365 Days in the Gospels and Spirit of Prophecy

December 31

Bible discovery

John 21:25 365DGSP 366.1

25 And there are also many other things which Jesus did, the which, if they should be written every one, I suppose that even the world itself could not contain the books that should be written. Amen. 365DGSP 366.2

Spirit of Prophecy Reading

The Desire of Ages pp.833-835: 365DGSP 366.3

The disciples no longer had any distrust of the future. They knew that Jesus was in heaven, and that His sympathies were with them still. They knew that they had a friend at the throne of God, and they were eager to present their requests to the Father in the name of Jesus. In solemn awe they bowed in prayer, repeating the assurance, “Whatsoever ye shall ask the Father in My name, He will give it you. Hitherto have ye asked nothing in My name: ask, and ye shall receive, that your joy may be full.” John 16:23, 24. They extended the hand of faith higher and higher, with the mighty argument, “It is Christ that died, yea rather, that is risen again, who is even at the right hand of God, who also maketh intercession for us.” Romans 8:34. And Pentecost brought them fullness of joy in the presence of the Comforter, even as Christ had promised. 365DGSP 366.4

All heaven was waiting to welcome the Saviour to the celestial courts. As He ascended, He led the way, and the multitude of captives set free at His resurrection followed. The heavenly host, with shouts and acclamations of praise and celestial song, attended the joyous train. 365DGSP 366.5

As they drew near to the city of God, the challenge is given by the escorting angels,— 365DGSP 366.6

“Lift up your heads, O ye gates;
And be ye lift up, ye everlasting doors;
And the King of glory shall come in.” 365DGSP 366.7

Joyfully the waiting sentinels respond,— 365DGSP 366.8

“Who is this King of glory?” 365DGSP 366.9

This they say, not because they know not who He is, but because they would hear the answer of exalted praise,— 365DGSP 366.10

“The Lord strong and mighty,
The Lord mighty in battle!
Lift up your heads, O ye gates;
Even lift them up, ye everlasting doors;
And the King of glory shall come in.” 365DGSP 366.11

Again is heard the challenge, “Who is this King of glory?” for the angels never weary of hearing His name exalted. The escorting angels make reply,— 365DGSP 366.12

“The Lord of hosts;
He is the King of glory.” Psalm 24:7-10. 365DGSP 366.13

Then the portals of the city of God are opened wide, and the angelic throng sweep through the gates amid a burst of rapturous music. 365DGSP 366.14

Songs of triumph mingle with the music from angel harps, till heaven seems to overflow with joy and praise. Love has conquered. The lost is found. Heaven rings with voices in lofty strains proclaiming, “Blessing, and honor, and glory, and power, be unto Him that sitteth upon the throne, and unto the Lamb forever and ever.” Revelation 5:13. 365DGSP 366.15

***** 365DGSP 366.16

From that scene of heavenly joy, there comes back to us on earth the echo of Christ's own wonderful words, “I ascend unto My Father, and your Father; and to My God, and your God.” John 20:17. The family of heaven and the family of earth are one. For us our Lord ascended, and for us He lives. “Wherefore 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. 365DGSP 366.17