[496]The great promise set before the church is that of eternal life—being for ever with the Lord. Addressing these, St. Paul wrote: "God will render to every man according to his deeds: to them who by patient continuance in well doing seek for glory and honor and immortality, eternal life". (Romans 2:6,7) It is to be noticed that those who are looking for that great reward patiently continue in doing well; that is to say, they cheerfully endure whatsoever experiences come, while they continue to walk in the Master's footsteps. Let us, then, examine some of the texts setting forth God's precious promises relative to the glory and honor that shall be the portion of the church in his great arrangement.
[497]Gloryis the term used to describe Jehovah's presence. It suggests the brightness of the divine person and character. Glory is associated with God's holiness. (Isaiah 6:1-4) Our Lord Jesus is mentioned as the 'brightness of God's glory'. He is also spoken of as being 'the express image of the Father', and we are told that he is at the right hand of the Father. (Hebrews 1:3) The 144,000 members of his body are to be with him in his throne and in the Father's presence, thus in glory. (Revelation 3:21) This glory that they shall enjoy will be so transcendently more wonderful than all the things of earth that could be glorious, that St. Paul describes it as a "far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory". The members of the church while undergoing development bear the image of the earthly. Imperfect human beings they are, with imperfect bodies and minds. But the promise to them is: "As we have borne the image of the earthly, we shall also bear the image of the heavenly".—1 Corinthians 15:49.
[498]From the time of Pentecost until the coming of the Lord, those dear and faithful saints who died in Christ slept and waited for his coming; but as the Apostle says, these would be the first to be honored with an awakening from the dead. Hence we understand that shortly after the second appearing of the Lord Jesus, during the time of the shout of encouragement that was going on among the peoples of earth, these dead saints in Christ were resurrected and caught up with the Lord Jesus in the air, to be for ever with him, as stated by the Apostle. —1 Thessalonians 4:16,17.
[499]Those remaining, who had not died up to the time of the Lord's appearing, but who since die as do other men, have their change instantaneously. Their resurrection is instantaneous, as St. Paul plainly says: "Behold, I show you a mystery: We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed, in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trump: for the trumpet shall sound, and the dead shall be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed". (1 Corinthians 15:51,52) These are the blessed ones of the Lord because they participate in the first or chief resurrection and thereafter reign with Christ. (Revelation 20:6) These promises, then, are to the effect that they shall be forever with the Lord Jesus in the presence of Jehovah: therefore in glory. Jehovah for centuries has been preparing this class, the new creation, "that he might make known the riches of his glory on the vessels of mercy, which he had afore prepared unto glory, even us, whom he hath called".—Romans 9:23,24.
[500]It is customary for the royal family of a nation to have the choicest jewels of that nation in possession. These jewels are kept in the presence of the king, that they might be admired by him. Concerning those who shall constitute the new creation, the church, the Prophet of God wrote: "They shall be mine, saith the Lord of hosts, in that day when I make up my jewels; and I will spare them as a man spareth his own son that serveth him". (Malachi 3:17) That these shall be admired by the Lord Jehovah as the zenith of his glorious creation is indicated by the Prophet who writes: "Thou shalt also be a crown of glory in the hand of the Lord, and a royal diadem in the hand of thy God".—Isaiah 62:3.
[501]Those who by patient continuance in well doing battle faithfully unto the end have the precious promise of being made a part of the temple of God; hence will be in his presence. "Him that overcometh will I make a pillar in the temple of my God, and he shall go no more out: and I will write upon him the name of my God, and the name of the city of my God, which is new Jerusalem, which cometh down out of heaven from my God; and I will write upon him my new name."—Revelation 3:12.
[502]The brightness and glory of the earth is the sun, which illuminates and gives life to the things of earth. Scientists declare that this light is produced by explosive gas which ascends from the sun to a height of from 5,000 to 300,000 miles. It is the brightness of the firmament; and the glory in the presence of Jehovah is illustrated by this brightness, as indicated by the Prophet: "They that be wise shall shine as the brightness of the firmament". (Daniel 12:3) The wise ones are those who devote themselves to understanding and doing Jehovah's will. They are the righteous ones, who have been made so through the merit of Christ Jesus, and whom he gathers in during his presence. When these enter into the glorious presence of Jehovah, "then shall the righteous shine forth as the sun in the kingdom of their Father". —Matthew 13:43.
