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Beholding Jesus With The Eye Of Faith, March 26
Thanks be to God, which giveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus
Christ.
1 Corinthians 15:57
.
By faith look upon the crowns laid up for those who shall overcome; listen to
the exultant song of the redeemed, Worthy, worthy is the Lamb that was slain and
hast redeemed us to God! Endeavor to regard these scenes as real.
Stephen, the first Christian martyr, in his terrible conflict with principalities
and powers and spiritual wickedness in high places exclaimed, “Behold, I see
the heavens opened, and the Son of man standing on the right hand of God”
(
Acts 7:56
). The Saviour of the world was revealed to him as looking down
from heaven upon him with the deepest interest, and the glorious light of Christ’s
countenance shone upon Stephen with such brightness that even his enemies saw
his face shine like the face of an angel.
If we would permit our minds to dwell more upon Christ and the heavenly
world, we should find a powerful stimulus and support in fighting the battles of
the Lord. Pride and love of the world will lose their power as we contemplate the
glories of that better land so soon to be our home. Beside the loveliness of Christ,
all earthly attractions will seem of little worth.
Let none imagine that without earnest effort on their part they can obtain the
assurance of God’s love. When the mind has been long permitted to dwell only
on earthly things, it is a difficult matter to change the habits of thought. That
which the eye sees and the ear hears too often attracts the attention and absorbs
the interest. But if we would enter the city of God, and look upon Jesus and His
glory, we must become accustomed to beholding Him with the eye of faith here.
The words and the character of Christ should be often the subject of our thoughts
and of our conversation, and each day some time should be especially devoted to
prayerful meditation upon these sacred themes.
Sanctification is a daily work. Let none deceive themselves with the belief
that God will pardon and bless them while they are trampling upon one of His
requirements. The willful commission of a known sin silences the witnessing
voice of the Spirit and separates the soul from God.
Whatever may be the ecstasies of religious feeling, Jesus cannot abide in
the heart that disregards the divine law. God will honor those only who honor
Him.... Here is where Christ’s help is needed. Human weakness becomes united
to divine strength, and faith exclaims, “Thanks be to God, which giveth us the
victory through our Lord Jesus Christ” (
1 Corinthians 15:57
)!—
The Sanctified
Life, 91-93
.
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