Section 0
Principles of Health

Part 4h
Eighth Law of Health - Trust in God

YOUR TRUST IN GOD

Individually, you and I need the ministry of God's healing power in our own lives. Oh, how great is our need! Yet, thankfully, it is available.

In this concluding chapter I want to tell you about this healing ministry that God has for you. For it is available to you as you come to Jesus, and become His trustful follower, obedient to His Written Word.

Here are the answers that you are looking for, summarized from a special book, The Ministry of Healing (see order sheet).

Our story starts with Jesus. He came to this world at His first advent, to reveal to us the love of God and not only to show us His care for us, but also how we, in His strength, should care for one another.

His work is to give us forgiveness of sin, overcoming power, health, peace, and perfection of character.

Varied were the circumstances and needs of those who besought His aid, and none who came to Him went away unhelped. This help—this healing—is for us today. Wherever there are hearts ready to receive His words—the words of Scripture,—He will bring them the comfort of His own presence, the assurance of their heavenly Father's love.

In all things He brought His wishes into strict alignment with the purpose for His life. He glorified His life by making everything in it subordinate to the will of His Father. His life was one of constant self-sacrifice. He spent His days ministering to the needy and teaching those who desired to learn how to become part of His kingdom. Always patient and cheerful, much of His time was given to minister to the sick and infirm. Yet He made each work of healing an opportunity to implant divine principles of truth in mind and soul. For it was His plan to help men and women physically, so that He could then minister to them spiritually.

At every opportunity He presented the Word—the holy Scriptures—to the people. Never was there such an evangelist as Christ. He was the Majesty of heaven, but He humbled Himself to take our nature, that He might meet men where they were.

He spoke to each one in such kindly, sympathetic, simple words that those words could not fail to be understood. He presented the truth in such a way that it was ever afterward intertwined with their most hallowed memories. His instruction was so direct, His illustrations so appropriate, His words so sympathetic and encouraging,—that His hearers could sense the completeness of His identification with their interests and happiness. What a busy life He led, as He went from home to home ministering to the needy and downcast. Gracious, tenderhearted, pitiful, He went about lifting up the bowed-down and comforting the sorrowful. Wherever He went, He brought blessing and better living.

Jesus sought to reach the poor; He sought also to reach the rich, for they needed His help just as badly. Just now He is seeking to reach you and me and help us in our special needs.

Christ came to this world to show that, by receiving power from on high, one can live an unsullied life. With unwearying patience and sympathetic helpfulness, He met men in their necessities. It mattered not to Him what might be their rank or status in life, for He was not a policy man. That which appealed to His heart was a soul thirsting for the water of life.

"He passed by no human being as worthless, but sought to apply the healing remedy to every soul. In whatever company He found Himself, He presented a lesson appropriate to the time and the circumstances. Every neglect or insult shown by men to their fellow men, only made Him more conscious of their need of His divine-human sympathy.

"He sought to inspire with hope the roughest and most unpromising, setting before them the assurance that they might become blameless and harmless, attaining such a character as would make them manifest as the children of God.

"Often He met those who had drifted under Satan's control, and who had no power to break from his snare. To such a one, discouraged, sick, tempted, fallen, Jesus would speak words of tenderest pity, words that were needed and could be understood. Others He met were fighting a hand-to-hand battle with the adversary of souls. These He encouraged to persevere, assuring them that they would win; for angels of God were on their side, and would give them the victory."—The Ministry of Healing, pp. 25-26.

His sympathy, social kindliness, and concern for their best good,—made men and women long to become worthy of His confidence. Upon their thirsty hearts His words fell with blessed, life-giving power. New impulses were awakened and, though they might be outcasts of society, there opened before them the possibility of a new life.

The same Jesus is calling you to His side today. Whatever your past may have been, regardless of your weakness,—He wants to forgive your past, transform your weakness by His grace, through obedience to His Written Word, the Holy Scriptures.

Christ neglects no one. Wherever there are hearts open to receive the truth, Christ is ready to instruct them. He reveals to them the Father, and the service acceptable to Him.

Christ was hid in God, and God was revealed in the character of His Son. The evidence of His divinity was seen in His ministry to the needs of suffering humanity. Not by pomp and the overthrowing of kingdoms was Christ to establish His kingdom, but by speaking to the hearts of men by a life of mercy and self-sacrifice. His healing ministry is for you today, that His life might be yours. His objective is that your soul shall be imbued with the principles of heaven; so that then, as you come in contact with others, you will be enabled to impart of Heaven's light to them. Your consistent faithfulness to God and His Word will be a special means of revealing that light.

"Human effort will be efficient in the work of God just according to the consecrated devotion of the worker,—by revealing the power of the grace of Christ to transform the life. We are to be distinguished from the world because God has placed His seal upon us, because He manifests in us His own character of love. Our Redeemer covers us with His righteousness."—The Ministry of Healing, p. 37.

If you are a mother, the Master desires to help you in your work to raise your children for God. Come to Him, and tell Him of your needs, and He will impart strength and blessing, just as He did to the mothers who, so long ago, brought their little ones to Him for a blessing. Come to Him for help that you may be empowered to better take up your daily duties again. Instruct your children in the Word of God, and in after years the memory of the words of Scripture will keep many from straying from the pathway to heaven.

But do not let your un-Christlikeness hinder the little ones from coming to Jesus. Plead with God, alone in prayer, for grace and help in time of need, that you may provide them the example of right living that they desire to see in you.

"We should neglect nothing that would serve to benefit a human being. Let everything be gathered up that will relieve the necessities of earth's hungry ones . . By every word of God we are to live. Nothing that God has spoken is to be lost. Not one word that concerns our eternal salvation are we to neglect . . The miracle of the loaves teaches dependence upon God. When Christ fed the five thousand, the food was not nigh at hand . . The providence of God had placed Jesus where He was, and He depended on His heavenly Father for means to relieve the necessity. When we are brought into strait places, we are to depend on God. In every emergency we are to seek help from Him who has infinite resources at His command."—The Ministry of Healing, pp. 48-49.

The Saviour's life on earth was a life of communion with nature and with God. In this communion He revealed for us the secret of a life of power. In study of the Inspired Word, earnest prayer, and careful obedience, the soul is ennobled and enabled to fulfill its mission in life.

All day Christ ministered to the people, but in the evening or at dawn He spent hours in prayer to His heavenly Father. Returning from the time spent in prayer, a look of peace, freshness, and power seemed to pervade His whole being. From hours spent alone with God, He came forth morning by morning, to bring the light of heaven to men. And as He opened to men the treasures of truth, they were vitalized by divine power and inspired by hope and courage. Out of the depths of His pure, compassionate heart, the good Shepherd had only love and pity for these restless, thirsting souls.

