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Learning for Eternity, December 30
And he made known to us the mystery of his will according to his good
pleasure, which he purposed in Christ, to be put into effect when the times
will have reached their fulfillment—to bring all things in heaven and on earth
together under one head, even Christ.
Ephesians 1:9, 10
, NIV.
As we near the close of this world’s history, the prophecies relating to the last
days especially demand our study. The last book of the New Testament scriptures is
full of truth that we need to understand. Satan has blinded the minds of many, so that
they have been glad of any excuse for not making the Revelation their study. But
Christ through His servant John has here declared what shall be in the last days, and
He says, “Blessed is he that readeth, and they that hear the words of this prophecy,
and keep those things which are written therein.”
“This is life eternal,” Christ said, “that they might know thee the only true God,
and Jesus Christ, whom thou hast sent.” Why is it that we do not realize the value of
this knowledge? Why are not these glorious truths glowing in our hearts, trembling
upon our lips, and pervading our whole being?
In giving us His Word, God has put us in possession of every truth essential
for our salvation. Thousands have drawn water from these wells of life, yet there
is no diminishing of the supply. Thousands have set the Lord before them, and
by beholding have been changed into the same image. Their spirit burns within
them as they speak of His character, telling what Christ is to them, and what they
are to Christ. But these searchers have not exhausted these grand and holy themes.
Thousands more may engage in the work of searching out the mysteries of salvation.
As the life of Christ and the character of His mission are dwelt upon, rays of light
will shine forth more distinctly at every attempt to discover truth. Each fresh search
will reveal something more deeply interesting than has yet been unfolded. The
subject is inexhaustible. The study of the incarnation of Christ, His atoning sacrifice
and mediatorial work, will employ the mind of the diligent student as long as time
shall last; and looking to heaven with its unnumbered years he will exclaim, “Great
is the mystery of godliness.”
In eternity we shall learn that which, had we received the enlightenment it was
possible to obtain here, would have opened our understanding. The themes of
redemption will employ the hearts and minds and tongues of the redeemed through
the everlasting ages. They will understand the truths which Christ longed to open to
His disciples, but which they did not have faith to grasp. Forever and forever new
views of the perfection and glory of Christ will appear. Through endless ages will
the faithful Householder bring forth from His treasure things new and old (
Christ’s
Object Lessons, 133, 134
).
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