[503]It was Jesus who said to his disciples: "In my Father's house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you, ... that where I am, there ye may be also". (John 14:2,3) The promise here is, then, that a special habitation shall be prepared for the church, which habitation will be in the glorious presence of the Lord Jehovah. This holy or heavenly kingdom class, the royal family, is spoken of as Zion, and of it the Prophet of the Lord wrote: "The Lord hath chosen Zion; he hath desired it for his habitation". (Psalm 132:13) Of its beauty and glory the Psalmist wrote: "Out of Zion, the perfection of beauty, God hath shined". (Psalm 50:2) Jehovah will shine forth through the new creation for the blessing of all the families of the earth. The glory to be experienced by the church in the presence of Jehovah will bring unspeakable joy; for 'in his presence is fullness of joy; at his right hand there are pleasures for evermore'.—Psalm 16:11.
[504]In the glorious presence of Jehovah, we may be sure that all will be his friends; and as an inducement to strive for that place his Prophet wrote: "He that loveth with a pure heart and hath grace upon his lips will have the king as his friend" (Proverbs 22:11,Leeser), and he will be sure of being loved for evermore.—Proverbs 17:17.
[505]Honorapplies more to a recognized station or position in God's arrangement. Always glorious, God is honored in the minds of his creatures who worship him. The position of the glorified church will be that of the bride of Christ, for ever with him; and he being at the right hand of the Father, their position will be one of great honor. The special honor, therefore, of the church is that of being the glorious bride or associate of the Lord Jesus, the King of glory. His recognition of her station as his own wife pictures the superlative degree of her honor and glory. Jesus said: "Father, I will ... that they be with me where I am".—John 17:24.
[506]Of Jesus it is written that he is the 'express image of the Father' (Hebrews 1:3); and that he is the beloved Bridegroom and Friend of the body members of the church. (Canticles 5:16) Now it does not appear what the church shall be, but, says St. John, "we know that, when he shall appear, we shall be like him; for we shall see him as he is". (1 John 3:2) God "hath appointed [him] heir of all things". (Hebrews 1:2) These children of God, members of the body of Christ, are "heirs of God, and joint-heirs with Christ" in all the glory and honor of his position.—Romans 8:17.
[507]When Jehovah took away from Israel the right to rule, he promised to give it to him whose right it is, the great Messiah, when he should come. (Ezekiel 21:27) Of him the Prophet of God wrote: "And there was given him dominion, and glory, and a kingdom, that all people, nations, and languages should serve him: his dominion is an everlasting dominion, which shall not pass away, and his kingdom that which shall not be destroyed.... And the kingdom and dominion, and the greatness of the kingdom under the whole heaven, shall be given to the people of the saints of the most High, whose kingdom is an everlasting kingdom, and all dominions shall serve and obey him." (Daniel 7:14,27) To his disciples Jesus promised that they should share his kingdom, saying, "I appoint unto you a kingdom, as my Father hath appointed unto me; that ye may eat and drink at my table in my kingdom, and sit on thrones judging the twelve tribes of Israel".—Luke 22:29,30.
[508]As Jesus the bridegroom will be the great King of glory to rule over the nations, so the members of the body, the bride, the overcomers, are promised that they with him shall have "power over the nations". —Revelation 2:26.
[509]Throughout the Millennial age not only will the position of the bride be that of associate with Christ Jesus in the kingdom, but her position in all the ages to come will be one of honor. St. Paul writes that God "hath raised us up together, and made us sit together in heavenly places in Christ Jesus; that in the ages to come he might show the exceeding riches of his grace in his kindness toward us through Christ Jesus".—Ephesians 2:6,7.
[510]When Jesus was in the earth he was despised and rejected of men. He was dishonored of men, and has since been dishonored of all except those who have come to a knowledge of the truth. The time will come, however, as the Apostle declares, when 'every knee shall bow, and every tongue shall confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father'. (Philippians 2:7-11) The members of his body, the truly consecrated children of God, following in the footsteps of their Master have been despised of men, have been counted as the offscourings of the earth, have been persecuted and imprisoned, and many of them killed; and the world has known them not, even as it knew him not. But in due time all those born in the glorious kingdom of our Lord will be honored among men, because mankind will know of their position, as it is written: "Of Zion it shall be said, This and that man was born in her; and the highest himself shall establish her. The Lord shall count, when he writeth up the people, that this man was born there." (Psalm 87:5,6) Then shall the people rejoice that it has pleased the heavenly Father to select out from amongst poor, imperfect men the 144,000, and to make them perfect through Christ Jesus. He will cause the peoples of earth to honor them, as he has promised: "I will make thy name to be remembered in all generations; therefore shall the people praise thee for ever and ever".—Psalm 45:17.