Take time as Jesus did to be alone with God, that you also may be strengthened in your own battles with temptation, enabled to live a godly life, and minister to the needs of those around you.

"All who are under the training of God need the quiet hour for communion with their own hearts, with nature, and with God. In them is to be revealed a life that is not in harmony with the world, its customs, or its practices; and they need to have a personal experience in obtaining a knowledge of the will of God.

"We must individually hear Him speaking to the heart. When every other voice is hushed, and in quietness we wait before Him, the silence of the soul makes more distinct the voice of God. He bids us, `Be still, and know that I am God.' (Psalm 46:10).

"This is the effectual preparation for all labor for God. Amidst the hurrying throng, and the strain of life's intense activities, he who is thus refreshed, will be surrounded with an atmosphere of light and peace. He will receive a new endowment of both physical and mental strength. His life will breathe out a fragrance, and will reveal a divine power that will reach men's hearts."—The Ministry of Healing, p. 58.

"If I may but touch His garment, I shall be whole" (Matthew 9:21), said the woman, and by her persistent faith she was healed. Christ realized her great need, and He was helping her to exercise faith. As He passed, she reached forward and succeeded in barely touching the border of His garment. That moment she knew she was healed. It is through contact with Christ that we are strengthened and helped. To believe in Christ merely as the Saviour of the world can never bring healing to the soul. The faith that is unto salvation is not a mere assenting to the truth of the gospel. True faith means that we receive Christ as our personal Saviour from sin.

"Many hold faith as an opinion. Saving faith is a transaction, by which those who receive Christ join themselves in covenant relation with God. A living faith means an increase of vigor, a confiding trust, by which, through the grace of Christ, the soul becomes a conquering power."—The Ministry of Healing, p. 62.

There is help for those with evil habits that grip them. That help is to be found in Christ. He can break the chains, transform the mind, and remake us into the image of God. Turn the eye not to the dark cave of despair,—but upward to Christ. Fix the eye upon Jesus, and the glory of His unchanging power will do for you that which you could never do for yourself. The centurion came to Christ for help, not fearing to ask Him for help. Not to his own goodness did he trust, but to the Saviour's mercy. His only argument was his great need. So it is with us. In the same way we may come to Him.

"Remember that Christ came into the world to save sinners. We have nothing to recommend us to God; the plea that we may urge now and ever is our utterly helpless condition which makes His redeeming power a necessity. Renouncing all self-dependence, we may look to the cross of Calvary and say: `In my hand no price I bring; simply to Thy cross I cling.'

" `If thou canst believe, all things are possible to him that believeth.' (Mark 9:23). It is faith that connects us with heaven, and brings us strength for coping with the powers of darkness. In Christ, God has provided means for subduing every evil trait, and resisting every temptation, however strong."—The Ministry of Healing, pp. 65-66.

But so many feel that they must first make themselves "right" before they can come to Christ. Yet only Jesus can forgive our past and give us strength to overcome in the future. Coming to Him we receive this help; staying with Him continues this help. Look not to self, but to Christ. In your helplessness, cast yourself upon Him. He will receive you and never, except by your own choice, let you go. As you come, believe that He accepts you—simply because He has promised. You can never perish while you do this, never!

When we pray for earthly blessings, the answer to our prayer may be delayed, or God may give us something other than we ask; but not so when we ask for deliverance from sin. Thank God that that is so. It is His will to cleanse us from sin, to make us His children, and to enable us to live a holy life.

Looking upon the distressed and heart-burdened, those whose hopes have been blighted, Jesus calls them to Himself. He sees their wasted years of seeking to quiet the longings of the soul by the trinkets and tinsel of worldliness and sin,—and He invites them to come unto Him for the peace of heart that they so much want, genuine peace of heart that they can find nowhere else.

He is speaking to you just now: "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." (Matthew 11:29). All are weary and heavy laden with the cares of life. Come, He bids you; come. Only Christ can remove the burdens. And the heaviest load that we bear is the burden of sin.

He knows all the weaknesses of humanity, all of our wants, all of our temptations.

"He is watching over you, trembling child of God. Are you tempted? He will deliver. Are you weak? He will strengthen. Are you ignorant? He will enlighten. Are you wounded? He will heal. The Lord `telleth the number of the stars;' and yet `He healeth the broken in heart, and bindeth up their wounds." (Psalm 147: 3, 4).

"Whatever your anxieties and trials, spread out your case before the Lord. Your spirit will be braced for endurance. The way will be open for you to disentangle yourself from embarrassment and difficulty. The weaker and more helpless you know yourself to be, the stronger will you become in His strength. The heavier your burdens, the more blessed the rest in casting them upon your Burden bearer.

"Circumstances may separate friends; the restless waters of the wide sea may roll between us and them. But no circumstances, no distance, can separate us from the Saviour. Wherever we may be, He is at our right hand, to support, maintain, uphold, and cheer. Greater than the love of a mother for her child is Christ's love, for His redeemed. It is our privilege to rest in His love, to say, `I will trust Him; for He gave His life for me.' "—The Ministry of Healing, pp. 71-72.

As with those that He healed while on earth, Christ watches the first glimmer of faith grow stronger as we are aroused to seek Him. It is Jesus who is convicting your heart, and drawing you to Himself right now. If it were not for the inexpressible love of God and the drawing of His Holy Spirit, none of us could come to Him. Our problems, our sicknesses, are often the result of our own habits. Yet He does not turn us away. He bids us come that He may solve our problems in His own unique way. The solutions may not come in exactly the manner we expected. Sometimes instead of removing the problem, He gives us strength to live with it. In Him we have victory and peace, whatever the circumstances of life around us.

Do not wait to feel that you are made whole. Believe the Saviour's word. Put your will on the side of Christ. Will to serve Him, and in acting upon His word you will receive strength to obey His Moral Ten Commandment Law. Whatever may be the evil practice, the master passion which may bind both soul and body, Christ is able to deliver.

"When temptations assail you, when care and perplexity surround you, when, depressed and discouraged, you are ready to yield to despair, look to Jesus, and the darkness that encompasses you will be dispelled by the bright shining of His presence.

"When sin struggles for the mastery in your soul, and burdens the conscience, look to the Saviour. His grace is sufficient to subdue sin.

