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By the Eye of Faith Christ is Present Ever, January 8
Nevertheless I tell you the truth; It is expedient for you that I go away: for if
I go not away, the Comforter will not come unto you; but if I depart, I will
send him unto you.
John 16:7
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Christ said, “It is expedient for you that I go away.” No one could then have any
preference because of his location or personal contact with Christ. The Saviour
would be accessible to all alike, spiritually, and in this sense He would be nearer
to us all than if He had not ascended on high. Now all may be equally favored
by beholding Him and reflecting His character. The eye of faith sees Him ever
present, in all His goodness, grace, forbearance, courtesy, and love, those spiritual
and divine attributes. And as we behold, we are changed into His likeness.
Christ is soon coming in the clouds of heaven, and we must be prepared to
meet Him, not having spot or wrinkle or any such thing. We are now to accept
the invitation of Christ. He says, “Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy
laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am
meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls.” The words of
Christ to Nicodemus are of practical value to us today: “Except a man be born of
water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God. That which is
born of the flesh is flesh; and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit. Marvel not
that I said unto thee, Ye must be born again. The wind bloweth where it listeth, and
thou hearest the sound thereof, but canst not tell whence it cometh, and whither it
goeth: so is every one that is born of the Spirit.”
The converting power of God must be upon our hearts. We must study the life
of Christ, and imitate the divine Pattern. We must dwell upon the perfection of
His character, and be changed into His image. No one will enter the kingdom of
God unless his will is brought into captivity to the will of Christ.
Heaven is free from all sin, from all defilement and impurity; and if we would
live in its atmosphere, if we would behold the glory of Christ, we must be pure in
heart, perfect in character through His grace and righteousness. We must not be
taken up with pleasure and amusement, but be fitting up for the glorious mansions
Christ has gone to prepare for us. If we are faithful, seeking to bless others,
patient in well-doing, at His coming Christ will crown us with glory, honor, and
immortality.—
The Review and Herald, December 5, 1912
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