typified by Hagar? ¶ 102. + +What was the purpose of the law covenant God made with Israel? ¶ 102. + +Give the name of Abraham's third wife; and what did she typify? ¶ 102. + +Give the apostle Paul's statement as to what the wives of Abraham +typified. ¶ 103. + +What did Isaac typify or picture? ¶ 103. + +What constitutes the seed of Abraham, according to the promise? ¶ 103. + +Quote the words of St. Paul concerning the seed of Abraham. ¶ 103. + +What is first necessary relative to the seed before the people can be +blessed? ¶ 104. + +What was the expectation of the Jews concerning this seed? ¶ 105. + +Give the names of Isaac's two sons; and what was Isaac's age when they +were born? ¶ 105. + +After the birth of his sons, where did Isaac go to reside? and while +there, what did God say to him? ¶ 106. + +Which of Isaac's sons became successor to the promise? and why? ¶ 106. + +What really determined who would be the successor to the father's +estate? ¶ 107. + +Did the Lord indicate that there should be any exception to this rule +relative to Jacob and Esau? ¶ 107. + +How did the Lord indicate this to Rebekah the mother? ¶ 107. + +How did Esau occupy his time generally? ¶ 108. + +What different disposition did Jacob possess? ¶ 108. + +Did Esau show an appreciation of the birthright, particularly the +Abrahamic promise? ¶ 108. + +Relate the circumstances of Esau's selling of his birthright. ¶ 108. + +Why did the birthright properly belong to Jacob? ¶ 109. + +About what was the age of Jacob and Esau at the time of this +transaction? ¶ 109. + +Was their contract binding on both? ¶ 109. + +What privileges did the birthright carry with it? ¶ 110. + +State the circumstances under which Esau attempted to deprive Jacob of +the birthright after he had sold it to him. ¶ 111. + +Was the mother of these men justified in her action in this matter? and +if so, why? ¶ 111. + +Relate the conditions under which Jacob obtained the blessing from his +father. ¶ 112. + +What blessing, as shown by the Scriptures, did Isaac bestow upon Jacob? +¶ 112. + +After Esau failed in his attempt to defeat his own contract with Jacob, +what did he do toward obtaining the blessing from his father? ¶ 113. + +Why have Christian people severely criticized Jacob and Rebekah because +of this transaction? ¶ 114. + +Who was the more reprehensible, Jacob or Esau? and why? ¶ 114. + +Whom did Esau picture or typify? ¶ 114. + +Whom did Jacob picture or foreshadow? ¶ 114. + +Did God approve or disapprove Rebekah's action? ¶ 114. + +Why did Jacob flee the country? and upon whose advice? ¶ 114. + +At what important Biblical place did Jacob spend the night? and what +occurred there? Give the Scriptural account. ¶¶ 114, 115. + +Why should we disapprove any one whom God approves? ¶ 116. + +How did God later show his favor to Jacob? ¶ 117. + +What is the meaning of the name Israel? ¶ 117. + +What promise did God make to Jacob after his name was changed to Israel? +¶ 117. + +How many sons did Jacob have? ¶ 118. + +Give the names of his wives, and the sons by these wives, respectively, +¶ 118. + +Which one of his wives did he love most? ¶ 118. + +Which was Jacob's beloved son? ¶ 118. + +Under what circumstances was Joseph taken away? and upon whom did Jacob +bestow his affection thereafter? ¶ 118. + +Whom did Joseph typify? and of whom was Benjamin a type? ¶ 118. + +Where did Jacob spend his last days? ¶ 119. + +What marks the beginning of the nation of Israel? ¶ 119. + +In pronouncing the blessings upon his sons, what special prophecy was +made by Jacob concerning Judah? ¶ 119. + +Who is foreshadowed by this prophecy? ¶ 119. + +After Jacob's death, by what name were his offspring known? ¶ 120. + +What position did Joseph now hold in Egypt? ¶ 120. + +How were the Israelites treated during Joseph's lifetime? ¶ 120. + +How were they after Joseph's death? ¶ 120. + +Whom did God raise up as a deliverer of the Israelites from Egypt? ¶ 120. + +What did Egypt typify or picture? and what was typified or pictured by +Egypt's ruler Pharaoh? ¶ 121. + +Whom did the Israelites in Egypt picture? and of whom was Moses a type? +¶ 121. Who was Moses? ¶ 122. + +What prophecy did Moses speak relative to a mighty one to follow him? +¶ 122. + +After hearing this prophecy, for whom were the Israelites looking? ¶ 122. + +From what tribe did David descend? ¶ 122. + +Through whom did God repeat the promises to Israel? ¶ 123. + +To what particular house or line was the promise finally limited? ¶ 123. + +What promise did the Lord make to David relative to the throne of +Israel? Quote the prophecy. ¶ 123. + +When David was king, what prophetic utterance did he make concerning the +building of a house unto Jehovah? ¶ 124. + +Why did God not permit David to build the temple? ¶ 124. + +Which one of David's sons was permitted to build the temple? ¶ 124. + +Upon what condition was Solomon's to be the line from which the great +Deliverer would descend? Give the Scriptural proof. ¶ 125. + +Did Solomon receive Jehovah's approval? ¶ 126. + +Why was the kingdom taken away from Solomon? ¶ 126. + +After Solomon's death, what happened to the nation of Israel? ¶ 127. + +Name the last three kings of Solomon's line to rule over Israel. ¶ 127. + +What did Jehovah pronounce through the Prophet concerning Zedekiah? Give +the Scriptural statement. ¶ 127. + +In view of this, was it possible for the Messiah to be counted through +the line of Solomon? ¶ 127. + +What other son did David have who was subsequently exalted? ¶ 128. + +From whom did Mary the mother of Jesus descend? ¶ 128. + +What did the prophet Jeremiah prophesy concerning the coming of Messiah +through David's lineage? ¶ 129. + +What message did the angel of the Lord bring to Mary relative to the +Messiah? ¶ 130. + +What did Mary say in response to the messenger? ¶ 130. + +Why did Mary say: "From henceforth all generations shall call me +blessed"? ¶ 131. + +What was meant by her prophetic statement: "He hath put down the mighty +from their seats and exalted them of low degree"? ¶ 131. + +Why were the Jews looking for some child to be born who would be a great +ruler? ¶ 132. + +Why did they expect their nation to become great? ¶ 132. + +What prophetic utterances led the Jews to believe that there should be +raised up amongst them a great king? Quote the prophecies. ¶¶ 132, 133. + +Did the prophecies of Isaiah and Zechariah relating to the coming king +have a complete fulfillment at the birth of Jesus? ¶ 134. + +Of what relative importance was the birth of Jesus? ¶ 135. + +How much time elapsed from the original promise made to Abraham until +the birth of Jesus? ¶ 135. + +During that time, what was Jehovah doing relative to the promise? ¶ 135. + +Where was Jesus born? ¶ 136. + +How was Bethlehem foreshadowed by the Prophet? ¶ 136. + +Give a brief statement of the important things which occurred in and +about Bethlehem. ¶ 137. + +Where was Nazareth situated? ¶ 138. + +State the relative importance of the city of Nazareth. ¶ 138. + +Who were in control of Palestine at the time of the birth of Jesus? ¶ 138. + +What important decree was issued by the ruler of Palestine that led +Joseph and Mary to Bethlehem? ¶ 138. + +Why must they go to Bethlehem and not to some other city? ¶ 138. + +How did Joseph and Mary journey from Nazareth to Bethlehem? and at what +time did they reach the latter city? ¶ 139. + +Where did they find lodging? ¶ 139. + +What important field lies near Bethlehem? and who were watching their +flocks there? ¶ 140. + +How many watches were kept in a night? ¶ 140. + +Was there great earthly splendor and show at the birth of Jesus? and if +not, why not? ¶ 141. + +What kind of people had God chosen to participate in the events of that +night? ¶ 141. + +Who in heaven were participating in this great event? ¶ 141. + +What did the night on the earth picture? ¶ 142. + +At what particular place was Jesus born? ¶ 142. + +What attracted the attention of the shepherds? and what message was +delivered to them? Repeat the message. ¶ 142. + +Repeat all the text of Luke 2:8-11. ¶ 142. + +What song did the shepherds hear from the heavenly hosts on this +occasion? ¶ 143. + +What effect has this heavenly message had upon the hearts of men for +centuries past? ¶ 143. + +Under what conditions will the peoples of earth learn of the importance +of the birth of Jesus? ¶ 144. + +What was the date of Jesus' birth? ¶ 145. + +Tell what you can concerning the three "wise men" that journeyed from +the East to Bethlehem at the birth of Jesus. ¶ 146. + +Who sent the "wise men" to Herod? ¶ 146. + +Why should we expect Satan to try to form a conspiracy to destroy the +babe Jesus? ¶ 147. + +Explain the significance of the names given Satan; and how do these +apply to his operations against Jesus and his followers? ¶ 148. + +When the promise was made to Mary that she should be the mother of +Jesus, how did Satan regard this promise? ¶ 149. + +What was one of the purposes of Jesus' coming to earth relative to +Satan? ¶ 149. + +What attempt did Satan make to destroy Mary and her babe before the +birth of Jesus? ¶ 149. + +What was the "star" or light that guided the "wise men" to Bethlehem? +¶ 150. + +Who were these "wise men" and whom did they worship? ¶ 151. + +Had Pharaoh the king of Egypt employed similar men? and for what +purpose? ¶ 151. + +What kind of man was Herod? and under whose influence was he? ¶ 151. + +Give the Scriptural account of the "wise men" going to Herod. ¶ 152. + +Why would they go to Herod, the enemy of Jesus? ¶ 152. + +Define a conspiracy. ¶ 152. + +Is it possible for one to be involved in a conspiracy without knowing +the real purpose? ¶ 152. + +What did Herod do when the "wise men" approached him? ¶ 153. + +What characteristics did Herod manifest in his consultation with the +"wise men"? ¶ 153. + +Would we expect God to help a wicked man like Herod carry out his +purpose to destroy God's beloved Son? ¶ 154. + +Where did the "wise men" find the babe? ¶ 155. + +Why did they not return to Herod? ¶ 155. + +How did God thwart Satan's purpose here to destroy the babe? ¶ 155. + +What wicked thing did Herod do when he found that the "wise men" had not +returned to him? ¶ 156. + +Who prompted Herod to do this wicked act of slaying children? ¶ 156. + +How was Jesus saved from this slaughter? and where did his parents take +him? ¶ 156. + +Could we presume under these circumstances that God would use the "wise +men" for his witnesses to the birth of Jesus? ¶ 157. + +What humble, honest creatures did he use as such witnesses? ¶ 157. + +Was there anything in the mission of the "wise men" that is beneficial +to mankind? ¶ 158. + +Why would God permit this conspiracy? ¶ 158. + +Does Satan deceive honest people? ¶ 158. + +Who has been responsible for all the persecution of Jesus and his +followers? ¶ 159. + +Who has protected them, and how? ¶ 159. + +Why are all the descendants of Adam sinners? Quote the Scripture. ¶ 160. + +Jesus being born of a woman, was he a sinner? and if not, why not? ¶ 161. + +What is meant by the words "holy ghost"? ¶ 162. + +What is the meaning of the word father? ¶ 162. + +Why is Jesus called the Son of God? ¶ 162. + +Why was our Lord named Jesus? and what does the name imply? ¶ 163. + +Did he exist before he became Jesus? and what was his prehuman name? +¶ 163. + +What is the meaning of the word Logos? and what relation has the Logos +to all of Jehovah's creation? ¶ 163. + +Did Jehovah have a beginning? ¶ 164. + +What is meant by the term "in the beginning" as used in John 1:1,2? ¶ 164. + +Give further Scriptural evidence of the prehuman existence of Jesus. +¶¶ 164, 165. + +Are Jesus and Jehovah one and the same being? Give the Scriptural proof. +¶ 166. + +In what sense are the Father and the Son one? Give Scriptural proof. +¶ 167. + +When Jesus prayed to the Father, did he pray to himself or to another? +¶ 168. + +Who is the greater, Jehovah or Jesus? Give Scriptural proof. ¶ 169. + +When Jesus was on earth, was he a spirit or a human being? ¶ 170. + +What is meant by the incarnation theory? ¶ 170. + +Do the Scriptures warrant the conclusion that Jesus was an incarnated +being? If not, why not? ¶ 170. + +When Jesus was on earth, was he both God and man? If not, why not? ¶ 171. + +By what must we determine these questions? ¶ 171. + +What is the meaning of faith? ¶ 171. + +How does Satan sometimes lead persons of honest heart into error? ¶ 172. + +Should we follow sophistry or the Bible in reaching a conclusion on +these questions? ¶ 172. + +Briefly review the argument of the begetting and birth of Jesus which +disproves that he was an incarnated being. ¶ 173. + +If Jesus was God incarnate, why should he have had the experience in the +wilderness? ¶ 173. + +Angels are spirit beings. What Scriptural proof have we that Jesus was +not an angel? Cite the Scriptural proof. ¶ 174. + +Give further Scriptures to show that he _was_ a man, made in the +likeness of men, and that he _is_ the Lord from heaven. ¶ 174. + +Had Jesus been an incarnate being, would it have been necessary for him +to be born as a child? ¶ 175. + +Why should we reason upon God's plan? ¶ 176. + +Could there have been any hope for the redemption of the human race except +by Jesus becoming a man and by his death providing the ransom-price? ¶ 176. + + + + +THE ANGELS' SONG + + It came upon the midnight clear, + That glorious song of old, + From angels bending near the earth + To touch their harps of gold: + "Peace to the earth, good-will to men + From heaven's all-gracious King!" + The world in solemn stillness lay + To hear the angels sing. + + * * * * * + + Yet with the woes of sin and strife + The world has suffered long; + Beneath the angel-strain have rolled + Two thousand years of wrong; + And men, at war with men, hear not + The love-song which they bring: + Oh! hush the noise, ye men of strife, + And hear the angels sing! + + And ye, beneath life's crushing load + Whose forms are bending low; + Who toil along the climbing way + With painful steps and slow,-- + Look now! for glad and golden hours + Come swiftly on the wing; + Oh! rest beside the weary road, + And hear the angels sing. + + For lo! the days are hastening on, + By prophet-bards foretold, + When with the ever-circling years + Comes round the age of gold; + When Peace shall over all the earth + Its ancient splendors fling, + And the whole world send back the song + Which now the angels sing. + + --_Sears_ + +[Illustration] + + + + +CHAPTER VI + +String 5: _The Ransom_ + + +The great ransom sacrifice is the most vital to man of the strings upon +the harp of God, because without it no real lasting joy could be had by +mankind. In due time its benefits shall result to the entire human race; +and all who appreciate it will sing aloud and rejoice with exceeding +joy. They will have melody in their hearts and upon their lips because +of this wonderful provision made by Jehovah for man's benefit. For +thousands of years divine wisdom has been working out his plan concerning +man; and the ransom sacrifice is the very pivotal part of that plan. Its +importance cannot be overstated. It is the gateway that leads to life +and happiness. It is the means of bringing back man into harmony with +God. To appreciate this great doctrine we must understand it. Therefore +let us reason together in the light of the divine Word, that we may +understand. + +[178]The most precious thing possessed by any creature is life, because +without life everything else would be useless and could not be enjoyed. +Even now we observe that a man with but a small spark of life clings to +that with desperation. It is only when a creature is perfect and +enjoying complete life and the right to it that he can properly glorify +Jehovah, his great Creator. God's great arrangement must ultimately +bring glory to his name. + +[179]Jehovah created Adam the first man in his own image and likeness. +He created him perfect; for all the works of Jehovah are perfect. +(Deuteronomy 32:4) He gave to man life and the right to life. Life means +any conscious existence. Right to life means the full authority to +maintain existence. Adam and Eve in Eden were perfect in their bodies, +without pain, without sorrow; and were beautiful creatures. They had not +a scar nor a mark upon them anywhere. They enjoyed life and all the +blessings incident to that life. Their home was perfect; and even all +the animals and birds of Eden were subject to them, and they had +absolute dominion and control. God gave them all these privileges to +enjoy eternally, upon one expressed condition, namely, that they be +obedient to his law and thereby honor him. He informed man that a +violation of this law would bring upon him loss of life, loss of the +right to life, loss of all the blessings incident to it. + +[180]Satan induced mother Eve to believe that God was keeping back +something from them and, therefore deceiving Eve, induced her to violate +the law. There was no real wrong in the fruit which Eve ate. The wrong +was in disobeying the Lord. When Adam found that she had violated God's +law, knowing that she must die he preferred to be with her in death +rather than to be separated from her; so he became a party to the +transgression also by voluntarily and willingly violating the law of +God. Jehovah in the exercise of his perfect justice, sentenced man to +death. This sentence deprived Adam and Eve of the right to life. They +were driven out of Eden and in due time they lost life itself. For 930 +years they were compelled to go about in the earth and earn their bread +by digging in the soil and partaking of such food as they produced, +which was imperfect and poisonous. In this manner they were put to +death. + +[181]This sentence of death passed upon Adam had an indirect effect +upon his offspring. Before he was driven from Eden he and Eve had not +exercised the authority given to them by Jehovah to beget and bring +forth children on the earth. This they did exercise after being driven +from Eden. Being now under the sentence of death and undergoing that +death penalty, it was impossible for their children, born under such +conditions, to come into existence perfect. It would follow, then, that +when the children were born, while they would have a measure of life and +the rights incident to that measure of life (and these we call "life +rights" as distinguished from right to live), they would have no right +to life, because Adam having no right to life could not bring children +into the world who would have greater right than he had. + +[182]Any human being that is living possesses the right to food, air, +light and certain privileges in society; and these are called life +rights; that is to say, they are incident to animation, privileges +belonging to creatures that live in any measure. The right to live, +then, means a just right of existence which cannot be properly taken +away. + +[183]Because the parents possessed no right to life, every child born +into the world from then until now has been born imperfect, unrighteous, +a sinner, disapproved in God's sight, under condemnation, and therefore +with no right to life. The life that any of us has lived has been merely +by permission; and all who have died have died justly; for nothing but a +perfect creature is entitled to life. For this reason the Prophet wrote: +"Behold, I was shapen in iniquity, and in sin did my mother conceive me". +(Psalm 51:5) St. Paul writing under inspiration, expressed the same thing, +saying: "Wherefore as by one man sin entered into the world, and death by +sin; and so death passed upon all men, for all have sinned".--Romans 5:12. + +[184]All the human race, then, from Adam until now having been born +imperfect, it follows that if any ever get full life and the right to +life he must get it through the loving Jehovah God. Unless God had made +some provision for the redemption of man from death and the lifting up +of him again to the condition of life, the time would come when there +would be no people on the earth. We remember that Adam lived 930 years; +and now a man scarcely lives to be half a century old. The race has been +degenerating for centuries, growing weaker and weaker, and ultimately +all would come to that condition in which they would be unable to +transmit even the spark of life, and the earth would be depopulated. +Hence we see our utter dependence upon God; and if we find the great +Jehovah has made a provision for us to live, that ought to fill our +hearts with gratitude; and as we further examine his great plan it +should fill our hearts with boundless love for him. And surely that +provision would bring joy to the heart and enable one to see that such +provision constitutes one of the strings upon the great harp of God. + + +REDEMPTION FORESHADOWED + +[185]At the time that Jehovah entered the judgment or sentence against +man he vaguely hinted at a time coming when man should be released from +that judgment. Satan, one of whose names is the old serpent, was the +first inducing cause of sin. And God at that time said to him: "I will +put enmity between thee and the woman, and between thy seed and her +seed; it shall bruise thy head". (Genesis 3:15) This foreshadowed the +fact that ultimately Satan should be destroyed and that the same would +result as a blessing to man. + +[186]But we must remember that the judgment of God entered against man +must stand forever. It could not be reversed or set aside or annulled, +for the reason that Jehovah cannot deny himself. Nor could any of his +creatures have faith in him if he changed his mind. While it is true +that this judgment must stand forever, it is equally true that God could +make a consistent provision for having the terms of the judgment met by +another, equal to Adam; and this is exactly what we find the Scriptures +to disclose that he did. + +[187]Jehovah desired that man should understand the necessity and +reason for providing redemption, that when man does understand it he +will rejoice in the loving-kindness manifested by God toward him. For +this reason God caused certain pictures or types to be made by his +people. + +[188]On the night that Jehovah led the children of Israel out of the +land of Egypt he caused a lamb to be slain and its blood sprinkled upon +the doorposts of the house and the people to eat that lamb, and arranged +that at midnight the death angel would pass through and smite the +firstborn of every house where the blood did not appear upon the +doorposts. The firstborn here pictured the church, about which we shall +see later, and which first must be saved before the blessing can come to +the world in general. The lamb pictured the one who should be the +ransomer or redeemer of mankind. The blood pictured the life poured out +to provide a redemptive price.--Exodus 12:3-17. + +[189]When Jesus appeared at the age of thirty years, John the Baptist +pointing to him said: "Behold the Lamb of God which taketh away the sin +of the world". (John 1:29) And we read in the Bible concerning Jesus, +that he is "the Lamb slain from the foundation of the world". +(Revelation 13:8) These Scriptures and others show that the sacrifice of +the lamb foreshadowed the sacrifice of the great One who should become +the redeemer of mankind and take away the sin of the world. + +[190]A few days after this passover in Egypt, the Israelites were all +delivered when God commanded Moses to smite the waters of the Red Sea +and they passed over on dry land; and when the Egyptians attempted to +follow they were swallowed up in the sea and drowned. The deliverance of +Israel here pictured the deliverance from the great enemy, Satan and +death, of all the human race that will ultimately be obedient to God's +holy will. + +[191]After the children of Israel were on the other side of the Red +Sea, they marched on in the desert; and when they came to Mount Sinai +God made with them a covenant, which is known in the Bible as the law +covenant. In connection with this covenant animals were sacrificed. This +covenant was instituted at the hands of Moses as a mediator. Moses here +was a type of Christ Jesus, who in due time will make a covenant on +behalf of all mankind for their deliverance. + +[192]In connection with the law given to the Israelites at this time, +God instructed Moses to erect in the wilderness a tabernacle, which was +to be used by the Israelites in connection with their ceremonies of +sacrifice. One day of each year was known as the atonement day, and what +was done on that day particularly foreshadowed the great sin-offering to +be made on behalf of mankind. + +[193]The tabernacle was constructed of two parts. It was 45 feet long, +15 feet wide, and 15 feet high, built of boards and then covered over +with a tent of three thicknesses of material. The first division of the +tabernacle was called the Holy. It was 15 feet wide and 30 feet long. +The second or rear apartment was known as the Most Holy, it being 15 +feet long, 15 feet wide, and 15 feet high--an exact cube. The tabernacle +was situated inside of a court or yard, which court was 75 feet wide +and 150 feet in length. The fence enclosing this court was made of linen +curtains, suspended from hooks which were fastened on wooden posts, the +posts being set in copper sockets at the base. + +[194]On the atonement day the high priest took a bullock, which must be +without spot or blemish. Inside of the court he killed the bullock, took +its blood in a vessel went from the court into the Holy and from there +into the Most Holy, and sprinkled the blood upon the mercy seat which +was in the Most Holy. Then he went back and slew a male goat, which +likewise must be without defect, and did the same thing with its blood. +This was known as the atonement sacrifice. (See Leviticus 16:1-34) It +was an offering for sin, made for the people of Israel, but in fact +foreshadowing the great sin-offering that is to take away the sin of the +world. + +[195]St. Paul plainly tells us that the things here done foreshadowed +better things to come. (Hebrews 10:1) God required in the law that the +Jews should keep this day of atonement and offer these sacrifices +through the high priest once each year. We remember that God had +promised to Abraham: "In thy seed shall all the families of the earth be +blessed". So St. Paul says that the law "was added because of +transgressions, till the seed should come to whom the promise was made; +and it was ordained by angels in the hand of a mediator"; and that the +law was a schoolmaster to bring the people unto Christ. (Galatians +3:19,24) In other words, Jehovah was teaching the children of Israel +concerning the great sin-offering that must be made on behalf of mankind +and he was using them to make living pictures; and the record of the +events concerning them has enabled all students of the Bible since to +see how Jehovah foreshadowed the redemption and deliverance of mankind +from the bondage of sin and death. To foreshadow means to foretell +something coming; and this shows how important the great ransom is to +mankind, that God would take so much time and go into so much detail to +teach the people by these pictures. Hence this should encourage us to +study the subject earnestly that we might see, understand, and +appreciate it. + + +RANSOM PROMISED + +[196]Adam was sentenced to death, and when he actually went into death +after 930 years, justice was satisfied. The law demanded the life of a +perfect human being. It had received it when Adam died. Between the time +of Adam's sentence and the time of his death he begat many children that +were born into the earth. These being born imperfect had no right to +life; hence the living of the children was only by permission of +Jehovah, and every one who died, died because of imperfection resulting +from the sin of father Adam. + +[197]The Scriptures clearly show that God planned long in advance for +the redemption and deliverance of the human race. Hence his wisdom led +him to embrace in the effects of this death sentence all of the human +family, all of the offspring of Adam, so that in due time he might +redeem them all through the sacrifice of one. (Galatians 3:22) The +sentence against Adam and the resulting effects upon all of his +offspring must stand. An earthly court may reverse its judgment because +imperfect, but God cannot reverse his, because it is perfect; and he +cannot deny himself. He could make provision, however, for another man +exactly equivalent to Adam to go into death voluntarily; and by thus +dying his life could be given as a corresponding price for Adam and his +offspring, that Adam and his offspring might be released from death and +given a trial for life. The Scriptures definitely show that it was +God's purpose and intention from the beginning to make just such a +provision. He made a specific promise to this effect when he said: "I +will ransom them from the power of the grave; I will redeem them from +death: O death, I will be thy plagues; O grave, I will be thy +destruction". (Hosea 13:14) This promise of Jehovah to ransom the human +race must be carried out, because God is unchangeable. Having made the +promise, he will perform it.--Malachi 3:6; James 1:17. + +[198]It is very important, then, that we understand the meaning of +ransom; hence we here define it. _Ransom_ means something to loosen +with; that is, a redemptive price. It is the means or price or value +which can be used in loosening or releasing something that is in bondage +or in restraint or imprisoned. Necessarily the ransom price must be +exactly equivalent to, or corresponding with, that which justice +requires of the thing or being that is in bondage or imprisonment. Hence +we say that ransom means an exact corresponding price. A perfect man +sinned and was sentenced to death; hence an exact corresponding price +would be the death of another perfect man and the value of that life +presented in place of the one who first sinned and was held in bondage. + +[199]_Sin-offering_ means the presentation and use of the ransom-price. +On the atonement day performed by the Jews in type, the blood of the +bullock represented the poured-out life; and therefore it stood for the +ransom-price or value of the life. The carrying of the blood into the +Most Holy and sprinkling it there pictured the sin-offering, that is, a +presentation in the Most Holy (which represented heaven itself) of the +value or merit of the perfect life. We will see, therefore, as we +examine this question that the ransom-price was provided on earth by the +death of Jesus; that preparation for the sin-offering was begun on earth, +but must be finished in heaven, where the value of the ransom-price is +presented. + +[200]Other Scriptures show that it was intended by Jehovah that the +great Redeemer should pour out his life in death and that this should +constitute the ransom-price, which should be made an offering for sin. +God foretold this--which is equivalent to a promise--through his prophet +when he wrote concerning the great coming Redeemer the following: + +[201]"Who hath believed our report? and to whom is the arm of the Lord +revealed? For he shall grow up before him as a tender plant, and as a +root out of a dry ground: he hath no form nor comeliness; and when we +shall see him, there is no beauty that we should desire him. He is +despised and rejected of men; a man of sorrows, and acquainted with +grief: and we hid as it were our faces from him; he was despised, and we +esteemed him not. Surely he hath borne our griefs and carried our +sorrows; yet we did esteem him stricken, smitten of God, and afflicted. +But he was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our +iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon him; and with his +stripes we are healed. All we like sheep have gone astray; we have +turned every one to his own way; and the Lord hath laid on him the +iniquity of us all. He was oppressed, and he was afflicted, yet he +opened not his mouth: he is brought as a lamb to the slaughter, and as a +sheep before her shearers is dumb, so he openeth not his mouth. He was +taken from prison and from judgment: and who shall declare his +generation? for he was cut off out of the land of the living: for the +transgression of my people was he stricken. And he made his grave with +the wicked, and with the rich in his death; because he had done no +violence, neither was any deceit in his mouth. Yet it pleased the Lord +to bruise him; he hath put him to grief: when thou shalt make his soul +an offering for sin, he shall see his seed, he shall prolong his days, +and the pleasure of the Lord shall prosper in his hand. He shall see of +the travail of his soul, and shall be satisfied: by his knowledge shall +my righteous servant justify many; for he shall bear their iniquities. +Therefore will I divide him a portion with the great, and he shall +divide the spoil with the strong; because he hath poured out his soul +unto death: and he was numbered with the transgressors; and he bare the +sin of many, and made intercession for the transgressors."--Isaiah 53. + +[202]Because of this death sentence standing against Adam, he was and +is held in restraint or imprisonment of death. He and his offspring who +have died are in the great prison-house of death, and the grave is thus +spoken of by the Prophet--Isaiah 42:6,7; 49:9 + + +QUALIFICATIONS REQUIRED + +[203]The dead could never again live, nor could those who are living +ever hope to have eternal happiness unless the disability resting upon +mankind because of sin be first removed; and the Scripture is quite +clear, as above noticed, that this can be removed only by means of the +great ransom sacrifice. Since ransom means an exact corresponding price, +the ransomer must be exactly like the perfect Adam in Eden. + +[204]A perfect man had sinned and lost everything; therefore none but a +perfect man could provide a price sufficient to buy and release Adam and +his race from this sentence of death and its effects. Divine justice +demanded the life of a perfect human being and this was received when +Adam went into death. It followed that divine justice would accept +nothing more or less, as a price for releasing Adam and his offspring, +than a perfect human life. In order to meet these divine requirements, +the ransomer must be a perfect human being. + +[205]When God gave the law to Israel at Mount Sinai he indicated by the +promise of that law that the only means by which the human race could be +redeemed or ransomed would be by the giving of a perfect human life in +the place of Adam's perfect human life, which he had forfeited by his +disobedience. We remember that St. Paul said that this law was a shadow +of better things to come. That law required an eye for an eye, a tooth +for a tooth, a foot for a foot, a life for a life; that is to say, a +price exactly corresponding to that which had been lost. As an +illustration: Under the law if one man knocked out another's tooth, he +must lose one of his own teeth. If he struck out a man's eye, he must +give up his own eye. If he took the life of his fellow creature, he must +give up his own life. Thus the law pictured that the great ransomer +would correspond exactly with the perfect man Adam when Adam was in +Eden.--Exodus 21:23-25; Leviticus 24:17-21; Deuteronomy 19:21. + + +MAN'S EXTREMITY + +[206]But who in all the world was able to bear this burden or meet the +requirements of the divine law? Adam could not redeem himself. All of +his offspring were imperfect and God could not accept an imperfect human +being as a ransom. Was there nobody, then, on earth who could redeem the +human race from death according to God's promise? The Prophet of the +Lord answers: "None of them [no creature on earth] can by any means +redeem his brother, nor give to God a ransom for him". (Psalm 49:7) For +this reason, then, it seemed hopeless for man ever to expect to be +released from the condition of death. + +[207]Furthermore, this judgment and sentence against Adam was entered +in the divine court of heaven and it follows that the ransom-price, +namely, the value of a perfect human life, must not only be provided by +the death of a perfect human being, but the value of that life must be +presented to divine justice in heaven itself; and no human being has +access to heaven. + +[208]Hence there were two reasons why it was utterly impossible for any +of Adam's stock or offspring to redeem mankind: (1) Because all were +imperfect and could not provide the price; and (2) if the price were +provided, it could not be presented in heaven by any such. + +[209]Thus is presented to the human race a condition of absolute +helplessness. Thus we see that mankind was wholly without power to +release itself from the condition of death, and that there never could +be any hope of any one of the human family enjoying life everlasting in +a state of happiness unless God, in the exercise of his loving-kindness, +should make some provision. He had promised to make such provision. His +great plan provided for such. It is first necessary, however, for us to +see man's absolute extremity in order that we might appreciate God's +opportunity for blessing mankind, and the great debt which the human +race owes to Jehovah and his beloved Son for the provision made. + +[210]If a man found himself and his family in a dungeon and a million +dollars were required to release him, and he had not one penny, but a +friend of his appeared and provided the money and released him and his +family, that man would owe a great debt of gratitude to his deliverer. +He would feel much gratitude in his heart. He would surely love his +deliverer and would be anxious to do anything he could for him. Adam and +all of his family are either in the prison-house of death or under the +effects of death; and if we find that the great Jehovah God has made +provision for the release and deliverance of all such from the tomb, +the prison-house of death, with a view to granting them everlasting +life, liberty, and happiness, then such fact should bring joy to the +heart of every one who learns of it. + + +THE GREAT RANSOMER + +[211]The apostle Paul, having in mind these things, wrote: "We were +children in bondage under the elements of the world: but when the +fulness of time was come, God sent forth his Son, made of a woman, made +under the law". (Galatians 4:3,4) How did God send his Son? Since a +perfect man had sinned and the life of a perfect man must be given as a +sin-offering, it is now important to see if the Son of God whom he sent +was qualified to meet the requirements of the law and be the ransomer or +redeemer. + +[212]It is easy to be seen that Jesus when on earth could not have been +merely an incarnated spirit being, because that would constitute a +fraud, and God would not sanction anything wrong. He must be a man, +perfect in every respect, equal and corresponding to the perfect Adam +while in Eden. It is also easy to be seen that Jesus could not be part +God and part man, because that would be more than the law required; +hence divine justice could not accept such as a ransom. The divine law +definitely shows that the ransomer must be exactly corresponding to +Adam, a perfect human being. How, then, did God send his Son? And when +he sent him, was he part man and part God? + +[213]The Scriptures answer, as we have heretofore seen, that prior to +his coming to earth he was the Logos, a spirit being; that his life was +transferred to the human plane and he was born a human being. He was rich +and for our sakes became poor (2 Corinthians 8:9); that is to say, he was +rich in heavenly glory and power possessed by him as the great active +agent of Jehovah in the creation of all things, and he became poor by +becoming a man. It was absolutely necessary for him to be a perfect man; +hence he must be born holy, harmless, separate from sinners and without +sin; and he met this requirement. (Hebrews 7:26) Furthermore, he met the +requirements because he was made flesh and dwelt amongst men. (John 1:14) +He partook of flesh and blood, became a human being for the very purpose +of destroying him that has the power of death, that is the devil; and to +deliver mankind. (Hebrews 2:14,15) He took upon himself the form of a +servant or bondsman and was made in the likeness of men. (Philippians 2:7) +He was the only perfect man that has ever lived on earth, except Adam. He +was not part human and part spirit being, because "he was made a little +lower than the angels for the suffering of death". Angels are spirit +beings, and thus creatures that are lower than angels are human beings. +He was human. Had he been part God and part man he would have been higher +than the angels instead of lower, for the reason that angels are the +lowest order of spirit beings. + +[214]Being a perfect man, he had the power to produce a perfect race of +people and with these populate the earth; therefore in every respect +exactly corresponding to the perfect man Adam in the condition he was in +while in Eden. He was perfect in every respect, full of grace and truth. +(John 1:14) When he stood before Pilate, silent as a sheep is dumb +before its shearers, when the mob incited by the Jewish clergy of that +time were demanding his life blood, Pilate, in order that he might shame +the Jews for such action, cried out unto them: "Behold _the_ man". The +emphasis here is on the word _the_. We might paraphrase Pilate's words +thus: 'The man whom you are asking me to put to death is not only the +greatest man among you, but he is the man above all other men on earth'. +The people there had seen a perfect man. None of us have seen a perfect +man. He was the only One who has ever lived on earth qualified to become +the redeemer of mankind. He was sent to earth by Jehovah for that v +qualify as a priest. + +[215]We note that Jesus grew from boyhood's estate to manhood's estate +and when he was thirty years of age he presented himself to John at +Jordan to be baptized. At the age of thirty, then, he was perfect in +body, perfect in mind, perfect under the law, in every respect an +absolutely perfect human being; hence qualified to be the ransomer or +redeemer of Adam, the perfect man, and of all Adam's offspring. + +[216]Why did God send his beloved Son, this great Man, to earth? When a +great man of the world comes into prominence he expects others to +minister unto him, and they do minister unto him. But Jesus, the +greatest man who has ever lived on earth, and the only perfect One aside +from Adam, came to earth and became the servant of others, that he might +render the greatest good to mankind. True greatness consists in doing +good unto others. True greatness is magnified in Jesus. He was the +truest friend of the human race. He said: "The Son of man came not to be +ministered unto, but to minister, and to give his life a ransom for +many". (Matthew 20:28) And again he said: "Whosoever will be great among +you shall be your minister [servant]; and whosoever will be the +chiefest, shall be servant of all".--Mark 10:43,44. + +[217]The perfect man Jesus became the servant of all. The importance of +Jesus and his work is magnified when we consider that he in heaven and +in earth was the dearest treasure to Jehovah's heart. He was God's +dearly beloved Son. He was the most precious thing possessed by the +great Creator, Jehovah. It was the supreme sacrifice on behalf of +Jehovah to use him to redeem the human race. It was God's great love for +fallen humanity that prompted him to do this; hence we read: "God so +loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever +believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. For God +sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world +through him might be saved."--John 3:16,17. + +[218]It was this truly good and truly great Man who for three and a +half years went about in the earth and taught and ministered unto the +people and did good unto every one and evil unto none. All the time he +was thus ministering and doing good, the scribes, Pharisees, doctors of +the law and other dupes engaged in misrepresenting and persecuting the +Lord, sought to kill him. Why did they do this? Because they were +instruments of Satan, the devil.--John 8:44. + +[219]Jesus, the devil knew, was and is the great Seed of promise which +God had promised to Abraham should be the redeemer and blesser of +mankind. Jesus Christ is the Seed of the woman foreshadowed in God's +statement made to mother Eve and Satan. (Genesis 3:15) Satan sought, +therefore, in every way to destroy him. Jesus was teaching the Jews the +message of God to lead them in the right way, and to open unto them the +way of life. These scribes and Pharisees were opposing him and therefore +were the enemies of the people. Jesus said of them: "The scribes and the +Pharisees sit in Moses' seat" (Matthew 23:2); meaning that they had +assumed the position of leaders of the people. Because of their blinding +the people he said to them: 'You are hypocrites, blind guides, fools; +you shut up the kingdom of heaven against men; you devour widows' houses +and for a pretence make long prayers; you compass sea and land to make +one proselyte, and when he is made, you make him twofold more the child +of _gehenna_ than yourselves. You are guilty of fraud and deceit, and +you are like unto whited sepulchres, which are full of dead men's bones +and all uncleanness; you are serpents, a generation of vipers. You do +not understand my speech because you cannot hear and understand my word. +You are of your father the devil.'--Matthew 23:13-33; John 8:43,44. + +[220]Jesus knew that he was to be crucified and he told his disciples +of his coming death. The last night he was on earth with them he spent +teaching them great lessons and truths which were not only a blessing to +them, but have been a great blessing to every one from then until now +who has loved the Lord and sought to know and do his will. While he was +thus doing, the enemy was preparing to take his life. The Sanhedrin was +a high tribunal or court composed of seventy-three men, made up of +priests, elders, and doctors of the law, Pharisaical hypocrites, the +seed of the serpent, blinded to God's purposes. That body was the +highest court of Israel and it was the duty of this court to protect the +innocent as well as to punish the guilty. They beheld Jesus doing good +and the people flocking to him. + +[221]"Then gathered the chief priests and the Pharisees a council [a +court], and said, What do we? for this man doeth many miracles. If we +let him thus alone, all men will believe on him: and the Romans shall +come and take away both our place and nation. And one of them, named +Caiaphas, being the high priest that same year, said unto them, Ye know +nothing at all, nor consider that it is expedient for us, that one man +should die for the people, and that the whole nation perish not. And +this spake he not of himself: but being high priest that year, he +prophesied that Jesus should die for that nation.... Then from that day +forth they took counsel together for to put him to death."--John +11:47-51,53. + +[222]In other words, this supreme tribunal secretly met, indicted +Jesus, prejudged his case, and agreed to put him to death, only waiting +for an opportunity. They acted as grand jury, prosecutor, and trial +court. They entered into a wicked conspiracy, which was formulated by +Satan, their father, for the destruction of the Son of God. They +conspired with Judas and hired him, for the paltry sum of thirty pieces +of silver, to betray the Lord into their hands. Satan himself entered +into Judas as the latter executed the betrayal. Then they organized a +mob, sent it out after the Master, arrested him, and brought him before +this supreme court for trial at night, which was contrary to their own +laws. "They that had laid hold on Jesus led him away to Caiaphas the +high priest, where the scribes and the elders were assembled," in +furtherance of the wicked conspiracy.--Matthew 26:57. + +[223]The meek and defenseless Lamb of God was led into a den of +ravenous wolves, who were thirsting for his blood. They did not dignify +his case by even filing a formal charge against him. They sought, +contrary to the law, to make him testify against himself. They knew +nothing themselves against him; and notwithstanding they sat as the high +and dignified court of the nation of Israel, they resorted to +subornation of perjury. "Now the chief priests, and elders, and all the +council [the entire court], sought false witness against Jesus, to put +him to death; but found none; yea, though many false witnesses came, yet +found they none. At the last came two false witnesses." (Matthew 26:59,60) +This exalted tribunal, in violation of every law and every precedent +known to Jewish jurisprudence, demanded of Jesus that he testify against +himself. "The high priest arose and said unto him, ... I adjure thee by +the living God, that thou tell us whether thou be the Christ, the Son of +God." (Matthew 26:62,63) And when he told the truth, saying, "Ye say +that I am," they said, "What need we any further witness? for we +ourselves have heard of his own mouth". (Luke 22:66-71) They immediately +voted that he should die--also contrary to their law, which required +that each member of the court should consider the case and then vote +individually. Holding the session of court at night to convict him, they +knew they were proceeding contrary to law; so they convened the court +the following morning to ratify the sentence, which was likewise +contrary to law. + +[224]They condemned Jesus to death, but knew they had no legal power to +put him to death. Then they led him before the Roman governor, Pilate, +and placed against him the charge of sedition, saying, "We found this +fellow perverting the nation, and forbidding to give tribute to Caesar, +saying that he himself is Christ a King". (Luke 23:1,2) They knew the +Roman governor had power to put Jesus to death, and for this reason they +sought his judgment. + +[225]Pilate was not convinced of Jesus' guilt and was not willing that +he should die, but sought to release him. "Then said Pilate to the chief +priests and to the people, I find no fault in this man. And they were +the more fierce, saying, _He stirreth up the people_." (Luke 23:4,5) +When Pilate sought to release him, his accusers "cried out, saying, If +thou let this man go, thou art not Caesar's friend: whosoever maketh +himself a king speaketh against Caesar"--against the civil power, and +such is therefore guilty of sedition. (John 19:12) "And he [Pilate] said +unto them the _third time_, Why, what evil hath he done? I have found no +cause of death in him: I will therefore chastise him, and let him go. +And they were instant with loud voices, requiring that he might be +crucified. _And the voices of them and of the chief priests prevailed_. +And Pilate gave sentence that it should be as they required." (Luke +23:22-24) Thus the civil power yielded to the importunities of +ecclesiasticism, and Jesus was led away and crucified on Calvary's hill. +And Pilate, more righteous than the clerics, posted over his cross the +sign: "Jesus of Nazareth, the King of the Jews". + +[226]Thus died the Son of God, the great antitypical "Lamb ... which +taketh away the sin of the world". (John 1:29) In the eyes of those that +stood by he died as a sinner, crucified between two thieves, under the +charge of disloyalty to the constituted powers, yet wholly innocent, +harmless, and without sin. + +[227]Here he fulfilled that which the Prophet of God had foretold of +him long in advance, in that he "poured out his soul unto death, and he +was numbered with the transgressors, and he bare the sin of many". +--Isaiah 53:12. + + +WHY MUST HE DIE? + +[228]But why should the great, the good, the pure, the sinless Man die +in such an ignominious manner as this? Was there no other means whereby +man could live? The Scriptures answer that there is no other way whereby +man could get life. Divine justice demanded the life of the perfect man +Adam and took that life. Divine justice could receive nothing as a +substitute for Adam except the life of a perfect human being. Adam was +put to death because he was a sinner. The one who would redeem Adam +must die _as_ a sinner, yet without sin. And all this Jesus did. + +[229]It is important here for us to see why Jesus came to earth, grew +to manhood's estate and died. The Prophet speaking the words of Jesus +beforehand said: "Lo, I come: in the volume of the book it is written of +me, I delight to do thy will, O my God: yea, thy law is within my +heart". (Psalm 40:7,8; Hebrews 10:7-10) Thus we see that he had come to +do God's will. The apostle Paul expressed the will of God concerning +mankind when he said: "God ... will have all men to be saved [from +death], and brought to an accurate knowledge of the truth". (1 Timothy +2:3,4) This is in harmony with God's promise that he would redeem +mankind from death (Hosea 13:14); and since Jesus came to carry out the +Father's will to ransom the human race, he must do this. This is the +only means whereby man could live. Therefore Jesus said: "I am come that +they might have life and that they might have it more abundantly".--John +10:10. + +[230]Jesus likened his humanity to bread. He said: "I am the bread of +life.... This is the bread which cometh down from heaven, that a man may +eat thereof, and not die.... For my flesh is meat indeed, and my blood +is drink indeed.... As the living Father sent me, and I live by the +Father: so he that eateth me, even he shall live by me." (John +6:48,50,55,57) By this we understand that Jesus gave up his human life +in order that the value thereof might be presented to divine justice in +heaven as the great ransom-price. To eat means to appropriate to +oneself. Then it follows that any one who accepts or appropriates to +himself the value of Jesus' sacrifice by believing on the Lord Jesus +Christ and doing the Father's will, that one will have life everlasting +through Christ Jesus. The apostle Paul makes it clear that the death of +Jesus was for the benefit of the entire human race when he says: +'Jesus, ... by the grace of God, tasted death for every man'. "There is +one God, and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus; who +gave himself a ransom for all, to be testified in due time."--Hebrews 2;9; +1 Timothy 2:5,6. + +[231]"Sin is the transgression of the law." (1 John 3:4) "The wages of +sin is death." (Romans 6:23) Adam transgressed the divine law and for +this reason suffered the penalty of death, and this penalty came upon +all mankind by inheritance. Jesus the perfect man permitted his life to +be taken that it might be used for the purpose of releasing Adam and his +offspring from the great enemy death, and that they might have a full +opportunity for life. Hence his life was made an offering for sin, or a +sin-offering. + +[232]For many centuries Jehovah foreshadowed this great event in his +plan, and this adds to the importance of it; in fact, without the +sacrifice of Jesus it would have been impossible for any of the human +race ever to live at all. + +[233]Looking back, then, at the picture that Jehovah made by the use of +the Jewish people and their ceremonies, we see that the bullock slain on +the atonement day pictured Jesus the perfect man at the age of thirty +years. The court surrounding the tabernacle was a picture of perfect +humanity. Therefore the bullock slain in the court foreshadowed or +pictured the fact that the perfect man Jesus died in that condition on +earth as a perfect man. By his death he provided the ransom-price. He +did this to carry out the Father's plan. + +[234]In the picture, the slaying of the bullock was the beginning of the +sin-offering. After the bullock was slain its blood was put into a +vessel and the high priest carried it in this vessel, ultimately +reaching the Most Holy, where it was sprinkled, as above mentioned. The +high priest in the Holy pictured Jesus during the three and one-half +years of his sacrificial ministry; and the high priest's appearance in +the Most Holy pictures Jesus the high priest, resurrected to the divine +nature, appearing in heaven itself in the presence of God, there to +present the merit of his sacrifice as the sin-offering on behalf of +mankind.--Hebrews 9:24. + +[235]The Scriptures clearly show that Jesus was the antitypical bullock +and was made an offering for sin on behalf of mankind; first on behalf +of the church, subsequently on behalf of the whole world. "Christ died +for our sins according to the Scriptures" (1 Corinthians 15:3); "who +gave himself for our sins, that he might deliver us from this present +evil world, according to the will of God and our Father" (Galatians +1:4); "for he hath made him to be sin [an offering for sin] for us, who +[Jesus] knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in +him".--2 Corinthians 5:21. + +[236]The law that God gave to the Israelites merely foreshadowed what +great things Jesus would do. Because of the imperfections of +mankind--Moses and others--that law could not accomplish the deliverance +of mankind from death. "For what the law could not do, in that it was +weak through the flesh, God sending his own Son in the likeness of +sinful flesh, and for sin, condemned sin in the flesh."--Romans 8:3. + +[237]In the type, the slaying of the bullock and the carrying of its +blood into the Holy as a typical sin-offering foreshadowed the fact that +the redemption of man's sins could be accomplished only through the +blood of the perfect sacrifice. And for this reason says the apostle +Paul: "Without the shedding of blood is no remission. It was therefore +necessary that the patterns of things in the heavens should be purified +with these; but the heavenly things themselves with better sacrifices +than these." (Hebrews 9:22,23) The patterns here referred to are the +Holy and Most Holy in the tabernacle picture, which foreshadowed or +pictured the heavenly condition; and the entrance of the high priest +into the Most Holy of the tabernacle with the blood foreshadowed Christ +Jesus entering heaven. "For Christ is not entered into the holy places +made with hands, which are the figures of the true; but into heaven +itself, now to appear in the presence of God for us."--Hebrews 9:24. + +[238]When Jesus died upon the cross of Calvary he provided the +ransom-price, because his was the death of a perfect human being, +exactly corresponding with the perfect man Adam. Adam's death, however, +was the result of a forfeited right to live. Jesus' death was a +sacrifice. Adam was a sinner and died a sinner. Jesus was perfect, holy, +and without sin; and while he died in the same manner, yet by his death +he did not forfeit the right to live as a human being. By dying he +reduced his perfect human life to an asset that might thereafter be used +to release Adam and his offspring from death. + +[239]We here give an illustration to aid in understanding this point. +For convenience we will call a man John. John is languishing in prison +because he cannot pay a fine of one hundred dollars. He has a brother +named Charles who is willing to pay the fine for his brother John, but +who has no money with which to pay. Charles is strong and vigorous, has +time to work, is willing to work, and can earn money by working; but his +strength and time and willingness will not pay the debt for John. Mr. +Smith has some work to be done and is willing to pay money to have it +done. Charles engages himself to work for Mr. Smith and earns one +hundred dollars and receives that amount of money in cash. By his labor +Charles has here reduced his time and strength and vigor to a money +value and has received that money value, which money has purchasing +power and which can be used to pay John's obligation and thus release +him from prison. + +[240]Charles then appears before the court which has entered the +judgment against his brother John, and offers to pay the one hundred +dollars which the law demands of John. The money is accepted from +Charles and John is released. By this means John is judicially relieved +from the effects of the judgment and is set free, and his brother +Charles has become his ransomer or deliverer. + +[241]In this illustration John represents Adam. Because Adam violated +God's law, Jehovah judicially determined that Adam should forfeit his +life by dying. He enforced this judgment during a period of 930 years, +during which time Adam begat all of his children. The effect of +sentencing Adam to death was to render all of his children subject to +death. Adam went into death, and since then great numbers of his +children have likewise died. We can say, then, that Adam and all those +who have died and are in their graves are in the great prison-house of +death, and that is what the Prophet of the Lord calls it.