[511]The Apostle says also that these are seekingimmortality. That word here means incorruptibility; a condition not subject to death. The Messianic class, head and body, will not be subject to decay, sickness, or death. Even a perfect human being requires nourishment to sustain his organism; but the exalted church, the Messiah, the Christ, will need nothing in the way of food to replenish any powers, because their powers will not be exhausted. These will have life in themselves in such an abundant measure that they can give it out, and will give it out, and still need no replenishing. Of himself Jesus declared: "As the Father hath life in himself, so hath he given the Son to have life in himself". —John 5:26; 4:14.
[512]This same promise is made to those who participate in his sacrificial death. (John 6:53,54) These have the promise that they shall be partakers of the divine nature (2 Peter 1:4), and thus shall have power to give life unto others. The great prize that is here to be given is eternal life; and immortality is that quality of eternal life that is indestructible. To those who have entered into relationship with the Lord through Christ, he says: "Be thou faithful unto death, and I will give thee a crown of life". (Revelation 2:10) And again says St. James: "Blessed is the man that endureth temptation [trial]; for when he is tried, he shall receive the crown of life, which the Lord hath promised to them that love him".—James 1:12.
[513]When one is begotten to membership in the body of Christ, he has new hopes, new ambitions, and new aspirations. He looks forward, not to the glorious things of the earth, but to the glory and honor of being with the Lord and serving in the capacity in which the Lord places him. He has in mind the words of St. Paul: "Your life is hid with Christ in God. When Christ, who is our life, shall appear, then shall ye also appear with him in glory."—Colossians 3:3,4
[514]David, being a type of the church, prophetically wrote concerning the church, and his words apply in a broader sense to the church. He expressed the heart's desire of the members of the body of Christ: "One thing have I desired of the Lord, that will I seek after; that I may dwell in the house of the Lord all the days of my life, to behold the beauty of the Lord, and to inquire in his temple". (Psalm 27:4) Here he has hope of the glory of dwelling in the house of the Lord, in his presence, beholding his beauty and acquiring knowledge concerning his great plan.
[515]Again David represents the church as in the presence of Jehovah, enjoying the glory and honor that will be granted to those who participate in the first resurrection. Of this in beautiful poetic phrase he writes: "The king shall joy in thy strength, O Lord; and in thy salvation how greatly shall he rejoice! Thou hast given him his heart's desire, and hast not withholden the request of his lips. Selah. For thou preventest him with the blessings of goodness: thou settest a crown of pure gold on his head. He asked life of thee, and thou gavest it him, even length of days for ever and ever. His glory is great in thy salvation; honor and majesty hast thou laid upon him. For thou hast made him most blessed for ever; thou hast made him exceeding glad with thy countenance."—Psalm 21:1-6.
[516]What a contrast in the eyes of the people between the man Christ Jesus who suffered ignominy at the hands of the Jews and the Christ Jesus glorified, the brightness of whose glory shines above that of the brightness at noonday! Great will be the honor and dignity in the minds of the people of the position of Jesus Christ when all have come to know the Lord. What a great contrast between the body of humiliation and the body of glory! These members of the body, as the Prophet beautifully expresses it, were 'digged from the pit and hewn from the rock'. (Isaiah 51:1) They have trudged along the narrow way, suffering at the hands of Satan and his seed. But all the way they have had these precious promises of what would be the result, amongst which is this promise: "Behold my servant, whom I uphold; mine elect, in whom my soul delighteth; I have put my spirit upon him: he shall bring forth judgment to the gentiles".—Isaiah 42:1.
[517]In the eyes of the world these die like ordinary men; yet they really fall like Prince Jesus. (Psalm 82:7) St. Paul, discussing the humiliation of the church this side the vail, and contrasting it with the glory on the other side, said: "There is one glory of the sun, and another glory of the moon, and another glory of the stars: for one star differeth from another star in glory. So also is the resurrection of the dead. It is sown in corruption; it is raised in incorruption. It is sown in dishonor; it is raised in glory. It is sown inweakness; it is raised in power. It is sown a natural body; it is raised a spiritual body."—1 Corinthians 15:41-44.
[518]We have now come to the time in which these members of the body have their change instantaneously. One moment they are sown in corruption; the next, raised in incorruption. One moment in dishonor; the next in glory. One moment in weakness; the next in power. When the church is finished and all of the 144,000 members are with the Lord, "then shall be brought to pass the saying that is written, Death is swallowed up in victory. O death, where is thy sting? O grave, where is thy victory?" (1 Corinthians 15:54,55) Then it will be that all composing that class will enjoy glory, honor, immortality, even eternal life.
