“To Meet the Bridegroom”
267
Not only is Satan leading the world captive, but his deceptions are
leavening the professed churches of our Lord Jesus Christ. The great
apostasy will develop into darkness deep as midnight, impenetrable as
sackcloth of hair. To God’s people it will be a night of trial, a night
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of weeping, a night of persecution for the truth’s sake. But out of that
night of darkness God’s light will shine.
He causes “the light to shine out of darkness.”
2 Corinthians 4:6
.
When “the earth was without form, and void, and darkness was upon
the face of the deep,” “the Spirit of God moved upon the face of the
waters. And God said, Let there be light; and there was light.”
Genesis
1:2, 3
. So in the night of spiritual darkness, God’s word goes forth,
“Let there be light.” To His people He says, “Arise, shine; for thy light
is come, and the glory of the Lord is risen upon thee.”
Isaiah 60:1
.
“Behold,” says the Scripture, “the darkness shall cover the earth,
and gross darkness the people; but the Lord shall arise upon thee, and
His glory shall be seen upon thee.”
Isaiah 60:2
.
It is the darkness of misapprehension of God that is enshrouding
the world. Men are losing their knowledge of His character. It has been
misunderstood and misinterpreted. At this time a message from God
is to be proclaimed, a message illuminating in its influence and saving
in its power. His character is to be made known. Into the darkness of
the world is to be shed the light of His glory, the light of His goodness,
mercy, and truth.
This is the work outlined by the prophet Isaiah in the words, “O
Jerusalem, that bringest good tidings, lift up thy voice with strength;
lift it up, be not afraid; say unto the cities of Judah, Behold your God!
Behold, the Lord God will come with strong hand, and His arm shall
rule for Him; behold, His reward is with Him, and His work before
Him.”
Isaiah 40:9, 10
.
Those who wait for the Bridegroom’s coming are to say to the
people, “Behold your God.” The last rays of merciful light, the last
message of mercy to be given to the world, is a revelation of His
character of love. The children of God are to manifest His glory. In
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their own life and character they are to reveal what the grace of God
has done for them.
The light of the Sun of Righteousness is to shine forth in good
works—in words of truth and deeds of holiness.