--Isaiah 42:7. + +[242]In this picture Charles represents Jesus. It was God's will that +the perfect man Jesus should redeem Adam and his offspring from the +prison-house of death. Jesus was willing to pay Adam's debt and redeem +him, but the perfect, righteous, human being Jesus could not accomplish +that purpose while living in the flesh, for the same reason that Charles +could not use his strength, time, and energy to pay the debt of his +brother John, but must first reduce those things to a purchasing value. +Jesus must reduce his perfect humanity to a purchasing value, which we +may call merit, and which merit or purchasing value would be sufficient +for the payment of Adam's debt and release Adam and his offspring from +that judgment. In order to provide this price it was necessary for Jesus +to die. In his death upon Calvary, then, he produced the price. But the +value of that price must be presented before Jehovah in heaven itself +before Jehovah could release Adam or his descendents from the effect of +death. And this, we shall see from the Scriptures, is what was done. + +[243]The inspired writer in the divine Word tells us that it was the +will of God that all men should be saved from death by the ransom-price +and then brought to an accurate knowledge of the truth, in order that +they might accept the benefits of the ransom and live. In due time the +knowledge of these great truths will be given to every one of Adam's +race. (1 Timothy 2:3-6) The ransom-price was provided at the cross. The +cross of Christ is the great pivotal truth of the divine arrangement, +from which radiate the hopes of men. When all men come to a knowledge of +this fact and all the obedient ones have profited by the value of the +ransom sacrifice, there will be great rejoicing amongst the human race. +When the grand finale is sung and all the harpers of heaven and earth +unite in beautiful harmony, blending with the voices of all creatures +perfected and happy, the great ransom-sacrifice will be recognized by +all as one of the strings of the harp of God that will yield sweet music +to every ear. Then all can truly sing; + + "In the cross of Christ I glory, + Tow'ring o'er the wrecks of time; + All the light of sacred story + Gathers round its head sublime." + +[244]In order for the human race to receive the benefit of the +ransom-sacrifice, it was essential for Jesus to be raised from the dead. +His resurrection is therefore of vital importance, and this constitutes +another string of the harp, which we will treat separately. + + + + +Why is the ransom the most vital string upon the harp of God? ¶ 177. + +What effect will its appreciation have upon the human race? ¶ 177. + +What is the most precious thing possessed by any creature, and why? ¶ 178. + +When can a creature properly glorify his Creator? ¶ 178. + +In whose image was man created? ¶ 179. + +What did God give to man at the time of his creation? ¶ 179. + +What is the difference between life and the right to life? ¶ 179. + +Describe the condition and environment of Adam and Eve in Eden. ¶ 179. + +Were Adam and Eve informed as to what would be the result of the +violation of God's law? ¶ 179. + +Was there any real wrong in eating the fruit? and if not, wherein was +the wrong done by man? ¶ 180. + +What was the effect of the sentence pronounced against man? ¶ 180. + +What was the effect of the execution of that sentence? ¶ 180. + +In what manner was the sentence executed? ¶ 180. + +When did Adam and Eve first exercise the power of producing their +offspring? ¶ 181. + +Was it possible for them to have perfect children? and if not, why not? +¶ 181. + +Their children were born and lived, but did they have a right to life? +and if not, why not? ¶ 181. + +What is the difference between right to life and life rights? ¶ 182. + +What Scriptural proof is there that all were born imperfect? ¶ 183. + +Without divine provision for the redemption of man, would the earth +become depopulated? and if so, why? ¶ 184. + +Is mankind wholly dependent upon God's provision for life? ¶ 184. + +If God has made full and complete provision that man shall live in +happiness, what effect should that have upon men's minds and hearts? +¶ 184. + +At the time God sentenced man to death did he foreshadow a provision for +his release? and if so, how? Give the Scriptural proof. ¶ 185. + +Did he here foreshadow the ultimate fate of Satan? and if so, what is +that fate? ¶ 185. + +Could the judgment Jehovah entered against Adam be annulled or set +aside? and if not, why not? ¶ 186. + +If it could be changed, what effect would it have upon the faith of men? +¶ 186. + +Could God consistently provide for a substitute to meet the terms of +that judgment? ¶ 186. + +Is it Jehovah's desire that men should understand the necessity and +reason for redemption? ¶ 187. + +Why did God cause certain types and pictures to be made by his people? +¶ 187. + +Explain about the passover lamb slain by the Israelites on the night of +their leaving Egypt. Give the Scriptural account. ¶ 188. + +What was pictured there by the firstborn? ¶ 188. + +What was pictured by the lamb, and also by the blood? ¶ 188. + +Who was spoken of as the "Lamb slain from the foundation of the world"? +¶ 188. + +What was pictured by the deliverance of Israel from the Egyptians? ¶ 190. + +What arrangement did God make with Israel at Mount Sinai? ¶ 191. + +What was typified by the making of this law covenant at Mount Sinai? +¶ 191. + +Who erected the tabernacle in the wilderness? ¶ 192. + +The services performed by the priest on the atonement day in connection +with the tabernacle foreshadowed what? ¶ 192. + +Give a description of the construction of the tabernacle. ¶ 193. + +Describe what the high priest did with the bullock on the day of +atonement. ¶ 194. + +What did he do with its blood? ¶ 194. + +What did these ceremonies foreshadow? ¶ 194. + +How often were these services performed? ¶ 195. + +Why, then, was the law covenant made? ¶ 195. + +What was the purpose of having the Israelites to go through these +ceremonies once each year? ¶ 195. + +What did the law demand relative to Adam? and how was justice satisfied? +¶ 196. + +The fact that Adam's children were born after he was sentenced to death, +what effect did that have upon the children? ¶ 196. + +Why did God permit the sentence upon Adam to have a vital effect upon +all of Adam's children? ¶ 197. + +Did Jehovah promise to ransom man? and if so, give the Scriptural proof. +¶ 197. + +Must this promise be carried out? ¶ 197. + +Define ransom. ¶ 198. + +Define sin-offering. ¶ 199. + +Where and how was the ransom-price provided? ¶ 199. + +Where was the sin-offering begun? and where is it finished? ¶ 199. + +By what prophecy did God show that it was his purpose to redeem man by +his beloved Son suffering death? ¶ 201. + +In what sense are Adam and his offspring held in restraint or +imprisonment? Give the Scriptural proof. ¶ 202. + +What was the first qualification of the one who would provide the +ransom-price? ¶ 203. + +Could divine justice accept anything more or less than the value of a +perfect human life as a ransom for Adam and his race? ¶ 204. + +Was it necessary for the redeemer to be a perfect human being? and if +so, why? ¶ 204. + +In what way did the law given to Israel indicate that a perfect human +life would be required as a ransom-price? ¶ 205. + +Give an illustration under the law. ¶ 205. + +Did the law picture what should constitute the qualification of the +redeemer? and if so, where, and what, is it? ¶ 205. + +How is man's extremity and dependence upon Jehovah shown in connection +with the ransom provision? ¶ 206. + +Could Adam redeem himself? or could any of Adam's children redeem him +or their brethren? Give Scriptural proof. ¶ 206. + +Why was man's condition hopeless without a redeemer? ¶ 206. + +The ransom-price when provided, where must it be presented? ¶ 207. + +Could any human being present the value of that ransom-sacrifice in +heaven? ¶ 207. + +What two potent reasons, then, are there which make it impossible for +Adam's children to redeem their brethren? ¶ 208. + +Show how man's future happiness wholly depends upon the divine provision +for redemption, ¶ 209. + +Does man's complete extremity enable us to appreciate more highly the +value of the ransom-sacrifice? ¶ 209. + +What does this show with reference to the debt of gratitude man owes to +Jehovah? ¶ 209. + +Give an illustration of man's extremity; and what would cause him to +feel grateful to his benefactor? ¶ 210. + +If we find the proof to be conclusive that Jehovah has made provision +for the redemption and deliverance of all mankind, how should that +affect the mind and heart of every honest person? ¶ 210. + +Whom did God send into the earth to be the redeemer or ransomer of +mankind? ¶ 211. + +What did St. Paul say about this to the Galatians? Quote the Scripture. +¶ 211. + +Was it important that Jesus should be qualified to meet the requirements +of the divine law in order to ransom the race? ¶ 211. + +Since ransom means _exact corresponding price_, had Jesus been an +incarnated spirit being would he have been qualified to ransom mankind? +¶ 212. + +If Jesus had been part man and part God, would he have been qualified to +meet the requirements of the divine law? ¶ 212. + +What does the divine law definitely require as to the qualification of +the redeemer or ransomer? ¶ 212. + +How did God send his Son? and when he came, was he a man or was he God? +Give Scriptural proof. ¶ 213. + +Had any perfect man lived on the earth from Adam to Jesus? ¶ 213. + +Suppose Jesus had been greater than a man when he consecrated at the +Jordan, could he have met the divine requirements and become the +redeemer of mankind? ¶ 213. + +Did Jesus have power to produce a perfect race? and if so, did he in +this way correspond to the perfect Adam? ¶ 214. + +State what occurred before Pilate. Paraphrase the substance of Pilate's +statement to Jesus. ¶ 214. + +Under the Jewish law, what must be the age of a man in order to be +qualified as priest? ¶ 214. + +What was the age of Jesus when he presented himself to John for baptism? +¶ 215. + +Why was it necessary for Jesus to wait until he was thirty years of age +to begin his ministry? ¶ 215. + +What was the difference between Jesus and prominent men of the earth +with reference to receiving attention from others? ¶ 216. + +Of what does true greatness consist? ¶ 216. + +Why did Jesus say he came to the earth? Give Scriptural proof. ¶ 216. + +How did Jesus become the servant of all? ¶ 217. + +Why was it a sacrifice on the part of Jehovah to send Jesus to earth to +redeem man? ¶ 217. + +What prompted God to make this sacrifice for man? ¶ 217. + +Why did the Pharisees and doctors of the law misrepresent and persecute +Jesus? ¶ 218. + +Why was Satan so anxious to destroy Jesus? ¶ 219. + +Why did the scribes and Pharisees occupy a responsible position toward +the Jewish people? ¶ 219. + +What were some of the crimes Jesus properly charged against the +Pharisees? and why did he so charge them? ¶ 219. + +Did Jesus know that he was to be crucified? and how did he spend his +last night with the disciples? ¶ 220. + +What were his enemies doing at the same hour? ¶ 220. + +What is meant by the Sanhedrin? and who composed it? ¶ 220. + +What was the duty of this high court toward the people, including Jesus? +¶ 220. + +When this court secretly met, state what was said by it concerning +Jesus. ¶ 221. + +Who were the parties to the conspiracy to destroy Jesus? and whose was +the master mind directing them? ¶ 222. + +How was Judas brought into the conspiracy? and under what consideration? +¶ 222. + +Who was sent out to arrest the Master? ¶ 222. + +Did the court have any right to try him at night? ¶ 222. + +Did it have a right to cause him to testify against himself? ¶ 223. + +Was there any evidence against him? ¶ 223. + +What crime did the Sanhedrin commit in getting witnesses against Jesus? +¶ 223. + +Did that court violate the Jewish law in voting for his conviction? ¶ 223. + +Why did the court reconvene the morning following to ratify the +sentence? and was this proper? ¶ 223. + +Why did not the Jews put Jesus to death and not take him before Pilate? +¶ 224. + +Why did Pilate wish to release Jesus? ¶ 225. + +When Pilate attempted to release Jesus, what did the accusers do? ¶ 225. + +Who were the responsible men that incited the mob to cry against the +Master? ¶ 225. + +To what did the civil power yield in sentencing Jesus to death? ¶ 225. + +Which was more reprehensible, the civil or the ecclesiastical power, in +this case? ¶ 225. + +Who were put to death with Jesus? ¶ 226. + +In the eyes of the world, did Jesus die as a righteous man? ¶ 226. + +In the death of Jesus upon the cross, what particular prophecy was +fulfilled? ¶ 227. + +Why must Jesus die? ¶ 228. + +What was God's will concerning Jesus with reference to his becoming a +man and being put to death? ¶ 229. + +What did Jesus mean by saying that he was the bread which came down from +heaven, and those eating that bread should live? ¶ 230. + +Did Jesus die only for those who become members of some church +denomination? or for whom did he die? ¶ 230. + +Define sin; and what is the penalty for sin? ¶ 231. + +How was the life of Jesus made an offering for sin, or a sin-offering? +¶ 231. + +Would it have been possible for any of the human race to get life +everlasting, except for the ransom-sacrifice? ¶ 232. + +Of what value are the pictures made in the Old Testament to us in +studying the New? and what did the bullock slain on the atonement day +picture relative to Jesus? ¶ 233. + +What did the court surrounding the tabernacle picture or typify? ¶ 233. + +What was foreshadowed by the slaying of the bullock in the court? ¶ 233. + +How was the ransom-price provided? ¶ 233. + +What pictured the beginning of the sin-offering? ¶ 234. + +What was done with the blood of the bullock after it was slain? ¶ 234. + +What was pictured by the high priest in the Holy? and what by his +entering the Most Holy? ¶ 234. + +For whom did Jesus give himself as a sin-offering? ¶ 235. + +What was the purpose of the giving of the law covenant? and could it +operate to deliver man from death? ¶ 236. + +Was the shedding of Jesus' blood necessary for the remission of sin? +¶ 237. + +How was the entrance of Jesus into heaven foreshadowed in the tabernacle +service? Give Scriptural proof. ¶ 237. + +What is the distinction between the death of Adam and the death of +Jesus? ¶ 238. + +By dying as a man, what did Jesus provide for man's benefit? ¶ 238. + +Give an illustration showing how Jesus' death provided the price for the +release of the human race from bondage. ¶¶ 239-241. + +Could the perfect man Jesus deliver the human race from death and remain +alive as a man? ¶ 242. + +What must Jesus do in order to redeem mankind? ¶ 242. + +What did he produce upon Calvary? ¶ 242. + +Where must the value of that ransom-price be presented? ¶ 242. + +Why is it necessary for man to be brought to the knowledge of the truth +after the paying of the ransom-price? ¶ 243. + +Who shall have the knowledge of this truth? Give Scriptural proof. ¶ 243. + +What is the great pivotal truth of the divine plan? ¶ 243. + +When the human race comes to a knowledge of the value of the +ransom-sacrifice, what effect will it have upon the ones who appreciate +it? ¶ 243. + +[Illustration] + + + + +CHAPTER VII + +String 6: _Resurrection_ + + +Nisan was the beginning of months in the Jewish religious year; and the +fourteenth day of Nisan, A.D. 33, found Jesus of Nazareth dead and in +the tomb. The hopes of his followers were dashed to the ground. Looking +back to the promises made by Jehovah to faithful Abraham, his disciples +and other associates had believed Jesus to be the promised Messiah and +trusted that he would be the deliverer of Israel from Roman bondage and +would also be the instrument for the blessing, through Israel, of all the +nations of the earth. But now he who they had hoped would redeem Israel +(Luke 24:21) was dead. They were perplexed and overwhelmed. Seemingly +they did not expect him to rise again from the dead, nor did they know +at that time that Jehovah would not suffer the flesh of his Holy One to +corrupt. The conduct of the disciples at this time, as well as of those +who were in full sympathy with them, shows that they did not expect his +resurrection. The body was carefully wrapped and placed in the tomb with +myrrh, aloes, and spices, evidently to prevent decomposition. The +subsequent great sorrow of the women at the tomb and their belief that +the body of Jesus had been wrongfully removed and hid elsewhere, also +the perplexity of the disciples, all tends to show that they did not +have any hope or expectation of the resurrection of Jesus. Then we have +the positive statement: "For as yet they knew not the scripture, that he +must rise again from the dead".--John 20:9. + +[246]The disciples were Jews and it might be supposed that they were +somewhat acquainted with the Scriptures. We remember, however, that they +were not learned men; and even if they had been acquainted with the text +of the Scriptures they could not have had a very clear understanding of +them at that time; just as we now see there are many wonderful truths in +the Bible which have been there for centuries and which Christians never +understood until recently. Now as we look at the inspired Word of God we +can see some texts in the Old Testament which clearly refer to the +resurrection of Jesus, and which texts must have been familiar to many +Jews at the time Jesus was crucified. For information we note some of +these texts here. + +[247]The prophet Job pointed to the time of redemption and deliverance +when he said: "For I know that my redeemer liveth, and that he shall +stand at the latter day upon the earth". (Job 19:25) If the Redeemer was +to stand at the latter day upon the earth, then he must arise from the +dead after he had provided the redemptive price by his death; hence this +Scripture must foreshadow his resurrection. The psalmist David wrote +prophetically concerning Jesus' resurrection when he said: "For thou +wilt not leave my soul in hell; neither wilt thou suffer thine Holy One +to see corruption. Thou wilt show me the path of life: in thy presence +is fullness of joy; at thy right hand are pleasures for evermore." +(Psalm 16:10,11) We have the inspired testimony of the Apostle that the +Prophet did there refer to the resurrection of Jesus.--Acts 2:27-31; +13:35-37. + +[248]Again the prophet David wrote concerning Jesus, the Savior of the +world: "As for me, I will behold thy face in righteousness: I shall be +satisfied, when I awake, with thy likeness". (Psalm 17:15) The awakening +clearly means the awakening out of death. Jesus was awakened out of +death in the express image of the Father. (Hebrews 1:2) Again the +Psalmist wrote: "Thou hast ascended on high, thou hast led captivity +captive: thou hast received gifts for men". (Psalm 68:18) Clearly the +apostle Paul refers to this same Scripture in Ephesians 4:8, showing +that the Psalmist referred to the resurrection of Jesus. + +[249]The prophet Isaiah wrote: "For unto us a child is born, unto us a +son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his +name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The +everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace. Of the increase of his +government and peace there shall be no end, upon the throne of David, +and upon his kingdom, to order it, and to establish it with judgment and +with justice from henceforth for ever." (Isaiah 9:6,7) Here it is +clearly stated that the One who would hold this exalted position, the +Messiah, is to be the everlasting Father. Father means life-giver, and +it would be impossible for Jesus to be the great Life-giver to man +unless he was raised from the dead. + +[250]Again the prophet Isaiah described the sufferings of Jesus and his +death and subsequent resurrection when he wrote: "The Lord hath laid on +him the iniquity of us all.... He is brought as a lamb to the +slaughter.... He was taken from prison and from judgment: ... He was cut +off out of the land of the living: for the transgression of my people +was he stricken. And he made his grave with the wicked, and with the +rich in his death: ... when thou shalt make his soul an offering for sin, +he shall see his seed.... He shall see of the travail of his soul and +shall be satisfied: by his knowledge shall my righteous servant justify +many." (Isaiah 53:6-11) He could not have poured out his soul unto +death and afterward see the travail of his soul and be satisfied unless +he should be raised from the dead. + +[251]These Scriptures clearly foretell the resurrection of Jesus. +Besides this, Jesus had told his disciples while in Galilee that he +would be put to death and rise from the dead. (Luke 24:6,7) "And while +they abode in Galilee, Jesus said unto them, The Son of man shall be +betrayed into the hands of men: and they shall kill him, and the third +day he shall be raised again. And they were exceeding sorry." (Matthew +17:22,23) But it may not be expected of them that they should understand +the meaning of these Old Testament Scriptures as referring to the +resurrection of the Lord. They were not men of great learning. They were +poor and followed humble occupations. They had doubtless not had the +advantage of a great amount of education; but a stronger reason is that +the holy spirit had not then been given and their minds had not been +illuminated, and it is not to be expected that they would understand +then the deep things of God's Word. (1 Corinthians 2:14) Nor is it at +all surprising that they had forgotten some of the sayings of Jesus +concerning his betrayal, his death and resurrection. We must remember +that they loved Jesus very devotedly; and uppermost in their minds was +the hope that he would be the deliverer of Israel. Only five days before +his death they had joined him in his triumphal entry into Jerusalem, +when the common people hailed him with gladness and joy. (Matthew +21:1-11) His death was so very sudden, so cruel, the shock so terrible, +that the minds of these faithful disciples and others who loved him +dearly were stunned. They were truly overwhelmed with sorrow and grief. +He had been rudely snatched from them; unjustly tried, brutally +condemned, and then subjected to the most ignominious death known to +man, the death of the cross. + +[252]Clearly in fulfillment of the prophecy of Isaiah above noted, +Jesus was put to death as an evil one, thereby making his grave with the +wicked; and he was laid in the sepulchre of a rich man of Arimathea, +named Joseph.--Matthew 27:57. + +[253]Little is said as to the doings of the disciples and their +associates immediately following the crucifixion of Jesus when he was +laid away in the tomb. The good women went and "beheld where he was +laid". No doubt little else was done. After 6 o'clock p.m. of that day +was the beginning of the sabbath day, and under the law the Jews must +rest; hence we are not to expect that they did much of anything. Nor +could it have been a day of much rest to them. It was a day of great +sorrow. They could do no work to divert their minds from the terrible +shock caused by the crucifixion of the Lord. The rest must have been one +merely of cessation from labor. Surely they had little rest of body or +peace of mind. It was a day of sorrowful waiting for them, because +tomorrow they would go to the tomb. The sabbath ended at 6 o'clock p.m., +but the night followed, which prevented them from visiting the tomb +then. + +[254]The morning following was the first day of the week; and early +that morning, before it became very light, Mary Magdalene and other good +women who had followed Jesus from Galilee and ministered unto him, +hastened to the Savior's tomb. When they reached there the angel of the +Lord appeared unto them, saying: "Fear not ye: for I know that ye seek +Jesus, which was crucified. He is not here: for he is risen, as he said. +Come, see the place where the Lord lay. And go quickly, and tell his +disciples that he is risen from the dead; and, behold he goeth before +you into Galilee; there shall ye see him: lo, I have told you. And they +departed quickly from the sepulchre with fear and great joy; and did +run to bring his disciples word." (Matthew 28:5-8) This news to these +faithful women sounded too good to be true. They were dazed and +bewildered; yet with joy they hurried away to deliver the message to +others who loved the Lord. + +[255]Here we have the proof that the resurrection of Jesus is one of +the strings upon the harp of God, yielding great joy to those who hear +its blessed sound. The first human being who heard of the resurrection +rejoiced. How much more joy there must have been in heaven at that hour! + +[256]Angel means messenger; that is, one who is sent on a mission as +a representative or deputy, or messenger of God. These holy messengers +or angels always have access to the Father, Jehovah. (Matthew 18:10) We +should expect, of course, that these holy ones of the heavenly host would +sing praise and give utterance to joy before the Lord at every progressive +step of his plan. These angels inhabit the heavens, the high place. And so +the Psalmist writes of them: "Praise ye the Lord. Praise ye the Lord from +the heavens: praise him in the heights. Praise ye him, all his angels: +praise ye him, all his hosts". (Psalm 148:1,2) The Bible abounds with +many instances wherein God has used these holy angels as messengers. He +communicated with Abraham by his angels (Genesis 22:15); also with Jacob. +(Genesis 31:11) God appeared unto Moses by his angel. (Exodus 3:2) He also +delivered a message to Elijah by his angel. (1 Kings 19:5) These holy +messengers of God guarded the interests of Jesus at all times, from the +moment he left the heavenly courts to become the man Jesus for the purpose +of redeeming the world of mankind. (Zechariah 3:1-7) The angel of the Lord +announced to Mary that she was to be the mother of the babe Jesus. (Luke +1:31) When she gave birth to this wonderful child, the angel of the Lord +brought the message to the faithful shepherds, and the great multitude of +the heavenly hosts joined together with that angel in praising, God.--Luke +2:9-11. + +[257]We may be sure that these faithful, holy angels, as God's +instruments, were carefully watching every step of Jesus from the time +of his birth up to the moment of his resurrection. With eagerness they +would watch and wait to see if Jesus fully met all the requirements of +God's law. They evidently knew that his full compliance would meet with +the marvelous reward of a resurrection from the dead. It was one of +these faithful messengers that the Lord sent from heaven to roll back +the stone from the door of the tomb at the resurrection of the Master. +What great joy must have filled the heavenly courts now when they beheld +Jesus, by the power of God, triumphant over death and the grave! + +[258]Lucifer, who became Satan, who had once been associated with the +holy angels and who had seduced some of their fellow angels, had for +centuries opposed Jehovah and specially tried to destroy Jesus. Jesus +had been sent into the world that he might destroy the works of Satan; +and now, having been raised from the dead, he would ultimately "destroy +him that had the power of death, that is, the devil," which destruction +would guarantee the deliverance of the human race. (Hebrews 2:14) Now +Jesus had broken the bonds of death, being raised by Jehovah to power +and glory, demonstrating the fact that he was fully approved by Jehovah. +He now proved that he was worthy to be praised; and without question he +received the unlimited praise of all the heavenly host. The Revelator +says: "And I beheld, and I heard the voice of many angels round about +the throne and the beasts and the elders: and the number of them was ten +thousand times ten thousand, and thousands of thousands; saying with a +loud voice, Worthy is the Lamb that was slain to receive power, and +riches, and wisdom, and strength, and honor and glory, and blessing." +--Revelation 5:11,12. + + +SCRIPTURAL PROOF + +[259]It was not their previous knowledge of the Scriptures and their +faith in them that Christ Jesus would arise from the dead which induced +the disciples to believe that he was risen, but it was what they +actually saw and experienced that led them to this conclusion. The +knowledge gained by experience, coupled with the knowledge of the +Scriptures subsequently acquired by them, not only established beyond a +doubt in their own minds the resurrection of the Lord Jesus, but it +emboldened them to declare the message on every opportune occasion to +others and to emphasize this great doctrine of truth in their epistles +to the church. + +[260]It will profit us here to consider the Scriptural testimony given +by the Evangelist in proof that Jesus did arise from the dead three days +after his crucifixion. There have always been some that denied the +resurrection and hence it is always well to fortify ourselves against +such denial, as well as to strengthen our own faith. It must be +remembered that the writers of these gospels were not learned men; they +were not such men as would arrange a fraudulent scheme to deceive +anybody. There would be no occasion for them to do this. The fact that +they did not expect a resurrection and gave evidence of that by their +conduct and their speech at and just after the Lord's death is strong +circumstantial evidence that their testimony subsequently given is true. +Besides this, the testimony itself bears all the earmarks of truth. + +[261]At the time Jesus died there was an earthquake. The Roman +centurion who stood by exclaimed "Truly this was the son of God!" "When +the even was come, there came a rich man of Arimathea, named Joseph, who +also himself was Jesus' disciple: he went to Pilate, and begged the body +of Jesus. Then Pilate commanded the body to be delivered. And when +Joseph had taken the body, he wrapped it in a clean linen cloth, and +laid it in his own new tomb, which he had hewn out in the rock: and he +rolled a great stone to the door of the sepulchre, and departed and +there was Mary Magdalene, and the other Mary, sitting over against the +sepulchre."--Matthew 27:57-61. + +[262]The Pharisees believed in the resurrection of the dead, basing +their conclusion upon the words of the prophets. They feared that Jesus +might arise from the dead. They knew they were guilty of having him put +to death and they hoped that would be the end of him. "Now the next day, +that followed the day of the preparation, the chief priests and +Pharisees came together unto Pilate, saying, Sir, we remember that that +deceiver said, while he was yet alive, After three days I will rise +again. Command therefore that the sepulchre be made sure until the third +day, lest his disciples come by night, and steal him away, and say unto +the people, He is risen from the dead: so the last error shall be worse +than the first." (Matthew 27:62-64) When the Roman governor heard their +request he granted them a Roman guard, saying to them: "Ye have a watch: +go your way, make it as sure as ye can. So they went, and made the +sepulchre sure, sealing the stone, and setting a watch."--Matthew +27;65,66. + +[263]The Lord Jehovah must have held these Pharisees in derision, who +presumed by having the stone sealed and a Roman guard placed at the +entrance that they could prevent his bringing Jesus out of the tomb. +God could have easily resurrected the Lord without removing the stone. +He chose, however, to do the latter. And in addition to raising up Jesus +as a divine being, he also removed the body in his own good way and to +his own good place, that it might not see corruption, even as he had +promised.--Psalm 16:10. + +[264]This Roman guard kept a close vigil over the tomb during Friday +night, Saturday and Saturday night; and early Sunday morning the angel +of the Lord appeared and rolled back the stone. The keepers testified +that the countenance of the angel was like lightning and his raiment as +white as snow, and these watchmen did shake because of fear. + +[265]The sabbath day now ended, the dawn of the first day of the week +being here, the faithful women were the first ones to start for the +tomb. "In the end of the sabbath, as it began to dawn toward the first +day of the week, came Mary Magdalene and the other Mary to see the +sepulchre. And, behold, there was a great earthquake: for the angel of +the Lord descended from heaven, and came and rolled back the stone from +the door, and sat upon it. His countenance was like lightning, and his +raiment white as snow: and for fear of him the keepers did shake, and +became as dead men. And the angel answered and said unto the women, Fear +not ye: for I know that ye seek Jesus, which was crucified. He is not +here: for he is risen, as he said. Come, see the place where the Lord +lay. And go quickly, and tell his disciples that he is risen from the +dead; and, behold he goeth before you into Galilee; there shall ye see +him: lo, I have told you. And they departed quickly from the sepulchre +with fear and great joy; and did run to bring his disciples word. And as +they went to tell his disciples, behold, Jesus met them, saying, All +hail. And they came and held him by the feet, and worshipped him. Then +said Jesus unto them, Be not afraid: go tell my brethren that they go +into Galilee, and there shall they see me."--Matthew 28:1-10. + +[266]There must have been great excitement about that time among some +of the people of Jerusalem. These faithful women ran to tell the +disciples, while the Roman soldiers hurried into the city to notify +their employers of what had happened. "Now when they were going, behold, +some of the watch came into the city, and showed unto the chief priests +all the things that were done. And when they were assembled with the +elders, and had taken counsel, they gave large money unto the soldiers, +saying, Say ye, His disciples came by night, and stole him away while we +slept. And if this come to the governor's ears, we will persuade him, +and secure you. So they took the money, and did as they were taught: and +this saying is commonly reported among the Jews until this +day."--Matthew 28:11-15. + +[267]The account given by St. Luke is almost identical with that given +by St. Matthew. Likewise the testimony given by St. Mark. St. John also +gives an accurate account of the resurrection of the Lord. We insert +here the testimony of each of these witnesses for the purpose of showing +that the four testified substantially to the same facts and fully +corroborated each other. + +[268]"And when the sabbath was past, Mary Magdalene, and Mary the +mother of James, and Salome, had bought sweet spices, that they might +come and anoint him. And very early in the morning the first day of the +week, they came unto the sepulchre at the rising of the sun. And they +said among themselves, Who shall roll us away the stone from the door of +the sepulchre? And when they looked, they saw that the stone was rolled +away: for it was very great. And entering into the sepulchre, they saw +a young man sitting on the right side, clothed in a long white garment; +and they were affrighted. And he said unto them, Be not affrighted: Ye +seek Jesus of Nazareth, which was crucified: he is risen; he is not +here: behold the place where they laid him. But go your way, tell his +disciples and Peter that he goeth before you into Galilee: there shall +ye see him, as he said unto you."--Mark 16:1-7. + +[269]"Now upon the first day of the week, very early in the morning, +they came unto the sepulchre, bringing the spices which they had +prepared, and certain others with them. And they found the stone rolled +away from the sepulchre. And they entered in, and found not the body of +the Lord Jesus. And it came to pass, as they were much perplexed +thereabout, behold, two men stood by them in shining garments: and as +they were afraid, and bowed down their faces to the earth, they said +unto them, Why seek ye the living among the dead? He is not here, but is +risen: remember how he spake unto you when he was yet in Galilee, +saying, The Son of man must be delivered into the hands of sinful men, +and be crucified, and the third day rise again. And they remembered his +words, and returned from the sepulchre, and told all these things unto +the eleven, and to all the rest. It was Mary Magdalene, and Joanna, and +Mary the mother of James, and other women that were with them, which +told these things unto the apostles."--Luke 24:1-10. + +[270]"The first day of the week cometh Mary Magdalene early, when it was +yet dark, unto the sepulchre, and seeth the stone taken away from the +sepulchre. Then she runneth, and cometh to Simon Peter, and to the other +disciple, whom Jesus loved, and saith unto them, They have taken away +the Lord out of the sepulchre, and we know not where they have laid him. +Peter therefore went forth, and that other disciple, and came to the +sepulchre. So they ran both together: and the other disciple did outrun +Peter, and came first to the sepulchre. And he stooping down, and +looking in, saw the linen clothes lying; yet went he not in. Then cometh +Simon Peter following him, and went into the sepulchre, and seeth the +linen clothes lie, and the napkin, that was about his head, not lying +with the linen clothes, but wrapped together in a place by itself. Then +went in also that other disciple, which came first to the sepulchre, and +he saw, and believed."--John 20:1-8. + +[271]Added to the testimony of these four witnesses is that of St. Paul, +who had a miraculous vision of the Lord on his way to Damascus. +Concerning the resurrection of the dead the Apostle later testified: +"For I delivered unto you first of all that which I also received, how +that Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures; and that he +was buried, and that he rose again the third day according to the +scriptures; and that he was seen of Cephas, then of the twelve: after +that, he was seen of above five hundred brethren at once; of whom the +greater part remain unto this present, but some are fallen asleep. After +that he was seen of James; then of all the apostles. And last of all he +was seen of me also, as of one born out of due time."--1 Corinthians +15:3-8. + +[272]St. John, subsequently writing concerning the Lord, emphasizes the +fact that they saw with their own eyes, saying: "That which was from the +beginning, which we have heard, which we have seen with our eyes, which +we have looked upon, and our hands have handled, of the Word of life; +(for the life was manifested, and we have seen it, and bear witness, and +show unto you that eternal life, which was with the Father, and was +manifested unto us;) that which we have seen and heard declare we unto +you, that ye also may have fellowship with us: and truly our fellowship +is with the Father, and with his Son Jesus Christ. And these things +write we unto you, that your joy may be full."--1 John 1:1-4. + +[273]Thus we see there were more than five hundred witnesses who +testified to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus. This alone should +establish the fact beyond any question of a doubt; but when we see the +reason for the Lord's resurrection, the whole matter not only becomes +clear but brings great joy to the heart of one who does see it. We must +furthermore consider that these faithful witnesses of the Lord did not +go to some isolated place to give their testimony concerning his +resurrection, but they gave it openly before the tribunals, before Jews +and heathen philosophers, courtiers, lawyers, as well as the common +people. They did not wait until years afterward to begin to give their +testimony concerning his resurrection, but did so immediately after the +great event took place. They were so bold in declaring it that had there +been a possibility of refuting their testimony we may be sure that the +Pharisees would have attempted it. They did not give this testimony for +the purpose of gaining fame, glory, or riches. But, on the contrary, +they knew that they would bring upon themselves the indignation of the +Pharisees and rulers and would expose themselves to suffering and death. + +[274]At Pentecost, only fifty days after the resurrection of the Lord, +the apostle Peter stood forth before the multitude and proclaimed to the +men of Judea and all that dwelt in Jerusalem concerning the resurrection +of the Lord. In his eloquence he exclaimed: "Therefore let all the house +of Israel know assuredly, that God hath made that same Jesus, whom ye +have crucified, both Lord and Christ". (Acts 2:36) So persuasive and +convincing was the Apostle's argument that the Jews who had participated +in having the Lord put to death "were pricked in their heart, and said +unto Peter and to the rest of the apostles, Men and brethren, what shall +we do?" Some of them suffered death and martyrdom because they preached +Christ and his resurrection. (Acts 7:59) The apostles and early +Christians received much persecution because they testified boldly that +Jesus was raised from the dead. They would not have done this had they +been trying to carry out some fraudulent imposition. Their motive in +preaching these doctrines was to be witnesses for the Lord concerning +the fulfillment of his great plan for the redemption and deliverance of +mankind. + + +CHRIST THE LORD DIVINE + +[275]Jesus was put to death in the flesh and was resurrected a divine +being. (1 Peter 3:18) God had promised to grant unto him the divine +nature, giving him the power and authority to have inherent life. Only +divine beings have life within themselves and need nothing to sustain +life. Jesus said: "For as the Father hath life in himself; so hath he +given to the Son to have life in himself". (John 5:26) When on earth he +was a man. When he arose from the dead he was the express image of +Jehovah God. "Who being the brightness of his [Jehovah's] glory, and the +express image of his person, and upholding all things by the word of his +power, when he had by himself purged our sins, sat down on the right +hand of the majesty on high; being made so much better than the angels, +as he hath by inheritance obtained a more excellent name than they." +(Hebrews 1:3,4) He was begotten to the divine nature at the time of his +baptism in the Jordan. He was born on the divine plane to the divine +nature at his resurrection. When he arose from the dead he was both Lord +and Christ. (Acts 2:36) Lord means one who owns; one who has power and +authority, and one whom his followers acknowledge as Master and Lord. +Christ means the anointed one; the one appointed by Jehovah to carry out +his great plan. So now being raised from the dead he is both owner of +all things and endowed with power and authority to carry out Jehovah's +plan. The name Jesus means Savior of the people. That was his earthly +name. It is more particularly associated with him as the sin-bearer, or +one who made his soul an offering for sin, who suffered for us and who +bore our sins--the one whom the Prophet describes as "the man of +sorrows". + +[276]When he arose from the dead Jehovah highly exalted him and gave him +a name above all other names. He was once a man of sorrows, acquainted +with grief. Now, resurrected from the dead, he is the exalted one; hence +the Apostle declares: "Being found in fashion as a man, he humbled +himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross. +Wherefore God also hath highly exalted him, and given him a name which +is above every name; that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of +things in heaven, and things in earth and things under the earth and +that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory +of God the Father."--Philippians 2:8-11. + +[277]God has decreed that since the earth was the scene of Jesus' +suffering it shall be the scene of his glory, and all creatures shall +bow at the name of Jesus, and that every creature shall confess that +Jesus is Christ and is the Lord. + +[278]On the day Jesus arose from the dead and on several occasions +thereafter he appeared unto his disciples and others who specially +loved him. He did not appear to them in the same body which was +crucified; nor with the same clothing in which he was buried. The +Scriptural account is that the clothing and a napkin were folded up and +laid aside in the tomb. Had he appeared in the same body that was +crucified, those who were with him for three and a half years would have +readily recognized him. Surely Mary would have known him. He appeared to +her as a gardener on one occasion, and only when he spoke her name in +the tone so familiar to her did she recognize him. The Scriptural +account of his appearing to the disciples and other witnesses is briefly +noted as follows: + +[279]He appeared on Sunday morning, early in the day of his +resurrection, to Mary Magdalene near the sepulchre at Jerusalem.--John +20:11-18. + +[280]On the same Sunday morning, to the women returning from the +sepulchre.--Matthew 28:9, 10. + +[281]On the same Sunday morning to Simon Peter alone near Jerusalem. +--Luke 24:34. + +[282]On the same day to two disciples going to Emmaus, between Jerusalem +and Emmaus.--Luke 24:13-21. + +[283]On the same Sunday evening to the apostles (except Thomas) at +Jerusalem.--John 20:19-25. + +[284]Thereafter he appeared again one week later (Sunday evening) to the +apostles, Thomas this time being present, at Jerusalem.--John 20:26-29. + +[285]Some days thereafter he appeared on the shores of Galilee to seven +of his disciples who had gone back to fishing.--John 21:1-13. + +[286]A little later he appeared to the eleven disciples on a mountain +near Galilee.--Matthew 28:16-20. + +[287]A short time thereafter he again appeared to a company of more than +five hundred of his followers, gathered by appointment, in Galilee. +--1 Corinthians 15:6. + +[288]He again appeared to the apostle James only.--1 Corinthians 15:7. + +[289]Then he appeared for the last time on the side of the Mount of +Olives to his disciples at the time of his ascension.--Luke 24:50,51; +Acts 1:6-9. + +[290]The question will arise in the minds of many, Did he appear in a +spirit body or a human body, and how did he get the body if it was not +the one in which he was crucified? We may be sure that he did not arise +from the dead with a human body, because on one of these occasions he +appeared to the disciples when they were in a room with the doors +fastened. (John 20:19-26) The only answer is that now, as a divine +being, he had the power to create a body and clothing and appear at any +time and upon any occasion that he desired. Mary supposed him to be a +gardener; two of the disciples who walked with him thought he was a +stranger in the community. Again, none of the disciples recognized him +by his body on the sea of Galilee; likewise on other occasions when he +appeared unto them. On all these occasions he was recognized by his +actions, his words, and the familiar tone of his voice. It was hard to +convince Thomas, who declared he must have some more proof; therefore +the Lord created a body having in it the marks of the nails in order +that Thomas might be convinced. And when he was convinced, Jesus said to +him: "Thomas, because thou hast seen me, thou hast believed: blessed are +they that have not seen, and yet have believed".--John 20:27-29. + +[291]The purpose of Jesus' appearing to the disciples was that the fact +might be fully established that he was resurrected and alive. He had the +power to create a fleshly body and appear in it and dissolve it at any +time; and without doubt when he appeared to his disciples behind locked +doors he created the body immediately in their presence and dissolved +it when he disappeared. To prove to them that he was a real body of flesh +and bones he said to them: "Handle me, and see; for a spirit hath not +flesh and bones, as ye see me have". (Luke 24:39) This was not a spirit +body, but a body of flesh. The body with which he ascended on high and +which he has in heaven is a glorious body which no man can look upon and +live except by the miraculous power of Jehovah. The apostle Paul states: +"Flesh and blood cannot inherit the kingdom of God". (1 Corinthians +15:50,51) In addition to this, St. John says: "It doth not yet appear +what we shall be: but we know that, when he shall appear, we shall be +like him; for we shall see him as he is".--1 John 3:2. + +[292]St. Paul was given a miraculous view of the Lord in glory. As he +was journeying to Damascus suddenly there shone about him a light from +heaven. He did not see the body of Jesus but only the light from his +glorious body. He heard a voice saying unto him: "I am Jesus". So +brilliant was this light that for three days he was blind; and the Lord +performed a miracle by removing his blindness. "And immediately there +fell from his eyes as it had been scales: and he received sight +forthwith and arose, and was baptized." (Acts 9:1-19) The apostle Paul +afterward relating this incident said: "And last of all he [Jesus] was +seen of me also, as one born out of due time". (1 Corinthians 15:8) Here +we have a little glimpse of what the glorious body of the Lord is. These +facts show that the bodies in which Jesus appeared after his resurrection +were not the body that was crucified nor his glorious spiritual body, +but bodies created expressly for the purpose of appearing unto his +disciples. Our Lord's human body, the one crucified, was removed from +the tomb by the power of God. Had it remained there it would have been +an obstacle in the way of the faith of his disciples, who were not yet +instructed in spiritual things. They were not thus instructed until the +giving of the holy spirit at Pentecost. The Scriptures do not reveal +what became of that body, except that it did not decay or corrupt. (Acts +2:27,31) We can only surmise that the Lord may have preserved it +somewhere to exhibit to the people in the Millennial age. The Scriptures +tell us that God miraculously hid the body of Moses (Deuteronomy 34:6; +Jude 9); and Jehovah could just as easily have preserved and hid away +the body of Jesus. Jesus being resurrected a divine being, the express +image of the Father, we are sure that no man could look upon him and +live. (Exodus 33:20) Christ Jesus the Lord in heaven is a glorious +being, the fairest of ten thousand, and altogether lovely, and no human +eye has ever seen him since glorified, except the vision miraculously +given to St. Paul. + +[293]The purpose of the resurrection of the Lord Jesus when understood +is further proof that he was raised divine. As we have seen, the ransom +must be provided by a perfect human being going into death. This +ransom-price, namely, the value of a perfect human life, must be +presented in heaven itself as a sin-offering on behalf of mankind. +Unless this was done, the ransom would be of no avail and there would be +no purchase of the human race from death and its results. The apostle +Paul plainly states that Christ Jesus has entered into heaven itself, +now to appear in the presence of God for us. (Hebrews 9:24) He is now a +great high priest who passed into the heavens, becoming the high priest +on behalf of those who come to God through him during the gospel age. +(Hebrews 4:14-16) On the typical atonement day, as we have seen, God +caused Israel through the priesthood to make a picture of the +sin-offering. The high priest appearing in the Most Holy and sprinkling +the blood upon the mercy seat was a type of Jesus appearing in heaven +itself, presenting the merit of his sacrifice as a great sin-offering. +This would have been impossible had not Jesus been resurrected a divine +being. + +[294]Afterward Jesus Christ gave unto St. John a revelation by his +angel, which is recorded as the book of Revelation. In that he said: "I +am he that liveth, and was dead; and, behold, I am alive for evermore, +Amen; and have the keys of hell and of death". (Revelation 1:18) Hell +means the tomb, the grave, the condition of death into which the whole +human race has been going for so many centuries. Death is the great +enemy and in due time the Lord will abolish or destroy both death and +the grave, as we shall see later on. + +[295]As each person comes to a knowledge of the resurrection of Jesus +Christ and understands and appreciates the purpose, his heart is made +glad. Only those who are enlightened have yet appreciated the fact that +the resurrection of Jesus is one of the strings on God's wonderful harp. +In due time these benefits will be made known to all, and all shall +recognize this wonderful truth. After the Lord has finished the +selection of the members of his body, which is called the church +(Colossians 1:18), then his merit or ransom-sacrifice will be presented +on behalf of the world of mankind and all will reap the benefits of his +resurrection. The foregoing Scriptures conclusively establish the +resurrection of Christ Jesus from the dead. + +[296]In St. Paul's day there were some who denied the resurrection, even +as it has been ever since. To meet their argument St. Paul wrote: "Now if +Christ be preached that he rose from the dead, how say some among you that +there is no resurrection of the dead? But if there be no resurrection of +the dead, then is Christ not risen: and if Christ be not risen, then is +our preaching vain, and your faith is also vain. Yea, and we are found +false witnesses of God; because we have testified of God that he raised +up Christ; whom he raised not up, if so be that the dead rise not. For +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 firstfruits of them that slept. For since +by man came death, by man came also the resurrection of the dead. For as +in Adam all die, so in Christ shall all be made alive. But every man in +his own order: Christ the firstfruits; afterward they that are Christ's +at his coming. Then cometh the end when he shall have delivered up the +kingdom to God, even the Father; when he shall have put down all rule and +authority and power. For he must reign, till he hath put all enemies under +his feet. The last enemy that shall be destroyed is death."