Page:Studies in the Scriptures - Series I - The Plan of the Ages (1909).djvu/159

 not perfect, not restored to Adam's condition actually, are treated in such a manner as to compensate for the differ- ence. Through faith in Christ they are reckoned perfect, and hence are restored to perfection and to divine favor, as though no longer sinners. Their imperfections and una- voidable weaknesses, being offset by the ransom, are not imputed to them, but are covered by the Redeemer's perfec- tion. Hence the Church's trial, because of her reckoned standing in Christ, is as fair as that which the world will have in its time of trial. The world will all be brought to a full knowledge of the truth, and each one, as he accepts of its provisions and conditions, will be treated no longer as a sinner, but as a son, for whom all the blessings of restitu- tion are intended.

One difference between the experiences of the world under trial and the experiences of the Church during her trial will be that the obedient of the world will begin at once to receive the blessings of restitution by a gradual re- moval of their weaknesses mental and physical; whereas the Gospel Church, consecrated to the Lord's service even unto death, goes down into death and gets her perfection instantaneously in the first resurrection. Another differ- ence between the two trials is in the more favorable sur- roundings of the next age as compared with this, in that then society, government, etc., will be favorable to right- eousness, rewarding faith and obedience, and punishing sin ; whereas now, under the prince of this world, the Church's trial is under circumstances unfavorable to righteousness, faith, etc. But this, we have seen, is to be compensated for in the prize of the glory and honor of the divine nature offered to the Church, in addition to the gift of everlast- ing life.

Adam's death was sure, though it was reached by nine hundred and thirty years of dyin^. Sinc he was himself

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