Testimonies for the Church Vol 1 - Lansing SDA Church

276 Testimonies for the Church Volume 1[287]world understood not His union with the Father; the excellency andglory of His divine character were hid from them. He was therefore“despised and rejected of men,” and “we did esteem Him stricken,smitten of God, and afflicted.” Even as Christ was in the world, so areHis followers. They are the sons of God, and joint heirs with Christ;and the kingdom and dominion belong to them. The world understandnot their character and holy calling; they perceive not their adoptioninto the family of God. Their union and fellowship with the Fatherand Son is not manifest, and while the world behold their humiliationand reproach, it does not appear what they are, or what they shall be.They are strangers. The world know them not, and appreciate not themotives which actuate them.The world is ripening for its destruction. God can bear with sinnersbut a little longer. They must drink the dregs of the cup of His wrathunmixed with mercy. Those who will be heirs of God, and joint heirswith Christ to the immortal inheritance, will be peculiar. Yes, sopeculiar that God places a mark upon them as His, wholly His. Thinkye that God will receive, honor, and acknowledge a people so mixedup with the world that they differ from them only in name? Read againTitus 2:13-15. It is soon to be known who is on the Lord’s side, whowill not be ashamed of Jesus. Those who have not moral courage toconscientiously take their position in the face of unbelievers, leave thefashions of the world, and imitate the self-denying life of Christ, areashamed of Him, and do not love His example.* * * * *