The Revelation of Jesus Christ - The Herald

"Not only measure the doctrines in which the Church is standing, but measure those who
worship therein. . . . Let the Word of God be the only rule of faith, doctrine, teaching, and
also the rule of practice. . . .
"But he was also to measure the altar--and, beloved, we have in this little work been
endeavoring to measure it. To the surprise of many (joyfully we hope) we have seen the
size of the altar to be a hundred fold longer and broader than we had before supposed. . . .
Yes, once we supposed that Jesus had provided only for the 'little flock'; but now we find
since the rod is put into our hands, that Jesus Christ by the grace of God tasted death for
every man--to be testified in due time, and to prove of practical value and benefit to all.
Once in our ignorance, misguided by the creeds of men, framed in the Dark Ages, we
supposed that all probation would cease with this Gospel Age--that the 'little flock' only
would be saved. But now we measure it by our rod, and learn that while yet sinners, God
so loved the world as to give His only begotten Son to die on their behalf and as their
ransom.
"And by means of this knowledge afforded in measuring the sanctuary and altar, we have
come to 'trust in the living God, who is the Savior of all men--especially of them that
believe.' And now, while seeking the great, grand prize of our (believers) High Calling to
the Divine nature, we can rejoice in the love of God in the general salvation of mankind,
and their restoration to the perfection of humanity--in due time. Oh, the length and
breadth, the height and depth of the love of God which passeth all understanding.
"Again, it was while we were engaged in measuring the altar, that we came to see more
fully, what sacrifice is expected of those who have consecrated to become followers in the
footsteps of Jesus. We have covenanted to become dead with Him--living sacrifices--if we
might be of the Royal Priesthood and reign with Him in the Millennial Age of glory to the
Church and blessing to the world."
Measuring the golden altar would have to do especially with the unfolding of the various
truths symbolized by that altar in connection with the services of the holy. These truths
would be Christ's intercession, the prayer life of the consecrated, the acceptableness of the
services and sacrifices of the consecrated through Christ's holy and perfect offering and
intercession.
Measuring the worshipers (Levites and Priests) would signify making clear the call, the
consecration, the sacrifice, and the present and future work and privileges of the
antitypical priests, the prospective joint-heirs with Christ. Measuring the temple itself,
would include the unfolding of the truth concerning the two conditions of the consecrated,
namely the present earthly and the future heavenly state, represented in the two
apartments of the temple.
The command to leave out the court in this measurement is designed to teach that the
religious systems existing at the time the vision would meet its fulfillment would be
nominal systems cast off from favor. This will be clearly seen when we call to mind that
the Gentiles of the Jewish Age, when these typical scenes were being enacted, were aliens