The Great Controversy The Great Controversy | Page 647
whose countenance beams upon them full of benignant love.
Throughout the unnumbered host of the redeemed every glance is fixed
upon Him, every eye beholds His glory whose “visage was so marred
more than any man, and His form more than the sons of men.” Upon
the heads of the overcomers, Jesus with His own right hand places
the crown of glory. For each there is a crown, bearing his own “new
name” (Revelation 2:17), and the inscription, “Holiness to the Lord.”
In every hand are placed the victor’s palm and the shining harp. Then,
as the commanding angels strike the note, every hand sweeps the harp
strings with skillful touch, awaking sweet music in rich, melodious
strains. Rapture unutterable thrills every heart, and each voice is raised
in grateful praise: “Unto Him that loved us, and washed us from our sins
in His own blood, and hath made us kings and priests unto God and His
Father; to Him be glory and dominion for ever and ever.” Revelation 1:5,
6.
Before the ransomed throng is the Holy City. Jesus opens wide the
pearly gates, and the nations that have kept the truth enter in. There
they behold the Paradise of God, the home of Adam in his innocency.
Then that voice, richer than any music that ever fell on mortal ear, is
heard, saying: “Your conflict is ended.” “Come, ye blessed of My Father,
inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world.”
Now is fulfilled the Saviour’s prayer for His disciples: “I will
that they also, whom Thou hast given Me, be with Me where I am.”
“Faultless before the presence of His glory with exceeding joy” (Jude
24), Christ presents to the Father the purchase of His blood, declaring:
“Here am I, and the children whom Thou hast given Me.” “Those that
Thou gavest Me I have kept.” Oh, the wonders of redeeming love! the
rapture of that hour when the infinite Father, looking upon the ransomed,
shall behold His image, sin’s discord banished, its blight removed, and
the human once more in harmony with the divine!
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