Chapter 360—Exploring the Universe
Now we see through a glass, darkly; but then face to face: now I know
in part; but then shall I know even as also I am known.
1 Corinthians
13:12
.
“Now we see through a glass, darkly.” We behold the image of God
reflected, as in a mirror, in the works of nature and in His dealings with men;
but then we shall see Him face to face, without a dimming veil between....
The loves and sympathies which God Himself has planted in the soul
shall there find truest and sweetest exercise. The pure communion with
holy beings, the harmonious social life with the blessed angels and with the
faithful ones of all ages who have washed their robes and made them white in
the blood of the Lamb, the sacred ties that bind together “the whole family in
heaven and earth”—these help to constitute the happiness of the redeemed.
There, immortal minds will contemplate with never-failing delight the
wonders of creative power, the mysteries of redeeming love. There will be
no cruel, deceiving foe to tempt to forgetfulness of God....
All the treasures of the universe will be open to the study of God’s
redeemed. Unfettered by mortality, they wing their tireless flight to worlds
afar—worlds that thrilled with sorrow at the spectacle of human woe and rang
with songs of gladness at the tidings of a ransomed soul.... With undimmed
vision they gaze upon the glory of creation—suns and stars and systems, all
in their appointed order circling the throne of Deity. Upon all things, from
the least to the greatest, the Creator’s name is written, and in all are the riches
of His power displayed.
And the years of eternity, as they roll, will bring richer and still more
glorious revelations of God and of Christ. As knowledge is progressive, so
will love, reverence, and happiness increase. The more men learn of God,
the greater will be their admiration of His character. As Jesus opens before
them the riches of redemption and the amazing achievements in the great
controversy with Satan, the hearts of the ransomed thrill with more fervent
devotion, and with more rapturous joy they sweep the harps of gold; and ten
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