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.



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



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]