[519]It is certain that the time must come when all those composing the body of Christ will have finished their course on this side the vail and passed into heavenly glory; and since the Lord promised that his second presence would be for the purpose of gathering unto himself those who would compose his bride, we should expect the glorification of the church to take place within a reasonably short time after the second presence of the Lord. The apostle Paul's mind was illuminated by the power of Jehovah, the holy spirit; and he wrote concerning the coming kingdom of Messiah, describing conditions that would immediately precede its inauguration.
[520]At Mount Sinai Jehovah made a covenant with the nation of Israel, and at the time of making this covenant God directed Moses to instruct the people, to prepare them for what was about to take place. When Moses came down out of the mountain to deliver God's message to Israel, it was amidst a great convulsion of nature. There were thunders and lightnings, and a thick cloud of smoke upon the mountain, and the voice of a trumpet exceeding loud, so that the people in the camp trembled with fear, and the whole earth quaked greatly. This was a picture foreshadowing the time of trouble in the earth, the great shaking of the nations just before the inauguration of Messiah's kingdom and the taking unto himself of his bride for the setting up of his kingdom. St. Paul, referring to that time, by way of comparison says: "Ye are not come unto the mount that might be touched, and that burned with fire, nor unto blackness, and darkness, and tempest, and the sound of a trumpet, and the voice of words; which voice they that heard intreated that the word should not be spoken to them any more (for they could not endure that which was commanded, And if so much as a beast touch the mountain, it shall be stoned, or thrust through with a dart; and so terrible was the sight, that Moses said, I exceedingly fear and quake)".—Hebrews 12:18-21.
[521]We should expect, then, an antitypical fulfillment of these conditions. And so we do find it. The mountains (symbolically meaning kingdoms of the world) are on fire, and there is a great tempest, and trouble, and disturbance in the earth; and so terrible is the time that men's hearts are failing them for fear of what they see coming on the earth. Speaking of that time, and directing his words to the church, St. Paul wrote: "Ye are come unto mount Zion, and unto the city of the living God, the heavenly Jerusalem, and to an innumerable company of angels, to the general assembly and church of the firstborn, which are written in heaven, and to God the Judge of all, and to the spirits of just men made perfect, and to Jesus the mediator of the new covenant, and to the blood of sprinkling, that speaketh better things than that of Abel".—Hebrews 12:22-24.
[522]Thus St. Paul pictures the gathering together of those who compose the spiritual phase of Messiah's kingdom, namely, the church, Head and body. He describes this as the heavenly Jerusalem.
[523]That the peoples of earth and the creatures of heaven might ever have in remembrance the importance of this great day in which we are now living God is manifesting his power and his justice through his dealings with the nations, and in due time the people will learn to appreciate the love of God.
[524]What a marvelously wonderful time now to be on the earth! Four thousand years ago holy men looked down to the time when God's kingdom might come, but they could not understand it. The angels of heaven were not permitted to know. Many of these faithful men were martyrs to the cause of righteousness. Moved by the spirit of Jehovah, they wrote concerning the kingdom. The Psalmist composed songs and sang of the coming blessed day. For nineteen hundred years Christians have been trudging along the narrow way. And now it can be truly said, The Lord is present; the Lord reigneth! The kingdom of heaven is at hand!
[525]Necessarily the members of the body this side the vail are looking forward with anticipation to their change, when they may put off this mortal and be clothed upon with immortality, and be caught up to be forever with the Lord, and by him be presented to the great Jehovah. When all the members of the body have passed beyond the vail, then in God's due time they will be presented by the Lord Jesus before the presence of Jehovah. Since we are so close to that time, let us now assume in our minds that we are standing just beyond the vail and that we are getting the first glimpse of the glories of the kingdom.
[526]Whom would the true Christian first expect to meet in the kingdom? Necessarily he would look for some one who had been a special friend to him during the time of his humiliation. If a person who expected to be presented to an earthly king or potentate had an acquaintance or friend at that court, he would first desire to consult his friend and receive some advice and suggestions before entering the presence of the noble one. Entering heaven, the Christian expects to see the Lord Jesus, and ultimately the heavenly Father, according to the promise. As the Christian looks over the precious promises given to the church, he finds many assurances that he has had an unseen friend during his earthly pilgrimage, namely, his guardian angel. Of such the Psalmist wrote: "The angel of the Lord encampeth round about them that fear him, and delivereth them". (Psalm 34:7; Hebrews 1:14) These angels are doubtless messengers for Jehovah, because of them Jesus said: 'In heaven they do always behold the face of my Father'.—Matthew 18:10.
