Royalty and Ruin

The Gospel to All the World

Today this prophecy is meeting rapid fulfillment. Soon the gospel message will have been proclaimed to all nations. Men and women from every tribe, tongue, and people are being “accepted in the Beloved,” “that in the ages to come He might show the exceeding riches of His grace in His kindness toward us in Christ Jesus.” Ephesians 1:6; 2:7. RR 115.5

In the vision in the temple court, Isaiah received a clear view of God’s character. “The high and lofty One who inhabits eternity, whose name is Holy,” had appeared before him in great majesty; yet he was made to understand the compassionate nature of his Lord. He who dwells “in the high and holy place” dwells “with him who has a contrite and humble spirit, to revive the spirit of the humble, and to revive the heart of the contrite ones.” Isaiah 57:15. RR 116.1

In beholding God, the prophet had not only seen his own unworthiness, there had come to his humbled heart the assurance of forgiveness, full and free; and he had come from the experience a changed man. He could testify of the transformation that came to him through beholding Infinite Love. Ever after, he longed to see erring Israel set free from the burden and penalty of sin. “Why should you be stricken again?” “‘Come now, and let us reason together,’ says the Lord, ‘though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they are red like crimson, they shall be as wool.’” Isaiah 1:5, 18. RR 116.2

The God whose character they had misunderstood revealed Himself as the great Healer of spiritual disease. Anyone who had been backsliding in heart could find healing by turning to the Lord. “I have seen his ways,” the Lord declared, “and will heal him.” Isaiah 57:18. RR 116.3

The prophet exalted God as Creator. His message to the cities of Judah was, “Behold your God!” Isaiah 40:9. “‘To whom then will you liken Me, or to whom shall I be equal?’ says the Holy One. Lift up your eyes on high, and see who has created these things, who brings out their host by number; He calls them all by name, by the greatness of His might and the strength of His power; not one is missing.” Isaiah 40:25, 26. RR 116.4