--1 Corinthians +15:12-26. + +[297]Because of the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ and his +ascension on high, all men are guaranteed one full, fair opportunity to +obtain everlasting life. God has made this provision and given this +guarantee, as St. Paul states. "Because he [God] hath appointed a day, +in the which he will judge the world in righteousness by that man whom +he hath ordained; whereof he hath given assurance unto all men, in that +he hath raised him from the dead." (Acts 17:31) We are now just coming +into that "appointed day", in which the world is beginning to know and +soon will know much more about the wonderful benefits resulting from the +resurrection of our Lord. In that great day the Lord shall reign in glory +and then will be fulfilled his words: "Marvel not at this: for the hour +is coming, in the which all that are in the graves shall hear his voice, +and shall come forth; they that have done good, unto the resurrection of +life; and they that have done evil, unto the resurrection of judgment". +(John 5:28,29, _R.V._) Of this we shall have more to say when we +discuss the string of God's great harp, restoration. + + + + +What is the first month of the Jewish religious year? ¶ 245. + +On the fourteenth day of that month, A.D. 33, where was Jesus? ¶ 245. + +What had his disciples expected him to do? ¶ 245. + +What was their condition of mind, and what their hopes, after his death? +¶ 245. + +What was the expectation of the disciples with reference to his +resurrection? ¶ 245. + +How had the body of Jesus been prepared for burial? and what was the +purpose? ¶ 245. + +Give further proof with reference to the expectation of the disciples +concerning Jesus' resurrection. ¶ 245. + +Did the disciples understand the Scriptures at that time with reference +to the resurrection of Jesus Christ? ¶ 246. + +Is the student now able to understand Scriptures in the Old Testament +relative to the resurrection of the Lord that have been heretofore +little understood? ¶ 246. + +Give some Scriptural texts of the Old Testament bearing upon the +resurrection of the Lord Jesus. ¶ 247. + +Did the Psalmist speak of Jesus going to hell? and if so, what was +meant? ¶ 247. + +Give the Apostle's interpretation of this statement. ¶ 247. + +What was meant by the statement of the Psalmist in Psalm 17:15? ¶ 248. + +In whose likeness was Jesus awakened? Give the Scriptural proof. ¶ 248. + +Did the Psalmist in Psalm 68:18 refer to Jesus' resurrection? and if so, +why? ¶ 248. + +Quote the words of the prophecy of Isaiah (9:6,7) concerning Jesus. ¶ 249. + +Did the Prophet here foreshadow the resurrection of Jesus Christ? ¶ 249. + +How did Jehovah refer to Christ's resurrection in the words of the +prophet Isaiah (53:6-11)? ¶ 250. + +Had Jesus told his disciples that he expected to arise from the dead? +and if so, where? ¶ 251. + +Why were the disciples sorry, as stated in Matthew 17:22,23? ¶ 251. + +Why could not the disciples of Jesus understand the prophecies +concerning his resurrection? Quote a Scripture from the New Testament in +support of this answer. ¶ 251. + +What was the hope uppermost in the minds of the disciples? ¶ 251. + +What had happened just five days before Jesus' death that increased such +hopes in the minds of the disciples? ¶ 251. + +What would be the probable effect upon the disciples of the sudden death +of the Master? ¶ 251. + +In being put to death as an evil one and buried in the sepulchre of a +rich man, what prophecy did Jesus fulfill? ¶ 252. + +On what day was Jesus crucified? and what was the day following? ¶ 253. + +What were Jews expected to do on that day of the sabbath? ¶ 253. + +When did the sabbath day end? ¶ 253. + +What was done by Mary and others on the morning of the first day of the +week after Jesus' crucifixion? ¶ 254. + +Who appeared unto them at the tomb? and what did the messenger say? ¶ 254. + +What effect did this message from the angel have upon these women? and +what did they do? ¶ 254. + +What proof have we here that the resurrection of Jesus is one of the +strings upon the harp of God? ¶ 255. + +What effect was produced upon the first human being who heard of the +resurrection of the Lord? ¶ 255. + +How must this news have been received in heaven? ¶ 255. + +What is the meaning of the word angel? ¶ 256. + +Do these angels have access to Jehovah? Give the Scriptural proof. ¶ 256. + +Is there Scriptural proof that these holy messengers sing praises in +heaven? ¶ 256. + +What Scriptural proof have we that God uses angels for messengers? Give +several instances. ¶ 256. + +Is there any Scriptural evidence that these holy angels guarded the +interests of Jesus while here on earth? ¶ 256. + +Cite Scriptural proof as to what else the angels did with reference to +Jesus the babe. ¶ 256. + +Is it reasonable to suppose that the angels watched the progressive +steps of Jesus' course from his birth to his resurrection? ¶ 257. + +Might we expect them to be looking for the resurrection of Jesus Christ? +¶ 257. + +Who was sent from heaven to roll back the stone from Jesus' tomb? ¶ 257. + +When the triumph of Jesus over death and the grave was marked, what +effect must that have produced in heaven? ¶ 257. + +Would the resurrection of Jesus demonstrate his approval by Jehovah? +¶ 258. + +Would his triumph over death and the grave be reason for his praise in +heaven? ¶ 258. + +Give Scriptural proof of the praise of Jesus Christ by the heavenly +hosts after his resurrection. ¶ 258. + +What was it that convinced the disciples of the resurrection of Jesus +Christ? ¶ 259. + +Being convinced of his resurrection, how did that affect Jesus' +disciples in regard to proclaiming the truth? ¶ 259. + +Why should we have Scriptural proof of the resurrection of Christ Jesus? +¶ 260. + +Is it reasonable to suppose that Jesus' disciples would concoct a scheme +indicating his resurrection, contrary to the facts? ¶ 260. + +What convulsion of nature occurred at the time of Jesus' death? ¶ 261. + +Give the Scriptural proof of the burial of Jesus' body. ¶ 261. + +Why did the Pharisees believe in the resurrection of the dead? ¶ 262. + +Did the Pharisees specially request of Pilate a special guard to be +placed over the tomb of Jesus? and if so, why? Give the Scriptural +proof. ¶ 262. + +What did Pilate reply to them? ¶ 262. + +Could God have resurrected Jesus Christ without removing the stone? ¶ 263. + +How would this indicate the derision in which he held the Pharisees? +¶ 263. + +Who rolled away the stone from the tomb? ¶ 264. + +What did the Roman guard testify concerning the appearance of the one +who rolled away the stone? ¶ 264. + +Who first appeared at the tomb on the morning of Christ's resurrection? +¶ 265. + +Relate what took place there between Mary Magdalene and the messenger +who appeared to her; and what was the message delivered to her? ¶ 265. + +What other wrongful thing did the priests do, when they heard of Jesus +Christ's resurrection? ¶ 266. + +Compare the testimony given by St. Matthew, St. Mark, St. Luke, and St. +John; and state whether there is any real difference. ¶¶ 267-270. + +What other Apostle's testimony is added to that of the ones just quoted? +and what did he say about the resurrection of Jesus? ¶ 271. + +What further testimony did St. John subsequently give concerning Jesus +Christ's resurrection? ¶ 272. + +How many witnesses testified to the resurrection of our Lord Jesus? +¶ 273. + +Where did these faithful witnesses give their testimony concerning the +resurrection of the Lord? ¶ 273. + +Did they endanger themselves by giving such testimony? ¶ 273. + +The fact that they gave it immediately and boldly, what weight does that +add to its truthfulness? ¶ 274. + +What was their motive in testifying of the Lord's resurrection? ¶ 274. + +Did anyone suffer martyrdom because of giving testimony to this effect? +Give the Scriptural proof. ¶ 274. + +To what nature was Jesus Christ resurrected? ¶ 275. + +What does it mean to have inherent life? ¶ 275. + +What did Jesus say about the Father giving him this favor? ¶ 275. + +When the Lord arose from the dead, was he made lower or higher than the +angels? ¶ 275. + +When was he begotten and when born to the divine nature? ¶ 275. + +What is the meaning of the terms Lord and Christ? ¶ 275. + +What power and authority has the Lord possessed since his resurrection? +¶ 275. + +What is the meaning of the name Jesus? ¶ 275. + +State what the Scriptures say of his exaltation at the resurrection. +¶ 276. + +Has God decreed how the creatures of earth shall ultimately honor the +Lord Jesus? ¶ 277. + +When was the first time Jesus appeared to his disciples after arising +from the dead? ¶ 278. + +With what body did he appear? ¶ 278. + +Give the reasons why he did not appear in the body that was crucified. +¶ 278. + +How did Mary recognize him? ¶ 278. + +State how many times Jesus appeared prior to his ascension on high, +giving the Scriptural proof. ¶¶ 279-289. + +Did he appear in a spirit or a human body? and how did he get the body +in which he appeared? ¶ 290. + +How could he appear in the room in the presence of the disciples when +the door was locked? ¶ 290. + +How did the disciples recognize him at the sea of Galilee and other +places? ¶ 290. + +What was Jesus' purpose in appearing to the disciples? ¶ 291. + +Describe the body in which Jesus appeared behind locked doors; and what +did he say to his disciples then? ¶ 291. + +Could the body in which Jesus was crucified ascend into heaven? and if +not, why not? Give Scriptural proof. ¶ 291. + +Describe his appearance to Saul on the way to Damascus. ¶ 292. + +Did Saul see the body of Jesus at that time? ¶ 292. + +What effect did the appearance of the Lord to St. Paul have upon him? +¶ 292. + +What did St. Paul later say about Jesus appearing unto him? ¶ 292. + +What does the appearance of the Lord to St. Paul prove with reference to +the bodies in which Jesus appeared shortly after his resurrection? ¶ 292. + +What became of the body of the Lord that was crucified? ¶ 292. + +Christ Jesus in glory possesses what kind of body? ¶ 292. + +What did the resurrection of the Lord and his appearance in heaven have +to do with the ransom and sin-offering? ¶ 293. + +Were his resurrection and ascension on high necessary to complete the +sin-offering? ¶ 293. + +On the typical atonement day, through what ceremonies did the high +priest pass in connection with the sin-offering? ¶ 293. + +What did this typify? ¶ 293. + +In the Revelation of Jesus to St. John, what did he say about being the +one who was once dead? and what power does he now possess? ¶ 294. + +What is meant by the terms hell and death as used in Revelation 1:18? +¶ 294. + +Up to this time who have appreciated the value of Jesus' resurrection as +a part of the divine plan? ¶ 295. + +Do the Scriptures herein cited prove the resurrection of Christ Jesus? +¶ 295. + +What argument did St. Paul produce against the contention that Christ +was not raised from the dead? ¶ 296. + +What does the resurrection of Jesus Christ guarantee to mankind? ¶ 297. + +Give the Scriptural proof of such guarantee. ¶ 297. + +Where are we now with reference to the 'day appointed', as referred to +in Acts 17:31? ¶ 297. + +[Illustration] + + + + +CHAPTER VIII + +String 7: _Mystery Revealed_ + + +A mystery is that which is kept a profound secret. It is something +unknown, except to certain ones, being kept carefully and continuously +concealed from all others. Jehovah being all powerful can hide or keep +secret from every creature, earthly or heavenly, any part or all of his +great plan and reveal or make it known at such time as might please him. +One feature of his great plan he did keep secret for ages and it is +still a secret to all except a few. + +[299]When Jesus was on earth he taught the people in parables or dark +sayings. His disciples came to him and asked: "Why speakest thou unto +them in parables? He answered and said unto them, Because it is given +unto you to know the mysteries of the kingdom of heaven, but to them it +is not given." (Matthew 13:10,11) It will be observed that he did not +say, 'You now know the mysteries of God'; but that it was given them to +know those mysteries. Not even his disciples understood him in many +things when they were with him. On the last night before his crucifixion +he was instructing them in various things that would be helpful to them +in the days to come. On that occasion he said: "When he, the spirit of +truth, is come, he will guide you into all truth: for he shall not speak +of himself; but whatsoever he shall hear, that shall he speak: and he +will show you things to come." (John 16:13) The spirit of truth here +mentioned is the holy spirit, the spirit of God, the invisible power +operating upon the minds of those who are in covenant relationship with +God. Jesus here used the masculine pronoun in speaking of the holy +spirit. + +[300]The holy spirit was given to the disciples at Pentecost, that is to +say, fifty days after the resurrection of Jesus. "And when the day of +Pentecost was fully come, they were all with one accord in one place. +And suddenly there came a sound from heaven as of a rushing mighty wind, +and it filled all the house where they were sitting. And there appeared +unto them cloven tongues like as of fire, and it sat upon each of them. +And they were all filled with the holy spirit, and began to speak with +other tongues, as the spirit gave them utterance." (Acts 2:1-4) The King +James Version of our Bibles, translates the word here holy "ghost", but +there is no warrant for such a translation. It comes from the word which +means spirit. + +[301]It was at Pentecost that for the first time God's great mystery +began to be understood by the disciples. The mystery of God has been a +stumbling block to both Jews and Christians so-called; but in God's due +time he will make known to all the secret of his mystery and then all +rightly exercised by this will rejoice with exceeding joy. + +[302]The mystery is _the Christ_, the great one through whom redemption, +deliverance and blessing will ultimately come to all mankind who receive +Christ and obey him. God foreshadowed his mystery for ages by the use of +various men. Yet all of that time he kept it secret. + +[303]Death has been and is the great enemy of man. Death is the very +opposite of life. The greatest desire of man is and always has been to +have life everlasting in happiness. From the time of his expulsion from +Eden man has been looking for something upon which to fasten a hope for +life and happiness. Satan was the cause of death, and when God +pronounced the sentence in Eden he said that the seed of the woman +should bruise the serpent's head. This statement was in the nature of a +promise, but it could not then be understood. Since Pentecost some have +understood the meaning of these words to be an assurance that in God's +due time the seed of promise, the seed of the woman, will destroy Satan, +who has the power of death. Nearly two thousand years rolled by after +this statement before anything further was promised. + +[304]Then unto Abraham Jehovah called and made him the promise: "In thy +seed shall all the families of the earth be blessed". This was another +reference to the mystery; but that promise was not understood in its +proper light. Abraham believed God would bless the human race, but he +did not understand just the manner in which it would be done. At the +time of this promise Abraham had no children. Several years more passed +and then Isaac, Abraham's first legitimate son, was born. Abraham +believed that his natural seed, his son, would be the ruler through whom +the blessing would come to the people; but his son Isaac was merely a +type of the mystery, God using him to foreshadow the greater one. This +promise was renewed to Isaac and to Jacob, and at the death of Jacob his +descendants, who of course were descendants of Abraham, were organized +into twelve tribes, forming the nation of Israel, and were thereafter +recognized as God's chosen nation. (Genesis 49:28; Deuteronomy 26:5) +Then it was that the faithful believed that God's promised blessings +would come through this nation, his chosen people. But in time they +became slaves to the Egyptians and their hopes were almost blasted. They +were sorely oppressed in Egypt when God sent Moses to be their +deliverer and to lead the people of Israel out of Egyptian bondage. +Moses was also a type foreshadowing the great One. (Acts 3:22) Moses +died and the promised blessing had not yet come. The prophetic statement +made by Moses that God would raise up unto Israel one like unto himself +led the prophets to understand that there would be a great one raised up +from the nation of Israel who would be the deliverer and blesser of +mankind. + +[305]Joshua followed next in line after Moses. His name signifies +savior or deliverer. But he also was only a type of the great Deliverer. + +[306]Then David became the king of Israel. His name means beloved one. +The Jews had hoped that he would be the great deliverer, but in his old +age he abdicated the throne in favor of Solomon, and yet the blessing +did not come. Solomon became the most famous man in the world for riches +and wisdom, and the hopes of Israel were centered in him, only to be +disappointed. David and Solomon were also but mere types foreshadowing +the coming of the great Deliverer. + +[307]The nation of Israel degenerated and under the reign of Zedekiah, +their last king, they fell into captivity to the Babylonians and they +continued subject to other nations until they were finally driven out of +Palestine. + +[308]Moved by the holy spirit of God operating upon their minds, the +holy prophets testified of the coming of this great Deliverer, both of +his sufferings and of his glory that would follow; but they did not +understand. The matter was a mystery to them. (1 Peter 1:11) Even the +angels of heaven sought to look into it, but they were not permitted. +God's purpose was to keep the matter secret until his own due time to +reveal the great truth. + +[309]Then came Jesus, whose coming was announced by John the Baptist; +and he was pointed out as the one who would take away the sin of the +world. He chose his disciples and they walked with him, and he taught +them for three and a half years; yet they did not understand the great +mystery. They expected Jesus to be made an earthly king and hoped that +they might be with him in the kingdom, probably in his cabinet, because +he was asked if one might sit on his left and the other on his right +hand in the kingdom. They expected him to make Israel a great nation and +believed that through that nation other nations would be blessed. When +he was put to death they were greatly disappointed, mystified, and in +great distress. (Luke 24:21) Even after his resurrection they did not +understand his mission, and this is shown by their words to him on the +day that he ascended into heaven. "When they were therefore come +together, they asked of him, saying, Lord, wilt thou at this time +restore again the kingdom to Israel? And he said unto them, It is not +for you to know the times or the seasons, which the Father hath put in +his own power. But ye shall receive power, after that the holy spirit is +come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and +in all Judea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost parts of the earth. +And when he had spoken these things, while they beheld, he was taken up; +and a cloud received him out of their sight."--Acts 1:6-9. + +[310]In obedience to the command of Jesus, these faithful disciples went +to Jerusalem to the place known as the upper room, and there waited. Ten +days passed and then it was that the holy spirit, the invisible power of +God, was visited upon them; and true to his promise, the disciples began +to understand. + +[311]Jesus had now ascended on high and presented the merit of his +sacrifice before Jehovah and the acceptance of this was manifested by +the giving of the holy spirit to his disciples who had been his +consecrated followers for three and a half years. Doubtless the angels +of heaven now began to know something about the great mystery. What joy +must have been in heaven when Jesus Christ appeared before the Father +and presented the merit of his sacrifice and was received by Jehovah! +Surely the heavenly host must have sung his praises. They had beheld him +triumphing over death and the grave and now exalted to a position in +heaven next to the Father. It must have been a great joy to the heavenly +host, even as contemplation of it was a great joy to Jesus himself. "For +the joy that was set before him [he] endured the cross, despising the +shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God." (Hebrews +12:2) What joy must have filled the hearts of his disciples when they +began to understand the mystery of God and to see how wonderfully he had +led them and their fathers before them, preparing them now for the +revelation of this great truth! + +[312]In due time Saul of Tarsus, who afterward was named St. Paul, was +illuminated and understood. And then he wrote: "Who now rejoice in my +sufferings for you, and fill up that which is behind of the afflictions +of Christ in my flesh for his body's sake, which is the church: whereof +I am made a minister, according to the dispensation of God which is +given to me for you, to fulfill the word of God; even the mystery which +hath been hid for ages and from generations, but now is made manifest to +his saints: to whom God would make known what is the riches of the glory +of this mystery among the gentiles; which [mystery] is Christ in you, +the hope of glory." (Colossians 1:24-27) The Apostle here emphasizes the +fact that this mystery of God is now made known only to the saints. +Saints means purified ones, which purification comes through receiving +the merit of Christ's sacrifice. + +[313]The word Christ signifies anointed. Anointing means designation to +official position in God's arrangement. The Christ is the instrument or +channel for the blessing of mankind. The Christ is composed of Jesus, +the great and mighty head, and 144,000 members. (Revelation 7:4) Christ +Jesus is the head and the church his body. We ofttimes hear the +expression, a body of men with a general at their head. Of the Christ +the Apostle says: "And he [Christ Jesus] is before all things, and by +him all things consist. And he is the head of the body, the church: who +is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead; that in all things he +might have the preeminence. For it pleased the Father that in him should +all fullness dwell."--Colossians 1:17-19. + +[314]The apostle Paul uses a human body to illustrate the Christ, the +great mystery class; the head representing Jesus, and the other members +of the body those who are of his church. "For as the body is one, and +hath many members, and all the members of that one body, being many, are +one body: so also is Christ.... Now ye are the body of Christ, and +members in particular."--1 Corinthians 12:12,27. + +[315]The Christ is also designated in the Scriptures as the seed of +Abraham according to the promise. "Now to Abraham and his seed were the +promises made. He saith not, And to seeds, as of many; but as of one, +And to thy seed, which is Christ." (Galatians 3:16) Addressing himself +to the church, the Christians, the followers of Jesus, the Apostle +further said: "For ye are all the children of God by faith in Christ +Jesus. For as many of you as have been baptized into Christ, have put on +Christ.... And if ye be Christ's then are ye Abraham's seed, and heirs +according to the promise." (Galatians 3:26,27,29) This is the seed, +then, through whom the blessings will come to all the families of the +earth. Church means a gathered out class; and so the gospel age, that is +to say, the period from Jesus' first coming until his second coming, is +employed by Jehovah for the selection of the church, the seed of +Abraham, through which blessings will come to all the remainder of +mankind in God's due time. + +[316]This same class is called the elect of God, according to his +foreknowledge.--1 Peter 1:2. + +[317]Again the Apostle likens the whole of the Christ to a living stone, +saying: "Ye also, as living stones, are built up a spiritual house, an +holy priesthood, to offer up sacrifices acceptable to God by Jesus +Christ.... Behold, I lay in Zion a chief corner stone, elect, precious: +and he that believeth on him shall not be confounded. Unto you therefore +which believe he is precious." (1 Peter 2:5-7) In earthly buildings +there is no chief cornerstone; but in this building of God there is a +chief cornerstone which is Christ Jesus. The topstone or chief +cornerstone of a pyramid is itself a perfect pyramid. The other members +of the body, then, must be built up into Christ to conform to that chief +cornerstone, which is illustrated by the Great Pyramid in Egypt.--See +Isaiah 19:19. + +[318]Again this anointed class, Jesus the head and the church his body, +is spoken of as a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a peculiar people. +This was foreshadowed by the nation of Israel, particularly by the +priesthood in connection with the house of Israel. The apostle Peter +speaking of this class says: "Ye are a chosen generation, a royal +priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should show forth +the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his +marvellous light: which in time past were not a people, but are now the +people of God: which had not obtained mercy, but now have obtained +mercy."--1 Peter 2:9,10. + +[319]The members of the body of Christ, the church, are also designated +as his footstep followers; and as such they are called to suffer with +him that they might also reign with him. "For even hereunto were ye +called: because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that +ye should follow his footsteps." (1 Peter 2:21) These are also +designated as Christians. It does not mean that because one is a member +of some earthly organization called a church he is a Christian or a +member of the true church. The true church is the body of Christ; and +any one to be of the true church must be a follower of Christ in the +truest sense of the word. To this class are given the exceeding great +and precious promises recorded in the Bible, the promises of being +associated with Christ Jesus in his kingdom. (2 Peter 1:4) Not to the +world, but to his followers Jesus said: "Be thou faithful unto death, +and I will give thee a crown of life".--Revelation 2:10. + +[320]No one has been able to understand these things and appreciate +them except those who have given their hearts to the Lord. The apostle +Paul says: "The natural man receiveth not the things of the spirit of +God: for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know them, +because they are spiritually discerned". (1 Corinthians 2:14). Jehovah +has so arranged that only those who have their minds illuminated by the +holy spirit, which follows their consecration, justification, and +acceptance by the Lord, can understand and appreciate the mystery of +God. These are the ones designated by the prophet Joel as the servants +and handmaidens of God; and in the gospel age God pours out his spirit +upon them; which means to give them his spirit. But in God's due time he +will pour out his spirit upon all mankind, so that all can understand +his wonderful plan.--Joel 2:28,29. + +[321]The hiding of this mystery was illustrated by Jehovah in the +construction of the tabernacle in the wilderness and its furnishings. +The inside walls of the tabernacle were covered with pure gold. Inside +the Holy were the golden candlestick, the table covered with gold for +the showbread, and the golden altar; and in the Most Holy, was the ark +of the covenant. The tabernacle inside, therefore, was beautiful, but it +was hidden from the people on the outside because it was covered with +three heavy layers of cloth and skins. The priest ministered inside the +tabernacle, and therefore was unseen by the people. As God thus hid +these things which were typical of greater things, so he has hidden the +glories and beauties of spiritual things, seen only by those who have +come into relationship with him through Christ. + +[322]The gospel age is the antitypical day of atonement. With the Jews +there was one day each year called the day of atonement. In that day the +priest alone was in the Holy and the Most Holy; and even so on the +antitypical day of atonement no one is in the Holy condition except +those who are in relationship with Christ, the great high priest. The +Lord has been pleased to permit these during the gospel age to have some +understanding of his Word, therefore receiving the sweet and refreshing +music from his harp; and the light has grown in brilliancy and the music +in harmony as the understanding has increased. To the world in general, +Christians have been despised because not understood. The Lord of glory, +when on earth, was despised because he was misunderstood. And so his +true followers seem to be a mean and despised people. The poet has truly +said: + + "Why do they, then, appear so mean? + And why so much despised? + Because, of their rich robes, unseen, + The world is not apprized." + +[323]Satan has tried to counterfeit every part of Jehovah's plan; so he +organized a religious system in the earth which is iniquitous and is +known as "the mystery of iniquity". (2 Thessalonians 2:7; Revelation +17:5) This mystery of iniquity God will destroy in his great day of +vengeance which is now on, and then the mystery of God will be more +clearly revealed to mankind. It is revealed to individuals now as they +come into Christ. It is important, therefore, for us to know how one +becomes a member of the Christ, the great mystery of God. + + +BODY MEMBERS SELECTED + +[324]The mystery of God involves an understanding and appreciation of +the fundamental truths of repentance, consecration, justification, +spirit-begetting, and sanctification. Let us now trace the steps of one +in the world as he comes to Jehovah that he might be a member of the +body of Christ. + +[325]Because of the disobedience of father Adam, all of his children are +born imperfect, all sinners. "There is none righteous, no, not one." +(Romans 3:10; 5:12) All such are out of harmony with God. They have no +right to life. It has pleased Jehovah, then, during the gospel age to +draw to Jesus, the great Redeemer and Deliverer, those who have the +desire to come into harmony with him. The Prophet says: 'The reverence +of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom'. (Psalm 111:10) The first thing +essential for one becoming a Christian is an honest desire to know the +Lord and to do his will. A man with this honest desire, then, realizes +that he is a sinner and born such; and he has an honest desire to come +to God. He learns that Jesus is his Redeemer and he wants to know more +about him and do his will. In his mind he does not approve the ways of +the world. He begins to think about the Lord and wants to know more +about him. He begins to turn his face in the right direction. When he +ceases to approve the course of the world, he is repentant to that +extent. Repentance means a change of mind respecting one's relationship +to evil. + +[326]Jesus said: "No man can come to me, except the Father which hath +sent me draw him". (John 6:44) The man now is drawn to Jesus by what he +learns of Jesus, what Jesus has done for him, and by his own desire to +follow a different course. When one ceases to approve the worldly course +and begins to seek after the Lord, he is in that condition mentioned by +the Apostle as seeking God, "if haply they might feel after him, and +find him". (Acts 17:27) When he is drawn to Jesus, seeking God, then he +is converted. He is now in the condition spoken of by the Apostle when +he said: "Repent ye therefore, and be converted, that your sins may be +blotted out". (Acts 3:19) Repentance means a change of mind respecting +one's relationship to evil; and conversion means a change of one's +course. But neither repentance nor conversion, nor both together, brings +the individual into relationship with God. Being drawn to Jesus, he must +exercise faith. Faith means _first_ to understand and believe that God +exists; that he is the great rewarder of them that diligently seek him; +that the Bible is his Word of truth; that Jesus is his beloved Son and +our Redeemer; and _then_ to rely confidently upon these things and prove +this reliance by his action.--Hebrews 11:1,6. + +[327]He now needs information to increase his faith, and the Prophet +has written: "The testimony of the Lord is sure, making wise the +simple". (Psalm 19:7) To such now, as are feeling after God, through +Christ Jesus this message comes: "Come unto me, all ye that labor and +are heavy laden, and I will give you rest". (Matthew 11:28) Heavy laden +means to be weary of the sinful course of the world and to have a desire +to be relieved of this burden. Such a one says: 'I am tired of the +wrongful course. I want to follow the right course, to know God, and to +do his will.' + +[328]Now being drawn to Jesus, he learns through the Word that he must +do something. To him Jesus says: 'I am the way, the truth, and the life: +no man cometh unto the Father, but by me'. (John 14:6) What can one who +is now repentant and changing his course, but still a sinner, do to come +into harmony with God? He is informed that it will cost him much. So +Jesus says to him: 'Sit down and count the cost'. (Luke 14:28) He learns +it will cost him all he has, namely, the surrender of himself to the +Lord. The next step for one, then, to become a Christian is to make a +consecration; that is to say, to commit himself to the Lord and his +arrangements. And this he may do by saying in substance: 'Blessed Lord, +I commit myself to thy arrangements; here I am. Do unto me according to +thy holy will. I desire to do thy will.' + +[329]Neither the Lord Jesus nor the heavenly Father coerces any one, +but we must come to the Lord voluntarily, seeking his aid. This is +clearly indicated as necessary to become the follower of Jesus by the +words the Master used: 'If you will be my disciple, you must deny +yourself, then take up your cross, and follow me'. (Matthew 16:24) +Self-denial means an agreement to abandon one's selfish course and to +agree to do the will of the Lord. It means a full and complete surrender +of oneself unto the Lord. And this is consecration, the setting aside +of oneself to do the Lord's will. + +[330]Those who are selected to be members of the body of Christ, which +selection is done during the gospel age, must be justified in order that +they might be accepted. They are justified only for the purpose of being +accepted as a part of the sacrifice of the Lord. On the typical day of +atonement when the high priest of Israel slew the animals, the Lord's +goat pictured this class who come to the Lord in consecration. That goat +must be perfect, without any blemish; thus foreshadowing how that all +who are presented unto the Lord to be accepted as a part of the +sacrifice of Jesus, and hence to become members of his body, must be +perfect; and since man is imperfect himself something must be done for +him in order to make him stand before the Lord Jehovah as perfect. He +must be justified. Justification means to be made right with God. This +must all be done in the acceptable time of the Lord. (Isaiah 49:8; 61:2) +Any one coming to the Lord Jesus with an honest desire to be presented +to the Father in the acceptable year or time may be assured that he +will not be cast out, because Jesus said: "Him that cometh to me I will +in no wise cast out". (John 6:37) He would not decline to present any +genuine consecration before the heavenly Father. Of course this +consecration must be made before the person can be presented. + +[331]Jehovah God is the great wise judge of the universe; and he sits +to determine whether or not one thus presented is right or not. "It is +God that justifieth."--Romans 8:33. + +[332]The steps essential now to justification, as shown by the +Scriptures, briefly stated, are these: (1) Faith in God and his +promises, which is exercised and proven by making a surrender of +ourselves to the Lord; (2) receiving the merit of Christ, and his +presentation to the Father; and (3) the determination by Jehovah God +that the one thus presented is right. The following Scriptures show +these points in the order named: By faith are we justified (Romans 5:1); +by the blood of Jesus are we justified (Romans 5:9); "It is God that +justifieth". (Romans 8:33) Christ Jesus is the great High Priest. When +we make a consecration of ourselves, then he presents us to the Father. +(John 6:37) But in order to make us acceptable or presentable to the +Father, the merit of Jesus' sacrifice must be imputed to us. When he +ascended on high, he deposited with Jehovah the ransom-price, the merit +of his sacrifice, as we have seen, pictured by the blood. The second +step, then, is taken when Jesus imputes to the one thus coming to the +Lord the merit of his sacrifice, which makes him presentable to the +Father, Jehovah; then Jehovah, upon the merit, determines, as the great +judge, that the one thus presented is right, is justified, and is +acceptable as a part of the sacrifice of his beloved Son. Thus Jehovah +has been receiving sacrifices throughout the gospel age; but that +acceptable year or time will soon pass, as indeed it is now passing. +--Hebrews 3:13. + + +SPIRIT-BEGETTING + +[333]The one that is justified before Jehovah is then counted right or +justified that he might be a part of the great sacrifice of God's +beloved Son Jesus, to the end that he might be a part of the mystery +class and ultimately reign with Christ. The next thing indicated by the +Scriptures is the begetting of such a one as a new creature. Begetting +means the beginning. The begetting of the new creature, then, means the +beginning of a newness of life. When justified by Jehovah, there results +to him the right to live as a human being on earth, and this is what he +immediately sacrifices. At the same time Jehovah begets him to a hope of +life upon the high or heavenly plane, because he is called to a "high +calling", a "heavenly calling". (Philippians 3:14; Hebrews 3:1) This +begetting is in the nature of a contract or an agreement. Covenant is +also a word used for contract. In order to make a contract there must be +two or more parties, and there must be a consideration passing from one +to the other. Where there are mutual promises, made on both sides, this +is sufficient consideration. We will name the one whom we have been +discussing as coming to justification Honest Heart. + +[334]Honest Heart presents himself to the Lord Jesus the high priest, +fully surrendering himself and agreeing to do the will of God. There is +the promise on his part, then, and he is one party to the contract +through his advocate, the Lord Jesus. And when Christ Jesus the high +priest presents him to the Father, Jehovah, the Lord Jehovah in +substance says to Honest Heart: 'In consideration of the fact that you +have turned away from the wrongful course, and have come to Jesus, and +have made a full surrender of yourself in consecration, thereby +exercising faith in his blood shed for you and your faith in my plan; +and in consideration of the further fact that my beloved Son has imputed +to you his merit to make you acceptable before me, I accept you and +determine that you are right or justified, and accepting you as a part +of his sacrifice, I give to you my exceeding great and precious promises +that by these you might become partaker of the divine nature'.--2 Peter +1:4. + +[335]This is in harmony with St. James' statement: "Of his own will +begat he us with the word of truth, that we should be a kind of +firstfruits of his creatures". (James 1:18) The Psalmist shows that this +begetting is in the nature of a contract when he says: "Gather my +saints together unto me; those who have made a covenant [contract] with +me by sacrifice". (Psalm 50:5) Honest Heart now being begotten has the +promise of life upon the highest plane, the divine nature. He is +begotten to a new hope of life. St. Peter thus writes: "Blessed be the +God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, which according to his abundant +mercy hath begotten us again unto a hope of life by the resurrection of +Jesus Christ from the dead, to an inheritance incorruptible, and +undefiled, and that fadeth not away, reserved in heaven for you, who are +kept by the power of God through faith unto salvation ready to be +revealed in the last time". (1 Peter 1:3-5) The inheritance to which +Honest Heart is now begotten is an incorruptible inheritance, which is +the divine nature. This means that if he is faithful unto death, +faithful to his part of the contract, he is certain to be born upon the +divine plane, for the reason that Jehovah is always faithful to his part +of the contract; and so Jesus says: "Be thou faithful unto death and I +will give thee a crown of life".--Revelation 2:10. + +[336]Any one thus presented by Jesus to the Father, Jehovah, justified, +accepted and begotten, is designated in the Scriptures as a new +creature. "If any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are +passed away; behold, all things are become new." (2 Corinthians 5:17) +There is now a newness of life, which does not result from being +transferred to another climate, but from being given a new dominating +factor in our lives, namely, the will of God. Honest Heart, or whoever +takes this step, now has new hopes, new aims, new ambitions, new +aspirations, and new ideas. He is not looking for earthly honor and +glory; but he is looking forward to the time when he might be forever +with the Lord in his kingdom and be a part of the seed of Abraham +according to the promise, through which the blessings of mankind will +come. + +[337]This one is now dead from the standpoint of a human being, as the +apostle Paul puts it: "Ye are dead, and your life is hid with Christ in +God". (Colossians 3:3) The new creature now must be renewed, refreshed +and invigorated and strengthened by knowledge, not by ordinary +knowledge; but by an acquaintance with God's will and a deep +appreciation of his plan. (Colossians 1:9) The world cannot know +anything about this; only those who are in the relationship with the +Lord. The whole world lies in the wicked one. (1 John 5:19) But now the +new creature in Christ is admonished to be not conformed to this world, +but to be transformed by the renewing of his mind, that he might prove +what is the good and acceptable and perfect will of God.--Romans 12:2. + +[338]The one begotten is begotten by the spirit of God, the holy +spirit. He is also anointed. This anointing is received by reason of +coming into the body of Christ. He is baptized into Christ's death; +therefore baptized into Christ's body. To be baptized means to be +immersed. To be baptized into Christ's death means to be immersed into +the death of Christ. And so the Apostle puts it: "Know ye not, that so +many of us as are baptized into Jesus Christ were baptized into his +death? Therefore we are buried with him by baptism into death: that like +as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even +so we also should walk in newness of life." (Romans 6:3,4) Baptism in +water is merely a symbol of the real baptism. It would do no one any +good to be baptized in water unless he had first undergone the real +baptism by being immersed into Christ. + +[339]All of those who are thus inducted into the body of Christ receive +the anointing through the head of the Christ, Jesus the beloved One. +This is illustrated or pictured by God's dealings with Israel. In the +type Aaron the high priest was anointed. "He [Moses] poured of the +anointing oil upon Aaron's head, and anointed him, to sanctify him." +(Leviticus 8:12) This anointing oil was poured upon Aaron's head and ran +down upon his garment. (Psalm 133:2) Aaron the high priest was a type of +the entire Christ, head and body. As the oil was poured upon his head +and ran down to the skirt of his garments, so in antitype, Jesus the +head, at the time of his baptism in the Jordan, received the anointing +of the holy spirit without measure (Matthew 3:16,17); and at Pentecost +his disciples received the anointing of the holy spirit. And thereafter +during the gospel age all who come into Christ receive this anointing +through Christ Jesus the head by virtue of being inducted into the body +of Christ. + +[340]Those who are thus anointed have the spirit of the Lord and by +virtue of his spirit are able to understand the mystery of God and to +appreciate the fact that they have the promise of being joint-heirs with +Christ Jesus in his kingdom. To be anointed means to be assigned to a +place in the body of Christ. "The spirit itself beareth witness with our +spirit, that we are the children of God: and if children, then heirs; +heirs of God, and joint-heirs with Christ; if so be that we suffer with +him, that we may be also glorified together."--Romans 8:16,17. + + +SANCTIFICATION + +[341]These new creatures in Christ, otherwise called members of his +body, must now be transformed and made into the image and likeness of +their Head. (Romans 8:29) They must be sanctified. Sanctification means +to be set apart for the use of Jehovah. It means the process of making +us meet to be partakers of the inheritance of the saints in light. +(Colossians 1:12) It is the process of perfecting the saints. (Ephesians +4:12) This process begins when Jehovah accepts our consecration and +begets us; and must continue until birth upon the spirit plane. + +[342]Sanctification, then, is to be made holy, in the likeness of our +Lord. Concerning such Jesus said: "Sanctify them through thy truth; thy +word is truth". (John 17:17) The Christian now must feed upon or study +the Word of God, learn its principles, learn of Jehovah's character and +that of the Lord Jesus, and strive to conform his own life thereto. He +now has set before him the hope of being made like the Lord in glory; +and "every man that hath this hope in him purifieth himself, even as he +is pure". (1 John 3:3) This process of sanctification is done by the +Lord through his Word. "Both he who sanctifies and those whom he is +sanctifying have all one Father, and for this reason he is not ashamed +to speak of them as brethren." (Hebrews 2:11, _Weymouth_) Here we see +the sanctifier is the Lord Jesus Christ, and those whom he is +sanctifying are the members of his body; and all of these have one +Father, Jehovah God; therefore all of the one body, constituting the +mystery of God. + +[343]All this work of sanctification is done in what we designate the +school of Christ; and it is only those who are in this school by being +in Christ Jesus that can be sanctified and ultimately be a part of that +glorious mystical body, the heavenly kingdom class that will constitute +the great prophet, priest, and king. + +[344]This mystery hid from ages and generations and made known only to +the saints is, says the apostle Paul, the Christ; and the Christ in you +is the hope of glory. Those who are in Christ and who have the spirit of +Christ in them have the glorious hope of being born on the divine plane +as members of the body of Christ. These are called to the obtaining of +the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ; and to them are given all the +exceeding great and precious promises contained in the Word of God. The +Prophet speaking of them and to them said: "The nations shall see thy +righteousness, and all the kings thy glory: and thou shalt be called by +a new name, which the mouth of the Lord shall name. Thou shalt also be a +crown of glory in the hand of the Lord, and a royal diadem in the hand +of thy God." (Isaiah 62:2,3) These have the promise: "When Christ, who +is our life, shall appear, then shall ye also appear with him in glory". +(Colossians 3:4) And "then shall the righteous shine forth as the sun in +the kingdom of their Father".--Matthew 13:43. + +[345]The apostle Paul declares that he was made a minister, according to +the gift of God, that he should preach to the nations the unsearchable +riches of Christ, "and to make all see what is the fellowship of the +mystery, which from the beginning of the world hath been hid in God, who +created all things by Jesus Christ: to the intent that now unto the +principalities and powers in heavenly places might be [made] known by +the church the manifold wisdom of God, according to the eternal purpose +which he purposed in Christ Jesus our Lord". (Ephesians 3:7-11) Thus we +see that this great mystery is the Christ, and that for six thousand +years Jehovah has been preparing for, developing and completing this +great mystery; and that when completed, he will use the Christ as his +prophet, priest, and king to minister unto the people, to rule over the +people, and to bless the people, according to his promise. + +[346]The Apostle declares that the whole creation is groaning and +travailing in pain, waiting for the manifestation of this great +mystery. (Romans 8:19-22) The people do not know for what they are +waiting. But when the great mystery is complete and Messiah's kingdom +set up, then God will bring his long-promised blessings to mankind, and +ultimately his will shall be done upon earth as it is done in heaven. + + + + +What is a mystery? ¶ 298. + +How could Jehovah hide or keep secret his plan from others? ¶ 298. + +Has he kept his plan secret? ¶ 298. + +When Jesus was on earth, why did he teach by parables? ¶ 299. + +Did the disciples always understand his meaning? ¶ 299. + +Did he instruct the disciples how they would be taught after his +departure? and if so, how? ¶ 299. + +What is meant by the spirit of truth? ¶ 299. + +When was the holy spirit given to the disciples? Give the Scriptural +proof. ¶ 300. + +What is the meaning of the term "holy ghost"? ¶ 300. + +When did God's mystery begin to be understood by the disciples? ¶ 301. + +What effect has the mystery had on Jews and so-called Christians? ¶ 301. + +Define the mystery of God. ¶ 302. + +How did God foreshadow the mystery? ¶ 302. + +What is man's great enemy? ¶ 302. + +What is and always has been man's greatest desire? and how long has man +been seeking for this thing desired? ¶ 303. + +Who was the cause of death? ¶ 303. + +At the time when God pronounced the sentence in Eden, was the statement, +'The seed of the woman shall bruise the serpent's head,' understood? +¶ 303. + +When did it begin to be understood? ¶ 303. + +What great promise was made nearly two thousand years after the +expulsion from Eden? Quote the promise. ¶ 304. + +Did that promise have reference to the mystery of God? and was it +understood then? ¶ 304. + +Did Abraham understand the promise? ¶ 304. + +Did Abraham have any children at that time? ¶ 304. + +Through whom did Abraham expect the blessing to come to the people? +¶ 304. + +If the promise was renewed, to whom was it renewed? ¶ 304. + +What was expected through the seed of Abraham? ¶ 304. + +What effect did the Israelites' enslavement have upon their hopes? ¶ 304. + +Whom did God send to deliver the Israelites from Egypt? and whom did he +typify? ¶ 304. + +What effect did Moses' prophetic statement have upon the people with +reference to the One of whom he was a type? ¶ 304. + +What is signified by the name Joshua? and of whom was Joshua a type? ¶ 305. + +Who was the beloved king of Israel? and what did the Jews hope would +come through him? ¶ 306. + +Who succeeded this king on the throne? ¶ 306. + +For what was Solomon famous? ¶ 306. + +What became the condition of Israel under the reign of Zedekiah? ¶ 307. + +Did the prophets who testified of the coming of Messiah understand their +testimony? ¶ 308. + +Were the angels of heaven permitted to understand? ¶ 308. + +Why did God keep this mystery a secret? ¶ 308. + +Who announced the coming of Jesus? and what was his particular message +or announcement? ¶ 309. + +How many disciples did Jesus choose? ¶ 309. + +How long did he teach them personally? ¶ 309. + +What were the expectations of the disciples relative to Jesus? ¶ 309. + +What effect did his death have upon them? ¶ 309. + +What was their expectation after his resurrection, and why? ¶ 309. + +What did Jesus say to them at the time of his ascension to heaven? ¶ 309. + +Where did the disciples tarry after Jesus' ascension? and how long +before they received any manifestation from the Lord? ¶ 310. + +How was God's power manifested toward them at Pentecost? ¶ 310. + +How was the acceptance of the merit of Jesus as the sin-offering +manifested to men by Jehovah? ¶ 311. + +May we believe that there was much joy in heaven when Jesus presented +the merit of his sacrifice? and if so, why? ¶ 311. + +What effect did the understanding of the mystery have upon the +disciples? ¶ 311. + +What did St. Paul say about the mystery of God? ¶ 312. + +What is the meaning of the word "saints"? ¶ 312. + +What does the word "Christ" signify? ¶ 313. + +What is the meaning of "anointing"? ¶ 313. + +Who compose the Christ? ¶ 313. + +Who is the head? and who the body? ¶ 313. + +Give Scriptural proof of who constitutes the Head and the body of +Christ. ¶ 313. + +How does St. Paul use the human body to illustrate the body of Christ? +¶ 314. + +What is meant by the seed of Abraham? Give Scriptural proof. ¶ 315. + +What is the meaning of the term "church"? ¶ 315. + +Who is meant by the "elect of God"? ¶ 316. + +Give Scriptural proof that the members of the Christ are called "living +stones". ¶ 317. + +Who is the chief corner-stone in the building of God? ¶ 317. + +What great building on earth pictures this building of God? ¶ 317. + +Who constitute the royal priesthood? Give Scriptural proof. ¶ 318. + +Why are the members of the church called footstep followers of Jesus? +¶ 319. + +What are these followers called upon to do? ¶ 319. + +Define the term "Christian". ¶ 319. + +Is every church member a Christian? and if not, why not? ¶ 319. + +What promises are given to the Christian? Give Scriptural proof. ¶ 319. + +What particular reward is promised to the ones who are faithful unto +death? ¶ 319. + +Can everybody understand these great truths? and if not, why not? ¶ 320. + +What is essential in order to understand the mystery of God? ¶ 320. + +What is meant by the prophet Joel's statement, 'the Servants and +handmaidens of God'? ¶ 320. + +How was the mystery illustrated in the tabernacle furnishings? ¶ 321. + +Could the priest be seen by the people while ministering in the +tabernacle? ¶ 321. + +What did this concealing of the priest in the holy illustrate relative +to the mystery? ¶ 321. + +What is the antitypical atonement day? ¶ 322. + +How often did the atonement day occur with the Jews? ¶ 322. + +On that day, who was in the holy and the most holy of the tabernacle? +¶ 322. + +What does this picture in the antitype? ¶ 322. + +Why have the followers of Jesus been despised by the world? ¶ 322. + +What counterfeit of the mystery of God has Satan organized? Give +Scriptural proof. ¶ 323. + +What will be the ultimate end of the mystery of iniquity? ¶ 323. + +Is it important to know how one becomes a member of the mystery class? +¶ 323. + +An understanding of the mystery involves what? ¶ 324. + +In what condition have all the human race been born? ¶ 325. + +Whom has Jehovah drawn to Jesus during the gospel age? ¶ 325. + +What constitutes the beginning of wisdom? Give Scriptural proof. ¶ 325. + +What is the first essential to one's becoming a Christian? ¶ 325. + +What constitutes repentance? ¶ 325. + +How is one drawn to Jesus? ¶ 326. + +When may it be said of one that he is converted? ¶ 326. + +Define the difference between repentance and conversion. ¶ 326. + +Do repentance and conversion bring one into relationship with God? and +if not, why not? ¶ 326. + +Define faith. ¶ 326. + +What is necessary to increase faith? ¶ 327. + +What does Jesus say to those who are seeking after God and who are +weary? ¶ 327. + +What is meant by being weary and heavy laden? ¶ 327. + +How can one come to the Father? Give Scriptural proof. ¶ 328. + +What does Jesus say to the truth-seeker concerning the cost? ¶ 328. + +What is the meaning of consecration? and how may one consecrate himself +to the Lord? ¶ 328. + +Is it proper to compel consecration to the Lord? ¶ 329. + +What does Jesus say in reference to becoming his follower? ¶ 329. + +Define the meaning of self-denial. ¶ 329. + +Why is any one justified during the gospel age? ¶ 330. + +In connection with the tabernacle, when the high priest slew the Lord's +goat, what did that picture? ¶ 330. + +The fact that the goat must be without blemish foreshadowed what? ¶ 330. + +What is the meaning-of the term "justification"? ¶ 330. + +When must justification for the purpose of sacrifice take place? Give +Scriptural proof. ¶ 330. + +What assurance has one that his consecration will be accepted? ¶ 330. + +Must the consecration be made before or after the consecrator is +presented to Jehovah? ¶ 330. + +Who is the great Judge of the universe? and who justifies? Give +Scriptural proof. ¶ 331. + +Give the steps essential to justification. ¶ 332. + +Quote the Scriptures proving the steps leading to justification--the +first, second, and third steps, in the order named. ¶ 332. + +For what purpose does God justify any one during the gospel age? ¶ 333. + +What is meant by begetting one as a new creature? ¶ 333. + +What results to the man who is justified by Jehovah? ¶ 333. + +What does such a one sacrifice? ¶ 333. + +To what does Jehovah beget this sacrificer? ¶ 333. + +State the nature of this begetting. ¶ 333. + +How many parties must there be to a contract? and what is the +consideration for begetting one as a new creature in Christ? ¶ 333. + +State the terms of the arrangement between Honest Heart, the one who +presents himself to the Lord, and Jehovah, who justifies and begets him. +¶ 334. + +In this arrangement, what office does the Lord Jesus perform? ¶ 334. + +What is meant by the word "advocate"? ¶ 334. + +Give Scriptural proof that the begetting is in the nature of a contract, +both from the Old and the New Testament. ¶ 335. + +To what is Honest Heart, or any sacrificer like him, begotten? ¶ 335. + +Quote the Scripture with reference to the nature to which he is +begotten. ¶ 335. + +Should the one thus begotten continue faithful unto death, what is his +certain reward? Give Scriptural proof. ¶ 335. + +One thus begotten is how designated in the Scriptures? Give Scriptural +proof. ¶ 336. + +What is the great hope now of the new creature in Christ? ¶ 336. + +Why is it said that he is now dead as a human being? ¶ 337. + +As a new creature, does he need renewing? and if so, how is this done? +¶ 337. + +Why does not the world know about the development of the new creature? +¶ 337. + +How is the new creature transformed? ¶ 337. + +What does it mean to be baptized into Christ? Give Scriptural proof. +¶ 338. + +What is the meaning of water baptism or immersion? ¶ 338. + +Is there any virtue in water baptism? ¶ 338. + +Who are the anointed ones in Christ? ¶ 339. + +How did Aaron the high priest illustrate this? Give Scriptural proof. +¶ 339. + +Whom did Aaron the high priest typify? ¶ 339. + +What does anointing mean? ¶ 339. + +Give Scriptural proof of how one may know he has been begotten and +anointed of the Lord. ¶ 340. + +What is the meaning of the term "sanctification"? Give Scriptural proof. +¶ 341. + +When does the process of sanctification begin? and how long must it +continue? ¶ 341. + +How is one sanctified? Give Scriptural proof. ¶ 342. + +What influence has the hope of glory upon his sanctification? ¶ 342. + +Why does Jesus call the members of his body brethren? ¶ 342. + +Who is the Father of both the Head and the body of the Christ? ¶ 342. + +In what school does this sanctification take place? ¶ 343. + +Can any one outside of the school of Christ be sanctified? ¶ 343. + +Those who are in Christ and have the spirit of Christ, what is the hope +set before them? ¶ 344. + +What promises are given to them? ¶ 344. + +Quote some of those precious promises as set forth in the Scriptures. +¶ 344. + +Give one of the reasons why St. Paul was made a minister. Quote his +words. ¶ 345. + +The mystery class is known by what other titles? and what will be the +office of the mystery class, the Christ, in the future? ¶ 345. + +How will God use this mystery class for the benefit of the people in the +future? ¶ 346. + +[Illustration] + + + + +CHAPTER IX + +String 8: _Our Lord's Return_ + + +Suppose your dearest friend and benefactor is away on a long journey and +you expect him to return, because when he went away he promised to come +again; suppose that since that time you have been looking, hoping and +praying for his return, and that you were informed he had arrived. Such +news would fill your very soul with joy and you could not keep from +singing. + +[348]A friend is one who loves you all the time; one who even without +your knowing it makes a great sacrifice in order that you might be the +recipient of some real good. The greatest friend that you have had, or +any one else has had, is the Lord Jesus, because he left all of his +riches and glory, became a man, and laid down his life in ignominious +death in order that all men might have one fair and full opportunity for +the blessings of life everlasting.--John 15:13. + +[349]The facts show that nineteen hundred years ago, Jesus went away on +a long journey, even into heaven itself; that when he went away he +promised his disciples that he would return and that, when returning, +those who loved his appearing would receive many precious gifts. If the +facts show that this precious friend has returned and we begin to see +that all the fond hopes of Christians are about to be realized and that +even the world is soon to be blessed, what unspeakable joy this brings! +Those who have watched and waited for his coming necessarily break forth +in singing the praises of the Lord. In this chapter we hope to prove +the fact of the Lord's return, how he will return, when, and for what +purpose, and that he has already come. + +[350]For centuries Jews have been hoping, looking, and praying for the +coming of a Messiah. For nineteen hundred years Christians have been +hoping, watching, and praying, and waiting for the coming of Christ Jesus +the Lord. Messiah and Christ mean the same. The term means The Anointed +One. The whole world of mankind, groping in darkness, laden with grievous +burdens, has been groaning and still groans in pain, waiting for some +relief, but not knowing how it will come. (Romans 8:19,22) The world in +fact is waiting for the Messiah, the Christ, and his kingdom of +righteousness. When the world comes to a knowledge of the fact that the +Lord, the great deliverer and benefactor of man, has returned, every +honest soul will be filled with joy and every grateful heart will +respond in songs of gladness. + +[351]To the Christian the Lord's return is one of the most wonderfully +precious strings upon the harp of God. It yields music of unsurpassed +sweetness. Blessed are the eyes of those who see and ears of those who +hear and learn that the Lord has come and is now present. + +[352]The suffering and groaning of the whole creation daily increases, +and this condition is putting the people in an attitude of mind to take +heed to the evidence of the meaning of these present events. The time +has come for all to awaken and diligently inquire concerning the +presence of the King of kings. + + +FACT OF HIS COMING + +[353]The reasons why we should expect the Lord's second coming are +numerous, but unless we call these to mind, even though we once knew +them, we overlook their importance. If we have never known them, then an +examination of these reasons is satisfying to the hungry soul. Reason +should always be employed in the examination of Scriptural questions. +Sound reasoning and the Scriptures are necessarily in accord. "Come now, +let us reason together, saith the Lord." (Isaiah 1:18) As our vision of +the divine plan enlarges, we can see a reason and a Scripture for every +step and every development in the divine arrangement. + +[354]The Scriptures thus far examined prove conclusively that Jesus +Christ died and rose from the dead that he might be the redeemer of +mankind; that he ascended on high and presented the value of his human +sacrifice in behalf of man, and that at some time all men must have an +opportunity to receive the benefit of his great sacrifice. (1 Timothy +2:5,6) If mankind in general is to be benefited by the Lord's sacrifice +after coming to a knowledge of that fact, then it follows that there +must be some relationship established between the world of mankind and +the Lord Jesus in order that the world might be brought to a knowledge +of the arrangement of Jehovah and brought back into harmony with God. +If, as the Scriptures declare, God formed the earth for man's +habitation, that he made it not in vain, and that the earth abideth +forever; and if, according to the promise to Abraham, through the seed, +the Christ, a blessing shall come to all mankind, it follows that the +Lord must establish an order of things in the earth that man might enjoy +the things which God intended for him to have, and that he must be +present to establish such a righteous order on earth. + +[355]But the student is not left to theory nor conjecture. The +Scriptural evidence is given in such abundance that all doubt is forever +removed. God's Prophet long ago foretold the coming of a mighty one and +said that this Mighty One should have a government of righteousness; +that "his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, +The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace; of the increase of his +government and peace there shall be no end". (Isaiah 9:6,7) An +'everlasting Father' presumes that there shall be some offspring who +will have everlasting life. Hence this promise indicated that a +government would be established wherein man would be granted the +privilege of life everlasting. + +[356]As we have heretofore observed, Jehovah made a covenant with the +nation of Israel, to the exclusion of all other nations. He gave them a +law to shield them from the influences and machinations of the adversary +and to lead them to Christ, their great Messiah. The Jews as a nation +did not keep this law, because they were imperfect; but some of their +rulers were especially wicked. The time came when God said concerning +Zedekiah, the last king of Israel: "And thou, profane wicked prince of +Israel, whose day is come, when iniquity shall have an end, thus saith +the Lord God: Remove the diadem, and take off the crown; this shall not +be the same: exalt him that is low, and abase him that is high. I will +overturn, overturn, overturn, it: and it shall be no more, until he come +whose right it is; and I will give it him,"--Ezekiel 21:25-27. + +[357]It follows that at some future time there would come a mighty one +who would establish a kingdom of righteousness, having full authority +and right thus to do. + +[358]At the overthrow of Zedekiah God permitted the gentiles to +establish a universal dominion in the earth. The Lord through the +prophet Daniel pictured the development of four world empires or +kingdoms, which would exist for a certain period of time, and which +would continue until he should come whose right it is and then he, the +Righteous One, should take possession of earth's affairs and rule. It is +to be expected, of course, that the unrighteous governments would hold +on to their power in earth as long as possible, and that they would +still be thus doing at the coming of the great King, and that he would +oust these earthly kingdoms of unrighteousness and establish a righteous +government. Thus says the Lord through the prophet Daniel: "In the days +of these kings shall the God of heaven set up a kingdom, which shall +never be destroyed: and the kingdom shall not be left to other people, +but it shall break in pieces and consume all these kingdoms, and it +shall stand for ever". (Daniel 2:44) It follows, then, that this +righteous King must be present before he breaks to pieces and consumes +the other kingdoms. The Scriptures speak of the righteous kingdom as the +kingdom of heaven, because it is in accord with the heavenly Father's +will and ruled by the invisible power of the great Messiah. + +[359]The term kingdom is used in a two-fold sense: (1) referring to the +king or ruler, the dominating or controlling factor; and (2) to the +dominion and subjects of that kingdom. Almost all the parables of Jesus +were concerning the kingdom of God, or kingdom of heaven. So great is +that kingdom in importance in the Lord's arrangement that Jesus taught +his disciples to pray: "Thy kingdom come; thy will be done on earth as +it is done in heaven". (Matthew 6:10) From that time until now +Christians have been praying this prayer and hoping for its fulfillment. +The foregoing Scriptures definitely establish the fact that such a +kingdom of righteousness is to be put into operation. Who, then, will be +the king of that great and glorious kingdom? The Scriptures answer, +Jesus Christ the Son of God.