The European Union in Prophecy The EU in Prophecy I | Page 29

The European Union in Prophecy
rightly understood, the two are in perfect harmony. The gospel is a message of peace.
Christianity is a system which, received and obeyed, would spread peace, harmony,
and happiness throughout the earth. The religion of Christ will unite in close
brotherhood all who accept its teachings. It was the mission of Jesus to reconcile men
to God, and thus to one another. But the world at large are under the control of Satan,
Christ's bitterest foe. The gospel presents to them principles of life which are wholly
at variance with their habits and desires, and they rise in rebellion against it. They
hate the purity which reveals and condemns their sins, and they persecute and
destroy those who would urge upon them its just and holy claims. It is in this sense--
because the exalted truths it brings occasion hatred and strife-t hat the gospel is called
a sword.
The mysterious providence which permits the righteous to suffer persecution at
the hand of the wicked has been a cause of great perplexity to many who are weak in
faith. Some are even ready to cast away their confidence in God because He suffers
the basest of men to prosper, while the best and purest are afflicted and tormented by
their cruel power. How, it is asked, can One who is just and merciful, and who is also
infinite in power, tolerate such injustice and oppression? This is a question with which
we have nothing to do. God has given us sufficient evidence of His love, and we are
not to doubt His goodness because we cannot understand the workings of His
providence. Said the Saviour to His disciples, foreseeing the doubts that would press
upon their souls in days of trial and darkness: "Remember the word that I said unto
you, The servant is not greater than his lord. If they have persecuted Me, they will
also persecute you." John 15:20. Jesus suffered for us more than any of His followers
can be made to suffer through the cruelty of wicked men. Those who are called to
endure torture and martyrdom are but following in the steps of God's dear Son.
"The Lord is not slack concerning His promise." 2 Peter 3:9. He does not forget
or neglect His children; but He permits the wicked to reveal their true character, that
none who desire to do His will may be deceived concerning them. Again, the righteous
are placed in the furnace of affliction, that they themselves may be purified; that their
example may convince others of the reality of faith and godliness; and also that their
consistent course may condemn the ungodly and unbelieving. God permits the wicked
to prosper and to reveal their enmity against Him, that when they shall have filled
up the measure of their iniquity all may see His justice and mercy in their utter
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