Basic HTML Version
350
From Here to Forever
The Redeemed in Glory
In all ages the Saviour’s chosen have walked in narrow paths.
They were purified in the furnace of affliction. For Jesus’ sake they
endured hatred, calumny, self-denial, and bitter disappointments.
They learned the evil of sin, its power, its guilt, its woe; they look on
it with abhorrence. A sense of the infinite sacrifice made for its cure
humbles them and fills their hearts with gratitude. They love much
because they have been forgiven much. See
Luke 7:47
. Partakers of
Christ’s sufferings, they are fitted to be partakers of His glory.
The heirs of God come from garrets, hovels, dungeons, scaf-
folds, mountains, deserts, caves. They were “destitute, afflicted,
tormented.” Millions went to the grave loaded with infamy because
they refused to yield to Satan. But now they are no longer afflicted,
scattered, and oppressed. Henceforth they stand clad in richer robes
than the most honored of the earth have worn, crowned with di-
adems more glorious than were ever placed on the brow of earthly
monarchs. The King of glory has wiped the tears from all faces.
They pour forth a song of praise, clear, sweet, and harmonious. The
anthem swells through the vaults of heaven: “Salvation to our God
which sitteth upon the throne, and unto the Lamb.” And all respond,
“Amen: Blessing, and glory, and wisdom, and thanksgiving, and
honor, and power, and might, be unto our God for ever and ever.”
Revelation 7:10, 12
.
[394]
In this life we can only begin to understand the wonderful theme
of redemption. With our finite comprehension we may consider
most earnestly the shame and the glory, the life and the death, the
justice and the mercy, that meet in the cross; yet with the utmost
stretch of our mental powers we fail to grasp its full significance. The
length and the breadth, the depth and the height, of redeeming love
are but dimly comprehended. The plan of redemption will not be
fully understood, even when the ransomed see as they are seen and
know as they are known; but through the eternal ages new truth will
continually unfold to the wondering and delighted mind. Though
the griefs and pains and temptations of earth are ended and the cause
removed, the people of God will ever have a distinct, intelligent
knowledge of what their salvation has cost.