Chapter 19—Embraces the Whole World
Ask of me, and I shall give thee the heathen for thine inheritance, and
the uttermost parts of the earth for thy possession.
Psalm 2:8
.
“The field is the world” (
Matthew 13:38
). We understand better what
this saying comprehends than did the apostles who received the commission
to preach the gospel. The whole world is a vast missionary field.
The terrible condition of the world would seem to indicate that the death
of Christ has been almost in vain, and that Satan has triumphed.... But we
have not been deceived. Notwithstanding the apparent triumph of Satan,
Christ is carrying forward His work in the heavenly sanctuary and on the
earth....
The solemn, sacred message of warning must be proclaimed in the most
difficult fields and in the most sinful cities, in every place where the light of
the great threefold gospel message has not yet dawned. Every one is to hear
the last call to the marriage supper of the lamb. From town to town, from
city to city, from country to country, the message of present truth is to be
proclaimed, not with outward display, but in the power of the Spirit.
Before man can belong to the kingdom of Christ, his character must
be purified from sin and sanctified by the grace of Christ.... Christ longs
to manifest His grace, and stamp His character and image upon the whole
world. He was offered the kingdoms of this world by the one who revolted in
heaven, to buy His homage to the principles of evil; but He came to establish
a kingdom of righteousness, and He would not be bought; He would not
abandon His purpose. This earth is His purchased inheritance, and He would
have men free and pure and holy.... Though Satan works through human
instrumentalities to hinder the purpose of Christ, there are triumphs yet to
be accomplished through the blood shed for the world, that will bring glory
to God and to the Lamb. His kingdom will extend, and embrace the whole
world.... Christ will not be satisfied till victory is complete. But “he shall see
of the travail of his soul, and shall be satisfied.” “So shall they fear the name
of the Lord from the west, and his glory from the rising of the sun” (
Isaiah
53:11
;
59:19
).
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