"Let your grateful heart, trembling with uncertainty, turn to Him. Lay hold on the hope set before you. Christ waits to adopt you into His family. His strength will help your weakness; He will lead you step by step. Place your hand in His, and let Him guide you.

"Never feel that Christ is far away. He is always near. His loving presence surrounds you. Seek Him as One who desires to be found of you. He desires you not only to touch His garments, but to walk with Him in constant communion."—The Ministry of Healing, p. 85.

The soul that turns to Him for refuge, Christ lifts above the accusing and strife of tongues. No man or evil angel can impeach that soul. Christ will unite you to His own divine-human nature, and by faith you will stand beside your Saviour in heavenly places, in the light proceeding from the throne of God.

As a result of the sacrifice of Christ on Calvary, we are henceforth to look on Satan as a conquered foe. Clinging to Christ we are safe, moment by moment.

And now, having found the ark of safety yourself, live now to show others the pathway to it.

"The two restored demoniacs were the first missionaries whom Christ sent to teach the gospel in the region of Decapolis. For a short time only, these men had listened to His words. Not one sermon from His lips had ever fallen upon their ears. They could not instruct the people as the disciples who had been daily with Christ were able to do.

"But they could tell what they knew; what they themselves had seen, and heard, and felt of the Saviour's power. This is what everyone can do whose heart has been touched by the grace of God. This is the witness for which our Lord calls, and for want of which the world is perishing."—The Ministry of Healing, p. 99.

Christ sends the very ones who have been freed from Satan's prison camp—to tell the prisoners who remain behind of the good news. Our confession of what Christ has done for us is Heaven's chosen plan for revealing Him to the world. And everyone has his own unique way of telling that message. Begin sharing it now, for others are waiting to hear it. And as you do so, your own experience will deepen.

"Every true disciple is born into the kingdom of God as a missionary. No sooner does he come to know the Saviour than he desires to make others acquainted with Him. The saving and sanctifying truth can not be shut up in his heart. He who drinks of the water of life becomes a fountain of life. The receiver becomes a giver . . In doing this work a greater blessing is received than if we work merely to benefit ourselves. It is in working to spread the good news of salvation that we are brought near to the Saviour."—The Ministry of Healing, pp. 102-103.

In sympathy and compassion we are to minister to those in need of help, seeking with unselfish earnestness to lighten the woes of suffering humanity. We are not to think ourselves detached from the perishing world around us. They are part of the web of humanity; a web that we ourselves are part of.

Millions of human beings, in sickness and ignorance and sin, have never so much as heard of Christ's love for them. Were our condition and theirs to be reversed, what would we desire them to do for us? As far as lies in our power, we must help them. Whatever our talents or abilities, we are, by those abilities, in debt to all less fortunate than ourselves. Our strength must be used to help them in their weakness.

"Jesus did not consider heaven a place to be desired while we were lost. He left the heavenly courts for a life of reproach and insult, and a death of shame. He who was rich in heaven's priceless treasure became poor, that through His poverty we might be rich. We are to follow in the path that He trod."—The Ministry of Healing, p. 105.

The strongest evidence of man's fall from a higher state is the fact that it costs so much to return. The pathway of this return can be trod only by hard fighting, inch by inch, hour by hour. One hasty, unguarded act can bring us deep trouble. We dare not act from impulse. Beset with temptations without number, we must resist in the strength of Christ. Live by principle and obedience to the Word of God.

"The life of the apostle Paul was a constant conflict with self. He said, `I die daily' . . His will and his desires every day conflicted with duty and the will of God. Instead of following inclination, he did God's will, however crucifying to his nature."—The Ministry of Healing, pp. 452-453.

It is only by unceasing endeavor that we can maintain the victory over the temptations of Satan. But God will give the strength for this as you cry to Him for help, determining that you will not leave His side.

Only by overcoming as Christ overcame shall we win the crown of life. But we must realize our great need of His help in order to receive it. It is only as we see our utter helplessness and renounce all self-trust, that we can lay hold on divine power.

"It is not only at the beginning of the Christian life that this renunciation of self is to be made. At every advance step heavenward it is to be renewed. All our good works are dependent on a power outside of ourselves; therefore there needs to be a continual reaching out of the heart after God, a constant, earnest confession of sin and humbling of the soul before Him. Perils surround us; and we are safe only as we feel our weakness and cling with the grasp of faith to our mighty Deliverer."—The Ministry of Healing, pp. 455-456.

It is faith in Christ and the study of the Inspired Word of God that can bring us this power. The entire Bible is a revelation of what God is like. Within its pages we find the needed strength, and the key to unlock it is earnest, humble, dependent, obedient trust in God. It is obedience that makes the difference.

"The truths of the Bible, received, will uplift mind and soul. If the Word of God were appreciated as it should be, both young and old would possess an inward rectitude, a strength of principle, that would enable them to resist temptation."—The Ministry of Healing, p. 459.

Apart from the Sacred Scriptures, man's greatest philosophies are only conjectures. It is not men's writings, but the Bible that you need. Let the life, ministry, and death of Christ become your study. And teach Bible principles to your children as well.

"The knowledge of God as revealed in His Word is the knowledge to be given to our children. From the earliest dawn of reason they should be made familiar with the name and life of Jesus. Their first lessons should teach them that God is their Father. Their first training should be that of loving obedience. Reverently and tenderly let the Word of God be read and repeated to them, in portions suited to their comprehension and adapted to awaken their interest. And, above all, let them learn of His love revealed in Christ, and its great lesson: `If God so loved us, we ought also to love one another.' (1 John 4:11)."—The Ministry of Healing, p. 460.

Such a humble, prayerful study of the Word of God can bring the character-changing power of the Holy Spirit into your life. You come to know God by an experimental knowledge, and prove, for yourself, the reality of His Word and the truth of His Scriptures. You are tasting and seeing that the Lord is good. You are setting your seal to the fact that God is true. (Psalm 34:8; John 3:33). This may be your experience:

"He can bear witness to that which he himself has seen and heard and felt of the power of Christ. He can testify:

" `I needed help, and I found it in Jesus. Every want was supplied, the hunger of my soul was satisfied; the Bible is to me the revelation of Christ. I believe in Jesus because He is to me a divine Saviour. I believe the Bible because I have found it to be the voice of God to my soul.' "—The Ministry of Healing, p. 461.

It is our privilege to reach higher and still higher, for clearer revelations of the character of God. In His light we shall see light, until mind and heart and soul are transformed into the image of His holiness. As we walk in the path of humble obedience, fulfilling His purpose, we will learn more and more of the deep things of His Word.

