Was there any increase of travel shortly after 1799 A.D.?¶ 405.
When was the steam locomotive put in operation? and how have means of rapid transit increased since that time?¶ 405.
What is meant by the "day of God's preparation"?¶ 406.
What prophet describes a railway train? Quote the prophecy.¶ 406.
When was the telegraph invented? and what other means of communication have followed since?¶ 407.
Can there be any doubt about these physical facts marking a fulfillment of Daniel's prophecy concerning the "time of the end"?¶ 408.
What did Jesus say concerning the latter part of the "time of the end" and in what way it would be indicated?¶ 409.
Did the apostle Paul indicate that greater light would come to the people at the "time of the end"?¶ 409.
What other evidence have we of increasing light at that time?¶ 410.
What class of people have been trodden down for centuries? and when did they begin to get their eyes opened as to their privileges?¶ 410.
When was the first labor organization formed in the world?¶ 410.
Enumerate some of the great inventions and discoveries since 1874, marking the fulfillment of Daniel's prophecy, and the Lord's presence, and the "time of the end".¶ 410.
What do the Scriptures disclose concerning a parallel between the gospel and the Jewish ages?¶ 411.
When did the Jewish harvest begin?¶ 411.
What is meant by the term "harvest"?¶ 411.
Did Jesus state that there would be a harvest at the end of the world, during his second presence?¶ 411.
Describe the parallel between the Jewish and the gospel-age harvests.¶ 411.
The natural harvest of the Jews was used to illustrate what?¶ 412.
What was the custom following the reaping of the grain by the Jews?¶ 412.
What would this indicate that we might expect from 1878 to 1918, and following that period?¶ 412.
In answer to the disciples' question as to when he would be present, what did Jesus say about the harvest and the sending of messengers? Give the Scriptural proof.¶ 413.
In Jesus' statement of Matthew 24:31, what is meant by the word "trumpet"?¶ 415.
Explain the term "angels" as used in this text.¶ 416.
Would it be reasonable to expect some special messenger to be used of the Lord during the time of this harvest?¶ 416.
What did Jesus promise about providing such a messenger? Quote Matthew 24:45-47.¶ 416.
From 1870 A.D. forward, what evidence do we have in fulfillment of this prophetic statement of the Lord?¶ 417.
What publication has for some forty years consistently announced the Lord's second presence?¶ 417.
From 1878 forward, what evidence has there been of a gathering of Christians, regardless of denominations?¶ 418.
Describe some of the work done by the special messenger of the Lord.¶ 418.
Quote the words of the publicationThe Continentconcerning Pastor Russell.¶ 419.
What society was incorporated in 1884? and what has been its work in connection with the harvest of this age?¶ 421.
What has been and is the purpose of this society?¶ 421.
Are these Christians who are thus gathered together followers of any man?¶ 422.
Quote Matthew 24:28, and give its meaning.¶ 423.
Jesus likened the true children of God to wheat. What did he use to illustrate imitation Christians? Quote Matthew 13:30.¶ 424.
What has been the tendency of so-called Christian denominations since 1878?¶ 425.
Since that time, how has the Lord's message in Revelation 18:4 applied to Christians?¶ 425.
What did the Lord through the Prophet say concerning the gathering of his people at this time? Quote Psalm 50:5.¶ 425.
What does this prove concerning the Lord's second presence?¶ 425.
Do we find the clergy of various denominations anxious to tell of the Lord's second presence? and if not, why not?¶ 426.
Why do these distinguished gentlemen scoff and jeer at those who teach the Lord is now present?¶ 426.
Did the Lord foretell this? Quote the Apostle's language with reference to it.¶ 426.
Why did the disciples want to know what would be the proof of the Lord's presence and of the end of the world?¶ 427.
Repeat the question that they propounded to Jesus on the Mount of Olives.¶ 427.
Will the physical earth ever be destroyed? Give Scriptural proof for answer.¶ 427.
What is meant, then, by the end of the world?¶ 428.
What became of the first world?¶ 428.
How many persons were carried over from the first world to that designated as the present evil world?¶ 428.
What period of time is designated in the Scriptures as the present evil world?¶ 428.
What Scriptural proof is there as to how the present evil world shall pass away?¶ 428.