[527]Describing the conditions and events in connection with the general assembly of the church of the firstborn, St. Paul writes: "Ye are come ... to an innumerable company of angels". These must be pure, lovable, and beautiful in form and character. These have been the ones who have kept the record of each member of the body of Christ. (Malachi 3:16) It will be a real joy to become acquainted with these precious and beautiful creatures who have been helpers of the Christians along the way. It would be expected that they would render assistance to the one just appearing in the presence of the Lord Jesus. Therefore it is not unreasonable to anticipate that the first one to be met beyond the vail is the Christian's guardian angel.
[528]Next in order the Apostle mentions "the church of the firstborn". Jesus Christ is the head of this church, the great King of glory. Certainly all the body members will be eager to see our wonderful Lord, who redeemed us to God with his precious blood. He is not only our Redeemer, Advocate, and Deliverer, but our dearest Friend; and now the relationship of bride and bridegroom is about to be fully consummated. How thrilling will be that time! By long and patient continuance in well doing, their experiences, by the grace of the Lord and through his ministration, have perfected every one of the body for this happy time, making each member beautiful, "So shall the king greatly desire thy beauty: for he is thy Lord; and worship thou him." Each member of the bride then will be permitted to see Jesus as he is and will then be like him. Happy will be that time. (1 John 3:2) Every one of these Christians has had some dear fellow Christian friend on earth. He will be looking for such a one, doubtless, when he arrives in heaven. Of course each one will look for the faithful apostles whom the Lord used to furnish the food to the household of faith. Then they will look for others whom the Lord specially used as teachers, instructors, and servants of the church, who were loving and kind and ministered to the wants of the various members and did it joyfully.
[529]We may be sure that of all those who are there every one will be perfected in love, because the Apostle says they must thus be. (Ephesians 4:16; Colossians 3:14) We may expect to see some there whom we have loved and may be disappointed in not seeing them; but no Christian will ever see any one of his fellow-Christians in heaven except those who have loved their brethren with a pure heart, all of whom have passed through the fiery trials and rejoiced in the experiences that the Lord brought to them. Each one of the members of the divine family will be beautiful, for all will be like the Lord. As star differs from star in glory, so shall the various members differ in that glorious realm. But what a marvelous gathering that will be: 144,000 glorious beings assembling with their glorious head Christ Jesus!
[530]All united together with the Lord Jesus, it seems, according to St. Paul, that the next in order would be to grant unto the church the glory that is promised, by presenting the bride class before the great divine throne of Jehovah. St. Jude informs us not only that our Lord keeps the members of the body from falling, but that he will present them faultless before the presence of Jehovah's glory with exceeding joy.—Jude 24.
[531]The day approaches for the presentation of the bride. In vision we behold an innumerable company of angels assembled before the throne of God, forming a guard of honor. The heralds of heaven with golden trumpets appear, announcing the approach of the Bridegroom with his bride. Music of surpassing sweetness fills the heavenly courts. All eyes are fixed upon the conquering Hero, the King of kings and Lord of lords, the great Bridegroom, who now approaches with his bride of 144,000 members. The hosts of heaven are singing, "Hallelujah: for the Lord God omnipotent reigneth! Let us be glad and rejoice, and give honor to him; for the marriage of the Lamb is come, and his wife hath made herself ready."—Revelation 19:6,7.
[532]It is well that we take note here of the apparel of the bride of Christ now entering glory. "And to her was granted that she should be arrayed in fine linen, clean and white." (Revelation 19:8) "The king's daughter is all glorious within the palace; her clothing is of wrought gold. She shall be brought unto the king in raiment of needlework." (Psalm 45:13,14) Thus in symbolic phrase the Prophet describes her inherent beauty when she is presented faultless before the glorious presence of Jehovah. It will be impossible for human words to approximate the grandeur and the majesty of that scene. Before the great white throne of the heavenly Father, bride and Bridegroom will be made one, and the glory of the church will be complete. There, in the presence of Jehovah, she will have fullness of joy and pleasures for evermore.
"O that will be a union
Such as earth has never known.
When bride and Bridegroom are made one
Before the great white throne."
[533]The members of the body of Christ in glory will be a monument of the grace of God, because thus will be demonstrated the power, as well as the love, of Jehovah in taking insignificant creatures from amongst men and exalting them to the highest place in the universe, next to the Lord Jesus. Then she will be held forth in the power of Jehovah, exhibited as a crown of glory in his hand, and be used by him to accomplish that which he purposed from the foundation of the world. As the glorified bride of our heavenly Bridegroom, clothed with honor and immortality, she will possess life everlasting, inherent life; and with her Bridegroom she will minister life and blessing to others.
