God's Amazing Grace

345/369

Looking Into Eternity, December 7

Look up, and lift up your heads; for your redemption draweth nigh. Luke 21:28. AG 349.1

If the church will put on the robe of Christ's righteousness, withdrawing from all allegiance with the world, there is before her the dawn of a bright and glorious day. God's promise to her will stand fast forever.... Truth, passing by those who despise and reject it, will triumph. Although at times apparently retarded, its progress has never been checked.... Endowed with divine energy, it will cut its way through the strongest barriers and triumph over every obstacle. AG 349.2

What sustained the Son of God during His life of toil and sacrifice? He saw the results of the travail of His soul and was satisfied. Looking into eternity, He beheld the happiness of those who through His humiliation had received pardon and everlasting life. His ear caught the shout of the redeemed. He heard the ransomed ones singing the song of Moses and the Lamb. AG 349.3

We may have a vision of the future, the blessedness of heaven. In the Bible are revealed visions of the future glory, scenes pictured by the hand of God, and these are dear to His church. By faith we may stand on the threshold of the eternal city, and hear the gracious welcome given to those who in this life cooperate with Christ, regarding it as an honor to suffer for His sake. As the words are spoken, “Come ye blessed of my Father,” they cast their crowns at the feet of the Redeemer, exclaiming. “Worthy is the Lamb that was slain to receive power, and riches, and wisdom, and strength, and honour, and glory, and blessing.... Honour, and glory, and power, be unto him that sitteth upon the throne, and unto the Lamb for ever and ever” (Matthew 25:34; Revelation 5:12, 13). AG 349.4

There the redeemed greet those who led them to the Saviour, and all unite in praising Him who died that human beings might have the life that measures with the life of God. The conflict is over. Tribulation and strife are at an end. Songs of victory fill all heaven as the ransomed ones take up the joyful strain, Worthy, worthy is the Lamb that was slain, and lives again, a triumphant conqueror.12The Acts of the Apostles, 601, 602. AG 349.5