THE question of the government of this country has fully occupied the minds of many into whose hands this little book will fall. Time, money, and energy have all been freely given. Party feeling has run high; leaders and their followers have known the bitterness of defeat as well as the exhilarations of victory.
And this for earthly honor—a corruptible crown.
Soon those who at this present moment are in the first flush and joy of victory will have passed forever from the scenes of their conflict, for governments, thrones, empires and kingdoms, as well as those who make and compose them, must all pass away until the kingdoms of this world become the kingdom of God and His Christ.
Has it ever occurred to you that in God’s word questions of far graver import are asked; questions which from the serious consequences at issue, call for very deliberate thought and decision. And in these you are vitally concerned. In Job 14. three such questions are asked.
(1) WHO CAN BRING A CLEAN THING OUT OF AN UNCLEAN? (vs. 4). God who asks the question answers, “NOT ONE.” Who is unclean? Isaiah 64:66But we are all as an unclean thing, and all our righteousnesses are as filthy rags; and we all do fade as a leaf; and our iniquities, like the wind, have taken us away. (Isaiah 64:6) says, “WE are ALL as an unclean thing,” made unclean by sin in the sight of a holy God, and no human effort, however well directed, can cleanse us from that defilement. Have you ever felt like Peter, who cried out, “Depart from me, O Lord, for I am a sinful man”?
If so, there is cleansing virtue in the precious blood of Jesus (1 John 1:77But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin. (1 John 1:7)). It alone can fit you for His presence, therefore what man cannot do, God can and God will, and for you. Just own your uncleanness, then plead the blood.
(3) IF A MAN DIE, SHALL HE LIVE AGAIN? (vs. 14). Beyond any question you know the answer is “YES.” Man may say “No.” God says “YES.” Revelation 20:12,12And I saw the dead, small and great, stand before God; and the books were opened: and another book was opened, which is the book of life: and the dead were judged out of those things which were written in the books, according to their works. (Revelation 20:12) “And I saw the dead small and great stand before God.” What for? JUDGMENT. The Lord Jesus Himself speaks of the resurrection of dead men (John 5:28, 2928Marvel not at this: for the hour is coming, in the which all that are in the graves shall hear his voice, 29And shall come forth; they that have done good, unto the resurrection of life; and they that have done evil, unto the resurrection of damnation. (John 5:28‑29)). Some to go forth into life eternal, others into unutterable woe. Revelation 20:1212And I saw the dead, small and great, stand before God; and the books were opened: and another book was opened, which is the book of life: and the dead were judged out of those things which were written in the books, according to their works. (Revelation 20:12) is the fulfillment of the latter.
If unclean—HELL. If cleansed by the blood of Jesus—HEAVEN. Which shall it be? You only can answer.
A. C.