[534]St. John had a vision of this wonderful royal family of heaven, and in symbolic language he described it as "the holy city, the new Jerusalem, coming down from God out of heaven". (Revelation 21:1-5) Thus he depicts the approaching kingdom of Messiah. In vision he saw the faithful followers of Jesus who are still on this side the vail, by faith beholding the approach of this happy time; and he describes them as those who had "gotten the victory over the beast [the devil's earthly organization], and over his image, and over his mark, and over the number of his name [whose allegiance is wholly to the Lord, and who] stand on the sea of glass, having the harps of God. And they sing the song of Moses the servant of God [the song taught by the law, which foreshadowed the better things to come], and the song of the Lamb [the song of the clear fulfillment of prophecy and the unfolding of God's plan, as set forth in the New Testament; they are playing upon their harps and praising Jehovah], saying, Great and marvelous are thy works, Lord God Almighty; just and true are thy ways, thou King of saints." —Revelation 15:2,3.
Define the word "church".¶ 468.
Of what does the church of Christ consist?¶ 468.
What other name is given to those composing the church?¶ 468.
What is a saint?¶ 468.
How are those composing the body of Christ purified?¶ 468.
What is meant by the terms "new creature" and "new creation"?¶ 468.
How is nature determined?¶ 468.
Who has preeminence in the divine plan? Give Scriptural proof.¶ 468.
When did the new creation have its beginning?¶ 469.
What occurred with reference to Jesus when he was thirty years of age?¶ 469.
How was he perfected as a new creature?¶ 469.
Who opposed Jesus from the time of his baptism?¶ 470.
Why this opposition?¶ 470.
In the sentence by Jehovah, as set forth in Genesis 3:15, what is symbolized by the woman?¶ 470.
Whom did Isaac typify?¶ 470.
Of what does the seed of the serpent consist? Give some Scriptural proof.¶ 470.
What is the disposition of the seed of the serpent?¶ 470.
Where did Jesus go immediately following his baptism, and for what purpose?¶ 471.
To what temptation was he subjected shortly thereafter? Give the Scriptural account.¶ 471.
How long did he suffer at the hands of Satan and his representatives?¶ 471.
How did he gain the victory?¶ 471.
How did Jehovah reward Jesus for his faithful devotion to the divine arrangement even unto death?¶ 471.
What Scriptures indicate that the body members most follow in his steps?¶ 471.
Did God predestinate or foreordain a new creation? Give Scriptural proof.¶ 472.
What is meant by the word "world" as used in Ephesians 1:4-9?¶ 473.
Did God foreordain or choose the individuals who would compose the church? Or what is meant by his foreknowledge?¶ 473.
Should we expect the body members to have experiences similar to those of Jesus?¶ 473.
When was the day of Pentecost?¶ 474.
What call went forth to the Jews from that time?¶ 474.
What is meant by the call?¶ 474.
What did Jesus say about the number called and chosen? Give Scriptural proof.¶ 474.
How long was this call confined to the Jews?¶ 474.
Who was the first gentile to receive the gospel? Give the Scriptural account.¶ 474.
Thereafter to whom did the call extend?¶ 474.
Why has the gospel been preached?¶ 475.
How has the gospel appeared to worldly-wise men?¶ 475.
What did St. Paul say about the wisdom of this world and the wisdom of God?¶ 475.
How did the Jews as a people receive the message of Christ and him crucified?¶ 476.
How did the majority of the gentiles receive the gospel?¶ 476.
What proportion of the wise and mighty and noble are called and respond to the call of the gospel?¶ 476.
Why have not many wise and noble accepted the truth?¶ 476.
How has the call impressed the humble-minded?¶ 476.
Give Scriptural proof of Jehovah's invitation to become members of the bride class.¶ 477.
Why can the church be called the daughter of God?¶ 478.
What beauty is it that the Lord desires in the body members?¶ 478.
Is time required for the development of the church?¶ 479.
What can be said about deathbed confessions?¶ 479.
What is the first thing to do to become a Christian?¶ 479.
What is meant by repentance?¶ 479.
What is meant by being converted?¶ 479.
After conversion, what further things take place before one becomes a new creature?¶ 479.
Why must the Christian thereafter pass through many varied experiences?¶ 479.
Why are children in school required to have hard mental exercises?¶ 480.
Is it necessary for one to train for a physical contest?¶ 480.
Why is it necessary for a new creature to be trained and to pass through experiences?¶ 480.
What did the Psalmist say concerning the standing of the new creature with his brethren and others?¶ 481.
To whom did Jesus become a stranger? and what reproaches fell upon him?¶ 481.
Give Scriptural proof that the body members have similar reproaches.¶ 481.
