Page:Studies in the Scriptures - Series I - The Plan of the Ages (1909).djvu/152

 24<5 The Plan of the Ages.

They will be God's agents in the blessing of the world- in giving to men the instruction and training necessary for their final testing and judgment, " Do ye not know that the saints shall judge the world ? " i Cor. 6 : 2.

These previously Judged classes, like the rest of mankind, were once under the Adamic condemnation, but became sharers by faith in the benefits of Christ's death. After be- ing first justified by faith in the ransom, and having then fulfilled the subsequent conditions of their respective call- ings, they ar -accounted worthy of high exaltation to sta- tions of honor and authority.

The trial or judgment of both these classes has been much more severe than the trial of the world will be in its judgment day ; because these have had to withstand Satan, the prince of this world, with all his wiles and ensnarements, while in the world's judgment day Christ will be reigning, and Satan will be bound, that he may not deceive the na- tions. (Rev. 20 : 3.) These have suffered persecution for righteousness' sake, while then men will be rewarded for righteousness, and punished only for unrighteousness. These have had great stumbling blocks and snares in the way, which will be removed when the world is placed on trial. But though the trial of these two special companies has been much more severe than the trial of the world will be, the rewards are correspondingly greater.

Under the sophistries of the great deceiver, Satan, both the world and the Church nominal have been robbed of the blessed assurances of the coming time of righteous judg- ment. They know that the Bible tells of a coming judgment day, but they regard it with only fear and dread ; and be- cause of this fear, there is to them no more unwelcome ti- tings than that the day of the Lord is at hand. They put it far away from them, and do not wish to hear it even men- tioned. They have no idea of the blessings in store for tke

�� �