The Great Account # 3

The Great Account # 3

But to those found in Christ the verdict shall be everlasting life and felicity. The debt has been paid by their Surety - who then shall demand it of them? Their sins and offences have already been punished when their Substitute died, the Just for the unjust - who then shall require a second reparation to the Holy law which had been broken? The everlasting merits and righteousness of the Son of God is theirs - who then shall object to their entrance upon the glory prepared for them? "Who will bring any charge against those whom God has chosen? It is God who justifies. Who is he that condemns? Christ Jesus, who died - more than that, who was raised to life - is at the right hand of God and is also interceding for us!" (Romans 8:33-34).

The glory to be the portion of the true Christian is not yet manifest - what it shall be surpasses comprehension. The rest of a felt security in the Fathers house; every holy desire fulfilled; every labor, and gift, and prayer, receiving its recompense through the same grace that first prompted it; this shall be much - yet still more there be.

The death-blow will have been given to the evil that yet abides in us; the perfect likeness of the glorified Redeemer will be upon us, body and soul alike being transformed into His image. The tenderest ties will then be re-knit - Christians parted for many a long year will then see each other face to face.

The open vision of Christ will then shed eternal sunshine upon His saints. Now His people see Him, but it is as through the lattice or the colored glass. It is by means of ordinances, prayer, and in the inspired Word; but then it will be in the immediate sight, "We know that when He appears, we shall be like Him, for we shall see Him as He is!" (1 John 3:2).

What joyful hope should this raise in our hearts. The miner working in the dark mine, far below the surface of the earth, feels his arm strengthened for toil, and his heart throb quicker in anticipation of the evening hour - as he remembers that above ground there is the little cottage, and a dear wife and beloved children longing for His return.

So may it be with Christian people, now toiling below in this dark world, as we remember that far above this present scene there is the Father's house, and there we shall see One whom long we have known and loved, and with whom we shall then forever dwell.

It was a touching word of one who lately had become blind. When assured that he never would regain his sight he answered, "Then the next person I shall see will be my Savour!"

Behold the speedy approach of "that day!" Surely I am coming quickly!" "Behold, the Judge stands at the door." It is a strong expression. It reminds us how near at hand He may be. 

The thief is sleeping within, dreaming of some midnight revel, but the officer of justice who has tracked his steps is at the door, about to knock, and then to convey him away to prison.

The wife in mourning an absent husband, who in a foreign land has been toiling for her welfare, and she fears lest she may never again see him - when, behold! he stands by the door, and her long awaited is at end.

So for judgment or for mercy, the Bridegroom will quickly com. It is not for us to fix the times and the seasons, but many are the signs that tell of His approach. Long has He tarried beyond the expectation of His Church, but it cannot be forever. In great likelihood the outburst of error and infidelity in our day, may be that foretold before His appearing.

But this is certain - Christ will come, and every eye shall see Him. Whether it be to us in the flash, or after our summons by death, will be of little importance. Strive then, Christian, ever to be looking for that blessed hope. Realize, as if present now, the Advent of the Redeemer. Arising in the morning, consider that before the glorious sun, now shedding its early beams, shall sink in the West - the day of the world's history may be over. As you retire to rest, speak to your own heart, that before another day shall dawn the trumpet may sound, and the sign of the Son of man appear in Heaven.

As the Sabbath-bell calls you forth to meet with the assembled congregation - remember that from the earthly sanctuary you may be called to commence the Jubilee of the everlasting Sabbath.

~George Everard~

(The End)