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Chapter 5
1-12. Sufficient to Prevent Bewilderment
—A study of Christ’s
wonderful sermon on the mount will teach the believer what must be
the characteristics of those whom the Lord calls “Blessed.” [
Matthew
5:1-12
quoted.] ...
I thank the Lord that such plain directions are given to believers.
[1084]
If we had no other instruction than is contained in these few words,
here is sufficient, so that none need become bewildered. But we
have a whole Bible full of precious instruction. None need be in
darkness and uncertainty. Those who will seek by faith and prayer
and earnest study of the Scriptures to obtain the virtues here brought
to view, will easily be distinguished from those who walk not in the
light. Those who refuse to follow a “Thus saith the Lord” will have
no excuse to render for their persistent resistance of the Word of
God (
Letter 258, 1907
).
Words of a Different Character
—As if enshrouded in a cloud
of heavenly brightness, Christ pronounced from the mount of beat-
itudes His benedictions. The words spoken by Him were of an
entirely different character from those which had fallen from the lips
of the scribes and pharisees. The ones whom He pronounced blessed
were the very ones they would have denounced as cursed of God. To
that large concourse of people He declared that He could dispense
the treasures of eternity to whomsoever He willed. Although His
divinity was clothed with humanity, He thought it not robbery to be
equal with God. In this public manner He described the attributes
of those who were to share the eternal rewards. He pointed out
in particular those who would suffer persecution for His name’s
sake. They were to be richly blessed, becoming heirs of God and
joint-heirs with Jesus Christ. Great would be their reward in heaven
(
Manuscript 72, 1901
).
A Treasury of Goodness
—Christ longed to fill the world with a
peace and joy that would be a similitude of that found in the heavenly
world. [
Matthew 5:1-12
quoted.] ...
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