Chapter 60—Visions of Future Glory
In the darkest days of her long conflict with evil, the church of God
has been given revelations of the eternal purpose of Jehovah. His peo-
ple have been permitted to look beyond the trials of the present to the
triumphs of the future, when, the warfare having been accomplished,
the redeemed will enter into possession of the promised land. These
visions of future glory, scenes pictured by the hand of God, should be
dear to His church today, when the controversy of the ages is rapidly
closing and the promised blessings are soon to be realized in all their
fullness.
Many were the messages of comfort given the church by the
prophets of old. “Comfort ye, comfort ye My people” (
Isaiah 40:1
),
was Isaiah’s commission from God; and with the commission were
given wonderful visions that have been the believers’ hope and joy
through all the centuries that have followed. Despised of men, perse-
cuted, forsaken, God’s children in every age have nevertheless been
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sustained by His sure promises. By faith they have looked forward to
the time when He will fulfill to His church the assurance, “I will make
thee an eternal excellency, a joy of many generations.”
Isaiah 60:15
.
Often the church militant is called upon to suffer trial and affliction;
for not without severe conflict is the church to triumph. “The bread
of adversity,” “the water of affliction” (
Isaiah 30:20
), these are the
common lot of all; but none who put their trust in the One mighty to
deliver will be utterly overwhelmed. “Thus saith the Lord that created
thee, O Jacob, and He that formed thee, O Israel, Fear not: for I have
redeemed thee, I have called thee by thy name, thou art Mine. When
thou passest through the waters, I will be with thee; and through the
rivers, they shall not overflow thee: when thou walkest through the
fire, thou shalt not be burned; neither shall the flame kindle upon thee.
For I am the Lord thy God, the Holy One of Israel, thy Saviour: I
gave Egypt for thy ransom, Ethiopia and Seba for thee. Since thou
wast precious in My sight, thou hast been honorable, and I have loved
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