Page:Studies in the Scriptures - Series I - The Plan of the Ages (1909).djvu/92

 86 The flan of the Ages.

wasted his life, and they said, "He hath a devil and is mad." His life and teachings were mysteries to them. They r.ould not understand him.

The apostles and their companions were likewise myste- ries in the world, in leaving their business prospects, etc., to preach forgiveness of sins through the death of the de- spised and crucified Jesus. Paul forsook a high station and social influence to labor with his hands, and to preach Christ, and the invisible crown for all believers who should walk in his footsteps. This was so mysterious that some said, " Paul, thou art beside thyself : much learning doth make thee mad." And all who so follow in the Master's footsteps are, like Paul, counted fools for Christ*s sake.

But God's plan will not always be shrouded in mystery: the dawn of the Millennial Day brings the fuller light of God to men, and "the knowledge of the Lord shall fill the whole earth. 7 * The Sun of Righteousness, which shall arise with healing in his wings, dispelling the darkness of ignorance, is the Christ in Millennial glory not the Head alone, but also the members of his body ; for it is written : If we suffer with him, we shall also be glorified together. "When Christ, who is our life, shall appear, then shall we also appear with htm ingfory;" and "Then shall the righteous shine forth as the sun in the kingdom of their Father. ' ' Rom. 8:1753 Tim. a : 1 1, 1 2 ; Col. 3:4; Matt.

13:43-

Now, to all except those begotten to a new mind* by receiving "the mind of Christ," the promises which we believe, and the hopes which we cherish, seem visionary, and too improbable to be received or acted upon. In the age to come, when God shall "pour out his spirit upon all flesh," as during the present age he pours it upon his "ser- vants and handmaids,*' then indeed all will understand and appreciate the promises now being grasped by the

�� �