The Hope of the Church 295 the word when he says, "Now is our salvation nearer than when we first believed” (Roin. 13:11) ; and Peter also, in the phrase, “kept by the power of God through faith unto a salva tion ready to be revealed in the last time” (1 Pet. 1 :5). Our Lord refers to the same thing when, after telling the disciples about the signs of His coming, He adds, “When these things begin to come to pass, look up, and lift up your heads, because your redemption draweth nigh” (Luke 21:28). One of the most complete types of the history of redemption is to be found in the ceremonies of the day of atonement. I t was an essential part of the work of the high priest on that day that he should come forth from within the veil, and laying aside his linen garments, reappear to bless the waiting congregation. Our great High Priest is now within the veil. He has offered the atoning sacrifice on the altar of Calvary, and with the merit of that sacrifice He has gone in to appear in the presence of God for us. But the great day of atone ment is not yet closed. When His work within the veil is ended, He shall come forth, arrayed again in His garments of glory and beauty, for the final blessing of His waiting people. “Having been once offered to bear the sins of many, He shall appear a second time, apart from sin, to them that wait for Him, unto salvation.” Think of what this crowning act of redemption will mean for the Redeemer Himself, when, attended with heavenly glory, He prepares to descend to the very world that witnessed His suffering, sorrow, and shame. What will it mean to Him when the multitudes of the redeemed gather about Him, and at last He sees of the travail of His soul and is satisfied? Is it not reasonable that there should be such a manifestation of the Redeemer to the world? Is it reasonable that the de spised Man of Nazareth should be the only view the world should have of Him Who is to be the Heir of all things? Is it likely that God would allow His Son’s retirement from the world in apparent defeat without any subsequent vindication?
Made with FlippingBook flipbook maker