In what world and what part of that world did God make the promise to Abraham that in his seed all the families of the earth should be blessed?¶ 429.
What was God's declaration to Zedekiah, the king of Israel? Repeat it.¶ 429.
When was Zedekiah overthrown?¶ 430.
Who established the universal gentile empire then?¶ 430.
When did the "gentile times" begin? and how long must that period last?¶ 430.
Who is the one spoken of by the Prophet here as "he whose right it is"?¶ 430.
Would it be reasonable, then, to expect the presence of this mighty One before the overthrow of the old order or present evil world?¶ 430.
Why was the year 1914 A.D. an important date?¶ 430.
What would be reasonably expected to be the conduct of the gentile nations after 1914 with reference to continuing in power?¶ 431.
What does the Revelator say would be the condition of these nations at that time? Quote the Scripture.¶ 431.
What did Jesus say would mark the beginning of the end of the world? Quote his answer to the question.¶ 432.
What fulfillment of this prophecy began in 1914?¶ 432.
How does the fulfillment of this prophecy also mark the fulfillment of the prophecy of Daniel (2:44)?¶ 433.
Why are these kingdoms of earth being broken to pieces?¶ 433.
Quote the words of Jesus given by various evangelists concerning the persecution of his followers at the end of the world.¶ 434.
What fulfillment of these prophetic utterances of the Master took place in 1917, 1918, and 1919?¶ 434.
Give some instances of the Lord's protecting care of his followers during this period of persecution.¶¶ 435-437.
Why should Christians not complain but rejoice because of these trying experiences?¶ 437.
Quote the Master's words in Matthew 24:14, in answer to the question propounded to him.¶ 438.
What evidence is there of a fulfillment of these prophetic words?¶ 438.
What did Jesus say relative to the regathering of Israel to Palestine as evidence of his second presence?¶ 439.
What did Jesus tell his followers to do when they should see these things coming to pass, and why?¶ 439.
How is the Lord's presence and the end of the world shown by the reaping of the "vine of the earth"?¶ 440.
Why would Jesus admonish his followers to watch for his second coming?¶ 442.
Suppose it were true that 'no man knows the day nor the hour' of the Lord's appearing, what difference would it now make?¶ 443.
Is there any reason why a Christian should be in darkness concerning the times and seasons of the Lord's presence?¶ 443.
Should we waste our time to quibble about dates, or days, or hours?¶ 443.
What do fulfilled prophecy and the physical facts establish relative to this question?¶ 443.
What words are upon the lips of the true watchers in view of this overwhelming evidence?¶ 443.
How does the prophet Isaiah describe this class of faithful watchers? Quote his words.¶ 443.
Describe those who now have the harp of God; and what are they singing?¶ 444.
Give the three primary purposes of the Lord's presence.¶ 445.
Some have thought that the Lord's second presence would be for the purpose of destroying the earth. What proof have we that this is erroneous?¶ 446.
What is the proper explanation of St. Peter's words in 2 Peter 3:10-12?¶ 447.
What did the Apostle mean when he said that 'we look for new heavens and a new earth wherein dwelleth righteousness'?¶ 448.
What evidence is there that the fire is now burning?¶ 449.
How long will it continue to burn?¶ 449.
What bearing has this on the presence of the Lord?¶ 449.
What Scriptural explanation is given for the distress of nations and perplexity of business men on earth at this time? Quote the Scripture and analyze it.¶ 450.
Describe the actions of the employing and the laboring classes.¶ 451.
How are all these perplexed?¶ 451.
To what is this disturbed condition leading?¶ 452.
Is there greater trouble just ahead? and if so, what proof have we? Quote the Scriptures.¶ 453.
What will follow this general shaking of the nations?¶ 453.
How is the Lord's presence revealing the hidden things? Quote the Scriptural authority for your answer.¶ 453.
What effect is this light having upon Satan and his kingdom?¶ 454.
What effect is the Lord's presence having upon the nations of the earth?¶ 454.
Quote the prophecies of Isaiah 34:1-4 and 51:6, and explain.¶ 454.
How will this trouble bring to the minds of the people the presence of the Lord?¶ 454.
What is meant by the "day of God's vengeance"? and what did the Lord say he would do with the nations at this time?¶ 454.
