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The Spirit of Prophecy Volume 2
The cost of the redemption of the race can never be fully realized
by men until the redeemed shall stand with the Redeemer by the throne
of God. Then, as the glorious value of the eternal reward opens upon
their enraptured senses, and their eyes behold the wondrous glories of
immortal life, they will swell the song of victory, “Worthy is the Lamb
that was slain to receive power, and riches, and wisdom, and strength,
and honor, and glory, and blessing!” “And every creature,” says John,
“which is in Heaven, and on the earth, and under the earth, and such
as are in the sea, and all that are in them, heard I saying, Blessing, and
honor, and glory, and power, be unto Him that sitteth upon the throne,
and unto the Lamb forever and ever!”
Although Satan had failed in his most powerful temptations, yet
he had not given up all hope that he might, at some future time, be
successful in his efforts. He looked forward to the period of Christ’s
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ministry, when he should have opportunities to try his artifices against
him. Baffled and defeated, he had no sooner retired from the scene of
conflict than he began to lay plans for blinding the understanding of
the Jews, God’s chosen people, that they might not discern in Christ
the world’s Redeemer. He determined to fill their hearts with envy,
jealousy, and hatred against the Son of God, so that they would not
receive him, but would make his life upon earth as bitter as possible.
Satan held a counsel with his angels, as to the course they should
pursue to prevent the people from having faith in Christ as the Messiah
whom the Jews had so long been anxiously expecting. He was disap-
pointed and enraged that he had prevailed nothing against Jesus by his
manifold temptations. But he now thought if he could inspire in the
hearts of Christ’s own people, unbelief as to his being the Promised
One, he might discourage the Saviour in his mission and secure the
Jews as his agents to carry out his own diabolical purposes. So he went
to work in his subtle manner, endeavoring to accomplish by strategy
what he had failed to do by direct, personal effort.
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