--Luke 22:30; Colossians 1:13; 2 Peter 1:11; +Matthew 28:18. + +[360]When Jesus stood before Pilate accused of sedition because he +taught concerning his kingdom coming, Pilate asked him: "Art thou the +King of the Jews?" And Jesus answered: "My kingdom is not of this +world". (John 18:33,36) By the word world here is meant a social and +political order. The Scriptures show that from the time of Zedekiah's +overthrow until he whose right it is sets up his kingdom, the gentiles +are in power and that these lie in the wicked one, Satan, who is the god +or invisible ruler of this world. (2 Corinthians 4:3,4) Jesus speaks of +him as the prince of this world. (John 12:31) Satan's rule has been +unrighteous, wicked, and devilish; and when he comes whose right it is, +he will establish a righteous kingdom in the place or stead of the +unrighteous order of Satan. By these words, then, addressed to Pilate we +would understand the Master to mean that his kingdom from that time is +future, yet definitely showing that in the future time he would have a +kingdom. + +[361]Jesus gave to his disciples a parable designated the parable of the +pounds, in which he pictured himself as a certain nobleman going into a +far country to receive a kingdom and to return; and he shows that this +nobleman does return. "He said therefore, A certain nobleman went into a +far country to receive for himself a kingdom, and to return. And he +called his ten servants, and delivered them ten pounds, and said unto +them, Occupy till I come.... And it came to pass, that when he was +returned, having received the kingdom, then he commanded these servants +to be called unto him, to whom he had given money." (Luke 19:12-15) A +similar picture and lesson is taught by the parable of the talents. +(Matthew 25:14) As further evidence of his return, Jesus said: "When the +Son of man shall come in his glory, and all the holy angels with him, +then shall he sit upon the throne of his glory; and before him shall be +gathered all nations."--Matthew 25:31,32. + +[362]Just a short time before his crucifixion he was teaching his +disciples. They understood, though imperfectly, that he was to be taken +from them. His disciples were troubled at this information. Then Jesus, +speaking plainly to them, said: "Let not your heart be troubled: ye +believe in God, believe also in me. In my Father's house are many +mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a +place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come +again and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be +also." (John 14:1-3) This is indisputable proof of his second coming. + +[363]After his resurrection he had stated that he would ascend unto God +the Father in heaven. (John 20:17) Forty days after his resurrection he +was with his disciples on the Mount of Olives, instructing them to go to +Jerusalem and there wait until they should receive the power of the holy +spirit, that they might thereafter be witnesses for him. "And when he +had spoken these things, while they beheld, he was taken up; and a cloud +received him out of their sight. And while they looked stedfastly toward +heaven as he went up, behold, two men stood by them in white apparel; +which also said, Ye men of Galilee, why stand ye gazing up into heaven? +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." (Acts 1:9-11) Without a +doubt these men who here stood by the disciples in white apparel were +angels or messengers sent of the Lord thus to witness to them, which +angels doubtless materialized in human form for that very purpose and +afterward dematerialized and disappeared. This additional testimony was +given, however, that the faith of the disciples might be complete that +the Lord would come again. + +[364]This fact was so definitely established in the minds of the +apostles that they often spoke and wrote of the second coming of the +Lord. In fact, it is the great event to which they and all other true +followers of the Master have looked forward. (1 Corinthians 1:7; 15:23; +1 Thessalonians 2:19; 2 Thessalonians 2:8; James 5:7,8; 2 Peter 1:16; +Acts 3:19-21; Philippians 3:20) Of his coming again and the blessings +his presence will bring to those that love him further testimony was +given by the apostle Paul when he wrote to Timothy: "I am now ready to +be offered, and the time of my departure is at hand. I have fought the +good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith: henceforth +there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the +righteous judge, shall give me at that day: and not to me only, but unto +all them also that love his appearing."--2 Timothy 4:6-8. + +[365]The book of Revelation in our Bible is the revelation of Jesus +Christ which he gave after his glorification. He concludes this +revelation by stating to St. John: "He which testifieth these things +saith, Surely I come quickly"; to which St. John replies, "Even so, +come, Lord Jesus".--Revelation 22:20. + +[366]That the Lord is to have a kingdom of righteousness, that Jesus +Christ is to be the great King of that kingdom, and that he is coming a +second time for the purpose of thus reigning, is so abundantly +established by the Scriptures that all possible doubt is removed. An +important question, therefore, for us to determine is + + +HOW HE COMES + +[367]We must make up our minds at once that the Bible testimony +concerning the manner of our Lord's coming is to be taken as conclusive. +A careful examination of this will disclose the fact that the Bible does +establish definitely and reasonably the manner of his appearing. Many +have supposed and yet suppose that the Lord will come again in his body +of humiliation, the very body in which he was crucified and which has +the marks upon it, and that such is to be visible to human eyes. The +words of Jesus disprove this conclusion. When instructing his disciples +just before his crucifixion, Jesus said: "Yet a little while, and the +world seeth me no more; but ye see me: because I live, ye shall live +also". (John 14:19) Thus he establishes the fact that his faithful +disciples will see him as he is, but that the world will see him no +more. And why is this true? We answer, Because Jesus was raised from the +dead not a human but a spirit being, with divine nature or organism. The +nature is determined by the organism or body. He now has a glorious +body, which no man hath seen nor can look upon and live. (1 Timothy +6:15,16) We have heretofore examined the Scriptural evidence showing +that no one of the different organisms or bodies in which Jesus appeared +to his disciples after his resurrection was his glorious body, but that +such bodies were created by him for the purpose at the time. + +[368]He was put to death a human being. He was raised from the dead a +spirit. (1 Peter 3:18; 1 Corinthians 15:45) St. John definitely shows +that the body in which Jesus will appear is not his human body because +he says: "It doth not yet appear what we shall be, but ... we shall be +like him". (1 John 3:2) Jesus is no longer human, but divine; therefore +we could not expect human eyes to see him. He is now the express image +of Jehovah. (Hebrews 1:3) Because he is no longer human and has not a +body of flesh, but a spirit body, the apostle Paul under inspiration +wrote: "Though we have known Christ after the flesh, yet now henceforth +know we him no more".--2 Corinthians 5:16. + +[369]After his resurrection Jesus was exalted and given a name above +every name (Philippians 2:9) and sat down at the right hand of the +Father in glory and in power. (Revelation 3:21) Of him the apostle Paul +writes: "Now the Lord is that spirit". (2 Corinthians 3:17) Jesus +explained to Nicodemus concerning a spirit, saying, "Except a man be +born of water and of the spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of +God. That which is born of the flesh is flesh; and that which is born of +the spirit is spirit.... The wind bloweth where it listeth, and thou +hearest the sound thereof, but canst not tell whence it cometh, and +whither it goeth: so is every one that is born of the spirit."--John +3:4-8. + +[370]Seeing, then, that Jesus Christ is a glorious spirit being with a +divine organism, and that as the wind cannot be seen, but comes and +goes, so a spirit can thus come and go without being discerned by human +eyes, could not our Lord be present and yet not observable by any +natural eyes? That is exactly according to the facts. Satan is a spirit +being. For many centuries Satan has been the god or invisible ruler of +the present evil world (2 Corinthians 4:3,4); yet no human eyes have +seen Satan, although men have felt his influence and still feel it. +Satan is not only the god of this world, but he is the chief one of his +wicked, invisible heaven; that is to say, the invisible ruling order of +things composed of Satan and the other fallen angels who exercise power +over human beings. The apostle Peter said: "We, according to his +promise, look for new heavens and a new earth, wherein dwelleth +righteousness". (2 Peter 3:13; Revelation 21:1-5) The coming kingdom of +the Lord is the new heavenly kingdom. This new ruling power, the +Messiah, is invisible, and will be invisible to human eyes, but will +establish in the earth visible agencies and representatives, namely, a +new social and political order of things. We should not, therefore, +expect the Lord's second coming to be in a body visible to human eyes, +but should expect that he would be present, exercising his power in his +own sovereign way. + +[371]In many places in our Bible referring to the second coming of the +Lord the word translated into the English as "coming" is properly +translated _presence_. The proper meaning is distinguished by the Greek +word used, from which the English is translated. The Greek word +_parousia_ (pronounced par-oo-see-ah) means presence, and refers to the +invisible presence of the Lord and is used in the following Scriptural +texts. We here quote the texts as they appear in the King James Version, +putting in brackets the proper word immediately following the word +"coming". + +[372]"What shall be the sign of thy coming [presence]?"--Matthew 24:3. + +[373]"As the days of Noah were, so shall also the coming [presence] of +the Son of man be."--Matthew 24:37,39. + +[374]"They that are Christ's at his coming [presence]."--1 Corinthians +15:23. + +[375]"Are not even ye in the presence of our Lord Jesus Christ at his +coming [presence]?"--1 Thessalonians 2:19. + +[376]"To the end that he may establish your hearts unblameable in +holiness before God, even our Father, at the coming [presence] of our +Lord Jesus Christ."--1 Thessalonians 3:13. + +[377]"We which are alive and remain unto the coming [presence] of the +Lord shall not prevent them which are asleep."--1 Thessalonians 4:15. + +[378]"I pray God your whole spirit and soul and body be preserved +blameless unto the coming [presence] of our Lord Jesus Christ." +--1 Thessalonians 5:23. + +[379]"Now we beseech you, brethren, by the coming [presence] of our +Lord Jesus Christ."--2 Thessalonians 2:1. + +[380]"Be patient therefore, brethren, unto the coming [presence] of the +Lord."--James 5:7. + +[381]"For the coming [presence] of the Lord draweth nigh."--James 5:8. + +[382]"Where is the promise of his coming [presence]?"--2 Peter 3:4. + +[383]When Jesus was taken up into heaven, the angels standing by the +disciples said to them: "He shall come in like manner". The manner of +his going or being taken away was quiet, without observation, except by +a few. In a similar manner we should expect his return. Those watching +for his coming necessarily would be the first to observe his presence. +This is in exact harmony with the thought expressed by the apostle Paul +when he wrote: "For yourselves know perfectly that the day of the Lord +so cometh as a thief in the night", (1 Thessalonians 5:2) The same +thought the apostle Peter expressed: "The day of the Lord will come as a +thief in the night". (2 Peter 3:10) And of His coming Jesus said: +"Behold, I come as a thief", "If therefore thou shalt not watch, I will +come on thee as a thief, and thou shalt not know what hour I will come +upon thee." (Revelation 16:15; 3:3; Matthew 24:43) A thief comes usually +in the night time when all are asleep, and none see him except those who +are watching or those who may be awakened by his presence. Even so the +Lord comes in the night time of the close of the gospel age, just before +the dawn of the new day; and none discern his presence except those who +watch and who have the eye of faith. + +[384]The Lord spoke in symbolic phrase, and speaking concerning the +manner of his appearing he said: "Behold, I have told you before. +Wherefore if they shall say unto you, Behold, he is in the desert; go +not forth: behold, he is in the secret chambers; believe it not." +(Matthew 24:25,26) Here he is warning and safeguarding against the error +of believing that he will appear in the desert or that he will appear in +some secret chamber; as spiritists claim they have come in contact with +him. Then he says: "For as the lightning cometh out of the east; and +shineth even unto the west; so shall also the presence of the Son of man +be". (Matthew 24:27) The word lightning here is translated from the +Greek word _astrapee_ and means bright shining, or bright shiner. We +know that lightning does not come out of the east and shine even unto +the west, because flashes of lightning come from all directions, and +more often from the west than from the east. The bright shining or +bright shiner here really means the sun. The sun begins to shed forth +its light in the east before it is fully up; and when it comes over the +eastern horizon it shines everywhere from the east to the west. Just so +the presence of the Lord. He quietly appears and his presence begins to +shed light in all parts of the earth. + +[385]The Prophet of the Lord also used the sun to illustrate the Lord +Jesus, saying: "The Sun of righteousness shall arise with healing in his +wings". (Malachi 4:2) Again Jesus likened his faithful followers unto +the sun when he said: "Then shall the righteous shine forth as the sun +in the kingdom of their Father".--Matthew 13:43. + +[386]In examining the evidence, then, with reference to the Lord's +second appearing, if we will keep always in mind that his appearance is +not and will not be visible to human eyes, but that it will be gradually +discernible in the physical facts which will occur in fulfillment of +prophecy, we shall be better enabled to understand the various +Scriptural texts bearing upon the subject. + + +TIME OF HIS COMING + +[387]The time of the Lord's second appearing is of great importance to +all, and Christians, since the days of the apostles, have been watching +for some evidence of his presence and asking the question, When will the +Lord appear? While those who love the Lord discuss the important +question, some have answered saying, 'The Lord is liable to come any +moment. He may come tonight,' These expect the Lord's appearing in a +visible body. Others who have no real desire for his coming, because it +would interfere with their selfish plans, say: 'He will not come in my +time; he will not come for fifty-thousand years or more; hence there is +no reason for our concerning ourselves about his coming'. Still others +who fear his coming and who do not desire to see him say: 'No one can +possibly know the time. Why, therefore, should one spend his time in +discussing the question?' + +[388]The last-named class, in support of their contention, cite the +words of Jesus when he said: "But of that day and hour knoweth no man, +no, not the angels of heaven, but my Father only". (Matthew 24:36) It is +assumed because he used these words that no one would ever know except +Jehovah. We should remember that Jesus spoke those words while he was +yet a man on the earth. He had not been glorified then. He did not say +that no one would ever know of the hour or the day of his coming. If we +conclude from these words that no man would ever know, we might as well +conclude that Jesus would never know, because he said at that time that +only the Father knew. Paraphrasing his words we note he said this: 'The +day of my coming no one now knows except my Father. Neither man nor +angel knows anything about it; nor do I even know,' At the same time, +his words implied that conditions would change, so that others would +know, because he said: "Watch therefore: for ye know not the hour your +Lord doth come". (Matthew 24:42) Why watch unless they would know when +the time would arrive? When Jesus arose from the dead he said: "All +power is given unto me in heaven and in earth". (Matthew 28:18) He must +have known then the time of his coming, because now as the creature +divine everything was committed into his hands for the outworking of +God's plan. At the time of his appearing surely the angels of heaven +would know about it; and the day must come when the watchers would know. + +[389]His last message to the disciples just before his ascension on +high clearly indicated a time coming when the watchers would know. He +said unto them: "It is not for you to know the times or the seasons +which the Father hath put in his own power. But ye shall receive power, +after that the holy spirit is come upon you." (Acts 1:7,8) Those who are +begotten of the holy spirit have the promise that the Lord will reveal +to them his great truths when due to be understood. (1 Corinthians +2:9,10) These are they that walk in the light, and for them the light +shines with increasing brilliancy unto the perfect day. In harmony with +this, St. Paul wrote: "Of the times and the seasons, brethren, ye have +no need that I write unto you. For yourselves know perfectly that the +day of the Lord so cometh as a thief in the night. For when they shall +say, Peace and safety; then sudden destruction cometh upon them, as +travail upon a woman with child; and they shall not escape. But ye, +brethren, are not in darkness, that that day should overtake you as a +thief." (1 Thessalonians 5:1-4) Plainly the Apostle here tells the +followers of Jesus that if they are watching the things which the Lord +told them to watch, the day of the Lord will not come upon them +unawares, but they will mark the fulfillment of prophecy, and in the +light of its fulfillment they will discern the time of the presence of +the great King. Furthermore he says to them: "Ye are all the children of +light, and the children of the day; we are not of the night, nor of +darkness. Therefore let us not sleep, as do others; but let us watch and +be sober."--1 Thes. 5:5,6. + +[390]We shall find that Jesus gave much evidence which enables the +watcher to determine the Lord's presence. Jesus spoke in prophetic +language. Prophecy means a foretelling of future events before they take +place; and when they are taking place the watcher can ascertain that +they are thus fulfilling the prophetic words previously spoken. + +[391]Jesus gave us the positive evidence as to when to expect him. He +gave a parable of the wheat and the tares, saying, "The kingdom of +heaven is likened unto a man which sowed good seed in his field: But +while men slept, his enemy came and sowed tares among the wheat, and +went his way. But when the blade was sprung up, and brought forth fruit, +then appeared the tares also. So the servants of the householder came +and said unto him, Sir, didst not thou sow good seed in thy field? from +whence then hath it tares? He said unto them, An enemy hath done this. +The servants said unto him, Wilt thou then that we go and gather them +up? But he said, Nay; lest while ye gather up the tares, ye root up the +wheat with them. Let both grow together until the harvest: and in the +time of harvest I will say to the reapers, Gather ye together first the +tares and bind them in bundles to burn them; but gather the wheat into +my barn."--Matthew 13:24-30. + +[392]Interpreting his own parable, Jesus said that he was the man who +had gown the good seed; that the field is the world; and that the good +seed are the children of the kingdom, and that the tares are the +children of the wicked one; that the enemy who sowed them is the devil; +and that the harvest is the end of the world.--Matthew 13:37-39. + +[393]From this statement of the Master it is clearly shown that at the +end of the age or world there must be a harvest; that Jesus Christ must +be present as the Master of that harvest, and that the harvest will +consist of gathering together the true followers of Christ in one body +and of binding together the counterfeit or tare class for destruction. +Stated in other phrase, there will be a gathering of the true vine +class, true Christians, and the harvesting of the vine of the earth; +namely, the nominal Babylonish systems of the world. Since the Master +himself stated that he would come at this time to receive his own, the +truly consecrated Christians, to himself, and that he, as the Master of +the harvest, would direct what should be done, it follows that he must +be present before the beginning of the harvest and during the time of +the harvest. It would also follow that he would be present before the +end of the world or age. + +[394]Jehovah caused the prophet Daniel to write the salient features of +events that would come to pass during the rule of the world powers that +would be in existence from the time of the empire of Persia until "the +time of the end". That which Daniel wrote was prophecy; that is to say, +guided by the divine power, he recorded long in advance the happenings +of certain events, which of itself shows that this prophecy could not be +understood until the events had transpired. Daniel wrote concerning +these events, but did not understand them. They are set forth in his +prophetic utterances recorded in the book of Daniel, chapters 7 to 12, +inclusive. Daniel himself said: "I heard, but I understood not: then +said I, O my Lord, what shall be the end of these things? And he said, +Go thy way, Daniel; for the words are closed up and sealed till the time +of the end. Many shall be purified, and made white, and tried; but the +wicked shall do wickedly: and none of the wicked shall understand; but +the wise shall understand." (Daniel 12:8-10) The Lord had caused Daniel +to record specifically what would happen when the time of the end should +begin. The "time of the end" means a specific period at the end of +gentile dominion. "And at _the time of the end_ shall the king of the +south push at him; and the king of the north shall come against him like +a whirlwind, with chariots, and with horsemen, and with many ships; and +he shall enter into the countries, and shall overflow and pass over. He +shall enter also into the glorious land, and many countries shall be +overthrown."--Daniel 11:40,41. + +[395]The fulfillment of this prophecy fixes the beginning of the "time +of the end", because the prophecy definitely so states. The campaign of +the great warrior Napoleon Bonaparte is clearly a fulfillment of this +prophecy, as reference to the historical facts concerning his campaign +plainly show. The "king of the south" mentioned in the prophecy refers +to Egypt; the "king of the north" means Great Britain, which was then an +integral part of the Roman empire. Napoleon was in Egypt fighting the +Egyptian armies, which were led by Murat Bey, and which he defeated. His +victory not only struck terror to the Egyptians, but far into Africa and +Asia, and all the surrounding tribes submitted to the great conqueror. +While he was doing this, the British in the north, under the leadership +of Lord Nelson, were making an effective attack upon Napoleon's forces +at sea. Napoleon began this Egyptian campaign in 1798, finished it and +returned to France on October 1, 1799. The campaign is briefly, yet +graphically, described in the prophecy, verses 40 to 44; and being +completed in 1799, marks, according to the Prophet's own words, the +beginning of the "time of the end". + +[396]From the time of the overthrow of Zedekiah (606 B.C.) and the +establishment of the gentile universal empire under Nebuchadnezzar, the +organizations of the world powers or governments have been designated in +the Scriptures by God's Prophet as "beasts". The prophet Daniel (7:7,8) +describes "a fourth beast, dreadful and terrible". This terrible beast +was a form of government composed of three elements or component parts, +namely, professional politicians, great financiers, and ecclesiastical +leaders. This Satanic organization became dreadful and terrible from the +time that these three forces were united. Of this unholy trinity, we see +the Papacy, the ecclesiastical element, in the saddle, riding and +directing everything. The date of its beginning was at the overthrow of +the Ostrogothic monarchy, which occurred in A.D. 539. + +[397]The prophet Daniel was given a vision of the events following, yet +he did not understand them; and he says: "I looked, and, behold, there +stood other two, the one on this side of the bank of the river, and the +other on that side of the bank of the river. And one said to the man +clothed in linen, which was upon the waters of the river, How long shall +it be to the end of these wonders? And I heard the man clothed in linen, +which was upon the waters of the river, when he held up his right hand +and his left hand unto heaven, and sware by him that liveth for ever +that it shall be for a time, times, and an half." (Daniel 12:5-7) In +Biblical symbology a time means a year of twelve months of thirty days +each, or 360 days. Each day is considered for a year, as the Prophet +says: "I have appointed thee each day for a year". (Ezekiel 4:6) Here +are mentioned, then, three and a half times of 360 prophetic days each, +or a total of 1260 prophetic days, equal to 1260 years. The Prophet then +was shown that the 1260 years would mark the beginning of the time of +the end of this beastly order. Twelve-hundred sixty years from A.D. 539 +brings us to 1799--another proof that 1799 definitely marks the +beginning of "the time of the end". This also shows that it is from the +date 539 A.D. that the other prophetic days of Daniel must be counted. + +[398]The most important thing to which all the prophecies point and for +which the apostles looked forward has been the second coming of the Lord. +It is described by the Prophet as a blessed time. Daniel then says: +"Blessed is he that waiteth, and cometh to the thousand three hundred +and five and thirty [1335] days". (Daniel 12:12) The watchers here, +without question, are those who were instructed by the Lord to watch for +his return. This date, therefore, when understood, would certainly fix +the time when the Lord is due at his second appearing. Applying the same +rule, then, of a day for a year, 1335 days after 539 A.D. brings us to +A.D. 1874, at which time, according to Biblical chronology, the Lord's +second presence is due. If this calculation is correct, from that time +forward we ought to be able to find some evidences marking the Lord's +presence. + +[399]It Is not the purpose of this writing to enter into a detailed +statement of Biblical chronology. The searcher for truth can find an +extensive treatment of this question in Volumes 2 and 3 of STUDIES IN +THE SCRIPTURES. The purpose here is to call attention to certain +important dates and then see how much, if any, prophecy has been +fulfilled within these dates. Chronology, to some extent at least, +depends upon accurate calculations and there is always some possibility +of mistakes. Fulfilled prophecy is the record of physical facts which +are actually existent and definitely fixed. Physical facts do not +stultify themselves. They stand as silent witnesses whose testimony must +be taken as indisputable. + +[400]There are two important dates here that we must not confuse, but +clearly differentiate, namely, the beginning of "the time of the end" +and of "the presence of the Lord". "The time of the end" embraces a +period from A.D. 1799, as above indicated, to the time of the complete +overthrow of Satan's empire and the establishment of the kingdom of the +Messiah. The time of the Lord's second presence dates from 1874, as +above stated. The latter period is within the first named, of course, +and at the latter part of the period known as "the time of the end". + +[401]The understanding of the prophecies with reference to "the time of +the end" and the Lord's presence was purposely concealed by Jehovah +until the due time. Daniel desired to know what would be the end of +these things, but God said to him: "But thou, O Daniel, shut up the +words, and seal the book, even to the time of the end". (Daniel 12:4) +It is reasonable to expect that Jehovah would indicate something by +which "the time of the end" could be discerned when it arrived. He did +not say to Daniel to look for some words emblazoned across the sky that +the end had come, but told him to look for such evidences as could be +seen and understood by men familiar with the prophecies, and who in the +light of the prophecies should be watching for their fulfillment. He did +not expect Daniel to understand it in his day, because he said: "Go thy +way, Daniel: for the words are closed up and sealed till the time of the +end".--Daniel 12:9. + +[402]When that time should arrive, what was to be expected? Jehovah +answers: "Many shall run to and fro, and knowledge shall be increased". +(Daniel 12:4) From and shortly after 1799, the date of the beginning of +"the time of the end", we should expect to find an increase of knowledge, +particularly with reference to the Bible. Prior to that time the people +had been kept in ignorance of the Bible. It was the practice of the +Papacy to forbid any one aside from the clergy class to have access to +the Bible; in fact, it was made a crime under the Roman law, subjecting +the offender to heavy penalties for having in possession a copy of the +Bible. In 1799 the beastly power of Rome, predominated by the Papal +system, received a deadly wound. The people had been taught to believe +in the divine right of kings to rule and the divine right of the clergy +to dominate the conscience of the people. When Napoleon took the Pope a +prisoner and carried him away to France, and when later he refused to +permit the Pope to crown him as king, but put the crown on himself and +treated the Papal claimed authority with contempt, this began to open +the eyes of the peoples of earth, kings as well as people, to the fact +that Papacy did not possess the divine right it claimed. + +[403]A short time thereafter the first Bible societies that ever existed +were organized. The British and Foreign Bible Society was established in +1803; the New York Bible Society in 1804; the Berlin-Prussian Bible +Society in 1805; the Philadelphia Bible Society in 1808; and the +American Bible Society in 1817. The Bible was translated and published +in many different languages and sold at such low prices that the poor +could have access to it, and within a short time millions of Bibles were +in the hands of the people. The Papal system denounced these Bible +societies as "pestiferous Bible societies". The time had come, however, +for an increase of knowledge and the Lord was fulfilling his promise by +putting it within the reach of those who were hungry for truth. The +people began to learn that God is no respecter of persons; that kings +and popes, priests and the common people alike must all render their +account to the Lord and not to man. + +[404]From that time forward there has been a great corresponding +increase of knowledge in all the sciences; and in fact, in all lines of +learning. The common school, always opposed by the Papacy, has afforded +a means of general education and increase of knowledge for people in all +walks of life. Colleges and universities have sprung up throughout the +world. With the increase of knowledge on various lines have come the +numerous inventions that man now has, time-and labor-saving machines, +etc. + +[405]Before 1799 the means of transportation were such that a man could +travel only a short distance in a day. He must go either by a vehicle +drawn by horses or oxen, or afoot; and when he would cross the sea he +must go in a sailboat that made little progress. In 1831 the first +locomotive steam engine was invented. Such wonderful progress has been +made in this regard that now one can travel through almost any part of +the earth at a rapid rate upon a railway train. Later came the electric +engines and electric motor cars and gas engines; and now there is a +tremendous amount of travel in every part of the earth. It is no +uncommon thing for one to travel at the rate of 75 and 100 miles per +hour; and particularly is this true by means of a flying machine, which +is a very modern invention. + +[406]God's Prophet designates this same time as "the day of God's +preparation". In Nahum 2:1-6 the Prophet records his vision of a +railway train traveling at a high rate of speed, as another evidence of +the day of preparation for the establishment of Christ's kingdom. + +[407]In 1844 the telegraph was invented, and later the telephone. These +instruments were first used with wires and by electricity messages were +conveyed throughout the earth; but now by later invention wires are +dispensed with and messages are flashed through the air by the use of +instruments all over the earth. + +[408]This great increase of knowledge and the tremendous running to and +fro of the people in various parts of the earth without question is a +fulfillment of the prophecy testifying as to "the time of the end". +These physical facts cannot be disputed and are sufficient to convince +any reasonable mind that we have been in "the time of the end" since +1799. + +[409]The latter part of "the time of the end" Jesus designates as a +time of harvest, because he says: "The harvest is the end of the world +[age]". He stated that he would be present at that time. From 1874 +forward is the latter part of the period of "the time of the end". From +1874 is the time of the Lord's second presence, as above stated. The +apostle Paul enumerating many things done concerning Israel states that +"they are written for our admonition upon whom the ends of the world +[age] are come". (1 Corinthians 10:11) It must be presumed, then, that +these things would be understood at "the time of the end". + +[410]The Lord's illustration of the sun rising in the east and shining +across to the west, which would occur at the time of his presence, is +further proof of the increased light at the time of his presence; and +true to prophecy, this has taken place. The laboring classes have always +been down-trodden and kept in subjection to the financial, ecclesiastical, +and political princes. It was in the year 1874, the date of our Lord's +second presence, that the first labor organization was created in the +world. From that time forward there has been a marvelous increase of +light and the inventions and discoveries have been too numerous for us to +mention all of them here, but mention is made of some of those that have +come to light since 1874, as further evidence of the Lord's presence +since that date, as follows: Adding machines, aeroplanes, aluminum, +antiseptic surgery, artificial dyes, automatic couplers, automobiles, +barbed wire, bicycles, carborundum, cash registers, celluloid, +correspondence schools, cream separators, Darkest Africa, disk ploughs, +Divine Plan of the Ages, dynamite, electric railways, electric welding, +escalators, fireless cookers, gas engines, harvesting machines, +illuminating gas, induction motors, linotypes, match machines, +monotypes, motion pictures, North Pole, Panama Canal, Pasteurization, +railway signals, Roentgen rays, shoe sewing machines, smokeless powder, +South Pole, submarines, radium, sky scrapers, subways, talking machines, +telephones, typewriters, vacuum cleaners, and wireless telegraphy. + + +THE HARVEST + +[411]The Scriptures disclose a complete parallel concerning the Jewish +and gospel ages. The parallel exists with reference to time as well as +events. The Jewish age ended with a harvest, which harvest began with +the ascension of our Lord in the year A.D. 33. By the term "harvest" +here used is meant the gathering of the remnant of the Jews to Christ. +Jesus' statement plainly is that the gospel age will end with a harvest, +during which time he would be present, directing the work of that +harvest. In the earth three and a half years from the time of his +consecration and baptism, Jesus was preparing the Jews for the harvest +of that age. We should expect to find a parallel of this with reference +to the harvest of the gospel age, and we do find it. Counting three and +a half years from 1874, the time of his presence, brings us to 1878. +During the presence of the Lord from 1874 to 1878 he was making +preparation for the harvest of the gospel age. The Jewish harvest +covered a period of forty years, ending in A.D. 73. We should expect, +then, the general harvest of the gospel age to end in 1918. + +[412]The natural harvest was used by the Lord to illustrate his harvest +of Christians. In the Jewish natural harvest it was customary to glean +the field after the regular harvest was over. We should therefore expect +to find a harvest period from 1878 to 1918, and thereafter for a time a +gleaning work going on, in which a few Christians would be gathered in, +as well as another part of the harvest work to be done, which we will +indicate. The question now is, Do we find a period of harvest in the +gospel age after 1874 which serves as a fulfillment of the prophecy of +the Lord? + +[413]In addition to his words cited in Matthew 13:24-30, and in answer +to the specific question with reference to his presence, Jesus said: +"And he [the Lord] shall send his angels [messengers] with a great sound +of a trumpet, and they shall gather together his elect from the four +winds, from one end of heaven to the other". (Matthew 24:31) The +following facts bear unmistakable testimony of the great harvest period +of the gospel age in fulfillment of prophetic utterances, which +fulfillment is one of the strongest proofs of the Lord's presence. + +[414]In this text the words "sound of a" are not contained in the oldest +manuscripts and should be omitted. The text is written, as will be +observed, in symbolic language. + +[415]Under the terms of the law covenant the Jews were required to keep +the fiftieth year as a jubilee, and the jubilee year was announced by +the blowing of a trumpet. In the text here under consideration the +trumpet symbolizes the message announcing the presence of the Lord, +proclaiming the fact that the harvest is due, that the time has come +when the saints should be gathered together, because the kingdom of +Messiah is at hand. + +[416]"Angels" in this text means messengers or servants who make +announcement of the presence of the Lord and the incoming of the +kingdom. Such messengers are the truly consecrated Christians who make +the announcements to other Christians and to all who have a hearing ear. +It would be reasonable to expect the Lord to have some special +messenger, as distinguished from others or general messengers in +announcing his presence and the time of the harvest. And such is the +case. Jesus said that an office had been provided for such a special +messenger and that at the time of his second appearing he would appoint +some one to that office and give him the responsibility of dispensing +meat to the household of faith in due season. The Christian's meat in +due season is a proper explanation of the Scriptures as they become due +to be understood. We mark a wonderful fulfillment of this statement of +the Lord as further corroborative proof of the Lord's second presence +from 1874 forward. He had said, in answer to the question relative to +his second presence: "Who then is a faithful and wise servant, whom his +lord hath made ruler over his household, to give them meat in due +season? Blessed is that servant, whom his lord when he cometh shall find +so doing. Verily I say unto you, That he shall make him ruler over all +his goods."--Matthew 24:45-47. + +[417]About 1870 Charles Taze Russell, of Allegheny, Pennsylvania, then +a truly consecrated Christian and a careful student of God's Word, +learned from the Scriptures that God has a great and harmonious plan for +the salvation and blessing of mankind. Like other earnest watchers, he +was watching for the evidences of the Lord's coming. About 1875, while +carefully and prayerfully studying the Scriptures, he became convinced +of the Lord's second presence, resulting in his writing and publishing a +booklet entitled, "The Object and Manner of Our Lord's Return," which +had a phenomenal circulation amongst the Christian people of the world. +In 1879 he began the publication of a journal, _The Watch Tower and +Herald of Christ's Presence_, which has since been issued regularly +twice each month. This is the first and only publication that for more +than forty years has announced the second presence of the Lord. This +journal is devoted exclusively to discussion of Scriptural questions, +being the means of carrying the food to the household of faith in due +season. + +[418]Then followed the great work of gathering together the true +followers of Christ Jesus, regardless of denomination, sect, kindred, or +tongue. Charles Taze Russell, who afterwards became better known as +Pastor Russell, was the greatest preacher of modern times. He was +elected pastor of upwards of 1,200 congregations at one time. He +traveled all over the earth proclaiming the message of the divine plan +of the ages, particularly calling attention of Christians to the +presence of the Lord. Between the years 1881 and 1904 he wrote and +published in six volumes the STUDIES IN THE SCRIPTURES giving a full and +detailed explanation of the various features of the divine plan. These +books were translated into about thirty languages and their combined +circulation exceeded 11,000,000 copies. In 1917 the seventh volume of +the series of STUDIES IN THE SCRIPTURES was published, known as "The +Finished Mystery", which has had a very wide circulation. These books +are the first clear explanation of the divine plan ever published. In +addition to the above, he published and widely circulated various +booklets, "What Say the Scriptures About Hell?" "Spiritism," "The Bible +Versus Evolution," "Tabernacle Shadows," and many other tracts, +pamphlets, etc. He was the author of the Photo-Drama of Creation, as +well as the scenario used for this drama, which gives an outline of the +divine plan from the creation to the times of restitution. He organized +and conducted a lecture bureau which employed a large force of Bible +lecturers who traveled and who yet travel throughout the world, +proclaiming the message of the divine plan. For a period of time his +sermons were published weekly in more than 2,000 newspapers, with a +combined circulation of 15,000,000 readers; and in all about 4,000 +different newspapers published his sermons. Some idea of the scope of +his work can be understood from the words written in _The Continent_, a +publication not friendly to him: + +[419]"His writings are said to have a greater newspaper circulation +every week than those of any other living man; greater, doubtless, than +the combined circulation of the writings of all the priests and +preachers in North America; greater even than the work of Arthur +Brisbane, Norman Hapgood, George Horace Lorimer, Dr. Frank Crane, +Frederick Haskins, and a dozen other of the best known editors and +syndicate writers put together." + +[420]Without a doubt Pastor Russell filled the office for which the +Lord provided and about which he spoke, and was therefore that wise and +faithful servant, ministering to the household of faith meat in due +season. Pastor Russell finished his earthly course in 1916. + +[421]In 1884 he caused to be incorporated the Watch Tower Bible and +Tract Society, intended by him to continue the work of the harvest +after his earthly career was finished, and which is yet carrying it on. + +[422]This great work of gathering together Christian people can be +designated in no other way than as a harvest, and fully meets that which +was foretold by the Lord Jesus. This work, which has covered a period of +about forty-five years, has never had for its purpose the forming of any +arrangement by which Christians join anything. Its purpose and work has +been and is to enlighten men and women concerning the great divine plan, +and by this means of proclaiming the message of truth has gathered +together Catholics and Protestants, Christians from all denominations in +all parts of the earth. These Christians are not the followers of Pastor +Russell, but are followers of the Lord and rejoice to feed upon the food +that the Lord has provided for them through his wise and faithful +servant. + +[423]Furthermore, Jesus said with reference to his second presence: "For +wheresoever the carcass is, there will the eagles be gathered together". +(Matthew 24:28) And so it is. The carcass here refers to the spiritual +food provided for the household of faith. The eagles are those of keen +vision and sharp appetite, anxious to know of the Lord's Word, and +equally anxious to feed upon it. Hence we find gathering together many +earnest Christian people in groups in various parts of the earth, who +know no nationality, whose citizenship is in heaven, whose allegiance +and devotion is to the Lord and to his kingdom of righteousness. + +[424]Jesus defines the wheat class as the true followers of himself, +children of the kingdom, and the tares as the imitation Christians, who +are Christians in name only. He declared: "Let both grow together until +the harvest; and in the time of the harvest I will say to the reapers, +Gather ye together first the tares, and bind them in bundles to burn +them; but gather the wheat into my barn."--Matthew 13: 30. + +[425]It is a well-known fact that since 1878 there has been a tendency +on the part of all denominations to bind themselves into leagues and +combines, associations, Interchurch World Movement, etc., thus +fulfilling this prophetic statement of the Lord of binding together the +merely nominal Christians preparatory for the great fire, the great time +of trouble, which is now upon the earth. To the truly consecrated people +of God, who have been identified with these various sectarian or +denominational systems the Lord has been calling in this time of the +harvest, saying: "Come out of her, my people, that ye be not partakers +of her sins, and receive not her plagues". (Revelation 18:4) Concerning +his work with the others, the wheat class, Jehovah through his Prophet +long ago said: "Gather my saints together unto me, those who have made a +covenant with me by sacrifice". (Psalm 50:5) The great work of the +harvest, that is to say, the proclaiming of the second presence of the +Lord and the gathering together of those who truly love his appearing, +has been so remarkably fulfilled since 1874 that it is one of the most +striking and conclusive proofs of the Lord's second presence. + + +SCOFFERS + +[426]It might be reasonably expected that the clergy of various +denominations would be anxious to know and anxious to tell the people +about the presence of the Lord, and would therefore joyfully receive any +news concerning his presence. We find the facts to be just to the +contrary, however, and we again notice that this is one of the evidences +given by Jesus himself marking his second presence. He said: "But as the +days of Noah were, so shall also the coming [presence] of the Son of +man be. For as in the days that were before the flood they were eating +and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage, until the day that Noah +entered into the ark, and knew not until the flood came, and took them +all away; so shall also the coming [presence] of the Son of man be." +(Matthew 24:37-39) Instead of these clergymen as a class joining in the +proclamation, 'Behold the Bridegroom! the Lord has returned, the kingdom +is at hand,' they scoff and jeer, and if they say anything concerning +the Lord's second presence, even though they get all their information +from what Pastor Russell wrote, they discredit him and mock and scoff at +what he wrote or said. Of course the Lord foreknew this and therefore he +caused the Apostle under inspiration to write: "There shall come in the +last days scoffers, walking after their own lusts, and saying, Where is +the promise of his coming [presence]? for since the fathers fell asleep, +all things continue as they were from the beginning of the creation". +--2 Peter 3:3,4. + + +END OF THE WORLD + +[427]Jesus having taught his disciples concerning his second coming, +and having informed them that the world would end at or during that +time, they desired to know how they might be able to ascertain the fact +of his presence and what would be the indication or proof of it to them +or to any one. He was sitting on the side of the Mount of Olives when +his disciples came to him privately and propounded the question: "Tell +us, _when_ shall these things be? and _what_ shall be the sign [proof or +indication] of thy presence, and of the end of the world?" (Matthew 24:3) +The word world as here used does not mean the earth. The earth will never +end or pass away, because "God himself that formed the earth and made it, +he hath established it, he created it not in vain, he formed it to be +inhabited". (Isaiah 45:18) "The earth abideth forever."--Ecclesiastes 1:4. + +[428]The word world means the social and political order or rule +governing the people. From Adam to the time of the great deluge was the +first world or social order of government; which was under the +administration of angels (Hebrews 2:5), and which passed away in a +great flood, during which only Noah and his family, consisting in all of +eight persons, were carried over from the old to the other or newer +world, and were saved. (2 Peter 3:6; 1 Peter 3:20) There began with Noah +and his family a new order or world, which in the time of the Apostle's +day and before that time had grown evil, and which he designated as "the +present evil world". (Galatians 1:4) The Apostle clearly shows that that +world must pass away to make way for the new and righteous kingdom, +which will rule and govern and bless the people. + +[429]It was during the early part of this world that God made promise +to Abraham that through his seed all the families of the earth should be +blessed. Later, at the death of Jacob, God organized the nation of +Israel or the Jews into a nation and at Mount Sinai made a covenant with +them. Jehovah dealt with the nation of Israel exclusive of all other +nations for a number of years. They had many kings, some good and some +bad. Zedekiah was their last king, and because of his wickedness God +said concerning him: "Therefore thus saith the Lord God: Because ye have +made your iniquity to be remembered, in that your transgressions are +discovered, so that in all your doings your sins do appear; because, I +say, that ye are come to remembrance, ye shall be taken with the hand. +And thou, profane wicked prince of Israel, whose day is come, when +iniquity shall have an end, thus saith the Lord God: Remove the diadem, +and take off the crown: this shall not be the same; exalt him that is +low and abase him that is high. I will overturn, overturn, overturn, it: +and it shall be no more, until he come whose right it is; and I will +give it [to] him,"--Ezekiel 21:24-27. + +[430]In the year 606 B.C. Zedekiah was overthrown. He was taken a +prisoner, carried away to Babylon, and Nebuchadnezzar established in the +earth the first universal empire and the gentile times dated from that +time forward. The length of the gentile times is definitely fixed in the +Scriptures as a period of seven symbolic times of 360 years each, or a +total of 2,520 years. This period beginning with the year 606 B.C. +necessarily must end in 1914 A.D. God had declared that he would +overturn the right of the descendants of Abraham to rule, thereby +permitting the gentiles to have an uninterrupted sway until he should +come whose right it is. The one whose right it is is the great Messiah, +Christ Jesus the Lord. It would be reasonable to expect him to be +present some time before he would take unto himself his great power to +reign. His presence beginning in 1874, he has carried on his harvest +work from 1878 forward, but has not interrupted the gentile dominion +until that dominion should end. The end of the gentile rule, therefore, +would mark necessarily the end of the present order; therefore, the end +of the world. We should expect, then, to find 1914 as the beginning of +the end of the old world or order of government. And that this would +take place during the presence of the Lord he definitely stated. + +[431]When the gentile dominion legally ends, the order being a wicked one +under the supervision of Satan, the god of the evil world (2 Corinthians +4:3,4), and all these nations lying in the wicked one (1 John 5:19), it +would be expected that the gentile kingdoms and nations would strive to +hold on to their power. But when the proper time should come it would +also be expected that the Lord, whose right it is, would take over the +affairs into his own hands. And so he said: "We give thanks, O Lord God +Almighty, which art, and wast, and art to come; because thou hast taken +to thee thy great power, and hast reigned. And the nations were angry, +and thy wrath is come, and the time of the dead, that they should be +judged, and that thou shouldest give reward unto thy servants the +prophets, and to the saints, and them that fear thy name, small and +great; and shouldest destroy them which destroy the earth."--Revelation +11:17,18. + +[432]It will be observed that the Lord does not do all of his work in a +twenty-four-hour day, but that gradually he performs his sovereign will. +Specifically answering the question concerning the end of the world +during the time of his presence, Jesus said: "Nation shall rise against +nation, and kingdom against kingdom; and there shall be famines, and +pestilences, and earthquakes [literal and symbolic--revolutions] in +divers places. All these are the beginning of sorrows." (Matthew 24:7,8) +Exactly on time, at the end of the gentile dominion, at the beginning of +the end of the world, nation rose against nation and kingdom against +kingdom in the most devastating war that man ever dreamed would come to +the world. There followed in its wake a great pestilence, the Spanish +influenza, which swept the earth; and the famine is still raging amongst +many peoples and kindreds of the earth; and there have been revolutions, +as well as many literal earthquakes in various parts of the earth. And +these, said the Master, mark the beginning of the end of the world, +which takes place during the time of his presence. The evidence here is +overwhelming, proclaiming his presence and the end of the world. + +[433]These facts mark a corroboration and a clear fulfillment of the +words of Jehovah's Prophet announced centuries before, namely: "In the +days of these kings shall the God of heaven set up a kingdom, which +shall never be destroyed: and the kingdom shall not be left to other +people, but it shall break in pieces and consume all these kingdoms, and +it shall stand for ever". (Daniel 2:44) Literally the kingdoms of earth +are being broken in pieces, and any one who takes a map of Europe today +and looks it over can see how completely this prophecy is now in course +of fulfillment. Nearly all the kings of earth are gone and their +kingdoms are broken in pieces and are being consumed. This is being done +because the Lord is present, because the old world has ended and he is +clearing away the unrighteous things to make way for his new and +righteous government. + +[434]Furthermore Jesus said concerning the end of the world within the +time of his second presence: "Then shall they deliver you up to be +afflicted, and shall kill you: and ye shall be hated of all nations for +my name's sake". (Matthew 24:9) "But take heed to yourselves: for they +shall deliver you up to councils [courts]; and in the synagogues ye +shall be beaten: and ye shall be brought before rulers and kings for my +sake, for a testimony against them." (Mark 13:9) "But before all these, +they shall lay their hands on you, and persecute you, delivering you up +to the synagogues, and into prisons, being brought before kings and +rulers for my name's sake. And it shall turn to you for a testimony." +(Luke 21:12,13) Literally did these Scriptures have fulfillment in the +years 1917, 1918, and 1919. The World War furnished the excuse for the +world-wide persecution of humble and honest and faithful Christians. + +[435]The Christian truly consecrated to the Lord believes and follows +the Lord's teaching: "Thou shalt not kill". (Matthew 5:21) And again: +"Though we walk in the flesh, we do not war after the flesh; for the +weapons of our warfare are not carnal". (2 Corinthians 10:3,4) During +the World War many of the nations passed laws to govern conscientious +objectors, that is, those who object to taking human life. The officers +of the present evil order upon whom devolved the duty and obligation of +construing and enforcing this law, disregarded it; and at the instance +of an apostate and dishonest clergy, truly consecrated Christians, +particularly those known as Bible Students, were, in fulfillment of +Jesus' utterances, hated, beaten, persecuted, haled into the courts and +imprisoned, and some of them killed. But the Lord's protecting care has +been about them through it all. + +[436]In Germany they were persecuted, some put in the front ranks of the +assaulting army. One Christian man, for instance, who refused to take +human life because of his faith in the Lord, was placed in the front +line of attack during a battle. A soldier was placed on either side of +him with gun and bayonet and instructed to kill him if he attempted to +escape. He went through the battle. Most of his regiment was +annihilated, including the two guards by his side. When the battle was +over this Christian brother had not a scratch. Again he was put in a +similar position; and again he went through another battle without +injury. He was then charged with being insane because he would not fight +and placed in an insane asylum and kept there for a period of time, +until he was turned out; and then he proceeded with proclaiming the +message of the Lord's presence and his glorious incoming kingdom. + +[437]The persecution in Great Britain of the same class of Christians, +and in Canada, and in the United States--long boasted of as the land of +the free and the home of the brave--was so terrible that words are +inadequate to describe it. Number 27 of the GOLDEN AGE magazine, issued +September 29, 1920, gives a detailed description of many of these wicked +persecutions, which mark a clear fulfillment of these prophetic +utterances of the Lord. The ones who had the privilege of passing +through them and who had the many evidences of the Lord's blessings, +rejoice because accounted worthy to suffer as our Lord had suffered, +remembering his words: "The servant is not greater than his lord. If +they have persecuted me, they will also persecute you".