MAN has been tested under various dispensations or economies, only to manifest his untrustworthiness except as upheld by divine grace. Tested in innocence, in Eden’s garden, he sinned by disobedience to the one command laid upon him. Tested under conscience from the fall to the deluge, he so behaved himself that corruption and violence filled the earth. Tested under the restraints of government and promise, he went into almost universal idolatry, from which God called Abram to whom He revealed Himself anew. Tested under law, the name of God was blasphemed among the Gentiles because of the evil behavior of those who had received that revelation at Sinai. Tested under the personal presence of the Son of God, they crucified the Lord of Glory. Tested under grace, many spurn the gospel message. Tested under Christ’s righteous reign, many will join in Satan’s revolt at the end. But God’s plan will not miscarry. The devil will be banished to the lake of fire and his power forever ended, and those who have suffered because of faithfulness to Christ will receive a full reward.
“At length—the final kingdom.
No bound, no end possessing,
When heaven and earth—
God all in all
Shall fill with largest blessing.
All root of evil banished.
No breath of sin to wither,
On earth—on high—
Naught else but joy.
And blissful peace forever!”