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The Spirit of Prophecy Volume 4
a sword.” [
Matthew 10:34
.] But rightly understood, the two are in
perfect harmony. The gospel is a message of peace. Christianity is a
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system, which, received and obeyed, would spread peace, harmony,
and happiness throughout the earth. The religion of Christ will unite
in close brotherhood all who accept its teachings. It was the mission
of Jesus to reconcile man to God, and thus to his fellow-man. But
the world at large are under the control of Satan, Christ’s bitterest
foe. The gospel presents to them principles of life which are wholly
at variance with their habits and desires, and they rise in rebellion
against it. They hate the purity which reveals and condemns their
sins, and they persecute and destroy those who would urge upon
them its just and holy claims. It is in this sense—because the exalted
truths it brings, occasion hatred and strife—that the gospel is called
a sword.
The mysterious providence which permits the righteous to suffer
persecution at the hand of the wicked, has been a cause of great
perplexity to many who are weak in faith. Some are even ready to
cast away their confidence in God because he suffers the basest of
men to prosper, while the best and purest are afflicted and tormented
by their cruel power. How, it is asked, can One who is just and
merciful, and who is also infinite in power, tolerate such injustice
and oppression? This is a question with which we have nothing to
do. God has given us sufficient evidence of his love, and we are not
to doubt his goodness because we cannot understand the workings
of his providence. Said the Saviour to his disciples, foreseeing
the doubts that would press upon their souls in days of trial and
darkness, “Remember the word that I said unto you, The servant is
not greater than his lord. If they have persecuted me, they will also
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persecute you.” [
John 15:20
.] Jesus suffered for us more than any of
his followers can be made to suffer through the cruelty of wicked
men. Those who are called to endure torture and martyrdom, are but
following in the steps of God’s dear Son.
“The Lord is not slack concerning his promise.” [
2 Peter 3:9
.]
He does not forget or neglect his children; but he permits the wicked
to reveal their true character, that none who desire to do his will may
be deceived concerning them. Again, the righteous are placed in the
furnace of affliction, that they themselves may be purified; that their
example may convince others of the reality of faith and godliness;