Take the Bible as your guide, and stand firm for principle,—and you may attain the highest level of usefulness as a servant of the living God. And this is what your want for your life now? As you dwell upon His goodness, His mercy, and His love, clearer and still clearer will be your perceptions of truth. The soul dwelling in the pure atmosphere of holy thought is transformed by such continuous contact with God through the study of His word. Self is lost sight of, and we become more and more like the One whom we have come so much to love.

"The relation that exists between the mind and the body is very intimate. When one is affected, the other sympathizes. The condition of the mind affects the health to a far greater degree than many realize. Many of the diseases from which men suffer are the result of mental depression. Grief, anxiety, discontent, remorse, guilt, distrust, all tend to break down the life forces and to invite decay and death.

"Disease is sometimes produced, and is often greatly aggravated, by the imagination . . Many imagine that every slight exposure will cause illness, and the evil effect is produced because it is expected."—The Ministry of Healing, p. 241.

"Courage, hope, faith, sympathy, love, promote health and prolong life. A contented mind, a cheerful spirit, is health to the body and strength to the soul. `A merry [rejoicing] heart doeth good like a medicine.' "—The Ministry of Healing, p. 241.

"There is, however, a form of mind-cure that is one of the most effective agencies for evil. Through this so-called science, one mind is brought under the control of another, so that the individuality of the weaker is merged in that of the stronger mind. One person acts out the will of another. Thus is claimed that the tenor of the thought may be changed, that health-giving impulses may be imparted."—The Ministry of Healing, p. 242.

"Instead of teaching the sick to depend upon human beings for the cure of soul and body, . . direct them to the One who can save to the uttermost all who come unto Him. He who made man's mind knows what the mind needs. God alone is the One who can heal."—The Ministry of Healing, p. 243.

"Sympathy and tact will often prove a greater benefit to the sick than will the most skillful treatment given in a cold, indifferent way."—The Ministry of Healing, p. 244.

"The power of the will is not valued as it should be. Let the will be kept awake and rightly directed, and it will impart energy to the whole being, and will be a wonderful aid in the maintenance of health. It is a power also in dealing with disease. Exercised in the right direction, it would control the imagination, and be a potent means of resisting and overcoming disease of both mind and body."—The Ministry of Healing, p. 246.

"Nothing tends more to promote health of body and of soul than does a spirit of gratitude and praise. It is a positive duty to resist melancholy, discontented thoughts and feelings,—as much a duty as it is to pray."—The Ministry of Healing, p. 251.

"Abiding peace, true rest of spirit, has but one Source. It was of this that Christ spoke when He said, `Come unto Me, all ye that labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.' (Matthew 11:28). `Peace I leave with you, My peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you.' (John 14:27). This peace is not something that He gives apart from Himself. It is in Christ, and we can receive it only by receiving Him . . When the sunlight of God's love illuminates the darkened chambers of the soul, restless weariness and dissatisfaction will cease, and satisfying joys will give vigor to the mind, and health and energy to the body."—The Ministry of Healing, p. 247.

SPIRITUAL LESSONS

There are crises in every life. These draw us closer to God, as we plead with Him for strength, help, and guidance.

At such times, how very important it is that we learn the deep meaning of faith, prayer, and trust in God.

Here is a brief Bible study to conclude this article:

HOW MAY WE IDENTIFY GOD'S REMNANT CHURCH? (Revelation 14:6-12).

1. It will preach a worldwide Judgment-hour message. (Revelation 14:6-7).

Heaven's great investigative judgment began in 1844, and at that time God had a people ready to preach that message. Their burden was to reach the whole world, and that work is going forward with lightning speed. This message is being proclaimed in more than seven hundred languages and dialects, and is being printed in more than two hundred languages.

2. It will deliver the message of mystic Babylon's fall. (Revelation 14:8).

3. It will give the warning against the beast's Image and mark. (Revelation 14:9-10).

This unwavering warning has been given from the rise of this movement. Religionists offer first one, then another, explanation of the mark of the beast. But God's remnant people bear the same consistent message through the years.

It is too late now for a people to rise up to begin the preaching of these three angels' messages. When the time came, in 1844, the people of prophecy arose, bearing the messages of warning.

4. It urges the worship of the Creator above the beast or Image. (Revelation 14:7).

God foreknew the peculiar times to which His people would come. Not only would the Sabbath sign of the Creator have been set aside centuries before, but in these closing days the theory of evolution was to become widespread, denying Creation as a series of specific acts of God in six days' time. The observance of the Seventh-day Sabbath is therefore, in a special sense, the sign of those who believe in, serve, and worship, the Creator.

5. It keeps the commandments of God. (Revelation 14:12).

The only way the keeping of God's commandments could help to identify God's people would be for the world and religion, in general, to be living contrary to His commandments. Any particular commandment on which there would be a decided difference would tend to mark them as commandment-keeping people. So, in answer to prophecy, such a people arose in 1844 and 1845 keeping all God's Ten Commandments, including the Sabbath commandment (designating the Seventh day).

6. It keeps and exalts the faith of Jesus. (Revelation 14:12).

God knew that modernism would sweep through Christendom. When men deny Creation, they naturally deny the Fall of man, and so the law of God is also set aside. If man was not created and had no Fall, he would need no atoning blood of Jesus. God's message today is calling men to recognize Creation, the law of God, the Sabbath, and the cross of Christ. God's remnant people proclaim these great doctrines, and cling by faith to Christ the Creator, Christ the Lawgiver, and Christ the Redeemer of Calvary.

7. It believes and holds to the Spirit of Prophecy.

"The dragon was wroth with the woman, and went to make war with the remnant of her seed, which keep the commandments of God, and have the testimony of Jesus."—Revelation 12:17.

"The testimony of Jesus is the Spirit of prophecy."—Revelation 19:10.

This church is a church of fulfilling prophecy and believing in God's special direction of His church through a latter-day manifestation of the gift of prophecy and the writings of the Spirit of Prophecy. This is a special feature of this movement.

8. It will endure reproach, scorn, and persecution. (Revelation 12:11).

He who keeps God's commandments will meet ridicule at times, and Satan will make war with him; but a new book of Acts is being written as angels record the faithfulness of God's people as they endure whatever comes to them anywhere in the world. A great test awaits them, but also a great reward.

9. It heeds God's voice to come out of Babylon.

"I saw another angel come down from heaven, having great power; and the earth was lightened with His glory. And he cried mightily with a strong voice, saying Babylon the great is fallen, is fallen, and is be come the habitation of devils . . And I heard another Voice from heaven, saying, Come out of her, My people, that ye be not partakers of her sins and that ye receive not of her plagues."—Revelation 18:1, 2, 4.