What is meant by the Bridegroom and bride? Give the Scriptural proof.¶ 455.
Give the picture of Abraham, Isaac, and Rebekah, stating what each typified, and what the whole picture shows.¶ 455.
In this picture, what did Eliezer represent?¶ 456.
Quote the words of the Master with reference to sending a comforter to his followers.¶ 456.
What was pictured by the ten camels which Eliezer took with him?¶ 456.
What was pictured by the golden ornaments presented to Rebekah?¶ 456.
Quote the words of the Psalmist inviting the church to become the bride of Christ.¶ 457.
What do the ones called do, in response to the call?¶ 457.
What did Sarah picture with respect to the covenants? and what did her death represent?¶ 457.
What is pictured by Isaac receiving Rebekah and making her his wife after the death of his mother Sarah?¶ 457.
During what period of time has the Lord been preparing the bride of Christ?¶ 458.
What did Jesus say about preparing a special place for these, and his return to receive his bride? Quote his words.¶ 458.
What do his words show with reference to one of the principal reasons for his second coming?¶ 459.
Explain the parable of the virgins.—Matthew 25:1-13.¶ 460.
Explain the meaning of the lamp and the oil in the lamp.¶ 460.
Define virgin; and what does a virgin picture here?¶ 460.
What is meant by keeping their lamps trimmed and burning?¶ 460.
How has knowledge of the Lord's presence affected the wise virgin class?¶ 460.
What proof is this that his presence is one of the strings of the harp of God?¶ 460.
Do the Scriptures indicate how many will be in the bride class? If so, give the proof.¶ 460.
What do the Scriptures show the Lord does for the faithful saints who died long ago when he first returns? Give the Scriptural proof.¶ 461.
What is meant in the Scriptures by a great shout?¶ 462.
State how this has been fulfilled.¶ 462.
What is meant by the voice of the archangel?¶ 462.
Should we expect the resurrection of the saints during this time?¶ 463.
How is he gathering unto himself the saints who are still on earth during his presence?¶ 463.
Give some Scriptural promises concerning the church being forever with the Lord.¶ 463.
What is meant by the kingdom of God?¶ 464.
Who constitute the royal family of heaven? Quote the apostle Peter's words relating to this.¶ 464.
What promise did Jesus make to this class concerning a kingdom?¶ 465.
Where will these be associated with the Lord Jesus in his kingdom?¶ 465.
For what kingdom did the Lord teach his disciples to pray? and is it the same spoken of by the prophets of old?¶ 465.
Who have enjoyed and are enjoying the blessedness spoken of by Daniel the Prophet in Daniel 12:12?¶ 466.
As these appreciate this string of the harp, what song is appropriate to them?¶ 466.
While the saints thus rejoice, for what do they patiently wait? and to what do they look forward?¶ 467.
[468]The church means a called out class, separate and distinct from all others. The church of Christ consists of Jesus Christ the head and the 144,000 members of his body. (Colossians 1:18; Revelation 7:4) Those composing this special class are otherwise designated saints. A saint is one who is pure, holy, blameless. The followers of Christ Jesus are not holy or blameless within themselves, but their holiness is by virtue of his imputed merit. This same class of Christians is otherwise designated in the Bible as "a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for a purpose". (1 Peter 2:9) They are also designated new creatures (2 Corinthians 5:17); therefore they constitute the new creation. This new creation when completed will be of the divine nature. (2 Peter 1:4) Nature is determined by organism. The nature of the church, then, will be like unto Jehovah God. It pleased God that Jesus Christ, his beloved Son, should have preeminence in his great plan; hence he is made the head of the new creation.—Colossians 1:18.
[469]This new creation had its beginning with Jesus Christ at the time of his baptism in Jordan when he was begotten to the divine nature and anointed with the holy spirit without limitation. As a man, he was pure, blameless, holy. At the age of thirty years, he was qualified under the law to be a priest, and there he consecrated himself and at that time was baptized and begotten to the divine nature; hence became a new creature there from the divine standpoint. As a new creature he was made perfect by the things which he suffered.—Hebrews 5:8.
