In Psalm 90 & 91, we find a wonderful revelation of the Character and Love of God. They are filled promisses we would do well in taking to heart for we'll need them in the future. (Please read it before continuing).
"Where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty. But we all, with open face beholding as in a glass the glory of the Lord, are changed into the same image from glory to glory, even as by the Spirit of the Lord." John declares, "That which was from the biggining, which we have heard, which we have seen with our eyes, which we have looked upon, and our hands have handled, of the word of life; ...that which we have seen and heard declare we unto you, that ye also may have fellowship with us; and truly our fellowship is with the Father, and with his son Jesus Christ."
--As John studied the life of Christ in the Word, he beheld as in a glass the glory of the Lord, and he became changed into the same image, from glory to glory, from character to character, till he was like that which he adored. He imitated the life in which he delighted. He knew the Saviour by an experimental knowedge. His Masters lessons were engraved on his soul. When he testified of the Saviour's grace, the simplicity of his language was eloquent with the love that pervaded his whole being. He had not a doubt nor suspicion. He entered into no controversy, no wearisome contention.
--In witnessing for Christ he declared what he knew, what he had seen and heard. There was no supposition, no guesswork, about what he said. And when insult was put upon Christ, when He was slighted, John felt the slight to the very depths of his being, and broke forth into indignation which was a manifestation of his love for Jesus. Christ had humbled Himself; He had taken man's nature; and few could see Him as John saw Him. But John had had -- an advanced experience; the darkness had passed away. On him the true light was shining, and in his epistles he brakes forth against sin, presenting Christ as --the One who could cleanse from al iniquity.
--It was Johns deep love for Christ that led him to desire always to be close by His side, and this position was awarded him. --Jesus loves those who represent the Father, -- and john could talk of this love as no other of the disciples could.--He reveals to his fellow men that which he knows by living experience-- it is his duty to reveal, representing in his character the character of Christ. --The glory of the Lord was expressed in his face. The beauty of Holiness which had transformed him shone with a Christ radience from his countenance.
--Those who truly love God must manifest loving-kindness of heart, judgment, and righteousness to all with whom they come in contact; for these are --the works of God. --There is nothing Christ needs so much as agents who feel the neecessity of representing him.--Evil speaking and evil thinking are ruinous to the soul. [this has been current in this conference*]. There is nothing the church lacks so much as the manifestation of Christlike love.--As the members of the church unite together in sanctified association, cooperating with Christ, He lives and works in them. Our eyes need the anointing with the heavenly eyesalve, that we may see what we are, and what we ought to be, and that power is provided in christ sufficient to enable us to reach the high standard of Christian perfection.
--We must keep Jesus our pattern ever before us. --This is and ever will be present truth--. It was by beholding Jesus and appreciating the virtues of His character that John became one with his Master in spirit. With spiritual vision he saw Christ's glory, the glory as of --the only begotten of the Father--full of grace and truth; and he was changed from glory to glory into his likeness. and to him was committed the work of telling of the saviour's love and the love His children should manifest for one another. -- *Exerpts taken from: Sermon by Ellen G. White at Minneapolis, Minnesota, October 21, 1888.
[TO BE CONTINUED]
