Page:Studies in the Scriptures - Series I - The Plan of the Ages (1909).djvu/248

 342 The Plan of the Ages.

destroyed from among the people: first, all who, under full light and opportunity, for one hundred years refuse to make progress toward righteousness and perfe&ion (Isa. 65 : 20); and second, those who, having progressed to perfection, in a final testing at the close of the Millennium prove unfaith- ful (Rev. 20 : 9.) Such die the second death, from which there is no resurrection or restitution promised. But one full individual trial is provided. But one ransom will ever be given. Christ dieth no more.

When we look at our Father's great plan for the exalta- tion of the Church and the blessing through it of Israel and all the families of the earth by a restitution of all things, it reminds us of the song of the angels : ' ' Glory to God in the highest ; on earth, peace, good will toward men !" That will be the consummation of God's plan "the gathering together of all things in Christ." Who will then say that God's plan has been a failure? Who will then say that he has not overruled evil for good, and made the wrath of both men and devils to praise him ?

The figure of a pyramid not only serves well the purpose of illustrating perfect beings, but it continues to answer the purpose of illustration in representing the oneness of the whole creation, as in the fulfilment of God's plan it will be one, when the harmony and perfeclion of all things will be attained under the headship of Christ, the Head, not only of the Church which is his body, but also of all things in heaven and in earth. Eph. i : 10.

Christ Jesus was the "beginning," "the head," "the top-stone," the "chief (upper) corner-stone" of this grand structure, which as yet is only commenced; and into har- mony with the lines and angles of the top-stone must every under-stone be built. No matter how many kinds of stones may be in this stru&ure, no matter how many distinct na- tures there may be among God's sons, earthly and heavenly.

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