View of the Conflict
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The Church Triumphant
Now the church is militant. Now we are confronted with a world
in midnight darkness, almost wholly given over to idolatry. But the
day is coming in which the battle will have been fought, the victory
won. The will of God is to be done on earth, as it is done in heaven.
Then the nations will own no other law than the law of heaven. All
will be a happy, united family, clothed with the garments of praise and
thanksgiving,—the robe of Christ’s righteousness. All nature, in its
surpassing loveliness, will offer to God a constant tribute of praise and
adoration. The world will be bathed in the light of heaven. The years
will move on in gladness. The light of the moon will be as the light of
the sun, and the light of the sun will be sevenfold greater than it is now.
Over the scene the morning stars will sing together, and the sons of
God will shout for joy, while God and Christ will unite in proclaiming,
“There shall be no more sin, neither shall there be any more death.”
Standing On Guard
This is the scene that is presented to me. But the church must and
will fight against seen and unseen foes. Satan’s agencies in human
form are on the ground. Men have confederated to oppose the Lord
of hosts. These confederacies will continue until Christ shall leave
His place of intercession before the mercy seat, and shall put on the
garments of vengeance. Satanic agencies are in every city, busily
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organizing into parties those opposed to the law of God. Professed
saints and avowed unbelievers take their stand with these parties. This
is no time for the people of God to be weaklings. We cannot afford to
be off our guard for one moment.
“Be strong in the Lord, and in the power of His might. Put on the
whole armor of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles
of the devil. For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against
principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this
world, against spiritual wickedness in high places. Wherefore take unto
you the whole armor of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil
day, and having done all, to stand. Stand therefore, having your loins
girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness;
and your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace; above