--John 15:20. + +[438]Jesus furthermore said: "This gospel of the kingdom shall be +preached in all the world for a witness unto all nations; and then shall +the end come". (Matthew 24:14) In the year 1919 many of the Bible +Students in different parts of the earth, emerging from army camps and +prison dungeons, rejoicing in their privileges, again assembled together +and with united action went forth to proclaim the message of the +presence of the Lord; and particularly the message, "The World Has +Ended--Millions Now Living Will Never Die," clearly in fulfillment of +the words of the Master in the text last above quoted. Numbers of public +lectures delivered upon this subject throughout Christendom have +gladdened the hearts of hundreds of thousands of people, comforting +those that mourn. In 1920 this message was put into printed form in the +booklet entitled "Millions Now Living Will Never Die", and in the lands +where the greatest persecution prevailed against the people of the Lord, +greatest has been the witness. Within eight months 2,500,000 copies of +this booklet were placed in the hands of the people; and yet the message +goes on, giving a wider and wider witness, looking forward to the full +consummation of "the time of the end", the end of the old order and the +incoming of Messiah's kingdom. + + +REGATHERING OF ISRAEL + +[439]Jesus furthermore said that the regathering of Israel to Palestine +(Luke 21:24) would be one of the most conclusive proofs of his presence +and of the end of the world. A full discussion of this point, together +with many other points concerning the end of the world, is set forth in +detail in the above mentioned booklet, "Millions Now Living Will Never +Die". Therein is shown conclusively that the prophecies have been +fulfilled exactly on time; that Israel is now being regathered and is +rebuilding Palestine exactly as the Lord foretold. Jesus said: "And when +these things begin to come to pass, then look up, and lift up your +heads; for your redemption draweth nigh".--Luke 21:28. + +[440]Jesus, speaking further through his chosen vessel, refers to the +harvest of the tare class, saying, "The harvest of the earth is ripe. +And he that sat on the cloud thrust in his sickle on the earth; and the +earth was reaped." (Revelation 14:15,16) This gathering of the elements +of Christendom, the vine of the earth, and the reaping of it for +destruction, is now in progress. It is one feature of the Lord's work, +which proves his presence at this time. + +[441]There are many other corroborative evidences of the presence of the +Lord, but space will not permit the examination of all of them here. We +leave the reader to find a more detailed explanation of these great +corroborative truths set forth in Volumes 2 and 3 of STUDIES IN THE +SCRIPTURES. + +[442]Why should any one deceive himself by being induced to cease an +investigation of this subject because some self-constituted wise one +will say: 'You can never know when the Lord will come'? Jesus himself +said to his faithful followers: "Watch therefore: for ye know not what +hour your Lord doth come". (Matthew 24:42) "And what I say unto you I +say unto all, Watch." (Mark 13:37) The clear inference here is that the +watchers in due time would recognize the evidences of his presence, and +recognizing these, would rejoice. + +[443]Suppose we admit, for the sake of the argument, that no man knows +the day nor hour of the Lord's appearing. What difference does that make? +The hour and the day have already passed. He is here! And let all truly +consecrated Christians rejoice. "But of the times and the seasons, +brethren, ye have no need that I write unto you," says St. Paul. +(1 Thessalonians 5:1) The times and seasons are clearly established by the +overwhelming proof that the Lord is now present. Therefore, "ye, +brethren, are not in darkness, ... ye are all the children of light, and +the children of the day; we are not of the night, nor of darkness". Why +quibble now about dates, days or hours? The physical facts, the +fulfilled prophecy and prophecy further in course of fulfillment, prove +overwhelmingly and beyond the shadow of a doubt that the Lord is +present, that the world has ended, that the kingdom of heaven is at +hand! And the true watchers are joyfully exclaiming: "Behold the +Bridegroom!" As faithful members of his body, as the feet of him, they +are standing upon the mountains, that is, upon or above the kingdoms of +earth, singing out to the peoples of Zion: 'Thy God reigneth! The +kingdom of heaven is at hand!' The Prophet of the Lord describes them +thus: "How beautiful upon the mountains are the feet of him that +bringeth good tidings, that publisheth peace; that bringeth good tidings +of good, that publisheth salvation; that saith unto Zion, Thy God +reigneth! Thy watchmen shall lift up the voice; with the voice together +shall they sing: for they shall see eye to eye, when the Lord shall +bring again Zion."--Isaiah 52:7,8. + +[444]These are they who, having the harps of God, are singing the song +of Moses the servant of God and the song of the Lamb, harmonizing the +great truths of the Old and New Testaments, the Mosaic law and the +gospel of Christ Jesus, singing: "Great and marvelous are thy works, +Lord God Almighty; just and true are thy ways, thou King of saints. Who +shall not fear thee, O Lord, and glorify thy name? for thou only art +holy: for all nations shall come and worship before thee; for thy +judgments are made manifest."--Revelation 15:2-4. + + +WHY THE LORD COMES + +[445]There are three primary purposes or reasons why the Lord appears +the second time. These are: (1) To bind Satan and destroy his kingdom +and all the false systems inaugurated by his agencies; (2) to receive +unto himself his bride, the church, which includes the work of the +harvest of gathering them unto him; and (3) to set up his kingdom, for +which he taught his followers to pray. + +[446]The purpose of our Lord's second coming has been much misunderstood +and misrepresented. Some have said that he is coming to burn up the +earth. The Scriptures answer this charge: "The heaven, even the heavens, +are the Lord's; but the earth hath he given to the children of men". +(Psalm 115:16) How then can we harmonize this statement of the +Scriptures with St. Peter's words?--"But the day of the Lord will come +as a thief in the night; in the which the heavens shall pass away with a +great noise, and the elements shall melt with fervent heat, the earth +also and the works that are therein shall be burned up.... The heavens +being on fire shall be dissolved, and the elements shall melt with +fervent heat."--2 Peter 3:10,12. + +[447]It is manifest that the Apostle is here using symbolic language. He +states that the Lord comes as a thief, illustrating how quietly and +unobservedly his second coming or appearing takes place, as we have +already noted. Then we must conclude that the other main elements here +mentioned are symbolic. The heavens taken symbolically mean the +invisible power of control, consisting of Satan and his unseen agencies, +as well as his visible agencies in the earth. The earth symbolically +represents organized society under Satan's dominion. The elements here +meant are the various selfish elements of the earth, composed of +ecclesiasticism, political parties, lodge systems, etc., that go to make +up the various elements of human society; and we can see that these are +all discordant and warring amongst themselves. They shall all be +dissolved and shall melt with fervent heat; that is to say, during the +heated time of trouble. + +[448]But the Apostle states in the thirteenth verse of this chapter: +"Nevertheless we, according to his promise, look for new heavens and a +new earth, wherein dwelleth righteousness"; meaning thereby that we look +for a new invisible power of control, Messiah's kingdom, and a new +earth, society organized along new lines, to take the place of the old. +The words here have no reference to the mundane sphere or globe upon +which the human race resides. + +[449]The symbolic fire is now burning fiercely in the troublesome time +that we see amongst the peoples and nations of the earth; and it will +continue to burn until all the false systems of Satan's empire are +completely destroyed. This is a further evidence of the Lord's presence +at this time, as well as one of the purposes for which he comes. + +[450]In speaking of the proof of his presence, Jesus further stated that +at that time there would be "upon the earth distress of nations, with +perplexity; the sea [restless humanity] and the waves [various organized +parts of it] roaring; men's hearts failing them for fear, and for +looking after those things which are coming on the earth; for the powers +of heaven shall he shaken. And then shall they see [discern] the Son of +man coming in a cloud with power and great glory;" that is to say, they +will discern the Lord's presence through the clouds, symbolic of great +trouble, and glory, the manifestation of his justice and power. (Luke +21:25-27) No one will attempt to gainsay the fact that just now, in the +year 1921, all the nations are in distress and the people in all +branches of business--socially, politically and otherwise--are in +perplexity and know not what to do. And men of earth who are engaged in +business affairs are so fearful that their hearts are failing them, not +knowing which way to turn nor what to do. + +[451]On one hand we observe the employers who own the factories and the +mills and who employ the laboring element to do the work, striving to +curtail their expenses, reducing wages, discharging men, resulting in +millions being out of employment with no means of earning a livelihood +for themselves or families. On the other hand is the laboring class of +men, who have received their employment at the hands of the wealthier, +who are distressed in mind. And because of the injustices heaped upon +them they are becoming more restless each day and are threatening to +take complete possession and control of the factories and mills and +mines and operate these themselves. The political class, striving always +to do the will of the financial powers, are perplexed and frightened as +to what they shall do, yet constantly acting in a vain attempt to help +their allies in the great beastly order; while the apostate clergy, +which goes to make up the third element of the beastly order, is trying +to induce the order-loving people to unite themselves with church +systems and thereby support the employing class. + +[452]These various elements, selfishly exercising what power they have, +are going from bad to worse, leading on to a great disaster for the +unrighteous systems of earth. Jesus points this out as the final and +conclusive evidence of his presence and of the end of the world, saying: +"Then shall be great tribulation, such as was not since the beginning of +the world to this time, no, nor ever shall be. And except those days +should be shortened, there should no flesh be saved: but for the elect's +sake those days shall be shortened." (Matthew 24:21,22) The prophet +Daniel corroborates the words of the Master to the effect that in this +time of trouble the great Messiah will manifest himself and put into +operation his kingdom. He says: "And at that time shall Michael [God's +representative, the Messiah] stand up, the great prince which standeth +for the children of thy people; and there shall be a time of trouble, +such as never was since there was a nation even to that same time; and +at that time thy people shall be delivered, every one that shall be +found written in the book".--Daniel 12:1. + +[453]The world is madly rushing on now to this time of trouble. It is +the time spoken of by the prophet Haggai, who says: "And I will shake +all nations, and the desire of all nations shall come; and I will fill +this house with glory, saith the Lord of hosts". (Haggai 2:7) And when +this great shaking is over, then the desire of all nations and peoples +will come, namely, an honest, righteous government, administered in +behalf of mankind under the supervision of the great Messiah. The +apostle Paul refers to this time as a time of great shaking, which +immediately precedes the full establishment of the Messianic kingdom. +(Hebrews 12:18-28) The Lord by his presence is bringing to light every +hidden thing. The Apostle foretold it would be thus, saying: "Therefore +judge nothing before the time, until the Lord come, who both will bring +to light the hidden things of darkness, and will make manifest the +counsels of the hearts".--1 Corinthians 4:5. + +[454]Thus the Lord is letting the light of truth shine out, and by the +truth is binding Satan, which means the great adversary, the devil, and +his various agencies and influences in the earth. And this is further +evidence of the Lord's presence. Truly Satan's house is divided against +itself and cannot stand. It is going to pieces. Jesus in his revelation +to St. John caused to be written these words: "And I saw an angel come +down from heaven, having the key of the bottomless pit and a great chain +in his hand. And he laid hold on the dragon, that old serpent, which is +the devil, and Satan, and bound him a thousand years, and cast him into +the bottomless pit, and shut him up, and set a seal upon him, that he +should deceive the nations no more, till the thousand years should be +fulfilled; and after that he must be loosed a little season," +(Revelation 20:1-3) This is the time that Jesus foretold when the +nations shall be "as vessels of a potter, ... broken to shivers". +(Revelation 2:27) Satan soon shall be restrained and his empire +completely and forever destroyed. (Isaiah 34:1-4; 51:6) Thus shall the +Lord be revealed to the world, and they shall know of his presence by +the fiery time of trouble which shall take vengeance upon the +unrighteous systems and things of the earth. (2 Thessalonians 1:7,8) +This is the day of God's vengeance and his fire will continue to burn +until all parts of the Satanic order are destroyed. The Prophet wrote +concerning this first work of the Messiah: "Thou shalt break them with a +rod of iron; thou shalt dash them in pieces like a potter's vessel". +--Psalm 2: 9. + + +TO RECEIVE HIS BRIDE + +[455]Jesus is likened unto a bridegroom, while the church is likened +unto a bride. (John 3:29; Revelation 21:9; 2 Corinthians 11:2) Many +beautiful word pictures or types appear in the Old Testament, which God +caused to be made for the purpose of teaching his great plan to those +who would search for the truth. One of these pictures is that of Isaac +and Rebekah. Abraham the father of Isaac sent his servant Eliezer into a +distant land to find a wife for his son Isaac. The servant took ten +camels and went into Mesopotamia, unto the city of Nahor. There he found +Rebekah, the daughter of Bethuel, a virgin very fair to look upon. +Eliezer "took a golden earring of half a shekel weight, and two +bracelets for her hands of ten shekels weight of gold". Rebekah agreed +to accompany Eliezer to become the wife of Isaac. "And Rebekah arose, +and her damsels, and they rode upon the camels, and followed the man +[Eliezer]," who brought her unto Isaac. "And Isaac brought her into his +mother Sarah's, tent, and took Rebekah, and she became his wife," after +his mother Sarah's death.--See Genesis 24. + +[456]In this picture Abraham is a type of Jehovah; his wife Sarah, a +type of the Abrahamic covenant, from which the Messiah springs; Isaac, +the son, a type of Jesus Christ; while Rebekah is a type of the church, +the bride of Christ. Eliezer, Abraham's servant, is a type of the holy +spirit, whose mission it is to invite the church and to assist her, and +ultimately to bring her and her companions to the antitypical Isaac, the +Lord Jesus, the Bridegroom. Before Jesus departed from the earth he said +to his disciples: "I will pray the Father, and he shall give you another +Comforter, ... even the spirit of truth.... I will not leave you +comfortless: I will come to you. Yet a little while, and the world seeth +me no more; but ye see me: because I live, ye shall live also," (John +14:15-19) Eliezer here pictures the comforter, the holy spirit, which +was given at Pentecost, at which time the way was opened and the +invitation was given to men who love the Lord to become followers of the +Lord Jesus and be of the bride class. The ten camels which Eliezer took +with him represent the Word of God, the ten strings of the harp. The +golden earring presented to Rebekah represents the blessed and pleasing +effect of hearing the call to be the bride of Christ; while the two +bracelets picture the happy effect of responding to the divine call and +doing with our might what our hands find to do. + +[457]The call to become members of this glorious bride class is +beautifully pictured by the Psalmist thus: "Hearken, O daughter, and +consider, and incline thine ear; forget also thine own people, and thy +father's house; so shall the king greatly desire thy beauty: for he is +thy Lord; and worship thou him". (Psalm 45:10,11) Responding to that +call, one consecrates his all to the Lord, is begotten of the holy +spirit, and henceforth being borne up by the spirit of the Lord through +his Word grows in the likeness of his Master and prepares for the coming +of the beloved Bridegroom. The death of Sarah, Abraham's wife, pictures +the end of the Sarah-Abrahamic covenant, from which springs the bride of +Christ; and Isaac receiving Rebekah and taking her as his wife after his +mother's death foreshadowed the complete union of Christ Jesus the +bridegroom and the church his bride at the end of the world. + +[458]Throughout the entire gospel age from Pentecost until now the Lord +has been preparing his bride, the church. Many have been called, but few +have been chosen, and still fewer will be faithful; but only the +faithful ones will he receive. Just before his departure at the time of +his first advent he said: "In my Father's house are many mansions: if it +were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. And +if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you +unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also."--John 14:2,3. + +[459]Here, then, is one of the positive statements that one of the chief +purposes of the Lord's return is to receive unto himself his bride. +Since his appearance, therefore, he has been doing the harvest work, +namely, gathering unto himself those who will constitute the bride +class. + +[460]The Lord gives a picture in the twenty-fifth chapter of Matthew of +this kingdom class. (Matthew 25:1-13) Here he speaks of ten virgins who +took their lamps and went forth to meet the bridegroom. A virgin means a +pure one. Lovers of the Lord Jesus, the bridegroom, long for his return. +These took their lamps. The lamp represents the Word of God; as the +Psalmist says: "Thy word is a lamp unto my feet". (Psalm 119:105) Part +of these virgins were wise; therefore they took oil in their vessels. +The wise represent the bride class, the faithful ones; while the foolish +ones picture a class of greater numbers who will not be of the bride +class, but will be born on the spirit plane. While these have waited for +the coming of the Lord, the foolish ones have been indifferent. They +have had no oil, have not had the spirit of the truth, the loving zeal +for the Lord and his cause; hence they have been negligent. Whereas the +wise virgins have been watching and have kept their lamps trimmed and +burning; which means they have studied the Word of God and watched the +fulfillment of prophecies, striving to develop the fruits and graces of +the spirit and to be prepared for the coming of the Bridegroom. As +these, then, of the bride class come to a knowledge of the fact that the +bridegroom is present, they join in the cry: "Behold the Bridegroom!" +And they hasten to prepare to meet him. During the time of the harvest +of the gospel age, during the second presence of the Lord, members of +the wise virgin class coming to a knowledge of the truth of his presence +have rejoiced greatly because the Lord has returned; and the joy of the +bride class has increased as the members have marked the ever-increasing +evidence manifesting the Lord's presence and the preparation for his +kingdom. And as they have cried out, "Behold the Bridegroom!" they have +been zealous in presenting the message of truth to others, that their +hearts might be refreshed. The Lord has a special reward for those who +love his second appearing, as the Apostle plainly stated. (2 Timothy 4:8) +There will not be a great number of this bride class. On the contrary, +they are small in number. Jesus said there would be but a little flock. +(Luke 12:32) Through the Revelator he designates the number as +144,000.--Revelation 14:1. + +[461]Some of these dear saints, however, have been developed from time to +time throughout the gospel age, beginning with the apostles at Pentecost. +These have died and waited for the return of the Lord. Since the +Scriptures show that the dead know not anything until the resurrection, +it would be reasonable to expect the Lord to do something for these who +had died faithful to their covenant and to expect that he would do +something for them early in the time of his presence. St. Paul says: +"For this we say unto you by the word of the Lord, that we which are +alive and remain unto the coming of the Lord shall not prevent them +which are asleep. For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a +shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and +the dead in Christ shall rise first: then we which are alive and remain +shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in +the air; and so shall we ever be with the Lord."--1 Thessalonians 4:15-17. + +[462]Some have misconstrued this Scripture to mean that the Lord would +appear the second time and give a great shout and wake up the dead. The +word here translated shout means a message of encouragement. It implies +a public message designed for the ears not of a few, but for a great +number. The "shout", the "voice of the archangel" and the "trump of God" +are all symbols. Literally, it means that the appearing of the Lord will +be at the time of or during the shout of encouragement; and this is in +full harmony with the evidences heretofore examined that the presence of +the Lord has been at a time when the people have been encouraged +concerning their own rights. Christians have encouraged each other by +passing the message of the Lord's presence on to each other. The peoples +have encouraged one another with reference to their liberties, rights, +and privileges. The "voice of the archangel", as used in this passage, +means one with authority, the chief messenger, Christ Jesus himself. He +comes with light and truth, illuminating the minds of men, leading them +into greater light which has come upon the end of the age when the shout +of encouragement for the rights and liberties of the people and the +deliverance of Christians into the kingdom of the Lord has begun +throughout the earth. + +[463]During this time, then, we should expect the resurrection of those +saintly ones who died before the second coming of the Lord; and should +expect that these would be awakened out of death and gathered unto the +Lord, thus to be forever with him. And therefore those believers who +were alive at his coming, when the time came for their death, would +experience an instantaneous change from human to spirit beings. And +finally, when all the members of the bride class shall have finished +their course and all have passed from the human into the spiritual +condition, with glorious bodies, they will enjoy peace and happiness for +evermore. The Lord is taking unto himself his bride class, because the +promise is that these shall be heirs of God and joint-heirs with Christ +Jesus in his kingdom, and that they shall reign with him.--Romans 8:16,17; +Revelation 20:6. + + +ESTABLISHING HIS KINGDOM + +[464]Before the foundation of the world God foreordained that he would +have a kingdom and a royal family who would have charge of the kingdom. +The kingdom necessarily embraces the royal house or royal family, as +well as the dominion. Foreknowing the end of all things, God provided in +his great plan not only for the redemption of the human race, but the +selection from amongst men of a certain number whom he would transform +into the image and likeness of his beloved Son. God provided also that +these should constitute the royal family of heaven. The apostle Peter +says of this class: "But ye are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a +holy nation, a people for a purpose, that you may declare the +perfections of him who called you from darkness into his wonderful +light; who once were not a people, but now are God's people".--1 Peter +2:9,10. _Diaglott_. + +[465]To his disciples, and to those who should thereafter become such, +Jesus said: "I appoint unto you a kingdom, as my Father hath appointed +unto me". (Luke 22:29) And again: "To him that overcometh will I grant +to sit with me in my throne". (Revelation 3:21) From these Scriptures +it is to be seen that the church constitutes with Jesus the royal +family, the kingdom class, otherwise called the seed of Abraham, through +which the blessings shall flow out to mankind. This is the kingdom for +which he taught his disciples to pray. This is the kingdom which the +prophet Daniel declares shall be set up to have no successor, and which +shall be established during the last days of the kingdoms of the +unrighteous order.--Daniel 2:44; 7:14,27. + +[466]The truly consecrated followers of Jesus, obedient to his +admonition, have been watching and waiting; and those who were permitted +to live at the time of his second presence and since have experienced +that blessedness spoken of by Daniel the prophet at the end of the 1,335 +symbolic days or years. As the great divine plan has been revealed to +these they have learned that the Lord has returned and is here, +invisible to human eyes, yet exercising his great power in binding Satan +and dashing to pieces the present unrighteous order, gathering unto +himself his saints, and putting in order the affairs of his kingdom; +that he has taken unto himself his great power to reign, and that soon +all the saints shall participate with the Lord in glory in carrying out +the further divine arrangement. As this string upon the harp of God is +revealed to them, they sing with exultant joy: + + "Our lamps are trimmed and burning, + Our robes are white and clean; + We've tarried for the Bridegroom, + And now we'll enter in. + We know we've nothing worthy + That we can call our own-- + The light, the oil, the robes we wear, + Are all from him alone. + Behold, behold the Bridegroom! + And all may enter in, + Whose lamps are trimmed and burning, + Whose robes are white and clean." + +[467]And these saints while yet on earth, beholding with the eye of +faith the marvelous fulfillment of prophecy, are patiently waiting for +the time of their glorification, when they each shall be clothed upon +with a new and beautiful body like unto Jesus', the beloved Bridegroom, +and when they each shall see him as he is. + + + + +What effect is produced upon one by the return of a very dear friend +long absent? ¶ 347. + +Define the term "friend". ¶ 348. + +Who is mankind's dearest friend, and why? ¶ 348. + +How long since Jesus journeyed to a far country? and what did he say +about returning? ¶ 349. + +If the facts show that this dear friend has returned for the blessing of +mankind, what effect should this have upon those who have been expecting +his return? ¶ 349. + +Would his returning constitute one of the strings upon the harp of God? +¶ 349. + +For what have the Jews been long hoping and praying? ¶ 350. + +For what have Christians been looking and waiting for the past nineteen +centuries? ¶ 350. + +For what is the world of mankind groaning and waiting? ¶ 350. + +What effect will be produced upon mankind when they learn that their +benefactor is present to bestow blessings upon them? ¶ 350. + +Is the returning of the Lord to Christians a precious string upon the +harp of God? and if so, why? ¶ 351. + +What conditions in the earth are preparing the people for a knowledge of +our Lord's return? ¶ 352. + +Are the reasons for our Lord's return few or many? and should they be +kept in mind? ¶ 353. + +Should we reason upon the Scriptures? and if so, why? ¶ 353. + +In the advancement of the divine plan, do we find reason and the +Scriptures harmonizing? ¶ 353. + +What points are conclusively proven by the Scriptures thus far examined? +¶ 354. + +Why is it necessary for relationship to be established between the world +and the Lord Jesus? ¶ 354. + +What reason do we see for the Lord establishing in the earth a righteous +order of things? ¶ 354. + +Must he be present to establish that order? ¶ 354. + +Is there Scriptural evidence to support these reasonable conclusions? +¶ 355. + +What did the prophet Isaiah say about the coming of this mighty One? +¶ 355. + +What presumption follows the term "everlasting father"? ¶ 355. + +What blessing, then, should we expect man to receive through the +promised government? ¶ 355. + +What presumption must be indulged concerning the coming of the Lord from +the utterance of Jehovah to King Zedekiah through the prophet Ezekiel +when God overturned the government of Israel? ¶ 356. + +What is to be expected that the coming of this mighty One would do in +the earth? ¶ 357. + +When Zedekiah was overthrown, what did the gentiles do, by the Lord's +permission? ¶ 358. + +Through the prophet Daniel, what world empires did the Lord Jehovah +foretell? and how long would they last? Give Scriptural proof. ¶ 358. + +Would we expect the righteous King to be present when this breaking to +pieces of the old kingdoms occurs? ¶ 358. + +Why do the Scriptures speak of this righteous kingdom as the kingdom of +heaven? ¶ 358. + +In what two-fold sense is the term "kingdom" used? ¶ 359. + +To what did most of the parables of Jesus relate? ¶ 359. + +What did Jesus teach the disciples indicating the importance of the +Lord's coming kingdom? ¶ 359. + +Should Christians expect the fulfillment of their prayers? ¶ 359. + +Since this coming King must have a kingdom, do the Scriptures indicate +who is to be the king of this new order? Quote the Scriptural proof. +¶ 359. + +When Jesus stood before Pilate, of what crime was he accused? ¶ 360. + +What question did Pilate ask him? and what was the Lord's reply? ¶ 360. + +What is meant by the term "world" as used in this and other Scriptures? +¶ 360. + +What peoples were to have dominion in the earth from the time of +Zedekiah's overthrow until the second coming of the Lord? ¶ 360. + +Who is the invisible ruler of that social order of things? ¶ 360. + +By what other terms is Satan designated? ¶ 360. + +What has been the nature of Satan's rule through his earthly +representatives? ¶ 360. + +What do we understand, then, to be the meaning of the Master's words to +Pilate? ¶ 360. + +Did the parable of the pounds taught by our Lord to his disciples +indicate his return? ¶ 361. + +What is also indicated by the parable of the talents? ¶ 361. + +What did Jesus say to his disciples just before his crucifixion about +his second coming? Quote his words. ¶ 362. + +Where were Jesus and his disciples when Jesus ascended into heaven? ¶ 363. + +Give the Scriptural account of what occurred at the time of his +ascension, ¶ 363. + +Who were the men who stood by and spoke to the disciples at that time? +¶ 363. + +Why did these angels thus materialize and speak to the disciples? ¶ 363. + +Were the disciples thoroughly convinced of the second coming of the +Lord? and if so, how did it influence their teachings? Give Scriptural +proof. ¶ 364. + +What did St. Paul say to Timothy about the time of the end of his +earthly career concerning the second coming of the Lord? ¶ 364. + +What special promise is indicated for the benefit of those who would +love his appearing? ¶ 364. + +What is the book of Revelation? ¶ 365. + +What is stated in the latter part of that book concerning the Lord's +return? ¶ 365. + +Can there be any doubt about the Lord's second coming? and if not, why +not? ¶ 366. + +What, then, is one of the important questions to be first determined +concerning his coming? ¶ 367. + +From what should we expect to get the evidence concerning the manner of +the Lord's return? ¶ 367. + +Is it reasonable to suppose that he would return in the body in which he +was put to death? and if not, why not? Give Scriptural proof. ¶ 367. + +In what manner will the faithful followers of Jesus see him? ¶ 367. + +Has any human being seen the Lord Jesus' glorious body? Give Scriptural +proof. ¶ 367. + +Why shall the disciples see him as he is? ¶ 368. + +Why could not human eyes see him? ¶ 368. + +Is he like Jehovah? Give Scriptural proof. ¶ 368. + +In what manner did St. Paul say the Christian should henceforth know +Christ Jesus? ¶ 368. + +After the ascension of Jesus on high, what was his position with +reference to the Father? ¶ 369. + +Give Scriptural proof that he is a spirit being. ¶ 369. + +What did Jesus say to Nicodemus about a spirit being? and how does this +illustrate that human eyes cannot see the glorious Lord? ¶ 369. + +Should we expect, then, our Lord to be present, not seen by human eyes, +but discernible by those who are his true followers? ¶ 370. + +Satan is the god of this present evil world. Have human eyes seen him? +¶ 370. + +What will constitute the new heavens and new earth? ¶ 370. + +Will the ruler of those new heavens, the Messiah, be visible or +invisible? ¶ 370. + +Is there any reason for us to expect human beings to see the Lord? ¶ 370. + +Is it always proper to use the word "coming" with reference to our +Lord's second appearance? If not, what other word is properly used? ¶ 371. + +Quote a number of Scriptures in which the word "coming" is properly +translated "presence". ¶¶ 372-382. + +When Jesus ascended on high, what did the angels standing by advise his +disciples as to the manner of his return? Give Scriptural proof. ¶ 383. + +What does this suggest as to the manner of his return? ¶ 383. + +What is meant by coming as a thief in the night? and how does this +illustrate the second coming of the Lord? Give Scriptural proof. ¶ 383. + +What does the night illustrate? ¶ 383. + +What did the Lord say concerning those who would report his return in +the desert or in the secret chambers? ¶ 384. + +Explain the Lord's statement of his second appearing wherein he said, +"As the lightning cometh out of the east, and shineth even unto the +west, so shall the presence of the Son of man be". ¶ 384. + +What heavenly planet or body is used to picture the second appearing of +the Lord? ¶ 385. + +Why is it important to keep in mind that the Lord's second appearing +will be invisible to human eyes? ¶ 386. + +Is the time of his coming important to Christians? ¶ 387. + +State the various opinions expressed by some concerning the Lord's +second coming. ¶ 387. + +Why do some of these desire him not to come? ¶ 387. + +Are we justified in assuming that no one could ever know the time of his +second appearing? and if not, why not? ¶ 388. + +Is it reasonable to suppose that Jesus himself would know some time +before? ¶ 388. + +Why would he tell his disciples to watch if they would never know of his +coming? ¶ 388. + +When Jesus arose from the dead, what did he say about the power +committed to him? ¶ 388. + +Is it reasonable to conclude that he then knew of his second appearing +and when it would take place? ¶ 388. + +Should we expect the angels in heaven to know when that great event +takes place? ¶ 388. + +Did the Lord promise the disciples that after they received the holy +spirit they might know concerning his second coming? ¶ 389. + +What Scriptural promise is given the Christian that he shall have +revealed to him these things in due time? ¶ 389. + +What did St. Paul, after he had received the holy spirit, writing under +inspiration to the Thessalonians, say about the times and seasons and +the second coming of the Lord? ¶ 389. + +Should we expect the watching Christians to be in darkness as to the +time of the Lord's appearing? ¶ 389. + +How did Jesus speak concerning his second coming? ¶ 390. + +What is the meaning of prophecy as relating to the Lord's presence? ¶ 390. + +Does the fulfillment of prophecy enable the watcher to determine about +the Lord's presence? ¶ 390. + +In what way did Jesus use the natural harvest to illustrate his second +coming? ¶ 391. + +Repeat the parable of the wheat and the tares, and give the Scriptural +interpretation of it. ¶¶ 391, 392. + +What definite conclusion must be drawn from this statement of the Lord +relative to his second presence? ¶ 393. + +Would it be necessary for the Lord to be present before the harvest? +¶ 393. + +Would it be necessary for him to be present some time before the end of +the age or world? ¶ 393. + +What great historical facts were written prophetically by the prophet +Daniel? ¶ 394. + +Could these statements of the prophet Daniel leading up to the "time of +the end" be understood by him? ¶ 394. + +What did Daniel himself say about understanding his prophecy? ¶ 394. + +Who did he say would understand in due time? ¶ 394. + +What is meant by the term "time of the end"? ¶ 394. + +What did the prophet Daniel definitely state would take place at the +"time of the end"? Quote the Scripture. ¶ 394. + +State the fulfillment of Daniel's prophecy (11:40,41). ¶ 395. + +In connection with Napoleon's campaign, who was meant in this prophecy +by the "king of the south" and by the "king of the north"? ¶ 395. + +When did Napoleon's campaign end as in this prophecy described? ¶ 395. + +How is the "time of the end" definitely fixed and stated? ¶ 395. + +From what time in the world's history have governments been pictured by +beasts? ¶ 396. + +What did the prophet Daniel say about a fourth beast? ¶ 396. + +What constitutes the three principal component parts of the "beast"? +¶ 396. + +Give the historical date of the beginning of this great "beast". ¶ 396. + +Quote Daniel's words in Daniel 12:5-7. ¶ 397. + +In Biblical symbology, what is meant by a "time"? ¶ 397. + +How much time was indicated by the prophet Daniel in this prophecy as +elapsing from the beginning of this beastly order to the "time of the +end"? ¶ 397. + +How is the beginning of the "time of the end" definitely fixed at 1799 +A.D.? ¶ 397. + +What other periods of time does the prophet Daniel mention in the +twelfth chapter? ¶ 398. + +From what date must these prophetic days be counted, as shown by the +foregoing facts? ¶ 398. + +What was the most important thing to which the Prophet pointed? ¶ 398. + +Applying the above rule, a day for a year, when would the 1,335 days of +Daniel's prophecy end? ¶ 398. + +What should be expected at that date? ¶ 398. + +If we are correct in reaching this date of 1874, should we expect +corroborative evidence of the Lord's presence? ¶ 398. + +Why is fulfilled prophecy conclusive proof concerning the question at +issue? ¶ 399. + +What is the value of physical facts in examining any question? ¶ 399. + +Is there a difference between the date of the beginning of the "time of +the end" and the presence of the Lord? ¶ 400. + +What period of time is covered by the "time of the end"? ¶ 400. + +From what time does the Lord's second presence date? and during what +period of the "time of the end" does his presence occur? ¶ 400. + +Was there any reason why these important dates should be concealed for a +time? Give Scriptural reason. ¶ 401. + +Is it reasonable to expect that Jehovah would indicate something by +which the event could be determined in the future? ¶ 401. + +For what did he tell Daniel to look as evidence of the "time of the +end"? ¶ 402. + +If 1799 marks the beginning of the "time of the end", should we expect a +specific fulfillment of this prophecy of Daniel shortly thereafter? ¶ 402. + +Who had access to the Bible prior to 1799? ¶ 402. + +What penalties were attached to common people for having a Bible in +possession? ¶ 402. + +What happened in 1799 that caused a change of conditions? ¶ 402. + +Who had taught the doctrine of the divine right of kings and the divine +right of the clergy? ¶ 402. + +What historical event occurred to open the minds of the people to the +truth concerning these doctrines? ¶ 402. + +How did this mark a beginning of the fulfillment of Daniel's prophecy? +¶ 402. + +State when and how soon after 1799, the beginning of the "time of the +end", the great Bible societies were organized. ¶ 403. + +Give approximately the number of Bibles that were distributed amongst +the people thereafter. ¶ 403. + +Did the Papal system gladly participate in distributing the Bible +amongst the people? ¶ 403. + +When did the people begin to learn that God makes no distinction between +persons, whether they are priests or of the common herd? ¶ 403. + +Relate something concerning the increase of knowledge generally since +1800 A.D. ¶ 404. + +Prior to 1799, what was the means of travel through the countries? ¶ 405. + +Was there any increase of travel shortly after 1799 A.D.? ¶ 405. + +When was the steam locomotive put in operation? and how have means of +rapid transit increased since that time? ¶ 405. + +What is meant by the "day of God's preparation"? ¶ 406. + +What prophet describes a railway train? Quote the prophecy. ¶ 406. + +When was the telegraph invented? and what other means of communication +have followed since? ¶ 407. + +Can there be any doubt about these physical facts marking a fulfillment +of Daniel's prophecy concerning the "time of the end"? ¶ 408. + +What did Jesus say concerning the latter part of the "time of the end" +and in what way it would be indicated? ¶ 409. + +Did the apostle Paul indicate that greater light would come to the +people at the "time of the end"? ¶ 409. + +What other evidence have we of increasing light at that time? ¶ 410. + +What class of people have been trodden down for centuries? and when did +they begin to get their eyes opened as to their privileges? ¶ 410. + +When was the first labor organization formed in the world? ¶ 410. + +Enumerate some of the great inventions and discoveries since 1874, +marking the fulfillment of Daniel's prophecy, and the Lord's presence, +and the "time of the end". ¶ 410. + +What do the Scriptures disclose concerning a parallel between the gospel +and the Jewish ages? ¶ 411. + +When did the Jewish harvest begin? ¶ 411. + +What is meant by the term "harvest"? ¶ 411. + +Did Jesus state that there would be a harvest at the end of the world, +during his second presence? ¶ 411. + +Describe the parallel between the Jewish and the gospel-age harvests. +¶ 411. + +The natural harvest of the Jews was used to illustrate what? ¶ 412. + +What was the custom following the reaping of the grain by the Jews? ¶ 412. + +What would this indicate that we might expect from 1878 to 1918, and +following that period? ¶ 412. + +In answer to the disciples' question as to when he would be present, +what did Jesus say about the harvest and the sending of messengers? Give +the Scriptural proof. ¶ 413. + +In Jesus' statement of Matthew 24:31, what is meant by the word "trumpet"? +¶ 415. + +Explain the term "angels" as used in this text. ¶ 416. + +Would it be reasonable to expect some special messenger to be used of +the Lord during the time of this harvest? ¶ 416. + +What did Jesus promise about providing such a messenger? Quote Matthew +24:45-47. ¶ 416. + +From 1870 A.D. forward, what evidence do we have in fulfillment of this +prophetic statement of the Lord? ¶ 417. + +What publication has for some forty years consistently announced the +Lord's second presence? ¶ 417. + +From 1878 forward, what evidence has there been of a gathering of +Christians, regardless of denominations? ¶ 418. + +Describe some of the work done by the special messenger of the Lord. +¶ 418. + +Quote the words of the publication _The Continent_ concerning Pastor +Russell. ¶ 419. + +What society was incorporated in 1884? and what has been its work in +connection with the harvest of this age? ¶ 421. + +What has been and is the purpose of this society? ¶ 421. + +Are these Christians who are thus gathered together followers of any +man? ¶ 422. + +Quote Matthew 24:28, and give its meaning. ¶ 423. + +Jesus likened the true children of God to wheat. What did he use to +illustrate imitation Christians? Quote Matthew 13:30. ¶ 424. + +What has been the tendency of so-called Christian denominations since +1878? ¶ 425. + +Since that time, how has the Lord's message in Revelation 18:4 applied +to Christians? ¶ 425. + +What did the Lord through the Prophet say concerning the gathering of +his people at this time? Quote Psalm 50:5. ¶ 425. + +What does this prove concerning the Lord's second presence? ¶ 425. + +Do we find the clergy of various denominations anxious to tell of the +Lord's second presence? and if not, why not? ¶ 426. + +Why do these distinguished gentlemen scoff and jeer at those who teach +the Lord is now present? ¶ 426. + +Did the Lord foretell this? Quote the Apostle's language with reference +to it. ¶ 426. + +Why did the disciples want to know what would be the proof of the Lord's +presence and of the end of the world? ¶ 427. + +Repeat the question that they propounded to Jesus on the Mount of +Olives. ¶ 427. + +Will the physical earth ever be destroyed? Give Scriptural proof for +answer. ¶ 427. + +What is meant, then, by the end of the world? ¶ 428. + +What became of the first world? ¶ 428. + +How many persons were carried over from the first world to that +designated as the present evil world? ¶ 428. + +What period of time is designated in the Scriptures as the present evil +world? ¶ 428. + +What Scriptural proof is there as to how the present evil world shall +pass away? ¶ 428. + +In what world and what part of that world did God make the promise to +Abraham that in his seed all the families of the earth should be +blessed? ¶ 429. + +What was God's declaration to Zedekiah, the king of Israel? Repeat it. +¶ 429. + +When was Zedekiah overthrown? ¶ 430. + +Who established the universal gentile empire then? ¶ 430. + +When did the "gentile times" begin? and how long must that period last? +¶ 430. + +Who is the one spoken of by the Prophet here as "he whose right it is"? +¶ 430. + +Would it be reasonable, then, to expect the presence of this mighty One +before the overthrow of the old order or present evil world? ¶ 430. + +Why was the year 1914 A.D. an important date? ¶ 430. + +What would be reasonably expected to be the conduct of the gentile +nations after 1914 with reference to continuing in power? ¶ 431. + +What does the Revelator say would be the condition of these nations at +that time? Quote the Scripture. ¶ 431. + +What did Jesus say would mark the beginning of the end of the world? +Quote his answer to the question. ¶ 432. + +What fulfillment of this prophecy began in 1914? ¶ 432. + +How does the fulfillment of this prophecy also mark the fulfillment of +the prophecy of Daniel (2:44)? ¶ 433. + +Why are these kingdoms of earth being broken to pieces? ¶ 433. + +Quote the words of Jesus given by various evangelists concerning the +persecution of his followers at the end of the world. ¶ 434. + +What fulfillment of these prophetic utterances of the Master took place +in 1917, 1918, and 1919? ¶ 434. + +Give some instances of the Lord's protecting care of his followers +during this period of persecution. ¶ 435-437. + +Why should Christians not complain but rejoice because of these trying +experiences? ¶ 437. + +Quote the Master's words in Matthew 24:14, in answer to the question +propounded to him. ¶ 438. + +What evidence is there of a fulfillment of these prophetic words? ¶ 438. + +What did Jesus say relative to the regathering of Israel to Palestine as +evidence of his second presence? ¶ 439. + +What did Jesus tell his followers to do when they should see these +things coming to pass, and why? ¶ 439. + +How is the Lord's presence and the end of the world shown by the reaping +of the "vine of the earth"? ¶ 440. + +Why would Jesus admonish his followers to watch for his second coming? +¶ 442. + +Suppose it were true that 'no man knows the day nor the hour' of the +Lord's appearing, what difference would it now make? ¶ 443. + +Is there any reason why a Christian should be in darkness concerning the +times and seasons of the Lord's presence? ¶ 443. + +Should we waste our time to quibble about dates, or days, or hours? ¶ 443. + +What do fulfilled prophecy and the physical facts establish relative to +this question? ¶ 443. + +What words are upon the lips of the true watchers in view of this +overwhelming evidence? ¶ 443. + +How does the prophet Isaiah describe this class of faithful watchers? +Quote his words. ¶ 443. + +Describe those who now have the harp of God; and what are they singing? +¶ 444. + +Give the three primary purposes of the Lord's presence. ¶ 445. + +Some have thought that the Lord's second presence would be for the +purpose of destroying the earth. What proof have we that this is +erroneous? ¶ 446. + +What is the proper explanation of St. Peter's words in 2 Peter 3:10-12? +¶ 447. + +What did the Apostle mean when he said that 'we look for new heavens and +a new earth wherein dwelleth righteousness'? ¶ 448. + +What evidence is there that the fire is now burning? ¶ 449. + +How long will it continue to burn? ¶ 449. + +What bearing has this on the presence of the Lord? ¶ 449. + +What Scriptural explanation is given for the distress of nations and +perplexity of business men on earth at this time? Quote the Scripture +and analyze it. ¶ 450. + +Describe the actions of the employing and the laboring classes. ¶ 451. + +How are all these perplexed? ¶ 451. + +To what is this disturbed condition leading? ¶ 452. + +Is there greater trouble just ahead? and if so, what proof have we? +Quote the Scriptures. ¶ 453. + +What will follow this general shaking of the nations? ¶ 453. + +How is the Lord's presence revealing the hidden things? Quote the +Scriptural authority for your answer. ¶ 453. + +What effect is this light having upon Satan and his kingdom? ¶ 454. + +What effect is the Lord's presence having upon the nations of the earth? +¶ 454. + +Quote the prophecies of Isaiah 34:1-4 and 51:6, and explain. ¶ 454. + +How will this trouble bring to the minds of the people the presence of +the Lord? ¶ 454. + +What is meant by the "day of God's vengeance"? and what did the Lord say +he would do with the nations at this time? ¶ 454. + +What is meant by the Bridegroom and bride? Give the Scriptural proof. +¶ 455. + +Give the picture of Abraham, Isaac, and Rebekah, stating what each +typified, and what the whole picture shows. ¶ 455. + +In this picture, what did Eliezer represent? ¶ 456. + +Quote the words of the Master with reference to sending a comforter to +his followers. ¶ 456. + +What was pictured by the ten camels which Eliezer took with him? ¶ 456. + +What was pictured by the golden ornaments presented to Rebekah? ¶ 456. + +Quote the words of the Psalmist inviting the church to become the bride +of Christ. ¶ 457. + +What do the ones called do, in response to the call? ¶ 457. + +What did Sarah picture with respect to the covenants? and what did her +death represent? ¶ 457. + +What is pictured by Isaac receiving Rebekah and making her his wife +after the death of his mother Sarah? ¶ 457. + +During what period of time has the Lord been preparing the bride of +Christ? ¶ 458. + +What did Jesus say about preparing a special place for these, and his +return to receive his bride? Quote his words. ¶ 458. + +What do his words show with reference to one of the principal reasons +for his second coming? ¶ 459. + +Explain the parable of the virgins.--Matthew 25:1-13. ¶ 460. + +Explain the meaning of the lamp and the oil in the lamp. ¶ 460. + +Define virgin; and what does a virgin picture here? ¶ 460. + +What is meant by keeping their lamps trimmed and burning? ¶ 460. + +How has knowledge of the Lord's presence affected the wise virgin class? +¶ 460. + +What proof is this that his presence is one of the strings of the harp +of God? ¶ 460. + +Do the Scriptures indicate how many will be in the bride class? If so, +give the proof. ¶ 460. + +What do the Scriptures show the Lord does for the faithful saints who +died long ago when he first returns? Give the Scriptural proof. ¶ 461. + +What is meant in the Scriptures by a great shout? ¶ 462. + +State how this has been fulfilled. ¶ 462. + +What is meant by the voice of the archangel? ¶ 462. + +Should we expect the resurrection of the saints during this time? ¶ 463. + +How is he gathering unto himself the saints who are still on earth +during his presence? ¶ 463. + +Give some Scriptural promises concerning the church being forever with +the Lord. ¶ 463. + +What is meant by the kingdom of God? ¶ 464. + +Who constitute the royal family of heaven? Quote the apostle Peter's +words relating to this. ¶ 464. + +What promise did Jesus make to this class concerning a kingdom? ¶ 465. + +Where will these be associated with the Lord Jesus in his kingdom? ¶ 465. + +For what kingdom did the Lord teach his disciples to pray? and is it the +same spoken of by the prophets of old? ¶ 465. + +Who have enjoyed and are enjoying the blessedness spoken of by Daniel +the Prophet in Daniel 12:12? ¶ 466. + +As these appreciate this string of the harp, what song is appropriate to +them? ¶ 466. + +While the saints thus rejoice, for what do they patiently wait? and to +what do they look forward? ¶ 467. + +[Illustration] + + + + +CHAPTER X + +String 9: _Glorification of the Church_ + + +The church means a called out class, separate and distinct from all +others. The church of Christ consists of Jesus Christ the head and the +144,000 members of his body. (Colossians 1:18; Revelation 7:4) Those +composing this special class are otherwise designated saints. A saint is +one who is pure, holy, blameless. The followers of Christ Jesus are not +holy or blameless within themselves, but their holiness is by virtue of +his imputed merit. This same class of Christians is otherwise designated +in the Bible as "a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a +people for a purpose". (1 Peter 2:9) They are also designated new +creatures (2 Corinthians 5:17); therefore they constitute the new +creation. This new creation when completed will be of the divine nature. +(2 Peter 1:4) Nature is determined by organism. The nature of the +church, then, will be like unto Jehovah God. It pleased God that Jesus +Christ, his beloved Son, should have preeminence in his great plan; +hence he is made the head of the new creation.--Colossians 1:18. + +[469]This new creation had its beginning with Jesus Christ at the time +of his baptism in Jordan when he was begotten to the divine nature and +anointed with the holy spirit without limitation. As a man, he was pure, +blameless, holy. At the age of thirty years, he was qualified under the +law to be a priest, and there he consecrated himself and at that time +was baptized and begotten to the divine nature; hence became a new +creature there from the divine standpoint. As a new creature he was +made perfect by the things which he suffered.--Hebrews 5:8. + +[470]From the time of his baptism he was opposed by Satan the devil, who +sought to destroy him. The reason for this opposition lay in the fact that +when God sentenced Adam to death he had said unto Satan: "I will put +enmity between thee and the woman, and between thy seed and her seed; it +shall bruise thy head, and thou shalt bruise his heel". (Genesis 3:15) The +woman here symbolized or typified the Abrahamic-Sarah covenant, from which +the seed of promise springs. As Isaac was the son of promise, so the +church was typified by Isaac. (Galatians 4:25-29) The seed of promise is +therefore the new creation. The seed of the serpent consists of those +agencies visible and invisible which are his offspring, and which are used +by him for his wicked work. In Jesus' day the scribes and Pharisees and +doctors of the law were classed as the offspring of Satan, his seed (John +8:44); and it has been true at all times that many who have pretended to +be Christians are really the seed of Satan and engage in persecuting +others who love the Lord. + +[471]Immediately after the baptism of Jesus he went up into a mountain +in the wilderness to study God's plan and to meditate upon it, that he +might be instructed in the way that Jehovah would have him go; and when +this season of forty days was ended and he came forth, he was subjected +to a great temptation by the devil. Jesus resisted all of these efforts +of Satan. (Luke 4:1-13) Jesus, the head of the seed of promise, was the +target of Satan's instruments. For three and a half years he suffered +daily at the hands of Satan and those who represented him, namely, those +human beings who possessed the devilish spirit. During that period of +three and a half years he was indeed a man of sorrows and acquainted +with grief; but all this suffering was necessary for his perfection as a +new creature. (Hebrews 5:8,9) Because of his faithfulness, his fidelity +and loyalty to God even unto death, he won the great victory, became an +overcomer. Hence we read: "Wherefore God also hath highly exalted him, +and given him a name which is above every name; that at the name of +Jesus every knee should bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth, +and things under the earth; and that every tongue should confess that +Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father". (Philippians +2:9-11) The members of the body of Christ, the members of the church, +must follow in his footsteps.--1 Peter 3:21. + + +PREDESTINATED + +[472]While the selection of the new creation began with the baptism of +Jesus, God had foreordained long in advance that there should be a +church, of which Jesus Christ is the head. St. Paul wrote: "According as +he hath chosen us in him before the foundation of the world, that we +should be holy and without blame before him in love; having +predestinated us unto the adoption of children by Jesus Christ to +himself, according to the good pleasure of his will, to the praise of +the glory of his grace, wherein he hath made us accepted in the beloved. +In whom we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, +according to the riches of his grace; wherein he hath abounded towards +us in all wisdom and prudence; having made known unto us the mystery of +his will, according to his good pleasure which he hath purposed in +himself."