[470]From the time of his baptism he was opposed by Satan the devil, who sought to destroy him. The reason for this opposition lay in the fact that when God sentenced Adam to death he had said unto Satan: "I will put enmity between thee and the woman, and between thy seed and her seed; it shall bruise thy head, and thou shalt bruise his heel". (Genesis 3:15) The woman here symbolized or typified the Abrahamic-Sarah covenant, from which the seed of promise springs. As Isaac was the son of promise, so the church was typified by Isaac. (Galatians 4:25-29) The seed of promise is therefore the new creation. The seed of the serpent consists of those agencies visible and invisible which are his offspring, and which are used by him for his wicked work. In Jesus' day the scribes and Pharisees and doctors of the law were classed as the offspring of Satan, his seed (John 8:44); and it has been true at all times that many who have pretended to be Christians are really the seed of Satan and engage in persecuting others who love the Lord.
[471]Immediately after the baptism of Jesus he went up into a mountain in the wilderness to study God's plan and to meditate upon it, that he might be instructed in the way that Jehovah would have him go; and when this season of forty days was ended and he came forth, he was subjected to a great temptation by the devil. Jesus resisted all of these efforts of Satan. (Luke 4:1-13) Jesus, the head of the seed of promise, was the target of Satan's instruments. For three and a half years he suffered daily at the hands of Satan and those who represented him, namely, those human beings who possessed the devilish spirit. During that period of three and a half years he was indeed a man of sorrows and acquainted with grief; but all this suffering was necessary for his perfection as a new creature. (Hebrews 5:8,9) Because of his faithfulness, his fidelity and loyalty to God even unto death, he won the great victory, became an overcomer. Hence we read: "Wherefore God also hath highly exalted him, and given him a name which is above every name; that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth; and that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father". (Philippians 2:9-11) The members of the body of Christ, the members of the church, must follow in his footsteps.—1 Peter 3:21.
[472]While the selection of the new creation began with the baptism of Jesus, God had foreordained long in advance that there should be a church, of which Jesus Christ is the head. St. Paul wrote: "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, to the praise of the glory of his grace, wherein he hath made us accepted in the beloved. In whom we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of his grace; wherein he hath abounded towards us in all wisdom and prudence; having made known unto us the mystery of his will, according to his good pleasure which he hath purposed in himself."—Ephesians 1:4-9.
[473]The world referred to here means the social and political order existing from the time of the flood until the coming of the Lord's kingdom, and is designated in the Scriptures as the present evil world. St. Paul therefore says that before the foundation of this world God made provision for the choosing of the members of the church. He did not choose the individuals, but he predestinated or foreordained that there should be such a church or new creation, and that these should be adopted as his children through his beloved Son Jesus Christ, and should become the members of his household, and that these should be made in the image and likeness of Christ Jesus the head. (Romans 8:29) As we view the experiences through which Jesus passed, we may expect to find that the body members would have similar experiences; and this we do find.
[474]Fifty days after the resurrection of Jesus was the day of Pentecost. There went forth the call to the remnant of the Jews to come unto the Lord, accept Jesus as their head and be transferred from Moses into Christ and become the members of the 144,000, constituting the church. A call means an announcement or an invitation. The call here signified an announcement of God's purpose of electing the members of the church and an invitation to those of the right heart condition to accept that invitation. Many were called, but only a few responded to that call and were chosen. (Matthew 22:14) For three and a half years this call was confined to the Jews, at the end of which time Cornelius, the first gentile, was granted the gospel. He heard, believed on the Lord and fully consecrated himself to do God's will, and was accepted. (Acts 10) From that time forward the call has been general to any one who might desire to respond to the terms and follow in the Master's footsteps.
[475]For this purpose the gospel has been preached, that men might know of the plan of God and understand that he is selecting the church. Men of worldly wisdom have given no heed to the gospel. To them it has been foolishness. And so St. Paul wrote: "For after that in the wisdom of God the world by wisdom knew not God, it pleased God by the foolishness of preaching to save them that believe. For the Jews require a sign, and the Greeks seek after wisdom; but we preach Christ crucified, unto the Jews a stumblingblock, and unto the Greeks foolishness; but unto them which are called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God, and the wisdom of God. Because the foolishness of God is wiser than men; and the weakness of God is stronger than men,"—1 Corinthians 1:21-25.