Out of confusion, false doctrines, and worldliness, God is calling His people. Thousands of them are coming from every part of the world. They come because God is calling them, and His "sheep hear His voice." They separate from the ways of the world (1 John 2:15-17), lay aside its pride and vanity (1 Timothy 2:9-10; 1 Peter 3:3-4), give up its evil ways (2 Corinthians 7:1), and turn to Jesus for salvation. Then, by His grace, they "keep the commandments of God, and the faith of Jesus." (Revelation 14:12). The true church, therefore, as you can see, must come out and be separate.

He keeps "the commandments of God," (2) "the faith of Jesus," and who (3) "have the testimony of Jesus Christ." He observes the Bible Sabbath, the Seventh-day Sabbath.

This is God's true church, according to the prophecies of the Bible, but the majority of His true followers, still in the churches of Babylon, are living according to all the truth they have. Will you yourself not answer the call, "Come out of her, My people," make your own decision, and by your example help to gather others into the fold of Christ?

Oh, my friend, every day we need a daily victory in Christ! Here is more information on how to experience it:

DAILY VICTORY IN CHRIST

Jesus said, "I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by Me." (John 14:6). And the apostle John wrote, "He that hath the Son hath life." (1 John 5:12). Paul wrote, "For to me to live is Christ." (Philippians 1:21). "Nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me." (Galatians 2:20). "l can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me." (Philippians 4:13).

The active exercise of living faith in Christ is the one great essential to obtaining and maintaining an experience in the Lord that will bring increasing satisfaction in this life and ultimate deliverance from this world when Christ comes. "Without faith it is impossible to please Him." (Hebrews 11:6). "This is the victory that overcometh the world, even our faith." (1 John 5:4). "God hath dealt to every man the measure of faith." (Romans 12:3). Faith is a gift of God to every man—rich and poor, high and low, free and bond, wise and simple. It is man's duty to nourish and exercise this faith. Though it be as small as a grain of mustard seed, it can grow and be used to move mountains of evil and build temples of righteousness.

However, it is not merely faith, but primarily the object of true faith that counts most. Faith in God, in Christ, in the promises of the Holy Scriptures, and in all God's plans and agencies for the accomplishment of His purposes is what we need. It is what we must have if we are to be victorious. Let us now see how faith makes us righteous and holy in God's sight.

HOW MAY A SINNER BECOME RIGHTEOUS?

"Being justified [forgiven and made righteous] by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ."—Romans 5:1.

"Be it known unto you therefore, men and brethren, that through this man is preached unto you the forgiveness of sins: and by Him all that believe are justified from all things, from which ye could not be justified by the law of Moses."—Acts 13:38-39.

If you will read the story of the Pharisee and the publican in Luke 18:9-14, you will note that the publican sought forgiveness of sin. "God be merciful to me a sinner," he cried. Jesus adds this comment, "I tell you, this man went down to his house justified." In other words, the "forgiveness" that the publican sought, Jesus called "justification." This includes also the merciful gift of righteousness, which God counts to the credit of the repentant sinner for the simple reason that he has no acceptable righteousness of his own! The great store of righteousness upon which God draws, when imputing (counting) this undeserved credit, is the righteous life of our Lord Jesus Christ.

A man may have been unjust, but by faith he may be counted as just. When an unjust man is thus accounted as a just man, he is "justified." He is forgiven all past sins. God gives him credit as a righteous person (through Christ). Then he has peace. He is counted as though he had never sinned at all.

This justification comes by faith in the blood of a righteous Christ.

"Being justified freely by His grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus: whom God hath set forth to be a propitiation through faith in His blood, to declare His righteousness for the remission of sins that are past, through the forbearance of God."—Romans 3:24-25.

"If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness."—1 John 1:9.

The cleansing from unrighteousness is through the blood of Christ. The sinner is condemned to eternal death for the violation of God's eternal law. The substitute death of another sinner would not atone. No angel of glory could die to save man. Since the divine law is as sacred as God Himself, only one equal with God could make atonement for its transgression.

So Jesus came, lived a sinless life and "died for our sins according to the Scriptures" (1 Corinthians 15:3), and it is He "whom God hath set forth to be a propitiation [satisfaction] through faith in His blood, to declare His righteousness for the remission of sins that are past, through the forbearance of God." (Romans 3:25). Thus do we exercise faith in the blood of a righteous Christ whose righteous life answers for our unrighteous and unjust past. "To declare, I say, at this time, His righteousness: that He [God] might be just, and the justifier of him which believeth in Jesus." (Romans 3:26).

"Him that cometh to Me I will in no wise cast out."—John 6:37.

Any man, who will, may come to Christ. Whosoever will, may come. And no sincere seeker will be turned away.

"Come unto Me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest."—Matthew 11:28.

At conversion, Christ satisfies the claims of the sacred, unchangeable law by counting His righteousness to the sinner's credit. The gracious gift of forgiveness God offers free. It is ours to exercise faith to the point of taking the gift. "Lay hold on eternal life." (1 Timothy 6:12). This is a definite spiritual action and transaction. We give God our sins and He gives us forgiveness. It is by faith that the just shall live. (Romans 1:17).

"Do we then make void the law through faith?" This is a very good question. Paul answers, "God forbid: yea, we establish the law." (Romans 3:31). We are forgiven that we might from henceforth be obedient children, walking in all the commandments of the Lord blameless. This life of victory begins by faith in Christ's righteousness. It continues by faith in Christ's righteousness. It ends by faith in Christ's righteousness. It is Christ—Christ—Christ—first, last, and always. He alone is the Saviour—in the beginning, through life, and at death. And faith in Him is the connecting link.

WHAT NEW RELATIONSHIP DOES THE CHRISTIAN ENJOY?

Without reservation the follower of Christ will say to Christ, as Thomas did, "My Lord and my God." (John 20:28). Jesus has a perfect right thus to be honored. He said, "Ye call me Master and Lord: and ye say well; for so I am." (John 13:13). As our Lord and Master, Jesus bids us follow Him.

"He saith unto them, Follow Me . . And they straightway . . followed Him."—Matthew 4:19-20.

"Whosoever he be of you that forsaketh not all that he hath, he cannot be My disciple."—Luke 14:33.