--Ephesians 1:4-9. + +[473]The world referred to here means the social and political order +existing from the time of the flood until the coming of the Lord's +kingdom, and is designated in the Scriptures as the present evil world. +St. Paul therefore says that before the foundation of this world God +made provision for the choosing of the members of the church. He did not +choose the individuals, but he predestinated or foreordained that there +should be such a church or new creation, and that these should be +adopted as his children through his beloved Son Jesus Christ, and should +become the members of his household, and that these should be made in +the image and likeness of Christ Jesus the head. (Romans 8:29) As we +view the experiences through which Jesus passed, we may expect to find +that the body members would have similar experiences; and this we do +find. + +[474]Fifty days after the resurrection of Jesus was the day of +Pentecost. There went forth the call to the remnant of the Jews to come +unto the Lord, accept Jesus as their head and be transferred from Moses +into Christ and become the members of the 144,000, constituting the +church. A call means an announcement or an invitation. The call here +signified an announcement of God's purpose of electing the members of +the church and an invitation to those of the right heart condition to +accept that invitation. Many were called, but only a few responded to +that call and were chosen. (Matthew 22:14) For three and a half years +this call was confined to the Jews, at the end of which time Cornelius, +the first gentile, was granted the gospel. He heard, believed on the +Lord and fully consecrated himself to do God's will, and was accepted. +(Acts 10) From that time forward the call has been general to any one +who might desire to respond to the terms and follow in the Master's +footsteps. + +[475]For this purpose the gospel has been preached, that men might know +of the plan of God and understand that he is selecting the church. Men +of worldly wisdom have given no heed to the gospel. To them it has been +foolishness. And so St. Paul wrote: "For after that in the wisdom of God +the world by wisdom knew not God, it pleased God by the foolishness of +preaching to save them that believe. For the Jews require a sign, and +the Greeks seek after wisdom; but we preach Christ crucified, unto the +Jews a stumblingblock, and unto the Greeks foolishness; but unto them +which are called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God, and the +wisdom of God. Because the foolishness of God is wiser than men; and the +weakness of God is stronger than men,"--1 Corinthians 1:21-25. + +[476]This message of Christ Jesus, the crucified one, the selection of +the church and the setting up of his kingdom, was a stumblingblock to +the Jews; they could not understand; they would not believe. And to most +of the gentiles it seemed foolishness. It was not foolishness, however. +It was the greatest wisdom. A few have responded to this divine wisdom. +The man, however, who thought himself wise would not become a follower +of Jesus. It was not a popular thing. And so it has ever been throughout +the gospel age that those who have really come to the Lord, made a +consecration and followed in his footsteps, have been the meek and lowly +of heart who are anxious to know the Lord and his great plan. Hence St. +Paul writes: "For ye see your calling, brethren, how that not many wise +men after the flesh, not many mighty, not many noble, are called; but +God hath chosen the foolish things of the world to confound the wise; +and God hath chosen the weak things of the world to confound the things +which are mighty; and base things of the world, and things which are +despised, hath God chosen, yea, and things which are not, to bring to +nought things that are; that no flesh should glory in his presence".--1 +Corinthians 1:26-29. + +[477]The thought here is that ultimately no creature will ever be +standing in Jehovah's presence boasting of what he did. But all those +who compose the church will realize that all they have came to them as a +gracious gift from Jehovah. To those who have really had the desire to +know and serve the Lord the call has been and is beautiful indeed. Such +have been thrilled with the gracious words of Jehovah spoken through his +prophet, inviting them to become members of the royal family of heaven. +The Psalmist wrote: "Hearken, O daughter, and consider, and incline +thine ear; forget also thine own people, and thy father's house; so +shall the king greatly desire thy beauty; for he is thy Lord, and +worship thou him".--Psalm 45:10,11. + +[478]As Jesus is the Son of God, so the church, the bride of Christ, is +the daughter of God. Hence the Psalmist speaks to her here, inviting +those who are to become the daughter to forget their own people and +their earthly father's house and earnestly and willingly follow in the +Master's footsteps. These are invited to worship the Lord and grow in +his likeness and thereby become beautiful; and it is that beauty, the +character-likeness of the Lord, that he desires. + + +DEVELOPMENT + +[479]The development of the church is not an instantaneous matter. It is +a gradual process. Some have erroneously thought and taught that a man +might be wicked all his life and then on his deathbed confess his sins, +accept Christ, become a Christian and die and go immediately to heaven. +There is no Scripture that warrants such a conclusion. Time is required +for the development of the Christian. He must first repent; that is to +say, become displeased with the wrongful course of the world, change +his own course and seek the Lord. He must become converted, turn away +from a wrongful course and turn to the Lord. He must be drawn to the +Lord Jesus, make a full consecration, be accepted of the Lord, presented +to the Father, justified, and begotten of the holy spirit, before he +becomes a new creature; and from that time forward he must develop. He +must have the opportunity to pass through, and must pass through, many +experiences and by these experiences learn the lessons that God desires +the members of the new creation to learn. + +[480]A boy or a girl in school who is being trained for a special +purpose is required to have some hard mental exercise in order to +develop the mind. For this reason many mathematical problems are +required of the pupil; and other lessons are required to develop the +mental faculties. One who is training for a race or other physical +contest is required to have some strenuous experiences. With stronger +reasoning are these principles true relative to the members of the new +creation. These are being trained for the high and exalted position of +membership in the royal family of heaven. Hence we may not be surprised +to find often that their training is quite severe. The understanding of +this requirement enables one to appreciate why Christians have never +been popular and why they have suffered so much during the past nineteen +centuries. + +[481]The Psalmist wrote concerning the new creation; "I am become a +stranger unto my brethren, and an alien unto my mother's children. For +the zeal of thine house hath eaten me up; and the reproaches of them +that reproached thee are fallen upon me." (Psalm 69:8,9) Jesus became a +stranger to the Jews in this, that they despised and rejected him. +Because of his zeal for the heavenly Father's great plan, his earthly +life was consumed. Satan had reproached Jehovah from the time of Eden; +and now these reproaches fell upon Jesus. We should expect the body +members to have similar experiences. And so the Apostle quotes this text +and applies it to those who are the followers of Jesus, saying, "For +even Christ pleased not himself; but, as it written, The reproaches of +them that reproached thee fell on me".--Romans 15:3. + +[482]God is a great economist. He makes the wrath of men and other +creatures to result to his own praise. Satan and his seed have always +persecuted and buffeted the Christians, and Jehovah has caused this +persecution to result in the development of the members of the body of +Christ. He could have prevented the church from suffering at Satan's +hands had he desired so to do; but by being permitted to buffet them +with trying experiences, Satan has demonstrated his own depraved +character, and the resistance of the church has shown their love and +devotion to the Lord and thus developed characters that are pleasing +unto him. + +[483]When one first becomes a Christian he does not usually suffer so +much as later, when he is more developed. He is at first designated in +the Scriptures as a babe in Christ. As we deal with babes, so our +heavenly Father deals with his baby children. As earthly babies are fed +upon milk and other light diets, so is one when he first becomes a +Christian; and his experiences are in harmony therewith, as the apostle +Peter says: "As newborn babes, desire the sincere milk of the word, that +ye may grow thereby".--1 Peter 2:2. + +[484]The Apostle then illustrates the growth of a Christian by likening +the entire new creation to a building, with Jesus as the chief +corner-stone and the other members of the body as built up in harmony +with him. He says: "If so be ye have tasted that the Lord is gracious. +[Those who have been begotten of the holy spirit have tasted that the +Lord is gracious.] To whom coming, as unto a living stone, disallowed +indeed of men, but chosen of God, and precious, ye also, as living +stones, are built up a spiritual house, an holy priesthood, to offer up +sacrifices acceptable to God by Jesus Christ. Wherefore also it is +contained in the scripture, Behold, I lay in Zion a chief corner stone, +elect, precious: and he that believeth on him shall not be confounded. +Unto you therefore which believe he is precious; but unto them which be +disobedient, the stone which the builders disallowed, the same is made +the head of the corner, and a stone of stumbling, and a rock of offense, +even to them which stumble at the word, being disobedient."--1 Peter +2:3-8. + +[485]Paraphrasing these words, the Apostle states that Jesus is the +chief corner-stone. He is the Head of the elect; he is the precious One. +Those who believe on him, to such he is precious; and those who hold +fast to that belief shall not be confounded. To believe means to act by +fully consecrating oneself to do the Lord's will. This great One, the +Lord Jesus, has been and is a stumbling-stone and a rock of offense to +those who have not believed. Those who have not appreciated the fact +that he is the King of kings and Lord of lords, and that it is a +privilege to suffer with him, have been offended and turned away from +him. It is a great privilege to suffer with Christ. "For unto you it is +given in the behalf of Christ, not only to believe on him, but also to +suffer for his sake."--Philippians 1:29. + +[486]The course of the world is directly opposite to the course of the +Christian; hence the Christian finds that he must constantly put forth an +effort to develop. For this reason the apostle Peter wrote: "Giving all +diligence, add to your faith virtue [that is, fortitude, steadfastness, +being determined to stand for the truth and on the side of right]; and to +virtue knowledge [in order to do this one must study the Word of God, not +only occasionally, but regularly, systematically]; and to knowledge +temperance [which means self-control, learning to control oneself under +provocation, being calm, gentle, self-possessed, trusting in the Lord]; +and to temperance patience [which means cheerful endurance, no matter how +fiery the trials are; to endure cheerfully because it is pleasing to the +Lord and because it makes a strong character]; and to patience godliness +[which means to grow in the likeness of the Lord, with piety, purity]; +and to godliness brotherly kindness [which means that kind and loving +disposition that exists and should exist between those who are really +brothers]; and to brotherly kindness charity," or love which means an +unselfish desire to do good and doing good to others even at a sacrifice +to ourselves.--2 Peter 1:5-7. + +[487]When we recognize that the course of the world is exactly opposite +to this, we may know it requires a warfare, a constant vigilance, and +the subjection to persecution because of misunderstanding. But if we do +these things, we shall make our calling and election sure. The Apostle +puts it thus: "Wherefore the rather, brethren, give diligence to make +your calling and election sure: for if ye do these things, ye shall +never fall; for so an entrance shall be ministered unto you abundantly +into the everlasting kingdom of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ".--2 +Peter 1:10,11. + +[488]While thus undergoing development, the new creature finds that he +has to war against the downward tendencies of his own fleshly +disposition, against the spirit of the world, and against Satan's +machinations through various instruments. But this warfare is what makes +him strong. It is not a warfare with carnal weapons. It is the power of +God working in him to war against these enemies, and it is mighty to +the pulling down of the strongholds of wrong. (2 Corinthians 10:4) It is +the great hope of an entrance into the kingdom that enables him, by the +Lord's grace, to battle steadfastly for the right. St. John states: +"Every man that hath this hope in him purifieth himself, even as he is +pure". (1 John 3:3) These fiery trials through which the Christian +passes have the same effect upon him that a fire has upon metal. It +burns up the dross and refines the gold. It has a cleansing effect; and +also for this reason the Lord permits it. + +[489]God foreordained that all the members of the new creation should be +made in the likeness of his beloved Son. (Romans 8:29) This does not +take place by meditating upon wrongful things, but by resisting these +and keeping the mind upon heavenly things. The Christian now has his +face unveiled; that is, he is enabled by his mental vision to understand +the things of God's Word, and when he looks into the Word, the Bible, he +sees reflected from that Word the character-likeness of the Lord; and +having the Lord's spirit in him, he is being transformed from one degree +of glory to another. The apostle Paul puts it thus: "We all, with open +face beholding as in a glass the glory of the Lord, are changed into the +same image from glory to glory, even as by the spirit of the Lord". +(2 Corinthians 3:18) The pathway of the Christian is not strewn with +flowers or ease or comfort, but as Jesus said, it is a narrow way and +few there be that walk in it.--Matthew 7:14. + +[490]St. James says: "Take, my brethren, the prophets, who have spoken +in the name of the Lord, for an example of suffering affliction, and of +patience". (James 5:10) The prophets of old suffered much and they will +not be privileged to be a part of this heavenly kingdom class; but their +suffering was for a two-fold purpose: (1) to develop them, which will +result to their benefit when they are resurrected as perfect men; and +(2) to serve as examples for the church, the followers of Jesus. + +[491]Jesus said: "And from the days of John the Baptist until now the +kingdom of heaven suffereth violence, and the violent take it by force". +(Matthew 11:12) Here he showed that the kingdom-of-heaven class, meaning +the royal family, suffers violence at the hands of the adversary's +instruments, and the violent ones take these by force. It was so of him; +it has been so of his followers, as St. Paul writes: "Our hope of you is +steadfast, knowing, that as ye are partakers of the sufferings, so shall +ye be also of the consolation".--2 Corinthians 1:7. + +[492]But why should the Christian suffer? you may ask. And the Apostles +answer: "Beloved, think it not strange concerning the fiery trial which +is to try you, as though some strange thing happened unto you: but +rejoice, inasmuch as ye are partakers of Christ's sufferings; that, when +his glory shall be revealed, ye may be glad also with exceeding joy. If +ye be reproached for the name of Christ, happy are ye; for the spirit of +glory and of God resteth upon you: on their part he is evil spoken of, +but on your part he is glorified.... Yet if any man suffer as a +Christian, let him not be ashamed; but let him glorify God on this +behalf." (1 Peter 4:12-14,16) "It became him, for whom are all things, +and by whom are all things, in bringing many sons unto glory, to make +the captain of their salvation perfect through sufferings. For both he +that sanctifieth and they who are sanctified are all of one: for which +cause he is not ashamed to call them brethren."--Hebrews 2:10,11. + +[493]Again the apostle Paul shows that the Christian does not complain +because of persecution and suffering; neither does he murmur against +God. But the true sentiment of his heart is expressed in the words of +the Apostle: "We glory in tribulations also, knowing that tribulation +worketh patience; and patience, experience; and experience, hope; and +hope maketh not ashamed, because the love of God is shed abroad in our +hearts by the holy spirit which is given unto us". (Romans 6:3-5) Again +says the Apostle: "I reckon that the sufferings of this present time are +not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in +us".--Romans 8:18. + +[494]No true Christian would expect to be without suffering or +chastisements from the Lord, because these are evidences that he is a +follower of Jesus and a son of God. It is one of the ways in which the +spirit of the Lord testifies to us that we are his. (Hebrews 12:2-11; +Romans 8:16,17) These sufferings of the Christian come from various +agencies. The Christian suffers by being misunderstood. His motives are +presumed to be wrong. He is sometimes charged with sedition because he +does not desire to join with peoples of the world in engaging in war to +destroy human lives; sometimes persecuted by false brethren, and +sometimes by those who are ignorant. But all these afflictions he +patiently endures, gladly. + +[495]St. Paul probably suffered as much or more than any follower of +Christ. He suffered shipwreck, imprisonment, his back was flogged on +three occasions at least, he was stoned and dragged out by the wayside +and left for dead; and notwithstanding all these afflictions he wrote: +"For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, worketh for us a +far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory while we look not at +the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen". +(2 Corinthians 4:17,18) He was looking forward to the glory that shall +follow, as should all Christians--not only _some_ glory, but a far more +exceeding and eternal weight of glory. The Christian delights to +meditate upon the promises given in God's Word concerning this glory. + + +PROMISES + +[496]The great promise set before the church is that of eternal +life--being for ever with the Lord. Addressing these, St. Paul wrote: +"God will render to every man according to his deeds: to them who by +patient continuance in well doing seek for glory and honor and +immortality, eternal life". (Romans 2:6,7) It is to be noticed that +those who are looking for that great reward patiently continue in doing +well; that is to say, they cheerfully endure whatsoever experiences +come, while they continue to walk in the Master's footsteps. Let us, +then, examine some of the texts setting forth God's precious promises +relative to the glory and honor that shall be the portion of the church +in his great arrangement. + +[497]_Glory_ is the term used to describe Jehovah's presence. It +suggests the brightness of the divine person and character. Glory is +associated with God's holiness. (Isaiah 6:1-4) Our Lord Jesus is +mentioned as the 'brightness of God's glory'. He is also spoken of as +being 'the express image of the Father', and we are told that he is at +the right hand of the Father. (Hebrews 1:3) The 144,000 members of his +body are to be with him in his throne and in the Father's presence, thus +in glory. (Revelation 3:21) This glory that they shall enjoy will be so +transcendently more wonderful than all the things of earth that could be +glorious, that St. Paul describes it as a "far more exceeding and +eternal weight of glory". The members of the church while undergoing +development bear the image of the earthly. Imperfect human beings they +are, with imperfect bodies and minds. But the promise to them is: "As +we have borne the image of the earthly, we shall also bear the image of +the heavenly".--1 Corinthians 15:49. + +[498]From the time of Pentecost until the coming of the Lord, those +dear and faithful saints who died in Christ slept and waited for his +coming; but as the Apostle says, these would be the first to be honored +with an awakening from the dead. Hence we understand that shortly after +the second appearing of the Lord Jesus, during the time of the shout of +encouragement that was going on among the peoples of earth, these dead +saints in Christ were resurrected and caught up with the Lord Jesus in +the air, to be for ever with him, as stated by the Apostle. +--1 Thessalonians 4:16,17. + +[499]Those remaining, who had not died up to the time of the Lord's +appearing, but who since die as do other men, have their change +instantaneously. Their resurrection is instantaneous, as St. Paul +plainly says: "Behold, I show you a mystery: We shall not all sleep, but +we shall all be changed, in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the +last trump: for the trumpet shall sound, and the dead shall be raised +incorruptible, and we shall be changed". (1 Corinthians 15:51,52) These +are the blessed ones of the Lord because they participate in the first +or chief resurrection and thereafter reign with Christ. (Revelation 20:6) +These promises, then, are to the effect that they shall be forever with +the Lord Jesus in the presence of Jehovah: therefore in glory. Jehovah +for centuries has been preparing this class, the new creation, "that he +might make known the riches of his glory on the vessels of mercy, which +he had afore prepared unto glory, even us, whom he hath called".--Romans +9:23,24. + +[500]It is customary for the royal family of a nation to have the +choicest jewels of that nation in possession. These jewels are kept in +the presence of the king, that they might be admired by him. Concerning +those who shall constitute the new creation, the church, the Prophet of +God wrote: "They shall be mine, saith the Lord of hosts, in that day +when I make up my jewels; and I will spare them as a man spareth his own +son that serveth him". (Malachi 3:17) That these shall be admired by +the Lord Jehovah as the zenith of his glorious creation is indicated by +the Prophet who writes: "Thou shalt also be a crown of glory in the hand +of the Lord, and a royal diadem in the hand of thy God".--Isaiah 62:3. + +[501]Those who by patient continuance in well doing battle faithfully +unto the end have the precious promise of being made a part of the +temple of God; hence will be in his presence. "Him that overcometh will +I make a pillar in the temple of my God, and he shall go no more out: +and I will write upon him the name of my God, and the name of the city +of my God, which is new Jerusalem, which cometh down out of heaven from +my God; and I will write upon him my new name."--Revelation 3:12. + +[502]The brightness and glory of the earth is the sun, which +illuminates and gives life to the things of earth. Scientists declare +that this light is produced by explosive gas which ascends from the sun +to a height of from 5,000 to 300,000 miles. It is the brightness of the +firmament; and the glory in the presence of Jehovah is illustrated by +this brightness, as indicated by the Prophet: "They that be wise shall +shine as the brightness of the firmament". (Daniel 12:3) The wise ones +are those who devote themselves to understanding and doing Jehovah's +will. They are the righteous ones, who have been made so through the +merit of Christ Jesus, and whom he gathers in during his presence. When +these enter into the glorious presence of Jehovah, "then shall the +righteous shine forth as the sun in the kingdom of their Father". +--Matthew 13:43. + +[503]It was Jesus who said to his disciples: "In my Father's house are +many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare +a place for you, ... that where I am, there ye may be also". (John 14:2,3) +The promise here is, then, that a special habitation shall be prepared +for the church, which habitation will be in the glorious presence of the +Lord Jehovah. This holy or heavenly kingdom class, the royal family, is +spoken of as Zion, and of it the Prophet of the Lord wrote: "The Lord +hath chosen Zion; he hath desired it for his habitation". (Psalm 132:13) +Of its beauty and glory the Psalmist wrote: "Out of Zion, the perfection +of beauty, God hath shined". (Psalm 50:2) Jehovah will shine forth +through the new creation for the blessing of all the families of the +earth. The glory to be experienced by the church in the presence of +Jehovah will bring unspeakable joy; for 'in his presence is fullness of +joy; at his right hand there are pleasures for evermore'.--Psalm 16:11. + +[504]In the glorious presence of Jehovah, we may be sure that all will +be his friends; and as an inducement to strive for that place his +Prophet wrote: "He that loveth with a pure heart and hath grace upon his +lips will have the king as his friend" (Proverbs 22:11, _Leeser_), and +he will be sure of being loved for evermore.--Proverbs 17:17. + +[505]_Honor_ applies more to a recognized station or position in God's +arrangement. Always glorious, God is honored in the minds of his +creatures who worship him. The position of the glorified church will be +that of the bride of Christ, for ever with him; and he being at the +right hand of the Father, their position will be one of great honor. +The special honor, therefore, of the church is that of being the +glorious bride or associate of the Lord Jesus, the King of glory. His +recognition of her station as his own wife pictures the superlative +degree of her honor and glory. Jesus said: "Father, I will ... that they +be with me where I am".--John 17:24. + +[506]Of Jesus it is written that he is the 'express image of the Father' +(Hebrews 1:3); and that he is the beloved Bridegroom and Friend of the +body members of the church. (Canticles 5:16) Now it does not appear what +the church shall be, but, says St. John, "we know that, when he shall +appear, we shall be like him; for we shall see him as he is". (1 John 3:2) +God "hath appointed [him] heir of all things". (Hebrews 1:2) These +children of God, members of the body of Christ, are "heirs of God, and +joint-heirs with Christ" in all the glory and honor of his +position.--Romans 8:17. + +[507]When Jehovah took away from Israel the right to rule, he promised +to give it to him whose right it is, the great Messiah, when he should +come. (Ezekiel 21:27) Of him the Prophet of God wrote: "And there was +given him dominion, and glory, and a kingdom, that all people, nations, +and languages should serve him: his dominion is an everlasting dominion, +which shall not pass away, and his kingdom that which shall not be +destroyed.... And the kingdom and dominion, and the greatness of the +kingdom under the whole heaven, shall be given to the people of the +saints of the most High, whose kingdom is an everlasting kingdom, and +all dominions shall serve and obey him." (Daniel 7:14,27) To his +disciples Jesus promised that they should share his kingdom, saying, "I +appoint unto you a kingdom, as my Father hath appointed unto me; that ye +may eat and drink at my table in my kingdom, and sit on thrones judging +the twelve tribes of Israel".--Luke 22:29,30. + +[508]As Jesus the bridegroom will be the great King of glory to rule +over the nations, so the members of the body, the bride, the overcomers, +are promised that they with him shall have "power over the nations". +--Revelation 2:26. + +[509]Throughout the Millennial age not only will the position of the +bride be that of associate with Christ Jesus in the kingdom, but her +position in all the ages to come will be one of honor. St. Paul writes +that God "hath raised us up together, and made us sit together in +heavenly places in Christ Jesus; that in the ages to come he might show +the exceeding riches of his grace in his kindness toward us through +Christ Jesus".--Ephesians 2:6,7. + +[510]When Jesus was in the earth he was despised and rejected of men. He +was dishonored of men, and has since been dishonored of all except those +who have come to a knowledge of the truth. The time will come, however, +as the Apostle declares, when 'every knee shall bow, and every tongue +shall confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father'. +(Philippians 2:7-11) The members of his body, the truly consecrated +children of God, following in the footsteps of their Master have been +despised of men, have been counted as the offscourings of the earth, +have been persecuted and imprisoned, and many of them killed; and the +world has known them not, even as it knew him not. But in due time all +those born in the glorious kingdom of our Lord will be honored among +men, because mankind will know of their position, as it is written: "Of +Zion it shall be said, This and that man was born in her; and the +highest himself shall establish her. The Lord shall count, when he +writeth up the people, that this man was born there." (Psalm 87:5,6) +Then shall the people rejoice that it has pleased the heavenly Father +to select out from amongst poor, imperfect men the 144,000, and to make +them perfect through Christ Jesus. He will cause the peoples of earth to +honor them, as he has promised: "I will make thy name to be remembered +in all generations; therefore shall the people praise thee for ever and +ever".--Psalm 45:17. + +[511]The Apostle says also that these are seeking _immortality_. That +word here means incorruptibility; a condition not subject to death. The +Messianic class, head and body, will not be subject to decay, sickness, +or death. Even a perfect human being requires nourishment to sustain his +organism; but the exalted church, the Messiah, the Christ, will need +nothing in the way of food to replenish any powers, because their powers +will not be exhausted. These will have life in themselves in such an +abundant measure that they can give it out, and will give it out, and +still need no replenishing. Of himself Jesus declared: "As the Father +hath life in himself, so hath he given the Son to have life in himself". +--John 5:26; 4:14. + +[512]This same promise is made to those who participate in his +sacrificial death. (John 6:53,54) These have the promise that they shall +be partakers of the divine nature (2 Peter 1:4), and thus shall have +power to give life unto others. The great prize that is here to be given +is eternal life; and immortality is that quality of eternal life that is +indestructible. To those who have entered into relationship with the +Lord through Christ, he says: "Be thou faithful unto death, and I will +give thee a crown of life". (Revelation 2:10) And again says St. James: +"Blessed is the man that endureth temptation [trial]; for when he is +tried, he shall receive the crown of life, which the Lord hath promised +to them that love him".--James 1:12. + +[513]When one is begotten to membership in the body of Christ, he has +new hopes, new ambitions, and new aspirations. He looks forward, not to +the glorious things of the earth, but to the glory and honor of being +with the Lord and serving in the capacity in which the Lord places him. +He has in mind the words of St. Paul: "Your life is hid with Christ in +God. When Christ, who is our life, shall appear, then shall ye also +appear with him in glory."--Colossians 3:3,4 + +[514]David, being a type of the church, prophetically wrote concerning +the church, and his words apply in a broader sense to the church. He +expressed the heart's desire of the members of the body of Christ: "One +thing have I desired of the Lord, that will I seek after; that I may +dwell in the house of the Lord all the days of my life, to behold the +beauty of the Lord, and to inquire in his temple". (Psalm 27:4) Here he +has hope of the glory of dwelling in the house of the Lord, in his +presence, beholding his beauty and acquiring knowledge concerning his +great plan. + +[515]Again David represents the church as in the presence of Jehovah, +enjoying the glory and honor that will be granted to those who +participate in the first resurrection. Of this in beautiful poetic +phrase he writes: "The king shall joy in thy strength, O Lord; and in +thy salvation how greatly shall he rejoice! Thou hast given him his +heart's desire, and hast not withholden the request of his lips. Selah. +For thou preventest him with the blessings of goodness: thou settest a +crown of pure gold on his head. He asked life of thee, and thou gavest +it him, even length of days for ever and ever. His glory is great in thy +salvation; honor and majesty hast thou laid upon him. For thou hast made +him most blessed for ever; thou hast made him exceeding glad with thy +countenance."--Psalm 21:1-6. + +[516]What a contrast in the eyes of the people between the man Christ +Jesus who suffered ignominy at the hands of the Jews and the Christ +Jesus glorified, the brightness of whose glory shines above that of the +brightness at noonday! Great will be the honor and dignity in the minds +of the people of the position of Jesus Christ when all have come to know +the Lord. What a great contrast between the body of humiliation and the +body of glory! These members of the body, as the Prophet beautifully +expresses it, were 'digged from the pit and hewn from the rock'. (Isaiah +51:1) They have trudged along the narrow way, suffering at the hands of +Satan and his seed. But all the way they have had these precious +promises of what would be the result, amongst which is this promise: +"Behold my servant, whom I uphold; mine elect, in whom my soul +delighteth; I have put my spirit upon him: he shall bring forth judgment +to the gentiles".--Isaiah 42:1. + +[517]In the eyes of the world these die like ordinary men; yet they +really fall like Prince Jesus. (Psalm 82:7) St. Paul, discussing the +humiliation of the church this side the vail, and contrasting it with +the glory on the other side, said: "There is one glory of the sun, and +another glory of the moon, and another glory of the stars: for one star +differeth from another star in glory. So also is the resurrection of the +dead. It is sown in corruption; it is raised in incorruption. It is sown +in dishonor; it is raised in glory. It is sown in _weakness_; it is +raised in power. It is sown a natural body; it is raised a spiritual +body."--1 Corinthians 15:41-44. + +[518]We have now come to the time in which these members of the body +have their change instantaneously. One moment they are sown in +corruption; the next, raised in incorruption. One moment in dishonor; +the next in glory. One moment in weakness; the next in power. When the +church is finished and all of the 144,000 members are with the Lord, +"then shall be brought to pass the saying that is written, Death is +swallowed up in victory. O death, where is thy sting? O grave, where is +thy victory?" (1 Corinthians 15:54,55) Then it will be that all +composing that class will enjoy glory, honor, immortality, even eternal +life. + + +APPROACHING THE KINGDOM + +[519]It is certain that the time must come when all those composing the +body of Christ will have finished their course on this side the vail and +passed into heavenly glory; and since the Lord promised that his second +presence would be for the purpose of gathering unto himself those who +would compose his bride, we should expect the glorification of the +church to take place within a reasonably short time after the second +presence of the Lord. The apostle Paul's mind was illuminated by the +power of Jehovah, the holy spirit; and he wrote concerning the coming +kingdom of Messiah, describing conditions that would immediately precede +its inauguration. + +[520]At Mount Sinai Jehovah made a covenant with the nation of Israel, +and at the time of making this covenant God directed Moses to instruct +the people, to prepare them for what was about to take place. When Moses +came down out of the mountain to deliver God's message to Israel, it was +amidst a great convulsion of nature. There were thunders and lightnings, +and a thick cloud of smoke upon the mountain, and the voice of a trumpet +exceeding loud, so that the people in the camp trembled with fear, and +the whole earth quaked greatly. This was a picture foreshadowing the +time of trouble in the earth, the great shaking of the nations just +before the inauguration of Messiah's kingdom and the taking unto himself +of his bride for the setting up of his kingdom. St. Paul, referring to +that time, by way of comparison says: "Ye are not come unto the mount +that might be touched, and that burned with fire, nor unto blackness, +and darkness, and tempest, and the sound of a trumpet, and the voice of +words; which voice they that heard intreated that the word should not be +spoken to them any more (for they could not endure that which was +commanded, And if so much as a beast touch the mountain, it shall be +stoned, or thrust through with a dart; and so terrible was the sight, +that Moses said, I exceedingly fear and quake)".--Hebrews 12:18-21. + +[521]We should expect, then, an antitypical fulfillment of these +conditions. And so we do find it. The mountains (symbolically meaning +kingdoms of the world) are on fire, and there is a great tempest, and +trouble, and disturbance in the earth; and so terrible is the time that +men's hearts are failing them for fear of what they see coming on the +earth. Speaking of that time, and directing his words to the church, St. +Paul wrote: "Ye are come unto mount Zion, and unto the city of the +living God, the heavenly Jerusalem, and to an innumerable company of +angels, to the general assembly and church of the firstborn, which are +written in heaven, and to God the Judge of all, and to the spirits of +just men made perfect, and to Jesus the mediator of the new covenant, +and to the blood of sprinkling, that speaketh better things than that of +Abel".--Hebrews 12:22-24. + +[522]Thus St. Paul pictures the gathering together of those who compose +the spiritual phase of Messiah's kingdom, namely, the church, Head and +body. He describes this as the heavenly Jerusalem. + +[523]That the peoples of earth and the creatures of heaven might ever +have in remembrance the importance of this great day in which we are +now living God is manifesting his power and his justice through his +dealings with the nations, and in due time the people will learn to +appreciate the love of God. + +[524]What a marvelously wonderful time now to be on the earth! Four +thousand years ago holy men looked down to the time when God's kingdom +might come, but they could not understand it. The angels of heaven were +not permitted to know. Many of these faithful men were martyrs to the +cause of righteousness. Moved by the spirit of Jehovah, they wrote +concerning the kingdom. The Psalmist composed songs and sang of the +coming blessed day. For nineteen hundred years Christians have been +trudging along the narrow way. And now it can be truly said, The Lord is +present; the Lord reigneth! The kingdom of heaven is at hand! + +[525]Necessarily the members of the body this side the vail are looking +forward with anticipation to their change, when they may put off this +mortal and be clothed upon with immortality, and be caught up to be +forever with the Lord, and by him be presented to the great Jehovah. +When all the members of the body have passed beyond the vail, then in +God's due time they will be presented by the Lord Jesus before the +presence of Jehovah. Since we are so close to that time, let us now +assume in our minds that we are standing just beyond the vail and that +we are getting the first glimpse of the glories of the kingdom. + +[526]Whom would the true Christian first expect to meet in the kingdom? +Necessarily he would look for some one who had been a special friend to +him during the time of his humiliation. If a person who expected to be +presented to an earthly king or potentate had an acquaintance or friend +at that court, he would first desire to consult his friend and receive +some advice and suggestions before entering the presence of the noble +one. Entering heaven, the Christian expects to see the Lord Jesus, and +ultimately the heavenly Father, according to the promise. As the +Christian looks over the precious promises given to the church, he finds +many assurances that he has had an unseen friend during his earthly +pilgrimage, namely, his guardian angel. Of such the Psalmist wrote: "The +angel of the Lord encampeth round about them that fear him, and +delivereth them". (Psalm 34:7; Hebrews 1:14) These angels are doubtless +messengers for Jehovah, because of them Jesus said: 'In heaven they do +always behold the face of my Father'.--Matthew 18:10. + +[527]Describing the conditions and events in connection with the general +assembly of the church of the firstborn, St. Paul writes: "Ye are come +... to an innumerable company of angels". These must be pure, lovable, +and beautiful in form and character. These have been the ones who have +kept the record of each member of the body of Christ. (Malachi 3:16) It +will be a real joy to become acquainted with these precious and +beautiful creatures who have been helpers of the Christians along the +way. It would be expected that they would render assistance to the one +just appearing in the presence of the Lord Jesus. Therefore it is not +unreasonable to anticipate that the first one to be met beyond the vail +is the Christian's guardian angel. + +[528]Next in order the Apostle mentions "the church of the firstborn". +Jesus Christ is the head of this church, the great King of glory. +Certainly all the body members will be eager to see our wonderful Lord, +who redeemed us to God with his precious blood. He is not only our +Redeemer, Advocate, and Deliverer, but our dearest Friend; and now the +relationship of bride and bridegroom is about to be fully consummated. +How thrilling will be that time! By long and patient continuance in +well doing, their experiences, by the grace of the Lord and through his +ministration, have perfected every one of the body for this happy time, +making each member beautiful, "So shall the king greatly desire thy +beauty: for he is thy Lord; and worship thou him." Each member of the +bride then will be permitted to see Jesus as he is and will then be like +him. Happy will be that time. (1 John 3:2) Every one of these Christians +has had some dear fellow Christian friend on earth. He will be looking +for such a one, doubtless, when he arrives in heaven. Of course each one +will look for the faithful apostles whom the Lord used to furnish the +food to the household of faith. Then they will look for others whom the +Lord specially used as teachers, instructors, and servants of the +church, who were loving and kind and ministered to the wants of the +various members and did it joyfully. + +[529]We may be sure that of all those who are there every one will be +perfected in love, because the Apostle says they must thus be. +(Ephesians 4:16; Colossians 3:14) We may expect to see some there whom +we have loved and may be disappointed in not seeing them; but no +Christian will ever see any one of his fellow-Christians in heaven +except those who have loved their brethren with a pure heart, all of +whom have passed through the fiery trials and rejoiced in the +experiences that the Lord brought to them. Each one of the members of +the divine family will be beautiful, for all will be like the Lord. As +star differs from star in glory, so shall the various members differ in +that glorious realm. But what a marvelous gathering that will be: +144,000 glorious beings assembling with their glorious head Christ +Jesus! + +[530]All united together with the Lord Jesus, it seems, according to St. +Paul, that the next in order would be to grant unto the church the +glory that is promised, by presenting the bride class before the great +divine throne of Jehovah. St. Jude informs us not only that our Lord +keeps the members of the body from falling, but that he will present +them faultless before the presence of Jehovah's glory with exceeding +joy.--Jude 24. + +[531]The day approaches for the presentation of the bride. In vision we +behold an innumerable company of angels assembled before the throne of +God, forming a guard of honor. The heralds of heaven with golden +trumpets appear, announcing the approach of the Bridegroom with his +bride. Music of surpassing sweetness fills the heavenly courts. All eyes +are fixed upon the conquering Hero, the King of kings and Lord of lords, +the great Bridegroom, who now approaches with his bride of 144,000 +members. The hosts of heaven are singing, "Hallelujah: for the Lord God +omnipotent reigneth! Let us be glad and rejoice, and give honor to him; +for the marriage of the Lamb is come, and his wife hath made herself +ready."--Revelation 19:6,7. + +[532]It is well that we take note here of the apparel of the bride of +Christ now entering glory. "And to her was granted that she should be +arrayed in fine linen, clean and white." (Revelation 19:8) "The king's +daughter is all glorious within the palace; her clothing is of wrought +gold. She shall be brought unto the king in raiment of needlework." +(Psalm 45:13,14) Thus in symbolic phrase the Prophet describes her +inherent beauty when she is presented faultless before the glorious +presence of Jehovah. It will be impossible for human words to +approximate the grandeur and the majesty of that scene. Before the great +white throne of the heavenly Father, bride and Bridegroom will be made +one, and the glory of the church will be complete. There, in the +presence of Jehovah, she will have fullness of joy and pleasures for +evermore. + + "O that will be a union + Such as earth has never known. + When bride and Bridegroom are made one + Before the great white throne." + +[533]The members of the body of Christ in glory will be a monument of +the grace of God, because thus will be demonstrated the power, as well +as the love, of Jehovah in taking insignificant creatures from amongst +men and exalting them to the highest place in the universe, next to the +Lord Jesus. Then she will be held forth in the power of Jehovah, +exhibited as a crown of glory in his hand, and be used by him to +accomplish that which he purposed from the foundation of the world. As +the glorified bride of our heavenly Bridegroom, clothed with honor and +immortality, she will possess life everlasting, inherent life; and with +her Bridegroom she will minister life and blessing to others. + +[534]St. John had a vision of this wonderful royal family of heaven, and +in symbolic language he described it as "the holy city, the new Jerusalem, +coming down from God out of heaven". (Revelation 21:1-5) Thus he depicts +the approaching kingdom of Messiah. In vision he saw the faithful +followers of Jesus who are still on this side the vail, by faith +beholding the approach of this happy time; and he describes them as +those who had "gotten the victory over the beast [the devil's earthly +organization], and over his image, and over his mark, and over the +number of his name [whose allegiance is wholly to the Lord, and who] +stand on the sea of glass, having the harps of God. And they sing the +song of Moses the servant of God [the song taught by the law, which +foreshadowed the better things to come], and the song of the Lamb [the +song of the clear fulfillment of prophecy and the unfolding of God's +plan, as set forth in the New Testament; they are playing upon their +harps and praising Jehovah], saying, Great and marvelous are thy works, +Lord God Almighty; just and true are thy ways, thou King of saints." +--Revelation 15:2,3. + + + + +Define the word "church". ¶ 468. + +Of what does the church of Christ consist? ¶ 468. + +What other name is given to those composing the church? ¶ 468. + +What is a saint? ¶ 468. + +How are those composing the body of Christ purified? ¶ 468. + +What is meant by the terms "new creature" and "new creation"? ¶ 468. + +How is nature determined? ¶ 468. + +Who has preeminence in the divine plan? Give Scriptural proof. ¶ 468. + +When did the new creation have its beginning? ¶ 469. + +What occurred with reference to Jesus when he was thirty years of age? +¶ 469. + +How was he perfected as a new creature? ¶ 469. + +Who opposed Jesus from the time of his baptism? ¶ 470. + +Why this opposition? ¶ 470. + +In the sentence by Jehovah, as set forth in Genesis 3:15, what is +symbolized by the woman? ¶ 470. + +Whom did Isaac typify? ¶ 470. + +Of what does the seed of the serpent consist? Give some Scriptural +proof. ¶ 470. + +What is the disposition of the seed of the serpent? ¶ 470. + +Where did Jesus go immediately following his baptism, and for what +purpose? ¶ 471. + +To what temptation was he subjected shortly thereafter? Give the +Scriptural account. ¶ 471. + +How long did he suffer at the hands of Satan and his representatives? +¶ 471. + +How did he gain the victory? ¶ 471. + +How did Jehovah reward Jesus for his faithful devotion to the divine +arrangement even unto death? ¶ 471. + +What Scriptures indicate that the body members most follow in his +steps? ¶ 471. + +Did God predestinate or foreordain a new creation? Give Scriptural +proof. ¶ 472. + +What is meant by the word "world" as used in Ephesians 1:4-9? ¶ 473. + +Did God foreordain or choose the individuals who would compose the +church? Or what is meant by his foreknowledge? ¶ 473. + +Should we expect the body members to have experiences similar to those +of Jesus? ¶ 473. + +When was the day of Pentecost? ¶ 474. + +What call went forth to the Jews from that time? ¶ 474. + +What is meant by the call? ¶ 474. + +What did Jesus say about the number called and chosen? Give Scriptural +proof. ¶ 474. + +How long was this call confined to the Jews? ¶ 474. + +Who was the first gentile to receive the gospel? Give the Scriptural +account. ¶ 474. + +Thereafter to whom did the call extend? ¶ 474. + +Why has the gospel been preached? ¶ 475. + +How has the gospel appeared to worldly-wise men? ¶ 475. + +What did St. Paul say about the wisdom of this world and the wisdom of +God? ¶ 475. + +How did the Jews as a people receive the message of Christ and him +crucified? ¶ 476. + +How did the majority of the gentiles receive the gospel? ¶ 476. + +What proportion of the wise and mighty and noble are called and respond +to the call of the gospel? ¶ 476. + +Why have not many wise and noble accepted the truth? ¶ 476. + +How has the call impressed the humble-minded? ¶ 476. + +Give Scriptural proof of Jehovah's invitation to become members of the +bride class. ¶ 477. + +Why can the church be called the daughter of God? ¶ 478. + +What beauty is it that the Lord desires in the body members? ¶ 478. + +Is time required for the development of the church? ¶ 479. + +What can be said about deathbed confessions? ¶ 479. + +What is the first thing to do to become a Christian? ¶ 479. + +What is meant by repentance? ¶ 479. + +What is meant by being converted? ¶ 479. + +After conversion, what further things take place before one becomes a +new creature? ¶ 479. + +Why must the Christian thereafter pass through many varied experiences? +¶ 479. + +Why are children in school required to have hard mental exercises? ¶ 480. + +Is it necessary for one to train for a physical contest? ¶ 480. + +Why is it necessary for a new creature to be trained and to pass through +experiences? ¶ 480. + +What did the Psalmist say concerning the standing of the new creature +with his brethren and others? ¶ 481. + +To whom did Jesus become a stranger? and what reproaches fell upon him? +¶ 481. + +Give Scriptural proof that the body members have similar reproaches. +¶ 481. + +How has God overruled for good Satan's persecution of the church? ¶ 482. + +Is the Christian's suffering greater when he first knows the Lord or +later? ¶ 483. + +How is a Christian, when first begotten, designated in the Scriptures? +¶ 483. + +What kind of spiritual food does he need? ¶ 483. + +Give a figure of speech illustrating the development of the church, with +Scriptural proof of same. ¶ 484. + +Give a paraphrase of the Apostle's words in 1 Peter 2:3-8. ¶ 485. + +Give Scriptural proof that it is a privilege to suffer with Christ. ¶ 485. + +What course must a Christian take as compared to the world? ¶ 486. + +Explain the development of the Christian, as taught by St. Peter in +2 Peter 1:5-7. ¶ 486. + +What should a Christian do with reference to making his calling and +election sure? Give Scriptural proof. ¶ 487. + +Against what enemies does the new creature war? ¶ 488. + +With what weapons does he war? Give Scriptural proof. ¶ 488. + +What hope strengthens him in the battle? ¶ 488. + +What effect does this hope have upon his purifying himself? ¶ 488. + +To what likeness were the members of the church foreordained? ¶ 489. + +Why can the Christian understand things that the world cannot? Give +Scriptural proof, ¶ 489. + +How is the pathway of the Christian designated? and is it an easy one? +¶ 489. + +What does St. James say to the Christian about considering the suffering +of the prophets? ¶ 490. + +What was the purpose of the prophets' suffering? ¶ 490. + +What did Jesus say about the violent taking the kingdom? Give explanation. +¶ 491. + +Why should the Christian suffer? Give Scriptural proof. ¶ 492. + +Why is Jesus not ashamed to call the members of the church his brethren? +¶ 492. + +Does the true saint of God complain or murmur because of his persecution? +Give Scriptural reason. ¶ 493. + +Does the true Christian expect to be without suffering? ¶ 494. + +What does suffering testify to him? ¶ 494. + +From what source do these sufferings come? ¶ 494. + +Who was one of the greatest sufferers amongst Christ's followers? ¶ 495. + +Enumerate some of his experiences. ¶ 495. + +What did he say about such afflictions? ¶ 495. + +To what was St. Paul looking forward as his great hope? ¶ 495. + +Upon what does the Christian meditate with delight? ¶ 495. + +What is the great promise set before the church? Give Scriptural proof. +¶ 496. + +What does the word "glory" mean, as used in the Scriptures? Give +Scriptural proof. ¶ 497. + +How is Jesus mentioned with reference to God's glory? ¶ 497. + +How are the body members to be with him in glory? ¶ 497. + +How will this glory compare to things of earth? ¶ 497. + +What did St. Paul say about that glory? ¶ 497. + +What image will the church bear in glory? ¶ 497. + +What was the condition of faithful saints who died between Pentecost and +Christ's second coming? ¶ 498. + +What do the Scriptures say about their awakening at the second coming +of Christ? ¶ 498. + +What do the Scriptures say concerning the resurrection change of those +saints living on the earth after Christ's second appearing? ¶ 499. + +Why are they called blessed of the Lord? ¶ 499. + +Why has Jehovah been for centuries preparing the new creation? ¶ 499. + +What is the custom of royalty concerning jewels? ¶ 500. + +In what way do the Scriptures compare the saints to jewels? Give the +proof. ¶ 500. + +How are they to be regarded by Jehovah? and how illustrated by jewels? +Give Scriptural proof. ¶ 500. + +Give a Scriptural promise of glory to the overcomer. ¶ 501. + +How is the sun used to illustrate glory? Give Scriptural proof. ¶ 502. + +What Scriptural promise did the Lord give to his church concerning a +heavenly habitation? ¶ 503. + +What did the Psalmist say about the Lord's habitation? ¶ 503. + +What did the Prophet write concerning the beauty of Zion? ¶ 503. + +For what purpose will Jehovah shine through the new creation? ¶ 503. + +What joy will this bring to the new creation? Give Scriptural proof. ¶ 503. + +What is the Scriptural promise with reference to having the great King +as a friend? ¶ 504. + +How will this great friend love the members of the church? ¶ 504. + +What is meant by the Scriptural term "honor"? ¶ 505. + +How is God honored by his creatures? ¶ 505. + +How will the church occupy a position of honor? ¶ 505. + +What particular relationship with Jesus pictures the great honor that +the body members will have? ¶ 505. + +What does the Scripture say concerning the likeness of Jesus and his +relationship to the body members? ¶ 506. + +What does the Apostle say concerning the appearance and likeness of the +church? ¶ 506. + +Who has been appointed heir of all things? ¶ 506. + +Who shares with him in this honor? Give Scriptural proof. ¶ 506. + +To whom did Jehovah promise the rulership and dominion of the earth at +the time of Zedekiah's overthrow? ¶ 507. + +What does the prophet Daniel say with reference to granting this +dominion to Jesus? ¶ 507. + +What will be the extent of his dominion and kingdom? ¶ 507. + +How shall the nations regard it? ¶ 507. + +What promise of honor is given to the church in this connection? Give +Scriptural proof. ¶ 507. + +Who will be the great King of glory to rule the nations? ¶ 508. + +Is any promise of honor to the church given in this connection? ¶509. + +What Scriptural promise is there that the church shall enjoy a position +of honor in the coming ages? ¶ 509. + +To what extent has Jesus been honored by the world? ¶ 510. + +What Scriptural proof is there that the world will yet honor him? ¶ 510. + +How have the body members of the church been regarded by the world? ¶ 510. + +Will they be honored in the future? ¶ 510. + +Will the world know who is born a member of the glorified church? Give +Scriptural proof. ¶ 510. + +What effect will this knowledge have upon the world? ¶ 510. + +How will the people regard the church in the future ages? Give +Scriptural proof. ¶ 510. + +Besides glory and honor, what else is the church seeking? ¶ 511. + +Define immortality. ¶ 511. + +What will be the difference between a perfect human being and a member +of the new creation with reference to requiring nourishment to sustain +life? ¶ 511. + +What Scriptural proof is given that Jesus possesses inherent life? ¶ 511. + +What Scriptural promise is given to the body members that they will have +inherent life? ¶ 512. + +With what power will they be clothed with reference to giving life to +others? ¶ 512. + +Give some Scriptural proof of the degree of life to be possessed by the +church. ¶ 512. + +What is meant by the "crown of life"? ¶ 512. + +When one becomes a new creature in Christ, how does that affect his +hopes, ambitions and aspirations? ¶ 513. + +What did St. Paul say concerning the life of such? ¶ 513. + +Whom did David typify? and how do his words apply to the church? ¶ 514. + +How is the desire of the church expressed by the Psalmist? Quote the +Scripture. ¶ 514. + +What did the psalmist David say about the King and the new creation in +the presence of Jehovah? Quote the psalm. ¶ 515. + +Show the contrast in the minds of the people between the position of the +Christ during the period of humiliation and the period of glory. Give +Scriptural proof. ¶ 516. + +In the eyes of the world, how do members of the church die? ¶ 517. + +In the eyes of Jehovah, how do they die? Give the Scriptural proof. ¶ 517. + +How does St. Paul contrast the humiliation with the glory of the church? +Quote the Scripture. ¶ 517. + +When will all the members of the church enjoy glory, honor, and +immortality, eternal life? ¶ 518. + +When should we reasonably expect the church to be glorified? ¶ 519. + +Under what influence did St. Paul write concerning the approaching +kingdom? ¶ 519. + +Describe what took place at the time of the making of the law covenant +by Jehovah with Israel at Mount Sinai. ¶ 520. + +Give the Scriptural statement by St. Paul concerning that time. ¶ 520. + +What did such convulsions of nature foreshadow concerning the present +time? ¶ 520. + +What does a mountain symbolize? and in what sense can we say that +present conditions were foreshadowed by the disturbance at Mount Sinai? +¶ 521. + +Using this to illustrate the approaching kingdom, quote the apostle +Paul's words in Hebrews 12:22-24. ¶ 521. + +What do these words of St. Paul picture with reference to the kingdom? +¶ 522. + +Why is God now manifesting his power and justice in dealing with the +nations of earth? ¶ 523. + +How does the privilege of living on earth now compare with that in +centuries past? ¶ 524. + +Did the prophets understand what would happen at this time? ¶ 524. + +Did the angels understand? ¶ 524. + +Did these seek to find out? ¶ 524. + +What is the privilege of the Christian now compared with that of +Christians living in the early part of the gospel age? ¶ 525. + +To what are saints this side the vail looking forward? ¶ 525. + +Whom will the Christian first expect to meet in the heavenly kingdom? +¶ 526. + +Quote the Scriptures with reference to the Christian's guardian angel. +¶ 526. + +What records have these angels kept? Give the Scriptural proof. ¶ 527. + +Who would be the next whom the Christian would expect to meet in glory? +¶ 528. + +Why will the King of glory desire to greet the body members in the +kingdom? ¶ 528. + +Describe others in the church for whom the Christian will be looking in +the kingdom. ¶ 528. + +What grace of the holy spirit will be possessed by every one who is in +the kingdom? ¶ 529. + +What will be the appearance of each member of the body of Christ? ¶ 529. + +After all the bride class is united with the Bridegroom, then what is +next to be expected? ¶ 530. + +To whom is granted the honor of presenting the bride before Jehovah? ¶ 530. + +Give a picture based upon the Scriptures of the appearance of the bride +with the Bridegroom before the throne of Jehovah. ¶ 531. + +Describe the appearance of the bride class. ¶ 532. + +How will that marriage compare with earthly marriages or unions? ¶ 532. + +Why will the members of the body of Christ be a monument to the grace of +God? ¶ 533. + +In vision, how did St. John describe the church class this side the vail +using the harp of God? ¶ 534. + + + + + "THEE FOR EVER BLEST" + + Thy works all praise Thee: all Thy angels praise: + Thy saints adore, and on Thy altars burn + The fragrant incense of perpetual love. + They praise Thee now: their hearts, their voices praise, + And swell the rapture of the glorious song. + Harp! lift thy voice on high--shout, angels, shout! + And loudest, ye redeemed! glory to God, + And to the Lamb, who bought us with His blood, + From every kindred, nation, people, tongue; + And washed, and sanctified, and saved our souls; + And gave us robes of linen pure, and crowns + Of life, and made us kings, and priests to God. + Shout back to ancient Time! Sing loud, and wave + Your palms of triumph! sing, Where is thy sting, + O Death? where is thy victory, O Grave? + Thanks be to God, eternal thanks, who gave + Us victory through Jesus Christ our Lord. + Harp, lift thy voice on high! shout, angels, shout, + And loudest, ye redeemed! glory to God, + And to the Lamb--all glory and all praise; + All glory and all praise, at morn and even, + That come and go eternally; and find + Us happy still, and Thee for ever blest. + Glory to God, and to the Lamb. Amen. + For ever, and for evermore. Amen. + +--_Pollok_ + +[Illustration] + + + + +CHAPTER XI + +String 10: _Restoration_ + + +The restoration string of the harp of God is one that will fill the +earth with joyful song. Although every prophet from Samuel to John the +Baptist spoke of the coming days of restoration, this wonderful doctrine +represented by the tenth string of the harp was for a long time lost to +the vision of many who claimed to be Christians, as was also the +doctrine of the Abrahamic promise. Hence we see that the eight-string +harp sometimes used by the Jews represents the harp of God minus the +strings picturing the Abrahamic promise and restoration. Now these +strings or doctrines have been found and appreciated by God's people; +and the harp fully strung yields music of unspeakable sweetness. + +[536]Restoration means to restore that which was lost. The first man +Adam was made perfect, in the image and likeness of God, with power and +authority to fill the earth with a race of people and to rule the earth +as his dominion. By reason of his sin, he brought upon himself the +manifestation of divine justice; and being sentenced to death, he lost +the right to life, and this right was lost also for his offspring. The +first man, Adam, was created a human being, not a spirit being. "The +first man is of the earth, earthy." (1 Corinthians 15:47) God created +the earth for man. "God ... formed the earth and made it; he hath +established it, he created it not in vain, he formed it to be +inhabited." (Isaiah 45:12,18) The Scriptures conclusively prove that +God's original purpose was that man should have an everlasting home on +the earth as long as he obeyed the divine law. Man having disobeyed +forfeited his right to live on earth, and Jesus, the perfect man, having +by his great sacrifice purchased this right for man, the time must come +when man will be restored to that which was lost. + +[537]Some noted teachers of the Bible deny the doctrine of restoration. +Let us observe, then, what else must fail if this doctrine fails. If +there is to be no restoration of man to his original state, then it must +be admitted that the creation of man was and is a failure. Not only +would the creation of man result in a failure, but the very purpose for +which God created the earth must fail. This would mean, then, that his +word has not and will not accomplish what he said. But God being +all-wise, and having unlimited power, his purposes cannot fail. If we +believe the Bible, we will have to believe the doctrine of restoration. +Jehovah has said: "My word that goeth forth out of my mouth ... 