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Christlikeness, March 31
Beloved, now are we the sons of God, and it doth not yet appear what
we shall be: but we know that when he shall appear, we shall be like
him; for we shall see him as he is.
1 John 3:2
.
Christ is soon coming in the clouds of heaven, and we must be prepared
to meet Him, not having spot or wrinkle or any such thing. We are now to
accept the invitation of Christ. He says, “Come unto me, all ye that labour
and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and
learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart; and ye shall find rest unto
your souls” (
Matthew 11:28, 29
). The words of Christ to Nicodemus are of
practical value to us today: “Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit,
he cannot enter into the kingdom of God. That which is born of the flesh is
flesh; and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit. Marvel not that I said unto
thee, Ye must be born again. The wind bloweth where it listeth, and thou
hearest the sound thereof, but canst not tell whence it cometh, and whither it
goeth: so is every one that is born of the Spirit” (
John 3:5-8
).
The converting power of God must be upon our hearts. We must study
the life of Christ, and imitate the divine Pattern. We must dwell upon the
perfection of His character, and be changed into His image. No one will
enter the kingdom of God unless his passions are subdued, unless his will is
brought into captivity to the will of Christ.
Heaven is free from all sin, from all defilement and impurity; and if we
would live in its atmosphere, if we would behold the glory of Christ, we must
be pure in heart, perfect in character through His grace and righteousness.
We must not be taken up with pleasure and amusement, but be fitting up for
the glorious mansions Christ has gone to prepare for us. If we are faithful,
seeking to bless others, patient in well-doing, at His coming Christ will crown
us with glory, honor, and immortality.—
The Review and Herald, April 28,
1891
.
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