Too many hear the good news of escape from hell and of a way to heaven, and "with joy" receive it. They want to escape trial and suffering; they have visions of beautiful mansions on high that they will occupy by and by. But they are not concerned with relating themselves to Christ as followers and disciples. They are not prepared to acknowledge Jesus as "my Lord and my God." Jesus gave up heaven, came down here, and risked eternal loss that we might gain heaven. He who would accept this sacrifice intelligently and wholeheartedly will give up this world in order to follow the Saviour (see Philippians 2:5). This means sacrifice. But think—think of the promise:

"Every one that hath forsaken houses, or brethren, or sisters, or father, or mother, or wife, or children, or lands, for My name's sake, shall receive an hundredfold, and shall inherit everlasting life."— Matthew 19:29.

For all that we give up, God will return a hundredfold. He takes away, but only to give more and better in return.

"Whosoever heareth these sayings of Mine, and doeth them, I will liken him unto a wise man, which built his house upon a rock: and the rain descended, and the floods came, and the winds blew, and beat upon that house; and it fell not: for it was founded upon a rock."—Matthew 7:24-25.

If we hear and obey, we shall be built upon the solid rock, Christ Jesus, not otherwise. Between these two extremes lie all the shades and colors of professed Christianity.

WHAT IS THE SECRET OF SPIRITUAL POWER?

After the transaction has been made in which faith claims forgiveness for past sins, and after the soul by faith makes a complete surrender of all to Christ as Lord and Saviour, to do God's will and obey all His commandments, the next step is to have faith in Christ as a living Saviour with power to deliver you; yes, and to keep you from the power of sin. To learn this is to discover the secret of spiritual power. It is not enough to believe in the death of Christ. It is not enough to surrender to Christ. We must believe that Christ is a risen, all-powerful Saviour, who can and will bring victory over sin into the life through His indwelling Spirit. All of this is made possible through His resurrection victory. Paul said, "That 1 may know Him, and the power of His resurrection." (Philippians 3:10). Here are three promises of power made by the risen Saviour.

1. "Jesus came and spake unto them, saying, All power is given unto Me in heaven and in earth . . And, lo, l am with you alway, even unto the end of the world."—Matthew 28:18, 20.

2. "Behold, I send the promise of My Father upon you: but tarry ye in the city of Jerusalem, until ye be endued with power from on high."—Luke 24:49.

3. "Ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you."—Acts 1:8.

4. "He is able also to save them to the uttermost that come unto God by Him, seeing He ever liveth to make intercession for them."—Hebrews 7:25.

5. "Let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us, looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith."—Hebrews 12:1-2.

This power, as in the case of all other blessings, comes through active faith. "This is the victory that overcometh the world, even our faith." (1 John 5:4). "A living faith means a confiding trust, by which the soul becomes a conquering power." And by all means, hold on! "Being confident of this very thing, that He which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ." (Philippians 1:6). In this way, dear friend, we enter upon the life of victory. In this way, we receive spiritual power for an abiding life of conquest in the Saviour!

HOW DOES THE BIBLE HELP OUR FAITH?

There is yet something important we must mention to help you. Faith, to be strong, must be fed. The Word of God is the food of faith. The Bible is heaven's pantry, on the shelves of which are stored, in unlimited quantity and almost infinite variety, the foods that nourish Christian faith and experience, and abundant delicacies to delight the soul of the Christian (see Jeremiah 15:16). "Sweeter also than honey and the honeycomb." (Psalm 19:10).

But it is so easy to keep on trying to live while neglecting to feed upon this heavenly food. Often the cares and pleasures of this life consume our time and energies to the neglect of God's Word. Sometimes, even in the work of God, it is possible to grow nervous and anxious, to work in haste, if not in fury, to do God's service, while at the same time neglecting to nourish the soul and the spirit with daily, regular feeding on God's Word. The importance of daily Bible reading may be seen by the following:

1. Faith comes by hearing the Word of God. "So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the Word of God."—Romans 10:17.

2. The Christian feeds upon and lives by the Word of God.

"He answered and said, It is written, Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God."—Matthew 4:4.

3. His Word is a heavenly light.

"Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path."—Psalm 119:105.

4. It is powerful to resist evil.

"The word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword."—Hebrews 4:12.

5. His Word is the sword of the Spirit.

"Take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the Word of God."—Ephesians 6:17.

In the wilderness of temptation, Jesus wielded the "sword of the Spirit" with swift and telling strokes—"It is written . . It is written." "It is written." (Matthew 4:4, 7, 10). "Then the devil leaveth Him, and, behold, angels came and ministered unto Him." (Matthew 4:11). Oh friend, know this Book. Know it well. Use it in temptation to conquer the world and sin. Use it when overwhelmed with sorrow and fear and worry. Use it when doubt and unbelief assail you. Every promise has power; every command, wisdom; every warning, deep meaning. Become known as a Bible-believing, Bible-practicing Christian.

WHY IS PRAYER S0 ESSENTIAL TO VICTORY?

"Ask, and it shall be given you," said Jesus. "Every one that asketh receiveth." (Matthew 7:7-8). So it is clear that God has made prayer the means for receiving spiritual blessings that we would not otherwise receive unless we asked. We may well remember three things.

1. "Let him ask in faith."—James 1:6.

2. "Whatsoever we ask, we receive of Him, because we keep His commandments."—1 John 3:22.

3. "He that turneth away his ear from hearing the law, even his prayer shall be abomination."—Proverbs 28:9.

The promise is made that "they that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength." (Isaiah 40:31). "He ever liveth to make intercession for them." (Hebrews 7:25). So ask, friend, and receive. Pray morning, noon, and night as David and Daniel did, and learn the sweetness of communion with God in the Secret place of power. Oh, yes, and don't forget to always pray in Jesus' name.

WHY IS EVERY CHRISTIAN CALLED TO BE A WITNESS?

Christian service is necessary for soul prosperity. "Take my yoke upon you," said Jesus. (Matthew 11:29). All life is action. We cannot be ever receiving and never giving. By faith we receive forgiveness and appropriate power. We feed on the Word of God and pray for this and that, but we must surrender, not only to do the will of God as between ourselves and Him, but to do His will toward others.

Every soul is born into God's kingdom as a missionary. Every Christian should be a soul winner. Moody said that if a man will read the Word of God fifteen minutes a day, pray sincerely fifteen minutes a day, and spend fifteen minutes a day talking definitely to help some soul to Christ, or heavenward, he will enjoy a good experience. Not only the ministers but the laymen should work to make others Christians. Think about the following texts:

I. "Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel."—Mark 16:15.

God needs you to help spread abroad the story of the saving gospel and the speedy return of Jesus. If you love Him, the saving truth cannot be sealed up in your heart. It will overflow in blessing to others.