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".--Isaiah 55:11. + +[538]If there is to be no restoration of man to his original state and +no opportunity for him to be so restored, then the manifestation of +divine justice against Adam amounts to nothing more than God's +destroying the work of his own hands and admitting he was and is unable +to people the earth with a perfect race. If we believe in his +omnipotence, we must believe that he will accomplish his design. Having +made the promise at the time of the sentence of man that the great enemy +should ultimately perish, we may take this as one truth upon which to +hang a hope that something better is to come in the future. + +[539]If there is to be no restoration of mankind to original +perfection, then God's promise made to Abraham is meaningless and must +fail, because the express purpose of that promise is the blessing of all +the families of the earth; and that blessing is life. (Genesis 12:3; +22:18; 28:14; Romans 6:23) Not only did Jehovah make this promise to +Abraham, but he bound the promise with his oath; and by these two things +(his word and his oath, both of which are unchangeable) it is impossible +for the promise to fail; but in due time it must be carried out.--Hebrews +6:17,18. + +[540]Beyond question, the Scriptures show that Jesus, who in his +prehuman existence was the Logos, left the heavenly courts, his life +being transferred from spirit to human plane, took upon him the nature +and form of man, and became Jesus for the very purpose of saving the +people from their sins. (Matthew 1:21) He came that man might have life. +(John 10:10) He came and gave his life as a ransom, that others might +live. (Matthew 20:28) He was rich and for our sakes became poor, that we +through his poverty might become rich. (2 Corinthians 8:9) When he was +born as a man, the angels of heaven announced glad tidings of great joy +which shall be unto all people, because the purpose of his birth was to +redeem mankind and to restore to them that which had been lost. (Luke +2:9-11) If there is to be no restoration of man to his original state, +then all these purposes of God in sending his beloved Son to earth must +fail. We know that God's word cannot fail. + +[541]It was the perfect man Adam who had sinned and by his sin lost the +right to life and the blessings incident to a perfect human life. The +only means provided for satisfying that judgment and releasing mankind +was by substituting another perfect human life. The substitution of +that one perfect human life for the other is called in the Scriptures +the ransom-sacrifice. God made the specific promise that he would ransom +man from the power of the grave, and that he would redeem him from +death. (Hosea 13:14) In keeping with this promise, his Word declares +that 'Jesus, by the grace of God, tasted death for every man'. (Hebrews +2:9) "There is one God, and one mediator between God and men, the man +Christ Jesus, who gave himself a ransom for all, to be testified in due +time."--1 Timothy 2:5,6. + +[542]Unless, therefore, mankind has a full and fair opportunity to be +restored to the perfect condition enjoyed by father Adam while in Eden, +then all of these promises of Jehovah are meaningless and must fail. If +they should fail, such would prove that God is not all-powerful. It +would also prove that his promises are not sure; whereas the Scriptures +declare: "All the promises of God, whatever their number, have their +confirmation in him; and for this reason through him also our 'Amen' +acknowledges their truth and promotes the glory of God through our +faith. But he who is making us as well as you stedfast through union +with the anointed one, and has anointed us, is God, and he has also set +his seal upon us, and has put his spirit into our hearts as a pledge and +foretaste of future blessing."--2 Corinthians 1:20-22, _Weymouth_. + +[543]Jesus arose from the dead and ascended on high. The fact of his +resurrection is a guarantee that all men shall have an opportunity for +life. If there is to be no restoration of the human race, then the +resurrection of Jesus and the awakening of others from the dead are +meaningless and for no purpose. If we believe the Scriptures, we must +believe in restoration, because God "hath appointed a day, in the which +he will judge the world in _righteousness_ by that man whom he hath +ordained; whereof he hath given assurance _unto all men_, in that he +hath raised him from the dead". (Acts 17:31) If we do not accept the +doctrine of restoration of the human race, then we must ignore the +positive words of the Apostle, who wrote: "Now is Christ risen from the +dead, and become the firstfruits of them that slept. For since by man +came death, by man came also the resurrection of the dead. For as in +Adam all die, even so in Christ shall all be made alive. But every man +in his own order: Christ the firstfruits; afterward they that are +Christ's at his coming. Then cometh the end, when he shall have +delivered up the kingdom to God, even the Father; when he shall have put +down all rule and authority and power. For he must reign, till he hath +put all enemies under his feet. The last enemy that shall be destroyed +is death."--1 Corinthians 15:20-26. + +[544]"The mystery" is the Christ, the anointed class--Jesus the head +and his body members--designated in the Scriptures as the seed of +Abraham, according to the promise. (Colossians 1:26,27) It is the +repeatedly announced purpose of Jehovah that through this seed all the +families of the earth shall be blessed. (Galatians 3:8,16,27,29) +Jehovah has devoted much time and effort to the development of the seed +of promise. If, therefore, there is to be no opportunity for full +restoration of mankind, then the time and effort spent in developing the +seed of Abraham has been wasted, and the promise of blessing through +this seed is meaningless and void. If we believe the Scriptures above +cited, that God's word cannot return unto him void, then we must know +that his purposes cannot fail. + +[545]The Lord Jesus went away to prepare a place for his bride, the +church, which is the seed of Abraham through which the promised blessing +of mankind must come. He promised to return and receive his bride unto +himself. He has come again, as the Scriptural evidence herein cited +clearly and conclusively shows. If there is to be no opportunity for the +restoration of man to the condition which Adam enjoyed before he sinned, +then the second coming of the Lord must fail in one of its primary +purposes. That one of the primary purposes of his second coming is the +restoration of the human race, is definitely stated by the inspired +witness: "God ... shall send Jesus Christ, which before was preached +unto you; whom the heaven must receive [retain, hold] until the times of +_restitution_ [restoration] of all things, which God hath spoken by the +mouth of all his holy prophets since the world began. For Moses truly +said unto the fathers, A prophet shall the Lord your God raise up unto +you of your brethren, like unto me; him shall ye hear in all things +whatsoever he shall say unto you. And it shall come to pass, that every +soul, which will not hear that prophet, shall be destroyed from among +the people. Yea, and all the prophets, from Samuel and those that follow +after, as many as have spoken, have likewise foretold of these days." +--Acts 3: 20-24. + +[546]Added to this positive statement of the inspired Apostle is the +testimony of all the prophets foretelling the time coming for the +restoration of the things that were lost through the disobedience of +Adam. + +[547]Enoch was the first of the holy prophets. (Jude 14,15) Then +followed Jacob (Genesis 49:10), Moses (Genesis 3:15; 12:3; 13:15; 18:18; +22:18; Deuteronomy 18:15,19; 30:15), Samuel (1 Samuel 2:6), Job +(14:13-15; 33:19-30), David (Psalm 22:27; 30:5; 37:11; 46:10; 67:1-7; +72:3,4,6,10; 86:9; 93:2; 96:11-13; 98:4-9; 104:5), Solomon (Proverbs +2:21; 11:31; Ecclesiastes 1:4), Isaiah (2:2-4; 9:7; 11:4-9; 14:7; +19:22; 25:6-12; 28:17,18; 29:17,18; 33:24), Jeremiah (3:17; 24:7; +31:16,29,34; 32:39,40; 33:8,9; 46:27; 50:4,5), Ezekiel (11:19; +16;55,61-63; 18:2,31,32; 28:26; 34:25-28; 36:26,27,29,30,35; 37:24; +39:29), Daniel (2:44; 7:27), Hosea (2:18,21; 3:5; 13:14), Joel (2:22,32), +Amos (9:11,12; Acts 15:14-18), Obadiah (verse 21), Jonah (chapter 4), +Micah (4:1-5,8), Nahum (1:15; 2:3-6), Habakkuk (2:14), Zephaniah (2:11; +3:9,13), Haggai (2:7), Zechariah (2:11; 3:10; 8:3,8,12,15,21,22; +9:10,17; 14:9,11,20), Malachi (1:11; 3:11; 4:2), and John the Baptist. +(John 1:29; Matthew 11:9,11) This entire array of holy witnesses, +without a single exception, unite in testifying to the coming days of +restoration of man.[A] + +[Footnote A: See discussion of this in "The Finished Mystery", pages +62-95.] + +[548]The reasonable mind cannot conceive that Jehovah would develop a +new creation and glorify that creation by committing to the head of it +all power in heaven and in earth without assigning the new creation some +work to do with reference to man. The very purpose of the glorification +of the new creation, the church, is that the members thereof, directed +by the head, the Lord Jesus, might judge and bless and restore the +families of the earth. There could be no judgment without a trial; and a +trial means an opportunity. Jesus plainly said: "In the regeneration +when the Son of man shall sit in the throne of his glory, ye also shall +sit upon twelve thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel". (Matthew +19:28) Here is the positive statement of regeneration. Regeneration +means the act of reproducing or giving life anew to a creature. + +[549]Again it is written concerning those who participate in the first +resurrection and thereby become members of the royal family of heaven: +"Blessed and holy is he that hath part in the first resurrection; on +such the second death hath no power, but they shall be priests of God +and of Christ, and shall reign with him a thousand years," which +thousand-year reign is for the purpose of restoring mankind.--Revelation +20:6; Acts 17:31. + +[550]Again says the Apostle: "Do ye not know that the saints shall +judge the world?" (1 Corinthians 6:2) Again Jesus plainly declared that +at his second coming he would sit upon his throne of glory, and before +him should be gathered all nations, and he would separate them and +reward them according to their obedience to his laws. (Matthew 25:31-46) +If the church, Jesus the head and his body members glorified, endowed +with power and authority, are not to act as the great deliverer and +uplifter of the human race, then why should they be clothed with such +power and authority? If there is to be no opportunity for the +restoration of mankind, then God's plan with reference to the new +creation and its work must fail. He has positively announced that one of +the very purposes for calling and developing the new creation is the +blessing of mankind.--Genesis 12:3; Galatians 3:16,27,29. + +[551]"I the Lord have called thee in righteousness, and will hold thine +hand, and will keep thee, and give thee for a covenant of the people, +for a light unto the gentiles; to open the blind eyes, to bring out the +prisoners from the prison [the grave, condition of death], and them that +sit in darkness out of the prison house." (Isaiah 42:6,7) "Thus saith +the Lord, In an acceptable time have I heard thee, and in a day of +salvation have I helped thee; and I will preserve thee, and give thee +for a covenant of the people, to establish the earth, to cause to +inherit the desolate heritages."--Isaiah 49:8. + +[552]Thus we see that every purpose of the divine plan points to the +restoration of mankind. Every vital doctrine speaks of that coming time +for man's blessing. Every other string of the harp of God harmoniously +blends with the music of the tenth string, the restoration of man. It +must be admitted by every honest student of the Bible that all the +fundamental doctrines point to God's purpose of offering restitution +blessings to the entire human race, and that the obedient ones will +enjoy the blessings upon the earth. And now let us examine some more +specific texts further corroborating the already strong proof that +restitution is the great object of the divine plan relative to the human +race. + +[553]God made a covenant with the nation of Israel, by which covenant he +promised to give life to all who would keep that covenant. (Leviticus +18:5) The Israelites, like others of Adam's offspring, having been born +sinners and imperfect, could not keep this covenant; therefore could not +get life through it. The specific reasons are: (1) Because the +ransom-sacrifice had not yet been given; (2) because of the +imperfections of the human race and the imperfections of Moses the +mediator of the covenant it yielded life to none of the nation of +Israel. (Romans 8:3) There was a two-fold purpose for this law covenant +being made. One was, that it might serve as a schoolmaster to lead +Israel to Christ (Galatians 3:24); and the other, to foreshadow a better +or new law covenant arrangement which God would make through his beloved +Son Christ Jesus. (Hebrews 10:1; 8:5) Christ is the great high priest; +and by his fulfilling the divine purposes, he is now the mediator of a +better covenant, the new covenant, which God purposes to make for man's +benefit. (Hebrews 8:6; 9:15) When the church is glorified and the +kingdom set up, then the blood (merit) of Christ will be applied for the +sealing of the new covenant, through which covenant promised blessings +are to be extended to the human race. + +[554]After these days, then--after the gathering out of the Christ class +or new creation--this covenant is to be made, as St. Paul states: +"Behold, the days come, saith the Lord, when I will make a new covenant +with the house of Israel and with the house of Judah; not according to +the covenant that I made with their fathers in the day when I took them +by the hand to lead them out of the land of Egypt; because they +continued not in my covenant, and I regarded them not, saith the Lord. +For this is the covenant that I will make with the house of Israel +_after those days_, saith the Lord; I will put my laws into their mind, +and write them in their hearts; and I will be to them a God, and they +shall be my people; and they shall not teach every man his neighbor, and +every man his brother, saying, Know the Lord: for all shall know me, +from the least to the greatest. For I will be merciful to their +unrighteousness, and their sins and their iniquities will I remember no +more."--Hebrews 8:8-12. + +[555]Under this new covenant the whole human race shall have the +opportunity to come back to God through Christ the mediator. Mark that +it is plainly stated that during the time of restoration 'God will put +his laws into their minds, and write them in their hearts, and will be +to them a God and they shall be to him a people; for he will be merciful +to them, and their sins and iniquities he will remember no more'. This +could mean nothing less than the taking away of the imperfections of the +obedient and restoring them to a righteous condition. + +[556]Following the glorification of the church and the making of the new +covenant, Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, David, Barak, Jepthae, and the prophets +(all of whom we term faithful worthies), the Lord has promised shall be +brought forth from the tomb, being given a better resurrection. +(Hebrews 11) These shall be princes, rulers, or legal representatives of +the Christ, in the earth; and through them the Lord will establish a +righteous government in the earth. (Psalm 45:16; Isaiah 32:1) And then +"out of Zion [the Christ, invisible to men] shall go forth the law, and +the word of the Lord from Jerusalem"--the headquarters of Christ's +visible representatives. + +[557]"It shall come to pass in the last days, that the mountain of the +Lord's house shall be established in the top of the mountains +[kingdoms], and shall be exalted above the hills; and all nations shall +flow unto it. And many people shall go and say, Come ye, and let us go +up to the mountain of the Lord, to the house of the God of Jacob; and he +will teach us of his ways, and we will walk in his paths: for out of +Zion shall go forth the law, and the word of the Lord from Jerusalem. +And he shall judge among the nations, and shall rebuke many people; and +they shall beat their swords into plowshares, and their spears into +pruninghooks; nation shall not lift up sword against nation, neither +shall they learn war any more."--Isaiah 2:2-4; Micah 4:1-4. + + +THE LIVING FIRST + +[558]St. Paul emphatically states that the Lord Jesus shall judge the +quick and the dead at his appearing and his kingdom. (2 Timothy 4:1) In +this he is corroborated by St. Peter (1 Peter 4:5) The word _quick_ here +means the living, those who have some measure of life; and the text is +so rendered in the Weymouth translation. When the new covenant is made +and the Lord begins to deal with the people, it will be with the living +first. It would be unreasonable to suppose that he would first awaken +the dead and deal with them, and then with the living later. Jesus, +speaking of the great time of trouble with which the present world +reaches a final conclusion, indicated that many human beings will pass +through the trouble. (Matthew 24:21,22) The prophet Zechariah informs us +that a portion of the people will be brought through the fiery trouble, +and refined, and then will call upon the name of the Lord and he will +hear them. (Zechariah 13:8,9) Those who learn of the Lord's kingdom and +readily put themselves under its direction and become obedient to the +laws and rules of his new kingdom will be the ones who will be blessed +and acknowledged of the Lord, and rapidly restored. + +[559]Further corroborative proof is given by the prophet Isaiah that +restoration will begin with those living on the earth at the beginning +of the Messianic reign. There are millions of persons now living who +have a sincere and honest desire for righteousness. Many of these love +the Lord to the extent of their knowledge of him; but their knowledge is +so limited because they have been taught so much error concerning his +character that they are filled with fear and dread. They have not +sufficient knowledge of him to have real faith. They have not gone on to +the point of consecration. They have heard of the Lord's second coming +and hope for something better. They realize that there is great trouble +in the world and see no human remedy for it. They long for a complete +and proper relief. + +[560]To such Jehovah says through his Prophet: "Be strong, fear not: +behold, your God will come with vengeance, even God with a recompence; +he will come and save you. Then the eyes of the blind shall be opened, +and the ears of the deaf shall be unstopped. Then shall the lame man leap +as an hart, and the tongue of the dumb sing." (Isaiah 35:4-6) These words +could have no application to persons who are in their graves, and must +exclusively apply to those who are living at the beginning of the +Messianic reign. Furthermore, when the dead are raised up, they will not +come forth from the graves minus arms, or legs, or other parts of the +body; but 'God will give to each a body as it pleaseth him' (1 Corinthians +15:38)--a reasonably sound body. And as a man renders himself in +obedience to righteousness, his body will develop toward perfection. +There are now on earth millions who are blind, or deaf, or lame, or +dumb, or cripples in some form; and these are the ones to whom the +Prophet refers. The kingdom being in operation, as these come to a +knowledge of God's great arrangements and obey the righteous laws under +the new covenant, they will develop new arms, legs, eyes; be given the +power of speech, and gradually develop a sound body. + +[561]When these great miracles begin to be performed in the earth, then +the most skeptical, it is to be hoped, will believe that the Lord Jesus +reigns. The miracles which he performed while on earth in opening the +eyes of the blind and healing the sick were merely examples of what he +will do in his glorified condition. Because it is both unreasonable and +unscriptural to expect that the dead will come forth from their graves +in a maimed, deaf, and dumb condition; but will come forth with +reasonably sound bodies, these words of the Prophet conclusively prove +that restoration will begin with those who are living on the earth at +the beginning of the Messianic reign. + +[562]Concerning the work of the Christ of restoring the peoples of +earth, and looking forward to that time, St. Paul writes; "The whole +creation groaneth and travaileth in pain together until now, waiting for +the manifestation of the sons of God"--the kingdom class. (Romans +8:19,22) Those who thus travail in pain, groan, wait, and hope for +something better, could not be the dead ones, but those who are living +at the inauguration of the new order. There are millions now on earth +who are looking and hoping for a better time, and groaning for that +relief. They understand not the mystery of God. They do not understand +how his sons constitute the seed of Abraham for their blessing; yet they +hope for something. + +[563]During the World War millions were maimed and disfigured in various +ways, and many deprived of one or both arms or legs. Because the Lord is +now present, putting his kingdom into operation, it is to be expected +that many of these crippled and maimed ones will be among the first to +receive the restoration blessings. As they come to a knowledge of the +fact that the Lord is giving these blessings, and render themselves in +obedience to his righteous rule, they will be thus blessed. Happy will +be their portion when they begin to be restored. Joyful will be their +friends and loved ones to see such restoration blessings being +ministered unto them. + +[564]While the trouble in the earth is ever increasing and the suffering +of the poor increases, some are manifesting a greater amount of sympathy +and consideration; while others are becoming more unreasonable and harsh +toward the poor. The Lord indicates what class he will favor in this +time of trouble, saying: "Blessed is he that considereth the poor: the +Lord will deliver him in the time of trouble. The Lord will preserve +him, and keep him alive; and he shall be blessed upon the earth." (Psalm +41:1,2) Surely this could apply to none other than those now living in +this time of trouble, because when restitution blessings begin the time +of trouble will be over. + +[565]Upon the earth there are now, according to the best statistics +obtainable, approximately 1,700,000,000 persons who have a measure of +life. The proof cited herein shows that the old world (social and +political order) ended and began to pass away in 1914, and that this +will be completed in a few years and righteousness fully established. +The Scriptural evidence further is that many will be brought through +this time of trouble, and these will be the ones with whom the Lord will +first begin the work of restoration. + +[566]The first world ended with a great flood, in which a few persons, +to wit, eight, were saved by being carried over in the ark from the old +to the new order of things that God established immediately after the +flood under Noah. This was an example or picture representing the +passing away of the present evil world and showing that many will be +carried over from the old to the new. When God had delivered Noah and +his family from the perils of the deluge and Noah builded an altar +before the Lord and offered a sacrifice, the Lord made promise to Noah, +saying: "I will not again curse the ground any more for man's sake; ... +neither will I again smite any more every thing living, as I have done. +While the earth remaineth, seedtime and harvest, and cold and heat, and +summer and winter, and day and night shall not cease." (Genesis 8:21,22) +The Scriptures show that "the earth abideth forever". (Ecclesiastes 1:4) +Therefore this statement to Noah is a positive promise that never again +will the earth witness the destruction of every living thing. Seeing, +then, that we are at the end of the old order and the opening of the +new, and that according to the Scriptures many must pass over to the +new, it can be confidently announced that MILLIONS OF PEOPLE NOW LIVING +WILL NEVER DIE, because these being offered restitution blessings the +presumption must be indulged that many of them will accept and be +obedient to the new order of things. + +[567]It was Jesus who said: "Whosoever liveth and believeth in me shall +never die". (John 11:26) The people of the world do not yet live, nor +have they had an opportunity of life; and this opportunity cannot come +to mankind in general until the times of restoration begin. Then the +living ones who believe on the Lord shall not die. We should keep in +mind, however, that to believe means to act upon that belief, in +accordance with it, and to be obedient to the new order that the Lord +will establish in the earth. Furthermore Jesus said: "If any man keep my +saying, he shall never see death". (John 8:51) Men cannot keep the +sayings of Jesus until they hear them; and the world cannot hear until +the Lord's due time. (1 Timothy 2:5,6) We are now entering that due time +and the message of the kingdom is being given out, by the Lord's grace, +that some may hear, and hearing, may profit and live. + +[568]The majority of mankind practise unrighteousness. This is due +largely to the fact of their imperfections. As the Prophet puts it, each +one was born and shapen in iniquity and conceived in sin. (Psalm 51:5) +They have been surrounded by conditions and influences that have induced +wrong-doing. A great many of these have not the power of resistance +against evil; but during the reign of Messiah evil will be punished and +righteousness rewarded, and evil influences restrained. Then even those +who are wicked and turn from unrighteousness to righteousness shall live +and shall not die. Of this God gives positive assurance through his +Prophet.--Ezekiel 18:27,28. + +[569]As further proof that restoration blessings will begin with those +living on the earth at the beginning of the Messianic reign, we cite the +words of the prophet Job. In poetic phrase he draws a picture of mankind +in a condition of suffering and sorrow, almost upon the brink of the +grave. This picture describes vividly the conditions now existing in the +earth. It depicts those who have a measure of life, all of whom must be +brought to a knowledge of the truth. Christ is the messenger of the new +covenant, through which mankind must receive the blessing. Job then +pictures the appearance of this messenger of the covenant and shows that +the message delivered turns many to righteousness. And those who hear, +appreciate and obey the message are represented as saying, 'I have found +my redeemer'; and then restitution blessings shall follow, and the old +shall be restored to a condition of manly youth. Man now is filled with +pride and pursues his own selfish purposes. The great time of trouble +will break this pride and bring the haughty low. Note Job's description: + +[570]"Then he openeth the ears of men, and sealeth their instruction, +that he may withdraw man from his purpose, and hide pride from man. He +[the Lord] keepeth back his [man's] soul from the pit, and his life from +perishing by the sword. He is chastened also with pain upon his bed, and +the multitude of his bones with strong pain; so that his life abhorreth +bread, and his soul dainty meat. His flesh is consumed away, that it +cannot be seen; and his bones that were not seen stick out. Yea, his +soul draweth nigh to the grave, and his life to the destroyers. [Thus +describing the miserable condition of humankind] If there be a messenger +[the Christ, the Messenger of the new covenant] with him, an +interpreter, one among a thousand, to show unto man his uprightness, +then he [the Lord] is gracious unto him [man], and saith, Deliver him +from going down to the grave [thus showing that not all are to be sent +into death. Then man is represented as saying]: I have found a ransom. +[The result then is pictured in the next phrase when the Prophet says +concerning man:] His flesh shall be fresher than a child's; he shall +return to the days of his youth."--Job 33:16-25. + + +PUNISHMENT OF THE WICKED + +[571]The Scriptures clearly indicate that some stubborn, proud, +disobedient ones will refuse to hear the word of the Lord and to obey +his righteous laws. The loving kindness of the Lord is manifested when +his long-suffering is shown in the fact that he does not immediately +destroy all such, but gives each one a full and fair opportunity, the +Prophet showing that each one shall have at least a hundred years of +trial; and if at the end of that time he is persistent in disobeying the +Lord, he shall be counted accursed and cut off in everlasting +destruction. (Isaiah 65:20) St. Peter corroborated this in his statement +concerning restoration times, saying: "It shall come to pass, that every +soul, which will not hear that prophet, shall be destroyed from among +the people".--Acts 3:23. + +[572]Again the testimony of Jesus is to the effect that at the beginning +of his reign the nations and peoples shall be gathered before him in the +sense that they will be instructed concerning his reign. In parabolic +phrase he pictures them being separated as sheep are separated from +goats. A goat is an animal that is unruly, disobedient. It refuses to +stay in the pasture where it is placed, but insists on getting outside +and destroying things where it has no business. The goat, therefore, +pictures an unruly or disobedient class. Sheep are docile, submissive, +and in Oriental countries they are led by the shepherd. They know his +voice and follow him. The Lord used this to illustrate the ones who are +obedient to him. The goats, therefore, picture the wicked class; and +concerning them the Lord said: "These shall go into everlasting +punishment"; whereas the sheep picture the obedient _class_, and of +them he says that they shall go into everlasting life.--Matthew +25:41-46. + +[573]Punishment does not mean torture. The laws of the land provide for +the punishment of wrongdoers, and the duration of that punishment is +according to the enormity of the crime. If a man steals his neighbor's +chickens, the duration of his punishment would probably be a few days in +prison. If he burns his neighbor's house, the duration of his punishment +would probably be a term of years in prison. If he takes his neighbor's +life, the duration of his punishment is death. There is no limitation to +that punishment. It is a lasting one--one that does not end. So those +who go into destruction suffer a punishment that is everlasting; +therefore everlasting punishment. + +[574]This punishment the Apostle plainly describes as destruction. +(2 Thessalonians 1:9) It is certain that they do not get life, because +the Lord plainly says in this statement that the righteous, the obedient +ones, go away into life eternal. The final fate of the wicked, +therefore, is an everlasting destruction; whereas the final state of the +obedient and righteous ones is life everlasting in peace and in joy. + + +ALL MUST HAVE A "CHANCE" + +[575]The great ransom-sacrifice presented in heaven by the Lord Jesus is +a guarantee that every man must have one full and fair opportunity for +life. Life is pictured as a gift. In order for a gift to be effective +there must be a giver or donor, and a receiver or donee. The giver must +be willing to give; the receiver must have knowledge that the thing is +offered and must be willing to accept. There must be two parties, the +giver and the receiver; and there must be knowledge on the part of both. +For this reason we read: "This is good and acceptable before God, our +Savior, who desires all men to be saved, and to come to an accurate +knowledge of the truth". (1 Timothy 2:3,4, _Diaglott_) The salvation +here mentioned is effected by the great ransom-price which constitutes +the price of deliverance. Then all must come to a knowledge of this fact +and either accept it or reject it, just as one who is offered a gift +must either receive or reject. Hence the Apostle writes: "Therefore as +by the offense of one judgment came upon all men to condemnation; even +so by the righteousness of one the free gift came upon all men unto +justification of life". (Romans 5:18) "The wages of sin is death; but +the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord."--Romans +6:23. + +[576]As further proof that all must have an opportunity, St. John wrote: +"He is the propitiation for our sins: and not for ours only, but also +for the sins of the whole world". (1 John 2:2) The word "our" as used in +this text means the class to which St. John belonged, namely, the +church, the Christ; whereas _the world_ includes all the race of +mankind. The statement, then, is that the ransom was provided for all. +Furthermore, when Jesus was born, it was announced by the angel of +heaven: "Behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be +to _all_ people". (Luke 2:10) Furthermore, God's promise to Abraham was +that in him and his seed _all_ the families and nations of the earth +should be blessed. (Genesis 12:3; Galatians 3:8) Hence all must have an +opportunity for such blessing. + +[577]That those who are to be saved are not confined to the ones who go +to heaven Jesus proved when he said: "Other sheep I have, which are not +of this fold: them also I must bring, and they shall hear my voice". +(John 10:16) "This fold" means the church; and after this class is +selected, then all must have an opportunity to come into the fold of +Christ. And this is true because he bought them all with his precious +blood. + +[578]God caused the prophet David to write: "All nations whom thou hast +made shall come find worship before thee, O Lord; and shall glorify thy +name". (Psalm 86:9) This is further corroborative proof that all must +have an opportunity. + +[579]A highway is a means of travel. For instance, we have built across +the United States what is known as the Lincoln Highway. A highway is +used to illustrate the way that the Lord will provide for the return of +the people to him through the terms of the new covenant. The prophet +Isaiah thus wrote: "A highway shall be there, and a way, and it shall be +called, The way of holiness; the unclean shall not pass over it, but it +shall be for those; the wayfaring men, though fools, shall not err +therein". (Isaiah 35:8) It will be noticed that there is a way to go +over this highway, and it shall be called "The way of holiness". In +other words, those who pass over it will be made holy. The highway +pictures the whole journey from the beginning to the end of the +Millennial reign of Christ. The unclean shall not pass over it, because +unless a man will be cleaned up before he progresses a great way, he +will be permitted to go no further. But as he strives to cleanse himself +and be obedient to the Lord, he will be helped. There shall be nothing +there to hinder him, because Satan's influence will be restrained. +(Revelation 20:1-4) The way shall be so plain and clear that any and all +may see it. The Lord, therefore, has graciously provided a way for the +oppressed and sin-sick to be led back over the highway of holiness into +a condition of perfection and happiness. + +[580]Because Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, and the other faithful prophets +described by the apostle Paul in Hebrews 11 are promised a better +resurrection; because of the statement of the Prophet that they shall be +princes or rulers in all the earth (Psalm 45:16), it is to be expected +that they will be the first ones raised under the terms of the new +covenant. Therefore it is reasonable to expect them to be back on earth +at the beginning of the restoration blessings. Hence these faithful men +may be expected on earth within the next few years. They will constitute +the legal representatives of the Christ in the earth. They will be the +visible representatives of the kingdom of heaven. These are the ones who +shall administer the affairs of earth under the direction of the Lord. + +[581]We therefore see that there are two phases of God's kingdom: the +heavenly, which is invisible; and the earthly, which is visible, the +faithful prophets of old, namely, the ancient worthies, representing the +Lord in this regard. + +[582]The Lord through his prophet Zechariah gives a wonderful picture of +the establishment of this kingdom and of the blessings that will come. +The prophecy is written in highly symbolic phrase. It reads: "His feet +shall stand in that day upon the mount of Olives, which is before +Jerusalem on the east, and the mount of Olives shall cleave in the midst +thereof toward the east and toward the west, and there shall be a very +great valley; and half of the mountain shall remove toward the north, +and half of it toward the south. And ye shall flee to the valley of the +mountains; for the valley of the mountains shall reach unto Azal: yea, +ye shall flee, like as ye fled from before the earthquake in the days of +Uzziah king of Judah; and the Lord my God shall come, and all the saints +with thee." (Zechariah 14:4,5) "His feet" in this prophecy represent +Jehovah's feet; while mountain symbolizes kingdom. The olive is a symbol +of light, peace, and divine blessing; hence the picture is that +Jehovah's authority, represented by his feet, will be established upon +earth, by a kingdom of light, peace, and blessing. The cleaving of this +mountain in the midst, showing a part on the north and a part on the +south, pictures the two phases, heavenly and earthly, of the Messianic +kingdom; and the valley between represents the valley of blessings. Into +this valley the sin-sick, sore, feeble, oppressed, yea all, shall flee +and there receive the blessings of the Lord, which will make them rich +in health and peace and happiness for ever. + +[583]Every one, then, who believes God's Word and who confidently +expects the kingdom to bring blessings to mankind and who sees it now +being established should watch for the return of Abraham and the other +faithful prophets and get into communication with them as soon as +possible after their return. And acting under their advice, all such +will doubtless find early many opportunities of service, which will +bring to them blessings and happiness. + +[584]The Psalmist gives us another picture of this kingdom of blessing, +saying: "The mighty God, even the Lord, hath spoken, and called the +earth from the rising of the sun unto the going down thereof". (Psalm +50:1) The earth here represents the new organized government. The rising +of the sun means the beginning of the Messianic reign; while its going +down pictures the completion of that reign. Therefore, throughout the +whole Millennial reign the Lord will be calling to the peoples of earth +to come into this valley of blessing and receive life, peace, and +happiness. "He shall call to the heavens [the spiritual, invisible part +of the kingdom] from above, and to the earth [the new organized +government], that he may judge his people." (Psalm 50:4) To judge means +to give opportunity for blessings by means of a trial; and this is in +harmony with the other statements of the Scriptures that every one must +have a fair trial for life. + + +THE DEAD TO RISE + +[585]The first few years of restitution blessings will find multitudes +of people diligently seeking to be restored to health and strength; and +as they grow strong themselves and prepare homes for themselves and +their families, they will be thinking of their beloved dead. Naturally +they will want to see them again, and they will pray to the Lord to +restore them. And the Lord will hear their prayers and answer them. "It +shall come to pass, that before they call, I will answer; and while they +are yet speaking, I will hear." (Isaiah 65:24) Jesus declared that "all +that are in the graves shall hear his voice, and shall come forth; they +that have done good, unto the resurrection of life; and they that have +done evil, unto the resurrection of judgment". (John 5:28,29) "They that +have done evil" here means the entire human race aside from the church. +They were born evil, born sinners. (Romans 5:12) They are coming forth +to judgment, to a trial; and this is the great trial time spoken of by +the Apostle, in which all men shall have an opportunity. (Acts 17:31) +"There shall be a resurrection of the dead, both of the just and +unjust."--Acts 24:15. + +[586]St. Paul then produces his wonderful and beautiful argument on the +resurrection, saying, "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 +firstfruits of them that slept. For since by man came death, by man +came also the resurrection of the dead. For as in Adam all die, even so +in Christ shall all be made alive." (1 Corinthians 15:16-22) Then the +Apostle shows that after the resurrection of the church in the beginning +of the kingdom every man must come forth in his own order. Jesus +declared: "Many that are first shall be last; and the last shall be +first". (Matthew 19:30) This principle may be properly applied to the +resurrection of the dead. Those who died last will be the first to be +awakened; while those who died centuries ago will be among the last to +be awakened. + +[587]In the World War millions of men died upon the battlefield. That +was indeed the land of the enemy, the land of death. The Lord gives us a +picture through the Prophet as to the coming days of blessing, saying to +the woman who wept for her children, and thus illustrating all who weep +for their dead: "Refrain thy voice from weeping, and thine eyes from +tears; for thy work shall be rewarded, saith the Lord; and they shall +come again from the land of the enemy. And there is hope in thine end, +saith the Lord, that thy children shall come again to their own border." +--Jeremiah 31:16,17. + +[588]As the dead come back from the tombs, provision will be made for +them by their friends who are living on the earth. Families long broken +up will be again united; and sadness will give way to joy. The whole +human race, ransomed by the Lord, will have this opportunity; and the +Prophet describes it thus: "The ransomed of the Lord shall return, and +come to Zion with songs and everlasting joy upon their heads; they shall +obtain joy and gladness, and sorrow and sighing shall flee away". +(Isaiah 35:10) Gradually, throughout the thousand years of Messiah's +reign, will the human race march up over the highway of holiness, until +all will have had a full and fair opportunity, the willfully wicked +destroyed and the obedient ones restored to perfection of body and mind +and heart. + +[589]The people of Sodom and Gomorrah were destroyed by fire. It does +not mean, however, that they went into an endless torture, as we have +heretofore been led to believe. On the contrary, the Lord plainly states +that they shall be brought back to their former estate; that is, as +human beings on the earth, for the purpose of being given a trial. "When +thy sisters, Sodom and her daughters, shall return to their former +estate, and Samaria and her daughters shall return to their former +estate, then thou and thy daughters shall return to your former estate." +(Ezekiel 16:55) While the Lord will rule with an iron hand, compelling +obedience, yet his rule will be a righteous one, and he will reprove +with justice. He is pictured by the Prophet as ruling in faithfulness +and righteousness, thus: "With righteousness shall he judge the poor, +and reprove with equity for the meek of the earth: and he shall smite +the earth with the rod of his mouth, and with the breath of his lips +shall he slay the wicked. And righteousness shall be the girdle of his +loins, and faithfulness the girdle of his reins."--Isaiah 11:4,5. + +[590]The beneficial effect of his righteous reign is also pictured by +the Prophet, in the passage which shows how that the wild beasts of the +earth will become subject to man, and how a little child shall direct +them. "The wolf also shall dwell with the lamb, and the leopard shall +lie down with the kid; and the calf and the young lion and the fatling +together; and a little child shall lead them. And the cow and the bear +shall feed; their young ones shall lie down together; and the lion shall +eat straw like the ox. And the sucking child shall play on the hole of +the asp, and the weaned child shall put his hand on the cockatrice' +den."--Isaiah 11:6-8. + +[591]All must come to a knowledge of the truth; and those obeying it +will have their sins and iniquities wiped out for ever. Thus says the +Prophet: "They shall teach no more every man his neighbor, and every man +his brother, saying, Know the Lord: for they shall all know me, from the +least to the greatest of them, saith the Lord: for I will forgive their +iniquity, and I will remember their sin no more." (Jeremiah 31:34) When +the Lord remembers their iniquities and sins no more, then it must be +that they are restored. When John the Baptist announced the approach of +Jesus, he exclaimed: "Behold the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin +of the world". When the sin of the world is gone, when there is a world +without sin, then it must be a world with perfect people. + +[592]That the people will be brought to a condition of health and be +cured of their sickness the Lord assures us through his Prophet. +"Behold, I will bring in health and cure, and I will cure them, and will +reveal unto them the abundance of peace and truth." (Jeremiah 33:6) "And +the inhabitant shall not say, I am sick; the people that dwell therein +shall be forgiven their iniquity."--Isaiah 33:24 + + +PARADISE RESTORED + +[593]The restoration means the bringing back to earth of the Edenic +condition for man's benefit. Some may think there will be not sufficient +room upon the earth for all the restored ones. According to the best +authority, there have lived and died about 20,000,000,000 people. There +are now on earth approximately 1,700,000,000 persons. This is a total of +21,700,000,000. In order to be liberal, let us suppose that all the +human race will total 50,000,000,000. As a suggestion that there will +be ample room for all on the earth, let one take his pencil and divide +the area of the state of Texas by 50,000,000,000; and he will find that +that number of people could be placed in the state of Texas alone, +giving each one about 146 square feet of land upon which to stand. Of +course it is not to be expected that the earth will be crowded thus; but +when we remember that only a small portion of the earth's surface is now +inhabited, that a great portion of it is desert, and when this desert +shall become productive and all parts of the earth habitable, then we +may see that 50,000,000,000 of people could comfortably be taken care of +in the earth and have plenty of room to spare. + +[594]But will the earth produce sufficiently to feed this multitude? The +Scriptures answer: "The wilderness and the solitary place shall be glad +for them; and the desert shall rejoice, and blossom as the rose. It +shall blossom abundantly, and rejoice even with joy and singing; the +glory of Lebanon shall be given unto it, the excellency of Carmel and +Sharon: they shall see the glory of the Lord, and the excellency of our +God.... And the parched ground shall become a pool, and the thirsty land +springs of water." (Isaiah 35:1,2,7) "The desolate land shall be tilled, +whereas it lay desolate in the sight of all that passed by. And they +shall say, This land that was desolate is become like the garden of +Eden; and the waste and desolate and ruined cities are become fenced, +and are inhabited." (Ezekiel 36:34,35) When the whole earth's surface is +brought up to a condition of high cultivation like unto the garden of +Eden, then indeed the earth will be a fit habitation for man. The +reclamation of desert land such as the Imperial Valley of California has +now begun. Only a few years ago that valley was a desolate wilderness in +which no animal or human being could live; and now it produces abundant +crops because it has been watered. When all the vast deserts of Sahara, +Arabia, and America are fully irrigated and blossom as the rose, they +will produce abundantly for man's needs. + +[595]The reign of Christ will result in the destruction of all man's +enemies. The weeds, the thistles, the thorns, the pests that destroy +crops, shall all be destroyed. Everything that produces sickness shall +be destroyed. The Apostle plainly says; "He [Christ] must reign, till he +hath put all enemies under his feet. The last enemy that shall be +destroyed is death."--1 Corinthians 15:25,26. + +[596]We can well imagine great multitudes of people assembling in +different parts of the earth to celebrate their deliverance from Satan +and his wicked organizations; and as the people witness the passing away +of ignorance, crime, superstition; and see knowledge, goodness, loving +kindness taking their place, they will fill the earth with joyful song. +The Prophet describes some of the effects of these restitution blessings +thus: "In this mountain [kingdom] shall the Lord of hosts make unto all +people a feast of fat things, a feast of wines on the lees, of fat +things full of marrow, of wines on the lees well refined. And he will +destroy in this mountain the face of the covering cast over all people, +and the vail that is spread over all nations [taking away ignorance, +etc,]. He will swallow up death in victory; and the Lord God will wipe +away all tears from off all faces; and the rebuke of his people shall he +take away from off the earth; for the Lord hath spoken it."--Isaiah +25:6-8. + +[597]St. John on the Isle of Patmos had a vision of the great Messianic +kingdom and described it in symbolic phrase. The word "heaven" +symbolically means the invisible ruling power; while the "earth" means +organized society. The old heaven has been wicked, because Satan, the +wicked one, has been ruling. The old earth has been wicked, because the +organizations of men have been under the dominion of Satan. St. John, +observing the Messianic kingdom and the blessings that would follow, +wrote: "I saw a new heaven and a new earth; for the first heaven and the +first earth were passed away; and there was no more sea". Thus he shows +the new heaven (the Messianic kingdom) and the new earth (society +organized on a righteous basis in the earth). _Sea_ is symbolic of +restless humanity, thus picturing the fact that there will be no more +strikes, lock-outs, revolutions, or anarchy. Continuing, he describes +the kingdom as a holy city, the new Jerusalem, in this beautiful phrase: +"And I John saw the holy city, new Jerusalem, coming down from God out +of heaven, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband. And I heard a +great voice out of heaven saying, Behold, the tabernacle of God is with +men, and he will dwell with them, and they shall be his people, and God +himself shall be with them, and be their God"--picturing here the +dwelling place of the Lord. The place of meeting between Jehovah and +mankind is through the Christ. The results will be the destruction of +the enemy death, and the full restoration of the obedient ones; and thus +he describes it: "And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and +there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall +there be any more pain; for the former things are passed away. And he +that sat upon the throne said, Behold, I make all things new. And he +said unto me, Write: for these words are true and faithful."--Revelation +21:1-5. + +[598]Let the reasonable person ask himself these questions: + +[599]Why would God outline such a marvelous plan as this? + +[600]Why would he establish a new heaven and a new earth? + +[601]Why would he awaken the dead out of their graves unless he intended +to give them an opportunity to be restored to the perfection enjoyed by +Adam before he sinned? + +[602]God has invited us to use our reasoning faculties (Isaiah 1:18); +and if we believe these great truths taught in the Bible, we can reach +no other reasonable conclusion than that restitution is the great +objective of God's plan relative to the human race, and that restitution +blessings are near because the kingdom of heaven is at hand, even at the +door. Let those who are cast down look up now; let the sorrowful be +glad; let the sad hearts be comforted, and the broken hearts be bound +up. Lift up your heads and rejoice in the fact that the day of +deliverance for mankind is at the door! + +[603]Call to mind for a moment the great amount of suffering in the +densely populated cities. Old men and old women, young men and young +women, children, infants in arms, all crowded into foul tenements, with +not sufficient food, impure air, and improper clothing; and everything +tending to degrade their morals. Call to mind the countries devastated +by the war, the homes destroyed, families broken up, the crippled, +blind, deaf, dumb, and insane. Imagine for a moment the intense +suffering of the millions of people throughout the earth; and then know +that this dark vail of suffering and death will shortly be lifted and +the sunlight of God's love will shine in upon all. Like the sun, the +great Messianic kingdom, shining forth with healing beams, shall dispel +the darkness, drive away the sickness, clean up the bodies and clean up +the minds and morals, point the people to proper food--what to eat and +how to eat it, what to think upon and how to conduct themselves; and +above all, to give them a full knowledge of the loving kindness of our +great God and of the Lord Jesus Christ, the dearest Friend of all. And +know, then, that these blessings will bring eternal happiness in the +earth. Men and women will not only grow strong, but they will reach that +state in which they will not even fear, think, or expect, to be sick. + +[604]With the establishment of the new order under the Messiah wars and +revolutions shall cease, because he has promised that then "they shall +beat their swords into plowshares and their spears into pruninghooks; +nation shall not lift up sword against nation, neither shall they learn +war any more"; and thus there shall be no more restless humanity, +symbolically called _sea_.--Isaiah 2:4; Micah 4:3; Revelation 21:1. + +[605]The profiteers will no longer be permitted to prey upon the people, +because God's promise is that under the righteous reign none shall be +permitted to injure another nor defraud his neighbor.--Isaiah 11:9; +65:25. + +[606]Then shall famines vanish away and no more shall be hungering for +food nor vainly striving for sustenance of life, because then the earth +shall yield her increase and there shall be plenty for all.--Psalm 67:6. + +[607]Then shall disease and sickness be destroyed, because God has +promised under this new order to bring in health and strength and to +bless the people with all favors incident thereto. "The inhabitant shall +not say, I am sick."--Isaiah 33:24; Revelation 21:4. + +[608]Funerals now are the order of the day, and the family and loved +ones left behind assemble in sorrow to pay the last tribute to their +beloved dead. But under the new order of things funerals will cease, +undertakers will seek a more pleasing employment, and the hearses will +be changed from vehicles of sorrow to equipages of pleasure. "There +shall be no more death."