[476]This message of Christ Jesus, the crucified one, the selection of the church and the setting up of his kingdom, was a stumblingblock to the Jews; they could not understand; they would not believe. And to most of the gentiles it seemed foolishness. It was not foolishness, however. It was the greatest wisdom. A few have responded to this divine wisdom. The man, however, who thought himself wise would not become a follower of Jesus. It was not a popular thing. And so it has ever been throughout the gospel age that those who have really come to the Lord, made a consecration and followed in his footsteps, have been the meek and lowly of heart who are anxious to know the Lord and his great plan. Hence St. Paul writes: "For ye see your calling, brethren, how that not many wise men after the flesh, not many mighty, not many noble, are called; but God hath chosen the foolish things of the world to confound the wise; and God hath chosen the weak things of the world to confound the things which are mighty; and base things of the world, and things which are despised, hath God chosen, yea, and things which are not, to bring to nought things that are; that no flesh should glory in his presence".—1 Corinthians 1:26-29.
[477]The thought here is that ultimately no creature will ever be standing in Jehovah's presence boasting of what he did. But all those who compose the church will realize that all they have came to them as a gracious gift from Jehovah. To those who have really had the desire to know and serve the Lord the call has been and is beautiful indeed. Such have been thrilled with the gracious words of Jehovah spoken through his prophet, inviting them to become members of the royal family of heaven. The Psalmist wrote: "Hearken, O daughter, and consider, and incline thine ear; forget also thine own people, and thy father's house; so shall the king greatly desire thy beauty; for he is thy Lord, and worship thou him".—Psalm 45:10,11.
[478]As Jesus is the Son of God, so the church, the bride of Christ, is the daughter of God. Hence the Psalmist speaks to her here, inviting those who are to become the daughter to forget their own people and their earthly father's house and earnestly and willingly follow in the Master's footsteps. These are invited to worship the Lord and grow in his likeness and thereby become beautiful; and it is that beauty, the character-likeness of the Lord, that he desires.
[479]The development of the church is not an instantaneous matter. It is a gradual process. Some have erroneously thought and taught that a man might be wicked all his life and then on his deathbed confess his sins, accept Christ, become a Christian and die and go immediately to heaven. There is no Scripture that warrants such a conclusion. Time is required for the development of the Christian. He must first repent; that is to say, become displeased with the wrongful course of the world, change his own course and seek the Lord. He must become converted, turn away from a wrongful course and turn to the Lord. He must be drawn to the Lord Jesus, make a full consecration, be accepted of the Lord, presented to the Father, justified, and begotten of the holy spirit, before he becomes a new creature; and from that time forward he must develop. He must have the opportunity to pass through, and must pass through, many experiences and by these experiences learn the lessons that God desires the members of the new creation to learn.
[480]A boy or a girl in school who is being trained for a special purpose is required to have some hard mental exercise in order to develop the mind. For this reason many mathematical problems are required of the pupil; and other lessons are required to develop the mental faculties. One who is training for a race or other physical contest is required to have some strenuous experiences. With stronger reasoning are these principles true relative to the members of the new creation. These are being trained for the high and exalted position of membership in the royal family of heaven. Hence we may not be surprised to find often that their training is quite severe. The understanding of this requirement enables one to appreciate why Christians have never been popular and why they have suffered so much during the past nineteen centuries.
[481]The Psalmist wrote concerning the new creation; "I am become a stranger unto my brethren, and an alien unto my mother's children. For the zeal of thine house hath eaten me up; and the reproaches of them that reproached thee are fallen upon me." (Psalm 69:8,9) Jesus became a stranger to the Jews in this, that they despised and rejected him. Because of his zeal for the heavenly Father's great plan, his earthly life was consumed. Satan had reproached Jehovah from the time of Eden; and now these reproaches fell upon Jesus. We should expect the body members to have similar experiences. And so the Apostle quotes this text and applies it to those who are the followers of Jesus, saying, "For even Christ pleased not himself; but, as it written, The reproaches of them that reproached thee fell on me".—Romans 15:3.
[482]God is a great economist. He makes the wrath of men and other creatures to result to his own praise. Satan and his seed have always persecuted and buffeted the Christians, and Jehovah has caused this persecution to result in the development of the members of the body of Christ. He could have prevented the church from suffering at Satan's hands had he desired so to do; but by being permitted to buffet them with trying experiences, Satan has demonstrated his own depraved character, and the resistance of the church has shown their love and devotion to the Lord and thus developed characters that are pleasing unto him.
