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the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God.”
These subjects, Christ studied in His youth, and the universe of heaven
looked with interest upon the One who for the joy that was set before
Him endured the cross, despising the shame. By offering Himself
to make intercession for the transgression of the human race, Christ
executed the office of priest. As a reward, He was to see of the travail
of His soul, and be satisfied. His seed should prolong their days on
the earth forever. “Honor thy father and thy mother: that thy days
may be long upon the land which the Lord thy God giveth thee.” By
His obedience to His father and mother, Christ was an example to all
children and youth; but today children are not following the example
He has given and the sure result will be the shortening of their days.
“Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who hath
blessed us with all spiritual blessings in heavenly places in Christ:
according as He hath chosen us in Him before the foundation of
the world, that we should be holy and without blame before Him
in love: having predestinated us unto the adoption of children by
Jesus Christ to Himself, according to the good pleasure of His will.”
Before the foundations of the earth were laid, the covenant was made
that all who were obedient, all who should through the abundant
grace provided, become holy in character, and without blame before
God, by appropriating that grace, should be children of God. This
covenant, made from eternity, was given to Abraham hundreds of
years before Christ came. With what interest and what intensity did
Christ in humanity study the human race to see if they would avail
themselves of the provision offered.
“This is life eternal, that they might know Thee the only true God,
and Jesus Christ, whom Thou hast sent.” These words are an eye
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opener to all who will see. The knowledge of God is a knowledge
which will not need to be left behind when our probation closes, a
knowledge which is of the most lasting benefit to the world and to
us individually. Why, then, should we put the word of God in the
background when it is wisdom unto salvation. “Therefore we ought
to give the more earnest heed to the things which we have heard, lest
at any time we should let them slip. For if the word spoken by angels
was steadfast, and every transgression and disobedience received a
just recompense of reward; how shall we escape, if we neglect so great
salvation.” We are neglecting our salvation if we give authors who