--Rev. 21:4. + +[609]Families have been torn asunder and each member has borne his or her +sorrow until claimed by the grave; but under the new order families will +be reunited, parents will be brought back to the children, and children +to the parents, and they shall dwell together in happiness.--1 Corinthians +15:22,23. + +[610]No more will the poor be vainly hunting for a habitation or fleeing +from greedy landlords, because then, as God has promised, the people +shall 'build houses and live in them; they shall not build for another +to live in but then every man shall have his own habitation and every +man shall sit under his own vine and fig tree and none shall make them +afraid'.--Isaiah 65:21-23; Micah 4:4. + +[611]At that time there will be full liberty to do right, because right +will always be encouraged. Every one will have the liberty to do all the +good he can. There will be no secret service men nor espionage laws +under the reign of Messiah. This will result in the development and +exhibition of the beauty of character. Justice will prevail amongst men; +they will become wise concerning the things pertaining to their welfare +and happiness. Love will be the motive directing their actions and their +every power shall be exercised for good.--Revelation 21:24-27. + +[612]Life, that which has been the desire of men in all ages, will be +completely realized--life in fullness, when men and women will be strong +and vigorous, and there shall be no more pain, no suffering, no sorrow, +no death; when all obedient ones shall return to the days of their youth +and enjoy life as perfect human beings through endless ages.--Job 33:25; +Romans 6:23; Revelation 21:4. + +[613]Praise then shall take the place of sorrow. No longer will the +people assemble in cemeteries on Decoration Day to pay tribute to their +hero dead, because then their dead will be restored to them; and the one +who shall be the greatest hero in their minds and hearts will be the +great Messiah, who has brought the people the unspeakable blessings. +Then will the people assemble, not to discuss politics, nor to wrangle +over who shall hold the offices, but to improve their minds and to study +the beauties and wonders of God's creation and to sing songs of gladness +to his praise.--Isaiah 35:10; 51:11; Philippians 2:10,11. + + +CONSOLATION TO CHRISTIANS + +[614]Death is a cruel enemy of the human race. Its sting has been felt +for ages. It takes away beloved ones and leaves a burning dagger in the +heart of the surviving friend. It has filled the earth with sadness, and +the people with grief. But the sweet music from the harp of God has +cheered some sad hearts who have learned of the divine arrangement to +restore their dear ones whom they have loved and lost awhile. By faith +the Christian sees that in his own good time and way God will bring back +their beloved dead and give them an opportunity for endless life and +happiness, because he has promised thus to do. The Christian knows that +God's promises are certain of fulfillment and that his power to perform +is unlimited. Such faith, based upon the precious promises, helps now in +a measure to allay the sting of death. + +[615]Beside the tossing billows of the mighty ocean one walks in silent +meditation. Her mind turns to a beloved one who during the World War was +taken away to serve in the navy. For a time he sailed the seas and +returned, only to sicken and die, leaving behind a bleeding heart, which +only time and the Lord can heal. As her feet silently tread the soft +sands recently caressed by the waves, her mind is filled with thoughts +of happy days spent with her beloved brother, whose laughter is now +hushed in death and who sleeps in Jesus, waiting for the time of +resurrection. The former joyful days were turned into sorrow because of +Death's wicked hand. But the great Burden-Bearer lightens her load and +helps her to bear her sorrow as there come to her mind the words spoken +through his messenger: "Sorrow not as others, who have no hope; for if +we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so them also which sleep +in Jesus will God bring by him.... Comfort one another with these +words."--1 Thessalonians 4:13,14,18. + +[616]Gazing far out to sea, she observes a mighty ship being tossed by +the power of the waves as though it were an empty shell. What marvelous +power is thus displayed by those waves! Yet it is but a semblance of the +power of God. He who made the great ocean and caused the moon to kiss +its bosom at nightfall; he who hung the stars in the heavens, which +serve to guide the weary and wave-tossed mariner in his stormy course, +and who holds back the winds until he has reached his desired haven--he +it is who is clothed with all power and authority in heaven and in +earth, and has promised to bring back the beloved dead from the grave. +His promise he will faithfully keep. + +[617]Her meditations for a time sad, are now turned into silent joy +because of the hope planted in that once troubled bosom by the precious +promises of God. By faith she sees the blessed day, not far distant, +when back to life shall come that beloved brother. By faith she sees him +hurrying over the highway of holiness, until he is made strong, +vigorous, and returns to the days of his youth, and shall dwell in peace +and happiness for ever. + +[618]Oh! what sweet and consoling music the restoration string of God's +harp brings to the heart of the Christian now! What great joy will fill +that heart when, as a member of the glorified body of Christ, the +blessed privilege will be had of awakening out of death that beloved one +and marking his gradual restoration to perfect manhood! Then both the +blesser and the blessed will praise God for his boundless love. Until +that happy day, blessed is the one who claims the promise: "Thou wilt +keep him in perfect peace whose mind [meditation] is stayed on thee, +because he trusteth in thee".--Isaiah 26:3. + +[619]For centuries Christians lost sight of the beautiful doctrine of +the restoration pictured by the tenth string of the harp of God. This +was due to the fact that the consecrated were in captivity to the +religious systems formed by man and into which Satan injected false +doctrines, thereby blinding the understanding of even the honest-hearted. +But with the second presence of the Lord his people have been released +from such Babylonian captivity. The eyes of their understanding opening +because of the brightness of his presence, they have learned of the +restoration string of the harp of God; and its sweet melody has cheered +their hearts so much that they could not keep back the singing. God +foreknew this, of course; and for the further encouragement of such +caused his Prophet to write these appropriate words relative to the +restoration blessings coming to the nations and peoples and kindreds of +earth: "When the Lord turned again the captivity of Zion, we were like +them that dream. Then was our mouth filled with laughter, and our tongue +with singing: then said they among the heathen, The Lord hath done great +things for them."--Psalm 126:1,2. + +[620]Truly, as God's Prophet said: "I will incline mine ear to a +parable: I will open my dark saying upon the harp". (Psalm 49:4) All of +God's plan has been stated in parabolic language, and is appreciated +only by the consecrated follower of Jesus; but when understood, it is +indeed a harp that yields the most entrancing music that ever fell upon +human ears. Strike now the chord of restitution and hear how beautifully +it responds and harmonises with all the other strings upon the divine +harp! Know, then, that as the people come to learn of God's wonderful +arrangement, all whose hearts are right will praise him. The Psalmist +thus appropriately says: + + "O worship the Lord in the beauty of holiness: + Fear before him, all the earth. + Say among the heathen that the Lord reigneth; + The world also shall he established that it shall not be moved; + He shall judge the people righteously. + Let the heavens rejoice, and let the earth be glad; + Let the sea roar, and the fullness thereof. + Let the field be joyful, and all that is therein; + Then shall all the trees of the wood rejoice before the Lord; + For he cometh, for he cometh to judge the earth: + He shall judge the world with righteousness, + And the people with his truth."--Psalm 96:9-13. + +[621]Finally, at the end of the Millennial reign of the Messianic +kingdom, all the obedient ones of the human race will have been restored +to perfect conditions. The harp of God, the great doctrinal truths, will +be magnified in the hearts of all the people. But even now the fully +consecrated Christian is pictured as standing above the kingdoms of this +world, having the harp of God, and singing the song of Moses and the +Lamb, saying: "Great and marvelous are thy works, Lord God Almighty; +just and true are thy ways, thou King of saints. Who shall not fear +thee, O Lord, and glorify thy name?" And with the close of the thousand +years "all nations shall come and worship before thee; for thy judgments +are made manifest". (Revelation 15:3,4) These are looking to the +finished work of Christ. + + +HALLELUJAH CHORUS + +[622]By faith looking up through the corridor of the Millennial age now +opening, we see standing at the further end thereof a perfect race of +human beings. Every vestige of wickedness, selfishness, and wrong has +been eliminated. During the thousand-year reign of Christ that old +serpent, the devil and Satan, has been restrained, that he might not +deceive the nations and peoples during the Messianic reign. (Revelation +20:1-3) Being released for a little season at the end of that period, he +has put forth his efforts again to deceive; but now these have ended and +Satan is destroyed, because God has decreed it thus. (Revelation +20:7-10; Hebrews 2:14) Abraham, the father of the faithful, and his +colleagues of like faithfulness, who have, under the supervision of the +Christ, directed the people through their Millennial trial, have +finished their earthly career and have been raised to a higher plane as +spirit beings. Having during that reign turned many to righteousness, +they shine forth as the stars for ever and ever. (Daniel 12:3) The earth +has been brought to a condition of Edenic Paradise. In it there are no +weeds, thistles, or wicked thorns. It is a fit habitation for perfect +man, pleasing to the eye. All men and women have been perfected in +organism, mind, and character; and gracious words are upon their lips. +Each one, granted a perfect voice, possesses the ability to sing +perfectly; and a song of joy is upon all lips. All the creation of earth +is now subjected to man; and the chief joy of every one is and will be +to contribute to the happiness of his fellow men and to glorify God and +Christ. + +[623]By faith behold this happy picture for a moment, and then turn +your vision to the things heavenly. There angels, who for ages have +faithfully performed service as messengers to the Lord, are assembled; +line upon line, tier upon tier of these glorious beings. In their +respective positions of honor stand forth the cherubim and seraphim; and +in the midst of all stands the Christ. Jesus Christ the blessed and +faithful one, as the great victor now looks back over his work and 'sees +the travail of his soul and is satisfied' with the happy results. +Standing by his side is his glorious bride, who for a thousand years has +been the recipient of the exceeding riches of the grace of God through +her beloved Head, and who will now enjoy these favors to endless ages. +Her bridesmaids, 'the virgins her companions who follow' and serve her, +are there, performing their divinely assigned functions. Above all +stands the great Jehovah God, whose wisdom planned it all and whose +loving kindness has been showered upon the multitude of his creatures. +Joy fills his blessed heart. His plan, as he foreknew it would be, is a +grand success. + +[624]It is an entrancing scene! It is the appropriate time for the +Hallelujah chorus. The stage is set. The trumpeters with their trumpets +take their places, and the psaltery and the harp are brought forth. The +timbrel, the stringed instruments, the organ, the cymbals, and every +conceivable instrument of praise is in the hands of the heavenly host. +There is a breathless silence. Then the trumpeters peal forth their +paeans of praise, and all the other players and singers of the heavenly +hosts join in. This entrancing music is caught up by the multitudes of +earth and wafted back to heaven again (because communication has been +established between the perfect men and the perfect heavenly creatures), +until every creature which is in heaven and on earth and under the +earth, and such as are in the sea, and all that are in them, are +praising God, saying: "Blessing, and honor, and glory, and power, be +unto him that sitteth upon the throne, and unto the Lamb for ever and +ever". (Revelation 5:13) Every knee is bowing and every tongue is +confessing that Jesus is the Christ, to the glory of God the Father. +Every creature that has breath is now joining in the song. It is the +Hallelujah chorus, and this is what they sing: + + "Praise ye the Lord! + Praise God in his sanctuary; praise him in the firmament of his power. + Praise him for his mighty acts; praise him according to his excellent + greatness. + Praise him with the sound of the trumpet; + Praise him with the psaltery and harp. + Praise him with the timbrel and dance; + Praise him with stringed instruments and organs. + Praise him upon the loud cymbals; praise him upon the high sounding + cymbals. + Let every thing that hath breath praise the Lord. + Praise ye the Lord!"--Psalm 150. + + + + +How will the restoration string of the harp affect the world? ¶ 535. + +What does the tenth string of the harp represent? ¶ 535. + +What two great doctrines were lost sight of for a long time by +Christians? ¶ 535. + +What did the harp with eight strings, sometimes used by the Jews, +represent? ¶ 535. + +Define restoration. ¶ 536. + +What did Adam lose for himself and his offspring? ¶ 536. + +Give the Scriptural proof as to the nature of the first man. ¶ 536. + +What was God's purpose in creating the earth and putting man upon it? +¶ 536. + +Is any one warranted in denying the doctrine of the restoration of +mankind? ¶ 537. + +If there is to be no restoration of man, what effect would that have +upon the purpose, for which God created man and the earth? ¶ 537. + +Can the purposes of God fail? Give Scriptural reason for answer. ¶ 537. + +If there is to be no restoration of man, then the manifestation of +divine justice meant what? ¶ 538. + +What is the meaning of God's promise to Abraham to bless all the +families of the earth if there is to be no restoration? ¶ 539. + +How did Jehovah bind this promise? and what assurance does that give +concerning its fulfillment? ¶ 539. + +Why did Jesus come to earth? ¶ 540. + +Would his coming, death, and resurrection accomplish anything if there +is no such thing as restoration of the human race? Give Scriptural +reason for answer. ¶¶ 541, 542. + +Does the ransom-sacrifice guarantee an opportunity for restoration to +all? Give Scriptural reasons for answer. ¶ 543. + +What guarantee is given to man by the resurrection of Jesus? Give +Scriptural proof. ¶ 543. + +If the doctrine of restoration is not true, then what shall we say about +the words of the Apostle as recorded in 1 Corinthians 15:20-26? ¶ 543. + +The mystery being the seed of promise, what, then, is the work of the +mystery class when glorified? ¶ 544. + +If there be no restoration of the human race, why would Jehovah devote +so much time to the development of the mystery class? ¶ 544. + +What relationship has the second coming of Christ to restoration? Give +Scriptural statement relating to this point. ¶ 545. + +Did the prophets foretell the days of restoration? Give Scriptural +proof. ¶¶ 546, 547. + +Would it be reasonable to suppose that God would provide a new creation +and not give it some specific work to do relative to man? ¶ 548. + +What do the Scriptures say about the judging and blessing of the +families of the earth? ¶ 548. + +Could there be a judgment without a trial? ¶ 548. + +What did Jesus say about the regeneration of the human race, and those +who would participate in this work? Give Scriptural proof. ¶ 548. + +Define regeneration. ¶ 548. + +What promise is given to the church with reference to reigning with +Christ? ¶ 549. + +What is the purpose of the thousand-year reign with Christ Jesus? ¶ 549. + +What did St. Paul say about the saints judging the world? ¶ 550. + +What did Jesus say about the gathering the nations before him at his +second appearing? ¶ 550. + +Would not the purpose of God concerning the new creation fail if there +is no restoration of mankind? ¶ 550. + +What did God's Prophet say concerning the bringing out of the dead from +the prison-house of death? ¶ 551. + +What did the prophet Isaiah state with reference to the church +establishing the earth and causing the people to inherit it? ¶ 551. + +To what does every vital doctrine of the divine plan point? ¶ 552. + +With what do all the other strings of the harp harmonize? ¶ 552. + +Why could not the Jews get life under the law covenant? ¶ 553. + +For what purpose was the law covenant made? ¶ 553. + +Is there to be a new covenant made for the benefit of man? Give +Scriptural proof. ¶ 553. + +When will the new covenant be sealed? ¶ 554. + +State the terms of the new covenant as set forth by St. Paul. ¶ 554. + +What opportunity will be granted to the human race under the terms of +the new covenant? ¶ 555. + +What do the Scriptures say that God will put into their minds and hearts +under the terms of this covenant? ¶ 555. + +What prominent characters will be resurrected immediately following the +making of the new covenant? ¶ 556. + +What official positions will these prominent characters occupy in the +Messianic kingdom? ¶ 556. + +What will the Lord do for the people in the way of instructing them and +leading them under the terms of the new covenant, as indicated by the +prophets? Give Scriptural proof. ¶ 557. + +What does the Apostle say about whom the Lord will judge when he comes? +¶ 558. + +What is meant by the word "quick" as used in the Scriptures above +referred to? ¶ 558. + +With whom will the Lord deal, first when the new covenant is made? ¶ 558. + +Would we expect that he would first awaken the dead and judge them +before dealing with the living? ¶ 558. + +Will any people be brought through the great time of trouble now on the +earth and have an opportunity for restoration blessings? Give the +Scriptural reason for this answer. ¶ 558. + +Are there many people now living on the earth who sincerely desire a +righteous government? ¶ 559. + +What is the extent of their knowledge of the Lord and his arrangement? +and what effect has this lack of knowledge had upon them? ¶ 559. + +What message has the Lord given to such through his Prophet? Give the +Scriptural proof. ¶ 560. + +Why do the words of Isaiah 35:4-6 apply to these who are living and not +to those in the graves? ¶ 560. + +Will the dead be resurrected minus arms or legs? ¶ 560. + +What do the Scriptures say about the body they will have when raised +from the dead? ¶ 560. + +Having in mind the great number of cripples, deaf, dumb, and lame on the +earth now, what will restoration blessings do for them? ¶ 560. + +What effect may the beginning of restoration be expected to have on +those who observe it? ¶ 561. + +For what is the whole creation waiting while it groans in pain? Give the +Scriptural reason. ¶ 562. + +For what do these hope and long? ¶ 562. + +What effect will the restoration blessings have on those who were +crippled during the war? ¶ 563. + +Does the Lord indicate the kind of people that will be carried through +the time of trouble? Give Scriptural proof. ¶ 564. + +How many people, approximately, are now living on the earth? ¶ 565. + +How soon may we expect the present evil order to pass away? ¶ 565. + +What catastrophe caused the first world to end? ¶ 566. + +How many persons were saved or carried over from that first world to +the new order? ¶ 566. + +What did Noah and his family represent? ¶ 566. + +What promise did God make to Noah immediately following the flood? Quote +the promise. ¶ 566. + +What assurance do we gather from this divine promise with reference to +those now living on the earth? ¶ 566. + +Why can it now be said that millions now living will never die? ¶ 566. + +Quote Jesus' words in John 11:26. ¶ 567. + +When will this opportunity of life come to mankind? ¶ 567. + +What will be the results to those then living who believe and obey the +Lord? ¶ 567. + +What is meant by believing? ¶ 567. + +Quote the words of Jesus in John 8:51. ¶ 567. + +Do the Scriptures show that all men must hear and gain a knowledge of +the truth? ¶ 567. + +Is it possible for any one to keep the sayings of Jesus before he knows +them? ¶ 567. + +What is the condition of the majority of mankind? ¶ 568. + +What promise has God made that will be beneficial to those now +unrighteous? ¶ 568. + +Shall the unrighteous ones in the earth have an opportunity to live? +Give the Scriptural proof. ¶ 568. + +What picture does Job give with reference to restoration in his +prophecy, chapter 33, verses 16 to 25? ¶ 569. + +Quote these verses of Scripture and explain them. ¶ 570. + +Do the Scriptures indicate that some will refuse to obey the righteous +rule of the Lord? ¶ 571. + +What will be the punishment of those who disobey? ¶ 571. + +How long will the Lord permit them to have a trial? ¶ 571. + +When the Lord speaks of dividing the people as a shepherd divides his +goats and sheep, what is meant? ¶ 572. + +What class do the goats represent? ¶ 572. + +What class is pictured by the sheep? ¶ 572. + +What is meant by everlasting punishment? ¶ 573. + +What is meant by everlasting life? ¶ 573. + +Does the Apostle define everlasting punishment? If so, how? ¶ 574. + +Who is guaranteed a full opportunity for life? ¶ 575. + +What is meant by a gift? ¶ 575. + +What things are necessary to make a gift effective? ¶ 575. + +Quote the Apostle's words in 1 Timothy 2:3,4. ¶ 575. + +What is meant in this passage by being saved? and what is meant by being +brought to a knowledge of the truth? ¶ 575. + +Quote two Scriptures showing that life is a gift. ¶ 575. + +To whom is this free gift offered? ¶ 576. + +Quote 1 John 2:2. ¶ 576. + +What is meant by the word "our", and also by the word "world"? ¶ 576. + +What does this Scripture prove with reference to the ransom-sacrifice +and its benefits to mankind? ¶ 576. + +What message was delivered by the angel to the shepherds at Jesus' +birth? ¶ 576. + +Does this guarantee that anything shall be given to all the people? and +if so, what? ¶ 576. + +What does the promise made to Abraham prove as to an opportunity for +life everlasting? and to whom will this opportunity be given? ¶ 576. + +What did Jesus say about other sheep, indicating that not all would be +saved in heaven? ¶ 577. + +What did he mean by "this fold"? ¶ 577. + +Why will he have another fold? ¶ 577. + +Quote Psalm 86:9, and state what proof this is relative to restoration +blessings. ¶ 578. + +What is meant by the word "highway"? Describe a highway. ¶ 579. + +A highway is used in the Scriptures to illustrate what? ¶ 579. + +Quote Isaiah 35:8. ¶ 579. + +What is the way over that highway called? ¶ 579. + +The entire highway pictures what? ¶ 579. + +Will the unclean go up on the highway? and will they pass over it? ¶ 579. + +If one upon the highway refuses to do right, what will be the result? +¶ 579. + +What favor will be granted to those who strive to be obedient while on +the highway of holiness? ¶ 579. + +Shall any wicked influence be brought to bear against one on the highway +of holiness? Give the Scriptural reason for the answer. ¶ 579. + +How will that way compare with the narrow way that is journeyed by the +church? ¶ 579. + +Why should we expect Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob to be among the first +ones resurrected under the new covenant? ¶ 580. + +When should we expect them back on the earth? ¶ 580. + +What will be their positions of honor and responsibility in the earth? +¶ 580. + +What will be their administrative duties in the earth? ¶ 580. + +How many phases are there of the kingdom of God? ¶ 581. + +Describe the picture of the Messianic kingdom as given in Zechariah +14:4,5. Quote the Scripture. ¶ 582. + +What is meant in this prophecy by the words "his feet"? ¶ 582. + +What is symbolized by the mountain and by the olive? ¶ 582. + +What is represented by the cleaving or dividing of the mountain into two +parts? ¶ 582. + +What is pictured by the valley between? ¶ 582. + +What will the people do with reference to this symbolic valley? ¶ 582. + +Why should those on earth get in communication with Abraham and the +other faithful ones as soon as possible after their resurrection? ¶ 583. + +Quote Psalm 50:1. ¶ 584. + +In this text what is represented by the earth? ¶ 584. + +What is pictured by the sun? ¶ 584. + +What is pictured by the rising of the sun and the going down thereof? +¶ 584. + +Quote Psalm 50:4. ¶ 584. + +What is meant by judging the people? ¶ 584. + +When the peoples living on earth begin to be restored to health and +strength, of whom will they then think? ¶ 585. + +What will they do toward having their beloved dead restored to them? +¶ 585. + +What Scriptural proof have we that the Lord will hear their prayers? ¶ 585. + +What Scriptural proof have we that the dead will arise from their +graves? ¶ 585. + +Quote and analyze St. Paul's argument concerning the resurrection in +1 Corinthians 15:16-22. ¶ 586. + +In what order will the dead be resurrected? that is, will those who +have died last or those who have died centuries ago be the first to come +forth? ¶ 586. + +Quote Jeremiah 31:16,17. ¶ 587. + +What is meant in this text by the "land of the enemy"? ¶ 587. + +As the dead return from the grave, what will the living do for them? +¶ 588. + +What effect will the resurrection have in uniting families? ¶ 588. + +Quote Isaiah 35:10. ¶ 588. + +Who is there meant by the "ransomed of the Lord"? ¶ 588. + +How were the people of Sodom and Gomorrah destroyed? ¶ 589. + +What will be their final end? ¶ 589. + +Quote a Scripture showing that they will return to their former estates +as human beings on the earth. ¶ 589. + +In what manner will the Messiah rule? Give Scriptural proof. ¶ 589. + +What will be the beneficent effects of this righteous rule, both upon +animals and human beings? Give Scriptural proof. ¶ 590. + +Quote Jeremiah 31:34. ¶ 591. + +When the Lord remembers their iniquities and sins no more, what will be +the condition of the people? ¶ 591. + +Quote John 1:29. ¶ 591. + +When the sin of the world is gone, what effect will that have upon +mankind? ¶ 591. + +What Scriptural proof have we that the people will be brought to a +condition of health and be cured of sickness? ¶ 592. + +Will the peoples of the earth then have ailments and complaints as they +do now? ¶ 592. + +What effect upon the earth itself will the times of restoration have? +¶ 593. + +Will there be room for all the people that are restored to life? ¶ 593. + +How many people have lived on the earth and died and gone into their +grave? ¶ 593. + +How many are now living? ¶ 593. + +Give an illustration showing that the earth's surface will be ample to +accommodate all of these. ¶ 593. + +What Scriptural evidence have we that the earth will produce sufficient +food to sustain the restored ones? ¶ 594. + +What Scriptural proof is there that the desolate land of the earth will +become like the garden of Eden? ¶ 594. + +When will the earth be a fit habitation for man? ¶ 594. + +Is any part of earth's surface being reclaimed now that illustrates the +restoration of the earth? If so, give an instance. ¶ 594. + +What will be the effect when all the desert land is made habitable? ¶ 594. + +In the times of restoration, what will become of the weeds, thistles, +and thorns, and pests that destroy crops? ¶ 595. + +What will become of the poisonous things that produce sickness? ¶ 595. + +How will the reign of Christ affect man's enemies? ¶ 595. + +When, the people witness the disappearance of ignorance, crime, and +superstition, and the establishment of goodness, loving kindness, etc., +what effect will this have upon them? ¶ 596. + +What Scriptures indicate that the people will have a joyful time in the +days of restoration? ¶ 596. + +What effect will the restoration have upon tears and sorrow? ¶ 596. + +Describe St. John's vision upon the Isle of Patmos relative to a new +heaven and a new earth. ¶ 597. + +In that picture what is symbolized by heaven, earth, and sea? ¶ 597. + +What effect will restoration have upon strikes, revolutions, and +anarchy? ¶ 597. + +How is the meeting place between God and man described in this prophetic +utterance of St. John? ¶ 597. + +What does St. John say about the effect of the kingdom blessings upon +mankind? ¶ 597. + +Unless God intends to give opportunity for man to be restored, why +provide such an intricate and marvelous plan, create a new heaven and a +new earth, and bring the dead out of their graves? ¶¶ 598-601. + +Has God invited us to use our reasoning faculties? ¶ 602. + +If we believe the Bible testimony, then to what inevitable conclusion +are we forced with reference to restoration? ¶ 602. + +What should be the attitude of mind of those who now believe the Bible? +¶ 602. + +Compare present conditions of suffering with the conditions the +Messianic kingdom will bring. ¶ 603. + +Will man come to the state where he will no longer fear sickness? ¶ 603. + +What will be the results of Messiah's reign as far as wars are +concerned? Give Scriptural proof. ¶ 604. + +How will the Messianic reign affect profiteers? ¶ 605. + +What will be the effect as far as famines are concerned during the +Messianic reign? ¶ 606. + +What shall be the effect of Messiah's reign upon disease and sickness? +¶ 607. + +Will there be any undertakers and hearses used when man is restored? and +if not, why not? ¶ 608. + +What will the effect of Messiah's reign be concerning the union of +families? Give Scriptural proof. ¶ 609. + +Will the people have trouble with landlords and difficulty in finding a +place to live under Messiah's reign? and if not, why not? Give the +Scriptural proof. ¶ 610. + +What effect will the Messiah's kingdom have upon liberty? ¶ 611. + +Under Messiah's kingdom will there be any espionage laws? ¶ 611. + +Will there be any secret service men under Messiah's reign? ¶ 611. + +What will be the motive directing the actions of men? ¶ 611. + +Will the people have Decoration Day services during the Millennial reign +of Christ? ¶ 613. + +Will they assemble to discuss politics and fight over who shall hold the +offices? or what will be the condition? Give Scriptural reasons. ¶ 613. + +What is the great enemy of the human race? and how long has its sting +been felt? ¶ 614. + +Describe its effect upon human beings who survive. ¶ 614. + +What has been the one consoling thing that has cheered the hearts of +some? ¶ 614. + +What hope has the Christian concerning his beloved dead? ¶ 614. + +Relate an experience showing why the Christian sorrows not as those who +have no hope. ¶ 615. + +What does the power of the ocean illustrate to the Christian? ¶ 616. + +How does this compare with the One who created the moon and the stars +and the sun? ¶ 616. + +How will this power be used in behalf of the dead? ¶ 616. + +By faith the Christians see what in the near future for their beloved +dead? and what effect does this have upon the mind of such? ¶ 617. + +Is the restoration string of the harp of God a consolation to the +Christian? and if so, why? ¶ 618. + +Why does the Lord keep such in perfect peace, notwithstanding the +turmoil in the earth? ¶ 618. + +What two great doctrines of the divine plan were obscured for many +years? and by what strings of the harp are they represented? ¶ 619. (See +back reference) + +Why have these doctrines been obscured? ¶ 619. + +If they have been revived or discovered in recent years, what has been +the cause? ¶ 619. + +What effect upon Christians does the knowledge of restitution have? ¶ 619. + +What Psalm pictures this joyful effect? ¶ 619. + +In what kind of phrase has the plan of God been stated? ¶ 620. + +Who have been able to understand God's plan? ¶ 620. + +What did the Psalmist mean when he said: "I will incline mine ear to a +parable; I will open my dark sayings upon the harp"? ¶ 620. + +What kind of music does this harp yield when understood? ¶ 620. + +How does the chord of restitution respond to the other strings of the +harp? ¶ 620. + +How did the Psalmist picture the effect of Messiah's reign upon the +people? Quote the Psalm. ¶ 620. + +What will be the condition of the obedient ones at the end of the +Millennial reign? ¶ 621. + +How will the harp of God appear to them? ¶ 621. + +How is the consecrated Christian pictured at this time relative to the +kingdoms and the harp of God? Give Scriptural reason for the answer. +¶ 621. + +To what are these Christians looking? ¶ 621. + +What is meant by the Hallelujah chorus? ¶ 622. + +By faith looking to the end of the Millennial reign, describe the +conditions that will then prevail. ¶ 622. + +What will be the condition of Satan at that time? ¶ 622. + +What will be the condition of Abraham and the other faithful prophets? +¶ 622. + +Describe the condition of the earth at that period. ¶ 622. + +What will be particularly pleasing about men and women then? ¶ 622. + +What will be their ability to sing? ¶ 622. + +What will be their chief joy of every creature at that time? ¶ 622. + +What mental vision do the Scriptures give of the heavenly kingdom at +that time? ¶ 623. + +Describe the angels, the cherubim, and seraphim, and their positions. +¶ 623. + +What will be the position of the Christ? ¶ 623. + +Who will be there as the servants of the Christ? ¶ 623. + +Who will stand above all? ¶ 623. + +When will Christ Jesus see the travail of his soul and be satisfied? and +why? ¶ 623. + +What particular song will be appropriate at that particular time? ¶ 624. + +Name the musical instruments represented in the prophetic picture. ¶ 624. + +Describe the beginning of the Hallelujah chorus. ¶ 624. + +What will the creatures of heaven and earth be doing then with reference +to Christ Jesus? ¶ 624. + +Repeat the Hallelujah chorus. ¶ 624. + + + + +EARTH'S HAPPY SMILE + +Creation, which had groan'd in travail-pangs +Together with her children until now, +Ceased from her groaning. Long-forgotten smiles, +The smiles of her sweet childhood's innocence, +Stole o'er her happy face. The wilderness +Rejoiced, and blossom'd as the rose. The curse, +Which for six thousand years had sear'd the heart +Of nature, was repeal'd. And where the thorn +Perplex'd the glens, and prickly briers the hills, +Now, for the Word so spake and it was done, +The fir-tree rear'd its stately obelisk, +The cedar waved its arms of peaceful shade, +The vine embraced the elm, and myrtles flower'd +Among the fragrant orange-groves. No storms +Vex'd the serene of heaven: but genial mists, +Such as in Eden drench'd the willing soil, +Nurtured all lands with richer dews than balm. +Earth breathed her thanks. Rivers of living waters +Broke from a thousand unsuspected springs; +And gushing cataracts, like that call'd forth +On Horeb by the rod of Amram's son, +Gladden'd the mountain slopes, and coursed adown +The startled defiles, till the crystal wealth, +Gathered in what was once an arid vale, +A lake of azure and of silver shone, +A mirror for the sun and moon and stars. + +--_Bickersteth_ + + + +INDEX OF SCRIPTURE CITATIONS USED IN THE FOREGOING PAGES + + +Figures on left side of columns indicate Bible chapters and verses; +figures to right, paragraph numbers. + + + +GENESIS +1:1 ............................ 10 +1:2 ............................ 14 +1:20 ....................... 31, 58 +1:27,28 ........................ 30 +2:7 ....................31, 55, 162 +2:8,9,15 ....................... 32 +2:16,17 ........................ 33 +2:17 ........................... 59 +2:21-25 ........................ 34 +3:15 ...... 147, 185, 219, 470, 547 +3:16-19 ........................ 46 +4:21 ............................ 1 +7:21-23 ........................ 93 +8:21,22 ....................... 566 +12:1-3 ......................... 94 +12:3 ........... 539, 547, 550, 576 +13:15 ......................... 547 +15:18 .......................... 94 +17:1 ............................ 9 +17:2,4,8 ....................... 95 +18:1,2 ........................ 170 +18:1-14 ........................ 95 +18:18 ......................... 547 +19:1 .......................... 170 +21:1-3 ......................... 96 +22:2 ........................... 96 +22:15 ......................... 256 +22:15-18 ....................... 98 +24 ............................ 455 +25:11 ......................... 105 +25:22,23 ...................... 107 +25:26 ......................... 105 +25:27-34 ...................... 108 +26:3,4 ........................ 106 +26:34 ......................... 109 +27:1,2 ........................ 110 +27:29 ......................... 112 +28:11-15 ...................... 115 +28:14 ......................... 539 +31:11 ......................... 256 +35:10-12 ...................... 117 +37:35 .......................... 86 +42:38 .......................... 87 +49:9,10 ....................... 119 +49:10 ......................... 547 +49:28 ......................... 304 + +EXODUS +3:2 ........................... 256 +6:3 ............................. 9 +7:11 .......................... 151 +12:3-17 ....................... 188 +20:2-5 .......................... 9 +21:23-25 ...................... 205 +33:20 ......................... 292 + +LEVITICUS +8:12 .......................... 339 +16:1-34 ....................... 194 +18:5 .......................... 553 +24:17-21 ...................... 205 + +NUMBERS +31:28 ...................... 31, 58 + +DEUTERONOMY +18:15 ..................... 19, 122 +18:15,19 ...................... 547 +19:21 ......................... 205 +26:5 .......................... 304 +30:15 ......................... 547 +32:4 .................. 32, 38, 179 +34:6 .......................... 292 + +1 SAMUEL +2:6 ........................... 547 + +2 SAMUEL +23:2 ........................... 13 + +1 KINGS +2:10 ........................... 63 +11:4,9-13 ..................... 126 +19:5 .......................... 256 + +1 CHRONICLES +28:2-7 ........................ 124 +28:9 .......................... 125 + +JOB +14:13 .......................... 85 +14:13-15 ...................... 547 +14:21 .......................... 85 +17:13,16 ....................... 85 +19:25 ......................... 247 +30:31 .......................... 51 +32:8 ........................... 14 +33:16-25 ...................... 570 +33:19-30 ...................... 547 +33:25 ......................... 612 +38:4-7 ......................... 37 +38:35 .......................... 18 + +PSALMS +2:9 ........................... 454 +6:5 ............................ 63 +14:3 ...................... 75, 160 +16:10 ................. 19, 88, 263 +16:10,11 ...................... 247 +16:11 ......................... 503 +17:15 ......................... 248 +19:1-4 .......................... 8 +19:7 .......................... 327 +21:1-6 ........................ 515 +22:27 ......................... 547 +27:4 .......................... 514 +30:5 .......................... 547 +34:7 ..................... 159, 526 +34:20 .......................... 19 +37:9,10,20,22,28,34,38 ......... 90 +37:11 ......................... 547 +40:7,8 ........................ 229 +41:1,2 ........................ 564 +41:13 ......................... 164 +45:10,11 ................. 457, 477 +45:13,14 ...................... 532 +45:16 .................... 556, 580 +45:17 ......................... 510 +46:10 ......................... 547 +49:4 .......................... 620 +49:7 .......................... 206 +49:12 .......................... 66 +50:1 .......................... 534 +50:2 .......................... 503 +50:4 .......................... 584 +50:5 ..................... 335, 425 +51:5 ..................... 183, 568 +67:1-7 ........................ 547 +67:6 .......................... 606 +68:18 ......................... 248 +69:8,9 ........................ 481 +72:3,4,6,10 ................... 547 +82:7 .......................... 517 +86:9 ..................... 547, 578 +87:5,6 ........................ 510 +89:14 .......................... 39 +89:48 .......................... 69 +90:2 ...................... 10, 164 +93:2 .......................... 547 +96:9-13 ....................... 620 +96:11-13 ...................... 547 +98:4-9 ........................ 547 +104:5 ......................... 547 +104:29 ......................... 64 +111:10 ........................ 325 +115:16 ........................ 446 +115:17 ......................... 63 +119:105 ....................... 460 +126:1,2 ....................... 619 +132:11,12 ..................... 123 +132:13 ........................ 503 +145:20 ......................... 82 +146:4 .......................... 64 +148:1,2 ....................... 256 +150 ........................... 624 + +PROVERBS +2:21 .......................... 547 +11:31 ......................... 547 +17:17 ......................... 504 +22:11 Leeser .................. 504 + +ECCLESIASTES +1:4 ................. 427, 547, 566 +3:19,20 ........................ 58 +9:5,6 .......................... 65 +9:10 ........................... 65 + +CANTICLES +5:16 .......................... 506 + +ISAIAH +1:18 ................ 176, 353, 602 +2:2,3 ......................... 132 +2:2-4 .................... 547, 557 +2:4 ........................... 604 +6:1-4 ......................... 497 +9:6,7 ............... 132, 249, 355 +9:7 ........................... 547 +11:4,5 ........................ 589 +11:4-9 ........................ 547 +11:6-8 ........................ 590 +11:9 .......................... 605 +14:7 .......................... 547 +14:12-15 ....................... 42 +19:19 ......................... 317 +19:22 ......................... 547 +25:6-8 ........................ 596 +25:6-12 ....................... 547 +26:3 .......................... 618 +26:4 ........................... 10 +28:17,18 ...................... 547 +29:17,18 ...................... 547 +32:1 .......................... 556 +33:24 ............... 547, 592, 607 +34:1-4 ........................ 454 +35:1,2,7 ...................... 594 +35:4-6 ........................ 560 +35:8 .......................... 579 +35:10 .................... 588, 613 +40:28 .......................... 10 +42:6,7 ........................ 202 +42:1 .......................... 516 +42:6,7 ........................ 551 +42:7 .......................... 241 +42:8 ........................... 10 +45:12,18 ...................... 427 +49:8 ..................... 330, 551 +49:9 .......................... 202 +51:1 .......................... 516 +51:6 .......................... 454 +51:11 ......................... 613 +52:7,8 ........................ 443 +53 ............................ 201 +53:1-3 ......................... 19 +53:6-11 ....................... 250 +53:8,9,11 ...................... 19 +53:12 ..................... 19, 227 +55:11 ......................... 537 +60:8 ........................... 18 +61:2 .......................... 330 +62:2,3 ........................ 344 +62:3 .......................... 500 +65:20 ......................... 571 +65:21-23 ...................... 610 +65:24 ......................... 585 +65-25 ......................... 605 + +JEREMIAH +3:17 .......................... 547 +19:5 ........................... 89 +23:5,6 ........................ 129 +24:7 .......................... 547 +31:16,17 ...................... 587 +31:16,29,34 ................... 547 +31:34 ......................... 591 +32:35 .......................... 89 +32:39,40 ...................... 547 +33:6 .......................... 592 +33:8,9 ........................ 547 +46:27 ......................... 547 +50:4,5 ........................ 547 + +EZEKIEL +1:5,6 .......................... 10 +4:6 ........................... 397 +11:19 ......................... 547 +16:55 ......................... 589 +16:55,61-63 ................... 547 +18:2,31,32 .................... 547 +18:4 ........................... 59 +18:27,28 ...................... 568 +21:24-27 ...................... 429 +21:25-27 ................. 127, 356 +21:27 ......................... 507 +28:13 .......................... 36 +28:14,15 ....................... 36 +28:14-18 ....................... 43 +28:26 ......................... 547 +34:25-28 ...................... 547 +36:26,27,29,30,35 ............. 547 +36:34,35 ...................... 594 +37:24 ......................... 547 +39:29 ......................... 547 + +DANIEL +2:44 ........... 358, 433, 465, 547 +7:7,8 ......................... 396 +7:14,27 .................. 465, 507 +7:27 .......................... 547 +9:26 ........................... 19 +11:40,41 ...................... 394 +12:1 .......................... 452 +12:2 ....................... 69, 70 +12:3 ..................... 502, 622 +12:4 ................. 18, 401, 402 +12:5-7 ........................ 397 +12:8-10 ....................... 394 +12:9 .......................... 401 +12:12 ......................... 398 + +HOSEA +2:18,21 ....................... 547 +3:5 ........................... 547 +13:14 .......... 197, 229, 541, 547 + +JOEL +2:22,32 ....................... 547 +2:28,29 ....................... 320 + +AMOS +3:2 ............................. 2 +9:11,12 ....................... 547 + +OBADIAH +Verse 21 ...................... 547 + +JONAH +4 ............................. 547 + +MICAH +4:1-4 ......................... 557 +4:1-5,8 ....................... 547 +4:3 ........................... 604 +4:4 ........................... 610 +5:2 .................. 19, 137, 145 + +NAHUM +1:15 .......................... 547 +2:1-6 ......................... 406 +2:3-6 ..................... 18, 547 + +HABAKKUK +2:14 .......................... 547 + +ZEPHANIAH +2:11 .......................... 547 +3:9,13 ........................ 547 + +HAGGAI +2:7 ...................... 453, 547 + +ZECHARIAH +2:11 .......................... 547 +3:1-7 ......................... 256 +3:10. ......................... 547 +8:3,8,12,15,21,22 ............. 547 +9:9 ............................ 19 +9:10,17 ....................... 547 +11:12 .......................... 19 +13:8,9 ........................ 558 +14:4,5 ........................ 582 +14:9,11,20 .................... 547 +14:16,17 ...................... 133 + +MALACHI +1:11 .......................... 547 +3:6 ...................... 100, 197 +3:11 .......................... 547 +3:16 .......................... 527 +3:17 .......................... 500 +4:2 ...................... 385, 547 + +MATTHEW +1:18 .......................... 161 +1:18-24 ....................... 149 +1:20,23 ....................... 161 +1:21 .......................... 540 +2:1,2 ......................... 152 +2:4-6 ......................... 145 +2:5,6 ......................... 137 +2:13 .......................... 156 +2:16 .......................... 156 +3:16,17 ....................... 339 +5:21 .......................... 435 +6:10 .......................... 359 +7:14 .......................... 489 +11:9,11 ....................... 547 +11:12 ......................... 491 +11:28 ......................... 327 +13:10,11 ...................... 299 +13:24-30 ................. 391, 413 +13:30 ......................... 424 +13:37-39 ...................... 392 +13:43 ............... 344, 385, 502 +16:24 ......................... 329 +17:22,23 ...................... 251 +18:10 .................... 256, 526 +19:28 ......................... 548 +19:30 ......................... 586 +20:28 .................... 215, 540 +21:1-11 ....................... 251 +22:14 ......................... 474 +23:2 .......................... 219 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......................... 328 +19:12-15 ...................... 381 +20:50,51....................... 289 +21:12,13 ...................... 434 +21:24 .................... 281, 439 +21:25-27 ...................... 450 +21:28 ......................... 439 +22:29 ......................... 465 +22:29,30 ...................... 507 +22:30 ......................... 359 +22:66-71 ...................... 223 +23:1,2 ........................ 224 +23:4,5 ........................ 225 +23:22-24 ...................... 225 +24:1-10 ....................... 269 +24:6,7 ........................ 251 +24:13-21 ...................... 282 +24:21 .................... 245, 309 +24:34 ......................... 281 +24:39 ......................... 291 + +JOHN +1:1 ............................ 28 +1:1,3 ......................... 163 +1:14 ..................... 213, 214 +1:29 ................ 189, 226, 547 +3:3 ........................... 342 +3:4-8 ......................... 369 +3:15 ........................... 67 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+14:6 .......................... 328 +14:15-19 ...................... 456 +14:19 ......................... 367 +14:28 ......................... 169 +15:13 ......................... 348 +15:20 ......................... 437 + +16:13 ......................... 299 +16:28 ......................... 185 +17:5 ..................... 183, 165 +17:17 ......................... 342 +17:20-22 ...................... 167 +17:24 ......................... 505 +18:33,36 ...................... 360 +19:12 ......................... 225 +20:1-8 ........................ 270 +20:9 .......................... 245 +20:11-18 ...................... 279 +20:17 ......................... 363 +20:19-25 ...................... 283 +20:19-26 ...................... 290 +20:26-29 ...................... 284 +20:27-29 ...................... 290 +21:1-13 ....................... 285 + +ACTS +1:6-9 .................... 289, 309 +1:7,8 ......................... 389 +1:9-11 ........................ 363 +2:1-4 ......................... 300 +2:27-31 .................. 247, 292 +2:36 ..................... 274, 275 +3:19 .......................... 326 +3:19-21 ....................... 364 +3:20-24 ....................... 545 +3:22 ..................... 122, 304 +3:23 .......................... 571 +4:12 .......................... 176 +7:59 .......................... 274 +9:1-19 ........................ 292 +10 ............................ 474 +13:35-37 ...................... 247 +15:14-18 ...................... 547 +15:18 .......................... 11 +17:27 ......................... 326 +17:31 .......... 297, 543, 549, 585 +24:15 ......................... 585 + +ROMANS +2:6,7 ......................... 496 +2:7 ............................ 61 +3:10 .......................... 325 +5:1 ........................... 332 +5:3-5 ......................... 493 +5:9 ........................... 332 +5:12 ....... 82, 160, 183, 325, 585 +5:18 .......................... 575 +3:3,4 ......................... 338 +6:23 ....... 81, 231, 539, 575, 612 +8:3 ...................... 236, 553 +8:16,17 ............. 340, 463, 494 +8:17 .......................... 506 +8:18 .......................... 493 +8:19-22 ............. 346, 350, 526 +8:29 ................ 341, 473, 489 +8:33 ..................... 331, 332 +9:23,24 ....................... 499 +12:2 .......................... 337 +15:3 .......................... 481 + +1 CORINTHIANS +1:7 ........................... 364 +1:21-25 ....................... 475 +1:26-29 ....................... 476 +2:9,10 ........................ 389 +2:14 ..................... 251, 320 +4:5 ........................... 453 +6:2 ........................... 550 +10:1-13 ......................... 2 +10:11 ......................... 409 +10:20 ..................... 89, 151 +12:12,27 ...................... 314 +15-3 .......................... 235 +15:3-8 ........................ 271 +15:6 ...................... 68, 287 +15:7 .......................... 288 +15:8 .......................... 292 +15:12-26 ...................... 296 +15:16-22 ...................... 586 +15:20-26 ...................... 543 +15:21,47 ...................... 174 +15:22,23 ...................... 609 +15:23 .................... 364, 374 +15:25,26 ...................... 595 +15:38 ......................... 560 +15:41-44 ...................... 517 +15:45 ......................... 368 +15:47 .................... 162, 536 +15:49 ......................... 497 +15:50,51 ...................... 291 +15:51,52 ...................... 499 +15:53 .......................... 61 +15:54,55 ...................... 518 + +2 CORINTHIANS +1:7 ........................... 491 +1:20-22 Weymouth .............. 542 +3:17 .......................... 369 +3:18 .......................... 489 +4:3,4 ............... 360, 370, 431 +4:4 ............................ 60 +4:17,18 ....................... 495 +5:16 .......................... 368 +5:17 ..................... 336, 468 +5:21 .......................... 235 +8:9 ............ 165, 174, 213, 540 +10:3,4 ........................ 435 +10:4 .......................... 488 +11:2 .......................... 455 + +GALATIANS +1:4 ...................... 235, 428 +3:8 ........................... 576 +3:8,16 ........................ 104 +3:8,16,27,29 .................. 544 +3:16 .......................... 315 +3:16,27,29 .................... 550 +3:19,24 ....................... 195 +3:22 .......................... 197 +3:24 .......................... 533 +3:26,27,29 .................... 315 +4:3,4 ......................... 211 +4:22-28 ....................... 103 +4:25-29 ....................... 470 + +EPHESIANS +1:4-9 ......................... 472 +2:6,7 ......................... 509 +3:7-11 ........................ 345 +4:8 ........................... 248 +4:12 .......................... 341 +4:16 .......................... 529 + +PHILIPPIANS + +1:29 ...................... 52, 485 +2:6,7 ......................... 165 +2:7 ........................... 213 +2:7-11 ........................ 510 +2:8 ........................... 174 +2:8-11 ........................ 276 +2:9 ........................... 369 +2:9-11 ........................ 471 +2:10,11 ....................... 613 +3:14 .......................... 333 +3:20 .......................... 364 + +COLOSSIANS +1:9 ........................... 337 +1:12 .......................... 341 +1:13 .......................... 359 +1:15-17 ....................... 164 +1:17-19 ....................... 313 +1:18 ................. 52, 295, 468 +1:24-27 ....................... 312 +1:26,27 ....................... 544 +3:3 ........................... 337 +3:3,4 ......................... 513 +3:4 ........................... 341 +3:14 .......................... 529 + +1 THESSALONIANS +2:19 ..................... 364, 375 +3:13 .......................... 376 +4:13,14 ........................ 68 +4:13,14,18 .................... 615 +4:15 .......................... 377 +4:15-17 ....................... 461 +4:16,17 ....................... 498 +5:1 ........................... 443 +5:1-4 ......................... 389 +5:2 ........................... 383 +5:5,6 ......................... 389 +5:23 .......................... 378 + +2 THESSALONIANS +1:7,8 ......................... 454 +1:9 ....................... 82, 574 +2;1 ........................... 379 +2:2 ........................... 364 +2:7 ........................... 323 + +1 TIMOTHY +2:3,4 Diaglott............ 229, 575 +2:3-6 ......................... 245 +2:5,6 ..... 174, 290, 354, 541, 667 +2:14 ....................... 41, 45 +6:15,16 ....................... 367 +6:16 ........................... 51 + +2 TIMOTHY +2:18 ........................... 32 +3:16 ........................... 14 +4:1 ........................... 558 +4:6-8 ......................... 364 +4:8 ........................... 460 + +HEBREWS +1:1,2 ......................... 165 +1:2 ...................... 248, 506 +1:3 ................. 368, 497, 506 +1:3,4 ......................... 275 +1:14 .......................... 526 +2:5 ........................... 428 +2:9 ................. 174, 230, 541 +2:10,11 ....................... 492 +2:11 Wey ...................... 342 +2:14 ....... 43, 149, 174, 258, 622 +2:14,15 ....................... 213 +3:1 ........................... 338 +3:13 .......................... 332 +4:14-16 ....................... 293 +5:8 ........................... 469 +5:8,9 ......................... 471 +6:17,18 ....................... 539 +6:18 ...................... 46, 100 +7:26 ..................... 175, 213 +8:5 ........................... 553 +8:6 ........................... 553 +8:8-12 ........................ 554 +9:14 .......................... 175 +9:15 .......................... 558 +9:22,23 ....................... 237 +9:24 ................ 234, 237, 293 +10:1 .................. 2, 195, 553 +10:7-10 ....................... 229 +11 ............................ 556 +11:1-6 ........................ 326 +11:6 ............................ 6 +11:9,39 ........................ 86 +12:2 .......................... 311 +12:2-11 ....................... 494 +12:9,10 ........................ 16 +12:18-21 ...................... 520 +12:18-28 ...................... 453 +12:22-24 ...................... 521 + +JAMES +1:12 .......................... 512 +1:17 .......................... 187 +1:18 .......................... 335 +5:7 ........................... 380 +5:7,8 ......................... 364 +5:8 ........................... 381 +5:10 .......................... 490 + +1 PETER +1:2 ........................... 316 +1:3,4 .......................... 61 +1:3-5 ......................... 335 +1:10,12 ........................ 21 +1:11 .......................... 308 +1:19 .......................... 175 +2:2 ........................... 483 +2:3-8 ......................... 484 +2:5-7 ......................... 317 +2:9 ........................... 468 +2:9,10 .................... 52, 318 + ............... Diaglott 464 +2:21 ..................... 319, 471 +3:18 ..................... 275, 368 +3:20 ...................... 93, 428 +4:5 ........................... 558 +4:12-14,16 .................... 492 + +2 PETER +1:4 ........ 61, 319, 334, 468, 512 +1:5-7 ......................... 488 +1:10,11 ....................... 487 +1:11 .......................... 359 +1:16 .......................... 364 +1:21 ........................... 13 +3:4 ....................... 68, 382 +3:3,4 ......................... 426 +3:6 ........................... 428 +3:10 .......................... 383 +3:10,12 ....................... 446 +3:13 .......................... 370 + +1 JOHN +1:1-4 ......................... 272 +1:5 ........................ 38, 78 +2:2 ........................... 676 +3:2 ............ 291, 365, 506, 528 +3:3 ........................... 489 +3:4 ........................... 231 +3:5 ........................... 175 +4:16 ........................... 78 +5:19 ..................... 337, 431 + +JUDE +9 ............................. 222 +14,15 ......................... 547 +24 ............................ 530 + +REVELATION +1:18 .......................... 294 +2:10 ............ 61, 319, 335, 512 +2:26 .......................... 308 +2:27 .......................... 454 +3:3 ........................... 383 +3:12 .......................... 501 +3:14 .......................... 185 +3:21 ................ 389, 455, 487 +5:11,12 ....................... 258 +5:13 .......................... 624 +7:4 ...................... 313, 468 +11:17,18 ...................... 431 +12:9 ........................... 43 +13:8 .......................... 189 +14:1 .......................... 460 +14:2,3 .......................... 5 +14:15,16 ...................... 440 +15:2,3 ..................... 5, 534 +15:2-4 ........................ 444 +15:3 ........................... 52 +15:3,4 ........................ 621 +15:6 .......................... 454 +16:15 ......................... 383 +17:5 .......................... 323 +18:4 .......................... 425 +19:6,7 ........................ 531 +19:8 .......................... 532 +20:1-3 ................... 454, 622 +20:1-4 ........................ 579 +20:6 ................ 463, 499, 549 +20:7-10 ....................... 622 +21:1 .......................... 604 +21:1-5 .............. 370, 534, 597 +21:4 ................ 607, 608, 612 +21:9 .......................... 455 +21:24-27 ...................... 611 +22:16 .......................... 35 +22:20 ......................... 365 + + + + + +End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of The Harp of God, by J. 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