Page:Studies in the Scriptures - Series I - The Plan of the Ages (1909).djvu/113

 Simeon contrasted these two salvations, saying, " Mine eyes have seen thy salvation, . . . a light to lighten the na- tions, and the glory of 'thy people, Israel [it es indeed]." This is in harmony with the declaration of the Apostle, that the fact that Jesus Christ, the Mediator, gave himself a ransom for all is to be testified to all IN DUE TIME. This is that which shall come to all men, regardless of faith or will on their part. This good tidings of a Savior shall be to all people (Luke 2 :io, n), but the special salvation from sin and death will come only to his people (Matt. 1 121) those who believe into him for we read that the wrath of God continues to abide on the unbeliever. John 3 136.

We see, then, that the general salvation, which will come to every individual, consists of light from the true light, and an opportunity to choose life ; and, as the great majority of the race is in the tomb, it will be necessary to bring them forth from the grave in order to testify to them the good tidings of a Savior; also that the special salvation which believers now enjoy in hope (Rom. S ; 24), and the reality of which will, in the Millennial age, be revealed, also, to those who " believe in that day,' 7 is a/w// release from the thraldom of sin, and the corruption of death, into the glori- ous liberty of children of God. But attainment to all these blessings will depend upon hearty compliance with the laws of Christ's Kingdom the rapidity of the attainment to perfection indicating the degree of love for the King and for his law of love. If any, enlightened by the Truth, and brought to a knowledge of the love of God, and restored (either actually or reckonedly) to human perfection, become ''fearful/' and "draw back" (Heb. 10:38, 39), they, with the unbelievers (Rev. 21:8), will be destroyed from among the people, (Acts 3 :23-) This is the second death.

Thus we see that all these hitherto difficult texts are ex- plained by the statement " to be testified in due time."

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