| Gospel
Truth #8
A higher motivation becomes
realized in the close of time than has prevailed in the church in past
ages—a concern for Christ that He receive His reward and find His
"rest" in the final eradication of sin. All egocentric
motivation based merely on fear of hell or hope of reward is less
effective. The higher motivation is symbolized in the climax of
Scripture—the Bride of Christ making herself "ready."
What
the Bible Says
A.T.
Jones
E.J.
Waggoner
Gospel
Truth Index |
Ellen
White's View
"'When the fruit is
brought forth, immediately he [the farmer] putteth in the sickle,
because the harvest is come' (Mark
4:29). Christ is waiting with longing desire for the manifestation
of Himself in His church. When the character of Christ shall be
perfectly reproduced in His people, then He will come to claim them as
His own. "It is the privilege of every Christian not only to look
for but to hasten the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ" (Christ's
Object Lessons, p. 69).
"[Jesus] raised His
right arm, and we heard His lovely voice saying, 'Wait here; I am going
to My Father to receive the kingdom; keep your garments spotless, and in
a little while I will return from the wedding and receive you to
Myself'" (Early Writings, p. 55).
"I saw that while Jesus
was in the most holy place, He would be married to the New Jerusalem;
and after His work should be accomplished in the holiest, He would
descend to the earth in kingly power, and take to Himself the precious
ones who had patiently waited His return" (ibid., p. 251).
"While Jesus had been
ministering in the sanctuary [most holy place], the judgment had been
going on for the righteous dead, and then for the righteous living.
Christ had received His kingdom, having made the atonement for His
people, and blotted out their sins. The subjects of the kingdom were
made up. The marriage of the Lamb was consummated. And the kingdom, and
the greatness of the kingdom under the whole heaven, was given to Jesus
and the heirs of salvation, and Jesus was to reign as King of kings, and
Lord of lords" (ibid., p. 280). |
