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The Spirit of Prophecy Volume 3
could not have been so positive in his assurances to his brethren. He
testified to the sleep of the dead in their graves till the resurrection.
In the words of David referred to by Peter—“The Lord said unto
my Lord, Sit thou at my right hand, until I make thine enemies thy
footstool,” the Father is called Lord, who said unto Christ, who is
also Lord, and equal with the Father, “Sit thou on my right hand.”
“Therefore,” said Peter, “let all the house of Israel know assuredly, that
God hath made that same Jesus, whom ye have crucified, both Lord
and Christ.”
David called the Messiah, in his divine character, Lord, although,
after the flesh, he was the son of David by direct descent. David, by
prophetic foresight, saw Christ enter into the heavens, and take his
position at the right hand of God. The demonstration witnessed by
the Jews at the Pentecost was an exhibition of the power of that very
Jesus whom the priests and rulers had contemptuously rejected and
crucified. According to his promise he had sent the Holy Spirit from
Heaven to his followers, as a token that he had, as priest and king,
received all authority in Heaven and on earth, and was the Anointed
One over his people.
On that memorable occasion, large numbers who had heretofore
ridiculed the idea of so unpretending a person as Jesus being the Son
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of God, became thoroughly convinced of the truth, and acknowledged
him as their Saviour. Three thousand souls were added to the church.
The apostles spoke by the power of the Holy Ghost; and their words
could not be controverted, for they were confirmed by mighty miracles,
wrought by them through the outpouring of the Spirit of God. The
disciples were themselves astonished at the results of this visitation,
and the quick and abundant harvest of souls. All the people were filled
with amazement. Those who did not yield their prejudice and bigotry
were so overawed that they dared not by voice or violence attempt to
stay the mighty work, and, for the time being, their opposition ceased.
This testimony in regard to the establishment of the Christian
church is given us, not only as an important portion of sacred history,
but also as a lesson. All who profess the name of Christ should be
waiting, watching, and praying with one heart. All differences should
be away, and unity and tender love one for another pervade the whole.
Then our prayers may go up together to our Heavenly Father with