Chapter 38—The Messiah
Before Christ left Heaven, and came into the world to die, he was
taller than any of the angels. He was majestic and lovely. “Who, being
in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God.” He
took upon himself man’s nature. When his ministry commenced, he
was but little taller than the common size of men then living upon the
earth. Had he come among men with his noble, heavenly form, his
outward appearance would have attracted the minds of the people to
himself, and he would have been received without the exercise of faith.
About that period Messiah was expected. By many he was looked
for to come as a mighty monarch. The Jews had boasted to the Gentiles
of his coming, and had dwelt largely upon the great deliverance which
he would bring them, that he would reign as king, and put down all
authority. Every kingdom and nation would bow to him, and the Jewish
nation would reign over them. They had the events of the first and
second comings of Christ confounded together.
It was in the order of God that Christ should take upon himself the
form and nature of fallen man, that he might be made perfect through
suffering, and endure himself the strength of Satan’s temptations,
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that he might the better know how to succor those who should be
tempted. The faith of men in Christ as the Messiah was not to rest
in the evidences of sight, and they believe on him because of his
personal attractions, but because of the excellence of character found
in him, which had never been, neither could be found in another. All
who loved virtue, purity, and holiness, would be drawn to Christ, and
would see sufficient evidence of his being the Messiah, foretold by
prophecy, that should come. Those who thus trusted in the word of
God, would receive the benefits of the teachings of Christ, and finally
of his atonement.
Christ came to call the attention of all men to his Father, teaching
them repentance toward God. His work was to reconcile man to God.
Although Christ did not come as he was expected, yet he came just
as prophecy had marked out that he would come. Those who wished
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