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_
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