[483]When one first becomes a Christian he does not usually suffer so much as later, when he is more developed. He is at first designated in the Scriptures as a babe in Christ. As we deal with babes, so our heavenly Father deals with his baby children. As earthly babies are fed upon milk and other light diets, so is one when he first becomes a Christian; and his experiences are in harmony therewith, as the apostle Peter says: "As newborn babes, desire the sincere milk of the word, that ye may grow thereby".—1 Peter 2:2.
[484]The Apostle then illustrates the growth of a Christian by likening the entire new creation to a building, with Jesus as the chief corner-stone and the other members of the body as built up in harmony with him. He says: "If so be ye have tasted that the Lord is gracious. [Those who have been begotten of the holy spirit have tasted that the Lord is gracious.] To whom coming, as unto a living stone, disallowed indeed of men, but chosen of God, and precious, ye also, as living stones, are built up a spiritual house, an holy priesthood, to offer up sacrifices acceptable to God by Jesus Christ. Wherefore also it is contained in the scripture, Behold, I lay in Zion a chief corner stone, elect, precious: and he that believeth on him shall not be confounded. Unto you therefore which believe he is precious; but unto them which be disobedient, the stone which the builders disallowed, the same is made the head of the corner, and a stone of stumbling, and a rock of offense, even to them which stumble at the word, being disobedient."—1 Peter 2:3-8.
[485]Paraphrasing these words, the Apostle states that Jesus is the chief corner-stone. He is the Head of the elect; he is the precious One. Those who believe on him, to such he is precious; and those who hold fast to that belief shall not be confounded. To believe means to act by fully consecrating oneself to do the Lord's will. This great One, the Lord Jesus, has been and is a stumbling-stone and a rock of offense to those who have not believed. Those who have not appreciated the fact that he is the King of kings and Lord of lords, and that it is a privilege to suffer with him, have been offended and turned away from him. It is a great privilege to suffer with Christ. "For unto you it is given in the behalf of Christ, not only to believe on him, but also to suffer for his sake."—Philippians 1:29.
[486]The course of the world is directly opposite to the course of the Christian; hence the Christian finds that he must constantly put forth an effort to develop. For this reason the apostle Peter wrote: "Giving all diligence, add to your faith virtue [that is, fortitude, steadfastness, being determined to stand for the truth and on the side of right]; and to virtue knowledge [in order to do this one must study the Word of God, not only occasionally, but regularly, systematically]; and to knowledge temperance [which means self-control, learning to control oneself under provocation, being calm, gentle, self-possessed, trusting in the Lord]; and to temperance patience [which means cheerful endurance, no matter how fiery the trials are; to endure cheerfully because it is pleasing to the Lord and because it makes a strong character]; and to patience godliness [which means to grow in the likeness of the Lord, with piety, purity]; and to godliness brotherly kindness [which means that kind and loving disposition that exists and should exist between those who are really brothers]; and to brotherly kindness charity," or love which means an unselfish desire to do good and doing good to others even at a sacrifice to ourselves.—2 Peter 1:5-7.
[487]When we recognize that the course of the world is exactly opposite to this, we may know it requires a warfare, a constant vigilance, and the subjection to persecution because of misunderstanding. But if we do these things, we shall make our calling and election sure. The Apostle puts it thus: "Wherefore the rather, brethren, give diligence to make your calling and election sure: for if ye do these things, ye shall never fall; for so an entrance shall be ministered unto you abundantly into the everlasting kingdom of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ".—2 Peter 1:10,11.
[488]While thus undergoing development, the new creature finds that he has to war against the downward tendencies of his own fleshly disposition, against the spirit of the world, and against Satan's machinations through various instruments. But this warfare is what makes him strong. It is not a warfare with carnal weapons. It is the power of God working in him to war against these enemies, and it is mighty to the pulling down of the strongholds of wrong. (2 Corinthians 10:4) It is the great hope of an entrance into the kingdom that enables him, by the Lord's grace, to battle steadfastly for the right. St. John states: "Every man that hath this hope in him purifieth himself, even as he is pure". (1 John 3:3) These fiery trials through which the Christian passes have the same effect upon him that a fire has upon metal. It burns up the dross and refines the gold. It has a cleansing effect; and also for this reason the Lord permits it.