How has God overruled for good Satan's persecution of the church?¶ 482.
Is the Christian's suffering greater when he first knows the Lord or later?¶ 483.
How is a Christian, when first begotten, designated in the Scriptures?¶ 483.
What kind of spiritual food does he need?¶ 483.
Give a figure of speech illustrating the development of the church, with Scriptural proof of same.¶ 484.
Give a paraphrase of the Apostle's words in 1 Peter 2:3-8.¶ 485.
Give Scriptural proof that it is a privilege to suffer with Christ.¶ 485.
What course must a Christian take as compared to the world?¶ 486.
Explain the development of the Christian, as taught by St. Peter in 2 Peter 1:5-7.¶ 486.
What should a Christian do with reference to making his calling and election sure? Give Scriptural proof.¶ 487.
Against what enemies does the new creature war?¶ 488.
With what weapons does he war? Give Scriptural proof.¶ 488.
What hope strengthens him in the battle?¶ 488.
What effect does this hope have upon his purifying himself?¶ 488.
To what likeness were the members of the church foreordained?¶ 489.
Why can the Christian understand things that the world cannot? Give Scriptural proof.¶ 489.
How is the pathway of the Christian designated? and is it an easy one?¶ 489.
What does St. James say to the Christian about considering the suffering of the prophets?¶ 490.
What was the purpose of the prophets' suffering?¶ 490.
What did Jesus say about the violent taking the kingdom? Give explanation.¶ 491.
Why should the Christian suffer? Give Scriptural proof.¶ 492.
Why is Jesus not ashamed to call the members of the church his brethren?¶ 492.
Does the true saint of God complain or murmur because of his persecution? Give Scriptural reason.¶ 493.
Does the true Christian expect to be without suffering?¶ 494.
What does suffering testify to him?¶ 494.
From what source do these sufferings come?¶ 494.
Who was one of the greatest sufferers amongst Christ's followers?¶ 495.
Enumerate some of his experiences.¶ 495.
What did he say about such afflictions?¶ 495.
To what was St. Paul looking forward as his great hope?¶ 495.
Upon what does the Christian meditate with delight?¶ 495.
What is the great promise set before the church? Give Scriptural proof.¶ 496.
What does the word "glory" mean, as used in the Scriptures? Give Scriptural proof.¶ 497.
How is Jesus mentioned with reference to God's glory?¶ 497.
How are the body members to be with him in glory?¶ 497.
How will this glory compare to things of earth?¶ 497.
What did St. Paul say about that glory?¶ 497.
What image will the church bear in glory?¶ 497.
What was the condition of faithful saints who died between Pentecost and Christ's second coming?¶ 498.
What do the Scriptures say about their awakening at the second coming of Christ?¶ 498.
What do the Scriptures say concerning the resurrection change of those saints living on the earth after Christ's second appearing?¶ 499.
Why are they called blessed of the Lord?¶ 499.
Why has Jehovah been for centuries preparing the new creation?¶ 499.
What is the custom of royalty concerning jewels?¶ 500.
In what way do the Scriptures compare the saints to jewels? Give the proof.¶ 500.
How are they to be regarded by Jehovah? and how illustrated by jewels? Give Scriptural proof.¶ 500.
Give a Scriptural promise of glory to the overcomer.¶ 501.
How is the sun used to illustrate glory? Give Scriptural proof.¶ 502.
What Scriptural promise did the Lord give to his church concerning a heavenly habitation?¶ 503.
What did the Psalmist say about the Lord's habitation?¶ 503.
What did the Prophet write concerning the beauty of Zion?¶ 503.
For what purpose will Jehovah shine through the new creation?¶ 503.
What joy will this bring to the new creation? Give Scriptural proof.¶ 503.
What is the Scriptural promise with reference to having the great King as a friend?¶ 504.
How will this great friend love the members of the church?¶ 504.
What is meant by the Scriptural term "honor"?¶ 505.
How is God honored by his creatures?¶ 505.
How will the church occupy a position of honor?¶ 505.
What particular relationship with Jesus pictures the great honor that the body members will have?¶ 505.
What does the Scripture say concerning the likeness of Jesus and his relationship to the body members?¶ 506.
What does the Apostle say concerning the appearance and likeness of the church?¶ 506.
Who has been appointed heir of all things?¶ 506.
Who shares with him in this honor? Give Scriptural proof.¶ 506.
To whom did Jehovah promise the rulership and dominion of the earth at the time of Zedekiah's overthrow?¶ 507.
What does the prophet Daniel say with reference to granting this dominion to Jesus?¶ 507.