2. "Pure religion and undefiled before God and the Father is this, To visit the fatherless and widows in their affliction, and to keep himself unspotted from the world."—James 1:27.

Only "faith which worketh by love" (Galatians 5:6) will purify the soul and keep the channel of blessing open. The true Christian will have a special care for the widows, the fatherless, and the poor. (Matthew 25:34-40).

3. "Well done, thou good and faithful servant."—Matthew 25:21.

These words of commendation are spoken to Servants—faithful servants—who have worked for Christ. These soul-winning Christians are the ones whom He will take to heaven with Him when He comes again. They have exercised the faculties of the soul and become strong even as the muscles of the body become strong by exertion.

PROMISES TO THE OVERCOMER

1. What are we told to overcome? "Be not overcome of evil, but overcome evil with good."—Romans 12:21.

2. What only can overcome the world?

"For whatsoever is born of God overcometh the world."—1 John 5:4.

3. What are we admonished to overcome?

"Be not overcome of evil, but overcome evil with good."—Romans 12:21.

4.What gives us the victory in our conflict with the world?

"And this is the victory that overcometh the world, even our faith."—1 John 5:4.

5. What promises are made, by Christ, to the overcomer?

(a) "To him that overcometh will I give to eat of the tree of life, which is in the midst of the paradise of God."—Revelation 2:7.

(b) "He that overcometh shall not be hurt of the second death."—Revelation 2:11.

(c) "To him that overcometh will I give to eat of the hidden manna, and will give him a white stone, and in the stone a new name written, which no man knoweth saving he that receiveth it."—Revelation 2:17.

(d) "He that overcometh and keepeth My works unto the end, to him will I give power over nations: and he hall rule them with a rod of iron; as the vessels of a potter shall they be broken to shivers: even as I received of My Father. And I will give him the morning star."—Revelation 2:26-28.

(e) "He that overcometh, the same shall be clothed in white raiment; and I will not blot out his name out of the book of life, but I will confess his name before My Father, and before His angels."—Revelation 3:5.

(f) "Him that overcometh will I make a pillar in the temple of My God: . . and I will write upon him My new name."—Revelation 3:12.

(g) "To him that overcometh will I grant to sit with Me in My throne, even as I also overcame, and am set down with My Father in His throne."—Revelation 3:21.

6. In what one promise are all these promises summed up?

"He that overcometh shall inherit all things; and I will be his God, and he shall be My son."—Revelation 21:7.

There’s no disappointment in Heaven,
No weariness, sorrow or pain;
No hearts that are bleeding and broken,
No song with a minor refrain.
The clouds of our earthly horizon
Will never appear in the sky,
For all will be sunshine and gladness,
With never a sob or a sigh.
I’m bound for that beautiful city,
My Lord has prepared for His own;
Where all the redeemed of all ages
Sing “Glory!” around the white throne;
Sometimes I grow homesick for Heaven,
And the glories I there shall behold;
What a joy that will be when my Savior I see,
In that beautiful city of gold.

We’ll never pay rent for our mansion,
The taxes will never come due,
Our garments will never grow threadbare,
But always be fadeless and new,
We’ll never be hungry or thirsty,
Nor languish in poverty there,
For all the rich bounties of Heaven
His sanctified children will share.

There’ll never be crepe on the doorknob,
No funeral train in the sky;
No graves on the hillsides of glory,
For there we shall nevermore die.
The old will be young there forever,
Transformed in a moment of time;
Immortal we’ll stand in His likeness,
The stars and the sun to outshine.

Frederick M. Lehman

ETERNAL LIFE

1. What precious promise has God made to His children?

"And this is the promise that He hath promised us, even eternal life."—1 John 2:25.

2. How may we obtain eternal life?

"For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life."—John 3:16.

3. Who has everlasting life?

"He that believeth on the Son hath everlasting life."—John 3:36.

4. Where is this everlasting, or eternal, life?

"And this is the record, that God hath given to us eternal life, and this life is in His Son."—1 John 5:11.

5.What therefore follows?

"He that hath the Son hath life; and he that hath not the Son of God hath not life."—1 John 5:12.

6.What does Christ give His followers?

"I give unto them eternal life; and they shall never perish."—John 10:28.

7. Why, after the Fall, was man shut away from the tree of life?

"Lest he put forth his hand, and take also of the tree of life, and eat, and live for ever."—Genesis 3:22.

8. What has Christ promised the overcomer?

"To him that overcometh will I give to eat of the tree of life, which is in the midst of the paradise of God."—Revelation 2:7.

9. To what is the life of the redeemed compared?

"For as the days of a tree are the days of My people, and Mine elect shall long enjoy the work of their hands."—Isaiah 65:22.

10. When will immortality be conferred upon the saints?

"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 all be changed. For this corruptible must put on incorruption, and this mortal must put on immortality."—1 Corinthians 15:51-53.

THE HOME OF THE SAVED

1. For what purpose was man created?

"For thus saith the Lord that created the heavens; God Himself that formed the earth and made it; He hath established it. He created it not in vain, He formed it to be inhabited."—Isaiah 45:18.

2. To whom has God given the earth?

"The heavens, even the heavens, are the Lord's: but the earth hath He given to the children of men."—Psalm 115:16.

3. How did man lose his dominion?

Through sin. Romans 12; 6:23.

4. When man lost his dominion, to whom did he yield it?

"For of whom a man is overcome, of the same is he brought in bondage."—2 Peter 2:19.

5. In tempting Christ, what ownership did Satan claim?

"And the devil, taking Him up into an high mountain, shewed unto Him all the kingdoms of the world in a moment of time. And the devil said unto Him, All this power will I give Thee, and the glory of them: for that is delivered unto me; and to whomsoever I will I give it."—Luke 4:5-6.

6. Through whom is this first dominion to be restored?

"And Thou, O tower of the flock, the strong hold of the daughter of Zion, unto thee shall it come, even the first dominion; the kingdom shall come to the daughter of Jerusalem."—Micah 4:8.

7. Why did Christ say the meek are blessed?

"Blessed are the meek: for they shall inherit the earth."—Matthew 5:5.

8. Who does David say have most now?

"For I was envious at the foolish, when I saw the prosperity of the wicked . . Their eyes stand out with fatness: they have more than heart could wish."—Psalm 73:3, 7.

9. Where are the righteous to be recompensed?

"Behold, the righteous shall be recompensed in the earth: much more the wicked and the sinner."—Proverbs 11:31.