[489]God foreordained that all the members of the new creation should be made in the likeness of his beloved Son. (Romans 8:29) This does not take place by meditating upon wrongful things, but by resisting these and keeping the mind upon heavenly things. The Christian now has his face unveiled; that is, he is enabled by his mental vision to understand the things of God's Word, and when he looks into the Word, the Bible, he sees reflected from that Word the character-likeness of the Lord; and having the Lord's spirit in him, he is being transformed from one degree of glory to another. The apostle Paul puts it thus: "We all, with open face beholding as in a glass the glory of the Lord, are changed into the same image from glory to glory, even as by the spirit of the Lord". (2 Corinthians 3:18) The pathway of the Christian is not strewn with flowers or ease or comfort, but as Jesus said, it is a narrow way and few there be that walk in it.—Matthew 7:14.
[490]St. James says: "Take, my brethren, the prophets, who have spoken in the name of the Lord, for an example of suffering affliction, and of patience". (James 5:10) The prophets of old suffered much and they will not be privileged to be a part of this heavenly kingdom class; but their suffering was for a two-fold purpose: (1) to develop them, which will result to their benefit when they are resurrected as perfect men; and (2) to serve as examples for the church, the followers of Jesus.
[491]Jesus said: "And from the days of John the Baptist until now the kingdom of heaven suffereth violence, and the violent take it by force". (Matthew 11:12) Here he showed that the kingdom-of-heaven class, meaning the royal family, suffers violence at the hands of the adversary's instruments, and the violent ones take these by force. It was so of him; it has been so of his followers, as St. Paul writes: "Our hope of you is steadfast, knowing, that as ye are partakers of the sufferings, so shall ye be also of the consolation".—2 Corinthians 1:7.
[492]But why should the Christian suffer? you may ask. And the Apostles answer: "Beloved, think it not strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened unto you: but rejoice, inasmuch as ye are partakers of Christ's sufferings; that, when his glory shall be revealed, ye may be glad also with exceeding joy. If ye be reproached for the name of Christ, happy are ye; for the spirit of glory and of God resteth upon you: on their part he is evil spoken of, but on your part he is glorified.... Yet if any man suffer as a Christian, let him not be ashamed; but let him glorify God on this behalf." (1 Peter 4:12-14,16) "It became him, for whom are all things, and by whom are all things, in bringing many sons unto glory, to make the captain of their salvation perfect through sufferings. For both he that sanctifieth and they who are sanctified are all of one: for which cause he is not ashamed to call them brethren."—Hebrews 2:10,11.
[493]Again the apostle Paul shows that the Christian does not complain because of persecution and suffering; neither does he murmur against God. But the true sentiment of his heart is expressed in the words of the Apostle: "We glory in tribulations also, knowing that tribulation worketh patience; and patience, experience; and experience, hope; and hope maketh not ashamed, because the love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the holy spirit which is given unto us". (Romans 6:3-5) Again says the Apostle: "I reckon that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us".—Romans 8:18.
[494]No true Christian would expect to be without suffering or chastisements from the Lord, because these are evidences that he is a follower of Jesus and a son of God. It is one of the ways in which the spirit of the Lord testifies to us that we are his. (Hebrews 12:2-11; Romans 8:16,17) These sufferings of the Christian come from various agencies. The Christian suffers by being misunderstood. His motives are presumed to be wrong. He is sometimes charged with sedition because he does not desire to join with peoples of the world in engaging in war to destroy human lives; sometimes persecuted by false brethren, and sometimes by those who are ignorant. But all these afflictions he patiently endures, gladly.
[495]St. Paul probably suffered as much or more than any follower of Christ. He suffered shipwreck, imprisonment, his back was flogged on three occasions at least, he was stoned and dragged out by the wayside and left for dead; and notwithstanding all these afflictions he wrote: "For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, worketh for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory while we look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen". (2 Corinthians 4:17,18) He was looking forward to the glory that shall follow, as should all Christians—not onlysomeglory, but a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory. The Christian delights to meditate upon the promises given in God's Word concerning this glory.