What will be the extent of his dominion and kingdom?¶ 507.
How shall the nations regard it?¶ 507.
What promise of honor is given to the church in this connection? Give Scriptural proof.¶ 507.
Who will be the great King of glory to rule the nations?¶ 508.
Is any promise of honor to the church given in this connection?¶ 509.
What Scriptural promise is there that the church shall enjoy a position of honor in the coming ages?¶ 509.
To what extent has Jesus been honored by the world?¶ 510.
What Scriptural proof is there that the world will yet honor him?¶ 510.
How have the body members of the church been regarded by the world?¶ 510.
Will they be honored in the future?¶ 510.
Will the world know who is born a member of the glorified church? Give Scriptural proof.¶ 510.
What effect will this knowledge have upon the world?¶ 510.
How will the people regard the church in the future ages? Give Scriptural proof.¶ 510.
Besides glory and honor, what else is the church seeking?¶ 511.
Define immortality.¶ 511.
What will be the difference between a perfect human being and a member of the new creation with reference to requiring nourishment to sustain life?¶ 511.
What Scriptural proof is given that Jesus possesses inherent life?¶ 511.
What Scriptural promise is given to the body members that they will have inherent life?¶ 512.
With what power will they be clothed with reference to giving life to others?¶ 512.
Give some Scriptural proof of the degree of life to be possessed by the church.¶ 512.
What is meant by the "crown of life"?¶ 512.
When one becomes a new creature in Christ, how does that affect his hopes, ambitions and aspirations?¶ 513.
What did St. Paul say concerning the life of such?¶ 513.
Whom did David typify? and how do his words apply to the church?¶ 514.
How is the desire of the church expressed by the Psalmist? Quote the Scripture.¶ 514.
What did the psalmist David say about the King and the new creation in the presence of Jehovah? Quote the psalm.¶ 515.
Show the contrast in the minds of the people between the position of the Christ during the period of humiliation and the period of glory. Give Scriptural proof.¶ 516.
In the eyes of the world, how do members of the church die?¶ 517.
In the eyes of Jehovah, how do they die? Give the Scriptural proof.¶ 517.
How does St. Paul contrast the humiliation with the glory of the church? Quote the Scripture.¶ 517.
When will all the members of the church enjoy glory, honor, and immortality, eternal life?¶ 518.
When should we reasonably expect the church to be glorified?¶ 519.
Under what influence did St. Paul write concerning the approaching kingdom?¶ 519.
Describe what took place at the time of the making of the law covenant by Jehovah with Israel at Mount Sinai.¶ 520.
Give the Scriptural statement by St. Paul concerning that time.¶ 520.
What did such convulsions of nature foreshadow concerning the present time?¶ 520.
What does a mountain symbolize? and in what sense can we say that present conditions were foreshadowed by the disturbance at Mount Sinai?¶ 521.
Using this to illustrate the approaching kingdom, quote the apostle Paul's words in Hebrews 12:22-24.¶ 521.
What do these words of St. Paul picture with reference to the kingdom?¶ 522.
Why is God now manifesting his power and justice in dealing with the nations of earth?¶ 523.
How does the privilege of living on earth now compare with that in centuries past?¶ 524.
Did the prophets understand what would happen at this time?¶ 524.
Did the angels understand?¶ 524.
Did these seek to find out?¶ 524.
What is the privilege of the Christian now compared with that of Christians living in the early part of the gospel age?¶ 525.
To what are saints this side the vail looking forward?¶ 525.
Whom will the Christian first expect to meet in the heavenly kingdom?¶ 526.
Quote the Scriptures with reference to the Christian's guardian angel.¶ 526.
What records have these angels kept? Give the Scriptural proof.¶ 527.
Who would be the next whom the Christian would expect to meet in glory?¶ 528.
Why will the King of glory desire to greet the body members in the kingdom?¶ 528.
Describe others in the church for whom the Christian will be looking in the kingdom.¶ 528.
What grace of the holy spirit will be possessed by every one who is in the kingdom?¶ 529.
What will be the appearance of each member of the body of Christ?¶ 529.
After all the bride class is united with the Bridegroom, then what is next to be expected?¶ 530.
To whom is granted the honor of presenting the bride before Jehovah?¶ 530.
Give a picture based upon the Scriptures of the appearance of the bride with the Bridegroom before the throne of Jehovah.¶ 531.
Describe the appearance of the bride class.¶ 532.
How will that marriage compare with earthly marriages or unions?¶ 532.
Why will the members of the body of Christ be a monument to the grace of God?¶ 533.
In vision, how did St. John describe the church class this side the vail using the harp of God?¶ 534.