Living In The Light

January 2, An Intense Interest

Behold what manner of love the Father has bestowed on us,
that we should be called children of God.
—1 John 3:1 LL 8.1

The love of God toward fallen humans is incomprehensible. The apostle cannot find words to describe it, but he calls upon the world to “behold what manner of love the Father hath bestowed upon us, that we should be called the sons of God.” The love of the infinite God for His rebellious children is the most wonderful thing that the universe knows, and it will be constantly unfolding throughout the ceaseless ages of eternity. LL 8.2

I feel an intense interest that all should comprehend, as far as possible, the love of God. We cannot afford to draw away our attention from this subject, for in it is contained the mystery of God—the plan of salvation. We may put to the stretch every power of our mind, and yet we shall not be fully able to comprehend the heights and depths of the love of God; for the human mind is not capable of understanding its full significance. It is our privilege, however, to obtain clearer and more distinct views of the plan of salvation. We should not be content with a superficial knowledge of this wonderful plan, but we should seek to behold it in all its greatness, that as far as possible we may understand the love of God. LL 8.3

It is our privilege to grow in grace and in the knowledge of the truth. We should become better and better acquainted with the things of God. It is Satan’s design to engage the attention of people with matters of worldly interest, so that they shall have no desire to contemplate the wonders of the love of God. LL 8.4

When our first parents transgressed the holy law of God, the Lord promised that the seed of the woman should bruise the serpent’s head; the serpent was to bruise the heel of the seed of the woman. But he was to have no power to touch the head. Humanity was lost, and Christ appeared as the world’s Redeemer, the seed to whom the promises were made. He died to redeem humanity. Those who believed in Him excited the wrath of the evil one, for Satan claimed humanity as his property. Satan persecuted the people of God. He tortured them, and put them to death; but in dying they became conquerors. . . . Satan could torture and kill the body, but he could not touch the life that was hid with Christ in God.— Signs of the Times, November 18, 1889. LL 8.5

Further Reflection: : What must you do to spend time deeply contemplating the love of God? LL 8.6