10. What will be the difference between the portion of the righteous and the wicked?

"Wait on the Lord, and keep His way, and He shalt exalt thee to inherit the land: when the wicked are cut off, thou shalt see it."—Psalm 37:34.

11. What promise was made to Abraham concerning the land?

"And the Lord said unto Abram, after that Lot was separated from him, Lift up now thine eyes, and look from the place where thou art northward, and southward, and eastward, and westward: for all the land which thou seest, to thee will I give it, and to thy seed for ever."—Genesis 13: 14-15.

12. How much did this promise comprehend?

"For the promise, that he should be the heir of the world, was not to Abraham, or to his seed, through the law, but through the righteousness of faith."—Romans 4:13.

13. How much of the land of Canaan did Abraham own in his lifetime?

"And He gave him none inheritance in it, no, not so much as to set his foot on: yet He promised that He would give it to him for a possession, and to his seed after him, when as yet he had no child."—Acts 7:5.

14. How much of the promised possession did Abraham expect during his lifetime?

"By faith Abraham, when he was called to go out into a place which he should after receive for an inheritance, obeyed; and he went out, not knowing whither he went. By faith he sojourned in the land of promise: . . for he looked for a city which hath foundations, whose builder and maker is God."—Hebrews 11:8-10.

15. Who is the seed to whom this promise was made?

"Now to Abraham and his seed were the promises made. He saith not, And to seeds, as of many; but as of one, And to thy seed, which is Christ."—Galatians 3:16.

16. Who are heirs of the promise?

"And if ye be Christ's then are ye Abraham's seed, and heirs according to the promise."—Galatians 3:29.

17. Why did not these ancient worthies receive the promise?

"And these all, having obtained a good report through faith, received not the promise: God having provided some better thing for us, that they without us should not be made perfect."—Hebrews 11:39-40.

18. What is to become of our earth in the day of the Lord?

"But the day of the Lord will come as a thief in the night; in the which the heavens shall pass away with a great noise, and the elements shall melt with fervent heat, the earth also and the works that are therein shall be burned up."—2 Peter 3:10.

19. What will follow this great conflagration?

"Nevertheless we, according to His promise, look for new heavens and a new earth, wherein dwelleth righteousness."—2 Peter 3:13.

20. To what Old Testament promise did Peter evidently refer?

"For, behold, I create new heavens and a new earth: for the former shall not be remembered, nor come into mind."—Isaiah 65:17.

21. What was shown the Apostle John in vision?

"And I saw a new heaven and a new earth: for the first heaven and the first earth were passed away; and there was no more sea."—Revelation 21:1.

22. What will the saints do in the new earth?

"And they shall build houses, and inhabit them; and they shall plant vineyard, and eat the fruit of them. They shall not build, and another inhabit; they shall not plant, and another eat: for as the days of a tree are the days of My people, and Mine elect shall long enjoy the work of their hands. They shall not labour in vain, nor bring forth for trouble; for they are the seed of the blessed of the Lord, and their offspring with them."—Isaiah 65:21-23.

23. How readily will their wants be supplied?

"And it shall come to pass, that before they call, I will answer; and while they are yet speaking, I will hear."—Isaiah 65:24.

24. What peaceful condition will reign throughout the earth then?

"The wolf and the lamb shall feed together, and the lion shall eat straw like the bullock: and dust shall be the serpent's meat. They shall not hurt nor destroy in all My holy mountain, saith the Lord."—Isaiah 65:25.

25. What seasons of worship will be observed in the new earth?

"For as the new heavens and the new earth, which I will make, shall remain before Me, saith the Lord, so shall your seed and your name remain. And it shall come to pass, that from one new moon to another, and from one Sabbath to another, shall all flesh come to worship before Me, saith the Lord."—Isaiah 66:22-23.

26. What will the ransomed of the Lord then do?

"And the ransomed of the Lord shall return, and come to Zion with songs and everlasting joy upon their heads: they shall obtain joy and gladness, and sorrow and sighing shall flee away."—Isaiah 35:10.

27. How extensive will be the reign of Christ?

"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 7:27.

THE CONFLICT ENDED

1. What statement is made about the completion of the creation process?

"Thus the heavens and the earth were finished, and all the host of them. And on the Seventh day God ended His work which He had made."—Genesis 2:1-2.

2. When expiring on the cross, what did Christ say?

"When Jesus therefore had received the vinegar, He said, It is finished: and He bowed His head, and gave up the ghost."—John 19:30.

3. At the pouring out of the Seventh plague, what announcement will be made?

"And the seventh angel poured out his vial into the air; and there came a great voice out of the temple in heaven, from the throne, saying, "It is done."—Revelation 16:17.

4. And when the new heavens and the new earth have appeared, and the holy city, New Jerusalem, has descended from God and become the metropolis of the new creation, what announcement will then be made?

"And He that sat upon the throne said, Behold, I made all things new. And He said unto me, Write: Write: for these words are true and faithful. And He said unto me, It is done. I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end."—Revelation 21:5-6.

5. In the new earth, what will be no more?

"And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall their be any more pain: for the former things are passed away."—Revelation 21:4.

"And their shall be no more curse."—Revelation 22:3.

6. What will then be the condition of all the earth?

"The wolf also shall dwell with the lamb, and the leopard shall lie down with the kid; and the calf and the young lion and the fatling together; and a little child shall lead them. And the cow and the bear shall feed; their young ones shall lie down together: and the lion shall eat straw like the ox. And the sucking child shall play on the hole of the asp, and the weaned child shall put his hand on the cockatrice' den. They shall not hurt not destroy in all My holy mountain: for the earth shall be full of the knowledge of the Lord, as the waters cover the sea."—Isaiah 11:6-9.

7. How does the prophet again speak of this time?

"The whole earth is at rest, and is quiet: they break forth into singing."—Isaiah 14:7.

8. What will finally be the privilege of God's children?

"And they shall see His face."—Revelation 22:4.

9. How perfect will be their knowledge of God?

"For now we see through a glass, darkly; but then face to face: now I know in part; but then shall I know even as also I am known."—1 Corinthians 13:12.

10. How long will they possess the future kingdom?

"But the saints of the most High shall take the kingdom, and possess the kingdom for ever."—Daniel 7:18.

God's plan for each of us is far greater than we can imagine. The pathway to heaven is found in the Holy Scriptures. Only there will we find the truths which can save the soul, bring the power of Christ into the life, and enable each of us to triumph over all the power of Satan. May our kind Father bless and keep you in the days ahead.