1885 Watch Tower - A2Z.org

perfect man's ability, and Adam andJesus were the only perfect men, andhence the only two who could keep it.Israel tried it for nearly two thousandyears, and though that people have furnishedus many worthy examples, notone of them was able to merit life bykeeping the law, save Jesus only. Thevery object of the giving of the law to menwho were unable to keep it, was to convinceof shortcomings, and to lead totrust in Christ, alone, for salvation. It isonly self-deception to claim actual perfection,though the weakest child ofGod clothed with the imputed merit ofChrist, is reckoned perfect by our Father.This trusting in the merit of Christ,and striving to live in exact harmonywith his revealed will, which implies thediligent searching of the Scriptures toknow what that will is, is the true life ofholiness--of separation from the world--and of union and communion withGod. Such cannot help bearing fruit.It should be borne in mind that thestatement of Heb. 12:14 is addressedto the Church. The Church were taughtto look for the Lord's appearing, whichPaul explained would be in a mannerunobserved by the world, and as a thiefin the night. When his presence is due,only those will be able to see (Gr.,horao--discern) it who are separate fromR714 : page 5the world in spirit, and who are searchingthe Scriptures to know the signs ofhis presence. Without holiness [separation,setting apart to God's service]no man shall see [discern] the Lord.But a time shall come when manywho are not holy will discern the Lord'spresence; for we are told that "everyeye shall see him." The world will see--recognize him, when his judgmentsmake his presence manifest to all.